Hema Malini to produce film to help daughters

By Subhash K. Jha, Mumbai, Dec 3 : Hema Malini is so worried about daughter Esha Deol's career that she is ready to start her own production house to kick start Esha's and second daughter Ahana's careers.


"No one is able to use Esha properly. I want to produce a film where Esha will play the lead and Ahana will get into production. It's time Ahana got a chance to prove herself behind the camera," Hema told IANS.

"I must start a production house right now and get both our daughters involved. Even Dharam-ji (Dharmendra) feels it's important for me to give them that home start."

Talk of Dharmendra and Hema's eyes light up. "Do you know he shares a terrific rapport with Ahana? He's very worried about what she'll finally do."

"And he loves Esha so much. For the first time he typed out an SMS to send to her in South Africa when he couldn't get through on the phone. I checked with Esha to make sure she got it. It was a very precious moment for us."

Hema said she is on the lookout for a good scriptwriter who can turn an idea she has in mind into a film starring her and Esha, "That's my top priority now."

Irrfan Khan nominated for Spirit Awards in US

By Subhash K. Jha, Mumbai, Dec 5 : The American company Film Independent which honours independent films and filmmakers across the world has announced nominations for its 2008 Spirit Awards. And one of the contenders is Indian actor Irrfan Khan.


He is rubbing shoulders in the best supporting actor category with the stalwarts of world cinema like Steve Zahn, Marcus Carl Franklin and Kene Holliday for his performance as Tabu's silently progressive husband in "The Namesake".

The Spirit Awards, held a few days prior to the Oscar ceremony in Los Angeles, are usually seen as a precursor to the Oscars.

Speaking to IANS from New York Irrfan could barely contain his surprise. "Mira Nair got the hugely prestigious Gotham award, and I was there to watch this historic moment. Barely 24 hours later comes this announcement about me.

"The Spirit award is to me every bit as prestigious as the Oscars. Unlike the Oscars it's a totally independent award based entirely on merit rather than lobbying. So whoever gets nominated gets in there solely by merit.

"I'm honoured to be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Don Cheadle, Frank Langella and Philip Seymour Hoffman (all nominated in the best-actor category). Philip is my favourite actor in the world."

In fact, Irrfan met his favourite actor after the Gotham awards at a party Monday. "His versatility has always taken my breath away. He started with just two scenes in 'Scent Of A Woman'. Somewhere I identify with him. When I met him it was a dream come true."

Tere Naina (Geet)

A beautiful sentimental song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7Fw9L-GeKc&feature=related

Another beautiful song from Geet!

Jo dil mein

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaD99Ka8p9s&feature=related

Another one!

Jiske sapne

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GxUCUDaEYI&feature=related

quote:

Originally posted by Rosita:
Another one!

Jiske sapne

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GxUCUDaEYI&feature=related

................................................
Nice song Rosie..

Dharmendra has a quiet birthday with family

By Subhash K. Jha, Mumbai, Dec 9 : She is one of the long-standing screen queens and he the macho man. But Hema Malini and Dharmendra in real life are as non-filmi as they can get.


On Saturday, Hema brought in Dharmendra's birthday with the minimum fanfare.

"We're not a filmy family at all. We don't believe in pomp and show. So we didn't have the typical cake cutting, stuffing one another's mouth with the cake and cameras clicking all the happenings," Hema told IANS.

She said her husband is basically a shy person and likes to be with the family.

"All four of us, Dharam-ji, me and our two daughters spent a quiet day at home. To us, that's a day well spent. And that's how we celebrate our birthdays."

quote:

[] likes to be with the family.

"All four of us, Dharam-ji, me and our two daughters spent a quiet day at home. To us, that's a day well spent. And that's how we celebrate our birthdays."

I guess sunny deol, bobby deol and dem mom are not as important family members?

jes wondering

quote:

Originally posted by chameli:
I guess sunny deol, bobby deol and dem mom are not as important family members?

jes wondering

That is what happens when you spread yourself thin. That happens to many families in America and I guess Canada.

Still better then people killing each other when the goings get too much to handle.

'Why' for New York Film fest

Nashik, Dec 10 : ''Why?'', a short film made by Nashik-based Ashish Kulkarni, has been selected for the New York Film festival, to be held from February 28 to March 6 next year.


''The film is an attempt to show that nobody is perfect. It stresses the need to make people aware of their weaknesses. This is the only Indian entry for the festival,'' Mr Kulkarni told mediapersons here.

This attempt has received international attention as the film is the only one selected from entries sent by more than fifteen producers from India. The film has been shot entirely in Nashik.

Is Aishwarya Rai pregnant?

New Delhi, Dec 19: Is there a Salim on the way? Actress Aishwarya Rai, Jodha Bai of the period epic "Jodhaa-Akbar", is "enjoying the speculation" about her pregnancy in the media. And she refuses to rise to the bait.


"If I walk too carefully or if I stand with dupatta draped on one side, the media will be rife with speculation the next day. So I am myself, going along with the flow," said the chirpy former Miss World-turned-actress shimmering in a cloud of green chiffon and diamonds.

She was in the capital to unveil a new collection of Nakshatra diamond jewellery, a brand she represents.

She is not even threatened by the return of Madhuri Dixit in "Aaja Nachle". "Have you watched 'Devdas'?" Aishwarya shot back when asked how did she take the former superstar's comeback.

Aishwarya is comfortable in her new role.

"This new phase of my life, as Abhishek's (Bachchan) wife, has been special. I have another set of parents in Amit (Amitabh Bachchan) and Jayaji. The goodwill of the media and the people in general also has mattered," the actress said.

The actress is full of memories of "Jodhaa-Akbar".

"It is a director's film all the way. Ashutosh Gowariker is a committed filmmaker and for me it was another project that I enjoyed. The choice was between two films and Ashutosh was undecided which one he would make first. Then he messaged me one day saying will you be my Jodha. I said why not?" recalls Aishwarya.

There is no special connect on the part of Aishwarya with Jodha Bai, emperor Akbar's favourite Hindu queen, whose identity is still a mystery.

"Ashutosh is not here to give a lesson in history. He just made a movie on the moving love story between Jalaluddin Akbar and Jodha Bai. It is an inspiring story. They were two people, who had an arranged inter-religion marriage despite the fact that they came from different backgrounds," she clarified.

The only aspect of Jodha Bai the actress identifies with is her "silence". "She made her presence felt through her silence and spoke only when she wanted to make herself heard," Aishwarya said.

Speaking about love for diamonds and accessories, she said: "Diamonds were to a woman what cars were to men."

The actress is nostalgic about her first diamond. "I got it from my father. It was a diamond ring which belonged to my grandmother."

The rest of the diamonds she acquired along the way "with experience and they have been priceless".

quote:

She is not even threatened by the return of Madhuri Dixit in "Aaja Nachle". "Have you watched 'Devdas'?" Aishwarya shot back when asked how did she take the former superstar's comeback.

does this mean she thought she was the better actress?

Teji Bachchan cremated

Mumbai, Dec 22 : Amidst chanting of Vedic hymns, Teji Bachchan, wife of the late Hindi poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan and mother of Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan, was consigned to flames Saturday at the Juhu Ruia Park Crematorium here.


Teji, who passed away around 1.15 p.m. Friday, was admitted to the Lilavati Hospital in suburban Bandra in January for multiple age-related health problems.

The funeral procession started from the Bachchans' bungalow Pratiksha. The pallbearers included Amitabh, brother Ajitabh, Abhishek, son-in-law Nikhil Nanda and other family members. Others in the procession included Reliance's Anil Ambani, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Amar Singh and Sahara Group head Subroto Roy.

Amitabh Bachchan lit the funeral pyre around 10 a.m.

A steady stream of callers-on included Yash Chopra, Prasoon Joshi and Mac Mohan who paid homage to Teji at the crematorium. They also offered condolences to the bereaved family members, including Jaya, daughter Shweta and daughter-in-law Aishwarya.

Tight security was maintained at the venue and on the route to the crematorium, mainly to keep away hordes of fans who had lined up since early morning to catch a glimpse of the stars.

The Bachchan family had earlier planned the last rites at Chandanwadi crematorium, about 20 km in south Mumbai from the Bachchans' old bungalow `Pratiksha', but later decided on the nearby Juhu crematorium.

Shah Rukh emerges undisputed box office king in 2007

By Subhash K. Jha, Mumbai, Dec 31 : As 2007 comes to an end, Shah Rukh Khan is the undisputed king of box office and Kareena Kapoor is the "actress number 1".


Director Shimit Amin hit the bull's eye with "Chak De! India" and revived the hockey mania. Ranbir Kapoor led the pack of newcomers in 2007.

The top actors:

Shah Rukh Khan: Undisputed king of the box office with two super hits "Chak De! India" and "Om Shanti Om" oozing star-power in every frame. Next feature is with good friend Karan Johar.

Akshay Kumar: Take a bow, Akshay. With four hits - "Namastey London", "Heyy Babyy", "Bhool Bhulaiyaa" and at the yearend "Welcome" - the man is the new invincible Midas at the box office.

Aamir Khan: With "Taare Zameen Par" Aamir proves he a man of integrity and an artiste who puts his money where his mouth is.

The top actresses:

Kareena Kapoor: One rousing performance in "Jab We Met", and she's back at the top. But where does Kareena go from here? Yash Raj Films' "Tashan" is her next release and the buzz is she's bagging Karan Johar's next with Shah Rukh.

Vidya Balan: Three solid hits - "Guru", "Heyy Babyy" and "Bhool Bhulaiyaa" have suddenly made Vidya a force to reckon with. In 2008, she'll be competing with Priyanka Chopra, who has an impressive line up of lavish releases, and Aishwarya Rai whose "Jodhaa-Akbar" could be the biggest.

Konkona Sen-Sharma: From Rani's chirpy sibling in "Laaga Chunari Mein Daag" to Kunal Kapoor's besotted Laila in "Aaja Nachle", Konkona didn't really deliver the hits. But her solid performing powers put her among the formidable actresses.

The top directors:

Shimit Amin: He made hockey sexy. Shah Rukh Khan in his most sober role to date was putty in Amin's hands. The guy has taken a long sabbatical after the triumph of "Chak De! India". Of course, he returns to a Yash Raj Film.

Imtiaz Ali: And so what if "Jab We Met" came when the lead pair parted? Shahid Kapur and Kareena Kapoor never seemed to share stronger chemistry in any of the films that they did together as a real-life pair. Ali, who earlier directed Abhay Deol's debut film "Socha Na Tha", is flooded with offers. He has agreed to direct a film for producer Saif Ali Khan.

Priyadarshan: Only director of 2007 with two hits, a minor "Dhol" and a major "Bhool Bhulaiyya", Priya sure has come a long way.

Top music directors:

Monty Singh: The scintillating score of "Saawariya" has single-handedly revived the era of pure melodies.

Pritam Chakraborty: The composer delivered modern songs in "Life... In A Metro", "Bhool Bhulaiyaa" and "Jab We Met".

Vishal-Shekhar: "Sajna ji vari-vari" in "Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd" at the beginning of 2007 and "Dard-e-disco" in "Om Shanti Om" at year-end rocked the charts.

The top newcomers of the year:

Ranbir Kapoor: Rock-solid pedigree, endearing screen presence and oodles of self-confidence made the newest Kapoor on the block every girl's favourite "Saawariya". Next year Ranbir will be seen wooing Bipasha, Katrina, Deepika Padukone and Minissha Lamba.

Sonam Kapoor: She's been compared with Waheeda Rehman and Rekha. Sonam is here to stay. Everyone from Ekta Kapoor to Preity Zinta finds her interesting.

Ruslaan Mumtaz: "Mera Pehla Pehla Pyaar" was a damp squib, but Ruslaan created a ripple in a quiet way. Watch out for him in his second film "Tere Sang".

Deepika Padukone: Shah Rukh Khan's dreamy girl from "Om Shanti Om" made a dream debut in a double role. Her next film "Made In China" pairs the OSO babe with Akshay Kumar.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Beyonce to star in Sajid's next

Mumbai, Jan 9: Bollywood producer Sajid Nadiadwala has roped in none other than Hollywood stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and Beyonce Knowles to star in his next magnum opus 'Kambakth Ishq'.


An industry source revealed that Sajid is all set to roll his next magnum opus to be directed by newbie Sabir Khan in Los Angeles in May. Pre Production work is starting next week for which Sajid's making a hush hush trip to Hollywood.

An international source said, ''Sajid has managed a casting coup in Kambakth Ishq. Apparently Arnold Schwarzenegger has agreed to play an interesting cameo in the film. Pop Sensation Beyonce is also all set to act in the film. The film stars the super hit pair of Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor. Akshay plays a Hollywood stuntman in the film. '' Responding to queries about the film, Sajid said, ''Yes, we shall be making a formal announcement very soon. I cannot reveal any further details. As our Indian film industry is making its presence felt and going global, I would like my banner Nadiadwala Grandsons to scale the global level in film making too.''

Shammi Kapoor, Sharmila given lifetime achievement awards

Pune, Jan 11 : Yesteryear Bollywood actors Shammi Kapoor and Sharmila Tagore were honoured with the lifetime achievement award at the Sixth Pune International Film Festival (PIFF), last evening.


Sharmila, who has an illustrious five-decade long career behind her, said the award is also an honour to the people she worked with. "Collective effort is what makes us. So, I want to thank everyone who has been on that journey with me and who has made me what I am today. Thank you very much," she said.

Shammi, who has carried forward the legacy of his father Prithviraj Kapoor, said, "I feel very honoured that you have given me this award. I feel very privileged because coming here to Pune itself has always been a pleasure," said

The Pune film festival, which saw several Bollywood actors and film fraternity in attendance, began on Thursday.

It's a week-long event showcasing around 170 films from 40 countries.

As many as 15 films in various Indian languages will be showcased in the 'Indian panorama' section in addition to six "Best of Mainstream Hindi Cinema" of 2007.

John Abraham may soon propose to Bipasha...


http://www.newkerala.com/video-news.php?action=fullnews&id=99

Yoga brings inner calm, but packed classes spark rage

London, Jan 13: From Baba Ramdev to leggy beauty Shilpa Shetty, yoga has been promoted by all in the United Kingdom to bring inner calm. But, the yoga classes are so packed here that a little disturbance is enough to spark a rage.


Besides, with their 'modern manners', beginners in the yoga classes are said to be intruding in the learning of this spiritual practice.

Looking at the situation, Jane Craggs, a teacher at the Yoga Shala centre in Manchester, said, ''Classes are absolutely packed at the beginning of the year, so yoga rage is definitely more exaggerated.'' ''The beginners don't realise that yoga is all about self-awareness, so they come into class late, take off their shoes noisily, drop their loose change and step on hands as they try to find a space for their mat which often prompts hard stares and angry muttering,'' the Daily Telegraph quoted the teacher, as saying.

To avert yoga rage, Union Yoga in Edinburgh asks all students to observe complete silence in the studio. Reiterating it, Victoria Bosso, a teacher at the centre, said, ''It is the only way to prevent classes being disrupted and annoying those who may be deep in meditation.'' In recent years, celebrities like Madonna and Julia Roberts have also been interested in yoga and at present, nearly three million people in the UK are estimated to practise it regularly, which is a three fold increase since 1998.

Om Shanti Om heads for Berlin Film Festival

Mumbai, Jan 20: Shah Rukh Khan's ''Om Shanti Om'', Bollywood's top grosser in 2007, has been selected for a German premier in the ''Berlinale Special 2008'' section at the prestigious 58th Berlin Film Festival 2008 to be held from February 7 to 17.


The Berlinale Special section shows works of contemporary filmmakers, whom the Festival wishes to honour, a press release issued here yesterday said.

''Om Shanti Om'' is among 12 films selected this year in the section. Directed by Farah Khan and produced by Gauri Khan, ''Om Shanti Om'' stars Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Arjun Rampal and Shreyas Talpade.

The film will have a German premiere at the Festival on February 8 at Kino Internazionale and will be attended by Shah Rukh Khan, who will also deliver a lecture at the Berlinale Talent Campus, the release added.

Eros International will be releasing ''Om Shanti Om'' theatrically in Germany soon after the Berlin Film Festival.

Sanjay Dutt may have married Manyata

Mumbai, Jan 23 : A prominent half-page colour advertisement by Sanjay Dutt and Manyata in a Marathi newspaper Wednesday, greeting Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray on his 82nd birthday, indicates that the troubled film star may have tied the knot with his live-in companion, an indication confirmed by Bollywood sources.


The advertisement has been released in the 88-page special edition Saamna newspaper. Below a large photograph of a reclining Thackeray is the revealing caption: "From Sanjay Dutt and Manyata Dutt".

According to Bollywood sources, the duo had a low-profile registered marriage in the presence of a few family members and close friends.

Though his sisters Priya, Namrata and other family friends remained unreachable on their mobile phones, sources told IANS that the marriage has been kept under wraps since Dutt has been sentenced to a jail term. He is presently out on bail.

"It would appear inappropriate to celebrate a marriage with him behind bars," one of his Bollywood friends said.

Dutt was always expected to tie the knot with Manyata alias Dilhaaz Shaikh, once an innocuous Bollywood item girl, who has been seen with him during the highs and lows in his personal and professional lives.

Ever since the star, convicted in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blast case, was released from his latest jail stint in November last year, Manyata has been constantly seen with him at all public events, including his film shoots.

Manyata has reportedly become so possessive of late that not only Dutt's friends, even his sisters cannot walk into his apartment and talk to him without her remaining within earshot.

Sources said the couple is now planning to shift out of their Mumbai apartment building Imperial Heights to guard their privacy.

Balancing home and work not just domain of women: Ash

Mumbai, Jan 25: Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan wonders why only female working professionals are asked about how they balance home and work after marriage.


''Balancing commitments and prioritising them is applicable even to men and not just my gender. Focus on what needs your commitment at what time as time is precious. Balancing commitments and being true to your reality is important,'' the actress said while talking to reporters last night after launching ''Lux Provocateur'', a new black soap from the Lux brand.

Ash, who has been the brand ambassador of ''Lux'' for nine years said black lux arouses curiousity and intrigue among the consumers.

''Black Lux is very innovative and transcends the barriers of colour bias. Normally, consumers would ask how a black soap would clean their skin,'' she added.

Replying to questions, the actress said beauty knew no colour and tone variations. ''We do not chose the colour of our skin that we are born with. Black is mysterious to some and white is fascinating to many. The black soap bar was reminiscent of women who command attention by their mystery,'' she felt.

The former beauty queen said the year 2007 has been an eventful year for her personally and professionally.

The actress said she was awaiting the release of ''Jodhaa Akbar'' next month and was eager to know the reaction of the audiences to Ashutosh Gowarikar's labour of love. ''It has been a sincere and painstaking effort of all those involved in the project,'' she added.

Working in ''Sarkar Raj'' and ''Pink Panther'' has given her creative satisfaction, she said. Responding to a question on international projects which include films on the Bhopal gas tragedy and Shahjehan, Ash said ideas have been exchanged on both movies. As far as the Bhopal tragedy film is concerned, it is still in the process of scripting. ''When I get a full bound script, I will know where the project stands,'' she added.

Referring to Ben Kinsgley's ''Shahjehan'', Ash said he told her that after ''Gandhi'', it would be ideal to come back to explore India with ''Shahjehan''. ''Even this film is in the script development process,''she added.

Ash was also approached for Rajnikant starrer ''Robot''. ''If dates and schedules work out well, it will be a positive response from my side,'' she said.

When asked how she plans to celebrate hubby Abhishek's birthday on February 5, Ash replied, ''It will be special.'' To a query on the secret of her beauty, Ash said, ''Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. However, the love and affection of her fans, family and friends make her glow. It is neccessary to be real and stay connected with true self. Beauty radiates from within.

Titles like beauty queen are transient. Being who you are is constant.'' She said the Lux brand symbolised tradition and glamour. ''It has been a tradition for a female actor to be associated with this brand. I feel privileged to be part of it for nine years,'' she added.

Shah Rukh Khan conferred French Honour

Mumbai, Jan 28: The 'Badshah of Bollywood' Shah Rukh Khan was conferred upon the French honour 'Insignia of Officer in the Order of Arts and Letters' here by Ambassador for France in India, Jerome Bonnafont.


''I feel very honoured and humble to receive the award, as I feel I am lucky to spread Indian cinema throughout the world,'' Khan said last night.

Mr Bonnafont, said ''Khan is one of the best actors in India and he can take Indian cinema to the world.'' 'Insignia of Officer in the Order of Arts and Letters', created in 1957, is one of the four ministerial honours of the French Republic and is one of its main decorations. The award was constituted to reward artists who have gained fame for their work in field of art and literature, and those who have contributed to promote it in France and throughout the world.

Arundhati Roy is the other Indian to have received the award along with David Bowie, George Clooney, Tony Curtis, Celine Dion, Leonardo Di Caprio, Bob Dylan, Clint Eastwood, Jude Law, Gong Li, Robert Redford, Meryl Streep and Bruce Willis

I want to succeed in business too: Preity

By Subhash K. Jha, Mumbai, Jan 29: Actress-turned-businesswoman Preity Zinta who, along with her partner Ness Wadia and two others, has cut a lucrative deal for the Indian Premier League (IPL), says she wants to succeed in her endeavour.


The actress, who was last seen in "Jhoom Barabar Jhoom", told IANS: "When I do anything in life for the first time, I want to succeed. I'm very lucky to have such a competent group of partners. Not just Ness, who's much more than my business partner.

"Then there're Karan Paul and Mohit Puri - very reputed and solid businessmen. We're all going to contribute in our own ways. It's our dream to be a part of the cricket team. And we'll focus on the spirit of sportsmanship. Of course, it's finally about numbers."

Interestingly, this isn't the first time Preity is doing business with Ness.

"Go Air, which I endorse, is doing so well. I'm so excited. I haven't been able to sleep. I've got dark circles around my eyes. I've forgotten I'm an actress and I need to look after myself.

"It's very different from working on a film where you're on your own when 'action' is called on camera. In a boardroom, there's constant conference and multi-tasking. The creative process is different in both the spheres."

Preity won the IPL bid for the Mohali team for a whopping Rs.3 billion. So does that strike as a good number?

"Well, if we play we might as well play big. But, honestly, I believe cricket to be truly a gentleman's sport, regardless of winning and losing. No point in negative competition. The good thing about this deal is that it will enhance domestic cricket, which in turn will enhance our reputation internationally."

Preity, who turns 33 on Jan 31, was planning a big birthday party.

"But now, with all this happening, I'll have to delay it a little bit. It's suddenly sunk into me that I need to get seriously creative. My partners have left all the creative decisions to me. I need to build a solid team of creative people. I feel every woman should feel good for me. It's 2008! Women should get more active in business

By Subhash K. Jha, Mumbai, Jan 31 : Birthday girls Preity Zinta and Amrita Arora had a grand bash to celebrate their joint birthday, and they even cut a cake together.


Both Bollywood actors share their birthday on Jan 31 and Preity was present at Amrita's theme party Wednesday night.

"Amrita is a really sweet girl and has been inviting me every year for us to celebrate our birthday together," Preity told IANS.

She added: "This year I said I had to go. Besides, it was a theme party - wigs and hats. And I love hats. I'm a very hat person. So, I went in one of my favourite hats. Thank god I didn't wear the big blonde wig as I was planning to because the whole industry was there. How would I've looked?"

The fun-loving Aquarian side to Preity remains predominant.

"All us Aquarians are gregarious and hassle free. Maybe Abhishek (Bachchan), Urmila (Matondkar), Amrita and I can have a collective birthday party next year. We're all chatterboxes. But I'm now learning to listen more carefully."

Preity, who is now pursuing a career in business as well by bagging the franchise of the Mohali cricket team in the Indian Premiere League, is trying to be a better listener.

"I have to be. I'm in all these board meetings for my cricket deal. And there I better shut up and listen. There's so much to learn," she said.

Preity was in fact attending a series of meetings on the eve of her birthday.

"But on my birthday I've just decided to chill out. I'm at home watching a DVD, relaxing, sleeping. Last year was a sad birthday for me. My dog had died. This year I've lots to look forward to. And I'm happy. The only thing that irritates me is the constant reference to my age from media persons," rued the actress.

Marriage is on cards for Saif-Kareena

By Subhash K. Jha, Mumbai, Feb 2: Saif Ali Khan has solemnised his affections for Kareena Kapoor in an unexpected way. He has got her name tattooed on his arm.


Admitting for the first time to the permanent love mark, Saif told IANS, "Yes, I've tattooed her name. It's on my forearm. And very visible to the world."

According to friends of both, he has never been more committed in a relationship. Marriage is definitely on the cards.

A close friend said: "There's a kind of fierce and single-minded determination in Saif to make this relationship work for keeps. And it isn't a defiant determination to disprove the cynics who say it won't last. Saif doesn't give a damn about what people say. He has always gone by his gut feelings, regardless of others.

"Earlier, after Rosa left, there were whispers of Saif being involved with various ladies. Saif doesn't like the image of the Casanova at all. He thinks he's too grown up for it. He wants stability in his life and a relationship that's for keeps. He believes he has found it in Kareena. Come what may, Saif will make this relationship work."

Earlier, when the couple were together in Bangkok shooting for Kunal Kohli's film, Saif's co-star Rani Mukerji was privy to many sessions of his outpourings on his love.

Kareena and Saif then brought in the New Year in Hong Kong with Saif's two children.

Now shooting in Greece for Yash Raj Films' "Tashan", Saif and Kareena spend as much time together as possible, oblivious to all around, though they don't have too many scenes together in the film.

quote:

He has got her name tattooed on his arm

Whoa! that is serious.

quote:

Originally posted by Riya:


Whoa! that is serious.

................................................
Real serious..

Saif need two lash on his dorky head

along with 2 kick in his shin

is worries if he has to remove that tatoo down the road. did you see the big rock she's sporting on her finger?

quote:

Originally posted by alena:

quote:

Originally posted by Riya:


Whoa! that is serious.

................................................
Real serious..

YEAH...real seriously dumb

quote:

Originally posted by Rosita:
is worries if he has to remove that tatoo down the road. did you see the big rock she's sporting on her finger?

If? man, with their record, it will be soon enough

I missed her rock.

Shahid-Kareena caught in act again!
By MIO Team
Feb 04, 2008, 06:56

Shahid Kapur is for sure the latest flavor of Bollywood now. The colossal success of his ˜Jab We Met' that starred him with ex-flame Kareena Kapoor has paid the actor with lavish accolades and enormous fanfare all over.

However the actor seems to be going a bit low on his success. Rumor has it that, Shahid Kapur is highly displeased with a part of media for hyping his alleged split with Kareena Kapur just before the release of his ˜Jab We Met' as a publicity gimmick. Fielding all the allegations on his personal front, Shahid Kapur retorted that just because his earlier flicks like ˜Fida' (2004) and ˜36 China Town' (2006) bombed while his ˜Jab We Met (2007) went on to become a super success doesn't hint their split to be a mere publicity burp.

The actor will be soon seen sharing the screen space with Kareena in Boney Kapoor's long due project ˜Milenge Milenge'. The film, which was supposed to be the duo's first film together, but got shelved due to obvious reasons, will soon bring the much-eyed ex-pair once again onscreen. But for now, the actor is all set to cash on his popularity with other productive ventures ˜Kismet Connections' and ˜Lucky Charm'.

We hope that Shahid's ˜Lucky Charm' gets his ˜Kismet' shining all over again!

Is love and kisses brewing all over again?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: alena,

More Kareena and Saif.

and i thought she and Shahid were going to be together for ever and ever.

quote:

Originally posted by alena:
Marriage is on cards for Saif-Kareena

By Subhash K. Jha, Mumbai, Feb 2: Saif Ali Khan has solemnised his affections for Kareena Kapoor in an unexpected way. He has got her name tattooed on his arm.


Admitting for the first time to the permanent love mark, Saif told IANS, "Yes, I've tattooed her name. It's on my forearm. And very visible to the world."

According to friends of both, he has never been more committed in a relationship. Marriage is definitely on the cards.

A close friend said: "There's a kind of fierce and single-minded determination in Saif to make this relationship work for keeps. And it isn't a defiant determination to disprove the cynics who say it won't last. Saif doesn't give a damn about what people say. He has always gone by his gut feelings, regardless of others.

"Earlier, after Rosa left, there were whispers of Saif being involved with various ladies. Saif doesn't like the image of the Casanova at all. He thinks he's too grown up for it. He wants stability in his life and a relationship that's for keeps. He believes he has found it in Kareena. Come what may, Saif will make this relationship work."

Earlier, when the couple were together in Bangkok shooting for Kunal Kohli's film, Saif's co-star Rani Mukerji was privy to many sessions of his outpourings on his love.

Kareena and Saif then brought in the New Year in Hong Kong with Saif's two children.

Now shooting in Greece for Yash Raj Films' "Tashan", Saif and Kareena spend as much time together as possible, oblivious to all around, though they don't have too many scenes together in the film.

thats my boy saif(he is so freaking handsome!)! make it with kareena cause she look like the type to kick arse if you upset her

You're sure right Laila !! He looks great in that pair of jeans too...

quote:

Originally posted by alena:
You're sure right Laila !! He looks great in that pair of jeans too...

he looks good in anything when i saw him in Hum Tum and then Salaam Namaaste..i just drooled through the entire thing

despite the good looks, his track record is not good with the ladies... what makes Kareena think that it will be forever with him? afterall, she and Shadid broke up after four years of being together... just think this is a phase for both of them...

It's official: Sanjay Dutt is married to Manyata

Mumbai, Feb 9: It's official now. Manyata Saturday admitted that she has formally married her long-time boyfriend, Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt.


The actor had earlier denied reports that they were married. However, reports were doing the rounds after the couple jointly issued an advertisement in newspapers congratulating Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray on his 82nd birthday last month.

IANS had earlier reported that the duo had a low-profile registered marriage in the presence of family members and close friends.

Dutt was always expected to tie the knot with Manyata alias Shehnaaz Shaikh, once a Bollywood starlet who has been seen with him during the highs and lows in his personal and professional life.

Ever since the "Munnabhai" star, convicted in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blast case last year, was released from his latest jail stint in November, Manyata has been constantly seen with him at all public events, including his film shoots.

Aamir Khan film on dyslexia an eye-opener for Bengal teachers

Kolkata, Feb 9 : Aamir Khan's film "Taare Zameen Par" has been an eye-opener for harried schoolteachers in West Bengal's Burdwan district.


At their wits' end in dealing with recalcitrant children, teachers in the district, around 273 km from Kolkata, have found the film "inspirational enough" to tackle slow-learners and habitual troublemakers in the class.

The district primary school council has obtained video CDs of the film and is playing them for 4,500 teachers under the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan. The weeklong training for primary school teachers is meant to stress the need for a "proper and joyful learning system".

In the film, Aamir Khan, who plays an art teacher, helps fellow teachers, an eight-year-old boy and his parents come to terms with the child's learning disability (dyslexia).

Aamir Khan's novel teaching methods and sensitivity to the child's problem help unravel the ordinary student's extraordinary talent in painting. The boy, once derided by teachers, is much admired.

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that manifests primarily as a difficulty with the written language, particularly with reading and spelling. It results from differences in how the brain processes written and/or verbal language.

District council chairman Sahidul Haque mooted the idea of screening the film for schoolteachers at a meeting with additional district magistrate Abanindra Nath Singha recently and the proposal was accepted at once.

"Aamir's role should be the role model for every teacher," said Haque. The circle inspectors of the council have hired television sets, VCD players and pirated CDs for screening.

The film's distributor in the east, Venkatesh Films, said the shows were illegal.

Haque, however, said he had procured "original CDs". But Venkatesh Films said CDs and DVDs of "Taare Zameen Par" had not been released yet.

Manager of Venkatesh Films, Debasish Sarkar, said such shows would be illegal before the DVD of the movie is released. "VCDs and DVDs are only for home entertainment and not for public viewing. We will lodge a complaint," he said.

Singha said he was not aware of whether the CDs were pirated or genuine.

Teachers, who watched the show, said they had learnt a lot from the film. "We often neglect students like the boy in the film. We'll treat them differently now," Nabarun Chatterjee, a schoolteacher from Ranigunj, said.

Singers Alka, Abhijeet enthral Trinidad audience

By Paras Ramoutar, Port-of-Spain, Feb 12: Bollywood singing sensations Alka Yagnik and Abhijeet Bhattacharya enthralled audiences in Trinidad, entertaining over 7,000 fans with their songs.


The two belted out one hit number after another at the Centre of Excellence here Saturday night.

Malick Indian Dancers, a local group, joined Alka as she sang the popular number "You are my Sonia". She ended her first performance of the evening amidst cheers and blown kisses with her famous hit "Bole chudiya."

Then the moment of euphoria erupted. Abhijeet, whose luggage was left in New York, sang a series of his popular hits, which included "Bari mushkil hai and "Bahut khoobsurat ho".

The show ended around 1 a.m. Sunday, but the audience gathered there wanted more from their favourite singers.

Bollywood entertainers draw huge crowds in the Carribean, given the sizeable population of ethnic Indians. The 500,000-strong Indian Diaspora comprises 40 percent of Trinidad and Tobago's population.

Indian movies continue to be one of the main sources of entertainment among Trinidadians, even non-Indians. Indian movies and Bollywood entertainers help maintain the sociological and cultural links between India and its Trinidadian Diaspora.

I'd want Kareena in all my productions: Saif

By Subhash K. Jha, Mumbai, Feb 18: Saif Ali Khan says although he would love to team up with girlfriend Kareena Kapoor in all his productions, he has made it clear that he has not been instrumental in getting her a role in his untitled venture.


"It's entirely between Kareena and my business partner Dinesh Vijen. There was a verbal commitment between them for a couple of projects. Kareena and I don't discuss business," said Saif, who will be seen in Abbas-Mustan's ready-to-release action thriller "Race".

"It is entirely the directors' prerogative and we sign up the stars they want," Saif told IANS.

"Yes, I'd want Kareena and I to be in all our productions. But I'm not going to thrust our pair down producers' throats. Of course, I'd like Kareena to be in every film I make. But my directors may have other plans," he added.

After J.P. Dutta's "LOC", the two will be seen together in Yash Raj Films' "Tashan".

Saif has admitted his relationship with Kareena, who broke up with longstanding boyfriend Shahid Kapur. Saif also got 'Kareena' tattooed on his arm. Sadly, the famous arm has been injured. His hand was bandaged when he performed with a rock band in Bangalore and Mumbai last month.

"Yeah, I injured my right hand while shooting in Greece. I put a glass down too hard after a drink. And it broke in my hand. It's no big deal. The only thing is that I can't shake hands. Fortunately, it didn't affect my guitar-playing," said the actor whose "Ta Ra Rum Pum" and "Eklavya - The Royal Guard" bombed last year.

Saif says those who constantly ask him about the 'Kareena' tattoo annoy him.

"On the other hand, you can't really blame them, I suppose it's a big deal. So people will talk about it for sometime and then stop talking after a while. You got to remove yourself from the place of discomfort and look at it more dispassionately."

He was aware that the media would focus on the tattoo rather than his music when he performed at the concerts. "Fortunately, the audience appreciated the music. Look, the limelight is a moving spotlight. Once in a while, you are caught in it."

Couldn't he get the tattoo done in a less visible place? After all, it's all about Saif and his love. "No. It's between me and my arm," he shot back.

After the successful rock concerts, would Saif like to cut an album?

"No, can't sing beyond the lower notes. I was in Alibaug to finish the last schedule of Kunal Kohli's untitled film Jan 28 to Feb 3. We're done with this film.

Top 10 Bollywood Films:


1. Taare Zameen Par:
Stars shine for debut director Aamir Khan.

2. Welcome:
Frivolously funny.

3. Dus Kahaniyaan:
A stylish product which engrosses the
viewer.

4. Khoya Khoya Chand:
A nostalgic tribute to the golden era of
Indian cinema.

5. Om Shanti Om:
Masala Entertainer.

6. Aaja Nachle:
Watch it purely for the brilliant
performances.

7. Jab We Met:
A great entertertainer.

8. Saawariya:
An epic of love.

9. Goal:
A great entertertainer.

10. Bhool Bhulaiyaa:
A bio-epic grippingly and touchingly
portrayed.

Priyanka walked out of cola deal over price

By Subhash K. Jha, Mumbai, March 15 : Actress Priyanka Chopra is not Bollywood's face of Pepsi any more. She has walked out of the deal because she was not happy with the money being offered to her.


The electronic media has been going to town about how Priyanka had been "ousted" from her cola status. "Wrong!" says a very close friend of the actress.

"Priyanka just couldn't agree with the price that was being offered. The Pepsi people wanted her to work for the same fee again that they paid her earlier. Priyanka wanted to re-negotiate the deal. When the company didn't budge, she opted out," the source said.

Adds the friend: "Priyanka is flush with endorsement assignments. In fact, she's at this very moment shooting an ad with Saif Ali Khan in Bangkok."

the pepsi contract was given to Deepika Padukone (of OSO) fame, maybe they wanted a younger person and a fresher face

IK - Deepika Padukone is cute as well. Never heard of her, thanks. Here she is.

No problem Alena, i saw her in oso, she is beautiful and have this 'bubbly' personality in her acting.

btw: her boyfriend is Ranbir Kapoor (Rishi and Neetu's son)

quote:

Originally posted by IK:
the pepsi contract was given to Deepika Padukone (of OSO) fame, maybe they wanted a younger person and a fresher face

one star's loss is another star gain. good for her to get the contract as a newcomer.

btw Priyanka is very pretty...

Water is the secret of Hema Malini's beauty

New Delhi, March 19: Hema Malini, Bollywood's Dream Girl, Wednesday revealed the secret of her beauty - water.


"The secret of my beauty is water," Hema Malini told IANS. "I drink a lot of water."

The MP was in the capital to launch advertisement campaigns for a company's water purifier system featuring the actor and her daughters Ahana Deol and Esha Deol.

Hema Malini earlier told reporters: "I also do 'pranayam', yoga, stretching and exercise to stay fit. I also take lots of milk and milk products. In fact, all homemakers like me must dedicate at least one hour to themselves.

"I know all of them would instantly give an excuse that they do not get time. In that case they must get up one hour early and do yoga to avoid problems like joint pains.

"Also, women must set a target for themselves that they would not gain weight beyond a certain point. They must become a vegetarian but fast twice in a week. It helps one know the body better."

She spoke glowingly about her daughters.

"It was interesting to work with the kids (daughters). Although, we stay together at home, working collectively was great fun! I am looking forward to do more work with them."

Shilpa Shetty turns producer

New Delhi, March 21 : Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty is all set to turn producer with a big budget action-comedy film.


A few top international technicians will be part of the crew of the as-yet-untitled film being produced by Shilpa's production house S2 Global Productions. The actor's publicist Dale Bhagwagar confirmed the news.

"The film will have two heroines. While Shilpa will be playing one part, she is in the process of signing on another big Bollywood star for the other part," he said in a press statement.

Shilpa hit the jackpot after winning the British television reality show "Celebrity Big Brother 2007" and became a big name. Her emoting in films like "Phir Milenge" (2004), "Dus" (2005), "Apne" (2007) and "Metro" (2007) also fetched her acclaim. She has become selective about the roles she takes up.

"Shilpa now only takes up those roles which give her complete creative satisfaction," Bhagwagar said.

According to the grapevine, Shilpa is being offered a number of projects in Hollywood too. To this, her publicist said: "It is natural for her to get a number of offers after the international fame that she has earned."

The actor's forthcoming movies include Sunny Deol and Neeraj Pathak's "The Man", and an international venture titled "Hanuman" with filmmaker Uru Patel.

"'The Man' will see Shilpa portraying the role of a simple, dedicated girl who rises to instant global stardom - very similar to her real life experience. In 'Hanuman', she would be portraying Goddess Sita," he said.

Hollywood actor Keanu Reeves is being tipped to play the role of Lord Ram in "Hanuman".

--- IANS

Actor Mithun Chakraborty buys ICL's Kolkata Tigers

Kolkata, March 26 : Following the steps of Bollywood king Shah Rukh Khan, Tollywood superstar Mithun Chakraborty has bought the Kolkata Tigers team of the Indian Cricket League (ICL).


Mithun Da, as he is popularly called in West Bengal after he shifted to the Bengali film industry from Bollywood, told IANS: "Yes, I have bought the Kolkata Tigers of the ICL. Thursday everything will be formally announced after completing some legal formalities.

"I have always been a sports lover and had organised the Raj Kapoor Trophy in Chembur, Mumbai, for several years where big stars played. But it was not just passion that made me buy the team, there is business in it also."

The king of disco dance said: "I am an entertainer and Twenty20 is a fantastic form of entertainment. There is craze and good business in it. So I decided to try my luck."

Asked how much he spent on the team, Mithun said: "At present I cannot reveal the figure, but it is certainly a triple digit in crores (tens of millions)."

He said after completing the formalities he would go for an overhaul of the team and add to its sheen by giving it a logo along with a slogan and a theme song.

On whether he wanted to rename the side Bengal Tigers, he said: "I have strongly recommended it. Kolkata is the capital of Bengal, but my side will represent all the people of the state. I have fans in every corner of the state."

Asked what made him go for a team in ICL and not Indian Premier League (IPL), Mithun said: "I woke up late. The realisation that I could even own a team and make it into a profitable business venture dawned late on me.

"There is no question of competing with Shah Rukh Khan. He is one of the finest gentlemen I have come across and he gives a lot of respect to his co-stars. Besides, you can't compare our popularity. He is way above me."

On whether his Bengal Tigers would imbibe his fighting spirit, the reigning hero of Tollywood said: "Undoubtedly so. Life has never been a bed of roses for me. I have fought for everything and my team will be a fighter too."

wow dem guys buying cricket teams like i buy groceries.

I will work at my own speed: Kajol

By Arpana, New Delhi, March 29 : 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.


"I am not going to do four films a year. I will work, but at my own speed," Kajol told IANS on phone from Mumbai.

After marriage with Ajay Devgan in 1999, the actress cut down her film roles and was occasionally seen in hits like "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham" and "Fanaa".

For "U, Me Aur Hum", she teams up with hubby. The film, which releases April 11, marks Ajay's directorial debut and he has written the script too.

Asked how different this film is from her other movies, the ebullient actress says: "Well, I hope it is not so different that it becomes a bad film (laughs). I won't say it is different, but it is a very special film for me."

"While working in the film I never felt constrained. In fact, it was the other way round. I felt very comfortable and at home."

Her debut film, "Bekhudi", in 1992 did fairly well, but it was "Baazigar" with Shah Rukh Khan a year later that was her first blockbuster. She later went on to deliver some of the biggest Bollywood hits like "Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge", "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" and "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham" opposite Shah Rukh.

Juggling multiple roles of a wife, mother, actress and judge of a TV show, Kajol is neck deep in work. "Time management is a huge issue. I'm doing it with difficulty. Even a 15-minute delay makes a lot of difference. But I think it is not impossible to manage all this, you can do it."

Commenting on the changes in the film industry in the last one decade, Kajol says this evolution is vital.

"It is very important that things should change. We should change. You will die if you don't change. In the last few years viewers have changed, their demands have changed, the business of cinema has changed, and with so many changes the parameters of Indian cinema has changed."

On rumours that she has signed Karan Johar's next venture, Kajol said: "I have not signed the film, but I am discussing it with him. When I sign, I will certainly let everybody know about it."

She is having a ball as judge on Zee TV's new reality show "Rock n Roll" along with her husband and mother, actress Tanuja. "I'm really enjoying the reality show. There is so much positive energy," she said.

She has a high opinion of her fans. "I think we underestimate our fans. They are so level-headed and know where to draw the line. Only a very small percentage of fans go overboard."

Hrithik may promote Mumbai Indians

New Delhi, April 3 : Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan is likely to be the brand ambassador for industrialist Mukesh Ambani's Mumbai Indians cricket team in the inaugural Indian Premier League (IPL) starting April 18.


Speculation is rife that Hrithik will soon be shooting for an ad campaign and even an album - the music for which has been composed by Anu Malik - for Mumbai Indians.

Bollywood actors are making their presence felt in the IPL. It all started with Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta buying IPL teams and then Akshay Kumar being roped in as brand ambassador for Delhi Daredevils.

*-*

Yellow fever at Chepauk

The recently concluding first Test between India and South Africa at Chennai's Chepauk Stadium will be remembered for two reasons - Virender Sehwag's triple ton and the introduction of the Chennai Super Kings to the city's cricket lovers.

Over the five days of the Test, the stadium and its surroundings were a sea of yellow, the official colour of the Super Kings.

The promos arranged by India Cements Ltd, the owner of the team, began during the ticket sales, when those in the queue received pamphlets inviting them to 'Get Caught Yellow Handed' at the Test: wear yellow to the match and be treated to surprise gifts.

The walls surrounding the stadium were painted yellow and bore the Super Kings logo. The road leading to the pavilion entrance was lined with Super Kings flags.

There were posters of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Muttiah Muralitharan, Mathew Hayden and Stephen Fleming, the big stars of the Super Kings, adorning the entrances to the stadium. En route to their seats, fans were handed masks of Makhaya Ntini, Hayden and of course, Dhoni, which proved to be a big hit with everyone.

The walls and roof of the stadium were plastered with banners proclaiming 'Welcome to the Lion's Den' and 'Out here the Super Kings rule'. Pillars were painted yellow and bore the Super Kings logo. To top things off, there were a couple of enormous Super Kings balloons flying proudly above the stadium.

*-*

Shoaib says PCB chief wanted cut in IPL contract

Banned Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has accused Nasim Ahsraf, the country's cricket board president, of blackmailing him to get a share of his IPL contract.

"I have been victimised, I have been pin-point targeted. I refused to pay him the money and that was why I am being victimised," said Shoaib after the temperamental fast bowler was banned for five years.

He was punished for criticising the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for not offering him a central contract.

*-*

England players to be asked views on IPL

Professional Cricketer's Association chief executive Sean Morris will talk to leading English cricketers and officials next week to find a way to accommodate them in future IPL tournaments.

The move comes after IPL chairman Lalit Modi's willingness to shift the dates of the cash-rich Twenty20 competition in future to allow Englishmen to take part in the league.

Although Hampshire's Dimitri Mascarenhas is the only England international in the IPL, which starts this month, plans need to be put in place now if a window is to be opened in future.

"We will ask the players how they feel," said Morris. "We need to sit them down and ask their views, some might have different opinions to others. But I would like to think on behalf of the players we would be able to take advantage of this concept and allow them to reap the benefits."

this IPL league is really heating up, i read that SRK is trying very hard to get Shoaib on his team...

New Miss India is keen on Bollywood

By Shweta Thakur, New Delhi, April 9: Kerala beauty Parvathy Omanakuttan, who won the Pantaloons Femina Miss India World 2008, says she wouldn't mind trying her luck in Bollywood provided the offers are good.


"Why not? I have grown up in Mumbai and am a movie buff. If I get a good chance, good money, good co-stars, I would go for it," the 20-year-old winner told IANS on phone from Mumbai. She won the Femina contest Saturday in Mumbai.

An arts graduate from the Mithibai College, Mumbai, Parvathy said that winning the pageant was her childhood dream.

"I was just seven when I saw Sushmita (Sen) and Aishwarya (Rai) winning the pageant. I decided then that one day I would also be like them," said the dusky long-legged beauty.

"I always wanted to be Miss India. I am on cloud nine after winning the contest. However, I must confess when I saw my parents and friends crying after I was announced the winner that it is not just my dream that has come true. Everyone's dream related to me has been fulfilled. What could be more satisfying than this?"

Parvathy is keen to do a master of business administration (MBA) as a career option.

"I want to pursue MBA because it is very important to have a backup. Films or modelling would not last for long."

She had won the Pantaloon's Femina Miss India South held in Hyderabad in December last year.

Asked how life has changed after winning the coveted title, Parvathy said: "It has changed overnight! Before winning the competition I could pull out any T-shirt from my wardrobe and go out with my friends anywhere. But it is not so any more, as all eyes are on me."

Commenting on her preparations for the Oct 4 Miss World pageant, she said: "This is not a crown of joy. With the crown, the responsibility of upholding the name of the country has also fallen on my shoulders."

"The preparations started ever since I won the contest. Apart from just concentrating on my appearance, I am also trying to be a stronger person to face the contest."

Asked about her views on women, she said: "I am a student of English literature and I think feminism has enlightened me. There have been certain cases when women have been refused their rights. The security of women is another very important issue in our country. I want to voice my opinion against female foeticide and crime against women.

"Women can't run the world alone. You need both - men and women - but I strongly feel for women and am a liberal feminist," Parvathy said.

"I am sure if the government doesn't do something it is not far when women would come out and work for their community."

"Education not only makes one knowledgeable but also makes one think, act and feel independently. It is imperative for everyone, especially for girls, to be educated," said Parvathy. She worked with Akbar Travels Online.com after completing graduation.

"Everyone wants to earn quick fame and money today. But one must always remember that there is only one Sachin (Tendulkar) and Dhirubhai (Ambani) who worked wonders despite less educational qualifications," said Parvathy, soaking in her new found success.

quote:

I was just seven when I saw Sushmita (Sen) and Aishwarya (Rai) winning the pageant

them 2 musse feel real old if they read that

She has the looks to give Bollywood a shot. If she can act is another issue

Hrithik Roshan finds a place at Madames Tussad's

Hrithik Roshan is the latest star who is going to be waxed at Madamme Tussaud's, is the buzzing news making waves now!! A trend which was started by Amitabh Bachchan who was the first to make it to Tussaud's was soon followed by Aishwarya and then the honor was bestowed upon the very popular King Khan.


Later, it was Salman Khan's turn to hit the headlines with this news and now, it is Hrithik's turn to get waxed at Madame Tussad's.

According to sources, as soon as Salman's statue was unveiled, the hunt was on for the next Bollywood star to make it here, and Hrithik, for his immense popularity and fan following all over the globe will now see himself getting a place in the wax museum.

Only the 5th actor from Bollywood to be honored among the greats, Hrithik has surely made a mark for himself! Well, wondering where Aamir Khan is in this list? The answer is very much on the expected lines, as it is heard that Aamir had got a call long back to pose for the statue to be made, but the actor had turned the offer down!! Nothing new in this, right?

Anyway, kudos to the celebrities who have made it to the Madame Tussad's!!

Kajol's father Shomu Mukherjee passes away

In a strange twist of fate, on the eve of husband Ajay Devgan's first directorial venture U, Me Aur Hum's release, Kajol's father film veteran Shomu Mukherjee passed away.

He was 65. Mukherjee is survived by actor-wife Tanuja, daughters Kajol and Tanisha.

Sources said Mukherji was unwell for quite some time and had to be hospitalised as well. Mukherji's passing away on the eve of the release of `U Me aur Hum', the directorial debut of his son-in-law Ajay Devgan, casted a pall of gloom in the family.

Family sources said the film will be released as per the schedule. Devgan had not organised a premiere for the film on Thursday.

Shomu, youngest son of late Sashidhar Mukherji, founder of the Filmalaya studios was a producer-director of films like Ek Baar Muskura Do (1972), Nanha Shikhari (1973), Chaila Babu (1977), Fifty Fifty (1981), Pathar Ke Insan (1990) and Sangdil Sanam (1994).

His other siblings Joy and Deb Mukherji were actors.

Choose the script when I am offered a film, not Ajay, Aamir or SRK - Kajol

'U, Me Aur Hum' may not have got a great opening like Shah Rukh Khan's Om Shanti Om, but Kajol is happy that she was a part of the project.


When I meet her at her actor-director husband Ajay Devgan's office in Juhu, Kajol confesses that it was not very tough to play the role. Kajol adds that she was confident that people would be able to identify with the role, when Ajay narrated the role to her. Here is a chat with the actor.

"I had a superb director to back me. I should undoubtedly give the entire credit to my director for the ease with which the character of Piya has unfolded on the screen in 'U, Me Aur Hum'. The best thing that I liked about my character in the film was that besides the fact that she was normal and not handicapped in any way, Piya had a wicked sense of humor and at the same time, she was a little vulnerable too."

Kajol kick started her career with the film 'Bekhudi', more than a decade ago, with Kamal Sadanah as her leading man. Kajol is practical enough to confess that her role in 'U, Me Aur Hum' is not the best in her career till date. "Every role that I have done has been the best at that particular point of time in my career. Since my latest release is 'U, Me Aur Hum', I feel that it is my best as of now." Kajol quips.

She admits that she is far too picky as an actor. "I am lucky that I have been approached by various kinds of directors, in spite of the fact that I am very choosy. The problem is that my expectations as an actor are quite high and I am not getting the kind of roles that I want to do and I am not interested in doing the kinds of roles that I am offered", she avers.

What is interesting about Kajol is that she is capable of throwing surprises not only as an actor who gets into the skin of various characters but also as a person who can shock you out of your wits with statements you do not expect at all. "I want to do films that I want to watch. I watch very few films for my entertainment. As far as I am concerned, happy and positive films make me laugh. I am not against other kinds of films, though I may not be tempted to be a part of it. For instance, if tomorrow Mira Nair offers me a comedy film, I'd gladly grab it, without a second thought."

She disagrees when you tell her that married actors are not accepted by the audience when they set out to stage their comebacks in films. "For your information, I acted with Ajay in films like 'Raju Chacha', 'Dil Kya Kare' etc only after I was married to him. Didn't 'Fanaa click'? I had acted in it after my baby Nysa was born. Didn't I? I think that if you choose the right role, you can click, especially if you are a married actor, that too with a baby. If I had made my come back with a film in which I played a college girl with a short skirt, I am sure I would not have succeeded. You should know to choose the right role."

Kajol confesses that she has mellowed a lot and is not the fire-brand rebel that she once was. "I think motherhood changes you in many ways. Motherhood removes the chasma which is experience and you start looking at people in a different way and also judge them in a different way. Your perceptions about people too changes. The way Nysa looked at people changed my pre-conceived notions too."

She adds, "Today, thanks to my growth as an actor, I feel that I can adapt my technique. I did not know what technique was earlier. I have, over the years, actually learnt a method to acting, and use it honestly with a lot more expertise and finesse."

Kajol says that then only film which she has signed is 'Toonpur Ka Super Hero'. She adds in the same breath, even before you can ask, that she has not signed any film with Karan or for that matter with Shah Rukh Khan. "Ajay has got nothing to with me doing or not doing a film with Karan or for that matter Shah Rukh Khan. I choose the script every time I am offered a film, not Ajay Devgan, Aamir Khan or for that matter Shah Rukh Khan. Ajay is proud that I choose to do films which I believe in."

She continues. "I have not heard Karan's script. It would not do him and his project justice, if I tell him that I'd do his film without listening to the script, though as a friend, he trusts me enough to let me make a decision and vice versa. Our friendship is so strong that it will stand the test of time, whether we do a film together or not."

Kajol is happy that she agreed to be a part of the TV show 'Rock N Roll Family' with her mother Tanuja and her husband Ajay. "We were offered a lot of reality shows earlier but we kept on declining each of them, although we appeared in one episode of 'Little Champs'. We agreed to be in 'Rock N Roll Family' because of the concept. It is about the family and the principles that we believe in."

Though it was a life long dream of Ajay to wield the megaphone, Kajol says that she does not plan to take up direction. "I'd say that as of now I am not inclined to take up direction, though I do not know what is in store. Unlike Ajay, whose strength as a director is his clarity, I am a selfish actor. Mujhe sirf apne kaam se mutlab hain. I am in fact surprised that Ajay and I never had any disagreement throughout the shooting of the film. I have had some point of disagreement with almost every director with whom I have worked till date. In fact, I'd say that the director Ajay Devgan exceeded my expectations when I worked with him."

"I hope that I have affected Ajay a lot. I have taught him a lot and vice versa. I believe that any marriage works only if there is a lot of give and take between the couple. In fact I agree one hundred per cent with the message that 'U, Me Aur Hum' sets out to drive home. That man makes a problem bigger though it is never bigger than a man. We make the solution impossible, because we do not make an attempt to solve a problem, since we concentrate more on the problem than the solution," she concludes.

Jackie Chan, Kamal Hassan to act together in film soon

Chennai, Apr 25: Hollywood actor Jackie Chan today expressed his ''yearning'' to act in a film with one of Indian cinema's ace actors Kamal Hassan even as Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan and Malayalam superstar Mammooty said Kamal's yearning for perfection had to be emulated by every actor.


Jackie Chan, who participated in the glittering audio launch function of Kamal's latest offering 'Dasaavatharam' (ten incarnations) in which the ace actor plays ten roles,said he was in awe when Kamal showed rushes of the new film.

'' Immediately after watching the rushes, I felt that I must do a film with Kamal Hassan. I hope he would fulfil my wish'', Jackie who received the first copy of the audio released by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi said amidst thunderous applause from Kamal's well wishers and special guests from Indian film industry who were invited for the function.

Kamal reciprocated Jackie's gesture and promised that he would do a film with the popular Hollywood star ''as soon as possible''.

Amitabh Bachchan said he had done just one film with Kamal while another was shelved. ''But I have always admired his perfection. I admire his dedication.'' Mammooty said he grew up watching Kamal's films and had been his admirer since his college days. Kamal also belongs to the Malayalam film industry, he added.

Bollywood stars Mallika Sherawat, yesteryear heroines Jayaprada, now a Samajwadi Party MP and Hema Malini also participated in the function.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi described Kamal as ''a world class actor''('ulaga maga nayakan) and observed that Jackie Chan and Kamal had a lot of similarities in their personal character besides sharing the same date and year of birth.

Kamal's feat of playing ten roles in 'Dasaavatharam', emulates the eight played by late English and Hollywood celebrity Alec Guinnes in 'Kind Hearts and Coronets'' in 1949 and none by Tamil cinema's thespian late Sivaji Ganesan in his 100th film, ''Navaratri'' a 1964 release. In one of his roles in the film Kamal appears as US President George Bush.

Sony & BMC Music Entertainment company hold the audio CD and cassettes rights for the film.

After Aishwarya-Abhishek, it is Bipasha-John in Miami

By Subhash K. Jha, Mumbai, May 2 : The two "Dostana" heroes had a pleasant break while shooting in Miami. First Abhishek Bachchan had wife Aishwarya Rai join him on their first wedding anniversary and then John Abraham had Bipasha Basu for company.


"It's just for three days. My work got over on Monday in Switzerland, so I decided to rush to Miami to be with John before I went on to my next shoot," Bipasha said, happy at the thought of finally seeing John after a month.

The Karan Johar-produced "Dostana", being directed by Tarun Mansukhani, also stars Priyanka Chopra in the female lead.

Bipasha was shooting in Europe with Ranbir Kapoor for "Bachna Ae Haseeno".

"I really enjoyed myself in the European summer. I had a super time shooting with Ranbir and my director Sid (Siddharth Anand). In fact, the entire unit was loads of fun. Italy was paradise. I enjoyed my time in Capri, Rome and Zurich."

After her brief holiday in Miami, Bipasha rushes to Bangkok to join Neil Nitin Mukesh for a 40-day schedule of new-director Jehangir Surti's "Freeze".

Interestingly, in both "Bachna Ae Haseeno" and "Freeze", Bipasha plays a woman slightly older than her co-stars.

--- IANS

Hi Alena, i love the old dostana, is this going to be a remake....

quote:

Originally posted by IK:
Hi Alena, i love the old dostana, is this going to be a remake....

................................................
IK, it is due to be released in Dec 2008... it is a love story with a twist so might be little different than the old one.. see below.

Karan's film with Tarun Mansukhani titled Dostana

By Subhash K. Jha, February 6, 2008 - 18:35 IST

It's a proud moment for Karan Johar. Because he has decided to name his new production starring Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham and Priyanka Chopra after a hit film of his father from 1980. The film directed by his assistant Tarun Mansukhani is set in Miami, the shoot for which starts this summer. And it's just been named Dostana.

Says Karan Johar, "For a long time we had no title for Tarun Mansukhani's brilliant script. It's funny, sassy, hilarious...and it's about the friendship between these two guys played by Abhishek and John. So, I don't know why it took us so long to hit on the right title. Dostana, it is. I was waiting for Tarun to return from location scouting before firming in on the title."

Karan gets nostalgic about the title. "You know when my father produced Dostana in 1980 when he was going through hard times. But all the three principal actors Amit Uncle (Bachchan), Shatrughan Sinhaji and Zeenat Aman co-operated to the fullest. That's how the film was made."

So is the new Dostana a love triangle like the old one? "Ha! Well, yes and no. Though it's a love story. There's a never-before twist in the tale. All I can say on-record is that we've never had a love triangle like this before. And you'll never see Abhishek and John playing something like this again," promises Karan.

He's also relieved that there was no title hassle. "For Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna I had to ask Aroona Irani aunty. She sweetly gave me the title in exchange for a pappi (kiss). For Dostana, I had to kiss nobody, except my father's memory."

Hi Alena, it seems it's going to be somewhat different in that 'twist' that's talked about, now i can't wait to see what it is...., tnks for posting.

An actor should not come into politics: Dharmendra

Anurag Sharma, New Delhi, May 11: Even though he himself has taken a plunge into politics Dharmendra's piece of advice to filmstars is to keep away from politics.


For the versatile actor, an actor should always remain an actor and should not join politics.

"I won't say that coming into politics was a mistake but yes an actor should not come into politics as it divides audience and general acceptance among fans. An actor should always remain an actor. For me the love and support I got all these years from my fans is the greatest achievement," says the actor turned politician, who completes 50 years in the film industry this year.

On criticism of his absence from Parliament and his constituency Bikaner, he clarifies, "Who says that? I am always in touch with the problem of my constituency. From cleaning up Sur Sagar, a dumping ground in Bikaner, to minimise school fees for children, renovation of the theatre Rangmanch, and building bridges, I am trying to solve each and every problem."

"My office in Bikaner apprises me of the demands of the people on a regular basis. I am from a farmer's family so I understand their problems. And this no politics. I am an emotional but a tough person, these criticism can't break my intention. I never did anything to grab attention, either in acting or politics," the Member of Parliament told PTI.

Coming to his favourite topic, films, he suddenly changes gear and breathes a sigh of relief. "It is bollywood films, where my heart is. Last year was perhaps the best year for me after a long long time. Three hits 'Apne', 'MetroLife in a Metro' and 'Johnny Gaddar' with a Lifetime Achievement Award came my way," says 'Veeru' of Sholay.

When asked about why all these years he did not get a single Best Actor Award despite giving more than 50 Silver Jublee hits? he says, "For me, the greatest award is my fan's love and support, which they always gave me. I don't want to comment on why I did not get an award. But I think I deserved it 14-15 times. Few of them were, 'Phool aur Patthar', 'Satyakam', 'Chupke Chupke', 'Pratigya', 'Sholay', 'Naya Zamana'. The list is long." Was honour of Lifetime Achievement Award was a sign of retirement? "Generally receiving lifetime achievement awards means 'retirement'. But I won't sit back. There are three four movies in pipeline. 'Har Pall' with Preity Zinta, 'Master' where people can see me once again with Sunny and Bobby after 'Apne' and one movie with Bobby which is based on father, son relationship," says the actor who was once listed among the world's 10 best-looking men by a foreign magazine.

Like his contemporaries Manoj Kumar, Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanthimala and Dev Anand, Dharmendra too wants to write an autobiography but not yet. "I will write my autobiography but at right time. It will tell about real Dharmendra. Everybody knows about the events in my life but I will write my feelings into it," says the actor with most number of hits in Bollywood.

Dharmendra gets philosophical while talking about his relationship with his second wife Hema Malini, which he says is beyond love. "Our relationship is special, I don't want to comment on that." While adding that he is eager to work with Hema Malini with whom he has acted in 27 movies, he says, "We are actually waiting for a good script. If the script is nice and well written and also suits our age, we will definitely do that."

The matinee idol, who has done almost every kind of roles in his long career, says that he had great on-screen chemistry with superstar Amitabh Bachchan. "In films like Chupke Chupke, Ram Balram and Sholay, we had done some memorable scenes together."

Like Amitabh, why he is not interacting with his fans through internet blogs, he says innocently, "I am not computer friendly. Sunny and Bobby do it but I never tried and at this age there are other important things like doing good work for people of constituency I represent."

Commenting on the present Bollywood actors, whom he likes most, he says the three Khans (Shahrukh and Aamir and Salman) are doing a good job. "Salman reminds me of myself. I was almost like him in my early days. He has a great attractive body." Dharmendra has acted opposite leading ladies who also starred with his son Sunny Deol. On this rare competition with son, he says, "Oh, I am the lucky one. I want to work till the last breath."

Dharmendra, the symbol of sinewy masculinity in Hindi films, touched the peak when he took on action hero roles throughout the 1970s. The original 'He Man' of Hindi movies on his physique, his contemporaries could only dream of, says that he always kept on doing regular exercise.

But what is the secret behind the handsome look at the age of 73, he adds, "Even today I do bench press, pranayam and horse riding that keeps me fit.

It's Dr Akshay Kumar now!

Mumbai, May 14: Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar is the latest film celebrity to be bestowed with an honorary doctorate degree by the University of Windsor in Canada.


In fact, Akshay was honored in Ontario on May 9 as he has been actively involved in the social work both in India and Canada.

Significantly, the actor is in the process of setting up a home for the elderly, especially those in the Indian community, many of whom are neglected by their kin.

On receiving the doctorate Akshay said, "This honor that I have received today is bigger than the Oscar, I am truly humbled".

Akshay now has joined the league of honorary doctorate personalities like Yash Chopra, Amitabh Bachchan Shabana Azmi and Shilpa Shetty, who were conferred similar kind of honorary doctorates from foreign universities in the past.

--- SAMPURN

The Cannes International Film Festival, the most glamorous event on the festival calendar, has returned to celebrate its 61st year. And Aishwarya Rai's annual presence at the festival has added a unique Bollywood hue to the red carpet proceedings.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, now a regular at Cannes, was present as the brand ambassador for L'Oreal; Abhishek Bachchan was also there to promote his upcoming film Dilli 6, which will be showcased during the festival. Other major corporate heads and film professionals, followed by new entrants and hopefuls in the film field, joined them. The contingent gets bigger and impressive every year.


The anomaly is that when Indian cinema in the 1960s to 1990s performed wonders at Cannes and at other major festivals, Indian film business was limited to the standard traditional markets. Today, when Indian films are being ignored at the very same festivals, Indian film business is thriving and using these very festivals as a valued base to expand their huge and ever growing business connections.
The media always talk about why Cannes and other top film festivals in recent years have kept rejecting Indian films in their prime selection. The important aspect here is that the Indian film industry is itself not one whit bothered about this impasse. The industry is making its presence felt at major festivals with more force than ever before.

No Indian film is contending in any competitive category at this year's Cannes Film Festival, yet top stars like Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan and Amitabh Bachchan ensured Bollywood presence at the prestigious event. It was the opening night of the festival and Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan had also flown in the French resort town to accompany Ash and Abhi.

The red carpet was rolled out on May 14 for a host of celebrities from around the world. Aishwarya, who is a brand ambassador of French cosmetics giant L'Oreal (one of the main sponsors of the festival) posed for the photographers along with the ˜Desperate Housewives' star, Eva Longoria Parker and French actress Rachida Brakni on the red carpet while hubby Abhishek Bachchan – who flew in from Miami – graciously stepped back to let the ladies flash their smiles for the shutterbugs. Ash's choice of attire has always created waves at Cannes. In 2003, the Armani-clad Ash was the first Indian actor to sit on the prestigious judges' panel and the following year, decked in Chopard and a Neeta Lulla skimpy white dress, she made quite a few heads turn.

The Bachchans attended the screening of the opening film ˜Blindness' by Brazilian director Fernando Meirelles. Big B describes the film as "an amazing story, but philosophical in nature." More Bollywood presence was ensured by Preity Zinta who is at the festival as the ambassador of jewellery brand, Chopard. Preity looked stunning in a blue gown she wore for the Chopard and Feretti photo call on Wednesday. She will be at the festival for three days during which she will attend dinners and a picnic as well. This year's Cannes would also hold a screening of Dev Anand's film ˜Guide' in its ˜Classics' section.

˜You complete me' said Tom Cruise to Renee Zelwegger in Hollywood blockbuster film ˜Jerry Mcguire' making all the lovers of ˜romantic dramas' weep! Bollywood's first couple Abhi-Ash too seem to have been following Tom Cruise's mantra of late to make their marriage a success!

On this rare occasssion when entire family is together, we questioned the couple as to which are the qualities that they'd like to gift each other in order to lead a happier life together, Abhishek said, "I think she'd like to gift me some virtues definitely since she is perfect but I don't think I need to gift her anything."

Ash too reciprocated Abhi's affection by saying, "Neither do I feel the need to gift him any virtue! He is all I ever wanted to have and he makes me happy all the time! What else do you need?"

When the name's Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, there's more than what meets the eye. For those of you haven't yet realized, after a year of honeymooning, embarking on pilgrimages, arriving hand-in-hand with beau at premiere nights and basking in the glory of her recent success ˜Jodhaa Akbar', Aishwarya is set to take Bollywood by storm once more. India's highest paid actress, Aishwarya is all geared up for her next big project ˜Sarkar Raj'.

Sequel to RGV's ˜Sarkar', this one's releasing on June, 6 and will see the Bachchan trio back together once more after the brief ˜Kajra Re' sequence which took the entire nation by storm. ˜Sarkar Raj' will see Aishwarya doing what very few women have managed to do in Bollywood. After impressing her fans as a staunch Rajput princess, Ms. Bachchan is now set to wow them with her ˜corporate' avatar. Aishwarya is sure to emerge as an equal rocker as hubby Abhishek and dad-in-law Amitabh if not outwit them!

Right now the first family is having some quality time at cannes and look happy together says Amitabh Bachchan "The family has not been together for long, so we are her e to be together."

Well, we're sure the Bachchan's are going to have a 'Nice' time at Cannes, will cherish some wonderful moments. After all it's all about loving your family right Big B!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: alena,

Suniel Shetty in Canadian tie-up for garment business

By Subhash K. Jha, Mumbai, May 24: Many moons ago, the entrepreneur in Suniel Shetty successfully entered the garment business by launching a series of boutiques across Mumbai called Mischief. Now he is expanding it in a big by tying up with a Canadian company.


"This isn't to say that I'm no longer into Mischief," Suniel said from the jungles of Lonavla where he is playing a Maoist in Ananth Mahadevan's "Red Alert".

"The Mischief chain is still doing well for itself. But now I've tied up to be part of an exclusive line-up of garments called Creative Crossover. It's a company from Vancouver in Canada. When I came across their garments, I saw a great potential for them to grow in these parts," Suniel told IANS.

Suniel, who also entered the filmmaking business by starting his production house Popkorn Entertainment, doesn't intend to be a sleeping partner.

"I can never be inactive in any business association. Though I've made it clear that I won't be taking part in their day-to-day activities, I'll be taking keen interest in the working of this enterprise. I believe the clothes line-up from this group is going to create a lot of interest in the Indian market."

Creative Crossover has just opened a showroom at the Phoenix Mills in suburban Mumbai. "See the showroom. It's an indication of where we intend to take this brand."

Suniel, who has featured in hits like "Hera Pheri" and "Shootout At Lokhandwala", is currently producing "Mission Istanbul".

Dev Anand to build Bollywood studios...in Scotland

London, May 24: Picturesque Scotland may soon host the first permanent Bollywood studios in Europe.


With its picture-postcard lakes, rivers, mountains and hills, the province is a particular favourite of Bollywood veteran Dev Anand, who is planning to shoot his next film in Scotland, a newspaper reported Saturday.

Dev told The Times he is looking for an office and studio on the outskirts of Inverness, the main town on the northern reaches of Scotland that is known as the Highlands.

He said the Highlands would become a permanent hub for the Indian film industry, adding: "I discovered Scotland for Bollywood when I went there 10 years ago. Others will follow me.

"Scotland is beautiful even when it rains," he said.

Eight Bollywood films were shot in Scotland between 2000 and 2003, after Dev wrote the script for "Main Solah Baras Ki" in the small Scottish town of Pitlochry in 1998.

Dev, who considers Edinburgh, Scotland, to be the prettiest city in the world, plans to film a romance in the Highlands early next year.

The veteran actor-director told The Times the main characters in the film will be a father and his son, and that he is scouring Britain for an "innocent-looking 18- or 19-year-old" to play the other lead part.

Scotland is known in Britain for its multi-ethnic society, love of culture and hospitality.

'Chak De! India' dropout Vishakha happy playing lead

By Radhika Bhirani, New Delhi, May 30: Model-turned-actress Vishakha Singh was first shortlisted for "Chak De! India" but later dropped out. The newcomer from Delhi has no regrets as she immediately got a chance to play the lead opposite legendary filmmaker Kamaal Amrohi's grandson Mashhoor in "Hum Sey Hai Jahaan".


"I was shortlisted for 'Chak De...' but it was my destiny that I was not chosen. I don't regret it. In fact, I think I've got an equally good role in 'Hum Sey...'," Vishakha told IANS.

"In 'Chak De! India', I would have had to share screen space with 15 other girls and here the focus is only on me. But, yes, 'Chak De...' was a wonderful film," she added. Vishakha was here to promote the film.

Initially Mashhoor, who has also scripted and directed the film, had finalised another actress for his debut vehicle, but she left the film during the pre-production stage due to personal reasons.

Coincidentally, Mashhoor was present where the auditioning for "Chak De! India" was taking place and he spotted Vishakha and selected her.

In the film, Vishakha plays the role of a multimillionaire's daughter who gets involved with a crook. "I felt I was too similar in habit to the character and so my reactions in the film have been quite genuine."

A postgraduate in advertising and marketing from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Vishakha did television commercials before foraying into Bollywood.

"I was not an avid film goer earlier, but Bollywood just happened by chance," she said.

The debutante, however, is clear about the kind of roles she wants to do and the kind of people she wants to work with.

"My first criterion for doing a film was that the people I work with are dignified and respectful and I got that with Mashhoor. Besides, if I feel that if a movie has double meaning, I would put my foot down," Vishakha said.

She does not have a formal training in acting, nor does she have a godfather in the industry. "Maybe having a godfather in Bollywood helps initially, but surviving definitely needs talent," she remarked.

Vishakha already has two other Bollywood films in hand besides one in Tamil.

Deepika's double bubble by Subhash K Jha:

Deepika Padukone, who's shooting in China, is doing the second double-role of her brief career.


After playing Shah Rukh Khan's love interest twice-over in Om Shanti Om, she's back doing a double role in Nikhil Advani's Chandni Chowk To China.

Advani isn't revealing the exact nature of Deepika's role.

"It'd be a very different double role from Om Shanti Om," Advani laughs.

So strange that she's 4 and one-third characters old in just three films.

I'm talking about the double roles in Om Shanti Om, Chandni Chowk... and Bachna Ae Haseenon where she shares her boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor with Bipasha Basu and Minissha Lamba.

Health, fitness top priority for Shilpa at 33

By Radhika Bhirani, New Delhi, June 7: A balanced diet, a strict fitness regime and regular yoga make Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty's skin glow and help her remain fit and glamorous as she turns 33.


Shilpa, who celebrates her birthday Sunday, looked svelte in a simple coral-coloured top paired with jeans at an event here.

"Yoga keeps my mind, body and soul fit," Shilpa said. "I have a neck problem and suffered from chronic spondylitis. So I started practising yoga. I took professional training and it really benefits," she added.

"I don't believe in starving myself to remain thin. I eat well, work out and practise yoga to remain healthy. But that doesn't mean I eat butter chicken and naan (bread) every day. If you want to get peace for the mind, body and soul, yoga is the only answer," she said.

She is not planning a big bash for her birthday. "I would just be spending my birthday with my family in Dubai," Shilpa told IANS.

Last year a special event was organised at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards function in Yorkshire to celebrate Shilpa's birthday. Several film personalities attended the same.

This year the actress has planned to skip the IIFA, which is on in Bangkok now. "No IIFA this year," she said. Although last year she was recognised at the event with an IIFA special award for Global Impact, this year Shilpa has not been nominated in any category.

Shilpa, who has contributed 15 years of her life to the Indian film industry starting with "Baazigar" (1993), was here to launch her own instructional video based on yoga titled "Shilpa's Yoga".

She not only features in the video, which was released internationally in English last year, but has also produced it.

"This is not a money-making thing for me. It is purely out of passion that I have done this video. I had not thought of releasing it in India, but it has been a great experience. It was tough to dub it in Hindi though," she quipped.

On the production front, Shilpa has planned a big budget action flick under her banner S2 Global Productions. She would also be acting in the film.

"I do yoga and also work out at the gym for a fit look in the film," she said.

Shilpa hit the jackpot after winning British television reality show "Celebrity Big Brother 2007" and became a big name. Her emoting in films like "Phir Milenge" (2004), "Dus" (2005), "Apne" (2007) and "Metro" (2007) also fetched her acclaim.

"I am happy that both 'Apne' and 'Life...In A Metro' were well received by the audience. November onwards, the audience would see a lot of me," she said.

The actor's new movies include Sunny Deol's and Neeraj Pathak's "The Man", and an international venture titled "Hanuman" with filmmaker Uru Patel.

While "The Man" will see Shilpa portraying the role of a simple, dedicated girl who rises to instant global stardom, in 'Hanuman' she would be portraying the role of Goddess Sita.

There has lately been a lot of speculation about her plans to marry London-based Indian entrepreneur Raj Kundra. But Shilpa, who believes that "marriage is important," said: "Whenever I get to know, I will tell you when and where it would happen, what would be served, so on and so forth," she said.

she is very lovely and was great in 'dhadkan'.

Ash and Meryl Streep to come together for film?

By Subhash K. Jha, Mumbai, June 10 : Plans are afoot to bring Aishwarya Rai and Meryl Streep together in an American production of "Chaos", Colin Serreau's 2002 French movie.


Says a source, "They ran the concept with Meryl and Ash and they were game. They need to Americanise the theme because 'Chaos' was a very French movie. But, yes, in principle Ash is on for this film."

Ash is slated to play a sex worker in the film.

Another international project Aishwarya has agreed to is Roland Joffe's "Singularity" with Brendan Fraser.

Ash says she has asked for the final draft of the script. "Now the time factor has to be worked out. The time they want is devoted to Mani (Ratnam) Sir's project. New dates have to be worked out. There're so many projects that I want to do but because of the dates or a delay I can't. There're only that number of assignments I can take on. I've never done more work than I can do. I never can."

In the meanwhile, Aishwarya gets ready to shoot for Shankar's "Robot" and Mani Ratnam's film with Abhishek.

"There has been a little delay in Shankar's 'Robot' because of his writer Sujata 's death. That has delayed 'Robot' a bit. All kinds of rumours have been floated about the project. The dates situation does get tighter for me because I was supposed to shoot 'Robot' now and Mani Sir's film a little later during the year. We just have to work under a tighter schedule now."

--- IANS

Himesh Reshammiya starrer 'Karzzz' sold for Rs.350 mn

Mumbai, June 13: Reliance BIG Entertainment (RBE) has acquired theatrical and other rights of T. Series' much talked about film "Karzzz" for Rs.350 million.


RBE bought the world theatrical, satellite and Internet rights of "Karzzz" and Apparently, this is the highest price a movie starring composer-turned-actor Himesh Reshammiya has got so far.

The movie is shot at a lavish scale and reportedly T. Series spent Rs.280 million on its production. "Karzzz" is the first of the three-movie deal Reshammiya had recently signed with the company for an undisclosed amount.

Apart from the Rs.350 million, T. Series is expected to earn at least another Rs.250 million.

"Karzzz" is a re-make of Subhash Ghai's hit movie of the same name which was released in the early 1980s. Indra Kumar, who had himself given a number of hits in the late eighties, has directed "Karzzz" and his daughter, Shweta Kumar, makes her debut in it, playing the female lead opposite Reshammiya.

The cast includes Urmila Matondkar, Danny Denzongpa, Gulshan Grover and Raj Babbar.

Mike 'Love Guru' Myers would love to be in a Bollywood film

New York, June 19 : Mike Myers, the star and writer of the controversial comedy "The Love Guru", which opens Friday in North America, has said that he would "love to be in a Bollywood film".


Talking to the South Asian press here Wednesday, he said: "If a Bollywood director wants to hire a 45-year-old Scottish-English-Canadian actor, who does comedy, I'm their man."

"The Love Guru", which is inspired by new age guru Deepak Chopra and pokes fun at the way the West is co-opting spirituality and not the religion or Hinduism, as some protesting Hindus believed after watching just the trailer.

The film's trailer has some Bollywood style elements, even a dance sequence in which Jessica Alba wears an orange sari.

Myers, who plays Guru Pitka in the film, also said the protesting Hindu groups should have first seen the film. Incidentally, people, including journalists, who have seen the film at previews have not found it offensive to Hindus.

Myers, famous for the hugely successful Austin Powers films, said they were closer to a Bollywood musical than being a parody of James Bond as believed. "You will find in them the same colour palette that you would see in a Bollywood film," he said.

Given a chance to work in a Bollywood film, Myers said he would love to document the experience for HBO, comparing and contrasting the experience of a working actor there and in Hollywood.

Myers, who turned to spirituality after his father died some 15 years ago, became close to Chopra after reading his books. The two have appeared in some stand up events in New York and Toronto where Myers would imitate Chopra's accent, as he does throughout the film.

Chopra plays a cameo as himself in the film and Indian American actor Manu Narayan plays Guru Pitka's student.

"The Love Guru" will be released in India later, but, because of its theme, it is specially being promoted among the South Asian community in the US and Canada.

Bachchan's Unforgettable Tour set to mesmerise Trinidad and Tobago

By Paras Ramoutar, Port-of-Spain, June 22: It's billed as 'The Unforgettable Tour'. Indian Hindi film icon Amitabh Bachchan, his son and beautiful daughter-in-law along with a bevy of other Bollywood actors are to perform in Trinidad and Tobago next month - a show that everyone here is looking forward to.


The Unforgettable Tour assembles for the first time on stage, Amitabh, his son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, former Miss World 1994, at the Queen's Park Oval on Sunday July 20. The historical tour will also feature Akshay Kumar, Preity Zinta and Riteish Deshmukh. The show is to be choreographed by Shiamak Davar, with music provided by Vishal-Shekar.

The Trinidad and Tobago sojourn of India's premier entertainers will be a continuation of hits in Toronto, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, New York, London and Amsterdam.

Sales of tickets will begin next week and the unique concert is expected to draw audiences from across the region, as Trinidad and Tobago is the only Caribbean venue to be included on the show's international itinerary. Patrons from Guyana, Suriname, Martinique, Jamaica, New York, Michigan and Miami are expected to fill the seats.

Billionaire business entrepreneur and investor Lawrence Duprey, announcing the event, told the media: "It is an investment in honouring the culture and heritage of Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean, taking what is unique about us to the world, and bringing cultural experiences from around the world here to enrich our own experiences."

Duprey, CLICO executive chairman, said: "As we continue to support the sons and daughters of our culture - CLICO Sforzata Steel Orchestra, CLICO Shiv Shakti Dance Troupe, the Plymouth Jazz Festival, we also support culture regionally and internationally."

CLICO's Shiv Shakti Dance Troupe will also be on stage to add a local performance.

Within recent years, several of India's top entertainers have been coming here, organised by Universal Concerts Limited which has now become a household name in selecting the premier of Bollywood stars to hit the local stage.

For Valentine's Day Feb 14, Indian star singer Zubeen Garg enthralled the local audience. This show was co-ordinated by local radio and television announcer and cultural promoter, Rafi Mohammed.

Then for Mother's Day, May 11, Udit Narayan and Kumar Sanu gave separate shows, both of which were fully patronised.

The selection of the Queen's Park Oval, home for West Indian cricket, for the Bachchan show is likely to see the presence of 30,000 patrons, and scores of media houses.

Since 1964, Indian musicians, dancers and singers have been coming to Trinidad and Tobago to re-link with the Indian diaspora, which had its genesis in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, among other areas. They came here to work on the sugar and cocoa plantations, but continue to pay allegiance to Indian movies and songs and dances.

Between 1964 to date, everyone of India's top stars have performed here, including Manna Dey, Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh, Asha Bhonsle, Hemant Kumar, Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar and later also Shah Rukh Khan

Shilpa Shetty will share stage with Aishwarya in 'Unforgettable' tour

By Subhash K. Jha, Mumbai, June 23: The Bachchans' upcoming 'Unforgettable' world tour has something to look forward to - leggy lass Shilpa Shetty is all set to team up with the gorgeous Aishwarya Rai for two performances.


Shilpa is all set to dance the night away with Aishwarya, Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan in London Aug 23-24 at the prestigious 02 Arena, earlier known as the Millennium Dome.

But this is not Shilpa's first show with Amitabh.

"I've been on a world tour with Amitji earlier, but not with the rest of the family. And Preity Zinta, who will also be coming along, is a terrific hassle-free girl. As for Aishwarya, we're both from Mangalore. I'm looking forward to going on stage with her," Shilpa, who was seen in hit movie "Life... in a Metro", told IANS.

Shilpa's popularity soared in Britain after her stint in reality show "The Big Brother", which she went on to win.

And what made Shilpa join the Unforgettable tour at the eleventh hour?

"It's not a last-minute thing at all," said Shilpa. "I had been in negotiation to join the tour for a while. It finally worked out now. I'm looking forward to going on stage with the Bachchans."

While Shilpa will join the Bachchans in London, Madhuri Dixit is expected to perform in the US and Canada and Akshay Kumar will be seen at the inaugural show in Toronto July 18.

Wedding bells may not be that far away for actors Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor as the two are contemplating marriage sooner than the three-four-year target they had set earlier. "Oh yes, much sooner. In fact, people may be hearing an announcement from us very soon. If I had my way, I'd marry her today right here in London where she's joined me," Saif said recently.


"Yes, I'm ready to make it legal any time. In any case, aren't we supposed to have gone through a secret Muslim marriage?" he says sarcastically about certain media reports. Saif was married to Amrita Singh and after 13 years of marriage and two children, the couple separated in 2004. After he divorced Amrita, he dated Italian model Rosa Catalano, but broke up with her in 2007.

The romance between Saif and Kareena took off on the sets of "Tashan". And Saif has never sounded so fiercely committed. "If I'm sounding that way, it's because that's how I feel. With due respects to all the other relationships in life, after my marriage to Amrita and my two kids, this is the most important relationship I've had." Saif can barely contain his anxiety and eagerness to do the right thing.

"Of course, I'm anxious. You must understand this is the most important part of my life... so much so that at times I find even my career taking a backseat to my relationship. I've to guard against that. I must quickly learn to separate the professional from the personal."Saif admits it would take his children Sarah and Ibrahim a while to get used to the changes in their dad's life.

"I'm not going to pretend that my children, Kareena and I have become one big family. They're intelligent kids with a mind of their own. Sarah is in fact 13 and a lady herself. It would be quite a while before they are fully comfortable with the change in my life.

"They haven't spent that much time with Kareena to know her as well as I do. But the good thing is everyone close to me realises that this relationship is for keeps, that I've never been more serious. Now it's entirely up to me and Kareena to take the relationship to the next level." Saif is upset with reports that he has lately been crowding his ladylove with his attentions.

"Of course, I want to be with her as much as I can. My regret is we can't be together more often. We are uncannily similar people and I've only now begun to understand why I need to be with her constantly. She complements me, as I hope I complement her. So of course, I try to be where she is."

He dislikes people intruding into his personal life and says: "I understand people want to put our relationship under a microscope. They want to know about our relationship. But there's only so much that they can know or perceive. What Kareena and I feel for each other, only the two of us know."

Meanwhile Kareena the sizzling hot sexy diva of bollywood and sweetheart of chhote nawab seems to be on a mission to win the hearts of Saif's parents Nawab Ali Khan Pataudi and Sharmila Tagore in London.



Kareena bonded so well with Nawab Pataudi and his wife Sharmila Tagore that it was hard to believe that they did not know each other for a long time. The important thing in the whole interaction was that Saif's parents too showed the same warmth and affection towards Bebo and this had never happened in the past with other girlfriends of the handsome hunk.

The insiders say that Kareena was successful in winning the approval from Saif Ali Khan's parents regarding her future relationship with their son. They did not seem to have any reservations in this regard and were very forthcoming in accepting her. In fact, Nawab Ali Khan Pataudi felt that Saif and Kareena made a lovely pair together in real life.

Now, only hitch remains from the side of Kareena's parents Randhir Kapoor and Babita, and Saif Ali Khan will have to win them over. Sources say that openly there is nothing troublesome, but somewhere down the line Kareena's mother Babita seems to have some reservation about Saif.

The insiders say that Babita does not approve of Saif Ali Khan-Kareena Kapoor pairing, as she considers Saif to be a little older for Bebo. She had no objection to Kareena Kapoor-Shahid Kapur relationship as they were almost of the similar age and gelled very well. However, she is not overtly opposed to Saif, but he would have to make some extra effort to convince her about his eligibility for Bebo.

It may be recalled that Kareena Kapoor was in London to help Saif Ali Khan cope better with the shooting of his first home production-taking place in that city. Saif also plays the lead in this Imtiaz Ali directed film along with Deepika Padukone. As Kareena has already worked with Imtiaz Ali in ˜Jab We Met', she did not have any problem in coordinating the production activities on behalf of Saif.

All ends well for this fairy tale love story hope to hear wedding bells soon for this dashing couple!

Finally saw Eklavya, Great Movie making by Vinod Vidhu Chopra.

Abhishek, two Bollywood Khans in Forbes' 10 'cell celebs' list

New York, July 17 : Three Bollywood stars, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Abhishek Bachchan, feature in Forbes magazine's list of 10 celebrities who are brand ambassadors for different mobile phone companies.


The three Indian actors are joined by football star David Beckham and tennis champion Maria Sharapova on the list released by the US magazine, otherwise known for its billionaire rankings. Sharapova endorses Sony Ericsson phones and Beckham lends his name to the Motorola RAZR2 phone.

While Shah Rukh lends star power to mobile phones made by Nokia, Abhishek and Aamir endorse Motorola and Samsung phones respectively.

The Forbes report said that Nokia, the world's largest phone manufacturer, "doesn't work with many celebrities but makes an exception for Shah Rukh, who says he has used Nokia phones for more than a decade."

It added that after a popular commercial last December, the company sponsored Shah Rukh's Indian Premier League cricket team earlier this year.

The magazine said Abhishek, a former LG Electronics' brand ambassador, now represents Motorola phones in India, and that he is "Bollywood royalty, thanks to his famous actor father, Amitabh Bachchan, and glamorous actress wife Aishwarya Rai".

About Aamir, the report said: "After appearing in his first movie at eight, Bollywood star Aamir now produces and directs films, as well as acts. Samsung has said it is counting on his popularity to help it double its market share in India this year."

Samsung also claimed that Aamir's work mirrors their brand's "qualities of innovation, change, discovery, self-expression and excellence in performance".

Explaining how mobile phone companies are now emulating perfume and designer jean makers in hiring celebrities, Forbes said: "As nearly everyone on the planet seems to have a cellphone, device makers must work harder to win new customers. Cool designs and low prices help, of course. But so do celebrities. That's led phone makers to recruit some A-listers from Usher (a singer) to David Beckham to lend an ear and a smile to selling cellphones."

Others in the magazine's 'Ten Celebs and Their Cells' list are singers Fergie, Rain (also known as Jung Ji Hoon), Andy Lau and race car driver Danica Patrick

Akshay Kumar is giving tough competition to everyone in Bollywood these days with every film of his going on to become box office hits. And now he is going to be giving sleepless nights to the models in the city. The khiladi who has just shot for a sizzling commercial with American supermodel Saira S will be walking the ramp in Mumbai tomorrow along with hot international models.


According to sources, the actor has been taking keen interest in the whole show and has been rehearsing for the same. He wanted curvaceous models to accompany him on the ramp, informs the source. Marc Robinson who is the fashion director for the event, says, "Akshay Kumar has been actively involved in all discussions for the fashion shows. One rarely gets to see this kind of enthusiasm. We are calling international hot looking models. Akshay will be the only male model and would walk the ramp with the rest."
Akshay Kumar has given the maximum number of hits in the last one year and now the box office collections of his new release 'Singh Is Kinng' has cemented his position as the number one star.

"But I don't want that. I'm not a superstar. I'm not saying this for effect. I'm only here to entertain people. I keep telling my wife I don't want to be either No.1 or No.2. I just want to be alive and kicking in the film industry," Akshay told us.

Akshay describes 'Singh Is Kinng' as an entertainer. Its time to get candid with the new King of bollywood who is here to rule for long time to come.

DOSTANA 2008
Star Cast
: Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham, Priyanka Chopra, Bobby Deol & Kiron Kher - Special Appearance: Shahrukh Khan & Shilpa Shetty
Director
: Tarun Mansukhani Producer: Dharma Productions


Shah Rukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan's antics in Kal Ho Naa Ho may have made Kantabai miserable but Karan Johar seems to want more of it. His new film, Dostana, will now see Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham act gay.


Directed by 32-year-old Tarun Mansukhani, Dostana is being produced by Karan, as a tribute to his late father, Yash Johar. The film also stars Priyanka Chopra. The film revolves around three friends, a love triangle between Abhishek Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra and John Abraham. Bachchan and Abraham both like Priyanka Chopra but one simple lie made things complicated. The lie of them being gay.


Abhishek plays a male nurse at a hospital in Miami, John is a photographer, who is an illegal immigrant in Miami and Priyanka works with the Verve magazine. The story is about how the three strangers come together, live together in an apartment and have their moments of happiness and sorrow. Abhishek, John act gay in Dostana.
The music is more like the 1980's popish, upbeat and bouncy. It is fast and youthful.


[EMAIL]http://www.desipowerchat.com/bollywoodpreviews/w96_dostana_the_film_stills_01.jpg[/EMAIL]

Liz Hurley's got a thing for Bollywood?

The latest is that hottie Elizabeth Hurley has a soft corner for Bollywood.


The British model- actor says that she doesn't mind singing and dancing in a typical Bollywood flick.

Hurley was in Mumbai to spread awareness about breast cancer alongside husband Arun Nayar and son Damien.

Apart from talking in length about the important issue she also reportedly said, "I am big fan of Indian movies. If there is away to do a movie, I would love to. Specially the singing and the dancing."

We wonder whether Liz is serious about the whole thing or if she is only decided to say so to please Indian hubby Arun Nayar! If she's actually serious, it will be nice to see a mainstream international star doing the sizzling act in an ambitious Indian flick for the first time!

Kareena Kapoor PepsiCo's new brand ambassador

New Delhi, Oct 30: Actress Kareena Kapoor has been appointed the new brand ambassador of soft drinks giant PepsiCo's snacks. She will be seen with boyfriend Saif Ali Khan, actress Juhi Chawla and cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni in a new ad campaign for the product.


"It is a privilege to be associated with the brand as it is a big hit among youngsters. I'm excited and looking forward to a long and fulfilling association with the brand," said Kareena in a press statement.

The new TV commercial will go on air in mid-November.

"Kareena's vibrant persona, pan-India appeal and her confident attitude makes her a great fit for our brands," said Deepika Warrier, PepsiCo's marketing director.

Apart from its carbonated and non-carbonated drinks, Pepsico is known for snacks range that includes Cheetos, Munchies and many more.

quote:

Originally posted by alena:
Liz Hurley's got a thing for Bollywood?

The latest is that hottie Elizabeth Hurley has a soft corner for Bollywood.


...love to. Specially the singing and the dancing."

We wonder whether Liz is serious about the whole thing or if she is only decided to say so to please Indian hubby Arun Nayar! If she's actually serious, it will be nice to see a mainstream international star doing the sizzling act in an ambitious Indian flick for the first time!

They just had one with Snoop Dogg, didn't they?

Not sure about Snoop Dogg, did not see it. A little bit of different flavour will go a long way for Bollywood.

quote:

Originally posted by alena:
IK - Deepika Padukone is cute as well. Never heard of her, thanks. Here she is.

Emmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....Figgy likes!

quote:

Originally posted by alena:
Not sure about Snoop Dogg, did not see it. A little bit of different flavour will go a long way for Bollywood.

Was a funny one, Snoop Dogg want's to do more, he liked the change of fun and laughter.

quote:

Originally posted by Sweet Fig!:

quote:

Originally posted by alena:
IK - Deepika Padukone is cute as well. Never heard of her, thanks. Here she is.

Emmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....Figgy likes!

They have quite a few cute "item girls" just under the surface, no pun intended.

Baseman, When ah come there yu gun have to hook De brother up wid a few.

quote:

Originally posted by Nehru:
Baseman, When ah come there yu gun have to hook De brother up wid a few.

ok, but bring aaaaalott of Rupies

Bollywood bowls over Brazilian!

After Columbian Jorge Echeverri of 'The Voice of Wings' fame, it's now Brazilian filmmaker Wolney Mattos Oliveira, who claims to have been floored by Bollywood films.



At the 14th Kolkata Film Festival he said that he would like to make a Hindi film provided he can learn the language.

He's reportedly said, "I would love to make a Hindi film in the future. But I'll have to learn the language first. The storyline of my film 'The Isle of Death' is relevant in the Indian context as well. I am sure this theme is very relevant in India too, especially when most youths in India are more concerned about their career and money, and forget about their roots. The producer-director said the film could have been shot in India. It's just because I am more familiar with Cuba than I am with India that the film was put into the Cuban context."

The movie is about the journey of an ambitious youth from the city to his roots in his village. It's a film set in Cuba where 20-year-old Rodolfo aspires to become a successful filmmaker. But in course of time, he faces discouragement and frustration. He returns to the village where he spent his childhood and finds solace and his first love. It is in the village that he, by unexpected means, succeeds in making his first film.

Though he can't take any names he says he's been greatly influenced by Bollywood.

He said, "I watch a lot of Bollywood films these days, but I don't remember names. They helped me grow as a director and inspired my creativity."

Now we really wonder if he's actually being totally honest or just trying to just make Indian viewers happy!

Celina shares friend Ashish Chowdhary's grief at sister's death

By Subhash K. Jha, Mumbai, Nov 29 : Celina Jaitley is a good friend of actor Ashish Chowdhary, who lost his sister and brother-in-law in the Mumbai terror attacks and she now asks a question that is in the minds of many Indians - 'Where will all this end?'


"I didn't know Ashish's sister that well. But I know that they all doted on her and her husband. What a terrible tragedy. Where will all this end?" Celina told IANS.

Ashish's sister Monica Chhabaria and her husband, who had gone to the Oberoi Trident Hotel Wednesday for dinner, were killed in the terrorist attack. The couple had gone to the Tiffin restaurant of the hotel, which was among the 10 places the terrorists attacked Wednesday night.

Ashish, recently seen in the film "EMI", was waiting since Wednesday night for a word on the wellbeing of his sister and her husband, but he broke down when he came to know that they were brought out of the hotel by security forces Friday.

Celina said that Ashish went through several ups and downs in the period of uncertainty before the tragic news of Monica's death reached him. He and his family had remained hopeful that they would somehow survive the ordeal.

"One girl from his sister's dinner group had run out and somehow fled from the attack out of the hotel. However, she was heavily sedated and Ashish couldn't get any information from her and kept hoping against hope," Celina said.

Apparently on Thursday Ashish ended up getting wrong information from helpline services. He was told that his sister was in hospital.

"Poor Ashish. He rushed to the hospital, only to see it wasn't his sister. His hopes were dashed as hours turned into days."

According to the security forces, all diners at Tiffin that night were killed in terrorist firing.

Hema Malini's biography selling like hot cakes





When it comes to the dream girl, Hema Malini, her popularity as an actress and danseuse holds no bar as far as age and communities are concerned.


So, it isn't a wonder that when the graceful actress' biography 'Hema Malini', authored by Bhawna Somaya was translated in Marathi, it was lapped up most enthusiastically. And if you want a hint of how well the book is doing, then here it is. The Marathi version had to be given for reprinting almost as as soon as the first print released because it was a sell out. And it's going off counter so quickly that it has already been acknowledged as the no. 1 best seller all over India and especially Mumbai. Guess has to also do about the fact that instead of her immense popularity, Hema is low profile, so obviously her fans are dying to read about the unknown side of her!

--- SAMPURN

Akshay Kumar runs for 'special athletes'

New Delhi, Dec 21: Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, who hails from the capital, returned to the bylanes of Chandni Chowk Sunday to carry the 'Flame of Hope', the relay torch for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games.


The torch made its way to New Delhi Sunday, where 150 Special Olympics athletes, law enforcement officers and residents joined Kumar as he carried the torch on a two-km run through Chandni Chowk as part of the Global Law Enforcement Torch Run - a signature event honouring the Special Olympics movement.

Kumar is the celebrity supporter and brand ambassador for the event that is being organised prior to the world games set to be held in Boise, Idaho, US, Feb 2-13 next year.

Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit flagged off the event at the Red Fort.

Craig Grossgart, country manager of DHL Express India, and Air Marshall Denzil Keelor were also present.

The Bollywood actor asserted that he wasn't here to promote his upcoming film "Chandni Chowk to China".

"It is just a coincidence that I am here at Chandni Chowk for this event and that the torch will next be taken to Shanghai. I am here to support the event and the athletes," he told mediapersons.

Athlete Achint Babbar was among the special athletes to share stage-space with the star and was overjoyed when Akshay commended him on having won in the swimming category of the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2008.

His mother said: "Achint was happy to meet the star that he normally sees on TV. Seeing a star like this in their support, the athletes will feel motivated."

The Flame of Hope was lit Nov 12 2008 in Athens, Greece, using the rays of the Sun in accordance to Olympic tradition. The flame then left Greece to begin a 60,000-km journey across five continents.

Carried by members of the global law enforcement community and Special Olympics athletes, more than 12,000 people around the world will participate in this pivotal event for the Special Olympics movement delivering hope, inspiration and encouragement to all people with intellectual disabilities.

--- IANS

Exclusive : Akshay-Katrina's De Dhana Dan to be an Eid 2009 release

Post a brief break, the shooting for Priyadarshan's multistarrer comic caper De Dhana Dan will restart in a few days time.


The makers, Venus, want to make it an Eid 2009 release. The film will now be releasing on September 18th, 2009 coinciding with Eid that falls on Sunday September 20th. Last year's Eid releases were Kidnap and Drona. DDD stars Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Suneil Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Sameera Reddy and Neha Dhupia amongst others. The film Akki's third release of 2009 after Chandni Chowk To China and Kambhaqt Ishq.

Akshay's first release CC2C will be releasing on January 16th followed by Kambhaqt Ishq on May 29th. The makers of DDD are keen to bring their film after a good three to four months of any of Akshay's previous release. It is for this reason that they have chosen an Eid release after discussing it with Akshay."

Industry sources claim, Akshay has been involved in discussing the marketing and distribution strategy for DDD as they have gained momentum in recent times. Bollywood filmmakers have been in recent times seen cashing in on big holidays
Cashing in on a big holiday has been the game plan for most big banners and now Akshay too has jumped into the bandwagon being the first one to claim his stake on the Eid weekend. It is learnt that DDD will finish its last schedule in Singapore between mid April to mid May followed by work on post-production

For perfect chest, young Indian men go under knife

By Kavita Bajeli-Datt, New Delhi, Jan 11: Many an Indian man who is in his 20s and lives in a metro is dying to flaunt a firm, clean chest like Bollywood's Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar and Aamir Khan, and doesn't mind being operated upon for it.


Cosmetic and aesthetic surgeons say they are seeing a surge in men who come to them for breast reduction and permanent hair removal from their chests in the hope of showing off their cleavage.

"Ten years ago, about 10 percent of my clients used to be men. Now it is 40 percent. Most young men want to flaunt a firm, unshaven chest," Anup Dhir, a senior consultant in the department of cosmetic surgery at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, told IANS.

Inspired by Bollywood actors and models who strut around shirtless, these men - mostly in their 20s - are ready to shell out money to show off cleavage.

"Appearance has taken precedence among both men and women. Earlier it was considered a woman's department, now more men are going under the knife than ever before," he said.

According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, surgery is becoming increasingly popular with men as a way to deal with image maintenance and change. "BBC news has reported that breast reduction surgery is gaining popularity amongst men with gynaecomastia, generally known as man boobs or moobs," Dhir said.

Dhir said gynaecomastia is linked to hormonal changes and some diseases. In some cases, it is due to being overweight and thus caused by an accumulation of fat.

He said apart from breast reduction, many men also want permanent cure for their hairy chests. "We use the laser technique for hair removal. This is a permanent way to remove hair from the chest. It means one sitting a month for four or five months," he said.

Breast reduction can cost anything between Rs.40,000-60,000 and laser surgery for hair removal can burn a Rs.60,000 hole in the pocket.

Charu Sharma, who runs two clinics called Gorgeous Looks in Greater Kailash and Patel Nagar and also works as a consultant in Fortis and Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, said 50 percent of her total clientele comprises men. And the figure is on the rise.

"Men are becoming very conscious about body flab, particularly younger ones. They want to have a body shape that they want to show off, especially a perfect chest. Trends are changing. More men come to us for male breast reduction and nose surgery," she said.

While most younger men come for breast reduction and a nose job, older men in their 40s want to remove flab from their abdomen and get hair transplants, she said.

Agreeing with her, Dhir said men are also becoming image conscious. "It is common to see men wearing clothes that highlight their male cleavage."

He said most men come for breast reduction because they have to take off their shirts when they go swimming or to the gym.

Rahul Kumar (name changed) went to a cosmetic surgeon as he was conscious of his sagging breasts. He had no idea that many men face the same problem. It was by sheer chance that he met a cosmetic surgeon at a party. He underwent the surgery and is now more sure of himself.

"I am more confident now. I am no longer hesitant in taking off my shirt. My friends now tease me and call me Salman Khan as he also takes off his shirt at the drop of a hat," said the 28-year-old executive.

M.S. Bhatia, the head of the department of psychiatry at Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital, said media projections on good looks make youngsters vulnerable. "It is sometimes due to sheer peer pressure that they want to follow current styles," he added.

But looking sure good has its advantages.

Like Dhir told IANS: "Looking good improves your self-image and confidence and can play a part in being successful at home and at work."

(Kavita Bajeli-Datt can be contacted at kavita.d@ians.in)

'Chandni Chowk to China' released across the country

New Delhi, Jan 16 : The much-awaited film 'Chandni Chowk to China', billed as the first ever Bollywood kung fu comedy, is released across the country on Friday.


Cast of the film got candid with the media on their visit here last evening.

The film tells the tale of a poor cook travelling to China to become a Kung fu hero.

The film, whose title refers to the bustling Chandni Chowk market of Delhi, is the studio's first Indian production.

The movie starring Bollywood star Akshay Kumar who has made more than 120 films, has high-quality martial arts action directed by veteran Huen Chi-Ku of the "Kill Bill: Vols. 1 and 2," and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" fame.

The film, which has generated quite an interest amongst the public through its promos, is according to its director, a 'completely brainless' comedy.

"I'm saying that he is brainless, but he brings that kind of comedy and that kind of energy into a film. They make the impossible look possible," said Nikhil Advani, drector.

One day, while cutting vegetables at a roadside food stall, superstitious Sidhu (Akshay Kumar) spies a potato in the shape of Ganesha. By a coincidence, he meets two mysterious Chinese men who, thinking him as a reincarnation of a mighty war hero, request him to vanquish a villain terrorizing their village.

Parallels are being drawn between actor Akshay's real life before he entered Bollywood and his reel role of Sidhu in the film.

Born and brought up in Chandni Chowk, Akshay was a cook prior to his joining films. He said his reel role only partially resembled his real life.

"I'm playing a cook. I'm playing a martial artiste and I'm born in Chandni Chowk. These are the two-three things that are common, rest is absolutely fictional," said Aksha..

Deepika Padukone, Mithun Chakraborty and Roger Yuan also feature in this ambitious project.

Playing a double role in the movie Deepika said she gave her best to both the characters she played.

"I think very few actresses get this opportunity to do a double role in a movie. I've given my best in both the characters," said Deepika.

The film opened today in India and on more than 125 screens in the United States and Canada.

The film, which Kumar said cost about eight million dollars, is also being released in 30 other countries.

Sushmita Sen to play Benazir Bhutto in a biopic?

New Delhi, Jan 25: Former beauty queen and Bollywood actress Sushmita Sen will be enacting the role of Pakistan's former prime minister Benazir Bhutto in a biopic to be made by Pakistani filmmakers.


Bhutto was assassinated Dec 27, 2007, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

"Yes, I am keen to play the role. The producers are waiting for a clearance from the Pakistan Peoples Party (Bhutto's party). Once we get the go-ahead, we will start the movie," Sushmita had earlier told reporters.

Sushmita is reportedly working hard to get into her character by reading extensively on the life of Bhutto and watching footages on her. She is simultaneously working on her Urdu diction as well.

Co-produced by Pakistani producers Zaid Aziz and Henna Rai of Karachi production firm Vox Vision and Leicester-based Sum Films respectively, the film will be bilingual - made both in English and Urdu.

Tentatively titled "Benazir Bhutto: The Movie", it will be shot at various locations in Pakistan, the US, Britain and Dubai, where Bhutto spent years as a student and later as a political leader in exile.

Apparently, Mahesh Bhatt's Vishesh Films is also battling out to make a biopic on the leader.

Preity Zinta nominated for Canada's Genie Awards

Toronto, Feb 16: Bollywood actress Preity Zinta has been nominated for the 24th Genie Awards for her performance in Heaven on Earth, directed by Canada-based Indian filmmaker Deepa Mehta.


The actress has been nominated in the Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role category. The nomination was announced by The Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television (ACCT).

Preity will be vying with Hollywood actresses like Susan Sarandon and Ellen Burstyn who have been nominated for "Emotional Arithmetic" and "The Stone Angel" respectively.

"Heaven on Earth" is about a battered Punjabi housewife in Canada an has also been nominated for Best Original Screenplay.

The awards will be announced April 4 at Ottawa.

--- IANS

Bollywood Goes To Boston… Masachusetts Governor Invites John Abraham and Unit To Shoot

By Subhash K Jha, With his next film to go on the floors 1-800-Love John Abraham becomes the first Bollywood actor to be invited to Boston with his unit to shoot a Bollywood film.


The invitation to shoot the film entirely in Boston comes directly from the distinguished near-legendary Governor of Maschusettes Deval Patrick who is the first African -American to hold that office…a kind of precursor to Obama.

"In fact Deval Patrick nominated Obama. I received a letter from Deval Patrick inviting us to film 1-800-Love entirely in Boston. No Bollywood film had been invited or shot in Boston before," says the film's producer Madhu (Ghajini)Mantena proudly.

John isn't the only producer on board with Madhu for this project. "Even the director Abbas Tyrewala ,my DOP Manoj Lobo, the music composer A R Rahman are partners in the production. It's to build a sense of ownership within the project."

Explains Madhu, "In today's day and age movie- making doesn't work unless all the major talent has a stake. It's the only way to build a trust within the project. So all of us go into our Boston project as partners."

Though Mantena is not telling,the inside information is Aamir Khan had a considerable financial stake in Ghajini.

And now it's John Abraham.

Madhu Mantena intends to bring in all his leading men as business partners into his future projects.

Now they all head for Boston in May, June and July 2009 for 1-800-Love which stars Abbas Tyrewala's wife Pakhi with John in an intense love story.

"Ever single shot would be taken in Boston. Yeah , it will be expensive. The dollar has gone up. So I'm a little scared," says Madhu currently raking in the moolah with Ghajini which is being touted as the biggest hit of the year.

Named By Forbes As One Of The Most Bankable Bollywood Stars In Hollywood Hrithik Says He Has No Plans Of Going International

By Subhash K Jha, Hrithik Roshan , just selected by Forbes among the half a dozen Bollywood actors who have a name in Hollywood, was delighted and surprised when he was recognized on the streets in the US while shooting for Kites.


"That was a change. It makes me feel good to see our films are crossing borders . At a bank in the US when you’re withdrawing money you are delighted to realize that the person on other end of the counter know you are.Or salesgirls at shops…they recognize you and go, ‘Are you?....And when you tell them, they go, ‘Wow’ …yeah it feels good.”

However Hrithik is not courting interntional success with his first English-language film Kites.

“I haven’t set any goals for myself as such. I just want to keep evolving as an actor and a person. That’s the only mission in my career. If Kites takes me international , I’ll be happy.”

Ironically Hrithik Roshan Kites co-star Barbara Mori came to Mumbai and went without being recognized.

Says Hrithik, “We knew it would be safe to get her down because she had come to Mumbai last year and attended a fashion show with my wife Susanne, right there in front of the cameras.She was here for a week and went all over Mumbai without being recognized. Nobody bothered her. She walked the Fashion Street and no one bothered her. So we knew it was okay to get her over.”

Bollywood's 30-plus stars dethroned, young blood rushes in

By Radhika Bhirani, New Delhi, April 5: After replacing Aishwarya Rai thrice - as the actress with most Internet downloads, ambassador of a jewellery brand and now as the Indian face of Barbie - 24-year-old Katrina Kaif has proved how young actresses in Bollywood are giving their 30-plus colleagues a run for their money.


Not just Aishwarya, Katrina has also replaced 33-year-old Sushmita Sen for an endorsement deal with shampoo brand Pantene.

Noted film critic Saibal Chatterjee says this is a "normal phenomenon" in the industry.

"Actors have a very short span of life as most of them start early and by the time they cross 30, the nature of the roles they get are more mature than candyfloss stuff. So the industry is always on the lookout for young blood," Chatterjee told IANS.

Other young actresses like Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Sonam Kapoor and Genelia D'Souza too are walking away with the lion's share of films and brand endorsements in the industry these days.

Deepika has been cast instead of 35-year-old Aishwarya in Kalpana Lajmi's "Singhasan". She has also bagged the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) ad from 34-year-old dimpled beauty Preity Zinta.

Like Katrina, Bollywood's size-zero girl Kareena, 28, nudged Aishwarya out of the Filmfare Top-10 Power list. And 'Masakali' girl Sonam Kapoor has succeeded Aishwarya as the Indian face of cosmetic brand L'Oreal.

After the success of "Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na", Genelia D'Souza has become a sought after name and replaced Preity and Rani Mukerji as the brand ambassador of Cadbury's Perk and Fanta respectively.

These apart, Kareena took on the mantle of doing a full-fledged role opposite Aamir Khan in "Three Idiots" after Kajol walked away.

"When Rekha and Hema Malini turned older, Madhuri Dixit and Sridevi replaced them. When the latter two became slightly older, Aishwarya Rai and Rani Mukerji took their place and now these two are being replaced by Katrina and Priyanka. It's a cycle - even these actresses will be dethroned some day," said Chatterjee.

Said Priyanka, who was cast in "Dostana" after Aishwarya declined the offer: "Age is nothing but a number. You can't generalise in terms of age, but no one in this industry is indispensable. Someone takes over from somebody. I have and I'm sure it will happen to me too at some point."

Apart from Tabu, Preity and Sushmita, a lot of the older actresses - Bipasha Basu, Aishwarya, Rani, Lara Dutta, Kajol and Shilpa Shetty - are making few appearances on screen.

While some say that they have made a personal choice to do just a few roles in a year, others like Shilpa and Preity are shifting gears between acting and business after they chose to be part of the cricket extravaganza, the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Preity, who recently featured in offbeat films like "The Last Lear" and Deepa Mehta's "Heaven On Earth", says she might get back to her bubbly, girl-next-door image, only if she gets a role with substance.

"I will do masala movies for sure, but I would like to have substance in them. I can't do just the glam chick any longer. I've been there, done that. It just doesn't inspire me any more. I have to leave that for the other girls to do. That's the way one grows," she had said.

But right now she has only one film in her kitty - Jahnu Barua's "Har Pal".

Tabu, 38, who has been absent from the silver screen after "The Namesake" and "Cheeni Kum", too has only one film "Banda Yeh Bindaas Hai". Similarly, Rani also has just one project in hand - Yash Raj Films' tentatively titled "Hadippa".

And 34-year-old Kajol, who drifted away from the scene after marriage, is doing only Karan Johar's much-hyped film "My Name Is Khan".

"I am not going to do four films a year. I will work, but at my own speed," Kajol had earlier told IANS.

After marrying actor Ajay Devgan in 1999, Kajol cut down on her film roles and makes occasional appearances on the silver screen.

However, Aishwarya's kitty still seems full - the Padma Shri awardee is shooting for Mani Ratnam's "Ravana" with husband Abhishek Bachchan, Tamil film "Endhiran" (earlier titled "Robot") alongside superstar Rajnikanth and Vipul Shah's "Action Replay" opposite Akshay Kumar.

Jodhaa Akbar shines at IIFA

Macau, June 13 : The Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai starrer 'Jodha Akbar won maximum awards at the International Indian Film Academy on Saturday in Macau.


Double Oscar award winnerA R Rahman won the Best Music Director award for 'Jodhaa Akbar', Javed Akhtar grabbed the trophy for Best Lyrics category for 'Jodhaa Akbar'.

Former Miss World Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan got the prestigious Special Award for Global Impact.

Abhishekh Bachchan won the Best Comedian award for Dostana, Shreya Ghoshal got the Best Female Playback singer for 'Singh is Kinng'

Yesteryear superstar Rajesh Khanna was honoured with the Life Time Achievement Award at the function.

In the technical awards category, 'Jodhaa Akbar' swept through the award function with Ballu Saluja bagging Best Editing award, Nitin Chandrakant Desai got the Best Art Direction award, Neeta Lulla for Best Costume Design.

Resul Pokkutty, who made history by winning an Oscar for his work in Slumdog Millionaire, bagged the Best Sound Recording Award for Aamir Khan starrer Ghajini with Amrit.

Jason West for 'Rock On!' grabbed best Cinematographer award, while Best Choreography award went to Farah Khan for her song Desi girl from 'Dostana'.

Around 500 Bollywood personalities and an 8,000-strong audience reportedly flown in from all over the world to attend the ceremony at Macau.

All the winners, except Farah and Jason, were present at the event.

--- ANI