Vidya Balan says No, No, No to everything

Vidya Balan in a tête-à-tête during the shooting of Aziz Mirza's film. Vidya was in a fun mood and she replied to all whacky questions.

It seems that you are dating Shahid Kapoor now.

I guess so. I have been also reading several things about my relationship with Shahid Kapoor. I don't know from where do people get this information. I mean that's so untrue and has not a single bit of fact in it.

But there have been stories about you and Shahid romancing at Toronto during the outdoor of Aziz Mirza's film

I must say that the gossip mills are overworking. (Laughs) I think this is sheer imagination on the part of the journalist who wrote that I am dating Shahid Kapoor. I don't think I would ever hide my relationship with my boyfriend. I should be proud of the fact that I am in love with someone.

So, is there nothing between you two?

Are you disappointed?

Yes…

I am so sorry. But that's the truth. And we all know that truth is bitter.

And depressing in this case..

Oh really? Ok, if you say so. (Laughs loudly)

It seems Shahid was shooting with you when he was going through this break-up. It was also reported that you played the role of agony aunt when he was going through his crisis?

If you don't mind, please give me the name and the number of the person who has informed about all this. I mean, this is so filmy and nothing of this happened in reality. I know you will grin again, but then it makes nice masala read for you guys, but of you ask me, it's complete trash!

So you didn't help Shahid in overcoming the 'great depression'?

We were busy shooting non-stop for two months in Toronto. We were so busy shooting that we didn't even have the time to discuss all this. I also think it's too personal to discuss such matters with a co-star. Please give some respect to people and their relationships.

Then why did Shahid come to fetch you at J W Marriot after the press conference of Halla Bol?

What? Who told you this?

We have an eyewitness account.

In that case I have a humble suggestion, please get his eyes corrected. Okay, now let me explain what exactly had happened. I was waiting at the lobby of J W Marriot and my car got stuck in the traffic. So one of the unit members suggested that I take a car and drive down and ask my driver to come ahead. So, I changed the car after coming out from the traffic jam.

(Interestingly, Vidya does not explain why she drove to Shahid's house after the press conference in the 'unit member's' car!)

So you mean to say Shahid Kapoor was not around.

Yes. Thank god you got it. In fact it was his dad Pankajji who was around for the press conference.

So there is no love as such in your life?

Unfortunately no.

But you have been saying this since Parineeta.

Now what, are you going to blame me for not having an affair with someone? (Laughs)

You have been linked with all your co-actors.

From dada (Pradeep Sarkar) to John Abraham. I don't know how come they missed Akshay Kumar, Madhavan, Ritesh Deshmukh, Shiney Ahuja and Fardeen Khan? (Laughs)

So you enjoy these link-up stories?

Give me a better solution! I mean what else can I do?

Who according to you would be an ideal man to date?

I am not answering this because I guess people will somehow link some actor with my choice and the next day I will read some other story.(Laughs)

Ram Kamal Mukherjee, Buzz18

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2008: Year of Ash Bachchan

Ram Gopal Varma's Sarkar Raj is to be released in April 2008.

Reveals a source close to Varma (the director is completely off press after, in his own words, being burnt by Aag). "The film was never to be pitched against Jodha-Akbar.

We had zeroed- in on April because that's how long the post-production would take. Clashing with another Aishwarya Rai film was never a problem.

In Jodha-Akbar Aishwarya plays a historical character. In Sarkar Raj she's a contemporary woman."

Mrs Rai-Bachchan is currently devoting all her time to home and ailing Daadi (Mrs Teji Bachchan) and perfecting every nuance in her two releases which in spite of stalwarts in the cast (including her formidable father- in-law in the Sarkar sequel) offers her author-backed roles.

According to insiders Sarkar Raj has shaped up into Ram Gopal Varma's best work to date. And the Bachchans are extremely upbeat about it.

Sarkar Raj is also crucial for Abhishek, since it's his next release. His last film was Jhoom Baraabar Jhoom, not counting the guest appearance in Laga Chunari Mein Daag. After Sarkar Raj it's the f-x special Drona for Abhishek.

It looks like 2008 will be a bumper year for the Bachchans.

Subash K Jha, Santabanta

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I will not compromise now: Madhuri Dixit

Bollywood has never been very kind to comeback heroines. However, actor, who is all set to return to the silver screen with "Aaja Nachle", says she is not bothered about whether she will make it to the top or not.

"I have never been a part of the numbers game. We are not racing horses, who should be numbered. Either the work you do is good or bad," Madhuri told.

"I have come back not because I missed being written about or media arc lights...it's secondary. I missed my craft!" she said Tuesday while in the national capital to promote her new film.

The actress, who last appeared in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus "Devdas", agrees that she was a little unsure about making a comeback.

"When Adi (Aditya Chopra) came up with this film the first thing I asked him was 'Is the audience still interesting in watching me?' But when I came here the way my friends in the industry and fans responded was heart warming.

"The best compliment I have received so far is 'It feels you never went away and now that you've returned don't ever go back'," said Madhuri.

The Dhak Dhak girl, as she has been fondly named, started her stint in Bollywood with "Abodh" and gave hits like "Tezaab", "Dil", "Beta", "Khalnayak", "Hum Aapke Hain Kaun" and "Dil To Pagal Hai", to name some.

Asked how she felt while facing the camera after a gap of five years, Madhuri said: "My heart was racing. I was afraid that I would forget the dialogues. Thankfully nothing of this sort happened and once the camera rolled every hesitations and fear of mine just melted.

It has always been a pleasure to work with the Chopras. They are true to their words. I have worked with them in 'Dil to Pagal Hain', so I share an amazing comfortable level with them."

The versatile actress is playing the role of a choreographer called Dia in the film and feels there could have been no better launch vehicle than this one.

"This film is really close to my heart as it imparts a very important message apart from being an out an out entertainer.

"I feel we are somewhere moving away from our roots. With the onslaught of so many cultures we are forgetting our own culture. It is our treasure and we must nurture it. This film gives the same message. I couldn't have got a much better role than this one," Madhuri said.

"I hope people will like the film as everybody has poured their hearts into it. It is made with all honesty, with no gimmicks and calculations. Nothing has been overdone because it is Madhuri Dixit's film and no one has tried to act smart," she added.

Although the 'Dhakh-Dhakh' girl has made a comeback, she is not very sure about her future. "As of now it is 'Aaja Nachle'. I haven't thought anything beyond that. Moreover, the script has to be well thought out and well planned. I won't compromise with my family and there are other issues which I have to take care of before signing a film," she says.

Madhuri, who left India and settled in US after her marriage, said she was fortunate to get the support of her family and husband.

"I have always got the support of my family and husband. So When I decided to make a comeback, I sat with my husband and talked and discussed and took all the steps required accordingly," she says.

So now that she has made a comeback and worked with a bunch of new actors, how does she feel?

"It has been a wonderful experience so far. I think they are a group of wonderful actors, eager to learn all the time. So, I see something of myself in all of them," she says.

IANS

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I like Salman very much: Big B

When his admirers in the Indian film industry refer to him as 'God', they would have never imagined he would one day actually star as God in a film.

But that's exactly what the Big B plays in writer-turned-directpr Rumi Jaffrey's God, Tussi Great Ho.

Says a source, "Big B plays a spunky funny doughty and dude-like God, not your average God-in-costume but a very funky character, who has this on-going dialogue on life with Salman.

In fact all of Bachchan Saab's scenes are with Salman, an actor he really enjoys working with after Baghban and Baabul.In both they shared screen space as father and son. In God… they've a far funnier and much more easy- going rapport."

The Big B is expected to complete his God-ly role by the end of the year.

Brushing off all illusions of grandeur the Big B says, "It's just a role, albeit with a fantasy element that's fun to do. And working with Salman is always enjoyable."

Incidentally the Big B was expected to play Dashrath in Sanjay Khan's large-screen interpretation of the Ramayan two years ago. He plays a ghost in Ravi Chopra's new production Bhootnath.

Other Actors Who Have Played God.

Jeetendra & Jaya Prada Played Rama and Sita in Luv Kush
Sanjay Dutt played Yamaraj in Life Ho To Aisi
Ajay Devgan to play Rama & Sita in Raj Santoshi's Ramayan.

Subash K Jha, Santabanta

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Hrithik Roshan signs up for Eros - Carving Dreams venture

Eros International, the London AIM listed leading integrated company within the Indian media & entertainment sector and Carving Dreams Motion Pictures, a division of Carving Dreams Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., the country's leading talent agency have signed Bollywood Superstar Hrithik Roshan as the main lead for their debut co-production venture.

Kishore Lulla, Chairman & CEO, Eros International further added, "We are happy to be working with Carving Dreams, one of the best outfits in the business of celebrity and entertainment marketing. I am delighted that Hrithik Roshan will be playing the lead role. That has elevated our first project together to an entirely different level. We are looking forward to a wonderful relationship & many more such ventures and specifically giving this particular film a great global distribution and marketing platform pulling our entire group's resources together."

Announcing the deal, Bunty Bahl, Director, Carving Dreams Motion Pictures said, "We are very pleased to be collaborating with Eros International, who is clearly the market leader in film production and global distribution today. Having worked closely with Hrithik Roshan as his business mangers for over two years now, we hope to be sensitive to his creative needs and expect him to be involved in our film beyond the boundaries of an actor. As we foray into film production, Hrithik was the most natural choice for us to fortify our relationship further. The Hrithik-Carving Dream-Eros combo is sure to create waves."

Hrithik Roshan confirmed the news and said, "Yes, I am positively excited about this venture and am looking forward to work with two of the best in our industry. Carving Dreams entertainment pvt ltd, manage my business profile in terms of endorsements, appearances etc... hence agreeing to do their debut film production project is a step towards strengthening our existing relationship. While Eros International is known for their excellent film production and global distribution network, so it helps to work with the best. I am confident that this union is definitely going to be a winner."

Bollywood Trade News Network

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John organizes special screening for sportsperson

John Abraham is in the seventh heaven these days and he has all the reasons to be so, coz’ the response to his latest release Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal is positive, especially, from sportspersons in India. Topping the list are the aces like footballer Bhaichung Bhutia and Indian Cricket’s latest pin up boy Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

John said that whilst he was in Goa last Saturday to launch the Indian Football League, he had met up with Bhaichung and with Mahendra Singh Dhoni in New Delhi last week, and both of them had expressed their interest in watching the film. Hence, on their request, John has organized a special screening of Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal for them and also the Mohun Bagan football team in Kolkata on November 28.

John, who is presently basking in the glory of his long deserved hit film, has been travelling all over to promote his film.

IndiaFM

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King Khan to direct Chak De India sequel

For a change Shah Rukh will be following Aamir's footsteps. Aamir has already turned a director, and now Shah Rukh will be directing the sequel to Chak De India. It is rumoured SRK's directorial debut will not be produced by the Yashraj banner, but by SRK's company Red Chillies Entertainment. Apart from playing producer and director, SRK will also act in the film.

A source from the industry who's reputed to be close to SRK, mentioned, "The idea of making a sequel came to SRK after seeing the success of Chak De India at the box office. SRK will be meeting Yash Chopra to obtain the necessary consent. The sequel begins with SRK marrying one of the girls from the team. The film will also revolve around women's hockey. The shooting is to begin from the middle of the next year".

Buzz18

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John Abraham opens up to Asian network

John Abraham spoke candidly about his relationship with Bollywood's Bipasha Basu, his latest film GOAL and what makes him so difficult to live with. Speaking on BBC Asian Network's Love Bollywood show about his latest film DHAN DHANA DHAN GOAL, a story about a Punjabi footballer based in Southall John said, "[It is] probably that representation of a UK Asian who probably has gone through trouble in his life to be accepted in what he's done, be it playing for an all white football team or just being accepted by his parents ...and I believe that if anyone has to see this film it has to be a the UK Asian, and more so."

However the filming of GOAL was marred by some racist experiences for John's girlfriend Bipasha and his GOAL co-star Arshad Warsi.

"When you're coming to London and you're shooting that's the last thing you expect... You can't generalize and you can't say everyone is racist, definitely, because we met some wonderful people in UK. We were shooting a scene outside and a car stopped by these two guys started rapping expletives. Taking about brown skin and black skin and they just zoomed off. Bipasha and Arshad were stunned. Bipasha said, "John it's 2007 and these things shouldn't be happening."

However his advice to young Asians in the UK remained calm, "The only way to excel is not through rebellion, it's not through extremism. It is through education...And it's a long process, it's a painful process, there's a bleeding process... well... but someone has to do it."

Whilst John has been likened to Antonio Banderas, he and Bipasha Basu have been described as The Golden Couple of Bollywood'. But the relationship has had its very public ups and downs, most notably when Bipasha was photographed kissing' football star Cristiano Ronaldo. He said of that episode, "I'm not going to stand up and justify for her because we're in a relationship and it's about trust. We trust each other and that's why we are still together and we're pretty happy together. We have our fights we're both strong minded people if she says the sky is grey and I say its blue it's always going to remain blue for me and grey for her. It's NEVER going to change in our lifetimes... sometimes probably that rebellion that we
share, or that strong head that we have could work against us at times."

"Obviously I support Bipasha... I'll be honest and tell you Cristiano Ronaldo is a great guy, Bipasha speaks very highly of him."

John said that the distress that was caused at the time along with both his parents being critically ill only added to his method acting and helped him to feel depressed and recluse. John admits that his extremist' approach to method acting adds extra pressure to the relationship. He recently lost 27 lbs
for a film role.

"That's what Bipasha's told me, even my parents tell me, especially my mom - "do you really need to get into the role so much? Because we're afraid that you'll kill yourself."

Acclaimed film director Mahesh Bhatt also said of him, "John you're clinically on the edge because if you're really pushing yourself to get into these roles you'll probably get hurt."

"I am a very difficult co-star to work with because I'm an extremist at work and if I get into a role I take it back home with me and she (Bipasha) can't handle it so I don't know how sometimes our relationship lasted so long."

In reference to his last film NO SMOKING which received a
standing ovation at the Rome film festival but was slated by critics in India, "Critics panned the movie. I don't blame them... the producer positioned the film wrongly it was always meant to be an art film, a festival film - it was the item number which should not have been there in the first place...it was the commercial outlook to the film which the producer should not have positioned it as."

"For NO SMOKING - I said "if I was the audience would I watch this?" and I said, "no, I wouldn't watch this' ...I made it very clear to my producers that this has to be a festival film. But what happens that after a point commercial sets in...And they go and sell it for a huge commercial sum under the name of John Abraham and it fails ...But I stand by the film I think it's a great film."

John is currently working on two films, an English language film LUNA starring Rachel Weisz and Dustin Hoffman where Abraham plays an environmental activist, and EXCLUSION the largest Hindi film to come out of India - also starring Amitabh Bachchan.

The story is set during East India Company rule where a group of Sikhs sailed to the shores on British Columbia, only to face fatal attack. John says of the film, "It's the most inspiring story and it's probably the darkest day in Canadian history a day that the Canadians are very embarrassed about . In fact there was an official apology from the Canadiangovernment at the time".

Bollywood Trade News Network

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JAB WE MET back in circulation in a big way

After a week of being a standby because of the big war between OM SHANTI OM and SAAWARIYA, JAB WE MET has been back in circulation. And how! If the fourth week collections of the film (the week in which OM SHANTI OM and SAAWARIYA reached their second week and shows were increased for JAB WE MET), are any indication, the film is all set to enjoy an extended box office run across the country.

Though in normal circumstances, films take a 50% fall with every passing week, JAB WE MET has achieved just the reverse and has shown a 50% jump in collections across the reported centers. This means that the film's collections are in 26-27 crore range and would comfortably touch the 30 crores mark.

With collections like this, JAB WE MET would be Shahid Kapoor's second movie to get into 30 crore bracket after VIVAH. A good feat indeed!

Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network

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Shilpa busy with musical shows !!!

After winning the title in a game show on TV, Shilpa Shetty has become a big star in the UK . Shilpa is now touring the county with her music show called 'Miss Bollywood'. The show is running to packed houses in Britain . Shilpa will take the show to Netherlands and Belgium . The final performance of the musical will be held at the Royal Albert Hall in London on December 12.

Saurav Mittra, IndiaTarget

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Ranbir's buddy-buddy baatein

As Ranbir Kapoor went into his second film from this week, a wonderful coincidence comes into light.

Over to Ranbir. "My father's co-star in his second film Raffoo Chakkar was the super-talented Paintal. Now in my second film (the untitled Yashraj Film to be directed by Siddharth Anand) Paintalji's son Hiten plays my friend. Isn't that quite a coincidence?"

Continues Ranbir, "That isn't all. My dad's first song was sung by Shailendra Singh. My first song in Saawariya was also sung by a Shailendra (Shail Hada)."

Subhash K. Jha, IndiaFM

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Madhuri and Lata Mangeshkar on one stage

Madhuri Dixit has been a Lata Mangeshkar fan for as long as she can remember. And when the Nightingale sang for the Dixit in Hum Aapke Hain Koun and Ram Lakhan, the actress felt her career had come a complete circle.

The Nightingale, generous to the core, has often said Madhuri is one of her first actresses. The two come together on one platform tomorrow for the grand finale of Star’s Voice Of India on this evening (Saturday 24 Nov) where Madhuri will be dancing and also handing over the trophy for the winner to Lataji.

Says a Star source, "Lataji and Madhuri met after ages. The warm bonding between the two is something to be seen"

Subhash K. Jha, IndiaFM

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Hrithik to debut with Penelope

Apna Bollywood is surely marching ahead for good times. According to the international box office, both OSO and Saawariya outscored the Robert Redford-Tom Cruise political thriller, Lions for Lambs, which released last week along with the two Bollywood biggies.

According to the international box office, OSO has garnered $18 million worldwide, while Saawariya and Lion for Lambs have made $13 million and $10 million respectively.

Not only that our Desi heros are all set to adorn the billboards with their Hollywood projects. The latest rumour says that Hrithik Roshan is making his Hollywood debut with none other than Penélope Cruz. The film will be extensively shot in Hollywood.

Penélope’s agent, who had asked for Hrithik’s profile, was bowled over by his international look and recommended him to the Spanish actress.

Our Bollywood hotties are not far behind either. After Ash, now Rani Mukherjee has been offered a role in Hollywood. But the queen bee is extremely tight-lipped about the whole issue. Rani says that she is not willing to go west just for the sake of acting in a Hollywood movie. She wants to do interesting roles and the country she works hardly matters.

SantaBanta

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Shilpa Shetty's 'dancical' mesmerizes UK

To promote her West End musical 'Miss Bollywood', Shilpa Shetty donned a glittering pink and silver Bollywood-inspired costume, complete with a crystal-encrusted headdress, for a press meet in London this week, leaving the British media awestruck.

'Shilpa continues to dazzle her British fans with her musical (she loves to call it 'dancical'), performing in various cities of the United Kingdom. She is glad to have been given this platform to showcase Bollywood in the right way. It has also been a real learning curve for her,' said her publicist Dale Bhagwagar.

'The musical is not only running to packed houses, but getting her standing ovations almost every second evening,' added Dale. 'After her UK tour, Shilpa is scheduled to perform in Belgium and Netherlands, only to return to Britain for a majestic showing of 'Miss Bollywood' on December 12 at the Royal Albert Hall in London,' he informed.

It can be mentioned here that last month, the musical rocked Germany for three weeks and her tour across the country got her a lot of accolades and critical acclaim.

Set against the backdrop of London as it prepares for the 2012 Olympics, 'Miss Bollywood' combines traditional Indian music with riveting dance sequences that could be entered in the Olympics themselves.

It showcases an amalgamation of dance forms taken from the East and West of India, with Shilpa re-capturing on stage some of Bollywood's greatest hits over the past 40 years.

Bollywood Trade News Network

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Salman Khan on Katrina Kaif and his website

Salman Khan is bamboozled. Television channels have been airing a "letter" supposedly written by dad Salim Khan addressed to the superstar. "Son, I'm getting old now and I'm waiting to play with your children. Please settle down," is what Salim saab has allegedly requested of his son.

Salman is puzzled since he can't understand why his father will need to write a letter and release it to a television channel. "We live in the same house. My dad can call me in his room and talk to me. I really want to know who has written this letter and how did the news channel play it up without verifying if it was actually Salim Khan who had written it," he says.

Salman who is currently shooting for Boney Kapoor's Wanted Dead Or Alive and Subhash Ghai's Yuvraj is also a little disconcerted with all the compliments he has received for a series of paintings depicting trees that he's supposed to have done in Jodhpur jail. "I didn't make those paintings as the television channels will have you believe. If you like them then please praise the real artiste and not me," he says.

Ask him to react to all those stories that insinuate that he's unhappy with Katrina Kaif signing a Rajkumar Santoshi film opposite Shahid Kapoor and the Akshay Kumar starrer Singh Is Kinng and he says, "I'm Salman Khan, an actor. I'm not a secretary who will decide which films an actor should or should not do." The actor also downplays news reports that he asked Santoshi to throw out Shahid from the Katrina starrer. "I've been here for 18 years and every now and then there have been incidents of younger actors trying to get mileage by latching on to my name. It doesn't bother me. We all know what happens to them," he says pointing to you-know-who.

But is it true that he has a problem with the length of Katrina's dress in the Ooncha Lamba Kad song of Welcome, which is currently on air? "As long as Katrina adheres to the Doordarshan guidelines which we are all supposed to follow then she can wear whatever she wants to," he says.

The way he makes it to the tabloids every other day maybe he should be called the King of the Tabloids. The actor's sense of humour kicks in when he retorts, "Why that? First they called me Killer Khan then they called me Ponytail Khan maybe now they can call me King of the Human Race Khan," he says. Jokes aside, the actor has had it with so called "sources" and friends commenting on his behalf. Sensing the need to give his side of the story, the actor has decided to start his website Being Human.Com which will be operational from next month. "No source or friend has the authority to speak on my behalf. Whenever I'll say something, I'll own up to it. If my fans want to know anything that is happening in my life then they just need to log on to the website. Even though I don't know how to type I'll get someone to type for me in my own words so that the truth is known," he signs off.

Harneet Singh (Screen Weekly)

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Shah Rukh Khan is the sexiest Asian Man

Shah Rukh Khan is the hottest rather sexiest Asian man in the world according to the list published by a British weekly newspaper, ‘Eastern Eye’. Last year, Abhishek Bachchan had topped the list.

The poll was based on a public voting system where people decide as to who they think is the sexiest Asian Man from a list of 100 names published in the Eastern Eye newspaper and website.

Surely, SRK’s looks in OSO worked for him, adding to the popularity he already has. In the true sense, it is the way Shah Rukh carries himself that makes him sexy. In addition to that, he is a fantabulous actor, a good dancer, a great showman; now if all this does not make a person sexy then what would?

Among the list of sexy Asian men were the likes of Hrithik Roshan, John Abraham, Abhishek Bachchan, Upen Patel, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Ali Zafar, Jay Sean, and Saif Ali Khan. It has been three years since Easter Eye started this trend and the first-ever winner was John Abraham.

IndiaFM

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Madhuri Dixit says 'Dance With Me'

After making audience stand up and clap on her return with the title song 'Aaja Nachle' and then dance along as everyone asked her 'Show Me Your Jalwa', Madhuri Dixit is calling one and all with a cry of 'Dance With Me'.

Crooned by Sonia Saigal, this English track 'Dance With Me' is penned by Asif Ali Beg who in the past has written for films like NEAL N NIKKI, DHOOM 2 and VICTORIA NO. 203 amongst others.

A dance number choreographed with Madhuri Dixit holding center stage, 'Dance With Me' is set to showcase the Diva's prowess when it comes to Western dance format. If glimpses of the song are any indications, her fans would certain have their hands full when the film releases all over on 30th November.

Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network

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WELCOME music releasing on Friday!

After three consecutive smash hits, NAMASTEY LONDON, HEYY BABYY and BHOOL BHULAIYAA, Akshay Kumar's fourth release of 2007, WELCOME, is finally at the door.

Releasing theatrically on December 20, the club-thumping music of the eagerly awaited comedy, WELCOME, the most star-studded release of 2007, will release worldwide this weekend. The soundtrack features six commercial tracks shot in South Africa and Dubai, scored by three heavyweight music composers, Sajid-Wajid, Himesh Reshammiya and Anand Raj Anand.

Producer Firoz Nadiadwala, whose previous smash hits include HERA PHERI and PHIR HERA PHERI, wittily remarked, 'We were looking to have variety on the soundtrack. We opted for three composers because we couldn't get five!'

The audio release of WELCOME also marks the launch of the Times Group's brand, Junglee Music, the umbrella brand that will spearhead the group's entry into the music of Hindi language and regional feature films.

WELCOME stars Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, Feroz Khan and Mallika Sherawat in lead roles.

Bollywood Trade News Network

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Salman Khan tells director to drop Shahid opposite Katrina Kaif !

The latest buzz is that an insecure Salman Khan called up Rajkumar Santoshi to ask the director to drop Shahid Kapoor from the Shahid-Katrina Kaif film that the latter plans to make in collaboration with PVR.

Recently, Salman was upset with Katrina for signing a film with Shahid Kapoor. Our source says, Salman Khan told Santoshi to, if possible, drop Shahid! He does not want Katrina to do a film with Shahid.

Salman Khan is unhappy with Katrina making her own career decisions. Our source says, Because of Salman, Katrina was able to establish herself as an actress. Few know that when an unknown Katrina came to Mumbai, she was first introduced to Govinda by Boney Duggal. But somehow film offers did not materialise for Govinda then. Duggal then introduced to Katrina to Salman. And she has clung to him ever since then.

Our source further says that Santoshi has plans to approach Ranbir Kapoor for the same film. Santoshi is keen to approach Ranbir for Shahid's role, reveals our source.

Will the director replace Shahid with Ranbir? Rajkumar Santoshi diplomatically replies, I am still working on the script! Once it is ready I will decide on the cast of my film. The only thing I can say is that Shahid and I are keen to work together but right now Ashoka is the focus of my attention. I want to finish that film first. I will start work on this film later.

When asked if Salman has forced the director to change the male lead of his film, Santoshi says, �Salman is a thorough gentleman. He never indulges in petty politics! I have worked with Salman before and I know the kind of person he is! Salman will never interfere with a director's casting decisions.

IndiaTarget

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Kareena Kapoor will be seen in an RK film!

Kareena Kapoor is all set to feature in an RK banner film. After much deliberation the Kapoor brothers - Randhir, Rishi and Rajiv - are ready to work on a youthful breezy romantic comedy early next year. The script has been finalised and the screenplay is in its final stages. Confirming the news, papa Randhir Kapoor says, I'm making a film with Kareena. It's going to be a youthful romantic film, and it should start in a few months from now.

Ask him for details and he says, We are going to make a formal announcement at the right time. All I can say is that the project featuring Bebo is underway. We are no strangers to the fact that the Kapoor brothers have been working on scripts for the longest time. Their last production was Aa Ab Laut Chalen starring Akshaye Khanna and Aishwarya Rai, which had released in 1999.

Those in the know reveal that another film starring Ranbir Kapoor will hit the floors alongside. Randhir Kapoor says, The Kapoor family is with Ranbir's debut. We are making a film with Ranbir too. Both the films are set to start at the same time next year.

News has it that elder daughter Karishma Kapoor intends to make a comeback. The actress, who shuttles between Mumbai and Delhi , has been reading up scripts. However, papa Randhir rules out any such possibility. He says, I don't think so.

Meanwhile, he is delighted about Kareena's new pad at Bandra. Randhir has been equally involved in the buying process. My daughters do seek my advice and I was there when Bebo was buying the place. I really like the new house,he says.

Known for his funny-bone, papa Randhir came up with a unique nickname for Shahid (read 'Dodo') on Koffee with Karan. We urge him to make suggestions for Kareena's latest boyfriend Saif Ali Khan and he says, It was something that came out on the spur of the moment and it was in good humour. I don't want to fall in this trap again. We insist and he says, I don't even know Saif Ali Khan.

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Sonam Kapoor feels that her best scenes in Saawariya were chopped!

If sources are to be believed, debutante Sonam Kapoor had shot far too many sequences for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Saawariya than what we have seen in the film.

The 22-year-old actress has been telling friends that many of the scenes flattering her beauty didn't make it to the final print. A reliable source says, She has shot far better sequences than the ones that are shown in the film. Unfortunately, the director didn't use those.

However, Sonam is not in a mood for making unpleasant revelations. In an email interview with Mumbai Mirror she says, That happens in any film. Scenes are meant to be edited for the betterment of the film. As an actor, one has to be prepared for it.

Like most docile newcomers she has decided to preoccupy herself with the compliments she has been receiving. The actress, who finds giving out autographs quite cool, says, I have received so many of them, and every compliment is special. Two compliments that meant a lot to me are from Shekhar (Kapoor) uncle and Bebo (Kareena Kapoor). He said that I came across as very intelligent and sensitive on screen. Bebo sent a message to my mom saying, Sonam is a born star, she looked stunning and acted like a seasoned actress.

Sonam is now gearing up for her next production, Rakyesh Om Praksh Mehra's Dilli 6. But she is not allowed to give out any details about Mehra's film. When asked about her character in Dilli 6, all she says is, No comments.

Rajiv Dutta, IndiaTarget

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Bombay Times’ 13th Anniversary Party

Bombay Times is known to throw lavish star-studded parties on their anniversaries, and last night was no different.

It was their 13th anniversary party at at Hotel Taj, Colaba and almost everyone who matters, was present.

Bollywood ‘Badshah’ Shah Rukh Khan graced the party and charmed almost everyone with his presence. The high point came when the superstar met debutante Ranbir Kapoor, who’s first film, Saawaria was released just two weeks ago and is doing great, despite getting tough competition from SRK’s Om Shanti Om.

“I heard he’s charmed the ladies a lot through his first film. He is a very polite and charming guy. God bless him.”said Shah Rukh, and Ranbir replied, “There’s always this warmth when I meet Shah Rukh. He’s always been very supportive and guiding. He is so senior, I have such a long way to go and much to learn from him.

Amongst others, were Kareena Kapoor, Amrita Arora, Kangana Ranaut, Dharmendra and Shiney Ahuja.
Kareena was looking fabulous and didn’t seem to miss Shahid Kapoor much… may be she’s gotten over with her recent break-up. Anyways… the real beauty amongst many was no doubt Aishwarya Rai Bachchan who was spotted, sans hubby Abhishek.

We even spotted the Bollywood comeback queen, Madhuri Dixit, dressed in a beautiful sari, with the same grace and decency which made her the most popular actress at the time ‘Hum Apke Hain Kaun‘ was released.

Madhuri still has a large fan-following in India despite she getting married to a NRI and moving to United States and her comeback film “Aaja Nachle” is touted to be a big hit.

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Lara Dutta back with Kelly

Lara Dutta seems to be following in good friend Bipasha Basu's footsteps in more ways than one. And while everybody has been busy guessing whether Bipasha and John are a couple or not, it was taken for granted that Lara and long-time boyfriend Kelly Dorjee had parted ways for good. But recently the twosome was spotted together in Bandra walking their dogs and holding hands. The couple had broken up sometime back and rumour mills were abuzz that Lara was involved either with one of the top-notch actors in the film industry or an Italian lover. Seems like Lara has had a change of heart after all.

Buzz18

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John is hoping to do a SRK

John says there are two things in life that he is very confident about.

"One is biking and the other football, or shall we call it soccer, as people love to identify with American football these days. I've done my bikers' movie Dhoom. Enough has been said and seen about my love for bikes.

We now have enough young guys zooming around on bikes.But what about football? I want it to acquire the same popularity and legitimacy as bikes….and cricket."

John feels the only game in this country that has a life outside the celeb-field is cricket. "Shah Rukh Khan was the best thing to happen to hockey (after Chak De India). Otherwise I feel every game including football needs a star to promote it.

And I'm ready to do everything within my means to make sure the game gets the same fame as cricket. Unfortunately the bureaucracy and the politics of this country is not conducive to a healthy atmosphere for any kind of discussion on the health of the nation."

John has met the Information & Broadcasting Minister and president of All India Football Federation Priya Das Musnshi several times.

"Yes I've met him repeatedly about the future of football and how to push the game. He's a lovely man and he feels for the game. We'd like to take the game to another level.

Along with the producers of my new football film UTV, we've designed a ground-contact programme. I can play the game, I'm not faking it. If I can be convincing in promoting biking why not football?

I want the ball to become an epicenter of glamour. When youngsters see the football in my hand they should think it's cool."

John feels cricket is too formidable a competition for football. "But if you want to know, I want to make football instead of cricket the new favourite game of the country.

I had hoped to get every smoker and his wife to watch No Smoking and to convert some into non-smokers. What's the point of being a celebrity if you can't influence minds in a positive way?"

Subash K Jha, Santabanta

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OM SHANTI OM creates history of Indian cinema

Eros International, the leading integrated company within the Indian media & entertainment sector announces an unprecedented opening of Shah Rukh Khan's OM SHANTI OM, produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and directed by Farah Khan. The film opened to rave reviews and advance bookings on the 9th November and has since grossed over US$19 million worldwide in its first week making it the most successful opening in Indian cinema history.

OM SHANTI OM released across 1,400 plus screens globally, and for the first time saw screenings as early as 7.45 a.m. in certain multiplexes in India, making it one of the most anticipated films in recent times. OM SHANTI OM's staggering first week gross collections of US$13.5 million in India make it the best ever opening there. The figures overseas are no less remarkable with the film grossing $1.5 million at the UK box office and over $2million in North America in its first week

With as many as 14-16 shows planned daily in its second week at some multiplexes, Eros International is looking forward to an excellent run of King Khan's film offering.

Kishore Lulla, Chairman and CEO, Eros International Plc said, "We are ecstatic with the audience as well as critics' reactions to OM SHANTI OM. It was one of the most awaited films of the year and we are excited that the magic combination of Shah Rukh Khan and Farah Khan has proved to be a huge success once again. The superb run of the film in the first week has superseded all expectations and we are confident of the film's performance in the weeks to come."

"We were expecting a commercial success but this kind of response has been overwhelming. It's great that audiences as well as critics have appreciated the film. We had a lot of fun making this film and I am thrilled that audiences are having fun watching it too", Farah Khan added.

With the film opening in cinemas in India to a fantastic 95-100 percent capacity audiences and maintaining a steady 80-90 percent from Monday, OM SHANTI OM promises to be the biggest film of SRK's career.

View Om Shanti Om Movie Stills

View Om Shanti Om
Movie Stills
OM SHANTI OM stars Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone in pivotal roles. The film's score and soundtrack has been composed by the musical duo, Vishal Shekhar with lyrics by Javed Akhtar. Cinematography for the movie is by V Manikandan whilst editing is handled by Shirish Kunder.

The film has over 30 of Bollywood's hottest stars including Salman Khan, Rani Mukherjee, Kajol, Sanjay Dutt, Priyanka Chopra, Preity Zinta, Saif Ali Khan and many more putting in a guest appearance.

Eros has previously distributed MAIN HOON NA as well as PAHELI, which are both Red Chillies Productions.

With OM SHANTI OM, Eros International continues its successful line up of global releases including hits like OMKARA, SALAAM-E-ISHQ, EKLAVYA, PROVOKED, NAMASTEY LONDON, CHEENI KUM, PARTNER, GANDHI MY FATHER, HEYY BABYY, etc.

Bollywood Trade News Network

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Will AAJA NACHLE get a smooth multiplex release ?

Those familiar with the happenings in Bollywood, especially in the distribution/exhibition sector will remember how the multiplexes were humbled by the Chopras during the time of FANAA, DHOOM:2 and other Yash Raj films. They forced the multiplexes to give higher revenue share than that given to other producers (and rightfully so!), due to the enviable track record of their banner.

However, 2007 has not been as good for the Yash Raj films, as compared to the last few years. While CHAKDE! INDIA did superbly at the multiplexes, their other two ventures, JHOOM BARABAR JHOOM and LAAGA CHUNARI MEIN DAAG were duds and entailed heavy losses. Even TA RA RUM PUM drew crowds, but mainly in the multiplexes of Bombay.

The above being the case, the multiplexes feel that it is now their turn to dictate terms to the Chopras. In fact, as per trade and distribution inputs, many multiplex owners/chains are contemplating about forgoing their forthcoming venture, AAJA NACHLE, but that, in case Yash Raj act tough again!

Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

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Nana-Anil shake a leg with Mallika

Call it the unlikeliest of combinations but the truth is that Nana Patekar can be seen grooving with Mallika Sherawat.

The film in question is WELCOME where Mallika, who could well be half the age of Nana, is seen in a 'masti-se-bharpoor' dance number with the senior actor.

Not just this, the song also sees Mallika getting into a full-on funky mode with Anil Kapoor who does well to remind a viewer about his 'Lakhan' days.

What turns out to be a total contrast is Akshay Kumar who instead acts sober when romancing Katrina Kaif on the same tune.

Composed by Anand Raaj Anand, the song is third in succession to be promoted after the title song by Sajid-Wajid and 'Tera Uncha Lamba Kad' by Anand Raaj Anand himself.

Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network

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'Khan' or 'My Name Is Khan'?

So what is Karan Johar’s next venture called? Is it KING KHAN? Or is it KHAN? Or has it been re-titled MY NAME IS KHAN? Reports in the media suggest it’s called MY NAME IS KHAN. In fact, Karan is breaking away from the ‘K’ factor this time [all his films start with the alphabet ‘K’].

“I haven’t zeroed on any title yet,” Karan confides, “It could be MY NAME IS KHAN or just KHAN. But it’s not KING KHAN. Where did that one come from?” Reportedly, the film is based on terrorism. “It’s not! That’s another rumour. There’s no terrorism angle in my film. Yes, there’s a mention of the 9/11 episode, but nothing beyond that,” he clears the air.

The film has been delayed slightly. It was expected to start before the year came to a close, but will now roll in second quarter of 2008 and will hit the screens in April 2009. And yes, the film teams the golden combo – SRK and Kajol – after a hiatus. “I can’t confirm on Kajol’s presence till I talk to her. I’ve shifted my film ahead and need to sit with her on the fresh dates,” Karan reveals.

Meanwhile, Karan has started work on the animation version of KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI, called KOOCHIE KOOCHIE HOTA HAI. Also, the Tarun Mansukhani-directed film, starring Abhishek, Priyanka and John, is expected to roll shortly.

Taran Adarsh, IndiaFM

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Shah Rukh to inaugurate IFFI 2007

After much debate and discussion, SRK has also finally agreed to participate and be the chief guest for the inaugural function of the 38th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) which is to be held in Goa on November 23.

This decision was announced on Wednesday by the Information and Broadcast ministry. Actor Mamooty will be amongst those attending the inaugural function alongwith actresses Ramya Krishna, Mira Jasmine, and also Lenin Rajendran. Celebrated filmmaker Buddhadeb Dasgupta will be chief guest of the closing ceremony.

4 Months 3 Weeks 2 Days, a film by the Romanian film maker Cristian Mungiun, which had been awarded at the Cannes festival this year, will be the opening film at Goa. There are big speculations about Amitabh Bachchan’s film, The Last Lear to be premiered during the fest.

In all, 21 feature and 15 non-feature films have been short-listed for the Indian panorama by the jury.

IndiaFM

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Sanjay Dutt's bail hearing has been pushed forward by a week

Actor Sanjay Dutt's bail petition which was scheduled to be heard in Supreme Court on Tuesday, has been adjourned to next Tuesday. He has been sentenced to six years' imprisonment in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan, was scheduled to take up Dutt's plea along with petitions of three other convicts Yusuf Mohsin Nallawala, Samir Hingora and Zaibunisa Anwar Qazi.

The Bench on November 2 had declined him an urgent hearing. In his plea, Dutt has contended he was only convicted under the Arms Act and during the 14 years of trial, he has already undergone one-fourth of the six-year imprisonment he was sentenced to.

Dutt, who got a copy of the judgement on October 22, complied with the bail condition and surrendered before being taken to Yerrawada jail in Pune.

If Dutt is granted bail on Tuesday, he could be released from the jail later in the evening.

It has been 14 years since Dutt was first arrested in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case. The actor was picked up by the Crime Branch on April 19, 1993 for illegally possessing arms and spent 16 months behind bars as an undertrial.

He raked up quite a controversy when he got bail and walked out of prison despite being charged under TADA. This wasn't the only instant when luck favoured him. He has had several other near misses at the court. The most significant being absolved of terrorism and conspiracy charges.

CNN-IBN

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Hrithik, the Villain in Krissh 3 ?

Rakesh Roshan will be making a third part of super-hero series in Hrithik's comment to this was.....

"All I can say at this point is, I wish I could play the villain in Krissh 3. I'm really excited about the villain's role. So much so that I feel like giving up the the super-hero's mantle to play the villain. His role is too TOO exciting. "

If he's so excited about it he could play both the super-hero and the villain in Krissh 3?

"No no," shrugs Hrithik. "That would be a triple role. Because I'll already be playing the father, son and the villain."

As for a clamour to have him back in the third part of the Dhoom series, Hrithik is all for it. "Well…. I think Dhoom is a fabulous franchise. It has to move on. Whether my character Aryan will be back or not remains to be seen.

Anything is possible in the movies. The challenge for every Dhoom and Krissh film is to be bigger and brighter than before. I think we're climbing the ladder very fast. Soon we needn't fear comparisons with our Hollywood counterparts. "

Hrithik is in a daring mood. "The point is to find new challenges, I only want to do make-or-break films. And Krissh 3 will fall into that category."

Subash K Jha, Santabanta

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OSO continues its blockbuster overseas run

Farah Khan's OM SHANTI OM continues its record-breaking overseas run, even during the second weekend. After resetting the first weekend Bollywood record in the US, the film moves on to an astonishing $2,892,773 in just ten days and is now certain to dethrone the top grosser KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA's (2006) $3,275,444. Interesting to note that both the movies have one thing in common, Shah Rukh Khan.

Moving on to UK, OM SHANTI OM is now the top UK grosser of 2007, with $1,997,013. It has moved past the previous record holder, NAMASTEY LONDON's $1,730,000 (approx).

The movie that released with OM SHANTI OM, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Ranbir, Sonam, Salman (special appearance) and Rani starrer SAAWARIYA is now way behind, mainly due to a heavy fall in collections. SAAWARIYA has so far grossed $805,054 in the US and $554,271 in the UK.

Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

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Kareena bonds with beau Saif's kids!

It has been a while since Saif and Kareena have officially made their relationship public . Saif and Kareena have been spotted at several events since then and now it is believed that despite this short period of time since the two have been dating, Kareena has already begun to bond with beau Saif's kids.

Saif Ali Khan has two kids Sara and Ibrahim from his earlier marriage with actress Amrita Singh. Both his kids live with their mother but often spend time with their dad Saif. As the two kids are an extremely important part of Saif's life, naturally Kareena too wants to bond with them. It is believed that Kareena already spends time with Sara and Ibrahim, but they have all not yet been seen bonding in public. Kareena often visits Saif's home and spends time with his kids at their home. Sources claim that Kareena is getting along quite well with both kids right now and she is very warm towards them. A source claims “Kareena is very sweet to them and is making sincere efforts to know them well. She hopes that they will bond well.” In fact recently Saif and his kids watched Kareena perform live at an event and seemed to enjoy her act thoroughly.

owever while Saif' and his kids are bonding with Bebo, it seems like Kareena's ex, Shahid Kapur is distancing himself from her. After their much publicized break-up Shahid has not only kept his distance from Kareena but also changed his PR agent and business manager which was earlier the same as Kareena's. Shahid's former business manager, Zahid confirmed the news saying “Yes, I am no longer handling Shahid's business. We parted on amicable terms. Also, I would like to put the point across that our parting has got nothing to do with Kareena.” Now Shahid has appointed a new PR agent and business manager for himself. Even at Sanjay Leela Bhansali's star studded premiere of Saawariya, Bebo and Saif arrived together hand in hand and sat in one theater, while Shahid arrived alone and sat in another separate theater for the screening of the film. Shahid-Kareena's film Jab We Met has done exceptionally well and the two have often stated that they would work together if the right film came along and they needed to. So one definitely has to wonder then whether their parting was actually even amicable.

Rajiv Dutta, India Target

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Shah Rukh invites Bhansali to Om Shanti Om party!

Not one to let bygones be bygones, Shah Rukh Khan is rubbing more salt into the wounds of Sanjay Leela Bhansali, by inviting him and the rest of the Saawariya cast and crew to a Om Shanti Om success party.

Tonight will see a book being launched, The Making of Om Shanti Om, and the whole of Bollywood will be present. A source has aslo confirmed, “They have surely invited the Saawariya team. Despite rumours that things are not so well between SRK and Bhansali, the actor has always mentioned that Bhansali has given him one of his biggest hits, Devdas. However, it will be interesting to see if Bhansali comes to the event.”

Rajiv Dutta, India Target

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Sallu pays Big B a visit

It's funny how one party thrown by Sahara can shake up the entire industry and redefine the dynamics in relationships. Shah Rukh certainly drove home a point when he got invited to 'the party' along with the Indian cricket team. The Sahara do in which the 'Bachchan-Amar Singh camp' was conveniently left out resulted in an aggressive media blitz on part of the politician. But even as Amar Singh kept saying how he had no issues with Shah Rukh, the Khan himself and Bachchans remained mum.

But sure enough Amitabh seems to have realised the importance of having powerful friends. There were reports of him offering his hand of friendship to his daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai's former boyfriend Salman Khan. And now I am given to believe, Salman has responded to this warmth. It seems Sallu paid Bachchan a visit on the sets of Alladin and spent an entire hour with him. I am not quite sure if they discussed art, films or Aishwarya over there. But going by the olive branches he's extending, Bachchan surely seems to have discovered an olive tree in his backyard.

Buzz18

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After Diwali, Xmas war in B'wood

If you thought the war at the box office was over with Om Shanti Om and Saawariya, think again. After Diwali, producers and distributors are now eyeing the Christmas weekend to rake in the green stuff. This year three big films are being released on December 21 – Taare Zameen Par, Halla Bol and Welcome. And all three, which star some of the biggest names in the film industry, have a lot riding on it.

According to journalist and film critic Abhijit Mhamunkar, "This year, filmmakers have discovered a new festive season to release their biggies. With Christmas falling on Tuesday, they get a longer weekend of 5 days to rake in the moolah by releasing their films on December 21."

Trade pundit Komal Nahata also seconds this opinion. "Christmas this year will be the second big celebration time. It is as if distributors have realised that there is another time besides the big Diwali weekend to release their films profitably," he says.

According to J Popat too this will set the trend for coming years when filmmakers wouldn't mind postponing their films and releasing them around Christmas if they cannot do so during Diwali.

However, even as industry insiders are hailing this 'second season' so to say, none is happy about the fact of three films releasing during the time.

Says Mhamunkar, "Unlike Om Shanti Om and Saawariya, these three will eat into each others' business. And that is not a good sign."

Nahata further suggests that ideally one of the films should be postponed because that's the most sensible thing to do. J Popat however has already passed his verdict on the impending war. "Welcome is a runaway winner," he insists adding, "Taare Zameen Par does not look like a commercial film. Besides, it is said that Aamir comes just before the interval. Halla Bol too is on a shaky wicket because Ajay Devgan does not have a good standing in the market with at least a couple of flops behind him. Welcome looks like a good comedy and has a lot of stars in it."

Mhamunkar is also of the opinion that while Welcome currently stands on firmer grounds. He says, "Welcome has everything going in its favour with comedy being the flavour of 2007. Besides, any Akshay Kumar release guarantees a great opening these days."

While Taare... still has the Aamir Khan tag behind it and may just manage to pull the whole thing off, Halla Bol has a lot of odds against it. It is said that Ajay Devgan's marketability has gone down especially with RGV Ki Aag. Further, as Popat suggests, "He does not even have an overseas market, which makes it worse."

While not many may be keen on showing off all their cards at this point, it seems quite clear that Halla Bol has the maximum to lose. With its very serious topic, and a star whose reputation has taken a beating, it might be slightly risky for it to enter into the fray. And the postponement, as Mhamunkar suggests, would 'at least would have only an animated film (Hanuman Returns) to compete with. After all it's far easier to fight the gods than fight the stars, even if it is at the box office.

Abhishek Mande | Buzz18

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Celebrities hip hop with the 'King of Hip Hop' - 50 Cent

Smirnoff Experience returns to capture Mumbai's music lovers with an incomparable and memorable performance by Curtis James Jackson III aka 50 Cent at the 50 CENT LIVE IN CONCERT at MMRDA Grounds, Mumbai.

Known as the 'King of Hip Hop' and a showman par excellence, 50 Cent along with the G Unit held the crowd spellbound with his performance.

Hip Hoping at the Concert were celebrities like the glamorous Priyanka Chopra, Aditi Govitrikar, Amrita Arora, Mailaka Arora Khan, Isha Koppikar, Shekar Kapur, Suchitra Pillai, Arjun Rampal with wife Meher Jesse, DJ Aqeel, Niharika Khan, Randeep Hooda, Shekar Suman, Javed Jaffery, Mukul Dev, Minisha Lamba, Nina Manuel, Shaad Ali and many more.

'Curtis' continues 50 Cent's phenomenal rise. This superstar rapper's bag of honours includes 11 Grammy nominations from Best New Artist to Best Rap Album for each of his first two efforts, an amazing streak of three consecutive no. 1 hits on the R&B / Hip Hop, and Pop charts ("In Da Club," "21 Questions," and "Candy Shop,") and three top three singles ("P.I.M.P.," "Just A Lil' Bit," and "Disco Inferno").

Asif Adil, Managing Director, Diageo India, says, "Smirnoff Experience has always been a trendsetter and this time around; Smirnoff Experience brings to India 50 Cent � the 'Reigning King of Hip Hop'. When it comes to hip hop, it doesn't get any bigger than 50 Cent and as always Smirnoff wants its consumers to experience the very best!"

With its global reach Smirnoff and the Smirnoff Experience recognizes original music and entertainment as the universal element for the most memorable and fun night outs. It promotes rising stars and provides its patrons with the best artists on the dance music circuit which makes Smirnoff events a hot favourite the world over.

Bollywood Trade News Network

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Akshay's look for Singh Is Kinng revealed

Akshay Kumar is soon getting the reputation of being the good side of Gulshan Grover, for he is one actor who is experimenting with his looks a lot these days. One can find him in a new avatar that of a ‘pagadi’ donning a Sardar in his forthcoming Vipul Shah’s film, Singh is Kinng. IndiaFM brings you a sneak peek into Akshay’s much talked about look in the film.

While on this film, there are also rumors that this film is basically produced and financed by none other than Akshay Kumar himself! At first, we ourselves were taken aback with this stunner of a news. Hence, we decided to get it straight from the horse’s mouth. When we spoke to Vipul Shah to confirm the same, he denied the rumors very strongly and said, “I am not going to talk about this at all, as this is completely ridiculous. To get the clarification on this, you need to talk to Akshay himself and find out. And as far as I am concerned, I do not want to talk about the money at all.”

Image Courtesy: www.goldcoast.com.au

IndiaFM

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No age bar in Bollywood

Shah Rukh Khan, 42, finds it hard to digest that his heroine, Deepika Padukone, who towered over him in Om Shanti Om, is a mere 21.

I’m double her age, but if I were to kiss her, I’d probably reach her stomach,” SRK joked on a television show, when asked about the age gap between them. And down south, Shriya Saran, 25, sizzled on the streets of France with a 58-year-old Rajnikanth in Sivaji. Earlier in the year, Amitabh Bachchan romanced a 34-year-old Tabu In Cheeni Kum and an even younger Jiah Khan in Nishabd — but in these cases, the stories themselves were May-December romances.

But with most of the reigning heroes in their 40s and a new crop of very young lead actresses arriving on the scene, pairings across age divides are a trend these days. “Older heroes have always romanced younger starlets in our films, but it has become more common now,” says Ashwin Naidu, assistant director of Cheeni Kum. “Stars like MGR, Shivaji and and N T Ramarao have always run around trees with girls half their age. And as long as an artiste is saleable, age doesn’t make a difference,” he says. Ashwin adds that the Indian hero never grows old. “Even if he’s 50 or 60, the audience will still accept him playing a 25-year-old college-goer. But I’m not sure if the same applies to heroines,” he says.

Filmmaker Indrajit Lankesh too had a 19-year-old Deepika romancing a 30-plus Upendra, in Aishwarya. “But I made Uppi look much younger by giving him a makeover and he looked a convincing 25. He played an ad executive in the film, so the look suited him — he had a goatee, ear stud and some really cool wristbands and chains. The pairing was a big hit,” says Indrajit. He agrees though that when a 40-year-old hero plays a college-goer, it does look silly. “But big stars like SRK, Rajnikant and Chiranjeevi get away with it because of mass appeal,” says the filmmaker.

“I don’t think it’s a big deal if you’re paired opposite a hero who’s older to you, because it’s all make believe anyway,” says Sivaji girl Shriya. “People shouldn’t confuse reel-life with real; it’s not like I’m romancing a 50-plus man off-screen,” she laughs. “Anyway, when I was doing Sivaji, I never felt awkward playing the love interest of Rajni sir. In fact, I felt lucky because I was getting to learn so much from him; his age was not a concern,” she adds.

Actress Priyanka Upendra, who debuted in Kannada in Kotigobba with a much older Vishnuvardhan, says “But I don’t think the age gap is an issue because most established stars are over 40,” she says. “Also, they don’t look their age because they’re fit and well-maintained. And fans who treat their heroes like gods will accept anything they do. Kotigobba ran for 100 days. Besides, I think fans might actually like to see their heroes romancing a younger heroine.”

Madhu Daihtota, TNN

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"I love SRK and have great respect" - Bhansali

Sanjay Leela Bhansali believes the tide is turning towards his much-hyped film. CT asked the film-maker a few pointed
questions. Like...

Is there always much expectation riding on your films?
I don’t want to believe this and get bogged down. I don’t believe that I am bigger than my product. If I have made experimental films, then I have given good entertaining films as well. I don’t want to be predictable.

What’s negative about Saawariya?
It defeats all logic to say Saawariya is a bad film just because some critics didn’t appreciate it. But slowly, I can see people are going to the theatres and appreciating different aspects of the film. It’s a positive change. The wave has begun.

And what’s positive about it?
That I made a film with two absolute newcomers and released it with a film that has the country’s reigning
superstar, Shah Rukh Khan.

If you could, would you change anything in Saawariya ?
No, it’s the most elegant and best work of my life. I am living in the hope that the audience will understand that there is an approach which goes beyond the typical potboiler in film-making.

You’ve taken potshots at Om Shanti Om and Shah Rukh Khan because things haven’t gone right for you?
I love SRK and have great respect, admiration and regard for him. He has the same for me. My larger point is, why compare a tennis match to a 100 metre race?

TNN

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Shah Rukh in Jaipur ODI, likely to discuss IPL bid with Modi

JAIPUR: He may have played a hockey coach in Chak De India but cricket seems closer to the heart of Shah Rukh Khan, who made a guest appearance in the fifth and final India-Pakistan ODI in Jaipur on Sunday.

The actor is reportedly interested in buying a franchise in the Indian Premier League, which would make him owner of a Twenty20 side, and incidentally, Modi is the Chairman of the IPL Governing Council.

Though here he was just to watch the match, Shah Rukh is likely to discuss the issue with Modi.

"Well, he is interested in buying a team in the IPL. So even if he discusses the issue with Modi, there is nothing unusual about it," an RCA official said.

Attired in white shirt and black trousers and sporting a ponytail, the actor joined Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) President Lalit Modi to share his views on the match to anchor Rameez Raja.

"It's great to see the camaraderie between the players. They are talking to each other and enjoying the game, it feels good," the actor said.

TimesOfIndia

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Akshay's another rib-tickling comedy

What do you get when you put together five brilliant actors, snazzy car chases, the mafia, machine guns, exotic locales, club-thumping music along with the funniest wedding of the decade?

Well that’s what Welcome is all about. While the film promises to be a potential blockbuster this year, it also marks the launch of Times Group’s Brand, JUNGLEE MUSIC.

Junglee is the umbrella brand that will spearhead The Times Group’s entry into the music of commercial feature films in Hindi and regional languages.

Welcome is directed by ace film director, Anees Bazmee, the king of comedy films. The film is a rib-tickling comedy set against the backdrop of the underworld, filled with maha-confusion and maha-misunderstandings leading to hilarious situations.

The film promises a-laugh-a-minute and features Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Anil Kapoor, Mallika Sherawat, Paresh Rawal and Nana Patekar, in avtaars, never seen before.

The music of Welcome has been composed by some of the biggest music directors of India, Himesh Reshammiya, Sajid-Wajid and Anand Raj Anand. The music, releasing on JUNGLEE is already making waves and is on its way to the charts.

Vineet Jain, Managing Director, The Times Group, believes the brand— JUNGLEE MUSIC is young, vibrant, wild and energetic. It symbolises the essence of youth. Elaborating on the strategy, A P Parigi, Director, The Times Group, commented, “The brand seeks to reflect the confidence and spirit of Young India. This new generation lives and breathes an entirely new attitude and this is apparent in the choice of their new cricket idols, their online personas or the new tastes in music and entertainment.”

The team at JUNGLEE MUSIC is excited about their new found identity. A team member commented, “JUNGLEE as a brand is a near perfect connect with the music world of main stream Hindi film and regional language film music.” Adarsh Gupta, COO of JUNGLEE, is all excited about the concept, the brand and the foray into this domain with the acquisition of the music rights for a potential block buster of 2007 — Welcome. He says, “JUNGLEE stands for everything crazy, big and blaring and I’m confident the music of Welcome will live upto it.”

TNN

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SRK publicity abhi baki hai

His OSO might be declared a mega hit, but for SRK he still has miles to go before he can rest. And so the producer cum actor of Om Shanti Om is doing overtime these days. Over the weekend he was in London, meeting up with his overseas distributors, attended and walked the red carpet along with the entire star cast at premiere of OSO at the prestigious London's Empire Theatre in Leicester Square, partied with Lakshmi Mittal.

And once back in Mumbai he took stock of the film's collection which is fast turning out to be the biggest hit of the year, beating the earlier records of Chak De India and Partner . But SRK didn't stop here, once back in Mumbai he gave few interviews promoting his film and next day he was on the sets of a reality show to promote his film.

"SRK has taken it as his personal challenge and he is making sure that OSO creates new box office record and he will not rest till he achieves it," says a friend of the star. And he's going to wind up this week by making an appearance in this year's biggest party the Bombay Times party.

So like he says in the film Abhi picture Baki hai , it's publicity abhi baki hai for him...

Gautam Buragohain, Indiatimes Movies

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Aishwarya's DHOOM:2 act in PINK PANTHER ?

Timeless beauty Aishwarya Rai (Bachchan) is Bollywood's most recognized female face in the West. No wonder she is being offered one Hollywood project after the other. As is well known, she is presently working for the next in the PINK PANTHER series, and with none other than Steve Martin.

While on the movie, it appears that Hollywood has taken notice of her superb negative act in Yash Raj's DHOOM:2, opposite the 'Indian Greek God' Hrithik Roshan! As per sources, this Hollywood venture revolves around 'Jacqes Clouseau' (Steve Martin) and Aishwarya, who plays 'Sophie', a criminal expert, who is holding on to some important information about the villain. Martin teams up with Ash and a group of other International detectives, to launch a worldwide manhunt for a globe-trotting crook, who specializes in stealing artifacts.

Here's hoping that just like DHOOM:2 this film too succeeds and Aishwarya makes India and Bollywood proud.

Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

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Another Kapoor debut, this time with Amitabh!

Close on the heels of the super launch of the two talented Kapoors, Ranbir and Sonam, another Kapoor scion is about to hit the silver screen. This time however it is veteran villain and character artist Shakti Kapoor's pretty daughter, Shraddha Kapoor.

As per sources, Shraddha is all set to commence her innings with BEING CYRUS producer Ambika Hinduja's upcoming TEEN PATTI. The venture is to be directed by the SHABD fame director, Leena Yadav.

The biggest plus for the Bostan-educated daughter of Shakti, Shraddha Kapoor, is that TEEN PATTI will see her sharing screen space with the likes of megastar, Amitabh Bachchan and Arshad 'Circuit' Warsi.

Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

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"I was willing to chop off Manoj Kumar scene" - Farah Khan

Collections of Om Shanti Om are out and the film has broken all existing box office records for the first week business across the country. With an all time high collections in the very first week, the film seems to be heading towards breaking the box office collections of Partner and Chak De India, the two biggest box office earners of 2007, in two weeks flat.

Meanwhile, with all the 'khushi' around the film's success, there is also a hint of 'ghum' with news around Manoj Kumar being upset with so-called digs taken at him in the film. "But all seems to be fine now after Shahrukh and myself apologized to him,” says a relieved Farah Khan. "I spoke to him and did say sorry. Even Shahrukh did the same."

In fact, before the release of the film, Farah has informed about the scene as well as usage of a duplicate to Manoj Kumar. "I also offered to even cut out the scene if he wished but he refrained us from doing so,” clarifies Farah when asked if she planned to chop off the portions now because it had supposedly offended one and only 'Bharat Kumar'.

"I did ask him though that why didn't he speak to me and scold me if he felt offended by the spoof. After all he is a senior in the industry,” informs Farah. "He seemed to be quite cool about the entire incident and said that he wasn't offended about it. It was quite sweet of him to say that he treated me like his daughter."

Meanwhile, audience continues to shower their love on the film with the prints being further increased across the country in view of heavy demand for the film. In Mumbai alone, there are 80 additional shows in the second week. Reports also indicate that the film has broken box office records in number of territories.

The other film to have benefited immensely due to under performance of Saawariya is Jab We Met. After a brief layoff last week due to multiplexes opting for going all out for screening Om Shanti Om and Saawariya, Jab We Met is back with a vengeance due to popular demand. While print count for Saawariya has shown a decline, it has only increased across the country at all major centers for Jab We Met.

Joginder Tuteja, IndiaFM

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Bipasha is the Sexiest Asian Woman

Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu has been named the sexiest Asian woman by the British newspaper Eastern Eye.

On claiming the top spot for the second time after 2005, the Indian actress said: "I'm glad I got the crown back and will try and hold on to it this time.

"I think sexiness goes beyond looks and is a total package, from your personality to the way you carry yourself in your everyday life. I'm really grateful to all who voted for me because I work very hard," added the actress, who is looking forward to her next release "Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal".

Commenting on Bipasha's international appeal, Hamant Verma, editor of Eastern Eye and the founder of its Sexiest Asian Women in the World List, said: "Bipasha is a living embodiment of sexual attractiveness. Her acting ability, beauty and charm are capable of arousing great interest in her from the world's media."

Last year's winner, former Miss World and Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra, bagged the third position this year while actress Madhuri Dixit was voted the runner-up.

The other Bollywood actresses who made it to the top 10 positions are Aishwarya Rai, voted as the fourth sexiest Asian woman and Shilpa Shetty, who came in sixth followed by Katrina Kaif, Kareena Kapoor and Lara Dutta.

The public voted for those they thought were the sexiest Asian women from a list of 100 names published in the newspaper and on its website. The chairman of the judges' panel was Eastern Eye's show business editor Asjad Nazir.

Amit Roy, Indiatarget

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"I was willing to chop off Manoj Kumar scene" - Farah Khan

Collections of Om Shanti Om are out and the film has broken all existing box office records for the first week business across the country. With an all time high collections in the very first week, the film seems to be heading towards breaking the box office collections of Partner and Chak De India, the two biggest box office earners of 2007, in two weeks flat.

Meanwhile, with all the 'khushi' around the film's success, there is also a hint of 'ghum' with news around Manoj Kumar being upset with so-called digs taken at him in the film. "But all seems to be fine now after Shahrukh and myself apologized to him,” says a relieved Farah Khan. "I spoke to him and did say sorry. Even Shahrukh did the same."

In fact, before the release of the film, Farah has informed about the scene as well as usage of a duplicate to Manoj Kumar. "I also offered to even cut out the scene if he wished but he refrained us from doing so,” clarifies Farah when asked if she planned to chop off the portions now because it had supposedly offended one and only 'Bharat Kumar'.

"I did ask him though that why didn't he speak to me and scold me if he felt offended by the spoof. After all he is a senior in the industry,” informs Farah. "He seemed to be quite cool about the entire incident and said that he wasn't offended about it. It was quite sweet of him to say that he treated me like his daughter."

Meanwhile, audience continues to shower their love on the film with the prints being further increased across the country in view of heavy demand for the film. In Mumbai alone, there are 80 additional shows in the second week. Reports also indicate that the film has broken box office records in number of territories.

The other film to have benefited immensely due to under performance of Saawariya is Jab We Met. After a brief layoff last week due to multiplexes opting for going all out for screening Om Shanti Om and Saawariya, Jab We Met is back with a vengeance due to popular demand. While print count for Saawariya has shown a decline, it has only increased across the country at all major centers for Jab We Met.

Joginder Tuteja, IndiaFM

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OSO spoof: SRK says sorry to Manoj Kumar

MUMBAI: Offended by a sequence in recently- released film Om Shanti Om , yesteryear actor Manoj Kumar is contemplating a legal action against the makers of the Shah Rukh Khan starrer movie, his lawyer said on Friday.

However, Shah Rukh tendered an unqualified apology to Manoj Kumar for the sequence in the film.

"Manoj Kumar has been offended by a certain sequence in the film, and he asked me whether any legal action was possible," Kumar's lawyer Mukesh Vashi said.

"However, I myself haven't seen the film. So, I would be able to advise him only after seeing it," Vashi added.

Kumar told a TV channel that "Indian audiences had made Manoj Kumar into an icon ... that icon has been wounded, made fun of..... a moral action is more important than a legal action."

Om Shanti Om , released last week, is a spoof on Bollywood films of 70s, and shows a few real-life film characters from the Mumbai film world.

Kumar is reportedly angry about a sequence in which he has been shown being thrashed by policemen outside a theatre.

In the movie, Khan's character steals Kumar's pass to enter a movie premiere, and police, not recognising Kumar, beat him.

Khan is also a co-producer of the movie, directed by Farah Khan.

Khan said "I was completely wrong...If he is hurt, I apologise".

"I called him in the afternoon, and the first thing he said to me was "it is no big deal, son," Khan told reporters here.

Times Of India

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Exhibitors opt for JWM, dropping SAAWARIYA

Strange as it may sound, but from today (Friday), many of the exhibitors are going to opt for the three week old Shahid-Kareena starrer, JAB WE MET, removing SAAWARIYA. The trend is very pronounced in small centers and single screens. Even many of the leading multiplexes / cineplexes have reduced the number of shows of the one week old SAAWARIYA and have reverted to JAB WE MET, which did exceedingly well during its two week run.

When we talked to the concerned people, the view is unanimous- After Monday, the collections of SAAWARIYA are going down alarmingly with each passing day, and there is little or no hope of a pick-up. As per inputs available with us and going by the paying audiences reaction, it was inevitable, and we are not surprised.

While on JAB WE MET, the movie was rock steady, even in the second week (check out our latest box-office report), and had to be prematurely removed, to make way for the heavyweight 'Diwali' biggies like OM SHANTI OM and SAAWARIYA.

Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

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SRK cost OM SHANTI OM five crores!

Strange as our headline may sound, but one of the costs involved in making OM SHANTI OM is the 5-crore white money fee of Shah Rukh Khan (for acting in the movie). Shah Rukh Khan disclosed this to India's leading trade journal.

Before our patrons question the veracity of the article, we clarify that even in home productions, prices charged by top stars are added under the expenses head for taxing and budgeting purposes. And it is the usual practice.

While 5-crores as remuneration may look like a heavy price for the also rans, given King Khan's stature today, it can be termed as peanuts.

Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

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Two Aishwarya starrers in a fortnight ?

t would be quite a handful for Aishwarya Rai fans in early 2008 as two of her films would be hitting the marquee in quick succession.

While 25th January 2008 has been locked for the release of Ashutosh Gowarikar's JODHA AKBAR which features Ash opposite her DHOOM:2 star Hrithik Roshan, she gets to appear in a Bachchan family photo frame with the release of SARKAR RAAJ. This Ram Gopal Varma film is expected to arrive on 8th February; just a fortnight after JODHA AKBAR. Though she is not paired opposite Abhishek Bachchan in the film, Aishwarya Rai is said to be playing a powerful character in SARKAR RAAJ.

Currently these are the only two films for which Aishwarya has worked in the recent past though talks are on between her and Rohan Sippy for the Sriram Raghavan film that stars John Abraham in the lead.

Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network

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Madhuri arrives for Aaja Nachle

Early Wednesday morning, Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport had a special passenger land in Mumbai .The original ‘Dhak Dhak’ girl of Bollywood Madhuri Dixit Nene arrived from Denver, L.A. quietly in the city with just two weeks to go for the release of her comeback vehicle Yash Raj Films’ Aaja Nachle.

The girl with the million dollar smile, who was wearing a pink salwar kameez surely did send the crowds in frenzy who were pleasantly surprised to see their very own Maharashtrian Mulgi back in Mumbai.

The actress who has come alone to promote her film would be soon joined by hubby Dr. Sriram Nene in some time.

The promos of Aaja Nachle have been doing the rounds on television, and now the Diva herself has arrived in person to ‘Show you Her Jalwa’. Gear up all you Madhuri fans, the Queen has arrived.

IndiaFM

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Salman Khan talks about the thing closest to his heart

The recent hullabaloo surrounding Salman Khan's involvement in the Worli accident seems straight out of a day in the actor's tumultuous life.

Recently B-Town was in tizzy when a city tabloid reported that the car in which the actor was travelling collided with a motorcycle injuring a cop.

Even though Salman denied the incident outright much ink and airtime was spent on the issue. "I was driving back from town after pack up when I saw a huge crowd gathered at Worli junction. I asked around and found out that there had been an accident. I got out to see if anybody needed help. That was all," he says.

The latest incident notwithstanding, the actor is committed to philanthropy. Currently, he is in the process of setting up the website for his charitable trust, Being Human Foundation. The idea is to make money for charity from the website. "We'll be selling a lot of stuff like bracelets signed by me, my painting, sketches, the clothes that I've worn in my films. We'll put it all for sale and the proceeds will go for charity," he says.

Over the years, Salman has built a Good Samaritan reputation. He's worked extensively for cancer and AIDS patients. The actor admits that charity is a huge part of his life. "I'll do films idhar udhar but charity will be my priority. I've got so much and I want to give back something," he says.

The actor jokes that when he started out his career as a professional actor, his only ambition was to "have Rs 10 lakhs in my bank account." Now he wants to build a smooth running NGO that will take care of people who can't afford medical care. "It's not easy for a single person to do all this because the financial implications are huge so we will need the support of all my fans," he states.

And to make that happen the actor has lined up a host of activities. First up, is an annual award function to felicitate all those who will contribute to the Being Human Foundation. Salman's foundation is soon kick starting a program called 1 One wherein every day Re 1 will be deducted from a person's salary to get Rs 365 a year from one person.

"In this way we'll build a bank of people and use the collected funds to cure cancer patients. Here too the guarantee is that if a person who has donated money needs medical help and is unable to help himself then we'll give him the money from the 1 One funds," he elaborates.

The actor's big dream is to open hospitals, pharmacy companies and health care units. But Salman is very clear that he wants to do everything with complete transparency. "I've been conned a lot in the past and I don't want to be conned again," he rues. So if anybody comes to his foundation for medical or financial assistance then they have to be prepared for a thorough background search. The person's address will be verified and the doctors who serve in the Being Human Foundation will check the status of the illness.

In trademark Salman style he has the last word, "Before you ask me, I'm not doing all this to get into politics. I'm doing this because this is what I do."

Harneet Singh, Screen Weekly

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Meet John and Bipasha in London

Guess who's coming to London? The handsome hunk with none other than the Bengali beauty, and there are no prizes for guessing, since you must have already figured out who they are. Yes! It's indeed John Abraham and Bipasha Basu.

The awesome twosomes are flying all the way from Mumbai to London to promote their forthcoming film Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal, which was shot in the U.K. So, if you want to get up, close and personal with John and Bipasha make sure you reach the Cineworld Feltham on Monday, November 19 from 1500 hrs U.K. time onwards. And on Tuesday November 20 at Cineworld Ilford from 1600 hrs U.K. time onwards where both John and Bipasha will be giving away signed merchandise like football, Audio CD's etc. to the lucky ones and also interact with all their fans. The two days will be quite a task for both the actors, as they will also be doing some print, radio, and TV interviews by visiting the B.B.C Television centre in London. Now that is what I call teamwork!

This could be your last chance to meet and greet John Abraham and Bipasha Basu in London this year. Now what are you waiting for? Grab your pen, circle the dates on your calendar, and make sure your watch is set properly coz they will surely be there on time!

Devansh Patel, IndiaFM

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Jodhaa Akbar party

Abhishek Bachchan made a special appearance, not on the sets of Joddha- Akbar, but for the wrap up party hosted by producer and director Ashutosh Gowarikar on November 12 at V Lounge, Juhu, Mumbai.

To celebrate the completion of the never-ending (shooting) of the film, Gowarikar has hosted a grand party for the cast and crew of the movie. No media was allowed.

The party started at around 10.30 pm and went on till the wee hours of the morning. Gowarikar was there with his wife welcoming the guests. Hrithik Roshan came at around 10.45pm. Then around 11.30pm Joddha, Aishwarya (minus hubby Abhishek) turned up. After 10 minutes Abhishek paid a surprise visit. He was seen talking with everyone, also with Hrithik. For all present, it seemed Jr Bachchan has patched up with Hritik after the kissing episode in Dhoom 2. Some of people who were seen at the party were cameraman Kiran Dev Hans, art director Nitin Desai, Nikitin Dheer, associate director Karan Malhotra, Ronnie Screwwala and Ram Mirchandani of UTV.

Johnny Vaz | Buzz18

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Salman out, Abhishek - Aishwarya in

If you thought Saawariya was Sanjay Leela Bhansali's most ambitious project so far, chances are that you haven't heard anything about Bajirao Mastani. Now, I wouldn't be surprised if you asked, 'Bajirao, who?' because this project has been in the making for over half a decade. And if I am given to believe, the director has managed to rope in Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai for the lead roles.

This historical based on the relationship between the Maratha ruler Bajirao and his courtesan Mastani, has seen a lot of changes since it's first draft, years ago. It was during the peak of his career that Salman was offered this role opposite his then ladylove – Aishwarya Rai. When they split, it is said that Bhansali chose to stick to his leading man and replaced Ash with Kareena.

Now of course, the tables have turned and Ash, who is clearly in a far better bargaining position, has found herself back in the seat... and with the man of her choice.

And here's a bit for you trivia collectors: Mastani also happens to be the name of a delicacy in the courtesan's town – Pune. Needless to say, she must've been quite a dish to have one named after her. What say?

Buzz18

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"SRK has no rights to destroy 150 people" - Bhansali

Sanjay Leela Bhansali has come out fighting in defense of his movie Saawariya, and at the top of his target list is… Shah Rukh Khan.

As Om Shanti Om runs away with the top accolades for the Diwali battle, director Sanjay Leela Bhansali has gone on record to ask the Bollywood King Shah Rukh Khan some very awkward questions. “Shah Rukh Khan is the king of Bollywood. He can say whatever he likes. But why is he going around saying, ‘I will destroy them?' Where is the dignity of the reigning superstar? Why compare yourself to a film with two newcomers? Who are you to destroy them? Have you created them? Do we eat off your plate? Have we made the film with your money? What gives you the right to say you will destroy 150 people who have invested so much in the film? Let people judge. It's a film with good values, and principles, people should appreciate that,” said an angry Bhansali last night.

He then went on to express his disappointment further, “You feel disappointed. We decided that we'll maintain a certain dignity and not pull each other's films down. But then he started making comments like he will destroy us.”

When asked about the success of Om Shanti Om, Bhansali responded, “I feel that acting is not about six-packs but I've never said it until now. Why ‘destroy' us? It's time for new cinema, cricketers, politicians. Let the newcomers like Ranbir come in. Shah Rukh Khan will remain a king. Just because People love (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni, it doesn't mean they will forget Sachin (Tendulkar).”

Maybe positioning Saawariya against Om Shanti Om was not a good strategy, “I've got a big opening. No other filmmaker would've got that against a Shah Rukh Khan film, and it's a big deal. We got the biggest opening for an Indian film with newcomers in the lead. Anyway, why compare two completely different films? My films are about art, and OSO is about commerce. People are walking out of OSO too, so why are we only talking about people not liking Saawariya? There is an agenda to this,” responded Bhansali positively.

When asked about why critics such as Komal Nahta and Taran Adarsh blasted the movie, Bhansali responded, ““Only a handful of critics are trying to influence the audience against the film…Komal and Taran belong to the cinema of the eighties, they are antiquated and I never expected them to understand ‘Saawariya'. Great cinema should be kept away from such reviewers.”

Rajiv Dutta, Indiatarget

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Salman Khan grilled at the police station!

Today Mumbai Police called up Salman Khan asking him to report at the police station. The Bollywood actor hesitated in the beginning trying to avoid the meeting vying reasons related to his shooting.

When the law keepers refused to heed to his appeals, Salman wrapped up his shoot and arrived at the police station at 2130 hrs.

The police grilled Salman for 90 minutes and then actor left the place at 2300 hrs. The media personnels were left dry as Salman refused to comment about anything. Later, the senior police official gave a statement saying that Salman was cleared in the case and they found his presence innocence in the car accident case.

Rajiv, Dutta, Indiatarget

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Mallika's theatrical workshop

Writer turned filmmaker Sanjay Chhel's directorial venture a comic caper Maan Gaye Mughal-e-Azam is ready for the roll. The film has Rahul Bose and Mallika Sherawat in the lead. Mallika plays a character from a theatre group in the movie and Sanjay being a perfectionist and hailing from a theater background is making Mallika get into the nuances of theater artistes, to incorporate it in her character. And that's why he recently took Mallika to the ongoing Prithvi theatre festival to have a first hand feel of the theater environment. Says Sanjay, "The story revolves around a theatre group which performs a play titled Mughal-e-Azam which has nothing to do with the epic. The film is a complete comic-thriller. Paresh and Mallika both work in the theatre group and act in the play, whereas Rahul Bose is a CBI officer and K.K. Menon plays the role of a Ghazal singer in the film. And since all the other actors have a theater background, I felt it will add on to Mallika's performance if she picks up few theatrical tricks."

The film, Maan Gaye Mughal-e-Azam will hit the screens by April next year. The movie is being shot in an extensive 40-day schedule in the locales of Mumbai and Pondicherry. Sanjay who is known in the industry as the king of one-liners and with his recent success with of Partner as a lyricist cum dialogue writer is upbeat about his latest film.

"I have already shot 30% of the movie in Mumbai and we will be leaving for Pondicherry shortly for the next schedule. This is the first time any movie is based on a theatre plot. The movie will have a theatre story within the main line story. Finally the audience will get to see something other than the normal love stories or action movies or usual comedies," he informs.

While Mallika is happy that the film reunites her with her hit Pyaar Ka Side Effect co-star Rahul Bose. "We are a good pair on the screen and I'm happy to be working with Rahul again," she says.

Gautam Buragohain, Indiatimes Movies

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Saif’s son is quite a nawab!

Saif Ali Khan is not known as chote nawab for nothing. Often known for his starry tantrums and nawabi attitude (which even turned off Dhoni and his ‘Men in blue’ recently during an ad shoot), Saif has no qualms in flaunting his blue blood and super-star status time and again.

Sticking to his image, Saif just recently rejected a movie offer for his eight year old son Ibrahim only because it was an animation film! Ibrahim was supposed to play his age in the film which was targeted for the kids, but Saif turned down the offer on the grounds of the ‘low exposure’ his son would get!

Rajiv Ruia, director of My Friend Ganesha , known for making animation films said, “I had approached Saif, as I wanted Ibrahim to play a part in one of my forthcoming animation films. However, Saif rejected my offer saying he would like his son to debut in a commercial big banner film, since that would give him a better exposure!”

The filmmaker also spoke about Jackie Shroff and his wish to see his son debut in a commercial film instead of a children’s animation film.

“I had also approached Tiger, teenage son of Jackie Shroff for one of my films. But his was the same reaction! He also denied my request saying, he would like his son to enter films when he is 22 and that too as a lead actor instead of a child actor.”

Apparently the audiences will soon see Saif’s son Ibrahim in Yash Raj’s next Tashan , where he will be playing himself. Our sources confirmed the news saying, “Ibrahim plays the role of Saif’s son in Tashan . He has already shot for his scenes. Both Saif and mother Amrita Singh were present on the sets and the son displayed a natural flair for acting like his parents! Ibrahim who strongly resembles his dad is comfortable in front of the camera. Amrita Singh stood by him throughout the entire shoot and applauded him for his performance while Saif joked that his kiddo has the charisma to steal the limelight from him!”

If sources are to be believed, Jackie’s son Tiger has also been signed by showman Subhash Ghai for one of his forthcoming films!

Talk about big banners and thus bigger publicity! And we thought only Sonam and Ranbir were the youngest of the star kids to make a dazzling debut! We wonder which big banner has signed Madhuri’s, Akshay Kumar’s and Ajay Devgan’s kids!

Renuka Vyavahare, Indiatimes Movies

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Ranbir replaces SRK!

Although his debut hasn’t exactly set the cash registers ringing, Ranbir Kapoor seems to have caught many directors’ attention.

The latest is that Ranbir has been finalised to replace Shah Rukh Khan in Raju Hirani’s next. This will be Ranbir’s third film after his dream debut with Bhansali and Yashraj’s next. The film is based on Chetan Bhagat’s novel, Five-Point Someone. Shah Rukh opted out of the film when differences cropped up between him and producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Raju Hirani, we hear, is much relieved after Ranbir gave him the nod. Our source says, "Raju Hirani was in a fix as his Munnabhai 3 is stuck due to Sanjay Dutt’s legal problems and Shah Rukh Khan opted out of his other film."

Hirani held detailed narration sessions with Hrithik Roshan and Abhishek Bachchan, too. Our source reveals, "Both of them were keen to do the film. However, Abhishek’s dates were already booked for Dilli 6, and Hrithik was busy with the pre-production of his films with Anurag Basu and Krrish 2 respectively. The moment Hirani saw the promos of Ranbir’s debut, he made up his mind to approach him."

Hirani even called up Sanjay Leela Bhansali to inquire about Ranbir. "After having had a word with Bhansali, Hirani approached Ranbir. Now everything has been finalised," our source says.

Eager to keep the matter hush-hush, Ranbir’s father Rishi Kapoor denied the news. A close friend of Ranbir
confirmed the story. Raju Hirani remained unavailable for comment.

TNN

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"Dard e Disco"reach the top of the charts across

Filmmaker Farah Khan, who is riding high on the success of Om Shanti Om, credits Shah Rukh Khan’s shirtless song-and-dance sequence as one of the main reasons for the film’s good opening.

The bare-chested act by the 42-year-old actor who underwent rigorous training sessions to develop a six-pack, has helped the song Dard-E-Disco reach the top of the charts across television channels and FM radio stations.

farah made many girls and women happy by showing Shah Rukh in a very different way, she said.

According to farah Sharukh has a huge audience base. she sure is loving the way he has pulled it off. Shahrukh had to train a lot for the scene and he is looking very good,
Om Shanti Om, a film on reincarnation, had a tough battle to overcome for box-office supremacy as it was sharing its opening date with Saawariya by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

But three-days since its release, analysts say, Om Shanti Om has edged past Saawariya.

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Bipasha in Rajkumar Santoshi's Ashoka

Actress Bipasha Basu has been signed by Rajkumar Santoshi for his forthcoming film, Ashoka. Bipasha will be seen in the role of Kaurwaki earlier played by Kareena Kapoor in Santosh Sivan's Asoka.

Confirming the news director Rajkumar Santoshi says, "We will begin shooting Ashoka at the end of February. It's an historical film. Bipasha is paired with Ajay who plays the title role."

After films like Apaharan, Shikhar and Omkara, Ashoka is going to be Ajay Devgan and Bipasha's fourth film together. About having chosen Ajay to play Ashoka, Santoshi explains, "He is a dark skin person. He has sharp, expressive eyes and can play any character very comfortably. He appears to be very natural in all characters he has played so far."

Rajkumar describes Ashoka as a historical film and also informs that it won't be a modern day interpretation of the epic.

But when Santosh Sivan's film Asoka bombed on Box office, what inspired him to make a film on the same subject again? "That shows my confidence in the subject. In spite of one Asoka having come and gone, I am still coming up with another one. I may have something different to be confident about. Despite knowing the Asoka was made earlier I thought of making it again. Sivan's story ends at Kalinga, but my story starts at Kalinga."

Reshma Kelkar, Indiatimes Movies

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Amrita attends Farah's special screening

Farah Khan wanted Amrita Rao to be part of her latest venture and make an appearance in the song that features 31 actors.

But, Amrita was caught up with shooting and couldn’t quite adjust her dates, so she had to give her cameo a miss. However, what she wasn’t going to miss was the special screening of the film.

Farah invited her for it, and as luck would have it, the actress was shooting for Anil Kapoor’s Short Cut, but fortunately, within the city.

So, Amrita quickly dropped in during the interval, said a quick hi to everybody, and quickly dropped out as well.

That’s because she had shooting the next day. And SRK or not, she too has to be professional, na?

TimesOfIndia

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Emma thompson and Laxmi Mittal will walk the red carpet in London for 'Om Shanti Om' premiere

Leisceter Square in London will be glittering with glitterati on Thursday night at the premiere of ‘Om Shanti Om’. After all it doesn’t happen often that you get to see Hollywood actresses like Emma Thompson and steel tycoon Laxmi Mittal at the premiere of a Bollywood movie. Well, it appears that they just couldn’t ignore a personal invitation from SRK.

“There will be some very special people at the premiere on Friday, including Emma Thompson and Laxmi Mittal. They are dear friends and I am so glad that I will get a chance to catch up with them,” Shah Rukh said just minutes before leaving for London.

“Basically, the idea of having a premiere in London is to attract the global audience, not just the Indian diaspora. Also our distributors, Eros International are based out of London. And you know what, I really want to get away from it all and just enjoy the film,” Shah Rukh added.

SRK has fond memories of Leicester Square. After all, he had held the premiere of his home production ‘Asoka’ also at the same theatre (Empire theatre) in 2002, again at the time of Diwali.

“‘Chak De’ also premiered in London. In a sense, having a premiere here in London has always been special to me.” In spite of the fact that arch rival ‘Saawariya’ having its premiere in Mumbai last night, the OSO team is unperturbed, and will go all out to celebrate the event.

The red carpet event before the screening is also going to be a grand photo opportunity with the entire star cast of the film, including Deepika Padukone, her parents Prakash and Ujjwala, Arjun Rampal, and of course Shah Rukh Khan walking the red carpet along the ‘special’ guests.

DNAindia.com

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“Saawariya is a good film not coz of Sonam!”

Saawariya is all set to release and much pen and paper has been consumed in writing about Raj Kapoor’s khandaan and how his great grand son Ranbir has carried forward his family’s filmy legacy.

However this film is also special for the other Kapoors! Sonam Kapoor, daughter of actor Anil Kapoor debuts in this Bhansali’s magnum opus and the entire family is anxiously awaiting her film’s release.

We caught up with Arjun Kapoor, son of Sonam’s film producer uncle Boney Kapoor to know what has been happening in the Kapoor household as the release date of Saawariya nears...

“Our family is excited and looking forward to seeing the film at its premiere. One more member of our family is entering films and it’s a great feeling”, says the budding filmmaker.

So how does Arjun feel about his younger sister’s potential as an actor? “I feel Saawariya will do well not just because Sonam is in it but because the film itself is good. I am sure Sonam has done a fantastic job. We’ve grown up together and both of us have been assisting renowned directors since we were in our early teens! She has worked hard for this film and I am sure her efforts won’t go unnoticed.”

So has Arjun seen the film, we wonder. “No, I haven’t seen the film but will see it with family soon at the premiere. I have seen few portions though.”

Also will he cast Sonam in his first film as a director? “Let’s see. I am just scripting for my film, which I intend to direct as well. I haven’t thought about casting as yet. Salman Khan is a close friend and Sonam is family but that doesn’t mean I have already signed them, as many seem to believe. Let’s see how the script shapes up. The film is an action thriller which will be produced by my dad Boney Kapoor.”

Won’t he too like to act like Sonam? “No I’ve always wanted to be a director. Since the age of 16 I have been assisting. I have assisted Nikhil Advani for Kal Ho Naa Ho and Salaam-E-Ishq . I have also assisted for No Entry ”, he concludes.

Renuka Vyavahare, Indiatimes Movies

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Farah and Sanjay battle it out

Farah Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali had indulged in a war of words some time ago


And the war between Om Shanti Om and Saawariya took a completely different meaning from then on.

But both the filmmakers are hell bent on promoting their movies now, and are not necessarily interested in talking about the other. At the very mention of Farah, Bhansali simply joins his hands and takes his leave, and when we quiz Farah about Bhansali, she’s quick to say that it’s only Om Shanti Om that she’s promoting and nothing else. So is the war going on quietly ‘behind the scenes’?

TNN

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SRK & Bachchan trio steal the show

There was a lot to watch out for on Sunday night at the annual pre-Diwali function that was held for Mumbai’s police force at the Andheri Sports Complex.

A lot of Bollywood stars graced the occasion, but the ones who stole the limelight were the Bachchans. Amitabh and Abhishek walked in with the pretty Bachchan bahu, Aishwarya. According to sources, while the Bachchans were enjoying the performances, King Khan walked in.

At that point, the trio had got up to leave and were on their way out, but they were blocked by Shah Rukh Khan.

The Bollywood Badshah greeted Big B and Abhishek with a warm hug and cordial handshake. After the formal greetings, SRK proceeded backstage for his performance with Deepika Padukone and Shreyas Talpade.

Unfortunately, the Bachchan trio could not stay to watch his performance. The policemen and their families were fully entertained, though. That little scene between the Bachchans and the Khan, was paisa vasool and more. It brought the sparkle to their Diwali.

Nicloe Dastur, TNN

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Priyanka Chopra : I feel like I've achieved Nirvana

Move over men. A woman seems to be taking your place. Having endorsed a men's wear brand recently, this Joan d'Arc will also play Abhishek Bachchan's bodyguard in Drona . Suddenly we see Priyanka Chopra, a once-upon-a-time petite damsel imbibe the male spirit. "That's a woman's spirit, and not many are aware about what it can do," she laughs as she tells us more about her feminine side. "I love wearing dresses, I have a fetish for shoes; I take time to get dressed..."

Having torn a muscle while performing a deadly stunt for Drona , Priyanka has recovered well and lives on happily to boast of her histrionics. "Action sequences are fun. Every time I perform stunts, I feel like I've achieved nirvana. It's overwhelming. And even after the shot, I continue to believe that I am this superwoman, till I realise soon enough that it's just the magic of cinema."

Never mind the 'chops' she gives the hoodlums on celluloid, just what does she think of her new name 'Piggy Chops' courtesy co-actor Abhishek Bachchan. "Oh, the world seems to have caught on to that one. But I don't mind it one bit because it's kind of cute," she quips. Any 'cute names' she calls AB's Baby? "None, whatsoever! I'm a very boring person, and don't go about christening people."

Urvashi Ashar, Indiatimes Movies

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After Ritesh Deshmukh, another politician's son enters filmdom

Ritesh Deshmukh is an inspiration for all politicians' sons who want to make it big in the film world. Son of minister Ram Vilas Paswan, Chirag is all set to enter the world of glitterati. This new entrant in Bollywood is confident, that though he has an influential dad to support him, he is adamant to make it big with his own talent.

This 25-year old boy has always been attracted to our cine- duniya , and his first movie will be produced by television actor Anuj Saxena. Confident about his acting debut Chirag says, "Acting was my dream since I was a kid. I always wanted to be an actor. Today I feel very lucky and proud to be a part of the industry now."

Speaking about his debut film, Chirag says, "The script is still being readied, once they are done with that, they will decide who the director will be. We are planning to release it in 2009."

A computer engineer, Chirag doesn't have any acting experience. Neither has he undergone rigorous training. "But I'll be enrolling myself in an acting class soon, as I think I need to polish myself a bit. Otherwise acting is an inborn talent, and I think I have it in me."

So was his entry into Bollywood all thanks to his powerful politician father? "I'll not shy away and say that it doesn't help to be the son of a known man. In fact it helps a lot. Yes, the entry has been easy because I am someone's son, but sustaining is going to be the hard part. Everything depends on your potential and caliber."

But wouldn't a politician's son want to sit on the politician's chair some day instead of sizzling on screen? What kept him away from politics? Chirag replies. "I've never said no to politics. In future, I will get into politics too. There are very few lucky people who can work for their country. I would like to contribute my efforts towards my country, too and that I will someday."

Reshma Kelkar, Indiatimes Movies

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What’s Shilpa’s mobile number ?

No, we aren’t referring to mobbing or any particular incident wherein a die-hard fan behaved indecently with the actress, but the fact that Shilpa’s personal cell phone number is now public knowledge.

Ever since the actress catapulted to overnight international stardom by winning the Celebrity Big Brother show in the UK earlier this year, Shilpa’s private cell phone number has remained a closely guarded secret. It remained in the safe hands of a total of six to eight of her confidantes, but now her number has been leaked on the internet. And the actress is having a tough time dealing with nonstop phone calls and messages from random fans from all parts of the world.

Over the phone from London, an extremely infuriated Shilpa says, “My phone hasn’t stopped buzzing since the last two days. I’ve received hundreds of calls and messages from all kinds of people, from all parts of the world! Some want to date me, some want to just listen to my voice, some want to inquire if my musical is doing well or not, and some are just calling to check if they are speaking to the real Shilpa Shetty or not! I am absolutely sick and fed up of such a drastic invasion of my privacy,” lashes out an upset Shilpa.

But who let her number out? A reliable source close to Shilpa says, “No one knows for sure but Shilpa’s cell phone is being circulated all over the internet through emails. It all began when a crazy fan, Jeetu Sethi, leaked her number on the internet via a mass email that he circulated to his friends. The email has Shilpa’s number pasted on a picture of hers and is being forwarded in India and abroad.”

Meanwhile, Shilpa’s spokesperson says, “We have no clue how this fan got hold of her number, but such mischief is damaging and Shilpa is not the kind of person to take it lying down. We will be taking up the matter with the concerned authorities dealing with such white-collar offences”.

Anant Narayanan, TNN

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Bipasha invites Ronaldo for Goal screening

News about Bipasha Basu’s desire of wanting Manchester United footballer Christiano Ronaldo to promote her forthcoming film Goal is history. Whether he will promote Goal or not is up to him and Miss Basu, however there is more to the story.

When we spoke to the Goal director Vivek Agnihotri, he revealed, “ Goal is the first ever Bollywood film to be shot at the Manchester United football stadium and we are extremely thrilled about it. ‘Man U’ being the Mecca of football, we’ve arranged for a special screening of the film there, where we will be inviting the Indian Soccer team along with few Manchester United players to come see the film. It won’t be a premiere, just a special screening.”

So will Bipasha’s special friend ‘Cristiano Ronaldo’ be attending the screening we probe? “We will definitely invite him but Bipasha will know better whether he will attend the event or not as she is friends with him. Also whether he will promote our film or not is up to UTV as they have cracked these business deals”, clears the director.

We will have to wait and watch whether Ronaldo obliges to good friend Bipasha’s request and promote the film...

Renuka Vyavahare, Indiatimes Movies

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Preity Zinta comes 'clean'

Actress Preity Zinta deserves a pat on her back. She is one actress who says it as it is and goes out of her way to make a difference. Of late, the lady has been carrying a jute bag that reads ‘Say No to Plastic’ very often, and whenever she is asked to pose for a picture, she ensures that the message on the bag is seen.

Preity had even earlier taken the initiative to install dustbins in parts of Mumbai and had even started a cleanliness drive, too. Well, we do appreciate these ‘clean’ and environment friendly initiatives.

TNN

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Priyanka into martial arts

Priyanka is thrilled to play Abhishek’s bodyguard in ‘Drona’.

She’s just back from Namibia after wrapping up a schedule for Drona and Priyanka Chopra is already set to go back to South Africa. “We have another month-long schedule and it’ll be action-packed and good fun. Especially since my co-star Abhishek is such a prankster,” she says.

Drona, a film that involves a lot of martial arts, will see Priyanka engage in some hard-core stunts. But it isn’t the first time she’s indulged in action since she’s previously done some heavy-duty scenes in Don. “But in Drona, I play Abhishek’s bodyguard and had to train in the Sikh martial art form using kirpans and chakkars. It was a bit difficult and required a lot of flexibility but the experience was great,” says the actress.
So what’s her opinion on the portrayal of supergals in Indian films — there are quite a few who’re signing action films right now. “The script really matters for one to be called a supergirl in Indian films; as an actor you can play a superman too. But is the script really defining it or is it just your image of being a superhero that’s taking it forward? It really depends,” she explains.

And since most flicks these days are multi-starrers, is she okay acting in them or does she prefer solo flicks? “Depends on the script entirely. The look, the feel and the way the movie is presented is very important. I don’t mind multi-starrers,” she says.

The 24-year-old is also doing a lot of brand endorsements now. What took her so long to do them? “I didn’t want to do ads before. This is my fourth year in this industry and four years seems like a long time because I have done so many films in this time. I didn’t want to do ads before because I wanted to establish myself in a certain position so I could do the kind of ads that I wanted. I didn’t want to just endorse just any product,” says Priyanka. She adds, “I’m very particular about everything I do, whether it’s the brands that I pick, the films I do or the company I keep.”
And what about her upcoming film Love Story 2050 with Harman Baweja? How was it working with him? “It’s releasing in April 2008. It was great fun working with Harman; he has great energy in him,” she says.

TNN

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Aamir and Faisal Khan together ?

amir Khan’s estranged brother Faisal Khan is slowly picking up the thread of his life and the first thing on his agenda is to direct a film based on his life and the film will star his brother Hyder Ali Khan. Will he approach his elder brother Aamir Khan? “

I will always be there for him and he is most welcome to join us,” Faisal was heard saying. Now the big question, will bade bhai be part of this project? Our guess is as good as yours.

TNN

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Vivek Oberoi in Istanbul

Meanwhile far away from all filmli jhamelas of break ups and hook ups of tinsel town, Vivek Oberoi is leading a quite life in faraway Istanbul, Turkey.

No he isn’t on vacation, but shooting for Apoorva Lakhia’s Mission Istanbul, where we heard he’s playing a Turkish commando.

It’s been months since Vivek is shooting for the film,” says one of his friends. Anyway for Vivek staying away from tinsel town means staying out of controversies as well, what say!

TNN

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Konkona to host 'My Brilliant Brain'

After doing some extensive work in Laaga Chunari Mein Daag and Aaja Nachle , actor Konkona Sen Sharma will be seen hosting a television show.

She will be hosting National Geographic channel’s show My Brilliant Brain . Our source says, “National Geographic channel has approached Konkona to host a show for their new programme called My Brilliant Brain .”

The source explains that the show My Brilliant Brain is a programme that will profile individuals with extraordinary talent. Konkona was unavailable for comment but a source close to the actor says, “Konkona has been forbidden to talk about it.”

TNN

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Happy Birthday SRK!

King Khan Celebrating His 42nd Birthday on 2nd Nov. 2007.

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Some untold facts about SRK

On King Khan's 42nd birthday, we share with you some lesser known facts about the Badshah.

He was born, 42 years ago, at Talwar Nursing Home, New Delhi.

His parents met under strange circumstances. His mother had had an accident, and needed blood. The donor was his father. They fell in love while he was helping her recuperate.

SRK and his father, Mir Taj Mohammad, shared a great relationship. They called each other 'yaar'. His parents were never restrictive, and he had a lot of liberties as a child.

Father and son used to sit and discuss life and philosophy for hours.

Mir Taj Mohammad could never make money at somebody else's expense. He tried his hand at various businesses, like the chola-bhatura stall, where he distributed all his profit amongst the workers. He had a transport business, but his partners cheated him. SRK has inherited that integrity, although he is a smarter businessman than his father.

Shah Rukh Khan dislikes dabbling in shares, speculation, lotteries and gambling. He counts it a blessing that he does not have to feel the lack of money. He ran a restaurant for a short while in Delhi.

The superstar believes in being greedy for knowledge and love. His philosophy is – "Even if you are not hungry, be greedy. Greed is the core of mankind's existence. He always hungers for more than he has or does.

He loved sports when he was a child, and still does. He was the captain of football and hockey teams, and played cricket at zonal and national levels.

He believes that sports should be an integral part of childhood, because that is where you learn how to lose gracefully, and how to win. He accompanies his children to major sports events, like the T-20 tournament. Incidentally, he is considered a lucky mascot for the Indian Cricket Team.

Young Shah Rukh was awarded the 'Sword of Honour' in school, for being the most outstanding student.

His teachers always said that he was an angel with a devil's smile.

His least favourite subject was Hindi. His mother struck a deal with him – if he scored the highest in Hindi, she would take him for a Hindi movie. SRK did, and his mother took him for Dev Anand's 'Joshila'.

The loss of both his parents comprised the most painful moments in his life. His father passed away when SRK was 15, and his mother died in his arms when he was 25. Inconsolable though he was, he believes that nothing is permanent, everything is transient.

He was one of the first actors to endorse in consumer goods, thereby bringing in respectability to the world of celebrity advertisements, and opening the doors for other stars. He has endorsed in products like Pepsi, Hyundai Santro, Smoodles, Mayur Suitings, Cinthol, Bagpiper, Clinic All-Clear, Omega, Sunfeast, Dish TV, and so on.

In fact, he is mostly unapologetic about his endorsements or his social function performances, where he makes an appearance for money. He says, "In the world of entertainment, not getting the recognition you deserve is worse that dying of over-exposure. It is better to burn out than to rust out."

The basic principle behind the working of Dreamz Unlimited, which he started with Aziz Mirza and Juhi Chawla, was that everybody was well-fed, received their money, and were self-reliant. Arclightz is his equipment unit, which was set up as a part of his vision as a businessman.

Shah Rukh may be a superstar, but he has also worked as a stunt director for films like 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hain', 'Main Hoon Na', 'Kabhie Alvida Na Kehna', and 'Chak De India'.

His favourite role was the one in 'Kabhi Haan Kabhi Na', and his all-time favourite Hindi movies include 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron', 'Masoom', 'Sholay', and 'Dil Hain Ki Manta Nahin'.

He identifies very strongly with Genghis Khan, Hitler and Napoleon Bonaparte.

His favourite phrase is 'Let's do it'.

French perfumers Jeannes Arthes launched a range of perfumes in his name – it is called 'SK'.

With his unconventional looks, cynical mannerisms, and wicked sense of humour, Shah Rukh Khan has proved that it takes tenacity and perseverance to get anywhere. We wish him a great year ahead!

SantaBanta

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John acts pricey!

ohn Abraham is on a roll these days.

And talks have it that Abe has become too pricey, too — literally speaking, of course.

Trade circles are buzzing with the news that John has apparently upped his price and demanding exorbitant sums of money. But then that’s what demand and supply is all about, na? And the guy hasn’t been burnt by the disastrous No Smoking , either.

This is what we call a ‘sizzler’!

TNN

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Om Shanti Om - House Full even before Advance Bookings

Farah Khan's Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Arjun Rampal, Shreyas Talpade starrer OM SHANTI OM seems all set to be a 'BLOCK'buster. One of this year's two Diwali releases OM SHANTI OM is releasing coming Friday the 9th of November.

The movie is just two days away from the opening of advance bookings across the cinemas of India but the hype of the movie can be predicted with 18000 tickets, which is equivalent to about 40 shows HOUSE FULL has been confirmed by corporate block bookings at Satyam Cineplexes, New Delhi, informed a reliable source.

Way to go!

Bollywood Trade News Network

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Single costume for Rani in Kunal Kohli's next ?

While most know about it, for those who do not, the 'Rani' of Bollywood is playing a fairy ('apsara/pari') in Kunal Kohli's next. An interesting aspect of the film is that Rani is expected to be seen in just one costume (complete with a magic wand!) throughout the film, as per the requirement of her character.

Ms. Mukerji has been busy shooting for the venture for a while now, sans her hero, Saif Ali Khan. Her co-star (in the film) has off late been busy with the shooting of Yash Raj's TASHAN and other happenings in his personal life! However, the 'Chote Nawab' is expected to join the shoot anytime.

As per the tentative schedule, the shooting of the latest venture from the director of films like MUJHSE DOSTI KAROGE (2002), HUM TUM (2004) and FANAA (2006), is expected to be complete by the year end.

Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

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Official statement from Aamir Khan's family

Here’s the official statement issued by Aamir Khan’s family members on Friday evening:

“As a family, we have always believed in maintaining our silence and dignity, choosing not to react to the many absurd allegations that are frequently hurled at our loved one, Aamir. But this time we feel the need to express our utter shock, disgust and contempt at the public statements of Tahir Husain and Faisal Khan.

“It is deeply distressing and saddening to see the depths to which Aamir's father and brother have sunk, with the express intention of causing Aamir hurt. Their offensive allegations, malicious lies and pathetic behaviour are truly shameful. Their behaviour is all the more appalling given that Aamir has supported both his father and brother in every way possible for the last fifteen years, and has on numerous occasions bailed them out of their various crises. Unfortunately Aamir's goodness has only earned him their envy and hatred.

“Aamir has been the pillar of strength of our family, supporting and protecting us, and always doing the best by us. He is a person of extraordinary gifts, of the highest moral integrity and honesty, and someone who has always put his family before himself. He has our deepest respect and all our love, and we support him and stand by him in whatever he does. We are proud of him for his courage and his dignity, which he continues to maintain despite all of this.

“We strongly condemn the comments and allegations made by Tahir Hussain and Faisal Khan against Aamir and our family. Faisal is unwell and is in need of urgent medical attention. Aamir's attempt to take custody of Faisal was so that he could help him and take care of him. However, seeing that all Aamir's efforts have been met with such hostility, we think it's all for the best that Tahir Husain has been given custody of Faisal Khan. He should now take complete responsibility for Faisal's care and actions.”

Zeenat T. Husain / Reena Datta / Nikhat Khan Hegde / Santosh Hegde / Shravan Hegde
Farhat Khan Datta / Rajeev Datta / Mansoor Khan / Lisa Fonseca / Nuzhat Khan
Imran Khan / Imtiaz Ahmed / Ashok Thakur / Seema Ahmed / Afzal Ahmed
Tabassum Ahmed / Sabina Ahmed / Zubair Hamid / Sania Hamid / C.N.S. Rao
Uma S. Rao / Kiran Rao

By: Taran Adarsh

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Faisal Khan's custody given to Father Tahir Hussain

The on-going battle between Aamir and Faisal Khan reached its crescendo yesterday. After hearing Aamir Khan’s application and his Brother Faisal’s statement, the court handed over the temporary custody of Faisal to their father, Tahir Hussain for one month, thus, rejecting Aamir’s custody application.

Faisal said that he is only scared of Allah, as the court told him to appear before the Khar police station every alternate day and undergo treatment as directed by J. J. Hospital, where he was under observation. Aamir Khan in a press release said, “For the last two and a half years, I have looked after the treatment of my brother Faisal Khan, to the best of my ability and on the advice of respected doctors whom I trust implicitly. I have always wanted the best for my brother and care for him deeply. The Head of Department of Psychiatry, J. J. Hospital, has concluded that Faisal is ill and needs to be in the custodial care of a responsible family member. I expressed to the Bandra Court that I would like to take on that responsibility along with the support of my mother and sisters. The Hon'ble Court has granted custody to my father, and I respect the order of the hon'ble court. I hope that my father will take care of Faisal and fulfill the responsibility that the Hon'ble Court has entrusted him with. I wish Faisal all the best for the future, and I want him to know that I am always there for him.”

Amidst all this, Faisal kept on claiming that he was mentally stable and that he could take care of himself. And that he will do farming to survive and if need be, then he will call only his father for help.

IndiaFM

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Aishwarya brings in her birthday at the Taj Mahal

It can't be anything but destiny. Aishwarya Rai who will be playing Mumtaz Mahal in Ben Kingsley's film on the Taj Mahal, brought in her 34th birthday in Agra with her real-life Shah Jehan.

"You make it sound so dramatic and romantic," speaking on the eve of her birthday Aishwarya’s girlish laughter remains the same. "It's nothing like that. I'm bringing it in with Abhishek, Ma and Pa. Abhishek was shooting an ad in Agra on Wednesday. So I joined him with Ma (mom-in-law Jaya Bachchan). And now Pa (father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan) has also joined us. So you could say it's a perfect birthday by the Taj Mahal, though not quite AT the Taj Mahal—have you seen the crowds over there?—we can't risk going to the Taj Mahal, but a stone's throw away. Tomorrow (November 1) I'll be heading back home. It's a pity my parents couldn't join us here in Agra."

On Nov 1, her birthday Aishwarya was on top of the world. "My birthday in Agra was just tooooooo special. Someone up there has answered all my prayers."

It's been a hectic time for Aishwarya. "I came back from the US from shooting Pink Panther in time for Karwa Chauth. God knows how the tv cameras got our shots, probably from neighbour's premise….We're just leading our lives normally. I don't know why or how the press has this hunger to know about us."

She laughs, "This is my first birthday after marriage and therefore a very special occasion. But that apart, you know me. Spending time with the people I love is my greatest joy. I'm in a very happy place. And I don't mean Agra. Just being with three people who mean so much to me makes my life complete. God has been kind. There's great fulfillment in love and in being loved, by not just my husband but his parents who are now my parents. We're one family and we all love one another."

After her marriage the glow on her face would make the sunglass industry thrive. That laughter again. "Well if you say I glow, it's the glow of happiness. I couldn't have asked for more."

She'll be heading straight to Karjat after her birthday for the last two days' shooting of Ashutosh Gowariker's Jodha-Akbar.

She's excited about doing the Taj Mahal film with Ben Kingsley. "On the first day of shooting The Last Legion with him he walked up to me he said, 'I've this idea.' And he told me about the Shah Jehan-Mumtaz Mahal film that he'd like to do. You know, how many Taj Mahal scripts have come my way. I told Ben there have been many occasions when this subject has come to me. But there was something exceptionally interesting about the way he approached the subject. And yes, the whole process of discussing the subject with him was participative. After The Last Legion I kind of put it in the back of my mind. But earlier this year he confirmed it was on."

At the moment it’s Jodha-Akbar that occupies Aishwarya's mind. "You know me. Once I get into a subject I'm totally into it. But yes, I'm looking forward to working with Sir Ben again."

What does she want for her birthday? She thinks a while and says, "Just blessings and good wishes. Apart from that God has given me everything."

By: Subash K Jha

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Aishwarya Rai turns 34 in style

Bollywood Buzz tribute to the actress as she celebrates her birthday on November 1

As Aishwarya Rai turns 34, we do a quick trace her evolution from a plastic-faced model to an actress of international class. Rai first came into the limelight with her Pepsi ad opposite Aamir Khan. Prahlad Kakkar who had directed that commercial says when she walked into his office, her eyes got his attention. "Intelligent but shy," is how Kakkar describes Ash. He says over the years Ash hasn't changed a bit and her approach towards her work is as professional as can get.

A disastrous debut in Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya followed by a series of mediocre films best describe her initial years in Bollywood. Raj Kanwar, who directed her in one of her earlier films Dhai Akshar Prem Ke feels she has grown tremendously as an actress. "From then to working in Pink Panther is no mean achievement," Kanwar says. "She is an extremely inspiring person and spreads a lot of positivity on the sets". Kanwar however feels Bollywood hasn't given Ash her due and there is still a lot of untapped potential in her.

The big turning points in her career where the two Sanjay Bhansali films Devdas and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. In fact it was after these two projects that people started taking her seriously as an actress. She did a number of prominent films such as Mohabbatein, Taal and Josh after which she established her position as a star bigger than her box office records.

But when it comes to mass adulation, perhaps nothing will ever match up to Kajra Re. Essentially an item song, her moves created nationwide hysteria as she made her then would be father-in-law and husband dance to her tunes. Kajra Re choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant says "Aishwarya added a certain grace to the number which no other could have matched". She says the song could have easily turned raunchy but Ash's dignity took it to another level.

Vaibhavi who has also choreographed Crazy Kiya Re feels Ash is better with Western dances. "Since she has very athletic, clear movements work better than fluid jhatkas". According to Merchant, Ash has done well for herself in the industry and is at an interesting phase in her career where she will do only select work. Unlike most Vaibhavi feels Bollywood has given Ash her due as she a diverse body of work to her credit.

Dhoom 2 was a big departure for Ash. Having not really 'exposed' as much as some of her contemporaries, her new hot 'n' sexy avatar in the film sent fans over the moon. For designer Anaita Adjania Shroff the biggest challenge was to make Ash get rid of her poise. She says Ash was made to wear a lot of street fashion and her overall body language had to be brash yet seductive unlike most of her other characters. Anaita feels Aishwarya is extremely adaptable to new styles and can carry anything from "ganjis to sarees" well. Shroff says, "as a stylist there is still a lot more that can done with Ash and is perhaps the best person to experiment with new trends".

After a critically acclaimed performance in Guru Aishwarya's next big project is Ashutosh Gowariker's Jodhaa Akbar. Despite being another costume drama, as always there is a lot of buzz around her look in the film. In the coming years Rai will be seen in many high profile international projects along with the Bollywood blockbusters that keep coming her way. At 34 she can't exactly play a college sweetheart but knowing Ash this might just be the beginning. Perhaps we ain't seen nothing yet.

Buzz18

A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY AISHWARYA!!!!!!

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Saif upsets Dhoni and team

Our glamorous T20 cricketers are not used to cooling their heels for the filmi junta. It wasn’t surprising then, that at an ad-film shoot recently, they were furious when Saif Ali Khan walked in four hours late.

Yuvraj Singh, M S Dhoni, Harbhajan Singh and Robin Uthappa reported on time (5.30 pm) to shoot for an ad film, for a premium liquor brand, on Monday. Saif, too, was an important part of the ad film. However, for a long time, there was no sign of him anywhere. The cricketers hung around for a while. After some time, they got restless and demanded to know where the actor was.

The cricketers were aghast at Saif’s late arrival and his disregard for others’ time. After what seemed like an endless wait, the four cricketers started shooting their own portions.
At 9 pm, Saif finally walked in. The angry cricketers refused to take notice of the star. They continued to talk amongst themselves, almost as if Saif didn’t exist. He is not used to going unnoticed, so he looked miffed.

The shoot continued till 12.30 am. The cricketers were heard complaining that they were kept waiting for over three hours, that too, for no fault of theirs. They clearly said that it was Saif who was late. Saif, by then, had had enough. He retaliated, our source adds.

Saif, according to our source, said, Main thode hi na jaan boojhkar late aaya hoon (I did not come late deliberately). I am coming straight from another shoot which got delayed. Apparently, this explanation did not pacify the cricketers and after pack-up, the T20 gang left, still without uttering a word to Saif.

TNN

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Tabu for the Oscars ?

The Namesake has breathed a new life in Tabu’s diminishing career even as she now prepares to visit Hollywood.

There has been a lot of speculation, debate, and anger over the nominations of Oscar news.

But producer Ronnie Screwvala and Mira Nair have quietly been doing their rounds of screenings of their film, The Namesake for the Oscar jury members and have been aggressively promoting the film.

If the buzz and talk in international papers are to be believed then it looks like Tabu stands a very good chance to get nominated as best actor (female) in the main stream awards for her outstanding performance in the film.

The Namesake had also done very good business in the USA and had managed to impress both, the mainstream and NRI audience.

Let’s wait and watch how far and wide this film actually manages to travel. In the meantime, we are wondering what’s the news on Eklavya? Vidhu?

TNN

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Priyanka Chopra encourages men get fashionable

Actress Priyanka Chopra is making her mark in a man's world. The lady was recently signed on to promote a men's wear brand – J. Hampstead that was earlier promoted by sportsmen like Leander Paes, MS Dhoni... This time however, J. Hampstead chose to be different, and rope in a Bollywood actress to do the needful.

"What would I be doing for a men's wear brand? That's the first question that came to my mind, too," says Priyanka Chopra. "But then, I realized it makes sense as men don't quite know what women want, and while a woman wants to look good for her man, men, too, I'm sure would want to look good for their women!"

The entire ad commercial was shot in Paris. "It was very cold but beautiful and romantic. Paris is the fashion capital of the world, and it was apt to shoot the ad there," says PC.

Avnish, Brand Manager, J. Hampstead said, "We usually opt for winners to promote our brand, and Priyanka doesn't fall short of being just that. We've had sportspeople endorse our brand earlier, this time we tried something different – we opted for the film industry and a lady who'll settle for nothing but the best."

Shailendra Singh, MD, Percept, said, "A lot of decisions as far as men's clothes are concerned are taken by the women, which is why we thought this 'big idea' would work." And was Priyanka the first choice always? "Honestly, there was no one else who came to mind."

Ask PC about her style statement and she says, "Be Comfortable!" So what's the worst thing about men? "They want their girl to look good and at the same time won't give her enough time to get dressed!" she complains. The damsel is also happy being a woman, and not a man. "We can wear trousers and shirts, but can men wear skirts? Only in Scotland!" she remarks wittily.

Urvashi Ashar, Indiatimes Movies

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