Aishwarya Rai: The World's Most Beautiful Women

This name needs absolutely no introduction. From the time she stepped her feet in the glamour world she has been ruling the roost.

Let's have a quick run–through over her successful journey so far.

Belonging to a traditional South Indian family, she started her career with modeling. At the tender age of 17 she won Ford Supermodel contest. Her famous Pepsi commercial with Aamir Khan & several other high–profile AD campaigns brought her into limelight.

After creating enough dhoom in ad world, she registered herself in Miss India pageant and won second place. And then went on to win the coveted title of Miss World. Her life changed drastically after winning the Miss World title. Since then there was no looking back for this gorgeous lady.

Further she embarked towards Bollywood and gained her first critical and commercial success with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's HUM DIL DE CHUKE SANAM which continued in DEVDAS also. With that she entered the top league and got established as the successful actress also.

Success of DEVDAS opened the doors of Hollywood for her. It was during this time that she garnered the attention of the West as an Indian actress and went on to appear in a few Hollywood projects. Since that time she is regarded as the first Indian actress to star in Hollywood projects. Not only this, she was also the first Indian to become one of the jury members at Cannes film Festival.

Prominent Hollywood actress Julia Roberts once said that she is "the world's most beautiful woman". She was also titled as the Most Beautiful Miss World of All Time. According to Harpers and queens' list of most beautiful women, she is ranked the most beautiful women in India. In the list of women which was voted by 15 million people in 27 countries all around the globe she comes at number 9.

As her name gained popularity overseas, she was chosen by Time magazine in 2004 as one of the World's "100 Most Influential People", and appeared on the cover of Time magazine. A month later she appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman. She was also featured on Oprah's "Women Across the Globe" segment.

By now she gained an international stature as well and in October 2004 a wax figure of hers was put on display at London's prestigious Madame Tussaud's wax museum which is a great achievement in itself. She is the first and only Indian actress to have wax statue at London's Madame Tussaud's museum.

With her ever-increasing popularity and demand across the world, she became the highest paid Indian actress.

In early 2007 she married the handsome Abhishek Bachchan, son of legendary Amitabh Bachchan and is now happily married.

Right from schooling to modeling to acting to stardom to marriage she has always made the right decisions and is always in the news! The reigning queen of Bollywood Aishwarya Rai Bachchan would be celebrating her 35th birthday on 1st November.

So lets wish her a warm birthday and all the good wishes for her birthday.

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Hrithik is planning to custom-make a vanity vehicle for Barbara

Hrithik Roshan is leaving no stone unturned to make sure Barbara Mori, his co-star in Anurag Basu's Kites, feels at home when she shoots in India. Sources reveal the actor is planning to provide her a lavish vanity van when she arrives for the Mumbai schedule.

Apparently, Hrithik is concerned that the Mexican model-turned-actress may not take well to the work environment in Bollywood, and so wants her to feel extremely comfortable.

Says a source, "As she is new to Bollywood and its style of functioning, Hrithik wants to ensure that she has a pleasant experience here."

The source adds, "Hrithik is in talks to make a special vanity van for Barbara. It will be lavishly done up with all the modern amenities. Since this is the first time she will be working in the city, Hrithik has planned to make it a memorable experience."

The source says that the cost of the van is estimated to be anywhere between Rs 1.5 to 2 crore.

"Apart from the basics, it will also be laden with foodstuff and other goodies according to the actress's needs. Hrithik is very protective of Barbara and has become very friendly with her. He also plans to introduce her to other Bollywood stars."

Buzz is that Barbara's love child Sergio, who Hrithik dotes on, will accompany her for the Kites shoot here.

"The van will also have games and other things Sergio might enjoy. Hrithik has met Sergio and shares a good rapport with him." It is learnt that Hrithik and Sergio got close during their schedule in New Mexico.

Produced by Rakesh Roshan, Kites also stars Kangana Ranaut. The film is a multilingual one, as it has characters of different nationalities.

Informs director Anurag Basu, "The Mumbai schedule of Kites will begin from December."

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Salman Khan's beefed up, bronzed look in Veer

Few years ago, Shah Rukh Khan played the role of Veer in Yash Chopra's love story Veer-Zaara. Now Salman Khan is all set to star in an action film titled Veer.

The story of this film (directed by Anil Sharma) has been written by Salman himself and while we did show you some pics of the actor in his new look for Veer earlier, this picture gives you a clearer idea of what to expect from this flick.

Salman, who is always known for experimenting with his looks, is seen in a beefed up, bronzed look with unusually long hair. The actor is seen wearing a fur jacket and an ethnic neckpiece and kada (bangle) Also from the looks of it, Salman seems to be playing a warrior of another era given the fact that he is seen holding a sword in one hand and a shield in the other.

In the recent past, Abhishek Bachchan tried the 'superhero meets warrior' look in Drona but unfortunately the film sank without a trace. Will Sallu bhai be able to pull of this warrior act in Veer, one will have to wait and watch.

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John, Abhishek shoot an additional song for Dostana

It's customary for two stars to be pitched against one another in real life whenever they are paired on screen. The last time we heard murmurs of discontent was when Bipasha and Deepika apparently couldn't stand one another while shooting Bachna Ae Haseeno.

But John and Abhishek get along like a house on fire. To their regret, they had to shoot a music video for Dostana separately.

Producer Karan Johar who just landed in Mumbai after two weeks of location hunting in Los Angeles says the song 'Maa Da Ladla' was shot during his absence. "I left it entirely to my director Tarun Mansukhani and to the choreographer Feroz (who's been Farah Khan's assistant for ten years). So you'll have to ask Tarun what happened."

Tarun Mansukhani has his own explanation for why Abhishek and John shot the song separately. "I deliberately didn't shoot the song with John and Abhishek together. I wanted at least this one song 'Maa Da Ladla' to look different from the rest of the film where they're constantly together, fooling around, chumming it up. They shot individually, so the masti of the rest of the movie was missing on the sets." Tarun trails off sadly, and then perks up. "The last shooting before this was for 'Desi Girl' where all of us were together. It was so much fun."

The 'Maa Da Ladla' song was shot on 15, 16 and 17 October at Filmistan studios and onlookers watched Abhishek and John arrive on separate days. "This is a music video which we'll use for promotion and probably for the end titles," explains Tarun.

Says Abhishek, "It was wonderful to shoot with John Abraham again after Dhoom. It was fun on the sets because we were all friends."

Adds John, "Abhishek is not co-star or colleague. He's a friend. I dote on him. I love him to death. We never compete. We complement each other in Dostana. We share a great chemistry. Abhishek and I are a couple in the film."

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Box Office update: 'Golmaal Returns', 'Fashion' bring cheer

The morning and matinee shows on Thursday, October 30 were affected due to Bhai Dooj festival. Resultantly, the business of practically all movies was down by approx. 30% - 40% at several places, but things picked up again from noon and evening shows onwards. GOLMAAL RETURNS continued to lead with excellent collections in North and also Hindi belt mainly, but the real surprise was FASHION, which is running to packed houses at plexes of metros and mini-metros. However, the single screens aren't too strong. HEROES too picked up considerably on Wednesday and Thursday.

After two days of festivity [Wednesday, Thursday], its back to work from Friday [today] onwards. The new movies have opened at major single screens today. Also, the shows have been increased at plexes everywhere. The industry is keenly watching the response to GOLMAAL RETURNS and FASHION on Friday. Will the dream run continue, we'll keep you posted on that!

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Ash turns 35 on November 1

At 35, Bollywood's blue-eyed-girl Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who celebrates her birthday Saturday, continues to woo Indian filmmakers with her international appeal, making her one of the most bankable stars in the Indian film industry.

Says popular film critic Taran Adarsh: “Aishwarya's career graph has been very good though not excellent but she is the only actress who can attract national and international crowds. She is the face of so many international brands and a very good actress also.”

London-based Indian filmmaker Jagmohan Mundhra, who directed the actress in the critically acclaimed English movie “Provoked”, also credits her as a superstar with an international appeal.

“She is a superstar. Not only is she a recognised name worldwide; she is a totally bankable star. My personal experience with her from 'Provoked' says that the film wouldn't have worked without her.

“The best thing about her is that despite her stature, she is completely a director's actor. She would also give her inputs in the character and would never come back to see a shot once the director approves it. She is thoroughly professional,” Mundhra added.

Aishwarya, now married to Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, was born in Mangalore to Krishnaraj Rai, a marine biologist, and Vrinda Rai, a writer.

After winning the Miss World crown in 1994, Aishwarya took to acting in 1997 with a Tamil film “Iruvar” opposite southern superstar Mohanlal and made her Bollywood debut in the same year opposite Bobby Deol in "Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya". Both films bombed.

In the following year, she won her first Filmfare Best Actress award South for the Tamil film “Jeans” but became an overnight star with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam” in 1999. She bagged the Filmfare Best Actress award for this too.

In 2000, she gave a power packed performance in Subhash Ghai's "Taal" but followed it up with a string of flops like "Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai"(2000), "Dhai Akshar Prem Ke"(2000), "Albela" (2001), "Hum Kisise Kum Nahi"(2001) and many more.

In between, she was recognised for her supporting role in Yash Chopra's 2000 hit “Mohabbatein”.

Her career was resurrected in 2002 with Bhansali's “Devdas” fetching her another Filmfare award in the Best Actress category.

She was highly appreciated for her performances in “Chokher Bali"(2002), “Raincoat” (2004), "Guru"(2006), “Dhoom 2” (2006), "Provoked"(2007), “Jodhaa Akbar” (2008) and “Sarkar Raj” (2008).

In her career spanning 11 years, Aishwarya has acted in over 40 movies in Hindi, Tamil, Bengali and English. Her English projects included “Bride & Prejudice” (2003), “Mistress of Spices” (2005), and “The Last Legion” (2007).

She is also starring in another international project “Pink Panther 2”, a sequel to the original comedy.

The beauty queen-turned-actress is also counted among the 100 most beautiful women in the world.

Actress Priyanka Chopra feels that “Aishwarya has a perfect face”.

“She is a gorgeous lady, a very elegant person and a great representative of India abroad and I think she has made some great cinema recently. I'd like to watch a lot more of her in films,” Priyanka told IANS.

After her wedding in April last year, Aishwarya has cut down on her projects and has become very choosy too. But critic Adarsh feels it is only due to her “added family responsibilities”.

Currently, the actress is busy shooting with Abhishek in Kochi for Mani Ratnam's forthcoming film tentatively titled “Raavan”.

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Deepika Padukone glitters on the cover of Cosmopolitan Luxury

After having been a top model, she made a stunning debut opposite superstar Shah Rukh Khan in Om Shanti Om. Her next film, Bachna Ae Haseeno, had her romancing her real-life sweetheart Ranbir Kapoor. And now she is 'All Yours' as she graces the cover page of fashion magazine 'Cosmopolitan Luxury'. She is none other than the super sexy Deepika Padukone who is the cover girl in the October issue of 'Cosmopolitan Luxury'.

Deepika is seen sizzling in a golden colored dress which perfectly compliments the Diwali festive season (a time when people do indulge in some gold shopping). The actress also talks about her breakthrough into films, her relationship with Ranbir and her style statement. For all you die-hard Deepika Padukone fans, this one is a complete must-have!

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I am a very homely girl, says Kareena

Kareena is shooting for a TV commercial and she looks like a million bucks. On spotting you , she says, "Come. Let's settle down for a chat."

Excerpts from the interview:

You look far calmer these days; quite unlike the restless Kareena we all knew a few years ago.
I was a child then.

Is it the Saif effect?
Of course, it is. Also, experiences have made me stronger.

Like?
I mean whatever I have gone through in my personal and professional life. I’m a stronger girl now, far more at ease with myself than I was earlier. I’m doing things, which I want to.

You have moved on in your personal life. Was it difficult parting with Shahid?
Yes, it was a very difficult period. Whatever went wrong between Shahid and me is very personal. I have always maintained that Shahid will always be part of my life. But, we are better off as friends. There is no animosity.

On hindsight, do you think you could have done something to save the relationship?
Sometimes there are no reasons for things which happen in life. Even if there’s one, I don't think it’s right to talk about it openly.

Did it take time for your family to absorb the fact that you were in love with Saif?
No, I don't think so. My mother is cool about it. And Karisma and Saif get along like a house on fire.

How is Saif as a partner?
He is fun and extremely loyal. He has all the qualities which I always wanted in a man.

Is he very possessive? There were stories that he was upset with your dress at the IIFA awards and also when you gave a peck on the cheek to Sylvester Stallone?
Saif is very supportive. He gives me space. All those stories were false.

You get along well with his two children, Sara and Ibrahim?
Both his kids are very loving. They are like Samaira (Karisma's daughter) to me.

Are you in touch with Shahid?
Oh yes. I message him and he messages me.

What about marriage with Saif?
Way in the future.

Way in the future? Not in the near future?
(Laughs) Yes, it's in the future definitely, but not for the next two-three years. But, we want to be together.

You value marriage. You helped Karisma reconcile with her husband Sanjay?
Contrary to what people believe, I am a very homely girl. I am always there for those who are there for me. Frankly, I am nobody to help somebody with their marriage. But as a sister, I can only offer support and advice. It has worked.

You lost out on Dostana and Dilli 6 because Abhishek didn't want to work with you?
Firstly, there was no fight with Abhishek. He has decided not to work with me and I have decided the same.

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Exclusive promo of 'Raaz - The Mystery Continues'

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Exclusive promo of 'Ghajini'

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Aamir Khan unveils the first promo of Ghajini at PVR Juhu

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7 crore!

Kareena Kapoor has just signed on with Pepsico's Kurkure for an amount in the vicinity of Rs 7 crore. This will be Kareena's eighth endorsement this year. The actress, effectively, has become the highest paid B-Town actress in the ad world.

Says a source, "Kareena is perhaps the only actress today who can command such a price. Several A-list companies are vying for and want her as their brand ambassador. The actress was paid Rs 5 crore for ITC's Vivel soap ad. She has now signed on for Kurkure at Rs 7 crore, which also has Juhi Chawla."

Adds the source, "Kareena will be portrayed as the younger, bubblier face of Kurkure. After her vivacious portrayal of Geet in Jab We Met, Bebo is seen as an ideal choice when it comes to endorsing cosmetics, personal care products and jewellery. She also spells class so when it comes to lifestyle products and the star is an obvious choice. The actress is also a youth icon, so companies sign her for products that target the youth. She's finished her contract for ICI Paints and Citizen watches and is now in negotiations for an international project."

The actress, who shot for the new Head & Shoulders ad at Mehboob Studios yesterday, will be shooting the Kurkure ad tomorrow.

Today, the busy actress has taken a day off for Diwali. The source adds, "Saif will be coming today to Mumbai to spend Diwali with Kareena and they will attend Akshay Kumar and Twinkle's Diwali bash tonight."

Kareena's endorsements

ITC's Vivel soap
Airtel
Head & Shoulders
Globus
D D'mas for Geetanjali
Anne French
Emami

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No Khans for Aamir

Unlike most B-Town stars who throw parties to prove their clout, Aamir Khan chooses to be different. On Monday night, the actor held a pre-Diwali bash for close family and friends at his Bandra residence but none of the Khans were present.

Says a source, "While Shah Rukh was in Dubai and Saif was in north India shooting for his home production, Salman (Aamir's close friend) was in Mumbai but wasn't invited. When Aamir hosts parties, they are intimate ones only for family and friends."

It is learnt that Aamir loves the warmth of Diwali and makes it a point to have a party every year. The bash was attended by Aamir's cousin and Imran's mother, Nuzhat (Imran wasn't able to attend) and close friends like Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Kunal Kapoor, Prasoon Joshi, and Aamir's pals Amin and Karim Haji among others."

Adds the source, "Aamir's wife Kiran had also taken a break from her directorial debut Dhobi Ghaat and played hostess till Aamir arrived around 1.30 am from Film City where he was completing the final edit of Ghajini's first promo. Everyone had fun and played cards till 6 am, including Aamir, after which the actor went to sleep and attended an event yesterday afternoon."

The source says, "Aamir came late to the party because he has been working around the clock trying to put together the promo of Ghajini and release it on Diwali."

The Taare Zameen Par director released the theatrical promo of his film Ghajini yesterday. He held a screening of the promo at PVR Juhu for the media where he mentioned that he was very keen to have Ghajini release on Diwali but couldn't because of his ligament injury and had to take a break for two months.

Aamir further stated that he wanted to have some kind of release on Diwali as it was an auspicious day and hence the release of the Ghajini promo, yesterday. The promo showed Aamir with his rippling six-pack abs and introduced the lead actress, Asin.

Moreover, instead of attending Akshay Kumar's lavish Diwali bash last night, Aamir quietly flew off to the USA to begin his lobbying for Taare Zameen Par at the Oscars.

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Rani Mukherjee plays a 'Sardar' in YRF's next

Yes, there have been several rumors about Rani Mukherjee's role in YRF's next directed by Anurag Singh. But the truth is finally out. Looking at the pictures above, you must've guessed by now that Rani disguises herself as a Sardar in the film.

Rumour has it that Rani plays the character of a cricket enthusiast, who is obsessed with the sport, so much so that she will go to any level to play it. This obsession pushes her to disguise herself as a man and enter an all male cricket squad.

Shahid Kapoor, who plays the male lead opposite Rani in the film, also seems to be a part of the cricket team. However, no official confirmation about the film's storyline has come from Yash Raj Films, hence, we'll have to wait and watch how Rani makes her way into the cricket team and how well she is at playing the sport.

Also, it will be interesting to see the chemistry between Rani and Shahid onscreen since the camaraderie between the two looks marvelous in the picture above.

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YRF felicitates KJo to celebrate 10 years of association with Dharma Productions

Thursday (October 23) saw the doors of the Courthouse Hotel graced by Bollywood's most successful film director Karan Johar, as he joined members of the public and media to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his Box Office smash Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and the release of his hotly anticipated film Dostana, hosted by Yash Raj Films.

The intimate and exclusive gathering allowed the invited audience to pose challenging questions to get to the heart of Karan's thoughts and ambitions. The fascinating and often revealing interview session hosted by actor and radio presenter, Ameet Chana, took guests through Karan's 10 year journey from the new boy of Bollywood to the hottest property on the other side of the camera.

It was the first time that members of the public had been given access to Karan and his frank, open and amusing answers to their questions. Visitors were given a unique insight into the man that has given global audiences such memorable films as Kal Ho Naa Ho, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and of course Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna amongst others.

Event host Ameet Chana said, "It's been an honour and a pleasure to host this celebration and to be one of the first to quiz Karan about the new film, Dostana. He is such a prestigious figure in the Bollywood film industry and it's great to finally get him in the hot seat!"

Talking about Dostana, Karan said, "Dostana was great to produce as it is a light hearted look at friendship, love and relationships of all types. Filming in a great location such as Miami inevitably leads to fun and frolics for crew and cast alike. As you know, I like my films to break barriers and create lots of discussion and debate and I hope Dostana will continue the trend."

Avtar Panesar, Vice President of International Operations for Yash Raj films said, "Our relationship with Dharma Productions has been growing and developing, just as Karan's portfolio has. We are delighted to be part of the team that brings his films to global audiences. It seems fitting that we not only celebrate the huge impact that KKHH had on audiences across the world, but also mark the next decade of Karan's journey with the launch of Dostana, which I know will successfully follow in the footsteps of all Karan Johar films. This is our way of thanking Karan Johar for his 10 years of 'Dostana' so far and hopefully we'll be back here in 10 years time to do it all over again."

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"I don't feel glamorous anymore" - Kangna Ranaut

Very recently, Kangna shocked the industry when she made the bold declaration that 'she never felt like being a part of a hardcore Bollywood commercial film because she had no respect for such cinema'! Joginder Tuteja catches up with Kangna on the eve of the release of Fashion for a candid conversation. As the clock has started ticking for the arrival of the film at theaters across the globe, a pertinent question which one can't help but ask is - 'Who amongst the three actresses in Fashion would walk away with the honors. Over to Kangna:

Priyanka has been hailed as the central protagonist in the film. Where do you and Mugdha fit in?
(Smiles) Should I really be commenting on it at this moment when the film is ready to be seen by on and all? You should watch the film and you'll get to know.

But with most of the promos centered on Priyanka, didn't you feel left out?
I didn't. Because the central character of the film is Priyanka. Even the publicity stills and promos are giving the right impression of the film. People should not get the wrong notion about the movie that the promos were focused on one person and the story is about someone else.

Madhur's realistic cinema has always raised eyebrows. Do you want to elaborate on Fashion is it again comes with similar traits?
Raised eyebrows? I don't know in which way? But he has always been appreciated for the films that he has made. He has also won National Awards. I am sure that this film has a possibility of winning him one more award and I think its going to be a very high impact film rather than a controversial one.

You have been a model yourself. That must have helped your performance in Fashion, right?
(Scowls) Puhleeze, let me clarify this once again...and on the records. I was never a model! It is a misconception that some people have been carrying with themselves.

After being in the industry for around 3 years, do you feel wiser when it comes to making career decisions?
Today when I have to make a decision, I do feel much more confident and much stronger. I was just discussing with my friend the other day about how people change and how we grow up from inside. I was 18 yrs when I started, I am 21 today, tomorrow when I become 45 years and when I look back I won't be the same Kangna. At 18- I was different, at 21- I was different and at 45 also I will change. I do feel much wiser while talking decisions today. I feel stable today.

Once upon a time, Kangna was a simple girl from Manali with big dreams. Has the world of glamour allowed that simplicity to remain?
I think I was much more glamorous before I entered films. I was very funny as a person and I used to think of myself as a huge superstar compared to what I think of myself today. Like when I was in school I used to compare myself to American actors and Miss World and Miss Universe. But today after being in this world I don't feel glamorous anymore.

Seriously?
Yup, seriously. In fact I have become boring. I don't want to think about acting all the time. I have completely changed as a person, I am not exciting anymore and my life is not exciting anymore. I think, before I came into this glamorous world I was much more fun and funny and exciting as a person.

What happens from here?
Roshan should be releasing any time. Then there is Raaz 2 that is confirmed for January 2009. Kites is another film and I am also doing an international project!

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The D-Day arrives!

Happy Diwali! It's that time of the year when everyone hopes and prays that the festival of lights spreads light in our lives. This year, I sincerely and genuinely wish, from the bottom of my heart, that the gloomy scenario fades and Diwali brings in cheer and prosperity to everyone within and outside the industry.

Till a few months ago, everything seemed bullish. But the last few weeks have been tough. Movies are flopping, the footfalls at plexes -- single and multi -- have reduced sharply, the corporates are in no mood to clinch deals, the independent producers are reeling under the shock over inflated prices of stars, the independent distributors are wary… Things have slowed down considerably.

But let's not lose hope. Or lose sleep. Let's keep our fingers crossed on GOLMAAL RETURNS and FASHION, the two movies that open today.

The pre-Diwali phase was dullest this year. HEROES, despite tremendous appreciation from all quarters, hasn't shown that big jump at the ticket window. The viewers were gung ho, the critics were generous too. But the numbers never reflected that appreciation.

After a decent start on Friday, things were more or less the same on Day 2 [Saturday]. There wasn't much improvement. Sunday was no different either. However, movie business hit rock-bottom on Monday and Tuesday, while Wednesday, today, should show an increase, provided HEROES manages to hold on to good shows.

Of course, GOLMAAL RETURNS and FASHION will be the first-choice, but let's remain optimistic. Also, the film deserves to be tax-exempted and the sooner the makers act on it, the better.

The other release, Yash Raj and Walt Disney's ROADSIDE ROMEO, has failed to lure the kids -- its target audience. No doubt, the animation was top notch, but the content was outright predictable. In fact, below mediocre level. We're moving ahead in terms of presentation and technology, but how about upgrading the content as well

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Golmaal Returns - Movie Review

Two years ago, Rohit Shetty came up with a breezy entertainer GOLMAAL, which, most people agree, is the capable director's finest work to date. The comic scenes hit the right notes and buttons. Perhaps, that must've prompted its producers [Shree Ashtavinayak] and Rohit to continue with the GOLMAAL series.

But GOLMAAL RETURNS treats the viewer like a nitwit, with zero brains. No-brainer laughathons have worked in the past and people have catapulted these films to 'must watch again and again' category. But GOLMAAL RETURNS is simply unbearable!

35 years ago, the Kiran Kumar - Radha Saluja comedy AAJ KI TAZAA KHABAR [1973] is the inspiration for GOLMAAL RETURNS. No issues with that, it's an interesting concept. But screenplay writer Yunus Sajawal makes a mincemeat of the material, so much so that your head starts aching after a point and you want to tear your hair in disgust.

Seriously, what was the writer thinking when he came up with a pathetic screenplay? And how did a talented director like Rohit Shetty agree to ride on it? And how could an accomplished actor like Ajay Devgan green signal this enterprise? Questions, questions, questions...

GOLMAAL RETURNS was never meant to be a thinking man's film, but the attitude is, no-brainer comedies have worked and this one will work too. To give the credit where it's due, a few jokes/sequences involving Tusshar and Shreyas do bring a smile on your face, but in the absence of a tight screenplay, the film falls like a pack of cards.

Final word? Golmaal hai bhai script golmaal hai!

Gopal [Ajay Devgan], who lives with his wife Ekta [Kareena Kapoor], sister Esha [Amrita Arora] and brother-in-law Lucky [Tusshar Kapoor], gets stuck in a yacht after saving an attractive woman Meera [Celina Jaitly] from some goons. Both end up spending the night on the yacht and when he comes home the next day, his painfully suspicious wife, who is also a hardcore fan of the saas-bahu serials, smell fish.

Gopal knows it's going to be hard to quell her suspicion, so he concocts a cock-and-bull story about having stayed the night with a fictitious friend called Anthony Gonsalves. Ekta refuses to buy his yarn and writes to Anthony [on a fictitious address given to her by Gopal], asking him to visit her.

Gopal convinces his junior at work, Laxman [Shreyas Talpade], to pretend to be Anthony. Everything goes according to plan till the real Anthony turns up.

If that isn't complication enough for Gopal, a dead body is discovered at the location where he had saved Meera. The Investigating Officer, Madhav [Arshad Warsi], who is Esha's boyfriend and also who cannot stand the sight of Gopal, learns that the latter had been missing from home that eventful night and begins checking on him.

A sequel carries the baggage of humungous expectations. And you definitely expect GOLMAAL RETURNS to be a step forward. The makers had thundered, "GOLMAAL RETURNS is bigger, it's better" and that raises the bar. But the film is such a put off.

Writer Yunus Sajawal takes an interesting premise, but instead of upgrading it, only downgrades it with lacklustre situations. The writing is so weak, so lifeless that after a point you sit motionless, looking at the goings-on mechanically, instead of being a participant.

A few sequences do entertain you, but they're few and far between. Not enough to camouflage the defects. In view of the fact that the writing is so weak, there's not much that director Rohit Shetty can do to save the ship from sinking. However, the dialogues are howlarious. Music is not as inspiring. 'Tha Karke' is the best track, while 'Tu Saala' [well promoted] isn't there in the film and 'Meow' comes during the end credits. And you're exasperated by then!

GOLMAAL RETURNS belongs to Tusshar Kapoor and Shreyas Talpade. Tusshar is terrific yet again, the real scene stealer, while Shreyas displays his comic side very well. Both, in fact, provide respite to the viewer. Ajay Devgan is likable. Kareena does the suspicious wife act well. Celina stays on your mind even after the show is over.

Arshad Warsi is relegated to the backseat. Amrita Arora is strictly okay. Anjana Sukhani gets no scope. Vrajesh Hirjee is alright. Sharat Saxena, Rakhi Vijan, Sanjay Mishra, Murli Sharma, Mukesh Tiwari and Ashwini Kalsekar fill in the blanks.

On the whole, there's tremendous curiosity to watch GOLMAAL RETURNS and the terrific promotion has only enhanced the excitement. But the film is a major letdown in terms of content. Barring a few jokes and gags, this GOLMAAL pales when compared to its first part. At the box-office, expect a terrific start for the film, but GOLMAAL RETURNS lacks the power to stand on its feet after the initial euphoria settles down.

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Fashion - Movie Review

Are you ready for an expose on the fashion industry? Where designers pass off 'Indira Market, Bangkok' stuff as their own creation. Where ad agency/fashion mag honchos call the shots. Wild lifestyles, backstage dramas, wardrobe malfunction, casting couch… ouch, ouch, ouch!

Madhur Bhandarkar, the undisputed king of realistic fares, comes up with yet another hard-hitting film that enlightens you, moves you, motivates and deflates you, even shocks and surprises you and of course, entertains you.

The solid reason why FASHION works is because Madhur brings alive everything you've read in newspapers or watched on TV as an outsider, to the big screen. And that works and how!

But let's not give the subject material all importance, for Madhur's handling of the subject is exemplary. Madhur dresses up his mannequins well, but most importantly, infuses life in those prime bodies. A number sequences leave you tongue-tied [more on that later].

But there's a hitch. And this problem tones down the impact considerably. The running tine of almost 2.40 hours makes you restless, especially the penultimate 25-odd minutes. Yet, all said and done, FASHION has all it takes to be the showstopper this Diwali!

FASHION tells the story of a small-town girl with a dream and the determination to make it a reality. Meghna [Priyanka Chopra] is ambitious, she wants to attain the status of a supermodel. She realises her dreams and rises to walk the ramps for leading designers across India.

But Meghna has to pay the price for her fame and her journey to the top. Her career starts sliding downwards. In this journey of Meghna, she encounters a number of people. Most importantly, Shonali [Kangna Ranaut] and Janet [Mugdha Godse]. Also, Abhijit Sareen [Arbaaz Khan], a tycoon who controls the fashion industry.

CHANDNI BAR, PAGE 3, SATTA, CORPORATE, TRAFFIC SIGNAL -- every Madhur Bhandarkar film has a new story to tell and he tells it most convincingly. In fact, Madhur strikes a fine balance between realism and entertainment in every film. Given the fact that FASHION is all about the fashion industry, the narrative is inevitably filled with lots of glam-n-glitz moments. The fashion shows, the stunning models, the superb styling, the vibrant colours and the behind the scenes drama is worth every penny spent on the ticket.

But it's not just ramp shows and style-n-fashion here. There's a story running concurrently -- of three models. One, the rise of an unknown into a supermodel. Two, the fall of a supermodel to dust. Three, the ambitious model not achieving success, but opting for a marriage of convenience.

While Madhur has handled the theme as if he were an insider, this review would be incomplete if you ignore two major sequences that are simply outstanding. One, Kangna's wardrobe malfunction and two, when Priyanka exposes Arbaaz to his wife [Suchitra Pillai].

Mahesh Limaye's cinematography captures every aspect of the fashion industry to the fullest. The screenplay [Madhur Bhandarkar, Anuradha Tiwari, Ajay Monga] is perfect, except for the penultimate portions. Niranjan Iyengar's dialogues are fantastic. Nitin Chandrakant Desai's production design is truly upmarket. The costumes and styling are top notch, a feast for the eyes. Salim-Sulaiman's music is well synchronised as well. 'Mar Jaava' and 'Jalwa' are lilting creations.

Madhur places immense trust on Priyanka and she is remarkable all through, more towards the second hour. Post AITRAAZ, FASHION is another medal that shines the brightest when you look at her body of work. But the real star is Kangna. Her role may not be as lengthy as that of Priyanka, but the actress pitches in an awesome performance. Her confidence at the very start is infectious and her overall performance deserves an ovation.

Mugdha Godse is, again, supremely confident. She has dum. Arbaaz Khan is first-rate. Arjan Bajwa does well. Harsh Chhaya, the gay designer, stands out with a realistic performance. Ashwin Mushran, Priyanka's confidante, is top notch. Samir Soni is good. Suchitra Pillai and Kittu Gidwani are effectual. Raj Babbar and Kiran Juneja are seasoned in such roles.

On the whole, FASHION has tremendous curiosity value and also shock value for the Indian audiences. Its subject -- the behind the scenes working and drama of the fashion industry -- is its USP. At the box-office, the pre-release hype and buzz will ensure a successful run for the film. Its business at multiplexes mainly should be bountiful. However, trimming the film will only help; not only will it enhance the film, but also its business. Must watch!

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Shahrukh Khan Rocks Dubai Audience

They came, they saw, and they rejuvenated the hearts of their fans in UAE who gathered to witness "Temptation Reloaded 2008".

The Country Club Hotel, Dubai presented the mega event of Bollywood Badshah Shahrukh Khan on 25th October 2008 at Dubai Festival City Arena. This event was witnessed by over 25,000 music fans from all over the emirates. The show began at 9.45 p.m sharp with a bollywood dancing troupe dancing to the tunes of "Jhoom Barabhar Jhoom".

Bollywood queens Katrina Kaif and Kareena Kapoor, dazzled the audience with their stunning looks and performance. Katrina made an impact with the number "Jar Jara Touch Me" while Kareen Kapoor stole the first part of the show by dancing to the tunes like Dont look at me like that, Chaliya Chaliya, Yeh Ishq Hei, Dhoom Machaa Pyaar Mei. The rocking Arjun Rampal holding a guitar in his hand circled round the audience on top of a crane and kept waving at the crowd and made a dashing entry on stage, with hit numbers like Dil Kya Kehta Mei Paagal Hu, and "Rockon". The popular Bollywood choreographer Ganesh Hegde presented some of his dance sequences on stage and made an impact too. The dashing and sensational MTV VJ Anushka Dandekar stole the show with her captivating looks and Hard Kaur drew a huge round of applause for the song "Singh is Kingh".

It was now time for the Baadshah of Bollywood and the winner of 14 film fare awards "Shah Rukh Khan" (SRK) to make an entry on stage. The crowd was excited to see him descend on stage like a real king and perform live on stage with his first song "Dard ye Disco". They could not believe their eyes that he was standing right in front of them and welcomed him with a huge round of applause. He is indeed the heart throb of many women (young and old) and a lot many fans. He has carved a niche for himself and he rightly deserves the title "Baadshah of Bollywood" for he really is one and there couldnt be another better than him. SRK is indeed a multi talented personality. He stunned the audience with his sonorous voice and interacting abilities. He is indeed a gift from above and this was revealed by the crowd who cheered and kept on applauding in between his dance sequences. He highlighted his new project SRK boulevard in RAK properties UAE. He gave the audience what they expected from him a thorough entertainment and dance sequences for songs like Aanko mei teri, Don, Pretty Woman, Thumko Paaya, Thum Paas Aaao, Thuje Dekha Tho Ye Jaana Sanam, Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, Tauba Hei Kya He Ishaara, Dil Ka Maamla to name a few. .

It was a 3 hours non-stop entertainment of rocking and mesmerising Bollywood melodies, glitz, glamour, songs and dances in true Bollywood style performed by SRK, Katrina, Kareena, Arjun Rampal, Anushka, Hard Kaur and Ganesh Hegde along with the troupe.

The Consul General of India Venu Rajmony addressed the gathering on this special occasion and said that Bollywood with people like SRK has the best to offer. India is really proud of all that Bollywood has achieved and congratulated each and every artist that entertains millions of viewers spread all over the world. It was SRKs and Gauris Wedding anniversary and a cake was cut to mark the occasion.
The event was produced by Red Chillies International and supported by Country Club Dubai, SRK boulevard, Pan Emirates, Sony and Orbit Events. The stage, sound, light and screen installations were well synchronized and was a treat to the eyes and ears of the audience. Kudos to the organizers who put up such a magnificent show.

The finale round saw SRK along with all the artists perform on stage with foot tapping songs like Bachnaa Yeh Hasino, Dance with me baby, Dont talk to stranger, Mauja Mauja, Dekho Dekho Yeh Shaam Mastani, and concluded with the title song of Om Shanthi Om. Sharukh Khan has proved to the audience that he is indeed an ace performer with his mix music, songs, dances and acting abilities all rolled into one big showcase.

He proved that he is indeed a thorough entertainer in the "Temptation Reloaded 2008" show. His fans would look forward to many more events like these in future.

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Shahrukh Khan Rocks Dubai

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