'Kidnap' versus 'Drona' 2 days to go

Now here's one week everyone's looking forward to. After a string of low-cost and medium-budget fares making a mark in the holy month of Ramzan, let's get ready to embrace the biggies, starting from this week onwards. All eyes are on KIDNAP and DRONA. For various reasons…

KIDNAP is crucial for director Sanjay Gadhvi as also Imran Khan. Gadhvi makes his first film outside Yash Raj and naturally, people are expecting the moon from Gadhvi's new outing. Will KIDNAP be as successful as DHOOM and DHOOM 2? KIDNAP is also an acid test for Imran Khan, who has been cast in a role that's in sharp contrast to the one in JAANE TU… YA JAANE NA. Will it work? Will Imran stand up to a giant like Sanjay Dutt, who has decades of experience behind him?

Similarly, DRONA is crucial for Abhishek Bachchan and Goldie Behl. Abhishek has had a string of flops after GURU. JHOOM BARABAR JHOOM and LAAGA CHUNARI MEIN DAAG, produced by Yash Raj, have proved supreme disasters at the box-office, while SARKAR RAJ met with average success in Mumbai-Maharashtra and South. Elsewhere, it was a flop.

Since DRONA rides on Abhishek's shoulders, it'll be interesting to see if the actor pulls in the audiences in its opening 4-day weekend. Also, Goldie Behl has to prove his abilities after he flunked the test in BAS ITNA SA KHWAB HAI. Thursday, October 2 holds the answers!

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Madhuri Dixit to recreate `Ek do teen` krazzze with Himesh

Bollywood's dancing queen Madhuri Dixit is all set to make yet another comeback to the silver screen, this time with none other than the all rounder Himesh. The actress will be grooving to Himesh Reshammiya's version of her most famous smash hit ever Ek do teen from the movie Tezaab.

The stunning actress has reportedly been roped in for the cult song in John Matthew Matthan�s next film, 'A Love Isshtory' which stars Himesh Reshammiya and Niharika Singh.

Grapevine has it that Reshammiya, who plays a tapori in the film, impersonates Munna from 'Rangeela', a character made famous by Aamir Khan�s portrayal of it.

According to our source, Madhuri will be dancing to the foot tapping tunes of Ek do teen� but this time Himesh will be doing what he�s best at by joining her on stage.

Looks like Himesh is going to offer us many more Tandoori Nights!

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Abhishek Bachchan on the television show Balika Vadhu

After his stint in Bigg Boss, Abhishek Bachchan will soon be seen again on the Colors channel. Since the release of Drona is closer to heels, Abhishek and Goldie Behl are promoting the film on a huge scale. Earlier stars appeared on reality shows now they have begun targeting serials with high TRPs.

Abhishek will now appear on Colors' popular soap, 'Balika Vadhu'. He would be seen interacting with the prime characters of the show Anandi, Shugna and Jagdish.

In fact, before the shoot itself, Abhishek gelled with his kiddie co-stars for the show and developed a friendly rapport with them.

The episode would be aired on October 2. So, watch out for Abhishek's small screen performance.

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Drona makers launch exclusive range of merchandise targeted at kids

In the West, whenever you have a big adventure/ fantasy kind of film hitting theatres, filmmakers cash in on the hype surrounding the film and launch a wide range of merchandise. So you had dolls, key-chains, T-shirts, caps and many other souvenirs of films like Spiderman, Superman, Harry Potter and The Incredibles launched at the time of their release.

Out here in Bollywood, only recently have films like Krrish, Love Story 2050, Hanuman and Hari Puttar launched exclusive film merchandise around its release. The most recent film to come up with some really interesting merchandise is the fantasy adventure Drona. The film starring Abhishek Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra in lead roles has launched some interesting memorabilia such as comic books, mugs, t-shirts, swords, coloring books, magic box kit etc.

The merchandise which is quite nominally priced (Comic Book- Rs.50, Magic Kit- Rs.225 and Drona's sword- Rs.375) is available at almost all the Big Bazaar outlets and is mainly targeted towards kids. So now don't be surprised if you see the kids in your neighborhood playing with Abhishek's Drona swords and performing some magic tricks just like the way Riz Raizada (Kay Kay Menon) does in the film.

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"To be honest I had not seen Dhoom when Gadhvi approached me" - Sanjay Dutt

It's nearly for three decades now that he has been in the industry and even today his stardom is as big as ever. The name is Sanjay Dutt but the world calls him 'Baba'. Baba has ruled the silver screen for years. Although he has been through highs and lows in his personal life, he came out as winner. His optimism and spirit to keep going is unbeatable. And this very spirit is what director Sanjay Gadhvi has tried to capture in his upcoming release Kidnap. Gadhvi was so sure of casting Baba for this film that he waited for almost four years to get Dutt's dates. And looking at the promos, we can surely say that Gadhvi's wait for so worth it.

Bollywood Hungama brings you excerpts from the conversation with the super suave Sanjay Dutt.

What attracted you to Kidnap?
The moment Sanjay (Gadhvi) narrated the first line of the film, I knew I had to do it. It's something I haven't done in all these years. There was a sense of identification with the character - a father who deeply and immensely cares for his daughter and will go to any extent for her safety and happiness.

What was Sanjay Gadhvi like as a director?
He's tremendous. Sanjay is very focused and he knows what he wants. He is very clear in his vision and has the knack of getting the best out his actors.

Did it help that he was the maker of the Dhoom series?
To be honest I had not seen Dhoom or Dhoom 2, except their promos when he approached me. I believed in the subject and in him and decided to do it.

Tell us more about Kidnap?
My producers, director and co-actors went through a lot of anxiety during the shoot of Kidnap because of my trial. But all's well that ends well. I am happy the film is complete, ready and looking good. It is my first release in 2008. I play a father to Sonia (Minissha Lamba) who is kidnapped by Kabir (Imran Khan). It's an edge-of-the-seat thriller, which everyone is bound to enjoy. It has some great action and emotion and has been well written and directed. I hope my audience goes out and watches it.

Was it difficult playing a father?
No, why should it be? I have played father to Hrithik Roshan earlier.

You mentioned at the press conference that Kidnap is very close to you, as you identify very closely with the character of Vikrant Raina!
I could relate to the father in the film. I love my daughter Trishala immensely and during the making of this film, I kept thinking about what I would do or how I would react if Trishala ever got kidnapped. There was a lot of real-life emotion that came into my character in the film.

Who will Kidnap appeal to?
I think the beauty of Kidnap lies in the fact that besides being an engaging thriller cum drama, it concurrently captures the softer emotions and relationships of father-daughter, husband-wife, girl-boy. It's a thriller with a heart, and on the whole, an entertaining commercial product, which will appeal to everyone. Also, it has Imran Khan who has become very popular after Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na.

How was it to work with the industry's hottest youngster, Imran Khan?
We got along well. He's a humble, conscientious and hardworking boy. He's into his craft. He'll go a long way and I hope and pray that success doesn't change him.

Anything else you can recount during the shoot of Kidnap?
I enjoyed the action. It had my adrenaline rushing. I felt a teenager again! (Smiles)

Which are your forthcoming films?
EMI, Aladdin, Blue and Munnabhai 3. I am starting my own production house next year and hope to make good films.

What do you cherish the most in life?
The fact that I was born to great parents and have a great set of fans, friends and well-wishers.

What do you regret the most?
The days when I was into drugs and my time in jail. But that was destiny...

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Saif, Arjun and Yuvraj on the cover of GQ

The much awaited news has just hit the stands (read 'news stands'). We are indeed talking about GQ, the world's leading men's magazine and their super-mega Indian launch, which has got none other than the Nawab Pataudi Jr. (Saif Ali Khan) himself for starters. Even though he looks his usual element on the cover along with a hot PYT chic, we would have definitely preferred him with his trademark glares.

Nevertheless, this issue has Saif speaking (read 'confessing') that "Married men who are inaccessible are definitely hotter for women... In most of my relationships, I've been unfaithful, and I don't want to do that anymore... I've done things backwards. I've been married; I've lived with someone, now I'm dating someone." Honest confessions there by Saif!

If that was not enough, the readers can feast their eyes on the super hot and super sexy Yuvraj Singh (who is a pro in both bowling maiden over as well as even the maidens over!) and Arjun Rampal, to say the least!

And if that was not enough, the magazine also has Karan Johar as the contributing editor. Looking at the launch issue, we can surely say that 'GQ...has arrived'!

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Big B, SRK, Akki, who's biggest brand

The newly emerged KINNG of Bollywood Akshay Kumar or Akki, as rightly called, is definitely riding high.

With back–to–back hits he has proved to be the star with the Midas touch with all of his films proving to be winners for the producers. This in turn soar his demand in the market and placed him among the top league of Bollywood. After conquering Box–office, Akki has also become King of the ad world. A couple of days back he was appointed as the new brand ambassador for Levi's jeans '501' brand.

And if all this was not enough than here is one more reason for Akki to be rightly called as the 'King' of tinsel town. As per the latest reports, Bollywood Superstar Akshay Kumar has been awarded the title of 'Brand Ambassador of the year'. This coveted title was honoured to him at the CNBC Awaaz consumer awards 2008 held in Mumbai recently.

Akki won this title leaving behind the likes of Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Hrithik Roshan in the race.

Till date Shah Rukh and Big B used to be touted as the most powerful and bankable brands. Infact Shah Rukh is the only star who has supposedly the maximum number of brand endorsements under his belt. But with Akshay's entry in the brand war this competition becomes fiercer from here on.

Do you think Akshay is the right choice to be called as the 'Brand Ambassador of the year'?

Or you think someone else deserves.

SHARE YOUR OPINIONS WITH US

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Saif apologises for alleged assault

Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan on Monday apologised for a row with a photojournalist in patiala but maintained that he was not involved in the alleged assault on the photographer.

Saif's apology came hours after Government Railway Police (GRP) registered a case against him and four others of a film unit for allegedly assaulting a photojournalist.

The actor, who initially remained unavailable after the case was registered against him and others, later held a meeting with local journalists and apologised. A compromise was worked out between both sides.

"Patiala is a lovely place and our shoot has been going really well. The crowd has also been very co-operative. As an individual I was not present at the time of the incident so I don't know the details. But as a producer and on behalf of Illuminati Films, our company, I would like to apologise on behalf of our security for any inconvenience caused to the local press," said Saif.

"Shooting can get pretty chaotic and crowded in small towns and some pushing and shoving normally happens in a crowd situation. It happens all the time. So if anyone has been offended I would like to apologise to them personally and also on behalf of our production," added the actor.

Saif and members of the unit of his film were booked for assault, intimidation and inciting violence. The actor himself was booked for inciting the film unit workers.

Commenting on the assault charges levelled against him, Saif said: "That is completely, completely false and baseless. I was not even around. Anyway, like I said before, I would still like to apologise to anyone who was offended."

Earlier in the day, GRP officials said a case was registered following a complaint by a photojournalist from a Hindi newspaper who said he had been beaten up by the film unit staff after being incited by the actor.

"We registered a case against Khan and others following a complaint," GRP inspector general G.S. Grewal said.

The photographer was taking pictures of Khan at the railway station in Patiala on Sunday. The star objected and told private security and film production unit associates to tackle the photojournalist following which he was allegedly thrashed.

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Salman hates romancing Katrina!

Salman Khan might be known as the ‘bad boy’ of Bollywood who often likes to break rules and be anything but diplomatic! He believes in wearing his heart on his sleeve and doesn’t regret talking openly about his ‘tiffs’ in the film industry unlike his contemporaries who believe in playing it safe! His habit of taking off his shirt whenever his fans ask him too also happens to be his trademark style and after reading all the above you will be surprised to know what we are about to tell you next about this bindass ‘baadshah’ (we hope SRK wont mind us calling Sallu that!) of Bollywood since you’d never expect him to say that!

Cutting the long story short... Salman-Katrina love story is something that the entire world knows about but what we didn’t know before was the actor’s awkwardness over romancing his real life girlfriend onscreen!

“I know who I like in my real life. The world doesn’t have to see me expressing my love for someone on screen! I am not very comfortable enacting intimate scenes onscreen for this very reason”, said Salman recently when asked about him not doing enough romantic films starring Katrina Kaif!

Salman-Katrina will be seen together in Ghai’s forthcoming film Yuvraaj as a couple but that too won’t revolve much about their love story! Prior to Yuvraaj the couple was seen in ‘ Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya’ but there too Sushmita Sen played the real romantic lead opposite Salman. In Partner too Salman romanced Lara while Govinda walked away with Katrina!

Sallu now that we know the reason, we’d say it’s very gentlemanly of you to admit your discomfort! Hopefully now the silly rumours about Sallu being not comfortable with Kat-Akki friendship will bite the dust and rest in peace!

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We will arrest Saif Ali Khan soon, says police officer

Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan found himself in trouble on Monday after the Government Railway Police (GRP) registered a case against him and four others of a film unit for allegedly assaulting a photojournalist.

Khan and members of the unit of his latest film were booked for assault, intimidation and inciting violence.

GRP officials said the move followed a complaint by a photojournalist from a Hindi newspaper who said he had been beaten up by the film unit staff after being incited by Khan.

The photographer was taking pictures of Khan at the railway station in Patiala on Sunday. The star objected and told private security and film production unit associates to tackle the photojournalist following which he was allegedly thrashed.

"We will arrest him soon," GRP inspector general G.J.S. Grewal said in Patiala.

The registration of the case follows protests by mediapersons against Khan and others.

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Shilpa Attends the Singapore Grand Prix with beau Raj Kunder

Shilpa Shetty, along with beau Raj Kunder, participated in the inaugural Formula One World Singtel Singapore Grand Prix held from September 26-28.

The first Formula One event under floodlights had Fernando Alonso winning his first 2008 victory. Jackie Stewart and Niki Lauda, Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen, Damon Hill and his wife Georgie, and Jody Scheckter and Mika Hakkinnen were also present at the event.

Recalling the event, the actress says from Singapore, "It was fantastic! The rush of adrenalin and the palpable energy was awesome!

I had gone to attend the event on the invitation of Bernie Ecclestone (CEO, Formula One Management) Though Singapore is a big hub for Asians, I was invited through Britain (Shilpa had won the TV show Big Brother last year) not India though I cheered for Force India team."

Shilpa wore a French designer outfit, which she bought in Miami, when she was there for I had shot there for Dostana.

Though Shilpa's favourite is Lewis Hamilton, it was Spanish driver Fernando Alonso who won the game. Shilpa says, "It's not important who won. I stood there like a fan watching the likes of Kimi Raikkonen and Lewis Hamilton start the race right in front of me. I couldn't get to meet them as just before take off they don't meet people but concentrate on the run. I was excited just watching them up close and personal."

The actress who loves fast cars adds, "I am petrified of driving. However I might risk it on the racetrack. It's a heady feeling to drive a powerful car with high speed."

After the finals on Sunday night, Shilpa went on a shopping spree with boyfriend Raj Kundra and her agent. "I have just bought lots of clothes, shoes and bags. I love shopping and can shop anywhere. It was great to have Raj with me."

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John as a sportsman yet again

Bollywood actor John Abraham, who played the role of an ace footballer in "Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal", will now be seen dribbling the basketball in one of his forthcoming films.

The similarity doesn't end with the fact that John will be seen as a sportsman - he will be paired with his real life girlfriend Bipasha Basu in the film. Both were paired in "Goal" too.

Bipasha will sport an absolutely fresh look in the film.

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Vidya Balan takes acting lessons from Naseeruddin

Vidya Balan is doing every bit that she can to deliver her best in Vishal Bharadwaj's "Ishqiya". For this, she even joined a 10-day workshop with her co-star Naseeruddin Shah.

"The character that Vidya is playing in 'Ishqiya' is very complex and difficult to enact. Vidya thought that the way to emote the character on screen was best learnt from Naseeruddin Shah because the veteran actor is a master at it," a source close to the actress said.

"She was ecstatic to be discussing cinema with the master himself. Though they ended up discussing the film and cinema at length instead of doing a serious workshop, Vidya treasures the experience and is looking forward to working with the actor in the film," added the source.

Vidya, who stars opposite Arshad Warsi in the film, is not only taking lessons from Naseer but also also underwent classes to speak the typical Uttar Pradesh dialect during those 10 days.

"Vidya was just not familiar with the native that kind of Hindi. She mastered it by getting a teacher," said the source.

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Karisma Kapoor features on the cover of Verve this month

If it is a Miracle, any sort of evidence will answer…but if it is a Fact, proof is necessary

And the 'proof' is in the form of the latest issue of Verve that has got the 'Miraculous' Karisma Kapoor all over again! Karisma who is in her sparkling avatar is indeed a treat to watch coz' she is back and Glamorous as ever. This issue is a special edition that features the 'Best Dressed' women who might be varied in profession and attire but are still threaded together by their distinctiveness and appeal.

Other 'power-packed' women also include the likes of Parmeshwar Godrej, Katrina Kaif, Priyaraje Scindia and Simone Singh. Well, if (all) this is not enough, then, feast your eyes with the 'Rocking' dude Farhan Akhtar! All in all, a must-read issue for each one of you!

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Karisma to judge 'Nach Baliye 4'

Actor Karisma Kapoor will face the camera after five years as a judge of reality dance show 'Nach Baliye'.

She will join choreographer-film director Farah Khan and actor Arjun Rampal to judge the season four of the dance show which goes on air on Star Plus from October ten.

Sabbas Joseph, Director of Wizcraft which is producing the show, told PTI that Karisma has been a successful dancing star and she was at ease when offered the show. "She knows Farah and us well," he added.

Significantly, the announcement of her participation in the show came on her 5th wedding anniversary today.

The actress is married to Delhi-based industrialist Sanjay Kapur and has a daughter.

Karisma has been looking for a comeback in movies and wants to test acceptance level through the medium of television, sources said.

The shooting will begin at Filmcity from October six.

Karisma's last release were 'Baaz' in 2003 and 'Mere Jeevan Saathi' in 2006. She also played the protagonist in 'Karishma: The miracles of destiny' on Sahara television in 2003.

Apart from this, she was one of the several filmstars who participated in a dance number in Shah Rukh Khan's 'Om Shanti Om'.

Farah said she has judged two singing competitions earlier. "But dance is my forte and I think I am more comfortable judging a dance show," she said.

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Shah Rukh Khan at the Ramzan Sehri

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Imran Khan & Sonam Kapoor watch the F1 Grand Prix at Singapore

In case you think that Imran Khan is all nervous waiting for the release of his second film Kidnap, you couldn't be further from the truth.

The newest Khan on the block was seen enjoying himself at the Formula 1 Grand Prix at Singapore over the weekend. Giving Imran company was none other than yet another new and talented actress, Sonam Kapoor. Both Imran and Sonam cheered for Force India's driver Adrian Sutil. What's more, the duo even presented Adrian with a Siddhivinayak idol of Lord Ganesha before the qualifying race at Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore.

In spite of the round the clock promotions for his forthcoming film Kidnap, Imran did manage to squeeze time to fly to Singapore and watch the F1 Race. Must say, Imran surely believes in the adage 'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy'

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Shah Rukh Khan to do a special appearance in Vivek Sharma's next

Shah Rukh Khan has done it again. After having done many guest appearances and cameos in the recent past in films like I See You, Heyy Babyy, Bhoothnath, the superstar will once again be seen in a cameo in director Vivek Sharma's next film Kal Kisne Dekha.

The film marks the acting debut of producer Vashu Bhagnani's son Jackie Bhagnani and is a romantic drama slated to release early next year. Incidentally, Shah Rukh agreed to do a guest appearance in the film because of his proximity with director Vivek Sharma. SRK was even seen in a small role in Vivek's directorial debut Bhoothnath alongside Juhi Chawla and Amitabh Bachchan.

Hope SRK is able to weave his magic once again.

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Malaika Arora Khan, Lara Dutta and Dino Morea at the GQ Magazine launch

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Amitabh finds his greatest fan

The Bachchans’s tour seemed to be one ‘fan’fare, literally speaking.

Amitabh Bachchan was most touched by Rochelle, a little girl who made it a point to attend every concert put up by the Bachchans. She observed the backstage action, attended the shows, followed the Bachchans to their hotels, waited at the gates for hours for just a peek and when she returned home, she quickly wrote about it all on her blog.

It looks like this little girl could give all his fans tough competition all alone. “She is a Sherlock Holmes in the making,” says Bachchan, who makes it a point to read Rochelle’s blogs. And we thought he was only busy writing his!

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Dilip Kumar stable in hospital

Thespian Dilip Kumar has been admitted to a hospital in New Delhi due to complications resulting from an urinary infection, but his condition was stable on Friday.

"His condition is stable and there is nothing to worry about," said sources at Indraprasth Apollo Hospital where the actor was admitted on Thursday.

The 86-year-old actor, whose condition worsened on Thursday, was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital where he is being treated for the infection.

The hospital sources said: "As his condition is improving, we will be shifting him out of ICU shortly."

The actor is known for his landmark performances in films like "Devdas", "Madhumati", "Ganga Jamuna", "Mughal-e-Azam", "Shakti" and "Karma".

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Send B'day wishes to Ranbir Kapoor

The youngest lad of the Kapoor clan Ranbir needs no formal introduction. With just 2 (big banner) movies – SAAWARIYA and BACHNA AE HASEENO Ranbir has made quite an impressive mark in the industry.

Though his debut film SAAWARIYA failed to do well at the box office but he received many positive reviews for his outstanding performance in his very first film. Especially, his towel dance act which stole many hearts. He became an overnight star, with number of big profile producers queuing up to sign him up.

His second outing BACHNA.. proved his ticket to Box–office success after SAAWARIYA's commercial failure. Ranbir's 'charmer' act in the film worked in a large way towards the success of the film.

And with that he emerged out as the next big thing for Bollywood. And now he is being touted as the future of Indian Cinema.

With the swelling success and bright future ahead, this female–charmer is surely happy to celebrate his 26th birthday which falls on 28th September with great joy. And it is heard that this birthday will become all the more special as momy dearest Neetu Singh has arranged a small party for his darling son where his current girlfriend Deepika Padukone would also make her warm presence.

So all those females out there be the first one to wish the handsome hunk Ranbir Kapoor loads of happiness and a wonderful birthday.

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Salman Khan's Eid celebration in Paris

After working round the clock and completing the shooting of Subhash Ghai's magnum–opus, YUVVRAAJ, Salman Khan is now busy with Vipul Shah's LONDON DREAMS, which will see him share screen space with super actor, Ajay Devgan. Salman is in the French capital Paris, where the shooting of LONDON DREAMS is taking place.

With the holy month of Ramzan almost over and the anticipatory Eid celebrations in full swing, Salman's Mumbai friends and relatives will definitely miss his grand Eid party which he is known to throw every year. But, Salman has decided to host a small get–together (on Eid) in his Paris hotel room and the whole unit of the film has been invited.

The cast and crew of LONDON DREAMS will be lucky enough to get a taste of traditional Muslim delicacies, which will include Salman Khan's favourite, 'Biryani'. The magnanimous Khan has decided to get in contact with Indian chefs in Paris and make his Eid in the capital of love a memorable event!

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Shilpa Shetty And Abhishek Bachchan On The Sets Of Bigg Boss

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Karan Johar walks the ramp for Rohit Bal's fashion show

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