Imran-Ranbir dosti make others jealous

This new dosti has become the envy of other ‘supposed’ dostis in B-town.

We’re obviously talking about two of our hottest boys, Ranbir Kapoor and Imran Khan. Damn the rat-race, competition and fan clubs...these Gen-X actors don’t wanna waste time with stuff like that.

They are like boys should be — cool, fun and chilled out. Recently when Imran had a special screening for Luck, RK was his special guest. And he came along sportingly to cheer his buddy. We heard that the boys often party together and have a lot in common other than movies.

Hmm... we wonder how their gals (Ms Dee and Avantika) feel about this dostana? We’d say, hold on to your men tight, gals!

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Karan Johar was lonesome in NY!

He’s bitten by the travel-bug.

Permanently. Yeah, Karan Johar is the man-on-move, and in the past few months he’s spent more time floating in mid-air than at home. From LA, to San Francisco to London...he’s globe-trotting. But he’s loving every minute of it, and while he says, “I like London, but London becomes like another city that I consider home,” it’s the amazing New York City that draws this filmmaker (and his movies, too). Of course, with Shah Rukh Khan owning a beautiful apartment in London, his best buddy Karan, obviously feels at home in that city.

On the other hand he can’t stop talking about his other hot-favourite city in the world, “I think NY is the one city that I absolutely love. I really like the irony of the city, really. I feel that it’s really fantastic and it’s buzzing with so much energy and yet there’s an inherent emptiness in there. So there’s this contradiction. It has all the energy and yet, it’s very empty and lonely. That’s the reason I find the city so intriguing.”

Now that sounds like a true-born New Yorker, Kjo? So we guess what he’s saying is that...London is where the home is and NY is where the heart is? Right, Kjo?

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Bebo, world’s biggest star: Saif

Saif Ali Khan is in a zen state.

Personally, he is dating the most powerful and gorgeous girl in Bollywood; and professionally, well, he’s calling the shots too.

“I haven’t noticed whether other girls have stopped looking at me because I’m dating the best girl in town,’’ he says. “A lot depends on the vibe you give off. I hear unavailable men are more interesting to interesting women. That be as it may, I’m not particularly interested in a stranger of any sort right now.’’

Saif’s reason for setting up a production house is simple. He wants to make the films he believes in. “Everyone has their own home productions and no one is going to cast you in their films unless they can’t do it themselves,’’ he says.

He points out that the biggest filmmakers in the country — Aditya Chopra, Karan Johar , Sanjay Leela Bhansali — would ideally pitch for Shah Rukh Khan , Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan first. “If things don’t work out with these guys, then perhaps they’d come to me,’’ he says very matter-of-fact. “However, with setting up my own production house, I can make the films I wish to and give myself the parts I want to play. No other producer can give me the parental love that my own production can.’’

His maiden venture releases today and within a couple of months, he’s all set to get into Sriram Raghavan’s Agent Vinod, a spy-action-high-on-adrenaline-thriller with lady love Kareena Kapoor playing his screen muse. “Film production is an exciting job,’’ he confesses. “Balancing that in itself, apart from real life in terms of family and getting things done on time, has been challenging.’’

Personally too, he confesses to being blissful: “Life is a growing and changing process. I came into the world of interviews when I was 20 at a room in a Mumbai studio. In 19 years, I have grown, and the last two years have been very eventful. Personally and professionally I find myself in the right place. The rest of my life lies ahead of me but I feel confident and equipped to deal with most situations.’’

And the mention of sunshine (Kareena) brings a smile to his face.
“Everything is beautiful right now,’’ he says. “Kareena and I are on a path, let us enjoy that. For me, priority right now is to set up this production house, and I want Madam to stay the biggest star in the world for as long as she enjoys it. Everything else will follow in due course.’’

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Akshay has a date with a doll!

There’s something quite enigmatic about the number 9, say astrologers and numerologists across the world.

Golden Globe Award winning director-producer Tim Burton of Batman Returns and Mars Attacks fame and Timur Bekmambetov (known for Wanted, Escape from Afghanistan), agree. So, to explore the puzzle further, the duo got their animated efforts together to launch a film called 9 and plan to release it on 09-09-09.

And, since Bollywood action superstar Akshay Kumar’s birthday falls on September 9, the film’s distributor has asked him to launch an online game based on 9.

The film is a computer-animated, dark and quirky nightmare in which humanity is threatened when fearsome machines start to attack civilisation. A team of nine rag dolls, led by Doll No 9, which is mentally dexterous and sensitive, saves the future from apocalypse.

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Exclusive: WHAT'S YOUR RAASHEE - Theatrical Trailer

WHAT'S YOUR RAASHEE - HARMAN & PRIYANKA CHOPRA - Theatrical Trailer - Video

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Fox - Theatrical Trailer - Video

Fox - Theatrical Trailer - Video

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A look at 'Aladin'

Here's a look at Sujoy Ghosh's Aladin which stars Riteish Deshmukh as Aladin and Sanjay Dutt as the ringmaster.

It also marks the debut of Sri Lankan beauty Jacqueline Fernandes. With music by Vishal-Shekhar, Aladin is produced by Eros International in association with Sujoy Ghosh's Boundscript Productions. The film is slated for a Diwali release.

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Keeping It Short

Priyanka Chopra is playing an ultra glam girl in Yash Raj's Pyaar Impossible opposite Uday Chopra.

After playing 12 different characters in What's Your Raashee?, the actress has various changes and styles in this movie in terms of hair, makeup and dressing style. One of the looks revealed is the short hair never seen before on PC.

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Friendship between Shahid and Kids

A major part of Vishal Bhardwaj's Kaminey was shot in and around a certain chawl in south Mumbai. At the insistence of the chawl's kids, a group of giggling ladies sent home-made poha for Shahid Kapoor.

This was the start of a friendship between the actor and the kids. Soon he started playing cricket with the children and he got them chocolates and encouraged them to be more regular at school.

He promised the kids that when Kaminey was ready, he would show it to them. Now Shahid has spoken to the production house and a special screening is on the cards for the residents of the chawl in the coming week. He sure is a man of his word.

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Riteish Tweets!

Riteish Deshmukh is the latest B-Town actor to get on to Twitter.

His status message on Facebook was: Finally on Twitter ....... tried for my name and various combinations but weren't available. So finally got the one I was given in Bluffmaster! riteishd.

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Shooting to resume for Abhi-Ash’s ‘Raavan’

An elephant had disrupted proceedings

The shooting of Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai starrer "Raavan", disrupted when an elephant ran amok in the jungle where it is being shot, will resume Friday, cinematographer Santosh Sivan said here Thursday.

"We will resume shooting tomorrow (July 31)," Sivan told IANS.

The tusker, whose name is Kunju, killed 51-year-old mahout Andavan. After the incident, the road at nearby Athirapally forest was blocked and the cast and crew of Mani Ratnam's film could not return to their hotel.

"We didn't see much since we were shooting on the other side of the bridge... so we couldn't cross over... we had to stop shooting, but I didn't see anything except the confusion. We had to spend a few hours in a guest house in the forest," said Sivan.

Neither the actors nor any crew member of the film was injured.

Later the elephant was chained and tranquilised by veterinary doctors.

Besides Abhishek and Aishwarya, "Raavan" also stars Vikram, Govinda and Manisha Koirala. It is being made in Hindi and Tamil simultaneously.

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Court case no obstacle to Rakhi's wedding

NDTV Imagine head says Aug 2 schedule unaffected

Samir Nair, CEO of NDTV Imagine, says that the police complaint filed against item girl Rakhi Sawant and five others linked to the reality show "Rakhi Ka Swayamvar" for infringement of copyright won't affect the live telecast of the wedding on Sunday (August 2).

"We're telecasting the marriage deferred - live (minutes after actual shooting) and we don't anticipate any trouble. This guy from Jaipur (Gaurav Tiwari) filed a case against us in a district court. They passed an order against him. Then he moved to the high court. His case was dismissed from there," Nair told IANS.

"Now he has filed a criminal case against us. Our legal team is looking into it as we speak. Strange that the case has gone from civil to criminal. This guy runs a portal and claims he owns the word 'swayamvar'. It's like me claiming I own the word Ramayan or Mahabharat. There's shadi.com. So we can't do soap with the word shaadi?"

The show "Rakhi Ka Swayamvar", through which Rakhi decided to find her life partner, is on its last leg now. She will be tying the knot with her chosen groom on Sunday in the presence of family, friends as well as officials from the channel.

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Neha Dhupia in a Hollywood show

Bollywood babe Neha Dhupia is starring in an American TV series titled Bollywood Hero, which is a three part comedy mini series.

The film stars Hollywood actor Chris Kattan. And the tagline for the film reads, ‘Chris Kattan goes to India to become a Bollywood star’.

Neha plays the role of a Bollywood actress Alima Lakhani opposite American actor comedian Chris Kattan who is popular for Saturday Night Live.

Neha said about her serial launch, ‘It revolves around the main protagonist Chris Kattan who wants to become a Bollywood hero and I play a Bollywood actress, opposite him.’

She has been trying for a while to get into television, she spoke to local media stating the same but first in America, then here, ‘Well purely because TV is treated as big as a movie there and after I saw how TV is in India and abroad, I realized there is vast difference between the two. It's going to be treated as big as a movie.’

She auditioned thrice for the role, and when she finally bagged the deal, she went about town announcing how she had landed a biggie project.

Tut, tut, take a look at the trailer, its funny no doubt but keep your eyes glued for her, she’s blinking and we miss!

Her friend Tabrez Noorani, who was a line producer on Slumdog Millionaire seems to have helped her get the role, which she denies categorically, saying, ‘I was a part of the project even before Slumdog became a hit.’

True, and who is Chris Kattan anyway? Actually, he should be thanking her instead for launching his career in Bollywood and telly all at once. We’ll watch for sure, Here’s the trailer.

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Who’s Preity’s Daddy

fter Amitabh Bachchan declined to play Preity Zinta’s dad in Jahnu Barua’s long awaited film Har Pal, Dharam Paaji stepped into those big old shoes.

Har Pal which also stars jailed star Shiney Ahuja, is about a love story between two neighbours shot in Northern India. Jahnu Barua who directed the critically acclaimed Maine Gandhi Ko Nahi Maara was adamant on having Amitabh Bachchan play Preity’s dad in the film.

Big B was obviously looking at bigger horizons considering the type of films he’s got lined up, Aladin, Teen Patti etc and declined the role. That’s when Preity who had always wanted to work with Dharmendra suggested the veteran actor’s name to the director.

Dharam Paaji was more than ecstatic but sadly his excitement was shortlived as the film has been facing several release problems. A StarBoxOffice source revealed, “Jahnu is having trouble finding producers for the film. Not many were interested in investing money in the film and now with Shiney in jail, the future of Har Pal looks even bleaker.”

Also starring Isha Koppikar, the film could be the only saving grace in the lead actor’s career’s and we hope that it finally gets to see the light of day..someday!

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Prediction: How lucky is Love Aaj Kal

If there is a film which can easily take over the crown of being the most anticipated release of July (or even this year), then it has to be Love Aaj Kal.

Celebrity astro numerologist Bhavikk Sangghvi unveils the fate of this much awaited film.

“The title Love Aaj Kal adds up to Number 30 which simply put is neither auspicious nor inauspicious. It’s just about average. I had advised the film’s director Imtiaz Ali to spell the film title as LUV AAJ KAL for better prospects but it was too late by then as the publicity of the film was just about to start by that time,” informs Bhavikk.

“The film producer’s Saif Ali Khan ( August 16, 1970 ) is Number 7 person in numerology and the year 2009 adds up to Number 2. Numbers 2 and 7 always go hand in hand. This year in general is good for people born on dates 1, 2, 4 or 7. Saif is a Leo ruled by Number 1 (Sun) and will soon be entering his 40th year, so time is in his favor and his first production will surely be a hit,” predicts the expert.

He continues “As for the leading lady Deepika Padukone (5th January 1986), she is in her 24th year which is one of her best numbers and so the lady will also bring luck to the film. The Kareena V/s Deepika war is just being blown out of proportion as even with Kareena’s presence in the film, it would have achieved the same success. Nothing more, nothing less! ”

“However, during the period of 21st July and 22nd August, Sun is placed in its own sign Leo which is ruled by Number 1. It does not gel well with Number 3, which the film title adds up to. So, in that respect the film will primarily do well in metros and big cities mainly while the business in smaller centers might get affected. All said and done, LOVE AAJ KAL will definitely bring some relief to the hit starved industry, positively!” concludes Bhavikk.

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Love Aaj Kal - Movie Review

Come to think of it, if the film carries the 'burden' of humungous expectations, it's imperative that it goes beyond those expectations. The reaction after watching the film has to be similar to a child who has laid his hands on his fav toy. The joyous smile would say it all. The question is, does LOVE AAJ KAL live up to the hype and hoopla surrounding it? Or does it go beyond that?

LOVE AAJ KAL is not an easy film to write and execute. Sure, it's a love story, but it's not one of those mundane love stories that talks of love and heartache. Here, the two stories, set in different eras, run parallel, but have a similar end.

To be brutally honest, it takes time to grasp the plot, since the past and present run concurrently. If you aren't attentive, chances are you'd lose the plot. Also, if you aren't aware by now that Saif enacts dual roles in the film -- playing his part as also the part of young Rishi Kapoor -- the goings-on would confuse you no end, when the transition occurs.

LOVE AAJ KAL is a director's show entirely. The relationships here are complex because the couple in love lives in complete denial. It is to Imtiaz Ali's credit that he has penned an offbeat story, developed a complex but comprehensive screenplay and extracted sensitive performances from the principal cast. At the same time, the writing isn't the type that would appeal to all sections of movie-going audience. Besides, the execution of the subject and also the pacing in the first hour are deterrents.

Final word? LOVE AAJ KAL makes you fall in love with love all over again. Makes you value your loved ones all the more. This film is special!

Love Aaj
London, San Francisco, Delhi - 2009.
Jai [Saif Ali Khan] and Meera [Deepika Padukone] is a modern-day couple in London. They are very happy together, but do not believe in tying each other down. So when life pulls them in different directions, they decide to call off their relationship, since long-distance relationships, in their opinion, don't work.

Love Kal
Delhi, Calcutta - 1965.
Veer Singh [Rishi Kapoor] is struck by a thunderbolt when he sees Harleen for the first time. He travels a thousand kilometers by train to stand under her balcony, only to have a glimpse of her face. And yet not speak a word with her.

Love Aaj Kal
Veer does not understand how Jai can treat matters of the heart without passion. Jai does not understand how Veer Singh could have been so naive and silly about Harleen in his youth. But as both stories unfold, we realize that the process of relationship might be different in different eras, but the experience of being in love remains the same.

LOVE AAJ KAL travels multiple continents and different eras. The subject matter is novel, never attempted before, but the material, the characters [Saif and Deepika especially] as also its execution is targeted at the youth in big cities mainly. As they say in filmi lingo, this one's a hardcore multiplex movie.

Another area where Imtiaz Ali experiments is by depicting Saif as the young Rishi Kapoor. It's a novel concept, no two opinions on that, but the question is, will it cut ice universally? Will people tend to get confused when the sequences turn sepia?

The film captivates in bits and spurts in the initial portions. Partly because the writing is so different. But the writing breaks new grounds in the second hour. It's in this hour that the film grips you completely, when the fragmented pieces are put together and a mesmeric picture emerges.

The second hour is the soul of the film. Right from the time Deepika decides to marry, till the last reunion, the film touches an emotional high. The sequence of events that lead to the culmination is incredible. Saif's interaction with Deepika at the marriage, or the gradual change in Saif's behaviour in the U.S. in the course of a song, or the realisation that marriage was a big mistake... moments like these take LOVE AAJ KAL to dizzy heights.

Imtiaz Ali is a genius. The film bears the stamp of an accomplished storyteller. This is a forward-thinking film that handles the new-age relationships with complete understanding. The songs compliment the goings-on beautifully. This is amongst Pritam's accomplished works. 'Twist' [already a rage], 'Aahun Aahun' [foot-taping], 'Chor Bazaari' [melodious] and 'Dooriyaan' [melancholic], each song is a gem. N. Natarajan Subramaniam's cinematography is fantastic. Editing [Aarti Bajaj] is wonderful.

Both Saif and Deepika come up with their career-best performances in LOVE AAJ KAL. Saif carries the most difficult parts with remarkable ease. Sure, we've seen him as the cool, urban guy in several films, but this one's the most demanding role and only a seasoned actor could've delivered it with such precision.

Deepika looks ethereal. Most importantly, in LOVE AAJ KAL, she acts very, very well. Matching up to Saif is no mean achievement and she does it in several scenes. This should be the turning point in her career. Rishi Kapoor is top notch. The actress enacting the role of Harleen is pretty. Rahul Khanna does well in a small, but significant role. Watching Neetu Kapoor in the end sequence is truly astonishing. She's so graceful.

On the whole, LOVE AAJ KAL is for the young and romantic at heart. Sure, it's not perfect, but the terrific performances, melodious music and stirring emotional moments [last 35 odd minutes] more than compensate for the hiccups. At the box-office, the film should start with a bang for four factors -- its novel cast, super music, great promotion and yes, Imtiaz Ali, a name that commands respect amongst moviegoers. Released extensively [approx. 1800 screens worldwide], LOVE AAJ KAL will have one of the biggest first weeks in India and also in the international markets. In India, the business will be superb across multiplexes, while single screens might not behave as energetically. But the business at multiplexes will ensure a fantastic recovery of the investment. Internationally, it has the potential to emerge one of the biggest grossers in recent times.

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Exclusive: Wanted - Official Theatrical Trailer - Video

Wanted - Official Theatrical Trailer | Teaser 1 | 2009 → Salman Khan | Ayesha Takia

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Chemistry: Shahid & Priyanka

Cine Blitz has managed to snap up Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra for their August edition. They look fabulous together, but there's no chemistry.

When the relationship is over, or on the verge of ending, even the pictures begin to tell the story.

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Mallika refuses to go nude for ‘Hisss’

She has limits about exposing

Mallika Sherawat might be known for her bold style statements and her bold dressing sense. But when it came to stripping for her upcoming movie “Hisss” (pictured above), she flatly refused to go nude.

In one of the scenes, Mallika had to transform into a snake and that required her to slither and wriggle in the mud. While doing so, some certain parts of her body, including her bottom, had to be exposed.

Mallika did not want to show her bottom and hence she asked for a body double to do the scene.

Director Jennifer Lynch had to give in to Mallika’s request and agree on a body double.

“Hisss” is a story of a Naagin, played by Mallika, who sets out to find a mate with a vengeance.

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Will Rakhi Sawant get married on August 2

There are conflicting reports

Despite rumours that NDTV Imagine channel’s reality show “Rakhi Ka Swayamvar” is rigged, Rakhi has reportedly said that she really is getting married on August 2 to one of the three final contestants.

Rakhi apparently has already made up her mind about which of the three she will marry.

According to sources from the channel, she is most likely to tie the knot with Canada-based businessman Elesh Parujanwala. She has even confessed the same to some of her friends.

Her bridal outfit is designed by Neeta Lulla and her jewellery by Farah Khan Ali.

Rakhi has said that it is for real that she is getting married. She also said that she will never fake an institution like marriage as she has seen her own parents’ marriage break.

Speaking about her family’s presence at the wedding, she said that she will be the only one from her side. She said that she has broken all ties with her mother and she is now her past.

After marrige Rakhi and Elesh plan to get back to their respective work in their respective cities, Mumbai and Toronto. Though Rakhi is said to have got her Canadian visa and will be travelling to Toronto to meet his parents after her August 2 wedding. Elesh also reportedly wants to buy property in Mumbai to set up a second home there.

However, there could also be a twist in the story, as has been reported in some sections of the media.

According to these reports, Rakhi will not marry anyone as she’s having doubts about choosing her groom and is looking for an exit from the show without a husband. To make that possible, the producers are said to have given a twist to the show. The three finalists will be asked to choose between Rakhi and money, and apparently they will choose cash and leave the show.

Truth, however, will only surface on August 2. Meanwhile, Rakhi is preparing for the Mehndi and Sangeet ceremonies.

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‘I’ve not left any stone unturned’

Saif Ali Khan talks ‘Love Aaj Kal’ and tells what the film means to him

Saif Ali Khan is busy ‘aaj kal’ promoting his debut venture as a producer, ‘Love Aaj Kal’, in which he also plays the lead role alongside the ravishing Deepika Padukone. The film, directed by Imtiaz Ali, is a love story, a genre Imtiaz excels in.

‘Love Aaj Kal’ holds a lot of importance for Saif for more reasons than one. Apart from it being his first production, the film also comes after his two big flops in a row – ‘Tashan’ and ‘Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic’ – hence the need to get this one right.

Here’s what Saif has to say about the film and his choices:

On turning a producer

Production actually is not my cup of tea. But after attaining so many years of experience in this field, I’d like to have a creative niche of my own. You feel proud to have it finally. Since a lot of money is involved in filmmaking your inputs mean something else. I want to learn more about the business. The market earlier was different. Most heroes have moved on and turned directors or producers now. Also, there are not many independent producers left to work with.

On the making of ‘Love Aaj Kal’

Right now I’m nervous since I’m a fresher in production. I’m only learning the ifs and buts. Being the producer I need to look into every aspect of filmmaking, though I’ve not left any stone unturned from my end. We have had a great team, and I have learnt a lot in the process. My partner Dinesh Vijan has been a great help. I was more involved in the creative aspect of the film. All in all, the entire journey has not only been a learning experience but has been equally exciting too.

On picking a leaf or two from friends

I have been lucky to work with many great producers and big, established banners - Yash Raj Films and Dharma Productions majorly. I’ve learnt a lot of lessons in filmmaking from them. Karan Johar and Farhan Akhtar would have always been there to advise me, but I haven’t really called anyone.

On the film

The story primarily is about Jai who doesn’t believe in love and is practical. He believes that long distance relationship is a pain, so why not just be friends and not follow your heart. He comes across a person who tells him what love is all about. Imtiaz has made a simple love story which is not confusing at all as most people believe.

On playing a Sardar

I had meetings with top leaders of the Akali Dal for the look and they have appreciated me. I met them before I ventured into production as I did not want to miff them on anything. I have tried to shoulder all my responsibilities towards the religion. Dolly aunty has done my clothes and I have tried to give it an honest approach. I had to work on the accent. If I could pull off Langda Tyagi in ‘Omkara’, I think I have managed this one too.

On Imtiaz Ali as the director of his maiden venture

Very simple. He had a fantastic script and when you hear a good script and also when the director has the know-how of putting it down on screen just the same, that’s all what you need. The clever thing an actor does is not acting but the ‘listening’ he does in the drawing room as to what the director actually wants. This film is a result of being all ears to Imtiaz.

On Kareena being his first choice for the film

(Laughs) None of the directors listen to me. Imitaz too felt that Deepika suited the role better and hence left me dejected. Are you happy with the answer now?

On working with Deepika for the first time

Ours is an exuberant pair, isn’t it? We look nice and refreshing. Apart from being a new face, Deepika has all the attributes of an Indian beauty. Also, she is very professional and down-to-earth. Rani Mukerji and Deepika’s persona grounds me in real and on reel as well.

On the surprise package of the film – Harleen

The other heroine is going to be a surprise. Her name is Harleen. She’s not here at the moment because we wanted to keep the main focus on Deepika and myself right now.

On the title of the film

The title suits the story of the film which is about the love stories of people today and in yesteryears.

On Kareena's verdict on the film

She has seen the film and has liked it.

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Vidya to work in a Yash Raj film, finally

It’s been third time lucky for them

Vidya Balan had rejected an offer from Yash Raj Films on two occasions in the past, for some reason or the other. But it’s been third time lucky for them, with Vidya accepting their latest offer.

After “Parineeta”, Vidya was on a high. At that time YRF approached her for “Jhoom Barabar Jhoom”, but she turned down the role, which eventually went to Lara Dutta.

YRF again approached her for “Laaga Chunri Mein Daag”, but Vidya wasn’t interested in picking up the offer too.

This did not go down well with production house and decided to never cast Vidya again in their movies.

But a long time gap has apparently mended the differences and made YRF change its decision.

Now, Vidya has again been asked to be part of a Yash Raj film and this time she has accepted. In fact, she received a call not from Adi Chopra but from Yash Chopra himself.

The two are, however, tight-lipped about the venture.

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I want freedom as my birthday gift

The day I turn 50 is important for me, says Sanjay Dutt

On his 50th birthday Wednesday, Bollywood's troubled star Sanjay Dutt says his only wish is to leave his chequered past behind and move ahead as a free man.

"In the last 18 years, I've been fighting for my freedom and I feel the burden of the struggle now. I want to be free," Sanjay told IANS from Cape Town, South Africa.

"I want to walk into any consulate and get my visa. I want my passport to be with me. I want to visit any country I want. Most important of all I want the court cases to end," added the actor who battled with drug addiction and was also convicted in the 1993 Mumbai blasts under the arms act.

He says now he wishes for his "freedom".

"Can you gift me my freedom for my birthday? Otherwise the biggest gift god has given me is my wife Manyata. I'm very lucky to have her by my side," said the actor who is currently in Cape Town shooting "No Problem"

Friends from different parts of the world have flown in to celebrate the day and Sanjay says he also wanted his sisters - Namrata and Priya - to join him on this special day in his life.

"I've invited them. The day I turn 50 is important for me. And I'd like my family to be near me. I wish they could be here. No matter what misunderstandings we had, I'd like to wash them away on my 50th birthday."

Excerpts from an interview:

In Mumbai, the buzz is that your friends and family are flying in for your birthday?

I don't want any celebrations until Amar Singhji (Samajwadi Party general secretary) recovers. Once he returns to Delhi, I'll have a birthday celebration with him. But I heard from the grapevine here that the unit of "No Problem" are planning a small get-together for my birthday. But when I asked them they said, no party. But my friends are flying down.

Who are they?

Paresh from Chicago. I've known him for the last 25 years. We've grown up together. Then there's Mac from Los Angeles, another old and dear friend. Imran Ismail, who's here in South Africa. These are my three best friends who will be here on my birthday.

And from Mumbai?

Well I heard Bunty Walia is coming. Everything he does is announced on Facebook. So he has announced he's coming for my birthday.

Have you invited your sisters?

Yes, I have. I've invited them. The day I turn 50 is important for me. And I'd like my family to be near me. That's the way my parents would've wanted it. I wish they could be here, but they're busy with their own lives. No matter what misunderstandings we had, I'd like to wash them away on my 50th birthday. It's sad they can't be here. But I'm sure they've more important things to do.

Tell me about your most memorable birthday?

They've all been memorable in their own way, even the ones that came in my worst days. I don't like a big birthday bash. I just want my near ones on my birthday. It's tough to remember my past. But I want to move on.

It's very difficult to imagine Sanju Baba being 50.

At heart I'm still Baba. But when I look into the mirror, it's a reality. And I do feel 50, but not old. I've been in the film industry for so long. Yes, it's been a long innings. In the last 18 years, I've been fighting for my freedom and I feel the burden of the struggle now. I want to be free, Subhash.

I want to walk into any consulate and get my visa. I want my passport to be with me. I want to visit any country I want. Most important of all, I want the court cases to end.

So your mentor is recovering?

He is not my mentor. He is my brother and family. Amar Singhji stands by his friends and we've to stand by our friends. As soon as I get my visa, I'll fly down from here (in Cape Town) to Singapore to spend a couple of days with him.

So this friendship will last?

I've been betrayed by so-called friends many times. But this time I feel I've found a true friend. I've known him for 16 years. He has always stood by me, always been there in the worst situations in my life.

Your one birthday wish?

Freedom. Can you gift me my freedom for my birthday? Otherwise the biggest gift god has given me is my wife Manyata. She has stood by me and supported me unconditionally. I'm very lucky to have her by side.

What about a baby?

If that happens my happiness would be complete.

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Very unexpected romance for Deepika!

Filmicafe had a candid conversation with beautiful Bollywood starlet Deepika Padukone. Read on...

Q: You’ve only got three Bollywood films under your belt at this moment, but already you’ve been called a star. What do you think of the status you’ve achieved?
Well I definitely think I have a long way to go, but the one year that I’ve been in this industry has been extremely memorable. And I’m completely enjoying myself. It’s not something that I thought would happen.

Q: Your father was a professional badminton player and you yourself played on a national level. How do you look back at those times?
I think badminton taught me a lot. When I was 12 and 13, I started travelling to play professionally. I’ve lived in the worst of conditions. Sadly, in India, sports are not invested in. So I’ve lived in dormitories, travelled by second class trains and shared bathrooms. I’ve learned to become responsible and independent because of all that I went through.

Q: How do you go from that… to modeling?
When I was in tenth standard, that’s when I decided. I said listen, badminton is not what I want to do and I want to take up modeling professionally. And my parents said okay. I then got a portfolio done. I sent it to Bombay to a couple of agencies. Then, I did a commercial for a brand called Liril and that got me instant recognition. And that led to the music video and the music video led to the film.

Q: You met your current boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor because you were working together on a movie. Tell us how romance blossomed.
Very unexpected and very unplanned. We were friends earlier. And we were two different people. And we never thought that we’d end up being together. It’s only last year when we were shooting for a film together that we really got to know each other and managed to spend some time together.

Q: How did you keep it a secret?
We were like how two co-stars would normally meet or bond. I remember we’d only meet on the sets. And beyond that, everyone as a group would go out with the director, with our choreographer, with the cinematographer. It’s like a family. So everyone went out together. And I think it’s only later, towards the end of the schedule, he realised he was in love with me.

Q: He did say that he’d take a good film role over a relationship.
Yeah.

Q: Isn’t that a little bit offensive?
Not at all! Because I think we’re both at that age now where work and our lives are really beginning for us. It’s great that this relationship happened so early in our lives. And that everything’s fallen into place. But I think beyond that, this is really the time to focus on our careers, there’s time for everything else later.

Q: For all the good things though you do have your critics and there are those who say that you’ve been over hyped and you don’t deserve the status. Do you care?
Someone’s given me that status, I haven’t. I always say I think I have a long way to go.

Q: Most actors and actresses do have a relatively limited shelf-life. Do you worry that for you one day that the party might be over?
Not at all, like I said, I didn’t plan to be a part of this industry. It is something that I wanted to do in a way, but it’s not like that my life would end if I didn’t become a part of the film industry. I’m a family person. So when I think it’s the right time for me to leave and to get married, I’ll do that. And I know that today there’s me, tomorrow there will be someone else. I’m going to work hard and make sure I can be here for as long as I can and that people don’t get bored of me.

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Shiney’s maid obsession continues

Shiney Ahuja is praying hard for a maid in his jail cell. But unfortunately isn’t able to vocalise those very thoughts considering the situation he is in right now.

The actor jailed for allegedly raping his maid is faced with serious water woes in his cell in Arthur Road Jail. Shiney’s jail cell overflows if it rains for more than 12 hours and is left to clean up his mess along with prison mate and underworld don Abu Salem.

Due to this, Shiney had even asked to be shifted from his barracks or made to sit outside his cell but wasn’t allowed to do so. Instead the guards gave him four buckets to drain out the water and Shiney couldn’t do much but comply with the orders.

A jail official stated recently, ‘Prisoners have to do all the work themselves. If it rains, they have to clean up too.’ The reason behind the flooding in the cells is because the drainage system of the 80-year-old prison has failed, leading to accumulation of sewage that hosts mosquitoes and insects.

Sadly Shiney will remain in judicial custody till July 30 when the court hears his bail plea again. For now, Shiney just seems to be learning more about 'doing' manual labour.

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Wishing Sanjay Dutt a very happy Birthday!

Even though his native is a village near district Yamuna Nagar in Haryana, this kid was born and brought up in the glamour-oozing city of Mumbai. He is one of those very few 'star-sons' who just did not want to take things on a golden plate, instead, choose to earn their star-status. We are indeed talking about today's Birthday boy Sanjay Dutt, the humble son of the most illustrious parents: the late Sunil Dutt and Nargis Dutt.

Sanjay's debut film Rocky still remains as one of the most memorable films in Bollywood. What followed after that, were an array of films that not just consolidated his position in Bollywood, but also catapulted him into the top league in no time. Even though bad times befell on Sanjay's life in the form of drug abuse and possession of illegal arms, Sanjay stood terra firma against all this and came out clean to accept his mistake, an action that only a true son of the soil can do! It was this acceptance of guilt that transformed the man called Sanjay Dutt into a household name called 'Sanju baba', which later on took the form of the most affable 'Munnabhai', an unforgettable identity that the Indian cinema has ever produced!

In the recent times, besides the smash hit Munnabhai series, Sanju also gave some of his unforgettable performances in films like Daag The Fire, Haseena Maan Jaayegi, and Vaastav, which even earned him the Best Actor in a Leading Role award at the prestigious Filmfare Awards.

Join Bollywood Buzz if you want to wish and also give Sanju baba lots of jhaadu ki jhappis, simply by posting your messages below:

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Salman leaves Farah red-faced!

Choreographer-turned-director Farah Khan says that Bollywood star Salman Khan had left her red-faced when he took her along for the auditions of his super hit 1989 film "Maine Pyar Kiya".

Farah recalled the incident when she came on the reality show "Dus Ka Dum 2", which is being hosted by Salman.

"He (Salman) took me along so that I could show him a few steps to do before director Sooraj Barjatya. But when Salman did the steps, it was so appalling that I simply picked up by footwear, hailed a cab and took off home," said Farah on the show.

Salman, who started blushing after his secret was revealed, agreed that he did have two left feet then and later even demonstrated the step he was required to perform at the auditions, said a source from the sets of the show.

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Who wins… Katrina or Shilpa

Shilpa Shetty may be dabbling in many things, but movies are her first love, and that’s the reason she decided to produce films.

Shilpa’s super excited about her new role, and says, “I’ll be the first actress to turn producer. This way I get to make movies that I believe in.

I had to put my plans on hold because of recession, but I am sure things will be back on track soon.” Well, we hear, Katrina Kaif has bought the rights for a French film recently.

She, too, plans to turn producer. So, will the hotties compete to be the first actress-producers on the Bollywood block? Let’s wait and watch.

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Akshay takes good care of Deepika!

Akshay Kumar's gallant nature was revealed in London when his "Housefull" co-star Deepika Paudkone was laid up with a bout of malaria.

He not only made sure Deepika was looked after, but also persuaded her to stay away from shooting.

While Deepika was resting, alternative scenes that didn't require her were shot.

"I'm recovering. I was bedridden for three days. And yes, I did return to the set on Saturday. I had to shoot. But I'm not sure whether it was the wisest of decisions, considering it was malaria," Deepika told IANS from London.

Akshay and Deepika earlier teamed up for "Chandni Chowk To China", which turned out to be a box office dud. But the film's failure hasn't affected their friendship.

"I'm lucky to be surrounded by gallant men. Whether it's my dad, Ranbir (Kapoor), Akshay, Shah Rukh Khan or any of my co-stars, I haven't so far encountered any ill-behaved men," said Deepika whose next release is "Love Aaj Kal".

Directed by Imtiaz Ali, "Love Aaj Kal" hits the screens Friday. And Saif Ali Khan, who plays Deepika's cynical love interest in the romantic saga, also gets high marks from Deepika, though she admits they aren't close friends.

In the movie, Saif plays a guy who doesn't believe in romantic love whereas Deepika is a die-hard romantic both in the film and in real life.

"He (Saif) also believes in love and realises it when he can't do without the girl. So I guess there's a romantic in all of us. It just needs to be tapped. But you need to experience that journey from disbelief to love, like I have in real life.

"So many times I advice people on their love life. I can always tell the difference between those who understand and don't understand the value of true love," she said.

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I want 'Love Aaj Kal' to break all records

Saif’s film is very close to Kareena’s heart

Her recent release "Kambakkht Ishq" has seen the best opening of 2009 so far. But Kareena Kapoor wants boyfriend Saif Ali Khan's "Love Aaj Kal" to even surpass her film's record and enjoy phenomenal success at the box office.

"I really want 'Love Aaj Kal' to break all box-office records. Yes, 'Kambakkht Ishq' is my film but then so is 'Love Aaj Kal'. For both Saif and me 'Love Aaj Kal' is a not just a prestigious project but also something which is very close to our hearts", Kareena told IANS.

Releasing on July 31, "Love Aaj Kal" is Saif's first production venture. Tell her that expectations are huge from the movie as well as Saif and she nods in agreement.

"Yes, I'm aware about the huge expectations and I also know that 'Love Aaj Kal' has turned out to be a lovely film. The good part is that the film has generated all around positive vibes and everyone expects good things from the film," she said.

With Saif playing two characters - Jai Vardhan Singh and Veer Singh (the younger version of Rishi Kapoor) - "Love Aaj Kal" touches upon the universal essence of love.

According to director Imtiaz Ali, "the process of relationship might be different in different eras, but the experience of being in love remains the same".

Another factor that makes "Love Aaj Kal" a special film for Kareena is the fact that it has Imtiaz at the driving seat.

"I have worked with Imtiaz in 'Jab We Met' and ever since then we all expect so much from him. He has great sensibilities of a storyteller and can't set a foot wrong. I really hope and pray that 'Love Aaj Kal' manages to strike a chord with audiences in the same way as 'Jab We Met'," she said.

Remembering her stint in "Jab We Met", Kareena agrees that it was an extraordinary experience.

"To play a character like 'Geet' (her screen name in 'Jab We Met') doesn't happen all the time; it just happens. When you begin working on a film, you of course know about the story and your character. However, no one knows how audiences would eventually react to it. 'Geet' did strike a chord with the audiences and became a household name," she said.

One expects something similar from "Love Aaj Kal" as well that also stars Deepika Padukone. Apart from them, Rishi Kapoor and Rahul Khanna will also be seen in pivotal roles with Neetu Singh in a guest appearance.

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Akshay has no plans to head to Hollywood

I'm happy doing my work here, he says

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, who recently shared screen space with international stars Sylvester Stallone, Denise Richards and Brandon Routh in "Kambakkht Ishq", says he has no plans of heading to Hollywood.

"Why go to Hollywood when Hollywood is coming to Bollywood? I'm happy doing my work here as of now," Akshay told IANS.

Now that "Kambakkht Ishq" has registered good profits at the box office, Akshay is looking forward to his other films that include "Blue", "De Dana Dan" and "Action Replay".

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Shahid Chops It Off

His hair that is! Shahid Kapur has chopped his enviable long locks for his upcoming Yash Raj film directed by Parmeet Sethi with Anushka Sharma as his co-star. He has ash streaks in his hair and a new crisp, short crop.

He had short hair in Jab We Met but sported long hair in Kismat Konnection and will continue to do so in the upcoming Kaminey (where both the twin brothers have long hair) and Dil Bole Hadippa.

Initially, at the first promotional event for Kaminey, he wore a cap to disguise his new look but once the shooting (of the film) started, he became less conscious. He cannot avoid being out of the public eye because he has to promote the movie. The same problem occurred during the promotion of Kismat Konnection because Vishal bhardwaj didn’t want his new, long haired look for Kaminey to be seen.

Shahid said, “Yes, this is my new look for Parmeet’s film. I have cut my hair. We don’t have a title yet. We have just started shooting. I can't talk much about it. All I can say is that it’s a single role.”

He's so paranoid about his hair that's he constantly keeping it hidden under a cap. So annoyed is Vishal Bhardwaj that he has expressely spoken about Shahid in print saying if Shahid concentrated less on his tresses and pecs he could be a great actor.

Ahem, ahem. Cupcake Kapur just got punked.

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Kareena Kapoor: No marriage plans for 2 years

Kareena Kapoor has been appointed the brand ambassador of Gitanjali’s bridal wear brands Parineeta, Sagaee and ME Solitaire. She talks about marriage and what diamonds mean to her.

As expected Kareena sparkled like a diamond in a white and pink saree. That she looked absolutely stunning is an understatement.

“Diamonds are a woman’s best friend. Jewellery makes a woman even more beautiful. I am very choosy about the brands I endorse and Gitanjali is all about quality over quantity,” asserted the beauty.

“I like my diamonds to be solitaires. I absolutely adore them. I would like a diamond of 2 or 3 carats in a beautiful, lovely setting in yellow gold,” she said.

In the Gitanjali ads, she plays a dual role and looks gorgeous in both. “In one ad I am a young Indian ethnic bride and in the other I am a glamourous girl. My fans get to see me in two very different avatars.”

And has Saif seen the ads yet? “He hasn’t seen the ad yet as he has been very busy with Love Aaj Kal,” was her quick reply.

Bebo has played a bride several times in her filmy career. So what about real life? “When Karisma was getting married, we were in a room where she was getting ready in front of the mirror. She told me that she felt she was going for a shot. She said she has taken the saat phere with so many heroes and in so many films, that it all felt like a movie. That is what she felt. As far as I am concerned, I don’t know how I will feel on that day. I will only think and know about it on that day. I am not thinking about it right now. I haven’t made any marriage plans yet. I don’t intend to marry for the next two years,” she explained, adding, “Marriages are made in heaven. The Destiny that God has given us will happen as He has ordained it to happen.”

Katrina is endorsing Nakshatra and Bipasha also endorses Gitanjali. So does Kareena feel any competition? “I don’t feel any competition as far as endorsements are concerned. I think the more the merrier,” said the confident Diva.

“I am designing a jewellery line for them that will have shades of my personality. The kind of jewellery that I like is elegant and classic. I love earrings, neckpieces and rings in diamonds especially solitaires, emeralds and rubies. My sister and mother keep gifting them to me. My family pampers me a lot. My birthday is also coming and I am expecting huge surprises,” concludes the Kapoor heiress.

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Shilpa’s New Best Friend

The reclusive Madame Re has found a buddy in the friendly and sociable Shilpa Shetty. The Bollywood Diva inaugurated her spa at Khar, suburban Mumbai.

Shilpa’s beau Raj was not present at the event. Yet Shilpa was more than happy with Rekha keeping her company.

The two gorgeous ladies of Bollywood have been bonding big time. The reason behind it is that they both were considered ugly ducklings before they transformed into beautiful, graceful swans. Rekha is still considered a diva. Shilpa, with her Yoga, international fame, sexy figure, stylish clothes and business ventures is one of Bollywood’s busiest divas. What’s more, both are South Indians.

Shilpa said that she considers Rekha the perfect Bollywood diva and is fascinated by the mystique and enigma surrounding her.

Rekha, who usually stays away from events, is now a regular guest at spa openings, exhibitions and award functions. She usually sticks to Farzana but with Shilpa now, she has a new friend in her life.Or so we think!

Rekha thinks that Shilpa is living her dreams. After the spa opening, she sent Shilpa a letter saying that she was very proud of her because she (Shilpa) was doing everything she wanted to do, like promote Yoga and start a spa. Shilpa was touched by the letter from her new found close friend.Couldn't Re Madam have just told her that at the event?

Dahlings, she would have wanted Shetty girl to preserve her letter as a memorablia! Class we say.

It won’t be long before we see them going abroad for shopping sprees abroad and soaking in spas together. Who said Bollywood actresses can’t be friends? They absolutely can if they belong to different generations and are not competing for the same roles, especially since they have none to talk about at the moment, and just perhaps take a long break abroad.

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First Look: Tum Mile

Emran Hashmi and Soha Ali Khan find love whilst trapped in the 2006 Mumbai flood deluge in Mahesh Bhatt’s next offering Tum Mile.

Directed by Kunal Deshmukh of Jannat fame, the film boasts of some gripping flood sequences, trademark soulful Bhatt music but sadly Emran doesn’t get to pucker up in this flick. Yes, its true Soha refused to kiss the serial kisser himself and news were rife that Immi didn’t take it too well.

Rest assured, insiders can’t stop raving about the canvas of the film since the floods on the streets of Mumbai have been fantastically re-created.

Emran Hashmi confirmed to the press, ‘You should have been on the sets to believe it, Water level there was scary enough to actually drown people. Kunal (Deshmukh) wanted the situation to be an exact replica of the horrific flood situation that the city faced that fateful night. It was difficult to even imagine how commuters would have struggled with no support whatsoever.’

Tum Mile however isn’t the first film to be made on the deluge, a small budget film called 26th July at Barista starring newbies Kabier Sawhney and Simran Vaid was also made on the same issue. But the floods washed away the memories of the film and here's hoping Tum Mile doesn’t suffer the same fate too.

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In Pics: Kareena Kapoor Presented as Brand Ambassador of Gitanjali’s Parineeta Wedding Collection

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In Pics: Shilpa Shetty's Iosis Medispa Launch

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