Akshay Kumar unbuttons his jeans for Tarun Tahiliani

Tarun Tahiliani’s show for Levi’s was spectacular. Twinkle Khanna and Anu Dewan were among the guests.

The show was sexy and made for a great watch featuring models Indrani Mukerjea, Moni Dutta, Waluscha Robinson, Diana Penty, Mashoom Singha and many others. Either these girls have amazingly thin legs or it was the slimming effect of the skinny jeans. The hair was straightened and pumps and peep toes comprised the footwear. There was a fair bit of cleavage on display which made the boys very happy!

Different hues of blue, white, black, charcoal, mauve, orange, indigo,browns, grey, gold, turquoise formed the colour palette. Prints comprised lots of paisley and paisley and Chintz prints embedded in the jeans fabric. Tie and dye prints were also seen. The drapes of the tops were beautiful. Some tops and jeans had lots of shimmer and shine on them while others were subtle. Velvet and corduroy was also used. Georgette, silk, cotton, denim, jersey were among the fabrics. The various jeans were sand-washed, acid washed, frayed (destructed), embroidered or Swarovski crystal embellished, offering a lot of variety. Skinny jeans, capris, tunics, tees, skirts, mini dresses, jackets, cropped jackets, coats, Jodhpurs, racer back shiny tees and belts with metallic chains were on display.

Akshay Kumar was the showstopper but his outfit wasn’t show stopping. It was a tee with Levi’s emblazoned across it, faded jeans and black knee length boots. He wore glares and oozed an arrogant attitude with every step. He rose amidst smoke, a sexy model by his side. Then, he walked the ramp and stopped near wife Twinkle. After a waltz, the model was ready to unbutton him. He refused her, asking wife Twinkle to do so and she blushed due to embarrassment and did it for him. The audience broke into whistles and applause. Then he walked the ramp with designer buddy Tarun Tahiliani.
The show was a super success.

Tarun Tahiliani said, “It is a dream to design for the most iconic denim brand in the world and infuse it with an Indian soul. Here is a vision of the hardiest facric in the world: distressed, destructed, over dyed, acid washed, printed and embellished with prints and motifs from the sub-continent. I find it rather like opening an heirloom and inhaling a rather heady aroma of camphor and history. The collection fuses a fresh vocabulary from cultures born in new avatars-the potent symbols of the American and Hindustani. Levi’s denim has an Indian soul now.”

Akshay Kumar said, “Levi’s is a brand that I have known trusted and loved for longer than I can remember. Wearing a Levi’s is more than just wearing a pair of jeans. It is about becoming part of a history more than 136 years in the making- and still going strong. What you have seen here today will hopefully unbutton an another chapter in history.”

Who knew casuals could look so glam, trendy, feminine and sexy? Trust Tarun Tahiliani and Levis to do it for you!

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LFW '09: The Westside walk on Day 4

The Westside Designer Prêt show was super successful. People loved the simple and wearable fashion. Malaika Arora Khan was in the front row cheering her husband Arbaaz who was showstopper for Wendell Rodericks.

The look for the entire show was a sleek short pony and bright red lips. Narendra Kumar Ahmed’s show was first and the theme was “The Librarian” – the sexed up version of course. We saw leggy models strut their stuff in shirts, blouses, capris, frilly blouses, skirts, skinny jeans, knee length dresses and fitted pants. Checks and stripes were the dominant prints. The colours were muted. The corporate wear collection can be worn to office and you don’t need to change when you step out at night. Very simple and clean style!

About his collection, Nari said, “I am happy with this association with Westside because I think fashion isn’t fashion until people on the streets wear it. The theme was “The Librarian” where we saw beautiful and sexy librarians. Office wear need not be boring; it can be fun and exciting and I liked giving an identity to my clothes.”

Designer Manish Gupta’s designs came up next. Ivory was the primary colour of the collection which comprised mainly of knee length dresses and tunics. They were layered and subtly shimmering. Drapes, tucks, dori embroidery, cotton ribbons and pleats formed the embellishments. Very elegant, chic and perfect for the blistering summer.

Designer Manish Gupta said, “This association will help us take fashion to the masses. The dresses and tunics are very clean and classic and can be paired with leggings.”

Finally, Wendell Rodericks’ minimalist designs closed the show. Arbaaz Khan was his show stopper but we weren’t sure that this was the best choice since Arbaaz was even sporting a belly!

For his “Mondrian Minimalist” collection inspired by Piet Mondrian’s geometric abstractions, Wendell used only black and white for the dresses while the geometric print accessories like shoes and bags and leggings had blue, red and yellow. The pants, dresses, tunics were absolutely simple and elegant and the way he made geometry, black and white interesting was fabulous. There were all black outfits with a thin white border and vice versa. The leggings and shoes provided the colour in the ensembles. Some were all black and beautiful with a shimmering black and silver border adding a touch of glam.

Arbaaz Khan said, “It was wonderful walking for my friend who is a wonderful designer. I thought I would fall off the ramp and on Malaika, which is alright. She told me to smile, be confident and flaunt some attitude.”

Wendell said, “I am absolutely delighted to be in the company of Manish and Nari and taking fashion to the public. The “Mondrian Minimalist” collection is eco friendly, we have used natural dyes and Bamboo fabrics. I am very happy with the collection.”

The collection hits Westside stores by the end of April. Mark your calendars as you definitely want to get your hands on this simple, clean, classy, smart, understated, elegant and chic designer prêt line which promises to be affordable too.

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Nandita Mahtani and Vikram Phadnis’ shows go packed!

These shows were packed to capacity with guests, media and celebrities, so much so that there was a seating controversy. Designer Rohit Bal didn’t have a place to sit and was standing while watching the show. But even though there was a lack of seats both shows went off well!

Nandita Mahtani’s Ananya collection opened the show which included songs like Stronger, 4 Minutes, American Boy, Right Now (By Akon). The hair was bouffant and was emphasized with curls. Nandita’s designs were unabashedly feminine and sexy with unapologetically low V shaped and empire necklines.

The colours used were mauve, shiny grey, wine, gold, beige, champagne and rich red. She used a lot of belts, some with tassels to accentuate the waist. She even mixed prints like paisley with checks and used bright colours for them.

Many of the outfits were plain with focus on the beautifully embellished necklines, cuffs and borders

The silhouettes for the tunics, kaftans, ponchos, gowns, little dresses were relaxed and plenty of outfits had drapes. There was also a beachwear collection that comprised of printed silk and chiffon translucent robes to be worn over swimwear.

This was yet another very wearable, classy and feminine collection from the expert designer. The use of colour, borders, belts and prints was beautiful. This is a collection we all want to get our hands on!

Vikram Phadnis

His was essentially a lavish and luxurious bridal wear collection. What set his collection apart from the others was that he didn’t use any bright colours. Turquoise blue, rich red, midnight blue, black and gold were the only colours he used. The collection had a very edgy feel to it because of the use of black. It was the perfect fusion of Indian and Western.

The hair was a bouffant with curls, maang tikkas, with smoky eyes and black pumps for footwear.

There were coats, patialas, leggings, kurtas, bustiers, shrugs, ghaghras, chunnis, cholis, churidaars, Chinese coats, sarees and even gowns.

The collection was well balanced. For example, if the kurta was heavy, then it was teamed plain leggings or partialas. A heavily embellished blue and gold choli was teamed with a black skirt and heavily embroidered velvet dupatta.

The beautiful Waluscha Robinson was the showstopper in a gorgeous beige kurta with gold and red embroidery which was paired a deep red ghaghra.

The necklines comprised Mandarin or Chinese collars while some of them were Empire and daringly low.

Brocade, silk and velvet were among the fabrics used. The black taffeta skirt was reminiscent of his design for the Barbie show and one of his bridal gowns that Priyanka wore last year at the LFW to promote Fashion. His use of velvet reminded us of Manish Malhotra’s velvet designs for Anushka Sharma and Asin.

Overall it was a grand and flamboyant collection from Vikram Phadnis for the bridal season.

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Multiplexes and Producers Strike Out!

The conflict between the multiplexes, producers and distributors has gone from bad to worse. The latest is that the film fraternity has decided not to release any films at multiplexes until revenue sharing terms are sorted out. We spoke to producer and former director Mahesh Bhatt to get his take on the whole situation, which proves to be bad for the film industry as well as movie buffs!

Mahesh thinks the strike which is said to start on 5th April, is going to be very tough. He elaborates, “It’s going to be a very hard time for both sides as well as cinema lovers. And until the multiplexes meet the demands there will not be any releases.”

He adds, “The situation is a do or die for us, but we are not going to go back on our word. To make a film we break our heads for more than a year and face a lot of difficulties along the way. When we release the movie, the multiplexes make a lot of money. We aren’t asking for the entire revenue they generate, just a share in it.”

But, what if the multiplexes aren’t willing to meet the demands? Mahesh says, “It’s up to them. If they do not agree, there will be no releases. Instead, we will release our films in a single screen theater like we used to do before and can make that the father of multiplexes!”

Considering there are a lot of films going to be released next month, action needs to be taken fast. Mahesh says, “It is a tough time but we are not going to change our demands. If the multiplexes think they can survive without us then we can easily survive without them!”

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Neeta Lulla and Pria wow audiences on Day 3

Adamo by Dell presents Neeta Lulla, was a dramatic show to say the least! It opened with an acrobatic dance act and show stopping green goddess, Parvathy Omanakuttan launched the new “n” Neeta Lulla logo.

In Neeta’s Chiconomic collection, the first few pieces are rich and in dark shades of colours like red, blue and green, in chiffon with gold embellishments and mirror work. These were all very feminine pieces, with flowing silhouettes. Eco friendly bamboo fabric and natural dye were used as well.

Then came the “tectonic shift” inspired collection that was in black, off white, ivory and white. It was sleek yet feminine formal wear comprising capris, trousers and satin shirts, with bows, pleats, ruffles.

The shoes were mainly peep toes in black and white leather. She also introduced smart and trendy laptop bags.

Her collection was very wearable. It combined chic, sexy, classy and feminine.

About her collection Neeta says, “The “Chiconomics” collection is inspired from the tectonic shifts that happen throughout the world and the shifts that the recession has brought about. I have used bamboo fabric which is eco-friendly and a lot of mirror work instead of embroidery. The silhouettes are western but the work is Indian.”

Pria Kataria Puri’s Retro Pop Princess Collection

The models walked to the foot tapping beats of songs by pop princesses Britney, Madonna and Beyonce. The eye makeup was in pop colours like brick red, purple and blue complimented with dark pouts. Pretty designer Pria Kataria opened the show in a heavily embellished gold gown. The collection was made up of saris, tunics, kaftans, short, knee and calf length dresses, maxis, pants and harems.

The base colours were neither too bright nor too dull, and comprised lilacs, beige, off white, blue, peach and pink with silver and gold accents. The prints were mostly flowers, leaves and birds in colours like rust, black, mustard and darker shades of the base colour. Satin was the predominant fabric while stretch satin, Egyptian cotton, chiffon, silk and georgettes were the others that were used.

Broad printed Oriental belts with square shaped bows and accents of gold and silver were seen on almost all outfits and accentuated the waist.

The entire show had a very playful, sexy, Oriental, and seductive vibe and rounds of applause were heard during the duration of the show.

Pria said, “The collection was inspired from the trips I made to the Victoria Albert Museum in England and the National Museum of Natural History in Paris. There I saw a lot of Chintz prints. Though it is an Indian art, Chintz woodblock printing became popular in Europe in the 17th and 19th centuries. That is the retro part of it and we have used faux fur and lace for that. Then the makeup and hair gives it a very edgy and modern look and the silhouettes are draped yet structured. It also has an Oriental feel to it”

Sonakshi Sinha was the showstopper once again, this time for designer Pria Kataria Puri. She should gracefully understand that though she has a pretty face and tall frame, she just isn’t model material. Her torso is rather broad and does not have the attitude and strut that makes a supermodel. She needs weeks of rehearsal or practice before she can become a confident showstopper.

She even admitted that she walked for Pria because of her mom. She said, “I have wanted to walk for Pria for a long time because I admire her collections. She invited my mom for the show and I asked my mom to speak to her on my behalf, if I could walk for her and here I am.” Seems that Mommy’s little girl can’t talk for herself.

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Cartier Dubai Polo Challenge

Karishma, Anil Kapoor among Bollywood celebrities present.

HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, Wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, attended the Cartier Dubai Polo Challenge 09 on Friday.

Held at the Desert Palm Resort & Polo Club, the super chic event was also attended by Hollywood and Bollywood celebrities and Dubai's high fashion set.

A-listers spotted include Cartier muse and Hollywood hottie Monica Bellucci; Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor, fresh from his Slumdog Oscar success, Karishma Kapoor, Chunky Pandey and Jas Arora. Top Indian novelist-columnist Shobhaa De was also present.

The Qatar Airways versus team EmiratesNBD polo match was a thriller. Karisma’s husband Sanjay scored the winning goal for QA in the last few minutes of the match. Qatar Airways won 6:5.

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Shah Rukh Khan is a fan of Desperate Housewives!

It's not just love and two kids that bind SRK and Gauri together. It's also Desperate Housewives! In a heart-to-heart on the TV show The First Ladies, Gauri revealed that she and SRK are deeply grateful to God for whatever they have.

Is she the reason behind SRK's success? "Actually, that's not true because I was not too happy about him coming to Bombay. It was very difficult. And I actually did not want his films to do well. I thought if it flopped, we would go back to Delhi."

Incidentally, SRK was the first person she went out with. They even changed Shah Rukh's name to Abhinav, to make Gauri's family think he was a Hindu!

Asked about the first diamond that SRK bought her, Gauri says, ""I bought it myself! I grabbed it actually. I'm quite a grabber. He doesn't have to gift me anything."

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Kangna's playing gangster's muse again

Kangna Ranaut's so fascinated with the love story of Haji Mastan and 70s starlet Sona, that she's decided to track down the girl and do a bit of research before she steps into her shoes for her role in Milan Luthria's Once Upon A Time In Mumbai.

Haji used to be madly in love with Sona because she resembled Madhubala and even got her roles in films like Kacche Dhaage (1973). The main leads were played by Kabir Bedi, Moushumi Chatterjee and Vinod Khanna.

Kangna took a lot of pain to find Sona's address. She told a Mumbai tabloid, "I will be meeting her soon. It is a crucial preparation for my role."

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Sallu’s political dance

It was a scene that would have fit perfectly into a Salman Khan action flick – a chopper lands in the middle of a huge crowd, and the hero, dressed in suitably macho glares, biceps popping out of his shirt, gets down and walks up to the gathering, accompanied by wild applause and cheering.

The poll battle in UP got hotter as Salman landed there early this week, in Bollywood hero style, to campaign for Congress candidate Anu Tandon, who’s contesting from Unnao.

As soon as Sallu’s chopper landed, the thousands-strong crowd broke all security barriers to be able to get a glimpse of the actor. Some lucky fans from the crowd got his autograph before security personnel checked them. On popular demand, Salman eventually removed his glares so that the crowd could see him better.
After this display of enthusiasm by the crowd at the chunavi sabha, Salman also made it a point not to disappoint his fans. He sang songs like Jawani Phir Na Aaye, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and Oh Oh Jaane Jaana, and danced to them too. After an hour’s time there, Sallu blew kisses into the air as he bid the crowd goodbye, to proceed to the next location.

The first step towards a political career, Sallubhai?

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Kareena's bikini-fit 24x7

She wore the lovely fluorescent bikini in Tashan, and it’s time for Kareena Kapoor to show-off her body antics yet again in Kambakkht Ishq.

Only this time she’ll be donned in a sexy black swimsuit. When we asked her dietician, Rujuta, if Bebo starves herself for a flat tummy during bikini shoots, she told us, “Never! In fact she is pretty stuffed all the time. Also, I believe that one should be bikini-fit 24 x 7. And that’s what Bebo is.” So, Kareena is going to indulge in some ‘black magic’ this time round, and get the men weak in their knees all over again!

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When Shah Rukh became Abhinav

Shah Rukh Khan became Abhi... just for wife Gauri.

We recently learnt that when Gauri was to introduce Shah Rukh to her parents, she wasn’t so sure how they would react if they found out that he belonged to another community. So she conveniently changed Shah Rukh’s name and introduced him as Abhinav to her parents! Looking back, Gauri describes this as “silly and childish.” And as for SRK, he was ironically shooting for My Name is Khan while Gauri narrated this sweet little anecdote.

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Salman's political connection

There’s an unlikely Bollywood star on the campaign trail - Salman Khan, who’s campaigning for Congress candidate Anu Tandon. But he’s not there to campaign, he says - he’s there to ‘connect with the people’

The most recent entrant into politics is someone who’s known for often being politically incorrect – Salman Khan. In Unnao to campaign for Congress candidate Anu Tandon, Salman looked relaxed and fresh in a tee and jeans, his biceps on show. Standing by a French window before hitting the campaign trail, basking in the early morning sun, Salman sported a pony reminiscent of rival Shah Rukh Khan.

The relaxed attitude belied his busy schedule – he had to cover five locations and meetings till late at night, but he answered questions with patience and good humour. Is this the first time he’s out campaigning for someone? “Yes,” he says. As an afterthought, he adds, “I’m not here to canvass or campaign.” But he’s associated himself with a political party. “I’m here to associate with Anu. And to connect with the people,” he replies.

But what’s in it for him? “I’m from Indore – I was born there and eventually came to Panvel (in Mumbai), so I know what happens there, how the people there are. But to leave all that, a cushy life, the whole social scene in Mumbai, and work with the masses in villages, needs guts. I’ve known Anu for a very long time and I know the amount of work she’s done for the people, so I wanted to add my bit to it,” he says. “A lot of people say they’ll do this, they’ll do that, but how many eventually get down to doing it? I want to go back to the place where I came from and make sure that the people come out from such small places, the way I have. What extra do I have? The same education, the same lifestyle, we’re born in the same place. But it’s all about opportunities. I want people to have that. That’s what there is in this for me.”

He’s clearly not finished. “Bahut log hote hain jo aag lagate hain. Hum (Anu and Salman) aag bujhane ka kaam kar rahe hain, by interacting with the people and telling them that we’re one of their own. We’re like them. We’re not special.”
But why the Congress? “Because I believe in the leadership. I believe that Rahul Gandhi will go a long way. He has the ability to lead the country.” And does he have an opinion on the other Gandhi – Varun’s – statements? “I’d just like to say that my father is a Muslim and my mother is a Hindu,” he says.

He says he marvels at Anu for having left her home, husband and two children in Mumbai to work for the people. “I salute such women. Any man would have thrown a fit if his wife were to do this. I know, my father has two wives. I mean, for my father, it would have been easy – do biwiyan hain, ek bahar chali bhi gayi toh doosri toh hai – but for Anu’s husband to have supported her in her endeavours is praiseworthy.”

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Bipasha's engaged

Bipasha Basu has been sporting a huge diamond ring on her finger of late.

Also unlike the actresses who claim to have bought them on their own, Bips openly declared that it is John who gifted her one.

“It’s given by John but we are not engaged”, said Bips when we quizzed her about the gorgeous ring. Now diamonds are a girl’s best friend but definitely not more than the beau who gifts her one!

Way to go Johnny boy!

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No Rules for SRK: Sonam

Sonam Kapoor may be just two films old, but she is choosy about her roles and has drafted strict guidelines for herself to sign movies.

The young actress is, however, willing to make exceptions if the man opposite her happens to be Robert De Niro or Shah Rukh Khan.

"Well, why would one actually ask questions if paired opposite Robert De Niro?" asks Sonam with a mischievous smile. "You should consider yourself plain fortunate to just share a common frame with him. In fact, I will be happy to even walk past a frame featuring him. No questions asked. Period."

Sonam teamed up with Ranbir Kapoor in her debut vehicle "Saawariya" and she was seen with Abhishek Bachchan in her second film "Dilli 6". She is now looking forward to a movie with superstar Shah Rukh.

"He is another man for whom I will be so very willing to ignore my rule book. I would be more than happy to go ahead and sign a film if Shah Rukh happens to be my hero," says Sonam, a self-confessed Shah Rukh fan.

"There are exceptions that one makes about the size and content of the role when it comes to working with legendary actors; De Niro and Shah Rukh just fit the bill," she said.

However, when it comes to working on films with anyone lesser, Sonam certainly has her do's and don'ts in place.

"I don't intend to do films where all I am required to do is to dance in four songs and enact a couple of emotional scenes. By no means am I looking at that kind of cinema," she said.

Though the formal announcement of her next film is yet to take place, reports are that Sonam's next will be for her dad's production house. The film is called "Ayesha" and is based on Jane Austen's novel "Emma".

According to industry sources, Sonam will be making a complete about turn from her "Saawariya" and "Delhi 6" image and take on a completely new ultra-chic avtar. The film will feature Abhay Deol along with newcomer Arunodoy Singh, who will soon make his debut with "Sikandar".

Sonam and Imran Khan are meanwhile reportedly being considered by Kunal Kohli for his next film that would be directed by his assistant Danish Aslam. However, confirmation is still awaited around this young love story.

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Adhyayan-Kangana going strong

There seems to be all smoke and no fire to the rumours surrounding Adhyayan and Kangana’s tumbling love life.

Anjana Sukhani was apparently the new girl in Adhyayan’s life. All rumours to do with the couple’s break-up and Anjana’s role in it were put to rest when an unit hand of Kites revealed how Adhyayan drops in on the sets of Kites just to be with lady love Kangana.

“Kangana didn’t accompany Adhyayan to few events because she was busy with Kites. There is no truth to the news of their break-up. Adhyayan in fact drops in quite frequently on the sets of Kites and even parties with its crew including Barbara and Hrithik. Anjana is just a friend”, revealed our source.

Hope this news will give a breather to the gossip-mongers.

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SRK drops ‘Kolkata’ ! Is Dada next

Did Shah Rukh Khan pay heed to numerologist Sanjay B Jumaani’s warnings? Or else, why did he feel compelled to remove the city name ‘Kolkata’ from his Knight Riders team’s logo?

And if this seems too much to swallow, even if you are not a die-hard Bengali fan, think about what it would take to drop The Great Bengal Tiger from the captaincy?

There is certainly more to this, than what meets the eye, especially if the Knight Riders’ coach, John Buchanan’s shocking revelation that Ganguly could be replaced with in-form McCullum is to be taken seriously.

So did the Badshah of Bollywood do this to try and turn his spate of bad luck, considering the fact that Jumaani clearly sounded off his (correct) prophesies on the same? In the first year of IPL, Jumaani had gone on record to say that Kolkata Knight Riders didn’t add up well, but sans ‘Kolkata’, just ‘Knight Riders’ added up to an auspicious number, as it totaled to the number 1 of the powerful Sun. Explaining further, Jumaani maintained that Sourav, a # 8, was far from lucky for SRK, as even in the past, this number has not been too good for the Badshah.

Says Jumaani, “On November 2, SRK had entered his 44th year, and 4+4 = 8, represents Saturn (Shani). Unfortunately, as predicted, it didn’t auger well for SRK what with his shoulder injury keeping him out of action for months and his Billu not faring well too at the BO. “We had, in fact, earlier warned him not to release Asoka on the 26th. He did, and the film bombed,” recalls the numerologist.

According to Jumaani, his association with # 8, Sourav Ganguly (08/07) who captained Knight Riders, wasn’t too fruitful. “In fact, right at the beginning, we had warned that the colour black used for their team jersey wasn’t auspicious as it is also the hue of the same Saturn, # 8, and generally a colour of mourning in many communities. In fact, another team sporting the same colour that has never ever made it in the big league, is New Zealand. It has, on so many occasions, despite playing well, not managed to win a major tournament, leave alone the World Cup.”

Now that SRK’s team is using only Knight Riders in its logo, Jumaani says, “Our next suggestion to the team would be to also change the black colour of its outfits. And Sourav should wear jersey No 24 (that we had recommended earlier too), which did him a world of good in the World Cup as he scored three centuries then, being the only player in any World Cup, along with Mark Waugh, to achieve this honour.”

But, what went wrong with Sourav and his coach once again? Having just recovered from the Greg Chappel spat, he is up again in a face-off with someone from his own camp! Informs Jumaani, “Born on 08/07/1972, Sourav is governed by # 8, Saturn (Shani), # 2, Moon and # 7, Neptune, and his zodiac sign is Cancer. Two others who have captained India successfully have also been Cancerians. And they are Sunil Gavaskar (10/07) and Dhoni (07/07). Hence, coach John Buchanan’s claim that he is not a good captain does not hold water, at least as per numerology, and also not to forget the fact that Sourav has been one of India’s most successful captains.”

He goes on to say, “The combination of such numbers makes Cancerians quite creative and unconventional in their approach. However, like their symbol of the crab, which never walks consistently, such people are subject to sudden upheavals too. They are also quite moody in nature, as the Moon affects their mind, just as it causes high and low tides in the oceans. In Sourav’s case, Saturn (# 8) often makes him misunderstood, and hence politics is not his cup of tea. Controversies usually surround the number 8s. Being a ‘Water’ sign as he is a Cancerian, Sourav had great difficulties with Greg Chappel earlier, who is a ‘Fire’ sign, being a Leo (07/08). Fire and Water can hardly stay together; no wonder then that John Buchanan is a Fire sign too, like all Arians (05/04/1953)! We know that Dada is currently in his 37th year and 3+7 = 1, of the Sun, and it is amongst his best numbers. Lakhs of people worship the mighty Sun. Sourav’s decision to retire gracefully from the Indian team had been timed well, in this sense. In fact, Dhoni won the best player internationally for ICC now when he’s in his 28th year, and 28=1.”

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'Slumdog' kid shares screen with Kidman

Multiple Oscar winning film 'Slumdog Millionaire's child star Rubina Ali is continuing on the road to stardom as she landed a role in a commercial with Hollywood actress Nicole Kidman.

The beverage advertisement which also stars actor Arjun Rampal and is directed by Shekhar Kapur, was recently shot in Udaipur in India.

The eight-year-old Rubina was plucked from the slums of Mumbai to star in Danny Boyle's film and her father hopes that her rising profile could lead to a better life for the family, Contactmusic reported.

"We are very proud of her and hope she continues to become a big star. Maybe then we will be able to live in a proper house. She was paid more for the ad than the movie," Rafiq Ali, Rubina's father said.

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Rihanna is not dating Frankie

Bromance' star Frankie Delgado has denied reports that he is dating R&B singer Rihanna.

The TV star said he was not romantically involved with the singer, recently in news for being assaulted by boyfriend Chris Brown.

Despite rumours circulating that the two are dating, Delgado said he and Rihanna were "just friends", reported the People magazine online.

Delgado, who has starred in MTV's The Hills and Bromance , said the rumour got started because "she's been out, hanging out, I guess. It's Hollywood, people talk a lot."

Asked how she was doing, he said, "She's good." Though Rihanna, 21, and Brown, 19, reconciled and were together in Miami soon after he was charged with assaulting her, reports suggest that Umbrella singer has decided to take a break from the relationship.

The Disturbia singer recently returned to LA after a trip to New York, where she had business meetings and spent time with her manager, her mentor Jay-Z, Beyonce and Brandy.

"She is looking forward to getting back to work and focusing on her career again," a source said, adding that Rihanna's trip was also designed to help her "clear her mind and take things one day at a time."

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'Brangelina to adopt child from India'

The Hollywood 'It' couple Brad Pitt and and Angelina Jolie are planning to extend their multinational family by adopting a child from India,according to media reports.

Angelina recently revealed plans to adopt from India when she met the child stars of multiple Oscar-winning film ' Slumdog Millionaire '.

When ten year old Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail asked the 'Tomb Raider' star why she had not adopted from his home country, she replied, "Well, I'll let you into a little secret, we will soon."

The couple, who are popularly known as 'Brangelina', originally showed interest in adopting from India when they visited the country's Priya Darshini Orphanage in 2006, but were too busy to finalise the details, a source told the Sunday Express .

"They filled out all the paperwork but had to put the adoption on hold because of all their other commitments," the source said.

Brangelina already has three adopted children Maddox, seven, from Cambodia, Pax, four, from Vietnam and Zahara, three, from Ethiopia as well as 2-year-old biological daughter Shiloh and their seven-month-old twins Vivienne and Knox.

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Malaika Arora walks the ramp for 'Mai Mumbai on Lakme Fashion Week Fall-Winter 2009

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Deepika Padukone walks the ramp for 'Mai Mumbai on Lakme Fashion Week Fall-Winter 2009

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Lakme Fashion Week Fall-Winter 2009 - Day 3

Creation by Designer Vikram Phadnis during day 3 of Lakme Fashion Week Fall-Winter 2009,(LFW) in Mumbai on March 29, 2009.

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Lakme Fashion Week Fall-Winter 2009 - Day 3

Creations by Designer Nandita Mahtani during day 3 of Lakme Fashion Week Fall-Winter 2009,(LFW) in Mumbai on March 29, 2009.

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Lakme Fashion Week Fall-Winter 2009 - Day 3

Creations by designer Rahul Reddy at Day 3, Lakme Fashion Week Fall-Winter 2009,(LFW) in Mumbai on March 29, 2009.

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Lakme Fashion Week Fall-Winter 2009 - Day 3

Creations by Designer Pia Fleming at Day 3, of Lakme Fashion Week Fall-Winter 2009,(LFW) in Mumbai on March 29, 2009.

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Big B at the mahurat of Krantiveer - The Revolution

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Deepika Padukone on the cover of Harper's Bazaar

Its last issue focussed on the size zero girl Kareena Kapoor. This month, the fashion and lifestyle magazine Harper's Bazaar has got model turned actress Deepika Padukone gracing the cover, clad in a sexy black strappy beach wear.

Sure to set pulses racing is the sultry beauty Deepika and with the advent of summer, the cover is all set with a deep tone of a sun set over glitteringly gold waters with the equally sizzling stunner in the foreground.

This month's mag is a special travel edition. It also has tips on how to escape the heat this summer while making a bee line for the beach front and still sizzling the way in some dazzling beach wear. Making this issue a must read are the fashion statements being made by the contemporary Boho designs.

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Mai Mumbai: Fashion for Relief

33 Indian designers and 20 international designers joined hands with Vikram Chatwal and a host of other celebrities including international supermodel Naomi Campbell to raise funds for the victims of the Mumbai terror attacks on 26/11.

Rahul Khanna was the host for the star studded show. He said, “Let us not forget 26/11 when the world watched our icons burn. We saw the turmoil for 60 hours. Many people died because there were not enough ambulances to transport them to the hospitals from the station. Fashion for Relief is to show that we are back in business and here to conduct business. There will be a silent auction for all the outfits showcased on the ramp and the proceeds will go to Teesta Setalvad and the Citizens for Justice and Peace Group to buy ambulances.”

Naomi Campbell stormed the ramp to a burst of applause in a gorgeous hot pink Vikram Phadnis kurta with silver work and jeans. We know why she is a supermodel!

Vikram Chatwal followed suit in an Arjun Khanna khadi jacket which was navy blue with red embroidery and jeans.

The audience started clapping and whistling when Arjun and Mehr Rampal walked together in Rohit Bal, of course as they both have been his muses in the past. Arjun wore a lavish black and maroon kurta whil Mehr sparkled in a gorgeous green, red and gold kurta.

Farhan Akhtar zoomed in a sleek black and white Raghuvandra Rathore suit and waved to his fans and bowed and clapped as the crowd clapped and whistled for him

Milind Soman, sporting a salt and pepper look and a shawl, kurta and pants credited to him and Madhu Jain had the crowd cheering wildly for him. He may be 40 plus but hasn’t lost his supermodel charm at all.

Porcelain beauty Feroze Gujral dazzled in Emanuel Ungaro’s draped little clack dress.

Ujjwala Raut had all eyes on her when she sparkled in a white with black motifs Yves Saint Laurent short number. She is the first Asian face of the Parisian brand so it is no wonder she sported the designer

Former supermodel and Mahastrian Mulgi Madhu Sapre wowed audiences in a shimmering draped beige Dolce and Gabbana gown with heavy silver embellishments.

Hot mama Malaika Arora Khan oozed oomph and grace as she shook her booty in a baby mauve Versace gown with neck and waist mirror work

Naomi Campbell was back in a Sabyasachi saree that was all black with black embellishments and a very heavy red and gold border. What a stunner!

Deepika Padukone closed the show in a classic Carolina Herrera gown which was the colour of champagne with exquisite silver and sequins embellishments.

Gregory David Roberts and Princess Francoise Sturdza were all lovey dovey on the ramp in beautiful Indian style designs by Araza Morelli.

Unconventional hottie Rahul Bose cut a sleek silhouette in a grey suit by Narendra Kumar Ahmed

Kunal Kapoor looked like a Punjabi Puttar in a tie and dye (bandhini) sherwani in brown by royal designer Raghuvendra Rathore. He played around with his glares which he passed to Farhan Akhtar.

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Naomi Campbell: I love India

When you look at Naomi Campbell up close you can’t help but gush about how strikingly beautiful and sweet she is. And when she speaks, you know there is more to her than just good looks. The lady knows her work and has real passion for it. She is powerful and is using her influential position to help the public. It is fashion with a purpose, for a cause. And when she walks the ramp, she owns it and the attitude she oozes lets you know why the supermodel has lasted 23 years.

Speaking about the warm welcome she has recieved in India, Naomi says, "Thank you so much for being here tonight and supporting Fashion for Relief and Mai Mumbai. This afternoon I decided I wanted to go to the Oberoi and the Taj because I have lived there on my many India visits. It was good for me to go and see what actually happened at the site where tragedy stuck. To hear the stories of families who waited for three days just to know if their loved ones were alright or alive and of the people who were working there; what happened to them was devastating."

"I am from London and I have lived with the fear of terrorism. We have bomb scares on trains and we have to get off but the tragedy hasn’t been as great as this. The wounds don’t heal quickly, we are aware of that. With this night (the event) we want to let you know that we haven’t forgotten you; that we are mourning your families and your loss and sending you our deepest condolences. For tonight’s fashion relief, we are extremely grateful to everyone who participated whether the hair or make up people or models, they have all given their time for free. This successful collaboration is because of them, even if I came up with the idea. It wouldn’t have happened without everyone’s efforts. I am with IMG and it is even more special for me. It is at times like these that we have to join hands and show our solidarity," she added, "This is a great country; I have been here many times before and have always been very well accommodated. The people here are very warm and welcoming with beautiful smiles. I have had many people calling me from around the world like China and Brazil, asking me about this event, if it is really happening or if it just the press generating it. I was like, 'yes, this is really gonna happen'.”

Speaking about the concept of Fashion For Relief (FFR), Campbell says, "It was set up over four years ago. It involves the fashion community to support a worldwide cause. The first FFR was held in New York City where we had the tragic hurricane Katrina. The second was held in London during Fashion Week for the flood related damage in England in 2007. We collected funds for the Rotary Blood and Disaster Appeal as we had a lot of disaster trauma due to the floods in Gloucestershire. The 2008 FFR was held in the UK with the PM’s wife Sarah Brown for the White Ribbon Alliance which is bigger than a charity. We had a very big Ribbon meeting in Davos and Indra who is the head of Pepsi and the first lady CEO I have met. She is a wonderful woman and an Indian native and you all should be very proud of her. She was the honorary for that night. We have everyone in place for the final auction for the Mumbai Fashion for Relief. Everything on the show is for sale."

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Krishna Mehta and the coat(s) of many colours

Designer Krishna Mehta put together a fabulous and successful show inspired by the Biblical story of Joseph and The Coat of Many Colours. There was a live band that played some tuneful music. Only dapper male models walked the ramp. Boman Irani, Cyrus Broacha and Kunal Khemu walked the ramp to promote their new film 99. Cyrus did a Bhangra on the ramp leaving the audience amused.

There were rich fabrics and weaves and textures like brocade with prints in vertical stripes and geometric designs. The colours were mauve, green, blue, orange, red, dark pink. All of them were dark and rich and none of them looked bright. The men wore printed scarves with all their traditional outfits. It was an elegant and royal collection that told the story of Joseph and The Coat of Many Colours.

Explaing her collection designer Krishna Mehta said, “The Biblical theme just came to my head and I have depicted it in an Indian way. People thought I was crazy to have just men walk for me in this collection but I am allowed to be crazy here. Keeping the recession in mind, we haven’t used any embroidery but the fabric has beautiful textures and weaves in it. I never compromise so it still looks very rich.”

Cyrus Broacha was at his humourous best and wasn’t letting anyone talk. “I was very nervous before the show and we had a lot of fun backstage. I was surprised to see the male models backstage as they don’t have any hair on their torso and the male species is supposed to have hair. Krishna is paying us ten rupees for our appearance. And we are promoting our new film 99 which is an adult film with a lot of sex in it,” he joked and had everyone in splits as usual. At the end of the evening, Broacha walked out in his slippers with his show shoes in his hand.

Boman was a little more poised than his Parsi colleague. “I am going to be a little more formal and say that it was wonderful walking for Krishna and it is my second time on the ramp. We all have a theatre background but walking on the ramp in front of the crowd felt so different Cyrus isn’t going to let me talk anymore so that is all I have to say.”

Young actor Kunal Khemu said, “I have walked the ramp before and I usually wear jeans, tees and slippers so this traditional outfit is absolutely new for me and I feel great. I have cut my hair for 99 and thanks to the film I have a new hairstyle and thanks to Krishna Mehta I have a new style.

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Bags, Belts and Bangles on Day 2

Little Shilpa, Crimzon by Sonali Dalwani, Malaga by Malini Agrawal and Stoffa by Hersh, Priyanka and Malini

Little Shilpa’s war-inspired show was quirky, innovative, creative and marvelous. The audience burst into applause each time a model walked the ramp. Military green was the dominant colour with brown, gold and one multicolored headpiece thrown in. Elaborate ensembles of helmets, guns, military ribbons and badges, mouth pieces, pilot goggles and sashes formed the accessories. It was very difficult for the models to walk so the audience cheered them at each step. The hairdos were beehives.

This collection is excellent for editorial pieces and wonderfully depicts its theme of war but its wearability was limited. The pants and tees can be worn individually but the accessories were unique and cannot be worn on a regular basis.

Commenting on her successful collection, Little Shilpa said, “The theme of the collection is war and how we relate to it. My previous collection was war-based too but my next collection will deal with something softer. I don’t keep wearability in mind when I design. The picture in my head has to look amazing so some pieces are obviously for retail while the others are for the ramp and the rest are to make a statement.”

Malaga by Malini Agrawal

This was an extremely wearable and contemporary collection of belts, bags, shoes, bangles and neckpieces. Sonakshi Sinha was her showstopper. The hairdos consisted of sleek buns. The fitting dresses were black and grey. Brown mainly formed the base for the accessories while blue, orange, red and mauve were the colours for the designs, stones and motifs. The sandals were beautifully embellished and the accessories were chunky. Everything was well coordinated.

Designer Malini said, “The collection is inspired from Tibet and is extremely modern and wearable. We have used a lot of stones and leather.”

Sonakshi said, “I walked the ramp last season and Malini asked me then so I couldn’t say no because I love her work. I felt wonderful while on the ramp.”

Crimzon by Sonali Dalwani

A Black dress, gold accessories and gorgeous gladiator sandals opened the show. There were big bags in black with gold work and bright colours liked red and the clutches were heavily embroidered. The sandals were sleek.

Sonali Said, “I have kept the collection very contemporary and used python skin and other leathers. Most of the silhouettes are straight.”

Stoffa by Priyanka, Hersh and Malini

Yesteryears’ actress Madhoo opened the show with her young daughters. It was aimed at young teenage girls and young brides. There were tie ups for children and printed school bags. The soundtrack was that of The Sound of Music and Moulin Rouge. There were beautiful patchwork bags and matching sandals with stone embellishments in multicolours. The dresses for the show were cream, black and bright colours like red, yellow, orange and pink. There were net bags with silver work, denim bags with gold designs. Some of the clutches and purses were decidedly shiny and Indian. The hairdo varied from sleek buns to braids to dupattas on buns. There were oversized clutches and chained belts. All were extremely wearable, functional, feminine, classy, subtle, trendy and even Indian. The remix of Chhamma Chhamma and Lady Marmalade were the songs that played as the show came to a close.

Madhoo said, “It feels great to walk the ramp and carry this beautiful bag and shoes. I was apprehensive but my children were very keen so I decided to give them company.”

Hersh said, “We have used a lot of leather. Our collection is for girls of all ages so we had a little story with the songs. You can buy these as they are extremely affordable.”

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Katrina Kaif presents the creation by designer Nishka Lulla to commemorate 50 years of Barbie doll

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Genelia and Tusshar at Lakme Fashion Week 2009 - Day 1

Creations By Designer Manish Malhotra

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Bollywood Stars at Lakme Fashion Week 2009

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In Pics: Shilpa shoots IPL video for Rajasthan Royals

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Bipasha Basu: No powder-puff girl!

If Kareena Kapoor became a trend-setter by becoming Bollywood’s first size zero babe, our Bipasha Basu has started a new trend of her own.

The dusky bombshell is in the sans-make-up zone. Of late we have spotted the lovely girl without any make-up even at social dos. Ameesha Patel, too, was on this ‘natural beauty’ spree for a long time. Apparently, she got more compliments when she didn’t wear any make-up vis-à-vis the days that she did. So she decided to get rid of the powder puff completely. And now it’s Bipasha’s turn to follow suit. Well, some girls can carry any look.

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Main bahut besharam hoon: Sushmita

We didn’t say that. Sushmita Sen said that about herself! In the city to attend an event, Sush made a candid confession. When asked what was that one thing in her life that she would not want to talk about in public, she said, “Meri zindagi ek khuli kitaab hai.

Aur mere baare mein aisi koi cheez nahi hai jo duniya ko na pata ho shayad. Woh isliye bhi, kyunki main bahut besharam hoon. And a situation where I feel scared in giving answers to any questions posed to me will not be a good situation at all aur main nahi chahti ki aisa mahaul kabhi bhi paida ho.”

Sen looked a lot slimmer in a dazzling black saree, which was a good thing but behaved a lot busier, which was not so cool! “Mujhe maaf kar do is baar, main zyada baat nahi kar sakti,” she told everybody she met. But we couldn’t have let her go just like that, na! Is she miffed with SRK for not shooting for Vivek Vaswani’s Dulha Mil Gaya, we asked her? “Of course, not! SRK is shooting for the film. He has an entire song in it. He and I are friends and that equation will not change ever. I am upset with all that has been written about the film, him and me though!” said Sush.

And what about her films, we haven’t seen her on the silver screen for a really looooong time now! “All my films are underway. There’s Karma Aur Holi, then there’s Do Knot Disturb too. And you will get to see a lot of me now,” she said. Point taken, but there have been as many controversies too. “Yes, I know I have been misquoted at times and there have been controversies regarding my films, but then it’s a part of the film industry,” added Sush.

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Sen sisters to walk the ramp

Everything happens for the best, I suppose,” Raima says, the moment one mentions how unfortunate it is to be suddenly replaced by Neetu Chandra in Ram Gopal Varma’s Rann.

The controversy over she not being sexy enough to carry off an item song might have every reason to confuse and disappoint her. But, Raima would rather push the memories of the whole episode behind her and move on to other things. And one of the reasons keeping her in high spirits now, is the fact that she will be returning to Kolkata on April 1 to walk the ramp for the weavers at the Kolkata Fashion Week. Joining her for the same event, would be sister Riya.

By her own admission, it’s been “many, many years” since Raima walked the ramp in Kolkata. “Every year, I’ve done shows in Delhi and Mumbai. I’m happy to know that Kolkata is also organising its own fashion week and am waiting to see how it goes. I’ll be walking the Kolkata ramp after many, many years,” she says about her show on April 2.

Though the siblings will not be showcasing the same designers’ creations, any professional work that brings the sisters back to their hometown, is celebration enough. “Since we belong to Kolkata, the fact that this fashion week is being held in the city, makes it all the more special for us,” says Riya, adding, “I’m always happy to come back to Kolkata, especially when work takes me there. I do a lot of ramp walks. But every time I walk the ramp, it feels like I’m doing it for the first time. The experience remains novel.”

As for movies, the sisters are poised at an interesting stage in their career, what with both balancing work in art house Bengali films and commercial Hindi cinema. Apart from Rituparno Ghosh’s Noukadubi that has the siblings in the same film, Raima is also in talks with two Bengali directors. “Since I haven’t signed anything yet, I wouldn’t wish to reveal the details now. Aparna Sen’s The Japanese Wife should release sometime this year. I’m also awaiting the release of Vinay Shukla’s Mirch, that also has Konkona and Shahana Goswami. That apart, there’s Leena Yadav’s Teen Patti with Amitabh Bachchan and Madhavan,” says Raima.
Riya, who has supposedly given one of her career’s best performances in Noukadubi, hasn’t taken up any new Bengali projects. “I’m busy with two Hindi mainstream films, the shooting of which will begin soon. Besides, I’m awaiting the release of Paying Guest.”

Till such time that the big screen dazzles with their sensational presence, Kolkata will only be too happy to host the Sens.

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Genelia was nervous walking the ramp

Genelia D’Souza walked the ramp for the first time recently at the Lakme Fashion Week for designer Manish Malhotra.

“It was Manish’s idea. I just couldn’t say no to him. When I was about to walk the ramp, I had butterflies in my stomach and was very nervous. Manish walked up to me and said that be yourself and don’t get nervous. Now considering I don’t walk the ramp everyday, I walked the ramp the way I generally walk – like an actress!”

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Jade Goody’s sons to miss mom’s funeral

Late Brit celebrity Jade Goody’s sons will not be attending her funeral, as they may find it very upsetting.

The decision to spare Bobby, five, and Freddie, four, from more heartache was made by their father Jeff Brazier and Goody’s mother Jackiey Budden.

“The boys are so young — Jackiey said she doesn’t think their broken hearts will be able to bear it,” the Sun quoted a source as saying.

“It’s also about the safekeeping of their memories of their mum for when they are older,” the source added.

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"My challenge is to look as ethereally beautiful as Madhubala" - Kangna Ranaut

Kangna is getting ready for the biggest challenge of her career. She'll be playing whom she considers the most beautiful woman in the history of Indian cinema.

It's a thought that flatters and terrifies her. Kangna is afraid she may not look beautiful enough on screen.

"I've never thought of myself as beautiful. In fact I've always suffered from the lowest self-esteem. Till recently, I'd look at my pictures and cringe. I still have the pictures from my first portfolio I got done in Chandigarh. They remind me of how ugly I can look. And to now play Madhubala in Once Upon A Time In Mumbai. How will I do it?"

Kangna is so petrified at the prospect that she has stopped looking into the mirror completely. She laughs when people tell her playing the traumatized mistress of the underworld don would be a cakewalk for her. "I'm proud of my so-called territory as an actress. If playing traumatized women is my territory then I'm glad. Because I know I'm good at it."

The challenge in Once Upon A Time... is the physicality. "Madhubala's role is not as tragic as my other roles. It's basically a very tender romance between this really funny don (played by Ajay Devgan) and this female superstar who can't understand his personality. How will I manage to play the most beautiful woman that Indian cinema has ever seen? My characters have always had a dark and light side. And this one is no exception. But the challenge for me is to look almost ethereally beautiful, like Madhubala. How will I manage that?"

Kangna intends to undergo a complete transformation of look and appearance. She has already started watching DVDs of Madhubala's films very carefully. "I won't copy her. But I want to get into her mind and heart space."

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LFW '09: Minissha Lamba: I feel like a princess

The petite and innocent Minissha Lamba turned showstopper for designer Archana Kochchar’s Innocence Collection. She wore a beautiful Victorian era gown with red flowers that lit up as she walked the ramp.

“I feel wonderful, like a princess in this concept gown which is very comfortable and light," said Minissha as soon she stepped off the ramp, "I absolutely loved the dress and the fact that is custom made for me. The dress took a painstaking four months to make but I didn’t contribute anything to it at all. I love to wear good clothes but I have no sense about fashion."

Speaking about her experience on the ramp, Lamba said, “I admire the models that walk for one show after another and have to carry off all kinds of clothes. While I was on the ramp, I just concentrated on keeping one foot in front of the other and making it from one end to the other without falling and with a smile on my face. The fact that people liked it is a bonus but I can’t walk the ramp all the time.”

"I am happy that I got to wear this beautiful gown because in today’s times you can’t wear these unless you are on the ramp or an actress or you are attending a theme or fancy dress party. I love period films and going back to the past so if I get a chance to act in a film in which I have to wear European clothes."

"I am going to call Archana and ask her to send me a collection and I will need a carriage too,” signed off the actress with a smile.

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Lakme Fashion Week kicks off with Barbie

The 10th Lakme Fashion Week opened with the Barbie All Doll’d Up show, because the global fashion icon and every girl's best friend turned 50 this year. Top Models like Indrani Dasgupta, Anastacia Durata, Montu Tomar and Diana Penty featured on the show. They wore shimmering short and frilly dresses in bright colours like pink, yellow and blue and sparkling gowns. Dazzling earring, necklaces, hats and bags also made an appearance on the ramp.

Shining Star by Get Far opened the show. Barbie Girl by Aqua and Hot Stuff by the Pussycat Dolls were among the songs the models were seen strutting their stuff to. Their demeanour was very feminine and playful, just like Barbie’s and their bright smiles lit up the ramp. The make up was girly and pink.

Marc and Waluscha Robinson’s blonde and blue-eyed daughter Coco Chanel dazzled on the ramp as the surprise package of the show. The audience hooted and clapped when the doll-like beauty walked in as I’m A Barbie Girl played in the background. She also made an appearance at the end of the show with her beautiful mother.

Katrina Kaif, dressed in a multicoloured short dress that was bright blue, yellow and pink, was the showstopper for designer Neeta Lulla’s daughter Nishka Lulla, who designed the pretty frock. The two walked the ramp at the end of the show as the other models watched. The audience burst into applause as Katrina Kaif made an appearance. She looked every inch a doll with her tall curvy figure, pretty face and dazzling smile.

Shantanu and Nikhil, Niak, The Shirt Company, Vikram Phadnis, Neeta Lulla were among the other designers.

Rita Dhody (not with Narendra Kumar Ahmed for a change) was seen chatting with Manish Malhotra. Wendell Rodericks, Madhu Sapre, Queenie and Vikram Chatwal were the celebrity guests on the show. Marc Robinson was the show director with make up, styling and hair by Vipul Bhagat and Gautam. Jewellery was by Tarina Tarantino. Guests got a pretty pink Barbie bag as a memento.

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Caught: Tabu and Nagarjuna!

Tabu and South Indian cinema's superstar Nagarjuna were caught together at the Lakme Fashion Week on its opening day. The duo was attending designer Abdul Haldar and Asmita Marwa’s show.

While speculation has been rife for a long time about the two being more than just good friends, Tabu and Nagarjuna made a public appearance together after years for the first time.

“The two came in and sat and saw the show together. They were very conscious of the cameras facing them. They refused to speak to the media on arrival or even when they were leaving. In fact as soon as the show wrapped up, the two quickly made an exit as they were being chased by the media,” says a source from the show.

It has been rumoured for very long that Nagarjuna and Tabu have been in a relationship despite the fact that Nagarjuna is married. In fact it is believed that when Tabu is in Hyderabad, she lives with Nagarjuna. The two have never openly come out to accept their relationship. But then again they’ve never stepped out in public together either! So could this mean something?

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Tusshar: I felt superb being Manish’s bridegroom

Manish Malhotra’s show had celebrity guests like Asin, Sridevi and daughter, Anushka Sharma, Sophie, Deepika Padukone. The music for the younfg Indian bridal collection was Indian tribal with Bhangra and Arabic percussion. Monikangana Dutta opened the show which featured models like Aanchal Kumar, Alesia Raut, Deepti Gujral and Inder Bajwa among others.

The colours for the girls were all pastel and pretty. They included ivory, champagne, red, pink, peach, green, turquoise, yellow, gold and orange. Heavy borders were seen on all the sarees, tunics, and lehengas. There were also long and flaring kurtas with assymetrical hemlines. the colours were pleasing but not too bright. The backs were criss-cross, v-shaped, open and rounded. There were vertical stripes on the kurtas. Many of the sarees and kurtas were sheer with bikini blouses

The guys wore Sherwanis in more solid colours with Churi and Jodhpur pants, patialas and lungis. Their prints were vertical stripes, small checks and geometric patterns like hexagons and pentagons.

About his collection the designer of the hour Manish said, “I have gone back to my favourite pastels and corals after a long time. For some time my colours have been bright like fuschia and pink. We have used vibrant colours but they are soft. It is a young and hip bridal collection and that is why I used Tusshar an Genelia as bridal show stoppers as they are young and hip. I haven’t had showstoppers for some shows now though there have been showstoppers sitting in the front row. Genelia and Tusshar make a good young couple and we have been friends for some time now. The men have solid colours with a lot of texture."

Speaking about recession impacting his collections he said, “I think recession is a very boring topic and we have gone overboard with the coverage we give it. If people want to get married, they will. If you make good clothes and sell them at a good price, people will buy. I have cut my prices by 23-24% but I cannot compromise on quality. I don’t do prêt, I only do luxury and fusion couture. All my designs are wearable and I don’t like to design anything that is not wearable.”

Manish's bride Genelia couldn't stop smiling. “It was fantastic to walk for Manish and wear his clothes. It was a gorgeous moment for me though I felt a little nervous.”

When asked about how he felt being Manish’s bridegroom, Tusshar exclaimed, “It felt superb to be his bridegroom and walk the ramp for the first time for Manish. It was a great high. I loved everyone’s reaction. I feel good. I have worn Manish’s clothes earlier but I have worn the bridal collection for the first time. It feels so comfortabl; I am going to wear more of these now. I have always worn Manish’s clothes and I think they are the best!"

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First Look: Kambakkht Ishq

First Look: Kambakkht Ishq

Scheduled to release this summer, the Akshay Kumar - Kareena Kapoor starrer, directed by Sabbir Khan is already creating a huge buzz and promises to be one of the biggest entertainer to hit screens this year.

An exciting ‘chemistry’ between a dashing stuntman in Hollywood who lives by the mantra ‘women are only good for...’ and a firebrand model who can more than stare down the most arrogant male with her caustic wit and sardonic tongue, Kambakkht Ishq creates a perfect premise for a thrilling battle of the sexes.

Eros is highly focused on Kambakkht Ishq - an exciting marriage between the east and the west, a romantic comedy and action with Hollywood favorites Sylvester Stallone, Brendan Routh and Denise Richards playing interesting roles in the film as well.

Eros International will be unveiling the first look of its highly awaited film ‘Kambakkht Ishq’, a co-production with Sajid Nadiadwala. The trailer will accompany Eros’ Aa Dekhen Zara which is releasing this Friday, March 27, 2009.

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Bips in fashion

The debate over whether having Bollywood stars at fashion shows shifts the attention from the designers and their creations, to starpower, has been on for sometime now.

But Kolkata is more than happy to have high-profile Bollywood stars walk the ramp. As the first edition of the Kolkata Fashion Week kicks off in style on April 2, the city will get to see none other than Bipasha Basu sashaying down the ramp!

It is a return to the roots for Bipasha, who came down to shoot for her debut Bengali film in Sob Choritro Kalponik. It’s another matter that the film is yet to be released over a confusion with Bipasha not agreeing to someone else (read Sohini Halder) dubbing for her in the Rituparno Ghosh film. “I find it ridiculous that one version of the film that’s dubbed by another artiste would be sent for the National Awards, while another version that’s dubbed by me will be used for the film’s commercial release,” Bipasha insists. The proposition seems a tad weird, what with the jury and the man on the street being quite familiar with the star’s natural voice quality.

While it seems that Kolkata will still have to wait for sometime till it gets to see the Ballygunge girl returning to the Bengali silver screen, it’s only a matter of days for the star to return to Kolkata ramp. “I will be walking the ramp at the Kolkata Fashion Week,” she says, much to the excitement of her fans.

And that’s not all. The buzz doing the rounds is that her beau John Abraham, too, would be gracing the KFW ramp! In case you thought the duo would be too hot together for the Kolkata ramp, grapevine has it that the stars would be walking for different fashion designers.

Yudhajit Dutta, managing director, Mindscapes Group of Companies that is promoting the KFW, isn’t ready to spill the beans yet. Refusing to confirm the news, he says, “All official announcements, including the names of the designers whose collections the stars will showcase, will be made on Monday.”

Neha Dhupia, Dino Morea, Mugdha Godse and now, Bipasha Basu... April sure seems to be the busiest month on Kolkata’s fashion street!

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Bips wants to turn director

Nine years only in Bollywood, and Bipasha Basu would like to think she understands the technical aspects of cinema well enough to direct a film.

Either that, or she doesn’t want all her experience to go to, er, waist by playing only the floor-burning sizzler forever. The bombshell admits she’s got direction on her mind, and it’s not for a too distant future.

“I’ve learned on the job. I now understand script, character, choreography, camera angles. So I guess I do see myself directing a film,” revealed Bips, adding confidently, “I know I’ll be fantastic with things from behind the camera.” The direction chaska began with her own interest and fascination in the way she looks! Styling has always been crucial for Bipasha. “Nowadays I take more interest in the way I look. I’ve become conscious of what suits me. I won’t do anything that I don’t follow or don’t feel comfortable in. Fortunately we have such capable choreographers. They know I’m not a professional dancer. So they give me movements that are fun and more me. I understand all that now,” she said.

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Akshay's '8X10' release in trouble

The release of "8X10 Tasveer", an Akshay Kumar-starrer supernatural thriller, is in trouble over a financial clash between the movie's co-producers, Percept Picture Company and T-Series.

On March 4, 2009, the co-producers signed an agreement according to which T-Series would walk out of the film and take back the money (50 percent of the total agreed cost it had put in the film), if the money was paid by Percept on time through post-dated cheques, said a statement by T-Series.

The walkout decision by T-Series was a "business decision by both the parties", said Vinod Bhanushali, T-Series president, marketing media publishing (TV).

While Percept's first payment of Rs.50 lakh was received by T-Series, the second and final cheque of around Rs.6.67 crore was dishonoured by the bank, the statement said.

"They were supposed to pay us as per a contract signed by both, and since the cheque for the final amount has bounced, we are legally again the co-producers of the film," Bhanushali told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

"It's a case of cheating. We have the right to move court over the cheque bounce," he said.

"We are sure to get a stay over the release of the film until the matter is sorted out." The film is scheduled for release April 3.

Directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, the thriller revolves around Jai (Akshay) who has a supernatural gift to see into the past by touching the 8X10 sized photograph of dead people.

Besides Akshay, it also stars Ayesha Takia, Vinod Khanna and Sharmila Tagore.

Navin Shah, CEO, Percept Picture Company, shrugged off the matter as a "goof-up" by the bank.

"The matter has been sorted out. There was some miscommunication from the bank's end and hence there was a hiccup. The movie is releasing on time, April 3," he said.

Bahnushali, however, disagreed: "The matter has not been resolved. The deal is they have to pay us and we have not received it yet, so we are still holding our ground."

Apart from taking legal action, T-Series is seeking to stop the delivery of film prints and negatives until further notice.

They have also cautioned trade circles not to deal with any rights in the film "8X10" or play any paid or free content (both promos and songs) without prior written consent of Super Cassettes Industries Limited (T-Series). Those who violate this shall be liable for damages and legal action.

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Sanjay is fasting for relief

Sanjay Dutt is appeasing the Supreme Being by fasting for all nine days this Navratri. He hopes to get relief from the Supreme Court

Sanjay Dutt is praying hard that the Supreme Court rules in his favour on March 30. To this end he is fasting for all nine days this Navratri, which commenced today.

On March 30, the Supreme Court will hear a petition filed by Sanjay seeking a stay on his conviction under the Arms Act in connection with the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case. As a means to get his heart's desire, Sanjay will be fasting on all nine days this Navratri, which commences today.

Sanjay, who was named by the Samajwadi Party as its candidate from Lucknow for the forthcoming general elections, had moved the Supreme Court seeking suspension of his conviction. Sanjay can only contest the Lok Sabha polls if he gets a stay.

A source close to Sanjay said, "Sanjay is worried about the Supreme Court's decision. He has taken to politics with a lot of enthusiasm. He doesn't want anything to go wrong now."

Commenting on what exactly Sanjay will be doing this Navratri, the source added, "Sanjay will have only one meal a day. He will break the fast only in the evening. Moreover, he will not have any non-vegetarian food."

Dharam Oberoi, CEO, Sanjay Dutt Productions, confirmed and said, "Yes, Sanjay has started fasting from today. He will not have any non-vegetarian food. He fasts every Navratri, which falls before Diwali. This is the first time that he will also be fasting during this Navratri, which comes around Gudi Padwa. And yes, he is doing it so that all goes well in the Supreme Court and the forthcoming elections."

"Sanjay has had a difficult life but he has always fought back. Hopefully, this time too, he will emerge a winner," said a source close to Dutt family.

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Aa Dekhen Zara - Movie Review

An interesting thought may not necessarily translate into an interesting screenplay. AA DEKHEN ZARA is a prime example of this statement.

Think about it... A man inherits his grandfather's camera and with the camera comes the ability to see the future. What an idea, Sirji... But AA DEKHEN ZARA is akin to a bottle of soda, which starts off with a lot of energy, but the fizz settles down faster than expected.

AA DEKHEN ZARA had great potential to be a riveting thriller, but halfway through the film, you realize that the writers have run out of ideas. In fact, by the time the film reaches the finale, the viewer is terribly confused [like the writers of this film]. This is one jigsaw puzzle that remains unsolved even after its culmination.

In a nutshell, AA DEKHEN ZARA promises the moon, but what you eventually get in return is merely a mirage.

Ray [Neil Nitin Mukesh], a struggling photographer, has nothing going for him... until he inherits a very special camera from his grandfather which changes his life in a way that he could not have imagined in his wildest dreams.

The power of the camera changes Ray's destiny overnight. His life becomes one big roller coaster ride that takes him from rags to riches and also helps him meet the love of his life, Simi [Bipasha Basu], who is a DJ with a mind of her own. Everything is hunky dory.

As they say with great power comes great responsibility and in Ray's case, also great danger. He must now face up to the dark side of reality and win not only against the evil forces, but also against fate.

Come to think of it, your imagination can run wild with a premise like the one in AA DEKHEN ZARA. But the film runs out of fuel midway.

Director Jehangir Surti has an eye for visuals, but he ought to know that the viewer wants to listen to a good story, told in the most simplistic manner. You ought to be extra careful if you're attempting a suspense thriller. You need to disentangle the knots in such a way that the mystery doesn't remain a mystery in the end. In this case, it still remains a mystery.

15 minutes into the film and you're drawn into Neil's world. You are exhilarated every time he wins a lottery or race. The introduction of the negative force [Rahul Dev] is smartly handled as well. But the plot slackens thereafter.

Let's get specific, the second hour is a problem. The screenplay should've packed some great moments, but the writers seem to take an easy way out. Sample this. While on the run, Neil and Bipasha suddenly break into a dance in a tacky pub. Prior to that they jump from the roof of the hotel and land straight into the pool. The cat and mouse game gets more and more confusing with the finale only adding to the chaos.

Jehangir Surti can't do much since he's saddled with a poor script. Music is the sole saving grace. The songs are youthful and energetic, one of the reasons why AA DEKHEN ZARA has generated tremendous interest. Cinematography is good. The chase and stunts are well canned.

Neil Nitin Mukesh showed great promise in his debut film and you only expect him to climb the ladder in his next release. Sadly, the screenplay doesn't give him that opportunity. Bipasha Basu is alright. She looks great though. Rahul Dev is perfect for the part. Biswajeet [Neil's grandfather] has a tiny role. Sophie Chaudhary adds to the glamour quotient. She doesn't get much scope, frankly. Bobby Vats is okay.

On the whole, AA DEKHEN ZARA had the potential to be an exciting fare, but the post-interval portions prove a deterrent. The fantastic promotion coupled with the popular musical score will ensure ample footfalls in the opening weekend, but the film lacks the stamina to run steadily.

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Videsh - Heaven on Earth - Movie Review

The promos of Deepa Mehta's VIDESH - HEAVEN ON EARTH bring back memories of Jag Mundhra's PROVOKED, which also spoke of domestic violence. Sure, VIDESH - HEAVEN ON EARTH also looks at domestic violence, it's also about a Punjabi woman who continues to take the beatings silently on a foreign land, but the similarities end there. There's a twist in the tale in VIDESH - HEAVEN ON EARTH and that makes this film different from films of its ilk.

Partly based on Girish Karnad's play NAAG MANDALA and perhaps inspired by several true stories, Deepa tries to inject myth into the main story and that's one of the prime reasons why you don't take to the film completely.

VIDESH - HEAVEN ON EARTH is an unconventional subject, but the moment a reptile slides into the story, it robs the film of realism. Your heart breaks every time the woman is subjected to physical abuse. You do relate to the character since you've either heard or watched tales of domestic abuse. But the sheshnaag part in the film is difficult to digest.

Besides, there's a major flaw in the writing. The husband continues to indulge in physical abuse, but it's not clear why he comes across as a frustrated man. Not once does the director spell out the reasons why the husband behaves like a monster and keeps harming his wife, right under the nose of his family members.

Yet, despite the hiccups, you can't deny the fact that Deepa has handled the material with sensitivity. Even the end -- you can predict the conclusion -- is well executed.

Chand [Preity Zinta] is a young bride leaving her home in Ludhiana, India, for the cavernous landscape of Brampton, Ontario, where her husband Rocky [Vansh Bhardwaj] and his very traditional family await her arrival.

Everything is new to Chand, everything is unfamiliar including the quiet and shy Rocky, who she meets for the first time. Chand approaches her new life and her new land with equanimity and grace. But soon optimism turns to isolation as the family she has inherited struggles beneath the weight of unspoken words, their collective frustration becoming palpable.

Trapped in a world she cannot comprehend and unable to please her husband, Chand is desperate. Hope comes in the form of Rosa, a tough and savvy Jamaican woman who works alongside Chand in a factory where immigrant women from all over the world clean and press dirty hotel laundry.

Rosa gives her a magical root advising her to put it in the drink. The root is supposed to seduce the one who takes it, making them fall hopelessly in love with the person who gives it to them. Chand's attempts with the magic root lead to surreal incidents.

Deepa gets it right till the snake transforms into her husband and that makes the entire aspect so hard to believe. You can't relate to it anymore. The cinematography is dark at times. If the intention was to impart a gloomy and depressing tint, it doesn't work. And why this need for a B & W look at several places? Doesn't work!

Preity delivers her finest performance to date. She displays the helplessness and pain that this character demands with gusto. It's at par with any powerful act by any international actor. Newcomer Vansh Bhardwaj is striking. Very rarely do first-timers enact their parts with such precision. Amongst supporting actors, Preity's mother-in-law and sister-in-law are believable.

On the whole, VIDESH - HEAVEN ON EARTH works in parts, but it's not enough. At the box-office, the Indian market may not be too receptive to the film. It will have to look internationally to recoup the investment.

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"There's a feeling of dismay about the IPL moving out of India" - Preity Zinta

Preity Zinta is hassled but ever-optimistic about the repercussions of the IPL being re-located to South Africa. She talks to Subhash K Jha

You sound very stressed?
These last few days have been very hard on me, thanks to all the hassles connected to the Indian Premiere League (IPL).

Was it a shock to you when the IPL was relocated to South Africa?
The situation is such, what to do? The option was to either have it outside India or not at all. No one is happy to shift from home ground. That thrill of playing across our own country at domestic tournaments is gone. Going to various cities with the matches is a high. However, people can still watch it on TV. That's still there.

But an Indian event shifted to South Africa?
I know. But we've to be optimistic. Last year when the IPL started everyone thought it would flop. It became the biggest hit ever. Likewise the shift to SA could make the IPL bigger. What else can I do except be hopeful?

But it's being trans-located to a new culture and environment?
Of course it is! But what can we do? I've always believed whatever happens in life happens for the best. The timing of the IPL crisis was unfortunate. My most challenging film Heaven On Earth is on release. I'd have liked more time nurturing it. You know I did Heaven On Earth for myself. Lots of times I've done things for this reason and that. But this time it was entirely for me. And I don't mean that in any selfish way. I just needed to connect more with my inner self. This film made me do that.

Tell me about your preparation for the role.
I've worked quite a lot with battered women. I've studied so many kinds of mental disorders. Domestic violence comes much after other forms of disorder. Every scene in Heaven On Earth rings true. I had a hundred notions on how to play the role. But when I met abused women I decided it has to be very real. I'm very proud of it. Let's see how the audiences in India react.

So the timing of IPL was unfortunate then!
Yes, it was a little unfortunate. No matter how positive we try to be about the situation there's undoubtedly a feeling of dismay about the IPL moving out of India. It's amazing how such a thing could happen.

It's like uprooting a national event?
Exactly. It's like asking an actor to perform in a theatre where nobody knows him. But we'll make sure that the quality and profile of the game doesn't change. Only two percent of the audience watches the game in a stadium. Most of them watch the game on television. But there's that vibe when the game happens on home ground. That spirit can't be captured anywhere. Having said that, I don't want to sound whiny and petty, I want to thank South Africa for agreeing to host the IPL games. They've gone out of their way to accommodate us, flung their fields open to us. I think South Africa will make a beautiful home for the games.

Wasn't the choice between South Africa and England?
Yes there were several options. But it finally came down to choosing between those two countries. We didn't want to go into a place where there was too much rain. I think SA will be fun. Who knows, they might even allow me to play. That's my secret fantasy. Miracles do happen, you know.

So is South Africa going to be the permanent venue for the IPL?
If India decides to have elections every year, who knows? Ironically, South Africa is also holding elections.

Is it just elections that ousted IPL from India? Or was there a security scare after what happened to the Sri Lankan cricket team in Pakistan?
I refused to believe India is scared about the security. Does the country shut down because we can't get enough security? I think we need to vote even more carefully. We must put the proper people in places of power. I don't think we should vote for anyone -ANYONE - who has got criminal records. See their track records and then vote.

How will you be ready for the IPL in SA in time?
We Indians don't only exist in chaos. We thrive in it. Even last year when IPL happened for the first time we grappled with all odds. I know I'm going to have sleepless nights. But that's a different story. I can't pretend I'm not disappointed by the relocation. But South Africa is a terrific country. I'll have lots to do besides cricket. In Punjab it was difficult for me to move out. Preity Zinta will have a blast shopping in SA. Preity Zinta the team owner is worried. We've no players from SA. Neither does Shah Rukh.

Are the boys demoralized by the relocation?
Their choice was between no IPL and IPL in South Africa.

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Mallika Sherawat to endorse Playboy

She came, she saw (or is it 'showed'), she conquered! We are indeed talking about the one and only Mallika Sherawat. After having won everyone's hearts alike with her superlative performance in Murder, Mallika went onto become one of Bollywood's most prized and desirable possession, a tag that she carries with her till today, with elan!

For those who feel that Mallika has done the great vanishing trick after her last release Welcome, here's some news that will actually act as some fragrance! Well, the news is that the international brand 'Playboy' (not the magazine, but the perfume) has been rumored to have roped in Madame Mallika for its launch in India, which should happen anytime mid-April. Although it's not clear as to whether she will be endorsing the brand or be merely inaugurating the launch party, one thing is for sure, that not just the 'Playboy' perfume will be a huge sellout, but also will garner lots of bunny points for itself. What say, Mallika!

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Rakhi to fall in love with Rani Mukherji

In Yash Raj’s latest production Hadippa, Rani Mukherji is playing the role of a man, more precisely a Sardarji. And guess who is wooing her? Rakhi Sawant. Rakhi has a comical item song in the film where she’s trying to get Rani to fall in love with her, not knowing she is actually a woman!

Hope Rani is able to re-invent herself with this film and so bounce back into the race.

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Riteish mobbed in Delhi

Riteish Deshmukh actually had to ram the accelerator of a bike to escape from people mobbing him. All this happened in Delhi recently when he was shooting with Ram Gopal Varma for his latest film Rann. He was supposed to mingle with the crowd in one scene. But the crowd became very excited to see Riteish and started running after him. For that particular scene, Riteish was on a bike and the only way he could escape from this was ride away.

Shooting had to be stopped immediately and the next day the location was not only shifted, the police had to be brought in as well.

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Harman’s hurting

As Harman and Priyanka never officially said they were together, they have not made their split public. But Priyanka’s two public appearances with Shahid Kapoor – Karan Johar’s party and the Morani’s party – seem to have killed all Harman’s hopes of a reconciliation. And since he can’t talk about his current state to anyone, he is expressing his feelings through his facebook status message.

A Mumbai tabloid wrote his status is changing from “I am planning to watch the sad love story The Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind for the nth time” to “Why can't life be simple” and “I am spending my Sunday afternoons with my family.”

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Bhansali's Chenab Gandhi on track

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Chenab Gandhi, based on the life of freedom fighter Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, will go on floors in May, contrary to reports that it had been pushed to the year-end.

A few weeks back, when Harman Baweja was replaced by John Abraham in this period film, tongues had started wagging that it would be quite some time before Chenab Gandhi would hit the floors. Because John was too busy working on Hook Ya Crook to spare time for Chenab Gandhi, which has superstar Amitabh Bachchan playing the lead role.

"There are some vested interests who are trying to pull down the project or create negative energy around it. The fact is that John completes Hook Ya Crook on April 20 and we begin shooting for Chenab Gandhi on May 8. Now, how quick is that!," said Bhansali's spokesperson.

Apparently, John was willing to begin on an earlier date but Bhansali insisted that he take a break after Hook Ya Crook and go through some reading material to prepare for his role in Chenab Gandhi, which is being directed by the filmmaker's long-time assistant Vibhu Puri.

"John was sweet enough to offer dates immediately after Hook Ya Crook but, as everyone knows, Bhansali doesn't operate that way. He wants his actors to feel comfortable about their roles, the era and the milieu in which the film is set. Since Chenab Gandhi is a period film, it was imperative that John spend some time reading about the subject before coming for the shoot," the spokesperson said.

The period political drama based on the freedom fighter from the North West Frontier Province, widely known as Frontier Gandhi, also stars Vidya Balan, apart from Amitabh and John.

Shooting for the film will begin on sets in Mumbai and is expected to be completed in two to three schedules.The principal shoot of Chenab Gandhi is expected to wrap up before the end of 2009, the spokesperson said.

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What's happening in Bollywood!

Raveena looks scary, ladies painting the town red and a reunion

In Character
With the tight black dress, nail polish and shoes and red lipstick, Raveena looks dangerous like a killer, as she campaigns against the use of leather for PETA


Wearing Red
Among the three, Avantika Mallik wears it best. The blood red pumps on her pretty feet are to die for. The colour of Imran’s tie is tacky while Zoya’s Mary Janes are pretty but don’t suit her personality


Indian Beauty
We think Loveleen Tandon is lovely; she has great skin and hair and looks oh-so-pretty. We love the way she has used black, green and purple with this outfit and her multihued pendant. What an ethnic beauty!


What was she thinking?
Adhuna has an eclectic taste in clothes alright but the printed long dress with jeans and beauty doesn’t look good at all. Why would someone wear layers of clothes in the middle of summer? Farhan’s safe black mode is a consolation, thankfully!


Gimme Red
The cast of the Vagina Monologues, including Jayati Bhatia and Mahabanoo Mody Kotwal know how to work red.


Wannabe
Is Shekhar Suman trying to give competition to son Adhyayan? Does he want to become a hero again?


Devi
With her heavy make up and heavily embellished ghaghara choli, the striking Rakshanda Khan looks like a goddess, Kali Maa to be precise, on the sets of Circus 20-20


Reunion
Former cricketers Vinod Kambli and Ajay Jadeja reunite on the sets of Circus 20-20.

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SRK, Ambanis discuss Varun

Yup, they are among the top 50 Indians in anybody’s power list and also owners of cricket teams for the forthcoming IPL that’s shifted bat, ball and pitch to South Africa.

But on Tuesday night at Nana Chudasama’s dinner at home, Mukesh Ambani and Shah Rukh Khan were not discussing the Twenty20 tournament only. There was politics, also — how could there not be, with the elections here and the IPL kicked out because of them — with young Varun Gandhi being a subject of hot debate!

And joining these two powerful men in conversation were Shaina NC, Gautam and Nawaz Singhania, Patang Rao Kadam, Shobhaa and Dilip De, and Rashmi Thackeray among several others. Glasses clinked and cigars were puffed. SRK recalled his intrigue over Nana’s Marine Drive banners when he first came to Mumbai. “He called to say he loved them,” said the former Sheriff of Mumbai. And Nana also recalled the young Ambani who came to visit him with Papa Dhirubhai. “It’s wonderful to see these guys leading India in their unique ways,” said Nana. And nobody knew whether he meant business, cricket, power, or what!

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After Ash, it's Katrina as Barbie!

How cute can a fashion event get?

Apparently, very, very cute... if you’ve got Barbie kicking it off, as the Lakme Fashion Week Fall/Winter’09 that starts in Mumbai today does. At 1 pm, the world’s most popular and admired fashion icon celebrates her 50th anniversary by showcasing the best in fashion design talent across the globe.

Yes, after making an unforgettable style statement at New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Barbie will now walk the ramp at India’s foremost fashion event. This show called Barbie – All Doll’d Up! is the style sweetheart’s first in India and will showcase real-size, Barbie-inspired looks put together by renowned fashion designers from across the country including Wendell Rodricks, Neeta Lulla, Shantanu & Nikhil, Vikram Phadnis and others.

Barbie boasts five decades of fashion heritage, working with more fashion designers than any other brand in the world, and in the process becoming a star admired by major couturiers who dream to get their names associated with the most popular doll in history.

Taking off from New York, the world famous brand invited Indian designers to a contest to celebrate Barbie’s 50th birthday by creating designs with the doll as their muse. The winning designer (who will be announced today at the fashion show) was then invited to design the finale outfit of the event for a one-of-a-kind Barbie doll... and walking the ramp as the showstopper wearing that outfit today will be Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif.

Katrina is delighted with the honour, more so because a Barbie doll bearing likeness to the Bollywood actress is in the pipeline and will come as a great surprise to the world sometime soon. “Every girl at some point of time in her childhood has played with a Barbie doll,” admitted Katrina, “and so have I. She makes a sweet, fun and lively companion.”

It is true, Barbie is the world’s only brand that allows girls to imagine themselves as a mermaid to a movie star, a fairy to a fashionista, and a princess to a president, serving a purpose to girls as they try on different personalities, careers, and explore the world and all of its possibilities without ever having to leave home. She allows girls to dream beyond and know that a woman has choices, having herself represented more than 100 careers in her lifetime.

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‘Hrithik’s a 9.5 on ten’

... says Sandip Soparrkar, who choreographed the actor in Kites

YOU’D imagine salsa exponent Sandip Soparrkar to be an obvious choice to choreograph for Anurag Basu’s Kites, in which Hrithik Roshan plays a salsa instructor. But Sandip bagged the project rather late. “I came on board only in January. When I got to know a film on salsa was being made, I told Anurag I’d love to be a part of it. But at that point, he said he’d get back to me,” says Sandip.

He did and Sandip’s dream came true. “It was my dream to choreograph Hrithik and Madhuri Dixit. One of them came true. It took me half a second to teach Hrithik the basics of salsa. His knee was hurt before we shot, but he didn’t let it hamper his work. It takes time for everybody to pick up salsa, but not Hrithik. If Jackie Chan, whom I have choreographed in The Myth, is an eight on ten, Hrithik is a nine-and-a-half on ten,” gushes Sandip.

American choreographer Flexy Stu, who worked with Hrithik for a biscuit ad, was originally approached for Kites. The buzz is that producer Rakesh Roshan was unhappy with his work and replaced him with Sandip. “I believe so. I’ve choreographed one-and-a-half songs in Kites. One is a classroom sequence, and the other is a party number, half of which Flexy did. Flexy had brought in a bit of hip hop with salsa. Rakesh was kind enough to tell me in advance that someone had already choreographed part of the song. I was shown the shot version and asked not to be completely influenced by it. But it couldn’t have been very different from that as it was a continuation of the same song,” explains Sandip.

It’s Sandip’s eighth Bollywood venture and he holds the unique distinction of making Kangna dance. “Kangna’s extremely dedicated and a keen dancer. She didn’t go to her caravan even for a minute. Hrithik and Kangna complement each other. And she plays his student in Kites, so she didn’t have to be a better dancer than Hrithik, which is a fact,” states Sandip.

The sets recreated Las Vegas in India. And Sandip provided inputs for the costumes by Suneet Verma. “Hrithik wears jackets, trousers and waistcoats and Kangna wears lovely skirts. I told him that the dancing shoes should be high-heeled with back support,” says Sandip.

There was no pressure from the director to Indianise salsa. “The film’s all about my dance form, so I didn’t have to do anything I hadn’t done before. Anurag said, ‘I want the kind of salsa that you do in your classroom’. The salsa in the film is very authentic,” shares Sandip.

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Get ready for Jaane Tu...sequel

Abbas Tyrewala’s Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na bestowed Genelia D’Souza with all that an actress could wish for.

But, that’s not all; he will soon be making a sequel to the teenybopper film. Giving us a peak into the film, Abbas Tyrewala says, “It starts with Jai (Imran Khan) and Aditi (Genelia D’Souza) having problems in their marriage. They are on the verge of a divorce after Jai ends up drunk and having a onenight-stand.”

This validates Genelia’s participation in the sequel and she is on cloud nine. “A film like Jaane Tu doesn’t happen every day,” says Genelia, “It fell into my lap by chance. All of us in Jaane Tu have got busy. Everyone went their way. I’ve been working round the clock on my films and endorsements. But whenever I meet Abbas or Imran, we feel the same warmth that we felt during the making of the film. It would be fun for the whole team to be reunited.”

However, Jaane Tu’s other gifted supporting players who played Imran and Genelia’s college friends haven’t found a single significant offer in Bollywood. But Genelia is past all this. “I haven’t been sitting at home waiting for the sequel to happen. Now, I have almost finished two other films: Its My Life with Harman Baweja and Life Partner opposite Fardeen Khan. Also, I’ve just begun shooting for David Dhawan’s Hook Ya Crook where I play a lawyer, which is the only prominent female character in the film.”

Abbas has said that it was a conscious decision to not make Jaane Tu’s sequel immediately because he wanted to let the characters mature in his mind. He will focus his attention on the sequel after finishing 1-800-Love, which features his wife Pakhi and John Abraham and will go on the floors next month in London.

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Adhyayan gets blackmailed

Like most actors Adhyayan Suman too was keen to launch his website, but the actor couldn’t do so. Reason?

Someone in New Zealand had already launched a website using his name when he started filming for Raaz — The Mystery Continues. When Adhyayan’s publicist tried to buy the domain from him, the guy quoted a huge sum. Realising that the negotiations could take long and would prove to be an expensive deal, Adhyayan decided to opt for another name for his website.

Says Adhyayan, “It’s important to have a website because it’s the easiest way to communicate accurate information that’s very accessible. But getting into deals with someone who owns your domain can be troublesome. It does make me furious, but I guess we can try some other options and beat these guys at their game.”

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How Shahid replaced Saif

A lot has been said about Shahid Kapoor’s double role in Kaminey, his mean streak, dark shades, et al.

But sorry to break your heart dearies, little do you know that at very the onset this role wasn’t even meant for Shahid at all. Yep, our sources revealed that Vishal Bharadwaj had initially discussed the role with none than Saif Ali Khan. And our dude was raring to go all over again, but after much thought Vishal zeroed in on the younger SK. Well, Vishal is very fond of Kareena Kapoor, and he thinks highly of Saif as an actor, so one would assume that the Khan man would be his first choice, right?

Nah, for while all of Vishal’s friendships, favourites and films may have their own place; he’s very particular about his scripts and casting. Firstly he realised a younger actor would fit the role better; secondly, Shahid came with a chocolate-boy-look, and that was exactly the challenge Vishal was looking for. To turn around a sweet Shahid into a shrewd Shahid, just like he transformed the suave and sexy Saif into Langda Tyagi for Omkara. With Saif it worked wonders, now we’re waiting to see what kinda kamina he can make out of Shahid. Saifoo, what do ya think of that?

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Goody’s life ‘to be turned into film’

Late Jade Goody’s roller coaster life is set to be turned into a Hollywood movie, it has emerged.

According to reports, the trustees of reality TV star’s estate are keen on making a movie on her second autobiography Catch A Falling Star .

"Her story lends itself to a biographical film. She’s captured the mood of the nation," the Mirror quoted trustee Danny Hayward as telling The Times .

"We want to tap into raising awareness of cervical cancer," he added. They are eager to tap in Nick Love, director of The Business and The Football Factory, to helm the project.

A spokesperson from Love’s company Vertigo films said he was "very flattered" by the suggestion. Jade lost her battle to cervical cancer on March 22.

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PPC defaults the payment of 6.67cr to T-Series for Tasveer

Super Cassettes Industries Limited (T-SERIES) and Percept Picture Limited had entered into a Co-Production Agreement on 28-Aug-2008 wherein they were to jointly produce the film "Tasveer" now renamed to "8X10". T-Series was not only the joint owner of the film but all music rights were to be exploited by T-SERIES only.

However, on 4-Mar-2009 T-Series and Percept Picture entered into another agreement wherein T-Series would walk out of the film and take back the money (50% of total agreed cost of the film) if the money was paid in time through the post dated cheques. While percepts honoured the first payment of Rs. 50,00,000/- the second and final amount of Rs.6.67 crores which was given by way of post dated cheque was dishonoured today.

And now, due to failure on part of the Percept Picture to honour the second installment, since their cheque was dishonoured by their Bank, as agreed by Percept Picture in writing, T-SERIES now enters back as co-producers of the said film and have written to the laboratory to stop the delivery of film prints/ negatives until further notice in writing. T-Series shall also take all necessary legal action to protect its interest and rights.

While on the other hand all persons in public and particularly in the Film & Entertainment Industry and trade have been cautioned not to deal with any rights in the film "8X10" without prior written consent of Super Cassettes Industries Limited. Failing which if they do so, they shall be liable for damages and legal action at the option of Super Cassettes Industries (T-Series).

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Emraan Hashmi gets injured on the sets of Tum Mile on his birthday

Mahesh Bhatt likes to receive gifts from his nephew and favourite protégé Emraan Hashmi. Even on the young actor's birthday.

Says Emraan, "On my 30th birthday on Tuesday I called Bhatt Saab to ask what he's giving me. He turned around and made me gift him books. He makes me do that quite often. The only thing is he doesn't call it gifts. He calls it guru-dakshina. In fact after every hit film he takes a cheque from me. And every couple of months I give him money to buy books."

For his birthday all that Emraan got from Mahesh Bhatt was a long touching SMS, and a fractured finger. "I'm finally a true-blue member of the cast," puns Emraan Hashmi jokingly about the plaster cast on his finger.

Shooting scenes of torrential rain in Kunal Deshmukh's Tum Mile, Emraan broke his finger on Tuesday. "This is the second time I've injured myself during this film's shoot. Earlier I injured my eye. But I need time for it heals fast because we're shooting under several feet of water. We're re-living the torrential rains of 26 July 2005 for the past month."

And the on-camera deluge has been created in no ordinary studio. Says Emraan, "Since no studio could give us a floor large enough to submerge cars in rain water we've hired this disused scrap-metal factory in Mulund which has been filled up with water. It started with ankle-deep water. Now it's knee-deep. Now the water has gone up to the waist and stomach. Soha is much shorter so we just see her head popping out of the water. "

Wading through stagnant water for almost a month has taken its toll on Emraan and Soha's skin. "There're two recycling plants installed. But they haven't helped much. And on top of that we've cars underwater which we bump into regularly. The director Kunal Deshmukh should be happy he's got two co-operative actors. We don't demand mineral water instead of rain water to sink into."

A broken finger was the birthday gift he got when he turned 30 on Tuesday. "I and Soha Ali Khan have been literally shooting 16-18 hours a day. I couldn't even attend the birthday calls. When I went back home I saw more bouquets than I had ever seen in my life. Quite a change from how it used to be when I had debacles."

In his words, Emraan's birthday was chaotic. "The shooting went way beyond what we expected. So by the time I reached home we couldn't really go out. My wife and I just had a quiet dinner.

No gift from his wife because Emraan doesn't believe in giving or getting gifts. "My wife was with me and she made dinner for me. That was gift enough."

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'Kambakkht Ishq' promo rocks

All eyes are KAMBAKKHT ISHQ and rightly so! Some of the biggest names in the business -- Sajid Nadiadwala, Kishore and Sunil Lulla of Eros, Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor -- have got together for this film and the makers have also roped in a good number of international biggies [Sylvester Stallone, Denise Richards, Brandon Routh] for the project. The first promo of the film will be unveiled this week, with the prints of AA DEKHEN ZARA.

The promo begins with a striking visual -- the skyline of Los Angeles -- and soon Stallone takes over. He's about to hand over an award to the best stuntman [Akshay Kumar]. Yes, Akki plays a stuntman in the film, while Kareena plays a supermodel.

One would expect the two lovebirds to hold hands and run around trees, right? But KAMBAKKHT ISHQ is different. Here, the two are constantly at war, constantly arguing and threatening the other. The tu-tu-main-main makes for interesting viewing and the backdrop [Hollywood] only elevates the film to dizzy heights. If the promo is an indicator of what is to follow, await KAMBAKKHT ISHQ with bated breath.

The movie has been directed by Sabbir Khan.

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Aishwarya and Raveena glam up the cover of Hello

What better than two of Bollywood's stunning beauties to set a magazine cover ablaze? This month's issue of 'Hello' has accomplished just that. The mag features not just the now international beauty Aishwarya Rai but also the mesmerising beauty Raveena Tandon.

Though the duo isn't in the same image together, just seeing them out together is enough to make the magazine a hot property among the Bollywood fans. As for the articles, Aishwarya's piece is based on the subject that the Bollywood beauties can't do without their favourite clothes and apparel brand; an interesting concept considering the fact that each has their favoured designer. While on the other hand, the article on the ravishingly beautiful Raveena traces her trajectory from a star kid to a glam doll, seasoned actress to a yummy mummy, thus encompassing every aspect of this awesome personality.

This edition of 'Hello' is surely a must read for all their fans and even for the aspiring starlets.

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Deepika and Shiamak on Knights and Angels

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Mughda Godse and Carol Garcias unveiled the DW Asia channel

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Aishwarya Barbie Doll!

Aishwarya Rai, former Miss World and current A-list Bollywood star, could well be the first Indian actress who's turned into a Barbie.

Negotiations are currently on to create a Barbie doll modelled on her beautiful face. If all goes well, the "celebrity Barbie" will have Ash's stunning green eyes and be dressed by India's top designers.

Ash will then join the ranks of other celebrity Barbies such as Beyonce, Liz Tylor and Diana Ross.

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Shahid and Priyanka – official

Shahid and Priyanka are no longer able to hide their blossoming love affair.

Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra made their relationship official at Karim Morani’s 50th birthday party. While they arrived separately, once Shahid reached the party, they hung out together in a secluded corner, until it was almost time to leave.

Then Priyanka, Shahid and Priyanka’s friend left together in her car, while Shahid’s driver followed behind in Shahid’s silver Merc. Shahid behaved like a typical star when he hid in the backseat to avoid the paps.

Interestingly enough, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor were also present at the party and the two of them exchanged pleasantries with Shahid and PC.

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B-Town catches election fever

B-Town stars like Kareena Kapoor, John Abraham, Bipasha Basu, Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Imran Khan, Farhan Akhtar, Karan Johar and Katrina Kaif are getting together to star in a video that will encourage the young Indian to step out and cast his/her vote. The video is the brainchild of Karan Johar, Imran Khan, Mukul Deora (elder brother of Congress MP Milind Deora) and Tarun Mansukhani.
Dostana director Tarun Mansukhani, who will work on the video, said, “I am directing the video, Karan is the online producer while Mukul is the producer. The idea for the video came from Mukul and Karan and the biggest motivational factor has been Imran (Khan). He is taking this concept forward. Imran is a young, conscientious actor who has these thoughts about urging the youth to vote.”

Incidentally, the Congress has announced that Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta will canvass for the party in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls. Union Minister of State for Home, Sri Prakash Jaiswal, said that filmstars SRK and Preity will be given company by Govinda and Nagma in the campaign rallies and road shows.

This will mean a bit of a juggling act as SRK and Preity will also be busy with their IPL schedule.

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What's happening in Bollywood!

It’s all about pretty women and some men who were spotted all over town.

All Smiles
Priyanka Chopra was honoured by The Hollywood Reporter with the Box Office Award at the Asian Academy Awards. Piggy Chops looks super glam as usual!


Why like this?
Manisha Koirala looks absolutely distraught. Was she expecting to walk out without being noticed in that dull grey tracksuit and unkempt hair? We sure wish she had at least a tad bit of make up on!


Boring to Better
Sonakshi Sinha arrived in a boring combination of black and white until the designer gave her the lovely purple tunic. We love the transparent sleeves and the rich cuffs. We wish she hadn’t worn sneakers for the occasion.


Back to College
Or so it felt for Riteish Deshmukh and Ashish Choudhury when they went to judge an event for a city college festival.

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Catch Mallika at a wine tasting luncheon

For those curious to know what Mallika Sherawat has been upto – the sexy actress just recently attended a Wine-Tasting Luncheon on Mar 15 2009 at the Malibu Family Wines, Malibu, California where she was invited as a special guest. The event was a fundraiser hosted by IFFLA (Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles).

The event was supported by Wells Fargo, and featured a guided tour of Malibu Family Wines vineyard, wine tasting, celebrity auction, delicious lunch prepared by IFFLA caterer Chakra Cuisine and a peek at IFFLA 2009.

Malibu Family Wines, the Festival’s Grand Sponsor and host of this event, is located at the crest of the Santa Monica Mountains. The picturesque vineyard consists of 60,000 vines on 65 acres and is also famous for its unusual rock formations from over a 100 movies, commercials and television shows. The estate is also home to a horse stable, vintage wagon collection, retro trailer park and exotic animals such as zebras, llamas, camels and peacocks.

The Celebrity Live Auction included an offer to spend a day with Mallika Sherawat at a professional photo shoot where the Winning Bidder would get to experience first-hand the magic of Mallika in front of the camera, along with a chance to enjoy lunch on the set with Mallika and have his/her picture taken with Mallika by a professional celebrity photographer.

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Bollywood is urging you to vote!

With elections round the corner Bollywood is finding itself in the midst of all the political hoopla. Some actors are turning politicians. Some politicians are turning actors. Some will campaign for the parties that they support. And the rest who don’t fit in any of these three categories are telling you to stand up and vote!

The trend of encouraging the youth to vote began during the making of Delhi-6. Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Abhishek Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor recorded videos asking the public to go vote. Both Abhishek and Sonam’s video are all over YouTube and are quite a hit.

And now going a step further Tarun Mansukhani, Karan Johar, Imran Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, John Abraham, Bipasha Basu, Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Farhan Akhtar and Katrina Kaif are joinging hands to record videos that will help raise awareness among the youth to go out and cast the all important vote.

“It was Imran Khan who went to Karan and told him that the Bollywood fraternity should do something to create awareness amongst the youth of today. He explained to Karan why young stars need to do this and that Karan had that relationship on the stars to get them going and say yes to being a part of the project,” says a source.

When contacted Imran confirmed the news to us. "Karan and I had been talking about putting together a campaign to encourage young people to get involved. I wanted to push people to register and vote rather than doing nothing. He also felt strongly about it and offered to put the project together through Dharma productions."

"We brainstormed a bit and this is what we came up with. It's just a small step but it will grow," adds Khan.

Dostana director Tarun Mansukhani is going to be directing each of these videos that will have Bollywood’s young brigade urging India’s youth to go out and vote. Joining Tarun Masukhani is politician Mukul Deora who has in fact also worked on the creative side of the project – he is writing the dialogues for the stars.

Another actor who is urging the public to vote is Aamir Khan. While he may not be a part of Karan’s project he has lent his name to the Association of Democratic Reform (ADR). Aamir has not only produced three advertisements that raise awareness about voting among the people, but also acted in all of them.

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Salman’s ‘ad’ the top

Salman Khan is keeping a low profile of late, although fans of this gorgeous star need not worry. We have great news for Sallu lovers!

The hot actor will be soon seen in an ad commercial endorsing a fun product!

An unit hand of the ad revealed, “Salman has been signed as a brand ambassador for a ‘fun’ consumer product recently. The shoot for the ad will commence soon. The product cannot be revealed but the ad will see Sallu in a jovial mood, as giving him company would be a bunch of kids. Sallu has a great rapport with children and that is bound to make this ad a great hit.”

Sallu we are waiting for your commercial!

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It's only romantic comedy for Imran

The newbie Imran Khan, is waiting for the elusive rom-com, and refusing films by the dozen in the meanwhile

Contrary to reports, Imran Khan has refused to star in Kunal Kohli's assistant Danish Aslam's film. Incidentally, this is not the only film that Imran has turned down in recent times. Taking a leaf out of mamu jaan Aamir's book by being extremely selective, Imran?

Imran has already refused many films which also included Delhi-6 and Sanjay Gadhvi's new film
. At the moment, Imran is only keen on starring in romantic comedies and that too where he plays a significant enough role.

Our source says, “After the not-so-encouraging response to Kidnap, Imran's next release is Soham Shah's Luck, which too is a thriller. Now Imran is not keen on doing thrillers which includes Sanjay Gadhvi's next film. For now, Imran only wants to do romantic comedies.”

Although Danish Aslam's film is a romcom, Imran is not very keen to do the film since he feels that the role of the leading lady, who is yet to be finalised, is stronger than his.

“Even though Imran has offers from all major banners he wants to be careful before signing his next film. He is also going through the script of Manish Malhotra's nephew Puneet's film to be produced by Karan Johar. Imran is giving that film a thought since it is a romantic comedy. But, he is yet to take a final decision because he is currently busy with the play Vagina Monologues.”

Imran confirmed the news and said, “I am actively looking at doing a romantic comedy next. I have done two back-toback thrillers and am really tired of stunts and action. It takes a tremendous toll on your body.”

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'Getting sharks to act was not easy'

Even if directing three Bollywood macho men, two sizzling beauties and one Australian pop diva didn't seem a tough bet for debut director Anthony D'Souza, wielding the megaphone for 40 sharks for an underwater action sequence for "Blue" surely gave him jitters.

"The scariest part of 'Blue' was in fact the sharks. Getting them to act in my film was not easy," D'Souza told IANS in an e-mail interview.

The particular scene with sharks has actors Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar and Zayed Khan in the frame and it called for a lot of safety measures.

The director explained: "We had shark handlers present on the shoot to make sure that nothing untoward happened. But it was a risky business. Everyone who was around knew that these were living, breathing sharks and that it was their turf."

To perfect the scene, D'Souza brought down Hollywood's renowned underwater cinematography specialist Pete Zuccarini apart from getting James Bomalick of "Indiana Jones" fame to choreograph the action sequences, but he says it wasn't because India lacks their kind of talent.

"I would like to make it very clear that we (in India) absolutely do not lack international level talent in Bollywood. The location of my movie was the Bahamas and that required people who had shot in that area. That is the reason technical crew from Hollywood was asked to be a part of the film," he said.

The film, also starring Katrina Kaif and Lara Dutta, has a special appearance by Grammy award-winning singer Kylie Minogue, who will be seen in a song with Akshay. The director says it was a delight to work with her.

"Kylie was completely a director's actor. She did what was required of her. She reached the sets ready on the dot; she threw no tantrums and was a delight to work with," he said.

Contrary to reports that Kylie has a full-fledged role in "Blue", D'Souza clarified that she has "some dialogues and a song" in the film. "She is essentially playing herself in the film. She has shot with us for six days to finish her part," he added.

With such international expertise and glamour, one may expect "Blue" to be a truly Hollywood experience. However the director, who shot parts of the popular adventure series "Ripley's Believe It Or Not" earlier, says he has retained the Bollywood flavour.

"I watch a lot of Hollywood films and I have tried to make a film that looks like it is from Hollywood but is in fact a 100 percent Bollywood film. I am hoping that 'Blue' is an entertaining experience for the filmgoing audience. If that is achieved nothing else matters," he said.

"Blue" is slated for release in August, on the Independence Day weekend, and it was apparently clashing with the release of Vipul Shah's much-hyped "London Dreams". While there was a talk that the release of either film would be advanced, D'Souza has ruled out the option.

"There is ample scope for two big films releasing at the same time. As long as they are both good, there is enough opportunity for them both to do well. Aug 14 is a long weekend and I am not going to let that go for any reason," he stated.

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Aamir appeals to vote

The wise Aamir Khan is giving his time and resources to ad films which exhort the common man to vote.

Aamir Khan is one actor who is often in the forefront of raising awareness about social issues. After supporting the Narmada Bachao Andolan and Earth Hour 2009 campaign, it is now the importance of voting that the actor wishes to stress upon. And for this, he has affiliated himself with the Association of Democratic Reform (ADR). Aamir has not only produced three advertisements that raise awareness about voting among the people, but also acted in all of them. And all this, of course, without charging a fee.

Aamir met Trilochan Shastri of ADR while he was at IIM Bangalore where he was shooting for Raju Hirani’s 3 Idiots. The kind of work that ADR had undertaken since the last eight years impressed Aamir so much that he decided to join hands with them.

Says Aamir, “Yes, I am involved in these ad films. And I need the support of the media for it. I will speak in detail about this at a press conference I plan to hold on the coming Tuesday.”

We hear that Aamir also managed to convince Prasoon Joshi to pen the scripts of the ads and got Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra to direct them. Reveals a source from Aamir Khan Production, “Aamir knew that the organisation could not afford to pay the price people from the industry charge. So he decided that it’s best to make the ads as his contribution towards the ADR. The three ads Aamir has done convey that it takes little time to vote, equaling the time spent for voting to time spent for activities like buying vegetables.”

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Bips doesn't need protection: John

John Abraham has no problem with putting himself out there as a good looking man for women to ogle at, so long as it doesn’t take away from the seriousness of his cinema

Your butt has graced countless magazine covers and is now more famous than a lot of other faces, but don’t you think it’s time you moved on?
I have moved upwards since then and though I have been accused of underplaying, my style of acting hasn’t changed. It is just that people’s perception has changed and underprojection is in.

So you are not disassociating yourself from your Dostana butt?
No, not at all. Karan had specifically said that “John please don’t forget that cinema is a visual medium. You’ve been accepted for the way you look; everybody strives to look good and in your case there is no effort.” I’ve worked hard for this body.

Do you now understand what women feel when their bodies are under men’s scrutiny?
I have always understood how women have been positioned in society and in cinema, and I was happy that I got an opportunity to see a man out there. Why not? You know, we men always put women up there and judge them. When I entered the industry I was told that men don’t really need to be that great but women need to be perfect; I think it’s beyond time now that our men start to look good because your audience today is predominantly women. So I think it’s important that men look good as well. So let’s not ignore that audience and if I am someone who caters to the visual appeal as far as women are concerned, I look on it as a very big compliment.

What makes you choose relatively offbeat films like No Smoking or Aashayein and where do you see this taking you?
I’ve always benchmarked myself on where I want to be five or ten years down the line. The biggest advantage that I have or I believe I possess, is that I am very secure. I have zero insecurity as to what’s happening around me. What would probably be a wrong choice to the world in terms of No smoking was for me a right choice because I enjoyed that space. At the same time, I enjoyed Dostana. My choices are made by sheer gut feel. Whenever I have gone by a group of people telling me what to do, I’ve always failed. And whenever I’ve gone by my gut, even though the film has not commercially done well, I’ve been appreciated. I am very serious about my cinema. For me, big filmmakers are filmmakers who have big ideas and who are willing to take big risks.

But taking risks also means sometimes a film doesn’t find a taker, like with Aashayein. When that happens, is it heart-breaking or can you just move on?
It’s not heart-breaking but it’s unfortunate. It’s unfortunate because Aashayein was a film where I put in my blood, sweat and energy and I believe that it’s one of my most sincere performances.

Let me draw an analogy. Think of a school kid who goes out on a football field to play, think of the fact that he is surrounded by five other players and he is being kicked, and he goes down and when it’s over he gets up and says “are you done?” and he walks away. That kid is me. I am very used to getting hit from all sides. I’m not saying I’m ostracised by society or crucified by this industry. I am part of this industry but getting hit is going to be normal for me. I always knew that I wanted to wake up the next morning being happy with the choices I made. No one can take my self-respect away from me. I have made choices that could probably be right or wrong for the outside world but for me, I’ve always been right.

How fascinated are you by your own popularity?
I am not at all fascinated by my popularity, but I am humbled by it. I was flying to Hyderabad and I was sleeping when someone tapped me and I woke up with a start. He asked me if I recognised him and when I said no, he said, “I wanted to fly and spoke to you about it when you had come to my college and you said ‘go follow your dreams and go take that exam and fly’.” I asked him what he was doing now and he said, “I’m flying this plane that you are sitting in” and that’s what fascinates me... my connect with the audience, not my popularity.

What is the one trapping of stardom that you like the most and couldn’t do without?
Seeing places, travelling, meeting people. I’d die without it. I want to go to the Arctic and Antarctic pole before they melt.

And what is the one trapping that you hate?
Honestly, for me, there are all pros and no cons.

What’s it like going out in public with the very sexy Bi pasha Basu on your arm?
When we go out, she’s very approachable, though I see men getting intimidated by her. She doesn’t need a John Abraham to protect her. In fact she jokingly says, “if they are shorter than me, I’ll handle it, if they are taller than me, you come in.” But actually nothing matters to her, she is a very strong individual and I am a strong individual too. So we don’t need to coochie coo and be this couple in public.

How true are the rumours of your straying?
I love travelling, that’s the way I stray. I just love travelling and I am a very, very approachable person and more often than not, I ask more questions than there is need for because I love knowing people from different places. So if I meet a certain crew member of an airline or I go to a certain place, and I get into a conversation and if that’s misconstrued, it’s fine but I am a traveller. I love going out, but I don’t stray in a relationship.

In a recent interview Bipasha said that if anyone came between you and her she would kick butt. Was she referring to yours or the other person’s?
(Laughs) I’m sure she was referring to the other person’s butt. Like your first question said, mine is too famous.

When she was shooting for Lamhaa in Kashmir, and she left and came back suddenly, the story was that you were up to something that she had got to hear of and was distressed enough to return...
No, absolutely untrue, the reason was the lack of security that was provided there at that point. She needed to come back till there was complete security. Let me tell you, there’s always a slip between the cup and the lip and if something goes wrong, there’s no turning back. She was completely justified in coming back at that point of time, till the producers provided ample security for her, which they did when she went back.

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How Aamir Khan got his eight-pack body in Ghajin - In Pics

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Malaika Arora grooms up for Good Housekeeping

If there is one word that Malaika Arora, the model-cum-actress-cum-everything else in between, must have deleted from her dictionary, then it has to be the word 'age'. We are sure that, it is the only reason as to why she is always referred to as the 'ageless wonder'.

And it is this 'ageless wonder', who, gracefully graces the supercool cover of the latest edition of 'Good Housekeeping'. In this issue, Malaika speaks about her two lives, viz., personal and professional (Guys, is there anything that we don't know about her, except for her beauty secret)! Malaika speaks golden words like "You can be romantic parents too, not always, as a couple. Now, Arhaan completes us". Not just that, she also shares her secrets of being 'naturally gorgeous'!

Well, all this and much more are reasons enough for you to take stock of this magazine! Remember, the name's 'Good Housekeeping' with the buttery Malaika! Go for it, guys... you are bound to thank us!

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Children in Indian town remember mystery benefactor

They may never have watched her on TV, or even seen her photograph, but British reality TV star Jade Goody's death in far away London sent many children in Itarshi, Madhya Pradesh, into mourning. After all, it was Goody's secret donation that had helped better their lives.

Unknown to most, Goody had donated Rs2 million to the Jeevodaya Society Centre in Itarsi, about 200 kms from the state capital Bhopal, last year. The money had helped the charity send 400 runaway children back home and rehabilitate 72 others at the centre.

"Itarsi station attracts hundreds of desperate kids. The children rehabilitated by Jade's money were a few of them. They used to sell snacks and water to passengers passing through and were made to go hungry if they didn't make enough money. Then they would beg for food. But now they have a place in a dormitory and eat decent meals," said Sister Clara Joseph, who runs the Jeevodaya Society.

"Jade's money helped 72 children lead a meaningful life. We are so grateful - but also so sad that Jade hasn't been able to see all the good she has achieved. The children have been praying every day for her well being," Joseph told IANS.

While 52 boys and 14 girls escaped "filth and degradation", another six children got all help except accommodation in the shelter, she added.

Navneet Kohli, who has a general store outside Itarsi railway station, which sees 170 trains pass through every day, has seen many children come and go.

"These youngsters, just like the kids in Slumdog Millionaire, seemed destined for a life of desperate hunger and destitution until Jade came forward as a mystery benefactor to pay for their food, clothes and medicine," he said.

The 27-year-old TV star, who died of cervical cancer Sunday, had made the donation in 2007 when she visited India after her clash with Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty on the reality show Celebrity Big Brother. She decided to help the children through a British charity, Railway Children, but kept quiet about it.

The charity got Jade's money last year and the beneficiary was the Jeevodaya Society, whose shelter was built by British charity Butterfield's Edward Johnson Trust.

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SRK’s back to the sets

On Sunday, Shah Rukh Khan faced the camera for the first time since his shoulder surgery. Although he has attended IPL meetings and script reading sessions (even roping in a Hollywood scriptwriter for his next film) and been to parties and awards functions, he hadn’t begun shooting.

SRK told a Mumbai tabloid, "We started shooting for My Name Is Khan. It's supposedly simple work. I haven't recovered fully yet. It will take another four months but this shoot is unavoidable so I have to do it."

The actor added, "It's painful and I keep taking painkillers and exercise during the breaks. The work is being kept easy."

Action scenes are a strict no-no right now. "As far as action scenes are concerned, I don't know... maybe six to seven months later. I still can't move my arm," Khan said.

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Anushka looks beyond Yash Raj

Anushka Sharma is free to sign films outside the Yash Raj banner and that's just what she is poised to do

Here’s one actress who knows what she is signing. Not blinded by the opportunity to debut with a banner like Yash Raj Films, Anushka Sharma has signed a contract with the banner under which they won’t just make three films with her, but she is free to work outside the YRF banner if she wishes.

But where is Anushka then? “I’ve been right here,” replies Anushka. “I spoke as much as I could about Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, and now I’m busy reading scripts. I’m looking at a lot of projects outside the Yash Raj banner. I am no stranger to contracts, I know how they work. Look, I’ve been working since the time I was 16 years old. I choose my work carefully. When Rab Ne... released, people misunderstood that I will be seen next only in a Yash Raj film. But that’s hardly true. Besides, in today’s age who will offer a newcomer a contract that binds her?” Anushka adds that she’s on the verge of signing a couple of projects, both outside and within the Yash Raj banner.

While on the lookout for other films, Anushka is busy with sports. “I’m learning to play squash. My elder brother Karnesh though refuses to play with me. He says, leave alone the chances of my improvement, he might just end up forgetting his game. Besides films, I have a life. I have a family to visit, books to read and experiences to gain,” she says, full of life.

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SRK is an elder brother: Karan

It’s a reaffirmation of their dostana, this film that Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar are co-producing called My Name Is Khan.

The ‘Khan’ in the title is incidental; SRK’s character in the film is Rizwan Khan, who is autistic with limited social interaction abilities. Apparently, the film has generated interest among Indian and overseas distributors already. Karan is aware that he’s on thin ice, directing a film that has characters and situations he’s unfamiliar with. “I am the wrong man to direct this film,” he admits. But at the heart of My Name Is Khan is a tender love story and at directing that, Karan is king. “How can I not have romance in my films?” he asks. “Every filmmaker has to evolve some time. I wanted to make a film in the realm outside my comfort zone. And Shibani Bhatija came up with this mind-blowing script that challenged my abilities,” he says.

His lead actor has a witty reply when asked about being the film’s co-producer too. “Karan doesn’t want to pay me what others do, which is very little, so he said, ‘I can’t underpay you like this, so you be my partner.’ That’s how we’re producing this film,” laughs SRK. Karan admits, “It’s true, I can never put down his price on paper. But considering we were both passionate about the subject, we said why not co-produce the film? We’ve known each other so long (their dostana is 16-years-old) that this new initiative is just an extension of our emotions. Besides, I can never make a film without Shah Rukh. He is a big part of me and my family. He’s like the older brother I never had. I love SRK as a unit — that includes his wife, children, sister and his in-laws.” So, a huge set has been put up at Mehboob Studios and shooting is on with Kajol. Shah Rukh, who is still recuperating from his shoulder surgery, will join the unit by the end of this month.

Whether it is infidelity or homosexuality, Karan hasn’t hesitated to push the envelope and break barriers in the kind of films he is making. His last film, Dostana, directed by Tarun Mansukhani, was among the biggest hits of 2008 and crossed Rs 100 crore. Both SRK and he are determined to push their production houses to the top slot in Bollywood. While SRK is producing Ra-1 and Happy New Year this year, Karan has Wake Up Sid directed by Ayaan Mukherjee, another untitled film by Renzil D’Souza and an animation film Koochie Koochie Hota Hai. “I’m giving new directors a chance and am open to good scripts,” says Karan, “Being in mainstream cinema gives production houses like ours the edge to reach a wider audience. It’s time to move forward.” How was the emotional reconnect with Kajol after eight years? “Shah Rukh and Kajol are indispensable. She’s one of the most talented actresses of Hindi cinema. Every time we wrap up a film, both of us cry, while Shah Rukh looks at us in amusement and asks, ‘What’s wrong?’” says Karan in exasperation.

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Asin: Khan’t say!

Asin was first cast opposite Aamir Khan in Ghajini and she’ll soon be seen sharing screen space with Salman Khan.

And now with the raging Khan wars, it’s getting difficult for co-actors to handle situations when they are asked whom they prefer. Asin chooses her words carefully. “Both Salman and Aamir are great and good co-actors. As a child I used to admire Aamir Khan. I used to watch his films and Salman’s too.” Huh?

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Dia's all for a cause!

Dia Mirza’s a busy girl these days.

And it’s not juggling between the hectic shooting schedules alone that’s keeping her occupied. The pretty actress who has almost seven films lined up this year including — Acid Factory, Alibaug, Arshad Warsi’s home production, Fruit N Nut, Kisaan and also a film with Amitabh Bachchan — is known to have a soft corner for several social issues.

But unlike several other celebrities, who choose to talk about it, Dia also puts the words in action, whether it’s helping out street children or promoting youth empowerment and good governance. Says Dia, “We as celebrities have great influence on the youth so we must try and use it positively. We are the society and I believe that if we want to change anything about it, than instead of talking, we should try and be that change. Even a small step collectively goes a long way.” Well, now whoever thinks that beauty queens only talk about social issues when vying for the crown should take a dekho at our beauty with a cause!

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Main Aur Mrs Khanna - Wallpapers

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What's happening in Bollywood

Kangana celebrated her birthday with friends and co-stars of Fashion, Rahul Bose and Sushma Reddy are becoming more and more socially conscious and so much more happened around town.

Pink and Purple: Birthday girl, Kangana, arrived for her bash in a nice electric lavendar shirt and a casual pair of shorts. And the normally sexy K, disappointed us with her flat and worn out shoes. Adhyayan looks too casual and his hat doesn't fit with what he is wearing. .

The Women Behind The Men: Directors of Fashion and Kites Madhur Bhandarkar and Anurag Basu respectively arrived with their wives in tow. Madhur's wife looks like a pretty young girl. Her silver peep toes are cute too. Anurag and his wife are both casually dressed for the occasion. We wonder when will we see a hep Basu.

How Fashionable! Arjan Bajwa arrived with Fashion co-star, Mughda Godse. While he is very casually dressed, we love Mughda's colourful top which adds just the right amount of vibrance to the outfit. Her lemon green peep-toes are very appealing and goes well with what she has worn. Notice how both have worn pointed shoes!

Perfect match: How can the stylist of Fashion go wrong? Rita Dhody has sported a nice brown stylish top (finally adding the much required zing to the boring party clothes so far!) with lovely golden sandals. We just love the woman's dressing sense.

Lending a Helping Hand: Jaya Bachchan, Lara Dutta and cancer patient Shobhit Kaushal at his art and poetry evening.

Jaago Re: Rahul Bose and Sushma Reddy are going all out to get the general public going for the elections. Rahul is getting his petition signed while Sushma is telling to don't vote for criminals.

The Ex-Factor: Bipasha Basu didn't mind striking a pose with her ex-boyfriend, Dino Morea at Gold's Gym. We love Bips spirit of agreeing to pose for the camera sans make up!

So (NOT) In Vogue: Neil Nitin Mukesh sure knows how to dress up - not! His suit-like tee and black jacket with the intense red, makes him look a tad too loud. And what's with the golden shoes dude!?

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Riya Sen features in the current issue of 'The Man'

We all know what it takes to hit that note to send the male libido racing like the cars on an F1 circuit. This month's issue of 'The Man' does just that with the sultry beauty Riya Sen. A girl who made her first appearance at the tender age of 16 has certainly come a long way with roles and a bod that people would kill to possess quite literally.

Making her first appearance in a music video, Riya concealed the bomb that would come in time. It wasn't till four years later that she exploded on the Bollywood scene with her sizzling performance in the film Style.

Since then on, there has been no looking back for this stunner as she is by far the only female to grace the much talked about Daboo Ratnani calendar six times in a row. However, it wasn't her films that made her rise to the zenith; in fact it was quite contrary to her career. But being not just a femme that has been endowed with looks, Riya certainly has the brains, who ever said that beauty and brains don't mix?

This month in 'The Man', Riya literally sets pulses racing as she appears draped in an evening gown and flanked by gently burning candles that give her complexion that perfect dusky tone, enough to make any stone heart melt away to oblivion.

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"Slumdog Millionaire didn't touch me personally" - Aamir Khan

Bollywood A-lister and Padmashree awardee, Aamir Khan, joined CNN's special edition of 'TALK ASIA' filmed in front of a live studio audience in Mumbai, where he shared with host Anjali Rao his opinion on leading Bollywood actors, his sentiments on the Mumbai terror attacks and more. CNN 'TALK ASIA' with Aamir Khan will be aired first on Wednesday, March 25 at 1800hrs IST and repeat telecast on Saturday, March 28 at 1000hrs and 2000hrs IST. The program can also be viewed at www.cnn.com/talkasia after the first airing. We brings you the exclusive excerpts of the same:

It's a real pleasure to have you with us today so thanks so much for making yourself available again. Your most recent film Ghajini is now the biggest Bollywood success ever. Did you have any idea that it would be quite as huge as it is?
You can hope that, you can hope that for all of your films. But you can never really tell until you see the film with the audience, how it's going to play with the audience in the theatre. So I think in Ghajini what we set out to make we were in fact able to achieve that. I realized that I'm making a hardcore mainstream film after really long, which is fine. I guess I'm happy to do that.

After this movie made it so big, people said that you were the real "King Khan". And that you'd kicked Shahrukh off his perch because he appeals to the masses but you've managed to do this thing that loads of actors would love to do. In that you've had both critical and commercial success in spades. How do you do that? How do you stop from being pigeon-holed in one box or another?
Well, you know I just do work which excites me and which I enjoy doing. I just do work which makes me happy. And I have absolutely no intentions of kicking Shahrukh off his pedestal. Though I have to say I don't think he ever was on it. (Audience laughs) but in my opinion the actor who I really look up to is Mr. Bachchan (the elder?) Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. He is someone who's work I really like and he's a fantastic actor and the kind of stardom that Mr. Bachchan has seen none of us can ever hope to see. So for me he's the guy.

Good Lord, I hope thinking and looking at your work out doesn't bring back too many painful memories for you, I mean were there not days you just went "oh for a goodness sake no movie is worth this hell?!"
It was tough, it was really tough, and actually there's a joke in my family and friends, when you want to get Aamir to do something, make a movie around it and he'll end up doing it. So I never thought I would ever train, it's not something I'm in to, but when I had to do it for the film I just went all out, did the best I could. It was really painful and it was really tough and when I look at myself like I was the other day looking at the photographs you know how it began and then what I saw I couldn't believe it, I just couldn't believe. So when I think about it now, it just seems like a distant dream, because in the last eight months I haven't trained, because for the new film that I'm doing, my director looked at my physique and said now I want you to lose all of this. So I had to work towards losing it all for the new film that I'm shooting for.

You're not only a major actor but you also had your directorial debut in Taare Zameen Par. What was it like for you switching to the other side of the camera, at the same time obviously and starring in it?
It was tough, mainly because I wasn't meant to direct the film to begin with. So I kind of jumped in a week into the shoot. I just went with my gut. Actually I didn't even have time to think, quite honestly. And now when I look back I realize that I had reached a point in my career where I had wanted to direct a film for really long, and the pressure kept keeping me away from it. The fact that it happened this way didn't give me a chance to think and decide, you know. I just jumped into it because I had to, and I ended up making the film, you know, to the best of my abilities. So I didn't really, you know maybe if I hadn't done that I wouldn't be directing for the next 10 years more, I don't know. So I guess I'm glad it happened finally because I'm happy with the way the film turned out and I'm happy with the way the kind of impact it had on people.

Lagaan was nominated for an Oscar back in 2001. And that movie was very much credited at the time with putting Bollywood on the map. How important do you think it is though for Indian movies to be recognized by the West?
Lagaan was made for an Indian audience. That it was appreciated and travelled across the world, and people you know, from different places loved the film, it was great and we were all happy about it, we were thrilled. But if we hadn't done that, it wouldn't have mattered as much as what the Indian audience thought of it. If you know what I'm trying to say. So up till now, we have all been making films for our own audience, which is really large and healthy. And we haven't really looked at an international audience. We haven't thought of entertaining them, or attempting to entertain them. I think the day we do decide to do that I think we'll do alright.

Slumdog Millionaire was a huge eye opener, I think, but you know for all the accolades that it got around the world, there were plenty here in India who slammed it. What did you think of it?
It didn't touch me personally. Emotionally it didn't do anything for me. And I suspect it is because I am not used to watching Indians speak English. So you know, all these slum kids talking in English, and the cop...I find it very strange...it didn't work for me because of that problem.

You were extremely vocal in your blog about what was happening when Mumbai was under siege. Just take us through what was going on with you personally during that time.
Well it was really devastating. I mean it was like a nightmare, I couldn't believe it was happening. And it was also very shocking to see, you know, the audacity with which these attacks were carried out. All the lives that were lost and so many thoughts going through my head at that time. And it was really sad that... that I mean we live in a day and age today where there all over the world there are people, certain number of people at least, who feel that this is how they want to make a point, or want to be heard, or want to hit back, by killing innocent people. Doesn't make sense to me but I guess, I mean that's how it is, that's how it is in the world today.

Certainly you were speaking to the government in part in your blogs as well, by you know, saying not to negotiate with terrorists. But you also seemed quite critical of what the leadership was doing at the time. Is that how you felt?
No, I wasn't actually. I wasn't critical of the leadership at that time. Because I think at that time they were doing the best that they could. But I am critical about, how a number of the leaders have been using religion and cast in our politics for decades now. And that only, you know, polarizes people. It spreads a lot of poison and negativity in society.

Your response to the Mumbai terror strikes, sort of threw back memories of your 2006 movie Rang De Basanti hit, which was, you know, very political, widely hailed as really getting the youth of this country involved in politics. Is it important to you as well to make movies that aren't just about candy floss?
Yes of course. I think that the kind of person I am, I get attracted to certain kind of stories. So I can't help it, I mean, you know. A film like a story like Rang De Basanti comes to me and it actually inspires me first. You know I feel, Wow, this is something I wanna be part of. And you know so first it affects me.

There's a certain formula that works very well in Bollywood. But back in 2001, Lagaan completely went against any of that formula, you know. It was a film that nobody wanted to take on, a script that nearly died. It was more than three and a half hours long, full of you know, a cast of relative unknowns, compared to you. And yet the film was a smash hit... Now you obviously took on that project because you believed that it would work. But did other people think that you were just bonkers?
Yeah. Well they think that all the time actually. Every time I start a film they're like hmmm this time he's going to really mess it up. Everyone who knew me was like, 'He's nuts, he's really done it this time. And then when I did Dil Chahta Hai also, or you know, even Rang De Basanti, Taare Zameen Par they were like hmm childcare and education, ok. But it's also exciting, you know when you pick things which are unusual and difficult and are breaking the rules of mainstream cinema.

Nobody would produce Lagaan. So in the end after a bit of convincing, you had to step in and do it. But it sounds like there were major issues with it. I mean, there was one scene where you had to find 10,000 villagers from somewhere and the town wasn't even built yet. As a producer, you would've had to handle that, I guess. So just talk me through some of the hurdles that you had to get over to do this movie.
Well, Lagaan was especially difficult film to do. I mean period and very large cast, so many actors you know. And just getting everyone ready for the first shot at eight o'clock was, you have to reach there at four and start getting ready it was quite insane.

In the morning?
In the morning, yes. And the cricket was really tough. Because you know the ball and the bat doesn't do what you want it to do. And the 10,000 day was a big one because we had to put a lot of teams, went into villages, and said listen we're shooting a film, and a lot of these villagers haven't seen a film in their lives. Let alone act in it.

After the break, as Bollywood actors go, Aamir puts the private in private life, still that doesn't mean that we're not gonna be getting personal. The house that we saw in that clip, you spent a lot of time there as a kid, apparently.
Well not that house in particular but in Panchgani, in that hill station.

What kind of a childhood did you have?
Well, fairly standard actually. I think my parents looked after us very well. We had a fairly sheltered life. I mean my parents were really against me getting into films. I come from a film family. My father and uncle were both filmmakers. And I faced hell at home. It was like there's no way you're getting into films. But I don't usually listen to people. I just do what I feel like. And then when they realized... actually it was more because they were concerned for me, you know. Every parent is concerned for their children. And they had been through this line and this profession is so uncertain. You know one day you're up there, the next day you're nobody and...it's a really harsh profession.

When you look back at your transformation over those years. And when you look at those clips from the 80s and 90s do you go you know what I'm really proud of that or do you go 'Oh God! I just want to die'?
I get totally embarrassed. Usually you know when I finish a film within six months I feel eh, this is not good enough. This is where we've messed up, and we could've done this, and I've grown so much as an actor and I can do this much better now. I don't like my work usually after some time, I don't like it anymore.

That's gonna be tough, because you're gonna keep seeing it?
Sooner I just don't see it. I stop seeing my work. I see it a lot when I'm on the film and you know, I see it with the audience, while it releases, that's one thing I do for all my films. I watch them with the audience. And the audience don't know I'm in the theatre.

How do they not know?
They don't know because they're already in there. And then I walk in, I stand at the back, I go into the projection room, those windows there, peep out and I can see everyone, I can hear them. So you can see them shifting in their seats if they don't like the scene. You can actually see that happen. So when the film is not working, you'll suddenly hear a lot of chairs you know, chair sounds...shifting, coughing, so you know you're losing the audience there.

Did you go in to the projection room and watch movies that didn't do so well like Mela and Mann?
Yes I did. Yes I did. It's heartbreaking. It's really heartbreaking. But I think that's what I'm making these films for, you know. I want, I'm making for the audience and I wanna be there to see how they like it. And if they don't, I wanna be there to see that.

If you had to name a characteristic of yours that's gotten you through, that's helped you to make it to be as big a star as you are now, what would it be?
I think for me it's been, I've always done what makes me happy. I realized very early in my career that you know, whenever I'm taking a decision which I think is the correct decision, or I ought to be doing this. Whenever I've done that, I've failed miserably. Whenever I thought I was being smart, I've ended up making an ass out of myself. But whenever I did what I felt like doing, it worked for me. No matter how ridiculous it may have seemed to others and no matter how impractical it may have seemed... but whenever I followed my heart and done what makes me happy, it's worked for me.

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Wanted - First Look

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Flat - First Look

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A Very Happy Birthday Emraan!

In an industry that's ruled by the heavyweights like the Khans, the Kapoors, the Kumars and the Bachchans, here is a man who has single handedly taken the entire industry, not just by a mere storm but a lethal combo of tornado cum whirlpool! He is none other than Bollywood's eternal blue-eyed boy Emraan Hashmi, our today's Birthday Boy.

Having started his career with 'Uncle' Bhatt's Footpath, this dude with an attitude, soon earned the infamous tag of 'Serial-Kisser' courtesy his on-screen shenanigans in films like Murder, Zeher, Aashiq Banaya Aapne etc However, his last few films like Aawarapan, Jannat have portrayed the latent talent that this actor possesses. A recent survey revealed that almost 95% of the cinegoers flocked in to see his last release Raaz-The Mystery Continues, only for him! While other actors' career chart exhibit their Hits and Miss, Emraan is a man whose career chart boasts of Hits alongwith many 'Misses'! Today, he is undoubtedly one of the very few actors who can single handedly draw (read 'magnetize') the cinegoers towards the Box-Office windows!

So, what are you waiting for? Simply join Bollywood Buzz in wishing Emraan Hashmi as we cement the Kissing distance between you and Emraan Hashmi by posting your messages below:

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Triple failure of CC2C, Billu, D-6 alienating audience from Bollywood

I am pained. First quarter of 2009 is turning out to be one of the worst seasons for Bollywood in the current decade. At least in the earlier years, there weren't too many movies releasing at the beginning of January (Bollywood jinx factor) and then late February/early March (school/college examinations). However, 2009 has been an exception with not one, not two but multiple films releasing practically every week. Not worrying at all about the Board examinations being underway and the target audience i.e. youth keeping away from the theaters, Bollywood is witnessing dozen odd releases practically every month.

I am pained because the result has been hardly heartening, as evidenced in the fate of five films that released over the weekend gone by - Firaaq, Aloo Chaat, Barah Aana, Straight and Lottery. None of the films has done well at the box office and performance of some of these films has been pathetic to say the least. Collective theater occupancy of these five films has been less than 50% if one looks at the opening and poor reviews and reports have further marred the prospects.

I am pained because Firaaq got some good critical response coming its way but collections were shocking all over. The film has hardly been seen by the audience which otherwise could have helped it grow with word of mouth. Other than Firaaq though, none of the other films could even gather any good reviews. While Straight and Aloo Chaat have been ripped apart by most, Barah Aana has seen somewhat better response from the critics but equally poor response from the audience. Frankly, there were hardly any out there who had even heard of this Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Raaz and Arjun Mathur starrer. As for Lottery, it didn't see a decent multiplex release and worse, wasn't even reviewed by the critics.

I am pained because there is something really going wrong with the film releases this season. And there is one simple reason for this - 'Money saved is money gained'! Audience is looking at saving money for a film that seems promising from the very onset. On a regular weekend, at least a couple of these five films could have taken a favorable start. However, complete disinterest of audience in movies is stemming from the fact that they are just not in mood of watching small films at theaters.

I am pained because based on my conversations with 'aam junta' as well as industry insiders, I have realized that the absolute turnaround amongst audience when it comes to Bollywood flicks has stemmed from the triple failure of highly hyped films like Chandni Chowk To China, Billu Barber and Delhi 6. 'Aisa lagta hai jaise sabka Bollywood films se vishwas hi uth gaya hai' - is the sentiment amongst all. When one film is a hit, audience loves to visit theaters and watch the next one in subsequent week. And so on and so forth. This was evident in August/September last year when success of Singh Is Kinng followed by Bachna Ae Haseeno had made way for multiple small and medium budget films week after week like Rock On, Welcome To Sajjanpur, A Wednesday, Phoonk, 1920 etc. The free for all run of hits was too good to be true but that was a fact. Of course each of the films, were well made as well but the fact is that audience was 'willing' to spend money in theaters week after week even as the term 'recession' was making a loud announcement all over.

The subsequent months saw a dip with the failure of Karzzzz but 2008 end saw a grand revival with huge blockbusters like Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Ghajini. Audience was willing to give Bollywood another chance but as stated earlier, the biggies in Jan/Feb 2009 spoilt the show and it was back to square one.

It's not the audience to be blamed, it's the films!

Junta has given its verdict loud and clear. It has to be really very high quality films that have to arrive at theaters to entice audiences back. And it won't suffice to see just one or two good films coming in; there have to be a line up of interesting projects. No wonder, the months of May/June become crucial because there is a lot riding on films like Kambakkth Ishq, Kaminey, Luck, Love Aaj Kal, Life Partner, Shortkut - The Con Is On and Kal Kissne Dekha, each of which would be arriving one after another.

Here is looking forward to a better season ahead with some quality projects that would make the audience wake up to the magic of Bollywood. Once again!

Fingers crossed!

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Katrina Kaif is in a generous mood

Katrina Kaif surprised everybody on the sets of Rajkumar Santoshi's Ajab Prem Ki Gajab Kahani at Film City, when on the last day of shooting she distributed Rs5 lakhs among the unit members, including technicians and spot boys.

A source told an Indian newspaper that, "After wrapping up the schedule, Katrina went into her vanity van and came out with bundles of notes and started distributing them among the unit members. She was in a happy mood and wanted to share her happiness with everyone."

While Kat herself has been keeping mum on her generous act, her friends have been more than willing to spill all. Apparently, she met each of the 300 people in the unit in person and handed out the cash personally. Because she was touched by the effort and long hours put in by the unit and wanted to express her gratitude.

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SRK - Hrithik form a united front

Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan are ganging up against the Aamir Khan-Salman Khan-Akshay Kumar front

Life can be very difficult without a friend and when the ones you considered your good friends fall out with you or let you down, then it’s always wise to develop new relationships. The latest dosti doing the rounds of Bollywood is that of SRK and Hrithik. Setting aside their supposed feud over the Krazzy 4 song, the two have been hobnobbing at various parties and events. In fact , the Roshans are regular guests at all SRK dos, including the super exclusive ones at Mannat.

However, both stars are not giving out any sound bytes about their friendship.

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Kabir Bedi and Dimple Kapadia walks the ramp

Designer J.J. Valaya

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Wills India Fashion Week 2009 in New Delhi - Day 5

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Saif Ali Khan Visits Disco in Dubai

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Hrithik's not playing games

Hrithik Roshan may have been part of some balle baazi last year as Bollywood and cricket joined hands.

But this year, in spite of numerous rumours doing the rounds, Duggu’s close friends insist that he isn’t into the cricket scene at all. “We, including Hrithik, were quite taken aback with media reports that stated that Duggu will be cheering for a some team. Actually, he’s too busy with Kites. We still have one short schedule pending, and that’s going to be a priority.” So, he’d rather be something of a ‘Kite-runner’ than cheer a few running between wickets...

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Mugdha takes on Asin

Asin walked away with all the awards for her debut act in Ghajini this year.

And one actress who is highly disappointed with this is Mugdha Godse, a catwalker who made a mark in her debut film Fashion. Mugdha expressed her displeasure by saying, “Awards are just trophies and if all of them have gone to an actress who has done around 12-13 South Indian films already, what can you say?

People have appreciated my performance in Fashion and their SMSes are my rewards.” While Godse readies herself for Bhandarkar’s Jail, she better ready herself for a solid catfight, too, because we aren’t so sure that Asin is the quiet, listening types...

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Sonam chooses acting over beauty

Whoever says our newcomers are all about good looks and no substance are wrong.

Though Sonam Kapoor loves all the compliments coming her way, it’s not enough! “Every other girl today is beautiful, so thank you, but no thank you,” is Sonu’s reasoning.

So one had better not go just skin-deep in one’s praises for her. Pump up the compliments with some ‘talented’ twists as well, and SK will look even more beautiful with that multi-watt smile. Theek, Sonam?

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Arjun shoots with Nicole Kidman

... for an ad film being produced by Sir Ridley Scott and directed by Shekhar Kapur

Bollywood hunks, eat your hearts out. Nicole Kidman, yes — the same, is in India this week and the only desi star who gets to meet the gorgeous Oscar-winning actress and actually work with her is our Arjun Rampal.

Kidman, as reported earlier, is not here to shoot her next film The Eight Wonder in Jaipur, in which she plays a female Indiana Jones on an archaelogical discovery that takes her on a race around the world. Nor is the Australian actress here to meet friends in New Delhi. Kidman has actually come to shoot an ad film for a carbonated water and ginger ale beverage company and Rampal will feature in it with her.

The ad is being made by British producer-director Sir Ridley Scott, whose recent films American Gangster and Body of Lies were huge successes worldwide, and directed by Shekhar Kapur. It will be shot over five days in Udaipur starting today. For a non-filmy Hollywood-Bollywood collaboration featuring one of the world’s highest-paid actors, a local hero, and two celebrated filmmakers, it does not get bigger than this.

Rampal, who was recommended to Ridley Scott’s production house by Shekhar Kapur, is delighted with this sudden assignment that comes in between his work for Bollywood. The Rock On!! actor, who is working on the films Rajniti, Housefull and Kunal, was once a hot and in demand supermodel in Mumbai who did brand endorsements, ad commercials and walked the ramp. But he gave up modelling nine years ago for Bollywood and hasn’t done an ad since then.

“Working with Nicole Kidman is going to be fun,” admitted Rampal who left for Udaipur yesterday. “This is a dream team to work with. I really appreciate Nicole Kidman as an actor, she’s very, very good, and I’m excited to be working with her.” He had no idea whether the sexy actress who was last seen in the film Australia knew that he, too, was an actor. “But she will once she is here,” said Rampal hopefully.

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What's happening in Bollywood

Deepika Padukone, Kabir Bedi and Dimple Kapadia at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week, Vijay Mallya gets gorgeous and hot men to India and SRK loves his scarves

Showstopper
Deepika Padukone looked more gorgeous than ever as the former supermodel walked the ramp for Ranna Gill at the finale of the WLIFW.


Royal Touch
Dimple Kapadia and Kabir Bedi looked like Greek royalty as they walked the ramp for JJ Vallya at the finale of the WLIFW