IIFA 2010: Sri Lanka to host IIFA Awards in July

The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards will be held this year at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo from July 2 to July 4.

The country’s Minister for Tourism, Achala Jagoda, revealed that several countries had competed to host the event, but Sri Lanka finally got the nod. Mr. Jagoda described it as an international achievement, and added that several events such as an Indian business meeting, would be held on the event’s sidelines.

The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards are presented annually by the International Indian Film Academy to honour both artistic and technical excellence of professionals in Bollywood. Instituted in 2000, the ceremony is held in different countries around the world every year.

The first ceremony was held in London at The Millennium Dome. From then on the awards were held at locations around the world signifying the international purpose of Hindi cinema. It has been held in South Africa (twice), Malaysia, Singapore, The Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, England, Thailand and Macau.

While Sri Lanka will host the event in 2010, the 2011 event is expected to be held in Toronto.

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“Akshay deserves a national award”

His mom-in-law Dimple Kapadia thinks he should get it for being an all-rounder!

Veteran actress Dimple Kapadia is certain that her son-in-law, actor Akshay Kumar, who has already been conferred a Padma Shri award, deserves a national award too because she believes that he is a great entertainer.

"I think he (Akshay Kumar) deserves a national award. Nor for any movie as such but he has really grown as an actor and he is excellent in comedy beside that he is an allrounder, and most importantly he is a great entertainer," she told reporters at a cafe where she was promoting her upcoming film ‘Tum Milo Toh Sahi’.

Dimple maintains that getting awards is a matter of luck.

"Honestly speaking, awards are just luck. Some give brilliant performances but they never get awarded and someone else gets it. I don't think an award is really important. Someone can perform far more brilliantly than you but you get the award, so it's not a big deal," she said.

Dimple is sharing screen space with Akshay in director Nikhil Advani's ‘Patiala House’ where he is again playing the role of a Sardar after Anees Bazmee's ‘Singh is Kinng’ (2008).

Sixteen long years after ‘Krantiveer’ in 1994, Dimple is paired opposite actor Nana Patekar in Kabir Sadanand's ‘Tum Milo Toh Sahi’ where they play lovers in their 50s.

"It was a fantastic experience again working with Nana Patekar. We share a student-teacher relationship where I am a student. I learnt a lot from him. With every film he has given me something," said Dimple.

"The climax of the film is completely dedicated to him and Kabir. The way they made me see it and the way they made me do it... it's completely their baby. I just went and did what they wanted me to do. It's great to get such a co-star and that's what Nana is. He gives you a lot," she added

Releasing Friday, ‘Tum Milo Toh Sahi’ weaves together lives of three couples who connect with one another through a series of touching and funny moments. Dimple essays a Parsi woman running an old Irani cafe in the film.

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Vivek Oberoi still gets acting tips from dad

And he says it’s good to feel nervous during a shot

Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi has done quite a few films so far, but he says he still gets professional advice from his father, yesteryear actor Suresh Oberoi.

"My father often advises me and says that the day you stop feeling nervous during a shot, stop acting because that means you don't care about the consequences," Vivek told IANS.

At the moment, the 33-year-old is geared for the release of his upcoming action film ‘Prince - It's Showtime’ slated to hit screens April 9.

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"I will support India, and also my husband"

Sania Mirza, who is marrying Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik, shared this and much more

Surrounded by reporters in her home city Hyderabad, Indian tennis star Sania Mirza was a picture of composure as she talked about her forthcoming marriage to Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik. The news of their match broke late yesterday, and today (March 30) the Indian tennis star held a short press conference to share what she felt about the news that has created a buzz in both India and Pakistan.

"I'm very happy, it's a very happy occasion. The reception will be held on April 15 in Hyderabad, the exact venue hasn't been fixed yet," she said. The valima will be held in Pakistan, she added. Sania and her family will be getting Pakistani visas for this.

Sania, who's 23 years old, revealed that she first met Shoaib about 6-7 years ago, but refused to share when they became romantically involved. "It's too personal," she said, adding that neither she nor Shoaib would be comfortable answering such questions.

She clarified that she will continue to play tennis for India, while Shoaib will play cricket for Pakistan. As to the ongoing political issues between the neighbouring countries, Sania said, "Of course, we're aware of the issues. But we're not making a political statement. We're getting married. We're happy, our families are happy. I've got so many good wishes from people."

Sania also confirmed that the couple would be settling down in Dubai after they're married. "He (Shoaib) is a resident there. Dubai is a great place to live in. I've always said it's like a second home. There are so many Indians and Pakistanis there. I will miss my family but it's just a three hour flight away."

Now that she was marrying a Pakistani cricketer, Sania was asked if she would be supporting India or Pakistan in a cricket match between the two countries. "I will support India. I'll also be supporting my husband but I will support India," she said.

Sania was even asked about having kids, to which she replied with a laugh, "I haven't even gotten married yet, and you're already thinking about my kids! I'm going to be participating in the Olympics in 2012, so there are no plans before that."

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Arjun Rampal has the ‘jitters’

Film release dates nearing remind him of exam result day

Bollywood heartthrob Arjun Rampal has three films lined up for release this year and the National award winning actor says he is having "jitters" as the release dates are getting closer.

"Beginning to get the jitters as films are getting closer to release... always happens," the 37-year-old posted on his Twitter account.

"'Housefull' will be the first one on April 30, followed by 'Raajneeti' on June 4. I know there is time but still get these pangs of anxiety... it reminds me of days when exam result day would near," Arjun posted on his Twitter account.

His third release is Karan Johar's yet-to-be titled film, which is an adaptation of Chris Columbus' 1998 comedy drama ‘Stepmom’.

"'Stepmom' will be released some time in August or September... looking forward to all three, all very different from each other, (I) had a great time making them," he said.

While ‘Housefull’ is a comedy directed by Sajid Khan and also stars Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone, Lara Dutta, and Ritesh Deshmukh, ‘Raajneeti’ is a political thriller written, directed, and produced by Prakash Jha. It also stars Ajay Devgn, Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor.

In the ‘Stepmom’ remake, Arjun has teamed up with Kajol and Kareena Kapoor.

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Sania Mirza to marry Shoaib Malik

The Indian tennis star and the Pakistani cricketer will be based in Dubai after they wed

It’s a match across borders and sports, as one of India’s top tennis players Sania Mirza will be getting married to Shoaib Mailk, the former cricket captain of Pakistan. The news has been confirmed by Sania’s father, Imran Mirza. He has also said that after the marriage, the couple will be based in Dubai.

It seems that there will be no engagement ceremony for the two, and that they will get married in April. It is believed that the wedding will happen in India while the reception will be held in Pakistan.

Just a few months ago, Sania broke off her engagement to her family friend Sohrab Mirza. It is believed that Sania and Shoaib have been seeing each other since. Apparently, the match was made formal when Shoaib’s mother met Sania’s parents in India.

Sania reportedly said yesterday that it was the biggest day of her life.

In the past, Shoaib was linked to an Indian woman called Ayesha Siddiqui and there were even rumours that he had married her. But now it seems like he has found his perfect match in Sania Mirza. Shoaib has said that he will support Sania in her career for as long as she wants to play.

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Abhishek wants to check into a mental institution

What’s got AB Jr saying that he ‘needs help’?

Looks like Abhishek Bachchan is finally realising the effort that goes into shooting for a tough taskmaster like Mani Ratnam. The actor has been shooting for the southern director’s ‘Ravana’, co-starring wife Aishwarya Rai, and it’s been a really difficult time for him. So difficult in fact that he jokes that he needs to check into a mental institution now.

Abhishek posted on his Twitter account today, “Finally completed the dub for RAAVAN. Relieved. The toughest film of my career. Now on my way to check into a mental institution! Need help!”

The shooting for ‘Ravana’ took place in very challenging locations and involved a lot of tough situations. Think mountains, jungles and rains! And the movie was shot in two versions – Hindi and Tamil. So it meant doing all the scenes twice. Aishwarya even fell ill with a fever during the shoot. And while shooting in the jungles of Kerala, the entire cast and crew had a scary experience when an elephant ran amok and killed a 51-year-old mahout. The actors, including Abhishek and Ash, had to take shelter in a guest house and survived on bread and eggs.

We’re curious about how the film has shaped up, but we certainly don’t want Abhishek to end up in a mental institution because of it.

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IN PICS: Ranbir Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt and Jacqueline Fernandez unveil Pepsi Game

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IN PICS: Amrita Rao, Vivek Oberoi at Bombay Times Fresh Face Finale

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Munnabhai Chale Amreeka

Just when all Munnabhai fans had given up any hope of seeing the much promised third installment in the series, news comes in that Munnabhai Chale Amreeka is very much in the pipeline. The filming will begin at the end of the year.

“Munnabhai Chale Amreeka is very much on the cards. Raju has been working on the script, and we should begin filming soon” confirms Munnabhai, Sanjay Dutt, himself.

Arshad Warsi, who is currently enjoying the success of his first production Hum Tum Aur Ghost, is equally optimistic of doing the film. “Raju has been working on the story and screenplay for some time now. We all know how Raju works, and he needs the story to be just right. We didn’t want to make the sequel just to cash in on the Munnabhai success. We want to make a good and equally enjoyable film,” explains Arshad.

But what has delayed the film for so many years?

“The film, as the name suggests, is set in the US. Now, many films have been made with the whole New York and 9/11 incident in the background. A lot of them were being filmed or released during the time Raju was writing the script. Plus 3 Idiots also happened for Raju. So, for a good year and a half, he was completely immersed in that project. He has now gone back to the writing board and is re-working the script… putting final touches to it,” says Warsi.

According to both Dutt and Warsi, the film should go on floors either in December of this year or at the very start of next year.

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Priyanka's emotional moment

Priyanka Chopra says she was moved to tears as she collected her National Award for Best Actress.

The actress, who is currently shooting for Saath Khoon Maaf, says that the day was memorable for her. "When I went up to the President to receive my National Award, I was choked with emotion. I cried when I walked off the stage,” says Priyanka.

She believes she got the award and the role only because of director Madhur Bhandarkar, who cast her in Fashion. “I went there only because of Madhur. He is the only one responsible for it, for showing his faith in me when offering me the role," said Priyanka, adding, "The way that he directed the movie is outstanding." She has high hopes also for her current film, which is being directed by Vishal Bharadwaj. Asked if she thought it would also pick up some awards, she said: "I hope so. Kaminey was a fantastic film, but Saath Khoon Maaf is also unbelievable. Vishal has his own imagination."

She said she wasn't just looking at awards for herself. "I will be glad if Vishal himself wins an award for his dedication to his work," says Priyanka, "In this movie, you will see some fantastic actors as well, which I'm looking also forward to." Priyanka is making her debut on television, hosting Fear Factor III, with cricketers. “Television did not happen suddenly to me. I was getting offers, but nothing excited me. I am a sporty person, and so, when I got the offer for Fear Factor, they didn’t have to patao me. I agreed easily,” says Priyanka.

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Sridevi to endorse Vanish washing powder

For all those who thought that if Anil Kapoor vanished in reel life in Mr. India, Sridevi did the same vanishing trick in real life, here's a piece of news that will really sound music to your ears!

After having ruled and reigned over everyone's hearts alike with her performances in the silver screen as well as giving a zillion FMCG products an image makeover ( read 'endorsing') the Queen Bee is back yet again...not to vanish this time round, but to endorse Vanish washing powder. Sources close to Bollywood Hungama confirmed the news saying, "It took slightly larger-than-usual time for the ad director to convince Sridevi to sign on the dotted line. But, once she was convinced then there was not looking back! She went all out to shoot for the ad and extended her full co-operation, something that she has always been known for".

Repeated attempts to contact Sridevi proved futile.

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Salman-Govinda back together

Despite being a blatant lift of the Hollywood film Hitch, David Dhawan’s Partner was a huge hit at the Bollywood box office. And therefore it came as no surprise therefore when Dhawan announced a sequel to the film soon thereafter.

However, with no movement for over two years, most fans had given up hope of seeing Salman and Govinda back together.

But now we hear the sequel is back and very much on track.

“Sohail (Khan) will be producing the film and it is very much on track. There is talk about David’s son directing the film. Govinda and Salman have given their dates for next year. Lara (Dutta) is back in the sequel too. But David and Sohail are finding it difficult to get Katrina to return too,” says our source.

The film, for the moment titled Partner 2, is expected to go on the floors in December this year and will be shot in one straight schedule. But right now the hunt is on for some additions to the cast.

“A couple more additions will be made to the star cast. We are looking for another male and female lead,” says the source adding that Salman won’t be the love guru in the sequel, “Unlike in partner, this time Salman won’t be playing the love guru. He won’t be solving other people’s problems. In fact the film will have a huge surprise element where Salman’s role is concerned.”

Partner 2 will be shot in Mumbai, Dubai and England.

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Priyanka's challenging role

Priyanka Chopra has been taking up very challenging roles of late. She played the 12-faceted lead in What's Your Rashee? She's shooting for Vishal Bharadwaj's latest, Saat Khoon Maaf, in which she plays a black widow.

And now is the buzz is right, she's going to play a mentally challenged person.

The role, which is a special appearance or something like it, is said to be for the movie Khamoshi which stars Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif. The film's being directed by Anurag Basu, who's also writing it, and the word is that Priyanka was approached for it and showed interest.

Sources close to Priyanka said: “When Priyanka read the script she loved it. It is something she has hasn't ever done and she's intrigued by the challenges of playing such a role." Sources in Khamoshi's production unit were cautious. “Priyanka has already given her dates to other directors for this year as she is shooting for Saath Khoon Maaf and then she will start shooting for Don-2, so nothing has been finalized yet but she loved the script,” said the source.

We spoke to Anurag Basu who refused to confirm the development. “No comment. I have not even completed the script so how can I comment on my project?" he said. Anurag liked the chemistry between Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor in Ajab Prem Ki Gajab Kahani and he signed the stars right away. Ranbir plays a deaf mute character in the movie.

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SRK’s Knight Riders face first IPL 2010 loss

Shah Rukh's thoughts on his team's performance: "Work Harder" 
READ MORE AT SRKTHEDON.BLOGSPOT.COM

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Preity's Kings XI lose another IPL match

Did Deepika Padukone cheering for the other team make a difference?

Not all of Preity Zinta's bubbly support from the stands could save her IPL team from their second consecutive loss at this year's tournament.

At the match today (March 16) played in Bangalore's Chinnaswamy Stadium, her Kings XI Punjab were outclassed by the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Preity's team scored 203/3, and the Challengers ended with 204/2 in 18.5 overs.

But Preity wasn't too upset about the loss. In fact, she continued to be positive. She posted on her Twitter account, "We played well but Bangalore played better ! Got the give credit where its due ! 14 more games to go till its all over !" And in a later tweet, the actress added, "Today we were the losing side but that's ok ! Both previous IPL's we lost our first two games ! We will come back with a bang ! I know it !"

The star power at the match today wasn't limited to Preity. Deepika Padukone was there too, supporting the Bangalore team. We've got to watch out for how the two gorgeous actresses and their teams fare in the future. It promises to be an interesting face-off!

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Big Car for Big Bro!

Arbaaz Khan gifted elder brother Salman Khan an SUV to show his appreciation and gratitude for acting in Dabangg.

Arbaaz Khan gifted Salman Khan a Range Rover Vogue on Sunday. Salman has wanted to buy the car for a while. He was checking out models so Arbaaz gifted it to him for acting in his home-production. He anyway wanted to gift him something and this was the perfect gift to the man who has everything.

Salman was very excited and happy with the car, so he updated his Blackberry messenger status stating the same. Arbaaz made sure the car was delivered as a gift to his doorstep (Galaxy Apartments in Bandra) on Sunday, after he returned from Wai on Saturday. Salman was super thrilled when he saw the car and called and thanked Arbaaz who couldn’t be present in person but was held up in Wai. The car is white in colour. Arbaaz wanted a dark colour but then he would have had to wait for another three months.

Arbaaz Khan confirmed that he has gifted Salman Khan the car as a gesture of gratitude. He is happy to have given him something he wanted and will use it. Now, he cannot wait for his elder brother to drive him to Wai in his new, comfortable car.

Dabangg is 70 percent complete and the rest will be shot in Mumbai. Most of the shooting has been done in Wai, which is a three-hour drive from Mumbai.

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Tusshar's new look!

Tusshar Kapoor has a new look and new role in ALT Entertainment’s Shor, produced by his sister Ekta Kapoor and directed by 99 directors Raj and DK Nimodru. He plays a bootlegger in the film.

Tusshar has a stubble and a short buzz-cut in the film. He plays a bootlegger in the film and his character finds new meaning in one of the books he pirates. He has left no stone unturned in getting into the skin of the down-to-earth character.

The film is edgy and fast-paced and Tushar loved the character the minute he heard it. He was ready to do anything for the role, including cutting his hair. This is the experimental film he was looking for.

Raj and DK said that it was not difficult to convince Tusshar for the makeover because he is a versatile and talented actor who is very sincere towards his job and craft. This is a distinct role for him.

Shor will release later this year.

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Hollywood meets Bollywood

On Sunday, Anil Kapoor, Abhishek Kapoor and Arjun Rampal met director James Cameron for dinner. They were invited for a dinner hosted by a newspaper tycoon’s daughter.

The Canadian director has come to India for the first time to talk about the future of cinema at a film convention. He met Aamir Khan there on Saturday.

At the dinner, Anil, Abhishek and Arjun told him that they loved Avatar very much and James told them about the nuances of the making of the film and spoke highly of some of the films they have been associated with. He was very curious about Indian cinema and promised to watch Rock On!! And give them feedback on it.

Abhishek Kapoor shared some film ideas with him, especially one about a film on spiritualism which he wants to make. Cameron told them about all the effort that went into making a movie as amazing and awesome as Avatar. The four of them spoke for a long time about cinema.

Abhishek Kapoor and Arjun Rampal confirmed they met James Cameron over dinner in Delhi and that it was an ‘awesome’ experience.

James Cameron took 12 years (post Titanic) to make Avatar. Titanic and Avatar are among the highest-grossing films of all time. He said that the tribes of Orissa were among his inspirations for Avatar.

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FIRST LOOK: Housefull

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FIRST LOOK: Paathshaala

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FIRST LOOK: Right Yaaa Wrong

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FIRST LOOK: Hum Tum Aur Ghost

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