BOLLYWOOD BUZZ

Shilpa, Raj to throw a lavish reception

2009-11-24T23:28:00.000+05:30

After a royal wedding in Khandala, Shilpa Shetty oops! Shilpa Kundra and hubby Raj Kundra will be holding a grand reception in Mumbai. It will be a star studded night at the Grand Hyatt, Mumbai where all the big names of Bollywood will come to wish the couple. Shilpa and Raj have not left any stone unturned to make this reception grand in what has so far been called 'wedding of the season.'

The guest list includes Amitabh Bachchan and family, SRK and family, the Kapoors, Rekha, Farah Khan, Farhan Akhtar, Karan Johar, the Deols, Sushmita Sen, Salman Khan and the liquor baron Vijay Malya. Shilpa has invited Rajasthan Royals captain Shane Warne and popstar Jermaine Jackson for her grand reception.

Shilpa Shetty wedding Ceremony - Latest Pics

2009-11-24T23:27:00.000+05:30

Shilpa Shetty ties the knot with Raj Kundra - Video

2009-11-23T23:39:00.000+05:30

Shilpa Shetty Wedding Ceremony - Pics

2009-11-23T23:37:00.000+05:30

Shilpa S

Shilpa Shetty Weding Ceremony - Pics

2009-11-23T23:33:00.000+05:30

Shilpa Shetty Wedding More Exclusive Photos : Click Here

Shilpa Shetty ties the knot with Raj Kundra

2009-11-23T00:31:00.003+05:30

Clad in a red sari and flaunting diamonds and emeralds, Shilpa Shetty exchanged wedding vows with London-based businessman Raj Kundra in a close-knit family affair in Khandala.

Shilpa Shetty married London-based businessman Raj Kundra in a lavish ceremony at Khandala.

Earlier Raj had arrived in a chariot decorated with flowers and drawn by two horses from Amrit Villa, located about five minutes away from Bawa Villa, where the wedding was held.

Clad in a maroon sherwani with golden embroidery, Kundra was sporting a turban with his face veiled by a sehra (string of pearls). He was also holding a sword in his hand, as per Indian tradition.

Noticed dancing in the baraat (marriage procession) were actors Rohit Roy and Jackky Bhagnani.

Shilpa, decked in a burgundy and red saree designed by Tarun Tahiliani, married Raj in a Mangalorean ceremony.

Shilpa's beau Raj Kundra wore creations by Shantanu and Nikhil.

Before the marriage, it was the wedding card, which created a buzz for it's look and content.

A reception will be held in Mumbai on 24 November.

Raj Kundra arrives on chariot to marry Shilpa Shetty - Video

2009-11-23T00:29:00.001+05:30

Raj Kundra arrived on a chariot to marry his actress fiancee Shilpa Shetty in the Maharashtra hill station Khandala.

Shilpa Shetty Wedding Ceremony - Photos

2009-11-23T00:27:00.000+05:30

Shilpa Shetty sangeet ceremony - Pictures

2009-11-23T00:26:00.001+05:30

Raj Kundra sets off to marry Shilpa

2009-11-23T00:24:00.000+05:30

Rohit Roy and Jackky Bhagnani in marriage procession

London-based businessman Raj Kundra left in a chariot this (Nov 22) evening to marry his actress fiancee Shilpa Shetty in Khandala, a hill station in Maharashtra.

Kundra left Amrit Villa, located about five minutes away from Bawa Villa, where the wedding is going to be held, in a chariot driven by two horses.

Clad in a maroon sherwani with golden embroidery, Kundra was sporting a turban with his face veiled by a sehra (string of flowers/pearls).

He was also holding a sword in his hand, as per Indian tradition.

Noticed dancing in the baraat (marriage procession) were actors Rohit Roy and Jackky Bhagnani.

Half the road was blocked by security guards by ropes on both sides of the chariot while the police were trying to navigate the traffic on the other half.

Shilpa’s dad missing at her sangeet ceremony

2009-11-23T00:22:00.000+05:30

Raj Kundra gave a Michael Jackson performance

Shilpa Shetty's dancing skills are well-known, and her groom-to-be Raj Kundra is no less a dancer - he surprised everyone at their Sangeet ceremony by imitating late pop legend Michael Jackson's moves.

"Raj and Shilpa gave a beautiful performance. Shilpa danced to the song 'Mere hathon mein naun naun chudiyan' and Raj did a Michael Jackson performance, which was beautiful," said Kiran Bawa, Shilpa's friend and business partner.

Shilpa is tying the knot with Raj, a London-based businessman, today (Nov 22) at Kiran's Khandala bungalow. "Instead of being a businessman Raj should have taken acting as his career," added Kiran.

Shipa's wedding is one of the most talked about in tinsel town but the Sangeet ceremony last night (Nov 21) was a small affair and attended by close friends and family.

Shilpa's sister Shamita teamed up with newcomer Jackky Bhagnani for a skit.

Jackky, son of film producer Vashu Bhagnani, also performed on the charbusters such as "Dhan te nan" from the film "Kaminey" and the title song of "Om Shanti Om". He too was impressed with Raj's dancing.

"He was superb while giving that Michael Jackson performance," said Jackky.

However, Shilpa's father, Surendra Shetty, was missing.

Explaining the absence, Shilpa's mother, Sunanda, said: "He was not well, so he couldn't attend the get together. It's sad that he couldn't come, but he will surely be there for the wedding."

Bhangra pop singer Daler Mehendi was also there and set the stage by belting out his hit numbers like "Na na na na na re" and "Bolo ta ra ra" among others. He also sang the title song of "Jhoom Barabar Jhoom".

The sangeet ceremony ended at around 2.30 a.m.

Salman-Ash love story heading for big screen

2009-11-23T00:20:00.000+05:30

Filmmaker will show a different end

Even though Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai have gone their separate ways and are happy in their own lives, small time filmmaker Javed Khan has not forgotten their romance.

He is all set to make a film based on one of the most talked about love stories in Bollywood. The film, named “Ajab Hai Ishq”, is ready to roll and will go on the floors soon.

Javed Khan will produce the film as well as play the lead role of Salman Khan in the film. He is confident that the film will attract a lot of audience as it is an emotional story depicting the one-time love between Salman and Ash.

Even though the two actors parted ways in real life, the filmmaker will have a different end to his celluloid love story. According to Javed, leaving someone in a lurch will not let you live in peace - so always marry the person you love.

Katrina Barbie arrives in India

2009-11-23T00:18:00.000+05:30

Busy actress has not seen it yet

Katrina Kaif's look-alike Barbie doll has arrived in the country. It was designed to mark Barbie's 50 years.

Katrina also walked the ramp as the showstopper for the "All Doll'd Up" special show (pictured left) dedicated to Barbie at the Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai earlier this year. She sported a small pink dress designed by well-known designer Neeta Lulla's daughter Nishka. The 'Katrina Barbie' will be wearing the same design.

"I've been a part of the entire process of doll making and it's been quite fascinating. Since, I've been travelling out of Mumbai for the promotions of my movies; unfortunately I've not been able to see it yet. I'm really looking forward to see the doll as soon as I get back," Katrina said in a statement.

A product of Mattel Toys, the Katrina Barbie - a commemorative product - is not for sale.

I can tell my kids Big B was my first child

2009-11-23T00:16:00.002+05:30

‘Paa’ is a very special movie for Vidya Balan

Vidya Balan, who is playing Amitabh Bachchan's mother in her forthcoming movie "Paa", says that now she can proudly tell everyone that the 67-year-old megastar was her first child.

"After this role, I can proudly tell my children and grandchildren that Big B was my first child. Not even in my wildest dreams had I thought of playing mother to the living legend of the industry," said Vidya Balan.

"It was a humbling experience to work with Bachchanji. This is a very special movie for me," she added.

Balan is paired with Abhishek Bachchan in "Paa", which is an emotional story of a father-son relationship. Amitabh will be seen as Abhishek's 13-year-old son Auro who is suffering from a rare disease progeria, which accelerates ageing.

The film is schedule for a Dec 4 release.

'Chance Pe Dance' has glimpses of Shahid's life

2009-11-23T00:13:00.003+05:30

Movie based on a struggler’s journey to success

Shahid Kapur's next project "Chance Pe Dance" has a slice of his own life as the film traces the journey of a struggler till he tastes success.

"Yes, there are many scenes in the movie that are similar to my life, but it's not intentional, they have just turned out this way," Shahid said in a press release.

The movie is based on a dancer's life who enters a reality show after being rejected many times. Shahid, who plays the lead in the film, too had to give a lot of screen tests and auditions before he got the lead role in director Ken Ghosh's 2003 movie "Ishq Vishk".

According to a unit source, there's another scene in the film where Shahid's character is left with no option but to buy a second hand car due to his hardships, just like he had to in his own life.

Shahid once played the role of a tree in a school play. This too is reflected in the movie.

Ghosh is directing "Chance Pe Dance", and it also stars Genelia D'Souza. The film is being produced by UTV Motion Pictures and will release on Jan 15 next year.

Aishwarya Rai poses for Longines watch - Photos

2009-11-23T00:13:00.001+05:30

Shahrukh, Katrina, Deepika at Cosmopolitan Awards 2009 - Photos

2009-11-23T00:11:00.002+05:30

Kurbaan Premier - Pics

2009-11-23T00:09:00.001+05:30

Vivek Oberoi Promotes Film 'Kurbaan' At The Radio Mirchi Studios - Photos

2009-11-23T00:07:00.001+05:30

Not decided on playing Indira: Madhuri Dixit

2009-11-21T14:43:00.003+05:30

While the world is abuzz with reports of Madhuri Dixit having been signed on to play Indira Gandhi in Krishna Shah's film on the political icon, the Dhak Dhak woman said she hasn't made up her mind yet.

"Yes, Shah did meet me [at Dixit's residence in Denver, USA], with the script. I read it and I am really impressed with the research he has done. I consider Indira Gandhi my idol, so it would be a privilege to play her.

"But I haven't agreed yet as I need to sort out a lot of other issues. My secretary, Rikku Rakeshnath, is figuring that out." Shah is so keen on casting Dixit that he took a computer imaging of the actress as Indira Gandhi with him when he went to meet her.

Reports of Shah approaching Hollywood stars like Tom Hanks and Tommy Lee Jones for the film are also doing the rounds. The director reportedly plans to approach actor Abhay Deol to play Rajiv Gandhi. Shah himself was unavailable for comment.

Madhuri Dixit looks set to play Indira Gandhi

2009-11-21T14:40:00.001+05:30

Actor Madhuri Dixit is likely to essay the role of former prime minister Indira Gandhi in a two-part Hollywood film. It is learnt that Dixit has accepted the part, while filmmaker Krishna Shah is pursuing other big names from Hollywood and Bollywood for the remaining roles.

Actor Tom Hanks has been approached to play the role of US president Lyndon Baines Johnson while Tommy Lee Jones has been offered the part of Richard Nixon, the 37th US president with whom Indira had crossed swords.

Bollywood actors Dharmendra, Abhay Deol and Nana Patekar are being roped in to play Motilal Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi and Jay Prakash Narayan respectively. The movie has been titled Mother: The Indira Gandhi Story.

Known primarily for writing and directing the Dharmendra and Zeenat Aman starrer Shalimar, Shah has interviewed Indira's contemporary politicians, prominent military personnel and even journalists to get in-depth knowledge about her.

"A whole new generation has grown and matured since her assassination and it is the role of art to create the connect between people and their history and legacy. This film will hopefully create such a connection,'' Shah said in a statement.

The pre-production of the movie is complete and it is set to go on the floors mid next year. Slated to be shot in India, UK, USA and Russia, the movie will narrate instances from Indira's birth to the war against Pakistan in 1971 in the first part. The next part will showcase her political career and highlight her relationship with her maverick son Sanjay Gandhi as well as her assassination.

Kurbaan - Movie Review

2009-11-19T23:21:00.002+05:30

Post 9/11, there's anger, distrust, suspicion, uneasiness all around. Not a day passes when you don't hear of terrorists killing civilians in the name of religion.

Many storytellers have, in the past, narrated stories about terrorists and their nefarious and despicable plans. But let me state one thing categorically. You haven't watched a more profound, a more thought-provoking, a more dramatic story on this subject before KURBAAN. It's not just the most powerful film to come out of Dharma Productions, it's the most powerful film to come out of the Hindi film industry this year, thus far.

KURBAAN tries to penetrate into the psyche of not just the terrorist, but also someone who has been a helpless spectator all this while. This film is sure to spark off discussions and debates, although it must also be noted that it doesn't take sides or gets preachy.

Rensil D'Silva has chosen a burning issue for his directorial debut, which is a complete departure from Karan Johar's earlier films. For some inexplicable reasons, parallels are being drawn with FANAA [Aamir Khan, Kajol] and NEW YORK [John Abraham, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Katrina Kaif], but the fact remains that barring the backdrop of terrorism, there's no similarity with those films.

I've often felt that certain films are beyond box-office. Movies are not meant to merely entertain, but enlighten and educate as well. They need to prick your conscience and in the process, make an attempt to make this world a better place. KURBAAN does just that and for this very reason, it deserves a double thumbs up.

Final word? Drop everything else you're doing to watch KURBAAN. Movies like these need to be made, encouraged and lauded.

Avantika [Kareena Kapoor] is a teacher at a university in Delhi. She has come back from New York where she teaches, because her father [Aakash Khurana] has suffered a heart attack. During this period, she meets a Professor called Ehsaan Khan [Saif Ali Khan]. Soon, they begin seeing each other and love blossoms.

A few months later, Avantika receives a call from her university in New York, asking her to come back. Avantika breaks the news to Ehsaan. He, in turn, tells her he doesn't mind coming to the States with her. But first they need to get married.

Soon after the marriage, they leave to start a new life in New York. They buy a house in an Indian neighbourhood and move in. Just as they are setting up home, their conservative Muslim neighbours invite them over for dinner. The next morning, Salma [Nauheed Cyrusi], one of the women Avantika met the night before at the dinner, visits her under the pretext of gifting her sweets.

When Avantika invites her in, Salma tells her that she is in grave danger. Nothing is what it seems. Salma pleads with Avantika to help her. What follows next is a series of incidents that sucks Avantika into a vortex of danger and intrigue. As her life spirals out of control, Avantika realizes that she is a pawn in a huge game.

KURBAAN has two stories running concurrently - the love story between Saif and Kareena and the story of Islamic terrorists. Rensil sets the stage in the initial 15 minutes itself, after which there's a twist in the tale every 15-20 minutes, which catches you completely unaware. Rensil doesn't borrow from the past, which makes the proceedings thoroughly captivating.

The highpoint is the 35-minute climax, which leaves you spellbound. The culmination to the story shakes you completely, largely because it's pragmatic and has been executed most logically as well. In fact, filming the climax at the various underground tube stations must've been the toughest challenge for the director.

On the flip side, KURBAAN caters more to the intelligentsia or the thinking viewer and might not be lapped up whole-heartedly by those who survive on the staple diet of hardcore masala fares.

Some of the finest technicians in the business are associated with KURBAAN. Hemant Chaturvedi's cinematography is super. The film bears an international look all through. Salim-Sulaiman's music is well integrated in the narrative. At least two tracks merit a mention - 'Shukran Allah' and 'Ali Maula'. Anurag Kashyap and Niranjan Iyengar's dialogue are superb. The lines enhance the impact of several sequences. Thrills are, again, in sync with the mood of the film.

KURBAAN is embellished with superlative performances. Saif is extra-ordinary in a role that only proves his versatility once again. If he won your heart with a winning performance in LOVE AAJ KAL a few months ago, you need to watch this supremely talented actor underplay his part so beautifully in KURBAAN. As for Kareena, KURBAAN reiterates one fact yet again: She's the best in the business. No two opinions on that! Watch her get those emotional sequences right, it's incredible. Here's a performance that truly merits the highest praise and admiration, besides fetching her awards and accolades.

Vivek Oberoi is fantastic. Matching Saif and Kareena at every step, KURBAAN should be the turning point in Vivek's career. It's a difficult role to portray and only an actor with a wide range could've portrayed this part so effectively. Om Puri is top notch and so is Kirron Kher. Kirron is marvellous, especially in the penultimate scene. Dia Mirza, Nauheed Cyrusi and Kulbhushan Kharbanda lend credibility to their brief roles.

On the whole, KURBAAN is the most powerful film to come out of the Hindi film industry in 2009, so far. The film has a captivating plot, gripping screenplay, super performances and a climax that shakes you up completely. Watching this movie should be on top of your agenda this week.

Superstar and Greek God Hrithik Roshan says OK! magazine

2009-11-19T23:21:00.001+05:30

"My Dad has been the best Dad ever" flashes the headlines on the cover-story about the one and only Superstar and Greek God that Bollywood has ever seen: Hrithik Roshan! It is this same Superstar who looks the look and talks the talk in the latest edition of OK! India.

First things first... the cover of the issue is something that is worth giving your life for... in other words...its worth dying for! Words fall short to describe the look that Hrithik dons on the cover. If that wasn't enough, the inside pages of the issue seem like the unfurling of the dream called 'Hrithik'! Hrithik, in his own words, talks about diverse topics like what it means to be voted as India's Sexiest Dad, his bonding as a father with his sons, personality traits that his sons have inherited from him. Not just that, he also talks about who is a stricter parent: him or Suzanne, the change that fatherhood brought to him, his take on jittery Fridays (and if they exist in his dictionary) etc... etc... etc...

All in all, simply say OK! to Hrithik and his verbal lollies in the latest edition of OK! India.

Karisma doesn't know how to cook

2009-11-16T00:44:00.000+05:30

Pregnant actress hoping to work again

Karisma Kapoor, a self-confessed foodie who is expecting her second child, confesses that she doesn't know how to cook.

"I don't know how to cook. I just know how to eat everything, as I love food. I can only make tea, coffee and omelettes," Karisma told IANS.

The actress has a four-year-old daughter with businessman husband Sanjay Kapur and says she loves good food but she is one of those actresses who has always flaunted a svelte figure.

Asked if she was into dieting, the 35-year-old said: "I am not into exhaustive drastic dieting or anything."

The actress, who took a sabbatical from the big screen after her wedding in 2003, hopes to have a second innings in the film world in future.

"I am hoping to get back to work and reach out to audiences," she said.

Amitabh invites Aamir for a meeting today

2009-11-16T00:42:00.001+05:30

They’ll discuss marketing strategies for 'Paa', '3 Idiots'

Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan are leaving no stone unturned to promote their upcoming films "Paa" and "3 Idiots" respectively - the two are meeting today (Nov 15) to discuss marketing gimmicks for both the films.

"Paa" is releasing on Dec 4, while "3 Idiots" hits the screens on Dec 25.

"Aamir comes over Sunday at my initiative to discuss a few promotional points for our respective films. It is always a joy to meet him... We have always spent time together discussing various topics of common interest and yes films is one of them. Let’s see how things go," Amitabh posted on his blog on Saturday.

Aamir, who excels at promotional gimmicks for his movies, has so far had live chat with fans on the internet, reportedly got in touch with them through social-networking websites and even launched the music of the film online.

Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, "3 Idiots" has been produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Based on Chetan Bhagat's bestseller "Five Point Someone", it stars R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi and Kareena Kapoor apart from Aamir.

Big B too is promoting "Paa", in which he plays a 13-year-old suffering from the disease progeria that causes premature ageing. He says his fans often come to visit him on Sundays and that he plans to "give hand outs autographed by me or maybe by Auro".

"There is a unique way in which the promotion for 'Paa' is scheduled over the radio and soon you shall all be in a position to witness it...," he wrote.

"Talks have now been initiated for the premiere to be held in not one, not two, but three centres. And we are diligently working on a London-Dubai-Mumbai destination... The logistics and the mechanics are being worked out and hopefully there will be some news soon," he added.

Directed by R. Balakrishnan, "Paa" stars Abhishek Bachchan and Vidya Balan as Amitabh's parents.