Lara Dutta-Mahesh Bhupathi are engaged

It's official - Lara Dutta and tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi are engaged. The news was confirmed by Lara today (September 19) who tweeted a smiley face before retweeting what Mahesh had posted on his Twitter page - "So DuttaLara and me got engaged in NY last week. Its official now.."

While Lara had tweeted about her New York trip, there'd been nothing to show that an engagement was on the cards, though the couple have been seeing each other for a while now.

Lara had written earlier this week, "Catching up with friends and visiting my old neighbourhood in NYC! The cup cakes at Magnolia r still the best by far! I love this city!! Finished a 7am boot camp class in NYC! Came crawling out of it! Thought I was going 2 pass out, but survived!! Cupcake as reward! ;-)"

News that Lara was involved with the then married Mahesh broke in 2009. Neither of them spoke about the rumours though Mahesh filed for divorce from former model Shveta Jaishankar.

Then on February 27 this year, Lara and Mahesh made their first official appearance as a couple at the Filmfare Awards in Mumbai.

Later, Mahesh moved from Bangalore to Mumbai, rented a place very close to Lara's house in the Bandra suburb, and she got the place ready for him to move in. She was the one who decided on the interiors of the house, and also organised getting essential electronic equipment fixed there.

Later they also attended the IIFA awards in Sri Lanka in June together.

Around this time, Mahesh's ex-wife Shveta claimed in an interview to a magazine in India that he cheated on her with Lara while they were married. And she's also said it was not the first time that Mahesh had strayed. Shvetha added that if Mahesh could do what he did to her, he could do the same with Lara in the future.

MORE HERE >>>

China calling Lara Dutta

Lara Dutta left for China earlier this week. The actress will be away till mid-September.

Before leaving, she tweeted: "Off to China! Excited to be heading to a country I have seen little of!" Just don't tweet about the traffic from there!

MORE HERE >>>

B’wood says 'Jai Ho' on Independence Day

The spirit of Independence Day is running strong through Bollywood and here's what the stars are saying today:

Shah Rukh Khan had his own unique take on the day, "Freedom of the mind...freedom to make mistakes...freedom from being judged...& the courage to want these freedoms. Happy courage day to all.

Bipasha Basu: Today is an iconic day in the history of India. Let's spend a minute and salute the people who laid their lives to give us independence!

Lara Dutta: Wishing everyone a Happy Independence day!! Wave your flag and be a proud and responsible Indian! Jai Hind!

Preity Zinta: Happy Independence day India! Hope we can free ourselves from corruption & be d country Gandhi & all d freedom fighters aspired 4! JAI HIND!

Abhishek Bachchan: Swatantrata diwas ke shubh kamnaye. Sare jahan se achcha, hindustan hamara. Jai Hind! Today on our independence day a tribute to all who fought for our freedom. Vande Mataram!!!

Amitabh Bachchan: Happy Independence Day ..!! May India no longer be 'the third world country' or a 'developing nation' but FIRST WORLD and DEVELOPED !!

Arjun Rampal: Rahman's Vande Mataram playing at the airport, can't help but smile,feel proud to be Indian, can see it in the many faces around me too.

Riteish Deshmukh: SAARE JAHAN SE ACCHAA- HINDUSTAN HAMAARA -lets not take our independence for granted-lets do out bit to make INDIA a better place- JAI HIND

Ameesha Patel: Happy independence day. I'm proud of our country’s achievements

Sachin Tendulkar: I wish everyone a Happy Independence day.All of us in our small way should contribute to make our country a better place. Jai Hind

Arbaaz Khan: Good morning India ! Happy independence day :) Proud to be an Indian Jai ho !!!

Gul Panag: Happy Independence Day! May we have freedom OF opportunity, expresion & choice.And freedom FROM hunger, terrorism & corruption.

Anupam Kher: Happy Independence Day to every INDIAN all over the world. Thanks to all those known and unknown indians who helped us achieve it. :)

MORE HERE >>>

Everything Lara didn't want you to know...

...about her fitness video, you can read here. We bring you a scoop filled with details, details, details!

For some odd reason, Lara Dutta's being very secretive about her fitness video. The actress continues to deny that she is working on one. Even yesterday, her publicist swore that there is nothing happening on that front. However, we bring you all the inside details:

* The actress has finished working on the video.

* It has been shot on a set at Mehboob Studio.

* It has been produced by her boyfriend Mahesh Bhupathi's firm Globosport. He has closely worked with Lara on the ideation and design for the DVD.

* The video begins with a half-hour cardio session and then gives the viewer the option of choosing either the beginners' or advanced levels.

* While Bipasha's video featured her friend and fitness expert Deanne Pandey, Lara's expert is Zarine Watson, who runs a gym called Watson Fitness centre in Bandra, where Karan Johar, Arjun Rampal and other celebs work out.

* Bunty Walia's girlfriend (also Dutta's gym buddy) Debi Dutta is part of this video and has demonstrated the beginners' workout regimen. Lara has demonstrated the exercises in the advanced level.

* The advanced version with Lara has tougher excercises -- a combination of core strengthening and cardiovascular exercises. Emphasis has been laid on maintaining a correct posture and form.

* The DVD will be out this year.

* There are also workouts for pregnant women and for those with physical ailments such as back and knee problems.

* There is a special segment on diet. A consultant will talk about the benefits of eating the right food and maintaining a rigorous diet.

Producer: Mahesh Bhupathi

Workout Partner: Debi Dutta

Fitness Expert: Zarine Watson

MORE HERE >>>

CELEB TWEETS: Big B sad to leave Rome, Sanjay's birthday

Your regular dose of celeb tweets!

Priyanka Chopra

Hey world!Woke up with a cold!Boo hoo!but gotta do what I gotta do.Off to work.blaring some Edward maya in da car,coffee in my hand,im set

Mugdha Godse

Hello interesting replies but I personally feel tht its just a sign of distraction.. ;)

Imran Khan

Last day of shooting for Break ke Baad. Getting that slightly happy/slightly sad "last day of school" feeling.

Arshad Warsi

Did a good workout had a simple n tasty lunch, feeling sleepy coz Zene kept me awake most of the night, think I am gonna take a nap... Ciao

Lara Dutta

Muscles sore and hurting! Hauling self to the reg routine once more!

Riteish Deshmukh

Loved the TVS Scooty PEP ad- Jaane ne do naa- puts a smile on your face. Awesome

Bipasha Basu

Check out my new TVC fr Real Activ which goes on air tomorrow. Everyone should avoid unhealthy snacking to stay activ.

Salman Khan

kamaal hai yaar!How did u kno its aisha? vil c it n tell u if it's chakaas.Brothers n sisters I am in bister hv a v n lng day tom... .

Arjun Rampal

By raising your legs slowly and laying on your back you can't sink in quicksand.Can someone pls try it dying to know if its true,hahakidding

Amitabh Bachchan

Time to say bono notte !! Time running out for Rome .. a sadness descends .. will return soon .. Trevi Fountain willing ..

Abhishek Bachchan

THE man, THE Dutt!!! Happy birthday Sanju sir. Love you.

Sanjay Dutt

Another fleeting year just rolls on..all set to step in2 another year of my life. looking 4ward 4 good work, happiness n d 2 little ones.

Shahid Kapoor

Ate some awesome south indian food at quilon ...... Apna desi khana after forever trippin' on it !!!!

Riya Sen

Google alerts - riya sen .. Dude ! Can't handle it anymore !!!! Could I please get a break ? ;)

Ram Gopal Varma

We can undrstand anythng only to the point of our undrstndng limits.the rest is completley subject to others undrstandng of our understandng

Genelia D'souza

Mornin all,slept real well last nite, nothin like a good nites sleep, makes u feel +ve n energized 2wards d new day, hav a good1 tweerhearts

Boman Irani

It is strange how at airport lounges, Half the people whisper and the other half holler. So half of me is napping and the other on twitter.

Shekhar Kapur

India's constitution promises equal opportunity for all but the ppl who swear 2 uphold it in parl'ment r the ppl dat corrupt it

Vivek Oberoi

Congratulations to the god of cricket for achieving yet another milestone...another double hundred!!! So proud of you sachin! God bless!

MORE HERE >>>

A who's who list of Bollywood stars following Hollywood biggies on popular micro-blogging platform Twitter

Here's a who's who list of B-Towners following Hollywood biggies on Twitter. Find out what it says to be in the company they keep

What does it say about you when you decide to follow someone on Twitter? And that too, when the object of your attention is saat samundar paar? We decided to psychoanalyse our B-Town Twitterers based on their shared histories and our Wikipedia research. We bring you the results of our study. Read on...

Follower: Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk)

Following: Shakira (@shakira)

What it says about him: Shah Rukh has no starry airs. He is a star but when he meets other performers, he gets as excited as any other besotted fan. He has even tweeted pictures of Shakira posing with his family in South Africa.

Follower: Lara Dutta (@duttalara)

Following: Hugh Jackman (@realhughjackman)

What it says about him: That she likes her men strong, sexy and romantic. And loyal -- Hugh is one of the few H-Town actors who has been with the same woman for 15 years.

Follower: Bipasha Basu (@bipsluvurself)

Following: Ashton Kutcher (@aplusk)

What it says about her: That she likes guys with a sense of humour and a hot bod. Demi Moore's husband is known for his funny shows and his toned frame.

Follower: Sanjay Dutt (@duttsanjay)

Following: Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe)

What it says about him: That he sees similarities in their lives. They have dealt with their trouble with the law, Gladiator-like. Also, their Beautiful Minds have them performing acts worthy of a Robin Hood.

Follower: Shahid Kapoor (@shahidkapoor)

Following: Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake)

What it says about him: He doesn't shy away from admiring dancing men -- and ones who can successfully hide details of their personal life. Both men shut out the media after their break-ups. Notice the similarities?

Follower: Priyanka Chopra (@priyankachopra)

Following: Eminem (@Eminem), Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey)

What it says about her: Priyanka loves strong people who can think of failures as stepping stones to success. Mariah resurrected her career after a nervous breakdown and Eminem came back after his drug addiction. PC also hears both sides of an argument before judging someone. Why else will she follow both singers who have been at odds since 2003?

Follower: Sonam Kapoor (@sonamakapoor)

Following: Leonardo DiCaprio (@LeoDiCaprio)

What it says about her: Even though she has been offered a Ben Stiller film, she follows Leo, not the funnyman. That could possibly mean only one thing: she wants to be on DiCaprio's radar and is holding out till she's offered Inception 2. Mr Nolan, are you listening?

Follower: Karan Johar (@kjohar25)

Following: Paris Hilton (@ParisHilton)

What it says about him: That KJo is an ardent admirer of the heiress-turned-model-turned actress. It's no secret he only wants to be surrounded by good-looking and rich folks, and he's even ready to follow them, if need be. Or maybe he wants to do a show inspired by her (not-so) Simple Life.

Follower: Imran Khan (@1mrankhan)

Following: Bob Saget (@bobsaget)

What it says about him: That Imran is a fan of the sweet family show that ran on for years. Maybe he sees the similarities between his close-knit family and that on the show. However, there is that little detail of Bob playing a single dad Danny Tanner in the hugely popular family show, while our boy is ready to get hitched. See, we told you he is a family guy.

Follower: Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin)

Following: Woody Allen (@WoodyAllen)

What it says about him: That even though he makes scary films, he loves a man with a sense of humour. Also let's not forget how much both men love nubile young beauties. Professionally, maybe after paying tribute to intense, brooding filmmakers like Francis Ford Coppola, RGV now wants to follow Woody.

MORE HERE >>>

CELEB TWEETS: Preity's smiling, SRK doing double shifts‎

Your regular dose of celeb tweets!

Priyanka Chopra
Yay!!Finally got a replacement for my drowned phone!!A gorgeous gold N 97! Thanx team nokia!!Now I can finally return my friends phone!phew!

Sonam Kapoor
LANDED in MUMBAI city!!! My home... I love u..

Sussanne Roshan
Wakin up to a breezy beautiful monsoon morning..just love mumbai most in this season, no matter where we go nothin like home..mumbai rockz!

Preity Zinta
Saw Tere Bin Ladin & LOVED IT ! An absolutely original story & genuinely funny film! Guys its a must see! Indian cinema is rocking! He he !

Lara Dutta
Other than that, am busy, am happy, am tired & am having a blast! life has its share of challenges but they just make the ride more exciting

Riya Sen
I mean be as sexy as u want to be .. Its a free world ! Don't care bout judgements .. Everyone has an opinion .. Most are good !

Shahid Kapoor
Morning all heading to the air base in my G suit .... 4 tornados to be used for shoot today !!

Shah Rukh Khan
long day at work...shooting double shifts on same film on an outdoor.never done this before. one way to tire urself to avoid lonliness.

Salman Khan
Arre kyu tweet kar rahe ho? Bola na, so jaao, humare time zone me so jaao, wagaira wagaira time zone me kaam karo, in english

Bipasha Basu
GM! Yesterday in bangkok saw lot of affected blds post the RED SHIRT RIOTS.Its such a tourist hub cnt imagine so much violence here also.

Uday Chopra
Sorry for not tweeting all this time...thoughts are escaping me...if I manage to hold on to them I will be back...so long!

Arshad Warsi
Gd mrng ppl of the wrld... Have a good week people...

Madhur Bhandarkar
"One of the greatest problems that money creates is that you never know whether you are loved or your money is loved."

Ayesha Takia Azmi
Farhan has been lighting OUDH (agar wood) in the house!!smells devine!!if only v cud send smell tweets id send it 2 all of u!!hahahahahah!

Payal Rohatgi
Well good morning. Self realisation biggest honesty to ones own self. I realise and I change. Gonna get keratin treatment for my hair today.

MORE HERE >>>

Lara's back on the Ramp

Model-turned actress Lara Dutta says it was a nostalgic feeling when she walked the ramp for designer Rina Dhaka at the ongoing Pearls Infrastructure Delhi Couture Week.

"I had walked the ramp for Rina in 1998, it was then I had started modelling. So after that I managed to walk for her this time and it was very nostalgic indeed," Lara said after the show.

"I am glad to be here for the first couture week and thanks a ton Delhi people for having me here in the capital," she added.

This former Miss Universe, who is now more active in movies, says walking down the ramp is now a lot more tougher than compared to her modelling days. Contrary to her claim, dressed in a black crystallised chic blouse and train lehenga, the actress flaunted her perfect figure and walked down the ramp with oodles of confidence.

"Walking the ramp as a celebrity is very tough because that time you are the face of the designer so you have to be very confidant and poised and make sure every move you make is fine. You can't go wrong here so it is a bit tougher, but it is always fun," said Lara.

"Also walking down the ramp in front of a live audience is also fun as you know that there won't be any re-takes," she added.

MORE HERE >>>

Lara Dutta Walked the ramp at Delhi Couture Week 2010 - Photos

MORE HERE >>>

Lara vs Priyanka in Don 2!

Lara Dutta’s all set to embark upon creating her look for Don 2 which goes on floor this year. A little birdie tells us that she will be ultra glam and will absolutely make her mark alongside her contemporary Priyanka Chopra.

In their earlier outing — Andaz —both these beauty pageant winners were equals because they had just started out. However, now PC is leagues ahead of Lara, and the ex-Miss Universe is taking up Don 2 as a challenge. She wants her look to be something spectacular because she has to try and steal PC’s thunder. Incidentally, Femina had shot Lara and Shah Rukh Khan for their cover and the two looked terrific as a pair.

MORE HERE >>>

Lara is one lucky girl

They usually say you are either lucky in love or at the tables. But Lara Dutta seems to be fortunate in both.

She was reportedly seen spending a lot of time at the casinos of South Africa during her FIFA trip with boyfriend Mahesh Bhupati.

And someone whispered that she won herself a small fortune there. And back in Mumbai, Mahesh amicably settled things with his ex-wife Shveta Jaishankar. So, Lara has won the love round as well. Told ya... Lara is one lucky girl.

MORE HERE >>>

FIFA fever gave Lara Dutta a bad cold!

Lara Dutta blowed the vuvuzela and cheered so vigorously at the just-concluded FIFA World Cup 2010 that she has ended up with a cold.

"Down with a cold brought back in from South Africa. All that yelling at the games has left me whispering at home, much to the delight of my maids," Lara posted on her Twitter page.

The actress' last release was Sajid Khan's Housefull.

MORE HERE >>>

Bollywood stars ready for the FIFA World Cup

SRK, Sanjay Dutt, Lara Dutta and many others are in Jo'burg, and having a blast

Football fever has never been more pronounced in Bollywood. Stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Imran Khan, Lara Dutta, Anil Kapoor and Sanjay Dutt, have already reached Johannesburg to watch the World Cup final between Netherlands and Spain, and they are pretty excited.

SRK posted this picture of him and son Aryan earlier today, and wrote on his Twitter page, "We are ready for the world cup...our finals jo'bulani balls..bring it on."

He added later, "Chairman soccer in south africa was so kind to me at lunch & even made me make a speech..warmth of s africa very touching. having a blast. Ryan the rhino from our safari predicts holland will win...lets see if 8 arms or thick skin is right..ha ha."

Lara Dutta added, "Just got into Jo'burg. So far Spanish supporters outnumbering the Dutch! Had a contingent blowing their vuvuzelas right from the airport!:-) Its an amazing atmosphere! South Africa has bn wonderful hosts! Fans from across the globe r raring 2 go! EVERYONE has a jersey, headgear on."

Anil Kapoor is on his way now, but had almost cancelled his plans.

Sighed Anil, "Some work had come up. It looked like I wouldn’t be able to go to Johannesburg, though I had packed and booked seats at the stadium. But, I finally did make it. I am the brand ambassador and this is the biggest sports event," said Anil as he left for South Africa.

Another football enthusiast, Dino Morea, too seemed unsure of making it to Johannesburg. "I’m in London, all set to go. But my air ticket is not confirmed, if it doesn’t happen, then I’ll just have to watch it on television," he said.

The model turned actor is a huge football fan. "I play football and I love watching the sport. I was supporting Italy as I am half-Italian. Now, I’m supporting Spain because they have never won the Cup," he added.

Sanjay Dutt left his pregnant wife in Mumbai for the finals. He will be in South Africa with his two non-filmy best-friends.

"I wouldn’t miss the World Cup for the world. I’m the hugest football fan. I place it above cricket in my scheme of joy. I watched the silliest of games in the Cup. For the finals, I had to be here (in Johannesburg)," said the actor.

Dutt is rooting for Spain all the way. So is Jackky Bhagnani, producer Vashu Bhagnani’s son has apparently secured some of the best seats in the stadium for himself and his five friends from Mumbai.

Speaking from Johannesburg, Jackky exulted, "Man, I’ve the best view possible! I could never afford these seats, they are among the best in the stadium. An industrialist friend from Russia got me these seats. I can’t begin to express my excitement, I feel like an eight-year-old who has got his favourite toy. Me and my friends have our t-shirts, caps and flags ready. We’re rooting for Spain."

Adding to Jackky’s excitement is the fact that this is the first FIFA World Cup match he’s attending.

But for all the stars attending, there are some football lovers who had to miss the event. Salman Khan and Ranbir Kapoor are shooting in Colombo and Delhi respectively, while John Abraham had to cancel his plans for the finals because of a shoot with Vishal Bharadwaj.

MORE HERE >>>

Lara Dutta went green in ads for PETA

Trust Lara Dutta to look gorgeous even when she's wearing vegetables! The star, who's a vegetarian, recently wore a full-length gown made of lettuce leaves and other vegetables in new ads for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). Gavin Miguel designed the dress, and ace fashion photographer Jatin Kampani shot the ads. You can check out the ads right here.

Lara said, "Even seemingly small choices can have a big impact on our health, our community and the world around us. Going vegetarian is one of the easiest ways to improve our health, help countless animals and protect the Earth."

Apart from Lara, other B'wood stars who are vegetarians include Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Mahima Chaudhary, R Madhavan, and Aditi Govitrikar.

MORE HERE >>>

Lara Dutta off to South Africa to watch FIFA semi-finals

Lara Dutta is extremely excited about attending the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup in Cape Town.

"Soooo excited! Touchdown in Cape Town tomorrow (Tuesday)! Apart from being one of my favourite cities, I am super thrilled to catch the first semi final there," the actress posted on her Twitter page.

Lara is supporting Holland.

"Going to be blowing my vuvuzela for Holland tomorrow," she added.

The city reminds her of the days when she was shooting for her films 'Andaaz' and 'No Entry'.

"Shot 'Andaaz' and 'No Entry' in Cape Town! Have very fond memories! Absolutely love the energy there," she added.

MORE HERE >>>

Lara Dutta on Verve Magazine - Photo

MORE HERE >>>

Lara wants to 'bite and bark at people'

Being a star is no guarantee that you’ll have a perfect flight plan. Just look at poor Lara Dutta who’s dealing with a massive flight delay. The actress, who dazzled at IIFA, posted on her Twitter account earlier today, “Total anti-climax 2 the perfect vacation- 7 hour flight delay, missed connection & no alternate flight! Option? Stay back in paradise!”

She added later, “Have been 'in transit' for 11hrs! Am exhausted and I'm sorry but fear I might bite or bark at anyone else who asks for a picture! Knackered!”

Lara, don’t scare your fans now! Do you think she’s really going to hit out at people approaching her at the airport? We think not. Lara seemed in a better frame of mind soon enough. She last wrote, “Have decided I will stop thinking of the destination and enjoy the journey!”

MORE HERE >>>

IIFA 2010 Green Carpet - Photos

MORE HERE >>>

Lara's co-hosting the IIFA awards

But she won't be performing this year

Lara Dutta will co-host this year's International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards at Colombo June 3-5 along with Boman Irani and Riteish Deshkmukh.

"I am not performing this year but will be hosting the show along with Boman Irani and Riteish Deshkmukh," Lara said.

Also, Lara's face lit up at the mention of 'Don-2' but she refused to divulge any details about her role in the film.

"Right now I can only confirm that yes, I am a part of 'Don-2' and I am really looking forward to working with Farhan Akhtar and Shah Rukh Khan. As for my role you have to wait and watch," Lara added.

MORE HERE >>>

Deepika's got a shopping buddy

Who's the actress she bonded with in London?

Deepika Padukone and Lara Dutta bonded well on the sets of 'Housefull', thanks to their common love for shopping. And it has got them closer off the sets.

While shooting in London for 'Housefull', Lara and Deepika would often take off to have some uninterrupted shopping time.

"Lara was familiar with London and since she and Deepika shared a great rapport, she would often take Deepika for the local sales," said a source.

"We also came to hear that both Deepika and Lara spent a bomb shopping in London but in the bargain became great friends," added the source.

Eros International and Sajid Nadiadwala's 'Housefull' also stars Akshay Kumar, Jiah Khan, Riteish Deshmukh and Arjun Rampal.

MORE HERE >>>