Neha Dhupia´s US Mini Series ´Bollywood Hero´ Impresses Jessica Simpson

After winning the Miss India Pageant Neha Dhupia is all set to top the beauty list once more. She has been chosen as the beauty ambassador for India by American pop singer, actress and fashion entrepreneur Jessica Simpson for her TV show 'Price Of Beauty'.
Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder and this is exactly what Jessica and her crew would go around the world to find out, how different people perceive beauty.

Jessica has planned for a special segment on Bollywood for which they have selected Neha as their beauty ambassador.

Neha was noticed by the makers in her US mini series 'Bollywood Hero' which fetched the beauty immense appreciation.

The shoot is scheduled to start from next week in Mumbai and according to sources Jessica and her crew have also planned for a big Bollywood party once the shoot gets over.

Sherlyn Chopra Nominated Out of Big Boss´s House!

Mumbai, Oct 30 (PTI) Item girl Sherlyn Chopra today became the third inmate to be nominated out of Big Boss house.
Chopra who had earned maximum nominations with housemates voting against her continuously for four times, spent about a month in the house.

She was nominated along with Dara Singh's son Vindu.

The other inmates who had earlier been nominated out of the house were Rakhi Sawant's mother Jaya and actor- producer Kamal R Khan, who had thrown a bottle at fashion designer Rohit Verma.

Chopra, however, has a chance to return through wild card.

The item girl was recently seen in Yashraj Films' 'Dil Bole Hadippa'.

Hrithik's lovemaking plan

After the much talked about kissing and passionate lovemaking scenes in his film KITES opposite Barbara Mori, Hrithik Roshan is all set to repeat the act in his forthcoming film GUZAARISH. Though this time the female in spotlight is the hot bod model Monikangana Dutta.
The latest buzz from the GUZAARISH sets reveals that Hrithik is all set to do some intimate lovemaking scenes with Dutta. Though Aishwarya Rai Bachchan stars opposite Hrithik in the film, but the lead actor will be getting close to the newcomer as the director Sanjay Leela Bhansali is impressed by the hot chemistry between Hrithik and Dutta.

Emraan Hashmi: TUM MILE is much stronger than JANNAT

A little more than a year after JANNAT, Emraan Hashmi is returning with director Kunal Deshmukh for his second directorial venture TUM MILE. While it is expected that the film's leading man would be passionate about his upcoming film and would make statements in appreciation of everything associated with it, Emraan makes it a point to touch upon the emotional quotient of TUM MILE, something which is stated to be a highlight factor of this Mukesh Bhatt production.
"In the past, I have played quite a lot of grey roles that have been liked by the audience. However, this one is completely white", says Emraan who was seen in RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES earlier this year, "Also, the film is highly dramatic and is a very emotional and moving experience. In fact I can confidently state that it is much stronger than JANNAT."

He says this with a reason. Other than the fact that the film is based on the infamous Mumbai floods, there is a strong undercurrent of relationships converging from past and present.

Asin: Too early to talk about SRK project!

One of the most promising actress to have made a mark with her very first film, Asin, is the new flavour of the season as the hype for her second film, LONDON DREAMS (which she prefers to call her first real Hindi film), gets bigger and better with each passing day. And the media too is having a field day as Asin is going all out to promote her film and is handling it very well, a trait which she seems to have learnt from her GHAJINI co-star, Aamir Khan.
Despite this there are speculations in the press and media about Asin's next few projects and since she has already worked with the two Khans, Aamir and Salman, so naturally rumours are rife of a possible third one with Bollywood's global super star, Shahrukh Khan. Well, the intelligent actress answered the question while talking to a fellow print media journalist.

As per Asin, right now all her focus is on her 19th film (including regional), LONDON DREAMS, and as far working with Shahrukh Khan is concerned, she feels it is too early to talk about it and she prefers neither to deny nor confirm it.

Right Asin, we will also prefer to hear it from you directly, rather than from dubious sources!

Tanushree's got a new addiction!

Bollywood actress Tanushree Dutta who has been admired for her beauty, grace and happy personality, this lass has a new obsession! It's not the music on her I-pod that's keeping her toes tapping but her newly developed addiction of playing video games on it has got her pulse going as well.
Tanushree seems to keep herself busy by playing games during her shoot breaks while traveling in the car and during her free time.

A source close to the actress says, "When it comes to video games, Tanushree is a pro. She has been spotted downloading all kinds of games and bettering her hand at it. This mumbaichi mulgi follows the mantra of work and play go hand in hand."

Ajay Devgan plays prank on Katrina

Katrina is the latest victim of this serial prankster! Ajay Devgn made his Rajneeti co-star Katrina gift Nana Patekar a cake box containing old underwear, a single chappal and a fake moustache.

Recently, on the sets of Prakash Jha's Rajneeti, Ajay took Arjun Rampal and Manoj Bajpayee into confidence and pulled a joke on his leading lady.

The trio told the actress that it was Nana Patekar's birthday and they said that since he was in a bad mood, Katrina ought to wish him and present him with a gift box. Poor Katrina wasn't aware that the cake box actually contained some funny items.

A source from the unit reveals, "This prank was Ajay's brain child and he took everyone on the sets in confidence. The trio walked up to Katrina and told her it was Nana's birthday and that they were throwing a party for him. They told her that she had to dress modestly in Indian attire, as Nana was very particular about how women dressed."

Kat hurriedly dressed up in a salwar-kameez and walked up to Nana with a box given by Ajay. "When Nana opened the box he was shocked to find old underwear, a single chappal and a fake moustache as a gift. Kat was horrified."

A source close to Kat adds, "She was embarrassed and turned beet red. Everyone including Ajay, Arjun and Manoj started laughing hysterically. Nana finally told her it was a prank and that she should be more careful with Ajay from now on."

Sanjay Dutt in GOLMAAL 3

After his last film with Rohit Shetty ALL THE BEST, managed to rake in big moolah at the box office, the buzz is that Sanjay Dutt will now be part of Rohit's upcoming film GOLMAAL 3 also.

Rohit Shetty is getting increasingly noticeable with his own flavor of comedy that he showcased in GOLMAAL and GOLMAAL RETURNS. Even his last film, which was produced by Ajay Devgan, had the flavor of GOLMAAL series if you notice it closely.

CHECK OUT: Sanjay Dutt turns baddie third time!

Now, the director has started work on the third installment of his GOLMAAL series. The film will have an ensemble cast and Sanjay Dutt will be the new entrant in this comic marathon.

With Rohit managing to stretch his GOLMAAL flavor to its third level, let's hope this genre of comedy is venerated for its unique flavor for a long time to come.

Hrithik’s party gets stopped by police

Anear stampede resulted outside Hrithik Roshan’s building Palazzio, Juhu late on Sunday night when Hrithik threw a party to celebrate his wife Sussanne’s birthday. The who’s who of Bollywood attended the do and a throng of fans stood outside the gate to catch a glimpse of their favourite stars. Guests at the party included Shah Rukh-Gauri Khan, Saif-Kareena, Katrina Kaif, Karan Johar, Parmeshwar Godrej, Tusshar Kapoor, Arjun Rampal-Mehr Jesia, Chunky-Bhavna Pandey, Shilpa Shetty-Raj Kundra, Zayed Khan, Kajal Anand, Neelam, Kunal Kapoor, Vicky-Gayatri Oberoi, Sonali-Goldie Behl and Farah Ali Khan, amongst others. Ritesh Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza came in together, as did Dino Morea and his now onnow off girlfriend, designer Nandita Mahtani. While Gauri Khan was having a great time dancing, Shah Rukh, who came in an hour after her, was in a rather sober mood. Parmeshwar Godrej was in high spirits and was one of the last guests to leave the party. Hrithik looked dapper, as usual, in a black shirt and blue jeans, while Sussanne complemented his attire with an elegant black dress.

Incidentally, Hrithik’s favourite co-star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan did not attend the party. A source close to the Roshans said, “Abhishek was busy shooting, hence Aishwarya decided not to come.”

Hrithik’s good friend Priyanka Chopra was also absent. The actress’s official spokesperson said, “Priyanka could not attend Hrithik’s party because she wasn’t feeling too well due to food poisoning.”

Unlike most parties where Ameesha is usually accompanied by her boyfriend Kanav Puri, this time she came alone and looked quite lost.

A rather plump looking Katrina Kaif managed to raise quite a few eyebrows by hobnobbing with boyfriend Salman Khan’s arch rival Shah Rukh Khan. A close friend of Salman said, “Never before have we seen Katrina get along so well with Shah Rukh. Has she broken up with Salman?”

When we asked why Hrithik’s sister Sunaina did not attend the party, the source said, “Sunaina is a loner.”

Since Shilpa got engaged to Raj on Saturday night, everybody wanted to have a look at her huge ring. “Shilpa proudly showed it to almost everybody who was around. She was the centre of attraction all evening,” added the source.

The revelry ended on an unpleasant note when an irate neighbour complained about the loud music reverberating from the building’s 10th floor where the party was on in full swing. A few cops reached the venue but failed to take stock of the situation. They had to call senior police inspector Sawant who asked Hrithik to mellow down.

I wish Shahid well: Bebo

Kareena Kapoor is one babe who is honest and forthright about it. At least she doesn’t blatantly deny the relationship (like some of our beauties often do), or pretend that jab they met nothing really ever happened.

That’s the cool Kapoor gal for you. Recently during an exclusive interview with ZOOM, when she was asked if she’s in touch with Shahid Kapoor, without appearing even faintly unnerved by the question, she said, “No, we are not in touch. Shahid and I shared a wonderful relationship in the past, the least we can do is wish each other well. At least I know I do that from my side.” Bebo is such a darlin’, no? We see one head nodding already.

Can't think of film without man-woman relationship: Imtiaz Ali

He is not resting on his laurels after the success of 'Love Aaj Kal'. Imtiaz Ali is already thinking about different stories and scripts to make into film but says whatever he makes will have the man-woman relationship as its focus.

"I haven't decided yet which story I am going to make next. I have a few stories swimming around in my mind. I don't know how they are going to take shape or which one is going to become a compulsive reason to make a film," Ali told us in an interview.

"All the stories that I have, have something to do with a man-woman relationship. I can't think of any story that doesn't involve a man-woman relationship," he added.

The three-film old director also hinted at a spy movie with a similar background.

"I also have a story which is a kind of secret service type where there is a guy who discovers himself by being the obscure secret service guy. But even there, though there is not the presence of too many women, the enduring trait is his relationship with a woman who won't be seen on screen too much," said the 38-year-old.

Here is what to expect from Aamir's 3 Idiots

The 3 Idiots theatrical trailer kicks off with the rat race in full swing -- R Madhavan, Sharman Joshi and Aamir Khan all pop up talking about how life's a constant race, right from birth. Sharman says he was born at 5.15, and Madhavan chimes in that at 5.16 his dad proclaimed that his son would be an engineer. Cut to an engineering college admit card and Khan saying nobody ever asked what the boys themselves wanted to be.


Image: The 3 Idiots poster

Zoya Akhtar's next a road movie, brother Farhan to play lead

New Delhi, Oct 29 (IANS) He was her last resort for her critically-acclaimed directorial debut 'Luck By Chance'. But for her second film Zoya Akhtar has specially written a part for brother Farhan.

'It's a road movie set in Spain about three boys and one of the three characters is definitely Farhan. I knew I wanted him. I was very clear that I wanted to work with him again,' said Zoya.

Daughter of well-known lyricist Javed Akhtar, Zoya informed that her writer filmmaker-actor brother will not only act in the film, but also pen the dialogues for it.

'I am writing this film with Reema Kagti. I'm wrapping up the script but as of now it is not locked yet. Then probably I'll sit with Farhan for the dialogues and the casting,' she said.

Throwing light on the film, she said: 'It's a coming of age genre. But it'll be simpler than �Luck By Chance' and simpler to understand. A feel-good factor will be there in that sense,' said Zoya on the sidelines of the ongoing 11th annual Osian's Cinefan Film Festival of Asian and Arab Cinema.

Asked is her movie was in any sense a follow up to the upcoming Abhay Deol-starrer 'Road Movie', she said: 'The trend's been there. Look at �Jab We Met'. It is a road film. It's got that vibe of a road movie. And the promos to the �Road Movie' are gorgeous too.'

I love Salman, Ajay's dynamism: Vipul Shah

'London Dreams' is Vipul Shah's first film that doesn't star Akshay Kumar. While the filmmaker missed his favourite actor, he says he thoroughly enjoyed working with Salman Khan and Ajay Devgn and loved their dynamism.

"When you work with people with whom you have never worked before, there are two ways to look at things. Firstly, you do miss your favourite actor and...I have been associated with Akshay for so long. On the other hand, you have to start enjoying the process of working with the new bunch of people. Thankfully, both Salman and Ajay allowed me that comfort level," Shah told us.

Shah teamed up with Akshay in his directorial debut 'Aankhen', followed by 'Waqt - Race Against Time' and 'Namaste London'. Later when he decided to rope in Anees Bazmee as director for 'Singh Is Kinng', Akshay was once again by his side. All these films worked well at the box office.

"Akshay and me go a very long way. It is absolutely a great rapport that both of us share and it's a treat to work with him. However, I have to admit that since I was working with Salman and Ajay for the first time, I had to be on my toes all the time. That further made it an enjoyable experience for me," he said.

The director has brought Salman and Ajay together 11 years after 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam'.

Talking about the two, he said: "In any case, both these actors are beyond hits and flops today. They have been there for 20 years now and seen the industry and its trends quite closely. Moreover, they enjoy worldwide popularity and are known all over."

"They have a huge reach and impact which should bring in audiences. After they get an opening, it should be the film which should do the talking. If it is good, it would work. Period."

Shah is also all praise for Asin Thottumkal, who would be seen in 'London Dreams' a year after her debut Bollywood flick 'Ghajini' opposite Aamir Khan.

"It is challenging for any actress to stand in front of terrific actors and stars like Salman and Ajay. However, the best part is that though she is a fresh face for Hindi audiences, she has worked with Kamal Haasan and other big stars down south."

"She knows how to make her presence felt amidst big stars and not to get conscious, upset or scared. It's that kind of confidence that puts her at par with the actors," the director said.

First Look: 'Kurbaan'

Avantika (Kareena Kapoor) is a teacher in a university in Delhi. She has come back from New York where she teaches, because her father has suffered a heart attack. During this period, she meets a temporary 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 for the Fall Semester. Avantika breaks the news to Ehsaan. He in turn, tells her he doesn't mind coming to the States with her, to find a job. 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, Hamid and Anjum, invite them over for dinner. The next morning, Salma, 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. And no one is to be trusted.

'Love is very 'ajab' rather than 'ghazab''

Katrina Kaif is quite the headturner these days. So it's hard to believe the actress when she says that boys never looked at her in her teenage years!

She's obviously not have any problems these days with Salman Khan romancing her off screen, and Ranbir Kapoor doing it on screen. Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, looks like an interesting love story.

Katrina tells Syed Firdaus Ashraf more about it:

Tell us about your love life in your teen years. Was it the same as is shown in Ajab Prem...?

I always had a crush on boys in senior classes but they never looked at me. I never had a boyfriend -- not that I didn't want one -- but they didn't notice me. So I didn't have heartbreaks or get starry-eyed (about someone).

I left studies when I was 17 years old, so my teenage love life was a complete disappointment.

When you're a teen, everything is a huge drama and everything is the end of the world! After doing that for a few years, you get bored of it. You cannot keep crying all your life. When you grown up, you start learning. I started learning at 19.

Nobody knows how to be happy in love, how to find a perfect partner and keep him/her. There is no right or wrong answer. Love is an uncontrollable emotion. Most of the time it is very 'ajab' rather than 'ghazab.' That's why I feel everyone has an Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani.


Image: A still from Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani

Birthday Suite: Reema Sen

Reema Sen invaded Kollywood with the scorching number, "Vaseegara...", in Madhavan starrer 'Minnale' (2001). She went on to dominate south cinema with bold glam-shows in films such as 'Dhool', 'Giri' and 'Vallavan'.

Reema made a successful foray into Bollywood as well, with films such as 'Malamal Weekly' and 'Aan: Men at Work'. The cool Kolkatan is now looking forward to the release of Selvaraghavan's 'Aayirathil Oruvan'.

Here are a few hot snaps of the hottie, who turns 28, on October 29, 2009.

My role in 'Paathshala' is just about 30-40 minutes: Shahid Kapoor

Shahid Kapoor's 'Paathshala', which has been ready for the last one year, will finally hit screens next year and the actor says his role is substantial even though it is not long enough.

"'Paathshala' is small in comparison to some other films that I am doing. Moreover, I not a quintessential hero in the film. However, it isn't as if I have a special appearance in the film, as has been speculated by some. I have a substantial role that lasts for 30-40 minutes in the film," Shahid, who had two releases -- 'Kaminey' and 'Dil Bole Hadippa' this year --, told us.

'Paathshala' was earlier being co-produced by choreographer-turned-filmmaker Ahmed Khan with Big Pictures. However, as per current developments, Eros International would be presenting the film.

The first look of the film was revealed a year ago with 'Karzzzz'. It was expected that the film would release in January 2009, but it continued to move ahead. Directed by award-winning Marathi film director Milind Ukey, 'Paatshala' is expected to release in the first half of 2010.

"Yes, the film moved from Big Pictures to Eros and they would be making plans to line up the film in a proper manner. However, I am sure they would have the right campaign in place for the film's release. The film has to be protected and released when there is no other film of mine coming up," said Shahid, who plays a teacher in it.

Film promotion is a test of patience: Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan, who is currently busy promoting his film 'Aladin', says that movie promotion is not only an art but also a test of one's patience.

"Promotions of films has now become an art, an exercise in management, a test of patience and an ability to be able to answer the same questions in and out with the same intensity and conviction that you may have expressed in the previous interview," Amitabh posted on his blog.

Amitabh also said that he admires journalists relentless pursuit for exclusives.

"They are all around you waiting in anticipation for their turn to arrive, to be able to turn on their microphones and cameras, to put on that TV anchor demeanour and strike out. I have admired their relentless pursuit for that exclusive, their determined effort to get something out of their subjects which has not been covered by the other rivals, present merely inches away," he wrote.

Further praising journalists, he wrote: "The speed with which they (journalists) all operate is incredible. How they devise the look of the interview, what would need to be shown as a clip to enhance the program, the reference material of the past, the music and the editing of the material they have, the headlines that need to be created and then finally the presentation on the broadcast.

"...But there is never ever a complaint, an objection to a delayed request and neither is there need to bring out competition at the street level. There is a deep understanding and respect for each other. A desire to share information and to see that it is disseminated in a manner that would be the requirement of their seniors."

Releasing Friday, 'Aladin' is the modern version of the fantasy story and also stars Riteish Deshmukh and Sri Lankan actress Jacqueline Fernandes.

My wedding date has been finalised: Shilpa Shetty

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty says that her wedding date has been finalised, but she will announce it only when her sister Shamita is by her side.

"I know everyone's eager to know about the wedding date. All I can say is yes it's been finalised and I will make an official announcement as soon as I know when Shamita's coming out," Shilpa, who got engaged to London-based Raj Kundra Saturday after a courtship of about two years, posted on her blog.

Shamita is currently participating in the Colors' reality show 'Bigg Boss 3'. She is locked in the house with 10 more inmates and has no connection with the world outside.

Shilpa says she missed her sister.

"It's been a time of both joy and sorrow for me. The joy is obvious because Raj and I feel happy to take our relationship to the next level, but as most of you know my sister Shamita is still in the 'Bigg Boss' house and could not attend. She doesn't even know.

"The date was decided a week ago and we all came to the consensus that we should go ahead because another good mahurat (auspicious time) was a long way off. And considering Raj's parents and relatives were down from London for a week, so it seemed convenient," she wrote.

"I wanted to have Shamita there during this special moment, but I had to be considerate towards Raj's family too. So for all those who wanted to know why I went ahead without Shamita, it was a difficult decision but this is the answer."

Shilpa admits that when her sister comes out of 'Bigg Boss' house, the news of the engagement will shock her.

"I know Shamita will be shocked... she'll kill me. Missed her more than words can describe but I'm sure she'll understand! Can't wait to show her my ring," she wrote.

So far Shilpa has not commented on her sister's stay in 'Bigg Boss' house. But now she says that she is proud of Shamita.

'Basra' will be out of the box: Abhay Deol

As an actor he loves to experiment and as he turns producer with 'Basra', Abhay Deol promises to be high on content. He says the action thriller will not only keep audiences on the edge of their seats but also make them think.

"There are three genres -- romance, comedy and action. They are mainstream inherently; so what I'm doing is taking a commercial genre and within it experimenting a little bit," Abhay told us in an interview.

The film is going on the floors early next year. Abhay has roped in Navdeep Singh of 'Manorama Six Feet Under' to helm the project that will feature him along with Shahana Goswami and another girl whose name has been kept secret.

" 'Basra' is high on content, but a good dose of action sequences will make it edgy and pretty dark as well. In other words, it is a mainstream movie but also has something that will make people think and keep them on the edge of their seats," he said.

"The thing about action films is that they are high on drama in terms of action sequences, have songs and other things, but content is secondary. For me, the idea was to get something that has content so that the action has some meaning. That's when 'Basra' came in," he added.

The 32-year-old was launched by his uncle Dharmendra with 'Socha Na Tha' in 2005. He then went on to prove his mettle with films like 'Ahista Ahista', 'Manorama Six Feet Under', 'Ek Chalis Ki Last Local', 'Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd' and more recently 'Dev D'.

When asked what motivated him to don the producer's hat, Abhay revealed: "I had bad experiences in the past, with 'Manorama...' being the classic example where the director did his job - he made it well, actors gave their level best but when it was the producer's turn to distribute and market the film, it was nowhere to be seen."

Neil Nitin walks the ramp in prison wear, handcuffs

New Delhi, Oct 27 (IANS) How about designer clothes for prisoners? 'Not a bad idea,' says Bollywood actor Neil Nitin Mukesh who walked down the ramp Tuesday wearing a designer version of prison uniform along with handcuffs at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) here.

The actor, who will be seen playing a prisoner in his forthcoming film 'Jail', was wearing designer Reynu Taandon creation -- he flaunted an off white short kurta, pyjama with minimal black embroidery and sequins that added a dash of glamour to the outfit.

When IANS asked Neil about how he felt about wearing designer prisoner clothes, he said: 'It's different but nice. It's not a bad idea to get Reynu to redesign the uniform for jail inmates.'

He was accompanied by co-stars Mugdha Godse and Manoj Bajpayee apart from director Madhur Bhandarkar -- they all walked the ramp to promote 'Jail'.

The actor pointed out how the designer had taken special care to add a bright yellow strip on the kurta's sleeve - a symbol on the jail uniform that denotes lifetime imprisonment for a convict.

'She (Reynu) has done authentic research to design just two garments for us. The yellow strip denotes life imprisonment in a real jail and our characters also go through it. She was the one who thought of making us wear handcuffs and gave us fake bruise marks through make-up to give the real feel,' said Neil.

'Bigg Boss' in trouble

The reality show 'Bigg Boss 3' hosted by Amitabh Bachchan is again in news for wrong reasons. The Information and Broadcasting ministry has sent a show cause notice to the producers of the show.

The 'De Dana Dan' Album

Nitin Bankar (Akshay Kumar) is a personal butler, cook, driver, watchman, gardener to a wealthy female industrialist (Archana Puran Singh) in Singapore. Like any young man, Nitin too, dreams of a better life, but misfortune is his constant companion and his reality is his job under Archana. He desperately wants to become rich and marry the love of his life, Anjali Kakkad (Katrina Kaif), who supports him financially.

Shooting Kareena 'topless' in Kurbaan

The promos of Saif Ali Khan's film with girlfriend Kareena Kapoor -- Kurbaan -- are out, and it's getting a lot of attention. The music is riding up the charts, and it looks like producer Karan Johar may have a winner on his hands.

The man helming the film is Rensil D'Silva. This may be his first directorial venture but Rensil is not new to the field. An ad man with about 18 years of experience, Rensil has also scripted films like Aks, Rang De Basanti and Mani Ratnam's upcoming film Raavan.

When we asked Rensil why it took him so long to finally direct a film, he said he was 'waiting for the right time.' Well, it looks like the right time has arrived.

Rensil talks to Nithya Ramani about what to expect in Kurbaan and even the much-talked about poster showing a topless Kareena.

You have written the script of Kurbaan as well.

Yes. It is Karan Johar's story. He told me about the film and for the next few months, I couldn't get it off my head. A common friend told Karan that I had loved the story, so he asked me to direct it.


Image: Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan and Rensil D Silva

I have 17 scripts: Amol Gupte

I have 17 scripts: Amol Gupte
Just when you thought he was working on the script of his directorial venture 'Sapno Ko Ginte Ginte', the multifaceted Amol Gupte reveals he has a bank of 17 scripts ready with him and that his next movie is 'Stanley Ka Dabba'.



"I have 17 locked scripts with me. I have written and completed them all. Some of them are 'Happy Diwali', 'Underbelly' and 'Stanley Ka Dabba', which is my next," Gupte told us in an interview.

But wasn't 'Sapno Ko Ginte Ginte' his next?

"The script for 'Sapno Ko...' is yet to be locked. I think that will take a backseat as of now. The film is about the large economic disparity among children and I want it to be told. It should transcend barriers; therefore I want to start shooting it once everything is in place," added the scriptwriter-director-actor.

There were reports that Gupte, who made his acting debut with 'Kaminey', was trying to rope in Salman Khan for 'Sapno Ko Ginte Ginte'. Asked about it, he said: "I won't comment on that, but we need a star for the film."

I'm talking to Hrithik for my next film: Vishal Bhardwaj (Interview)

New Delhi, Oct 26 (IANS) He carved a niche for himself in filmdom with non-starrers like 'Makdee' and 'Maqbool'. But composer filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj now says star presence is extremely important for a film's box office success and that he is trying to rope in Bollywood heartthrob Hrithik Roshan for his next movie.

'I think stars are very important to reach out to the people. Along with that they are good actors as well. I think Shah Rukh (Khan) is a very fine actor, so is Aamir (Khan), Hrithik (Roshan), Saif (Ali Khan) and even Shahid (Kapoor),' Bhardwaj told IANS.

'If the audiences love them and they don't mind coming to the cinema halls to see their faces and their costumes, then that's good because we can tell a story through them,' added the director who teamed up with big stars for 'Omkara' and 'Kaminey'.

He made his directorial debut 'Makdee' (2002) with Makrand Deshpande, Shweta Prasad and Alaap Mazgaonkar. The only big name in the cast was Shabana Azmi.

Two years later, Bhardwaj came out with his highly acclaimed movie 'Maqbool', an adaptation of Shakespeare's famous play 'Macbeth'. It didn't boast of a star line up either -- Pankaj Kapoor, Irrfan Khan and Tabu formed the cast.

But his next directorial venture 'Omkara', again based on Shakespeare's play 'Othello', was bejwelled with big names like Ajay Devgn, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Bipasha Basu and Vivek Oberoi.

His latest hit 'Kaminey' too had Bollywood stars Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra.

Now Bhardwaj is trying to sign Hrithik and Priyanka for his next venture. 'I am in talks with Hrithik for a film but nothing is confirmed at the moment. However, Priyanka is confirmed for that project,' he informed.

The 49-year-old started his Bollwyood innings as a composer for Gulzar's 'Maachis' (1996) followed by movies like 'Satya' (1998) and 'Chachi 420' (1998) before taking on the director's mantle. He has proved his versatility as a music composer, singer, writer and filmmaker.

When asked what among these gives him maximum creative satisfaction and enjoyment, Bhardwaj said: 'Enjoyment keeps changing. When you are making a song and it turns out to be very good, then you enjoy that process and that gives you creative satisfaction.

'Similarly, when you are making a film, you keep struggling on it for seven-eight months to set it right and finally when you see the result then that too gives you creative satisfaction and enjoyment. Satisfaction, happiness, enjoyment are all very momentary. They keep changing,' he said.

Bhardwaj was in the capital to attend the 11th Osian's Cinefan Film Festival and said that such festivals are imperative so that movie aficionados can see entire films without any censorship.

'People need to see the entire films. Normally, the censor board cuts half of the film; at least there is some place where we can see the film without censorship,' he said.

He also feels that censorship should be a personalised thing. 'We should be our own censor boards. It should not be imposed on us. This censor board came from the British because they didn't want the Indian movement and Indian struggle to be seen by others, but somehow laws in our country don't change,' he rued.

Zayed's parents traumatized after watching 'Blue'

When Sanjay and Zarine Khan watched their son Zayed do those never-before heart-in-the-mouth motorcycle stunts in 'Blue', they threw a royal fit.

Ever since his near-fatal fire accident in 1989 during the shooting of the serial 'The Sword Of Tipu Sultan' during which Sanjay Khan suffered extensive burns and almost lost his life, both he and his wife are paranoid about shooting mishaps.

When their only son Zayed decided to become a movie actor, Sanjay and Zarine's first and only pre-condition was no dangerous stunts. Says Zayed, "It was almost like a holy diktat, not to perform anything that would potentially harmful to me."

Until 'Blue', where, on the script level itself, Zayed could see that his two lengthy mo'bike chase sequences on the 'Ducati 999' were potentially more lethal than anything the average action hero performs.

Says Zayed, "I had two options. Either say no to the most exciting role I had been offered so far. Or hide the truth from my parents."

Zayed chose the latter option. And went on to do the most explosive mo'bike stunts with his heart in his mouth. "Not because I was scared but what would my parents think and say when they saw what I had done."

When Sanjay and Zarine Khan saw 'Blue', their reaction was worse than what Zayed had anticipated.

Zayed's parents were distraught. Their horror mounted as the couple saw their son whiz past the most dangerous check posts ever created for a stunt actor.

Says Zayed, "When I saw their reaction, I had to do some quick thinking or else my parents would have truly freaked out and probably ordered me to give up movies. My helmet which covered my face through most of the mo'bike racing saved me. I told them it was a body-double doing those stunts."

The fact is Zayed did most of the action scenes. "Am I some kind of a sissy to let a stuntman do them? No way! I had accepted the role only so I could do these stunts. Except the moment when my bike jumps on to a train, all the other stunts are mine. And that train stunt, I didn't do because my action director said he wanted me to be alive to complete the film."

After reading this, Zayed hopes his parents would accept the truth. "If you are an actor you got to do it all. One can be wounded even while standing under a roof. Jo hona hoga woh hoga."

Hemant Brijwasi announced winner of Hero Honda Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Liile Champ

New Delhi, Oct 25 (IANS) The grand finale of children's singing reality show 'Hero Honda Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Liile Champ' finally came to finish with Hemant Brijwasi emerging as the winner of the show Saturday night.

Brijwasi received 1,535,380 votes in the competition which saw many others participating in it.


The event that was held live from Andheri Sports Complex Mumbai was hosted by the famous playback singer Shaan and saw Shreyasi Bhattacharjee battle it out with two boys- Yatharth Ratnum and Hemant Brijwasi.


Apart from singers Abhijit Bhattacharya and Alka Yagnik, who were judging the show all along, the grand finale was also attended by Bollywood stars Salman Khan, Ajay Devgan and Asin Thottumkal.


The actors were present to promote their upcoming film 'London Dreams'.

'London Dreams is like a musical Sholay'

Salman Khan was in a good mood on Thursday during a video conference, making fun of himself and even taking in stride a silly request from a journalist asking him to take off his shirt.

He can easily do it in the movies but not during an interview, Salman seemed to say.

He gave himself high marks --- with that very mischievous look --- when a journalist asked how he rates himself as an actor.

The hour-long conference, organised by the distributor for London Dreams, Studio 18, was attended by director Vipul Shah, Salman's co-star Asin, and newcomers Aditya Roy Kapoor and Rannvijay Singh. Ajay Devgn, who was shooting for a film far away from Mumbai, could not make to the conference.

Madhur Bhandarkar denies making biopic on Lalit Modi

New Delhi, Oct 23 (IANS) Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar has slammed rumours that he is making a biopic on Indian Premier League (IPL) supremo Lalit Modi, saying he is not making any movie on cricket. In fact, he plans to take a break after the releae of 'Jail'.

Rumour mills were abuzz that the three-time National Award winner is making a movie on the controversial life of Modi which will be produced by Percept Picture Company (PPC).

'I am not making any film on cricket. I don't know where do these things come from,' Bhandarkar told IANS.

Rumours were also rife that the filmmaker would wield the megaphone to reveal the behind-the-scenes story of award functions, malpractices in hospitals and for a sequel to his 2006 movie 'Corporate' with Deepika Padukone in the lead.

'If I go to a hospital to visit someone, the next day I get to read is that I am researching for a movie on the same, which is not the case. But I'm neither making any film on terrorism, award functions or hospital or a sequel to 'Corporate'. I am just taking a break to think about what to make next,' he added.

Director Rohit Shetty in a sequel trap

Mumbai, Oct 23 (IANS) Comic director Rohit Shetty is a confused man right now - he has to decide whether he wants to do the next 'Golmaal' film first or the sequel to 'All The Best'.

'Yes, we're in two minds about which to go into first. The script, gags, jokes and the overall comedy have to be funnier in the next film. We can't have repetitive gags in 'All the Best' and 'Golmaal' sequel. Then the audience will lose faith in the franchise,' Ajay Devgn, who produced 'All The Best', told IANS.

Added Shetty: ''Golmaal 3' and 'All The Best 2' have only one thing in common - Ajay Devgn. By now the two of us are an inseparable team. I can't dream of making anything without him.

'I've two ideas for the third part of 'Golmaal and one for the sequel to 'All The Best'. Whichever shapes up better, I'll go ahead with first. 'Golmaal' 3 will again have all the characters caught in a situation in a house.'

The decision to make 'All The Best 2' was made even before the first film in the series was released. And while the male cast -- Ajay Devgn and Fardeen Khan -- will remain unchanged the ladies will keep changing in every film.

'We saw the film earlier during the week before release. Everyone was completely taken up by the idea of a sequel. So I said, why not? I don't mind doing 'Golmaal' and 'All The Best' films all my career if I want to. Making people laugh is not easy,' said Shetty.

'Golmaal 3' will feature the same male cast including Arshad Warsi who had annoyed Shetty by expressing his displeasure over the length of his role in 'Golmaal Returns'.

'I was angry with Arshad. Now it's all sorted out. And I'll be narrating 'Golmaal 3' to Arshad,' said Shetty.

Sanjay Dutt, who has become a hot favourite with the director as well as Ajay, may have a role in 'Golmaal 3'.

John Abraham faces biggest challenge on the sets of '1:800 Love'

Mumbai, Oct 24 (IANS) John Abraham never had to work as hard as he did to get it right for his forthcoming film '1: 800 Love'. A large part of the drama unfolds through telephone conversations and it was a litmus test for the actor to emote on phone, says director Abbas Tyrewala.

'It's a challenge for the most seasoned of actors. A lot of the relationship between John and Pakhi (John's co-star and also the director's wife) unfolds on the telephone. It was tough,' Tyrewala told IANS.

Tyrewala's wife Pakhi plays John's lady love in the film.

'Pakhi insisted on being on the sets in London to give cues even when John alone was doing all the telephone talk. That made it far easier. She was providing him the cues while he delivered his lines on phone,' said Tyrewala.

The director isn't sure how he's going to edit all the phone conversation in his film. But the option of split screens showing John and Pakhi talking to each other from separate places is ruled out.

'That's the easy way out. I'll have to find a way to show continuity in John and Pakhi's conversations without resorting to gimmicks. But I've to hand it to John. He surrendered completely to the part and he has come out with a performance that's completely unexpected. Dare I say '1: 800 Love' is a new beginning for John,' said the director.

Tyrewala tries to assess his wife's performance dispassionately.

'She was always an actress. But she's also my wife. So I was very nervous. Luckily, Pakhi has turned out to be everything that we expected her to be,' said Tyrewala.

A lot has been made out of the fact that Pakhi has acted in a comedy 'Yeh Kya Ho Raha Hai' earlier. But Tyrewala is nonchalant about it.

'We never hid the fact that she acted as Punarnava Mehta in 'Yeh Ka Ho Raha Hai'. Then she went to Darjeeling to be a school teacher. I got her back and I persuaded her to return to acting. She was born to be an actress,' he said.

Many times while shooting '1: 800 Love' Tyrewala was stricken by deja vu.

'It was like going back to 'Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na'. The hero is introduced to the audience on the phone in both. Then when I shot a scene in a pub with John, it turned out exactly like a pub scene between Genelia and Ayaaz Khan in 'Jaane Tu...' Just goes to prove directors apparently keep making variations on the same idea in their careers,' he said.

I'm over and above box office today: Karan Johar

I'm over and above box office today: Karan Johar

Mumbai, Oct 24 (IANS) Never mind that his production house Dharma Productions has just delivered a big hit in 'Wake Up Sid'. Director-producer Karan Johar says he has matured over the years and box office collections are no longer the only driving factor for him.

'Frankly, I am over and above box office today. With age and some dose of maturity coming in, I truly believe that I have grown as a filmmaker and hence I am not just looking at crores out there,' Karan, 37, told IANS in an interview.

Karan has half a dozen films lined up for release in the months to come. After 'Wake Up Sid', debutant Rensil D'Souza's 'Kurbaan' is next. He is also speeding up Tarun Mansukhani's animation flick 'Koochie Koochie Hota Hai' and 'Dostana 2'.

Siddharth Malhotra's 'Stepmom' remake is already on floors while debutant director Punit Malhotra's 'I Hate Love Stories' is in pre-production stage. Newcomer Karan Malhotra has been entrusted with directing an 'Agneepath' remake.

Karan's own directorial venture 'My Name Is Khan' would be releasing in early 2010.

With so many projects in the pipeline, is it really easy for him not to think about box office collections?

'I guess numbers just get lost after a point in time while the quality of a product is remembered. I have learnt that the remembrance a film gets is far more important than what you end up gaining in the first weekend.

'A living example is 'Wake Up Sid'. Yes, it opened well but what is even more heartening is that it is still being loved and watched weeks after its release. That excites me,' said Karan.

His claim comes with enough validation here. After the mega Diwali weekend that saw 'Blue', 'All The Best' and 'Main Aurr Mrs. Khanna' fighting for screen space, 'Wake Up Sid' was kept on hold. The Ranbir Kapoor-Konkona Sen Sharma-starrer did have two bountiful weeks.

Karan is happy to be following the mantra of making quality films without worrying much about the cash register.

No wonder many first-time filmmakers working with him are happy to be in an environment that challenges and motivates them to make something worth remembering.

'I never ask my directors to give me a film that would fetch me Rs.80, 100 or 120 crore. Once you do that, you only end up putting pressure on the poor guy. Instead, I want them to focus entirely on the subject in front of them and leave the box office in the hands of audiences.

'This is what Ayan Mukerji did with 'Wake Up Sid' and look at how he has passed with flying colours, both critically and commercially,' said Karan with a tone of appreciation.

(Joginder Tuteja can be contacted at joginder_tuteja@rediffmail.com)

Cyrus Broacha's comedy disappoints in Fruit and Nut

Offbeat, I am afraid, is a rather tricky term.

In the domain of low-budget cinema, its definition ranges from meaningful, ironic and abstract to silly, obnoxious and uninspiring. But clever filmmaking, as witnessed through films like Khosla Ka Ghosla [ Images ] and Bheja Fry, isn't restricted to a mere budget. Either the script has it or it doesn't.

In the case of director Kunal Vijaykar's debut comedy, Fruit and Nut, it doesn't. If the wishy-washy caper's intent is to draw your attention towards its minutely mocking tone and decipher its slow satire, it fails miserably, chiefly because almost all its characters appear to have escaped a bizarre complex of an imaginary zombie planet. They don't look from this world. They don't dress like this world. They certainly don't talk like this world.

Here's how: So there's a guy named Jolly Maker (Cyrus Broacha [ Images ]). Jolly Maker! Yeah, that's funny. Have your sides split yet? Haven't budged even, right? He ties his shoelaces all wrong and trips on his feet. Does that amuse you? He walks into clear day with his umbrella open confusing his neighbour's plant-watering session to be a rain shower. Those smiley-faced weapons out yet?

He bumps into his dream girl escape a kidnap with her limbs tied and mouth taped but is too much of a fool to help her out. Ha ha? He swabs the boss's office floor by rubbing himself onto it, dressed in nothing other than his undergarments. Surely Cyrus can do better than this.

The comedian's superb timing and trademark repartee is wasted in an under-written role that requires the viewer to feel sorry for an entertainer known to have made a name laughing at himself.

We have shot 40 percent of 'Ayesha': Sonam Kapoor

New Delhi, Oct 22 (IANS) Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor, who was in the capital for over a month to shoot for her upcoming venture 'Ayesha', says the film is 40 percent complete.

'We are done with 40 percent of the shooting for 'Ayesha' and now we will resume the rest in Mumbai,' Sonam told IANS here.

'Ayesha' has been shot across the capital as well as in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand.

Made under the banner of her father actor-producer Anil Kapoor, the movie is being produced by her sister Rhea.

Also starring Abhay Deol in the lead, 'Ayesha' is an adaptation of Jane Austen's novel 'Emma' and is about the perils of misconstrued romance.

Birthday to Mallika-E-Bollywood!! 29 birthday

Mallika Sherawat, born this day in 1981, took Bollywood by storm, when she ‘Murder’ed censor board prudes and treated us to some daredevil erotica. Considered to be the beacon-angel of bolder erotic ‘spectacles’ such as Kashmeera Shah, Namitha and Rakhi Sawant, Mallika has also succeeded in inviting the ire of India’s Moral Police. Here is a pictorial trip into the world of Mallika Sherawat.

Deepika Padukone: A modern girl, who smokes...

Deepika Padukone went white with fear when she was told that she had to smoke cigarettes for her role in Karthik Calling Karthik. She believed that the role would get her addicted to smoking. So it was up to producer Ritesh Sidhwani to put Deepika’s fears to rest.

Our source said, “Sidhwani ordered for nicotine-free cigarettes for Deepika. In Karthik Calling Karthik, Deepika plays a very modern girl who smokes, Farhan advises her against it and eventually succeeds in getting her to quit smoking. In real life though, Deepika hates smoking. The very thought of smoking for the film was enough to make her tense. However, the organic cigarettes saved the day and the scenes were shot without any problems.”

Talking about the issue, Sidhwani said, “It’s a film about a lovable loser and a modern, hip girl. Farhan makes Deepika quit smoking. So we have a nice message in the end. We didn’t want to be responsible for inculcating a bad habit and that’s why these organic cigarettes were needed.”

Bhansali throws Guzaarish continuity sheets in river

While actors in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s films always have the right mannerisms and are the epitome of good behaviour, the filmmaker is known to be anything but even-tempered. In the past, Bhansali has been known to act quite aggressively with his assistants and this recent incident only proves how belligerent he can be.

While shooting on the outskirts of Goa, Bhansali threw the continuity sheets of his forthcoming Hrithik Roshan-Aishwarya starrer Guzaarish in a river when one of his assistant directors made the same mistake twice.

Bhansali had already warned the AD in no uncertain terms that the earlier mistake in continuity should not be repeated. Unfortunately, the AD goofed up the continuity once again and Bhansali refused to ignore it this time. That’s when the moody director screamed at the assistant director and threw the continuity sheets in the river.

On seeing Bhansali’s fit of rage, the entire unit trembled with fright. Failing to understand what to do next, one of the unit members immediately jumped into the river to recover the continuity sheets, which were, of course, fully soaked.

The shoot resumed after some time but everybody behaved cautiously on the sets all day.

Preparing Harishchandra for the Oscars!

This year, the modest Marathi film Harishchandrachi Factory has been selected as India's official entry for the 82nd Annual Academy Awards. Helmed by first-time director Paresh Mokashi, the film introduces the pioneer of Indian cinema, Dada Saheb Phalke, in an entertaining manner.

Mokashi -- who has written and directed Marathi plays like Sangeet Debunchya Muli, Mukkampost Bombilwadi and Lagnakallol over 20 years -- tells Patcy N what difficulties he faced while making this brilliant film, and his plan on making the film shine in Hollywood.

Firstly, tell us about yourself.

I have been associated with a theatre group called Theatre Academy in Pune. I have acted and directed plays in Marathi. I was born in Lonavala (a hill station near Mumbai).

What preparations have you done for the Oscars?

We are still figuring that out. We are doing our homework. UTV and Paprika Media will help us out for the Oscars. We will go to the US next month. We are speaking to directors and producers, who have promoted their films at the Oscars earlier.

What made you choose Dada Saheb Phalke as the subject for your film?

Why not? Nobody has made a movie on Dada Saheb before. I read his biography and learnt of his adventures of making movies. Today's generation don't know what about Dada Saheb went through to make India's first feature film (Raja Harishchandra). We just know him as the person on whose name awards are given out, or that he is the pioneer of Indian cinema. Our knowledge of Phalke ends there. But when I came across a biography and discovered his funny adventures, I decided to make a film on him.

Image: Director Paresh Mokashi explains a shot to an actor

Jai Ho wins again in Belgium

CommentOscar winner musician A R Rahman's Jai Ho has again won laurels at the World Soundtrack Academy awards in Ghent, Belgium.

The song from Slumdog Millionaire won in "best original song written for film" category at the ninth World Soundtrack Awards announced at Ghent, and the ceremony, in addition to Rahman, was reportedly attended by world film music personalities like Alexandre Desplat, Marvin Hamlisch, Reinhold Heil, Johhny Klimek, Alti Ovarsson, Jerome Lemmonier and Andrew Lockington.

Music for Jai Ho was provided by Rahman; lyrics by Gulzar and Tanvi Shah; and performed by Rahman, Sukhvinder Singh, Tanvi Shah, Mahalaksmi Iyver, and Vijay Prakash.

The World Soundtrack Awards are distributed annually for outstanding achievement in scoring music for motion pictures and other achievements in five categories. Academy is aimed at organising and overseeing the educational, cultural and professional aspects of the art of film music, including the preservation of the history of the soundtrack and its worldwide promotion.

Image: A scene from Slumdog Millionaire

Film with Sanjay Dutt not on Khalistan or 26/11: Lakhia

Filmmaker Apoorva Lakhia, known for making the hit crime thriller 'Shootout At Lokhandwala', has trashed rumours that his film with Sanjay Dutt is based on policemen who battled Sikh extremism.

"I don't know where all this has come from. There is no film that I am doing on the Khalistan movement. Yes, I am doing a film with Sanjay Dutt, but it is more on the lines of 'Shootout At Lokhandwala' - something based on a recent event in Mumbai and something about cops," Lakhia told us over phone from Mumbai.

So is it about the brutal 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks that took place last year?

"No way! Not at all. It has nothing to do with 26/11. It is based on a two- paragraph story I read in the newspaper about an event in the city involving some cops," he said.

The movie will be directed by Lakhia in association with Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision Private Limited.

Lakhia is at present busy with post- production of his first home production 'Hide & Seek', a romantic thriller that has an ensemble cast, including actors like Purab Kohli, Arjan Bajwa, Sameer Kochar and Ajaaz Khan.

The film is being directed by his assistant Shawn Arranha.

" 'Hide & Seek' is an exciting story about how six young friends play a game of hide and seek and one incident makes them drift apart for 15 years. Now to unravel the mystery of the incident, they have to play the game all over again. It has hints of childhood crushes and romance - basically it's going to be a romantic thriller," said Lakhia.

Now I'm just a credit title: Amitabh Bachchan

He sleeps for "four to five hours" a day, burns the midnight oil to blog and has a packed shooting schedule. But 67-year-old megastar Amitabh Bachchan insists he is neither the busiest person in the Hindi film industry nor an important part of any of his projects.

"I don't think that is entirely correct. I just do whatever is offered to me. I do films, I am now doing television ('Big Boss 3')," said Amitabh shrugging off the busy bee title.

"If you plan your day and time, you can find time to do all these things. If the body responds, it's fine. But sooner or later it's going to pack up, so might as well work while it's working," said Amitabh who squeezed in enough time to reply to 1207 SMSes that he received on his birthday last week.

Over four decades of excellent cinematic presence has made him a brand. Doesn't that overshadow others in a film?

"I don't think that is entirely correct. May be in the early years, they (audiences) came to watch my films because I was in it. But now I am just one of the credit titles. I am not that important," Bachchan told us in an interview.

"I am a part of the crew and the cast. Even in my early years, I used to think that. I think the product itself is more important. It's the film that is going to make you or your name or give you visibility. If that goes wrong then everything goes wrong. So one must work as a team so that the product works," he explained.

The actor stays awake till the wee hours to write his blog.

Yash Chopra to direct another romantic movie

After five years' break, veteran filmmaker Yash Chopra says he is all set to wield the megaphone once again for a romance saga.

"I am going to direct a film in December or January. It will be a romantic film. I haven't decided about the cast or any other detail as of now. But I will surely announce the project next month," Chopra told us.

Chopra is known for making hit movies like 'Dil To Pagal Hai', 'Chandni', 'Silsila', 'Trishul' and 'Deewar'.

Source: IANS

I would never do something vulgar: Asin (Film Snippets)I would never do something vulgar: Asin (Film Snippets)

New Delhi, Oct 22 (IANS) Southern beauty Asin, who is looking forward to her mega budget Bollywood release 'London Dreams', says she chooses her roles carefully as she doesn't want to do anything vulgar or indecent.

'I would never do something that is baseless, vulgar and indecent... something I am not comfortable doing and therefore can't do justice with,' Asin told IANS.

'When I choose a film, my criteria are script, role, director, producer and then co-artist. Language or financial issues never determine what film I want to do,' she added.

The 23-year-old made her debut in Hindi movies opposite superstar Aamir Khan in the hit film 'Ghajini' last year.

First Look: 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani'

Prem's (Ranbir Kapoor) fundas in life were very simple - Be happy...Make others happy...Keep the town happy.These supposedly simple fundas usually result in disastrous consequences for Prem, the members of his HappyClub, and the town!

It may have been a case of mistaken identity that led Prem to kidnap Jenny (Katrina Kaif). And it was sheer greed that made Prem try to pull a fast one over her father. As for sweet and simple Jenny, brought up by indifferent and uncaring foster parents, all she longed was to love and be loved in return.

And it was love and only love for Jenny that made Prem turn over a new leaf. From hardly working vagabond, he began working hard to make money. From a besotted Romeo, he becomes a mature and thoughtful Majnu who put Jenny's happiness above everything else. As for Jenny, she was so much in love with the idea of being in love that she was blinded by the reality that was staring in her face.

Source: MovieTalkies

'I am thankful to Paresh Rawal'

Boman Irani has turned in one brilliant performance after another. And his characters have been quite peculiar as well. From his earlier films like Darna Mana Hai, Munnabhai series and Main Hoon Na to this Friday's release, Fruit n Nut, Boman seems to know how to entertain.

Sitting in front of him for this interview, I found Boman to be quite the gentleman to talk to as well. In his friendly manner, Boman shared his nutty experiences on the sets of Fruit n Nut with Nithya Ramani.

The film incidentally, is Kunal Vijaykar's directorial debut, and also stars Cyrus Broacha, Dia Mirza and Mahesh Manjrekar.

What is Fruit n Nut about?

It is impossible to describe the film and even more impossible to act in it! The film is about four characters, whose stories run parallel.

I play an old man, who thinks he's the Maharaja of Bombay, and wants his land back. He is whimsical and doesn't know what he is saying. It was very confusing to act like a terrorist. He calls for two terrorists to knock off Cyrus (Broacha).

We have made a film that we enjoyed and want people to enjoy it too.


Image: A scene from Fruit n Nut

Now, Johny Lever's brother shows off his funny side

We have loved Johny Lever's comedy through the years, and even miss his long absences from showbiz these days.

Now, it's time for his younger brother Jimmy Moses to show us how hilarious he can be. Jimmy is one of the celebrity contestants of the third instalment of the television reality show Comedy Circus called Teen Ka Tadka, starting October 24.

Not many may know that the 39-year-old is a reputed stand-up comedian and mimicry artist. He is popularly known as Junior Johny Lever. Jimmy has been doing comedy for two decades now, and has done about 4,000 shows in more than 30 countries.

"I am 14 years younger than Johny," Jimmy says. "He has been my idol and inspiration. I used to mimic at school, in front of friends and teachers. Comedy runs in my genes, so I knew that I would become a comedian when I grew up. My mother used to mimic and make everyone laugh and my brother started doing comedy at a very young age."

Jimmy failed in Grade 10 in school, and started managing his brother Johny's work since then. "I would manage his dates. One day, he asked me what I wanted to do in life and I said I wanted to be a comedian. He told me to read a lot of humour artists' books to learn the nuances of comedy. I started by doing mimicry in my locality during festivals and slowly moved on to shows. After a few years, I bagged films (Joru Ka Ghulam, Ghaat, Aap Mujhe Acha Lagne Lage, Teera Jadoo Chal Gaya, Krazzy 4) and television shows (Tu Tu Mai Mai, Phir Bhi Dil Hain Hindustani, Laughter Challenge). After that, there was no looking back," Jimmy says.

Jimmy went on to do bigger stage shows with stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan , Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai

But Jimmy is still in touch with his roots -- and his friends at Dharavi (Asia's biggest slum dwelling) and Antop Hill, in surbuban Mumbai -- where he spent his early years.

When Neil spent Diwali in Tihar Jail

The cast and crew of Madhur Bhandarkar's new film Jail celebrated Diwali with the inmates of Tihar Jail in New Delhi recently.

Bhandarkar, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Manoj Bajpai and music director Shamir Tandon met the inmates and interacted with them.

The song Data Sun Maula Sun -- sung by Lata Mangeshkar in the film -- was unveiled for the first time at the prison. Shamir Tandon and the Jail team performed the song as well.

The meet and greet was followed by lunch with the prisoners. Sweets were also distributed.

Jail is all set to release November 6

Shadow actor Naseer Khan arrested in Orissa

CommentNaseer Khan, the blind actor and co-producer of the film Shadow, has been arrested for his alleged involvement in a multi-crore chit fund scam in Balasore district, Bhubaneshwar, Orissa.

"We arrested Khan from Cuttack. He will be interrogated," Inspector General of Police, Crime Branch, A K Roy told PTI.

Ray said that Khan was among several persons wanted by the CBI in the case. He was one of the directors of Fine India, a chit fund company that allegedly siphoned off crores of rupees from gullible investors in Balasore.

Though Khan had quit as director of Fine India some time back, the CBI had information that money was transferred to a Kanpur-based company from where it was channelled to Mumbai [ Images ], police officials said, adding the firm later closed its operations in Balasore.

Khan was a partner of an entertainment company which used the funds in making the movie Shadow, they said. The CBI had frozen Rs 191 crores in different banks where six chit fund companies had deposited money.

Kurbaan's music scores

CommentAditya Chopra's Fanaa and New York combined the conflicting themes of romance and terrorism to box office uplifting results. Taking a break from candy floss capers, filmmaker Karan Johar, too, strives to achieve the same with his serious albeit sleek production, Kurbaan.

Directed by Rensil D'Silva, best known for his scriptwriting skills in Rang De Basanti, the tense drama features Bollywood's 'It' couple-Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor.

While the posters and trailer of Kurbaan drew expected attention, the soundtrack by the affable duo of Salim-Sulaiman along with the inventive penmanship of Prasoon Joshi is keenly melodious and instantly appealing.

Kurbaan makes a promising and lilting beginning with the silvery Shukran allah. Fresh and breezy, Shukran allah celebrates the novelty of a young romance and bursting emotions with generous help from Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghosal's delicate delivery. This one's a keeper.

The rustic vocal brilliance of Sukhwinder Singh and Kailash Kher join forces fervently praying for divine intervention in Dua hai, a characteristically Salim-Sulaiman creation. Even as the arrangement and chorus pattern is often reminiscent of Kaal's Tauba Tauba, the collective enthusiasm of the afore-mentioned singers keeps the momentum going.

Akshay Kumar could be world's worst-dressed man

With his outlandish dressing sense, Akshay Kumar could be a strong contender for the world’s worst-dressed men list, at least that’s what the editor of a British magazine believes

Jeremy Langmead, editor of Esquire magazine, has said that the 42-year-old Bollywood action hero might be one of India's most successful film stars, but he doesn't score too well when it comes to style.

He said that Akshay's enthusiasm for the latest fashions -- particularly ones that involve shiny bits attached to them -- sadly makes him a strong contender for the world's worst dressed men list, reports Times Online.

While Kumar, just like his contemporaries form Hollywood, loves to sport the latest looks shown on the catwalks of Paris and Milan, his pictures on Google reveal some of the most unappetising outfits worn by modern man, said Langmead.

His oversized sunglasses looks as if borrowed from Victoria Beckham, day-glo hoodies stolen from Kanye West, slogan T-shirts from Henry Holland, and lots of shiny, torso-revealing accessories that remind one just a little bit too much of Daffyd from Little Britain, the literary expert said.

Nude scene in 'Jail' won't offend moms: Neil Mukesh

He does a full monty in Madhur Bhandarkar's upcoming movie 'Jail', but Neil Nitin Mukesh insists the nude scenes won't distract any mother because the narrative is high on emotional quotient.

"I was asked to strip down completely and the only question before doing the scene that I had in mind was - what would be my parents' reaction when they watch the film? Would they be ashamed of me as their son? But I think they'll be extremely proud of me as an actor to have gone ahead and done it with a lot of courage," Neil told us in an interview.

"In fact, no mother sitting in the audience will be distracted with the skin show in the film. My character Parag Dixit is extremely high on emotional quotient and people are going to be attached to that. I don't want anybody to notice the body in that scene and if someone still gets distracted, then probably he or she is not yet connected to the character," added the 27-year-old.

But wasn't he apprehensive about going full monty?

"There was a slight hesitation initially in the sense that I was a bit shy in terms of taking off the clothes, thinking it was for a billion people. But I was confident that Madhur sir will handle it with a lot of grace and dignity, which he has," said the young actor who debuted in an unconventional role in 'Johnny Gaddar'.

Co-produced by Percept Picture Company and Bhandarkar Entertainment, 'Jail' is the hard-hitting yet sensitive tale of an ordinary man who finds himself inside a prison due to a series of unfortunate events.

Releasing Nov 6, it also stars Manoj Bajpai in a pivotal role with Mugdha Godse in the female lead.

Asked about the controversy over the nude scene, Neil said: "I won't say it is blown out of proportion. It deserves the attention it has been getting because it is for the first time that an actor has gone ahead and done something like this. Though that was not the motive behind it; it was to actually project what really happens inside a jail.

I'm incapable of directing a film: Amitabh Bachchan

I'm incapable of directing a film: Amitabh Bachchan

Agra, Oct 20 (IANS) He has dabbled in acting, production, playback singing and also worked as a television host, but Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has no plans to direct a film.

'Direction is a very difficult and classified job, which I feel I am incapable of doing. Since I don't possess the skills to make a film, I would not like to do it. I am happy doing the other things I have been doing,' Amitabh told reporters here.

He also refused to be dragged into the controversy relating to an FIR against him and Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh in Kanpur. Amitabh said: 'I have nothing to say and I am not concerned. Amar Singhji has already explained.'

The veteran actor, who is looking forward to two of his forthcoming films 'Aladin' and 'Paa', also clarified that he is not working on any project centred on the Taj Mahal. 'My forthcoming film 'Johny Mastana' does have a scene of the Taj Mahal,' he said.

The 67-year-old, who is the brand ambassador of Max New York Life Insurance, was here to launch the new insurance policy 'Aukat Par Vijay'.

Asked when he would become a grandfather, Amitabh said: 'It's not in my hands.'

When quizzed about his love and hate relationship with the media, he said: 'I feel that Indian media is very capable. I completely respect the media and I don't have any problem with them. It's just that since I have a medium today to express myself so whenever there is a correction to be made I do that through my blog,' he said.

Akshay blue over terrible reviews

It was time for the cast of Blue and All The Best to meet and greet the fans on Sunday evening and and squeeze in some rapid post publicity for their films.

While All The Best clearly didn't need to be wished but the cast of Blue got over their blues by talking big bucks, dancing with some true blue fans and side stepping any awkward questions in the meantime.

"Critics haven't liked it, some have, some haven't but every individual has its own liking or disliking," said Akshay Kumar

But this wasn't a problem with All the Best as it has raked in the big bucks as well as critical acclaim, much to their own surprise!

"It was a little surprising but we also knew somewhere that people will like it. Usually comedies these days have double meaning, which critics do not like. This was one comedy which was kept completely clean so that every generation can enjoy it," said Ajay Devgn, actor, producer

So, while the cast of All The Best is tickled pink and the cast of Blue may be blue, we must say this was one colourful weekend at the Box Office.

Shah Rukh names his sci-fi thriller

It was widely reported by the media that Shah Rukh Khan will don the greasepaint for a super hero role in his next film. Incidentally, this film is to be directed by the King Khan’s production house Red Chillies Entertainment.

The creative actor has named this science fiction film as RA-1. Sources close to the actor-producer say that it means - The Egyptian Sun God. RA-1 will be directed by Anubhav Sinha. Shah Rukh has also roped in cameraman Manikandan to handle the camera. The man behind the camera, Manikandan said that he will do a thorough research before starting this venture as he wants to bring out the best for this sci-fi thriller.

Three Khans in a movie?

Neil’s beaten up... in real!

Neil’s beaten up... in real!

Some actors go to great lengths to ensure they fit into the look of the character they’re playing in their films. Neil Nitin Mukesh More Pics

But Neil Nitin Mukesh takes the cake! The actor was beaten up in real by his close friends on the sets of Jail, to achieve this look and was tortured badly to get into the feel of the character. Emotional support was important, so his mother was also present on the sets. Apart from this, Neil did not even take bath for three days and disconnected with the world for about five days. He did not take anyone’s calls, not even his family’s. It actually took Neil about a month to get out of the jail fear once the shoot was over.

Sizzling Kangna Ranaut in a new make-over

Ethereal, intelligent and deep, Kangna Ranaut belies her physical frailty. The girl from the mountains prefers to make things happen rather than waiting for them to happen to her. Recently Kangna did a photo-shoot for a leading magazine in a classic retro look…take a look!

Surprise in 'Main Aurr Mrs. Khanna' Revealed

The Salman Khan Kareena Kapoor starrer 'Main Aurr Mrs. Khanna' is all set to release today and just hours before its release, a surprise in the film is revealed. The surprise is none other than leggy lass Deepika Padukone, who will appear in a cameo in the Salman flick. Looks like Deepika in undeterred by the war between the Khans, as all are aware, she owes her career to Shah Rukh, who made her a star right from her first film 'Om Shanti Om'. A smart girl that she is she does not believe in being part of camps and is happy being good to everyone. Well, that's like a true lady.

Priyanka Chopra gets back with ex-love Harman Baweja?

After a gap of almost a year, Priyanka Chopra was spotted at ex-boyfriend Harman Baweja’s house on Thursday night. Like every year, the Bawejas had their Diwali party get-together and Priyanka was on their guest list.
A source says, “Harry and Pammi Baweja have their annual Diwali celebration, which goes on till the wee hours of the morning. It also has some B-town celebs attending the party. This year it was a shock to see Priyanka at the party. After her break-up with Harman, she had completely disappeared from Harman’s life. She even cut-off ties with his parents by not visiting his house. However, she was in touch with Harman’s sister Rowena, on and off.”
It was Harman’s parents who invited Priyanka to the party. The source adds, “Although the invitation was given by Harman, it was his parents’ call which got Priyanka to his house. The actress walked in post-midnight and stayed at the party for a few hours.”
It was during the promos of What’s Your Raashee? that Priyanka and Harman upgraded to talking terms. The source adds, “Priyanka was like a family member when she was dating Harman. After their relationship went kaput, she never visited his house. Her attendance at Harman’s Diwali party sends out a lot of messages to people.”
But the question is that if Harman Baweja is back in Priyanka’s life, then where does that leave Shahid Kapoor, whom Priyanka is supposed to be dating

Anushka Sharma scores over `high-priced` Deepika Padukone!

Mumbai: Though just one film old in Bollywood, actress Anushka Sharma has managed to score over Bollywood’s eye-candy Deepika Padukone. No, it’s not for a film, but for a brand endorsement that earlier belonged to Dips and has now been bagged by Anushka.
Reports reveal that Deepika, who was the brand ambassador of a leading hair oil brand, has now been replaced by Anushka, and the latter has already shot the commercial for the brand’s latest campaign.

Grapevine has it that Anushka got the chance to outdo Deepika with the help of Yash Raj Films. However, a source says that Deepika was dropped from the commercial due to her excessive fee.

Well, with the way Deepika’s Bollywood career is going, we choose to believe that the brand could not afford her.

Abhishek gives Aishwarya the perfect Diwali gift

As it was in the news a couple of days ago that to rejuvenate herself from the hectic shoot of Raavana, Aishwarya took a day off and has visited an uber exclusive spa centre in Mumbai which is famous for the natural use of products.

Our khabroo did a lot of probing and has found out that Ash got herself pampered with some of the rare beauty oils...which made her skin so beautiful and luminous? So that seems to be the latest beauty mantra one the most beautiful women of the world, apni Ash...

Well, after learning about his wife's latest pet passion-‘Beauty Oils’ Abhi bhaiyya decided to do something different this Diwali for his loving wife and has gifted her a real exotic beauty oil gift hamper specially orders and flown in from an unknown location, which has some rare and wonderful beauty oils like Patchouli oils, Granium oil and Orange Oil, which is Ash’s favorite...

Bachchan, editor in war of words over interview

In his latest blog, cine icon Amitabh Bachchan has criticised a prominent tabloid for not doing justice to an interview it took with him in the first week of his 67th birthday.

According to Bachchan, the Executive Editor of the Mumbai tabloid Mid-Day, Abhijit Majumder had sought an interview with the actor to mark his birthday, his 40 years in Bollywood, and the launch of Bigg Boss 3.

Bachchan, says he was initially willing to do an interview only by e-mail, but relented to give a face-to-face interview.

The interview was published and, Bachchan complains on his blog that "it did not do justice to the responses I had given".

What was surprising, says Bachchan, is that a video clip of the interview appeared on Mid-Day's website.

Writes he:

"I had never expected either the paper or any one else to have posted something which I would be unaware of. [And] now realise why Mr. Majumdar wanted a personal meeting. He had placed a small "sting" camera on the table in front of me, without informing me that the interview was being video taped as well. He never told me that they had a video net facility in operation and that the recorded interview would find a place there."

Bachchan accuses the editor of dishonesty and says the reason he had sought a one-on-one interview was with the "malafide intent of recording the interview to be used as a live input on a video electronic facility medium that your paper runs."

Majumder has hit back in the paper, printing a photograph of the actor sitting comfortably in front of the "sting" camera, and charging the actor of introducing a new word into journalism: a "sting of one's own legitimate interview".

Majumder says he had mentioned to Bachchan in the presence of the paper's photographer and two unknown gentlemen who also seemed to be videotaping it, that the interview would be recorded on audio and video; that he had asked the actor's secretary if he could bring along a photographer and somebody to video-record the interview.

'Either you are lying or I am. I would like to believe it is neither; it's just your memory playing tricks at twilight,' Majumder said.

When Gol Maal inspired Golmaal

Going by the reviews, Rohit Shetty's All The Best is the best pick from among the other two Diwali releases -- Blue and Main Aurr Mrs Khanna.

The comedy starring Ajay Devgn, Sanjay Dutt, Fardeen Khan, Bipasha Basu and Mugdha Godse, though inane, was lapped up by the audience. And credit for this goes to its director -- Rohit Shetty, the man behind the Golmaal series.

So what inspires the director? Nithya Ramani finds out as the director lists his favourite comedy films.

Gol Maal
Director: Hrishikesh Mukherjee
Cast: Amol Palekar, Utpal Dutt and Dina Pathak

Though I have made a film with the same title, the original is the best. I just love the film for what it is. The idea of mistaken identity came from the film. The scenes where Amol Palekar's character Ram Prasad changes to Laxman Prasad and vice versa is hilarious, and one of my favourites.

There is a point when he feels that everything has gone out of this hand and he feels helpless. Generally at this time, you only feel sorry for the character and it is supposed to be serious. But here it was very funny.

I also liked Utpal Dutt's performance, and his fetish for people with mustaches. The noise -- eesshh -- which he makes when he hears bad news is hilarious.

I loved Dina Pathak's character too. She plays the mother that Amol never had. The scene where she tries to squeeze through a small window when Utpal Dutt becomes suspicious of her is so funny.
Also, the climax scene where Utpal Dutt is caught by the police for violating traffic rules is hilarious.

The most important thing about this film is its simplicity and the fact that it's still funny today as it was then. This movie tops my list of favourite comedies.

Image: A scene from Gol Maal

Akshay, Lara and Katrina go Blue

Taking advantage of the holidays this festive season, the cast of Blue comprising Akshay Kumar, Lara Dutta and Katrina Kaif attended a special screening of their film for underprivileged children visited in Mumbai.

Image: Lara Dutta, Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif
Photographs: Pradeep Bandekar

Aamir nervous about audience reaction to 'Three Idiots'

New Delhi, Oct 16 (IANS) Bollywood star Aamir Khan has finished shooting for Rajkumar Hirani's much awaited '3 Idiots', based on Chetan Bhagat's bestseller 'Five Point Someone', and confesses that now he is worried about the audiences' reaction.

'The last one week has been very busy with '3 Idiots' work. The final song is done and now the cut is locked too. I think we have managed to make the film that we set out to. In the coming weeks I will tell you more about the film and what is happening,' Aamir posted on his blog aamirkhan.com/blog.

'As you can well imagine the good old butterflies have begun to spread their wings once again and their feathery touch has started to tickle my insides. I'm tempted to try and snuff them out with smoke...but I won't. I think this time I have quit for good,' he said.

Produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, '3 Idiots' also stars Sharman Joshi, R. Madhavan, Kareena Kapoor and Mona Singh.