Happy Birthday, Rani Mukherji!

She is considered by many trade analysts as one of the most bankable female actors in Bollywood.

Post the debacle of 'Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic' in 2008, she is all set to claim her title of "Queen of Bollywood" with 'Haddipa' opposite Shahid Kapur and 'Bajirao Mastani' opposite Salman Khan.

Click on for a pictorial ode to the one and only Rani Mukherji!

Wish Rani Mukherji on her 31st birthday

Review of 'Barah Aana'

Most film-makers often feel [and rightly so!] that a title should reflect the content of a film. But with a title like 'Barah Aana', you're completely clueless. That's because director Raja Menon's choice of the subject is equally unique. He enters an alley that most storytellers don't risk entering.
Come to think of it, 'Barah Aana' is more of an experiment. It offers entertainment - the kind the multiplex audiences enjoy - in its own simple way. It strives to strike a balance between real and surreal and succeeds partly. But there's no denying that a film like 'Barah Aana' also caters a miniscule section of moviegoers.

'Barah Aana' is set in today's Mumbai. The story revolves around three unlikely friends: A chauffeur [Naseeruddin Shah], a watchman [Vijay Raaz] and a waiter [Arjun Mathur].

At some point, misfortune befalls the watchman and, due to a series of chance events, he stumbles into a crime. Striking upon a seemingly low-risk way to make good money and discovering a new sense of self-confidence, he tries to entice the others to join him in a series of such crimes.

A cat and mouse games ensues between the three as personalities change, but events soon spiral out of control…

The premise of 'Barah Aana' is identifiable. Those living in the metropolis especially will be able to relate to the three characters [chauffeur, watchman and waiter] and the hardships they face. That's where director Raja Menon scores. But the problem is that the entire first hour is devoted to focussing on their respective jobs and plight. Thus, the story barely moves in this hour. Besides, the pacing is so slow that it tests the patience of the viewer at times.

The wheels start moving post-intermission when the three take to crime. These portions are deftly executed and quite enjoyable too. The pre-climax - the big kidnap - also keeps the viewer's attention arrested, but the end is difficult to comprehend. It could've been made simpler.

Director Raja Menon shows promise. He has handled a number of sequences with flourish. Cinematography [Priya Seth] is perfect.

Naseeruddin Shah doesn't utter a word all through except towards the end, but his silence speaks volumes. Vijay Raaz is simply outstanding. An award-worthy performance. Arjun Mathur, who was seen in 'Luck By Chance' earlier, is a competent actor. He stands up to the two actors well. Violante Placido as Kate and Tannishtha Chatterjee as Rani first-rate.

On the whole, 'Barah Aana' is a fairly engrossing fare.

'Aloo Chaat': Spiceless!

Hrishikesh Mukherjee started a trend. Simple stories narrated in the most simplistic manner. His movies inspired a generation of film-makers and a lot of storytellers even today pay homage to Hrishi-da through their movies.
Robby Grewal does so with 'Aloo Chaat'. Only thing, the film lacks the sweetness associated that you expect from it.

'Aloo Chaat' makes you smile sporadically. At most times it's like watching a TV serial that's not hard to predict. 20 minutes into the film and you know what the culmination would be.

Robby's last outing 'MP3: Mera Pehla Pyaar' was an interesting experience, but 'Aloo Chaat' tries too hard to be a Hrishikesh Mukherjee kind of a film. Its execution brings back memories of the illustrious film-maker's several films as also Rajshri's 'Dulhan Wahi Jo Piya Man Bhaaye' [Prem Kishen, Rameshwari], but falls flat.

What do you do when your entire family is against the bride of your choice? Do you replace your family? Or do you replace the bride?

Nikhil [Aftab Shivdasani] hails from Delhi and is visiting his family in India. His parents start showing him Punjabi girls for wedding. Knowing the temperament of his father Purshottam [Kulbhushan Kharbanda], he feels hesitant to disclose about his love affair. Hence, he approaches his father's best friend [Manoj Pahwa], who has a great influence on his father. Together they plot to bring Nikhil's girlfriend [Aamna Sharif] into the family.

'Aloo Chaat' suffers due to one major reason: It just doesn't hold your attention. The screenplay [Divya Nidhi Sharma] relies on the same old tricks and the same old situations that we've watched over and over again. You do smile at times not because the scenes are funny, but because the dialogues are witty.

Robby Grewal is letdown by a below-mediocre script. Music [Mehfuz Husain, RDB, Vipin Mishra] is soothing and a couple of melodies are tuneful. The video towards the end credits [RDB] is eye-catching. Dialogues are well penned.

Both Aftab and Aamna are limited to a few expressions. Not their fault frankly because the writing hardly gives them scope to perform. It's the supporting cast that works wonders. Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Manoj Pahwa and Sanjay Mishra sparkle. Dolly Ahluwalia is okay.

On the whole, 'Aloo Chaat' just doesn't work.

Salman Khan in 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani'?

starrer 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani' has a new addition. Salman Khan will be seen in a cameo in the Rajkumar Santoshi film.

Says Ramesh Taurani of Tips, "Where did you guys get this information from?". On further probing, he confirmed the news by saying, "Yes, Salman is indeed there in the film, but only as a cameo."

Salman Khan had earlier worked with Rajkumar Santoshi in the cult comedy 'Andaaz Apna Apna' which also starred Aamir Khan.

Hrithik Roshan Will Not be a Part of the Rajasthan Royal's Video or Promotion!

Well, all Hrithik Roshan's fans are in for a disappointment! Contrary to media reports that Hrithik will be a part of the Rajasthan Royal's video or its promotion for the forthcoming IPL is untrue. Duggu's spokesperson from Carving Dreams has denied all rumours about Hrithik being a part of the IPL this year.

"We were all surprised when we heard recent media reports of Hrithik being a part of the Rajasthan Royal's video or its promotion, the news is absolutely untrue. He has been busy shooting for his home production 'Kites' which still has one short schedule pending and has hence excused himself from all IPL promotions this year." clarifies his spokesperson from Caving Dreams.

This is what we call being Focused…what say guys?

For NCP, it's Amisha Patel or Ajay Jadeja from Rajkot

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has decided to field a celebrity from Rajkot in Gujarat and the toss-up is between former cricketer Ajay Jadeja or Bollywood actress Amisha Patel.

Confirming this, the NCP's Gujarat unit chief Jayant Patel said: 'Yes, it is true that we are going to field a celebrity from the Rajkot seat. The choice is between Ajay Jadeja or Amisha Patel. The central leadership in New Delhi will now decide who should be fielded from Rajkot.'

'Both Amisha Patel and Ajay Jadeja have their roots in Gujarat. The celebrity status and the popularity of the two well-known figures will help us win,' he said.

'We certainly are very keen to field another celebrity from the Ahmedabad (East) Lok Sabha seat as star value certainly works everywhere in the country. Now it is for the central leadership to decide who should be fielded from the seat,' Patel added.

Confusion of sexuality at its infancy in 'Straight'

Film: 'Straight'; Cast: Vinay Pathak, Gul Panag, Anuj Chaudhri, Sid Makkar; Director: Parvati Balagopalan; Rating: **1/2

Let's get one thing, er, straight. Homosexuality is finally out of the closet in our films. Well, sort of. Last year's naughty blockbuster 'Dostana' had two of our most popular leading men pretending to be gay.

Now 'Straight' has Vinay Pathak believing he is gay.

There's a slender space dividing pretence from belief, specially when it comes to matters of human trait. Often what you pretend to be is what you eventually end up being.

Fortunately for serio-comic hero Pinu Patel (Pathak) he's not sexually attracted to the persistently charming new stand-comedian Kamlesh (Anuj Chaudhri) whom Pinu hires for his restaurant.

The scenes showing Kamlesh insinuating himself into Pinu's life and place of work are done with a dash of devilish bravado.

Within no time Pinu finds everyone eating not just off his tables, but also out of Kamlesh's hands.

A triangle of sorts comes up in a queer way when Pinu can't figure out who he's more jealous, when the pretty new accountant Renu (Gul Panag) strikes up a camaraderie with Kamlesh.

Confusion of sexuality is a theme yet in its infancy in our films. Director Parvati Balagopalan keeps the going light-hearted and most of the time frothy and amiable. There's an endearing quality to the way these NRIs in London are seen not in the predictable roles of migrant misfits, but grappling with more personal problems without taking themselves too seriously.

Seriously, being funny about sexual preferences doesn't come easily to our cinema. 'Straight' just about manages it with dignity and charm. The triangular relationship among Pinu, Renu and Kamlesh is punctuated by bouts of laughter, directed more at the way the characters deceive than conduct themselves.

The camaraderie that grows between the male characters is specially likable. Not just Pinu and Kamlesh, but Pinu and his London-born brother Rajat (Sid Makkar) who finally turns out to be what Pinu suspected himself of being.

Through Rajat some groovy rock numbers (Sagar Desai) make their way into the plot to add to the fair casual-fun quotient.

It's not always that we see a woman director comprehending male bonding without prejudice.

Arranged marriages and unarranged alliances all come under satirical scrutiny under Parvati's vigilant and vivacious camera range. She gets to the point straight most of the way, thanks to the performances.

While Vinay Pathak brings a characteristic candour and confusion to his character's personality, Anuj Chaudhri as the endearing intruder Kamlesh plays the character sincerely and honestly. Gul Panag is, as usual, very camera-friendly.

What really works for this film is the uncluttered clean and crisp narrative with London providing a subtly sensuous backdrop to characters who are anything but subtle or sensuous.

Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week - Day 2

Day 2 of the Wills showcase was a brilliant presentation of Art and Fashion complete in style. Prashant Verma’s showcase Meat was an artistic representation of the Greek narrative of robust and mighty male aggression and its fascination with perfection. The other designers who showcased their creations were Pankaj & Nidhi, Priyadarshini Rao, Sonam Dubal, Gaurav & Ritika, Abdul Halder, Gaurav Gupta, Ashima & Leena Singh, Rohit Mittal, Rajesh Pratap Singh, Preeti S Kapoor and one of the most noted designers of India, Manish Malhotra.

Ashima & Leena Singh had a surprise for the audience with the 'Slumdog Millionire' fame Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail and Rubina Ali walking the ramp for their designs. The little celebrities didn't fail to grab the attention of the audience.

We take you through a glimpse of what happened on the ramp on Day 2 of Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week.

'Straight': Boring!

'Dostana' and 'Fashion' brought homosexuality out of the closet. One assumes 'Straight' would take it one step ahead. It would look at gays, the relationships, the emotions. It doesn't.On the contrary, it talks of a person who's confused of his sexual preferences, one who doesn't know if he swings or not, is in fact homophobic.

'Straight' could've explored all this and more beautifully, without getting preachy, but unfortunately, there's no dum in the screenplay. It's dry and dreary and goes on and on and on... and ends up being a boring exercise.

In the midst of central London, a successful Indian restaurant called 'Gaylord' is run by a Londoner of Indian origin called Pinu [Vinay Pathak]. A simple soul at heart, Pinu has many complexes -- a special one being that he is a virgin and has experienced no intimacy with a woman.

After a failed and humiliating experience when Pinu went to India to have an arranged marriage to a traditional girl who finally dumped him at the altar and eloped with her lover, Pinu is broken and disheartened. One day, a young Indian called Kamles [Anuj Chaudhary] comes to his restaurant and asks for a job as a stand-up comedian. Pinu initially refuses, but finally lets him join as a cook, who also does a stand-up act in the evenings.

On the same day, he hires a new cashier Renu [Gul Panag], a young art student from India, who has a passion for caricatures. Life changes dramatically for Pinu as 'Gaylord' begins to transform…

One fine day, Kamles win a lottery and as he goes to hug Pinu in his excitement, he lands an accidental kiss on his lips. Pinu is thrown into a daze as he walks away from the restaurant that night. He has discovered a totally new fear: he might be Gay.

'Firaaq': A graceful, glorious homage to human spirit

Nearly flawless, almost pitched perfectly to show the trauma of those who lose limbs, lives, love and faith in a communal carnage, Nandita Das' directorial debut leaves you speechless. This is what cinema was always meant to be. But somewhere in its chequered course from information to entertainment, our movies began to feel like vaudeville entertainment meant more for diversion than intellectual stimulation.

'Firaaq' doesn't aim to be a cerebral treatise on communalism. Nor does it suffuse the narrative with what one may call intellectual masturbation for the sake of creating an aura of socio-political importance.

Non-judgemental and utterly bereft of stylistic affections, 'Firaaq' is a graceful and glorious homage to the human spirit. Much of its visual power comes from Ravi Chandran's articulate but restrained camera work, Sreekar Prasad's seamless but trenchant editing that leaves nothing (not even destiny) to chance, and Gautam Sen's artwork which makes the city's riot-torn colours emblematic of the red anger and the blue despair felt by the characters.

Set in those turbulent tension-filled days right after the Godhra incident in Gujarat, 'Firaaq' depicts the loss of human faith and the complete absence of the rules of civilised conduct in the day-to-day working of the administration vis-?-vis civilians.

Language, in fact, is an amazing tool of unhampered eloquence in 'Firaaq'. The characters in the riot-torn city speak in three languages Hindi, English and Gujarati. They do so without design or self-conscious purpose.

The outstanding words do not stand outside the characters' ambit of everyday expression (sometimes colloquial, otherwise poetic). Even when the narrative pauses to debate the polemics of communal politics among the characters, we the audience are one with the pause. This is excellence without the silent sound of applause. The spoken words are not designed for the camera. They are said because they have to be expressed.

'Firaaq' first and foremost deserves the highest praise for the remarkably even-pitched writing by Nandita Das and Shuchi Kothari. No character jumps out of the screen in trying to make its presence felt. The people who live in Nandita's film are the people we know in one way or another.

Ghajini will re-release in cinemas

Ghajini is slated for another release this year after the movie was a huge blockbuster the previous year. Producer Madhu Mantena has decided to re-release the Aamir Khan starrer one more time in the first week of april. The movie will be released with a marketing effort of “more footage”. That means one would get to see more muscular Aamir with more memory loss. Apparently the producer asked Aamir what he thought of the strategy and Aamir was all for it.

Ghajini encore will see a huge benefit of the on-going strike and so many people wouldt have an option but to watch the film. The movie will release throughout India . "We'll go for a full-fledged release with about 200 prints. Hopefully, this time we'll again create some ripples."

8 X 10 is working 24 X 7 for release

8 X 10 is about the only movie that is slated for an April release this year since the strike has claimed the release of all the movies to be postponed to the later months. But now looks like even with the special permission the film will not get to see the light of day – why – because the post production work is still incomplete.

8 X 10 Tasveer is hugely dependant on after effects and the work on the movie is going on in full steam. The film will still take some time to complete but the designers and specialists are working 24 X 7 on the project and are doing their best to meet the deadline’Percept will release this movie in a controlled environment. The movie will only be screened on 1200-1400 screens in India.

I'm happy I couldn't see Jade: Shilpa Shetty

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty says she is glad she couldn't meet her 'Celebrity Big Brother' housemate and cancer-stricken reality TV star Jade Goody - said to be hours away from death - in London as it would have depressed her no end.

"Am happy in a way, I haven't got to see her (Jade), it would've depressed me no end. I always want to remember her smiling, the feisty, strong, gregarious Jade, a true Trooper!" Shilpa said on her blog.

"It's a helpless feeling, as long as she knows am here, which I don't think she's aware of, because she is unconscious, heavily drugged since the pain is excruciating, Max Clifford (Jade's publicist) told me."

Shilpa had rushed to London on Sunday to meet Jade Goody, but was unable to see the ailing star whose condition is deteriorating rapidly due to cervical cancer.

"In the current scenario I totally understand what the family must be going through and I respect their privacy and hope she and her family is able to cope with this inexplicable pain. You are in my prayers, Jade. You are destiny's child!," she added.

Shilpa was at the receiving end of racial barbs by Jade during the 2007 'Celebrity Big Brother' but the two had made peace soon after.

Happy Birthday, Tanushree!

Tanushree Dutta has been on Bollywood’s hot circuit ever since her debut in Aashiq 'Banaya Aapne'. Here's wishing Tanushree a happy birthday!

Pass on your wishes to Tanushree Dutta on her 25th birthday

Shahid Kapoor signed as a brand ambassador for Levi Strauss Signature

After endorsing VIP luggage and audio systems' major brand Pioneer, teen heartthrob Shahid Kapoor has bagged yet another plum endorsement. Levi Strauss Signature has signed Shahid as its brand ambassador. The actor, a youth icon, is seen as an aspirational figure and the company is placing its bet exactly on that.

Shumone Chatterjee, Country Manager, Levi Strauss & Co India Pvt. Ltd, said, "Shahid is a youth icon and Levi Strauss Signature is an iconic youth apparel brand - it's fitting that they both zip together. Shahid is a quintessential blend of youth and style, which is what the Levi Strauss Signature brand stands for. India is a strong growth market for the Levi Strauss Signature brand and signing on Shahid as its face will help us create a closer connection with our young audience."

On his association with the brand, Shahid said, "I have always been a great admirer of the Levi Strauss Signature brand. It's relaxed and on-trend styles reflect my personal style, and the sentiment of the youth whom I identify with so closely. It's great to be associated with such an iconic brand."

The company has planned an exciting media campaign and various interactive consumer related activities with Shahid in the coming months.

With such plum endorsement deals and some interesting films on hand, Shahid's 'Kismat' is certainly getting 'Konnected' in the right way.

Akshay’s rush to the finish

Akshay Kumar is a busy man these days, he’s working hard on Vipul Shah’s Action Replay and is presently staying in Karjat along with his family for it. But apart from this film, Akki is also trying to dub for his much delayed film ‘8 X 10 Tasveer’. But this is the situation –Akshay is shooting for Action Replay in Karjat and dubbing fro Tasveer in Mumbai so in order to smoothen things out Akshay has hired a helicopter to take him to and fro.

A source revealed that “Akshay is very particular about his shoots and doesn’t like to delay them He decided to hire a chopper so that he ends up saving time” Since Karjat is a popular resort for shooting and Bollywood there is a private heli-service that provides private choppers for actors and artists. Akshay shells out 75,000 for the helicopter. He is also paying out of his own pocket and is not asking Percept to pay for the expenses.

Does Salman do a cameo in Main Aur Mrs Khanna?

All this while the debut production of Sohail Khan productions Main Aur Mrs Khanna was known to have Salman and Kareena in the lead, but now reportedly it is said that the film only has Salman doing a cameo… so who do we trust? Almost everyone is under the impression that Salman is making just a 20 minute appearance in the film, so we had to confirm from the authorities…

Director Prem Soni himself clarifies that the film definitely has the Salman in the lead and he doesn’t know where the rumours have cropped up from. "The fact is that Salman is the lead man of the film. He's not making a special appearance.” Says he.

Main Aur Mrs Khanna is a love story about Kareena and Salman and deals with the chapter of infidelity amongst couples

I am not ambitious: Nandita Das

After proving her mettle with power packed performances in films like 'Fire', 'Earth' and 'Bawandar', Nandita Das is ready to release her first film as a director.

The critically acclaimed actress says she is not ambitious at all and therefore, has no pressure of proving anything to the world with 'Firaaq'.

"I think not being ambitious frees me from the pressure of proving to the world. I would love to explore different genres and characters, but not those that defy my basic sensibilities and interests," Nandita said on why she prefers to stay away from mainstream cinema.

Considered one of the most sensitive actresses with films like 'Fire', 'Earth', 'Bawandar' and 'Ramchand Pakistani', the actress said she came into acting by default.

"I have instinctively anchored towards projects that I can relate to, that resonated with my interests, concerns and dilemma. I didn't grow up with mainstream cinema and I somehow never could relate to it," she told us in an interview.

For her, social activism, acting or even directing a film, all leads to the same goal to react to sufferings around her.

"I get affected by the sufferings around me and simply react to it in the way I can.’Firaaq' happened because I felt compelled to bring out certain stories," she said.

I don't think Shah Rukh ever was 'King Khan': Aamir Khan

Keeping up his swipes at superstar Shah Rukh Khan and the No.1 slot in Bollywood, Aamir Khan, riding on the super success of his revenge drama 'Ghajini', has said he never thought Shah Rukh was ever on the top pedestal at all.

He also said Oscar-winning 'Slumdog Millionaire' failed to 'touch' him.

Aamir, during CNN's special edition of 'Talk Asia', was asked how he feels about being termed the new 'King Khan' after the success of 'Ghajini'. He replied: 'I had absolutely no intention of kicking Shah Rukh off his pedestal. Though I have to say, I don't think he ever was on it.'

Elaborating, Aamir said: 'In my opinion, the actor who I really look up to is Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. He is someone whose work I really like, a fantastic actor and the kind of stardom Mr. Bachchan has seen, none of us can ever hope to see.'

The 44-year-old actor, whose latest work, the Hindi remake of Tamil film 'Ghajini', was a success at the box office, says he feels satisfied with his films only if they turn out to be as they are intended.

'You can never really tell until you see a film with the audience. How it is going to play with the audience. For me, what is important is that when I see the film once it is ready, has it turned out the way we wanted it to? If we have done that, then that makes me feel happy,' he said.

Aamir, whose own directorial debut film 'Taare Zameen Par', failed to get nominated in the foreign film category at the 81st Annual Academy Awards this year, says that 'Slumdog Millionaire' failed to 'touch' him.

'I thought the movie was well intended. It was a very sincere attempt, but it didn't touch me personally, and I suspect it because I'm not used to watching Indians speak English, all these slum kids talking in English... it's strange,' said Aamir.

This episode of 'Talk Asia' will be aired on March 25 at 6 p.m. on CNN.

Katrina focussing on two 'difficult films'

After a slew of out and out comedies like 'Namastey London', 'Partner' and 'Singh Is Kinng', Katrina Kaif is now working on two "difficult" films - Prakash Jha's political drama 'Rajneeti' and Rajkumar Santoshi's romantic comedy 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani'- and the actress wants to devote extra time and thought to the projects. After a slew of out and out comedies like 'Namastey London', 'Partner' and 'Singh Is Kinng', Katrina Kaif is now working on two 'difficult' films - Prakash Jha's political drama 'Rajneeti' and Rajkumar Santoshi's romantic comedy 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani'- and the actress wants to devote extra time and thought to the projects.

'This year I would like to allocate time to big films. The kind of films I am doing - 'Rajneeti' and 'Ajab Prem...' are a little more difficult. They need time and also a little more thought process,' Katrina told IANS. The films are slated for release this year.

In 'Ajab Prem...' Katrina shares screen space with Ranbir Kapoor and Upen Patel, while in 'Rajneeti' she stars alongside a bevy of actors including Ranbir, Ajay Devgan, Arjun Rampal, Nana Patekar and Manoj Bajpai.

Katrina says that Santoshi's dedication and 'knack for making his actors win national awards' is something that makes her want to work hard for his film.

''Ajab Prem...' is a very different film. Raj-ji is a taskmaster on the sets and the results of that are visible. I need to dedicate enough time and attention to this film because I think the movie is going to be very special and very important for me. It's nothing like I have done before,' said the 24-year-old actress.

Katrina shares similar sentiments for Jha, who has helmed films like 'Gangaajal' and 'Apaharan' in the past.

'Prakash Jha is highly intelligent and highly interested in his project. A film like 'Rajneeti' is not something where I can just jump and say - 'Sir, my hair is done, my costume is done and I'm ready', something I can do in most films that are comic capers.

'For films like his, one has to research clothes. I can't decide on my own what I want to wear or what I would prefer. I have to follow the character I am playing. 'Rajneeti' is a very grounded, a very rooted film, and so I am going to be dedicating a little more time as the project requires it,' she said.

In 'Rajneeti' Katrina sports a simple and de-glamourized look in a crisp cotton sari and with her hair neatly tied in a ponytail. Though the look bears a resemblance to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, the director has denied that her role has anything to do with the senior leader.

Though Katrina has mostly starred in comedies like 'Namastey London' and 'Singh Is Kinng' (Vipul Shah), 'Partner' (David Dhawan) and 'Welcome' (Anees Bazmee) in her over five-year-old career, she says she 'might not be doing another comedy, fun, masti film very dedicatedly any time soon'.

Apart from 'Rajneeti' and 'Ajab Prem...', Katrina has Yash Raj Film's 'New York', Anthony D'Souza's 'Blue' and also a two-film deal with production house UTV in her kitty.

Bobby Deol shot fight scenes in heavy rain

Bobby Deol didn't bother about the pouring rain and freezing temperature while shooting fight scenes in muddy fields for Sangeeth Sivan's 'Ek - The Power of One' in Punjab in December, leaving producer Jaswant Khera highly impressed.

According to a source, the film unit was shooting for a major action sequence amid heavy rains. Even the vanity vans of the actors had to be parked around two kilometres away from the location and the unit members took long gaps between shots because of the weather.

For Bobby's convenience, the producer even requested the actor to go and rest in the van as he was worried about his health, but Bobby insisted that if the entire unit could bear the weather so could he, added the source.

'These fight scenes had to be shot in muddy fields and freezing temperatures and the unit had already lost three to four days of shoot due to the climatic conditions. I was absolutely overwhelmed with Bobby's dedication and professionalism and the action sequences have turned out to be wonderful in the film,' said Khera.

'Ek - The Power of One' will release March 27.

Priyanka Chopra to be honoured at the Asian Film Awards

Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra will receive the Nielsen Box Office Award for outstanding contribution to Asian cinema.

The award will be presented during the 3rd Annual Asian Film Awards March 23. The awards will be part of the 33rd Hong Kong International Film Festival at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.


'Priyanka Chopra is India's number one female star. She has received numerous awards and accolades for her outstanding work since she began acting just a few years ago,' said Eric Mika, publisher of the Hollywood Reporter and vice president of Nielsen Media and Entertainment Group.

'It is truly amazing to acknowledge the breadth of her success, and we are honoured to bestow the Nielsen Box Office Award on one who has done so incredibly much in so little time,' he added.

Priyanka, a former Miss World, will be the second recipient of the award. She joins Hong Kong film actor and producer Andy Lau, who received the inaugural award at the 2007 ceremony.

Deepika Padukone to endorse chewing gum Orbit

After endorsing brands like Fiama Di Wills, Pepsi, Kingfisher Airlines and Tissot, Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has now signed up as the brand ambassador of Wrigley's sugar-free chewing gum Orbit.
It is for the first time that the brand has partnered with a film actor to promote oral health benefits, a statement said.

'Deepika's association with Orbit will synchronise well with the brand and its objectives. We believe that this association would help us achieve widespread awareness about the importance of oral care and the benefits of chewing Orbit sugar-free chewing gum,' a company spokesperson said.

Deepika said: 'I am proud to be associated with Orbit sugar-free chewing gum, which is a convenient and portable way to help maintain and improve oral health anytime, anywhere - at home, in the car and during shoots.'

The company plans to leverage Deepika for its advertising campaign which will be launched in March.

Hrithik Ash all Set for a Hattrick

Hrithik Roshan is all set to do a hattrick with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The duo, who have shared fantastic screen chemistry in films like Dhoom 2 and Jodhaa Akbar, are all set to sizzle on screen together again in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's next.

In fact, Bhansali and Ash will also be working together for the third time in succession, after the very successful Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Devdas, two movies which really catapulted Ash to where she is now. Incidentally, contrary to his very volatile and mercurial image, Bhansali seems to have reacted quite positively to Hrithik's suggestion to postpone the first schedule. The actor would like to be fully through with his home production, Kites, which is being directed by Anurag Basu and has him (Hrithik), cast opposite Barbara Mori and Kangana Ranaut. The outcome of the suggestion has been that Bhansali still begins his schedule on time. The concession that he has made is that he will start the shoot with the scenes which do not require Hrithik. The actor will join the shoot once he is through with Kites. Bhansali's film goes on the floors in the middle of April.

Farhan gives Shilpa Shetty book on managing a cricket team

Bollywood's multi-faceted star Farhan Akhtar pulled off a joke on actress Shilpa Shetty by gifting her a book titled 'How To Manage A Cricket Team Without Creating Controversy', authored by former Indian coach Greg Chappell.

Considering Shilpa has recently joined the bandwagon of actresses taking part in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with her boyfriend Raj Kundra buying a stake in the Rajasthan Royals, the actor-filmmaker-singer presented the book to her on his talk show 'Oye! It's Friday'.

'Both Farhan and Shilpa are very 'bindaas' (fun-loving and carefree) people. And with Shilpa having joined the IPL this year, Farhan made a little joke out of it by giving this book,' a source from the unit told IANS.

Apart from this incident, the forthcoming episode of the show, to be aired Friday at 10 p.m on NDTV Imagine, would also reveal Farhan's new look for his next film 'Kartik Calling Kartik'. The actor sports a clean and cropped hairdo like his childhood friend Abhishek Bachchan's look in Mani Ratnam's big budget venture 'Ravana'.

Shriya is the New Punjab di Kudi!

Shriya Saran essays the role of a simple effervescent girl from the land of Punjab, in her forthcoming movie EK The Power of One which is produced by K Sera Sera. The actress is looking gorgeous wearing vivid colours and flaunting the traditional Phulkari embroidery and well, who else to thank than her designer Falguni Thakore!

"With Shriya, I had an advantage of a naturally very graceful girl with a beautiful complexion. I used a lot of chiffons, georgettes and breezy fabrics that added to the feminine styling for her look. It was a beautiful experience to re-create the Punjabi jooti's and jhoomka's and the little detailing with the parandi's et al to complete the entire Punjab di kudi feel. The Northern influence was incorporated in the styling and designing of her costumes. Antique silver kurta buttons on short kurti's, lace salwar's and dogri's make up her silhouette for the wardrobe." says the designer.

Well guys, watch out for the makeover of a South Indian belle to a Punjab Di Kudi!

Another Addition to the Cast of My Name Is Khan

There has been another addition to the cast of Karan Johar's My Name Is Khan, with actress Zarina Wahab being roped in to play the role of mother to Shah Rukh Khan in the movie. The film sees SRK back in action with his favourite leading lady, Kajol.

According to sources, Zarina, who is actor Aditya Panscholi's wife, is believed to have been quite happy to accept the role, as she feels that it does not matter who plays her son or daughter. The actress who is best remembered for her role as leading lady in films like Chitchor and Gharonda, has been playing mother roles for a while now in regional films as well as on television. But the factor that played a big role in landing her the part was the fact that she has not been overexposed on TV. Another plus was her reputation as a sensitive actress. Johar was looking for someone who could carry off the role of the mother of an autistic person and Zarina seemed to fit the bill.

SRK's character in the movie is supposed to be suffering from a form of autism

Marriage can wait for two years: Kareena Kapoor

Kareena Kapoor, who has received as many as four awards in just one month, says plans of her marriage to Saif Ali Khan may not happen for at least two years as her career is going great guns. "It won't happen for the next two years for sure. Am I crazy to get married now when so many wonderful things are happening to my career? Saif himself is ultra-busy trying to set up his production house. Marriage can wait. I'm just happy to have him by my side. I've got the best guy any girl can ever have.

"Right now I'm so busy I don't have time to sleep properly. I haven't even had time to move into my new house," Kareena told us in an interview.

Overwhelmed after receiving four awards, she said: "Who doesn't like attention, recognition and awards? I've got four awards in a month beginning with the environment award I got from Erin Brockovich, then two youth icon awards from Rotary International and Stardust. And now on Tuesday I was honoured by FICCI which Yash Chopra gave to me.

"My mother gets exasperated each time I bring home another trophy. Saif wants to know where I'm going to keep all of them. I've set aside a whole enclave for trophies and awards. I love looking at them. One day my children are going to look at them and be proud of me."

Now, after a long time, Kareena will be in Mumbai for a month. "I've a month-long schedule of Rensil (D'Silva's) film coming up in Mumbai."

Saif and Kareena returned home to Mumbai this week from Delhi without completing the shooting for D'Silva's film.

We never expected such crowds. They were everywhere. And it was impossible to shoot," she says, sounding not the least put off. "Those people who love me out there keep me going. I love my fans and awards."

And now Delhi will have to be fudged in the Mumbai schedule of D'Silva's film.

The extent of the surging crowds in Delhi in the key shooting spots like Jama Masjid and Janpath for D'Silva's untitled film was so huge and unmanageable that the unit has returned without shooting the required sequences.

Back in Mumbai after a week of futile shooting, Kareena says: "Everywhere we went there were these huge numbers of people who had come to see Saif and me. They were very sweet, very well-behaved. But unfortunately the number of people in key places like Jama Masjid and Janpath was always too high to shoot properly."

As a result, there was almost no shooting.

"We did can some shots. But it was impossible to shoot with wide-angle lenses because the crowds were everywhere. We'll now have to recreate some of the Delhi sequences in Mumbai."

Kareena is certainly not unhappy about the attention she got in Delhi. "The people in Delhi were so warm. It just made me realise how much of a responsibility I have towards my audience. At this stage of my career I'd rather take another holiday than do a bad film."

I won't play a terrorist: Irrfan Khan

has replaced Irrfan Khan in the powerful role of a terrorist in Rensil D'Silva's untitled directorial debut.

A plum role that Irrfan Khan, just back triumphant from the Oscars in LA 'reluctantly' turned down. "There was nothing reluctant about my decision not to do Rensil's film," Irrfan corrects us resolutely.

"Yes the script and role were tempting. And it is a Karan Johar production. But it would take a lot more than just these factors to make me get into that dark seriously-conflicting space. The truth is, I won't play a terrorist even if the world's greatest director offered me the part," says the Khan, obviously because of his title and the political religious connections that would come into play and willy-nilly impinge on his creative liberty as an actor.

Fearless enough to play a sadistic cop in 'Slumdog Millionaire' and a closet gay leading a dual life in Mira Nair's AIDS film 'Migration', Irrfan's quest for exploring the darkest of characters ends at the doorstep of terrorism.

"I've no qualms about playing the darkest and the lowliest of creatures. But I find it too disturbing to explore the mindspace and the psyche of a terrorist. It's too close to home for comfort," says Irrfan resolutely.

Interestingly, Saif Ali Khan apparently plays a terrorist in Rensil's film.

Hollywood shows interest in Hindi horror film '13B'

The makers of horror movie '13B' can't stop smiling these days as their work seems to be heading to Hollywood. A film studio in the US has shown interest in acquiring the rights to remake it as an English film.
Hollywood studio Weinstein Company was quite impressed after going through the synopsis of '13B', which stars R. Madhavan and Neetu Chandra, and now wants to know more about the film before getting the rights.

"Yes, Weinstein Company has indeed shown a keen interest in the film. They have asked us to send them over the entire script of the film. Though they are seeing the film as well, they want to go through the script in detail to consider its adaptation as per western sensibilities," said a spokesperson of Reliance BIG Pictures that produced '13B'.

Writer-director Vikram K. Kumar is happy that his film is finding a following outside India as well.

"I'm extremely happy, ecstatic and honoured about the Weinstein Company considering the '13B' script for the remake rights. I would have never imagined that this may happen," Kumar told us.

'13B' revolves around a television set that creates havoc in the life of Madhavan by showing on screen real events that are going to happen to his family.

Horror flicks coming out of the Indian film industry are often accused of following a set pattern. But the trend has started changing for the better in the recent past, thanks to successes like 'Raaz - The Mystery Continues', 'Phoonk' and now '13B'.

So '13B' being considered for a remake is big news for Bollywood since the Weinstein Company, an independent American film studio founded by Harvey and Bob Weinstein, has quite a reputation. In the past, it has released films like Pierce Brosnan's 'The Matador', Jennifer Aniston's 'Derailed' and Felicity Huffman's 'Transamerica' amongst many others.

Considering the fact that Bollywood has time and again looked at the west for inspiration, isn't it flattering to see a Bollywood film crossing the shores?

"Of course yes. It's one of the few times that an Indian script is being considered by the western market; otherwise it's always been the other way round. This turnaround could also be attributed to the 'Slumdog Millionaire' effect which has suddenly made Indian content a top consideration," said Kumar.

While the producers have started making arrangements for serious talks to begin around the remake rights with the Weinstein Company, lead actor Madhavan is more than happy with just the response it is getting in India.

"In Mumbai, the second weekend has been better than the first. That itself is an achievement since '13B' has been doing very well through positive word of mouth. In its Tamil version, the film is already a big hit down south," Madhavan said.

Manisha Koirala rejects cameo role in Amol Palekar film

Actress Manisha Koirala was overjoyed when she was offered a role by actor-turned-director Amol Palekar in his new film. But later she refused to accept the role as it turned out to be just a cameo.

'I'd have loved to work with Amolji. It was an interesting character, that of a Buddhist monk. I'd have given my right arm to play the role, if only I had at least two scenes... achcha chalo, only one meaty scene. I've never believed in measuring my roles in terms of playing time. Lekin kuch to hona chahiye... (but something should be there).'

Manisha had to reluctantly say no. 'It broke my heart. Because I'm into Buddhism. And I want to work with Amolji.'

She expected Palekar to offer her yet another opportunity to relive her golden days of 'Khamoshi', 'Bombay' and 'Dil Se'.

Now the role has gone to Antara Mali who was last seen in Ram Gopal Varma's 'Main Madhuri Dixit Ban-na Chahti Hoon' and 'Naach'.

First Look: Preity Zinta's 'Videsh'

Vibrant and irrepressibly alive, Chand (Preity Zinta) is a young bride leaving her home in Ludhiana, India, for the cavernous landscape of Brampton, Ontario, where her husband Rocky (Vansh Bhardwaj) and his very traditional family await her arrival. Everything is new to Chand everything is unfamiliar including the quiet and shy Rocky who she meets for the first time at the Arrivals level of Pearson Airport. Chand approaches her new life and her new land with equanimity and grace, and at times the wide-eyed optimism of hope-her first snowfall is a tiny miracle of beauty, and the roar of Niagara Falls creates the excitement of new beginnings.

Anurag Kashyap and Kalki Koechlin’s ‘Happy Ending’

We don’t know if Anurag Kashyap and Kalki Koechlin will live happily ever after or anything but we do know that they’ll have a very happy ending indeed because that’s what Kashyap has in store for Kalki. We’re talking about Anurag Kashyaps latest addition to his upcoming films, Happy Ending. Looks like Anurag was so jolted about Kalki’s performance in Dev D, he just couldn’t help but make an entire film that would revolve around Kalki.

So the entire script of Happy Ending has been scripted around Kalki to expose her acting potential in Bollywood. As you know Anurag has a very out-of-the-box type of style and so talking about the film he mentions

“Though the film is called Happy Ending it’s actually a very sad film. It’s written specially for Kalki. I owe her that much.” Happy Ending is a film centered around a girls journey that will fit into the same experimental and different 90 minute film he specializes in. “I would say it’s in the genre of Christian Mungiu’s Romanian film 4 Months 3 Weeks 2 Days.” Says the director. But Anurag has vowed to keep nudity out of this film, “I’m totally against nudity, I don’t think Indian audiences are ready for female nudity”.
Before this movie there is also another release by Anurag, Bombay Velvet that will star ohn Abraham, Kay Kay Menon & Naseeruddin Shah.

Akshay Kumar get king sized treatment on the sets of ‘Blue’

Akshay Kumar’s latest releases may not have done all that well at the box office but that does not stop the Kinng from living it up! Akshay Kumar is showing that he is the true Kinng on the sets of ‘Action Replay’ by receiving 5-star treatment complete with a chopper and a sprawling bungalow.

Vipul Shah has spared no expenses in keeping Akshay every whim satisfied. In fact Shah has arranged for the chopper to take him Aishwarya and Akshay to shoots and back. Akshay’s bungalow is equipped with a gymnasium and swimming pool and also a swanky home theater system, which has all been arranged according to Akshay’s preferences. Akshay has also got a personal chef that will whip up anything his tastes call for.

Also Vipul has declared Fridays as chuttis for everyone on the sets, so everyone is properly rested and rejuvenated on the weekends.

Siren of the Week: Shraddha Das

Shraddha Das is one of the hottest emerging stars in Tollywood and Bollywood. She has been climbing up the glam chart in the Telugu film industry, and Bollywood is beckoning her with author backed roles.

Click on, for some sizzling pix of the hottie!

Freida Pinto dismisses Bond rumours

who has become an international celebrity post her successful debut in 'Slumdog Millionaire', has shot down reports that touted her as the next Bond girl.

The 24-year-old Indian actress told a TV channel here that she has not given the screen test for the next Bond flick as was reported by tabloids earlier.

The Mumbai native added said that she is no Bond girl but was flattered by the rumours.

The story that was first reported by British tabloids said that the actress had given a screen test and was a favorite of executive producer Barbara Broccoli.

The reports also suggested that the dusky beauty was first spotted by Bond producers during the casting of 'Quantum of Solace' but was considered too young at that time.

"Freida came to the attention of the Bond team when they were casting Quantum of Solace. She was too young at the time to have a part as a love interest for a secret agent. But she has blossomed into an incredibly stunning young woman and would look perfect on Daniel Craig's arm," a source was quoted as saying.

No plan to enter IPL: Kareena Kapoor

Bollywood beauties Preity Zinta, Juhi Chawla and Shilpa Shetty are trying their luck in the business of cricket through the Indian Premier League (IPL), but Kareena Kapoor says she has no such plan as she doesn't have a business sense.

Asked if she planned to enter IPL like other actresses, Kareena said: "I have no idea about business. I only know how to act. As for business, I will think about it five years later."

Kareena, who was last seen with superstar Shah Rukh Khan in a song in 'Billu', is busy working for forthcoming films like 'Kambakth Ishq', 'Main Aur Mrs. Khanna', 'Three Idiots' and an untitled Renzil D'Silva project.

While Preity co-owns IPL team Kings XI Punjab, Juhi is part owner of Shah Rukh's Kolkata Knight Riders and Shilpa Shetty joined the cricket bandwagon this year with beau Raj Kundra by buying a stake in Rajasthan Royals.

Bobby and Kangna's emotional drama

Sampurn, Bollywood Trade News Network

After HEROES which was released in October last year, director Samir Karnik is now working on ROSHAN starring Bobby Deol and Kangana Ranuat. The film is about the emotional drama of a doctor and his girlfriend.
We spoke to Samir Karnik about the film.

"ROSHAN is in its post-production stage and this film is an emotional drama. It is based on the fact saying that when hope is there everything you can achieve. Its love story of Bobby Deol and Kangana Ranuat. And Bobby plays a doctor's character. The character has achieved everything in life but one incident truly changes his life. As of now I can just say this much because the film is still in the post-production stage and the final releasing date will be out in few weeks."

Further about working experience with Bobby Deol and Kangana Ranuat, the director says, "This is the third time that I am working with Bobby Deol. He is a fantastic human being and he has now become my favorite actor too. I enjoy with him while Kangana is also a fantastic and talented actress."

Eros International who is the producer of the film will decide the actual release date of the film.

Action Replay has taken off!

Vipul Shah’s Action Replay hit the floors yesterday with Akshay Kumar and Aishwarya Rai in a film together after five years. Action Replay is a film based on a Gujarati play that will have a little inclination towards the baseline of reverse aging, just like ‘The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button’. (TCCOBB)

Although Shah asserts that the script for the film was written before TCCOBB was written the two films have unavoidable similarities. In Action Replay the film will see the 62 year old Akshay Kumar turn into a 26 year old young man, and with each generation leap, Akshay Kumar is said to grow younger, so from being a father akki will turn into a hip-shaking youngster with bell bottoms and all.

The film has gone into the initial stages of shooting and Vipul Shah could never be happier that his 15 year old dream is coming true. “ have always wanted to make this Gujarati play into a film. When the casting fell into place, everything else fell into place.” – says he.Vipul has also clarified that the films title is registered with him and that all those rumours of the title owned by his arch enemy Gaurang Doshi.

The movie is expected to hit cinemas in the end of this year so until then we’ll keep you posted.

Happy Birthday, Aamir!

We celebrate the birthday of Aamir Khan, an actor par excellence, award winning director ('Taare Zameen Par'), and a hit producer ('Lagaan', 'Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na'). After the mighty success of ‘Ghajini’, Aamir Khan has convincingly asserted his position on Bollywood Box office charts!

Wish Aamir Khan on his 44th birthday

ETC’s best movie picks for 2009

This year has started off on a very ironical note with huge movies that expected to be blockbusters dropping like a bomb and small movies making huge waves in the industry. Yes with movies like Chandni Chowk to China which was a total flop while movies like Luck By Chance and Dev D coming out to be superhits among the audiences. But lets take a small look at just some of the highly anticipated films in the coming months.

April
8 X 10 Tasveer
This is Nagesh Kukunoor’s next film starring Akshay Kumar in the lead as an exceptional character that has supernatural powers. A personal tragedy that leads him to use this unique power to unravel the mystery and a nail biting finish to comeup with startling answers. The trailer is already out an this much delayed movie will be the only release of April, which makes it very advantageous.

May
Kambakkht Ishq
Bollywood’s Mr. Blockbuster, Sajid Nadiadwala has made headlines numerous times for this movie that fuses holywood and Bollywood in what could well be a new era in Indian cinema. With Sylvester Stallone, Denise Richards and Kylie Minogue in the movie this is already a movie with monstrous proportions.

June
Kaminey
The first look of the movie is already out and its already a favorite of the critics. Gesturing from the very trailer of Shahid fumbling and Priyanka’s sexy curves one would have to mouth… “I’m definitely going for this one”.

July
Main Aur Mrs Khanna
This is Sohail Khan Productions debut film which will also be jointly co-produced by UTV is a concoction of love and extramarital affairs. The film revolves around the story of Samir Khanna (Salman Khan) and Raina Khanna (Kareena Kapoor) who have a fairy tale marriage. Samir gets his dream job and they both have a great life until one wrong decision leads to them to part ways.

August
London Dreams
Asin’s second film in Bollywood and across Salman Khan, London Dreams has Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan in principal roles

October
What’s Your Rashee?
This will be the second film Proyanaka Chopra and ex-boyfriend have done together and with Ashutosh Gowariker behind the wheel this looks like a fun ride.

December
3 Idiots
Another Chetan Bhagat novel into a film is a little bit of a turnoff, but when you add Aamir Khan into the cast of the film, you wont accept anything less than perfection no!? The only movie shot at IIM Bangalore, with Kajol making a special appearance in the film. This is probably the most anticipated film of the year.

Ranbir Kapoor to stammer in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani

After entertaining everyone at the filmfares, Ranbir Kapoor is all set to tickle your funny bone once again with Rajkumar Santoshi’s Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani. Now we all know that Shahid Kapur will be stammering in his film ‘Kaminey’, where he mixes the letters “s” for “f” but did you know that Ranbir will also follow suit and do some tongue twisting action in the film, because Ranbir also stutters in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani. His character will see a lot of tounge tumbling in this romantic comedy in which he will eventually climax in the end as a more confident and composed person.

Ranbir is pretty confident about his stammering abilities and is not undergoing any intense training like Shahid for the role. He will do this in his own style and to make things even funnier, Santoshi has incorporated a distinct look and particular mannerism for Ranbir.Going on to Santoshi, this will be the directors comeback to the comedy genre after a long time, and the stammering idea was to achieve the sympathy of audiences towards him and the other characters.

Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani will also star Katrina Kaif & Upen Patel as Ranbir’s co-stars.

Deepika Padukone goes on a break

Sampurn, Bollywood Trade News Network

Deepika Padukone doesn't believe in being greedy and signing as many projects that she can to remain in the rat race, she is definitely a class apart.
A committed professional that she is, Deepika just completed all her assignments on hand that included shooting for TV commercials (for 5 different brands) apart from her pending films. Now maintaining a low profile after the debacle of her last release, CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA, Deepika has taken a much needed break before she begins her next film.

A close pal of Deepika added, "Deepika will start shooting for Farhan Akhtar starrer KARTIK CALLING KARTIK, being produced by Farhan's banner Excel Entertainment, from April 4th. She has been working constantly for the last few months that included Saif Ali Khan's home production LOVE AAJ KAL and CC2C. So now before she begins a long cycle of constant work once again with Farhan's film and later Sajid Khan's directorial venture HOUSEFULL with Akshay Kumar she wants to take some rest and recharge herself. She is not in a hurry to sign multiple projects right now and is happy having only these two films on her hand."

While what she intends to do in this break may not be revealed, but one thing is sure, she may finally get some quality time to spend with beau Ranbir Kapoor, who too is busy shooting in and around Mumbai these days.

Action Replay Goes on the Floors

Produce director Vipul Shah's Action Replay went on the floors a day ago. The film's shooting commenced at ND Studios. The film will see Aishwariya Rai Bachchan and Akshay Kumar coming together after Khakhee. The film also sees veteran Randhir Kapoor make a reappearance on screen. His last appearance was for Honey Irani's film Armaan, where he played Preity Zinta's father. The film was also supposed to star Arjun Rampal, but according to sources, he has been replaced by MTV VJ Ranvijay. It seems that Arjun's dates for Prakash Jha's Rajneeti were clashing with Vipul's film, so he decided to opt out. Arjun and Vipul go a long way back. They worked together in the 2002 action flick, Aankhen.

Sanjay Suri is Suddenly Back in Business

Despite being a decent actor, Sanjay Suri has not yet managed to break into the creamy layer of Bollywood. The actor has proved himself time and again but somehow the big offers are not very forthcoming. But thankfully, the director has his set of directors who believe in him.

One of them is Onir, in whose Sorry Bhai, he was seen last year. But Onir is also a business partner. Despite so much which h is not working out is his favour, the actor still has a lot going for him. For instance, this year, the actor has two back to back releases lined up for him. The first is Firaaq, a movie based on the aftermath of the Gujarat riots, directed by Nandita Das, closely followed by Piyush Jha's Sikander, which is set in Kashmir, Suri's home state. Despite a not so happening 2008, this year seems to have opened up for the actor with these two releases. Besides these two films, the actor also has a couple of other releases in Sanjay Gupta's Alibaug, and a film called Flat.

Abhishek: SRK has always been like an elder brother

It comes as quite surprising to hear that Abhishek Bachchan - son of Bollywood Megastar Amitabh Bachchan (whom people look upon, who is an institution of inspiration for countless people, an actor par excellence, whose acting even the film fraternities swear by) considers Bollywood Baadshah - Shah Rukh Khan as his source of inspiration!
Recently AB's baby - Abhishek in a close conversation with Farhan Akhtar at the chat-show 'Oye Its Friday' was all praises for Shah Rukh and held that SRK is always like his elder brother with right advices and a very helpful person.

"SRK is somebody whom I have always looked upto. He's been always like an elder brother with his advice and very helpful in that way. He once told us a story which I think was fantastic. He said "Is Duniya mein do kism ke actor hote hain. They are like runners. One that runs because they have been chased and one that runs because they love running. So, be the actor that loves running. Don't act that you have to... means somebody is forcing you to act. Do it for the love of acting." And that's something I will always remember throughout my life. " Revealed Abhishek at the show.


After hearing this, all we can say is you truly possess the same modesty and generosity as your father (Big B) does when it comes to crediting others for their acts.

First Look: Akshay Kumar's 'Blue'

Says Director Anthony D'Souza on 'Blue': "It is the story of three friends who set out to find a sunken treasure ship. Sanjay and Akshay play fishermen based in the Bahamas, Zayed is a flamboyant guy who joins them in a treasure hunt. Lara plays Sanjay's wife and Katrina's character has grey shades to it."

Click on, for a sneak peek at one of the most awaited movies of 2009!

How did Bollywood stars celebrate Holi, this year?

Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan stayed away from Holi celebrations and so did others for various reasons. But the day brought colours to the lives of many actors who took off from work to be with family and friends.
A sneak peek at how the Bollywood stars spent the day.

Amitabh Bachchan: "Nothing! We're celebrating no Holi this year. Yes, I know our home is an open house on Holi every year. Hopefully we'll be back to celebrating Holi next year.

"This year too many tragic events have happened around us. On a personal level, my father's passing away then my mother's prolonged illness have suspended Holi celebrations in my house. And then, of course, the things that are happening in Mumbai city and the country. Do you think anyone is in the mood for celebration? We're not. Maybe next year."

Preity Zinta: "What am I doing for Holi? Nothing. Sleeping the whole day. Recovering from my jet lag after my trip to New Zealand. In any case, I think Holi has lost its original spirit long back."

Deepika Padukone: "I'll have the day off. I'll celebrate with my family and close friends."

Farhan Akhtar: "For the time in living memory I won't be home for Holi. I'll be shooting abroad. It breaks my heart to miss Holi. Can't be helped."

Bipasha Basu: "I've no Holi plans. I'm allergic to the abeer and other Holi colours. I'll spend Holi with my family, devouring Holi delicacies. It's a diet-free day for me."

Abhishek Bachchan: "I'll be shooting. No Holi this year at home. Just work."

Genelia D'Souza: "I'll be shooting in Delhi on Holi."

Rajeev Khandelwal: "I'm shooting for 'Peter Gaya Kaam Se' in Goa. I'll be experiencing the Goan Holi for the first time."

Hurman S. Baweja: "I'll be shooting in Delhi for 'It's My Life'. I think my lightmen, camera crew, director and co-stars will be my Holi victims. Watch out, here I come."

Himesh Reshammiya: "As always I prefer to work on auspicious days. I'll be recording a new song for 'Ishq Unplugged' on Holi."

Urmila Matondkar: "I'm not much of a Holi person. I'll be chilling at home watching some good movies and hoping no one gets rowdy with women who have to step out of their homes."

Irrfan Khan: "I'll be in Dholpur shooting for 'Paan Singh Tomar' on Holi. We'll celebrate over there. After 'Billu' and 'Slumdog Millionaire' I'm in a festive mood."

Manisha Koirala: "I'm throwing a party for close friends at the Marriot."

Celina Jaitley: "This Holi I'm in Hyderabad. I'll be spending it with the cast and crew."

Tusshar Kapoor: "I'll be meeting up with my friends for lunch and not playing Holi, since I stopped doing that long ago."

Akshay Kumar's 'Action Replay' in title trouble!

It looks like the new -Vipul Shah-Akshay Kumar film that would also have Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in the lead won't be able to get its chosen title 'Action Replay' that easily, as it is the property of his arch-rival.

Remember the war of words, and worse, when director Shah and producer Gaurang Doshi parted ways after 'Aankhen'? The two swore (and cursed) and promised the world they'd never work with each other - and kept their word.

Akshay Kumar had also parted bitterly with Doshi and went on to form a hugely fruitful alliance with Shah.

Since the film is based on the play of that name, Shah wants to call his film by the title 'Action Replay' and nothing else. However it seems unlikely that he'll get the title since it's now Doshi's property.

"And Doshi," said a bemused former associate of the producer-director duo, "would prefer to sell the title to the devil than to Shah. There's no way Shah would get that title out of Doshi".

Shah has little choice but to opt for another title.

Shah said: "The title suits my film perfectly. But I haven't really thought of how to get it. I'm busy with the last schedule of 'London Dreams'. I'll sit down to figure this problem only after I finish 'London Dreams'."

Interestingly, Shah had wanted to name his debut film 'All The Best', the title of the play that the film was based on. However he was unable to get the title and opted for 'Aankhen'.

Even more interestingly, producer Ajay Devgan and director Rohit Shetty want to name their new Dutt-Devgan comedy 'All The Best'. Apparently they've secured the title after much pursuit and persuasion of the producer who had obtained the title.

Is Aa Dekhen Zara a copy of Koi Mil Gaya?

Neil Nitin Mukesh is all set to release his next film Aa Dekhen Zara which has him playing the role of a jet set photographer that has a camera with mystical powers to take him into the future… loaded with songs and the girls and all, but is this bizarre alien concept a good thing for Indian audiences??? Maybe it is, maybe India is progressing with their tastes in movies because it worked for Koi Mil Gaya… which brings us to just one point, is Aa Dekhen Zara taking its influences from that Hrithik hit?

So will the audiences accept this idea? Or would they find it tough to swallow? "Why would that be the case," says Neil.

"Weren't they convinced with the presence of an alien and its involvement in the life of the character played by Hrithik (Roshan) in 'Koi Mil Gaya'? In the film you have the entire alien element coming into picture at the very onset and this is what made it a good film because it helped you identify even with 'Jadoo'."The moment this thrilling element about the camera being an important character is digested by the audiences, they will be intrigued to know more about what my story is and why are some particular incidents happening to my character?" said Neil.

Neil seems pretty confident about the audiences grasping his movie but that remains to be seen if the audiences think likewise.

Catch Aa Dekhen Zara on the 27th of March in Indian cinemas.

If 'Kites' takes me international, I'll be happy: Hrithik

Hrithik Roshan, just selected by Forbes among the half a dozen Bollywood actors who have a name in Hollywood, was delighted and surprised when he was recognized on the streets in the US while shooting for 'Kites'.

"That was a change. It makes me feel good to see our films are crossing borders. At a bank in the US when you're withdrawing money you are delighted to realize that the person on other end of the counter knows who you are. Or salesgirls at shops, they recognize you and go, 'Are you...? And when you tell them, they go, 'Wow!' ...yeah it feels good."

However, Hrithik is not courting international success with his first English-language film 'Kites'.

"I haven't set any goals for myself as such. I just want to keep evolving as an actor and a person. That's the only mission in my career. If 'Kites' takes me international, I'll be happy."

Ironically, Hrithik Roshan's 'Kites' co-star Barbara Mori came to Mumbai and went without being recognized.

"We knew it would be safe to get her down because she had come to Mumbai last year and attended a fashion show with my wife Susanne, right there in front of the cameras. She was here for a week and went all over Mumbai without being recognized. Nobody bothered her. She walked the Fashion Street and no one bothered her. So we knew it was okay to get her over," said the actor.

First Look: Priyadarshan’s 'Kanchivaram'

The film is set in the thick of Kanchi's silk weaving industry and tells the story of a common man caught amongst the forces that be, the society he lives in, and the conflict between one's adopted ideals and individual dreams.

Top Women Directors of Bollywood

In Bollywood, there have been few directors of the fairer sex who have managed to swim against the tide, follow their dreams and make a mark for themselves in this male-dominated industry.

While names like Deepa Mehta, Mira Nair and Gurinder Chaddha have carved a niche for themselves in the West, there are many of our own female folk who have given us some entertaining and meaningful cinema.

Click on, as we line-up some of the most well-known women directors of the present generation, who are calling the shots in B-town.