Hrithik, Farhan and Abhishek go fida over Vivek's... Ducati!

Vivek Oberoi recently bought a black-and-yellow Ducati 1098 last week and drove it to Hrithik Roshan's birthday party on Saturday night.

Says a source close to Vivek, "VO bought the Ducati just a couple of days ago. His friend Ashish helped him choose it. When he rode it into Hrithik's party, Duggu and Abhishek Bahchan went fida over it while Vivek took b'day boy Farhan Akhtar out for a drive at 4 am. He picked Akhtar up from Shah Rukh's home in Mannat where they went to, after Hrithik's birthday."

Vivek Oberoi on his Ducati 1098.
pic/ Pradeep Bandekar

Eager student
Vivek is quite the bike enthusiast. "VO has done many bike stunts in Prince. In fact, action director Allan Amin taught Vivek how to ride bikes as Vivek had to do the stunts himself. Often Vivek would go to the car park at Allan's residence and learn about bike control and cruising. Vivek earlier had a bike, which he exchanged for this one. He keeps only the old vintage classics and changes all other cars and bikes. VO even launched Dilip Chhabria's Imperator Sedan at the auto expo last week," adds the source.

Vivek even performed some exciting bike stunts at the Apsara awards last week. He says, "I couldn't have had a better start to 2010. I had to perform a bike stunts through fire and though I felt confident with Allan Amin being there and setting up the whole thing. Although, I do get a bit nervous when fire is involved. It went off really well. God (Shah Rukh Khan) gave me a big hug and said 'Well done!' "

Bollywood's best dressed stars of 2009

Style is the heartbeat of showbiz. Year after year, Bollywood stars make their share of fashionable statements on celluloid. And this year saw no shortage of eye-catching action.

While the reigning divas and hunks continue to sparkle, young 'uns, too, showed some flair for dressing up.

Presenting 2009's Top 10 Best Dressed stars on the silver screen, in no particular order.

Kareena Kapoor

While none of her movies rose to the stature of Jab We Met this year, Kareena Kapoor surely didn't disappoint fans who favour her as Bollywood's leading fashionista.

As always, her range was stunning, diverse and effortless. Be it Kurbaan's fusion picks, Main Aur Mrs Khanna's pastel-hued femininity, Kambakkht Ishq's designer brand flamboyance or 3 Idiot's charming simplicity.

This girl sure knows how to pick an outfit and own it.


Image: Kareena Kapoor

'My lead characters are people I have met in the past'

CommentOne-film-old Zoya Akhtar is onto her next project, casting brother Farhan once again in the lead.

Neha Bhatt caught up with the filmmaker about her next movie, the star system and the changing Hindi film industry on the sidelines of Osian's Cinefan film festival in Delhi.

Do you believe you are part of a fresh league of filmmakers who are creating what is being called "new cinema"?

I'm not sure about being clubbed in a category such as new cinema because I have never really understood the whole commercial cinema versus arthouse films debate. At the same time, it's true that a new pattern in the Hindi film industry is emerging, where filmmaking is not as formulaic anymore as it used to be. It's a trend similar to what happened back in the 1950s and then the 1970s.

What else is changing in the industry?

More than anything else, the audience is changing. Filmmakers and offbeat ideas were always there, but now, several avenues have opened up for a wider variety of films.

So where does your film Luck By Chance fit in?

I think certain films have a different life altogether, some belong to the festival circuit cycle. I made my film for anyone interested in the film industry and keen on seeing the flip side of it. I didn't want to make it a gossipy tell-all or an expose of any kind. It is a human story about success and failure and about star systems. I wanted to show how the film industry works around a family culture. My lead characters are people I have met in the past as a casting director and I found their lives very fascinating.

You have had the advantage of having star parents (lyricist father Javed Akhtar and scriptwriter mother Honey Irani)...

Honestly, I haven't been as much a part of the industry as it may appear. I have pretty much lived on the fringes. For my arty friends, I am too Bollywood and for my Bollywood friends, I am too arty. So quite often I feel like a fish out of water.

You're obviously more at ease working with Farhan and your father in your films. Is that a comfort zone you are getting into?

No, I would love to work with other actors too.

I wanted to cast Sanjay Kapoor in the film actually. There is no dearth of actors in the industry. I believe there is a role for everyone there. So I would like to work with a lot of other actors, too. But when you're writing the script, you just know who would be perfect for which role.

Right now, what you are working on?

It's a coming-of-age film about three boys, set in Spain. It's a short film, shot as a road movie. One of the boys will be played by Farhan but the rest of the casting isn't done yet.

Bollywood actors walk ramp for charity in Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 14 (ANI): Bollywood actors lent their support to a social cause as they walked the ramp to raise funds for a charity.

The 'Being Human' show at the HDIL India Couture Week in Mumbai, saw Aamir Khan, Katrina Kaif, Saif Ali Khan, Ajay Devgn, Sanjay Dutt, Govinda, and many others make an appearance at the ramp, to raise funds for the charity 'Being Human' run by actor Salman Khan.

Eight designers, including Gavin Miguel, Shane and Falguni Peacock, Rocky S, Rohit Gandhi and Kunal Rawal designed the collection for this special show.

The show also had children who were present at the ramp during the entire show.

"Being paid is also good. And doing this kind of stuff is even better," said Salman.

The actors said they felt good to be associated with a noble cause.

Bollywood gets its fingernails polished

Bollywood turned up in big numbers to vote in the assembly polls. All three Khans-Shah Rukh, Salman, Aamir-were there. While SRK spoke about
cleanliness, infrastructure and the economy, and Salman voted for "prosperity," Aamir wanted, "a leader who does not rule on the basis of caste or creed."

Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan voted in Juhu, minus Abhi and Ash, who were shooting with Mani Ratnam. Samajwadi party leader Sanjay Dutt came with wife Manyata. "Whoever wins should fulfil all promises," said Munnabhai. Manyata, though, said she was only voting to exercise her fundamental right but had no expectations because, "they are never fulfilled."

Khiladi Kumar Akshay was registered as a voter two stations. "I voted at Lokhandwala since my ration card has that address. But I have a house in Juhu too," clarified Kumar.

As always, John Abraham was one of the first actors to vote. John stressed on the importance of better infrastructure in Mumbai. First-time voter Priyanka Chopra had to wait for over an hour at a Versova polling booth after the EVM collapsed. "Since I'm young, I want the new government to be youth focused," said Chopra.

Director Karan Johar had to make two trips to the polling booth after he was sent back for not carrying a voting slip. "Infrastructure, slum rehab and citizen protection against civil and criminal injustice should be the core issues," said Johar.

Rakesh and Pinky Roshan came minus Hrithik and Suzanne.

Zayed Khan, Ranjeet , Prem Chopra, Anupam and Kiron Kher, Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi, Gulzar, Rishi Kapoor and Naseer also voted.

Among those who didn't show up were Saif, Kareena, Ranbir Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Kajol, Ajay Devgan, Yash Chopra, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol and Preity Zinta.

Bollywood is jealous of me: Priyadarshan

South Indian filmmaker Priyadarshan, who won a National Award for his social drama 'Kanchivaram', says that jealousy led people in Bollywood to stereotype him as a director of comedies and remakes.

The helmer of superhit comedies like 'Hera Pheri' and 'Malamaal Weekly' said that despite the unrequited tag he has no plans to wash his hands off commercial comedies.

"The whole problem is that, unfortunately I have been successful. In the history of Indian cinema I am the only South Indian director who has survived for 12 years and 25 films in Bollywood. It is jealousy that leads people to tarnish you," Priyadarshan told us.

The filmmaker who claims to be the "only successful South Indian director" in the industry said that he finds commercial cinema a tougher genre than off-beat ones.

"Just because I won the National Award, does not mean I plan to become the next Shyam Benegal or Adoor. Realistic non-commercial films offer you a lot more liberty as a director than a usual film," said he.

"On the other hand while making a commercial film you are constantly thinking, will the mass audience like this, will they accept this? It is a lot more difficult to make a typical Bollywood film than a realistic film," says Priyadarshan who was in the capital for the Delhi International Arts festival.

"I don't mind any tags until they pay me well," said the filmmaker who along with his good friend, actor Mohanlal created cult hits in Malayalam like 'Chitram' and 'Kilukkam'.

Priyadarshan whose next film is a typical Bollywood laugh riot 'De Dana Dhan' starring Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif, believes that he is doing a social service through his comedy films.

"I am actually doing social service by making comedies, because making people laugh is the most difficult thing to do. When people come and watch a film of mine, I am helping them forget their troubles, isn't that social service," said Priyadarshan adding that he now wants to strike a balance between his commercial and off-beat ventures.

"I enjoy doing commercial cinema and it gives me fame and money while the other gets me recognition. I want both. I am currently shooting for a film with Ajay Devgan and Akshaye Khanna, about Bihar and there is a film with Aamir Khan about AIDS," said Priyadarshan.

After 25 years in the industry, the filmmaker is happy that due recognition has finally come his way and says that his film was an attempt to showcase the true India, which in his words is not "a slum, like some people would like to believe."

"India is a cultural superpower, a nuclear superpower. It is not a slum like some people would like to believe. When I was making 'Kanchivaram', I wanted to make a film that would showcase India's heritage, it's culture and history," said Priyadarshan.

Hottest Young Directors of B-Town

It's time to break away from the conventional, and our young B-Town directors are saying it loud! Apart from their Gen X films, they seem to be creating waves with their sex appeal and charm! Glamsham lists the hottest young directors of Bollywood who the ladies just cannot seem to get their eyes off! Any favourites?? Write in!
Ayaan Mukherjee:

Geared to make his debut as a director with ''WAKE UP SID'', Ayaan Mukherjee is the new dude on the block! He's young, dashing and his chocolate boy looks seem to be grabbing quite a few eyeballs! Psst...he's also related to the two hotties of the industry, Kajol and Rani.

Farhan Akhtar:

He can dance, sing, act, write, direct, produce films and he's piping hot! With his suave and sexy look in his debut film, Farhan sure made many hearts ROCK ON! We still cannot seem to get enough of his bandana, guitar and head thumping! What say?!

Siddharth Raj Anand:

BACHNA AE HASEENO! Make way for Siddharth! SALAAM NAMASTE to the director who can sweep the ladies off their feet with his cute looks and charm!

Imtiaz Ali:

With successful films like JAB WE MET and LOVE AAJ KAL, Imtiaz hogged the limelight. But what's more, his unconventional looks and rugged curls are making many girls sit up and take notice! Hmm...Mauja hi Mauja for the director it seems!

Soham Shah:

LUCK may have boomed at the box office, but you cannot miss the smashing director! He may have had the hottest stars in his film, but Soham's killer cute smile just leaves you wanting more! Must say, he could well make for an actor in his next venture!

Abhishek Kapoor:

The ROCK ON! director is also an actor, and no, this does not come as a surprise! He's got style, poise and well makes for a strong contender on our chart!

After SRK episode, Salman Khan cancels trip to US

Learning lessons from Shah Rukh Khan episode, Bollywood star Salman Khan has cancelled his upcoming trip to New York to promote his latest movie Wanted, besides participating in the auction of his personal paintings to raise funds for his charity.

Organisers and promoters associated with the event cited Shah Rukh Khan's episode at Newark Airport early this month, where he was questioned by immigration officials and taken for a second screening, as a major reason for Salman to cancel his New York trip scheduled in early September.

The event was scheduled for September 3 in New York. The promoters were also in talks with local organisers in cities like Chicago, Houston and Dallas for his other events.

"However, after the Shah Rukh Khan event, Salman informed us that he would not like to take the risk of coming to the US at this point," an informed source involved with the planning and organising the September 3 event told PTI.

It is understood that Salman's decision was also propelled by what his aid alleged "the hard time" being given by the US Consulate in Mumbai in approving the visa of his close associates, including one of his family members, whom Salman wanted to bring along with on this promotional trip.

I'm not getting married this year: Shilpa Shetty

New Delhi, Aug 28 Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty is upset over news that she is set to tie the knot with London-based businessman Raj Kundra by the year end. She clarifies that she isn't getting married this year.

'I've said before, I will make an official announcement the day my parents decide on my marriage date and I promise the press will have at least a month to celebrate the announcement. So to set the record straight, no I'm not getting married this year. Yes, I am looking at next year, but date not decided,' Shilpa posted on her blog www.shilpashettylive.com/blog/.

A British newspaper reported Thursday that the actress would be getting married between September and December in Britain after her father, Surendra Shetty, wrote so in an application to an Indian court.

But Shilpa has slammed the news. 'I am sick and tired of people calling me to clarify after they've put it as breaking news on some channels and wasted reams of paper on concocted news articles,' she said.

Shilpa is also upset over the leakage of the details her father gave to the court to acquire his passport.

'My poor dad is already having a tough time every time he has to travel abroad and has to apply for his passport, and as alway it's harrowing enough for him to go back and forth every time for his passport...,' she said.

Surendra Shetty's passport was reportedly confiscated after he was charged with threatening a business associate he claimed owed money to his daughter. Since then, he and his wife Sunanda have only been able to travel overseas with the court's permission, which is why he applied for the passport on the alleged pretext of Shilpa's wedding.

'My dad's 67 and ageing, please let the poor man live in peace and dignity, it's annoying. I request the press to report responsibly and not make any baseless assumptions,' stated Shipa.

I'm not getting married this year: Shilpa Shetty

New Delhi, Aug 28 (IANS) Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty is upset over news that she is set to tie the knot with London-based businessman Raj Kundra by the year end. She clarifies that she isn't getting married this year.

'I've said before, I will make an official announcement the day my parents decide on my marriage date and I promise the press will have at least a month to celebrate the announcement. So to set the record straight, no I'm not getting married this year. Yes, I am looking at next year, but date not decided,' Shilpa posted on her blog www.shilpashettylive.com/blog/.

A British newspaper reported Thursday that the actress would be getting married between September and December in Britain after her father, Surendra Shetty, wrote so in an application to an Indian court.

But Shilpa has slammed the news. 'I am sick and tired of people calling me to clarify after they've put it as breaking news on some channels and wasted reams of paper on concocted news articles,' she said.

Shilpa is also upset over the leakage of the details her father gave to the court to acquire his passport.

'My poor dad is already having a tough time every time he has to travel abroad and has to apply for his passport, and as alway it's harrowing enough for him to go back and forth every time for his passport...,' she said.

Surendra Shetty's passport was reportedly confiscated after he was charged with threatening a business associate he claimed owed money to his daughter. Since then, he and his wife Sunanda have only been able to travel overseas with the court's permission, which is why he applied for the passport on the alleged pretext of Shilpa's wedding.

'My dad's 67 and ageing, please let the poor man live in peace and dignity, it's annoying. I request the press to report responsibly and not make any baseless assumptions,' stated Shipa.

Bharat Ratna for Dilip Kumar: Bollywood rallies support

The Indian film fraternity is trying to seek 100,000 solidarity comments on a social networking website to urge the government to confer the prestigious Bharat Ratna upon Bollywood thespian Dilip Kumar.

A community titled "Dilip Kumar for Bharat Ratna" on Facebook that now has over 850 members dedicated to the cause was started at the behest of filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt.

Bhatt said he was not the only one who wishes that the 86-year-old be awarded the country's highest civilian honour.

"It is the entire industry's effort. From every region, stalwarts have come out to appeal for him. I was just a foot soldier. It is the Indian film industry's effort, not an individual's effort," Bhatt told us via SMS.

The group has been primarily created to seek solidarity from people so that the administrators of the website can bind all the comments in a book and submit it to the president and the prime minister.

The members of the community have been asked to "leave a comment or endorse by replying a one liner - 'I endorse that Dilip Kumar is the most deserving person to be honoured with the Bharat Ratna'".

I'd never do a nude scene: Kangana Ranaut

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, who was rumoured to have shot a nude scene for her upcoming Telugu film, denied it saying she would never do such a sequence in her life.

"Nude? I'd never do a nude scene in my entire life even if someone makes me to do it at gunpoint. I come from a very conservative background," she said.

"No way. I've never posed in the nude, never will, no matter how right the zeroes on the cheque are. I've an in-built censor code."

"If my parents were to ever see that I've crossed the line of morality they'd drag me back to Himachal. Yes, I've aesthetically shot pictures which reveal my physique. And why not? I've worked really hard on getting my body muscular and toned."

Kangana, who has returned to Mumbai from a month-long shooting of the Telugu film, said: "Journalists started calling up my Telugu director Puri Jagannath in Hyderabad (with the rumour) while we were shooting. He, poor man, was so scandalised he almost had a heart attack. Puri is one of the most successful and respected filmmakers of Telugu cinema."

Clarifying that there are no nude sequences in the film, she said: "Even the much-hyped 'nude' scene in Raaz 2 was a hoax. I wore a body suit in the bath tub. I don't think taking off all of one's clothes is a cool thing to do."

The actress is in the city only for costume and makeup trials for Ekta Kapoor's 'Once Upon A Time In Mumbai'.

"I play the only glamour element in the otherwise-dark film. This would be my most glamorous role. My look has to go from the late 1960s to the 1970s."

"The challenge in Ekta's film is to look glamorous without any body exposure. I think it's possible."