Meet the 'Kamina' in Kaminey

Amole Gupte raked up a controversy when Aamir Khan took over his directorial debut Taare Zameen Par, and directed it himself.

The talented artist has since moved on, and now wants to test his acting skills. He will play the villain in Vishal Bhardwaj's Kaminey, starring Shahid Kapur and Priyanka Chopra.

He tells Patcy N what to expect from Kaminey, and more.

Have you acted in films before?

Yes. I worked in Ketan Mehta's Holi in 1984. There was a lot of talent in that film - Aamir Khan, Ashustosh Gowariker, Yatin Karekar, Raj Zutshi, music director Rahul Ranade, theatre and film actress Sulbha Deshpande's son Ninaad and Rakesh Sarang (who directed Horn Ok Pleassss).

I was a part of Mahendra Joshi's theatre group. The others in this group were Paresh Raval, Feroz Khan, Aamir, Neeraj Vora, Vipul Shah, Aatish Kapadia and Deven Bhojani. Most of us who were a part of Joshi's group have done something creative though we were commerce students in college.

Kirron Kher digs own wardrobe for TV show

There is no designer to be thanked for Bollywood actress Kirron Kher's classic clothes and accessories that she sports on the reality show 'India's Got Talent'. She digs into her own wardrobe to deck up for the show.

'All the clothes that I wear on the show are my own. I mostly wear saris,' Kirron told to xboard.

The actress' ethnic and royal taste in terms of fashion is not hidden from many who have followed her style.

Talking about her taste, she said: 'I love ethnic and woven saris, but I'm not too fond of embroidered ones. I love kanjivarams, tussars and those with kantha work. I also like French printed chiffons for their lovely flow. Basically, anything which is understated and has fine work and looks like from the 1920s and 1930s is my ideal choice.'

Among the designers, Kirron likes Pallavi Jaikishen, Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla and Sabyasachi Mukherjee's saris.

She is judging the variety reality show along with internationally-acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur and actress Sonali Bendre.

Toll Free Numbers ( Airways, Automobiles, Banks, Cell Phones, Computers, Couriers, Education, Healthcare, Insurance, Travels & Etc.

Airways
Indian Airlines – 1800 180 1407
Jet Airways – 1800 22 5522
SpiceJet – 1800 180 3333

Automobiles
Mahindra Scorpio – 1800 22 6006
Maruti – 1800 111 515
Tata Motors – 1800 22 5552
Windshield Experts – 1800 11 3636

Banks
ABN AMRO – 1800 11 2224
Canara Bank – 1800 44 6000
Citibank – 1800 44 2265
Corporatin Bank – 1800 443 555
Development Credit Bank – 1800 22 5769
HDFC Bank – 1800 227 227
ICICI Bank – 1800 333 499
ICICI Bank NRI – 1800 22 4848
IDBI Bank – 1800 11 6999
Indian Bank – 1800 425 1400
ING Vysya – 1800 44 9900
Kotak Mahindra Bank – 1800 22 6022
Lord Krishna Bank – 1800 11 2300
Punjab National Bank – 1800 122 222
State Bank of India – 1800 44 1955
Syndicate Bank – 1800 44 6655

Cell Phones
BenQ – 1800 22 08 08
Bird CellPhones – 1800 11 7700
Motorola MotoAssist – 1800 11 1211
Nokia – 3030 3838
Sony Ericsson – 3901 1111

Computers/IT
Adrenalin – 1800 444 445
AMD – 1800 425 6664
Apple Computers – 1800 444 683
Canon – 1800 333 366
Cisco Systems – 1800 221 777
Compaq – HP – 1800 444 999
Data One Broadband – 1800 424 1800
Dell – 1800 444 026
Epson – 1800 44 0011
eSys – 3970 0011
Genesis Tally Academy – 1800 444 888
HCL – 1800 180 8080
IBM – 1800 443 333
Lexmark – 1800 22 4477
Marshal’s Point – 1800 33 4488
Microsoft – 1800 111 100
Microsoft Virus Update – 1901 333 334

Seagate – 1800 180 1104
Symantec – 1800 44 5533
TVS Electronics – 1800 444 566
WeP Peripherals – 1800 44 6446
Wipro – 1800 333 312
xerox – 1800 180 1225
Zenith – 1800 222 004

Couriers/Packers & Movers
ABT Courier – 1800 44 8585
AFL Wizz – 1800 22 9696
Agarwal Packers & Movers – 1800 11 4321
Associated Packers P Ltd – 1800 21 4560
DHL – 1800 111 345
FedEx – 1800 22 6161
Goel Packers & Movers – 1800 11 3456
UPS – 1800 22 7171

Education
Edu Plus – 1800 444 000
Hindustan College – 1800 33 4438
NCERT – 1800 11 1265
Vellore Institute of Technology – 1800 441 555

Healthcare
Best on Health – 1800 11 8899
Dr Batras – 1800 11 6767
GlaxoSmithKline – 1800 22 8797
Johnson & Johnson – 1800 22 8111
Kaya Skin Clinic – 1800 22 5292
LifeCell – 1800 44 5323

Manmar Technologies – 1800 33 4420
Pfizer – 1800 442 442
Roche Accu-Chek – 1800 11 45 46
Rudraksha – 1800 21 4708
Varilux Lenses – 1800 44 8383
VLCC – 1800 33 1262

Home Appliances
Aiwa/Sony – 1800 11 1188
Anchor Switches – 1800 22 7979
Blue Star – 1800 22 2200
Bose Audio – 1800 11 2673
Bru Coffee Vending Machines – 1800 44 7171
Daikin Air Conditioners – 1800 444 222
DishTV – 1800 12 3474
Faber Chimneys – 1800 21 4595
Godrej – 1800 22 5511
Grundfos Pumps – 1800 33 4555

LG – 1901 180 9999
Philips – 1800 22 4422
Samsung – 1800 113 444
Sanyo – 1800 11 0101
Voltas – 1800 33 4546
WorldSpace Satellite Radio – 1800 44 5432

Hotel Reservations
GRT Grand – 1800 44 5500
InterContinental Hotels Group – 1800 111 000
Marriott – 1800 22 0044
Sarovar Park Plaza – 1800 111 222
Taj Holidays – 1800 111 825

Insurance
AMP Sanmar – 1800 44 2200
Aviva – 1800 33 2244
Bajaj Allianz – 1800 22 5858
Chola MS General Insurance – 1800 44 5544
HDFC Standard Life – 1800 227 227
LIC – 1800 33 4433
Max New York Life – 1800 33 5577
Royal Sundaram – 1800 33 8899
SBI Life Insurance – 1800 22 9090

Mattresses
Kurl-on – 1800 44 0404
Sleepwell – 1800 11 2266

Investments/Finance
CAMS – 1800 44 2267
Chola Mutual Fund – 1800 22 2300
Easy IPO’s – 3030 5757
Fidelity Investments – 1800 180 8000
Franklin Templeton Fund – 1800 425 4255
J M Morgan Stanley – 1800 22 0004
Kotak Mutual Fund – 1800 222 626
LIC Housing Finance – 1800 44 0005
SBI Mutual Fund – 1800 22 3040
Sharekhan – 1800 22 7500
Tata Mutual Fund – 1800 22 0101

Paints
Asian Paints Home Solutions – 1800 22 5678
Berger Paints Home Decor – 1800 33 8800

Teleshopping
Asian Sky Shop – 1800 22 1800
Jaipan Teleshoppe – 1800 11 5225
Tele Brands – 1800 11 8000
VMI Teleshopping – 1800 447 777
WWS Teleshopping – 1800 220 777

Travel
Club Mahindra Holidays – 1800 33 4539
Cox & Kings – 1800 22 1235
God TV Tours – 1800 442 777
Kerala Tourism – 1800 444 747
Kumarakom Lake Resort – 1800 44 5030
Raj Travels & Tours – 1800 22 9900
Sita Tours – 1800 111 911
SOTC Tours – 1800 22 3344

UPS
APC – 1800 44 4272
Numeric – 1800 44 3266

Others
Consumer Helpline – 1800 11 4000
L’Or?al, GARNIeR – 1800 223 000
KONE Elevator – 1800 444 666
Indane – 1800 44 51 15
Aavin – 1800 44 3300
Pedigree – 1800 11 2121
Kodak India – 1800 22 8877
Domino’s Pizza – 1800 111 123
World Vision India – 1800 444 550
Telecom Monitoring Cell – 1800 110 420

Did these numbers work for you? Let me know in comments page. BTW, updated the numbers from 1600* to 1800*

Bollywood's truth is out

As 2009 moves into it's second half, the Bollywood box office can look back at just a handful of success stories. While a film producers' strike resulted in a virtual drought of movies for two whole months, the poor quality of the few that were released didn't help either. From January to June, about 55 films hit the screens but only six were able to do good business. Among them Kabir Khan's directorial venture 'New York' tops the list. This John Abraham, Katrina Kaif and Neil Nitin Mukesh starrer is clearly the hot favourite. Not only is the audience still flocking in, it has raked in about Rs.550 million globally till date. Yash Raj Films has refused to divulge budget details as per company policy.

Why Abbas Tyrewala chopped Naseer, Ratna's role?

After 'Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na', Naseeruddin Shah and his wife Ratna Pathak became lucky mascots for Abbas Tyrewala, but he has deleted their roles from his next '1:800 Love'.

Have Tyrewala and the two veteran artists fallen out?

"Nothing of the sort," laughed Tyrewala. "I had written roles specially for Ratna and Naseer. They were supposed to play a husband and wife, this time both alive and kicking. So the rumours that their roles would be reversed and Naseer would be talking to Ratna's portrait were completely wrong," Tyrewala told us.

In 'Jaane Tu...' Naseer and Ratna played Imran Khan's parents. While Naseer was just a photograph, Ratna played a protective mother.

So what went wrong?

"Nothing," said Abbas. "It's just that the shooting is in London and Ratna-Naseer were required for just four days. To have them fly down for that little work seemed self-indulgent on my part.

"And what if the weather got bad? I'd have had to make them stay over. Instead of putting them through these hardships, I just deleted their roles from the script," said Tyrewala who hopes to cast them in far more pivotal roles in his next.

Now Ratna, who was creative consultant of "Jaane Tu...", is once again on board as a script consultant.

'Love Aaj Kal' is a family film: Imtiaz Ali

Imtiaz Ali openly admits that his upcoming 'Love Aaj Kal', which stars Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone, has unabashed kissing scenes and shows the lead actors mouthing expletives, but the director insists that it will still be a complete family entertainer.

The director says he has included the so-called objectionable scenes in the movie's promos so that people are already used to it by the time they see the film.

"See, it's the way you put it in the film and treat it. It's up to the filmmaker not to make his film some fodder for perversion or lechery." Ali told us.

Ali promises that 'Love Aaj Kal", which is Saif's production debut, is a film that would be accepted by an entire family.

"Kisses included," he winks. "Nobody will feel inhibited watching 'Love Aaj Kal'. No one will hesitate walking into the film with his family. All that is potentially objectionable in the film in the strictest of sense has been taken care of in the first promo. If you have warmed up on it, rest assured you will love 'Love Aaj Kal'," the filmmaker said.

'Love Aaj Kal' is his third love story after 'Socha Na Tha' and the blockbuster 'Jab We Met'.

But there were people around Ali who weren't too comfortable with the idea of showing Saif trying to hold Deepika's butt, then share an unabashed kiss with her in the car and also mouth Hinglish expletives on a date right in the promo itself.

"They thought that people may get an impression that the film was only about these things but I had my own viewpoint," explains Ali.

"My argument is that audiences are really smart. They pretty much see the intention of the filmmaker and make up their mind to watch the film accordingly. We better start taking them seriously rather than attempt at fooling them by considering ourselves over smart," he says.

To substantiate his claim, Ali goes on to share an anecdote from his experience during the making of "Jab We Met", which starred Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor.

"Remember the sequence in the second half of the film when Kareena curses her ex-boyfriend on phone? She goes on to say 'Teri Maa Ki' and a lot more. Did the audience feel awkward? Not at all. In fact they laughed during the entire scene and not a single soul came and told me that he/she felt offended by the language," Ali reasons.

The director, however, admits that for 'Love Aaj Kal', the prime target audience is the younger crowd.

"And that's more by accident rather than planned," he says. "The film caters to them mainly because it's this age group that goes and sees films in theatres. Due to this, even when I am conceptualising a film and then putting it on celluloid, I feel safe from my target audience perspective," he explains.

With music by Pritam and lyrics by Irshad Kamil, 'Love Aaj Kal' is set for a July 31 release.

The Box Office Smiles on New York

It took a while for it to happen, but the year's first proper hit has finally happened and the film is none other Yash Raj Films' New York, starring John Abraham, Katrina Kaif and Neil Nitin Mukesh. It may be hard to believe, but if trade reports are to believed, then this movie seems to have managed to best even Sajid Nadiadwala's Kambakkht Ishq, which had a phenomenal opening of 95 per cent all over.

Now it remains to be seen if Kambakkhth Ishq can keep up the momentum. But the drought at the box office has been broken and New York can safely be called the first genuine hit of 2009. Of course, the year also saw films like Raaz The Mystery Continues and Dev D which did pretty good business as well at the box office. But the year had far too many flops than hits like Chandni Chowk To China, Billu, Delhi 6, Aa Dekhen Zara, 8x10 Tasveer etc. It may not have taken so long for the year's first hit to arrive if the feud between the multiplex owners and producers had not taken place. The trend of the hits and flops this year shows that it is the content which is king at the box office. With the floodgates at the box office being open now, there is a glut of films which are waiting eagerly for their turn at the box office like Shortkut The Con Is On, Luck, Love Aaj Kal, Blue, Kaminey, Dil Bole Hadippa, What's Your Rashee?, Kites, 3 Idiots, Rocket Singh Salesman of the Year, De Dana Dan, London Dreams, All The Best, Aladin, Wake Up Sid, etc. But before they hit the box office, it will be worth the watch to see if Kambakkht Ishq joins New York as the year's hits or not.

Aamir, Bazmee to Come Together

This is a pair which should be worth watching. If reports are true, then it may not be a very long wait before one sees Aamir working with Aneez Bazmee. The writer cum director is very busy completing his script for Aamir. The film, when it is made, will be done so under Boney Kapoor's banner and will be a crime comedy.

Aamir who has reinvented himself with every movie, is known to be a perfectionist who likes to have a complete script in hand well before the shooting. However, Bazmee is not used to working like this. The director of films like Welcome, Aankehn and No Entry, believes in improvising. Hence, it seems that he has taken it upon himself as a challenge to complete the script and then get Aamir to sign on the dotted line. Acccording to Bazmee, the story has one leading male character and four females. Currently, the director is also all set to begin shooting No Problem, which goes on the floors on July 10. The film which is being produced by Anil Kapoor Productions, will have its first schedule in South Africa. The film stars, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, Paresh Rawal and Anil, among others.

It Needed a Lot of Luck

Soham Shah's Luck is up for release soon. Going by the promos, one realizes that it is a movie which is high on action and thrills. But what is not really known is that most of the dare devil and death defying stunts in the movie were performed by the members of the cast themselves.

It seems that lead actor Imran Khan got his famous bushy eyebrows singed during an action sequence in the movie, which involved a burning train. For debutant Shruti Haasan, the action scene involved being in the water with live sharks, a fact which almost scared the life out of character actor Ravi Kissen, who also stars in the movie. He is also going to be seen soon in a prominent role in Mani Ratnam's Raavan. One will also see Chak De! girl Chitranshi Rawat in the movie. This young actress had to get over her fear of the water and the sharks during an action sequence in the movie. It seems that Luck was on their side and the stunts turned out well enough. Now it remains to be seen if their Luck will hold on and do wonders for the film at the box office.

Akshay' son Aaarav sits through Kambakkht Ishq

Kambakkht Ishq is the first Akshay Kumar starrer that his son Aarav stayed awake watching till the end, thanks to his naani Dimple Kapadia who not only cheered the film at a private screening on Wednesday night but also made sure Aarav remained enthused.

It hasn't been an easy time for the gorgeous Dimple Kapadia. In spite of a cloud hovering over her happiness, what with sister Simple seriously ill for some time now, Dimple was prominently present at Akshay's special screening of Kambakkht Ishq on Wednesday evening.

Not too many people know this. But Akshay Kumar's biggest fan is his mother-in-law Dimple Kapadia. Taking time off from looking after her ailing sister, Dimple showed up at Akshay Kumar's special screening with 30 of her friends. And Dimple enjoyed herself thoroughly.

Says Akshay shyly, ''My mother and mother-in-law are my biggest supporters. My mom came with about 120 of our friends and relatives. My mom-in-law had invited 30 of her friends. And they seemed to be having a good time.''

Dimple makes it a point to watch all of Akshay's major films and insists on bringing her pals along. But she also makes it very clear that the most important man in her life is Akshay's son Aarav.

''That's true,'' laughs Akshay. ''In fact I value my mother-in-law and my son's opinion the most.''

Aarav known to doze off at all of Akshay's Premieres stayed awake right till the end of the special screening of Kambhakkt Ishq. ''My mother-in-law made sure Aarav was comfortable. Both of them kept laughing throughout the film and that's a good sign.''

I was to do Akshaye's role in 'Short Kut': Anil Kapoor

If the original cast of 'Short Kut - The Con Is On' would have remained intact, audiences would have seen Anil Kapoor playing the role that Akshaye Khanna now essays. Also, Arshad was a late entry into the project as he finally got the part written for Akshaye.
"Yes, the film did see some casting changes though all of it happened before it went on floors. Akshaye was always the first choice for the film and he was on board immediately. After 'Gandhi My Father', it was but natural that he acts in my next production as well," Anil told us.

But due to a couple of reasons Anil had to opt out of the project and stay on primarily as a producer.

"Originally I was supposed to do Akshaye's role and he was to do Arshad's role. It was around the same time that Subhash Ghai asked me to do 'Black & White'. I had no reason to say no since I have very high regard for him. We have worked in some wonderful movies together ('Ram Lakhan,' 'Karma', 'Taal') and with 'Black & White' we would have come together after a long time," the versatile actor said.

Around the same time, Anil's dates were also clashing with Yash Raj Films' 'Tashan'.

"Subhash-ji certainly wanted me in his project and requested me if I could postpone 'Short Kut' for a while. Since I couldn't do that as we were ready to kick-start our project, I proposed to move out of my own project. This is when I requested Akshaye to step into the role written for me," he said.

Considering the fact that Akshaye had made up his mind to play the role of a lovable brat, wasn't it difficult for him to have a re-look at the film with a different perspective?

"See, Akshaye is such a versatile actor that he could do well in both the roles. He has a sensitive side to him, something that I realised when I worked with him in 'Taal'. I had complete confidence that he would be convincing in the other role too," Anil said.

Roping in Arshad wasn't difficult at all. "He consented to the film immediately..."

Incidentally, Paresh Rawal too was approached for playing one of the important roles in 'Short Kut'.

"We would have loved to see him as a part of our film. We approached him for the role of an acting guru-cum-secretary, which is now being played by Chunky Pandey. But Paresh was bowled over by Arshad's part and wanted to do his role," Anil revealed.

"He was keen to play the role of a bad actor who achieves superstardom. Nevertheless, I'm extremely happy with the way the final casting has worked out for my film. I'm now quite positive that audiences too would find the film as funny and entertaining as we all do."

Directed by Neeraj Vora, 'Short Kut' boasts of a special appearance by both Anil and Sanjay Dutt along with leading lady Amrita Rao in a dance number "Mareez-e-mohabbat". The film is all set for a July 10 release.

Sampath makes 'insane' music for Aamir's 'Dhobi Ghaat', 'Delhi Belly'

Last year he was in the news for making filmmaker Rakesh Roshan pay Rs.20 million in a copyright infringement case. But right now composer Ram Sampath is upbeat about more creative things - he is composing "insane" music for two Aamir Khan Productions' - 'Dhobi Ghaat' and 'Delhi Belly'.

While 'Delhi Belly' is being directed by ad filmmaker-turned-director Abhinay Deo, 'Dhobi Ghaat' is the directorial debut of Aamir's wife Kiran Rao.

"It was really nice and easy working with Kiran since we are very good friends since a long time. She is extremely good at her work and is an incredible filmmaker. It's been nothing but a pleasure working with her," Sampath told us in an interview.

"The music of the film is really eclectic and very experimental. I must say that it is very courageous on Kiran's part to incorporate music like this in her film," he added.

Sampath, who was in the city to launch MTV's new reality show 'Kurkure Desi Beats Rock On With MTV', has earlier composed music for films like 'Family' and 'Khakee'. Apart from that he has worked on various music albums and jingles.

First Look: Big B, Kingsley in 'Teen Patti'

'Teen Patti' will bring together two of the world cinema's biggest names-- Amitabh Bachchan and Ben Kingsley.Madhavan, Siddharth Kher, Dhruv Ganesh, Vaibhav Talwar and Shraddha Kapoor play the five disciples of Venkat Subramaniam, a reclusive mathematical genius from India, being played by Bachchan.Here is the first look of the film!Source: Bollywood HungamaMSN SpecialsKarisma, Kareena Kapoor on 'Dus Ka Dum 2'The 'Angels & Demons' AlbumSiren of the Week: Sayali BhagatBikini Bay: Sona in 'Azhagar Malai'

John, Katrina voted most eligible single celebrities

Bollywood actors John Abraham and Katrina Kaif have been voted as the most eligible single celebrities in an online poll.

The poll conducted by matrimonial website shaadi saw responses from over 18,000 netizens, a statement from the company said Friday.

Nearly 48 percent of males voted for Katrina as the most eligible single female and 43 percent females named John as their favoured eligible bachelor.

While the 'Dostana' actor polled more votes than Salman Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Rahul Gandhi, M.S. Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh, Katrina scored over divas like Bipasha Basu, Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Sonam Kapoor.

"It's nice to see the way our members' preferences for an ideal partner have changed drastically. Its not just about looks and fashion trends but about power and higher social standing that makes a person more attractive and appealing," Gourav Rakshit, business head of shaadi, said.

Rahman, Danny Boyle invited to become Oscar voters

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has invited India's music maestro A.R. Rahman and four other Oscar winners associated with the Academy award sweeper 'Slumdog Millionaire' to join its roster of voting members.

Rahman has been invited for his music in 'Slumdog Millionaire' and 'Elizabeth: The Golden Age', while the film's British Director Danny Boyle is also cited for 'Sunshine'.

Besides 'Slumdog Millionaire', producer Christian Colson has been cited for 'The Descent', cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle for 'The Last King of Scotland' and film editor Chris Dickens chosen for 'Shaun of the Dead'.

They are among 134 artists and executives who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures. Those who accept the invitation will be the only additions in 2009 to the Academy's roster of voting members.

"These filmmakers have, over the course of their careers, captured the imagination of audiences around the world," said Academy President Sid Ganis in an announcement from Beverly Hills, California.

"It's this kind of talent and creativity that make up the Academy, and I welcome each of them to our ranks."

The Academy's membership would have allowed a maximum of 166 new members in 2009, but as in the previous years, the several branchcommittees endorsed fewer candidates than were proposed to them.

Voting membership in the organisation has now held steady at just under 6,000 members since 2003.

New members will be welcomed into the Academy at an invitation-only reception at the Academy's Fairbanks Centre for Motion Picture Study in Beverly Hills in September.

Kabir Khan now wants to drop 'serious filmmaker' tag

His 'Kabul Express' was critically acclaimed and his latest release 'New York' has turned out to be a commercial success widely appreciated by critics as well. Ecstatic with the phenomenal response that his film on terror has generated, director Kabir Khan now wants to move on to lighter subjects.

"I am getting a little uncomfortable with that 'serious filmmaker' tag that is being gifted to me," laughed Kabir whose 'New York' has got the best opening in a year that has spelt terrible business for Bollywood.

"In a way it's a two-edge sword. While I have been able to build an identity after the first two films of mine, I don't wish to be slotted as someone who can only make films belonging to a particular genre", he added.

Both 'Kabul Express' and 'New York' have been based on terrorism. While his directorial debut took viewers to Afghanistan, his second film explores life for Muslims in the US after the 9/11 terror attack.

"Yes, both these films dealt with issues, but my next won't have an issue dominating the proceedings. Of course, there will be a certain context to what I'm trying to deal with in the film's storyline. However, the issue will be subtle. Yes, once again I will be looking at telling a tale set in contemporary times," he said.

Kabir believes that filmmakers often suffer because they don't set their stories in a particular time period and zone.

"I can't dream of making a film in la-la-land. In fact, I believe that it is easier to make a film when you know which time period and zone it belongs to. It's so easy then to get the right actors in place and make them understand what is expected out of them. It gives an altogether different peg for your film," he explained.

When it comes to telling a sensible tale with an issue being in the midst of affairs, Kabir believes 'Lagey Raho Munnabhai' is an ultimate example.

"Look at that film - even that had an issue, but it was never once in your face. Raj Kumar Hirani kept it all so subtle and yet conveyed the message so well. It was as commercial as it gets and audiences too were thoroughly entertained. That's the way to make movies because it not just made all parties happy but also had a satisfied director at the end of it all," he said.

Apart from Hirani, he feels that one can learn a lot from Mani Ratnam, who made films like 'Roja' and 'Bombay'.

"His are what one can term as truly humane films. The man has made so many marvellous films over the years and all so different from one another. Still, one can't miss his genius in any of his films. He is someone who has got it just so perfect when it comes to pleasing masses as well as intelligentsia," said Kabir.

Actress Amrita Rao is out to surprise her fans and admirers. The actress, who is best known for as a demure girl next door, is out to change her image

Actress Amrita Rao is out to surprise her fans and admirers. The actress, who is best known for as a demure girl next door, is out to change her image with a vengeance. Fans and cinegoers will see the actress in her new avatar in Anil Kapoor's Shortkut.

The actress who has been seen in her 'simple Jane' avatar in film after film like Vivaah and Welcome To Sajjanpur, has decided to chuck her all covered look for Anil Kapoor's Shortkut, which also stars Akshay Khanna and Arshad Warsi. The actress is believed to have been in two minds about whether to take the plunge or not but Anil Kapoor is believed to have pushed her into going for it. Amrita decided to take his advice as Anil is known to be quite savvy and has been around for quite a while now. Trusting his instincts that the move would no backfire on her, Amrita decided to take the plunge. Luckily for the actress, she is naturally endowed with a slender frame and thus did not have to worry endlessly about how she would look in more contemperory clothes, which called for some skin show. One of the other perks of going glamorous was the fact that Amrita got a chance to be clothed by Manish Malhotra. The actress had earlier gone for a grunge look in Farah Khan's Main Hoon Na. She has otherwise never departed from her sweet, simple image which has been built up over the years, prompted mostly by her choice of films. But perhaps realising that she was limiting her choice of roles, the actress has decided to prove that she can handle glamour as well.

An Extravanganza of Luck

Promotions for Shree Ashtavinayak CineVision Ltd's latest offering LUCK, directed by Soham Shah took off with a thrilling start on Wednesday 1st July when the cast & crew of LUCK descended at The Intercontinental, Andheri(E) for a special affair. The event kick started with none other than the lead heroine of the film, debutant Shruti Haasan crooning the title track 'Aazma Luck' and entertaining the audiences with a scintillating performance!!! With her unconventional voice and stunning looks, Shruti had the spectators spellbound with her sizzling number!

This was followed by an exciting AV where each of the actors invited the crowds to place their bets on them! And the excitement and the exhilaration in the air mounted when each of cast members actually emerged on stage one after the other! Post the AV clips, the cast of the film, comprising of Imran Khan, Shruti Haasan, Ravi Kishaan & Chitrashi Rawat were joined by Producer Dhilin Mehta & Director Soham Shah on stage for an open session with the media. The event concluded with a 'Lucky Draw' for the invitees where the winners not only got exciting prizes but also a chance to pose for the shutterbugs with their favourite stars on stage.


With so much Luck & Glamour around, this was surely one of the most memorable evenings in B Town!

Court extends Shiney Ahuja's judicial custody till July 16

A Mumbai court Thursday extended till July 16 the judicial custody of rape-accused Bollywood actor Shiney Ahuja.

He was produced before the court this afternoon after his 14-day judicial custody ended, a police official said. He had been lodged in the Arthur Road Jail.

Early this week, the police had receive the DNA test reports which confirmed that Shiney had sex with his teenaged domestic help.

Police had said that the DNA samples of the accused matched the samples taken from the 18-year-old victim, who had also suffered scratch marks on her body. Investigators had also taken samples of other articles from Shiney's residence in the posh Versova area of Andheri west for evidence, including semen stains detected there.

The actor was arrested after she alleged that he raped her June 14.

A week before, Shiney's blood sample reports had nailed his claim that he was drunk when he raped his domestic help. The report mentioned that he was fully in his senses at the time of the incident.

After his arrest, he was first in police custody and is presently in judicial custody till Thursday.

If the charges against him are proved in court, Shiney faces a minimum seven-year jail sentence.

A team of the National Commission of Women (NCW) rushed to Mumbai and met all the concerned parties, including the victim and her family members.

Following the NCW visit, Chief Minister Ashok Chavan had announced that the Shiney rape case would be transferred to a fast track court soon.

Akshay Has High Hopes for Kambakkht Ishq

Kambakkht Ishq is all set to release tomorrow and there is a lot resting on the movie. It is not just about the amount of money that Sajid Nadiadwala has put into the project. The film's fate is quite closely entwined with the fate of its leading actor Akshay Kumar.

Akshay had a massive hit last year in Singh Is Kinng. Besides that, he was riding high on the success of Heyy Baby and Welcome. But if on the one hand there were the highs of Singh Is Kinng on one hand, there was also the lows of Tashan, Chandni Chowk To China and 8x10 Tasveer that he had to contend with. Hence, it is imperative for Akshay that Kambakkht Ishq does well at the box office and consolidates his position as a saleable star. Of course, he has another action thriller lined up for later in the year in Blue, besides Priyadarshan's De Dana Dan and Vipul Shah's Action Replay. But if he has to stay at the top of the heap, it is important to strike big at the box office. There is way too much competition at the top. Let's hope that it is celebration time at the box office for Akki this Friday. It's not such a make or break situation for the film's heroine Kareena Kapoor. After all, she has a hit in the Golmaal sequel to talk about. Up ahead, she has some very exciting films which are due to release like Rensil D'Silva's Qurbaan and Rajkumar Hirani's 3 Idiots. She is definitely on a more comfortable pitch than Akshay. Like it or not, Kambakkht Ishq will prove to be an acid test for Akshay.

Manish Malhotra Gives Amrita Rao a Shortktut to Glamour!

Ace fashion designer Manish Malhotra owns the credit for creating many a memorable looks for Bollywood's leading ladies over the years. Most actresses in the industry swear by this fabric magician and implicitly trust his vision as far as defining their look is concerned. The man responsible in giving Urmila her sex kitten tag in Rangeela has in his 15 years worked with various various A list stars, which include include Kajol, Karisma Kapoor, Rani Mukerji and Preity Zinta.

The latest star to join this bandwagon is Amrita Rao! Amrita has gone completely glam in her next outing ShortKut.

She willingly gives all the credit to her favourite designer Manish Malhotra! "Manish knew from day one how he wanted to style me. In ShortKut you will see me in bikini tops, short skirts, big diva esque hair and sultry eyes. I had a blast trying this look out! We sat over the look for an entire week discussing how we wanted to play it. I'm so happy with the result. I couldn't believe the transformation when I saw myself in the mirror!" laughs Amrita.

'I am not Shah Rukh, who charms people'

Akshaye Khanna is quite the elusive actor, who shows up only when his films are up for release. The actor puts down his behaviour to 'ultra shyness.'

He talks to Nithya Ramani about his film, Short Kut: The Con Is On, costarring Arshad Warsi and Amrita Rao. He also tells us why he thinks he did not make it to the A-list category in spite of being in the film industry for a little more than a decade.

What is Short Kut about?

It is about two characters -- a struggling actor, who wants to be a star and a struggling writer, who wants to become a great director. It is how these two achieve their goals. They have been friends for long but cannot stand each other.

I play Shekar and Arshad plays Raju. He steals my script and becomes a superstar. But I continue my struggle to make my way on top. There is a romantic track between Shekar and Mansi (Amrita Rao).

He sometimes gets tempted to take shortcuts but believes that there are no shortcuts in life.

It's a fun, entertaining film, with excellent characterizations.

The invisible force is the driving force of 'Agyaat': RGV

Ram Gopal Varma speaks about the 'Sarkar' series, 'Agyaat', and more!

Let's clarify about the new installment of 'Sarkar', before we let Ramgopal Varma talk of 'Agyaat', his new outing. "I don't think another installment will have the same effect after the peak 'Sarkar Raj' reached, especially now that Abhishek is gone," RGV states, thus clearly signaling the end of the 'Sarkar' series.

Right now, RGV is looking at 'Agyaat', which, he clarifies, is not a horror film, but a thriller. "Fear doesn't necessarily come from the supernatural. Fear can also come from something one cannot see. That invisible force is the driving force of 'Agyaat'," he elucidates. Fear or horror, as we know by now, has been RGV's forte and is the basis of almost every second film he makes. So what is so different about 'Agyaat'? "I can confidently say that this film is way ahead of anything I've done earlier. Creating a fearsome character just by its sound is a difficult task. Also, the jungle we've shot in is nothing like any jungle people might've seen before," RGV reveals.

Unlike most RGV films, 'Agyaat' doesn't boast of big stars, rather most of them are rank newcomers/lesser-known names. "New faces don't carry the burden of expectations, so I get freedom to place my characters. In 'Agyaat', you could say that the jungle or the creature is the lead," RGV adds.

Next on the cards is RANN, with Amitabh Bachchan, releasing shortly after 'Agyaat' and the two part 'Rakta Charitra', which goes on floors soon. 'Rann' contains the controversial 'altered version' of the national anthem that has been submitted to the court for a nod.

As for 'Rakta Chartira', why has RGV opted for a character that most in North India haven't heard of and what if the first part doesn't do well [the film will be made in two parts]? "That's a risk I have to take. Also, his life [Paritala Ravi] could not be described in just two hours, so I needed to make the second part," justifies RGV.

I will always be indebted to Karan Johar: Soham Shah

He mysteriously disappeared after his debut film 'Kaal' released. But 'Luck' seems to have brought Soham Shah back.

"After parting from Dharma Productions, I had to start my struggle all over again. A lot of people took advantage of the situation, considering the controversy that followed our split [Karan Johar and Soham parted on a bitter note]. Something would always go wrong at the last minute and I was 'out of work' for almost four years, till 'Luck' happened," Soham reminisces.

That Soham and Karan Johar had a bitter split is known to all and sundry, but according to Soham, it was a professional decision he took at that stage in life and he doesn't regret it one bit. "I am whatever I am because of Karan Johar and will always be indebted to him for that," says Soham with a lot of gratitude.

So how did it finally work out with Shree Ashtavinayak? "A friend [Rafi Kazi] wanted me to meet Rajbhai [Mehta], which I initially refused since it had become difficult to judge who was fake and who wasn't. But after my first meeting with Rajbhai, I felt some weight in his talks and that's how we went ahead with the film," Soham states, "Somewhere, I have to give maximum credit to Sanjay Dutt for making this work. He believed in me and supported me whole-heartedly."

'Luck' stars A-listers like Sanjay Dutt, Imran Khan, Mithun Chakrabarty and Danny Denzongpa. But what stands out is Ravi Kishan, who has been cast in a crucial role. "When I watched 'Big Boss', I could see a relation between him and the character he plays in the film. Even the people at Ashtavinayak were initially hesitant, but after we gave him a makeover [to look the character], everyone was unanimous that he was the right choice," Soham says.

The talented director now has two more scripts under construction and one of them is meant for Sanjay Dutt's production house. Well Soham, hope Luck's on your side this time around!

Salman makes designer watches to save money on gifting

Salman makes designer watches to save money on gifting
Bollywood star Salman Khan, who has given watches worth as much as Rs.50 crore to his friends and family, has found a method of beating his expensive gifting habit. On his mother's advice, he has asked his charity foundation Being Human to manufacture in-house designer watches.

And the first proud recipient of the Being Human designer-watch was actor Aseem Merchant, Salman's co-star in Boney Kapoor's 'Wanted'.

"He gave me his the first Being Human watch. It's awesome. Its look and movement are as slick as the super-exclusive Swiss Breitling watches," Aseem told us.

"You're right. He did say his mom advised him to find a way of cutting down costs on his watch-gifting habit. He gave me the watch and said, 'Your time begins now.'," he added.

Apart from the watch, Aseem also received a Being Human shirt from Salman.

"He made me strip in front of him and try on the shirt. I really don't want to talk about his generous nature. But I've been shooting with him for a year and Salman's generosity is unbelievable," said Aseem.

Salman also gifted Aseem a role in his brother Arbaaz Khan's first production which will star Salman and Shatrughan Sinha's daughter Sonakshi, to be directed by Abhinav Kashyap.

"And since I play the main antagonist with Salman in 'Wanted', he said he wanted me to do a positive role in Arbaaz's production," said Aseem.

Ironically, the real-life buddies are at each other's throat throughout 'Wanted'.

"And it's not the choreographed, synchronized action movements we see in our films. Salman and I have real basic fist to fist street fights composed by a stunt director called Vijay from the South. Salman and I were fighting on the sets and drinking together once the camera was switched off,"

'New York' hits bull's eye, grosses Rs.350 mn over weekend

Yash Raj Films' 'New York' that sees director Kabir Khan tackling an unconventional and serious subject has brought much-needed respite to the box office by grossing Rs.350 million worldwide over the three-day weekend.

'New York', released worldwide on Friday, is about three friends whose lives change post the 9/11 terror attacks on the twin towers. It stars John Abraham, Katrina Kaif, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Irrfan Khan in pivotal roles.

The movie that hit over 900 screens across the world had promising advance bookings and continued to register more demand from the audience after the first day of its release.

According to Tushar Dhingra, COO, BIG Cinemas, the film "opened very soundly and is giving good results".

"It has proved to be a strong box office ledge for multiplexes. After a long, long time, this movie has been able to pull the crowds to the cinema halls again," Dhingra told us.

Apart from its success in India, 'New York' has also garnered positive response from movie buffs in the US, Britain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where it was released across around 60, 40 and 30 cinema halls respectively.

The movie has opened at the number three slot on the Australian charts and 10 in Britain at the weekend. It was the top earner in UAE for 2009, said a press release by Yash Raj Films.

DNA reports confirm rape in Shiney case

The police claimed that the DNA test reports have confirmed Bollywood actor Shiney Ahuja had raped his domestic maid even as he moved a court for bail.

“The DNA report has confirmed rape of the victim,” said Additional Police Commissioner Amitabh Gupta.

“The report has corroborated the allegations in the FIR that the actor had raped his domestic help,” Gupta added.

The actor is lodged in Arthur Road central jail after a court remanded him to judicial custody on the charge of raping the 20-year-old maid at his residence on June 14.
In another development, the actor, in judicial custody till July 2, has moved a sessions court for bail contending he was not required for interrogation and all tests have concluded. His bail plea would be heard in due course.

The medical examination of the victim, who hails from Roha in Raigad district, has already shown injuries on her private parts.
The medical report of Ahuja had also shown an abrasion on his hand. However, the blood and urine samples suggested that the actor was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs when he allegedly committed the crime.
Also, nail samples of the victim have been sent for forensic tests to gather corroborative evidence in the case, the police said adding the report is awaited.

Shah Rukh Khan to receive doctorate from UK varsity

King Khan is the latest to be bestowed with a doctorate from a British university.

Known for his razor sharp wit and charming ways, Shah Rukh is making news for all the right reasons this time round. The ace actor’s efforts in the field of arts and culture will be recognized, as the University of Bedfordshire is all set to felicitate him in a much-hyped ceremony on July 10.

According to the latest Bollywood buzz, the ceremony will be held at Hotel Courthouse, London, and Shah Rukh will receive the degree from Vice-Chancellor Les Ebdon.

The official website of the university also states that the actor was nominated by Routes 2 Roots - an NGO that endeavours to bring together people, cultures and values from across southern Asia; in particular, India and Pakistan.

After the prestigious and controversial Datuk title that was awarded to King Khan last year, this is the second remarkable achievement of the actor.(spicezee)

Deepika doesn’t mind Saif touching her butt

if ‘Kambakkht Ishq’ has hit the headlines for Akshay and Kareena’s ten
kisses then ‘Love Aaj Kal’ went a step ahead with Saif touching Deepika’s
butt. “Gone are the days when we had two flowers nodding on screen to
depict a kiss. Today, since Saif and I are playing a couple in the movie,
we have to touch and even kiss each other. Physical proximity is high and
no one minds”, said Deepika Padukone when she was asked how comfortable she
was with Saif touching her butt. In ‘Love Aaj Kal’, Deepika is playing the
girl of her age and she feels that in this age of kissing and touching, the
question of touching butt sounds dull.

The promo of ‘Love Aaj Kal’ is on and the duo has received a good response
so far. Audience liked their on-screen chemistry.
‘Love Aaj Kal’ talks about todays and yesteryears ways of love making.
Directed by ‘Jab We Met’ fame Imtiaz Ali, it is one of the most awaited
films of 2009. The film has gathered much popularity for Saif and Deepika’s
sizzling on-screen chemistry.

‘Baroda bomber’ Irfan Pathan is set to marry long-time friend Shivangi Dev

It’s a decision that could break a million hearts. ‘Baroda bomber’ Irfan
Pathan is set to marry long-time friend Shivangi Dev, daughter of an Indian
diplomat in Australia. Pathan, who has known Shivangi for the past six
years, told TOI that their parents had finally given their nod to the wedding.
“We know each other really well now,” said a blushing Irfan, who first met
his lady-love in Canberra in 2003. The younger Pathan, however, is sure of
the venue. “It will take some time but certainly in Vadodara. It will be a
traditional wedding,” he said.
TOI had first reported about Irfan’s relationship with Shivangi, in March
last year. Irfan had first met her during a practice match. “She was very
shy and didn’t talk much during our first meeting. It took quite some time
before we got comfortable with each other and got into a relationship,”
Irfan said.
So, who proposed first? “I was the one who proposed to her about three
years ago. I was in Vadodara when I called her up and asked her if she
would marry me,” he said. She said yes.

Initially, there was some resistance from both families. “Now, our families
have accepted our relationship,” he added.
Shivangi, who has visited Irfan’s home twice, works as a chartered
accountant in Australia and also teaches dance to children. “She is a very
good dance teacher and has a major fan following in her dance school,” said
Irfan who has visited her school.

I want Kaminey and Kambakkht Ishq to do well: Akshay

Akshay Kumar speaks about flops, 'Kambakkht Ishq', and more!

Q. 'Chandni Chowk To China' and '8X10 Tasveer' didn't work at the box office. How did you cope with such situation?

This kind of flip-flop does happen in the industry so it's ok; one can't take such things to heart. Some films work and some do not. It doesn't mean that you hold anything in particular against something or someone. You have to move on.

Q. But both 'Chandni Chowk To China' as well as '8X10 Tasveer', did get hammered quite strongly by most?

Haan, critics ne kaafi bura-bhala kaha tha in filmon ke liye (yes critics did come quite strongly on both the films). Still, I won't say that 'Chandni Chowk To China' was a bad film. Even in '8X10 Tasveer' I took a risk. But then you know how artistic films are treated in India, especially when they come out of Bollywood! Such films have small audience and one has to keep that in mind as well.

Q. Regarding 'Chandni Chowk To China', till the release of New 'York', it was the only film that took some reasonable opening at least.

I didn't intend to speak about it but since you have brought it out, let me state that box office has its own story to tell. It has seen highest collections so far and though it was certainly less than what all of us were expecting, it has still been far better than any of the other releases in the year. However, people did write so much negative about it that it couldn't go beyond a point at the box office.

Q. You must be quite positive about 'Kambakkht Ishq' though.

Well, yes indeed. I really-really hope that the film works. It has been such an extended period of draught over last six months. Entertainment has just come down and it's high time that people go back to theaters for their staple diet of movies. Over last so many months, there was so much recession, so many problems that a common man could not dream of going to theaters. People were not getting their salaries, they were loosing their jobs. In such a situation, things only turn worse for film business.

Q. You believe that situation has improved now?

Very much so because honestly I had thought that the bad run would continue for an even longer period. I am just not talking about movie business but economy in general. Of what I collect from the market scenario, the situation has improved tremendously over last couple of months or so. There is a certain stability that has come in. We have a stable government, the stock market has gone up again and I see similar positive trend for Bollywood as well. Things are much better now. Itne waqt andhere ke baad ab jaise waapas savera aa raha hai (after an extended period of darkness, there is finally some light)!

Q. Isn't it ironical that the media is now saying that you will get audiences back with 'Kambakkth Ishq'?

When they say like that then it only feels good. You want to be a part of something that works for the industry, works for the audience, works for the producer, and works for yourself. If my 'Kambakkht Ishq' can improve the industry situation then I can only be proud and happy about that. But honestly, I want all films releasing this season to work. There are these biggies like 'New York', 'Love Aaj Kal' and 'Kaminey' coming one after another around my film and I want all of them to work.

Q. One doesn't find an actor saying this too often when so much is stake for his own film.

But then there is so much at stake for all of us out here, isn't it? I hear that during the strike, around Rs. 300 crores have been lost. We have to have something running to compensate for the losses. Aisa hoga tabhi mandi mein paisa wapas aayega (only if this happens would there be some money inflow into the industry); films would be made, people will get work. These are all important films and I want all of them to do extremely well!

Mugdha Godse gets nostalgic

After the success of Fashion, Mughda Godse is looking forward to a string of films ahead.

She has Madhur Bhandarkar’s Jail and Ajay Devgan’s All The Best. The model turned actress tells us she is excited about the films she is doing now. She also at the same time shared with us one of her most memorable moments in life.

Coming from a humble background Mugdha says the feeling that people are appreciating my work is still sinking in. “It’s a different high when people see you and call out to you on the streets. Suddenly you are an icon and people want to reach out to you. When I went to the IIFA awards there were young boys and girls shouting my name. I was stunned I never knew the power of cinema. But it has definitely boosted me to perform better now. I studied in a Marathi medium school and I took up modeling just for the fun of it. Before that I had taken up part time jobs. My parents have still not got over the fact that I am into movies. But after Fashion they are confident and happy about my career” she says.

I regret making my relationship with Ranbir public: Deepika

By Subhash K. Jha, Mumbai, July 1 : Deepika Padukone has everything going for her in Bollywood. She has worked with top stars and big banners. But she does have one regret - making her relationship with Ranbir Kapoor public.


"When we got into a relationship, we decided to be open about it. Otherwise there would be reports about us being spotted holding hands, kissing, hugging, etc. Since we were so clear about our relationship, we had nothing to hide. I thought people would respect that. But it didn't work out that way," Deepika told IANS.

Deepika was specially upset about the paparazzi pictures of her and Ranbir.

"We both have families and very respectable families. People who take pictures of us secretly must have families and boyfriends and girlfriends. We've now decided not to talk about our friendship. At the end of the day no one is going to see our films because we're a couple," said the actress who teamed up with Ranbir in "Bachna Ae Haseeno".

Any other film with Ranbir after "Bachna Ae Haseeno"?

"We get offers every day to act together, but we're waiting for the right opportunity. The script has to be special. But we're very clear about not mixing business with our relationship," she said.

Aishwarya gets Karate training

Rajnikant's mega budget next Endhiran starring him along side Aishwarya Rai seems to have garnered a lot of curiosity as the makers are keeping the production a close guarded secret.

But the audience interest about it seems to be multiplying day by day as inside details are being leaked out. We managed to find out one such inside info about Aishwarya Rai’s character in the film.

Our sources reveal, “After having learnt sword fights for her English movie The Last Legion, Aishwarya has been training herself in Karate for Endhiran. A noted stunt master Ramesh who has been running a Japan Shito-Ryu karate school in the South for over 30 years, which is affiliated to the World Karate Federation is training the actress for the movie. Ramesh is teaching Aishwarya the basics of Karate for now. In the movie Aishwarya Rai and the other girls in the film will be learning Karate from her hero. Rajnikant is already trained in Karate so he will not have to train himself. Some interesting scenes were shot recently in the VIT University in Chennai.”

Aishwarya Rai has always been a quick learner. Even during the making of the The Last Legion Aishwary Rai had trained herself in the sword fight. She took her skills forward in Ashutosh Gowarikar’s Jodhaa Akbar. Her trainers have always been enamoured by her quick learning skills. Apparently Ramesh was also charmed that the actress was able to repeat the karate movements easily.

Ramesh has also acted in Mani Rathnam’s Iruvar (1997) which was Aishwarya Rai’s first ever film. He has also acted in over 400 movies made in South India since 1986 with almost all the leading heroes of Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam languages.

I hate Michael Jackson…: Ram Gopal Varma

Controversial Indian filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma says he hates pop legend Michael Jackson for dying and making him realise that he was only a human being.

"I hate Michael Jackson. I hate him for dying and making me realise that he is just a human being. I hate that he too has to breathe to live. I hate that he too has a heart which can stop like anybody else's," Varma posted on his new blog.

"I truly truly hate Michael Jackson for becoming a grim reality from a fantastic fantasy," he added.

Just as the world was taken aback with the news of Jackson's death Thursday following a cardiac arrest at his home in Los Angeles, so was Varma, for whom the King of Pop was like someone from outer space.

Varma, who has made films like 'Satya', 'Company', 'Sarkar' and 'Sarkar Raj', narrated how he was introduced to Jackson's unique music and dance style during his college days.

"When I was in college in Vijayawada, a friend of mine took me to a video parlour to show Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'. Being constantly fed on a staple diet of Telugu and Hindi songs, I was startled to see the unimaginably high standards of picturisation, choreography and above all I was awe-struck by the sheer personality of Michael Jackson," he wrote.

"I walked out of the parlour in a daze thinking that he cannot be a real person and he has to be some fantasy who somehow has taken a human shape," added Varma.

The filmmaker, who attended Jackson's 1996 concert in Mumbai along with actors Sanjay Dutt and Salman Khan, says it wasn't just the legend's "dancing or his singing or even his music, but the sheer power of his presence and the aura around him that swept me away".

"On stage Michael Jackson looked like some being who has come from some other world in outer space as a favour to entertain us for a little while...For me in my mind he was like a creation of god or whatever that thing which creates when in a very special mood as a very very special gift to mankind," he concluded.

MJ fans commit suicide!

Nearly a dozen of Michael Jackson’s fans have reportedly committed suicide following the King of Pop’s sudden demise.
Australians fans are said to be seeking help from a suicide prevention hotline. As many as 50 callers seeking help from suicide prevention hotline, Lifeline Australia, have told counsellors that Jackson's death on June 26 has left them distressed.

According to Sky News, Gary Taylor from London, who owns Jacko's online fan club has said that he was aware of about 12 suicides following the performer's death. "It is a serious situation that these people are going through but Michael Jackson would never want this," News.au quoted Taylor as saying. "He would want them to live," he added.

Lifeline CEO Dawn O'Neil said that while there has not been 'a dramatic increase' in calls to counsellors, people have spoken about how Jackson's death has affected them."We have had some calls related to this," said O'Neil. "In some cases, (a celebrity's death) can be very distressing," O'Neil added.

The calls came as a friend to the famous family, the Reverend Jesse Jackson, urged fans not to "self-destruct". "This is a time when hearts are heavy," Jackson said. "There is great pain but great cause to celebrate Michael's life. It made Michael happy saying 'We Are The World'. Don't self destruct," he added.

No marriage for the next 10 years: Amrita Rao

She was rumoured to be dating Shahid Kapoor and then Hurman Baweja. But there is no one 'special' in her life right now and she won't think about marriage for the next 10 years, says actress Amrita Rao, who is all set to don a glamorous avatar in 'Short Kut'.

'I'm not getting married for the next 10 years. I don't have anyone special in my life at the moment and my complete focus is on my work,' Amrita told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

The 28-year-old entered the Hindi film industry seven years ago with 'Ab Ke Baras'. She then featured in college love story 'Ishq Vishk', sex comedy 'Masti', shared screen space with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan in potboiler 'Main Hoon Na' and social drama 'Vivah'. She was also appreciated for her performance in Shyam Benegal's non-commercial 'Welcome To Sajjanpur'.

Now the actress is all set for her first release of the year, 'Short Kut - The Con Is On', in which she has teamed up with Akshaye Khanna and Arshad Warsi.

Set in Bollywood, the film is about two strugglers - one who makes it big as a superstar (Arshad) after stealing a script and the other (Akshaye) who continues to struggle as a director after his script gets stolen.

'I am playing an actress in the film. Neeraj Vora wanted to highlight the personal life of an actress through my character,' Amrita said.

The actress said that her bold avatar in the film was not a conscious decision.

'Everyone has been asking me whether I made a conscious decision to change my look. This is not the case. I haven't sat and decided that I'm bored with one kind of role so give me something else. It's just that I have got an opportunity to do different roles and I have moulded myself to suit the character,' she said.

'The same is the case with my character in this film. I wanted to do something different with the styling of this character and so the new look. Nothing more,' Amrita added.

Fashion designer Manish Malhotra is the one who has styled Amrita's new look.

Produced by Anil Kapoor, 'Short Kut...' is scheduled for a July 10 release. Amrita says she was thrilled to work with the actor-producer who used to give her pep talks during the shoot.

'Many times he used to give me pep talks, encouraging and motivating me. The whole energy and aura about him is great. He is an incredibly positive personality,' the actress said.

Talking about the two male actors in the film, Amrita said: 'Akshaye is an actor who comes completely prepared and is a 'one take' actor so you also feel you should give your best.

'Arshad comes up with these impromptu additions to the dialogues which are just so funny. So matching that becomes a little difficult.'

It's Genelia in PARIS with Imran

Director Sanjay Gadhvi's forthcoming film 7 DAYS IN PARIS, starring Imran Khan in the lead, which has been making headlines for quite sometime over finalizing a leading lady for the film, now, as per the latest reports, has finally penciled in the bubbly and vivacious actress of Bollywood Genelia D'souza.
After Katrina Kaif walked out of the project, the makers were planning to rope in either Kareena or Asin. But unfortunately, both the ladies politely refused to be its part. Reports even suggest that Bollywood's hot in-demand actress Priyanka Chopra was also approached, but the sultry siren, who is riding high on the success of FASHION, demanded a whopping amount of Rs. 5 crore, which didn't really go down well with the producers and hence they decided to cast Genelia.

It must be recalled that Genelia was Imran's co-star in his first movie, blockbuster JAANE TU YA JAANE NA and their pairing was well-admired by one and all. Now Sanjay should heave a sigh of relief as he's got the best pair of B-town!

Kangana craves to have babies...

Boasting over her newly attained singledom, actress Kangana Ranaut seems to be living life queen-size. Wasting no tears and time over the past, the doe-eyed-beauty is busy making movies and planning babies. Before you jump to any conclusions, as per the current reports, in reality Kangana's sudden maternal desire is nothing but a want for having a big family some day.
But what's shocking is the status on a popular networking site account, which states that the long-legged lass desperately wants to have a bunch of children. And if the desire for baby wasn't enough to raise brows, Kangana tops it by adding that she wants several grandchildren too. Her status message reads: 'I'm in Switzerland and this place reminds my family and me of Manali. I can't wait to have kids and grandkids

The actress, who is currently shooting in Switzerland, is feeling down and out as she is missing her family. Maybe feeling gloomy that when her family is waiting in Mumbai, she is shooting in Switzerland. Well, dear start hunting for a beau first and kids will follow. Right guys?

Bollywood mein aaj chand niklaa

Bollywood is always open to inspiration. But one thing that has remained constant is its love affair with the moon. And that's reflected in the songs.

The latest film to have a song sung to the moon is Short Kut -- The Con is On, picturised on Akshaye Khanna and Amrita Rao. It was shot in Phuket, Thailand.

The song goes like this: Kal nau baje tum chand dekhna, main bhi dekhoonga aur yun doono ki nigahen chand par miljayegi.

Here's a look at the other songs where Bollywood went loony about the moon.

Bollywood borrows southern spice for 'Kambakkht Ishq', 'Short Kut'

The Hindi film industry is infamous for lifting Hollywood movies, but it has often been inspired by cinema content from southern India as well. With forthcoming movies like 'Kambakkht Ishq', 'Short Kut - The Con Is On' and 'Wanted', Bollywood seems to be on a spree of remaking films made down south.
Releasing Friday, Akshay Kumar- Kareena Kapoor's romantic comedy 'Kambakkht Ishq' is the remake of Kamal Haassan's 2002 Tamil hit 'Pammal K. Sambandam'.

The film was earlier to be remade in Hindi by writer-turned-director Anees Bazmee for south-based production house G.V. Films, which had acquired the remaking rights for Rs.500,000.

But it was producer Sajid Nadiadwala who finally made it after buying remaking rights of the same film by reportedly shelling out Rs.7.5 million.

'Short Kut', another forthcoming comedy, is a remake of Roshan Andrews' Malayalam movie 'Udayananu Tharam'. Similarly, southern dancing star Prabhu Deva's directorial venture 'Wanted', which has Salman Khan in the lead, is a remake of Tamil film 'Pokiri'.

"Bollywood has always survived on the pillars of inspiration and remakes... whether it is the west or the south, it has always copied content. While half of it has been successful, others have been blunders," said a trade analyst from Mumbai on condition of anonymity.

But Anil Kapoor, who is producing 'Short Kut', described the trend as a consumer-driven call.

"Actually it was not my idea to adapt a south Indian film... as a consumer I had seen this film in Malayalam and loved it. I thought it will be great to make the film in Hindi. I spoke to Anees Bazmee (who has written the script) about it and he too liked the idea of adapting it for a Hindi film," the actor-turned-producer said.

While 'Udayananu Tharam' starred Mohanlal, Sreenivasan and Meena, its Hindi version, directed by Neeraj Vora, features Arshad Warsi, Akshaye Khanna and Amrita Rao.

"We made some changes in the script to suit Bollywood sensibilities and made it more appealing for north Indians or say core Bollywood audiences. After the script was ready, we thought Neeraj Vora would be the best person to direct the film. I called him up and he was on board," Anil added.

A recent example of a successful Bollywood remake of a south Indian film becoming a huge hit is A.R. Murugadoss' 'Ghajini' (2008) that was a remake of the 2005 Tamil film of the same name.

Starring Aamir Khan in the lead, the film went on to rake in more than Rs.290 crore (Rs.2.9 billion) worldwide, making it one of the biggest grossers in Bollywood.

Remaking southern hits is not a new trend in Hindi cinema. There have been hit films earlier like 'Nayak', 'Saathiya', 'Viraasat' and 'Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein' that were remakes respectively of Tamil films 'Mudhalvan', 'Alaipayuthey', 'Thevar Magan' and 'Minnale'.

Multilingual filmmaker Priyadarshan, known for remaking his own films in Hindi, had said: "My Hindi films are mostly inspired from Malayalam comedies."

His popular films like 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa', 'Kyon Ki...' and 'Garam Masala' are remakes respectively of Malayalam films 'Manichitrathazhu', 'Thalavattom' and 'Boeing Boeing'. His other Hindi remakes include 'Virasaat', 'Billu' and 'Ye Teraa Ghar Ye Meraa Ghar'.

Tamil and Telugu filmmaker L.V. Prasad's Hindi films 'Sharada', 'Miss Mary', 'Chhoti Bahen' and 'Ek Duuje Ke Liye' were also adaptations of Tamil films. A. Bhimsingh's 'Bhai Bahen' was a remake of Tamil hit 'Pasamalar'.

Bollywood saw a series of remakes in the late 1970s and 80s with Jeetendra in the lead in movies like T. Rama Rao's 'Lok Parlok', 'Judaai', 'Maang Bharo Sajan', 'Himmatvala', 'Swarg Narak', 'Jyoti Bane Jwala' and 'Pyaasa Sawan'.

Films like 'Solva Sawan', 'Sargam', 'Sadma', 'Wo Saat Din', 'Aakhri Raasta', 'Andha Kanoon' and 'Eeshwar' were also inspired by southern hits.

Bollywood saw its first anti-woman slant in the 1980s Rajesh Khanna-starrer 'Red Rose' adapted from Tamil film 'Sigappu Rojakal'. And in 1992, Indra Kumar remade 'Enga Chinna Rasa' as 'Beta' as part of the continuing 'south inspires north' trend

No Salman Khan for Katrina's birthday?

After last year's bad experience, Katrina Kaif has decided to celebrate her birthday with her family in London. The actress is looking forward to meeting her family, but didn't reveal whether beau Salman Khan will be with her or not.
Katrina will turn 25 on July 16 and this time the actress, who is said to be under a lot of external and internal pressure, is determined to make her birthday a happy, stress-free and comfortable occasion.

Katrina will take off for a rare full-family reunion in London this July, to coincide with her birthday. She doesn't confirm the birthday, but admits that she's planning a holiday with family in July.

"I've been burning the midnight oil to make myself free for my family. I'm exhausted and stressed. And I can't wait to go home. Though I've met parts of my family on every visit home all of us eight siblings have not been together in nine years... can you believe it! I really want to do this," Katrina, who has earned rave reviews for her performance in just released 'New York', told us.

Katrina is the middle sister among the seven girls of the Kaif family. She has always been the apple of the eye and it was very traumatic for her to wrench herself away from the family cocoon in London and make a career on her own in Mumbai.

According to close friends, Katrina was petrified of the isolation here. That's why when Salman Khan's family took her in their fold, she was indebted to them.

Last year Salman created a major embarrassment for her by picking up a fight with Shah Rukh Khan.

After the incident, is Katrina trying hard to gently move away from her adopted family?

"I'm just so looking forward to being with all my sisters. My brother is also taking the time off to be in London for the first time in years with all of us sisters. I've been with some of my siblings in London. But never all. It's not holiday for me. It's a necessity. And nothing can stop from making it happen," she said.

The actress' popularity soared after the success of 'Namaste London' and 'Singh Is Kinng'.

Akshaye, Arshad will surprise all with 'Short Kut': Anil Kapoor

Anil Kapoor on 'Short Kut - The Con is On', his producer avatar, Arshad Warsi, Hollywood, and more!

Q. After producing a serious film like 'Gandhi My Father', why back a film like Short Kut which is an out and out comic caper? Is it for commercial reasons?

I'm sure every film is made for a commercial reason. As an actor, I've performed in one of Indian cinema's biggest hits like 'Mashaal', 'Karma', 'Eeshwar', 'Beta', 'Lamhe', 'Kishan Kanhaiya', '1942 A Love Story' and 'Rakhwala'. All the films I've mentioned were different from each other. Some were commercial successes and the others were critically acclaimed and some did decent business. So as a producer too I want to be diverse. 'Short Kut' came across to me as a fun film, it had great actors, there was scope for music, comedy, emotions, etc. In fact, there was scope in every department. As a child, I'd love to go and watch a film like this. So why not produce something that is loved by one and all.

Q. Brief us about your good friend Akshaye Khanna. After his superlative performance in your debut production, he is seen in your second. Third, fourth, fifth too?

(Laughs) He is a great actor. He is doing a comedy role in 'Short Kut' with so much variety. It's a well rounded performance by him. The good thing about casting Akshaye Khanna is that he is very vulnerable. 'Short Kut' isn't just a normal comic caper for Akshaye which he has done in his past films. You have to be too intense an actor to be funny.

Q. What have you to say about Amrita Rao's makeover in 'Short Kut' and how did you zero her down?

I had seen portions of her film 'Vivah'. I needed a girl who looked like a star, who looked beautiful and had a kind of a personality that she does acting for the passion of it. But she equally gives importance to relationships also. Thus Amrita Rao was the only actor I found who would suit the role. She looks gorgeous in 'Short Kut' and I promise it'll be her best role ever.

I'm proud I brought homosexuality out of closet: Tarun Mansukhani

Talk about gays and their acceptability problems are no longer hush-hush with 'Queer Pride' rallies becoming an annual event in many Indian cities. And one-film old writer-director Tarun Mansukhani takes pride in bringing homosexuality out of the closet in films with his commercial hit 'Dostana'. He now plans a sequel to the comedy.