Interview : Sonam Kapoor

Sonam Kapoor shines...and why not, after all diamond is her best friend. The actors tells our correspondent that she will endorse anything that glorifies women. After pen and beauty products, now you are endorsing diamond jewellery for Anant?I always believe in quality product. Anant's single line diamond jewellery too is a quality product and celebrates the infinity of women...how the roles played by a woman everyday is infinite. The jewellery line glorifies women...the kind of product I would like to endorse. Besides, it's an initiative of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), so it's for a good cause; to boost and sustain growth of diamond jewellery in India.
Have you tried any of the jewellery by Anant?Of course I have! I don't endorse any product that I have not tried for myself.
Do you like diamonds?I love them.
So diamond is your best friend like it is to other women?Yes of course...they are shiny and beautiful...just like me (bursts into laughter).
Why do you think they say 'Diamond is a woman's best friend'?Diamonds will always hold a special place in a woman's heart. Today's woman plays a daughter, a sister, a friend, a lover, a wife, a mother, a professional with ease and panache. What better way to celebrate her than with diamonds. What accessories do you like to wear the most?Solitaires...diamonds, and watches...I think they are the most easily available, wearable and can make you look good in whatever you wear.
What is your favourite piece of accessory?It's a pair of solitaire earrings. I have worn it so many times that I have lost count now.
What are the five accessories that you can't do without?Hmmm...earrings, watches, my bag, shoes and a hairband or something like that to keep my hair away from my face.
Speaking about products, you seem to be on an endorsement spree now-a-days. Is there a definite reason for this?No...nothing planned. I endorse Mont Blanc, L'Oreal and Anant...I think they are the best products in their respective spheres. So it's a huge privilege for me to get these offers.
Generally speaking, don't you think too many endorsements mars the weight of a star? For example, not many people like seeing Amitabh Bachchan endorsing Navratna oil, or Shah rukh endorsing Dermi Cool powder.That depends who the star is. Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan are untouchables! I don't think their star powers will dilute if they are selling the products you mentioned. In fact, the products will get a better endorsement if they do the ads. Each star has the right to make his or her own choices.
Priyanka Chopra recently said if Madhubala would have been alive today, even she would have gone for product endorsements, keeping in mind today's fast changing life of a star. Do you agree?May be...changes are only constant in life, and for a star as well. But then, I will repeat every star has to make their own choices...it depends on their views. My father (Anil Kapoor) has never done an Ad; except the recent Mont Blanc one. I am my father's daughter, but I endorse products while he does not prefer doing ads.
You are said to be spotting an ultra-chic image for AISHA and from your tweets it seems you are really excited with your role. Can you tell something more about the film and your character?As you know it is based on Jane Austin's novel 'Emma'. This is an exciting character with lots of conflicts, something that has never been portrayed by any Indian actress so far. So it's absolute fun to do something that no one has ever tried. The shooting is almost over.
You are on social networking sites. Do you think these can act as a publicity tool for a star?Social networking sites are my ways of connecting with the audience...they give you a platform to connect with your fans. If you call these 'publicity tools', so is TV, newspapers, blogs and Internet.
What sort of life partner are you looking for and when are you planning to settle down?I will settle down when I find a life partner and I don't know what sort of life partner to look for; because I believe you never find things that you look for.

Burqa clad Katrina reaches Ajmer 'dana dan'!

Almost a month after her visit to the famous Ajmer shrine, for the success of her film, AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI, Katrina Kaif was back at the same venue! This time she was accompanied by good friend Salman Khan's sister, Alvira Khan.
The two landed at the Kishangarh airstrip last Friday, on a chartered plane and just like last time Katrina had her fans waiting for her and was surrounded by them.
At the 'dargah' (even at the airstrip!), despite wearing a black 'burqa' and veil to hide her identity. Katrina was in Ajmer to pray for the success of her latest release, DE DANA DAN.
Bollywood's numero-uno actress untied the wish thread ('mannat ka dhaga') of her last visit, as her APKGK is a run away success, and tied a new thread at the holy doors of the 'dargah'.
This was Katrina's third visit to the shrine and seeing the kind of start her latest film, DE DANA DAN, has taken it appears that her wish has already been granted. After the 'ziyarat' (obeisance) Katrina and Alvira left by the same chartered plane. Here's wishing Katrina more success and happiness in her career and personal life as well.

Is SRK part of Roshan's Krrish sequel?

Rakesh Roshan hasn't even finalised his script for the sequel to the hit movie Krrish. But speculation is rife. That Bollywood super- actor Shah Rukh Khan will be cast as the villain in the Krrish sequel. The rumours have added interest to. An already over- hyped sequel.

A new addition to the buzz is that Hrithik 'Krrish' Roshan won't be paired with Priyanka Chopra in Krrish 2. The actor will be paired with Deepika Padukone instead.

The Roshans plan to start Krrish 2' s shooting in September 2010. The movie is expected to be bigger than the Roshan's earlier films.

Amitabh Bachchan makes Vidya Balan blush

It is learnt that since the time, Amitabh Bachchan had said that Vidya Balan reminded him of his favourite actress Waheeda Rehman, the actress just can’t stop blushing. The senior Bachchan had said in a recent interview that Vidya “has the grace and beauty of Waheeda Rehman”.He had further added that Vidya’s Indianness reminded him of the star with whom he worked in his earlier films like Trishul, Kabhie Kabhie and Adalat. A pal of Vidya’s reveals to us that Vidya is extremely delighted by the superstar’s compliments.

“What more she could ask for. She is deeply humbled and at the same time dumbfounded.” The pal tells us. Vidya has stated in this regard. “It was very kind of him (Amitabh Bachchan) to say something like that. Waheedaji was known for her beauty and grace and being compared to her is like receiving a great award.

Amitji has been generous with his compliments. I’m speechless.”She further adds, “I got the opportunity to work with him and Abhishek and it has been a great experience. I sincerely wish I get more roles like this in the future.”

The reason why Kareena Kapoor's films flop

A year ago this question would never have made it to any Bollywood producer's thought process, but the time has come to think about it - just how bankable is Kareena Kapoor?
Like Akshay Kumar, Kareena has doled out flop after flop from mid 2007 all the way to the end of 2009. Sample these films - Tashan, Golmaal Returns, Kambakkht Ishq, Mai aur Mrs Khanna, Kurbaan - they all bombed at the box office.

Some might say Golmaal and KIshq made decent money, but what about the ROI? Making the money back doesn't mean the film is a hit, it simply means it flopped. What's more, the films where she 'guest appeared' in, 'Halla Bol', 'Luck by Chance' and 'Billu' all nosedived as well. To add to it, no one even watched 'Roadside Romeo', the animated film that she provided her voice for.

So what is going wrong? Are these bad films? To some extent, yes. 'Golmaal 2' and 'KIshq' were atrocious, one would have to be a lunatic to assume those would be hits with today's sophisticated junta. 'Mai aur Mrs Khanna' was terrible as well, with its flimsy script and half-baked premise. But what about the 'Saifeena' moniker?

Bollywood promotes the Saif-Kareena jodi like its the best thing since sliced bread. Remember the vomitous 'Tashan'? That film was made to only cash in on the new buzz of the 'hot' Saif-Kareena jodi. 'Roadside Romeo' had the duo for the same reason. The same goes for the recent dud 'Kurbaan'. And what happened? It turns out only a few people are interested in watching 'Saifeena' on screen, the rest need a decent entertainment product for the hundreds of Rupees they pay for at multiplexes. 'Tashan' was unwatchable, and 'Romeo' was underwhelming. 'Kurbaan' was not so bad, but it was shoddy and had too many plotholes to make for a serious drama pitched in as a film with a lot of attention to detail. Even the excellent soundtrack of 'Kurbaan' couldn't pull in audiences. Is marketing to blame here? Hell no! 'Saifeena' films are given humongous promotions.

'Tashan' posters were everywhere, and you can't possibly forget the bare-back poster from 'Kurbaan' which made its way to every nook and corner of the country. The MNS even helped with the film's promotion by creating a big fuss over the alleged 'nudity' in it. Remember the bikini scene in 'Tashan'? Did it help sell tickets? Not by a long shot. End result? These films were just not good enough. 'Jab we met' was extremely entertaining, will '3 Idiots' follow suit? Or will it bomb due to the Kareena curse? In any case we can expect 'Saifeena' on Twitter anytime soon; Priyanka Chopra began Tweeting to promote 'Kaminey'; Shahid, Genelia and director Ken Ghosh recently became Tweet-happy (hint: Chance pe Dance).

Ben Kingsley woos Bollywood star for Taj dream

British actor Ben Kingsley, whose portrayal of Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi in 1982 won him an Oscar, has his sights set on another Indian story and a Bollywood heroine.
Kingsley is trying to raise finances to make a film titled "Taj" about Shah Jahan, the Mogul emperor and his quest to build. The Taj Mahal in memory of his third and favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child.

Kingsley said he is hoping Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, the former Miss World and wife of Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, will play the role of Mumtaz Mahal. "My wife (Brazilian actress Daniela Barbosa de Carneiro) is going to be in the film. She will play Shah Jahan's first wife, Kandhari Begum," Kingsley told Reuters Television. "We are hoping very much ... Aishwarya approves this script and loves it." But Kingsley, 65, said the project was not yet set in stone as he still has to secure finances for the film's production. "I have to attract investors to make this film possible.

At the moment, it's not fully financed by any means," he said. "I know there is a great interest in the project and I am very much hoping, although my windows of opportunity is quite small... we do have the script and it's beautiful."The film would be produced by Kingsley's production company, SBK Pictures, and shot around the area of the Taj Mahal that was built in Agra in northern India between 1632 and 1653. The film is expected to be released in 2011. Kingsley is in India's western Panaji to attend the International Film Festival of India 2009.

Hansika to step into Kollywood

Dhanush’s Maappilai has started rolling in Chennai and all eyes are on its leading lady Hansika Motwani the new entrant to Kollywood, where there is a dearth of heroines. She is just 18, and has already done 10 films so far in Hindi and Telugu and one Kannada film out of which 8 are super hits.

So is this striking new face going to give the current hot favourite Tamannaah stiff competition?
She has already snatched the youngest heroine tag from Tammu, but the cute looking Hansika says: “I’m competing with myself first, as my aim is to improve my performance in every film of mine. I’m not bothered about what others are doing and I want to excel in what I do”. Interestingly, Hansika was to make her Kollywood debut in director Vishnuvardhan’s Sarwam, which did not happen. But now she is happy, as she considers Mappillai as a perfect launch film in which she plays heroine to Dhanush, one of the top heroes in Tamil cinema. Adds Hansika who has the perfect balance of glamour and quintessential girl-next-door looks: “I am having a blast shooting with Dhanush, and Vivek in Chennai. I am open to do more Tamil films”. So are Kollywood film makers listening?

Katrina Kaif troubling Prakash Jha

Prakash Jha, who already had a lot of trouble facing Nana Patekar’s ire on the sets of Rajneeti had another issue. He had a hard time explaining continuity to Katrina Kaif, the lead actress of the film. Katrina’s look in the film is completely de-glam as compared to her usual roles. Her look requires her to wear a simple sari and no makeup. However, Katrina wouldn’t realize how important it was for her to look the same throughout the film. She would turn up to the sets looking different daily.

Jha would then have to ask her make-up man to work on her and get her to look the same as she did in the last scene, thus wasting a lot of time. And Katrina never realized that she is looking different and keep saying that she looks the same. Both Jha and Katrina have denied this and said that she never had a continuity problem and that her character undergoes a change in the film.

Shilpa Shetty plans to get married only once

There is a startling confession by the newlywed Bollywood bride Shilpa Shetty; the lady plans to get married only once. Shilpa tells a daily, “Thank god, I plan to get married only once! This has been the most exhausting week of my life. And also the happiest. I’ve waited so long for my wedding... I’ve known Raj for so long that it feels no different otherwise.” These are the words of a girl who is fatigued after a grandiose wedding and a pompous reception.

She also suffers from jaw ache and the reason for it is simple. She says, “I have a severe jaw ache from all the smiling at the reception. Now, I know why my colleagues avoid wedding receptions. It gets impossible to manage the entire crowd,” where there were more gatecrashers than the guests.

Her wedding was exactly the way she dreamt. In fact, her sister Shamita Shetty kept saying that she felt she was part of a Punjabi wedding sequence from a movie. Now, after prayers at Tirupati, a beach-side, romantic honeymoon awaits Shilpa. Hubby Raj Kundra is taking her to Bahamas. And then the entire Kundra and Shetty family will head for a Mediterranean cruise because Shilpa’s doting husband feels every one needs rest. Just married, lovey-dovey couple!

Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra fight it out over a man

Filmdom’s swishy beauties Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra have more in common than just their svelte frame. The two belles have a similar taste in men too. And after snubbing each other over hot hunk Shahid Kapur, the sassy beauties are now at loggerheads over yet another man. But before you get alarmed, let us tell you that the man in question is a professional, Pompy, who makes both ladies blush with just the apt powder and rouge.

Filmdom’s most coveted make-up artiste, Pompy is a top priority for Kareena and Priyanka. Owing some of their most glamorous looks to the man, both actresses are currently at loggerheads over Pompy.

Confirming the news, a source told a daily, "Earlier in the month, when Priyanka learnt that she had to go to Bangkok for the Anjaana Anjaani shoot with Ranbir Kapoor, her secretary tried his best to get dates from Pompy, but they did not match. The make-up magician was committed to accompany Kareena to Sydney, Australia, where she was to shoot with Kajol and Arjun Rampal for the Bollywood remake of Stepmom."

With the race on, only time will tell who walks away with the man in question. But as of now, it’s Kareena who seems to be a step ahead, as the actress has maintained quite a close relationship with Pompy. According to sources, Kareena invites him to her films` previews and makes sure he gets his due credit.

Aishwarya Rai: Ash gets Bhanshali's nod to help 'Paa'!

At a time when ‘Papa in law’ has been busy running from pillar to post, in a bid to ensure that his much awaited upcoming big screen venture ‘Paa’ gets the maximum visibility and word of mouth buzz prior to release, can the daughter in law keep away and not lend a hand!
Well, certainly not coz our pretty ‘aagyakari bahu’ Aishwarya Rai, it seems, is desperately keen to do her bit for ‘Pa in law’ in his promotional do’s for his upcoming big screen venture.
So keen in fact that she has managed to get a commitment out of director Sanjay Leela Bhansali to give her a couple of days off from shooting for his next with hunk Hrithik Roshan and join in on her Dad in law’s promotional rigors!

And what seems to have necessitated Ash to answer her Daddy in law’s call, is reportedly the fact that son Abhishek is busy canning for Ashutosh Gowariker’s next and wife Jaya is honoring her routine parliamentary commitments, thereby leaving Amitabh in short of company at a time when arguably his most ambitious venture on screen in recent times, is slated for release. Seems like, with a ‘bahu’ like Aishwarya, dad Amitabh simply has no cause for complaints! Hence, all he craves for these days is a new member in the Bachchan household!

Vidya's breaking point

This dates back to when Vidya had just joined college. Her dad had to be admitted for a bypass surgery. Experiencing the first complex surgery in her family, she was too young to understand its exact implications. She admits, “I was oblivious of the gravity of the situation. I was just aware that my dad had to undergo an operation.”

Unexpected revelationsAs the family was about to leave for the hospital, Vidya noticed something curious. Her dad asked for some time alone to himself before he could be taken to the hospital. He went out for a short walk around their neighbourhood, as if trying to absorb all that his eyes could see at the moment. She says, “When I noticed this, it struck me instantly: he wasn’t sure if he would make it through the surgery. So, he was looking at everything as though for the last time.” This realisation was so traumatic for Vidya that she was unable to contain herself. “I panicked for I didn’t know how to react. I just ran into my room and broke down. It was the scariest moment of my life,” she recalls. Supporting roleVidya’s support during her weakest moment was her elder sister, who was more prepared to handle this situation. “When I was feeling horrible and scared, my sister came into my room, hugged me and told me that with the grace of God, our father would return after a successful operation, feeling completely healthy. As compared to me, she handled the situation more maturely at the time,” says Vidya.

Finding myselfIt took Vidya some time before she could gather herself and meet her father, who had returned home after a successful operation. It was the most horrible thing to have ever happened, but now in hindsight, Vidya admits it changed her life in more ways than one.

“Though the scariest moment in my life, it also made me more mature and stronger as a person. I just wanted to hold on to my loved ones even more strongly than before. Now, if I were to face a tense situation, I think I would be able to deal with it much better than before. Another lesson I’ve learnt: if you love someone, don’t hesitate to tell them so,” concludes Vidya.

Amrita Rao at the launch of Roberto Cavalli vodka

Amrita Rao at the JW Marriott for the launch of the Roberto Cavalli vodka Amrita Rao has not graced the silver screen in some time, but she has compesated for it by gracing several other things - like the recent launch of the Roberto Cavalli vodka. She had a date with the acclaimed designer's eldest son Tomasso - a meeting she believes will help her make inroads into the world of international fashion.

"I am very excited to meet the international fashion guru's son as I have always been a fan of his high-fashion designs," said Amrita in an interview. "I am hopeful of making a long-term association with the Cavalli brand." Here's wishing you all the best, Amrita

De Dana Dan strategy: Sensuous track of Katrina & Akshay Kumar kept out

Director Priyadarshan’s latest flick De Dana Dan released across the nation this Friday. The movie is packed with a number of artists including Akshay Kumar, Suneil Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Katrina Kaif, Sameera Reddy and many comedians. However, what was creating buzz for the movie was Katrina’s sensuous, saree-clad dance number in the rain with Akshay Kumar.

The sound track ‘Gale Lag Ja’ saw Katrina dressed in an alluring orange saree and shed her sweet, coy girl image to take on that of a temptress. However, all those who had flocked to the theatres to see Kat in this new avatar were disappointed. Apparently, director Priyadarshan had left the sound track out of the movie on purpose. He intends to include it after the movie is a few days old at the box office. It is indeed a smart strategy to ensure crowds flock to the theatres for the movie after the initial weekend of release.

Katrina Kaif's continuity woes?

It’s not an easy task to make a stunner like Katrina Kaif look plain Jane for a long time. Director Prakash Jha reportedly realized this while shooting his film Rajneeti with her. We all know that in the movie Katrina plays a politician draped in sarees and with minimal or no make-up on her face. As the film’s shooting progressed and stretched over weeks and months, Jha would often encounter continuity problems because Katrina used to turn up on the sets looking like a glam doll that she is in reality.

So, to match her look with the previously canned scene, Jha often used to summon the make-up man to wipe out the cosmetics from Kat’s face. Surprisingly, Katrina herself never realized that her glam look was creating continuity problems for the director, reports claim. Jha, however, brushes off the report by stating that Kat’s character undergoes a transformation in the film and therefore her look kept on changing throughout the shoot. Maybe that’s what it really was. Or may be it’s a doting director trying to gloss over his actress’s peccadilloes.

Kareena Kapoor Offered Rs 10 Crore For 'Golmaal 3'

Kareena Kapoor may soon become the highest paid actress in Bollywood. Buzz is that Bebo has been offered a whopping 10 crore for the thirds instalment of ‘Golmaal’ series. Reports claim that if Kareena accepts the offer she will to supersede Aishwarya Rai in terms of emoluments.

Reports say that, Bebo is willing to accept it. This is the largest ever amount offered to an actress for Rohit Shetty`s ‘Golmaal 3’. According to a source, “Post ‘Jab We Met’, Kareena`s success graph has risen even more. She was apparently paid Rs 2.5 crore for ‘Kambakkht Ishq’ and little more for ‘Golmaal 2’. Rohit`s film went on to become a hit and the director wants to repeat the cast for his next that will take the story forward. Till now, Kareena has never been a part of any sequel. So to make her sign this film Rohit has offered Rs10 crore.” It is not sure if Bebo would take up the offer but Aishwarya’s top spot seems to be in trouble!

In Pics: Aishwarya Rai goes pink!

While the who’s who of Bollywood had turned up for Shilpa Shetty’s wedding reception last week, Aishwarya Rai was one celebrity who stood out of the crowd all thanks to her striking outfit rather its colour.

She was attention-grabbing enough in her pink salwar that made her the center of attraction. However, if one notices, pink has often been Aishwarya’s style statement over the years. Here’s a glimpse of Aishwarya in her favourite colour.

Katrina Kaif look-alike in Salman's Veer

The theatrical promos of Veer are out today and newbie Zarine Khan who is paired opposite Salman Khan comes off as a look-alike of Katrina Kaif. The only difference is that she is a chubbier version of her successful colleague (See Picture). Buzz is that Zarine was selected as busy Kat had no time for Sallu's dream film.

Katrina shouldn't take this as a compliment. As Salman is rather fond of casting girls who look like his flames. Remember Aishwarya's surreal imitation Sneha Ullal in Lucky No Time For Love? Hopefully, Zarine's career will take a better turn than Sneha's!

Katrina Kaif: I take all adulation with a pinch of salt

Year 2009 has been particularly superb for Katrina Kaif. She has a HIT in NEW YORK and a SUPERHIT in AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI. Now she is staring at a hat trick of sorts with DE DANA DAN carrying good buzz too. Suddenly, she is being commended for her choice of movies and an amazing track record. For someone who was written off 6 years back after the release of BOOM (2003), she has indeed come a long way and seen quite a few lows and highs. Due to the volatile situation of Bollywood, does she actually get impacted by all the adulation and superstar talks?

"Frankly, I take it all with a pinch of salt", admits Katrina, "One can never get too carried away in this industry because at the end of the day, it doesn't achieve you anything at all. The best way is to look at the work you are doing and continue to make careful choices." While with Akshay, she shares an impeccable record of giving maximum number of successful films, her 'jodi' with current heart throb Ranbir Kapoor to is looked at quite keenly.

"Of course if a good film comes in, I would love to do a film with Ranbir. However, I have to look at not just at my co-star. I should have an amazing role, the script should be good and so should be the director. Even if one of these anchors falls down, the movie can't be expected to fetch great results", says Katrina who is now looking forward to the box office response of DE DANA DAN where she is working with Priyadarshan for the first time. Well, one really hopes that the film is yet another good example of a careful choice being made.

Abhishek Bachchan admires Vidya Balan

During a recent promotional interview for Paa, Abhishek Bachchan admitted to admiring his co-star Vidya Balan, when they worked together for Guru. He claims to be so wowed with her performance in one of the scenes in Guru that he almost forgot that he too had to act in the scene.Buzz up!

Vidya has also made her admiration for AB Jr. very clear by stating that he is a dream co-star. She added that when she looks into his eyes, something unplanned just happens which makes it all the more exciting for her to work with him. Aishwarya better not get jealous and possessive about hubby Abhishek after she finds this out!

Priyanka Chopra in the middle of the ocean

Imagine you are on a boat, sailing in the middle of the sea from where you can only see the serene beauty of the deep blue ocean with the gushing cold breezes caressing your face... Apparently, the unit of the film Anjaana Anjaani is basking in the delight of this heavenly pleasure in the middle of work!

The lead actress of Anjaana Anjaani, Priyanka Chopra has been constantly expressing the delight of her shoots in the ocean. “I'm currently shooting on a boat for Anjaana Anjaani in the middle of the ocean pretty much the whole day.”Anjaana Anjaani is a forthcoming Bollywood film directed by Salaam Namaste and Bachna Ae Haseeno famed Siddharth Anand, which stars Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra in lead.

Post 'Kurbaan', Kareena talks about experimenting

It’s been a mixed bag this year for the feisty Kareena Kapoor— her fashionable romp in Kambakkht Ishq didn’t exactly garner rave reviews. Nor did Main Aurr Mrs Khanna which she did for “friends”. Neither did justice to the talented actor. But her outing in last week’s Rensil D’Silva-directed Kurbaan has Kapoor redeemed.

The New York residing, super kohl-eyed Avantika is comfortable with her husband’s (Saif Ali Khan) faith but not his jihad. Avantika is wooed to be betrayed. Her transformation as she is reduced from spirited young gal to an unwilling silent accomplice is remarkable. Like any seasoned actor, Kapoor was confident of its impact even before the film released in theatres. With total abandon, characteristic of the beauty, she suggests that Kurbaan, after Jab We Met, would fetch her awards in the forthcoming season. “Actors are like scientists,” she says, “We need to experiment all the time and should be allowed that. We can’t afford to get complacent. Actors like Saif Ali Khan, Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan do that constantly.”

Movies

Is Aishwarya-Salman film under?

The affair and sensational break-up of beauty queen and former Miss World Aishwarya Rai and actor Salman Khan is quite popular. Many years ago, it was media's fodder. (Had the 24/7 electronic news media been as ubiquitous at that time as it is now, their legend would have been made a national debate by celebrity-crazy editors).

Fortunately or unfortunately, the great Aishwarya-Salman whodunit is threatening to be back in our 'conscience.' All thanks to (Javed) Akthar saab's script based on the lives of Mrs. Aishwarya Rai Bacchan and Mr. Sallu, the break up story of yesteryear is likely to make hot news. Titled Ajab Hai Ishq, the film is said to be the true story of the estranged couple. News is that Salman has already agreed to act in the movie, to be scripted and written by Mr. Akthar. If Aish gives her nod, the film will take off. So, the Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam pair is ready to make an 'earth-shaking' comeback.

Kareena Kapoor on Kurbaan and Saif Ali Khan

Kurbaan is the new Hindi film released this week. The Karan Johar’s Dharma Production has an ad man at the helm and a plot part by terrorism and its impact on ordinary people. Its mix of gloss and contemporary storyline has made even more potent by its star cast. Real life couple Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor are testing their magic together in a movie for the first time.

On CNBC-TV18's special show Beautiful People we have Kareena Kapoor who says, "When you see the film you will forget about the real love story."

Vidya's beauty secret

And she’s very particular about it. Reveals a source close to Vidya, “Vidya calls for her kajal all the way from Pakistan. She will never use any other kajal, but that particular one. Luckily for Vidya now the brand is available in Delhi. She keeps getting gifted expensive cosmetics, but she refuses to part with her favourite kajal.”

Did Bipasha lie about her role?

BIPASHA BASU MAY scream from the rooftops that it was Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s insecurity that got her ousted from Ravana but industry insiders are refusing to believe her.

In fact, a source tells us that Bipasha was never considered to be a part of Ravana, in the first place.

Director Mani Ratnam likes having item numbers in his movies - like he did in Dil Se (Chaiya Chaiya) and in Guru (Maiya Maiya) and was toying with the idea of having something similar in Ravana as well.

Sources from the set of the film say Mani was planning to introduce the character of Mandodari, Ravana’s beautiful wife into the film. This character was to do a seductive item number and a few scenes and then exit, an exact seven minute role. When news spread that Mani was scouting for an actress to do an item number and a guest appearance in his film, Bipasha was one of the first actresses to push herself for this role.

“The character of Mandodari called for someone sexy and seductive, and many actresses were being considered. Bipasha wasn’t even on the top of Mani’s list. But Bipasha went ahead and told the press that she was offered a supporting role in Ravana,” says the source. Unfortunately for her Mani had second thoughts about this item number.

When Bipasha heard this she got nervous. She was worried that she would become a joke in the industry. A source close to her reveals, “Bipasha had announced to all and sundry that she was playing the parallel lead in a Mani Ratnam film. This would definitely add to her market rate. But when she heard that the role was non-existent Bipasha realised she would become the laughing stock of the industry.

“Bipasha flew to Kerala and pleaded with Mani Sir not to talk to the press that she was never the first choice for the film. Initially angry at her behaviour Mani, later, understood her plight and obliged her.”

However, Mani was later shocked when he heard from the grapevine that Bipasha was claiming that Aishwarya had used her friendship with his wife to oust Bipasha from the film.

The source reveals, “Mani Sir doesn’t pay attention to gossip. He just laughed it off and remarked ‘if I let my wife and my heroines decide the cast of my film, I might as well let them direct the whole film’. Bipasha, apparently, has now become a joke on the set of the film.

Shilpa Shetty's fairy tale wedding couture

It was not a ‘lehenga’ but a red sari that Shilpa Shetty wore for her wedding with Raj Kundra on 22 November. Her wedding outfits (for the ‘sangeet’, the wedding and the reception), have been designed by Tarun Tahiliani.

Tahiliani says that designing for Shetty is akin to dressing “an accentuated gazelle (sic)…long limbs and a dancer’s grace with a sensuous long-limbed statuesque loveliness.” (I did not make that up. He really said that in an email). One can only wish that the “gazelle” (or bambi in my lingo) had put her foot down and demanded for something different and not the usual fitted-draped sari with an almost backless ‘choli’, a humungous neckpiece and trademark ‘kalgi’-shaped ‘baju-bandh’

Deepika Padukone in the US for wedding

Deepika Padukone has headed to the US for some time out with family after having worked continuously for three years. She will be going there to attend a close cousin’s wedding and to spend some time with her relatives.According to sources, this break was much needed after her recent break-up with Ranbir Kapoor.

She hasn’t taken a break since she started working on Om Shanti Om back in 2006. She then worked on Bachna Ae Haseeno and Chandni Chowk To China and then Love Aaj Kal, and other assignments like endorsements and other projects. She is currently working on Karthik Calling Karthik and Housefull. So, Deepika didn’t let go of the chance as soon as she found out about it. Deepika will spend about 10 days in the US attending her cousin’s wedding and hope the trip will rejuvenate her. The news was confirmed by Deepika herself, who added that it is very important to make time for family even if one’s life is busy.

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Kareena Kapoor's statement a shocker for Shahrukh Khan!

Everyone in the Bollywood industry knows about the growing rivalry between Badshah Khan and Aamir Khan. Bebo Dear put more fuel to the whole thing just to clear her stand that she is equally with Aamir as she is with Shahrukh! She gave Aamit the title of emperor on which Shahrukh has a bigger hand than anyone else. It’s nothing but demeaning the actor. She went on and said that an actress career is incomplete if she has not worked withAamir Khan as he is the ultimate icon of the Bollywood clan.

Now that’s quite a humble statement Bebo! But someone must have felt very hurt. It is assumed that Shahrukh’s popularity is sinking day by day with actors like Ranbir Kapoor who is almost snatching The Yashraj Productions from Shahrukh. His magic can be found no more.

Shahrukh can be seen in a sinking ship though we expect something good to happen with the actor after the release of My Name Is Khan. We can see that Shahrukh’s near and dear ones turning their face off! Can’t help Shahrukh it’s all part of the game calledBollywood.

Shilpa Shetty announces wedding date

After working together in Asoka, Shahrukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor are set to team up again for Ra One - a movie that has Khan playing the role of a super hero out to save mankind. Khan and Kapoor were meant to feature in the blockbuster Kal Ho Na Ho, but the actress was replaced with Preity Zinta by filmmaker Karan Johar when she demanded more money.

Kareena Kapoor cannot stop raving about her co-star Kajol, whom she describes as one of the greatest actresses of Indian cinema. The two, who are starring together in Karan Johar's Stepmom, have been getting along like a house on fire. The movie, with Arjun Ramphal as the hero, is set to be released late next year.

Finally, it's confirmed! Karan Johar's eagerly awaited My Name is Khan, with Shahrukh Khan and Kajol in the lead roles, is to be released on February 12 2010. Khan plays a man with autism who goes to San Francisco to find his love - but is suspected of being a terrorist. The movie brings back the dream team of Khan and Kajol, who were last seen together in Khabi Khushi Khabie Gham.

Last week we reported that Asin had signed for Ashutosh Gowari- ker's new movie opposite Abhishek Bachchan. Well, within a week there has been a change of leading lady after Asin apparently backed out citing scheduling problems. She has been replaced by Deepika Padukone. Insiders claim Asin was unhappy with the size of her role.

December seems to be a lucky time for Aamir Khan. Two years ago he made the masterpiece Taare Zameen Par and then last year he gave us Bollywood's biggest hit, Ghajini. Now Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Sharman Joshi and Madhavan are gearing up for the release of 3 Idiots, made by Rajkumar Hirani, the man who made the Munnabhai movies. The first trailers of the film have just been released and the response has been phenomenal.

It's official - Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra are set to be married on November 22. Shilpa wrote on her blog: "I'm going through a lot of mixed feelings - happiness, excitement, nervousness - just like any bride-to-be and sadness as well. I miss my sister and am hoping that she'll be out soon in my last few days at home. My parents are ecstatic and doing everything to make things perfect on my special day. I absolutely adore them! Honestly it still hasn't sunk in completely, it's a strange emotion, can't describe it. The only consolation is that I'm tying the knot with Raj, a man who lets me be myself and doesn't want me or my life to change, that erases premarital jitters." While the wedding will be a private affair for close family, the couple have planned a lavish reception on November 24.

In a predictable development, Vijay's Vettaikaaran will now release on December 18, breaking a rule set by the Tamil Film Producer's Council that all superstar films may only release on festival dates. The initial postponement from Diwali meant the film could then release only for Pongal, but when the producers are the powerful Sun Pictures, rules may be stretched or broken.

Confusion still reigns over Vadivelu's cancelled role in the Sathyaraj-Sundhar C starrer Guru Sishyan. The initial reports from the press said Vadivelu had opted out of the project because he was not happy with his salary. The reports maintained that he had increased his pay demands by more than 100% after the runaway success of Aadhavan. Subsequent reports spoke of a fall out between the actor and director Shakthi Chidambaram over the script.

With Jayam Ravi's Thilaalangadi fast progressing, there is now great excitement about his next film. Provisionally titled Paris, a large portion of the movie will be shot on location in the French capital. It will be produced by Kalpathi S Agoharam, who was responsible for Santhosh Subramaniam, and will feature music by Harris Jayaraj. The lead actress is still to be finalised, and rumours are that the producers are considering Sruthi Hassan.

Surya has had to make a public statement after a recent press report stating that he is to play a lead role in a forthcoming Sri Lankan production. In his letter, Surya strongly refuted the media claims, saying he had never been approached by any Sri Lankan production company and that he had no plans to ever act in a Sri Lankan film. He is currently completing work on Hari's Singam, after which he will commence his Hindi-Tamil venture with director Ramgopal Varma.

Manjo Bharathiraja is to direct a remake of the hit thriller Sigappu Rojakkall, a hit film directed by his father, Bharathiraja, and starring Kamlhassan and Sri Devi. The film will be produced by KR Gangadharan, and will feature the music of Yuvanshanker Raja. Raja's father, Illaiyaraja, scored the music in the original.

Sayali, Boman, Amrita Rao join Childrens Day celebrations

Bollywood actors Sayali Bhagat, Boman Irani and Amrita Rao joined in a ‘Flight of Fantasy’ for underprivileged children and a trip for youngsters at Jet Airlines’ Flight Simulator Saturday to mark Children’s Day.
A group of 90 children travelled in an hour long flight over and around Mumbai, accompanied by Sayali who joined the fun on board.

The airline also organised an educational trip for youngsters to experience its Flight Simulator in Mumbai.

The children were accompanied by Boman and Amrita as they enjoyed the simulated experience of flying a Boeing 777 and Airbus A-330 aircraft.

Kareena as beautiful as Aishwarya

It might sound highly childish or silly and foolish when we say that Kareena Kapoor is deeply insecure about her beauty. And you know from whom? Of course, the one of the most beautiful ladies on earth Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
Apparently, when Bebo found out that Ash adorned the cover of film magazine with the cover story as 50 most beautiful people, Kareena got one done for herself too but on a different magazine.
A source reveals that after Bebo found out that Aishwarya Rai was gracing a '50 Most Beautiful People cover on a film magazine, she pulled strings and managed to get herself on the cover of another magazine doing the same story on the 50 most beautiful people in the country. Gosh!
We don't understand when you have the likes of Aamir Khan falling head over heels for your beauty, why do you need to resort to such cheap measures to make yourself feel beautiful. We hope you have heard the phrase Beauty lies in the eyes of the Beholder, Bebo! It's up to the readers to decide who's looking beautiful.