Ravi Kissan romancing Italian babe in cross-cultural Love Story!

While shooting Ravi Kissan through the lens of his camera in the wilderness of Chalakudy in Kerala for Mani Ratnam’s Raavan, Santosh Sivan decided to cast Ravi Kissan who plays Abhishek’s brother in Mani’s film, as Varanasi ka chokra who falls in love with a visiting Italian girl.

Says Santosh reluctantly, “It’s too early to talk about this project at this juncture. I’ll let you know the details as soon as they are in place.”

Ravi Kissan is reluctant to talk, but finally tells all. “Yes, it happened while we were shooting for Raavan. Santosh stopped looked at me and said, ‘You’re playing the lead in my film.’ Before I could react he told me it was set in Varanasi. I play a thief who falls for tourist, an Italian girl.”v

Ravi is naturally thrilled at this windfall in the wilderness. “I can’t wait for this union of paan benaras wala and Italy ka pasta. Wah what a nashta! I guess my image as the Bhojpuri star plus this new lean mean sexy look I’ve for Raavan and Luck, convinced Santosh to let me play the Chora ganga kinare wala. Coincidentally, I am shooting with a real life chora ganga kinare wala Abhishek.”

The film to be shot on location in Varanasi this winter will be in English, and will star a top Italian actress.

No wonder Ravi can’t stop preening. “I’ll be speaking broken English while she will speak English with an Italian accent.”

Ravi says Ratnam’s Raavan have taken out the Bhojpuri-actor tag from his career.

Not that he is giving up Bhojpuri films. “But I’m finally getting the kind of roles in Hindi cinema that I’ve waited for,” Ravi said, before heading to Kerala for the last schedule of Ratnam’s film.

“It’s the climax and we’re all looking forward to it. Abhishek who plays my younger brother has really become like my brother. I play this guy who can kill for my bhai.”

For his role in Luck and Raavan Ravi lost 15 kgs. “Bhojpuri films require their men and women to look healthier than normal. I had to lose all those kilos for my return to Hindi films. But the effort has paid off.”

Dadasaheb Phalke award for music legend Manna Dey

Ninety-year-old playback legend Manna Dey - who belted out evergreen songs like “Ae mere pyaare watan” and “Zindagi kaisi hai paheli” - is being honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke award, the highest honour in Indian cinema, his family said Wednesday.
“We got a call from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry Tuesday to inform us about the award (for 2007). He is right now in New York for some cultural programe. He will return to Bangalore Thursday. We are very happy for him,” his family member Anuradha Dey told IANS on phone.

Born as Prabodh Chandra Dey May 1, 1919 to Purna Chandra and Mahamaya Dey, the singer was a name to reckon with in the Hindi film industry from the 1950s to the 1970s. He has recorded more than 3,500 songs over the course of his career.

He started his career in playback singing with the movie “Tamanna” in 1943. The song was an instant hit and later he sang a solo, “Upar Gagan Vishal”, in the 1950 movie “Mashal”.

His all-time hits include “Sur na saje kya gaun main”, “Na to karanwa ki talash hai na to humsafar ki talash hain”, “Puchho na kaise maine rain bitayee”, “Laga chunari main daag”, “Aaja sanam madhur chandani mein hum”, “Dil ka haal sune dilwala”, “Ye raat bhigi bhigi, ye masta fijzayen”, “Jhanak jhanak tori baaje payaliya”, “Tu pyar ka saagar hai”, “Chunari sambhal gori udi chali jaye re” and “Ay meri Zohara”.

He also teamed up with Kishore Kumar for hit numbers like “Yeh dosti hum nahin torenge” (”Sholay”) and “Ek chatur naar” (”Padosan”).

How can one forget “Yaari hai imaan mera yaar meri zindagi” from the film “Zanjeer”? He also sang for the Bengali film industry, sometimes teaming up with Hemant Kumar.

He sang a duet “Ke prothom kachhe esechi” with Lata Mangeshkar for the Bengali movie “Sankhyabela”.

Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Makes An Appearance On Oprah

The tone was all set for the “desi” beats on the Oprah Winfrey Show, when the power couple of the Bollywood entertainment industry, Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made a joint appearance at the first ever television appearance together. Oprah welcomed the duo on the show, saying, “They stopped production on eight major movies and flew eight thousand miles to be here for their first ever television interview together.”

For the former Miss World, this wasn’t the first appearance at the Oprah. She had once previously made an appearance way back in 2007. This time, the appearance was pepped up further with the company of her husband, Abhishek Bachchan, the son of the iconic Indian star Amitabh Bachchan.

Donning a completely traditional attire of a brown and white saree, Aishwarya looked extremely beautiful. Holding hands, both of the superstars had come out on to the podium of Oprah, amidst thunderous applause. It was mostly Abhishek, who set the mood for a breezy evening, with his witty comebacks and humorous overtones.

From the cute banter that the Bollywood couple exchanged on the set of the immensely popular show, it could very well be made out that they are evidently, very much in love with each other. When he was asked how did it feel to be married to the most beautiful woman in the world, Abhishek stated that it was “Pleasant on the eyes.”

The two also took time to explain patiently to the American talk show host, why they still live with Abhishek’s family, even after marriage, stating that doing otherwise is considered sacrilege (in other words, abandoning one’s family) in India.

Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Makes An Appearance On Oprah

The tone was all set for the “desi” beats on the Oprah Winfrey Show, when the power couple of the Bollywood entertainment industry, Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made a joint appearance at the first ever television appearance together. Oprah welcomed the duo on the show, saying, “They stopped production on eight major movies and flew eight thousand miles to be here for their first ever television interview together.”

For the former Miss World, this wasn’t the first appearance at the Oprah. She had once previously made an appearance way back in 2007. This time, the appearance was pepped up further with the company of her husband, Abhishek Bachchan, the son of the iconic Indian star Amitabh Bachchan.

Donning a completely traditional attire of a brown and white saree, Aishwarya looked extremely beautiful. Holding hands, both of the superstars had come out on to the podium of Oprah, amidst thunderous applause. It was mostly Abhishek, who set the mood for a breezy evening, with his witty comebacks and humorous overtones.

From the cute banter that the Bollywood couple exchanged on the set of the immensely popular show, it could very well be made out that they are evidently, very much in love with each other. When he was asked how did it feel to be married to the most beautiful woman in the world, Abhishek stated that it was “Pleasant on the eyes.”

The two also took time to explain patiently to the American talk show host, why they still live with Abhishek’s family, even after marriage, stating that doing otherwise is considered sacrilege (in other words, abandoning one’s family) in India.

Pervert attacks Model!

It seems perverts are on the rampage what with Bipasha Basu being groped at a Durga Puja recently. Now, model-turned-actress Maushmi Udeshi was a victim while she was on a flight from Delhi to Mumbai.

The troublemaker, identified as Khan Mehfooz, was sitting behind her on the plane when he suddenly began to caress her shoulder and make lusty noises. She tried to change the way she was sitting but he grabbed her shoulder. Annoyed to the extreme, she turned around and slapped him. She then realized that he was the same man who had tried to push her not once but twice when they were boarding the flight. His friends, who were sitting next to him, started laughing. She was disgusted by the man.

Maushmi asked the flight crew to do something about the incident. Khan was then made to change his place. At first he denied touching her but when the security was called to take him away, he began to apologize. She was asked if she wanted to register a police complaint but she didn’t want to get into any kind of hassle. The incident was confirmed by the airlines.

Preity Zinta endorses D’Damas

Preity Zinta has been roped in as the new brand ambassador of D’Damas. The diva is endorsing the bridal jewelry for the wedding and festive season.

Our reliable source confirms, “After stream of bolly-divas such as Amrita Rao, Lara Dutta, Neetu Chandra and Celina Jaitley who have adorned the brand with their elegance, Preity is all geared up to add on with her modishness.”

“The bridal jewelry comprises of diamonds, which Preity is very fond of,” our source signs off.

Big B gives hard time to director Sujoy Ghosh

They say it needs a lot of conviction to impress and then convince Amitabh Bachchan. Lately, the person who has agreed with them is none other than the mega star himself.

Big B goes down the memory lane and shares his experience with the director of “Aladin’ Sujoy Ghosh to prove his point. He exclaims, “Aladin was not the first script- Sujoy had discussed with me. Sujoy, with his super enthusiasm would visit me everyday and narrate a script which he always wanted to work with me in. However, I was never convinced with him; in-fact I could never decipher what he would explain to me.”

Bachchan goes on to add, “And one fine day, I heard an altogether different script from him, which was of “Aladin’ and it took me just few seconds to give it a nod. Sujoy was thrilled to hear that and claimed to definitely convince me over the previous script he was working on as well. I assured him- as soon as I am convinced with the script it would not take me even a second to say yes to that as well.”

Well, all we can say to all the filmmakers who desire to work with Big B is- three things you got to be strong in “script’, “script’ and “script’ and the Bachchan is yours.

‘Blue’ promises never-seen-before visuals and stunts

Akshay Kumar says when “Blue” director Anthony D’Souza approached him for the underwater thriller, the first thing he asked him was “Are you capable of making the movie?”. Touted to be India’s first underwater film, which is said to match international standards of filmmaking, “Blue” promises to bring with it some never-seen-before visuals and stunts.

“The first thing I did was to look straight into his eyes and ask him - ‘Do you actually think you are capable enough of making a film of this scale, genre and setting? You may say that you want to shoot the film in space or on the moon, but saying something and doing it are two different things. So how will you actually shoot the film?.”

As things turned out, D’Souza had done his homework well in advance and showed some of his work from the past, which included certain advertisements he had directed as well as some groundwork on “Blue”.

“Honestly, it all led me to at least start lending an ear to him. I became further interested in knowing how he was going to execute ‘Blue’,” Akshay said.

“After all there were going to be extreme stunts in it and that too under water. Then Tony (D’Souza) also showed me the work of the DOP (director of photography) Pete Zuccarini.

“He is the same guy who has also shot ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’. He even made me talk to him and once I did that, I was quite satisfied that at least Tony had his heart in the right place and he had done his homework well.”

Once on board, Akshay wasn’t too worried about the fact that a film like “Blue” had never been attempted before on the Indian screen.

“I am sure that it would be legendary in its own way. Let’s see how the box office treats, but while doing the film we went all out for ‘Blue’. Making a film like this is no joke in any case.

“With the backdrop of a treasure hunt to it, it involves real sharks and all. I had to go through some training, take diving lessons and earn a certificate for myself because without that you are not allowed to enter sea.”

But that’s not all. Akshay had to get back to reading after years — but this time under water.

“Can you beat that? I had to read books around underwater. Tony made me do so much for this film. It was further hard work because there are minimal special effects. In fact, not a single shot has been taken against a green screen.

“My cameraman, Peter Zuccarini, who is famous for underwater swimming, also helped me a lot. I thought I knew swimming so it would be easy but this man taught me how to ‘belong’ to underwater. That’s the kind of encouragement I was looking for.”

Also starring Sanjay Dutt, Lara Dutta and Zayed Khan along with Katrina Kaif and Kylie Minogue, “Blue” is produced by Dhillin Mehta and has music by A.R. Rahman. It is set to release Oct 16.

‘Blue’ promises never-seen-before visuals and stunts

Akshay Kumar says when “Blue” director Anthony D’Souza approached him for the underwater thriller, the first thing he asked him was “Are you capable of making the movie?”. Touted to be India’s first underwater film, which is said to match international standards of filmmaking, “Blue” promises to bring with it some never-seen-before visuals and stunts.

“The first thing I did was to look straight into his eyes and ask him - ‘Do you actually think you are capable enough of making a film of this scale, genre and setting? You may say that you want to shoot the film in space or on the moon, but saying something and doing it are two different things. So how will you actually shoot the film?.”

As things turned out, D’Souza had done his homework well in advance and showed some of his work from the past, which included certain advertisements he had directed as well as some groundwork on “Blue”.

“Honestly, it all led me to at least start lending an ear to him. I became further interested in knowing how he was going to execute ‘Blue’,” Akshay said.

“After all there were going to be extreme stunts in it and that too under water. Then Tony (D’Souza) also showed me the work of the DOP (director of photography) Pete Zuccarini.

“He is the same guy who has also shot ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’. He even made me talk to him and once I did that, I was quite satisfied that at least Tony had his heart in the right place and he had done his homework well.”

Once on board, Akshay wasn’t too worried about the fact that a film like “Blue” had never been attempted before on the Indian screen.

“I am sure that it would be legendary in its own way. Let’s see how the box office treats, but while doing the film we went all out for ‘Blue’. Making a film like this is no joke in any case.

“With the backdrop of a treasure hunt to it, it involves real sharks and all. I had to go through some training, take diving lessons and earn a certificate for myself because without that you are not allowed to enter sea.”

But that’s not all. Akshay had to get back to reading after years — but this time under water.

“Can you beat that? I had to read books around underwater. Tony made me do so much for this film. It was further hard work because there are minimal special effects. In fact, not a single shot has been taken against a green screen.

“My cameraman, Peter Zuccarini, who is famous for underwater swimming, also helped me a lot. I thought I knew swimming so it would be easy but this man taught me how to ‘belong’ to underwater. That’s the kind of encouragement I was looking for.”

Also starring Sanjay Dutt, Lara Dutta and Zayed Khan along with Katrina Kaif and Kylie Minogue, “Blue” is produced by Dhillin Mehta and has music by A.R. Rahman. It is set to release Oct 16.

Prateik Babbar bags role in Bhansali’s next project

Sanjay Leela Bhansali has signed on late actress Smita Patil’s son Prateik Babbar for his next production “My Friend Pinto” that will go on floors later this year. And the youngster is naturally delighted.

“It’s a privilege to be working with Mr.Bhansali. When I met him I was amazed to find out how normal he is in spite of being an artist of such a high calibre,” Prateik said.

“My Friend Pinto” will be directed by Raghav Dar, who assisted Mani Ratnam during “Guru” and then served as associate director on Abbas Tyrewala’s “Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na”. That’s when Dar and Prateik got to know each other.

“My Friend Pinto” would be Prateik’s first author-backed title role. He had a captivating cameo in “Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na” and his second film “Dhobi Ghat” apparently has Aamir Khan playing the lead.

Prateik’s aunt Manya Patil is thrilled by the progress he is making.

“When Abbas Tyrewala told me about the role in ‘Jaane Tu …Ya Jaane Na’, I wasn’t so sure. It sounded like a small role. But Abbas told me to trust him. And that the role was tailormade for Prateik. To his credit, the role turned out exactly the way it was narrated. I’m glad Prateik’s career is working out.

“Today, there is room for all kinds of cinema. And like his mom, we want Prateik to be adventurous in his choices. I’m there to guide him, though I’m not really part of the film industry,” said the proud aunt.

Speaking on Prateik’s life as a child since he lost his mother when he was born, Manya said: “Actually Prateik has so many self-appointed mothers including my mother, my elder sister Anita and me, of course.”

Aamir interested in knowing Wanted’s collections

It is learnt that Aamir Khan is keeping a close tab on his buddy Salman Khan’s film Wanted’s box office collections. The film has opened to bumper collections all over India in the single screens and the multiplexes collections, if not as big, has been rising steadily as well. Aamir’s Ghajini was the last Bollywood film to break big in the single screens and amass huge collections.

The trade has been claiming Wanted has over taken Ghajini at many centers and this has intrigued the perfectionist Aamir more. Though most of the critics have lashed the film out, Wanted has been conquering the box office even in its second week.

Incidentally, Aamir was invited personally by Salman to have a dekko of his Wanted, days before its release. However, with Aamir being busy with his 3 Idiots it was not possible for him. But he seems to have finally watched the film on last weekend and loved Salman’s act in it.

Rajniesh obsessed with SUPERHEROES

Rajniesh Duggall, who would next be seen in Vikram Bhatt’s Phhir, might be doing some serious acting on screen but is still a kid from within. The 1920 actor who has a fetish for superheroes loves collecting all the cool stuff related to them. Rajniesh’s wardrobe is filled with superhero clothing like Batman T-shirts, Superman boxers and Phantom belts. Continuing with his obsession with superheroes, Rajniesh has also set a Spider Man caller tune for all his callers. Sit in his car and you will notice a Phantom keychain and a bunch of superhero soft toys on the backseat. “I was always fascinated by these superheroes and the powers that they possess. Whenever I go shopping the first thing that I put my sight on are superhero accessories. In my free time too I am usually watching a Superhero flick or playing Superhero games,” says Rajniesh. So any producer planning to make an animated superhero flick, you know where to look.

Ranbir and Katrina’s funny chemistry

Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif have a natural knack for comedy. A unit hand said, “Ranbir and Katrina possess a great sense of humour. The two make jokes at a drop of hat. Their one-liners can have you in splits. It is this off the set chemistry that has come across on screen too.”

The comic sequences have turned out to be simply hilarious. In fact, the unit could not help control their laughter while the comic scenes were being shot. “Not only Rajkumar Santoshi and Ramesh Taurani, but also the entire crew would break into laughter.”

The unit had become had become like this one big family. “We had become so attached by the end of it that tears would well up in our eyes when we’d watch Katrina and Ranbir do an emotional scene. But we all kept quiet about it,” said the source.

Hema Malini- Shatru: Sparkling like old wine

Shatrughan Sinha and Hema Malini proved once again that old is gold. The two of them had the audience thrilled to bits with their presence. There was happy banter, laughter jokes, a rapid fire round, dialogue delivery and even antakshari.

Hema Malini, looking better with every passing day, delighted the audience with her Basanti dialogue, which she said she had to recite at each meeting during the election campaigns.

While Shatru proved that his quick wit and amazing memory has not dimmed with time. He raced through a long tongue-twister of a dialogue from a film he had done 30 years ago

Looking dapper in black with a red scarf, he said it was not the Nehru look he was sporting but the Jinnah one After all, Jinnah is making more news than anyone else these days.

3 Nights 4 Days with Firangi beauty

Bollywood has always welcomed firangi divas with open arms. Thus lands another Croatian beauty Sanda Caktas in Hindi film industry.

Maxwell Production is introducing Croatian beauty Sanda Caktas with the film 3 Nights 4 Days. According to the model-turned-actress film happened to her by chance, as she had never anticipated Bollywood for herself; in fact she was always into medicine, yoga and healing.

Couple of years ago she had come to India to practice yoga thoroughly and on and off she had also been modeling. One fine day she was spotted by the director of the film and he offered her Marium’s role. “I was traveling all over the world then, before going back to Croatia I planned a sojourn in India for two months, but I ended up staying here for two years,” she gladly recalls.

Sanda darling you have long way to go here, as Bollywood truly loves white skin and light eyes

Hurman’s Rashee changed with What’s Your Rashee

What’s Your Rashee, which opened on screens yesterday, saw a good response from the audiences. Hurman Baweja the lead actor in the movie has received appreciation for his role in the movie. “The audiences are liking him and girls are messaging him complimenting for his role,” said a source.

The movie has received a very good opening in places like Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Kolkata etc. In Pune Esquare theatre, the 9 am show was houseful and they had to add another show at 10am, which also went houseful. Most of the theatres are planning to add more shows due to public demand.

A source said, “Priyanka is playing 12 different roles in the movie, but the way Hurman has acted; he has completely overshadowed Priyanka. Hurman is the perfect take away home guy in this movie.”

I want to keep singing for the rest of my life: Lata

Nightingale of India Lata Mangeshkar says that she wants to continue singing forever, provided she is offered meaningful songs.

“I want to continue singing for the rest of my life,” said Lata who turned 80 Monday.

“I’m open to all kinds of songs, but the only thing I look for is the lyrics. The lyrics have to be meaningful. I would like the producers and the directors to approach with soulful and meaningful tracks,” added the veteran singer at the launch of an album here.

The melody queen, as she is popularly known, has sung more than 30,000 songs in over 20 Indian languages. And she has sung all kind of songs - from light classical music to film songs, from ghazals to bhajans and pop.

Having worked with almost all top music composers and singers in the industry, Lata has also featured in the Guinness Book of Records from 1974 to 1991 for having made the most recordings in the world.

When asked about her opinion on the number of reality shows that are doing the rounds, Lata said that more than singing, the focus is on performance.

“Reality shows these days are all about singing, dancing, performing and latest fashion. New singing stars have potential but they concentrate more on overall performance rather than singing itself, which is a total contradiction.

“Singing is a divine form of art and blending it with other art forms takes away the very soul of music. So it’s better if reality shows concentrate purely on the talent of singing and music,” Lata maintained.

Now, after more than six decades in the industry, the singer says that she doesn’t regret anything.

“Whatever I achieved is by god’s grace. I’m completely satisfied and content with my life and career,” she said.

Shah Rukh will always be my idol: Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra has thousands of fans, but who is the actress’s all-time idol? The man she admires most is adored by millions across the globe as well… who else but superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

“Shah Rukh Khan is my idol and has always been. He has been a favourite actor of course, but I really look up to him also as a person . Looking at where he came from and how he became who he is today, I find it extremely fascinating,” Priyanka said in an interview.

“He started with theatre, did plays, got a break in TV - he turned from a regular college kid to a mega superstar… and all that completely on his own with no help from anybody in the film industry. I admire a lot about him and I think it’s just fantastic,” said the actress who has bagged the youth award icon for entertainment.

In the past, Priyanka has teamed up with Shah Rukh for Farhan Akhtar’s “Don” and did a cameo in a song with him in Farah Khan’s “Om Shanti Om” and also in “Billu”.

Priyanka and Hrithik Roshan bagged the youth icon awards in the entertainment field at the inaugural edition of the India Youth Icon Awards at an awards ceremony in Gurgaon Friday.

The actress is currently on cloud nine after getting rave reviews for essaying 12 roles in Ashutosh Gowariker’s “What’s Your Rashee?”, which also stars Hurman Baweja.

“It’s been great feedback so far. People are enjoying the film…I had an author-backed role which included playing 12 different characters - very difficult to do. And it feels fantastic to be encouraged and be told that I pulled it off well,” she said.

The 27-year-old actor said she was extremely nervous before the film’s release Friday.

“My biggest worry was - ‘Oh God! Will I ever be able to pull this off or not?’. Since most people who get to play multiple roles in a movie get it after a lot of experience, I was nervous. I have spent a short span to do roles as difficult as the one in ‘What’s Your Rashee’, but as an actor all I can say is that I do my work with as much honesty as possible and the rest is destiny,” she said.

If “What’s Your Rashee?” hits the jackpot at the box office, it will be her fourth consecutive hit in a row after “Fashion”, “Dostana” and “Kaminey”.

But she is unmoved. “Hits and flops are a part of the business, isn’t it?” she said.

Asked how she handles success at a young age, the former Miss World said: “I have always been grounded. I have an incredible passion for what I do (acting). I don’t know how to do anything else, I don’t want to do anything else and I love what I do. There’s nothing else that affects me.”

What about growing expectations from audiences and critics?

“It scares me when my films release. I wonder if people will like it or not. That for me is the most important thing. But at the same time I think: what’s the point of living a life without any expectations? You will just stagnate, become complacent - that’s not the kind of person I am. I like striving, I like things that challenge me; I take up difficult films and difficult roles to challenge myself,” Priyanka said.

“I like it when people say things like ‘Fashion’ was a female-centric movie and yet it was successful and that ‘Kaminey’ was an all-boys film, still my part was really appreciated, and ‘Dostana’ was majorly on gay guys, and it ended so well. I enjoy that - I like the fact that I can take up different scripts.

“It’s just that I like to take up challenges,” she added.

Priyanka’s next will see her paired with Uday Chopra in Yash Raj Films’ “Pyaar Impossible”, where she will play the beauty and the latter a geek.

‘Tum Mile’ has shock element: Emraan Hashmi

Films coming from Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt are known for their shock value. Now Emraan Hashmi says his upcoming film with the Bhatt brothers, “Tum Mile”, will carry forward the tradition as it has ample shocking moments.

“Yes, there is that shock element in ‘Tum Mile’ as well, just like every film of the Bhatts has. They always bring in something which touches audiences in a big way,” Emraan said.

“In this film, shock value comes by means of floods. It is the anti hero in the film and would take people back to the time when this unfortunate event actually took place,” added the actor.

The actor, who has paired up with his “Jannat” director Kunal Deshmukh again in this film, says he was very keen to do one more film with the young director.

” ‘Jannat’ was entirely Kunal’s brain child and I always wanted to work with him again. He has a knack of picking up a relevant topic or issue and bring it alive on screen.

“In ‘Jannat’ he brought forward match-fixing while in ‘Tum Mile’ he has told a story based on a true incident. The common factor about both the films is that each essentially deals with human drama,” said Emraan.

Elaborating further on the human drama set in contemporary tales, Emraan said: “Even as ‘Jannat’ dealt with match-fixing, it was meant to be a driving factor for the problems that take place in the protagonist’s life.

“In ‘Tum Mile’, which has floods as the backdrop, we see two people who had parted ways some time back. However, now they face a dilemma in their relationship as they are thrown back together on 26th July.”

Emraan emphasises that technically “Tum Mile” has been the most difficult film he has been a part of.

“Yes, ‘Tum Mile’ has been a very tiring experience, both physically and mentally. It was a difficult film to be made and hats off to Kunal (Deshmukh) for making it happen.”

“The entire team has done its best to recreate the flood situation. During shooting, everyone from cast and crew used to stand in waist deep water for hours at a stretch to give that perfect shot.

“When I saw the film, I was like ‘Wow, man, how did we actually accomplish it all!’ Credit must also go to the special effects guys who have done a brilliant job for the entire recreation.”

In a lighter vein he adds that this time around, doing romantic sequences was much easier for him.

“The toughest part was to shoot for the flood sequences. That’s because all the romantic sequences were shot in very good speed. It was all quite breezy and the character that I play is my most romantic ever. My chemistry with Soha (Ali Khan) shows in the film.”

Kunal has managed to do a great job in canning the romantic scenes, says Emraan.

“It’s a very new format and idiom in terms of presentation of love. Kunal has brought the best out of this presentation and in a way placed the camera in the couple’s house itself for the romantic sequences. I was enjoying it all before the villain of the piece, i.e., floods took over,” he said.

“Tum Mile” is scheduled for a Nov 13 release.

Paa Is Introducing Amitabh Bachchan!

Yes, that’s how the credit titles of Balki’s Paa will bill the super-icon.

Says the director Balki, “The credits will read “Starring Abhishek Bachchan…Vidya Balan…Introducing Amitabh Bachchan.’ I truly believe this is Mr. Bachchan’s first film, firstly because he has never played a 12-year old. His character is named Auro…No it’s short for Aurobindo. He’s just…Auro! And if there are any members of the audience who haven’t seen him before they won’t recognize him.”

On the sets of Paa, Big B’s transformation into a 12-year old was so complete he behaved like a 12-year old child even when the camera was not on.

“Why 12-year old? Mr. Bachchan behaved like a 10-year old on the sets. He just allowed the child within him to surface and the Big B became Auro, throwing so many tantrums we had to literally discipline him at times.”

So startling and complete was Big B’s physical and emotional transformation that even members of the unit were taken in.

Recalls Balki, “Mr. Bachchan had become an uncontrollable child during the shooting. On the sets he would stomp his feet like a brat and just go on and on whining, ” I want…I want…I want!’ until he got what he wanted. We were frightened by the level to which he took the character into within himself.”

The character is almost toothless.

“Auro has just 4-5 teeth in his mouth. Mr. Bachchan’s gummed grin has to be seen to be believed,” says the disbelieving director. “No matter how prepared you are as filmmaker to work with this all-pervasive idol of an actor you are still aback by what he does to his character.”

Auro in Paa is a chocolate addict. Mr Bachchan’s health doesn’t permit him too much sweet stuff. “And still when the camera was on he was constantly nibbling and chewing on chocolates. We had to often pull those bars of chocolate away from his hands. You see, chocolates are good for the metabolism level of those who suffer from Progeria. So Auro had to be shown constantly eating chocolates.”

A big charity premiere of Paa for the Progeria Research Foundation is being planned. But beyond that, Balki and the Paa producers AB Corp Ltd don’t intend to make an issue of this rare genetical disease in the marketing.

Says Balki, “Progeria won’t be a star-attraction in the publicity campaign. Yes Mr. Bachchan’s character suffers from the rare disease. But the film is not about the disease. The Progeria Research Foundation is very particular about the way the disease is projected to the public.”

So should Big B get ready to receive all the debutant awards next year?

Laughs Balki, “I sure hope the awards would honor him in the child’s category or the debutants’ category.”

Subhash Ghai is on 2009 International Emmy Award Jury

The International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, has invited filmmaker and educationist Subhash Ghai as a Juror in the final round of judging for the 2009 International Emmy Awards.

The nominees are the regional semi-finalists from each of the four (4) Emmy judging regions (Europe, Latin America, English-Language and Asia/Africa/Middle-East). And will be voted as winners on 26th October 2009.

He has also been invited as a juror to attend The 37th International Emmy Awards Gala, which will take place on Monday, November 23, 2009 in New York City.

The International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences is a membership based organization comprised of leading media and entertainment figures from over 50 countries and 500 companies from all sectors of television including internet, mobile and technology. The Academy’s yearly schedule of events includes the prestigious International Emmy Awards Ceremony held in New York, The International Digital Emmy Awards at MIPTV and a series of industry events such as Academy Day, The International Emmy World Television Festival and Panels on substantive industry topics.

This will be fourth time when Subhash Ghai will judge once again for academy for his being a prominent film maker of India and a pioneer educationist in the field of cinema, television and media arts by opening a world class film school in Mumbai known as Whistling Woods International.

What do Ajay Devgan and Ranbir Kapoor have in common?

Ajay Devgan and Ranbir Kapoor are as different as chalk and cheese so what in Gods name could they possibly have in common?

Apparently they both have the same on-screen name in their respective forthcoming films! And the icing on the cake is that the common name is the very name of the Bollywood baddie of yesteryears– Prem Chopra!

While Ajay Devgan will be wooing Bipasha Basu in the comic caper “All The Best’, Ranbir will be romancing Katrina in “Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani’ where its not his screen name, but he uses it in a gag.

Well looks like both the actors will definitely be living it up in true villainous style!

Double bonanza with Salman Khan

Its going to be double bonanza to see Salman in a double role in Boney Kapoor’s next, the sequel of No Entry. It seems after the hit of WANTED, Boney is again basking on Salman’s popularity by continuing their bond with the sequel. Though part one could not get its shares on the box office collection but the producer is sure that the sequel will do the needful.

As per our khabroo, “Boney has already announced about the flick which will be called, Be Positive - No Entry part 2.”

The film will be directed by Anees and with some old faces of No Entry; one will also see new faces. “Esha, Lara and Bipasha are definitely going to be the part of the flick but with that the producer is also planning to bring in fresh new faces for the double roles,” adds the source.

When asked of when is the film releasing? “The film will go on floors in the next year,” concludes the source.

So it’s going to be a double treat for the fans of Salman as he will be seen in double role for the sequel.

‘Ghajini’ producers now want both Aamir and Hrithik

“Ghajini” producers Allu Arvind and Madhu Mantena are going to make a Hindi remake of Telugu blockbuster “Magadheera” and they are reportedly considering Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan to play the main leads.

“Yes Allu Arvind and I are remaking ‘Magadheera’ in Hindi. As for the cast, it’s too early to talk about it. But ‘Magadheera’ is definitely being planned to be bigger than ‘Ghajini’,” Mantena said.

Released in July this year, “Magadheera” has already grossed over Rs.65 crore in India alone and is said to be the second-biggest Telugu hit after “Ghajini”.

With this Telugu remake into Hindi that is expected to take off early next year, Arvind and Mantena hope to raise the bar for action-drama cinema in Hindi once again.

The remake, to be budgeted at Rs.70 crore, is highly ambitious. While in the original, which is set in 17th century and present, the hero Ram Charan Teja plays a double role, the remake will split the hero’s personality into two parts. Apparently Hrithik will play the samurai from the Middle Ages while Aamir will play his present day avatar.

Akshay, John team up again after four years

His maiden underwater thriller “Blue” is yet to be out, but director Anthony D’Souza has already convinced his producer Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd. to produce his next that will star Akshay Kumar and John Abraham.

“Akshay was on board for the next project from the word go. After ‘Blue’, I can’t dream of making a film without him. ‘Blue’ couldn’t have been made without Akshay. As for John, it’s strange that with his physique and body language he has never done a full-on action film,” D’Souza said.

Akshay and John have so far only been seen in Priyadarshan’s comedy “Garam Masala” (2005), but D’Souza sees the two not in the comic mould but in the slick stunt space.

“If I was a member of the audience, I’d want to see the two together in the kind of stunts never seen before.”

The film to start early next year will have never-before action. After going underwater in “Blue”, the director will indulge in a lot of aerial stunts in his next.

A.R. Rahman has also said yes to score music for D’Souza’s next film.

My egg-faced fiance scared baby away: Rakhi

Rakhi Sawant chose her fiance, Canada-based businessman Elesh Parujanwala, from among 16 prospective grooms on a TV show, but the item girl now says her would-be husband has “an egg-like face”.

Rakhi and Elesh are part of a new reality show “Pati, Patni Aur Woh” on NDTV Imagine, where they will be seen taking care of babies of different ages. Rakhi said the first kid was scared of Elesh because of his face.

“The kid we were given initially used to start crying whenever he used to see Elesh. I think that’s because Elesh has an egg-like face,” she quipped.

The show starts Monday at 10.30 p.m.

I want to settle down, have kids, then think politics: Rahul Mahajan Read more: http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/i-want-to-settle-do

He has, in his own words, “risen from the ashes like a phoenix” and each controversy has just helped make him stronger. But Rahul Mahajan, who is now set to choose his life partner on national television, says he loves babies and that is the major reason he wants to settle down in life.

Rahul, the son of late Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Pramod Mahajan, is all set to feature as a bridegroom on NDTV Imagine’s reality show “Rahul Dulhania Le Jayenge”, where he will choose his “perfect life partner” out of 16 girls.

He was earlier seen in shows like “Chhote Miyan” and “Bigg Boss”.

“I did a children’s programme some time back where the kids’ parents were only two to three years older than me. So lately I have been feeling the need to get married and also to have a new person, a new baby in my family and I really want to settle down in life,” Rahul told IANS in an interview here. He was earlier married to childhood friend Shweta, but they later parted ways.

He is looking forward to pampering babies.

“My father always wanted me to have a successful marriage and he wanted a grandchild. I couldn’t fulfil his wish when he was alive, but I hope to do it now. I am really fond of babies. When my kids grow up, I want to teach them that whatever I give to them, they should give back to their kids,” he said.

But considering Rahul’s chequered past, which includes allegations of beating his ex-wife, a drug abuse case in 2006, an alleged affair with actress Payal Rohatgi and flirting with “Bigg Boss” co-participant Monica Bedi, why should a girl choose to marry him?

“I think people must have found something nice about me in the time I have been in the spotlight. I’ve gone through a lot in life and have always come back to fight again. Every year I am trying to do something better to make my livelihood.”

Rahul is not thinking of politics just yet.

“The next Lok Sabha election is in 2014. I don’t want to get into politics yet. I would first like to stabilise myself financially and personally. Once I do that, there is no reason why I shouldn’t serve the nation, but when I do so, it will be on my terms. So I will first settle myself, then devote myself to the country,” Rahul said.

For now, Rahul is confining his involvement in politics to campaigning for his sister Poonam, who is contesting from Mumbai’s Ghatkopar West constituency in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections.

“I will be campaigning for Poonam and if any candidate in Maharashtra wants me to campaign for them, I will do it. But my loyalty will always remain with the BJP,” the 34-year-old said.

Rahul, who had to shoulder a lot of responsibilities after his father was shot dead in 2006, says he wants to concentrate on strengthening his financial position with resources from the entertainment industry.

Speaking of the troubles he has faced, Rahul said: “After a lot of hardships, if a person is able to get back on his or her feet once again, that’s the biggest quality one can have. I have risen from the ashes like a phoenix.”

“Rahul Dulhania Le Jayenge” is set to go on air in December.

Annu Malek, A.R Rahman are my favourite composers: Sonu Niigaam Read more: http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/my-egg-faced-fiance-scar

The man with the silken voice - Sonu Niigaam has worked with umpteen composers in Bollywood but he maintains that his favourites are Annu Malek and A.R Rahman because they explore his versatility.

“My favourite composers are Annu Malek and A.R Rahman because they have given me the most versatile catalogue of songs. Because of the songs they offered me, I got to explore so many genres from comedy to patriotic to Punjabi to item numbers,” Sonu told IANS.

“I like people who can think broad and don’t typecast me in a certain genre. I feel more fulfilled when I work with such people.”

The 36-year-old singer has given hits like “Sandese Aate Hain”, “Grabba Mere Rabba” and “Ishq Kamina” among others with Malek, while for Rahman he has crooned songs like “Saathiya”, “Ishq Bina” and “Satrangi Re”.

My father never gives me career advice: Riteish Read more: http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/my-egg-faced-fiance-scared-baby-away-rak

Bollywood’s boy-next-door Riteish Deshmukh has been in the industry for six years now, but he says his politician father has never interfered in his career or given him professional advice.

“My father never gives me career advice because in our house it’s always giving each one his own space and allowing them to make their own decisions. There is no interference,” Riteish told IANS.

The 31-year-old, who will be seen in films like “Do Knot Disturb” and “Aladin”, is the son of former Maharashtra chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh.

Pankaj Kapur in search of Happyness!

No, the Actor is not only happy about his talented son’s recent success but he is also playing a character named Happy in Dharm fame director Bhavna Talwar’s next.

The happy actor has recently finished shooting for the film ‘Happy’ in which he is playing the title role. According to our sources, “The film is a comedy drama that manifests the contemporary scenario of our country. It’s basically a topical film that throws light on the loop holes in our system.” As of now, the film is in the post-production stage and is tipped to be releasing in the month of April next year.

We all have enjoyed watching Pankaj Kapur’s struggle with the system on television in the innumerably awarded comedy series Office-Office as Musaddilal, Happy’s journey in the film seems to be the extension of it!

Bollywood wishes melody queen on 80th birthday

Eight decades and 30,000 songs later her voice continues to inspire a nation. As Lata Mangeshkar turns 80 on Monday, Sep 28, everyone in Bollywood queued up to wish her.

The Bharat Ratna awardee, who has lent her voice to songs in over 20 Indian languages, is known for her quest for perfection and undying spirit.

From light classical music to film songs and from ghazals to bhajans and pop, she has sung a variety of numbers. Having worked with almost all top music composers and singers in the industry, Lata has also featured in the Guinness Book of Records from 1974 to 1991 for having made the most recordings in the world.

IANS spoke to members of Bollywood, who wished the queen of melody and prayed for her long and healthy life.

Yash Chopra: On the occasion of her 80th birthday, I would like to wish Lataji, who has had a long-lasting relationship with Yash Raj Films, happiness, happiness and more happiness with a sincere prayer that she remain forever young.

Karisma Kapoor: I would like to wish Lataji a very happy birthday. The songs that she has sung for my grandfather don’t need any explanations. I just want to ask her: how does she still sing so melodiously even at this age?

Prasoon Joshi: My best wishes to Lataji on her birthday. I feel so fortunate that my entry in Bollywood was marked by a song sung by her. I wrote my first song for her, which was the title track of “Lajja”. It was totally a dream come true. Then my luck again favoured me when I wrote “Luka chhupi” for her in the film “Rang De Basanti”. I feel extremely humbled to write songs for someone as great as her.

Kunal Kohli: What can one say about a living legend like Lataji and who am I to say something? I don’t think a word has been created to describe her and her contribution to Hindi film music. My best wishes to her for a long and healthy life.

Mohit Chauhan: I give my heartiest congratulations to the melody queen. I wish more and more years added to her life. Since childhood I have been listening to her songs and she is still my favourite singer.

Sunidhi Chauhan: Words can’t express what I feel about her. I only wish that she lives for ever and ever.

Kailash Kher: She is a goddess in human form. Whatever she has achieved till now and the way she sings even till today is just miraculous. A normal person can’t do that. I won’t call her just a singer; she is music to me. She is a blessing to the nation and all Indians should hope and pray for her long life and good health for many years to come. I wish her a long and healthy life.

Manoj Bajpayee: May she live and sing for another 1,000 years. I doubt we will ever have another Lataji. Her voice is a miracle of god. A very happy birthday to her.

Sukhwinder Singh: Lataji’s is the voice of the millennium. She is truly an international artist and one of her own kind. For her birthday I just want to say that I hope she lives for 1,000 years.

Anand Raj Anand: A very happy birthday to a living legend - Lataji.

Aamir to screen ‘3 Idiots’ for A.R. Murugadoss

“No wonder, it’s something that every actor would do– invite close friends for grand premiere’. Perhaps, if you had drawn such presumptions, you’re wrong, as Aamir plans up for something different.

It’s a well-known fact that Aamir Khan– Mr. Perfectionist has a special concern for his each film and puts on his earnest efforts for best results. At the moment, he is close on the heels of completing final schedule of Rajkumar Hiran’s “3 Idiots’, based on Chetan Bhagat’s novel “Five Point Someone’.

Meanwhile, he has decided to host special screening for his family members and close friends seeking for their feedback. On heeding to their views, Aamir would insist Rajkumar Hirani to make modifications or re-shoot certain sequences if situations arise.

According to the closer sources of Aamir Khan, it has been revealed that the actor has planned to invite A.R. Murugadoss for special screening.

“3 Idiots’ starring Aamir Khan, Madhavan, Sharman Joshi and Kareena Kapoor in lead roles is all set to hit screens on Dec 25 for the occasion of Christmas.

I’m offered sub-standard songs: Sonu Niigaam

One of Bollywood’s most talented playback singers Sonu Niigaam is hardly heard these days. He says that he has cut down his work because he doesn’t want to sing sub-standard songs.

“There are two-three reasons because of which I decided to cut down on my projects. First was that not many songs offered to me today appeal to me. This is because composers have started singing themselves,” Sonu said in an interview.

“Most of the times, composers make songs that are apt for their voices. It’s all business. I don’t hold it against them because everyone has a right to safeguard their interests.

“Music composers have realised that concerts are money spinners. So they make songs that they can sing. I don’t want to be part of this craziness where I am given sub-standard songs and the best are taken by the composers themselves. I’m pretty content with what I’m doing,” he added.

The singer, who enthralled music buffs with hit numbers like “Suraj hua madham”, “Saathiya” and “Kal ho na ho” among others, says he misses good music.

“I miss good music in totality today. There are hardly any great songs that have come up in the last three to four years. The songs that sounds great instantly, disappear after two-three months… those songs don’t stay with the listeners,” said Sonu who has a huge fan following not only in India but abroad also.

The 36-year-old singer has been working in the industry for more than 17 years and says that he wanted to give himself a break.

“I wanted to reduce my work. There were days when I had sung 11 songs in a day. I used to keep running from one studio to another and in that process I lost myself. So I stopped doing songs which were not very good. I made my work qualitative,” informed Sonu who recently became the brand ambassador of 92.7 Big FM.

“I couldn’t enjoy life for many years because of work. So now I want to do only quality work. I rather say no to trash. I don’t want to spoil my repertoire and that’s why you will hear less of me in future. But whatever you hear, you will never say that ‘oh that was a trash song’,” added the singer.

The versatile singer recently sang the song “Chiggy wiggy” for “Blue” and international pop star Kylie Minogue too lent her voice for the same, but they didn’t get to meet each other.

“I gave my nod to ‘Chiggy wiggy’ because of A.R. Rahman. I didn’t even know that Kylie will be singing the song too. I never met Kylie. She was in London when I sang the song in Mumbai. Then when she came here, I was out of India.”

Anil Kapoor’s Gandhi Did Not Deserve The National Award Read more: http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/anil-kapoors-gandhi-did-not-dese

Anil Kapoor won’t like this. But Shefali Shah feels she deserved, and got, the National award for her performance in Rituparno Ghosh’s The Last Lear rather than the Anil Kapoor-produced Gandhi My Father. She was nominated for both the performances.

Many felt she should have won it for Feroz Khan’s Gandhi My Father. Shefali disagrees. “It was such an honor to be nominated for two performances. But Last Lear was much more difficult. Playing a real-life character, Kasturba and that too with an emotional and chronological graph that took me from young to old, gave me a lot of space to create my character. In The Last Lear I had to establish my character within a specific setting and a time frame. I think it’s far easier playing older characters.”

Initially her husband was supposed to co-star with her. There’s another guy played by Sumeet Raghavan in Shefali’s character’s life. It was role that Shefali’s husband was supposed to play. “Barnali keenly wanted Vipul to do it. But there was no way he was going to go back to acting after giving it up on stage many years ago,” says the actress.

Kuch Love Jaisa is a love gift from Vipul to his wife who has just won the National award for her performance in Rituparno Ghosh’s The Last Lear.

Right now Shefali is looking forward to the release of Kuch Love Jaisa. “Thankfully I play a character my own age. Though it’s a small film I know Vipul will market it like any of his other films.”

‘Diploma in Bollywood acting now from Canada’

A management institute in Canada is reportedly offering Bollywood Acting Course headed by an instructor who claims to have trained the likes of Hrithhik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor, Imran Khan, and Priyanka Chopra.

Canadian Institute of Management and Technology in Mississauga (Ontario) is said to be giving this 16-week course to be taught by a team of “industry professionals”.

With English proficiency as pre-requisite, it will instruct students in subjects such as dance, body language, action, diction and improvisation, memory and voice styling, yoga, etc., costing 9,000 dollars with additional 500 dollars for books.

Graduates will receive Bollywood Acting Diploma.

Acclaimed Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA), urged that with the increasing prestige of Bollywood worldwide, Bollywood filmmakers should use original Indian themes and stories instead of blatantly copycatting of Hollywood and other foreign cinema.

Shilpa Shetty misses seafood during Navaratri

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, who is currently in London, is missing non-vegetarian delicacies, especially seafood, since she is maintaining a pure vegetarian diet for nine days as part of the ongoing Navratri celebrations.
“This is the only time in the year that I turn vegetarian for the whole nine days and fast on the last (day). It’s difficult, especially since I travel so much and to top it all I love sea food,” Shilpa posted on her blog www.shilpashettylive.com/blog/.

In London after a “fun” holiday in the Maldives, Shilpa is currently busy working on her food and beverage project, Gourmet Creations. She has invested in it with fiance Raj Kundra.

The actress has teamed up with Andy Varma, celebrity chef and head of the wholesale division and business development of the V8 Gourmet group, to bring out ready meals, pickles and chutneys.

“The curry project would be out by end of this year,” she confirmed.

Lately, Shilpa has been able to do a lot of other things after the shooting of “The Man” has been delayed. While Sunny Deol plays male lead, Shilpa will be seen as his love interest in the action thriller.

“(I’m) reading scripts for my home production, and working on my Ghatkopar center for my Medispa. (I’m also) thrilled to announce the opening of IOSIS Medispa in Jalandhar,” she added.

Dost Dost Naa Raha: King Khan has no time for Farah’s film!

Shah Rukh Khan it seems is preferring to shoot Anubhav Sinha (Dus, Cash) directed action thriller Ra.1 rather than going in for Farah Khan’s Happy New Year after he completes My Name Is Khan. Both Ra.1 and Happy New Year are being made under the King Khan’s home banner Red Chillies Entertainment.
A source reveals, “SRK was earlier in two minds whether to go on floors first with Farah’s film or Anubhav Sinha’s. But apparently he has made up his mind to do the action adventure movie Ra.1, which has a superhero backdrop. It will begin shooting from early next year and will be extensively shot on foreign locations. Shah Rukh has already begun preparing for the role by working out on his physique and is again aiming to acquire 6-pack abs. He was also recently quoted stating, “I want to put on my tights and my kids blanket on my back. I want to do this film for my children. I’ve always wanted to make a superhero film, but I never had six-pack abs. Now that I have them, I want to do this. It’s not an animation film, as many people believe; I would like to clarify that. It’s a live action film.”
Farah Khan’s film, our source adds, will now go on floors in end of 2010.

Anil, Sonam team for television commercial

Actor-producer Anil Kapoor teams up for the first time with his actress daughther Sonam. The father-daughter duo will be seen together on the small screen for a commercial for German luxury brand Montblanc.
Montblanc is synonymous with pen, watches and accessories, and through this commercial the brand is trying to depict it is not just a pen but has a legacy that is passed down from generation to generation.

“The commercial portrays the relationship between a father and a daughter and how the bond between them is further strengthened by the legacy that is imbibed in the pen,” Rensil D’Silva, executive creative director of Meridian communications, said in a press statement released here Wednesday.

“I think we have a really interesting campaign and some great star power from Anil and Sonam Kapoor. I have faith that this campaign will only take the brand forward,” he added.

Karisma mum on pregnancy rumours

Actress Karisma Kapur says she may make a comeback with a David Dhawan film but stayed tight-lipped on rumours about her pregnancy.
The rumour mills were abuzz that the 35-year-old is in her first trimester after she was recently noticed with a baby bump in a seven-star hotel in Mumbai.

“If something happens, everyone will come to know on its own,” Karisma said.

Married to Delhi-based businessman Sanjay Kapur, Karisma has a four-year-old daughter Samaira.

She was in the capital Wednesday to kick off the “Almonds - The All Natural Taste of a Good Life” campaign launched by the Almond Board of California.

One of the leading actresses of her time, Karisma took a sabbatical from the big screen after her marriage in 2003.

Asked how she has been keeping busy all these years, she said: “I have been keeping pretty busy with my family. I have also done some reality shows, endorsements and promotions. So it has been a great balance for me.”

“I started when I was 15. My first movie (’Prem Qaidi’) released before even my 16th birthday. Then, when I got married, I realised I had literally worked like a dog. I had worked in 82 movies and that’s quite a lot. So I just enjoy the break and it’s a great balance now. At least I am not running from studio to studio like a mad person,” she explained.

Post-marriage, Karisma was only been seen as a judge on the reality shows “Nach Baliye 4″ (2008) and “Hans Baliye” (2009), apart from a cameo in Shah Rukh Khan starrer “Om Shanti Om” (2007).

Two of her delayed films, “Mere Jeevan Saathi” and “Zamaanat”, were released in 2006 and 2009 respectively.

So no chances of a comeback for Karisma on the silver screen?

“It feels nice if people want me back. I’m offered a lot of scripts but I have not accepted anything yet because I haven’t felt the burning desire to jump into a film right now. But may be, in a while, when the family and everything is settled, I will,”

she said.

“I have always followed my gut feeling. I am just waiting to get that vibe. I should just feel it from within. I just don’t want to do a project that will create an unnecessary buzz, etc until I get a script. It’s better to wait and be safe than be sorry”, she added.

Karisma had a successful stint with director David Dhawan. They gave hits like “Jodi No.1″, “Haseena Maan Jaayegi” and “Biwi No.1″ and also teamed up after nine years to judge the reality show “Hans Baliye”.

On being asked if she would ever work again with Dhawan, she said: “Davidji has really been pestering me to do a movie. During ‘Hans Baliye’ also he used to call me back (into films). He’s working on a script for me, so once that is ready, may be I’ll do it.”

Probed more on the script, she said: “I can’t say anything more on that right now.”

The four-time Filmfare award winning actress is also ready to work with Govinda, with whom she has done movies like “Raja Babu”, “Dulaara”, “Khuddar”, “Coolie No.1″, “Saajan Chale Sasural”, “Hero No.1″, “Haseena Maan Jaayegi” and “Shikari”

“Why not? But at the end of the day, the script will be the king,” Karisma pointed out.

12 Different ‘Hair Bounce’ Created For Priyanka In Raashee

By now it’s common knowledge that Priyanka Chopra plays 12 roles in Ashutosh Gowariker’s “What’s Your Raashee’. And that each one has been styled differently.
But the attention that Ashutosh Gowariker has paid to the hair styling for each of the 12 Priyankas’ takes our breath away.
Explains the diligent director, “You can tell a girl’s personality not only by her clothes and hair but also by the way the hair bounces.”
A different bounce had to be created by non-film stylist Asha Harirahan for every Priyanka.
Priyanka has assumed a different skin tone, complexion and playback voices, each suited to the individual character in terms of personality and body/spoken language
Confirming this Ashutosh Gowariker says, “I knew Priyanka could pull off all 12 parts. I’ve seen how nuanced her performances are right from the time she made her debut in The Hero. When we decided to have the same actress playing all 12 parts we decided to give every character a totally different personally in terms of dress, skin tone and even hair style.”
Non-film hair stylist Asha Hariharan was brought in to do Priyanka Chopra’s hair for the 12 characters.
Explains Ashutosh, “While Neeta Lulla has done all of Priyanka’s clothes for the 12 characters Asha Hariharan was brought in because I didn’t only want only a different hair cut or style for all the 12 Priyankas I also wanted a different fall and bounce for every girl’s hair. For that I needed an expert beyond the expertise offered by the Bollywood names.”
Rajesh Patil was roped in to do Priyanka’s 12 skin tones. “They’re very subtle differences. But nonetheless the skin shades determine a major part of every girl’s personality.”
Priyanka being dusky in complexion had a particularly tough time playing the more gora avatars.
As for her voices Ashutosh sifted through innumerable voices with composer Sohail Sen before selecting the 11 voices (the 12th girl doesn’t sing). “It wasn’t like an audition. But yes, my music director Sohail Sen and I went through the voices to select the ones that suited Priyanka’s every avatar.”
Adds Ashutosh, “If I made the film 20 years ago, Lataji would sung for all the 12 Priyankas and she would’ve made sure each avatar had a distinct personality.”

Lara Dutta hopes for bumper Diwali with ‘Blue’

Lara Dutta, who has been creating waves with her svelte figure and bold avatar in the promos of “Blue”, hopes the film turns out to be a hit and makes her Diwali really special.
“Blue”, also starring Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt and Zayed Khan is centered on an underwater treasure guarded by sharks and is slated to release Oct 16, just a day before Diwali.

“My next film after ‘Do Knot Disturb’, ‘Blue’ is releasing just a day before Diwali, so I’m hoping that it does well and my Diwali becomes a bumper Diwali,” Lara, who was wearing a pink satin dress, said.

The former beauty queen-turned-actress was in the capital to attend the 25th edition of MMTC’s Festival of Gold.

Asked how she planned to celebrate the festival of lights, Lara said Diwali would be a family affair for her this year, unlike last time.

“Diwali is a festival meant to be celebrated with family, but last year I was shooting in Singapore for ‘Do Knot Disturb’. So this year I’ll be spending time with my close ones,” Lara said.

Salman’s Diwali gift for the needy

Bollywood actor Salman Khan has found a new way of bringing a smile to the faces of the underprivileged this Diwali - by launching the ‘Being Human’ gold and silver coins, the proceeds of which will go to a charity.
Salman launched the coins in the capital Wednesday as an initiative of Being Human, his trust for needy people, in association with jewellery house Gitanjali. The proceeds from the coins will go to the charity.

“Gold and silver coins are a popular gift during the festive season and by choosing Being Human pure gold and silver coins, you support a good cause. This initiative is an opportunity for all of us to contribute in our small way towards society,” the actor told reporters here.

Every gold coin holds a personal message from Salman as a token of gratitude to the consumer. The gold coins are certified with 995 (Purity Gold) along with a BIS Hallmark which gives 100 per cent re-sale value. It comes in denominations of one gram, two grams, five grams, eight grams, 10 Grams, 25 Grams, 50 Grams and 100 Grams.

On the film front, the 43-year-old actor is happy with the success of his recently released film “Wanted” and is looking forward to his next release “Main Aur Mrs Khanna”, co-starring Kareena Kapoor.

Namrata Shrestha scandalizing video a big online hit

The Nepali actress Namrata Shrestha is immensely popular in all her roles, be it as a model, presenter, RJ, magazine cover girl, or actress. And her 6 minute long scandalizing video is gaining popularity as well, in an exponential manner. The video is a certified online hit.

It may be recalled that the hot-shot Nepali actress Namrata Shrestha who was caught in a compromising position with her much-married boyfriend DJ Tantrik, whose real name is Kicha Man Chitrakar, in a 6 minute long video.

The video is said to be filmed by an unknown person and it spread like wildfire not only all through Nepal but in the online world too.

Her boyfriend DJ Tantrik’s wife is totally in a state of shock, however on the other hand, Namrata Shrestha is absolutely unfazed when she reportedly said that, it’s her personal matter.

From being a much-sought-after model, magazine cover girl for VOW and Wave and the highest paid music video star, the 22-year-old gorgeous Nepali beauty Namrata Shrestha effortlessly made a name for herself in Nepal’s film industry last year with the hit musical of the year “Sano Sansar”

With her fan clubs mounting and glowing tributes to both her natural beauty and raw talent, she was set to become a newsmaker this month with her new release, “Mero euta sathi chho”. She has become a newsmaker all right, but for all the wrong reasons.

The scandalizing video and Nepali society’s reaction to it, coupled with the fact that the news spread like wild-fire, shows the changing persona of the brand new republic that has witnessed amazing socio-political transformations in the last four years.

Despite flops, I never lost confidence in Hurman Baweja: Gowariker

When “Love Story 2050″ tanked at the box office, not many in Bollywood were willing to put their money on Hurman Baweja. But Ashutosh Gowariker, who had already signed him on for “What’s Your Raashee?”, continued to show his trust in the youngster.

“Even before the release of ‘Love Story 2050′, Sunita (Gowariker’s wife and co-producer of ‘What’s Your Raashee?’) and I did ask each other if the fate of Hurman’s debut flick would make any difference to our decision? The answer was ‘No’,” Gowariker said.

“Why just ‘Love Story 2050′, we were prepared even if ‘Victory’ (Hurman’s second film) wouldn’t have worked,” the filmmaker said.

Gowariker began shooting for the film even as things didn’t look bright for “Victory”.

“It’s unfortunate that ‘Victory’ didn’t work, but its success or failure was never going to make any difference to our venture,” he added.

Support also came from Ronnie Screwvala, whose UTV Motion Pictures has co-produced the film with Ashutosh Gowariker Productions.

“Ronnie was always there behind the film and Hurman. He too strongly feels that even if a couple of movies didn’t work for Hurman, he was always going to be someone who would go on to stay for a long time.

“Meanwhile, we commenced the shoot for ‘What’s Your Raashee?’ and never looked back,” the director said.

With his latest film, Gowariker has moved from making historical “Jodhaa Akbar”, a period film like “Lagaan”, and a socially relevant film in “Swades” to something much lighter and contemporary.

The film also stars Priyanka Chopra, who plays the role of 12 girls who meet bride-hunting NRI Yogesh Patel (Hurman).

With two back-to-back flops, “What’s Your Raashee?” is actually being looked as a sort of re-launch for Hurman. Did that put any extra burden on Gowariker and his team?

“See, I am like a horse who wears blinkers and stays on a path defined for him. Regardless of what happens on a Friday and regardless of what people have to say, Hurman as well as I had to just stay true to our path and follow a certain vision. I worked on him only as much as it was required to get the characterisation right…that’s about it,” he said.

Hurman’s knowledge about cinema, courtesy his formal education on filmmaking from Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York, helped as well.

“That’s right. I remember my early interaction with Hurman when his ‘Love Story 2050′ was yet to be released. I learnt that he had spent a lot of time studying cinema in New York. Being the son of an established filmmaker (Harry Baweja), he could have afforded to take it easy and dreamt of being an overnight star. Still, he did everything to earn the craft and be skilful,” Gowariker said.

There were a couple of other things that impressed Gowariker enough to rope in Hurman as his leading man even after working with established actors like Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan.

“On seeing the rushes of ‘Love Story 2050′, I was immediately attracted to Hurman’s innocence and endearing quality. Moreover, his passion and dedication for acting and performing showed. All of this contributed to me being completely convinced with the fact that he was just right for ‘What’s Your Raashee?’. And once that decision was taken, I never ever lost confidence in him,” he said.

Prakash Raj makes it big in Bollywood

After making high waves in south Indian film circuit, actor Prakash Raj is all set to spell the best in B-town now. The actor had recently won National Awards for his stupendous performance in “Kanchivaram’ and instantly shot to fame with more laurels on his astounding performance as “Ghani Bhai’ in Salman’s “Wanted’.
No wonder Language isn’t a barrier for the actor, who’s always looking up to success. Witnessing his extraordinary show in this film, many Hindi film producers and filmmakers are approaching him to play baddie role in their flicks.
But, he couldn’t get on for an affirmative response, as he’s already busy with dozen of south Indian projects.

Vivek Oberoi gets serious!

Vivek Oberoi is preparing well for his role in Ram Gopal Varma’s upcoming film, Rakta Charitra, which will have Vivek playing Paritala Ravi. The role requires him to grow his hair and beard. He plans to step out of the house only when his beard is all grown to see if people recognize him. Vivek is so serious about his role that he is planning to meet Naxalites in Chattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh. Judging by Ramu and Vivek’s past record, let’s see how well that movie turns out!

I can’t afford an IPL team: Rani Mukerji

She took tips from Shah Rukh Khan to understand cricket for her role in “Dil Bole Hadippa”, but Rani Mukerji has no intention of following her good friend’s footsteps by bidding for an Indian Premier League (IPL) team.

“I can’t afford it… I don’t have so much money. There is no chance that I can buy an IPL team,” Rani told IANS in an interview here.

“Right now I don’t even think that I can take up so much responsibility because everything of that sort (owning a team, etc) means more responsibilities. I am quite happy doing what I am doing right now,” she added.

IPL is quite popular among Bollywood stars — while Shah Rukh owns Kolkata Knight Riders along with Juhi Chawla, Preity Zinta has Kings XI Punjab and Shilpa Shetty bought stakes in Rajasthan Royals along with boyfriend Raj Kundra.

Salman Khan too is reportedly going to bid for a team this year.

Leave alone IPL, Rani says a big “no-no” to venturing into other facets of filmmaking, such as production or direction, like some of her superstar colleagues.

“Again with production comes a very big responsibility and so is with direction and I don’t think I am ready for that as of now,” she said.

What’s on her mind right now is having a blast during the ongoing Durga Puja.

“I am just hoping I can have a great time with my family and celebrate Durga Puja as I used to celebrate it as a kid. This time luckily I have kept no commitments during that time; so I am just hoping that this year I’ll have a blast,” Rani said.

Asked if she had any plans of visiting Kolkata for pandal hopping, the actress said: “I’ll be in Mumbai… I always celebrate Durga Pujo in Mumbai only.”

Unlike other A-list actresses, Rani is not brand conscious when it comes to her wardrobe. And she has no brand preferences either.

“There’s nothing special…basically I love wearing good clothes. I walk into a shop and I buy anything I feel I’ll look good in. In any case, having a toned body always feels great.”

Her latest outing “Dil Bole Hadippa!” may have got mixed responses from both audiences and critics, but that has not deterred the actress’s confidence.

“I have always done different things. I’ve done a ‘Black’ that somebody would think twice before doing and now this (’…Hadippa!)… I take up challenging roles as that really excites me as an actor.

“For me it’s very integral that I choose a character which is special for the audience as well as me,” Rani said.

Sushmita Sen rave about Govinda’s efficiency

This bong beauty captured millions and zillions of heart when she won the title of Miss. Universe in 1994 and made the country proud. Post the title she was bombarded with offers to make it big in the B-town. Her first Bollywood flick was “Dastak’ and then she was here to carve her success. More than her killer looks, her husky voice, her acting skills; her affair and link-ups have grabbed news now and then. She is been away from the spotlight, but never mind that, because she is back; looking more ravishing in her much-talked about “Do Knot Disturb’. DKD is produced by Vashu Bhagnani and directed by David Dhawan. The film also stars king of comedy Govinda, Ritesh Deshmukh and Lara Dutta in the lead. In recent interview, Sushmita spoke about her comeback, her sweet and sour rapport with Govinda, her equation with Lara and her upcoming films. Following is the tête-à-tête:

It’s been long that you have been away from the limelight. What kept you away?

Yes, that’s true. But now audience will see one after other releases of mine. “Do Knot Disturb” tops the list. It is directed by David Dhawan and produced by Vashu Bhagnani. It has huge star-cast including Govinda, Lara and Ritesh in the lead besides Sohail Khan, Ranvir Shorey are also there. It is slated to release on 2nd October.

You have worked with Govinda in the past, how was it to work with him again?

He is a great actor to work with. When you have Chi Chi along with you the output is always good.

To believe the rumors, all is not well with Govinda. How far is it true?

If that is was true then why we both would have agreed to do the film.

You are not in good terms with Lara too, isn’t it?

Oh really? I never knew this. It is so easy for you’ll to make and break friendship, isn’t it? The equation between both of us is absolutely fine and rocking.

Which are you forth-coming films?

Of course “Do knot disturb’, “No problem’ with Kangana Ranaut, “Dulha Mil Gaya’ under Maverick productions with Fardeen Khan and Shahrukh Khan.

Your dream project “Rani Lakshmibai’ is at hold. Elaborate.

Yes, it is on hold. I can’t comment on that but surely it will start soon.

“Benazir Bhutto’ created lots of buzz when it was announced. What’s the progress of this much-awaited film?

Benazir Butto is an iconic figure. She leaded a very controversial life. On the initial stages we need permission from “Pakistan People Party’. We were all ready with the requirements. I am only going to play Ms. Benazir. I am much thrilled, as well as nervous. Most of its shoot will take place in Dubai, U.N and Britain. We all are optimistic about it.

Aishwarya Rai makes it to Harpers and Queen Mag’s 100 Most Beautiful Women list

Aishwarya Rai is one of the 100 most beautiful women according to a list published by Harpers and Queen Magazine.

The Bollywood beauty is ranked ninth, while Hollywood hottie Angelina Jolie has topped the chart, The News reports.

Supermodel Christy Turlington followed Jolie.

Another gorgeous woman in the list was Queen Rania of Jordan, apart from other luminaries.

11th Mumbai film fest to introduce three new features

The 11th biennial Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) for Documentary, Short and Animation films 2010 will have three new features - students films/videos, mobile films and puppet animation films.

Organised by the information and broadcasting ministry, the gala event will be held Feb 3-9 next year at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Nariman Point, Mumbai.

“We have merged national and international contributions this time, as the quantity (of documentaries) has improved manifold. So, we thought Indian films should also be at par with the international entries,” Kuldeep Sinha, director of MIFF, told reporters here.

“We are also going to have a new section of student films in the competitive section, which will feature around 35 hours of films. We have opened the festival for mobile film screenings too this time, irrespective of film lengths on an experiment basis,” added Sinha at the Films Division Auditorium.

The fest will also see another new feature.

“We always had an animation section but this time we thought of having a deviation and screen puppet animation films… We’ll also have workshops from India and abroad on the same and we will be inviting good puppeteers from across the world,” he said.

The award money from this festival onwards in each category has been raised to a total of Rs 22.75 lakh along with Golden/Silver Conches in different categories.

Dr. V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award will also be given to an Indian filmmaker for his contribution to the documentary movement with a cash prize and trophy.

The last date for submission of entries for the MIFF 2010 has been extended to Sep 30 from Sep 10. There already have been close to “200 entries by now”, according to Sinha. These will be shortlisted on grounds of “totality” for the main event.

“Entries are allowed from all over the world irrespective of language… they just need to be sub-titled in English,” said Sinha.

Maradona’s parents approve of nude scenes

Latest Bollywood stripper Maradona Rebello has dared to bare, in the very beginning of his career with the film Pankh. He has also appeared in a gay kissing scene with a boy onscreen for the same.

But this does not mean the actor was drooling over the first chance to break in the industry and was easily game for it. When he was narrated the script he was taken aback with the idea of nude scene. Despite hesitations, a film with strong content and performance-oriented role made him to give a second thought for which he took his parents’ help. He was in two-minds and so he made his parents go through the script. “They found that the scene is the requirement of the film’s serious subject so they gave me a nod and only then I went ahead with the film,” he recalls.

Sweetie as long as you have the blessing of your parents it does not matter even if you live nude in the mountains

Ajay Devgan and team wish ‘All The Best’ to the Indian Cricket team

The star cast of Ajay Devgan’s “All The Best’ has come together in a special video wishing the Indian cricket team all the best for the forthcoming Champions Trophy.

Going with the theme of the film, ESPN sports channel recently approached Director Rohit Shetty to shoot a special video wishing the Indian Cricket team “all the best’ before they start the Champions Trophy in South Africa, which begins this week.

Ajay Devgan, an ardent cricket fan was all game and shot the video last week along with co-stars Sanjay Dutt, Bipasha Basu, Fardeen Khan and Mugdha Godse.

Rohit Shetty says, “We shot the video in Filmistan. It’s a special promo on cricket with the stars wearing masks of different cricketers and cheering the cricketers. The song is meant to wish the Indian cricketers before every game. It’s an association between the channel and the “All The Best’ team. They wanted to me to direct the promo for the Championship Trophy.”

Rohit adds, “The cast wishes the cricket team and says ‘Yeh Diwali Hogi Cupwali’ and then they start dancing to the title track.”

Set against the background of a cricket stadium, the video is choreographed by Seema Desai while Pritam has given the music.

All the dancers are wearing the Indian cricket team’s outfits. The video is currently on ESPN and News Channels.

Releasing this Diwali, “All The Best’ is a rib-tickling comedy resulting from mistaken identities and hilarious goof-ups.

Mahie Gill faints on sets of ‘Mirch’

Actress Mahie Gill of “Dev D” fame fainted while shooting a promotional song for her upcoming movie “Mirch”.

The actress was shooting for the title track last week in Mumbai and collapsed on the sets.

“Mahie wasn’t keeping well for the past two days but despite that she kept on shooting because the promotional song is an integral part of the movie and she didn’t want to miss out on her commitments,” a source present on the set said.

Mahi, who impressed audiences with her acting prowess in “Dev” as well as “Gulaal”, didn’t want to miss the filming of the song for one more reason.

“She was very excited to work with dance director Saroj Khan who was choreographing the song. She didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity,” the source added.

Produced by Big pictures, “Mirch” has been directed by Vinay Shukla. The story revolves around the protagonist Maanav (Arunoday Singh), a struggling filmmaker who threads together four narratives, based on issues of women emancipation, to make a film of his choice.

The cast of “Mirch” also includes Konkana Sen Sharma, Raima Sen, Shahana Goswami, Ila Arun, Shreyas Talpade and Boman Irani.

A R Rahman Won’t Do Another Slumdog For The West

xThe “formula’ works equally effectively across the cultural divide. If in Bollywood Rahman was expected to do a series of Rukmani rukmani after Roja, in the West they want more Jai ho from this composing genius after Slumdog Millionaire.

But Rahman in his own quiet way is determined to not pander to western expectations.

He made it very clear to the people behind his first full-fledged Hollywood film that he’d compose exactly what he thought to be the most apt music for the show.

Says Rahman, “Couples Retreat will have music that suits an American rom-com. There is no real Indian sound in it. But yes, there will be a touch of Indianess in the sound. Otherwise what is the point of bringing me into the picture?”

Apparently there were numerous brainstorming sessions during which the sound of Slumdog Millionaire kept cropping up repeatedly.

Rahman gently, but firmly steered the music away from the expected.

Chuckles the wizard of all composing things; “There’s no point in doing something I’ve already done. I’ve reached a stage where I’ve to do new things. There’re so many avenues to be explored. So Couples Retreat will be their (read: American) kind of music with my touch, done in my way.”

Secretly Rahman agrees with those of his admirers and fans who feel Slumdog Millionaire is not among his best work. Says a source, “He has done far superior work in films like Lagaan, Dil Se, Roja, Zubeida and the forthcoming Raavan and Blue. Friends keep telling him that. Slumdog was done in a hurry. In about 20 days flat. Rahman feels he could’ve done a lot better. He now wants the West to see some of his best.” Rahman is looking at Couples Retreat as his real launch into the West.