Battle of the Stars: Shahrukh VS Salman

The ongoing Shahrukh-Salman war may just end soon. The cold war started last year when Shahrukh made some unsavory comments about Salman’s ex-girlfriend, Aishwarya Rai.

Even though many people from the industry tried to make peace between the battling stars, it was all in vain. But this time, they have both been signed on for a reality show. The show, Dance Premiere League, which has signed on Katrina Kaif, Prabhudeva, Bipasha Basu and Kareena Kapoor, might also have Shahrukh and Salman.

The show will have participants from different places who will be pitted against each other. While nothing is confirmed, as of yet, the two stars may appear on the show when their teams clash against each other. Let’s see how this turns out…

Kabir Bedi and Zeenat Aman reunite after 20 years!

Remember that soap ad in the 1970s? Yeah, the one that had Zeenat Aman and Kabir Bedi. Well, director Sanjay Sharma liked it so much that he cast the pair in his film Dunno Y…Naa Jaane Kyun. This is the first time they have been cast opposite each other after the 1971 film, Hulchul.

The film is about a catholic woman, played by Zeenat, whose husband leaves her and their son and returns after 20 years. That is when their love blooms. Sanjay was sure he didn’t want to cast a customary pair. He wanted Zeenat to play Rebecca, and wanted a handsome, stylish man as her husband. Kabir Bedi seemed perfect for the role. Kabir is quite excited about the role and is happy to be working with Zeenat after almost 40 years.

Go play, Fatso Aamir!

Aamir Khan has grown fat. The actor, who hasn’t had much time to workout because of having to cope with wife Kiran’s miscarriage, had put on 7 kgs. Aamir is currently holidaying in Europe with Kiran and is supposed to shoot a song on 21 September for Three Idiots with Kareena Kapoor.

But being the perfectionist he is, he wants to look his best for the song. So, he looked up a badminton coach in Europe online, to get back in shape. Badminton has always been Aamir’s favorite sport and he finds it a fun way to stay healthy. Aamir is known to play badminton regularly in the mornings, along with his diet and workouts. And while it was difficult to find a coach since badminton is not very popular in Europe, he has found one, and now the coach stays with him 24X7 at the European villa.

Adlabs Films to be Reliance MediaWorks

Media and entertainment company Adlabs Films, part of the Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, Friday said it would change its name to Reliance MediaWorks subject to necessary approvals.

“The name Reliance MediaWorks Ltd more accurately reflects our identity as a diversified film and media services company with a global presence,” said company chief executive Anil Arjun.

Adlabs operates multiplexes under the BIG Cinemas banner, which has 457 screens spread across India, the US, Malaysia and the Netherlands.

It also has a dominant presence in film services like film processing, visual effects, film restoration and image enhancement in addition to having studios and equipment rentals with facilities located in the US and India.

He was disappointed with his blink-and-you-miss role in critically acclaimed Hollywood film “Blood Diamond”, but Indian television actor Gaurav Chopra didn’t lose hope and is again trying his luck in the international arena. He says this time he has a substantial role.

“I’m doing another Hollywood project that might release in 2010. I can’t divulge a lot of details right now, but it’s a meatier role than I had in ‘Blood Diamond’,” Gaurav said.

The actor, who will soon be seen on NDTV Imagine’s reality show “Pati, Patni Aur Woh” with his girlfriend of nine months Mouni Roy of “Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi” fame, says he was disappointed with the length of his role of a French journalist in “Blood Diamond”.

Nevertheless, he was more than thankful for getting a chance to be a part of “the classic”, which starred Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead.

“I had shot for quite a few scenes, but a lot of it was edited out. But the film was so good that you couldn’t really complaint about anything. There were some international actors whose roles were completely edited out. So I was happy.

“I received some memorable reactions to my role in the film including one from Abhishek Bachchan. He cut across from a crowd especially to tell me that he had seen the film and noticed me. So I’m thankful to the film for whatever it was,” he said.

Gaurav became popular after featuring in serials “Left Right Left” and “Piya Ka Ghar” as well as reality shows such as “Nach Baliye 2″ and “Zara Nachke Dikha”.

He is also doing Bollywood projects but refused to reveal details. “I should be in a position to talk about the projects around November.”

Right now the actor is excited about “Pati, Patni Aur Woh” and says it’s a welcome change from the regular dance shows and that it will allow him and Mouni to know each other closely as it has been just about nine months since they began dating.

“The show is like a free training exercise of what will come ahead in life someday. Since Mouni and I are at a very early stage of getting to know each other, I also see it as an opportunity to find out what lies ahead for us.

“We hardly had time to ourselves as both of us have been travelling either for personal reasons or for work. I have also been busy setting up my new house. So I believe this show will give us both a good sense of understanding about each other. So far we have had successful work partnerships, now we will put our personal partnership to test,” he said.

Gaurav, who was earlier dating actress Narayani Shastri, says he likes Mouni a lot because “she is a very feminine, graceful and sensitive person”.

Ranbir shoots song day after grandmother’s death

Ranbir Kapoor shot for a special last-minute song in the movie “Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year” soon after losing his maternal grandmother.

The young actor was very close to his grandma Rajee Singh (his actress mother Neetu Singh’s mother) who lived in his house and in fact, in a room right opposite his and was constantly in and out of her favourite grandson’s space.

But the day after her death, he was dancing to choreographer Ahmed Khan’s tune.

“We had to take cancel one day’s shoot because Ranbir’s ‘naani’ (grandma) passed away. But we managed in two days,” said Khan.

The song has apparently been added to director Shimit Amin’s “Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year” much to the choreographer’s surprise.

“Even I was surprised when Aditya Chopra approached me for a song in ‘Rocket Singh…’. Then I heard the track by Salim-Suleiman and I was blown. It’s a sure-shot hit,” said Khan who is riding high on the waves of the “Dhan te nan” track from “Kaminey”.

The song was apparently Chopra’s and not Amin’s idea.

“I’ve a five-film deal with Yash Raj, so I am at their beck and call. And if it’s a song for Ranbir, then it’s even more fun,” said Khan who has forged another durable star-choreographer bond with Ranbir after Shahid Kapoor.

“‘Rocket Singh…’ is my third film with Ranbir after ‘Bachna Ae Haseeno’ and ‘Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani’. We’ve an almost instinctive understanding of what Ranbir’s body language is and how it can be used,” he said.

This would the second item number with a Sikh hero after “Singh Is Kinng”, but Khan says it is different. “This is a young cute Sardarji having a blast on the dance floor. It’s unlike anything anyone has ever seen.”

IPL on mind of Sanju Baba and Ajay Devgan!

Ajay Devgan and Sanjay Dutt wish to own an IPL team, according to recent reports. The duo who have become good friends after working together on All The Best have expressed their desire to buy the Ahmedabad IPL team to Lalit Modi, the IPL Commissioner.

Apparently, Modi and Sanjay met at a five-star to discuss the bidding process. They have decided to buy a team as they are both cricket fanatics. This news has come after Salman Khan met Modi, wanted to buy the Nagpur or Kochi team. So far, Shahrukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, Shilpa Shetty and Preity Zinta are the celebrities associated with the IPL.

Ask Aditya for Rani’s marriage plans!

Rani Mukerji put Salman Khan’s patience to test by taking a long time to answer his question on his show, 10 Ka Dum. The actress, apparently, took so long to answer that Salman went and sat on the sofa. He also told her to tell him when she was ready with the answer and remarked that she was taking longer than even Aamir Khan to answer. Only when she was done would he return to the show.

Recently, a TV channel interviewed her and asked her about her marriage plans. She has apparently got tired of the media asking her that again and again, and has now asked them to question Aditya Chopra (who is her alleged boyfriend) about it.

Vivek Oberoi visits ashram, cancer patients on 33rd birthday

Instead of ringing in his 33rd year with parties, Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi chose to spend his birthday Thursday at an ashram here and with cancer patients, says a source close to the actor.

“There is no party, no dinner, no celebration that has been planned by Vivek for his birthday. Every year on his birthday, he visits Barbhaya ashram here and later he visits some cancer patients, most of them are kids,” the source said.

The actor, who became popular with Ram Gopal Varma’s “Company” and Shaad Ali’s “Saathiya”, was apparently busy buying gifts for the kids Wednesday evening.

“He himself goes out and buys small gifts for the kids. He spends about two to three hours with them and it gives him a lot of joy,” the source added.

Vivek has been off the Bollywood radar for quite sometime now. But he is ready to jump back into action with Karan Johar’s “Qurbaan”, which stars Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor. He will also be seen in Tips’ “Prince”, in which he has performed death defying stunts and is being touted as his most ambitious movie ever.

He will also start shooting for Varma’s pet project “Rakta Charitra” from Sep 25.

Akshay overjoyed as court fine Bengali Copycats of Namaste London!

On Tuesday morning the appeals court in Kolkata ordered that the entire box-office collections of the Bengali film Poran Jay Jolaye Re, be deposited in the court. The film which was released a couple of months ago to a rousing welcome in Bengal, is said to have so far collected whopping figures at the box-office.

By depositing the entire collection at the box-office, the producers Venkatesh Films of the Bengali film stand to lose a substantial amount of money.

Says Vipul, “They’ve to deposit every single penny that the film has collected. The judgment of the appeals court says that the ENTIRE box-office collection of the Bengali film be deposited in court. It is historic in terms of violation of copyright infringement. To know the court can stop a film is a clear signal that plagiarism can be fought. The judgment will now be a reference point for all plagiarism cases. It was needed. Every filmmaker contemplating plagiarism will now think twice.

” The alleged copyright violators of the Bengali film can now appeal in the Supreme Court.

As for the money that the court has confiscated from the Bengali film’s collection, it is now legally a part of the damage suit that Vipul chose to file.

“However I don’t want any monetary compensation. That wasn’t my intention. I wanted to make a strong case against copyright infringement. The honorable court has done the needful. I think its victory for all us filmmakers. We used to make a joke about copyright laws, by saying copyright means the right to copy. I think the joke has now ended.”

Akshay Kumar who’s the co-producer of Namaste London has decided not to sign any film that he knows to be an illegal copy.

Says Akshay; “By God’s grace all my films seem to be original. Even Vipul’s Action Replay, which some people think is copied from elsewhere (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) is an original. People who spread these rumors should be careful. Copying films is as serious an offence, as accusing an original work of being a copy.”

‘Raavana’ trailer to feature Vikram alone

Apart from making exceptional films, Mani Rathnam holds a special courtesy for establishing his actors in a much different and unforeseen role. Well, the best example would be Madhavan’s role in “Aayitha Ezhuthu’ and “Kannathil Mutthamittal’. The so-called “Chocolate Boy’ shed his good-looking image and spotted himself so powerfully as a ruffian and revolutionary writer in those flicks.

Abhishek Bachchan wasn’t any different, as Manirathnam transcended his actor prowess with “Yuva’ and “Guru’.

And now, it’s the turn of Vikram to strike gold, as Manirathnam has shot an exclusive trailer for his “Raavana’ featuring Vikram alone. Sources believe that the complete teaser would precisely deliver a glimpse on his breathtaking performance.Also, a different teaser for the Hindi version featuring the actor will be aired simultaneously.

It’s noteworthy that Vikram plays “Raavana’ in Tamil and “Ram’ in Hindi version.

Prachi Desai is new face of Neutrogena cosmetics in India

Bollywood actress Prachi Desai is the new face of international cosmetics brand Neutrogena in the Indian market.

US-based pharmaceuticals company Johnson & Johnson launched Neutrogena in the Indian market Thursday, offering around 25 beauty items ranging from fairness creams, face cleansing lotions to sun protection and hand and body care products.

Speaking about the endorsement, Prachi said: “The arrival of Neutrogena in the Indian market is going to be a gift for thousands of consumers who have waited long for products that really work.”

The range is meant especially for the Indian skin type and the company has been testing the product for the past two years to suit Indian skins.

“We are bringing science to the art of beauty. For the past two years, we were understanding the needs of Indian customers because we wanted to give our consumers only the best,” said Swami Raote, managing director Johnson & Johnson (J&J), at a press conference.

“We are targeting mainly women living in metro cities. Therefore, our products will be available in major Indian cities and towns,” he added.

According to a survey, the skin care market in India is around $67 billion. This is because of the fact that women have become beauty conscious over the years.

“People want to look good and are concerned about fairness, aging, blemishes - in short they want to look beautiful. We have products that not only give complete solutions but also complete satisfaction as well,” explained Tina Mistry, vice president of J&J.

“The Indian skin care market is still in a nascent stage because there was a time when women were very indifferent about the way they looked. Things have changed today and young women want products that give them results,” she added.

The product range starts at Rs.85 and goes up to Rs. 500.

Sanjay Dutt Was Apprehensive About the IPL

When Sanjay Dutt met Lalit Modi to buy a new cricket team for himself he wasn’t aware that the media would be informed and waiting for him at the hotel in suburban Mumbai.

Apparently the media is duly informed every time a superstar decides to negotiate for an IPL team.

Says a source, “The idea is to let it be known big stars are getting progressively involved with the IPL.That attracts more money, eyeballs and junta interest. So on Wednesday evening, when Dutt reached the Hyatt he was taken aback to see media persons swarming the place. His first impulse was to flee.”

However Dutt had a fruitful meeting with Modi, where he discussed his apprehensions and curiosities about purchasing an IPL team.

Says the source, “Sanjay’s main concern was would he be able to buy the team because of his court cases? There are many things that he can’t do, like endorsements, etc. Sanjay was assured there would be no problem. With the removal of TADA charges, Dutt now has rights, equal to every other Indian citizen.”

“Having got that apprehension out of the way Dutt questioned Lalit Modi about the nitty-gritty of the IPL team. There are two new teams in Ahmedabad and Nagpur coming up in December. Sanjay might buy either,” informs the source.

There are efforts now to optimize celebrity participation and generation of money through star presence in the IPL.

It is reliably learnt that Shah Rukh Khan, for example, will be charging neat packets from the aam junta for attending matches and post-match events like dinners, where the closer the junta sits to the star, the more it will cost.

Preity Zinta has recently taken on a television show where she will be seen hobnobbing, interacting and conversing with all her IPL cricketers. She had made a neat packet from the deal with Star Plus.

“So you see the stars are working towards building a bigger buck bank for the IPL,” says the source.

Subhash Ghai’s film screened at Carlsberg International Festival

Subhash Ghai to be the guest of honor to inaugurate the festival.

Subhash Ghai’s “Black and White’ has been invited for the Carlsberg International Film festival to be held in Nagpur from the 11th to the 18th of September 09 while Subhash Ghai has been invited to inaugurate the festival.The film will be featured along with La Dolce Vita, Turtles can fly, Spring Summer, Edge of Heaven and a Marathi film Gabriche Pause.

Black and White has emerged as show stealer and has garnered critical acclaim from media as well as general Public.In the first week of its release it was granted tax exemption in Delhi followed by the state of Maharashtra. This small budget patriotic drama is still growing at the box office too on the strength of its appreciation by word of mouth.

Black and White is a story of a terrorist and his journey to accomplish his only mission in life. A journey that lasts for 15 days in the heart of Old Delhi, a journey that changes his life.

The film was released worldwide on 7th of March 08 under the Mukta Searchlight banner, and got rave reviews from across the world.

Shotgun Shatrughan and Dream girl Hema Malini Together Again!

The last time we saw them together on screen it was for Manoj Kumar’s Santosh in 1989. Now Shatrughan Sinha and Hema Malini are back together on Dus Ka Dum, apparently on Shatru’s insistence.

Salman Khan’s very popular game show Dus Ka Dum has bonus guests. In an additional episode that was shot on Sunday (August 30) Salman brought two of his favorite people Shatrughan Sinha and Hema Malini, both BJP workers, together for what turned out to be quite a show of strength.

Shatru dressed in a long- flowing Sherwani was playfully asked by Salman, if this was the Nehru code of dressing.

The actor never short of retorts replied, “No nowadays it’s known as the Jinnah code of dressing.”

This was an obvious reference to the BJP’s current claim to controversy for expelling Jaswant Singh from the party for writing a book on Jinnah.

When asked about the incident Shatrughan Sinha laughed, “Yes, this did happen. I did refer to my dress code on Dus Ka Dum as the Jinnah style of dressing. Salman had been keen on inviting Hemaji and me together for a long time. We decided to go on the show on the grand finale.”

Speaking out for the first time on the Jinnah controversy, Shatrughan Sinha says, “I’ve so far kept quiet. But now I’ll say this much. How can a senior member of a party be expelled for writing a book, which no one had written? And how can a politician not be allowed to have a personal ideology? I play so many roles. If tomorrow after watching me play a dacoit, some youth decides to rob a bank, does it mean I should give up acting?”

Reverting to Dus Ka Dum Shatru says, “I was asked which is my favorite party. I said when I’m invited to Hemaji’s house, I love the tea party that we have. When I’m invited to her other half Dharamji’s home I love the drinking party there. So it’s all very flexible.”

The Shatru-Hema episode of Dus Ka Dum will be aired as the grand finale.

“When it’s me and Hema it cannot be anything less,” is Shatru’s parting shot.

My Name is Khan Flooding woes

Trust Karan Johar to make his film look perfect. The director has already worked on making his film set for My Name Is Khan look authentic. He is now planning to shoot for a flood sequence on the sets and has ordered for liters of water in tankers for the scene. But the kind director that he is, he did not want the team to fall sick after shooting for the whole day in waist-deep water. For that reason he got waterproof costumes made by designer Shiraj Siddiqui.

Karan is anxious, as this will be a difficult and intricate scene. The whole set will be under water for the next few days. This will be one of the most important parts of the film. Karan is very worried about the unit’s health so everyone except for Shahrukh and Kajol will be wearing waterproof costumes, as the lead actors have to be seen in their look for the film.

Nationalism is my religion, says Salman Khan

Bollywood actor Salman Khan showed his patriotic side Wednesday when he encouraged Delhiites to unite and work towards the betterment of the country.

“I am an Indian. Nationalism is my religion. We want responsible citizens who think about India first,” said Salman while addressing a gathering at Vijay Chowk at an event organised by Zee News as part of their India First campaign.

“We should unite and do everything for the betterment of our country,” added the actor who has three releases lined up. He will be first seen in “Wanted”, followed by “Main Aur Mrs. Khanna” and “London Dreams”.

India First campaign has also garnered support from noted personalities like Baichung Bhutia, Priyanka Chopra, Shahid Kapoor, Suniel Shetty and many more in the past.

Stars from Toss and Daddy Cool prance on 10 Ka Dum

Imagine having 6 popular celebrities on one stage with Salman Khan! It has to be a riot and that’s what happened when the cast of Toss and Daddy Cool came as celebrity guests on 10 Ka Dum this week. If it seem like an overcrowded party, then there was that much more fun and laughter too!

With a male dominated guest list Suneil Shetty, Aftab Shivdasani, Javed Jaffri, Ashmit Patel, the girls- Aarti Chhabria and Sophie Choudhary were in the minority. Boys will be boys and when they get together with Salman Khan the conversation is bound to get naughty.

Toilet jokes and the likes underlined the episode with the guys having all the fun. While the girls sat and watched from the sidelines. But Salman was not going to leave the girls out in the cold, so he joined them in the singing and dancing and the fun didn’t end there. He made sure that Suneil demonstrated his dancing skills or the lack of it– solo.

Aarti Chhabria announced that she had a confession to make on national television– something she had not told anyone– that she had a crush on Salman Khan from her childhood! Flattered as he was by the confession Salman quipped that he would have been happier had she told him in private so that the world did not have to know that he has been around for so long.

“But anyway I am getting used to people saying this to me wherever I go, most of them are saying they were my fans from the time they were age four!”

“Yashraj films happened to me due to lack of option” - Meiyang Chang

Indian Idol discovery is paving his way to films. His Pritish Nandi’s youth based film ‘The Seventeen’ is ready to release and as of now he is working with Yashraj’s untitled Parmeet Sethi directed film. He gets candid in an interview and goes down the memory lane beginning from Indian Idol days.

How did acting happen to you?

It was just a passing thought to me but now I am seriously pursuing it. There was a time when I was wondering that I did singing, hosting and have been performing with my band, so now what? Then the film ‘The Seventeen’ was in its casting stage and they needed four teenagers in the film. One of my band members is playing the lead in the film. So when the director’s family got to know that he plays for the band, for which I sing, as they were my fan in Indian Idol they insisted him to cast me.

What is ‘The Seventeen’ all about?

Story revolves around four teenagers and it talks about the change in our behavioural pattern. I mean due to many choices in life we don’t respect our elder and value our friends the way earlier generation would do. I am a teenager who lives in his virtual world between comics and video games. He is not bother about his surrounding unless something drastic happens. My character conveys more with action than dialogues. Before hand we were told that the film will be made but its release will happen only after the release of three more films made under the same banner. So we’ll have to wait.

Now you are also doing a film for Yashraj banner?

Honestly Yashraj films happened to me due to lack of option. They were looking for fluent Hindi speaking north eastern guy who has come to Mumbai at very young age.

Don’t you think your unconventional look will have limited work for you as an actor?

When I auditioned for Indian Idol, I never thought I will get selected, when I got selected I thought nobody would vote for me, but I reached pretty far. And then I was confident about the second season and pitched them (producers) to be the part of next season as a host. Though I have unconventional look I got decent work. In fact when I was hosting shows and also was mulling over career options before me, my friend’s father told that you may not be where you want to be but there are hundreds and thousands of people struggling to be where you are. So I can’t afford to be pessimist.

How is Parmeet Sethi as director?

Parmeet Sethi is non-compromising director. He would make you re-shoot 10 times but he will get out of you what he wants. People were skeptical about him as he has been associated with serials but he is amazing film director. As of now film is only 40% complete and there has been rumors doing the round that the film is based on Punjabi rock band but it’s not true. I think because Veer and me have music connection, Parmeet is involved and Yashraj tend to make Punjab based film often so people thought it’s a musical punjabi film otherwise film is a con movie. It revolves around four friends who are raise in life together but how over the time, their relationships changes.

Which was the highpoint in your career?

I think when I contested for Indian Idol. As that season was successful one, had I not have used the opportunity to the fullest, I would not have got these back to back offers to host, sing and to act now. While I was contestant I was dealing with the emotional side of the show but as a host I explored the practical side. Elimination is equally scary as host as it was while contesting.

Did you miss a female co-host?

No not exactly because as I am the beginner had I been paired with Mini Mam, I would have been very uncomfortable in cracking jokes with her as she is a woman and also a senior. Generally we see that when two people host the show, one is dominating and other gets suppressed but Hussain is very encouraging as co-host.

Chandan aspires to act in Gowarikar’s next

He is just one film old but has left a mark on the minds of one and all. “Producers are approaching me with lead-roles opposite all high-profile female actors,” blushes Chandan Roy Sanayal of Kaminey fame. However, he further adds, “I have not yet signed a single film.”

Despite garnering loads of applauds for the character Mikhail in Kaminey, Chandan like a struggler is approaching all the top-notch filmmakers on his own. He explains, “My aim is to touch the sky. In fact, sky is a limit and to achieve that I don’t mind to go an extra-mile. I feel I’m still a struggler but yes, Mikhail has boosted a lot of confidence in me to put my thoughts across to the film makers which were not really possible before.”

Among the various renowned film makers out there, Chandan says he is dying to be a part of Ashutosh Gowarikar’s next venture after What’s your Rashee, which is based on a Bengali novel. “I have pulled my socks up and will try my level best to convince Ashutosh to sign me for the film,” exclaims Chandan,

Someone may have rightly said “Where there is a will there is a way’. But this bunch of talent is proving it. All we can say is- way to go dude!!!

‘Shadow’ producer Naseer faces arrest in chit fund scam

Naseer Khan, the producer of just released movie “Shadow”, may be arrested for using the chit fund money to make the movie, said a police official Wednesday.

The crime branch of the Orissa police had filed a case against Khan’s company, Greater Entertainment, last month for diverting the money raised through chit fund and multi-level-marketing to produce “Shadow”.

“We are probing the matter. We have filed cases against seven companies, including Naseer Khan’s company, as some of the money ultimately finds its way to his company account,” said Crime Branch superitendent of police Santosh Bala.

Last month the crime branch had unearthed some chit fund companies and multi-level marketing companies in Balasore district Orissa for allegedly duping people of about Rs.190 crore by promising them thrice the deposit amount in a short span of time. After a probe, it was found that the tentacles of the scam go beyond the state.

The officials have already made arrests in the state for cheating and luring people to invest in these companies.

“We have already frozen several accounts. We have frozen accounts to the tune of Rs.190 crore. We are verifying further details before arresting him (Naseer Khan),” said Bala.

Released Aug 21, “Shadow” has Milind Soman and Sonali Kulkarni in lead roles and is directed by Rohit Nayyar. Naseer Khan, who co-produced the film with Shamshad Alam, has also acted in it.

Bhaskar ya Bharti, will the truth unveil?

The examination period for Bharti aka Bhaskar is not yet over. The god is still testing him and this time the partial truth may be unveiled to his mother. In the recent episode it was shown that Bhaskar’s mother has brought the idol of Lord Ganesha at home hoping and wishing to see her son for once.

“During the visarjan there is a big twist where Bhaskar’s mother does see him. This is just going to be for a little moment as again Bhaskar becomes Bharti which confuses his mother all over again,” adds the source.

Elaborating more on the story line our source adds, “This was the only wish of Bhaskar’s mother to lord Ganesh. KK fulfils her wish by showing her the face of Bhaskar as he is busy dipping in the water after the visarjan. Another drama will start soon as Bhaskar’s mom may pinpoints that he is here in the same city.”

“There will be another challenge for the poor Bharti but again with her well wishers, Armaan and Payal, she will come out of it successfully,” concludes the source.

Bharti has turned a bhartiya nari but what will be next for her? Let’s wait and watch!!!

Kissa Kiss Ka

It sounds interesting but we are not talking about any item girl. Here we are elaborating on the sequence of the show Basera on Imagine, where Amit Jain had to kiss Priya Bhatija Shah.

“We (Amit and Priya) come from a reserved family so it was bit difficult for us to shoot that particular sequence. I was thinking of Priya as she and Jatin are my best of friends and kissing her was bit awkward,” says Amit.

Elaborating on the scene the actor adds, “The shoot had to be put at halt as both of us were not so comfortable with this idea. Somehow the director of the show made us clear about the importance of the scene and after convincing lot we finally agreed to resume back to the shoot.”

“Peck on the cheeks is fine but to do an intimate scene or a just a kiss was very difficult for me especially knowing that it was Priya. Another reason for my uneasiness was that there were lots of people on the sets and production team had invited few people from the media too. But thank god at last everything went perfect and we gave the shot,” concludes Amit.

Wasn’t this interesting kissa of the kiss?

Palampur Express gets an extension

It was recently reported that Roshan Abbas’s show Palampur Express is soon going off air. Well there were talks going on but there is a recent development which sounds to be a good news for its fans as the show gets an extension for a month.

“We haven’t got any intimation from the channel or production house so kindly contact them. I just know that the show will continue as there is a raise in the TRP’s too,” says Akanghsa Rawat.

Our khabroo from the production house chirps, “There were talks about the show going off air but since last one week the TRP’s has increased. Last night the ratings were 0.9 which is good for the channel and thus the show has got an extension till October. They will not take the show off air over night but will give a proper ending.”

“There are many twist and turns yet to come thus creative of the show is deciding on of how to develop the track. Also the love triangle will be soon seen in the show so there is lots of area to be explored,” concludes the source.

We tried contacting Roshan and the channel but nobody was available for comments.

Let’s see what the fate of the show is. Keep watching this space for more masala.

Bollywood has little to offer to blondes, says Florence Brudenell-Bruce

Florence Brudenell-Bruce, F1 racing driver Jenson Button’s ex-ladylove, who had the time of her life making movie ‘Love Aaj Kal’, has said that when it comes to Bollywood, blondes do not always have fun.

“I would really like to do another Bollywood film, but unfortunately, I have blonde hair and fair skin and there aren’t that many parts out there for people who look like that,” the Telegraph quoted her as saying.

She added that she wants to do a “big Hollywood period drama” with Russell Crowe.

Florence debuted in Love Aaj Kal as Jo, Indian actor Saif Ali Khan’s Caucasian girlfriend.

Shilpa Shetty in silent mode

Shilpa Shetty is observing a ‘mauna vrat’ (vow of silence) as part of a wellness course that she is pursuing in Oneness University on the outskirts of Chennai and says it helped her to connect with herself.

“I’ve taken out some ‘me’ time. I have been so busy with people, things and attaining my goals that I had forgotten about myself. This place has helped me get in touch with myself. You must be intrigued how… well right now am doing a mauna, that is, where I am not allowed to talk to anyone, so practicing that, it’s difficult but enjoying it,” Shilpa posted on www.shilpashettylive.com/blog.

“Not allowed to take any calls… could only check my emails,” she added.

The 34-year-old actress, who is a fitness and spirituality freak, says she seeks solace there in the company of her gurus — Amma and Bhagvan. “I follow their advice blindly, and it’s made a huge difference in my life, work and relationships,” she said.

Shilpa has gone there for a special course to rejuvenate herself after a “hectic six months”.

“This silence is so rare to find in our fast paced lives. It just comforts. There are no luxuries and that makes you value everything that you have. It’s also a cleansing process, which I feel we all need from time to time. The beauty is that the process is a spiritual journey without preaching.

“I would prescribe this place for anyone who needs a break and a different and positive way to living life,” she said.

Reporting time for Kangana

In Mani Shankar’s next film, Kangana Ranaut will be seen playing a journalist. This film will have her playing a top journo who works for a famous news channel. The role sounds slightly similar to that of journalist Barkha Dutt. Kangana is very excited, as this will be her first time playing a journalist. Sanjay Dutt and Irrfan Khan will be playing government agents in the untitled film. Kangana will be cutting her hair for a cropped look.

Ayesha Takia is a Momma’s Girl!

It’s marital bliss for Ayesha Takia. But that doesn’t stop her from meeting her mother. She can’t stay a day without meeting her mother, Faridah. And as her mother stays in Andheri and she lives in Colaba, they have to travel quite a bit to meet up. Usually Faridah goes to meet Ayesha in Colaba, but sometimes they meet up in Ayesha’s husband, Farhan Azmi’s restaurant in Bandra.

Still, to cut down on her traveling by at least an hour, Faridah is planning to shift to Bandra. She is also happy because her relationship with Ayesha’s father, Nishit, is improving slowly. While they live separately, they are now talking to each other again and Nishit is also in touch with Ayesha and Farhan.

There is something new to do in ROKKK: Sachin Khedekar

Sachin Khedekar, who played the role of Home Minister Shivshanakar in the recently released film Shadow, is popular on small, as well as silver screen for the last 25 years. Rang Rasiya, Jaan Ki Baaji, Jor Laga ke Haiyya, Ek- Power of One, are some such films which show the creative side of Sachin.

Sachin started his career with Imtihaan serial and then graduated on to silver screen with Astitva, where he made his mark doing a negative role in his very first film. Though he is equally busy in theatre as well as films, Sachin loves doing theatres. Acting has become his second nature, as he has been acting since his childhood in Marathi and Hindi theatres and hardly any retakes are needed while he shoots for his films.

Born at VilleParle in Mumbai, Sachin joined the theatre group of famous actor-director VInay Apte. This evergreen actor is now busy shooting for ROKKK being produced under the banner of Ikon Films by Krishna Chaudhary, Sumit Sahgal, and,Vipin Jain. The film ROKKK is being shot at Future Studio of Mumbai. We had a small chat with him on the sets where he was shooting with much talked about actress Tanushri Dutta. Presented here are the excerpts from the interview:

Let us start with your role in the film ROKK.

I am doing the role of Ravi Malhotra, a simple straightforward youth. Anushka (Tanushri) is my wife and Nishi (Preeti Sharma) is my sister. Udita Goswami is playing the role of my sister-in-law (saali) and Shaad Randhawa is playing her boyfriend.

And something about today’s shoots?

It is my marriage anniversary celebrated in a Bungalow I am presenting to my wife on this anniversary. Party is due tonight and the preparation is going on.

What is special in this film?

I can’t give you the details. You will have to ask Rajesh Ransinghe. As this is a horror and suspense thriller nothing should be divulged ahead of the release. But coming to my role, my wife feels that something strange is happening with her since she came here. We have got many rituals performed by exorcists before we are shifting here. My wife is scared, and so am I. It appears that some magical power wants to disturb us. So we are moving around in the house scared inside.

Have you ever felt such incidents in your real life?

No, I don’ believe in these superstitions. But even today we had a strange experience here on the sets. Everything was arranged, Rangoli and all, for today’s shooting and director and producer left yesterday after everything was properly locked. But when we arrived today everything was dispersed. What to say about this? Some say that it is due to the scene shot yesterday to exorcize the ghost. Only God knows more.

Director Rajesh Ransinghe belongs to small screen. Were you in tune with him from there?

We are known to each other for years, but have-not got the chance to work together. This film has given that chance for us to work together. It is also my first opportunity to work with Krishna Chaudhary, Sumeet Sehgal, and Vipin Jain of Ikkon Films. Sumeet Sehgal is an established artist, so he knows the job; Krishna Chaudhary is also a known personality. He has made Bhoot Uncle and Right yaaa Wrong earlier.

What is your attitude towards acting?

I don’t think acting is by birth or by training. Acting improves with practice. Much you work, much you learn. I am a Marathi and I learnt Hindi the hard way, and I am still learning. I read Hindi newspapers loudly, so that I can deliver my dialogues effectively.

You are on both the screens, small as well as silver. Which one is more important?

I started with small screen and earned my recognition from there. Now, I am working more for the silver screen. The difference I felt is that one looks smaller on TV, while big on cinema screen. People forget you once the serial become old in memory, while they remember cinema personalities longer.

How do you bring variations in your roles?

I always want to do roles with a difference. When they become similar I move to theatre where a new Sachin grows with a new energy. For example, my upcoming film is Ek Thi Raani, which is based on the life of Vijaya Raje Scindhia and I am doing the role of Sardar Angre. Another film Ravan by Maniratnam has me in a govt. Officer role.

When Shahid sat jobless at home for six months

The success of “Kaminey” has catapulted him into the big league, but actor Shahid Kapoor says he sat at home for six months without any work after his box office hit “Vivaah” in 2006.

“The most difficult phase was after ‘Vivaah’ was a super hit. I was at home for six months without work. I got some 60 film offers but none inspired me,” Shahid told choreographer-director Farah Khan on STAR Plus’ chat show “Tere Mere Beach Mein”.

On the show, the actor spoke of losing his confidence after a spate of failures following his debut “Ishq Vishk”.

He even shared how apprehensive and nervous he was when he had begun shooting for “Vivaah”, but gained a little confidence after director Sooraj Barjatya gave him a pep talk saying: “There’s only one thing that can take you ahead and that’s talent and you have that in you!”

“I was unconvinced and gave one shot, then I saw it on the monitor and I said, ‘I’ve given a perfect shot…I know my work.’ After that I used to just focus on my work.”

The episode featuring Shahid will be aired Saturday at 9 p.m.

Shahid Kapoor breaks into Top 5!

The newly tagged superstar of Bollywood, Shahid Kapoor has arrived with the resounding success of Kaminey. But the cherry on the cake is that this is his 4 consecutive hit in the last 2 years, making him one of the most bankable stars in the current times. With an unbeatable track record of 2 super hits, 1 average hit and now a blockbuster hit, the actor who not too long ago spoke about how much he admired his seniors is now being hailed as one of them, and this at the age of just 28!

The hits started with Suraj Barjatya’s Vivah which was hailed as a super hit, followed by a average performance of Tips’ Kismet Konnection, post which came the super hit Jab We Met and he tops it up with the biggest super hit of his career, Kaminey.

“Shahid is rather shy about the superstar tag that he has been given since Kaminey’s success and believes its more important to constantly be doing good work and surprising his audiences,” says a friend of Shahid Kapoor.

Action, comedy are boring, Akshay wants some romance now

He has done loads of action films and made audiences laugh in rib-tickling comedies, but Bollywood star Akshay Kumar now says he’s bored and wants some romance…on screen of course!

“I want to do more romance. I’ve actually gotten bored of comedy and action. Yes, I just want to do some romantic films. And that’s what my next thing is going to be,” Akshay told Myleen Klass in an interview for CNN’s “The Screening Room Xtra” programme.

While his fans enjoyed actioners like “Khiladi”, “Mohra” and “Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi”, Akshay also drew audiences for laugh riots “Hera Pheri”, “Mujhse Shaadi Karogi”, “Welcome” and “Sing Is Kinng” among others.

“…I’ve done quite a lot of comedy now and I don’t know…sometimes an actor is very sensitive about what he’s doing and where he wants to go ahead and do. I know comedy has worked a lot and it has worked brilliantly for me.

“Earlier, when I used to do action I would never think about comedy and then I started getting into it and I was quite successful. So now I’ve never done a complete romantic film. I did ‘Dhadkan’, which was eight years back. But now I wanna get into it and do at least two or three romantic films now,” said the actor, who entered Bollywood in 1991.

One of the highest earning members of the Hindi film industry, Akshay maintains that there is no sure-shot secret to success, but stressed that hard work and being “a producer’s actor” is essential.

“It’s actually your hard work, your punctuality…Even if you’re not a good actor, to be a producer’s actor is very essential…If you finish your films on time, save a lot of money for the producer. I remember there was a time when I had delivered 14 flops in a row. But I still had movies along with me for a very simple reason, because I was a producer’s actor.”

“I had good films still coming… I had finished all films in a three-month span. Even if they went for loss, they still preferred working with me. And after that, even I thought my career was over. But it still carried on,” Akshay added.

And luck, he said, is of supreme importance for remaining on top.

“I’ve just been lucky… a lot of times I’ve watched my films and I felt it’s not good. And those films worked. Like I tell you another film of mine was “8×10Tasveer”. I love that film… When I saw it, it’s good but it didn’t work at all. So I don’t know exactly what works and what doesn’t work. You just flow. I liked “Chandni Chowk To China”. I did it with Warner Brothers, I was very confident and it didn’t work at all.”

So why didn’t it work?

“I think it was the storyline. Like ‘Kambakkht Ishq’ was another film where that combination got together (Bollywood and Hollywood); so that worked. But this one didn’t. So it’s not the combination, it’s actually the script - and sometimes the script doesn’t work.”

The actor also firmly believes that the blessings of his parents too go a long way in making him the star he is today.

“I would say my success lies at the feet of my parents because that’s been my biggest strength and that’s what we Hindus believe in. Every morning before going to work just touch your parents’ feet and go ahead in life. That’s my personal belief and I followed that in my life. And I told a lot of people and they have also been successful. People may believe it or not, but that’s exactly what I believe in,” Akshay said.

‘Do Knot Disturb’ - not an impressive comeback for Nadeem-Shravan

Film: “Do Knot Disturb”

Music Directors: Nadeem-Shravan; Lyricist: Sameer

Singers: Sonu Niigaam, Anuradha Shriram, Shaan, Shreya Ghoshal, Jigar Saraiya, Nitika Kanwar, Earl D’Souza, Neeraj Sridhar, Anushka Manchanda, Sowmya Raoh and T.K. Karthik

The hit composer duo of the 1990s, Nadeem-Shravan, who created chartbusters for movies like “Aashiqui”, “Saajan”, “Deewana”, “Raja Hindustani”, “Pardes” and “Dhadkan”, return after four years with the music of “Do Knot Disturb”.

To make it trendy and appealing, the composers have shifted from their trademark style. But barring two songs, most numbers are ordinary and have nothing new to offer.

The film, which stars Govinda, Lara Dutta, Riteish Deshmukh and Sushmita Sen, is slated to release Oct 2 and has six original tracks.

The album opens with a pacy number “Zulfaen khol khal ke”, which is crooned by Sonu Niigaam and Anuradha Sharma. If the beats are given a miss, the song sounds decades old. The lyrics are average. In short, a disappointing start.

Next in line is “Don’t ever leave me”. Shaan and Shreya Ghoshal have sung the fast-paced number. The lyrics give an impression that it’s a poignant song, but somehow the song fails to make an impact on the listener. The English words in the lyrics seem forced and uncalled for. “Don’t ever leave me” doesn’t have the potential to stand out in spite of two talented singers.

With “Mere naal”, the album sees its first hit number. The song, which has vocals by KK, Jigar Saraiya, Shreya Ghoshal and Nitika Kanwar, has a power-packed start with a strong musical arrangement. It is soaked in Punjabi flavour and will be liked by many.

After “Kambakkht Ishq”, we have another song named “Bebo” in this album. Even though the lyrics are unimpressive, the song succeeds in catching the attention of the listener. Sung by Neeraj Sridhar and Anushka Manchanda, it is sure to be a hit at the DJ consoles. Free flowing and full of attitude, “Bebo” is worth a listen and a dance.

Then we have “Beautiful woman” by Sridhar again, along with Sowmya Raoh. The song is quite boring and slow-paced.

Finally, there is the title track “Do knot disturb” crooned by T.K. Karthik and Anushka. A lot of beats but nothing extraordinary.

Overall, the album offers nothing great. The songs are average and will not linger on for long.

I’m a cool daddy: Suniel Shetty

Actor-producer Suniel Shetty whose film “Daddy Cool” recently hit the screens, claims he is a very cool father and is just like a friend to his children.

“I think I am a very cool daddy because my kids are more like my friends. I was always aware of the fact that I didn’t want to get stuck with the problem of any generation gap so I rather grow up with them,” Suniel told IANS.

“I spend a lot of time with them. Showering them with affection but at the same time being very particular of what I want. So I think we are friends and that’s why we share a fantastic relationship,” he added.

The 48-year-old actor has two kids, Ahan and Athiya.

I’m a blessed actor: Rishi Kapoor

From his first film “Bobby” (1973) till now - Rishi Kapoor had a smooth journey in Hindi films and admits that he has been a blessed actor as compared to many others.

“I’m very satisfied with my career graph. I have been a blessed actor. My first film as a hero, itself was a hit and then I went on to play the leading man for 27 years. More than 25 heroines have made their debut opposite me,” Rishi told reporters here.

The actor was in the capital to promote his forthcoming film “Chintuji”, releasing Sep 4.

Akshay Kumar freaks out in London, parties hard in Brit Pubs!

Parties and Akshay Kumar have always been miles away from each other. Akshay is known to follow a strict regime of going to bed at 10 and waking up early in the morning to exercise. During parties, he has always been rather reserved and prefers to stand alone in the corner of the room, with a juice glass. But he seems to have undergone a transformation during his shoot in London.

While Akshay still refrains from drinking, his extroverted side has come out completely. His co-star from Housefull, Arjun Rampal, would take him to pubs in London for boys’ night-outs, whenever their families weren’t around.

During the wrap up party, Akshay was seen having a fun time. He went to the dance floor and was earlier dancing with Ritesh Deshmukh on a song from Housefull, but later when his song, Jee Karda (from Singh Is Kinng) started; Akshay took the mike from the DJ and sang as well as danced. A lot of people were surprised to see Akshay change like this. But hey, no one’s complaining!

Rocket Singh’s girl lost all her shopping at Dubai Airport!

Shimit Amin’s Rocket Singh marks the debut of Ad world and theatre stalwarts Sharon and Alque Padamsee’s daughter Shazahn, as an actress. She plays Ranbir Kapoor’s girl in the film. But few know that Shazahn is already well versed with the art world and has played an active role in the theatre world.

Shazahn has produced, acted and partly written the play Unspoken Dialogues, a play in Dubai. A theatre personality on anonymity revealed, “Dubai is also Shazahn’s favorite shopping destination and she shopped for two days continuously.”

On their return, the ten cast and crewmembers ended up with 15 bags. “The bags were scanned and two of them went missing. They were not to be seen anywhere.”

Shazahn and the team desperately hunted for the bags after taking their boarding pass, but all in vain. “Shazahn felt completely lost without the bags,” said the source.

She has lost things worth Rupees 3 lakhs of brands like Mango, Zara, BCBG Max, Azaria. She lost her bags, which had all her favorite designer brands clothes, jeans and tops.

Rani lost 8 Kg to get into Bikini!

Rani Mukherjee was out of sight after giving several flops. But now she is back, and is looking like a bombshell after shedding those extra kilos, which made her look like an onscreen aunt. With her flick Dil Bole Hadippa, opposite Shahid Kapoor, Rani is looking stunning in bikini.

Well the secret of how she lost 8 kilos is revealed. “Rani has been following a strict diet, yoga and weight plus cardio training. Also, she had a regular eye on her food habits, which helped her lose those extra pounds,” says the source.

“The actress being a Bengali loved to eat fish curry with steamed rice, but she replaced it with brown rice. Also, she had been gulping down lots of not so tasty vegetable juices, but at the end, the result is for everyone to be seen,” adds the source.

Rani’s fitness has become the talk of the town. “She, herself has worked hard for her new look. Rani was always regular to the gym and never missed even a single day. She is happy to get a slim look, as now she can wear whatever she wishes, and doesn’t need to think much,” concludes the source.

Well Rani better late than never is all we can say.

Addite Shirwakar takes a Rain Check!

After successfully co-hosting the popular wedding reality show, Star Vivah, on Star Plus, lovely Addite Shirwakar has taken a sabbatical. For now, she will take a rain check on sweets and calorie-laden food! The lovely lass who seem to have piled on weight, wants to pull down and get back to her original lean self. For a much-conscious Addite, her focus now is to shed the “excess baggage’ that she has recently put on.

We got in touch with Addite, who said, “Now that I have time on hand I’m watching my diet, and religiously practice yoga. Mohit gives me company during the yoga sessions. I really enjoyed my stint as a host for both Star Paarivar and Star Vivah, and I would love to present more of such shows.”

‘Daddy Cool’, ‘Quick Gun…’ fail to spin magic

As many as six movies - “Daddy Cool”, “Quick Gun Murugun”, “Toss”, “Yeh Mera India”, “Kisaan” and “Love Khichdi” - that released Friday have fallen flat at the box office, failing to pull in the crowds. On the other hand, “Kaminey” and “Life Partner” are still keeping the ticket windows buzzing.

The movies released during the first weekend of Ramadan, generally considered to be a month of gap-fillers or average movies with no business expectations, and have not found too many takers.

But Vishal Bharadwaj’s dark thriller “Kaminey”, which stars Priyanka Chopra and Shahid Kapoor in a double role, and marriage comedy “Life Partner”, which released Aug 14 are “still going strong” fetching in close to “60 percent” business.

“All the six movies have been disasters… none have fetched any appreciation from the audience. Its just ‘Daddy Cool’ that has managed something out of the lot and that too not more than 20 percent,” Amit Awasthi, manager (programming and operations) of Spice Cinemas, Noida, said.

In fact, “Kaminey” and “Life Partner”, which stars Govinda, Tusshar Kapoor, Prachi Desai, Fardeen Khan, and Genelia D’Souza, are still bringing in business close to 60 percent, he added.

Yogesh Raizada, corporate head (cinemas) of Wave Cinemas agreed with Awasthi.

“The movies have not done more than 10-30 percent business…’Kaminey’, ‘Life Partner’ and to some extent even ‘Love Aaj Kal’ are generating the main revenue. Movies like ‘Quick Gun’, etc have faltered badly,” said Raizada.

Industry insiders said that despite the unprecedented buzz that “Quick Gun Murugun” garnered courtesy media promotions and praises from Aamir Khan, Ashutosh Gowariker and Vishal Bhardwaj, it has not managed more than Rs.20 Lakh (Rs.2 million) across the country counting in all the four languages - Hindi, English, Tamil and Telugu - it released in.

“‘Quick Gun…’ was a real disappointment. There was a lot or pre-release buzz for the movie but the post-story has been completely different,” said a source from PVR cinemas.

“All are average and below average movies and have opened to the same expectations. All have had low occupancy and nothing has really clicked with the audiences. ‘Kaminey’ and ‘Life Partner’ are making up for it as they are still going strong,” the source added.

“Daddy Cool” and “Quick Gun…” were released at all PVR properties while the rest of the six opened only at selected cinema halls.

Added a source from Inox cinemas, Mumbai: “All the six movies have fared badly… it’s only ‘Kaminey’ and ‘Life Partner’ that are keeping it going and that too considering that they missed the opening weekend in Mumbai and Pune due to the swine flu scare.”

‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ Rupali nervous about wearing swimsuit

Television actress Rupali Ganguly says she did many things for the first time in the forthcoming adventure reality show “Khatron Ke Khiladi - Level 2″, including wearing a bikini. But she is now worried how she will look on screen.

“I have done a lot of firsts in my life with this show. Like I have never ever worn a swimsuit on television. But I have finally done that also. I don’t know how terrible I’ll be looking,” Rupali said over the phone from Mumbai.

The actress, who was seen in shows like “Sanjeevani” and “Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai”, has completely surprised herself with the sort of stunts she has performed on the second season of “Khatron Ke Khiladi”.

“Khatron Ke Khiladi- Level 2″ will be hosted by Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar and will go on air on Colors channel on Sep 7.

“I’ve never had an adventurous streak in me. I was boring as a child and I never did anything that I have done on the show. It’s been the biggest high of my life,” said Rupali, who also participated in Sony TV’s reality show “Bigg Boss”.

The actress says “Khatron Ke Khiladi…” provided her an opportunity to explore herself as a person. But she had her reservations about being in the company of models like Carol Gracias, Jesse Randhawa and Sushma Reddy.

“I could never imagine taking up a show like this but it’s the result of an effort to do something different. The show has given me a chance to explore myself as a person in the sense that I now know how I will react in a given situation. I was initially very confused whether to say yes or no to the show because of these sexy tall babes, but it’s been a very exciting experience,” she said.

Talking about her experience with claustrophobia, she said: “I am not really scared of living creatures so that bit of the show was fine. But I was unhappy about facing claustrophobia. I was required to hold my breath and be under water for a task - and I am totally petrified of doing something like that. I am glad I faced it but haven’t really overcome it.”

The actress is hardly seen in any soaps these days. “Something interesting keeps coming, but it has to be very different for me to take it up. Till then, I am happily jobless.”

Sanjay Dutt gets samurai soldiers inked on arm

Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt has a tattoo fetish. He has at least five on his body and has gone for another one - this time two samurai soldiers inked one below the other on his right arm.

One soldier is inked in black and white, while the other is colourful and there are Japanese flowers falling over them.

According to a source, these soldiers symbolise that all through his life the actor has fought like a samurai and was never bogged down by the hardships.

As expected, the tattoo is done by Vishwas Dorwekar of Hakim Aalim’s salon.

Former Miss California USA Carrie Prejean sues pageant officials

After being stripped of the title, Carrie Prejean has filed a lawsuit against Miss California USA officials accusing them of libel and religious discrimination for her views on same-sex marriage.

Carrie Prejean was stripped of her Miss California USA title earlier this year.

“We will make the case that her title was taken from her solely because of her support of traditional marriage,” her attorney, Charles LiMandri, said in a news release, CNN reported.

Prejean stepped into controversy at the Miss USA pageant in April when, in response to a question from a judge, she declared her opposition to same-sex marriage. Prejean finished as first runner-up.

The complaint was filed in Superior Court of California against Miss California USA officials Keith Lewis and Shanna Moakler, as well as publicist Roger Neal.

It alleges that Prejean suffered because of “libel, public disclosure of private facts, religious discrimination, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligent infliction of emotional distress.”

LiMandri had threatened to file a defamation lawsuit if Lewis did not retract statements he made about the former beauty queen. LiMandri’s letter to Lewis’ attorney also accused Lewis of setting Prejean up to be fired because of her statements opposing same-sex marriage.

When Prejean, 22, was dethroned in June, Lewis said it was for “contract violations,” including missed public appearances.

He said then it wasn’t one thing Prejean did, but “many, many, many things.”

“She came to us and said I’m not interested in your input; I’ll make my own decision what I’m going to do,” Lewis told CNN’s Larry King in June. “You know, when you have a contract, when you’re working for someone, you have a responsibility to follow through on what that requirement is.”

Lewis said it was clear “she was not interesting in upholding the title or the responsibilities.”

Shazahn Padamsee loves kids..

Shazahn Padamsee is fond of kids. “Being with kids lights up Shazahn face,” said a friend of Shazahn’s. Shazahn frequently visit the Breach Candy club and spends some quality time with kids at the pool.

Her friend said, “They put a permanent smile on her face. Shazahn feels that little children are most honest and innocent. One day, one of the kids even recognized Shazahn saying that he had seen her in Ponds and 7 up ads. Shazahn just brushed off his praises. The kid then challenged her to a race in swimming.” Shazahn was surprised by the boy’s daring nature.

“Shazahn immediately agreed. But she had no option but to let him win. He was so cute and sweet. Shazahn then gave him a chocolate, as the prize and has even promised him she will show him her movie, Rocket Singh- Salesman of the year, on the very first day,” said the friend.

Sukhwinder Singh reinvents his career

After Sonu Nigam it is the veteran singer Sukhwinder Singh who has stepped into acting. Sukhwinder broke the news yesterday in front of media with the director and co-stars of his debut acting venture titled Khudi Ko Kar Buland Itna. The film has been produced and directed by debutant Jagbir Dahiya. Sukhwinder has also lent his voice to all the songs in the film. Sukhwinder has in his credit some brilliant songs with big banners in the tinsel down. However, to work with new player in the industry is not everyone’s cup of tea. Exclaims, the director Jagbir Dahiya, who was all praises for the singer, “I was taken by surprise, and glad at the same time, as soon as Sukhwinder showed interest in my film. Very few celebs in the tinsel town today can be so generous to believe in someone and give them a chance.” To which, Sukhwinder adds, “Big or small banners have never been my criteria for choosing films. I loved the very concept and nothing could stop me to go ahead.” Well, Sukhwinder seems to be implementing the very title Khudi Ko Kar Buland Itna in real life too. He has indisputably left an indelible mark in his singing career. As far as a career in acting is concerned, all we can say is let’s wait and watch.

Asin ke nanhe friends

Asin who rose to fame with her last flick Ghajini, is all set for her new project with London Dreams. Along with the line of Bollywood offers, the actress has received the best offer of friendships too.

“Asin and Sridevi stay in the same colony. Thus whenever Asin has time she drops in Sri’s house to play with her daughters,” says the source.

Asin has recently shifted to Mumbai. “She doesn’t know many people, as she is very new in Mumbai. Sridevi has also helped her in her initial days over here, and this is how they all have become good friends. In other words, we can say that they are one big happy family,” adds the source.

“Asin too loves to spend time with the two daughter of Sri and they gel well with each other. Asin becomes a kid when she is with them and it’s like a stress releaser for her,” concludes the source.

Well Asin, you do have beautiful people around you… Lucky girl!

Feature: Hot Bolly Divas in Bikini rule Box Office!

Skin show has always been a selling element for B-town filmmakers. Indian culture may boast of sati-savitri Bhartiya nari, or crib about the adaptation of western culture in recent times, but the truth is- our film fraternity has been modern and contemporary in its thoughts and ways since the 60’s. Remember the sensuous Sharmila Tagore of An evening in Paris in the 60’s. An icing on the cake was when she donned a bikini on the cover page of a renowned magazine. The unmatchable oomph-factor of another diva Parveen Babi ruled the roost in 70’s, with her amazing style quotient in bikini. Then, came the voluptuous, yet sexy, Bikini-clad Zeenat Aman in her films such as Qurbani, Pukaar and Dostana.

The trend of bikini somehow got lost, until some super-sexy divas yet again set the B-town lanes on fire on the cover pages of magazines, films and music albums. Let’s begin with divas with enormous sensuality that got the trend of bikini back in tinsel town. But most importantly, we look back at how this two-piece is now a major tool to get the audience attention all the way to the Box-office. Today bikini has become a tool for most of the filmmakers to fill their pockets with uncountable money.

Shilpa Shetty- She made every head turn to notice her ultra-sexy perfect figure. This diva easily slipped into two-piece with an unmatchable grace in Dostana. However, a point to be noted here, director Tarun Mansukhani showcased Shilpa Shetty in an item song, which became one of the high points of the film, raking in audience and moolah on box-office.

Priyanka Chopra- The ever-graceful former Miss World and extremely celebrated female actor today, Priyanka Chopra gave another reason to cine-goers to watch Dostana. She, though a main-lead, donned a golden bikini with umpteen grace, which yet again gave an extra edge to the director to woo his audience in the midst of many contenders floating simultaneously near the box-office ticket window.

Mallika Sherawat- This sexy-siren does not need any introduction. With oodles of sex appeal she made many a men drool over for just a peek at her skimpy beachwear, in her much talked about film- Murder. The director never kept any stones unturned to make his money-minting machine look most ravishing thing on planet earth.

Bipasha Basu- This dusky-beauty, also the IFFA female style icon of 2009 not only got into the bikini with the never-ever seen grace, but also, manage to stand at par with world-class beauty Aishwarya Rai. Her multi-colored bikini got her loads of praises all over, and also to the filmmaker associated with Dhoom 2.

Sushmita Sen- This bong-beauty’s claims to have shared the most sensuous chemistry with King Khan till date came true with Main Hoon Na. Farah Khan made this diva look like an angel in a swimsuit.

Kareena Kapoor- The deep-blue eyed Kareena Kapoor wore the ultra-sexy attire twice. Her size zero-figure had become the talk of the town. With a sizzling hot bikini in Tashan she showcased her sexy avatar, which made many a hearts go flutter, including our Chote Nawab who can’t withhold ravishing about his ladylove. Again in Kamabakht Ishq, she gave her fans a glimpse of her ever super–toned body.

Deepika Padukone- Might have left her fans in gloom, for they still haven’t got a chance to have a look at her in a bikini on silver screen. However, looking at the trend of bikini-wearers making waves, Deepika is not taking any chances to be left behind and thus to stay in the Bikini cat-race, Deepika donned a two-piece swimsuit for Kingfisher calendar.

Shruti Haasan- This star-child got her hands on a bikini in the very first film of her career. Luck, might not have clicked with the audience, but Shruti in bikini did. Looking smoldering hot, Shruti in a bikini overshadowed the film’s publicity. Soham Shah played his cards right in Luck with getting his actor with right attire at a right time, though unfortunately not the right script.

Rani Mukherjee- is the latest entrant to the bikini club. This bundle of talent will be wearing a bikini for the very first time in her long spanning career, for her forthcoming film Dil Bole Hadippa, opposite Shahid Kapoor. Rani’s sardarji look in the film is also a much talked about affair. However, it would be interesting to see whether her fans are inclined to her cute sardaji look, or the hot bikini avatar.