‘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.