The unusual two of 'Karthik Calling Karthik' are generating awesome hype, which works in favour of the flick. Er, media buzz citing a romantic bonding between Farhan Akhtar and Deepika Padukone too has escalated to a high.
Padukone, however, is far from amused and has been slamming all such talk vehemently, asserting that "such stuff should not be written."
Her liaison with love interest Ranbir Kapoor has gone kaput, though DP insists that she's looking forward to the Vicky Singh venture starring the two. "I have no problem working with Ranbir," she asserts in a media chat. "But the role, the script and the director have to be all right." Guess, DP's all sorted out.
With all the attendant buzz surrounding the Pantaloons Femina Miss India 2010 pageant, the spotlight has shifted to Priyanka Chopra, as well. From Miss India 2000 title winner to turning Miss World 2000, Chopra has traversed the global route to Big Time success.
A small time girl from Bareilly, who's lassoed in the National award, no less, for her gut wrenching portrayal in Madhur Bhandarkar's 'Fashion'.
Incidentally, filmmakers Bhandarkar and Vipul Amrutlal Shah will cast a discerning eye and handpick Miss India contestants for their movies. A strategy, which Chopra is expressly thrilled about, as the Miss India participants could land plum roles in the ventures of both filmmakers, even as the qualifying rounds of the pageant are being held!
Hailing the move as a "fantastic opportunity for the eventual winners", Chopra asserts that the prospect of teaming up with Bhandarkar and Shah will catapult the careers of the chosen few into the big league of show biz. Hah, you bet!
It's a spectacular win win situation for Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar and Fox Searchlight. 'My Name Is Khan' became the third film in Bollywood history to bag 150 crores worldwide, and in doing so has ushered itself into a supremely select group of films. Trade sources are already hailing it as the highest Shah Rukh Khan phillum, ever.
Only SRK could have managed this triumph. In Februrary, cold weather and exams in parts of India are often cited as dampeners for cine business. 'MNIK', however, as vaulted itself to fame, despite the blasts and controversies. Within a span of 10 days, 'MNIK' earned the distinction of doing business double the size of any Bollywood movie released in February.
It's raking in the lolly by the bushels across international markets. 'MNIK' is already being hailed as the biggest Bollywood film of all time within 10 days in the UAE, South Africa, Holland, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, East and West Africa, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Mauritius.
In the Middle East, the film has not only smashed all existing Bollywood records within 10 days, but has even beaten Fox Searchlight's previous highest grosser 'Slumdog Millionaire' in Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE and Egypt.
Fox Searchlight is pleased as punch with their spectacular win and according to Mario Haddad, Head of Empire International Middle East, "The drop in the second week is less than 10 per cent. Due to the demand, we are opening in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria on March 10th."
In the UK, the film has become the fastest film to cross GBP 2m, managing the feat within just 11 days. The strong run in UK continues even in the second week, and is on its way to breaking the all time record of 'K3G' in the UK, quite soon.
In the US and Canada, 'MNIK' is already being hailed as the highest grossing SRK film of all time, within just 10 days of release.
Vijay Singh, CEO of Fox Star Studios says, "We are delighted to be entering this elite group with our first major Bollywood venture. The film was created for a global audience and continues to break records worldwide. It is truly proving to be India's first global Bollywood film."
Her serious halo in parallel cinema has often overshadowed the fun side of Konkona Sen Sharma. 'Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge' will showcase the comic timing of the two time National award winner.
"My comic roles in 'Life in a Metro' and 'The President Is Coming' have gone largely unnoticed," she declares in a media chat. "And in 'Aaja Nachle' I almost made a fool of myself."
'Atithi.., though, is her maiden full throttle comedy, and Konkona is sanguine of its outcome. The movie details the lives of a Mumbai couple which goes all topsy turvy when a long lost relative visits them… and stays put, much to their discomfort, leading to super funny situations.
Explaining her rationale for assenting to the Ashwni Dhir helmed flick, Konkona states, "Apart from the script which I loved, I also wanted the opportunity to work with Ajay Devgn and Paresh Rawal. Ajay and I are similar souls and since I knew him from the 'Omkara' days, we had a great rapport which will be visible on screen."
Surely, this is one rockinggggggg premises! Presently, they're all set to bring the house down with excitement over 'Patiala House', Akshay Kumar's home production which showcases the super 'Bobby' duo of Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia.
Reportedly, the two are always ribbing each other and are having a whale of a time, even as work on Nikhil Advani's flick proceeds at a brisk pace.
DK, as gorgeous as ever, doesn't spare her son in law, either. When discussing her daughter Twinkle, Dimple often addresses her as "teri biwi." Not to be outdone, producer Akshay often retaliates with his "teri beti" lines…
Bollywood star Shahid Kapoor, who turned 29 Thursday, was given a surprise birthday party by his family and friends.
'I was given a surprise birthday party and I sure was surprised. Even dad and family were in on it. Wow! It's actually my first surprise birthday party,' Shahid posted on micro-blogging site Twitter.
The actor was wished by a number of celebrities, including Karan Johar and Farah Ali Khan.
He has thanked everyone for their wishes.
'Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all the birthday wishes. Love you all,' he added.
Shahid's friend and co-star of his last release 'Chance Pe Dance', Genelia D'Souza, too attended the party.
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Vivek learns to play drums for 'Prince'
After learning how to strum a guitar for his film 'Omkara', Bollywood star Vivek Oberoi has now learnt how to play the drums for his forthcoming film 'Prince'.
For a sequence in the song 'Oh mere khuda', Vivek was to be shown playing the drums and he wanted it to look authentic. After discussing this with his producer Kumar Taurani, Vivek got a a drum instructor on the sets, said a source from the unit.
'It took a few days of training at lunch time for Vivek to get it right,' said the source.
'Prince', releasing March 26, is a fast paced slick action thriller. It is about a savvy thief who is the most wanted man in the country.
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No competition with 'Teen Patti', says KCK producer
'Teen Patti' and 'Kartik Calling Karthik' - two awaited movies of the year are releasing on the same day, but Ritesh Sidhwani, the producer of 'Karthik Calling Karthik', doesn't fear competition.
'We have no competition with 'Teen Patti'. We have only 52 Fridays in a year and with the Indian Premiere League (IPL) and other events that go on in a year, there are only a certain number of weeks that are good for a film's release,' said Sidhwani.
The producer also stressed on the strategy to make a film exciting enough to enthuse the viewer to come and watch it at the theatre.
'You have multiple films releasing on the same day, so one needs to create some kind of a demand and mystery about your film. If you manage to convince the audience that this is something different, you need not worry about any competition,' he said.
While 'Teen Patti' stars Amitabh Bachchan as a mathematician, Farhan Akhtar plays the role of an introvert in 'Karthik Calling Karthik'.
Shahid Kapoor is working hard on his Michael Jackson act for the Filmfare awards, even if it means rehearsing on his birthday Thursday.
Says Shahid: 'The Filmfare organisers felt I could do the Michael Jackson tribute. And I took up the challenge.
'We didn't have much time to rehearse, only four days. But I've grown up watching MJ's music videos, am a huge fan, so it wasn't difficult to master the choreography. I will be paying a tribute, not copying MJ. But it is better not to adulterate his steps,' he adds.
While other performers at the Filmfare awards Saturday will have their acts recorded, Shahid will perform live.
Says the focussed performer: 'Yes, I'll be going live... an eight-minute homage. I love dancing on stage. In India, there's no specific culture for stage performances.
'Out West, there's a huge market for live performances. Their films don't have songs and dances. Their pop stars have a vibrant stage culture. So, stage performances are a huge market in the West,' he adds.
Hollywood actress Lindsay Lohan doesn't like to plan her life because she believes life is mysterious.
'I don't like to plan my life because I don't know. I can't decide what is going to happen. I don't want to know, actually. That is the nice thing about life. It is a bit mysterious,' okmagazine.com quoted Lohan as saying.
Arshad Warsi has finally agreed to do 'Golmaal 3' after the producers agreed to pay him a whopping Rs.3 crore to be part of the film, sources said.
Director Rohit Shetty said Arshad was on for the project, but the actor did not confirm his consent for the film.
Sources said the deal was finally cut Monday, after frantic negotiations. Arshad's fee is higher than each member of the cast, barring Ajay Devgn. It is even higher than that of Kareena Kapoor who has a three-film deal with the producers.
Says a source: 'After 'Ishqiya', Arshad was adamant on his fee. The producers (Ashtavinayak) tried to convince him to take a much smaller fee, arguing that his co-stars Shreyas Talpade, Tusshar Kapoor and Kunal Khemu (who replaces Sharman Joshi) were accepting a far smaller fee and if Arshad was paid three crore, the others would feel short-changed.'
But Arshad stuck to his guns. Earlier reports said the actor, now hot at the box office after 'Ishqiya', did not like the script of 'Golmaal 3'.
Rohit Shetty says: 'We were really keen to have him in the film. And yes, the price has been worked out between Arshad and the producers. So he's on.'
Strangely, though Rohit confirmed Arshad's presence in 'Golmaal 3', Arshad was still in denial.
'I am not sure yet. They've been after me for some time now. But I'm not able to make up my mind. I need to give time to my own production 'Hum Tum Aur Ghost'. So I don't know how I'll manage the dates,' he said.
Sharman Joshi, who was part of the earlier two movies of the 'Golmaal' series, had reportedly asked for Rs2.5 crore. He turned down the third part through his secretary.
Says Rohit Shetty: 'Even before the scripting of 'Golmaal 3', Sharman sent me a message through his secretary, saying he had other plans. I immediately looked for a replacement and am very happy with Kunal Khemu
In a bid to save the environment, actress Gul Panag Thursday appealed to Mumbaikars to shun plastic.
'I believe that the type of people who stay in Mumbai and earn their living, are all aware of their surroundings and if we appeal to them with the objective of this project 'Say No To Plastic', I think they will surely be a part of it. With their cooperation, we can take forward this responsibility,' Panag told reporters after the official launch of the Green Commandoes project here Thursday.
Green Commandoes will start its first initiative 'Say No To Plastic', which will be carried out in 400 areas of Mumbai. Green Commandoes will engage themselves with local communities to make their neighbourhood plastic free and eco-friendly.
'I will truly be associated with all the activities of Green Commandoes,' said Panag.
The actress maintained that people keep their homes clean but don't do the same while on the road. 'People never give a second thought before spitting or littering on the road. We must think of it. If there is no cooperative movement, there is no difference between us and animals,' said the actress.
Asked if there should be a legislative ban on the use of plastic, Panag said: ' There hasn't been any legislative ban on plastic till now. It is very important that every state show their will to enforce a ban on plastic.'
'Maybe in the near future we will see a legislative ban on plastic. But until then, I think it is our civic responsibility to try and bring whatever change we can bring. We can stop spitting or littering on the roads, we can stop using plastic. These things are in our control, so we should start doing that from today.'
Shasha's troublesome ways are earning reams of newsprint. On his 29th b'day, though, Shahid Kapoor aims in all earnestness to revamp his personal image.
Admittedly, he's been going on the sets with a know it all attitude. "This year, I plan to be a student during the making of my father's film 'Mausam'," asserts Shahid in a tabloid talk. "I'll go on to the set with an attitude of learning, and come out better on both counts: as an actor and a person."
On his b'day, though, he plans to reconnect with his mommie dearest: "Earlier, mom and I lived together," says Shahid. "We have a great emotional connect and now my brother Ishaan stays with her."
Delving into flashback, Shahid recalls the time when he was a four year old who would embarrass his mom by tearing open gifts and expressing his delight or displeasure right away.
His pal Siddharth Malhotra's b'day bash is no longer a secret… and an amused Shahid plans to close his b'day jubilation with a quiet dinner celebration with family and close pals.
An air conditioning snag in the aircraft escalated to a heated discussion. And Ajay Devgn, who was gearing up in glee to jubilate on his 11th wedding anniversary with Kajol, Nysa and family, was maudlin at Madurai.
The heated argument between passengers and the airline almost ruined it for Devgn. Post canning sequences for Priyadarshan's 'Garam Hawa' at Madurai, the actor was excited over returning to his Juhu home.
A close source states, "Ajay was getting very worried at the delay and finally he got home at 8 pm. It was just a quiet dinner, but it was definitely better than being stuck alone at Chennai.
Ranbir Kapoor, reportedly called off their blossoming relationship, and a hurt Deepika Padukone took it squarely on her chin and moved on…
Rumours of Shahid Kapoor and DP readying to becoming a cozy twosome set the grapevine abuzz… and Ranbir Kapoor did a swift rethink. Reportedly, Ranbir has been desperately SMSing Deepika from the US, asserting that he wants her to sashay right back into his starry life!
Last X'mas, his relationship with Priyanka Chopra ended on a choppy note, but Shahid Kapoor too decided that it was time to reconnect with the lissome Chopra.
Long distance chats, frequent phone calls and innumerable text messages are the order of the day for Chopra and Kapoor.
A close source reveals, "They are very fond of each other and Priyanka's parents too are quite fond of Shahid. Besides, when Shahid texted her on winning the national award for 'Fashion', Priyanka responded warmly, though it was a while later."
A sudden change in work schedule made Shahid Kapoor a nervous wreck last month. A timely visit to his father Pankaj Kapoor's spiritual guru in the hills however revealed to him the virtues of stillness in an overactive lifestyle.
Having finished all his assignments, the actor has no projects on hand at the moment apart from his dad's film 'Mausam'.
Shahid told IANS, 'All I can say is faith makes all things possible. That's why it's called a leap of faith. I was working 20 hours a day till Jan 20. I was working insanely. When I woke up on Jan 21, I had no work to go to.
'Initially I felt a sense of freedom. Then immediately it was followed by panic...what do I do with myself? I've become an insomniac and started tweeting at 4 a.m. I don't feel tired. I feel I haven't earned the right to rest. And I don't know what to do with myself!'
However, here is the upside. 'Every time I've sat at home without work, it has worked for my career. I did it before 'Vivah' and before 'Jab We Met'.'
Shahid will be doing only one film in 2010 and that is his father's 'Mausam'. He will serve as a hands-on technician, spotboy whatever for the project.
'While I'm being directed by my dad, I'd like to learn in every department. I want to learn about cinematography, choreography and direction. Most of all, I'd learn a lot about acting from my dad. I want to try and absorb from him.'
The thought of acting in front of his father petrifies Shahid. 'It's a very scary thought. But in life you have to face challenges. Of course, there's anxiety and fear about acting in front of my father. I quite often think I've given a decent performance. And then when I hold a trial show for my father, all the confidence crumbles.'
Shahid remembers a nightmarish incident. 'I remember this one time when we were shooting for 'Jab We Met' near Khandala. Dad dropped in and was watching me on the monitor. And I just couldn't give my shot! I actually had to tell my dad to leave. I tactfully told him to proceed, and I'd join him for lunch. He immediately understood. And my next shot was okay.'
Explaining his reason for staying away from all other projects, Shahid says, 'It's a film very close to my heart because after 35 years of acting, dad is finally directing a film. After being the best actor in the country - that's what I believe him to be - he has decided to make a film with me in the lead because he wants to project me in a certain way.
'It's a huge sacrifice for someone who does so little work as an actor. The least I can do is to be there unconditionally for him during the time that he makes the film.'
To prepare for 'Mausam', Shahid needs to train as a pilot at a military academy.
Says Shahid, 'I don't want to reveal right now what all I'll be doing. But, yes, I do play an air force pilot. But if you think I'll learn how to fly a plane for the film, then all I can say is I haven't reached that stage of madness!'
Two of the finest performers in Indian cinema Mohanlal and Naseeruddin Shah are coming together in noted Bollywood director Vishal Bhardwaj’s new film Saat Khoon Maaf.
The film revolves around Priyanka Chopra and her seven husbands! Mohanlal, Naseeruddin ,Neil Nitin Mukesh (New York fame), and an American actor will play four of her husbands, while the other three are being selected
Suresh Gopi is going to once again take the gun as a ruthless investigative cop in veteran action film specialist director Suresh Babu directed Kanyakumari Express, being produced by Pyramid Film International.
The story and screenplay is by another veteran crime story specialist Dennis Joseph. Gopi will play a role that he has mastered over the years- a no-nonsense hard hitting cop Mohan Shankar hated by the politicians and unscrupulous businessmen who comes to the rescue of a beleaguered Chief Minister played by Jagathy Sreekumar at a crucial time.
Says Suresh Babu: “Kanyakumari Express, will be an edge of the seat action thriller, with never a dull moment.” The cinematographer is UK Senthilkumar, one time Rajinikanth’s favourite cameraman who did films like Padyappa & Annamalai with the superstar.
Sonia Aggarwal the famous Tamil actress is rumoured to make her debut in Malayalam with this film. The others in the cast are Innocent, Babu Antony, Harisri Asokan, Sooraj Venjaranmoodu, Bheeman Reghu and Gowri Nanda.
The fans of Malayalam superstars Mammootty and Mohanlal may not see eye to eye, but their idols are getting closer.
They have come together to fight the common enemy the veteran actor Thilakan who has been a thorn in their flesh.
Thilakan has been making some wild and unsubstantiated allegations against them. He has been able to get the support of the so called “left intellectuals” like Sukumar Azhikode and Punathil Kunjabdulla. Azhikode had criticized Mohanlal' for doing commercial endorsements for a popular jewelery brand and made a “dumb” remark that Mammootty had got Rs 5 crore to do Pazhassi Raja!
Noted novelist Punathil Kunjabdulla, went one step ahead and said at a literary forum that: “Thilakan is one of the most distinguished actors in the world, and before him Mammootty and Mohanlal are nothing!” The irony of it is that both Azhikode and Punathil hardly know anything about cinema or the contribution that M & M has made to Malayalam films.
There was a sustained campaign to tarnish the image of M & M by these so called “intellectuals” as they blindly supported Thilakan in his crusade against the stars. Please note some vested interests in Malayalam film industry are also behind this smear campaign against the superstars.
Meanwhile the two superstars met “accidentally” at the picturesque Panangad Choice Gardens on the backwaters near Kochi. Mohanlal and Mammootty were shooting there for their forthcoming films Christian Brothers and Pramani respectively. During the one hour post lunch meet the stars without any aides discussed about the “Thilakan threat to topple them”.
Mohanlal in an earlier interview to a newspaper had come to the defense of Mammootty by saying that he would never snatch a role from Thilakan. Later Mohanlal in an interview to a television channel said that he had rung up Azhikode and asked him to back off and leave him alone and not drag him into unnecessary controversies. And regarding Azhikode’s statement, that Thilakan and Mohanlal had expressed a desire to hold talks to solve the raging controversy the star made it clear that he had never expressed such willingness.
And as far as Azhikode's criticism that he is cashing in on his fame and popularity by doing commercial endorsements, Mohanlal shot back: "I told him to leave me alone as all stars including Amitabh Bachchan endorses products. I see Azhikode’s ranting against me and Mammootty, as those made by an old man.
Yugapurushan, scripted and directed by the film-maker R. Sukumaran, documents with an element of fiction the life and times of the social reformer Sree Narayana Guru (1855-1928). The movie, mostly through the sermons of the Guru, depicts how he kindled a dormant people to rise up against injustice and fight for their rights. Yugapurushan is well acted and seriously mounted, but maintains a half way stand between being a biopic and a historical. As a biopic, Yugapurushan fails to leave a mark, and very rarely rises above a chronicled picturisation of the great sage’s most popular sermons.
The movie abounds with sketches of the different periods in the Guru’s career. It opens with a roaring sea in the background and the words of the Guru (Thalaivasal Vijai) echoing that no one is born impure; it is man who defiles. He is moved by the torture the downtrodden suffer at the hands of the so-called higher castes. Each incident makes him act, be it the flogging of a poor farmer tied to a yoke or the denial of basic education to poor girls. He is ever present to lead the masses.
When he comes to know that the some people are denied entry to temples, he retaliates by building and consecrating temples for them. The temples are open to all, and his dictum that all are equal is inscribed on the walls of temples and schools. The film ends with the final installation of the mirror as an idol at Kadavamkodam temple.
Thalaivasal Vijai pulls his role off with aplomb, portraying the different emotions of the Guru, especially a shocked and disturbed Guru on knowing the news of Kumaran Asan’s death and a subdued and desperate Guru following infighting within the organisation that he founded. The remarkable similarity of Thalaivasal Vijay to the Guru might seem astonishing. Mammootty as K.C. Kuttan, the ardent admirer of the Guru, and Saji, as Asan, symbolise altruism. Kalabhavan Mani as Koran gives a neat performance. Siddique and Babu Antony as Dr. Palpu and Ayyankali, respectively, show their fiery spirit.
After a series of flop movies like Goal (2007) and Minnaminnikoottam (2008), veteran Malayalam director Kamal is back with Dileep-Charmi starrer Aagathan, which finally brings the director back on right track. Aagathan, produced by Mathew Joseph and Rafi Methar under the banner of Via Media Entertainment, has turned out to be a good entertainer for both family and youth audiences, marking the return of actress Charmi to Malayalam, after her rather unsuccessful stint in Vinayan's Kattuchembakam, and the debut of Tamil actor Sathyaraj.
Aagathan begins in a flashback mode in Kashmir where a ten year old boy Goutham loses his family in a terrorist attack. Gautham (Dileep) is now grownup and the CEO of a software company in Bangalore. On his journey to Bangalore, he meets a management student Shreya (Charmi) in the bus and strikes up a pleasant conversation with her.
Though she hates him initially, she soon falls in love with him. She takes him to their house to meet her parents Retd. Gen. Hardeendra Varma (Sathyaraj) and Malathi Thampuratti (Zareena Wahab). Everyone in the family is happy with Gautham and agrees to his marriage with Shreya. But soon, we see that Gautham has done it all deliberately to seek revenge! "Why and how" forms the rest of the film.
The first half of the film is mostly about how Gautham and Shreya fall in love. Things actually begin to happen during the second half and it is exactly when the script start losing its grip. The climax of the film has been messed up and the storyline generally moves on highly predictable lines.
Dileep has trimmed his fat and is portraying a serious character and hence the comedy component is missing. Thanks to the director, no character is added just to create comedy. Charmi looks pretty and cute, but has nothing much to do in the second half. Sathyaraj stands as the epitome of an army officer. His posture and portrayal of character is par excellence. His delivery of dialogue in climax is incomparable. The rest of the cast including Lal, Biju Menon, Innocent, Zareena Wahab and Shilpa Bala have done their parts quite well.
Cinematography by Ajayan Vincent and Ouseppachan's music are the major highlights of tge film. The film looks colourful, fresh and the locations are breathtakingly beautiful. All in all, Aagathan is entertaining enough to be worth watching.
Playback singer Udit Narayan's son Aditya, who gave a scintillating dance performance at the recently held Zee Rishtey Awards, has sung four songs in 'Shaapit', his debut movie as a lead actor.
''Shapit' is my first film as a lead actor. It is a horror film by Vikram Bhatt and also features Rahul Dev and Shweta Aggarwal. The music of the film is already out and I have sung four songs in the movie,' said Aditya.
Aditya's dancing skills are reminiscent of Hrithik Roshan's flawless and flexible moves.
The young actor, who has featured as a child artiste in films like 'Pardes' and 'Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai', has been singing for movies since his childhood. He also hosted music reality show 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa' in the past.
The Zee Rishtey Awards, hosted by Hindi general entertainment channel Zee TV, will be aired Saturday. The event saw the who's who of the Indian television industry, including Suraj Barjatya, Ekta Kapoor, Alok Nath, Urvashi Dholakia, Narayani Shastri, Ronit Roy, et al on one platform.
The channel gave a tribute to popular filmmaker Suraj Barjatya's company Rajshri Productions. At present, Barjatya's show 'Yahaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli' is among the most watched shows of the channel and boasts of having the most expensive sets ever on television.
Other performances also included dance sequences and acts by actors from their shows like 'Chhoti Bahu', 'Agle Janam Mohe Bitiyann hi Kijo' and 'Pavitra Rishta'.
The show, which will be aired Saturday on Zee TV, was hosted by 'Dance India Dance' host Saumya Tandon and by Manish Paul, who hosts game show 'Ghar Ghar Mein'.
Sonam Kapoor was at the receiving end of some cinematic attention. Coming from Shahid Kapoor, no less. Reportedly, the duo of Kapoors were seated in the front row at a plush five star venue watching the proceedings of a ramp show. And Shasha seemed to be all ears for Sonam only, blithely ignoring Amrita Rao, his former co star ('Vivah') who was seated diametrically opposite him.
Word has it that SK did not bestow Rao with a single glance. Instead he yakked nineteen to the ninety with Sonam Senorita and rewarded her with a warm bear hug too. Poor Rao was left looking all lovey dovey in Shasha's direction…
It's been a year since they've cooled off romantically. Post break up, ex flames Dino Morea and Lara Dutta performed at Nashik recently.
And close insiders swear, the vibes between the duo could easily freeze up the Arctic ocean. Not a single word was exchanged between the former love interests.
A reliable source states, "Both learnt that the other was performing a day before the event, and then it was too late to back out."
To avoid unpleasantness, Morea stayed put in his vanity van, except for the time when he was on stage. Dutta rushed out of the venue the minute she finished her acts.
Meawhile, matters have taken a new amourous turn with tabloid tattle peaking over Morea and Kangna Ranaut's passionate display at Sanjay Dutt's second anniversary.
Morea, meanwhile, has been explaining his bit to a certain Nandita Mahtani.
Her tryst with cinebiz was flagged off with 'Daddy'. At age 17, Pooja Bhatt shared screen space with Anupam Kher in her debut, enacting a soul searching teenage girl in an estranged relationship with her alcoholic father. 'Daddy', incidentally, was directed by her renowned father: Mahesh Bhatt.
Born on February 24, 1972 to Mahesh and Kiran Bhatt, Pooja bagged a modicum of acclaim with 'Daddy', but earned the spotlight majorly with her 1991 movie: 'Dil Hai Ki Maanta Nahin,' (an "inspired" version of the Hollywood winner: 'It Happened One Night') wherein Pooja shared acting honours with Aamir Khan. The movie soared to turn a stupendous winner and Pooja romped home with the Filmfare 'Best Debut Female' award.
'Sadak','Junoon', 'Tamanna', 'Zakhm', 'Sir' and 'Border' all served to hype up the Pooja magic. Though 'Chaahat', wherein she matched histrionics with Shah Rukh Khan, Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher, placed her in top form.
'Everybody Says I'm Fine!' showcased Pooja's last portrayal as a performer. Thereafter, the actress decided to devote her time mainly to production and direction.
Her directorial debut: 'Paap' (2004) starring John Abraham and Udita Goswami highlighted her skills and Pooja was hailed for her maiden effort. Thereafter, Pooja went on to helm 'Holiday' (2006) and 'Dhokha' (2007).
'Tamanna', 'Dushman', 'Zakhm', 'Jism' and 'Paap', rank among her more commendable efforts as a producer.
On August 24, 2003, Pooja Bhatt tied the marital knot with Munish Makhija (aka Udham Singh), her long time boyfriend and popular VJ of Channel (V).
Soni Razdan, her step mom too is an actress of repute; besides, Emraan Hashmi happens to be her cousin.
Presently, Pooja Bhatt has her eyes rivetted onto her next directorial effort: 'Kajraare' starring Himesh Reshammiya.
On her b'day, here's wishing Pooja Bhatt, super professional success and many merry twists on the personal front too…
It could scare the life force out of you! Canny viewers, though, who claim to be unfazed by horror fare, can gear up for a show of brave heart.
Ram Gopal Varma, the producer of 'Phoonk 2' has served up a 'Scare Contest' challenge: if a viewer can sit through the 'Phoonk' sequel and be declared as being unafraid, he can romp home with the prize money.
The moolah for 'Phoonk' was Rs five lakhs and the challenger ran out in the first 30 minutes itself! "Yet, there were many who insisted that the contest was rigged," groans Varma in a tabloid chat.
The challenging contestant will be fitted with an ECG machine, while he is viewing 'Phoonk 2', which will monitor his pulse rate and heartbeat and the same will be shown live on a screen outside the theatre to both the media and all concerned.
"The contestant cannot sit with his eyes closed," laughs Varma. "He will be monitored and shot through a night vision camera which will ensure that he does not bend the rules. His facial expressions and ECG graph will be on show for the media too. And if there are any unforeseen circumstances, an ambulance will be on standby."
If you're between 18 and 60 years of age, and have no history of cardiac disease, dare the scare challenge. The contest will be launched on the official website: www.phoonk2.in and is open to individuals across India.
Well-known fashion designer Rohit Bal suffered a heart attack Tuesday and has been admitted to Medanta Medicity in Gurgaon, a source close to the designer said.
Bal, 42, suffered an attack at his Defence Colony residence and was initially rushed to Aashlok Hospital in Safdarjung Enclave in South Delhi. He was later shifted to Medicity, the source said.
'All his family members are with him in the hospital,' said the source, who is also part of the fashion industry.
Bal, popularly known as 'Gudda' in the fashion industry, has been described as master of fabric and fantasy.
Apart from designing for many Bollywood celebrities, Bal also has international clients like Uma Thurman, Cindy Crawford, Pamela Anderson, Naomi Campbell and Anna Kournikova.
Bal is also brand ambassador of Omega watches since 2001 and has ventured into the hotel business by launching two restaurants - Veda and Cibo - in the capital
After critically-acclaimed 'Dharm', filmmaker Bhavna Talwar is ready with her second film 'Happi' and she is all praise for veteran actor Pankaj Kapoor. She says the 'perfectionist' was the right choice for her second film too.
'He is a perfectionist and extremely committed to his craft. A stalwart with whom I would love to work again and again. He has changed my entire perception about the industry. After working with him, my expectations from other actors in the industry have increased,' Talwar, who teamed up with Pankaj in her directorial debut, told IANS.
Apart from playing the lead role, Pankaj has written the film's script as well.
'Pankaj-ji had written this script long back. When he had shown me the script, I just loved it. Then nothing happened. So one day, I just went to him and told him that I would very much like to make a film on the script and he agreed. So, he was just the right person for 'Happi',' the director said.
The National Award winning 'Dharm', their first film together, was set against the backdrop of the holy city of Varanasi and was a touching tale of religious harmony. Pankaj had excelled in the role of a portly brahmin priest in the movie.
'Happi', however, is a simple comedy drama but with a message.
'It is a comedy. Set in Mumbai, it is about a simple man 'Happi' (Pankal Kapoor) who doesn't have much expectations from life. It is a topical film that throws light on the loopholes in our system.
'The movie gives a message that in this fast world, we should take some time to sit back and look at our life in a simple manner,' Talwar explained.
Just like 'Dharm' that explored religious undercurrents, 'Happi' too gives a social message and Talwar stresses that all her films will have a message associated with them.
Filmmakers are nowadays thinking up out-of-the-box ideas to promote their movies; so what will be her mantra to promote this film?
'We are looking at promoting the concept of happiness in big cities because that is something missing in our everyday lives,' said Talwar.
'Dharm' had received a lot of appreciation from critics as well as audiences; so does it add to the expectations from her second film?
'Well you can't always live up to the expectations of the people. All I believe in is doing my job well and with honesty and it pays off.'
'Happi' is set to release April 16 and also stars Supriya Pathak and Hrishitaa Bhatt.
That Amitabh Bachchan leaves his co-stars in awe is well-known but 'Teen Patti' director Leena Yadav says the megastar not only spells magic in front of the camera but surprised everyone with his expertise in tennis, violin and piano as well.
'Mr.Bachchan is good in so many things. We were in awe. When we were shooting, we used to play games and we saw how perfect he is in tennis,' Yadav told IANS in an interview.
She said there was a scene in the film where Bachchan's character had to play violin.
'I got an expert to train him and kept telling him that the expert wants to show him how to hold the violin. But Mr.Bachchan insisted on doing it during the shot. When he came to the floor, the expert was standing to show him but he took the violin, placed it rightly and started playing perfectly. He played the piano also. He surprised us in many ways,' Yadav recalled.
Releasing Friday, 'Teen Patti' features Bachchan as a mathematician trying to evolve a thesis on probability by relating it to the Indian card game of 'teen patti'. The film also stars Hollywood legend Ben Kingsley.
Yadav, who co-scripted the movie with Shiv Subramanyam, reveals that the probability theory Bachchan tries to prove is absolutely fictitious, but insists it is applicable to card games to some extent.
'See, probability is a very interesting theory in mathematics. You can even apply it just by logic. It doesn't need an equation there. Also, when a shuffle happens, you can tell what's the probability of the card...
'It can be applied, but obviously a man's mind cannot do it sitting on a table because it involves pages of calculation. So we went through the whole process and then simplified it,' she said.
Yadav said the idea of making a film on the subject was lying dormant in her mind for a long time but the plot developed after she researched on the card scams in the US.
'I always wanted to make a film on the mindset of today's youth where they want to be rich and successful very fast. I read a lot about card scams and did a lot of research on greed and the psychology behind that...Spoke to a lot of my friends.
'All through the process I started finding it more and more interesting. And then when Shiv Subramanyam and I started writing, the characters automatically evolved,' she said.
Before shooting began, Yadav did a reality check on an illegal gambling hideout to know how makeshift casinos function.
'In Mumbai, gambling is illegal. So in different shady places they make temporary set-ups so that they can escape if there is a raid. While shooting I took the creative liberty of shooting it on a set, but before that I visited one functioning 'adda' to have a feel of what exactly happens there. It was quite risky,' she said.
Apart from the two veterans, the film also stars R. Madhavan. And the director is also introducing four new faces - Siddharth Kher, Vaibhav Talwar, Dhruv Ganesh and Shakti Kapoor's daughter Shraddha Kapoor.
Asked why she chose four newcomers, Yadav said: 'Mr.Bachchan, Sir Ben Kingsley, Madhavan and the four debutant actors are the primary actors. While choosing these four actors, we were in two minds whether to take established actors or to go with fresh faces.
'Finally, we decided to take these young people because they fit the age they require to play in the film. It took us 8 to 10 months to cast them. We went to different cities for audition and finally chose them.'
The 2002 Bollywood hit Devdas 'landed' US figure skaters Meryl Davis and Charlie White a coveted silver medal in the Vancouver Winter Olympics on Sunday. They scored 67.08 for the original dance - set to the tune of a hip - shaking Dola Re Dola - and 108.55 overall with Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera.
The two University of Michigan students’ costumes were classic. Davis’s dress, with its ruby - red skirt and brocaded bodice ( ghagra choli ), was simply gorgeous. The sapphire blue stole (dupatta ) made for a good prop, too, as she flipped it around to the beat of the music. White wore an eye - catching sherwani with jewelled cuffs.
Their Bollywood- style dance was a feast for the senses, packed with interesting body movements and complicated and unique steps. But they did more than just look pretty. They were so fast they were practically sprinting across the ice, yet they stayed in character throughout and never lost the playful, facial expressions that transported the audience to a wedding in Mumbai.
For anyone who questions whether ice dance is a sport, just watch their twizzles - spinning turns - that they paired with arm and hand movements. The Indian - themed original dance was actually coach Marina Zoueva’s idea. She spotted a scarf in a Hermes catalogue with an Indian - themed design and immediately thought of Davis.
But the two ice dancers didn't want to simply play characters on the rink. So they called Anuja Rajendra, who combines Bollywood music and dance with exercise at her BollyFit studio in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Rajendra, who once performed professionally, not only showed them how to move their arms and bodies in true Indian dance style, but also suggested the music and taught them about Indian culture. "It was interesting, stuff we weren't familiar with," White said. Their Bollywood dance at the US trials for the Olympics has been highly acclaimed. A dance video has gone viral on YouTube, with just one version garnering almost 2.5 lakh page views - many from India. The significance was not lost on Davis and White as they did an encore at the Olympics.
Shah Rukh Khan starrer 'My Name Is Khan' has become the first Bollywood film to be released in cinemas across the country with Hindi audio description (AD) for visually challenged people.
AD is as important to blind and partially sighted people as subtitles are to those with hearing problems. It is an additional narration that fits between passages of dialogue to describe action sequences, body language, costume and scenery, allowing the viewer to understand exactly what is happening on screen.
Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) worked with 20th Century Fox to achieve this after research amongst blind or partially sighted people found that over 55 percent of respondents were more likely to watch Bollywood films if AD was provided.
'Around 700 films are produced by Bollywood every year and our research tells us that blind and partially sighted fans want AD on these films. We hope other studios will follow 20th Century Fox's lead,' said Fazilet Hadi, director of RNIB.
The studio has come out with both English and Hindi AD tracks for 'My Name Is Khan'.
'We are proud to offer for the first time ever a Hindi AD track on 'My Name is Khan'. English speaking AD has been available on all our films for some time now, so we felt it was natural to progress and offer Hindi AD on our first collaboration with Bollywood,' Martin Bromfield, executive director Twentieth Century, said in a statement.
'With help from RNIB and Deluxe Digital Studios, we worked hard to create an English audio descriptive track which was then translated before being recorded by a Hindi speaking audio describer, in time for the second week of release,' he added.
Directed by Karan Johar 'My Name Is Khan' features Shah Rukh as Rizwan Khan who embarks on a journey across America to win back the love of his life, Mandira, played by Kajol.
Salman Khan will showcase and… show off his pedal power. The Mumbai cyclothon – the Tour de Mumbai cycle race promoted by Being Human the Salman Khan Foundation, aims to promote the practice of cycling in the megapolis.
Khan will cycle to success, though, he does not intend to cover the entire distance chalked out. Apart from amateur and professional cyclists, cycling enthusiasts, professionals, housewives and school children too are expected to join forces with Khan's starry riding
The possessor of several professional bikes, Khan is famed for cycling away to shootings when confronted with a traffic bottleneck.
"Cycling gives me a kick," he asserts in a media chat. "It prevents pollution and it's a good form of cardio exercise. Almost anybody can afford a cycle. For the first three to four days, your butt may get sore, but don't give up."
He's gearing up to be enveloped by a new WAVE of female power! Mom Sharmila Tagore, sis Soha and love interest Bebo are all strong individuals in their own right, but Saif Ali Khan is onto women's welfare in a bigggggggg way.
The suave Khan will perform dance numbers to his own tracks for an all women audience. Collective sighs of adulation will be evident as the event kickstarted by WAVE (Women Against Violence) is being held to honour women from all walks of life, who have raised their voices against domestic violence.
Furthermore, Saif's shuddering a wee too… as he's agreed to recite 'shayari'(poetry, though not his own) dedicated to the fairer sex.
"I'm honoured to be performing for all those lovely women," gushes the Chotte Nawab in a newspaper chat. "It feels great to be surrounded by powerful women whom I know in their own right. They make an impact and have influenced me personally in many ways." Strong women. Saif company.
As the only female actor in the male dominated cast of 'Raajneeti', Katrina Kaif is being lavished with the utmost attention by filmmaker Prakash Jha.
Reportedly, Jha has booked a suburban dubbing studio in Mumbai for a gud 20 days! What's better, knowing Kaif's monumental trouble with mastering dialogues in the national lingo, Jha has freed her from the shackles of fixed timings.
The saucy Kat, hell bent on getting her Hindi diction perfect, is going all out to master her dialogues to the T. Sound agenda, Jha.
She'll be strumming a new tune. Not on the guitar, though, which she mastered after six months of consistent learning.
Shraddha Kapoor has ace baddie Shakti Kapoor for a father and famed actress Padmini Kolhapure for an aunt. And she will illumine her own trail on celluloid with director Leena Yadav's 'Teen Patti'.
At 21, Shraddha has four years of theatre expertise behind her, and was also part of a dance troupe at Boston University. Besides, she's honed her histrionics under the famed tutelage of Barry John.
Although Shraddha admits to being expressly thrilled with sharing frames with Amitabh Bachchan in 'Teen…, the new find can't forget the day when she faced the camera eye together with her dad.
"I think I must have made the maximum mistakes that day," she laughs in a tabloid chat. "My dad kept yelling at me and telling me that he was not my dad here, but just an actor."
He's hunky, hot and rather goody two shoes. But Abbas Mustan's 'Race 2' is slated to spotlight John Abraham in a negative role, parallel to the one essayed by Akshaye Khanna in 'Race.'
After 'Dhoom', which earned J.Abbs scores of admirers, the director duo are sanguine of success by fleshing out Johnny differently in their sequel.
Incidentally, the character that Abby enacts is not only flamboyant, he's also possesses a huge collection of imported cars and bikes.
"Everybody knows what an avid biker John is," says a close source. "His look in the film is extremely sexy and sophisticated. 'Race 2' has plenty of stunts, car chases and deep sea diving sequences." Anyways, John's just racing ahead…
A five city tour, a private jet hired at close to Rs 50 lakhs for two days. The lavish expenditure, incidentally, is a promotional tour exercise for 'Karthik Calling Karthik.'
Farhan Akhtar, together with Deepika Padukone, will board a private jet and scoot off to Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Delhi, Surat and Jaipur to launch into their pitch for their forthcoming flick.
A close insider confirms, "We will be promoting 'KCK' in different multiplexes across these five cities. It's not the money, but the mileage you get, since you interact with fans on a closer level."
His recent visit to the US flanked by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, raised collective eyebrows. Reason: Ranbir Kapoor. Director Rajkumar Hirani and Chopra, reportedly, were locked in a super hush hush meeting at Los Angeles with the new Kapoor round the block.
Tongues were set wagging when rumours surfaced regarding the probable exit of Sanjay Dutt from the 'Munnabhai' sequel.
An allegation, which Hirani thrashes with much relish.
"Whenever the next 'Munnabhai' film will be made",he asserts in a tabloid chat, "it will be made with Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi."
It's high flying on the cine scene, surely. 'Kites' starring the lean mean Hrithik Roshan and a luscious Barbara Mori is slated to grace screens shortly.
The grapevine, however, is abuzz that Mori and Roshan will share a quiet romantic moment at The Taj Mahal, no less.
Reportedly, the Agra monument of love will bear testimony as Roshan Jr and Mori re unite in March under a starry moonlight night.
Rakesh Roshah, though, dismisses all such talk as mere tattle.
"It's not true," he asserts in a tabloid quote. "Barbara will be in India only around May 8." August welcome, sexxxxxxxy Mori.
Reclusive yesteryears heroine Nanda made a rare public appearance along with close friend Waheeda Rehman at the screening of Ravi Jadhav's highly acclaimed Marathi film 'Natrang' here.
She came to the Ketnav theatre in Pali Hill earlier this week on the condition that no media or photographers would be present.
Apparently, the reclusive actress is now unrecognisable, having put on a lot of weight.
Vidya Balan who was present at the screening can't believe her luck! She said: 'Nandaji was with Waheedaji...can you imagine they've been friends for 45 years? When I went over to greet Waheedaji, she introduced me to Nandaji. I just gawked.'
Also present at the screening were veteran actresses Helen and Shammi, besides Urmila Matondkar and Vidya.
'When Nandaji spoke, it was that same melodious voice we used to hear in her films. She told me she was a Capricorn just like me. I was completely stunned by her graciousness. Later I came to know Waheedaji, Nandaji, Shammi Aunty and Asha Parekhji are a close circle of friends. Only Ashaji was missing at the screening that day.'
This was Nanda's first public appearance since she went into voluntary exile after the sudden and shocking death of her fiance, filmmaker Manmohan Desai, in 1994.
She has been so much out of the public eye that it took 'Natrang's' leading man Atul Kulkarni sometime to recognise the still lovely actress.
Recalling the historic moment, Atul said: 'This beautiful lady came up to me after the screening and started talking to me in fluent Marathi. It was Nandaji. It was such a pleasant surprise to see her. She had come with Waheedaji whom I had invited and urged to bring along Nandaji also.'
Atul came close to Waheeda during the shooting of Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's 'Rang De Basanti' and 'Delhi 6'.
Says Atul, 'It was a special evening with these very special ladies. But then 'Natrang' is a special film about music and dance and perhaps that's what attracted Waheedaji and her friends.'
Many Bollywood stars had remained tight-lipped during the recent row between Shah Rukh Khan and the Shiv Sena. But the superstar said Saturday it was for the good as their reactions would have only aggravated matters.
The actor's remarks about the inclusion of Pakistani players in the Indian Premier League (IPL) had sparked negative reactions from the Shiv Sena in Mumbai. The party even threatened to ban his latest film 'My Name Is Khan' in India's entertainment capital, but Shah Rukh emerged unscathed.
Asked about how he felt when most industry members stayed away from commenting about the issue even though some did so on microblogging site Twitter, Shah Rukh told reporters: 'It wouldn't have subsided the issue. Rather it would have fuelled it.'
Shah Rukh visited Cinemax theatre in Versova and Fun Republic in Andheri here for promoting his film. He has put two graffiti walls there and asked the people to write about the changes that they would like to see in the world.
'My Name Is Khan' released worldwide Feb 12 and has been garnering a positive response ever since. Directed by Karan Johar, it also features Kajol.
On a musical note, vocalist Shreya Ghoshal who adores Deepika Padukone, sang a few lines from 'tumko paaya hai..' ('Om Shanti Om') adorably.
And confessed on the musical show, "Had I been a boy, you would have been my first and last love."
An amused Mika declare that the duo could well star in a female version of 'Dostana.' Ghoshal giggled, though Deepika remained deadpan. Are you tuned in, Karan ?
Her sartorial sense is rather classy. But Katrina Kaif, suitably deglam for Prakash Jha's 'Raajneeti', seemed to be thick in the midst of an argument over the… colour of her saris in Jha's political thriller.
Reportedly, Jha wanted her to sport sombre, light toned saris in keeping with her character of a politician. Kaif, however, wanted to sport simple, but dark coloured saris.
The argument escalated to a heated discussion, but eventually Ms. Kool Kat saw sense and assented to the sober sari ensembles. "It was a healthy discussion," asserts Jha in a tabloid quote. Kat, however, refused to bite the byte bit. Guess, she'll make the cut.
Two of the finest performers in Indian cinema Mohanlal and Naseeruddin Shah are coming together in noted Bollywood director Vishal Bhardwaj’s new film Saat Khoon Maaf.
Suresh Gopi is going to once again take the gun as a ruthless investigative cop in veteran action film specialist director Suresh Babu directed Kanyakumari Express, being produced by Pyramid Film International.
The fans of Malayalam superstars Mammootty and Mohanlal may not see eye to eye, but their idols are getting closer. 
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