Hrithik first patient at Kokilaben Ambani Hospital; talk about celeb launches!

January 30th, 2009

Hrithik is first patient at newly inaugurated K D Ambani Hospital

Hrithik Roshan's accident on the sets of Kites made news but the bigger news is how the actor skipped going to the 'celebrity' hospital in Bandra to avoid registering a police complaint.

The actor has cuts on his wrist normally associated with attempted suicide cases. The Roshans wanted to avoid unnecessary paperwork.

So papa Roshan called Tina Ambani, and requested her to admit his son to the family-owned and recently-opened Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital at Four Bungalows, Andheri. Ambani made the necessary arrangements for Hrithik's medical care at the hospital.

A source close to Hrithik's family says, "Duggu (Hrithik's pet name) was the first patient at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. He hurt himself on the sets of Anurag Basu's Kites at Filmistan Studios on Wednesday night.

He was shooting for an action scene in which he had to smash a windowpane with a rod and enter the room. The shot didn't work well two times; the third time Hrithik hit the glass so hard that glass shards flew everywhere. One sliced through his wrist and blood gushed everywhere. The cut was so deep that Hrithik could see his bone."

Though Papa Roshan wasn't present on the sets executive producer and Hrithik's sister Sunaina was. She took charge. "Initially, Sunaina didn't realise how serious Hrithik's wound was but when he cried out to her asking for help and to stop the blood gushing out, she realised he needed to be taken to a hospital for stitches."

The source adds that Sunaina decided to take him to Lilavati Hospital in Bandra but they were advised that it might become a police case. She spoke to her dad, who in turn called Tina Ambani in Delhi who made the necessary arrangements for Hrithik's admission."

Roshan Sr confirms, "The deep cut required 12 stitches. He won't be shooting for the next three days till the doctor sees his wound."

In the vicinity

Roshan Sr also adds, "We took Hrithik to the Ambani Hospital as it was close to Filmistan Studios in Goregaon. I wanted him to reach the hospital as soon as possible. I spoke to Tina. She spoke to the doctors and made all the required arrangements. Fortunately they had opened the hospital just a day before and Hrithik was their first patient. It's a fantastic hospital like a 7-star hotel very well thought out with 700 beds. The doctors are very efficient."

With regard to the police case he says, "The police came for a routine enquiry and I showed them Hrithik's report it was an accident on the sets. They were fine with that.

Pawan Kalyan and Renu Desai Got Married - At Last!

January 30th, 2009

On Wednesday, Pawan Kalyan the younger brother of Praja Rajyam Party Chief Chiranjeevi and his long-time companion Renu Desa made it official in front of their closest friends and family at his residence.

Pawan got officially married to Renu at his Jubilee hills house at 9.50 AM on Jan 28 at simple ceremony as per Arya Samaj rituals.

Renu Desai was the heroine in two of Kalyan’s films namely Badri and Johnny.

Kalyan and Renu Desai had been staying together for about 7 years now and have a 2 year old son Akira. Pawan Kalyan was earlier married to Nandini from whom he got a divorce in 2008. Kalyan heading the Praja Rajyam’s youth wing Yuva Rajyam.

Chiranjeevi, his elder brother Nagendra Babu, Allu Arvind, Puri Jagannath and other members of the family along with few close friends had attended the ceremony.

Victory Review

January 30th, 2009

Movie Review: Victory; Star cast: Hurman Baweja, Amrita Rao, Anupam Kher and Gulshan Grover; Director: Ajitpal Mangat; Rating: **; Is a huge let down.

Vijay Shekhawat (Hurman) a Jaisalmer boy after a lot of struggle manages to fulfill his father’s (Anupam Kher) dream of making it to the Indian cricket team. With a great debut he wins not just fans but a lot of endorsement deals and lucrative contracts. Success begins to spoil and distancing him from his lady love (Amrita Rao) back home. Blinded by success and the taste of the high society life he losses both focus and form. He is then understandably dumped by the selectors. Following which, his father gets a heart attack. Vijay then decides to mend his mistakes and fight his way back to the team. In final match, despite a severe head injury he manages to get India a near impossible win.

A sports film is always crippled with a same storyline that of a underdog, his rise then fall and subsequent rise back to gain the impossible victory. This film is no different. But one expects atleast some sense of creativity wherein the interest is kept alive throughout. Twenty minutes into the film and one somehow senses whats in store. So full of cliches and melodrama is the film that sometimes you begin to wonder did the makers intend to take the viewers for a ride. If the melodrama was intended to bring in that emotional connect with the audience then the writer-director have clearly failed as throughout the film the emotional impact is clearly missing. Also nowhere does the lead character’s passion for the game comes across. Also one fails to understand the need of Hurman’s character using swear words for his opponents. Wear is your sporting spirit dude is what we wish to ask him! His character therefore fails to evoke any sympathy from the audience. The biggest high point of sports films are games shown in the film. But here they are biggest drawbacks. Not only there are just a very few games but also what are shown are simply thanda! There is total lack of edge of the seat excitement which was very much needed. Also homework by the makers is clearly lacking if they intended to show the ‘real’ behind the scenes happenings of the cricket match for example the dressing room interactions etc. Just putting in famous national-international cricketing names don’t necessarily give the film authenticity.

One feels really sad for Hurman Baweja whose tremendous hard work is noticeable in every single scene but is mightily let down by a pathetic script and listless direction by debutante Ajitpal Mangat. Amrita Rao reprises her typical simple small town girl act for the nth time. She looks very pretty though. Anupam Kher after a point of time starts grating on your nerves with his screeching over melodramatic act. Gulshan Grover is just about okay.

The music doesn’t really register any impact as there are no full songs as well. The Balla Utha number mostly keeps playing in the background during the match sequences. But thankfully the songs are less.

The film is a complete let down in many departments and instead of wasting time on this film it is a better option to watch a re-run of any Indian cricket team match on TV or best spend your time watching the current India v/s Sri Lanka one day series.

Chitrangada Singh speaks about Aamir’s Delly Belly

January 29th, 2009

After making a comeback through Onir’s Sorry Bhai Chitrangada was in news recently. Apparently this talented actress refused to be part of Aamir Khan’s forthcoming film Delly Belly.

Calling it as a rumor Chitrangada said “No nothing like that has happened. It’s just a misunderstanding. I too heard about it but no one came to me personally about the film. It just got out blow out of proportion. There was nothing like that.”

Chitrangada informs that she would love to work with Aamir in future. The actress doesn’t stop talking about Aamir. “I think Aamir has high credibility. He is amazing. He is a perfectionist and whatever he touches becomes perfect.”

This two film old actress is so much talented and all two films were non commercial films. “If a film makes sense to me I will do it. If Shahrukh dances with me I will do it.” she quips.

Priyanka attends the premiere of Victory

January 30th, 2009

Priyanka Chopra is steadily gaining the reputation of being a thorough professional a fact that was proved by her attending ex-beau Harman Baweja and Priyanka Chopra premiere at Cinemax, Andheri last night with her parents. She made a promise and kept it.

Says a source close to Hurman, "Though Hurman and Priyanka broke off last year, they have have remained cordial to each other. They are co-stars in Ashutosh Gowariker's What's Your Raashee? and off the sets too, they have maintained their friendliness. Victory is a special film for Hurman (it is his second release) so he wanted Priyanka to be there during his important moments."

According to the source, the actor invited his ex personally for the premiere of Victory. "Hurman called up Priyanka when she was shooting in Jodhpur for an ad film and she promised to come. It was very gracious of Priyanka to accept the invitation especially as she was bit upset with Hurman when he went public with their break-up a couple of days ago."

The source adds, "The Victory premiere is intimate, with invites only going out to the cast and crew of the film and Hurman's directors and producers like Anees Bazmee, Sanjay Kapoor and Ashutosh Gowariker. For Hurman, Priyanka is not just a co-star today; they remain good friends.

She's always been there for him at most of his events and has been a source of support to him. Though she had promised to come, Hurman was keeping his fingers crossed as anything between weather problems to flight arrivals could prevent her from coming."

A source close to Priyanka says, "She was shooting in Jodhpur for an ad film but she had promised Hurman that she would attend his premiere, so she did. Priyanka always keeps her promises. She also has some other work commitments to fulfill today so Priyanka combined both the Victory premiere and her other work and flew back yesterday afternoon in order to make sure she didn't miss Hurman's big day."

Akshay Kumar Launches Chandni Chowk To China Mobile Game

January 30th, 2009

Chandni Chowk to China may have been called the worst film ever, but that hasn't dampened the spirits of Akshay Kumar. Even after its debacle, Akshay Kumar is seen promoting the film. Latest in the promotional list is launch of a mobile game based on the action flick.

The mobile game, called To Become the Savior of the Village, follows the story of Chandni Chowk To China and the player needs to rescue residents of a village facing an attack from outsiders.

With this launch, Akshay Kumar has once again proved how thorough a professional he is. When it comes too promoting his flicks, Akki definitely leaves no stone unturned. And his strength of character and professionalism comes out strongly when he has to promote a film, even after its poor box office performance.

Priyanka and I are still friends: Harman Baweja

January 30th, 2009

Mumbai, Jan 30 (IANS) It was a double blow for him. First his debut vehicle ‘Love Story 2050′ turned turtle at the box office, then his girlfriend walked out on him. But, says Harman Baweja, neither has the break-up spoilt his friendship with Priyanka Chopra nor has the flop dampened his spirit.

He has teamed up with ex-girlfriend Priyanka in Ashutosh Gowariker’s ‘What’s Your Rashee’ and says personal relationships don’t affect his work.

‘It was fabulous working with her earlier. It’s fabulous now. I don’t think personal relationships should affect the quality of my work.

‘Whether we were together or now, I don’t think our work can ever get affected. We’re thorough professionals about this. We’ve been great friends and we still are,’ Harman told IANS.

Rejecting rumours that Priyanka has got a better role in the film, Harman said: ‘Don’t jump to conclusions. I don’t want to give away the story. I’m shooting more than Priyanka is, whatever the perceptions of her role. Beyond that I’ll say nothing. If I do, I’ll be screwed by Gowariker.’

Harman is not too happy with the way he was panned by the industry for delivering a dud.

‘What I was put through after the release of ‘Love Story 2050′ was totally uncalled for. It was almost as though I had committed a crime. I don’t understand why I had to face so much flak. I’m not the first debutant to deliver a dud. Even Neil Nitin Mukesh’s debut film didn’t live up to expectations, but he was treated far more kindly. I think the idea was to demoralise me.’

Excerpts from the interview:

Q: You’ve been pretty quiet of late?

A: I’ve been working while everyone has been doing the talking. What was there to say? I work better under stress. And Ashutosh Gowariker’s ‘What’s Your Raashee’ is a hard film to shoot, though I must say Gowariker keeps the atmosphere on the sets light and work-friendly. He comes with surprises all the time. Not at all rigid about what he wants.

Q: Is it tough to shoot the film when you and Priyanka have parted ways?

A: Not at all. Whether we were together or now, I don’t think our work can ever get affected. We’re thorough professionals about this. We’ve been great friends and we still are great things.

Q: I believe the two of you are absolutely normal with each other on the sets of ‘What’s Your Raashee’.

A: That just goes to prove that we continue to be friends.

Q: How hard is it to work with her after the breakup?

A: It was fabulous working with her earlier. It’s fabulous now. I don’t think personal relationships should affect the quality of my work.

Q: How friendly are you with Priyanka today?

A: As friendly as I was earlier.

Q: Ironically Shahid Kapur and Kareena Kapoor were the first choices for ‘What’s Your Raashee’ after they split. And now you and Priyanka?

A: If that’s true, then that’s just a coincidence.

Q: I believe Priyanka has a far more substantial role than you?

A: Ha, don’t jump to conclusions. I don’t want to give away the story. I’m shooting more than Priyanka is, whatever the perceptions of her role. Beyond that I’ll say nothing. If I do, I’ll be screwed by Gowariker.

Q: How did you deal with bitching about you latching on to someone far more successful?

A: I never needed to latch on to anyone for professional or personal gains. I never have. I never will. What I was put through after the release of ‘Love Story 2050′ was totally uncalled for. It was almost as though I had committed a crime. I don’t understand why I had to face so much flak. I’m not the first debutant to deliver a dud. Even Neil Nitin Mukesh’s debut film didn’t live up to expectations, but he was treated far more kindly. I think the idea was to demoralise me.

Q: Did they succeed?

A: Not the way they thought they would. But I do a have a mother, father and sister who were very hurt. They saw how hard I was working and when they saw the cruel comments they were very disturbed. May god forgive the backbiters for making my mother cry.

Q: Why have you been subjected to so much criticism and ridicule?

A: I’ve no clue. It’s not as if I haven’t thought about it. At the end of the day ‘Love Story 2050′ was just a film. I wasn’t at war with anyone.

Q: The time since the release with your debut flopping to your breakup with Priyanka seems pretty harrowing?

A: It may seem awful from the outside, but I’ve been brought up to weather more severe storms. Yes these were setbacks. I didn’t get the recognition that other debutants who came with me like Ranbir Kapoor, Neil and Imran Khan. But I don’t envy them. I’m proud of them. Because they’re part of my fraternity. I belong to a film family. We live, eat, breathe and talk cinema. Out here we don’t celebrate others’ failures and our own success.

Q: Are you saying you are happy with your career?

A: Of course! Even after the brickbats, I am working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Ashutosh Gowariker and Anees Bazmi. It doesn’t get any bigger. So what if my debut didn’t work? These filmmakers still thought I had potential.

Q: Are you hopeful about ‘Victory’?

A: Of course, I am. It’s been a tough film to shoot. A lot of cricket training, lots of gruelling outdoor went into it. It was very detailed training. It was about four hours of training every day. It’s taken its toll on my health. I hope I get my due. My cricket coach Pravin Amre says if I had come to him some years earlier I could’ve played for the Ranji trophy. I want to pursue cricket beyond ‘Victory’.

Q: You’re now supposed to be seeing your ‘Victory’ co-star Amrita Rao?

A: Today the audience is clever enough to see through these publicity stunts at the eve of a film’s release. Minds that cook up these things are sick. I’m only now beginning to understand how such things work.

Bebo feeling homesick

January 30th, 2009

Ravishing Kareena Kapoor is a busy bee. As she became the most demanding actress of Bollywood, she distributed her time between films and endorsements and hardly finds time to spend with family. And the little amount of time that she hardly manages to get is bestowed upon beau Saif, romancing and traveling around the globe. Now Bebo is feeling homesick and she is longing to fly to her family.

In the last couple of months, Kareena has hardly spend time with her family. Round the clock, she remained busy with her projects. Now when she is feeling homesick, she called up sister Karishma and fixed up time for chitchat. And no sooner Bebo landed in Mumbai, she caught up with Lolo and both indulged in deep conversation.

Kareena has many projects lined up for release. She has couple of films with Saif and currently busy shooting with Salman for Main Aur Mrs Khanna.

Cinema: Send-up of incredible fight scenes

January 30th, 2009

PADIKATHAVAN (Tamil)

Directed by Suraaj

Starring Dhanush, Tamanna, Suman, Vivek, Shayaji Shinde, Pratap Pothan, Atul Kulkarni

FULL of fun and fights, this movie has none of those cartoonish scenes like fighting with cartoon bull or a boat suddenly plunging under a ship, as in Villu, also currently playing in theatres.

Padikathavan pokes fun at action scenes in Tamil movies where the hero takes on a gang of hoods and sends them flying with a single punch.

But this movie is not without faults either.

It seems to advocate youths to kidnap the girls they love from their families, Eve-teasing at college and for youths not to go to work.
But if you don’t take the movie seriously, it’s rather enjoyable, and then instantly forgettable.

The storyline is also nothing new.

Dhanush plays Rocky, the only one in his family who is not educated. As a result, he is always the butt of jokes.

His friends encourage him to marry an educated girl to earn his family’s respect.

Rocky links up with Gayatri (Tamanna).

However, he does not know that she is the daughter of an underworld gang leader (Suman).

One of the funniest scenes involves Rocky going with his family to ask for the hand of a girl in a village.

Comedian Vivek also provides some laughs as a character who unites lovers in trouble while veteran actor-director Pratap Pothan is hilarious as Rocky’s father.

Tamanna (Kedi, Kalloori) has acted in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil films, including Ayan with Surya.

She seems to be giving sexy Nayantara (of Billa fame) fair warning that she’s aiming to be the No.1 heroine in South Indian movies.

Dhanush had built up a big fan base and this was given a tremendous boost when he became superstar Rajnikanth’s son-in-law.

Padikathavan is doing well at the box-office and will be another success for this wiry hero with his boy-next-door looks.

If this run continues, it will be a hattrick of sorts for him after his recent Polladhavan and Yaaradi Nee Mohini.

Is Luck by Chance another Om Shanti Om?

January 30th, 2009

New Delhi : Is Luck by Chance another Om Shanti Om in the making? Around two dozen Bollywood actors and actresses would be visible in this Farhan Akhtar film being directed by his sister Zoya Akhtar. The film has among others the likes of Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan, the two hottest Bollywood faces.

Om Shanti Om, a Shah Rukh Khan movie was a big hit of the year 2007. Not only in India but also in other markets the film did amazingly well. Om Shanti Om grossed 1.5 million pounds to enter the UK Top 10.

The film had created a record of sort by going in for an unheard of 2000 prints (worldwide) release. This was the highest number of prints (including digital) for any Indian movie at the time of its release.

But the best thing about Om Shanti Om was the fact that it attracted so many Bollywood star. Almost all the leading bollywood actors made an appearance in the film.

It included Aftab Shivdasani, Amrita Arora, Arbaaz Khan, Bappi Lahiri, Bobby Deol, Dharmendra, Dino Morea, Govinda, Jeetendra, Juhi Chawla, Kajol, Karisma Kapoor, Lara Dutta, Malaika Arora, Mithun Chakraborty, Preity Zinta, Priyanka Chopra, Rani Mukerji, Rekha, Ritesh Deshmukh, Saif Ali Khan, Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Shabana Azmi, Shilpa Shetty, Sunil Shetty, Tabu, Vidya Balan, Abhishek Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Bipasha Basu and many others.

Zoya Akhtar has successfully roped in around 20 stars in the film. They include the likes of Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham, Ranbir Kapoor, Akshaye Khanna, Kareena Kapoor, Rani Mukerji, Dia Mirza, Vivek Oberoi, Boman Irani and others. And, to her credit, all these busy stars took time off their schedules to shoot for Zoya... but none of them charged for their appearances.

‘Lucky by Chance’ is about the journey of an actor named Vikram Jaisingh (Farhan Akhtar) who arrives in Bombay to make it big as a film star with the help of Abhimanyu (Arjun Mathur) a TV star friend, who puts him up during the initial struggle. Does he make it big? or does his struggle defeat him, and more importantly, does he pay his dues to the people who supported him when he was nobody, forms the basic crux of the story.

In the film Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia will also be seen in prominent roles and Rishi plays a Punjabi producer Romy Rolly. Konkona Sen Sharma appears in the role of a junior artist named Sona Mishra, with Hrithik Roshan playing the role of a superstar.

Zoya Akhtar, sister of Farhan Akhtar, said in an interview that she wrote the first draft seven years ago, lying on Palolim beach in Goa. In an interview she said ""I hand wrote it and it was some ridiculous, epic-length when I came back and transcribed it on my laptop. The first film is the easiest to write because it's usually what the person knows their personal graphs, milieu and feelings. Luck By Chance is not about established actors, but those who are waiting for things to happen. Farhan's character is fresh off the boat, while Konkana's does bit roles, looking for a big break." The production team went through a host of names, like Madhuri Dixit, Saif Ali Khan, Kajol, Karisma Kapoor and Tabu.

Big B Appreciates Akshay’s Performance in CC2C

January 30th, 2009

Superstar Amitabh Bachchan’s surprise visit to the premiere of film Chandni Chowk to China (CC2C)in London literally floored the action hero Akshay Kumar who was overwhelmed by the presence of the ‘Shahanshah’ of Bollywood.

Welcoming the “Big B”, Akshay Kumar said “I would like to invite Amitabh Bachchan whom I adore.”

Admiring the rapid progress made by Akshay as a leading Bollywood star, Bachchan said, “I am extremely proud of this young man. I have seen his growth from early days when he used to remain in the background to now when he is in the forefront of Indian cinema. It is a remarkable journey and we are proud of you.”

Prominent among those present at the near packed theater were industrialists, Lord Swraj Paul, Kartar Lalvani, the founder chairman of the Vitabiotics, Britain’s largest vitamin producing company and President of the Hinduja Group, G P Hinduja.

Bollywood Latest: Karisma Kapur is no comeback kid

January 30th, 2009

Karisma Kapur has revived her career with a stint as judge on the Indian reality show Nach Baliye, screening in England this month. Here she explains her plans for the future.

What prompted you to make a comeback through a TV show?

First of all, let me clarify that it is not a comeback. In Hollywood, actresses like Julia Robberts and Meryl Streep come in movies once inthree to five years, but nobody says that they are making a comeback. I had just taken a break and I am back after it.

TV is a huge medium and the gap between film and TV has narrowed down. Today all my colleagues like Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan are on TV.

What’s more, I love dancing. See people have judged me on my dances in the movies, but this time I am on the other side and am enjoying it.

You were among the first actors to act on a TV serial. Karisma-A Miracle of Destiny. Any plans of doing another serial?

Not as of now. I need to have a good script to decide on anything.

What about films?

I have got a lot of offers, but I haven’t found anything interesting. I am lucky to have done a variety of roles in my career and even now I am looking for something different. It could be a comedy or an emotional story but, it has to touch my heart.

Any film with your sister Kareena in the offer?

No. But I would surely love to work with her. I am just waiting for the right kind of script to come my way.

The hall mark of the reality shows is the fight between the judges and contestants. What is your take on that?

I feel in a reality show lot of emotions are at play. There is a reaction to every action. But, frankly, I have never thought about it seriously. I am being very fair and honest in my judgments.

We have heard that you are sporting a new look designed by Manish Malhotra?

That’s right. I am in a completely different avatar. You will have to watch it to see it.

Who according to you is the best dancer in Bollywood?

In today’s time it is undoubtedly Kareena.

If you had to judge Kareena & Saif dancing, how would you rate them?

(Laughs) For that Saif and Kareena have to dance together for me to judge them.


Who was your favourite couple in previous seasons of Nach Baliye?

Sachin & Supriya Pilgaonkar are the best till date, they were the best as a couple, so never mind whatever their ages are. Reality shows are ‘in’ these days. These days It does not take long for the participants to adjust to it. I have seen other judges on the show earlier and have been applying myself well.

What kind of judge do you think you are?

I think I always look at encouraging the dancers because that is what drives people towards the show. It is tough to perform well when you are criticized time and again. All the three judges, Farah, Arjun and me, try to be honest as far as possible, and do not have any favourite contestants among the participants.

How do you feel judging the show with your other colleagues, Farah and Arjun?

Having worked before with Farah, the chemistry is easy and having done stage shows with Arjun it has not be difficult to tune in with him too.

Will you be performing in Nach Baliye 4?

Yes, I will be dancing in forthcoming episodes of Nach Baliye, but I cannot give you the details on the same.

Would you be acting on the show?

No. Nthing is scripted and that is one of the reasons that I have picked up this show. I am not comfortable with doing drama on the screen. We judges keep taking each other on the screen, but there is no on screen drama of judges walking out or loud reactions.

Would you like to take up another TV show again apart from Nach Baliye 4?

If I want to come back I will host a television show soon.

Neil Mukesh and Bipasha Basu in Aa Dekhen Zara

January 30th, 2009

Mumbai: The upcoming film Aa Dekhen Zara starring Bipasha Basu and Neil Nitin Mukesh has been making news for sometime now.

However, the last we heard was that Neil has convinced Bips to croon for the title track of the film. Aa Dekhen Zara is apparently a romantic sci-fi thriller movie with Neil playing a photo journalist and Bipasha playing a Disco Jockey.

The film was earlier said to be titled as Freeze, so we at Bollywood Hungama sourced a particular 'freeze' frame from the film that has the dusky bombshell Bipasha and Neil grooving on the dance floor.

One thing is for sure that Neil who plays the photographer will have a wonderful time shooting (if his subject is Bips that is). Besides, considering the theme of this sci-fi film, it will surely make an interesting watch.

Shahid gets himself a cool new sports bike

January 30th, 2009

Shahid is an enthusiastic bike lover. Recently he got himself a new bike. Not many know that that the younger icon of India got this bike only after his parents allowed him to do so. And for that he had to assure them that he would ride safely.

Says a source, “Shahid loves biking. When he was shooting with Ahmed Khan for Ishq Vishk Pyar Vyar, Shahid would go with him for long bike rides along the Western Express highway. And now, he has gifted himself a new bike but only after his parents approval. Shahid’s new bike is a midnight black, air cooled, sports bike with high torque speed and 1670cc machine, costing around Rs. 15 lakh.”

“Shahid chose black as he doesn’t like anything bright, flashy and over the top but rather classy, understated and subtle stuff. He is very possessive about it and insists on cleaning it himself. He has been biking a lot these days especially at nights and also while going for his shoots”, said the source.

Himesh Reshamiya's 'Kajraare'

January 30th, 2009

Once again the singer-musician-actor Himesh Reshamiya is making news and this time not for his conflicts with the judges on the sets of music realty show ‘Sa re Ga Ma Pa’ but for his upcoming flick “Kajraare” directed by Pooja Bhatt. In this movie Himesh will act opposite to popular Pakistani actress Mona Laizza. The story of this new musical love saga is written by Mahesh Bhatt. The movie is being shot in the simply beautiful and stunning locations around the globe.

The movie is already being hyped by saying that the storyline of ‘Kajraare’ is very similar to that of ‘Sadak’ in which Pooja has acted years ago opposite to Sanjay Dutt. This upcoming flick is an Indo-Pak love story and the director Pooja Bhatt is really excited about this project.

The film is slated to release on 19th February. We wish Himesh all the luck and hope that this would be a big come back on the silver screen for him.

Rucha is ready to bare

January 30th, 2009

She started her career as a child actor and now she is all set to sizzle on the silver screen with her debut in the film Lottery.

Rucha Gujarati who has been seen in tele serials Kkusum, Bhabhi, Waaris, Waqt Batayga Kaun Apna Kaun Paraya, Rihahee and Shh Phir Koi Hain, talks about her upcoming project and her views on skin show.

Was a career in Hindi films always on your mind?
Acting has always attracted me. As a child actor I did a number of films and after that I did a few ad films and serials. Finally, I graduated to cinema, which I am very happy about.

Tell us something about Lottery?
It's a romantic thriller. I am playing the role of Soha who is Abhijeet Sawant’s lover. It’s the chain of events that make the film interesting.

Don’t you think that by making your debut with newcomer Abhijeet Sawant (who also debuts in Lottery) you have taken a risk?
It’s true that he would also be making his debut in this film but as an artiste he has already proved his mettle in the entertainment field. I am sure he would also impress audiences as an actor. Also, at the very same time, I have a strong role in the film which negates any feeling of having taken any risk.”

Will you say goodbye to small screen after making your debut in Bollywood?
It’s true that I am now acting in films but it doesn’t mean I would stop doing small screen projects. Television is my first love and it’s because of television that I got noticed in Bollywood.

Are there any other Bollywood projects in the pipeline?
I am busy reading a lot of scripts but I am being very cautious about choosing the right film and the right people so that my career in the industry heads in the right direction. I am in no haste for signing films because I want to do performance-oriented films.

A lot of new entrants go for skin show for gaining popularity in the industry. What’s your take on it?
I have not even thought about it but yes, if it’s the demand of the film in a genuine way, I would have no qualms doing it. But exposure just for the sake of gaining popularity is unacceptable to me.

Asin wants to play meaty roles

January 29th, 2009

Hardly a film old in Bollywood and this sensuous beauty from down south – Asin, is already a star.

With her debut Hindi film Ghajini already having catapulted her to star status, her forthcoming London Dreams with Salman Khan is expected to follow up the success in a big way. Neckdeep with shooting schedules, Asin manages time for us too...

How has life been post Ghajini?
Not very different. It’s just that more people recognise and appreciate me now.

According to you, who’s a better actor – Aamir or Salman?
Not fair! (laughs) How can you expect me to choose between the two? Both are legends in their own right and both are good friends of mine. They are poles apart, but yes, Salman is more spontaneous whereas Aamir takes his own time as he thinks a lot.

Whose physique do you like better?
Salman has always had a great body. But seeing Aamir put in such hard work for the body he made for Ghajini, I would give him extra points for that.

A lot is believed to be transpiring between Salman and you...
That’s rubbish. Salman is a good friend and it felt really good when he especially invited me to unveil his paintings. And no, he didn’t send me any cake on my birthday like it’s being speculated.

What about the Eiffel Tower scene he got incorporated for you in LD because you always desired that your dream lover propose to you there?
Oh, the proposal scene in front of the Eiffel Tower was director Vipul Shah’s idea. He got that scene incorporated because it was a part of the story and Paris being a romantic city, it was thought that the scene would look good there.

What about the alleged catfight with Jiah?
Jiah has never had any problem with me and both of us are very cordial. I get along quite well with her family also. Anyway, all these rumours have been put to rest now after we were spotted together at various functions.

What kind of roles are you looking forward to?
I am looking forward to playing meaty roles like the one that I had in Ghajini. But I don’t want to be typecast in any image either. I want rightfully fulfil the aspirations that audiences have from me.

Are you single?
Very much so! The only man in my life currently is my dad, who handles my career. (Laughs) Besides, I have never had a boyfriend. And whenever I say that, I seem to have committed a crime as everybody steps back astonished ‘How’s that possible when you are so good looking?’ (laughs some more).

Bipasha and Billy Zane

January 29th, 2009

American actor Billy Zane, who was The Phantom in the movie of the same name, and has also played the roles of Dracula in Vlad and Marc Anthony in Cleopatra, is lined up to star in a movie alongside Bipasha Basu called Chai Mera. It will be directed by Daniel Silverman who made The Devil Wears Prada and will also feature a cameo from Kunal Kapoor. Shooting begins in March.

A source for the movie said, "Chai Mera is a thriller and will be directed by Hollywood filmmaker Daniel Silverman. Bipasha has got an author backed role and has been paid a huge signing amount for the film. A large part of the film will be shot in India with Billy Zane, famous for his villain's part in the mega successful and multiple Oscar award winning film, Titanic being part of it. Kunal Kapoor will feature in a special appearance but his character is supposed to be very important."

Bipasha will be hoping that this new development in her career will give her the opportunity to demonstrate her acting talents instead of just being seen as a sex symbol. "I am bored of being looked upon as just hot," she says, "Not that I don't like it. It's a compliment but people somehow associate all my roles with the word sexy! If I play a teacher I am a sexy teacher, sexy cop, a sexy housewife. I am not trying to get rid of my image but it's just that no matter what I do, these adjectives just don't leave me!"

Nayantara out of ‘Aadhavan’

January 29th, 2009

Nayantara finds herself out of an Udhayanidhi film again. This time, for reasons best known to her and the producer, she is out of the Suriya starrer, ‘Aadhavan’, to be directed by K.S.Ravi Kumar.

The sultry siren was the first choice for the female lead in ‘Kuruvi’, produced by Udhayanidhi’s Red Giant Movies. She was even paid a sum as advance, sources say. But, things changed midway and Trisha bagged the role. The incident is, reportedly, the reason for the hostility between the two.

Udhayanidhi, however, had wanted to utilize the advance paid to Nayantara by casting her in his next film. But he couldn’t do so as he had been badly hurt financially by the bad showing of ‘Kuruvi’. It was then that he planned a film with Suriya.

Nayantara out of ‘Aadhavan’

January 29th, 2009

Nayantara finds herself out of an Udhayanidhi film again. This time, for reasons best known to her and the producer, she is out of the Suriya starrer, ‘Aadhavan’, to be directed by K.S.Ravi Kumar.

The sultry siren was the first choice for the female lead in ‘Kuruvi’, produced by Udhayanidhi’s Red Giant Movies. She was even paid a sum as advance, sources say. But, things changed midway and Trisha bagged the role. The incident is, reportedly, the reason for the hostility between the two.

Udhayanidhi, however, had wanted to utilize the advance paid to Nayantara by casting her in his next film. But he couldn’t do so as he had been badly hurt financially by the bad showing of ‘Kuruvi’. It was then that he planned a film with Suriya.

False rumours to complete the shoot!

January 29th, 2009

During the shooting of an action scene of the film JUGAAD, the production house required a large crowd for the scene. Many people were needed to surround the actor Manoj Bajpai. The crowd was needed to be almost a crowd of 80 to 100 people but due to some problem the production executive could manage to get only 15 to 20 people. They had to shoot the scene on same day since all the other technical arrangements were made to perfection.

Now to arrange the crowd, one of the production assistants came up with the bright idea. They went and announced in the nearby market that Priyanka Chopra is coming for the shoot. And WOW. Within half an hour they had a crowd of more then 150 people thronging the ground to get a glimpse their favourite actress. To add to the woes of unit hands, a big crowd of workers from a nearby factory also joined to watch the shoot. ''It was such a funny scene. Instead of shooting unit people were busy trying to control the unruly crowd and director Anand Kumar was shouting his lungs out for all the chaos. This incident became so hilarious that we had to stop shoot for quite some time to bring normalcy back on the floors,'' laughs Manoj Bajpai while recalling the entire scene. Eventually Manoj had to take the loudspeaker in his hand and tell everybody that Priyanka is unable to reach. Within minutes the crowd had reduced to a normal 70-80 people and JUGAAD team could finish the shoot.

JUGAAD is releasing on the 6th all over India. It is produced by Sandiip Kapoor and Priya, and directed by R Anand Kumar. This movie is based on a real life story of the producer sandiip Kpaur. JUGAAD stars Manoj Bajpai, Hrishitaa Bhatt, Vijay Raz, Sanjay Mishra, Govind Namdeo and is introducing new artiste Nitin Arora. Its Music is by Sachin Gupta & Krishna, Lyrics is by Sameer, screenplay & dialogues are by Bunty Rathore & Priyaank Dube and cinematographer is Prem Anand. It's produced under the banner of Promodome Films.

Tusshar to concentrate on comedies!

January 29th, 2009

Tusshar Kapoor's New Year started on a bright note as he won two awards, Best Actor in a Comic Role at the Screen Awards and Favourite Actor in a Comic Role at the Lions Gold Awards, (simultaneously) for his role in GOLMAAL RETURNS. And looks like these awards have inspired Tusshar so much that he has now decided to concentrate only on comedies for a while.

As may be recalled, Tusshar started his career with a romantic film, MUJHE KUCH KEHNA HAI, opposite Kareena Kapoor and the film was a good hit. He then went on to do serious films like KHAKEE, where he held his own against the likes of Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgan and Akshay Kumar, and walked away with a lot of critical acclaim in SHOOTOUT AT LOKHANDWALA, but it appears that destiny had other plans. His tryst with comedy began with his sister's Balaji Telefilms venture, KYA KOOL HAIN HUM, the success of which established his comic image. It was followed by the path-breaking role of a partially mute but extremely lovable character in Rohit Shetty's GOLMAAL. And of course his character in the award winning GOLMAAL RETURNS was an extension of the same character that he played in GOLMAAL.

His next two films, which are under production, Rumi Jaffri's LIFE PARTNER (where he sports a moustache!) and Shree Ashtavinayak's DO LUCKY (earlier RUN BHOLA RUN) are both comic fares and coincidently both star ex-comedy king, Govinda. Tusshar confirms that the Neeraj Vora directed RUN BHOLA RUN is complete and is likely to see a February/March release.

Well, it appears that just like last year, audience are in for a real comic treat this year too from Tusshar Kapoor!

Driving lessons for Tammu

January 29th, 2009

Tamannaah is currently working on Lingusami's Paiya and will soon begin work on the remake of Jab We Met, tentatively titled Raja Rani for Moserbaer Entertainment. In Paiya, there is a scene that involves her driving a car, but Tammu who is 19 is yet to learn driving! So director Lingusamy has asked her to learn driving.

Taking it seriously, the actress is now in Mumbai learning to drive from a professional driving school. Says Tammu who is serious about her career: "I don't have an action block or a wild car chase sequence in the film. Paiya is not an action film, but a very good romantic comedy. There's just one scene in which I'm shown driving and the director wanted me to know driving before I took charge of the wheels."

Vishal and Mysskin are together

Vishal is currently working on Thoranai, in which he is paired with Shriya. Following this, the actor is said to be doing a film with ace director Selvaraghavan in which Trisha will play his love interest in the film.

But now, with Selvaraghavan yet to complete Aayirathil Oruvan and his home production Idhu Maalai Nera Mayakkam still to begin , the Vishal project has been pushed back. The latest we hear is that Vishal has agreed to do a film for director Mysskin. The director and Vishal team up for the first time, and this film will begin once Mysskin's Nandalala releases.

Lara-Dino: What's cooking?

January 29th, 2009

Lara Dutta and Dino Morea have been trying to promote themselves as the latest couple on the block.

Though they insist on keeping their relationship under wraps, they often turn up at social dos and parties together, and set the tongues wagging.

According to Lara’s friends, she doesn’t want any controversies and is therefore keeping mum on her relationship with Dino.

So, even if she is spotted at events with the actor, she chooses not to speak about it the way she used to talk about her relationship with former beau Kelly Dorjee.

The actress seems to have learnt a lesson after her break-up with Kelly.

ASIN TURNS DOWN BINDING CONTRACT

January 29th, 2009

Asin of the 'Ghajini' fame has now shunned all the bindings, including her distancing from the media, imposed on her by Aamir Khan earlier. The southern babe has quashed a contract from the makers of her forthcoming flick 'London Dreams'. It is learnt that the makers of 'London Dreams' wanted Asin to sign an agreement barring her from interacting with the media. However, she rejected the producer's demand as she says she has had enough of bad experience with Aamir Khan, who had kept her away from the media for two long years. So, when Vipul Shah asked Asin to sign a similar contract, the actress turned down the gag contract saying that she does not want to feel caged anymore.

Katrina Steals The Nakshatra Deal from Ash

January 29th, 2009

Katrina Kaif has now officially replaced Aishwarya Rai as the glam-doll of Bollywood. Nakshatra jewelers have now shifted their loyalties from Ash to Katrina. They chose Katrina over other contenders i.e. Kareena Kapoor and Deepika Padukone. Surprisingly she was signed for a much higher price than what Ash got. Guess 24 year-old Katrina Kaif looks more promising than 34 year old Aishwarya Rai.

Ranbir kapoor is doing at present is keeping his fingers crossed so the Salman Khan

January 29th, 2009

It was an unintentional blow but a blow it was when Ranbir Kapoor hit right on Katrina Kaif’s nose leaving the delicate lady bleeding. It all happened on the sets of the Rajkumar Santoshi film ‘Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani’.

This Monday evening, the stars of the film were shooting a chase sequence at an elaborate set created at Madh Island. Ranbir and Katrina were supposed to be running away from some goons and when Ranbir needed to suddenly turn around during the shoot, his hand inadvertently hit Katrina on her face and the delicate actress was left with a bleeding nose.

According to reports, Ranbir immediately apologized to the actress, but she took no offence because she knew the blow wasn’t intended. However, Katrina was in pain and had to be given first-aid on the sets. A worried Santoshi called off shooting for the day. The next day, too, Santoshi did not shoot the film but used the free time to do some decoration on the sets.

Well, all Ranbir is doing at present is keeping his fingers crossed so the Sallu Bhai (who is just too possessive about his girlfriend) does not take it as an intentional offence!

Namitha Revealed

January 29th, 2009

What ever her success in films is and however big a star she might Namitha says she is at heart a simple girl. The actress who intends to enjoy a quite day at the beach after a hard days work, says she is completely Indian at heart, and craves to have a family with a dozen of children, once she is finished with her acting career.

The actress is spiritual too and recites the Hanuman Chalisa at least once a day; she says it gives her inner strength and peace of mind.

When asked how her husband should be, she concludes saying that he should be a macho, and match her for height and weight.

Impresses filmmaker with his work in 'Mukhbiir'

January 29th, 2009

After the critical success of “Mukhbiir”, Sammir Dattani has signed Shyam Benegal’s next film.

Sammir has just completed work on a romantic comedy film titled "Love Kaa Tadkaa". He is also working on a South Indian film with Shriya Saran.

Apparently, Shyam Benegal saw “Mukhbiir” and was very impressed with Sammir's work and hence offered him the film. “Mukhbiir” also starred Benegal's favourite actor Om Puri as Sammir's mentor/foster father.

Shyam Benegal’s film is to be shot in Hyderabad, where a large part of “Mukhbiir” too was shot.

Sammir is already famous in the South and is known as Dhyan there.

Sammir and Minissha Lamba will be seen together in this film once again after “Corporate”, in which they had a special appearance.