'Firaaq' bags award at KARA film fest Text

February 18th, 2009

Islamabad: Two Indian films, - Nandita Das' directorial debut "Firaaq" and a documentary "Superman of Malegaon" - have won the Ciepie awards at the 7th Kara Film Festival here.

After receiving the award Sunday, Nandita said she was glad at the response her film had received and the citation that the jury gave, Thenews.com.pk reports.

The Best Feature Film award was picked up by Nandita Das' "Firaaq" that was screened twice during the 12-day festival. Pakistani telefilm "Burns Road Ki Niilofer" picked up two awards for best screenplay and best female supporting actress.

The Ciepie was awarded to six films, two documentaries - "Superman of Malegaon" (India), and "Kesan Lapsi" (Finland) - two short films with one for Best Animated Film awarded to "Even Pigeons Go to Heaven" (France). The best Short Action Film award went to "Match Factor".

Faiza Ahmed Khan is the director of "Superman of Malegaon", a spoof on superman films.

Rasheed Naz, who played an important role in Pakistani film "Khuda Kay Liye", bagged best actor in a supporting role award, while the special jury award went to Rashid Farooqui for "Ramchand Pakistani".

Indian filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, in his short address at the fest, said that festivals like these help in bridging the gap between the two neighbours.

He said he was at a shop in Karachi when a guy approached him to ask for help with his neurologically disabled brother.

"The guy asked for help in contacting a neurosurgeon in Mumbai, and I immediately punched in the number and let them set up a possible meeting. This was exactly how film festivals help bring the people of different countries together," said Bhatt.

Speaking about his meeting with noted ghazal singer Mehdi Hasan, Bhatt said that neither he nor Hasan would forget the bonds formed during their meeting.

Farhan Akhtar, Asin get top honours at Max Stardust Awards

February 17th, 2009

Mumbai, Feb 16 (IANS) Director-turned-actor Farhan Akhtar and actress Asin Thottumkal bagged top honours for their performances in “Rock On!” and “Ghajini” respectively at the Max Stardust Awards 2009.

Aamir Khan-starrer “Ghajini” also bagged the hottest film award, while its director A.R. Murugadoss walked away with the hottest new filmmaker trophy at a gala event here Sunday night.

“Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na”, which is produced by Aamir, got three awards - breakthrough performance award male went to Prateik Babbar and Manjari Phadnis bagged it in the female category. Playback singer Benny Dayal received the trophy for his rendition “Pappu can’t dance…”.

Celebrity couple Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor were announced the style icon of the year, while octogenarian actor Dev Anand was honoured for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.

In the offbeat film categories, superstar Amitabh Bachchan bagged Searchlight Award for best actor for “The Last Lear”.

“I am so happy for the makers and the director - Planman (motion pictures) and Rituparno Ghosh for the faith in the film and the courage to make something away from the norm,” Amitabh posted on his blog after returning from the ceremony late Sunday night.

Amitabh says that after receiving the award, he felt pangs of nostalgia, as Feb 15 was the date 40 years back in his career, when he signed his first film “Saat Hindustani”.

“Forty years! Been a while. Struggles and uncertainties, successes and disappointments, accusations and controversies, ill health and months in hospital, all such a vivid kaleidoscope of moments, events, images… simply unbelievable and unimaginable,” wrote Amitabh.

Amrita Rao was adjudged the best female actor for her performance as an illiterate village girl in “Welcome to Sajjanpur”.

“A Wednesday”, a film about terrorism, bagged the best film award and its director Neeraj Pandey was honoured with the best director award.

The complete list of the Max Stardust awards winners:

Superstar of Tomorrow - Male

Farhan Akhtar (”Rock On!”)

Superstar of Tomorrow - Female:

Asin (”Ghajini”)

Hottest New Filmmaker:

A.R. Murugadoss (”Ghajini”)

Hottest New Film:

“Ghajini”

Breakthrough Performance - Male:

Prateik Babbar (”Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na”)

Breakthrough Performance - Female:

Manjari Phadnis (”Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na”)

Standout Performance by a music director:

Dhruv Ghanekar (”Drona”)

Standout Performance by a Lyricist:

Kausar Munir (”Falak tak chal”/”Tashan”)

New Musical Sensation - Male:

Benny Dayal (”Pappu can’t dance saala”/”Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na”)

New Musical Sensation - Female:

Anmol Malik (”Talli”/”Ugly Aur Pagli”)

Exciting New Face:

Shriya Saran (”Mission Istanbul”)

The New Menace:

Nikitin Dheer (”Jodhaa Akbar”)

Editor’s choice award for most promising director:

Abhishek Kapoor (”Rock On!”)

Outstanding contribution to Indian cinema:

Dev Anand

Pride of the industry:

Feroz Khan

Special award to Anil Kapoor:

For being the first mainstream Indian actor to take India to Hollywood and winning global recognition

STARDUST SEARCHLIGHT AWARDS WINNERS:

Best Actor

Amitabh Bachchan (”The Last Lear”)

Best Actress

Amrita Rao (”Welcome To Sajjanpur”)

Best Film

“A Wednesday” (Anjum Rizvi)

Best Director

Neeraj Pandey (”A Wednesday”)

READER’S CHOICE AWARDS

Star of the year - Male

Hrithik Roshan (”Jodhaa Akbar”)

Star of the year - Female

Priyanka Chopra (”Fashion”)

Dream Director

Ashutosh Gowariker (”Jodhaa Akbar”)

Best Film

“Singh Is Kinng” (Akshay Kumar and Vipul Shah)

Best actor in a supporting role

Tusshar Kapoor (”Golmaal Returns”)

Best Actress in a supporting role

Kangana Ranaut (”Fashion”)

Best Actor in a negative role

Anil Kapoor (”Tashan”)

Style Icon of the year - Male

Saif Ali Khan

Style Icon of the year - Female

Kareena Kapoor

Preity Zinta nominated for Canada's Genie Awards

February 16th, 2009

Toronto: Bollywood actress Preity Zinta has been nominated for the Genie Awards for her performance in "Heaven on Earth", directed by Canada-based Indian filmmaker Deepa Mehta.

The actress has been nominated in the Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role category. The nomination was announced by The Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television (ACCT).

Preity will be vying with Hollywood actresses like Susan Sarandon and Ellen Burstyn who have been nominated for "Emotional Arithmetic" and "The Stone Angel"respectively.

"Heaven on Earth" is about a battered Punjabi housewife in Canada. The film has also been nominated for Best Original Screenplay.

The awards will be announced on April 4 at Ottawa in Canada.

Abhishek, Sonam charm New York

February 16th, 2009



The early script draft of Delhi-6 had Roshan (Abhishek Bachchan) become a victim of a fatal misunderstanding and his death, ironically, stops the Hindus and Muslims in Old Delhi from a killing rampage.

But in the movie, the ending is anything but sad.

Writer-director Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra disclosed at the post-screening discussion following the world premiere of Delhi-6 in New York that while the original ending would have sent out a powerful message, he thought it would be wise to give the film a happy ending.

There is too much of turmoil around, and a happy ending, he felt, was like dressing up a wound and hence very appropriate for our times.



The New York premiere was held on Sunday at the Museum of Modern Arts, and was attended by producer Ronnie Screwvala, Mehra, cowriter and lyricist Prasoon Joshi, Sonam and Abhishek. Mira Nair, whose The Namesake was produced by Screwvala, was a guest and was introduced to the audience by Abhishek.

He also singled out Abhay Deol whose recent film Dev D was also produced by Screwvala's UTV. Composer Adesh Srivatsava, who happened to be New York over the weekend, also attended the event.

The film's composer A R Rahman could not get away from Los Angeles where he was rehearsing two of his Oscar nominated songs from Slumdog Millionaire, which will be staged next week during the 81st Annual Academy Awards ceremony.

Abhishek also said February 15 was an auspicious day. Earlier in the day, he had received a text message from his father Amitabh Bachchan (who makes a fleeting appearance in Delhi-6) recalling the release of his own debut film on the same date 40 years ago.



Abhishek confessed he liked the original ending in Delhi-6 but P S Bharthi -- the film's editor and Mehra's wife -- convinced him, with some help from Rishi Kapoor, that a happy ending was better.

Rishi Kapoor plays another interesting character in the film as a man who has learned a lesson or two from losing his beloved to someone else.

The original concept of Roshan dying amidst the impending communal flare-up would have had a powerful impact but it would not have embodied the healing touch the film offers now, Abhishek said.



The movie has over a dozen hilarious scenes which serve as powerful comments on religious hypocrisy, political corruption, harmful family values, casteism, communal tension and the exploitation of trivial issues for communal gains.

Abhishek himself gets to do many comical scenes, and the moderator at the post premiere discussion held at Museum of Modern Art in New York pointed out that the performance reminded him of some of the best works of Cary Grant, who had a terrific sense of comic timing.

Among the many things Abhishek found pleasing about the film's screenplay was the depiction of young people, especially Roshan, who returns to India, thinking that he will leave behind his grandmother (Waheeda Rehman) who wants to send her dying days in India, and then go back to America.



During the various stages of drafting the script, there was a concern whether it was right 'to litter the narrative' with comical episodes, Abhishek said. The consensus was 'if we made a serious, dramatic film, it would be a preachy film.'

Mehra commended Abhishek's enthusiasm for the film though he had just about six short lines of dialogue before the intermission and his character gets badly beaten up at the end, Abhishek was brave enough to take up the film.

"It (what Abhishek's character undergoes) is the most difficult thing for an actor," Mehra said, adding that in the Hindi movie industry, the leading men get a lot of dialogue, and they win the physical fight.



Mehra recalled how Prasoon Joshi helped him shape a few characters and give the film depth by making the script stronger. Rahman suggested the scene showing the pigeon (in the Maaskali song) sitting on Abhishek's hand, thus providing an unforgettable image.

"This is not a plot-oriented film," Mehra said. "I did not have to go from A to B to C." The leading character in the movie (Roshan) did not have to steal Kohinoor from the Tower of London or do anything as dramatic, he said.

Instead, the film showed Old Delhi as a microcosm of India with its accomplishments, tremendous warmth and warts, too.

Joshi said, answering yet another question from a member of the audience that the film was not about non-resident Indians (like Roshan) going back to India. The leading character was made an NRI because as an outsider, he gets to see a lot of things which other Indians took for granted.

The character of Roshan has a heightened sense of the reality around him. In the final reckoning, it was not important whether Roshan stayed back in India (as he does in the movie) or went back, he said. "What was important is the inner journey his character undergoes," he asserted,

Sonam who spoke briefly before the movie was shown said it was a film made with a heart and sent out the message that love was the biggest healer.

Sharmila Tagore, Shashi Kapoor to be awarded FICCI Frames

February 16th, 2009

Renowned actors of yesteryear Hindi film industry Sharmila Tagore and Shashi Kapoor will be conferred with the prestigious FICCI-Frames Living Legend award this year. They would be presented with the award on February 19, the concluding day of the FICCI-Frames annual convention on Indian entertainment and media industry here, organisers today announced.

Ms Tagore, who is currently the chairperson of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), has won several National Film Awards for her critically acclaimed performances.

Mother of bollywood star Saif Ali Khan and actress Soha Ali Khan, Ms Tagore began her career as an actress in 1959 with Satyajit Ray's 'Apur Sansar' (The World of Apu) but established herself in the Hindi film industry with Shakti Samanta's 'Kashmir Ki Kali' in 1964. Her last film, released in 2006, was Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 'Eklavya: The Royal Guard', in which she played mother to her own actor son Saif.

Meanwhile Shashi Kapoor, a legendary actor and producer of the famous Kapoor family, is remembered for many hits like 'Deewar', 'Kabhi Kabhie', 'Trishul' (1978) and 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram'.

The romantic hero of the 60's started his career as a child artiste in several mythological movies in early 1940s. His best known performances were in 'Aag' (1948) and 'Awaara' (1951), in which he played the younger version of the characters played by his elder brother Raj Kapoor. He made his debut as a leading man in 1961 with Yash Chopra's 'Dharmputra' and went on to appear in over 100 films. He also starred in many British and American films notably the Merchant Ivory productions' 'Shakespeare Wallah', Bombay Talkie' and 'Heat and Dust', in which he co-starred with his wife Jennifer Kendal. His last film appearances were in 'Jinnah' (1998) and a Merchant-Ivory production titled 'Side Streets' (1998).

Both Sharmila Tagore and Shashi Kapoor have also acted together in in many films, including the smashing-hit 'Aa Gale Lag Jaa'.

Eminent personalities from the field of entertainment are honoured with the Living Legend Award for their outstanding contribution to the field of entertainment, every year at the FICCI annual global Convention, Frames.

Earlier awardees are Lata Mangeshkar, Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, Asha Bhosle, Amitabh Bachchan, Waheeda Rehman, Shammi Kapoor, Hema Malini, Dharmendra and Sridevi.

Kareena launches book Loose Weight Not Mind

February 15th, 2009

The secret to Kareena Kapoor's much coveted size zero is finally out in the open. She spent Valentine's Day encouraging people to love their bodies and shed flab. The actress was present for a book launch of her trainers book Loose Your Weight Not Your Mind.

How should one begin to love their body?

Kareena Kapoor: First and foremost it's about eating right, only then can one start beginning to love their body. And when loves their body they don't abuse it.

There was so much talk about your size zero figure. There were rumours that you were starving yourselves. Were you amused at any point?

Kareena Kapoor: I was being updated daily by the media about what I'm eating. I was very entertained.

The Kapoors are known to love their paranthas and dal makhani. How did you control yourself?

Kareena Kapoor: Yeah in fact I was recently shooting in Delhi and I had dal makhani for lunch. Everyone on the set was shocked to see me eat dal makhani. But I told them that this is what my dietitian's given me, so stop staring at my plate.

Glittering Bharat Shah Son Wedding

February 15th, 2009

Practically entire film industry was at the wedding of Himani Raut with Rajeev Shah, son of film financier Bharat Shah at the Mahalaxmi Turf Club.

Kamal Hassan, Rekha, gorgeous Nagama, beautiful Sridevi, Dancing queen Madhuri Dixit , Jackie Shroff, Mallika Sherawat, Govinda were among the guest at the wedding.

Rekha made one of her rare appearances at the wedding. Looking ever so beautiful and graceful.

Here are the photos

February 14th, 2009

Shah Rukh Khan may be suffering from a shoulder injury but that hasn't stopped him from going crazy promoting his production Billu, in which he has a cameo role and 3 item songs. Take a look at the four back-to-back events he attended in a span of 3 hours. He didn't even get time to change.

Between 4 and 4.40 pm, Shah Rukh Khan was at his residence Mannat in Bandra promoting Billu at a Radio Mirchi event. He is addicted to
his scarves and has a soft corner for torn jeans!


Between 5.45 and 6 pm, Shah Rukh Khan met the winners of the Gitanjali Meet 'n' Greet Shah Rukh contest at Taj Lands End, a stone's throw
from his house on Bandra Bandstand. Doesn't this picture remind you of SRK in Dilwala Dulhani Le Jayenge


Here is the ever-charming Shah Rukh at his romantic best


He greets one of the contest winners…


…and even autographs a Billu CD for her son


An elderly fan of SRK clicks a picture of him with her daughter


Friendly Shah Rukh, at his energetic best, even taught her some of his dance steps


Between 6.15 and 6.25 pm, Shah Rukh attended a Centuryply event, also at Taj Lands End. Shah Rukh helps himself to some jelly candy


He has his mouth full of sweets


At 6.35 pm, Shah Rukh greeted the media at a Hungama event for Billu. The set of Billu was recreated at Taj Lands End. SRK didn't eat
the food laid out for him


Shah Rukh the superstar becomes Billu the barber for a while. He looks tired and after all, he has had a very long.

Where’s Priya?

February 13th, 2009

As Sanjay and Manyata Dutt threw a big bash on Tuesday night — the eve of their first wedding anniversary, the who’s who of Bollywood came together at the Dutt residence in Mumbai’s Pali Hill. However, his sisters chose to stay away. When asked about Priya Dutt, who has been involved in a public war of words with brother Sanjay lately, a guest at the party said, “No, Priya was not present.”

Manyata, who eluded the cameras, “looked stunning in an emerald green and red sari and wore beautiful jewellery to match”, says ‘good friend’ Ameesha Patel. “The party was very well attended. The food was great and the décor was elegant. They were superb hosts and the party rocked,” she added.

The guest list also included Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Farah Khan, Suneil Shetty, Ayesha Takia, Aftab Shivdasani, among others. “The party was wonderful. Sanjay and Manyata make a truly wonderful couple,” said actress Sophie Chaudhary, Manyata’s close friend.

Kareena Kapoor, Sreesanth voted PETA's Sexiest Vegetarians Alive

February 13th, 2009

MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor and cricket star Sreesanth have been crowned the winners of PETA India's annual Sexiest Vegetarians Alive poll.

The online contest was conducted by petaDishoom, PETA India's youth arm. Kapoor and Sreesanth narrowly edged out 2007 winner R Madhavan, model and doctor Aditi Gowitrikar, Pentagram vocalist Vishal Dadlani, film star and Kailasa singer Kailash Kher and many others.

Kapoor, captured the female title for the second year in a row. Sreesanth beat out fellow vegetarian cricket stars Ishant Sharma and Anil Kumble to earn the nod for sexiest male.

Shahid Kapur and Vidya Balan garnered the next highest numbers of votes. Other top contenders include Olympic Bronze Medallist Sushil Kumar; actors Alicia Silverstone, Pamela Anderson, Hansika Motwani, Mallika Sherawat, Mahima Chaudhary and Rajneesh Duggal; musicians Sir Paul McCartney and Moby; and designers Anita Dongre and Hemant Trevedi.

"When you look at the dozens of gorgeous celebrities in this year's poll, there are no bones about it – a vegetarian diet makes you beautiful inside and out. After all, going vegetarian is the best thing you can do for the animals, the Earth and your health. Plus, everyone knows that there is nothing sexier than someone who exudes both passion and compassion", says PETA India's Anuradha Sawhney.

Minissha Lamba's opening act for Stardust Awards

February 13th, 2009

MUMBAI: Minissha Lamba is on cloud nine. The actress will be doing the opening act at the Stardust Awards that will be held in Mumbai on 15 February.

She will be flying in from Hyderabad a day before the ceremony, where she is shooting for Shyam Benegal's Abba Ka Kuan.

Lamba said, "After three years I will be performing to my own songs as I did not have any personal commercial songs. I will be doing a Salsa number on Pyar Ki Yeh Kahani and a hip hop number on my Haiya and Mausam songs from Kidnap."

Rajiv Surti has choreographed her dances while her outfits will be designed by Rocky S. She had performed earlier in the year at the Sabse Favourite Kaun Awards. Prior to her departure to Hyderabad, Lamba was busy with her rehearsals.

She said, "I have been practicing everyday for 3-4 hours. I have bruises on my knees, which I affectionately call them my war marks. But its growth at the end of the day and for me to do the opening act is a great honour."

Destiny & Desire

February 12th, 2009

Shilpa Shetty’s away in Nashik shooting for the Indo-Chinese venture The Desire this Valentine’s Day. She hopes boyfriend Raj Kundra will come visiting. Keeping her guessing, Kundra smiles back indulgently. So will he or won’t he? Read on to find out...

She’s togged in a form-flattering little black dress and he is dressed nattily in a black suit. She’s smiling a lot and he’s beaming proudly. She’s dazzlingly beautiful and his sparkling wit sets him apart. Happy to be together, Shilpa and Raj are evidently in love. The coosome twosome is in a celebratory mood as they “gift each other” 11.4 per cent ($15.4 million) stake in Rajasthan Royals, the reigning Indian Premier League (IPL) champions. It’s good to catch Shilpa-Raj in a tell-all mood. Over a protein bar, Shilpa shares her thoughts about her Mr Right and he joins the chat-fest:

Business and pleasure, is a heady cocktail! How did you two meet ?
Shilpa : It began with a business meeting when we met for the launch of my signature perfume S2. Soon we became good friends. I really admire his business acumen and vision.

What’s that one quality that you looked for in your Mr Right? What do you like the most about Raj?
Shilpa : Simplicity! And the fact that he’s so secure with himself and has no complex about being around a successful woman. He’s proud to be on my side, he celebrates my achievements with me. That’s what I like about him.
Raj: There is no ego between us, we respect each other and if one person is more famous it doesn’t make the other person smaller, does it?

What’s the best and worst about dating Shilpa Shetty?
Raj: In terms of business, the best thing is that her networking is so good and the worst thing is that with her there is hardly any personal life! I am a great believer of The Secret, I know for sure that whatever you believe in really happens. We believe that we were destined to be together.

Now tell us of your plan for Valentine’s Day.
Shilpa: What plan? We aren’t even meeting! I am away shooting for The Desire in Nashik. But if I know him, he will surprise me by visiting me. Won’t you?
Raj: (Smiles) Why ever not?

Any gifts that you have thought about?
Raj: A stake in Rajasthan Royals is our Valentine’s gift to each other. And that’s pretty expensive, I assure you.
Shilpa: Rajasthan Royals is indeed an important strategic business investment for us, but I am expecting a special Valentine gift.
Raj: (chokes mockingly) Please get me some water...

Why Rajasthan Royals?
Shilpa: During the last IPL season we were in Tirupati during the final match between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings XI. There was no television in our hotel and Shamita was relaying the commentary to us over the ’phone. Raj and I had bet on Rajasthan Royals and I remember going hoarse screaming with delight when they won the match on the last ball. We won! I think we were destined for Royals.
Raj: Like me, Royals were the underdogs last year. There were no expectations from them but through their scintillating performance they made a mark. They emerged champions.

How important is winning for you? Are you ready to take on Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta?
Shilpa: I am a winner, it is very important to win. But in cricket the spirit is the most important. And hey, the competition is not between SRK, Preity or me - it’s between our teams. It’s more about camaraderie. I got into the IPL circuit only because it was Raj’s idea and trust his business sense implicitly. I wasn’t following any trend. But we will learn from their mistakes, that’s for sure.

Which mistakes, Shilpa?
Shilpa: Buying players at exorbitant rates and overspending on marketing and merchandising. Although our aim is to Bollywood-ise the game with music video and better marketing strategy, the main focus remains on the game.

What difference will you two make to Rajasthan Royals?
Shilpa: Hey, I am the only Indian co-owner on Royals, the rest of them are British. So I will bring in my native spirit and put my expertise and experience in films to marketing, merchandising and music video. Of course, you can expect a dhamakedaar video!
Raj: The marketing budget has been upped three times over this time so there will be hip merchandise - new tee-shirts, minibats and on-line club memberships. There will be value for fan loyalty.

Dancing yes, but what’s your connect with sports?
Shilpa: I was a volleyball player at the Bombay Zonal level, I was a good sportsperson. I played some bad cricket under our building. But my dad is a crazy cricket fanatic and he can rattle off cricket statistics like radio. He’s updating me with my cricket know-how these days.

How’s your good friend Vijay Mallya taking you as an adversary?
Shilpa: When he heard about my IPL entry, he went ‘Oh my gawd!’ And I replied - everything is fair in love and cricket!

Love, cricket and marriage. When’s the big day?
Shilpa: Don’t worry, whenever we plan to get married we will call a press conference. Nothing is hidden from you. Right now I am busy shooting for The Desire and The Man co-starring Sunny Deol. Then the IPL matches! Where is the time?
Raj: Oh yes, it is a busy year ahead.

Zakir Hussain wins Grammy Award for “Global Drum Project”

February 9th, 2009

While A R Rahman won BAFTA award in London, Indian tabla maestro Zakir Hussain won Grammy award in Los Angeles.

Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain won the prestigious “Grammy” for his collaborative album “Global Drum Project” in the Contemporary World Music Album.

This marks 2nd Grammy for Hussain. His first, in 1992, was also the first-ever Grammy in the World Music category.

The tabla maestro had worked with Mickey Hart of the rock band Grateful Dead, Nigerian percussionist Sikiru Adepoju and Puerto Rican jazz percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo for Planet Drum.

“Global Drum Project” is the second collaboration between Mickey Hart and Hussain after their compilation “Planet Drum” which was released in 1991 and went on to win the first-ever Grammy Award in the World Music category.

Kareena is the 'Czarina style icon'

February 8th, 2009

The french government has honored Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor as the 'Czarina style icon of Bollywood'.

While we don't entirely agree with the style icon bit, the Kapoor gal joins ranks with SRK and many global filmstars post this honor.

"It's great that bollywood is being recognised globally," Kareena said at a function in New Delhi.

While Kareena parroted the beauty pageant winning speech perfectly, her charecteristic cheekyness showed up when the conversation moved to saif.

"Saif is my tall dark and handsome; and he is an important part of my life...the world knows now."

As the size zero debate continues, she maintained the denial for her size zero image.

"Well I am definitely not size zero... I am well rounded," chipped in the Bollywood actor.

With three big releases with three superstars lined up, and with a few of non-bollywood awards in her kitty, Kareena has marketed her stardom pretty well.

India’s Filmfare Award ceremony in Mumbai on Feb 28

February 7th, 2009

MUMBAI: The 54th ceremony of India’s Filmfare Awards will be held in Mumbai on February 28, Tarun Rai, CEO of Worldwide Media Pvt Ltd, the publishers of Filmfare magazine, announced last night.

Talking on the ocassion, Filmfare Magazine Editor Jitesh Pillai said the nominations for the awards would be announced in a week in all the 35 categories.

Actress Deepika Padukone, who was also present on this occasion, said that she had won two Filmfare awards last year and also performed at the show.

She said she would love to perform this time if asked otherwise she would be happy to attend the ceremony.

Regarding her forthcoming movie “Love Aaj Kal”, Deepika said that this film looked at the theme of love in a modern context.

Noted environmentalist Erin Brokovich felicitates Kareena Kapoor

February 7th, 2009

Mumbai : Renowned environmental activist Erin Brokovich presented Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor with an award for her contribution to art and cinema.

She said that it was indeed an honour to receive the award from none other than Erin Brokovich, an American legal clerk, who was well portrayed by Hollywood's Julia Roberts in the film 'Erin'.

Speaking to the media, the candid young lady sent a message out to the youth that one should have faith in oneself to achieve new heights.

"I think this is a great honour that they have chosen me for this award, but it definitely gives me a lot of strength and confidence to continue to do what I have always done which is believe in my heart and believe in myself and of course my dreams. I tell the entire youth of this country that follow your heart and follow your dreams because that makes you achieve what you actually want to," said Kapoor.

Interestingly, Kapoor seems to be happy with the fact that women in India are now making it to the top.

Congress Party Chief Sonia Gandhi has been listed as one of the most powerful women of the world, has found a new admirer in Kapoor.

With time she has proved her mettle and earned accolades for her character role in films like 'Chameli'. She won the first Filmfare Best Actress Award for her performance in 'Jab We Met'.

Anushka flying with Shah Rukh to London

February 7th, 2009

Mumbai: 'Rab Ne Bana De Jodi' newbie, Anushka Sharma will be giving company to King Khan for this year's Zee Carnival in London.

The charming girl will be traveling overseas for the first time to have some time with her new-found fans ever since she made her debut last December with a hit to her credit.

"There are a lot of first things happening for me. And here's an addition to that long list. In spite of so much coming my way in such a short span of time, I have never felt that I am different from others," says Anushka.

Anushka and Shah Rukh will interact with their fans during the carnival and specially Anushka is quite thrilled about the tour, "It feels strange that there is so much adulation. But, I have no complaints."

Anushka will leave for London on 12 February. The Carnival will be held from 13 - 15 February.

Priyanka Chopra’s style and glamour compliments Nokia’s new Supernova Range

February 7th, 2009

Karachi: Nokia signed Priyanka Chopra as the Brand Ambassador for the Nokia Supernova series for South Asia. Nokia’s spokesperson reportedly divulged that this move was calculated to create a connection with Nokia’s young and style-savvy consumers.

The tagline of the new campaign featuring Priyanka Chopra is ‘It’s not just a phone, it’s who we are’. The campaign has been successfully launched in Pakistan and Supernova series is also available in the market to meet the individuality and style needs of consumers. Nokia spokesperson said, “Today’s mobile phones have transcended from their functional use and become style statements. Nokia as a brand has led this movement and it is constantly evaluating new and interesting shapes, styles and materials combined with relevant features to create products that specifically meet consumer’s lifestyle needs across price points.”

Priyanka Chopra is equally excited to endorse the Supernova series and she expressed joy over her association with Nokia.

A R Rahman, Sukhwinder Singh to Perform Live at the Oscars

February 6th, 2009

Music maestro A.R Rahman is going to perform live at the Oscar ceremony. 81st Annual Academy Awards ceremony will be held on February 22.

A R Rahman and Bollywood singer Sukhwinder Singh has been invited to perform the Oscar nominated song Jai ho from the film Slumdog Millionaire at the “Oscar evening” on February 21st, in Los Angeles.

Lyricist Gulzar who has penned the Jai ho is also expected to make an appearance at the event.

Akshay Kumar launches Ritu Beri’s kids collection

February 1st, 2009

New Delhi : Dressed as junior versions of a princess, a diva and as little sardars doing the “Singh is Kinng” signature routine, 70 children scorched the ramp Sunday evening for Ritu Beri’s kids collection launched by Bollywood star Akshay Kumar. Named ‘Baby Beri’, the collection is Beri’s line of occasion wear for kids segregated in three sub-divisions - Beri Princess, Rock Star Babes and Bollywood Divas.

“Designing kids’ clothing is a playful and joyful experience. The endeavour is to showcase designs that are stylish, trendy and comfortable all at the same time. The idea is to bring out the youthfulness and cheerfulness of kids,” Beri said here.

Akshay, who joined the children on the ramp, said: “I remember when I was a kid, I had only three pairs of clothes. But, looking at them dressed in such colourful clothes today was so beautiful. I feel Ritu should launch a men’s collection too to have some variety for men.”

Sponsored by Fortis La Femme, the event was dedicated to The Blessed Hearts Foundation, a charity for children.

While the collections from the event were Beri’s contribution to the foundation, the actor also donated an undisclosed amount for the cause.