Are Yuvi and Minishha an item?

January 31st, 2009

Star cricketer Yuvraj Singh seems to be mad about Bollywood beauties, as the cricketer has dated many of them. First there was Kim Sharma. Then there was Deepika and now it seems the dashing cricketer has Minissha Lamba on his mind. The two were spotted at the posh nightclub Aurus in Juhu recently.

According to a source, people were quite surprised to see them together as Minishha has been spotted with her boyfriend Suhail Rathore.

The actress has currently been in the news for allegedly going under the knife. Yuvraj too has been in Mumbai and trying his hand at comedy shows and making his presence felt at various filmi dos.

Minishha Lamba, who has always claimed to be single is said to be dating actor Suhail Rathore. But it seems Minishha has changed her mind and has choosen cricket over Bollywood.

Akshay Kumar in Imtiaz Ali’s next movie

January 31st, 2009

Vipul Shah and Akshay Kumar share a great chemistry. Apprently after the success of Namastey London duo has decided to do more films together. Their last comic flick Singh Is King is being directed by Anees Bazmee. Vipul’s one film is already under production and he is planning his next again with Akshay.

It is believed that after Singh is King Vipul will be producing two films, while London Dreams will be directed by himself and for the other film he has signed Imtiaz Ali.

Though script and other important things are yet to be finalized but the director and actor has already been finalize. Jab We Met fame Imtiaz Ali has been signed to direct his next movie that will star Akshay as main lead.

Imtiaz is working on Saif Ali Khan Deepika Padukone starer film. When asked about it Imtiaz confirms “Yes we are in talks now. It will be a love story once again. I am yet to finish my script. The film will be produce by Vipul Shah. I won’t be able to talk anything more than this.”

Lomani to launch Big B’s signature perfume

January 31st, 2009

More than film Big B is busy in endorsing brands these days. He is gearing up for the launch of his second signature perfume by French brand Lomani.

It is believed that Amitabh went to meet the designers in Paris recently. He is believed to have discussed the marketing strategy for the launch, which is due in nine months.

Reportedly his last Lomani perfume, floral-spicy blend was introduced in 2002. It was a huge hit.

The other Paris connection of Big B is that he was recently featured on the issue of L’Officiel Hommes. Designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla styled him in Louis Vuitton and well known photographer Ian McKell shot him in the beautiful city of Paris.

Nagesh Tamil comedian dead

January 31st, 2009

Chennai, Veteran comedian Nagesh, who carved a niche for himself in the Tamil film industry both in humourous and character roles, died here today after a brief illness, family sources said.
Born as Gundu Rao to a Kannada Brahmin family in 1933, Nagesh was the most sought after actor in the MGR-Sivaji era of Tamil cinema in the 1960s and mid-seventies, and was a regular feature in the movies of these late superstars.

Nagesh, who was suffering from prolonged illness, breathed his last at his residence.

A 1000-film veteran, Nagesh was known for his timing and intonation that had the audience in splits. Even in serious movies, his roles were well-appreciated.

Nagesh has played some memorable characters. His role in ’Thiruvilaiyadal’ as Dharumi, a poet struggling to make ends meet and who gets a tete-a-tete with Lord Shiva, and as aspiring director Chellappa in ’Kadhalikaa Neramillai,’ are still remembered by Tamil movie-goers.

The actor also proved his mettle with serious roles in films like ’Ethirneechal’ and ’Neerkumizhi,’ besides playing the villain in Kamal Hassan starrer ’Apporva Sagotharagal,’ dubbed in Hindi as ’Appu Raja.’

Deepika overtakes Katrina

January 31st, 2009

Deepika Padukone raced to the top in a short span of time. She is now giving a tough competition to Katrina Kaif in terms of number of fans and popularity.

Katrina was voted as the most popular actress and also the most widely searched name on Google in 2008.

Now Deepika has overtaken her as the most popular and widely searched name on internet, this time it is on Yahoo. Deepika is the most searched name on Yahoo.

Deepkila shot to fame with the film Om Shanti Om and other films but her latest film Chandini Chowk to China was a flop.

The battle for supremacy between Katrina and Deepika is likely to intensify in 2009 with both the actors now acting in some big budget films.

Shah Rukh in legal soup over copyright

January 31st, 2009

A petition has been filed against Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Private Ltd, TV channel NDTV Imagine and Sunanda Oberai by Neha Joshi for making a serial Ghar Ki Baat, based on the script written by her father, Sharad, for a comedy serial called Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi, without obtaining any prior permission and violating the Copyright Act.

In the petition, Neha has said that the script was written by Sharad for the Oberais in 1984 and alleged that they have sold it to the Khan’s production house without the Joshi family’s permission.

Neha’s lawyer said they came to know about the script through one of the Khan’s interview. In the petition, Joshi has asked for compensation for violating the Copyright Act. Oberai’s lawyer told the media that Sharad had written the script for the Oberais and thus they are ultimate owners of the script and hence there was no copyright violation.

The court has asked Red Chillies to file its reply by February 14 and the next hearing is on February 16.

Lara Dutta's launching another website

January 31st, 2009

Mumbai: Actress Lara Dutta is launching yet another website mylaradutta.com on February 2. She had in 2007 launched a portal laraduttaonline.com in Paris but looks like the new site will be her official page for her fans.

A source close to the star says, "This website will have an interactive blog which Lara will update regularly. Her fans can chat with her too through her site. It will also have some exclusive pictures of Lara right from when she was a child, her growing up years, her modelling days to pictures clickedby some of the bestBollywood and fashion photographers."

Katrina to spend Valentine’s Day with Ranbir; Salman chooses Asin!

January 31st, 2009

Mumbai : According to the latest B-town revelation, leggy beauty Katrina Kaif and her beau Salman Khan are not going to celebrate Valentine`s Day together but with two different people. Reports suggest that while Katrina would be spending the V-Day with none other than Ranbir Kapoor, Salman, on the other hand, would have Asin for company.

Before you let your imagination run wild, let’s clarify that Katrina and Ranbir are not planning a special Valentine’s Day celebration together. It’s just that the actors who are presently working for their upcoming venture, ‘Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani’ in Turkey, would be shooting for the same on the V-Day as well.

However, grapevine has it that Ranbir does have plans to surprise co-star Katrina by arranging an intimate dinner.

On the other hand, possessive beau Salman seems to be proving to Kat that he’s equally busy on the special occasion, for the actor would reportedly be shooting for his upcoming venture ‘London Dreams’ with much appreciated co-star Asin.

Well, it seems that Salman and Katrina have no issues with each other’s V-Day plans. But we wonder if Deepika has planned a surprise for beau Ranbir!

SL to roll out red carpet for ‘Victory’

January 31st, 2009

This is one victory that Colombo will claim on Friday. Over Dubai, of course.

For the first time, the world premier of a Hindi movie, Victory, is being held in Colombo on Friday evening after the venue was changed from Dubai to Colombo.

The plush Regal theatre was chosen following the green signal to the India-Sri Lanka one-day series. It is also being seen as one of the biggest events in the entertainment industry here.

The movie, shot extensively in Sri Lanka, starring Harman Baweja, Amrita Rao, Anupam Kher, Gulshan Grover and 60 Indian and international cricketers, is about a boy from Rajasthan making it big in the world of cricket.

The Lankan ministries of sports, tourism and foreign affairs assisted the film crew during the shooting, which was done at grounds in Colombo and indoor stadiums in the suburbs.

The Indian team along with the Sri Lankan players will be part of the premier. Australian fast bowler Brett Lee and former team-mate Shane Warne are also expected as is actress Priyanka Chopra along with several stars.

“We thought Colombo would be the perfect venue for the premier because the Indian cricketers are here,” said a spokesperson of Event Concept, the event management company. “It is also a very important step in strengthening relations between the two countries,” he added.

Hindi movies are popular in Colombo and currently Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Ghajini are running to packed houses.

Preity's thinking of children

January 31st, 2009

It’s Bollywood cutie Preity Zinta’s birthday today.

But you needn’t worry about a present. For, the bubbly, 34-year-old actress has got a bagful of gifts that she wants to distribute after a “small get-together with friends”. Talking to BT yesterday, Preity said, “I want to do something more meaningful. I feel like it’s my new beginning and I want to do something completely different. I’m going to be a part of this campaign called Light a Billion Lights where you sponsor electricity to a complete village which works on solar technology. That is something I’m going to do.”

Then, Preity also intends to sponsor the education of underprivileged children. “I feel the only difference between a rich and a poor kid is that the former has the resources to get proper education whereas the poor kid doesn’t. I feel if a poor kid is given the same, he will do much better than the rich kid,” said the actress who is hell-bent on making a difference in whatever capacity that she can. “God has given me so much so now I feel it’s my turn to give back,” explained Preity. And what will she gift herself today?

“I was thinking of buying myself a luxury car but then everytime I drive on bumpy Mumbai’s roads, I get disappointed and change my mind!” But if there is one wish she has for herself this year, then Preity wants her IPL team to lift the trophy this year. “It has these little diamonds on it and diamonds are a girl’s best friend - so you know what I mean, don’t you,” smiled the pert actress saucily.

SRK mends bridges with Manoj Kumar

January 31st, 2009

Signaling the end of the bitter war that ensued between Shah Rukh Khan and yesteryear actor Manoj Kumar with the release of Om Shanti Om in 2007, Shah Rukh visited Manoj recently and spent nearly four hours with him.

He shared some light moments with Manoj’s grandchildren too. Shah Rukh also went to enquire after the health of Manoj’s ailing mother-in-law, Savita Devi, who is SRK’s late mother’s good friend.

Says Manoj, “Look, there wasn’t ever an epic war between us that we wouldn’t meet again. He made a mistake and apologised for it. My 94-year-old mother-in-law had to be recently operated upon, and Shah Rukh wanted to meet her. My mother-in-law used to make khakras for Gandhiji. She is a former MP from Congress and Shah Rukh’s mother was a social worker, that’s how they met.”

Ask him more about the visit and Manoj continues, “Shah Rukh asked me why I was not making films anymore. I asked him what his problem was if I don’t make any and just rest at home. We joked about it. It was nice to meet him, I hardly interact with present day stars. I’ve just spoken to Aamir Khan over phone. And imagine, I haven’t met Salman since the last 19 years, despite his father, Salim Khan, being one of my closest friends.”

SRK mends bridges with Manoj Kumar

January 31st, 2009

Signaling the end of the bitter war that ensued between Shah Rukh Khan and yesteryear actor Manoj Kumar with the release of Om Shanti Om in 2007, Shah Rukh visited Manoj recently and spent nearly four hours with him.

He shared some light moments with Manoj’s grandchildren too. Shah Rukh also went to enquire after the health of Manoj’s ailing mother-in-law, Savita Devi, who is SRK’s late mother’s good friend.

Says Manoj, “Look, there wasn’t ever an epic war between us that we wouldn’t meet again. He made a mistake and apologised for it. My 94-year-old mother-in-law had to be recently operated upon, and Shah Rukh wanted to meet her. My mother-in-law used to make khakras for Gandhiji. She is a former MP from Congress and Shah Rukh’s mother was a social worker, that’s how they met.”

Ask him more about the visit and Manoj continues, “Shah Rukh asked me why I was not making films anymore. I asked him what his problem was if I don’t make any and just rest at home. We joked about it. It was nice to meet him, I hardly interact with present day stars. I’ve just spoken to Aamir Khan over phone. And imagine, I haven’t met Salman since the last 19 years, despite his father, Salim Khan, being one of my closest friends.”

Kavita Krishnamurti wins K Yesudas Award

January 31st, 2009

Kavita Krishnamurti Subramaniam was awarded the Swaralaya Yesudas Best Singer Award, in Trivandrum Kerala. The award ceremony was held at the glittering open air Nishagandhi Auditorium and the award was presented to Kavita Krishnamurti in front of a packed audience by K Yesudas himself. This ceremony also featured performances by both artists. The audience comprised of the Who's Who of Trivandrum. Previously this award has also been given to music director A R Rahman.

Kavita Krishnamurti is one of Bollywood's best known and best loved singers and has won numerous awards including the coveted Padma Shree and four filmfare awards.

Ranbir: Mad about Madhuri!

January 31st, 2009

Ranbir Kapoor is one boy who speaks his mind instead of playing it boring like girlfriend Deepika. Be it talking about his infamous 'towel' scene in SAAWARIYA or even lip-locking, the youngster has no qualms in revealing the interesting stuff of his life.

After having confessed his love for Deepika a hundred times over, Ranbir was asked whom he would like to take out on a date if given the chance, besides girlfriend Deeps! Put him in a spot? Nah! RK was quick enough to say, ''Madhuri!'' ''Madhuri Dixit was my first crush'' revealed the actor...

With Mads and hubby Nene in Mumbai city currently, we wonder how the couple is going to react to this honest confession!

Ajay Devgan shift's home!

January 31st, 2009

Well, no not permanently... but the actor has shifted base to his farmhouse in Karjat for a brief period of time. Wonder why? Ajay who is shooting for Vipul Shah's LONDON DREAMS at the ND Studio in Karjat, has considered it better to settle closer to the shooting premises. And coming to rescue is his farmhouse!

We sure think it might be bliss for Ajay Devgan now, whose farmhouse is just ten minutes away from the shooting spot. We wonder if Salman Khan also plans to do somewhat the same considering his little abode is not too far away in Panvel.

But nevertheless, we think they are any day better off than Hrithik Roshan who probably wishes he himself owned a farmhouse in Karjat, which would have spared him all the hectic (and expensive) chopper tours during his shooting of JODHAA AKBAR!

New Buddies in B-Town

January 31st, 2009

There is a buzz in B-Town that Katrina Kaif has signed a film opposite Ajay Devgan. The rumour also suggests that the film will be Ajay's home production and will be directed by Rohit Shetty. We will need to wait and see if the information turns out to be true.

If the news be true, then we can assume that this new development came through due to the new found friendship of Ajay and Salman Khan. According to reports, both the leading men were having a great time in each other's company during the shoot of Vipul Shah's 'London Dreams'.

It is said that Ajay and Salman came to know about each other more during the shoot of this eagerly awaited flick and used to hang out a lot. Ajay is known to play pranks during the shoot.

Salman seems to have joined Ajay in having fun, have a smoke between the shots and share drinks after the day's work. Ajay is said to have got completely surprised after knowing that in spite of the cold weather Salman is totally avoiding alcohol during the Chandigarh schedule.

If the intended film becomes a reality, it will be Ajay's and Kat's first time onscreen pairing which is going to be the curiosity factor.

Katrina Kaif Inaugurates a Spa

January 31st, 2009

Katrina Kaif, flying high after the success of her films, is among the top actresses in Bollywood. So who would be better to launch a spa than the pretty girl Katrina?

Speaking at the event Katrina talks about the spa and recommends it as the ideal way to relax. With a glowing complexion like hers, she surely follows her own advice to the hilt.

"What they're trying to do here is blend modern technology with Ayurvedic principles and treatments. It is important not to mislead people... It is important to explain to your clientele exactly what this spa is about, and this is a place you come to now and then for physical treatment as well as for mental relaxation; it's an entire experience," reveals Katrina.

Now we wonder if this is where we can find Katrina after she gets off the sets following a grueling day's work. Any guesses?

Aishwarya said 'Yes' to Vishal Bharadwaj

January 30th, 2009

After extracting a fabulous performance out of Tabu in Maqbool, Kareena Kapoor in Omkara and hopefully, Priyanka Chopra in Kaminay, Vishal Bharadwaj is all set to team up with the one actress he has always wanted to work with - Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The project will go into production at the end of the year.

Aishwarya said, “Vishal and I have wanted to work together ever since he was the music composer on a project that got shelved. We had promised one another that I would star in his film whenever he turned director.”

Vishal had offered Aishwarya, a film called Timbuctoo, right after his directorial debut in the children’s film Makdee (2002), but that got shelved. So the wait just got longer.

The actress recollected, “I was very impressed by Vishal’s work. But he insisted that we would work together only when he found absolutely the right project. That has finally happened. Vishal has bounced the script off me. And we both feel this is the right project for us to come together.”

Interestingly, 2009 is a flurry of activity for Aishwarya, what with her giving the nod to new films with Vishal Bharadwaj, Rituparno Ghosh, Abhinay Deo and Vipul Shah.

For Vipul Shah’s film, Aishwarya and Akshay Kumar come together again. Talking about the film, Aishwarya said, “It’s something that Vipul, Akshay and I haven’t done before. The last time Akshay and I came together in Khakee, we played almost antagonists. This time we will hopefully play a more compatible couple.”

Jeevan to make a return with ‘Naan Avanillai: Part-II’

January 30th, 2009

The sequel to 2007 hit, ‘Naan Avanillai’, starring Jeevan in the lead, is under production. Selvaa directs the film and Jeevan has been repeated as the hero. Jeevan has five newcomers to romance in this film.

In the first part, Jeevan had sirens Sneha, Jyothirmayee, malavika, Namitha and Keerthi Chawla for company. The sequel is not about the hero cheating beautiful women, but on why the hero behaved like that in the first part.

Though Jeevan hasn’t had a hit since ‘Machchakkaran’, he appears unperturbed and has been concentrating on his work.

Jaya Bachchan becomes an adopted mother!

January 30th, 2009

Bollywood fans who are glum about not seeing Madhavan and the first lady of Bollywood Jaya Bachchan on screen of late, have much to rejoice. Both the power houses of performance will soon be seen on screen in Hari Om Sai's production PHIR TUM MIL GAYE, to be directed by Revathy S Verma.

The film is a remake of a South film JUNE R and also marks Raveena Tandon's comeback and stars Ayesha Takia too. The story is about adoption, just that in this one a 20-year girl adopts a mother from an old age home. Director Revathy points out, ''We always hear of couples adopting babies from orphanages, here it is the reverse process of a young girl wanting a mom. The mother's character is extremely optimistic.'' Jaya Bachchan will play the role she plays best, that of a soft and loving 'adopted' mother.

Preya Arora of Hari Om Sai Production says, ''Jayaji's confirmation to this role is a great achievement to us. We were looking forward to her playing the mother's role because she has that motherly charm and softness.'' Revathy also seconds the opinion and says, ''When we were in talks for the Hindi version, one thing was sure that she would be in the cast.''

The surprise package of the film is Maddy, who has a main role and will be quite the star. Both the actors have kept their appearances rare, so it will be great to see them together. Though this is the first project of Hari Om Sai Production, the house has two major projects lined up after this, with big star cast. But everything is under wraps as of now.

Saif-Kareena film in payments controversy

January 30, 2009

Karan Johar's latest production seems to have come into some trouble.

Some crew members in Philadelphia, USA, where the film was shot last winter, have complained that they have not received payment even after the shoot ended.

Directed by first-timer Rensil D'Silva (who wrote Aks and Rang De Basanti, the yet-untitled film stars Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor. It was shot in Philadelphia in November and December, and 1,000 crew members and extras were hired. Johar's Dharma Productions enlisted an Australian company called Swish Group Limited to help with the shoot.

The Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper reported that according to the workers, the payment of $100,000 had bounced and that Swish was not responding to their inquiries.

Apoorva Mehta, CEO, Dharma Productions, told rediff.com, "They (Swish ) have an accounting problem at the moment. They have confirmed receiving the money from our side. They said they will settle the due in two or three weeks. They have given us a confirmation letter also."

Cary P Stynes, Managing Director, Swish Group Limited, forwarded his reply to Dharma Productions to this reporter via e-mail, where he admitted to the delay in payments.

'We are in the process of resolving all matters in relation to the payment to crew members and vendors appointed by us for services in relation to your film, currently under production,' the e-mail stated. 'We have not been able to do so, as the accounts for the film are yet to be finalised. We have given this matter priority over all other accounting issues and our accounts team are working around the clock to sort out the issues that we have had. We are still reconciling the exact amounts of what is owed to various people who worked on the film.'

Styles further stated that payments will be made within the next 10 to 15 days.

'We once again confirm that we have received full and complete payment from you of all amounts requested by us to date. We thank you for your patience and we have no objection if you share this letter with the crew members, vendors and other stakeholders. Apologies again for any inconvenience or embarrassment caused,' Stynes concluded.

January 30th, 2009

King Khan and the so called bad boy of Bollywood Salman Khan will again compete with each other. Both are coming back to television with their individual programs. If SRK is leaving no stone unturned to launch his shows like First Ladies on NDTV Good Times, Knights and Angels and Ghar Ki Baat Hai on NDTV Imagine then Sallu Miya is also gearing up for the second season of Dus Ka Dum.

Knights and Angels is a reality show and King Khan will be the judge. The show will judge the right candidate who could take forward his IPL team the Kolkata Knighter Riders to a new level and induce in them the spirit to perform better. Ghar Ki Baat Hai will be a traditional sit-com, a story of a day to day life of Yagnik family and their neighbors.

Both Khans have taken their battle front from big to small screen. It's a story of few months when Salman hit at Shahrukh at Katrina’s birthday bash, insulting him in public for showing attitude and not appearing in his show Dus Ka Dum. Salman also insulted Shahrukh for the failure of the game show Kya Aap Panchvi Paas Se Tez Hain? After the serious spat, Shahrukh and Salman are no longer in talking terms.

Since both the Khans are venturing into the same arena, lets see what ugly turn their spat takes.