Govinda's Daugter Narmada Bollywood Debut Soon

January 19th, 2009

Bollywood star Govinda's daughter Narmada is ready to face the camera and the anxious father has decided to produce her debut film himself. "Narmada will launch her film career anytime in 2009. I feel today she is emotionally ready to face the camera," Govinda told us.

"After weighing all the pros and cons, I decided I'm the best person to produce my daughter's debut film. I don't want anyone else, no matter how well-meaning, to take the credit for launching my daughter," he said.

The director will be finalised in the next couple of weeks. Those on Govinda's wish-list are Nikhil Advani and Shaad Ali.

"Ideally, I'd have liked Narmada to be launched by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He is among our best. But since that is not possible, we're looking at some other names. My daughter has to be directed by someone who has a vision and an aesthetic sense and also respects the work that I do," said the actor.

Ghar Ki Baat Hai

January 18th, 2009

Although 53 days have passed since 26/11, our Gateway is still considered vulnerable. Shah Rukh Khan has been denied permission to shoot the title song of his new television series Ghar Ki Baat Hai at Gateway. So SRK's production house Red Chilies Idiot Box shot the song at Aksa beach instead.

Bhavna Sresth, Head-Television, Red Chilies Idiot Box said, "Mumbai and Gateway go hand-in-hand. The three protagonists' story is based on and around Mumbai. It's the whole city thing that we wanted to capture. However, after the unfortunate 26/11 incident we could not shoot there. It is a sentimental thing. We too are a part of the city and understand that it was a serious issue."

Ghar Ki Baat Hai is a tribute to Yeh Jo Hai Jindagi, the famous show of the 1980s.

The show marks the television debut of actress Juhi Babbar along with TV veterans Sumeet Raghavan, Swapnil Joshi, Ali Asgar, Jayati Bhatia and Deven Munjal. Aziz Mirza is the supervising creative director and Anant Mahadevan, the director. The title song has been sung by Sukhvinder Singh.

Bollywood Celebrities Pictures from Mumbai Marathon 2009

January 19th, 2009

Pictures of Bollywood & other Celebrities running at Mumbai Marathon 2009
Anil ambani, anil Kumble, Arjun Rampal, Bikram Saluja, Gul Panag, Harsha bhogle, John abrahan, Milind soman, Piya dutt, Rahul, Soha ali Khan, Sushma Reddy, tushar Kapoor

Kareena Kapoor Brunch Magazine Cover Scan

January 19th, 2009

Kareena Kapoor Brunch Magazine Cover Scan

Sridevi Inauguarates Kimaya Fashion Store in Chennai

January 19th, 2009

Sridevi, who occupies our 40 plus still host list, naugurated Kimaya’s outlet in Nungambakkam, Chennai, which houses modern and ethnic wear (for both men and women) plus a beautiful collection of fashion accessories all branded.

Founded by Pradeep Hirani and Neha Hirani, Kimaya grew manifold and soon established its sprawling stores in New Delhi and Bangalore. Now, with its arrival in Chennai, Kimaya has put Chennai City on the map of fashion industry.

The function was also attended by many famous personalities of Kollywood, including Srikanth, Vimala Raman, Vincent Asokan and director Dharani.

Nayantara in Bodyguard Movie

January 20th, 2009

Nayantara, the ravishing hottie will be seen in the female lead role in the Malayalam movie titled “BodyGuard” as Dileep’s heroine.

This movie is directed by director Siddique’s Bodyguard. Bodyguard, produced by Johny Sagarika and tuned by Ouseppachan will hit theatres on March 26.

Kareena Kapoor A Perfect Friend!

January 19th, 2009

Bebo has proved yet again that she is one helluva firend! Recently, she threw a big birthday bash for her family doctor, Dr. Agarwal.

Says a source close to Kareena, "Bebo is very fond of Dr.Agarwal. She went out of her way from her busy schedule and threw him a nice party. She herself made each and every phone call and invited people. A lot of family friends attended the party. Tushar kapoor, Shabina Khan, Babita, Karisma and many others were present. They all really enjoyed themselves and had a wonderful time. This shows how close Kareena considers her family friends. She is a considerate person."

"Dr. Agarwal was flattered. He was unaware of the surprise party. He was very happy . He thinks Bebo is a wonderful actress and watches all her films. Dr. Agarwal is a family doctor for other celebrities like Tabu, Karisma, Urmila and many more", adds the source.

Kareena Kapoor proves that she is a good friend time and again. Be it helping best friend Amrita with health tips or doing a song for her favourite, SRK in Billo Barber free of charge, she is the true Czarina of Bollywood!

Minissha gets surgery done on her nose

January 20th, 2009

Natural beauty at times is not enough to survive in Bollywood and cosmetic surgery becomes a must. The latest addition to this club is Minissha Lamba. The Bachna Ae Haseeno star who seemed most unlikely candidate needing a cosmetic surgery got a plastic surgery done on her nose recently. The actress who otherwise has a angelic face got a pointed look to her otherwise blunt nose.

Celebrities like Rakhi Sawant, Ayesha Takia and Bipasha Basu have had breast enhancement surgeries done on them. Minissha joins the league of Shilpa Shetty and Koena Mitra who have got a nose job done in the past. The surgery had however turned nightmare for both the stars as they spoilt the natural beauty of their nose. Hope this surgery does not turn out to be a nightmare for Minissha as well!

January 19th, 2009

Mumbai: Tintin, the perpetual boy reporter, has recently turned 80 years old. The creation of Belgian artist Georges Herg� Remi continues to amaze us, with Steven Spielberg being no exception. In fact the film-maker is making a live action film on this enchanting character and it's expected to hit theatres by next year. In the meantime, After Hrs decided to audition some Bollywood stars...

Tintin
Thousands of aspirants wanted to be in the shoes of our title character, but
Imran Khan was the lucky one. This kiddo looked lanky and fit the bill with his innocent boy appeal. We told him beforehand that he has to do away with his oh-so-average hairstyle for the look. Voila! (see illustration)

Captain Haddock
When the audition was midway, we got a call from Bhai; we mean our very own Munnabhai. For the captain minus the ship and the talli attitude, our vote went to Sanju Baba only (all the aspirants went back home including Anil Kapoor). The jury thinks he can do 'vaastav'isation of Haddock's cynical humour with proper zeal. If he feels grumpy going by the recent turn of events in his life, he can show it on screen too after a few real pegs.

Professor Calculus
Our original choice was funnyman Paresh Rawal, but Anupam Kher took the train skipping the traffic and timely auditioned for the role. (Paresh is still stuck in traffic; we're ignoring his incessant calls). And going by his apt height and semi-bald looks, he seems to be the 'calculated' choice for the absent-minded professor.

Thomson and Thompson
The jury did not like anybody and seemed a little biased. Later, we learnt that Hrithik Roshan and his kumbh mein gum brother Hurman Baweja have begged the role. And why not, they have their star power to add to the film!

Snowy
Dear readers, it's the once-in-a-lifetime chance to make your dog a celebrity. Send us their portfolio pictures.

Slumdog Millionaire director sets up trust fund for child stars

January 19th, 2009

MOVIE director Danny Boyle has set up a trust fund to save the child stars of Slumdog Millionaire from poverty.

Real-life street kids Rubiana Ali and Azharuddin Ismail were signed up for the film which won four Golden Globes last week.

Boyle grew close to the pair while filming the story of a teenager who wins the Indian version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?.

And he admitted he wept when they sent him birthday cards.

Rubiana and Azharuddin joined child star Ayush Mahesh Khedekar as three pals in Mumbai.

The Trainspotting director told the Sunday Mail he was horrified to find Azharuddin had been made homeless while they were filming.

He said: "His family's house had been demolished and we found him asleep on a car roof.

"We've set up a system where the kids stay at school until they are 16. If they pass their exams, there's a large sum in a trust fund for them.

"We want to keep them in education as long as possible.

"They're learning English and sent me birthday cards. I started weeping when I opened them."

Hansika Motwani shares her fitness secret

January 20th, 2009

“A diet is a selection of food that helps to loose weight” says actress Hansika Motwani. She may not be called as new entrant as she has been into the industry since long time as a child artist. Just like a fairy tale she grew up fast and suddenly appeared as a beautiful actress. Hansika spoke to us about the secret of her fitness and her favourite food.

“I am not very foodie. I like home made Rajma Chawal. I don’t indulge in oily cheesy stuff.” Says Hansika who loves home made. She begins her day with a healthy breakfast as she believes that it’s the first meal of the day and it should be healthy. She loves to have skimmed milk and an apple in the morning. Hansika believes in diet and follows her guru Micky Mehta’s instructions properly.

After her first movie Aap Ka Suroor Hansika lost seven kilos. Talking about fitness she says, “I prefer both cardio and weight both exercises. I exercise two hours everyday in my gym. I prefer protein milkshake after workout. I believe in yoga and meditation as well.”

Being particular about her food Hansika gives credit to her balanced diet and healthy eating habits. “I don’t starve myself. I take eight meals through out the day. My lunch comprises Roti, daal, dalia, salad and yoghurt. I prefer fruit juice rather than cold drinks. I avoid dinner or any kind of food late at night rather I prefer to have my dinner in the evening.” She concludes.

'I didn't back out,' says Kareena

January 20th, 2009

You’ve apparently made up your mind to not do any more stage shows.

That’s not true at all. I never said that. But I won’t dance at weddings and private functions. I’ve done it in the past. But I won’t do it any more. I don’t want to or need to do such things. Dancing for a proper staged event, including awards functions, is fine. In fact, I’m dancing at an event in Delhi in the last week of January.

You’d refused to dance with other actresses at an awards function...

I had nothing against dancing for the function. The Moranis (the organisers) were discussing it with me from the time I was going on holiday. I was out of reach for a week. But before I left for my holiday, I told them I didn’t like the five-diva act concept. I had informed them of this before I left for my holiday. I didn’t want to be a part of it. Is that a crime?

You had informed the organizers of your reservations in advance?

Oh yes, well in advance. So, I didn’t ‘back out’. I love awards and love to dance at awards functions. Last year, I danced at all the awards functions. This year, I don’t have the time to rehearse for these functions. See, for the kind of films I’m doing, I’ve got to be completely there. I can’t take out four hours to rehearse. I’ll dance next year. I want my performances on stage to be exclusive and rare.

But the general perception is that you don’t enjoy being on stage.
Oh, I love it! But not right now. I’ve to give my best to my roles. As an actor, that’s my first priority. I’d like to give 100 per cent of myself to the camera. I was shooting in Bangalore for 3 Idiots. I will be in Mumbai for a couple of days to shoot an ad. And then I leave India to shoot for an international magazine.

How is it going with 3 Idiots?
I’m totally blessed to be working with Raju Hirani and Aamir Khan. I’m not there for the whole Bangalore schedule. Beyond that I can’t say much about the film...except that I’m not playing one of the idiots.

You’ve also decided not to talk about your relationship with Saif Ali Khan?
Too much was said and written about us in 2008. So, until our relationship goes to the next level, there’s no need to talk about it.

Do you feel there is a Saif-Kareena overkill in the media?
There’s a curiosity about us because we’re seen as a glam couple. We both laugh about it. Saif looks at himself in the mirror and asks, ‘Do you think I’m glamorous?’ I tend to be very open about my feelings. We’ve never hidden our relationship, but we’ve said enough. This year, let our films talk.

You’ve just been on a holiday. Have you come back looking healthier?
If by that you mean have I put on weight, then yes. I have. I need put on weight for 3 Idiots and Rensil d’Silva’s film. In the Marjani song I’m looking... slim. But not paper thin. I’ll continue to be healthy and eat healthy. I snack here and there. But I’ve become so conscious of my fitness level that I can’t eat at irregular hours. I wake up with yoga.

Soha says na na to sister act

January 20th, 2009

Actor-turned-producer Saif Ali Khan will be seen with his lady love Kareena Kapoor in Sriram Raghavan’s forthcoming film AgentVinod. nd, it’s needless to say that Kareena will be part of most of his home productions. But, what about parts for the family members — like mom Sharmila and sis Soha? When we got in touch with Soha, she was candid enough to say, “I am not in any of the films that bhai is producing this year. I want to do films with him, but nothing interesting is coming along. Also, he will play hero in all his films, so I’ll be cast as the sister. So, that’s again another problem. Of course, I can’t play his heroine!” Now, we get the point. But, brother-sister lost in a kumbh ka mela with two parallel love stories can well be worked out, na?

Chandni... choked

January 19th, 2009

It’s just three days after the release of Chandni Chowk to China, and trade pundits are already debating whether to call it a ‘hit’ or ‘not a flop’.

Hit ya miss
Wonder why? Consider the math: CC2C was made on a budget of Rs 80 crore — as stated by actor-producer Akshay Kumar — plus it spent another Rs 7 crore on publicity in India, and organised seven premieres around the world, for which the expense figure is not yet known. Then, the 1,200 prints each cost Rs 50,000. All this adds up to almost Rs 100 crore in outgo. Against this, the film had solid bookings across the country only in the first two days of its release and its 650-odd paid previews. All told, this figure comes to about Rs 10-12 crore, say trade analysts.

What the heck?
Since yesterday, the film’s box-office takings have started declining. This is not what was expected from Hollywood giant Warner Bros big collaboration with Bollywood, especially after Aamir Khan Ghajini made Rs 200 crore.

Multiplex owners, who allotted the maximum number of shows to CC2C, are now moaning over their miscalculation. “The first two days registered an occupancy of 70 per cent, but it seems to have declined from Sunday morning,” says Munish Sharma of Satyam Cinemas. The story of cinema chain Adlabs is no different.

“The opening was average. Can’t say much for this week,” says Tushar Dhingra, COO, Adlabs Cinemas. Fun Cinemas, which has 16 screens across Delhi and NCR, saw 70-75 per cent sales in the first three days. “We had opened our advance booking on January 11. So we are saved for this week.

However, Monday onwards, the bookings have dropped to 25-30 per cent,” says Deepak Taluja, VP, Fun Cinemas. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh has the last word: “Once again, it is proved that it’s neither Akshay nor marketing but the script that is the real king.”

Krishnam Raju hunts down 'Billa'

January 19th, 2009

Meher Ramesh’s directed ‘Billa’ starring Prabhas, Anushka and Namitha produced on Gopikrishna Movies is under making at present.

After completing a long schedule in Malaysia, the crew has landed back in Hyderabad and preparing to film rest of the portions.

Senior hero Krishnam Raju has been shouldered the responsibility of playing the role of a senior police officer who investigates the case of Billa. The International don who is on the run will be notoriously evasive and the officer will be hot on his trail all the time which creates an interesting cat and mouse chase.

Krishnam Raju’s role is matured, witty and poised at times which will go well along the masses, says the team behind ‘Billa’. Film fans who are all eager to see Prabhas and Krishnam Raju together on screen will have a mighty treat it seems.

Dev Patel and Freida Pinto appear on People

January 19th, 2009

For all those who are wondering if the headline is 'misleading', then, let us clarify it to you... We are talking about the hottest onscreen couple of this season, viz., Dev Patel and Freida Pinto, the lead pair of the worldwide smash hit film Slumdog Millionaire.

And it is this cute-couple who have been chosen as the cover-people on the latest issue of the smash-hit magazine 'People'. This issue features an interesting interview with Dev and Freida. One has to get his hands over the magazine in order to know how the self-confessed 'skinny guy' Dev Patel swished a 'good-looking actor' to bag the lead role. If that's not enough, Freida too goes on record to speak about her first hand experience at the auditions! This issue also carries an exclusive story about Shahrukh Khan playing a real-life hero to Kashmiri orphans. Way to go, SRK!

With the release of Slumdog Millionaire being lined up this week, it will be exciting to see if the couple manages to impress the Indian audiences as and get acclaim, similar to what is happening in the west.

'Lamhaa' - Against all odds

January 19th, 2009

Considering the way the production of 'Lamhaa' is proceeding resolving all the issues hurled up against it, the creator behind it can be called as an epitome of determination.

Rahul Dholakia first had to pacify the locals in a shooting location who thought that the movie will portray the people of the state in bad light. Then came leading lady Bipasha Basu's fleeing from the scene because she felt unsafe.

As the days could not be wasted, the production team had to shift to Shimla to utilize the time and finish off some scenes featuring Sanjay Dutt.

Meanwhile steps were taken to tighten up the security cover and Bipasha was also persuaded to rejoin the shoot. It seems a new issue has cropped up to give more trouble to the film maker.

There were reports about Asiya Andrabi, the firebrand leader in Jammu and Kashmir sending a legal notice to the makers of 'Lamhaa' stating that Bipasha Basu's role in the flick has been made based on Asiya's life. Rahul Dholakia cleared the air saying in a press conference that he has not received any legal notice from the leader of the women's organization Dukhtaran-e-Milat.

The shoot of the movie is almost complete and the director has already requested chief minister Omar Abdullah to give permission to have a premiere show in the state. There is a possibility that the realistic film will have to win over more problems after its release as many people will be eager to know if any thing being show is offending anyone.

Let's hope that Rahul Dholakia face's no more troubles, give the film buffs a thought provoking film than his first immensely acclaimed project and also succeed in getting a positive nod from the chief minister Omar Abdullah to his request to have the film's premier in Kashmir.

SRK, the real hero!

January 19th, 2009

Two child victims of a grenade attack in Srinagar are undergoing treatment at the Nanavati hospital with the help of superstar Shah Rukh Khan who is bearing the entire cost of treatment.

SRK first heard of the orphans -- Muddassar (5) and Amina (3) from Dr Ali Irani, head of the department of physiotherapy and sports medicine at the hospital. The actor has donated Rs 50 lakh for the children's ward at the hospital in memory of his mother.

Dr Ali, who is part of a team of doctors that treats children hit by disasters in Jammu and Kashmir, met the kids during one of his visits to Srinagar. Dr Ali told People magazine that he knew he could ask the doctors to treat the children for free but there would be plenty of other expenses.

"So, I just spoke to Shah Rukh," he said. The superstar also visited the hospital and promised to introduce them to his kids as soon as they were out of the hospital. Zubair, the elder cousin of the children told the magazine, "Amina keeps asking me if I have spoken with Shah Rukh and when is he going to take her to meet his daughter. She also plans to invite SRK's children Aryan and Suhana to Srinagar so that they can all play on houseboats."

Has Akshay lost it?

January 19, 2009

Chandni Chowk to China was supposed to start Akshay Kumar's success run this year. It had all the ingredients of a hit film -- cool kung fu action, Bollywood masala, the flavour of the season Deepika Padukone the backing of Hollywood studio Warner Bros, and of course, a bankable star in Akshay.

But all it really did was get bad reviews and a poor box office response.

In fact, people hated the film so much that Shekhar Suman wanted a refund on his ticket money. 'Indian cinema should declare January 16 (the day CC2C released) as a mourning day because it is the day cinema died,' he told Mumbai tabloid Mid-Day.

Now, we don't know why Shekhar Suman made such a statement. Some insiders say that Suman was afraid that CC2C would eat into the business of his son Adhyayan's new film, Raaz.The Mystery Continues, releasing this week.

But we can't help but wonder whether Akshay will ever be able to challenge the supremacy of the Khans.

Nothing wrong with glamshow: Nayantara

January 19th, 2009

Diana Kurien aka Nayantara, the dream girl of millions of youth in south India, is one of the most sought after actresses in Kollywood. One of the highest paid actresses down South, the siren has acquired an hourglass figure of late and looks ravishing in her latest film, ‘Villu’, opposite Vijay.

The glam queen debuted in Tamil opposite Sarath Kumar in ‘Aiya’, directed by Hari. Her big break was the Rajnikanth mega hit ‘‘Chandramukhi’’. Before that, she had done a few Malayalam films. Nayan has also made her presence felt in Telugu with a few blockbusters such as ‘Dubai Seenu’.

Excerpts from an exclusive interview with the sensational beauty...

Q: Do you feel sidelined in Tamil films, which are basically hero-oriented?

A: Though the film industry is male-dominated and male-oriented, it still counts as to how an actress makes use of her opportunities, however small they are, she gets. Isn’t it a fact that many leading heroines of today have all done miniscule and insignificant roles in their earlier films?

Q: Won’t you be doing heroine-oriented films?

A: Of course I would, as and when I do get such on opportunity.

Q: You seem to be more inclined towards glamourous roles...

A: Of course, I look glamourous and am acting glamourous, what’s wrong in it? Haven’t I looked homely and unglamourous in ‘Aiyaa’, ‘Eee’, ‘Chandramukhi’ and ‘Yaaradi Nee Mohini'?

Q: Any qualms about the many rumours about you?

A: I hardly bother to read them and react. I’ve been a topic of rumours right from my college days and after coming to film industry, I have kind of got used to it. This is a price, I’m afraid, one has to pay for stardom and for being popular.

Q: Do you miss anything due to your huge popularity?

A: Of course, yes! I have lost much of my liberty; I can’t shop around independently without people being aware of it or surrounding me. I can’t just like that go to a restaurant of my choice and eat there. More than this, I have to look beautiful, slim and trim as many youngsters take after actresses like us as their role-models. I sweat it out to remain slim and look good. In a way, it’s a kind of social responsibility!

Sonam Kapoor Indian Idol 4 Pictures | Sonam in Salwaar Kameez

January 18th, 2009

Angelic beauty Sonam Kapoor at Indian Idol 4. She is there for the Launch of her next upcoming Movie Delhi 6. She is looking so Fabulous on the Sets of Indian Idol 4. The young Kapoor lass has recently signed her first endorsement. She is now set to become the young face of the international cosmetic brand L'oreal. Sonam, who perfectly fits the brand, has already shot for her first ad which will be launched in January 2009.

Sonam Kapoor to Star Opposite Abhishek Bacchan

January 19th, 2009

She’s just a new comer and in her second movie she is getting a chance to work with Abhishek Bacchan. I’m talking about Sonam Kapoor. Her movie Saawariya is not yet released and she has signed a movie opposite Abhishek Bacchan. She will be doing Delhi 6 opposite Jr. Bacchan. The movie is directed by Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra. Sonam is really lucky to get a Rakeysh Mehra Movie in her second film. We still do not know much about the movie as it has not been revealed. Lets wait and watch for the promos to be out.

John-Katrina: Trouble in New York

January 19th, 2009

Katrina Kaif and John Abraham might be big stars in India. But they are nobodies in New York. This they realized only a while ago.

Interestingly these two are acting in a movie called ‘New York’. Such is the irony of the situation.

The two were denied entry to a nightclub in New York when they were trying to join a party for a crew member on their movie ‘New York’.

A source says, “When they were stopped at the nightclub, they tried to reason with the bouncers that they were well known and respected people from India. John and Katrina told them that they were film stars from India but the bouncers only stared at them. The bouncers had no clue what John and Katrina were talking about.”

But the experience hasn’t stopped Katrina to encourage her sister to study in New York.

The buzz is that she has been encouraging her sister, Isabelle Kaif who wishes to join the industry in a year or two, to sign up at the Lee Strasberg Theatre School in New York.

And despite her wooden acting in all her films, things in India have been going great. She’s been nominated for a Best Indian Award along with others such as Manmohan Singh and Aamir Khan. She thinks it’s a great honour to be considered to be in the same league as great achievers.

Well, in spite of everything, Kat sure has lots of reasons to smile about!

Trouble knocks Udit Narayan’s doors yet again!

January 19th, 2009

Almost three years back there was a controversy about Udit Narayan being married before he got together with wife Deepa Narayan, the mother of his son Aditya. He somehow managed to duck the major controversy.

Now for sometime there have been accusations about Udit not being an Indian citizen.

The B-Town vocalist has been considered for the coveted Padma Shri and it has now given a chance to his detractors to dig up the citizenship issue again.

Udit says that he was born in a village named Baisi situated at the Supaul district of Bihar in 1955.

But some media reports claim that he was born in a town called Raj Biraj of a district named Saptari in southern Nepal.

The singer feels that these are false allegations which have been started by people from Bihar as they think that they have not done anything for the state.

But he says that he’s always available for them. Even during last year’s flood in Bihar he gave a donation of Rs.5 lakh and he doesn’t understand why people are jealous as he’s not even singing many songs these days.

He’s hoping that everything goes smoothly and he really ends up with the award. Well, let’s wait and watch to see how well he survives yet another controversy!

Wishing Minissha Lamba a very happy Birthday

January 18th, 2009

She is someone who can quintessentially and uniquely mirror the term 'Being hot yet living cool' in an apt fashion, for she is none other than Bollywood's very own prized kitten Minissha Lamba, who also happens to be our Birthday girl of the day (January 18th). Her flawlessly famous face, that has graced the cover of numerous magazines and newspapers, also has launched over a million ships (read 'products').

For starters, this 'Beauty on a duty' started out as the cute looking Kashmiri girl 'Ada' in Shoojit Sircar's Yahaan. She showcased her acting skills in films like Corporate, Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd. and Shaurya. With Bachna Ae Haseeno, she graduated to the next level…only to show her sexy side in Kidnap. She is someone whom the common man identifies as easily as the hot looking girl next door! Any amount of praises will fall short to describe this heavenly beauty. With an array of films lined up this year, 2009 seems just like 'THE' year for Minisha Lamba.

Ash, Abhi too busy for 2009

January 19th, 2009

If you are thinking to cast Ash or Abhi in your next flick then do not waste any more time in shaping your thoughts but take prompt action as the duo's calendar is occupied by other producers. The year is going to be quite hectic for both Ash and Abhi. They have signed films in couple as well as in individual. If Abhishek has signed few films in single, Ash also has number of new assignments in her kitty.

The list goes as Ash and Abhi is going to star in Mani Ratnam's path-breaking film Ravan. Next Ash has another big budget film of Sanjay Leela Bhansali with Hrithik opposite her. Bhansali desires to flaunt their chemistry threesome than Dhoom 2 and Jodhaa Akbar. Then coming up is Abhinay Deo's thriller teaming Ash-Abh to be produced by Excel Entertainment. According to Ritesh Sidhwani of Excel Entertainment, "It will be a thriller film and the entire shooting of the movie will be in Thailand, Greece, London and Istanbul. Abhinay Deo and I want a particular look for the film. We want something different in the film’s visual quality that people have never seen before."

For the first time Aishwarya will share screen space with Akshay Kumar who will play the lead role in the film. Both Akshay Kumar and Vipul Shah will co-produce the movie.

A new title for Bharath's flick

January 19th, 2009

The Tamil remake of blockbuster Bollywood hit 'Jab We Met' was tentatively titled 'Raja Rani'. However, the production house Moserbaer has now opted for a title change. The new title for the movie is 'Oruvarai Oruvar Sandhithom'.

Starring Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor, 'Jab We Met' was a big hit wooing youngsters to theatres in Mumbai. To be remade in Tamil starring Bharath and Tamanna in the lead cast, the movie will be directed by Kannan, a former associate of Mani Ratnam. He recently churned out Jayam Kondan starring Vinay and Bhavana. Moserbaer promises that that the Tamil version would be a thorough entertainer and we would make suitable changes in the script to suit Tamil audience, said the director.

Big Fight: It's Priyanka vs Kareena once again

January 18th, 2009

Now that the ultra-prolific and passionately-productive Shyam Benegal has decided to revive his costliest project Chamki, a desi version of Georges Bizet's 1845 opera Carmen the question is, who will play the challenging title role of a free-spirited fiery-tempered gypsy?

Though Benegal is at the moment reluctant to reveal details, sources close to the project claim that the closest contenders for the role are Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra.

Both have already been approached in the past for Chamki. But chose to opt out before the final yes for various reasons.

Says the source, "Kareena was excited to begin with. She was supremely charged by the role and what Shyam Babu had done with her sister Karisma in Zubeida.

But then she opted out, as she often does from offbeat challenges like Deepa Mehta's Water and Rituparno Ghosh's Raincoat pleading it was too early for her to attempt something so unconventional.

Then came Priyanka Chopra who was quite kicked about the part. But she and the film's then-producer Sanjay Gupta had a fall-out earlier when she had said no to his Musafir. The role then went to Urmila Matondkar who had monetary issues with the producer."

With the film changing hands from Sanjay Gupta to Reliance it is undertood that money is no longer an issue.

If sources are to be believed Chamki has now gone back to the two original choices Kareena and Priyanka.

Says the source, "Kareena continues to have reservations about non-mainstream cinema. She was recently offered another heroine-oriented film by Rituparno Ghosh. She declined.

Barring Pritish Nandy Communications Chameli she has never returned to non-mainstream cinema. But now Chamki, set in Rajasthan, is being re-designed as a big broad epic musical with super choreography and lavish songs by Javed Akhtar and A R Rahman. No expense will be spared to make Chamki a big blockbuster."

According to sources Priyanka more than Kareena is the natural choice to play Chamki since the role requires a trained dancer.

Priyanka when contacted said she was open to the offer. "But I read the script ages ago. The whole project now has to evaluated afresh. And who wouldn't want to work with Shyam Benegal?"

'Slumdog Millionaire' makes $43 mn to jump back in US Top 10

January 19th, 2009

Washington (IANS): Following its sweep of the Golden Globe Awards, British director Danny Boyle's hit film "Slumdog Millionaire" has jumped back into the North American Top Ten with a 56 percent increase in its weekend sales.

With an estimated gross of $5,900,000 over the January 16-18 weekend, the Mumbai-shot and set film in its tenth week even surpassed the total grosses of Akshay Kumar's "Chandni Chowk to China", Aamir Khan's "Ghajini" and Shahrukh Khan's "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" combined in the US.

Running in 582 theatres across US, down 19 from last weekend, the film based on Indian diplomat Vikas Swarup's novel "Q&A" registered a per-theatre average of $10,137 to take its total gross to a staggering $42.74 million.

With more mainstream multiplexes interested in playing the film with Golden Globe winning music by Indian music maestro A.R. Rahman now, Fox Searchlight plans to expand its run this Friday to about 1,300 theatres.

After the Golden Globes, the heart warming story of an 18 year-old orphan from the slums of Mumbai, who goes on to win a staggering 20 million rupees on India's "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" game show, is expected to score multiple Oscar nominations when Academy Award nominations are announced January 22.

Meanwhile, in a Sunday editorial Washington Times described it as "the kind of movie Hollywood used to make - a film that transmits eternal verities and has universal appeal."

Calling the film "a stinging indictment of a Hollywood culture that is bereft of decent values," the US daily said: "The movie instructs as much as it entertains. It will have enduring value for providing a vivid snapshot of a nation undergoing tumultuous modernization."

The film "stands in sharp contrast to the typical Hollywood fare that encourages promiscuity, greed, individualism and cynicism," it said comparing it with others nominated at the Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture, Drama: "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," "The Reader," "Revolutionary Road," and "Frost/Nixon."

"Each has artistic merit, but the films are about dreary subjects and have protagonists who have dubious morals at best," the Times said. "'Slumdog Millionaire' demonstrates that if American filmmakers are unwilling to highlight our core values, others will rise to fill that void."

Akshay Kumar Beats Shahrukh Khan in Taxes

January 18th, 2009

Shahrukh Khan may have ruled the box office in 2008, with 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi' beating Akshay Kumar's record of 'Singh is Kinng,' but that wasn't the case when it came to paying taxes! With his numerous endorsement deals and his own company, Red Chillies, Shahrukh usually turns out to be the country's highest tax payer. But with no releases from Red Chillies in 2008, that wasn't the case. According to the income tax department, Akshay has paid the highest advance tax this year: Rs 19 crores!! Talk about a lot of dough! Shahrukh has paid Rs 15 crores. Phew! Either way that's a whole lot of moolah!

Unlike last year, Red Chillies didn't pay any advance tax this year. In 2007, they paid 2.5 crore, probably due to the success of 'Om Shanti Om.' Funny isn't it though, as Akshay beats Shahrukh, it's bittersweet as he has to shell out more cash, which is never a good thing especially in these economic times. But we're pretty sure Akshay's not having any problems, especially with the whirlwind tour he's been enjoying with the premieres of 'Chandni Chowk to China.'

Guess the Kinng beat the Baadshah in this round, but let's see if he can do it again with 'Chandni Chowk to China' releasing this Friday!

Deepika was six when she first saw her first Akshay-movie

January 18th, 2009

‘Chandni Chowk To China’ boasts of two of the latest hot-properties of Bollywood - Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone. While the former has an impressive experience behind him to add the required punch to his one-liners or his kicks, Deepika has the freshness of a winter rose. But the age-gap between the two leading actors was only fully realised when Deepika made an interesting revelation.

“I was just six when I watched Akshay’s ‘Main Khiladi Tu Anari’!” Deepika said to a news daily.Talking about this discrepancy, Akshay joked, “The other day I was telling Karisma, who was my first heroine, that I want to play hero opposite her daughter Samaira.”

Considering that Khiladi Akshay was already a pro in the Industry at that time, he might as well belong to a higher generation. So much for the generation gap!

A look on Stardom addict Bollywood actresses

January 18th, 2009

Addiction is always dangerous whether it is liquor, money or stardom. Stardom is also an addiction, which has taken its toll on Bollywood actress. Now it seems that Bollywood has got new success mantra in form of newcomers. Now a day, giving break to new faces in big banner films has become a trend in Bollywood.

There are several examples of such actress in the industry like Malika Sheratwat All the local delivery boys and grocery shop owners hate Mallika Sherawat for her high handed starry attitude.

Mallika stays in Mumbai's up market suburb Versova area along with her brother. In the same Raheja complex that she stays other film personalities like Amrita Rao and Rohit Manasi Roy too say apart from many other TV celebs. We have found out from those staying around her that she is one of the most hated celebs around!

A source told us, “She unashamedly throws her diva like attitude even while working out in her society's gym. She doesn't like people around when she is working out. She yells at all those who even look at her for a brief second when she is doing her work outs. She doesn't even the spare the poor delivery boys who want to use the same lift which she is entering. She makes them wait and uses the lift alone. If she orders anything from the near by grocery shops and the delivery chap is late by even 5 minutes she gives him a lashing of his life. She also orders him to not stand outside her flat for the lift and either use the stairs to go down or take a lift from a floor below. That's the reason why grocery shop owners hate her big time. She should understand that she is no top actress and her recent back to back two flops should teach her some humility especially when dealing with less fortunate people!”

One wonders whether it is the same Mallika who once cried hoarse about her middle class up bringing in small town Rohtak and how she empathized with middle class working people. Success or failure really does strange things to people in Bollywood but it seems extremely extreme in case of the salacious actress!

Ever since Kareena Kapoor renounced the Miss Attitude title, the crown has been sitting idle and lonely, looking for the next best lovely lady. It's finally got some takers, at least that's what the jury comprising of some industrywallas and media folks have to say. But there's one girl out to prove the filmi adalat wrong this time. People believe that after the success of Gangster, Kangana Ranaut has been giving producers a whole lot of attitude. But that's quite contrary to the truth. In fact, one of the reasons she accepted the role in Metro, was her great rapport with director Anurag Basu.

He had given her her first break in Bollywood, a successful one that too. It's something Kangana will remember as long as she's around. “Kangana's not in awe of herself; she understands that if you're a good actress you'll stand out one way or the other,” says her close director friend. That little bit of spunk and attitude – we like it. If there's an excess just throw it away not around.

Rimi Sen bagged Dhoom, Baghban and a slew of other high-profile projects.
She has bagged some of the bes roles in Bollywood movies and she is also disliked by her co-stars because of her attitude problem, people say that she has a very foul mouth!
No one likes her. Lonely at the top?

Kareena Kapoor wore it for a long time and then renounced it, guess what? It's the attitude crown. But now the crown has found a new head to rest upon. This new head belongs to Kangna Ranaut, the glamorous Bollywood actress. Kanga is crowned the ‘Miss Attitude' of Bollywood because she is soaring high after the little success of her movie ‘Gangster'. Known for her skin show, Kangna has started throwing lot of attitude on the producers and has made a demand for a pivotal role in all the films including the multi-starrers. Recently Kangna was seen in her friend Anurag Basu's film ‘Life in a Metro'. Kangna accepted to do this film because Anurag was the first person who gave a break in Bollywood. And it is something Kangna would remember throughout her life. A friend of Kangna tells Delhi Times that “Kangna is not in awe in herself; she understands that if you are good actress you will stand out one way or the other.” Well, God only knows who is right- the producers who are facing the heat of Kangna's attitude or the actress' friends.

Celina jaitley is one the media's favourite gals. Firstly, this babe flirts with the camera beautifully; ask the lensman, he will tell you about the killer picturesshe makes. Celina courts controversies too, and she doesn't escape the shutterbugs hounding her for bytes. Now is not this reason enough for the media-folk to adore her. No attitude, no starry hang-ups —-we couldn't have it better. “The media has always been kind to me; they have given me a chance to prove myself. And i know how tough it is being a scribe, why should i give them any attitude?” says Celina Jaitley, who will next be seen in Shakalaka Boom Boom. Now that's the attitude we tend to prefer!

She is the number one actress in Bollywood. It all started with the super-duper success of her last release JAB WE MET, which catapulted her to the top league. Post that she has been riding high in both her professional and personal life. With looks to die for and a pencil-thin figure, Kareena Kapoor is not only the highest paid actress in the country but also the flavour of the year. Now, the million-dollar babe is all set to re-enforce her numero uno status with her latest release Tashan. Everybody's already raving about Kareena's Tashan in the film.

Says a source who has just seen the film, "With Tashan, Kareena has established her clout in the industry. She has never looked so scorching hot before on screen and she has never been so good in a film! She positively sizzles. Whatever the fate of the film, Kareena Kapoor is here to stay. She is numero uno. "

That's Kareena's Tashan for you! And Kareena's ecstatic about all the praise she has received for Tashan. "I think it's a tailor made role for any actress. I think I am extremely lucky to get this role. It's like a hero's role, it has action, romance, song, dance everything in it besides which I think it has a lot of closeness to me, the kind of girl she is, very headstrong, knows her emotions."

The Numero Uno, Kareena Kapoor has proved to one and all with her performance in Tashan that there is nobody to shake her up and mess up with her race to fame!

Mumbai, Sameera Reddy seems to be quite a gutsy girl. The actress remains unflustered despite being attacked by property goons while helping girls from an orphanage who were being evicted.

Sameera said she was unhappy with the attitude of the film fraternity to the trauma of the hapless girls. She maintains while people from all other walks of life came forward to help, the people from the entertainment world did not bother.

Sameera “The response from all over the country was overwhelming - corporate people, working-class, even domestic servants offered support. Middle class people were willing to dig into their pockets and give Rs.50 to help these kids.

Priyanka Chopra who recently presented a speech at the Global Leadership Forum in Kuala Lumpur received good reviews for her performances in Aaitraz and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi. The actress?s position then rose in the film industry and she is currently being offered some of the best films with big productions banners. However recently the actress seems to be developing a starry attitude on the sets of her films. On the sets of her film Salaam-E-Ishq she recently threw many diva tantrums and gave the film crew a tough time.

When the actress was shooting for Nikhil Advani?s film she was given a Mercedes Benz for her use, but the actress refused and instead asked for the use of a limousine. After driving the Mercedes Benz for a while the actress wanted something bigger and better so she decided to ask for a limousine. The actress also threw a tantrum regarding the outfits that she had to wear for the film. Priyanka made a lot of fuss regarding the clothes for the scenes in the film claiming that her clothes designs were not conducive to the London weather. Designer Vikram Phadnis who has designed the clothes for the film says ?Priyanka did have a problem with wearing one of the jackets for a scene in the film and as she is very particular about her look and styling we changed the jacket and replaced it with another one. There was no major problem but just a minor thing which was sorted out immediately.?

But Priyanka? diva tantrums did not end there; she began interfering in the scenes of the film, giving unsolicited advice and inputs for the film. However director Nikhil Advani refused to comment on the situation with Priyanka saying ? I am the not the right one to be talking about this. Why don?t you speak to the producers of the film?? Unfortunately though producer Sunil Manchanda too refused to confirm Priyanka?s diva behaviour. However another source from the sets confirmed Priyanka?s high end behaviour and lavish demands. Priyanka is currently shooting for Harry Baweja?s film Love Story 2050 . The actress was recently also upset with the fact that she was not being promoted as much as Kareena and Isha Koppikar in Farhan Akhtar?s remake Don. But Priyanka claims that these are all baseless rumours and there is no truth to them.

Actress Asin's Hindi version of the movie Ghajini has crossed 100 crores in a week but she is in the news for all the wrong reason.

According to the news she has been throwing "starry tantrums" on the sets of London Dreams. Manzoor Khan, the make up artist and hairstylist walked out of the film because they could not stand Asin's chin-up attitude.

They say "even though Asin is from the South Indian film industry she behaves as she is from Hollywood." On the other hand the producer of the film stated that Manzoor Khan was asked to leave because his work was not appropriate for the film.

Now will Asin come back to south after getting all the success in Bollywood?

Aishwarya Rai is flooded with offers for films. But her priorities right now are slightly different. She wants to focus on her family duties while doing very selective work. Says a source very close to her, "Even about Pink Panther she wasn't sure, what with Mrs Teji Bachchan being so critically ill. Aishwarya didn't want any distraction from her family duties. It was Abhishek who urged her to take up the offer. Now she's ready to sign a couple of films. But she will choose very carefully. "

Producer Rohan Sippy's film directed by Sriram which is supposed to bring the never-before pair of John Abraham and Aishwarya Rai is awaiting the leading lady's approval. Though the shooting for the untitled love story has commenced with John, Aishwarya's nod is still awaited. And the only reason why she hasn't given the green signal is because the director hasn't come up with the script yet.

Says a source close to the project, "Ash has always been very close to the producer Rohan Sippy. After all she met and got to know Abhishek on the sets of Rohan's Kuch Na Kaho. Since then she and Rohan have always been close. When this project with Sriram Raghavan came up, Aishwarya's dates were a problem. Rohan flew down to Boston where she was shooting for her Pink Panther movie to convince her. Touched by Rohan's sincerity she immediately said yes. However, she made it clear that she would like to see the script."

Months have passed but no script. Sriram was busy finishing Johnny Gaddar and then sorting his projects out. Continues the source, "Though Ash has heard Sriram's idea and loves it, she has always insisted on a script from the start of her career. Remember how years ago Indra Kumar got pissed off with her because she had asked for a script before saying yes? Ash remains unchanged in her professionalism. Whether it's a completely professional arrangement with Indra Kumar or a friendly producer like Rohan Sippy, she wants the script."

Pooh poohing stories of how she was distracted and distracting on the sets of Jodhaa Akbar the source says, "If anything Ash is today even more professional than she used to be before marriage. Forget about causing distractions by bringing guests to Karjat where Ashutosh was shooting, or not giving Hrithik Roshan his cues while he was emoting, Ash wouldn't even speak to her husband on the phone while shooting." Sriram's film is crucial for Ash because after Jodhaa Akbar and Pink Panther this would be the only film she's signing.

Concludes the source, "Some people are suggesting that Aishwarya's dates for Sriram Raghavan's film are a difficulty. Not true. She has already set aside a large chunk in the first quarter of 2008 for this film. The problem is the script. She's still waiting for it." Aishwarya who's just back from a wedding in Jaya Bachchan's family in Bhopal remains the same. "My attitude to my career remains unchanged. I remain the same. It's people around me who imagine I've become a different person. They insist on portraying me the way they perceive me to be in their minds. And never mind if they're way off the mark. One report says I'll be performing the Salsa at a soap-sponsored event. Does that look anything like me.