AMRITA WELCOMES ‘09 IN DUBAI

January 23rd, 2009

After a little family gathering at Goa in December, the most talked about couple in Bollywood - the lovely damsel Amrita Arora and her beau Shakeel welcomed 2009 in Dubai. After painting the city red, the couple wanted to spend some time alone in each other’s company so they headed off to a place where they cannot be disturbed. Amrita says, "It was spontaneous actually. We did not plan it. It was the first time that I just didn’t know where I am going on New Year’s Eve as all my friends were scattered in different direction. So instead, Shakeel just suggested that we spend some time alone in Dubai and the plan was made just then and there. And though I’ve been to Dubai a number of times, the fun really is in planning things on a spur of the moment and taking off."

January 23rd, 2009

"Oye! it's Friday", Shah Rukh Khan and Farhan Akhtar found themselves in such a playful zone that it turned out to be a two-episode show instead of a single episode. Have a look at what to expect in the second and concluding episode that would be aired today.

- Shah Rukh jokes about how it's difficult to explain to his children the need for wearing makeup for macho roles. He also talks about how Indian Cinema is growing by leaps and bounds with young talent making Indian cinema go places.

- Shah Rukh tries to relive the Mohabbatein moment as he 'attempts' playing the violin all over again. A difficult task for him because he is pitted against none other than Violin maestro Lakshminarayana Subramaniam, also known as Ambi, who in spite of being in just his 12th standard has already begun to follow in the footsteps of his father, the famous Violin Maestro Dr. L. Subramaniam.

- This young genius gave his first performance at the age of seven and has already performed extensively in Indian and abroad. Ambi has also performed with his father for Karnatic concerts at the prestigious Dussehra Festival at the Mysore Palace and recently performed at the Lincoln Center Out- of- Doors Festival.

- Even though Shah Rukh believed that playing a violin was his 'Dain haath ka khel', all he could do was just 'pretend' playing the violin. However, once Ambi started playing it, SRK didn't have any other choice but to admit that actors are after all only the face of the talent. However, the mischievous man that he is in real life, SRK did joke about how he would teach Ambi to 'act' while playing a violin.

- Shah Rukh Khan also shared an interesting anecdote about a real life situation that he found himself in during the shoot of Mohabbatein. He reveals that he was so bad at playing the violin that Amitabh Bachchan and Aditya Chopra actually banned him from using a real violin, courtesy the kind of sounds that he produced while playing it. However, when it came to Ambi, his riveting performance got him a standing ovation from Shah Rukh Khan, Farhan and the entire Oye audience.

- There is an interesting game played as well where Shah Rukh Khan is required to recognize his heroines. So how does he do that? Well, he uses his glasses, sunglasses and the torch!

- One of the major highlights of the show involves Farhan Akhtar asking Shah Rukh to call a girl from the audience. The girl here turns out to be Silky. Well, SRK being SRK, he tells her - 'Silky, I'm Milky'. He scares her though with his ever-so-famous 'Madan Chopra' dialogue from Baazigar. The girl is obviously shocked but this is when SRK does something that relaxes the atmosphere. What did he do?

- Farhan Akhtar jokes that instead of '11 mulkon ki Police', there should been at least 50-60 countries involved or maybe even 3-4 planets. A possibility explored? Try doing that in Don 2!

- On a serious conversation around 'Brand SRK', Shah Rukh again maintains that 'He is not SRK; instead he works for SRK'. He also talks about how when something works, branding starts! He adds though that basic level of honesty is required in all what one does and though it is not necessary to rebel, one should not do wrong things because everybody is not a superhero. He also mentions that there is no alternative to hard work!

- Shah Rukh Khan talks about his presence in 20-20 Cricket. He also jokes about how all his childhood pictures were the ones that showed him playing sports. He brings up his love for Chak De India and talks about the sorry state where children cannot tell their parents about their aspirations to be sportspersons. On this, Farhan requests parents to support children who are inclined towards sports.

- Of course, how could a Farhan Akhtar show get completed without a gift being given to the guest? While Farhan does hand him over something interesting, Shah Rukh jokes that how Farhan could have asked him earlier about his choices and he would have been glad to send over a list.

- Shah Rukh Khan makes a grand exit to one of his most popular songs of the decade. Any guesses?

To know about this and a lot more, don't miss 'Oye! It's Friday!' at 10:00 PM today, only on NDTV Imagine.

Shahid's dad Pankaj Kapoor project from April-June

January 23rd, 2009

Shahid Kapoor is one busy star. He is working in quite a few diametrically different roles in his forthcoming films. He has Vishal Bhardwaj's KAMINAY, opposite Priyanka Chopra, which is now complete and is in post-production. And then there is Ahmed Khan's PAATHSHAALA, where he has an extended guest appearance.

At present Shahid is very busy with Ken Gosh's YAHOO, opposite Jiah Khan and Yash Raj's untitled project with Rani Mukerjee. Shahid is in a hurry to complete these two films. And the reason for that is Shahid plans to start shooting for his dad Pankaj Kapoor's directorial venture, which is scheduled to go on the floor in April or June.

Though he is working in quite a few films simultaneously, Shahid intends to finish all his work as soon as possible and devote the whole year to his dad's film. The reason behind this dedication towards his dad's film is that he will sport a particular look (which he cannot reveal at present), and as a result he will be unable to work in any other project, till the film is complete.

Sources say that the film is an adaptation of Shakespear's HAMLET. It will show Shahid in a never before avatar and will give him ample scope to showcase his histrionic capabilities. Dad Pankaj Kapoor has often lamented that his son has not been given the right kind of roles, and so this should definitely be the project which would establish Shahid as a serious actor as well.

Here's wishing the father-son team the best, both critically and commercially!

CC2C banned in Himalayan country, Nepal

January 23rd, 2009

New Delhi, Akshay Kumar film Chandni Chowk to China (CC2C) was banned in Himalayan country, Nepal following controversy over the place of birth of Gautam Buddha, the founder Buddhism.

Notwithstanding the fact that most people in Nepal are practicing Hindus like India they are still emotionally attached to Lord Buddha and respect him. They are also not prepared to give up the distinction of being the birthplace of the great reformer that Buddha was.

Gautam Buddha, also known as Śākyamuni or Shakyamuni ("sage of the Shakyas"), is the key figure in Buddhism, and accounts of his life, discourses, and monastic rules are believed by Buddhists to have been summarized after his death and memorized by his followers.

Various collections of teachings attributed to Gautama were passed down by oral tradition, and first committed to writing about 400 years later. Early Western scholarship tended to in large part accept the biography of the Buddha presented in the Buddhist scriptures, but "scholars are increasingly reluctant to make unqualified claims about the historical facts of the Buddha's life and teachings."

The Sensor Board in Nepal had first cleared the movie, but later went on to ban the movie following two big protests in the capital kathmandu.

All Kathmandu valley cinemas, from multiplexes like Jai Nepal, Kumari, Gopi Krishna and Barahi, to smaller ones like Guna and Ashta Narayan, hurriedly dropped the Akshay Kumar-Deepika Padukone starrer and began showing the earlier Bollywood release “Ghajini” or waited for another Bollywood film “Raaz” to be released Friday.

Shekhar Suman says sorry to Akshay Kumar

January 23rd, 2009

When Shekhar Suman made critical remarks about Akshay Kumar vis-à-vis Chandni Chowk To China little did he know it would blow up into such a huge point of debate.

In a reconciliatory gesture Shekhar sent an SMS on Thursday morning apologizing to Akshay.

"It was never my intention to offend Akshay. And if I've done do then I've no hesitation in saying sorry. Akshay is too much of a good soul for me to hurt him. He should've realized my comments had nothing personal about them."

Shekhar us taken aback by the backlash to his tongue-lash. "I never knew my opinion would matter so much. I reacted as an outraged viewer. I've always admired Akshay Kumar's resilient climb from the bottom rung to the top of ladder. In fact I tell my son Adhyayan that Akshay Kumar is a role model to follow. Self-made superstar."

Sadly a section of Akshay's supports including the Chandni Chowk director Nikhil Advani saw Shekhar's comments as below-the-belt attempts to get publicity for Adhyayan's release this week.

Shekhar laughs off this accusation. "My son is talented enough to do without such cheap props. We don't need to use big names to get noticed. Adhyayan's performance in Raaz 2 will speak for itself. I'd say exactly what I did about Chandni Chowk even if my son's film wasn't releasing."

AISHWARYA RAI IS VERY VERY JEALOUS OF KATRINA KAIF

January 22nd, 2009

Aishwarya says Katrina bought the FHM award

A few days ago we reported that Abhishek Bachchan was not happy about Harman Baweja getting signed by ace director Ashutosh Gowarikar… the jealousy of this was seen on Aby’s Baby’s face at the IIFA fashion show where Harman walked the ramp. Now, we hear that Abhishek’s wife Aishwarya has joined him on the ladder of jealousy…

Aishwarya is amazed as to how fellow actress Katrina Kaif has been declared the sexiest Asian woman by FHM. Apparently Ash has been joking that Kat must’ve paid a handsome amount to get on the cover. Ash has been saying she’s been here long enough to know how undeserving actresses end up on the covers of international magazines and Katrina definitely isn’t in the league to make it there!

WHAT? Long enough to know how to BE FAKE, CRY CROCODILE TEARS, BE INCESTUOUS.Well we say KATRINA KAIF WIN ALL ODDS WITH THIS FIGHT.Oh wait, it's not even a fight, it's just you AISH.

Priyanka Chopra ditches Nach Baliye!

January 22nd, 2009

Mumbai, Actress Priyanka Chopra, who was supposed to appear on the dance-based reality show ‘Nach Baliye’, has ditched the show after confirming that she would show up.

The actress has reportedly chosen to support her mother instead, saying that she means more to her. Priyanka’s mum, Madhu, had to prepare for the opening of her cosmetic surgery clinic, Madhu’s Studio Aesthetic, in Juhu. The launch may take place sometime next month.

Grapevine has it that another reason of her sudden ‘no’ to ‘Nach Baliye’ is Amrita Rao. When she learnt that Amrita will also be present on the same episode, she became too apprehensive as she alone wanted to grace the episode.

Priyanka had to grace the show as a guest judge for Friday’s episode. But since she backed out at the last minute, guess, Amrita will get an opportunity to steal the show.

Entertainment: A Look Forward to 2009

January 22nd, 2009

MUMBAI — The movie buff has a vast spread being served up in the twelve-month period to come — big-budget bonanzas, star-heavy blockbusters, niche films and all the in-betweens. So expect the films that define new trends by defying old ones, push the envelope, conform to the mainstream and make millions and prove yet again that for the film lover, variety is indeed the spice that provides all the nutrition.

AAMIR KHAN:

Fresh from the thunderous reception to “Ghajini” and the success of his production “Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na,” Aamir Khan will now release Rajkumar Hirani’s “3 Idiots” which finally co-stars him with Kareena Kapoor after a couple of jinxed films. Vidhu Vinod Chopra produces this tweaked cinematic version of Chetan Bhagat’s bestseller on the flawed education system, “Five Point Someone.”

That apart, Aamir does a cameo in his wife Kiran Rao’s directorial debut “Dhobi Ghat,” actually filmed at the Mumbai landmark where washermen clean clothes, which stars Prateik Babbar, and produces the English film “Delhi Belly” directed by Abhinav Deo and starring Imran Khan.

AKSHAY KUMAR:

Akshay Kumar has over Rs. 300 crore riding on his films, and he kickstarts 2009 with Nikhil Advani’s “Chandni Chowk to China,” which is about a cook from Delhi landing up in China where he is mistaken for a martial arts expert. As in “Om Shanti Om” there are “two’” Deepika Padukones around.

This will be followed by Nagesh Kukunoor’s “Eight By Ten” wherein he plays a psychic, “Blue” with its underwater sequences that needed Lara Dutta, Zayed Khan and Sanjay Dutt and him to learn deep-sea diving and with a cost of Rs. 100 crore making it the costliest Hindi film ever, besides Priyadarshan’s mirthquake “De Dhana Dhan” and Sajid Nadiadwala’s “Kambakkth Ishq” in which he is Hollywood double to their stars and co-stars with Kareena Kapoor. Sylvester Stallone, Brandon Routh, Denise Richards, Carmen Electra (in a song with Kareena!) with newbie Saabir Khan as director.

HRITHIK ROSHAN:

Hrithik Roshan will star in the home production “Kites,” shot in Mexico, with Anurag Bose helming dad Rakesh’s production. He plays a dance director, has a dance choreographed by an international name, and the love story features Kangana Ranaut and Mexican babe Barbara Mori.

SHAH RUKH KHAN:

Fresh from the actually unexpected success of “Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi” (the joke goes that the real “Jodi” made for each other is SRK with Aditya Chopra, for they have never flopped in four films over 13 years!), SRK will be seen first in his home-production, “Billo Barber,” in an extended cameo that includes a solo rock song and three songs with Kareena Kapoor, Bipasha Basu and Deepika Padukone in cameos. Irrfan Khan and Lara Dutta co-star in his first union with Priyadarshan as well as the director’s fave music maker Pritam.

Even as “Don 2” and his film with Yash Chopra as director take off only at the end of the year (besides his animation film “Ra One” directed by Anubhav Sinha and Farah Khan’s “Happy New Year”), he will end the year playing a Muslim man with Asperger’s Syndrome, reuniting with flop-free co-star Kajol in the real-life and 9/11-based Karan Johar film “My Name Is Khan.”

SALMAN KHAN:

Currently ranked lowest among the superstars, Salman Khan still has Rs. 150 crore riding on him. Two home productions, “Veer,” the period film co-starring Zarine Khan (reportedly a Katrina Kaif lookalike) and Miss UK Lisa Lazarus, and directed by Anil “Gadar” Sharma; and Prem Soni’s comedy “Main Aur Mrs. Khanna,” with Kareena Kapoor, are coming. The former is written by Salman himself, and the latter poised to break the jinx on Kareena after their flop pairing in “Kyon Ki…” and an aborted film with Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

“Wanted – Dead Or Alive” is stuck for the while, but “London Dreams” with Ajay Devgan and Asin is sure to rock. There’s also a cameo in “Banda Yeh Bindaas Hai.”

THE PROVEN MASTERS:

Priyadarshan, Anees Bazmee and David Dhawan form the troika of comedy — while Priyan helms “Billo Barber” and “De Dhana Dhan,” he also does the serious “Bum Bum Bole” which is an adaptation of the Majid Majidi's Iranian film, “The Children of Heaven.”

Anees, reportedly today’s highest-paid director, comes up with “No Problem” for Anil Kapoor and a film with Harman Baweja. David Dhawan will release “Do Knot Disturb” with Govinda and “Hook Ya Crook” for UTV with John Abraham.

Karan Johar, besides his own “My Name Is Khan,” produces the coming-of-age “Wake Up Sid” with Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif, and Kajol’s cousin Ayaan Mukerji as director, and the serious Saif Ali Khan-Kareena Kapoor film directed by Rensil D’Silva who wrote “Rang De Basanti.”

Speaking of “RDB,” Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s “Delhi 6” starring Amitabh Bachchan (in a cameo) and revolving around an NRI grandson (Abhishek Bachchan) and his ailing grandmother (Waheeda Rehman) is ready for release. This will be Sonam Kapoor’s first release after his debut flop “Saawariya” in 2007. Rishi Kapoor is also in the cast of the film.

Ashutosh Gowariker takes a break from intense socials (and also A.R. Rahman) in the Harman Baweja-Priyanka Chopra romantic comedy “What’s Your Rashee?” in which Priyanka plays 12 characters corresponding to each zodiac sign! A similar break is taken by Rajkumar Santoshi for Tips’ romcom “Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani.”

Madhur Bhandarkar’s hard-hitting saga “Jail” will also see the light of day with Neil Nitin Mukesh. Vishal Bhardwaj is co-producing two intense rural dramas, “Kaminay”(which he directs with Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra) and “Ishqiya” (directed by his assistant Abhishek Chaube with Naseeruddin Shah, Arshad Warsi and Vidya Balan).

BR Films’ comedy with Govinda, Lara Dutta and Juhi Chawla, “Banda Yeh Bindaas Hai” is directed by Ravi Chopra, while Yash Raj Films are all set to follow up on their “Rab Ne…” success with “New York,” a 9/11-based thriller directed by Kabir Khan starring Neil Nitin Mukesh in his first appearance after “Johnny Gaddaar,” John Abraham and Katrina Kaif, and a Shahid Kapoor-Rani Mukerji film on cricket directed by Anurag Singh. Neil also stars in “Aa Dekhe Zaraa,” a thriller, with Bipasha Basu.

Cricket also occupies center-stage in “Victory” starring Harman Baweja (in his second release) and Amrita Rao with real cricketers from India, Australia and other countries. The film marks the directorial debut of veteran TV actor Ajit Pal.

The Bhatts’ Mohit Suri-directed “Raaz – The Mystery Continues” is assured of an opening with the “Raaz” sequel hype and flavor and the great response to the music. They are also producing the Emraan Hashmi-Soha Ali Khan film directed by Kunal “Jannat” Deshmukh. Vikram Bhatt’s home productions “Shaapit” which he directs himself with Aditya Narayan making his acting debut, and two more films “Phhir” and “Purple Lake” are also coming up.

THE OTHER VARIED ATTRACTIONS:

. “Aashayein” from Nagesh Kukunoor about a terminally-ill John Abraham.

. “Dev D” starring Abhay Deol and based on his own concept – a film directed by Anurag Kashyap

. “Yeh Honsla” from Kukunoor again with Sameera Reddy as a Dalit woman fighting for her rights.

. “Kal Kisne Dekha” marking Jacky Bhagnani’s debut as actor and directed by Vivek “Bhoothnath” Sharma. Also introducing Vaishali Desai, Manmohan Desai’s granddaughter.

. “Rang Rasiya,” Ketan Mehta’s biopic on painter Ravi Varma.

. “Karma – Confessions And Holi” with Sushmita Sen producing with Saregama Films and an international and Indian cast.

. Neeraj Vora’s comedies “Run Bhola Run” and “Shortkut,” the latter produced by Anil Kapoor.

. Middle-aged romance between Nana Patekar and Dimple Kapadia in “Tum Milo Toh Sahi.”

. Soham’s action film “Luck” introducing Kamal Haasan’s reportedly sensational daughter Shruti Haasan with Imran Khan, Sanjay Dutt and Mithun Chakraborty.

. Eros’ Sujoy Ghosh-directed “Aladdin,” VFX-heavy with Amitabh Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh and Jacqueline Fernandez, the hot model.

. Zoya Akhtar’s directorial debut “Luck By Chance” starring Farhan Akhtar, Juhi Chawla, Konkana Sen, Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia and Hrithik Roshan in a cameo on film industry strugglers releases this month.

. Marathi ace directors’ outings – Tips’ “Toh Baat Pakki” with Kedar Shinde, Milind Ukey’s purposeful “Paathshala” with Nana Patekar, Shahid Kapoor and Ayesha Takia and Chandrakant Kulkarni’s next.

. “Teen Patti” with Amitabh Bachchan directed by Leena Yadav.

. “Yahoo” directed by Ken Ghosh with Shahid Kapoor and Jiah Khan.

. Imtiaz Ali’s next for producer Saif Ali Khan with Deepika Padukone as co-star.

. T-Series’ Himesh-athons “Kajraare” and “A New Love Isshstory.”

. Animation films UTV’s “Arjun” (on the warrior), Nikhil Advani’s “Ab Dilli Door Nahi” and Dharma Productions’ “Koochie Koochie Hota Hai” inspired by “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.”

The part-animation “Toonpur Ka Superhero” with Ajay Devgan and Kajol.

BOX:

Newcomers to watch for:

SHRUTI HAASAN

ADITYA NARAYAN

JACQUELINE D’SOUZA

ZARINE KHAN

LISA LAZARUS

JACKY BHAGNANI

VAISHALI DESAI


“City-centric” titles:

AB DILLI DOOR NAHI

DELHI BELLY

DELHI 6

NEW YORK

CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA

LONDON DREAMS

I'm not an Idiot: Kareena

January 22nd, 2009

You’ve apparently made up your mind to not do any more stage shows.
Kareena Kapoor: 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...
Kareena Kapoor: 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?
Kareena Kapor: 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.
Kareena Kapoor : 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?
Kareena Kapor: 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?
Kareena Kapoor: 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?
Kareena Kapoor: 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?
Kareena Kapoor: 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.

Salman Khan - Better Late than Never

January 23rd, 2009

Salman Khan received some good news yesterday when the special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act judge YD Shinde ordered 25 lakhs to be released to him from the proceeds of the 2001 film Chori Chori Chupke Chupke. The money had been held up in litigation after the financier and producer were arrested for alleged links to the underworld. "My client had fulfilled his contractual obligations,” said Salman’s lawyer, “While Rs1.25 crore has been paid to him, balance of Rs25 lakh was due."

Salman has been praising Aamir Khan’s grasp of marketing strategy for Ghajini and will be seeking to emulate him for his upcoming movie Wanted: Dead or Alive which also stars Ayesha Takia, the Facebook page is already visited frequently by fans. The movie is a remake of the hugely successful Kollywood film Pokkiri that starred Vijay and Asin.

This could be the year that Salman reclaims his position in the top five of Bollywood actors with other releases expected to be London Dreams with Ajay Devgan and Asin, Main Aur Mrs Khanna with Kareena Kapoor and the period drama Veer which will see the debut of British actress Lisa Lazarus. After the huge disappointment of Yuvraaj and God Tussi Great Ho, Salman needs a couple of hits.

Kangana: Hrithik is a fun person

January 23rd, 2009

Are you happy with the response to Fashion? I am more than happy. I can say that I am thrilled beyond words. For me, Fashion is an important movie in my career. My role, though it spurred many controversies, was critically acclaimed. It showed the dark side of the fashion industry. The movie has taken me to the bigger league in the industry.

In Raaz - The Mystery Continues (RTMC), you play a supermodel, just like in Fashion. Looking for luck?
Though I play a supermodel in both movies, the similarities end there. In Fashion, Shonali (her character) was the showstopper. She was completely into drugs and faced tough times in life. But Nandita (in RTMC )is a supermodel, who goes through a psychotic phase in life. She is not into drugs and she walks the ramp just once. We haven’t explored her ‘supermodel’ life.

Is RTMC a sequel to the 2002 Raaz starring Bipasha Basu and Dino Morea?
No. It’s not a sequel. The story is completely different and so is the cast. It’s almost seven years since the original Raaz released. The audience’s taste has changed with time. So, instead of continuing a sequel, we have chosen an entirely new subject.

How was it working with Adhyayan Suman?
I have always said that he’s a good-looking and talented actor. In RTMC, he plays a creative director. His performance will make the audience applaud. He has given his best and proved his mettle. It was amazing working with Adhyayan and I am looking forward to more such projects.

RTMC is in news for all the wrong reasons. The censor board, which had issues with nude scenes and certain words mouthed by you, has issued an ‘A’ certificate... I want to clarify that there are no nude scenes in the movie. I have no idea from where such rumours originate. The censor board did have some problems with gory scenes in the movie. But, come on, it’s a horror movie and not a feel-good family entertainer. It’s a spooky movie about paranormal phenomena. We have also used high-end technology. Just to pep up the issue, people are using pyaaz and mirchi, which is unfair. And I have no problem with the ‘A’ certificate. Nowadays, none of the movies get a ‘U’ clearance. And RTMC has an ‘A’ because of its horror element — nothing more and nothing less.

One of your ardent admirers, Salma Ansari, wife of the Vice President of India, Hamid Ansari has invited you for dinner at her residence today...
Yes. I was surprised. It’s an honour to receive an invitation from Salma ji. I’m looking forward to the meeting.

What are your future projects?
I am currently shooting for Kites with Hrithik Roshan. Hrithik is a fun person to work with. Apart from that, I am also holding talks with a few others in connection with other projects.

Any Kollywood projects in the pipeline?
Post Dhaam Dhoom, I haven’t accepted any other offers from the south. But I am keen to do a few projects down south. I am waiting for good scripts. If there are any good offers, I wouldn’t hesitate to grab them.

Salman Khan’s whole new agenda

January 22nd, 2009

Ghajini’s marketing strategy has started a whole new trend in Bollywood and inspired many.

Yes, it was praised by the Bollywood fraternity and this includes Salman Khan, who wants to do it like Aamir to promote his upcoming film ‘Wanted Dead And Alive’.

For the uninitiated ‘Wanted Dead And Alive’ is a Hindi remake of the hit Tamil film ‘Pokkiri’ that starred Vijay and Asin. The Hindi version stars Salman and Ayesha Takia as the lead pair and is directed by Prabhu Deva

The publicity gimmick of ‘Ghajini’ when the multiplex staffers sported the ‘Ghajini’ hair-cut, Aamir’s interaction with the media, him chopping hair and shaving people’s heads has impressed Salman no end.

He told Boney Kapoor to promote ‘Wanted Dead And Alive’ in a similar unique way and he’s doing the needful.

‘Pokkiri’ was a huge Tamil box office hit and they want the Hindi version to do very well too.

Apparently Aamir was inspired by Salman to get the beefed-up look for Ghajini. And hence he’s following Aamir happily now.

And that’s not the only new thing happening in Sallu bhai’s life. He’s all set to endorse beach fashion in his forthcoming film ‘Wanted Dead & Alive’ too.

Ashley Rebello, who has styled Salman in the film has said, “Salman will be seen wearing neck pieces made from beads, sea shells and everything that is hippie and Goan in the film. The film has been mostly shot in Bangkok… He will wear folded knee length pants and white shirts in the movie. He will also wear a lot of checked shirts and leather jackets which give him that hippie look.”

This casual ‘beach-boy’ look can be an instant hit and could do as well as John’s hot yellow trunk in ‘Dostana’. Let’s wait and watch.

Suneil Shetty injured while shooting for De Dana Dan

January 22, 2009

A serious chest injury for Suneil Shetty, a wracking fever cold-cough and a septic leg wound for Katrina Kaif...all this and much more happened while shooting prolonged underwater sequences for Priyadarshan's De Dana Dan last month.

The most hard hit is Suneil Shetty. Our first action hero to get healthily muscular, he has never gone without the gym in the past ten years...

Except now. A serious chest injury last month on the sets of Priyadarshan's comedy De Dana Dan had the Blast Action Hero laid up for the past six weeks...without exercise. This has automatically generated unwanted avoid-dupois in Suneil.

"But there's nothing I can do about it," shrugs Suneil Shetty helplessly as he finally gets permission to move out of bed, but not to exercise. "For six weeks, I've been a lying around at home doing practically nothing except watching television reading books and scripts and bonding with my kids. But for how long? They've a life of their own. The worst blow was the fact that I couldn't exercise, something unthinkable for me. But then you know how it is. Destiny has all kinds of plans for you when you are busy looking elsewhere."

So what happened? "All of us Akshay Kumar, Katrina, Sameera and I were shooting underwater for De Dana Dan. In water your body just floats. I don't know what hit me down there. But I felt something hit my chest. When I came out of the water I couldn't move my left arm. I couldn't breathe. For the next six weeks I was prescribed complete bed rest. Any movement would and did cause a spasm of pain in my chest. And since I'm in the habit of sleeping on my side, I'd often go to sleep on the hurt hand and get up numb and scared," says Suneil Shetty, shuddering at the recollection of the ordeal .

"I haven't become fat or flabby. But I've put on weight. That really worries me because I've never put on an ounce before. I'm still not allowed to work out."

It will take Suneil time to recover fully. But he gives the makers of De Dana Dan a clean chit. "The water was changed every day and disinfected properly. All safety precautions were taken. And yes the entire cast was ensured. Such things happen. Ironically I've done all kinds of stunts for my films without a single injury so far. And I got injured when we weren't really doing any stunts."

One of Suneil's first outings after the mishap would be to Delhi for the opening of Milind Soman and Rahul Dev's gym.

"Like me they believe in staying fit. In 19 years in the industry I never had to cancel a single shoot....until now."

It's official: Dino Morea is dating Lara Dutta

January 22nd, 2009

Dino Morea and Lara Dutta have been spotted at every nook and corner of Mumbai and finally a source close to the couple leaked the information that the duo are dating each other.

According to the source, the couple doesn't want to come out in the open about their relationship as they feel awkward about it.

Dino Morea who previously dated Bipasha Basu earlier declared that he was happy being single and is not seeing anybody. He always categorically stated that Lara is a good friend. Lara Dutta broke up with Kelly Dorjee, her boyfriend of 8 years recently.

Now the actor has admitted that he is "close to Lara".

Kareena, Katrina and Yana to sizzle at Miss India Worldwide pageant

January 22nd, 2009

New Delhi, Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif and Yana Gupta are set to add a dash of glamour at the grand finale of PC Jewellers Miss India Worldwide pageant to be held at Pragati Maidan Jan 31.

'There will be a mix of beauty, talent and glamour at the finale of the pageant, with Bollywood beauties shaking a leg with the participants; it will be an evening to remember,' host Deepak Tijori said at the press conference here Wednesday.

Deepak's Tijori Entertainment is hosting the show with Kaleidovision.

The 20 finalists will go through a 10 day grilling regime.

'Training is not going to be a cakewalk for them. They will have to go through a tough and hectic regime of around 14 hours a day, which means they cannot take it easy,' said Mehar Bhasin, who will look after the grooming of the contestants.

'The finalists will undergo an exclusively designed training and grooming regime that includes fitness, diction, psyche, aptitude, hair and make-up sessions. The training will enhance their confidence not only for the finale, but for further rounds to be held on the international stage as well,' she added.

Beauty expert Blossom and Samantha Kochhar will take care of their beauty and hair, while fitness tips will be given by model-turned-actors Milind Soman and Rahul Dev.

Designer duo Rahul and Rohit Gandhi of the label Cue will design cocktail and evening wears for the participant. Madhu Jain and Milind Soman of the label M will design Indian traditional wear for the grand finale.

What makes this pageant different from other beauty pageants is the fact that even short girls may take part.

Tijori said: 'This pageant is not restricted by banalities like physical shortcomings; the absence of height criteria and swim suit rounds makes it different from the conventional pageants.

'Majority of the Indian girls do not match the height criteria of other beauty pageants. Though they might have oodles of talent one shortcoming ruins all their chances of applying there. We understood this thing and came with a concept that will cheer up many beautiful and talented girls all over India.'

Miss India Worldwide started 17 years ago and the contestants were primarily selected from the Indian diaspora. But it was felt that the pageant without a participant from India would be incomplete.

Then Tijori Entertainment and Kaleidovision took its franchisee from the Indian Festival Committee (IFC), a pioneer organisation conducting Indian pageants and fashion shows, in the US and worldwide.

Priyanka Chopra's mom to open a hi-tech cosmetic-surgery clinic

January 22nd, 2009

If Priyanka's mother Madhu Chopra didn't accompany her only son Siddharth when he left for Geneva for his one-year culinary course, it was with good reason.

Mrs Chopra is busy with the final preparation for her pricey hi-tech cosmetic-surgery clinic in Juhu (Mumbai). It's a dream project for the Chopras that Priyanka is pooling into with prideful gusto.

"It was my dad who went with my brother. Mom can't leave right now. She's so heavily into her cosmetic clinic. It's on the verge of being opened. We've named it Studio Aesthetic."

Studio Aesthetic aims to be a one-stop cosmetic-surgery clinic with the most sophisticated surgery equipment. Says Priyanka proudly, "We've been getting the machines and equipment for the past one year. The process will continue for a while. But mom's clinic is ready to roll."

And to think Priyanka herself is supposed to have gone through cosmetic surgery. "I know. I should've waited for my mom's clinic. I'd have got a discount," she jokes. "But seriously, if I had gone through cosmetic surgery I'd happily admit it. There's nothing wrong with it. But the fact is, what has happened to me is not surgery. It's polishing. When I came in I was raw and inexperienced about diet, work-outs, makeup. Over a period of time I've understood my body, face and mind. That shows in my appearance and performances."

Priyanka is thrilled to receive the first of her best-actress awards for Fashion. "The last time I got the awards it was for my performance in Aitraaz. But that was not for best actress. So yeah, I'm thrilled."

More thrilling is the fact that two of the popular awards this season shifted their dates forward to accommodate Priyanka's schedules. Apparently, so sure were they of Priyanka winning that they chose to push the awards forward rather than not have her present.

Laughs Priyanka, "I don't think it was for me. But yes the dates were pushed forward. But who wouldn't like winning awards. I do! I've a busy and challenging year ahead. First out is Kaminay with Shahid where audiences will get to see me in a completely different look and role. Then there's What's Your Raashee? which is challenging the hell out of me. Next I go into Pyar Impossible with Uday Chopra. That I think would be easier than Raashee."

In What's Your Raashee? Priyanka plays 12 roles each denoting one star-sign in the horoscope. Though the actress isn't allowed to talk about it.

On a soberer note the Chopras' home is looking emptier. "My brother has gone to study culinary arts at this institution at the outskirts of Geneva called La Rouche. During his year's stay he'll be learning everything to do with the restaurant business from hotel management to cooking. Dad has gone with my brother. But mom has been crying her eyes out. I miss him too."

Action freeze: Abaya lands Bips in court

January 22nd, 2009

Bipasha Basu’s portrayal of an abaya-wearing Muslim on the silver screen has raised the hackles of a firebrand woman activist in Kashmir.

Aasiya Indrabi is suing the makers of Lamhaa, a movie about the lives of Kashmiri separatists fighting Indian rule, when she discovered Basu had been cast to play her character.

Outrage

As if that was not enough, she even got some activists to deface billboards showing revealing pictures of other actresses.

Indrabi heads Dukhtaran-e-Millat (Daughters of the Nation), an organisation which campaigns against social evils. The mother of two observes strict purdah and wears an abaya in public.

When she read reports suggesting that Basu would enact her character in Lamhaa, she decided to press charges.

“I don’t want to see my character played by a woman like Bipasha Basu who prefers to be semi-nude most of the times. She might be glamorous but she is an undignified woman and is part of the immorality-spreading industry – Bollywood. I am a religious woman who observes purdah and refrains from evil deeds. More importantly, I am the only Aasiya Indrabi on earth, so let there be just one,” she was quoted as saying in a report.

Indrabi says that director Rahul Dholakia (Parzania) has reneged on his earlier promise to show her a copy of the script before shooting it.

No resemblance

But Dholakia has refuted allegations that Bipasha would be playing the Kashmiri activist. “Let me make it clear that Bipasha Basu is not playing Aasiya Indrabi. In fact, none of the characters in the movie bear any resemblance to any person living,” Dholakia said.

Bipasha's Penchant

January 22nd, 2009

Bipasha Basu considers her cook to be the most important person in her life right now, of course, apart from boy friend John Abraham, and this is all because he cooks for her, the choicest Bengali food which keeps her healthy and fit. Bipasha has a special penchant for Bengali food and can never miss her fish curry with Chawal.

The Bengali says, she loves the fish made by Mama, but since her mother cannot stay with her, she has this cook who stays and takes care of her epicurean needs.

Bipasha insists that Bengali's are food lovers, and for her especially, there is no life without fish in her food everyday. She feels with all her hectic lifestyle she cannot cook food everyday by herself; the cook is definitely a God set she concludes.

Designer's spring collection makes heads turn at fashion event in Mumbai

January 22nd, 2009

A pink feathered ramp, bathed in pink light created a perfect ambience for fashion designer Rohit Bal's spring collection.

Christened 'Gulal', the collection lived up to its name, as outfits in pink and red ruled the ramp and left the spectators panting for more at the 'Gitanjali Luxury Style Fest' held here on Tuesday.

Drawing inspiration from spring, the season, which heralds the blossoming of flowers, the outfits carried nuances of the theme, as flowers and floral motifs adorned the outfits.

Asymmetric gowns and dresses structured like petals, brought out the feel of a flower filled garden.

Applauding Rohit Bal for his creative genius, Bollywood actress Neha Dhupia said, "This is the first time I'm walking for Rohit Bal. I have to admit the man is a genius. His clothes are absolutely stunning and there is a reason why he is the best."

Spread over three-days, 'Gitanjali Luxury Style Fest', is India's first luxury event which celebrates high-life in the most exuberant manner.

Akshay Kumar breaks down

January 22nd, 2009

Mumbai, January 21: So what if his ‘Chandni Chowk to China’ isn't the best film in the world. Akshay takes back with him moments... special ones. After all, he's a Dilli da kuda, and shooting in Chandni Chowk was "exhilarating". Anyway, it was when Akshay Kumar entered a dhaba in Paranthewalli galli that he broke down.

Reason? He's such a big hit in his hometown that his picture was on the wall along with greats like Indira Gandhi.

"He couldn't believe it when he saw his photo there. And he cried out of humility. He was very touched," says director Nikhil Advani. Now no box office record can match that for sure.