SRK gets dodgy with doggy

February 5th, 2009

Well, we all know that Aamir Khan and Shahrukh Khan share a unique love-hate relationship.

And, Aamir even wrote on his blog about how he called his dog ‘Shah Rukh’. Though King Khan took it sportingly, it is also a known fact that SRK doesn’t forget things easily.

While talking about the Oscar-nominated film Slumdog Millionaire at a press conference recently, SRK smartly picked the word ‘dog’ and with a sarcastic smile said, “I have a very old relation with the word dog!” Now you know what he was taking a dig at Aamir.

Nayantara does it yet again

February 5th, 2009

Surprising film goers, the coveted naïve girl of ‘Thulasi’ later became a sexy vixen by donning glamorous roles clad in revealing outfits. A milestone for Nayantara is the Tamil film ‘Billa’ starring Ajith in which she appeared in a bikini. For the Telugu audience, she will be reiterating her bikini act.

Nayantara is the female lead in the film directed by VV Vinayak starring NTR. Produced by Vamsi Mohan on a high budget, the film is a trademark NTR entertainer filled with action, drama and emotions. She has consented to be clad in the costume which costs her a lot.

For being in such revealing outfits, one need a taut structure and Nayanthara has been going on a crash diet filled with only protein food stuff. The actress has reportedly swooned in the sets of this film due to low blood pressure. But, the actress denies it saying that it’s only a rumor and she is in good health condition. This is not the first time she has fainted in the sets for she was admitted for a check up after one such incident earlier for the same reason.

Is it worthy to undergo such hardships for glamour, only Nayanthara could answer this question.

Akshay Kumar to return as Colors' Khatron Ke Khiladi host

February 5th, 2009

MUMBAI: After the first season of Fear Factor - Khatron Ke Khiladi last year on Colors, Akshay Kumar is all set to return to television as the show's host in its second season this year.

Apart from celebrity guests, Khatron Ke Khiladi Level 2 will also be looking for a participant from the television audience. Auditions for the same will be held in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow and Ahmedabad. To register, viewers can log on to www.colorstv.in/micro/kkk2. The last day to submit entries is 15 February, 2009. The names of the celebrity participants on the show will be revealed at a later date.

Colors programming head Ashvini Yardi said, "Fear Factor - Khatron Ke Khiladi Level 2 is going to be a notch higher in terms of bigger celebrity participants than the last season, the difficulty level of challenges and even Akshay Kumar! The inclusion of the common man as a co-contender will definitely create a lot of excitement. This time around, the show plans to pack in a bigger punch to make sure everyone joins in on the excitement. Also, Akshay will be playing a much bigger role than just of a mentor and a host - something definitely to watch out for!"

Endemol India managing director Deepak Dhar said, "Expect complete fireworks this season because we've raised the bar across the board. Khatron Ke Khiladi Level 2 is a double dose of everything from action to stunts and from the contestants to Khiladi Kumar himself. Apart from all the action on screen, a few lucky viewers will get to experience the exhilaration of the show first-hand. Fasten your seat belts, the action is about to begin."

Rani’s bungalow unlucky for her?

February 4th, 2009

Mumbai: Rani Mukherji Rani Mukerji's career is in doldrums. In recent times, she has delivered many flops. She now believes that her bungalow in Juhu is jinxed. Her astrologer has suggested her that she shift out of the house for the time being. Rani is now looking to buy a flat for herself in Versova, Andheri and will be shifting there soon.

Our source says, "Rani Mukerji shifted to her bungalow early last year. However, her career has seen a downslide ever since she bought it. All her films have failed and her astrologer has suggested that the new bungalow might not be working for her. The astrologer also reasoned that ever since she invested in the bungalow, her films have flopped - from Babul to Laaga Chunri Mein Daag to Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic.

“The only film Rani has on hand, the YRF film about cricket is also in the news more for its problems than for anything creative. Moreover she has lost out on many projects outside Yash Raj Films and no one has offered her substantial films recently. That's the reason Rani is looking out for a flat in Versova. Rani wanted to shift into her old house in Versova but that has already been rented out. This leaves Rani with no choice but to look for another house for herself."

The man behind the success of Ash, Aamir, Shahrukh

February 4th, 2009

First it was Aamir Khan, then it was Shahrukh Khan and now it's Aishwarya Bachchan, who's bagged the Padma Shri Award.

And while the three stars have all won their respective awards in different years, there's one common connection that the trio share. That all the three actors have won a Padma Shri soon after working with ace filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker.

Aamir won the award post-Lagaan, Shahrukh post - Swades, and Ash post – Jodhaa Akbar, all three films that were directed by Ashutosh. Call it the magic of teamwork or sheer coincidence, but Ashutosh sure seems to have a Midas touch when it comes to bagging awards. Now, do we see the queue of actors trying to make it in Ashutosh's films doubling up?

February 4th, 2009

Amrita Arora is marrying boyfriend Shakeel Ladhak in March and the preparations are on in full swing.

The celebrations are scheduled to take place over three days: There will be a church wedding on March 4, a sangeet on March 5 and the nikaah and reception on March 6. Preceding these will be a party for close friends on March 1.

Best friend Kareena Kapoor is going to be one of the bridesmaids and sister Malaika Arora, the maid of honour.

Ashley Rebello is designing her wedding gown as well as the clothes for the bridesmaids. The mehendi outfit will be by Manish Malhotra and Shantanu-Nikhil are designing the traditional wedding lehenga.

Saif, Deepika’s ‘Love Aaj Kal’ almost ready

February 4th, 2009

Saif Ali Khan’s new film Love Aaj Kal is now in the final stages of production. Saif Ali Khan is playing the lead role and he is also producing the film on his home banner. The hot and sexy Deepika Padukone is the heroine.

The film directed by Imtiaz Ali has wrapped up shooting for the talkie pat in a marathon single schedule.

Now only one song remains balance for the film and the director is planning to shoot the song in London. The unit will move to London shortly to film the song.

Love Aaj Kal has been set with a Kolkata backdrop and looks how modern life brings about a change in the lives of a young couple after they travel extensively in London and the US.

The producer is planning to release ‘Kal Aaj Kal’ in June.

Hina Khan on her role in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai

February 4th, 2009

HINA KHAN tells JYOTHI VENKATESH that it is quite tough for her to get into the mould of a girl in a traditional Marwari family because she has had an entirely different culture altogether since she hails from a Muslim family.

Tell me about your background

Basically I am a Muslim girl from Srinagar. I am not at all from a film family and frankly I do not even have an acting background though I had always dreamt of taking up acting as a career. Right from the time I was a tiny tot, I was very eager to take up acting. I should say that I am fortunate enough to have been singled out by producer Rajan Shahi to play the lead in his latest serial Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai.

How did you bag the offer to play the main lead in the serial?

Though initially I did face some problems because I hail from a Muslim family from Srinagar, I managed to convince my dad who went out of the way to encourage me to take up a career in acting. When I was studying in Delhi for Management, people told me that there were auditions for the serial and I went for the audition for a young girl to play the main lead in their serial. Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai is my first serial as an actress.

What is the serial all about?

To put it in a nutshell, the serial Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai will act as a balm to present day breakdowns in relationships. It is a story of love finding its way after an arranged marriage and how two people from different walks of life bond and blossom together after entering into the sacred ties of matrimony.

Tell me about your role in the serial?

I play the role of Akshara. Akashara is the only daughter in the family in three different generations and therefore is heavily adored and pampered by every one in the entire family. Though the rules and regulations for her are the same as they are for others, Akshara knows her limits and does not disobey rules of her elders. She is very simple and naive and does not know anything at all about what love is.

What brief was given to you by the director of the serial?

The brief given to me was that I was very close to my grandmother, played by Vinitaji Malik and also a crazy fan of Hrithik Roshan and Mahinder Singh Dhoni. Though Akshara has strict dos and don’ts, as far as her home is concerned, she is also pampered by all the family members. After her arranged marriage, Akshara discovers what love is gradually.

How good were you academically in college?

I was just an average student. Even while I was studying, I was actually secretly waiting for the right break as an actress. I was adept more at singing and painting than studying. Considering the fact that I have heard of several stories about people struggling to get a good break in the word of entertainment, I should say that my story also reads really like the story of Cindrella.

How did you prepare to get into the skin of Akshara?

I should say I had to prepare hell of a lot to get into the skin of the character of Akshara for the serial. More than my own ability to emote, it is Rajanji Shahi’s conviction in me though I have not learnt acting that has enabled me to give my best to the role as an actress. Rajanji sent me to Amardeepji Jha for two weeks to train in acting before the serial was launched

How confident are you as an actress right now?

Frankly speaking, I am still very nervous on the sets because I am learning new things about acting every day. It is quite tough for me to get into the mould of a girl in a traditional Marwari family because I have had an entirely different culture altogether since I hail from a Muslim family. However I should say I am quite happy because I have been able to realize my dream of becoming an actress so soon, without really having had to struggle for a break.

To what extent, do you relate to Akshara?

To a large extent, I think I can identify myself with Akshara. I can relate to the character of Akshara that I am playing in the serial because I like many qualities that she has, which I genuinely feel that I do not have in me. Though Akshara is not chirpy, I am. Like Akshara, in real life, I too am a cool, carefree and pampered a lot by my father.

To what extent do you depend upon the director as an actress?

I am quite a novice as far as acting is concerned. I feel it is just the beginning of my journey as an actress and hence I need guidance now from every quarter, more so from my director. I am yet to gauge myself whether I am a natural actor or a method actor. You can say that I am in the process of trial and error as far as acting is concerned.

Tell me about your favorite actors and actresses in Bollywood?

My all time favorite actor has always been the one and only Amitabh Bachchan and my ever green favorite among all the actresses is the chirpy Kajol

Since you hail from Delhi, you must be missing not only your parents but also your boy friend back there?

Sorry to disappoint you but the fact is I miss only my parents and friends but not my boy friend for the simple reason that I, in the first place, do not have any boy friend at all.

Like Akshara, do you also believe in only arranged marriage?

Unlike Akshara who opts for an arranged marriage, I for one, do not have any pre fixed notion about what kind of a marriage I would go in for. I feel it is too early for me to even think of marriage since I want to focus on my career as an actress. I would like to keep my options open and hence I would rather state that I believe in both arranged as well as love marriages.

Uday Chopra doesn’t want to play second fiddle

February 4th, 2009

Uday Chopra’s no hero material. Despite the backing of Yash Raj films, his father Yash Chopra and Aditya Chopra, he hasn’t been able to do anything for his career.

So maybe in order to prove himself he went ahead and signed an outside film ‘Hook Ya Crook’, with David Dhawan.

But he changed his mind way too soon, he’s out of that movie too and Shreyas Talpade has taken his place.

According to sources, Uday has decided to opt out of the movie as he didn’t want to play second fiddle to John Abraham, the lead actor of the movie.

Uday’s mostly done multi-starrers and has played side kick to many heroes including John Abraham in ‘Dhoom’.

But his dream of a solo hero act is still very much alive. After a failed attempt with ‘Neil aur Nikki’ opposite with ex girlfriend Tanisha, Yash Raj Films is making a solo film ‘Pyar Impossible’ with him as hero and Jugal Hansraj as the director.

Jugal, another failed actor, made the animation flick ‘Roadside Romeo’.

Uday initially took ‘Hook Ya Crook’ as he didn’t have anything but once ‘Pyaar Impossible’ got launched he got busy with the film opposite Priyanka Chopra.

This is another B-Town actor who is not willing to give up so fast!

Ajay Devgan, Bipasha Basu and Rohit Shetty team up again

February 4th, 2009

The Bold and the Beautiful….quite literally we say.

We all remember this handsome jodi in the very serious ‘Apharan’ but well, this time over the pair is going to team up for Ajay Devgan’s Home Production. The film also stars Sanjay Dutt and Fardeen Khan and is going to be directed by Rohit Shetty. The lovely Bipasha Basu had earlier worked in Rohit Shetty’s debut film Zameen.

The film is not titled yet but we hear that it is a comedy and will start rolling in March in picturesque Goa.

Well, we’re sure looking forward for the two to rock the screen again.

Jiah Is Most Downloaded Wallpaper

February 4th, 2009

Beating all the usual top runners for this position is new and emerging actress Jiah Khan, thanks to the success of Ghazini, Jiah is a popular face now, and her photographs for the film have become the most downloaded wallpapers in the month of January.

Jiah beats such faces as Priyanka Chopra and Priety Zinta who usually rule the roost as the most popular.

This achievement must surely boost the moral of the young Jiah who despite her presence in the film was never talked about much and was almost sidelined, all the praise was reserved for Asin in the film, but now Jiah has also found a place in the sun with this achievement.

Nandana fractures her foot

Febrruary 4th, 2009

Mumbai: Noble laureate Amartya Sen's daughter Nandana Sen has fractured her foot severely while shooting for Vivek Oberoi's forthcoming film being directed by Kukkee Gulati.

This is certainly bad news for Ketan Mehta whose film Rang Rasiya is expected to release on February 27th as Nandana certainly won't be physically available to promote the film. It's a presence that Rang Rasiya will sorely need to raise the level of interest among people since it does not boast of A-list stars. Nandana has been advised rest by her doctors for four weeks at least.

Nandana confirms the injury saying: "It happened during the Tips film, the action flick with Vivek Oberoi. It will take four more weeks (to heal)."

Earlier a source tipped us off about the development. "Nandana was really excited to do some strenuous action scenes for this movie and had trained herself properly for the physical challenges. But she injured herself during one very challenging stunt when she landed heavily on her foot. She was in a huge amount of pain and had to be rushed to the doctor. An X-ray showed that she had fractured her foot. The team was very sad but Nandana took it as a sport. "

Another insider adds: "This is not good news for Ketan as he really needs his film to work specially after Mangal Pandey was panned so heavily by critics and did not do very well at the counters either. Rang Rasiya does not have big cast. Randeep Hooda and Nandana are the mainstays for his film and he needs to push promotions through them. Randeep was also injured sometime back but he will be fine when the promotions start. Nandana can't be around then since she cannot move around freely with a fractured foot."

So, will Ketan push back the release for his film? Let's wait and watch.

Preity Zinta adopts 34 orphans

February 4th, 2009

Bollywood pretty gal Preity Zinta who is known for her outspoken nature also carries a heart of gold. Though she is associated with few social organizations and donates money for charity very often, recently she has done a great humanitarian work by adopting 34 orphan girls from the Mother Miracle School in Hrishikesh during her 34th birthday.

Regarding the noble deeds that she has rendered, Preity said, "Yes. I have adopted them and will be completely looking after their education, food, clothes etc. It`s an amazing feeling to be part of their lives. I'm going to make it a point to visit them at least twice a year. They are my children, my responsibility now."

Preity at first decided to spend those big bucks on an imported car but later she changed her mindset and donated the money for a charitable cause. "The horrors of female foeticide and child abuse are not just headlines for me. These 34 girls are just the beginning, I am going to adopt a couple more on every birthday", adds Preity.

Adopting 34 orphans one at a time is not a matter of joke and Preity stands as an example for all. She truly deserves huge round of applause.

Vidya Balan Blog | vidya Balan Official Website

February 4th, 2009

Following the lead of actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgan, John Abraham, Aamir Khan and Shilpa Shetty, Vidya Balan now wants to become a blogger.

The actress recently got herself a Toshiba laptop and has been surfing the net regularly. Says a source close to Vidya, "Earlier, she'd just long on to check her e-mails.

But now she spends a lot of time on the net reading blogs, watching videos and staying in touch with world news."

The actress plans to blog about issues that bother her. She will also talk about her films and post pictures. There are no plans to start a website for now, she will only blog.

he Secret Millionaire Indian Version Soon

February 4th, 2009

he Secret Millionaire Indian Version Soon

The co-producers of 'Slumdog Millionaire' after getting inspired from the success of "The Secret Millionaire" reality Television show in United Kingdom are gearing up for starting a show set in India.

In the successful program in U.K. some of the richest personalities came out of their routine posh lifestyle and were placed in very poor areas under a new identity.

Going by the nature of the intended show in India, feels that the seeds for a controversy are being sown. In the intended show, rich people will visit the Mumbai slums posing as ordinary folks and help the poor.

Once the program starts to be transmitted in India, there is a good chance for these questions to be asked. First, whether the poor and underprivileged living in the slums of Mumbai are living there for being exhibited and two, if at all they need to be helped, why through a television reality show.

The co-producers of the film are currently planning to start the reality show as soon as possible so that they will be able to utilise the immense popularity of 'Slumdog Millionaire' for the success of the show.

Such exploitation of the poor for publicity?

Salman Khan to romance two hot women

February 4th, 2009

The latest hot actress is Lisa Lazarus. Lisa is a Miss UK who has represented her country in the 2008 Miss Universe pageant. She is all set to make her movie debut opposite Salman Khan in his next project, Veer.

Lisa is currently studying radiography Hertford Shire University. This very British beauty has come to Mumbai to romance Bollywood hunk Salman Khan.

Veer is a period drama set in British India. Lisa is to play a British Beauty who comes to India with her officer father and falls in love with Salman Khan's character.

Newcomer Zarine Khan is also part of the film, playing the second love interest of Salman Khan.

The two beauties might be giving Katrina Kaif sleepless nights currently.

Salman Khan shoots costliest song ever

February 4th, 2009

Salman Khan who is facing a low in his personal life, has hit a high note in his career starring in the costliest Hindi song ever to be picturised.

Salman Khan's costly song is for his new movie Veer shot apparently for a cost of about $3.5 crores. This has brought a cheer in his life, which has been marred by controversies like a spat with Shahrukh Khan, rumored split with girl friend Katrina Kaif etc.

Salman Khan was actively involved in the conception and execution of the song. He is in fact the movie’s scriptwriter along with lead actor.'Veer' stars a newcomer actress whose name has been kept a secret by the makers of the film. The flick also stars the very talented Mithun, along with actor Sohail Khan.

According to a source, “Salman, Sohail, Mithun and the new actress chipped in for shooting an 11 day long schedule for this particular song in a Mumbai studio earlier this month. The song has around 600 junior artists dancing along with the main stars.”

Salman Khan was so involved that he was present at its shooting for all 11 days in which the song was picturized. He was pretty excited about the song and wanted it to be the highlight of the movie.

The song from 'Veer' has set the record to be the costliest ever, leaving behind the previous record holder, ‘Shehenshah’ from Ashutosh Gowariker’s ‘Jodhaa Akbar’, which was shot with a budget crossing Rs 3 crore.

February 4th, 2009

The latest hottie to be chained by People for The Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) for their campaign is none other than Bollywood beauty Celina Jaitley.

Following in the footsteps of actors like Shilpa Shetty, Jiah Khan, and John Abraham, Celina has joined the hallowed halls of superhot actors who use their sexuality to send across a pro-animals message.

Celina said, "In Mumbai and other parts of India, I have seen so many elephants that are kept in such bad conditions in captivity. I think PETA has taken a very good step, and I am proud to be associated with this cause."

The tagline of the ad Celina has posed for is "Shackled, Beaten and Abused" and the accompanying image is of Celina is chains. The ad is meant for stopping cruelty to elephants.

Other Bollywood personalities who have posed for PETA ads are: Raveena Tandon, Amisha Patel, Isha Kopikkar, Mahima Chaudhry, Madhavan, Gulshan Grover among others.

PETA ads are known for their highly sexualised content. Recently, one ad featuring models promoting vegetarianism was banned.

Chocolate boy Shahid Kapur learning swear-words by-heart

February 4th, 2009

Mumbai : Whoever thought that chocolate boy Shahid Kapur would mouth abusive words like a pro? But this is actually the case as suave Shahid is doing away with gentleman image, by learning abusive language by-heart for his upcoming movie ‘Kaminey’ opposite hottie Priyanka Chopra.

News has it that the script of Vishal Bhardwaj`s ‘Kaminey’ demands Shahid to use a lot of swear words and the actor is going out of his way to master them. And the actor is acting his part so well that Bharadwaj is more than happy.

We just wish that Shahid restricts his bad words to the screen and doesn’t use them in real life to attack his offenders. What say, Bebo!