I won’t get provoked by marriage rumours: Katrina

February 7th, 2009

Mumbai—After spending six years in Bollywood, British-born actress Katrina Kaif has learnt to handle rumours and criticisms. While she rubbished reports of her marriage to Salman Khan, she also denied speculation about her sister Isabel entering the Hindi film industry soon. "It's complete rubbish and the paper (Saamna) is denying it. When I marry, the world will know. Right now I've no such plans," Katrina told reporters.

Commenting on speculation about her relationship with Salman, she said: "That's bound to happen. If you're a public figure and if neither of the party is clarifying anything, there's bound to be a lot of speculation and unnecessary comment. But I'm not going to get provoked into giving explanations. Because once they start, they never end."

Asked about a picture that showed her entering her birthday party last year, Katrina said: "That wasn't when I entered the party. The picture was taken while we were leaving. I was tired and, yes, I was disappointed. I didn't want it to be turned into tamasha (drama)." Salman and Shah Rukh Khan had a war of words at the birthday bash that was widely reported in the media.

Talking about her sister Isabel's Bollywood plans, Katrina said: "That was something completely blown out of proportion. At the moment she's too young to take up an acting career. In fact, my sister is off to drama school. Something I never got to do, and I wish I had. Not being a trained actress bothers me and I'm happy that my sister is taking that route.

"I realise I can't be talked about only for my work. You can't have things exactly the way you want them to be." Although Salman and Katrina are a real life couple, they have not been able to form a saleable pair on screen. Katrina had hoped "Yuvvraaj" would work so that she and Salman would be a saleable pair and filmmakers would sign her with Salman as eagerly as they do with Akshay Kumar.

But the film sank without a trace at the box office. Apparently, a major drawback was that director Subhash Ghai kept writing the script as the film progressed. "I'd like to stick to a bound script from now on. The time has come for the entire film industry to get completely organised. A script helps both the director and the actor to connect with each other and with the plot. I'm not going to be shy about insisting on a script," the actress said. Katrian admitted she had very little space in "Yuvvraaj". "Yeah, that was something I grew gradually aware of. I didn't have that much to do. But that's okay."

However, not attending acting school doesn't make Katrina feel inadequate as an actress. "I think I had to undertake my own journey and do things my own way. I learnt on the job. I think I've acquired knowledge of the camera on-camera. So no regrets about not attending any acting school. If I had regrets about any aspect of my career, I'd be the most ungrateful person on the planet. Look at the level of acceptance I've received in so little time. Some people don't get this kind of success after working all their lives," she said. The 24-year-old ventured into Bollywood in 2003 and was instantly written off because of her strong British accent.

Kajol's worth

February 7th, 2009

Rumour has it that superstar Kajol Devgan is charging a jaw-dropping 2.5 crores for her role in My Name Is Khan opposite Shah Rukh Khan. This puts her in the same class as Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif. "Even though Kajol and Karan Johar, the director, are friends, they have a very professional approach towards work," says a source, "Karan was willing to pay Kajol her full market price."

It's also being said that Kajol will do a cameo role in Aamir Khan's 3 Idiots. The two worked together on Fana'a. Kajol also has two other productions lined up - the first being a live action animation with husband Ajay Devgan called Toonpur Ka Superhero. The second is the intriguing Koochie Koochie Hota Hai - an animated version of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. It will also have the voice of Shah Rukh Khan.

Kajol and SRK will be filming in Mumbai from March to May for My Name is Khan and then they return to LA in June for the final slice of filming. The film is scheduled for release later in the year and may well be in competition with Aamir's 3 Idiots.

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

February 7th, 2009

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

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

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

Pantene ends contract with Sushmita Sen

February 6th, 2009

With age catching up with her fast and her Bollywood acting career as well direction plans not picking up, Ex Miss Universe Sushmita Sen has got an additional blow. Famous Shampoo brand, Pantene has ended their contract with her.

Our source informs, “Sushmita Sen has been told by Pantene officials that she won’t be continuing as their brand ambassador anymore. Pantene wants to look at younger options it seems and one to be approached will be Ghajini starlet Asin, who is long flowing hair. Sushmita who was once doing well on the ad scene has now been left with just one ad campaign that of International cosmetic brand Olay.”

Sushmita’s last hit has been Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya way back in 2005 and post that she has only delivered flops. Though she has three releases up for release this year that’s Do Knot Disturb, Dulha Mil Gaya and the long in the waiting Karma, Confessions and Holi but she is not considered amongst the A list actresses anymore and her market standing has fallen down tremendously. No wonder ad campaigners are shying away from her.

I would like to work with Kareena: Shahid

February 7th, 2009

Mumbai (IANS): Shahid Kapur says he doesn't mind working with ex-girlfriend Kareena Kapoor if a filmmaker wanted him to.

"I would like to work with her again. I feel that as an actor if my producer wants me to romance with a cow or a buffalo also, I'll do it because that's my job," Shahid said.

Shahid and Kareena teamed up for three films. While "Fida" and "Chup Chup Ke" bombed at the box office, "Jab We Met" was a blockbuster. Sadly, their relationship soured while shooting for this romantic comedy.

Now Shahid is linked with India's tennis star Sania Mirza. Asked about Sania, he said: "She is a very good friend of mine, but I don't want to discuss my personal life."

Aa Dekhen Zara Review

February 7th, 2009

Ray Acharya (Neil Nitin Mukesh), a struggling photographer has nothing going for him… until he inherits a very ‘special’ camera from his grandfather which changes his life in a way that he could not have imagined in his wildest dreams.

The ‘power’ of the camera changes Ray’s destiny overnight. His life becomes one big roller coaster ride that takes him from rags to riches and also helps him meet the love of his life, Simi (Bipasha Basu) who is an exciting sexy DJ with a mind of her own. Everything is hunky dory and moving towards ‘happily ever after’.

As they say with great power comes great responsibility and in Ray’s case, also great danger. He must now face up to the dark side of reality and win not only against the evil forces but also against fate. Aa Dekhen Zara is a fast-paced, romantic musical thriller with some great edge of the seat action. Can Ray change his date with fate? Aa Dekhen Zara. [via Eros]

Foreign actor to feature in 'Raaz 3'

February 7th, 2009

Mumbai (PTI): Bouyed by the success of 'Raaz-The Mystery Continues', producers Vishesh Films have decided to begin work on the third edition of 'Raaz'.

"'Raaz 3' will feature new actors and a fresh story. It will be an international collaboration for production and technical support. An international actor will also be involved," writer-director Mohit Suri said.

Mohit said the film will go on floors next year as the pre-production work will be time consuming and shall be completed in 2009 itself. Mohit said before 'Raaz 3', he will direct a romantic comedy in 2009.

"It's too early to talk about the story and cast. The film will be produced by Vishesh Films," Mohit said. "Raaz-The Mystery Continues" earned Rs 29 crore in the opening week and the response is encouraging even in the third week, the 27-year-old director said.

Earlier, Vishesh films' 'Raaz' in the horror genre, starring Bipasha Basu and Dino Morea released in 2002 was a runaway hit. He said horror film genre always existed but its potential was not rightly tapped.

"India is a land of the mystic. After mainstream commercial films of the horror genre in the 1960s, Ramsay brothers continued to produce horror films, but the genre was relegated to B-grade movies," he said.

Saif and Kareena share sizzling lip-lock in upcoming film

February 7th, 2009

Real-life couple Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor will share intimate moments in their untitled film directed by Renzil D'Silva for Dharma Product-ions.

A source present at the sets reveals, "Last week, Saif and Bebo shot for their kiss in a Chembur studio. The kiss is part of a song. The actress who has done kissing scenes on screen before (see box) was quite comfortable with the idea of lip-locking with her beau. She even was seen camly discussing the angle and the intensity with the director."

Lingering doubts
An insider reveals, "At one point it was discussed if the scene was necessary and it looked like the couple had their doubts about the screen smooch. Rensil looked unhappy and had a word with Saif. The director convinced him to do the scene. Saif in turn made Bebo understand that it was necessary and she agreed."

They got the kiss right in about five takes.

It's grave injustice: Nayantara

February 6th, 2009

'Nayantara, who was issued a red card by the Tamil Film Producers Council and the South India Film Actors Association on Wednesday, has reportedly said she has been targeted and that grave injustice has been committed against her.

Nayantara was issued a ban at a joint meeting of the two bodies following a complaint lodged by Subash Chandra Bose, the producer of 'Paiya'. The extreme step was taken as Nayantara refused to return the advance amount she had received for 'Paiya'.

On the ban, she reportedly said, 'this is injustice and I never told Lingusamy that I am opting out of the film. I had received an amount of Rs 20 lakhs from him as advance for 'Paiya' and gave dates from September 2008'.

'This decision was taken without consulting me' Nayantara declared.

The dusky actress who is currently shooting for a Telugu film said, 'I asked Nadigar Sangam for help in order to sort out this matter and now they too have turned against me'.

Interestingly, the ban may not have any impact on Nayantara (at least for the time being) because she has reportedly committed movies in other languages and is expected to be busy with them till the end of this year.

However, the Producers Council has said in its statement that it would request the producers' associations in other languages to cooperate with them and not sign Nayantara for any further films.

I had to waste three months of my time waiting for 'Paiya' to begin. Unfortunately, it was postponed. Will they compensate my loss?' she asked.

Tanushree is inspired by Lara Croft in Rama

February 6th, 2009

Bollywood actress Tanushree Dutta, who has been missing from the limelight for quite some time now, will be seen in forthcoming film Rama - The Saviour, which she says is inspired by Lara Croft.

“My character in Rama… is that of an action girl and is quite inspired by the famous fictional character of Lara Croft. It was physically quite taxing," Tanushree said in an interview.

“From the time I began my career, I had wished to do a children's film and a role where I can do some action-packed sequences. With this film both my wishes came true,” she added.

For the role of Samara in the film, Tanushree has taken martial arts training from Peter Hann who has trained her to run through the jungle terrain besides her hi-fi action sequence.

Mere Khwabo Mein Jo Aaye Review

February 6th, 2009

Movie Review: Mere Khwabo Mein Jo Aaye; Star Cast: Arbaaz Khan, Raima Sen, Randeep Hooda and Ashwini Kalsekar; Director: Madhureeta Anand; Rating: * 1/2 - Give it a slip.

Maya (Raima Sen) lives with her hubby Vikram (Arbaaz Khan) and their child Priya Now leading the life of a bored housewife, Maya had once aspirations of becoming a singer. But she gave up her singing to take care of her family but is faced with a cheating and complaining husband. But following some inspirational words from her neighbor, Mrs.Mathur (Suhasini Mulay) Maya begins seeing her ideal man turn to reality. Her fantasy man, Jai (Randeep Hooda) is someone who sings, is romantic and fills her with courage. And whenever she falters or is faced with a difficulty, there he is in a new avatar aiding her and guiding her. He successfully inspires her to come out of boring married life to reclaim her aspirations and make her compete to win a recording contract. What follows forms the rest of the film.

This film falls in the category that one calls – exciting project on paper but when executed it falls flat. The wafer thin absurd plotline borders on silliness all thanks to some really idiotic writing. The actors – Raima, Arbaaz and Randeep are no seasoned performers to keep your attention on hold throughout the film. In fact with too much attention dedicated on the Maya’s fantasy man, a really good actor in place of Randeep could have made it more enjoyable but the wooden face Randeep simply leaves you irritated. And imagine you have to see him donning 18 various avatars.

Madhureeta Anand in her debut directorial venture shows some style but lacks a good narrative style. Every single frame of the film appears attractive but alas there is no good content to complement it.

Avoid this nightmare..give it a slip.

Mallika Sherawat fails to seduce audience

February 6th, 2009

Mallika Sherawat was planning to seduce audiences again but it was not to be.

A movie that was supposed to have her as a seductress has been shelved even before it could roll.

These days Mallika has been covered up in some of her films but was supposed to be back where she belongs with an erotic thriller by producer Ratan Jain.

Titled ‘Forbidden’ it was to be directed by a newcomer named Manish Gupta.

Mallika was supposed to play a debauched woman who seduces her stepson.

Tusshar Kapoor and many others were considered for the role and Aditya Seal who debuted opposite Manisha Koirala in ‘Ek Chhoti Si Love Story’ was finalized.

But due to differences between the producer and the director, the project couldn’t take off.

Manish Gupta has moved on to another project titled ‘Stoneman Murders’ and put ‘Forbidden’ on the back burner. This prompted the film’s producer to shelve the project altogether.

Well, the fans of Mallika must have been sad to not see her in yet another overtly feisty and sexy role!

Asin’s real life daredevil stunt

February 6th, 2009

Well, actors do stunts all the time.

And Asin did the same not very long ago and that too in real life.

She saved a kid from getting trampled by a car on a busy road in Andheri.

She was passing by in her car when she noticed a boy stuck right in the middle of a busy road. There were speeding cars passing by within inches of the kid, who reportedly seemed clueless as to what to do.

Just as he was almost in front of a speeding vehicle Asin swung into action, walked into the middle of the road and hurriedly took the boy aside. But while doing so she lost her balance and fell down.

She saved the boy but ended up with bruises on her arms. Currently she’s sporting full sleeve dresses to conceal her bruises which are in the healing process.

However playing down the incident, she says it’s a personal matter.

Well, this dame wants to be humble and good, much like her character in ‘Ghajini’.

Raj denies engagement with Shilpa

February 6th, 2009

There have been speculations that Shilpa Shetty and industrialist Raj Kundra may have been engaged. But the London based businessman set all rumours to rest by denying engagement with Shilpa but said that both of them were committed towards each other. In an interview given to a television channel Raj added that whenever they take their relationship to a further level an announcement would be made.

On co-owning the IPL team Rajasthan Royals with Shilpa Shetty he said that it was driven by his passion for cricket. He added that Shilpa will add glamour to the team in the upcoming season and will also conduct a reality show to choose cheerleaders for the team. When quizzed about competition with rival team owners Shahrukh Khan and Preity Zinta he said that all of them are friends and the idea was to go and have fun out there in the ground.

Asin Sizzles on Cover Of Filmfare

February 6th, 2009

Sizzling Asin is reaching new heights with her Ghajini popularity. She is now on the cover page of Filmfare magazine.

Asin launched the new Filmfare in which she poses in a red drape on the cover. Asin was present during the launch of latest issue of Magazine.

She definitely looked sizzling !

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

February 6th, 2009

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

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

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

New things about IPL 2009

February 6th, 2009

Shilpa Shetty will launch a talent hunt for cheerleaders for her Rajasthan IPL team.
Katrina Kaif resumes the role of mascot for the Bangalore team.

Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty have invested Rs 75 crore for a 12 per cent stake in the Rajasthan team.
Akshay Kumar will not be the mascot for Delhi’s team this year.

Riya Sen is the brand ambassador for the IPL website.
Rajasthan’s team will launch a clothing line and a documentary film on the team.

Knights and Angels is a talent show on NDTV Imagine where Sourav Ganguly hunts for cheerleaders. Chennai Super Kings Cheerleaders is also a talent hunt show, to start soon on Vijay TV.
Chennai Super Kings Juniors is a talent hunt for young cricketers, also coming on Vijay TV.

Perscussionist Sivamani will perform with the finalists of Chennai’s cheerleader hunt.

Preity Zinta’s Mohali team is also launching a talent hunt and a cricket academy in Mohali.

Pakistani players are out of the IPL Season 2.

England cricketers are in this year, including star players Kevin
Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff.
* Aussie David Warner joins the Delhi team, while Michael Clarke pulls out of the IPL.
* 112 overseas players are auctioned this season.
* Rs 600 crore (nearly half the ad budget for cricket in 2009) is the advertising money so far.
* Rs 9.6 crore is the spending cap on the teams for 2009.
* Bangalore trades Robin Uthappa for Mumbai’s Zaheer Khan. Mumbai’s Ashish Nehra is traded for Delhi’s Shikhar Dhawan.
SRK’s team has Eden Gardens, but is checking out Cuttack stadium as well.

Lara goes super-hot for Maxim mag

February 6th, 2009

Mumbai : Lara Dutta is all set to take the glamour world by storm after posing sexily for the February issue of ‘Maxim’ magazine.

The actress, who is in news for her plain appearance in her upcoming film ‘Billu Barber’ opposite Irrfan Khan, has proved that she is not done with her uber-glam image. Lara has gone bold and wild on the mag pages - which exhibits her raw sex appeal to perfection.

After Katrina Kaif and Ameesha Patel, the sultry Lara Dutta`s was asked to pose for fashion magazine Maxim and she has done her job really well. The pretty former Miss Universe, is seen posing sexily in black and red coloured swimwear. She is also sporting a short chic hairdo.

The beautiful actress has various interesting film releases lined up this year. She plays a village woman in ‘Billu Barber’ and will also be seen in ‘Blue’ and ‘London Dreams’.