Akshay Kumar Back in Action With 'Khatron Ke Khiladi'

February 10th, 2009

The action man of Bollywood Akshay Kumar is all ready to set the small screen on fire with his come back as the host for ‘Fear Factor- Khatro Ke Khiladi 2’ on Colours TV. The show promises treacherous stunts and this time if you have the guts and dare to face them then what are you waiting for just try your luck because this time the participants will not be the celebrities but the common man.

For season 2 the entries are open for all Indian nationals who are between 18 to 35 years of age and holding a passport which is valid for at least 1 year from the date of application and the auditions will be held in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow and Ahmedabad.

So, don’t miss to catch all the excitement and fear this season with the Singh in KKK2

Preity Zinta fulfils her father’s dream

February 10th, 2009

The effusive Preity Zinta said that the real reason why she was taking an interest in the Indian Premier League was because she was fulfilling the dream of her father. Preity’s father was a great sports enthusiast who used to sponsor the Duraganand Zinta Football Tournament in North India.

Preity’s father was also known to sponsor poor children who were interested in sports. After the death of her father, Preity wanted to start a big sports school. But lack of funds forced her to put off the project.

She is now making it up in a way by joining the Premier League and playing an active role in sponsoring the Kings XI Punjab team.

'Priyanka rules endorsements world'

February 10th, 2009

New Delhi : Priyanka Chopra, who gave two big hits last year - "Fashion" and "Dostana", is one of the most sought-after actresses for brand endorsements, according to a survey.

A study by media monitoring company Adex India revealed that Priyanka is the queen of endorsements and is ranked second on the list of top-notch brand ambassadors of 2008 only after Shah Rukh Khan.

She leads the youth brigade as the face of brands like Lux, Ponds, Sunsilk, Hero Honda, Nokia, Tag Heuer, J. Hampsted and Virgin Comic.

As far as her film assignments go, the actress has a busy year ahead with two big movies in her kitty - Vishal Bharadwaj's "Kaminay" and Ashutosh Gowariker's "What's Your Rashee?", among others.

Dish TV renews contract with Shah Rukh Khan

February 10th, 2009

MUMBAI: DTH service provider Dish TV has extended its contract with actor Shah Rukh Khan.

Dish TV roped in Khan as its brand ambassador in 2007 and has now extended the actor's contract.

According to Dish TV COO Salil Kapoor, the company is planning to target a subscriber base of eight million over the next fiscal. Dish TV's current subscriber base stands at five million.

Dish TV's competitors Tata Sky has Aamir Khan as its brand ambassador, whereas Bharti's recently launched DTH service Airtel Digital TV uses actors Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, R Madhavan and Vidya Balan in its communications.

First Copy ready for 'Sachin'

February 10th, 2009

Starring Vijay, Genelia and Bipasha Basu in the cast, ‘Sachin’ directed by Johan has been produced by Kalai Puli Thanu. The film has been dubbed from Tamil to Telugu retaining the same title by A. Sampath Kumar on Chakrini Enterprises banner which will be presented by C.Rajesh.

The story is about the ego clash between a couple set in a college backdrop. Genelia does the role of a bubbly girl similar to her portrayal in ‘Bommarillu’, ‘Jaane Tu’ (Hindi) and might woo the Telugu audience once again with her cute looks. Bipasha Basu plays a cameo adding to the glamour quotient of the film. Devi Sri Prasad has composed some of his best tunes which will entertain.

The first copy is now ready and the release dates are being planned in the 3rd week of February.

Sanjay's film out from the cans

February 10th, 2009

When it comes to the project 'Mr. Fraud', the delay and the loss of a couple of crores are not at all bothering the financiers Shri Ashtavinayak Cine Visions.

The film conceptualized by Abbas-Mustan is going to see the day light again after a long break of three years.

'Mr. Fraud' having Sanjay Dutt in the lead role started off and had completed almost 30% when Sanjay got caught up in legal issues leading to the break up of plans.

The producers are now reviving the project as they are very much confident that the flick will click at the box office because of its unique and gripping story.

Now it has been decided that most of the portions which were shot three years back will be shot again as the style of film making has changed and the actors are also looking different now.

'Mr.Fraud' also has Ajay Devgan and Bipasha Basu in the other lead roles.

Ranbir and Deepika’s sizzling hot make out session in cinema hall

February 10th, 2009

Mumbai : As the newly matured lovebirds Kareena and her Saifu settle down for a work-some Valentine’s Day, it’s the young Kapoor lad Ranbir Kapoor and his ladylove Deepika Padukone, who are painting the town red with their no-holds-bar public display of affection.

The couple that is infamous for their famous airport hugs, candle light dinners and mushy romantic rendezvous have broken all their wild, cheesy intimate records as they have now been spotted ‘making out’ in a cinema hall.

The duo that had been hitting headlines for their tiffs and fights seems to have now made peace with their hot make out session. According to sources, the duo was spotted in a foul mood at a Juhu multiplez.

Seemingly angry at each other, the two once again seemed to be having a lover’s tiff. But once the lights dimmed, the couple got talking and had body-to-body chat.

A news daily quoted an eyewitness as saying, "It was a late-night show for Marley and Me. The hall had only a handful of people present. Ranbir and Deepika got the best seats in the house right in the last row in the corner with ample privacy. The couple looked a little distant. At some point, they began talking and then made up and made out. The people who were present at the screening at some point screamed at them to `get a room`, which was ignored by Ranbir."

Well, what can we say but love is in the air and at all the secluded joints.

Kat’s out, Kareena’s in; ‘Race’ for the top spot begins

February 10th, 2009

Mumbai : It’s going to take much more than just rubbishing animosity claims for the two hot-bod actresses, Katrina and Kareena to put up a show of solidarity and sisterhood. Going by their current actions, it’s evident that the war between them is just getting messier by the day. And the latest feat in this cutthroat competition is bagged by the no longer size-zero diva of Bollywood, Kareena Kapoor.

The actress has replaced Katrina in the much-awaited sequel of 2008’s biggest success ‘Race’. Directed by Abbas Mastan, the film will have real life couple Saif and his arm-candy Kareena romancing on reel. Even though, the ever so eager love-birds Saif and Kareena’s first flick as a couple ‘Tashan’ might have fizzled out without a trace at the BO, that’s not keeping the top notch directors from signing on the glamorous two-some.

Speaking to a news daily, Ramesh Taurani from Tips says, "Yes, we are already working on the script of Race 2. We were thrilled with Race`s success. Theatrically and overseas, it grossed Rs 120 crore and was one of the blockbusters of 2008; that`s why we are planning a sequel to it. Abbas-Mustaan will direct the sequel while Saif and Anil will be retained. We are also going in for new casting with the sequel. Kareena will act in Race 2 opposite Saif. In Race, the story will be different while some of the characters will remain the same."

What’s more is that the sequel is going to be much thrilling and bigger than it’s first part and going by Saif and Kareena’s camaraderie it’s bound to be sexier. Talking to a news daily Saif said, "I am very excited to be part of the Race sequel. I have been offered many sequels but there are only certain films which merit a sequel Race is one of them. We aim to make Race 2 better than the original. It will be slicker, faster, sexier, more thrilling and upgraded in a much bigger way from Race."

Well, with Katrina out of the film, the conspiracy has already begun.

Priyanka and Shahid take love online!

February 10th, 2009

Priyanka Chopra didn't admit to being in a relationship with Hurman Baweja for the four years they were together, so no one is expecting her to admit that there's something developing between her and her Kaminey co-star Shahid Kapoor.

PC is presently in Chicago for Ashutosh Gowariker's What's Your Raashee? Meanwhile, Shahid is in Jodhpur. The couple, who live in the same building at Versova, are constantly in touch when in town but now are connected via phone and the internet.

The two young lovers have also been writing on each other's 'walls', 'poking' each other and exchanging messages on popular online portal Facebook.

Priyanka is addicted to Facebook. She keeps in touch with her friends through the social networking website. Her profile on the portal doesn't bear her name.

She calls herself Sir Pranks-a-lot. Also she hasn't put up her latest picture, but one from her childhood. This way she can maintain her privacy and also not get spammed by people for friend requests."

The source adds that it was Priyanka who got Shahid to make his account active. Now he has been signing into his account more frequently. Priyanka told him how everyone from the industry is communicating via the website. And now they often connect online.

In fact, they have been posting flirty messages (see box) as well.

Says a common friend, "They keep writing on each other's walls, commenting on each other's status messages and poking each other.

Priyanka's relationship status was in an invisible mode when she was with Harman, but after the break- up, she's listed as single. Shahid too is listed as single on his profile."

PC has given Shahid a new nick name, "Shahid is called Sha-Sha by his close friends, but Priyanka calls him Shaks. In fact, she has addressed him as Shaks in most of her messages." And he calls her Peefee. Sweet!

Status Check

Sir Pranks-A-Lot is freezing her ar*e off in Chicago on Feb 4

Shahid Kapur on Feb 6 comments: It's rare how some people can sleep through such natural disasters.

Wall-to-wall chatter
Sir Pranks-A-Lot (Priyanka) wrote:Wassup... Shaks?

Shahid Kapur wrote:Peefeeee... on ma mind!

Aishwarya Rai Refuses to Accept French Honour

February 10th, 2009

For Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan the family always comes first. She never tires of proving this in all her actions and gestures. Whether it’s rushing home from any part of the world to see her ailing father every time her tight schedule permitted or to paying a flash-visit from Kochi’s location for Mani Ratnam’s film to check on her mother-in-law when she was down with a persistent flu, Aishwarya’s commitment to the family is unerring passionate and immovable.

It therefore comes as no big surprise to know Aishwarya refused to accept the French government second- highest civilian honor ‘Officer Dan Ordre Des Arts Et Des Lettres’(officer of the order of arts and letters) conferred so far on Hollywood actors like Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, until her father recovered from his serious illness.

Says Aishwarya, “It’s true. I wanted my entire family, and that now means my parents brother, sister-in-law, my husband and his parents and sister and brother-in-law, to attend the function. And as you know my father has been unwell for the past one year. So I requested the French government to defer the ceremony until he was well. I wanted my father to be there for me at this important moment.”

The French honour has so far been given only to one Indian actor.

“That’s right,” confirms Aishwarya. “Shah Rukh Khan received it last year. And now me. There’s only one higher French civilan honour the Legion d’honour which Pa(father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan), Mr Satyajit Ray and Pandit Ravi Shankar have received. So receiving it would be a glorious moment. But please, not without my father! There was no way I was going to go into it without my father’s presence.”

Now that her dad is well enough to attend the event Aishwarya has informed the authorities to go ahead with it.

The function could take place any time now. It might be held in India. Or it could happen in Paris when Aishwarya attends the world premiere of her latest international film Pink Panther 2.

“Yes that is a possibility, provided the entire family can make it together to Paris and my father can brave the long flight.It’s a long list of dos and don’ts. But worth it, don’t you think?”

Rukhsaar upset with director over the nude scene controversy in The Stoneman Murders

February 10th, 2009

Its been nearly a year since the nude scene controversay happened between Rukhsaar and the director & producers but she is still upset with them and refuses to talk about it, even on the eve of the release of the film on Friday the 13th.

The whole story started when Rukhsaar shot a backless scene for the film. In an interview the director and the production house Vistaar Religare referred to this scene as a nude scene instead of a backless scene. This caused a lot of discomfort between Rukhsaar and her family. When the interview got printed her family believed that Rukhsaar had done an actual nude scene and not a backless scene. However, since the interview gave the impression that she shot the scene nude, has left Rukhsaar cold. Not only this, her family is believed to have instructed her to leave Bollywood forever and come back to her native place in Uttar Pradesh after this incident.

To this date Rukhsaar refuses to discuss the matter with anyone and steadfastly refuses to speak to the director Manish Gupta.

‘Jyoti’ set to debut on NDTV Imagine

February 9th, 2009

Television shows it seems are raining in NDTV Imagine. First came Red Chillies Idiot Box, ‘Ghar Ki Baat Hai’ and then came ‘Dehleez’ and now Sphere Origins, the makers of Balika Vadhu are back with a new show on NDTV Imagine named ‘Jyoti’.

‘Jyoti’ is a show which salutes all enduring woman. The story traces the journey of a young woman Jyoti, the eldest of the three daughters and the sole bread winner of the family who sacrifices her dreams and aspirations to fulfill every need and desire of her family.

‘Jyoti’ sees almost all new characters, Sneha Wagh playing ‘Jyoti’ the main lead. The talented actors who will be the characters of Jyoti are Sneha Wagh, Sriti Jha, Sanjay Batra, Zaida Parveen etc. The story has been written by the noted writer Purnendu Shekhar and will be directed by Siddhartha Sengupta. The show is produced by Sunjoy Waddhwa from the renowned Sphere Origins.

‘Jyoti’ set to debut on NDTV Imagine

February 9th, 2009

Television shows it seems are raining in NDTV Imagine. First came Red Chillies Idiot Box, ‘Ghar Ki Baat Hai’ and then came ‘Dehleez’ and now Sphere Origins, the makers of Balika Vadhu are back with a new show on NDTV Imagine named ‘Jyoti’.

‘Jyoti’ is a show which salutes all enduring woman. The story traces the journey of a young woman Jyoti, the eldest of the three daughters and the sole bread winner of the family who sacrifices her dreams and aspirations to fulfill every need and desire of her family.

‘Jyoti’ sees almost all new characters, Sneha Wagh playing ‘Jyoti’ the main lead. The talented actors who will be the characters of Jyoti are Sneha Wagh, Sriti Jha, Sanjay Batra, Zaida Parveen etc. The story has been written by the noted writer Purnendu Shekhar and will be directed by Siddhartha Sengupta. The show is produced by Sunjoy Waddhwa from the renowned Sphere Origins.

Sreejita De on her role in Bandhan Saat Janamon Ka

February 10th, 2009

Sreejita De aka Annu of Annu Ki Ho Gayi Waah Bhai Waah is entering Bandhan Saat Janamon Ka as a new lead. She sounded excited on her entry and poured her heart out in a friendly chat with us.

How did you get your big break in television?
I used to play a side role in Balaji’s Kasuati Zindagi Ki and somebody from DJ production noticed me and called me for the audition of Annu Ki Ho Gayi Waah Bhai Waah and there the producer immediately selected me for Annu’s role as she saw the perfect Annu in me and told me that I was perfect for this role.

You played the lead in Annu ki ho gayi… and now in Bandhan. What is the difference between these roles?
There is a little difference just because Roshni is a nautch by profession whereas Annu was a simple girl. But there are a lot of similarities in both the characters because here also I am playing a dual character like in Annu Ki Ho Gayi Wah Bhai Wah. My character Roshni has got two shades one part of which shows this girl as a tawaif doing mujra and other one of a simple girl who is doing all this for her sister’s upbringing like Annu who used to work for her father. Roshni is also similar to Annu in a way because even she loves kids a lot and visits orphanages very often to distribute gifts and clothes to them.

Do you think the audience is going to accept you as the new lead?
Yes, definitely they are going to accept me because yesterday when I was browsing the internet I saw many positive comments and feedback of the viewers and found that they were really happy that I am back with a bang. I am getting positive vibes about my entry. People even wrote that they are going to watch Bandhan now because I am entering the show. People love me a lot and I am really very happy for that.

Tell us more about your role in the serial.
I am playing Roshni who used to live in a village and due to poverty his father sold her and she ended up in the profession of a nautch. She performs kathak for her living. Roshni’s character is very similar to Chandramukhi’s character in Devdas. Here also Paarth, who has lost his love Jhaanvi, gets addicted to alcohol and starts coming to this place where Roshni performs every night.

What challenges you faced while playing this role and how you took such a role?
It was really a big challenge for me to play such a bold character and initially when I heard about my role I never thought that I will take up this role. But when I got to know about the positive side of this character I was convinced to do this role. I also took this role because I thought that I will get an opportunity to show my dancing talent as I am a trained Kathak dancer. It was challenging for me to portray this character because there is a lot of contrast in my role.

What major twists and turns the story will take after your entry?
The major twists and turn which the show is going to take is like after Jhaanvi’s death Paarth is very disturbed and he has got addicted to alcohol. Now he has started visiting kothas and there he meets Roshni. Roshni starts liking him whereas Paarth will first dislike and ignore her but later on he, too, will start liking her.

Where were you as you took a small break from television after your first serial?
I was waiting for the perfect role. I got many offers but didn’t like any of them. When I heard about this role in this serial Bandhan Saat Janamon Ka on Colors I got tempted to do this serial because it is telecasted on Colors channel.

Your browser may not support display of this image. Is there any love angle between you and Paarth in the serial?
Yes, there is a love angle between me and Paarth in the serial but you all will have to wait to see that.

Which are the other serials you are acting in?
I am not doing any other show but yes I am looking for better roles. I am also planning to step into Bollywood and waiting to work in a film with Aamir Khan.

Sreejita De on her role in Bandhan Saat Janamon Ka

February 10th, 2009

Sreejita De aka Annu of Annu Ki Ho Gayi Waah Bhai Waah is entering Bandhan Saat Janamon Ka as a new lead. She sounded excited on her entry and poured her heart out in a friendly chat with us.

How did you get your big break in television?
I used to play a side role in Balaji’s Kasuati Zindagi Ki and somebody from DJ production noticed me and called me for the audition of Annu Ki Ho Gayi Waah Bhai Waah and there the producer immediately selected me for Annu’s role as she saw the perfect Annu in me and told me that I was perfect for this role.

You played the lead in Annu ki ho gayi… and now in Bandhan. What is the difference between these roles?
There is a little difference just because Roshni is a nautch by profession whereas Annu was a simple girl. But there are a lot of similarities in both the characters because here also I am playing a dual character like in Annu Ki Ho Gayi Wah Bhai Wah. My character Roshni has got two shades one part of which shows this girl as a tawaif doing mujra and other one of a simple girl who is doing all this for her sister’s upbringing like Annu who used to work for her father. Roshni is also similar to Annu in a way because even she loves kids a lot and visits orphanages very often to distribute gifts and clothes to them.

Do you think the audience is going to accept you as the new lead?
Yes, definitely they are going to accept me because yesterday when I was browsing the internet I saw many positive comments and feedback of the viewers and found that they were really happy that I am back with a bang. I am getting positive vibes about my entry. People even wrote that they are going to watch Bandhan now because I am entering the show. People love me a lot and I am really very happy for that.

Tell us more about your role in the serial.
I am playing Roshni who used to live in a village and due to poverty his father sold her and she ended up in the profession of a nautch. She performs kathak for her living. Roshni’s character is very similar to Chandramukhi’s character in Devdas. Here also Paarth, who has lost his love Jhaanvi, gets addicted to alcohol and starts coming to this place where Roshni performs every night.

What challenges you faced while playing this role and how you took such a role?
It was really a big challenge for me to play such a bold character and initially when I heard about my role I never thought that I will take up this role. But when I got to know about the positive side of this character I was convinced to do this role. I also took this role because I thought that I will get an opportunity to show my dancing talent as I am a trained Kathak dancer. It was challenging for me to portray this character because there is a lot of contrast in my role.

What major twists and turns the story will take after your entry?
The major twists and turn which the show is going to take is like after Jhaanvi’s death Paarth is very disturbed and he has got addicted to alcohol. Now he has started visiting kothas and there he meets Roshni. Roshni starts liking him whereas Paarth will first dislike and ignore her but later on he, too, will start liking her.

Where were you as you took a small break from television after your first serial?
I was waiting for the perfect role. I got many offers but didn’t like any of them. When I heard about this role in this serial Bandhan Saat Janamon Ka on Colors I got tempted to do this serial because it is telecasted on Colors channel.

Your browser may not support display of this image. Is there any love angle between you and Paarth in the serial?
Yes, there is a love angle between me and Paarth in the serial but you all will have to wait to see that.

Which are the other serials you are acting in?
I am not doing any other show but yes I am looking for better roles. I am also planning to step into Bollywood and waiting to work in a film with Aamir Khan.

Big B-Abhi-Aish together in Taalisman

February 10th, 2009

The makers of mega budget fantasy film, Taalisman have decided to set foot on a virgin location for Bollywood filmmakers. Vidhu Vinod Chopra Productions has planned a big shooting schedule of their Amitabh Bachchan starer in Bhutan.

Our source reveals, “The Big B starer will be shot in the jungles of our north east neighbouring country Bhutan. The ageing superstar plays a warrior in the film, the plot of which is based on the famous Hindi novel, Chandrakanta. The makers have chosen Bhutan as the geography there is quite different. They will be erecting a huge set in Bhutan as well as one in Mumbai. It is a big project and is still in the pre-production stage. There is a lot of research to be done. But since right now, Vidhu Vinod Chopra is busy with 3 Idiots the film will go on floors only around end of 2009. Recession is another factor that is delaying the film.”

“Apart from Amitabh Bachchan the mega cast of the film includes Aishwarya Rai Bachchan who plays a princess, Abhishek Bachchan in the role of a warrior prince and Sanjay Dutt in a negative character. Aishwarya’s look hasn’t been decided on yet but it will surely be very appealing as Chandrakanta is charismatic and physically strong. She will be required to do sword fighting.

Salman Khan Loses 50 Crore

February 9th, 2009

The impact of global financial crunch is starting to tell on one of world's largest entertainment industry, Bollywood. And the fallout of the impact is none other than Bollywood's biggest hunk, Salman Khan.

Salman Khan has reportedly walked out a T-Series production after refusing to cut his acting fees. Salman was first offered a whopping sum of Rs 50 crores for a film to be produced by T-Series and directed by Anees Bazmee.

Feeling the pinch of the economy slowdown, Bhushan Kumar, head of T-Series, approached Salman Khan, asking him for a reduction in his fees. Salman Khan agreed to take a pay cut of Rs 10 crores, which made his fee at Rs 40 Crore. However, when Bhushan Kumar requested Salman for a further price cut, Salman flatly refused to do so. Bhushan Kumar had to ultimately take the cruel decision of replacing Salman Khan with another actor, who would be ready to work at a much cheaper rate.

Hot Manisha Koirala is Back in Bollywood

February 9th, 2009

Manisha Koirala once stopped many heartbeats with her stunning looks in Saudagar and avowed the audience with her acting prowess in Dil Se. After a long hiatus, and having lost oodles of weight, Manisha is all set to dazzle the silver screen once again.

Manisha makes a comeback in Bollywood with the film, Ek Second..Jo Zindagi Badal De. The film is a drama about importance of time and how one second can transform one's life.


Manisha Koirala, looking fit as a fiddle and every bit a glamorous girl, energetically matches the steps to the dancers, as they shoot for a song in the film. On a break from the hectic shooting, Manisha explains about the story of the film, "The theme of the film is basically about how one second can transform one's life. Each person makes a certain decision at every moment of his or her life, that decision can completely transform one's life. In the film, my character misses a train, which leads to a vortex of events, which eventually changes her life."

The film directed by Partho Ghosh stars Manisha Koirala, Jackie Shroff, Nikita Anand and Rosa Catalano amongst others.

Amisha Patel forgives Kareena Kapoor

February 9th, 2009

While Saif and Kanav bonded at Tusshar Kapoor's bash, their ladyloves, kept their distance from each other

Building Bridges: Ameesha Patel and Kanav Puri going to Tusshar Kapoor's party. Kareena Kapoor and Ameesha Patel have shared cold vibes ever since Ameesha replaced Kareena in Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai.
At that time, an angry Kareena had made potshots like, "Hrithik's dad spent five hours on every frame and close-up of his son, whereas not even five seconds were spent on Ameesha. There are portions in the film where she has pimples and under-eye bags on her face.

If I were in the film, I would have definitely got a better deal, but I still feel that the attention would have been divided between us. So, I'm glad I didn't do the film."

Though the two actresses met at events over the years, Ameesha and Kareena never warmed up to each other. So when both met on Friday night at Tusshar Kapoor's party at his Juhu bungalow, the vibes were thanda to say the least.

Says an eye-witness, "Kareena and Saif had already arrived and were seen chatting with people when Ameesha and Kanav arrived with a gang of friends after Kanav's birthday party.

Kanav and Saif know each other well so when they met each other, they started chatting like long-lost friends. But though Bebo and Ameesha exchanged cordial greetings they didn't speak at all after that. Their vibes were freezing."

Ameesha says, "I have no problems with Kareena and will always be polite to her though it's true we didn't chat but just exchanged hellos.

I am very fond of Saif who is extremely well-mannered, a thorough gentleman and a gem of a person. He's also a friend of Kanav's as Kanav and Soha used to study at the same school in Delhi.

So when Kanav and Saif met up again at Tusshar's party, both got along like a house on fire. Last year, when Saif and I were shooting for Lazy Lamhe and Saif and Kareena were dating, Saif had wanted to do something special for her so I went out of my way to accommodate him and wind up early. I even attended the music launch of Refugee.

I don't belong to camps nor am I part of industry battles. I know Kareena earlier said that she hadn't given as big flops as I had but I don't hold anything against her for saying those things about me."

Ameesha adds that she would love to do a film with Bebo if offered. "If we are offered good roles together I would love to act with her. It's immature to hold grudges.I forgive Kareena for all the negative things she said about me. Even then, when she had said them, I didn't retaliate.I know five years later when we are both married and I am sitting with Kanav and three chubby kids in London all these fights and patch-ups will sound so silly and immature.I have not been brought up to snub people or be nasty to them. Nor do I believe in catfights or holding grudges. I am not here to make friends and enemies in the film industry. The only true friends that I have here are Sanju and Maanayata and for me, that's enough.'

Lara Dutta wears dirty sarees

February 9th, 2009

The fact that Lara Dutta is essaying the role of a village housewife in Shahrukh Khan's home banner production Billu (earlier titled Billu Barber), is known to all who follow regular Bollywood news updates. But her character is so real and in keeping with the story line that any common village woman can relate to it.

As per the latest news, Lara wore a no make-up look throughout the film for the first time. Her sarees were old and crumpled, soaked in tea and dried. And she wore them because that fitted the character as she is essaying the role of a simple, in fact, poverty ridden wife of a common village barber. She also had to walk bare foot (which was very difficult) as her character could not afford to buy proper footwear.

Apart from Lara's (much talked about and reported) chance encounter with a snake, she also had to put up through some extremely hostile terrain when they went on location for the picturisation of a song. The unit had to walk through muddy water and pot holes since there was no proper road to the desired location. But when they reached the locale, the effort was worth it as the scenery there was breathtaking. Talk about perfection, this is as perfect as it can get! And we thought that this kind of dedication is only seen in off - beat movies!

Well, for that we must commend Lara (for putting up with such difficult situations), and the director Priyadarshan for giving so much thought to her character, as also the large hearted producer Gauri Khan. We are sure that apart from Shahrukh's extended appearance and his scintillating item numbers with top heroines and Irrfan Khan's characteristic but much loved style of acting, Lara's character will be one of the highlights of the film. And, for those who thought Priyan only makes senseless movies, Billu will surely prove to be an eye opener for his detractors.

Zakir Hussain wins Grammy Award for “Global Drum Project”

February 9th, 2009

While A R Rahman won BAFTA award in London, Indian tabla maestro Zakir Hussain won Grammy award in Los Angeles.

Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain won the prestigious “Grammy” for his collaborative album “Global Drum Project” in the Contemporary World Music Album.

This marks 2nd Grammy for Hussain. His first, in 1992, was also the first-ever Grammy in the World Music category.

The tabla maestro had worked with Mickey Hart of the rock band Grateful Dead, Nigerian percussionist Sikiru Adepoju and Puerto Rican jazz percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo for Planet Drum.

“Global Drum Project” is the second collaboration between Mickey Hart and Hussain after their compilation “Planet Drum” which was released in 1991 and went on to win the first-ever Grammy Award in the World Music category.

Preity Zinta Collects Waste at Carter Road Seafront - Spreads Environmental Awareness

February 9th, 2009

Preity Zinta visited Carter Road sea front with volunteers and helped in the cleaning drive. Preity Zinta is the brand ambassador of The Greenathon, an initiative by NDTV & Toyota to spread environmental awareness.

Several Bollywood celebrities participated in the NDTV & Toyota initiative to spread environmental awareness.

Papa Randhir angry with Kareena

February 9th, 2009

Kareena Kapoor is the busiest gal in Bollywood today. She is running fast to complete the number of assignments that she has signed. Today, she is occupied by films, endorsements, award functions and parties and hardly getting time to spend with family. Though she is the achiever of prestigious awards like Rotary and FICCI, youth icon of the year, woman achiever of the year, youngest achiever of film industry, her father Ranbir Kapoor is neither feeling proud of daughter Bebo nor appreciating her talent. To him, if Kareena cannot spend time with her family what is the use of those awards and achievements? In irritation, he said, "I'm going to put a stop to all this. What is the point of all these awards and adulation if I don’t get to have one meal with you?"

Bebo too agreed with pa. She has the same opinion that due to her hectic schedule, she is unable to devote time to her family. "I can't begin to explain how I'm managing all this. I must have met my niece, sister and parents for hardly four hours in one-and-a-half years! But I've promised my Dad quality time post June."

Kareena has ample films lined up for release and the much talked one is Renzil D’Silva’s film where she is paired opposite beau Saif. Interestingly, they will do a lip-lock on screen. Speaking about the lip scene, Bebo remarked, "I'm a director's actress and both Saif and I do things according to the requirement of the script."

Dev D Box Office Report | Dev D Collections

February 9th, 2009

Dev D has managed to tot up fair business on its first day in terms of nett business. The seat utilisation is low but it has been released on 500 cinemas which is huge for this type of film and this has enabled to film gross a reasonable 1.45 crore net on day one

The figure is more commendable as the terms with the multiplexes were settled very late and therefore its release ads did not appear in entertainment ads which led to the public not being aware of release at multiplexes.

There are some badly informed sources in the trade who believe the collections declined on day one but the truth is that collections were lowest in the morning shows and improved throughout the day with late shows having the highest collection at most places around the country.

It will be interesting to see what happens over the weekend and if the film can manage over 5 crore nett business it would a fairly good result for the film considering the cost of the film.