Sharmila Tagore, Shashi Kapoor to be awarded FICCI Frames

February 16th, 2009

Renowned actors of yesteryear Hindi film industry Sharmila Tagore and Shashi Kapoor will be conferred with the prestigious FICCI-Frames Living Legend award this year. They would be presented with the award on February 19, the concluding day of the FICCI-Frames annual convention on Indian entertainment and media industry here, organisers today announced.

Ms Tagore, who is currently the chairperson of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), has won several National Film Awards for her critically acclaimed performances.

Mother of bollywood star Saif Ali Khan and actress Soha Ali Khan, Ms Tagore began her career as an actress in 1959 with Satyajit Ray's 'Apur Sansar' (The World of Apu) but established herself in the Hindi film industry with Shakti Samanta's 'Kashmir Ki Kali' in 1964. Her last film, released in 2006, was Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 'Eklavya: The Royal Guard', in which she played mother to her own actor son Saif.

Meanwhile Shashi Kapoor, a legendary actor and producer of the famous Kapoor family, is remembered for many hits like 'Deewar', 'Kabhi Kabhie', 'Trishul' (1978) and 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram'.

The romantic hero of the 60's started his career as a child artiste in several mythological movies in early 1940s. His best known performances were in 'Aag' (1948) and 'Awaara' (1951), in which he played the younger version of the characters played by his elder brother Raj Kapoor. He made his debut as a leading man in 1961 with Yash Chopra's 'Dharmputra' and went on to appear in over 100 films. He also starred in many British and American films notably the Merchant Ivory productions' 'Shakespeare Wallah', Bombay Talkie' and 'Heat and Dust', in which he co-starred with his wife Jennifer Kendal. His last film appearances were in 'Jinnah' (1998) and a Merchant-Ivory production titled 'Side Streets' (1998).

Both Sharmila Tagore and Shashi Kapoor have also acted together in in many films, including the smashing-hit 'Aa Gale Lag Jaa'.

Eminent personalities from the field of entertainment are honoured with the Living Legend Award for their outstanding contribution to the field of entertainment, every year at the FICCI annual global Convention, Frames.

Earlier awardees are Lata Mangeshkar, Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, Asha Bhosle, Amitabh Bachchan, Waheeda Rehman, Shammi Kapoor, Hema Malini, Dharmendra and Sridevi.

Slumdog Millionaire faces defamation threat

February 16th, 2009

Mumbai: "Slumdog Millionaire" may have won the hearts of many but the movie, which is on the verge of winning Oscars, is facing defamation threat.

Eminent Hindi poet and Bollywood song writer Gopal Singh Nepali's son Nakul Singh has claimed that the song "Darshan Do Ghanshyam Nath Mori Ankhiya Pyasi" was originally written by his father and is planning to file defamation case against director Danny Boyle.

The song, "Darshan Do Ghanshyam Nath Mori Ankhiya Pyasi", that features in the movie, is from 1957 film "Narsi Bhagat" which was directed by Devendra Goel.

The film was based on the life of 15th Century Gujarati saint-poet Narsinh Mehta, who was a devotee of Lord Krishna.

The song, based on one of the oldest ragas — "Rag Kedar", was written by eminent Hindi poet and Bollywood song writer Gopal Singh Nepali.

Call it his destiny or an oversight by the Oscar-front runner team protagonist Jamal is shown winning Rs 2, 50,000 in the film despite giving a wrong answer.

"Slumdog Millionaire" is based on Indian diplomat Vikas Swarup's novel "Q and A" and was adapted into the movie by scriptwriter Simon Beaufoy, who changed some parts of the story to make it fit in the film's narrative.

The result of it is that Jamal ends up giving a wrong answer to a question with wrong options.

Swarup's book refers to "Ankhiya Hari Darshan Ki Pyasi" as the song by saint-poet Surdas. The question for the protagonist in the book is a different one.

Surdas, a contemporary to Narsi, wrote "Ankhiya Hari Darshan Ki Pyasi" which expresses a similar sentiment.

In the movie Jamal is asked to name the poet who wrote song "Darshan Do Ghanshyam Nath Mori Ankhiya Pyasi" during the show- Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? He has four options from the show host- Surdas, Tulsidas, Meerabai and Kabir.

Obviously, none of these is the right answer. The producers of the film were unavailable for comment.

Hurman Priyanka Back Togethere as Couple

February 16th, 2009

All those who were glad that Priyanka Chopra was single again after her break-up with Hurman Baweja, there's news for you. Priyanka and Hurman are trying to get back together. Their dead relationship got a chance to renew itself earlier this month while the two were shooting together in the snowy landscapes of Chicago. Reveals a source, "It seems Priyanka realised how important Hurman is to her life. They were together constantly in Chicago."

But in such a scenario, where does Priyanka and Shahid Kapur's growing 'friendship'stand? A close friend of Priyanka and Hurman jumps to their defence, asking, "Would it mean that Priyanka is dating Shahid if they exchange friendly banter on a social networking website like Facebook? Well, Hurman did ask her about this and that's when they realised how deeply they care for each other."

Apparently, the reason for the break-up was Priyanka's two hits, Fashion and Dostana, and Hurman's two flops, Love Story 2050 and Victory. Their friend rubbishes such reasons and says, "People forget that Priyanka knew the Baweja family before Hurman took to acting. They're both working hard on getting back the magic in their relationship, especially Hurman."

When contacted about their patch-up, Priyanka didged a direct answer by saying, "I will always stand by Hurman."

She added, "I enjoyed Victory immensely. He came across very well as a cricketer."

Kareena launches book Loose Weight Not Mind

February 15th, 2009

The secret to Kareena Kapoor's much coveted size zero is finally out in the open. She spent Valentine's Day encouraging people to love their bodies and shed flab. The actress was present for a book launch of her trainers book Loose Your Weight Not Your Mind.

How should one begin to love their body?

Kareena Kapoor: First and foremost it's about eating right, only then can one start beginning to love their body. And when loves their body they don't abuse it.

There was so much talk about your size zero figure. There were rumours that you were starving yourselves. Were you amused at any point?

Kareena Kapoor: I was being updated daily by the media about what I'm eating. I was very entertained.

The Kapoors are known to love their paranthas and dal makhani. How did you control yourself?

Kareena Kapoor: Yeah in fact I was recently shooting in Delhi and I had dal makhani for lunch. Everyone on the set was shocked to see me eat dal makhani. But I told them that this is what my dietitian's given me, so stop staring at my plate.

Aamir turns down Madame Tussauds

February 15th, 2009

A few Bollywood actors have found a place at the Madame Tussauds museum in London. Amitabh Bachchan was the first to be waxed and then he was followed by Shahrukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai (now Aishwarya Bachchan) and Salman Khan. Celebrities around the world long to enter the museum but not Bollywood actor Aamir Khan. He had turned down the offer to get waxed at the museum.

He said that he has been approached for getting waxed but he is not interested interested. He added that he leaves behind things that don't interest him, as he has so many things to do. He wants people to see him through his films if they want to see him.

Manisha Koirala Getting Married

February 15th, 2009

Once upon the number one actress of Bollywood and the queen of millions of hearts ‘Manisha Koirala’ is now all set to tie the knot with her long time boyfriend Christopher Doris, a sports counselor, author and entrepreneur.

According to sources Manisha had some problems with her boyfriend but now they have sorted out all the issues and the actress is finally ready to get married.

Though she has a long list of friends from Bollywood, the actress clarifies that the wedding would be a low affair event and only few near and dear ones will be in her guest list.

We wish Manisha and Christopher all the luck and a blissful married life.

Sameera Reddy Shamsu Lalani Break up

February 15th, 2009

Here's one couple who won't be together this Valentine's Sameera Reddy and her builderbeau Shamsu Lalani.

Although rumours of their break-up have been doing the rounds for almost a year, they were together until five months ago.

Says a friend close to Shamsu, "They had been dating for the last year and a half and were committed to each other. There were some speculations about problems between them because she was supposedly seeing some other businessman but there was never any third party involved. There were just differences of opinion between Sameera and Shamsu and they decided to part ways. They ended it in October." However, they have maintained cordial relations after that.

Katrina Kaif: I have learnt dedication from Akshay

February 15th, 2009

She may have been more than just 'good friends' with Salman Khan but Katrina Kaif doesn't deny that she shares good friendship with Akshay Kumar too. In a chat show with Farhan Akhtar, she admitted that Akshay is a good friend of hers as well.

''People think that I and Akshay are good friends. Yes, it is easy working together when it comes to Akshay but then our friendship is not the kind that I could have with my childhood or college friends'', said Katrina when asked about her friends. In fact she went on to add that best friend is in fact her Manager.

She admitted though that Akshay has a great role to play in her successful Bollywood stint, especially when it comes to dedication.

''I have learnt dedication towards work from my co-star Akshay Kumar'', says Katrina, ''If you have good talent but take it for granted, then it fails for you. However, if you have less talent but work hard towards it then you get what you want. Someone like Akshay has a good combination of both talent which he hones further by working hard on it.''

Over the years gone by, her success ratio has been phenomenal with only BOOM and YUVVRAAJ failing at the box office. So, does she choose a script or a director? When asked this question, Katrina replied, ''There should be one strong point at least when a film if offered to me. No, it isn't like I am a lucky mascot or anything but I believe in praying and hoping. I believe and pray that if you genuinely ask something it is granted.''

She goes on to add, ''I don't have enough knowledge of films but I think that a film has to have some quality control at the least. If a director is new then at the least he should have a good and strong script. On the other hand, if a director is experienced that even a new actor with a good script can work.''

Akshay Kumar's 8X10 confirmed for April release

February 15th, 2009

KAMBAKTH ISHQ is not going to be Akshay Kumar's next release. Though it was widely anticipated that after the debacle of CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA, Akshay would announce a loud comeback on the big screen with a hardcore commercial romantic action comedy like KAMBAKTH ISHQ, it isn't quite the case. Instead Akshay would be seen in 8X10 - TASVEER, a thriller which would show the entertainer in a different light altogether.

Confirms a source close to Akshay Kumar, ''8X10 TASVEER will be the next release of Akshay and not KAMBAKTH ISHQ. The film is ready now and there are good reports about it since it highlights the acting skills of Akshay. After being known as an entertainer for all these years, he would be certainly hailed as a true actor after 8X10 -TASVEER.''

Is the film arriving on 3rd April?

''That's right, 3rd April is the confirmed date for release'', adds the source, ''It has been a while since it has been in the making (a little more than a year) and now everyone associated with the film is very happy with the final results. The movie has turned out quite well and the first look promo has been widely appreciated as well. Audience would be in for some surprise with 8X10 TASVEER since Akshay hasn't done anything like this before. Once in a while he likes to surprise his audience. Well, this is going to be one such film.''

Directed by Nagesh Kukunoor whose last release was a forgettable BOMBAY TO BANGKOK, 8X10 TASVEER stars veterans like Sharmila Tagore, Girish Karnad and Anant Mahadevan in principal roles. Produced by Bhushan Kumar, 8X10 TASVEER is a thriller with a sci-fi and supernatural element to it.

Glittering Bharat Shah Son Wedding

February 15th, 2009

Practically entire film industry was at the wedding of Himani Raut with Rajeev Shah, son of film financier Bharat Shah at the Mahalaxmi Turf Club.

Kamal Hassan, Rekha, gorgeous Nagama, beautiful Sridevi, Dancing queen Madhuri Dixit , Jackie Shroff, Mallika Sherawat, Govinda were among the guest at the wedding.

Rekha made one of her rare appearances at the wedding. Looking ever so beautiful and graceful.

Here are the photos

Lucky connection with Harman and Genelia?

February 15th, 2009

Truth is stranger than fiction. This we learnt when we observed the strange coincidence that Sanjay Kapoor shares with Hurman Baweja and Genelia Dsouza. Hurman is starring in Sanjay’s first film as a producer called ITS MY LIFE along with Genelia Dsouza. A source close to Sanjay said, “Hurman’s debut venture Love Story2050 was released on the same day as Genelia’s Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na.

And recently Victory and Luck By Chance hit the theatres on the same day too. And has fate would have it both Hurman films failed while Jaane and Luck became hits.But this time around Sanjay — who recieved much appreciation for his performance in LBC — is hoping that, Genelia’s luck rubs off on It’s My life.”

Billu opens to an average collections at box office

February 15th, 2009

Shah Rukh Khan’s home production Billu directed by Priyadarshan has taken an average opening in major metros cities on its opening day Friday the 13th. But reports suggest that it is doing slightly better business in the smaller centers than big cities.

The film opened on Friday to 30-40% occupancy. There was a slight improvement with evening shows but not so significant that one can call it a good opening. It has been released with in over 1000 cinema halls including 600 digital screens. If the opening weekend collections don’t touch the 75-80% mark then the film is bound to be declared a FLOP. It will face mighty opposition from next Friday’s release, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s Delhi-6.

The other release of the week, The Stoneman Murders has taken a slow opening but since its carrying very good reports, the positive word of mouth about it is spreading slowly. The weekend may see a big rise in its collections claim trade pundits.

If Billu flops it won’t affect SRK the producer as he has made a clean profit by selling all its rights to Eros but as an actor it will definitely be a blot in his career record.

Shah Rukh may not endorse Pepsi

February 14th, 2009

SRK, the biggest brand of India, maybe the king of Bollywood but right now it seem he is certainly not the king of enorsements. Maybe age is catching up with the youth icon.

According to the buzz, Pepsi has not renewed the contract with Shah Rukh but have replaced him with Ranbir. The soft drink giant's new 'Youngistan' campaign targets the youth and has Ranbir Kapoor endorsing the brand.

Shah Rukh was the only star who had the longest relationship with Pepsi, other stars like Kajol and Rani couldn't continue for long and even cricket stars like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Saurav Ganguly were replaced some time ago by Ishant Sharma, MS Dhoni and Virender Sehwag.

Shilpa Shetty's bodyguard buys pooja thali for her at the Shirdi temple; leaves without paying the hawker

February 14th, 2009

Shilpa Shetty was recently shooting in Nasik for her upcoming film, Desire when she decided to visit the Shirdi temple to seek blessings of Sai Baba on Wednesday evening. However, her bodyguard bought the pooja material, took the pooja thali for her and did not return to pay the hawker, Sunil Arane.

An eyewitness says, "Shilpa came with a gang of the unit to seek the darshan around 6 pm, and wanted to attend the evening dhoop aarti. But she was late and was not allowed entry because as per the rules, the doors of the temple are closed during the aarti. When she came, one of the Sai Sevaks Sunil Arane, gave a Rs 500 thali containing a rose garland and prasad to one of Shilpa's bodyguards. After the darshan, when they came out, he demanded his money to which the bodyguard told him that the money was given to one Mohan Yadav, the public relations officer of the Sai Sanstha. But Mohan Yadav denied having received any money. Arane tried to follow Shilpa, but she had already left by then."

Though Shilpa Shetty denied the story saying, "It's not true," our source stood by his story.

Jhalak Dhikhla Ja 4 Contestants

February 14th, 2009

Jhalak Dhikhhla Jaa Contestants, Jhalak Dhikhla Ja 4 Contestants 2009
Jhalak Dhikhhla Jaa is back with a new lot of assorted celebrities in its third season. From former cricket player and commenter Mohinder Amarnath to sexy model Gauhar Khan to rapper Hard Kaur to magician Ugesh Sarcar and Maine Pyaar Kiya heroine Bhagyashree, this season promises to be exciting. They will be judged by an all-woman panel: Saroj Khan, Juhi Chawla and Vaibhavi Merchant. Shweta Tiwari and Shiv Pandit will be the hosts.

Below are the 12 celebrity contestants on the show.

Gauhar Khan


Monica Bedi


Bhagyashree


Shilpa Shukla


Ram Kapoor


Hard Kaur


Ugesh Sarcar


Karan Singh Grover


Parul Chauhan


Mohinder Amarnath


Anand Raj Anand