Shilpa Shetty’s super costly music video

February 19th, 2009

Shilpa who joined the IPL league after Preity Zinta is set to make a super rich music video to promote her cricket team.

The sizzling music video will have an evocative Rajasthani-folk number entitled ‘Halla Bol’ composed by Anand Raj Anand.

Interestingly it will be choreographed by Ken Ghosh who stopped doing music videos after turning feature filmmaker.

Shilpa says, “I’m so glad Ken is making an exception for me. We chose Anand Raj Anand because he’s an expert at catchy folk songs. I first worked in a film with his music when he scored for Pardesi Babu. I was simply bowled over by the numbers. Today when I hear the song he has composed for our team I feel deeply enthused.”

Shilpa’s beau and co-partner Raj Kundra is mighty excited by Anand Raj Anand’s Rajasthani song and have apparently decided to shell out a mini fortune close to Rs. 1 crore, to shoot the song featuring Shilpa.

The inside buzz is that the video would be better than anything that she has done. The word is that close to a total amount of Rs. 3 crores is expected to be spent.

The source has said, “From ‘UP Bihar Lootne’ to ‘Shut Up And Bounce’…Shilpa’s item songs have always been special. She wants her IPL music video to be her best item song ever. She’s working on the costumes, accessories everything in advance so that when they shoot the video in March she’ll sizzle like never before.”

However Shilpa refused to reveal any figures and simply said that they could all see the effect in the video.

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.

Destiny & Desire

February 12th, 2009

Shilpa Shetty’s away in Nashik shooting for the Indo-Chinese venture The Desire this Valentine’s Day. She hopes boyfriend Raj Kundra will come visiting. Keeping her guessing, Kundra smiles back indulgently. So will he or won’t he? Read on to find out...

She’s togged in a form-flattering little black dress and he is dressed nattily in a black suit. She’s smiling a lot and he’s beaming proudly. She’s dazzlingly beautiful and his sparkling wit sets him apart. Happy to be together, Shilpa and Raj are evidently in love. The coosome twosome is in a celebratory mood as they “gift each other” 11.4 per cent ($15.4 million) stake in Rajasthan Royals, the reigning Indian Premier League (IPL) champions. It’s good to catch Shilpa-Raj in a tell-all mood. Over a protein bar, Shilpa shares her thoughts about her Mr Right and he joins the chat-fest:

Business and pleasure, is a heady cocktail! How did you two meet ?
Shilpa : It began with a business meeting when we met for the launch of my signature perfume S2. Soon we became good friends. I really admire his business acumen and vision.

What’s that one quality that you looked for in your Mr Right? What do you like the most about Raj?
Shilpa : Simplicity! And the fact that he’s so secure with himself and has no complex about being around a successful woman. He’s proud to be on my side, he celebrates my achievements with me. That’s what I like about him.
Raj: There is no ego between us, we respect each other and if one person is more famous it doesn’t make the other person smaller, does it?

What’s the best and worst about dating Shilpa Shetty?
Raj: In terms of business, the best thing is that her networking is so good and the worst thing is that with her there is hardly any personal life! I am a great believer of The Secret, I know for sure that whatever you believe in really happens. We believe that we were destined to be together.

Now tell us of your plan for Valentine’s Day.
Shilpa: What plan? We aren’t even meeting! I am away shooting for The Desire in Nashik. But if I know him, he will surprise me by visiting me. Won’t you?
Raj: (Smiles) Why ever not?

Any gifts that you have thought about?
Raj: A stake in Rajasthan Royals is our Valentine’s gift to each other. And that’s pretty expensive, I assure you.
Shilpa: Rajasthan Royals is indeed an important strategic business investment for us, but I am expecting a special Valentine gift.
Raj: (chokes mockingly) Please get me some water...

Why Rajasthan Royals?
Shilpa: During the last IPL season we were in Tirupati during the final match between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings XI. There was no television in our hotel and Shamita was relaying the commentary to us over the ’phone. Raj and I had bet on Rajasthan Royals and I remember going hoarse screaming with delight when they won the match on the last ball. We won! I think we were destined for Royals.
Raj: Like me, Royals were the underdogs last year. There were no expectations from them but through their scintillating performance they made a mark. They emerged champions.

How important is winning for you? Are you ready to take on Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta?
Shilpa: I am a winner, it is very important to win. But in cricket the spirit is the most important. And hey, the competition is not between SRK, Preity or me - it’s between our teams. It’s more about camaraderie. I got into the IPL circuit only because it was Raj’s idea and trust his business sense implicitly. I wasn’t following any trend. But we will learn from their mistakes, that’s for sure.

Which mistakes, Shilpa?
Shilpa: Buying players at exorbitant rates and overspending on marketing and merchandising. Although our aim is to Bollywood-ise the game with music video and better marketing strategy, the main focus remains on the game.

What difference will you two make to Rajasthan Royals?
Shilpa: Hey, I am the only Indian co-owner on Royals, the rest of them are British. So I will bring in my native spirit and put my expertise and experience in films to marketing, merchandising and music video. Of course, you can expect a dhamakedaar video!
Raj: The marketing budget has been upped three times over this time so there will be hip merchandise - new tee-shirts, minibats and on-line club memberships. There will be value for fan loyalty.

Dancing yes, but what’s your connect with sports?
Shilpa: I was a volleyball player at the Bombay Zonal level, I was a good sportsperson. I played some bad cricket under our building. But my dad is a crazy cricket fanatic and he can rattle off cricket statistics like radio. He’s updating me with my cricket know-how these days.

How’s your good friend Vijay Mallya taking you as an adversary?
Shilpa: When he heard about my IPL entry, he went ‘Oh my gawd!’ And I replied - everything is fair in love and cricket!

Love, cricket and marriage. When’s the big day?
Shilpa: Don’t worry, whenever we plan to get married we will call a press conference. Nothing is hidden from you. Right now I am busy shooting for The Desire and The Man co-starring Sunny Deol. Then the IPL matches! Where is the time?
Raj: Oh yes, it is a busy year ahead.

Jaya Prada as Shilpa Shetty’s mother in The desire

February 11th, 2009

Jaya Prada and Shilpa Shetty with an Indo-Chinese project “The Desire- a journey of a woman”. Jaya plays an Odissi Dancer and a mother as well as the dance guru of Shilpa in the film.

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.

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.

Now, Shilpa Shetty takes a dig at ‘Slumdog Millionaire’

February 6th, 2009

Mumbai : After Amitabh Bachchan’s alleged criticism against the Oscar-nominated Danny Boyle flick ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, actress Shilpa Shetty is the latest to slam the movie.

According to the actress, ‘Slumdog’ is basically a grim portrayal of India and Mumbai in particular.

Shilpa says, "Obviously it's about the slums. I just feel that internationally recognised films focus more on our slums and poverty. So I just wrote on my blog two days ago that for a change, I'm doing a film that focuses on the beauty of India and its culture. That'll be interesting to watch as well."

Other than Big B and Shilpa Shetty, filmmaker Priyadarshan and actress Preity Zinta have already expressed their disappointment over the film's content and depiction.

Bollywood's Shilpa Shetty buys IPL stake in Rajasthan Royals

February 3rd, 2009

Shetty and her partner, the UK businessman Raj Kundra, have bought a 12 per cent stake in the team captained and coached by Sh ane Warne.

The deal provides evidence the IPL may be weathering the economic downturn after Shetty and Kundra paid $15.4 million for their stake, which values the Rajasthan franchise at around $140million, a significant increase on the $67 million its owners, Emerging Media, paid for it a year ago.

Manoj Badale, the British businessman and owner of Emerging Media, said "The selling of this stake is part of our long-term strategic approach to build the Rajasthan Royals into a global sports brand.

"Our resources are already focused on on-field investment in the key areas of player development infrastructure; international expansion; and to also support continued investment in our playing staff."

Shetty won Celebrity Big Brother in 2006 and is one of Bollywood's leading actors.

Her investment begins a week when the IPL will once take the spotlight with its second player auction due to be held in Goa on Friday where Kevin Pietersen could earn a contract worth up to $2 million.

Shetty's involvement is change of direction for the Royals who were proud of their underdog tag when they won the first IPL. They were the cheapest franchise and opted to build a team under Warne.

At the first IPL auction they shunned the big names, studied stats and decided to pursue lower profile cricketers with a point to prove such as Shane Watson and Sohail Tanvir.

Shilpa Shetty Gifts Audi 6 to Shamita shetty on hit Birthday

February 3rd, 2009

Shilpa Shetty brought in behna Shamita's 29th birthday by throwing a bash for her kid sis at the Grand Hyatt. This year, apart from an expensive diamond set, Shamita ushers in her day as the owner of a brand-new Audi 6 (worth Rs 50 lakh).

A source close to the sisters says, "Shamita loves fast, stylish and powerful cars. It was always been her dream to own the Audi A6 and Shilpa has always wanted to fulfill her wish.

This time, Shilpa and her parents quietly went ahead and bought a Rs 50-lakh silver-coloured Audi A6 and surprised Shamita with the gift at their Lokhandwala home last night.

Shamita was ecstatic. Though Shilpa can't drive, Shamita loves driving. Later on, she took Shilpa, Raj (Kundra, Shilpa's beau) and her parents out for a test drive.

Shilpa Shetty Inaugarated Sona’s UNIQ Fashion Store

January 23rd, 2009

Tamil Item Song Actress Sona has ventured into the nascent fashion industry in Chennai by opening a boutique called UNIQ.

Bollywood Actress Shilpa Shetty Inaugurated item Actress Sona’s UNIQ fashion store. The inauguration event was held at the Taj Connemara and Shilpa said that it was her friendship with Sona that brought her to Chennai.

The fashion accessories will be priced between Rs. 1000 and Rs. 1,00,000.

Shilpa Shetty to go bald

January 15th, 2009

Shilpa Shetty's long and luscious tresses may soon go. Buzz is that she will soon go the Shabana-Nandita way. The two actresses had shaved off their hair for Deepa Mehta's Water. It's another matter that 'Water' never got made with them. Shilpa will start shooting for her most challenging role in Malayalam director, R Sarath's English language film 'Desire' this week. Apparently a part of the film requires her to shave off her hair.

When we check with Shilpa, she laughs and says, "I can't reveal everything about my role. If I tell you everything now why would you watch the film? But yes, this is by far the most challenging role of my career. It takes me through ten turbulent years of my character's life. It's a very intense love story between me and my Chinese co-star, Xia Yu."

Shilpa hasn't met Xia Yu yet. "Our shooting starts this week in Kerala. Then we shoot in Kuala Lampur." Apparently permission to shoot the film in China was denied.

What Shilpa really liked about the role is that it allowed her to learn Odissi. "I have been a Bharatnatyam dancer all my life. In 'Desire' I play an Odissi dancer, and I had to unlearn everything I knew about the classical dance and start from scratch. It has been quite a daunting experience."

Shilpa’s praying for Jade Goody’s recovery

January 14th, 2009

Shilpa Shetty has revealed that she’s praying for her once upon a time tormentor, former Celebrity Big Brother contestant Jade Goody’s recovery.

Goody is suffering form cervical cancer and has been undergoing aggressive chemotherapy to treat the condition.

According to Dailymail.co.uk, the reality TV personalities came close following their notorious on-screen rift on the show two years ago which made the British public brand Goody as a racist.

The 33 year old actress was one of the first to hear of Goody’s condition while she was presenting the second season of the Indian version of ‘Big Brother’, ‘Big Boss’ last year.

The reality show specialist has been given a 50 percent chance of survival following a hysterectomy in September last year and is undergoing a course of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and blood transfusions in Britain.

Shilpa has said, “What happened between us in the past means nothing compared to what Jade is going through today. Every night I pray for a miracle to save her life. You wouldn’t wish this on your worst enemy.”

She’s added, “I was one of the first people to be told and I kept saying over and over to myself. It can’t be true’. I remember calling Jade at Mumbai airport and telling her to hang in there and be strong for her kids. We couldn’t control ourselves and cried over the phone.”

According to Shilpa, the 27 year old has maintained her sense of humor about the situation, particularly with her five year old son Bobby, and four-year-old Freddie.

She’s said, “I heard Jade joked to her sons that her hair loss was caused by using the wrong shampoo, so at least she hasn’t lost her sense of humor. How she has handled herself has been nothing short of amazing. Being a working mother of two small children is a hard enough job on its own without having to battle such a serious illness at the same time.”

The actress who’s made an inspirational movie on Aids like ‘Phir Milenge’ has promised to go to Britain in order to support Goody.

Shilpa Shetty welcomed New Year in Spanish style

January 7th, 2009

Year 2008 was an eventful year for Shilpa Shetty. She is looking forward to a fresh start and plans to start a new business venture this year. Interestingly Shilpa who usually performs on New Year eve preferred to spend time with her family.

She celebrated New Year with her beau Raj Kundra and Family in Spain. Shilpa was in the beautiful city of Puerto Banus in Marbella, Spain. She says, “I can’t describe the beauty of the city and its culture. There were orange trees in our villa in full bloom which I happily plucked and gorged on.”

Speaking about Spanish tradition of celebrating New Year she says, “They say you learn something every day and at 12 Midnight on New Year’s Eve, at a restaurant, I learnt how the Spanish bring in their new year. 12 seconds before the clock struck twelve they gave us 12 grapes called the 12 grapes of luck to eat one by one for every second before we screamed Happy New Year.”

She continues. “It’s not easy to eat them all but the more you eat the luckier the year is, it was a new experience.” Shilpa is looking forward to Neeraj Pathtak’s Sunny Deol starrer The Man “I like to start the New Year clean slate… like it’s a new beginning.” She signs off.

Shilpa Shetty reveals her secrets

January 6th, 2009

Yes, Yoga is definitely one of the major factors … the driving force behind Shilpa’s sexed up self. But the leggy lass says there’s more to her being sexy and sassy! The sexy Shetty revealed some of the lesser known aspects of her life on her blog recently.

About her hour glass figure: Apart from yoga she gives credit to her healthy eating habits and says consuming lots of water is one thing she never misses out on. What many don’t know about Shilpa is that the sexy siren who has a beautiful, ‘to die for’ lean figure is actually a complete foodie. And she has a few favourites too. “I am addicted to green tea. I love Rasagollas,” she reveals. Shilpa Shetty also informs that she not only loves eating but is an amazing cook too.

The real Shilpa Shetty: Talking about some more unknown facets of her personality Shilpa Shetty says, “I can’t swim! I don’t drive. I love to laugh. I love to watch TV Series “Heroes”. I love comedy films and love stories. I can cry at the drop of a hat.” Shilpa believes in the power of meditation. She informs that she believes in all Gods and is an avid oneness follower.

Small screen stint: Talking about her first stint as a host on television for Bigg Boss Shilpa says she never thought that she could host until Bigg Boss happened. The actress discovered a new side of her due to the show, “I was pleasantly surprised at myself and enjoyed hosting Bigg Boss thoroughly,” Shilpa concludes.

Why Shilpa Shetty is so angry with Rakhi Sawant?

By Subhash K Jha

This week has been really tough on Shilpa.

First Jade Goodie's traumatic adieu. Then a member of her own film fraternity Rakhi Sawant was heard telling tv channels that a contestant on Big Boss must have been changed because of Shilpa.

When questioned about Rakhi's allegation Shilpa says she's appalled. "I don't even want to talk about her. But I was very hurt. I really like Rakhi. Why was she talking this way about me without knowing the facts?

How does she know the facts about how contestants were chosen? I don't think it's right for anyone to shoot off her mouth in this way.

You may have an outspoken image that you're always eager to uphold. But please don't flaunt that image at my cost."

Shilpa was also appalled by her effigies being burnt. Apparently a guy Ramdas Atahavle was approached to go into the house. He claims he was dropped because of Shilpa's manoeuvres.

The actress doesn't know whether to laugh or cry at this. "It's the channel's prerogative to select or reject a candidate. Until two days prior to the show I didn't even know who was going.

The format doesn't allow the host to know the contestants. Mr Athavle claims he was dropped on discriminatory grounds because he was a Dalit and Sanjay Nirupam was taken instead."

Shilpa is outraged. "Why was I being blamed if a candidate didn't make it into Big Boss? Why were they throwing stones at the channel Colors' office and burning my effigy?

They even held a dharna in Lonavla in front of the Big Boss house. Why me? Every time I'm associated with something people try to use my name for their own purposes. Please leave me alone."

Taking a deep breath Shilpa laughs. "I think I should take all this attention as a compliment. But somewhere it does take its toll on my mental equilibrium. We all need to be more responsible about our duties as a citizen.

My phone went ballistic on Tuesday. I'm in the midst of a dozen things and then to be badgered like this! I'm human and I don't like my name being constantly used. Don't hit where it hurts the most. I think they should start auctioning my effigies."

Laughs Shilpa, "But really, Rakhi Sawant takes the cake. What authority does she have to make such charges against me?

I'd have Rakhi know that it's the channel's prerogative to decide the participants. I'm hired by the channel to do a job. My jurisdiction is to go on stage and host the show."

Shilpa wants police action against the practice of burning effigies. "It's really very sad that known people are subjected to this. It's very degrading?"

It hurts Shilpa Shetty

25 December 2008

Shilpa Shetty is so excited to bag her first Indo-China venture that she had been practicing dance for the film. Yes! She's required to show her oomph and dancing skills in Desire. "Shilpa wanted to start taking lessons much earlier, but then she hurt her foot," says her friend, "Shilpa slit her foot recently. The gash was deep and long.

The doctors had to give her 15 stitches, and the actor will resume her Odissi dance lessons only once she recovers from her foot injury." Hopefully NRI beau, Kunderji is taking good care of her, and even 'footing'