Genelia still close to Imran

February 7th, 2009

Genelia D'Souza and Imran Khan are still buddies. That's what the young heartthrob's Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na co star claims.

Since Imran is going steady with his girlfriend of many years Avantika, no one really linked up the young stars romantically. However the recent buzz is that the two friends have fallen apart after a misunderstanding.

But she clarified, "Imran is a dear friend, there is no misunderstanding between us and we are very good friends. Everything is absolutely fine. These are just rumours."

The young actress who shone down South is presently juggling both Bollywood and the South. She said, "I love both the industries as both are close to my heart. I started my career with Telugu films and I got recognition in Bollywood. But the success of Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na has done wonders to my career."

Genelia has Hook Ya Crook with John Abraham and It's my Life with Hurman Baweja, the Hindi remake of her own Telugu hit Bommarillu to look forward to as well as a Abbas Mastan thriller.

Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na and her hero Imran is mighty lucky for her. No wonder she cherishes this friendship!

Abhi enjoys B'day with family

February 7th, 2009

Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan turned 33 on 5th February. Abhi joined Ash in New York where she was promoting her English film 'Pink Panther 2'. His parents Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya, who were recently in Davos and London, also joined the couple. At first the birthday boy parents were unsure about joining Abhi's birthday bash but later they managed to take part on their son's birthday celebrations. After the premiere of Pink Panther 2, they all had a gala time, all enjoyed Abhi’s birthday to the fullest.

The actor is having a hectic time for quite sometime now shooting for Mani Ratnam's Ravana in the deep jungle of Kochi with wife Ash. Abhishek is eagerly waiting for his forthcoming release Delhi 6 as the film is expected to turn around his career fully. Directed by Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra, Dehli 6 speaks about an incident in Delhi that transformed Abhishek's short trip to the longest journey of his life.

Veteran actors like Waheeda Rehman and Om Puri are also part of the film. Abhi paired with Saawariya gal Sonam Kapoor.

King Khan moved by Anil Kapoor acting

February 7th, 2009

MUMBAI: King of Bollywood Shahrukh Khan said Friday he was moved by the brilliant performance of Indian legendary actor Anil Kapoor in his world famous film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’.

It is strange to believe that recently Anil Kapoor criticized Shahrukh over his roles in recent movies despite that, Shahrukh persists to applaud his (Anil)’s role in Slumdog millionaire.

Shahrukh words came as, “Indeed, Anil Kapoor is still the proud of Bollywood and his supremacy in acting is again evident from his brilliant performance in Slumdog Millionaire”

Shakira to dance with Munnabhai

February 7th, 2009

Mumbai: Colombian pop star Shakira is all set to deliver a performance with Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt.

The legitimate eye-popper isn't visiting India for a stage show, but she has been signed by an Indian producer to sing and be part of a music video for a new flick.
Surya Pratap, the producer of forthcoming Bollywood film tentatively titled ‘The Final Call', confirmed the report.

Shakira will team up with Daler Mehndi and Sanjay Dutt for a music video, which will be recorded in USA. In fact, Sanjay Dutt has been approached to play the protagonist of the film and AR Rahman will in all probability be the music composer of this big-budget venture.

Surya said, "Wilson Tong, the actor from the cult film The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, will be in charge of cinematography and action."

Anushka flying with Shah Rukh to London

February 7th, 2009

Mumbai: 'Rab Ne Bana De Jodi' newbie, Anushka Sharma will be giving company to King Khan for this year's Zee Carnival in London.

The charming girl will be traveling overseas for the first time to have some time with her new-found fans ever since she made her debut last December with a hit to her credit.

"There are a lot of first things happening for me. And here's an addition to that long list. In spite of so much coming my way in such a short span of time, I have never felt that I am different from others," says Anushka.

Anushka and Shah Rukh will interact with their fans during the carnival and specially Anushka is quite thrilled about the tour, "It feels strange that there is so much adulation. But, I have no complaints."

Anushka will leave for London on 12 February. The Carnival will be held from 13 - 15 February.

Another controversy for Parzania director

February 7th, 2009

AHMEDABAD: Lamhaa, a film about the problems faced by people of Kashmir, has been mired in row ever since the unit began shooting in the Valley.

Film director Rahul Dholakia whose first film Parzania on Gujarat riots kicked up quite a controversy recently finished shooting his next ambitious film Lamhaa in Kashmir.

The shooting had to be halted in October last year after fruit traders in Srinagar objected to a certain scene. It was again suspended after students of a college in Anantnag protested over the film being shot inside college premises. The unit had to stop work in November after Bipasha Basu left a shoot midway at Anantnag.

"We faced many problems in Kashmir because there was some misunderstanding among people about us. But the problems were sorted out later and they helped us in shooting. Kashmiris are fearless and they live a totally different life, one with a lot of problems. I want to highlight these problems in my film - a drama and a thriller," says Rahul Dholakia.

"In my last film too, I pointed out the problems in Gujarat after the 2002 riots. This film shows the contemporary problems of Kashmiris in a realistic manner," added Rahul.

Rahul has researched extensively for this film and also spent much time in Kashmir before writing the script. He visited sensitive areas and met many people.

"We were not permitted to shoot at some places where militancy is high. People of Kashmir love Sanjay Dutt. However, Bipasha left shooting due to certain security reasons. She later came back and finished shooting in the Valley," says Rahul.

After Parzania, Rahul is keeping his fingers crossed for Lamhaa. "I have again tried to show the real situation of Kashmiri people. I hope the film does not face any problem."

Priyanka’s father unwell again

February 7th, 2009

Even as Priyanka Chopra continues to deliver hits after hits, one thing that never stopped worrying her is her father Dr Ashok Chopra's ill-health.

Her father was diagnosed with a tumour in his liver in 2005. Last week, Dr Ashok Chopra's health suddenly deteriorated further and he was rushed to the the hospital.

Dr Chopra's health has been a cause for concern for his family, especially Priyanka who often has to travel because of her hectic work schedule.

A close friend of Priyanka told Mumbai Mirror, “Last week, Priyanka came from an outdoor shoot and realised that her father was not in his usual element. She told him to go to a doctor for a through check-up. The doctors told Priyanka's father that he has an abscess and pus formation between his liver and the diaphragm. Dr Chopra had to be operated.”

“Priyanka wanted to postpone going to the US for the shoot of Ashutosh Gowariker's What's Your Rashee? as she was quite worried about her father's health. However, after the operation, Dr Ashok was feeling much better and she could leave for the US on time. Priyanka did want to stay back and join the unit of What's Your Rashee? after a few days, but thankfully that kind of a situation did not arise,” added the source.

Another source, who is also close to the Chopras, said, “There were a few complications as Dr Ashok has been suffering from cancer for a long time".

Priyanka's official spokesperson said, “It was a testing time for the family. Priyanka is grateful that her father is back home.”

Dr Ashok said, “I am better now. I had a lot of pain and fever but it is settling down now. This recent problem had nothing to do with my tumour. I had pus formation and abscess exactly in the same area where I was operated earlier. Dr Someshwar was in charge of this surgery.”

“Priyanka looks after me very well. She was with me in the hospital throughout. She is worried about me. She knows her priorities and is a family-oriented girl,” said the proud father.

Earlier, while talking about her father's tumour, Priyanka had said, “When I look back on those days, I can't help wondering how strange life is. I mean, when we took my father for a check-up we had no clue about what was in store. He had absolutely no physical complication, no pain, no symptom of the grave disease. (All this) just makes you more grateful for the gift of life.”