Height of Amitabh's Ash prem

Film actor Amitabh Bachchan's urge to acquire farmland in this district could surely give script writers some ideas for a Bollywood movie.The superstar seems to be giving a new twist to his intention of buying land after the Allahabad High Court decided to condone the alleged fraud and forgery through which 2.5 bighas (about 70,000 sq ft) of government land was allotted to him during the Mulayam Singh Yadav regime. The court had cancelled that allotment last year.Now the superstar has bought some land from private farmers in the district's Daulatpur village, about 40 km from state capital Lucknow, on which he is setting up a high school for girls.Bachchan professes that his sole intention in buying land was to build an educational institution. On Jan 27, he is to lay the foundation stone for the school to be named after his glamorous daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai.

I feel privileged to belong to Bachchan family: Ash

Mumbai: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is difficult to pin down for an interview; but is always in the news for one reason or another. Here she is, in an interview with entertainment editor of CNN-IBN, Rajeev Masand.
Rajeev Masand: Shankar, the director of Shivaji has revealed that you are the heroine of his new film Robot opposite Rajinikanth.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: They are super entertainers independently and together. I am saying independently because Shankar has been really sweet before Jeans and even after that. He has always asked me for his various projects but due to time and schedule, I could never come around making it happen as I already had other commitments. Rajini sir and Shankar are pure creative people. Saying no can and could be such an issue.
Recently Shankar did approach me and narrated the script. But we could still work it out. I am still working on my dates. But if he is confirmed it then it is cool. It means we will be on board and will work it out.
Rajeev Masand: It has also been said that you have been signed at a price that is the highest ever price paid to an actor in a Rajinikanth film.

John, Aishwarya have no problems

Rumor mongers may be having a field day in inventing trouble for the yet untitled film starring John Abraham and Aishwarya Rai, but the fact is completely different. Though there have been some media reports indicating that John Abraham is miffed with this Rohan Sippy production being delayed for yet another month, it is hardly the case.Confirms Sriram Raghavan, popularly known as the man behind films like Johnny Gaddaar and Ek Haseena Thi, "John and me had a hearty laugh at the report which came out a few days back. It was imagination at work overtime when it was published that John was unhappy about the film being delayed. First of all, what delay?
What kind of fine tuning is Sriram doing to the script? Last heard, he was ready and raring to go. "That's right", says Sriram, "And frankly speaking I can get started and shoot at least 60 percent of the film on the trot without batting an eyelid. It's just that the more I look at the film's climax, the more I feel that the desired punch is missing in the climax. I myself believe that there should be a high introduced in the closing portions of the film, something which struck me more as I was narrating the film to the cast.""If I tweak the concluding part, it would require me to take the changes in close to 40 percent of the film. I want to get this all right before getting into the shooting. Fortunately or unfortunately, writing a script is not really a tangible activity where one can lock himself for 10 days and come back with bound literature. In any case, I have always maintained a particular amount of raw stock which I want to utilize while filming and don't believe in going overboard", adds Sriram.Sriram may be convinced about spending a few extra days in getting the script right, but what does his busy leading players have to say on this? Aren't they turning impatient? "They are truly with the film, but yes the fact cannot be ignored that they are busy people and have other engagements too. However, that's ok. Even if there is a gap of around 1-2 months in between the shoot when John and Ash have to get busy with their other commitments, I have got enough on my plate to utilize that time. Making of the music and other post production related work should keep me busy."On his part John Abraham has always maintained that he is looking forward to teaming up with Sriram who has given a new dimension to he careers of Saif Ali Khan and Neil Nitin Mukesh. He had earlier stated, "What attracts me towards Sriram Raghavan is the kind of cinema he makes. He comes with an out of the box thought process which is great. I like working with like minded people, whether it is Anurag Kashyap or Sriram Raghavan. I can't wait to face the camera with Sriram calling the shots."Meanwhile, the film is still waiting for its title. Sriram continues to look for a zany title which would create an immense sense of excitement amongst the audience. Till then he asks one to wait and watch for the film's title by concluding with a chuckle, "Khandaan Ka Pata Chalte Hi Sabse Pehle Aapko Bataenge."

Depp to Take Over for Ledger in Final Film?

Filming on the set of the fantasy movie was allegedly abandoned following the death of the actor on Tuesday afternoon. But reports now claim Gilliam is keen to have the Pirates of the Caribbean star stand in for Ledger to complete the remaining scenes. A studio source tells British newspaper The Sun, "There is a point in the film when Heath falls through a magic mirror. He could change into another character after that, and that is where Johnny would come in. "It's a weird, fantasy, time-travel movie, so Heath's character could easily change appearance. It would be a poignant moment. "Johnny's not working at the moment, so everyone is praying he will do it." Ledger was said to be less than two months away from wrapping filming on the movie.

Rajkumar Santoshi reveals all

This Sunday in another round of Director’s Cut on ZOOM, a show showcasing the struggles and achievements of filmmakers, he speaks to Rajkumar Santoshi. “I feel ashamed when I watch the works of great filmmakers. I feel like I haven’t done anything,” says Santoshi on the show. Incidentally, Santoshi doesn’t want his children to get into filmmaking. He thinks it’s a very insecure profession to get into. Every Friday, luck changes, even relationships! And while on relationships, Santoshi has even spoken about actress Meenakshi Sheshadri. “I was in love with Meenakshi, but she rejected me. I wanted to marry her,” he revealed.

Katrina is grooming her younger sis

It seems after Kapoor sisters (Karisma and Kareena) Kaif sisters are all set to rock Bollywood.Katrina Kaif is grooming her younger sister Isabel Kaif for the showbiz and wants to ensure that her younger sis Isabel gets a grand launch. A close friend of Kaif sisters has revealed that elder sister is sharing her experiences and is guiding what to do and what not to right from diet to workout to outfits to parties etc.Don’t be surprised to read in future if Salman Khan launches her in one of his productions.

Angelina Jolie pregnant with twins?

London, Jan 25: It reports are to be believed, then it will soon be double joy for Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, for the actress is said to be expecting twins. According to Britain`s Star Magazine, Jolie recently discovered that she is pregnant with twins. A source tells the mag that the couple are over the moon with the news. "Brad and Angelina are absolutely ecstatic," the source told the mag. Rumours that the Jolie was pregnant started swirling after she appeared looking considerably healthier at the Critics` Choice Awards and stuck to water all night even though beau Brad was guzzling beer. Star also reports that the Oscar winner has cancelled a long-scheduled trip to Europe. However, a source added that though the new arrivals will take the tally of their brood to six, the couple are determined to complete their `football family`. "But I still think there will be more adoptions to come," the source said. Brangelina are already parents to four kids - Maddox, Pax, Zahara and Shiloh.

NO SALMAN-BACHCHAN COLD WAR

Since long, there has been much speculation about the cold war between the Bachchan’s and Salman. Sallu has been doing his best to avoid the Bachchan’s, especially their new bahu. But Salman’s recent meeting with Amitabh Bachchan at Film city, proved the speculations to be erroneous.
It is said that Salman was shooting at Film City and later on, he casually dropped in on the sets where Amitabh Bachchan was shooting for Sujoy Ghosh’s Alladin.
After exchanging small talk with the Alladin director and the cast including Ratna Pathak Shah, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Ritiesh Deshmukh, he spent at least half an hour with Mr.Bachchan. Both were heavily engrossed in some sweet talking.
So for now, looks like things are smooth on the Bachchan-Sallu front.

Anamika breaks down on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa

Bogged down with emotions, Anamika completely became immune towards the whole system of 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L'il Champs'. Probably what she saw and heard last week had bruised her heart deeply. It's not easy to hear what Anamika witnessed with her best friend last week; Smita Nandi's father got a major cardiac arrest when he heard his daughter's elimination.After this incident Anamika went silent and started isolating from the group. Once again it was time for someone to get eliminated and it came as a shock to everyone to see Anamika's sudden out-burst. She couldn't control her emotions...she had stopped believing in friends, judges, mentors, the whole system around her…everything had become fake, unrealistic, materialistic.
It was nothing but a money-making business and they were used as mere tools for churning monies. A platform where emotions had no meaning...and she finally gave up saying she couldn't be part of a system that she doesn't believe in. Everyone had tears in their eyes. Her mother shouting across the floor...and couldn't believe her eyes that her daughter had grown really big!

Virtually Aamir at Star Screen Awards

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan is known for his firm beliefs as far as work is concerned and is also famous for not attending award functions because he believes that they're all rigged. At the recently held Nokia 14th Star Screen Awards, the organizers placed a huge cut-out of Aamir Khan from the film Taare Zameen Par to make up for his absence at the function.Aamir's latest release Taare Zameen Par bagged 17 nominations in the award function. Conspicuous by Aamir's absence, the organisers still wanted the audience to feel his presence and hence each time his name was announced, the camera would move to an Aamir cut-out placed in the audience for his virtual presence. Host Sajid also ended up making a dig at the actor's non appearance during the award ceremony.The highlight of the evening was also the announcement of the Best Director Awards. For the first time at an award function, The Best Director Award went to not just one, but two well-deserving people, Aamir Khan for Taare Zameen Par and Shimit Amin for Chak De India.Remember to tune in to Star Plus for all the excitement of Nokia 14th Annual Star Screen Awards on Sunday, January 27th, 7.30 pm onwards.

Katrina falls in love with her boss

Katrina Kaif and Salman Khan are going through a rough patch and Katrina has hooked up with her boss. She is the dream world with her new found love. Well not quite true in real life but in her upcoming movie Race, Katrina is love with her boss Saif Ali Khan and Akshaye Khanna. The real love is however not known as it is one of the major plots of the movie.Katrina is starring in a thriller after doing a series of romantic movies. The last time Kat did a thriller was Boom way back in 2003. She is on a upward slide in her career after featuring in two hits Namestay London and Partner last year. Race a multi by Abbas Mustan also stars Anil Kapoor, Bipasha Basu and Sameera Reddy.
Katrina has a busy year ahead with as many as four releases lined up starting with Race. She will be seen on screen with Akshay Kumar in Singh is Kinng. She will star with Salman Khan in the movie Yuvraaj and also be seen in Hello.

Hrithik's sister, Sunaina, enters Bollywood

The Bollywood bug seems to have bitten a new Roshan. After Hrithik, his sister Sunaina will be making her debut in films. Well, not as an actor, but as a producer. “Sunaina is co-producing Krazzy 4 with me,” informs Rakesh Roshan.
Krazzy 4 has two of Bollywood's superstars SRK and Hrithik doing item numbers. “We just finished shooting Shah Rukh's item number. Hrithik will shoot for his item number on February 15”, states Rakesh Roshan. “The film is about four mentally unstable people who escape from the mental hospital in order to explore the world. They are out on a one-day trip. The film goes on to show if these four characters are crazy or is it the world that is actually crazy,” narrates Roshan.
He further adds, “Krazzy 4 features Arshad Warsi, Irrfan Khan, Rajpal Yadav and Suresh Menon as the crazy characters while Juhi Chawla plays a psychiatrist. The film also has Dia Mirza and Rajat Kapoor who is Juhi's husband in the film.”
Krazzy 4 is directed by Jaideep Sen and is slated to release in the month of April. Its theatrical promos will be showcased along with the screening of Sunday.

After Big B, SRK selected for French award

After superstar Amitabh Bachchan, it is now the turn of another superstar, Shah Rukh Khan, to be honoured by the French Government.
According to media reports the King Khan is expected to be presented with the distinction of Officer dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters) in a special ceremony on January 27 in Mumbai. The day also marks the opening of the high profile French film festival.
The distinction is conferred on persons who have distinguished themselves in the field of art, culture and literature or for their contribution to the influence of the arts in France and throughout the world.
The award will be presented either by the visiting French President Nicolas Sarkozy or the French Ambassador to India, Jerome Bonnafont.
Since 1957, the honour has been bestowed on sevaral famous personalities such as author Mahasweta Devi, artist SH Raza and Hollywood actors Bruce Willis and Uma Thurman. Arundhati Roy is the other well-known Indian recipient of the award.
Last year, the French Government had selected superstar Bachchan for its highest civilian award, Legion of Honour.

Aishwarya Rai to dance the Salsa

Bollywood beauty Aishwarya Rai will reportedly be presenting a scintillating dance performance on Thursday.It won’t be a performance for an awards night or a movie. Ash will get jiggy for a special show to mark the launching of a new range of a beauty soap of which she is the brand ambassador.
The event will be held at Mumbai’s JW Marriott where Ash will reportedly put in a ten-minute long Salsa dance performance to Latin American music.Sadly, hubby Abhishek Bachchan won’t be there to cheer her. He is in Jaipur shooting for Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s film Dilli 6 .However, Ash is learnt to be looking forward to put in a terrific performance. She has reportedly been doing the rehearsals and practicing the dance moves choreographed by Sandip Soparrkar. This would be her first stage performance since her marriage. The last time she danced on stage was with Abhishek for an award show just before her marriage last year.Meanwhile, a painter in Mumbai has paid a tribute to Aishwarya in his paintings. Relatively lesser-known artist Ratan Parimoo has painted Ash as Da Vinci’s Monalisa.Parimoo has also created a number of Aishwarya paintings inspired from moments from her hit films.The septuagenarian artist says he wanted to give an Indian face to Monalisa and he could not think of any other face than Aishwarya’s.Many would agree with his choice.

Aamir Khan’s regret

He regrets the fact that he doesn’t have a good equation with Amol Gupte, who was the original director of the movie. It hurts, but I don’t have a good relation with him. I wish things were better. No matter what, I have immense respect for him. We have known each other for more than 20 years now. I remember when I was doing theatre I used to be on the backstage, while Amol was a lead actor. I wish Amol a great year ahead and may he make a better film than me,” says Aamir.

Hrithik unplugged

Dhoom 2 , Krrish or Jodhaa Akbar , which film is closest to your heart? Jodhaa Akbar, of course, it’s just about to release! Your favourite female co-star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan And male co-star Abhishek Bachchan One role you’d love to do That’s a tough question, there are so many! If you look at Leonardo DiCaprio’s film trajectory, the kind of different roles he’s played is quite interesting. I’d like to do something like that. On a scale of 1-10, rate yourself on sex appeal Four. But I’m working on it, the next time I come here, my rating will be higher! A quality in Sussane you simply adore Her simplicity What do you consider to be your biggest strength? My family And your biggest weakness? My family Your idea of partying is... I need a reason to rejoice, to celebrate. But when I party, I party hard! One thing the world doesn’t know about Hrithik Roshan... I’ve got a very bad memory, I can’t remember people’s names and faces

Mr and Mrs Dutt

An advertisement in Saamna on Wednesday wishing Bal Thackeray on his birthday by Mr Sanjay Dutt and Manyata Dutt has once again put the spotlight on the troubled actor's personal life.Sources close to the star say that he is being pulled in two different directions by his family and by Manyata. The Dutt surname after Manyata's name, say sources, was only to please his ladylove.
They believe that it was Manyata and not Sanjay who is away in Hyderabad shooting, who personally vetted the advertisement before it was sent to print Though there have been rumours that Sanjay and Manyata had tied the knot on October 19, 2006 and that Dutt has her name tattooed on his body, la Saif Ali Khan, none of these stories have been confirmed. What is undeniable, however, is that the actress is at present completely in charge of Sanjay's life and his household and that his sisters, Priya and Namrata and daughter Trishala are not particularly enamoured of her. Recently, one of Sanjay's close friends points out, Manyata insisted on having the house she shares with Sanjay painted in pink, a fact that did not go down well with the rest of his family.

Comebacks are very pressurising: Juhi Chawla

Actor Juhi Chawla was caught unfashionably late at designer friend Vikram Phadnis' store opening in the Capital. Clad in a pale yellow outfit, Juhi dutifully cut the ribbon, inspected the lines of clothing, and professed what seemed like oodles of appreciation for Vikram, or rather his abilities to be, dare we say, at her beck and call.
“I have called him at odd hours and he's always delivered,” Juhi said.
While Vikram added that Juhi is a “dear friend and her coming to Delhi for three hours means the world to me.”
Clearly the admiration is mutual and we are not saying that Vikram has no friends in Bollywood, but why not rope in a top Bollywood actress instead of Juhi who is even beyond the yummy-mummy stage.
“Well, I don’t know. You ask Vikram that. I think he needed a friend here, so here I am,” an always chirpy Juhi said.
Juhi might have been a friend indeed, but she can't claim the same for the film industry, which she believes isn't very kind to actresses making a comeback.
“I have always been around but you put too much pressure on comebacks,” Juhi said.

After Himesh Reshammiya Ekta to play Ekta in film

Himesh Reshammiya started it. Now wearing different hats seems to be the order of, well, while director Farhan Khan is currently facing the camera for the hardcore rock-musical Rock On, the camera-shy czarina of the home medium, Ekta Kapoor, is all set to do her first acting role. And it’s brother Tusshar Kapoor’s brainchild that she is ready to break tradition and face the camera for. It’s for their home production. They’re doing this rib-tickling satire on the underworld featuring Anupam Kher, Rajpal Yadav and Ekta.
Mithun Chakraborty plays an underworld don. And Ekta fits in the antithetical role in the film like a hand in a glove,” revealed Tusshar. Earlier, Tusshar had coaxed father Jeetendra out of retirement to play his son’s dad in Kucch To Hai. But sister Ekta was a tougher nut to crack. However, he managed to convince her. “Ekta couldn’t say no to me. Besides, the role is tailor-made for her. Ekta, meanwhile, is actually delighted to be shaking off her reticence and facing the camera this year. Of her acting debut, the big television producer said, “I’m giving them some time this week to shoot my scenes. It’s a small role and how could I say no to my brother? I don’t turn him down for anything. My scenes are with Mithun Chakraborty. So you can imagine how nervous I am.”

Aamchi Mumbai not for Madonna

Even as there are miscellaneous reports doing the rounds about Madonna’s so-called secret visit to Mumbai, a source revealed that the pop star did indeed make a quick visit to Mumbai last week, along with husband Guy Ritchie and adopted son David Banda. Since she didn’t want any media attention, she made a hurried back-door entry into the hotel where she was staying. But things didn’t go down too well with the singer in aamchi Mumbai, and she shortened her already-short trip to Mumbai. Apparently, Madonna was put off by the dirt and pollution in Mumbai, which also made her son unwell, and she left almost immediately for Rajasthan, where she has been touring since the past week. Meanwhile, another source revealed that the short n’ sweet dance session — the cha-cha-cha and the waltz — that she had with choreographer Sandip Soparrkar in Jaisalmer on Sunday was a super success.
But it wasn’t just all dancing, there were serious moments too when Madonna and Sandip sat down and had a chat about children and adoption (Madonna adopted one-year-old Malawian boy David Banda and Sandip adopted Arjun, becoming the first single father in India).

Double celebration for Bipasha in her own special way

It was Bipasha Basu’s birthday and the haute actress made sure she celebrated it in style, in her own special way. Long before her birthday, Bips had plans to take off with boyfriend John Abraham on an African safari in Kenya. But the riots that broke out there put paid to all those plans. Ask her what did she do on her birthday and she laughs.Bips had two birthday celebrations this year. One, as we’ve just said, was in Goa with boyfriend John. And the other was with her parents at home. Shares the Bong bombshell, "After I returned, I had another celebration lined up, and this time it was with my mom and dad. And yes, I again had some great food, which was specially cooked for me by mom. One of these, was her speciality the gajar ka halwa that I just love." That sure was a very happy birthday indeed, Bips!

Twist In The Tale Of Karisma’s Marriage With Delhi-Based Industrialist Sanjay Kapur...

It is heard from insiders that there’s a twist in the tale of Karisma’s marriage with Delhi-based industrialist Sanjay Kapur. Although Karisma and Sanjay seem to have worked out their marriage, we heard that Sanjay can’t get along with mum-in-law Babita. This is surprising, considering Sanjay’s mother and Babita are close friends. The story goes that Karisma came to Mumbai for the delivery of her baby in 2005 and stayed with her mother (Babita) and sister (Kareena) in Babita’s flat at Hill Road, Bandra. However, about six months ago, she bought a flat of her own in Mayflower building opposite Olive in Bandra and moved there. According to our well-placed source, the reason behind the move was that her husband Sanjay couldn’t get along with her mother, and so didn’t want to visit his family at Babita’s place. Yet he wanted to have some time alone both with Karisma and his daughter Samaira. So he asked her to set up house separately in Mumbai.
Karisma, says that, had no choice but to move out of Babita’s flat to allow Sanjay to spend some quality time with Samaira. Sanjay and Babita hardly talk to each other. However, after Karisma shifted to Mayflower, Sanjay started visiting her once a fortnight. He generally comes over on alternate weekends.They visited Mayflower building last Saturday to confirm that Karisma was indeed staying with Samaira at Mayflower, and that Babita and Kareena were not staying with her. The watchman on duty at the building told us that Karisma, Sanjay and Samaira form a happy family on weekends. He said that Randhir Kapoor, Babita, Kareena and Sanjay visit Karisma, but none of them stay here permanently. Sanjay stays here for about two days whenever he is here, and He saw Karisma, Samaira and Sanjay going out together.

Kunal Khemu plays a double role in Super Star

He plays the title role as well as the role of a junior artiste in the film. Anyway, doing a double role can get quite messy, especially for the make-up man who is shuffling between one look and another. Kunal tells us that it was quite a challenge to get into two different moods because both the characters are poles apart in looks, hairstyle and body language. In fact on two occasions, my make-up artiste got so muddled that he prepared me for the role of the super star when the shot required me to be the junior artiste. After spending an hour getting ready, his director told me that he was to play the ‘other guy’ and so he had to spend an extra hour removing the make-up and sat patiently through the second get up. And this is no made-up story!

Parents react on Amisha's break up with Vikram Bhatt

After she started living-in with Vikram Bhatt, Amisha Patel had publicly severed all relations with her mother Asha and father Amit. But now that she has split with Vikram (they called off their relationship, one month back), Asha and Amit are ready to accept her back, if Amisha decides to return. When contacted, Asha tells us that Amisha is my daughter and she is free to comeback. In fact, she is more than welcome.
However, for Amisha’s mom, Asha, it is still a sensitive issue. She has still not called up Amisha. Asha adds that she got to know of Amisha’s break-up from the newspapers. We didn’t know that she had split with Vikram. We have just returned from Dubai and have read about it now. The concerned mother makes no bones about the fact that her relatives and family-friends are relieved about the break-up. She revealsthat she has been flooded with calls ever since she landed. Everybody is happy about the break-up. Naturally, Asha still does not think highly of Vikram Bhatt. Talking further about Amisha and Vikram, Asha said that she always knew that the relationship would not last. Everybody knew it was a mistake. It should be recalled that Vikram left his first wife for Sushmita Sen. People used to ask me why Amisha was doing this. But she is a grown-up girl and I have left it to her to understand life. Amisha’s relations with her parents had turned sour a few years back over monetary issues when she had complained that her parents had misappropriated her funds. She had served a legal notice on her parents asking them to return her money.

Deepika: 2008 Glam Debutante

Even the Badshah of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan could not keep his eyes away from her as she stepped out of the car in Om Shanti Om and sang an ode to Deepika Padukone’s lovely eyes. And the audience joined him as he hummed Aankhon mein teri.. for her. So it doesn’t come as a surprise really, that the leggy beauty was awarded the Glam Debutante (Female) award at the Reebok Zoom Glam Awards 2008. First of all, she wants to thank Zoom for this award. If it’s the most glamourous debutante award, then she thinks she also need to give credit to Bharat and Doris and to Manish Malhotra that said this talented actress after receiving the award. Not only is she talented, she’s modest as well. When asked how many points would she give herself on a scale of 1-10, when it comes to her glam quotient, she said that she doesn’t think she is very glamourous, but after winning this, probably one on 10.
Deepika says that she grew up watching Sushmita Sen and Rekha and considers them very stylish. Both of them are extremely glamourous and confident in whatever they do, she added. Confidence seems to be Deepika’s middle name too. After all, before rubbing shoulders with SRK in OSO, she was already being touted as a supermodel in the modelling industry.

When Katrina and Neha got a day off

It was a warm atmosphere on the sets of Singh Is Kinng, even as the shooting was on in Chandigarh – on a cold day. Katrina Kaif, Neha Dhupia and Javed Jaffery who were summoned to the city for a three-day schedule were thrilled when director Anees Bazmi told them on the second day itself that their part was done with and so, wouldn’t be required for the Chandigarh schedule anymore. All this a couple of hours before a flight for Mumbai was due. The actors rushed back to their hotels in fast forward mode, packed their bags and fled to catch the flight back home. It was a bonus day, they told that there’s nothing better than shoot getting done early and allowing us to be back home. And besides it was too cold in Chandigarh, that Neha added.

Venus Films plans big for 2008

Venus Records and Tapes Pvt Ltd has been in news from quite sometime for its soon to be released film 'MAAN GAYE MUGHALL E AZAM' starring Mallika Sherawat and Rahul Bose and directed by Sanjay Chhel. The company has fortified their plans by leaps and bounds and has announced five new projects to be released by the end of the year 2008. Venus Films will be producing films with high profile directors like David Dhawan, Priyadarshan, Abbas-Mustan, Rahul Dholakia and Sanjay Khanduri ('EK CHALIS KI LAST LOCAL' fame)The David Dhawan directed film will star Govinda and Akshaye Khanna, whereas the film directed by Priyadarshan will have box office superstar Akshay Kumar. According to head honcho Ratan Jain, Venus Films, "Yes, we have big plans for our banner, we are coming back in movie production in a big way this year. And by the end of the year 2008 some of the above projects would be completed".

Himesh Reshammiya’s 'Karzzzz' heroine found

A new girl will be the love interest of singer-composer-actor Himesh Reshammiya in the T-Series film Karzzzz .The movie, a modern remake of Subhash Ghai’s 1980 hit ‘Karz’, will be directed by Satish Kaushik and will star Himesh in the leading role of a re-incarnated singer, played by Rishi Kapoor in the original film.

Producer Bhushan Kumar of T-Series and director Kaushik had already made it clear that Himesh will be paired with a newcomer in the film. Names of several Bollywood aspirants were zeroed on for the role.Now, reports have it that a newcomer named Shweta has been finalized. She will enact the role played by Tina Munim in the original film.Shweta is the daughter of producer-director Indra Kumar who has made hit films like ‘Dil’, ‘Beta’, Masti and Dhamaal . She has a gorgeous face and hazel eyes.‘Karzzzz’ also stars Urmila Matondkar , Danny Denzongpa and Gulshan Grover .The film’s shooting is set to begin from January 25. The foreign locations finalized for the shooting include South Africa and Kenya.Himesh himself will compose the film’s songs and sing them as well. He will also be seen without his trademark cap in this flick.

Om Shanti Om at Berlin Film Festival

Eros International announced the selection of 'Om Shanti Om' for Berlinale Special at the Berlin Film Festival 2008. Om Shanti Om is among 11 films selected this year. Directed by Farah Khan and produced by Gauri Khan, Om Shanti Om stars superstar Shah Rukh Khan, debutante Deepika Padukone, debonair Arjun Rampal and the talented Shreyas Talpade. The film will have a German Premiere at the festival on 8th February, 8:00pm at Kino Internazionale attended by Shah Rukh Khan. Eros International will be releasing Om Shanti Om theatrically in Germany soon after the Berlin Film Festival.

John still dreaming of Ash…

John Abraham is quite keen on working with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan for Sriram Raghavan’s next movie.
The movie was supposed to hit the floors on December last year; however, due to some unavoidable circumstances the shoot has been postponed.
Aishwarya has not yet given a green signal, as she still wants to read the script again before starting the shoot.
John and Aishwarya were also supposed to star in Gaurang Doshi’s Happy Birthday, which for some reasons did not take off.
While John seems to be waiting eagerly to start shooting, Ex- Miss World hasn’t yet given it a nod. Hope John’s dream of working with Ash comes true.

Is Katrina looking beyond Salman?

Katrina Kaif added to the rumours of her rift with Salman Khan by not attending the unveiling of the Sallu's wax figure at Madame Tussauds. Katrina who had accompanied Salman for this event had even taken a day off from her producers but she choose to stay away from the event. Salman is said to be upset as it was a big occasion in his life.Sallu and Kat have been having an on and off relationship for the past few months. Trouble started when Salman was unhappy about her starring with Shahid Kapoor in a movie. Salman is not too fond of Shahid and felt bad as Katrina had signed the movie without informing him. The relationship hit a low when Katrina refused to answer Salman's calls while shooting in Australia.
It is rumored that Salman was keen on getting married to Kat but the actress refused as she is at the peak of her career. Katrina has never come out in open and acknowledged her affair with Salman. By not attending the event she has proved she is looking beyond Salman. It remains to be seen how long will this affair between the two continue or will Katrina join the list of Sangeeta Bijlani and Aishwarya Bachchan who used the actor to rise in Bollywood and then left him.

Kareena goes topless for Saif

Actress Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan seem to be made for each other. First, it was Saif who publicly showed his love for Kareena by tattooing her name on his arm. Now, the grapevine is abuzz with the news that Kareena went topless for Saif.It is said that Kareena agreed to Saif's suggestion to go topless for their latest film Tashan. Sources revealed that the sexy actress would come out of a swimming pool in a bikini and undress herself. However, only her back would be shown on the big screens.Well, Kareena has dared to go against the non-glamorous role she played in Jab We Met, starring her ex boyfriend Shahid Kapoor.

Royal roles for Aishwarya Rai

There is indeed something regal about the beauty of Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai .She may have played a courtesan with impeccable mannerisms in Umrao Jaan and a warrior princess in The Last Legion , but when it comes to royal roles, no other actress in Bollywood can match Aishwarya Rai.

Ash was Ashutosh Gowarikar’s “first and only choice” to play the Rajput princess Jodhabai who goes on to become the beloved consort of Mughal emperor Akbar in the upcoming film Jodhaa Akbar . Last year, when British actor Sir Ben Kingsley announced his ambitious film on Taj Mahal, he had unequivocally stated that he could not think of any actress other than Aishwarya to play queen Mumtaz Mahal.And now, Hollywood director Michael Radford wants Aishwarya for his film on Taj. He doesn’t want Ash to play Mumtaz, but Salim’s wife Mandi.If Ash agrees to act in this film, she would get the distinct honour of playing the wives of three generation of Mughals – Akbar, Salim and Shah Jahan – in different projects, of course.While ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ is set to release on February 15, Ben Kingsley’s film will go on the floors later this year.

Himesh stripped off his cap

What if the critics are mean to him and almost wrote him off with his first movie, the producers seem to love Himesh, the actor. After the surprise success of Aap Kaa Suroor, Himesh is all set to star in the reboot version of 1980s Subash Ghai super hit Karzzz (yes, this isn’t a typo, there are three ‘z’s in the new version).

His scout for a lead lady for Karzzz has ended with him zeroing in on producer Indra Kumar’s daughter debutant Shwetha to be cast opposite him.Himesh will play the role immortalized by Rishi Kapoor – sans his customary cap – and Shwetha, the role played by Tina Munim. Interestingly, Farah - Shah Rukh team’s recent blockbuster Om Shanti Om is also evidently inspired by Karz. Himesh’s Karzzz will be produced by T-Series and directed by Satish Kaushik. Rest of the cast includes Urmila Matondkar, Gulshan Grover, and Rohini Hattangadi.

Shamita Shetty romancing Rocky

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty of Big Brother fame made sure that she remained in the news by declaring her love for Raj Kundra after denying for almost a year. Now, her sister Shamita Shetty is the cynosure of all eyes. The news is doing the rounds that she is romancing fashion designer Rocky S.It is said that Shamita and Rocky look inseparable and even go out together holding hands. Let's hope their seed of love does not fall on Rocky ground.

Bipasha gets close to Saif

The promos of Taurani's Race have created quite a buzz in the industry. But besides the slick and international feel of Race, directed by the master of the thriller genre Abbas-Mustan, the industry is abuzz about Bipasha Basu�s hot scenes with Saif Ali Khan.According to insiders Bipasha and Saif have shot a steamy song and a passionate scene in the film and both shared a comfort level and had no awkward moments during the shooting.Says Bipasha, 'Right now in Bollywood, we cant feel awkward about doing any scene during shooting as we are informed well in advance about the story and screenplay. I am quite comfortable shooting for sizzling scenes as long as I know what I am supposed to do and am not uncomfortable about the idea

Nargis takes up the cause of devdasis

She may have debuted in the masala flick Garam Masala, but now, Nargis has changed tracks to take up the cause of devdasis, on sceen that is.
Nargis is playing the lead role in Pranali, a film that traces the journey of a devdasi who is forced into prostitution.
"I want to ask the Government as to why can't these women be brought into society? The message is to make them aware that they lead such terrible painful lives, so why can't we give them some rights?" says Nargis.
The film's director, Hirdesh Kamble, advocates the legalisation of prostitution, and his views are sure to raise eyebrows with many political pressure groups.
"These women earn upto Rs 90,000 a year but most of the money is taken away by middlemen. So if they become legal tax paying employees, it would help them more," says Kamble.
But with comedies making all the moolah at the box-office, will the audience be ready for a dash of realism? Let's wait and watch.

Salman Khan keen to write a book on bodybuilding

No doubt Salman is one of the fittest actors in bollywood. He has a well toned body and has always believed in maintaining it. Sallu apparently loves to work out and has given many young rising stars in bollywood tips on working out and developing a fit body. Well now it seems, Sallu wants to give one and all advice and tips on bodybuilding. Salman is toying with the idea of writing a book on bodybuilding.Salman often gets quizzed by media and fans on how to stay fit and hence he thought it would be a good idea to come out with a book on bodybuilding. According to sources "He wants to write a first person prologue on what got him into body building. In fact, he plans to trace his journey from his skinny days in Maine Pyar Kiya to his toned up body." Right now Sallu is not sure about what will be the main topics in the book, but he is reading up on fitness books written by well-known authors. Sallu seems to be taking his writing quite seriously, as just recently he completed the script for his film Veer. Salman is also known to dabble in painting and has also received appreciation for it.Meanwhile Salman was recently in London for the unveiling of his wax statue at Madame Tussauds . Salman's statue has been placed alongside Amitabh, Aishwarya and Shahrukh Khan. Salman said "It's an honour to be at Madame Tussauds." When he was asked which other celebrity from bollywood, he thought was deserving, he promptly replied "No one is really worthwhile, except for Aamir Khan. In fact he should have been here before everyone." So Sallu obviously holds Aamir in high regards and we wonder if it is vice-versa too.

Why should I show off Kareena tattoo, asks Saif

Saif Ali Khan is not interested in talking tattoos or opening up about his love life. However, if it’s music, then the chote nawab has lots to say. And here’s what Indian rock and roll band Parikrama's keyboardist Subir Malik had to say about the actor performing with the group. “He is a better actor than a musician.”
Well that's the verdict from the Parikrama, but the band is not complaining either, considering the kind of publicity Saif is bringing for the band's pan India tour.
Saif who strummed popular tunes of bands like AC/DC and Doors in Bangalore with Parikrama will repeat the act in Mumbai on January 20.
Talking about his passion for the guitar, Saif says, it goes back to his days in school. “I listened to my seniors in school. That’s the first time I heard rock music and fell in love with it,” he says.
Music apart, ask Saif about showing off his newly acquired tattoo dedicated to ladylove Kareena Kapoor and pat comes the response.
"I'm not going hold it up like a flag,” he retorts.
But a peek we did manage to get. So, is he taking his rock star image too seriously? First the music, and then the tattoo? To which Saif says, “Some actions are self explanatory.”
But Kareena will not turn up to cheer while Saif takes on the crowd because “she is not in town. She is in Europe shooting,” Saif confirms.
And if you are bigger fans of Parikrama than of Saif and his music, then perhaps you might be interested in knowing that the band will be the opening act for the Iron Maiden concert in Mumbai on February 1.

Sherlyn Chopra with whips and chains in bedroom

Don’t let your imagination run riot. Bollywood hottie Sherlyn Chopra will wield whips and chains not to realize some kinky fantasy, but for a good cause.Sherlyn, who recently launched her first music album ‘Outrageous’, has now endorsed a noble cause. She will soon do an ad for PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals).


According to PETA India’s chief functionary Anuradha Sawhney, the ad will feature Sherlyn in a Victoria’s Secret kind of outfit on a set that would resemble a bedroom. Sherlyn would wield whips and chains in the ad.The theme of the ad, conceptualized by PETA, would be: whips and chains should be left to the bedroom and not used on animals in circus.PETA is looking forward to have the ace photographer Rakesh Shrestha for the shoot.Sawhney says the ad will be mind-blowing and will capture a lot of attention.

Kidman has strained ties with kids: Book

New York, Jan 20: Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise's new biography reveals that his ex-wife Nicole Kidman has a difficult and emotionally strained relationship with her children, Isabella and Connor. Pagesix.com quotes Andrew Morton, the book's author, as saying: "Those who saw the family close up concluded that Tom was much more comfortable and enthusiastic as a parent. The actor was in constant and controlling touch with the youngsters and their nannies no matter how busy he was."Kidman had said in a TV show: "My kids don't call me mommy, they don't even call me mom. They call me Nicole, which I hate and tell them off for it." The biography is titled Tom Cruise: An Unauthorised Biography.

Efron’s OK with the gay label

Teen heartthrob Zac Efron says he can “handle” being called gay. The 20-year-old actor, who found fame playing basketball-loving Troy Bolton in Disney Channel’s hit franchise High School Musical, is frequently accused of being homosexual by gossip bloggers, but insists he can cope with the rumours. He told Details magazine, “Honestly, if the worst these people can say about me is that I’m gay, then I think I’ll be fine. I can handle it.” The Hairspray star has also been receiving criticism from his Hollywood peers. Fantastic Four actress Jessica Alba recently revealed she thought Zac looked like “a child with a lot of make-up on” when she met him at Los Angeles Teen Choice Awards last year, while girlfriend and High School Musical co-star Vanessa Hudgens reportedly pleaded with him to stop spending so much time on his appearance. Meanwhile, Zac is recovering after an emergency appendectomy. His agent confirmed the teen heartthrob was “recuperating” following the surgery, and is expected to recover in time to present an award at the 14th annual Screen Actors Guild Award on January 27.

Himesh has lost it

After Shah Rukh Khan's six packs for Om Shanti Om, it is Himesh Reshammiya who gearing for his role in his next film, Bhushan Kumar's Karzzzz, which hits the floors on January 29 with a 40 day schedule in South Africa. Himesh has already lost seven kgs for the film and is in the process of loosing three more kgs in the next 10 days before the film hits the floors. Reshammiya who weighed 73 kgs now weighs 66 kgs.Karzzzz is a musical and Himesh will play a rockstar in the film and perform to four dance numbers. For his role he needed to be fit and trim and so he hit the gym. He was advised light exercises and cardio. And the result is there for all to see. In the next 10 days he has to lose a bit more before he leaves for his outdoor shoot to South Africa.
Himesh ReshammiyaSo what will it take Himesh to get that rockstar look? Sounding very excited about his mission weight-loss, Himesh says, "Yes, it's true that from today I am going on a crash diet as I need to loose three more kgs before my outdoor shoot for Karzzzz. I have lost about seven kgs so far by exercising and diet control. To achieve that lean look, I will be strictly on a diet of boiled vegetables and fruits, 16 glasses of water in a day."He adds, "For the last two months, I was doing cardio and no weights. Now this crash diet with light exercise will help me reach my target - I have to lose 10 kgs for Karzzzz."Himesh further says, "Indra Kumar's daughter Shwetha Kumar will be making her debut in Karzzzz. She was initially supposed to make a debut in her father's film but I guess they felt that Karzzzz would be an ideal debut for her."

Monica, oh my darling

The remarkably beautiful Italian actress Monica Bellucci is set to make a hush-hush visit to the city, as a part of the French film festival, Rendezvous with French Cinema, later this month. The 43-year-old actress, who is coming down specially to grace the screening of her film The Stone Concile (Le Concile de Pierre), is planning a brief holiday in the country. A source says, "Yes, Monica will be in the city at the end of this month to attend the French film festival. She is one of our special guests and her name has been kept under wraps. Lavish arrangements are being made for the actress' first ever trip to the city."However it's still not clear if husband and fellow actor Vincent Cassel and daughter Deva are going to accompany the Irreversible actress. Sources indicate that a few leading Bollywood filmmakers have already expressed their desire to meet the actress. The actress was earlier in talks with the London-based filmmaker Jug Mundhra, who wanted her to essay the role of Sonia Gandhi in a film.Mohamed Bendjebbour, audio-visual attach? from the French Embassy says, "Monica's film The Stone Consile will be definitely, screened during the festival. As far as Monica's presence at the screening, I cannot comment on anything right now." An initiative by the French Embassy, a first-of-its-kind the festivals seeks to showcase latest French productions. The festival kick starts at Fun Cinemas on January 27, and will later travel to other cities - Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad.

Ek chutki sindoor

For the legendary diva Rekha, application of sindoor is purely ornamental. The actress, who made a stunning entry in a kanjeevaram saree at santoor player Rahul Sharma's wedding reception over the weekend, was at much ease with a bunch of bewildered photographers clicking away. The inimitable Re was also wearing gajra at the do. Sources close to the actress indicate that she has been following the 'kanjeevaram, sindoor and gajra' custom for years now. She is seen here with her secretary Farzana, nephew and Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia