Shahid ready to work with Kareena

Teenage heartthrob Shahid Kapur is on a roll with two big solo hits under his belt, and that during two consecutive years. Rajshri Production's VIVAH turned out to be one of the biggest hits of 2006 and Shahid's first solo blockbuster. Not content with that, Shahid followed it up with the 32 crore crore, JAB WE MET, which like VIVAH, is one of the biggest hits of last year. However, despite the two huge hits, Shahid feels that he is not getting his due, as the media seems to be more interested in his personal rather than professional life. He says that though the media is doing its job, a certain section, which believes in sensationalism, has unfairly targeted him. The allegation that his romantic alliance with Kareena persisted till the pair became a hit angers him. He retorts by clarifying that the allegation is unfounded because their previous two films, FIDA (2004) and 36 CHINA TOWN (2006), met with lukewarm response and JAB WE MET became a super hit does not imply that their break up was a publicity gimmick. A thorough professional, Shahid is ready to complete the patchwork parts of Boney Kapoor's MILENGE MILENGE with Kareena, but no time frame has been allocated for that. However, their fans need not feel bad as there is good news on another front. Shahid is ready to bury the hatchet and work with Kareena in future, if a good offer comes along. But as of now he is busy concentrating on his next two ventures with Vidya Balan, KISMET CONNECTIONS and LUCKY CHARM, which he hopes would turn out to be the biggest hits of the decade! Well, even we hope that Shahid's LUCKY CHARM works in a big way for the charming, boy next door.

Marriage is on cards for Saif-Kareena

Mumbai, (IANS) Saif Ali Khan has solemnised his affections for Kareena Kapoor in an unexpected way. He has got her name tattooed on his arm.
Admitting for the first time to the permanent love mark, Saif told IANS, "Yes, I've tattooed her name. It's on my forearm. And very visible to the world."According to friends of both, he has never been more committed in a relationship. Marriage is definitely on the cards.A close friend said: "There's a kind of fierce and single-minded determination in Saif to make this relationship work for keeps. And it isn't a defiant determination to disprove the cynics who say it won't last. Saif doesn't give a damn about what people say. He has always gone by his gut feelings, regardless of others."Earlier, after Rosa left, there were whispers of Saif being involved with various ladies. Saif doesn't like the image of the Casanova at all. He thinks he's too grown up for it. He wants stability in his life and a relationship that's for keeps. He believes he has found it in Kareena. Come what may, Saif will make this relationship work."Earlier, when the couple were together in Bangkok shooting for Kunal Kohli's film, Saif's co-star Rani Mukerji was privy to many sessions of his outpourings on his love. Kareena and Saif then brought in the New Year in Hong Kong with Saif's two children.Now shooting in Greece for Yash Raj Films' "Tashan", Saif and Kareena spend as much time together as possible, oblivious to all around, though they don't have too many scenes together in the film.

Deepika-Ranbir in love again

Life has come a full circle for Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor in no time. The duo can be seen spending quality time together these days on the sets of Yash Raj Films' next directed by Siddharth Anand.But it seems their on screen chemsitry has reignited the old flame. The two were spotted shopping for a high end music system for Deepika at a five-star hotel shopping plaza on Thursday.Just a few months back they were not even on talking terms after their short-lived affair, but apparantly they patched up now. The duo came face-to-face and even exchanged greetings while filming in Australia for their yet untitled Yash Raj film. However, they barely socialised, as Deepika was accompanied by her cricketer admirer Yuvraj Singh, and Ranbir Kapoor was in constant company of fashion designer Nandita Mahtani. However they buried the hatchet some time back when they met each other during a cola commercial shoot with Shah Rukh Khan. That's when Deepika and Ranbir got talking. Soon thereafter, they started meeting up for dinners and late night coffees.

SRK now says he doesn't endorse public smoking

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan took a U-turn from his earlier stand on the issue of public smoking, saying he was impressed by Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss' concern over public health.
Ramadoss had also advised King Khan not to smoke in public, saying that such behaviour by icons has a strong impact on teenagers.
"It is just a misinterpretation that I snubbed the Health Minister. I am very impressed with the fact that he wants me not to smoke. Even, I too want to quit smoking in my real life (not reel life)," Khan said.
The superstar had recently said in an interview that he did not like anyone telling him what to do and what not to.
"I do not endorse smoking and I do not like anyone telling me personally what to do and what not to do," Khan had told a private news channel.

This Bond girl likes to strip and pole dance

The new James Bond girl Olga Kurylenko has said that she loves pole dancing and has no qualms about stripping off on-screen.
The 28-year-old, who stars with 007 Daniel Craig in Quantum of Solace, said that she likes strip clubs and has no problem going naked for roles.
“I think pole dancing is beautiful,” Th eSun quoted her, as saying.
"If I had a boyfriend and he asked me to pole dance for him, I would,” she added.
Olga stripped off in last year’s action movie Hitman.

Aditya Chopra is looking for a girl

Aditya Chopra is looking for a fair, pretty, young girl with an athletic body. No, the director is not doing so for personal reasons. Aditya, who returns to direction after an eight-year hiatus, is set to launch a mega talent hunt for the leading lady opposite good friend Shah Rukh Khan for his next film, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. As the title suggests, the film is a romantic love story and the meticulous director is looking for a traditional Indian beauty to suit the part. Along with good looks and a fresh face, the leading lady should have an athletic body and the age limit has been set between 20 and 24.

Kasamh se, Prachi rocks

After reading our correspondent Anil Raina's story `Recognise us while we are alive' in Mumbai Mirror (February 1, 2008), Lara Dutta promptly responded and sent a personalised message to Major Sachin Sharma. In the story Major Sachin Sharma, an officer of the Putshahi unit in at the sector eight of Rashtriya Rifles in Lolab in Jammu and Kashmir, had said that he is a 'great fan' of Lara Dutta and requested the writer to get an autograph of the actress on his picture. Major Sachin is known to be a daredevil officer and has killed a large number of militants.
AfterLara Dutta, whose father and sister were in the Indian Air Force, got back to us immediately and fulfilled Major Sachin Sharma's request. Lara says, "I am amazed and it is a big honour to sign these pictures. My dad L. K. Dutta was a wing commander with the Indian Air Force and participated in the Pakistan and China wars. My sister Cheryl Dutta also served the country during the Kargil war, again in the Indian Air Force. I am really touched that someone who is serving the nation on the borders has requested something of me."Lara further adds, "Not many people put their lives on line for their country. It is really commendable to know someone like Major Sachin doing that. I know exactly the kind of anxiety and nervousness a family faces, when a member is part of the Indian Army since the life of loved one is always in the line of fire. I completely understand what a family goes through. I salute each and every person serving the country and value the importance of their life and work."

Deepika joining Ranbir for a drink

The relationship between Bollywood's latest sensation Deepika Padukone and pin-up boy Ranbir Kapoor is like the summer rain. Their on-off relationship continues. Just on the heels of the news of a tiff at Sydney, the ex-lovers are coming together for drinks.After the break up, Deepika and Ranbir were pitted against each other when their debut films Om Shanti Om and Saawariya took on each other at the Box Office last Diwali. It was also reported that they had a tiff while shooting for Yash Chopra's new film in Sydney. Of course, they sorted out the difference like old lovers do.
Now, another news is doing the rounds that Deepika will join Ranbir and Shahrukh Khan for an advertisement for Pepsi. Sources said that the latest Pepsi ad would be shot in Mumbai by Abhinay Deo, son of veteran Marathi actor, Ramesh Deo.

Preity-Amrita go wild on B'day

Preity Zinta shared her birthday on 31 January with Amrita Arora. Preity was also the surprise guest at Amrita's theme party on the night of Jan 30.The two Aquarian girls even cut a cake together.Says Preity, "Amrita is a really really sweet girl and she has been inviting me every year for us to celebrate our birthday together.This year I said I had to go. Besides it was a theme party…wigs and hats. And I love hats. I'm a very hat person. So I went in one of my favourite hats. Thank God I didn't wear the big blonde wig as I was planning to. Because the whole industry was there. How would I've looked?"The fun-loving Aquarian side to Preity remains predominant. "All us Aquarians are gregararious and hassle-free. Maybe Abhishek, Urmila, Amrita and I can have a collective birthday party next year. We're all chatter -boxes. But I'm now learning to listen more carefully."Preity remains intact although she's now, in her own words, a better listening. "I have to be. I'm in all these board meetings for my cricket deal. And there I better shut up and listen. There's so much to learn."Preity was in fact in a series of meetings on the eve of her birthday. "But on my birthday I've just decided to chill out. I'm at home watching a DVD, relaxing sleeping.Last year was a sad birthday for me. My dog had died.This year I've lots to look forward to. And I'm happy. The only thing that irriates me is the constant reference to my age from mediapersons."

Kareena pushes Saif to the backseat

Rumourmongers welcomed the glitter on Kareena Kapoor's finger by spreading the news that she is settling down with her boyfriend Saif Ali Khan. Yes, the huge diamond on her hand started the speculations of her engagement. But the truth is, the bold actress is not sacrificing her booming career for love.It was reported that Saif had even proposed to Kareena. The tattoo and diamond solitaire added more fuel to the fire. However, sources said that Kareena is not getting married for the next five years and that she has been wearing the diamond solitaire for quite some time. It added that Kareena is focussing on her career, as it is on a new high with lots of promising projects. She is ready to push Saif to the backseat to concentrate on her career.

Angelina Jolie lips rock plastic surgeons operating rooms

It is well known that the hot Angelina Jolie has one of the most sought after bodies in and out of Hollywood. While this fact has effectively gone on record with number of polls she has won which have voted the sexiest this or the sexiest that, she can now add one more 'sexiest' to her credit. A poll conducted among 20,000 plastic surgeons has shown that Angelina Jolie's lips are the most sought after by their clients. While this fact was this not 'officialised' in any way whatsoever in any similar polls, it has been something that an Angelina Jolie fan will know. The competition she beat was Nicole Kidman's nose and Cameron Diaz's legs.Meanwhile beating all competition in the features that men wish to have was Brad Pitt's almost every facial feature. His eyes, nose, lips, chin, abdomen and butt stood first among the list being followed up by David Beckham's legs.

Bipasha won’t wear a bikini

But looks like the actress is in no mood to show off her curves anytime son. The last time she was spotted on screen wearing a hot number, was in Dhoom 2. But Bips doesn’t want to wear a bikini on screen. "I can’t be wearing a bikini in every film. Wearing a bikini is too tiring. Every inch of you has to be fit. When you are to do any such scene you can’t think about acting, you have to only think about being absolutely fit. I can’t go through that process again. Now, I am going to wear a bikini only for my holidays, not on screen. It’s too much of an effort to wear a bikini on screen," she says.

Ex-girlfriend says she's heart-broken over Ledger

In her first statement since the death of her former companion Heath Ledger, actress Michelle Williams said she is suffering from a broken heart and asked for privacy for her and daughter Matilda.
"Please respect our need to grieve privately," Williams said in a statement released Friday by Ledger's spokeswoman. "My heart is broken." Williams, 27, and Ledger, an Australian actor, met on the set of the 2005 movie Brokeback Mountain, fell in love and had Matilda, who is now 2 years old.
They split up in September. "I am the mother of the most tender-hearted, high-spirited, beautiful little girl who is the spitting image of her father," Williams said in her statement.
"All that I can cling to is his presence inside her that reveals itself every day. His family and I watch Matilda as she whispers to trees, hugs animals, and takes steps two at a time and we know that he is with us still. She will be brought up with the best memories of him."
Ledger, 28, and Williams lived together in New York and there was speculation they planned to marry, although they never officially confirmed an engagement.

My mom slept with my boyfriend

It seems Britney Spears has become a little Toxic — the pop diva has accused her mother of going to bed with her new paparazzo boyfriend Adnan Ghalib.Britney, who suffers from bipolar disorder, was rushed to the UCLA Medical Centre in Los Angeles on Thursday after she took a cocktail of drugs over three sleepless nights. She was sedated after she hurled abuse at medics and mom Lynne, accusing her of sleeping with her boyfriend, hospital sources said. Britney, a divorcee who is currently dating Birmingham photographer Ghalib, had earlier alleged that her mother became too close to her ex-husband Kevin Federline.

The Sanjay Dutt- Viveik Oberoi tiff put to rest

For all the speculations relating to the tiff between Viveik Oberoi and Sanjay Dutt, here’s getting the facts cleared. It all began when reports came out that Viveik Oberoi had made a pass at Sanjay Dutt’s girlfriend Maanyata. Sanjay apparently didn’t take this very kindly and was apparently very angry with Oberoi. However, from what we hear now Sanjay Dutt never had any problems with Viveik in the first place and never believed what was reported in the media. Viveik said that Sanjay Dutt and he go way back- even before he joined the film industry and as back as his school days. Viveik’s father Suresh Oberoi had played father to Sanjay in a number of films and the latter also had referred to him as dad. Whenever Sanjay would be in Jaipur he would always make it a point to meet to visit Viveik at his boarding school. Viveik is a self-confessed hardcore Sanjay Dutt fan and the two always shared a good bond. In fact, it was Sanjay Dutt who recommended Viveik’s name for his home production Shootout at Lokhandwala when his acting career had reached an all time low. So when these shocking reports came out Viveik immediately went to Sanjay to clarify in case there was anything in Sanjay’s mind. According to Viveik, Sanju baba just went on and hugged him and said there are no hard feelings. So next time you hear Sanjay Dutt ignoring Viveik at a patry... just let it pass.

Bon appetit, said the Bachchans

The Bachchan women (read Jaya and Aishwarya) hosted a hush-hush private poolside party for the French delegates, who are in the country for the ongoing film fest -- Rendezvous with French Cinema, on Tuesday evening at a suburban five-star hotel. However, the father-son duo Amitabh and Abhishek were conspicuous by their absence. We are told that the sexagenarian actor, who was presented France's highest civilian award Legion d'Honneur last year, was filming in Manali, and Abhishek has stationed himself at Jaipur for Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra's Dilli 6.
Jaya Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai BachchanApparently, the intimate dinner party was Amitabh Bachchan's brainchild, who not only decided the menu for the dinner, but also generously selected gifts with personalised messages for members of the delegation. Aishwarya Rai supervised the d?cor that comprised white orchids (which is Amitabh's favourite flower) and candles, and also instructed the hotel authorities to serve food cooked in mild spices. Meanwhile, Jaya was seen welcoming the guests at the venue and looking after them throughout the evening. A source from the French Embassy informs, "The delegate was extremely impressed with the Bachchan brand of hospitality. Aishwarya and Jaya were looking after the guests personally, from their drinks to food, and even handed out gifts to the members of the delegate before they left the venue. We were particularly missing Mr Bachchan. Somebody told us that he is popularly known as Sexy Sam." As far as the Bollywood presence is concerned, a few filmmakers and producers including Manmohan shetty, daughter Aarti, Ketan Mehta, his wife Deepa Sahi, and Govind Nihalani were seen mingling with the French delegates.The French delegates included Jerome Seydoux (company chairman Pathe), Claude Lelouch (director Crossed Tracks), Marie Guillard (actress Avatar), Olivia Bonamy (actress Them), Guillame Nicloux (director The Stone Council), Michel Ocelot (director Azur and Asmar, Nadine Labaki (director and actress Caramel), Julien Leclercq (Director Avatar), Albert Dupontel (actor Avatar) and Audrey Dana (actress Crossed Tracks).

Jodhaa Akbar for 90 crores?

Movie prices have hit the roof. With Om Shanti Om and Welcome fetching astronomical prices from buyers and also faring exceptionally well at the ticket window, the pricing of forthcoming films is only going higher and higher with each passing day.The latest is, a leading industrial house has pitched for Jodhaa Akbar. Reportedly, the industrial house has offered Rs 90 crore for the global distribution rights of the film, inclusive of the lucrative satellite rights."Really? Is that the rumour doing the rounds of the industry?" Siddharth Roy Kapur of UTV breaks into a big smile, when you question him about it, "It's not true. We haven't been offered that amount by anyone."But what if there's an offer, will UTV accept it? "We haven't taken a stand yet. It all depends on who makes the offer. After all, Jodhaa Akbar is our baby and our prime concern is to give it the best possible release," Siddharth states. Suniel Wadhwa of UTV corroborates, "In any case, there's not much time left [the film is fixed for February 15] the period is too short for anyone to step in. The promotion is in full swing, the publicity material has been dispatched to theatres. Under these circumstances, it would be next to impossible to incorporate the logo of the company on the publicity material. It's not feasible," he reasoned.

After Hrithik it's Ajay's turn to be the next superhero

Actors Ajay Devgan And Kajol are all set to star in their next home production, an animated action movie titled Toonpur ka Superhero to be directed by Canada based Kireet Khurana, and will have music by Anu Malik.
This action animated flick that will feature Ajay in and as Toonpur ka Super Hero is made with an ambitious budget of Rs 40 crores. The film comprises of 70 per cent live animation sequence, on the lines of Who framed Roger Rabbit —where human actors and toons shared screen space.
Ajay Devgan says, "It's a film for everybody, because fun and entertainment today are enjoyed by everybody, but because it's an animation, it has been written with kids in mind."
It's a home production in the true sense of the term with wife Kajol also featuring in it.
But it's their daughter Nysa who's looney about the toons.
Says Kajol, " I'm an avid cartoon watcher, and it's because of my daughter I don't get to watch anything else, but I think it should be good fun. Let's see what i can do out of it.
When asked if her daughter was excited about seeing her parents in an animated film she said, "No, she isn't bothered about that. In fact, she is only interested in meeting the characters of Toonpur."
When asked how will she manage to do that, she is quick to reply " I don't know yet, haven't figured it out but I guess I will just play it by the ear."
With daughter Nysa all excited and wife Kajol as his co-star, Ajay Devgan is on his way to be the next superhero of Bollywood after Hrithik Roshan in Krrish. So what if his villains are cartoons.

Neetu’s midnight drama

The actress told us about a funny incident. "One day, the pack up was suddenly announced early and we went to our guest house. Next day’s shot was at 6 am. I had my early dinner and went to sleep and suddenly in the middle of the night I woke up and checked my watch, it was 5 am. I panicked, called my spot boy and told him to get tea and rushed to take a shower. I rushed down thinking I’m running late for my shot. Downstairs, I met one of the production girls who was working on her laptop and told her good morning, she was zapped to see me and asked me ‘Are you going to sleep like this, pointing towards my boots and jackets,’ Abhay strolled in and asked me the same thing. Then I realised something is wrong and rushed to my room and checked my watch again, it was around 12 at night. I didn’t check the time properly and ended up making a fool of myself that night," she laughs off.

'Ash and Hrithik were very professional'

“I like collecting books on films. They make for interesting reading. But that’s about it,” he tells us, picking up the telephone and ordering his regular chai, in shuddh Marathi. The man is intrigued by India, or so it seems, what with films like Lagaan , Swades and now the much celebrated romance of Jodhaa Akbar forming his spectrum of victories. Is he consciously that Indian by heart. “I think the patriotism comes to each of us naturally. I find Lagaan patriotic, while Swades was nationalistic. And now Jodhaa Akbar belongs to another genre of Indianness altogether.” Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai were the most obvious choices to play the title roles, we are informed. “The lead actors were chosen largely because of their physical persona combined by acting talent. Akbar was a warrior. I needed someone with the physique; also I needed an actor who would look regal without trying hard. Hrithik is a tremendous actor and can adapt himself physically to a character very well. This I noticed in Koi Mil Gaya , while I was impressed with Aishwarya in Chokher Bali , where she was bereft of any external embellishments,” explains Ashutosh. What about problems between his the lead pair? “There was no problem between Ash and Hrithik. Once Ash returned to shoot, it was as normal as it had always been. Both my actors were very professional.” So what next after Jodhaa Akbar ? “There’s nothing so far. I haven’t had the chance to think beyond Jodhaa Akbar," said Ashutosh, sipping his last sip of chai, and setting the cup back where it belonged.

Want Posh naked on your chest?

Most skin cancer campaigns urge people to cover up, but Victoria Beckham has gone naked to warn people of the dangers of the sun. Posh poses naked in a new T-shirt for designer Marc Jacobs as part of a campaign to warn people about skin cancer. The Spice Girl appears completely nude on the T-shirt with only her hands and a strategically-placed caption to cover her modesty.The T-shirt bears the words “Protect the Skin You’re in” and is signed by Posh.Beckham said her decision to get behind the campaign comes after she and hubby David moved to sunny California.She says, “Since we moved to California I have realised how important it is to practise safe sun for myself and to keep my three boys’ skin well protected as well.“Skin cancer is a huge problem and I really wanted to help raise awareness by taking part in Marc’s initiative.”The tops are signed by Posh and will be available from Marc Jacobs stores from next week.Meanwhile, soccer star David Beckham showed his wife remains close to his heart today by donning the singer’s new charity T-shirt. He was spotted wearing the Marc Jacobs creation during a trip to Brazil where he has opened his latest Football Academy.

Gracy stings

Cigarette smoking is injurious to health and while the whole world is capaigning against the harmful effects of smoking, Gracy Singh went a step further. She slapped an assistant director who would not stop smoking. Gracy was shooting for Desh Drohi at Surve Farms, Panvel. The story goes that Gracy was forced to take the extreme step when the chain-smoking assistant director Rajesh Sharma wouldn't stop smoking on the sets. Our source informs, "Gracy was in a bad mood on that day. She got upset with one of the assistant directors, Rajesh who was smoking on the sets. She had asked Rajesh not to smoke around her. But when he did not pay any heed to her requests, Gracy slapped him hard."The duo got into a tiff following which producer Kamal Khan had to cancel shooting for the day. Eventually, the unit members intervened and calmed the actress down. The source adds, "Everyone on the sets was shocked by Gracy's behaviour and the producer stopped the shooting before the situation turned worse."Kamal confirmed the incident, saying, "Yes, it did happen. Gracy had warned the assistant director not to smoke but when he continued to do so, she got up and slapped him. I cancelled the shoot immediately as I didn't want the situation could worsen."

My attitude to my career is unchanged: Aishwarya

Aishwarya Rai is flooded with offers for films. But her priorities right now are slightly different. She wants to focus on her family duties and wants to do very selective work. Says a source very close to her: "She wasn’t sure about Pink Panther, too, because Mrs Teji Bachchan was so critically ill. Aishwarya didn't want any distractions from her family duties. It was Abhishek who urged her to take up the offer. Now she's ready to sign a couple of films. But she will choose very carefully."

It's my life n I'll smoke: SRK

Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss' appeal to movie stars not to smoke on screen as it encourages the youth to pick up the cancerous habit has been rejected by superstar Shah Rukh Khan.Ramadoss recently appealed to matinee idols Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan to stop smoking in movies. However, King Khan Sunday rejected the appeal, saying cinema was all about creative freedom and it should not be curbed by censorships.'I think there is a huge amount of creative freedom and in the field of art and cinema we should be allowed that. One should not go around picking on little things - because that's just cinema, its make believe and we should not have huge censorship on that,' Shah Rukh was quoted as saying.'I wish Ramadoss prays that I stop smoking in real life because that's worse. In movies, we just do it for make-believe,' Shah Rukh added.But the health minister begs to differ. 'The movies are most responsible (for encouraging smoking). When I said movies should not have smoking scenes, we have statistics to show that 52 percent of children have their first puff of a cigarette because of movie celebrities,' the minister told a private news channel.He was also critical of Shah Rukh for smoking at a cricket match.Sources close to the actor say he is an incorrigible smoker. The 'Chak De! India' star says those who want him to stop smoking will have to make smoking illegal so that he can be penalised.'Tell me how many people you have sued in the last two years for smoking in public. I would like to know the number. I feel very bad that I am an icon for the youth and I have a bad habit,' Shah Rukh said.'I would like to tell people not to do it, but having said that, it is my life, if you want me to change it then make it illegal. I don't do drugs; I don't drink, I don't run red lights; I don't do anything that is illegal,' the actor told a newspaper last year before his birthday.

'I'm not getting married for the next five years'

Known for his Casanova image Saif has been completely bowled over by his ladylove Kareena and has decided to become one-woman man. The duo is so much in love that they aren't too conscious of even their public display of emotion. Last night when Kareena was invited for the Filmfare cover launch at Vie Lounge, Juhu, she was accompanied by boyfriend Saif Ali Khan, who dropped her and came to fetch her once the event was over. The couple pulled over in Saif's black BMW, and post the event headed to a suburbian 5-star hotel. As usual, Kareena was comfortable dealing with personal questions posed to her by the media. When asked about her marriage plans, she said, "I am not getting married for the next five years." An industry insider informs us that Saif is very possessive about Kareena. "He is madly in love with her and can go to any extend to prove his love. He also wants to express his commitment and marriage plans later on this year. But Kareena is on career high, and wants to enjoy her career and success." Bebo chose to keep silent about her back stage meet with Shahid at the Star Screen Awards. She was also not comfortable talking about Saif's son, Ibrahim, whom she has been spotted with very often these days. After the launch and speaking with media she waited for Saif to fetch her. Exactly after twenty minutes, Saif arrived like a prince from a fairy tale book to take back his princess in waiting.

The Kuch Kuch Hota Hai girl grows up

Sana Saeed won everyone's hearts when she played Shah Rukh Khan's daughter Anjali in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.
After appearing in a couple of television shows and ads, Sana disappeared. But now, she's back in the new telly soap, Babul Ka Aangann Chootey Na.
Today, the 19-year-old girl looks very different from the spoilt girl she played in the 1997 blockbuster, when she was only nine.
She tells us where she's been all this time.
Where were you after Kuch Kuch Hota Hai?
I anchored some shows like Fox Kids and Kache Papad Pakka Papad when I was 13.
I also did the film, Badaal (starring Bobby Deol and Rani Mukerji).
After that, I took on lesser work because I was in school and had to concentrate on my studies. Even while anchoring television shows, I would shoot only on weekends and holidays.
Besides that's, I did ads for Sunsilk and Clinic Shampoo. Recently, I shot a poster ad for DHL and Lifebuoy soap.
I starred in the serial Sati (on Sahara TV) for two months.

Subhash Ghai’s film revealed

Showman Subhash Ghai may have received flak for making Kisna but that hasn’t bogged down the creative genius in him. With much gusto he launched the music of his forthcoming ‘low budget’ film Black and White as he would like to put it just recently. The film starring Anil Kapoor, newcomer Anuraag Sinha and Shefali Shah talks about bringing back harmony and peace in the society is something that we all are aware of by now. But what does the film exactly showcase? The director of the film, Subhash Ghai too didn’t tell us much. “My film says that there are more colours other than Black and White in this world. You don’t have to be extremely noble or downright bad to survive. There is always a middle path.” This reply of his however didn’t satisfy us. After much probing a character artist from the film revealed, “ Black and White traces the life of a suicide bomber (debutant Anuraag Sinha) who intends to accomplish his mission but fails to realize that inevitably he is adding fuel to the ugly fire of terrorism! Anil Kapoor who plays a professor in the film talks Anuraag out of his plan. Shefali Shah plays Anil’s wife and the film showcases the conflict in the contrasting opinion of the two protagonists. Anil successfully convinces the bomber to chuck his plan in the climax and bring in harmony in the society.” Our source also made it clear that newcomer Anuraag has the central role which is author backed while Anil just supports him. When we then asked Ghai about the subject of his film, with a grin he concluded, “All I will say is watch the film, the subject is one of the toughest subjects I have ever dealt with as a director. It took me two years to just decide if I’d want to make a film like Black and White but I am glad I have made it.” After Pooja Bhatt’s Dhokha which also dealt with the issue of terrorism couldn’t hit the jackpot at the box office, we expect Ghai to deliver the needful with his film and prove that Bollywood has indeed come of age!

Minister Renuka Chowdhury compliments Aamir Khan

Women and Child Development Minister Renuka Chowdhury has complimented film star turned director Aamir Khan for his attempt to show that dyslexia should not be treated as a handicap and children with this problem should be brought up like others. She said the film TAARE ZAMEEN PAR had therefore done yeoman service as far as school children were concerned. The Minister was speaking informally after a meeting with school principals, teachers and educationists in the wake of recent incidents of child violence in schools. Earlier, she said her Ministry would hold discussions with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the Information and Broadcasting Ministry about the depiction of excessive scenes of violence and sex depicted in films and on television. Both the Minister and Dr Loveleen Kacker, Joint Secretary (Child Welfare), agreed that the recent cases of child violence including that of a Gurgaon school student shooting dead another child with his father's gun could have been the result of excessive scenes of violence in Indian films and TV.

Kambakkth another numerological blockbuster for Sajid Nadiadwala

Sajid Nadiadwala is all set to begin his next film Kambakth Ishq and once again he consulted numerologist Niraj Mancchanda who had earlier added two y's in the title Heyy Babyy to get the Akshay Kareena starrer numerologically correct.This time Niraj has not only added an extra "K" in the title which will be spelt as 'Kambakkth Ishq' but also changed the name spelling of the director Saabir Khan to Sab'b'ir Khan and music director Anu Malik's spelling to Annu Malek.According to Niraj "Not only the title comes to laxmi's number 33 but also Sabbir and Annu will get their due for their hard work. Its another blockbuster for Sajid in which he will make more money than Heyy Babyy".So, like 2007 even 2008 seems to be extremely lucky for Sajid.

Smriti Irani may launch feature film in 2008

Television actress Smriti Irani, whose series 'Viruddh' came to an end recently on Sony TV, says she is eyeing Bollywood as a producer and writer and today hinted that she may launch a film this year itself. She said 2006 had been important for her as an actress on the Gujarati stage, 2007 became important for 'Viruddh' and 2008 may be her year in Bollywood since she liked to do different things every year. She was still involved with the Gujarati theatre since she found audiences there gave you instant reactions and shows 'kisme kitna dum hai'. However, she refused to reveal any more details. Meanwhile in answer to a question, she said if there was a Central Board of Film Certification for films, why there was no such thing for TV. 'Advertisers control television, creators control films', she said. She also said there is need for an alternate system of measuring popularity of TV programmes as the TRP system is not fair or correct. 'I have always questioned the science of TRP. How can it claim to be the voice of India when just around 7,000 people have been provided with TAM meters and many parts of the country are unrepresented. Worse, TAM is run by only advertisers,' she said. She said in reply to a question that the TV remote was still controlled by the woman in the house, but she had got good reactions for 'Viruddh' from men as well. Asked about reality shows, she said it was said that people still tended to vote on state lines and not as Indians: a Punjabi would send SMS only for a Punjabi or a Gujarati for a Gujarati and not on the basis of talent. She said there was need for an alternate system which should be controlled by the government. 'This Rs 500 crore industry is running Ram Bharose', she said. For example, she said that it was obvious that Doordarshan had the highest reach in the country but it did not figure in the TRPs who were not interested in the public service broadcaster. Referring to the controversy over a Content Code, she said that it was a matter of survival for the news channels. 'It is high time that news channels learn to function as self-censors,' she said. She said the TV sector should do this before the government builds pressure. TV should be conscientious on what can be shown, she said. Smriti, who is also a writer and a producer, runs a non-governmental organization 'People for Change' which works for ensuring water reaches the remotest villages. She is also a brand ambassador for the USAID-ORS programme and felt that women accepted her more easily because of her image. At the same time, she said that an actor does not get known by his or her work on screen, but in real life. 'I am a fiercely independent person,' she said. She said her role in 'Teen Bahuraniyaan' as Vrinda Mausi is only to bring a change in the life of Janaki. Though she has done TV serials like 'Thodi si zameen thoda sa aasmaan' etc. it was only in her seventh year as an actress that she got the best actress award.

To Ranvir big banner means nothing

“It’s my second film with Rajat Kapoor and I play a very complex part in it. It’s the story of a struggling actor who has stars in his eyes about making it big in tinsel town and how life spirals him in another direction,” says Ranvir. While Ranvir himself had no such illusions when he entered the film industry, he accepts that working with Rajat Kapoor is wonderful. “Rajat and I have been working together for the past eight years and worked on several plays and films, including Bheja Fry. And working with people who have similar sensibilities is always a great experience,” says the actor, whose career graph boasts of small budget films like Khosla Ka Ghosla, Honeymoon Travels Pvt Limited and Pyaar ke Side Effects . But his recent films like Aaja Nachle and No Smoking have been pukka commercial films – a conscious move? “Honestly, I don’t choose films as commercial, off-beat, big-budget, multi-starrers or non-starrers. My only concern is the way a story is being narrated and if that’s in place, I have no hassles about taking up the film,” he says.

Ash and Jaya Home alone

It's rather quiet in the Bachchan household these days. Abhishek is away shooting for Dorna, while Amitabh is in Manali shooting along with Sarika for Shoojit Sarkar, leaving both the Mrs. Bachchan's to give company to each other. Maybe that's why, she was recently spotted making a solo appearance at an event. We wonder why her mama-in law didn't accompany her. No bonding between saas and bahu, or what?

Ash and Jaya Home alone

It's rather quiet in the Bachchan household these days. Abhishek is away shooting for Dorna, while Amitabh is in Manali shooting along with Sarika for Shoojit Sarkar, leaving both the Mrs. Bachchan's to give company to each other. Maybe that's why, she was recently spotted making a solo appearance at an event. We wonder why her mama-in law didn't accompany her. No bonding between saas and bahu, or what?

Britney’s lover to sell her bizarre videos for £1 million

Britney Spears’ on-off paparazzo lover Adnan Ghalib has reportedly recorded six deranged video diaries of the troubled pop star and is hoping to sell them for a whopping 1 million pounds.
The British born photographer has been filming the ‘Toxic’ star’s bizarre antics following her recent breakdown, and is planning to sell the clips to the highest bidder.
Ghalib believes that he’ll net over 1 million pounds by exposing the fallen pop princess.
However, a source who claims to have seen four of the six recordings, revealed that the videos are like something out of a horror movie.
“It’s like something out of a horror movie. Britney spends the whole time ranting, raving and weeping. It’s not entertainment,” News of the World quoted the source, as saying.
“Adnan is just determined to wring as much out of Britney as possible before their relationship burns out.
“But these videos are a step too far. They’re sinister and disturbing and show Britney at her very lowest,” the source added.
Clip one shows the 26-year-old mother of two sitting on her bed wearing a nightie and talking about herself in the third person as well as rambling about her childhood.
She’s heard saying: “When Britney was a child, she had to work really hard. When she was 13 years old, she won all the beauty pageants.”

Bachchans in Daulatpur for Aishwarya’s ‘pathshala’

Traditionally dressed in red saree, the glamorous Bachchan ‘bahu’ Aishwarya Rai Bachchan accompanied with the entire Bachchan family performed the ‘Bhoomi Poojan’ ceremony of girl’s inter-college at Daulatpur village in Uttar Pradesh named after her. People rushed to catch a glimpse of the hottest family in Bollywood, when Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan descended on the village for the foundation stone laying ceremony of `Srimati Aishwarya Bachchan Kanya Mahavidyalaya’. The ceremony was also attended by third front political bigwigs, senior Samajwadi Party leaders including Amar Singh and MP Jaya Prada. The date had been especially chosen by the Bachchan family because it also marks the birthday of Bachchans` closest family friend, Bhai Amar Singh. The ceremony was to start from 11 but got delayed for 2 hours. The Bachchans had flown from Lucknow for laying the foundation stone of girl’s inter-college at Daulatpur village, the first in the area. They said that they are extremely concerned about female education in the country. Amitabh Bachchan also ensured that the two abandoned sisters from Patna he had adopted get to study there. The two sisters, Anjali and Rimjhim, who were abandoned by their parents in a private boarding school, came from Muzaffarpur to Barabanki to meet their new mentor, Amitabh Bachchan. The two sisters have been given free admission in the institution and Amitabh has donated 10lakhs for their upbringing. TDP leader and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, INLD leader and former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah also attended the ceremony. Addressing the huge crowd, a visibly pleased Aishwarya profusely thanked her family members for naming the school after her. She said that it was a being honour for her.

John-Karan form a giggling society

John Abraham, who starts shooting for Karan Johar's untitled production in two months, has discovered a mutual giggling society with the ace director. "When we're together, Karan and I both laugh and giggle to the point that people stand and stare at us. In fact, when we were in Delhi for the launch of the Nano car, Karan and I just cracked up repeatedly," John said.Karan, who has teamed up with Simi Garewal for NDTV Imagine's Shava Shava, laughs at the mention of John."Not too many people know this, but John has a wicked sense of humour. We do have good laughs whenever we get together. Knowing our schedules, it isn't that often. But he's someone who can make me laugh," said Karan.Though he doesn't show it, the past year hasn't been easy for John.No Smoking, the film he saw as his career's turning point, bombed. And then there were rumours about turbulence in his relationship with Bipasha Basu.Just when he was on the verge of starting afresh this year, his father again fell ill. But John's not sulking."All's okay and I'm pretty sure he's going to be all right. Nothing can be more painful than a parent's illness. When either of my parents is unwell, my life just comes to a standstill. I can't focus on anything. No wonder Karan Johar said, 'It is all about loving your parents' (in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham)," said John, who is now looking forward to Karan's film to be directed by Tarun Mansukhani."I am really looking forward to that. I've worked with Karan before in Kaal. But this is something that has never been done before. And I'm with two of my favourite co-stars - Priyanka Chopra and Abhishek Bachchan. I just love all the Bachchans to death. The last time we were together for Dhoom, Abhishek and I just freaked out. I think Karan's film will be loads of fun," he added.

Saif plans to make a music based film

Actor Saif Ali Khan besides acting also loves playing the guitar at rock concerts. The actor had also recently performed with the Parikrama rock band. Now the actor wants to do his bit for Indian music by making a film about Indian singers and music-a genre largely ignored by Bollywood. Reportedly, Khan, who recently started a film production house, wants to experiment with the subject

Hewitt lists 10 things men don`t know about women

Health minister asks Bachchan, Shah Rukh to stop smoking

New Delhi, (IANS) Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss has appealed to Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan to stop smoking in movies as millions of youngsters emulate them and imbibe the bad habit.
"I have already made appeals to Shah Rukh Khan," Ramadoss said in Karan Thapar's "Devil's Advocate" programme being aired on CNN-IBN Sunday."But I would be happy to do it again and say, 'Please don't smoke in your movies, Mr. Shah Rukh Khan'. I would like to make an appeal to Mr. Shah Rukh Khan and Mr. Amitabh Bachchan and all the other personalities."Fourteen-year-olds are taking to tobacco. India should be very, very concerned about the alarming rise of incidence of tobacco (use) amongst young people," the minister emphasised.Criticising movies with smoking scenes, the minister said: "The movies are most responsible (for encouraging smoking). When I said movies should not have smoking scenes, we have statistics which show that 52 percent of children have their first puff of a cigarette because of movie celebrities."When asked about Shah Rukh smoking during a recent cricket match, Ramadoss said the actor should not have done it."Absolutely not. What was the necessity? See these are celebrities and millions of youngsters look up to these celebrities...I again say to celebrities, in whichever field they are, whether it's movies or sports, not to do these things in public."Responding to a question if Shah Rukh and Amitabh could stop smoking like Tamil superstar Rajnikant, the minister said: "Easily, they could do it. Without a doubt."

Amitabh lays foundation stone of college named after Aishwarya

Barabanki (UP) (PTI): Two months after getting reprieve from Allahabad High Court in the controversial land purchase in the district, megastar Amitabh Bachchan on Sunday laid the foundation stone of a girls college in the name of his daughter-in-law and actor Aishwarya here at a function which acquired a high political profile.
Bachchan, wife Jaya, son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya alongwith Samajawadi Party leader Amar Singh and Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav attended the function which coincided with SP general secretary's birthday.
After the 'bhoomi pujan', Bachahan laid the foundation stone of 'Aishwarya Bachchan girls inter college'.
Besides the glamour and glitz provided by the presence of the Bachchans, a galaxy of UNPA leaders N Chandrababu Naidu (TDP), NC patron Farooq Abdullah and INLD chief Om Prakash Chautala and actress-turned-politician Jayaprada were present on the occasion.
"I am grateful, I have been given this honour by the elders in our family," said the Bollywood diva gracing the occasion but added it would have been better if grandfather Harivansha Rai Bachchan or grandmother Teji Bachchan, her father-in-law Amitabh or mother-in-law Jaya got it before her.
Amitabh had bought land in the village with the objective of setting up an inter college.
The Allahabad High Court had about a month and half ago cleared Amitabh of all charges in the land deal and also ordered that no criminal or civil prosecution could be launched against him.
The court also accepted Amitabh's plea of giving up his claim on the gram sabha land.

I'm 'chhora Ganga kinarewala': Amitabh

Daulatpur (UP) (PTI): Amitabh Bachchan may be a Bollywood icon but he sees himself quintessentially as a "chhora Ganga kinarewala".
"I may have settled eslewhere but I was always called 'chhora Ganga kinarewala (the boy from the Ganga backwaters'," he said, recalling the lines of the hugely popular song 'Khaike paan Banaraswala...' from the 1970s blockbuster 'Don'.
"Sometimes people criticise me saying that I have settled elsewhere. It is true but I am also from this state ... and so were my forefathers," he said, drawing lusty cheers from the crowd after laying the foundation stone of a college in the name of his daughter-in-law Aishwarya in this village of Barabanki district.
Wearing a white 'kurta pajama' with a shawl draped over his shoulders, the actor appeared in a nostalgic mood.
Accompanied by his wife Jaya, actor son Abhishek, Aishwarya and actress-turned-politician Jaya Prada, he recited excerpts from his late father Harivansh Rai Bachchan's famous poem 'Madhusahala' in his familiar baritone.
The actor was also at his caustic best when he turned to the battery of TV cameras and journalists and said their "blessings are essential".
"Aap ki kripa rahe to hum sabka uddhar ho sakta hai' (If you people bless us we all will be saved)," he said.

Emraan's marriage is on the rocks

Emraan Hashmi's marriage is on the rocks. The actor, best-known for his on-screen kisses, married his long-time sweetheart Parveen Shahani about a year ago. Emraan and Parveen had been going around for almost five years before they tied the knot. The marriage hit troubled waters when Parveen, who is a school teacher, recently got to know about Emraan's close relationship with a Pakistani girl, Sanaa. Parveen was particularly upset when she learnt that Emraan and the new woman in his life had spent some private moments in Cape Town.According to a reliable source, Sanaa's parents promptly called Emraan's uncle Mahesh Bhatt and informed him about his nephew's secret liaison. Mahesh intervened and summoned Emraan to his Juhu office on Wednesday afternoon.The filmmaker tried explaining to Emraan that he was not doing the right thing. The conversation, which started off as a discussion, gradually snowballed into a heated argument and then a big showdown. According to our source, “Mahesh told Emraan to live a steady marital life and focus on his career. Mahesh was simply advising Emraan for his good but Emraan thought that Mahesh was interfering in his life.”We first tried calling Emraan but he did not respond to our calls. We then sent him a text message to confirm the chain of events, which have rocked his personal life. Although Emraan did not give out any details about his tumultuous personal life, he didn't deny the news either. His reply read, “Don't f*** me man.”