Barack Obama tributes from India's most acclaimed women in films

New York, Barack Obama's election as US president is historic not just for Americans but for people the world over, say three of Indian cinema's best known women - Deepa Mehta, Mira Nair and Shabana Azmi.

Tributes to the president-elect who will be the first African American in the White House poured in Wednesday at the the opening of the five-day MIAAC Film Festival of Indian Independent and Diaspora films.

"It is an amazing, amazing victory for people of all colour, for people who have been disenfranchised," said Indian Canadian director Mehta, who was in New York for the screening of her newest film "Heaven on Earth". 

"Obama as (US) president is the best news of the century," Mehta told IANS.

India-born New York-based Mira Nair, who campaigned for Obama, said emphatically: "Anything is possible". 

Last month, Nair had organised a literary meet in support of Obama. It was attended by literary giants of Indian origin like Salman Rushdie, Kiran Desai, Jhumpa Lahiri, Suketu Mehta and Manil Suri.

The Mumbai-based actor-activist Azmi also termed it a historic occasion.

"I consider myself extremely privileged to have witnessed America creating history in the election of Obama as the president of the United States," Azmi, who partied all night in celebration, told the audience.

"As an artiste I feel and recognise that the only atmosphere in which art can survive is that of freedom, liberal values and democracy," she said.

Abhi makes Ash happy

Anything for my dearest wife and the most beautiful women of the world' is the call of Abhishek’s heart. Vivacious Aishwarya Bachchan celebrated her 35th birthday debarred of Pa and Maa and the lady felt little disheartened. On looking at her gloomy face, dearest hubby could easily discover that Ash was missing her family utmost; he immediately opened up his gadget and connected Ash to Pa and Maa. Being techno savvy, Abhishek always carries his electronic gadgets with him and he had made best use of it to bring smile back to his beautiful wife. 

Father-in-law wished bahurani from distant and showered all the best wishes and blessing over her. Amitabh wrote in his blog that they are very happy with their son’s choice and feels fortunate to be called as Aishwarya's father-in-law.

Ash celebrated birthday with Abhi and the unit members of Ravana in the thick jungles of Kochi in Kerala. The day went as usual – they left for the shooting venue at 5 am and returned at 7 pm, and then celebrated. "It was a small, quiet affair with the unit. We celebrated with some good food after we packed up," said a unit member.

Sallu's sister-in-law is Kat's enemy

All the members of the Khan's family are not in favor of Katrina Kaif. Her embark into new wedded life will not be an easy one as there are enemies present in Salman's family. The news is rife that Salman's sister-in-law Malaika Arora Khan is not very fond of Katrina. She shares a cold vibes with Kat. 

It has come to know that Salman wished to cast Katrina in brother Arbaaz Khan's maiden production venture but Malaika is not in the favor of casting her though Katrina today is one of the leading actresses of Bollywood and casting her will add to the advantage. Hubby Arbaaz acted according to Malaika's wish. Therefore, Katrina will not be approached to be part of the flick even though Salman is playing the key role.

That Malaika shares a bitter relationship with Katrina came to the forefront when she did not attend Katrina’s birthday bash thrown by Salman.

Abhishek down with fever in Kerala, recouping Big B worries

Mumbai (PTI): Abhishek Bachchan who is shooting for Mani Ratnam's "Ravan" in Kerala, is down with shivering and high fever.

His father Amitabh Bachchan, who is recuperating from his recent illness, is at present in Udaipur for rest and has posted the information on his blog.

"I am here for R&R (rest and rehabilitation). To keep away from stress and pressures. To recoup and revitalise. To gain strength. However, there has been nothing but stress and unwanted pressures," the Big B wrote.

He said Aishwarya who is also shooting with Abhishek called him on wednesday morning to inform about his condition.

Bachchan said that he got a doctor to do a conference call and gave instructions on his condition and treatment. "My heart and mind are in the remote jungles of Kerala where he shoots. You can stand anything..you just cannot stand to see your kid in trouble. Just cannot!!", Bachchan said.

The Big B also wrote about the media intrusion asking for his quotes on B R Chopra who passed away on wednesday morning.

He said he was in the midst of getting more information on Abhishek's health when his mobile was being repeatedly interrupted by the media for his quotes.

Salman and Katrina give rare joint interview

Romance, perhaps, does not come easy to Salman Khan. Not even when he is with the gorgeous Katrina Kaif, his love in real life and also on screen — in Subhash Ghai’s Yuvraaj, which is where BT did this exclusive interview with Bollywood’s most discussed couple. Kat is all for love, but if Sallu is — then he isn’t showing it. At least, not in public. And before a camera. So, he wasn’t fussing and gushing over her. “He believes he is an unique lover,” explained Kat. Excerpts from the tidbits flying back and forth between the lovers… 

Kareena turned down role opposite Johnny Depp because of Aishwarya Rai

Kareena turned down role opposite Johnny Depp because of Aishwarya Rai

We reported last week that Kareena Kapoor had turned down a role opposite noted Hollywood actor Johnny Depp because of date problems. However, we can now reveal that’s dates were not the reason behind this.

Says a source, “Three years ago, Gurinder Chadda (director of this new film) wanted Kareena for Bride & Prejudice. Kareena naturally presumed it was the lead. She was shocked to know the director actually wanted her for Aishwarya’s youngest sister’s part which finally went to Piya Rai Choudhary. Bebo was irked at being offered the fourth lead and vowed never to work with her again. Now when a new Gurinder Chadha film was offered to Kareena she quickly said no without hesitation.”

Kareena has confirmed this news, saying, “Who offers a role is not important. What is being offered is important. I’m really not that enthused by the idea of going international unless it’s something really big. I don’t even know if Gurinder’s offer was with Johnny Depp. I was just not interested.”

Bipasha has lots to ‘shoes’ from

Perfectionist Aamir Khan has taken his tag to an all-new level. His promotional timing is now as perfect as his acting and directing prowess. Aamir struck while the iron was hot when he released the first look of his film Ghajini this Diwali. His fans were left speechless by the blazing promos of the much-anticipated film. His dearest ‘friends’ — read the other Khans from the industry — weren’t invited though.