Bollywood Insider

Rakhi Celena to bring new year at Country Club

2008-12-28T21:06:00.000-08:00

It’s going to be party time this New Year’s Eve once again – but not quite as normal. Many of the big Mumbai parties that had been planned have been cancelled for a combination of reasons, As a sign of respect for the victims of the Mumbai attack; for security reasons and the understandable fear that many of the rich and famous have about meeting in one place; because of the exorbitant demands of the performers and the inability to meet those prices during a downturn in the economy.

So most of the big performers will be taking their show on the road. Rakhi Sawant is one of them. She had earlier cancelled a planned performance in Dubai but has now changed her mind - "After the terror attack, I had planned not to perform and even cancelled the Dubai show,” she says, “But, with the city's mood slowly coming back to normal, I have decided to take another offer. It's from the Country Club but it will be in Gujarat."

Celina Jaitley is another who will be dusting off her dancing shoes and shifting to the vibrant desi scene in London for the night. "It's unfortunate that events were cancelled in Mumbai but that was inevitable given what happened,” she explains, “I look forward to international gigs as they give me the opportunity to meet NRI audiences and fans. I am making an appearance at a British-Asian event on the 31st at the London City Pavilion, where popular locals like Rishi Rich and Veronica will perform live.”

The Country Club event in Dubai will now star Mallika Sherawat and pop singer Shibani Kashyap whilst Malaika Arora Khan will be doing her thing in Singapore and Sophie Chaudhury will be in Delhi.

Jiah khan speak about her role in ghajini

2008-12-26T21:48:00.000-08:00

With debutant Asin hogging all the limelight opposite Aamir Khan in Ghajini, the other lead character Jiah Khan says she is happy with her role in the film and holds no grudges against anyone.
What about her alleged catfight with Kangana Ranaut, who was reportedly the original choice for her role in the film? "Media finds these stories interesting. None of these stories are correct. Why should I have problems with anyone? I met Kangana at the premiere of 'Fashion'. I think she is superb in the film," said the actress.

"As far as I am concerned I am very happy with my character in the film," the actress told PTI over phone when asked about the media reports that she was upset by not getting enough attention despite playing an important role in the film.
With her sensual look in the film Jiah earned the tag of 'glamour doll' but the 20-year-old actress hopes to acquire a new image with 'Ghajini' which she considers an important milestone in her career.

Jiah made a dream debut last year with Ram Gopal Verma's controversial film 'Nishabd' opposite Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan. The film was loosely based on Russian author Vladimir Nabokov's book 'Lolita'.

Karina looking at srk eyes : still from Billu Barbar

2008-12-26T21:42:00.001-08:00

Stiil from billu barber: kareena looking dam hot with srk

Saif admitted to Lilavati hospital

2008-12-26T21:25:00.000-08:00

Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan was Thursday admitted to the Lilavati hospital here after he complained of pain in his abdomen, hospital sources said.

"He is suffering from an intestine infection. The doctors are still conducting the tests. He will have to remain in the hospital for a few days," a hospital source told IANS.

In 2006, Saif underwent surgery in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur. He had complained of pain in the abdomen then too and the doctors had diagnosed he was suffering from appendicitis.

Akshay Pyikanka jodi back again in public show

2008-12-26T21:11:00.001-08:00

Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra, who had stopped working together in spite of doing successful films like "Aitraaz" and "Mujhse Shaadi Karogi", came together after a four-year gap for a show in Hong Kong.

Akshay and Priyanka performed together on stage Thursday for Christmas at the Convention Centre in Hong Kong for the show From Chandni Chowk To Hong Kong.

For reasons best known to them, Akshay and Priyanka, who came together for the first time in "Andaaz", were never seen as a couple on screen after "Waqt - Race Against Time". So deep was the cleft between the pair that Suneel Darshan had to scrap an Akshay-Priyanka starrer after picturising a song with them.

"Yes, I performed on stage with Akshay Kumar in Hong Kong. It was great fun," Priyanka, who has delivered two hits in the row - "Fashion" and "Dostana" - told IANS. And what a rollicking show it was! Audiences have been craving to see the hit pair together for three years. Joining the pair was Bipasha Basu.

After Priyanka drifted away, Akshay tried to form a screen pair with Kareena Kapoor by doing some not so successful films like "Talaash", "Bewafaa" and "Tashan". When that didn't work too well, the actor turned to Katrina Kaif for professional sustenance.

Movie Review Gajini : Go to watch buddy its nice movie

2008-12-26T21:00:00.000-08:00

Cast: Aamir Khan, Asin, Jiah Khan, Pradeep Rawat
Director: A.R. Murugadoss
Producer: Allu Aravind , Madhu Varma
Writer: A.R. Murugadoss
Music: A .R . Rahman
The Movie:

Ghajini, the Tamil version, has been a massive hit and so was its dubbed Telugu version. Will the Hindi adaptation live up to the humungous expectations? The hype is unmatched and you expect no less than a present-day masterpiece.

Ghajini is a revenge saga, one ingredient that has been the staple diet of Hindi films since time immemorial. It is a powerful film. It has the power to sweep you off your feet from the word 'go'. It has a riveting story, which has been told with flourish by director A.R. Murugadoss. And, of course, it has a knockout performance by Aamir Khan. If at all there's a shred of doubt whether Aamir is The Best in the business, all you've got to do is check out GHAJINI.

First things first! Ghajini is not MEMENTO. There're minor similarities, but Ghajini takes a completely different route to tell its story. Director A.R. Murugadoss tells this one differently. It starts off with what happens in the past, comes to the present-day, goes back in time again and returns to the contemporary again. This is a breathless, exciting story, heart-breaking and exhilarating at the same time.

Is it violent? It is, at times, but the violence here is justified. In fact, every time the protagonist bashes up the evil-doers, you clap and root for him. The climax is jaw-dropping -- dissimilar from the original, but it's an out of the world experience nonetheless.

Aamir Khan is suffering from acute short-term memory loss set off by the violent murder of his girlfriend Asin. He's got to work around this handicap, but with methodical and meticulous determination. Aamir etches a path of clues that lead him on his road.

To aid him in his quest, he carries around a sheaf of Polaroids and when he is really sure of a piece of information, he has it tattooed on his body, which stands in for the damaged part of his mind. His indelibly marked torso is the repository of his grief, his rage and his reason to go on living.

Director A.R. Murugadoss deserves brownie points for not just coming up with an interesting story, but also presenting it [refreshingly] differently. The storyteller balances the light moments and the ones demanding intensity with expertise. There's dum in every sequence. Even if the director has to depict violence, he doesn't resort to blood-n-gore or knives-swords-pistols for effect.

A.R. Rahman's music is top notch. At least three numbers have the unmistakable stamp of a genius -- 'Guzarish', 'Behka' and 'Kaise Mujhe'. Ravi Chandran's cinematography is stunning. The film bears a stylish look all through. The action sequences are brilliantly executed. The Hindi moviegoers haven't seen such scenes ever.

Asin is fabulous. To share the screen space with an actor of the stature of Aamir Khan and yet remain in your memory even after the show has ended is no cakewalk. She looks fresh and photogenic and acts her part brilliantly. Pradeep Rawat, the villain, is first-rate. Jiah Khan impresses, especially in the sequence when Aamir follows her to a shopping mall.

Aamir delivers his career-best performance. It's awe-inspiring and if more and more people adopt the 'Aamir look' or hit the gym, it would be courtesy the actor. As far as his acting is concerned, he's natural as the tycoon, but like a wounded, ferocious tiger when he goes on an avenging spree. Without doubt, it's a concentrated, layered performance. He acts with his entire being. His body movement, the details of his performance, everything rings true. He is both vulnerable and hard. The pain in his face when he can't remember, is palpable. It's not only the plot that carries GHAJINI. It's also the mood and the expression on Aamir's face that makes GHAJINI a treat.

On the whole, GHAJINI is a winner all the way. The film will set new records and has the merits to emerge one of the biggest Hits of all times. The weekend business should be historic, the Week 1 business should be unparalleled, the lifetime gross should be amongst the biggest of all times. In short, GHAJINI has 'Blockbuster' written all over it.

Anuska Sharma to do two more films with Yash Raj

2008-12-22T20:15:00.000-08:00

Anushka Sharma was kept under wraps before her debut film with Shah Rukh Khan, Yash Raj Film’s Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, was released. Something tells us that even now, after the film has released, you won’t get to see much of her.

That’s because she is bound by a contract to do two more films with Yash Raj, who aren’t in a particular hurry to do that. There’s also talk that Anushka was kept away from the media for a tad longer than necessary. To this, Anushka is quick to defend her banner.

She says, “I was kept away from the media’s glare for a reason. I wanted to focus completely on my film. And it served the purpose.” “Yes, I’m under contract to do two more films with Yash Raj,” says Anushka. She also admits that the next film is not around the corner. “Adi (Aditya Chopra) and I were both busy with Rab Ne… Now they will have to decide what I’m doing next.

But I must say I’m itching to get back in front of the camera.” We point out to Anushka that she wasn’t presented with the finesse and sophistication associated with a typical Yashraj heroine. To this she says, “You are right. Even when girls are supposed to be simple, in a Yash Raj film she’s always glamorous.

I can always get into chiffon saris in my next Yash Raj film.” Anushka sure seems to be gung-ho about her next film, but what we aren’t sure about is whether Yash Raj Films feels the same way too.

Amrita rao glamorous look

2008-12-18T21:23:00.000-08:00

Amrita Rao looking glamorous in red

Priyanka and sahid kapoor in yash raj kaminey gang

2008-12-18T21:14:00.000-08:00

Priyanka Chopra has been around for a while but there are still a few firsts for the actress. It seems that the actress will be shooting for her first on-screen kiss in this movie, where she is paired opposite Shahid Kapur.

Kaminey which is directed by Vishal Bharadwaj, is scheduled for a release in March next year. The film has just completed a schedule in Mumbai. In the film, Priyanka plays a middlecalss Marathi girl, while Shahid plays a gambler, who cons people. His get up in the film is quite interesting as he sports long hair and stubble.

The look was quite secret and Shahid did steer clear of cameras so that he could keep his look under wraps for a while. Incidentally, the single Shahid and the supposedly single Priyanka (she says she is not seeing Harman), are believed to have become very close while shooting for this film. Incidentally, both actors also live in the same building in the suburbs. Priyanka seems to be flying high these days.

She is also believed to have been roped in by Yash Raj Films to do their next film, which will be directed by Jugal Hansraj. Uday Chopra will play the lead in this one.

Akki to join Special Olympics Torch run

2008-12-18T21:05:00.000-08:00

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar will participate Sunday in the Global Law Enforcement Torch Run here for Special Olympics World Winter Games.

Called the Flame of Hope, the torch will pass through Delhi Dec 21. Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit will flag it off. Akshay is the celebrity supporter and brand ambassador for the event that is being organised prior to the world games.

Special Olympics is an international non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of the society through sports training and competition.

The games will be held in Boise, Idaho, US, Feb 2-13 next year.

Ash Bips looking hot and sexy in sarri

2008-12-18T20:57:00.000-08:00

Aishwarya Rai looking cool and sexy in black sarri

Bipasha in white sarri exposing navel and cleavage

Sakti kapoor misbehave with Nepali actress Rekha Thapa

2008-12-17T19:35:00.000-08:00

Indian actor Shakti Kapoor has shown his truenature in Nepal by misbehaving with Nepali actress Rekha Thapa," a Nepali tabloid Wednesday said in a front-page report.

According to the report, the Bollywood actor asked Thapa during shooting if she had a bottle of Coke with her. When she said she was not sure, the actor reportedly used an abusive word and tried to grab her hand.

The Naya Patrika daily, known for its sensational reports, said that while shooting for a Bhojpuri film, "Hum Hai Hero Hindustani" in Birgunj town in south Nepal, the 52-year-old actor, famous for his portrayal of a plotting, lascivious villain, had used a derogatory word about heroine Thapa and also tried to grab her hand.

When Thapa protested angrily and an altercation broke out between the two, another Indian actor who is also cast in the film, telestar Shahbaz Khan, reportedly tried to intervene.

The director, who decided to rope in Kapoor for his third venture, that will also be released as "Mrityu Danda" dubbed in Nepali, said there was no disruption in shooting.

Ekta back in bollywood with Once Upon a Time In Mumbai

2008-12-17T19:28:00.000-08:00

For those who think Ekta Kapoor has been hit hard by the termination and debacle of some of her serials, think again! Ekta is all set to produce a string of mega budget films, beginning with Milan Luthria’s Once Upon a Time In Mumbai.

A source close to the production house said, “When Ekta heard the set was going to cost Rs 8.5 crore she was slightly hesitant. But when she saw the design of the set she agreed immediately.”

Ajay Devgan and Emraan Hashmi as Haji Mastan and Dawood Ibrahim respectively. Art director Nitin Desai will be constructing a set costing Rs 8.5 crore at his studio in Karjat.

Why was Ekta lying low when accusations were hurled at her? Ekta replied, “Have I been lying low? If I have it’s because that’s what I wanted to do. Do you really think I care about what my well-wishers would think about me? Anyways, I don't think I owe an explanation to anyone, except my parents, my company and myself.

If I’ve chosen to remain quiet it’s because I didn’t want to talk about my plans until I was ready to hit the road. Now we are all set to start Once Upon A Time In Mumbai.”

Telugu film actress Bargavi dead live-in partner Praveen commit suicide

2008-12-17T19:03:00.000-08:00

Telugu film actress Bhargavi, who was found dead with her live-in partner in her apartment here on Tuesday, died of stab injuries, according to the autopsy report.

The reoport confirmed the police claim that her live-in partner Praveen had stabbed her to death before committing suicide by consuming poison. The report of the autopsy, conducted at the Gandhi Hospital on Wednesday, said she was stabbed in the heart and other other parts of the body, resulting in her death. The doctors reported that the murder took place between 4 and 6am.

However, Praveen also said in the suicide note that he married Bhargavi in 2006 but they were living separately. The note said he killed her because she had started neglecting him after her successful debut film. Bhargavi's parents have denied that she ever married Praveen.

Bhargavi, who shot to fame recently with her debut movie "Ashta Chemma", was found murdered in her flat in upscale Banjara Hills locality. The police also found a suicide note, purportedly written by Praveen, which said: "We have decided to commit suicide since her mother is not allowing us to meet."

She had started her career as a stage singer in Praveen's Sai Baba orchestra in Nellore district and later became an anchor in a television channel. She also acted in a TV serial. She was shooting for her second film "Holidays". According to film industry sources, she was working in 10 films.

Her murder has revived the memory of the mysterious death of another budding actress, Pratyusha, in 2002. Pratyusha and her lover had allegedly committed suicide as their parents were against their alliance. Though the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) declared it to be a case of suicide, her mother still maintains that she was murdered.

Mallika Speak about her Type of Man

2008-12-15T20:52:00.000-08:00

Though Mallika has been linked with a businessman in the past, the actress candidly confesses that she is single and dying to mingle. But what kind of man is Mallika looking for?

Speaking to a tabloid, Mallika said she is searching for a man who is “intelligent, educated, articulate, single, and financially independent”.

But, according to Mallika, there are two strong conditions that her man has to meet. Firstly, he shouldn’t be from Bollywood. People from the film industry apparently don’t turn Mallika on. Secondly, as Mallika herself puts it: “I need a tough guy to handle me.” Boy! What does that mean?

Sanjay dutta want to have tattoo on chest

2008-12-15T20:33:00.000-08:00

After inking a lion tattoo on his left arm and Manyata's on the other, Sanjay Dutt is getting ready for a Japanese tattoo on his chest. He is going to ink the sixth tattoo on his chest at Hakim Aalim's parlor. Aalim says, "Sanju baba now wants a Japanese tattoo on his chest. He already has five tattoos. He is very enthusiastic about his Japanese design and has given me quite a few designs to choose from.

Apart from inking number of tattoos, Sanju baba is also experimenting on his hair. He has donned a new hairstyle for Bunty Walia's Lamhaa. Aalim says, "Right now, it's the platinum style, which takes four hours to do. His white-haired look needs to be retouched every 10 days.

We have done his lion's tattoo and the tattoo 'dilnasheen' on his two arms. One of his other tattoos has been done in Goa. Now his lion tattoo needs to be repaired. If tattoos are not taken proper care of they can get damaged through scratches and scabs."
With growing ages, Sanjay Dutt is undergoing a massive changeover. Let’s see whether the new look of Sanjay will able to bring him glory.

Amir giving private tuition to Jiah khan

2008-12-15T20:21:00.000-08:00

Jiah Khan, who thinks in English, got into trouble when she was asked to deliver lengthy emotional Urdu dialogues for "Ghajini" in sync sound, but says that her co-star Aamir Khan bailed her out.

"My mom, who lives in London, flew down during the shooting. She speaks Urdu fluently. She ran through the dialogues with me over and over again. I think I've done my lines very well. To have my lines dubbed would have taken away from my performance. I think I managed my lines well,"

"I must admit it was a bit of a problem. Aamir and the director got me an Urdu dialogue coach, Athar Nawaz who guided me. And each time I'd be stuck with a line Aamir helped me out," she added.

Other than speaking Hindi, Jiah, who debuted with Ram Gopal Varma's "Nishabd", has also learned Bollywood style dancing. Like the Urdu-Hindi, I've mastered the dancing to a large extent," she said.

Jiah has also shot a song titled "Lattoo" in "Ghajini" with choreographer Gita Kapoor. Ad filmmaker Ravi Udyawar has directed it. "I realised how hard it is to do a sizzling song. The song is a very Jennifer Lopez kind of number. It's very stylish and chic. In a week's time, it goes on air. That should answer the question why I'm not seen in the publicity," she said.

Shilpa had accident with her Sunglasses

2008-12-15T20:11:00.000-08:00

Bollywood beauty Shilpa Shetty recently injured her foot and blames her big sunglasses for the mishap. The actress says that it has disrupted the schedule of her international project "Desire".

"It is nothing that local anaesthesia, a tetanus injection and antibiotics couldn't solve. There's nothing to worry about other than my dates that have gone for a toss, disabling me from taking Odissi lessons for my new film 'Desire'," she wrote.

"I hurt my foot bad enough to get 15 stitches don't ask me how. In a freak accident, thanks to my big sunglasses and nose in the air, I overlooked a sharp metal piece that slit my foot, thankfully not below but over the foot," Shilpa posted on her

But for now, she plans to take it easy for at least two weeks for the healing of her injured foot. She ended her blog by posting: "Look before you leap and stay grounded."

The actress, who made a special appearance in hit film "Dostana", is extremely excited about this Indo-Chinese project in which she is working with a foreign actor for the first time. She is paired with Chinese actor Xia Yu.

Dubai film fest is heaven on earth : Preeti Zinat

2008-12-15T19:58:00.000-08:00

Actor Preity Zinta's Last Lear was prominent at several international film fests and now the Deepa Mehta-directed Heaven on Earth , too, is doing its bit around the globe. Only recently, the movie was screened at the Dubai Film Festival (2008). "Such films give you creative satisfaction. You don't do it for the money or any other commercial aspect. You do films like Heaven On Earth simply because they are brilliant scripts and address an issue... You feel proud to be part of such movies," says actor Preity Zinta, who also attended the 'Cinema against Aids 2008' function at the Dubai fest.

Apparently, Deepa Mehta gave Zinta very short notice, and was surprised that her actress even made it there. Mehta said, "I didn't expect to see Preity in Dubai at such a short notice. It was very sweet of her to come since Heaven On Earth is as much her film as mine." The Dubai Film Fest was a double celebration of sorts for Deepa, as her brother, Dilip Mehta's film The Forgotten Woman was also screened there.

About the reaction of the audiences there, Preity Zinta said it was 'encouraging'. "You get to meet people who are crazy about films. And it's great to talk films with them. Festivals give you a chance to be exposed to different cultures, and different forms of filmmaking," she said.

Attended by the likes of Salma Hayek, Goldie Hawn, Nicolas Cage... this fest proved to a Heaven on Earth experience for all those who attended it!

Karina Kapoor wants looks like normal girl

2008-12-15T19:41:00.000-08:00

Kareena Kapoor has decided that the only way she can get a rest from her daunting schedule is to disappear off the scene for a holiday – so she's packed her bags and is off to the Alps for the Christmas period. Saif has arranged to be with her for a five-day period. "Kareena doesn't want to be seen in any party or event during Christmas or New Year or because she feels it is very inappropriate after of the terror attacks," said a source.

Meanwhile, as we reported trendsetter Kareena has announced the end of the Size Zero fashion. With Indian audiences clearly preferring their women to look less androgynous, she has decided she won't be keeping to a strict diet anymore. "People used to wonder what 'size zero' is and I'd joke, 'Just look at me'. I don't want that any more," she explains, "I want to look like a normal healthy girl. My forthcoming releases required me to get back to a fuller shape."

Kareena seems to be attracted to cold weather. She was recently shooting with Aamir Khan in the mountainous region of Ladakh for 3 Idiots and was also with Karan Johar's home production in Philadelphia where the temperature dropped to minus three. "It was the coldest night of my life," she says, "You've no idea what it was like in that heavy snowfall with a unit of 80 people. But it looked like heaven." Luckily, Saif was also there to keep her warm.

Tanusri dutta hot back view

2008-12-15T19:36:00.000-08:00

Tanusri dutta back view

looking cool in big goggles

Mallika and manisha will join new year bash

2008-12-14T22:07:00.001-08:00

Katrina Kaif was told not to prepare herself for New Year’s Eve celebratory dance, as the event was cancelled because of the Mumbai attacks. But, now Mallika Sherawat and Minissha Lamba are getting prepared because they will be dancing in 2009 but Mallika and Minissha will dance to bring in 2009.

Reveals a source close to Mallika, “Mallika has signed on the dotted line a couple of days ago. She’s being paid handsomely, around Rs 85 lakh for the few minutes of performance.”

Mallika’s dance will be in Dubai while Minissha will strut her stuff in Jaipur. Minissha has been reported have been paid Rs 30 lakh for the 5 minute number.

Amrita change her looks to compete bollywood

2008-12-14T21:59:00.000-08:00

Actress Amrita Rao has been stuck with a Miss Goody image for quite a while now. The actress is understandably quite desperate to shed that image and keep herself in the league for all kinds of roles.

Her role in Neeraj Vora’s Shortkut, is apparently an attempt to do just that. The actress was cast in the film opposite Akshaye Khanna and she supposedly had some romantic scenes opposite Akshaye, which it seems have been edited out. It seems that the actress had gone on a dare bare mode for the film, so when she discovered that her role had been chopped, she is believed to have retaliated by delaying the film’s dubbing. According to sources, after she voiced her opinion, a special scene was shot with her in it, reportedly to appease her.

To be a part of the race, Amrita needs to stay in the limelight, which was one of the reasons she signed this movie. She also hoped to prove her point with her dare bare strategy in this movie. But it seems that her efforts may have just gone in vain.

It seems that Akshaye has the chunkiest role in the film, which is produced by Anil Kapoor. The fact is not surprising, as Anil and Akshaye share a very good relationship. The other actor in the film is Arshad Warsi. But to come back to Amrita, the actress was last seen in Welcome To Sajjanpur in one of her usual roles.

Southbeauty Asin photo gallery

2008-12-14T21:53:00.000-08:00

Bollywood new comer asin exposing armpit

Bold and beautiful asin

South beauty in net cloths exposing bra straps

Deepika playing two role in Chandni Chowk to China

2008-12-14T21:48:00.000-08:00

The promo video for Chandni Chowk to China has hit UK screens with Deepika Padukone looking simply ravishing as a Chinese showgirl – although some people have commented that the heavy use of eyeliner has made her look older.

Dipika plays two roles in the movie – Chinese martial artist Meow Meow and an Indian girl called Sukhi. "Playing two different characters was quite challenging for me as they are so contrasting in nature. One is an Indian girl with traditional values and the other a Chinese girl who is bold and sexy", explains Deepika.

Rumour had it originally that they were going to use adhesive tape to produce the Chinese look in her eyes. "We had thought of that initially but it wasn't a good idea to use tapes, they're bad for the skin," says Deepika, "My makeup artist came up with a simpler solution and used the eyeliner in such a way that it gave my eyes the Chinese tweak."

Meanwhile, Ranbir Kapoor has denied that there is a rift between Deepika and himself over his hot on-screen relationship with Katrina Kaif. "There is nothing wrong with me and Deepika,” he says, “We are as good friends today as we were earlier. Nothing has changed at all. We are busy in our work and everything is going fine.