Bollywood Keka!!! Film News & Gossips

Katrina used to copy homework from her schoolmates

2010-10-22T16:56:00.003+05:30

Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif longs for the carefree time of her college life when she even did not need to get concerned about homework thanks to her friends, a Pakistani newspaper reported Thursday.

"When I entered an engineering college at 16, I had not even thought of a Bollywood career. In this time, I had no need to get worried about homework as my friends themselves let me copy their homework, " Urdu daily Jang quoted Katrina as saying.

Katrina said she felt nostalgic for those days "free from any check and full of merriment".

"But now, it is not like that. Everything has changed. Having become part of the filmy and modelling community, I have to think a lot before taking any step, " she said.

Bipasha happily take the cut for Ajay Devgn

2010-10-22T16:56:00.001+05:30

It's never happened to her before. Though once in Phir Hera Pheri her voice had been dubbed without her permission and she was understandably upset, in her new release Aakrosh Bipasha Basu's role has been cut substantially.

And Bipsha is not sulking!

In fact she seems quite happy to be in the shadows.

Chuckles the actress, “I knew from the start that my role was comparatively small. But I wanted to be part of this film because I believed in it.When I saw the complete film for the first time with my family and friends earlier this week I realized my role had been edited out even more. Now I'm hardly there. Important things that I had shot have been removed.”

Naturally Bipasha's family and friends were disappointed.

Says the actress, “I quickly took charge of the situation in the theatre and told them to watch Aakrosh as an Ajay Devgn film. I told my friends, 'Hey guys. just enjoy the film for Ajay. Forget I'm there'. Sometimes it's important to be part of a film that says something important.

We live in the cities and half the time we don't even know what's going on in the backward areas. We city folks live a blinkered life. As an actor I am ashamed to say I'm not aware of the world as much as I should be.”

Aakrosh opened Bipasha's eyes to a reality she didn't know existed. “Though my role is the blink-and-miss kind I've no regrets about doing it. The greatest of actors do walk-on parts when they believe in a project. Aamir Khan entered Taare Zameen Par at mid-point. And John (Abraham) insisted on being a small part of Sooni Taraporewala's Little Zizou because it was about football.”

Deepika or Priyanka - Stalemate over 2 (hot) States

2010-10-22T16:55:00.001+05:30

While 2 States director wants Priyanka Chopra, producer wants Deepika Padukone

Producer Sajid Nadiadwala and his director Siddharth Anand have locked horns over who to cast in their next, an untitled flick based on Chetan Bhagat novel 2 States: The Story of My Marriage.

While Anand wants Priyanka opposite lead actor Saif Ali Khan, Nadiadwala prefers Deepika.

Says a source, "Before Anjaana Anjaana's release, Anand and Nadiadwala decided to repeat PC in their next flick a Saif starrer.

They discussed it and a verbal commitment was made. After the film released, things changed. The director still wanted Pranks, but the producer lost faith in her and wanted her replaced."

Sid in denial

According to the source, "Then, the news about Deepika doing Siddharth's next came as a shock to Priyanka.

PC called her AA director from Berlin, where she is shooting for Don 2 and asked him what was happening. When PC confronted Sid, he denied having approached anyone."

In a fix

A source close to Siddharth says, "He's in a fix because he has verbally committed to PC and can't back out.

At the same time, he needs Sajid to be on the same page because he's producing the film. He can't take Saif and PC to an outside banner."

The director confirms, "My next is the 2 States remake with Saif and Priyanka, " adding, "It's only PC that I want, not anyone else!"

Sajid says, "Priyanka is part of the family of my production house. If Siddharth wants PC, he can get her or whoever he wants."

In Two Minds...

A source close to Nadiadwala says, "He is in two minds about producing the film at all as he's not sure whether he would be able to devote time and attention to it.

Sajid already has four biggies lined up next year, Kick with Salman Khan, Sajid Khan's House Full 2, Sabbir Khan's Heer Ranjha and Imtiaz Ali's next (probably with Hrithik Roshan).

He wants to complete them before he starts on Siddharth's next."

The Battle of the Hotties: Kangna v/s Sushmita

2010-10-22T16:25:00.003+05:30

With government policies clamping down heavily on the participation of foreign entertainers in Bollywood the days of Kylie Minogue and Snoop Dogg going jiggywiggy with Akshay Kumar (in the films Blue and Singh Is Kinng, respectively) are now over.

Recent efforts to get international artistes into India have been far from fruitful. The latest example being Shakira who it was being touted as the item girl in Anees Bazmi's No Problem as too the lead in a film based on Hindu goddess.

A reliable source exposes the sham behind all these Bollywood announcements about international stars. “99 percent of the time these international stars are not even aware of these lofty plans in India.

Filmmakers in Bollywood have access only to international entertainers' agents and managers whose polite non-commital response to the Bollywood invitation is quickly and conveniently construed as approval by Indian filmmakes and announced as such.”

Anees Bazmi tries to play down the Shakira card when asked about her participation. Says Anees, “There was no time to get any international celebrity.Our film is complete.Our first trailer was out with Anjaana Anjaani.We just decided to add an extra title song. And we felt we don't really need outside contributions.Sushmita and Kangna are fabulous dancers.”

No international dancefloor hottie? No Problem! For his comedy of that name which is all set for a December release director Anees Bazmi has decided to shoot an additional song with the two sizzling leading ladies of the film Sushmita Sen and Kangna Ranaut who it might be said at the outset, have adopted each other as sisters.

But the number that Ahmed Khan will choreograph wll be anything but sisterly. The two lovely ladies will pull out all stops in front of the camera to dance like two devilish divas out to outdo each other.

Apparently the role models given to Ahmed Khan go back to Vyjanthimala and Helen in the sizzling dance combat in the 1960s Prince and Hema Malini in Parveen Babi in the 1970s' spectacle The Burning Train.

Interestingly both the actresses enjoy dancing at pubs and even at home.The idea would be to make their moves as casual and cool as possible.

More more Bollywod hotties would be seen performing item songs in coming months.

The rest of the male cast—Sanjay Dutt, Anil Kapoor and Sunil Shetty—are also expected to join the two sizzling seductresses.

I was a reckless girl: Kangna Ranaut

2010-10-22T16:25:00.000+05:30

She started her Bollywood career at the age of 17, and over the period of four years, Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut says, the industry has helped her realise the importance of being disciplined.

"I have definitely changed a lot. I mean from a reckless teenager, I have become a very very well organised and disciplined person, " Kangana told in an interview.

"Moreover, when you are working, and for the fact that young people like me who have started at 17, they cannot afford to be themselves. You have to really change with the time, " she added.

The actress made her Bollywood debut with Mahesh Bhatt's "Gangster - A Love Story" in 2006, which won her critical acclaim. She was later seen playing a mentally unstable girl in Mahesh Bhatt's another movie "Woh Lamhe".

Her stupendous performance as a drug addict model in Madhur Bhandarkar's "Fashion" won her a national award. The actress was last seen in Hrithik Roshan-Barbara Mori starrer "Kites".

Although Kangana admits that her journey has so far been good, she says as an outsider she had to work really hard to make a place for herself in the industry.

"It is very difficult as an outsider as people don't support you, media also accepts those who come from a film background, it takes time, eventually you have to work very hard to sustain and if you are good at your work, you will succeed, " said Kangana, who was present at Kingdom of Dreams to promote her new film "Knock Out", which also stars Sanjay Dutt and Irrfan Khan.

Asked if in any way the industry has changed her outlook towards things, she said: "I am nobody to be judgemental, what matters more to me is what is the industry's perception about me, what do they think of me."

In most of the films, Kangana was seen doing tragic and serious roles, but with a slew of light-hearted films like "No Problem", "Rascals", "Double Dhamaal" and "Tanu Weds Manu", the actress is set to change her so-called serious image.

"It was great working in a different genre. Although it is said that it is difficult to make people laugh, everything is tough. You have to really develop your skills, you are not born with dancing skills, comedy or serious acting, you have to make an effort to learn it, " she said.

Kangana aspires to do characters that are completely different as well as challenging.

"I want to do a lot of different characters. They are not in my mind. I wish people come over to me with something challenging, something that is out of the box and not run-of-the-mill characters. I like this place (Bollywood). I want to be here, " she said.

She might have played matured characters in her films but in real life, she is like any other normal girl, although she doesn't like to mingle a lot.

"In real life I am like any other girl, very, very chirpy, talkative for my family and friends but I don't mingle a lot, " she said.

Rakta Charitra Cinema Review : History Told In Extremes

2010-10-22T16:08:00.001+05:30

(రక్త చరిత్ర సినిమా రివ్యు)

Film: Rakta Charitra
Banner: Cinergy productions
Cast: Vivek Oberoi, Abhimanyu Singh, Shatrughan Sinha, Kota, Radhika Apte, Zareena Wahab, Sushant Singh, Tanikella, Subhalekha Sudhakar, Vishwajeet Pradhan, Rajendra Gupta, Ashish Vidyarthi, Kitty and others
Dialogues: Nageswara Rao
Music: Dharam- Sandeep
DOP: Amol Rathod
Editing: Bhanodaya, Nipun Ashok Gupta
Story, screenplay, direction: Ram Gopal Varma
Producers: Madhu Mantena, Sheetal Vinod Talwar, Chinna Vasudeva Reddy, Rajkumar
Release Date: 22nd Oct 2010

Ram Gopal Varma is back after a long hiatus into the Telugu circuit and he chose his favorite genre of violence, intensity and bloodshed. Let us see how far RGV is successful in convincing audiences. Let us peep into good and bad in the movie:

StoryNoted MLA Narasimha Reddy (Kitty) has got a trusted aide in the form of Veerabhadriah (Rajendra Gupta) in Anandapuram area.

However, Narasimha’s relative Nagamani Reddy (Kota) is unable to take this for reasons of caste and losing his presence. He plants a seed of friction and in no time, Narasimha Reddy gets Veerabhadriah killed. This enrages Veerabhadriah’s elder son Shankar Ravi (Sushant) and he gets into a killing spree and operates from forests.

Veerabhadriah’s younger son Pratap Ravi (Vivek) who is away from all this gets to know of this and before he realizes, Shankar Ravi also gets killed. He vows revenge on his father and brother’s killers and in this process, Narasimha Reddy, Nagamani Reddy and others are brutally killed. Nagamani Reddy’s son Bukka Reddy (Abhimanyu) who is insane to the core is unable to take this and he becomes Pratap’s main enemy.

Meanwhile, the rise of Pratap as opposite force to Bukka Reddy is noticed by Shivaji Rao (Shatrughan) who sets a new party and he decides to lift Pratap to put an end to Bukka Reddy. What happens after that forms the rest of the story.

Performances:
Vivek Oberoi is an apt choice, his eyes deliver the sufficient emotion of revenge and his body language is intense. He has done full justice to his role.

Abhimanyu Singh is a complete show stealer. His menacing looks and his cold blooded performance will give some spine chilling moments.

Shatrughan Sinha was contained and it must be said that traces of real life N T Rama Rao are quite prominent in his gestures and dialogue delivery.

Kota was perfect, Radhika was naturally appealing, Zarina was neat, Tanikella was impressive and he made his presence felt, Rajendra Gupta was adequate, Sushant was brief, Ashish Vidyarthi was alright, Subhalekha Sudhakar was standard, Subrat Dutta was good, the others did their bit as required and added value.

Highlights:Symbolism shots with respect to showing a cycle in Shivaji Rao (Shatrugan Sinha)’s place (recalling TDP and NTR), usage of left had, addressing as ‘brother' are impressive.

Showing a dog barking after the death of Naga Mani Reddy (Kota) depicts ‘kukka chaavu'..That’s impressive.

Ram Moorthy (Tanikella) saying to Pratap Ravi ‘to shave beard as a politician should look clean at face although dirty at heart'

Bukka Reddy’s introduction scene

Disappointments:RGV’s voice over is overflowing. It’s not a radio drama to explain everything with a voice over. Whatever RGV is saying in voice, is being conveyed visually! It disturbed the mood to some extent.

Pratap Ravi stays in forest as per the dialogue. But he stays in a dusty hill area that hardly looks like a forest. It may sound trivial, but when such observations linger in mind, some audience gets distracted from the mood.

Why Dabbunnoda song? The context is not convincing.

Challenges:The subject chosen is quite hard hitting so one needs to have some background information before actually connecting to the film.

Facing criticism with respect to Shivai Rao’s (a replica of NTR) characterization and converting it into publicity element.

Facing criticism and questions with respect to ‘pedda sir' (implying YSR) and again converting it into a publicity element

Mood is suddenly dropping down at the conclusion point of the movie. Waiting till Part-2 to get completeness in feeling is a challenge for audience and it’s challenge for maker to sustain interest for 1 month till Part-2 release.

Analysis:“Goodness or badness can never be anyone’s property. They are situational.
If a man is hunger free, he showers only goodness. But if any sort of hunger (be it lust, power craving or greed or vengeance) hits him, he spells badness'.
Rakta Charitra is a fiction based on historical facts.
It’s rather powerful to say that it’s a true depiction of human emotions.
It’s a tour to extreme human beings.

Ramayan or Mahabharat or any chronicled history in dramatic form depicts the extremities of emotions in every character. For example if Karna is known for generosity, its shown with eccentricity of chopping off his own armored skin to offer for a beggar. If Bheeshma is known for sacrifice, its shown in extreme point of choosing life time celibacy to keep himself and his legacy far from kingship. Any drama holds grip only when the characterizations are strong. This fact was known for dramatists right from Veda Vyasa and Valmiki. Similar path is now chosen by Ram Gopal Varma is depicting a historical fact in dramatic form.

He has shown Bukka Reddy as a determined rapist (!) and dedicated murderer (!).The incidents canned around this characterization are extreme in imagination. Pratap Ravi is shown as a bad guy, but for a true reason (since he is chosen to be the hero of the plot).

Ram Gopal Varma is a master of movie making and an expert storyteller. This is seen here yet again. As such, the storyline can be understood in few words and there is nothing unpredictable about it but then it is the way Ramu takes off with each scene and how he gets the viewer into the film which counts.

His screenplay techniques and shot compositions are one of those dexterities he possesses. Perhaps a layman might find the visual appeal to be dim but then there are few flashes of his brilliance which are seen on and off. The focus was more on the emotion of the protagonist and the villain so that is a challenge to handle for more than two hours.

On the other hand, it is not a typical Varma characterization where most of the actors give hard expressions, talk less and convey more. Here the characters speak sufficient and sometimes little verbose!! But still there is a rhythm in their performance and it connects to the regular audience.

On a whole it’s a movie about the raise of a leader.

Bottom-line: For the lovers of realistic violence.

‘ రక్త చరిత్ర ' సినిమా రివ్యు : History Told In Extremes

2010-10-22T16:07:00.000+05:30

(రక్త చరిత్ర సినిమా రివ్యు)

Is Kim Kardashian too old to pose nude?

2010-10-19T16:28:00.002+05:30

The world is in love with Kim Kardarshian’s drop dead gorgeous body. Indeed, Kim Kardashian recently posed completely nude for W magazine, flaunting her voluptuous body for the world to see.

But her fans may as well enjoy those photos because, horror of horrors, if Kim is to be believed she may never go nude again.

"It turned out beautifully, and I love it," she told Us Weekly of the W spread. But: "I don't know [if I'll pose nude again].

I'm too old for that now...I wanted to get it all out of my system before I turned 30."

Kim turns 30 this Thursday, and over the weekend she celebrated at Tao Las Vegas, where she wrestled with sister Khloe while wearing a silver lame mini-dress.

Kim has earlier posed nude for Playboy and Harper's Bazaar. We do hope that Kim reconsiders. We don't want the world to be bereft of her spectacular body shows, do we?

Rajshri breaks rules for Tusshar and Amrita

2010-10-19T16:27:00.003+05:30

Rajshri Pictures had a golden rule in place for the longest time. They didn't show rushes of their films to anyone, especially the cast.

Screenings and trials are held only when the entire product was ready.

However, they made an exception for Tusshar Kapoor and Amrita Rao who got a rare chance to watch rushes of their film Love U Mr Kalaakar.

Both actors were equally excited on seeing their work in progress.

Ram Gopal Varma apologizes to Sanjay Bhansali

2010-10-19T16:27:00.001+05:30

“If anything so enamoured of hatred can be called a peace offering, then yes I'm releasing Rakta Charitra 2 on the same day (November 19) as Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Guzaaarish, ” chuckles Ramu.

For the first time in his entire career as an outspoken critique of the Bollywood denizens Ram Gopal Varma (RGV) has apologized to a fellow-filmmaker for offending him.

After posting a nasty comment on a social network on Guzaarish, Ramu realized he had gone too far this time and profusely apologized to Sanjay Leela Bhansali (SLB).

Ramu's sms to SLB reads, “I'm sorry if I offended you. I just have this habit of constantly saying something funny on Twitter about every happening out there. Most of the comments are on me.I make more comments on my own films than anybody else's.I'll take back my remark publically asap. Sorry again.”

SLB immediately chose to forgive and forgot and move on.

Uncharacteristically gracious on this occasion one wonders what brought this generous spirit out of Ramu!

Says the director, “I guess it's the nervousness of my own release.I've never been more anxious about any of my films than Rakta Charitra.”

Ramu admits it is a violent film. “It does to the action genre what K3G did to the family film.But the violence is dictated by the theme. You can't say it is excessively violent. The Telugu version was censored this week with just two minor cuts for Adults Only.”

Ramu will release the sequel to Rakta Charitra three weeks after the first part on November 19 on the same Friday as Guzaarish.

Declares Ramu, “I'm hoping that Sanjay Bhansali, Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya won't kickbrush my film's teeth. On a more serious note, they're two completely different genres.Guzaarish is about love. Rakta Charitra is about hate.”

That one stars Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and the other Vivek Oberoi is purely coincidental.

Ranbir is excited about becoming an uncle

2010-10-19T16:26:00.003+05:30

Rishi and Neetu Kapoor's daughter Riddhima, who is married to Delhi-based garment exporter Bharat Sahni, is expecting a baby in March

The Kapoors are 'excited', 'delighted' to turn grandparents in March next year

The Kapoors as well as their star beta son, Ranbir are all thrilled.

Says a source in the Kapoor home, "Rishi is bit nervous about turning grandpa, Ranbir is excited about becoming an uncle and welcoming a tot into their family and Neetu has been rushing to Delhi every chance she gets to pamper her little girl."

Reactions

The mom-to-be is currently in London shopping for her baby's clothes. Says the proud to-be grandmom, "We are very excited."

While the grandpa says, "We are delighted. I do not know how to react to this. It hasn't seeped in yet."

Upon Riddhima's return from the UK, the Kapoors and the Sahnis will figure out when she will come to stay with her parents, as it is customary that a daughter stays with her parents in the last trimester of her first child.

Rishi and Neetu's latest film together, Do Dooni Chaar and their performances were well received by critics and audiences alike.

The couple admit they are open to offers together, on the condition the subject is good. "We are also over the moon with the reactions and the way the film has been received."

Of the Wedding...

Riddhima wed Bharat Sahni on January 25, 2006. They met while studying in London and after a three year courtship married each other.

The mehendi ceremony was at RK Studios in Chembur and was followed by a cocktail dinner at Mumbai's Inter Continental Grand.

The wedding was held at the ITC Grand Maratha with 1000 plus guests in attendance. The grand reception for the newly-weds was held at a farmhouse in Chattarpur.

After the celebrations, Riddhima and Bharat left for a month-long honeymoon to Australia and New Zealand.

Shah Rukh plays cool customer

2010-10-19T16:26:00.001+05:30

New York-based designer styles SRK's jacket-n-scarves look for the actor's Don 2 Berlin schedule

Shah Rukh Khan will be in Berlin for two months shooting Farhan Akhtar's Don 2.

The sequel is already underway with Kunal Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Lara Dutta already in the German capital. The first schedule involves action scenes and car chases.

Sources reveal that SRK's look in the film will have lots of jackets, scarves and stylish accessories. New York-based designer Jaimal Odedra has done his styling for the film.

"The temperature in Berlin is freezing and the crew has been wrapping most of the outdoor scenes during daylight. Also heavy rains over the weekend forced the crew to cancel their shoot on Saturday.

Recently Shah Rukh shot for an extraordinary action scene where he jumped 300 feet from a high-rise building using a harness.

The source adds that apart from Khan, Lara and Priyanka will also be seen performing action scenes.

Santoshi powerless in front of Hot Lekha Washington

2010-10-19T16:25:00.003+05:30

Actress Lekha Washington loves both, acting and sculpting; says she can participate in an exhibition alongside shooting for Power, Rajkumar Santoshi's next film

Actress Lekha Washington's Mumbai home is a mess, not because she has moved in recently but because she is a passionate sculptor. Washington is preparing for an exhibition and juggling her shooting schedules for Rajkumar Santoshi's film Power that stars Ajay Devgn. She plays Big B's daughter and Devgn's love interest in the film.

The exhibition in Delhi has Santoshi worried. The director has supposedly advised her to go easy on sculpting and focus on her acting career. "I love sculpting with clay and find it comforting. Although I've been asked to choose between the two, I can't."

The actress says of Big B, 'He is supportive. He helps me with my lines on camera." Washington, who has a number of Tamil films to her credit, lives on her own in Mumbai, while her parents are residents of Goa. Her first Hindi release would have been Peter Gaya Kaam Se, if it hadn't been stalled.

Sonu Sood to do Ang Lee's next movie 'Life of Pi'

2010-10-19T16:25:00.001+05:30

Bollywood actor Sonu Sood received a lot of appreciation for his performance in Salman Khan starrer Dabangg. His performance has caught the attention of several filmmakers. It seems that the actor has been successful in impressing the Hollywood directors too. Taiwanese American film director, Ang Lee of Hulk fame, has reportedly cast Sonu Sood in his next project.

The internationally acclaimed director is all set to make a film on Yann Martel's Booker Prize-winning novel, 'Life of Pi'. After playing the baddie Cheddi Singh, Sonu will now play the role of Pi's father in this film by Ang Lee. The film is likely to start rolling in Pondicherry by next year.

The director has reportedly signed a 17-year-old newcomer from Delhi to play the role of the 16-year-old Piscine Molitor 'Pi' Patel, aka Pi. Sonu's role in the film is the second most important one in the storyline.

Sonu received a call from Ang Lee himself after he had watched Sonu's work. He wanted to meet the actor and they met at Taj Land's End two weeks back. However, the only disadvantage is that Sonu looks too young to play the father of a 16-year-old boy. Moreover, the actor needs to lose his hard earned eight packs to play the 'papa' role.

The actor confirmed the news that he has met with Ang Lee for an important role in the movie based on 'Life Of Pi' but he was not prepared to disclose any more details.

Sonu was quoted saying that it was a huge privilege to meet a great filmmaker like Ang Lee, who is so humble.

First Look: Priyanka Chopra gets a nose job done

2010-10-19T16:24:00.001+05:30

Buzz is, Priyanka Chopra is finally happy with her attempts to get the perfect nose. The change is there for all to see!

Priyanka Chopra walked the ramp for Salman's Being Human show on Saturday. At the event, her visage was under the scanner as her nose definitely looked different yet again!

Speculation was that the actress had gone under the knife. There was buzz that PC's recent trip to London was to fix her nose that has been causing her grief for the past few years.

A source reveals, "Priyanka has always been unhappy with the way her nose looks. In the past too, she has tried to get a defined sharp features. However, this time the effects are more visible than before.

She felt her nose needed to be sharper as it would enhance her features. Though details of where she got it done aren't known, she's happy with the result."

MMS girl Sakshi Pradhan pregnant in Bigg Boss House?

2010-10-19T16:22:00.003+05:30

Sakshi Pradhan allowed to leave Bigg Boss House, as she suspected she was pregnant. Check-up reveals she wasn't
PS: This footage, however, will not be aired

Sakshi Pradhan was allowed to step out of the Bigg Boss house a few days ago and consult a doctor as the Spiltsvilla 2 winner thought she was pregnant!

Genuine problem

Worried sick, the youngster confided her dilemma to co-inmates Shweta Tiwari, Veena Malik and Sara Khan.

After seeking permission from Bigg Boss who arranged for a doctor, she was allowed to get out of the house for a check- up.

Bigg Boss inmates are not allowed to go out or interact with anyone else outside. But an exception was made for Sakshi after she cited her genuine problem.

Though the entire conversation between her and the other three female inmates has been recorded, it is unlikely that viewers will get to see it.

Says a channel spokesperson, "Sakshi was allowed to seek a medical opinion. But as it is a sensitive and complicated subject, we will not air it."

The footage shows Sakshi telling her three female co-inmates that she had missed her last two periods.

It also has Shweta telling her to ask for abortion pills and not to worry. But later it has Sakshi entering the confession room and talking about her womanly problems.

Later she is shown carrying some medication saying that all was okay and there was no need to worry as it was only a case of skipped periods.

MMS scandal

Like housemate Ashmit Patel, Sakshi Pradhan was also embroiled in an MMS scandal that showed her kissing and flirting with a guy. She had denied that it was her in the video.

Thank you, but no thank you for your Item song Mahi

2010-10-19T16:22:00.001+05:30

The actress finds herself missing from the film. Is clueless why

Mahi Gill finds herself completely knocked off Knock Out. And the makers did not even have the courtesy to inform her about it.

The actress had done an item number in the Sanjay Dutt-Irrfan-Kangna Ranaut starrer that releases today. The track has gone missing.

Says Mahi, "I had no clue I had disappeared from Knock Out! It is only when I started getting calls over the last few days that I became aware of it. Those who had a preview noticed that I was not in the movie."

She had shot for the number Gangubai Pe Ayee Jawani Jab Se, Sare Launde Hairaan Pareshan Tab Se choreographed by Ganesh Acharya.

However to give the actress her due (for making her vanish?) the movie's end credits declares 'Thanks to Mahi Gill".

"When I heard this all that I could do was laugh. What else can I do?" asks the Dev D star. "I am currently in Chandigarh so have no clue what is happening in Mumbai."

Informs a unit source, "She had shot for an item number in the film. Sanjay Dutt was keen to have one in the movie. But at the editing stage, the producers wanted to keep the thriller taut.

It was decided to let go of the track which was found to be unnecessary and marring the flow of the story."

Knock Out director Mani Shankar however explains, "Mahi's song was never to be part of the film. It was shot purely for promotional aspects. But even in the promos it was not utilised.

There are certain things beyond my purview. Even I was surprised to see 'Thank You Mahi' in the end credits." The end credits also attributes a song to Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

"All this was for a CD of the movie which also never got released," adds Shankar. "These decisions are not taken by me."

The film is produced by Sohail Maklai and Aap Entertainment.

Pehle bhi cut

Mahi Gill's role in Salman Khan starrer Dabangg was also severely chopped. "I was informed about it after the editing so I was prepared for it. It did not come as a surprise to me. It was a guest appearance anyway," she says.

Hot Mallika in Murder 2 but Emraan is not too happy

2010-10-19T16:21:00.003+05:30

The actress is a "strong contender" but her hero Emraan is none too happy about it

Six years after scorching the screen in Murder, Emraan Hashmi and Mallika Sherawat are expected to reunite for the sequel. Mohit Suri will direct.

A source from producer Vishesh Films says, "Since her return from Los Angeles, the actress has been frequenting the Bhatts' office in Juhu.

She's keen on being in the Murder sequel. Currently, talks are on. Though the Bhatts are being tight-lipped about it Mallika is apparently doing Murder 2. They are waiting for the right time to break the news to Emraan."

The source adds, "After Murder, producers Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt and the film's lead hero Emraan had been very upset with Mallika for telling the media that she was solely responsible for the success of the film.

She further alienated her mentors by saying outrageous stuff about them. Last year, they patched up. Though she didn't sign a film with them after that, they shared cordial ties."

The source further adds that Emraan is not too happy about Mallika being in the sequel. "They never got along, even during Murder and he was most upset when she took the entire credit for the film's success.

He felt it was childish of her. Also, Mukesh and Emraan want a young new girl as the female lead."

A source close to Emraan says, "The casting will be finalised next week. Mohit is lending finishing touches to the script and when Emraan (currently in Pattaya, Thailand) returns to Mumbai, they will take a call on everything. Mohit will lock the actress in a week and start shooting next month."

Says a diplomatic Emraan, "I'm fine with whoever the producer and director signs. If the makers feel Mallika suits the role I am fine with it. I don't impose my views on casting."

Says Mukesh, "Mallika has been meeting us for the last few days. Discussions are on and she's a strong contender.

We are exploring various options. Mohit and Mahesh will make the final call. Murder 2 will be shot in exotic locations abroad."

Suri Kyun?

Mukesh says Mohit Suri (and not the original's director, Anurag Basu) is directing because the latter is busy with his next Rockstar with Ranbir Kapoor. "Mohit is not just part of the company, he's also family, " says Bhatt.

I'm not defending John because I am his girlfriend: Bipasha

2010-10-19T16:21:00.001+05:30

The 15-day jail sentence for actor John Abraham has shocked everyone close to him, and that includes his parents and girlfriend.

A day after the verdict, actress Bipasha Basu is still reeling under shock. "We'll go to a higher court to fight the verdict. We can't just accept it quietly. John has been treated unfairly, " she said.

When the jail sentence was read out in the courtroom, Abraham went so pale that people around thought he would pass out.

More than himself, he was concerned about what his God-fearing parents, who have never seen the inside of a police station or courtroom, would go through when they heard about the sentence for an offence that was committed so long ago that even the people closest to him had forgotten about it, a source said.

Basu, who was at a shoot, didn't hear of the verdict till late in the night. She said, "Can you believe it? My phone had stopped working on Thursday. We knew John was going into court, but thought the matter would be closed this time." While Abraham remains tight-lipped about the jail sentence, his friends are concerned about how he has taken the shocking news.

"More than himself, John's concern was for his family and for youngsters who look up to him as a role model. He is not an irresponsible person. In fact, he's very conscious of his social responsibilities. It's unfair to punish him for an incident in which he was hurt the most, " Basu said.

"We'll fight this together. John is a good human being. I'm not saying this because I am his girlfriend. To his credit, he continued the promotional work for Jhootha Hi Sahi despite the shock, " the actress said, breaking down.

"As an individual and a citizen of this country, I can only say what I feel. And I have to say, with due respect to the legal system, that John doesn't deserve this. Just because he happens to be a star, he's an easy target.

The same offence committed by a non-celebrity would most likely be treated differently. Since he rides a bike, he's very careful about road rules. He doesn't allow any of his friends to drive out on a bike without a helmet. He doesn't bribe the cops, he pays his taxes... what is he being punished for?"

Close friend and director of his forthcoming film, Abbas Tyrewala said, "The best rumour I've heard recently is that John's predicament is a publicity stunt for our film. On Twitter, a woman asked me if AR Rahman's misadventure at the Commonwealth Games was a publicity stunt for Jhootha Hi Sahi. All I can say is, have a heart, guys. Don't celebrities have feelings?"

Priyanka v/s Lara: The vibes are even colder this time around

2010-10-19T16:20:00.005+05:30

Lara Dutta and Priyanka Chopra come together after six long years (Andaaz) and the vibes are colder this time around

Lara Dutta plays Shah Rukh Khan's moll in Don 2, the role Eesha Koppikhar played in the original. Meanwhile, Priyanka Chopra encores the leading lady's role.

The shooting in Berlin, as they say, won't be a breeze.

Icy winds blew across Germany's capital city the minute Priyanka landed. Says a source, "Lara was already there a week before PC.

An insider reveals, "The two barely exchanged hellos with frosty smiles before directing their warmth to Shah Rukh and director Farhan Akhtar."

Their history

The two beauties have a history. They were crowned Miss World and Miss Universe the same year. They started their careers in Andaaz.

And though Lara (playing a grieving widow, if you please!) had the author-backed role, it was Priyanka who waltzed away with the stardom and the plum assignments with Akshay Kumar.

Ever since, Dutta has steered clear of offers to work with the actress. She was hesitant to sign on for Don 2.

It was only when Farhan assured her that her role would be fleshed out that she agreed to be part of the film.

Also lead actor SRK, has a soft spot for Mahesh Bhupathi's new fianc ©e ever since she agreed to act in his home production Billu a part every actress in town had refused.

Never easy

Even without their past differences, things between them were never going to be easy. When any two actresses shoot together, there is always stress.

They worry about who has the better room, better fee, better clothes, better scenes... the list is endless.

Naturally, Pranks was already wary, edgy and exhausted when she arrived in Berlin a week after her former friend and now fierce rival, had already gotten comfortable with the unit. Lara clearly has a headstart.

Insecurities surface

The two divas came face-to-face six years later and were not quite ready to act the long-lost sahelis.

The fact that they have unequal roles, is reason enough for them to be suspicious of each other. One has been promised the "leading lady" part and the other, "an important role."

The insecurities have already surfaced with the two ladies choosing to remain in their own corners for as long as possible.

Says a close friend of Priyanka, "To begin with, their roles are unequal. If you see Esha Koppikhar's role in Don you'd know what Lara is playing."

Priyanka has had a very stressful ad shoot and dubbing, which had to be completed in two days. In addition, there was a section of the industry trying to demolish her performance in Anjaana Anjaani.

She left in a depressed frame of mind. The last thing she needs in Berlin is a stressful ambience."

Your response, Lara?

I Love Purple: Sakshi Pradhan

2010-10-19T16:20:00.001+05:30

Biss Boss's contestant Sakshi Pradhan shares her favourite things in life.

Q. Your Favourite clour…
A. Purple…

Q. Your favourite car…
A. Lamborghini …

Q. Your favourite perfume…
A. Nina Ricci…

Q. Your favourite meal…
A. Continental…

Q. Your favourite hotel
A. Taj Lands…

Q. Your favourite drink.
A. Fresh Juice…

Q. Your favourite getaway in Mumbai…
A. Gateway of India…

Q. Your favourite getaway outside Mumbai…
A. Ladakh, Kashmir, Lucknow and Rajasthan….

Q. Your favourite outfit…
A. Indian wears….

Q. Your favourite actor/actress…
A. Gerard Butler, Julia Roberts……

Q. Your favourite film…
A. DDLJ and Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar

I won't tolerate the vulgar response: Priyanka Chopra

2010-10-19T16:19:00.005+05:30

After following her on Twitter, Priyanka Chopra's fans can now get a sneak peek into her world through a voice blog, voice chats and an official YouTube channel, but no "personal" talk please, the actress says and adds she is looking forward to constructive criticism of her work and style.

The Bollywood actress started the Twitter craze by being one of the first celebrities to join the microblogging site. Now she has gone a step further to make her presence felt in the online world.

The 28-year-old signed an agreement with UTV Interactive to launch her voice blog, voice chats and an official YouTube channel. The launch was on Wednesday.

"I think it's high time that I became confident enough to say that this is me and see if you want to. People have just seen me on the big screen, but there I'm playing a character, I'm never myself. But here, it's me, it's everything that I am as a person, " Priyanka told in an interview.

"I can talk about stuff that happened behind the scenes, on the sets, backstage or at my place, just talking about things that I find interesting. It's a way of making people know the real me, " she added.

However, she stresses she will blog only about things she wants to say and not about her relationships and love life.

"I won't reveal everything about myself. That's the most amazing part about interacting. I can say what I want to say, but one thing that I haven't done and never will is talking about my personal life. That is something I don't believe in talking about, " Priyanka maintained.

And any fear of rude or vulgar responses?

"If someone is being rude or vulgar, I can block him. But if it's criticism, I'm very open to it. If there is someone who tells me that I didn't like your performance or your hair, I'll ask them why. I'm interested in knowing what their perception of me is, " she said.

"As actors, we are constantly in a place surrounded by people who just praise you; so it's lovely to have people around you who give you a reality check, " added the actress who has starred in hits like "Aitraaz", "Dostana", "Fashion" and "Kaminey".

Asked how she balances her personal and professional life, after being a part of so many ventures, the actress said: "You've got to make time for it. Personal life, for me, is my family and friends.

I love what I do and I've never faced a conflict between my personal and professional life, and the day I do I'll learn to balance it. But at the moment, since I've not faced a conflict I'm sure it's balanced."

"I'm good at multi-tasking, " explains Priyanka blithely.

Priyanka, who was last seen in "Anjaana Anjaani" opposite Ranbir Kapoor, has films like "Saat Khoon Maaf", "Don 2" and "Silence" lined up for release.

I've sworn never to travel in a small aircraft again: Biapsha Basu

2010-10-19T16:19:00.001+05:30

The claustrophobic actress skips chartered flight, opts for economy class tickets in regular flight instead

Bipasha Basu played it safe this time.

The actress refused to board a chartered plane with her Aakrosh co-stars, three months after her last bad experience that left her shaken. Instead, she travelled in economy class with her staff on a regular airline.

Ajay Devgn, Akshaye Khanna and producer Kumar Mangat travelled from Mumbai to Nagpur and to Jaipur for the promotional activities of Akrosh in a specially chartered six-seater Cessna while Bipasha joined them in Jaipur by flying a well-known airline.

The actress avoids small chartered flights as they are not as smooth as large aircrafts.

Says Mangat, "We decided to return to Mumbai in the same aircraft.

I requested Bipasha to travel with us, but she flatly refused. She said she already had a bad experience when we had travelled from Diu to Mumbai this July. Ajay terrified her then by making jokes about the plane crashing."

Nervous flier

The producer further adds that Devgn tried to persuade Bips to join them in Jaipur this time but she said she had sworn never to travel in a small aircraft again. "So while we left Jaipur on Monday morning, Basu stayed back in the hotel and left in the evening."

Bipasha says, "I am a nervous flier and hate travelling in the monsoons because rough weather is at its peak then.

On Monday, it was raining in Mumbai and there was turbulence, so I am happy I didn't travel in the Cessna.

Ajay and Kumarji told me that there are perks to travelling in a chartered flight but I prefer normal aircrafts! They had even saved me a seat but I came back with my staff."

The actress adds that she was so tired that she didn't care what class she was in. "I slept through the flight. I had gone to sleep at 2 am and woken up at 4.40 am, so was completely sleep deprived."

Kya Hua Tha?

In July, Ajay Devgn decided to return to Mumbai from the film's shoot in Diu in a chartered flight with Robin Bhatt, Priyadarshan, Reema Sen, Bipasha and a crewmember, George.

Bips had been reluctant as she has a fear of small flights and has avoided them for nine years. The flight ran into rough weather and they were thrown around in their seats.

Basu panicked and kept chanting the Gayatri Mantra to calm her frayed nerves.

It was challenging to shift roles: Deepika Padukone

2010-10-19T16:18:00.001+05:30

Deepika Padukone will be seen in two back-to-back films - as the free-spirited Aaliya in one and as the intense Kalpana in the other. The actress revealed that shifting roles was quite challenging for her.

"I did 'Break Ke Baad' and 'Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey' immediately one after the other. So I think it was very challenging for me in terms of my mind space to shift from the character in a romantic modern-day love story to the one in a period film, " Deepika told in an interview here at Turner Road.

"Break Ke Baad", also starring Imran Khan, has been directed by Danish Aslam and produced by Kunal Kohli. It is the love story of a young couple who break up and try to come back together and will hit the screens Nov 26.

"Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey", helmed by Ashutish Gowarikar, is a period film set in the Chittagong of British India. It revolves around a series of attacks that took place on a single night April 18, 1930, and its aftermath. The film, based on Manini Chatterjee's book, stars Abhishek Bachchan and Deepika in the lead. The film releases Dec 3.

While the characters of both the films are quite diverse on the face of it, the 24-year-old actress revealed the core characteristics were pretty similar and hence she relates to both of them.

"Even though one film is a period film and the other is a modern day relationship story, both the characters - Aaliya and Kalpana - are very strong, independent women. They are girls who have their own set of ideals, girls who want to be independent; so in that way I have identified with both characters, " she said.

Deepika, who started her Bollywood stint in 2007 opposite Shah Rukh Khan in "Om Shanti Om", went on to do films like "Bachna Ae Haseeno", "Chandni Chowk To China" and "Love Aaj Kal".

This year she has already had three releases, including "Karthik Calling Karthik", "Housefull" and "Lafangey Parindey".

Asked about the apparent similarity between her character in "Break Ke Baad" and in "Love Aaj Kal", the actress said: "People feel that the films are similar, but that's probably because both the films are love stories. Just because the genre is the same doesn't mean that films are similar."

"In fact Meera's character from 'Love Aaj Kal' and Aliya's character in 'Break Ke Baad' are completely different.

Meera was a more mature, understanding girl, who understood relationships, she liked the idea of being in love, whereas Aliya is a complete opposite.

"She believes that if you are in a relationship, it doesn't mean you have to get married.

She doesn't believe that a couple have to live together and certain things like that. Her way of thinking about a relationship is very different. She is also very immature sometimes when it comes to relationships, " she added.

Finally when asked about her experience of working with a debut director, the actress said: "Danish is a fantastic director; I think he is extremely talented and I'm not just saying this because I am working with him.

I think part of the reason for me to say yes to this film is because he came across as someone very confident, in spite of being a first time director."

Must have knocked off at least 10 kilos: Raja Mukerji

2010-10-19T16:17:00.001+05:30

Rani and family kept their date with tradition despite the family patriarch being in the hospital

Despite a personal crisis, Rani Mukerji along with her mother Krishna and brother Raaja did not break away from the family's age-old tradition of personally serving food to the thousands who throng to the Durga Puja celebrations organised by the Mukerjis.

The star's father Ram Mukerji is unwell. A heart patient, he has a nurse attending to him 24/7, as he is mostly bedridden. In the past, he has also been hospitalised.

During the puja week, he suffered from a cold and flu. As a result, the family could not take any chances.

Says Raaja, "He was still extremely keen to visit the pandal. We did take him for a very short while on one of the days."

The Mukerjis attended the celebrations of the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Committee at Santa Cruz.

Every year the family including Rani serves food during the bhog.

Family custom

"This has been the family custom for years, " says Rajaa who is in the midst of the production of his first Hindi film Life Isse Gala Laga Le, a youthcentric film about the various pressures in life.

Written and directed by Yogesh Pagare, it features Adhyayan Suman, Divya Dutta, Rahul Dev, Anita Hasanandani, Aushima Sawhney, Himani Shivpuri and newbie Vaibhavi Upadhyay.

Rani's brother had earlier directed the Bengali film, Bidhata Lekha.

Like sis, like bro!

Taking Rani's example who lost oodles of weight through yoga, Raaja Mukerji too has shed the kilos. "The difference is noticeable as people are noticing it.

I must have knocked off at least 10 kilos. I have been doing yoga besides controlled eating. I have also turned vegetarian. As my wife Jyoti is also a vegetarian I, too, decided for health reasons."