Bolly n TV Gossips/pics

Aditya Chopra and Rani adopt Katrina!

2011-10-19T08:16:00.000+05:30

Katrina is spending a lot of time at the Yashraj Studio discussing her career with Aditya Chopra

Although Aditya Chopra is younger than Salman Khan, Katrina reverently calls him "Adi Sir". That doesn't come as a surprise as the reticent Chopra is currently advising Katrina on her career moves.

Katrina has been slated to be the leading lady of Yash Chopra's next directorial venture which will star Shah Rukh Khan, thereby bringing to fruition Katrina's dream of breaking the embargo on her pairing with SRK because of Salman having had a place in her life.

Salman's non-ambiguous declarations about his single status has liberated Katrina from the obligation of keeping up appearance of them being together.

She's now pursuing her heart unfettered, especially when it comes to her career. And, at the moment her heart is set on the film with SRK.

Not only Aditya Chopra, Yashraj's favourite leading lady Rani Mukherjee too has taken to Katrina in a big way. There's a big bonding between the two actresses, and Katrina is certainly not seen as a threat to the senior actress.

In fact, both Rani and Aditya have "adopted" Katrina. Much in the same way that Salman and his family had earlier "adopted" her.

All her waking hours are spent at Yashraj Studios where she is polishing up her clothes, lines and character-contouring for the film.

Even otherwise, Katrina these days loves spending time at Yashraj getting gyan from "Adi Sir" who is closer to her generation than "Yash Uncle" (Yash Chopra).

When asked about her proximity to Yashraj and Aditya Chopra, Katrina says, "I am very close to them. Adi Sir is someone I look up to and seek advice from.

For all my reputation of delivering hits, I'm still new to the industry and the odd one out. I don't have too many friends in Mumbai. That's why I constantly need a family member around me."

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge - Movie Review

2011-10-18T08:16:00.002+05:30

Cast: Saqib Saleem, Saba Azad, Tara D'Souza, Nishant Dahiya and Prabal Panjabi

Director: Nupur Aastana

Rating: ***

"Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge" is a sweet teen romance in the times of broadband connection, social networking sites and fake IDs! It explores the pros and cons of the proposed 'fraaandship' networking in our lives. It offers food for thought with - "SACH is the key word and face to face connection is the best connection."

A new era love story, the film revolves around four characters - Vishal Bhatt (Saqib Saleem), Rahul Sareen (Nishant Dahiya), Preity Sen (Saba Azad) and Malvika Kelkar (Tara Dsouza).

Set in a college campus, Vishal with pal Hacky (Prabal Panjabi) are up to pranks with fellow classmates. These initial scenes are a direct rip-off from the Hollywood film "The Social Network".

After a few complicated moments one realises that prankster Vishal is a good writer who pens lyrics for rockstar pal Rahul. Girls are crazy about Rahul, but Rahul seems indifferent towards them.

Also on campus is an odd, boorish and unladylike Preity Sen who is good at photography. She happens to be friends with the hot and happening Malvika Kelkar.

It so happens that Malvika's id pops up on Rahul's profile page and since he is disinterested in adding friends on his Facebook, Vishal takes the initiative. But unknown to him Malvika's id is being operated by friend Preity. And that's where the complication in the love story begins.

Vishal chats with Preity thinking it is Malvika. And Preity chats with Vishal thinking it is Rahul. They are head over heels in love in their virtual world.

Meanwhile, the college is celebrating its silver jubilee. The theme for the evening is - A photographic documentary of the romantic history of the college. Vishal and Preity are forcibly thrown together for the project. The inevitable happens. They are attracted to each other, but they still fantasise about their virtual relationship.

But how long can fake identities sustain the real love? Reality bites when they confront each other.

Nupur Asthana has deftly handled this complicated love story. In the beginning one does get a bit disoriented trying to establish the complicated relationship. But after the initial hi-cups, the story sets in. The first half is nothing to write home about and the second half gets you hooked.

"Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge" is a hackneyed love story but excitingly brewed with fresh faces. With an expressive visage, the film belongs to Saqib Saleem and Saba Azad. They are faces to watch out for in the long run.

The bright attractive cinematography adds to the visual impact that captures the spirit of a foreign college campus.

The dialogues are witty but at times seem to go a bit off tangent especially during the bar scene between Rahul and Malvika.

Music by Raghu Dixit makes a commotion of ear-splitting happening on dance floor. The lyrics by Anvita Dutt is 'Yuppie' and unusual. Vishal Dadlani's coarsely vocals gels well with screechy voice of Aditi Singh Sharma and evokes out the musical confrontation in Hinglish "hip-hop" melodic mode.

The film tries honestly to create a bond of friendship with its set of urbane viewers and succeeds to a large extent in delivering it. A movie worth a dekho.

RA.One - Music Review

2011-10-17T05:43:00.000+05:30

Music Directors: Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani

Lyricists: Vishal Dadlani, Niranjan Iyengar, Kumaar, Panchhi Jalonvi, Anvita Dutt and Anubhav Sinha

Singers: Akon, Hamsika Iyer, Shafqat Amanat Ali, Vishal Dadlani, Shekhar Ravjiani, Clinton Cerejo's Choir, Shruti Pathak, Nandini Srikar, The Prague Philharmonic Choir, Sidd Coutto and Sukhwinder Singh

Rating: *** 1/2

Shah Rukh Khan's "RA.One" has been generating curiosity since beginning and expectations have been high from its music as well. The album of the film lives up to the expectations, thanks to composers Vishal-Shekhar for packing a musical punch for the sci-fi movie.

The film offers 14 tracks, including remix versions and theme tracks.

It starts on a rocking note with the already popular number "Chammak Challo". A clear winner all the way, the song, which has Hindi, English and Tamil words in the lyrics, makes you groove.

An interesting thing about the track is that it's crooned by international artist Akoon, who has voiced not just the English lyrics but Hindi ones too. Hamika Iyer supports him by singing Tamil words. A fun dance number, "Chammak Challo" is here to stay and it will surely become DJs' favourite.

The song also has a few other versions, including a remix by Abhijit Vaghani, another remix by DJ Khushi and an international version.

Then comes "Dildaara", a mush melody at its best. Sung by Shafqat Amanat Ali, it has John Lennon's song "Stand by me" mixed into it and the combination is interesting. The song boasts of various genres.

Then comes another Akon number called "Criminal", a peppy and upbeat track that also has Vishal Dadlani and Shruti Pathak behind the mike. An amalgamation of Hindi and English lyrics, "Criminal" is a perfect party number.

It also has a remixed version by DJ Amit.

Next is "Bhare naina" and it will make you sit up and take notice. The song has been sung by The Prague Philharmonic Choir, the chorus group that came here all the way from the Czech Republic to sing the song with Nandini Srikar and Vishal-Shekhar.

If the semi-classical flavour in the number sets a pensive mood, use of orchestration takes it to another level. The choir makes the song sound very international, but its soul and feel are Indian.

Then there is "Right by your side", an ordinary composition crooned by Sidd Coutto. A regular fast-paced composition, it is a happy and exuberant track.

"Raftaarein" reminds one of R.D. Burman compositions. Sung by Vishal-Shekhar, it is a perfect chase track. The style of composition is very similar to that of Burman and, despite being a situational track, it leaves its mark.

Up next is "Jiya mora ghabraaye", a fusion of rock and semi- classical. It has a very strong musical arrangement and impressive vocals by Vishal Dadalani and Sukhwinder Singh and the song will be liked by hard rock lovers. Interesting composition and a good attempt.

Then the album offers three instrumental theme tracks called "Comes the light", "I'm on" and "Song of the end". On the whole the album is worth buying and offers some interesting and entertaining tracks. Kudos to the music composers!

First Look - Akki as Rowdy Rathore

2011-10-16T05:42:00.000+05:30

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Sonakshi Sinha

Rowdy Rathore is an upcoming Bollywood action film directed by Prabhu Deva starring Akshay Kumar and Sonakshi Sinha in the lead roles.

Produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ronnie Screwvala, the filming started on 10 August 2011. It is the third remake of the Telugu film Vikramarkudu.

Synopsis

Rowdy (Akshay Kumar) is a small-time thief and crook who is crazy about acts of daredevilry. One day, he gets the shock of his life when a young girl turns up and claims him to be her father.

After recovering from the stunning blow, he slowly starts to find out the truth behind the claim. It turns out that the girl is the daughter of IPS Police officer Vikram Singh Rathore (also Akshay Kumar).

Vikram is the long-lost twin of Rowdy. After the two meet, in an excitement shock, Vikram Rathore is confronted by underworld-gangsters who then murder him right infront of Rowdy, and therefore Rowdy has to fill into Vikram's position in the police force aswell as his home, and find out who his murderers' were and why they killed him.

The Dirty Picture -Movie Preview

2011-10-15T00:00:00.000+05:30

Imagine a make-up girl who became an extra and then the most wanted heroine of the early 80s.

Chronicling the meteoric rise and steep fall of the erstwhile screen sensation, The Dirty Picture is set against the colorful and entertaining backdrop of the fierce male-dominated South-Indian film industry of the 80s.

The quintessential siren, Silk, knew her audiences, and it didn't seem like anything would stop the ambitious starlet, till it did, in the form of unrequited love.

To the world, she was the queen of sensuality. But at heart, she was just another woman yearning for love in a ruthless world.

Balaji and Milan Luthria team up again after their smash hit, Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai, to create a humorous yet poignant entertainer, which is already in the news for being the most keenly anticipated musical drama of the year.

Salman leads the Southern invasion in Bollywood

2011-10-14T13:00:00.000+05:30

Cinema from way down India has captivated the audience world over. No wonder the big guns in Bollywood have jumped on this gravy train

"The most popular movies at the multiplex this past weekend included, The Lion King, Moneyball, Drive and Dookudu: Daring & Dashing."

That was how Los Angeles Times introduced the Telugu flick to an American audience. Actor Mahesh Babu was sitting proudly right beside Ryan Gosling (one of the top contenders for the Oscar's next year).

Now if that doesn't indicate how rapidly cinema from South India is spreading its wings, we don't know what ever will!

Who knew that there'd be a time when the 'English' audience would google Tollywood to find out more about yet another industry that rhymes with Hollywood.

And it's not just about this one film. For the first time in decades, a Malayalam film Adaminte Makan Abu (made in a shoestring budget) will be representing the country at the Oscars.

When 14 Tamil films bagged the biggest titles at this year's National Awards, the world sat up and took note.

From Fox to Warner, some of the biggest Hollywood studios are in talks with everyone from A R Murgadoss to Kamal Haasan for upcoming film projects.

Remakes galore

Salman Khan obviously seems to have become the remake king of South films with every other star following suit.

From Wanted to Ready and now Bodyguard, the Southern remakes have seen Sallu miya laughing his way to the bank.

And there's little chance he's going to give up on this money mantra. Now buzz is that the star is all set to star in the Dookudu remake as well.

Says writer Kona Venkat, who worked on Ready in Telugu and Hindi, "When a South film comes to Bollywood, it's bigger and better.

It's clearly a phenomenon that will continue till the time people within South India make entertaining films that give value for money."

From John Abraham, who has managed to bag a solo hit (Force) through a South remake (Khaaka Khaaka), to others like Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt and Ajay Devgn, starring in an action-packed South Indian masala remakes seem to ensure best returns these days.

John says, "I wanted to explore the action space and when I saw Suriya's Khaaka Khaaka, I was completely blown away. The way they deal with action down South is pretty raw, a lot like Hollywood I think."

Director's cut

Not surprisingly, the trend has given a platform to Southern director.

When director Siddique makes Bodyguard in Malayalam within less than 10 crores and he sees an opportunity to recreate his movie in a budget of over 50 crores, his creative canvas automatically widens.

From Siddique, who is now dreams of remaking his Mohanlal starrer Vietnam Colony, to critically-acclaimed director like Blessy, who will bring to life the hit film Pranayam with Amitabh Bachchan, to Srinu Vytla, who will direct his first Hindi film if the Dookudu remake materialises, a whole new crop of directors now seem to dominate the space.

Says Siddique, "Bollywood is any day big in terms of reach. That does not mean we will not make films in our own languages. But this is a step up for us."

Acting up

However, for some reason South Indian heroes have never really managed to make it big in Bollywood.

Be it Vikram, who disappeared after the super flop Raavan, or even Suriya, whose much-anticipated Hindi debut with Rakthacharita managed to impress only a select group of Ramu fans, to even Rana Dagubatti, who hasn't really been inundated with offers since Dum Maro Dum, none seem to have cashed in on the Southern invasion.

Says R Madhavan, who will always enjoy a bigger stature in the Tamil space, "Eventually it's about doing good work.

Yes, everyone wants to be a superstar at the end of the day, but it's not possible to rule various worlds of cinema at one point.

As long as I am satisfied with my work, I will continue working in films from all different languages."

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Revealed: The truth behind Chitrangada's exit from Krrish 2'

2011-10-14T05:38:00.000+05:30

Apparently, 'Krrish 2' producer Rakesh Roshan refused to pay for her extended staff

Though the actress has stuck to her stance about date issues over her decision to walk out of Krrish 2, apart from the buzz that she felt her role was turning into a cameo, there is more to why Chitrangada Singh decided to opt out of the superhero flick.

What also irked the actress was the working style of producer Rakesh Roshan.

Everyone in the industry knows that the filmmaker is tightfisted and that any unwanted expenditure on the sets has to be strictly avoided.

Something perhaps the actress was unaware of initially.

Says a source close to Chitrangada, "An actress is used to working with a paraphernalia around her which includes the make up person, hairdresser, attendants and her other staff who attend to her needs during the filming.

Normally the production house bears the costs of these people. Obviously, Roshan was in no mood to incur any additional expense apart from what the unit would supply."

Adds the source, "As Chitrangada's role was that of a mutant, the producer felt that the make up guys that he had hired for the film would be sufficient for her.

And that there was no need of incurring the cost of additional people with her."

Coupled with the fears about the length of her presence in a film that starred Bollywood biggies Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra and Vivek Oberoi, Chitrangada decided to step out. The makers then roped in Jacqueline Fernandes.

The source further maintains, "Chitrangada felt there was no point shelling out from her own pocket.

Considering the logistics of the project this is something she could not understand. Not that she is a big star who could afford to incur expenditure on the sets as well."

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Prabhu Deva to direct an action flick with Ajay Devgan

2011-10-13T17:30:00.000+05:30

After completing Rowdy Rathore with Akshay Kumar, Prabhu Deva will direct an action flick with Ajay Devgn.

Let's see how the ace dancer-choregrapher makes Devgn shake a leg too.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Who loves Ranbir more?

2011-10-13T11:34:00.000+05:30

Move over, Deepika, Katrina and Nargis. The tiara of being the Kapoor scion's biggest devotees can be easily bequeathed to two young girls who met the star for a TV show, and returned, happily crazed some more. What's it like to be a budding superstar's frenzied fan, we find out

Seated at a patisserie off Linking Road in Bandra, Shikha Sharma is every inch your average, shy college girl, complete with a big, sweet smile, the mandatory satchel, and a T-shirt with rolled up sleeves. What isn't obvious, however, is how rabid a Ranbir Kapoor fan she is.

"His watchman recognises me now because I stand outside his home hoping to catch a glimpse of him every week, " admits the National College student.

Her patience paid off when, about a year ago, RK Junior sped into his Pali Hill home in his red Audi, only to be accosted by Sharma and her friend, who insisted he stop the car, get out, and sign an autograph with them, all of which the "very down to earth" actor affably did, she gushes.

It's the kind of story that makes you cringe, or hark back nostalgically to memories of the poster of your teenage heartthrob plastered in your room, and go 'Aww".

It's also the kind of frenzy that landed 17 year-old Sharma the title of Kapoor's biggest fan, and gave her the opportunity to live the actor's life as part of Live My Life on UTV Stars.

But she wasn't alone. At 23, six years Sharma's senior, Khushboo Minocha is no less starstruck. Although meeting Kapoor was akin to striking gold for this Haryana girl, it didn't come without a dose of jealousy at having to share her moment of wonder with another girl. "I didn't want to be in competition with another girl.

Yes, I was jealous. We didn't know until the very last minute that we'd both actually be meeting him." No wonder the two even squabbled at one point, Sharma giggles, adding proudly that she was the one who won a quiz on the actor that was put to the duo as part of the show.

Minocha, who was over the moon when she was driven past RK's Pali Hill residence by his friend, tattoo and hairstylist Hakim Aalim, as part of her victory, also has 150 (yes, you read it right) pictures of the actor on her phone. This writer hardly had to ask her anything, because her excitement, even over the phone, is palpable.

Alternately sighing and laughing, she gushes, "I read that he learnt how to play the guitar for Rockstar, so I started playing it too. And now I can play it as well as him because I've learnt for as long." Talk about dedication.

Both girls agree that their object of affection was "humourous and very friendly."

No wonder their symptoms post Ranbir-iosis include "feverishness!" and sending a bouquet of flowers to his home on his birthday with a phone number and a request "for him to text me back if he remembers me as the girl from UTV, " confesses Sharma, who also nurtures aspirations of working with him at some point.

"Ranbir wants to turn director some day, and so do I, being a BBM student, " she says, sagely, before the veneer cracks and she laughs, "I don't mind playing a maidservant in one scene with him!"

For Minocha, the dream refuses to end. "I've been a crazy fan ever since I saw Saawariya in 2007. Now, I'm even more frenzied.

My friends asked me not to wash the clothes I was wearing when he hugged me, " she rattles off, concluding wistfully, "I was drinking hot water the other day, when he appeared on TV. I was so unsettled, considering I had just met him a couple of weeks ago, I dropped the glass, spilling it all over me!"

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Deepika says NO 2 marriagel!

2011-10-13T05:34:00.000+05:30

Deepika Padukone, who is in a rumoured relationship with Siddharth Mallya, turned down the marriage proposal of one of her craziest fans.

Varun Raj, a 21-year-old rich brat from Dehradun, will feature on the upcoming episode of UTV Stars' "Live My Life". He claimed that if he proposed to Deepika, there was no way she could refuse.

But much to his dismay, the 25-year-old actress thought his age was an issue!

The TV show gives a chance to one lucky fan to live the life of his or her favourite Bollywood actor for a day. The episode featuring Deepika and Varun will be on air Saturday.

IPL 2011 Teams & Players

2011-04-04T19:48:00.000+05:30

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Virat Kohli (retained), Zaheer Khan, Saurabh Tiwary, Cheteshwar Pujara, Abhimanyu Mithun, Mohammed Kaif, T Dilshan, A B De Viliers, Daniel Vettori, Dirk Nannes, Charl Langeveldt, Luke Pomersbach, Johan van der Wath, Rile Rossouw, Nuwan Pradeep and Jonathan Vandlar.

Team Kochi: V V S Laxman, S Sreesanth, R P Singh, Parthiv Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Ramesh Powar, R Vinay Kumar, Mahela Jayawardene, Brendon McCullum, Steven Smith, M Muralidharan, Brad Hodge, Tisara Perera, Stephen O’Keefe, Owais Shah, Michael Klinger and John Hastings.

Team Pune: Yuvraj Singh, Robin Uthappa, Ashish Nehra, Murali Kartik, Graeme Smith, Tim Paine, Agelo Mathews, Nathan McCullum, Callum Ferguson, Wayne Parnell, Mitchell Marsh, Jerome Taylor, Alfonson Thomas and Jesse Ryder.

King XI Punjab: Dinesh Karthik, Abhishek Nayar, Praveen Kumar, Piyush Chawla, Adam Gilchrist, Shaun Marsh, David Hussey, Stuart Broad, Ryan Harris, Dimitri Mascarenhas and Nathan Rimmington.

Kolkara Knight Riders: Gautam Gambhir, Yusuf Pathan, Manoj Tiwari, L Balaji, Jaidev Unadkat, Jacques Kallis, Brad Haddin, Shakib Al Hasasn, Brett Lee, Eoin Morgan, Ryan ten Doeschate and James Pattinson

Chennai Super Kings: M S Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Murali Vijay, Albie Morkel (all retained), Wriddhiman Saha, R Ashwin, S Badrinath, Joginder sharma, Sudeep Tyagi, Michael Hussey, Dwayne Bravo, Doug Bollinger, scott Styris, Ben Hilfenhaus, Nuwan Kulasekara, Suraj Randiv, George Bailey and Francois Du Plessis.

Deccan Chargers: Shikhar Dhawan, Ishant sharma, Pragyan Ojha, Amit Mishra, Manpreet Gony, Kevin Pietersen, Cameron White, Kumar Sangakkara, JP Duminy, Dale Steyn, Daniel Christian, Chris Lynn, Juan Theron and Michael Lumb.

Delhi Daredevils: Virender Sehwag (retained), Irfan Pathan, Naman Ojha, Ajit Agarkar, Ashok Dinda, Umesh Yadav, Venugopal Rao, David Warner, James Hopes, Morne Morke l, Aaron Finch, Matthew Wade, Roelof van der Merve, Andrew McDonand, Travis Birt, Colin Ingram and Robert Frylinck.

Mumbai Indians: Sachin Tendulkar, Harbhajan Singh, Kieron Pollard, Lasith Malinga (all retained), Rohit Sharma, Munaf Patel, Andrew Symonds, David Jacobs, James Franklin, Clint McKay, Moises Henriques and Aiden Bllzzard.

Rajasthan Royals: Shane Warne, Shane Watson (both retained), Rahul Dravid, Pankaj Singh, Ross Taylor, Johan Botha, Paul Collingwood and Shaun Tait.

IPL 2011 Schedule

2011-04-04T19:42:00.003+05:30

April 8: Chennai Super Kings v Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai (8 pm)
April 9: Deccan Chargers v Rajasthan Royals, Hyderabad (4 pm); Kochi v Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kochi (8 pm)
April 10: Delhi Daredevils v Mumbai Indians, Delhi (4 pm); Pune v Kings XI Punjab, Navi Mumbai (8 pm)
April 11: KKR v DC, Kolkata (8 pm)
April 12: RR v DD, Jaipur (4pm); RCB v MI, Bangalore (8 pm)
April 13: Pune v Kochi, Navi Mumbai (4 pm); KXIP v CSK, Mohali (8 pm)
April 14: DC v RCB, Hyderabad (8 pm)
April 15: MI v Kochi, Mumbai (4 pm); DD v KKR, Delhi (8 pm)
April 16: CSK v RCB, Chennai (4 pm); DC v KXIP, Hyderabad (8 pm)
April 17: RR v KKR, Jaipur; Pune v DD, Navi Mumbai (8 pm)
April 18: Kochi v CSK, Kochi (8 pm)
April 19: DD v DC, Delhi (4 pm); RCB v RR, Bangalore (8 pm)
April 20: MI v Pune, Mumbai (4 pm); KKR v Kochi, Kolkata (8 pm)
April 21: KXIP v RR, Mohali (8 pm)
April 22: MI v CSK, Mumbai (8 pm)
April 23: KKR v RCB, Kolkata (4 pm); Delhi v KXIP. Delhi (8 pm)
April 24: DC v MI, Hyderabad (4 pm); RR v Kochi, Jaipur (8 pm).
April 25: CSK v Pune, Chennai (8 pm)
April 26: DD v RCB, Delhi (8 pm)
April 27: Pune v CSK, Navi Mumbai (4 pm); Kochi v DC, Kochi (8 pm)
April 28: KKR v KXIP, Kolkata (4 pm); RR v MI, Jaipur (8 pm)
April 29: RCB v Pune, Bangalore (8 pm)
April 30: Kochi v DD, Kochi (4 pm); MI v KXIP, Mumbai (8 pm)
May 1: RR v Pune, Jaipur (4 pm); CSK v DC, Chennai (8 pm)

May 2: DD v Kochi, Delhi (8 pm)
May 3: DC v KKR, Hyderabad (8 pm)
May 4: CSK v RR, Chennai (4 pm); Pune v MI, Navi Mumbai (8 pm)
May 5: Kochi v KKR, Kochi (4 pm); DC v DD, Hyderabad (8 pm)
May 6: RCB v KXIP, Bangalore (8 pm)

May 7: KKR v CSK, Kolkata (4 pm); MI v DD, Mumbai (8 pm)
May 8: RCB v Kochi, Bangalore (4 pm); KXIP v Pune, Mohali (8 pm)
May 9: RR v CSK, Jaipur (8 pm)
May 10: KXIP v MI, Mohali (4 pm); DC v Pune, Hyderabad (8 pm)
May 11: RR v RCB, Jaipur (8 pm)
May 12: CSK v DD, Chennai (8 pm)
May 13: Kochi v KXIP, Indore (8 pm)
May 14: MI v DC, Mumbai (4 pm); RCB v KKR, Bangalore (8 pm).
May 15: KXIP v DD, Dharamsala (4 pm); Kochi v RR, Indore (8 pm)
May 16: KKR v MI, Kolkata (8 pm)
May 17: Pune v DC, Pune (8 pm)
May 18: KXIP v RCB, Dharamsala (4 pm); CSK v Kochi, Chennai (8 pm)
May 19: Pune v KKR, Pune (8 pm)
May 20: MI v RR, Mumbai (8 pm)
May 21: KXIP v DC, Dharamsala (4 pm); DD v Pune, Delhi (8 pm)
May 22: RCB v CSK, Bangalore (4 pm); KKR v RR, Kolkata (8 pm)
May 24: Qualifier 1, Mumbai (8 pm)
May 25: Eliminator, Mumbai (8 pm)
May 27: Qualifier 2, Chennai (8 pm)
May 28: Final, Chennai (8 pm).

Why Katrina is no more bothered about her link-up rumours?

2011-03-18T11:45:00.000+05:30

From her break-up with Salman Khan to her link-up with Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif's personal life is constantly under the scanner.

The British-born actress says the unrelenting attention does affect her sometimes but she has learnt to cope with the pressures."We are human beings and sometimes it does affect us especially when so much is being said and written that doesn't make sense. But one learns and I have also learnt to cope with it," Katrina told in an interview over the phone from Mumbai.

"I have learnt that media and celebrities go hand in hand and now I don't feel the need to clarify my stance and I am not bothered. Audiences have also become mature and they also understand what is right and what is wrong," added the 26-year-old.

The actress has no films scheduled for immediate release, but will be seen in a new LUX soap ad to promote its new range - Lux Fresh Splash.

This year, her first release will be in June with Zoya Akhtar's "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara", also starring Hrithik Roshan, Abhay Deol, Farhan Akhtar and Kalki Koechlin. After that she will be seen in "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan".

Katrina was introduced into the Hindi film industry with "Boom" in 2003, but the first hit came only four years later with "Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya". Her career zoomed with "Namastey London", in which she teamed up with Akshay Kumar, released in the same year.

Some of of her big box office hits are "Partner", "Welcome" and "Singh Is Kinng". Her item number "Sheila Ki Jawani" from Farah Khan's "Tees Maar Khan" has got perhaps the maximum publicity, but Katrina has also forayed into meaningful cinema with "New York" and "Rajneeti".

Asked whether she is a director's actor, Katrina said: "Every actor is a director's actor. It's the director who helps the actor in bringing the character alive on screen and then there is the script to support. It is part and parcel of the profession."

As her career skyrockets, expectations have also become higher and Katrina admits to some nervousness.

"If you lose that nervousness or anticipation that means you have reached a saturation point which is the worst thing for any actor. For me, it is important that I live up to the expectations of my fans and I don't let them down."

So does Katrina fear failure?

"Fear is something that drives you to do good work and it is important for a person to maintain a positive attitude and keep on doing good work," she said.

With films, endorsements, performances and media appearances crowding her to-do-list, the actress admits she sometimes finds it difficult to cope with the hectic work life.

"Sometimes it becomes difficult to stay calm, cool; and with a busy schedule I do get tired, but it's part of our job. I keep doing things that help me to relax. I do things that rejuvenate me, things that give me extra help," she said.

No show for Akki, Hrithik, PC and Kat in Las Vegas

2011-03-18T07:00:00.000+05:30

Akshay Kumar and Hrithik Roshan along with Katrina Kaif and Priyanka Chopra were to perform at a lavish venue in Las Vegas late last year. But due to date issues, the show didn't happen.

It was postponed to the first half of 2011, but with Duggu shooting for Agneepath and both Kat and PC occupied with their projects (Mere Brother Ki Dulhan and Don 2) and Akki with his, this is one star-studded Bollywood nite that will never see the light of day!

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Meet this hot Shah Rukh Khan girl

2011-03-17T21:51:00.000+05:30

Zoa Morani, who is making her debut as an actor in Shah Rukh Khan's movie "Always Kabhi Kabhi", says since she grew up seeing actors performing for her father she couldn't resist to choose acting as a profession.

"I was never really inspired by anyone. I always grew up watching dad's shows, watching all the actors performing on the Bollywood shows abroad and stuffs. So I think it was always in my head as I grew up watching it," Zoa Morani, daughter of Cineyug's Karim Morani, told reporters at the Lakme Fashion Week.

Zoa is playing a firebrand character in "Always Kabhi Kabhi", which is an adaptation of Roshan Abbas' 1999 play, "Graffiti".

Giving a sneak preview of the film, she said: "It's about how small children evolve from childhood to adolescence."

She has been an assistant director to Rajkumar Santoshi for "Halla Bol" (2008) and Farah Khan for "Om Shanti Om" (2007) and also trained in acting from Anupam Kher's acting school Actor Prepares.

Asked Shah Rukh gave any master tip to her about acting, she said, "He always says that work hard and if you work hard and true to your self, your work, then you will make god happy and he will take care of everything."

Morani was the showstopper for designer Pallavi Mohan's label "Not So Serious" at the Lakme Fashion Week. The collection includes encompass peasant tops, tier dresses, baby doll tops, sheer chiffon, denim dresses and hot pants.

Vidya Balan gets honoured by Mayor of Melbourne

2011-03-17T18:50:00.000+05:30

Vidya Balan was honoured by the Mayor of Melbourne as part of the ongoing Indian Film Festival 2011: Bollywood and Beyond which featured a special restrospect of her movies.

The fest kicked off in Sydney with No One Killed Jessica. Vids was thrilled and hope her special friend 'SRK' (not Shah Rukh Khan!) was around to share her joy.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Is Pooja Gupta in love with Jackky?

2011-03-17T15:49:00.000+05:30

By Subhash K Jha

The shy Jackky Bhagnani and his co-star Pooja Gupta seem to be the latest twosome in tinsel town. Tiresome as it is to hear lead piars of movies being linked together this seems to be the real thing, going by Jackky's devotion to keeping the 'friendship' away from the promotion of their film together.

But a friend of the young chap spills the beans. Says the friend, “Jackky and Pooja are definitely seeing one another. It started as a hate-hate relationship, like in those corny movies and then grew into a very tender relationship when they were shooting in Mauritius.

Initially all the four youngsters who were shooting in Mauritus were a wild group. Then it came to a stage where the two of them would steal away from the group for stolen moments of togetherness. The others would constantly tease them.

Jackky became very very protective of Pooja. He would look out for her every moment. There was a sequence where all four youngsters had to jump off this massive waterfall in Mauritius. Jackky put his foot down.

He wouldn't let Pooja that that steep plunge. He even had a heated argument with his director Remo Fernandez about the scene. It was the only time they ever argued. That's when we got to know for sure that Jackky and Pooja are a twosome. ”

Back home in Mumbai the pair continues to let their relationship grow.

When questioned about it Jackky tries to laugh off the romantic liaison (hope he's a better actor on screen).

“Let's just say Pooja and I are very close friends. Beyond that I leave it you to draw your own conclusions. ”

When probed further Jackky opens up , “At first Pooja and I were at loggerheads. She thought I had an attitude because I was the producer's spoilt son. I thught she had an attitude because she was Miss India and all that.

As shooting progressed in Mauritius we came close…We partied really hard together. We realized we were not the persons we thought each other to be.

About the waterfall scene you mention, it's is one of steepest waterfalls in the world. Mr Bachchan and others have jumped down from it, but with a harness. We boys decided to take the plunge without harnesses. How could Pooja do that?”

When asked if this friendship is not a gimmick to promote their new film Jackky replies, “Not at all. I don't even want to discuss Pooja. When have you last seen a film do well just because the lead pair is linked together?”

Asked about the future of their relationship Jackky says, “We are both young and starting out in our careers. Who can predict what will happen tomorrow?”

Deepika's fixation for tattoos

2011-03-17T12:48:00.004+05:30

An actress who belongs to a leading B-Town family has been passing snide remarks about Deepika Padukone's Dum Maaro Dum item number. "What's her fixation with tattoos?" wonders the star after seeing Dippy sport a scorpion tat on her torso.

A source reveals the actress, who ranks among the top, didn't mince her words when it came to reacting to the song.

"First it was the RK tattoo, now it's something else. Doesn't she have anything else to showcase?" Ouch! We wonder what Ms Padukone will have to say when she hears this came from someone she adores!

Guessing time begins, Dippy.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Abhishek inspired by Aamir....!!!!

2011-03-17T12:48:00.001+05:30

Abhishek inspired by Aamir?

Bachchan Jr has been taking active interest in marketing his upcoming releases

Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan have done it and to great effect. It now is Abhishek Bachchan's turn to get involved in the marketing strategies of all his films.

Says a source close to the actor, "He takes on some of the biggest action films this year with Game, Dum Maaro Dum, Players and Dhoom 3. He is a bit concerned about the first two films releasing in the same month, though."

The otherwise laidback actor would leave the strategising to his producers. That has changed. Adds the friend, "He sits with Ritesh Sidhwani (producer; Game) and Rohan Sippy (producer; DMD), so that the films are promoted differently. He is also looking at the publicity material of these films and keeps track of what should or shouldn't go out."

Juggling act

Jr B has also been shooting for Players as there is combination of other star dates that need to be adjusted. "He is spending time promoting both films and is also rehearsing for shows he had committed to. At the same time, he is dubbing for DMD."

Says Bachchan, "Things are a lot more organised now and I make sure dates are worked out in advance so that everything is planned well in advance."

Distinct moves

He plans to adopt two different marketing strategies for Game and Dum Maaro Dum. He says, "Game and DMD are different movies ” one's a whodunit while the other is an action thriller.

The only thing common between them is me. We have carefully thought out a structured marketing strategy for both films." Interestingly, AB Jr has viral fever for over a week now. Regardless, he's working around the clock.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Ra.One DVDs to feature alternate endings

2011-02-11T17:00:00.000+05:30

Shah Rukh Khan's superhero flick Ra.One's DVDs will feature alternate endings. The concept isn't new at all. B-Town (rarely) and Hollywood home video companies use it to great effect.

Reveals a source, "Shah Rukh initially toyed with the idea of releasing theatrical versions of the film with alternate endings. But he soon decided it wasn't worth the risk and settled on the DVD option."

"SRK has kept the making of Ra.One extremely interactive. He's taken opinions from experts as well as the layman and even his kids Aaryan and Suhana.

The attempt is to make sure the film is well received across the board. However, when it came to the climax he was unsure how to end the story. Hence, the option of multiple endings in the DVD."

Hollywood films

28 Days Later
Little Miss Sunshine
I Am Legend
Clash of the Titans

Bollywood films

Silsila
Sholay

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

John Abraham is a mall rat!

2011-02-11T15:56:00.000+05:30

John Abraham shoots at a Ghatkopar shoppe after it downed shutters for Vipul Shah's Force John Abraham spent Tuesday night shooting at a mall in Ghatkopar. The actor was spotted till the wee hours of the morning filming for Force.

Onlookers were surprised to spot the star at the shopping place late in the night. Shooting could only commence after the place downed its shutters for the public.

Johnny boy was seen running up and down an escalator for the shot.

Bipasha Basu's beau essays the role of a cop in the flick that has Genelia D'Souza as his co-star. The action flick is produced by Vipul Shah and directed by Nishikant Kamat.

Force is a remake of Gautham Menon's 2003 blockbuster Tamil flick Kaakha Kaakha which starred Surya, Jyothika and Jeevan.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Rs 200 crore boy Ranbir Kapoor spotted driving drunk?

2011-02-11T14:00:00.000+05:30

A producer who saw a photograph of Ranbir Kapoor at the wheel of his car after Karan Johar's party was overheard saying, "There's over Rs 200 crore riding on that boy.

He should know better than to drive himself after hours of partying. Why can't he get a driver, like the rest of the actors?

Besides the safety factor, imagine the scandal if he is caught for drunk driving." True.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Priyanka pips Deepika-Kat to be Aamir's girl in Dhoom 3

2011-02-11T13:00:00.000+05:30

Buzz is, the hunt for the leading lady opposite Aamir Khan in Dhoom 3 has ended.

Sources reveal that Priyanka Chopra has pipped Katrina and Deepika to the post.

Her penchant for action roles and athletic body gave her the edge over the other girls.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

'Tell Me Oh Khuda' will Esha Deol ever come back?

2011-02-11T11:54:00.000+05:30

Esha Deol's comeback film to release as late as May this year

Esha Deol's comeback vehicle, Tell Me Oh Khuda, has been further delayed. The project will not see light of day till at least May or even later.

Says a source, "Some-thing or the other keeps happening to delay the project even further.

Esha has a lot of hopes pinned on the movie. She hopes it will get her back on track. The film's shoot wrapped up around mid-2010."

Adds the source, "Initially, the film was slated to release last year itself.

Then it got delayed in post-production. Later, the Yamla Pagla Deewana promotions began and they did not want their film to clash with Dharmendra, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol's outing in January this year.

The project was to resurrect the Deol juniors and Hema thought of releasing Tell Me... in February."

The film has Esha with Arjan Bajwa (Fashion) and Chandan Roy Sanyal (Kaminey) as her co-stars.

Says Bajwa, "There are lots of plans lined up for the film's promotions. It is felt that with the cricket World Cup starting soon, it is better to release the movie after it."

Esha has been missing from the marquee for the last few years. Unhappy with how her career was shaping up, mother Hema Malini decided to produce a movie for her.

After creative differences with director Mayur Puri, Hema even took over the film herself. Esha remained unavailable for comment.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Sallu's Dabangg director had a secret meeting with SRK

2011-02-11T09:54:00.000+05:30

Abhinav Kashyap will have to divide time between Salman Khan and Shah Rukh's films; let the games begin

Dabbangg director Abhinav Kashyap recently had a hush-hush meeting With Shah Rukh Khan at his residence. SRK has asked him to write a mainstream potboiler that he will produce and act in.

Kashyap is excited about the opportunity to work King Khan and will now have to divide his time between the Dabangg sequel, and a story for the Ra.One actor.

The Dabangg sequel is in its nascent stage, but Salman wants the pace to pick up. He wants to cash in on the success of the film while Chulbul Pandey is still fresh in people's minds.

SRK now wants to work with young successful directors in different genres. He's also doing Rohit Shetty's next.

Walking the tightrope

A source adds, "Abhinav is thrilled that Shah Rukh has shown interest in working with him but he owes Salman for having faith and working in his first film. Kashyap wants to tread carefully and not spoil his relations with Salman, even though he's super keen on working with SRK. "

The source adds that the director had a rocky work equation with Sallu doing the making of his film, so he wants to explore the chance of working with SRK.

Adds the insider, "Even though he won't admit it publicly, Abhinav wasn't too happy with Salman's 'inputs' throughout the making of the film, and he feels that working with Shah Rukh will give him more creative control."

The prospect of working simultaneously for the two Khans might prove detrimental for the director. Also, he now has to decide which film to start first.

Neither actor would want to delay their projects because of the other. Both the Dabangg sequel and Shah Rukh's project are presently in the writing stage.

An insider reveals, "Anubhav has given his word to Salman saying work on the sequel wouldn't suffer because of SRK's project." Will he be able to pull it off?

Kashyap remained unavailable for comment.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com