Bollywood Gossips and News

noreply@blogger.com (Harshajyoti Das) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:35:00 +0000

I am not making a comeback with 13B: Madhavan

By Joginder Tuteja

He could well be termed as the longest surviving newcomer. Even though he has been around for close to a decade, Madhavan a.k.a. Maddy has been lapped up by both arms by Bollywood audience with every appearance of his.

Also, 'yeh dil really maange more' as he spends most of his time down South rather than working in Bollywood cinema. Joginder Tuteja catches up with Madhavan who is now gearing up for the release of 13B and tries to figure out what is it that makes the film exciting and worth a walk to the theaters.

The film was supposed to release some time back. So has it been delayed?
No, not at all. It is pretty much on time. See, in any case working on 13B was like working on two films since it's a bilingual in Hindi and Tamil. Yes, we finished shooting some time back but post production itself has taken us close to 7 months.

Since we had to release the film on the same day (it is coming on 6th March), we had to be extra careful to keep the speed right for both the films during post production.

Overall, the film has taken us a year and 2 months to be completed and I guess it's a fair amount of time being spent on making two films.

The film is said to be taking a cue from the reality shows that are dominating the entertainment channels today. Please elaborate.
It's a known fact that today reality shows are the flavor of the season. Whenever people turn nasty or are thrown out in a particular episode, the popularity of a show increases.

With such happenings around us, we (the makers) started wondering ki in sab mein aisi kya khaasiyat hai. What is it that forces us to watch such shows with more and more interest?

The realization dawned upon us that TV is a powerful medium today because it's not us but the TV that decides what we have to do. It has taken over our lives.

Talking about your Bollywood stint, your last sole release was 'Ramji Londonwale'. Don't you think that if it had performed better at the box office, you would have been able to establish yourself far earlier in Bollywood?
I guess I am still doing reasonably well for myself in Bollywood. If you look at my track record, I have been doing only one Hindi film a year.

The list is there for you to see. 'Rehnna Hai Terre Dil Mein' (2001), 'Dil Vil Pyaar Vyaar' (2002), 'Ramji Londonwaale' (2005), 'Rang De Basanti' (2006), 'Guru' (2007), 'Mumbai Meri Jaan' (2008) and now '13B' (2008). I have decided what I want to do in my career in Hindi film industry while making sure that my decisions do not affect my Tamil market.

On the other hand, 2009 looks crowded though.
True, this is going to be an exceptional year as I have a bevy of Hindi films releases. There is 13B followed by 'Sikandar'.

Then there are also movies like 'Teen Patti' and 'Three Idiots'. So yeah, a lot happening even though I wasn't looking at making a comeback per se, a term which many out there are trying to coin for me (smiles).

noreply@blogger.com (Harshajyoti Das) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:31:00 +0000

he minute I set my eyes on Shakeel I knew he was THE man I'll marry: Amrita Arora

By Subhash K Jha

It’s arguably the most important day of her life. And Amrita Arora is naturally excited as she prepares for her Christian wedding to beau Shakeel Ladak. The nikaah is two days later.

“We were supposed to have a church wedding today, ” Amrita chatters excitedly as the makeup lady does her most challenging job ever for the actress. “But there were some security hassles. So we quickly moved the venue to Olive. But no hassles because we always had a standby ready. ”

Amrita gives full credit to her sister Malaika for all the arrangements.

“I know nothing about the wedding arrangement. It was all done by my sister who put her own life on hold to look into my wedding details. I’m blessed to have such a supportive family.

I’ve my wedding today (Wednesday 4 March) and I’m talking to you while my folks are taking care of everything, ” the bride got emotional as her mother reminded her she needed to hurry up with the dressing up. But Amrita decided to get introspective.

“You know, the minute I set my eyes on Shakeel I knew he was the man I wanted to marry. It’s like a karmic connection. I just felt it. I had never felt this before. Shakeel is everything that I want my husband to be. And I’m determined to make our marriage work. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

Ask her about the honeymoon which will follow the sangeet on Thursday and the nikaah on Friday and Amrita shrugs, “ The problem is, both Shakeel and I are so widely traveled we’ve nowhere to go that we can claim as being our private honeymoon spot.

There doesn’t seem to be any place that neither of us has not visited. I guess we’ll just hold each other’s hand close our eyes and point to any part of the globe as our honeymoon spot. It doesn’t matter where we go as long as we’re together. ”

noreply@blogger.com (Harshajyoti Das) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:08:00 +0000

Why Soha and Emraan were vaccinated

Before stepping into the filthy water for shooting Kunal Deshmukh’s Tum Mile, the film’s lead stars Soha Ali Khan and Emraan Hashmi had to be vaccinated to avoid infection. Presently the film is being shot in Mumbai’s eastern suburb Bhandup and at an old dilapidated factory in Mulund.

Our unit source revealed, “Since the film is based on the infamous Mumbai floods of July 26th 2005, a lot of flood sequences are being presently shot but it’s getting difficult not only for Emraan and Soha but also the crew as well to be stranded in the water for long times.

Soha and Emraan therefore took vaccines for all the possible diseases because the water we have used is filthy. Few days back on the sets of the film, Soha was heard complaining of body aches, especially after shooting for 12 hours.”

Talking about Emraan our source further adds, “He is keeping getting injured on the sets. But while Soha’s really afraid of the water Emraan’s quite a soldier. While filming an underwater sequence, he injured his right eye.

And while filming another scene, he ran into a wooden plank and hurt himself. But half an hour later, he was back on his feet, ready to shoot. However, he later visited the doctor.”

Presently sixty percent has been completed and Kunal (of Jannat fame) hopes to release it in the end of July. Tum Mile, is a love story that unfolds during the Mumbai floods and will have Emraan and Soha doing a lip lock as well.

noreply@blogger.com (Harshajyoti Das) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:04:00 +0000

Shahid and Priyanka lock lips in Kaminey!!!

Shahid Kapoor who was last seen in Aziz Mirza’s Kismat Konnection will now be doing double act in Vishal Bharadwaj ‘Kaminey”. In this film he will play bad man named as “Charlie” who is selfish and wants money.

We spoke to our source from UTV who gives details about Shahid Kapoor's role and more.

“Shahid has really done a great job in his new role of Charlie and Guddu and will surely be remembered as one of his greatest role ever. Kaminey is the story of identical twins.

Both want to make big in their life and so in the race of life, Charlie goes on the negative side. He meets Sunil Bhope, who is a shrewd politician and Priyanka Chopra’s (Sweety) brother, who misuses Charlie and over course of time he becomes a bad man.”

Further our source told us that, “Vishal has really done a splendid role in his screenplay as for the first time it’s his original screenplay and not adapted by any Shakespeare novels while Guddu is a chocolate boy who also wants to acquire money and go ahead in life but through hard-work and honesty and so in course of time the two meets together.”

“Kaminey” is quite an interesting film as its socio-political drama, in which Amol Gupte is debuting as main negative character with Shahid Kapoor in a double role.

Not only this, you would witness a lip-lock scene between Priyanka Chopra and Shahid Kapoor for the first time. Recently a song named as “Tan Taana” was sung by Vishal Dadlani and Sukhwinder Singh and it was being picturised on both Charlie and Guddu.

The film is releasing on 5th June, 2009 and we are hoping that this won’t repeat the debacle of Kismat Konnection.

noreply@blogger.com (Harshajyoti Das) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 18:21:00 +0000

It's raining money on Asin, Genelia and Deepika

By Business Standard

Freida Pinto After just a film or two, young film stars are charging the earth for endorsing brands.

Slumdog Millionaire's Freida Pinto, who is believed to have bagged a role in Woody Allen's next, may see her brand endorsement fee rise nearly four-fold to nearly Rs 1.5 crore from a mere Rs 40 lakh that she charged earlier.

Genelia D'Souza and Imraan Khan, who starred in the hit Jaane Tu Ya Jane Na, and Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, the cornerstones of Pepsi's Youngistaan campaign, are already demanding between Rs 1 crore and Rs 4 crore.

The growing popularity of Generation X is easy to explain, given that Bollywood's established stars Shah Rukh, Hrithik Roshan, Aamir Khan and Rani Mukherjee are appearing in fewer films.

"The older stars have very few projects for the next few months. The younger stars have three or four projects slated for release over the next 12 months and will be in the limelight.

The endorsement rate is directly proportionate to the number of new projects you have in hand, " said Anirban Das Blah, chief executive of Globosports, the Bangalore-based celebrity management company.

Genelia D'Souza: Rs 1-1.3 crore

Asin: Rs 1.2-1.3 crore

Freida Pinto: Rs 1.2-1.5 crore

Deepika Padukone: Rs 1.5-2 crore

Ranbir Kapoor: Rs 3.5-4 crore

Imran Khan: Rs 3-3.5 crore

Part of the reason for this rapid rise in asking price is that some new stars may be new in Mumbai but already have a large fan following in their regions. D’Souza and Asin, for instance, are already big names in south India, but the success of just one Hindi movie has virtually doubled their fees.

Industry sources say stars like Kapoor, D'Souza and Padukone are currently in talks with at least five leading brands in categories like automobiles, beauty products and apparel.

Companies say they are banking on new faces because it fits the profile of the brands they are endorsing. D'Souza, for instance, endorses Coca-Cola's new Fanta Apple.

"Genelia’s personality matches the Fanta brand persona, which is young, energetic and fresh, and she appeals to the youth, " said a company spokesperson.

Dabur Vatika has tied up with D'Souza, mainly to try and revamp the product and make it more attractive to the youth.

Tata Sky, for the same reason, roped in Asin during the release of the hit, Ghajini. "Tata Sky and Asin have a lot in common. Both are young, energetic, achievers, and both enjoy a high degree of credibility with consumers, " said Vikram Mehra, the company's chief marketing officer.

"As our new face, she will be influential in reinforcing the attributes of the Tata Sky brand and reiterate our positioning."

There are, however, risks in betting on the new faces. "The huge endorsement fees paid to the younger lot, especially the actress, are in anticipation of better on-screen work in the near future.

Mind you, if their next project flops, they will be out of the race for big bucks, " said ad-filmmaker Prahlad Kakkar. In contrast, he said, Shah Rukh or Hrithik were much more stable and time-tested.

Shailendra Singh, joint managing director of Percept Limited, seconds this. "Asin has yet to prove her youth connect despite the success of Ghajini. So her unrealistic price could disappear if her next film flops.

However, India has a large youth population, so youth's connect with brands is a given, especially as the established actors today are over 40 and the new ones have to come to the fore, " he said.

noreply@blogger.com (Harshajyoti Das) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 18:18:00 +0000

March gets hotter as Ayesha and Amrita tie knot

By Screen Weekly

Bride: Ayesha Takia
Groom: Farhan Azmi
Venue: Cricket Club of India, Mumbai

Ayesha Takia will tie the knot with her long-time boyfriend Farhan Azmi, a restaurateur and son of Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi on March 1 in a private and traditional nikaah ceremony at a mosque in Mumbai followed by a grand reception the next day at CCI, Mumbai. The two have been going steady for a long time.

All the preparations are complete including Ayesha's wedding trousseau. Ayesha has finished shooting for Boney Kapoor's Wanted-Dead Or Alive directed by Prabhu Deva; the Hindi remake of the Tamil hit Pokkiri and Nagesh Kukunoor's 8x10 Tasveer and is not taking on any more projects. The only film she will shoot after marriage is Revathi's Phir Tum Mil Gaye, a woman-oriented project.

She also has Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai!, Naughty@Forty, Milind Ukey's Paathshala opposite Shahid Kapoor and Nikhil Advani's Ab Dilli Door Nahin.

Telugu star Nagarjuna and director Puri Jagannath are expected to attend the reception to be held on March 2. The wedding was supposed to take place in December, but was postponed due to the terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

Bride: Amrita Arora
Groom: Shakeel Ladhak
Venue: Bandra Church

March 4 is going to be the wedding to watch out for when Amrita Arora and Shakeel Ladhak will exchange rings and wedding vows at a Bandra church followed by a brunch at Olive.

On March 5, Salman's sister Alvira Agnihotri will host mehendi and sangeet ceremony at Salman's residence. The nikaah ceremony will be held in the afternoon on March 6, followed by a grand reception in the evening at Taj Lands End Hotel in Mumbai.

The bride's vintage white gown is designed by Ashley Rebello. It will be a long lace gown flaring at the hips and tapering in a high neck.

The lace for the gown will either be Christian Dior or Karl Lagerfeld. Ashley is also designing an emerald green and maroon ghagra for Amrita and a chikan pathani for the groom Shakeel Ladhak for the nikaah ceremony.

The bridesmaids Amrita's Sister Malaika Arora-Khan, best friend Kareena Kapoor and close friend Mallika Bhat - will be in peach Grecian-inspired gowns.

Vikram Phadnis is apparently designing some outfits for them for some wedding-related events. So has Shantanu and Nikhil who created several outfits for various functions including an avant garde lehenga for Amrita, which is made of old silk brocade sarees with a wide off-shoulder blouse.

noreply@blogger.com (Harshajyoti Das) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 18:15:00 +0000

People say I need to get a boob job, but I’m comfortable the way I'm: Freida Pinto

By Justin Monroe

Photography by George Pitts

Indian actress Freida Pinto Made it to the U.S. without doing the same old song and dance. Though the 23-year-old former model from Bombay auditioned for melodramatic Bollywood roles, she’s going Hollywood with her film debut, playing a child of the ghetto in Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire. Hood never looked so good.

How hard is it to break into India’s film industry?
It’s really difficult. You have to have a godfather or parents who can get you in. I got into modeling for the visibility factor, hoping that portals would open up for me to act.

I did a lot of print because people found me too skinny in India to do television. We have the voluptuous, full-figured woman thing. People say I need to get a boob job, but I’m just comfortable the way I am.

Is Bollywood as sleazy as Hollywood is?
Three or four years back, I was auditioning for a film and I met this man who was like, “We can be good friends, ” with a twinkle in his eye. I knew where that was coming from, and it didn’t feel right.

Would you ever do nudity or a sex scene?
I don’t think I’d have an issue (doing a love scene), but it all depends on the director—what kind of work he’s done in the past. In India, I probably wouldn’t do something like that; it’s kind of taboo. It usually gets cut off at the censorship board level, so what’s the point of having shot it?

What’s the best way for a guy to approach you?
Back in college, if boys did the most stupid thing, like compose a silly song, I’d listen. It could be something really stupid, like a rap for all I care.

Have you ever used your acting abilities to manipulate men?
Hmm… (Laughs.) If you have it, you gotta use it.

Courtesy: Complex.com

noreply@blogger.com (Harshajyoti Das) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 18:10:00 +0000

'Flop' Hurman Baweja kicked out...

Things are not looking good for the Baweja boy.

After the great debacle of the big budget ‘Love Story 2050’ and then ‘Victory’, he’s got a kick from the proudcers of the super ambitious ‘Chenab Gandhi’.

Now Sanjay Leela Bhansali's super ambitious project has a new lead actor and it’s none another than B-Town hot body John Abraham.

Hurman was signed for the film last year and reportedly the current economic crisis is responsible for this new development.

The producers wanted a saleable star and Harman isn’t in any way one at the moment.

So reportedly after a meeting, Bhansali, Saregama's Madhu Mantena, along with the distributors took a decision to have Johnny boy in the lead role instead.

The Saregama India co-produced film with Bhansali made on a whopping budget of Rs 35 crores also stars Amitabh Bachchan and Vidya Balan.

If all goes well, this will be the actor's fourth film with Bachchan after ‘Viruddh’, ‘Aetbaar’ and ‘Babul’ and the second with the lady he was linked up with, Vidya Balan, during ‘Salaam-e-Ishq’.

By the way, the movie’s not directed by Bhansali himself but by debutant Vibhu Puri.

A source has said, "Right now, the producers and director haven't informed Hurman as yet. He's in Delhi and so, no-one will confirm this right now. They are waiting for him to come back. Then, they will break the news to him."

While Bhansali said that the news is not true and Mantana laughed off the development by saying that Hurman will start Chenab Gandhi in May and it would be unfair to drop him now when his films are not doing well and John is actually doing another film with them called ‘1-800-LOVE’, the source confirms the new development.

Harman of course has gone into a shell and wasn’t available for comment. Lots to feel bad for the Hrithik clone.

All the filmi and multi-crore help from daddy Harry Baweja isn't helping him in any way. Time for a new back up plan, boy.

noreply@blogger.com (Harshajyoti Das) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 18:05:00 +0000

Scoop: Rahman comes THIS close to death in LA

By Subhash K Jha

While all the hoopla and euphoria surrounding A R Rahman’s double Oscar has been talked about no one knows he had a close shave with death during the rehearsals for his stage performance for the Oscars.

The shocking shave with death came to light after Rahman’s return to India on Thursday when he blurted out the truth innocently.

The accident could’ve proved catastrophic and would’ve meant almost sure-death for Rahman.

Recalling the nerve-wracking experience Rahman says, “I really don’t know what happened. Two days before the Oscars we were rehearsing at one of the theatres for the Oscars, the Jay Leno Show and the Oprah Winfrey Show when a massive chandelier, covering portion of the ceiling crashed to the spot just a split -second after I moved away.”

This isn’t just a routine drama-in-real-life occurrence.

Divulges Rahman, “ If I hadn’t moved way I’d have become history after making history in no time at all.The chandelier crashed exactly at the spot I was standing in just seconds before. It left me shaken but not terrified. I guess it was God’s warning not to take any of the good things that are happening to me too seriously.”

Sighing in relief Rahman says, “I think the love and prayers of all those who love me saved me. As I walked from the left side of the stage to the right I could feel a heavy drop from the air, like water rushing down from a height of 30 to 40 feet. So with the good came the rude reminder of how quickly it can all be snatched away.”

Says Rahman, “When I did Oprah Winfrey’s show for the Oscars she asked me what Jai ho meant. I said it meant, ‘May the victory be yours.’ She wished the same back for me and I could see she meant it. It’s the best wishes from the world over that saved my life that day.”

Rahman says he wasn’t the least scared being so close to death. “What has to happen will happen. I believe one is constantly walking hand-in-hand with death. Death is like a constant companion. But let’s not go into dark spaces right now.”

noreply@blogger.com (Harshajyoti Das) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:33:00 +0000

Exclusive: Shah Rukh Khan thrown out of Pepsi

Shah Rukh Khan is no longer the brand ambassador of Pepsi. SRK when asked in regards to the same has sarcastically stated, "I am no longer a part of their campaign. They have thrown me out and I am jobless now."

Just days back we had reported about Aamir Khan renewing his Coca Cola contract for a whopping Rs. 10 crore deal. SRK's contract with Pepsi had got over in end 2008 and he was looking forward to a renewed contract with a much higher price as well.

Sources revealed, "The new Youngistaan campaign focuses completely on targeting the younger generation and Shah Rukh doesn't seem to fit in that.

Ranbir Kapoor who has already been on the Pepsi brigade shall be spearheading this upcoming campaign. The company however is still in negotiations for working out a deal for Khan's IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders for the upcoming season but it appears unlikely that he will go in for it."

Pepsi had earlier dropped their cricket star ambassadors Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Saurav Ganguly. They had very recently shot ads with new entrant Ishant Sharma along with Dhoni and Sehwag.

noreply@blogger.com (Harshajyoti Das) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:29:00 +0000

Let's Kiss: Kareena and Saif finally lock lips

Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor are sharing a happy moment on screen. They are kissing onscreen for the first time for their untitled film directed by Renzil D'Silva for Dharma Productions.

A source has confirmed the intimate scene, "Last week, Saif and Bebo shot for their kiss in a Chembur studio. The kiss is part of a song.

The actress who has done kissing scenes on screen before was quite comfortable with the idea of lip-locking with her beau. She even was seen calmly discussing the angle and the intensity with the director."

An insider adds, "At one point it was discussed if the scene was necessary and it looked like the couple had their doubts about the screen smooch.

Rensil looked unhappy and had a word with Saif. The director convinced him to do the scene. Saif in turn made Bebo understand that it was necessary and she agreed."

It took just about five takes to get the kiss right.

noreply@blogger.com (Harshajyoti Das) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:27:00 +0000

Freida Pinto secretly married ex-boyfriend in Goa?

Slumdog Millionaire star Freida Pinto, who recently broke up with her boyfriend of four years Rohan Antao, may have secretly married her ex two years back.

The Indian actress was said to have called off her engagement to Rohan Jan 15, but Britain's Daily Telegraph says that the couple clandestinely wed in Goa in 2007 deciding to keep the marriage under wraps to give Freida a greater chance of winning film roles.

"Freida and Rohan fell in love at college and were extremely close. They were great together. The marriage was an impulsive decision and both of them went to a designer to get the gown made, " a source close to the couple was quoted as saying.

The source added: "Rohan was with her throughout her years as an actress when she was not at all famous. He supported her during the filming of 'Slumdog' and the pair even celebrated the film's success at the Toronto Film Festival together last year."

"However, she just stopped calling him around the time of the Golden Globe awards, when the film started to make waves internationally. He is completely shocked at being dumped and is heartbroken."

noreply@blogger.com (Harshajyoti Das) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:25:00 +0000

Aishwarya and Abhishek have no plans of having a baby

The film has not taken the box office by storm but when I meet him for this interview at his office in the bungalow Janak, Abhishek tells me that what appealed to him when he was offered the film Delhi 6 was the fact that though Roshan is an American by mind, he is an Indian by heart.

"It was not at all tough for me to get into the character of Roshan, because I could easily connect to it, since I could understand him, having spent twelve years abroad in a different culture.

I could relate to the character because like Roshan, I too had learnt abroad and know how it is to feel like an outsider, though born and brought up in a hard core Indian family, steeped in the culture of the ancestors".

Abhishek had almost lost the opportunity to act in Delhi 6. "When Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra gave me the script to read it, frankly I did not know whether he wanted me to be a part of the film because in the past too he had given me the script of his films.

I was happy when he said that he wanted to cast me in Delhi 6, though I could not adjust my dates for the shooting since he wanted to shoot in the winter in Delhi though I had committed those dates to Mani Ratnam for Guru.

Rakeysh asked me whether I would mind if he goes ahead with the film with some other actor and reluctantly I had agreed too. I think I was destined for the role of Roshan because came back to me, after tweaking the script after a year".

Earlier, Abhishek had flatly declined to be part fo his film Rang de Basanti. "When he came to me with the script of Rang De Basanti, I could not understand it at all.

To add to my confusion, he had then decided to call his film not Rang De Basanti but Paint It Yellow. I could not fathom how he could show Bhagat Singh in contemporary setting and said no to be part of the film and after I said no to it, he approached Aamir Khan. The rest is history. "

Even after Rakeysh had finalized Aamir for Rang De Basanti, he came to him once again to offer the role of Siddharth in Rang De Basanti when Arjun Rampal walked out.

However, Abhishek says that he told him that he could not be a part of the film because he could not understand the subject at all. Laughs Abhishek, "I told him that I was not as intelligent as Aamir Khan is. The role then went to Siddharth".

Abhishek admits that though Drona was only two hours and ten minutes long, thanks to its screenplay, people felt it was too long.

"As an actor, I feel you have to be immune to both hits and flops. You work hard in every film and naturally want it to click, because there is an emotional 'connect' to the actors with their films".

Abhishek is of the opinion that his life has not changed after marriage in any way, because now he has a wife like Ash who he considers to be his best friend. Abhishjek denies that it is a conscious decision on his part to do most of his films with Ash.

"It is petty to think that I maneuver to have Ash in every film of mine. I do not decide who should be cast in a film as my leading lady. I do not insist that Ash should be my leading lady.

I did two films last year after marriage and Ash was not there in them at all. Ash was not there in Delhi 6 with me. Mani wanted her in his film which has a working title like Ravana and Abhinav Deo was keen that she should be a part of his film. "

Abhishek confesses shyly that he and Ash have still not thought about an addition to their family.

"We feel that a child is God's gift and frankly have not planned about having a child as of now because both of us are quiet busy with work. As and when we do have a child, what is of primary importance is that we should have a healthy child and it is immaterial whether we have a son or a daughter".

Abhishek's next releases will be Balki's Pa in which he has been cast with his dad, Mani's film, in which his co-actors are Vikram, Ash and Ravi Kishen and Rajeev Menon's next film, which has been inspired by his parents' film Abhimaan.

noreply@blogger.com (Harshajyoti Das) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:23:00 +0000

Kareena Kapoor reveals how she achieved her sultry figure

Kareena Kapoor has turned writer for her dietician Rujuta Diwekar! Confused? Well Bebo has written a foreword in Rujuta Diwekar's bestselling book, Don't Lose Your Mind, Lose Your Weight and in that she has herself revealed her breakfast secrets that lead to her size zero figure.

"Rujuta has changed my perception towards diets and dieting. She has taught me to eat well, eat right and eat regularly. I started working with her around the time I started work on Tashan. The results are for all to see.

My size zero became a topic of national interest. The media asked me if it was diet or exercise. It was a combination of both; 70% diet and 30% exercise-training and yoga, " writes Kareena in her foreword.

"Rujuta understands my work and lifestyle and has given me a diet totally customised to my needs. My diet on work days is different from my diet on shoot days. It even on varies on shoot days, like it is different if I have to dance or perform. The meal is planned according to my level of activity."

"In Mumbai, my breakfast is muesli and milk or a chillah or parathas; no chai or coffee. While shooting for Tashan in Ladakh. I ate fresh fruit for breakfast and thukpas and momos for my other meals. I had pudina tea without milk.

On the last day, I was allowed pizza as well. In Kerala, I had idlis and appams. In Italy it was risotto and pasta with gorgonzola; half portions though, not full."

"I make sure I eat every two hours. My evening snack or meal is soy milk or a sandwich. Rujuta focuses on nutrition, not calories. Amazingly, she likes to keep the nutritional value of what you eat, as compared to the calories consumed, high.

I have learnt what she means when she says, "be smart about food" and still enjoy what you eat. Now thanks to this book, you can (learn) too and I am sure you will find it good enough to eat, " signs off the svelte and gorgeous superstar.

Rujuta Diwekar's book Don't Lose Your Mind, Lose Your Weight is presently selling like hot cakes and is available at bookstores.

noreply@blogger.com (Harshajyoti Das) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:22:00 +0000

No more Bikinis for Kareena.... Ever!!!

By Subhash K Jha

If you thought 2008 was the year of Kareena Kapoor then wait till you hear what’s in store for this stunner in 2009.

“For starters, ” she begins as she packs for her much-awaited week-long vacation in Europe with Saif Ali Khan, “I’ll finally be moving into my new home in January. It’s just a hop and skip away from where I stay on Hill Road in Bandra. I can’t give up being close to my mom and living in Bandra.”

The home in a building called Queen will also have a new apartment for Kareena’s mother. “Of course my mother is moving with me. I can’t live breathe or take one step without my mother. The only difference is she’ll now have a separate apartment. But we’re still on the same floor.”

As for the home that Saif is preparing for the two of them, Kareena shrugs, “That won’t be ready for another two years. That’s how long it’s going to be before we get married anyway. Right now my diary is filled up till 2010. There’s no space for even a runaway marriage.”

Kareena has in fact decided to gift her mom much more than just a new home. She has made her mom a New Year promise.

“No more bikini shots for me. I mean I’m very happy with the kind of attention and adulation I got for getting into a bikini in Tashan. And I wasn’t uncomfortable wearing it. Why should I be? I’ve the physique to carry it off. But that’s it.

My mother didn’t like me in a bikini. Also the kind of work that I’m doing now in 3 Idiots or Renzil d’Silva’s film doesn’t require that kind of exposure.”

With her super-star daughter being extremely busy with her career and Saif, mom Babita has a lot of time on hand.

“She now does a lot of charity work with charitable institutions like the Mount Mary Old Age Home in Bandra and other places. She’s a very giving woman. I should know. She scarificed her own career and joys to bring up my sister and me.”

Not too many people know Babita is half-Christian.

Reveals Kareena, “Her mother was a Christian and father

noreply@blogger.com (Harshajyoti Das) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:16:00 +0000

I don't believe that wearing a bikini leads to success: Raima Sen

Moon Moon Sen's daughters Riya and Raima Sen have carried the beauty legacy ahead in Bollywood started by their beautiful grandmom Suchitra Sen but success has however constantly eluded them.

Especially Raima who despite some really good performances in films such as Godmother and Manorama Six Feet Under and the very recent Mere Khwabon Mein Jo Aaye have got applause from the critics but no box office success.

We asked the demure and petite actress about her lack of recognition, her relationship status and what’s on the cards for her career wise.

About her career, Raima states, “I know well that to reach that particular level of big stardom it does take time. But I think I am on the way. I am certainly trying my best and I feel that I have not gotten the right recognition so far but I will never lose sight of my goal. I will make my way to success.

Would she follow the trend of doing bold roles or ever resort to the skin show that many actresses adopt these days in their films? “I don't believe that wearing a bikini leads to success. I have not given it any thought beyond that, ” says Sen.

As for her personal life, Sen is single but not ready to mingle. She reveals, “My focus is on my career. I am not looking for any sort of relationship right now. When the time is right, everything will fall into place. Right now, there is no one in my life.”

Raima’s next film up for release is Teen Patti, which also stars Amitabh Bachchan. “Apart from that, there are a few more scripts that I am reading right now, ” she concludes.

noreply@blogger.com (Harshajyoti Das) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:07:00 +0000

Saif and Kareena Kapoor playing terrorists?

2009 is a special year for Rensil D'Silva as he takes the big leap from writing to direction. By now it's known to one and all, that Rensil would be making his directorial debut with the Saif-Kareena-Vivek Oberoi starrer to be produced under the banner of Dharma Productions.

The buzz in the media circles is that the intense film is titled Jihaad but Rensil denied this rumor. "No...my film is not called Jihaad. It's a name that the media seems to have given the film but it's not the official title", says Rensil

Probe him a little bit on what the film is about and Rensil says, "It's a romantic thriller set against the backdrop of global terrorism."

There is a strong buzz that Saif and Kareena are playing terrorists in the film but the director is not ready to reveal much. "I can't reveal plot points or character sketches at this point of time", says the writer turned director, who doesn't deny the news.

Apart from Saif, Kareena and Vivek Oberoi the film was supposed to star Tara Sharma. However, the actress is due to have her first baby soon and hence had to back out of the project. Minissha Lamba would now be essaying that part. The supporting cast also includes Kirron Kher, Om Puri and some talented new faces.

So, how much of the film's shoot is complete at this stage? "We are around 40% through with filming. We've shot in Philadelphia, Delhi and the Mumbai schedule is currently underway. We plan to complete shooting by May and will release the film in the last quarter of 2009, " says Rensil.

While the story of the film has been written by Karan Johar, Rensil has worked on the screenplay of the film. An interesting fact however is that instead of Dharma favorites Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, this time it would be Salim-Sulaiman who would be composing music for this film.

Badshah to experiment with haircutting!

noreply@blogger.com (Harshajyoti Das) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 16:43:00 +0000



Shah Rukh Khan seems to be getting adventurous. Having made a career out of working in the safe zone with Yash Chopra, Aditya Chopra and Karan Johar, he has lately begun to move out of the comfort zone. Priyadarshan, who's known for his slapstick comedies featuring Paresh Rawail, Om Puri and Rajpal Yadav, now jumps into the big league. He's working with Shah Rukh Khan in a film, strangely called Billoo Barbar. Aur mazey ki baat yeh hai ki Shah Rukh, who's known as the badshah of Bollywood, doesn't play the title role in Billoo Barbar. The title role goes to the talented Irrfan Khan who plays the barbar. King Khan called up Priyan's Billoo and said, 'I'll do the dancing you do the acting.' Ever since then Irrfan has a dazed look in his eye. No wonder ha has a valid reason for that.

-santabanta.com

Why Amitabh is not writing his blog

noreply@blogger.com (Harshajyoti Das) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 16:41:00 +0000

The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards in Bangkok kept its brand ambassador, Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan, so preoccupied that he failed to keep his date with his blog.

Otherwise a regular blogger, Amitabh was only able to add one entry when he reached Bangkok Friday morning. Since then, he has not found the time to write to his fans.

“I arrived here at 7:00 in the morning on the 6th, went straight to press meets and forum meetings for IIFA, inaugurating the business forum of IIFA amongst the corporate world of both India and Thailand, ” he wrote in his blog entry dated June 6.

The actor quickly summed up his string of activities at the beginning of the first day of the event. “I am overwhelmed by the reactions of the people and the media and am now rushing off for more activities, ” he stated.

His entry titled “Apologies! Apologies!” had Amitabh explaining his plight to his fans. “I need time to put everything down in detail for you. Bear with me please, ” the actor added.

“Amitabh Bachchan, in great appreciation of your kind indulgence and your patience!” he signed off.

The IIFA event ended Sunday.

-santabanta.com

Arhaan is my weakness: Malaika Arora

noreply@blogger.com (Harshajyoti Das) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 16:39:00 +0000



Model-anchor-item girl Malaika Arora thanks her five-year-old son Arhaan for whatever she is today. 'Arhaan is the best thing that happened to me. For anyone it's the greatest joy to have a child and for every mother her child is her weakness. And, yes, he is my weakness, ' said Malaika, best remembered as the 'Chhaiya Chhaiya' girl. Malaika, who was here to launch a store last week, has been married to actor Arbaaz Khan for 10 years and says of her son: 'Arhaan brought a lot of changes in me in terms of the person that I am and to my temperament as well. I really thank him for making me the way I am today.' The 34-year-old is all geared up for her first full-length role as an actress opposite Arjun Rampal in Suniel Shetty's 'EMI'. 'I am really excited about 'EMI'. I play Arjun's love interest in the film. The film talks about easy monthly instalments (EMI) and how people who take such loans are not able to repay them, ' Malaika told. On being asked if there are any films with Arbaaz in the pipeline, Malaika said: 'There's no film as of now, but there is a song that I am doing with him. I have done a song with him earlier (for Shubha Mudgal's album 'Dholna'), but this is the first time I am pairing up with him for a film song.' The couple will soon be seen grooving to a number in Indrajith Lankesh's 'Shaadi Ke After Effects'. Apart from her stint on television as MTV's popular video jockey, Malaika has played judge on reality dance show 'Nach Baliye' and also hosted NDTV Imagine's music show 'Dhoom Macha De'. Now, brother-in-law Salman Khan has also turned to the small screen as the host of reality game show 'Dus Ka Dum'. 'I have seen the promos of the show. They are really cool and I am sure Salman bhai would do a great job. I wish him all the best, ' she said. -santabanta.com

Will Aishwarya play a sex worker?

noreply@blogger.com (Harshajyoti Das) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 20:02:00 +0000

According to a source plans are afoot to bring Ash and the ethereal Meryl Streep together in an American production of Chaos.

Says a source, "They ran the concept with Meryl and Ash and they were game .They need to Americanize the theme because Chaos was a very French movie. But yes, in principle Ash is on for this film."

Another international project that Aishwarya has given the nod to is Roland Joffe's Singularity with Brendan Fraser.

Speaking on Singularity Ash says, "I've asked them for the final draft of the script. Now the time factor has to be worked out. The time they want is devoted to Mani Sir (Ratnam)'s project.

New dates have to be worked out. There're so many projects that I want to do but because of the dates or a delay I can't. There're only that number of assignments I can take on. I've never done more work that I can do. I never can."

In the meanwhile Aishwarya gets ready to shoot for Shankar's Robot and Mani Ratnam's film with Abhishek.

Informs the actress, "There has been a little delay in Shankar's Robot because of his writer Sujata's death. That has delayed Robot a bit. All kinds of rumours have been floated about the project.

The dates situation does get tighter for me because I was supposed to shoot Robot now and Mani Sir's film a little later during the year. We just have to work under a tighter schedule now."

-santabanta.com

I hope Deepika and Ranbir stay together: Kareena Kapoor

noreply@blogger.com (Harshajyoti Das) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 20:00:00 +0000

By Subhash K Jha Kareena, in her words, is working like a mad woman.

"I've five film in various stages of production. Then I've nine endorsements for which I've to shoot ads round the year.

Plus I've all these stage shows that require rehearsals. I can't seem to find the time to do anything properly," she laments from Melbourne where she's shooting for Salman Khan's Main Aur Mrs Khanna.

She has in fact agreed to perform at IIFA in June and is rehearsing as she has never done. "I'm performing a medley of my songs from Jab We Met and Tashan. Gone are the days when I'd go on stage with just a little practice. Now I want to be my best in every stage performance."

But where's the time! "Here, at Melbourne I'm rehearsing for IIFA at nights and shooting in the day time. Am I over-worked? I'm exhausted. But what choice do I have? I've decided to take my live performances as seriously as my movies and endorsement,"she says.

She's currently Melbourne and will next move to Los Angeles for a long 40-day spell of shooting for Sajid Nadiadwala's Kambhakt Ishq

"I'll be away from home for more than three months at a stretch. I miss home. I miss my family. I've never been so much out of Mumbai. I'll finish shooting here, then head to perform at the IIFA.

In fact I'm working so hard I hardly get sleep. I'm shooting in the day time and I'm rehearsing during the night.I feel like a I haven't slept for ages."

She'll join Saif in London for a week in London from June 20. Saif will be shooting in the city for his first home production to be directed by Imtiaz Ali. Yup, the same film that Deepika Padukone is doing instead of Kareena.

And Deepika is seeing Kareena's star-cousin Ranbir. "I'm so happy for them. I hope they'll be happy together. It feels so nice to have another Kapoor from my generation doing so well.

He was fantastic in Saawariya. He's here's to stay. I feel a sense of pride and belonging for him.The Kapoors and Khans are rocking the industry."

No hard feelings about not being in Saif's first home production?

"None at all," Bebo laughs. "I joked at the Stardust awards about not being in Saif's first production and everyone took it seriously.

Honestly I enjoy meeting him outside Mumbai. At least we can have some privacy. At home me and Saif can't even go out for dinner without people staring at us, constantly judging our behaviour..."

-santabanta.com

Now get ready to see a hot hot Vidya Balan

noreply@blogger.com (Harshajyoti Das) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 19:58:00 +0000

After Amrita Rao, now it’s baby Vidya who is desperately trying to change her looks and probably image also. And folks, what could have been better for Vidya Balan than to follow the fashion statement of stars like Saif Ali, Aamir and King Khan.

Yes, we are aptly talking about Vidya opting for a tattoo tale for her silky skin.

Roaming around in the alleys of tinsel town all alone, the senorita has already gone crazy for attention and her heart is aching of pumping only blood and no adrenalin for affected affection. You know what we mean!

Thus, Vidya is all set to shed her next door girl image and adopt a brand new style statement. The gorgeous lady has accepted that she is going to tattoo her body.

For the record we must recap that recently baby Vidya has been in the news with her brewing romance with lonely baba Shahid.

After witnessing Shahid’s ex-girlfriend Kareena’s new dude Saif inking Kareena’s name on his arms, it would really be interesting to see whose name or which design Vidya would be choosing to cover her lonely skin.

Well though, Vidya’s upcoming venture Kismat Konnection has Shahid Kapoor as her co-star, the hotter cake should be counted on Vidya’s glistening skin. Sad part of the matter is now even Vidya will be out of the next door (image). Well, NEXT!

-santabanta.com

I've finally proved my critics wrong: Katrina Kaif

noreply@blogger.com (Harshajyoti Das) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 19:57:00 +0000

By Subhash K Jha

Katrina who's currently basking in the success of Abbas-Mustan's Race in Dubai has plenty to be happy about. Her heroine-centric turn in Vipul Shah's Namaste London has elicited wah-wahs not just from critics but also from the masses.

"Yeah the film is a hit. And I think I've finally proved my critics wrong. Not that Namaste London is my first success. My first film Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya and then Sarkar were also successful. But it's good to be recognized in a film that revolves around you."

Next move forward…Katrina has signed on the dotted line for Subhash Ghai's new directorial venture Yuvraj where she's paired with Salman.

"It's a big move. Because banner-wise Subhashji is just the top-of-the-shelf and I love the way he presents heroines. Look at Mahima in Pardes and Meenakshi Sheshadri in Hero.

Even in a masculine films like Karma and Ram Lakhan Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit were no walk-overs. So yeah, I'm really looking forward to it."

People would presume Katrina pipped the role through Salman's recommendation "It's so stupid to think like that specially now when I have Namaste London to my credit.

Actually I met Subhash-ji long before. He had offered me a film. I think it was Kisna. Now for Yuvraj he asked Vipul Shah to show him my work in Namaste London. That's how I think he decided on me."

Trying to curb her annoyance at Salman-centric interpretations to her career progress Katrina says, "Do people think Subhash-ji is the kind of filmmaker who can be influenced by people into signing anyone? He has always gone by what is right for his film."

Katrina plays a musician in Yuvraj. "It's the role of a modern musician and I've had to learn to play a musical instrument for it. I didn't want to get into this role just anyhow. I wanted to be fully prepared.."

-santabanta.com

Shahid-Vidya stories are False

noreply@blogger.com (Harshajyoti Das) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 19:55:00 +0000

Shahid Kapoor is a thorough professional and will not let anything come between him and his work. Not even lousy stories that are circulated in print.

The actor, however, wishes to clarify his stand on a story printed in a tabloid recently.

It said that how Vidya (Balan) and Shahid had gone out for lunch and did not return for over three hours bringing the shooting of Ken Ghosh's new untitled film produced by UTV to a standstill.

But a close friend of Shahid's clarified that, "while that Vidya his co star from Kismat Konnection and a very dear friend had dropped in to say hi after which they proceeded to catch a quick lunch during the lunch time which lasted for 45 mins.

And that as a professional Shahid would never hold up work for hours on end just to have lunch with a friend, the story is untrue".

Recently there was also another report that Shahid interferes in the shooting of the film and likes calling the shoots for the same.

Ken Ghosh clarifies this baseless story.

Says Ken, "Shahid is a thorough professional. This is a very stupid story. Shahid has never interfered in my work and in any of my films shooting, and to suggest it's as good as insulting my capability as a director.

I and Shahid are good buddies; we bounce of ideas of each other. It is not interference. Shahid is intelligent, thinking and a professional actor.

-santabanta.com