Film publicist Dale Bhagwagar: On Kareena and Shahid

Dale Bhagwagar, film publicist to many Bollywood stars including Shilpa Shetty and Hrithik Roshan, said recently in an interview with the BBC radio station BBC Asian Network that he felt the hoopla surrounding the Bebo-Shahid breakup was too much.“It might prove to be good for the film's publicity, but the hullabaloo is quite unnecessary. Our entertainment media is simply aping the West by trying to peep into the personal lives of stars 24x7. Bollywood doesn't really need this. If the films are good, they are bound to run. And as far as Jab We Met goes, it's a well-packaged product. Both Shahid and Kareena have matured as actors, though it would have done the film some more good, if their onscreen chemistry was still better, and if they looked less like siblings."Adding, "Kareena Kapoor actually looks like Shahid Kapoor's elder sister! Saif Ali Khan is a better bet for her; looks wise, as well as career wise!"Earlier in his PR column Bhagwagar said about Shahid, “From an imaging point of view, after his split with Kareena, Shahid can either play cry-baby and portray himself as a bechara attracting public sympathy, or he can say that it doesn't bother him if Kareena left him. But Shahid is toeing a better line right now. He is saying that he is moving on in life. Even if he is being diplomatic in the way he is handling the media, there's no denying that given the situation, it's the best path he can take at the moment."Getting back to Kareena the actress, Bhagwagar went on to say, “In fact, with this film, Kareena has risen to be one the best bets Bollywood has for the future. She might be direct competition to Rani Mukherji and Aishwarya Rai now."

Shahid: Its hurts to see and read this all the time

One last story on the Shahid/Bebo break-up and then it will be on to other stories, other loves and other films. Recently Shahid in an interview revealed that it is hard for him to see all the pictures and stories about Saif and former love Kareena.“It will be dishonest to say that this doesn’t affect me. I am human, it hurts to see and read this all the time. I guess I have no choice but to live and deal with it,” he said.About his broken relationship he said, “I hold nothing against anybody, if I do, it will pull me down, and I’m not like that. I’ll cherish the good memories of that relationship and move on. That’s what I’m doing — looking at the positive side and trying to be happy.”Adding, “But it is below Bebo’s dignity and mine to talk about all this now. I wish her all the happiness in the world. I have great respect for her. She’s a wonderful girl.”Shahid says he is trying to look at the positive side affects: “I am feeling a certain sense of independence all over again. Today, I have time to myself and can do things which maybe I always wanted to do but never could. From where I am at this point in life, things are looking up. The best part is the overwhelming affection, concern and support that people are showing. I feel special.”And love, does he hope to find love again? Shahid answered smiling, “Oh, I’m very optimistic and still believe in love. You don’t plan to fall in love but, yes, I will fall in love again.”Finally, he hopes that audiences will forget all the drama and accept Kareena and Shahid as a couple on screen, even if they are no longer a couple off screen, in Jab We Met, which opens next Friday. We certainly are looking forward to seeing the film!

Saif Ali Khan finds his nest

After a long search, actor Saif Ali Khan has at last found a house he can call his nest. For many months now Saif has seen various houses and apartments in search of his dream home. The search apparently began early this year when he was still with Rozza Catalano . Saif had always been against high-rise apartments because they end up falling like a house of cards whenever there is an earthquake. However, he did like an apartment in a building. The actor says in a media report that just when he was about to move into this apartment he found that the building’s elevator shaft ran through his living room. The idea of buying it was dropped there and then.
But now, Saif’s search has reportedly ended at a house on 29th Road in Bandra. The house is twice as spacious as the apartment Saif is presently living in. Saif says he needed a spacious house because his two kids Sara and Ibrahim keep visiting him often. The new house will obviously have kids’ rooms. The house won’t look like a bachelor’s pad. Saif wants proper interior decoration done before he moves into the house. For this he has reportedly roped in interior designer Renu Chainani, who previously designed Saif’s office. However, it will take a couple of months to do the interiors. Saif would apparently be able to move in only by mid-2008.

Shilpa Shetty gears up for 'Miss Bollywood' in UK

After its successful launch in Germany, Bollywood star and Celebrity Big Brother winner Shilpa Shetty 's new musical, ‘Miss Bollywood’ will perform in the UK with the first of its eight shows to be held at opera house in Manchester on November 3. ‘Miss Bollywood’ is a musical extravaganza that uses spectacular choreography and stages the story of 'Maya', a 1 young classical trained choreographer who finds herself thrust into the limelight where she must sink or swim. The troupe comprises 40 dancers from Bollywood and UK. Her tribulations include the unwanted attentions of a famous but predatory choreographer and a jealous diva.
With Shilpa playing the lead character Maya, the musical promises to take its audiences on a two-hour roller coaster ride behind the scenes and backstage in the world of Bollywood. This fun-filled musical is a celebration of Bollywood's kitsch and splendour as well as it's unique brand of humour in a colourful, contemporary and yet cultured representation of the Hindi film industry. The musical will be held in Cardiff (St David's Hall), Bradford (St George's Hall), Aberdeen (His Majesty's Theatre), Glasgow, (Clyde Auditorium), Birmingham (Alexandra Theatre), Cambridge (Corn Exchange) and London (Royal Albert Hall). The show at the Royal Albert Hall will be held on November 12. Shilpa, a household name in the UK after her success in the ‘Big Brother’, said the show would not only cater to Bollywood's fans but also those who like dance and musical theatre. Shilpa would recapture on stage some of Bollywood's greatest hits of the past 40 years. This is the first time that a musical on Bollywood is being enacted by an actor of the industry.

Akshay Kumar – the most bankable star after SRK

The success rate of films starring Akshay Kumar has been phenomenal this year. He doesn’t like to brag about it, nor does he speak of himself as if he is the undisputed superstar of Bollywood. Akshay Kumar, the soft-talking macho man of Hindi film industry, is seen as the most bankable star after Shah Rukh Khan by Bollywood dream merchants. Check this out: Akshay has had three releases this year and none of them was a flop. The year began on a good note for the star with Namastey London which Akshay pretty much carried on his sole shoulders. The film was liked by masses and critics alike and was a hit at home and abroad. Akshay’s career reached a new crescendo with Sajid Khan’s Heyy Babyy , which proved to be a superhit at the box-office. Although the film had two other stars ( Fardeen Khan and Ritesh Deshmukh ) it was Akshay who stole the thunder with his superb comic timing.
And now, Akki’s last release Bhool Bhulaiyaa too has done remarkably well in India and in the UK as well. The result of Akshay’s success rate has made him a safe bet for production houses. So much so, they are willing to shell out huge amounts of money to get Akshay into their projects. Of late, three different production houses have been vying to rope in Akshay for their projects. But it is Venus Films that has reportedly clinched a plum deal with the actor.
Reports have it that the deal has been finalized for an astronomical sum of Rs. 41 crore. It is rumoured that Akshay has been signed for a whopping 20 crore for the film but he will actually be given somewhere close to 30 crore. Apart from this, Akshay also has a 54 per cent partnership in the deal. This means that when the film is sold he might get close to Rs. 11 crore more. The total amount comes to Rs. 41 crore, which is more than the budgets of some big films in Bollywood. But Venus Films is also making sure that they make profit out of this deal. They have reportedly signed none other than Priyadarshan to direct the film. The Akshay-Priyan combination has been deadly at the box-office.

Sexy model joins Bhandarkar’s 'Fashion'

Madhur Bhandarkar’s next film Fashion will have real models from the fashion industry. The film, Bhandarkar’s exposé of the dark side of the fashion world, has Priyanka Chopra in the central role. The film’s story is told from the point of view of the character played by Priyanka. Kangana Ranaut also plays an important part. Bhandarkar is also roping in real models for his movie. The first one to be signed is sexy Mugdha Godse.
Reports say Mugdha will feature in a very significant sequence depicting wardrobe malfunction, something similar to what happened to model Carol Gracias last year at Lakme Fashion Week.
Mugdha has won several beauty contests like Gladrags Mega Model Contest (2002) and Miss Body Beautiful contest (2002). She was also chosen Miss Perfect 10 at the Ponds Femina Miss India Contest in 2004. She says she is excited about working with a filmmaker of Bhandarkar’s caliber in her very first Bollywood outing. Mugdha has been part of the fashion world for over five years. She has also done several ads (including one with Shah Rukh Khan ) and she has performed in music videos as well.

Mallika Sherawat replaces Tabu

Mallika Sherawat has replaced Tabu in writer-turned-director Sanjay Chhel 's latest venture ‘Maan Gaye Mughal-e-Azam’. Apparently the producers of the film were unwilling to pay the price Tabu asked for. Obviously the role has undergone critical modifications to suit altered conditions. Chhel disagrees: "I'm a writer. So I know exactly how to place an actor into a character. Yes, Tabu was to do the role. But the way I look at it now, the role is perfect for Mallika. If Naseeruddin Shah had done Black wouldn't it have been different from the way Amitabh Bachchan played the character?" In the past too, the industry has had some incredible casting makeovers, like Tabu stepping into Rani Mukherjee ’s space in Mira Nair 's The Namesake and Lisa Ray getting into Deepa Mehta 's Water , originally earmarked for Nandita Das .
Chhel asserts that his film isn't a spoof on the classic "Mughal-e-Azam". "No one in his right mind would satirise that all-time classic. My film is about a theatrical repertoire. Everyone -- Rahul Bose , Kay Kay Menon , Mallika -- has a comic role." Rahul and Mallika hit it off like a house on fire during Pyar Ke Side Effects . While Pritish Nandy Productions is still planning a sequel, Chhel has gone and got the unlikely pair together again. It would be interesting to see Mallika do yet another role, after ‘Pyar Ke Side Effects’, where she is not cast in her sex-bomb image.

Aishwarya Rai refuses item number in 'Drona'?

The gorgeous Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has reportedly refused to do an item number in Drona – yes, the film that stars her husband Abhishek Bachchan in the title role. Goldie Behl ’s ‘Drona’ is a movie that is allegedly set to supersede Krrish with its highly advanced special effects and it is also set to be a feather in the junior Bachchan’s cap after consecutive hits in Dhoom 2 and Guru .
Behl had plans to rope in Ash for an item number in the film and the director through hubby Abhishek seemingly offered an item number to Ash though Priyanka Chopra is the lead heroine for ‘Drona’. But with some minor consideration Ash reportedly put down both the director and her husband. Considering the fact that Ash’s kitty is now filled with some prestigious projects and international films like Pink Panther 2, it is not surprising that the former Miss World quietly refused the offer from Behl rendering more importance to her individual career than wanting to add zing to Abhishek’s film.
The duo of Abhishek and Behl reportedly then went and approached Bipasha Basu for the item number in ‘Drona’. Bipasha’s only condition was that she would do an item number only if the song could outshine her performance in ‘ Beedi Jalaiyle’ from Omkara . But things turned awry again when Bipasha wasn’t too confident whether Priyanka would edge her out as the main highlight in the film. Subsequently she got to know that even Priyanka would shake a leg with her in the number and share screen space. That forced Bipasha to step back and refute her presence in ‘Drona’.

Kareena Kapoor to don a bikini?

If rumours are to be believed, Kareena Kapoor is all set to turn hot for Tashan . Though Kareena has played a number of glamourous roles in her acting career, she has never exposed beyond a limit. Now, that limit might be redefined.Tinsel town is abuzz with talk that Kareena will wear bikini for a few portions of the Yashraj Films presentation ‘Tashan’ that has Bebo pairing with her new beau Saif Ali Khan .It is learnt that director Vijay Krishna Acharya and producer Aditya Chopra want to present Kareena in an entirely new avatar in ‘Tashan’.
Aditya was previously instrumental in presenting Aishwarya Rai and Bipasha Basu in hot avatars in Dhoom 2 . Now he is apparently doing the same to Kareena.
Reports say the reason why Kareena has been shedding her flab and getting in shape in the last few months is for the bikini scenes that will be shot in February next year.
However, there has been no official confirmation of this either from Kareena or from the film’s makers.
Apart from Kareena and Saif, ‘Tashan’ also stars Akshay Kumar and Anil Kapoor .

Shah Rukh's loss is Ranbir Kapoor's gain

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan opted out of two plum projects recently. Obviously, his loss is going to be someone else’s gain.It is common knowledge by now that SRK has bowed out of Shankar’s Robot and director Rajkumar Hirani’s next film. Well, given Hirani’s successful box-office record, SRK’s departure from his film will obviously be seen as the superstar’s loss. That loss has become gain for newcomer Ranbir Kapoor who has reportedly been signed by Hirani in SRK’s place.Hirani’s movie will expose the inadequacies of modern education system. The film is believed to be based on Chetan Bhagat’s best-selling novel ‘Five Point Someone’. It is a film Hirani has been wishing to make for a long time. Ranbir Kapoor was on the cards for a role in the film ever since Rishi Kapoor approached Hirani to make a film with Ranbir after the release of Lage Raho Munnabhai.SRK and Ranbir are already headed for a clash on November 9 when their films Om Shanti Om and Saawariya hit the theatres.

Deepika Padukone spotted with cricketer Yuvraj Singh!

The Om Shanti Om debutante was recently spotted with the swashbuckling cricketer.While the media is busy linking her with Indian cricket team’s captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, it is Yuvraj Singh who seems to have caught the attention of actress Deepika Padukone.
According to reports, Deepika was seen with Yuvraj at China House at the Grand Hyatt (Vakola) late on Saturday night. The two were spotted coming out of the restaurant well past midnight.However, their body language reportedly suggested that Deepika and Yuvraj were just getting to know each other rather than having a date together.Handsome Yuvraj had previously been dating Kim Sharma but the couple split a few months back.Deepika was recently linked with M S Dhoni after the Indian skipper invited Deepika and Shah Rukh Khan to the T20 game with Australia in Mumbai. Deepika had said back then that she went to see the match to cheer the entire Indian team and not just any one individual.Deepika has previously dated model Nihar Pandya.

Kareena Kapoor cried because of Saif Ali Khan?

Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan are just a few weeks into a relationship and the couple have reportedly had their first quarrel already. Recently Saif and Kareena had an argument at a party and Kareena was even seeing crying. Farhan Akhtar recently threw a party at a nightclub and invited over all his friends. Saif who has acted in his Dil Chahta Hai , also turned up for the party with his new love Kareena in tow. However a source claims that Saif and Kareena were seen arguing at the party in full view of all the guests. However when Saif told Kareena to ‘Shut up’, she burst into tears. Kareena was extremely upset as she felt that Saif shouldn’t have treated her like that especially since she had dumped Shahid Kapur for him.
A close friend admitted that the two did have a tiff, but however said “Kareena and Saif did have a minor fight at the party. But these kind of things happen between couples. There is nothing more to it and there is no trouble between them. Kareena did not cry and was seen smiling after the tiff.” Kareena and Saif later left the party together, but Kareena was still a bit miffed with Saif for being rude to her. The guests and their friends at the party were surprised to see the much in love couple argue with each other. However Kareena’s spokesperson denied any such incident saying “it is absolutely untrue and someone is saying this to malign us. Nothing of this sort happened.” Kareena and Saif will soon be seen together in Yashraj Films Tashan .

Shahid Kapur's onscreen romance – from Kareena to Katrina!

Days after the release of his film Jab We Met , Shahid Kapur has been signed for another romantic comedy. This time his heroine is not Kareena Kapoor . Shahid is certainly moving to the higher league in Bollywood. His cute look and dimpled smile still make him look like a boy, but Shahid is getting lead roles opposite actresses that look mature than him. First, it was director Aziz Mirza to cast him in his film ‘Kismat Connection’ opposite Vidya Balan . The film has already been shot and its post-production work is underway. Now, it is Rajkumar Santoshi who has signed Shahid to play the leading man opposite gorgeous Katrina Kaif in his next movie. Santoshi, known mostly for making films with socio-political themes, is now eager to explore a genre he hasn’t tried so far – romantic comedy.
The obvious question that arises is – Is the film about a young guy in love with a mature woman? Santoshi says he cannot divulge any details about the story. However, he does state that he found Shahid and Katrina perfectly suited for the roles. Both the actors have given their nod to the project but their dates are yet to be sorted out. This would be the first time Shahid and Katrina will work together. It remains to be seen how they get along with each other on the sets because Shahid’s ‘cold war’ with Katrina’s beau Salman Khan has been going for a long time.

Another star-son enters Bollywood

Luv Sinha, son of veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha, is all set to make his Bollywood debut.And launching Luv in tinsel town is none other than papa Shatrughan under his company Shotgun Entertainment. It is learnt that Shatrughan has himself finalized the script of the film and the entire Sinha family has collectively zeroed down on director Raj Kanwar to launch Luv into B-Town.The yet untitled movie will be a romantic film to be made on a big budget. It will have the expertise of international technicians.In all probability, the film will go on the floors in December this year.Luv Sinha has had his acting training from Roshan Taneja, the same man who taught his father Shatrughan Sinha acting at FTII. Luv has also trained in various dance forms from Deepak Rawat.

Finally I’m having fun: Kareena

Suddenly Kareena Kapoor is walking on sunshine. After playing the free-spririted Sardarni from Bhatinda in Jab We Met she’s all set to do a full-on comedy in the Gol Maal sequel entitled Phir Gol Maal where she teams up with Ajay Devgan after the very serious Shakespearean tragedy Omkara And Kareena is mighty pleased about this leap from the grim to the grin. Though she doesn’t say it, friends close to her feel she has been trying to curb her naturally ebullient personality for some years now, attempting to be the person that she was not. Now suddenly, say her friends, Kareena is herself again. Laughs Kareena joyously, “Although there’re lots of comic moments in Jab We Met I’ve never done a full-on comedy before. Even when I worked with Priyadarshan (who’s renowned for his comedies) I starred in his only serious film (Chup Chup Ke) in recent times.
And when we did a comedy together (Hulchal) I was the only serious character around. I guess I didn’t have the chance to have fun with my roles before Jab We Met. That’s why I’m looking forward to Gol Maal Returns It’s my chance to pull out all stops.”
The response to her performance in Imtiaz Ali’s romantic comedy Jab We Met has so far been phenomenal.
“The only other film I’ve felt so so good about in recent times is Omkara. The director Imtiaz Ali has brought out the playful extroverted side of me.While I was quiet subdued and withdrawn in Omkara, in Jab We Met I’m in my full element.
This character is really close to my heart. I think from my heart and like to speak my mind openly. And what I liked about this role was the amount of fun we had while traveling and shooting.”
The fun quotient shows up in the film. “I think that enjoyment during shooting has shown up on screen. Everyone who has seen Jab We Met has been appreciative. “
And now Kareena after doing seriously angst-filled roles in Fida and Omkara is all set to let her hair down, throw her feet up in the air and have fun on screen.
Yes, Kareena is truly walking on sunshine. Tell her she looks different these days and she seems surprised.
“Do I look different? It’s just that I’ve become thinner. And I’m happy being myself.”

Did Ash learn from Beyonce?

Former Miss World and now one of the top Bollywood actresses Aishwarya Rai was present at the MMRDA ground here on late Saturday night when popstar Beyonce Knowles crooned songs and shook her body leading the delirious fans on a joyous frenzy. Ash, came to the concert with her sister-in-law Shweta Nanda. The Bollywood actress, who recently returned home after shooting for a Hollywood project Pink Panther 2, appeared mesmerized by Beyonce’s magic.
Performing for the first time in India, US R&B star Beyonce Knowles rocked the city with her silver figure-hugging dress and her charming moves. Thousands of fans filled the concert venue, which was a part of the ‘Beyonce Experience 2007 World Tour’.
The ‘bootylicious’ popstar had the audience grooving to her hugely popular hip-hop tunes like ‘Crazy Love’, ‘Baby Love’ and ‘Beautiful Liar’.
“Oh she’s popular in Canada and I haven’t seen her in Canada, so it was just my luck that we ‘re here,” said one of Beyonce’s Canadian fans.
“Why am I at the Beyonce concert? Because Beyonce rocks,” quipped Julie another fan of her.
Popularity of Beyonce in India also got manifested by the huge presence of her Indian fan, who came here from different parts of the country.
“She has like a really cool dress sense and she’s damn cool,” said Nilima.
Beyonce kept the crowd gyrating at her tunes and made the people go crazy when she said, “I have a baby boy in India. I dream of him all the time.”
View Aishwarya’s Photos and Videos

Vidya: Ash was offred my role

Now it can be told. Playing the woman possessed in Priyadarshan’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa was not easy …no make that, a harrowing traumatic and lethal experience for Vidya, so much so that one day while doing the climactic dance of death as the woman-possessed, she simply fell to the ground. Recalling the trauma she smiles, “For a person like me who never gets outwardly angry, never raises her voice and never gets violent getting into character as Manjulika the wronged demoniacal abusive ghost was something I thought I’d never carry off. Hats off to Priyadrashan for having so much faith in me. I’m aware the role was offered to Aishwarya Rai. I was also aware that Shobana and Jyothika rocked in the Malayalam and Tamil versions of the film. They were both accomplished dancers. I had to learn Kathak from scratch, then perform a proper formal dance with a trained dancer (Vineet) and also do a demented raging out –of-sync dance performance as a woman-possessed. On top of that the song for the dance came in just two weeks before shooting.”
In addition to the dancing she had to enact the part of a woman who’s possessed by the ghost of a dead dancer. Almost like Linda Blair in the cult horror film The Exorcist in the 1970s.
Was Vidya as traumatized as Linda? “Playing such a psychologically disordered woman who’s outwardly so normal changed my perception of people who suffer mental trauma. I had isolated myself completely for three days.
When I wasn’t shooting the traumatic climax I just walked around the haveli listening to the music and the sounds of silence staying complete IN CHARACTER. Even my parents couldn’t reach me on the phone.”
The silence and the horror finally got to her. “I just collapsed. An acu-pressure specialist had to be called in to relieve my stress. But I’m glad I did it. Nobody expected dominutive propah decorous me to portray such a raging bestiality. These are the kinds of challenges an actor looks for. “
Vidya did miss out on Laga Chunri Mein Daag, though. “Dada (Pradeep Sarkar) gets the best out of everyone. No, I don’t regret not being in Laga Chunri. I don’t regret anything in life.
Though I do feel sorry about not being a part of what Dada does… that’s inconceivable for me. I’m not being politically correct when I say this. But I feel Laga Chunri is as much mine as Bhool Bhulaiyaa.
When I’m asked which film I want to perform better at the box-office I feel like I’m being asked if my sister’s report card should’ve better than mine. Both are my films. And Dada knows it. The only thing that matters to him is his work. The same applies to me.”
She has just shot for Aziz Mirza’s Lucky Charm in Toronto. “Aziz Saab and my co-star Shahid were both first-timers. But you know what? Even the cinematographer Binod Pradhan was new to me.
He had done my screen-tests for Parineeta. He had also been at my first photo-shoot. But finally he couldn’t shoot Parineeta because the dates clashed with Rang De Basanti.”

Big B and Abhi are in OSO too

In Shah Rukh Khan’s much-flaunted mega item number in his forthcoming “Om Shanti Om”, old timers Dharmendra, Jeetendra and Mithun Chakraborty shake a leg along with a bevy of 28 other top stars - but Amitabh Bachchan and son Abhishek are conspicuously missing. For those thinking gleefully that the song is another example of the Shah Rukh-Amitabh famed rivalry, it may be a bit of disappointment to know that both the Bachchans are very much in the film.
“The Bachchans are not in the title song, but will feature in the other sequences,” a source close to the “Om Shanti Om” team told. “How can I not have Mr. Bachchan and Abhishek? Both father and son have a special appearance in my film. They come in a scene just before the song,” Farah Khan, who approached 34 stars but managed to get only 31, was quoted as saying.
Another well-known actor who couldn’t comply with Farah’s request was Aamir Khan. According to the director, Aamir was too busy shooting “Ghajini” and couldn’t take time out.
Set in the 70s film industry “Om Shanti Om”, is about a struggling actor Om, who falls in love with a successful actress, played by pretty newcomer Deepika Padukone. But before Om can woo her, he dies in an accident. He takes a new avatar in “another birth” as a big star and goes in search of his “previous life” love.
Bachchan’s presence in “Om Shanti Om”, a Shah Rukh Khan home production, puts an end to speculation about the animosity between the two stars.
Speaking at the HT Leadership Summit in the capital earlier this month, Shah Rukh had described his rivalry with Amitabh as a media exaggeration. The presence of Abhishek and Amitabh in his film substantiates his statement that there is no rivalry between him and the Bollywood icon.
The stories of their supposed rivalry intensified after Shah Rukh became the host of STAR TV’s quiz show “Kaun Banega Crorepati”, which was till then known as Amitabh’s show, and ran it in his own style successfully.
Soon after that, he acted in a cheeky remake of Amitabh’s 70s hit “Don”, adding grist to rumour mills of the bad vibes between the two superstars.
Then followed Ram Gopal Verma dropping his “Time Machine” with Shah Rukh in order to complete his two projects with Amitabh - “Nishabd” and “Ram Gopal Verma Ke Aag”.
Despite being in London at the time of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards function in Yorkshire, Shah Rukh gave the event a miss. In fact, he missed the 2006 IIFA function too. The reason was said to be Bachchan being the brand ambassador of IIFA. v At the time Amitabh was unwell last year, Shah Rukh bagged many of his ad assignments - with ICICI Bank, Navratan Oil and the government Pulse Polio ads.
Although Amitabh has often denied any rivalry, he didn’t invite Shah Rukh for his son Abhishek’s wedding with Aishwarya Rai.
Perhaps “Om Shanti Om” marks a new friendly beginning for both stars.

Himesh to brave SRK threat!

Till a few days ago, music-director-turned-singer-turned actor Himesh Reshammiya’s dream project, a remake of “Karz”, was as good as shelved, thanks to speculations that Farah Khan’s “Om Shanti Om” has a plot similar to the orginal “Karz”. The makers of the “Karz” remake panicked as they thought there was not much time left for making major changes to the script. They had almost decided to scrap the project. That’s when cool dude Himesh came to the rescue.
After all, how could he let go of a film for which he is working so hard to lose his weight and get his looks right.
A source says: “The script of the movie has been reworked on and now it is final that the movie would not be scrapped. However, Himesh would not essay a double role as thought of before.
The role played by Raj Kiran in the original “Karz” would be portrayed by a newcomer, while Himesh plays just Rishi Kapoor’s part. It is learnt that Himesh himself made these changes and many more, too, in the script. The film-makers are now focusing on beginning the shoot soon.”
The source adds: “Himmesh was very upset and hurt when he heard that his dream project was about to get scrapped. So he started looking for solutions from Day One itself.
The charismatic singer-actor loves the plot of the original “Karz” as it was, perhaps, the only movie in those times which dealt with the concept of rebirth. The same person was played by two different actors, Raj Kiran and Rishi Kapoor.”
The shooting of the movie will now start in January, 2008, as decided upon earlier. Himesh will act, sing, and direct at the same time. Meanwhile, the actor is also doing a movie with Pooja Bhatt, which would be shot in Europe and Pakistan.

Shah Rukh Khan and jobless?

Shah Rukh Khan created a small stir when he announced that he is out of work for eight months, since he as opted out of the two films he had committed to – Shankar’s ‘Robot’, and Rajkumar Hirani’s next, based on Chetan Bhagat’s book, ‘Five Point Someone’. He stated that he had creative differences with the former, and that Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s accusations made him leave the latter.
However, according to sources, these are not the main reasons for his voluntary unemployment. Apparently, he is all set to star in Karan Johar’s ‘My Name Is Khan’, to go on floor soon.
The friendship between Johar and King Khan is legendary, and it is also a well-known fact that SRK is biased towards his friends. In fact, he would have put critics to shame if he had done the other two projects, since they are always accusing him of favouritism.
It is also believed that another possible reason for SRK to break his commitments to the other projects is Kajol – the Karan Johar film brings together the hit SRK-Kajol pair back to screen after a gap of six years.
The source adds, “Karan keeps hopping between US and India, and he is very excited about the project.
Presently Shah Rukh’s and Kajol’s looks are being worked out and the costumes other details are in their final stages. This usually happens when the film is about to start.”
‘My Name Is Khan’ is about a Muslim man, viewed suspiciously, after the 9/11 terror attack.

I am not going bald: Amitabh

Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan rubbishes rumours that he is going to shave his head for his first international film “Shantaram” to be directed by US-based Indian director Mira Nair.
The Big B told: “This is completely untrue! I’ve no knowledge of any such requirement for Mira’s film, nor have I spoken to anyone about it. When I heard about this I spoke to Mira and she rubbished it. “She told me she hasn’t even envisaged me as bald for ‘Shantaram’, let alone share it with the media which is so busy imagining me bald through morphed pictures on the net, etc. But sorry I’m not obliging.” Based on Gregory David Roberts “Shantaram”, the film is being co-produced by Hollywood star Johnny Depp, who plays a key role in it. The closest Amitabh has come to facial innovation is the trimmed beard to play the cop’s role in “Khakee” and the hip ponytail for the chef’s part in “Cheeni Kum”. “That’s as far as I go. My face is ugly enough. I can’t do anything to improve it. Nothing can save it.”
The actor says he will start shooting for “Shantaram” in January, but before that he will complete filming several films in India. He’s currently busy shooting for two back-to-back films - “Bhootnath” and “Alladdin” where he plays a ghost and a djinn respectively. “I am shooting for ‘Bhootnath’ now, which will be complete by the middle of November. I start with Sujoy Ghosh’s ‘Alladdin’ soon after, as also Shoojit Sarkar’s tentatively titled ‘Shoebite’, a working title, and Leena Das’ ‘Teen Patti’. All these will be on till December.”
The Big B then starts work on “Shantaram”. “From January 2008, I’ll be working with Mira, Warner Bros and Johnny Depp on ‘Shantaram’.” After “Shantaram”, he has “Pocketmaar” with Ravi Chopra. ” (Offers from) Ram Gopal Varma, R. Balakrishnan, Deepa Mehta and a few others are (also) under consideration,” said the busy actor.

Priyanka Chopra to endorse J. Hampstead

Priyanka Chopra is the new face of J. Hampstead, an international fabric brand brought in India by Siyaram’s in 1995. Priyanka has endorsed for variety of brands from beauty soap Lux to Kinetic scooty and many more. However, this graceful diva is now all set to endorse the international garment brand. Priyanka Chopra has come a long way since she was crowned Miss World. With many hit films to her credit such as Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Aitraaz, Bluffmaster, Krissh and Don, she is counted among some the fantastic actors in the film faternity today. However, being chosen as a new face of J. Hamstead gives a new high to her career. Priyanka’s upcoming films include Harry Baweja’s Love Story 2050 and Goldie Behl Drona.

Salman beats Abhishek, goes to Madame Tussauds

Salman Khan won the world famous attraction’s public poll by a landslide. He will be soon monumentalized in Madame Tussauds. London is surely delighted about it. Salman beat nine other stars namely, Madhuri Dixit, Hrithik Roshan, Rani Mukherjee, Karan Johar, Kajol, Lata Mangeshkar, Abhishek Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra and John Abraham. Abhishek was the closest contender to Salman. Salman has agreed to sit for Madame Tussauds sculptors in Mumbai. He will be the attraction’s fourth Bollywood figure, joining fellow Indian A-listers Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The figure will be officially unveiled early 2008; a final date is yet to be confirmed.
According to Ben Lovett, PR Manager for Madame Tussauds, “Over 10,000 fans and visitors voted in our poll, and we’re over the moon that Salman Khan is the winner. The Asian market is critical to our attraction and our association with Bollywood, particularly the launch of Shah Rukh Khan earlier this year, has seen a dramatic increase in the number of Asians, from both the UK and abroad, visiting and enjoying Madame Tussauds. We hope to build upon this exciting relationship with the unveiling of Salman.”
Salman Khan commented: “I am touched and honored that my fans have chosen me to appear in Madame Tussauds and hope that the figure will bring much enjoyment to Bollywood followers the world over. I very much looking forward to visiting in the future and coming face to face with my likeness.” Salman Khan next release is Bhansali’s Saawariya starring Rani Mukherjee and debutantes Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor.

Malllika is no more a sex-bomb

Rahul and Mallika hit it off like a house on fire during Pyar Ke Side Effects. While Pritish Nandy Productions are still planning a sequel, Sanjay Chhel has gone and got the unlikely pair together again for his film. How did it happen? We’ve had many incredible casting makeovers, like Tabu stepping into Rani’s space in Mira Nair’s The Namesake….and Deepa Mehta’s Water which was originally earmarked for Nandita Das finally went to Lisa Ray. But this one takes the cake…and makes you quake. In writer-turned-director Sanjay Chhel’s Maan Gaye Mughal-e-Azam a role designed for Tabu has now be allocated to Mallika Sherawat. It’s easy to see the two are as different from each other as any two actresses can be. The closest that these two antithetical screen queens came to each other was when Mallika’s Murder was released alongside Tabu’s Meenaxi on the same Friday. Director Sanjay Chhel is confident he can slot Mallika in the place vacated by Tabu.
“Tabu was being considered earlier for the role of the theatre actress. But it didn’t work out.”
Apparently Tabu was remarkably rigid about the money. The producers were unwilling to pay her the price she asked for.
Obviously the role has undergone critical modificiations to suit altered conditions.
Director Sanjay Chhel disagrees. “I’m a writer. So I know exactly how to place an actor into a character. Yes, Tabu was to do the role. But the way I look at it now, the role is perfect for Mallika. If Naseeruddin Shah had done Black wouldn’t it have been different from the way Mr Bachchan played the character?”
Chhel asserts that his film isn’t a spoof on Mughal-e-Azam. “No one in his right mind would satirize that all-time classic. My film is about a theatrical repertoire. Everyone –Rahul Bose, K.K Menon and Mallika—has a comic role.”
It would be interesting to see Mallika do yet another role after Pyar Ke Side Effects where she is cast opposite her sex-bomb image.
Indeed the most interesting part of Sanjay Chhel’s Maan Gaye Mughal-e-Azam isn’t the title. It’s Mallika moving in Tabu’s territory.

Shahid and Kareena’s passionate liplock in Jab We Met

Everyone’s talking about the on-screen chemistry between Shahid and Kareena in JAB WE MET. The good-looking couple didn’t set the screen ablaze in the first three films they did together FIDA, 36 CHINA TOWN, CHUP CHUPKE, but this time around, in their fourth film, the chemistry is electrifying. Unfortunately, JAB WE MET seems to be their final film together. That’s what everyone feels, after the real-life couple decided to go separate ways for reasons best known to them. I posed this question to Shahid on my TV show and, on camera, he said he’d work with Kareena again. Meanwhile, the ending of JAB WE MET shows Shahid and Kareena indulging in a passionate liplock. Hope it’s not the last kiss!

Salman gifts painting to Ghai on anniversary

Subhash Ghai received a unique gift on 24th October, his marriage anniversary. Ghai, who had hosted a party for select friends at a hotel in Mumbai, had Salman walking in with the painting specially for Subhash Ghai, created by the actor himself.
“It’s the best gift I have ever received,” Ghai tells us. Of late, Salman has started painting and gifting those paintings to his near and dear ones. The bonding with Ghai only got strengthened further during the outdoor shoot of Yuvraaj in Austria. “We were like one big family there. Everyone is rocking in Yuvraj,” Ghai confides.
Meanwhile the 29th anniversary of Mukta Arts saw Hrithik Roshan, Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Ritesh Deshmukh, Katrina Kaif, Rakesh Roshan, Manmohan Shetty, Alka Yagnik, Pritam and others gracing the event.

Rani wanted to shock people!

By chance Rani plays a prostitute in both Laga Chunri Mein Daag and Saawariya? Not by chance, by choice.” Rani laughs. ” I play every different prostitutes in Saawariya and Laga Chunri…The woman in Saawariya has no problem with her profession whereas in the other film it’s completely different. No one goes into prostitution willingly. But there’re compulsions, and compulsions. Rani says her character in Laga Chunri had to undergo many changes. prostitute
“I had to manifest her change from a simple homely Varanasi girl to a high-class hooker in Mumbai. And I dressed accordingly. In order to feel like a character you’ve to look like her specially when she’s true to life which she is in many of my films. In Laga Chunri… it was very important for me to look completely different as the innocent carefree girl in Varanasi and then this prostitute in Mumbai.”
Rani wanted to shock the audience. “The shock value had to come through. My director Pradeep Sarkar, my hair stylist and my costume designer and I got together and spent hours creating contrasting looks for me as ‘Badki’ in Varanasi and Natasha in Laga Chunri…It’s so important to have a team that make your character look convincing.”

Shilpa laughs at Vaibhavi’s claims

A really funny incident happened on stage in Offenbach during the first phase of Shilpa Shetty’s tour in Germany of her much-discussed play Miss Bollywood. “There we were, my co-star Wayne Perrey and I, taking our bows when the automatic curtains refused to go down. I was horrified, being new to the stage and all. But Wayne loved the moment. It’s such goof-ups which make the play worth the audiences’ effort. They feel they get a little more than they had paid for.” As the German lap of her tour finishes Shilpa looks back with much warmth, excitement and a little sadness at the events so far. “It has ben an exhilarating experience. In every city of Germany we’ve been received with enthusiasm. We have had standing ovations after several performances. It’s so wonderful to see girls in the audiences in saris and bindis dancing to our music. I feel vindicated. I also feel very sad that back home, all kinds of unsavoury controversies are being unnecessarily raked up about my musical…which is really not just mine. It belongs to all of us,” Shilpa’s pleasure dissolves into pain as she talks about the perception back home that the show had bombed. “We started on the wrong note in Berlin. False news that I had been arrested on the Mumbai airport reached Berlin before I could. In the chaos that followed we lost suitcases of our luggage.
We were a troupe without our equipment, costumes, energy or inspiration. By the time we got on stage in Berlin we thought it was curtains for the first show. But what do you know! The press was there. We did a teaser for them. We performed four instead of the nine acts. Do you know what they said at the end of it? ‘We’ve tasted a bit of the chocolate, now we want more.”
That truly lifted Shilpa’s spirits. “And it has been a high all the way from there. We now head for the European lap of our tour …Manchester, Birmingham, Scotland….also Holland ….In London we’ll be performing at the Royal Albert Hall. Do you know, Lataji was the first Indian artiste to perform there. I feel so proud to stand on the same stage as she did to represent our entertainment industry. I wish people back home would share some of my pride and joy.”
Shilpa laughs mirthlessly at choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant’s insinuation that Miss Bollywood appears to be inspired by Vaibhavi’s play Merchants Of Bollywood. “I know Vaibhavi from before she became a choreographer. I haven’t seen Merchants Of Bollywood. But it’s true the Moranis who are the producers of my play did go and see their play. But has Vaibhavi told the Indian press that one of her representatives came to see our play and even congratulated us for it? I don’t know if there’re any similarities. Any two rags-to-riches saga centred in and around Bollywood would have a certain likeness. Can’t we be a little more open-minded about the process of creativity?” Shilpa stresses that her play is about a small-time choreographer who performs at sangeets and crawls up the success ladder aiming to dance her way into the Olympics. “It’s an inspirational story and also a sample of Bollywood like never before for the foreign audiences.” “Will I be able to bring it to India? I don’t know. It’s a very grueling discipline to dance and act Bollywood stuff on stage. And then to have your efforts panned by those very people whom you’re representing…”

‘Kabul Express’ for Casablanca Film Fest

Yash Raj Films’ KABUL EXPRESS has been invited to be a part of Africa’s most prestigious film festival — the Casablanca Film Festival. The 3rd edition of the festival, Casa Cine, takes place from 31st October to 6th November. With a selection of 73 films including features, documentaries and children films, shown in 6 different cinemas of the city of Casablanca, Casa Cine is one of the most important cinema event in Morocco.
Casa Cine will present 20 Moroccan films, 20 European films, 10 Arab films, 10 films from U.S. and 10 films from Asia. Along with a selection of movies awarded in the most prestigious festivals, Casa Cine will this year give a special tribute to Indian actor John Abraham [following on the heels of the huge success of the tribute to Rani Mukerji in 2005], French actor and film-maker Roschdy Zem, Morrocan film-maker Saâd Chraïbi and Egyptian actress Nelly Karim.
KABUL EXPRESS will be screened on 3rd November at the cinema Sidi Moumen. Also screening will be another Yash Raj film, DHOOM, on 4th November at the cinema Le Mirage.

Hrithik signs with Hollywood Management

Hrithik Roshan is one of Bollywood’s best actors and is highly sought after by directors at home and all over the world. There have been rumors circulating of late that he was looking towards Hollywood and that several major motion picture studios, as well as A-list directors wanted to work with the star. Now it can be reported that the Brillstein-Grey Entertainment Company has signed the actor to represent him in Hollywood. Brillstein Grey is the world’s number one management firm and one of their many illustrious clients is Brad Pitt, who they have been working for over the past 20 years.Jai Khanna from Brillstein-Grey will be representing Hrithik internationally and he said, “We are thrilled to be working with such an international star. Hrithik has a strong, authentic, and cool personality. As an icon of masculinity and powerful character, he truly embodies the star quality of cinema's great leading men."Adding, “Audiences have repeatedly flocked to his films throughout India, Asia and a number of other countries. We are excited to now introduce Hrithik to the US, thus giving his unique talents a much larger platform."It will be very interesting to see what film Hrithik chooses as his debut film in Hollywood. From what we can tell from the promos, we are sure that after seeing his performance in Jodha Akbar in January the offers for roles will be flowing in. We will just have to wait and watch!

Big B rapping and crooning

One of the busiest actors working in Bollywood today, Amitabh Bachchan aka Big B, is not only filming for his upcoming movies he is also making time to record songs for them. And they are not run of the mill roles or songs. In fact, this past week he recorded two rap songs and a ballad for two different characters, one a bhoot (ghost) and one a dijnn (genie). All three songs are by the team of Vishal-Shekar and are for the films Bhootnath and Alladdin. Big B, who is currently filming in Goa for Bhootnath said, “I’ve sung a rap song for Vishal-Shekhar for my ghost’s character in Bhootnath and another rap song for my djinn’s character in Alladdin. Plus I recorded a soft lyrical number for Bhootnath. As soon as I return I’ll record one more song for Alladin.” Jokingly adding, “It looks like the music composers are thinking of an alternative career for me. They obviously don’t think much of me as an actor.”We certainly do think very highly of him as an actor and can not wait to hear him deliver his lines, as well as sing, in both of these films.

2007 Bollywood Music and Fashion Award nominees

On November 17th at that the Trump Taj Mahal Casino in Atlantic City the winners of the 2007 Bollywood Music and Fashion Awards will be announced. This international event, which is shown in over 90 countries, honors those who have made outstanding contributions to the world of Indian music and fashion. "This year’s hottest singers, designers and models are all set to perform at the Bollywood Music and fashion Awards and set the stage on fire," said Kamal Dandona, Chairman of the Bollywood Awards. The nominees for the 8 music categories are:

Best Music Director: A.R. Rahman – Guru, Himesh Reshammiya - Aap Ka Suroor, Shankar Ehsaan Loy – Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, Pritam - Dhoom 2, Jatin Lalit - Fanaa

Best Male Singer: Himesh Reshammiya –‘Yeh Tera Mera Milna’- Aap Ka Suroor, Sukhvider Singh – ‘Omkara’- Omkara, Sukhbir - ’Dil Laga’- Dhoom 2, Shaan - ‘Main Hoon Don’– Don, Sonu Nigam-‘Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna' - Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna

Best Female Singer: Alisha Chinoy –‘Its Rocking’- Kya Love Story Hai, Sunidhi Chauhan –‘Beedi’– Omkara, Shreya Ghosal –‘Barso Re Megha’– Guru, Chinmayee, Keerthi – 'Maya Maya’– Guru, Alka Yagnik -‘Salaam’- Umrao Jaan

Best Song of the Year: Sunidhi Chauhan -‘Doom Machale’- Dhoom 2, Himesh Reshmiya -‘Joot Nahi Bolna’– Aap Ka Suroor, Alisha Chinoy –‘Its Rocking’- Kya Love Story Hai, Shaan -‘Main Hoon Don’- Don, Shaan -‘Chand Sivarish’-Fanaa, Keerthi Chunmayee –‘Maya Maya’- Guru

Best Bhangra Artist: RDB-Aaja Mahi-Simply RDB, Jay Sean –Ride It, Jazzy B-Romeo, Sukhshinder Shinda- Living the dream, Josh- Mahive- MausamRemix Album: DJ Sanj - Block Party, Josh - Promiscous Girl-(Nelly Furtado and Timbaland) Josh Desi remix, Rishi Rich –Rock your World-Mausam, Dr. Zeus- Back Unda Da Influence, RDB-Rafta Rafta-Namaste London

Best Pop artist: Apache Indian-Sadhu, Jay Sean - Ride It, Bilz-2Step Bhangra, Josh-Nachle-Aggar, Rouge- Eh PapiBest Dance Video: Jay Sean and Juggy D - Push it up, Bilz - 2 step bhangra, DJ Sanj - Block Party, Josh - Rock your world, Ali Zafar - Sajania

Another reason this award show is held is to bring awareness about the beautiful and amazing world of the Indian fashion industry. The fashion part of the night will be of course the glittering stars attending the event but also collections by Manish Malhotra and Suneet Verma will be shown as part of the festivities. The collections by Malhotra and Verma will be modeled by 20 of India and US top models. Awards will be handed out for the best collection and also stars who display their own individual and marvelous sense of style will be honored.With performances by Alisha Chinai, Kumar Sanu, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Sukhbir, Caribbean stars Rooplall Girdharie, and Geeta Bisram to name just a few the night is looking to be an outstanding night of music and fashion all rolled into one!

Salman Khan offered 12 crores for a film

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is flying high ever since the success of Partner and now film producers and directors are flocking to work with him. According to sources, Salman has been offered a whopping Rs.12 crores for a film with Shree Ashtavinayak and several other perks along with the film. Shree Ashtavinayak is extremely upbeat to get Salman on board for their film and they are going all out to please the actor. They have met most of his demands. Sources claim that apart from the hefty Rs.12 crores remuneration, Salman has also been offered a 30 percent stake in the film after its release. Director Priyadarshan has written a brilliant script which Shree Ashtavinayak will produce and they want Salman to be a part of this film. The planning for the film has just begun, and since it is a big budget film, a lot of planning is required and hence the film will begin only somewhere in 2009.
However since the planning is still in the initial stages, the production house does not want to reveal any plans yet.
A source also adds, “Salman will also be able to get the negative rights of the same film transferred to his name from Ashtavinayak after a minimal period of 15 years.”
This is being termed as one of Salman’s most lucrative deals. Though Salman has not worked much with big filmmakers, his popularity both in India and abroad is phenomenal.
Due to this popularity, Salman was supposedly even requested for a wax statue of his at the prestigious Madame Tussauds in London.
Salman is currently working with Subhash Ghai for Main Yuvraj opposite girlfriend Katrina Kaif .

When Shilpa Shetty met the Backstreet Boys

A surprise was in store for Shilpa Shetty when she attended popular German host, Stefan Raab’s chat show, TV Total. Shilpa’s spokesperson says, after the interview was over Raab said, ‘I have a surprise for you!’ Shilpa was wondering what surprise was in store for her when Raab looked into the camera and said, ‘Our second guest for the show is none other than the world famous American pop singers Backstreet Boys!’ Shilpa’s sudden encounter with the Backstreet Boys Howie, Nick, Bryan and Alex left her dazed. The Backstreet Boys concluded the chat show by singing ‘I want it that way’ that coincidentally happens to be Shilpa’s favourite number.
Shilpa later met up with the boys in the green room. Sources say the boys told Shilpa that she was one of the most gorgeous actresses they had seen. Shilpa is currently touring Germany for the Broadway musical Miss Bollywood.

Mallika Sherawat has a secret boyfriend!

Ever wondered why Bollywood’s hottest belle has seldom been linked with men! Gossipmongers have been kind to Mallika Sherawat . Except Rahul Bose perhaps, she hasn’t yet been linked with any of her co-stars. It is incredible how the sensuous belle has avoided getting romantically involved with men. But that, it now seems, is not exactly the case. According to a report in the latest edition of Stardust, there is a mystery man in Mallika’s life.
Without revealing the man’s name, the magazine says he is “an owner of a leading GSM company in India”. Mallika reportedly met him at a party in Delhi and there was an instant chemistry between the two. Their relationship apparently developed over a course of time.
The article also says that Mallika’s secret beau has bought a bungalow for her.
There are other reports that say the couple has also been to a vacation in Europe.
Mallika, who is presently working in Pritish Nandy Communications project Ugly And Pagli , is remaining tightlipped about the rumours. She apparently wants to keep the fling secret because her beau is a married man.

Italian Rozza signs her first film

Italian beauty Rozza Catalano is all set to begin her Bollywood career. Rozza, Saif Ali Khan ’s ex-girlfriend, had not concealed her intentions to join the film industry and also do a fashion-based show on TV after her split from Saif early this year. Now, the gorgeous belle has signed her first film, titled ‘Shourya’. The movie stars Rahul Bose , Minissha Lamba and Kay Kay Menon . Rozza has an important role in the film and she will also appear in a club song that will be shot soon.
The song is composed by Adnan Sami and will be choreographed by Swaroop. The film’s director Samar Khan says he was looking for a girl with an international face for his movie when he got the idea of roping in Rozza for the part. However, Rozza did not say ‘yes’ to him instantly. She asked the director about her role in detail and about her co-stars in the film.
‘Shourya’ is being produced by MoserBaer.

Vidya Balan behind Kareena and Shahid split?

Rumours are that Shahid Kapoor 's alleged closeness with Vidya Balan came as a final nail to the coffin of his relationship with Kareena Kapoor . A close friend of Shahid and Kareena alleges that the couple broke off in July itself and what came as a final nail to the coffin was Shahid's alleged relationship with Vidya, his heroine in ‘Kismet Connection’. Eventually the things got pretty ugly and it was Shahid who decided to break off. By the time Kareena went to shoot for Tashan in Ladakh, both had gone their different ways. However Bebo was still in two minds and only gave up on junior Kapur when she realised his increasing closeness to Vidya. Kareena had always liked Saif Ali Khan as a friend. He’s a wonderful human being, supportive and caring. When she was suffering Saif gave her emotional support.
During the shooting of ‘Tashan’ in Jaisalmer and Kerala she found herself spending more and more time with Saif. The two of them often spent a lot of time in Saif's makeup van as Bebo shared her sob stories with him.
The hurt was writ large on Shahid’s face during his back-to-back appearances on TV.
"It will be dishonest to say that this doesn't affect me. I am human, it hurts but I hold nothing against anybody. I'll cherish the good memories of that relationship and move on. That's what I'm doing - looking at the positive side and trying to be happy." he said while talking to media.
So it seems largely like an amicable parting.

Sexy Mahek catches Salman Khan’s attention!

Her acting career was in limbo until she caught the attention of Bollywood star Salman Khan.Mahek Chahal has been part of Bollywood for about three years now, but she hasn’t been able to make a mark yet. She has acted in the forgettable film ‘Nayee Padosan’ and did an item number in Chameli.But now, Mahek’s career is all set for a turnaround, thanks to Salman Khan who has cast her in one of his home productions.It is learnt that Mahek caught Salman’s eye when she was on a musical tour with him. The two got along very well and Salman apparently decided that Mahek needed a second chance to revive her career.Then what, Mahek got the offer to play a role in Salman-starrer Wanted Dead And Alive(remake of Telugu hit Pokkiri). She also got an important role in Sallu’s home production titled Main Aur Mrs Khanna. Mahek says Salman is very friendly and helpful. However, the sexy belle insists that her relation with Salman is purely professional.

I’m a punjabi girl I’ll marry soon!!!

If “Om Shanti Om” has Shah Rukh Khan, “Saawariya” has Sanjay Leela Bhansali as its USP, say debutants Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor who bring with them not just their lineage but also the confidence that comes from being the children of successful stars. Rishi and Neetu Kapoor’s son and Anil Kapoor’s daughter were in the capital Tuesday to drum up publicity for their film, the latest blockbuster from “Black” director Bhansali. They admitted to pre-release anxieties - the film releases the same day as the much-awaited “Om Shanti Om” by Farah Khan - but put all their faith in “godfather” Bhansali. “Sanjay Leela Bhansali is the USP of ‘Saawariya’… If it (’Om Shanti Om’) has the biggest star of the country, ‘Saawariya’ has the biggest director of the country,” Ranbir said at a packed press conference. “I don’t know what to say about Sanjay Leela Bhansali. When you see the film, you will realise what a passionate filmmaker he is. He gives everything to his film. I don’t have words to describe him. He is my godfather,” added the latest Kapoor star on the firmament, dressed casually in blue jeans and a white jacket.
Handling media curiosity with the practiced ease of those who have lived with the paparazzi, Sonam and Ranbir fended even uncomfortable questions with a smile and a laugh.
Asked whether they felt uncomfortable in the love scenes, Sonam dismissed the very idea: “We are very good friends. I know him since he was a kid and I had that image in mind while doing the romantic scenes. I am happy that he is my first co-star.”
Both agreed that being a star kid made their entry in filmdom easier, but it came with its own baggage.
“Being a star child always has its pros and cons. I would have not met Sanjay Leela Bhansali if I was not Anil Kapoor’s daughter. But I am carrying baggage - I will constantly be compared with my father. The entry is easier but the path towards success is very difficult,” said Sonam, dressed in a traditional salwar kurta.
“However, it is the audience who decides who they accept and who they don’t. Right now if you notice, the top stars of the industry are not star children. Whether it is Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Aishwarya Rai… none of them have a lineage,” she added.
Sonam says she never had any plans to be an actress.
“I just wanted to be an assistant director. I wanted to work for two years and learn and then go back to college. Fortunately, destiny played such a beautiful hand.
Bhansali saab said that you are 80 kg but you are very beautiful and you are the heroine of my next film. And I’m here right now,” said the once ugly duckling perhaps who has obviously turned into a beautiful swan.
“I am a Punjabi girl. My parents know I will be married in four five years. But they told me if working in films will make you happy, go ahead and do it,” she added disarmingly.
Ranbir is proud too of his lineage and says grandfather Raj Kapoor is his idol.
“My grandfather is my idol. I was very young when he died but I feel very close to him by watching his films. I don’t want to copy my grandfather but yes, my inspirations start and end with him. I have a responsibility on my shoulders. I have to carry the legacy forward. I also want to direct films and I don’t think I can have a better idol than him.”
Releasing Nov 9, the musical love story also has Rani Mukerji and Salman Khan in important roles.
“I don’t think that they will overshadow Sonam and I because our characters are written very well,” said Ranbir.
“We are thankful to Salman sir and Rani Mukerji that they agreed to work in our debut film. I don’t have any scenes with Salman sir but I have scenes with Rani Mukerji. She is such a fine actress that I learned a lot while shooting with her. The experience has made me a better actor.”

‘I was never a Kareena fan’

The two are long-standing friends and their films are being released this Friday. There are similarities between them. While Anurag Kashyap has made films earlier, No Smoking which opens this Friday would be his second released film after Black Friday. Jab We Met is Imtiaz Ali’s second film. So close are the two directors that they mutually agreed not to relase their respective films on the same Friday, if there were similarities between them.
“I saw No Smoking a few days ago and loved it. Fortunately Jab We Met and No Smoking are two totally different creations targeted at different audiences,” explains Imtiaz.
“Anurag is a very dear friend of mine. I’ve known him for years. If we had seen any resemblance between our films we’d have asked our producers to hold the release. But the focus of Anurag’s film is completely different from mine.”
Another smiliarity between the two filmmakers. They’re both working with commercially established stars for the first time.
Says Imtiaz, “That’s true. But speaking for myself I’d work with stars only if I require them. If the movie is a 2-crore film then you’ve more freedom to do what you’ve to do. And stars have to be used properly. I had never interacted with stars before. Kareena, I wasn’t a fan of initially. Maybe I saw her wrong films.
But I knew she was a high-potential performer. And she rocked in Mani Rathnam’s Yuva. And now in Jab We Met she surrendered completely to my vision. Such energy and conviction. If I asked her to jump in front of a car she did it.”
Kareena agreed to work without makeup for Imtiaz. “I told her, just don’t do anything to your face. For large portions Kareena is completely without makeup. She’s in great shape. The time is right for her.
After workimg with her I feel we’ve seen just 40 percent of her potential. There are some people who have a divine connection, like Sunidhi Chauhan and Kareena. If I get to work with stars like Kareena,why shouldn’t I work with them?”

I left Shahrukh’s OSO for Saawariya

Monty Sharma just cannot contain his excitement.The soft spoken guy who is the son of music director Pyarelal’s younger brother Anand Sharma has made his debut as a music director with none other than Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s eagerly awaited ‘Saawariya’ starring Rishi Kapoor’s son Ranbir Kapoor and Anil Kapoor’s daughter Sonam which is all set for a Diwali release.When I meet him at his office in the suburbs, Monty who is still dazed at all the encomiums that he had received from every one at the music release function of ‘Saawariya’ some days ago confesses that music was like an alarm for him, because music started as early as 7 am in his house as his grand father Pandit Ram Prasad Sharma used to teach music to at least 90% of the music directors in Bollywood.
Monty who was fascinated by violin right from the time when he was a tiny tot of five started learning how to play the violin from his grand father.“Considering that I am 36 now, you can say that I have been mastering the act of playing the violin for the past 26 years”, Monty laughs. “Besides violin, my grandfather had also taught me how to play the key board which is very important when you set out to compose a song”, he adds. Though Monty is making his debut as a full fledged music director with ‘Saawariya’, he is not a novice in the field of music, having already assisted music directors like Sajid-Wajid, Ismail Darbar and Sanjeev-Darshan in various films of theirs.
“If I am confident of myself as a music director today, the entire credit ought to go to Pyarelalji and my grand father Pt Ram Prasad Sharma”, he quips. Sanjay Leela Bhansali who is a connoisseur of music observed Monty at close quarters when he was playing the piano and arranging the title song for the film ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’. Though he did not tell him anything, Sanjay had kept him in his mind for the background score of his next film ‘Devdas’.
“It was Ismail Darbar who told me that Sanjay wanted me to compose the background score for ‘Devdas’”, confesses Monty. Monty met Sanjay and composed the background music score for ‘Devdas’ and since then he has not looked back. After ‘Devdas’, Sanjay called Monty to ask him to compose for his film ‘Bajirao Mastani’. Monty says that he had recorded two demo songs for ‘Bajirao Mastani’ with Nihira Joshi and Parthiv Gohil.
“I believe in giving new talents a break. I do not believe in scoring instant music like some composers these days because it will be akin to insulting music. Instant music is like fast food that lasts only for a day or two”, Monty quips. However, unfortunately for Monty, ‘Bajirao Mastani’ did not take off and Sanjay who had launched his ‘Black’ in the meantime asked Monty to compose a song for the film besides doing the background score. Unfortunately the song that he had composed for ‘Black’ with Gayatri Iyer could not be picturised in the film but was appreciated by all those who had heard it. But his patience did pay off and Sanjay contacted Monty when it was time for him to launch his musical film ‘Saawariya’.
Though Monty didn’t have to struggle to get his break, he admits that there was a lot of hard work. “Work has always come to me on a platter. My first movie as a musician was ‘Mr India’.
I played the key board for the movie when I was just in my teens”. Monty asserts that he prefers music that touches one’s heart and he says he has been a fan of background score by John Williams.
Monty is thrilled that he is fortunate enough to have got his big break as a music director from no less a person than Sanjay Leela Bhansali with whom every one wants to work with, whether it is A.R. Rahman or for that matter Amitabh Bachchan.
“What I like about Sanjay is that he does not mind going out of his way when it comes to work. I was scoring the background music for Indra Kumar and Ashok Thakeria’s ‘Rishtey’ when he came to the recording studio to meet me. Sanjay never forces though he has an ear for music but gives references to make your music better.”
Though Monty does not have any hesitation to confess that he has been greatly inspired by Lakshmikant -Pyarelal, the meaning of inspiration has changed in today’s context and copying is also passed off as inspiration. “I do not like to copy because I believe in original work as a music director.”
Monty says that he has had several sessions of hard work with Sanjay Leela Bhansali for scoring the music for ‘Saawariya’ which has twelve songs, with singers like Kunal Ganjawala, who incidentally is Sanjay’s cousin, Richa Sharma and Shreya Ghoshal who is Sanjay’s discovery.
“Since I concentrated only on ‘Saawariya’s music for even 24 hours at times in a day, I could not accept the offer to score the background score for Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Om Shanti Om”, Monty says as a matter of fact.
Says Monty, “Even after the recording was done, there were times when Sanjay and I used to have a brainwave and add the flute or for that matter the chorus, here or there. The best thing about Sanjay is that since he is a perfectionist, he never used to bother about the cost incurred on mastering”.
Monty concludes. “I believe in leaving my stamp as Monty, because like ‘Black’, ‘Saawariya’ also has original songs and a back ground score”. -Jyothi Venkatesh

Hrithik to be proud dad again

Here is some more good news from Roshan clan. Sussanne is pregnant for the second time and very soon two-year-old son Hrehaan will get a sibling. Proud grandpapa Rakesh spilled the beans on the new baby, we hear. The new star pup is due mid next year. Rakesh Roshan admits, “Yes one more Roshan is arriving. We just got to hear the news and are thrilled. It doesn’t matter if we have a grandson or a granddaughter Anything is welcome as long as the baby is healthy and fine..” A source close to the family says Hrithik wanted another baby to add to the family, as he believes that siblings should not have a huge age gap between them.
Sussanne too is now ready for motherhood a second time. With Hrehaan turning two, she is less occupied than before and this seemed like a perfect time.”

What David hates on Nach…

Comedy king David Dhawan has planned a sequel to his hit “Partner” with Salman and Govinda again, but will begin shooting only some time next year.“It will be a kind of sequel to ‘Partner’. Everyone wants to see the two of them back together and we can’t disappoint the audience,” Dhawan told. But in the meantime Dhawan plans to take a sabbatical. “I’ll continue to do my scripting but there will be no direction for a while. I’ve been working very hard,” he said.
Dhawan said: “It’s been a while since I’ve been making films back-to-back. I need to rejuvenate myself. When ‘Nach Baliye’ was offered to me I just grabbed it as a chance to move away from direction for a while. This is my first television assignment and my first acting assignment.
“Salman Khan and Govinda introduced me on ‘Nach Baliye’. What better beginning to my acting career could I hope for? Now I’m completely consumed by the whole process of watching these young people dancing. We’ve all become like an extended family. When a couple leaves the show it’s heartbreaking for me.”

Akshay and Priyadarshan team up again

Bhool Bhulaiyaa has sure worked wonders for Akshay’s filmy career. Now Ratan Jain of Venus Records and Tapes Pvt Ltd. has signed Akshay for his forthcoming film, which will also be directed by Priyadarshan. The actor-director will team up again for this film.
Akshay’s market price surely has reached the skies and with Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Akshay undoubtedly one of the hottest stars in Bollywood. Talking about the film Ratan Jain said, “Priyadarshan has been roped in to direct the film. The film would go on floor by mid 2008 and be released by end of the year.” However, except Akshay, no other actors have been signed for the film as yet.
Another film of Venus, Maan Gaye Mughal-e-Azam directed by Sanjay Chhel will complete its shooting schedule by end of 2007. “The film stars Mallika Sherawat and Rahul Bose as the lead along with Paresh Rawal and K.K. Menon. The story revolves around the theatre group which performs a play titled ‘Mughal-e-Azam’, which has nothing to do with the epic. The film is a complete comic-thriller. Paresh and Mallika both work in the theatre group and act in the play, whereas Rahul Bose is a CBI officer and K.K. Menon plays the role of a Ghazal singer in the film”, informs Ratan Jain. The film, Maan Gaye Mughal-e-Azam will hit the screens by April next year.
Apart from these two films, Jain will also be producing films for David Dhawan, Sanjay Khandori and Sachin. These projects however, are still are still under scripting stages.

Big B-Akshay having cold war

Amitabh Bachchan has been refusing films with Akshay Kumar and rumour has it that he is not ready to work with Akki in the future. If sources are to be believed the anger is because of Akki’s refusal to join his Unforgettable world tour and his grabbing the Hindi remake of Malayalam film, ‘Manchaitratazu’ that has now released with Khiladi Kumar in the lead as ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa.’ According to our sources, “Big B has till now declined Rohan Sippy’s ‘Made In China’, apart from Vipul Shah’s ‘Namastey London’ and two other yet untitled ventures by big makers. Producers wanting to cash in on Akshay’s growing super stardom and Bachchan’s never ending charisma are in for a disappointment nowadays whenever they approach the ageing superstar. On the other hand, Akshay got ready to do these movies with or without Big B”.
The source says, “Vipul Shah had given two hits (‘Aankhen’ and ‘Waqt: The Race Against Time’) with the Amitabh - Akshay jodi and he wanted to strike a hat trick with, ‘Namastey London’. But Big B refused the offer bluntly and expressed his displeasure over Akki.
The role later went to Rishi Kapoor. Vipul has approached Big B again as he wants to make a thriller movie starring both the characters but it seems his wish will not come true.
Akshay will still be a part of the movie as the character is portrayed keeping him in the mind. Now who will play the role etched out for Big B is as of now a mystery.”
According to a Bollywood insider, this issue between Akki and Big B stemmed a couple of years back, “Big B wanted to do the Hindi remake of the Malayalam hit and wanted to play the role of the psychiatrist but he could not do so because of his ill health.
Akshay came to know about this role and with the help of his friend and T series head honcho Bhushan Kumar grabbed the role. Big B was hurt with this and expressed his displeasure ness by refusing film after film with him.”
He adds, “But he also thought about letting it go and decided to take back his stand on Akshay.
So he tried to bond with Akshay again and when the special stage shows, titled, ‘The Unforgettable Tour’, covering 6 continents and 18 countries was being planned out by the Bachchans, with Amitabh, his son Abhishek, daughter in law Aishwarya, Lara Dutta, Bipasha Basu and Riteish Deshmukh, Bachchan’s officials approached Akshay.
But then Akki showed them the door. He flatly refused to be a part of it. This hurt Bachchan more and since then the momentum of the fight has increased.”

‘People will forget Ash-Hrithik’

At the outset, Ashutosh Gowarikar confesses that after making a social film like ‘Swades’, he made a historical like ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ because he was excited when Hyder Ali who has written the story of ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ narrated the subject to him even before he had launched ‘Swades.’
“Though I did find the subject quite exciting, I decided to take up the story only post ‘Swades’ since I realized that the grand spectacle needed time and also an elaborate production.
Hence I launched ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ only after ‘Swades’ after a demanding pre-production preparation, on November 2006 in Rajasthan.” ‘Jodhaa Akbar’, according to Ashutosh, is the story of the greatest Mughal emperor who ruled Hindustan- Jalaluddin Mohammad Akbar and the fiery young Rajput princess Jodhaa. Set in the sixteenth century, this epic romance begins as a marriage of alliance between two different cultures and religions, for political gain, with King Bharmal of Ajmer giving his daughter’s hand to Emperor Akbar.
I have set out to show how the marriage of alliance happens between Jodhaa and Akbar and love evolves between them after marriage. I felt it was necessary to film it because it was a special alliance between the Rajputs and the Muslims.
It was only after a lot of research for almost three years did I decide to go on the floors. ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ is my first attempt at making a romantic film. Romance fascinates me. What intrigued me was how Jodhaa and Akbar married without knowing each other.”
Ashutosh confesses that when he started imagining as to who would suit the roles, he did not have to look far. “It was a dream cast to have Hrithik and Aishwarya. It was not at all my intention to cash in on the success of their star pairing in ‘Dhoom 2’ because I did not cast them after I watched’ Dhoom 2.’
People will forget that they are Hrithik and Aishwarya when they watch ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ as it unfolds because both have dedicated themselves to create the characters that they etch in the film.”
Ashutosh admits that there is no method or process as such when he sets out to make a film. “There is no analysis as such before I take up a subject.
When a particular subject excites me, I take it up to film as a director, whether it is a nationalistic film like ‘Lagaan’ or a patriotic film like ‘Swades’ or for that matter a romantic film like ‘Jodhaa Akbar.’
As a film-maker, I do not look back and analyze why a film of mine has clicked or flopped. I do not let my success or failure bog me when I decide to launch my next film because I make it a point to focus on my new subject and do not worry whether I will be able to match up to my earlier films like ‘Lagaan’ or for that matter ‘Swades.’
I do not believe that any particular genre will work on its own. It is only the story telling that works. Romance is the most important aspect of ‘Jodhaa Akbar.’ If romance appeals to every one, then ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ will work.
I have never given undue importance to box office success or failure. Also I don’t make judgments based on the past success or failure.”
Says Ashutosh, “Jodhaa Akbar will not be yet another ‘Mughal E Azam’ as a child, I have watched Prithvirajji in ‘Mughal E Azam.’ His was an incredibly baffling performance of the time.
Ï have not set out to outdo ‘Mughal E Azam’ because I feel classics like ‘Mughal E Azam’ ought not to be touched. I do not think people will remember Prithvirajji when they watch Hrithik play the role of Akbar because we have worked hard on Hrithik’s looks based on his persona and ultimately an actor brings himself to the fore when he essays his character in his own inimitable way.
‘Jodhaa Akbar’ will deal with Akbar from the time he was just a thirteen year old till he was twenty-eight.
From the battle field where the young Jalaluddin was crowned, through the conquests that won him the title of Akbar The Great, to winning the love of the beautiful Jodhaa, ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ will trace the impressive graph of the mighty emperor and his romance with the defiant princess Jodhaa.” -Jyothi Venkatesh

Priyanka mocks Dhoni affair!

Though the Nambia shooting for Drona is nearly done Priyanka isn’t coming back yet. She’s off for two days to Singapore for a Carnival there on 20th and 21st. “It’s the Zee Carnival and I had no choice but to attend it because I love to interact with people who see my films. I can’t call them fans because I don’t have any. Just want to go there Last year they had it in London and it was a big success. It’s basically a chance for Indians to come together, put up stalls, and have fun like they do at a mela.” Back home the good news is that her father who has been very well recently has been recovering fast. “It could be because he’s feeling so much more relaxed now.
Thank God our problems have been finally settled. We’re all very happy about it,” she sighs in relief referring to the financial settlement with her former secretary. On a more amusing note Priyanka hasn’t stopped laughing ever since she was linked with cricketer Dhoni. Though she refuses to comment on it, her friend laughs her head off. “Would you believe it, Priyanka has never met Dhoni in her life. She has never spoken to him. Nor had any interaction with him. Who thinks up these things?”

I won’t Kiss just anyone:Vidya

Vidya’s new shoulder length hairdo has made her look breathtakingly glamorous. She seems to have suddenly stepped out of the Parineeta era into the contemporary world. But it’s just her new makeover that is western, not the pretty lady herself. So if you read a recent report that she is ready to kiss on screen and were disappointed as a fan of hers or elated as a future co-star of hers, carefully listen to what she has to say.
“Someone misquoted me as saying that I will kiss any actor on screen. I never ever said such a thing!” she told.
But she defends her lip lock in Guru saying, “Here was a girl who was dying and here was a man who was breathing life into her…It was nothing less than a Osho moment! “

SRK thwarts Himesh’s plans!!!

Alas! All the workouts and grooming that music-director-turned-singer-turned-actor Himesh Reshammiya is forcing on himself might go waste. That’s because the remake of “Karz” for which Himesh is sweating out might be shelved or its script totally changed. The makers of the film have recently found out that the plot of “Om Shanti Om”, which is being touted as the year’s biggest blockbuster, is similar to the original “Karz”. A source informed: “T-series paid a very large sum to Subhash Ghai for the copyrights of “Karz” but now they are having second thoughts about the project. The much-hyped “Om Shanti Om” has a plot very similar to “Karz” and the buzz is that it is going to be the blockbuster of the year.” T-series is in a state of panic now and is busy searching for another script.
After all, they can’t take the chance of dishing out to the audiences something similar to “Om Shanti Om”. Who would be interested in watching the same melodrama over and over again?
The source sympathises with Himesh saying: “It is sad. Himesh is working a lot to fit into that character. He has been sweating out to lose weight so that he can look convincing as a singer and a dancer in the movie. He has become very conscious about his diet and is very excited about the film.”
The only option now left with T-series is to wait and watch. Only after the release of “Om Shanti Om” can they decide whether or not to remake “Karz” and if yes, what changes need to be incorporated in it. But then, it might be a tad too late to make major alterations to the script.
The “Karz” remake has been in news for some or the other reason right from the start. Initially, rumours did the rounds that Hannsikka Motwani would play Tina Munim’s role, while Sushmita Sen does a Simi Garewal. Later, Urmila Matondkar was approached and approved for Simi’s role.
Thankfully, Himesh doesn’t have to lose heart. He has work in hand in the form of a yet-to-be-titled movie by the director of “Sarfarosh”, where he is playing a tapori.
Of course, there couldn’t be a substitute to watching a slim and swank Himesh swaying his hips a la Rishi Kapoor. For the actor’s fans, especially the girls, that would be a big treat indeed.