Tuesday 31 January 2012

Hrithik filming for 'Krrish 2' in Hyderabad


Hrithik filming for 'Krrish 2' in Hyderabad

He's the man of the moment and his his phone hasn't stopped buzzing with congratulatory calls from his well-wishers in the industry and fans, thanks to his intense performance in Karan Malhotra's 'Agneepath'. 

And Hritihik Roshan is already busy shooting for his dad's home production and 'Krrish' sequel, 'Krrish 2', in Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad.

A source informed that a massive set that replicates Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex has been set up for 'K2' over a period of few months in the Film City. The film's lead pair, Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra, are in Hyderabad for the film's shooting.

The actor tweeted, "Gratitude 4 all d love that keeps pouring my way...thank u! Time now to reset to zero n build up to my next firewalk!! En route hyderabad Krrish3 - wish me luck guys! Cheers!", just three days after Hrithik visited cinemas in Mumbai to get a taste of the audience's response towards 'Agneepath'. 

Ragini stays loyal to local team


Ragini stays loyal to local team

It is true that Ragini Dwivedi's presence at a match in which the Telugu film team took on their Bengal counterparts at the ongoing celebrity cricket tournament match was unexpected. 

It is also true that she hung out in the Telugu team's dugout. What is not true is a report that the actor was only supporting Venkatesh and Co. and ignoring team Sandalwood.

In fact, Ragini - who is not associated with the tournament's organizers or any individual team and is not obliged to make appearances at other matches - came to the stadium at the behest of Venkatesh. "Venkatesh gaaru called me on Saturday and asked me to hang out with his team in their dugout. But as I had some previous commitments, I could not go. I decided to make up for it on Sunday and joined them towards the end to honour gaaru's request and stay back and watch the big fight of the evening - team Karnataka vs team Mumbai," says Ragini.

Meanwhile, a source close to the actor adds that her presence at the Telugu team's dugout was to help her make the right contacts as she is looking at making inroads in that industry. "Ragini has been getting offers from Tollywood and she has been considering some of them seriously. There's also a chance that one of her Kannada films might be remade in Telugu. So it is important for her to be seen and known there," says the source.

Interestingly, despite the rumours that Ragini was not being loyal to the home side, the actor was seen cheering wildly for her home team, along with official ambassadors Aindrita Ray and Sanjjanaa, and she remained on the field for almost the entire match. 

Monday 30 January 2012

'Agneepath is paisa vasool', says Shilpa Shetty


'Agneepath is paisa vasool', says Shilpa Shetty

Karan Johar's "Agneepath" has opened to a record collection and it is not just commoners who are appreciating the movie. Actress Shilpa Shetty is impressed and describes it as "paisa vasool".
"Watched 'Agneepath' last nite, whoa! what a film, performances par excellence, great narrative. Full on 'Paisa vasool', take a bowKaran Johar," Shilpa tweeted.
"Agneepath" had a record opening day collection - it grossed Rs.25 crore on the first day and surpassed the collections of recent blockbusters like "Bodyguard" and "RA.One".
A remake of the 1990 movie of the same name in which megastar Amitabh Bachchan had played the protagonist, the new "Agneepath" has been directed by Karan Malhotra and produced by Karan Johar. It stars Hrithik Roshan, Sanjay Dutt, Priyanka Chopra and Rishi Kapoor playing pivotal roles.

Monday 23 January 2012

It’s only power yoga for Geeta Basra


It’s only power yoga for Geeta Basra

Power yoga suddenly seems to be the new fitness mantra among B-Towners after Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan started doing it. 

The latest to join the bandwagon is actress Geeta Basra. A source close to the actress elaborates, "Geeta was asked to get in shape for her item number in Zilla Ghaziabad. After working out she decided to intensify her workouts with power yoga and soon that became the focal point of Geeta's fitness process."

Geeta says, "I have just started power yoga few months back and it feels simply unbelievable. The relaxation one feels after doing it is very soothing."

Yana Gupta turns author


Yana Gupta turns author

This Czech model who has already sizzled on the silver screen with her item number "Babuji Zara Dheere Chalo" will soon give tips on relationships - and tell us how to get a balance life and learn to love. Using her own experiences, she will give her readers advice to be happy with life. Yes, Yana Gupta is at the lit fest as an author!


What prompted her to become a writer? "I really damaged my health by dieting. I have faced eating disorders which badly affected my body. I even stayed in a Buddhist monastery which helped me cope with health problems. The book is all about how I got the balance back in life and learnt to love my body," says Gupta. . She adds, "Good health has always been my passion. I have done lot of courses in nutrition, healing and exercises. This book is a compilation of all those experiences. I wanted to share the story with people. It's an honest effort."
And yes, she will be shooting for an item number too, in a month's time. "It is an untitled film. I can't talk much about the song. But this item number will surely add something to my career," signs off Yana. Looking forward, then!

Agneepath fever grips Hrithik fans


Agneepath fever grips Hrithik fans
Hrihtik's Agneepath is all set to release on 26th January. 

Hrithik Roshan's fans are eagerly waiting for the release as the promos look great. Meanwhile, most have been so inspired by the film, that they want to look like Hrithik too.

We've heard fans of India's very own Greek God have even taken to wearing clothes which resemble Hrithik's in the film.

Few have gone a step further and have desired to win the film's authentic clothes by participating in a contest.

Few fans revealed, "We had to act like one of the characters from Agneepath and record our own version. We have done that."

The contest which is live on all social media platforms is video lead one. The fans are to send videos of them repeating the dialogues of their favourite Agneepath characters and upload it on the official YouTube channel. The winners will receive the costumes worn by the stars in the movie.

Yet another form of movie promotion driven by social media this is.

Farhan Akhtar for Don 2, had circulated 3D glasses with newspapers for everyone to see his 3D songs on Youtube!

Sunny's persona matches her 'Jism 2' role: Pooja Bhatt


Sunny's persona matches her 'Jism 2' role: Pooja Bhatt
Bollywood producer Pooja Bhatt believes that casting plays an important role in moviemaking, and an actor's personality must match with the character one plays.
That is precisely the reason why she chose Indo-Canadian porn star Sunny Leone for the lead part in " Jism 2".
"We have done authentic casting in 'Jism 2'. We have taken Sunny Leone because we want a girl who plays that kind of part and persona," said Pooja on the sidelines of an event.
"It is very important that you cast authentically. Everyone talks about out-of-the-box casting but no one does it," added the the 39-year-old.
Pooja, who has made films like "Zakhm", "Jism" and "Paap", asserts that she likes to associate with people who are genuine.
"People talk about 'Zakhm' and then go and watch 'Jism'. The point is that we have decided to attach ourselves with only those who are audacious, be it Sunny Leone or anyone else; people who walk their talk and dare to stick their necks out," she said.
The actress-turned-filmmaker, daughter of Mahesh Bhatt, is currently busy with pre-production work of "Jism 2", which will go on floors soon.
Two male actors are yet to be finalised for the film.

Monday 16 January 2012

Sonam Kapoor wants to wear a bikni onscreen


Sonam Kapoor wants to wear a bikni onscreen

'Oh my God! Who says that?' was the refrain that ran like wildfire through a very swish Delhi audience on Sunday. Sonam Kapoor had just finished half-an-hour of a jaw-dropping, candid conversation about her journey from fat and ugly to fit and fab, which she started almost teary-eyed.
With the capital's who's who and what-not going from delighted surprise to disbelieving admiration, Sonam, among the thinnest people in the room that day, narrated how she got there, working her way through adolescent obesity, starvation and a depressing lack of self-confidence, to reach a healthy and sustainable figure. And for the record, she's probably not wearing a bikini in her next - she says she has too much saggy skin from losing so much weight! Excerpts:
I had hair on my face
I've battled my weight since I was 12. My parents took to us to New York once, for a holiday, and there I'd buy fruit loops from a 24x7 shop and sit down with my books. I never played, I wasn't that kind of kid - I just read. I ate chocolates like peanuts. I was 86kg till I was 19. Sanjay Leela Bhansali (the director of her debut, "Saawariya") told me, 'you have a beautiful face but neck down, you're like an Ajanta-Ellora painting.' He was sweet enough to wait for me, but he said, 'you have to wear a backless choli, you can't have rolls of fat showing through.' I had all the health problems that come with being overweight - I was diabetic, I had to take insulin tablets. I had hair on my face and I blamed my dad for it! My mom told me, 'you don't have hair anywhere else, you've done it to yourself.'
At 18, I was seeing someone very loving. He told me then that I love you the way you are, but you need to lose weight! I took two years to lose it all. I did yoga, I followed starvation diets and that's why I have bad acidity - and at this age. I can't wear bikinis because I have loose skin from losing so much weight!
Dad named me 'Latina papita'
Like fat people are called Tuntun, I was called 'Latina papita', and my dad started calling me that! I told him, 'come on, I'm your daughter!' It was because all my weight went to my bum, and he said you look like those girls in the Bronx who walk around wearing tight jeans.
Indian junk food is my sin
Once, one of my friends had to remind me during a film that I'd eaten 20 samosas. You don't notice na, what you eat during a film - that's why they have popcorn, which is healthy. Indian junk food is my sin, even though I pretend to like Japanese.
A fit family is irritating!
My mom owned gyms - would you believe it? My dad is known for his fitness. Having a fit family is very irritating. My sister eats everything and doesn't gain weight, my brother is an ectomorph (people with a high metabolism who find it hard to gain weight).
My motivation: clothes
My motivation to lose weight was clothes. I look at Kate Moss and I think, 'I want to be a waif'. But I didn't throw my old clothes after I lost weight, because I never know when I'm going to have to wear them again! Also, some of them are just too expensive to throw away (laughs). I work a lot with Anamika (Khanna, designer) and she has a separate section to just keep altering my clothes all the time.
The pressure keeps me on track
I look at myself in the papers every day. I look at my competition - most of them are models, one is a badminton player, another is so skinny that everyone thinks she has a problem. She actually doesn't - I know her, I've seen her eat, but she's so skinny people think she does. It's the pressure. I've landed up in hospital because of bad eating habits, but if I have to look good on magazine covers and in films, I have to be thin. Do I pray for thinness? No, my mother is quite religious, but I'm very superficial. I'm very clear - I need to fit into those shorts because I need to look hotter than her!
I refuse to wear a bikini. I have a saggy bum, I have cellulite, I said in an interview recently that my t*ts and a*s are not very nice so... I recently fit into a size 2 dress, which is great because I was size 16 once.
In "Aisha", there were Lisa Haydon and Ira Dubey, and there was a scene with all of us wearing swimsuits. So Lisa and Ira wore swimsuits, and I had to wear boyfriend jeans over mine, in the Rishikesh heat!
Delhi is my cheat city
It's my secret cheat city because I love coming to Delhi, and I only talk about food here! (Sonam was in the city on Sunday to launch Kalli Purie's book "Confessions Of A Serial Dieter"). All my interviews are about food. In Chandni Chowk, you get this chhole bhature, and you get this kulcha where they put the chhole inside the kulcha and you eat it - gasp! (Slurp) Oh baap re! At that time, nobody knew who I was na, because no one recognised me in that completely different avatar after "Saawariya". I'd walk up and down Old Delhi eating!
Soulmate diets, crazy diets
On whether she's found a diet that fits her so well it's like finding a soulmate: No, but I do Bikram yoga - and in Delhi, that's, like, walking outside in the summer. I also do pilates, because I'm a broad girl so weights are not for me. I eat every two hours, but my cheat day is Sunday, which is today, and I've had two dosas and some walnut cake since morning. And now I'm pulling my tummy in and wearing Spanx (body-shaping underwear)!
The craziest diet she's tried: The pineapple diet. Pineapple has bromelain which apparently burns fat. So I had some pineapple before every meal. I did lose weight on that diet, but probably because I was so full from having the pineapple that I ate less.
My heartbreaking fatty moment
During "Delhi-6", I had to put on about 5kg for the role. I put on 10 instead, because i used to eat gajar ka halwa. During the shooting, I also did a press event wearing a western dress, and a publication drew lines showing how I'd gained weight! They even put before and after pics. I realized then that I'm an investment, there are people putting their money on me, and I have to be fit.
How I avoid sending out the wrong message (concerns about encouraging anorexia)
I'm honest. If someone asks about my weight loss, I tell them I have five people working on me, plus there's Photoshop. I tell them I can't eat everything and look good. I was unhealthy when I was fat, and now I'm a normal body type. I'm not special, I'm just an actress, and boys and girls are intelligent enough to recognise that.
On the candour, so unexpected of actresses
I'm never careful about what I say. I just think I owe it to people. I've faced a lot of demons. People say she has everything, but there are a lot of things I go through that most people don't know about. I don't think it should be that way, because if a young girl aspires to be like me, she can't have unnatural goals. Because of that, I've made it a point - since I've entered the industry - to be extremely honest.
I don't think it's a rare trait, but it requires a certain amount of courage, self-respect, and you need to love yourself. The age group who are my... fans - I hate using that word - the people who like seeing my movies are, say, pre-teens to early 20s, and mostly girls. That's important, and I'm grateful for that, but I need to be a correct role model. I need to tell them that everybody goes through these battles. When someone says something about my weight etc, at first I'll be like, oh, so what if they said it, but eventually I go back home and I cry.
Your weight defines the course of your life
People ask me, don't you get stressed out that you have to get ready all the time? They don't know that till I was 21, I battled my weight and couldn't wear the clothes I wear now. So for me, it's an absolute joy to dress like this, get ready, do my makeup, my hair. It's an absolute joy, you know what I mean? Like the best gift. Many people make fun of me because I'm always so dressed up, but they don't understand that there's a little girl inside me who always wanted to be that dressed up, but never got to do that because I was always a certain weight.
Your weight even rules your relationships
You become hyper-sensitive. Everything that anybody says affects you because you already have a complex about who you are and what you are. You are lazy, lethargic, don't want to go out too much, don't want to socialize... it's a constant battle. When you're constantly fighting something, you're not easy, then relationships become harder. You need to be in a happy place.
My looks have been an issue in all my relationships. Men, when they see someone like me... they expected me to be one thing earlier, and now it's even worse. Now they expect me to be 'Sonam Kapoor the fashion whatever, blah blah blah'. But all my relationships, there's always been... they admire other girls. Men admire other women, you need to understand that. Like many women, I admire other men, and men do that as well. For me, it's a little hurtful. Not that I don't do that, but they look at other girls and they have their "Playboy" and whatever, and you're just like... (pauses) I need to be a certain body type to be attractive to him. But at the same time, if someone is with you, they're with you because of who you are, so you should never forget that either. But yes, weight is a constant issue in everybody's life. Men are also in the gym every morning.
My cousin went through it too
My cousin Arjun (Boney Kapoor's son) has become an actor now - he's the lead in a Yashraj film. He was, if anything, way fatter than me. His life has been a battle and he is now a thin, gorgeous-looking boy. I've seen him go through all that. He's exactly my age, 15 days younger than me, we're like Siamese twins, and I'm so, so, so proud of him. We were always on a diet together.
I want to wear a bikini on screen someday
I guess it's fashionable to wear a bikini these days - everybody's wearing one, which is really annoying! ('Ok, maybe I shouldn't have said that!' she adds.) I want to do it, hopefully I'll get to a point where I can, but right now it's a battle. I know I'm hot and sexy, but I know I can be hotter and sexier!
Wearing a bikini in Bollywood doesn't mean you've arrived, it just means you're a certain body type and you're uninhibited about taking your clothes off in front of a billion people in India. I don't know if it's aspirational, but for me, it's the body type - a fit body - that you can look fab and healthy and beautiful wearing that. For me, Bipasha Basu in "Race" is the perfect example, because she didn't look like she'd starved herself; she looked like she'd worked out and eaten really, really well. She looked beautiful. She's OMG. She is really inspirational in terms of - I've seen her eat. She eats. But she exercises like a beast, and she's very healthy. She's not anorexic, she's not bulimic, she's healthy. And that should be the goal - to be a healthy body type.

Hrithik has grown to be a fine actor: Sanjay Dutt


Hrithik has grown to be a fine actor: Sanjay Dutt

Sanjay Dutt recounts his experience of getting into the skin of his latest character, who is evil personified

When Kancha Cheena leers at the camera in Karan Malhotra's Agneepath, the impact is so immediate that one recoils in horror. The actor talks to BT about the film and why Kancha is the one character that has him spooked.

What was your first reaction when offered the role of Kancha Cheena? Karan Johar(Agneepath's producer) came to meet me. He told me the role was a negative one. He added that he hadn't worked with me all these years as he couldn't offer me anything substantial. But he said Kancha Cheena was such a role. But it was when Karan Malhotra came and narrated the script that I was blown away by it. It was phenomenal!

What drew you to such a dark role? I loved the character. Kancha Cheena is so complex, crazy, dark, unpredictable and larger-than-life. I was an anti-hero in Khalnayak but this guy was something out of this world! I have never seen or played a character so dark and evil. Yet though Kancha is a very dark character, his lines are very funny!

Are you aware that with your portrayal of Kancha you have brought back the era of strong villains back into Hindi films? If I have done that, it is because of Karan Malhotra! He was very clear about what he wanted from the character. He had sketches of Kancha right from his look to the way he walked and talked. I found Kancha extremely challenging as I haven't ever done something so dark before. I am not like him. The other day when I was dubbing for Kancha for the climax, halfway through, I asked the director to just stop! When he asked why, I said I couldn't bear it anymore and needed to go for a smoke, soothe my nerves and then start dubbing again. I had to stop dubbing for half an hour as I couldn't bear to see myself as someone so wicked, evil and crazy. After the dubbing, I called Maanayata and told her I can't believe it's me doing that!

How do you see the new Agneepath? I have seen the original film but Karan (Malhotra) has totally changed the new one around.

How was it working with Karan Johar for the first time? He's exactly like his father. Karan's large-heartedness, his passion to make films and the way he wants everything perfect for the cast and crew- from the food to the accommodations - reminds me of his dad. It felt like I was working in Gumraah again. One thing that Karan didn't do was make tea like his dad used to do. Every morning, Yash uncle would make tea for Sridevi, me and the rest of us and come to our rooms with it.

What do you think is Karan Malhotra's strength? For a producer like Karan Johar to give him a platform like Agneepath shows that the producer saw some potential. Karan Malhotra is most focused and knows exactly what he wants. He made life easy for me as an actor. Agneepath is his vision. If Karan didn't agree with what we said, he just didn't agree. I respect that.

How was it working with Hrithik again after Mission Kashmir? Then, I could see that nervousness in him. Today, Hrithik has grown to be a fine actor. It was a pleasure working with him in Agneepath.

Thursday 12 January 2012

Beti B comes first for Amitabh Bachchan


Beti B comes first for Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan stays put in Mumbai. Delays trip to Nashik until after granddaughter's naming ceremony

Amitabh Bachchan was to visit Nashik to inaugurate an old age home there. He even blogged about it, saying he was looking forward to the visit. That trip has now been postponed and he will only head out after his granddaughter's naming ceremony sometime post January 14. Big B was to visit Nashik at top cop and 'long time associate and very dedicated friend' Harish Baijal's invitation.

The old age home, Nanasaheb Deshmukh Vridhashram run by Neptune Foundation, is a free facility for elderly citizens. Sachin Deshmukh, a builder in Mumbai, is the prime force behind this initiative. He says, "I have an emotional connect with this place and named it after my grandfather. We do not need any donations but want people to come and spend time with the old people and do some seva. Harish is a friend and Big B's 'touch' will create awareness and inspire other people to do seva."

Baijal says Bachchan Sr informed him "on Tuesday evening" that the inauguration would have to wait as his daughter Shweta Nanda had come over with her children. Also, "Abhishek and Aishwarya's daughter's naming ceremony would take place soon."

Not the first time This isn't the first time Big B has joined hands with Baijal in his charitable initiatives. At a deaf-and-dumb school named Vikas Mandir in Nashik, the actor donated many computers for the children studying there. 

Salman, Katrina’s dinner date


Salman, Katrina’s dinner date


We don't know about the history between them, but looks like it's back to square one - a dinner date. 

If you thought we're talking about a quiet and romantic dinner, then hold that thought. This is more like a friendly deal, and a mutually beneficial one, at that. zoOm's sources have revealed that Ek Tha Tiger apparently has a scene that's high on emotions. The scene requires Katrina to put her best foot forward and show more intensity than ever before. To motivate her, Salman has promised her a lavish dinner date, and if she gets it right in 'Take 1', they are on. Well, we'll get to see the scene much later, but for now, it's this date that has gotten us all excited! 

Sanju Dutt to move out of family home


Sanju Dutt to move out of family home

His brand new apartment will occupy three floors and house a private theatre
Sanjay Dutt is moving out of the home he was brought up in. The actor lived in his parents Nargis and Sunil Dutt's bungalow, called Ajanta, until it was broken down and rebuilt as a highrise named Imperial Heights some years ago. While he occupies the top two floors of the building, his sisters Namrata and Priya live on the floors below with their families.

Now, the actor is planning to move out of his family home and into a brand new three-floor apartment, also in Bandra. Sanju and wifeMaanayata have been looking for a bigger house post the arrival of their twins Shahran and Iqra. The new apartment - which is still under construction - is in the same vicinity as Shah Rukh Khan's bungalow, Mannat. The building will have only nine apartments, and each will occupy three floors. It will be ready by 2015.

Needless to say, Maanayata is thrilled with the new acquisition and has been telling friends that she plans to have a 20-seater theatre in the house. She is already chalking out plans for the interiors and is in talks with some well-known names to do up their new home.

While the topmost floor will host the couple's bedroom along with those of their twins, one floor will house Dutt's gym and a swimming pool. The final floor will be a living and dining room with guest rooms. The actor has no plans of selling his Imerial Heights apartment or giving it on rent as it holds great sentimental value for him.

Bittoo Boss


Bittoo Boss
The makers of the successful movie Pyaar Ka Panchnama have a date sealed for the deal for cinema lovers for their next venture BITTOO BOSS.
On 20th April, 2012, Bittoo Boss... sab ki legaa! A good story and an equally good talent can make a movie work at the box office. And this faith in cinema was reinstated by Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak's PKP, which came out in the beginning of this year. A story that was different and was portrayed by fresh faces was a hit with the cinema lovers. Keeping the same track in mind, Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and Wide Frame Pictures' Kumar Mangat and Abhishek Pathak are coming out with Bittoo Boss. And just like last year a big banner had shown faith in a fresh face like Ranveer Singh and now he is the heartthrob of the country, Kumar Mangat and Abhishek are also going to launch a fresh and promising face in Bittoo Boss.

Asin is known as 'behenji' of B-town


Asin is known as 'behenji' of B-town

Asin is gearing up for a major makeover. The actress is tired of being referred to as a behenji and wants to start dressing sexily. 

Recently, she had a meeting with a designer and discussed the possibility of wearing skimpy clothes to various events. A source reveals, "She has realised that her image needs to be changed.

After working in Housefull 2 with Jacqueline Fernandez, Zarine Khan and Shazahn Padamsee, she felt that as everyone dressing up sexily, she should, too." Let's wait and see how this one turns out!

Ranbir Kapoor caught in Expo brawl


Ranbir Kapoor caught in Expo brawl

The 11th edition of the Delhi Auto Expowitnessed the presence of many Bollywood stars who had nothing but praise for the exposition, but not all went well on Tuesday, when Ranbir Kapoor paid a visit to hall number 18.
As usual, the actor was surrounded by a huge crowd of fans, but things got ugly when a group of security guards, who had brought some of their friends hoping to get their pictures clicked with the actor, began to act rowdy. Despite the security guards stationed at the pavilion to keep the crowd at bay, and Ranbir's own security personnel, problems cropped up when he tried to leave the expo. The guards started banging on Ranbir's car bonnet and got into a scuffle with his personal security guards - just for a picture.
"Ranbir hall number 18 par aaya tha, woh 40-45 minutes ke liye ruka tha. Baad mein jab woh nikal raha tha, toh uski gaadi ko Group 4 aur CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) ki security ne roka. Gautam Sharma, the head of the Group 4 security team, was the main guy who created the problem. The guards wanted Ranbir to pose with their friends for a picture. When he refused, they lost it, surrounded his car. They refused to let the car move and started banging on the bonnet. There was complete chaos. It's only when the guards at hall 18 intervened, that he could leave," said a source. "Ranbir pehle bhi aa chuka hai, lekin tab there was no problem. This time, somehow, the news became public and this ruckus was created," added the source.

Kareena vs Katrina for KJo's next?


Kareena vs Katrina for KJo's next?

It was earlier reported that Karan Johar and Ekta Kapoor were coming together to make a love story with a twist and would cast the lead pair soon.


The film's leading lady is supposed to be a strong and sexy character, and both KJo and Ekta want a top actress. But there's a hitch. While Ekta is convinced that Katrina Kaif is best suited for the role, Karan feels the role needs a performer and wants to cast Kareena Kapoor for the same. Kareena has worked in many films under Karan's banner. He makes no bones about his fondness for her. At a recent event he said, "Kareena is the in-house heroine for us. Period! Everyone at Dharma is pretty much in sync with that, and that was the case with "Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu" as well. When it comes to her, the role has to be really interesting, meaty and challenging."
While Ekta respects Karan's judgement and his friendship with Bebo, she is not sentimental enough to ignore the box office. She feels Katrina works a certain magic with her luck factor, and for Ekta, that is important. Besides, she has already signed Kareena for the sequel of "Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai" with Akshay Kumar, so naturally she wants to cast Kat for this one. The decision will be taken soon. Both the producers will sit together and figure out which actress works best, and who has the dates to give them for their joint production.

Sunny Leone is trying to fool Indian public: Amar Upadhyay


Sunny Leone is trying to fool Indian public: Amar Upadhyay
Amar Upadhyay is angry. In fact, extremely angry! And it is none other than international porn star Sunny Leone, who has rubbed him the wrong way by alleging that the actor had tried to get too 'touch-feely' with her during the tasks in the Bigg Boss' house. We bring you Mihir Virani nee Amar unplugged...
'Fooling Indian Public!'
The actor, who is aware of the shocking remarks made by Sunny in various newspapers and magazines, thunders: "What the hell have I done to her? I merely kissed her hand in a task! And what does she think she will have to do in Jism 2? Wahan hath nahin bahut kuch kiss karenge! The fact is that XXX-porn star Sunny Leone is trying to fool Indian public! Bringing her in a family show like Bigg Boss doesn't augur well for Indian culture. Just read the 250-plus comments that have been posted on the Bigg Boss' website on that particular episode of Sunny and me. Women have openly blasted her for making false accusations against me. She is ruining the psyche of 12-year-old boys in India, who are now doing google search on her after reading about her pornographic escapades and seeing her on telly."
'Paap Dhone Aayi Hai?'

Seething, he goes on to add: "I wonder why has Sunny come to India? Kya woh yahan apne paap dhone aayi hai? After doing all those pornographic activities in front of public along with her so-called husband - who is a lukha and sporting those silly tattoos - she is now accusing me of trying to be physical with her? Excuse me! I have worked with actresses like Divya Seth, Smriti Irani, Aditi Govitrikar, Raima Sen among others. And till date, all these women adore me! I'm here in this industry for 18 years, and I have earned people's respect as a man of character. I had participated in a game show like Bigg Boss to play a mind-game and not to make relations or for anything else! I was angry with myself when my basic decency made me keep quiet even as I was being accused of weird things in the house because I didn't want to disrespect a woman on national TV, even if she is a porn star."
Producers beware!
The actor cautions all the Bollywood producers to tread with caution. "Hindi film producers should think 100 times before considering Sunny. Tomorrow - she may accuse them of sexual harassment for shaking hands with her! She only wants publicity," he thunders.
'One-woman man!'

Ask him if these allegations made by Sunny have disturbed his wife Hetal, and pat comes the reply: "Hetal is not disturbed at all! She knows I'm a one-woman man and I love her because she has won my trust, and I value her beyond everything else!"

Tuesday 10 January 2012

Madhavan, Bipasha play break up experts in Jodi Breakers


Madhavan, Bipasha play break up experts in Jodi Breakers

There are counsellors who discourage separation and help reconcile troubled couples. They play the role of mediators, resolving differences between warring jodis. But in the film "Jodi Breakers", Madhavan and Bipasha Basu play experts who help people break up!
Together on screen for the first time, Maddy and Bips play break-up specialists who guarantee quick and final freedom to their clients. "Jodi Breakers" is a cheeky entertainer that takes a look at dysfunctional romantic relationships. It's the treatment and the characters that make all the difference, say its makers.
The duo solve outrageous cases with a touch of humour. Director Ashwini Chaudhary says, "Besides Madhavan and Bipasha, I have an interesting ensemble cast comprising Omi Vaidya, Milind Soman, Dipannita and Mrinalini Sharma, apart from the ever graceful Helen, weaving their charm on screen in this film."
Madhavan adds, "I loved shooting for the film and have had the best time so far. Bipasha was full of life and fun to be with. "Jodi Breakers" has been my most memorable film and I'll miss the people associated with it."
Bipasha echoes a similar sentiment. She says, ""Jodi Breakers" is a unique romantic comedy. Madhavan's pairing with me might make the film unusual, yet we share perfect chemistry on screen."
The film is slated to hit theatres on February 24.

I wasn't born with the perfect measurements: Hrithik


I wasn't born with the perfect measurements: Hrithik

Hrithik Roshan is celebrating his 38th birthday. After an agonising tryst with a bad back, he's just about got his ideal body back; his dream project Agneepath is a fortnight away. Self-admittedly 63 days ago, he was a broken man. 

Read excerpts of an interview with one of Bollywood's brightest talents:

Happy Birthday; heard your waist measures 29 and a half inches! Thank you, yes I've got my waist back in 62 days flat. And to think that just two months ago I had hit rock bottom mentally. I had a slipped disc and was in anguish. I couldn't lift my arm for a clothes trial. Dad was worried. We thought we'd defer Krrish-3. In self-pity I was gorging on brownies and chocolates. Then something within me said - 'I'm not giving in.' I got one of the finest doctors in the world to examine me and the physiotherapy sessions began. I was in anguish but I told myself if I give up today, I may just give it all up.

What did you waist measure then? 36 and half inches! I couldn't zip the Krrish-3 jacket or trousers.

What is your current mantra? I don't know whether you can call it a mantra. But the golden word for me is `initiative.' It is all about taking that first step when you are down and out. We are all normal; we're the same. I want everyone out there to know that I wasn't born with the perfect measurements. I had to work towards getting this dream body.

Are birthdays special or routine? Oh they are always special. I feel blessed every single day. I am happy that I have some really beautiful people around me. And I thank God each day for giving me the awareness and ability to take control of my life. That's my gift.

Is Agneepath making you nervous? I am more excited than nervous. I like Karan Malhotra. He was an AD on Jodhaa Akbar. Here he was the one whose instructions I was following. Agneepath is his vision.

Who's more exciting - Kalli ( Priyanka Chopra) or Chikni ( Katrina Kaif)? Chikni will get you excited, Kalli will make you cry.

Aamir Khan and Farhan Akhtar both admire you for going from Guzaarish to Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara; Agneepath to Krrish! Are you flattered? I am humbled. That Aamir and Farhan both hugely successful and creative people should have a kind word for me, makes me happy. I am an adventurer and an explorer. For me doing the same thing over and over again spells doom.

Is there anything else you wish to ask God for? Yeah I have a lot of questions for him. I want to keep pushing my potential as a performer and a human being to the optimum. I'm hoping that when I've evolved enough, God will answer the many questions I have in store for him. 

Salman to play Mumbai commissioner in Dabangg 3


Salman to play Mumbai commissioner in Dabangg 3

While you are still looking forward to Dabangg 2, here's what Salman Khan has committed to his fans in Dabangg 3.

For all you Dabangg fans, there's some news. It goes without saying that the plans for the sequel are bigger and better. But that's not all. Salman Khan recently went a step ahead to promise his fans some 'big' fun not just from the sequel but the franchise per se.

On Saturday evening, Salman Khan attended the Umang Police Function and turned the center of attraction especially because he has played a cop in Dabangg. When asked about the sequel, Salman said, "In DabanngChulbul Pandey was a cop from a small town. In Dabangg 2 he will be promoted to a city and will be playing a senior cop from Lucknow". Also from his corrupt ways in the prequel, he would turn more honest in the sequel.

But Salman Khan didn't stop there. He promised his fans, "In Dabangg 3, Chulbul Pandey will be posted in Mumbai. Also with each part, his seniority will rise so the third part will see him as the Commissioner of Mumbai Police". Of course the third part is nowhere in picture as of now but it was the most witty and apt tribute that Salman could give to the Mumbai police at the event.

Interestingly Salman Khan said this in presence of the real Commissioner of Mumbai Police. And before the Commissioner could object, Salman in his trademark style said. "Ek baar jo maine commitment de di, toh main khud ki bhi nahi sunta". Now that's some attitude!

I miss my abba every day: Shabana Azmi


I miss my abba every day: Shabana Azmi

Ready to perform Kaifi Aur Main at Times Pune Festival today with Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi gets candid on love and life...
She lost her father almost ten years back, but till date Shabana Azmi can't hide that flicker of emotion in her voice, when she speaks about Kaifi Azmi, the revolutionary Urdu poet, who has left an indelible mark on the sands of time. You are moved when she says: "I miss my abba every day. When he passed away, I was inconsolable, but Javed wrote a poem - Ajeeb Aadmi tha wo', which helped me realise that abba is still living through his works. I found his presence all around me and now he's my closest inner companion."

Labour of love Her mood lightens the moment you mention Times Pune Festival. "Kaifi aur Main is a celebration of Abba's life and works seen through the eyes of my mother, noted theatre and film actress, Shaukat Kaifi. Sensitive and touching narrative written by Javed Akhtar is based on Ammi's book of memoirs Yaad Ki Rehguzar as well as on Kaifi Azmi's interviews and writings. Each word of this presentation belongs to my parents' life, and Javed and I enact them. So, it's a labour of love, which has got a standing ovation everywhere!"

Pune gladdens me! Staging this unique presentation in Pune means a lot to me because the city gladdens my heart every time. Here, people understand and appreciate good music, art and theatre. And in Kaifi Aur Main, there's something for everyone. Those, who love theatre, will relate to it. Bollywood music buffs will also get to enjoy some lovely numbers penned by abba and sung by Jaswinder Singh. Lovers will enjoy its inherent romance, which thrived despite suffering, ill-health and socio-political turmoil. This performance in Pune is even more special because this is a part of abba's 90th birthday celebrations, which will culminate on January 19, his birthday!"

'Javed and I' This theatrical collage has made waves for being Javed Akhtar's theatrical debut. Ask her if he was nervous matching wits on stage with his wife, who is serenaded as a brilliant actress, and Shabana says with a chuckle: "Javed does not know the meaning of nervousness; although, he pretends otherwise. Everytime ahead of a show, he says, 'Dekhna ab jab main boloonga, toh logon ko pata chal hee jayega ki mujhe acting nahin aati!' But, it's all a sham; he's a natural actor!'

Love actually Try ragging her about her husband making her blush even today, and Shabana says pertly: "There are young girls who tell me that I'm so lucky to have such a romantic poet for a husband, and I always tell them that Javed doesn't have a romantic bone in his body! He reasons, 'Just because you are a trapeze artiste, it doesn't mean you have to hang upside down even at home!' But, the binding force in our marriage is our deep friendship and our shared world-view. Javed always says - 'shaadi bhi hamari dosti ko nahin hila saki!' We do have our shares of fights. Recently, when we were building our home - Sukoon - both of us had different takes on how it should look. After a while, I was completely baffled by the scales that the home had taken. A dear friend then told me - "Shabana, the difference between you and Javed is of Sholay and Ankur.' He can only think 70mm and I go into minute details. But, we accept and cherish these differences!"

Ajay Devgn and Anil Kapoor: Partners in crime


 Ajay Devgn and Anil Kapoor: Partners in crime

During the London schedule of Tezz, Ajay Devgn and Anil Kapoor were spotted visiting DVD libraries all over town, armed with a list of must-watch films.




A source reveals, "Anil and Ajay would spend hours watching the movies in their hotel at night.
They would then shortlist the titles that could be remade into Bollywood films." Incidentally, the film they were shooting for is supposed to be a copy of Keanu Reeves-starrer Speed.

Thursday 5 January 2012

Madhuri Dixit at Tussauds


Madhuri Dixit at Tussauds

After Kareena Kapoor's wax statue at Madam Tussauds, looks like it is Madhuri Dixit Nene's turn.
"Madame Tussauds made the announcement and I am confirming it. Will be in London in March to introduce my likeness! Thanks for all ur support (sic)," Madhuri wrote on a microblogging website.

20 years on, filmmakers asked to pay up


20 years on, filmmakers asked to pay up

Nearly 20 years after the Aamir Khan-starrer "Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke" set the cash registers ringing, its makers may end up losing an amount that could run into a few crores.
Tahir Husain Enterprises and T V Films Pvt Ltd have lost a case that pertained to sharing of the film's proceeds, with the High Court ruling that Raj Enterprises, the petitioners, had been short-changed by the filmmakers.
The court has directed that Raj Enterprises be compensated along with interest and has asked all parties to comply with its order by March 31 this year.
The case
Raj Enterprises, represented by law firm Sita Kapadia and Associates, filed the case against producer T V Films Pvt Ltd and its world rights controller Tahir Husain Enterprises, claiming 50% copyright in the movie.
According to the application, producer T V Films got into an agreement with Tahir Husain Enterprises in 1991, appointing the firm as the movie's rights controller against payment of `1 crore. The rights controller, in turn, signed an agreement with Raj Enterprises in October 1992; it was confirmed by T V Films, for a consideration of `45 lakh, to assist Tahir Husain Enterprises to discharge its duties.
Time to pay up
The court has prohibited the filmmakers from selling any further rights or exhibiting the film in any form without the consent of Raj Enterprises. Also, other parties, which had entered into further agreements with the filmmakers, have been directed not to transfer any movie rights.