Entertainment Blog

Katrina Kaif collapses on the sets of Tees Maar Khan

2010-03-17T22:36:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday morning disaster struck on the sets of Farah Khan’s Tees Maar Khan when the leading lady Katrina Kaif collapsed just before shooting for a very important scene was supposed to start.

While Katrina remained unavailable for comment, reliable reports from the location at Malshej Ghat say the incident happened when the actor was getting ready for the day.

“She had barely finished makeup and walked on to the location, greeted her co-star Akshay Kumar and director Farah Khan when she collapsed in a heap…just like that!”

For the next three hours, panic prevailed on location.

Says the source, “No one knew quite what to do since the medical facilities in Malshej were hardly adequate. Akshay quickly called up Mumbai and a doctor was rushed to Malshej. By the time he arrived, Katrina was feeling better, though weak. Farah suggested they cancel her shooting for the day, but Katrina insisted on shooting in the second-half of the day’s schedule.”

The reason given by the doctor for her sudden collapse was exertion and lack of sleep. Katrina has been advised to take it easy.

Her spokesperson confirmed the incident. “Katrina was unwell on Wednesday morning. She has been advised some rest. Of late she has been going through tremendous work stress travelling in and out of Mumbai.”

Aishwarya and Abhishek romance on twitter

2010-02-07T21:41:00.001-08:00

Abhishek Bachchan and wife Aishwarya Rai are so busy shooting for their films that the couple hardly gets time to spend together. So, to keep in touch couple has found a new way. These days Bachchans are using Twitter as new communication medium between them. Sources inform that they are busy twittering to each other in French language.

Continues the source, Abhishek and Ash belive that not many know the language here so they twitter to each other in French with all their lovy dovy talks, love you miss you types. So that no one comes to know what exactly they are communicating with each other.

It seems finally the most happening couple of Bollywood has found out that it is necessary to keep in touch with each other without anybody knowing what is going on between them.

Aishwarya Rai to make her TV debut

2010-02-07T21:41:00.000-08:00

While husband Abhishek and father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan have already forayed into tv, Bachchan bahu is also contemplating a move to the telly.Though convincing Aishwarya at this stage of her career was not an easy job, but she will be hosting a show on national television.

The format is a chat show and the logistics are being worked out.Aishwarya’s debut is a part of a ‘family’ deal. A source says, “Right from the time they signed Amitabh Bachchan for Bigg Boss, the channel had decided to have Abhishek and Aishwarya as well.”

Meanwhile it is pretty clear that the heroine will charge a bomb for her first foray into television.

A hotel owner harassed Bipasha Basu

2010-02-07T21:40:00.000-08:00

Bollywood actressBipasha Basu was recently harassed by an owner of a five-star hotel in Delhi after she refused to attend his birthday party.

Bips was in the capital to launch her fitness DVD. She was supposed to attend a party last Friday at Hotel Ramada Plaza where she was staying. But later she got to know that the party also a birthday celebration for the hotel’s chairman, Ashok Mittal, so, she didn’t come to attend it.

It was then that the chairman harassed the actress. According to the eyewitness, Mittal created a ruckus outside the actress’ room. An official from Shemaroo says, “It was never mentioned it was the chairman’s birthday. Due to misrepresentation of facts, we decided Bipasha won’t attend.”

While Ashok Mittal says, “Bipasha was being greedy, demanding Rs 30 lakh to attend the party. We had a contract, signed by Basu, which states she was to make an appearance at the party.”

Shemaroo Entertainment is to pay the hotel Rs. 10,40,000 as a compensation.

Abhishek promises trouble for KJo

2010-01-17T20:51:00.000-08:00

Abhishek Bachchan said to have been very angry with Karan Johar for turning blind eye on his presence.The filmmaker was so engrossed in his own world recently that he failed to notice the actor who had been waving out for his attention, while on road.

This left Abhishek fuming. However Abhishek didn't lose heart, as he tweeted about the incident.This ignorance made the Jr. B so angry that he tweeted out on his social networking page thus, “Just passed Karan Johar on the road. And he didn't wave back! Ooooooh you in trouble now boy!”

Sonam Kapoor follows Mallika's mantra

2010-01-17T20:41:00.001-08:00

Sonam Kapoor who debuted with 'Saawariya' opposite Ranbir Kapoor shared her secret fitness mantra in an interview. The actress said that she weighed 90 kgs once but after following a strict healthy diet and regular exercise she has lost all her extra fats and is finally left into a leggy lass.

According to Sonam she wants to look and feel young and thus work out at least five times a week.If that was not enough, the preety actress believes in the saying – 'early to bed and early to rise'. Well, that's what the hottie B-town bombshell Mallika Sherawat also preaches.

One would surely wonder if Sonam is impressed with reason of Mallika's beauty.Well, all can we say that the mantra is a perfect tip to keep one healthy, wealthy and wise.

John's loss is Salman's gain

2010-01-17T20:41:00.000-08:00

Blame it on the Bollywood hottest hunk John's times or Team India's swashbuckling skipper Mahendra Sigh Dhoni, apparently Rs. 30 crore is riding on Dhawan's 'Hook Ya Crook'.

The climax of the film is still remaining to be shot on 20 minutes featuring a cricket match between India and South Africa to be canned.

According to sources the climax was to be done last year, but recession bled the film's production house to the tune of Rs. 100 crore on various other projects, and the with one thing or the other.....the climax of the film 'Hook Ya Crook' got put off.

Now, when everything seems was getting back on the line, David Dhawan is not getting Dhoni's dates as the country's skipper is unavailable for the time being.

On the other hand, John's loss is certainely Salman's gain. Dhawan who could not help his 'Hook Ya Crook' in anyway, has put aside his film and has picked up a long delayed sequel to his hit film 'Partner' featuring Salman Khan and Govinda again in the lead.

B'day Special: Rare Photos of Monica Bedi

2010-01-17T20:09:00.000-08:00

Dhoni or Sachin in Tamil film

2010-01-11T20:30:00.001-08:00

Vijay is one of the biggest stars in the south film industry. And he is working in a Tamil film called ‘Sura’ which is slated to go on the floors soon. The story of the film demands a big time cricketer to feature in the film and the makers are clearly hell bent on getting either Sachin Tendulkar or Mahendra Singh Dhoni to feature in the film.

The film is being directed by SP Rajakumar and needs a cricketer to feature in a dance number along with Vijay in the film. The makers are clear that they want a cricketer to feature in the film even if it is in the form of computer graphics.

I couldn't take my eyes off Katrina Kaif: Zarine Khan

2010-01-11T20:28:00.001-08:00

Debutante Zarine Khan doesn't mind being compared to her "Veer" co-star Salman Khan's girlfriend Katrina Kaif and says that the actress is so beautiful that even she couldn't take her eyes off.

"Being compared to Katrina Kaif is a huge compliment for me because I feel she is very beautiful. When I am compared to her, I feel overwhelmed. I have met her a couple of times and she is so beautiful that even I couldn't take my eyes off her," Zarine told IANS.

"Being compared to her is always a delight. Personally speaking, when I see myself in the mirror, I find no similarities."

Zarine, who is playing female lead with Salman in "Veer", says that she wanted to be a doctor and that acting happened to her by chance.

"I was always a very brilliant student, but not a nerd type. I wanted to be a doctor. But I couldn't continue my studies due to a financial crisis and the responsibility of my whole family fell on my shoulders. Acting happened by chance. Now I can be everything - a doctor, pilot, everything," said Zarine.

"I was a struggling model and was looking for some kind of work to take care of my family. I was doing very small print ads now and then for saris to earn money to run my house. One day I was home surfing the net when I got a call from Mukta Arts. They called me on the sets of 'Yuvvraaj'. There I met Salman.

"Salman is a huge actor and I am one of his great fans. I started talking to him like his fans would do. I had no clue that he was planning to take me in his film ('Veer'). Finally, when I asked for his autograph, he said, 'No sweetheart you will sign autograph for the world'. Later I got to know that he has selected me for this film," she added.

Though Salman chose Zarine, she had to pass an audition test.

"They had auditioned lots of girls because the female lead has two different looks in the movie - one is Indian and other Western. Whoever they auditioned looked good in either of the looks, not both. Some had language problem too. They tried me and I was lucky enough to fit into both the characters and they signed me," said Zarine.

"Veer" is directed by Anil Sharma and produced by Vijay Dalani and Sunil A. Lulla. The makers kept Zarine's name secret for a long time.

"Even I got strict instructions to keep it a secret from friends and family. I was allowed to give some clue to my parents," she said.

Asked why they were hiding her, she said: "I don't know. I was too junior to question them why they are asking me to do so. I just did what they asked me to do."

Set in colonial India, the film encapsulates a period when Britons enslaved India with their divide and rule policy and kings and nawabs fell for it, except for the Pindaris who preferred death to dishonour and fought till their last breath. Salman plays one of the bravest and strongest Pindari soldiers.

"It's a love story set in the backdrop of a war for independence. I play a Rajasthani princess," said Zarine.

Salman is known as an angry man, but Zarine got to know the caring and understanding side of his personality.

"I had heard that he is a very tough guy, he hardly speaks. But he spoke to me very nicely... may be because I met him first as a fan. In due course I realised whatever has been written about Salman is not true. He is so sweet. He has a heart of gold. He is a very genuine man.

"While shooting sometimes I couldn't understand some parts of my role. I used to be scared that Salman would get angry. But he used to patiently explain how to go about it," said Zarine.

She has already bagged a few offers but she hasn't signed any as she is waiting for the release of "Veer" Jan 22.

Katrina and Kareena’s KKKKKK effect

2010-01-11T20:28:00.000-08:00

Two sensuous and sizzling actress of Bollywood are coming together for the first time. Both Kareena and Katrina will be sharing a single cover.

Film magazine Stardust plans to bring both the sexy actresses together.Well both the actress had shot separately and afterwards their images have been merged together.

The KKKKKKK effect is strong in the month of January.

Stallone prefers painting to filmmaking

2010-01-11T20:17:00.004-08:00

Hollywood`s action superstar Sylvester Stallone prefers painting to making films as with art he can only blame himself if it goes wrong.

The `Rocky` actor, who has had his paintings displayed at Art Basel Miami Beach recently, claimed films rarely live up to the hype because of the scale of production, a news website reported.

"Movies are a vision dependent upon three or four hundred people to accomplish it. So there`s great compromising," Stallone said.

"And so much is lost in the translation. So when you get up there, it`s maybe 40 per cent of the way you envisaged it. Because of the finance thing, and the actor doesn`t interpret it properly. Or the director isn`t on form that day and he missed the whole point," he added.

"Whereas painting is all you do. It either soars or it crashes. There`s no one to blame but one person," Stallone said.

The 63-year-old star also suggested many of his art pieces come out being in a bad mood.

"I find that the more unhappy you are, the more confused you are, the better your art is. Happy art, it just doesn`t seem to work for me," Stallone said.

Lindsay Lohan in trouble

2010-01-11T20:17:00.003-08:00

Lindsay Lohan is at the centre of a hit and run case in Los Angeles after a paparazzi member filed a lawsuit against the actress claiming her driver almost killed him.

According to TMZ, the Mean Girls star’s car allegedly struck the photographer and then sped away from the scene.

The 23-year-old actor was not driving the vehicle but was inside the car at the time. And now, her driver is being targeted in a criminal assault with a deadly weapon investigation.

The incident reportedly occurred around 12:30 a.m PT in front of The Hotel Cafe in Hollywood, CA.

The photographer was injured but was not taken to hospital, revealed the report.

"Of course I'm going to sue them...but I don't care about the money,” News.com.au quoted the photographer as telling TMZ.

He claims he is "lucky to be alive", especially since the driver was wearing sunglasses while driving in a dark alley.

"I want to press charges so badly...she's going to jail,” he said.

Shahid Kapoor’s cross-connection with Vidya

2010-01-11T20:17:00.002-08:00

Shahid Kapur and Vidya Balan surely connected well during the making of “Kismet Connection”. But their relationship did not last long and subsequently the two stopped speaking to each other.

More recently, in a candid interview with a Mumbai daily, without really naming him, Vidya even blasted Shahid for dumping her and the identity crisis her confused personal life put her through.

But filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj unknowingly got the two to speak with each other a few days back.

Vishal saw the promos of “Chance Pe Dance” and messaged Shahid appreciating him in the film. At the end of the message he put his initials as ‘VB’.

Vishal sent the message from his new number which Shahid did not have. Shahid thought VB was none other than Vidya Balan.

He immediately called Vidya and told her that rather than messaging she could have called to congratulate him. Vidya on the other hand was surprised and shocked and finally managed to tell Shahid that she never messaged him.

The good thing, however, was that this cross connection apparently got the two talking again.

Big B follows Salman Khan’s steps

2010-01-11T20:17:00.001-08:00

Amitabh Bachchan is all geard up to promote his upcoming release Teen Patti. And if sources are to be believed, he will be doing so on the reality show ‘Dance India Dance’. Salman Khan too was recently invited on the show whose shooting is going to be wrapped up by Jan 12.

“Bachchan has been invited on the show so that 18 finalists left can seek his blessings and go ahead with the competition. Amitabh will talk about Teen Patti and thus, will introduce his film to every household watching television.”

Khabroo goes on, “The shooting process the episode is not yet done but will telecast on 29th of this month. It will be great fun when Big B with his different style will give some dancing tips to the contestants.

“Big B is likely to put on his dancing shoes and shake legs with Mithun Chakrobarthy,” source adds

Shahid Kapoor Shakes his legs for Lungi

2010-01-11T20:17:00.000-08:00

Well, we can’t question Shahid ’s credibility as a dancer; the lad can shake his leg not just in denims but in a lungi as well. Yes, you can catch him doing a hottie-naughty dance in his next Chance Pe Dance.

The movie shows him as a struggler who wants to make it big in the film industry. This particular scene has Shahid shooting for a lungi ad. The set for the scene is designed in a 1980s style with all colourful pots and bright flags arranged in a row. Shahid Kapoor also flaunts a thick moustache and is dressed in a tacky yellow-coloured shirt and a deep blue lungi, as he shows some jhatkas-matkas.

As reported, the lungi brand has a funny name that came from director Ken Ghosh’s agile mind - ‘Airtime lungis.’

Zarine doesn’t look like Katrina: Salman Khan

2010-01-11T10:40:00.001-08:00

While the media is flummoxed by the startling facial resemblance between Katrina Kaif and Zarine Khan, the heroine of Salman Khan’s upcoming film Veer, the superstar himself feels otherwise. According to him, there’s little similarity.

“I am amazed at the hype over the reported similarities. I don't see any resemblance except the fair skin and sharp nose. God has never made two people look alike. If there was any resemblance, I should have noticed it first,” Salman is quoted as saying by a news agency.

Salman, who previously introduced to Bollywood Sneha Ullal, a walking carbon copy of his ex girlfriend but now happily married Aishwarya Rai, denied that Zarine was signed for the role in ‘Veer’ because she looked like Katrina. He rather asserts that Zarine was signed because a fresh face was needed for the role.

“The presence of an established actress would have looked like as if the actress is playing the role. We wanted a yesteryear look and hence the need for a fresh face,” Salman said.

The movie has Salman playing a Pindari warrior and Zarine playing a princess who is the daughter of the sworn enemy of the Pindari clan.

Shahrukh makes other stars feel jealous?

2010-01-10T20:15:00.002-08:00

Shahrukh Khan’s popularity among people is well-known but the actor’s attraction is such that it can overshadow other biggies of b-town even. One such incident happened at the function where lensman Dabboo Ratnani was awarded for being number one and the most influential person in Asian photography.

Some Bollywood celebs had gathered at the function but it was only Shahrukh being seen mobbed by photographers and people. A guest lady witnessing the scene says, “Hrithik Roshan was there. So were Arjun Rampal, Genelia D’Souza, Zayed Khan, Vidya Balan and others. However, it was only SRK who got the people present in raptures.

Both the press and the junta couldn’t have enough of him.”Folks, how other celebs would have felt? Clearly, SRK has made other actors feel jealous. Isn’t it?

Shahrukh Khan turns a software engineer

2010-01-10T20:15:00.001-08:00

As Shahrukh Khan gets ready for his forthcoming project Ra 1 we get to hear more about SRK’s role and the movie. Shah Rukh himself is super excited about his role. Grapevine has it that Shah Rukh plays a software engineer who creates a monster that goes out of control and kills people! The film is a science fiction thriller and will have lots of special effects.

Sources close to the production house inform that “SRK plays a techie named Shekhar who’s so obsessed with video games that he creates a monster for one of the games. Trouble begins when the virtual monster takes a real form and begins killing people. To tame the beast, Shekhar transforms himself into a virtual character. Thereby begins the battle between Shekhar and the monster.”

As the film’s producer, SRK is making sure that the production team has the best minds and hands. While Anubhav Sinha has been roped in to direct the flick, Ueli Steiger (cinematographer of ‘10,000 BC’) will handle the camera and David Benullo (of ‘Hallowed Ground’) is the screenplay writer. Shooting is likely to begin in the first quarter of 2010.

Shahrukh makes other stars feel jealous?

2010-01-10T20:15:00.000-08:00

Deepika Padukone loves buying lingerie!

2010-01-10T20:14:00.003-08:00

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has recently revealed that she loves buying lingerie. The actress revealed the truth in an exclusive interview to the popular Cosomopolitan Magazine’s 13th Anniversary edition.

The actress was asked, “With all this attention, what do we still not know about you?” She replied, “Hey I thought I’m an open book! Okay, here it goes: I love to cook; I’m a very competitive sports player — I get all hot and sweaty playing sports; I am a chocoholic; I love buying lingerie; and I love playing pranks on my friends!”

So folks, now we know where we can find the lady!

Deepika-Shahid spotted getting friendly!

2010-01-10T20:14:00.002-08:00

Shahid already has a supposed record of being linked to every heroine of his so far, but now, it seems to be happening off-screen too! At a starry award ceremony held here recently, none other than Deepika Padukone was spotted getting chatty and friendly with B-town’s lover boy!

According to a source, Dips, clad in a dazzling sari could be seen tip-toeing towards Shahid Kapoor at the event, while the actor seemed little surprised as he didn`t know how to react. Nevertheless, the actor apparently became quite friendly with the actress as she got herself comfortably seated just next to our lover boy.

Grapevine has it that choreographer-turned-director Ahmed Khan is planning a film with Shahid and Deepika as lead couple. Buzz is that Ahmed had thought of casting Katrina before, but finally zeroed in on Deepika. Well, in that case, the link-up is pretty obvious!

Jaya Bachchan is extremely fond of Ash’s ex-lover Vivek Oberoi

2010-01-10T20:14:00.001-08:00

Guess who is bonding with the Bachchans now? It’s none other than `bahu` Aishwarya Rai’s ex-flame Vivek Oberoi who was seen at his impressive best at a recent award function where he socialized with mother-in-law Jaya Bachchan in his endless attempts to end the age-old fictions between the two parties.The year sure seems to have begun on a very positive note for this lad as Jaya, unlike the other members of the family, was much too keen to chat-up with the actor.

The actor seems to have been finally accepted by the Bachchan clan. As to how this miracle happened sources tell us that it’s all thanks to the strategic seat placement at several events.This time round at a Bollywood function on Friday, the actor was again seated right behind Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan. And as per sources, Vivek took full advantage of this co-incidence. Dancing on the chance the actor was spotted in an intense conversation with Jaya. Though Amitabh was not as forthcoming as his wife, Vivek was much too pleased to talk to senior Mrs Bachchan.

As for Abhishek and Aishwarya, the couple kept their distance and continued to give a cold snub to the craving for forgiveness actor. Well, with rumours stating that it’s Jaya Bachchan who calls the shots at the Bachchan household, it will only be a matter of time till Vivek will be forgiven by one and all.

Salman Khan ignores Katrina Kaif ?

2010-01-10T20:14:00.000-08:00

Well rumour or truly a fact we don’t know but Salman seems to be too loyal to his fans. Be it blogging or giving interviews.

Sallu was giving interviews for his upcoming film Veer in Mumbai’s Mehboob Studios, and Katrina was in the same location, shooting for an ad. When she got a break, she went to Salman and said ‘Hi’, but Salman gave her a cold shoulder.

Well we hope everything is fine between Sallu and Katrina or it’s the usual ups and downs that every couple goes through.

Salman Khan amazed at hype of Zarine's look

2010-01-10T20:13:00.000-08:00

Bollywood star Salman Khan says he is amazed at the hype over the reported similarities between his Veer co-star Zarine and actress Katrina Kaif insisting that if there were any he would have been the first to notice.

The actor added he does not see any resemblance between the two except the fair skin and sharp nose.

"I am amazed at the hype over the reported similarities. I don't see any resemblance except the fair skin and sharp nose. God has never made two people look alike. If there was any resemblance, I should have noticed it first," Salman told PTI.

He said producers of the film, which he has scripted, wanted a new face for the role of the Rajput princess.

"The presence of an established actress would have looked like as if the actress is playing the role. We wanted a yesteryear look and hence the need for a fresh face," Salman, who met Zarine at Subhash Ghai's sets of Yuvraj, said.

Apart from acting and scripting Veer, Salman was actively involved in the creative process of the movie.

"The intense discussion and fights on the sets between me and director Anil Sharma has resulted into a good product. We have not followed the regular format for a period drama and tried to give it a very contemporary look with elements of emotions, drama, comedy and romance. It should not look like period films are very serious," he said.

Salman said he does not feel the pressure of the huge box office success of Aamir Khan starrer 3 Idiots to assert him in the number race.

"If my film is good, it will work with the audience. There is no question of pressure at all. Just because I have written the film does not mean that it is good. Audience has to like it," he said.

To a question on why he chose to write a period film rather than a contemporary one, Salman said, "It is because the story is about being true to your word, enemity, love and
how such sentiments are carried on by the next generation too."

"Pindaris were not barbarians as they were made out to be. All they wanted is Azadi," he said.

Salman admitted that Veer is over-budget. "Audiences are not concerned about the budget. All they want is a good entertaining film. The movie is larger than life. I am not making a film to depress people," he said.

Speaking about why his last two films Main Aur Mrs Khanna and London Dreams could not sustain the positive impact of Wanted at the box office, Salman said, London Dreams was 25 to 30 minutes longer.

"It was an amazing film but the length should have been 2 hour 20 minute. The film's length was trimmed, five days after its release. The length has to be kept as long as it is interesting. Even 3 Idiots is 2 hour 50 minutes but it is an interesting film," he said.

"I was bored seeing my own film then how do you keep the audience hooked," he asked.

Salman said Mithun Chakraborty's children convinced him to play the his father's role in Veer as he was not initially interested because the role required him to be physically fit and have a toned body.

"All three children address him Mithun and they share an amazing relationship. The same emotions and bond has been translated on screen. Besides, he always remembers the moral support my father gave him when he was struggler," he said.

Salman said he has not given an thought to direction. "I would not like to direct a film as of now," he said.

Tamil Nadu Policeman begged for help, ministers didn't care - News In Pictures

2010-01-10T09:10:00.001-08:00

A case of shocking indifference came to light on January 7, when a sub-inspector of police in Tirunelveli district of southern Tamil Nadu, bled to death after gangsters cut off his legs.

Fourty-four-year-old R Vetrivel's cry for help went in vain even after Tamil Nadu Health Minister MRK Paneerselvam and Youth and Sports Development Minister T P M Mohideen Khan, travelling in a convoy, saw him lying in a pool of blood.

The convoy did stop, but neither of the ministers step out of their cars.

Movie Kajraare First Look and Stills

2010-01-10T09:10:00.000-08:00

Audacious Vidya- From boozing to finger-sucking

2010-01-10T09:04:00.000-08:00

What impression do we have of gorgeous Vidya Balan? She never touches alcohol, and does not involve in the negative shades. But for the upcoming movie ‘Ishqiya,’ she has shot a special risqué song called ‘Ibn batuta’ in ‘Ishqiya’ with co-stars Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi.

What Vidya Balan describes as the most blatant come-hither gesture which she has ever seen any actress in Hindi cinema make, in Ishqiya she had to take Arshad Warsi’s thumb in her mouth and suck it.

In the rehearsals, each time she did so, she would burst into uncontrollable titters and Arshad would then join in.

“Fortunately, Arshad is a friend. We’ve gotten along well from the time we did ‘Lage Raho Munnabhai’ together. I don’t know I’d have been able to do a scene like putting my co-star’s finger in the mouth with someone else. That gesture of sucking Arshad’s thumb was so raunchy and sexy, so not me, I couldn’t connect with it all,” Vidya said.

Goa politician who ‘raped’ Russian surrenders

2010-01-06T20:32:00.001-08:00

After evading arrest for nearly a month, Goa politician John Fernandes, accused of raping a 25-year-old Russian woman, surrendered before the police on Tuesday. The surrender came two days after the Supreme Court refused to restore his anticipatory bail initially granted.

Fernandes has been arrested and would be interrogated, Deputy Superintendent of Police Chandrakant Salgaoncar said. He said the accused walked into the Crime Branch office at Dona Paula with his lawyer at 2 pm.

He also said the accused would be charged with destroying evidence as he had not handed over the clothes worn by him on the day he allegedly raped the Russian woman.

Fernandes, a south Goa politician, who unsuccessfully fought 2007 assembly elections on a ticket by Churchill Alemao's Save Goa Front Party, allegedly raped the 25-year-old Russian by spiking her drinks at Colva beach on the night of December 1.

Salgaoncar said the accused went missing when the Panaji bench of Bombay High Court rejected the anticipatory bail granted to him by the district and sessions court. The accused then approached the Supreme Court with the anticipatory bail plea. The SC refused to interfere with the high court order.

The crime branch will now initiate a probe into Fernandes' movements since he went missing. "If some people helped him to hide, we will initiate action against them," Salgaoncar said.

Police had issued lookout circulars after Fernandes went missing. He was declared an absconder by the First Class Judicial Magistrate of Margao.

B'day spl: Rare Childhood Photos of Bipasha Basu

2010-01-06T20:16:00.000-08:00

Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu who turns 31 on Wednesday 7th January 2010. Bollywood actress and supermodel Bipasha Basu born on January 7, 1979. She was the winner of the Ford’s Supermodel of the World Contest for 1996. The British newspaper Eastern Eye recently published Bipasha Basu as the Sexiest Asian Women in the World for the second time.

Wow, Can you believe these are Bipasha Basu Childhood Images. Its true, they are Bollywod Bombshell bipasha basu’s childhood photos.

A.R. Rahman and Wife Saira Unseen Rare Photos

2010-01-05T20:57:00.000-08:00

AR Rahman's Cute Wife Saira Banu Pictures

B'day spl: Rare Photos of Kapil Dev

2010-01-05T20:46:00.000-08:00

Cricket legend Kapil Dev turns 50 today check out Rare Pics of Kapil Dev.

Salman to auction off his self-made Veer hand-paintings

2010-01-05T20:41:00.001-08:00

Everyone knows that Salman Khan paints and gifts his creations away but few know that he has an unusual knack of painting with his fingers, minus any brushes. He often does this on the sets of his films too.

While shooting Veer, whenever there was a break to light the set or change costume, Sallu would get busy with his colours and canvas. He completed five paintings of Ganesh and Christianity in this way.

Veer producer Vijay Galani says, "Yes, I have watched Salman paint with his fingers and he has helped us a lot painting sets of Veer. He's very fast and finishes the painting in a few hours. We haven't decided as yet what to do with his paintings. I am discussing with Salman whether we could auction them or not."

Deepika sheds inhibitions for a celebrity calendar

2010-01-05T20:35:00.000-08:00

B-Town photographer Dabboo Ratnani's annual New Year offering is out -- his calendar. This is his 11th year of capturing the top stars for his trademark almanac. The 2010 calendar has only black-and-white snapshots.

DEEPIKA PADUKONE
The picture makes her look as if she is not wearing anything as the parts of the body you see are bare. I wanted to make her look sensual, but aesthetic. Last year, I had shot her in a sari, so this is in total contrast. She strikes a thinking, dreamy pose, and I have used lighting to match her mood.

"Normally, Bollywood is associated with bright colours. Black and white images are for the bygone eras but I opted for a stark B&W as the mood in the snapshots is dark but the styling modern."

Every year, Ratnani begins his preparations in October. Though he interacts with the stars for their shoots for mags, films and portfolios, they take time out every year for his date diary. "The shoot provides the stars a platform to experiment with their looks and styling." The 2010 calendar includes the Big B, Aishwarya Rai, Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Kajol, Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, John Abraham, Sonam Kapoor and Kangna Ranaut among others. The first-timers on his calendar include Asin, Farhan Akhtar, Genelia D'Souza and Imran Khan this year. Ratnani prefers not to comment which star looks the hottest. "They are all my friends and go out of their way to cooperate. For me they all look hot."

In the last 11 years, Dabboo has featured all the top stars several times in his calendar except for Aamir Khan who has featured only twice in the past years. Though there are many takers, he is not tempted to sell the calendar -- his work is only circulated among B-Town folk.

BIPASHA BASU

Her body looks fab and she looks sexy. I had specially hired the antique bike for the shoot. No, noâ¦ it is not a bike from John Abraham's collection! The picture accentuates her curves and the end result is hot.

SHAH RUKH KHAN

I have given him a sporty look as he is so full of energy always. He is quick to shoot and puts his 100 per cent into everything. We finished the shoot in 10 minutes flat.

B'day Spl: Rare photos of A.R. Rahman

2010-01-05T20:23:00.000-08:00

As he turn 44 Today, checkout his Rare childhood photos

Mahesh and Lara recently spotted dancing cosily

2009-12-30T20:16:00.000-08:00

It looks like a doubles pair off-court. Tennis ace Mahesh Bhupathi and model Lara Datta were not kissing under the mistletoe but well, who knows? The coosome twosome were spotted on Christmas night, dancing at the Taj Land's End hotel in Bandra at an event organised by management company Fountainhead.

Lara, was dressed in a green gown, while Bhupathi wore a suit. Things were pretty steamy, with some waltzing and close dancing between Ms Lara and Hesh (as Bhupathi is called). Apparently, the couple seemed to be alone and not with a group of friends.

Bol bhi do!
A lady, who was at the same dance, laughed as she said, "They were together, they looked like they are in love, they should stop denying it." Now this should add more smoke to the fire. The gossip grapevine has been buzzing with rumours about Lara Dutta (ex-boyfriends: Dino Morea and Kelly Dorje) and Mahesh Bhupathi (formerly married to Chennai model Shweta Jayashankar) dating for a while now. Yet, the pair has denied it.
It reminds one of the time when his doubles partner Leander Paes (not exactly buddies now) and Rhea Pillai repeatedly denied any relationship.

Not just tweetin'
The globetrotting Bhupathi was in Mumbai recently. One had spotted him at the Qi gym at Churchgate working out with other players as part of the preparation camp for the upcoming tennis season beginning with the Australian Open in January next year. Fountainhead did not respond to requests to comment on Lara and Bhupathi at the Christmas dance. Lara too did not respond to a telephone call and SMS for a response. Sources say that Twitter buddies Bhupathi and Lara have taken their relationship to a different level. Well, cho (s)tweet.

Bipasha gets rehearsing on New Years Eve

2009-12-30T20:15:00.000-08:00

Bipasha Basu was caught practising for her act tonight at Seduction 2010 at the Sahara Star on New Year's Eve. The dance has been choreographed by Sanjay Shetty while her costumes have been designed by Rocky S.
Beau John Abraham will be attending the event with his family to watch his girlfriend groove. Along with Bipasha, Sudesh Bhosle, Anjana Sukhani, and Indipop duo Preety-Pinky will be also performing while Aamir Ali and Sanjeeda Sheikh will be anchoring the show.

Neetu Chandra, the next Aishwarya Rai?

2009-12-29T20:25:00.000-08:00

Neetu Chandra truly believes she’s the next Aishwarya Rai. Now why’s that? It’s because she is working with Ram Gopal Varma and Jag Mundhra and the Bachchan bahu has worked with these directors on her last films.

But that’s not all. She draws likenesses between her and the former Miss World because she has now moved into an apartment in Lokhandwala where Aishwarya lived in her early days. Maybe she is now looking towards having an Abhishek Bachchan soon too, who knows?

Angelina Jolie named Beauty Icon of the Decade

2009-12-29T20:24:00.000-08:00

Angelina Jolie has pipped love rival Jennifer Aniston to become Beauty Icon of the Decade. The poll was conducted by Superdrug, reports The Daily Star.

Steve Jebson from Superdrug said: “Angelina is not a conventional beauty but her strong character shines through.” Aniston,is the ex-wife of 34-year-old Jolie’s partner Brad Pitt.

Deepika Padukone announced ‘Sexiest Female’

2009-12-28T20:26:00.001-08:00

Deepika Padukone has been presented the award for being the ‘Sexiest Female’ at Cosmopolitan magazine’s coveted Fun, Fearless Female Awards in Mumbai.

Celebrating the success of India’s most prominent females the event awarded women for being outstanding in the different fields like film, glamour, theatre, sports and writing.

Actress Deepika Padukone was presented a diamante-studded stiletto statuette to mark her recognition as 'Sexiest Female' for her contribution towards Indian cinema.

It’s more than a decade; the magazine has been presenting the award to outstanding women.

B'day Spl: Rare Photos of Twinkle Khanna

2009-12-28T20:20:00.001-08:00

29 December is Twinkle Khanna’s Birth Date she turns 35 today.

B'Day Special: Rare Photos of Rajesh Khanna

2009-12-28T20:20:00.000-08:00

Today is Rajesh Khanna's birthday he turns 67 today.

Katrina completely bowled over by Robert Pattinson

2009-12-28T20:12:00.000-08:00

Bollywood stunner Katrina Kaif is completely bowled over by English actor and ‘Twilight’ star Robert Pattinson. So much so that she’s become obsessed about meeting the actor asap.

To begin with Katrina, currently holidaying in London, has devoured the three of the four books in the Twilight series - ‘Twilight’, ‘New Moon’, ‘Eclipse’ and ‘Breaking Dawn’ -in less than four days and is on her way to finish the fourth one as well.

Now, Kat claims she can’t get Pattinson out of her head.

“This is like an obsession for me. I can’t get Robert Pattinson out of my head…I’ve never felt this way about any man before,” Katrina is quoted as saying by a news agency.

Reports say a formal meeting between Katrina and Pattinson is being planned by her representatives. In fact, Katrina seems to be hoping for an affair with the Hollywood heartthrob because she said: “He says he’s single. But I don’t believe him. That’s what they all say.”

Wonder how Bollywood hunks will react to it!

(With inputs from IANS)

Bipasha & John still on!

2009-12-27T20:17:00.001-08:00

Despite the buzz about a break-up, the truth is that the two have moved in together

John Abraham and Bipasha Basu as a jodi were MIA for the longest time. The two stopped appearing in public together leading to speculation of a split.

B-Town gossipmongers were buzzing that Bipasha had called off the relationship and that the two weren't a couple anymore. There was talk that the jodi had decided to give each other space and put love on the backburner. Post-New York, John went into hiding, while Bipasha was only seen during the promotion of her films.

However, contrary to popular belief, we found out that the love birds are not only together, but are, in fact, staying in the same nest. According to a source close to the actress, John is now living with Bips at her Khar residence. Even though the move isn't permanent, the two spend a lot of time together. A source says, "Like any couple, John and Bipasha also have arguments but that doesn't mean they have split.

They did have a series of issues but those have been dealt with. A month ago, the couple decided to give each other some space and that's when John was seen going solo at many events. It was apparently Bipasha who made the decision that the relationship was getting stagnant and she told John that they needed some time apart."

When quizzed about the fact that she and John were having problems and had split up Bipasha laughs and says, "Guess we are living with each others ghosts day and night then! Thank you for informing me about this ridiculous buzz again. I am not a story and if people are talking, they have nothing else to do and can't be happy for anyone.

People thrive on negativity. Sorry to disappoint all those who are making this the talk of the town. Either I am getting married or breaking up! Amazing! Year after year -- the same stories."
John Abraham remained unavailable for comment but on Tuesday afternoon (a day after we asked both of them about splitting up) we saw the couple attending a college event.

Tiwari's a hit at Google

2009-12-27T20:15:00.000-08:00

Google Trends show that ever since the Tiwari tapes surfaced, he has overtaken the golfer on the Internet

When Narayan Dutt Tiwari was made the Andhra Pradesh governor after the Congress' unceremonious defeat at the hands of the BJP in Uttarakhand in 2007, people called it 'retirement' posting for the veteran politician.
But, he is back with a bang. Literally, should we say! And guess who he defeated this time. No, it isn't a political rival. It is ace golfer Tiger Woods.

The veteran politician's sex tape has left behind the disgraced golfer's mistress saga, at least on the Internet.

Google Trends has shown that six keywords related to the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister are among the top 20 searches in India (see boxes). The Google insight, which compares search results on the Web, shows that after the news broke out on December 25, Tiwari shot up and maintained the lead on Saturday. Tiwari scored 100 points after being at zero till Friday while Woods remained at 15.

The three and a half minute sex clip which allegedly features the former Andhra governor has not only triggered a debate on the morality of Indian politicians or the lack of it, but people have started making false videos, links and slideshow to lure the users who are looking for the video on the web.

On Saturday, Andhra Pradesh topped the chart of searches for Tiwari while on Sunday Delhiites rushed to locate the video on YouTube.

Cyber experts say with the emergence of Internet as soon as some scandalous development occurs people rush in to find more details especially if it is about some sex tape.

"Any MMS scandal becomes an instant hit on the Web. Tiwari's case is again buzzing on all social networking and search engines. Not only for information but even scamsters use hot searches for fooling people. They upload rogue links and videos to lure innocent users," said Vivek Vohra, a Delhi-based cyber expert.

Fake video by the name of "ND Tiwari SEX VIDEO in bed with three young women shown on TV", " ND Tiwari sex tape leaked" and "ND Tiwari sex scandal." are making the round on the popular video search engine YouTube. The fake videos are attracting a huge number on the Web.

B'day Special: Rare Photos of Anil Kapoor

2009-12-23T20:29:00.000-08:00

Anil Kapoor ( born 24 December 1959) is an Indian film actor and producer. He first won acclaim for his roles in Yash Chopra's drama Mashaal (1984) and Shekhar Kapur's sci-fi Mr. India (1987), and won a Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award for his performance in the former.

'Chance Pe Dance' New movie stills

2009-12-23T20:25:00.004-08:00

Neha Dhupia is a flirtatious seductress

2009-12-23T20:25:00.003-08:00

When actresses would want to give a clean miss-goody-two-shoes image, only someone as bold and spunky as Neha Dhupia can admit to being a flirt. The stunner plays a flirtatious seductress in Percept Pictures Company's Raat Gayi Baat Gayi and for this role she didn't have to prepare much, as she is a natural flirt. It came naturally to her and she used the right body language without being over the top. Neha can give gyaan galore on flirting! As Neha admits, “I am a compulsive flirt and I can flirt with anything. Flirting is fun! Not just that it is also a basic instinct and a part of human nature.”

We wouldn't be surprised if she plays the guru to her friends when it comes to flirting. As one of her friends vouch for her guru gyan on flirting tips on how a girl is a natural magnet, must have the air of confidence and flaunt her best asset. Yes, that's right, if you have it flaunt it. Begin with exchanging admiring glances. Indulge in light-hearted flirtatious banter, the never ending tips on flirting right.

She says, adding, “All this can do wonders to your self-esteem and brighten your day or evening.” So, now you know that you can turn to the clean mean flirting queen whether you want tips to flirt for friendship, flirting with intent or something more. Just ask Neha…

Neha Dhupia is a flirtatious seductress

2009-12-23T20:25:00.002-08:00

Shweta and Aishwarya cannot

2009-12-23T20:25:00.001-08:00

It is always a pleasure to talk to a man like Amitabh Bachchan because his baritone is like music to the ears; his impeccable manners make you wonder whatever happened to the young men out there and the laugh – the one you’ve heard so many times on screen – makes you want to laugh back, loud
and clear.

The only problem is getting that interview! No, we are not talking about starry tantrums. Big is the last one to throw one. But with twenty people going crazy with flashbulbs in front of you, it’s hard to talk to him about more personal things like his relationship with his bahu, beti and family. But still we asked anyway. And he answered...

You say Aishwarya is like a daughter to you. How is she similar to Shweta?

[Laughs] Of course, there can never be physical similarities between two different people. So there is no comparison there, but the similarities come in when you are talking about warmth and affection. Both of them are very family oriented and loving.

With all of you leading such busy lives in your family, when do you meet?

We try to have one meal together and that is usually our dinner. We catch up at the dinner table and talk about our day. This is one of the nicest times of our day.

What is a day like in the life of Amitabh Bachchan?

It starts as early as 5am when I go to the gym. Then I am off to the studio. Since I am now working in the television show Bigg Boss, I have to go to their studio which is a bit far from my home and takes me around two hours to reach. So I have to be off really early in order to reach on time. My day usually revolves around my work schedule.

How is the Bigg Boss experience different from KBC?

It is very interesting to get into the minds of people who are locked up in a house for months. It is a very interesting psychological study and I am enjoying it thoroughly.

Did you do your own psychological study for Paa?

Yes I did. It was very important to do so to get into the skin of Auro, how he talks, how he thinks and how he reacts to situations.

You won the Lifetime Achievement Award at DIFF. How many lifetime achievement awards have you won till date?

I can’t tell you off-hand, I will have to get in touch with my Mumbai office to give you the exact number of awards I have got. [WOW!]

Shahrukh will realise I was right: Aamir Khan

2009-12-23T20:25:00.000-08:00

Aamir Khan is back in Mumbai after travelling the length and breadth of India in various disguises.

How was the experience of moving around the country?

It was the most amazing and enriching experience. Which place was the best experience? Was there a problem in Gujarat due to Narendra Modi's ban on you during Fanaa?

Gujarat is not forbidden for me. The entire experience was enriching, wherever I went – Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. There were three layers to this. One was the marketing angle. The other was to connect with my motherland and see my country very closely. It was a rare opportunityfor me. And the third layer was the issues I wanted to bring to fore.

What kind of issues?

For example in Chanderi, I brought the plight of the weavers to fore. One-and-a-half years ago, someone had told me how are weavers are out of job. So the idea to go to a weaver's house was to help the art form stay alive. Also, in Gujarat, I went to a school to show there was free education up to the seventh standard, and the girl child's schooling is encouraged. I wanted to use my presence to highlight these issues.

Was everything planned?

No, I had not planned anything. For example, Varanasi was an emotional experience for me since I went to the place where my mother grew up. I actually decided to spend the night at Varanasi station to highlight the railways, which are the lifeline of the country. But one thing led to another and I went in search of my mother's house. But yes, we had sent four teams to do a recce of all the places three months ago. So the team helped me all along. I was in disguise so my code name was Phantom.

Is there any particular incident that remains in your mind apart from Varanasi?

In Mahabalipuram, there was this guide, Lakshman. I had a problem revealing myself in front of him. He did not watch Hindi films, and the stars he knew were only Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra. He did not know who Aamir Khan or Shah Rukh Khan was, leaving me in a fix. I had to tell him I've been acting for 20 years, and have invited him to the premiere in Mumbai. He will be there.

Shah Rukh Khan has condemned your 'vanishing act'…

Shah Rukh might not agree with what I've done now. But he will realise later that I was right.

Aamir Khan offers olive branch to CM Modi

2009-12-23T20:23:00.000-08:00

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan who had earned the wrath of Gujarat CM Narendra Modi after expressing support for the Narmada Bachao Andolan, seems keen to bury the hatchet as he spoke of the "good work" being done in the state by the leader.

The superstar faced the consequences of his comments when his film Fanaa faced a wave of protests across the state and was unofficially banned there. With his much anticipated film 3 Idiots about to be released, Aamir seems keen to avoid a repeat.

Aamir recently visited a school near Ahmedabad and interacted with the children and also shared lunch with them during his promotional tour of his film 3 Idiots.

"Apart from the promotional activity, I also wanted to highlight certain issues. There is some good work happening in the field of education of the girl child in Gujarat. Special emphasis is given on this fact and it is a very good sign. Hence, I visited the school and bring this into focus," said the actor.

Modi had criticised Aamir for his support to NBA saying that non-construction of the dam will deprive people of the state of water. Aamir had refused to apologise saying that he was not against the dam but wanted people displaced by it's construction to be rehabilitated.

His subsequent films had faced heat in the state as theatre owners feared violence and refused to exhibit them.

See the fir that Kareena bought for Christmas

2009-12-23T20:20:00.000-08:00

Here's a dekho of Kareena Kapoor's Christmas tree. It is placed in her drawing room surrounded by many gift packages (think Gucci, Botega Veneta etc) for Kareena and Saif's families. Saif's kids Sarah and Ibrahim actively helped in decorating the tree with stockings, glittery bulbs and trinkets.

As reported 'No fake fir for Kareena' , while in London, she fell in love with a huge fir tree at Harrods and decided to ship it home, instead of having an artificial tree.

Ranbir makes his singing debut with Anjaana Anjaani

2009-12-23T20:13:00.000-08:00

Ranbir Kapoor will be seen in a dual role as a singer and actor in Sajid Nadiadwala's Anjaana Anjaani. The actor has sung a song for a romantic sequence in the film.
Music director duo Vishal-Shekhar are also trying to persuade his co-star Priyanka Chopra to lend her voice for one of the songs in the film.

Blowing them away
A source reveals, "Ranbir blew everyone away when he got behind the mike. He was fun in the studio and everyone kept telling him how good he sounded on the song. It isn't a full-fledged song but just a sequence in the film. This is the first time he's singing a song in a film so he was a bit nervous. But since he's friendly with Vishal Shekhar he had a good time recording it."

Dadlani confirms, "Yes Ranbir has sung for a sequence in the film. He is going to blow away a lot of people when they hear him." Adding that he's been persuading Priyanka as well the composer adds, "Shekhar and I have been talking to PC about singing for us got a long time. It will happen when it happens. We'll see."

Ranbir now joins the ranks of Neil Nitin Mukesh, Akshay Kumar, Amitah Bachchan and others who have lent their voice for a song in their films.

'Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?' New Movie Poster

2009-12-22T19:53:00.004-08:00

'Toh Baat Pakki' New movie posters

2009-12-22T19:53:00.003-08:00

Vivek left his credit card at a restaurant in Pune

2009-12-22T19:53:00.002-08:00

The forgetful actor simply did not pick it from the table after paying for dinner. Nor did he get back to the hotel folk to check its whereabouts. The incident happened on Friday at the Little Italy restaurant on Ganeshkhind Road, Pune. VO was accompanied by a bunch of friends.

Says a source, "Vivek arrived with a bunch of guys and girls. He paid the bill with his credit card. After the group left the table, the waiter realised that the actor's credit card was lying on the table. By the time the waiter could bring it to his attention, VO had already left the premises."

Navin Patrick, the restaurant's food and beverage manager, confirms, "Yes, his credit card was left behind. We still have it with us. We would like to return it to him."

Says a source close to Vivek, "Yes, Vivek was at the restaurant and forgot to pick up the card. He was out with friends as one of his pals had just had a baby and they were celebrating." The source adds, "Vivek had not blocked the credit card. Yesterday he realised it and got in touch with the hotel folk to return the card."

Last month, Karan Johar had lost his credit cards in London. As reported ('KJo robbed'; Hitlist, November 9), the filmmaker did not even realise it till he actually searched his stuff for them.

No size zero for me please: Preity Zinta

2009-12-22T19:53:00.001-08:00

Bollywood's dimpled beauty Preity Zinta, who promises to return to the big screen with a big bang in the coming year, does not believe in attaining a "size zero" to rule the film industry or attract endorsements.The likes of Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif may be becoming the new leading ladies of Bollywood, but Preity says she is in no pressure.

"I think I have a different appeal. I was never a hot shot model. People always associated with me as a very normal, girl-next-door girl," Preity said. "And I don't think size zero is important. In my opinion it is more important to be healthy. Some people are naturally thin but then if you starve yourself to look size zero then it is realy stupid. To become a total stick is not that cool," the actress said.

However, Preity, who is a self confessed fitness freak, has an advice for the young girls who count calories before eating. "One should exercise. I have been exercising like crazy beacause I eat alot. There is only one life you have and if you are not living for yourself than who are you living it for. So eat what you want and burn it. If you are happy from inside you lose weight quickly. You will look better and you'll glow," Preity said.

Ranbir drops Deepika in his car

2009-12-22T19:53:00.000-08:00

This has to be the patch up of the season, just two months after their high profile break up Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone seems to be on a comeback trail. It was reported earlier that the former couple were spotted talking to each other in a recent event.

The two didn't look embarrassed in each others company and shared the same dinner table during the event.What's more Deepika and Ranbir might have arrived at the event individually but they left in the same car. Onlookers were surprised to see Deepika get into Ranbir's car and zoom away.

The two seemed to be eager to sort out their difference and get back with their relationship. Hope Deepika and Ranbir sort out their bitter differences by the end of the year and have a happy new year ahead of them.

Shahrukh-Farah bury the hatchet

2009-12-22T19:51:00.000-08:00

Shahrukh Khan and Farah Khan have broken the ice between them and are back on talking terms. In fact, they have decided to work together too. Farah went to Shahrukh’s house last week with her three kids.

Shahrukh was apparently annoyed when Farah announced her decision to cast Akshay Kumar in “Tees Maar Khan’. He had absolutely not expected that.

According to sources, Shahrukh kept delaying Farah’s “Happy New Year’. But Farah couldn’t keep waiting for him. This led to some tension between both of them.

However, they decided to not let one film ruin their friendship. Shahrukh’s company called Farah asking her to direct a TV commercial. She has agreed to do it.

According to Deven Munjal, the Advertising Head of Red Chillies, Farah has always been a part of the commercials made by Red Chillies.Farah has confirmed that she is working on the ad with Red Chillies.

Disprin, condoms are a must: Neha

2009-12-21T19:56:00.000-08:00

Be it Priyadarshan or Saurabh Shukla, Neha Dhupia seems to be everyone’s favourite these days. No wonder we see her again in Raat Gayi, Baat Gayi, Shukla's latest film releasing on December 31. Having played a variety of roles, this time Neha dons the role of a sultry seductress. Or is she a victim? Let's hear it from Neha herself…

How was it working in yet another Saurabh Shukla film?

Oh it was great fun. He is a fantastic director, very patient and understanding. It’s a comedy and the screenplay is fascinating. The film has already won an award for Best Screenplay at the South Asian International Film Festival in New York.

What is Raat Gayi, Baat Gayi all about? How do you fit into the whole scheme of things?

The film revolves around three married couples. Then we come across one drunken night, one missing phone number and one unsolved mystery. I enter the party alone and wait for my boyfriend and end up drinking a lot. What happens next forms the crux of the plot.

So you are the ‘mystery girl’ in the film. Do you really seduce Rajat Kapoor in that drunken stupor?

Oh yes, I am the mystery girl. It is one of the most fabulous characters I have played so far. Well, about trying to seduce Rajat, I really can’t give it out. I do flirt and get drunk in the party but then may be I am a 'poor-little-girl’ who didn’t know what to do. You never know!

We can’t help asking you about the interesting kit you have been distributing during the promotions of the film…

The reason why Pritish communication and Mirah entertainment have included some interesting items in the press kit (Read condoms, contraceptive pills, party smart capsules, energy drink and a Disprin tablet) is a funny take on what one should carry in his/her purse before heading for a party. One should play it safe, you see.

Well, will you carry those stuff in your purse?

So far I haven’t. But you surely won’t mind if a friend carries a Disprin when you are hungover.

Have you always been so choosy about roles?

I think working with independent filmmakers has its own charm. You learn so much. It made me a better actor. In our industry, people turn up becoming stars before they become actors. I am glad that I am learning more and more about the craft everyday.

Given a chance, how would you describe Raat Gayi, Baat Gayi in a line?

It’s funny and thrilling entertainer, which everyone can relate to. Does it sound right?!

After Mithya, the film again sees you teaming up with Vinay Pathak and Ranvir Shorey. How was it sharing the screen space with them?

Ranvir has a cameo but nonetheless, working with them has always been fun. But the best part is we never praise or criticise just for the heck of it. We share such a rapport where we can be brutally honest with each other on the sets. Even Saurabh is open to ideas. The fact that I am doing another film with the team says it all. It’s called I Am 24, again directed by Saurabh Shukla.

Any other interesting project coming up?

Coming up next are a thriller called Raftaar. I’ve also finished working on a film called Pappu Can’t Dance Saala. And last but not the least there’s Action Replay with Akshay and Aishwarya, directed by Vipul Shah.

Bipasha has it all

2009-12-21T19:46:00.000-08:00

The five-star hotel where she is performing on December 31, is also hosting her private party on its premises the same night

Bipasha Basu is perhaps the only actress who has managed to get a good price for her performance at a surburban five-star hotel on December 31 this year. While unofficial sources claim it's a whopping amount (almost two crore for 15 minutes) Bipasha herself remains tight-lipped about it.

In 2007, she got paid Rs 90 lakh for her New Year's performance at another five-star hotel for 15 minutes.

Big money, naturally
When asked about the remuneration, Bips says, "All I will say its great money and they have offered me the same deal that I got two years ago with another hotel. And it's been two years, so the rates would have gone up. Naturally the amount has to be very big or I wouldn't be doing it." The actress will have two entries in two grand outfits and will performing to her hit songs. She adds, "I might even do some songs from the '70s."

Exclusive bash
When asked if it was a come down from the hotel she performed at two years ago, she asks, "I can't keep performing at the same hotel every year. It's a 5-star hotel, credible, they pay me good money and there are nice people associated with it. Apart from that, John and his family and our friends will also come for the event and we will have our own party there. The hotel has agreed to host our party too."

While the Abrahams will cheer her on stage, her own family won't be in the city to see her perform. "My older sister Bidisha is going to Bangkok while our parents will be in Kolkata with my younger sister Bijoyeta who is flying down from London, where she is studying."

She'll be sporting sexy outfits
Designer Rocky S says, "Both Bipasha's outfits are shiny, elaborate and very expensive â as befitting a New Year show. My favorite colour for Bipasha is red so one number is a very 40s style, vintage dress in red on red above the knee, fully tasseled in silk and clustered in red Swarovski crystals. The second dress is made of georgette, is in onion pink and completely covered in diamonds. It's a very short dress with tassels at the hem. Both the dresses are very sexy."

Balki-Tabu fall out

2009-12-21T19:43:00.000-08:00

All's not well between the mentor and his muse. Balki and Tabu never got along during the making of Cheeni Kum, and now are not even on talking terms.

It seems that Tabu was upset that Balki didn't have even inform her he was working with Vidya instead of her.

Tabu was under the impression that he would be repeat her in his next going by the success of their first film.

However, not only did Balki opt for another actress, we hear she wasn't even on his guest list for the film's premiere until someone pointed out the anomaly.

Despite being invited, Tabu ditched the event and decided to head to the US for the holidays instead. Last heard the actress hasn't watched Paa and has no intentions to do so either!

Ameesha's Kanav in shock as his Ferrari got stolen

2009-12-21T19:41:00.000-08:00

Ameesha's boyfriend Kanav Puri's prized car was stolen last week PS: He's heartbroken, but has already booked a new one!

Ameesha Puri's boyfriend Kanav Puri is in shock ever since his prized yellow Ferrari got stolen in London. The actress says, "It happened on Thursday, a day before he arrived in the city but he only told me after he got here."

She adds, "Initially, Kanav was miserable because he had lost his 'baby'. At least now, he has got an excuse to buy a new one." He had the car for two years.

Insider job!
She feels it was an insider job. "Kanav used to drive the car to his gym and obviously, someone had been keeping track of his movements. Last week, when he returned after his workout, the Ferrari was gone. He has lodged a complaint with the police." Ameesha is sentimental about the car as they'd driven in it to Paris earlier this year. "We have lots of good memories in the car."

Kanav even had his personalised number plates. But even though he is missing his car right now, Ameesha says that he's getting over the grieving period, "He's waiting for his new model which comes in September." Kanav doesn't know it yet but she is going to make him promise not to ride it too fast.

Aishwarya, Vivek in same row at a award night!

2009-12-20T20:07:00.000-08:00

At the Police Film Star Nite. Both kept to themselves throughout the event. For more goss, read on...

It was a night for surprises at the Andheri Sports Complex on Saturday night where the Mumbai Police Film Star Nite Umang '09 was being held.

Kajol's character in KJo film stands up against hate crime against Indians

2009-12-20T19:37:00.002-08:00

Karan Johar has set his remake of Step Mom not in New York but Sydney, Australia. The cast of the film that included Kajol, Kareena and Arjun Rampal recently returned from a schedule Down Under. Siddharth Malhotra is directing the film tentatively titled Love You Ma. A source reveals there is an elaborate scene with Kajol and Kareena that touches the sensitive issue of racial discrimination toward Indians in Australia.

Scene this!
Talking about the scene, the source says, "It's shot in a mall with Kajol, Kareena and a supporting actor. It depicts the storeowner making a racist comment on an Indian boy and Kajol stepping in defense of him. As soon as she hears the nasty comment she tells Bebo, 'We have to teach these goras a lesson!' and gives the shop owner a earful. It's an intense scene that has been beautifully written to capture what the Indian community has gone through in the last few months."

Kads to the rescue
This is not the only scene that talks about racism. In fact, there is also a parallel story about Kajol coming to the rescue of an Indian student facing abuse from his Australian friends on campus. "Siddharth has done immense research and read up several case studies of abuse faced by Indians. He's using all that evidence to create fictional scenes in the film."

Love You Ma is the second Dharma film apart from My Name is Khan (about the plight of Muslims in America post 9/11) that touches the serious issue of racial discrimination against Indians all over the world.

Why Ranbir missed a chance to work with dad

2009-12-20T19:37:00.001-08:00

Ranbir Kapoor, who is expected to direct Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan in his directorial debut late next year, missed an opportunity to team up with his dad in the recently released "Rocket Singh - The Salesman of The Year" because producer Aditya Chopra thought it wasn't a good idea.

"The entire Yash Raj team was all for casting Rishi Kapoor as Ranbir's boss. Only Adi (Aditya Chopra) thought the audiences would not accept Rishi Kapoor as a negative boss to his own son. We had to relent," said a source.

Rishi confirms that he was indeed considered for Ranbir's boss' part in the film.

"I'm told all at Yash Raj wanted me to play the role. They finally decided otherwise. I think they felt the baap-beta jodi wouldn't be acceptable as boss-employee," Rishi said.

However, Rishi is all praise for Manish Choudhary who replaces him in the film. "Manish is the discovery of the year."

Talking about his son's performance in the film, Rishi said: "Ranbir has lived the character Rocket Singh, though I feel there should've been more Punjabiyat in his speech."

Ranbir, who has been waiting with bated breath to get his father's approval, is thrilled to get a thumbs-up from his dad.

"Dad is my greatest critic. He's such a brilliant actor, I can never match him. When he said he liked my performance in 'Rocket Singh', I finally felt I had given a decent performance," said Ranbir.

Ranbir-Deppika spotted together for first time after split

2009-12-20T19:37:00.000-08:00

Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone were spotted together on Saturday night. The former flames stepped out of a five-star hotel at Worli and took off in a waiting car.

This is the first occasion the OSO girl and the star son have been seen together after their split in October.
The couple was at a greet-and-meet bash hosted by the hotel for their top guys. The event was organised by Bhavana Pandey and had several B-Town folk in attendance. Among the guests were Gauri Khan, Karan Johar and Kaajal Anand.

Says a source, "Ranbir and Deepika arrived separately for the event. They were cordial at the bash. It was the first time they were spotted together after they parted ways."

Adds the source, "They took everyone by surprise when they left the venue together." Onlookers were surprised to see both zoom off in Ranbir's car. Are they trying to work it out? Or did bumping into each other serve as an opportunity to sort out differences? Or did they perhaps give each other a earful about what went wrong?

Both Ranbir and Deepika remained unavailable for comment.

A precedent?
After their break-up, Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra -- shooting for different films -- were put up at the same hotel in Bangkok. They made up soon after.

B'day Spl: Rare Photos of Govinda

2009-12-20T09:23:00.000-08:00

Govinda was born on December 21, 1963. Govinda has acted in over 120 films since his debut in 1986. Govinda is best-known for his comedy related roles; his powerful contribution in dancing in bollywood is inevitable. He is one of the most successful actors and is definitely the best dancer in bollywood. His hardworking mentality and consistent performance made him a top class actor in bollywood.He is known to be one of the most down to earth and kind hearted actors.He has acted with all bollywood greats which include amitabh bachchan, dilip kumer,akshay kumer, aishwariya rai,salman khan and madauri dixit.

Photos: New Bollywood hotties of 2009

2009-12-20T08:41:00.001-08:00

Giselle Monteiro

Her identity was kept secret until the release of Love Aaj Kal. Giselle left many cine buffs baffled with her incredibly convincing portrayal of a shy and pretty Punjabi girl in love with Saif Ali Khan in the movie by Imtiaz Ali. Now, after her overnight rise to fame, Giselle is learning Hindi and is aiming for a place in the top league.

Jacqueline Fernandez

Her facial features and shapely bod make Jacqueline Fernandez one of the prettiest babes to step into B-Town this year. Her first film Aladin may have flopped, but Jacqueline has already moved on to her second project ‘Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai’. Funny title, don’t you think?

Mahi Gill

This actress from Punjab gave a new makeover to Paro of Devdas in Anurag Kashyap’s Dev. D. Her intoxicating eyes, sharp features, and most importantly her talent, makes Mahi Gill one of the most promising newcomers of 2009.

Shruti Haasan

Born to a stalwart like Kamal Haasan, some would say acting is in her genes. Shruti Haasan, however, failed to make much mark in her first film Luck which bombed at box office. However, Shruti has much to look forward to.

Claudia Ciesla

Claudia Ciesla managed to stir up a few controversies after landing in Bollywood. She made her debut in a film called ‘Karma’ but became a household name with her stint on ‘Bigg Boss 3’. Now, the gal is pulling up her socks to get a big Bollywood break. Well, she can already speak a bit of Hindi.

Shazahn Padamsee

She was touted as the heroine of Rocket Singh - Salesman of the Year, but Shazahn Padamsee was reduced to margins in the movie. Despite the bum rap, this gorgeous daughter of Alique Padamsee and Sharon Prabhakar did show a few flashes of her potential.

Gauhar Khan

Though Gauhar Khan started her acting career in 2003 and also did an item number in Madhur Bhandarkar’s film ‘Aan: Men at Work’ five years ago, she didn’t get a properly fleshed out role until ‘Rocket Singh’ in which her performance has been unanimously appreciated.

Vaishali Desai

Grand niece of Manmohan Desai, Vaishali Desai had quite a forgettable debut alongside Jackie Bhagnani in the superflop Kal Kissne Dekha.

Kalki Koechlin

Her unconventional looks, buck-tooth smile and sensuous pout made Kalki Koechlin quite an out-of-ordinary choice to play Chandramukhi in ‘Dev. D’. Nevertheless, the gal did pull off the challenging role with conviction and is now working in another film by boyfriend Anurag Kashyap.

Aamna Sharif

Aamna Sharif made a transition from television to big screen opposite beau Aftab Shivdasani in Aloo Chat. Though the film flopped, Aamna did manage to get a foothold in the industry.

Shahrukh has Asperger's syndrome in ‘MNIK'

2009-12-20T08:41:00.000-08:00

Shah Rukh Khan is all geared up for his next film, My Name is Khan. Khan plays the role of Rizvan Khan who has Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism.

Shh Rukh said, “In Asperger’s syndrome, one half of the brain is more developed than the other. So the person ends up thinking very logically as the emotional side is not completely developed. That’s the reason Rizvan has problems socialising and is afraid of crowds. In fact, people having Asperger’s often find it difficult to show any emotion.”

The film will be releasing in February 2010.

Pics: Namita-Neil Ramp Walk at CIFW

2009-12-20T08:40:00.000-08:00

Namita litterally had butterflies in her stomach and was feeling jittery; Namitha from South had a lot to worry before she hit the ramp.Yes, Namitha was the showstopper for Chennai-based designer Sidney Sladen at the Chennai International Fashion Week on December 16 along with Bollywood hunk Neil Nitin Mukesh.

Dressed in a crystal studded off-neck gown, she sashayed down the ramp like a pro to the music of ‘Yeah’ by Usher. Giving her company was Neil, who was especially in Chennai for the event, wearing a red coloured semi-formal jacket and flaunting his killer smile. Sidney Sladen is one of Chennai’s top designers and a close friend of actress Trisha and Ramya Krishnan. Earlier also, the designer had roped in Namitha to launch his second outlet ‘Sidney Slade’ at the Le Meridien. As per reports, she is a regular client of Sidney.

Namita Ramp Walk at CIFW

See Sonam's sis

2009-12-17T19:41:00.000-08:00

Rhea Kapoor younger daughter of Anil Kapoor and Sonam's sister was spotted at the Avatar premiere.

I won't make any New Year resolutions: Bipasha

2009-12-17T19:40:00.005-08:00

She may not have had many releases in 2009, but Bipasha Basu still looks at the year gone by with much positivity, admitting she’s learnt a lot. But she isn’t in the mood to make any New Year resolutions as the calendar turns to 2010.

Why?

“I have decided never to make resolutions because sometimes it becomes very difficult to maintain them and then you feel awful. But I am looking forward to another wonderful year,” Bipasha told reporters at a press conference at Sahara Star Hotel in Mumbai on Tuesday.

At the press meet she briefed the media about her New Year Eve performance at the hotel.

“I would perform on some great songs from Race, Bachna Ae Haseeno, definitely Omkara and All The Best,” she revealed.

Bipasha was also dismissive about the fact that she’s had only one Hindi film released in 2009 - ‘All The Best’, a multistarrer. She said the year offered her other opportunities to grow.

“2009 had been a fantastic year for me - I have grown up as an individual, as an actor and as an artist. I got my dream home this year,” she said.

The year saw Bipasha shooting for some offbeat films like Lamhaa and Pankh. While the former has Bipasha transformed into a Kashmiri girl, the latter has her playing a boy’s fantasy woman. Both films will release next year.

‘Ishqiya’ promo censored?

2009-12-17T19:40:00.003-08:00

Director Vishal Bharadwaj is once again at loggerheads with the Censor Board. Earlier, he had to swallow the bitter pill when his Kaminey was granted an ‘A’ certificate by the board despite having no expletives or skin exposure.

Now, his production Ishqiya has hit a hurdle with the board because it has the word ‘sex’ in it. Though the theatrical promo of the film by director Abhishek Chaubey was given an ‘A’ certificate, Vishal wanted a U/A certificate to air the promo on television.

But the board officials asked the maverick producer to beep out the word ‘sex’ from the promo.

There is a scene in the film where Arshad Warsi questions Naseeruddin Shah: ‘Tumhara pyar, pyar, aur hamara pyar, sex’. The board has objected to this dialogue.

But Vishal isn’t happy with the board’s stand. He feels it’s regressive to think that the word ‘sex’ is a taboo. He now plans to approach the board’s revising committee.

‘Ishqiya’ tells a story of two thugs who take shelter in the house of a friend’s widow, played by Vidya Balan, in a village. The two thieves fall in love with the widow, who manipulates them with her charms.

John Abraham with Hollywood hotties

2009-12-17T19:40:00.001-08:00

One of the best looking hunks of Bollywood is now set to team up with a Hollywood hottie. John Abraham will pair with a Hollywood actress in director Shirish Kunder’s much-touted ‘Alien Sahib’.

If reports are to be believed, Kunder is hoping to rope in either Scarlett Johansson or Anne Hathaway for the film which will be made for global audiences. The director plans to use the fusion 3D camera technique for the flick and will be signing a lot of technicians from the west for it.

But the big surprise is indeed the presence of a Hollywood actress.

“The female protagonist is a foreign national so we decided to cast a Hollywood actress for it,” Kunder is quoted as saying in a media report.

Though Shirish refuses to divulge any name, he’s flying to Los Angeles to meet the agents of a couple of Hollywood actresses.

With the meeting of talents from two the biggest filmmaking industries in the world, the possibility of a Hollywood actress working in a Bollywood movie is much more today than it was a few years ago. Just earlier this year, we saw Akshay Kumar romancing Denise Richards and rubbing shoulders with Sylvester Stallone in Kambakkht Ishq. John already has the advantage of having had international exposure through Deepa Mehta’s film Water which was nominated for the Oscars two years back.

Ranbir-Priyanka kiss each other

2009-12-17T19:39:00.001-08:00

Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra have shot their first kissing scene together. They did it for Sajid Nadiadwala's Anjaana Anjaani. The smooching scene was shot during their recent Bangkok schedule. Directed by Siddharth Anand, it's the first pairing of the two actors.

A close hand reveals, "There was an internal joke with the unit that Siddharth would definitely have a kiss written into the script as he made Ranbir kiss three gals in their film together -- Bachna Ae Haseeno, so it was kind of a given."

The close hand further added, "Despite not knowing each other, Ranbir and PC's on-screen chemistry is amazing. They'd met and interacted at partied before but never sat down and really talked. So it was almost like their first meeting on the set. They are both very professional and did lot of readings for their romantic scenes. Also they hung out and spent some time getting to know each other before the shoot began."

It is believed that there might me one more kissing scene in the film which will be shot during their New York schedule later this month. "The script demands they get flirty and there's a scene that will shot at Times Square at New Year's Eve which has them getting cosy," added the close hand.

I'm not going to vanish to promote my film: SRK

2009-12-17T19:39:00.000-08:00

King Khan was in his elements (like always) during the unveiling of the first exclusive look of his forthcoming film be ‘My Name Is Khan’ before selective media.

Dressed smartly in black suit and red ribbons tucked under his jacket pocket, he declared wittingly, “Please pronounce the name of the film as ‘K’han. You should focus on ‘K’ and those who pronounce it as ‘Kaan’ will get one kaan ke keeche from me,” he reveals amidst laughter and adds, “We will be breaking the first promo of the film across Star network in 70 countries at the same time, but you guys are lucky. You will get to see it 15 minutes before the rest of the world sees it tonight.”

And true to his word the promos broke out on the big screen amidst thunderous applause from the media. And when someone asked him why he has decided to use his surname as the name of this film, pat came the reply, “My name is Bond, James Bond and now, My name is Khan… Shah Rukh Khan, doesn’t it sound cool?” he asks.

Can’t argue with King Khan! And to query about Aamir Khan’s marketing strategy of traveling to different parts of India, promoting his forthcoming film ‘3 Idiots’ he said tongue in cheek, “I’m not going to vanish to promote my film,” taking a potshot at Aamir Khan.

Aamir Khan does a Rahul Gandhi in MP

2009-12-16T21:20:00.004-08:00

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan turned a Rahul Gandhi in Madhya Pradesh when he surprised a weaver by spending hours at his humble house along with Kareena Kapoor, sharing simple home-cooked meals with the family and leaving only two hours past midnight.

Aamir, 44, who has come up with a unique way to promote his forthcoming film “3 Idiots”, called on the surprised weaver Hukum Koli and his wife at their brick-and-mud house in Pranpur village in Chanderi district.

That was on Monday. The actor’s office said he decided to spend quality time with the family along with his co-star Kareena. Both are among the highest paid actors in Bollywood.

And Aamir and Kareena did not waste the weaver family’s time.

Both of them not only wove a sari, with generous tips from the weaver and his wife Kamlesh, but also savoured a meal of pooris and ‘lauki ki subzi’.

The sari made by Kareena and Aamir will go for auction through an NGO, and the money will go for the development of the village. The sari carries the names of both the stars.

“I want to create awareness among the youth to make handloom a more integral part of their wardrobe. It is like wearing Italian shoes because they are handmade. The same goes for handloom,” Aamir told a team of people travelling with him.

Hukum Koli said that both the actors also bought saris for their families. And Aamir promptly gifted one to Kareena too.

Kareena told media persons that it was an NGO that had alerted Aamir about the plight of the weavers and the dying art of Chanderi sari making.

“The saris are sold for thousands in cities but the weavers get only a small fraction of that,” she said.

Chanderi, a town of historical importance surrounded by hills, lakes and forests, is known for its handloom. These off white saris were traditionally made of cotton, but over the years they started using silk threads.

Aamir’s sudden visit to a rural heartland triggered comparisons with Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi, who earlier taken British Foreign Secretary David Miliband to a village in his Amethi constituency.

The 39-year-old politician had spent the entire night at Dalit Shiv Kumari’s house, while Miliband went to Dalit woman Karma’s place and slept on her cot. Both had dinner with the hosts.

Shahid Kapoor ignores Amrita Rao

2009-12-16T21:20:00.003-08:00

The grapevine is rife with rumours that Shahid Kapoor has ignored Amrita Rao's Twitter messages.Amrita Rao, who’s a close friend of Shahid was utterly disappointed when he didn’t give any reply to her posts on his profile.

A close friend of the star was quoted by DNA as saying: "Shahid was Amrita's co-star and close friend. He has not been responding to Amrita's Twitter messages in spite of his fans re-Tweeting him on his ignorance. Shahid was in touch with Amrita some time ago and no one knows what has transpired between them. Maybe they are texting each other privately, but Amrita is quite disturbed at this."

Well, it seems that Amrita is left wondering whether it’s the real Shahid or a fake profile holder to whom she is tweeting.

Aamir's Rs 25000 saree for Kareena

2009-12-16T21:20:00.002-08:00

Saif Ali Khan seems to be in the danger zone. This time its Aamir Khan who is keeping Bebo's attention fixed on himself. Aamir, who is traveling across the country to promote his film 3 IDIOTS, has gifted his co-star Kareena Kapoor a saree worth Rs 25,000.

This traditional saree which is black and gold in color has been specially designed by the weavers of Madhya Pradesh. Bebo could not have asked for a better gift from her co-star who has been disguising himself and challenging people to spot him these days.

Aamir's interest in Bebo should sound alarm bells for Saif given the fact that the perfectionist Khan is as good with charming his women as he is in front and behind the camera.

Giselle Monteiro's scan from Femina

2009-12-16T21:20:00.001-08:00

Giselle Monteiro's scan from Femina

Salman Khan takes sweet revenge

2009-12-16T21:15:00.000-08:00

Salman Khan is well-known for his generosity but not many people know that his much-awaited forthcoming venture ‘Veer’ was offered to his ladylove Katrina Kaif before it went to the kitty of newcomer Zarine Khan. Now if sources are to be believed, the pretty new face Zarine had been an assistant to Katrina Kaif for quite a long time.

Zarine has been paired opposite Salman and plays the pivotal role of Princess Yashodhara. Reliable source reveal, “Yes, Zarine was offered the role after Katrina refused, due to date problems. Zarine had been an assistant to Kats for a while and now she is being launched by Salman.”

Now that’s what you call taking sweet revenge from Kats. What do you say Salman? And wonder what Katrina too has to say on that?

'My name is Khan' New movie stills

2009-12-16T21:12:00.003-08:00

Room to Aamir Khan proves costly for hotel

2009-12-16T21:12:00.002-08:00

A hotel in Uttar Pradesh's Chandauli district is in trouble for providing a room to Bollywood star Aamir Khan without establishing his identity.

Police have served a notice to the owner of Saraswati Hotel, seeking an explanation for "flouting the basic rules for allotment of rooms in a hotel", a police officer said Wednesday.

For promoting his forthcoming movie "3 Idiots", Aamir Khan Saturday roamed around Varanasi district in the guise of an elderly Maulana.

He stayed in the Sarawsati hotel in adjoining Mugalsarai town, some 300 km from Lucknow.

"It's a security lapse. We want to know how the rooms were booked when the claimants did not reveal their true identity. Prior to allotting the rooms, the hotel staff must have checked their ID proof," Chandauli police chief Lakshmi Narayan told reporters.

"Prima facie, it is a clear case of not following procedural norms related to security measures. For this the license of the hotel could be cancelled," he added.

According to police, in the name of Akram Shah and Co, seven rooms were booked for Aamir and his team in the hotel. The actor arrived in Varanasi Friday and headed to other destination Sunday.

Aamir Khan turns Ganguly fan

2009-12-16T21:12:00.001-08:00

In a new stunt to promote 3 Idiots, Aamir Khan dressed up as a young fan of former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly and tried to barge into his house here.

Sporting a black shirt, moppy hair and tattoos, with a bag slung over his shoulder, Aamir looked like any star-struck fan as he tried to enter the Ganguly's south Kolkata residence.

Talking with a protruding chin, he kept pestering the security guard at the gate saying, "Dada ghar pe hain? Mere ko dada se milna hai, photo khichana hai. (Is Dada at home? I want to meet him and get a photo clicked with him). The guard failed to recognise the star and did not let him enter the premises.

But later in the day, Aamir dropped his disguise and finally entered Ganguly's house and joined his family for dinner along with wife Kiran Rao, who is a huge fan of the cricketer.

The couple was welcomed by Ganguly's wife Dona, who had just returned from a dance performance, his mother and daughter Sana.

Aamir looked at all the photographs and trophies and in the house and remarked that the 37-year-old cricketer shouldn't have retired so soon and that he was personally disappointed with the retirement.

Ganguly will read out the fourth clue among the seven, the first of which was read out by another star cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.

American critics give flattering reviews to 'Rocket Singh'

2009-12-16T21:12:00.000-08:00

Bollywood's latest offering "Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year" is going great guns in the US with its review currently the number one most read movie story on the New York Times site.

The Times review, beating stories on the Golden Globe nominations and reviews of all US films, calls "Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year," with Ranbir Kapoor " a smart, focused Bollywood movie".

Shimit Amin, "who directed the delightful 'Chak De! India', about a girls' hockey team, dispenses with Bollywood's normal tangle of subplots and mashup of genres", it says. "There's music, but no big production numbers. Even romance is back-burnered. Instead, Mr. Amin sticks to the story at hand."

"Kapoor, a heartthrob who has quickly become a star playing cads, turns in a skilfully understated performance," says the review. "His Harpreet is an old-school hero: solid, righteous, compassionate. You can't help cheering for him."

In an equally flattering review, Film Journal International says: "David-and-Goliath workplace drama from India goes unexpected places, and hits satisfying chords."

The posters for the Bollywood import " promise a workplace satire or a light-hearted employee caper" it says. "Instead we get a sharply observed drama of an honest man trying to survive in the usual business world."

"In the exploding modern India, it's a very American story: How do you succeed in business without really trying to compromise your ethics?"

"Not all Bollywood movies are big, colourful musicals, of course, and this one offers only a couple of plot montages set against songs, it says, "But with uniformly excellent performances-particularly by (Naveen) Kaushik and (Shantanoo) Bhagyaraj as the conflicted and not-so-conflicted antagonists, respectively."

In addition, there is "a no-nonsense pace and storytelling sense by director Shimit Amin, and a truly universal and credible office mise-en-scene, 'Rocket Singh' is instantly accessible to any stateside audience," the Journal adds.

Harpreet Singh, the protagonist, "may be a prisoner of the system, but he can proudly say, 'I am not a number. I am a free market'," it says.

B'day Special: Rare Photos of John Abraham

2009-12-16T21:09:00.000-08:00

John Abraham ( born 17 December 1972) is an Indian actor and former model who appears in Bollywood films.

After modeling for numerous advertisements and companies, Abraham made his film debut with Jism (2003), which earned him a Filmfare Best Debut Award nomination. This was followed by his first commercial success, Dhoom (2004). He received two Filmfare nominations, for his negative roles in Dhoom, and then in Zinda (2006). He later appeared in the major critical success, Water (2005). In 2007, he was nominated under the category of Best Supporting Actor at Filmfare for the movie Baabul.

Newbie Zarine was instructed to pile it on for Veer

2009-12-15T19:54:00.000-08:00

Khan was put on a chocolate diet for her period film to appear more full-bodied like women of the past

Newbie Zarine Khan was instructed to pile it on for Salman Khan's Veer. The debutant who weighed 54 kilos before the shoot, was told to put on weight so she looked fuller to play the lead opposite Salman.

Salman put Zarine on a chocolate diet making sure she ate cakes and pastries to appear more curvaceous. She piled on eight kgs after three months and now weighs in at 62 kgs.

Reveals an insider, "Veer required a leading actress who resembled a woman in the 18th century. The women of the time were full-bodied and voluptuous. Zarine was too thin for the character and hence we asked her to gain weight.

It was mentioned in her contract as well. Funnily enough, Zarine went on a chocolate cake diet. She had barely any time to put on weight and she loved chocolate cake. Salman would personally keep track of her diet."

Zarine wears a lot of period gowns in the film and also saris and blouses that will make her look a size larger than she is. "Most of her clothes have been designed in a way that enhance her size and make her look bigger.

200-800 Depending on size, the amount of calories a slice of chocolate cake contains

Deepika Joins the Crore Club

2009-12-14T20:35:00.006-08:00

Deepika Padukone has emerged as Bollywood's dark horse in the ad world during 2009, doubling her take-home compared to what she was worth in 2007-2008. According to media analysts and brand equity watchers, Deepika is much sought after in both premium and mass brands, right from high-end watches, airlines, clotheslines and even chewing gum.
According to industry estimates, from a time when she was charging around Rs 60 lakh for an endorsement, Deepika now demands almost Rs 1.5 crore per ad, hot on the heels of Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif (both around Rs2 crore an ad) and Priyanka Chopra (Rs1.5--2 crore).

Veteran market analyst Harish Bijoor says it comes as "no surprise" that Deepika's equity has doubled. "If you look at the endorsements she has signed, she has been a front runner in landing many leading mass brands. With a few premium brands also signing her up, she's closely competing with the top league of Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif. However, none of them is even close to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in the premium and high-end category."

When contacted, Deepika said that endorsements are basically about versatility of image. "I think what made people accept me is that I can be glamourous and also the girl-next-door. I have heard this from people who have approached me with campaigns and endorsement offers. I have worked really hard to get what I'm getting. I'm very passionate about movies and my constant effort is to outdo myself and challenge my acting skills. I'm happy with what I have got -- but this isn't enough," she says.

So what does she think about the other big three -- Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif and Priyanka Chopra? "I just love how Kareena carries herself. She is extremely graceful. I think Katrina is very hard working and that is a big reason behind her success. Priyanka has shown how versatile she can be and done some very good work recently," said Deepika, who has five back-to-back films releasing in 2010.

Aamir-Bebo Share a long and passionate kiss for 3 Idiots

2009-12-14T20:35:00.005-08:00

Just ahead to the release of the film ‘3 Idiots’ (pictured above), reports doing the rounds are that Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor will share a long and passionate kiss in the film.

Even though Kareena, Aamir and director Raju Hirani are tight-lipped, an insider source confirmed the news.

Aamir generally does not have such kissing scenes in his films and this will be something to watch out for.

Fifteen years back Aamir had done a similar kissing sequence with Kareena’s sister Karisma Kapoor in “Raja Hindustani”, which had made much news at that time.

As for Kareena, didn’t we hear her say sometime back that she will not indulge in such scenes and skin show any more as she is going to be the daughter-in-law of the Royal Pataudi family?

Woman who mothered 25 kids Nepal's new 'heroine'

2009-12-14T20:35:00.004-08:00

But the story of the village woman of uncertain age is making ripples in Nepal after a chance encounter led a filmmaker to train his camera on Santkumari and her family.

It is a large family. Besides her husband Jitman, the couple have eight children.

The size of the family would have been larger still had all the children survived. In her 27 years of marriage, a stoical Santkumari bore her husband 25 children, only eight of whom have survived.

Though the Pariyars live in Dhading district in central Nepal, close to capital Kathmandu, very little of the government's benefits have trickled down to them.

Let alone education, neither husband nor wife knew about planned parenthood and safe motherhood though Nepal's government has been spending millions of rupees on campaigns to promote family planning as well as mother and child health care.

On Friday, Santkumari blushed and hid her face while watching a film on her own life in Kathmandu.

"Mother of 25", a documentary by Ramesh Khadka, was screened in the capital as part of the five-day Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival that brings to the capital 59 films from 26 countries.

Santkumari, her husband and their 25th child Ganesh, were brought to Kathmandu to watch the film. After the end of the 40-minute documentary, the trio were surrounded by filmgoers who wanted to know why they hadn't resorted to family planning.

"We didn't know," the shame-faced couple said. "We came to know it was possible to stop the birth of children only after a neighbour mocked us and asked us to go for family planning."

Suniel Shetty to steal 50 cars in one night?

2009-12-14T20:35:00.003-08:00

Yup, but in film of course! Also, doesn’t it ring some bell for you? Well, to come to the point… Suniel Shetty will be featured in the remake of a popular Hollywood action adventure ‘Gone In Sixty Seconds’, say birdies.

According to the grapevines, the untitled Hindi version will be directed by ‘Khel’ famed Yusuf Khan and produced Sanjay Ahluwalia. Suniel will be playing the role done by Nicolas Cage in the original and will also have Shreyas Talpade and debutant Rehaan Khan. The producer however doesn’t want to divulge about the film’s details and said that it is on hold for some time now.

‘Gone In Sixty Seconds’, which had Nicolas Cage and Angelina Jolie in the lead, had garnered huge success globally in 2000. The story is about a retired master thief who is forced back onto the crime and steals 50 cars in one night as a ransom for his brother’s life.

Hmm, of course the Hindi version will be laced with lots of masala and few songs; let’s see how it works on the Indian shores

Shahrukh does 'Dadagiri' with Sourav Ganguly

2009-12-14T20:35:00.002-08:00

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan breezed in Kolkata recently to participate in the grand finale of 'Dadagiri Unlimited', a quiz show hosted by his Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Sourav Ganguly.

"Dada ko pakadna mushkil hi nehin, na mumkin hai," 'new Don' SRK said during the shoot at Mohun Bagan football club. ln his one hour stint, Shah Rukh mouthed dialogues from his films, sang KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI with Sourav and the finalists.

I don't die a virgin: Neetu Chandra

2009-12-14T20:35:00.001-08:00

Every one has their own set of insecurities and fears. According to reports, Traffic Signal star, Neetu Chandra has one such nagging fear.

After doing a few meaningful films and creating a furore of sorts with her sexy photoshoot, that too with a female model, Neetu is heard saying that she doesn’t want to die a virgin. According to a little birdie, Neetu is often sighing, “I hope I don’t die a virgin.”

Nowadays, the actress is staying in the confines of her house because of her skin colour, which has turned blue because of excess weight shedding treatment.

Deepika's "Karthik Calling Karthik" Still

2009-12-14T20:35:00.000-08:00

Wow, she looks different! I didn't realise she had cut her hair.

Kareena Kapoor mistaken for Meryl Streep!

2009-12-14T20:13:00.000-08:00

Kareena Kapoor has been shooting in the US for Karan Johar’s production which is a remake of Hollywood film ‘Stepmom’. We are not sure if Bebo is aware of this but she is looked upon as a Meryl Streep look-alike in the US by bystanders who get to see the shoot!

An observer revealed to us, “Indians in US definitely recognize Kareena but there are these Americans who keep whispering into each other’s ears wondering how similar are Meryl and Kareena in terms of looks. Kareena is obviously way younger than Meryl but if you watch them closely both women have chiselled features, high cheek bones, strong jaw line and flawless fair complexion.”

We wonder if Bebo is aware of this but we are sure she will be happy to be compared with Meryl Streep! What say Bebo?

Adnan Sami send legal notice to the makers of Chance Pe Dance

2009-12-14T20:03:00.001-08:00

Pritam didn't know what he was getting into when he agreed to do a song for Chance Pe Dance in addition to Adnan Sami's music score. On Saturday morning, Adnan Sami was startled to hear that a song has been added to the soundtrack without his consent.

Says Adnan, "I had no clue about this. They can't add any song to my soundtrack. The contract says so. And if they still go ahead, I'll have to take legal action. I don't mind. I'm in and out of courts anyway."

Embarrassed
Pritam is rightly embarrassed by these developments. "I had no clue Adnan didn't know about the song. Bhushan Kumar of T-Series asked me to do three to four songs for him, and the track Don't Stop by Neeraj Sridhar was one of them. Since Bhushan is a friend I gave him the songs.

But I had no idea they'd be used in this way. I've been told the song won't be part of the CD." On Saturday, Pritam called up Adnan to explain his stance. However, Adnan is far from pacified and intends to go ahead with legal action.

The film's director Ken Ghosh has a totally different story to tell. "Pritam is mistaken. His song will be part of the soundtrack. But it won't be in the film. We're doing a promotional video out of Pritam's song. I'm sure Adnan, Pritam and the music company can work this out amicably."

Battle continues
But with Adnan in no mood for compromise it looks like the battle for ownership over the Chance Pe Dance soundtrack will continue.
Says Adnan, "I've nothing against Pritam. He's a sweet chap. But I can't let this happen. If let an outside song seep into my soundtrack, it'd set a new precedent."

Pritam absolutely agrees, "Adnan must not allow it. The only way I'd do an extra song for someone else's score is if everyone is in the know. For example, Akshay Kumar has asked me to do one song for Farah Khan's Tees Maar Khan. I'm okay with that, since there's no secrecy behind it. I had no clue the number Don't Stop was going.

KJo shoots with Priyanka Chopra

2009-12-14T20:03:00.000-08:00

Karan Johar shoots for his new reality show Lift Kara De with Priyanka Chopra. The show airs on Sony next month and will have a host of celebrities being grilled by Karan. PC will be his first guest followed by many more.

Ashutosh asked Deepika to cover her RK tattoo

2009-12-14T19:57:00.000-08:00

Deepika Padukone may have to do something about her RK tattoo (designed after her ex-boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor) on the back of her neck.

The actress faced an awkward situation while shooting a scene for Ashutosh Gowariker's Khelenge Hum Jee Jaan Se in Goa.

It's visible!
The film that revolves around the Chittagong Uprising in the pre Independence days and has Deepika playing a freedom fighter. Since it's a period film, her look is also very different.

A source from the sets reveals that Deepika had to tie her hair in a bun for a fight sequence. However, after the director saw her through the camera he realised that her tattoo -- which is usually hidden behind her locks -- was visible. He sent her back to change her hairstyle and wear it differently, so it wouldn't show.

Flustered at first
The source adds, "It was embarrassing for Deepika when Ashu sent her back to the dressing room. She was flustered initially but then, she came out of her vanity van with a different hairdo that covered the tattoo and finished the sequence."

Akki's tattoo effect
Akshay Kumar has a tattoo of his son Aarav's name inked on his back. In fact the makers of Blue decided to change his character's name to Aarav since the actor was shirtless for most of the film. His tattoo was first revealed in a small scene in Tashan.