Mahesh and Lara recently spotted dancing cosily

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

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?

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

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’

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

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

B'Day Special: Rare Photos of Rajesh Khanna

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

Katrina completely bowled over by Robert Pattinson

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!

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

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

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

Neha Dhupia is a flirtatious seductress

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

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…

Shweta and Aishwarya cannot

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

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

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

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

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

'Toh Baat Pakki' New movie posters

Vivek left his credit card at a restaurant in Pune

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

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

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.