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Picture of the day

Summer Altice, named after the 1975 Miss USA, was featured in Playboy as the Playmate of the Month in August 2000. After winning Young Modern magazine`s cover girl contest in 1995, she never looked back. She has been featured in the covers of Maxim, Max and GQ. She was ranked number 100 in Stuff magazine`s “102 Sexiest Women In The World” in 2002. Her beauty and uninhibited playfulness saw her starring in Playboy videos before being cast in the films The Scorpion King and Grind.

Chup Chup Ke between Shahid-Kareena

Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Neha Dhupia, Sunil Shetty, Rajpal Yadav, Paresh Rawal, Sushma Reddy, Shakti Kapoor, Anupam Kher, Om Puri
Director: Priyadarshan
Storyline: Priyadarshan sticks to the genre he's best at -- Comedy. This time, it's a comedy of errors and mistaken identities.A remake of the Malayalam hit Punjabi House, this one expects to laugh its way to the Box Office.
Tipped to be the most heartwarming comedy of the year, Chup Chup Ke was initially titled Khatta Meetha.

Chup Chup Ke is the funny story of a jobless youth (Shahid Kapoor) who has taken loans from everyone he knows but is unable to payback. After facing all the aggravation and stress, he finally decides to commit suicide. He gets a life insurance policy which can reimburse his loans. However, he is saved and reaches a distant place where people take him as deaf and mute. There he meets Shruti (Kareena Kapoor) who is mute too. And there begins their love story. And so does the confusion...

Prakash Jha talks Rajniti

Prakash Jha’s next venture, the big budget Rajniti, will be a distillation of all the political films that he has made to date.
“Rajniti will be a summation of my understanding of the contemporary political situation at the national level,” Jha says. “My political films have all so far been set in the state Bihar. This one will be shot primarily in Delhi.”
Rajniti, the writer-director reveals, will essentially track the goings-on during the heat of an electoral battle. “A government is toppled, an election is declared and, in the end, the results are announced. What happens during the election is what Rajniti is all about,” he says.
Jha has been working on the Rajniti screenplay for nearly four years. “I am now on to the third draft of the script, and by the time the film rolls at the end of the year, there might be a few more drafts,” he says.
Ajay Devgan and Nana Patekar, the stars of Jha’s last release, Apaharan, will feature in Rajniti as well. “The rest of the cast hasn’t been finalised yet,” says Jha. “Rajniti will have five or six major characters, each one of them drawn from the Mahabharat, and I will be signing several frontline actors to play these parts.”

Although essentially a fictional take on the current political scene in the country, Rajniti, like all of Jha’s other films, will be grounded in the real world. He says: “The film will seek to throw light on why our national-level politics is the way it is. It will show how the forces that dominate elections today were created.”
Will he seek to take a political stand in the film? “A filmmaker cannot afford to take sides,” he replies. “I can only be an objective observer, a chronicler. The film will present my interpretation of the reality.”
While Rajniti will be by far the biggest film of Jha’s eventful filmmaking career, it will be driven by the ground rules that govern the director’s craft in general. “Mrityudand,” says Jha, “wasn’t just the story of three women. Gangaajal used the Bhagalpur blindings only as a flashpoint. Apaharan isn’t only about the kidnapping racket. All my films try and present the bigger picture. Rajniti will be no different.”
It is important for a filmmaker, he says, to keep the audience in mind. “Apaharan is an unrelentingly dark film. There is no relief. It wouldn’t have worked if it hadn’t been paced right.”
In terms of style, form and pacing, Jha’s films are obviously designed to entertain. “That is the only way I can survive. I can no longer make a Damul. While I use a popular, simple form to tell a story, I ensure that I do not deviate from my principal intent to reflect the reality. I use cinema – it’s the only language I know – to communicate with my audience. I make films because I have something to say.”
That explains why Jha is the only filmmaker in Bollywood who consistently makes films that address real political issues. Films like Gangaajal and Apaharan were hard-hitting enough, but with Rajniti, Jha is poised to go further than ever before.

What is the fuss all about?

Director duo Abhigyan Jha and Abiyaan Rajhans are ready with their debut film Sacred Evil — A True Story based on Ipsita Roy Chakraverti’s book of the same name.Now, the Catholic Secular Forum in Mumbai has asked for a ban on the film on the grounds that in the publicity posters the name of the film is mentioned just below the crucifix. They are also objecting to the punchline of the film - ‘Where there is light, there is shadow’. HT City caught up with the director.

When Preity charmed Cannes

For some in the Indian media contingent in Cannes this year, the most sought after personality was Preity Zinta, who wasn't officially part of the 59th Cannes Film Festival but was present at virtually every Indian bash in the first week of the event.
The presence of the chirpy Bollywood star, who made the trip under the aegis of Chopard, in this Riviera town triggered speculation that she might be offered the role of Sonia Gandhi in Jagmohan Mundhra's proposed biopic on the Congress leader.

But Preity was the first to scoff at these rumours. In an animated conversation with Hollywood producer Ashok Amritraj during a yacht party, she was overheard emphasising the fact that Bollywood was driven by relationships.
Amritraj told her that back in Los Angeles it would be well nigh impossible to get a star to devote time to any event or film without a formal offer and sufficient notice.
"In Bollywood, we aren't that hung up," Preity said. "When Yash uncle offers me a role, I say yes entirely on trust. I do read the screenplay but only to understand the role. It has no bearing on my final decision."
Bollywood is Bollywood and Hollywood is Hollywood. Never the twain shall meet.

Neetu not an ordinary girl any more

After her near-disastrous debut in the hit comedy Garam Masala things got a little thanda for Neetu Chandra but now the skies have opened up for this spunky Bihari wannabe.
Not only has Madhur Bhandarkar signed Neetu for the plum role of the migrant embroidery-weaver eking out a living at the traffic signal for his next film Traffic Signal, but she's also likely to be cast as one of the female leads in Shimit Amin's film on the game of hockey starring Shah Rukh Khan. Yash Raj Films will produce it.
For a girl who until a few years ago was just a dreamer from a small town in Bihar, the leap from anonymity to a film with the Yash Raj banner is a dream come true.
"I wouldn't be able to comment on Shimit's film. But yes, I have auditioned for Shimit. And I have started practising my hockey. I guess it is every girl's dream to do a Yash Raj film. If it happens, I'd consider myself unbelievably lucky," Neetu said.

She feels Bhandarkar's film will open a new chapter in her acting career.
"Right now, I am looking at Madhur-ji's 'Traffic Signal' as a new beginning. When I heard that he was looking for someone like Smita Patil, I thought I qualified... Not that I can compare myself with her. But I felt I fitted into the physical description of the role.
"Madhurji screen-tested me several times over a period of almost two months before I was on."
Now Neetu can't believe her luck.
"It is almost like being born again! I showed Madhur-ji bits of my Kannada film Godavari. In that I sport a traditional Indian look. And look at the coincidence... my director in Godavari is Shakhar Kammula who is also a National Award winner like Madhurji.
"I guess I am really lucky to be working with directors who have proved themselves both commercially and critically."
She admits her first Hindi film Garam Masala didn't get her career going.
"But I have no regrets. I was a newcomer. I had no one to guide me. Not that I want to sound like I had to struggle... But as a new girl in Bollywood who couldn't even speak English properly I think I managed for myself.
"In Garam Masala I got to work with experienced talented people like Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar. Even John Abraham was far more experienced than me."
Neetu is keeping her fingers crossed.
"My mother, who stays with me, and I have been praying constantly ever since we heard the announcement. My father is in Delhi. But I took his blessings on the phone. Not just my parents, I want to do all of Bihar proud."
Neetu says she identifies with the character.
"I can understand how it feels to be a migrant in a big hostile city trying to live with dignity. I have been there."
Bhandarkar is very pleased with Neetu's performance in Traffic Signal.

'I want more romantic films with Shahid'

Kareena Kapoor is charged up about Vishal Bhardwaj's Omkara and says it will take her to another level in her career.
"I just have a gut feeling about Omkara. It is going to take me to another level," Kareena said.
She was planning to go to Cannes, where the film's producer Kumar Mangat showed an eight-minute show reel on Omkara, but could not.
"I was definitely planning my trip to Cannes this summer. The producer Kumar Mangat has put up an entire Omkara stall at Cannes. I think it'd have been a great experience, but I am in the middle of my world concerts.

"People are already so curious about this Indian version of Shakespeare that Vishal Bhardwaj has done. I am sure they want to know what I have done with Desdemona. It's about time I moved to another level in my career. I feel Omkara will take me there."
She finds her role in Omkara quite challenging.
"Believe me, playing Desdemona in Omkara has been my most challenging experience as an actress. There are very few roles that have given me satisfaction - Refugee, Asoka, Chameli, Yuva and now Omkara. I myself can't believe what I have done here."
Another exciting film is Don, where Kareena shares screen space with her favourite co-star Shah Rukh Khan.
"I am going from Vishal Bhardwaj to Ram Gopal Varma. It's quite a journey, and one that I am thoroughly looking forward to. You know I have always been Shah Rukh's biggest fan. Even before I came into the industry I used to find him smashing. I think our chemistry in Asoka was unmatchable. Now I am sure what Ramu will do with the two of us will be something else."
She talks enthusiastically about her new release 36 China Town.
"It is a nice, sensuous suspense film and my second with Abbas-Mustan. I have lots of interesting scenes with Shahid (Kapur) and Akshaye Khanna. It's a full-on commercial film.
"But I don't have any really romantic scenes with Shahid. I wish some producer would cast us in a truly romantic film," rued Kareena.

'It was now or never for me and SRK'

Eyebrows were raised when Shah Rukh Khan decided to produce and act in Ram Gopal Varma's new social-fantasy, loosely based on Time Machine. However, the director is neither defensive nor aggressive -- he is just amused.
"Why should it bother people if Shah Rukh produces a film for me? The minute Shah Rukh offered to produce the film, I agreed. Some people might think it may restrict my freedom, I disagree," Varma said.
"In fact, I think it gives me more freedom since I can forget about production hassles for once and just concentrate on directing. I am writing the script for the film. Shah Rukh will be my actor and producer.

"Just who produces the film makes no difference. These are just technicalities. Who makes the film isn't important either. The film is."
During 2006, Varma goes from Amitabh Bachchan in Nishabd to the untitled film with Shah Rukh.
"Yes, I guess that's true. Shah Rukh and I have been in discussion for a long time. I guess it was now or never."
Is it true the story of the film is based on Time Machine, just like Harry Baweja's Love Story 2050?
"There is an element of time shift in my film. It is set in three time zones... the past, present and future. I have no idea what Harry's story is. But this is an unnecessary controversy.
"Harry met me. I told him there are about 50 films in Hollywood based on Time Machine. Films don't work on plots. They work on narrative and characters and how a plot is constructed."
Varma laughs off rumours that Kareena Kapoor walked out of Baweja's film to work with him and Shah Rukh.
"That sounds rather far-fetched. I guess the journalists who wrote this must have a more fertile mind than my scriptwriters at the Factory.
"To my knowledge Kareena left Harry's film long before I signed her. I am not concerned with why she left Harry's film. It is her choice. I am pretty sure my film and Harry's are totally different films."
Varma raves about both his stars.
"Kareena is someone I wanted to work with for a while. I offered her a couple of my earlier films but it didn't work out. She is just right for the part. I required someone like her. The Shah Rukh film suits her completely. As for Shah Rukh, I want to project him in a light that hasn't been attempted before."
Varma says his film is not a sci-fi flick.
"I'd term it a social-fantasy. It's a kind of adventure-action entertainer. It's too unique in concept to describe. I don't think it has any genre or reference point. Shah Rukh and I couldn't be doing something routine. Not after waiting so long to work together."

Will Kajol be lucky for Karan?

Kajol and Rani Mukerji are Karan Johar's lucky mascots and must make an appearance in every film that he makes. It's no different in his latest Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna.
According to insiders, Kajol will appear in a song along with Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan in the much anticipated film that stars Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta and Rani.
The special song is scheduled to be shot in July with the other three key players in the film.
Earlier, Rani and a pregnant Kajol appeared fleetingly in the very popular 'Mahi Ve' song in Johar's love story Kal Ho Naa Ho with Shah Rukh, Saif Ali Khan and Preity.

Provoked to hit screens in August

Having been lauded at Cannes for its volatile and relevant content, Provoked, starring Aishwarya Rai, is now getting ready for a world-wide release and will hit Indian screens in three languages.
Producer J Murli Manohar said: "Since the theme of domestic violence is as relevant in the West as in a remote village of Punjab or Bihar or Tamil Nadu, we'd like Provoked to go into places that are ideally not seen as commercially viable for English language films. We therefore plan to dub Provoked into Tamil, Telugu and Hindi."

The three Indian versions of Provoked, based on the true life story of an Indian woman abused by her husband, will have a background score completely separate and far more dramatic than the original English version.
Commenting upon the music, AR Rahman said: "I don't think this has ever been done before. But when Jagmohan Mundhra (director of Provoked) and I got together for the background score in Provoked, we felt it was too underplayed for the Indian market.
"Here, we like the music to emphasize every scene. We spoke about it, and I got another background score ready for the Indian market. It is more in keeping with the mood required in our cinema."
The film is expected to hit Indian screens in August.

Satish to play lead in British film Seven Seas

Bollywood actor-director Satish Kaushik has bagged a lead role in the mainstream British film Seven Seas, based on the bestseller Brick Lane by Bang-ladeshi author Monica Ali. Ali’s book, which focuses on an Asian family living in Britain and explores the British immigrant experience, was shortlisted for the 2003 Man Booker Prize.
“It is a big achievement for me because nobody has been offered a lead role in Hollywood films except Om Puri. Puri last played the main lead in an English film called East is East,” Kaushik said.“I was not aware of the film till Loveleen Tandan told me about it. Loveleen is the casting director of the film. At that time I was busy with the pre-release promotional work of Shaadi Se Pehle in Delhi.
She took my pictures and sent them to London. The director and one of the crew members flew down to Delhi. They took my screen test and offered me the role,” said the maker of hit films like Tere Naam and Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain. Kaushik, who is also remembered as the lovable Calendar in Mr India, is flying to London on May 28. He has been on cloud nine since he signed on the dotted lines.

Il Postino actress to act in Hindi film

Renowned Italian actress Maria Grazia Cucinotta, who shot to fame with her role as Beatrice Russo in Michael Radford’s Il Postino in the mid-1990s, will soon fly to Mumbai to star in Aditya Basu Bhattacharya’s next film.
The film, Bollywood Cop, is the story of a tough encounter specialist who misuses his power and position to exploit a sensuous Ital-ian woman making a living in Mumbai as a Bollywood item girl. The film will also be produced by Cucinotta herself.
“It will be a dark thriller,” said Bhattacharya, who hopes to begin the single schedule shoot early next year. He adds, “The film will be primarily in Hindi. The Italian girl will speak only a smattering of Hindi and English.”
Irrfan Khan, the star of Bhattacharya’s last film Dubai Return, is expected to play the title role in the new venture. With the lead actress as one of the production partners, Bhattacharya’s Destiny Pictures and Italy’s Istituto Luce will invest a bulk of the funds for the making of the film.
Cucinotta was in Cannes for a day to conclude the deal. Talks are also on with another probable co-producer, Vishwaas Pandya of the Mumbai-based White Stripes Entertainment, whose last release was the critically acclaimed Jahnu Barua film, Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Maara.Bhattacharya’s Dubai Return was premiered at theInternational Film Festival of India last year, but it has yet to get a theatrical release.

Movie Review : Fanaa

The industry has been thirsting for a good film that works at the box-office as well. With a majority of Hindi films sinking faster than Titanic, all hopes are pinned on the first big release this summer: FANAA. Quite naturally, the expectations are humungous and there're two vital reasons for it: Yash Raj and the principal star cast.
A Yash Raj film is special. The illustrious banner has cemented its position as the Numero Uno production house by churning out memorable films and successfully transporting us to a world of make-believe in those three hours, over the years. And if the avant-garde production house teams Aamir Khan and Kajol -- two of the finest talents of Indian cinema -- together for the first time, you expect nothing short of a landmark film.
Now to the question every avid moviegoer is curious to ask: Does FANAA work? Does this much-hyped film live up to the colossal expectations? Is it worth the price of the ticket?
FANAA is one of the finest products to come out of Yash Raj. In fact, it wouldn't be erroneous to state that it's one of the most accomplished products to hit the Indian screens in a long, long time. The film works on every level: script, music, visuals, technique and yes, the performances.
It would be gross injustice if one overlooks the contribution from the captain of the ship: Kunal Kohli. While Kohli showed a meteoric rise as a teller of tales in HUM TUM, he establishes himself as a master storyteller with FANAA. Kohli catches you by your finger, introduces you to Rehan and Zooni, makes you peep into their lives and also the varied emotions they experience -- from joy, elation, euphoria and contentment to grief, distress, sorrow and anguish. And at the end of the day, the proficient craftsman narrates a story that leaves you with a tear in your eye and a smile on your face.
In short, FANAA is not just worth the price of the ticket, but also the price of the samosas, popcorn, sandwiches and soft drinks that you stock up in your lap while watching the film. In short, FANAA is an experience to cherish!
Choices... to choose between right or wrong is simple, but what defines one's life is the decision between the greater of two goods or the lesser of two evils. This is the advice that Zooni [Kajol], a blind Kashmiri girl, receives from her father [Rishi Kapoor] just as she is about to venture into the world on her own for the very first time. Little does she know that these very words will shape her life.
Zooni meets Rehan [Aamir Khan], a local tour guide and an incorrigible flirt, who goes from city to city exploring their architecture as also the women. Her friends warn her against this good-for-nothing roadside Romeo, but she chooses to ignore them. She is not the one to be protected. It is now her time to discover life and love.
Rehan is fascinated by Zooni. He truly wants her to see life as it should be seen, in its many colors -- and he promises her, the time spent with him will be the most precious in all her life. Zooni sees Delhi, life and love like she never has before, because of Rehan.
What Zooni doesn't know is that there's more to Rehan, the other dark side of his life that he has kept away from her... something that cannot only change her life, but also destroy it.
Originality is a prized commodity because there is so little of it in Bollywood these days. Of late, critics [and non-critics, for that matter] are fond of complaining about how cineplexes are populated by motion pictures that follow safe, formula-derived patterns, designed to please audiences who want a different version of a story they have already seen dozens of times. While there's some truth to the maxim that 'There's nothing new under the sun,' FANAA is an exception.
The initial portions of FANAA may give an impression that it's one of those archetypal Hindi films that follow the similar route of boy meets girl, romance blossoms, song-n-dance routine..., but there's more to it as it unfolds. The terrorism aspect, the emotional moments in the post-interval portions and the climax specifically hits you like a thunderbolt. FANAA is powerful and disturbing stuff. It is not for those who strongly believe in fairy tale endings. While hearts and flowers are great for a fantasy, this is the kind of expression of emotion that touches a deeper chord.
Any blemishes? The length and the pacing. Most of the times, three hour movies have a few flat spots and FANAA is no exception. The film tends to get very lengthy and also, the narrative tends to get very slow towards the second half. Slight trimming would help tremendously.
The writing [screenplay: Shibani Bathija] pushes the envelope, taking us in new and unexpected directions. Every time you thought you recognized where the story was headed, the movie surprises you. Cinematically speaking, this is a well-balanced, multi-course meal. Dialogues [Kunal Kohli] are excellent, specially the shayari throughout the movie. FANAA is gorgeously composed and photographed by cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran. The locales of New Delhi and Poland enhance the visual impact.
Music [Jatin-Lalit] is pleasing to the ears. 'Chand Sifarish' and 'Mere Haath Mein' are two melodious gems. 'Chanda Chamke' [the tongue twister] appeals because it comes at a time when you yearn for some relief. The action scenes [George Aguilar], in minimal doses, are kinetic and exciting. Background score [Salim-Sulaiman] is topnotch. The sound quality [Dileep Subramaniam] is excellent. Visual effects [Tata Elxsi] could've been better, especially the blasts of the helicopters.
The acting is of the highest caliber. In fact, most performances in the enterprise are perfect -- no hints of artifice or fakery. Yet, there's little doubt that one of the assets of the film is the chemistry between the lead pair. For Aamir, FANAA is another opportunity to broaden his range. He successfully buries his personality beneath Rehan's, allowing the character to come to the fore. The ferocity with which Aamir delivers his lines and the restless energy he imparts to his character, electrifies every scene that he's in.
It's an altogether different experience watching Kajol after a hiatus. It is her complex work, depicting a woman torn by love for and fear of the same man, that elevates the film to a higher level. Without doubt, FANAA ranks amongst her strongest works. Her performance only makes you realize why she's still the best in the business. Moreover, she looks gorgeous all through!
Rishi Kapoor is efficient. Kiron Kher is lovable. Tabu gets limited footage; she's just okay. Shiny Ahuja is wasted in an inconsequential role. Ditto for Lara Dutta, who is there for just one scene. Shruti Seth is excellent as Kajol's friend. Satish Shah, Sharat Saxena, Lilette Dubey, Jaspal Bhatti and Vrajesh Hirjee are effective. The child artist is fantastic.
On the whole, FANAA is a beautifully written, effectively acted and meticulously crafted effort that is likely to remind many viewers of a simple axiom: A movie doesn't have to be groundbreaking to be compelling. At the box-office, the film has already embarked on a record-breaking start and thanks to [i] the massive print count, [ii] the 12-14-16 shows being performed at movieplexes every single day and [iii] the inflated ticket rates will yield rich dividends in days to come. The first weekend business will be historic, the first week billing will be unprecedented and in the wake of no major oppositions for the next two weeks, FANAA will attain the 'Hit' status in a matter of days. In short, FANAA is yet another landmark film in the remarkable and enviable repertoire of Yash Raj.
Rating :- * * * *

courtesy-IndiaFM

Rakhi Sawant’s mother to make film debut

It looks like item girl Rakhi Sawant’s mother, Jaya is following her daughter’s footsteps. By making her Bollywood acting debut! The movie is Hot Money, directed by none other than Rakesh Sawant, her own son. In fact, Rakhi too has an item number in the movie. Jaya Sawant always wanted to become an actress. She had even signed a Gujarati movie, 25 years ago. However, she could not go ahead with it because of the disapproval of her husband and family. In Hot Money, she will be seen playing the lead character’s mother. Her role model is Lalita Pawar and she would love to do the kind of roles that she did. A suspense thriller, Hot Money, also stars Divya Dwivedi, Tarun Arora, Kunika Lal and Mukesh Tiwari. It will release on June 16. With Rakhi, Jaya and Rakesh Sawant being a part of it, we’re sure this will be nothing short of a family drama!

Rakhi Sawant to perform in sari for her next stage show

Item girl Rakhi Sawant is known for her seductive item numbers. Her revealing clothes have always dragged her in controversies. Rakhi’s recent Kolhapur show became talk of the town when the police registered a complaint against Rakhi for "indecent behavior" and "destroying public peace".Rakhi has now decided to retaliate in a subtle manner as she has decided to perform in sari for her next stage show. Speaking about the same she quips, “Yes am going to perform at Nasik and the best part of that show is I will be seen in Sari. This is a sabak (lesson) for all those who think I can look good and perform only in short and skimpy clothes. I want to show them that Rakhi Sawant can dance in sari as well. She can look equally glamorous in saris. She can create magic and make others dance on her tunes.” When on saris, she said, “I am comfortable in any kind of outfit. It does not matter whether it’s short skirt or a sari. I know how to give my best.” However speaking about the most controversial Kolhapur show she said, “I haven’t done anything wrong. The show was just like my other shows. There was nothing offensive as such. Moreover the clothes that I wore during that show were not my clothes. Rather it was arranged by the organizers.” According to Rakhi she enjoys the status of an item girl and will not have any objection to be called as an Item girl for the rest of her life. Speaking about same she said, “I am very happy with being an Item girl tag. Rather I don’t consider it as a tag. I love to dance and I enjoy my performance. That’s enough for me!” Talking about her Bollywood projects she said, “I want to do good roles and I am open to everything. If any director offers a good role then I would definitely accept it.”

Karan Johar is 34...

Karan Johar, along with Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan, at a party.
Karan Johar was born on 25 May, 1972. Although he had a Bollywood background thanks to producer father Yash Johar, Karan never showed any interest in films as a kid. At school, he preferred to say that his father was a businessman rather than a filmmaker. Initially his parents wanted to name him ‘Rahul’. However, for some numerological reasons they named him Karan. As a kid, Karan was very fat and would often get teased in school. In fact, the character Laddo from his film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham had a lot of personal references.

Picture of the day

Shigarova Yulia’s sex appeal lies in her extraordinary green eyes and perfectly proportioned body. This Russian teenager is a much sought after model today.

Older the man, younger the woman

Bollywood’s self-confessed young-at-heart prince, Feroze Khan, will not be caught dead with any woman who looks even remotely 35-plus. So what if he is in his 60s? His arm candies are closer to 16, than his age! Mr Khan is not the only lucky one to enjoy dating youthful beauties.
An increasing number of single men in their 40s and 50s prefer young partners who are in their prime in the ‘looks department’. Take the case of Salman Khan, for example. At the age of 41, he is dating Katrina who is just 22 years old.
The trend is emulated on screen too. Bollywood heroes who are well into their 40s or 50s don’t blink an eye before signing the dotted line to run around trees with young debutantes just out of college. Salman Khan-Sneha Ullal in Lucky, Sanjay Dutt-Amrita Arora in Ek or ek Gyarah or for that matter even an Amitabh-Tabu in the forthcoming Cheeni Kam or Amitabh-Nandita Das combo in Aks are classic examples.
Directors and producers also cash in on the trend. in Ram Gopal Verma’s proposed project said to be titled Nishabd, Big B is to play a 54-year-old man in love with an 18-year-old! Even small screen is no different. Take for example Ekta Kapoor who has etched out Jay Vallya’s character as a 40-year-old who falls in love with someone in her 20s in Kasam Seh. Even in Kasauti Zindagi Ki, Swetha Tiwari who plays Prerna is paired with a much older man.
She says, “It’s not so much about the age factor as it is about the role that I am given. And I think it’s perfect in today’s day and age where everyone has a broad outlook in life to be paired with or seen with an older man. It’s more about chemistry.”
Vidya Balan who made waves with Parineeta also raised quite a few eyebrows when she said she’d fight to marry Gulzaar. In an interview, she admitted to be in love with everything about him from his sense of style to his writings. So what is it that’s inspiring this trend of older men going for women half their age?
According to psychoanalyst Dr Deepak Parekh, “It’s a known fact that women are mentally three to five years older than their chronological age. Thus, a woman who’s almost your age holds the reins in the relationship. With a partner who is much younger to you, you can be sure that she is always looking up to you. Also, a man in his 40s and 50s is already well settled and doesn’t require financial security. he is only looking for a gorgeous arm candy, a reason to go on.”
So while men are looking for that extra vigour, it seems that PYTs who are still struggling, without a clear focus find it a safe bet to cling on to an older man who’s been there, done that. Whether or not it is practical in real life, model-turned actress Deepika Padukone, who has just finished shooting for a Kannada film says that actors definitely use this trend to their advantage in reel life.
She says, “I don’t know much about personal lives. But yes, this trend is predominant in movies. They pair a new, young girl opposite a veteran who is sometimes double her age because it makes older stars look younger. In our country people do accept older men, not women. Everyone wants fresh new faces as far as women are concerned while men remain superstars for decades. It is necessary for us to share an excellent on-screen chemistry with co-stars. even if you don’t relate to the person, you have to make the effort.”

I am my own boss: Bipasha

Bipasha Basu talks about Emraan Hashmi, Kareena Kapoor, being duped and more
None of your films in the recent past have really done well? What went wrong?

chose the wrong makers. Earlier, I used to think acting is all about being creative. But I have realised it isn’t just about being creative but one also needs to be intelligent in today’s times. Everything is a commodity today—whoever markets their product better fares better.
One feels that your glamorous image is going against you…What is glamorous? Indian clothes can be glamorous. It’s a very confused term. You are talking about me being sensuous because I wear a shirt and a skirt as opposed to a girl who wears a saree. But I would say it’s a difference of opinion. I think a wet saree is much more sensuous.
Every top actress today is part of a camp. Don’t you feel that you should also get into one to get to the top?I want to be in the Yash Chopra camp, Ramgopal Varma camp, Dharma productions camp. I want to be a part of the ‘Khan’daan too. If there was any way to enroll, I would have done that. I am not in any camp but yet I am working with Yashraj in Dhoom 2.

You refused Jiya with the Bhatts. Why?I didn’t find the casting right. Emraan and me would just not look like lovers. I feel I am way too tall and big built for Emraan. They were open to getting other heroes but then no other hero would agree to do a woman-centric film.
You also turned down Mumbai Express because you didn’t want to play mother to a 10 year old…Yes, I felt I would not look convincing as a mother. Also money was an issue. You can’t do charity all your life.

You seem to have hardened after a bitter experience….Yes, when I was a model, I was duped. I was running from court to court because of this model co-coordinator and his contract. Now I am my own boss.
Heard you have patched up with Kareena Kapoor. Just because two people don’t talk to each other doesn’t mean that they fought. After Ajnabee, we never spoke. If somebody doesn’t like me and she shows her dislike, then I am fine with it. I prefer them to hypocrites. I respect Kareena. Today she says hello and I say hello to her. There’s been no patch up or fight.

Rakhi lusts for old men!

Sex bomb Rakhi Sawant is game to have some fun and adventure in her love life. And instead of hot young hunks, she wants to romance 50-year-old men!
"I feel old is really gold. These days, I find older people sexier than young ones. I want to date men in the age group of 50s," confesses Sawant.
So, what's the reason for the switch over? Rakhi says her new music album 'Budha MiL Gaya' is behind this change of choice on her life. According to her, the video has changed her preference for love.
The item girl's excitement about her new album Budha Mil Gaya has doubled after getting no objections from the Censor Board. The Board does not seem to have a hassle with Rakhi's frontal nudity as compared to her back. Or that is how she feels.

"I am surprised that my new video album Budha Mil Gaya didn't face any cut from the Censor Board. In fact, in this album I have danced on an old sexy number and flaunted my back to the hilt. These days I enjoy revealing my back much more than my front. My nude back is quite prominent in the video but Censor Board gave a green signal without any cut. This is my first work in which the Board has not interfered. Otherwise in all the earlier projects so much has been deleted. I think my back has attracted the Censor so much that they forgot to suggest any more cuts," says Rakhi.
In her yet-to-be-released-album named 'Pin Up Doll', Rakhi claims that she is looking as hot and sexy as ever. But what made her expose her back? She says, "My front is too hot for the Censor Board to handle. So, I decided to go for dare bare back. And I am actually enjoying it. Moreover, I believe my fans find my bare back more alluring. That's why I want to reveal my nude back in my other forthcoming albums."

Mona's 'Timepass'


Mona Chopra will allow nothing to stand between her fame. Certainly not her clothes. The newest bombshell in Bollywood will strip from head-to-toe .

A yoke of yolk for Udita!

While Kareena Kapoor and seductive Negar Khan soaked themselves in chocolate syrup, sex siren Udita Goswami has done something that's way too crazy and that too just for fun! Read on to find out...
Who cares if the bird flu has gripped the country, one can always use it externally if not internally. The sexy siren of Bollywood has laced her desirable body in egg yolk. You ask why? Just on the request of one of her friends for a fun shoot.
"I think this is the craziest and the most bizarre thing I have done in my life. In fact, one of my friends requested me to present him with one of the pictures.
He made sure it should be something different. Even my photographer was very experimental and even he wanted to create something out of me that will look something out of the world. He suggested me that idea of having egg yolks all over my face for a picture," she explains.
So, didn't the stench of eggs give Udita a sick feeling? "Initially I was very much apprehensive about how I will go about it. But I applied baby oil all over my face and broke almost half a dozen eggs on it. It was stinking so badly. It was the most horrible experience of my life. After the shoot was over, I continued to have that stinking feeling in my mind for so many days," recalls Udita.

The model-turned-actress kicked off her acting stint with films like Paap, Zeher and Aksar. She shares more juicy secrets about her adventure. "My photographer got a few shots of me and then I washed off my face and as far as I remember I haven't done anything more bizarre than this photo shoot," quips Udita.
The lady, who has no issues with lip-locking on-screen, says that she hasn't seen those pictures yet. She confesses that it was her itch to do something different that prepared for this shoot. Says the sexy goddess, "Everyone wants to do something different and I thought it's good to see how I look with eggs all over my body. Had I done it for some advertisement, it would have gone everywhere."

Who did Bips leave short skirts for?

Bipasha Basu is versatile for sure. The sexiest bombshell of the glam world claims that at one moment, she can be a temptress and another minute she can slip into a traditional Indian girl mode.
The hottie says can shed her glam gal image just to win love. She gets candid and reveals some spicy secrets of an incident that took place when she was in school. "When I was in class 9th, I was so beautiful and sexy that every boy of my class was mad after me. Every boy wanted me to be his girlfriend but I never gave importance to anyone except for one guy who did not give any importance to me. I really liked him. I even thought of dating him and becoming his girlfriend. I got so much impressed with him that I left wearing short skirts. I started wearing salwar kameez just to earn his love. I think that was the first time that I realized that I am so sexy and appealing. However, I have no hassles turning into a social bird," says Bipasha.

Popularly known for her sexy image, Bipasha prefers to be remembered as a talented girl and not just a siren. She says, "Sex appeal can be reflected in so many ways. You need not always strip to look sexy. You can even flaunt your sex appeal when you talk, walk or work. I have no problem being a sexy girl but I want people to remember me not only for being a sex symbol but a talented person as well."
Bipasha who plays the role of a corporate lady in Bollywood director Madhur Bhandarkar's film Corporate dismisses rumours that her character has a negative touch to it. "I am not playing a negative role at all. I am a corporate lady in the film, who struggles to balance her life. My character is very different and I did not take help from any business woman from the real world. I managed everything on my own," retorts the leggy lass.

I am no porn star, screams Mona

Have you ever heard of any director stopping an actress from stripping in his film? Well, some directors are doing just that with raunchy babe Mona Chopra.
The actress She is truly more than just the director's babe. She is more than eager to give bold shots that it compells directors to intervene and stop her from become raunchier. "There is no doubt that I am bold and I can act too. I offer more than my director's demand. Be it Naughty Girl or Red Swastik, I have no problem in stripping. In fact, it has happened that several times my directors have said that I am getting sexier than the role allows me to be. I follow their instructions and mellow down myself little bit. It happened in my film Naughty Boy also. There were some scenes where I wanted to be bolder and more passionate but my director stepped in," quips Mona.

At the same time Mona dismisses allegations that she is only flesh and no actress. "I am not a porn star. I can be bold but I know to act too. And my films have proved it earlier and it will establish my claim in coming films also. I have learnt acting and that stands me apart from a porn girl and from those in the industry who just survive by taking off their bras and panties," says she.
Mona even justifies her top to bottom backless shot in her forthcoming film Red Swastik saying that it was the demand of the story. Says she, "It's not something which has been forcibly included in the story line. It's in the natural course of the storyline and so I don't think there is anything wrong with that."

What impresses women? Udita reveals!

Impressing women has never been an easy ballgame especially when it comes to the bombshells. However, if you ever get an opportunity to date a sexy lady like Udita Goswami, here is a little tip from the actress herself.
Besides looking for impressive appearance, dress sense and basic etiquettes, Udita is good at getting to know a man's personality by the kind of perfume he is wearing. When it comes to picking a date, aromatic men definitely top her list.
"I always believe that there is a subconscious link between a man and the kind of perfume he is using. His preference and habits of using a particular kind of fragrance can reflect a lot about him. At least, I can gather a lot just by having a whiff of his perfume. Whenever I meet someone, the first thing, I notice is how he smells. I have a very sharp nose for that," confesses Udita.
The seductress, who accepts her 'sexy girl' tag gracefully, has acquired this peculiar yet unique sniffing sense since teen years. She has had advantages in knowing people through her strong sniffing sense.While talking about her nose power, she refuses to divulge any further details if it was the scent of ex-boyfriend Mohit Suri, the director of Zeher in which she acted, that attracted her towards him. She tactfully changed the topic and starts talking about her experience in the industry till now. "I have lot of films lined up this year but what disappoints me is the lukewarm response to my first film (Paap). I was expecting the film to do well and I was quite excited about it but when I came to know the result, it really dampened my spirit for sometime more so because I was a newcomer then. But now, I realize however big you are in the modeling world, it's a matter of just one hit which makes all the difference in Bollywood," states the actress.

Aamir Khan re-shoots Fanaa song!

Aamir Khan, as many are aware is a control freak, who doesn’t mind going that extra mile to achieve the perfect look for anything. One more tale of the actor’s quest for perfection came to us from the stable of Fanaa. A source informed that Aamir wasn’t too happy with his look in one of the songs in the film. “He felt he looked a little chubby. So, he suggested to re-shoot the song to his director and producer, who unanimously agreed,” the insider revealed. What’s more, the set was recreated and it cost almost Rs 60 lakhs to shoot the song. “The whole look of the song has got a new feel. Aamir with his toned body has taken the song to a new height,” he adds. As long as Aamir delivers his punches, do we care about the rest?

Film plots circulate on SMS, emails; kill suspense

Even as the anticipation for the much awaited release Fanaa was building up, an SMS was doing the rounds. It read: Boy falls in love with blind girl. But boy is a terrorist and he dies in the end. That’s the story of Fanaa. Now you can save Rs 100, because you don’t have to see the film. Later, the producers of the film had to confirm that Aamir does die in the end and also had their spin doctors release stories on how Aamir’s death usually means a hit (remember QSQT?). But the fun-spoilers didn’t want to give up, and soon another SMS was circulated. This one read: Girl is not blind. She is a spy hired to keep an eye on the boy’s terrorist group. Both fall in love, but die in the end. Shhhh.. it’s the secret of Fanaa. Whether it’s true on not, we’ll know in a few days, but avid films buffs feel that these SMSs kill the suspense. “I was really looking forward to seeing the film. But now that I know that Aamir is going to die, I feel there’s nothing to look forward to. I’ll watch the film waiting only for that scene,” says Mudita Shankar, an 18 year old college student. Another hoax email that had many fooled was the so called detailed plot of Karan Johar’s multistarrer Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna. The mail details a love story about a girl who is engaged to a guy against the wishes of her parents, but later has an accident. She breaks up with him, but he remains faithful, and when you come to the end of the painfully long story, it says, “ Wasn't it a nice story? It’s the story of Shahrukh’s next movie Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna.” While most Shah Rukh fans know that it’s not true, (the actual plot is quite different and also available online), these hoaxes put people off the film. But where do they originate? Manoj Keshavan, a Mumbai based trade analyst says that most of these are just prank mails and SMSs sent by kids. “They are not meant to be taken seriously. It’s just part of the excitement of waiting for a big budget film,” he adds. However, a senior journalist who did not want to be named said, “Often, the story is leaked by a rival production house that does not want the film to succeed.” He said that the decision to release Fanaa merchandise by Yash Raj films is part of the damage control exercise after the plot leaked to the media. The merchandise includes a cup-saucer set — the cup has a mirror finish which shows the reflection of Fanaa, and a mirchi pendant which Aamir Khan is seen sporting in the film. However, this trend is not new. Sometime back the plot of Kaal, another multi-starrer from Karan Johar was circulated on SMS. The horror-suspense whodunit lost its charm when an SMS went around announcing Ajay Devgan was the killer. In Kollywood, the closely guarded plot of the film Sivaji too was leaked via email. Looks like there are no secrets in this fast paced world. Courtesy: Deccan

Nation Shivered Listening to Aishwarya's News

Media personnel made innumerable phone calls this morning to confirm what they heard was not true. A fake source passed the news that Aishwarya Rai was died in a road mishap, as she was driving her friend's car with over speed. It was also reported that she died on the spot followed by sever head injury. If the web site swellserver.com could be believed, Aishwarya Rai would probably be dead by now. According to recent news flashed on the site Aishwarya Rai 'died in a tragic car accident.' A part of the news article read as follows: "Highway Safety Investigators have told reporters that Aishwarya Rai lost control while driving a friend's vehicle on Interstate 80 and rolled the vehicle several times killing her instantly." After almost sending Ash's fans into a frantic tizzy, the web site posted a disclaimer at the end saying "this story was dynamically generated using a generic 'template' and is not factual. Any reference to specific individuals has been 100% fabricated by web site visitors who have created fake stories by entering a name into a blank 'non-specific' template for the purpose of entertainment." Aishwarya Rai's personal manager Hari Singh confirmed that it's all false and she is hale and healthy. Aishwarya Rai is now participating in the shooting of the film 'Guru' in Chennai. Thus, the fake news created a big tumult among the media sources and fans of Aishwarya Rai.

SA prankster puts up ‘news’ of SRK’s death

A South African prankster falsely reported the death of actor Shah Rukh Khan in an accident because he could not spell the first name of his original choice, Hrithik Roshan. Call centre worker Aman Singh was marched off the premises a day before his earlier resignation became effective after investigations revealed his computer as the source of an email claiming that Shah Rukh had died in an accident.
Singh copied and pasted the masthead of a leading South African news website, news24.com, to make his message look authentic. Although it was crudely designed, it conned hundreds of fans who hurriedly passed on the message to others. In the email, Singh claimed that Shah Rukh had been killed in a road accident when his car hit a tree, and that this had been confirmed by the actor’s manager.
The email sparked frantic calls to media in South Africa and even to India, where Shah Rukh was busy filming for his next film, Don. News24.com quickly traced the source of the email to Aman Singh after the website was inundated with queries about the story. Singh tendered apologies after both his employer and news24.com called for strong action, saying that he had merely intended the story as a prank to be played on his cousins, who are ardent fans of both Hrithik Roshan and Shah Rukh Khan.

Bips had a problem with Akki’s jokes

Bipasha Basu, who plays the female lead in the comedy Phir Hera Pheri, admits it took her a while to break the ice with her co-stars — Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal. “Initially, it was a problem when Akshay or Paresh cracked jokes but once I got into the mood and started enjoying their jokes, it became a lot easier,” said Bipasha.
According to Bipasha, comedies are stress busters. She said: “After a hard day’s work most people like to watch something funny and what better way to get entertained than by a comedy film,” she says. Asked how funny the film really is, she said: “It definitely is really amusing. Even the songs in the film have comic timing. I am doing an item number with Akshay which is also very funny.”
She adds, “I have seen the first film Hera Pheri. And it is really funny. This is a sequel to the original Hera Pheri but it starts from where the first one ended.” Bipasha, who was seen in one of the biggest hits of 2005, No Entry, says it is unjust to label an actor. “An actor is an actor and we can not label anybody as ‘more funny’. I wanted to do comedy because it is something new to me. In No Entry, I was more of the glamour quotient than a funny one. I have never done this kind of comedy before.”

MUNNABHAI 2ND INNINGS is eagerly anticipated

There are another three months to go before the August 25 release of MUNNABHAI-2ND INNINGS, Rajkumar Hirani's sequel to the hilarious MUNNBHAI MBBS, but the film has become a hot acquisition in the trade among its distributors, with the kind of reports it is carrying.
According to Nizam distributor, Ravi Machchar, who recently acquired the film and happened to see rushes of the film, the film is a laugh riot, this time a bigger one and has got one of the best chemistries of the Sanjay-Arshad duo. "It is entertaining to the core and rich in its production values. Also, the new addition in Vidya Balan is definitely a welcome change," he reveals.
Meanwhile, the producers are also said to be getting queries from enterprising south producers, who have evinced a keen interest in the remaking rights of the sequel. It may be recalled that the Telugu remaking rights of the original version were reportedly sold for a whopping Rs 1.7 crores, after which the Telugu remake SHANKAR DADA, proved to be a big hit at the box-office.

Neha's wardrobe malfunction in Utthaan

From the recent Lakme India Fashion Week to the Nigar Khan ramp walk in Norway, wardrobe malfunctions have been an integral part of the glamour world. Whether accidental or intentional is debatable! The recent in the series comes from a small-time flick titled Utthaan.
Not many might be aware of this movie produced by popular singer Kumar Sanu that stars the lead pair of Neha Dhupia and Priyanshu Chatterjee who were last seen together in Julie. If you look closely to the poster (circled in red), you might see a bit more of Neha than you asked for. Whether an overlook in filming or a morphing of image, the wardrobe malfunction seems distinctly visible!

When we recently spoke to Neha, she said she had disassociated herself from the film and its publicity. Though she didn’t cite any reasons for this, we wonder if this malfunction had something to do with it. Or could there be more to it?
In 2004, the producers of Julie had signed a pact with Dhupia which stated that Neha who played the role of a prostitute in the film had no objection in shooting for the bold scenes and won’t back off from the film at the last moment. Only if the makers of Utthaan would have thought of something likewise, it could have benefited both the parties.
Ironically one of the taglines of the film says, “Ambition, compromise, games… he will do anything to reach the destination.” Does this apply to the filmmakers? Another tagline of the film reads “Upliftment of a common man”. With no pun intended towards the poster in question, the poster does UPLIFT some questions…
- Is it a wardrobe malfunction or a publicity stunt or imaging effects by the publicity designers to make the film hot in trade circuits?
- Has it got anything to do with Neha’s dissociation from the film? Or rather should we ask
- Is Neha Dhupia, at the first place, aware of this stint, what with the movie poster being openly circulated as publicity stills?

Home is where Ash's heart is

Is there a more family-oriented actor in Bollywood? Search, but you may probably not find anyone who gives her family so much attention as Aishwarya Rai does.
After Cannes, she could have gone straight to Chennai to join director Mani Ratnam's unit of Guru. But she preferred to spend 24 hours with her family.
Tuesday was double-celebration time in the Rai household. It was not only the birthday of Aishwarya's mother but also her brother's marriage anniversary. It was an occasion that the actress couldn't afford to miss.
"Whatever little time I get from my work between schedules, I'd like to spend with my family," Aishwarya said. And after spending a day in Chennai, Aishwarya rushed back to Mumbai for the very special occasion.
"I always prioritise my family above everything and everyone else. When all seems lost it is the family that stands by you," she said.
Incidentally, Rani Mukerji is another family-oriented Bollywood diva.
She gave up the pleasure of representing her film Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna at the 59th Cannes Film Festival with director Karan Johar for the joy of staying home with her newly-born nephew.

'Kareena & I've been accepted'

Lovebirds Shahid and Kareena are having a ball - be it professionally or personally. Their love life is rocking and both seem to be high on work as well. So, what is it that's favouring the couple?
Shahid gives us the details...
Not only romance...
"Not exactly. We are lovers in real life but in front of the camera we are like two artists who struggle to give a perfect shots. When you face the camera, lights and dozens of people around you, your concentration is just on the shot rather than anything else. It would be unfair to say that we give perfect romantic shots just because we are real life lovers," says Shahid.
We click because...
Does it mean that it's easy to play a romantic role in real than in films? Answers Shahid, "I and Kareena have worked together in Fida, 36 China Town and couple of more films so we have very good on-screen chemistry. Both of us are liked and accepted by people. I think this is the main reason why directors rope both of us together."
What binds Bebo and Shahid?"
In fact, I want to clarify that we never force any director to sign both of us for a romantic role in a film. We are so good as a pair that directors themselves decide to take us together. I must thank my directors who have taken us together in their film. It's because of working in a same film that we are in constant touch with each other. Otherwise, our schedules are erratic and so hectic that we sometimes don't even get an opportunity to meet for months!" reveals Shahid.

Zindaggi Rocks

Sushmita is back, this time as a (hold your breath!) rock star!

'Kangana acts much better than Mallika'

He has been battling a terminal illness for two years now. But Anurag Basu remains gloriousy undefeated. His new film 'Gangster' is proof of a talent that cannot be stopped.
So how far is 'Gangster' inspired by the real life story of Abu Salem ? Anurag denies it completely. "Not at all. The only similarity is the gangster on the run with his girl. I wondered why Abu Salem didn't shed the extra baggage when he was a fugitive. There had to be something really special between them. Kuch to baat hogi. When I set out to make the film my only basic idea was to make a film about this gangster, his moll and a second man in her life. I wasn't sure I could make a screenplay out of this small idea. Triangle to sabhi banaate hain. Lekin yeh to bante-bante ban gayi. It's in the way we narrated the story. The screenplay is the magic and mystery of my film. It took me just twenty days to write the screenplay. I didn't want it to be a gangster's story. I wanted it to be love story."
Real life never scares Anurag. "I knew people would compare the film to headlines. But yeah, the talk of it being the story of Abu Salem just went on. I did get a little disturbed. I asked people to wait and watch. I don't think Gangster is about Abu Salem."
Why shoot in Korea? "It was my producer Mahesh Bhatt's idea. He was watching some Korean films at that time. We were thinking of Bangkok. But I wasn't keen because my Murder had been shot there already. Once we went to Korea it was like entering a dark tunnel. We didn't know anything about the place. I got information on the country on the internet. We shot there in twenty days."
Anurag agrees the debutante Kangana is remarkable. "There's something special about her. She wants to learn. She has a very expressive face. She was honest enough to say she didn't know know anything. Mallika Sherawat became a big star after Murder , Kangana will make a big impact. She's a far better actress than Mallika. Kangana can pull off any role."
He's happy with his cast. "Sanjay Dutt whom I wanted initially has played the gangster so many times. Shiney Ahuja is a refreshing change. That sequence where he has broken down and cried like a baby is so heroic because heroes aren't supposed to cry." Isn't the climax on the station inspired by Jean Luc Godard's Breathless? "Not one moment in Gangster is inspired from anywhere. I admit my first two films were adapted . Gangster is all from the heart. Everything including the cast and location just happened."
Next? "I've many ideas. But I don't know which one to do next. I've many more films to make."
Anurag's cancer is incurable. "But I'm on medication. It's become a part of my life. It wouldn't have been possible to continue working after my illness if it wasn't for the Bhatts and the support system of my friends. There have been times when I've shooting and undergoing chemotherapy."

Hot pairs in Abbas-Mustan's next movie

Anil Kapoor has taken a shine to Mallika Sherawat after working with her in Darna Zaroori Hai. "She's hard-working focused and fun to work with," Anil had told me ."I love her guts and her honesty."
Looks like Mr Kapoor will have lots more opportunities to get to know Ms Sherawat better. After the 'grief' encounter in one segment of Ram Gopal Varma's Darna Zaroori Hai the two are being paired together in Abbas-Mustan's untitled film for Tips to be shot in Australia in one schedule from September to November.
The special thing about this project is the untried pairing. Saif teams up with Bipasha for the first time , and so do Fardeen with Katrina . Anil and Mallika have done a brief bit . But that's it.

Abbas-Mustan are constantly trying new permutations in their suspense format. "What can we do if producers only approach us to make thrillers?" laughs Abbas . "We tried something different in Tarzan The Wonder Car . And gave up. We're happy with our niche. Other directors make family films or comedies. We're known for our suspense thrillers. Even our new release 36 Chinatown is a suspense whodunit. When we had made our first thriller Khiladi there wasn't such an active media machinery to give the suspense away. Now everyone knows who the killer is. So in Chinatown we've added loads of humour to the whodunit to sustain audiences' interests. Everyone except Akshaye Khanna –who plays the investigating officer— has humorous moments."
Abbas and Mustan are the most champions of softspoken sophisticated suspense thrillers. Abbas-Mustan who're on the verge of releasing their new whodunit 36 Chinatown and are heading out to London for a 90-day schedule with Bipasha, Ajay Devgan and Sanjay Dutt to film what Abbas calls a humorous adventure thriller.
"We won't be here when the film is released," says Abbas. "But we're sure the audiences will be very happy with 36 Chinatown. There's an interesting story to how we got the title. You know, all the Chinatowns the world over have their own geographical and culture boundaries. Likewise we wanted to create a world within one area and give it a number, like a residence. The set we created has a casino, a dance area, roads…everything. Most of the film was shot there."
Abbas raves about his stars and his producer. "This is our third film with Kareena and second with Akshaye Khanna. They both agreed immediately. Shahid Kapoor—we had liked him in his first film Ishq Vishq and had decided we'd work with them anytime something suitable came up. 36 Chinatown has an ideal role for Shahid. The fact that Kareena and Shahid hadn't clicked in Fida didn't bother us. Every story has its own rhythms and requirements. It's up to the directors how they use the stars. As for Upen Patel…we first met him at a Tsunami relief fund event. The film requires him to play a playboy. He fits the bill."
Special words are reserved for producer Subhash Ghai. "The fact that he's a producer and director helps him understand the workings of a film far better than anyone else. Subhashji isn't the least interfering. In both Aitraaz and 36 Chinatown he let us do exactly what we wanted. But he was always there to help us. We're now working on another script for Subhashji to produce. The film will go on the floors as soon as we write it."
And now to kill the suspense. Is 36 Chinatown an original work for a change? "I can't say. Our writer Shyam Goel says it's inspired by a novel," confesses the honest Abbas who says he and his brother never take holidays. "Why should we when we have so much fun making films? Every film is a vacation for us."

Riteish finally moves away from comedy

Wanted - A cool conventional romantic love story where Riteish will have have a leading lady to romance.
Not that he's tired of the kool comic Masti and Dhamaal that his career is caught in. "On the contrary, it's great fun."
But right here right now, Riteish is revved up about his new release. "Darna Zaroori Hai is my second film with Ramu..actually third if you count 'Mr Ya Ms' which he didn't direct. And it's my first time with Mr Bachchan. I'm lucky enough to have fulfilled the dream of working with him so early in my career. I never knew horror could be such a pleasure. I don't know whether Amitji has done horror before. For me it was the first time. I didn't have to do much except react to his presence. He made the horror look so real ! We were doing sync sound. And the set was so quiet it added to the eerie feeling. Yeah, it was fun. And having Ramu as a director is a two-way pleasure zone. You learn about cinema on and off camera. He knows so much about movies. I love chatting with him. He's so persuasive that I begin to question my own opinions. Hopefully I'll be working with him soon again."
He's grateful to Ramu for not casting him as the funny guy. "Everyone thinks of casting me in comic situations after Kya Kool Hain Hum, Masti and Bluff Master. …Not that I mind being merged with mirth. It just so happened that my comedies were successful. So naturally I was seen a suitable candidate for the comic. That's fine. Because being funny is fun, specially since I get to be funny in different ways each time. I mean you can't compare my role in Masti with Bluff Master, or the forthcoming 'Dhamaal'.

Riteish's buddy Sajid Khan has also directed an episode of Darna Zaroori Hai. "But no regrets. Because I'm already doing Sajid's film Hey Baby . It's a family film with funny moments. It's certainly not a an out-and-out comedy like my forthcoming Dhamaal . Again in Anubhav Sinha's Cash I get do a non-comic turn. That's an action-adventure."
Riteish admits he misses being in a conventional romantic film. "I started my career with a romantic film Tujhe Meri Kasam. But in the last four-five years I don't remember seeing a conventional romantic film . I wish I could do a romantic film. But I'm not in the position to decide what I could do. I can only choose from what's offered to me. I'm not in the position to decide what to do. I'm working. But I'm not working towards any particular goal. I'm doing what seems right for me."
Right now Riteish has only one immediate dream. "I want to go into a movie theatre on Friday and watch myself share the screen with Amitji. That's a big high for me." Off- hour activities? "I 've a running business for architecture. I keep checking on the projects . I'm not able to give it much time. Partying? Sometimes. But I'm a major movie buff. I go to the movie theatre to watch practically every film that releases. As Ramu says, to make a film you only need to be a movie buff. So who knows?"

SRK - The Messiah

Shah Rukh Khan has portrayed a number of roles in his illustrious career. Now he's playing a real-life messiah to E. Niwas.Sometime back, Niwas launched a medium-budget film called MY NAME IS ANTHONY GONSALVES with newcomer Nikhil Dwivedi and Amrita Rao essaying lead roles. Quite recently, there was talk that Niwas had shelved the film , although the film-maker denied it categorically. But he did admit that he was going slow for the time being.
Well, the latest on MY NAME IS ANTHONY GONSALVES is that two of the film industry's heavyweights -- Shah Rukh Khan and Bhushan Kumar of T-Series -- have decided to back the project. While the film will be presented by Bhushan Kumar, SRK's Red Chillies Entertainment will be the Line Producer of the film.
How did SRK come on board? "Shah Rukh loved the script when he read it," Niwas tells me, "We met through a common friend and he decided to back the project. His company, Red Chillies, is now looking after the production and marketing of the film." Although Niwas had barely shot the film for a few days, the film will now take off by August-end and will be completed by November this year. Since SRK is associated with the project, is he enacting a role in the film as well? "No, he isn't," pat comes the reply.
With SRK stepping in, MY NAME IS ANTHONY GONSALVES is only looking bigger. Also starring in the project are Boman Irani, Rajpal Yadav, Pawan Malhotra, Lilette Dubey and Mukesh Tiwari, while Himesh Reshammiya [music] and Farah Khan and Ganesh Hegde [choreography] are also part of the team.

KIM SHARMA CLEAN BOLDS YUVRAJ SINGH

Finally, Bollywood actress Kim Sharma has been able to clean bold her boyfriend and rising star of cricket Yuvraj Singh. Now, they have come too close with each other, and that's why Kim is frequently found missing from the sets as soon as she is somewhat free. Where does she go is anybody's guess? The crew of the movie feels that she rushes to see her love interest Yuvraj Singh though the actress denies it and calls it a conspiracy of her detractors to defame her. "I go out whenever my work is over." She also denies that she is going to quietly marry Yuvraj Singh.

She claims that whenever she marries she would do it with pomp and show. This is to recall that not in the distant past Kim presented to Yuvraj on his birthday a diamond costing Rs 200,000. She has also got Yuvraj wearing her gifted diamond ring photographed during the Mumbai cricket match with England. Sources close to both confirm that the relationship between Kim Sharma and Yuvraj Singh has progressed a lot during the recent past. Regarding their marriage, however, there is a big hurdle as Yuvraj's mother isn't very enthusiast to accept Kim as her bahu (daughter-in-law) though the former is more than ready to get her son married at the earliest. And why not, after all her son has reached the peak of his career. Yuvraj's friends are optimistic that the cricketer will persuade her mother to for his marriage with Kim Sharma.

 

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