TheMoviesHub.Com

2007-08-26T12:28:00.001+01:00

Deepa Mehta will be making a film on domestic violence titled Heaven on Earth. The film will be based on the true story of a Toronto residing Punjabi woman, Amardeep, who is a victim of domestic violence. Deepa had filmed a documentary on Amardeep’s life last year and now she is planning to make a feature film on the same.

If things go as planned, Deepa would also shoot the film; in Ludhiana, Punjab. The last time when Deepa was shooting in India for Water, some fundamentalist groups disrupted the shoot due to which she had to re-shoot the film in Sri Lanka.

Talking about the starcast of Heaven On Earth, Deepa says that she has finalized an NRI theatre actor Vrajendar to play the husband’s role. As for the role of Amardeep, Deepa will be signing a Punjabi actress.

The film will go on the floors on October 20 in Toronto.

Salman, Shilpa given Rajiv Gandhi Award

2007-08-15T00:40:00.000+01:00

Bollywood actors Salman Khan and Shilpa Shetty, cricketer Kapil Dev and Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams were among 10 people who were presented the Rajiv Gandhi Award for achievements in their chosen fields.

The awards were presented by Union Power Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh at a glittering function in Mumbai on Sunday.

and Pakistani comedians There were performances from Bollywood actors Vivek Oberoi, Koena Mitra, Aftab ShivdasaniAli Hasan and Irfan Malik.

2007-08-15T00:37:00.001+01:00

It’s rumored that the Bollywood star and Celebrity Big Brother winner Shilpa Shetty is up to be the next Bond girl! The Metro reports a source says that, “Shilpa is having secret talks with the top brass who are working on the next movie. She has a huge following in Bollywood, as well as a number of fans in the Western world – especially in Britain – so she will be great for box office sales.” I absolutely love Shilpa Shetty and think she would be perfect for the role. While Bond girls aren’t always portrayed as being as strong of women as they are in Iain Flemming’s novels, we certainly hope Shilpa’s version of a Bond girl will be…

Chak De India is a disaster in the UK

2007-08-15T00:27:00.000+01:00

Something very peculiar has happened in the United Kingdom. For a place that is known as a Shah Rukh Khan feeding ground, the latest release from the Bollywood star has made a disastrous start at the Box Office.

YashRaj Films’ Chak De India has opened at number 10 in this weekend’s chart, 5 places below than the opening of Partner a few weeks ago. The sports flick has managed a meagre £130,000.

This has come as a shock to YashRaj Films, who were expecting this film to rejuvenate their consistent failures this year. If Shah Rukh Khan is not able to re-light the YashRaj fire, then what else will?

The film is not expected to mantain its presence in the UK Top Ten next week, and industry insiders predict this film to be the biggest ‘blob’ of Shah Rukh Khan’s career in the UK. Even the heavily panned Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam managed to do better business.

Photo: Salman snubs Viveik Oberoi's public apology

2007-08-15T00:22:00.000+01:00

Not too long ago, Viveik Oberoi and Salman Khan left no stone unturned to win the heart of beauty queen Aishwarya Rai... oops Mrs. Abhishek Bachchan. On Sunday, actor Viveik Oberoi decided to make an impromptu gesture of seeking forgiveness from actor Salman Khan. After performing to the hit number Beedi Jalaile with Koena Mitra at the Rajiv Gandhi Awards function in Mumbai, Viveik turned towards Salman who was seated in the front row, folded his hands, and then bowed in front of him grabbing his ears in forgiveness. Salman seemed to be in no mood to forgive and just shook his head dismissively.

Surya & Jyothika - daughter’s Name

2007-08-15T00:12:00.000+01:00

Sticking to the announcement that Surya made soon after his wedding last year, the star couple has started their family and the little bundle of joy made her earthly entry on Friday, the 10th of August at 9.22 P M. The baby was delivered by a C section at a private nursing home in Poonamallee High Road and the mother and baby are reported to be doing fine at the hospital.
Tomorrow, they will be discharged and shifted to their residence.

Sivakumar, the proud grandfather and his entire family will be there to receive Jyothika and her little angel whose birth star happens to be Punar Poosam, the star of Lord Rama. The family astrologer after thoroughly studying the horoscope of the little one, have predicted a good future ahead for her and her entire family. According to the birth star, the name of the baby should begin with alphabet K and the naming ceremony will be in September. TheMoviesHub.com extends their warm wishes to the proud parents and grandparents on this happy occasion.

Tabu for the Oscars

2007-08-15T00:10:00.001+01:00

It's confirmed. Mira Nair is all set to push Tabu's name for an Oscar nomination this year. Says a source close to the project, "Mira is definitely going to project Tabu as a potential best actress at the Oscars. Though Irrfan Khan is as good, if not better the focus of Mira's Oscar campaign for her masterly study of the Indian diaspora is likely to be predominantly Tabu."

Continues the source, "Irrfan is excellent. But he lacks what the Americans are looking for in their Oscars recipe. Tabu is exotic, glamorous and mysterious. This is her first real exposure to the Western audience. And they're lapping up her utterly –butterly Bengali act, thick accent and all. On top of that she's also wowing the westerners with her performance in Cheeni Kum."

Will Tabu be the first Indian actor to win an Oscar? "Why not?" says Mira's creative compatriot Deepa Mehta. "She's amazingly good, on a par with any of her Western counterparts."

Six years ago Deepa had offered Tabu the lead in her richly lauded Water. The deal fell apart. A lot of global cineastes feel Mira's Namesake would do for Tabu what Deepa's Water couldn’t. Tabu herself remains supremely indifferent to recognition, at home or abroad.

Ajay Devgan's film is not based on the Hollywood film 'The Notebook'

2007-08-14T23:53:00.000+01:00

Ajay Devgan is quite upset with the media. The reason being one tabloid reported that his directorial debut film U, Me Aur Hum is remake of the Hollywood film ‘The Notebook’. And this would be the last thing that Ajay would have expected to be speculated about the film with which he turns a director.

Confirm a source from Ajay Devgan’s film unit, “The film is a complete original screenplay written by Robin Bhatt, Sutanu Gupta and Akarsh Khurana. It has nothing to do with The Notebook.”

U, Me Aur Hum stars Ajay Devgan and Kajol in the lead roles along with Divya Dutta, Isha Sharvani, Sumeet Raghvan and Karan Khanna.

Zayed replaces Bobby in Mission Istanbul

2007-08-14T23:49:00.001+01:00

Bobby Deol currently riding the crest with his two lauded performances in Jhoom Baraabar Jhoom and Apne, is out of Apoorva Lakhia's Mission Istanbul.

Explains Lakhia, "We were supposed to go on the floors on 1st August but because of Ramzan and Eid the date got pushed up with the result that Bobby Deol can no longer do the project. Sad, because he was the first one I signed. Unfortunately Mission Istanbul requires 60 days in Turkey at a stretch. And I've to finish the film by end of November before winter sets in and the days get short and wintry."

Now Zayed Khan has stepped into Bobby's place. "I'm happy Zayed had stepped in. I guess he brings a different mood to the role from Bobby. I've never worked with Zayed before. I've seen a couple of his films. He's young and cocky. We can play on that. He plays a young inexperienced guy in a mature world."

Apart from Zayed the final cast for Mission Istanbul is Viveik Oberoi, Suniel Shetty, Shabbir Ahluwalia and newcomer Niket Dheer (actor Pankaj Dheer's son) and Shreya Saran(last seen in Awarapan). Abhishek Bachchan will also be appearing in the film.

"How can I ever make a film without Abhishek?" argues Lakhia, known to stick to a film's budget. "I shot Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost in 41 days and Ek Ajnabee in 39 days. Shootout At Lokhandwala was shot in 53 days although it went on for 9 months. Mission Isntanbul is a very expensive film. My producer Suniel Shetty has already spent plenty in pre-production. We've already been to Turkey several times. It's one of the most amazing shooting spots. I'm looking forward to it."

After Mission Istanbul Apoorva Lakhia will direct a film for Ekta Kapoor. "We're exploring a number of films. And it won't necessarily have Tusshar in it. Ekta never insists on anyone in the cast. In fact I had to ask Ekta to intervene when Tusshar was reluctant to do Shootout At Lokhandwala….I'm glad the film is a hit. Though I can't say how big a hit, at least it got me noticed and I'm doing Mission Istanbul."

Abhishek denies Aishwarya’s pregnancy rumours

2007-08-11T23:55:00.000+01:00

After all the hulabaloo over Aishwarya being pregnant, Abhishek Bachchan here on Thursday denied all the rumours and said that his statement was blown out of proportion.

Abhishek denied all rumours connected to Ash’s Pregnancy In fact Aishwarya is extremely upset that the media can be so irresponsible in reporting that she is soon expecting a baby without even bothering to confirm with her.

Abhishek Bachchan said “it is not true at all”.

First Look: Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal

2007-08-11T23:50:00.000+01:00

The film belongs to the sports genre and has been shot extensively at prominent football stadiums in London and the United Kingdom. It is a film based on soccer and there are many real life players who will be seen playing in various matches in the film.

John Abraham and Bipasha Basu come together on-screen after a long hiatus and the rest of the cast consists of Arshad Warsi, Boman Irani, Anil Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Naveen Andrews, Kushal Punjabi etc.
Goal has been produced under the UTV banner by Ronnie Screwvala and directed by Vivek Agnihotri. The music of the film has been composed by Pritam and the movie is slated for a December 2007 release.

2007-08-11T23:45:00.000+01:00

it was once a trend that many heroines from south made it big in the Hindi film industry. Now it is the turn of the directors. Priyadarshan from the south is now the hottest director in Bollywood and it is said that he collects a whopping four crores as pay cheque for a movie. Ram Gopal Verma is also one of the most respected directors who hails from the south. The success of Mani Ratnam’s Guru has opened the flood gates for many directors from down south. Cheeni Kum directed by Balki a Tamilian, has made big waves in the industry with critical acclaims for the film pouring in from all directions.

Now, the presiding icons of Bollywood, the three Khans are going to be involved in projects associated with South Indian directors. Aamir Khan is working with Murugadoss in the Hindi remake of the Tamil blockbuster Gajini. The handsome hunk Salman Khan is reported to have given dates for ‘Wanted dead or alive’, the Hindi version of Pokkiri which will be directed by Prabhu Deva. And last but never the least, for the biggest project of the lot, Shankar joins hands with the King Khan for his sci-fi thriller, Robot. In addition to these names, there is Bharathiraja’s Cinema, which stars the angry man (Reel and Real) Nana Patekar. The very fact that the leading stars of Hindi film industry are working with these directors goes on to prove the trust and faith they have in them which is certainly heartening.

First Look: Laaga Chunari Mein Daag

2007-08-11T23:43:00.000+01:00

The film stars Jaya Bachchan, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Kunal Kapoor, Anupam Kher, Kirron Kher, Farida Jalal and Hema Malini in special appearance.

The film is directed by Pradeep Sarkar who earlier directed the critically acclaimed film Parineeta and is produced by Aditya Chopra.

Laaga Chunari Mein Daag is slated for an October 12 release.

Shah rukh hits a goal!

2007-08-11T23:41:00.000+01:00

This film is almost entirely in its exquisitely mainstream yet intelligent piece of screenwriting (Jaideep Sahni). It's then about inspired pieces of casting (and acting thereby).

Sixteen carefully selected but relatively raw players from different parts of the nation make up the Indian women's hockey team. They're the sorts, the administrators munching biscuits in their boardroom believe, should rather play the 'belan' in the kitchen.

As region-specific selections go with Indian sports, members of the team come from everywhere: the tribal belt of Jharkhand, to the untouched hills of the North-East, to the richly chic environs of small and big cities. Nothing unites them but the colour of their sports jerseys. Put together on paper, they are unlikely to match skill and speed with a European school squad. On the practice field, they appear a bunch of uncontrollably nutter hooligans.

The team also shares a coach that pretty much no one can stand (Khan). The coach has an immediate task at hand, the World Championship. He also has a wider point to prove.

First Look: Aaja Nachle

2007-08-11T23:33:00.000+01:00

Ok guys, I have an exclusive poster of Aaja Nachle through which the 'Dhak Dhak' gal Madhuri is returning to the big screen!

Along with Madhuri, the movie stars Akshaye Khanna, Konkona Sen Sharma, Kunal Kapoor, Ranvir Shorey and Irrfan Khan.

Cinematographer Anil Mehta makes his directorial debut with this film which has music by Salim-Sulaiman Merchant and the movie is slated for 30th November release.

Salman Khan may face upto 5 years jail

2007-08-11T23:27:00.000+01:00

Top Bollywood star Salman Khan’s fate will be decided on the 24th of August. He may face upto 5 years jail if his appeal is dismissed in poaching case.

Salman Khan’s case is being connected to that of Sanjay Dutt. This is the outcome of the huge fan following that the star enjoys. Bollywood is still recovering from Sanjay Dutt shock.

Bollywood is reluctantly supporting Salman ahead of verdict.

Akshay Kumar in OM SHANTI OM

2007-08-11T23:23:00.001+01:00

Farah Khan's Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Pudukone and Shreyas Talpade starrer, OM SHANTI OM, has been adding a new name to its cast everyday. Almost anyone and everyone in Bollywood is essaying a role in the film. While most of them are playing themselves, some are essaying cameos.

However, three prominent names, Dev Anand, Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar, were not a part of the project, till a few days back. While evergreen Dev Anand made it clear that he does not believe in blink-and-miss appearances, Aamir Khan has his own 'personal' reasons for not being there in OM SHANTI OM. But the good news is that Akshay Kumar will now be seen in OM SHANTI OM. We must add that It is not clear whether he is playing himself or is essaying a cameo.

Saif denies he got into a scuffle to protect Kareena

2007-08-11T23:17:00.000+01:00

Saif Ali Khan denies he got into a physical fight with some rowdy fans who insisted on shaking hands with an unwilling Kareena Kapoor during shooting in Ladakh.

Saif, who has just completed a gruelling schedule of Yash Raj Films' "Tashan in Ladakh", told IANS: "Yes, there was an unpleasant incident. But it didn't end with me getting physical with anyone."

So what happened?

"Some guy wanted to shake hands with Kareena. The lady didn't want to. We requested the 'fan' to respect her feelings. The guy chose to get offended and called five of his friends."

Ever since Saif and Kareena came together for J.P. Dutta's "LOC", they've shared a very special bonding. So it comes as no surprise if Saif stepped in to rescue her from aggressive fan attention.

However, before anything untoward could happen in Ladakh, Saif and the "Tashan" team called the security.

"If they were five, we called 11 security personnel. For a while there was a loud and heated argument in Marathi, and that was that. However let me repeat, I didn't have to resort to physical violence to protect the lady. The security intervened quickly."

Incidentally, Saif has grown a moustache for his role in "Tashan".

"It's part of that discipline I've acquired during 'Omkara'. There, I was so apprehensive about shaving off my head. Once I got over the typical star-vanity of looking glamorous I realised a physical makeover makes a helluva difference to the characterisation."

Abhi-Ash going to Parents?

2007-08-09T23:38:00.000+01:00

They call her 'Pari' in the Bachchan household - a nickname given to Ash by mom-in-law Jaya. And now we hear that our beloved Pari and Bachchan junior are on their way to becoming parents.

According to the hush-hush news the new baby Bachchan is on the way and grand pa Big B is very ecstatic about it.

In an interview with a leading daily, Abhishek, who shares his initials AB with dad Amitabh and wife Aishwarya was asked if he would name his child with the alphabet A?

"I haven't thought about it, but it's a cool idea. And I think kids shouldn't be planned. Such things should just happen," he responded.

The couple tied the knot on April 20 this year.

Actress Padma Narayan arrested

2007-08-09T23:25:00.000+01:00

The Chennai City Police have arrested actress Padma Narayan - a popular model and of T Rajender's heroines - with charges of blackmail. The police said that she threatened to use videos of them in compromising position in a 5 star hotel room. The actress is said to have demanded Rs. 10 crores from the businessman Pradeep K, an offer which if he refuses, she will let the videos go public. He agreed to pay her Rs. 25,000 for the one night they spent in the hotel room, a fee which she agreed to.

Pradeep fulfilled his part of the deal after which the actress decided to get more out of him. She threatened to make the videos public unless he gives her Rs. 10 crores. He offered settling the issue for Rs. 10 lakhs but she was adamant and insisted for Rs. 10 crores. To further discuss the matter, Padmavathy called to him to the same hotel where they engaged in the sexual act. He met her with three men who were her friends.

When they met, the actress showed the business man almost 15 nude pictures of them both in the act. He immediately offered 15 lakhs to her on the spot. She still didn't accept anything less that 10 crores. She told the three men around her to kill the businessman if he doesn't give her initial request of 10 crores rupees.

Padma Narayan left the hotel immediately after which Pradeep went to the assistant commissioner of Police at St. Thomas Mount station. He and the police together planned to trap the actress

When Padma Narayan has moved away from the hotel, Pradeep escaped from the place ad approached the Assistant Commissioner of St. Thomas Mount police station to his rescue. According to the plan, he got back to actress to settle the matter. She said that it would be difficult to for him to give her 10 crore rupees straightaway. He suggested that she buy something from a local jewelry shop on Cathedral Road.

She arrived at the shop in her Honda City. As soon as she entered the jewelry store, the disguised policemen in the store captured her. She was questioned by the police and confessed about the three men who were with her. Their names are Sanjay - a model/actor, Ameer John and Chandran. The police arrested all of them and remanded then to 15 days judicial custody.

Hollywood sues Indian producer for 120 crores

2007-08-09T22:48:00.000+01:00

That the movie Partner is slowly turning into a blockbuster is well known to all. The total collection, in India alone, during the past two weeks is said to have crossed Rs. 50 crores. As the other new releases didn’t woo the movie goers much, Partner is said to continue its dream run. And director David Dhawan, Salman Khan and Govinda are already planning to make a sequel titled Tom and Jerry. The producers and distributors are all smiles but looks like it will be short lived.
Partner is a remake of an English movie Hitch, the title role of which was done by Will Smith. Will Smith, a big fan of Bollywood movies; offered the heroine role to Aishwarya Rai but due to date issues she could not do it. When Will Smith came to know of this blunt copy of his movie he immediately informed the producer that he is planning to file a case seeking compensation to the tune of $30 million which would roughly amount to Rs. 120 crores. Whether they win the case or not, this is a good lesson for anyone who decides to remake a movie without getting prior permission.

Ash to get waxed in USA for 15th August

2007-08-09T22:44:00.000+01:00

A wax model of actress Aishwarya Rai, the global face of Indian film industry, will open to public view at Madame Tussauds wax museum in Time Square in New York on August 15, when India celebrates 60th year of independence.

"The unveiling ceremony will feature a 15-minute performance by Bollywood dance group from the city," Rosemary Preta, director of marketing of the museum, said.

The museum has scheduled the ceremony on India 's Independence Day, which was also demanded by her fans in New York, Preta said. "Rai, a former Miss World, is internationally known now."

Rai's model will be placed in the Opening Night Party section of the museum.

The museum has borrowed the model for six weeks from the parent Madame Tussauds in London.

Passion drives Yash Raj Films and Ram Gopal Varma

2007-08-09T22:35:00.000+01:00

Shimit Amin, director of upcoming sports flick Chak De India speaks about his experience of working with two different schools of film making.

Shimit says, “Working with both Ramu and Yash Raj Banners have their own set of positives. Their content may be different but both are passionate about making films.”

About his film, Shimit says, “Chak De is a complicated film. There is no romance, love involved, nor people dancing around trees. Also Chak De goes beyond a movie for me. It portrays India that’s highly neglected.”

Kamal Hassan in court battle over film

2007-08-09T22:32:00.001+01:00

Kamal Hassan's Dasavatharam has created a buzz in the world of Tamil cinema. But the star is battling in court to prove that the story is actually his own.

Kamal appeared in the Madras High Court on Thursday for an in-camera hearing on the issue.

The actor plays ten different roles in this movie. Although the Madras High Court had earlier upheld his claim, Kamal had to come to the court as part of an appeal by the petitioner.

After collecting scripts from both parties the judges wanted to speak to them privately for further clarifications.

"It is the defendant's claim that Dasavatharam under production has nothing to do with the story of the plaintiff. The court wanted to make a comparison whether there is any truth in the contention," said B S Raman, Counsel for Kamal Hassan.

A young assistant director is the man in focus now. He claims Dasavatharam is an adaptation of his story that was originally narrated to Kamal Hassan's personal assistant.

"The ten role concept is the essence of my script. There is a similarity. My idea has been cheated," said the petitioner, Senthil Kumar.

Call it publicity or otherwise. This issue has certainly made people talk about the movie even before its production was over.

Now the court will have its final hearing on August 13.

Aamir Khan goes brawny for Ghajini remake

2007-08-09T22:24:00.001+01:00

Aamir Khan has been working out to lose flab and develop brawns for his role in the Hindi remake of Ghajini.

Just six months back, Aamir weighed close to 80 kgs. Since he has a short height, the bulge gave him a stout appearance. But ever since he consented to act in A R Murugadoss’s Hindi remake of Tamil hit Ghajini , Aamir has been working regularly on his physique.
The actor has hired a personal trainer Satyajit Desai to guide him in workouts in gym. Aamir is also taking advice of a nutritionist to plan out his diet regimen.

In fact, so religiously has Aamir been about his workouts that he has lost as much as 11 kg in last few months (exercising at least an hour everyday). Now he weighs around 68 kg. Apart from losing weight Aamir has also developed a muscular body to complement his role in the ‘Ghajini’ remake.

Aamir is presently in Namibia to shoot a couple of songs for the film. The songs will be shot in jungles. A R Rahman is the composer.

Aamir’s gym instructor went to Namibia with him. He is setting a makeshift gym at Aamir’s hotel there.

‘Ghajini’ has two heroines opposite Aamir – south actress Asin and Jiah Khan .

Chak De India : Some interesting facts!

2007-08-09T21:58:00.000+01:00

Do you know that when Aditya Chopra first approached Shah Rukh Khan with the offer to act in Chak De India, the superstar turned down the offer?

At last, the D-Day is just around the corner for Yashraj Films presentation Chak De India (check out the slideshow). The movie is very unconventional not just by SRK’s standards but also for Yashraj banner. There are 16 actresses but no love angle. There is no song n’ dance. And there is no villain.

So why did SRK give his nod to the film?

SRK says when Aditya Chopra first came to him with the offer of ‘Chak De India’ he turned it down. Not because he didn’t like the script, but because he was too busy back then to commit to this film. By some twist of fate, Aditya couldn’t also complete the casting of girls in time. The film’s shooting got delayed and when Aditya approached SRK again after seven months, SRK had free dates to spare and therefore he accepted the offer.

In fact, SRK says he agreed to do this film not for Aditya Chopra, but for director Shimit Amin , whom SRK calls “a good friend”.

CASTING

You may also be surprised to know that Neetu Chandra was first considered to play the role of the captain of the girl’s hockey team in the film. But, for reasons better known to the makers of the film, she was dropped from the project and Vidya Malvade was roped in. Shimit Amin says the criteria for casting the girls was that he wanted 8 girls who could act well and 8 other girls who could play hockey well.

HOCKEY STICK

The hockey stick that SRK uses in the film actually belonged to director Shimit Amin. When Shimit first read the film’s script he went to a sports shop and bought himself a hockey stick. He kept this stick with himself during the film’s pre-production work. Later, when the shooting began, the stick changed hands from Shimit to SRK. It is this stick SRK uses in the film.

ON THE HOCKEY FIELD

SRK has been a lover of hockey since his school days when he used to play the game. In fact, before shooting the film he thought that he would be able to outshine the girls on the hockey field. But when he stepped on the field and began playing, he found that he had lost his touch with the game. On the other hand, the girls proved much better at the game.

SHAH RUKH’S BEARD

SRK sports a beard throughout ‘Chak De India’. The actor grew his beard over a period of two weeks. But there was a problem. Besides shooting the film he also had to shoot for some commercials that required a clean-shaven looks. SRK found a way out. After a shooting schedule of the film got over, he used to shave and shoot for the commercials. Then he would grow the beard again before the next schedule.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY

Chak De India is based on the true story of former hockey goalkeeper and coach Mir Ranjan Negi, who was charged with allegations of match-fixing after India's humiliating 1-7 defeat to Pakistan in the 1982 Asian Games hockey final. Seven years later, Negi’s honour was restored. He coached the national women's hockey team that won gold at the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games.

In the film, SRK plays the coach.

Chak De India has been shot in Australia. The movie will release worldwide on August 10.

Too much Drink: Not well Nayantara?

2007-08-09T00:04:00.001+01:00

Do you remember that Nayantara had collapsed in Cochin Airport little whiel ago?

Nayantara who used to look lush and stuffed with her 34-30-34 look turned slim and slimmer later on.

But she is losing stamina and becoming weak on a whole. She must have listened to the good words and suggestions of her friends in this regard.

Actress Nayantara was seen at a pub in Hyderabad, throwing up at the after party of an awards function. Friends she was with said she was feeling unwell, but the owner of the pub let it slip that she had had way too much to drink.. Still drowning your sorrows Nayan?

2007-08-08T23:56:00.000+01:00

Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal has been chosen for the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke Award for the year 2005.

The announcement comes a day after the delayed National Film Awards were announced on Wednesday evening.

Instituted in 1969, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award is an annual award given by the Indian government for lifetime contribution to Indian cinema.

Benegal is considered one of the pioneers of the new wave in Indian cinema during the 1970's and 80's.

Benegal's memorable films include Ankur, Manthan, Suraj Ka Satwaan Ghoda, Bhumika, Kondura, Junoon, Kalyug, Mandi, Trikal, Mammo, Sardari Begum and the Making of the Mahatama.

Partner sued for plagiarism

2007-08-08T23:48:00.000+01:00

It's been around for years but perhaps you knew it as inspiration rather than plagiarism, but now in a first of its kind there's a price to pay.

Sony pictures is taking action against companies K Sera Sera & Eros, co-producers for David Dhawan's Partner, claiming that the film is a direct lift of the Hollywood film Hitch.

Producer Sohail Khan can hardly be blamed for thinking he was on safe ground in admitting that Partner was inspired by Hitch.

After all Bollywood has a long history of lifting liberally from Hollywood films not just the plot but in many cases even the frames.

However, now comes the hammer blow. A leading newspaper says the producers of Hitch, Will Smith's production house Overbrook Entertainment and Sony Pictures Entertainment are contemplating a $30-million suit against the producers.

"I pay close attention to Sony projects, they're like family. If they follow through, this could strike a deep blow at the heart of Bollywood filmmaking," said Will Smith, actor.

Legal routes

Not just that, it could set a precedent for other international producers and even music companies who could find several songs, boasting the same beats as their international counterparts.

Barring Kal Ho Na Ho's ode to Roy Orbison's Pretty Woman rarely have these lifts happened through legal routes.

Ironically, Bappi Lahiri had filed a lawsuit in a federal court claiming the hit single 'Addictive' by Truth Hurts borrowed heavily and without permission from a 20-year-old Hindi song.

The lawsuit also charged American producers including hip hop impresario Dr Dre with practising a form of "cultural imperialism" by not crediting Third World artists.

Now that Indian filmmakers are on the receiving end for the first time the question is: Will Sony go through with the suit?

Neither Sony nor the producers of Partner were available for comment. But if the lawsuit is filed, it won't be just the Partner team which will have to worry.

Mallika to play Sexy Sheela!

2007-08-08T23:40:00.000+01:00

Mallika Sherawat is all set to replace Zeenat Aman in Feroz Khan’s Qurbani remake.

Feroz has apparently been searching for a heroine for a long time. Priyanka Chopra was reportedly considered for the role but was not finalized. Now, reports allege that Mallika has bagged the part.

In the film, Mallika will be paired with Fardeen Khan who plays the role enacted by his father in the original film.

Hunt is still on for another hero to play the role enacted by Vinod Khanna. Saif Ali Khan was initially finalized for the part, but the actor opted out of the project due to date problems.

However, this time Feroze Khan will not play the lead role of the suave thief Rajesh. Instead he will step into the shoes of the eccentric inspector Amjad Khan, played by late Amjad Khan.

"There was no scuffle for Kareena" - Saif

2007-08-08T23:23:00.000+01:00

Saif has just completed a grueling schedule of Yashraj Films' Tashan in Ladakh. He returns to stories in Mumbai about getting into a 'scuffle' over Kareena with rowdy fans in Ladakh.

Says Saif, "That's not quite correct. Yes, there was an unpleasant incident. But it didn't end with me getting physical with anyone."

So what happened? "Some guy wanted to shake hands with Kareena. The lady didn't want to. We requested the 'fan' to respect her feelings. The guy chose to get offended and called five of his friends."

Ever since Saif and Kareena came together for J.P. Dutta's LOC they've shared a very special bonding. So it comes as no surprise if Saif stepped in to rescue Kareena from aggressive fan attention.

However before anything untoward could happen in Ladakh, Saif and the Tashan team called security. Laughs Saif, "If they were 5, we called 11 persons from security. For a while there was a loud and heated argument in Marathi, and that was that. However let me repeat, I didn't have to resort to physical violence to protect the lady. The security intervened quickly."

Incidentally Saif has grown a moustache for his role in Tashan. "It's part of that discipline I've acquired during Omkara. There, I was so apprehensive about shaving off my head. Once I got over the typical star-vanity of looking glamorous I realized a physical makeover makes a helluva difference to the characterization.

Kamal Haasan and Hrithik together?

2007-08-08T23:06:00.000+01:00

The biggest news of this year is out! Kamal Haasan, the best actor that India has ever produced, and the Superhero of Indian cinema, Hrithik Roshan, have signed the dotted lines to star in a movie together. The movie is being produced by Adlabs and sources say that Kamal Haasan has been signed up for whopping Rs. 20 crores.

The film is said to be an action extravaganza with Hollywood-style stunts; and according to the rumor mills working overtime it is stated to be a period film. Hrithik Roshan as a child artist has acted in a movie with Rajnikanth but this would be his first with Kamal. The storyline of the movie is unknown for this yet-to-named film.

The film is stated to be made on a colossal Rs.100-crore budget. It is still not clear as to who would be directing this movie as it is being kept a close-guarded secret. Watch out for this space for more updates on this project.

Bachchan praises Bhansali for giving him unique character

2007-08-08T22:59:00.000+01:00

Bagging his third National Film Award for his performance in the film 'Black', Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan today praised Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali for giving him a "unique and different" character.

"Obviously, this is the highest recognition and brings a lot of respectability, honour and dignity," Bachchan said.

The mega-star, whose performance in 'Black' won him the Best Actor honour for his rendition of a reformed alcoholic who struggles to give a physically handicapped child a new life, said it was a "Great film made by a wonderful human being."

Calling Bhansali an absolute genius, Bachchan said the concept of the story, the script and the character he gave him were unique and different.

"And then to put it together in this wonderful manner was equally brilliant," he said. The actor, who has won the National Film Award earlier for his performances in the films 'Saat Hindustani' and 'Agnipath', recalled the training he had to undergo for the role.

He said he had to bear in mind that he was "Doing the role of both because she cannot speak and hear and see. So you have to speak for her and then speak for yourself for the benefit of the audience. It is tedious, but definitely a challenge."

Zayed and Malaika Khan are expecting their first child

2007-08-08T22:45:00.000+01:00

Zayed and Malaika Khan are expecting their first child. On mother's day last year he wrote on the paper - 'Mom you have been a nani six times over now, it's time I made you a dadi'. Zayed feels God blesses him. He shares, "I am totally ecstatic! Inside my heart of hearts, I'm laughing and so, so happy, even though I am exhibiting a controlled exterior. My wife Malaika and I have already got the names in our heads, irrespective if our baby is a girl or a boy. I am looking forward to the next generation of the Khan genes to create a lot of noise in the house, which hasn't happened since I grew up. People ask me, 'Are you ready for fatherhood?' and I don't really know how to answer that. I think the minute you touch your child, some chemical reaction will take over and parental behavior will kicking." Father Sanjay and mother Zarine Khan are too happier to know this news.

53rd National Film Awards announced

2007-08-08T00:12:00.000+01:00

53rd National Film Awards have been announced. As per the recommendations of the juries, `Kaalpurush – Memories in the Mist` (Bengali), directed by Budhadeb Dasgupta, has been declared the Best Feature Film.

The Award carries a Swarna Kamal and Rs 50,000 each for Producer and Director of the film. Best Popular Film providing wholesome entertainment is `Rang De Basanti` (Hindi), directed by Rakesh Omprakash Mehra.

Nargis Dutt Award for the Best Feature Film on National Integration went to ‘Daivanamathil’ (Malayalam), directed by Jayaraj.

Indira Gandhi Award for the Best First Film of a Director went to a film `Parineeta` (Hindi), directed by Pradeep Sarkar. And the Award for the best film on social issues went to `Iqbal` (Hindi), directed by Nagesh Mukunoor.

The award for the Best Direction went to Rahul Dholakia for the film `Parzania`. Best Actor Award went to Amitabh Bachchan for his performance in Hindi Film `Black`.

Sarika has been adjudged the best actress award in recognition of her performance in the film `Parzania` directed by Rahul Dholakia. The Award for the Best Child Artist went to Sai Kumar for his performance in Telugu film `Bommalata – A Bellyful of Dreams`.

The Award for the Best Male Playback Singer went to Naresh Iyer in `Rang De Basanti` and the Shreya Ghoshal was adjudged Best Female Playback singer for her song in `Paheli`.

The Best Non-Feature Film was `Riding Solo To The Top Of The World` (English), directed by Gaurav A Jani. Best Film Critic Award went to Baradwaj Rangan.

`Black`, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, is the best feature film in Hindi. The best adjudged films in different Indian languages mentioned in VIII Schedule are:

Assamese: Kadam Tole Krishna Nache, Directed by Suman Haripriya

Bengali: Harbart, Directed by Suman Mukherjee

Kannada: Thaayi, Directed by Baraguru Ramchandrappa

Malayalam: Thanmatra, Directed by Blessy

Marathi: Dombivali Fast, Directed by Nishikant Kamat

Oriya: Kathantara, Directed by Himanshu Khatua

Punjabi: Baghi, Directed by Sukhminder Dhanjal

Tamil: Aadum Kothu, Directed by T V Chandran

Telugu: Bommalata – A Bellyful Of Dreams, Directed by Prakash Kovelamudi

Katrina is lonely despite Sallu

2007-08-08T00:08:00.001+01:00

Several times while shooting for her next two releases, Katrina was on the verge of tears.

During the shooting of Anil Sharma's Apne and David Dhawan's Partner Katrina invariably witnessed the warmth shared in a closely-knit famlily.

"The Deols in Apne and the Khans, Salman and Sohail (who've produced during the film) during Partner bonded so beautifully on the sets, I'd invariably miss my own family."

Shooting with The Deols for Apne was a very emotional experience.

Says the actress, "It was such a pleasure to just do a film with the Deols Dharamji, Sunny and Bobby. I'd look at them together on the sets and miss my sisters and mom so much…I come from a large family. But I'm in Mumbai alone.

And when I saw how beautifully the Deols bonded I felt….sad and happy…they were having so much fun. Made me wish I had my sisters around. It's unfortunate that my work has taken me away from my family."

Katrina's mother and sisters are in Chennai. "My mom keeps saying, do a Tamil film. So you can come home. I've done Telugu films. But never Tamil."

Katrina shares a very chummy relationship with Bobby Deol. "During Apne me and Bobby would inevitably be doing something or the other to annoy each other. He was constantly poking fun at me. That in turn annoyed me. Dharamji would sweetly act a referee between us. It was like being on a family picnic rather than working."

Rakhi Sawant in Rakesh Roshan's Krazy 4

2007-08-07T23:58:00.000+01:00

Since her appearance on Koffee with Karan, Rakhi is fast shedding her image of a crass silicone propped item girl and emerging as a main stream Bollywood actress.

The 29 year old daughter of a Mumbai policeman, whose real name is Neeru Sawant has bagged an item number in Rakesh Roshan's comedy thriller Krazy 4.

Rakhi may lack sophistication but not humility. She knew whom to thank when she bagged the role.

"The first person I informed was Karan Johar. I thanked him for inviting me on his show. My career has taken an upward swing after featuring on Koffee with Karan."

Rakesh Roshan confirmed he had signed up Rakhi telling Mid Day, "Rakhi is performing a song in the film."

Rakhi is excited about her item number to be choreographed by Ganesh Acharya and is determined to out sizzle Bipasha Basu in the Bidi jalai le… number in Omkara.

Rakhi will undergo a major makeover for the number and has shed six kilos to look svelte.

"Everything, from head to toe, will look brand new!" she says

"I have lost around six kilos in the past few weeks. I want to look my best, and the song is so hot it will blow you away."

The four crazy characters in Krazy 4 are Irfan Khan, Arshad Warsi, Suresh Menon, and Rajpal Yadav.

Filming of Krazy 4 has already has started and the project is expected to be completed by December.

Muscial score for the film is being provided by Rajesh Roshan, Rakesh Roshan's younger brother and one of the Bollywood's few music directors whose forte remains melody.

Amongst Rakhi's other forthcoming films is Rahul Rawail's Buddha Mar Gaya.

Movie Preview: Aggar

2007-08-07T23:51:00.000+01:00

Cast: Tusshar Kapoor ,Udita Goswami, Shreyas Talpade, Vikas Kalantri, Nauheed Cyrusi
Director: Anant Mahadevan
Producer: Narendra Bajaj, Shyam Bajaj
Music: Mithoon
Lyrics: Sayeed Quadri

Aggar…Is it just another suspense thriller.. What if it turns to be dud?

No one knows the fate of the film but yes, going by the storyline, starcast, look music and the probability of success achieved by thrillers made in the past, it becomes increasingly easier to predict the fate of a film. So let’s forbid all the ifs and buts..err Aggars’ and have a look at the upcoming suspense thriller Aggar.

Aggar is touted to be a mind boggling thriller, filled with the elements of passion, love and fear.

The story of Aggar is about how a woman cheats her husband and then has to pay for her own deeds. Janvi (Udita Goswami) is an event manager. Dr Adi Merchant (Shreyas Talpade), a psychiatrist, is her husband.

Janvi indulges into an illicit affair with Aryan (Tussar Kapoor). Eventually, she starts believing the relationship as a reason to live for. After a sequence of events, she realizes the underlying darkness creeping into her life is due to her alleged affair with Aryan.

She tries to shrug off Aryan, who is not ready to let Janvi let go so easily. His passion takes a dangerous twist when he decides to eliminate Dr Adi from his path.

Celina in a Pink Panther film?

2007-08-07T23:44:00.000+01:00

Just recently Celina was asked to play the role of Sophie in the next Pink Panther movie.

However, as she is currently in the middle of a cross over campaign, the A-list agents that are interested in representing her advised her to pass on the project.

Meanwhile she continues to select her Bollywood projects quite carefully.

After three back to back successes in 2006 [Zinda, Tom, Dick and Harry, Apna Sapna Money Money], her glamorous presence was noticed in both Red and Shakalaka Boom Boom this year.

Karisma Kapoor on a comeback trail?

2007-08-07T23:42:00.000+01:00

After Govinda, another actor who is readying to make a mega comeback, we hear is Karisma. The buzz about her comeback plans is getting stronger by the day.

If the rumours are to be believed, she has already started the process by touching base with some of her old loyal filmmakers who are more than happy to welcome her back.

We wonder what's stopping her from making her comeback with her once Hero No 1, Govinda?

Or is she waiting for a call from SRK, Aamir, Salman or Akshay?

And if that's the case, her wait will get longer as they are busy romancing the Priyankas, Deepikas and Laras of the world, so for her, Govinda remains her best bet!

Priya Dutt issues press release to all Sanju supporters

2007-08-07T21:44:00.000+01:00

I on behalf of the Dutt family would like to thank all the people who have shown their overwhelming support for our brother Sanjay. It has come as a great pillar of strength in this hour of need. However, as sad as it is, we must realize that as on date, Sanjay has been convicted. The family although greatly saddened by the judgment has accepted it with a heavy heart. We have full faith in the judicial system of our country and are currently pursuing all legal remedies available to him. We humbly request you as his supporters to pray for us from your heart and mind and let the Law take it on course.

Now Ismail Darbar Turns Singer

2007-08-07T21:41:00.000+01:00

Music composer Ismail Darbar is all set to cut his new album. T-Series has signed him for a private album called Tere Pyaar Mein. Ismail will render his voice for this new album.

However, Ismail has never lent his voice before for any of his films. He informs that his new friend music composer turned singer turned actor, Himesh Reshmmiya convinced him that he should take up playback singing and come up with his own album. Himesh also accompanied him to T-Series office to meet Bhushan Kumar, who offered Ismail a private album. Himesh and Ismail both are judges for TV Show and are good friends.

He further explained that Himesh motivates him in everything that he does. Ismail has already started composing and will start recording soon. He is planning to release this album in November.

Rani Mukherjee has a bad habit?

2007-08-07T00:27:00.001+01:00

Bollywood star Rani Mukherjee reportedly has a bad habit – a habit injurious to health.

Reports are that Rani is an occasional smoker and can’t seem to do without her morning cigarette, which apparently helps with her bowel movement.

But it seems Rani’s mom is not too happy about it and has been nagging her girl to give up the bad habit.

Rani has tried to give up smoking but ultimately she has always gone back to her habit as she develops various problems when she quits.

But now due to the constant confrontations with her mom, Rani has resorted to smoking in the loo and hiding her cigarettes when mommy dearest is around.

Rani also regularly carries mint and deodorant around so that if her mom pops in she can always use it to lessen the smoke smell.

Recently many of Bollywood stars have been tying to give up the bad habit of smoking.

Saif Ali Khan quit after he fell gravely ill and was hospitalized. Aamir Khan too has now quit smoking and Shah Rukh Khan has been trying to quit smoking for some time now.

Well it comes as a huge surprise that Bollywood actresses seem to be puffing away too.

Chiru now turns his attention to Chirutha!

2007-08-07T00:11:00.000+01:00

Chiranjeevi's Shankar Dada Zindabad had many surprise elements in it. As the movie progressed, star after star lined up to play cameo roles. First it was Devi Sree Prasd, then Prabhu flowed and then a host of actors from Pawan Kalyan to Ravi Teja, Allu Arjun and Naga Babu appeared in brief roes. The idea was to raise audience interest in the film. But the result at the box office shows otherwise.

Now, Chiranjeevi is said to be planning a similar strategy for son Ram Charan Tej's debut film Chirutha. While this is being kept a big secret, news from the sets reveals that Chiranjeevi is indeed doing a guest appearance in the movie. And he is most likely to shake legs with his son in a song.

Ram Charan was also named to be included in a guest role in Shankardada Z. However, it was later dropped as Chiranjeevi felt that by showing a yet to debut actor in a guest role, it would do more harm than good to Chirutha and Charan.

However, in Chiranjeevi's case, the story is entirely different. His presence in Chirutha will not only be a big morale booster for his son, but it will definitely boost the fate of the film as well.

Kamal's Remuneration Reaches Rs 20 Crore!

2007-08-07T00:07:00.001+01:00

The two legendary actors Rajnikanth and Kamal were always on the opposite side of the fence. The two actors are now more matured than before and they share a healthy friendship and also respect for each other's work.

Kamal is now set to outdo Rajnikanth with a new film. Rajni's film with Shankar - Sivaji was touted to be the costliest film to be ever made in India. The figures quoted were somewhere between 50 and 60 crore. That pales into insignificance if you hear this.

Anil Ambani's Adlabs is reportedly planning a film with Kamal Haasan and Hrithik Roshan. The budget for the film has been pegged at a whopping 100 crore – yes 100 crore! And Kamal will take home a cool 20 crore as remuneration for this film. The film will be an action packed entertainer on par with Hollywood films.

The period film is still in the concept stage and details about the other star cast and the director are being kept under wraps. An official announcement is likely to be made soon.

Aamir opts out of 'Sarfarosh' sequel

2007-08-06T23:59:00.000+01:00

oining the sequel bandwagon, is none other than John Mathew Mathan, who is toying with the idea of making the sequel to his hit film 'Sarfarosh'. Sources close to the maker reveal that Aamir Khan was approached to be part of the film, but he refused, as he is too busy with his own home productions.

It is also learned that the maker is trying for another big Khan for the role.

Sanjay Dutt meets Telgi in jail!

2007-08-06T23:54:00.001+01:00

Meanwhile our lovable Munnabhai aka Sanjay Dutt was shifted from Mumbai's Arthur road jail to the far away Yerawada jail in Pune and guess who he bumped into next morning? Famous fake stamp paper accused Telgi who is also being lodged in the same jail.

We hear that Telgi was jogging near Sanjay's cell and that's when he came face to face with the more famous celebrity prisoner. Telgi forgot about his jogging and was seen shaking hand with him in glee with our Munnabhai.

He apparently told Sanjay to have faith in the law. We don't know what was Sanju's reaction to the preaching of the famous Telgi?

Partner nets over Rs 410 million in India

2007-08-06T23:44:00.001+01:00

Salman Khan and Govinda have set the cash registers ringing for the producers of Partner. After a lull first half of 2007, the second half surely seems to promising and Partner seems to have broken the jinx.

As per information made available to Businessofcinema.com by Eros International, the Salman - Govina starrer’s India net collection has accumulated up to Rs 41,72,38,700, at the end of two weeks.

Likewise, in the UK Partner has grossed £ 673,565 and in the US it has grossed $ 979,432. The film has stood firm in the UK Top 10 for the second weekend since its release.

The movie, which is directed by comedy kind David Dhawan, released worldwide on 20 July across 900 plus screens globally and grossed over Rs 420 million (Rs 42 crores) worldwide in its opening weekend.

John-Bipasha Back Together!

2007-08-06T23:36:00.001+01:00

The much-in-the-news Bipasha-John pair is very much together. Though both the parties refuse to comment on it, a close friend reveals, "The couple have sorted out their difference after John returned from Pondicherry. They're very much together. In fact John is going through a family illness. And Bipasha is with him throughout."

When asked Bipasha shrugs off the 'on' status of her relationship with John. "I don't think I want to talk about my personal life anymore. What's happening there is for me to know.But yes, John and I have come together professionally again after Goal, this time with an item song in Anurag Kashyap's No Smoking."

But it wasn't the presence of John that impelled Bipasha to accept the song. "Certainly not! It was Vishal Bhardwaj, the man who gave me two of my best item number Beedi and Namak in Omkara. He told me about the item song in No Smoking at the IIFA in Yorkshire. After what the Omkara numbers did to my stage presence I promptly said yes to Vishal."

What about the danger of being branded an item girl?

"When have I cared about my image?" Bipasha shrugs. "And besides I've full faith in the intelligence of the film industry, also my audiences. By now they know what I'm capable of, and it's not just items."

Bipasha is now looking forward to shaking a leg with John for No Smoking. "Though we've done songs before, John and I have never done this kind of sizzling number before. Vishal has pulled out all stops in the composition."

Bipasha is sure the number will be a rage. "John and I are have fun dancing to it. I love the tune. Shooting it feels really good. Hopefully it'll be another number to bring the house down at my stage concerts."

Shah Rukh no more part of 'save Dutt' drive

2007-08-06T23:19:00.000+01:00

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan on Monday dissociated himself from the 'Save Sanjay Dutt Campaign' on the Internet hours after Ujjwal Nikam, the public prosecutor in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case, threatened legal action against those who were campaigning against the six-year jail term for Dutt.

Three days back, Mumbai's film fraternity had launched an online petition - www.petitiononline.com - expressing their solidarity with Dutt. The petition has been signed by nearly 2,000 people in the past three days and it was to be submitted to President Pratibha Patil.

Some of people named as signatories of the petition included Shah Rukh Khan, Bobby Deol, John Abraham, Dia Mirza, Farhan Akhtar, Mohit Ahlawat, Dabboo Ratnani, Atul Agnihotri, Manav Gangwni and Ritesh Sidhwani.

There is even a message for Dutt on the petition, which is attributed to SRK. "Sanjay, we are here for you and support you throughout. The film industry has faced a loss for six years not having you around. We love you and are praying for the best. Hope to see you soon. Inshallah," the message reads....... Read More

British Queen to attend Chak De! India premiere in London

2007-08-06T00:21:00.001+01:00

The Queen of England is scheduled to attend the premiere of Chak De! India in London. The movie has been produced by Yash Raj Films and stars Shah Rukh Khan. The premiere will also be attended by the Mayor of London Ken Livingstone.

Says a source close to the development, “The Queen is expected at the premiere of Chak De! India in London. Apparently she said that it’s an honour for her to be associated with Yash Raj films and their film Chak De! India.”

The premiere will be held on 9 August at the Somerset Hall.

When contacted by Businessofcinema.com, Yash Raj Films marketing head Tarun Tripathi refused to comment on the development.

The production house has also roped in brands like P&G as sponsors for the event in London. Adds the source, “The evening will be very expensive, so the production house is tying up with big brands, which will take care of securities, rent etc.”

Mallika Sherawat to match Zeenat Aman's sex appeal

2007-08-06T00:10:00.001+01:00

Bollywood’s present bombshell Mallika Sherawat is set to reprise a role enacted by Zeenat Aman in her heydays.

Who can forget the sensuousness of Zeenat Aman in Feroz Khan’s 1980 movie Qurbani in which she played a nightclub dancer named Sheela. Zeenat’s oomph in songs like Laila O Laila and Hum Tumhe Chahte Hain Aise still lingers in the memories of her fans.
Now, Mallika Sherawat is all set to take the daunting task of replaying the same role in Feroz Khan’s modern-day remake of the film, titled as Kurbani .

Feroz has apparently been searching for a heroine for a long time. Priyanka Chopra was reportedly considered for the role but was not finalized. Now, reports allege that Mallika has bagged the part.

In the film, Mallika will be paired with Fardeen Khan who plays the role enacted by his father in the original film.

Hunt is still on for another hero to play the role enacted by Vinod Khanna . Saif Ali Khan was initially finalized for the part, but the actor opted out of the project due to date problems.

Feroz Khan himself will play the gum-chewing cop, played by Amjad Khan .

The shooting of ‘Kurbani’ is likely to begin soon.

Buddha Mar Gaya- Movie Preview

2007-08-05T23:59:00.001+01:00

Money corrupts and a humongous amount of money corrupts humongously.
That's the take off point for Buddha Mar Gaya - a black comedy about dead bodies, mucho moolah and funerals.

Laxmikant Kabadiya aka LK, is one of India's richest industrialists, a self made man who's risen from selling scrap to become a construction magnate. His conglomerate is on the verge of a 5000 crore IPO that should make them one of the largest companies in the country. LK's family - comprising of his spinster twin sister Prerna, his two sons Ranjeet and Sameer, their wives Shruti and Anju respectively and Ranjeet's daughters Sanjana and Namrata, and Sameer's son, Pawan, can't stop salivating at the thought of all that money.

Unfortunately for all of them fate displays a wicked sense of humour. On the night before the IPO opens, LK dies while copulating with a starlet who's aspiring to become the heroine of a film that LK plans to produce. The family is distraught and horrified. Not because a loved one has died but because now no one will buy their shares. So, on the advice of their family guru - Vidyut Baba, the family decides to hide the death of LK for a period of two days till the shares are all sold out. Little do they realize the crazy series of events that will follow on account of this duplicity.

After all, hiding the death of a man as famous as LK, is a Herculean task. To make matters worse, every time they're ready to announce LK's death, fate intervenes forcing them to keep his death hidden for another couple of days. Which results in them having to announce the death of a fictitious friend or relative of LK's... And stage fake funerals. Which of course means generating dead bodies and worse, getting the dead LK to make appearances at these funerals.

Complicating matters further are an inquisitive and greedy servant, the Prime Minister's fixer, a procurer of dead bodies, the paparazzi and for good measure a couple of cops. And of course internal jealousies, greed, rivalries within the family only add spice to the goings on.

Buddha Mar Gaya takes you on a rip-roaring ride into a world littered with dead bodies, body parts, unending greed, corruption, funerals, ice cubes and a femme fatale.

Statutory Warning: You'll Die Laughing.

2007-08-05T23:54:00.001+01:00

Apun Ka Choice: Cash turns out to be a senseless action thriller. It is like a rollercoaster heading nowhere. Better think twice before squandering your cash on this flick!
CNN-IBN: Cash is a heist film, but it's made with zero intelligence and no skill whatsoever on the part of every single person who's worked on it, barring perhaps the action director who's designed some cool stunts.
Glamsham: The movie begins with a whimper and ends in a whimper. In between there are gunshots, well-choreographed dances, diamond robbers, who are shown in flashes of animation and lots of leave-your-brains behind moments.
Hindustan Times: Don't be Rash, don't waste your Cash. Even an old CASHmera Shah movie would be better!
IndiaFM: Cash has style, but rests on a thin plot and that is its biggest flaw. At the box-office, the film might attract the audience in its initial weekend, but a weak script will throw a spanner.

New York Times: Cash, for all its flash, leaves you hungry. But not for more!
Now Running: Cash, stylish and slick but nonsensical.
Rediff: Cash could have been a ride - if only they paid half as much attention to the script as they did to the title song!
Times Of India: It's gloss without substance. Cash is just cool images minus the cutting edge.

Gandhi My Father - Movie Review

2007-08-05T23:33:00.000+01:00

CNN-IBN: Gandhi My Father is like a boring history lesson.

Glamsham: Gandhi My Father is much more than a movie. It's a moving story, told about the father of our nation and his eldest soni, it's also a lesson in history, and the art of making period films.
Apun Ka Choice: Gandhi My Father is a hard-hitting film that tells a sad and tragic story. The film is a piece of quality cinema.

Hindustan Times: Gandhi My Father is cinema of A-class quality.

IndiaFM: A landmark film in all respects, highlighting a scene or two would be doing gross injustice to the film. For, every sequence has the power to keep you hooked and most importantly, carries the stamp of a genius.

Now Running: Gandhi My Father is a heart-wrenching tragedy about the Gandhi family- it is a story that needed to be told and deserves to be seen and heard.

Rediff: The film is worth a watch for its brave attempt to paint another picture of the Mahatma, not found in our history books.

Times Of India: Gandhi, as an individual may have been long gone, but the idea of Gandhi not only lives on forever, it grows stronger with each passing generation. An interesting debut for Anil Kapoor as producer and Feroz Khan as director.

Movie Talkies: It is a very sincere attempt to tell a story of a father and son caught in web of history. Every minute detail has been carefully looked into, thus giving it a very authentic look and feel, beginning with the sepia-tinted documentary footage.

Ameesha Patel can't give up snacks

2007-08-05T01:35:00.001+01:00

Ameesha Patel’s working out hard for a trim look, but her love for junk food persists. She can’t resist snacks like bhelpuri, chaat, dosa and vada-pav.

We think the ultra skinny ‘n’ sexy look is the order of the day in Bollywood.

Next in line is Ameesha Patel who is obsessed with her body. She’s got herself a new trainer who is helping her tone up every bit of flab and muscle in her body. And the Patel gal is basking in her glamourous new look.

But hang on... there’s one thing she can’t give up. It’s junk food. From chaat, dosas , to vada-pavs ... her snack time is the best meal of the day.

In fact, she’s a favourite with the bhelpuri-wallah , once in every few days, if he doesn’t get special orders from Amu, the man fears he’ll have to shut shop.

Well, now you know why she wants to work out that extra-bit. She wants to ‘junk’ it all... Right babes?

SRK is excited about his Girls

2007-08-05T01:15:00.000+01:00

Shah Rukh Khan is hugely excited aboyt Shimit Amin's Chak De India.

Says SRK, "I feel hockey as a sport has been monstrously neglected in our country. I used to play the game during college. In fact I was quite a good hockey player. So the role was a lot like going back to my past."

Shah Rukh has a whole lot of fun doing a sports film. "We had real Australian female hockey players playing for the film in Australia. And it was truly amazing watching them go through their paces. They were thorough professionals."

Shah Rukh dismisses the myth that he only likes to work within the comfort zone. "I do as many films for Yashraj Films or Karan Johar as I do for other directors. Swades and Don were with first-time directors for me.

And now I'm working with Shimit Amin in Chak De for the first time. It's interesting to see where he comes from, and where he hopes to go with this film. I think making a film based on the game of hockey is really cool."

2007-08-05T01:10:00.001+01:00

Cute Hansika Motwani was asked to put on weight to suit the character in her debut film 'Aap Ka Surroor'. But now the teenager is well on her way to attaining the 'perfect 10' figure.

Fitness guru Mickey Mehta who trains and manages health regimes of high flying celebs like Bipasha Basu, Lara Dutta, Preity Zinta and many others has formulated a strategy for her that involves equipment free exercises and intelligent wellness programmes such as Yoga, breathing, swimming, martial arts etc.

Hansika has been put on a special diet called the 'Vedic diet' which consists of nuts, sprouts, fruits, soups, salads, 'jawari rotis', mildly steamed veggies, wholesome brown rice etc. But being the kid that she is what if she is tempted to junk food?

Says Mehta, "We don't stop her from junk. But we also inculcate the responsibility within her to stay away from what is not good for her. She understands the programme, so she tries hard to fight temptation. For a 16-year-old she is amazing."

Cute Hansika Motwani was asked to put on weight to suit the character in her debut film 'Aap Ka Surroor'. But now the teenager is well on her way to attaining the 'perfect 10' figure.

Film Industry cancels all celebrations

2007-08-05T00:53:00.000+01:00

It has been a time of extreme stress for the Indian entertainment industry. While one of Sanjay Dutt's unreleased films Indra Kumar's comedy Dhamaal is dubbed and all set for release, the future of his other projects including his friend Sanjay Gupta's Alibaug which Dutt showed for about a week before abandoning , stands in severe jeopardy.

As for Raj Kumar Hirani whose Munnabhai brand cannot stand on its own without Dutt's presence, he seems to have gone into a shell. The third part of the ongoing Munnabhai series entitled Munnabhai Chale Amrika now stands suspended, unless producer Vinod Chopra decides to make it with another actor in the lead.

Says a source, "That's quite unlikely because Vinod is extremely emotional about Sanju Dutt. They've worked together in Mission Kashmir .And Sanju has gone on record to say he'd always work for Vinod without asking about his role."

However a message sent from Raj Kumar Hirani's cellphone by his assistant says, "Mr Hirani wouldn't like to speak on Sanjay Dutt's verdict or other issues. Hope you'll understand."

Silence may be golden. But not too many of Hirani's colleagues in the industry are adopting that method of diplomatic reticence which is so characteristic of the wary industry. There's vocal outrage in the industry. Everyone seems to feel Sanjay Dutt has suffered enough. His close buddies like Suniel Shetty and Sanjay Gupta have for now abandoned work to chalk out a future plan of action to relieve Dutt's legal pressure. Producers who have incomplete films on hand say they are ready to wait for as long as it takes for Dutt to come out of jail. Read More

Special Independence Day celebrations at Wagah Border

2007-08-04T23:05:00.000+01:00

No gun shots this Independence Day at Wagah border. Instead, celebrating the 60 years of Independence through the language of music, across the borders, promises to give new direction to the relationship the two neighbours share.

Musicians from both the countries will be lending their voice for this programme. Artists like A.R.Rahman, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Aatif Aslam and Shafqat Ali would be performing from 11 pm on August 14 to 1 am on August 15. The show will be telecasted in the both the countries for people across the borders to witness and realize the reason behind an endeavour put by Rakesh Gupta, Secretary of NGO Routes 2 Roots to bring harmony between the two countries.

Bollywood stars, Shahrukh Khan and Juhi Chawla and former Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akhtar and Pakistani Designer Shaiyanne Malik will also be present to host the event.

Independence Day seems to be celebrated in true spirits…..Cheers to that!!!

Release Dates Of Upcoming Movies

2007-08-03T23:43:00.000+01:00

Taran Adarsh has the release dates of some major movies and here they are.

Note: Movie dates are subject to change.

August 3, 2007

- Cash

- Gandhi My Father

- Naya Daur

August 10, 2007

- Blue Umbrella

- Chak De India

- Fear

- Kaafila

- Meri Life Mein Uski Wife

August 17, 2007

- Buddha Mar Gaya

- Kaise Kahe…

- Marigold: An Adventure In India

August 24, 2007

- Heyy Babyy

August 31, 2007

- Aggar

- Dhokha

- Pachas Lakh

- Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag

- Victoria No. 203

September 7, 2007

- Apna Asmaan

- Darling

- Dhamaal

September 14, 2007

- Nanhe

- Wednesday

September 21, 2007

- Dhol

- Manorama Six Feet Under

September 28, 2007

- Dil Dosti Etc

- Johnny Gaddaar

- Rama Rama Kya Hai Drama

September 2007

- Black N White

- Chal Chala Chal

- Chooriyan

- God Tussi Great Ho

- Halla Bol

- Hum Laakh Chhupayein Pyaar … Magar

- k5

- Speed

- Team - The Force

- The Challenge

October 12, 2007

- Bhool Bhulaiyaa

- Hello

- Jodhaa Akbar

- Laaga Chunari Mein Daag

Rs 100 Crore Riding On Sanjay Dutt

2007-08-03T23:27:00.000+01:00

It’s not only Sanjay Dutt’s fate which hangs in question, but also the fate of Bollywood. The actor was enjoying the most successful period of his professional life and now with the sentencing his projects are lying in limbo.

"More than Rest 100 crore is riding on Sanjay Dutt and his sentencing is a definite setback for directors like Sanjay Gadhvi, Abbas Mustan and Rajkumar Hirani, who have major projects planned with him," editor of Trade Guide, Taran Adarsh, said here.

"Some of his major projects include 'Kidnap' with Gadhvi, 'Mr Fraud' with Mustan and of course the third installment of the Munnabhai series with Hirani, all of which will now be on hold," Adarsh said.

The future of the Munnabhai Series is also uncertain:
"Unless he gets some relief from the Supreme Court, a lot of money will be in limbo. The Munnabhai series which has been highly successful will have to be put on hold. The next film with Munnabhai in America, is unlikely to go on floors soon," a source said.

Aamir is Chotte of Salman Khan

2007-08-03T23:07:00.000+01:00

Very few people know that Kiran Rao has a special pet name for Aamir Khan. She fondly calls her husband Chhote. Initially, Kiran used to use the affectionate address only when the two of them were alone, so no one knew about it.

However the pet name was leaked out when Salman Khan invited Aamir and Kiran, along with Rani Mukherji, over for dinner one day and Kiran loosened up enough during the course of the evening to use it.
Says our source, “Kiran said, 'Chhote have this' and 'Chhote have that' a couple of times.”

This amused Sallu no end. “Salman Khan could not help being amused by Kiran calling Aamir 'Chhote'! Brat that he is, he kept using the name too, in between peals of laughter,” adds our source.

Salman's toughest dancing jig

2007-08-03T22:52:00.000+01:00

If all goes well, we'll be seeing Prabhu Deva and Salman Khan sharing screen a jig or a jive in Wanted Dead And Alive…and it 'And', not 'Or'

As the excited producer Boney Kapoor stresses. "We started shooting from 21 July with two songs in Bangkok and then rest of the film will be shot in Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai."

Boney is specially excited by the fact that his leading man Salman and his director Prabhu Deva will have releases simultaneously on July 20.

"Salman has Partner and Prabhu's Telugu remake of Munnabhai MBBS with Chiranjeevi in the lead are being released on the same day. So to my delight Prabhu and Salman are bonded from the start."

Yes, Boney sees them shaking a leg together in Wanted Dead And Alive. "Though Prabhu's brother Raju Sundaram will be the official choreographer, I'm sure Prabhu will make a token appearance as a good-luck charm."

Wanted Dead And Alive is a remake of the Telugu hit Pokhiri. "But we're completely taking out the Telugu aspect of the theme. In spirit Pokhiri and its remake will remain the same. But in treatment the two films will be as different as Salman and Mahesh Babu who played the original role."

This would be Prabhu Deva's first Hindi directorial venture. Any apprehensions? "Not really. I've known Prabhu from the time he choreographed and danced with Madhuri in the number "Que Sera Sera' in Pukar. I know what he's capable of."

Amitabh calls me 'Maalkin'...

2007-08-03T22:44:00.000+01:00

Not too many people know this. But Mr Bachchan addresses Shefali Shah as 'maalkin'.

"I know!" she laughs. "It's very embarrassing when he called me that all during my husband's film Waqt and now during The Last Lear. Maybe because I was the producer's wife? To my horror he called me that during Last Lear too.

On the first day of the shoot he warned everybody, 'Don't go by her face, Because by and by she'll start changing everything on the sets…Hey,I don't do that! Of course I was critical on Vipul's set. That was my home production. But on another set I wouldn't cross the line. "

After Gandhi My Father Shefali Shah plays her producer Anil Kapoor's wife in the Subhash Ghai production Black & White.

Is she worried about the leap in intention?

"Not really," says Shefali. "Black & White is not a running-around-trees film. It's again a socially relevant film. Anilji is the hero and I'm the conventional leading lady. But I don't wear makeup, good clothes and sing songs."

Read More

Ritesh gets beaten up by kids

2007-08-03T22:40:00.001+01:00

In ready-to-release "Heyy Babyy", Riteish Deshmukh plays Eddy the Teddy who organises kids' parties and gets beaten up by children in true "Matrix" style.

And guess who is the leader of the brat pack? None other than producer Sajid Nadiadwala's son Subhaan.

Said director Sajid Khan: "This funny sequence is something never done in Bollywood so far.

"The kids had to be literally trained in gymnastics and action sequences. Action director Mahendra Verma has trained all these children including Subhaan to perform the stunts. The kids were harnessed to wires to get a 'Matrix' style action sequence," he said.

"The kids will just love this scene."

In this film, Riteish plays a Maharashtrian character called Tanmay Joglekar.

"He is called Eddy the Teddy since he is a party organiser for kids. He had to wear a 20-kg furry outfit for the sequence. Riteish's character is gonna be a big hit with the kids," Khan said.

Riteish was also excited about the role.

Sanjay Dutt shifted to Yeravada Central Jail in Pune

2007-08-03T22:32:00.000+01:00

Sanjay Dutt has been shifted to Yeravada Central Jail in Pune on Thursday night. Dutt was sentenced for 6 years rigorous imprisonment. Yerwada Jail is on the outskirts of the city, where Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned during freedom struggle days.

Dutt was taken to the Arthur Road Jail immediately after the verdict two days back, but authorities submitted a report that cited several reasons why he could not be kept at Arthur Road Jail. He was shifted to the Yeravada Jail in Pune from Mumbai under tight security after he withdrew his application to be kept in a prison in the state capital.

According to the jail official, Dutt will be in a separate high-security egg-shaped cell. He went through a medical check-up soon after his arrival. Home food will not be provided to him and he has to wear prisoner's clothes.

Kareena: Trained by Shahid

2007-08-03T00:44:00.000+01:00

Having flown all her life, shooting for a train sequence was a novel experience for Kareena, more so because she got the training for it from Shahid .
.

Actress Kareena Kapoor has never travelled by train. And so, it was quite hilarious when she was shooting a ‘train scene’ for Imtiaz Ali’s yet-to-be-titled film with beau Shahid Kapur.

The actress was required to catch a missing train, and didn’t quite know how to do it.

So Shahid, who has travelled in trains before, helped her with the scene step-by-step, we hear. It did require quite a few takes, but Kareena finally managed well. By now, she must be well ‘train’ed we are sure.

Chiranjeevi Said 'No Settlement' In Pawan's Caset

2007-08-03T00:41:00.001+01:00

This is the grapevine from legal sources. It is said that Chiranjeevi is the one who brought the issue of Pawn Kalyan to court leaving the idea of settlement aspect aside. He asked the lawyer not to go for settlement but approach court.

It seems that Chiranjeevi said, "It's not something very serious. It's neither IPC 302 case as well. Let that lady (Nandini) go to court. Let everything be solved by court".

Little while ago, it was said that Nandini's family and Pawan Kalyan have shown interest to do settlement at sum of Rs 8 Cr outside the court. But now the case has to face the court to settle down as per the dictum of the justice.

Arshad Warsi and bad actor?

2007-08-03T00:23:00.000+01:00

Arshad Warsi has a genuine problem. "You see, in a film to be produced by Anil Kapoor I'm supposed to play a very very bad actor who becomes a very very big star."

The re-make of a hit South Indian film to be entitled Shortcut is to be directed by one Roshan Andrews.

"It's a genuine dilemma. Am I capable of playing a bad actor. Can I even fake such a horrific circumstance? But jokes aside, I'm looking forward to this film because I team up with Akshaye Khanna again after Priyadarshan's Hulchal.

Akshaye plays a film director. But my role is to die for. I play this super-sleazeball….cunning, corny and capable of going to any extent to get my way. On top of it all, my character is terrible at his job," laughs Arshad.

Arshad plays this bad man after playing this really decent guy in Vivek Agnihotri's Goal. "In Goal I'm this upright well brought-up footballer. "

Coming back to Shortcut, Arshad chuckles, "Playing a bad actor will be as tough for me as dancing badly. Believe it or nuts, Raj Kumar Hirani forced me to dance badly in the first Munnabhai film because my character was supposed to be rather clumsy. I guess if I managed to be convincing as a bad dancee I can swing the bad actor. But it'll require all my acting skills, ha!"

Jail ki Tension Mat Le, Mamu!

2007-08-03T00:17:00.000+01:00

It was a long night for Sanjay Dutt but finally there was some smile on imprisoned Bollywood star's face today when he saw his sister Congress MP Priya Dutt, who visited him at the Arthur Road Jail.

Sources said Sanjay's face lit up when he met Priya.

Meanwhile, an inmate who was released this evening, informed that Sanjay did not eat anything during the first night in jail.

''He was offered an apple by an inmate, which he reluctantly accepted but hardly ate. Even today, when he was given lunch, he passed it on to his co-convict Yusuf Nalwalla, who has been awarded five years sentence in the same case,'' the inmate said.

This was, however, denied by jail authorities who said the actor had his lunch with Praveen Mahajan, charged with allegedly murdering his brother and senior BJP leader Pramod Mahajan last year.

Meanwhile, a restless Sanju who can’t stay without chewing gutkha for more than a few hours, became restless without it, which even got his blood pressure low.

But Priya Dutt came to his recue and arrived at the jail, armed with a dozen packets of his favourite gutkha. Of course, her brother was overjoyed. A doctor at the jail said Dutt’s blood pressure problems were cured after he chewed on the gutkha.

The inmate said Sanjay was quite gloomy and spent the entire night crying in his cell and jailmates mocking him by mouthing his dialogues didn’t help either.

“Mamu, smile kar… tension mat le” mocked the three-dozen prisoners in his barrack, asking him to stop worrying and sobbing.

If he would even look at them, they would ask him, ‘Wahaan kyon baitha hai yaar, apne saath aa naa.’” However, there are bars between Dutt’s cell and the Buddha-barrack hall, hence nobody could touch Dutt, only tease him from a distance.

Sanjay has been lodged in a 90-sq feet room in the ''buddha barrack'' (cell for aged inmates) of the prison.

He will be shifted to Pune's Yerawada jail on Friday, according to his lawyer Satish Maneshide.

'Goal' promo with 'Chak De India'

2007-08-03T00:14:00.001+01:00

UTV has altered the title of GOAL, starring John Abraham, Arshad Warsi and Bipasha Basu. The film will now be called DHAN DHANA DHAN… GOAL. If you jog your memory, the film was scheduled to release on August 10, in the same week as CHAK DE INDIA, but UTV decided to shift DHAN DHANA DHAN… GOAL to a latter week since they didn't want to clash with another sports-based film on the same date. Besides, SRK - Yash Raj is a lethal combination!

Although the release of DHAN DHANA DHAN… GOAL is now confirmed for December, UTV will launch the promo of the film in the same week as CHAK DE INDIA. “The footfalls at cineplexes are expected to be optimum during this week and we expect DHAN DHANA DHAN… GOAL to reach out to a wider audience due to this reason,” Siddharth Roy Kapur of UTV confirms.

International project on hold?

2007-08-01T22:43:00.000+01:00

So what’s the latest on Vishal Bhardwaj’s international project with Hrithik Roshan and a leading lady from Hollywood? “Hrithik isn’t doing the film anymore. The role isn’t substantial enough, that’s one of the reasons,” Vishal informs me. What about the leading lady? Reportedly, the fee quoted by her agents was almost 70% of the film’s budget? “No, we didn’t talk money. Actually, we never reached that stage,” Vishal reveals, “We merely had discussions and more discussions.”

So what is he making now? “I haven’t zeroed on any script. It sounds strange, but when I plan something, it never materializes. For instance, I was supposed to direct MANTRA for Shekhar Kapur, but it never took off. Or TIMBAKTOO, but it never got made. And MR. MEHTA & MRS. SINGH, but it got aborted. All I know is that I want to start something before December this year,” he states with utmost honesty.

Attempts To Push Shankardada Z

2007-08-01T22:32:00.000+01:00

With the adverse talk 'Shankar Dada Zindabad' is receiving, Mega Star Chiranjeevi is disturbed. His managers are doing Herculean efforts to make the entire screening theatres houseful at least for two weeks.

They are in constant touch with the office bearers of Chiranjeevi Fans Associations. They are asked to spread the message that Chiru hints his joining politics in the film to arouse curiosity for the audiences.

They want the film to run at least for 50 days in all the theatres allotted.

The managers are also examining whether Pavan Kalyan vs. Nandini case has spoiled the prospects of the film. (Pavan gave his special appearance in the film)

Who is Promoting Priyamani?

2007-08-01T22:28:00.000+01:00

Things are finally rolling the way she had like! "Priyamani" is happy soul these days with more and more offers coming in from Tollywood. She says," Things took time to take off. Despite having done couple of movies, I was still feeling like a new comer in the industry". The actress is eagerly looking for the release of Yamadonga, in which she played the lead opposite NTR along with Mamatha Mohandas.

Now according to the rumors, the budding actress is moving close to one of the senior production mangers of Tollywood. The guy is promoting Priyamani a lot. An insider says that is the reason she is having handful of offers. It seems that Priyamani learned trading secrets very soon and knows how to promote herself.

Now we know what makes glamour dolls busy.

Beware Ekta, here comes SRK

2007-08-01T22:13:00.001+01:00

Shah Rukh Khan has bought stakes in a company that will produce content and serials for a glamour channel.

The Badshah and his Begum, have together bought a 10 per cent personal stake in a new company about three months ago, say company sources

"The Khans are very choosy about picking business associates. Besides, the superstar plans to expand his production house and also has plans to produce TV serials," says a source.

Khan, who first forayed into business through his film production company - Red Chillies Entertainment, is currently in the process of building up a FX company that he launched after seeing the film 300.

His other business interests include membership of the board directors of a major airline.

He will now become the first actor to have a stake in an entertainment company.

"When it comes to business, SRK is very choosy and knows what he wants," the source said.

Upen to whoop it up with Govinda & Suniel Shetty

2007-08-01T22:01:00.001+01:00

Upen Patel is all set to do a comedy for Suniel Shetty's Popcorn Entertainment .It will star the youngster with Suniel Shetty and Govinda.

"It would be very different from what one would expect three of us to come together for. Am I scared of matching satirical steps with a stalwart like Govina? You bet I am! But I've been working with another maestro of mirth Paresh Rawal in 123 .So I'm being trained by the best."

Upen, in fact, is preparing for his part in what he expects be a significant move forward. "I'm working in big banners. It’s the only way to ensure a film gets released."

For the last one month Upen Patel has been shooting in Pondicherry for his first comic role. "We're shooting on a set opposite a promenade next to the open waters. It's lovely. It's a film produced by Kumar Mangat where I've one of our comic virtuosos Paresh Rawal to take me through my comic paces. Comedy let me tell you, is the toughest form of acting. And thank God for Pareshji. I want to take up the most challenging kind of acting so I can prove my versatility. "

123 is directed by Ashwini Dheer who has done the sitcom Office Office on television. "Ashwini's experience with comedy is of great help. I'm doing comedy for the first time and that too an out-and-out comedy."

At the mahurat of 123 in Mumbai while shooting the introductory song with Tanissha, Upen had a bit of a stress situation. Upen's costume got delayed. Explains Upen, "Narendra Kumar who's doing my clothes in 123 lives on the other side of town. We were all waiting for the clothes to arrive. It was the last shot of the day. It was getting very late. We had to somehow finish the shoot. Although we had lost a good two hours I completed my solo performance of about 45 seconds in one take, thanks to my choreographer Ganesh Acharya."

Though Suneel Darshan's Shaka Laka Boom Boom didn't do well, Upen has cut a 3-film deal with Kumar Mangat. "It was the first of my three releases where people saw much more of me. I was very happy I was appreciated. I want to do films only with the people who can help me grow as an actor. And yes, I'll be doing one more film with Suneel Darshan. Considering my non-film background I've made a good start. I'm working with big banners."

Hansika Motwani's transformation guru

2007-08-01T00:32:00.001+01:00

After making a successful full time debut in movies, Desamuduru actress Hansikaa Motwani has roped in a transformation guru to get her in top shape so that she rule the box office and people hearts for longer. Mickey Mehta by name, he will get her into top shape.

The finer details of the his job profile is to get her in shape and to help her handle the mental, physical and emotional stress that comes along with a career. Other details include keeping her fit, her communication skills and her ability to reach out to people with only her eyes (so that only posters and pictures of her will attract people to her beauty).

The man himself spoke about his new project saying that the word Hans in her name itself imparts the beauty of the angel that she is. According to her, she is one of the most beautiful women in the country. She herself seems very excited about her new "project".

She said that she is excited about the many layers of herself that she will see along the course of her makeover.

Ram Gopal Varma sings for Darling

2007-08-01T00:28:00.001+01:00

In Ram Gopal Varma's latest movie, Darling, starring Fardeen Khan, Esha Deol and Isha Koppikar, there was a scene where a ghost is supposed to sing in the background. The shooting was being held in Versova and the scene, which was a serious one, was progressing smoothly.

Everyone was in their positions, the camera was rolling and suddenly out of the blue, Ram Gopal Varma started singing the background song!!! The crew stood around shell-shocked!!! He was so immersed in the scene, that it came out spontaneously and sincerely.

But since the camera was rolling, no one dared to break the shot. But the instant the shot got over, everyone exploded laughing on the sets!!! Looks like Ramu can get carried away like everyone else!

Six years imprisonment for Sanjay Dutt

2007-08-01T00:25:00.000+01:00

A special TADA court has passed a verdict on 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case. Actor Sanjay Dutt has been sentenced to six years imprisonment for his involvement in the serial blasts.

Dutt was in tears when the judge announced the verdict of this case. While in today’s court proceedings judge said that Dutt had committed a series of offences and he was mature when he committed these.

The judge also added that Dutt made Yusuf Nalwala commit the offence. Dutt's aide Russi Mulla, who helped to destroy the firearms, was given a suspended sentence of one year, in view of his advanced age and behavior under the offenders of the Probation Act. He was fined Rs 1 lakh.

According to judge, Dutt was present at a dinner party attended by Dawood Ibrahim. Dutt was convicted under the Arms Act for illegal possession of weapons, was facing between five years and 10 years in jail. He had spent 16 months in jail as an undertrial in 1994.

Priyanka to move with Parents

2007-07-30T16:46:00.000+01:00

Priyanka Chopra's new home may not be ready. Time has been at a low premium. But she continues to take interest in its construction and design very carefully. In fact one reason why she hasn't signed any films is because she could never find the time to get her new place ready.

"And now it's now or never," laughs Priyanka. "It will be ready during Diwali. It will be two connecting flats, just like it was earlier on. My family would be staying in one flat while I'd be staying in the other. They've always given me my privacy. I'd never be comfortable without my parents by my side."

Hrithik's wife Susanne is doing up her two new flats. "It's the first time I'm moving into a new place ever since I moved into Bombay. And so far I've had no opportunity to do up my place the way I always wanted to. If you come to my house at the moment you'll see it's very functional."

But now comes Priyanka's dream house. "Having a friend to do the interiors helps a lot. Susanne and I are doing it up the way I had always visualized my home. My parents will be just a door away. I always want my life to be this way. With my family at a place where I can reach out and touch them."

Ayesha Takia's cameo in Cash

2007-07-30T16:23:00.000+01:00

After going through lot of difficulty finally Cash has managed to get a final releasing date. The film will hit the cinema halls on August 3. This action packed multi-starrer film has an interesting star cast which includes Ajay Devgan, Zayed Khan, Riteish Deshmukh, Sunil Shetty, Esha Deol, Shamita Shetty and Dia Mirza. It turns out that the film also has a surprise element in it. It is learnt that Ayesha Takia will be seen in a guest appearance in Cash.

Talking about Ayesha’s cameo Anubhav said, “Yes, Ayesha will be seen in the film but it’s a very small role. It was not supposed to be revealed before the film’s release as it was one of the surprise elements in the film.”

Anubhav refused to divulge details about Ayesha’s character in the film.

Bipasha has a baby to pamper

2007-07-30T16:21:00.001+01:00

Bipasha Basu is over the moon. Her elder sister Bidisha has just delivered a baby girl. And Bipasha, who's currently shooting an item song at Film City with boyfriend John Abraham couldn't be happier.

"I'm so happy. Because now I have both a nephew and a niece. I can buy the sweetest girlie things for her. And that's so much more fun than shopping for a boy. I was bored of buying Spiderman and power-ranger kits. Now I can buy the bratz and the barbies for my niece. I'm so excited."

Incidentally Bipasha loves to have her nephew around the house. "Though he's quite a handful and keeps me on my toes it's good to keep up with his energy level. And now with a niece in the family I can have both of them to keep me busy when I'm not shooting."

And that won't be too often in the near future.

Karan's last Koffee with Ash-Abhi

2007-07-30T16:16:00.001+01:00

Karan Johar’s celebrity chat show ‘Koffee With Karan’ has come to an end and to make its grand finale more special, Karan will have Bollywood’s currently hot couple Abhishek and Aishwarya Bachchan.

He has also planned some Koffee awards like Best Rapidfire Contestant, Best Supporting Guest etc. These awards will be judged by Malaika Arora Khan, Cyrus Broacha, Rahul Bose, Rohit Bal and Karan himself to select best of the guests of this season.

Speaking about his future television project he informs that he is in talks with Sameer Nair about a variety show. He intends to start his film first and then he will get back to television.

One more kissing tale

2007-07-30T01:14:00.000+01:00

Kissing scenes are slowly becoming an indispensable part of the Bollywood films these days. Following this trend is filmmaker Jag Mohan Mundhra who has shot an intimate kissing scene between Naseeruddin Shah and a British actress Greta Scacchi in his forthcoming film Shoot On Sight.

Known for making erotic thrillers, Jag Mohan Mundhra who released Provoked earlier this year is now all set with a reality based political thriller. Shoot On Sight is based on the life of a real cop. It is the story of an Asian Muslim cop in London, who after decades of service to Britain finds his loyalty being questioned.

Naseer portrays the role of Commander Tariq Ali, who is married to an English woman played by Greta Scacchi. The film’s starcast includes Indian and British actors like Om Puri, Brian Cox, Gulshan Grover, Stephen Greif, Laila Rouass, Sadie Frost and Pakistani actor Mikaal Zulfikar. The film has been produced by Arun Govil and expected to release by the end of this year.

Chak De! India creates Bollywood record!

2007-07-29T12:08:00.000+01:00

Yash Raj Films' next release Chak De! India has created a Bollywood record even before its release.

The film has scored its first goal - it was shot using a little over 1,500 cans of raw stock!

It outscored Boney Kapoor's Pukar which, thanks to its constant shooting and re-shooting, had consumed about 1,350 cans. If you are wondering what's the big deal, spare a thought for the poor editor...an average Bollywood movie consumes about between 300 and 400 cans.

Last heard, Shah Rukh Khan was exasperatedly asking 'Yeh, Chak De itna footage kyun khaya?' to which director Shimit Amin muttered, 'It's a sports film unlike anything ever seen in India before!'

Jagjit Singh to star in film on AIDS awareness

2007-07-29T12:07:00.000+01:00

Ghazal virtuoso Jagjit Singh has agreed to star in a new Bollywood comedy film Anamika to promote AIDS awareness.

Prabhakar Shukla, the film's director, said he is planning to cast either Amrita Arora or Nandana Sen in the film that aims to convey the message on AIDS without being preachy.

"Jagjit Singh has agreed to play a role in the movie after listening to the story. I intend to start shooting from September," Prabhakar told on the sidelines of the 9th Osian's-Cinefan Film Festival.

"Since the topic is very sensitive, I will not make the film a serious one and will try to convey the message without preaching to the audiences."

Prabhakar is planning another comedy Dimag Ka Dahi, and shooting is to start from October.

Shah Rukh Khan to battle machines in Robot

2007-07-29T12:04:00.000+01:00

Sivaji director Shankar has been signed up by Shah Rukh Khan for his home production company Red Chillies Entertainment.

Rumours state that Shah Rukh Khan will play a scientist who creates a robot for his young handicapped child to play with. However, things turn bad when the robot begins to kill, and it is upto Shah Rukh to terminate this state of the art mechanical machine.

Shah Rukh is hoping to rope in Hrithik Roshan to play the role of the robot, but with Hrithik's other comittments, this may not happen.

John Abraham and Upen Patel have also been touted.

Stay tuned in!

Chupke Chupke remake in the pipeline!

2007-07-29T12:01:00.000+01:00

First Don, then Umrao Jaan and Sholay and now, it's the turn of the classic Dharmendra- Amitabh Bachchan comedy Chupke Chupke to be remade.

TV actor- turned-film producer Vishwaas Paandya has acquired the rights of the film and soon, the casting for the film will begin.

Vishwaas' father has worked with Hrishikesh Mukherjee as a film producer years ago and that's one of the reasons why he wanted to remake Mukherjee's film.

"If you pick the top ten Hindi comedies, Chupke Chupke would definitely be on the list. And it's a clean film which the entire family can watch together," he says.

Moreover, Vishwaas adds that his film will not be a frame to frame copy of the original.

"It will be more of an adapted version. I have to keep in mind the changing times as well, but the film will retain it's middle class values."

Here's a beautiful song from Chupke Chupke featuring Dharmendra, Sharmila Tagore, Om Prakash and Asrani.

Priyanka Chopra in a Hollywood film?

2007-07-29T11:59:00.000+01:00

Priyanka Chopra is being considered to play the female lead in Hollywood producer and former tennis player Ashok Amritraj 's film.

Ashok Amritraj heads the production company Hyde Park Entertainment. He is presently looking for an Indian actress for his next project, which will revolve around an Indian girl and an American man.

Amritraj has reportedly been in talks with Priyanka Chopra to act in the film. Rumours say he has handed over the film's script to Priyanka.

The only problem is, Amritraj wants to begin shooting his film in October this year and this may act as a bummer because Priyanka is most likely to be busy during that time of the year due to her prior commitments.

So, however clichéd it may sound but date problems may prevent Priyanka from doing Amritraj's film.

But it would be premature to jump to conclusions as Priyanka is said to be going through the film's script and has yet to give her final word.

Stay tuned in!

Amitabh, Abhishek and Aishwarya in RGV's Time Machine

2007-07-26T21:29:00.000+01:00

It's a star cast that most filmmakers would dream to work with.

And Ram Gopal Varma has managed the feat not once but twice. Even before Ramu completes the sequel of his film Sarkar, he has already made plans of another film with the Bachchans.

According to a source close to the director, "Ramu has planned to rope in Amitabh, Abhishek and Aishwarya for Time Machine. The director took the decision of reviving the film during the outdoor shoot of his film Sarkar Raj which is currently in progress in Hyderabad."

It maybe recalled here that Ramu had earlier planned to make the same film with Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena.

And now, Shootout At Parliament!

2007-07-26T21:28:00.000+01:00

After Shootout At Lokhandwala, Sanjay Gupta and Ekta Kapoor are set to make another film based on a real-life incident titled Shootout At Parliament.

The film will be based on the infamous Parliament attack on December 13, 2001.

The film stars all the actors from Shootout At Lokhandwala. Incidentally, Gupta has already registered the title of the film at Association of Motion Pictures and Television Programme Producers.

Shootout At Parliament will also have a huge set of a Parliament just like the makers had a set of Swati building for Shootout At Lokhandwala. However, considering the importance of the subject, this film will be made on a much bigger scale.

When contacted, Sanjay Gupta said, "It is too early to comment on this film."

Stay tuned in!

Hrithik Roshan turns scriptwriter for Krrish 2

2007-07-26T21:27:00.001+01:00

Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan will help pen the script for a sequel to the blockbuster Krrish in which he played a masked superhero.

Hrithik's father, Rakesh Roshan, directed Krrish and said he and his son were discussing new stunts that could be part of the sequel.

"Hrithik has always taken a keen interest in scripting and has been an intrinsic part in the making of all my films,'' Roshan told a newspaper.

"He will write the script of Krrish 2 along with me,'' Roshan added.

Akshay Kumar-Twinkle call it quits?

2007-07-26T21:21:00.000+01:00

In a shocking report, Bollywood star Akshay Kumar has split with wife and former actress Twinkle Khanna after 6 years of wedlock.

It is believed that Akshay's alleged dalliance with a certain Bengali starlet is at the heart of the domestic dispute in which Twinkle is said to have given her husband an ultimatum to mend his ways.

"Twinkle got to know about this affair and was extremely upset about whatever was going on. She warned Akshay a couple of times, but he didn't pay heed. She finally decided she had had enough," a source said.

Akshay has been, in the past, known for his string of romantic link ups with a number of actresses including Raveena Tandon, Shilpa Shetty, Pooja Batra and Priyanka Chopra.

He tied the knot with Twinkle in January 2001.

2007-07-25T22:29:00.000+01:00

Apun Ka Choice: Partner may be heavily inspired from the Hollywood film Hitch but the comedy in it is very desi. The music by Sajid-Wajid is funky and goes well with the film's theme.

CNN-IBN: For the joy of watching Salman and Govinda pull out all stops and get down to their loudest best, Partner might just be worth a watch.

DNA India: With Partner, David Dhawan returns to filmmaking after 20 months retaining his typical style with laugh-a-minute gags, saucy and sassy dialogues.

Glamsham: It's not exactly a no-brainer as the script runs through the film holding the scenes together. In fact, it's entertaining and manages to raise quite a few laughs.

Hindustan Times: David Dhawan's 38th comic flick, Partner, though hilarious, seems to have failed his fans, fed on an overdose of laughter.

IndiaFM: Partner is a winner all the way. This one's a laugh-riot that will have the viewers laughing in the aisles and its distributors, laughing all the way to the bank. A sure-shot Hit!

Movie Talkies: It's full paisa vasool!

Now Running: Partner is the kind of comedy that looks glossy and feels good. Go for it.

Rediff: Partner is a laugh riot!

Times Of India: A great cast, a veteran director and a wimp of a film: now that's a real irony, specially since the industry had its hopes pinned on Partner and David Dhawan fans had been sorely missing India's Nizam of Nonsense over the past few years.

Shahrukh Khan introduces new Compaq logo

2007-07-25T10:16:00.000+01:00

As if one Shah Rukh Khan isn't enough, sometimes you get two for the price of one.

"You always believed in the future. Don't you always say Kal tumhara hai (Tomorrow is yours)? I believe if you don't have a dream, what do you have?" said Shah Rukh.

On Tuesday, the actor turned up at an event to promote a new range of Compaq computers he endorses.

The computer-savvy star said he doesn't have much time to spend on his computer, in fact he used the opportunity to make a dig at contemporaries like Aamir Khan and Anil Kapoor who have recently taken to writing Internet blogs to promote their films.

"I think one of the reasons that I have good fan following is because I work very hard. So, either I can write blogs or can keep working hard," said Shah Rukh.

Having endorsed practically every available product already, one cannot help but ask him what he would like to endorse next himself.

"Would I want to do more products? The more the merrier. I could promote journalism," said Shah Rukh.

Any takers for journalist Khan? We think not. That one, we'll pass!

Celina is the sexiest woman in India!

2007-07-25T10:15:00.000+01:00

She's shooting in New Zealand for her international film, and Celina Jaitley is all smiles.

The lady sure has extra reason to smile these days as she's recently been voted the sexiest woman in India by a foreign publication.

From what we gather, Celina is followed by Mallika Sherawat, Bipasha Basu, Koena Mitra and newcomer Sherlyn Chopra in the list. "I was flattered when I heard this," says Celina. "My fans have been messaging me and I take it as a compliment."

In fact, like few other actresses, Celina doesn't take the 'sexy' tag badly.

"It's cool that I can wear anything and carry it off because of my face. My sex appeal lies in my face. I don't think you need to flaunt your body, when your face says it all."

Trust Celina to come up with a quotable quote!

Shilpa Shetty in a major legal hassle

2007-07-25T10:14:00.000+01:00

Shilpa Shetty is in a legal trap.

A London law firm has sued Shilpa's company Cine Entertainment for not clearing their dues. A security company called CTR Services is also planning to sue her on non payment of bills as they had provided security services to Shilpa in the UK sometime back.

According to the reports, Shilpa has also been dropped from famous publicist Max Clifford's client list due to conflicts with Max's employees.

However, her representative in the UK, Farnath Hussain informs that her company Cine Entertainment has already paid every penny that they owe. Their payment got delayed because the figures CTR submitted were not right and her company asked them to rework on it.

Recently, she was allegedly linked up with her "good friend" and producer Raj Kundra. Kundra's wife Kavita openly accused Shilpa Shetty in media for breaking their marriage.

It seems that success has its side effects and Shilpa is going through the rough side of it now.

Kay Kay to play 14 roles in Drream Man

2007-07-25T10:13:00.000+01:00

Kay Kay Menon is known for his versatility. He does something unique in every new film of his.

Theatre actor-director and filmmaker Makrand Deshpande's forthcoming film Drream Man will now explore a new side of Kay Kay. He will portray 14 different roles in Drream Man, which is a spoof on Bollywood films and actors.

Kay Kay informs that the film is a comic tale with a twist. He plays different characters like a cop, a journalist, an Englishman, a rock star, a milkman and other interesting personalities.

The film is an adaptation of Makrand Deshpande's successful play called Ek Kadam Aage.

Makrand himself will be seen in a cameo role. He portrays the lives of the strugglers, who are an inherent part of the Hindi film industry. The cast also includes Saurabh Shukla and Seema Biswas.

Ayesha Takia opposite Salman in Wanted Dead And Alive

2007-07-25T10:12:00.000+01:00

Ayesha Takia was under consideration for a lead role opposite Salman Khan in Boney Kapoor's forthcoming production. Now, the actress has been signed for the project.

Reports say it was Ayesha's performance in Nagesh Kukunoor's Dor that first impressed Boney Kapoor. Boney was looking for a fresh face to pair with Salman Khan in his production which is the Hindi remake of Tamil hit Pokkiri.

The Hindi version of the film is titled Wanted Dead And Alive.

The movie tells the story of an undercover cop who works for a mafia don. His aim is to eliminate the gangsters by being a part of them.

Salman plays the lead role in the film. Om Puri and Mahesh Manjrekar are also among the cast.

The film is directed by Prabhudeva, who also directed the original. Music composer duo Sajid-Wajid have reportedly been roped in to compose the music.