Kareena Kapoor to be seen as queen Arundhati

^Kareena Kapoor is actually going places. After becoming the endorsement queen, she has also bagged in a considerable role as queen Arundhati within the Hindi remake of 2009 Telugu blockbuster Arundhati. Being a robust role in a girl centric flick, many actresses were eyeing for it. The role of the devil who gets killed by [...]

Sunny Leone signed because the brand ambassador for Chaze Mobiles

^India has taken Sunny Leone with open arms. The Canadian porn has not been signed for 2 projects, she has also bagged in her first endorsement maintain Chaze Mobiles and has also completed the shoot for the industrial in Bangkok a couple of days back. “This is my first TVC for any Indian brand and [...]

Gul wants target practice with Nana!

By Hindustan Times

Mumbai, April 30 -- Gul Panag have been filming the Ab Tak Chappan sequel wherein she plays the role of against the law reporter, the one significant woman character in what's predominately a man's world. "Fortunately, there has been a woman's toilet at the sets. But that apart, I USED TO BE probably the most boys. That wasn't an issue because I've always been somewhat a tomboy and occupied with all that may be traditionally considered masculine," laughs the actor.

These interests include trekking, rock climbing, white-water rafting, horse riding, running marathons, driving from Mumbai to Leh and shooting. "My dad was within the army and i've been handling guns for years. I'm cool with them," says Gul, whose brother, Sherbir is a countrywide level shooter. "He's currently taking a break to complete law school, but he may come back to it soon."

Upbeat about India's chances on the London Olympics this summer she admits that their common passion for guns brought her and Nana Patekar, a countrywide level shooter, together at the sets of Ram Gopal Varma's cop sequel. "There's been no time to pursue shooting seriously, but it's on my bucket list, like flying a plane was a dream I lived recently," says the actor, who on trips to London along with her husband, Rishi Attari, never fails to go to Holand & Holland, the most efficient gun store in England, to take a look at the most recent models.

"I've always had a life outside of my job in films and perhaps after the monsoon when the shooting begins, this year or the next, Nana and that i could shoot on the range in Pune together. Who knows if I'M good? Like him, one day, I too could represent my state"

Sonakshi Sinha: 'Rowdy is my b'day present'

By Hindustan Times

Mumbai, April 30 -- A COUPLE OF days ago, the discharge date of the Akshay Kumar Sonakshi Sinha starrer Rowdy Rathore (RR) was brought forward from June 15 to June 1 after Aamir Khan postponed the discharge of his film, Talaash to November. And within the process to snatch the empty slot, the filmmakers attained a distinct coup. Now the film releases an afternoon before Sonakshi's birthday.

But this is not a coincidence. Insiders insist that while the makers were rescheduling the dates, Sona's birthday was on their minds too. "Business-wise, the weekend is a coveted one considering it comes right after the tip of the Indian Premier League (IPL). But everyone knew it could become special for Sona," says the insider.

"It makes me feel special considering the film comes an afternoon before my birthday. It is also the primary big movie after the IPL. I'M it as an advance birthday present," chuckles Sonakshi, who's currently shooting for a Rowdy Rathore song in Mysore with Akshay.

A remake of the hit South Indian film Vikramarkudu, RR was produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and UTV Movies. "Our movie comes only a day before her birthday and we are hoping it'll do well and make it an ideal day for Sonakshi," says Shikha Kapur, senior VP (marketing) of UTV Movies.

Ask Sonakshi concerning the comparisons between her desi looks in Dabangg (2010) and Rowdy Rathore, and she or he says: "Comparisons will always be there considering Dabangg is the one film I'VE done till date. But for me, the one similarity is that both my heroes have worn moustaches." And is she doing heavy-duty action, like Akshay, within the film? "No, I HAVEN'T GOT much action to do, except a couple of stunts within the climax. Otherwise, I'M the woman next door."

SRK need some attention, eh?

By Hindustan Times

Mumbai, April 30 -- Good morning my prawn sushis! How does your Monday look? Bad question, hain na? But I'm on holiday, toh mujhe kuch farak nahi padta. I'm simply having a blast in east India. This Vijjy, my silver-bearded beau, has all of it planned for us.

Anyway, this morning, considered one of Vijjy's khabroos called to inform him about Shah Rukh Khan and his attention seeking act. So basically, SRK was invited by Onir join them on the success party of I'M. Like an excellent to friend, he agreed to go, though he arrived slightly late.

When he reached the venue, he spotted someone already giving interviews to the media and getting clicked by the paparazzi. And this, Vijjy tells me, didn't go down well with King Khan. So he decided to take a seat inside his car till that celeb vanished from the area, and only after that did he get out and let the media interact with him. Hey bhagwaan! Ab main kya bolu? This Shah Rukh na, he must grow up! How a lot more attention and publicity does he want? Sigh!

Sunidhi Chauhan and Hitesh Sonik at their wedding reception

28 year old beautiful Sunidhi Chauhan tied knots with childhood mate and music composer Hitesh Sonik in a low profile ceremony. Sunidhi was earlier married to choreographer Bobby Khan however the marriage broke after an year.

“She was a bit of greater than a kid when she won the Meri Awaz Suno music contest on television. That may be after we became friends. Gradually, over time as she grew right into a fine singer, our friendship blossomed into love,” elaborated Hitesh on their love life.

However, the couple threw a lavish reception party at Taj Lands Result in Mumbai and the guest list included Asha bhonsle, Udit Narayan with wife Deepa Narayan, Farah Khan with Vishal Dadlani, Ranvir Shorey, Konkona Sen Sharma, Shaan, Kavita Krishnamurthy and Alka Yagnik.

Sunidhi Chauhan wore a purple saree with heavy work on it while Hitesh opted for an achkan and black pants. Take a look at a couple of clicks from the event………….

Shilpa Shetty to store her baby's stem cells

By Hindustan Times

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, who's expecting a baby, will store her child's stem cells. "Stem cell banking gives me the reassurance for my baby's health. By banking stem cells, my child can have more medical options within the future," Shetty said in a press release. The Baazigar
actor said that is probably the most precious and private gift, she and her husband Raj Kundra could think of, for his or her little one.

Gearing up for probably the most exciting phase of her life, motherhood, the 36-year-old said, "Motherhood is the most productive thing that may happen to a woman, it brings a way of responsibility".

Shilpa would now even be actively taken with creating awareness among would-be parents at the importance of stem cell banking because the brand ambassador of CordLife, Asia's largest stem cell banking network.

With tremendous potential in curing critical diseases, stem cell therapy is considered the way forward for medical science.

Stem cells extracted from the cord blood have positively treated conditions like leukemia, lymphoma, cerebral palsy and thalassemia major.

"As someone who's looked upon as a task model and as an excessively successful woman in her own right, her decision to bank her baby's stem cells would have the correct influence and impact at the would-be parents," Meghnath Roy Chowdhury, MD of CordLife said.

The actress who's now one of the crucial co-owners of the IPL franchise cricket team Rajasthan Royals, had shot to global fame after winning the British Celebrity Big Brother TV show in 2007.

Paoli Dam’s next at the bold subject of wife swapping

She has displayed her attitude and boldness in her recent release ‘Hate Story’ where she plays a revenge-seeking hooker. Now, she is ready to play another bold character in yet one more bold subject in Vikram Bhatt’s next flick ‘Love Games’ in line with the controversial subject of wife-swapping. We don't wish to mention here that Paoli was the selection because of her uninhibited display of sensuality in her Bollywood debut.

Syas Vikram, “Paoli has the courage to move beyond her body on camera. That’s where I NEED to compliment Love Games. ”

Paoli Dam confirmed the reports elaborating further in regards to the film saying, “Love Games is another bold film, I agree. Vikram and that i are engaged on my character. Rest assured I won’t be doing what I’m expected to. My character won’t resemble what I played in Hate Story. ”

Speaking at the controversial subject of spouse swapping, Vikram says, “Why do you are saying wife-swapping is taboo? You’d be surprised to understand what number of urban couples delight in it. It’s prevalent, almost rampant within the big cities. Go on the net. There are websites dedicated to wife-swapping.

That’s what we’ve come to. I WOULD LIKE to explore the psychology of wife-swapping. How does a person tell his wife to head and sleep along with his friend and the way does the wife give consent to her husband’s sexual tryst with another woman?

More importantly, how do the husband and wife have a look at one another within the eye the morning after? These are questions that haunt me. ”

Karisma hurts her toe-nail!

By Hindustan Times

NEW DELHI, April 30 -- Karisma Kapoor has just proved her dedication towards work for her upcoming supernatural thriller, Dangerous Ishhq. Karisma, while shooting for the film, tore her toe nail and it started bleeding profusely.

The doctor was called on sets immediately and Karisma's foot was bandaged. It is a known fact Lolo, who was within the industry for over 20 years, gives her heart and soul while filming a film.

For Dangerous Ishhq too, she desired to finish the shoot the similar day not to cause inconvenience to others, so she shot with a bandaged foot. Of course, care was taken not to show her bandaged foot on camera.

Imran Khan: 'Working with Vishal has given me satisfaction'

By Hindustan Times

Mumbai, April 30 -- Ever since he started shooting for Vishal Bhardwaj's Matru Ki Bijli Ka Mandola in Jaipur, Imran Khan was almost inaccessible. On the town for just one day to take part within the MTV Power of 1 Youth Forum, Imran has had long shooting hours and continuous outdoor shoots for greater than a month. But he doesn't mind the labor. In fact, he's thrilled to be working with a director of the calibre of Vishal Bhardwaj.

"Working with him has given me immense creative satisfaction," says Imran. "THAT IS the primary time in my career that i am working with a seasoned director. Ever since Jane Tu... Ya Jane Na (2008), I've only worked with first time directors and up to I've loved working with Shakun (Batra), Punit (Malhotra) and others, they were still figuring things out. Whereas with Vishal, he already knows what he wants and the way he wants it."

In Matru..., Imran plays a tricky guy from rural India and needed to create his look in a distinctly nonurban way. "I COULDN'T have gone to the gym and worked out," he explains. "Had I done that, I'D have gotten the everyday muscular gym-made body and that actually should not have suited my character. So I sat with my trainer and worked out a plan, or actually, he did. We did 'akhada' workouts. That's simply functional training. And it gave me what I USED TO BE searching for".

He also worked on acquiring the proper accent for the Haryanvi dialect his character uses. But ask him if he gave his co-star Anushka Sharma the best way to speak the language and Imran says, "Who gives tips? I DO NOT know where you get this from! You'll give recommendations on stock broking, not acting, because what works for one person won't essentially work for the opposite".

After Matru..., Imran will start work on Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai 2, an action film. But is action really his more or less movie? "I DON'T BELIEVE anyone has a specific genre," he says. "IT'S USUALLY good to experiment and play different roles. But it is not an action film per se. It's more at the lines of a drama and thriller. I've still got about 10-12 days of outside shooting for Matru... to finish, so I'll start preparing for Once Upon... only after that."

Bollywood babes boost Filmfare May 2012 issue

The May 2012 issue of Filmfare magazine has Deepika Padukone on covers and a few very colourful pics of Bollywood beauties like Soha Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor, Bipasha Basu and Anushka Sharma within the inside pages. These vibrant pics are a teat and a relaxing refuge from the scorching summer heat. The problem also has some cool tips about diet and lifestyle to overcome the warmth this season. Grab a replica for yourself to delve deeper into secrets behind Biapsha’s sexy body, Anushka’s glowing skin and Katrina’s summer style!!

Shahid-Parineeti: B-town's new buddies!

By Hindustan Times

NEW DELHI, April 30 -- I LATELY heard some news about Parineeti Chopra and Shahid Kapoor. Pari and Sasha, who're doing a movie together for Yash Raj, was bonding big time of late.

It seems that Pari is very a reserved person otherwise, but with Sasha, she started chatting instantly. And the rationale apparently is Shahid and Priyanka Chopra's alleged 'affair' or friendship at one point.

Knowing how close Shahid is to Pari's cousin, she decided to speak with him and aur kya? Now they've become buddies!

Sunny Leone signed because the brand ambassador for Chaze Mobiles

India has taken Sunny Leone with open arms. The Canadian porn has not been signed for 2 projects, she has also bagged in her first endorsement care for Chaze Mobiles and has also completed the shoot for the economic in Bangkok a couple of days back.

“This is my first TVC for any Indian brand and i'm very charged up shooting for it. I'M very excited to be related to this type of young and colourful brand like Chaze. I chose to go along with the ‘Brand Chaze’ because I'M really impressed by Chaze’s ideology of bringing out mobile technology for the loads and personally feel connected with their vision,” Leone said.

Chaze handsets may be available for Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,500 range through distribution network spread across Uttar Pradesh, J&K, West Bengal, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, M.P, Maharashtra, Bihar, North East and Andhra Pradesh.

“I am really impressed by their ideology of bringing out mobile technology for the hundreds and personally feel connected with their vision,” said the 30-year-old Sunny Leone.

John Abraham: High on success!

By Hindustan Times

NEW DELHI, April 30 -- On the premiere of his first ever production, Vicky Donor, John Abraham was rather happy. He was in high spirits during the night, greeting all his guests and looking out greater than just excited.

It seems he was thrilled that VD finally released and all individuals who saw the movie that night had only good stuff to mention about it.

You’re every woman, it’s all in you: Bipasha Basu

By Hindustan Times

India, a rustic that proudly boasts of getting women adorn the offices of the President, Prime Minister, Speaker of the Lok Sabha and leader of opposition, albeit at different times, yet, it's this sort of significant achievement with which not many nations can pride themselves. Growing up with my two sisters in a real Bengali household, we were always taught to be independent and articulate, with education being given utmost importance. And it's the gift of fine education that's the biggest necessity in a rustic with a burgeoning population.

As someone once said, “The whole purpose of education is to show mirrors into windows,” and the way apt this philosophy is, for it's education which endows one with the facility of opportunity, a possibility to be the most efficient that you can be and a chance to bestow the process one’s future of their own hands. In India’s metropolitan cities, women benefit from the status of equals, proof of which lies within the undeniable fact that women occupy influential positions in all sectors of the economy. However, unfortunately, the similar trend isn't witnessed in as persistent a ratio within the interiors of the rustic where the stigma of the “girl child” still prevails.

Each day within the news, one reads of horrific cases of crimes against women, reports about cases of dowry deaths, female infanticide, sexual harassment, and domestic violence continue to plague our society. However grim, this can be a reality which must be addressed with extreme urgency.

No you could make you're feeling inferior without your consent. Women are blessed with the virtue of nurturing a family and playing varied familial roles with much ease. This is a quality that's so unique to ladies who very smoothly multi-task ever so meticulously.

I strongly advocate imbibing the virtue of self-confidence, self-respect and most of all of “loving yourself”. As Chaka Khan confidently sang, “I’m every woman, it’s all in me.” Believe this. For in truth that, ladies, the facility is actually within you. All you must do is believe in it.

Salman helps Somy Ali’s charity foundation!

By Hindustan Times

In Bollywood, he's known to be bighearted. So Salman Khan’s benevolent moves hardly come as a surprise. However the superstar — for a while now — was helping his ex-girlfriend Somy Ali run her Florida-based non-profit-organisation, Not more Tears (NMT).

The American foundation that rescues women from domestic abuse have been “struggling financially” for a while, and Somy is precisely reliant on private donors and government funding. “But the grants haven't come through because of the state of the economy. Our country is struggling as a whole,” says Somy. So private donors are really pivotal for NMT’s sustainability on the moment.”

That’s where Salman enters the image. Somy maintains that her ex-boyfriend and his friends “have done greater than enough” for NMT.
Somy Ali

“It’s only because of their donations that we've got sustained this far,” says the 35-year-old former actor. Apparently, Salman’s friends donated greater than $1,50,000 to NMT last year.

“Some of his friends have contributed, but they decide to remain anonymous and that i respect them for it,” confirms Somy. “Salman doesn’t owe me anything. The truth that he has encouraged his friends to donate is proof of his large heartedness. Personally, I'D never ask him for help. Probably that’s why we've got been friends for TWENTY YEARS. We respect each other, but don’t expect anything in return.”

At the similar time, Somy accepts that NMT, founded around four years ago, is “hanging by a thread.”

“Initially, I used $2,86,000 of my very own money to fund my charity, but those funds have now depleted. So this is a daily struggle,” says Somy, who acted in films like Andolan (1995), Yaar Gaddar (1994), and Aao Pyar Karen (1994).

Ask Somy — who has rescued 182 victims since 2008 — if she intends to team up with Salman’s Being Human foundation, and he or she says: “No (plans) up to now. Salman and my missions are different.” Lastly, does she watch Salman’s films? “No, I TRULY don't get time to take care of with films because of NMT. Abuse has no days off and neither do I,” she says.

Neil Nitin Mukesh to do a psycho-horror film

By Hindustan Times

Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh is ready to fulfil his long-standingdream of doing a horror film. Titled 3G and directed by Shantanu and Sheershak, will probably be shot in Fiji, and Neil will play a person with a split personality.

“This can be tough for me,” says Neil. “I’m terrified of death, so for me, this may be difficult to portray on screen. Coming into the 2 psyches of a split personality isn't that easy.”

Neil, who was recently made brand ambassador of Volkswagen’s Think Blue initiative and who has just finished the shoot for director Susi Ganeshan’s Shortcut Romeo, could be paired with Sonal Chauhan in 3G. The 2 actors was seen together frequently.

“Let me be honest about it. I genuinely like her a lot,” says Neil about Sonal. “She is a stupendous individual and a fair girl. If, God willing, anything has to happen I'D love it.”

After 3G, Neil will turn gangster for David, director Bijoy Nambiar’s next film. “I am waiting for it,” says Neil. “I have always done grey characters. They have got much more edge.” His last film, Players (2012), by which he played a pc hacker, failed on the box office, but Neil remains in contact with its filmmakers Abbas-Mastan who've cast him in two more films.

“They are still within the scripting stage,” says Neil. This kind of films is seemingly the remake of the 1993 Shah Rukh Khan hit, Baazigar. So is he really playing SRK’s part? “I can only say, I LIKE grey films,” grins Neil.

Now, Delhi Belly to be remade in Tamil

By Hindustan Times

UTV Movies is about to remake superhit film Delhi Belly (2011) in Tamil. Jointly produced by UTV and Aamir Khan Productions, the adult comedy directed by Abhinay Deo was made in English and dubbed in Hindi. South director R Kannan will make the Tamil version.

In the untitled Tamil version, Arya will play Imran Khan’s role while Santhanam will reprise Kunaal Roy Kapur’s character and popular actor Premgi will essay Vir Das’s role. Hansika and Anjali was roped in to play the airhostess and journalist respectively.

“The film could have several known stars in other pivotal roles,” says an insider related to the film. South writer John Mahendran is writing the dialogues for the Tamil version and a team of 3 writers is developing the screenplay while retaining the film’s original theme.

Confirming the development, Siddharth Roy Kapur, CEO of UTV Motion Pictures, says, “Delhi Belly will work well with Tamil audiences and we're thrilled with the outstanding screenplay that the team of young writers has developed. We now have taken on actors who're youthful and popular, at the side of an excessively skilled director and are confident that the content of Delhi Belly will act as a bridge for cinema-loving audiences across languages.” S Thaman will compose the film’s music.

In the past, UTV has successfully remade Hindi productions Khosla Ka Ghosla (2006) in Tamil and A Wednesday (2008) in Tamil and Telegu. Rowdy Rathore, their Akshay Kumar starrer, is a remake of Telugu film Vikramarkudu (2006), which was also remade in Tamil as Siruthai (2011).

Rakhi Sawant to play Vidya's role in Dirty Picture remake

By Hindustan Times

For those who’ve not had enough of Ooh La La or The Dirty Picture (2011), it’s time to move to Kolkata. The film that saw Vidya Balan walk away with the National Award can be remade in Bengali. And the makers of the brand new version have zeroed in on Rakhi Sawant to play the lead.

When contacted, Rakhi gushed, “Vidya Balan hasn’t done anything within the Dirty Picture. I CAN do better and warmer scenes within the Bengali remake. Even Vidya can be surprised after seeing my character. I'LL BE better than her. The sari is supposed to be taken off in films, not worn. Films become successful this is why not as a result of stars.”

The remake is untitled as of now and rather then Rakhi and the director, nothing else have been finalised.

Rakhi says, “The remake could be directed by Shatabdi Roy, a member of Parliament who's as big as Amitabh, Jaya Bachchan or Rekha in Bengal. I got the role on account of an item song I LATELY did within the Bengali movie titled Om Shanti. The song may be very popular in Bengal right now.”

Interestingly, Tapas Paul, another member of Parliament and a former actor, is producing the film.

Says Tapas, “We met Rakhi in Delhi recently and liked her item song in Om Shanti. Although we're 100 per cent sure about Rakhi playing the lead, negotiations are on for the male lead. Because the Dirty Picture can’t be completely remade, we now have decided to make the Bengali version more like a sequel.”

Rumours about Salman don't bother me: Katrina Kaif

By Hindustan Times

Actor Katrina Kaif, who's teaming up with Salman Khan again in Ek Tha Tiger, says she isn't bothered in regards to the gossip that goes around regarding her and the actor.

Katrina reportedly dated Salman when she started out her career in Bollywood but later separated. And their new movie has got the rumour mills spinning again. She was last seen with the Dabangg star in 2008 movie Yuvraaj.

"When we begin working for a film we go in as professionals. I'M here to do my job and if people need to highlight baseless stories then it's as much as them. I DON'T BELIEVE that these stories could have any affect on my work and the film.

"I am never bothered about such stories. Why should I? I BELIEVE it's what every actor goes through. Whilst you start working within the industry, people taking about you becomes part of your life. Why analyse it such a lot"? Katrina told PTI.

The 27-year-old actor, who first starred alongside Salman in Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya, said she is worked up to work with him again.

"I am fascinated with the film, it's shaping up good. Salman is operating with Yash Raj for the primary time and it's my second film with them. It's usually fun working with Salman, he makes everything very comfortable at the sets," she said.

Katrina may be working in another Yash Raj film opposite Shah Rukh Khan. The untitled film will mark the comeback of veteran director Yash Chopra after an opening of eight years.

Manmohan Desai introduced vanity vans in Bollywood: Amitabh Bachchan

By Hindustan Times

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who's back to work on the studios after recovering from his abdominal surgery, says vanity vans, which can be a typical possession these days, were the luxurious of a privileged few earlier.

The 69-year-old actor said that filmmaker Manmohan Desai had introduced the idea that of self-importance vans and gifted him one too.

"At the studios these days, the most important space is taken up by the self-love vans for artists, talent, directors, writers... It was never like this in our time... ok... like earlier days! Now and then for an all night shoot, you simply dozed off at the floor of the set... getting a room was a luxury.

"But Manmohan Desai, the master, was different. He had a back problem and had to lie down as he travelled to the sets, so he built himself a van where a bed may well be placed and submit a television set inside, something that was unheard of...," the 69-year-old posted on his blog.

"And then within a couple of days presented me with one. It was not what vanity vans are like today... I installed a pull out make up tray with mirror, to do my make up in there and desperately tried to mend a music system within," he added.

Bachchan had teamed up with the maverick director many a times and delivered hits in Mard, Coolie, Naseeb and Amar Akbar Anthony.

Agneepath Movie Review – Deadly, Illogical and jam-packed with Bollywoodism

^I went to the theatres the opposite day to catch the Hrithik Roshan and Sanjay Dutt starrer, Agneepath. The movie was meant to be pure masala fare meant to maintain one thrilled for a fair three hours. The expectancies were quite high as a result of Agneepath’s trailer and accomplished actors similar to Hrithik Roshan and Sanjay [...]

Able to work with Rekha: Amitabh

By Hindustan Times

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan on Saturday said he had no qualms sharing screen space with yesteryear sensation Rekha, provided the tale is deserving.

"If there's a good story...and (we love) it...then why not work together?," he said.

Big B was speaking to reporters at an event held for promotion of his soon-to-be-released film, Department.

The erstwhile reel life couple whose onscreen and offscreen relationship has always provided a fodder to Bollywood gossip mills acted in films like Do Anjaane (1976), Muqaddar Ka Sikander (1978), Mr Natwarlal (1979), Suhaag (1979) and Silsila (1981) to call a few.

The spotlight is on four scene stealers from two sleeper hits!

By Hindustan Times

Khan: The rough, foul-mouthed IB officer
Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Film – Kahaani
Character – An arrogant, aggressive IB officer. Crass and abrasive, he knows his job and does it well.
Life changer – “For someone who’s been struggling for
12 years to get greater than a few scenes just because he doesn’t “look” like an actor, it is a stunner,” says the unassuming Nawazuddin Siddiqui. He’s nothing just like the gritty, abusive IB officer Khan of Kahaani whose onscreen presence unnerved the audience.

“Is film ne shuru se sirf surprise kiya hai,” is how he translates the stir that Khan has created. “I couldn’t have imagined in my wildest dreams that I'D be appreciated such a lot. It is
fantastic.”

Nawazuddin was equally surprised when he heard that director Sujoy Ghosh desired to cast him as an IB officer. “I asked them in the event that they had contacted the best Nawazuddin! I'M a 5’6”, thin fellow, nothing like an IB officer. So it seemed strange. But I ASSUME they were sure,” he smiles.

Born and taken up in Budhana, a small village in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar district, Nawazuddin’s first introduction to theatre was when he came with friends to Delhi and watched a play. He was hooked. He watched as regards to 250 plays before he joined the National School of Drama in Delhi and began doing theatre. Soon he moved to Mumbai, where his struggling days were worse than what he had anticipated. A COUPLE OF two-minute roles were offered to him – till Black Friday happened in 2004.

Though work became somewhat steady, the limelight proved elusive. “I don’t think anyone remembers me in The big apple and even Paan Singh Tomar but Kahaani worked. And how!”

Up next – “Ab toh kaam shuru hua hai,” he laughs. “Finally, a lot of these filmi persons are taking notice and saying, ‘You are an actor’, as opposed to ‘Are you an actor?’” he grins. With seven films ready for release within the following few months, a brand new chapter has begun in Nawazuddin’s life.

Satyaki/Rana: The cultured, helpful cop
Parambrata Chatterjee
Film – Kahaani
Character – The rookie cop has all his niceties in place. Cultured, shy, mild mannered, he goes all out to assist the very-pregnant Vidya Bagchi. And of course, he secretly nurses an incredible crush on her.
Life changer – “This more or less adulation from all quarters is rather mindblowing,” says actor-director Parambrata Chatterjee. “Without sounding immodest, I WILL say that I USED TO BE decently known in Kolkata. So it wasn’t that I USED TO BE seeking to establish myself. But Kahaani has taken it to another level altogether. The industry guys are actually treating me as an actor to reckon with, and most people in other cities – Mumbai, Delhi etc – is definitely recognising me and arising to me at odd places just like the airport to congratulate me on my performance. It’s just overwhelming,” he adds.

Having started his acting career in 2003, Parambrata finished the edit of his directorial debut and went off to UK to pursue a master’s degree in filmmaking. A year later, when his course was over, he got a choice from director Sujoy Ghosh. “Before going home, I DETERMINED to simply travel around. I USED TO BE in Amsterdam after I got a decision from Sujoy saying he wanted me back immediately. I heard the tale on Skype! So convinced was he about me that he did a look-test for me over mail and just fixed it. I needed to cancel the remainder of my trip to Rome and come back! Sujoy still owes me the trip,” he laughs.
Up next – Life has suddenly become extremely busy for this new poster boy of Hindi cinema. “I don’t find out about the poster boy bit, but yes, a large number of female attention is coming in,” he says, half shy, half smiling. And work? Is Bollywood the following destination? “Well, I’m meeting lots of people and reading some excellent scripts. Some endorsements also are within the pipeline. I’m open to travelling for work, but I won’t shift. Kolkata has a number of great work happening too. And finally, that is home for me.”

The Patrakar: The nervous, small town hack
Brijendra Kala
Film – Paan Singh Tomar
Character – He’s a normal small town, small time journalist. Half scared and half heroic about meeting an athlete-turned-dacoit. His only motivation: the interview will turn ‘him’ right into a headline.
Life changer – So disappointed was Kala by the “no-show” of his role as a munim in Agneepath that he didn’t realise how widely he was being appreciated for his role of a journalist on this year’s other surprise hit, Paan Singh Tomar. “When you are feeling that you just haven’t got your due in a large film, you never imagine that you’ll be noticed in a small film. And why me? We were surprised even by the film doing so well. Paan Singh Tomar was within the making for 3 years. The producers just weren’t able to release it. So expectations were rather low,” says a matter-of-fact Kala.

“I’m more than happy. In fact, there may be always a risk of fading into the background with big stars, but Irrfan and Tigmanshu made sure they got the ratio right,” he smiles.

Brought up in Mathura, Kala did most of his theatre within the small circles of this small town. “We performed so much in Brajbhasha. I never thought I'D visit Mumbai and do films,” says Kala. It was perhaps his small town sensibility and regular interactions with journalists from the hinterland that brought out the gritty realness in his performance.
Up next – Soaking in the entire appreciation, Kala isn’t gloating about it. “I has been here for long. Been appreciated and disappointed. That is big but work continues,” he says. Though critics have loved his performance, Kala feels that doesn't necessarily translate into work. “Neither am I taking a look at establishing myself to any extent further. I’m just happy to be appreciated.” With three films, Fatso, Jannat 2 and Dekho Yeh Hai Mumbai Real Life arising this year, Kala expects an excellent year ahead.

Bob Biswas: The polite, smiling assassin
Saswata Chatterjee
Film – Kahaani
Character – A seemingly inconsequential insurance agent, Bob Biswas leads a dual life as a ‘bhadralok’ contract killer.
Life changer – Saswata is stunned by the reaction to his Bob Biswas turn. “It is astounding. In fact, rather unbelievable,” he says. Bob Biswas has changed the way in which we see villains in Hindi cinema. He’s like that dimwitted, harmless uncle round the corner. But he’s made sure that each time someone says, “Aik mineet?” you duck. Saswata concedes: “I agree. His innocence is very scary.”

Life, says Saswata, has changed suddenly and dramatically. “It’s been a while now, but I still feel I'M living a dream. It’ll take time to register. My days appear to be passing doing round-the-clock interviews. Never before have I talked such a lot in Hindi and English,” he says with a laugh.

Born and taken up in Kolkata, he has done theatre, television and movies in Bengali. So naturally, Saswata was surprised to get a choice from director Sujoy Ghosh for a Hindi flick. With a short lived to be polite, like an ordinary Bengali bhadralok, Saswata was told that he needed to kill sweetly.

And has Bob Biswas gone for the true kill? Has his success spelt extra money for Saswata? “I really hope it happens, though I haven’t seen any signs of items moving that way,” he laughs. “But what I ACTUALLY hope for is that there must be some interesting roles in films. Somehow, earlier they never perceived to come,” he adds.

Up next – With some good offers coming in from Bollywood, Saswata is taking time to select and select. “Life is quite settled in Kolkata. I'M waiting for doing roles in Hindi films but must watch my step. I can’t compromise on make money working from home either. See, there are only that many in “character” roles that you may get. So I CAN look forward to something mind-blowing to return my way.”

“I DO KNOW I’ll be under a spotlight, I know I’ll be under the microscope” – Lisa Guerrero, journalist and actress

Where are Rani and Aditya Chopra bonding?

By Hindustan Times

Lovebirds Rani Mukherjee and Aditya Chopra have found a brand new place to get a while with one another. The duo appears to be gradually settling down into being seen as a couple.

Following rumours that Rani went to fulfill the Chopras in London or even celebrated her birthday with him there, it seems
the two have joined the similar yoga teacher.

A source as regards to the couple told Mid-Day, “It was Rani who convinced Aditya to take yoga lessons. Rani had started doing yoga many years ago and have been addicted to to it ever since. She could see the changes it led to in her life. She feels a lot more healthier and calmer.”

Rani was in search of a teacher to come back home for yoga lessons. A DETAILED friend introduced her to Mahesh many years ago. Since then, he was going to her place thrice every week. Rani loved the effects and convinced Aditya to start out to boot. She felt together with his high-pressure job and erratic lifestyle, Adi would get advantages from it,” the source told the tabloid.

Mahesh reportedly confirmed the tale but refused to divulge more.

Akshay-Sonakshi in Rowdy Rathore!

^Akshay-Sonakshi in Rowdy Rathore!

I WOULD LIKE to be like my dad: Sanjay Dutt

By Hindustan Times

Actor-producer Sanjay Dutt says he desires to be like his father, late actor Sunil Dutt.

“I need to be like my father. Dutt saheb was an excellent support in our lives. I WOULD LIKE to be exactly like him. But I MIGHT also tell my kids how was I during my childhood days and that, don’t be like me,” said Dutt, who went through drug addiction in his youth. The 52-year-old has three children — the eldest is daughter Trishala from his first wife Richa Sharma, who died of brain tumour a few years ago. He has twins — Iqra and Shahraan — from his third wife Manyata, who he married in 2008.

Trishala grew up within the US, and as a result, Sanjay couldn’t spend much time along with her. He's seeking to make up for it by spending quality time together with his twins. “I couldn’t enjoy fatherhood with Trishala. I'VE missed all those golden moments. So now it’s a stupendous experience for me,” said Dutt, who feels an actor doesn’t carve a distinct segment for himself on account of his legacy.

“An actor doesn’t make a mark within the showbiz on account of parents. Dutt saheb had launched me (with Rocky in 1981), but later you must prove yourself,” he said.

Zoa Morani to romance Imran Zahid in Marksheet

By Hindustan Times

Newbie actress Zoa Morani is ready to star opposite actor Imran Zahid in upcoming film Marksheet, in keeping with the education racket and scams within the country.

Zoa, who made her Bollywood debut with Shah Rukh Khan's production Always Kabhi Kabhi, will play a way student in the
film to be directed by Rakesh Ranjan Kumar of Gandhi to Hitler fame.

The makers of the film had earlier decided to cast a fresh face opposite Zahid for Marksheet, which isn't just a subject based film but would even be a love story.

However, under the creative guidance of filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, who's also a mentor to Zahid, the makers zeroed in on 23-year-old Zoa who had earlier portrayed a faculty student in Always Kabhi Kabhi and would slot in the nature of a faculty student, said a source with regards to the film.

Marksheet, inspired by the tale of Ranjit Don who run a racket leaking question papers for nation-wide exams, will mostly be shot around Delhi University while parts of it might be filmed in Bangalore, Mumbai and Kolkata.

Zoa, daughter of producer Karim Morani, started off as an assistant director to Farah Khan for Om Shanti Om (2007) and Rajkumar Santoshi for Halla Bol

Sanjay was taken back when action films hit a lull

By Hindustan Times

Actor Sanjay Dutt, who gave knock out performances in numerous high-octane movies including hits like Khalnayak, Vaastav and Dus, was startled when action films took a backseat within the mid-90s and comedy took centre stage.

"There was a time when Ajay, Akshay, Jackie, Sunny and me all were called action heroes and we lived in that era for a very long time. And suddenly for us there has been a period of no action..only comedy films were working. I USED TO BE greatly surprised. It was surprising that time," said Sanjay, who explored action with Vijeta Taaqatwar, Kabzaa, and Hathyar, among others.

Also, there has been a period (late 80s-early 90s) when actors like Akshay Kumar, Sunny Deol, Ajay Devgn, Jackie Shroff took the audience by surprise.

Akshay was termed the 'Khiladi of Bollywood' with films like Mohra, Sangharsh, Aankhen and the Khiladi series. While Sunny could do nothing but action on screen, giving powerful performances in movies corresponding to Arjun, Betaab, Ghayal, Ziddi and Damini among others.

Ajay's stunts in action films like Jung, Vijaypath and Sangram were also appreciated by all and sundry. Jackie was probably the one charming action hero that Bollywood ever had. He had the appearance and he could carry off action and romance with the similar perfection in films like Parinda, Khalnayak and Trimurti.

But then, there has been a lull and comedy ruled the marquee. However, the 52-year-old actor is now happy that action is coming round again in Hindi films.

"That time I used to speak to Jackie, Sunny or Ajay and all of us used to wonder where action has gone. I'M happy that it has get back and that's what we're the. better part is that South cinema never forgot that (action). That's the reason South films are larger than life...people have fans," Dutt said.

Salman Khan finally promotes Arjun Kapoor!

By Hindustan Times

Salman Khan has apparently changed his mind. The actor who had refused to advertise Arjun Kapoor's Ishaqzaade on Twitter has now posted a sequence of tweets that mentions Arjun Ranawat...oops Arjun Kapoor.

He began with, "Yup ! Arjun ranawat in my janam bhumi INDORE." (sic) Before you begin wondering who Arjun Ranawat was, the actor's next tweet cleared the confusion.

"Yup! I call arjun kapoor arjun ranawat,"(sic) tweeted Sallu.

"Tweeted after a v long time," he then added.

Arjun apparently had no inclination towards becoming an actor, but Salman’s confidence and motivation urged him to take that route.

“Salman is my elder brother. Once, long back, he had told me that he thought I USED TO BE cut out for acting, and will try my hand in it. That time, I USED TO BE really obese (140 kg), and couldn’t imagine myself as an actor. Salman literally took me under his wings. I travelled with him for nearly two years while he was engaged on Veer and Wanted, and worked out with him. He believed in me and that’s why I'M here today,” Arjun told HT.

The 26-year-old son of filmmaker Boney Kapoor is all excited and pepped up about his foray within the industry with the much mentioned film, Ishaqzaade, where he's paired opposite actor Parineeti Chopra. “I know there are huge expectations from me, but I'M comfortable with it. It’s like I'M looking ahead to the exam, and i'm confident about my preparation. Right now, my aim is to be a fair actor. I WOULD LIKE people to look at our film,” says Arjun.

I'VE always gone for character oriented roles: Neil

By Hindustan Times

After his last release Player drew a blank on the box office, actor Neil Nitin Mukesh is now gearing up for Bejoy Nambiar's David and a psychological thriller called 3G, where his character has various layers. "I'M doing David and preparations are on for it. But before that, I'M doing a
film with Sonal Chauhan..it is known as 3G. Its a horror film. It's at the lines of What Lies Beneath and Sixth Sense. This can be a psychological horror. I'VE always gone for character oriented roles," he said.

"My character in 3G is totally layered. It's a few guy who gets possessed and prefer I said this can be a psychological horror with the intention to portray a personality like that may be rather difficult, it's not about a kind of gory faces horror...it is a mind game. So anything with mind is interesting," he said.

Neil feels our industry is much behind Hollywood and that there's a need for futuristic films to be made here as well.

"I desire a special change in our industry and that's of futuristic cinema..I would really like audience to simply accept futuristic films. We're 50-60 years behind Hollywood. There are many such films like Jurassic Park, The Avengers that get released here they usually do good business," Neil told reporters here at an event, last evening.

"But once we make futuristic films here they don't do well. I THINK cinema is fictitious and bigger than life so should make some of these films and hence I did Aa Dekhen Zaara (a 2009 sci-fi romantic film)," he said.

Sachin, Rekha should be nominated to Rajya Sabha: Amitabh Bachchan

By Hindustan Times

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan on Saturday said that actress Rekha and cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar "deserved" to be nominated to the Rajya Sabha.

"In each session of Parliament, President nominates few set of individuals for Rajya Sabha from the fields of art, film etc. It's an honorary position. Whoever nominated for this (Rajya Sabha) are deserving people (sic)," Big B told reporters at an event held for promotion of his soon-to-be-released film, Department.

"I remember even (actress) Nargisji was nominated for Rajya Sabha," he said.

However, the nomination of the maestro to the higher House seems to haven't gone down well with actor Sanjay Dutt.

"It is an honour to be in Rajya Sabha. I'M a die-hard fan of Sachin...he is a pride...jewel of India. But IT'S NOT THAT I AM happy that he's a Rajya Sabha member....he must have been the best way he is," Dutt said.

When asked if being a parliamentarian might be too demanding for Rekha and Sachin, Bachchan said, "IT'S their personal decision...leave it to them".

Meanwhile, filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, who was also present at the occasion, evaded direct reply at the issue, saying, "I'VE no idea about cricket and politics"

Bollywood is filled with politics: Sameera Reddy

By Hindustan Times

Sameera Reddy who made a comeback in Bollywood with Priyadarshani's Tezz, says she is excited doing South films and explains why she left Bollywood before the industry could abandon her, reports Rediff.

Sameera Reddy shares that Bollywood is filled with politics and one should leave the industry if one can't play the sport. The 29-year-old is definitely satisfied together with her South career. "WHEN YOU FIND YOURSELF a queen on your own country, why would you need to go anywhere else?" actor tells Rediff.

Talking about her role in Tezz, Sameera explains to the web site: "I'VE done essentially the most difficult scene any girl has ever done on screen. This can be a crucial bike scene. I needed to undergo intensive training before pulling it off because we couldn't cheat the audience by utilizing a body double here."

The actor also told Rediff: "IN A SINGLE scene, I'm being chased by cops and feature to leap right into a river. I remember the temperature was two degrees and we were freezing like ice cubes. I needed to get within the river with two huge bags, go underwater for like 20 seconds, and dive clear of there".

In Priyadarshan's Tezz, Reddy plays a bad-ass antagonist chased by law-enforcer Anil Kapoor's choppers and bullets.

Vidya Balan's Kahaani completes 50 days, grosses Rs. 104 cr worldwide

By Hindustan Times

Sujoy Ghosh's Vidya Balan starrer Kahaani has written a brand new success story. The movie has not just completed 50 days on the box office, it has collected Rs. 104 crores from India and overseas.

"Kahaani celebrates 50 days on the BO. Grosses 104 cr worldwide. Fabulous!" Trade expert Taran Adarsh tweeted on Friday morning.

"@AniGuha @krnx #Kahaani gross figure from India + Overseas theatrical is 104 cr. Nett figure [India] is, of course, lower," Adarsh said in a respond to a follower.

"My intention was to make a movie and play with the script beautifully, I never considered the industrial aspect," Sujoy Ghosh had said in an interview.

"It's ultimately the film's script and the word of mouth so that they can ensure success for the movie," he added.

Director Sujoy Ghosh says he decided to take a risk with Vidya Balan starrer Kahaani, which looked an overly unfilmable story on paper. Sujoy says he was discouraged from making the film which had a pregnant woman because the lead star, a host of unknown actors and Kolkata as a backdrop after Home Delivery and Aladin failed on the box office.

"There was no guarantee whether this may increasingly work because whilst you look on paper, Kahaani is everything that a film shouldn't be. What's interesting in regards to the film is that it had no crutches but acting and how we told the tale. My heart was set on it though people discouraged me and many things happened. You get discouraged at every turn to your life but once your heart is about on something it is vitally hard to do anything and that is what happened to me," he said in a single of his interviews.

Sujoy feels that another thing that worked for the film was that he had a team whose faith within the story matched his conviction.

Ajay Devgn's Tezz gets mixed reviews

By Hindustan Times

Priyadarshan's Tezz starring Ajay Devgn, Anil Kapoor, Kangna Ranaut and Sameera Reddy is loaded with an ingenious premise, thrilling moments and action. But, regardless of the short, 120-minute running time, the film seems longer as a result of dips within the script, feel critics.

"Tezz is a great looking thriller filmed with expertise. Loaded with an ingenious premise, thrilling moments and action, Priyadarshan has curved it right into a tremendously well-executed movie. The film's sole objective is to maintain moving at a feverish pace, keeping the spectator completely immersed and entertained with the on-screen occurrences. Sure, there are some unwarranted moments [more on that later!], however the pacing is so breakneck and the cinematography so superior that it is easy to miss the few unreasonable moments," writes Taran Adarsh.

On the flip side, the back story of Zayed and Sameera vis-à-vis their camaraderie and solidarity with Ajay might have been more persuasive and higher elucidated for a higher impact. Only then would the episodes involving Zayed and Sameera and what prompts them to risk their lives to support Ajay in implementing his plans appear compelling. Similarly, the portions involving Ajay and Kangna, towards the latter half, appear synthetic. The fervour and zest of a pair uniting after five years is evidently amiss. Ditto for the overall moments. The hand handy combat scenes between Anil and Ajay adds value, but appear unwarranted and only stretch the narrative inanely. Besides, the visual effects might have been a wee bit superior," says Adarsh.

"In spite of the short, 120-minute running time, the film seems longer as a result of dips within the script. Dialogues, by Aditya Dhar, had to be more impactful," writes Mrigank Dhaniwala, Koimoi.com

"Without doubt, one of the chase sequences are gripping and well-executed however the sense of déjà vu always lingers. Only this time Bollywood faces are in the midst of the action. Kapoor and Devgn are excellent. Khan looks out of touch and lost (PS: He acted in a movie called Speed in 2007. It had nothing to do with the Keanu Reaves-starrer Speed Tezz is borrowed from. But was the remake of another Hollywood film altogether. Confused? It’s alright). Even the filmmakers thought Khan was so useless; they gave the nice stunts to Reddy, who's equally dazed because she has a brother who’s on his option to going blind. Really now? As ex-employees why they comply with be a part of Devgn’s plan is another discussion altogether. Then there’s South star Mohanlal, too, sadly reduced to a portly police officer waylaid at the ill-fated train. Kangana Ranaut has more of a cameo (thank heavens for small mercies). Sabu Cyril’s production design gives Tezz a slick look, however the script falters such a lot the pace stops mattering," writes Blessy Chettiar, DNA.

"Though lacking in novelty in the case of storyline, Tezz is full of powerful moments. In fact, it leaves one spell-bound with some breathtaking scenes like how Boman Irani saves the head-on collision between the high-speed bomb stricken train and another coming from the other side. Also, Sameera Reddy’s dare-devil stunts keep ones on the fringe of the seat. There's however, a flip side too because the screenplay looses threads post interval with some very unrealistic moments. Like how Anil Kapoor remains unhurt in a bomb explosion quite just about him," reports dailybhaskar.com.

"For a movie that struggles and strives to appear like a western product, its VFX is embarrassingly poor. When the train changes tracks, it looks as if an Anaconda sliding past with the swish of a PowerPoint slideshow. When Inspector Menon pounces from the bridge between two trains to at least one of them, the agility of his pounce can trounce any crouching tiger. However the trophy for essentially the most uninspiring VFX should be the building explosion scene where investigator Himanshu Verma is ‘dragged and dropped’ out of the window love it were done using a pc mouse. Look closely around his collar, there needs to be a cursor somewhere," writes Kunal Guha, Yahoo.

Direction
"Priyadarshan’s direction is located lacking within the dramatic scenes. Sajid-Wajid’s music is okay. Jalees Sherwani and Shabbir Ahmed’s lyrics are alright. Sandeep Chowta’s background score might have been better. Thiru S. Appun’s cinematography is functional. Sets, by Sabu Cyril, are fine. The visual effects are found lacking in different scenes. The editing is sharp," feels Dhaniwala.

"Priyadarshan all over again proves his prowess as director. He knits an intriguing plot especially first half. The film however, draws inspiration from Hollywood thriller Jan de Bont’s Speed starring Keanu Reeves. Many glaring loop-holes post interval leaves one in despair. Like, Anil Kapoor loses such a lot of moments where he could gauge the face of Ajay but to continue with the suspense element, the track gets dragged," reports dailybhaskar.com.

Performances
"It's a treat watching Anil Kapoor on screen. Though the actor was a vital part of such a lot of movies within the past, you'll be able to never accuse him of repeating himself. Besides, he is also in his early 50s, but that hasn't deterred Anil from performing the high-octane action stunts with flourish. Ajay Devgn excels over again. The actor has the very best demeanor, attitude and physical appearance for the nature he portrays. Also, people who felt that Ajay had reduce on action roles of late are in for a treat. Ajay's character has an emotional side, but it is the action portions, which he handles like a whole pro, that makes his character much more appealing," feels Adarsh.

"Kangna is a vital part of the film, however the screen time is proscribed. Nonetheless, her sequence with Anil towards the general moments catches your attention. Zayed doesn't get ample scope, but he's fantastic within the chase sequence towards the second one hour. Sameera gets to perform a little daredevil stunts and in addition gets a few interesting sequences to go away a mark and she or he clutches the chance with both the hands. Mohanlal, an actor par excellence, gets minimal scope. Boman Irani is astounding. Possible easily rate it amongst his best works. Mallika Sherawat sizzles within the 'Laila' track," he adds.

"Ajay Devgan delivers an outstanding performance as Aakash. He's suitable restrained. Anil Kapoor, as Arjun Khanna, is very good. The performances of both these actors make the film palatable to a big extent. Kangna Ranaut, as Nikita, gets limited scope. She does an alright job. Zayed Khan, as Aadil, is fine. Sameera Reddy, as Megha, fits the bill. Boman Irani, because the railway traffic controller, is excellent. Mohanlal, as police officer Shivan, doesn't add much value. Mallika Sherawat is alright in an item number," in step with Dhaniwala.

Conclusion
"On the whole, Tezz is a taut, entertaining action spectacle. People with an appetite for well-made thrillers should lap it up!" Adarsh concludes.

"On the whole, Tezz works in parts only, primarily as a result of fast moving second half and the performances. It is going to face strong opposition from The Avengers over its first weekend on the box-office," says Dhaniwala.

"May be Priyadarshan should keep on with mindless comedies, so that they can be certain we’re in safe territory. You won’t be missing much should you skipped Tezz," concludes Chettiar.

Tweet Review
IBNLiveMovies: #Tezz seems somewhat stretched towards the top 29 seconds ago

IBNLiveMovies: Plot of the film might have been better. Action sequences save the day for #Tezz. With the exception of the title track, music of the film is average 2 minutes

IBNLiveMovies: Kangna, Sameera and Zayed are good as supporting actors. Anil Kapoor will surprise you along with his stunts. It's not Ajay's best evidently #Tezz 6

IBNLiveMovies: Typical Bollywood style ending for #Tezz. The action packed climax leaves a room for a sequel too...

Tarun Mansukhani's Dostana 2 to finally roll

By Hindustan Times

Director Tarun Mansukhani has reportedly cracked the plot and eventually Dostana 2 is about to roll in the midst of the year. The film is alleged to be way more naughty and wicked and John Abraham says he can't wait to get cosy with Abhishek Bachchan at the screen again.

"Yes, Tarun Mansukhani has finally got the plot in place. And we're prepared. I maintain Abhishek is my best screen-jodi. And that i can't wait to get cosy with him on screen," said John, who featured within the part one with Abhishek in Dostana.

The sequel to the successful 2008 comedy could be set in two continents and would play at the gay-versus-straight theme way more aggressively.

Not willing to divulge too many details, John let out, 'Dostana 2 can be set in London and Punjab."

The sequel won't go anywhere near beaches and bikini babes either.

"The Californian seaside setting of 'Dostana' took care of all of the water-related activities. Dostana 2 would unfold on terra firma. No beaches and, sorry, no John in dangerously low-waist swimming trunks. The cracks, if any, would show elsewhere," said a source.

The idea this time is to show the tables at the principal actors. John would seem fully clothed and Abhishek, we hear, just may well be going bare-chested for the sequel.

"The sequel goes to be way more naughty and wicked. There will be a whole lot of sexual jokes, though Karan Johar and Tarun Mansukhani would be sure that the gay community wouldn't get offended. Innocuous fun would still be the key," said another source.

Sunidhi Chauhan gets married!

^Sunidhi Chauhan gets married!

Reality better than dreams: Katrina Kaif

By Hindustan Times

She was almost written off when she arrived in Bollywood. Nearly a decade later, with three Yash Raj projects, three reigning Khans as her co-stars and endorsements galore, actress Katrina Kaif says reality is much better than dreams. Katrina, 27, has teamed up with ex-boyfriend Salman Khan in Ek Tha Tiger, Aamir Khan in Dhoom 3 and Shah Rukh Khan for an untitled film -- all are being made under Yash Raj Films (YRF).

Not just that. Veteran director Yash Chopra is directing her film with Shah Rukh.

"Yashji undoubtedly is the king of romance and i've always admired the best way he presents his heroines. It was always a dream to work with him and the truth is even better," Katrina, who was mentioned in Britain and boasts of 28 Bollywood films, told IANS in an e-mail interview.

"He could be very precise in his brief on what he expects from a scene and intensely perceptive. It's been amazing to work with him," she added.

YRF's untitled film is her first project with Shah Rukh. Katrina is shocked by the superstar's energy.

"Shah Rukh is a radical gentleman and this can be a delight to work with him. I LOVE the sheer energy, exertions and keenness that he puts into his work. Additionally it is nice that my first film with him is a Yash Chopra film; they've done some great work together," she said.

If Katrina is coming into romantic mode with Shah Rukh, she's going to be doing numerous action too with Aamir in Dhoom 3.

" Dhoom 3 is an idea film and the characters are required to seem a undeniable way and do physically strenuous sequences. So there's a lot of physical training involved to arrange for the role," said Katrina.

Today she is counted some of the top Bollywood actresses, but Katrina doesn't believe within the numbers game and tries to not let anyone down.

"I don't think in numbers; the truth that I'm attending to work with the most efficient people within the industry makes me feel blessed. With every project I AM GETTING to be informed such a lot that I CANNOT thank all of the people around enough," she said.

"Every day on this industry is an experience in itself and that i attempt to work flat out to not let anyone down. This can be a great feeling, however it does include responsibility towards your colleagues and the audiences," she added.

When Katrina entered Bollywood with the 2003 release Boom, trade pundits had predicted it was touch and opt for her in tinsel town. But she has proved everyone wrong by giving hit after hit.

In a span of just about a decade, Katrina has given hits like Maine Pyaar Kyon Kiya?, Welcome, Sarkar, Race, Ajab Prem Ki Gajab Kahani, Raajneeti and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.

"I am very fortunate that I'VE BEEN working with some very senior and experienced directors almost from the start of my career - Raj Kanwar, Abbas-Mustan, Raj Kumar Santoshi to call a few," said Katrina, whose recent Slice ad "Ab Ras Barsega" is out and she or he is asking her ravishing best in it.

"As for the directors, banners, actors and projects I'M working with today, I'VE just gone about doing my work to the most efficient of my abilities and in as professional a fashion as possible," she added.

Anupama Chopra's review: Tezz

By Hindustan Times

Film: Tezz
Direction: Priyadarshan
Actors: Anil Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, Boman Irani
Rating: **

Tezz is an unapologetic, unacknowledged copy of the 1975 Japanese film The Bullet Train. Director Priyadarshan and writer Robin Bhatt liberally lift the plot and whole sequences from the film. So here too, we've a bomb on a train for you to blow up if the train slows down. But protagonists in Hindi cinema who bask in criminal activities should be accessorised with a suitably tragic backstory. So the mastermind behind this heinous deed — Aakash, played by Ajay Devgn — is an illegal immigrant who's rudely evicted from the united kingdom and separated from his pregnant wife. He joins hands with two other illegal immigrants and decides to show the authorities a lesson!

Even if you happen to can get past the foolishness of this premise, Tezz has little to provide. Once the location is ready up, the entire characters begin to snarl orders. So the top traffic controller, played with minimal finesse by Boman Irani, rages at his counterpart from the counter-terrorism unit, Arjun Khanna played by Anil Kapoor (yes, the entire key jobs within the UK has been taken by Indians). To up the emotional stakes, the traffic controller’s daughter is at the train, but this narrative thread goes nowhere (within the second half, the film becomes the chase-for-Aakash and the train and its passengers are almost forgotten). Meanwhile, Aakash makes ransom demands but additionally finds time to mope about London reminiscing about his wife. There’s even an item number in a spot called Desi Club, where London Indians gather to look at Mallika Sherawat shimmy about, surrounded by dancers dressed as vampires.

The neatest thing about Tezz is its length — mercifully short — and the action, choreographed by Gareth Milne (Bourne Identity, Bourne Ultimatum) and coordinated by Peter Pedrero.

There’s a fascinating parkour-inspired chase sequence or even Sameera Reddy, playing one in every of Aakash’s helpers, gets to perform a little nifty moves on a motorcycle. But, for a movie with a speeding vehicle at its centre, Tezz is curiously inert. I felt most sorry for Mohanlal, certainly one of our country’s finest actors, here doing a cameo as a cop at the train. At one point, he's straddled between two trains, helping passengers shift from the only with the bomb to at least one without, as both move at deathly speeds. Can Bollywood please offer him a greater role?

Vivek Oberoi to play a cop in Saali Khushi

By Hindustan Times

After memorable outings as a gangster, actor Vivek Oberoi is ready to don a cop’s avatar in director Sagar Ballary’s next, Saali Khushi. Written by Saajan Agarwal, the film is a human interest drama set amidst dance bars and the underworld. “It has got funny shades, however it isn't a comedy,” say Ballary in regards to the film that may be set to move at the floors in May.

The director is attempting to get Mallika Sherawat because the female lead. “There are some date issues with Mallika. I AM HOPING they are going to be sorted out soon,” he says.

He also rubbishes speculations that he had paired the 2 actors for producer-duo Nadir and Nariman Irani’s untitled project that was shelved, and that Vivek and Mallika were then asked to go back their signing amounts.
“We never roped in Vivek and Mallika for every other film,” says the Bheja Fry (2007) director. “And since we were never in talks with Mallika, there has been no signing amount. I don’t understand how such rumours spread.”

Saali Khushi also stars Zakir Hussain, Rajpal Yadav, Abhimanyu Singh, and Sanjay Mishra.“I have gotten an ensemble cast from the National School of Drama and am happy to work with them,” says Ballary.

The film is being produced by debutant Mukesh Chaudhary under his banner, Street Act Production. Ballary took up the project as he was swayed by the storyline and the star cast.

Ask whether the film has item numbers as well, and he says, “Given the setting of the film, it has four item numbers.”

Veteran actor Rajesh Khanna discharged from hospital

By Hindustan Times

Yesteryear actor Rajesh Khanna, who was admitted to Mumbai's Lilavati hospital after he reportedly felt uneasy and weak on Monday night, have been dischaged.

"Rajeshji was admitted two days back. He had gone for a traditional checkup, nothing serious. He's back home. He was discharged yesterday afternoon," the 69-year-old's manager Ashwin told IANS.

"Dimple Kapadia is caring for Rajeshji. She is usually by his side. She took him to the hospital. He's doing perfectly fine now. Nothing to worry," he added.

Khanna married Dimple Kapadia in 1973 and has two daughters from the wedding. The 2 separated in 1984 and thereafter lived separately, but didn't complete the divorce proceedings.

Their elder daughter Twinkle Khanna, actor-turned-interior decorator, is married to Akshay Kumar and younger daughter Rinki Khanna, also a former actor, is married to London-based investment banker Samir Saran.

Konkona back on film sets, says Ranvir

By Hindustan Times

Actor Ranvir Shorey says his wife, actor Konkona Sen Sharma, who took a sabbatical after their son Haroon’s birth, is back under arc lights.

Konkona, who was last seen in a cameo in 2011 release, 7 Khoon Maaf, might be seen in filmmaker Anant Mahadevan’s Gaur Hari Dastaan. She plays Odisha’s freedom fighter Gaur Hari Das’ wife in it.

“She goes to come back out full guns blazing. That part we played quite well. I took six months off, she took two years off. Haroon came to the sets of Gaur Hari Dastaan when he was not up to a year,” said Ranvir, who's creating a special appearance within the film.

Ranvir and Konkona tied the knot in September 2010 and had a son in 2011. “Haroon’s birth really had a profound effect on me and that i think it had on Konkona also. It's fabulous, it's the smartest thing that has happened to me. The sort of beautiful feeling I can’t tell you,” Ranvir said, adding: “It’s a fantastic experience. My mother passed on to the great beyond about eight-nine years ago and he or she always was after me to get married. I WAS like, ‘No, not now.’ And now once I have a family, I realise what she meant,” he added.

Lara Dutta on baby duty!

By Hindustan Times

Actor Lara Dutta, 34, who gave birth to a child girl in January, says although she is reading scripts, she won’t be back to work for some time.

“I havn’t been removed from work, I WILL BE ABLE TO slowly take it in my stride. I'M films and scripts. But I won’t be back for some months because I
want to ensure my baby is secure,” she said.

Our heroes are already superheroes, minus capes: Ranbir Kapoor

By Hindustan Times

The mother of superhero movies, The Avengers, opens today, but Ranbir Kapoor is unimpressed. Chatting with Anupama Chopra within the first episode of her new show, Front Row with Anupama Chopra, the actor says he’s rarely liked a superhero film.

Excerpts from the interview:

Anupama: Ranbir, you were saying that you simply don’t really enjoy superhero movies.You’re not this type of big fan. Why?

Ranbir: No particular reason. I’m a large fan of the brand new Batman series that Christopher Nolan has done. I SUPPOSE what we have a tendency to forget is that even though we're creating a superhero film, it’s not only that “I am creating a film a few superhero”. It’s the type of storytelling that you’re doing and the type of the villain that plays this sort of powerful role in creating a good superhero film.

Anupama: It’s only pretty much as good because the villain.

Ranbir: Absolutely. Then it just makes the superhero look cooler. You should root for him. But it’s not that I hate superhero films. It’s very rarely that I’ve liked an excellent superhero film with the exception of the early Superman series and the Christopher Nolan Batman series.

Anupama: Tom Hiddleston says that superhero movies offer us a contemporary mythology and it’s a faithless mythology. Religion has no a part of it. Do you think could be true or are we projecting an excessive amount of into popcorn entertainment?

Ranbir: Director Dibakar Banerjee once told me, “We all have the desire to make these artistic films, we wish to make good story films and depressing films and happy films and all that. But when we go by train within the morning we see men and women sitting with thalis and they’re cutting vegetables. They’re going to work and they’re coming back. They would like to come back and so they need to escape. They would like to look the hero beating up bad guys they usually need to see entertainment.” So popcorn entertainment is a great thing. But I don’t think they're bastardising any mythological culture or anything of that kind. I FEEL within the Hindi film industry, the audience loves to see our heroes who're superheroes themselves without wearing underwear and a cape.

Ranbir Kapoor to romance Evelyn

By Hindustan Times

The German-Indian model-turned-actor Evelyn Sharma, made her foray into Bollywood opposite actor Pratiek in director Manish Tiwari’s Issaq, which releases in the midst of this year. She's going to now be seen playing actor Ranbir Kapoor’s love interest in Ayan Mukherjee’s next, Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani (YJHD), which also stars Deepika Padukone, Kalki Koechlin and Aditya Roy Kapur. Evelyn says, “The character I play may be very girly and initially of the movie, Ranbir falls in love with her.” She adds, “I can’t name them, but many actors auditioned for this part and so they finally chose me.”

Evelyn has finished shooting an incredible a part of the film by now. “It’s about how a hot girl comes right into a guy’s life and he eventually starts taking interest in her. The role is very interesting and we've song and dance sequences together as well,” she says.

Compared to YJHD, Evelyn has a more intense role in Issaq. Explaining her role within the movie, Evelyn says, “I play a foreigner who involves Banaras for a trip. It’s just like the desi version of Romeo and Juliet. My role is of Roasaline, Romeo’s first love, who breaks his heart. In Issaq my name is Rosa and she or he doesn’t endorse his (Prateik) ideas of affection. Instead, she teaches him what love actually is.”

Ask her if she's going to be seen performing some bold scenes in either of the films, she says, “I have just one kissing scene with Prateik. But there are not any intimate scenes with Ranbir.”

Her modelling career helped Evelyn get many film offers, but she chose to coach herself before venturing into B-Town. She says, “I took proper training in acting for four months under director Rahul Rawail. In his academy, additionally they taught me tips on how to read and write Hindi. I brushed up my diction, as I DIDN'T want another person dubbing for me.” Currently, Evelyn is learning to bop. She is going to even be seen in From Sydney, With Love, for which she has finished shooting.

Madhuri Dixit signs Anubhav Sinha's next!

By Hindustan Times

Bollywood diva Madhuri Dixit appears to be on movie signing spree. After Vishal Bhardwaj's Dedh Ishqiya, the actress has accepted Anubhav Sinha's Gulab Gang.

"Just signed a second film called 'Gulab Gang'! Go girl power! It's to be produced by Anubhav Sinha, and directed by Soumik Sen," Madhuri wrote on her Facebook page.

However, no further details on Madhuri's new project can be found. Dedh Ishqiya is sequel to 2010 film Ishqiya, which featured Vidya Balan, Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi.

While Naseer and Arshad reprise their roles, Vidya's place was taken by Madhuri within the film.

The actress is ready to go back to the small screen also because the judge of the fifth season of Jhalak Dikhla Jaa and has started shooting for its promos.

"Meanwhile, on my strategy to shooting promos for 'Jhalak Dikla Ja'. The team is awesome and that i think this season must be great!" she posted.

Jaya-Rekha clash in Rajya Sabha has tongues wagging!

By Hindustan Times

A sequel to the 1981 hit Silsila, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan and Rekha, is within the making. The setting this time: Rajya Sabha. Soon after news of President Pratibha Patil approving the nomination of actor Rekha to the higher House, cyberspace was flooded with jokes at the ‘love
triangle’ being carried forward to Parliament.

While Rekha is understood to be actor Amitabh Bachchan’s ex-flame, the superstar’s wife, actor Jaya Bachchan is already a member of the Rajya Sabha. This announcement means that the 2 ladies in Big B’s life will come face to face, just as they did onscreen in Silsila. Lyricist Javed Akhtar, who wrote the songs of the film, may be a Rajya Sabha member.

“The Prez has done what #amitabh couldn’t do- get #Rekha and #Jaya in same house ... #rajyasabha”,” wrote @gumraah.

“Silsila 2: #Rekha and #Jaya within the same House,” wrote Surajit Dasgupta. User Rakesh M Chaturvedi tweeted,

“#Rekha joins her bete noire Jaya Bachchan within the #RajyaSabha. Khoob jamegi jab mil baithenge diwane do :p Wonder what Amitabh is thinking”. Parth Kulkarni wrote,

“BigB to JayaB : “Kahan ja rahi ho? RS? Ruko, main chhod atta hu”#Rekha. @Deepa xoxo wrote, “It’s been some time we haven’t seen B-Town Cat fights! Now that #JayaBand #Rekha within the same house, guess its time for some entertainment!”

Bollywood actor Rekha
However, the film fraternity stands divided on if Rekha and Jaya could be in a position to handle it. “Rekha and Jaya won’t be comfortable facing each other, as a result of Amitabh,” says industry expert Amod Mehra. Trade pundit Kumar Mohan, however, says, “Rekha is a girl of dignity. Our industry may be very small and we stay here like a family. There won’t be any problem ... Whenever they meet, they’ll meet like colleagues and mature ladies.”

Do they make a difference?
Meanwhile, because the initial euphoria around cricket star Sachin Tendulkar being nominated to Rajya Sabha passes, many ponder whether an active cricketer who's at the field for around 250 days a year could be capable of do justice to his parliamentary duties. Former celeb members of the Rajya Sabha are known to was mostly absent from the higher House’s proceedings. India’s nightingale Lata Mangeshkar is thought to haven't attended a single session ever since she became a member of the home in 1999(-2005).

Tendulkar, 39, would be the first cricketer to be nominated to the Rajya Sabha. On Thursday and Friday, a hash tag on Twitter, ‘#UnfollowSachin’ slammed the move. The Master Blaster, however, had supporters too. Shabana Azmi, a former Rajya Sabha member, tweeted, “Don’t forget Sachin had taken on d shiv sena and said that Maharashtra belongs to each Indian not only to Maharashtrians(sic).” Actor Gul Panag wrote, ‘I am DESIROUS ABOUT Sachin for RS. Better than a retired 60+ sports person no?”

B-Town actors make a dash in Hollywood

By Hindustan Times

Indian actors has been making brief appearances in Hollywood films. But things are different now. Cameos are becoming substantial roles for Bollywood A-listers like Anil Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Amitabh Bachchan and Irrfan Khan. Right now, Anil Kapoor is in talks with director Anand
Tucker of Intercalary year fame for a Hollywood film titled The Indian Sherlock. The actor has earlier starred in crossover films like Slumdog Millionaire and Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol.

The Indian Sherlock is reportedly a mystery-thriller based in modern India. The tale revolves across the investigation methods of the Punjabi character, Vish Puri. When contacted, Kapoor confirmed the advance to Hindustan Times. “Yes, I'VE BEEN approached, but nothing is finalised yet. Let’s see how things go,” said the actor.

It's not just Kapoor who's making waves overseas, increasingly more mainstream actors are dabbling into Hollywood projects. So when Shabana Azmi makes news for Kathryn Bigelow's next Zero Dark Thirty, you aren't surprised.

Recently the primary promo of Bipasha Basu's Hollywood debut Singularity hit the internet. The actor plays a Maratha warrior within the film opposite Josh Harnett and by the look of it, she seems to have done justice to her role.

Directed by Roland Joffé, Singularity is a time travel adventure film set against the backdrop of the primary Anglo-Maratha war across two time periods and continents. The film is centred around four characters and Bipasha is certainly one of them.

"Bollywood actors work so much. I remember I COULDN'T fit my dates for Singularity. Roland Joffe (director) wanted me to coach for a month and that i could get just a week. There has been a time when Roland would have dropped me because I USED TO BE not giving enough time for the preparations," Bipasha told PTI.

Interestingly, Aishwarya Rai's blink-and-miss performance in Pink Panther 2 was more mentioned than Bipasha's full fledged role in Singularity. Probably India has got used to Bollywood stars venturing into Hollywood now.

That's probably why when Amitabh Bachchan signed Baz Luhrmann's The good Gatsby, it made news, nevertheless it didn't hog millions and millions of newsprints.

Big B revealed on his blog that he had "refused any remuneration" for his portrayal of shady businessman Meyer Wolfsheim within the film. He said he had agreed to enroll in the solid – in his Hollywood debut – as a favour to Luhrmann.

"Baz Luhrmann, during his private visit to India last year, had dropped by my office to fulfill me and presented me with some paintings of a prominent painter who was accompanying him," Bachchan wrote. "He called last month and wondered if I MIGHT do that small role in his film, and that i agreed. This is a gesture," he said on the time.

Irrfan Khan is portraying the role of Dr Ratha within the next installment of Spiderman titled The fantastic Spiderman. The film is being directed by Marc Webb.

Dr Ratha is a key character within the film, the face of the research laboratory Oscorp and a detailed associate of Dr Curt Connors aka The Lizard, who plays Peter Parker's dad's ex-business associate.

Ask Irrfan, how the project came through, that is what he needed to say, "It just happened. I still wouldn't have a PR. International films didn't come to me on account of P Rs. It came to me as a result of my work. It came to me because I USED TO BE destined to work there,” he told IANS.

Apart from Spiderman 4, Irrfan Khan may be doing Ang Lee's Lifetime of Pi. In line with the Yann Martel bestseller, the drama tells of a boy named Pi (Suraj Sharma) who's stranded at sea for months on end, in conjunction with a tiger named Richard Parker, a hyena, a zebra and an orangutan.

Set for a 3D release in December, Lifetime of Pi co-stars Tobey Maguire, Irrfan Khan, Adil Hussain and Gerard Depardieu.

Indian actors' previous Hollywood outings

Aishwarya Rai in Pink Panther 2: Aishwarya Rai played a camero in Harald Zwart's spy comedy film The Pink Panther 2. She played the role of criminology expert Sonia Solandres. The film however didn't sizzle the BO.

Anil Kapoor in Mission Impossible 4 and Slumdog Millionaire: He played a villain in Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol and a job with negative shades in Slumdog Millionaire.

Mallika Sherawat in Myth, Hisss and Love, Barack, Obama: Though she has an outstanding list of Hollywood films to turn off in her CV, a Hollywood hit still eludes the actress.

Om Puri in East is East and West is West: Om Puri portrayed a first-generation Pakistani immigrant within the north of England, struggling to return to terms together with his way more westernised children. He also worked within the sequel to the film West is West.

Naseeruddin within the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: He played Captain Nemo within the Hollywood comic book adaptation The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

Kabir Bedi in Octopussy: He played the role of villainous Gobinda within the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy.

Ek Deewana Tha – Prateik Babbar and Amy Jackson in Upcoming Hindi Film

^After his unconventional last movie (Dhobi Ghat), Prateik Babbar is ready to burn the screen with supermodel Amy Jackson of their upcoming Hindi movie, Ek Deewana Tha. About Ek Deewana Tha It sort of feels almost everything about Ek Deewana Tha, aside from the lead actors, was copied from Gautham Menon’s Tamil film, Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa (VTV). [...]

Talaash Movie Trailer – Will it's a success or a flop?

^Talaash is the name of Aamir Khan’s next Bollywood movie. Written and directed by Reema Kagti, Talaash also stars Rani Mukherji and Kareena Kapoor. It’s a suspense thriller where Aamir plays the role of a cop called Surjan Singh Sekhawat. Deadly! Talaash might just thrill your brains out. Let’s hope it does – the last decent [...]

Ekk Deewana Tha Music Review

^Ekk Deewana Tha is a remake by Gautam Menon of his earlier Tamil masterpiece Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa(VTV), which he had remade in Telugu as Yeh Maaya Chesave (YMC). Prateik Babbar and Amy Jackson are playing the principle characters in Ekk Deewana Tha. Read more about Ekk Deewana Tha The music of VTV/YMC have been composed by A R Rahman and [...]

Superstars of Classic Hindi Cinema – Old Bollywood Stars

^“Superstar” is an adjective which is never attached to new actors in 21st century Bollywood. There are stars and actors and there are prodigies and immensely talented youngsters, but are you able to name a single actor who can also be termed a superstar? Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan are perhaps the one current actors who [...]

Ajay Devgan is more ‘Tezz’ than Anil Kapoor on F1 track

It was like an exciting action sequence on the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) when Bollywood stars Anil Kapoor and Ajay Devgan raced in Lamborghinis on Formula 1 track to advertise their upcoming flick ‘Tezz’. Attired smartly in a blue checked shirt and wayfarer shaded, Ajay outdid Anil Kapoor and said, “This is the primary time [...]

Oprah Winfrey tweets the primary pic of Aishwarya post her delivery

Oprah Winfrey shares a unique bond with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan who has appeared twice on her show. Rumors even have it that Oprah has shot an exclusive episode with the Bachchan Bahu for her show Next Chapter and Aishwarya may well be seen with her daughter in her show. When Winfrey visited India this January [...]

Alia Bhatt paired with Ranbir Kapoor for Abhinav Kashyap?

That Mahesh Bhatt and Soni Razdan’s daughter Alia is making her debut with Karan Johar’s ‘Student of the Year’ is an old one. What few people know is the truth that Alia had first been offered a movie by Abhinav Kashyap but Karan Johar’s flick first went on floors. On this flick, Alia will, in [...]

Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award 2012 for Madhuri Dixit

Madhuri Dixit has another feather added to her professional honours as she is selected this year for Raj Kapoor awards constituted by the Maharashtra government. Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan announced her name at the side of Shyam Benegal. Benegal will be conferred the Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award-2012 while Madhuri Dixit could be honoured with the Raj [...]

Kareena Kapoor to be seen as queen Arundhati

Kareena Kapoor is actually going places. After becoming the endorsement queen, she has also bagged in a considerable role as queen Arundhati within the Hindi remake of 2009 Telugu blockbuster Arundhati. Being a robust role in a girl centric flick, many actresses were eyeing for it. The role of the devil who gets killed by [...]

Offers flooding in for Saif’s daughter Sara Ali Khan

Ever since Saif Ali Khan’s sixteen year old daughter Sara Khan appeared at the covers of ‘Hello!’ a couple of days back, offers was flooding in to cast her in movies. And we can't blame the filmmakers too as Sara looked utterly pretty and gracious in Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla creation. The very proud Mother Amrita [...]

Anil Kapoor and Bipasha Basu announce the venue for 13th IIFA awards

The development for the announcement of the 13th IIFA Awards in Singapore was all glamour and glitter as Bollywood stars graced the development. The 13th IIFA Awards may be held for 3 days in Singapore from June 7 to 9 this year. Being the host for the IIFA the second one time, Singapore will celebrate the [...]

Rajasmita Kar walks away as ‘Dance India Dance 3′ winner

The third season of ‘Dance India Dance’ on Zee TV ended with Odissa girl Rajasmita Kar walking away with the winning title. An all elated 21 year old Rajasmita said, “I feel like a celebrity. Individuals are clicking my pictures and wish to understand more about me. I used to observe all this happening to [...]

Suuny Leone signs her second project with Ekta Kapoor

Ekta Kapoor’s ‘Ragini MMS’ had an optimum dose of sensuality and horror. So, when Ekta Kapoor decided to get a sequel done for the flick, she zeroed in on none rather than the porn star Sunny Leone, the newest sex rage in our Tinsel town. Bollywood seems to have suited Sunny quite well as even [...]

Katrina Kaif becomes Sheila again for Zoya Akhtar

Katrina Kaif took Bollywood by rage together with her sizzling number ‘Sheila Ki Jawani’. So, when Zoya Akhtar started her documentary project on 100 years of Bollywood titled ‘Sheila Ki Jawaani’, it was but natural for her to rope in Katrina as Sheila for her film. Because the documentary tells the tale of a man who [...]

Bollywood's Dibakar Banerjee on his uncommon Shanghai

By Hindustan Times

Political thrillers don't seem to be that common in Bollywood but then director and producer Dibakar Banerjee rarely chooses conventional subjects for his films.

Banerjee, 42, explored sexual attitudes in small-town India with Love Sex aur Dhokha, Love, Sex and Betrayal, in 2010. His latest film puts
the spotlight at the dark underbelly of urban development in rapidly modernising India.

The filmmaker spoke to Reuters about his new project, the political film Shanghai concerning the mysterious death of a social activist and the bureaucrat investigating it.

Q: What would you assert is the core theme of Shanghai?
A: "Shanghai is set the strength of the person, because unless and until the individual stands up, there'll be no public. The general public could be very fickle. They modify their leaders. Even Gandhi did not have a following forever. By the point he finished telling everyone to not partition the country, the partition had happened. The rustic just wanted a quick-fix solution and so they steamrolled all over the place him.

"Collective will can change - Shanghai also shows that - the ability of the mob. How the mob can be utilized to mention anything and let or not it's construed to be in national interest ... I've spoken to and skim such a lot of accounts of these who've been in mobs and robbed and pillaged, and they're as defeated and as forgotten because the victims. Shanghai talks about how our lives, more often than not, are controlled by powers that we do not recognise."

Q: What's within the name Shanghai?
A: "The core of Shanghai is that this belief by educated Indians that we've got to be like China or we need to beat China or that China is best than us or that China is stronger than us. It is a pet peeve that the educated middle-class has, and it shows how we're looking to define ourselves by someone else's yardstick. It is simple as it will give you a quick-fix solution that we have got to be like China, or we do not have to be like China. But I'VE travelled extensively in China, and that i know that they've their very own problems and they're sorting them out of their own way."

Q: Is it difficult to bring these types of ideas and thoughts right into a film?
A: "IT IS NOT difficult, it's impossible. What you are saying a film is, is totally different from what the movie is. The entire ideas that you just think the film is about, it can't be about them - the film is ready the characters within the film and whatever they discover, the audience discovers. So a few of it's discovered in a large way, a few of it in a small way and a few of it on no account. But it's important to have those ideas to make the film. It's like a boxer who, before a bout, also runs or skips. The audience won't see it, but you must do it...
"Then you hope that the audience gets it. I DO KNOW for a incontrovertible fact that Michael Bay has a far larger audience than Woody Allen or the Coen brothers, but that hasn't ever stopped the Coen brothers or Allen from making films. I THINK that all of us have our place within the world, so long as there is a budget for us."

Q: Are you able to segregate the producer personality from the director personality?
A: "IT'S A MUST TO. As a director, as an inventive person, I'M making the film for myself; as a producer, I WOULD LIKE it to succeed. To make a successful film, you need to segregate these two personalities. If this one doesn't work, I COULD not get the cash to make my next film."

Q: Do you think that there will be a time while you shouldn't have to consider budgets and profits and just make what you want?
A: "I WILL BE scared. I DO KNOW there is no free lunch. If someone will provide you with money and says do what you want, it signifies that he doesn't know what he's doing and tomorrow it will come again and bite you. I'm more than pleased if someone tells me that there's little or no money, but market forces inform you that you simply can't go wrong."

Q: What's your next project?
A: "My next one is with none social subtext."

Q: Really? How is that possible?
A: "(Laughs) It's creeping in, as we write it. It is a detective whodunit thriller set in Kolkata of the 1940s. It's about good versus evil -- good man and bad man and epic struggle between them."

Hrithik Roshan to become Maharashtra's brand ambassador?

By Hindustan Times

Two years ago, Amitabh Bachchan donned a fully new avatar as Gujarat’s first-ever brand ambassador. A COUPLE OF weeks ago, West Bengal, in a bid to offer state’s image some zing, roped in Shah Rukh Khan as its face. And now the Maharashtra government has apparently approached Hrithik Roshan to assist sell the state’s sights and sounds to tourists.

“An agency hired by the federal government approached Hrithik a couple of days ago to become the state’s brand ambassador. They'd sent a mail to Hrithik’s team. It was immediately forwarded to him. But he hasn’t been capable of take the general call considering his super busy schedule of Krrish 3,” says a member of Hrithik’s entourage.

Apparently the federal government agency wants Hrithik to take a couple of days off from his schedule to work on an intensive campaign for the state. “They have plans to shoot a docu-film with him in places equivalent to Kolhapur, Mahabaleshwar, Raigad and Mumbai. Even a photograph shoot have been planned,” says the insider, adding that Hrithik is busy with Krrish 3 till October.

It’s believed that Hrithik too is eager on understanding his schedule to slot in the campaign since he thinks this can be a ‘great honour.’ “But everything will depend on the schedule. It is still seen how they figure out the dates considering Hrithik might be busy for an additional four-five months. So the massive question is: will the agency wait till then?” adds the insider.

Despite repeated attempts, Hrithik remained unavailable for a comment. But Jagdish Mali of Jagdish Mali Productions, the agency approached by MTDC for the campaign, confirms, “Yes, MTDC has contacted me for the campaign. They feel Maharashtra’s tourism must be promoted. I'VE approached Hrithik, but there’s no confirmation or denial from him yet. They (MTDC) wish to announce it on May 1, so we can see how things work out,” says.

However, Dr Jagdish Patil, managing director of MTDC, stated: “At the corporation level, I'M REALLY NOT acutely aware of one of these move (that is, approaching Hrithik) since I'M travelling right now.”

‘State of Affairs’
A collection of celebrities promote various Indian states:
Amitabh Bachchan: Gujarat
Shah Rukh Khan: West Bengal
Aamir Khan: Incredible India
Preity Zinta: Himachal Pradesh
Prachi Desai: Goa
Saina Nehwal: Andhra Pradesh

John Abraham to wed Priya Runchal this year

By Hindustan Times

Post the success of Vicky Donor, actor-turned-producer John Abraham has decided to calm down in life. Yes, you read it right! The Bollywood hunk is ready to marry his ladylove Priya Runchal this year.

There were rumours that the 2 got married in La a couple of months ago, however, that isn't the case. "Priya and i've decided to get married this year," the actor told a daily.

The lovebirds met last April and because then were spotted together at various occasions. "I met Priya through a typical friend, there has been an instant connection. I WILL consult her about anything. Ours is an overly honest relationship. We will tell one another everything. That's a benchmark for a healthy relationship," the daily quoted him as saying.

John says the marriage bells could ring in per week or a couple of months. "I DO KNOW it is going to be this year, but I DO NOT know when. It usually is in a couple of months or a couple of weeks. I'M an overly impulsive guy. So I'D choose to get married next week! It's possible that our wedding can have just 10 people, if we include close family," the Force star told the daily.

John-Bipasha called it quits after eight years of courtship. John apparently wasn't able to take their relationship to the following level which ended in their separation. But things are different with the investment banker. "Because I WILL BE ABLE TO be myself together with her. There aren't any pretenses. We do not even fight, though we argue sometimes," he told the daily.

Guess, you recognize when it's right! We want the couple good luck.

Bollywood Release: Tezz

By Hindustan Times

Bollywood Release: Tezz

Esha Gupta turns to Madhuri, Sridevi for acting lessons

By Hindustan Times

Model-actress Esha Gupta, who debuts in Bollywood with Jannat 2, says Madhuri Dixit and Sridevi's films act as an instructional for her. "At one point my favourite actresses was Madhuri and Sridevi. I still watch their films to be told acting because they've been great actresses in this
industry," the 26-year-old said in an interview.

She also likes Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra.

"Currently, I LIKE Kareena, I BELIEVE she is beautiful, gorgeous, and each dialogue she says has a special expression. And yes, Priyanka. I FEEL either one of them are only amazing," said Esha.