Rani-Aditya make it official?

By Hindustan Times

Rani Mukherjee who turned a year older on March 21 was spotted celebrating her birthday with beau Aditya Chopra in London, reports Mumbai Mirror.

A source from Yash Raj Films told the tabloid, “For the past few years, Rani and Adi was celebrating their birthdays and all important occasions along side. Adi currently stationed in London to appear into his father’s directorial venture with Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma, Rani decided to take a break from shooting for Anurag Kashyap’s Aaiya and flew right down to London to celebrate her birthday on March 21 with Adi.”

Not only this, she also visited the sets of Yash Chopra's yet-untitled movie.

Rani, Adi, Yash Chopra and SRK went for dinner and spent some quality time together, in keeping with the tabloid.

“Rani also visited the sets of Yash Chopra’s yet-untitled film. He seems to have given his nod to the relationship, and rumour is that the couple will tie the knot this year,” the source was quoted by the tabloid.

Rani Mukherjee who had up to now avoided making public appearances isn't fearful of public scrutiny anymore. “Rani has always denied dating Adi. But now that the couple have decided to get married this year, she doesn't need to hide the connection anymore. So she went to London or even visited the sets where the unit was shooting,” another source told the publication.

Flops don't bother me, says Akshay Kumar

By Hindustan Times

His previous couple of films won't have done well on the box office but actor Akshay Kumar says he has seen a rougher patch earlier in his career when he delivered 14 flops.

Except for Desi Boyz, Akshay's recent outings including Priyadarshan's Khatta Meetha, Vipul Shah's Action Replayy, Farah Khan's Tees Maar Khan, Anees Bazmee's Thanks didn't fare well with the audience, however the actor is least perturbed with flops.

"Flops don't bother me, I just work harder in my next film. Every individual has to head from high to low and from low to high. If you happen to understand that, then you definitely won't ever have a problem," Akshay said.

"Seven years ago, I delivered 14 flops... big deal! You simply carry on working," the 44-year-old actor added.

At a time when actors like Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and others are vying for Rs 100-crore mark at the opening weekend at BO, Akshay says records will keep it up happening and breaking.

"I was the primary guy whose film Singh is Kinng raked in Rs 70-80 crores but soon any other film came in and the record was broken. That benchmark goes to extend every year, today it's Rs 100 crores, tomorrow it's going to Rs 150 or 200 crores, in the future after five years, Rs 400 crores would appear less. So it (records) will keep breaking," he said.

However, Akshay has an eventful year this time, with Sajid Khan's multi-starrer comic-caper, Housefull 2, besides Prabhudeva-directed Rowdy Rathore, where he can be seen as a action hero, Shirish Kunder's fantasy adventure film Joker, action-comedy Khiladi 786 and a heist drama, Special Chabbis.

Sajid Khan as a director is funny: Asin

By Hindustan Times

Actor Asin Thottumkal, who's gearing up for her first multi-starrer Housefull 2, describes director Sajid Khan as funny and says he forgets to mention ‘cut’ once the shot is done.

“Sajid as a director is funny. He gets so fascinated about the scenes that he forgets to mention cut. We’d be doing a comedy scene and he’d start laughing in the midst of the scene, that too, at the mic and all of us would get distracted,” said Asin.

Housefull 2 is the actor’s fourth Hindi film after blockbuster hit Ghajini, London Dreams and Ready.

The actor, who has worked within the southern film industry as well, says she has learnt to be more careful concerning the way she presents herself and takes great care while selecting clothes for public appearances.

“I have realised that you will need to how you carry yourself specially when the national media is scrutinising you so much.

It’s a countrywide platform — everything is talked about, pointed out, so that you wish to live as much as that expectation,” said the 26-year-old.

Asin adds that her collection of clothes relies on how comfortable she can be wearing those. “(Earlier) I used to wear whatever my stylist would question me to wear. But now, I BELIEVE whether I'M comfortable sporting those clothes and in the event that they will suit me or not,” she said.

Shootout At Wadala is my Vaastav: John Abraham

By Hindustan Times

Actor John Abraham says his upcoming movie, Shootout at Wadala, may be a “career defining film.”

The actor says, “When people inquire from me what the film means to me, I say that this film is my ‘Vaastav’ (which had actor Sanjay Dutt within the lead). On a major note, this is a career defining film and it’s something that I'VE taken very seriously.” Directed by Sanjay Gupta, Shootout At Wadala also stars actors Anil Kapoor, Sonu Sood, Mahesh Manjrekar, Manoj Bajpayee, Tusshar Kapoor, Ronit Roy and Kangna Ranaut.

John AbrahamThe 29-year-old, who has turned producer with the film Vicky Donor, adds that he's having a good time with the team of his first production venture. “I am enjoying so much as a result of my cast, which incorporates Ayushman Khurana, Yami Gautam and Anu ji (Anu Kapoor). They're super talented. Our director is Shoojit Sircar, with whom I'M also doing my next film. We're a really perfect team, we're having a good time and very enjoying this,” says John.

The actor’s last release was the film Desi Boyz, which also starred actor Akshay Kumar. John is currently gearing up for director Sajid Khan’s film, Housefull 2, that is scheduled to hit theatres on April 5.

Aamir Khan's Dhoom: 3 not delayed

By Hindustan Times

The shooting of Dhoom: 3 will begin in May and Aamir Khan will join the forged and crew as per schedule, clarifies Yash Raj Films (YRF). A NUMBER ONE daily reported that the shooting of the film were indefinitely postponed and that it might be shot after Aamir completes work on Rajkumar Hirani's next.

"This is de facto baseless," said a press statement issued by YRF Tuesday. "Dhoom: 3 starts shooting in May 2012 and Aamir Khan joins the schedule in June as per plan."

Produced by Aditya Chopra, the film is written and directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya, who had written Dhoom and Dhoom 2.

Apart from Aamir, who plays the anti-hero within the film, the film will star Katrina Kaif along side Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra who played Jai Dixit and Ali, respectively, within the last two movies.

The film is slated for a 2013 release.

Agent Vinod headed for losses?

By Hindustan Times

“Agent Vinod opened dull at many centres,” says trade analyst Komal Nahta. “Given the weak reports, it sort of feels headed for losses. The price was too high and the collections are low when put next. The collections over the weekend are approximately Rs 27.5 to Rs 28 crores.”

There are several the explanation why the film isn't doing well, says trade analyst Amod Mehra. “One, it’s not strong in single screen theatres,” he says. “The masses and small towns don't seem to be understanding the film in any respect. Whatever footfalls you notice are within the multiplexes. And two, there is not any growth in numbers from the hole day to the weekend. That indicates the primary weekend rush started but didn’t multiply. And Monday’s early morning collections are very bad, which indicates the film won't hold on.”

Though the Saif Ali Khan-Kareena Kapoor starrer has no competition next week since no major films are releasing on Friday, Mehra doesn’t believe Agent Vinod can sustain itself on the box office. “Even Players (2012) had a transparent field,” he says. “What happened? If the film isn't good, it's going to not sustain. For a movie made at a high budget, Agent Vinod has an especially bad count. It'll not be capable of hold on.”

Sanjay Ghai, who heads the film production, distribution and exhibition firm Mukta Arts Ltd (Delhi), says, “Delhi and UP have made Rs 6 crore. If this were a low budget film, this figure would has been good for them. But given the production cost of this film, the cash it’s making across India isn't good.”

For Saif, however, Agent Vinod has provided the most important opening weekend he has needed to date. Says Dinesh Vijayn of Illuminati Films, producers of Agent Vinod, “The film has got Saif the most important opening up to now. His last big opening was Love Aaj Kal (2009), which opened at Rs 27 crores.”

Vijayn has a rather different tackle the film’s numbers to this point. He says, “The film made Rs 9.8 crores at the first day, Rs 10.2 crores at the second day and Rs 10 crores at the third day day. Agent Vinod was made at a value of Rs 50 crores and we spent Rs 12 crores on promotions. So the full cost is Rs 62 crores. The music of the film was sold at Rs 9 crores and satellite rights for seven years for Rs 21 crores.”

A distributor who didn't need to be named blamed the film’s poor box office showing on instant reviews and reactions put out by the country’s social networkers. “A good film normally takes a 20 per cent higher opening on Saturday and Sunday,” he says, “But the bad word of mouth and poor storyline has worked against the film. We got some scary and nasty forwards concerning the film on our phones.”

Jokes on Twitter
Saif to go to homes of Agent Vinod victims and paint their walls so as to recover the money.

Saw Agent Vinod! Kya agent hai, haath chalaata hai, laath chalaata hai, bandook chalaata hai, gaadi chalata hai, helicopter bhi chalaata hai, lekin afsos yeh film nahi chala payega.

ACP Pradyuman from CID will have solved the Agent Vinod case in HALF-HOUR and at 1/1000th the budget.

Nothing wrong with erotica thrillers: Mahesh Bhatt

By Hindustan Times

The shooting of Jism 2, starring ex-Bigg Boss inmate and Indo-Canadian porn star Sunny Leone, will start in Jaipur, next month. “The shooting is ranging from April 1, and then it will likely be shot in foreign locations, and in addition in Delhi,” reveals the film’s producer Mahesh Bhatt.

While Bhatt refuses to reveal much in regards to the movie’s storyline, he says that Jism 2 isn't just an erotic thriller, additionally it is a narrative of a girl’s journey to unimaginable heights. “Erotica thriller has a large potential on box office, and the success of flicks just like the Murder series and Jism has proved it,” says the 63-year-old film-maker. He says that there's nothing wrong exploring the genre. “Sex is a vital component in every industry now. Take a look at the promotion of any product. It's incomplete with out a beautiful face. Film industry isn't different in a way,” he adds.

Bhatt also defended his upcoming flick, Blood Money that was recently in a problem for being a replica of the Hollywood movie, Blood diamond. “The film has nothing to do with any Hollywood movie. The treatment is totally different from Blood diamond,” he says. Directed by Vishal Mahadkar, the film that may be scheduled to hit the screens on March 30, stars actors Kunal Khemu and Amrita Puri within the lead.

Emraan-Eesha sizzle in Jannat 2 poster

By Hindustan Times

The smooch king is slowly becoming an actor of substance. Emraan Hashmi and Eesha Gupta exude a very good screen chemistry within the latest poster of Jannat 2. The sequel to 2008 hit Jannat is ready changing face of gun trade.

Mahesh Bhatt explains that while researching the subject, they learnt from the Delhi police that nawabs and kings had employed skilled artisans to make arms for them to wage frequent wars, however the British banned them, wanting exclusive control over arms and ammunition in India. Centuries later, with sales of arms escalating, the following generation was tapped for his or her skills and made a part of the flourishing illegal trade. “Jannat 2 will open a can of worms, just like its predecessor did in 2008,” promises Emraan in a contemporary interview with HT.

“Four years ago, a narrative about match-fixing could have gave the impression of pure fiction, but today, after a string of headline-grabbing front page reports, there’s a way of déjà vu. What you spot and skim in 2011-2012, was all said in our film four years ago. That’s exactly how it’s going to be with Jannat 2 as well,” he says.

“As a part of the research, I even got to fireplace a gun,” says Emraan who since he was a child, have been hooked to action movies. “I used to fireside toy guns earlier. Firing the true thing was a high, but I also realised how much power it puts into your hands. It's utilized by the police to protect, but when it gets into the incorrect hands, it could destroy too. It brings out the dark side in some people and will become a fatal obsession.”

While within the first part, Emraan romanced Sonal Chauhan, within the sequel he's pairing up with Eesha Gupta. The film also stars Randeep Hooda.

SRK-Anushka in Farah Khan's next!

By Hindustan Times

The Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi pair is about to sizzle on screen again. After signing on SRK post patch-up, choreographer-turned-director Farah Khan has apparently roped in Anushka Sharma for her next, reports Mid Day.

Anushka who's quite enthusiastic about the project has reportedly given her nod, as per the tabloid. Buzz is that SRK may need recommended his Rab Ne.. co-star's name.

"Farah obviously wants someone big within the film; someone who's hot and happening. Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif were the most obvious choices but Anushka has won the race," a source told the tabloid.

"Farah too is very keen on Anushka. She was quite impressed by her dancing abilities in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi," the source added.

Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma would even be seen together in YRF's yet-untitled movie.

SRK-Anushka's on screen magic
The duo set the silver screen on fire with their chemistry in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, that translated into box-office returns too. The newbie matched SRK's on-screen charisma with elan and another hit jodi was made.

SRK-Anushka's off screen chemistry
They are keen on one another in personal life too. It's to be recalled that SRK planted a kiss on Anushka's cheek while introducing the newcomer to Bollywood in the course of the promotion of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. And Anushka didn't mind it too. She was simply shocked by King Khan's gesture.

So will they devise magic again?
With SRK's smashing comeback in Ra.One and Don 2 and Anushka's soaring career with films like Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, Band Baaja Baaraat, both the actors are of their top form and that are meant to create enough buzz concerning the film.

Shazahn Padamsee to go back to theatre!

By Hindustan Times

In 2007, Shazahn Padamsee made her stage debut along with her father, veteran theatre personality and ad filmmaker Alyque Padamsee’s play Unspoken Dialogues. Shazahn, besides having just acted in it, also produced the conglomeration of eleven monologues and dialogues.

After a temporary stint in theatre, the actor turned towards Bollywood along with her debut film Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year (2009) followed by a few South Indian films and Madhur Bhandarkar’s Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji (2011). But now, the Housefull 2 actor reveals plans to make a comeback within the theatre world again.

“Yes, I plan to find time for a play this year. Of late, I'VE BEEN busy with multiple film assignments but when things go well, I WILL BE ABLE TO return to theatre in 2012. I'VE mentioned it to my father. Let’s see how things determine. But something is evidently; I'M very keen to behave in a play. Theatre will always be dear to me,” says Shazahn.

Ask Shazahn about her father’s views at the movies she acts in and she or he says: “My dad is my harshest critic. He's very honest along with his opinions and not holds his feelings back. And that i really love it since the constant compliments you get can cloud your vision. So that you need someone to criticise you.”

With Housefull 2 scheduled for release on April 5, the actor admits that she is on cloud nine. “In simple words it’s a large film for me. To be a part of this kind of huge canvas of stars is genuinely a large honour. Since I'M so new and junior to everyone else within the film, it means the arena to me to join this star-studded movie. So I THINK like I'M over-the-moon,” says Shazahn, who plans to sign her next film only after Sajid Khan’s comic caper hits theatres.

Poonam Pandey's business model decoded!

By Hindustan Times

Four racy videos and several other risqué images later Poonam Pandey has arrived as a brand to reckon with. Not yet a graduate, unabashed about her type of marketing herself, Poonam Pandey is oh so visible. Jack Dorsey has made it impossible for us to disregard this firecracker. At 21, this self-confessed "new generation" girl has got your attention where information overload is a reality. You've an opinion on her, right? That suggests you've devoted mind space to this petite 5 feet 7 inches tall frame. You'll hate her, love her but can't not find out about her existence.

I think she has carved the proverbial niche in a cacophonous space where such a lot of models are willing to shed inhibitions along side their clothes. Is she India's answer to Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton? Sure, she too is legendary for being famous. She evokes extreme reactions, most viewing her as a disparaging exhibit of female form or a belittling of feminist issues. But hasn't she subverted the patriarchal rules through the use of objectification of girls to her advantage?

Her business acumen is intense. She employs a team of ten, headed by Vipin Medhekar who's her business strategist. Has Poonam managed to crack the code of social media marketing? Err...What is she selling again? She is the product. Search for her Twitter profile and eventually count her following had reached 143,845!

"Pandey’s name is featured within the top 10 of the Google Zeitgeist 2011 list of fastest rising celebrities in India, alongside Katrina Kaif and Anna Hazare. Digital media company Pinstorm scores her online influence at 70.2, which rates just outside the 30 most influential Indians online, behind Priyanka Chopra but prior to Lara Dutta and Genelia D’Souza," reports Tehelka magazine.

So, how much do you're thinking that she makes in a month? Stay up for it... approximately 50 lakh a month! So, how does she mint this moolah? I pose this question to Medhekar and he tells me that the largest chunk comes from Voice Chats that mobile service providers anchor. He hints that Poonam gets paid a lot more than many celebrities for her voice chats. Then there's events she attends and tweets that she posts. It all in a single way or another is filling her coffers.

She has also signed a Bollywood film, details of as a way to be made public only after April 20. Medhekar avers that she has rejected several film offers till date.

I thought it best to succeed in Poonam Pandey to know this 'open book' and maybe decipher how a tender girl who wears sexuality on her sleeve make it large. Spoke to her on phone when she was in Chennai for an assignment recently. Excerpts from the chat:

Hindustan Times: You've just turned 21. From being a Kingfisher model to featuring in Tehelka magazine let us know a little about your journey.
Poonam Pandey: I MIGHT compare my journey to a Bollywood story as it all happened unexpectedly. I never expected any of this. But I DIDN'T ever ask for all this, I never sat and prayed to God urging God to bestow all this on me. God have been kind to me. My journey started with Gladrags in 2010. That was the primary platform where I wore a bikini. It was like a large thing. After which abruptly I jumped into Kingfisher. After which the arena Cup came (she laughs at this point). All of it happened very fast.

Hindustan Times: We read stories about how models confess that they have been propositioned and the way it's unsafe for young models? Have you received indecent proposals?
Poonam Pandey: People who I'm working with...I have a large team and i've never faced something like this. I've never been asked to do something I'm uncomfortable with. I'm comfortable because people know me to be bold. Ten years ago India was very different. I ACTUALLY feel it is a new generation. I'M a brand new generation girl. I'm happy that it is all changing. For me it doesn't feel something really big.

Hindustan Times: An Open magazine April 16, 2011 write up says about you what's: Poonam Pandey? Is it a promise? Is it a hashtag? Is it a pithy way of claiming ‘fooled ya’ to the media? So who's the actual Poonam Pandey?
Poonam Pandey: (After a pause) In the event you inquire from me who Poonam Pandey is, then I MIGHT say whatever it's that you simply see of me and skim about me, is me. People love me because I'M REALLY NOT fake. I'M who I'M. The way in which I'M while chatting with you, that is me.

Hindustan Times: What happened in Kolkata?
Poonam Pandey: Certainly one of my fans morphed clone of( Sachin Tendulkar's) and after I saw that image for the primary time I USED TO BE very upset. Many of us crosschecked with me. I USED TO BE caught unawares. It became this type of big issue. The entire thing was not intentional at all.

Hindustan Times: You've gifted a saucy picture to Virat Kohli recently. Do you ever hear back from these cricketers?
Poonam Pandey: Thus far I HAVE NOT heard back from anyone. It is going to be a dream realized if I AM GETTING a reaction.

Hindustan Times: Are you a significant cricket fan?
Poonam Pandey: Yeah after all (sounds surprised) I play cricket. I still play cricket after I visit my mum's place, with the society friends...whenever I LOCATE time I'M GOING there and revel in the sport. I DO NOT bowl so well, I WILL bat really well though.

Hindustan Times: You regularly quote philosophers, do you read a lot?
Poonam Pandey: I DO NOT plan my tweets I'M very spontaneous. It's like how some other person would tweet.

Hindustan Times: Are you a graduate?
Poonam Pandey: I AM NOT a graduate. My college continues to be on but I DO NOT really go, actually I discontinued once I got into Gladrags (2010 end). There's simply so much on my plate presently. How much can an individual do? I had such a lot of assignments, modeling assignments; it was just the start of my career. It was my dream to search out my feet within the glamour industry ever since I USED TO BE a bit girl.

Hindustan Times: Who's for your family?
Poonam Pandey: There's my mother, my father, my siblings. I'VE a brother who's elder to me by 2 years. (Nilesh Pandey is a software engineer). I'VE a younger sister Shradhdha Pandey who's very cute. She is taking her exams right not, I'M HOPING she does really well.

Hindustan Times: How does clan react to you and your work?
Poonam Pandey: Being very honest somebody had posed this question to my mother also and he or she replied saying nobody talks to her face, and it doesn't bother her in the event that they gossip behind her back. My mother trusts me. I WILL BE ABLE TO provde the same answer. I ACTUALLY don't care. That is my career and my image. Why should I ALTER myself and my career choice as a result of some gossipmongers? That is how I'M.

Hindustan Times: So there hasn't ever been a nasty moment at home?
Poonam Pandey: There are moments after they get upset, On the end of the day I'm a lady and also you understand how it may be. I also face ups and downs at home but I manage. They know that I LIKE my career. So that they come around.

Hindustan Times: What was your first job, how old were you then?
Poonam Pandey: The primary ever audition I gave was for Gladrags. I USED TO BE 19 then.

Hindustan Times: Current assignments?
Poonam Pandey: I'M a bikini model. And whatever work I'VE done up to now have been chosen after much thinking. I've done the promo of the Grammy Awards recently. I'm in lots of calendars too. Presently I'm targeting movies.

Hindustan Times: You post risqué images, videos and crazy nuggets of data out of your private space - e.g. the way you like your shower. Why do you do that?
Poonam Pandey: I BELIEVE by now people realize and know that only Poonam Pandey can do such crazy things. As I told you I DO NOT plan and tweet, I do just whatever involves my mind. I'm an excessively free and really independent more or less a lady. I REALLY LIKE to entertain people and keep myself entertained too.

Hindustan Times: You're famous for being famous? What's your talent?
Poonam Pandey: I AM NOT sure if you'll be able to explain over the telephone as to what my talent is. I'M damn sure that once the day comes I WILL BE in a position to prove myself and stun everyone with the result. I AM NOT overconfident, I just know my worth.

Hindustan Times: What do you want to inform feminists and other who judge you for the surface show?
Poonam Pandey: I MIGHT say to them that i'm a brand new generation girl and likewise that to every his own. I wish increasingly more people become open-minded of their strategy to life.

Hindustan Times: Now, a clichéd question. How did you return up with this concept of stripping for Indian cricket team?
Poonam Pandey: Seriously such a lot of people have asked me this question. There has been no idea. It was just something I said out of pleasure. I CAN'T change people's mentality. It was no publicity stunt. I MIGHT obviously not undergo with something like that. I respect the law of the land. I said this and such a lot of lawsuits followed. I've faced all that. I DO KNOW what all I'VE passed through. I had no intent of wounding sensibilities.

Hindustan Times: So then are all cases settled now?
Poonam Pandey: Since I DIDN'T commit any crime, it is all good now.

Hindustan Times: Are you seeing someone presently? Do you think that it'll take an excessively strong man thus far someone as independent as you?
Poonam Pandey: No, not presently. And that i don't want a superstar to date, I DO NOT know if somebody desires to date me or not. But I wish that whoever I fall for must have the qualities that my father has.

Hindustan Times: Do you're thinking that you'll ever regret the best way you've attained success?
Poonam Pandey: I DO NOT BELIEVE I'll ever regret anything that I do.

Vidya’s Kahaani going strong!

By Hindustan Times

Actor Vidya Balan’s film Kahaani seems to have a struck a chord with the audiences in a large way. The gripping thriller has entered its third week and continues to be proving to be a crowd-puller. The film not just defies the brand new box office mantra of “focus on first three days’ box office collection”, but in addition proves that the actor has some distance to go.

The film earned Rs 43.05 crore since its release on March 9. Director Sujoy Ghosh made the film at the cheap of Rs 8 crore and the collections show that it’s a bumper hit of the primary quarter of the year. “Generally, most films register a 50% to 70% decline within the second week, however the decline accordingly was around 25%, that's remarkable,” tweeted analyst Taran Adarsh.

Kahaani has also proved those wrong who said that Vidya ’s The Dirty Picture triumphed as it was stuffed with skin show. Despite no skin show and no glamour, Kahaani has rocked the box office.

There’s nothing controversial about me: Akshay Kumar

By Hindustan Times

Actor Akshay Kumar claims he hasn't ever been dragged in late night party brawls or mudslinging in public unlike his counterparts, and he says he’s not that sort of a man. “I don't have anything to cover. There's nothing controversial about me. Whatever I'VE achieved have been after a large number of exertions and struggle. I don’t wish to lose anything in life,” said the 44-year-old on his recent visit to the Capital.

Why does he steer clear of parties? “I don’t enjoy parties. I prefer going to sleep around nine and waking up early and going for my workout,” he says revealing how he shoos temper away. “I don’t practice mediation to maintain anger at bay. It’s just my nature that I don’t get angry that easily. I haven’t been fascinated about any violence till date. I don’t think violence is the solution to everything but within the same breath, I WILL BE ABLE TO also say it sometimes becomes essential. If anyone says anything wrong about me, I don’t answer them back because my father had taught me that ‘if dogs bark, we don’t must hit stones at them’,” he says.

Akki also slams rumours suggesting that his wife, actor-turned-designer Twinkle, is pregnant. “No, that’s not true,” he says.

Abhay Deol fights for forests!

By Hindustan Times

In January, I had the privilege of joining the Greenpeace team for a visit to Singrauli. After a two-hour flight, nine-hour drive, and an overnight stay in a shady motel, we finally arrived at our destination. At 8am, I USED TO BE on a hot air balloon floating over the Mahan forest within the Singrauli district of Madhya Pradesh, chatting with a TV channel that was covering us live. Why? For the reason that coal industry is lobbying to chop down the forest for coal-mining.

Mining have been within the news lately and for good reason. The trip was a lot more eventful and eye-opening than I had expected. From avoiding a scuffle with some local goons to being threatened by a “Naxal attack”. From looking to play peacemaker between villagers and corporate officials, to ironically encouraging the locals to maintain a relaxed protest alive and never taking place the “Naxal” route!

I’m undecided how much awareness I USED TO BE in a position to raise about Singrauli. The oldsters at Greenpeace were very happy, they said that my presence there had brought the media and so no less than it was within the news.

But I HAVE NOT felt the concern and presence of giant" Brother" watching us ever before that. I COULDN'T stop contemplating movies corresponding to Brazil and Avatar or even 1984. All those doomsday scenarios, evil corporations, corrupt officials and tortured innocents portrayed in those films were right there in front of me. For real! It wasn’t within the future, or on another planet, and even another country. It was in my very own backyard and that i was far removed and ignorant about it.

They say ignorance is bliss. It's true. I'VE lost my bliss. I'M a filmmaker not an activist. But when I'M expected to face like a patriot when the National Anthem is played within the cinemas before the beginning of a show, then am I not, as a patriot, expected to fight for the rights of these robbed in their livelihood, and even killed, within the name of progress? Oh yes I forgot, they don’t serve popcorn before a protest march. Maybe the speculation is to be pleased with the rustic for showing or making the film you might be about to look. Or for making multiplexes tax free!

Salman congratulates Sachin, takes a dig at Shah Rukh!

By Hindustan Times

There isn't any end to Salman-Shah Rukh war. At Mukesh Ambani's bash in Sachin Tendulkar's honour, Salman left everyone in splits when he was called on stage to congratulate the cricketer for his 100th ton.

The Dabangg Khan in his trademark style said: "Sachin ka record todna mushkil hi nahi namumkin hai. Aur yeh Don nahi main bol raha hu."

He went directly to clarify that his dad Salim Khan had written the dialogues for Amitabh Bachchan starrer: "Bol bhi sakta hu kyunki mere father ne likhi hai picture (original Don). Rights toh legally unhi ke paas hai, Amitji ne ki hai yeh picture, itna toh haq banta hai."

Once upon a time within the 1990s, Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan called one another brothers. But now the rivalry between the 2 is out in open. While Salman says 'SRK and that i can never be friends,' SRK thinks 'Salman and that i don't talk that is absolutely right.'

Things apparently got ugly at Katrina Kaif's birthday bash in 2008. It's believed that SRK made inappropriate comments about Salman's ex-flame Aishwarya Rai Bachchan which annoyed him.

King Khan in an interview had said that Salman got angry because he turned down cameo in Main Aur Mrs Khanna (while Salman agreed to do a guest appearance in Om Shanti Om). Salman in turn had said he never offered him the film, adding, "Shah Rukh was like my brother. He used to name me sir, sir during his struggling days."

In 2011, on Koffee With Karan, SRK publicly apologised to the actor saying: "If Salman is angry with me, it's 100% my fault." However, Salman retorted saying SRK's apology was for TRPs.

The two have worked together in Karan Arjun, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Har Dil jo Pyaar Karega, Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam and Om Shanti Om.