Deepika Padukone

After shying away from and playing cloak and dagger and leaving a lot to speculation, Deepika Padukone confirmed that she and Ranbir Kapoor are definitely a couple.

Deepika has finally revealed the truth about that special man in her life, and he is none other than the Saawariya star Ranbir. After shying away for a long time the lovely lass has now put all the speculations to rest and admitted that she is indeed dating Ranbir.

The Om Shanti Om star has been quoted saying, “I am in love.”

"Yes, Ranbir and I are seeing each other. I am so sorry that the media will not have any gossip to write about me anymore", said Deepika. In an interview with a Mumbai tabloid she also said that love is the most beautiful emotion in the world.

Ask her how it happened and she tells, "Whenever Ranbir and I met, the media started speculating. We used to meet often but that was because we were getting to know each other better. After a certain time, we drifted apart because we both got busy with our respective shooting schedules.”

“Today, we realise that we are compatible with each other. So, we have no qualms in telling the world that we are in love."

Now that their relationship is out in the open, Ranbir and Deepika have overnight become the most talked-about couple in filmdom.

But what about Yuvraj Singh and Nihar Pandya?
"We were kind of dating. But I never got to spend time with him to get to know him better. As soon as I met him, he went off to Australia.”

“So I am not commenting anymore on my past. I am very happy right now in my relationship with Ranbir," says Deepika and adds, "About Nihar, his parents have taken care of me and treated me like family. I am in touch with Nihar and his parents."

As for future plans to take the plunge and seal their relationship, the couple does not have any such plans for the near future. At the moment their careers are what matters the most to both of them, who are on their way to make a mark within the film industry.

Emraan Hashmi

2006 was an eventful year for Emraan Hashmi. Though he had three releases to his name (GOOD BOY BAD BOY, THE TRAIN, AWARAPAN), only AWARAPAN worked in his favor as it brought him immense critical acclaim. Close to a year after his last release, Emraan gets ready with his latest film JANNAT, yet again with Mahesh Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt. We catch up with the young man to know more about his first release of 2008 - JANNAT.

What character do you portray in JANNAT?
The character I play in JANNAT has a whacky and mischievous shades. It is an author backed role. How my character changes from being a street side gambler to that of a man who operates at an international platform brings a completely diverse state of affairs. It is an exciting journey for him in quest of JANNAT as he gets sucked deeper and deeper into the world of cricket.

JANNAT has a lot going along with it - match fixing, betting, Bob Woolmer episode, Azhar & Jadeja scandals. Is there anything more as well?
See, references to number of elements that you mention are there in the film though we are not naming any people. JANNAT is not a docu-drama where we start showing the events the way they happened. We are not picking up stars and icons and making their life public. We are here to tell a tale, which would certainly have fictional elements as well while keeping the commercial prospects of the film in mind.

Isn't there any fear of censors or any other body?
I don't think that censors would have any objections to JANNAT. As I said, we are not picking up people at all. We are talking about things which have actually happened, have been talked about and are generic in nature. Everyone knows to a good extent what really had transpired.

This means JANNAT would boast of yet another shock-fest from the house of Bhatts?
Oh, absolutely, you can expect shock value from JANNAT. The good part about the film is that the shock value of the subject is quite relevant even today. In fact if we look closely, in the months gone by, sports have been glorified in Bollywood cinema. CHAK DE INDIA is a living example. Here the world of cricket and what happens beneath will be the focal point of the movie. The film will also bring to light other issues around cricket. (Laughs) Thankfully the post World Cup slump period is over and cricket is back to riding high with India's win over Australia.

With the film having cricket as a backdrop, what part does a leading lady have to play?
In building the character graph of the protagonist, it is essential to showcase the relationships he has shared in his life. Why just this film, even if you look at a film which belongs to the horror genre, it is but natural to have a basic premise of a man-woman relationship. There is no point getting away from that. In the film too, the girl plays an important role in the protagonist's journey in the quest for JANNAT. Newcomer Sonal Chauhan is being launched with JANNAT and she has done a very good job in the film.

Other than Sonal Chauhan, even film's director Kunal Deshmukh is a newcomer. How was the experience being a veteran on the sets?
This may be Kunal's first film as an independent director but he is not a novice. He has assisted Mohit Suri in 3-4 films. He has done a phenomenal job in the film and that pretty much comes from the fact that he is a die hard cricket fanatic. He knows in and out about the film's subject and has done a thorough research. There was a certain look he wanted to give to the film and I am proud to see the way he has accomplished that.

How exactly?
Well, he has got a love story imbibed well into the script even as the film has a basic wallpaper of cricket. Even though he is a debutant director, you hardly get a feel that he is handling a project for the first time. For certain projects you get a feel that things are going quite right. Positive vibes get generated, you know. JANNAT is one of those projects.

Pakistanis find Mallika Sherawat too hot to handle

‘Welcome’ was released last Friday and was seen as an example of the Pakistan government's softening stance towards a long-standing ban on Indian films.

Pakistan's censor board has now reportedly objected to some shots featuring Mallika, who is no stranger to controversy.

The Bollywood flick Welcome has run into trouble in Pakistan because of some allegedly "obscene" scenes featuring Mallika Sherawat

The film's release on this side of the border came days after a Pakistan Senate standing committee on culture recommended to the government that the exhibition of Indian films should be allowed under a proper censorship policy and the ban imposed in 1965 should be lifted.

Pakistan Cinema Owners' Association secretary general Safdar Khan said thecensor board has handed over the censored version of the film to cinemas.

Cinema owners have been warned of strict action if they continue to show the uncensored version.

Jamshed Zafar, acting chairman of the Pakistan Film Distributors Association, said the audience has rejected the film's censored version.

Some scenes with Feroz Khan have also been reportedly cut because of the actor's anti-Pakistan rhetoric when he was in Pakistan in April lastyear.

Interestingly, Mallika, the queen of item numbers, has for the first time in her career been shot aesthetically and does not look vulgar. In fact, some cinemagoers contend that Pakistani actresses are more vulgar than Mallika.

'Welcome' was released with much fanfare in Pakistan. Nadeem Mandviwalla, a well-known Karachi-based distributor and exhibitor, was very upbeat shortly before the release.

"The government has (previously) allowed Indian films which are not shot in India and made by producers not based there. But now the government has adopted a softer stance which is very good news for us," he said last week.

Apart from 'Welcome' there are two other Indian movies, Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal and Gangster , that are running in Pakistani halls.

The chairman of the Pakistan Senate committee on culture, Zafar Iqbal, had said that the panel had recommended to the government to allow exhibition of Indian films under a proper censorship policy.

Iqbal said this would ensure healthy competition and revive the struggling local film industry. Citing the example of the well-known Pakistani film 'Khuda ke Liye', he said, "I don't think the apprehensions, that by allowing Indian films to be released we might destroy the local industry, are true."

The Pakistan government imposed a ban on the display of Indian films in cinema halls in 1965, although they are freely available in the form of pirated VCDs and DVDs.

Bipasha Basu - the 'bob'shell

Bipasha has done it again. In her words, she was “bitten by a bug” to experiment with her hair again. After getting her hair chopped from long tresses to shoulder-length last year, the Bengali beauty has now gone for a still-shorter bob cut.

Bipasha reportedly got the cut from her trusted hair stylist Sapna Bhavnani a few days back. Since Bipasha had no shoots pending and no concern for maintaining continuity in any of her upcoming movies, she decided to let her hair go under Sapna’s confident scissors.

After the first session, Sapna gave Bipasha a cute bob cut that made her look very sweet and bubbly. But Bipasha wanted something out of the ordinary. So she had another session with Sapna. This time, Sapna gave Bipasha a chic, stylish and a tad punkish bob cut. Bipasha loved this cut and retained it.

Apparently, the new cut is inspired from the hair-do of Bipasha's favourite style icon, pop singer Rihanna.

Bipasha made her first public appearance in her new haircut at the MTV Roadies – Race event in Mumbai on Tuesday night along with actor Saif Ali Khan . The tie-up is a unique way of promoting her upcoming film Race.

At the event, Bipasha looked absolutely stunning in a dazzling yellow outfit that went along perfectly with her bob cut. How well the new cut looks on her was evident from the eyeballs Bipasha attracted at the event.

Some of Bipasha’s friends have already begun calling her ‘Bobby’.

Ajay Devgan being sought for philosopher's role

Mahesh Bhatt wants to make a documentary on his mentor UG Krishnamurthi. And he wants Ajay Devgan to play the role.

After his hard-hitting film ‘Zakhm’ Bhatt had bid adieu to direction and he is still sticking to his vow. For, even though he is returning to direction once again, it is for a documentary and not a fictional feature film.

In fact, Bhatt has already been making documentaries on various subjects. Now, he is picking a subject most close to his heart – his guide and mentor UG Krishnamurthi, who passed away in March last year. Bhatt was with his mentor in his last days.

As a tribute to the man, Bhatt will direct a four-hour long documentary on the life of
Krishnamurthi and he wants Bollywood actor Ajay Devgan to play the part.

In Bhatt’s words, Devgan has humility and an emotional point to allow a character to overtake him. That is why, Bhatt believes, Devgan is most suited to play the philosopher in his film.

However, Bhatt has so far only approached Devgan. The actor hasn’t yet given his consent to the project.

I don't mind doing small films: Hrishitaa Bhatt

Bollywood actress Hrishitaa Bhatt hopes to get her derailed acting career back on track with her upcoming films.

Hrishitaa, who made a dream debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Asoka , admits that she had lost track in her career but says work is work and as long as the role is appealing she doesn't have any inhibitions working in small-budget films.

"After my debut I got busy with my education and so couldn't concentrate on films and in between I did some films which were not from mainstream. But I think work is work and as long the characters are versatile, I don't have any problem in acting in such films. After all the show must go on," says Hrishitaa who acted in film like Jigyaasa , apart from the critically acclaimed films like 'Hasil' and 'Dharm'.

Hrishitaa, who has paired up with noted actor Manoj Bajpai for her next film, Jugaad ,
says it has been a delight to work with the star.

"Manoj Bajpai is such a great actor and undoubtedly he was one of the reason that I signed the film," Bhatt says.

So what is her role in the film?

"I play Manoj's wife, who is an ad agency owner. His office gets sealed during the Delhi sealing drive and it is about the emotional turmoil that the couple undergoes at that time," says the 26-year-lass.

But what about the title, 'Jugaad'?

"The title has been kept 'Jugaad' keeping in mind the character and the things that happens around that character and it suits the film to the T," she says.

Hrishitaa is also doing a film with Mithun Chakraborty, called 'Don Muthuswami', directed by Ashim Samanta, son of Shakti Samanta.

"It is a laugh riot. I play the daughter of Mithunji who is a don. The unique feature of the film is that here the don doesn't bully people rather he makes them laugh," she says.

Shetty wanted a low-key exit from the airport but Mumbai’s traffic ensured it wasn’t to be!

The bigger you get as a celebrity, the harder it gets to maintain a low profile. Shilpa Shetty, of all people, should know that. The actress tries to avoid waiting photogs by any and all means possible. But yesterday, on returning to Mumbai after a three-month long tour of England and Europe with her musical, Miss Bollywood, La Shetty realised much to her annoyance that while you can beat ’em, you can’t beat ’em all, thanks to the city’s traffic snarls.

Take for a ride
Shilpa, who was returning with her family, chalked out a plan to dodge onlookers this time around as well. First, her sister Shamita and her father Surendra Shetty landed at the Sahar airport by the 11.50 am British Airways flight. This, apparently, was to hoodwink people into believing that Shilpa hadn’t returned at all.

Shilpa and her mom Sunanda landed by a 12.10 pm Virgin Atlantic Airways flight;20minutes after Shamita and her dad had left the airport. The actress had planned to quietly sneak into the city on this subsequent flight.

It wasn’t meant to be. Due to heavy traffic, some photogs arrived late at the airport and
they happened to spot Shilpa coming out of the exit doors and surrounded her. But the actress was whisked away in a black Lexus.

Shilpa was unavailable for comment, but her publicist Dale Bhagwagar maintains,“Why would Shilpa avoid the media?” Well, well after all those denials about a man in her life throughout the year, she made it a New Year resolution to admit about Raj Kundra being her beau. So any unwanted posers could be avoided, right?

Apart from the numerous shows of her musical, the actress released a fitness DVD calledShilpa’s Yoga in UK and Dubai. She also went for a week-long year-end holiday with Kundra and her family in tow to Las Vegas.

Shilpa’s future projects include Sunny Deol’s film The Man, an international venture Hanuman produced by Uru Patel (where she will play Sita), a cookery book and a signature clothing line in Europe.

At present I am over excited, I think Tare Zameen Par is a very important film. The script is very close to my heart. This type of film is made for the first time in the history of Indian cinema. I feel this is going to be a popular film and right now, I am very keen to know the reaction of the audiences. Keeping my fingers cross!

Among your contemporaries you are the first one to produce, direct, and act at the same time. How did you juggle all these roles at a time? Was it very difficult for you to balance between them?
I wont say that was easy, but all this comes with their own demand. And this is not the first time an actor doing this. It was been done by Raj kapoor, Manoj Kumar, Shantaramji to name a few. It’s not like rocket science. As a producer my presence was needed everywhere. Therefore I use to have a long discussion with the cast and the crew before the shoot.

I had a tough time when it came to directing and acting. For me when I was acting I had to judge for me from a director’s point of view and vice versa. I needed to be more intuitive for my own work as well as for the other actors in frame. Altogether, alertness was very important throughout the making.

You have proved with some of your films that Bollywood films could be artfully executed. That they could address important issues, and draw large crowds both in India and abroad. How different experience will be Tare Zameen Par for the audiences?
I can only say that audiences will be having a unique experience and film will change their way of thinking.

In a recent interview, you said that this film had changed the way that you looked at your kids. Can you elaborate?
Yes it is very much true that this film has changed the way that I looked at my kids. It has sensitized me towards my kids. Now I feel I am very close to them and I understand them better than before. Today I think I am a good father. Now my kids are my priority and I am very much alert about all their feelings and emotions.

Tare Zameen Par doesn’t seem to be film which is made only to earn money. It seems that it has got a hidden message in it. Your comment?
See, earning money is only one aspect of the filmmaking. However, for me it is very important to connect with my audience. This film has made me realize many things and I have even come across some unusual feeling. Through this film I want the audience to know the importance of a child and his existence. We should understand their way of thinking and appreciate them. Giving time to our kids is not important but giving them quality time is a must. We should build a connection level with our kids.

In this movie there is no item number, there is no romance, and there is no heroine but there is a message. It is not an entertaining film but it is an entertaining film.

What different and interesting thing you found in the script?
As soon as I heard the script of this film, I liked it and I decided to produce the film and even act in it. I can say that Tare Zameen Par is amole’s baby, because this is his idea and he has put in all his feelings into words through this script. According to me the script is not only interesting but also a hearty piece.

Aamir, you and your wife Kiran have sung a song together for Taare Zameen Par. Tell me something about that.
Actually, there is a song in the film called Bum Bum Bole in which Kiran and I have done a chorus but we did not sing the song.

The theme of this film is based on a child and his life, so how difficult was is to find someone who suited the role?
We had almost 5000 kids out of which we came down at 100 for auditions. When 25 kids were short listed, I came to see the audition, all kids were fantastic but Darsheel Safary was something different. I liked his eyes the most because they are very expressive and even when he is quite you will feel that there is still something going on in his head. He is a very happy child. Darsheel is the kid I was searching for. Therefore, I can say that it was not so difficult to find the child.

In this film, you play the role of a teacher called Ram Shankar Nikumbh, so any important message for the teachers?
According to me, understanding is important than writing, so I would like to give only one message to the teachers that please teach the students and do not teach their pens. Teachers have to make education a fun element to the students.

When it comes to directing kids, it is the toughest job, so how did you handle this?
Yeah, I do agree that directing kids is not an easy job. Before starting the shooting itself I was very clear that this is going to be something very hard to do because it is very difficult to make out their mood and sustain their interest. Somehow, we managed to keep kids active all the time. As a team we also tried to understand their timing, mentality and grasping ability.

Did you do any special preparations for this film?
The only preparation we did was the workshops. We went through lots of workshops

Aamir, in the present scenario you are one of the well-established actor and with your TZP you stepped into the shoes of director. At which point of time you decided to direct the film?
When the shooting started, after a week of shooting, I saw the rushes and then I realized that the direction was not going in the way I wanted. I spoke to Amole and I expressed my thoughts on the issue. In the initial stage there were some differences on creative front between Amole and myself but I made him understand that I won’t play with the script and he too agreed. Finally after a long chat Amole asked me why don’t you direct the film. I also liked the idea and rest is the history………

Along with your film one more film ‘Welcome’ is releasing. So why didn’t you avoid this clash? Didn’t you find a risk factor in it?
You are right, as a creative person and the producer of the film, I would never want any film to release on the day when my film is releasing, but practically it is not possible. In fact I think if a film is good then anyhow it will work and vice versa. For me this is not a risk rather this is a challenge and I love challenges.

Once you said that filmmaking is never easy and each film has its own journey. So how’s been the journey with TZP and how far did you enjoy direction?
Taare Zameen Par is Masterpiece with my directorial debut. For me the journey has been full of ups and downs. Overall, it is a good learning process. It was an effort to bring on screen something which is very difficult but I took the responsibility on my shoulders. I can say it is an enjoyable journey.

Your upcoming films...
My upcoming film is Jaane Tu…, which is directed by Abbas and produced by Mansoor Khan. The film has got tunes of A.R Rehman and other film is the remake of Gajini which is 50% completed and not titled yet.

Hrithik, the Villain in Krissh 3?

Rakesh Roshan will be making a third part of super-hero series in Hrithik's comment to this was.....

"All I can say at this point is, I wish I could play the villain in Krissh 3. I'm really excited about the villain's role. So much so that I feel like giving up the the super-hero's mantle to play the villain. His role is too TOO exciting. "

If he's so excited about it he could play both the super-hero and the villain in Krissh 3?

"No no," shrugs Hrithik. "That would be a triple role. Because I'll already be playing the father, son and the villain."

As for a clamour to have him back in the third part of the Dhoom series, Hrithik is all for it. "Well…. I think Dhoom is a fabulous franchise. It has to move on. Whether my character Aryan will be back or not remains to be seen.

Anything is possible in the movies. The challenge for every Dhoom and Krissh film is to be bigger and brighter than before. I think we're climbing the ladder very fast. Soon we needn't fear comparisons with our Hollywood counterparts. "

Mahendra Singh Dhoni bowled by Deepika Padukone

The captain of the Indian team seems to be attracted to the Om Shanti Om beauty. Dhoni had invited Deepika to watch the match at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai and Deepika was so keen on watching Dhoni in action that she cancelled all her commitments for the day just to be present there. According to a source Bhushan Kumar, the T-Series head honcho, was keen that the Om Shanti Om leading lady attend his sister Tushali’s party in Delhi tomorrow but Deepika begged off saying that she wants to see Dhoni in action on the ground. Deepika was present at the stadium with the King Khan of Bollywood and many of her other friends. Well Deepika surely has a soft corner for Dhoni. All this admiration is not one sided, Dhoni also is equally attracted to Deepika and he keeps expressing his admiration for Deepika to everyone.

At the recent T 20 match Dhoni had said Shahrukh that he was waiting for the release of Om Shanti Om and he will surely watch the movie and now we all know why he will surely watch the movie. Let’s wait and watch who knows Dhoni might watch the movie with Deepika???

Shahid Admits That He’s Hurt with the Break-up

Shahid Kapoor has admitted that the break-up has really affected him and he is trying to put his life together. He feels very hurt over his relationship ending with Kareena. He told in an interview that his relationship with Kareena has come to an end because Kareena had been seeing someone else, and we all surely know who that someone else is- it’s our Chota nawab of the Bollywood. He also said that it is very upsetting for him to see Kareena’s and Saif’s photograph together. He says that it will be dishonest if he says the breakup has not affected him, he is a human and definitely these things will hurt him.

He wishes Kareena lot of happiness and said that he doesn’t hold any grudge against anyone and he doesn’t have any other choice than dealing with the circumstances. He cherishes the happy moments he had with Kareena but he wants to move on in life.

He said that he is looking at the positive side of it and trying to be happy. Shahid and Kareena are starring in a new movie together Jab We Met. Well, it’s very bad that Shahid is facing all this but he has the support of loads and loads of fans.

I'm not a jewellery person: Vidya Balan

New Delhi, Bollywood actress Vidya Balan Tuesday unveiled a jewellery collection in the capital, but ironically said she wasn't too fond of wearing jewellery, especially during shoots.

"I am not a jewellery person, as I am not as fond of it. I like simple and understated jewellery because (otherwise) it is really cumbersome while you are shooting," Vidya told IANS.

"However, on special occasions like marriages and festivals, I love sporting jewellery like any other woman," she remarked.

The actress was in town to celebrate the launch of luxury jewellery brand Mirari's first boutique, and also to unveil its fall-winter 2007-08 collection.

Vidya looked pretty in a black mermaid skirt, a white hemline sash and a boat neck top, teamed with a pearl and diamond cluster necklace.

"Vidya is very feminine and goes well with our jewellery, which is very feminine too. There could have been no other better option than her," said Mira Jain, Mirari's head designer and CEO.

Mirari's new collection features four enchanting themes. Odyssey combines pearls with diamond clusters, while Thalassa is a shimmering delight of diamonds, sapphire and baroque pearls. Amara is a line inspired by peacock, and Plume is a classic line based on the brand's emblematic diamond wing.

The line offers necklaces, bracelets, brooches, bangles and earrings of varied styles.

Shahrukh Khan

New Delhi, His "Om Shanti Om" is pitted against "Saawariya", which has Sony Pictures splurging big money on its publicity. But Shahrukh Khan says no amount of money can surpass the goodwill he has created.

"After this film people will love me. And nobody is going to use the money to oust the goodness that I have created," Shahrukh told IANS in a chat.

"The filmmaking business is already an expensive thing but then there is a market that is getting you that money back. I don't think you need to spend money to make money. Having said that, yes, outside players like Sony Pictures and Columbia Tristar are hugely moneyed," Shahrukh added.

While "Om Shanti Om" has been produced under Shahrukh's own banner, Red Chillies Entertainment, "Saawariya" has Hollywood studio Sony Pictures as co-producer. Both are releasing Nov 9.

But Shahrukh is all ready for the competition.

"You have to compete. And by god's grace after this film, I will have enough money to compete with them on money terms also."

He candidly described his much talked about six-pack abs in the eagerly awaited "Om Shanti Om" as a marketing trick.

"The film is meant to be more celebrative and fun... I will not put it beyond the fact that it is a part of marketing to attract attention but it is also an inherent part of the story. It has a character that requires that kind of physique."

But the superstar believes that more than marketing and stars it is content that dictates the success of a film.

"There is no denying that content is king. If you have good content in a film and you present it in whatever manner... whether it is 'Chak De! India', 'Om Shanti Om', 'Don' or 'Swadesh', I think at the end of it all, people only like good content," said Shahrukh, who was in the capital for the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit.

"There is nothing beyond content - no stars, no marketing."

Director Farah Khan has roped in 31 stars, including Jeetendra and Rekha, for a special song in "Om Shanti Om".

"The film required a sequence with film actors because the film is about filmmaking. It makes it look more authentic. On the lighter side, it is very helpful if people like to come and see some items and stuff."

The actor has plans to build his own studio. However, he will have to wait. "There is no place and nobody gives me the land! (Smiled)".

Sanjay Dutt to launch his own production house

Ever since the release of Shootout at Lokhandwala, Dutt as been distancing himself from Ever since the release of Shootout at Lokhandwala, Dutt as been distancing himself from White Feather Films, the production house that he ran along with good friend Sanjay Gupta.

Gossip mills said it was probably due to some tiff with Gupta (due to alleged non payment of some of the crew of ‘Shootout'), but now it seems that Dutt had other plans.

Yes, Dutt is looking forward to begin his own production house called Sanjay Dutt Productions Private Limited.

Reports say Dutt will merge his late dad Sunil Dutt's defunct production house Ajanta Arts into his company. Moreover, Sanju's sisters Priya and Namrata will also be involved in the company.

Dutt says his plan to launh his own company doesn't mean he is no longer a friend of Gupta.

In fact, Gupta recently said that Dutt would soon shoot for his movie Alibaug.

Priyanka Chopra injured during the shooting of 'Drona'

Priyanka Chopra tore a muscle while filming a stunt for an action-packed role in her new movie Drona that stars Abhishek Bachchan in the title role.

In the film Priyanka plays a bodyguard skilled in an ancient Sikh martial art, wielding a sword and a 'kirpan,' or dagger.

"I was doing a somersault when I felt something give way inside my rib cage,'' the newspaper quoted the former Miss World as saying. "I've apparently suffered a tear in my abs.''

Although Priyanka was advised to rest, her busy schedule did not permit a break for the next few weeks as she has dance scenes and more stunts to film.

"It's so painful. I've no choice but to continue,'' Priyanka told the newspaper. "I don't know how I'll manage.''

Priyanka said she was enjoying shooting for the role in the thriller, ‘Drona’ and has been announcing: "I'm armed and dangerous'' every time she arrives on the set.

Abhishek plays a superhero in the film, which has Kay Kay Menon as the villain

Salman Khan's dancing skills put to test

Salman Khan is quite a decent dancer even if he is not in the same league as Hrithik Roshan. Sallu’s dances may not have nimble movements, but they have the right rhythm.

And now that he is shooting for ‘Wanted Dead and Alive’ – the Hindi remake of Pokkiri being directed by Prabhu Deva – Sallu’s dancing skills have been put to severe test.

It need not be said how good a dancer Prabhu Deva himself is. And reports say that during the shooting of songs, Prabhu keeps demanding more and more out of Sallu.

Prabhu’s brother Raju Sundaram, an extremely good dancer, is choreographing Sallu’s dances in the film. And it is learnt that Raju has given Salman some really tough dance steps.

In fact, reports say that while shooting a club song for the film, Salman struggled to get his dance steps right, so difficult and complicated they were.

Not the one to give up so easily, Salman practiced hard until he got the steps right.

The movie has Salman playing an undercover cop covertly working for an underworld gangster. Ayesha Takia plays Sallu’s love interest.

‘Wanted’ is produced by Boney Kapoor.

Stunning Shilpa Shetty sets WIFW ramp ablaze :

Shilpa Shetty added the much-needed Bollywood glamour to the Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week in New Delhi by walking the ramp for Tarun Tahiliani.

The actress, whose star quotient pitch forked after her win in the popular Big Brother show, set the ramp ablaze Thursday night draped in an enchanting jersey gown from gold dust sprinkled jersey inspired from the elegant sari, the essence of this collection’s glamorous subtleness.

The show opened with dancers disguised as monkeys pulling antique trunks.

The journey from 'Kutch to Kenya' as the title suggested, took off with washed linens and cool summer cotton fabrics often softly crushed and crinkled in subdued whites and shades of ecru, sandy beige and pebble tints.

Elongated elegant silhouettes evoked stories from the colonial aristocracy of the early 20th century in Africa and Asia.

Talking about his collection, Tahiliani said, ''keeping with the mood of the nation, even I wanted to celebrate 60 years of Indian Independence and this collection is my way of celebrating it.'' Tunica and tunic dresses were skillfully orated with tonal threadwork, cutwork and lace trims around necklines and hems.

Macramé techniques were nobly revived to create full tunics with fringes worn over shimmer bustier.

A bustier quilted in mini diamond shapes was attached to a transparent long tulle skirt followed by long dresses. On why Shilpa was the chosen one for the show, the designer remarked, ''she fits my clothes brilliantly and is best Indian ambassador besides one of the most prominent faces abroad today.

Celina Jaitley :
Celina Jaitley has been tapped to star in the historical epic The Quest of Sheherzade. The International production will recount the tales of the legendary 1001 Nights woven by a mystical warrior princess, Sheherzade.

Says Performer / Producer Shani Rigsbee (Crash, One Night with the King), “I was aware of Celina's work and was anxious to meet and discuss the project and after our meeting, we knew that she truly had the sensitivities and passion for the subject matter".

Executive Producer, Deborah Davis (Borderland, Nightlife) says, "Our version of the Sheherzade story will be approached as a Hollywood style epic, which will be both cinematically beautiful and also story driven; we plan to appeal to the International audience and Celina is the perfect leading lady".

“It's a great opportunity to be associated with this project, especially since there are two A-list Hollywood stars, one senior and one junior opposite me. I would like to explore and experiment with different kinds of cinema. In fact, being fluent in German, I would like to do a German film too” says Celina.

She adds “Bollywood will always remain a priority for me. I have taken a conscious decision to
do two good Bollywood films and one international film every year. I will be very selective about the kind of films I want to be associated with.”

“Also I am very fortunate to be connected with professional managers in the west. They look after every aspect of my career professionally. I am even more honored since the agency has the veritable A-listers in their roster. Thankfully I didn't have to struggle. I will give it my best shot”, Celina signs off

Muzamil Ibrahim :
New Delhi, Actor-turned-director Pooja Bhatt, who's currently having a face-off with Muzamil Ibrahim starring in her upcoming film "Dhokha", says he is a chauvinist who can't take a woman giving him instructions. "Muzamil is a chauvinist and he can't cope with the fact that he is being directed by a woman," Pooja told IANS.

"It is not my nature to be personal. Fundamentally he is not a bad person ... the problem is the background from which he comes. He has studied in a boys' school and hasn't come out of the shell as yet.

"We have worked with so many newcomers ... Muzamil is the only unpleasant experience we have had," she maintained.

"Dhokha" deals with the issue of terrorism and its incalculable spiritual costs. And model-turned-actor Muzamil plays the role of Zaid Ahmed, a bright, young Muslim police officer.

Muzamil had earlier stated in leading newspapers that "Pooja Bhatt does not exist for me", even though it was she who had given him an entry into Bollywood as a hero.

Pooja, who has churned out films like "Paap" and "Holiday", pointed out that it took a lot of blood and sweat to work with budding actors.

"Working with newcomers is like teaching a child how to walk. You can imagine, we shot 'Dhokha' in 38 days while we did 40 days of rehearsals before shooting."

Pooja has a finger in many pies - she has wowed audiences as an actress in films like "Daddy", "Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahi" and "Tamanna" while she writes columns for newspapers too. Apart from producing films like "Dushman" and "Zakhm", she also turned production designer in "Jism" and "Rog".

Pooja, who once hosted a TV show "Mere Saath Chal", said she wasn't keen on entering the small screen again.

"Television is most regressive for my taste. There is more in the life of women than plotting and planning against family members, contrary to what is showcased in the saas-bahu sagas. And I wouldn't portray women in this light in my film or serial."

Sharing her future plans, Pooja said she would love to venture into the world of animation and fantasy if given a chance.

"Animation is timeless! It can make a grown up feel like a child and is beyond boundaries. I would also love to make fantasy films like my grandfather Nanabhai Bhatt did," Pooja said.

2007Saif-Kareena, Fan-fare or nightmare?

under Bollywood, Gossip, Upcoming films, News, Desi Hot Babes, Actress, Fans, Actors [ ] Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor were shooting for Yashraj Film’s ‘Tashan’ in Laddakh. While they were having lunch at a local restaurant in Laddakh, a huge crowd gathered outside to get a glimpse of the duo.

Things heated up when Saif and Kareena’s bodyguards prevented some fans from coming inside the restaurant. Angry words were exchanged and one of the bodyguards allegedly roughed up a fan.

Soon the angry crowd began roughing up the two bodyguards. When Saif tried to pacify the situation, some abuses were hurled at him too. The situation was controlled with the intervention of the staff and the manager of the restaurant. However, Saif and Kareena’s bodyguards had to be given medical aid for minor injuries

New Delhi , Vivek Oberoi, whose role as Kesu Firangi in "Omkara", Bollywood's version of William Shakespeare's "Othello", won him critical acclaim, said the film should have been India 's entry for Oscars as it represented the sentiments of the country much better than any other movie that was produced last year.

"The film (Omkara) should have been our entry to the Oscars. It represents India better than the other movie," he said during the 9th Osian's-Cinefan film festival being held in New Delhi .

Vishal Bharadwaj's film narrates the story of a successful chieftain Omkara, who is turned against his wife by a trusted member of his cohort after Omkara does not make him his successor. The movie has a powerful script backed by charismatic performances by Ajay Devgan, Saif Ali Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Kareena Kapoor and Vivek.

Although the film got rave reviews from critics, it failed to strike gold at the box office and was elbowed out of the Oscars race by Rakeysh Mehra's "Rang De Basanti", which was selected as India 's entry for the Academy Awards.

Mehra's hit movie about a group of self-absorbed youths who try to break away from a modern consumerist existence, however, was not short-listed by the Oscars jury for the Best Foreign Film category.
'Omkara' is a film that bridges the divide between commercial cinema and serious cinema," Vivek said.

"It cannot be said that the film was a serious film because no serious cinema would have an item number and again 'Omkara' cannot be called a purely commercial film because it a docu-drama which is simply commercially packaged," he added.

The "Shootout at Lokhandwala" star, who has acted in around 20 films, said he loved the character of Langda Tyagi from "Omkara" played by Saif Ali Khan, who received rave reviews for his villainous act in the movie. "Nobody could have played that role better than Saif. He was phenomenal," Vivek added.

John Abraham and Bipasha Basu reported to have split
It might be tough to realize but looks like it is all over between John Abraham and Bipasha Basu. Timesnow quoted Rocky S, Bipasha’s designer friend, saying the lady declared, “I am single for the first time in ten years.”

First it was rumors of John having flings with his co-stars and then it was Bipasha’s friendship with Saif Ali Khan that got the media talking too much about the rift between the couple. After Bipasha’s smooch with the famous sports person Ronaldo, media went berserk about the split rumors. Looks like, finally the media has been successful in splitting the couple.

But we wish the Bollywood’s hottest couple would get back strong enough to burry the media speculation forever.

Katrina Kaif

Your performance has been appreciated in NAMASTEY LONDON...
Yeah. I am very happy. I have been around for quite some time now and I have really worked very hard. I am reaping the fruits now, I guess. I wouldn't say that I expected this to happen. What worked in the film's favour is that Vipul just stuck to the story in a very linear fashion and did not complicate it.

Have filmmakers started taking you seriously now as an actress?
Yes, the perception of the people towards me has changed. It was very necessary for me to have a film like NAMASTEY LONDON. It has made my life a lot easier. My next aim is to take more steps like this in the forward direction.

Let's talk about APNE.
I signed APNE nearly two years back. Anil Sharma had to do a lot of spadework before he started the film. That's why it took some time. I have seen Sharma's earlier films and I always wanted to work with him.


Were you intimidated by the Deols?
Not really. Dharamji is a very warm person. He is like family. Bobby has become a friend. I play a physician in the family. I had lot of fun wearing the boxing gloves whenever the director called 'Cut' and Bobby and I used to have a fake fight (laughs). But with Sunny, it did take me some time to break the ice. He is one who generally keeps to himself.

How do you feel when you hear that Salman is recommending you to filmmakers?
I am working very hard. Nobody can do anything for you in this industry. I can understand if people said this in my early days, but I think now people should stop circulating false stories.

Its' also said that you call up for Salman's intervention if and when you have problems while you're shooting?
Bullshit. Fabrication of the highest order. Not that I take it seriously but people should stop talking nonsense. It's unfortunate that there are some people in this industry who just want to bring you down for no rhyme or reason.

What about John Abraham? There was plenty of steamy talk about the two of you during your shows abroad enough to make Bipasha insecure?

(Interrupts) I can't stop people from writing what they have decided to. Many actors are not accessible but I am. Why don't people call me up before writing things, which are not true? All this is nonsense. I am working. I am happy.







Malika Sherawat

Malika Sherawat is nervous, very nervous.
After hibernating like some Arctic Amazon for a year-and-a-half, Venus is rising out of a self-imposed media exile. While she’s been yawning, the junta’s been yearning - for a ‘fix’ of Mallika’s quotable quotes and leggy doublespreads. On the occasion of her forthcoming film‘Pyaar Ke Side Effects’ that the Monroe-esque beauty decided to talk. It was ‘classique’ Mallika all over again - just more vintage.

It’s been a while. But ask me why I’ve been off media?
"I’d love to say this on record, ‘every actor is expected to butter up columnists and journos, say nice things to them, put on a happy face, give bytes about your life - you’re expected to play along with this template that would help you sell tickets, help the movie. I did just that. When I joined the industry I was very honest and forthright to all reporters. But then what happened? They started putting words in my mouth, started focusing on controversy; so I completely stopped doing that.
I grew sick and tired of these irrelevant questions that had nothing to do with my profession, my acting. To top it, my answers were distorted all the time. That’s when I decided ‘halt’! I went off Press.”

Maybe somewhere, her image of being this great ‘Quote Queen’ contributed to that? Everyone wanted the better quote, notwithstanding the mood?

“Yes I guess some come from a culture where they sensationalize all and sell all. Money is all that matters; and they stopped taking into consideration all other things. They became extremely insensitive.”

That makes you sensitive?

“Yes, it hurt me a lot. Embarrassed my family. They were so embarrassed by me that they even questioned ‘Mallika what is this we’re reading now?’ There was a time when I’d do anything and everything to get attention and now I spend all day hiding. Just look at the contrast?”

Still, doesn’t that affect your movie promotions? We hear Subhash Ghai was upset because you didn’t promote his ‘Shaadi Se Pehle’ enough?

“Now what can I say? I did whatever I was asked to do. I stand by all my movies. But there are always ‘side effects’. Which incidentally is the name of my new film, ‘Pyaar Ke Side Effects’ I’m looking forward to.”

Well, with a hero half her height, Rahul Bose, she should?

“I know. I had a wonderful time working with him. Whenever there was an intimate scene they’d give him a five-inch high stool on which he’d stand for that scene. Rahul is very intelligent. He uses big big words. He’s very intellectual."

What about John Abraham? There was plenty of steamy talk about the two of you during your shows abroad enough to make Bipasha insecure?

“Look, I never mix business with pleasure. I’ve come to Bollywood to work. There never was an affair, is an affair and there never will be an affair with anyone here. The possibility doesn’t exist of me having a relationship with anyone from Bollywood. The rumours about me dating an Italian might be true but the possibility of me dating anyone from Bollywood doesn’t exist. There was no problem during the shows either. It was great fun. If you have personal issues where you’re working it would be harmful to me. It’s not good business sense. You harm yourself in the long run”

Sushmita Sen

How has life been treating you?

Fabulously! I'm 31, and rocking. And though I do at times explore the possibility of other options, I wouldn't have my life any other way. 2006 has been personally tough. But I'm an eternal optimist. I say, 'All right God, you've chosen me for this tough test. But please don't make it into a habit.' I'm His favourite child. I wish the same for everyone.
Was 2006 your toughest year?

That would be hard to say...I've faced all the hardships in my life as and when they've hit me. Whether it was the sudden spurt of success as Miss Universe at 18 or the battle in the courts to adopt my daughter Renee, or my relationships, failed or successful, they've all been full of turmoil when it happened. At 31, I realize nothing has been that bad because at 45 I'll feel everything has been pretty much worth the while.

There's an insatiable appetite to know more about your current man Manav. Why are you for once so secretive about your relationship?

As you get acclimatized to the media, you adopt a less bindaas approach to the limelight. Right now I feel, this is my life and I don't need to justify myself. As you mature with time you realize relationships aren't just about one person. The privacy of the other party in a relationship does matter. I may not be secretive about the relationship. The other person is. That's it. It isn't easy specially when pushed to a corner about being answerable about my relationship. As long as I can answer without compromising the other person, I do it. I can't let other people suffer for the choices I make in life. People are most welcome to be inquisitive about my life. I do enjoy sharing it.
So is this relationship more serious, therefore more private?

No the secrecy, as you call it, is purely because the person has asked me not to talk about it. I'd rather choose what my heart tells me to. I've a tremendously strong conscience. I'd never do something that makes me uncomfortable.

Do you feel the need to find a man who loves you for what you are rather than for being 'The Sushmita Sen'?

Gawd! You always did come up with wonderful questions. God knows, the image is of no importance