Akshay, Katrina, Lara to sizzle in first ever underwater song

Hotties Akshay, Katrina, Zayed, Lara are ready to set the sea on fire. Yes, the hot-bods are going under the sea to shoot for the first ever underwater song in Bollywood. The popular star cast, working in the film ‘Blue’, is on top of the world because they will be creating history in Indian cinema. Yesteryears stars Jumping Jack Jeetendra and Babita also shot for a similar song sequence in ‘Anmol Moti’, but that was shot in a swimming pool.

Excited about the song, Zayed Khan, who is in Bangkok and Phuket for the past month, said to a news daily, "It's never been done before. On the concept level itself, it sounds too outrageous... The entire cast singing in the deep-sea. That's unique-man!"

But bad weather in Bangkok is playing havoc with the schedules of the film. "We knew it was going to rain in Bangkok and Phuket. But not like this! Apparently, this area has never had so much rain. Everyday we're losing precious time. Today again, we're stuck indoors while it pours outside. The producers are losing Rs25 lakhs per day. And moreover we can't extend the shooting because we-Sanju Sir, Akshay and I can't give combined dates for a long time," said Zayed.

Ashtavinayak Cinevision’s ‘Blue’, one of the most expensive movies of Bollywood, is being directed by a new director Tony and includes a glittering star cast of Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Suniel Shetty, Lara Dutta and Zayed Khan.

The promise of a sizzling underwater song featuring the hot stars is a reason in itself to watch ‘Blue’.

Katrina silences the gossip makers

Destroying all the talk of she being thrown out of Shah Rukh Khan's Temptations Reloaded World Tour after the relationship of Salman and Shah Rukh went sour at her birthday party and Salman Khan not allowing her to be part of any film having his rivals, Katrina Kaif has shown that she is a hardcore professional.

Katrina has gone ahead and agreed for a Yashraj flick having SRK in the lead role.

The untitled movie to be directed by Yash Chopra also has John Abraham in a prominent role.

She will also be sharing the stage with Shah Rukh for a performance at Bhutan during the coronation day of the new king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk.

Both the top stars of Bollywood have been invited to Bhutan as the king in waiting is a big fan of Hindi films and he wanted SRK and Katrina to be present during the ceremony.

‘SRK must be upset over Akki’s success’

Top Bollywood actor and director Aamir Khan has gone on record praising fellow actor Akshay Kumar for his continues success.

Talking to a newspaper, Aamir says, "I think Akshay is doing really well. He has worked hard to reach where he is and I feel happy for him that he is getting huge amount of success from his films. I feel very good about it."

In the same interview, Aamir jokingly referred to Shah Rukh Khan becoming upset over Akshay's hit ratio.

‘I’d like to deport Akki, Aamir out of India’

If you recall, a few days ago it was reported that Shah Rukh Khan had been trying to deport Salman Khan's girlfriend Katrina Kaif back to England. Well now, Shah Rukh has responded to those allegations. Talking to a newspaper, Shah Rukh jokingly says, "Now, why would I try to get Katrina deported. If I could do that, I would try and get Akshay Kumar or Aamir Khan out of this country." So there you have it. Shah Rukh is not trying to get Katrina deported but, if he had the chance, then would do that with Akki and Aamir.

Meet Bollywood ka next superstar!

Well if you are keen to know as to who would lead the future of Indian Cinema than here's the answer to your question. Just 2 movies old Ranbir Kapoor, the youngest lad of Kapoor clan, is being touted as the next big thing of Bollywood!!

If the current reports are to be believed than this handsome Kapoor has been voted as the future of Indian cinema, according to a reputed magazine poll conducted recently. Ranbir bagged the maximum votes in this survey which declared him the next Superstar of Bollywood leaving behind the teen sensations Shahid Kapoor and Imran Khan in the race.

According to the survey results every 4th moviegoer feels that Ranbir Kapoor has the potentials of being the next superstar. It is being said that after winning several hearts with his mind– blowing performance in BACHNA AE HASEENO and SAAWARIYA the young Kapoor seems to be a unanimous choice, well almost!

The hottest actress in Bollywood!

Sexy star Katrina Kaif can celebrate after being voted the hottest girl in Bollywood.

The Filmfare survey released the results of the best of Bollywood and named Katrina, who has appeared in a string of hits including 'Namastey London', 'Apne', 'Partner' and 'Singh is Kinng', as the actress with the best figure. Fans rated Bipasha Basu second and Kareena Kapoor came in third.

Filmfare also asked fans who who they thought would make the best Bond girl, with Mallika Sherawat leaving Aishwarya Bachnan in the dust when it comes to being the best 007 diva.

And sensation Deepika Padukone (pictured above) is not out of the race just yet. She was voted second for the best face of 2008 while her beau Ranbir Kapoor came in first. Newcomer Imran Khan came in third.

Meanwhile Katrina's partner Salman was beaten by Sharhrukh as the hottest Khan in Bollywood. When it comes to the hottest body however, Salman won hands down, with Hrithik Roshan in second and John Abraham in third.

Bollywood`s bare-chested hunks

Once upon a time, when the likes of paunchy Rishi Kapoor was gallivanting on screen, there was only Sunny Deol and Sanjay Dutt who strove to flex and flaunt their well-toned, chiselled bodies. And then Salman Khan hit the screen, propelling young actors and wannabe models to hit the gym.

Years later Shah Rukh Khan flashed his six-pack in the Dard-e-Disco track from Om Shanti Om, inspiring the older lot to sweat it out. Now everyone from Shekar Kapur to Govinda are puffing and panting to look fab.

Sure, women don`t like sweaty men but they definitely do like the taut abs and arms once out of a cold shower. Presenting the top bare-chested hunks—the ones that scream `come to me`.

Source-sify.com

Bollywood wakes up to great Indian epic

With Abhishek Bachchan starrer 'Drona' ready to hit the screen and nearly a dozen cinematic interpretations of mythological literature of ancient India under production, it seems Indian filmmakers have woken up to the magic of epics that have enough drama to outmatch all the Harry Potters and Aslans ('Narnia') put together.

Described as a film rooted in the vibrant tapestry of Indian mythology, 'Drona' is a modern tale of one man's voyage through the labyrinths of mystic, myths and legendary legacies. Abhishek teams up with Priyanka Chopra in the film, directed by Goldie Behl.

Way back in 1913, Dadasaheb Phalke's debut film 'Raja Harishchandra' had set the trend for mythological films in India. The use of mythological and theological characters, particularly gods and deities, was a norm earlier in the century.

Though imageries faded over time, the influence of ancient mythology, religion and folklore continues to inspire nearly every single film made in India.

But with films like 'The Fellowship of the Ring', 'Harry Potter', 'Narnia' and 'Eragon' creating a global market for high fantasy films, the time is ripe for Indian moviemakers to revisit the great Indian epics.

It is not just feature films. Animation and game-makers are also waking up to the untapped potential of repackaging the genre.

Uru Patel's 'Hanuman', starring Keanu Reeves and Shilpa Shetty as Ram and Sita respectively, is being rolled out with an estimated budget of $60 million.

Veteran filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi is hoping to make 'Ramayan' with an international appeal with Ajay Devgan and Kajol as the lead for a film that will have a no-holds-barred budget.

Ekta Kapoor, queen of soap operas, is going full speed to interpret 'Mahabharat'.

Critically-acclaimed independent filmmaker Aparna Sen wants to make 'Ramayan' from Sita's point of view in English and market it internationally.

On the other hand, Bengali director Rituparno Ghosh is reportedly interested in filming 'Mahabharat' from Draupadi's point of view for an international audience with Bollywood's Bipasha Basu in the lead role.

BR Films too want to make movies inspired by epics and religion after Ramanand Sagar, pioneer of the small screen, mesmerised millions with television series based on the epic.

Then there is the much-delayed filmmaker Mani Ratnam's dream project of making a magnanimous opus adaptation of 'Mahabharat' with a dream cast of all the Khans - Aamir, Shah Rukh, Salman along with Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai.

When Abhishek missed Ash…

After he wowed the audience with a power packed performance in Sarkar Raj early this year, all eyes are now on Abhishek Bachchan’s superhero act in Drona.

Ever since the trailers of the movie went on air, Abhishek has been receiving positive reviews about his new look where he sports long hair, a stubble and stylish Sherwanis. As everyone awaits the release of the superhero flick, it’s but natural that Abhishek would be feeling the mixed emotions of nervousness and excitement.

The actor is also disturbed by the recent bomb blasts in Delhi. Incidentally, the actor was in the capital on Saturday when the heinous incident took place and just a few minutes away from Connaught Place when a bomb blew off. The actor has been in a state of shock and amidst all this anxiety the one person whom Abhishek is dearly missing having by his side is wife Aishwarya.

Aishwarya is busy shooting for Mani Shankar’s Robot in Brazil. The duo is certainly missing not being with each other at a time when Abhi has gone thru such a nasty scare and is just a few days away his big release, but Aishwarya has her plans set to play arm candy to Abhi when Drona releases. Abhishek confesses, “I do miss her, but I believe that absence makes the heart go fonder. And she will be back on the 1st of October.”

Ash might be super busy but is definite to fly back to Mumbai to be present on the eve of hubby dear’s big release.

Papa Roshan is upset with Hrithik

Many might be wondering about Hrithik Roshan’s sudden disappearance but the actor is only busy with the schedule of his forthcoming flick, Kites , being shot in Las Vegas. It is believed that his schedule was supposed to end in September but got delayed due to sandstorms in New Mexico and will now get completed by October 15.

Rakesh Roshan, who is also in Las Vegas, decided to bring his family together and got Suzanne and the kids to fly down to the States. But, according to a unit hand, Papa Roshan had some other reason for uniting the family. It is believed that Roshan was extremely upset with Hrithik’s off-screen bonding with his Brazilian co-actress Barbara Mori, who plays his romantic interest in Kites.

News of Hrithik’s closeness with the actress was making the rounds in Mumbai too and apparently, Rakesh Roshan who was annoyed by the development, suggested they come over. It is also believed that Suzanne and her boys surprised Hrithik who had arranged a special dinner in his hotel suite for the cast and crew.

Kites has been directed by Anurag Basu. Apart from Barbara Mori and Hrithik Roshan, Kangana Ranaut is also part of the film. The crew will start another long schedule in India in December. Kites is slated for a May 2009 release.

SRK to lose his six pack abs

King Khan created excitement among his contemporaries with his six pack abs body at the age 42. He worked very hard to get it for the look of his character in Om Shanti Om. And just when his fans thought that he will flaunt his six pack abs in some more films, Shah Rukh is going for a lean look.

Apparently Shah Rukh Khan’s forthcoming films Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and My Name Is Khan do not require a macho man look. It is learnt that SRK has stopped his workout since the last few months.

In Yash Raj’s forthcoming film RNBDJ he plays a young college going boy while in Karan Johar’s MNIK he will be seen as a NRI Muslim. And since he is required to look lean to suit his characters, King Khan will not flaunt his abs anymore.

Dancing Enchantress

SHE was not looking around to give that ‘Hey, do you know me?’ look and was taking little note of the ‘Look... there’s Isha Sharvani’ whispers. Her flawless skin and cute features invited many glances, but Isha Sharvani was her poised, composed self, with that ready laugh as we sat down for a chat.And excitement came rushing to her face as she started talking about her upcoming movie and, of course, dancing.

The movie is ‘Luck By Chance’, produced by Farhan Akhtar and directed by Zoya Akhtar. ‘‘It has an ensemble cast. Farhan is there. The film would definitely go down well with the youth,’’ said an excited Isha.Javed Akhtar and wife Shabana Azmi will make a special appearance in the movie, which is actually a film about the film industry. Many artists in the film industry will be there. ‘‘It was fun shooting for the film, because there was lot of young people around,’’ she added.And she is all thrilled about her dance sequence with Hrithik Roshan. ‘‘Dancing with Hrithik is a big challenge. And it took six days to shoot this song. Vaibhavi Merchant has done the choreography.’’ This naturally led us to the advertisement she did with Hrithik (for Parle’s Hide & Seek biscuits). ‘‘He is such a perfectionist. For that ad, we rehearsed for three days. Even if the director okays it, he will go on till he is satisfied,’’ she said.Isha is quite unruffled by the fact that most of her films did not do well (while U Me Aur Hum had a good run, the others Good Boy, Bad Boy, Rocky: The Rebel, Darwaza Bandh Rakho and her debut film Kisna had bad days at the box office). ‘‘Flops? Everything in life happens for a reason. Any art has to be practised if you want to perfect it.

I am happy with what I have achieved. The important thing is, dance is my priority. Acting is something that I enjoy.’’So, it wouldn’t surprise you when the daughter of Australian-born-musician Devissaro and dancer-choreographer Daksha Sheth says, ‘‘If I don’t dance, I don’t feel good. Dance brings discipline in my life.’’ She practises six to seven hours daily, especially now that her mother is working on their new dance production. Isha comes home every month from Mumbai to rehearse.A trained Kathak dancer, Isha had actually started off with gymnastics. ‘‘I wanted to be like Nadia Comaneci and represent the country in Olympics!,’’ she said. She learnt kalaripayattu and chau, in Australia she learnt modern dance.‘‘I am fortunate that my body is flexible enough to adjust to any style of dance.’’ Isha has lost count of the number of shows she has done with the troupe.The interesting part is she has not yet done a solo performance. ‘‘My mother feels I am not yet ready for it. I think she is right. When I am ready, she will tell me,’’ she said.A complete family girl, Isha has no complaints about having missed going to college. ‘‘While my friends were hanging out, I was practising. I and my brother Tao have studied from home. Nothing comes in life without sacrifice,’’ she said.And she is completely comfortable with the film industry as well. ‘‘I have always been an outsider in the industry and I am happy to be so. It has its good and bad things,’’ said Isha, adding how embarassing it was for her to walk in for the premiere of her first film ‘Kisna’.

‘‘I was not used to wearing jewellery and there I was walking down the red carpet wearing jewellery sponsored by a jeweller. I felt like, ‘what’s happening?’’’Isha is all for doing a Malayalam film. ‘‘I can understand Malayalam if you speak slowly. My grammar is not good.’’ A huge fan of Madhuri Dixit and Kajol, she is in complete awe of Manju Warrier. ‘‘What an actress she is!’’She has learnt to tackle gossips and queries about gossips, it seemed. ‘‘They are part of the industry. And I am telling you that I am happily single now.’’

BOLLYWOOD'S HUNK ZONE

Until a few years ago, our Bollywood actors didn't really find it necessary to stay in shape and flaunt well-toned & chiseled bodies. Couple of decades back, Sanjay Dutt and Sunny Deol started the trend of actors displaying their physique on screen. However, it was only after the arrival of Salman Khan that every young actor, wannabe models & actors started hitting the gym with a vengeance. However, the older lot of actors who were in their 40's still didn't find it mandatory to flaunt their bare bodies on screen. All this changed when Shah Rukh Khan decided to give the young actors a run for their money by working out and flaunting his six-pack in the ''Dard-e-Disco'' track in 'Om Shanti Om'. Soon six-pack became the buzzword and every actor (young or old) has been hitting the gym (some to stay in shape while others to flaunt their torso on screen).

We bring you the best of bare-chested Bollywood hunks.

Salman Khan

It would not be fair to start this gallery with any other actor except Salman Khan. After all, he is the one who started it nearly two decades ago. Even in his first few films like 'Baaghi', 'Suryavanshi' and 'Nishchay', this gawky looking teenager didn't mind flaunting his body( though he wasn't really muscular and beefed-up then).Post that films like 'Veergati' and 'Judwaa' saw the emergence of the new and muscular Salman. However, the turning point in his chest-flaunting career was the ''Oh Oh Jaane Jaana'' song in 'Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya', which took the nation by storm and marked the arrival of Bollywood's first bare-chested hunk. Post that, it became usual for Sallu to drop his shirt in every other film. The trend has not stopped and even his upcoming release 'Hello' features Salman going bare-chested and shouting ''Bang Bang Bang''.

Priyanka and SRK are an item together

After Deepika Padukone and Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra has been chosen as the third heroine to make a special appearance in Priyadarshan's Billoo Barber and shake a leg with Shah Rukh Khan.

And Priyadarshan says it was a cakewalk for the superstar to get the leading ladies to do a cameo in his comedy.

"Since Shah Rukh plays a filmstar in the movie, I needed him to do some big glamorous song and dance numbers with some top heroines. I left the choice to Shah Rukh. I knew all he had to do was to pick up the phone and ask any of his leading ladies," Priyadarshan said.

According to sources, it was a tie between Rani Mukerji and Priyanka for the third item song with Shah Rukh Khan in Billoo Barber.

"But after Rani appeared on Salman Khan's game show Dus Ka Dum and knowing there's no love lost between Salman and Priyanka, the scales tilted automatically towards Priyanka," an industry source said.

Though King Khan has done item numbers earlier in Shakti, Kaal and Krazzy 4, this would be Priyanka's first item number.

The song with Kareena was shot at the very start of the shooting.

"At this very moment, I'm shooting a second item song with Deepika and Shah Rukh. That's again a very catchy number and Shah Rukh is having a ball shooting with Deepika," Priyadarshan said.

Interestingly, the director was supposed to launch Deepika two years ago in a film called Pirate.

"But that didn't work out. She made her debut with Shah Rukh (in Om Shanti Om). Now she's working with him again. And I also got a chance to work with her. Don't ask who's the lucky one," he quipped.

Inspired by the story of Lord Krishna and his childhood friend Sudama, a poor Brahmin, Billoo Barber tells the tale of a superstar and his pal Billoo (Irrfan Khan), who is a barber by profession.

After SRK, Salman its Abhishek's turn to host!

After Shah Rukh, Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Salman Khan and of course Amitabh Bachchan having hosted shows, it’s now Abhishek’s turn. Bachchan Jr. will host a show ‘Big B’s Den’ on NDTV Imagine, where he’ll chat up dad Amitabh.

While Abhishek was all set to host a show…a chat show with dad Bachchan in the hot seat, he ended up learning a thing or two from his legendary father. He grilled his ‘Pa’ with some unforgettable questions on the Unforgettable Tour. But when it was time for a commercial break, it was pa B’s turn to do some grilling, especially since Beta Bachchan wasn’t too sure how to ‘break into a break’.

Amitabh interrupted at this point and began to teach Abhishek the proper art and style of taking a commercial break. He said, “Hey, you don’t know the style of how to go on a break. You are conducting the program, na? I’ll show you how to do it. Just say, so ladies and gentlemen lot more yet to be disclosed. Don’t go anywhere and stay tuned. We’ll be right back after a small break!”

Baap toh hamesha baap hi rahega na!

Salman Khan to celebrate Eid in London

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan will be shooting a film in London during the festival of Eid.

Earlier this week, Salman flew to Paris to shoot Vipul Amrutlal Shah’s London Dreams . The movie co-stars Ajay Devgan and tells a tale of two musicians who want to make it big on the London music circuit.

While Salman is expected to remain in the French capital for a week, he would later fly to London to continue the shoot.

On the day of Eid ul-Fitr, when the holy month of Ramadan ends with a feast, Salman would not be in Mumbai. Rather, a few friends of the star would join him in London to celebrate the festival.

Salman is a very secular person and celebrates a number of festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali and Eid with equal fervour.

The star was wrapping up as many as four films in Mumbai before going on ‘London Dreams’ schedule. He dubbed for Yuvvraaj and Heroes . He’s wrapped up Boney Kapoor’s Wanted Dead And Alive and also shot a promo of Hello .

Hrithik uncomfortable shooting steamy scenes before daddy

While on the sets of Hrithik Roshan starrer upcoming flick ‘Kites’, something very unusual happened. Hrithik’s father Rakesh Roshan was asked to leave the sets of his son’s movie!

Sounds really outlandish, but the fact is true. It sounds more believable if the reason for this strange request by the director is taken in account. It so happened that Hrithik Roshan was shooting a very steamy scene with co-actor Barbara Mori. Just then Rakesh Roshan, who also happens to be the movie’s producer, arrived on the set.

But director Anurag Basu felt that good sonny Hrithik might find it awkward doing the super-steamy scene before his dad. So he requested Rakesh to leave the sets till the hot scene was canned properly. Rakesh complied without any complaints.

Of course, the steamier Hrithik looks and acts, the better money dad Rakesh will be able to make! And looking at the reports from the sets, if the ‘adult’ scenes survive censor-board’s scissors, there will be much eyeball-grabbing stuff for the viewers. Hot-bod Hrithik seems hell bent to set the screens on fire!

Cinematographer walks out of Hrithik Roshan-starrer 'Kites'

The much-talked-about film Kites has hit the headlines again. Earlier it was hurricane Ike that stalled its shoot, now it’s a tiff.

The tiff reportedly happened between the film’s producer Rakesh Roshan and its cinematographer Bobby Singh. During a shoot, Roshan had a row with Bobby Singh regarding a particular shot. Roshan was adamant to shoot that scene from a particular angle, to which Bobby was not agreeing. This made Rakesh furious and he reportedly yelled at Bobby in front of crew members. As a result, the cinematographer walked off the sets and out of the movie.

Anurag Basu , the director of ‘Kites’, was roped in by Roshan senior after he liked his work in films like Gangster and Metro . Anurag had agreed to direct ‘Kites’ on his own terms and conditions. And he wanted to work with his own team, which includes Bobby Singh.

Reports have it that right from the beginning Rakesh was interfering in Bobby’s work. Being a producer he doesn’t have much right, but he continued to interfere and finally situation got so worse that the cinematographer chose his way.

It’s reported that Bobby Singh is in Mumbai now. So, Anurag Basu has to go for some other cinematographer to finish the film, which, in a way, can make a creative dent in his work.

‘Kites’ stars Hrithik Roshan opposite Barbara Mori and Kangana Ranaut .

King Khan Becomes Property Builder in UAE

SRK, the bollywood king, is trying his hands in property development in UAE. His first Project is called Shah Rukh Khan's Boulevard and is situated on the island of Al Dana in Ras AL Khaimah. The island covers an area of 1700 sq km and is among the seven Emirates that form the UAE along the border of Oman. The development will consist of one and two bedroom apartments, designed by well-known architect Toni Ashai.

The announcement of the project is going to be made at the real estate expo City Scape [in Dubai] to be held from October 6 to 9.

Although buyers have been invited to offer refundable 'expression Of Interest' cheques, the sales will begin till after the official launch by King Khan on 20 October, before his show "Temptation Reloaded" in Dubai.

This is not the first time SRK is dealing in property in the UAE. He owns a Palatial house on the Posh Palm Jumeirah manmade island off the coast of Dubai .But this is the first time any bollywood actor is keenly developing property in the UAE.

Katrina on top with six hits in a row: critics

British-born actress Katrina Kaif has delivered six back-to-back hits, bagged several brand endorsements and is now a highly sought after heroine - all the qualities needed to be crowned the reigning actress in Bollywood, say film critics.

"Katrina has immensely evolved as an actress. In Bollywood, actors are mostly known for the number of hits that they can deliver. Katrina has won in that respect hands down. She can undoubtedly be called a lucky mascot for her producers," popular film critic Taran Adarsh told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

After wowing audiences in the recently released romantic comedy Singh Is Kinng opposite Akshay Kumar, Katrina has successfully displaced top-rung actors, including Kareena Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai and Priyanka Chopra.

Her success story started with Namastey London and continued with Apne, Partner, Welcome, Race and now Singh Is Kinng.

"Last year was simply fantastic and, touchwood, this year is the same. I would like to thank god. I believe in enjoying doing the work I'm doing. It is also good to know that the hard work I have put in has shown result. I will continue to do so," Katrina said.

The 24-year-old star ventured into Bollywood in 2003 and was instantly written off because of her strong British accent. But after five years of hard work and determination, she is one of the most sought after actresses in the Hindi film industry.

Her next is Subhash Ghai's Yuvraaj, which is about the arrogance and overconfidence of contemporary youth. Set to release in October, critics are confident that Katrina has another hit on the anvil in Yuvraaj.

Mumbai-based film critic Anupama Chopra says there are high expectations from Katrina's performance in the movie.

"Katrina has had a fortunate choice of films" even though she "had a rather unfortunate start with Boom," Chopra said.

"She is a stunning looking actress and so far she is doing well with her glam doll image. We did see glimpses of an actor in her performance-oriented roles such as in Namastey London," Chopra explained.

Katrina is one of eight siblings, all girls. Her mother is British and her father is from Jammu and Kashmir who has since acquired British citizenship.

The actress spent her formative years in Hawaii but later moved to London. She started modelling accidentally when she was in Hawaii at the age of 14. Thereafter she continued modelling in London till she moved to Mumbai in quest of a career in the world's largest film industry.

She has also moved on to bigger banners and has teamed up with John Abraham and Neil Mukesh for a Yash Raj Films' project. Apart from that, she will be seen in Rajkumar Santoshi's next film, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, with Ranbir Kapoor.

Besides spinning gold at the box office, Katrina also has an assorted line-up of brand endorsements. These include Nakshatra diamond jewellery and Veet hair removal cream among others.

The actress created waves when she replaced Aishwarya Rai as the brand ambassador of Nakshatra last month, besides bagging the crown of being the most downloaded Indian actress in cyber space.

"Katrina is the perfect representation of the young, trendy and fashionable woman that Nakshatra targets. We feel that Katrina lends a refreshing look to the brand. We are excited about having her on board as the new face for Nakshatra," said Mehul Choksi, chairman, Gitanjali Group and Nakshatra.

Though the actress has acquired a star status in a short span, critics feel that she needs to work on more performance-based roles.

Said Chopra: "Katrina needs to evolve and emerge out of her glamorous image to do meatier roles like the ones Rani Mukerji and Preity Zinta were doing two to three years ago."

Salman Khan to shine in a 100-crore musical

Bollywood’s macho-man Salman Khan is all set to star in the most expensive Bollywood flick ever. The 100 crore musical in question will be produced by T- Series and will be directed by Anees Bazmi of ‘Singh is Kinng’ fame.

According to reports, Salman will start shooting for the flick from August 2009. The movie is apparently a romantic comedy with a musical backdrop. The actor has received a throbbing high signing amount for the same.

In an interview given to a news daily, Bhushan Kumar of T-Series confirmed the report and said, “The film has a big budget of approximately Rs 100 crore. Salman bhai is like family. I will obviously want him to earn from the film and he will want me to earn.”

With Sallu pocketing a huge sum of money, looks like he has finally taken a cue from ex-flame Aishwarya Rai who has become one of the most highly paid actors in Bollywood with her latest price escalation.

I travelled incognito in Kolkata for 'Last Lear': Arjun Rampal

Arjun Rampal, who plays a Kolkatan filmmaker in Rituparno Ghosh's 'The Last Lear', says he travelled incognito around the city in trams and buses to get into the skin of his character.

Rampal said he was so moved by the storyline that he literally became Siddharth, the filmmaker, during the making of the movie that has superstar Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role.

'I was so touched by the storyline that even before Ghosh finished narrating the script I agreed to do the film. To get into the skin of my character - a Kolkatan filmmaker acquainted with the vibe of the city - I came here a few days before the shooting started. I wore a bandana so that no one could recognise me and travelled across the city in trams and buses and took photographs,' Arjun told IANS in an interview here.

'The Last Lear', according to the actor, is a wonderful example of commercial and parallel cinema co-existing in a single reel.

'I have never played anything like this in my entire career. My character Siddharth Kumar is a passionate film director who is making his first film and refuses to compromise with the quality of the film at any cost. He is a mixed bag of emotions who convinces an old Shakespearean threatre actor Harish Mishra (Amitabh) to play a clown in his film,' he said.

This is the third time Arjun has worked with Amitabh after 'Aankhein' and 'Ek Ajnabee', but he says that the excitement of acting with a legend never wears off.

'No matter how long your association with Mr. Bachchan has been, the first shot with him invariably makes you nervous. However, every moment with him is a learning experience for me,' said the actor who has wowed audiences with his performance in 'Rock On' and 'Om Shanti Om'.

Asked how different it was playing a producer in 'Om Shanti Om' and a director in 'The Last Lear', Arjun said that while the former with negative shades was quite challenging, the latter was like a self-exploration for him as an actor.

'Director Rituparno Ghosh was always on his heels to bring something different and more profound out of me. He stressed me so much that at times I felt as if he was the Hitler of our unit,' he laughed. 'But one thing that bound us was the urge to do something new and passionate.'

'The Last Lear' is based on Utpal Dutt's play 'Aajker Shahjahan'. Shot in theatrical style, it also stars Preity Zinta and popular Bengali actors Prosenjit and Jisshu Sengupta.

Arjun said a unique feature of the movie is that every scene was done in one shot.

'It's very unlike contemporary films. There were four cameras around, but we weren't told which one was for what shot - long, medium or close-up. Once Ghosh said 'action', he said 'cut' only after the scene was over. That made us more spontaneous and even when we goofed up on-screen, we made it up quickly. In fact, Ghosh treated the film as a cinematic version of theatre where the actors brushes up their skills through mistakes.'

So any plans of turning director in real life?

'I am better off an actor than a director. But I enjoy filmmaking and hence have started a production company called Chasing Ganesha,' Arjun said.

Unveiling of 'Golmaal Returns' First Look

Golmaal 'Returns' with a bang!!!! The much awaited sequel of the runaway hit Golmaal is finally here to once again entertain everyone! The first look of the film was unveiled to the media at Cinemax, Versova in the presence of the entire starcast along with Producer and host Dhilin Mehta & Director Rohit Shetty. Kareena Kapoor could unfortunately not attend as she is currently shooting in Ladakh for Raju Hirani's next film and Amrita Arora couldn't make it due to a prior commitment.

The dynamic emcee Maarisha invited the Host Dhilin Mehta, Director Rohit Shetty and the entire cast on the dais who then revealed the first look of the film. This was followed by promos of the film being shown to the press invitees. This included a special number 'Tha Karke' which thrilled the audience with its stunning shots!!! The song is one of the most expensive ones to be shot in Bollywood was partly inspired by none other than the stunts of superstar Rajnikant, as the director Rohit Shetty claimed!!! The glimpse of the film revealed it to be a fresh, lively and hilarious sequel, quite in line with the audience expectations!!

The actors spoke about the film and how everyone enjoyed shooting for it. Ajay Devgan said 'Golmaal Returns' is not only as funny as the prequel but certains sections were funnier and would have the audience in splits!!! Arshad cheekily commented on how it wasn't fair that only one woman got all their attention in the Golmaal! And he felt now all of them each had one actress to shower their attention on!!! Shreyas thanked Ajay for going out of his way to make him feel included and a part of the gang while Tusshar said he had a blast shooting for the film and he found it extremely challenging to express so much with no words at all!! Celina who was looking pretty in a brown t-shirt said that the kids would love the film a lot while Anjana also talked about how much she enjoyed shooting for the film. The actors also praised the producer Dhilin Mehta for treating the entire film so lavishly with no expenses spared!!

Rohit Shetty said there was no message he wanted to convey other than to relax and enjoy the film! The producer Dhilin Mehta also said how he wants to deliver bigger hits and like his last film, Jab We Met, he expects to achieve a bigger milestone with this film!

The film is produced by Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd. and stars Ajay Devgan, Kareena Kapoor, Arshad Warsi, Amrita Arora, Shreyas Talpade, Celina Jaitley, Tusshar Kapoor and Anjana Sukhani. The music of the film has been composed by Pritam and the Audio Rights are with T-Series.

Dream to be like Kareena Kapoor ?

Kareena Kapoor's glowing skin and svelte figure has millions of girls aspiring to be in her shoes. But Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor says it is her 'vegetarian' diet that keeps her fit and glowing.

'Apart from doing yoga to keep myself fit, I am a pure vegetarian. I don't eat meat and that has helped me a lot to keep fit,' Kareena Kapoor told reporters here over the weekend.

'I am proud to be a vegetarian and I am against those who eat meat. Go green to be fit, that's the best way for me at least,' she added.

Kareena had given up non-vegetarian food in 2006, that is two years after she started dating actor and former beau Shahid Kapur, a strict vegetarian himself.

But even after her break-up with Shahid, the actress has continued to follow a vegetarian diet to keep her weight in check.

In fact, in 2007, Kareena Kapoor had also won the 'Cutest Vegetarian' online poll conducted by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India's youth division 'PETA Dishoom'. She shared the title with actor R. Madhavan.

Apart from eating vegetarian food for Kareena's figure and fitness, Kareena's water intake is high to keep her skin radiant.

'I drink a lot of water for my skin. And yes, my mom is beautiful, so it is also my parents who have gifted me with beautiful skin,' she said.

SRK: No six-packs in RAB NE BANA DI JODI!

All those who were waiting to have another glimpse of King Khan's envious six-packs, are in for a disappointment of sorts! Well, not exactly once we hear

out what SRK has to say about his upcoming RAB NE BANA DI JODI.

Speaking about his role and get up in the Aditya Chopra directed venture, RAB NE BANA DI JODI, opposite debutante Anushka Sharma, SRK reveals that

he has not worked out for four months. And this was intentional as he did not want to show off his muscles, rather those famous six-pack 'Dard-E-Disco'

abs of OM SHANTI OM. The actor discloses the reason behind the same and it is a very logical and an interesting one.

He explains that the muscles were coming in the way of the character that he is playing in RAB NE BANA DI JODI. He essays the role of a very normal,

regular person, quite unlike the flamboyant Om from his blockbuster hit of last year, the 87 crore OM SHANTI OM.

As of today, the next offering from the DILWALE DULHANIA LE JAYENGE and MOHABBATEIN team, RAB NE BANA DI JODI, is all set to release

globally on December 12.

Industry waits Imran Khan's second innings!

It took Ranbir Kapoor almost a year (after the commercial debacle of SAWAARIYA) to prove his credentials at the box-office, with the hit BACHNA AE HASEENO. But, Imran Khan, nephew of Aamir Khan is luckier. Firstly, his debut vehicle the blockbuster, JAANE TU...YA JAANE NA made him an overnight sensation and secondly, he as well as the producers of his forthcoming venture, KIDNAP are now cashing in on his mind-blowing success, which was just around two months back. This is evident from the fact that all the hoardings as well as the posters (even the promotional track, 'Mit Jaaye') have Imran Khan all over. Even the lead actor, the much senior Sanjay Dutt has taken a back seat and is happily giving prominence to the emerging star, a habit with the humble superstar, Dutt.

The trade and industry is waiting with bated breath to see the response of Imran Khan's second film, KIDNAP. The three main reasons behind this eagerness is the fact that this time Imran Khan does not enjoy the patronage and help (with the publicity) of his uncle Aamir Khan. A section of the trade and media went to the extent of saying that JT...YJN was a hit because of Aamir Khan's massive publicity. Secondly KIDNAP is an action-thriller which will see Imran in a sort of a negative role (unlike his JT...YJN chocolate boy lover image). And last but not the least, KIDNAP releases on October 2nd and it is not a solo release. The main opposition will come from another established star in his own right, Abhishek Bachchan, whose DRONA releases on the same day.

SRK-Salman spat on 10 Ka Dum finale?

The season finale of 10 Ka Dum will go on air this weekend. As widely reported in the media, the two ravishing beauties, Lara Dutta and Rani Mukherjee will be present to lend glamour to the show. According to a reputed bi-monthly publication, the show finale (in order to take some mileage) will see a references to the infamous, though much (ill) publicized spat between Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, with a question that goes something like this - What percentage of the masses think that the two actors can never be friends?

The host of the show, Salman Khan even asks Rani (on the show itself) whether she has heard about the fight, to which Rani replies that she had! And Salman candidly answers back that whatever happened, happened for the best. Rani, who on her part is friendly to both the Khans (having worked with them in a number of hit films), then says that she loves them both and wants them to be friends again. To that Salman says that he used to love 'him' too but now they share a good, cordial relationship.

What we have reproduced above are some of the excerpts from the still to be aired program. To know the actual and the full version, kindly tune in to the grand finale of the show.

Bollywood Puttar film is delayed

A Bollywood film that may sound a bit familiar to fans of Harry Potter has had its release delayed in India.

Hari Puttar: The Comedy of Terrors was supposed to hit cinemas in India on Friday, but won't now be shown on the big screen until the end of the month.

The company that makes the Harry Potter films, Warner Bros, doesn't want the film to come out at all.

It says that calling the film Hari Puttar will confuse people, and has used the courts to delay the release.

But the company behind the Bollywood film says their movie has nothing to do with the wizard films about Harry.

Mirchi Movies told the BBC that Hari is a popular Indian name, and Puttar means 'son' in Hindi and Punjabi.

The company added that they have been planning on using the title since 2005.

Bollywood's 'Last Lear' a treat for Shakespeare lovers

It's not about Shakespeare and not based on "King Lear," but fans of the Bard may find traces of both in a new Bollywood film set in modern-day India.
Amitabh Bachchan, Bollywood's biggest star, plays a reclusive stage actor in "The Last Lear," one who quotes Shakespeare with relish and is making his movie debut at an old age.
Passages from some of Shakespeare's best known works are sprinkled into the film's dialogues and, in one scene, Bachchan chases a reporter out of his house for misspelling the name of Oberon, the king of the fairies in "A Midsummer Night's Dream".
"Shakespeare almost becomes a character in the film," director Rituparno Ghosh told Reuters this week.
"He acts as the divine power, and his presence in certain moments almost acts as a divine intervention."
"The Last Lear," one of few Bollywood films to be made in English, opened in Indian cinemas on Friday, a year after it premiered at the Toronto film festival.
Ghosh said his film's protagonist is also similar to the ageing monarch of Shakespeare's "King Lear".
"Metaphorically, the vulnerability of old age, an old man who is taken advantage of, is represented in the film," he said.

Source-reuters.com

Bollywood 'targeted'

Delhi to pressure stars as it aims to enforce public smoking ban
India is set to enforce a new law banning smoking in public places, including bars and restaurants, from Oct 2, as part of efforts to cut a habit that is fast spreading to women and the young.
One of the federal Health Ministry's first targets is Bollywood's reigning star Shah Rukh Khan. It plans to bombard the actor with literature detailing the harm caused by cigarettes.
The government is also targeting other actors whom it feels are influencing youngsters to pick up the habit.
Khan, a chain-smoker who has already been taken to court by a non-government organisation for breaking a law that prohibits smoking in public places, was reportedly spotted lighting up during the shooting of a film at a college in the Sikh holy city of Amritsar in Punjab.
The Punjab health authorities have decided to send a notice to the actor for violating the ban, state officials said.
Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss, who has taken up the anti-smoking campaign as a mission, had earlier appealed to Khan and other leading actors to stop smoking in movies, saying that millions of youngsters who emulate them would pick up the bad habit.
'The movies are most responsible,' he said in a television interview, quoting statistics showing that 52 per cent of children smoked their first cigarette because of movie celebrities.
Khan, however, rejected the appeal. 'I think there is a huge amount of creative freedom and, in the field of art and cinema, we should be allowed that,' he said. 'One should not go around picking on little things - because that's just cinema, it's make-believe and we should not have huge censorship on that.
'I wish Mr Ramadoss prays that I stop smoking in real life because that's worse. In movies, we just do it for make-believe.
'I do not endorse smoking and I do not like anyone telling me personally what to do and what not to do.'
A study published in January showed that there are 120 million smokers in India. In the next decade, one million of them will die each year because of smoking-related diseases.
According to the latest National Family Health Survey, more women are lighting up. Over 31 per cent of women in urban India from 15 to 49 years old now use tobacco in some form, a steep hike from 10 per cent in 1995 to 1996. One third of men in the same age group smoke.
To check this alarming trend, the Health Ministry has decided to step up enforcement of the Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places Rules, 2008.
From Oct 2, smokers can be fined 200 rupees (S$6.35) for lighting up in all government and private buildings, including cafes, restaurants, schools, pubs, discotheques, stadia, airports, hospitals and bus-stands. Parks and roads are not on the list.
Mr Ramadoss said the fine will be increased to 1,000 rupees in future.

Rani, Lara and Rakhi in Salman’s Dus ka Dum

Salman Khan’s Dus Ka Dum is rolling up. His fans will see an interesting episode of Rani, Lara and Rakhi all together. Though he kept cajoling and cracking jokes on Rani and Rakhi, he paid little attention on Lara as she's a friend of Shahrukh Khan..

AS SALMAN’S hosted Dus Ka Dum is all setting up to wrap up, it does have a lot in store for its audience. The TV buffs will get to witness a lot many exciting and interesting episodes with so many celebrities taking part in the programme.

After Jeetendra and Tushaar Kapoor, Rani Mukherji, Lara Dutta and Rakhi Sawant will be seen sharing the television screen with Salman in the show.

The studio echoed with laughter and enjoyment as he mingled and giggled with them and entertained everybody with spotty one-liners. Salman who is known to be quite funny with the celebrity guests will be seen making fun and cracking jokes on them. One thing that raised question marks was Salman’s behaviour with Lara. He mingled quite well with Rani and Rakhi, but not with Lara Dutta.

In spite of some issues regarding his recent spat with Shahrukh Khan was brought up, he still played pranks and was quite in a jovial mood with Rani. He chose to give a cold shoulder to Lara Dutta.

Even the audience kept wondering what was wrong between Salman and Lara as it was very evident that he was clearly ignoring Lara in the show.

It is believed that he has been more comfortable with Rani than Lara and even his jokes and one-liners were directed towards her. Lara looked very out of the place.

If rumours are to be believed, the reason why Lara was ignored throughout the show was because of her attachment with Shahrukh and as she’s a great buddy of the King Khan gang. Moreover, Salman and Lara were also not on talking terms as Kareena replaced Lara in Sohail Khan’s home production Main aur Mrs Khanna.

Arbaaz Khan and Sohail Khan will also be seen playing Dus Ka Dum with Salman Khan in the coming episodes. For the first time, the trio brothers will be seen together on the small screen.

Deepika plays a cameo in SRK’s Billo Barber!

Two films old Deepika Padukone is shining like a star. Filmmakers have started tagging her as a lucky charm and consider her to be a crowd puller. They feel that her small appearance may prove wonders and may result in box-office success also. Looking at her immense popularity, director Priyadarshan has signed in Deepika for a cameo in his upcoming flick Billo Barber which has Shahrukh and Nana Patekar in pivotal roles.

Actually, it was Priyan who was to introduce Deepika to the cine world but things did not work out accordingly and instead she was launched by Farah Khan in Om Shanti Om. Priyan did not have any ill-feeling regarding missing Deepika but was happy that she was associated with Farah’s film and got to taste success in her first attempt. It was Shahrukh who convinced Deepika to play a cameo in the film which will be produced by his production house.

Talking about his shelved film with Deepika, Priyan said, "Yes, she was being considered for a film called Pirates – about music piracy. But the film didn’t work out. I’m glad Deepika made her debut with a film as successful as OSO, and that too with Shah Rukh." Besides Deeepika, Kareena Kapoor will also be seen in a guest appearance in the movie.

Big B and SRK come together once again!

The eternally romantic filmmaker Yash Chopra is all set to direct a film after a gap of four years. His last film was Veer Zaara (2004) with Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta and Rani Mukherjee.

The industry buzz is that this time too Yash Chopra will be making his next film with his two favourite actors, Shah Rukh and Amitabh Bachchan who will also play a pivotal role in the film. Needless to say, the film will be an out-an-out love story.

Our source says, “Yash Chopra has recently finalised the script for his next film. Contrary to rumours, his next film is not a remake of Kabhi Kabhie. He is making a fresh romantic film with Shah Rukh Khan. Yashji has also spoken to Amitabh Bachchan about the film and has bounced off the idea of casting him.”

When contacted, Monica Bhattacharya, official spokesperson of Yash Raj Films, says, “Yashji is busy finalising the script of his film but he has not finalised the cast yet. He will speak to the actors only when the script is ready. As of now he is busy with Aditya Chopra’s film, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.”

Mohanlal:"Bollywood can keep its six pack abs"

Today Malayalam film industry is the only film domain immune to the six pack abs syndrome that has spread across celebrities in the country, especially South India! We hardly hear about any one from Malayalam film industry who is trying to achieve a stylish six pack abs, whereas in other states, almost every young (and not-so-young) actor is hurriedly running behind the latest trend of having six pack abs and well-toned bodies!

Perhaps late Jayan is the only actor who was very different from the majority of typical well-rounded Malayalam stars today! With a good physique that befitted an action hero, he exploited his masculine physique and often appeared bare-chested in many scenes.

However, we need to agree on one thing; namely that there is a huge divide in audiences' definition of male superstars in Kerala vs. other other states. Malayalam superstar Mohanlal has almost the same explanation why Malayalam film industry is still unaffected by the six pack abs syndrome.

"I know it's a craze in Bollywood and Tamil film industry to have six pack abs, but here, it's not the abs or the muscles that make us feel or look macho. Bollywood can keep its six pack abs and well-toned bodies; down South, the moustache still works for us! We (Malayalee audiences) haven't changed much from what our previous generation of actors looked like. We still follow their style. I think it's genetic and we will continue to remain like this," Mohanlal said.

Six pack abs may matter in other places, but Malayalam film industry gives it little or no importance. Mohanlal said that Malayalam movies still have the same demand everywhere as before. "Mumbai is a good market for Malayalam films and so is Delhi and Bangalore, that's why we are releasing in the metros," said Mohanlal, who believes that six pack abs and well-toned bodies can be an addition to acting, but never be a substitute for it.

Akshay Kumar is the biggest metrosexual star

Designer Rocky S has clothed Bollywood star Akshay Kumar for eight long years and says the actor is the most stylish and metrosexual man around.

"I have worked with Akshay for eight years. I really respect him for the way he has groomed himself. He has become one of the biggest metrosexual stars, most stylish fashion icon and he is so successful that I am proud of him. Just look from where he has come and where he has reached," Rocky told IANS.

However, he is no longer designing for Akshay.

"I started designing for Akshay in 1992. But I stopped working with him in 2000 because I had to move on. Also, both of us needed to take a break from each other," he added.

Unlike most other Indian designers who started their career by showcasing their collections at fashion shows, Rocky started his stint designing for Bollywood stars.

"I started 16 years back. At that time the only opportunity I got was in Bollywood. I think it was good for me as it has created awareness about my brand. I have met a lot of actors who want to wear clothes designed by me."

Currently Rocky's clientele includes big names like John Abraham, Katrina Kaif, Bipasha Basu and Shilpa Shetty.

Rocky claimed: "The people I dress up are the best dressed. They are really great with clothes. They have a great body to carry off anything and they have a good style of their own."

Talking about the likings of his female clients, he added: "Shilpa likes deeper and rich Indian colours. She likes to wear emerald, she loves red and it really suits her. Even Bipasha likes red. Katrina likes pastel and lighter shades."

His most recent project was the hit flick Singh Is Kinng. He dressed Katrina in the film and is also working with her in Yuvraj. Apart from that he has designed Bipasha's clothes for Pankh and Kangana Ranaut's for Raaz - The Mystery Continues".

Rocky says designing for the actors is challenging.

"It is fun to work with actors and also challenging to make them look different every time. It is also a challenge for them to get into a character every time with different clothes and looks. A lot of hard work is required in Bollywood."

On an average, Rocky takes up almost four projects in a year.

The Mumbai-based designer entered mainstream fashion around 1997 to cater to the general public. He introduced the collection under his label Rocky S.

"When I started, fashion was not even taking off in a very big manner and I think it was after four to five years that I felt the need to do creative work for myself. That's when I started doing clothes that were more wearable and saleable.

"I came at the right time for mainstream fashion. Luckily, I have kept a very good balance between Bollywood and mainstream fashion till now," he said.

He is gearing up to participate in the upcoming Spring-Summer edition of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) to be held in the capital Oct 15-19.

Aamir Khan swaps ‘titles’ with his ace rival SRK

It’s true; there is a swap in titles for the Two Khans of the Industry. Aamir Khan has taken over Shah Rukh Khan’s title of (prolific), while Shah Rukh takes over Aamir’s title of (perfectionist).

Shah Rukh indeed has mellowed down after giving back to back blockbuster hits for a decade. Now he is slowed down his pace. After the thunderous success of ‘OSO’ a year ago, Shah Rukh is yet to deliver another flick. But he will only be seen in a cameo-bit role in ‘Billo Barber’, and then there will be ‘Rab ne…’ not hitting the market before 2009.

Meanwhile Aamir Khan’s fans will be generously happy to know that they will get to se a lot more of Aamir in the near future. ‘Ghajini’ is slated for a Christmas release. Soon after, ‘3 Idiots’ will hit the market, followed by a sequel of comedy ‘Andaz Apna Apna’ and a home production thriller to top it all. Aamir’s fan will get to see him more than ever before in the months to come.

This swapping by the two superstars will surely shock both the sides’ fans across the world. One really wonders if Shah Rukh’s words will stand the test of time when he said: “Aamir will always be a better actor than me, and I will always earn more than him

Robot belongs to SRK

The actor has registered the title with the AMPTPP compelling the makers of the Rajnikanth film to rename it as Enthiram.

The title of the much hyped Rajnikanth and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starrer Robot has been changed to the Tamil Enthiram (also meaning robot).

Industry sources reveal that it’s because Shah Rukh Khan’s company Red Chillies has registered the title Robot and nine other titles with the word ‘robot’ in it with the Association of Motion Pictures and TV Programme Producers (AMPTPP) in Mumbai. These include titles like Robot, Mein Hoon Robot, Mera Robot, Pyara Robot, Robot a Hero, Robot Hoon Mein, Robot My Hero, Robotics and Robott. Incidentally, the film Robot was supposed to have King Khan playing the lead. However, talks between Shankar and SRK fell through.

“Shankar couldn’t have gone ahead with Robot as it is said that Shah Rukh has already registered all the names around it. So he had no other option but to change his film’s title,” confirms a source.

The fact that SRK’s company has registered nine similar titles is perhaps an indication that the star would be making a film using one of these titles in the near future.
The title Enthiram is based on the work of the late writer Sujatha’s novels En Iniya Iyanthira and Jeeno. The film, being directed by S Shankar (director of Sivaji: The Boss that also had Rajnikanth in the lead), has a mammoth budget of Rs 140 crore making it the most expensive film to be made in India.

It’s also believed that the Tamil title Enthiram may get the film a huge tax exemption by the Tamil Nadu government. “The government gives tax exemptions to films with Tamil titles. Shankar may have lost out on the title but he may be the man who will smile in the end,” says another source.

It was speculated that the film might be titled Yantram before the filmmakers zeroed in on Enthiram. The shooting of the film is expected to begin in Brazil today. The crew will then head towards Peru.

SRK takes Anushka Sharma on a ride

The name Raj signifies many things. It is basically associated with the King Khan of Bollywood, Shahrukh. This name instantly reminds us about his lover boy image. Raj of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Raj of DDLJ take breaths of teenager girls. They die over Shahrukh’s style, romance and his expression of love. While shooting for Aditya Chopra’s forthcoming flick 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi' in Amritsar, college going girls hauled and screamed when Shahrukh took the debutante Anushka Sharma on a ride.

In 40 plus too Shahrukh looks as dynamic as before in body tights. Anushka Sharma in traditional white and green salwar-suit rides at the back of SRK’s Suzuki bike and her simple and elegant look reminds us of Simran of DDLJ played by Kajol. Through Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Shahrukh is again set to recreate the magic of DDLJ.

After a long hiatus, SRK will again don a lover boy image and mesmerize the girl with his killer image.

SRK takes care of Lara

Shahrukh Khan is a caring person and he is well known for his generosity. He takes best care of his female co-stars during shootings and look after their convenience. Their easiness is his prime importance, especially when he casts some female lead for his film. Recently, while shooting in an interior location for Billo Barber, he took the best care of Lara Dutta and again proved that he has a big heart.

Shahrukh and his troupe left for such a remote location for shooting that they hardly found any proper accommodation. The concerned Shahrukh took best care of his star and arranged a suitable accommodation for Lara, he did not give her any room of complaint. She has been moved by Shahrukh’s caring nature and astonished to see how responsible he is. The lady found a comfortable place with the help of King Khan.

Lara was not the first choice of Shahrukh for the role. He approached many actresses for the character but heard only denial from them. Finally, it was Lara who came to his rescue and agreed to play the role.

Bollywood Stars Collect Funds For Flood-Ravaged in Bihar

Bollywood celebrities on Sunday collected funds from the public for providing relief to the flood victims in Bihar. Bollywood personalities including Rakhi Sawant, Manoj Bajpai, Raza Murad and a few others teamed up with members of ruling Congress party in Mumbai to collect funds.

They went on the streets of affluent suburbs with donation boxes asking for help from house owners and shopkeepers.Celebrities said that people should keep away from petty politicking and contribute as much as possible for disaster-struck Bihar.

"The political parties who are playing regional games should take lesson from Nana Patekar, that this is not the time for playing politics. One should open their hearts; they should rise up to the occasion. They should contribute and forget that one is Gujarati, Marathi, or Maharashtrian; one should just remember that firstly we are Indian, and Bihar is part of India," said Raza Murad, Bollywood actor.Bollywood actor Nana Patekar recently donated 55,972 dollars for the flood victims.Meanwhile actor-turned politician, Shatrughan Sinha flagged off two truckloads of relief material from New Delhi on Sunday.

Sinha told reporters that more and more help was required for the flood victims."I would say that we have received a lot of help form all spheres. I believe that more is required but people at present have helped a lot. Even the Central Government has helped a lot. I don't remember that central government ever refused anything, in fact it gave more than what was asked," said Sinha.The floods have forced more than three million people from their homes, destroyed 250,000 acres of farmland and killed at least 90 people.

Home to 90 million people, Bihar is one of India's poorest states and nearly 56 per cent of its young children are malnourished, far higher than the 43 per cent average nationally, UNICEF officials said.

I hope I live up to my name in Bollywood: Asin

Having stormed Telugu and Tamil cinema Asin has now moved to Mumbai conquer the Hindi belt.

And if the growing buzz is to be believed, after Hema Malini, Rekha and Sridevi, Asin Thottumkal is poised to be the next Bollywood diva from the South.

Tell her this, and Asin laughs in delight and embarrassment. "I admire the names you've mentioned. I'm a long way from getting anywhere near them. I thought I was fairly unknown in Mumbai.

I guess I'm lucky. But yes I feel hugely welcome in Mumbai. I don't know why filmmakers are showing so much interest in me. I guess they must've seen my work in Tamil and Telugu.

Spirited spunky and beautiful Asin (pronounced Ah-sin) has a better sense of humour than most of the screen divas in Bollywood.

"Thanks for pronouncing my name correctly. Most people tend to give it an Islamic spin. 'Asin' is coined from Sanskrit and English. It means 'sinless' like 'Amala'….without blemish. I hope I live up to my name in Mumbai."

For now Mumbai is home. "I'm in Mumbai now. I thought that was the practical thing to do. But only because my immediate commitments are in Mumbai. I'm the brand ambassador for six multi-national companies and the ads need to be shot in Mumbai. Now there're the Hindi films."

Luckily Asin speaks Hindi without an accent. "I can manage it quite well. And I don't have a thick South Indian accent. In these days of globalization I don't think language is a barrier.

And I'm only looking for good roles regardless of the language. I'm interested in films in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and any other language as long as the projects are exciting. I look at the script, then the role, director, banner and finally my co- star."

Since she has moved to Mumbai there're rumours in the South that she's giving up on South Indian cinema.

"That's completely untrue. Whatever I'm today is because of Tamil and Telegu cinema. Why am I expected to choose between Mumbai and the South?"

Asin is equally popular in Tamil and Telugu cinema. "I speak both languages fluently and do all my dubbing myself. I've never used a dubbing artiste for any of my films, not even for the Hindi ads that I've done. And I'm speaking in my own voice in my first Hindi film b. It's in sync-sound, so there was no choice."

With such a hectic 3-language cinematic career when and where does Asin get the chance to be normal?

She laughs musically, "I guess I'm pretty normal and grounded. Because of the so-called stardom down South people expect me to behave in a particular way. And they're disappointed when I don't."

Is Ruslaan the next Salman Khan ?

Remember the handsome hunk in Maine Pyar Kiya who had teenagers eating their hearts out. Salman Khan had created euphoria. Khan has managed to retain that popularity and magic till date. Following his foot steps is yesteryear actress Anjana Mumtaaz’s son Ruslaan.

The upcoming actor who will be seen in director Nikhil Advani’s Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai is gearing up to be the next Salma Khan. Apparently, in the film Ruslaan’s character is on the same lines as that of Salman in Maine Pyar Kiya . In this romantic comedy, Ruslaan’s plays second lead to Ritesh Deshmukh.

“I hope people give me as much love as they give Salman,” he says. Ruslaan adds that that he was considered for the role because of his similarity to Salman's college boy looks in Maine Pyaar Kiya . The boy is is working hard on his dialogue delivery and body language. “Salman is one of the best looking guys in the industry and many feel he looked his best during the MPK days. Like him I’m working out hard to attain those fab abs and biceps.” The actor is also hoping that Salman will one day take him under his wings and train him to be like him.

In the past, Salman Khan has groomed actors like Hrithik Roshan (for a very brief period), Inder Kumar and Kamaal Khan.

A coup by SRK

The "Temptation" tour is captained by none other the king of Bollywod Shah Rukh Khan and no efforts are being left to go free in order to make it much gigantic than the just concluded tour led by Big B.

And this time SRK has done what was thought as impossible and this is really a surprise.

To increasing the audience pulling power and shooting up the khan power to truly make "Temptation" a unique affair, guess what SRK has done.

He has managed to rope in Aamir Khan to share the stage.

Other stars who will be seen along with the Bollywood Badshah are Priyanka Chopra, Malaika Arora, Arjun Rampal.

Let's watch and see if any other bolt from the blue is waiting to pounce.

Bollywood stars talk about their upcoming flick ‘Ru-Ba-Ru’ in Mumbai

Actors of upcoming Bollywood flick, Ru-Ba-Ru, a romantic thriller revolving around live-in relationships, talk about the movie in Mumbai on Wednesday.

The film is made under the banner of Percept Picture Company.

Arjun Bali is making his debut as a director with this film that stars Randeep Hooda, Shahana Goswami, Rati Agnihotri, Kulbhushan Kharbanda and Jayant Kriplani.

‘Ru-Ba-Ru’ is a modern day story of two ambitious individuals who are finding there destiny through the greatest human manifestation- love.

Elaborating the story of the film, the actress Shahana Goswami said, “The film is about the live-in relationship between the people who are living away from their homes it is also about the fact that when you love someone and you have been in a relationship for two years you start taking the other partner for granted. By not expressing how much you love them or how much you feel for them you tend to loose them.”

Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda spoke at length about his role in the film.

“In the film Ru-Ba-Ru I’m playing the love interest of the leading lady Shahana Goswami whose last film Rock On, won her great reviews. Some critics have praised her acting skills and it was great working with her,” said Randeep Hooda.

The duo of Satyadev Barman and Samirrudin has composed the music of the film, while the lyrics have been penned by Shuja Haider, Soumik Sen, Aditya Narayan, Arjun Chandramohan Bali and Akshay Verma.

A plethora of singers like Shuja Haider, Ranjit Barot, Sunidhi Chauhan, Kunal Ganjawala, Vijay Prakash, Suzanne D’ Mello and Shreya Ghosal have lent their voice to the songs of the film.

The film ‘Ru-Ba-Ru’ is slated for September 12 release.