Salman Khan:- Shahrukh Khan is the best

Friends turning foes and vis versa is not uncommon in Bollywood. The relationship between Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan turned sour after the clash at Katrina Kaif's birthday last year. However, they would become friends again, as Salman's comment that Shahrukh Khan is the best, would pave the way for a patch up.


Salman Khan surprised everyone on his television show 10 Ka Dum by heaping praises on his arch rival Shahrukh Khan. He said that Shahrukh Khan is the best when it comes to romantic scenes. He added that the intensity in his eyes is really romantic and could make anybody go crazy. As if that is not enough, he went on to say that Shahrukh Khan is great professionally.

Well, Salman Khan seems to have buried the dirty past and wants to start life anew. Now, it's up to Shahrukh Khan to set up patch up process or leave it.

Trisha Krishnan forays into Bollywood with Akshay Kumar

Director Priyadarshan is launching South Indian actress Trisha in Bollywood with his Akshay Kumar starrer Khatta Meetha. Trisha’s role in the film will be more challenging than the roles that have been played by heroines in a Priyadarshan film. It requires her to play two characters in different time periods.

Trisha was launched in Tamil movies too by Priyadarshan with his Leysa Leysa. Khatta Meetha promises to be a family film, similar to Basu Chatterjee and Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s films. This is the first time a heroine in a Priyadarshan film will have such an important role.

The reason Asin rejected De Dana Dan was because she didn’t want to have a limited role. Finally, Katrina Kaif was roped in as she had a warm camaraderie with Akshay Kumar.

Big B: No Bigg Boss House for me

Amitabh Bachchan: Let me correct you ma’am, I shall be turning 68 in a few days, so I’m no longer a 67-year-old (his birthday is on October 11),”

Amitabh Bachchan, the man who’s currently playing the role of a 12-year-old in Balki’s Paa. And from the look of it, it is with that very childlike mindset that he came for this event because the usually reticent, monosyllabic Bachchan spoke, and even joked over lengthy interviews to the press.

So, he’s to play a pop psychologist for the inmates of the Bigg Boss 3 house. What’s he supposed to do? AB confesses to not knowing it exactly. “It has always intrigued me, this whole ‘mind’ part of us human beings. Why does someone behave the way he does? When he loses his temper, when he shouts at someone? When he laughs or does peculiar things ... would it not be nice to know the answer? Is there a past that he has lived? Is there any incident in his life that could’ve perhaps influenced his behaviour? I thought it would be interesting to know.” Is he then a ‘vibe’ kind of person? Someone who likes or dislikes people immediately, or does he psycho-analyse them before extending his hand for a shake? “I don’t pursue this role in my personal life. It’s an interesting angle to see things. But I’m bad even at self-analysis,” he says. “We all think that we are smart and intelligent, but I have realised that there are a whole lot of people, young and old, who are far, far more intelligent than us. People who can express themselves better, do riveting analyses of situations and people,” he adds.

From lock kiya jaye to unlocking people’s emotions – Big B’s TV career has also come a long way, mired in controversies, nevertheless ... was he aware that this reality show was considered unfit for family viewing earlier? How did he then consent to be a part of this Colors show? “I am aware. Ghar ke logon ne, parivaar ke logon ne bhi yahi kaha. But then, when I was going to do KBC, they had said the same thing. Things worked out there. Also, controversy kariye, toh hota hai, na kariye, toh hota hai. Hum logon ka jeevan aisa ho gaya hai ke cheekhein toh controversy, na cheekhein toh controversy. We have to live with it. I have come to terms with that ... I get angry too, but I have learnt not to express it ... publicly at least.” Would he like to be inside the Bigg Boss house? “I probably shouldn’t be saying this – but no, never. How can you be cut off from life like this? Living in isolation, without near and dear ones, no newspaper, with strangers, with no mobiles, TV, etc, is just not me. No knowledge of time ... I can’t do it,” he says vehemently.

Equally vehement is he about not doing sweet, romantic roles anymore. “I have to be doing roles that suit me,” he says. And when someone asked him if he thought Bollywood offered roles to suit his age, then, what offended AB was not the age bit, but the fact that the journo said ‘Bollywood’. “I don’t like the word. It’s not us. Indian film industry kahiye please. The term Bollywood was probably coined by some smart journalist,” says Big B.

And for Paa ... “It’s not that I wanted to do a 12-year-old’s role, but it amazed me when I heard of the role – to be aging physically, and yet be mentally young,” says he, adding, “The role requires a lot of prosthetics. A couple of hours to get the look and then another hour to get it off ... ” And where does the inspiration to play a 12-year-old come from, at his age? “I draw from the memories of my own childhood, kabhie sochta hoon Abhishek kya karta tha, when he was young, and then there are my grandchildren. So yes, I think about all of them.”

Did he watch Abhishek and Aishwarya on the Oprah Winfrey Show? “No, I didn’t. I haven’t had the time yet. When I get back, maybe, they’d have taped it or something. I have been busy the last couple of days. Must’ve given at least 400 interviews,” he says, and reaches out for a plate of sandwiches. “May I? I am hungry, haven’t had the time to eat,” he says. So busy at this age ... And when actors half his age have no work, and are reluctant to admit it too, Big B, in his full baritone, announces, “I have no new projects in hand as of now. I had planned it that way. I knew that I had to be with a dear friend of mine (read Amar Singh) and he went into surgery and recuperated. I deliberately finished all my projects before that. Now that I am back, I am fortunate to see that many people still want to work with me.” That they probably always will, but doesn’t he get tired of it all? He admits there’s still something magical about Bollywood films. “There is a fascination with Hindi films. Even though Hollywood is bigger because of its language connect, the people watching Indian films are far larger in number. When I was young, I used to ask my dad why he’s so fascinated with Hindi cinema. He used to tell me that Hindi filmon mein poetic justice hoti hai. Aur woh bhi, teen ghante mein. Aur isi poetic justice ke liye wait karte karte aapki aur hamari saari zindagi nikal jaati hai,” says AB.

Talking about magic, what about Aladin? “That’s come up nicely.” He apparently plays a genie ... any three wishes he’d want granted, were a genie to offer him the chance? AB groans. “Arrey baba ... In Mumbai at the press conference, I’d been asked this question so many times, ke main raat bhar sochta raha ke iska toh koi jawab nikaalna chahiye, Dilli mein bhi poochhenge. But I could come up with nothing,” he says, laughing, “Bas, film chal jaaye, mujhe press conferences se chhutkara mil jaaye ... ” That’s the pop psychologist playing his part ... always staying behind the mask of politeness and political correctness

It's playtime for Katrina Kaif & Akshay Kumar

After having paired together in many films, Katrina Kaif and Akshay Kumar are now teaming up for something entirely different. The buzz is that the two stars are going to endorse and promote the 34th National Games 2009, which will be held from November 21 to December 5 in Jharkhand.

According to sources, Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif will be promoting the games throughout India.

They will reportedly hold press conferences in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata including other Indian cities to promote the games and encourage people to go and watch them. The idea is to promote the athletic sports that haven’t got much endorsement from celebrities yet.

Akshay Kumar and Katrina kaifwill also be part of the publicity campaign of the games’ posters and billboards.

The two stars are reportedly being paid Rs 4 crores each for endorsing the games but there has not been any official confirmation of the amount by Akshay Kumar or Katrina kaif.

Akshay Kumar has always been forthcoming in promoting various sports. He has given financial support to wrestling and done his bit to encourage it among Indian youth. He’s also been the face of the IPL team Delhi Daredevils while Katrina has promoted Bangalore Royal Challengers.

Kareena Kapoor shops, Salman Khan pays!

He has touched many lives with his benevolent ways, helping many small time actors by taking them under his wing; Salman Khan is famous for his generosity and expensive gifts.

This time, however, his generosity had a different expression. It’s not common for Salman to pamper actresses and pay their hefty shopping bills, that too when she is not Katrina Kaif, his girl friend. It was for Kareena, Salman Khan’s good friend and also co-star of his movie Main Aur Mrs Khanna, that the moody Khan loosened his purse strings.

When the unit of ‘Main Aur Mrs Khanna’ was shooting in Melbourne, the shopaholic Kareena used to end her day with shopping. But one fine day when Bebo wrapped up her shopping and went to pay the bill, she was left awestruck as her bill was already paid by Salman Khan. In fact, according to sources, he even helped Kareena Kapoor in carrying bags.

Not just that, Sallu gifted her a Rs 2.5 lakh worth limited edition handbag which can be seen in the movie, swinging on Bebo’s arm. About the incident, Bebo is quoted as saying, “Salman Khan’s generosity cannot be matched. It was a very sweet gesture on his part. He is a wonderful person at heart.”

Aamir Khan to walk the ramp for Salman Khan

Whether for a good cause or for friendship, the two Khans of Bollywood Salman Khan and Aamir Khan are bonding big time, thanks to a common factor, SRK.

Yes, if Shahrukh Khan is the showstopper for Karan Johar’s show, Salman has chosen none other than Aamir to walk the ramp at the upcoming Couture Week to be held from October 11 to 16. Both the parties are vying to be the scene stealers on the final day.

However, it’s not yet finalized who will get to conclude the event. Whether Sallu or SRK, the selection is going to be tough and the fight for the grand finale show for Couture week is still on.

Whatever the case, Aamir’s fans will be delighted to see their favourite Khan walking the ramp with his usual boyish charm. According to reports, Salman has personally requested him for the Being Human show at the couture week. Since, the show is for a charity, how could have Aamir said no!

Salman’s girlfriend Katrina Kaif is going to walk the ramp in Being Human clothes while Aamir will be the showstopper. So, expecting a visual treat though, if not more!

Hrithik Roshan and Aamir Khan to enact split personalities!

After the grand success of Ghajini at box office, Bollywood should ready itself to witness another raise in the bar of action-drama genre. The producers of this former Telgu remake have decided to gamble one more time, with yet another remake of a Telgu superhit, Maghadeera, released earlier this summer.

The movie, in its original, is a travel-in-time theme between the past and present, wherein the lead actor who is a current age professional adventurist is in fact a reborn version of old warrior from the 1600's. His older life and its memories are evoked when he encounters his then unfulfilled love with the lady protagonist of the movie, who accordingly portrays a character in the past, reborn in the same time as him.

News has it that the producers, in their proposal of a remake have wished to cast Aamir Khan again, along with Hrithik Roshan this time. Instead of the rebirth philosophy however, these two will essay roles as split personalities in the remake; where Hrithik will play a role parallel to the ancient warrior, and Aamir will essay him who was intended to be the modern day hero.

Together this duo of producers reveal their dream to revive the grandeur of real time action in Bollywood drama to another level after Ghajini. The viewers meanwhile, with the first time coming together of the two big Bollywood heroes can only wait and watch for the progress of this project which as of now is expected to be budgeted at 70 crores.

Kareena Kapoor-Salman Khan adorable couple says director

Salman Khan is 43 and Kareena Kapoor is 29, but their age difference is no matter. Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor make an "adorable" couple on screen in his forthcoming "Main Aurr Mrs.Khanna", says debutant director Prem Soni.

"The age difference between Salman and Kareena was never a consideration. They make an absolutely adorable couple and complement each other on screen," Soni said over phone from Mumbai.
"They look good together in the film as there are no loud moments between them. The film has romantic instances here and there, but it has a very subtle treatment. There are cute scenes in the film and both of them have carried them really well," he added.

Newcomer Soni considers Salman his "godfather" and says the superstar was on board the project as soon as he heard the script and even asked his brother to produce the film.

"I had written the script and then fixed an appointment with Salman. His reaction after the narration was overwhelming. All he said was, 'I'm doing it'. That's how the project began," the director said.

"Salman is indeed my godfather in the industry as he is the one who has given me a break," he added.

For Soni, it was a cakewalk to get Kareena to play the heroine. "I went for the script narration to Kareena in Goa where she was shooting 'Golmaal Returns'. She loved the role and when I told her that Salman is doing the film, she said - 'Why would I say no to Salman?'. She instantly agreed," he said.

"Kareena is such a delight to work with. She is among the finest actors these days. She is so effervescent and so dedicated as an actor," he said.

A co-production of Sohail Khan Productions and UTV SpotBoy Pictures, the film also features Sohail in a pivotal role. But unlike popular belief, the film's plot is not based on an extramarital affair, Soni clarified.

"'Main Aurr Mrs.Khanna' is not based on an extramarital affair. It is just a story of three people. The whole extramarital thing is only a perception. For the real thing, you need to go and check out the movie," he said.

Asked about the USP of the movie, Soni said: "Its simplicity. The movie is very ordinary, very simple. It will touch a billion hearts with its real touch and that is what will make the story effective to the audience. We have given it a very contemporary look, but it isn't flashy at all."

"Main Aurr Mrs.Khanna" releases Oct 16, the same day as much-awaited action flick "Blue" and comedy "All The Best", but Soni says he is unperturbed.

"I have no apprehensions. It takes a lot of energy for every filmmaker to make a movie. So there are no hard feelings for anyone. May the best win because they are all of different genres and have their own set of audiences," he said.

Amitabh Bachchan's first time with Katrina Kaif

Bollywood Actress Katrina Kaif made her debut with Amitabh Bachchan in Boom. About her, he wrote, ‘Katrina stabs a ‘Hey, it’s me!’ finger punch on my shoulder and we recollect old times, the time of her very first film, Boom and how, as a shy, reticent girl, she had been bullied by the director not to ever look into the monitor. She was new and uncertain like most of us, but was keen to see what she looked like on screen.

I thought it was a most natural and common desire and one that should have been allowed by the director, but when he did not express its possibility to the rest of the cast, I had dragged her to the monitor and given her the first look of what she looked like, to her. To her credit she still remembers that moment. Later as the film shoot in Dubai came to an end, I had invited all cast and crew to tour the city at night and to perhaps have a bite somewhere. I recollect the embarrassment she and all of us faced when she was stopped from going inside a club, because the man in charge of the door thought her to be underage. And now from a small insignificant part in Sarkar to the most googled and popular star in the firmament, Ms Kaif has come such a long way in such a short time.’

Vishal Bhardwaj was also a recipient at the GQ Awards. Mr. Bachchan wrote, ‘Vishal Bharadwaj is generous in his speech about success being a branch that breaks easily, but exempts me from his example, and I wonder why.’

Amitabh Bachchan was feeling slightly awkward wearing glares, but Saif gave him company. ‘Saif, Kareena and I met back stage as we were either coming up to receive or coming down after. That Saif wore glasses gave me sufficient reason to be comfortable with my own,’ wrote the regular blogger.

The superstar-actor was all praise for Irrfan Khan. ‘Irrfan Khan, that understated yet most effective actor, and I spent time together. I love the way he performs, not just in films but in commercials too and told him so. That phone call from the phone booth before he gets the heart attack in The Namesake is a masterpiece. His cool and casual appearances in the brand advertisements have been emulated on many an occasion. He talks of Muqqadar ka Sikander I talk of his acts and we separate,’ concluded Mr. Bachchan.

When will Hrithik Roshan’s Kites fly?

The kind of hoopla created around Kites was one of the reasons for it being tagged as the most awaited film of the year. The rumours generated reportedly by the Roshan camp themselves about the Hrithik, Barbara link - up got only more steamy after having a look at the film’s sizzling promos. While some tagged the release date to be on December 11, others pushed it to December 18. News is that it could also be pushed up till December 25 to compete against big daddy Aamir’s next release Three Idiots.

However Papa Roshan had earlier explained to us, “The release date of Kites is still not zeroed upon as we want the film to have a global opening. I want to involve the international market with the film’s release and the technicality of the entire situation is taking its time. As the film is being made in both the Hindi and English language, the dubbing process is still ongoing.” For the time being, Rakesh Roshan is still in Los Angeles, negotiating with Hollywood studios, and his representative here said that the date will be finalised once he reached Indian shores, which could probably be by the end of this month or early next month.

There is a lot of effort being put to bring a happy end to this year with the three big releases, Raju Hirani’s Three Idiots, Kites and Karan Johar’s My Name is Khan respectively. The year 2009 has been a bad one for Bollywood considering the producer-multiplex strike played a major dampener leaving these films dillydallying on a tight rope. These eagerly awaited films are facing stiff competition with the dozens of other films that are already fighting for the Diwali-Chritsmas holidays to cash in on.

Ranbir Kapoor at his school Bombay Scottish

Ranbir Kapoor: I hate birthdays!

Says a 27-today Ranbir Kapoor. He feels b'days are overrated but cuts cakes and has havan at home to bring in the day, nevertheless

Ranbir Kapoor doesn't like celebrating his birthdays. Today he will spend his janamdin with close friends, family and of course girlfriend Deepika Padukone at his Bandra bungalow. As he turns 27, Ranbir chats about himself, his life, and his Friday release Wake Up Sid. Read on...

What's your mood like on this birthday?
I'm nervous because Wake Up Sid is releasing this week.

Are you like Sid -- do you hate waking up early?
No. Actually I am the antithesis of Sid in many ways. I like waking up in the mornings and especially when I am shooting I can even get up at 3 am. I am not lazy or aimless like Sid. I know what I want in life.

So today did wake up early?
No way! On my b'days, I like waking up late.

And how do you plan to celebrate it?
I hate birthdays! I think they are very over-rated and a day when everyone is trying to make you feel special. I don't like doing anything on my birthdays. Last night my parents (Rishi and Neetu Kapoor) and sister (Riddhima) went out for a family dinner and my birthday in. Though I am not too fond of it I always cut cakes on my birthday. Today we will have a havan at home and later my friends will drop in to wish me just another day.

Do you want any special birthday gift this year?
I would only wish that the audience come and watch Wake Up Sid. I want to tell them it's a good film. There was something very special about the script, the character Sid and my director Ayan Mukerji. I loved the script as I found he had really something to say through his story. He's one of my closest friends today. I appreciate his vision.

Best wishes
Karan Johar: I wish Ranbir Kapoors luck, love and happiness on his birthday. I plead to the nation to wake up on Friday and go watch Wake Up Sid. I think Ranbir Kapoor is totally Sid - he was born to play the character. It's in his DNA and body language.

Ayaan Mukerji: I hope he has a great year ahead. I don't think Ranbir Kapoor is Sid - he is far more motivated and successful. Sid exists in the moment, and has an appreciation for leisure and knows how to have a good time - which Ranbir Kapoor does too.

Salman Khan the Box Office Gold!

It's Salman Khan time in Bollywood. With his full-on action film Wanted becoming a hit, the superstar has millions of rupees riding on his shoulders with three more big-budget films lined up. And all his friends in the industry - from David Dhawan to Vipul Shah - are rejoicing at the actor's success.
Wanted earned about Rs.38 crore (Rs.380 million) across the country in its first week and industry experts feel that the film's good business will help Salman's forthcoming releases - Main Aur Mrs. Khanna, London Dreams and Veer.

"Salman Khan always knew when and where to strike. He was always very confident about Wanted and this is the reason why he went all out to promote the film," Dhawan, who has worked with Salman in more than half a dozen films, told IANS.

"Forget first weekend collections; it was sheer havoc when Eid festivities began. Audience response inside auditoriums was unprecedented," he added.

Directed by Prabhu Deva, Wanted is a raw action-drama comparable to Aamir Khan's Ghajini.

"Salman may have done one or two bad films in recent times due to which it appeared to some that he was no more in the reckoning. They were mistaken though because he is beyond hits and flops," said Abbas Burmawalla of director duo Abbas-Mustan.

"His strong fan base could sense from a distance that Wanted was a film to watch out for and turned it into such a huge success," he added.

Salman's Yuvvraaj and God Tussi Great Ho bombed at the box office and many believed he was down and out. But the industry doesn't quite believe so.

"Wanted is Salman Khan's one-man show. Yes, everyone involved with the film has done a fabulous job, but it is Salman Khan's pull that got the audiences into theatres. Otherwise director Prabhu Deva was making his first Hindi film while Ayesha Takia isn't amongst the top three heroines that we have today," said Sanjay Kapoor, brother of Boney Kapoor who produced Wanted.

"He gave Wanted his full support and led the entire promotional campaign. He was supremely excited about the film and gave his heart, body, soul and time to its making followed by promotion," he added.

Vipul Shah, who has worked with Salman in the film London Dreams that releases Oct 30, is happy that Salman's three-film stint this year has got off to a good start with Wanted.

"My promotion plan though is not as expensive as that of Wanted. We are going right ahead in creating awareness around London Dreams, but the spillover of Wanted should also help our campaign. Since Wanted is all over, I am sure the euphoria and Salman's presence amongst audiences will continue for many more weeks to come," said Shah.

Filmmaker Suneel Darshan, who has never worked with Salman Khan, is a little guarded before declaring this as a golden run of the actor.

"Wanted has done quite well in India but its fate in the overseas market has been contradictory. With crores of rupees riding on his shoulders in the current season on Veer, London Dreams and Main Aur Mrs.Khanna, all due to release shortly, god forbid if anything goes wrong, it will have severe repercussions on the industry's economy. This is just another interesting phase for Salman...," he said.

Himesh Reshammiya, with whom Salman has had a decade-long association, has a final word though. "Salman Khan was a superstar, is a superstar and will always remain a superstar."

Salman Khan, Lara Dutta and Darsheel walk the ramp at Guru launch

Stars at Success Party of Kanjeevaram in Mumbai

Rani Mukherji: I can't afford an IPL team

Rani Mukherji took tips from Shah Rukh Khan to understand cricket for her role in Dil Bole Hadippa, but Rani Mukherji has no intention of following her good friend's footsteps by bidding for an Indian Premier League (IPL) team.

"I can't afford it... I don't have so much money. There is no chance that I can buy an IPL team," Rani told IANS in an interview in New Delhi.

"Right now I don't even think that I can take up so much responsibility because everything of that sort means more responsibilities. I am quite happy doing what I am doing right now," she added.

IPL is quite popular among Bollywood stars - while Shah Rukh owns Kolkata Knight Riders along with Juhi Chawla, Preity Zinta has Kings XI Punjab and Shilpa Shetty bought stakes in Rajasthan Royals along with boyfriend Raj Kundra.

Salman Khan too is reportedly going to bid for a team this year.

Leave alone IPL, Rani says a big "no-no" to venturing into other facets of filmmaking, such as production or direction, like some of her superstar colleagues.

"Again with production comes a very big responsibility and so is with direction and I don't think I am ready for that as of now," she said.

What's on her mind right now is having a blast during Durga Puja.

"I am just hoping I can have a great time with my family and celebrate Durga Puja as I used to celebrate it as a kid. This time luckily I have kept no commitments during that time; so I am just hoping that this year I'll have a blast," Rani said.

Asked if she had any plans of visiting Kolkata for pandal hopping, the actress said: "I'll be in Mumbai... I always celebrate Durga Pujo in Mumbai only."
Unlike other A-list actresses, Rani is not brand conscious when it comes to her wardrobe. And she has no brand preferences either.

"There's nothing special...basically I love wearing good clothes. I walk into a shop and I buy anything I feel I'll look good in. In any case, having a toned body always feels great."

Her latest outing Dil Bole Hadippa! may have got mixed responses from both audiences and critics, but that has not deterred the actress's confidence.
"I have always done different things. I've done a Black that somebody would think twice before doing and now this. I take up challenging roles as that really excites me as an actor.

"For me it's very integral that I choose a character which is special for the audience as well as me," Rani Mukherji said.

Wishing a Happy birthday to Kareena Kapoor!

Had anyone imagined that this ‘Refugee’ girl would ever grab the eyeballs? Or make men drool at her bootylicious figure? Or attract girls with her style and fashion? She first stepped into the screens with this movie – sans makeup, glamour and shine, with a chubby personality.

People, who were all-praise for her sister in those days, had hardly thought that she will ever make it big in Bollywood. And now look at Kareena Kapoor and you can see for yourself that sea-change in her. From being just another member of the renowned Kapoor clan to soon-expected-to-be bahu of Pataudis, Kareena is comfortably cushioned in the lap of Bollywood these days.

With ‘Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham’, Kareena showed what a Bebo she is; proving what is she best at! Then came ‘Chameli’, another twist to her career, elevating her status and showing the audience that she can’t be only an arm-candy alone. Films like ‘Dev’, ‘Omkara’ too portrayed the brilliant actor within her, which reflects if given the right film. Her filmography will be incomplete if one forgets her as Geet. She successfully made this character to preside over everyone’s heart and thus won several awards hands down. ‘Jab We Met’ truly won audience due to this beauty’s bubbliness, complimenting the silent Shahid.

Then came a series of comedies, featuring this oomph gal and sadly you never got to see the substance from this actress. But one cannot stop expecting, for Kareena has ‘Main Aurr Mrs Khanna’, ‘Kurbaan’, ‘Three Idiots’, ‘Agent Vinod’ – where one can look forward to a different Bebo.

Today being her birthday, Kareena Kapoor would have been busy with her work; shooting the remaining portions of Rajkumar Hirani’s ‘Three Idiots’ with Aamir. But thanks to her co-star, Bebo is happily away in Rajasthan with her beau Saif to celebrate. Sources said Aamir told Raju to postpone the shoot if need be, but let Kareena off to celebrate her birthday. Well, that’s a nice twist for the actress now!

We wish her all the success and best wishes for her future.

Salman Khan turns coolie, donates blood

Bollywood Rock Star Salman Khan recently turned coolie, donated blood and played with kids at three different locations - Dongri, Tata Memorial Hospital and Hinduja Hospital respectively. The actor has all of a sudden become extremely active and has been doing all kinds of things all at once. Take a look!

John Abraham and Jacqueline will sign a thriller together

Not even one film old actress, Jacqueline Fernandes, seems to have impressed John Abraham. He has signed her for his home production to be directed by Sabal Shekhawat.


This project was earlier with Studio 18, who backed out. But John was keen to work on the project and took it up as producer.

A source reveals, "John saw some rushes and promos of Jacqueline's debut film Aladdin and really liked her. Also, they both workout in the same gym and know each other."

The source continues, "The movie is a spy thriller and required a glamorous chick. Jacqueline will also be seen in a sporty avtaar. The film goes on the floor early next year." The director yet has to finalise the location, Turkey being one of them. Director Sabal confirms, "We have signed Jacqueline for the movie."

If sources are to be believed, John has also recommended Jacqueline for Phillum City directed by Deven Khote.

Kareena kapoor had a couple of surprises on her Birthday

Kareena Kapoor had two great birthday surprises this year. The first was when Aamir Khan postponed their shoot for 3 Idiots from September 21 to 25 and then it got better when beau Saif Ali Khan flew in her mom and close friends to Udaipur where she was shooting for a magazine cover.

Last year too the actress was shooting on her birthday (September 21) for 3 Idiots. This year too, when the shooting was delayed, she accommodated and gave up her janam din date. When Aamir learnt about it, he requested Raj Kumar Hirani to postpone the shoot, ad let her have a free day.

Kareena was in Rajasthan on Saturday for a shoot and was to return later in the day. But that evening, Saif flew in and booked them into the Udai Vilas Palace Hotel.

Then on Sunday night, he surprised her further by flying in her best friend Reena, her designer Shabina Khan, some other close friends and her mom Babita to bring in her birthday.

Says a source close to the actress, "He had booked a suite and in true Saif style, he had it decorated it with candles, flowers and everything that she loves. Saif had recently taken her for a European holiday so Bebo wasn't expecting Saif to surprise her again, which he did!"

Bollywood Movie Blue is coming to the UAE first!

Expect the best of world cinema at the third Middle East International Film Festival to be held from October 8 to 17 in Abu Dhabi. And Bollywood will be represented by none other than Blue, the Akshay Kumar-Sanjay Dutt-Lara Dutta-Katrina Kaif movie that features Australian pop princess Kylie Minogue in a special song appearance. The promos of the movie are already burning up our TV screens, so we can’t wait to see the film.

All of MEIFF ‘s gala screenings will be held in the Auditorium of the Emirates Palace Hotel , with some of them receiving second screenings at Cinestar Cinemas at Marina Mall.

Asin Thottumkal Hospitalized

Sources say that Asin Thottumkal was admitted because she was suffering from severe exhaustion, just like Priyanka Chopra while some other sources counter that claim by saying that she was admitted because she has been neglecting her sinus condition for a while. Her condition deteriorated because London Dreams had several night schedules and it was cold. Even during the shooting, she would be bundled in jackets in between shots.

‘Even while she was being treated for her sinus problem, nothing could bring Asin Thottumkal’s spirits down. It also helps that the atmosphere in the hospital is very bright and lively, unlike other hospitals which tend to get depressing. She was happily talking to the nurses and singing some songs as she was undergoing her treatement. No one could tell that this girl was a huge star and was suffering from an ailment as she was congenial, down-to-earth and cheerful,’ says a source.

Asin Thottumkal is a committed professional and chose to get admitted once she had finished all her assignments around Eid. Kokilaben is near her house in Lokhandwala and was a convenient choice for her. It’s becoming a fast favourite with celebrities. First Priyanka Chopra, who stays in Versova was admitted when she had fainted due to exhaustion and then even Shilpa Shetty was spotted there.

Asin Thottumkal’s father Joseph Thottumkal said his daughter’s stay at the hospital was nothing to worry about. She would be out and about in no time.

Imran Khan hates love storys

The film in question is directed by Punit Malhotra, designer Manish Malhotra’s nephew who assisted Karan Johar during Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham and Kabhie Alvida Na Kehna. The film is a love story based in Mumbai starring Imran Khan and Sonam Kapoor in lead roles. While Punit had thought of the title well before hand he changed the spelling as per numerological concerns. However, Imran Khan had his doubts with the new title.

A source close to the actor said, “When Punit changed the title to I hate Luv Storys, Imran was a little concerned as it sounded a little too amateur to him. He felt retaining the original spelling would have been a better option but by that time producer Karan Johar and director Punit had already finalised on the title. Even so while promoting his flick on Twitter and connecting with his fans, many even questioned the title saying it was just too wannabe.”

Imran however directed the questions to his director and producer saying on Twitter, ‘Ok lots of talk about the title IHLS. Please cc all thoughts and suggestions to @kjohar25 , @punitdmalhotra , @sonamakapoor as well as me...’ Still Imran is happy that he’s finally getting back to the romantic genre considering his last two action films sank without a trace. The source added, “He was really upset when his earlier two films didn’t work at the BO, he was worried that starting off with a romantic genre would have him sidelined but doing the action films had him more sidelined than ever. He’s glad to get back to the romantic genre.” Imran too said on Twitter, ‘yeah, I'm tired of action. My next film is a straight up RomCom.’

We too is excited to know that Imran Khan is back to doing what he does best and can't wait for the chocolate boy to return with a bang!

Review of What's Your Raashee?

The first thing I would like to make clear is the What's Your Raashee is nothing like Ashutosh Gowariker's usual work. If you're expecting another Lagaan or Jodhaa Akbar, you will be sorely disappointed. This movie is much more off-the-wall and humorous than those serious films. If you can't handle lack of realism, something Bollywood is pretty much known for, then What's Your Raashee is definitely not for you. There's very little reason given as to why all 12 girls look the same, you just have to take it as it comes.

Yogesh Patel (Harman Baweja) seems to be destined to marry on the 20th of the month, as predicted by an astrologer, and it is also predicted that marriage will bring him a lot of wealth! In fact, Yogesh's grandfather has signed an agreement bequeathing all of his land and property to Yogesh once he gets married, for Yogesh is his favourite grandson and a kind-hearted boy. The father immediately decides that they should lure their son Yogesh back from Chicago to India and get him married.

The father and brother, Jitu, trick Yogesh into coming to India by saying that the father had a heart attack. Yogesh reaches, and after some annoyance agrees to meet girls for marriage.

That night, while being unable to sleep, Yogesh picks up a book called 'What's Your Raashee'. He reads about how every girl and guy are divided into 12 different signs and that their traits are also determined by which horoscope they belong too.

His father's good friend, Devu, decides to help Yogesh and puts an ad out. Yogesh ends up getting 176 replies! Instead of seeing all the girls, Yogesh says that Devu should find him 12 girls to meet, one from every raashee, and he will pick one of them.

Before I continue on, I thought I'd mention that the opening credits with the song 'Pal Pal Jisko Dhoonde' was really cool, showing Priyanka in shadow as each of the raashees.

The first girl Yogesh meets is Anjali, the Aries. The awkward and somewhat nerdy way that Anjali acts makes you realize right off the bat that Priyanka isn't going to be her typical self in this film, at least not for all of it. Anjali is awkward, cannot speak proper English and even smokes a cigarette backwards trying to impress Yogesh. Next up is Sanjana, who is Aquarius. Yogesh plans to meet her at a wedding she is going too and immediately likes what he sees. But he's also kind of confused. Why does she look exactly like Anjali?

The next girl that Yogesh meets is Kajal, the Gemini. She asks him to meet her at a college dance competition. Kajal is bubbly and energetic, and makes Yogesh enter the dance, which he does well in for the song 'Aaja Lehraate'.

Next up was Cancer, Hansa. She was a fairly traditional girl whose family was happy that Yogesh was not asking for a dowry.

Next up is Rajni, Libra. She's a corporate woman who basically runs their first meeting like a business meeting. Her personal assistant even takes minutes!

Next up is crazy ol' Chandrika, Pisces. She and her father come to meet Yogesh. Her father is quite overbearing and basically answers everything Yogesh asks of Chandrika.

The next person Yogesh meets is Mallika, Leo, who is a dancer. Yogesh is really impressed by her performance to 'Dhadkan Dhadkan'.

Yogesh meets his next raashee, Virgo, who is Dr. Pooja, at her office. They have to cut their time short and Pooja has to leave with the rest of the medical staff to a village where they work. She asks Yogesh if he wants to come with her, so they ride on her motorcycle, talking, laughing and flirting. Meanwhile, the song 'Pyaari Pyaari' plays as we see scenes of them at the village enjoying each others' time and seeing how they act with the children of the village.

Yogesh's friend sets him up to meet with his sexy Scorpio cousin Nandini. Yogesh goes to meet Nandini and is surprised to see that she is dressed conservatively and accompanied by her parents who claim that she has never done anything even remotely "scandalous" before.

Next up, Yogesh gets an amazing chance to meet the daughter of the "cotton king", one of the biggest industrialists in India. Their Taurus daughter, Vishakha, wants to meet with him. When Yogesh is taken to the industrialist's home, he is amazed at the size and grandeur of the place. It's pretty amazing.

Yogesh goes to meet the Sagittarius girl, Bhavna. The first thing Bhavna does is check how Yogesh's birth chart compares with hers. As she is studying his chart, she sees that the stars predict that his first marriage will end in failure. According to astrology, only his second marriage will succeed.

The final girl is Capricorn, Jhankhana. She is an extremely shy and extremely traditional young girl. Yogesh smiles and asks her what she studies in college. This question causes the girl to freak out and start crying. As Yogesh looks around the house he sees pictures of Jhankhana in a schoolgirl outfit.

Having already seen all of the girls, Yogesh is as confused as ever. His mother tells him to calmly take the time to think of all the girls and to finally realize which one he is in love with. He falls asleep and we see the song 'Chehre Jo Dekhe Hain'. I actually really liked the picturisation for this song with all 12 girls together and interacting. This video actually allows you to see how Priyanka plays each of the characters differently with various mannerisms. And it's interesting to see them all interacting.

As a whole it was slightly disappointing. Mostly that's because I know what an amazing job Ashutosh Gowariker can do. Harman does a better job than he did in Love Story 2050, but I also feel that any male actor could have filled his shoes. I love the soundtrack of this movie, but most song situations were extremely manufactured.

Now, that's the negative stuff, but there is one big positive, and that is Priyanka Chopra. Wow. No actress has done a role like this, that is for sure. She really busts out the acting chops in this film. This is a great follow-up to Fashion and Kaminey, for sure.

The movie itself is also quite long. Though I didn't personally feel the length of the film, the general feedback from the audience was that it was dragging on. I personally felt that the second half of the film was much stronger than the first and that viewers should stick it out, because things do get more interesting.

The chemistry between Harman and Priyanka Chopra is pretty interesting, because it keeps changing as the characters change.

Overall, I think that What's Your Raashee was okay. I will admit that the story idea is quite interesting, though execution is not always the best it could be. It's the first time I've seen the ending credits roll by with the same name listed 12 times in a row.

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