Life after Chak De

We are not handling fame, fame is handling us’

Nisha: I was elated to be chosen for the movie. Whoever wouldn’t be? But I could never imagine that the film will be such a huge success. The adulations, the fame — it’s come all of a sudden and at first I did not know how to handle this, but I am now going with the flow, taking one step at a time. What about you Sandia?

Sandia : I am living every moment of it. I am getting loads of attention and I am really appreciating it. See, it all depends on you. You could get irritated or you could just learn to live with it. But, to tell you the truth, I do not want a lot of fame... that could be a curse. What do you think Chonchon?

Chonchon : You know, how in the movie Kabir Khan tells the girls to play their best game within the stipulated 70 minutes and how their lives will change after that. Kabir Khan was right. The movie has changed everything. It’s like a dream. It’s been a lot of hard work, but it was worth it.

Chitrashi : I am enjoying myself. If success has come to me, why wouldn't I make the most it? Even on the sets I used to get pampered by SRK. You girls used to tease me na ki main kaisi unki godi mein baith jaati thi. Haha! I had never thought of taking up acting, but now I am thinking. But, at the moment I am soaking in the experience of being loved so much.

Vidya : It was an honour for me to lead you girls. I have been a part of this glam world for long... I have been a model, done ads and films too. I think you girls are lucky. You have tasted success from the word go, but I know what it feels like to have success elude you. But Chak De! India has given me a different high. It’s so wonderful to be your Didi — onscreen and offscreen.

Shilpa : I am living it up. Wherever we are going people are coming up to me and saying how much they loved the movie and how we girls were so good. Yes, we are celebrating girl power. In fact, people have been telling me how jealous they are of me for having acted with SRK and for that scene where I try to seduce him. Imagine people being jealous of me! I hope to have many more ‘fame’ous moments.

Tanya : Now, that the movie has become a hit and people are recognising me, I am hoping to get a boyfriend. Boys are too scared of me. Mereko gussa itni jaldi aata hain na! And on top of that I am a judo player. I am hoping things will change now. Haha! But to tell you the truth I am enjoying myself. People are asking me to take up acting full time. Let’s see what kind of offer I get. But I plan to complete my studies first.

Arya : You know life is ironical. I was always scared of being mobbed and remember how in Australia people had surrounded me? I cried for help and look at us now. Well, to tell the truth, I am not handling fame well. But I am getting there. I am learning to be diplomatic and not being the spitfire that I usually am. SRK is a dream I admired him as an actor, but now I admire the man. He is so very humble!

Shubhi : I have been a choreographer, been an anchor, hosted events and I thought that I am qualified enough to handle fame. But the truth is that right now fame is handling me. I think that with Chak De! India, we have all become a team and we are helping each other out even when we are out on tours. My dream would be to host a Filmfare award with SRK and then I will ask my parents to look for a boy and settle down and have children (Laughs).

Pooja Bhatt has created a monster

“No, one Dhokha with him is enough, I have created a monster and now it’s up to the world as to how to deal with him,” says Pooja

Pooja Bhatt is relieved and ecstatic. Relieved because against all odds, she completed her film Dhokha and ecstatic because the film is getting rave reviews.

“Whoever has seen the film has been praising it," she smiles. And what about newcomer Muzamil, is she willing to work with him again?

“No, one Dhokha with him is enough, I have created a monster and now it’s up to the world as to how to deal with him,” she quips. Over to Muzamil for his take!

Shahid-Kareena still together

No, Shahid and Kareena haven’t split -- they have resolved their misunderstandings and are still together.

Contrary to gossip mongers and all those mean minded reports that say Shahid and Kareena's whirling romance has come to an end, their love story has actually survived.

And they have lived to tell the tale. A friend of Shahid told us that the couple is still very much together and are trying to sort out whatever little bit of misunderstanding that had cropped up over the past few months.

Another rumour bites the dust.

Sameera believes in romance

Sameera gets philosophical about love and says that she believes in destiny. She feels that the beauty of love lies in uncertainty.

Sameera Reddy is truly a romantic person. Even in this day and age, she believes in soul mates. When we asked her where is her soulmate, this is what she had to say, “We often meet our soul mates but do not necessarily end up marrying them.

I believe in destiny and I realise that we have to let go off love for various reasons. The beauty of love is uncertainty. I know that if something like this happens, it would be for the best.” She has met people who are in love with the notion of being in love. “There are people who believe in that romantic notion. Love is part of their dreams.” Well Sameera

Koena Mitra goes South

Every Bollywood actor it seems, is fascinated with the South. So after Nagma, Simran and Yana Gupta's recent sizzling dance in Shankaradada Zindabad , we hear another bombshell, Koena Mitra, is getting ready to sizzle on the South screen with a hot item number.

And she's signed other South films as well. After Bollywood, Koena is all set to sizzle in Tollywood.

Dutt released from Pune jail, reaches home

After 23 days in prison, Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, sentenced to six years of imprisonment in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case, on Thursday walked free from a Pune jail on an interim bail.

Dutt's freedom may be short-lived as the actor will have to return to the jail once the November 28, 2006 judgement of the TADA court convicting him under the Arms Act is made available to him.

The actor, accompanied by his lawyer Satish Maneshinde and fellow convict Yusuf Nulwala, arrived at Mumbai by a chartered flight and reached his house at 8.25 am to an emotional welcome by his MP sister Priya Dutt, other close relatives and friends.

His sister Namrata, brothers-in-law Kumar Gaurav and Owen Roncon, film producer Bunti Wallia, close friend and MLA Baba Siddiqui and others were present to greet him at the entrance of the building.

With his hair cut short and beard grown, Dutt, clad in a blue jeans and white shirt, was hugged by all of them upon getting out of the car.

Seeing mediapersons perched on the fence of an adjoining building and calling him, Sanjay smiled at them and said "not now, later," before entering the building.

The Supreme Court granted an interim bail to the actor four days ago. A TADA court in Mumbai, which convicted him, yesterday issued the order for Dutt's release from Yervada jail in Pune after his lawyers completed legal formalities.

Maneshinde told reporters that right now, Dutt wants to spend time with his family and other issues, like whether he will be starting work on his films, would be decided later.

"The most important thing is to spend time with his family which he is doing," he said.

Success saga of bindaas Rakhi

Sweat’ dreams are made of these! The huffing and panting rise of Rakhi Sawant from a routine item girl in long-forgotten movies like Chura Liya Hai Tumne and Mumbai Express to a bourgeoise icon, is indeed one of the most favourite rags-to-riches stories in Bollywood today.

Post her much-eyeballed presence in the reality show Bigg Boss , Rakhi suddenly catapulted to the status of a middle-class heroine who dared to grab her dreams with both her hands... and perhaps a little help from silicone implants. Excerpts from an interview with the bindaas babe.

What’s happening in your life right now?

I’m not supposed to tell you. But chalo , I can’t keep anything inside me. It's Nach Baliye Part 3. Every time I enter the sets, the other contestants say they want their money back and drop out.

Jahan pe Rakhi Sawant aur usska boyfriend hai, wahan unka koi chance nahin hai . Everyone feels I'm going to win. I feel good about winning. Am I over confident or are the other girls insecure?

Maybe they grudge you your success...

Do they know how hard I work? I’m up at 8 and I work like mad till 10 at night. I'm rehearsing day and night for the next five days for Nach Baliye and look at my good fortune.

Do you know I've been signed by Rakesh Roshanji to do an item song in Krazy 4 ? I had tears in my eyes when he called. I wept in front of God wondering what kind of a miracle this is.

But Rakesh Roshan has only given you an item song?

So what? It's a big banner.

Did you ever dream of being mobbed like a big star?

Jee, maine bilkul socha tha . I always knew there was something very special about me. Imagine a girl who fought with her parents, fought with everyone in her life, who struggled for eight years to get where she wanted and finally forced God to smile on her destiny... you have to agree there has to be something special about me.

Your stardom is a freak case...

Lots of strugglers and aspirants get tired and give up the struggle. But I kept at it. I started by doing item songs and bit roles. Even if I earned Rs 2,500 per day I could sustain myself. I chose to do small roles instead of sitting at home.

I wasn't a star-daughter with a producer-father willing to gamble crores away on me. Nobody big came to sign me at the start. Nobody knew me.

Today for the promotional campaign of your new film you get mobbed the most, above stalwarts like Om Puri and Anupam Kher. Do you feel vindicated?

If that’s true, then I’m thankful to God. I’m the darling of the media. I’m media-made. They felt I spoke my heart, that I was bindaas. The media shows both my good deeds and bad deeds. Somewhere they feel I’ve got my act right.

Today your popularity equals any of the big stars...

True. Earlier I didn’t get any respect from within the industry. Now, it is done in a very grudging way. I’m considered a bechari. Please don’t feel sorry for me because I'm from a poor home. So what if I come from a modest background?

So what if I didn’t have a father or a godfather to support me? I’m a self-made girl. I wanted to be successful on my own terms, no matter how bindaas I had to be to achieve this. In this industry no one gives you roti for nothing. One has to earn it.

Are the heroines nice to you?

Some are reluctant to acknowledge my stardom. But some like Rani, Bipasha and Ayesha Takia have been kind. Shilpa Shetty loves me like anything.

She came to my set and sat there and watched me dance. She told me she was encouraged to go on Big Brother after watching me on Bigg Boss. But on the whole I'm not given the respect I deserve.

Darling is predicted to be a big hit

It’s news that wouldn’t make too many Bollywood bigwigs happy. But one Bollywood babe certainly is. This year’s Euro RSCG Bollywood Predictameter has said that many of 2007’s much-awaited films — including biggies like Om Shanti Om, Ram Gopal Varma ki Aag, Saavariyan and Aaja Nach Le — are likely to disappoint at the box office.

But it also says that the surprise hit of the year will be another Ram Gopal Varma film: the low-key Fardeen and Ishaa Koppikar-starrer Darling.

Tell Ishaa the news as she’s getting set for her shooting for Har Pal, co-starring Preity Zinta and Shiney Ahuja, and she’s thrilled. Wow! Great!” she screams. She’s especially excited because the role itself is so different.

In Darling, Ishaa plays a simple housewife, fighting a sexy ghost (played by Esha Deol) for the attention of husband Fardeen. “I’m totally a girl next door,” she says, “It’s a complete image change. My character’s life begins and ends with her husband and child. She’s principled, rigid, very strong — only blacks and whites in her life,” she says.

What made her opt for this character, so different from her usual image? “It was the role I was offered,” she says, “and I have no qualms about doing it. I could have carried off both. But I’m sure Ramu is very happy with what I’ve done.”

Actually, she loves the experimenting, she admits. “I’d love to play different roles. I hate being monotonous, predictable. Right from the beginning I’ve done different things — Girlfriend, Don, Shabari — which will be out in a couple of months. Now Har Pal.”

Is she disappointed not to be part of the mega-star cast of Ram Gopal Varma ki Aag ? “Of course. I would have loved to have played Basanti’s role. But Ramu thought I didn’t suit the role and took someone else. He’s the filmmaker, it’s his vision, his preference after all,” she says.

Does she find a place in Don 2, at least, considering she managed to make her presence felt in the first one? “Everyone says Farhan Akhtar is making Don 2 except Farhan Akhtar,” she laughs.

Ishaa’s also excited about Hello, the film based on One Night At A Call Centre . “It’s so real now — the stress that bogs down your personal life and the frustrations that we take out at work. This kind of movie is so relevant today — look at Life in a... Metro. Multiplex movies are doing very well.”

But Ishaa’s far from given up her dancing queen tag. “Oh, I’m dancing anyway, most of the time. In Hello, it’s to a Sunidhi Chauhan-Daler Mehendi tune that is bound to rock the discos.”

Shamita Shetty knows fashion

Not many people know that actress Shamita Shetty has a diploma in fashion designing.

"Yes, I was always interested in fashion. So, while doing my bachelors in commerce, I also did a diploma in fashion designing . It was a great experience."

However, Shamita has no plans to start her own line. "Not yet! I am happy doing what I am doing right now. That is acting and I want to concentrate on it."

As you wish girl!

Bipasha Basu loves adventure

The actress has come out with a mobile game called Jet Ski Champ where Bipasha will contend for the finish line on mobiles. When we met the actress last, she spoke about the miniature Bipasha Basu who’ll be seen on mobile screens.

“She is so little, that you can hardly make out that it’s me, but I love this character,” she says.

And unlike her, the real Bips, though adventurous and all that, isn’t too much of a jet ski champ. “I do get a little cautious when it comes to this sport,” she candidly confesses.

Well, the gal is sure moving at jet speed in the jet-age, and making most of her big screen and now mini-screen image, too!

'I am sexy, not vulgar:Nisha Kothari

After creating a sensation in Tollywood, sexy Nisha Kothari went ahead and became Ram Gopal Varma's favourite heroine, replacing the oomphy Urmila Matondkar. And now she is playing the new Basanti aka Ghungroo in Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag, in which macho man Ajay Devgan stars opposite her.

Talking about the character of Ghungroo she says, "It's a very peppy character. She is a tapori who puffs beedi (hopelessly imitating her favourite actor Rajnikanth), drives an autorickshaw (called Laila) and looks after her parents. People are bound to compare this character with Basanti played by Hemaji in Sholay, but though both have the same flavour-- they are entirely different in attitude and have been treated differently. I am sure people will love me and my character."

Just a few flicks old, Nisha has had the opportunity to work with stars like Sushmita Sen, Ajay Devgan and Emraan Hashmi. She says, "There was a time when I would dream of working with these stars and today I am sharing the screen space with them. It is like a dream come true. The best part is that these senior actors make the newcomer feel so comfortable on the sets that you feel you have been working for ages with them."

Citing an example she says, "While shooting for this film, RGV suddenly asked me to puff beedi Rajnikanth style. Though I had practised the style quite a few times, I panicked and looked at Ajay Devgan. He realised that I was scared and quietly winked at me and smiled, which meant 'just do it'. The shot I gave then was perfect."

Ask her what all she does, when she is not working and pat comes the reply, "I either play video games, work out or catch up with my sleep. I don't party at all. I am a traditional person and like to maintain a low profile. I have a long way to go and I am concentrating only on my work."
But somehow this 'traditional' talk does not gel well with the speed with which she sheds clothes on screen and does passionate scenes with co-actors like Ajay Devgan. She calmly explains, "I have a beautiful body and can carry any outfit with grace. If I reveal or do intimate scenes that's only because I am convinced the role needs it. The director has to convince me that the scene is required and I know that I look sexy and not vulgar donning a short skirt or hot pants. Had I been doing anything unethical, my parents would have objected to it, instead they are quite supportive."

Not many know that the girl loves to dance. "You just have to put on the music and I can break into a jig. I love to dance and sometimes when I am feeling low, I put on soft music and dance," says she and signs off.

Anoushka thinks herself blessed

Youthful, devoted, focussed and intelligent – that’s Anoushka Shankar for you. She follows music with a passion and is often awarded the youngest achiever at award ceremonies.

Ask her about it and she laughs, “Things like my being the youngest achiever are changing fast – I’m already twenty five.” She adds, “Getting an award for the work I do or being felicitated on various ocassions holds relative importance in my life. For me, my passion and my music counts more than anything else.”

And does she relate to being referred to as a phenomenon? “I am not a phenomenon,” quips Anoushka. “I think I’m blessed. I’ve learnt a lot from my father. My childhood was full of enriching experiences and I like sharing the values and qualities that were inculcated in me as a kid. It’s great if kids look up to me. I always encourage youngsters to bring out the best in them. I was encouraged a lot when I was young, and I’m more than willing to share it,” adds Anoushka.

Gracy Singh to star in Ashima

Bengali literature is a haven of filmable material, folks. And our Hindi filmmakers sure know a goldmine when they see one. Now after Devdas and Parineeta have proved to be hits, Aseem Merchant has been signed on for a film titled Ashima , which is based on a Bengali novel.

However, contrary to earlier reports, the film is not in Bengali, but in Hindi and will also star Gracy Singh. Yes, the lady is back in action. And this one will be shot in Orissa and will be directed by Shishir Mishra. Will this one manage to create the same magic as Devdas and Parineeta ?

Shilpa sues ex-manager

Actor Shilpa Shetty has filed a case against her former manager, Jasveer 'Jazz' Barton, who is based in the UK.

Shetty has asked for an injunction against Barton, stating that she had falsely claimed to be her agent, made commitments and signed deals on her behalf while the actress was participating in the TV show Big Brother. "We have filed a case at the city civil court asking for an injunction against Jazz Barton," said Shetty’s spokesperson Dale Bhagwagar.

With Shetty shooting to international fame after winning the Big Brother show, Jazz has allegedly been trying to extract money from her.

She has been sending her legal notices, seeking a cut from Shetty’s earnings, said Bhagwagar, adding that Jazz’s demands were ridiculous, as Shilpa did no longer have a contract or agreement with her. By going to court, Shetty was just protecting herself from Jazz’s illegal claims, Bhagwagar said.

"Due to incorrect media reports, business queries were being misdirected at Jazz, but when we learnt that Jazz had begun signing financial deals and making commitments on Shilpa's behalf, it had to be announced and clarified that she was not the official agent," said Bhagwagar.

Big B takes Bard to Canada

his one should be a winner for Amitabh Bachchan. After all, what can be easier for Big B than to play an actor? And that’s how the audience at the Toronto International Film Festival will see him – as a failed and ageing Shakespearean actor – in Planman Motion Picture’s The Last Lear .

Amitabh will be accompanied by actors Preity Zinta and Arjun Rampal on September 9, when the film will have its world premier at the festival.

Not just a new role, Big B is sporting a new look in the film too. With white flowing mane, deep lines etched across his face and his great acting skills – Big B suits the role to a T. Says Rituparno Ghosh, the film’s director, “Amitda has great admiration for Shakespeare and his work, and this comes through beautifully in the film, as do the sincerity, warmth and genuineness that he puts into his work.”

The film is based on Utpal Dutt’s Aajker Shahjahan, which Ghosh says “combines theatre and cinema so beautifully”.
Rumours have it that so fascinated was Bachchan by the film that he even wrote part of the dialogues for it. Reacting to this, Ghosh says, “That’s just the rumour mill working! Actually, since the film is in English, I’d wanted a few Hindi dialogues for a very small scene, translated from the English ones I’d written. So I simply asked Amitda to help me translate these into Hindi for me. That’s it.”

Talking about Arjun who plays a filmmaker from Kolkata, he says, “As part of the homework for his role, Arjun roamed around Kolkata for a few days, just to get his finger on the pulse of the city.” And Preity, he says “gets to don a completely Indian look for the first time in the film, something she has never portrayed before.” The Last Lear also stars Divya Dutta and Shefali Shah.

But, doesn’t the fact that the film is in English worry him — that it would be restricted to a niche audience? “English, I feel, is a very valid urban Indian language. And we’ve used English the way we Indians speak it. So, the film has as much potential to reach out to a larger audience as any other film,” says Ghosh.

Confident that the film will be appreciated by audiences worldwide, Arindam Chaudhuri who has presented the film says, “The Last Lear is indeed a very important and powerful film. The story, Rituparno Ghosh’s direction and the performances are all world class. We always wanted to be known as makers of good film and I can only say these are just our initial days!”

Rakhi Sawant, the social activist

Rakhi Sawant has found her ‘real’ calling in life. “I want to be a full-fleshed social activist,” she says. Er... what was that again? It may take a minute to understand but what she really means is a full-fledged social activist. “Yes, that’s my dream. Mujhe unki awaaz banna hai jo musibat main hain aur un sab logno ko sabak sikhana hai jo galat kaam kar rahe hain ,” she says.

And what happened to the screen siren, the motor-mouth? You don’t have to wait for too long to see the ‘real’ Rakhi.

Irked by the photographer taking her pictures non-stop, she says, “ Kya pictures le rahe ho ? Main waisI ki waisi hoon, paanch minute mein badal nahin gayi hoon. Bas karo.”

But if she goes ahead and takes up social work, what will happen to her latka s and jhatka s? “I will never give up my work. I am doing well on TV and I will continue doing it. And to back up her claim, she talks about doing an item number in Rakesh Roshan’s next film. “I feel so fortunate and lucky to work with such a great film director. I can’t ask for more.”

A diplomatic Rakhi? Now we will have to press the alarm buttons!

Preity went in a burkha just for SRK

Mallika Sherawat famously wore one last year to dodge the media when she was coming out of the airport in Mumbai from a foreign jaunt.

And singer Himesh Reshamiyya daringly got into one last month to slip into the Ajmer Sharif dargah incognito. We are talking about the burkha.

Which the attractive Preity Zinta wore on Independence Day eve so as not to attract attention when she went into a Bandra cinema hall to see Shah Rukh Khan’s hit movie Chak De India with the junta.

Preity tells the story, “I could have seen the movie in the safety and comfort of a multiplex, but to gauge the reaction of the audience, I had to sit among the masses.

I went along with my mom and cousin, hidden in a burkha, and because nobody could see me, I was at my buoyant best!”

According to the vivacious actress, in her disguise, she was able to scream, whistle and cheer along with the audience for SRK and his team of women hockey players in the movie.

There were other women in burkhas as well among the audience, so she got away with it. Says Preity, “The movie has elevated patriotism to a higher level, it’s given energy a new meaning and youth a new direction.”

Coming from someone who is at the top of the Bollywood heap herself, and who made her debut with SRK in Dil Se, this is high and handsome praise indeed.

The two acted in a few more successful movies together, like Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, Veer Zara and Kal Ho Na Ho. But Preity believes the Bollywood Badshah’s performance in Chak De India is his finest so far. “He is mind blowing, too good to express in words, and I just love him,” adds Preity. “

It’s rare for an actress to openly admit such feelings for a male co-star. And Preity unburdened these emotions on the man himself which SRK, in all his humility, accepted.

But then, Preity Zinta is known to be outspoken and honest, if not to wear her heart on her sleeve. Ness Wadia and Gauri Khan to please note.

Salman Khan in an accident!

Salman Khan is known to ride his bicycle around town. And some weeks ago the actor accidentally banged into a car in Juhu.

This accident resulted in a dent in the car, and the car-owner was naturally fuming mad, till he saw that the person to have done this was none other than Sallu bhai.

Stunned and a little star-struck, the owner didn’t quite know how to react, and suddenly mellowed down.

And when Salman approached him to apologise, the astounded man in all his nervousness simply said, “You’re welcome!” We hear he’s now let the dent on his car remain for ‘sweet memories’.

Priyanka undergoes army training

The actress decided to visit army camps at Tenga, Tejpur near the Assam and Arunachal Pradesh border and even interacted with jawans at the border and tried her hand at some of the army training sessions herself. “I feel lucky to be a part of independent India.

We have freedom of choice, speech and the independence to dream and actually achieve. The freedom to be who and what we want. I salute our forefathers who have given us this chance,” says Priyanka adding, “I had great time. I never thought it would be as nostalgic as it was.

I went through an emotional period in the duration of those two days. It’s something I’ll cherish for a long time. The most special moment was at the bonfire, hanging around with them, chatting about their experiences.”

What’s more, on the earnest request of the jawans, Priyanka also sang some soul stirring songs on freedom from Hindi classic movies, her favourite song being Kar chale hum fida jaan aur tan saathiyo, abb tumhare hawale watan saathiyo.

Hot people in haute couture

Fashion entrepreneurs Pradeep and Neha Hirani launched a 4,500 sq ft Kimaya (the first having opened in Juhu in 2003) at Kemp’s Corner, Mumbai on Friday. The stunning Priyanka Chopra inaugurated the store and the city’s well-heeled attended the grand soiree.

Sanjay Nirupam was one of the first to arrive and like the rest of the guests was amazed at the size and splendour of the store. And it was shopping manna for the ladies -- Devieka Bhojwani picked up a creation in black even as Roshni Damania was helped by husband Parvez to choose from the vast array of designer threads. Elina Meswani, Jaideep and Seema Mehrotra, Azeem Khan, Malini Agarwalla and Pria Kataria Puri were also present. Rohit Bal complimented Chhaya Momaya on her outfit. Designer Pam Mehta seemed to be enjoying herself.

Models sashayed across the split level store in the latest designs. Rhea and Rahul Hirani were just waiting to get their pictures clicked with their fave star, Priyanka. "Kimaya’s success story still has a long way to go," said Pradeep, who has stores in New Delhi and Dubai.

Is Sushmita Bunty's new Babli?

There’s a new man in Sushmita Sen’s life, if reports are to be believed. And the name’s Amit, Amit Sajdeh, aka Bunty Sachdev, more famous as fashion designer Seema Khan’s (who is married to actor Sohail Khan) brother. But the plot thickens. Bunty is supposedly engaged to Mumbai businessman Shashi Chaddha’s daughter Neha.

"I really don’t want to comment on my personal life. Neha’s not part of the industry. She’s in Spain right now and she doesn’t like all this. Anyway, why would people want to read about Neha and me? We are not important people. I am known for the people I manage due to my work," exclaims Bunty, who handles athlete and celebrity endorsements for tennis ace Mahesh Bhupathi’s company.

And what about Sushmita then? "I have been travelling extensively with Sushmita of late and people have been getting the wrong idea. I manage her endorsement deals and she really trusts me with her work. But I’m definitely not involved with her. We are very good friends and I have known her for many years and we work very well together," says the 29-year-old who was earlier romantically associated with actresses Dia Mirza and Neha Dhupia.

"I have been linked with half the women I have worked with! I was seeing Dia for a good two-and-half years and contrary to reports, Neha (Dhupia) didn’t come between Dia and me," he explains.

Vivek Oberoi walks the ramp!

The Shootout At Lokhandwala star recently walked the ramp in Chennai for a charity foundation which helps children with heart problems.

And Vivek Oberoi agreed to do the show absolutely free. Apparently, he even danced to the Hum dum suniyo re song, and he got a standing ovation from the fashion fraternity.

What’s more, what with his charity work after the Tsunami, the actor has become quite a hit with the south audience. That explains why he literally got mobbed by fans at the airport on his way back. And we thought only Rajnikant got mobbed there!

Jacqueline is a mature girl!

Jacqueline Fernandez aspires to join Bollywood. “I’ve been attending dance and acting classes and I’m also taking Hindi tuitions. I must tell you that I’m getting better with each passing day,” says the Sri Lankan beauty.

What kind of roles is she looking forward to? “I’m against being a pretty face in a frame. I want to do meaty roles and want the audience to remember me for my acting.”

And what about her alleged link-up with Vivek Oberoi? “We are friends and that’s all. Surviving rumours is like paying a small price to be a part of this glamorous industry. I don’t really care. We are mature people,” says Jacqueline.

Soha found a guide in Waheedaji ?

Soha Ali Khan is a lucky girl. The actress, who will be seen in Sudhir Mishra’s Khoya Khoya Chand with Shiney Ahuja, got help from none other than veteran actress Waheeda Rehman.

The latter helped them with her inputs when the team was doin g research on Indian cinema in the bygone era. Says Mishra, “This film is a tribute to the golden era of Bollywood, and Waheedaji’s inputs took it to another level.”

Interestingly, Soha has earlier worked with Rehman in Rang De Basanti , she has already shared screen space with her. Seems like Waheedaji’s playing ‘guide’ to Soha in this one as well.

Deepal’s a sucker for compliments

Aren’t we all? Well, with Deepal Shaw, apparently a compliment will take you quite far. The actress claims that when she is complimented for her work, it inspires her to give her the best.

I love to receive compliments as it gives me encouragement and motivates me to give my best shot, says Deepal. Once you get positive response from your director after a shot, you not only feel satisfied but also get energised to perform even better.

The surest way a director can tap the best from her is to praise her she will do her best to live up to the expectations after that. Well, if her directors are listening, you know what to do guys!

Katrina Kaif ready for the Kat-walk

And, we got to know this when designer Varun Bahl recently made her do the catwalk.

“I enjoy modelling. Don’t forget that I was a model before I joined movies,” she says. “I began my career as a model, and this will always be my first love.

Now, I am too busy to do shows because of my acting career. But, something as special as being a part of the fashion week or featuring in an advertisement can be accommodated,” she adds.

Kat is also deeply interested in knowing what’s being created by the designers lately. “I have seen the work of many designers, and some of them sure have their own style and a very cool way of handling their work.

I personally like the cuts given by Varun. No wonder he was invited to showcase at Milan,” Katrina says.

Katrina was recently harassed by a 25-year-old, who constantly called her up and abused her boyfriend Salman Khan. “Oh, that has been taken care of. It was in the past, what is the point of talking about it now?”

Talk about the short skirt controversy which happened while shooting for Namastey London, at the Ajmer Sharif, and she says “I have grown up after that. There is this sense of responsibility now.

I want to do better than what I have already done. In fact, people have noticed the change as well. And, a change for good is always welcome. It is quite motivating,” says Katrina.

Sexy Celina is single

Celina Jaitley is on a high these days. What with being voted the sexiest woman in a poll recently, the actress is beaming away.

But there’s one drawback — Jaitley doesn’t have a man in her life right now. Says Celina, When you’re voted the most sexiest woman, the drawback of all sexiest women in the world is that they don’t have a partner to go along.”

Are men overawed by her sexy status, we kid. “No, they are not scared, it’s just that you can’t find the right guy.”

Is it a case of setting your standards too high, we wonder. “It’s not that. I haven’t had time to consider a relationship,” says the actress. “And the fact is that I haven’t met anyone yet. But I am not looking for anyone out of the world. I hope God finds the right man for me, because only He will make the right choice.” Okay, so what kind of man did Celina want? “I am not looking for any kind of man. I am just looking at a compatible person.” And? “My guy should earn one dollar more than me. You don’t want to hear the rest.”

So does Celina believe in love at first sight? “Yes, I believe in love at first sight. But it never happened to me. I am a romantic at heart, but I have no one in my life. I have been single for one-and-a-half-years. But I am going to remain a romantic for the rest of my life. I’m willing to wait even until I’m eighty years old if it will take that long for it to happen.”

She’s been spotted with phirangis quite often — is that an offshoot of shooting for an international film or a matter of choice? Does she think two people who come from different cultures can hit it off together?

“Yes, they can. Love has no boundaries — the biggest of love stories in the world have been between people from different cultures or different societies. They’ve never been from the same class, or the same culture, or the same creed. Why does this happen? Because love has no language.”

Nandana Sen's take on Willard

Marigold is one film that is being looked forward to, and Nandana Sen is quite excited about it.

Ask her how it was shooting with Willard Caroll, and she says, “Willard is absolutely one of my favourite directors – he’s a wonderful person. He’s such a talented director, and so calm. Salman and I both agreed that he’s one of the best directors we’ve worked with. He really makes everyone feel confident on the sets. Sometimes, we shot under difficult conditions – like in the summer in the desert in India. Willard was dealing with the situation a lot better than Indians.”

Whew! Willard, we must say, can take a bow!

Perizaad is treated like a queen

Unlike many of her contemporaries, actor Perizaad Zorabian has been extremely selective about her films. Despite doing fewer films, therefore, she has been able to deliver some fine performances in films like Jogger’s Park and Morning Raga.

In the city to inaugurate a craft store, Perizaad looked as lively and energetic as ever. Talking about the fact of being choosy, she says, “I have always wanted to do movies I can relate to. The choices here are to either get typecast in a particular role, or to carve a niche for one’s self. Of course, being selective can be good or bad. But, I have been lucky to get good roles in my career.”

The actor is said to have backed out of the Indo-US project titled When Kiran Met Karen , a film in which she was supposed to play the lesbian protagonist. Did she develop cold feet?

“I had read the script, and agreed to do the movie. It’s a very brave film, and not sleazy at all. But, when you are someone’s wife and a daughter-in-law, you are answerable to the family. So, I had to refuse. Although I would have loved to do the film, I don’t have any regrets,” she says.

Besides, she has given a miss to Sanjay Gupta’s Alibaug as well. “I wanted to do the movie. But, Sanjay wanted me to give him bulk dates of 60 days, which was not possible in my present condition,” she informs.

Present condition? The lady is expecting a child very soon, which possibly explains the unmistakable glow on her face.

However, that does that mean that the actor has opted for complete rest.

Instead, she says, “I’m working hard. I have started working with my father in our poultry business. The transition, from being an actor to a businesswoman, came naturally to me. As it is an expanding industry, it is a challenging job. And, it’s a very real world unlike acting, where I am treated like a queen,” she observes.

A boy or a girl: which thought excites her more?

“I would love to have a girl like a doll, so that I can dress her up in little dresses,” she says, adding, “But, more than that, I want a healthy baby. I want to be a good parent.”

Now, that’s one role she’d definitely love the most.

Rituparna has dreams in her eyes

As she talks about the movies in her kitty, her excitement is almost childlike. “I am really looking forward to my movies which are to be released. I have played so many different shades in all of them that I have truly been able to explore a lot of what acting is all about,” she says. But she is skeptical of viewers’ reactions and wants them to accept her, love her and appreciate her. “Isn’t that what all of us actors want?” she asks.

She simply loves Hindi cinema for, it has no regional limitations, unlike its Bengali counterpart. “Talent needs to spread its wings and fly. In Bollywood, you get to use your full potential,” she says, and lest we mistake her for an ‘arty’ actress, she clarifies, “There is a need for both commercial as well as intense, meaningful cinema today. I want to do both.”

Besides her love for cinema, there’s her love for dancing. What with having done a lot of stage shows, choreographed her own dance performances and others’ too.

And then, there’s her love for Delhi. “ Chaat! It’s scrumptious. This city is historically beautiful and Delhiites are a warm lot. Another thing that I don’t miss out on when I come here is shopping. It’s a divine experience shopping here,” she says.

Dressed in a beautiful silk skirt and corset, with her fingers adorned with multiple rings, she talks about her love and life. “I have been married for four years. My husband Sanjay lives in Singapore and we try to match schedules and find time for each other.”

Ask her how she met him and she smiles and replies, “We were childhood friends and both of us knew that with our work schedules we will not get time to get married, so we quickly went ahead with it. We love each other a lot and fight a lot too. I have just come back from Singapore, and am already missing him.”

Is Baby B on its way?

If the buzz is to be believed, there’s going to be a new Bachchan in town soon... Baby B to be more precise. Yes, the most beautiful woman in the world, Aishwarya Bachchan, is reportedly expecting and Abhishek is gonna be a dad. Amitabh Bachchan, meanwhile, is going to be a grand-daddy.

There are already three ABs in this power family - Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Bachchan, and when DT had asked Abhishek in an earlier interview whether he would name his child with the alphabet A, he had said, “That’s actually a cool thought. I haven’t thought about it, though.” And on plans of starting a family, he had said, "Kids shouldn’t be planned. They should just happen." The couple tied the knot on April 20 this year.

'God has given me a second life'

“It takes two minutes flat to fall in love with SRK,” exclaims 49-year-old MR Negi, the former Indian hockey goalkeeper who trained SRK for over four months for the movie Chak De . Inspired from the real-life story of Negi, SRK plays the role of a hockey coach, Kabir Khan, and turns a bunch of girls into a unit that goes on to win the World Cup.

To Negi, this is one way through which God is giving justice to him, finally. Over 25 years ago, at the Asian Games finals, India were humbled 1-7 by Pakistan. Negi was blamed for accepting a bribe to betray his country at this tournament. For those who knew Negi, the accusations were damning, slanderous and false. This episode sent Negi into a shell from which he found very difficult to emerge.

But hard luck struck again. “Two years ago, I lost my 19-year-old son Abhiranjan. And the world came crashing down around my wife and me. On the Terahvi (13th day ceremony) of my son, I was told about the Chak De script. Leave alone the movie, even the idea of playing hockey ever again was completely out of my mind,” says Negi.

Eventually, friends convinced Negi to take this forward and he met filmmaker Aditya Chopra, SRK, and the movie shaped up. Another interesting person he met recently was SM Masood, chairman of City Limouzines India Ltd and official sponsor of the Indian Hockey Federation. “After meeting me, he decided to contribute over Rs 1 crore for the women’s hockey team and I insisted that he gives his contribution right into the players’ hands.”

A spirited Masood says, “Nobody seemed concerned enough about our national sport. But we aspired to make a difference. Be it providing kits, training or aid in selection rounds, we help. And it really isn’t all about money, call this Indian passion.”

Over the past two decades, Negi (who’s now a customs officer) has been writing his soon-to-be released biography - Gloom To Glory , and founded Abhi Foundation in memory of his son, which works towards the cause of hockey. “I have never asked for any help from anybody. But God seems to have saved the best for the last,” says Negi.

Ash to star in The Pink Panther sequel

Aishwarya Rai is set to star with actor Steve Martin in The Pink Panther sequel.

Actors Andy Garcia, John Cleese and Alfred Molina have also joined the crew of Columbia Pictures/MGM's The Pink Panther 2 .

The actress will star as a detective and expert along with Spiderman 2 villain Molina and Garcia, who join forces with bumbling French police detective Jacques Clouseau, to be played by Martin, to catch the thief who has been stealing artefacts around the world.

Cleese will play Clouseau's superior chief inspector Charles Dreyfus in the pic.

Agent Cody Banks director Harald Zwart will be directing the film, which was penned by Scott Neustadter, Mike Weber, Lowell Ganz, Babaloo Mandel and Steve Martin.

The film will be produced by Robert Simonds and Ira Shuman will be the executive producer.

The sequel, which was announced in March 2006, is scheduled for a release on February 13, 2009.

Ash's wax model to be unveiled in NY

After her 'namaste' to London, Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai is coming to New York. The Madame Tussauds museum at Times Square here will launch Ash's incredibly life-like wax model on August 15 when India celebrates its 60th year of Independence.

The unveiling ceremony has been scheduled on the Independence Day as demanded by the actor's fans in the city, according to museum officials. "The event will feature a 15-minute performance by a local Bollywood dance troupe."

The museum has borrowed the model for six weeks from its parent Madame Tussauds in London where the former Miss World's waxwork was unveiled in 2004, timed with the release of Bride and Prejudice in which she played the lead role. The other Indian film actors immortalised at Madame Tussauds in London are Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Tamil superstar Rajnikanth.

Emraan Hashmi is down with malaria

He’s been spending a lot of time in bed. Now before your naughty minds go wild, let’s tell you it’s malaria, that’s keeping poor Emraan Hashmi on the bed. He’s apparently on complete bed rest.

So he’s been doing the regular round of tests which are rather unpleasant, and to make things worse the lad doesn’t have much of an appetite, too.

But well, for Emraan, there’s always an upside to everything. Every time he looks into the mirror his face breaks into a smile and nah, it’s not vanity. It’s weight. In the last few weeks he’s lost quite a few kilos. And that’s like a bonus for the ailing Emmu.

Make the most of your time. Even in bed, right Emraan?

Driving Neha Dhupia mad

Yaar, photo mat kheencho ,” says an exasperated Neha Dhupia to the crowd of visibly excited youths trying to catch her on their mobile. “These camera phones really freak me out. I guess there’s too much of tech intruding in our lives these days,” she says.

So, what are the other things that drive Neha mad?

“You could call me a normal girl with a mad streak,” smiles she. Huh? “You want to know the maddest thing I have done? I went shopping barefoot in London. I was shopping for shoes there, and by the time I tried three shops, I was tired of getting back into my own shoes again. So I just went barefoot.”

Neha’s lost oodles of weight, and she poses for photo-ops, sans make-up, her hair just towel-dried, with a confidence that’s refreshing in a star.

Did she get too tired of putting on make-up too? “Didn’t I tell you earlier that I am a normal girl most of the times?” asks Neha, and with a laugh, tells us, “I receive many compliments about my figure these days. And it feels damn good.” Oh well... “No, I mean it. I’ve been working out like a maniac.”

And? “And life’s been good the past couple of years,” says Neha. Is Ritwik the reason for this? “He’s special, my closest pal. But don’t ask me about marriage. It’s not a part of my plans for now,” she signs off.

Which Indian City do you Belong to ?

Scenario 1
Two guys are fighting and a third guy comes along, then a fourth and.
They start arguing about who’s right.
You are in KOLKATA

Scenario 2
Two guys are fighting and a third guy comes along,sees them and walks on.
That’s MUMBAI

Scenario 3
Two guys are fighting and a third guy comes along & tries to make peace.The first two get together & beat him up.
That’s DELHI

Scenario 4
Two guys are fighting. Both of them take time out and call their Friends on mobile. Now 50 guys are fighting.
You are in AMRITSAR

Scenario 5
Two guys are fighting and a third guy comes he writes a software Program to stop the fight. But the fight doesn’t stop b’cos of a bug in the program.
That’s BANGALORE

Scenario 6
Two guys are fighting. A crowd gathers to watch. A guy comes along and quietly says that “AMMA” doesn’t like all this nonsense. Peace comes in.
That’s CHENNAI

Scenario 7
Two guys are fighting. Third guy comes along with a carton of beer. All sit together drinking beer and abusing each other and all go home being friends.
You are in GOA

Scenario 8
Two guys are fighting. A crowd gathers to watch. A guy comes along and quietly opens a tea-stall & a thattukada (dhaba)…

U R NOW IN KERALA

Karisma Kapoor on a comeback trail?

After Govinda, another actor who is readying to make a mega comeback, we hear is Karisma. The buzz about her comeback plans is getting stronger by the day.

If the rumours are to be believed, she has already started the process by touching base with some of her old loyal filmmakers who are more than happy to welcome her back.

We wonder what’s stopping her from making her comeback with her once Hero No 1, Govinda ?

Or is she waiting for a call from SRK, Aamir, Salman or Akshay?

And if that’s the case, her wait will get longer as they are busy romancing the Priyankas, Deepikas and Laras of the world, so for her, Govinda remains her best bet!

Govinda misses Madhuri a lot

Madhuri still has many admirers in the industry and one such diehard fan is our man of the masses Govinda who says he missed working with her immensely.

“Whenever I hear a song from one of Madhuri’s films, I can’t stop myself from tapping my feet,” he says.

And more than anything he says it’s the comfort level that he shares with her. And whenever they meet they always end up chatting in Marathi.

We wonder what the topic of discussion is? Maybe who is a better dancer...

Betting recommendations

Sportsbook-Watch.com is the home of all top gambling resources. Place to find, one of the Best online gambling reviews and recommendations.

They provide multi-lingual pages in French, Spanish, German and Italian for European betting customers as well as a live sportsbetting odds page which is updated on a minute by minute basis providing you with the latest and best odds online.

For people who are new to online gaming and betting they provide a new players's guide and a glossary to thousands of betting and gaming terms to help them understand the websites that they will visit.

Sportsbook-watch.com have released 3 online betting eBooks. The 3 gambling guides cover such topics as playing online poker, placing wagers on horse racing and online sportsbetting. The eBooks are aimed at the new bettor or inexperienced betting enthusiast.

The betting on sports online eBook (entitiled How To Bet On Sports) includes a discussion and explanation of the 'point spread' system, an explanation of moneylines, how a new bettor should select an online sportsbook and a glossary explaining online sports betting terminology.

The poker player's eBook (entitled How To Play Poker) covers the different types of poker games that are commonly played in casinos. A description of each poker hand. An explanation of 'limit poker' and how the game is played. The book also has a glossary of common poker terms and information and advice about choosing an reputable online poker website.

The betting on horseracing eBook (entitled How To Bet On Horses) explains the use of handicapping in horse racing, types of wagers that can be placed when betting on horses, how to choose a reputable online racebook and an explanation of horseracing betting terms.

These free betting guides make it very easy to understand the subjects that they are explaining and will help new bettors and players to better understand gambling online before spending any money.

Paid post

Sushmita Sen is a child at heart

Sushmita Sen says she is very unlike the diva she portrays on screen - she is still a child deep inside trying hard to pretend she is grown up while adopted daughter Renee is more matured, and this helps them strike a beautiful chord.

"I'm essentially quite a child pretending to be a grown up in front of the world. I think she (Renee) is a lot older than me. She understands things beautifully," she said on the sidelines of a news conference hosted by Procter & Gamble in New Delhi Saturday.

"You should meet me in my house and see how I behave and then you will ask yourselves, is this the person we refer to as the diva, the actress? We (she and Renee) are different from each other and it is this that helps us strike a great balance."

The former Miss Universe has taught her daughter to be brave.

She said: "It is not easy being my daughter. She goes to school and then she gets to hear that she is not really my daughter, but she is very brave. When I adopted her she knew what being adopted means, so she knows that she is adopted and is handling it well with replies like she is born from the heart while everyone is born from the stomach."

The 31-year-old svelte actress, who has acted in around 30 films, is currently occupied with Dulha Mil Gaya with Shah Rukh Khan and Ram Gopal Varma's Aag .

Dulha Mil Gaya is Sushmita's second film with Shah Rukh and she says it will show the world her real self.

"It is a complete entertainer from frame one to the end. We have really worked hard for it. I can assure you that you will laugh your lungs out," she said. "But the best part is the character I play in the film is essentially Sushmita."

However, the actress is more excited about her own production "Jhansi Ki Rani" and said the project is very close to her heart.

"It is a life story of a woman who made all impossibilities come alive," she said. "I feel that I know her and a film on her life is so relevant today as centuries later we are now facing issues on religion that are creating cultural barriers whereas Rani's greatest allies were Muslim pathans."

The research for the film's content is over and now they are working on the characterisation, she said.

"A terrain in China has been chosen for the entire cast to be trained. The production of the film is scheduled to start by the end of next year and will see its release in 2009.

"I feel with time we have forgotten Rani Jhansi and what she stood for. The film is not about glorifying a religion or something. It is about glorifying humanity and celebrating that. It is sad that history has not recorded most of her life.

"History has somewhere forgotten her. One will get gooseflesh after knowing what all she did and remember she died when she was just 28."

Often regarded as the style diva, Sushmita also said she became the producer of the film to have control over the execution of its content.

"I have spent a lot of time complaining in the industry that this should have been like this and this is not right. So I'm producing this film because I don't want to take any chance with it," she said. "Moreover, I feel that by being the producer, I will have control over the film and how it is made."