Saturday, September 29, 2007

Bipasha and Aishwarya to Star In A Hollywood Flick


Bollywood hot beauties will be doing a Hollywood flick together. Bips and Ash are the two hotties of the Bollywood who are much talked about for their international project. The Hollywood actor, famous for playing Mahatama Gandhi and winning an Oscar for it, is all set to play the Moghul emperor Shah Jahan in an upcoming big feature flick produced by Hollywood and based around the love monument that is the Taj Mahal. It is said that Ash will be playing Mumtaz and Bips could be playing the role of Shah Jahan’s elder daughter Jahanara Begum. The two beauties had been together earlier in last year’s super hit movie Dhoom 2. Ash had earlier turned down the romantic lead opposite Will Smith in Hitch, her epic European produced flick The Last Legion did not do well. She did rule the Box Office for a week or two in the United Kingdom with Bride and Prejudice and showed her sentimental acting prowess in Provoked. We will soon see her in The Pink Panthar 2 with veteran comedian Steve Martin.

Bips has not been much involved with Hollywood and it is not sure if she would be doing this role too. The reason - Why would she play the second fiddle to ash? But it’s an international project so who knows??????????

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Shilpa Shetty - the coolest one


According to the Cool Brands Council in Britain, Shilpa Shetty is "one of the coolest things to happen to humankind over the last year"!

Yes, Shilpa has joined an exclusive list of the 'coolest celebrities' chosen by the British public and the Council - a group of style gurus, designers and commentators from Britain.

This puts her amongst the likes of world famous sportsman David Beckham, supermodel Kate Moss and the British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and makes her the first Indian ever to bag this honour.

No wonder Shilpa's indefatigable publicist Dale Bhagwagar is beaming with enthusiasm.

"Wow. So now, India's 'hottest figure' is Britain's 'coolest girl'," he exclaims with a broad smile. "That's some kinda temperature fluctuation, but being her publicist, I simply love it," he adds.

Metro got her a lot of critical acclaim and proved to be a big success at the box-office, while Apne did extremely well in North India.

Since then, she launched her perfume S2 in UK, delved into production and made a DVD video on yoga for the UK and Dubai market under her banner S2 Global Productions; walked the ramp for Tarun Tahiliani at the Fashion Week in Delhi and recently presented the One X One Difference Award to Richard Gere at a grand fund-raising charity event in Toronto.

So the tag of the coolest celebrity is yet another feather in Shilpa's illustrious cap!

Friday, September 28, 2007

lleana signed by debutant director Indrajeet Lankesh.


Sizzling actress Ileana has been in the news lately for her Bollywood forays. The actress is playing the lead opposite Shiney Ahuja in a yet to be titled venture to be directed by debutant director Indrajeet Lankesh.

That has set off speculations that the Goan beauty was off for the good and was done with Tollywood. However, her fans have a reason to rejoice, sources in the industry say that the actress has agreed to play the lead in director Vijay Bhaskar's latest venture. The buzz is that the actress has been signed up for a mind-boggling sum.

Vishnu was supposed to play the lead in the movie but for reasons best known to him opted out of the movie and Tarun has been signed up in his place.


Thursday, September 27, 2007

Ash to play Mumtaz


Sir Ben Kingsley is agog with excitement. He has just announced the female lead to his movie on the Taj Mahal. And it is Aishwarya Bachchan.

Yes, the Bachchan bahu will play the legendary Mumtaz Mahal to Sir Ben’s Shah Jehan in the movie that will be shot next year in Agra and Fatehpuri Sikri.

Sir Ben, one of the world’s most honoured actors with four Academy Award nominations for his memorable role of Gandhi, apparently considered Aishwarya over Bengali sizzler Bipasha Basu.

The actor, who was born as Krishna Bhanji to model and actress Ann Goodman, and doctor Rahimtulla Harji Bhanji, recently launched his production house.

Ever since he met Bipasha in Lisbon for the unveiling of the New Seven Wonders, there has been a buzz that Sir Ben was coming to India to see the Taj. Now it is learnt that his purpose of visit wasn’t just sight seeing, but also to hunt for ideal locations and start the shoot in India.

Talking to BT, Sir Ben said, “The movie is on the building of the Taj Mahal. The romance will also include Shah Jehan’s abject isolation for years in a prison cell.

I had spoken to Aishwarya last year while we were working on The Last Legion and she very generously agreed to do the movie with me. My production house is working with a screenwriter on the project. I have very clear ideas about how I want to approach the subject.”

Presently, Sir Ben is busy with Christopher Rush’s historical novel which chronicles the death bed meeting between William Shakespeare and his lawyer, as they lay out his final will and testament.

Sir Ben and his company managed to clinch the six-figure deal after a heated bidding war for the project and he will play the lead role as well as co-produce the film. The actor is hoping that audiences worldwide will not forget his role as Gandhi after they see him playing Shah Jehan. “May be for a little while they might,” he conceded, “but I hope to be remembered as Gandhi forever.”
With inputs by Gautam Buragohain

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Celina Jaitley is unstoppable


Celina Jaitley is unstoppable. The girl is literally going places these days. From bagging a Hollywood project to being crowned brand ambassador of Egypt, she is on a roll. And she recently teamed up Upen Patel to endorse a new diamond jewellery brand.

We all know that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and it seems Celina has them for company more often now. It definitely is another diamond in Celina’s crown!

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Deepika Padukone on signing spree


After making the debut with Sahrukh khan in OM SHANTI OM has surely paid off for Deepika in a big way as the actress is loaded with meaty offers; first, she bags a Yashraj movie opposite the new kid on the block, Ranbir Kapoor then, a Nikhil Advani movie opposite Akshay Kumar and now she finally has the superhero flick to her credit as well. Priyanka Chopra, who was apparently the front-runner for the female lead in ‘Krrish-2’ was more than shocked when she learnt that she will not be casted in the sequel. Roshans have gone ahead and signed the newbie Dee

Monday, September 24, 2007

Chak de India : T-20 World Cup final


Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan, business tycoon Vijay Mallya and BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla will join hundreds of fans to cheer for Team India when Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his men take on Pakistan in the final of the Twenty20 cricket World Cup in Johannesburg on Monday.

Khan, who played a hockey coach in his latest release Chak De India , earlier made a surprise visit to the India-England third Test at The Oval last month.

Khan, Mallya and Shukla will leave on Sunday night by the liquor baron's private jet.

"We will root for the Indian team, which has made us proud by its commendable show. An India-Pakistan match is always a humdinger and we are going to enjoy every bit of it," said Shukla.

Celina mixes work with pleasure


Shooting in New Zealand is an experience every actor looks forward to. So when Celina Jaitley got a chance to shoot for her international film Love Has No Language in those serene surroundings, she was ecstatic.

However, it was a tough shooting schedule. Relates Celina, “We had a wonderful time. It was a very very strict, tight and organised schedule. Every morning at four o’clock I used to get my wake-up call. The temperature was minus five.

And the chill factor was very high. We were shooting a summer scene in winter, so we were in t-shirts and jeans. So you can imagine how it was. But New Zealand is so beautiful. My director Kim, my crew and the rest of the cast were very supportive.

I worked on a Kiwi accent — the way they speak there.” Looks like a trip full of work and pleasure. Right, Celina?

Saturday, September 22, 2007

‘Heyy Babyy’ Proves to be Better Than ‘Chak De India’


It’s a big surprise to see that a Shahrukh khan movie Chak De India is swept away by an Akshay Kumar starrer. The UK box office has been getting tremendous response for Heyy Babyy than Chak De.

Chak De India has still to break the $1m barrier in the UK while Heyy Babyy is nearing $1.5m. In it’s 7th week of release, Chak De India’s collections stand at $867,265, while Heyy Babby is at a staggerring $1,382,988.For the past weekend, Heyy Babyy has raked in just over $24,000 (per screen average at $1,217) and Chak De India $2,731 (per screen average $390).
Though Heyy Babyy has done well overseas but in India surely Chak De India will take the lead.

Kareena Desperate To Work with Shah Rukh Khan


Kareena Kapoor is desperate to work with Shah Rukh Khan. Why? She desperately needs a hit.she has not been doing well in her career and she hopes a movie with Shah Rukh will give her a solo hit. She wants to be a part of Shanker’s SRK starrer Robot. And she also paid a personal visit to SRK to convince him that she is right for the role.it is said that when Kareena heard that SRK is playing the lead role in Robot she has been keen on doing the film.the film was originally planned to take Kamal Hassan in the lead but Shah Rukh got lucky and the role went to him. The story of the movie is kept a secret but the insiders have revealed that it’s a futuristic and Stylish movie so it that the reason why Kareena wants to do the film. May be its because Shah Rukh and style go hand in hand.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Mallika Sherawat learns kickboxing


t is no secret that Mallika loves to workout to maintain her svelte figure. But her newfound penchant for kickboxing is somewhat perplexing.

Reports say the actress has been practicing kickboxing not so much for her self-defense as for physical fitness. Moreover, the hot belle is reported to have roped in a trainer and is learnt to be reading books on kickboxing.

Sources say that because Mallika is making her foray into international cinema she wants to look absolutely fit, and kickboxing is one way to do it.

I'm open to work: Kim Sharma


When she isn’t busy doing guest roles, Kim Sharma may just do some ribbon-cutting. The actress was in the city recently to inaugurate a fitness centre, but as always, even before the media could approach her, Kim had disappeared!

But BT managed to catch up and even grab her attention by mentioning her appearance in Heyy Babyy. Kim smiled one of her rare smiles, saying, “Oh, it was not a career move or anything. I did it for Sajid because he’s a friend.”

Her forthcoming film Boomerang may give her career a much-needed boost. Kim will be seen doing some heavy-duty stunts and fights in the film. “We just got back from Cyprus some time back. We were there for a month and I trained in sword fights and jumps and was even suspended in a harness from dizzying heights,” she says.

So does she think supergal heroines will find acceptance with the audience? “It’s great that action films are being made for women. It’s very different from the usual stunts that we see on screen. I think men find women in catsuits really hot.” So is she hoping to be the next Lara Croft? “Why not? I’m working hard to make my role appealing,” she says with confidence.

And is she ready to experiment? “I’m open to work. It just depends on my gut feeling. If I like it I might take it up.” And with that Kim breezed out of the venue calling out to her manager, who was busy pacifying unhappy scribes the whole evening

The Secret of Shah Rukh Khans Perfect Body In Om Shanti Om


Shah Rukh Khan looks just too hot in the song dard-e-disco from the movie Om Shanti Om. The secret behind his super hot look and the six- pack abs is just to keep his promise to his close friend and director Farah Khan. She wanted him to do a item song in Main Hoon Na but due to his back pain he was unable to do it but he had promised her that if he would ever remove his shirt it would be for her and that’s what exactly he did.

The movie is getting great response even before its release and the main focus of attention on the Music launch of the film was…………….. What else Shah Rukh’s perfect body. I seriously feel Shah Rukh looks toooo hot. What say?

Gauri Khan to endorse a paint brand


Gauri Khan has just bagged her first brand endorsement. Wife of advertisement-regular Shah Rukh Khan, she will be seen in commercials for a premium brand of paint.

Gauri, who has always maintained a low profile, is known for designing costumes for Shah Rukh in his early films including Baazigar (1993). Later she went on to become a producer with Main Hoon Na (2004) and Om Shanti Om (2007). Our source informs, "Gauri is gradually coming out of her homemaker mode. She has been successfully producing films and now she will endorse a paint brand."

She has been approached for acting assignments and advertisement commercials before too. Our source adds, "We have always encouraged Gauri to take it up. But somehow, things didn't work out until now. Finally, she has given her assent. In fact, she flew in from Dubai last night, so that the contract could be signed today."

The story goes that close friend and filmmaker Karan Johar, who endorses the same brand, recommended her name. Gauri was taken aback when she was approached, and gave her assent after she consulted Karan and Kareena Kapoor. Rajat Johri, from the paint company, adds, "Karan (Johar) suggested her name during one of our meetings. It didn't take us much time to convince her as Kareena and Karan also convinced her."

Karan Johar says, I would not like to speak on behalf of Gauri.Gauri has also faced the camera for the first time in Farah Khan's Om Shanti Om that releases on November 9.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Malaika Arora:Mama Mia


What’s up with Arbaaz Khan’s wife Malaika Arora Khan?

The lady has been shedding her clothes to the bare minimum. We caught her in her new dare to bare minimum two-piece on the cover of a men’s magazine.

MA for sure is Bollywood’s hottest mama around and for that she doesn’t have to expose herself to the whole world. But since hubby dear has no problems, why fret?

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Kareena and Saif together?


Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan continue to be an item. The duo was out and about in the suburbs on Saturday evening. After a long discussion, they walked in together (almost hand-in-hand) at the VIP lounge of a popular Chinese restaurant. Like most celebrity couples, they seemed to be extremely comfortable with each other, say onlookers.

A guest present at the restaurant says, they were behaving like a couple. They were lost in some discussion and were completely oblivious about their surroundings and onlookers.

Once at their table, the duo who was accompanied by friends Dino Morea and Amrita Arora, sat very close to each other.

Kareena and Saif also indulged in some serious PDA. Saif kept hugging her throughout the evening, and they left together. A restaurant staff informs, Kareena seemed to be distressed and Saif was consoling her. He was often complimenting and hugging her. Their friends also took care to give them the much-needed privacy.

Kareena and Saif, were dressed in casual tees and denims, and were engaged in a conversation with the occasional remark, ‘Yeah, you are right!’ meant for the rest seated with them at the table. Kareena and Saif got along well on the sets of Tashan and ever since they have spending a lot of time with each other. However, Kareena is maintaining a stoic silence over her relationship with Shahid Kapur who is currently filming in Toronto.

A source close to Kareena says, Kareena and Saif are extremely fond of each other and the duo are spending a lot of time with together. She has also been vocal about Saif’s good nature to a few of us.

Suhani pairs up with Yashwant


Actress Suhani Kalitha, who made her debut in Tollywood with Jaya B's Sawal, has been roped in for producer Peketi Subramanyeswara Rao's next venture opposite Yashwant.

The film is being directed by debutant Shivaji Prasad. Raj Kiran has rendered the music for the film. The shooting of the film has already started. Yashwant, who starred in Aa Roje opposite soumya, is desperately looking for a hit.

Let's hope this movie proves to be a big hit for both Suhani and Yashwant.

Bigg Boss changed my life: Rakhi


Love her, hate her, but it is impossible to ignore her. Rakhi Sawant's persona, some would say, has been carved out of controversies.

This police constable's daughter, began her career as a dancer in nightclubs, and came into limelight with the remix number Pardesiya. Bold and revealing dresses, vulgar and obscene gestures, and bindaas comments on all and sundry have been a boon as well as a bane for this struggling starlet, item girl and a participant in television reality shows.

Rakhi Sawant, who was in the city yesterday, talks to NT, clad in a red and green salwar kameez, with heavy zardozi work and a dupatta to match, (she says she has been wearing this for the last four days). She waxes eloquent about the more serious issues of life, her career, and her desire to do social service.

'Television changed my life'

"Whatever success that I am seeing today is all thanks to television. Reality show Bigg Boss changed my life and took me into millions of homes where viewers saw me the way I am-- honest, truthful and straightforward. I am now looking forward to the reality dance show, which will commence soon on television. I am rehearsing hard and am confident of doing well."

'It is important to sport a western look'

"I am basically very Indian at heart. Ek sadharan Hindustani ladki hoon, but if you wish to be noticed today, you need to have a western look. Short dresses, the pout, light eyes and coloured hair get instant recognition in this industry. Only Ekta Kapoor can sell a sati savatri. This industry needs oomph. I had to market myself so I acquired a western look."

'I have removed all the silicon implants'

"I have got all of them removed and I am feeling much 'lighter'. I have to rehearse for the dance show, shake and dance a lot, and the weight of these implants was weighing me down. I got all of them removed, and there has been no change in the way I look. It doesn't matter if you are not generously endowed, padding takes care of it all."

'Whatever I do or say creates controversy'

"Main ek dum sach or saaf baat bolti hoon. Many people don't like it, but I don't care-- I say the way it is. I don't create controversies, they just happen around me. Of course all this has hurt me a lot. I sit before Ganapati Bappa and cry my heart out. But I have no grouse against anyone, I have forgiven everybody."

'Industry has noticed me'

"Finally I have conquered the casting couch. I am still a struggling starlet, but now the bigwigs of the industry at least talk to me. They do not ask for sexual favours, give me work and even pay me for doing it. I am doing an item number for Rakesh Roshan's Krazy 4, and I am eternally grateful to him for making me do such an aesthetically choreographed number. I am also doing Loot, for Suniel Shetty and have a good role in the film, Baltidevi, Queen of Southall, being directed by Aditya Kapoor."

'Change of Image'

"It is impossible to change your image. I feel any effort to change over from being a sex bomb to goodie-goodie types-- is foolish. I will continue to be the way I am and will also continue doing items numbers, television shows and anything that is offered to me."

'I am wearing a lucky charm these days'

"I am very superstitious, and pray a lot to Ganapati Bappa. My Guruji Hari Govind Tripathi guides me in all my projects. He has instructed me to wear a bracelet with nine planetary stones to win this dance competition, he got it made for me at an exorbitant prize of Rs 2 lakh, I will be wearing it all through the dance show, and even after that."

'I want to do social service'

"I have special love for Nagpur because so many of my fans live here. I am aware of the farmers' plight in this region and have also done an item number in a film made about the plight of the farmers of Vidarbha. I have decided, that I will donate a part of my earnings for the welfare of the farmers. I want to feed millions of poor children who sleep on an empty stomach. For this, I want to earn a lot of money."

Friday, September 14, 2007

Dhannu bani Laila


A red diary becomes a CD in Don; Dhannu the horse turns into Laila the auto in Ram Gopal Varma ki Aag; at the same time, those who remade Victora No. 203 retained the tonga from the original script because they felt it was integral to the film.

Bollywood has caught the remake bug. It’s all about taking a market-tested formula and giving it a fresh perspective, says actor-director Ramesh Aravind. That’s what Farhan Akhtar did with Don, Ram Gopal Varma with Sholay, Ramesh with Sati Leelavati and Satish Kaushik is planning with Karz.

The reason a filmmaker picks an old story is because he is inspired by it. Rama Shama Bhama too was a tribute to Balu Mahendra. But I kept the spine of the film intact and gave it a new viewpoint, he says. Ramesh did tweak the script a little. I made it racier. In the original, Kamal Haasan does not make an appearance till 50 minutes into the film. In RSB he enters just 14 minutes into the script. I also did away with a lot of fluff, he explains.

Ramesh says that even if you are remaking an old story, you should put it in a contemporary setting. You are, after all, making the movie for a modern audience. Even a seemingly small element in RSB, like the central romance developing over SMSes, made an impact, he says.

You can use modern ideas to perk up a film, but it still depends on a strong script, according to director Prakash. That’s why I believe in creating something new, he says. With remakes there’s the added burden of comparisons with the original. That’s probably why a Don made it, but an Aag fell flat, he says. PR professional Benazir Akthar says that remakes in modern settings work when handled well.

Even those who had grown up watching Amitabh Bachchan’s Don were simply amazed by the style and technical brilliance of the remake, she says.

VJ and actor Gaurav Kapur says modernised remakes must still keep the core of the original that audiences have identified with. In the remade Don, even though there is a major twist in the tale, the essence was the same, he says.

While Pran ropewalked with a body double, Arjun Rampal pulled off a great stunt across the Petronas. But the scenes were there for a specific reason and that did not change. In Victoria No. 203, they probably couldn’t think of a suitable replacement for the tonga.

Movie buff Madhumita agrees, saying, Hema Malini’s Dhannu in Sholay gets as much screen space as she does. And the coin Amitabh and Dharmender keep tossing has character in itself. So also, if someone remakes a Deewar, they cannot do away with the number plate, she says.

According to model Ritu Mazumdar, Changes are necessary, but they need to be grounded in the storyline. It can’t be so drastic that the audience finds it difficult to accept. A woman driving a three-wheeler is too far-fetched. And the core of Umrao Jaan was Rekha you can’t replace her. I also can’t imagine Karz without a Kali Mandir.

The new Karz is supposed to be set in Europe instead of Ooty. There won’t be a Kali Mandir there; so will it be a church maybe?

Tanushree eats Priyan’s food


Tanushree Dutta and Kunal Khemu have grown fond of South Indian food while shooting on the sets of Dhol.

They both used to share their food with the director Priyadarshan just so that they could then grab a few bites from his South Indian dabba as well.

Tanushree says, We have all grown fond of South Indian food after the shooting of Dhol, especially the food Priyan Sir used to get from his home, it used to be so delicious — we were treated to idli sambhar and a variety of rice.

Kunal and I used to hog from his dabba everyday, and now that the shoot is over, we are all really missing his tiffin.” Looks like Priyan is used to pampering his actors with some ‘food for thought’.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

On the guard:Pooja Bhatt


Like her father, Pooja Bhatt too received threats from the underworld and ever since she remains closely guarded by a team of Mumbai police in her house. “I have been given 24 hours protection, and cops are stationed right outside my doorstep,” she says.

Must say some people have to pay a heavy price for being famous.

Shradda Arya dreaming big


Exposing is also part of this show biz," proclaims newcomer Shradda Arya, who is starring in A Kodanda Rami Reddy's latest directorial venture, Godava , opposite his son Vaibhav. "It is a beautiful love story with an unexpected twist.

Kodanda Rami Reddy has put so many top actors of Tollywood on the road to success. I feel privileged to work with him. I hope my career will also meet with success in this industry," says Shradda who is making her debut.

Urmila and Imran bowl Dubai over


Urmila Matondkar’s really ecstatic and her excitement has nothing to do with her bagging yet another film. Rather, the sexy star has just returned from Dubai where she along with Imran Khan managed to raise around Rs 3 crore at a charity event organised by the former Pakistani cricket superstar.

Urmila, who’d met Imran at common friend Parmeshwar Godrej’s party, was invited to be a part of the event after Imran learned of her involvement with several charitable causes.

Ask Urmila about it and she confirms rather modestly, “When we met, Imran had discussed this hospital and a diagnostic centre that he wishes to start in Karachi. I’ve sort of formed a bond with Pakistan during my previous visits to the country. And when he asked me, I just couldn’t refuse.”

The event consisted of an auction followed by a telethon and Urmila kickstarted it with a donation of Rs 1 lakh. But the highlight of the do was Urmila’s impromptu singing. “Since I wasn’t carrying anything much that could be auctioned, I thought of singing a song. It was a last minute idea, but it raised about 25,000 dirhams,” says Urmila, who crooned one of her favourite numbers Kisi Ke Muskurahaton Pe Ho Nisaar ... The Mehbooba gal left her fans asking for more and even Imran couldn’t help, but compliment her on her singing prowess.

“The response was so fab, I’m now thinking of starting to have my own concerts,” she laughs. But how was it working with Imran? “Oh, we’ve grown up idolising him. He was and is a rockstar. I don’t think there’s any woman who hasn’t had a crush on him at some time,” she says blushing. And is she one of them? “Well, we did form a mutual admiration society,” she laughs, adding, that while Imran praised her nineteen to the dozen, it was amazing to see his killer instinct on field now transform into a passion for charity.

On a serious note she adds, “I am very fortunate to be able to contribute something to humanity. And causes like these are not bound by boundaries of religion or countries. That’s the beauty of it all. It’s a different high altogether.”

Preity wants to shed 'bubbly' image


Bollywood's original Ms Bubbly wants a break from her image and she has chosen the art route to do it. Preity 'bubbly' Zinta is getting a portrait of herself done by Anjanna Kuthiala, who otherwise paints only her muse - Shah Rukh Khan.

"Preity wants to break free from her chirpy, bubbly and happy-golucky image. So, my painting will show her in a serious avatar," Anjanna says. And how did the switch happen - from painting only SRK to painting Preity now?

"Preity was initially hesitant when I told her about making her my new muse. She said people would think she loves herself to madness and is vain enough to decorate the walls of her house with her own paintings," says Anjanna, adding, "But Preity's house doesn't have a single picture of her.

And I told her that the only other actor who doesn't have his pictures adorning his walls is SRK. She doesn't want to be painted as a cool and casual chick. She demanded two things in the painting - a complete change of her personality type and the touch of Himachal Pradesh.

She told me, 'I want the old Rajput look and the painting should be an antithesis of my image."

So, Anjanna is all set to paint her in Veer-Zaara style with a veil covering her face. Howzzat for an image makeover, Preity?

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Prerna’s burning up the dance floor


Prerna Virenderr’s (yes, the very same actress who made news reams on her resemblance to Angelina Jolie) wait is finally over with Samir Karnik’s Nanhe Jaisalmer releasing this week and Priyadarshan’s Dhol soon after.

And she’s extremely pleased with the response her song, Haadsa ... in Dhol is generating. “I’m so happy that my work is finally out in the market. People have been so generous with their praise for my song in Dhol! Some even said it looks like Angelina Jolie’s dancing!” says Prerna who’s got Sanjay Gupta’s Jazbaa next and has signed two more films since. ‘Jolie’ good going girl!

Sameera gets close to Clooney!


t’s not everyday that one can rub shoulders with a man who has been voted as the Sexiest Man Alive. Not once, but twice over. It was for real — Sameera Reddy’s rendezvous with a Hollywood hottie was as real as it could get.

It’s George Clooney we’re talking about. They two met by a stroke of luck at the Toronto Film Festival, and we caught up with Sameera, right after the event in lovely Canada for all the juicy details. We wanted her to croon to us about the Clooney effect. And she sang a delightful li’l song.

“When I landed in Toronto, I thought I would be jet-lagged, but the energy in Toronto is so high that it lifted my spirits. And by evening, I was flying high. I went for the premiere of George Clooney’s movie Michael Clayton and for the gala after that. I was standing with Shekhar Kapur and Clive Owen (he starred in Kapur’s Elizabeth); that’s when I was introduced to Clooney. I said ‘Hi! I’m Sameera Reddy, from India’. And he replied, “Yes, I know. And congrats you have two films at the festival, it’s great.”

I guess someone mentioned my name to him when I walked in, dressed in a sari — at my traditional best — so presumably, he was sure I was the same Indian actress he had just seen. It felt like eternity, and I was speechless.

He said that he loves Bollywood, and someday he would love to be a part of our movies. He is doing some fabulous charity work and we briefly spoke about how we could reach out to India. It’s so amazing to meet an actor with such a sense of awareness,” says Sameera, pretty much smitten (understandably so) by Clooney’s charm.

Sexy Sam’s brush with Hollywood doesn’t end here. She got a chance to hobnob with Don Cheadle, Woody Harrelson and Geoffrey Rush, too. “It was an awesome experience. But I’m here to promote Mira Nair’s Four Views on AIDS in India, and Buddhadeb Dasgupta’s Voyeurs. People want to know so much about Indian movies here, it’s unbelievable. I wish I could stay back and watch some brilliant movies from around the world here. Maybe next time. The George Clooney experience is enough to see me through till next year,” says the gushing gal. And ‘by George’, dare we say, she’s probably right.

Masumeh:High on Vishal Bharadwaj


Masumeh is looking forward to the release of Sanjay Gupta’s Dus Kahaniyan, a compilation of ten different stories about relationships.

Masumeh plays the lead in one of the tracks titled High on the Highway written by Vishal Bharadwaj.

Incidentally the actress has been associated with Bharadwaj since Maqbool, in which she received rave reviews for her performance. Says Masumeh, It’s a pleasure to be associated with Vishal — the director, writer or producer.

He has got such a great cinematic mind.

His characters are true to life and have a definite graph. Even in my track in Dus Kahaniyan, the emotions are so real. His sensibilities are awesome.” Looks like this gal is ‘high’, ok!

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Tanu's all pepped up!


How much of a noise are you expecting Dhol to make?

I’ve never had dreamy expectations from my films. But with the kind of packaging Dhol has, my expectations aren’t totally running dry.

Two years old in Bollywood, are directors ready to cash in on your acting prowess rather than your ‘hot’ image?

I always desired to be taken seriously as an actor. When I started out, I was made to believe that I could not go much beyond my looks. It did bother me as a newcomer. But now I don’t care what other people think of me. I am here to do my work.

Your ‘hot’ image seems to be the side effect of your sizzling hot body. How do you maintain yourself?

I go to the gym, I dance and eat right. I do not deny myself from the pleasures of food. Only, I do not binge. I have also started taking kathak lessons.

What about experimentation with cinema?

Right after Aashiq Banaya Aapne and Chocolate, I was on the lookout for diverse roles and got one in Raqeeb wherein my character has negative shades. Soon I will be doing comedy and action too.

And what about being choosy?

You bet I am. I am young and have time on my hands to go wild with my choices. If I make mistakes, I will be
forgiven for them. Maybe five years down the line, I will play safe.

And how experimental would you get?

I would be cautious enough not to get involved in something that goes down the drain. I would not dump myself and call it experimentation.

What if you go wrong in your decisions?

I would rather make mistakes than stick to the tried-and-tested formula.

What about being a part of offbeat films for the sake of testing new waters?

I am yet to be offered a truly offbeat film. Everyone can stake claim to offbeat cinema, few survive. Actors are often fooled into being a part of low-budget films, often a
misnomer for the much-bandied about ‘offbeat’, ‘crossover’ cinema.

What if a Rituparno Ghosh or an Aparna Sen approached you for their projects?

That hasn’t worked out for me yet. Maybe most of these directors want arty actors. But one surely benefits from a good director. A project will get my nod if it satisfies my artistic capacity.

So, would it be beneficial to work in a commercial Bengali venture?

I don’t do anything without benefit. And it wouldn’t be a bad idea to consider a commercial Tollywood venture after weighing the pros and cons.

What about sharing screen space with other female actors?
I avoid choosing projects which have three-four female actors. I can’t imagine playing second fiddle to anyone.

How good an idea was it to do an item number in Bhagam Bhag?

The song worked wonders for my popularity.

Aren’t you a confirmed music lover?

Not many people know but I am a trained classical vocalist, since I had been trained for six years in Hindustani classical and Rabindrasangeet as a child.

Recently you have become the ambassador for a jewellery brand. What is more alluring big bucks or popularity?

Both. It’s a symbiotic relationship. Without good movies, an actor will have no endorsements.

You are known in the industry for having a shoe fetish. Are you another Imelda Marcos in the making?

I am a little crazy about shoes and jewellery. It is almost like an addiction.

Finally, how do you think you have fared in Bollywood?

I have just about started. What the industry has seen so far is only the trailor. The movie hasn’t even begun.

Sherlyn’s ‘Outrageous’ music album



Her debut film may have sunk without a trace, but that hasn’t stopped Sherlyn Chopra from trying to prove her detractors wrong. Having taken her ‘oh-so-forgettable’ debut in her stride, the sexy actress is ready to re-launch herself. And this time, she’s not only set to prove that she can act, but also sing.

The sexy siren is ready to launch her own music album. Titled Outrageous — End of The Beginning, the album according to the firebrand, ‘brings to fore deep and hidden desires that humans harbour, but refuse to acknowledge’.

What’s more, for her music video, the lissome babe will be directed by adman Prahlad Kakkar. “There couldn’t have been a better person to direct my music video,” reveals Sherlyn, who’s also composed and written the lyrics for the six tracks. Talking about the album, she says, “The album’s promoting attitude that it’s okay to break the rules and follow your heart.”

The actress whose in-your-face-sexuality has earned her more recognition, admits that she has no qualms in flaunting what she’s got. “The problem here is that people tend to mix up morality with sexuality.

I mean why is it so difficult to believe that a skimpily clad girl also prays everyday. Just because I expose doesn’t mean I’m a loose character,” she justifies, adding that she sees nothing wrong in exposing her cleavage. “What’s evil about flaunting your sexuality?” she questions.

The actress also admits that people tend to misconstrue her image, since she herself believes that she’s a bundle of contradictions. “I am naive, yet street-smart, stylish, yet simple at heart.” So, how does she best describe herself? “A lamb in a tigress’ body,” she laughs.

Celina gets global


Celina Jaitley is literally going places these days. From a rocking career in Bollywood to presiding over as a chief guest at London’s India Now Festival to bagging her first mega Hollywood project, Quest of Seherzade, it’s raining mega projects for her.

And now the latest in her kitty is another important assignment – she has just been appointed as brand ambassador of Egypt.

She will help promote this ancient exotic country throughout the world by using her name, beauty and charm. “It’s a great honour and I am looking forward to take up this new challenge and assignment. I will be leaving for Egypt in the middle of this month,” she says. Another feather in her cap, is what we’ll say.

Monday, September 10, 2007

Neha is in seventh heaven


Neha Julka is on cloud nine these days. She received words of appreciation from veteran artiste ANR during the audio release function of Viyyalavari Kayyalu.

It made my day,” says the bubbly actress. Neha Julka is playing the lead in the film opposite Uday Kiron. The film is being directed by E Satti Babu and produced by L Sirisha Sreedhar.

It feels great to have his blessings. His speech greatly inspired us. He has a good sense of humour and altogether it was an enriching experience,” she says.

The music was rendered by Ramana Gogula.

Rani and Ash: Daag-gers drawn?


Rani Mukerji is terribly upset with her good-friend-gone-bad Aishwarya Bachchan . If sources are to be believed, Ash passed some not-so-appreciative remarks about Rani's excessive make-up, on the sets of Lagaa Chunari Mein Daag in Switzerland.

Sources close to Rani inform that the actress is still miffed. Speculations are rife that her association with the Bachchan family may sever. Crew members from the sets of Lagaa Chunari Mein Daag inform that Jaya Bachchan also gave Rani the cold shoulder. "Rani may be maintaining a dignified silence but she is extremely hurt. Firstly, Jayaji completely ignored her on the sets. Secondly, Ash was extremely rude to her during our Switzerland schedule," says the source.

Rani has been fuming over Ash's comments and telling friends that she is going to break her silence only at the right time. A source close to Rani, on condition of anonymity, says, "She is maintaining a dignified silence only because of Amitabhji and Abhishek. Rani is very fond of them and doesn't want to hurt them." Rani was not available for a comment. When quizzed about it, brother Raja Mukerji said, "I don't know about it."

John Abraham: Looks can kill


Looks can kill your chances of being taken seriously as an actor. Anurag Kashyap thought it would be quite difficult to direct a good-looking John Abraham in No Smoking .

He was wondering how this picture perfect guy could ever make a picture perfect. Expecting the worst, Anurag was pretty impressed with apna Johnny Bravo.

The actor along with Ranvir Shorey had a blast while shooting the film and mostly gave Kashyap brilliant shots that were okayed in the first take itself. That’s why we say to never judge an actor by his looks!

Friday, September 07, 2007

Sandhya Mridul’s latest Bikini Avatar


It seems Sandhya Mridul is getting hold of things now in bollywood now. After her much appreciated role in Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd, her next release is Mr. White Mr. Black.

Promotion images of this movie present Sandhya in new hot n sexy bikini avatar.Sandhya looks classically sexy and surely does not look vulgar.

Her natural and instanteous acting will surely take her places. Giving her company is Australian babe Tanya (seen in Salaam Namaste & You dares Win show on AXN).

Sandhya Mridul’s filmography include movies like: Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd (2007),Deadline (2006), Strings (2006),Kuchh Meetha Ho Jaye (2005), Socha Na Tha (2005), Page 3 (2005), Waisa Bhi Hota Hai - Part II (2003), Saathiya (2002), Pardesi Re (2002)

Fashionable do in capital


REASON TO CELEBRATE:

Not that Delhiites need it, but this was reason enough - the preview of an art exhibition. Hosts Neeva and Aparajita Jain made this one a very happening do, by inviting a cool mix of people. And it was a fashionable do too, going by the looks of the guests there!

BLOWING GLASS:

Blow glass artists Prateek Jain and Gautam Seth could almost be mistaken for models, a guest told them. Talking about their work, they said, "We are really looking forward to working in different media." Shabnam Singhal and Tan i s h a Mohan w e r e among t h e guests a n d Tanisha told us she would not attend the fashion week. Pray why? "Pragati Maidan," she sniffed. "All that traffic - I can't handle it."

OOPS & AAHS:

That happened when the floor was made a little more creative when some glasses slid off a tray and crashed to the floor. Also present was Sushma Bahl, an art curator.

THE RIGHT BACKING

The pictures show you exactly how fashionable this art do was, but Anjali really took the cake. The girl walked in wearing a colourful backless number that drew many appreciative glances.

Meghna's animal instinct!


It’s always touching to see how our actors are such die-hard animal lovers. And the hot and sexy Meghna Naidu is one such ardent animal lover. Recently, when she saw a man kick a stray dog, she stopped her car and gave him a piece of her mind.

“At home, my pet Zoey is like a pampered brat. He even has a stuffed toy dog for a pet, and the dog just happens to be ten times the size of the pug and he is so possessive about it,” says Meghna. “We are all dog lovers and I can't see anyone take animals for granted.” Looks like we have another activist in the making. Good going, Meghna.

Ameesha needs evidence


No, Ameesha Patel hasn't become a private eye. On the contrary, the lady is just back from a relaxing holiday in Norway where she took a break, and enjoyed herself on a cruise. However, she has one complaint.
Apparently, she went berserk clicking photographs, but they didn't come out well and are all hazy. Now she has literally no photographic evidence of her memorable cruise. So she's sworn she will carry two cameras every time she's off on a holiday from now onwards. So, if you ever see her busy clicking away with two cameras, you'll know why!

Thursday, September 06, 2007

Move over Jiah, it's Riya now



Glamourous Bollywood babe Riya Sen is being considered to star opposite NTR Jr in his next film Kantri, which is being produced by C Ashwini dutt.

The movie is going to be launched on September 14. Sources say that Riya Sen will be playing the second lead in the film.

She also seems to have replaced Jiah Khan of Nishabd fame.

When Riya was offered the role, she agreed to play the role without second thoughts. Hansika Motwani is playing the lead heroine.

Monday, September 03, 2007

Udita Goswami: No camps please


Bollywood may be known for its camps, but Udita Goswami thinks otherwise. She vehemently denies being a part of any camp.

“I am still a newcomer and I am not a part of any group or camp,” she told Zoom TV’s talk show Let’s Talk this week.

Well, maybe that’s the reason why she has already moved on, saying she’s open to other directors’ offers as well.

But are there any takers? Looks like it would probably take sometime before industrywallahs realise that she’s not just a Bhatt favourite, but is open to other offers as well. Meanwhile, the lady’s chilling out!

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