Katrina Kaif: Meaty roles for this damse

How far have you achieved as an actress in Welcome?
Films like Welcome and Partner are targeted at the audience. They’re important to me in terms of commercial viability. But if you ask me how far I’ve come as an actress, then films like Namaste London are more viable options as they give me larger scope to perform.

What have been the highlights of the year 2007 for you?
I had Namaste London, Apne, Partner, and Welcome… all these meant a lot to me.

And what were your personal achievements?
I was able to move ahead with certain things in my family – in terms of achieving a sense of security. Acquiring my house was also something that made me happy.

Do you have any particular ambition for the New Year?
Yes, I hope someone will offer me a role with a very strong character like the one I had in Namaste London! Hopefully 2008 will be an even more exciting year. I am looking forward to work with different film-makers and do projects that might give me the scope to perform. I have already signed some films for the next year, which look promising.

How come you agreed to do the Yash Raj multi-starer along with Ranbir, Bipasha, Deepika Padukone and Minissha Lamba?
I can’t say much about it right now, since YashRaj has not yet done any news publicity. When people see the film, they’ll understand why I chose to do this role.

How is Subhash Ghai’s Main Yuvraj shaping up?
It’s shaping up extremely well. This is one film where my role is very important. I’m really happy because this film gives me scope to act.

Source: http://www.xpress4me.com/

Deepika out of Roshan's film

Rakesh Roshan has turned down OSO girl Deepika Padukone. The film, starring Hrithik Roshan could have been Deepika's ticket to the A-list in Bollywood.

Our sources, however, say that Deepika was not suitable for the role so she was shown the door. When contacted Rakesh Roshan confirms that they are not going ahead with Deepika.

He says, "I am in the process of working on a film which will be directed by Anurag Basu. We may work with Deepika for some other film. "Anurag Basu, who is directing the film endorses, "We are yet scouting for the female lead."

As for Deepika, he says, "Deepika didn't fit the role. We'll definitely work with her in future for some other project. It's quite a complex character and we are looking out for a female lead."

After they dumped Deepika, Roshans are now looking at casting a non-Indian for the role. Says a source, "Roshan's production house and Anurag have been auditioning girls. The female lead needs to be a salsa dancer."

The film is a romantic-action-thriller which will be shot abroad. It is scheduled to go on the floors by March 2008. Apparently, the film is based on Latin dance forms and Hrithik will be seen performing a lot of salsa.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

Salman gets waxed fully clothed at Madame Tussauds

Bollywood celebrities have been permanent visitors of London's Madame Tussauds – Amitabh Bachchan was the first in 2000, the Bachchan bahu Aishwarya Rai joined him four years later and last year, it was Shah Rukh Khan who had his wax work installed there. And next in line is actor Salman Khan who is all set to join this stellar company.

With Bollywood’s latest entry at the wax museum one wonders whether there might soon be a Bollywood corner or even a whole floor for stars from the Hindi film industry at Madame Tussauds. And going by the crowds that Bollywood stars draw, this might be sooner than later.

“Bollywood stars are very popular. We will certainly keep our eye on that and will have whoever our visitors vote for,” Global External Relations of Madame Tussauds, Nicky Hobbs said.

Salman was selected after a Bollywood poll in August this year and the actor seems quite excited at the thought of being immortalised in wax.

About 150 kgs of wax and four months of work is believed to have gone into creating the wax Salman. The actor has even personally given a copy of a bracelet his father had given him to decorate the wax model.

And before you wonder, yes, he will be fully attired in signature jeans and a T-shirt. “We are grateful to Harley Davidson for providing the clothes, especially the boots,” Hobbs said.

So come January 15 and you know where Bollywood fans are headed in the UK.

Source : www.ibnlive.com

Mallika Sherawat to play prostitute-turned-politician

Things are finally happening for the Sherawat girl. After receiving applauds for her performance in the hit ‘Welcome’, the jat girl is being considered for a leading role in director Kundan Shah’s political satire that he has been working on for many years

The film will be a satirical humour dealing with the story of a prostitute who is on the run. She goes through many testing circumstances and eventually becomes the chief minister of a state.

However, Mallika has not yet signed the dotted line. Even, Shah hasn’t yet confirmed Mallika’s presence in the film. All he says is that the cast is being finalized.

Source: www.bollywood-stars.net

SRK explains 5 stages of an actor for new faces

Shah Rukh Khan explains the 5 stages of an actor. The year 2007 saw many new faces making their big debuts on the silver screen. The most celebrated ones, undoubtedly, were Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor who were endorsed through every possible medium through their celebrity parents. Deepika Padukone had the goodwill of Shah Rukh Khan to promote her as the next big thing, despite having no film family background to back her.

Then came the least known amongst them all who apart from not having any godfather in the industry also didn’t have the chocolate boy looks that Bollywood heroes are made off. His name was Nikhil Dwivedi. And though he too was linked with Shah Rukh as being his close associate, a tag for which any newcomer would die for, Nikhil always modestly and politely declined to be the next star launch from King Khan. Perhaps he was waiting for SRK to make that statement himself. And the king just did that.

Source : www.bollywoodpremiere.com

Shilpa game for another reality show

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty has revealed that she would love to be a part of BBC’s reality show Strictly Come Dancing.

The 32-year-old actress said that she was part of the Indian version of the British dancing show, so if an offer comes from the BBC’s reality show she would definitely like to consider it.

“I was a judge on Strictly Come Dancing in India, so that’s something I would consider,” the Daily Express quoted her, as saying.

The actress was earlier a part of the reality show Celebrity Big Brother in which she was caught in an international racism controversy, which involved her and fellow contestants Jade Goody, Jo O'Meara and Danielle Lloyd.

However, Shilpa was crowned the winner of the British show on 28 January 2007 with 63 percent of the final vote.

But now, she is adamant, that she would never do a Big Brother-type project again.
“I couldn’t do with having cameras on me all the time again,” she said.

Since Big Brother the Indian beauty has launched her own perfume and landed the leading role in the musical Miss Bollywood , which closed in London on Thursday.

Source : www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Saawariya opens in 85 theatres in North America

Saawariya, the first Bollywood film co-produced and distributed by a major Hollywood studio, has opened in 85 theatres in the US and Canada, with press reviews calling it a visually enchanting extravaganza.

The New York Times led its movie reviews section Friday with Saawariya, produced in collaboration between acclaimed director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Eye and ear candy for fans of Indian musical cinema, it is 2 hours 11 minutes - bracingly compact by Bollywood standards - of wide-screen close-ups, fanciful sets, colorful costumes, bellybuttons, almost-kisses and 10 pumped-up, achingly sweet songs," writes A.O. Scott, the Times' well-regarded film critic.

In conclusion, Scott finds the film, released here Friday and starring newcomers Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor "visually enchanting, cloyingly sweet, at once utterly chaste and insanely erotic, and finally exhausting".

Scott also notes that the film is rated PG (Parental guidance suggested) for "exposed bellybuttons and mild sexual innuendo".

The rating itself, however, shows Sony's professionalism, a lesson for Bollywood that rarely bothers to get an official rating in the US.

The Los Angeles Times headlines its review of Saawariya as "Bollywood grace--in a crazy way". Its reviewer finds the film "typically outsized extravaganza - sure to drop your jaw with its ravishment or trigger a seizure, depending on your design temperament".

The reviewer, however, concedes: "Bhansali's operatic style -- an ocean of close-ups, gliding camera moves and color saturation -- achieves its own kind of crazy grace."

LA Times is also scheduled to run a feature story on the film Sunday, according to the film's US publicist.

New York Post review titled "Bollywood flick, Hollywood folly", asks, "How can it be that a movie as beautiful to look at as 'Saawariya' is so ... boring?"

The reviewer blames Hollywood, "which has an annoying habit of sucking the life out of material".

The film, the review says, is yet another example of Hollywood trying to please everybody and, as a result, pleasing nobody.

Source : www.hindustantimes.com

Om Shanti Om has global premiere in London

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan's latest movie Om Shanti Om had its gala world premiere in London on Thursday with the actor saying he hoped it would help bring Hindi films to the doorsteps of the West.

"It's a beginning. Every new film helps us to mount the steps," he said after a screening for the press at the downtown Empire Leicester cinema.

In London for the gala red-carpet premiere, besides Khan, is the film's debutante female lead Deepika Padukone, co-stars Arjun Rampal and Shreyas Talpade and distributor and Eros International chairman Kishore Lulla.

This was the first time an Indian film had premiered at the Empire at Leicester Square - home of all London movie premieres, Khan said.

He said London was the perfect launching pad for the film because of the history of "cultural cross-pollination" between India and Britain.

"I have always thought that we should be taking the first steps to bring out India's economy and culture to the world," he added.

Lulla said: "This is one of the most awaited films of the year and we are excited to be leveraging Eros's global distribution in promoting the film."

Source : http://www.sify.com/

Aamirs' ex-wife comes forward to defend him

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan's family and his former wife Reena have come out in his support, saying his brother Faisal Khan's allegations that he had been held captive by the actor are baseless.

Faisal claims he was held captive at Aamir's Bandra home between February 2005 to January 2006, and in a Bandra clinic where he was forced to consume medicines. Aamir's father Tahir Hussain has supported Faisal's version."We strongly condemn the comments and allegations made by Tahir Hussain and Faisal Khan against Aamir and our family. Faisal is unwell and is in need of urgent medical attention. Aamir's attempt to take custody of Faisal was so that he could help him and take care of him," said Aamir's family in a press statement.

"However, seeing that all Aamir's efforts have been met with such hostility, we think it's all for the best that Tahir Hussain has been given custody of Faisal Khan. He should now take complete responsibility of Faisal's care and actions," they added.

Aamir's mother Zeenat T. Hussain, ex-wife Reena Datta, sisters Nikhat Khan Hegde and Farhat Khan, cousin Mansoor and present wife Kiran Rao along with other family members have jointly issued the statement condemning Tahir Hussain and Faisal's "irresponsible behaviour".
The family maintains that Tahir and Faisal's "baseless allegations" forced them to break their silence and issue the statement.

"As a family, we have always believed in maintaining our silence and dignity, choosing not to react to the many absurd allegations that are frequently hurled at our loved one, Aamir. But this time we feel the need to express our utter shock, disgust and contempt at the public statements of Tahir Hussain and Faisal Khan."

Faisal, 41, suffers from periodic lapses into schizo-affective psychosis, according to the psychiatry department of the J.J. Hospital. He was produced before the court following a missing-person complaint lodged by his mother Zeenat, sister Nikhat and brother Aamir with the Khar police station on Oct 15.

The next day they filed an application contending that Faisal was mentally unstable and needed to be admitted to hospital for treatment.

However, Faisal, who recorded his statement under the Mental Health Act, contended that he did not suffer from any mental problems. All he wanted was to live alone and start working to make himself financially independent. He had even rented a flat in Chambur, a north-eastern suburb, he said.

Faisal made it clear that there was no property dispute in the family and if he must live with a relative, he preferred to live with his father and not with Aamir or his mother or sister.

A Mumbai court ordered Faisal, who has refused to live with his brother, to remain in the temporary custody of his father, for one month after a medical report said his mental condition was not stable.

"It is deeply distressing and saddening to see the depths to which Aamir's father and brother have sunk, with the express intention of causing Aamir hurt. Their offensive allegations, malicious lies and pathetic behaviour are truly shameful.

"Their behaviour is all the more appalling given that Aamir has supported both his father and brother in every way possible for the last 15 years, and has on numerous occasions bailed them out of their various crises. Unfortunately Aamir's goodness has only earned him their envy and hatred," they added.

The family says Aamir is the pillar of strength for them.

"He is a person of extraordinary gifts, of the highest moral integrity and honesty, and someone who has always put his family before himself. He has our deepest respect and all our love, and we support him and stand by him in whatever he does. We are proud of him for his courage and his dignity, which he continues to maintain despite all of this."

Source : http://www.sify.com/

Bollywood sees more misses than hits this year

Diwali is round the corner but the box office is yet to see any fireworks. Bollywood churned out a mixed bouquet this year but the majority flopped with Shah Rukh Khan starrer Chak De! Indiabeing the only super hit so far. Special: Diwali dhamaka from Sify Movies
Around 90 films - experimental films, movies with high budgets, comedies and love stories et al - have released in the last 10 months.

The year started with the disastrous Kudiyon Ka Hai Zamana, which promoted Rekha as its high point. This was followed by Mani Ratnam's Guru, loosely based on the life of late business tycoon Dhirubhai Ambani. The Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai starrer brought temporary respite and plunging movie ticket sales went up.

But it was not enough to compensate the losses.
Then came an array of flops, though offbeat offerings like Anurag Kashyap's Black Friday, Rahul Dholakia's Parzania and Madhur Bhandarkar's Traffic Signal pepped up the box office.
It was Reema Kagti's feel-good film Honeymoon Travel's Pvt. Ltd that actually broke the jinx. Made on a medium budget, Kagti's directorial debut was about different perceptions of what a honeymoon should be, portrayed through six couples. The film was termed the first big hit of the year.

"Films are not doing well because we are not concentrating on the script. There is a dearth of scriptwriters in Bollywood. We need good writers," said Bhavna Talwar of "Dharm" fame.
After that came a string of dismal comedies and dreary love stories.

The box office looked up with Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif's romantic-comedy Namastey London. Mira Nair's The Namesake also released at around the same time, but was meant mainly for the multiplex audience.

After a brief lull, a surprise hit came in the form of Bheja Fry. Debutant director Sagar Bellary's satirical comedy did really well. Shot on a shoestring budget of Rs.6 million, the film earned about Rs.120 million!

There were two hits in May - multi-starrer actioner Shootout At Lokhandwala and Anurag Basu's Life In A...Metro were appreciated by critics and viewers alike. "Metro" was successful in the overseas market too. It garnered $144,169 in the US and 148,208 pounds in Britain.
Thrillers like Manorama Six Feet Under and Johnny Gaddar were liked by a certain section of people but weren't considered big hits.

"The whole definition of hit and flop is wrong - movies like Manorama Six Feet Under and Johnny Gaddar are meant for a small section of society. If there is a total of 100 moviegoers, these films cater only 10 people. So if only 10 people go and watch these films, it is declared a flop. It is unfair," Vivek Agnihotri, whose Goal is releasing Nov 23, told IANS.

"Though there weren't too may hits, I must say that this year we had many experimental films in different genres. And it is a good sign. A new lot of directors is joining the industry with new ideas," he added.

Surprisingly, well-packaged and much-hyped movies like Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, Ta Ra Rum Pum, Shakalaka Boom Boom, Eklavya - The Royal Guard, Salaam-e-Ishq, Nishabd and Cheeni Kum just wilted away.

The major break came with Shimit Amin's Chak De! India, starring Shah Rukh.

People didn't expect a film of the sports genre to do well, but it turned out to be a rage amongst audiences across the country. Made at a budget of Rs.200 million, the movie was about a disgraced hockey player trying to redeem his pledge by enabling the women's team to lift the world cup. It earned Rs.640 million and the cash registers of the producers are still ringing.
After Chak De! India, the flop story continued with Marigold: An Adventure Love Story, Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag, Dhol, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag and Bhool Bhulaiyaa.

Though Bollywood has had a disappointing year so far, it is poised for two big releases - Om Shanti Om and Saawariya. And the industry hopes these much-awaited flicks can change the economics of the box office business and end the year on a happy note.

Other projects that one can look forward to are Madhuri Dixit's comeback film Aaja Nachle, Agnihotri's Goal and Aamir Khan's directorial debut Taare Zameen Par.
Source : www.sify.com

Face jobs for Bollywood stars?

TOI finds out if it’s a key ingredient to survival in the industry.

SO what if Shilpa Shetty had a nose job, Sushmita Sen had silicone implants and Rakhi Sawant went a step further and took hers out? Women in Bollywood going under the knife is old news. But the now the guys seem to be following suit with face jobs. Think Shah Rukh Khan, Govinda, Shekhar Suman and Kumar Gaurav. But while it might do something for their vanity, does it help them as actors?

Cory Walia, make-up artist, says, “It’s about making use of the technology available. Today, the perception is when we have facilities, then why not use them?”

At the same time, Cory says things should not be overdone. “We know that stars like Shah Rukh are exposed to high work pressure and need work more often, but he takes it slow and makes it subtle. But somebody like Shekhar Suman makes the changes quite obvious. He shouldn’t have done so many things at the same time. Small doses of plastic surgery are okay,” he explains.

On the other hand, dermatologist Anil Abraham says the culprit is people’s mindsets. “When an actor does something to his face, he’s doing it either because he’s feeling jaded or wants to reintroduce himself,” he says.

“In India, actors are considered role models and that’s why this trend is rapidly picking up. But it’s not healthy. Natural remedies like a good diet and workouts are always better options for long-term results. These quick-fix methods will kill the actual acting skills as the actor won’t be able to give dramatic facial expressions.”

Agrees actor Anuuj Sawhney, “I believe in healthy eating, diet and exercise. No matter how good, face jobs give you an artificial look. I don’t mind minor corrections, but a whole face job is a no-no for me.”
Similarly, television actor Ram Kapoor says he will never go under the knife. “I won’t say it’s wrong, but I’m against having it done to me. I believe in taking things as they come,” he says. However, actor Ashmit Patel says he may consider a face job later. “In any case, I look younger than my age. But I won’t lie — I might get botox job done a few years later,” he says.

Looking good for the camera is a must, believes director Ravi Chopra. “As a director I’d obviously prefer a face that looks good in the frame,” he says. And the audience wants to see a handsome-looking 40-year-old man, says actor Manasi Joshi Roy, “It’s necessary for any actor to work on himself because it’s the audience that criticises actors for looking fat or having wrinkles on their face,” she adds.

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Bollywood Actor Neha Dhupia - pictures

Grandson releases book on Raj Kapoor

It was an emotional moment for the First Family of Bollywood. Raj Kapoor’s young grandson Ranbir Kapoor, whose debut film “Saawariya” hits the theatres next month, released a book on the legendary filmmaker here on Tuesday.

The book in Hindi has been penned by the gifted filmmaker’s daughter Ritu Nanda.

Speaking on the occasion, Ranbir said it was an honour and a humbling experience for him to release the book titled “Raj Kapoor”: “On many occasions I have been asked how it feels to be born into the Kapoor family. Well, I don’t have readymade answers but The Showman continues to be omnipresent. The book written by Ritu Bua will give me an insight into his life and the magic of cinema he left behind for posterity.”

Ranbir said the Kapoor “khandaan” was the only family in the world of cinema where four successive generations have been associated with the film industry and who have dedicated their lives successfully to entertaining people.

Stating that everyone in his family was inspired by his father, Rishi Kapoor said Raj Kapoor’s contribution towards the film industry was immense. “Ritu has done all of us proud by putting together his life as seen from close quarters. There are a lot of unknown facets about him which this book will bring into light. All of us have gathered today to show solidarity for her efforts.”

Earlier in the day, Rishi accompanied by his son Ranbir and sister Ritu went to Rashtrapati Bhavan to present a commemorative copy of the book to President Pratibha Patil. “The President showered her blessings on Ranbir and it was a proud moment for all of us. I am sure that the film-loving public will continue to love and bless Ranbir just as they did my grandfather Prithviraj Kapoor, father Raj Kapoor, and other members of our family,” said Rishi.

The book gives a comprehensive account of Raj Kapoor’s life as a person and as a filmmaker, his relationship with his children, his passion for movie-making and his much talked about films.

Courtesy :www.hindu.com

Jab they split: Shahid-Kareena

People are now curious to figure out what happened while the relationship was going all kaput
With news of Saif-Kareena being ‘together’ and Shahid annoucing his single status barely days before the release of Jab We Met, it seems that the film could well do with some efforts of retitling. Following news of the break-up, Shahid-Kareena onscreen pair which had never been a favourite with the big screen, now seems to be all poised to ride on the sympathy and curiosity wave. People are now curious to figure out what happened while the relationship was going all kaput and whether it has had any impact on the couple’s onscreen chemistry.

Vikas Syal, regional general manager of a city multiplex, anticipates that this controversy is surely going to boost the film’s opening. The controversy regarding the relationship has made the film a talking point. It will surely generate an initial hype. I can’t say for sure whether we are going to increase the number of shows now since such decisions depend on how the past movies have been faring at the box office. With Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Laaga Chunari Mein Daag doing very well at the box office, I can’t commit on increasing the number of shows of Jab We Met. But yes, the timing of the announcement of the spilt will work to the advantage of the film, Syal said.

Does this then give reasons to the person in charge of handling JWM’s publicity to not slog hard to push the film forward? When CT asked JWM publicist Parag Desai whether the split news has rendered redundant all the other publicity attempts of Shahid boarding a local train at midnight to prompte the film, he said, We are going ahead with what we had planned. We don’t need to do any extra stuff now. Earlier the idea was to connect Shahid-Kareena’s real life relationship with the reel life chemistry. But now, we’ve done away with promotional events that were to have the two of them together.

What about the timing of Saif admitting to his relationship? Desai, expectedly, doesn’t admit to this being part of any strategy. We never planned this. Initially, we were worried that this news would harm the film. It was a shock for us. Then we thought, side mein chal raha hai to thik hai. But now, I can say that all this has only helped in generating a buzz.

When CT asked director Imtiaz Ali whether the timing of the announcement has helped him, he said, I don’t think one ought to write an article on the timing of the announcement and its impact on the film. It’s the actors’ personal decision and I have no authority to make inroads into that territory. The agreement that we have with actors doesn’t imply anything about them talking or not talking about their personal lives. There is absoultely no animosity between us. Personally, I wouldn’t know about the scientific planning that goes into whether such announcements can have an impact on the film’s box office prospects.

Statistics will finally have the last word but wonder whether the Shahid-Kareena film should now be called Jab They Split!

Courtesy :www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Salman Khan to play Tarzan

We'll soon be seeing Salman Khan - in a children's film. Called Tarzan , and Sallu will of course essay the title role.

"It's going to be directed by Anees Bazmi," he tells us. "It'll be fun. I've grow up on Tarzan films, and it's always lovely to make something the kids will enjoy." So will it have an authentic jungle feel to it? "Yes, it'll be shot in the jungle," confirms Salman.

Well, let's hope that there is no wild life around, lest Salman finds himself on the 'wild side' of the law once again. He simply laughs and lets that one pass.

About his look in the movie, the actor tells us, "We are working on the look, nothing has been decided so far. Let's see what Anees is going to make me do. I'm expecting him to ask me to grow my hair and all that."

So when does this one go on floors. "Only next year, I suspect," says the actor, who is currently having a great time shooting for Subhash Ghai's Yuvraj .

Courtesy : http://www.movies.indiatimes.com/

Shriya goes to Hollywood!

Shriya Saran never ceases to surprise you at regular intervals. The pretty actress who has become a rage and queen of Kollywood after the stupendous success of Rajnikanth's Sivaji , is now all set to do a Hollywood film! Last week the leading Hollywood studio MGM and Ashok Amritraj's Hyde Park Film, have signed Shriya to be the heroine of their new film The other End of the Line for which shooting would start in the first week of November.

The other End of the Line is a romantic movie about an employee at an Indian call centre in Mumbai, who travels to San Francisco to be with the guy whom she falls in love over the phone, during her working hours.

Jesse Metcalfe, the handsome hunk of the television serial Desperate Housewives is playing the lead in the film. Jesse may become a major star in Hollywood, as his new action film Loaded releasing on November 1, worldwide carries good reports.

Our own Shriya is going to play heroine to Jesse, a tremendous boost for her, on par with Aishwarya Rai doing Provoked. Shriya who was last week shooting a special song with Vadivel for Indiralokathil Na Azhagappan, in Courtallam area, confirmed to Sify.com that she is going to do the Hollywood project.

It is a major break for Shriya, whose Azhagiya Tamil Magan, with Vijay releases this Diwali, and has also signed Kanthasamy with Vikram.

Courtesy : sify.com

Bhumika Chawla weds yoga guru Bharat Thakur

Bollywood actress Bhumika Chawla on Sunday tied the nuptial knot with yoga guru Bharat Thakur in Guru Nanak Dev Gurudwara at Devlali camp.

The marriage was performed in a simple ceremony attended by close relatives and friends of Chawla and Thakur.

The Thakur family is a native of Devlali camp while the actress, who shot into fame with musical blockbuster "Tere Naam" a few years ago, is daughter of Col (retd) Ajit Singh Chawla.

Army officers and people from the Punjabi community were also present at the ceremony.


Courtesy : www.zeenews.com

Mumbai blasts: Dutt gets a breather

Sanjay Dutt's bail will continue, as he will not get the copy of the judgement sentencing him in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case on Saturday from the TADA court.

He is likely to get the copy of the judgement on October 22, following which he will have to surrender before the special TADA court.

The actor was convicted under the Arms Act in November last year and sentenced to six years in jail in July this year. He was later released on interim bail by the Supreme Court.

Courtesy : http://www.ndtv.com/

Hrithik takes one more step towards Hollywood

‘Brillstein-Grey’, Brad Pitt's management of over 20 years, has now signed Hrithik Roshan. In the past, there have been major Motion Picture Studios in Hollywood that have set their eyes on Hrithik. In addition, numerous A-list filmmakers too have offered him roles in their high profile Hollywood films. Now ‘Brillstein-Grey Entertainment’, Management Firm in World, has managed to gain Hrithik's attention.

Moreover, Hrithik has finally said yes to Hollywood and is taking serious steps in the direction, which leads him to being the first mainstream Hindi cinema actor to be aiming at a higher platform.

Hrithik's new International manager, Jai Khanna from Brillstein-Grey confirms, "We are thrilled to be working with such an international star. Hrithik has a strong, authentic, and cool personality. As an icon of masculinity and powerful character, he truly embodies the star quality of cinema's great leading men."

Jai further comments on Hrithik's star power, "Audiences have repeatedly flocked to his films throughout India, Asia and a number of other countries. We are excited to now introduce Hrithik to the US, thus giving his unique talents a much larger platform."

Closer home, Hrithik is looking forward to Jodhaa Akbar, which is all set to release on January 25. The film's promo has created quite a buzz amongst the audiences ever since it was screened across theatres, last Friday. Mounted on a huge canvas, this Ashutosh Gowarikar epic has music by A.R. Rahman and lyrics by Javed Akhtar. A UTV production, Jodhaa Akbar is now all set to be the first big release of 2008.

The film is also special for Hrithik since it would be his first release after more than a year after the release of Krrish (June 2006) and Dhoom 2 (November 2006).

Courtesy : http://www.sify.com/

Saif admits affair with Kareena

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan on Wednesday night admitted to having an affair with actress Kareena Kapoor, setting to rest much speculation on the subject.

"We are very much happy together," the Omkara actor told reporters on the sidelines of the Lakme Fashion Week attended by the stars and which concluded on Wednesday.

Saif's admission came in the presence of Kareena who accompanied him to the show by fashion designer Manish Malhotra - a favourite with the industry.

Ironically, it was at the same designer's show during the Wills India Life Style Fashion Week held in New Delhi last year that Kareena walked the ramp with Shahid Kapur to reaffirm their affection.

Courtesy : http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

Bipasha Basu catwalks at LIFW

Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu walked the ramp for designer Narendra Kumar at the Lakme India Fashion Week here today, Sahara Samay sources said.

"Bollywood and fashion have always been together and they are not two different things and the front space is always booked for Bollywood stars," says Bipasha.

Narendra Kumar's collection reflected a social theme – freedom from illiteracy. His collections had an interesting mix of alphabetic prints on muted colours.

On the third day of the week-long Lakme Fashion Week attendance was poor but the presence of Bipasha and John Abraham saved it from being a complete disaster.

Courtesy : http://www.saharasamay.com/

Broadway style musical nautanki for Aaja Nachle

Chak De has become an anthem. It’s a great feeling to be a part of a film that has become so big,” says Sulaiman Merchant of music composer duo Salim-Sulaiman who has composed music of films like >Chak De India, Iqbal, Dor and Kaal. They also happen to be the first choice for designing the background score of some of the biggest films in tinsel town. Obviously they are excited about making Madhuri Dixit dance to their tunes in Yash Raj’s next Aaja Nachle. But there’s something unique they’ve attempted in Aaja Nachle that has never been done in Bollywood before. Best of the Week on Sify movies

“In Aaja Nachle, we have composed a 25 minute play written in nautanki style, something that small town people can associate with. It has been produced in a new world, western theatrical style, the kind of stuff you get to see in Broadway or theatres in West. The sadness, the pain, the fights, everything has been told in a musical format. There were 9-10 singers and 7-8 actors who’ve dubbed their own voices,” Sulaiman said excitedly. This 25 minute play has been written by veteran theatre personality and actor Piyush Mishra.

Elaborating on the music score of Aaja Nachle , Sulaiman says that it’s not the typical Madhuri numbers."It is one step beyond what Madhuri has done. It has a classical base with contemporary style. There are a variety of songs. There’s an English song, a slow song. There are a wide array of singers like Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Sunidhi. The music releases on 18th October.”

Salim-Sulaiman have also been associated with Merchants of Bollywood, a musical choreographed by Vaibhavi Merchant that is all set to start its third season in various European countries. Incidentally, Vaibhavi has accused Morani Brothers of ‘stealing’ their idea for the much hyped Miss Bollywood starring Shilpa Shetty. “It’s a massive production. If we would have tried to play the music live then we would have required a 100 piece orchestra,” Sulaiman says.
The talented duo feels strongly about the penchant for plagiarism that is common in the music industry in India. “Our population is one billion, can’t we come up with something original. That’s so sad.” Sulaiman feels the duo would like to do quality films rather than taking up too many projects. Their next few films include Roadside Romeo (Jugal Hansraj’s film, a joint production with Disney) and Cootchie Coothcie Hota Hai (Karan Johar’s animation film).

Courtesy : Sify

Ricky Martin unveils star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Puerto Rico's "Livin'La Vida Loca" singer Ricky Martin unveiled his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Tuesday to a chorus of cheering, adoring fans.

"I have talked to Congress and the United Nations, but have never been as nervous as I am today," Martin, 35, told reporters.

"With this star my work has been recognized and this star is here forever," added the singer and former Mexican TV soap opera star who shot to world fame during soccer's 1998 World Cup with his fast-paced tune "Livin'La Vida Loca."

Ricky Martin's star is number 2,351 on the Hollywood Walk of Fame near the fabled Kodak Theater in Los Angeles, where the Oscar ceremonies are held each year.

Courtesy : LOS ANGELES (AFP)

Mel Gibson tops 'Hollywood's Most Powerful Christians' list

Actor/Director Mel Gibson has topped a list of the Most Powerful Christians in Hollywood.
The devout Catholic topped the poll in a list compiled by website BeliefNet.com,
Coming in at second place was actor Denzel Washington, reports Contactmusic.
Third place on the list went to 'Everybody Loves Raymond' star Patricia Heaton.
American playwright and actor Tyler Perry and Hollywood film producer Ralph Winter rounded off the top five coming in at fourth and fifth place respectively.
The list for the top ten Hollywood's Most Powerful Christians as per BeliefNet.com is:
1. Mel Gibson
2. Denzel Washington
3. Patricia Heaton
4. Tyler Perry
5. Ralph Winter
6. Angela Bassett
7. Martin Sheen
8. Martha Williamson
9. Kristen Chenoweth
10. Philip Anschutz
Courtesy : China Daily

Bollywood stars Rani Mukherjee at Lakme Fashion Week

The biggest names of Bollywood walked the ramp at the Lakme India Fashion Week. The celebs who didn't sashay down the ramp, were seen cheering from the aisles for their favourite designer.
Rani Mukherji took a walk down the ramp for her favourite designer, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, who designed her clothes in Baabul and Laaga Chunari Mein Daag.

Courtesy : Sify.com

deepika padukone _Pictures2

Courtesy : www.bollywood-stars.net

Hot & Sexy Deepika Padukone Photos, Deepika Padukone Wallpapers, Pics & Images

Deepika Padukone is a super model turned actress. She made her acting debut in a Kannada film titled ‘Aishwarya’ directed by Indrajit Lankesh co-starring Upendra. The was a success at the box-office and Deepika has received rave reviews for her screen presence. She makes her bollywood debut in Farah Khan’s Shah Rukh Khan starrer ' Shanti Om'. She is daughter of former World badminton Champion Prakash Padukone and mother Ujjala Padukone. Check out Deepika Padukone’s latest pictures, Deepika Padukone Hot & Bollywood Wallpapers, download deepika padukone hot wallpapers. Deepika Padukone sexy pictures, deepika padukone images and deepika padukone pics.

Bollywood witnessess increased lawyer representation

Two years ago, when Ashni Parekh left Nishith Desai and Associates, its entertainment law practice wasn’t exactly flourishing. A newly corporatised Bollywood wanted legal advice but was still not used to paying high legal fees, so the firm had accumulated bad debts disproportionate to the size of its film industry portfolio. “It was obvious that charging Indian film-makers $200 an hour was not going to work,” says Parekh, who has since launched out on her own. “You have to adapt your practice to suit this industry, which is extremely personality driven.” Parekh now operates from home and business is booming. Among her clients are Saif Ali Khan, Priyanka Chopra and Sushmita Sen and she says, “I get a new client ever day, including people who are new to the industry and signing a contract for the first time.” There was a time when a legal contract in Bollywood was a simple affair. The producer signed a standard one-page deal with the record company for the music rights and another deal with the distributor for distribution to the cinema screens. More important than the paper was the handshake, for nobody was really interested in taking anyone to court. The cosy arrangement collapsed with the coming of home viewing technology, when there was flurry of litigation to determine whether the rights to video were vested with the producer or the distributor. The courts said it depended on the contracts, and for the most part, the contracts loosely gave away “all rights” to distributors and record companies, with no provision for new technologies. Today, things are getting more complicated with revenues from ring-tones outstripping the revenue from music sales, foreign distribution — including screenings on aeroplanes and cruise liners — becoming more lucrative than domestic distribution and actors earning as much from product endorsements as films. “Bollywood is definitely signing more contracts than before, though we are still a long way from the Hollywood model, where everyone is represented by a lawyer,” says Anand Desai of DSK Legal. Desai’s star client is Aamir Khan, for whom he’s recently structured a complicated financing-cum-distribution deal with PVR. He is also the one who structured the co-production between Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Sony Pictures for Saawariya and says, “This is the first time a major foreign company is co-producing a movie in India. Sony has a lot of experience in exploiting the rights to a film and that’s reflected in the contract.”Exploiting the rights to a successful film, includes turning it into a video game, merchandising clothes and accessories connected to film, remix rights. For the party selling the rights, it’s all about keeping the scope of the contract as narrow as possible, while for those buying the rights, it is about negotiating terms that are as broad-based as possible. Needless to say, nobody hands over “all rights” to a film in perpetuity, as was often the case in Bollywood contracts before. “The idea is to break down the rights into details, keeping room for technologies that may develop in the future,” says Desai. As a full-service firm, DSK is also advising its film industry clients on tax. For example, with Indian films gaining increasing revenues from abroad, some producers are looking at the option of vesting the rights to their films in Mauritius, thereby putting their films on par with Hollywood films for tax purposes. Says Desai, “At the upper end, Bollywood clients are no different from coporate clients. At the lower end, it gets difficult. They just don’t want to pay up. Still, some lawyers don't mind, because they get a kick out of representing stars.”

Courtesy : The Economic Time

Anupam’s surprise Hollywood guest!

These were some of the questions that were fielded to the acclaimed director Danny Boyle, who has won 24 international awards at last count.http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_Buzz/Anupams_surprise_Hollywood_guest_/articleshow/2457737.cms

Courtesy : The Times of India