The swords are a very important part of the character which I am playing-Abhishek

This kind of experience, you would expect on the sets of Indiana Jones, The Phantom, Pirates of the Caribbean or even The Mummy... not Goldie Behl’s Drona. But the story goes that strange incidents have been occurring around a set of three titanium swords made in Johannesburg with Sanskrit mantras on them that Abhishek Bachchan uses in the film.

According to both, Behl and Abhishek, weird things would happen whenever the three swords were separated. They first lost one at a remote location in the desert of Namibia. The next day, a man mysteriously returned the sword (each costs Rs 10 lakh) to the hotel where the cast was put up.

Then, while shooting in the Thar desert at a place in Bikaner, the swords were separated again... and lo! thunderclouds gathered and that area received very heavy rainfall for the first time in years. Next day, when the swords were still not brought together, a hailstorm lashed the desert, which was an eerie coincidence, uncommon in that area.

Freak explosions on flatbed rail cars used in the film followed and there were close shaves that could have been major mishaps thrice during a car chase sequence in Prague. All of which prompted Behl to keep the swords together from then on. “In the beginning, we just couldn’t understand what was happening, but now we don’t take any chances,” said the director. “Though magic and fantasy is part of the film we couldn’t relate this with what happened on the sets.” While Abhishek admitted, “It was bizarre... the incidents in Namibia and Prague, and ice falling from sky in the Thar region. The swords are a very important part of the character which I am playing. It’s actually difficult to explain...”

T-Series have published huge ads congratulating Akshay Kumar

Last month we had brought to you straight from the director Nagesh Kukunoor the news that both his forthcoming ventures, AASHAYEIN and 8x10 may release this year itself. While the John Abraham starrer AASHAYEIN already has a probable November release date, it looks as if things are also moving forward with regards to Nagesh’s much awaited venture 8x10.

In a bid to cash in on the big success of SINGH IS KINNG, the makers of 8x10, Percept Picture Company and audio giants, T-Series have published huge ads congratulating Akshay Kumar, who also happens to be the lead hero of their upcoming venture, the Nagesh Kukunoor directed 8x10.

What is interesting to note is that the makers are now referring to the Akshay Kumar-Ayesha Takia starrer as TASVEER, with 8x10 in a smaller text below. There is also a footnote which says ’Coming Soon’, which somewhat confirms Nagesh’s information about the film releasing this year.

SRK in hunt of treasures a la Indiana Jones through mystic lands and jungles

If things go as planned, we might see Shahrukh Khan digging into the past and hunting for treasure in a film inspired from the famous Indiana Jones series from Hollywood.

Acclaimed director Santosh Sivan is set to make a fantasy film on the lines of Indiana Jones. Earlier, in an interview, he mentioned his desire to make an adventure-cum-fantasy film.

In the movie, we will see SRK in hunt of treasures a la Indiana Jones through mystic lands and jungles. According to a source, this film is going to be a big-budget movie with a touch of romance and comedy. Moreover, it might also star John Abraham .

The movie details are not yet out, but Sivan has clearly said about his interest to direct a fantasy film. Locales are yet to be finalized.

This is the second time Shahrukh would team up with Sivan after a long gap of seven years. Previously, they worked together in Asoka . Sources said that Shahrukh will start shooting once he has finished working for other projects.

In the meantime, Sivan’s movie Tahaan is releasing next week which boasts of a bunch of talented actors like Sarika Rahul Bose and newcomer Purab.

Akshay Kumar is first Indian actor as brand ambassador of Levis jeans

Bollywood action star Akshay Kumar is first Indian actor as well as celebrity who have been endorsed as brand ambassador of Levis jeans is of good opinion of his butt in Levis jeans. He told, “Though the company has used various words to describe its new product, what I can say is that my butt looks good in the jeans” at the launch of Levis 501 brand. Any why not, now he has all the right to say whatever he likes after the success of ‘Singh is Kinng.’’

Beyond Luxury Watch launch party get the jolly mood of Salman

Salman was as usual in his style at the Beyond Luxury Watch launch party as brand ambassador for the product in his ripped jeans and bandana posed for the camera persons. Watch the picks below to get the jolly mood of Salman!

Salman was more comfortable talking to Rani than Lara

Salman Khan is not only upset with SRK, there is another actress who he is having cold vibes with - Lara Dutta. He showed his indifference towards Lara Dutta on his show 10 Ka Dum grand finales.

Salman shot the last episode of this season with Rani Mukherjee, Anu Malik, Rakhi Sawant and Lara Dutta.

Salman Khan entertained his other female guests Rani Mukherjee and Rakhi Sawant with his usual bubbly self but ignored Lara altogether.

An insider reveals, “Rani and Lara came together as guests on the show. They were very chirpy with each other but as soon as they walked on the stage to face Salman, the equation changed. It was evident that Salman was more comfortable talking to Rani than Lara. Even his jokes and his one-liners were directed towards her. Lara looked like she was out of place.”

According to sources the rift started when Lara turned down Salman’s Main Aur Mrs Khanna, which later went out to Kareena Kapoor, “Salman and Lara got along really well in Partner. But after that they really haven’t interacted much. Lara was in the running for the lead role of Main Aur Mrs Khanna but she wasn’t too happy with the way she was dropped from the film. That remained a sore point between the two. Moreover, Lara is also part of SRK’s Billoo Barber, and as Sallu detests anyone who has anything to do with SRK as of now could also be a reason,” said the source.

Poor Lara bearing the brunt for being SRK’s friend.

Emraan Hashmi who first popped the idea of visiting the club

While shooting their film in Cape Town, three Bollywood lads decided to have some fun and walked into a strippers’ club.

It happened when Emraan Hashmi , Adhyayan and director Mohit Suri were shooting Raaz 2 in the South African city. Coincidentally, the trio was staying in a hotel that wasn’t more than a stone’s throw away from a popular strip club.

Needless to say it was the irrevocably notorious Emraan Hashmi who first popped the idea of visiting the club, and that too despite the fact that he alone is married among the trio. Mohit Suri has a girlfriend ( Udita Goswami ) and Adhyayan has his ( Kangana Ranaut ).

However, the trio decided to experience a visit to the strip club. So they walked in and savoured the sight of pole dancers and strippers. They also eyed a few women to indulge in some harmless flirtation.

Reports say the lads stayed in the club for not more than half-an-hour, though it could have been more than that.

Adhyayan is quoted as saying that the trip turned out to be so enjoyable that Emraan (who else!) began planning another visit to the club.

As they say: Boyz will always be boyz.

Minissha at the very start of the film that she would have to don a bikini

Titillation is not something one would expect from Minissha Lamba. But the actress is going to provide you exactly that in the action thriller Kidnap .

Though Minissha has previously done some steamy scenes with Arshad Warsi in Anthony Kaun Hai , the actress slips into a two-piece bikini for the first time in Sanjay Gadhvi’s ‘Kidnap’ that stars Sanjay Dutt and Imran Khan in lead roles.

Sanjay Gadhvi , known for making actresses like Esha Deol , Bipasha Basu and even the usually prim-and-propah Aishwarya Rai shed their clothes in films like Dhoom and Dhoom 2 , has now made Minissha do the same.

Gadhvi reportedly told Minissha at the very start of the film that she would have to don a bikini - and that too a white one - for a few sequences in the film.

Minissha, surprisingly, was game for it. Funnily, what proved more difficult than convincing Minissha was to find a good white bikini. But her stylist in the film, Shilpa Bhatia, scoured the market and managed to find a sexy bikini for the actress.

And now that Minissha was finally showing off her skin, she wanted to look her best. The actress slogged away in gym and followed a strict diet to be in good shape.

Minissha’s bikini sequence was shot on the beaches of Mauritius.

Well now we have an extra reason to watch ‘Kidnap’.

There’s no ‘I love you’ situation so far between us-SAYALI BHAGAT

When former Miss India and actress SAYALI BHAGAT and Pakistani cricketer and Delhi Daredevils player SHOAIB MALIK were seen together at a Mumbai hotel, it was bound to make news.

Reports said that the two are in love, that they met at a store launch in Delhi about a year ago, and have kept in touch since then, with Shoaib making “special trips” to India and showering her with attention.

However, when DT contacted her to know more about the Delhi event where it all began, Sayali had this to say - “The truth is that we’re just friends. Right now, we’re not dating, but are thinking about it. It’s too early to say that I’m ‘dating’ him. We’ve been in and out of touch since IPL, we’ve been meeting on and off and that’s how he’s been taking out time to meet me. But it’s not true that he’s been coming to India to meet me.”

So is it an affair, or is it not? “It’s not an affair,” she clarifies. “It’s true that we have gone out on a couple of quiet dinners. But the point is that I don’t yet know him that closely, and it’s too early to say we’re dating. An ‘I like you’ has come, but There’s no ‘I love you’ situation so far between us.”

In fact, she says that Shoaib called her yesterday morning after he came to know of the news. “He asked me about the whole thing. I told him clearly that we’re friends and let’s be honest about it. He told me very categorically to say that we’re only friends. If there’s anything, we’ll let you know. He has his career and I have mine. Above all, both our families shouldn’t be bothered over this,” she says.

Has she visited Pakistan to meet him? “I must’ve met him only eight or 10 times, and I’ve never visited Pakistan. The last time I met him was during IPL, about two-three months ago. We’re fond of each other but it’s too early to talk about it. In fact, after the news came out, the media in Pakistan has been harassing Shoaib,” she fumes. “I’m clear about the whole thing. I don’t want to send the wrong signal by saying it’s official. I like him, I haven’t said I love him. Right now, I really want to focus on my career. Yes, I did meet him last year at a store opening in Delhi, but we hardly spoke at the time. We only started talking when he came to India during IPL,” she says.

Ranbir, Kareena Kapoor is surely out to create outrage and scandal

She is the czarina of Bollywood and he is the Prince Charming of B-town, who just finished romancing not one but three sizzling babes in his last flick ‘Bachna Ae Haseeno’. Kareena Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor, the two most gorgeous lookers in filmdom would have made a dashing couple had they not shared a blood relationship. But looks like that’s not going to stop Bebo from accepting a role opposite her first cousin.

From dating a father of two to now stating that she is open to play lover to her first cousin Ranbir, Kareena Kapoor is surely out to create outrage and scandal.

In a recent interview to a news daily, Miss Size Zero was asked if she would like play a lover on screen to Ranbir Kapoor, she said, “Ranbir is fantastic, he’s a brilliant actor. It’s so in his blood, he’s natural on screen. But I don’t know. Maybe Ranbir and I should do a film. Act as friends, perhaps brother and sister, but as lovers… maybe if the audience wants to see us that way. He’s hot and good looking, the best in the family, and I like interesting and different roles, I like taking risks, I’m ready to experiment. Jab We Met was different from Omkara.”

Sounds gross right? Well, we don’t know about Kareena but we are not looking forward to this unnatural pairing.

Bollywood’s No 1 actress and think of her only as the woman in Saif’s life

I don’t know when last you saw her, but I did on Sunday, from spitting distance in her vanity van at Mehboob Studios. And never mind size zero, Kareena Kapoor is a dreamboat of a woman, all smouldering sexuality, honest emotions and sensuous curves. Besides, of course, being God’s gift to Saif Ali Khan. I hope he knows this, because she is crazy about him. “He’s my best friend,” she told me. “Being lovers is easy, but remaining friends is tough.” That kind of honesty is hard to come by anywhere; in Bollywood - don’t ask! But I did. What was it that she looked for in her man? Was it sex? Companionship? Or did she require a man in her life 24/7 and so moved from one relationship to another? Kareena pouted, “Friendship first, and then love. Saif and I were friends right through Tashan. After that, we became lovers. Jab We Met was before I met Saif. I thought, if he can be my best friend, and be such a wonderful father to his kids, the rest will just follow.” But, given his past, wasn’t it true that while he might be a great lover, he was lousy as a husband? “There’s no such thing as any man being perfect husband material,” she shot back, “the most stable guys make awful husbands. In Saif’s case, I followed my heart and instinct; that always make me happy, especially when I sleep at night. When you follow only your head, you end up frustrated.”

She has, I must admit, the courage of her convictions. How many actresses at the top of their careers have been honest about their relationships to their family, fans, the media? None that I can think of. Did she not fear that sometimes people might tend to forget she is Bollywood’s No 1 actress and think of her only as the woman in Saif’s life? “By being honest and coming clean, I can hold my head high,” Kareena replied. Not a trace of irritation at the bluntness of my questions. I pushed further. If he was unwilling to commit to marriage, would she care to have a child out of wedlock with Saif ? A love child? “No,” she said firmly, “I’m open about my relationship, but traditional in my values. Saif thinks I’m the most conservative and traditional woman he has known. I tell him, if you have a problem with that, then go be with someone else!” Was there any other man who turned her on more? “Apart from Saif, nobody else... But Leo (di Caprio), oh God, he’s unnaturally good looking, he’s hot and also intelligent. I’d enjoy his company,” she said brightly. Enough to if the opportunity came up, have a fling with him? “I’m traditional,” she reminded me, “I won’t have a fling.”

But this is not all about Saif only, and the love life between Kareena and him, we talked films as well. She’s got a fascinating fistful at the moment. There’s Kambakth Ishq with Akshay, Idiot with Aamir, Mr Aur Mrs Khanna with Salman, Golmal Returns with Ajay, and she’s doing Karan Johar’s next film (“It’s untitled and it’s based on terrorism,” she revealed) with Saif. “I’ve chosen the right roles in all of them,” she said with a look of smug satisfaction. Who was her favourite costar? Kareena hummed and hawed a bit, then came up with, “Akshay, it’s so strange, I’ve done more films with him than Saif. Akshay and I look nice together, I share a comfort level with him, an emotional bond. But I’ve always wanted to do a film with Aamir. And one with Shah Rukh Khan. I’ve not done a love story with Shah Rukh. I was in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham with him, but opposite Hrithik.” She being the Queen of Bollywood, did her heroes treat her as being on par, or... ? “Bollywood is male dominated,” she admitted, “but they are a little partial towards me. All of them have worked with my sister. And from way back then, they have treated me like a kid.” Did she, as a kid, have fantasies about any of these male hunks who were her sister’s co-stars, I asked. “All of them,” Kareena replied without batting an eye.

Talking of male hunks, would she do a film with her cousin Ranbir Kapoor, play his lover on screen? The eyebrows shot up, she laughed without embarrassment, “I don’t think so, and it would be my loss, because Ranbir is fantastic, he’s a brilliant actor. It’s so in his blood, he’s natural on screen. But I don’t know. Maybe Ranbir and I should do a film. Act as friends, perhaps brother and sister, but as lovers... maybe if the audience wants to see us that way. He’s hot and good looking, the best in the family, and I like interesting and different roles, I like taking risks, I’m ready to experiment. Jab We Met was different from Omkara. But I’m hopeful some director will write a film for me. I’d like to do a film like Erin Brockovich. Or be like Meryl Streep in
Devil Wears Prada. I hope, at that age, I too have that fire in me that she has.” That the fire is raging in her at 28, there is no doubt. She’s at the top of her career, she’s getting a film a day, she believes 24 hours is not enough even if she is facing the camera till 2 am, she’s been open and honest about her relationship and still maintained her popularity, films are her life - “I live, eat, breathe, drink films, often Saif and I slip into suburban multiplexes to enjoy films over a carton of popcorn.” Popcorn, I asked. “Yes, I love to eat, I have never been overweight, I’m fit and healthy, always slim. I don’t know what is it about size zero!”

Amitabh Bachchan’s mixing work with pleasure on the ongoing Unforgettable Tour

• We’re guessing Rani Mukherjee isn’t the busiest actress on the block these days. Post Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic, she has had plenty of time for leisure on her hands, and has been utilising it well too. The actress’s most recent appearance was at a book launch. Check her out in a lovely white Indian outfit.

• Amitabh Bachchan’s mixing work with pleasure on the ongoing Unforgettable Tour. During the San Francisco leg of his US tour, a chef instantly recognised him and whipped him his favourite Indian meal, Bhindi Masala. We wonder if the guy in question has inspired a sequel to Cheeni Kum!

• Farhan Akhtar’s going around promoting his acting debut Rock On, and papa Javed has jumped on the bandwagon. Watch what Javed has to say about his son’s transition from Farhan Akhtar to Farhan Actor!

• Tusshar Kapoor and Raima Sen (who aren’t an item) reached the capital for the promotion of CKkompany. The two take on the roles of ZoOm reporters for the event. Did we catch them getting a little flirtatious with each other?

• Shiney Ahuja’s ‘Preity’ keen on clearing his image. First he went about dispelling rumours of a tiff with Esha Deol, his Hijack co-star. Now, he’s raving about his rapport with Preity Zinta. Shiney and Preity, who will be seen in a film together, apparently had trouble getting along on the sets. Or so we thought.

DRONA also has certain sequences choreographed by London based sword master Richard Ryan

DRONA is truly a project of an international scale. And this has been pretty much apparent through the sleek promos that have been unleashed over the fortnight gone by. While the special effects are indeed looking slick for this extravagant movie that brings together Abhishek Bachchan and Goldie Behl again after BAS ITNA SA KHWAB HAI, its action is also touted to be belonging to an altogether different style.

That’s because apart from top action director Shyam Kaushak choreographing some breathtaking sequences for the film, the film also sees the arrival of award-winning action coordinator Tom Delmar, who has worked on Guy Ritchie’s much acclaimed SNATCH. One of the highlights in the film has been a high-speed car chase which Delmar executed in Prague.

Not just that, DRONA also has certain sequences choreographed by London based sword master Richard Ryan (who trained Brad Pitt and Eric Bana for TROY). He trained Abhishek Bachchan and Kay Kay Menon in sword fighting for which the weapons were custom-made in Johannesburg. As a result, DRONA sees the climax boasting of a brilliantly choreographed fight sequence between the two actors.

In addition, closer home, sword-based martial arts like ’Kalaripayat’ and ’Chhau’ are also featured in the film along with the much Sikh martial arts Gatka which has Priyanka Chopra seriously turning into an action woman. For getting the body language and mannerisms just right for this part, Sikh martial arts trainers specializing in ’gatka’ were also flown down from Jalandhar.

As per the makers, DRONA is rooted in the vibrant tapestry of Indian mythology. It is the compelling modern tale of one man’s spectacular voyage through the labyrinths of mystic myths and legendary legacies. Of a journey that will force him to face his fears and make him the hero he was born to become.

Also starring Jaya Bachchan, the film is all set for a 2nd October release.

Sagarika will be paired opposite serial-kisser Emraan Hashmi

Among the whole bunch of girls who acted in Chak De India alongside SRK, probably the one who managed to draw maximum eyeballs was Sagarika Ghatge. Sagarika, who played the gutsy character of Preeti Sabarwal, also emerged as the highest goal-scorer in the film.

Now it seems Sagarika has managed to strike a goal in her real life too. The actress has been signed by Percept Picture Company for their film Raftaar (working title). The film is directed by noted ad film maker Shamin Desai.

Sagarika will be paired opposite serial-kisser Emraan Hashmi in the film. What is interesting is the fact that the role which Sagarika has been signed for was to be originally played by Esha Deol.

We got in touch with Sarita Patil, Head of feature films at Percept Picture Company, to get some more info on this story. “Yes we have signed Sagarika for Raftaar. She has replaced Esha Deol as we couldn’t agree on the price.

After things didn’t work out with Esha, we had a couple of options in mind and our director Shamin had seen Sagarika’s work in Chak De India and felt she would fit the part. Sagarika’s is a full- fledged lead role opposite Emraan Hashmi.”

The film also stars Neha Dhupia and Aditya Panscholi in prominent roles. Shooting for the film is currently underway in Kuala Lumpur and the film is expected to release sometime early next year (2009).

Sameera Reddy best moods at the party of Gitanjlai jewelers

Sameera Reddy was looking gorgeous in cream and gold lengha at an event organized by Gitanjali jewelry for which she is a brand ambassador. See her in best moods at the party of Gitanjlai jewelers.

This trend is very much in abroad and here in India

Hats off to Preity Zinta, Kareena Kapoor and Sophie Choudry. Ditto to Dino Morea, Kelly Dorji, Sabyasachi, Narendra Kumar, Dino Morea, Kelly Dorji and Marc Robinson. Unlike pop icon Justin Timberlake and film hottie Ashton Kutcher who are fighting over which of them discovered the trucker cap first in Hollywood, our B-town celebs have gone on to promote the Fedora hat as a fashion apparel.

In black, white, beige and grey, hats are making style statements over the place. Harrison Ford might have brought them back into vogue, but Bollywood Badshah Shah Rukh Khan was spotted looking hotter than ‘Indiana Jones’ in a hat at a do lately; while Hrithik Roshan wore one with aplomb, too, in the Krazzy 4 song. Current heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor, also, changed a few in the title track of his film. Internationally, Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Colin Ferrell, and even actresses like Lindsay Lohan, Ashley Simpson, Kate Hudson and Britney Spears, are known to favour hats as well.

“This trend is very much in abroad and here in India, it’s picking up. In the US, I’ve seen people wearing hats while clubbing. Even the mannequins in stores have them. I wear the hat as a fashion accessory but many men wear them to hide their balding heads,” laughed choreographer Marc Robinson who has quite a collection.

However, just because it’s a trend not every one should attempt to wear hats, said designer Arjun Khanna. “I feel it doesn’t suit Indian men though it does look good on women,” he added. But stylist Nisha Sagar warned women to first check if they can carry off hats stylishly before wearing them. “If you have Indian features and an Indian figure, it may not look good on you. You need to have that slight Western, international look to carry off this stylish accessory. It’s your style from within that will make the hat more stylish or else, it might be a complete faux pas,” she said.

Meanwhile, anybody wearing the Fedora and wanting to know what to team it with should heed Arjun Khanna. He said, “Justin Timberlake wears them on trendy trousers with a jacket to go along. It also looks good on jeans.”

People didn’t like the fact that we have maintained some authenticity,” said Ekta

The generally reticent Ekta Kapoor came out of her shell recently. Why won’t she, after all her latest pet project, Kahaani Hamare Mahabharat Ki, was being defamed. Right from snide comments on the characters in the epic, to their costumes, everything was being slandered. The latest hearsay was that the recently launched show will soon go off-air. Now, Ekta isn’t the one to take things lying down and she decided to clear the air of some ‘baseless’ rumors.

On the elaborate set of Kahaani Hamare Mahabharat Ki, Ekta spoke in her quintessential style. “The sets are all right. To see them actually destroyed, my friends will have to wait. As for cape used in the show, I can show you five mythological serials where capes have been used. Now, talking about the dhoti, since when did it become a Roman attire? I am quite shocked at that comment. Another major criticism was to do with the warriors having six packs. Now, if you read any old books, you will know that people of those times were all above six feet. Perhaps People didn’t like the fact that we have maintained some authenticity,” said Ekta.

Finally, she also commented on the design of her set. She revealed, “Four historians worked on the set with the art director. There is not one thing that has been used, that wasn’t used in 3000 BC. All I said was when I enter the set, I should feel like I am in 3000 BC. That’s what my art director has done.” Looks like, nothing will get this ambitious lady down, especially not her ‘well-wishers’!

Animation fight scenes between Ajay Devgan and the cartoon characters

Post U, Me Aur Hum, Ajay Devgan will be seen in a very different role with Kajol in a 3D animation film called Toonpur Ka Superhero. Ajay Devgan enters the world of different toons with his wife Kajol. He and Kajol are the real character and while all other all cartoons.

Says a source, "Toonpur Ka Superhero is a cute, endearing animation film with Ajay Devgan and Kajol caught up in the war of the toons! A loving father and family man who is a reel life hero who accidentally lands in the world of cartoons, he becomes a real life hero when he lands up in the world of toons. He meets different cartoon characters as Guppy, Pandu, Lappy and the evil Jaagarro. Kajol’s character is called as Loveena. The film is budgeted at 40-50 crores because of the animation effects. There are some Animation fight scenes between Ajay and the cartoon characters. Ajay is playing a superhero and he will help all the cartoon characters from Toonpur."

The film is directed by Kireet Khurana and animation is 60-70%. The last schedule of the film will end by September and it’s not yet fixed but the film is slated to release by the end of the year.

We have learnt that SRK and Anubhav Sinha are working on a similar concept.

The award reminded me of my journey through the years-Rajesh Khanna

Yesteryear superstar Rajesh Khanna better known as Kaka has seen the golden era in the seventies and now has about eight films in his kitty. He is ready to set ablaze the silver screen with his seventies heroine Zeenat Aman.

Last year, he was bestowed upon with the Dadasaheb Phalke lifetime achievement award. It has hardly been a year. And no surprises for guessing that this year the Marathi Films Association has also decided to bestow upon the Life Time Achievement Award on Rajesh Khanna.

This award will be given to him on the 28th of August at the Dinanath Mangeshkar award function. Surprisingly the Hindi and Marathi filmdom did not differ on their choice. They have both zeroed in on Rajesh Khanna as far as the life time achievement Award is concerned.

Ask him how he has been and he says, "I am enjoying life even today. At this juncture, I am doing well and have enough money to support myself. God bless me. He too has been very kind with me. I have eight films in my kitty and am quite busy."

Kaka further adds, "Earlier the Dadasaheb Phalke Award had turned me nostalgic. The award reminded me of my journey through the years. It has a special significance as this award has also been conferred upon B R Chopra, the legendary filmmaker, who once gave me a chance to enter films. I cherish the memories of that song Ittefaq produced by B.R. Chopra and directed by Yash Chopra. The journey into the film industry is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience, but I don’t consider success as the destination.

On being chosen for the Lifetime achievement Award by the Marathi Film Fraternity, he says, "I feel privileged to be bestowed upon the lifetime Achievement Award from the Marathi film fraternity. It makes me feel so touched that they thought of conferring this award on me. I have no words to express my gratitude."

We took the opportunity of asking about his most liked heroine? "Women are beautiful. They still fascinate me. Life should be enjoyed every moment. Women are meant to be befriended. But I can’t say Sharmila Tagore or Zeenat Aman were my favourite heroines. I shared a good relationship with all the leading ladies. Do you know most of my female fans left lipstick marks on my car? Such memories cannot be washed away," he refreshes his memories.

Nawab Pataudi and Sharmila Tagore have grown too fond of Bebo

Kareena unlike Saif Ali Khan’s previous girlfriend Rosa Catalano has become the integral part of the Nawab Khandaan, so much that the entire khandaan thinks its impossible to have their annual get-together without Kareena.

Both Nawab Pataudi and Sharmila Tagore have grown too fond of Bebo after meeting her several times. They very much approve of Saif’s choice. So everyone in the Nawab Khandaan is looking forward for their annual get together in the month of December where everyone from Pataudi’s immediate and extended family gets together from all corners of the world and spends time at their palace.

November will witness another burst of big ones like "Dostana", "Golmaal Returns", "Yuvraaj"

When the original maverick of Hindi film industry gets outmanoeuvred by a newcomer, then one knows that change is here to stay.

In a week that was expected to belong solely to a chilling horror tale from Ram Gopal Varma who left no stone unturned to pitch "Phoonk" as the scariest Hindi movie ever, it is Nishikant Kamat’s off-beat "Mumbai Meri Jaan", a small-budget fresh take on terrorism, that has set people talking.

Release of "Phoonk" was accompanied by innovative promotions and publicity stunts. The hair-raising promos did succeed in raising the curiosity level in a way that no recent horror flick has done.

News reports say that the traffic to the film’s website outnumbered that to any of the other recent releases, including a hit film on teenage romance. But it is "Mumbai Meri Jaan" that is raking in all the critical acclaim and is making a mark among the most critical category of viewers -- the Gen Now. Kamat had earlier made "Dombivli Fast".

After a spate of big-budget archetypical Bollywood potboilers, it is heartening to see that the faith in low-budget tales told from the heart is very much intact. The phenomenon that made small-budget film "Aamir" a success, though it was released alongside "Sarkar Raj" that had Amitabh Bachchan his son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai, was not a flash in the pan but is here to stay.

"I don’t hold a grudge against blockbuster filmmakers. I only want all kinds of cinema to coexist," says filmmaker Anurag Kashyap. "The industry needs a blockbuster like ’Om Shanti Om’ to fund my kind of movies," he adds.

The sheer diversity in this week’s releases goes to show how far Hindi cinema has come from the days when films strictly followed formulas and points to where the industry is headed.

"Phoonk" hit the marquees along with three other diametrically different films. On one hand was a sequel to the popular animated feature "My Friend Ganesha 2", on the other was "Maan Gaye Mughall-E-Azam", based on the most box-office-friendly format of a bumbling romantic comedy.

While not much was expected from "My Friend Ganesha 2", "Maan Gaye..." had got many people excited. In the final analysis in "Maan Gaye...", Mallika Sherawat does unleash all her oomph while Rahul Bose becomes her perfect foil even as Paresh Rawal did what he does best. But the film about a small-town drama company’s rendezvous with terrorism is far from a scorching success.

The film has its funny moments but filmmaker Sanjay Chhel could not manage to keep viewer’s interest till the end.

In contrast, Kamat’s take on terror "Mumbai Meri Jaan" has emerged as the dark horse among this week’s releases. The more intense and in your face film explores the impact of the devastating serial bomb blasts of 7/11 that paralysed life in Mumbai two years back. It has powerhouse performances by R. Madhavan, Irrfan Khan, Soha Ali Khan and Kay Kay Menon.

For upcoming directors, the appreciation being showered on "Mumbai Meri Jaan" is confirmation that the industry and the box-office has finally let go of old prejudices and is welcoming new ideas with open arms.

With so-called multiplex movies like "Mithya", "Jab We Met", "Khosla Ka Ghosla", "Bheja Fry" and "Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na" - doing well, the day when independent expression and mainstream masala films begin to co-exist at the turnstiles are not far. The Hindi filmdom will no longer call filmmakers who harbour this dream, maverick or the unbecoming fool.

Among the bratty brigade of new-age directors who are getting dime-a-dozen producers willing to finance them are some who are as young as Kunal Deshmukh who directed the box-office hit "Jannat" at only 26.

"Bheja Fry" director Sagar Bellary says: "The audience has grown up. With more than eight channels beaming the best of cinema -- local and global -- right into your living room, movie consumption has tripled, so exposure is tremendous."

All eyes are now on writer Sachin Yardi’s directorial debut "C Kkompany", Kabeer Koushik’s "Chamku", which is coming after his brilliant directorial debut "Sehar", hype-sounding "Rock On" by newcomer Abhishek Kapoor, debutant Neeraj Pandey’s "A Wednesday" that brings together Naseerudin Shah and Anupam Kher after 12 years, Bellary’s next, "Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!" by Dibakar Banerjee of "Khosla Ka Ghosla" fame and interesting sounding "Ru Ba Ru" by Arjun Bali.

All this before the Diwali and Eid big offerings by Bollywood arrive - biggies include Goldie Behl’s Abhishek Bachchan-starrer "Drona", Yash Raj Film’s animation film "Roadside Romeo" with Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor voiceovers and Priyadarshan’s comedy "Billo Barber" with Shahrukh Khan, Irfaan Khan and Lara Dutta - all are schedule for October release.

November will witness another burst of big ones like "Dostana", "Golmaal Returns", "Yuvraaj" and later on "Chandni Chowk To China", "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" and "Ghajini" hitting the big screen. The newcomers have until then to prove their might.

Manisha Koirala was angry because her boyfriend was eyeing Laila

They were like two peas in a pod for the longest time. Manisha Koirala and Laila Khan (Fardeen Khan’s sister) have bonded since the days of Feroz Khan’s home-production Yalgaar, way back in 1992.

Manisha had confessed to close friends that she was extremely fond of Laila; and both these Leo women, they are born one day apart - Laila on August 15 and Manisha on August 16 - nurtured a close friendship for 15 years.

But this year, common friends of the two-including a designer and an actress were shocked when Fardeen Khan didn’t invite Manisha to his sister’s birthday party at Bling on August 15.

A source present at the party said, “There were just 15 of us. Fardeen and his wife Natasha were fabulous hosts. And, no we didn’t spot Manisha at the party which is surprising because she is usually there at all Laila’s parties.”’

The same source attended Manisha’s birthday bash at her residence the next evening and found Laila missing this time.

Putting two and two together, the source added, “I guess the Laila-Manisha friendship has gone kaput.” For close friends of the two girls, it is now a hard choice. They have to sometimes choose one over the other.

“What is really sad,” said one of their common friends, “is the fact that these women had an altercation over a man, Akshay. And that man is with neither of them today."

Some months ago, there was a news report on how Manisha and Laila had a pow-wow at a suburban hotel bathroom over one of Manisha’s boyfriends. It was insinuated that Manisha was angry because her boyfriend was eyeing Laila.

A close friend who is common to both the women says, “Actually neither Manisha nor Laila is actually at fault. Manisha was seeing a guy called Akshay. Buzz is that Akshay was a student in Australia and he met Manisha when she was a chief guest at some function there. And at a party in her home last year, Akshay was chatting up Laila more than necessary. So Manisha got upset.”

The fact of the matter is that Laila wasn’t one bit interested in Akshay. But somehow this incident drove a wedge between the two friends. And, a friendship of 15 years has gone phut.

When contacted, Manisha sent us a text message which read, “ I didn’t attend Laila’s party but we have not had a fall-out.”

The audience's part to expect a bollywood couple to be seen together in a romantic flick

Labelling Hindi film industry as "male-dominated", Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu, who has long been associated with actor John Abraham, says engaged actresses have limited scope in the industry. "There is a limited choice for actresses who are already involved in a relationship," Bipasha said.
"Your personal life has an indirect impact on the offers that come your way. Once you are bonded into any relationship the choice is limited and one has to take right moves," she said.S Bipasha alleged that the industry is male dominated.

"It’s a man’s industry and it’s never going to change. There is no use pointing out our stand verbally or through action," the dusky beauty said.

The actress further added that it was not wrong on The audience’s part to expect a bollywood couple to be seen together in a romantic flick.

Talking about her equation with beau John Abraham, she said they will soon be seen in a heavy-duty romantic, passionate movie under John’s production banner.

However, the movie will not be like "Jism" but a hardcore romantic movie, she added.

Three years in the industry, the innocence remains, but with a newfound maturity. This gets evident the moment you begin a conversation with Minissha Lamba.

She might still be searching for that one elusive solo hit, which will put her in the ’A’ league of actresses, but the Punjabi kudi’s big dreams and confidence make her a strong contender to achieve that objective. Though she is working with big banners and some of the most happening male stars, the actress says that it can still get better for her.

Different genres
After romancing Ranbir Kapoor on screen in Bachna Ae Haseeno, Minissha will now be playing the lead role opposite Imran Khan in an upcoming movie. Talking about her role in the film, she says, "I play a character called Sonia, who gets kidnapped a week before her 18th birthday. Like in Bachna... I play the role of a 17-year-old girl here too. But, my role is a slightly serious one."

I was sitting beside a dustbin I would have had my snacks there,’says Isha

Things at Bollywood have not been just too encouraging for the ‘Khallas’ girl Isha Koppikar, but that doesn’t stop the girl from working hard enough to get to her goals.

So, involved and determined is Isha to get the realistic touch for her upcoming RGV’s ‘Shabri’ that she is leaving no stones unturned in getting into the skin of the character.

To look like a slum girl, Isha didn’t wax her body, didn’t pluck eyebrows, didn’t use any beauty products and, in fact, did not even comb her hair. But this is not all. During one shoot in a slum area of Mumbai, while the evening snacks were served, Isha, unmindfully, instead of going to her make-up van to eat, sat near a dustbin to eat like a street beggars. It was only when her make-up boy came and said ‘Didi, aap yaahan kyun baithi hain? Make up van mein chaliye,’ that she realized where she was sitting.

‘I was so engrossed in my character that I didn’t even realize what I was doing. If my make-up boy hadn’t made me realize that I was sitting beside a dustbin I would have had my snacks there,’says Isha.

Isha has changed her walking style and has lost weight too. What we wonder is how long will she take to get to normal life once she is out of the character?

‘Kidnap’ makes for compelling viewing as the big festival

Imran Khan , who made his debut with the romantic Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na , is all set to shed his chocolate hero image for Kidnap. Yes, Imran plays a negative role in ‘Kidnap’ that is directed by Sanjay Gadhvi , who has directed Dhoom and Dhoom 2 . ‘Kidnap’ is a high-octane edge-of-the-seat drama about a power tussle between a young boy and the father of the girl he kidnaps.’Kidnap’ also stars Sanjay Dutt , Minissha Lamba , Vidya Malvade and Rahul Dev .

The story of the film goes like this: Sonia (Minissha) lives with her mother, Mallika (Vidya) and grandmother because her parents divorced when she was ten. A week before her eighteenth birthday celebration, she gets kidnapped. The abductor, Kabir (Imran) is interested in speaking only to her father, Vikrant Raina (Dutt), an affluent New York-based Indian businessman, with whom he has an old score to settle.

Vikrant returns to India to retrieve his daughter from Kabir’s clutches but has to carry out a series of daunting tasks set out by Kabir as a condition to rescue her. At the end of each task is a clue that helps Vikrant in coming closer to Sonia. Is his mission as easy as it seems? How far will a father go to save his daughter? What redemption is there for Kabir at the end?
‘Kidnap’ makes for compelling viewing as the big festival release on Eid. It features music by Pritam .

Kareena has a huge fan following in Dubai. So has Saif

Real life couple, Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan will be coming together the next month to rock Dubai and start a Jashan with their first single show together in Sharjah.

The couple is already an item for movies and endorsements and now they are cashing on their relationship with the shows.

Morani brothers who have roped the lovebirds for live performances will direct the show aptly titled - Jashan 2008.

A source says, “Kareena has a huge fan following in Dubai. So has Saif! When the Moranis approached them to come together for a show, the first of its kind, both, Kareena and Saif were thrilled! They agreed instantly.”

Apart from Saif-Kareena the show also has Minnisha Lamba. The trio would solo perform and the couple will set the stage on fire by performing together.

Kareena is equally excited on prospect of the show, “I am very excited because this is for the first time that Saif and I will be performing together on stage.”

Do you think the couple will rock on the stage?

I have never commented on the personal side in the media-Katrina Kaif

I will marry next year,” that’s what the bad boy of Bollywood has been telling eveyone who keep asking him questions about his impending marriage with Katrina Kaif.

“I am so bored with this question which I have been asked so many times,” he says. “Every year I say ‘Next Year’ and this goes on.’”

However this year he sounds serious with his plans. Talking to a leading tabloid Sallu again replied, “I’m settling down in 2009 and would like to become a father immediately. ”

According to sources, Salman has also popped ‘the question’ from several quarters: from the media to guests on his show 10 Ka Dum. Akshay made it a point to ask Sallu when he was planning to marry Kat, when he appeared on Khan’s show with the actress.

But Katrina who has tasted success at the box-office recently is not as ecstatic.

She laughs off any talks of marriage. The actress says, “I think Salman said whatever he wanted to say. Let people make of it whatever they want. I have never commented on the personal side in the media. I don’t wish to start right now.”

So now we know that Arshad’s loss has been Shilpa’s gain

One may be wondering why the director Kabeer Kaushik is missing from all the promotional events of Bobby Deol and Priyanka Chopra starrer ‘Chamku’. The reason is that the director is stuck up in London, keeping up with the disrupted shooting schedules of actor turned producer Arshad Warsi’s maiden home production.

Unfortunately, the schedule for Warsi’s film has been hit due to the appalling weather conditions in London. Since Warsi has already lost so many days and a big amount of money too due to bad weather, he obviously does not approve of his director going off to Mumbai for a few days.

On top of that Kaushik has a single entry visa implying that once he flies out of London, he will have to apply for a new visa. Keeping the tight schedule of his film in mind, Warsi is keeping his director on a short lease.

To be known here, that Arshad had been the first choice as the host of ‘Big Boss 2’, but he turned down the offer because it would have entailed flying to and fro between London and Mumbai every week and Warsi cannot afford to do that right now. So now we know that Arshad’s loss has been Shilpa’s gain.

Neha Dhupia being guest over there at the launch party

With a new number of companies frequently coming into India and emerging market in fashion led one more international brand to launch its product from India. The Secret Lingerie launched its range in Mumbai at a party with Neha Dhupia being guest over there at the launch party.

Well we hope to see a better Priyanka Chopra in future

Priyanka Chopra is a talented actress but her last two movies Love Story 2050 and God Tussi Great Ho failed to generate applaud for her. But the action actress is not disappointed by the way her movies have bombed at the Box Office.

She explains, “I hardly had much to do in God Tussi Great Ho. But then that’s fine. It’s not easy to be commercially successful. We can’t wait for that one ‘deglamourised’ role, which will let us do our best. If I get an opportunity to be part of a successful film, I consider myself lucky. Love Story 2050 is a film that will be always remembered for its special effects. We spent three years on it and I think our efforts have not gone waste.”

The pretty lass is also takes criticism seriously, “The film industry is full of trial and errors. I am not even trained formally as an actor. So, I consider myself to be lucky to be here and give every film my honest effort.”

Well we hope to see a better Priyanka Chopra in future. (Hope she doesn’t do any more Ponds fairness ads)

Victory marks the beginning of Harman’s victorious stint in Bollywood

Harman Baweja seems to have had enough of the future. Especially since it didn’t seem to work for him at all. A high-budget film, lots of publicity, a beauty to back him and an established filmmaker of a father collectively didn’t help Harman to make his mark in tinsel town. No wonder then that, for his second inning he chose to do a film based very much in the present. In fact, according to him, it’s film with ‘lots of authenticity’. He plays cricketer in his second project titled, Victory.

Talking about the film, Harman said, “This is a fresh and exciting script. I play a character raised in Jaisalmer who eventually becomes a part in the Indian cricket team. I can’t say anything more about it.” While the theme of a sports based film has been tried and tested in Bollywood, this one sounds similar to Iqbal. In the latter, the protagonist comes from a small town and makes it in the cricket team after sheer hard work. But Victory seems to have an upper hand in terms of it’s casting. After all, the film is touted to have some real cricketers playing themselves. With Iqbal and Chak De! India having made it to the top, let’s hope Victory marks the beginning of Harman’s victorious stint in Bollywood.

Salman personally met him outside the studio and chatted with him

When Rani Mukherjee, the special guest on Dus Ka Dum’s finale requested Salman Khan to sing the Shah Rukh starrer Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’s title song, he just ignored it and instead sang nafrat ki duniya chod ke.. Surprisingly, he was sounding better and could remember the lyrics well. And he got a huge round of applause from the audience.

Earlier, Rani sang the song tu, tu hain wohi on Salman’s demand. She got the wordings wrong initially and Salman corrected her.

Salman was at his best during the finale shoot. He was quite calm and cool and for a change was present on time before the guests Rani and Lara Dutta arrived. He was rehearsing for his performances too.

The special episode was opened by Rani and Lara. Salman came out of his room to see them hosting; he was cheering them on.

Lara and Rani too were seen enjoying the actor’s company. Rani’s father made an appearance with the actress and Salman personally met him outside the studio and chatted with him for some time.

Salman was more than happy asking a few personal questions and also answering some. His interaction with audience was very lively. In fact he made one of the kids from the audience dance with him and when Laxmi (an ex- contestant of the show) demanded him to take off his shirt, he instead removed the shirt of the kid and told her, the kid has got better abs than him. However, the entire crowd was behind him for taking off his shirt. He folded the sleeves of his shirt and told them that he cannot do it right away but will do that at the end of the show.

The finale of DKD will have also have Kailash Kher, Annu Maliek, Rakhi Sawant and Shakeel Ahmed.

I have heard that Vijender told the media that I am his favourite actress Bipasha

Bollywood’s sexiest actress Bipasha Basu has offered to go on a date!!!

Well, well this is nothing about any contest or any kind of promotion gimmick which is a usual fashion/drift of Bollywood to promote any film.

It so happened that, recently the 23-year Indian boxer Vijender Kumar, who is currently at Beijing Olympics and has already defeated Carlos Gongora of Ecuador in the boxing quarter-finals, declared in one of the media interviews that he is a great fan of the sultry siren of Bollywood - Bipasha Basu and loves watching her movies. When Bipasha heard about it through media she spontaneously said that she will go on a date with the boxer provided he wins a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics.

”I have heard that Vijender told the media that I am his favourite actress. Well, let me tell him that if he wins the gold medal for India, I will go on a hot date with him�, said Bips in media reports.

Vijender who has already defeated Ecuador’s Carlos Goncora in the middleweight quarter-finals assured himself of at least a bronze medal.

Now, the young & handsome boxer from Haryana - Vijender is just two bouts away from Olympic gold and a �hot’ date with one of the Bollywood’s most glamorous actress.