Divya Dutta has proved that she is a true Punjab di Kudi

Divya Dutta may look petite and tiny, but don’t be fooled, looks can be deceptive! At a recent event Divya has proved that she is a true Punjab di Kudi!

At an award ceremony in Kanpur, Divya along with Farhan Akhtar and Genelia D’souza, was honored with an award by Jyotiraditya Scindia for earning themselves a name and for the country by their achievements at the Merchants Chamber hall.

The crowd which started gathering to see the stars became so huge that the trio escaped backstage before going receiving the award.

The threesome were ushered into a room backstage only to find that the door stuck!

Divya, like a true Jatt, gave a solid kick to door in a true Bollywood hero style and the door flung open!

Farhan and Genelia were initially shocked seeing the tiny n petite women perform such a move but once they were inside the room, all three of them were in splits!

After this incident, we wouldn’t be surprised if Divya is approached for a couple of action roles!!! She could definitely pull it off with �lan and we are sure Farhan and Genelia will agree with us on this!

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Aamir Khan and Salman Khan spend some time together

In an industry rife with cut-throat competition where simmering emotions boil up in a series of verbal potshots now and then, Aamir Khan and Salman Khan have surprisingly been bonding like thick buddies.

Who can forget Salman’s personal ode to Ghajini when he painted Aamir’s portraits (in the Ghajini look) ahead of the film’s release last year. Though the SRK-Salman cold war may have driven a wedge through the industry and its camp-loyal folks, Aamir’s friendship with Salman has remained unaffected.

The two stars make it a point to meet and spend some time together whenever their busy schedules permit. But we now learn that they also go out for rides on Salman’s mobike when the streets of Mumbai are almost deserted in the dead of the night.

According to reports, Aamir first drives to Salman’s Bandra residence where he parks his car. Later, the duo ride out on Salman’s bike while a small pose of security guards follows them.

After the ride, the duo often sits down for a chat over a couple of drinks either at Salman’s place or at Aamir’s.

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Farhan Akhtar Having two friends like Hrithik and Abhay Deol

Farhan Akhtar is delighted to have Hrithik Roshan and Abhay Deol as his co-stars in Zoya Akhtar’s new film.

“Having two friends like Hrithik and Abhay Deol to do this male bonding film with me is a blessing. Abhay I’ve known from the time he stepped into my role in Reema Kagti’s Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd. I get along famously with both of them. So shooting this male-bonding film with Hrithik and Abhay in Spain should be loads of fun.”

Continues Farhan, “Hrithik has been a true friend from the start. He not only did that cameo in Zoya’s Luck By Chance he also agreed to accommodate Zoya’s new film. I start directing Don 3 from September 2010. And Zoya’s film had to be completed before that. Hrithik adjusted his dates accordingly.”

Male bonding has always been a strong theme in Farhan’s career as a director and actor.

“That’s true,” admits Farhan. “But no one will say Zoya’s film with me, Hrithik and Abhay will is in any way similar to my Dil Chahta Hai or to Rock On. Zoya’s is a different zone of male bonding. I’ve done just one scene with Hrithik in Zoya’s Luck By Chance. Now I’ve a chance to do a whole film with him. Both Hrithik and Abhay are actors I admire greatly.”

Zoya Akhtar’s second directorial venture wrongly titled Running With The Bulls in a part of the media goes on the floors from April (and not January as reported) with the dream team of Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol.

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A fire broke out on the sets of Anil Kapoor’s Aisha

Recently, a fire broke out on the sets of Anil Kapoor’s Aisha. Luckily there were no major damages and no one was grievously injured.

On Thursday afternoon, the incident happened because of an electrical problem at Filmistan Studios in Goregaon where the shooting was on. However, the fire wasn’t of great magnitude and was controlled within 15 minutes. As there wasn’t much damage on the sets, the shooting will resume in two days time.

According to a fire brigade control officer, the fire damaged the curtains and electrical wire on the sets. For precaution sake, four to five trucks were dispatched.

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Bollywood has finally joined with Hollywood in the business

Next year may well be the year of sequels with most directors and producers ready to make Part 2 or Part 3 of their landmark films. Of course, the trend has already been set by Rohit Shetty and his Golmaal series , of which two are already out. The director is all set to begin work on the trilogy in the coming year, the cast of which will remain the same, except for the absence of Arshad Warsi from the sequel and the trilogy.

Another film which is dying to have a sequel is ’Mr India’. Producer Boney Kapoor is very keen on making a sequel which will star his wife Sridevi and brother Anil Kapoor. This time round he intends to rope in Salman Khan as well as a superhero. Priyadarshan made ’Hera Pheri’ and gave us those loveable characters of Babubrao, Ghanshyam and Raju.

But he had no hand in the sequel, ’Phir Hera Pheri’ and now one hears that ’Hera Pheri 4’ is on the cards and it will be directed by Anees Bazmee. And no we haven’t missed Hera Pheri 3, just that the trilogy is being called ’Hera Pheri 4’. And that’s not all, there is Farhan Akhtar’s ’Don 2’, Abbas Mustan’s ’Race 2’, Shetty’s ’All The Best 2’, and ’Agyaat 2’ as well.

One also hears that there may just be a ’Dhoom 3’ as well. So that makes it almost a year full of sequels and trilogies. Bollywood has finally joined with Hollywood in the business of making sequels. It is after all, a matter of brand value. If it sells, then why not?

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Singer Manna Dey is busy singing around the world

At 90, legendary singer Manna Dey is a busy man. After being recently honoured with the 55th Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his lifetime contribution towards Indian cinema, he is busy singing around the world.

Asked what keeps him going, Dey told IANS: "It’s the love of my fans. I sing for my fans. They have showered me with so much love and adulation everywhere I go, I cannot say no to them."

He is just back from a musical tour in the US and is busy practising every morning at his home in Banaswadi here for the concert this Sunday. He could not turn down the long pending request of his fans here.

"Both me and my wife Sulochana love Bangalore. People here are musically inclined and I hope to give my best at the concert for my fans," said Dey, who shifted from Mumbai to Bangalore in 2001 to stay near his daughter Shuroma here.

During his three-hour long concert, he will sing 25 of his popular songs including "Aye mere pyare watan", "Pucho na kaise maine raen bitaye", "Aey bhai zara dekh ke chalo", "Zindagi kaisi hai pehali" and "Jhanak jhanak tore bajey payaliya" at Ambedkar Bhavan here.

The event is being organised by Manna Dey Fan Club in Bangalore in collaboration with Maam Entertainment, a city-based event management group.

"It’s an honour for us that Manna Dey has agreed to perform for his fans in Bangalore. He’s a legend and it will be a sheer pleasure for his fans in the city to listen to the veteran singers," Arundhati Biswas, a member of the club, told IANS.

There are around 500 members in the club.

At the concert, Dey will walk down the memory lane to re-live a 60-year singing career with some of his most popular songs and recount anecdotes from his life and career as one of the most versatile singers of the Hindi film industry.

K.C. Khurana, the 85-year-old anchorperson who has been hosting several of Dey’s shows since last three decades, will be specially coming from New Delhi to accompany the singer at the dais in Bangalore.

"All his old musicians who played for Manna da earlier will be coming from Mumbai to play at the concert," added Biswas.

As a tribute to the legend, Dey will be felicitated on the day by his fans.

In commemoration, a silver coin engraved with a portrait of Manna Dey will be released at the concert, along with limited editions of an audio CD with 15 of Manna Dey’s biggest hits selected personally by him.

While the concert is mainly by invitation, limited tickets priced at Rs.500 and Rs.250 are also available, say the organisers who are hoping to host around 1,300 in the audience on the day.

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Shahid Kapoor plays a struggler wanting to make it big in Bollywood

Those who’ve seen the Amitabh Bachchan -Amjad Khan film Yaarana will recall that Big B goes through an entire sequence saying ‘kaccha papad pakka papad’ much to the chagrin of his co-star Neetu Singh.

Now, Shahid Kapoor will be seen mouthing the same line in his next film Chance Pe Dance where he plays a struggler wanting to make it big in Bollywood.

It’s a well known acting technique where actors mouth tongue twisters to get their pronunciation right. It’s believed that Shahid religiously does these exercises every morning.

It’s surprising though, to learn that he still needs to do these recitation each day, considering that in his last film there were more than enough tongue twisters thanks to the “Sa ko Fa” bit of Kaminey.

Here’s more power to the perfectionist Fahid!

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We would like to wish Arjun Rampal a very happy birthday

A one time successful model,Arjun Rampal’s foray into films seemed like a natural transition. He made his debut with Moksha in 2001, but his initial years in Bollywood did not help him get recognised as a performer. It was really Rampal’s second innings and clear dedication that gave him the much suited tag of a star performer.

Be it his villainous role in Farah Khan’s Om Shanti Om or his rocking performance as a rocker in Rock On, it’s only a matter of time before Arjun will be counted among the cream of Bollywood. As is obvious that he has the making of a star, be it his good looks, a husky voice, and a series of acclaimed performances.

Married to a former Miss India and a gorgeous supermodel Mehr Jessia, and blessed with two daughters, Arjun is definitely professionally and personally a happy man. On that note we would like to wish Arjun Rampal, a very happy birthday. You too can send in your wishes by posting them below.

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Raavana and Rajneeti will release between two weeks of each other

Mani Ratnam ’s Raavana, which is an adaptation of the Ramayana and Prakash Jha’s Rajneeti that is based on the Mahabharata, will release between two weeks of each other.

Initially, both the films were expected to hit the theatres in February 2010. But, due to the multiplex owners strike and a complex melee of other things the two epic films have been pushed to May 2010.

Trade circles are excited as the contemporary versions of the most followed Indian mythological tales will be pitted against one another. Raavana is very important for Aishwarya , who is playing Sita. So is Rajneeti for Katrina. An actor from the unit said, "Rajneeti is a very taut confrontation drama which will showcase Katrina in new light."

The two films have had their fair share of controversies. Nana Patekar walked out of Rajneeti three days before the film’s shooting came to an end, whereas, Bipasha Basu had to exit Raavana hours before the shoot.

Floods ravaged the sets of Raavana; and Manoj Bajpai’s accident put a small spoke in Rajneeti’s progress. And yet when it comes to the release, both films are expected to release around the same time.

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Hrithik Roshan is very much a part of Zoya Akhtar's next movie

Everybody knows that Hrithik Roshan is quite close to the brother sister duo of Farhan and Zoya Akhtar. After all, why else would he consent to playing second fiddle to Farhan in Zoya’s debut venture, ’Luck By Chance’, this after playing the lead in Farhan’s second directorial venture ’Lakshya’.

Expectedly, he is very much a part of Zoya’s next movie, which is said to be a road film. The film’s title has yet to be finalized but the star cast has more or less been fixed. Besides Farhan and Hrithik, Zoya has also roped in Abhay Deol . The film will about the adventures that the three of them get into as they set off on a wild trip. Well, so far, so good.

But it seems that Hrithik is not satisfied with just playing actor in the movie. He is reported to have shown a keen interest in styling the looks of the main characters in the movie as well. According to reports, the actor will be working on the look, and clothes with Zoya and the designers. Guess, it is quite in character with Hrithik, only this time he may be credited with the styling.

But the actor is known to be quite involved in the making of his films, almost to the degree of being obsessed by his work. Like Aamir Khan before him, he is another actor who thinks not just like an actor but also like the director. Hrithik is even known to sit in on the music recording sessions for his home movies and contributes quite positively to the entire creative process. What he would be doing for Zoya is probably just an extension of that.

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Neha Dhupia looking at an eventful phase ahead with De Dana Dan

Neha Dhupia is one of the rare actors today who are happy juggling genres and kind of cinema being generated out of Bollywood. She is continuing to make her presence felt in hardcore commercial mainstream by working in a Singh Is Kinng and a De Dana Dan. Meanwhile, she is also content with being a prominent face in new age offbeat cinema like Mithya, Dasvidaniya and also (to be released) Raat Gayi Baat Gayi, I Am 24 and Pappu Can’t Dance Saala. Joginder Tuteja catches up with Neha (who is looking at an eventful phase ahead with De Dana Dan and Raat Gayi Baat Gayi lined up) and tries to ascertain her state of mind.

You are one of the rare actors around, who is seemingly quite comfortable shifting genres. Are you happy with the situation you are in?
[Pauses before replying] It’s a strange situation actually. Ideally I should be happy but then the fact is that people seem to be talking about my films post their release. For example, Mithya was a success and you are talking about it with me today. But at that time, there could have been a lot more awareness. Same holds good for Dasvidaniya . I knew it was a small role but I knew the impact that it created as a part of the narrative. I was appreciated as well but the buzz and hype was not the kind that everyone attached with the film deserved. That’s the kind of stuff that disheartens me to a certain level.

Yes, you do sound disheartened for sure...
Yeah, it’s unfortunate because the films I feel strongly about have been spoken and written about the least. And no, it’s not about me shifting genres. Personally, I give it all to a film, whether it is made in the budget of 5 crores or 50. However, I won’t deny that creativity comes out more in smaller films. Reason being that there is this strong responsibility factor that comes in.

One believes though that even in multi star-cast affair like De Dana Dan which has been mounted on a good scale, you did get a sense of responsibility. Even though Katrina Kaif is the leading lady in the film, you must be having an important role to play, right?
Really, I didn’t have many shooting days with Katrina or for that matter Sameera, so I don’t know what they are doing, how much is their role and what’s my comparative standing in the film. What I know is that there are 26 odd characters in the film, all of whom are there for a reason. Yes, it is quite hard to prove yourself in a set up like this and for that you need to have a faith in the director.

This is why you trusted him blindly when he thought of you as a ’naughty’ con girl?
[Laughs] Priyan sir said that he felt I possessed an ability to lie with a straight face. That’s really funny that he thinks like that because I believe I am one of the most honest people around. But somehow, he wanted to incorporate that element in my character which goes by the name of Anu. She is club singer who has a ’bindaas’ attitude towards life and is a huge advantage taker.

In addition, you also got an item number ’Hotty Naughty’ for yourself?
But puhleeze, I hope people don’t misconstrue that I am in the movie just for an item song. This song establishes my character but I am there throughout the film’s narrative. What really is this narrative? Please don’t ask because it is so difficult to explain. In a Priyan setup, it is difficult to do that. You just take instructions and do what you have been told to do. Not many actors have any clue though of what is happening to other actors. It’s just that when you see the final outcome, you get to know the why, where and how of affairs.

Not many are aware that this is not the first time you are working with Priyadarshan. Though Garam Masala was relatively shorter, it was a full fledged character (of Kareena’s confidante) in Chup Chup Ke. Never felt like bragging about it?
What’s the point? It’s great that he ropes me in by himself whenever he feels there is a good part out there for me. When you get a good character to enact and do your job honestly, you are bound to be noticed. In De Dana Dan, I am doing something completely different from what I have done. I am not romantically linked to any of the characters in the film but make a lot of difference to the comic side.

Everyone seems to be saying in unison that this is Priyadarshan’s best work till date...
Add me to the list. De Dana Dan is a great film and it is indeed Priyan Sir’s best work. I am not saying for the heck of it; I really feel it. Akshay, Suniel, Paresh - everyone has done really great in it. The biggest entertainers are back - now how much back and far is for the audiences to judge and comment.

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The reports of an affair between Lara Dutta and Mahesh Bhupathi

We all are aware of the fact that Kelly Dorjee and Dino Morea are now history for actress Lara Dutta for the stunner has gone ahead and chosen her man of the moment and that’s none other than Tennis ace Mahesh Bhupathi.

According to reports, the duo is apparently living in together in London as Lara has ample time to spend with beau these days.

Though the reports of an affair between Lara and Mahesh have been doing the rounds for some time now but Lara (who recently split from Dino Morea) has been dismissing the link-up as rubbish, saying Mahesh ’s celebrity management company handles her portfolio and this is the only connection she has with him.

But what’s peculiar here is the fact that the two have been spotted in London quite a few times. They are said to have checked into JW Marriott hotel and are apparently staying in the same suite.

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Deepika Padukone the play the lead lady in Krrish2

Rakesh Roshan has plans to start filming the sequel to his super hero flick, ‘Krrish’ by September 2010. Playing the title role, Hrithik Roshan will however not be romancing Priyanka Chopra in this one our sources claims.

Sources further reveal, “Roshan Sr. who will be directing the film apart from producing it, is considering Deepika Padukone to the play the lead, although there has been no confirmation.

While the first film in the series ‘Koi Mil Gaya’ had Preity Zinta in the lead opposite Hrithik, ‘Krrish’ featured Priyanka Chopra. There are no plans for her to return, so it remains to be seen who would step into the leading lady’s role.”

Letting us in the secret, our source further reveals that Rakesh has zeroed down on a plotline where ‘Krrish’ battles his evil counterpart in the sequel. Apparently, Rakesh is keen on having Hrithik play a grey character ever since he saw his performance in ‘Dhoom 2’. ‘Krrish’ will be seen saving the 7 wonders of the world, which makes a perfect foil to include extensive shots of diverse foreign locations.

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Vivek Oberoi begging many times for an apology from Salman Khan

We have seen Vivek Oberoi many a times begging for an apology from Salman Khan who has always given him cold shoulder. But the Kurbaan lad seems no more in mood to befriend the miffed Khan. In a recent conversation with Koel Puri he says, "I am done with apologising."

The actor is also claims that he is not afraid Salman’s physical strength over and states that should there be a fight between the two, he will hold his ground against Khan. Doesn’t that sound like an invitation to fight?

Here are excerpts from the chat that airs on November 28 on Headlines Today.

Koel: I watched your recent interview with Farah and in context to Salman you said, ’hum mard ki tarah ek dosare ko mar sakte hai, mere bhi do haath hai... and all this. If you actually got into a fisticuffs with him, who would win?

Vivek: Umm...I really don’t know, I mean it kinda sounds like the expected answer would be obviously the brawn man. But umm... it doesn’t really work that way. I mean, I’ve had my share of fights and I think I can hold my own. I don’t think it’s about a size of a bicep, it’s the intent and speed of a fist hitting a vital point that determines a fight.

Koel (interrupting): Now don’t say anything you are going to regret again.

Vivek: No no no... I think that’s what determines a fight. I don’t know if you’ve ever seen a street fight or if you’ve ever seen a brawl... it’s not really about how big the guy is.

Koel: Please do invite me if you do decide to have this challenge. I want front row seats to this fight.

Vivek: You and half the world... No

Koel: Now, you’ve done your share of apologising but of course those apologies haven’t really been accepted by Salman . He still... the only person that he talks badly about let’s say... is you. Like he does say you are an idiot. I’m sorry to say this but he does say this, as you are aware of it.

Vivek: I mean well in the current context, I take that as a compliment, you know ’3 Idiots’, I would like be the fourth.

Koel: Nicely said.

Vivek: Raju Hirani, if you’re watching...

Koel: So are you done with apologising?

Vivek: Ya I’m done.

Koel: So that phase of your life is over?

Vivek: Ya. I think I’ve squared all of that up, I’ve finished all the things I started. I’ve decided not to talk badly about anybody. If somebody else wants to continue talking badly about whoever else including me, then they can. I mean those are choices everybody makes.

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Rakhi Sawant called her fiancé Elesh Parujanwala an uncultured man

Latest updates from Rakhi Sawant’s side - she called her fiancé Elesh Parujanwala, a firangi and an “uncultured man” on national television during the show, ‘Pati, Patni Aur Woh’.

But why? Elesh, her screen fiancé, answers this, “Ever since we’ve been together, she has tried her best to get rid of me,” he told a daily. Elesh, who has had enough of Rakhi from the day they got engaged on show ‘Rakhi Ka Swayamvar’ , is now an unhappy man who tried his best to save the relation, but alas, his could-be-wife used him as a “scapegoat” for her career only to later come up with excuses like he is too good for her or that he should find someone better.

Elesh even admitted that their relationship has become a huge drama -“It’s not just me and my family, but the entire public that’s feeling cheated. For me, it was reality and for her, it was a show.”

As for now, Rakhi has called-off the engagement and told Elesh that she wants to concentrate on her career. And the man is not going to beg or beseech her for anything as he invested everything in this relationship and was “shattered” when it ended. Indeed, a good and wise step.

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Monica Bedi revealing the secrets of her previous birth

Monica Bedi , one of the most controversial celeb talked her past is all set to do a daring act by revealing the secrets of her previous birth. Yes she is one of the participants in NDTV Imagine’s new show Raaz Picchle Janam Ka.

“I my self had come forward to take part in the show and after going through the past life regression session in the show, it feels quite relieved, ” stated Monica in a press conference.

“In my previous birth I was a Portuguese girl and Christianity was my religion. No wonder why I use to feel so close to this particular religion. Also when I was in Portugal I use to feel that this place is much known for me and was comfortable there, ” adds the actress.

Our source reveals, “She also murmured that in her previous birth she was ill treated by her hubby who uses’ to beat her a lot. Ms. Bedi realised her fear related to her past life and now she is a totally different woman.”

To catch up more spices on the lives of the people you need to wait till 7 December as the show goes on air.

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Salman Khan refused to work with David Dhawan

Salman Khan and David Dhawan, the successful actor-director team are now not on as good terms as they used to be before. It is a shame seeing as the number of hits they’ve given together, like Biwi No 1, Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge, Partner, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, etc.

Recently, Salman didn’t want David to direct producer Sajid Nadiadwala’s film, Sanki, which is the remake of South Indian film, Kick.

This is because he is upset that David has not been giving thought to Partner 2, which Salman was very keen on. Instead David has been working on Hook Ya Crook with John Abraham, whom Salman isn’t very fond of.

However, Sajid has denied this. He states that Salman doesn’t play any role in deciding who will direct the film. He has also denied any problems in Salman and David’s friendship and feels that such rumors are in bad taste.

Sajid is, meanwhile, still in the scripting process of his film, of which he recently acquired the rights. While he wants David to be the one directing it, he hasn’t spoken to him yet.

David didn’t know anything about all of this.

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Big B is an incredible human being-Aishwarya Rai

Its Amitabh Bachchan everywhere. He is making waves thanks to Paa’s trailers and pictures. He plays a 13-year-old boy down with progeric, sign of ageing early in life.

The Big B of Bollywood plays his son’s son Abhishek Bachchan in the movie. Check out what his ‘bahu’ Aishwarya Bachchan say about this:

“He is an incredible human being and a professional. I don’t need to say these words, but he’s leading an extremely busy life with all his commitments.”

She adds, “When I had been to meet Auro in shooting spot, I could hardly recognise him. His dedication and sincerity impressed me. A great actor, his patient wait for the makeup was great.”

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Mahesh Bhatt’s son to play Suicide Bomber in Anurag Basus movie

Even though Mahesh Bhatt’s son is being investigated for being linked to terror suspect, David Coleman Headley, director Anurag Basu is on plans to launch him with the film, Suicide Bomber.

Basu has wanted to work on the film for very long since he loved working with the Bhatts on Murder and Gangster. But he got busy with Kites .

He also didn’t go ahead with a terrorism-based film, as the topic was very delicate then. But with the growing number of movies on terrorism now, like New York, etc. he has decided to get ready with Suicide Bomber.

Both Anurag Basu and Mahesh Bhatt have scripted Suicide Bomber.

Mahesh Bhatt is certain he wants Rahul to debut with Suicide Bomber only as he feels that it will help them to see the enemy’s point of view, which will put an end to terrorism.

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Katrina kaif seldom subscribes to Salman's perception of enemies

Katrina kaif seldom subscribes to Salman’s perception of enemies before she chooses to work with her male counterparts. But when it comes to Vivek Oberoi even the pretty lady doesn’t mince words in rebuking the controversy’s favourite child loud and clear.

After a bitter war of words with Vivek, Salman openly stated that he had asked Katrina to work with everyone ‘except one idiot’.

When asked about Sallu’s reference to the ‘idiot’, Katrina tells, “I understand, and I wouldn’t work with Vivek Oberoi. What he said and did with Salman was wrong. If somebody hasn’t done anything wrong, in my opinion, I’d still let them be colleagues with me. But what Vivek did was genuinely wrong.”

Talking about her much talked about ‘wedding’ plans, Kat endorses Sallu’s view on marriage and says “Shaadi toh ek din mein hoti hai na, uske baad toh the same thing happens. So you better be enjoying what’s before the shaadi. Don’t think shaadi is a solution. ’Coz after the two-three days of partying - wohi same zindagi hai jaise shaadi ke pehle thi”.

As for the one aspect that peeves her, the actress stated, “I just get upset because I’m an Indian and nobody has the right to question that. As Indians, we have that inherent sense of pride because we’re different.

We’re not fair-skinned and all that. And for me, it’s like robbing me of all this when somebody says that. A red flag goes up and I get furious. I can handle gossip and baaki sab, but not this.

I’ve faced that myself... I have faced the sense of not belonging in London. And people who are commenting about this aren’t doing it from an honest place.”

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India's first woman prime minister Indira Gandhis biopic in Bollywood

Asian-American filmmaker Krishna Shah is set to make a biopic on Indira Gandhi and has roped in Bollywood diva Madhuri Dixit to play the role of India’s first and only woman prime minister.

Titled "Mother: The Indira Gandhi Story", the film was announced on the late prime minister’s 92nd birth anniversary Thursday. The pre-production of the film has already been done. It will go on floors in mid 2010 and be shot in India, Britain, US and Russia.

"I have followed Indira Gandhi’s life through media, books and critics. It’s such an exciting and dramatic story. I want the future generation to know her story. A whole new generation has grown and matured since her assassination and through this film I hope to connect people with their history and legacy," Shah said in a press release.

Apart from Madhuri, Bollywood actors Dharmendra, Abhay Deol and Nana Patekar have been approached to play Motilal Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi and Jayaprakash Narayan respectively.

Hollywood star Tom Hanks is likely to be a part of the film as former US president Lyndon Baines Johnson. Tommy Lee Jones is also being approached for a pivotal role in the film.

"Mother: The Indira Gandhi Story" will be made in two parts.

While the first part will unfold the story from her birth to her emergence as "Maa Durga" (goddess of War) after her victory against Pakistan in the 1971 war, the second instalment will cover her political journey from the rise of her son Sanjay Gandhi to her assassination in 1984, Shah said.

Shah has been doing research for the project since two decades. He has read books on her, interviewed politicians, journalists, bureaucrats, writers, military men and her contemporaries to dig information.

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You can never get stagnated in this industry-Katrina Kaif

Katrina Kaif is staring at a hat trick of sorts with De Dana Dan arriving after the stupendous success of Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and a good box office hit in the form of New York. With both films being as different as chalk and cheese and boasting of Katrina as one of the key protagonists, the lady has pretty much consolidated her position further in the top bracket. With more than half a dozen other hits behind her in recent times, one wonders if she has actually stopped counting her hits?

"Really, I don’t see things like that. I take each movie at it’s own pace and don’t quite start looking at the work I have done in the past and go gaga about it. It’s like a new journey every time and hence has never got that feeling that ’Oh, since I now have so many successful films under my name, let me take it easy’. Yes, the way success helps you is reinstate the faith and belief that you have in yourself and push yourself to work harder. This is something that I am following", says Katrina who at one point of time wasn’t quite taken seriously when she began her Bollywood career with Boom (2003).

The film was a critical disaster and commercially too didn’t hold much ground after taking a good box office opening. It took her a good two years to land her next assignment (Sarkar - 2005) which was hugely successful at the box office even though she appeared in a miniscule role. However, the wheels had started moving and there wasn’t any looking back ever since then.

For a girl who was almost rejected 6 years back, it has been kind of a surreal dream to be actually reaching at this stage where she can not just pick and choose projects but perhaps also leading men."Actually even at the beginning of my career, I never felt rejected. I was still working hard and believed in myself. I wasn’t in a hurry and was picking and choosing projects carefully even then when I was just a newcomer. My attitude towards films hasn’t changed even after these years", she responds in a proper tone.

Reflecting on the journey so far, Katrina says, "Yes, it has been a long journey. It has been quite eventful too. The more you see, the more you learn, become confident and gain even more experience. The beauty of the profession that I am in is that it is a never ending process. You can also strive for better films and aim for playing better characters. You can never get stagnated in this industry."

Well, one thing is for sure that Katrina is not stagnating for sure. After a dramatic New York and a romcom Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, she would soon be changing genres with an out and out laugh riot De Dana Dan followed by political drama Rajneeti. Certainly, there are a lot more shades of Katrina waiting to come alive in months to come.

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We wish a very happy birthday to Actor Tusshar Kapoor

He is the son of the famous superstar Jeetendra, who is better known as the eternal ’Jumping Jack’. No prizes for guessing as we are indeed talking about the one and only Tusshar Kapoor birthday baby for the day!

Having studied at the University of Michigan & graduated with a gleaming BBA degree from the prestigious Stephen Ross School of Business, Tusshar worked his way up to climb the success ladder of Bollywood to reach wherever he is today.

Having made his dream debut with the smash hit Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai, this dude went on to do films that have redefined him from a mere debutante to one of the top league actors! In a very short period of time, Tusshar has done such diverse roles that many actors take decades to achieve.

If on one hand, if Tusshar was the chocolate boy in Kyaa Dil Ne Kahaa, on the other hand, he played the dumb guy with élan in Golmaal Returns. And if the recently released film, Life Partner was anything to go by, thenBollywood seems to be all set to say Hello to the smashing and dashing Superstar!

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Movie Review: Saif Ali and Kareena Kapoors Kurbaan

Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Vivek Oberoi, Dia Mirza, Kirron Kher, Om Puri

Background Score & Music: Salim Merchant, Sulaiman Merchant

Director: Rensil D’Silva

Rating: ***1/2

Wake up Yash Raj & co. and smell the coffee. Your very own blue-eyed boy Karan Johar and his men are now beating you at your own game. Film after film, K Jo is churning out hits while YRF’s list of flops is piling up.

Why?

Because, unlike YRF’s new breed of directors, people at Dharma productions are not paying obsequious homage to their patron with their films. They are all making most of the creative freedom, ushered upon them by Johar and in turn set the cash registers ringing for their boss on Friday.

Just like Ayan Mukerji’s Wake Up Sid, Rensil D’silva’s directorial debut Kurbaan lies far way from the typical Johar territory- often marked by hotties prancing around in chiffon saris with SRK, surrounded by countless junior artists. It is a dark love story of a New York based Delhi girl Avantika (Kareena Kapoor), who becomes a victim of professor Ehsaan Khan’s (Saif Ali Khan) ’love jihad’.

After a whirlwind romance, the two tie the knot and move into innocuous Indian neighbourhood in the Big Apple. But everything is not as hunky dory as it seems, Avantika finds it out the hard way from her neighbour in distress, Salma (Nauheed Cysrusi).

What follows next, is a series of incidents that sucks Avantika into a vortex of danger and intrigue. As her life spirals out of control, Avantika realizes that she is just a pawn in Bhai Jaan’s (Om Puri) huge game and no one is to be trusted. Not even Ehsaan. Like a true fanatic he does what he thinks the Lord would do if He knew the facts of the case.

Now her only hope is Riyaz Masood (Vivek Oberoi) and together they strive to save land of the free from another terror catastrophe.

In his 2 hour 40 minutes long thriller, Rensil clearly demonstrates how wisdom becomes nonsense in the mouth of a fanatic. The antagonists here are not rabid mullahs but the suave intellectuals who are blinded by their hate for the infidels. But one should never judge a religion by its nutcases. So, the 35-minute long chilling climax justifiably puts an end to their nefarious designs and upholds the truth that all extremism in the name of religion is bad, no matter what the provocation is.

Kurbaan is not only high on content but a well-packaged product too. Salim-Suleiman’s music and background score adds to the intensity of the film. Anurag Kashyap and Niranjan Iyengar’s dialogues are scathing.

The film also sees some of the best performances of the year as well. While Saif as Ehsaan evokes both contempt and empathy, Kareena’s Avantika looks clearly torn between her love and hate for him. Vivek Oberoi also makes a grand comeback as an actor in the film.

It goes without saying that Om Puri clearly excels in his part as a mastermind but it is Kirron Kher who takes the cake away from the quinquagenarian actor. It’s a big, big relief not to see her playing the loud Punjabi mother for once and that too in a Karan Johar flick. Nauheed Cyrusi, Kulbhushan Kharbanda and especially Dia Mirza excel in the cameos.

All in all, Kurbaan is must watch for everyone yearning for a sensible cinema. It shows the futility of a fanatic’s version of jihad and reaffirms that the most excellent jihad (struggle) is that for the conquest of self.

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We would like to wish Sushmita Sen a very happy birthday

When Sushmita Sen entered films, she was Miss Universe, the first Indian woman to be crowned so. There were instant comparisons with previous beauty queens like Zeenat Aman, with who she shares her birthday. But while Sushmita did manage to carve a niche for herself in the industry, she has somehow never managed to live up to expectations.

A lot of it probably has to do with her tendency to get more caught up in her personal life than her professional one. Also, Sushmita has probably played it more from the heart and not from the mind. Her approach to her profession has been very emotional and thus her career has been littered with wrong choices.

Sushmita seems to have missed the bus to being one of the top actresses in the industry, something which her rival and colleague, Aishwariya Rai Bachchan has managed so wonderfully. For a while, everything seemed to be going really well with Sushmita and her career, specially after the release of ’Aankhen’ and then ’Main Hoon Na’, where she was paired opposite Shah Rukh Khan. Her career should have zoomed up, but unfortunately it never managed to peak.

Her last movie, ’Do Knot Disturb’, saw Lara Dutta taking away most of the credit. Next up for release for the actress is ’Dulha Mil Gaya’, which also has Shah Rukh Khan and Fardeen Khan, directed by debutant Muddasar Aziz. Of course, she has had movies like ’Biwi No.1’, ’Sirf Tum’, ’Main Aisa Hi Hoon’, ’Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya’ to her credit. Some of the movies in which she has performed really well, include ’Filhaal’, ’Chingari’ and ’Samay’.

An extremely well read, articulate and intelligent woman, Sushmita comes across as warm and approachable and that has been her USP. A quintessentially contemporary woman, she has had the courage to stand by her convictions and went ahead and adopted a girl child some years ago. She is definitely a woman who lives on her own terms. But where her career in Bollywood is concerned, Sushmita’s career seems to be on the wane. We would like to wish her a very happy birthday and really wish that one sees more of her in the years ahead.

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Katrina Kaif's look-alike Barbie doll has arrived in the country

Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif’s look-alike Barbie doll has arrived in the country. It was designed to mark Barbie’s 50 years.

Katrina also walked the ramp as the showstopper for the "All Doll’d Up" special show dedicated to Barbie at the Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai earlier this year. She sported a small pink dress designed by well-known designer Neeta Lulla’s daughter Nishka. The ’Katrina Barbie’ will be wearing the same design.

"I’ve been a part of the entire process of doll making and it’s been quite fascinating. Since, I’ve been travelling out of Mumbai for the promotions of my movies; unfortunately I’ve not been able to see it yet. I’m really looking forward to see the doll as soon as I get back," Katrina said in a statement.

A product of Mattel Toys, the Katrina Barbie -- a commemorative product -- is not for sale.

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Freida Pinto is the only Indian to feature list of Australia’s sexiest people

She is making her presence felt every where; India’s Freida Pinto has made it to the list of Australia’s sexiest people.

Who magazine of Australia has recently released the list of top sexiest people and Freida is the only Indian to feature among the other international hunks and hotties. Sex icons such as Megan Gale, Miranda Kerr, VJ Ruby Rose and Joel Edgerton are also on the list.

Also included was the curvaceous Beyonce Knowles the actress Cameron Diaz, yummy mummy Angelina Jolie , sweet and sexy Penelope Cruz, Oscar winner Kate Winslet amongst other female sirens. Coming to hot hunks, names like Gerard Butler, Ryan Reynolds, Dark Knight actor Aaron Eckhart, classy and sexy Alex O’Loughlin and Richard Branson are the hot and wanted males.

However, where is Hugh Jackman, the orginal Aussie hunk?

When talking about Freida, the Mumbai born Manglorean girl, the magazine states, “This one in a million ex-model is simply gorgeous but she believes she’s your typical Indian girl.”

Ain’t she a typical Indian beauty?

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Shamita Shetty feels a sense of unreality about the reality show

Shamita Shetty has come out of the reality show Bigg House totally confused disoriented and caught between two different levels of excitement.“It’s barely hours since I came out of Bigg Boss. I’ve a migraine and I can’t think straight. I’m numb with disorientation. The first thing I did on coming out was to snatch someone’s phone and call my sister. In the 7-8 minutes that I spoke to her I wanted to know everything. I ended up more confused.”

Shamita feels a sense of unreality about the reality show. “It was a month of my life. But it feels like a lifetime. I left a place where I went through the strangest of experiences. I was thrown into situations where we were bickering over a basic thing like food. And now my sister is getting married. I’m so disoriented it isn’t funny. I need to sit and discuss the whole experience of Bigg Boss with my sister before we discuss her wedding. Otherwise I’m going to burst.”

Shamita Shetty who chose voluntary eviction from the Bigg Boss House on Friday night, is very upset with the way her sister Shilpa’s marriage was broken to her in the House.“First of all I was the last person to get to know about my sister’s engagement and wedding. That in itself was upsetting enough. But I can’t hold anything against her.And she’s marrying the most wonderful man, so I’m happy for her. But I’m not happy with the way I heard the news.”

The wild-card entrant Pravesh Rana came into the house and broke the news to Shamita. “He casually told me my sister was getting married! He gave me a wrong date November 25, then he said it was December 25. By then I was wild with anxiety about my sister’s wedding plans. Tell me, was this way to break the news. So clumsy. It did create a friction between me and Pravesh. But eventually we were talking cordially.”

Shamita was none too happy with the way she was evicted either. “I was called into the confession room where I was given a letter written by my sister and mother.I burst out crying when I read Shilpa’s words explaining that the wedding had to be preponed. And then I was told to leave through a little door in the confession room, in my chappals! I couldn’t even say goodbye to my friends Aditi Gowatriker, Bakhtiar and Tenaaz Irani.”

All said and done Shamita says she’s happy she went to Bigg Boss. “I had just done a One-ness (spiritual healing) course. Bigg Boss gave me a chance to try out all that I had learnt at the One-ness course. I had to be calm patient and fight negativity. I did a good job of it.”Shamita says she has lost so much weight in Bigg Boss her father was alarmed when he saw her.

Says Shamita, “The funniest thing is, we were given only potato and rice during the first week, food articles that go totally against my diet. I protested to Bigg Boss. No one paid any attention. Now that I’m out I need to get over the experience and take over the arrangements for my sister’s wedding.”

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Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra plans fantastic honeymoon vacations

Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra who are tying the knot on November 22 are all set to fly off to Bahamas for their lavish honeymoon on November 24.

Even though the honeymoon plans have been kept under wraps, Shilpa’s close friend said, "Raj plans fantastic vacations and this is one holiday he wants Shilpa to remember forever.

Though Shilpa knows Raj has booked the Regal Suite for them at the Atlantis Resort in the Paradise Islands at the Bahamas, everything else is a surprise for Shilpa. Raj is arranging everything."

Shilpa and Raj will get married at Kiran Bawa’s farmhouse in Khandala and will hold a grand reception in Mumbai after which they will fly down to the Oneness Temple near Chennai to seek the blessings of Sri Amma and Sri Bhagwan. Finally, after that, they will leave for their honeymoon to the Bahamas.

Why Bahamas ?

The source adds, "Shilpa has never been to the Bahamas, so it will be very special for her. Raj zeroed on this location after finding out where Shilpa has been before and what her favourite holiday destination is. He spent lot of time, planning and money on finding the perfect honeymoon spot for Shilpa."

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Lisa Ray will undergo a stem cell transplant to treat her blood cancer

Indo-Canadian actress Lisa Ray will undergo a stem cell transplant to treat her multiple myeloma, an incurable form of blood cancer.The 37-year-old star was diagnosed with the cancer of the bone marrow in June and has been undergoing chemotherapy since July.

Toronto-born Lisa made this announcement Tuesday while visiting the Marshall McLuhan Catholic Secondary School where her film “Water”, directed by Deepa Mehta , was screened.Ray, who was born to a Polish mother and Bengali father, said the process for a stem cell transplant would begin next week in a city hospital.

The procedure would begin by releasing her own stem cells into her blood, then collecting them and later freezing them, she said.Calling it a “reboot” of her system, she said the process would take up to two weeks to complete.After this, she would put on a waiting list for a stem cell transplant.

“Healing isn’t just about the physical procedures.“You need to be emotionally and spiritually and psychologically in the right frame of mind…” She said she was taking a break from acting to complete the treatment.

Multiple myeloma destroys the red blood cells in the body. With advancement in treatment, a multiple myeloma patient can now live up to 20 years. Ray, who lives in the Etobicoke suburb of the city, has been sharing her experiences on a blog called The Yellow Diaries.

Ray recently appeared at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) gala of her film “Cooking with Stella”, directed by Deepa Mehta.Shot mostly in the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi, the film is a hilarious comedy featuring Ray as the wife of a Canadian diplomat (played by Don McKellar) posted in New Delhi. Seema Biswas plays the role of the wily cook Stella who tries to fool her Canadian masters.

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Salman Khan and Vivek Oberoi may soon be clashing at the box office

No we are not engineering a clash between the two actors. But another clash may soon be on the cards. However, this time it will be Salman Khan and Vivek Oberoi’s films which may soon be clashing at the box office.

If reports are to be believed, then both ’Veer’ and ’Prince It’s Showtime’, are both set to release on Januray 22, next year. As everybody would know, Vivek is in a comeback trail and has two other films, ’Kurbaan’ and ’Rakta Charitra’, besides this one, which are slated for release.

As for ’Veer’, it is a film which is very dear to Salman as the film is based on his story. ’Veer’ has been directed by Anil Sharma. Meanwhile, it seems that ’Prince It’s Showtime’, which is produced by Kumar Taurani and directed by Kookie Gulati, was earlier scheduled to release in December, but has now been pushed to January due to delays in post production.

Of course, there has been no official word on this from the producers of either film. Of course, January is a long way off and things may just change. Everybody by now knows of the famous Salman Khan Vivek Oberoi spat. But a lot of water has gone under the bridge since then. However, it seems that Salman is not exactly in a mood to forgive and forget with Vivek, who has repeatedly tried to apologise to him, even in public.

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Warner Bros Pictures join hands for Ajay Devgn movie

Warner Bros. Pictures India and Wide Frame Films join hands for their next Bollywood film Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? starring Ajay Devgn , Konkona Sen Sharma & Paresh Rawal in lead roles. The film is being directed by Ashwani Dheer while Amita Pathak (daughter of producer Kumar Mangat) will take on the reins of a Producer for the first time with this project.

"The script of Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? itself is a non stop laugh riot and you add the comical talents of Ajay Devgn, Paresh Rawal & Konkona Sen to it and what we have is a winner at the box office" says Denzil Dias, Deputy Managing Director (Theatrical), Warner Bros . Pictures India

Says the debutant producer Amita Pathak, "When my director (Ashwani Dheer) narrated the script to me, I could completely relate to it as we have also faced a similar scenario at home leading to a lot of funny and frustrating situations. We felt it made the perfect premise for a rip-roaring comedy. And that is how Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? was born."

This is the first time the 3 National award winners namely Ajay, Konkona and Paresh have been cast together for a light hearted comedy.

Says Ajay Devgn, "I liked the script because it is very real and has some slice-of-life comic situations. It is also very cleverly written and the humour in the dialogues makes it very likeable. I’m sure people from all walks of life will identify with this because every home must have had a guest who has been the bane of their lives."

To be shot over 50 days at Yash Raj Studios and other locales in Mumbai, the film is slated to release on 26th February 2010.

Music for the film will be composed by Pritam while the lyrics have been penned by Irshad Kamil. The Cinematographer of the film is Aseem Bajaj, Sound recordist is Subhash Sahu while production designs will be done by Sabu Cyril.

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Harman Baweja will strike it big with his next release

It takes a lot to hold your head high with dignity and accept your mistakes when your debut film doesn’t fair as expected at the box office. It takes even more strength to not crack when your next two films also fail to impress at the box office and we applaud Harman Baweja for never letting the negativity and box office failures discourage him or create any desperation in him to sign films.

In fact, he has said no to several prestigious banners and projects over the last 18 months and hasn’t signed a new film since he signed Ashutosh Gowariker’s recently released ’What’s Your Raashee?’ And thankfully his patience and perseverance is paying off with rumours doing the rounds that Kunal Kohli is in the process of signing Harman on as the lead in a film which marks Kunal’s debut as a producer.

Although Kunal will not be directing the film, those who have read the script believe it’s a great project and apparently Kunal decided to approach Harman after seeing his performance in ’What’s Your Raashee ?’ Kunal felt that Harman brought a lot of sincerity and honesty to the character of Yogesh Patel, and that he had a certain natural style of acting which was extremely impressive.

We’re sure Harman will strike it big with his next release, Anees Bazmee’s ’It’s My Life’, but even if he doesn’t, it looks like the good projects will keep coming as leading makers have recognized his talent and are unperturbed by his yet elusive box office hit.

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Ayesha Takia shocked and disgusted by the behavior of Raj Thackeray

Ayesha Takia is very angry with Raj Thackeray and his MNS MLAs who attacked her father-in-law Abu Asim on the floor of the Maharashtra Assembly when he took oath in Hindi.

"I am shocked and disgusted by the behavior of Raj Thackeray and his people," she lashes out on a social networking site.

"The way they behaved with Abu Azmi during today’s swearing-in was really unbelievable and disgusting. How can we ever feel safe in a place where gundas are allowed to behave as they please," she asks.

Talking about her cosmopolitan upbringing, she says, "We live in love and respect each other irrespective of caste and language, so why are goondas like Raj Thackeray and his cronies are allowed to break and kill our peace? My grandfather was Marathi and my granny British. My father is Gujarati and my husband Muslim."

The CM of Maharashtra Ashok Chavan and all other good intentioned people condemned the attack. Four MLA’s of the MNS were suspended from the house for about 4 years after the incident.

"Our other leaders including the chief minister and other parties must unite and kick out Raj Thackeray and MNS and the law must take action. I am proud of our country that quick action has been taken and all four MNS MLAs have been suspended for four years," Ayesha states.

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Katrina Kaif turned out to be a pleasure for Prakash Jha

Working with Katrina Kaif turned out to be a pleasure for Prakash Jha when the pretty lady volunteered to pay him the day’s shooting expenses as she couldn’t learn her lengthy dialogues and felt that she needed extra time for preparation.

Actuallty, it all happened on the sets of Rajneeti in Bhopal recently, where a heavyduty set-up headed by Nana Patekar , Ajay Devgn, Manoj Bajpayee, Ranbir Kapoor and Arjun Rampal was prepared for a day’s shoot but Katrina wasn’t ready with her dialogues.

Unwilling to make the director bear the loss, the actress made a unique offer to Jha. She offered to pay him back Rs. 15 lakh from her remuneration for the loss of work. Of course Jha did not take the money but he was ’touched’ by Katrina’s professional gesture.

Unit hands say that Katrina had taken it as a challenge and knew every dialogue when she came to shoot on second day. From the moment she arrived on the sets she was ready to face the camera and deliver her dialogues in chaste Hindi.

No wonder the lady is reigning quene!

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Shahid smashed by his female fans in Bangkok

It was a rare occasion for actor Shahid Kapoor yesterday while shooting in Bangkok when some female fans were adamant to see him bare chested much to his embarrassment.

Shahid , who is shooting for Parmeet Sethi’s upcoming film was shocked to notice a group of female fans shouting that he take off his vest and show them his body.

Though Shahid didn’t relent, the fans kept chasing him till he entered his vanity van and refused to leave.

Finally the guards were called to take the situation under control.

Well, it seems after his dare bare act in the film KAMINEY, Shahid’s female fans can go to any extent to watch him do the bare act again.

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Katrina Kaif found herself in a tight spot

Not many actresses would do something like this. On the sets of director Prakash Jha’s film Rajneeti in Bhopal recently, Katrina Kaif found herself in a tight spot. She wasn’t able to memorize her lengthy dialogues in Hindi for a scene and she feared that her shoot for the day had to be postponed. She needed at least a day to commit all those dialogues to her memory.

Unwilling to make the director bear the loss, the actress made a unique offer to Jha. She offered to pay him back Rs. 15 lakh from her remuneration for the loss of work. The pretty lass must have done her maths well to arrive at that figure as her average earning for a day.

Jha admits that he was “touched” by Katrina’s professional gesture.

However, he did not accept the wads of cash that Katrina offered and gave her an extra day to learn the dialogues.

The next day, Katrina did not let him down. From the moment she arrived on the sets she was ready to face the camera and deliver her dialogues in chaste Hindi.

In the movie, Katrina is pitted against big shots of acting like Nana Patekar, Ajay Devgan, Manoj Bajpai, Ranbir Kapoor and Arjun Rampal.

There’s also a scene (canned during an earlier shooting schedule) in the film in which Katrina gives a long political speech in Hindi to a huge gathering. The actress gave the shot with such conviction that after the shot Prakash Jha asked the huge crowd: “Inko Bhopal ka ticket de de kya?”

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AR Rahman performing in Sydney Festival

The man who literally rocked the world with his music in Slumdog Millionaire is all set to do the act again. Yes, it is none other than the musical storm, the acclaimed Oscar-winning musician AR Rahman . He will be performing in a headline act at the world-famous Sydney Festival 2010 in Australia.

The maestro would be performing for about two and a half hours, and his music and dance show would involve 40+ artistes from Bollywood. ARR’s performance is scheduled on January 16 at Parramatta Park, Sydney at 7.30 pm.

The festival, the largest and most-attended annual event of Australia, is slated this year for January 9 to 30, 2010. The Festival will showcase music, dance and drama programs from artistes the world over. Hamlet from Germany, Giselle from Ireland, Oedipus Rex and Grizzly Bear from USA,Marcin Wasilewski from Poland, Toumani Diabate from Mali and Dark Matters from Canada are some of the other artistes to perform headline acts at the Festival.

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Deepika Padukone would get her addicted to smoking

Deepika Padukone went white with fear when she was told that she had to smoke cigarettes for her role in Karthik Calling Karthik. She believed that the role would get her addicted to smoking. So it was up to producer Ritesh Sidhwani to put Deepika’s fears to rest.

Our source said, “Sidhwani ordered for nicotine-free cigarettes for Deepika. In Karthik Calling Karthik , Deepika plays a very modern girl who smokes, Farhan advises her against it and eventually succeeds in getting her to quit smoking. In real life though, Deepika hates smoking.

The very thought of smoking for the film was enough to make her tense. However, the organic cigarettes saved the day and the scenes were shot without any problems.”

Talking about the issue, Sidhwani said, “It’s a film about a lovable loser and a modern, hip girl. Farhan makes Deepika quit smoking. So we have a nice message in the end. We didn’t want to be responsible for inculcating a bad habit and that’s why these organic cigarettes were needed.”

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Shahid Kapur has called off his relationship with Priyanka Chopra

They came together during the making of Vishal Bharadwaj’s ’Kaminey’. Priyanka Chopra and Shahid Kapur were the most unlikely of lovers as they were as different from each other as chalk and cheese. But in ’Kaminey’ both actors managed to break through their images and do a splendid job in the movie.

Of course, ’Kaminey’ is more of Shahid’s film, but there is no taking away from Priynaka’s gutsy performance in the movie. But probably the differences in their personalities only sought to take them away from each other. Priyanka is known to be part loving, very sociable creature while Shahid is more the home loving type.

There were reports of a rift developing between the two, but the differences come out in the open at a recent award function, where both were felicitated. It seems that Shahid ignored Priyanka and took his award and walked out of the function. According to reports, it is Shahid who has called off the relationship, something which Priyanka is not being able to accept.

According to sources, she seems to have been the more involved of the two. Anyway, Shahid has been on a rolling spree even since he split with Kareena Kapoor. Vidya Balan and Sania Mirza were there before Priyanka came onto the scene. To give him credit, Shahid is very young and is just beginning to taste success in his acting career.

He realises that he needs to focus on his career first and foremost. Priyanka, on the other hand, has more or less made it. She is among the top ranking actresses today, right along with Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif. Shahid still has some distance to travel.

Anyway, with ’Kaminey’, a lot of things may have changed in Shahid’s life. It was like his coming of age film. As for the presence of Priyanka in his life, the duo has never been really vocal about their relationship so one really does not know how much of the reports regarding the relationship were true and to what extent.

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Kambakkht Ishq invited by the Library of the Academy of Motion Pictures

Sajid Nadiadwala’s Kambakkht Ishq , which earlier this year rocked the B.O. with a bumper opening, has now bagged yet another prestigious honour. The film, which recently won an award for ’Best Locations’, has been invited by the Library of the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences to be a part of its permanent Core Collection.

The screenplay of the film will be part of the Library of Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences and made accessible for research purposes only to students, filmmakers, writers, actors and other regular patrons of the Library.

It may be recalled that Kambakkht Ishq was even shot at the prestigious Kodak Theatre where the Academy awards are held each year. Now having bagged this honour, the makers of Kambakkht Ishq (namely producer Sajid Nadiadwala and director Sabbir Khan) would surely be thrilled to bits with this piece of good news.

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Kajol and Kareena Kapoor pitted against each other in sets

Whoever said two actresses cannot be friends should have dropped in on the sets of the ’Stepmother’ remake, a schedule which just got over recently. The film, which is being produced Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, stars Kajol , Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal. If people expected fireworks on the sets, than they would have been quite disappointed.

All the fireworks were reserved for the camera. On the sets, in between shots, the two actresses were absolutely chilled out and seemed to be having a blast of a time. Of course, this is not the first time that the two are working together. They played sisters in Karan’s ’Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’ as well.

But they were not really in any kind of competition back then. In the current movie, they are actually pitted against each other. But the women did not carry their reel life roles into their real life and were seen promoting each other on the sets and generally having a good time. A lot of that has to do with the fact that Kareena has admitted that she has great admiration for Kajol and is absolutely delighted to be working with her.

Also, the fact remains, that both are good friends of Karan, who is the producer for this movie. In fact, with Kareena coming into her own as an actress, it will be really interesting to see the two of them together on screen. Kajol is known for her acting abilities and hence it only promises to be a treat for admirers of both actresses.

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Boney Kapoor not lost his appetite for movie making

It’s amazing what a hit can do for one’s morale. Take the case of Boney Kapoor who has been in dire straits financially till ’Wanted’ happened. With the success of the movie, Boney is full of beans and raring to make many more films. Not that he had lost his appetite for movie making, but suddenly, it seems that his stars are shining.

The producer is first of all looking ahead to the release of ’Milenge Milnege’, starring Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapur. It would be the last film that the duo has done together and coming after ’Jab We Met’, Boney is absolutely sure that the public will come in to see the chemistry that the duo shared in Imtiaz Ali’s film.

Besides that, he has another film gearing for release, called ’It’s My Life’, starring Harman Baweja, Genelia D’Souza and Nana Patekar. The film has been directed by Aneez Bazmee. He is also keen to start working on the sequel of ’Mr. India’, titled ’Mr. India 2: Be Positive’, which may just see Anil Kapoor and Sridevi getting back together along with a younger couple. He would like to rope in some big name to play the villain.

The other sequel that he is planning to work on is ’No Entry 2’ and somebody has also shared a great idea for a ’Wanted’ sequel, titled ’Most Wanted’. Boney is full of beans and great ideas. With one big hit behind him, he is a relieved man and is now doubly charged to get back to producing more films.

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Aamir Khan taken the internet route to pitch his film 3 Idiots

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan excels at innovative promotion for his films and this time the star has taken the internet route to pitch his forthcoming film "3 Idiots" - where the film’s star cast will video chat with fans on the web.

Film producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra, director Rajkumar Hirani, other technicians and actors, including Kareena Kapoor, Sharman Joshi, R. Madhavan and Boman Irani alongside Aamir, will have a visual chat with the masses, after releasing the music of the film on the internet.

"We are launching the music of ’3i’ (’Three Idiots’) on the 9th of November, but for the first time this is happening on the (Inter)net... So the plan is to release the music at 11 a.m. and then all of us are in private chat rooms with you (fans) for an hour," Aamir posted on his blog Saturday.

"When I say all of us, I mean Vinod Chopra, Raju Hirani, Kareena, Maddy (R.Madhavan ), Sharman, Boman, the music director Shantanu, the lyricist Swanand, the singers Shaan, Shreya (Ghoshal), Suraj, and me... The chat is going to be a video chat as well and not only text," he added.Based on Chetan Bhagat’s bestseller "Five Point Someone", the movie is releasing Dec 25.

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Hrithik Roshan prepared for big stage shows

He was warned not to dance because of his recurring knee problem, but Hrithik Roshan is all set to blaze the dance floor. He has already started working out on his legs.

Reportedly, Duggu is doing intensive work-out sessions with celebrity fitness expert Satyajit Chourasia, and soon he will be dancing like the way he used to. As a tabloid reported, “Hrithik was advised against strenuous dance routines for over two years by doctors. There was a question mark whether he would ever dance the way he did earlier.”

The handsome man of Bollywood is currently working in only one movie and that is Guzaarish for which he is not required to tap the floor with his dancing. Instead he has to sit on a wheel-chair for major part of the shoot.

Now, Hrithik has hit the gym big time and is doing all kind of exercises. He has signed Vishal Bhardwaj’s next film and for that he has to hone his dancing skills to do a kind of “complicated choreography”. Also, big stage shows are coming up and he has to be prepared for it.

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