Aamir-Salman to team up again!

Despite all the pot-shots that Salman Khan has taken at the reclusive Aamir Khan over the years, the two continue to be friends.

Last weekend, Aamir attended an impromptu dinner party thrown by Salman at his Galaxy Apartments. Aamir spent most of his time with Sallu and his dad Salim Khan at the party. At one point Salim Khan suggested that Sallu should team up with Aamir for a film. At this, Aamir Khan requested the veteran scriptwriter to write the script for their film together.

Speculations are rife that the actors might really team up after a successful stint with Rajkumar Santoshi's Andaz Apna Apna (1994).

Industry insiders say that the Khans are gradually getting together to form their own camp. However, Aamir is yet to join the block. Nevertheless, Salim Khan has revealed recently that he intends to get back to work.

Adds a close friend, " Salimsaab is very well read. He has tremendous vision about films. He is definitely writing something. The three Khans - Aamir, Shah Rukh and Salman are any filmmaker's delight. Shah Rukh and Salman have already decided to work with each other and Aamir might join in soon. Now they just need to sit down and plan the details."

Lets have a look at one of the many comedy scenes from Andaz Apna Apna featuring Aamir and Salman.


Also see: Aamir's Salman connection

Kangana turns designer!

She's already acknowledged as a powerhouse actress where emoting is concerned, but did you know that Kangana Ranaut also excels in designing clothes - for herself, we mean.

Yes, the actress designs almost 90 per cent of her clothes, be it on screen or off it, and is already setting trends. And of course, having such a great body, half her work is already done for her. We don't know if the other designers are feeling left out though!

But one thing is for sure, Kangna's supermodel body, talent and star-presence is a combination that is hard to resist. No wonder, director Sameer Karnik has recently signed her for his next film opposite Bobby Deol.

Sure, Kangana is fast becoming any filmmaker's delight!

Also see: Bobby, Kangana in Samir's Roshan

Now Bheja Fry 2 and Bheja Fry 3!

Sequels and remakes are supposedly the foolproof formula for success. And Sagar Ballary, the talented director behind Bheja Fry, is planning to make the sequel to the rip-roaring hit.

"The plan to make Bheja Fry 2 is in the pipeline. But, surprising though it may sound, I have the concept of Bheja Fry 3 ready with me, but not of Bheja Fry 2. Of course, I wouldn't make Bheja Fry 3 before Bheja Fry 2," says Sagar.

However, Sagar is in no hurry to start the sequel.

"That's because I don't want to rush into something just because Bheja Fry has worked big time. The sequel should have a better script and also funnier situations for me to start working on it," he admits.


Also see: Bheja Fry - Movie Preview

Amitabh Bachchan's new Cadbury campaign

Cadbury India has launched a new TV commercial for its flagship brand Cadbury Dairy Milk featuring Amitabh Bachchan.

The campaign was kick-started with a teaser in the first week of June 2007 showing Mr. Bachchan hitting a lamppost and becoming unconscious in his urgency to have something 'meetha'.

The teaser commercial invited the viewers to visit www.meethamoments.com to guess what happens next.

Over the 10 days between the launch of the teaser campaign and the reveal campaign, over 17,000 visitors have registered on the website and entered a competition to preview the continuation TV commercial before its launch in the channels!

Here is the new commercial of Cadbury featuring our good ol' Big B.


Also see: Amitabh Bachchan craves for Meetha!

After Shootout its Mission Istanbul

After the smashing success of Shootout At Lokhandwala, director Apoorva Lakhia is geared up to start his next venture, titled Mission Istanbul.

To start with, he has roped in a huge star cast for this film as well: Abhishek Bachchan, Bobby Deol, Vivek Oberoi, Tusshar and television actor Shabbir Ahluwalia [he made his big screen debut in SOAL ]. One more lead man is to be finalized.

While Abhishek, Bobby and Vivek play good guys, Tusshar and Shabbir are the bad boys. Two leading ladies are under finalization.

Although Lakhia is tightlipped about the cast, it's reliably learnt that the film is based on terrorism and will be shot in Afghanistan, Srinagar, Mumbai and Istanbul. If shooting in Afghanistan isn't possible for some reason, a massive set replicating Afghanistan will be built in Jaisalmer to can those portions.

Shooting for this multi-starrer starts from 1st October. Suniel Shetty's Popcorn and Ekta Kapoor's Balaji will produce this film.

Via

Desi version of Die Hard!

It's not easy being Bruce Willis and who better to ask than Mohan Kapoor who is dubbing for the actor in Hindi for Die Hard 4.

The fourth edition of the popular cop action flick will have Bruce Willis getting beaten up by a girl played by Hawaiian born Maggie Q. Of course, for Suchitra Pillai who voices Mai's character in the desi version, it almost feels like she's sharing screen space with Willis.

"I am this rocking chick who bashes up Bruce Willis," says Suchitra. And all that noise and bashing up is just the kind of catharis for Kapoor, who says, "I've done a few films and I know how it is sounds when guys are beaten up." But what really helps is if you are a fan of the series.

"I'm a die hard fan of Die Hard," says Suchitra while Kapoor believes, "If you are a Die Hard fan, all you want to see it is like a viewer in the theatre."

However, there are some other fringe benefits as well of dubbing for a big Hollywood film.

"It has to do with computers. I'm an electronic engineer and I finally get to exercise my skills," says Suchitra. With dubbed Hollywood films giving even Bollywood a run for its money, the artists who voice these characters have reasons to be excited.

You can catch Bruce Willis speaking in Hindi and in English on June 29 when Die Hard 4 hits theatres across India.

Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan together in Aankhen sequel!

For the first time Bollywood mega superstar Amitabh Bachchan and superstar Aamir Khan may star together in a film!

Both Amitabh and Aamir may come together in a sequel to the 2002 film Aankhen that starred Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Sushmita Sen, Arjun Rampal and Paresh Rawal in the main roles.

Reports are that producer of Aankhen, Gaurang Doshi, is planning to retain only Bachchan from the original cast and not the others.

Instead, the film will feature along with Bachchan and Aamir, Ajay Devgan, who is reported to play a negative role, Akshaye Khanna and Upen Patel.

The sequel will be different in the fact that none of the actors will be blind. Stay tuned in!

Bollywood in Pakistan

Now there is hope for Bollywood in Lollywood as two Indian films are set for release in Pakistan later this month. Mahesh Bhatt's Awarapan and the Sunny Deol-starrer Kaafila.

The Federal Censor Board of Pakistan has lifted the ban on Indian actors but has a precondition for Indian films released in Pakistan. Any Indian film with a Pakistani co-producer or having a Pakistani cast and shot outside India can be released in Pakistan.

Bhatt's film was shot in Hong Kong and has a Pakistani co-producer. Kaafila, based on illegal immigrants, has two Pakistani actresses playing lead roles in it and the film was shot in Bulgaria.

Several producers have tried in the past to release their films in Pakistan. But only Akbar Khan's Taj Mahal, which had a Pakistani actress in it, Mughal-e-Azam and the Jimmy Shergill-starrer Rehguzar were successful.

If films start releasing in Pakistan officially, for most Indian film distributors this will be a territory that is equivalent to that of Mumbai. Plus the returns will be huge.

Also see:

• Awarapan - Movie Preview
• Kaafila - Movie Preview

Karan Johar to endorse Timond Watches

After Britain based luxury brand Alfred Dunhill named Indian producer-director and television host Karan Johar as its brand ambassador, luxury watch brand Timond has appointed him as its worldwide brand ambassador starting July 2007.

He will be seen sporting the luxury watch at parties, events, talk shows besides endorsing the brand in his forthcoming movies. The first of the succession of events will kick-off in August with the launch of Timond's limited edition Tourbillon Series.

"Timond stands for luxury and precision, an aspiration brand for achievers. Karan Johar who is himself revered as a lexicon of luxury makes a perfect fit to personify the inherent values of our brand," said Timond brand manager Tejas Soni.

Johar adds, "Timond appeals to me for its elegance, exclusivity and accuracy. The presence of solid gold and diamond embellishment makes it a real treat for my wrists. I personally feel it a great privilege to be associated with the brand."

Also see:

• Karan Johar: The new face of Alfred Dunhill in India
• Karan Johar on L'Officiel's covershoot

MGM signs up with Excel Home Videos for India

Hollywood studio MGM has signed up with Excel Home Videos for home entertainment in India.

Member of the Big 7 studios that control the movie space worldwide, MGM is looking to expand its presence in the growing home entertainment market in India.

Excel Home Videos controls the international category in India with the largest market share (40 per cent) and also has the largest movie catalogue in the country. The firm represents International studios like Disney, Fox, Merchant Ivory Production and Shringar Films.

Excel Home Videos MD M.N Kapasi says, "We are looking forward to partner MGM in their cause, and also leverage our market standing with their catalogue strength and content quality". MGM has movies like the Pink Panther series, James Bond series, Rocky series, Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry series, World War Classics among others.

Just off the record, I've personally known Mr.Kapasi for the last 7 years and he was my biggest client for Home Entertainment, when I was working for Times Of India, way back in 2000-2003.

Check out Excel Home Videos.

Neha Dhupia wanted to be an IAS officer

Bollywood oomph girl Neha Dhupia says her dream at one time was to become an IAS officer.

"What I plan never works out. So I have stopped planning now," Neha said. "I wanted to join the civil services and become an IAS (Indian Administrative Service) officer and did not have any plans to model or act. But, then, Miss India happened suddenly and now here I am, doing films."

The 26-year-old actress, who bagged the Miss India Universe title in 2002 and a year later made her Bollywood debut in Qayamat, is currently shooting for a film I'm 24, being directed by Saurabh Shukla.

"It is about a guy who is 42 years of age but has to lie that he is only 24 to get something," Neha explains. "The movie will show his struggles and hardships and then he meets me. I play the character of a struggling actress."

The silver screen scorcher, well known for portraying bold characters in films such as Julie and Sheesha, loves to travel, read and takes a keen interest in sports.

Also see: Neha Dhupia's first ever cabaret act!

Shah Rukh Khan is the highest Service Tax payer

Shah Rukh Khan has topped the list of service tax payers among the celebrities from Bollywood.

He has paid 2.48 Crores as service tax for the last fiscal year followed by Amitabh Bachchan (1.53 Crores), Hrithik Roshan ( 1.04 Crores), Rani Mukherji (1.03 Crores), Abhishek Bachchan (98 Lakhs), John Abraham (79 Lakhs) and Saif Ali Khan (70 Lakhs).

A few years ago, all these celebrities were put in the category of 'brand ambassadors', which was termed as a service by the Finance Act of India .

No wonder we call him King Khan!

Sherlyn Chopra to dress up as Victoria Secret model for PETA

After Rakhi Sawant, Celina Jaitley, Rahul Khanna and Yana Gupta, now Sherlyn Chopra is all set to support PETA through their ad campaign.

This bombshell - who recently did a movie called Red Swastik - will dress up as a Victoria's Secret model. Sherlyn will be clad in sexy lingerie with chains and whips in her hands. Excited about her association with PETA, Sherlyn informs that the ad is against cruelty towards animals in the circus.

Every PETA ad has its unique way of conveying their message. So what will be special in this ad?

"They want me to dress up as a Victoria's Secret model where I'll be wearing sexy lingerie with chains and whips in my hands. Then there would be an accompanying logo which would read as 'Chains and whips are meant to be used in the bedroom and not on animals .' This is the message that they want to put across.

It is basically a glamorous way of saying that watching an animal perform for entertainment is very uncool and there is nothing good about it. Animals are meant to play in the wild. Confining them and teaching them to perform tricks is very derogatory. This is what we want to put across through the campaign", explains Sherlyn.

The authorities at PETA are contemplating photographer Rakesh Shreshta to shoot the advertisement.

Also see:

• Why Sherlyn Chopra thinks she is Charlize Theron?
• Celina signs PETA
• Rakhi Sawant, the tigress
• Rahul Khanna's new campaign for elephants
• Yana does a campaign for PETA India

First Look: Sultan The Warrior

For the first time in the history of Indian entertainment an animation movie has been made on one of the superstars of the South, Rajnikanth!

Sultan The Warrior is an animated Tamil film starring Rajnikanth as an Animated Character.

The movie is produced by Adlabs and is directed by Rajnikanth's daughter, Soundarya Rajnikanth. This will be the first ever full-length animated Tamil cartoon film.


A.R.Rahman has composed the music and the movie is slated for a 2008 release.

Salman Khan is Sanki!

Known for his eccentric, erratic personality, Salman Khan seems perfect choice for producer Sajid Nadiadwala's next film Sanki (Eccentric).

The film is still in scripting stages. However, it is known for sure that Salman will play a character with negative shades in it. Nadiadwala is quoted as saying that the film's title is partly derived from the script and partly from Salman's personality.

The film will reportedly be a big budget project with more than one leading lady opposite Sallu. The actresses are yet to be finalized. Nadiadwala also still has to decide on who will direct the film.

Sanki will go on the floors after Nadiadwala's current production Heyy Babyy is wrapped.

Also see: First Look: Heyy Babyy

Akshaye-Abhishek to star in lesbian drama!

Even before production can start, there's quite a lot of buzz surrounding the Hollywood film When Kiran Met Karen.

The lesbian love story first came into the limelight when Perizaad Zorabian was slated to play the role of Kiran, a well-known Bollywood actress in New York who confronts her own sexuality when she is cast opposite Karen, an American actress.

Then there was news that Perizaad opted out of the film because she didn't feel comfortable with the role. After that came the announcement that US-Indian actress Purva Bedi and Lisa Ray were in the project.

Now the latest on WKMK is that Abhishek Bachchan and Akshaye Khanna are slated to play important parts in the film.

Not denying this bit of information is WKMK producer-director Manan Singh Katohora. "It's too early to talk, but my agent in Mumbai is doing some wonders in terms of the casting. Wait and watch," said Manan.

When contacted, Akshaye Khanna's spokesperson Rohini Iyer had this to say. " Akshaye gets a lot of scripts to read and this may be one of them. But as of now, he has not signed on any Hollywood project." Abhishek Bachchan was unavailable for comment.

Stay tuned in!

Rakhi Sawant walks the ramp

From an item girl to her new role as the poor man's saviour, Rakhi Sawant has come a long way.

Rakhi Sawant never ceases to capture eyeballs, from gyrating item numbers to a super girl, Rakhi's new claim to fame is walking the ramp.

But this too had her trademark drama in it as she sizzled dressed as a witch. But who can mar the item girl's oomph even while dressed for a horror theme!

Attitude should surely be her middle name; Miss Sawant knows what it is to be Bollywood's hottest item girl. And she is not ready to be compared with anyone else.

"I am not Mallika Sherawat, I am not Aishwarya Rai, I am not Preity Zinta. I am Rakhi Sawant, and I represent the general public," said Rakhi.

On being quizzed about who her dream man is, she vouches for the original muscle man of Bollywood. "I will accept Salman Khan's proposal, because I'm sure he will protect me wherever I go," she said.

That definitely leaves a question about a certain Abhishek with whom her relationship is no hidden fact. But like her personal life, Rakhi promises not to keep her marriage a secret affair either.
While Rakhi may bask in her new found model status, we wonder what her next avatar could be!!

Also see: Rakhi Sawant, the tigress

Salman Khan sympathises with Paris Hilton

Bollywood actor Salman Khan is the latest among a clutch of celebrities throwing his weight behind Paris Hilton , for he feels that the bighouse (read Jail) will make the troubled socialite a tough cookie.

Khan, who was sentenced to five years in prison but later granted bail for poaching a rare buck in a desert wildlife, feels that while in jail, a person has to take care and love himself or herself.

"When you are in there, there is no one more important than you. You have to handle being alone. You have to love yourself," Contactmusic quoted Khan, as saying.

It looks like the actor doesn't find anything wrong in serving a jail term, for he insisted that everyone should get this time to be alone. "Everybody should get this time to be alone," he said.

Khan feels that being in jail will make Paris a 'stronger person'.

Paris Hilton who has been serving her 45-days jail term in LA jail for probation violation charges, is due to be released early for 'good behaviour' on Tuesday after completing 23 days.

Also see :

• Movie on Salman's black buck shooting
• Neha to meet Paris Hilton

Uday Chopra + Tanisha = Wedding?

If all goes well, Uday Chopra and Tanisha (Kajol's sister) will tie the knot later this year.

After having dated for two years, the couple are now ready for marriage. However, the respective families are yet to fix the wedding dates.

"Uday and Tanisha have just made up their mind about marriage. Their families have given consent to the wedding. They will be meeting shortly to decide on the dates," says a source close to Tanisha on condition of anonymity.

The couple may have shunned the shutterbugs all this while but close friends insist that they are keen on marriage. For this couple, love had blossomed on the sets of Arjun Sablok's film Neal 'N' Nikki. They started off as 'just friends' and later they started dating each other.


Talking about their individual careers, both Uday and Tanisha are yet to make their presence felt in Bollywood.

Mallika Sherawat signs a film for free!

She may have been in the news recently for making big bucks from small appearances, but now reports are that Bollywood sex-kitten Mallika Sherawat has signed a film for free.

The lucky producer is Ronnie Screwvala whose next unnamed film has been signed by Mallika for free.

Mallika has been in the news recently because of her ten-minute Rs. 1.5 crore act in Himesh Reshammiya's debut movie as an actor Aap Ka Suroor and this was not the first time she did an expensive stint.

Earlier too, Mallika charged a huge amount for just an item song in Guru and how can one forget the new year bash where she has been paid in lakhs for a ten-minute performance by a Mumbai based five star hotel.

Related Articles:

• Mallika Sherawat creates history, again!
• Mallika's New Year fiasco

Ayesha Takia walks out of Aladin

Ayesha Takia who recently walked out of Aamir Khan's Ghajini remake has also walked out of another big film now.

The actress was supposed to play the female lead role of Princess Jasmine in Sujoy Ghosh's fantasy film Aladin and the Mystery of the Lamp opposite Ritesh Deshmukh who plays Aladin in the film. However now she is no more a part of that project.

Sujoy confirms the news. "Yes, Ayesha is not in my film anymore". But what went wrong? In fact one expects a good rapport between the two since Ayesha was also in Sujoy's last film Home Delivery. Sujoy doesn't give any reasons but all he says is, "We are looking out for a new girl. A fresh face altogether!"

The final starcast of the film as of now comprises of Amitabh Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Juhi Chawla and Sameera Reddy.

Related Articles:

• Ayesha Takia to star in Aladin
• Ayesha opts out of Aamir Khan's film

Jiah Khan to star opposite Aamir Khan!

Signing an Aamir Khan film is definitely a boon for any actress.

And when news spread that the producer of Aamir 's next film was on the lookout for two actresses to be cast opposite the Khan, every actress worth her mascara tried her luck.

Initially, Ayesha Takia was supposed to do one of the lead roles, but she later backed out of the film for reasons unknown. Then there was news that Kangana Ranaut had signed the film, however, when the actress went to town proclaiming her good fortune, Aamir reportedly was quite miffed with her and decided to drop the idea of casting her.

Priyanka Chopra was then said to be next in line for the same role, and the actress, reports claimed, was very keen to sign the film. Unfortunately, that was not to be. South actress Asin was signed on, much to everyone's surprise.

And now the latest is that Jiah Khan has also been roped in!

A source confirmed, "Yes, Jiah Khan has been signed on as one of the leading ladies along with Asin. In the storyline, one actress plays a part in the past and the other actress plays a part in the future. While Asin has been roped in to play the first part, Jiah has been cast in the latter role."

For Jiah, this is yet another feather in her cap. After debuting in the Amitabh Bachchan starrer Nishabd, the actress seems to be bagging films only with the best. Though Jiah herself was unavailable for comment, we must say, she is one lucky girl!

Related Articles:

• Aamir Khan to go bald!
• Scoop! Aamir begins shooting for Kajri!

Shah Rukh Khan opens Dream of Battle in Britain

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, on wednesday, officially opened Dream of Battle, a new battle experience set in the oldest parts of Warwick Castle, in Britain.

Shahrukh arrived in a helicopter to the castle grounds for a whistle-stop tour beginning with a sword slashing red carpet ribbon cutting ceremony, flanked by fully armoured medieval bodyguard.

Castle General Manager Sue Kemp said: "We are extremely excited and honoured to welcome Shahrukh Khan to Warwick Castle. He is one of the most popular actors in the world today and we are delighted he will be officially opening our newest attraction."

John Abraham on the cover of Cosmopolitan

While surfing the web today, I happened to bump into some pics of our Johny boy on the cover of international magazine Cosmopolitan.

He looks naughty alright in this pic!!

Some guys have all the luck..what say ;o)

Image Source

Lata Mangeshkar launches new album Saadgi

Melody Queen Lata Mangeshkar launched her latest album Saadgi on the occasion of World Music Day on Thursday.

Most of these Ghazal-like compositions have been penned by Javed Akhtar, while the music has been composed by Mayuresh Pai. The music launch of Saadgi was a short and simple affair, where the Chief Guest was ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh , with whom Lata had last released an album 17 years back.

''The name Saadgi derives its origin from my conviction that it's the simple things in life that touch our heart. The songs talk about such circumstances that have touched everyone's life at some point or the other. I believe that it's destiny that played a role in this album,'' Lata said while speaking on the occasion.

The event also saw the presence of Usha Mangeshkar, Javed Akhtar, lyricist of the album, Suresh Wadkar, Music Director duo Anand Milind and model cum actor Khalid Siddique, who featured in the video of Saadgi and Chitra Singh, Jagjit Singh's wife.

The video also stars Mona Singh of Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin and is directed by Anupam Sinha.


Related Articles:

• Lata Mangeshkar is back!
• Lata's old recording unravelled

John Abraham shoots down rumours of his split with Bipasha

Never mind the speculation about l'affaire John-Bipasha, this is the real story.

There's no Mallika Sherawat, Vidya Balan or Sheetal Menon on the scene for him. And, likewise, Dino Morea, Vivek Oberoi and Saif Ali Khan feature nowhere in her life. The Bollywood duo clear the air with John taking up their honour.

"I am talking as Bipasha's spokesperson ," laughs John. He is shooting in Pondichery currently where there is no network. "Probably that's why my silence is being misinterpreted," explains the hunk. "We are very much together and Bips is the woman I love and am marrying!"

He could not be more specific. Linking Bips with other men, John feels, shows the otherwise "sweet and simple girl" in bad light. Do the link-ups make him insecure?

"What rubbish," he laughs , "I trust my woman. I really want Bipasha to go out and make friends. I would be sad and upset if she doesn't. This is because I am so consumed by my work that I hardly have time for her. I don't need to confront her with the rumours to reinforce my belief in her. Bipasha is very transparent. She tells me everything. So there's no room for any doubt. I trust her completely."

However, the relationship has faced some trouble?

"Look, every relationship has some problem. I don't deny we faced a bit of it too, but in this case the problems weren't so massive that they could end our relationship. I think some people took undue advantage of the fact that we had a bit of a routine problem."

And exactly who is Sheetal Menon in John's life?

"Sheetal Menon is someone I did an ad with. That's all I know of her. I don't want to give this any more importance," John answers.

Related Article: Have John-Bipasha split?

Jhoom Barabar Jhoom - Movie Review

I've just reached home after watching the "musical horror" movie, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom.

I dont' know what you think about this film but I'm totally devastated after watching and wasting my 2.5 hours on this movie. Let's have a look what media has to say about this disaster.

Apun Ka Choice: Jhoom Barabar Jhoom starts off very well but it begins to drag a bit in the second half.

BBC: While the humour is at times contrived, the curiosity factor and the slick style keeps you engaged. There's no point to the story though, this one's just for fun.

CNN-IBN: Welcome to the decadent world of Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, an orgy of blinding lights, razmatazz costumes and enough bling jewellery to put even Puff Daddy to shame.

DNA India: There is style. And then there is caricature. And when the latter overtakes the former, all the cleverness of the characters and the situations they find themselves in, it falls flat.

Glamsham: For technical brilliance, this movie is a hit. But that extra something, which makes the movie extra special, is missing.

Hindustan Times: Quite a grief encounter!


IndiaFM: On the whole, JBJ is no patch on Yash Raj's illustrious films. The film is all gloss, no substance. Body beautiful, minus soul.

Movie Talkies: Jhoom Barabar Jhoom....masti hai, but thodi kam!

New York Times: Jhoom Barabar Jhoom is a giddy romantic comedy with star power, wanderlust and a charming can-do, why-not-the-kitchen-sink spirit.

Now Running: Jhoom Barabar Jhoom is a roller coaster ride, which is nonsensical yet entertaining at times.

Rediff: Shaad Ali's new film is a moronic, overbaked effort!

Times Of India: The confusion primarily springs from the director's attempts to be oversmart and give a new take to Bollywood romance. Amitabh Bachchan's attempts to recreate the kaala jadu of Kajra re with his Jack Sparrow-meets-desi gypsy jigs fails to give Yash Raj Films its next big hit.

Related Articles:

Jhoom Barabar Jhoom - Movie Preview
Shahenshah goes Jhoom Barabar Jhoom!
Meet Amitabh, Bollywood's Pied Piper

Yana does a campaign for PETA India

Clad in a black outfit created by Bollywood designer Rocky S, model and actor Yana Gupta appears next to the tagline " Bears Are Not Item Numbers" in a new ad for petaDishoom, the youth division of PETA India.

Shot by ace photographer Atul Kasbekar, the ad is part of the group's continuing campaign to raise awareness of cruelty to bears that are used for entertainment.

Why is Yana so angry about cruelty to bears?

"Dancing" bears are a common - but tragic - sight in India. When they are just 1 year old, cubs have ropes forced through their noses without any painkillers. During this process, a group of people hold the cub down while a red-hot needle is forced through the squealing animal's nose. A rope is then shoved into the piercing, which usually becomes infected. When the ropes attached to the traumatized bears are tugged, the animals lift their legs and "dance". Male cubs are castrated with a razor at a very young age, also without anesthesia or antibiotics. Bears are trained through a regime of pain and starvation, and they rarely survive more than eight years - a third of their natural life expectancy. "

Under the 1972 Indian Wildlife Protection Act, it is illegal to capture and trade bears in India. However, this law is blatantly ignored, and bears can still be seen on the streets of India. In August 2003, PETA India helped rescue six bears that were being forced to beg on the streets of Mumbai.

"Bears are forced to 'dance' through a regimen of pain and suffering", says Yana. "Do not patronize animal acts."

Bipasha Basu to host New 7 Wonders of the World show

Bipasha Basu can suddenly see the world much better !

The sultry but short-sighted actress who for years has avoided hosting any show or event because she can't read the tele-prompter, has got herself fitted with contact lenses. And her reason for doing so?

"History beckons me! I have been given the honour of hosting the official declaration ceremony for the New 7 Wonders of the World in Lisbon on July 7," said an excited Bips.

"So, I've got myself contact lenses. All these years I stubbornly resisted them and risked losing friends after looking through them in public. But now that I will be hosting this event with the likes of Ben Kingsley and Hillary Swank, and at which Jennifer Lopez will be performing , I'd be foolish not to correct my eyesight. I can see everything so clearly now!"

This is indeed a historic honour for her, and also Bollywood and the country.

Bipasha exclaimed, "I don't know what made them choose me, maybe it was my appearance at Cannes last month. But I'm deeply honoured and flattered. This is the first time that the 7 Wonders are being reconsidered. To be part of this is to be part of history. And I wouldn't have missed it for anything in world, certainly not for being short-sighted."

She will be dressed for the occasion by her favourite designers.

"It would be my friend Rocky S for the Indian outfit, and that's a saree. Armani will do my western outfit," Bipasha said, looking gorgeous enough to be the 8th Wonder of the World!

Rani Mukherji is not engaged to Aditya Chopra!

Rumours were rife about the engagement of producer-director Aditya Chopra to actress Rani Mukherji.

According to industry sources, the two got engaged on Monday with only close friends attending the engagement. Rani reportedly wore an outfit designed by designer Pallavi Jaikishen.

However, while Rani and Aditya were not available for comment, Yash Raj Films spokesperson Monika Bhattacharya denied any such event.

"It is not true,'' she said. Actor Anupam Kher, who was supposed to be on the guest list of the engagement, also rubbished the rumour.

Aditya, who got married to Payal Malhotra in 2001, filed for divorce early this year. However, his family was not happy with the separation which even led to reports of a showdown between Yash Chopra and his son.

Yash Raj Films denied these reports as well, saying the father-son duo shared a cordial relationship.

Irrfan Khan at NYC premiere of A Mighty Heart

Irrfan Khan was in New York to attend the premiere of A Mighty Heart, a film based on life of American journalist Daniel Pearl starring Angelina Jolie.

When asked about his experience at the premiere, he said, "Fortunately for me, Namesake is also running in America and has received tremendous response from the viewers as well as critics. It is rare that two films of an artist are running at the same time and the performances in both the films are receiving rave reviews."

Irrfan is very excited about the response he is getting from the critics. "Some of the noted critics have commented that the performances are very diverse yet powerful and the characters in Namesake and A Mighty Heart merge seamlessly into the storyline. This was an emotional moment for me.

A Mighty Heart has moved the audiences. The subject of the film is very interesting and it has garnered huge interests due to the diverse star cast. Also, the audiences are very enthusiastic to find out how the story has been handled in the film and there is a lot of word-of-mouth going to promote the film."


When asked about his experience of working with one of the hottest stars of Hollywood, Irrfan said, "Working with Angelina was great."

A look at Lagaan - the sketch

Here's something that really would bring back some old memories. Memories six years old to be precise.

When Aamir Khan launched the DVD of his super-hit Oscar-nominated film Lagaan after almost six years post its release, he made sure we got a special picture to go with it as well.

Made by artist Dhimant Vyas, here are the characters from left to right:

Yashpal Sharma as Lakha
Rajesh Vivek as Guran
Raghuveer Yadav as Bhura
Srivallabh Vyas as Ishwar Kaka
Daya Shanker Pandey as Goli
Aamir Khan as Bhuvan
Raj Zutshi as Ismail
Amin Hajee as Bagha
Pradeep Rawat as Deva
Akhilendra Mishra as Arjan
Aditya Lakhia as Kachra

Though Aamir has increased biceps, Yashpal Sharma has lost oodles of weight and Aditya Lakhia's height has augmented, this one is definitely something that will bring a smile across your face!

Check out Aamir Khan's blog!

Saif turns painter

It's raining painters in Bollywood and actor Saif Ali Khan is the latest celebrity to join the bandwagon of amateur painters.

The superstar turned painter for NGO Khushii's initiative for underprivileged kids - 'Indian on Canvas II', along with renowned artist Nikhil Chaganlal. Incidentally, Nikhil happens to be one of Saif's favourite artists and the star already owns three of his paintings.

"My mother is involved with Khushii and she inspired me to contribute towards the cause," says Saif. "It was a great experience to put together a painting that depicts mine and Nikhil's perception of a beautiful house."

The painting consisted of Persian carpets, purple walls, couch fireplace, old bookshelf, photo frames and tinted windows.

Rani Mukherji gets engaged to Aditya Chopra

After the much-hyped shaadi of Ash-Abhi, it's time for another celeb wedding - Rani Mukherji and Aditya Chopra.

The duo had a hush-hush engagement on Monday and are planning to tie the knot soon.

According to a source close to the family, "The roka took place at the same Chopra bungalow where Chandni was shot. Around 60 people (family and friends) attended the ceremony that included Rani's parents Ram and Krishna Mukherji, brother Raja and his wife. Present from the Chopra clan were brother Uday, dad Yash Chopra and mum Pamela Chopra."

Jugal Hansraj (Uday's close pal), Anupam and Kirron Kher also attended the ceremony.

Adds a source, "Rani wore a maroon saari with silver embroidery and Aditya wore a kurta-pyjama, both designed by designer Pallavi Jaikishan. Pam aunty didn't seem very happy, as she has a soft corner for Adi's ex-wife, Payal. Another function will take place at Rani's house next week."

Also, buzz is that after marriage Rani is not going to live in the Chopra house. Instead Aditya will live in the house which Rani has recently bought.

Neha Dhupia promotes Tata Indicom

Promoting brands and making public appearances is probably the best way to kill time for an actor who's taking a break with films. That's what former Miss India Neha Dhupia is busy doing.

On Monday afternoon Neha stepped in at the ITC Grand hotel in Mumbai to promote Tata Indicom's latest mobile handset.

"This one's high on technology, it's got Internet radio, which is very important for us today it gives us traffic updates and other things besides great music," said Neha.

Fresh from the release of Ek Chalis Ki Last Local and Shootout At Lokhandwala which didn't really work well for the actress, this is all she had to say.

"Well I can't say much about it because I'm just back from a long holiday. I've landed this morning only. So I don't know," said Neha.

Well Neha has the right reason to take a break and while she does that we'll wait for her next film.