Sanjay Dutt gets six years' imprisonment!

Actor Sanjay Dutt was on Tuesday sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for six years for illegal possession of weapons that were given to him by associates of gangster Dawood Ibrahim ahead of the 1993 serial blasts.

Dutt, who spent 16 months in prison after his arrest in April 1993 and was free on bail, was also fined Rs 25,000 by the special TADA court of Judge P D Kode.

The court rejected Dutt's application seeking exemption from a prison term under the Probation of Offenders (POA) Act. After pronouncing the sentence, the court cancelled the bail granted to Dutt and told police to take him into custody.

Dismissing the defence's argument that the weapons were acquired by Dutt for self-defence, Kode said such an acquisition cannot be called "noble", is contrary to the law and indicates scant respect for the law.

"I must say for every citizen, laws of the nation shall be respected. If you don't, I don't expect you to be called a moral person," Kode said.

Via

Urmila's Mehbooba song from RGV Ki Aag

As the buzz around Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag heats up, the latest promo of the film's version of the legendary Mehbooba Mehbooba has been added to it.

It's the song everyone's been waiting to watch.

The Mehbooba song from Ram Gopal Verma Ki Aag has a different sound, with typical Ramu camera angles and of course, his magic formula, Urmila Matondkar.

"There's loads of chemistry and I will be giving away most of the song If I say more. But the chemistry exists between Babban and his Mehbooba," says Urmila.

For Urmila, matching steps with the legendary Helen from the classic and competing with the oomph factor of Mallika Sherawat in Himesh's new version may be a tough task. But she believes that both the composition as well as the choreography by Ganesh Hegde is so original, that the song stands out on its own.

"The song has been done keeping in mind a classic, and we have tried to adapt it to something totally new that will atleast be on par with the original," says Urmila.


We will be hoping that it does something like that, but as far as we can see, this one looks like yet another one of those item numbers rolled out of Ramu's factory!

Chak De! India creates Bollywood record!

Yash Raj Films' next release Chak De! India has created a Bollywood record even before its release.

The film has scored its first goal - it was shot using a little over 1,500 cans of raw stock!

It outscored Boney Kapoor's Pukar which, thanks to its constant shooting and re-shooting, had consumed about 1,350 cans. If you are wondering what's the big deal, spare a thought for the poor editor...an average Bollywood movie consumes about between 300 and 400 cans.


Last heard, Shah Rukh Khan was exasperatedly asking 'Yeh, Chak De itna footage kyun khaya?' to which director Shimit Amin muttered, 'It's a sports film unlike anything ever seen in India before!'

Jagjit Singh to star in film on AIDS awareness

Ghazal virtuoso Jagjit Singh has agreed to star in a new Bollywood comedy film Anamika to promote AIDS awareness.

Prabhakar Shukla, the film's director, said he is planning to cast either Amrita Arora or Nandana Sen in the film that aims to convey the message on AIDS without being preachy.

"Jagjit Singh has agreed to play a role in the movie after listening to the story. I intend to start shooting from September," Prabhakar told on the sidelines of the 9th Osian's-Cinefan Film Festival.

"Since the topic is very sensitive, I will not make the film a serious one and will try to convey the message without preaching to the audiences."

Prabhakar is planning another comedy Dimag Ka Dahi, and shooting is to start from October.

Shah Rukh Khan to battle machines in Robot

Sivaji director Shankar has been signed up by Shah Rukh Khan for his home production company Red Chillies Entertainment.

Rumours state that Shah Rukh Khan will play a scientist who creates a robot for his young handicapped child to play with. However, things turn bad when the robot begins to kill, and it is upto Shah Rukh to terminate this state of the art mechanical machine.

Shah Rukh is hoping to rope in Hrithik Roshan to play the role of the robot, but with Hrithik's other comittments, this may not happen.

John Abraham and Upen Patel have also been touted.

Stay tuned in!

Update: Rajnikant is doing the film and not SRK!

Chupke Chupke remake in the pipeline!

First Don, then Umrao Jaan and Sholay and now, it's the turn of the classic Dharmendra- Amitabh Bachchan comedy Chupke Chupke to be remade.

TV actor- turned-film producer Vishwaas Paandya has acquired the rights of the film and soon, the casting for the film will begin.

Vishwaas' father has worked with Hrishikesh Mukherjee as a film producer years ago and that's one of the reasons why he wanted to remake Mukherjee's film.

"If you pick the top ten Hindi comedies, Chupke Chupke would definitely be on the list. And it's a clean film which the entire family can watch together," he says.

Moreover, Vishwaas adds that his film will not be a frame to frame copy of the original.

"It will be more of an adapted version. I have to keep in mind the changing times as well, but the film will retain it's middle class values."

Here's a beautiful song from Chupke Chupke featuring Dharmendra, Sharmila Tagore, Om Prakash and Asrani.

Priyanka Chopra in a Hollywood film?

Priyanka Chopra is being considered to play the female lead in Hollywood producer and former tennis player Ashok Amritraj 's film.

Ashok Amritraj heads the production company Hyde Park Entertainment. He is presently looking for an Indian actress for his next project, which will revolve around an Indian girl and an American man.

Amritraj has reportedly been in talks with Priyanka Chopra to act in the film. Rumours say he has handed over the film's script to Priyanka.

The only problem is, Amritraj wants to begin shooting his film in October this year and this may act as a bummer because Priyanka is most likely to be busy during that time of the year due to her prior commitments.

So, however clichéd it may sound but date problems may prevent Priyanka from doing Amritraj's film.

But it would be premature to jump to conclusions as Priyanka is said to be going through the film's script and has yet to give her final word.

Stay tuned in!

Amitabh, Abhishek and Aishwarya in RGV's Time Machine

It's a star cast that most filmmakers would dream to work with.

And Ram Gopal Varma has managed the feat not once but twice. Even before Ramu completes the sequel of his film Sarkar, he has already made plans of another film with the Bachchans.

According to a source close to the director, "Ramu has planned to rope in Amitabh, Abhishek and Aishwarya for Time Machine. The director took the decision of reviving the film during the outdoor shoot of his film Sarkar Raj which is currently in progress in Hyderabad."

It maybe recalled here that Ramu had earlier planned to make the same film with Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena.

And now, Shootout At Parliament!

After Shootout At Lokhandwala, Sanjay Gupta and Ekta Kapoor are set to make another film based on a real-life incident titled Shootout At Parliament.

The film will be based on the infamous Parliament attack on December 13, 2001.

The film stars all the actors from Shootout At Lokhandwala. Incidentally, Gupta has already registered the title of the film at Association of Motion Pictures and Television Programme Producers.

Shootout At Parliament will also have a huge set of a Parliament just like the makers had a set of Swati building for Shootout At Lokhandwala. However, considering the importance of the subject, this film will be made on a much bigger scale.

When contacted, Sanjay Gupta said, "It is too early to comment on this film."

Stay tuned in!

Hrithik Roshan turns scriptwriter for Krrish 2

Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan will help pen the script for a sequel to the blockbuster Krrish in which he played a masked superhero.

Hrithik's father, Rakesh Roshan, directed Krrish and said he and his son were discussing new stunts that could be part of the sequel.

"Hrithik has always taken a keen interest in scripting and has been an intrinsic part in the making of all my films,'' Roshan told a newspaper.

"He will write the script of Krrish 2 along with me,'' Roshan added.

Akshay Kumar-Twinkle call it quits?

In a shocking report, Bollywood star Akshay Kumar has split with wife and former actress Twinkle Khanna after 6 years of wedlock.

It is believed that Akshay's alleged dalliance with a certain Bengali starlet is at the heart of the domestic dispute in which Twinkle is said to have given her husband an ultimatum to mend his ways.

"Twinkle got to know about this affair and was extremely upset about whatever was going on. She warned Akshay a couple of times, but he didn't pay heed. She finally decided she had had enough," a source said.

Akshay has been, in the past, known for his string of romantic link ups with a number of actresses including Raveena Tandon, Shilpa Shetty, Pooja Batra and Priyanka Chopra.

He tied the knot with Twinkle in January 2001.

Via

Update: Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna have sent a legal notice to the newspaper that had reported baseless stories on their fallout.

Partner - Movie Review

Apun Ka Choice: Partner may be heavily inspired from the Hollywood film Hitch but the comedy in it is very desi. The music by Sajid-Wajid is funky and goes well with the film's theme.

CNN-IBN: For the joy of watching Salman and Govinda pull out all stops and get down to their loudest best, Partner might just be worth a watch.

DNA India: With Partner, David Dhawan returns to filmmaking after 20 months retaining his typical style with laugh-a-minute gags, saucy and sassy dialogues.

Glamsham: It's not exactly a no-brainer as the script runs through the film holding the scenes together. In fact, it's entertaining and manages to raise quite a few laughs.

Hindustan Times: David Dhawan's 38th comic flick, Partner, though hilarious, seems to have failed his fans, fed on an overdose of laughter.


IndiaFM: Partner is a winner all the way. This one's a laugh-riot that will have the viewers laughing in the aisles and its distributors, laughing all the way to the bank. A sure-shot Hit!

Movie Talkies: It's full paisa vasool!

Now Running: Partner is the kind of comedy that looks glossy and feels good. Go for it.

Rediff: Partner is a laugh riot!

Times Of India: A great cast, a veteran director and a wimp of a film: now that's a real irony, specially since the industry had its hopes pinned on Partner and David Dhawan fans had been sorely missing India's Nizam of Nonsense over the past few years.

Shahrukh Khan introduces new Compaq logo

As if one Shah Rukh Khan isn't enough, sometimes you get two for the price of one.

"You always believed in the future. Don't you always say Kal tumhara hai (Tomorrow is yours)? I believe if you don't have a dream, what do you have?" said Shah Rukh.

On Tuesday, the actor turned up at an event to promote a new range of Compaq computers he endorses.

The computer-savvy star said he doesn't have much time to spend on his computer, in fact he used the opportunity to make a dig at contemporaries like Aamir Khan and Anil Kapoor who have recently taken to writing Internet blogs to promote their films.

"I think one of the reasons that I have good fan following is because I work very hard. So, either I can write blogs or can keep working hard," said Shah Rukh.


Having endorsed practically every available product already, one cannot help but ask him what he would like to endorse next himself.

"Would I want to do more products? The more the merrier. I could promote journalism," said Shah Rukh.

Any takers for journalist Khan? We think not. That one, we'll pass!

Celina is the sexiest woman in India!

She's shooting in New Zealand for her international film, and Celina Jaitley is all smiles.

The lady sure has extra reason to smile these days as she's recently been voted the sexiest woman in India by a foreign publication.

From what we gather, Celina is followed by Mallika Sherawat, Bipasha Basu, Koena Mitra and newcomer Sherlyn Chopra in the list. "I was flattered when I heard this," says Celina. "My fans have been messaging me and I take it as a compliment."

In fact, like few other actresses, Celina doesn't take the 'sexy' tag badly.

"It's cool that I can wear anything and carry it off because of my face. My sex appeal lies in my face. I don't think you need to flaunt your body, when your face says it all."

Trust Celina to come up with a quotable quote!

Shilpa Shetty in a major legal hassle

Shilpa Shetty is in a legal trap.

A London law firm has sued Shilpa's company Cine Entertainment for not clearing their dues. A security company called CTR Services is also planning to sue her on non payment of bills as they had provided security services to Shilpa in the UK sometime back.

According to the reports, Shilpa has also been dropped from famous publicist Max Clifford's client list due to conflicts with Max's employees.

However, her representative in the UK, Farnath Hussain informs that her company Cine Entertainment has already paid every penny that they owe. Their payment got delayed because the figures CTR submitted were not right and her company asked them to rework on it.

Recently, she was allegedly linked up with her "good friend" and producer Raj Kundra. Kundra's wife Kavita openly accused Shilpa Shetty in media for breaking their marriage.

It seems that success has its side effects and Shilpa is going through the rough side of it now.

PPC to distribute Rush Hour 3 in India

Percept Picture Company (PPC) has acquired distribution rights for its second Hollywood film after Spiderman 3 in the form of New Light Cinema's Rush Hour 3 scheduled to release globally including India on 10th August 2007.

Rush Hour 3 will release with over 200 prints.

Percept Picture Company has acquired the theatrical distribution rights in English and Hindi language for all territories in India excluding South.

CEO of PPC, Mr. Preet Bedi, says "After the success of Spider-man 3, we are delighted to release one of Hollywood's biggest brands. The Jackie Chan-Chris Tucker combination has been a roaring success in the last two Rush Hour films. We have no doubt that Rush Hour 3 will be better."


Rush Hour 3 is an action-comedy-crime-thriller starring Jackie Chan who plays Chief Inspector Lee and Chris Tucker playing detective James Carter.

Kay Kay to play 14 roles in Drream Man

Kay Kay Menon is known for his versatility. He does something unique in every new film of his.

Theatre actor-director and filmmaker Makrand Deshpande's forthcoming film Drream Man will now explore a new side of Kay Kay. He will portray 14 different roles in Drream Man, which is a spoof on Bollywood films and actors.

Kay Kay informs that the film is a comic tale with a twist. He plays different characters like a cop, a journalist, an Englishman, a rock star, a milkman and other interesting personalities.

The film is an adaptation of Makrand Deshpande's successful play called Ek Kadam Aage.

Makrand himself will be seen in a cameo role. He portrays the lives of the strugglers, who are an inherent part of the Hindi film industry. The cast also includes Saurabh Shukla and Seema Biswas.

Ayesha Takia opposite Salman in Wanted Dead And Alive

Ayesha Takia was under consideration for a lead role opposite Salman Khan in Boney Kapoor's forthcoming production. Now, the actress has been signed for the project.

Reports say it was Ayesha's performance in Nagesh Kukunoor's Dor that first impressed Boney Kapoor. Boney was looking for a fresh face to pair with Salman Khan in his production which is the Hindi remake of Tamil hit Pokkiri.

The Hindi version of the film is titled Wanted Dead And Alive.

The movie tells the story of an undercover cop who works for a mafia don. His aim is to eliminate the gangsters by being a part of them.

Salman plays the lead role in the film. Om Puri and Mahesh Manjrekar are also among the cast.

The film is directed by Prabhudeva, who also directed the original. Music composer duo Sajid-Wajid have reportedly been roped in to compose the music.

Rajpal to play 16 roles in Bunty Ka Mama!

Rajpal Yadav may not be the suave of Bollywood but he is one of the versatile and busiest actors in the industry.

Rajpal will be seen in 16 different roles in Basant Talreja's film, Bunty Ka Mama.

Excited about the film Rajpal informs that Bunty Ka Mama will be his one of the most challenging scripts that he is working on. Playing 16 different characters in a single film is a big challenge for him.

He also informs that all these characters are superheroes like Superman, Tarzan, Batman, Shaktimaan, Tintin, Krrish, Mandrake the Magician and etc.

The film will be directed by Wilson Louis who made Ho Sakta Hai and Ghat. The film is expected to go on the floors by September.

Rajpal's forthcoming films include Rajiv Kumar's Chal Chala Chal, Priyadarshan's Dhol, Ram Gopal Varma's Ram Gopal Varma Ke Aag, Kumar Mohan's Ho Jayenge Balle Balle, Vinod Pradhan's Masti Express and Nazim Rizvi's Hello Hum Lallan Bol Rahein Hai.

Amrita Arora in Yagnesh Shetty's Boomerang

While the likes of Shilpa Shetty and Bipasha Basu are action-happy, actress Amrita Arora is keen on joining the league.

The actress will soon be seen in an action role in Boomerang.

Ammu says, "It's a very Charlie's Angels kind of movie, and I am doing that kind of action." So, what training did she undertake for this role? "I learned skating and the use of a gun. I also did some harness training." That's some tutoring.

Never mind the Hollywoodish name, but the film is a Hindi movie. "It also stars Kim Sharma, who is also doing a lot of action and Zeenat Aman, who is in a Demi Moore-ish role."

Sounding exciting enough, the movie is directed by Yagnesh Shetty. The team will leave for their last schedule to China soon and the flick is expected to hit the screens in October this year.

We look forward to a lot of boom from Boomerang!

Are John-Bips together again?

There may be a huge controversy on Bipasha Basu and John Abraham's current relationship status, but here's a little bit of news we couldn't keep from you.

Even while the rest of the world was speculating and debating whether John and Bips are together or not, they were spotted sitting together at a suburban eatery as if the controversy never happened!

Those sitting around cast inquisitive glances in their direction, but the duo was not perturbed. Confused? We'll soon have Bips and John clarify this, shall we?

What about the supposed split? Or has the bonding reached such a stage that they're getting back together?

Now, that would certainly be a reason to celebrate, considering the goodwill these two share.

Well, the last word will be yours, Johnny boy and Bips!

Related Article: It's Official: John-Bipasha call it quits!

Amitabh Bachchan has no plans to quit

Superstar Amitabh Bachchan, who is competing for roles with heroes up to 30 years younger than him, has no plans to hang up his boots as he does not want to ever face a financial crisis or feel insecure.

The star, seen most recently in Cheeni Kum as a man in his mid-60s romancing a woman half his age, explained why he would not consider retirement and why he would not return to politics in an interview.

"I have been through that phase before where I was in a financial crisis, and once you have been there you tend to feel insecure," said the star who will turn 65 in October.

As long as audiences and producers wanted him to perform, Bachchan will appear on the silver screen that he has dominated for over three decades.

"I will continue to work as long as I can," he said. "I am thankful that I am still getting roles that are challenging. After all I am at least 20 to 30 years older than most of the heroes on stage."

More than two decades after his stint as a member of the Lok Sabha, Bachchan also said he was determined not to enter politics again.

"I am a failed politician. I was not good at it, and I have made it very clear that I will not enter (politics) again," he asserted. "Back then, I entered politics on an emotional note," Bachchan said, apparently referring to his close association and friendship with late prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, at whose behest he joined politics and contested the general election in 1984.

Bachchan, who burnt his fingers with the company he floated in 1996, was glad that the firm had finally made a turnaround.

" AB Corp (the company he floated) is now finally debt- free and this time at our annual general meeting, I was able to declare a small dividend and that made me very happy. We do have several productions lined up and we are looking forward to those," he said.

Dismissing criticism that Indian cinema aped the West, Bachchan said the country and its people had imbibed several things from the British, including the "police raj" that continued even though "we are an independent country".

"I don't think we (the Indian film industry) ape the West. Our parliamentary system is aped from the British...our laws, criminal procedure laws were all designed by the British and have remained unchanged," he said. "We all know the British Raj was a police raj and even though we are now an independent country, we continue with the same."

The superstar, however, was critical of those who expected Indian films to win Oscars, saying: "Why must we judge our films by Western standards? The number of people who watch Hindi films and love them point to the kind of popularity they have."

Bachchan himself is scheduled to work on two international projects - director Deepa Mehta's Exclusion that centres round the plight of 376 Indian asylum-seekers who were denied entry to Canada in 1914 and director Mira Nair's Shantaram which is based on Gregory David Roberts' acclaimed novel.

NRI's wife blames Shilpa for break-up!

A UK based Indian film producer's wife has accused Bollywood beauty Shilpa Shetty of ensnaring her film producer hubby and wrecking their marriage.

Kavita Kundra hit out against the Celebrity Big Brother winner for pursuing an affair with her hubby, Raj Kundra. The news comes after the stunning actor was spotted shopping with Kundra.

"Shilpa's a cultural icon in the Indian community but she's not what she appears. She can have any man she wants - there are plenty of single men. She didn't need to go after my husband," she said.

According to reports, things started after Raj went to Mumbai to work on a script and when he got back to the UK, Kavita noticed a change in his behaviour.

"He'd been away in Mumbai for a month working on a script. I'd gone to stay with my parents at their home in West Bromwich. But when Raj returned to the UK he sent me a text message, which took my breath away. It read simply - Don't bother coming back," she said.

However, Raj has denied having an affair with the Bollywood star and said that his marriage ended a year ago, and that it had nothing to do with the actor.

"We're just friends. I have a business relationship with Shilpa regarding her perfume. My marriage ended twelve months ago and it was nothing to do with Shilpa," he said.

First Look: Manorama Six Feet Under

A political thriller by debutante director Navdeep Singh, Manorama Six Feet Under is a dark comedy about an amateur detective in a small town who becomes ensnared in a web of lies, deceit and murder.

Navdeep Singh has directed a number of award winning commercials earlier for major clients like Maruti Alto, Garnier, Lux, Parle Hide n Seek and MTV.

The film stars Abhay Deol, Gul Panag, Raima Sen, Sarika and Vinay Pathak.

The Director of Photography is Arvind Kannabiran, who has shot My Brother Nikhil and whose advertising work includes major brands like Garnier, Pepsi, Lux and Maruti.

Naqaab - Movie Review

Apun Ka Choice: Naqaab doesn't turn out to be a riveting thriller, but it is engaging enough to be seen once.

BBC: Twists and turns don't quite come up to expectations in this love-triangle thriller.

CNN-IBN: A thriller that doesn't thrill!

DNA India: More layers than a wedding cake!

Glamsham: Naqaab does not live up to the director duo Abbas-Mustan's forte of making thrillers.

Hindustan Times: Naqaab is best left unveiled!


IndiaFM: Naqaab is engrossing in parts, with the suspense really catching you by surprise.

Movie Talkies: Naqaab has the makings of a classier thriller. It just fails to take off from its premise of a reality film, which is quite interesting. In the final analysis, the film lacks the all-important punch.

Now Running: Naqaab- a disappointing thriller to say the least!

Rediff: Naqaab is a watchable thriller (because its a 2 hour movie only!)

Times Of India: The problem with the film lies in its transparency. It's a love triangle, where you know at the very onset who's cheating on whom and who is going to end up the victim.

Sunny Deol to direct a film

The success of the Deols' family-film Apne has given Sunny Deol a chance to rise and shine as never before.

Sunny has taken several hard decisions. One of them is to turn director with a film called Man.

"My Apne writer Neeraj Pathak narrated this subject and I instantly fell for it. Unfortunately, we couldn't get the project on the road because I got busy with Apne.

Now that Apne has been accepted so warmly, I've gathered the courage to revive that project. And yes I'll be directing and producing Man along with Neeraj."

Interestingly, Sunny has given the film industry several talented directors including Raj Kumar Santoshi and Gurinder Chaddha (who made the aborted London for Sunny).

"It's another matter that they've started with me and moved on," laughs Sunny mirthlessly.

Even more interestingly, Sunny is the only star from his generation to have taken the plunge as a director.

"I directed Dillagi with my brother Bobby and me in the lead eight years ago .I've always been interested in being behind the camera. I took keen interest in the scripting and other technicalities of my acting debut Betaab. Today I think I'm fully prepared to direct."

Priyanka Chopra to play a supermodel

Former Miss World Priyanka Chopra is all set to play a supermodel in a film that dwells on the darker side of a career in modeling.

The film will be directed by Madhur Bhandarkar who has so far done critically acclaimed films like Chandni Bar, Page 3, Corporate and Traffic Signal .

Before becoming Miss India World and later becoming Miss World 2000, Priyanka had walked the ramp as a model and that made her a great choice for Bhandarkar's project.

The film titled, Fashion Show: The Ugly Side of Beautiful People , is being bankrolled by UTV with whom Priyanka recently signed a three-film contract. Bhandarkar will be venturing into the big league with this movie, which is budgeted at Rs 20 crore.

Rohit Bal has been signed up as the fashion consultant for the film and will also make a special appearance in the film.

Dhokha - Movie Preview

Zaid Ahmed ( Muzamil Ibrahim) is a bright, young Muslim police officer in Mumbai.

Dedicated to his work, respected and admired by his colleagues and community, he represents integration at its most successful. He has learned to live with the violence and the chaos that plagues his city, and on the night of a deadly bombing at the New Century club, he works tirelessly to help the shocked and shattered patients brought to the hospital.

But this night of turmoil and death takes a horrifying personal turn.

His wife's body, the beautiful mysterious Sarah (Tulip Joshi ) is found amongst the dead, with massive injuries. Things turn even more horrific when the police coldly announce that Sarah's injuries were typical of those found on fundamentalist suicide bombers.

As evidence mounts that his wife, Sarah, was responsible for the catastrophic bombing, Zaid is torn between cherished memories of their years together and the inescapable realization that the beautiful, intelligent woman he loved had a life far removed from their comfortable, assimilated existence together.

From the opening of the film to its searing conclusion, Dhokha displays the reality of terrorism and its incalculable spiritual costs. Intense and humane, devoid of political bias and hatred, intensely thoughtful, sensitive and felt, it displays a profound understanding of what can seem impossible to understand.


Dhokha is slated for August 17 release.

Kareena Kapoor in Golmaal Returns

Actress Kareena Kapoor will be seen in the sequel to Rohit Shetty's laughathon Golmaal, titled Golmaal Returns.

The sequel stars Ajay Devgan, Shreyas Talpade, Arshad Warsi and Tusshar Kapoor.

Golmaal Returns is a part of Kareena's 3-film contract with Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision Ltd. The actress will work with the production house for three more films till 2009, after Imtiaz Ali 's untitled venture [co-starring Shahid Kapoor], which is due for release in October.

The shooting for Golmaal 2 will commence in November in Dubai, while the other two films are still in the scripting stages.

Neha collapses on the sets of I Think I Am 24

Neha Dhupia recently collapsed on the sets of her forthcoming movie I Think I Am 24.

It became quite a difficult situation for Neha as they were shooting an important sequence for the movie. The crew got frenzied and left everybody worried about her. The shooting had to be halted for sometime.

Seeing her condition, in no time the producer and director Saurabh Shukla ran for her rescue. She soon caught up her breath and got back to normalcy after taking a break of around 2 hours.

Describing this awful experience, Neha says, "I got enervated, and I fell on the floor. But the crew of the movie was really supportive and helpful to bring me back to the toes. But I was happy that shooting wasn't called off because of me and we resumed back to the sequence."

When today no actress leaves an opportunity to throw tantrums while shooting a film, Neha deserves applause for being professional.

Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu to paint

After a series of Bollywood stars indulged in painting for charity purposes, yesteryear superstar Dilip Kumar and his actor wife Saira Banu are all set to join the bandwagon by exhibiting their artistic skills for charity.

Soap Queen Ekta Kapoor and Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh are also going to join them.

Each of them is going to be supported by a renowned artist to bring out the best out of them. While Jatin Das is going to give Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu company, Manu Parekh will help Vilasrao Deshmukh. All the work by these eminent personalities will be auctioned off in October.

Nisha Jamvwal , board member of NGO Khushii, which is responsible for this venture thinks that it is a very good idea to get famous, responsible personalities work together for noble causes.

The money raised from this auction will go to two of Khushii's projects- one for the homeless youth and one for the elderly.

Also see:

• Saif turns painter
• Salman's master stroke

Salman gets candid about his marriage, Hollywood stint, and his earrings too!

This is a new Salman Khan. A more at-peace avatar of the bad boy of Bollywood.

At 42, and with rumours of marriage fast threatening to erode his eligible bachelor image, he is still ruggedly handsome.

Perhaps even more than before, despite (or is it because of?) the silver earrings on both ears now. If anything, age has only given him a softer, more mellow look.

"I am fortunate," says Salman, shrugging off all praise about the way he looks. "I have done nothing. In fact, I have done things that have damaged the way I look and feel."

Like the earrings?

Salman gives his famous scowl, "Arrey! I am a Pathan, and I have to look like one. My grandfather, father and uncles wear earrings. I had my ears pierced when I was a baby."

He is truly back in the saddle these days, and in action - doing art exhibitions, attending film premieres, going for parties.


Post Marigold, he is also open to more Hollywood offers, provided they don't make him look like an idiot! "I have a certain sense of contentment today," he explains mysteriously.

And, he is also inspired by the legendary macho star from the South, the evergreen Rajnikanth. He's inspired by Rajnikanth's philanthrophy, he says. "I want to do what he is doing. Whatever he earns, he gives back to the people."

Ask him about the rumours of him getting married on his birthday around Christmas, this year, and he says with an exasperated look, "The day I get married, or decide to, I will let the world know."

Does he intend to get married at all?

"Of course, I intend to get married, but it will happen only when it's destined to. And I will celebrate the occasion with my friends, family and well-wishers. I won't hide my marriage because I need people's blessings and good wishes always."

Urmila gets injured while exercising

The lovely Urmila Matondkar is not socialising too much these days.

The reason for this is that she has injured her ankle and has been advised rest.

"I was trying out a form of exercise called spinning and I sprained my ankle badly," says the actress, adding, "Now I have to stay at home."

But she's far from being depressed - nothing can keep the Matondkar babe down, it seems. "The best thing about this is that all my friends are making it a point to visit me and I'm having a great time at home. So something good has come of it after all."

Interestingly, with that perfect body, one would think Urmila is quite into fitness.

Clears Urmila, "I've never been into exercising, and that is what my friends are teasing me about. In fact, Manish Malhotra (dress designer) actually joked that it's a sign from above that I shouldn't even attempt exercising."

With her next film Speed, co-starring Zayed Khan and Aftab Shivdasani, all set to release soon, let's wish the actress a speedy recovery!

Bipasha gets intimate with Saif!

Bipasha Basu and Saif Ali Khan have just shot an intense lovemaking sequence for their forthcoming film, Race.

A hush-hush affair, apparently, all crew members except for the director duo, Abbas Mustan, and the cinematographer were asked to leave the sets, when these scenes were being shot.

Says a crew member, "They've just shot this extremely steamy sequence. Saif and Bipasha were quite comfortable with each other."

The lovemaking sequence is a part of a song.

Salman Khan plays host to Sienna Miller

Guess who UK party girl-turned-actress and fashion icon Sienna Miller was with on her first night in Mumbai? Bollywood muscleman Salman Khan!

Yes, the star of such films as Factory Girl, Casanova and Interview was at a party at Salman's Bandra home on Monday night, that was also attended by the actor's family and friends from the industry like Anil Kapoor and Chunky Pandey.

Sienna, who recently broke off with American singer Jamie Burke in London, was the life and soul of Salman's party. And the two struck up such a rapport, that Sienna readily agreed to be the chief guest at the screening of Salman's new film Partner.

The film's screening, organised by the Salman Khan Foundation, is for 500 underprivileged children. And Sienna, who's in Mumbai to promote her film Global Cool along with Amitabh Bachchan, has taken time out from her engagements with the Big B to make herself available for Salman's film because it is being organised for poor children.

Salman's foundation is one of the few that raises money by itself for the many charitable causes it supports. The actor believes when people form foundations in their names and depend on others for money, the purpose behind the effort is defeated.

Global Cool, meanwhile, deals with the issue of global warming. It has been directed by Bollywood's Shekhar Kapur and has former British prime minister Tony Blair playing himself. Hollywood actress Heather Graham also has a part in the film.

Related Articles:

• Amitabh Bachchan, Sienna Miller team up for Global Cool campaign
• British PM Tony Blair in Shekhar Kapur's Global Cool

Ashtavinayak's three film deal with Kareena

These days the production houses have started a new trend of striking film deals with big actors.

Following the existing bandwagon Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd has decided to sign a three films deal with Kareena Kapoor.

A spokesperson from Ashtavinayak Cinevision Said, "We have signed a three film deal with Kareena. I can't talk about films now but we will announce it soon."

According to reports, Ashtavinayak is planning to complete three films by the end of March 2009. The details of the films that Kareena will be doing are not out yet.

Stay tuned in!

Also see:

• Shahid Kapoor signs two films deal with UTV
• UTV signs three-film deal with Priyanka Chopra

Esha Deol loves tattoos

Bollywood actress Esha Deol loves getting tattoos on her body.

Those who have watched the promotional stills of Cash have unmistakably noticed a tattoo on Esha Deol's left bosom in one particular still that has her posing in a bikini.

What comes as a big surprise is that this is not a new tattoo. Esha got it seven years ago!

Esha says that tattoo on her left bosom is a scorpion (her sun sign) and she got it done in London some seven years ago when she visited the city with a friend of hers. The actress says she is fond of getting tattoos.

Not long ago, Esha was spotted with a big tattoo of Gayatri Mantra (from Upanishads ) on her back. Esha knows the mantra by heart and has been reciting it for many years.

Meet Dr. Shilpa Shetty!

The Leeds Metropolitan University has conferred an honorary doctorate on Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty for her outstanding contribution to cultural diversity.

The University has, in the past, honoured prominent Indian personalities who contributed to India's emergence as a fast developing cinema-proud nation during its 60th year of freedom struggle, a spokeswoman of the University said.

Mangalore-born Shilpa Shetty is the youngest actor from the Indian film fraternity to join ranks of Amitabh Bachchan, Shabana Azmi and Yash Chopra who have been earlier chosen for the honour.

Amitabh Bachchan, Sienna Miller team up for Global Cool campaign

Bollywood mega superstar Amitabh Bachchan teamed up with British actress Sienna Miller to urge Indians to do more to slow global warming.

Miller met Bachchan in Mumbai at the start of a weeklong trip to India as an ambassador for Global Cool, an organization that spreads awareness about global warming.

Miller said people could help by turning their air conditioners down by even one degree or by turning off phone chargers and other electronic equipment when it's not being used. "If each one of us does our bit, we will be helping to keep global warming from harming our countries," she said.

Bachchan announced that the Indian International Film Academy would partner with Global Cool to increase knowledge about greenhouse gas emissions.

"Carbon emissions will be huge from countries like India and China with growing populations and economy,'' said Bachchan. "It will be wise to start doing whatever we can to protect our planet."

Related Article: British PM Tony Blair in Shekhar Kapur's Global Cool

Happy B'day Priyanka!

Bollywood beauty Priyanka Chopra turns 25 today.

Priyanka's rise to stardom has been steady and continuous every since she won the Miss World Crown in year 2000 and began her Bollywood career in 2003 with the romantic action thriller The Hero .

Priyanka has not even once thrown a birthday party ever since she stepped in tinsel town. This was partly because of her shy and reserved nature and partly because of the poor health of her father, Ashok Chopra.

But this year, Priyanka plans to celebrate her birthday.

Firstly, her father's health has recovered, and secondly, she had a wonderful year 2006 career-wise. She had a huge hit in Krrish and a relatively successful Don with Shah Rukh Khan.

In the near future, Priyanka will be seen acting in some big projects like Drona, Love Story 2050 and God Tussi Great Ho .

Happy Birthday, Priyanka!

Shah Rukh Khan becomes Joker!

Guess who is keen to follow in the footsteps of Raj Kapoor? None other than King Khan!

And as a first step he has signed a movie called Joker to be directed by ace chorographer Farah Khan's husband Shrish Kunder (of Janeman fame).

Kunder is lucky to have King Khan's backing, especially after his Janeman's fate at the box office!

Now Partner 2!

Even before the release of Partner, David Dhawan's comic caper with Salman Khan and Govinda, there're whispers in the industry that the makers are planning to continue with the series.

Next on the cards is Partner 2!

"It's too early to think of Partner 2," David Dhawan informs.

"We're too involved with the release of Partner to think of anything else. But you cannot rule out the possibility of Partner 2. It all depends on how Partner fares. If this movie works, Partner 2 will be on the cards next."

Stay tuned in!


Related Article: Partner - Movie Preview

Amitabh Bachchan in Leena Yadav's Teen Patti

Leena Yadav, who directed Shabd with Aishwarya Rai and Sanjay Dutt, is all set to direct Ash's father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan in Teen Patti.

While the director is currently into pre-production and is reluctant to speak about the cast of the film, it is learnt that Big B will have to be adept at playing cards to do this part. "And I'm terrible with cards!" Amitabh laments.

Arshad Warsi is also playing an important role in Teen Patti.

Amitabh has earlier played a cards whiz in Shakti Samanta's The Great Gambler in the late 1970s in which Bachchan played a double role of a gambler and a look-alike cop. Zeenat Aman and Neetu Singh were his co-stars.

Besides the Big B and Arshad, Leena intends to cast a group of youngsters in principal roles. "The audition is on," she says.

Here's a beautiful song from the movie The Great Gambler featuring Amitabh and Zeenat.

Shah Rukh to feature in wildlife conservation campaign

Shah Rukh Khan will be seen in a wildlife conservation awareness campaign shortly.

Sanskara Development Trust (SDT), along with the Asian Conservation Awareness Programme (ACAP) / WildAid, will launch a national educational awareness campaign on wildlife conservation.

The campaign is a multi–media education and awareness campaign that aims to protect the future of the world's endangered wildlife by drastically reducing consumer demand for endangered species parts and products.

With the support of the Indian Broadcasting Foundation, the campaign will run on leading television networks like Doordarshan, National Geographic, Discovery/Animal Planet, CNN-IBN, NDTV, India TV, among others.

Shah Rukh highlights the challenges faced by forest guards in protecting India's wildlife.

"We hope that the momentum of this powerful and unique campaign will help compliment India's ongoing efforts to save its remaining wildlife and its threatened habitats." Anita Malhotra, Managing Trustee-SDT & Senior Consultant, ACAP / WildAid, said.