Only Katrina could have been 'Chikni Chameli'

Choreographer Ganesh Acharya, who directed Katrina Kaif's dance moves in the popular item number "Chikni Chameli", says she was the perfect choice for the number and that nobody could have done justice to the song.
"Katrina has done a lot of hard work for the song. She has given all the power and dedication that was needed. Only Katrina Kaif could have been 'Chikni Chameli', nobody else and she has proved it also," said Acharya.
"We choreographers only choreograph the song, but it is the artist who makes all the difference. She did it very nicely," he added.
Acharya is known for choreographing item numbers like "Beedi" in "Omkara" and "Shalu ke thumke" in "Bin Bulaye Baraati".
The song, composed by national award-winning duo Ajay-Atul and sung by Shreya Ghoshal, has become the USP of Karan Johar's "Agneepath", a remake of Amitabh Bachchan-starrer 1990 movie of the same name. It has garnered over five million views on Youtube.
"Public has given us a lot of love and appreciation. We gave our best... I did all that I could do from my end. I would like to thank everybody for all the love," he added.
The action-drama, slated for a Jan 26 release, features Hrithik Roshan as Vijay Dinanath Chauhan, originally played by Amitabh. Priyanka Chopra, Sanjay Dutt and Rishi Kapoor will also be seen in key roles in the movie.

MJs hair retrieved from drain to sell for $5000

The tresses of the late pop star comes with a certificate of authenticity
Alock of Michael Jacksons hair is expected to sell for $5,000 after it was reportedly retrieved from a shower drain.The hair is said to have belonged to the King of Pop,and was removed from the drain after he stayed at New Yorks Carlyle Hotel.
The lock of hair is being offered for sale by auction house Gotta Have Rock and Roll as part of an online pop culture memorabilia sale.
Bids for the hair,which comes with a certificate of authenticity start at $1,000 but it is thought it could sell for $5,000.This event is taking place shortly after the unseen Michael Jackson documentary failed to sell at a London auction.
The film featuring footage of the singers Dangerous 1993 world tour,filmed in Argentina was expected to fetch 4 million.
Since his death in 2009 a barrage of Jackson-related memorabilia has been sold at auction houses worldwide.In June this year both the jackets he wore in his 1983 Thriller video and his famous white glove and fedora hat were sold.
On November 8th a pair of silk pyjamas and a bed he once slept in,were sold in Ireland.

Another bald step for Sanju

The actor has to shave his head again for Agneepath,Karan Johar wants him to be a part of the item number to be shot soon

Sanjay Dutts happiness on finally getting rid of the wigs he had to wear to cover his bald head,seems to be rather short-lived.The actor who had to shave his head to play the character of Kancha Cheena in Karan Johar's Agneepath,has to get rid of his hair once again.KJo,who seems particularly fond of the main villain of his film,wants the actor to be a part of the item number to be shot for Agneepath,which might feature Katrina Kaif as well.
A source informed Mumbai Mirror,"A few days ago,KJo called up Sanju.He told him that he has to shave his head again for the item number for Agneepath.Sanju was taken aback since he had been gearing up for his home production Satte Pe Satta.He told KJo that he has already allotted dates to Son Of Sardar and Satte Pe Satta.Both films are scheduled to go on floors soon.But KJo was adamant.Finally,Sanju had to give in."
"While this surely shows Sanju's commitment to work,it also goes to show how close the actor is to KJo these days,"added the source.Reportedly,Dutt had hosted a special party for KJo and Shah Rukh Khan to celebrate his wife Maanyata's birthday in July 2011.About a month later,Shah Rukh invited Dutt to his Eid party.KJo,Shah Rukh and Dutt have become rather close since then.
Dutt's character,Kancha Cheena in Agneepath,sports a bald look in the film.But since he had other films on the floors,to avoid continuity problems,Hollywood makeup artist Robin Slater was flown down to create the 'bald' look without actually shaving his head.
After the first couple of days,Dutt was experiencing problems with the makeup.With the temperatures at the shoot location,Diu,going up by a few degrees,the makeup started melting and dripping down Dutt's face.This instigated Dutt to shave off his head.
This bald look was maintained for the entire film.Meanwhile,famous wigmaker Victoria Wood had flown down to Diu to make a wig for the actor's other films.
While many may think that the actor can sport a tonsure for the item number,the filmmakers think otherwise."The tonsure look wouldn't match the one he has in Agneepath.Sanju will have to shave his head again for the song,"revealed a source.
Thanks to Victoria Woods wigs,Dutt will not even have to delay his forthcoming films,claimed the source."Neither Son of Sardar nor his ambitious home production Satte Pe Satta would get postponed.In fact,by now,he has quite a few wigs which would take care of his look in the films added the source.
Dutt and KJo remained unavailable for comment.

Shilpa plans her Bollywood comeback

Namrata Shirodkar's sister talks about her return to Mumbai and plans of getting back to films after 11 long years

Last seen in MF Husain's Gajagamini,actress Shilpa Shirodkar is back in Mumbai.Putting up at Santacruz,Shilpa is now looking for a fresh start in Bollywood.And her husband Aparesh and 8-year-old daughter Anushka too have shifted base from London,to be by her side.
Talking to Mumbai Mirror about her decision to shift back home,Shilpa revealed that it wasn't for her career but her daughter Anushka that she came back to Mumbai."My mom never treated me and Chimoos (her sister Namrata Shirodkar) as stars at home.She maintained that we wouldn't be acting forever.She told us about marriage and motherhood.And all that has stayed with me.So,I am not back because I am Bollywood struck,"said the actress.
"Apart from the fact that I wanted to be closer to my sister,I felt that Anushka should grow up in India.I was not feeling complete.I wanted my daughter to know where her parents come from.I want her to spend quality time with her grandparents (Aparesh's parents),"she added.
While quitting films had been a decision taken by Shilpa herself,her wish to comeback to Bollywood is also her own."Aparesh never stopped me from working in movies.I had an arranged marriage.I wanted to give it some time... to know my husband better.Once that happened,I found myself pregnant.However,I had never lost touch with Mumbai.I tried to visit at least once a year.But now that I am back for good,I definitely want to face the camera again,"revealed Shilpa.
Shilpa is also quite open to all kind of roles including a stint on television."I am not expecting to get what I left behind in 2000.Though I think I am not that old to play Shahid Kapoor or Ranbir Kapoor's mum,if the script is good,why not I have no reservations to meet up to the grueling long hours of work on TV shows either.Indian television has big these days.It's good fun,"said Shilpa.
Thanks to her in-laws living in Andheri,Shilpa doesn't need to worry about her 8-year-old either."I don't have to worry about Anushka when I am shooting.She would be in safe hands.She has got admission in Oberoi International School.My in-laws would take care of her if and when I am busy with work,"revealed the actress and informed Mumbai Mirror that her husband Aparesh is planning to start a production house,which would venture into films as well as television shows.
However,Shilpa hasn't met up with filmmakers or shared her plans to make a comeback."I am in touch with Madhuri (Dixit) and Madhoo.It's wonderful that she too is back in Mumbai and back to acting.I did catch up with Mithun (Chakraborty) over a meal,when he was in London a few years ago.Also,when Sanjay Dutt was shooting there for an Abbas-Mustan film,he called.That was really sweet.It feels good to know that there are people who value old friends,"said Shilpa.

A sparkling start

Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh got married 31 years ago in a lavish 20-day Punjabi wedding,breaking a million hearts.The successful romantic jodi was last seen in Dhan Daulat(1980) before Neetu quit films to be the quintessential Kapoor bahu.Captured by ace photographer Shyam Aurangabadkar,the newlyweds are seen celebrating their first Diwali after marriage in the picture.Surprisingly,clad in casuals instead of festive formal wear,Rishi looks at the camera excitedly while Neetu seems to be a little dazed in her long,flowing satin halter dress.Theirs has been one of the mosttalked-about marriages in tinsel town,remaining rock solid even in rough weather.Talking about rough weather,in 1997,Neetu allegedly called the police during the early hours,claiming that her husband was physically abusing her in drunken rage.However,when the cops landed at their house,she denied having called them,saying she was fast asleep during the so-called phone call.The couple that entertained the audience with their chemistry right from their first film Khel Khel Mein (1975) to Do Dooni Chaar(2010) in this picture taken at the first Diwali celebration after their wedding looks happy to be together.Lighting up their first Diwali with sparklers,Rishi and Neetu are seen enjoying the festival with fire crackers.The newly married Neetu in 1980 looks cuter than her gym-maintained supermom avatar of 2011.Looking a little like his son Ranbir Kapoor from Bachna Ae Haseeno,Rishi sports a T-shirt with a Love motif.From their seven-year long courtship culminating into a stable marriage of 31 years and still going strong,this adorable couple has surely come a long way.We wish them many more Diwalis to celebrate

MS PERFECT Taapsee

Taapsee gets talking about her co-stars,rocking career and her Bollywood moves Taapsee Pannu is curled up like a lazy kitten on her bed,but you can sense that her mind is racing at breakneck speed.She talks nineteen to the dozen,after almost an hour of our girly gibberish,I realise I am on an assignment.Taapsee is undeniably sexy,but her mind is even sexier.
Its been quite a while on the movie front,but she manages to keep people hooked onto her.She rolls her eyes as I tell her that.Quite a year with continuous shooting schedules,releases and promotions,she has earned herself a big name in the industry.Ask her if she has earned herself the precarious tag of being choosy,she refutes brilliantly,At first the movie chooses us,and then we choose movies.
All that she carries is her confidence and her love yourself mantra clearly shows.Yes youre right,I love myself because only then will others love me, the diva says,giggling.Each time I meet her,she seems to be reversing the clock.If she struts in sheer glamour,she also seduces with her earthiness.
Ask her about working with her counterparts in the industry and Taapsee says,All heroines dont have an option,its always the choice of the director if he wants to have a heroine or two.We work under directors constraints. She also adds that she makes sure that the character she plays is different from her counterpart.
Then we chat about her fellow actresses.Kajal is experienced and seasoned.So is Shraddha,she made her entry way before I did.I hate it when most people say first lead and second lead.I dont like this concept.Each of us is important in the film, she says as a matter of fact.
Taapsee is one of the very few actresses to dub in her voice.
I had a tutor initially,but my erratic work schedules wouldnt fit with his timings,then I just began to speak to my friends in Telugu and I now sound like a proper Telugu girl.It was a deliberate effort as I felt Mr.Perfect was the best option to kick off dubbing, she smiles.
We then speak about costars and she makes mention of her co-star Manoj Manchu.
We had our first schedule shoot for my debut film Jhummandi Naadam at Aaraku.Lakshmi and I were having a good chat sitting in my room,while Manoj (the chimpanzee ) wears this chimpanzee suit that he picked up abroad.I was shit scared and wouldnt stop screaming my lungs out.After this for more than a week we were on a mission to scare everyone on sets and have a good laugh looking at everyones reactions,she recollects.Dhanush (in Aadukaalam) too is one of her favourite co-stars.

Hrithik wins Rs 41 crore for KJo

Karan Johar has a reason to be happy.His forthcoming film Agneepath has fetched a satellite price of Rs 41 crore,the highest ever in the history of Bollywood.
A source told Mumbai Mirror "Agneepath is hot property in the industry today.The promos have got great response.Everybody is looking forward to seeing Hrithik Roshan playing the legendary Vijay Dinanath Chauhan,the role that Amitabh Bachchan did in the original.That's the reason the channel did not hesitate in shelling out Rs 41 crore.Even Aamir Khan's film with Reema Kagti and SRK's RA.One have fetched lesser money than Agneepath."
When contacted,Jayantilal Gada of Pen India,the agency for the channel,said,"Yes we have bought the film at a huge price but I can't speak about the economics in print.We had a couple of options but we went for Agneepath because we firmly believe that all of Hrithik's films except Lakshya have done tremendous business on satellite.The promos of Agneepath are a rage right now and that's why we put our bets on this film."

Who loves Ranbir more?

Move over, Deepika, Katrina and Nargis. The tiara of being the Kapoor scion's biggest devotees can be easily bequeathed to two young girls who met the star for a TV show, and returned, happily crazed some more. What's it like to be a budding superstar's frenzied fan, we find out

Seated at a patisserie off Linking Road in Bandra, Shikha Sharma is every inch your average, shy college girl, complete with a big, sweet smile, the mandatory satchel, and a T-shirt with rolled up sleeves. What isn't obvious, however, is how rabid a Ranbir Kapoor fan she is.
"His watchman recognises me now because I stand outside his home hoping to catch a glimpse of him every week, " admits the National College student. Her patience paid off when, about a year ago, RK Junior sped into his Pali Hill home in his red Audi, only to be accosted by Sharma and her friend, who insisted he stop the car, get out, and sign an autograph with them, all of which the "very down to earth" actor affably did, she gushes.
It's the kind of story that makes you cringe, or hark back nostalgically to memories of the poster of your teenage heartthrob plastered in your room, and go 'Aww".
It's also the kind of frenzy that landed 17 year-old Sharma the title of Kapoor's biggest fan, and gave her the opportunity to live the actor's life as part of Live My Life on UTV Stars.
But she wasn't alone. At 23, six years Sharma's senior, Khushboo Minocha is no less starstruck. Although meeting Kapoor was akin to striking gold for this Haryana girl, it didn't come without a dose of jealousy at having to share her moment of wonder with another girl. "I didn't want to be in competition with another girl.
Yes, I was jealous. We didn't know until the very last minute that we'd both actually be meeting him." No wonder the two even squabbled at one point, Sharma giggles, adding proudly that she was the one who won a quiz on the actor that was put to the duo as part of the show.
Minocha, who was over the moon when she was driven past RK's Pali Hill residence by his friend, tattoo and hairstylist Hakim Aalim, as part of her victory, also has 150 (yes, you read it right) pictures of the actor on her phone. This writer hardly had to ask her anything, because her excitement, even over the phone, is palpable.
Alternately sighing and laughing, she gushes, "I read that he learnt how to play the guitar for Rockstar, so I started playing it too. And now I can play it as well as him because I've learnt for as long." Talk about dedication.
Both girls agree that their object of affection was "humourous and very friendly."

No wonder their symptoms post Ranbir-iosis include "feverishness!" and sending a bouquet of flowers to his home on his birthday with a phone number and a request "for him to text me back if he remembers me as the girl from UTV, " confesses Sharma, who also nurtures aspirations of working with him at some point.

"Ranbir wants to turn director some day, and so do I, being a BBM student, " she says, sagely, before the veneer cracks and she laughs, "I don't mind playing a maidservant in one scene with him!"

For Minocha, the dream refuses to end. "I've been a crazy fan ever since I saw Saawariya in 2007. Now, I'm even more frenzied.

My friends asked me not to wash the clothes I was wearing when he hugged me, " she rattles off, concluding wistfully, "I was drinking hot water the other day, when he appeared on TV. I was so unsettled, considering I had just met him a couple of weeks ago, I dropped the glass, spilling it all over me!"

Genelia is Harman's last hope?

It’s My Life just got a new lease of life. Thanks to the favourable reports and response to Genelia d’Souza’s performance in her new release Force suddenly Harman Baweja’s long-delayed release of It’s My life has become an urgent issue with producer Boney Kapoor and director Anees Bazmi.
According to very reliable sources Genelia’s success in Force is just the window that the producer and director were looking for to release It’s My Life. The film is being spruced up big time.
Says the source, “Genelia’s is the third-most important role in It’s My Life after Nana and Harman. Ways are being devised to enhance Genelia’s presence in the film. A song is being added to the film. Shankar- Ehsaan-Loy have been asked to create a sizzling new number for Genelia to sizzle to. ”
Apparently, the Bon Jovi anthem ‘It’s My Life’ was being considered as the special add-on to the film. But Shankar Mahadevan denies the Bon Jovi connection. “We are doing a new title song for It’s My Life. We’re exploring various possibilities. But Bon Jovi is not one of them. ”
Anees admits the film is being spruced up. “We are definitely releasing the film finally on January 13. Yes we’re adding a song. I am not aware of how successful Genelia’s new film is. But yes, success of any kind does help the next picture, issmein koi shaq nahin hai. ”

Mangalore: Steevan Rego's Writeup on Shankerpura Jasmine Bags K J Shetty Award

Mangalore, Sep 29: The K J Shetty Kadandale annual award, jointly instituted by Yugapurusha and Vijaya Artistes, has been bagged by Steevan Rego, sub-editor of the Mangalore edition of Vijaya Karnataka.
The award is being given in appreciation of his well-researched writeup 'Malligeya KaTu Vaasane, Tragedy Ooru Shankerpura' ('The pungent smell of jasmine and tragedy town of Shankerpura'), published in the newspaper he works for.
The writeup detailed how the fertile land in Shankerpura and around in Udupi district, known for its internationally renowned jasmine culture, was steadily deteriorating because of indiscriminate use of chemicals, pesticides and inorganic fertilizers.
The award instituted in the name of veteran journalist, the late K J Shetty Kadandale, carries a purse of Rs 15,000, a memento and a citation. It will be presented to him at a function to be held in Yugapurusha auditorium in Kinnigoli on the evening of Sunday, October 2.
More on Steevan Rego
He has been working at the Mangalore bureau of the Kannada daily, Vijaya Karnataka as a reporter and sub-editor. Hailing from Puttur taluk, he has a BA degree from St Philomena College, Puttur and a Masters in Mass Communication and Journalism (MCJ) from Mangalore University.
He says he likes to write stories on film, agriculture, sports, lifestyle, fashion, arts, society and the like. Since he writes more on fashion, lifestyle and showbiz, friends and colleagues fondly call him 'Page 3 Journalist'.
It is a matter of credit to Yugapurusha that a genuine piece of research by a journalist, with hard work gone into it, has been recognized by them.

(Mangalorean.Com web portal)

K. J. Shetty Kadandale Award conferred on Journalist Steven Rego wins

Mangalore : Kannada daily Vijaya Karnataka’s Steven Rego, bags the K. J. Shetty Kadandale Award, instituted jointly by Vijaya Kalavidaru Troupe and Yugapurusha Publications.
Mr. Rego was chosen for this award for his report titled Malligeya Katu Vasane, Tragedy Ooru Shankarapura, published in Vijaya Karnataka.
According to the judges, the report has enhanced public awareness on the bad effects of using pesticides.
This award conferred in memory of late K. J. Shetty Kadandale, the veteran journalist, comprises Rs. 15,000, a citation, and a trophy.
The award will be conferred on Oct 2 at an awards ceremony at Yugapurusha Auditorium, Kinnigoli.

(megamedia webportal)

Mangalore: Steven Rego Chosen for ‘K J Shetty Kadandale Award’

Mangalore: Steven Rego Chosen for ‘K J Shetty Kadandale Award’
Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (RD/CN)
Mangalore, Sep 29: Steven Rego, sub-editor, Vijaya Karnataka, Kannada daily, has been chosen for the ‘K J Shetty Kadandale Award’. His article on ‘Tragedy of Shankarapura, a Land of Jasmine’, which was published in Vijaya Karnataka recently, was chosen by the jurors as it was an educative article highlighting the effects of excessive use of insecticides. It drew a contrast between rural and urban living.
The award, instituted in memory of late journalist K J Shetty, comprises Rs 15,000 cash, and a citation letter. The award will be presented at a function scheduled to be held at Yugapurusha auditorium, Kinnigoli, on Sunday October 2, stated Yugapurusha chief editor Kodattoor Bhuvanabhirama Udupa.

(Daijiworld web portal)

Journalist Steven Rego wins K. J. Shetty Kadandale Award

Mangalore Today News Network
Mangalore, Sept. 28, 2011: Steven Rego, a journalist based in Mangalore, has won the K. J. Shetty Kadandale Award, instituted jointly by Vijaya Kalavidaru Troupe and Yugapurusha Publications.
Mr. Rego is the sub editor of Vijaya Karnataka, a prominent Kannada daily. He was chosen for this award for his report titled Malligeya Katu Vasane, Tragedy Ooru Shankarapura, which was published in Vijaya Karnataka. The judges feel that this report has enhanced public awareness on the adverse effects of overusing pesticides.
This award, which is conferred in memory of late K. J. Shetty Kadandale, the veteran journalist, comprises Rs. 15,000, a citation, and a trophy.
The award will be conferred on Mr. Rego on Oct 2 at an awards ceremony at Yugapurusha Auditorium, Kinnigoli, according a press statement issued by Yugapurusha Editor-in-chief Kodethur Bhuvanabhirama Udupa.

(mangalore today webportal)

Steven Rego of Vijaya Karnataka bags Kadandale award

Mangalore, September 28: City based journalist Steven Rego has bagged K J Shetty Kadandale award, jointly instituted by ‘Yugapurusha’ publication and ‘Vijaya Kalavidaru’ troupe. Mr Rego is the sub editor with the Mangalore Bureau of ‘Vijaya Karnataka’ Kannada daily newspaper. Selection committee chose Mr Rego for his special report ‘Malligeya Katu Vasane, Tragedy Ooru Shankarapura’ published in ‘Vijaya Karnataka’. The judges have pointed out that report has created awareness against the excessive use of pesticides. The award instituted in memory of veteran journalist Late K J Shetty Kadandale, consist of Rs 15, 000 in cash, a citation and a trophy. The award will be conferred on Mr Rego on October 2, at a programme at Yugapursha Auditorium in Kinnigoli, stated a press release issued by Kodethur Bhuvanabhirama Udupa, the editor-in-chief of ‘Yagapurusha’

(cosatl digest: mangalore web portal)

Boy-next-door wins the girl

Akshaye Khanna,known to be rather reticent,has won the affections of Shreya Saran,who previously was linked to Salman Khan and Indian cricketer Sreesanth

He is one of the industrys most reticent actors.But it seems that Akshaye Khannas mild demeanour is working in his favour.Reportedly,the actor has managed to win over the girl that Salman Khan and cricketer Shreesanth could not hold on to.A source informed us that Akshaye and his Gali Gali Mein Chor Hai co-star Shreya Saran have hit it off very well.
The source told us that the two,who have been filming in Bhopal for Rumi Jaffreys directorial venture,have been spotted cozying up to each other for the past 15 days.Shreya and Akshaye hit it off from the get-go.Akshaye has been going out of his way to help her perfect her sequences in the film,since she is more familiar with South Indian cinema.It is clear that they are a couple.Everybody on the sets is talking about their relationship,albeit in hushed whispers, said the source.
And it seems that this new development is a stark change from Akshayes dating track record.The source explained,Akshay is very reticent and withdrawn.He rarely mixes with his co-stars.But his affinity for Shreya is crystal clear.Shreya is exactly opposite in nature.She is a social butterfly.It really seems that opposites attract
The actor was previously dating actress Tara Sharma.However,in January 2006,the couple ended their two-year relationship.Following his break-up with Tara,his personal life only came under the spotlight in 2010 with a rumoured link-up to Urvashi Sharma,his co-star in the suspense thriller Naqaab.
Shreya,on the other hand,has been more visible on the dating circuit.The South Indian actress was rumoured to be getting rather close to Salman.In fact,she was even invited to Arpitas birthday bash (On August 5,2011,Mumbai Mirror).Prior to which,she was linked to her Dum Maaro Dum co-star Rana Dagubatti.And before all the Bollywood men lined-up at Shreyas doorstep,she had a fan in Indian cricketer Shreesanth.
Despite repeated attempts,Akshaye and Shreya remained unavailable for comment.

Bikini killers wife in BB 5

Charles Shobrajs spouse Nihita Biswas will be in India by end of September to be a part of the show

On July 30,2010,Charles Shobhraj nicknamed the bikini killer was ordered a life imprisonment sentence by the Supreme Court of Nepal.And now,a year later,his 22-year-old wife Nihita Biswas is all set to take her first step towards stardom.Thanks to the reality television show Bigg Boss 5.Nihita has already confirmed her presence on the show known for its controversial content and will be arriving in India by the end of September.The show goes on air in October.
A source told regobalcony,The show depicts the lives of a handful of celebrities put together under one roof.Their stay at the house is captured on camera.Nihita,who is the wife of one of the most dreaded serial killers in the world will obviously add to the shows attraction.The channel got in touch with har last week and she has signed on for the show.
Earlier,Monica Bedi who was the girlfriend of dreaded gangster Abu Salem was also a part of Bigg Boss.The season grabbed a lot of eyeballs due to the controversial presence of the actress.In fact,Monica had also claimed on the show that this was her process of leaving the past behind and moving on.Interestingly,the moment Monica was out of the show,she started getting film offers.
Nihitas life happens to be as interesting.A source revealed,Charles was arrested in Nepal and was serving a sentence for killing a Canadian tourist in Kathmandu in 1975.Nihita had come to meet him and his interpreter.Charles and Nihita fell in love.He married her in October 2008 on the occasion of Bada Dashami in jail.The following day,Nepalese jail authorities dismissed all claims of their marriage.However,both Charles and Nihita claimed that they are married.
A source from the channel said,In the past too,the show has had controversial celebrities.With names like Nihita this season,looks like this will also be a controversial season. Ashvini Yardi,the programming head of the channel said,Were in the process of finalising contestants.And do not comment on speculations.

Vidya gets snipped

A few raunchy scenes in the trailer of the actress forthcoming film The Dirty Picture were cut to meet the censor board's demands

Ekta Kapoor's attempts at getting bolder with her films have just been thwarted.The Censor Board has objected to the second trailer of her upcoming film The Dirty Picture,directed by Milan Luthria.The officials felt that the trailer in question is too explicit and thus not fit for theatrical or television exhibition,unless it is given an A certificate.
A source revealed,"The producers wanted a U/A for the trailer.They wanted the promo to be shown with as many films as possible starting with Pankaj Kapur's Mausam,which is expected to hit the theatres next week."
The censors had objected to various scenes in the trailer and the producers had to make quite a few changes to it."A lovemaking scene between Vidya Balan and Naseeruddin Shah in the car has been removed.Certain abusive words in Shahs dialogue have been muted,"revealed the source and quickly added,"But the entire un-cut trailer is still available on the web."
When contacted,Balaji Motion Pictures CEO,Tanuj Garg said,"The Censor Board felt that a few scenes and words in the trailer might not be appropriate for television and for people watching a U/A film in cinemas.On the other hand,we were clear that we needed a U/A.Hence,we complied with their requests."

I AM A NOMADIC HIPPY

Actress Frieda Pinto opens up about success,being in love with Dev Patel and her recent blockbuster film

Shes one of the most beautiful women in the world,shes rumoured to be lined up as a Bond Girl and shes the new face of LOreal.But Freida Pinto,star of this summers big blockbuster Rise of the Planet of the Apes,doesnt care about all that all that matters to her are her acting skills.She says: Every time someone tells me,Oh you look so beautiful in the film I dont care.Just tell me if the performance was good.
In Rise of the Planet of the Apes,Freida plays primatologist Caroline Aranha alongside James Franco,who plays scientist Will Rodman.It was Freidas first time working on a big-budget film and she says she loved every minute.
She says: Its very exciting because Ive never done anything like this before.On a big budget,big studio film theres a lot of luxury thats thrown at you,like these massive trailers and these amazing make-up artists.And you have assistants running around bringing you coffee.
Slumdog Millionaire,the film that shot Freida to fame three years ago,started as a much smaller project,with a budget of about 9million,compared with Rise of the Planet of the Apes 57million.
Freida was an unknown model whose biggest claim to fame was appearing in a chewing gum ad in India when she was cast in Danny Boyles Slumdog.Acting alongside her was young Londoner Dev Patel,who was known only for youth drama Skins.The movie picked up eight Oscars,making millions and shooting its two romantic leads to global stardom.Their on-screen love crossed over into real life and now,three years on,Freida,26,and Dev,21,are still going strong.With their busy careers,spending time together can be a struggle.But according to smitten Freida,it is well worth the phone bills.
He is one of the cutest,cutest boys I have ever met,very down-toearth,very humble and so unaffected by everything that has happened, she has said.But their separate filming commitments do keep the young lovers apart more than they would like.
Weve missed each other quite a bit this year with filming.He even missed my birthday as I was in London and he was in India.
The pair keep in touch via phone calls and Skype and Freida is confident their relationship will survive.
Weve arrived at a situation where understanding is primary.We dont need to talk every day over the phone.Its just understanding that okay,hes doing a film right now,so today is going to be a busy day for him,hell call me up tomorrow.Thats what matters and how we make it work.Hes the easiest person to get along with and so funny. Freida cherishes her memories of falling in love with Dev when they were both relative unknowns.I dont think anybody could comprehend what happened during Slumdog Millionaire to me or to him.The only two people who can understand each other are the two of us.The small little things just bring so much joy and cheer to us.Like the time at the Oscars ceremony we just looked at each other and said,This has been an amazing journey.Thank you for being a great friend through it all.Thats what matters.
But Freida admits it took a long time before she realised that their friendship would cross over into romance,not least because when they met,Dev was just 18.He has this typical British sense of humour,which is a funny,sexual kind of humour.So he would flirt with everybody on set.Not in a bad way hed just go up to the women and say,Oh youre looking very sexy today and theyd be really happy.Here was this boy,trying to be a man,trying to flirt with a grown-up woman.He was just a bundle of joy.
Now Freida may be a huge star,but she and Dev both have their feet on the ground,not least because he still lives at home with his parents in Harrow,London.
We went out to get a bite a while back and he said he would take me to this really cool place to eat and he took me to TGI Fridays !
Mumbai-born Freida,meanwhile,describes herself as of no fixed abode.
She says: At the moment I am a nomadic hippy.I go everywhere with my three suitcases.Im just all over the place,going from one place to another.India is always going to be home,though,and I love the fact that I can travel to these different places and fit in and feel like I can make that home for a while.I am like a gypsy a gypsy with too much luggage!
But she admits that the time may be coming to find something a little more permanent.
I do enjoy it but sometimes I want to be settled.There are moments when you feel really tired but then that feeling goes away.Then I start seeing the joy in what Im doing as well.Plus Im young,so Im going to do it as much as I can and then when I get old and tired in two years Ill stop.
Where that will be is anyones guess,but England is very much in the running.Dev prefers London any day.Hes born and brought up here,he knows people here, she has said.
She admits she does work hard at keeping her fabulous figure.I generally just take care of myself.I watch what I eat especially when Im going to be in a tight costume.You dont want to be sucking your stomach in! But I never played sports growing up,I have flat feet.I cant run very fast,and I was always the one who was more interested in dramatics or board games.However I realised that just because I have been gifted with a fast metabolism,I cant take advantage of it and its important to keep yourself fit so I do yoga and pilates,and some boxing.I keep mixing it around.
As well as Rise of the Planet of the Apes,Freida has just finished shooting Immortals,in which she plays a Greek goddess who can see the future,opposite Mickey Rourke.Now she is looking forward to taking some time off in typically down-to-earth style.
This year I am really hoping for a break.To kind of pace it and have time off... shopping at Topshop is one of my favourite things.
Daily Mirror

Sallu visiting US for treatment

Salman Khan is not well and will be going to the America for a second opinion and further treatment.He may leave for US on Saturday.Sources claim that Salman is suffering from trigeminal neuralgia.
It may be recalled that Slman was rushed to Lilavati hospital in Bandra. “His pain was too acute. Salman, who is normally a very tough guy, was almost screaming. The doctors at Lilavati suggested that he visits Saifee hospital in Charni Road. At Saifee, he was advised to undergo angiography.
It is said that Salman had this problem about seven years back. He used to get spasms in his face. But the pain would go away. In fact, it vanished completely after a year or two. It suddenly came back about three months back. This time, it's more painful. He couldn't have neglected it further.
Salman was rushed to Lilavati hospital in Bandra last week when his pain was too acute. Salman was almost screaming.
The doctors at Lilavati suggested that he visits Saifee hospital in Charni Road. At Saifee, he was advised to undergo angiography. The source revealed, “Salman is in extreme pain. Every time he eats something extremely hot or cold, the pain intensifies. His jaw region hurts a lot.

Ganesh Hegde new album "LETS PARTY"

Ganesh Hegde who had released his debut album "G" in 2005, is all set to release his new album "LETS PARTY" this year!
He has been reported as the first Indian pop act to produce, write, direct and star in his debut music video (for his single Main Deewana). Ganesh feels that the industry of POP music has died and he wants to revive it. Ganesh's passion and dedication for music, choreography all started at a very young age. He wants to make sure that it does not die completely.
Comming out with a new album after 5 years wasnt easy. as he is solely responsible for coming out with the idea. He has solely written all the songs, and has choreographed 2 videos as of now. He is very excited and all set to release the videos!!!

Love,Krrish,Dhoka

Ambitious to star opposite Hrithik,Jacqueline ditches boyfriend Sajids film,gives dates to Roshans

There seems to be trouble in paradise for Jacqueline Fernandez and her beau Sajid Khan.And it's all because of the other man in her life - Hrithik Roshan.Reportedly,Jacqueline,who has been the recent victim of fame due to the success of Murder 2,has allotted the same dates in October and December 2011,which she had reserved for Sajid's Housefull 2,to Hrithik's Krrish 2.
The actress's diva antics have been the talk of the industry and with the enviable offer to step into Chitrangda's shoes for the Rakesh Roshan franchise (Mumbai Mirror,August 18,2011),a source informed that Jacqueline's professional behaviour is spiraling out of control and could potentially damage her personal relationship with Sajid.
The source explained that on Friday evening,Sajid got into a major altercation with Jacqueline,when he learned that the actress willingly agreed to allot the same dates to the Roshans."After signing the film at Roshan's office in Andheri,Jacqueline came straight to Sajid's house and broke the news to him.Initially,Sajid thought that she was joking.But when he saw that Jacqueline was serious,he understood that she had let her ambitions rule the roost,"revealed the source.
Reportedly,Sajid was informed about Jacqueline's decision to sign on Krrish 2 and was very supportive of one of her biggest breaks till date.However,he was caught unawares by her decision to prioritise Krrish 2 over Housefull2.
"The fight got very ugly and Jacqueline stormed out of Sajid's house.Since then,the two of them have not spoken to each other,"added the source.
A friend of Sajid told Mumbai Mirror,"He is obviously feeling betrayed.Clearly,Jacqueline is a very ambitious girl.Krrish 2 stars Hrithik Roshan,who is a superstar.Moreover,Krrish is a brand.But,Sajid was the one who gave her the opportunity to feature in the item song in Housefull and resurrected her career after her two flops."
The source explained that beyond the love spat,the professional ramifications of Jacqueline's decision are a major inconvenience to the filmmaker."Sajid doesn't know what he should do about Jacqueline's scenes that she was supposed to shoot for in October and December and how he is expected to re-schedule dates of the other actors in the film to suit Jacqueline's convenience,"said the source.
When contacted,Sajid Khan told us,"We have two schedules of Housefull 2 - one in October and one in December.But I haven't fought with anybody."When asked if his relationship with Jacqueline is status quo,Sajid said,"Love you.Bye."Jacqueline too chose to deny the story.

John's Dahi Handi

John Abraham visited the dahi handi utsav at Pokhran, Thane, and yesterday. The actor along with producer Vipul Shah and director Nishikant Kamat also did the music launch of their film Force.
John, wearing a Gandhi cap, spoke in Marathi. He bankrupts a handi which was named the anti-corruption handi. The star also said he sustained Anna Hazare's basis and that "the chors should be thrown out!" The always politically proper John is finally speaking out. Blame it on Force?

Lata supports Anna,SRK 'smiles'

Melody queen Lata Mangeshkar has extended her support to Anna Hazare's fight against corruption. Mangeshkar sent a message to the Gandhian saying she supported his fight for a strong Lokpal Bill. This was announced by Hazare aide Arvind Kejriwal at Ramlila Maidan. The 81-year-old took to twitter to support Hazare, saying she could not stop herself when the issue is related to corruption.
"Namaskar, mujhe raajneeti na samajhme aati hai na hi usmein koi dilchaspi hai, parantu bhrashtachaar se humara desh mukt hona bahot zaroori hai, isiliye main anna hazaare ji ke is bhrashtachaar virodhi abhiyaan ka samarthan karti hun... (I don't understand politics nor do I have an interest in it. But I feel, our country should be free from corruption, so I lend my support to the cause Anna Hazareji is fighting for)," Mangeshkar posted on Twitter.

However,

Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan declined to comment on the anti-corruption movement launched by Anna Hazare. When journalists asked him at the airport here on Hazare''s campaign, he just smiled and walked on.
Khan was on his way to attend the inauguration of luxury hotel, The Raviz, in Kollam. He lavished praise on the beauty of Kerala. "I am coming after a long time. It is fantastic to be here. I was here (in Kerala) for ''Dil Se''," he said. Khan, along with Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, launched the logo for ''Kollam Feast'', a tourism promotion campaign, at the Asramam Maidan at Kollam, about 70 km from Thiruvanathapuram.

SRK learns parrot talk with daughter

He has often been labelled as the perfect family man and actor Shah Rukh Khan makes sure that he keeps up the track record.
The 45-year-old actor for the past few days has been spending time at home with his children--studying history and learning to talk with a parrot.
"Been reading Tagore, writing phone numbers to call that I have ignored for months, studying history with Suhana. Learning to talk with a parrot. Counting blessings. Teaching namaz to children. Growing hair with a vengeance," he wrote on Twitter.

Katrina Kaif gets pricier

Even as one actress after another is being termed the leading diva of Bollywood, there is someone who is staying away from the clamor and quietly laughing on her way to the bank.According to Eye TV India quoting sources Katrina has been signed on to endorse a brand for the unheard of price of Rs 40 million.
She has been riding high on the success of ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’, and now has a new feat to celebrate, as she has overtaken not just other Bollywood actresses, but even Sachin Tendulkar, on the endorsement deal front. Her latest deal has put her undisputedly on top of her game. But trade watchers say that Kat’s numero uno position has been crystallizing for quite a while now.
Besides, the pretty actress has recently said that it is more fun working with the younger heroes than the older ones. In the beginning of her career, she worked with senior actors like Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar.
Later, she was paired with the younger actors like Ranbir Kapoor and Imran Khan. She said it is very different working with older heroes because of the age difference of about 20 years. She added a young Imran would come on the sets, would kick her playfully...at times there would be nothing constructive though. And one senior actor Katrina is terrified working with is Salman's arch foe Shah Rukh Khan. She will soon romance Shah Rukh on the big screen though.

Any idea why Kareena is upset

Kareena Kapoor is upset after learning of rumours being apparently spread by a contemporary actor. This actor apparently told a common friend that Kareena's wax statue at Madame Tussauds was "nothing but a gimmick".

"Kareena was deeply hurt when she heard about the heroine bitching about her in her close circles. You will never find her talking to her again. She is hurt," says a close friend of the actor. Apparently, the heroine in question is also getting her share of international fame that she and her publicity team have been steadily working on, over the past few months.

Meanwhile, there are reports that post her retirement from Bollywood, actor Shamita Shetty is now keen to follow in her elder sister actor Shilpa Shetty's footsteps and settle down.
And insiders reveal that the Shettys' are already looking out for a suitable boy for Shamita. Shilpa too admits to the marriage bit. She however dismisses all the groom-hunting talk. "Of course, Shamita will get married someday and we are waiting for her big day too, but first there should be a guy na," smiles Shilpa, revealing that the family isn't exactly playing match-maker. "We are not looking out for a groom for Shamita, she will find her own guy," she says.

Shilipa Shetty’s mother now producer !

Furious with the lack of funds, progress and initiative and determined to complete and release what she considers a remarkable work of cinema, Shilipa Shetty’s intrepid mother has taken over the production of her daughter’s Indo-Chinese production The Desire: A Journey Of A Woman. She has apparently edited the film down to 95 minutes and is readying the film for various international film festivals.

When contacted Sunanda Shetty admitted, “The websites claim Tracy Shiyun is the co-producer. Not true. She went to court and lost. I am the sole producer of this project.

We’ve made changes for the betterment of the movie. If I had to turn producer I wanted the film to be what I as a member of the audience would like to see. Yes, we’ve cut the length down. ”

If Shilpa Shetty’s mother Sunanda Shetty has turned producer Lord knows there was enough provocation to do. Apparently the ambitious film about an Indian girl quest for spiritualism through her Odissi dancing was on the verge of being shelved when Mrs Shetty agreed to step in as producer.

Says a source, “The Desire …had gone grossly over-budget and had also become too long. When Mrs Shetty stepped in the length of the film was unmanageable at 2 hours 25 minutes.

Mrs Shetty cut the film down to size at 95 minutes and is sending it off to various international film festivals. She also had areas of dispute with the director R Sarath on several counts. ” Says Mrs Sunanda Shetty, “When I decided to step in as producer the film was in serious trouble. It was stuck for over a year. But I immediately saw the potential in it.

I was told there was just a few weeks’ shooting left when in fact we had to shoot for a good six months more. But it’s been worth it. It’s a beautiful story and has a great role for Shilpa. My daughter warned me not to turn producer now when I had desisted from doing so all these years.

But somehow more than the concerned mother it was the film buff in me that realized the potential of this film. I jumped into the ocean without knowing how to swim. ”

The proud and protective mother makes it very clear that she took on the onus of being the sole producer of this film because of her darling daughter’s sake. “What appealed to me in the film is the fact that a girl could lead her life on her own terms without adhering to the so-called dos and don’ts. I strongly believe a girl child should be allowed to follow her heart. ”

The untold story SRK's father

Taj Khan was a handsome young man when India was dived on communal lines in 1947. Activist of Congress in his home town in Peshawar, he was deeply hurt when Hindus and Sikhs from Pakistan started migrating to India and Muslims to Pakistan.
As a secularist and somebody who shunned the two-nation theory of MA Jinnah, he too decided to shift to secular India rather than staying back in a country carved out for Muslims. Father of certain Shah Rukh Khan of Bollywood, Taj Mohammad came to Delhi once and for all leaving behind his home.

Unlike the general perception that only Hindus and Muslims migrated to India in the wake of partition of the country in 1947, if not in large numbers, many Muslims families too decided to shift to India rather than staying in an Islamic country.

Taj Mohammad too shifted his family India. Taj Mohammad, whose family used to live at Bazar Kissaa Khani in Peshawar city, was a Congress activist and totally opposed to the idea of partition of the country on the basis of religion. He came to Delhi along with his family members.
Taj Mohammad was a lawyer and died of cancer in 1981. According to an ex-IAS officer of Maharashtra cadre and keen student of Modern Indian history, Zafar Iqbal, "many prominent Muslims families with secular and Congress background had decided to migrate to India at that time. They were not at all ready to live in an out and out Islamic country". Prominent Congress leader Mohammad Yunus, a close relative of Frontier Gandhi Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, too came to India. He was one of the founders of Trade Fair Authority of India.

Noted theatre activist and teacher in Satyawati College of DU, Shamshul Islam’s family also rejected the very thought of living in an Islamic Pakistan. “ My grand father and father came to India in 1947 in the height of communal clashes. I really owe to my elders that they shifted to India instead of staying back in Rawalpindi.
Despite some issues, India is a great nation,” he said. Once HC Shourie, who was the Rehabilitation commissioner of refugees, told this reporter in late 80s that some Muslims families from NWFP region of Pakistan came to India as there was not much impact of Jinnah and Muslim League there. The local people were close to Gandhiji and Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan. That was the major reason for many Muslims to leave Pakistan and settled in secular India.

It may be recalled that Mr Shourie was a very respected Consumer Right activists and father of eminent author and journalist, Arun Shourie and TV personality Nalini Singh.

KISHORE KUMAR: THE MASTER'S VOICE

Lata Mangeshkar called him the Sampoorna Kalakar (complete artist). For her he was Danny Kaye of India. For millions of listeners worldwide Kishore Kumar's voice is sheer magic and his presence on screen, a laugh riot. The most versatile personality of all times, Kishore Kumar was one of the few artistes who could act, sing, direct, edit, compose and write scripts. There are many facets of the genius, which added up to what Kishore Kumar as a person was- eccentric, crazy but one of the biggest entertainers.Today is the birthday of Kishore Kumar .

He was born as Abhas Kumar Ganguly on 4th August 1929, in a middle class family in Khandwa. He was the youngest in the family. He had no formal training in music but was blessed with a melodious voice. Even as a boy, he was enamoured by Saigal's style of singing. Like Saigal, he too had natural instincts and talent on his side.

When struggling to become a singer he was often told by people, 'Aapki awaaz mein woh baat nahin hai' (your voice has something amiss) and even his elder brother, the legendary actor, Ashok Kumar wanted him to be an actor instead of a singer as he thought that actors are better paid. But all that Kishore Kumar wanted to do in life was to sing.

At the age of 18, he came to Bombay where elder brother Ashok Kumar was a major star. He got his first opportunity as a singer in Bombay Talkies Ziddi, 1948 where he sang the song Marne ki Duayen Kyon Mangu for Dev Anand. Being an ardent admirer of K.L. Saigal, the song was sung in the style of the legend.

Kishore Kumar became a hero with Andolan, but gained popularity with Ladki in 1953. Overall he acted in about 80 odd films and at one time he was rated one of the most popular actors. In fact, he was so busy with his acting career that for one of his films singer Mohd Rafi had to do the playback.
Acting was one thing which he hated as he did not like to be dictated by his directors. One interesting anecdote has it that Kishore Kumar was once issued a court order that he should always listen to his directors. So, once when he reported for shooting, he was reluctant to get down from the car as his director had not instructed him to do so.

He got recognition as a comedian with his hilarious films Half Ticket, Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi, Funtoosh and Padosan. He made Door Gagan Ke Chaon Mein in 1964, which won him an international award. His film Door Ka Rahi in 1971 was also widely appreciated. The movies directed by him stressed on serious themes and a sentimental kind of music, which he had aspired for, especially after being portrayed a comical hero all through the series of movies he had done.

Kishore was initially taken quite lightly as a singer and was given mainly lighter songs by Burmanda and other music directors. But with the soulful Dukhi Man Mere from Funtoosh, 1956, Kishore was now taken seriously as a singer. Though a very popular comedian of his time it was Kishore's singing trait that made him a legend.
Kishore's long and fruitful association with S D Burman began with Pyar, starring Raj Kapoor. It had two of Kishore's rare sentimental numbers- O bewafa, yeh to bata loota chaman kyon pyar ka and Mohabbat ka chotasa ek ashiyana. He sang 112 songs for Burman and would have sung more but for the rift that developed between them in 1958. They settled their differences in 1965 with Kishore singing Khwab ho tum ya koi haqeeqat from Teen Deviyaan and Gaata rahe mera dil from Guide.

Singing for S D Burman and his son R D Burman, Kishore's career spanned two generations of listeners. But Kishore was more popular among the younger listeners, mainly due to the success of R D Burman's music in films like Kati Patang for the song Yeh jo mohabbat hai and from Amar Prem it was Chingari koi bhadke.
The runaway success of the songs of Aradhana, 1969 pushed Kishore into prominence, eclipsing all others with the popularity of Meri sapnon ki rani and Roop tera mastana and he soon came to be recognised as the voice of the then superstar Rajesh Khanna.

His greatest contribution to filmdom was his style of yodeling in songs like Mein hoon jhumroo and Haal kaisa hai janaab ka. But the true versatile singer that he was, he also sang all-time sentimental hits like Jeevan se bhari teri aankhen, Kuch to log kehenge, Mera jeevan kora kagaz, Zindagi ka safar and Ye jeevan hai.
His romantic numbers still remain unparalleled with songs like Mere naina saawan bhaadon, Yeh shaam mastani, Kehna hai kehna hai, and Mere mehbbob qayamat hogi. When it came to singing fun songs, he sang Aake teekhi lagi, Khaike paan banaraswala, Ina meena deeka, Ik chatur naar and Zarurat hai.

As his fame grew so did stories of his eccentricities. He put up a board outside his house saying This is a lunatic asylum. He reportedly spoke to his trees in his backyard addressing each by a special name. His personal life was also very eventful.
His first marriage, to Ruma Guha (Amit Kumar's mother) broke up, while that with Madhubala ended with her premature death. His marriage to actress Yogita Bali lasted just about a month. He then married his fourth wife Leena Chandavarkar who was two years older than his son, Amit! He would often say of Leena, his last wife, who survived him, that he married only Leena; the rest married him.

Kishore remained at the top till the very end succumbing to a major heart attack on 13th October 1987. He was still full of life. He was just 58. His sudden death created a void that hasn't been filled ever since.

Rs 8 crore Heroine

Kareena becomes Bollywoods highest paid actress beating Aishwarya Rais record of Rs 6.5 crore for Rajinis Robot

Kareena Kapoor might have played saviour to director Madhur Bhandarkar and UTV by stepping into the shoes left empty by Aishwarya Rai in the film Heroine.But the actress is surely being recompensed for it.Recompensed a bit too extravagantly if one may say so.The actress who had reportedly demanded Rs 10 crore for the project has now settled for Rs 8 crore,the highest sum paid to a leading lady in Bollywood ever.
A source close to the project revealed,"After Aishwarya left the film midway due to her pregnancy,Madhur was left with very few options.At one point in time,the filmmakers had even decided to shelve the project.However,UTV was very keen to work it out with another heroine.And since work had started on the same,they decided to rope in another heroine for the film.They had very few options to choose from.Vidya,Priyanka and Kareena were the only options.While Priyanka did not want to do the film since it was very similar to Fashion,Vidya was already busy shooting for Ekta Kapoor's Dirty Picture."
"Madhur was forced to go back to their original choice Kareena Kapoor.This time around,Kareena decided to do the film.Then began the task of getting her dates.Her diary already choc-a-bloc with dates given out for Bodyguard,Agent Vinod and Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Part 2,making time for Madhur's project seemed tough.Bodyguard is gearing up for Eid release.Portions of Agent Vinod remains to be shot and she had already committed to Once Upon A Time... However,Kareena juggled her dates and made herself available for Heroine.UTV wanted to thank her for her efforts and pay her well for it.The deal has now been signed for Rs 8 crore.Though reports suggested that she had asked for Rs 10 crore,the final figure is now Rs 8 crore,"added the source.
"This is the biggest amount any actress in the industry has received so far.While the leading actors always get a lot ore money than the heroines,Kareena seems to have broken that barrier,"concluded the source.
While Siddharth Roy Kapoor of UTV Motion Pictures chose not to reply to our text messaged,Kareena and her spokesperson refused to comment on the same.

HIGHEST PAID TILL DATE...

*Kareena seems to have taken over from Ash in ways more than one.She has not only replaced Mrs Rai Bachchan as the heroine in Madhur's film,but also as the highest paid actress of B-town.Ash who was reportedly,paid a whopping Rs 6.5 crore for Rajinikanth's Robot was till date the highest paid actress.

*Before Ash,it was Priyanka Chopra who made the headlines by signing Harry Baweja's Love Story 2050 opposite Harman for Rs 1.5 crore.

* The first time an actress' remuneration made headlines was when Deepak Chopra signed Preity Zinta for his film Yeh Raaste Hai Pyaar Ke for Rs 91 lakh ten years back.Interestingly,this was after Kareena had opted out of the film at the last minute.

Rakhi gets pricey

Rakhi Sawant is giving a general entertainment channel a run for their money (literally !).
Rumour has it,Rakhi who has been ordering costumes and wigs for her latest show Gajab Desh Ki Ajab Kahaaniya on the channel,has ended up running a bill amounting to a whopping Rs 72 lakh.
The channel officials has asked Rakhi to be considerate and reduce the expenditure by half because it is difficult for them to pay such a huge amount;however,Rakhi refused to budge.
The show Gajab Desh Ki Ajab Kahaaniya is the other name for her previous show Rakhi ka Insaaf.This will showcase Rakhi tackling people's personal issues but with a difference.Reportedly,the show will be aired on a general entertainment channel at 10:30 pm from 18th July 2011 onwards.
With Rakhi spending a bomb on her looks,it will be worth a wait to see her on the show yet again.VL

Meena Kumari comes alive

Sunidhi Chauhan and Shandaar Amrohi will lend voice to the actress poems to be released in video and audio CDs

Soon people will get to hear the late veteran actress Meena Kumaris poems in video and audio CDs.A brainchild of Kamal Amrohis son Shandaar and Reena Roys sister Barkha (both previously worked together on Shandars biography From Somewhere to Nowhere) are now launching video and audio CDs featuring many poems written by the yesteryear actress.A source said,She had written many poems.Now,her step son Shandaar Amrohi is putting together all Meenas poetries in a music video.
Meena Kumari and her filmmaker husband Kamal Amrohi had started to develop strong differences,both professionally and in their married life.The fights eventually led to their separation in 1960,and ultimately divorce in 1964.The divorce had emotionally affected the actress.A charming woman before,she was soon engulfed by depression and took to heavy drinking as a solace.The couple remarried,but by then Meena Kumari had become an alcoholic.Her sorrow drove her to write poetry.The actress in one of her poems wrote about Kamal - Tum kya karoge sunkar mujhse meri kahani,Beluft zindagi ke kisse hain pheeke pheeke (Why do you want to listen to my story,colourless tales of a joyless life).At the time of her divorce,she had written - Talaak to de rahe ho Nazar-e-kahar ke saath,Jawani bhi mere lauta do Mehar ke saath (You are divorcing me with rage in your eyes.Return me,my youth along with the dowry).
When contacted,Barkha told Mumbai Mirror,I am not only producing the video but also co-directing it with Raoul V Randolf. Randolf co-wrote the screenplay of Ashutosh Gowarikers Abhishek-Deepika starrer Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey.Sunidhi Chauhan and Shandar will lend their voices to Meena Kumaris poems.We shall be coming out with Meenajis poetry on audio casettes too.Currently,we are looking out for young models to act in the videos, Barkha added.
The idea to put Meena Kumaris poetry on video and audio CDs is Barkhas brainchild said Shandar and added,I was very fond of Meenaji.I was 27 when she passed away.I have kept all her poems safely and its time that I bring them out so that everyone can avail of them. The video and audio CDs are expected to be ready by September.

Raveena to play Niira Radia in the Sanju-starrer Alert

Her comeback film Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap released only a few days ago and Raveena Tandon is already back on the sets,filming for Sojan Josephs Alert in Goa.And rumour has it that her co-star Sanjay Dutt might have been responsible for getting the actress on board.But more than the casting,its her role that is garnering attention.Reportedly,the self-proclaimed non-political Tandon,is essaying the controversial corporate lobbyist Niira Radia in the film.
A source told us,Raveena plays a glamorous,sexy,high-profile lobbyist,who befriends the most powerful politicians and industrialists and even gets embroiled in a phone-tapping scam. Apparently many details from Radias life have been incorporated into creating Tandons character.
The source also explained that the filmmakers have intentionally avoided naming Tandons character Niira Radia as they wanted to highlight deeper resemblances.The actress has been reading up extensively on Radias life to prepare for the role.Raveena thinks Radia is a victim of the system and did not do any wrong knowingly.But at the same time,Raveena doesnt want to play Radia as a victim, added the source.

A screening for starters

Uncle Abhay Deol invited his nephew,Sunny Deols son and an aspiring actor Karan,for a special screening of his recent film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

As if Aamir Khan and Imran Khans mamubhanja PDA was not enough another chacha-bhateeja duo is here to paint the town red.On Thursday night Abhay Deol organised a special trial of his recent film directed by Zoya Akhtar Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara at a multiplex in Bandra for Sunny Deols son and his bhateeja,Karan and his friends.
Incidentally,Karan,better known as Rocky in the Deol khandaan,is grooming to make his Bollywood debut in the next couple of years.The 19-year-old has also enrolled for an acting course at Rahul Rawails Stella Adler Academy in Juhu.A source close to the Deols said,Karan is all set to storm Bollywood in the next couple of years.A proper launch vehicle is being planned.Karan will be launched by Vijayta Films and right now is being groomed.Earlier he joined Rahul Rawails acting academy.Sunny is someone who firmly believes in Rahul Rawail.Rahul was the one who launched Sunny with Betaab and then made quite a few films with them.He is also going to make the Yamla Paagla Deewana sequel.The 19-yearold is currently concentrating on his studies.
The source further said,Karan is extremely close to his father.So,far Karan has been protected and Sunny doesnt want him exposed in Bollywood.Thats why he is never seen at any of the parties or functions of any Deol film.However,now he will be making a lot of appearances before he makes his big debut.
Karan,watching this chacha on-screen can be a fun and learning experience.Hope you learnt your lessons well.

Nayans rejects Simbu!

The actor approached his ex-flame to reprise Malaika Aroras item number inDabanggfor the Tamil version

Alot is happening in Nayantharas life.Speculation is rife that the Kerala-born actress is all set to tie knot with director-dancer Prabhu Deva soon.Though reports she say she has bid goodbye to the tinsel world,producers /directors are still chasing her with big projects and dream roles.
The latest we hear is that Silambarasan,who was once dating Nayanthara,has approached the actress for an item song in his new film Osthi,the remake of Bollywood blockbuster Dabangg.Directed by Dharani,Simbu and Richa Gangopadhyay are playing lead roles in Osthi.
The film was launched in Chennai and some sequences were shot in Mysore.
Madhu Shalini is going to reprise Mahie Gill's role in Osthi.But one question that has been lingering in everyones minds is whos going to step into the shoes of Malaika Arora Khan for the Munni Badnaam Hui song in Tamil.Sources say Simbu approached his ex-flame Nayanthara and requested her to gyrate for the item song.The two were in a relationship for a long time before they broke up in 2006.Despite the rumours that she called it quits,Simbu and Dharani approached Nayanthara to do the jig for one last time.
A Kollywood birdie tells us she was even given a blank cheque so that she could quote any sum she desired for the guest appearance.However,the actress turned down the offer.
Reports say Nayanthara,who wrapped up Balakrishna-Bapus Sri Ramarajyam,was in tears on the last day of the shoot.Shes playing Sita in the film,based on Ramayana.Industry sources say Sri Ramarajyam could be her last film before she ties the knot with Prabhu Deva.
The couple were spotted at the famous Guruvayoor temple in Kerala on Thursday.
Wedding bells We think so.

Chiller Party = Please Do not Laugh

Munni,Sheila and now Priyanka

Revising her decision to never do an item number,the actress may soon gyrate to a Sajid-Wajid number in Tezz

Every film,these days seem to be banking on an item number for it to catch the audiences attention.At least for the initial few days.And if that item number has an A-lister gyrating to it,it helps the film to market itself better.Aamir Khan did it for Delhi Belly.And even Ranbir Kapoor is all over television shaking his hips to the Tain Tain Phissh promotional item number from Chillar Party.Seems like Priyanka Chopra too doesnt want to be left behind.The actress,who had earlier appeared in an item number with Shah Rukh Khan in Billu is all set to sway her sexy self for an item number in Priyadarshans forthcoming film Tezz,starring Anil Kapoor,Ajay Devgn and Kangna Ranaut.
If all goes well,Priyanka Chopra will be doing her first solo item number in the Ratan Jain produced venture later this year.The actress had stated in a media interview in late 2010,I have never done one (item number),and I dont think I will be doing one either. Looks like her determination never to get caught up in the item number frenzy has worn off within the year.
Priyanka Chopra,who has many a sexy number under her belt,including the Touch Me Baby song from Aitraaz,has never been eager to join the item number bandwagon.In fact,when Shilpa Shetty was called in for the Shut Up And Bounce item song in Karan Johars 2008 film Dostana,Priyanka had no issues with it.With good dance numbers coming her way,Priyanka had never been in a hurry to be an item girl unlike her contemporaries.But with item numbers being the talking points in films these days,the actress seems to have changed her mind.She will soon hear the song.Ratan Jain,the producer has spoken to her secretary and Priyanka has shown keen interest in the item song as well, revealed a source,talking about the dance number in Tezz,which might be the actress first ever solo item song.
The song in question has been composed by Sajid-Wajid.A source close to the film told Mumbai Mirror,Priyankas dance in Tezz will be as sexy as Malaika Arora Khans Munni act in Dabangg and Katrina Kaifs Sheila in Tees Maar Khan.
A special set will also be created in Mumbai to shoot Priyankas item number to make it bigger and better than the Sheilas and the Munnis.
Priyanka and her spokesperson remained unavailable for comment.

Suresh Oberoi as Rajkumar

In a film based on Veerappan,Kishore will play brigands role.Arjun Sarja will appear as STF head Vijay Kumar


AKannada film on late Veerappan is all set to go on floors,with actor Kishore playing the forest brigands role.Bollywood actor Suresh Oberoi has been roped in to don the role of late Rajkumar,who was abducted by the sandalwood smuggler.Earlier,veteran Telugu actor Akkineni Nageshwar Rao was to play the role,but the 86-year-old actor opted out,citing old age.
Arjun Sarja is playing Vijay Kumar,the former head of Special Task Force,who is said to have gunned down the forest brigand.
Sources say director AMR Ramesh is hunting for suitable locations for the film titled Attahasa.The makers say Suresh Oberoi has agreed to do the role.However,his character the kidnapping and the subsequent events will not be the central theme of the flick.Instead,the film focuses on the lifespan of Veerappan.The legendary actor was kept in captivity for 108 days by Veerappan and released after an alleged ransom was paid.Kishore has reduced his weight considerably for the project.I have to look like someone living in the forest, he says.But he is not going to sport a handle-bar moustache similar to the one Veerappan sported.
It will take me at least two years.That is not possible now.A moustache was imported,but that did not suit the requirement.Now a special one is being designed specially for the role, he says.Nagappa Maradagi,who was abducted along with Rajkumar,will reprise the same role in the film.So will Shivakumar,who spent nearly three years in jail for his alleged links with Veerappan.The film will also be made in Tamil as Vana Yuddham.A film on Veerappan was made in Kannada years before he abducted Rajkumar.It won the best actor state award for Devraj.

Third time lucky

Singer Lucky Ali marries for the third time;his wife is a British model who is also pregnant

When Lucky Ali married his second wife he did attract a lot of media attention.Hence,when he decided to tie the knot the third time,he tried his best to keep it as a private affair,but the cat is out of the bag.The singer-actor tied the knot in a private ceremony a few months ago and his new wife is expecting.
Lucky got married to a British model.He is not only married but his wife is also pregnant, says the source.He was convinced that marriage was the right thing to do.There are no problems in the family and he has taken care of the finances for all his three wives, the source added.
When contacted Lucky admitted that his wife is indeed pregnant.Just keep it private.It is a blessing, he said.When quizzed about the marriage he added,I am not even talking about it as it has nothing to do with anyone.The child is expected soon.I am just a normal guy from Bangalore who creates music and had his 15 minutes of fame.And there is no reason why you should write about this.
Luckys first wife is Maymunah,with who he has two children Taawwuz and Tasmia.His second wife is Inaya,who too has two kids from him Sara and Raiyan.

GO ON,HAVE A BABY

An increasing number of women are becoming pregnant in their late 30s.Our expert provides insights and tips on how to have a healthy offspring


Aishwarya Rai is not the only one who wants to have a baby at the age of 37.A whole lot of working women in the city are opting to have babies only after they have turned 35.The trend is on the rise and it is evident at gynaecologist Dr Duru Shahs clinic."I cant put a specific number to it,but off late I handle more cases of pregnant women in their late 30s and 40s,compared to what I did five years ago.The cases are specific to working women,"she says.
Pregnancy acts like a bump in the middle of a career path for an ambitious woman,whether she is an actor,business woman or a corporate professional.As a result,the marriageable age for a lot of city women has gone up from 26-28 to 34-35 years.Shah says,"It makes it difficult for her to get to the top in time.When they reach there,they can then think about the baby."
However there is a slight risk involved when women decide to have babies at an older age.As the body clock keeps ticking,the chance of having healthy babies reduces with every passing year.According to Shah,a baby girl has two million eggs in the womb.By the time she is born,she loses a million of them.The other one million lie dormant till the time she reaches puberty.After puberty,a girl loses 20-25 eggs per menstrual cycle.The healthiest of the eggs are released first till the young age of 30.As the unhealthy ones are reserved for later years,complications could arise with the mother or the baby during pregnancy.On an average,a woman hits menopause by 47-50 years.
Aparna Deven Verma,42 years,got married four years ago.With everybody else getting married in her circle,there was a lot of pressure on her from her peers and family to get married in her 20s.At times she even felt left out.But she was not ready for it.She wanted to start her own garments business and see it grow."I was not ready for marriage,"she says."I had a dream to accomplish.If I got married and had kids early,I dont think I would have done justice to my role as a wife and mother."Verma had her first child,a baby boy,at 39,and her second child,a baby girl,two years later.She had normal deliveries without complications.

PROS



FINANCIAL STABILITY

Having had the time to establish herself in her career,Verma was financially well off to have babies and offer them a good upbringing.She was less concerned with her own needs and could devote the money entirely to her children."To have a baby is a big decision for a younger couple who are mid-way in their career,"she says."With rising expenses,it means they will have to curtail on their own needs to bring up a child.I never had such issues."

EMOTIONAL MATURITY

Verma got married to a person who she knew for 15 years."I had seen the world and grown as a person,"she says.When many younger couples get divorced due to differences,she had developed good compatibility with her husband."We
knew each other in all sorts of circumstances.This provided a solid
ground to raise a family,"she adds.


DEVOTED MOTHER


Settled in her career,Verma doesnt
feel any other pressure that will pull her away from giving full attention to her children."I fell very comfortable with motherhood.It wouldnt have been the same if I had kids earlier.Since I am not struggling to make a career now,I will always be available to my kids and have time to attend their birthdays every year,"she says.

HIGH TOLERANCE

Mature women also develop a higher tolerance level for their children."Women become a wiser and a patient parent as they mature,"says Dr Shah.

CONS



DECREASED FERTILITY

Dr Shah gives a rough low down on how fertility diminishes with age.She says,"If you take 100 women under the age of 30 and ask them to have sex for a year with their husbands,chances are 70 per cent of them will get pregnant.Take same number of women of age 35 years,and 60 per cent will get pregnant.At 37 years,the rate will be at 47 per cent.At 40 years,it will be 20 per cent and at 44,it will be hard to conceive.

LONGER TIME TO CONCEIVE

The ovaries produce few eggs at an
older age.So it takes much longer to
become pregnant beyond 40-42
years.


COMPLICATION WITH BABYS HEALTH


Because of a decline in a mothers health,premature delivery resulting in weak babies,stillbirths,miscarriages
and risk of type-1 diabetes and high
blood pressure developing in the
baby are high.

TIPS TO HAVE HEALTHY BABIES



1

If you are already 35 years old and don't have a spouse yet,the best thing to do is go to a gynaecologist and freeze your eggs.This will give you a better chance to get pregnant with you own egg instead of relying on a donor's,when you find a suitable partner.

2

Live a healthy lifestyle and exercise regularly.Cut down on smoking as it leads to premature menopause.

3

Most unmarried working women today are sexually active in their 30s.Many of them have abortions because they are not ready for the child yet.A series of abortions can damage the fallopian tubes beyond repair,thereby harming the chances of later getting pregnant.Abortions also increase the chance of internal surgical injuries affecting the fertility.

4

Women should not consider emergency contraceptive pills,such as I-pill,as a regular contraceptive,cautions Dr Shah."They are not meant to be consumed every time you have unprotected sex,but only for emergency situations,as they can cause severe side effects.