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Ash desperate to come back!

In last two years, no one film of Aishwarya has hit the box office marquee.

Her last Bollywood success was the average grosser 'Khakee' in 2004. Since then all her films - 'Kyon Ho Gaya Na' (August 2004), 'Bride & Prejudice' (October 2004), 'Raincoat' (December 2004) and 'Shabd' (February 2005) failed.

Last year she was in the news only for her item act 'Kajra Re' in 'Bunty Aur Babli'. Her latest release Paul M. Berges' 'The Mistress Of Spices' also is not doing well. The film has bombed in UK. As per industry source, Aishwarya is quite desperate to come back. She wants her throne back - the one she was on after 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam', 'Taal' and 'Devdas' clicked.

And Aishwarya is looking forward to her next three Hindi releases - Yash Raj's 'Dhoom 2', J.P. Dutta's 'Umrao Jaan' remake and Mani Ratnam's 'Guru'. It seems these are her return tickets. So this year is very important for her career for sure. However, Ash's supporters refuse to believe that it's a very crucial year for her.

But the fact is Ash is not getting younger. At 32, Ash has to deliver to stay in the race.

Salman opted out of 慚ilenge Milenge

NAGMA: I WISH TO ACT IN ALL LANGUAGES

Nagma who started her career in Bollywood with 'Baaghi' opposite Salman Khan and made her place there by doing twelve movies, moved to the South in search of still better career. There, she delivered so many hits with super star Prabhu Deva. Although she established herself in the southern industry too, she didn't feel satisfied and jumped into Bhojpuri movies.

From Bollywood to South and then to Bhojpuri movie, how are you feeling now?

I am feeling satisfied. I think by doing this I have improved my acting and I shall be able to do all types of roles.

Did you face any language problem?

No problem except in dialogue delivery. Laughs! - No, I am just joking. Doing Bhojpuri movies is really an honor for me. You may have witnessed that all big artists and filmmakers of Bollywood are moving towards Bhojpuri movies.

Which are your Bhojpuri movies at present?

I am doing 'Raja Thakur' in which you will watch Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malani beside others.

Do you envisage a bright future for Bhojpuri film industry?

Yes, definitely. I feel that after five years Bhojpuri industry will be as big and popular as Bollywood.

You have done movies in nine languages, what else you want to do now?

I would like to do movies in all languages.

IS SHILPA BREAKING ANUBHAV FAMILY?

Shilpa Shetty is again in the news; this time again for wrong reason. There are media reports that she has been responsible for breaking the happy married family life of director Anubhav Sinha and his wife Ratna who has been producing the children show for Zee TV. Anubhav Sinha of 'Tum Bin', 'Dus' and Sanjay Dutt starrer 'Tathastu' released last Friday, is already involved in some legal problems with his wife, it is said.

The latest allegation from Sinha's wife is that Shilpa Shetty who dominated her husband's 'Dus' wanted to be repeat this in his next 'Tathastu' too. However, Anubhav Sinha had to replace Shilpa with Amisha Patel at the last moment in view of the widespread reports of their affair. Anyhow, Shilpa lost 'Tathastu' but won Anubhav Sinha's heart the way he talked about in 'Dus' ( Dus Bahane..) Isn't it?

Incidentally, Shilpa has been reportedly frequenting temple these days. Is she praying to God for her new love finding? Maybe. However, she denies it and claims that she is just following in the footsteps of her elders. " I go to Lord Ganesa's temple early morning . Ganesa is our favorite deity. She adds that her family has a vast treasure of Ganesa's idols numbering 140 in different shapes and sizes.

Shilpa Shetty

BIPS: KK IS SEXIER THAN I

Bipasha Basu the much-talked actress of Bollywood, has obtained a special position in the industry. At present too she is doing so many big movies like Sanjay Gandhvi's 'Dhoom Part II', Rituparno Ghosh's 'Draupadi' and Madhur Bhandarkar's 'Corporate'.

How's the experience of shooting in Brazil for 'Dhoom Part II'?

It is a fun film and shooting it Brazil is really exciting. Working with Hrithik Roshan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai and Uday is really great for me.

Are you doing Rituparno's 'Draupadi'?

Yes, that's right. My parents want me to do at least one movie in Bangla. This is indeed great for me to do a movie with Rituda a well-known film director of Bangla movies.

You are working with K.K in Madhur's 'Corporate'. How's the experience?

In my view, K.K is sexier than I. He is one of the best actors I had ever worked with. He is long, sexy, dark, handsome and intelligent! But you need not worry about my comments about KK, as John knows that KK is well settled and he has a happy married life.

Bipasha Basu

Yukta enters small screen

Former Miss World Yukta Mookhey who began her filmi career like her other Miss World crown winners including Sushmita Sen, Aishwarya Rai and others, didn't shine like them even after a long time. Industry circles attribute the failure of her career to her wrong choice of films in the beginning. She started with 'Pyasa' and that proved her last too though she got offers of 'Memsaheb' and 'Kathputli' but they never hit theaters. Yukta is down but not out; she has rather moved to the small screen where Rakesh Chaudhary who has helped several artistes to shoot to fame, has given her lead role in his 'Grahdah'. This is a serial based on famous Bangla novelist Sharat Chandra. Besides, she is acting opposite a senior artist like Rajesh Kumar in this movie. Thus, Yukta has bright prospects to shoot to fame on the small screen.

Jackie Shroff in 'Bhoot Uncle'

Children have developed a keen interest in Hindi movies. Hence, the industry cannot avoid touching subjects of their interest. After all, Shah Rukh Khan and John Abraham depend a lot on children for their popularity. Jackie Shroff isn't new to children either. He has already acted in 'King Uncle' movie in the past. Now, he is playing a bhoot (Ghost) in the movie titled 'Bhoot Uncle'. Besides acting, Jackie has had a very different and children-friendly getup in this movie. The story of 'Bhoot Uncle' revolves around a kid and his friends. Children want to save their town from the onslaughts of anti-social elements, and their Bhoot uncle helps them in their struggle. Jackie is very excited with his role and his getup. Mukesh Saigal directs the movie and Baba Sehgal gives the music. Incidentally, Jackie says that he is also acting in Kishen directed 'Care of Footpath'. Kishen is a child director and Jackie wants to help him by playing the role of a political leader in his movie without charging any professional fee.

Dia Mirza as item girl

'Feroze Nadiadwala is known for item numbers in his movies as his every movie has an item number. Feroze began his 'Hera Pheri' with Namrata Shirodkar's item number 'Tunak Tunak Tun...'. Now Feroze is making a sequel of 'Hera Pheri' under a new title of 'Phir Hera Pheri' starring Bipasha Basu and Rimi Sen besides others. Since neither Bipasha nor Rimi are item girls, Feroze has signed Dia Mirza for an item number. Dia will dance on the tunes of Himesh Reshammiya with Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal joining the song. Dia, however, claims to be giving only a guest appearance.

SRK-starrer 'Don' to resume shoot soon

Old is gold. This is proved more by our filmmakers. We find that our filmmakers are very excited with old movies; they consider them gold. After 'Sholay' and 'Umrao Jaan' now it's the turn of Amitabh Bachchan starrer 'Don' which is selected by Farhan Akhtar for a remake. According to sources close to Farhan, Shah Rukh Khan been finalized to play the role of don (earlier played by Amitabh). Farhan has completed all formalities and will soon start it's shooting. That's why Farhan is busy these days looking for locations, the old ones where the original 'Don' was shot. He doesn't like shooting the movie in the studio.

Yana dearer than Aish

The sexy item girl Yana Gupta is very happy with her present image of an item girl. She is not enamored like others in her profession of shifting their image to that of an actress. She proudly says, "I am happy with my item girl image and I don't want to change it. I don't want to be become a heroine." What's the reason? Presumably, because she is getting more money as an item girl than an actress. After giving sizzling item numbers in 'Musafir', 'Dum' and 'Rakth', Yana got so many offers of movies, but she declined all of them. Recently, Yana has done an item number in 'Aaparichit - The Stranger' the remake of a Tamil super hit 'Aparichit'. For this item number, Yana is stated to have charged a fee larger than that of Aish for a single song!

Yana Gupta


Aishwarya Rai

I don't mind talking to Karisma: Riddhima

The newly-wed daughter of Rishi and Neetu Kapoor talks about marriage, family and reconciling with cousin Karisma Kapoor.

I don't mind talking to Karisma," says Riddhima Kapoor, daughter of Rishi and Neetu Kapoor, who's visiting her maika for the first time since her marriage four months ago.

It is well known that Babita and daughters Karisma and Kareena aren't on talking terms with Neetu and her children, Riddhima and Ranbir.

"I may even go across to her home in Delhi; in fact, her mom-in-law keeps calling me over," continues the 24-year-old who married Bharat Sahani, a businessman.

But, as of now, nobody has even introduced her formally to Karisma's husband, Sunjay. "I saw him once at a party," says Riddhima, "but nobody introduced us."

How has Riddhima taken to Delhi and marriage? "Bharat has been a great support in helping me adjust. Delhi is so different from Mumbai. Unlike Mumbai, in Delhi, women are always dressed in heavy saris and jewellery. I have been wearing a lot of saris, but I can't wear those heavy diamond and gold sets," she says.

In this time of crumbling marriages, what does she feel about the age-old institution? "Marriage is still a sacred institution. But it's certainly not made in heaven; you have to work at it," she asserts...

What does she have to say about growing infidelity in relationships today? "Sometimes, you may doubt your partner, but you can't doubt a person without a reason. But then, why live in doubt?" she says and goes on to point out the brighter side of the relationship.

"I have seen all this in my parents' marriage. They also went through their share of sufferings and sharings. They even survived rumours about their estrangement.

But look at them today. Even after so many years and ordeals they are so much in love. I want my marriage to grow like theirs," explains Riddhima.

Riddhima's one regret is not being able to spend enough time with brother Ranbir. "I haven't seen him since I left Mumbai. And now when I am here he has started shooting for his debut film.

I hardly get to talk to him," she complains. On a lighter note, she adds, "My God! I will see Ranbir on screen now, romancing girls. He has grown so much bigger and handsome. To me, it seems just yesterday when we used to play together," she recalls fondly.

Talking of Ranbir, her eyes light up, "I have a text message from him, which he sent on my wedding day. The message read like this, 'Your wedding gift is pending and I'll give it to you when I start earning.' It was so touching," she says.

Karisma Kapoor

Aishwarya Rai admits to being a victim of domestic violence at Cannes

Aishwarya Rai, the bollywood beauty was the cynosure of all eyes at the Cannes film festival and the beautiful actress did not disappoint. She shined and dazzled all around her with her confidence and beauty. However it was also here at Cannes that Ash抯 deep buried wounds resurfaced once again. Ash made an appearance for her film 慞rovoked

Kareena riding high

THIS summer Kareena Kapoor will further stamp her presence in the Indian and international scenes with a heady schedule that comprises a Cannes date for her film Othello, another venture with superstar Shah Rukh Khan, and the release of the much-touted 36 China Town.

Speaking of Othello or Omkara, seldom has the 25-year-old actress been so charged up about a movie. 揑 have a gut feeling that Othello is going to take me to another level.

Sushmita Sen attempts to kill herself

Does anyone recall the time when Bollywood actress Sushmita Sen tried to kill herself? I don抰 and I am pretty sure no one else does.

So then why has it been depicted in this week抯 new release Ankahee that she did?

It has been heavily promoted as the true story of Vikram Bhatt. Showing the time in his life when he had an affair with Sushmita Sen. An affair that ruined his marriage. But nowhere, has it ever been documented, that Sushmita tried to slit her wrists.

In the film however it shows that she did. Esha抯 first encounter with the film抯 hero is when she slits her wrist. Keep in mind that Esha is playing Sushmita in this film.

So is this just pure fabrication, or is the wrist slitting actually true? Did our Sushmita get so fed up with life that she tried killing herself?

Sushmita set to sizzle in Zindaggi Rocks

After her hard-hitting role as a sex worker in Kalpana Lajmi's Chingari, Sushmita Sen is set to appear as 搑ocking

Shahid-Kareena having a ball!

Having lost weight before leaving for the Rock Stars concerts, Kareena Kapoor is making waves in the United States and says both she and Shahid Kapur are overwhelmed with the response.

"The concerts are going unbelievably well. We have finished our performance in Washington. And the ovation is unreal. For Shahid it is the first time. He has never done live concerts before. And he is having a ball like me," Kareena said.

Kareena says the Rock Stars concerts are the best live shows of her career. "Every performance of mine from Yuva  to Chameli to Fida has the audiences on its feet."

Going into the details of the concerts, she says, "Shahid and I have an act together. I also have a dance number with Salman Khan. We have just finished Washington. Our next performance is in Boston. After that we will perform in Chicago, New York and then Toronto."

"Everywhere we go the screams of the audiences follow us. I tell you it is unreal. To watch them go insane after our performances gives me a high that I can't put into words."

Despite having an abbreviated role in her latest release 36 China Town, Kareena says the film has done quite well.

"Shahid and I have been accepted as a pair. We will now be seen in Priyan's (Priyadarshan) 'Chup Chup Ke. I really don't think life can get any better... or may be it can."

Kareena returns on June 14 to join the unit of Farhan Akhtar's Don in Malaysia.

"It's just a special appearance in Don. But my song Yeh mera dil pyar ka deewana rocks. I know there will be comparison with the original (Helen in Chandra Barot's Don). But all comparisons will be forgotten once people see what I have done."

Shahid Kapoor & Kareena Kapoor


[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 18-5-2007 05:53 PM ]

Rampal London-bound on mystery mission!

The dashing Rampal is off to London on a secret mission. Yeah, our scoop-spies say so. We抎 spilled the beans about Arjun turning into a filmmaker. It抯 about time it actually happens. Apparently, Arjun is off to London for the first schedule of his first film as a producer.

In fact, he抯 been tight-lipped about the project from the start. No prizes for guessing who抯 the lead man of this film

Preity Zinta's Cannes humiliation

We told you that Preity Zinta looked resplendent the Cannes film festival. But there is more to the story.

Reports are that Preity, escorted by Karan Johar , looking stunning and glamorous made a grand entrance on the second day of the Cannes film festival.

But the duo got a shock of their lives when they were refused entry through main door in Martinez hotel, where they have been putting up.

The reason given was that the main door was only for celebrities.

Visibly upset, Johar and Preity tried convincing security that they were celebrities from India, but the security refused to believe them and asked them to use the side door.

And both Johar and Preity had to oblige.

Preity, escorted by Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele, the president of jewellery giant Chopard attended two premieres: 慣he Wind That Shakes The Barley

Sushmita Sen may go to Pakistan

Pakistan may have banned Feroz Khan from entering, but it is looking forward to welcome former Miss Universe-turned actress Sushmita Sen .

According to a news report, Sushmita will travel to Pakistan in September to help cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan raise funds for his cancer hospital.

Sushmita confessed to being a big fan of the former cricketer for long.

"I have been a big fan of his throughout his career. And now, to be invited by him, especially for something that's so close to my heart, is a great honor for me," a leading daily quoted Sushmita as saying.

A meeting with Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf is also planned, the newspaper said.

Imran founded the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, a charity-based hospital in Karachi.

"It's a noble cause and I'll do whatever is within my capacity to increase cancer awareness," Sushmita was quoted as saying.

I am a gypsy: Lisa Ray

Lisa Ray, who disappeared from Bollywood after the hit 'Kasoor' and resurfaced with Deepa Mehta's 'Water', says being a global gypsy explains her long absence from the Hindi film scene.  
  
"'I'm a gypsy and a global citizen. I don't need to belong to any one place or any one film industry. Particularly one that doesn't throw up challenging roles for women,' Lisa told IANS.

'I'm flattered that Bollywood gave me any opportunities as I don't qualify as a typical heroine from any angle. So obviously, in terms of creative pursuits and satisfying myself as an actor, I'm finding interesting opportunities all over the world.'

However, she adds: 'I believe Hindi cinema is changing and if something challenging came my way, I wouldn't hesitate to consider it.'

About desi heartthrob John Abraham, her co-star in the film, she says: 'It was a pleasure working with John. He is professional, committed, generous, polite and talented.'

Q: How did you get into Deepa Mehta's 'Water'?

A: Deepa sent me the script for 'Water' under a working title - 'River Moon' - in December 2003. I loved the script, it was so lyrical and vivid. I wanted to be a part of this beautiful project because I greatly admire Deepa, love working with her and the story and script are extremely compelling.

Q: Was it difficult for you to get into an era and emotions that were culturally and chronologically alien to you?

A: Playing the character of Kalyani was a great opportunity to immerse myself in a life and era I was unfamiliar with. While the era and circumstances of Kalyani's life are very different, all emotions are universal. I welcome the opportunity to portray challenging characters in meaningful cinema and I am grateful to Deepa for giving me this opportunity.

Q: How much help did you get from Deepa in connecting with Kalyani's esoteric character in the film?

A: I received a lot of help and guidance from Deepa in connecting with Kalyani's character. Deepa is the consummate actor's director. Deepa gifted me with an excellent study on widows in India called 'Perpetual Mourning' and under her guidance, I attended a workshop with Neelam Mansingh, a gifted theatre director and Deepa's childhood friend, in Chandigarh.

I also visited Vrindavan and spent time in vidhwa ashrams (widow refuges) there. I was in drama school in London when I began working on Kalyani, so Deepa and I used to have lots of discussions and communication on character, actions and motivations and other acting grammar and technique.

However, Deepa also gave me the single most important piece of direction, which came from her heart. Deepa gave me an image to work towards. She said, and I am paraphrasing: 'I want Kalyani to be like a beautiful lotus flower, blooming in the murkiest of water, untouched by the muck underneath'. That was the one image that was most important for me in connecting with Kalyani's character.

Q: I believe you and John Abraham got along like a house on fire?

A: It was a pleasure working with John. He is professional, committed, generous, polite and talented.

Q: You also had the opportunity to work with some fine talent like Seema Biswas and Waheeda Rehman?

A: Unfortunately, I didn't get the opportunity to act with Waheeda Rahman as she plays John's mother in 'Water' and we don't have any scenes together. However, it was an honour to work with Seema, whose work I had always greatly admired.

Seema is remarkably down to earth and approachable aside from being one of the most talented actors in India today. She is so committed to her craft. As I was studying theatre at the time of shooting 'Water', and she comes from a theatre background, we spent many hours discussing theatrical techniques and form.

During the rehearsal period, Seema was so generous. She helped me get the nuances of my character right and answered any question I had. I am in awe of her as an actor and human being. Let me also say, there was a great camaraderie on the set of 'Water' among the entire group of actors and crew. I never felt I was working on a film. It is as though I was experiencing and living a different life.

Q: What happened to your career in Bollywood after a hit like Vikram Bhatt's 'Kasoor'?

A: I get tired of answering questions on Bollywood. It's true I had a lovely experience working on 'Kasoor' and it's true the film was a hit and I received many more offers. I would like to turn this question around. What are the compelling reasons for me to be a part of Bollywood? I am only half Indian, I grew up in Canada, my Hindi isn't perfect and as an actor I really lust for challenging roles.

I mean, given all this, I'm flattered that Bollywood gave me any opportunities, as I don't qualify as a typical heroine from any angle. So obviously, in terms of creative pursuits and satisfying myself as an actor, I'm finding interesting opportunities all over the world.

I'm a gypsy and a global citizen. I don't need to belong to any one place. Or any one film industry. Particularly one that doesn't throw up challenging roles for women. Having said this, I believe Hindi cinema is changing and if something challenging came my way, I wouldn't hesitate to consider it.

Q: What are your plans for the future?

A: I never plan. Also, I don't like cataloguing projects like a shopping list. Especially when we're talking about a project that is as precious to me as 'Water'. So in the immediate future, I've been tied up with a lot of promotions for 'Water'. It was an honour to open the Toronto International Film Festival. It was the first time a non-English or French language film has been given this honour.

'Water' was also invited to open many other festivals across Canada and I love gauging the audience reaction to this film, which is so far from most people's personal experience and yet has the power to strike a universal emotional chord in everyone who has seen it.

Q: Where do you hope to go with 'Water'?

A: 'Water' releases in Canada early November. Then we have our big American release by Fox Searchlight - again the first time they have picked up a Canadian or non-English language film - in the early part of 2006. The response to the film has been overwhelming. Individuals I greatly admire from Atom Egoyan to Roger Ebert have come up to me to congratulate me on the film and my performance.

I'm so happy for Deepa and the triumphant end to her journey. This is a strange business and you can never predict what happens, but I'm so gratified to have been a part of something that was made with integrity, passion and love - a lot of love.