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Ajay Hasn抰 Watched Kajol抯 慒anaa

Priyanka to shoot Promotional video for 慉ap Ki Khatir

Anil Kapoor: The Marathon Man

Anil Kapoor is a perfectionist. In reel as well as real life. These days he is busy playing the role of the housekeeper as wife Sunita is away with daughter Sonam on location for her debut flick 慡aawariya

Second half of 2006 looks good for Bipasha

After playing a miniscule role in the massive hit 'Phir Hera Pheri', Bipasha Basu must now be all charged with the second half of the year that promises a good outing for her.

July would be most crucial for her as she would be seen in two diverse roles. First to come would be her dream role as a corporate entity in Madhur Bhandarkar's 'CORPORATE' from which everyone is expecting an award winning performance from her. Soon after she would be seen in the role of 'BILLO CHAMAN BAHAAR', a dancer, in Vishal Bhardwaj's 'OMKARA'. A director par excellence, everyone is expecting a film of the stature of 'MAQBOOL' from Vishal since 'OMKARA' is far more commercially viable.

This is not all as she would he igniting a lot of heat this Diwali/Eid with 'DHOOM 2' where she would be seen in her stunning new hot avtar. While each of the three films looks like a guaranteed success, there is also a possibility of one of her backlog films, 'JAANE HOGA KYA', a sci-fi flick, finally seeing the light of the day.

With an overall impressive looking lineup ahead and number of other interesting projects in the pipeline, she may soon be entering the league of most-in-demand actresses before 2006 ends!

Sushmita Sen's new boyfriend unveiled

Who is Manav Menon? That is the question on everybody's lips. Here's some information on the new man in Sushmita Sen's life.

Manav Menon is the brainchild behind Footcandles Films, set up in 1993. He quit as the head of the film department in JWT Chennai to set up Footcandles as a one-man show, dedicated to making commercials. His brother Anand Menon, fresh out of IIM, Calcutta joined him in 1996 and is now a partner and executive producer. On the average, Footcandles produces 40 to 50 commercials a year.  

John Abraham pleads forgiveness from Aditya Chopra

John Abraham has gotten carried away with his star status but fortunately for him, seems to have realized it just in time. Not so long ago, Abraham kicked Yash Raj Films' 'Jhoom Barabar Jhoom' (directed by Shaad Ali of 'Saathiya' fame) but a recent change of mind made him plead forgiveness to Aditya Chopra, whom he left in the lurch after saying yes to the parallel role opposite Abhishek Bachchan. Bobby Deol is now doing John's role.

The realization dawned on Abraham, courtesy Salman Khan. According to a well-placed source, "During one of their moments of friction (when Salman was promoting Mallika Sherawat) at the recent Rockstar show, Salman unknowingly gave some gyan to John."

The source dismisses Abraham's effort to clear the air in the press that no such panga ever happened, as rubbish. "The panga very much happened. During a heated argument, Khan told Abraham that he did not realize what he was doing. Khan told him that he was crossing swords with too many people, including Yash Raj Films which is such a big and influential production house."

"Salman ne kaha to bahut hi gusse mein tha, lekin woh baat, John ke dil se lag gayi. He realized the long-term consequences of his newly developed starry attitude. He sat down and calculated that half the industry will shun him if he doesn't patch up with Yash Raj Films, who enjoy high respect and a following in the film fraternity. He decided to meet Aditya Chopra and say that he was sorry about his decision in walking out of Shaad's directorial 'Jhoom Barabar Jhoom'."

So how did Abraham set about to ask forgiveness from Yash Raj Films on the friction, which involved a phone call from Aditya Chopra telling him that he wouldn't work with them again (this was before John departed for the Rockstar show)? "Coming back from the Rockstar show, John went to Aditya. Aditya was in no mood to see him. John waited, waited and waited, but Aditya kept him at bay."

When contacted, Shaad Ali did not deny that such an incident had taken place, but all he would say is, "I do not talk about my films in advance. The two people involved are Aditya Chopra and John Abraham. Why don't you ask John? He will tell you."

We went all out to contact Abraham, but he was unavailable for comment. We sent him a message, saying that we wanted to know about his recent encounter with Aditya Chopra. But the actor did not revert back. A source close to John told us, "John has indeed become inaccessible. He has virtually stopped responding to calls and messages. His tomorrow never comes. I myself have been running after him and lost weight in process."  

John Abraham

Cat Fight: Kim and Celina - daggers drawn

Celina Jaitley and Kim Sharma's first working experience together- 'Tom, Dick and Harry' - left them with unpleasant memories about each other. The two actresses did not see eye to eye. As a mark of protest, Celina refused to participate in the publicity of the film.

The reason why they could not stand each other: Celina had been told that she was the main female lead, but as the shooting progressed, she realized that Kim was getting a lot of importance in the film. As per the original plan, Kim hardly had a role. Celina had been cheated. She was justified in raising her doubts and grievances and confronted the director, Deepak Tijori.

According to our reliable source close to TDH unit, "Once, Celina and Kim even had a big showdown on the sets. They lambasted each other to no end. The set had become a battlefield that day."

"There was a point when Tijori was at his wits' end. He found himself torn between them. However, he recovered to take stock of the situation. Tijori is a bit of charmer when it comes to handling females, plus the fact that Kim and Celina had only one scene together came to his rescue. But mind you, it wasn't easy, since Celina repeatedly felt that she was being sidelined because Kim was present on the sets much more than she had thought," the source added.

When contacted, Tijori laughed but refused to accept that he had a tough time in handling Celina and Kim and simply said, "Two girls on the sets seldom share an equation of good friendship."

Kim minced words, "Nothing happened between us face to face. It's just that there are some people you hit it off with instantly and there are some people you cannot. Also, there are some people towards whom you are indifferent and cannot share a rapport. Celina and I were never the best of friends anyway. Dino and I got along very well. Jimmy and I have been friends for ages."

Talking about the roles, Kim said, "I don't know what Celina was told about our roles. I was neither the film's writer nor the director. I took up Bijlee's character simply because I loved what was narrated to me. I was enacting whatever was told to me."

Kim refused to be drawn into why Celina hadn't promoted the film. "Yes, I am aware that Celina did not come for any publicity campaigns and the interviews with the media. She may have had a reason but I don't know what," she quipped. Tijori claimed that Celina was busy by then in her world tour with Akshay Kumar and others.

Celina was unavailable for comment.  

Kim Sharma


Celina Jaitley

Ajay and Sridevi?

Producer Bobby Bedi's film, based on the life of legendary painter Raja Ravi Varma, might just be Sridevi's comeback to the silver screen. Bedi has approached Sridevi with the offer to play the muse, opposite Ajay Devgan, who plays Varma. Time will tell as to what her answer will be.

Shaji N. Karun, the noted Malayalam director will direct the film.  

Ajay Devgan


Sridevi


[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 18-5-2007 02:43 PM ]

Chandok blames Manisha for bankruptcy

Shyam Chandok producer of the film 'Raghuvanshi', which has been stalled since 1995 is determined to get even with Manisha Koirala. Chandok claims that the actress has driven him to bankruptcy.

He says, "I shot Raghuvanshi hoping to launch Puru Raaj Kumar opposite Manisha in 1995. The film was almost complete when Manisha got involved with Nana Patekar and coolly stepped out."

He also claims that he has been in touch with the actress over the last decade in an attempt to complete the shooting of the film, but she doesn't respond.

According to him, he had to sell all his property to repay his distributors and financers.  

Manisha Koirala

Priyanka does a Krrish...

The actress performs her own stunts in Salaam-E-Ishq

Priyanka Chopra appears to be heavily inspired by Hrithik Roshan's stunts in Krrish. Although she doesn't come across as a dare-devil action heroine, Priyanka insisted on doing her own stunts for Nikhil Advani's Salaam E Ishq.

During the shooting, Nikhil wanted to shoot some risky shots for which he had hired a body double for Priyanka Chopra. 揌owever, when Priyanka saw the scene being shot, she thought that the body double was not looking good enough,

Priyanka gung-ho about music video

Priyanka Chopra has taken a couple of days off from her hectic schedule to shoot a special promotional music video for her forthcoming film "Aap Ki Khatir", reports Bollywood Trade.

"I'm really excited about 'Aap Ki Khatir'. It was excellent working with Akshaye Khanna. He is such a terrific actor and so very talented. It has shaped up pretty well.

"I am also looking forward to doing the promotional video. The last time I did it for 'Bluffmaster', it was quite successful. I'm sure this one will repeat the same success," said Priyanka, who is currently riding a career high post-"Krrish".  

Akshaye Khanna signs Anil's new film

Good times continue to roll for actor Akshaye Khanna, who has just returned from a holiday to sign Anil Kapoor's new film starring Aishwarya Rai.

"It's been a nice and rejuvenating break. I am excited and looking forward to my forthcoming releases," said Akshaye, whose performance in "Mahatma Vs. Gandhi" is said to have wowed Anil.

After the success of "36 China Town", Akshaye is looking forward to the release of Ratan Jain's "Aap Ki Khatir", Anil's "Mahatma Vs. Gandhi" and Nikhil Advani's "Salam-E-Ishq", reports Bollywood Trade.

Akshaye's fan list includes Ayesha Takia, who can't stop raving about him since their last film "Shaadi Se Pehle" together, and Priyanka Chopra, who stars with him in "Aap Ki Khatir".

Akshaye is equally popular with his producers - from Ghai ("Taal" and "36 China Town") to Ratan Jain ("Humraaz", "Hulchul" and "Hungama"), all love to repeat him in their films.

Akshaye Khanna


Anil Kapoor

Vishal won't make a film without me, claims Kareena

Kareena Kapoor, who stars in director Vishal Bhardwaj's latest film Omkara, says she is going to star in all his movies.

"Director Vishal Bhardwaj and I have formed a mutual admiration society. We've made a pact. I'm going to feature in every single film of his. And if I don't fit into a film of his, he's just not going to make it, as simple as that," Kareena said.

"I think Omkara  will be a new beginning for me as an actress. Everyone connected with the film will benefit. So will I."

She and boyfriend Shahid Kapur have just had a whale of a time doing live concerts all over the world.

"The comfort level with Shahid is so high and so constant you wonder when they're making it legal. Let him work for a while. I also have so much to do. I feel I'm just starting out. I can't tell you how excited I am about Omkara."

She is working with Shah Rukh Khan in Don, but in another project, it's John Abraham who will feature opposite Kareena.

"It's Soham Shah's film for Karan Johar. I'm excited about this because it's my return to Karan's banner after Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (K3G).

"Sure, a lot of water has flown under the bridge. And yes, we had a difference of opinion because of which I lost Kal Ho Na Ho. But these are things of the past. Must we go on and on about them? We start this new Soham project in November."
Soham's film will offer Kareena an entirely new co-star in John. "Where are the really exciting co-stars for me, yaar?" she mock-groans.

Kareena has sure come a long way - from a girl who before the release of her first film Refugee said she wants to remain in salwar-kameez all her life and be another Madhubala, to the va-va-vroom diva in K3G, and again back to the simple salwar-kameez girl in her latest film Chup Chup Ke.

Chuckles Kareena, "My role in Chup Chup Ke was short, but it was sweet. I liked the simplicity of the girl I played. I'm basically a simple girl in real life. It's showbiz that changed me into this glam girl. Not that I'm complaining. How many people can claim to be where I am?"

Kareena Kapoor

Are Shahid-Bebo planning a house together?  

Last Friday Shahid Kapoor was seen shopping for cushions at the Zeba showroom in Bandra, with girlfriend Kareena Kapoor in tow. The duo was seen picking up stuff for doing up Shahid's place. 揟hey came together to shop and picked up some cushions. When we asked them the reason for shopping, they said it was for Shahid's house-warming,

Kareena Kapoor: I'll star in all Vishal Bhardwaj films  

Kareena Kapoor, who stars in director Vishal Bhardwaj's latest film "Omkara", says she is going to star in all his movies.

"Director Vishal Bhardwaj and I have formed a mutual admiration society. We've made a pact. I'm going to feature in every single film of his. And if I don't fit into a film of his, he's just not going to make it, as simple as that," Kareena told IANS.

"I think 'Omkara' will be a new beginning for me as an actress. Everyone connected with the film will benefit. So will I." She and boyfriend Shahid Kapur have just had a whale of a time doing live concerts all over the world.

"Shahid and I had such a blast during the concert tours. We shopped till we dropped. We came back to Mumbai with 10 suitcases. The customs guys at the airport looked at us as though we had lost it.

Shahid and I also took time off to visit my aunt in Detroit. You could say it was our family visit together."

The comfort level with Shahid is so high and so constant you wonder when they're making it legal.

"Let him work for a while. I also have so much to do. I feel I'm just starting out. I can't tell you how excited I am about 'Omkara'."


She is working with Shah Rukh Khan in "Don", but in another project, it's John Abraham who will feature opposite Kareena.

"It's Soham Shah's film for Karan Johar. I'm excited about this because it's my return to Karan's banner after 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' (K3G).

"Sure, a lot of water has flown under the bridge. And yes, we had a difference of opinion because of which I lost 'Kal Ho Na Ho'. But these are things of the past. Must we go on and on about them? We start this new Soham project in November."

Soham's film will offer Kareena an entirely new co-star in John. "Where are the really exciting co-stars for me, yaar?" she mock-groans.

Kareena has sure come a long way - from a girl who before the release of her first film "Refugee" said she wants to remain in salwar-kameez all her life and be another Madhubala, to the va-va-voom diva in K3G, and again back to the simple salwar-kameez gal in her latest film "Chup Chup Ke".

Chuckles Kareena, "My role in 'Chup Chup Ke' was short, but it was sweet. I liked the simplicity of the girl I played. I'm basically a simple girl in real life. It's showbiz that changed me into this glam girl. Not that I'm complaining. How many people can claim to be where I am?"

"I think Fardeen is the hottest guy alive..."  

Kareena, the one Kapoor girl who has done everything that has defied the laws of the Kapoor khandaan. From an on-screen lip-lock, sensational quotes and hard-hitting films to a pompously flaunted boyfriend, Shahid Kapur - she can talk about it all. A trend-setter, a rule-breaker. A mind-boggler, a scene-stealer - it pretty much sums up this package.

She抯 often tagged 慳rrogant

Shahid Kapur: Kareena handles success very casually  

Priyadarshan's "Chup Chup Ke" banks heavily on the screen chemistry between Shahid Kapur and Kareena Kapoor, but Shahid refuses to consider that the sole criterion for the film's success.

"Kareena and I are only part of a film. The script, the characters and the music also contribute to a film's success," said Shahid, talking candidly about girlfriend Kareena

"We are both young and single. We are lucky to be doing films together... that way we get to spend a lot of time with each other. But our careers are still priority, as both of us want to excel in our work."

When asked what he loves most about Kareena, Shahid said: "The way she wears her stardom and success... very casually!"

Once again you are paired with your girlfriend, Kareena Kapoor in "Chup Chup Ke". Aren't you apprehensive about it ending up as "Fida"?

Remember Kareena and I are only part of a film. The script, the characters and the music also contribute to a film's success. In that way, I am very confident about "Chup Chup Ke". It has shaped up really well.

For the first time you have worked with Priyadarshan in the film. What was the experience like?

Priyadarshan's forte is comedy, which is not loud or slapstick, but situational. Since it was something I had never attempted before, I was so nervous on the first day that I actually sweated.

It's my first film with him. It took me a few days to adjust to his style, but after that I was fine and started enjoying working with him.

How different is it from Priyadarshan's other films?

You have seen Priyan's successful comedies - "Hulchul", "Hungama", "Malamaal Weekly", etc. But this one is a romantic comedy. It's a love story with loads of comedy.

You seem to enjoy comic roles...

Action, romantic... I love doing all types of roles. Each is challenging in its own way.

Tell us about Sooraj Barjatya's "Vivaah" and Ahmed Khan's "Fool And Final"?

"Vivaah" is a quaint romantic film while "Fool..." is an action flick. I think I am lucky to be working with so many big names and so many genres so early in my career.

Kareena and you are quite open about your personal life...

Why not? We are both young and single. We are lucky to be doing films together... that way we get to spend a lot of time with each other. But our careers are still priority, as both of us want to excel in our work.

What do you love most about Kareena?

The way she wears her stardom and success... very casually!

And is marriage on the cards?

Presently I have only work on my mind!

What is the real Shahid like?

I am a very simple and down-to-earth person. I am a vegetarian who loves to gorge on Mumbai roadside food!

How do you find the audiences abroad?

I have done shows in Britain, the US, South Africa, Malaysia and other countries. Since the people there do not get to see us so often they get very excited and are terribly enthusiastic. It is very gratifying to perform for them.

What is your message to your fans abroad?

Enjoy all my films!

Shahid Kapoor & Kareena Kapoor


[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 18-5-2007 02:50 PM ]

Amitabh Bachchan is not a farmer: Advocate

At a press conference in the state capital an advocate from Bara Banki, Amir Haider, levelled allegations against Jaya Bachchan and argued that her husband, Amitabh Bachchan was falsely claiming farmer status. He demanded that Jaya Bachchan should resign her recently won Rajya Sabha seat.

Amir Haider, a former member of AICC and UPCC, made claims which sounded politically motivated and open to scrutiny. If there was some truth in the claims made by Haider about the agricultural property bought by Amitabh Bachchan, he could not convincingly substantiate it.

He did not produce the papers which he claimed he possessed that would prove the bungling done by Bachchan. Haider claimed that he had written about the issue to the President of India, the Chief Election Commissioner, the Pune court dealing with Bachchan's farmer status there, CBI and also to the Maharashtra chief minister.

He alleged that the earlier DM of barabanki, Ashish Goyal was transferred as he did not comply with the orders of the Mulayam Singh Yadav government. The Fatehpur tehsil of the district was not providing the documents, he said.

I抦 not a product on the shelf: Akshay

"I don抰 like to be labelled. Only products are supposed to be labelled. And I抦 not a product on the shelf... I抦 greedy and not yet satisfied. My best performance is yet to come says Akshay Kumar.

His journey so far: It抯 been 15 years in tinsel town and I didn抰 get any time to stop and think. I would call it a roller coaster ride and not just a journey.

Threat to Khans? I would like to thank the trade. Of late, they have been fair and supportive, I抦 flattered they believe in me. I抳e no intention to compete with anyone. I have my own niche and I only compete with myself. I would like to better myself in film after film.

No godfather: When I entered the industry, I had just one desire, to be an actor. I remember at a trial someone commented 慔e looks good, par sirf action kar sakta hai