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HC order rejecting Salman's plea for in-camera trial stayed

The Bombay High Court today stayed its earlier order rejecting the plea of Bollywood actor Salman Khan. for in-camera deposition of an eye witness in the hit-and-run case of 2002 in which he is accused of killing one and injuring four.

Justice Vijaya Tahilramani stayed the earlier High Court order of September 19 for a month to enable the actor move the Supreme Court in appeal.

Accordingly, the trial in the Lower Court would not proceed unless the Supreme Court gives its ruling on deposition of eye witness, Salman's lawyer Dipesh Mehta, told PTI.

Salman had initially pleaded for holding the entire trial in-camera, but later changed his plea to in-camera deposition of only the main witness, constable Ravindra Patil. The deposition of constable Ravindra Patil, who was the bodyguard of Salman, is considered significant because he had accompanied Salman when the actor rammed his car into a bakery in suburban Bandra on September 28, 2002, killing one and injuring four, who were sleeping outside the bakery.

Patil had earlier told police that he had warned Salman not to drive so rashly or else he would meet with an accident, but the actor did not pay heed to his advice.

Salman's lawyer Dipesh Mehta, argued that because of media attention the witnesses are likely to be influenced and would not tell the truth before the court. He urged the court to allow in-camera deposition of at least the main witness. Government pleader argued that in this case there was no need to hold in-camera trial and these were allowed only in rape cases where there was a need to protect the identity of the victim.

Amitabh to lure tourists to Mysore

Now it will be Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan's baritone voice that will woo tourists to Mysore. The Karnataka government has decided to request the star to lend his voice for the English version of the light-and-sound show it proposes to start at the Mysore Palace from November 15.

Bachchan's voice is a crowd-puller at a similar show at the Golconda Fort in Hyderabad. Tourism minister D T Jayakumar told reporters here on Wednesday that the history of Mysore kingdom will be narrated at the light-and-sound shows to be conducted both in Kannada and English.

On some environmentalists opposing the idea, Jayakumar said: "The shows will be performed in such a way that it does not disturb the peace and tranquillity of the area. We will also take steps to prevent damage to the palace."

The government also proposes to increase tourist inflow to Mysore district by installing ropeway at Chamundi Hills at a cost of Rs 15 crore and to develop the Srirangapatna- Mysore- Nanjangud tourist circuit (Rs 8 crore).

A ropeway connecting Kodachadri hill and Kollur (famous for its Mookambika temple) will also be put in place at a cost of Rs 25 crore.

The temple authorities have agreed to give Rs 5 crore to the project. The ropeway will reduce the distance between the two places from 45 km (by road) to one km.

The proposal has been sent to the forest department for clearance, he added. This apart, a ropeway will be installed at Nandi Hills and a cable car trolley at Shravanabelagola.



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 8-12-2006 02:40 PM ]

Mallika with Anil Kapoor in RGV film  

The selfproclaimed sex bomb and the universally acclaimed purveyor of versatility are finally coming together.
Mallika and Ramu is a combination that was waiting to happen. In fact right after Murder Mallika had expressed a burning desire to work with Bollywood's most enterprising filmmaker.

"Ram Gopal Varma is one filmmaker I'd give anything to work with," Mallika had sighed to me after Murder.

It looks like her dream took a while to materialise. But Mallika is finally getting to work with Ramu. Earlier he had offered her an item song in his James. Mallika had declined the offer saying she would do an item song for Varma

Preity panic in the Big Apple

Actor's 'disappearance' had unit worried in NY.

Here's one incident the entire unit of Saajid Nadiadwala's film, (ad hoc title: Jaaneman), will not forget.

The unit, including actors Salman Khan and Preity Zinta) was shooting in New York when this incident occurred. Everyone had assembled in the lobby, ready to depart for the shoot.

All had come down, except Preity Zinta. "After repeated knocks on her door, there was no response. People started to get restless as we had to go for the shoot.

So every now and then somebody would go knock on the door, without any response.

The knocking and banging continued for a long while," says a source from the unit, continuing, "By then, there was panic as Preity wasn't responding.

We had been waiting for about two hours." So, finally the hotel security was called to break the door and just when the security was ready to break it down, a sleepy-eyed Preity opened the door, to everyone's relief.

"She sweetly apologised for oversleeping, after a dose of the previous night's medicine. Everyone forgot about the shoot for sometime.

Preity's safety was our priority. When we saw her, we heaved a sigh of relief," said the source. All's well that ends well!

Akshay Kumar: Candid casanova

Akshay Kumar has confessed to his Casanova past. He admits that five years ago he was rightfully tagged a playboy, and says he's learnt the lesson from his experiences. Action hero, husband, father and now a photojournalist in Garam Masala, Kumar says, "I play myself in flashback mode in Garam Masala. To know what I was like five years back, you have to watch this film. It is my tribute to the Casanova tag I was then stuck with."

The star of films like Khakee, Mujhse Shaadi Karoge and Hera Pheri says that he's happy to have handed over that Casanova mantle to younger actors. "I am happier reading a comic book to Aarav (his three-year-old son) than reading a comic strip of my life," offers Kumar in between shots for Rajkumar Santoshi's Family.

Flushed from shooting in the October sun, he manages meetings with prospective filmmakers in one half of his van and interviews with the media in the other.

Speaking a little more about his Diwali release directed by Priyadarshan and co-starring John Abraham, Kumar adds, "My character is dating five airhostesses simultaneously. They don't know about each other, and I have to keep tabs on their arrivals and departures. John is helping me and also doing his own thing. There's a lot of boy talk on women and what happens to guys like this but the moral of the story is that this is not the way to live life."
More than his chemistry with his leading ladies, Kumar has a reputation for his rapport with his male co-stars, especially Salman Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Ajay Devgan and Suniel Shetty. Add to this list John Abraham. "John and I share a great chemistry. He's done comedy for the first time but he's the USP of the film," smiles Kumar who believes his success in the industry comes from being "a producer's hero". He calls this his "ear nings", the goodwill that earns him repeated films with the same producers. For instance Family is his 14th film with producer Keshu Ramsay.

"My ear nings come from working out, being punctual, delivering the goods, helping out at a time of need, adjusting dates. If you do this, makers want to work with you even if the film flops," explains Kumar who says he wants to be an actor "till the end". On exploring other avenues, he feels, "Business and production take happiness away from your life. I did try to be a businessman but there was always some issue at the end of the day that needed attention and that robbed me of time with my family and my workouts."

A trained martial arts expert, Kumar still does half an hour of shadow boxing a day and wishes to open a martial arts school in Mumbai, if only he could find the right location.



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 12-1-2006 09:31 PM ]

Sanjay Dutt to host `Mission ek crore' game show on SaharaOne

Taking a cue from Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, is all set to make his debut on the small screen with SaharaOne Television's reality game show titled `Mission Ek Crore'.

"SaharaOne Television, International Production House FremantleMedia, India and Dutt have come together for the first time on a mission that will make many people rich and famous," Shantonu Aditya, CEO, SaharaOne said.

Speaking about `Mission Ek Crore', Sanjay Dutt said, "It is a challenging experience to be part of a show which actually instigates the participant to spend more to win rather than just have intellectual capital. It is a brilliant opportunity to be a part of such an interesting and interactive show for the first time on television."

The reality game show, to be aired soon, has been conceptualised by the in-house creative team of SaharaOne Television and is being co-developed and co- produced alongwith FremantleMedia, India, Aditya said in a release.

"We are delighted to have Sanjay Dutt in the show. His charisma and style will be on television for the first time. He will influence participants to splurge and come out as winners in our innovative game show," Aditya added.



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 12-1-2006 09:33 PM ]

Dino Morea's Holiday to release on birthday

Actor Dino Morea is pleased. His forthcoming film Holiday, by Pooja Bhatt, is to be released on his birthday, December 9, and he has already bagged a role in her next venture.

Dino has split with his lovely 'other' of several years Nandita Mahtani. Though the two underwent several periods of trial separation, they were essentially seen as an inseparable couple.

But now they've moved into separate directions, and this time it's for keeps.

That explains Dino's new prank-free sober and reflective mood.

"Is it?" he chuckles with habitual light-heartedness. "It's true that we aren't seeing each other any longer. But we're still very close friends. I'll be there for her whenever she needs me. I was there for her at the launch of her boutique earlier this week. There's no one else right now. I know it's corny to say I'm married to my work. But that's how it is," Dino said.  

"Pooja Bhatt is giving me a very nice present on my birthday. If all goes well she's releasing Holiday on December 9, the day I was, fortunately or unfortunately, born.
"And not just that. I play a dancer on the lines of John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever in Pooja's next."

On his career front Dino is most pleased with the ground being covered. "I'm really happy with the direction it's taken. Pooja Bhatt's direction, that is," he puns deviously.

"Holiday has shaped up very well. And now I'm doing another film for Pooja where I play a dancer. I worked really hard on Holiday. For eight months I rehearsed my dance steps."

Everyone is talking about his dancing skills in Holiday.

"Oh that was always there! I always danced well. But I never got a chance to display my dancing skills before. How would people know what I can do until I show them?

"Like, how would anyone know I could pull off comedy? That's precisely what I'm doing in Deepak Tijori's Tom Dick & Harry and I ain't Dick. I play Tom. The movie will stand out big time. If No Entry can tickle audiences they'll be falling out of their seats with this film."

A project with Dharmesh Darshan is also on the anvil.

"That's how eclectic my career is - from Dharmesh to Pooja. I'm entering the best phase of my career."

As for expanding his other interests, Dino already runs a very successful eatery Crepe Station with his brother.  

"Now I plan to start a night club with a friend. He's very keen. He wants me to be the face of his club. Since I don't have to put in any money, I've nothing to lose. I'm just required to bring in the right people."

Dino sighs. "I'm making enough money. I'm working hard. I'm shooting every day. Not every actor in Bollywood can claim to do that."  



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 12-1-2006 09:34 PM ]

Esha's having a ball

"One more interview? I can抰 do another one

Kim's dance in pool

Kim Sharma is turning crazy following her item number in a swimming pool in director Devang Dholakia's movie starring Jimmy Shergil, Harish Batra and newcomer Rahul Handa. She is very proud of it and ignores the fact that in future the directors and the producers may sign her for swimming pool dances only. Thus, Kim will become typecast in such a role which is scarce in movies and a cheap one . She will lose her shine as an actress.

Manisha's new find

Nepalese beauty Manisha Koirala's new find has charmed her so much that she forgets everything during his company. Recently, Manisha forgot that she was to commence shooting for her home production as she was having a nice time with Prashant Choudhary, a restaurant owner of Mumbai. P Yes, she enjoys more in Prashant's company than with the crew cast and crew of her movie.



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 12-1-2006 09:38 PM ]

Tusshar as Brahmchari

Who is a brahmachari in Bollywood? Certainly, he is Tusshar Kapoor. During parties, Tusshar shakes hand with the actresses unlike other heroes who anxiously await a chance to kiss or hug them. That's why some of the heroines are indifferent to work with an otherwise eligible bachelor like Tusshar. Recently, sexy girl Mallika Sherawat showed no interest in starring opposite Tusshar, it is said. However, this has had no adverse effect on Tusshar; he is happy his way.



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 1-6-2007 03:30 PM ]

SUNNY CAN DIVERT MOVIE DIRECTION

Is Sunny Deol Sylvester Stallone of Bollywood? Yes, he has grown with his every movie. He didn't succumb to the pressure of his director who wanted him to play a Rambo. Raj Kumar Santoshi ended his 'Ghayal' in a way that it may lead to the production of its sequel. Why else Sunny's heroine gives him a revolver as had been usual during the times of the Rajput rule in India when the queen offered a sword to the king and wished him success in the battlefield.

Though Sunny gave an opportunity to Santoshi to make 'Ghayal' , he never agreed to turn a Rambo. That's how he influenced his director to make films like 'Border' and 'Gadar'. 'Border' is stated to have broken the record of 'Lagaan' by its exhibition in theaters beyond 'Lagaan'. So, Sunny can give a direction to the future of movies. However, his later 'Jo Bole So Nihaal' was forcibly removed from theater halls following an agitation by a section of the Sikhs against the movie on religious lines. Sunny is busy now in his 'Kafilaa' and 'Devdhar Gandhi'. The industry has high expectations from him!

Amol Palekar signs Saif's sister
   
The Pataudi daughter, Soha Ali Khan, is all set to join Bollywood. The industry sources say that Amol Palekar has already signed Soha for his next venture. This banker-turned-model-actress was in the news some time back when Yash Chopra proposed her for his forthcoming movie, but in vain. It is learnt that Soha wants to work with Amole Palekar type of a director.

Amol Palekar


Saif Ali Khan


Soha Ali Khan


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 12-1-2006 09:40 PM ]

DOES RANI MUKHERJEE RANK NO 1?

The Bengal beauty who is known more for her simplicity in the tinsel world, has achieved the number one position among actresses. Who else, but Rani Mukherjee is the choice of the directors and the producers these days. And this is not without reason. Yash Chopra, Mani Ratnam and even Shaad Ali think of none other than Rani for their films. Of late, they reject even Aishwarya Rai and Preity Zinta. Every one prefers Rani Mukherjee. Despite so much of craze for her Rani has not lost her balance.

However, she has expressed her wish to occupy the number one position until she is married. She is right. But has she chosen her Mr Right? If not, she should hurry up because the tinsel world undergoes a change very fast. Industry circles are sure that she would retain the number one position as long as the public and the critics are happy with her. Meanwhile, yesteryears' top star Anil Kapoor is looking towards Rani Mukherjee to come to her rescue. After Anil Kapoor's 'Calcutta Mail' flopped, he has been keen on sharing a movie with her. Will Rani come to Anil's rescue?

Kaushik signs Shahid Kapoor

After the success of 'Ishq Visq', actor Shahid Kapoor is in great demand. Although 'Ishq Vishq' is his debut film, but he has met with success and is getting offers from big producers and directors. Recently director Satish Kaushik signed him for his next (untitled) film. Boney Kapoor will produce the movie. Well-done Shahid. Go ahead!

Shahid Kapoor


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 22-2-2006 10:00 PM ]

Amitabh - Diamond of India

Bachchan gets Diamond of India award on 25th October 2005 at Taj land's end.

Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan was awarded "The Diamond of India Award" to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the International Gemological Institute Worldwide (IGI) at a glittering function held at the Taj Land?s End in Bandra on Tuesday evening. Speaking on the occasion Bachchan, said, "To compare me with the precious stones is really an honour for me. But honestly speaking I don?t know how I was selected for this prestigious award".



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 8-12-2006 02:42 PM ]

'I can't help acting like Abhishek's mother'

Arguably, Roopa Ganguly is the Bengali film industry's answer to Bollywood's Shabana Azmi.

Accept it or not, Roopa is one of the most cerebral actresses Tollywood -- so-called after Tollygunge, a Kolkata locality that houses most movie studios -- has ever produced.

Known for her talent and her outspokenness, the actress has carved a niche for herself on both the small and the big screen. Roopa -- best remembered for playing Draupadi in B R Chopra's television serial Mahabharata -- is as good at playing her rebellious self as portraying someone diametrically opposite to her.

Which is why director Rituparno Ghosh cast her as the boro bou (first wife) of a 19th century landlord (Jackie Shroff), in Antarmahal.

"It was a big challenge for me to play a role so intrinsically different from me," Roopa says. "I play a docile wife to an arrogant zamindar, who doesn't hesitate to remarry as I fail to deliver him an heir."

The real challenge in the character lay in its complexity, juxtaposed with an ever-changing political scenario, the actress says. "Technical intricacies notwithstanding, Ritu [director Ghosh] put everyone at ease in no time," she adds.   

Roopa takes a keen interest in everything she does. Antarmahal was no exception. "There is an advantage of working with Ritu. He not only smoothens out things for us but also designates work so efficiently that everything gets done methodically and well in time."

About co-actors Soha Ali Khan and Abhishek Bachchan, Roopa says, "I had a great time with them, as also with Jackie Shroff. There was a lot of positive vibes in the team."

The actress is all affection for Bachchan Junior, "He is a darling who refused to sit on one chair at a time. He would pile one chair after another and sit on top of them as if to accentuate his height."

Roopa fondly remembers helping Abhishek de-bone fish during a typical Bengali lunch. "'My mom helps me eat fish,' he had told me and I just couldn't help acting like his mother for a day at least," she smiles.

Apart from rushing through the pre-release formalities for Antarmahal, the actress is busy with the screening of Ek Mutho Phool, a film, rather a conglomerate of five films, which will be aprt of this year's Asian Film Festival in Pune.

Antarmahal releases on October 28.

Abishek Bachan


Jaya Bachan


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 13-1-2006 11:44 PM ]

Fiery Aishwarya is a hit with Indian fans

Bollywood icon Aishwarya Rai has set the screen on fire for years - and now firecracker makers are endorsing that as well.

Rai, former Miss World and Indian cinema's most prominent face across the world, is the most prominent cover girl on firecracker boxes as India gears up for Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights celebrating the victory of good over evil, which falls this year on November 1.

"She is so popular that people reject the same product in another package even with a discount," Minesh Mehta, joint secretary of the fireworks makers of Bombay and Thane cities in western India, was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times newspaper.

Rai is a superstar in India. She has made more than 30 movies and has served on the Cannes Film Festival jury.

Millions of people, including children and adults, have started bursting firecrackers in the run-up to the festival, which is celebrated by Indians of most religions.

Bollywood faces are a big draw on the product wrappings, but some current and former Hollywood heartthrobs - like Marilyn Monroe and Kate Winslet - are also endorsing Indian firecrackers.

"Not just Bollywood stars, but also cartoon characters like Lion King, Bugs Bunny and Mickey Mouse can be seen on cracker packets," Altaf Dawoodani, organiser of a fireworks sale in Bombay, told the newspaper.

All such endorsement are copyright violations, but the actors don't seem to mind.



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 28-4-2006 11:12 PM ]

Zayed is hot property among men!

Women drooling over Bollywood hunks are pass

SQ154

J-Lo's ex-husband drops lawsuit over restaurant sacking
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AFP Photo


Hollywood diva Jennifer Lopez's ex-husband has withdrawn a lawsuit against her that claimed she "lured" him into a job as her restaurant manager and then sacked him without reason, documents showed.

The actress and singer's first husband Ojani Noa, who was married to her for one year from 1997, dropped the suit against "J-Lo" in Los Angeles Superior Court without saying why, the documents showed.

In court papers filed last week, Noa's attorney David deRubertis asked the court to dismiss his client's suit with prejudice -- meaning the same claims cannot be refiled in the future.

Noa, who met Lopez when he was working as a waiter in a Miami restaurant and remained friends with her following their divorce, had accused the 36-year-old superstar of breach of contract.

Neither his lawyers nor Lopez's could immediately be reached for comment on Friday.

She appointed him to run her Los Angeles-area restaurant "Madres" when it opened in 2002, but Noa claimed she breached his contract by sacking him just six months after its opening.

In his suit, Noa had alleged that after initially offering him the job and then withdrawing the offer, J-Lo promised him she would not take away his 1,000-dollars-a-week job "without good cause or reason."

Noa claimed that Lopez -- who since divorcing him has married and divorced dancer Cris Judd, was famously engaged to movie star Ben Affleck and then married singer Marc Anthony in June 2004 -- insisted that he was "family" and that she would take care of him.

J-Lo's assurances persuaded him to leave his job as manager of a popular Los Angeles night spot to work for his ex-wife, he said in his lawsuit that sought unspecified damages from the ultra-wealthy entertainer.

Lopez then reneged on her promise when he was unceremoniously fired after less than six months of managing the restaurant, he claimed.

"Mr. Noa tried to call Ms. Lopez to find out what prompted this sudden change of events. His calls went unreturned," the complaint stated.

"She didn't even have the decency to explain why she had lied to lure him to accept a job that she did not plan on letting him keep in the first place," the suit added.

The entertainer released the album "Rebirth" in March and recently starred in "Monster-in-Law" opposite Jane Fonda and Michael Vartan, as well as in "An Unfinished Life" with Robert Redford and Morgan Freeman.