Salman surprises Katrina and Akshay

Whenever it seems that Bollywood’s bad boy Salman and gorgeous Katrina’s relationship is on the verge of a breakup there opens a new twist in their tale.

Everyone is aware of the kind of relationship Akshay Kumar and Sallu shares after Akki’s name was been linked with Kat baby.

But known to be an angry young man and possessive towards his girl friends, Salman has given a big surprise by inviting Akshay and Katrina together for his television show Dus Ka Dum.

It is not clear though whether he will have the time to take up Salman's magnanimous offer, as he is likely to return abroad for a shoot immediately after his co-production releases in cinemas worldwide.

Furthermore, as Akshay is under contract with another channel for an on-air reality show, he may not be able to attend 'Dus Ka Dum'.

Meanwhile, after the ugly incident at her b'day party, Katrina Kaif is still maintaining the silence and not ready to comment anything on war of Khans.

“I don’t want to comment anything about it. I don’t think it is in my capacity to say anything, ” was the only thing Kat baby had to say about that evening. The babe also dismissed the rumours about her getting married to Bollywood’s bad boy in the near future.

“I don’t have any plans of marriage as of now and want to just concentrate on my career, ” spoke Katrina.

Well, being Sallu’s girl friend we do understand that it takes a lot of guts to speak your heart out in open.

Let the dog bark: Salman on SRK spat

Salman Khan is not only upset about his spat with Shah Rukh Khan, but the way in which the media covered it and the general politics in the industry. He has urged his fans to ignore negative reports about him.

'For the next few days you will hear and read a lot of s**t about me, a lot of it. Keep on reading it, but don't react to it. I don't, ' Salman wrote on his blog.

'Read all the negatives and read till they get tired of writing. Everyone goes through this, but not for long. I say just look good, feel good and do good, that's it.'

Salman, who is currently hosting Sony TV's reality game show 'Dus Ka Dum', added that one should behave as though a barking dog was chasing your car.

'You don't stop the car and start reacting to the dog. You don't! There's no point. I don't wish to react. I don't have the time for it. Besides, I don't understand the language of dogs, except for my two - Myson and Myjaan, ' Salman wrote.

He and Shah Rukh had a spat during the star-studded birthday party of Salman's girlfriend Katrina Kaif July 16.

Salman reportedly instigated Shah Rukh by speaking about their reality shows - 'Dus Ka Dum' and 'Kya aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?' Salman claimed that his show 'Dus Ka Dum' had garnered more TRPs than Shah Rukh's, according to informed sources.

Salman scoffed at Shah Rukh by saying that despite being a superstar he could not make his show a hit. The war of words later turned rather ugly and Aamir Khan had to intervene.

Talking about the politics in Bollywood, Salman said that the 'developing trend in the industry is not to celebrate other's success'.

He added: 'Every time another person is successful there will be someone trying to pull him down. You don't increase your own efforts to become successful but try to always decrease someone else's success. That is the mantra of the industry.'

Salman is also apparently miffed with Shah Rukh for turning down his request for a cameo in his brother Sohail Khan's home production 'Main Aur Mrs Khanna'.

I just went blank in Toronto: Abhishek Bachchan

It's amazing what the power of three can do for a film and a tour. Yes, we are talking about the Bachchan family—Amitabh, Abhishek and Aishwarya. First, their film Sarkar Raj grossed almost £400,000 in the UK. Now, their Unforgettable Tour is selling like hot cakes in America.

And when Big B fell ill, the power of three remained unchanged—Jaya Bachchan stepped in.

Hours before his first live performance in LA, Abhishek is upbeat... and why not? He is getting great response from the tour so far, is highly excited about his next release Drona, is desperate to perform in front of his audience in London and, of course, is happy that his dad is fully recovered. Excerpts from an interview:

How is Mr Bachchan?

Dad's good now. He is at rehearsals at the moment. He had a bit of a cold and I forced him to stay in bed because I didn't want it to turn into something uncontrollable. So as a son, I demanded that he stay in his room and locked him up. Dad has a tendency to push himself too much, but thankfully he is fine now.

From Toronto to Trinidad to LA. How has the journey been so far?

The journey has been awesome. The reactions have been over-whelming. We were told that every centre, which was to host the show, was pretty much sold out except for the European leg because we haven't come there yet. All this is just so wonderful because when you get on the stage and see the audiences’ reactions, you know that you are not performing for yourself but for them.

In pictures: The Bachchans off to an 'Unforgettable' start

First the Sarkar Raj collections in the UK and then this Tour—looks like London's the hot spot for the Bachchans.

London is a wonderful city and one that is very close to our hearts. We spent a lot of time there as a family during holidays. We've also done a lot of work over there and we're very glad that we're going to London in August. It is definitely going to be the biggest and the best. We're saving that for the last.

What do you do in your spare time?

Well, there isn't much spare time because of the nature of the tour. The minute you reach a new destination, you get into all the media and promotional activities. And then it's down to rehearsals. But it's also important to know that nobody is taking the tour lightly. Everybody is working very hard to put up the best show. We realise that it is a demanding schedule but the endeavour was to put up the biggest and the best show that we could possibly do and I believe we've got such a show on our hands.

Any unforgettable incident from the tour so far?

I think that was when I came on stage in Toronto for the first time. The lights came on and I just went blank. I froze because the audience was all around, trying to reach out and touch me and shouting slogans. Then my manager said, "Come on bro, you're on stage, move it". And I replied, "Wait a second. Let me enjoy this a bit more." But it was truly unforgettable. And the unforgettable moment was that I forgot everything.

Mr Bachchan on his blog stated that Trinidad is like a homecoming for you guys. When you were a five year old, you performed along side your dad on stage for the first time in Trinidad.

Dad used to do a track from his film, Mr Natwarlal, called, 'Mere paas aao mere dosto' in which he brought my sister and me on to the stage to introduce us to the audience. Now that's a good 25 to 27 years ago. So it was wonderful to go back to Trinidad and win the place in the audiences’ hearts where we had been before for such shows.

Every Bollywood actor dreams of dancing with Madhuri Dixit. Any plans?

I have plans of dancing with Madhuriji on the stage in LA tomorrow night. So the plan is working.

There are rumours that Amsterdam won’t be the last city of the tour, which was supposed to wind up on August 29. What else is up your sleeve?

Well, currently there are talks to do another show in Dusseldorf, Germany. Plus, the second leg does start post September, which will be in the Middle East, Far East and Australia, Then we move on to Africa. So the Unforgettable Tour will be continuing. The exact dates though are not confirmed yet.

Everyone is talking about Big B, Abhi and Ash on the stage together. The family is incomplete without Jayaji. Is she going to shake a leg, too?

She is on the Tour with us and she will be coming on stage to perform with us. You have to wait and see what song we perform to. Can't tell you now.

After performing some hot numbers on stage in hot locales, how do you plan to cool yourself down?

To be very honest, when you're out there in the audience, you don't think about the heat or the exertion. Their love and support just carries you through every hurdle. You can't think of cooling yourself down. On my part, the minute this tour gets over, I'll be back in Mumbai finishing my film Dostana and getting ready to release Drona, which releases on October 2.

How's the response to the Drona trailer?

It's a teaser trailer and the first look into the film. The response has been really huge. On the Drona website, www.dronathefilm.in, the response has been fantastic. Even in the kind of fan mail I'm getting. People are loving the trailer which is great because we've worked hard on it.

We've also seen couple of exclusive pictures of you, John and Priyanka from Miami while filming Dostana. Now that you're in the US, does it bring back the Dostana days?

Well yeah. I was in Miami not too long ago shooting Dostana. We transited through Miami on our way to Trinidad and Tobago. It did bring back those good days.

Where is the 'konnection' Shahid?

Vidya Balan and Shahid Kapoor, said to have enjoyed great rapport during the making of their recently-released film, are now not on talking terms.

Their friendship ended with the release of the film, which got a lukewarm response at the box office.

“Vidya and Shahid have not talked to each other after wrapping up the shooting of the film,” said a source close to the production team of the film.

“They share a formal relationship and act more like colleagues in an office. The duo was seen at the premiere, but they were hardly talking to each other,” added the source.

Shahid and Vidya’s pair was much appreciated by the whole team of the film. Even director Aziz Mirza had commented about their pairing. He said, “I think Shahid and Vidya make a perfect pair. They reciprocate to each other very well and I think they will form one of the best pairs of Bollywood in the future.”

If industry sources are to be believed, it is Shahid who has changed his attitude towards Vidya because he has found a new friend in tennis star Sania Mirza.

Shilpa Shetty denies doing the next James Bond film

Bollywood hottie Shilpa Shetty has set rumours to rest by saying she is not doing the next James Bond film and has turned down a lot of foreign offers as she wants to focus more on Hindi films.

“I am not going to be a Bond girl but yes there is another Hollywood film that I am doing,” clarifies Shilpa refusing to comment further as she says it is in the scripting stage.
Shilpa, who became one of reality television's most talked about stars last year, says, "I have left a lot of international projects to come back to Hindi films. Someone told me I was already out of sight and I did not want to be out of mind too. My concentration is totally on Bollywood."
Shilpa, however, denies that she does not want to work in any Hollywood movie. "If I like the script and the prospects are lucrative enough in the West, I'll definitely go there."
Shilpa, who will also be seen performing on the stage with the Bachchan's at their ongoing Unforgettable tour in London from August 23-24, says, "I have left some big movies to come back and act in films and travel with my musical Miss Bollywood."

Talking about her forthcoming Bollywood film, The Man , in which she is playing the lead role opposite Sunny Deol , she says, "I am playing the violin for the first time on-screen. Violin is the toughest instrument to play and it has left me with bad neck and I have been doing Bhujaang asan to make it better."

Apart from working in films, Shilpa is quite busy these days with her company S2 Global Productions. She has roped in Manish Jha of 'Matrubhoomi' fame to direct her first home production.

Mallika threatens to expose Himesh in front of the people

Watch out for the sexy siren Mallika Sherawat who made her presence felt on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2009.

The cast and the crew had a jolly good time witnessing the cheeky comments passed between Mallika and Himesh since both of them had done a movie together.

A unit member from the sets of the shownarrates the incident, “None of the mentors – Himesh Reshammiya, Pritam, Shankar and Aadesh Srivastava – wanted to sit with Mallika. They couldn’t ask her to sit next to Asha Bhosle who is the mahaguru in the show.

Eventually, they had to make the feisty actress sit with the participants. While all the mentors chose to behave formally with her, Himesh Reshammiya passed a lot of comments against the actress.”

But Mallika Sherawat being her in-your-face self, walked to the sets and the first thing she told Himesh was, ‘Should I expose you in front of the people?’

According to our source, Himesh looked nervous and was silent for some time after Mallika’s comment. The two have worked together in the song Mehbooba in Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag.

But Himesh eventually took revenge by stopping a participant of his gharana from singing one of Mallika Sherawat’s songs. The insider said, “But Sukhvinder refused to listen to Himesh and sang the song.

Sukhvinder also told Mallika, ‘My parents were against my singing Bheege Honth Tere. Now, after meeting you I know why they did not want me to sing the song.’ Mallika burst out laughing.”

Mallika praised all the performers and was specially touched by Sunvinder Singh’s performance who dedicated the song “ Bheege hont tere” to her

Sania Mirza and Shahid Kapoor are in Love?

Call it Kismat Konnection but Shahid Kapoor's love life is once agian under the scanner. So, who's the lucky girl? Is it Vidya Balan or Sania Mirza?

According to reports, Shahid and Sania are spending a lot of quality time. On Wednesday, the two were spotted remained together for nearly eight hours on the sets of director Vishal Bharadwaj's Kaminay, which also stars Priyanka Chopra and Amol Gupte.

Though Sania didn't arrive with Shahid, but once she dropped by, they were almost inseparable. What was surprising was their body language said it all. When Shahid was not facing the camera, he spent all his time with Sania. Sania spent a lot of time with Shahid in his vanity van as well.

But what about Vidya?

Talking to a tabloid Shahid says, "Vidya and I are good friends. Nothing beyond that. We shot Kismat Konnection for sixty days in Toronto. It's the first time I have done such a long outdoor. We only had each other for company. Everybody had to get to know each other and become friends."

I have had good friends in the past but probably because I was in a relationship, people never thought or spoke that way... probably because no one knows what is happening in my personal space and I have become very private because the last one year has been too in my face."

So when will he tell the world about his lady love? "I don't feel the need of screaming it out to the media," Shahid retorts.

"I will tell friends who I feel answerable to, and people who are close to me, and the rest of the world will find out in due course of time because at the end of the day, I am a celebrity and I am not going to be sitting in my room all my life, with my girlfriend," he quips.

Kareena knows Saif will be totally professional with Deepika

If Saif is looking happier today than he did a week ago it's because he's now ready to head from London for Los Angeles where his lady-love Kareena Kapoor is shooting with Akshay Kumar for Sajid Nadiadwala's Kambakht Ishq.

Speaking from LA Kareena can't stop glowing, "Yes Saif is coming here day after tomorrow (Saturday) for two weeks.

I don't know how happy he is about it. But I'm looking forward to seeing him again, " says Kareena who has been shooting around the clock.

"It's been a mad rush here. And from the 18th I shoot with Sylvester Stallone. Isn't that exciting? Am I a fan of Stallone? Who isn't?"

Saif has been telling anyone whom he trusts that not having Kareena in his first production has been killing him.

Laughs Kareena, "That's because Saif is very very open about his feelings. So am I. I know he was thoroughly professional with Deepika. We'll do many films together in the future. What's the hurry?"

More on Saif. He and Kareena are supposedly doing their first joint stage performance in Dubai early next month for the Morani bothers.

Kareena completely denies this 'news report.'

"It's true that Saif and I will be in Dubai together next month. But we are certainly not performing together I don't know where this came from. We'll just attend the Zee Carnival, waving to the audience and signing autographs.That's it."

At the moment she's enjoying shooting with Akshay Kumar. "And I'm going to do one more film with Akshay. Imtiaz (Ali) has signed us together for his next film, the one that he'll make after the one with Saif and Deepika.

So there ends all the speculation about Imtiaz and me being at loggerheads because he didn't sign me for his second film."

Imtiaz Ali's Kareena-Akshay starrer takes off in June 2008. "I'm yet to hear the narration. But I can say this much. It'll have me in an even better role than Jab We Met.

I've to keep doing characters and films I haven't done before. I can't be doing things I've already done….but right now I'm looking forward to meeting up with Saif again."

Priyanka refuses to Kiss Harman

Strangely for an intense love story there's a abysmal lack of sexual synergy between the lead pair in Love Story 2050.

And that's because Priyanka point-blank refused to kiss Harman at a crucial juncture in the plot….or perhaps 'point-blank' isn't the correct term to describe Priyanka's reasonable decision to not smooch on screen, even if the co-star happens to be her real-life boy-friend.

When asked about the kiss that the Ms gave a miss Harman laughed, "How did you get to know about?

It's true both Dad and I felt a kiss would have been most appropriate midway through the narration when the first Priyanka character dies in my arms. Dad had written a kiss into the story here.

I was supposed to kiss her as she dies in my arms. But Priyanka chose not to shoot the kiss. We respected her decision and let it be."

But what's with Priyanka's reluctance to express love in a natural way, with a kiss specially when the co-star is Harman?

"That's exactly why she didn't do the kiss, " explains Harman. "She couldn't make a concession with me because then other filmmakers would've accused her of preferential treatment. So we simply scrapped the smooch."

Priyanka incidentally, had done a kiss in her first film Andaaz.

"But that's when she was new and had no choice. Now on principle she won't kiss on screen. I respect her decision," defends Harman.

Priyanka is pretty clear on the issue. "It doesn't matter who the co-star. I won't do certain things on screen. Period."

Talli Mallika's raises hackles, eyebrows and what-not

She's done it again. After raising helm- lines in conservative Chennai for the music launch of Kamal Haasan's film, Mallika Shearwat is again busy raising eyebrows, this time for a song that, hic hic, celebrates the spirit of….well, of the spirits! The bottled kind.

The promos of Pritish Nandy Communications' Ugly Aur Pagli show a high-as-a-kite Mallika Sherawat singing Main talli main talli ho gayi, meaning I am drunk … And the moral army is already on the job.

Reportedly the songs intoxicating content and that too showing a young free-spirited girl in a state of uncontrollable inebriation (a sort of Aaj phir ki tamanna hai on speed dial) is being questioned in the highest quarters.

This isn't the first sozzled sizzler to hit the screen. In fact the country's Nightingale Lata Mangeshkar sang such melodious memorabilia as Kaise rahun chup (Inteqaam), Jaane kya pilaya tune (Jugnu) and Han ji han main sharaab pee hai (Seeta Aur Geeta) decades ago..

In fact as early as the 1960s we had the immortal Meena Kumari stumbling drunk all over the place and singing Sharabi sharabi mera naam ho gaya in the film Chandan Ka Palna.

Back then ladies were allowed to have more fun. Today the moral police is already on PNC's trail for promoting alcoholism in the Talli song.

Ever the iconoclast Pritish Nandy shrugs his shoulder. "Let them say what they like. Firstly Talli is a zany fun song. Yes, Mallika Sherawat is saying she's high in the song. But she could be high on life. Or she could be high on Coke…I mean the soft drink, " he chuckles.

Then he stops short to get sober. "Very honestly we need to to stop wagging our fingers at other people. Why can't a woman lose control in a pub and freak out? Is that the prerogative of men only?

I neither drink nor smoke. But I see nothing wrong with people who do. As long as you don't drive when you drink what's wrong with having a few drinks and creating a some masti?"

Pritish Nandy says he is in principle opposed to any kind of moral censorship. "Don't smoke don't drink. Don't do 'it' behind the bushes. Bah! Let people do what they like even if they seem to create a nuisance, so what?

We all have the right to do what we like. And the Talli song is about having fun."

Problem is, anything Mallika does from wearing a short dress to getting drunk on screen, creates news.

And it looks the Talli song is all set to give Mallika's moral police a rum…sorry, run for their money.

Ranbir Kapoor overcomes his fear of height

The actor had no other option but to face his fear of heights while shooting a song for Bachna Ae Haseeno .

Even though he is set to achieve new heights of fame, Ranbir Kapoor actually suffers from vertigo. But that did not deter director Siddharth Anand and choreographer Ahmed Khan on insisting the actor to stand atop a hill for a shot in the Yashraj Films production.

While shooting the song ‘Khuda Jaane’ in Italy, Ranbir was told to stand on the top of a 90 feet high hillock.

Though Ranbir was scared, he understood that the shot was important and therefore decided to overcome his fears. To help him out, Deepika Padukone – who apart from being the film’s leading lady is also Ranbir’s ladylove – decided to accompany the actor to the hill top.

While shooting the song ‘Khuda Jaane’ in Italy, Ranbir was told to stand on the top of a 90 feet high hillock.

Though Ranbir was scared, he understood that the shot was important and therefore decided to overcome his fears. To help him out, Deepika Padukone – who apart from being the film’s leading lady is also Ranbir’s ladylove – decided to accompany the actor to the hill top.

Paris Hilton tries to flirt, Cristiano Ronaldo says no

Football star Cristiano Ronaldo has rejected socialite Paris Hilton's attempts to flirt with him.

Hilton spotted the Portuguese star in Hollywood bar Villa and made an attempt to talk to him, but she was knocked back by Ronaldo because he wasn't interested in romancing her.

A source said, "Paris saw Ronaldo and immediately slithered past the dozens of women trying to get his attention. Then she climbed over one of his mates and planted herself next to him but he wasn't interested."

Natalie Cole diagnosed with Hepatitis C

The 58-year-old singer Natalie Cole made the announcement after she was forced to pull out of a gig in California due to the disease.

It is believed that she contracted the disease during the 80s when she was heavily into drugs.

In a statement, her US publicist confirmed the disease and said that Cole was turning to her family and friends for supports, reports the Mirror.

“I am embraced by the love and support of my family and friends. I am committed to my belief in myself and in my abiding faith to meet this challenge with heartfelt optimism and determination,” she said.

According to her doctor, Grammy Award winner is responding very well to treatment, with her virus now in the negative, giving her a better chance of being cured completely.

Other celebs to have contracted the disease include former Baywatch babe Pamela Anderson, ex hubby Tommy Lee, Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler and Larry Hagman, aka Dallas’ JR.

Madonna wants to reunite Spears, Timberlake

Pop superstar Madonna wants to reunite Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake on stage during her world tour.

Spears has already filmed a sexy appearance for Madonna's tour where she is beamed on a giant screen sweaty and hot in a clinging white vest. Madonna now wants Timberlake, who was greatly involved with Madonna on her latest album Hard Candy, to join them on stage. Madonna wants him to perform one of their duets from the album.

A source said, "Madonna is always trying to raise the bar and Spears and Timberlake on the same stage would be perfect. They have both been asked, but I think both are a bit reluctant. Spears would find it all a bit emotional and Timberlake might not fancy it. More likely is that they both appear on different dates. But if anyone can make this happen its Madonna."

I wasn't Aamir's choice for 'Jaane Tu...': Manjari

Mumbai: Manjari Phadnis, who played the second lead opposite debutant Imran in the hit flick Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Naa, said she was not producer Aamir Khan's choice as he had his reservations in casting her for the role.

"Aamir did not want to cast me. I was the only one among the entire cast who was not approved by Aamir. But director Abbas Tyrewala was adamant to cast me," Manjari told reporters.

"Almost 400 girls were auditioned for the role of Meghna and Abbas thought I fitted it the best. Finally Aamir agreed," said the 24-year-old-actress who debuted with Rok Sako To Rok Lo in 2004.

While Jaane Tu... launched Aamir's nephew Imran as an actor, it is also Abbas' first outing as a director. And Manjari says that Aamir didn't interfere much as he was busy with his directorial debut.

"Aamir left everything to Abbas as he was busy shooting for Taare Zameen Par during that time. He used to come to the sets for a while and I did not have any long interaction with him during the entire shooting schedule."

But when Aamir saw the final product, he was impressed by Manjari's work. "I was overwhelmed when he appreciated my work after seeing the film. It was a great achievement to get a compliment from a person like Aamir, who is one of the biggest superstars of the country."

Manjari said it was a life time opportunity for a newcomer like her to work with Aamir Khan productions. "People like me, who do not come from a film background, have to struggle a lot for a good banner and a right film. I really thank Aamir for giving me the opportunity."

Manjari's career slumped after her debut film Rok Sako To Rok Lo bombed at the box office. In last four years, she did a few films in the south and one Hindi movie titled Mumbai Salsa.

"Though my films did not do well, the roles excited me. I was patient and did not accept just anything that came my way." Asked why she wasn't seen in any of the pre-release pormotions, she said, "I was told from the first day that I will be not be there in the promotion and I accepted it. I am happy people saw me as a surprise package."

But isn't that the normal practiced for big stars? "Yes, I know but I had to accept it." She admits promotion would have worked better for her career, saying, "Yes, definitely. I would have surely liked if they would have promoted me a bit. But, people have started recognising me after Jaane Tu..."

Manjari is getting a lot of offers after Jaane Tu... "I have not finalised any of them. I am doing a couple of films in the south and going through the scripts that came my way. I will only sign a film when the story excites me and I have a good role to play." Manjari's next release will be a comedy film I am 24 which has Rajat Kapoor, Ranvir Shorey and Neha Dhupia among others.

Box office analysis

First weekend performance of latest release

There weren't any expectations whatsoever from MEHBOOBA. Since the film's subject (a love triangle), treatment and music is the kind that worked only a decade back and has precious little to offer for the urban centers which are loving their dose of JAANE TU YA JAANE NAA, this Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgan and Manisha Koirala film primarily saw a single screen release and that too mainly in the interiors of North India.

Well, the strategy seems to have paid as the audience out there hasn't really shown it's back to the film, hence resulting in a satisfying weekend. Made on a lavish scale, this Afzal Khan film does boast of Sanju baba as the prime attraction which has managed to attract audience to theaters. Though it is still too early to call the film as safe, a decent opening has won at least half the battle for those who have invested in the film.

Last week's movies

Amongst all the films which released this year and went on to be major successes (RACE, JANNAT, JODHAA AKBAR), JAANE TU YA JAANE NAA has done the best business if one looks at the number of prints that it arrived at and the crores it went on to earn. The film is now the first ever to have crossed the 20 crores milestone in spite of being releases at less than 400 prints - a record! The film has been fantastic all over with blockbuster collections from Mumbai (5 crores) followed by Delhi (2.3 crores).

Those who have invested in the film have hit gold and icing on the cake comes from the fact that the film is progressing quite well in it's second week as well. Superhit! While 50 crores is a given for this film with mainly newcomers, it would also make Abbas Tyrewala as the second filmmaker ever (after Sajid Khan - HEYY BABYY) to achieve this feat in his debut film. The difference here is that while HEYY BABYY starred Akshay Kumar in the lead, JTYJN has newcomers Imran Khan at the helm of affairs!

LOVE STORY 2050 has flopped and if the second week crashes badly (which very much appears to be the case), it may well qualify as a box office disaster. Released at double the print count of JTYJN and earning half of it in the first week (10.5 crores), the film has only gone down on an inversely proportionate manner! The film never saw a rise at all, let aside any fall in collections as days passed by, which has led to the debate opening up again - Should the film have waited for a week or two and see a solo release instead of clashing with JTYJN?

Of course the ifs and buts would continue to haunt Harry and Harman Baweja for years to come but the fact remains that if released solo (or without a major competition), LOVE STORY 2050 may have done at least a little better than what it has done now. The film has been a looser all over with Mumbai falling short of even 2 crores mark (~1.75 crores) and Delhi too failing to touch 1 crore (~90 lakhs). The flak which the film has got is unparalleled and LOVE STORY 2050 unfortunately finds itself in the league of TASHAN and RAM GOPAL VARMA KI AAG which were universally panned!

From the past

THODA PYAAR THODA MAGIC is now fourth flop in a row for Yash Raj Films after LAAGA CHUNARI MEIN DAAG, AAJA NACHLE and TASHAN. Whatever chance that the film had after decent word of mouth in the first week was killed completely due to JTYJN euphoria. Suddenly people were just not interested in giving the film a chance since all eyes were on Imran-Genelia love story. Saif-Rani were ignored and the youngsters lapped, hence resulting in a massive 70% fall in collections!

With barely 4.5 crores coming in for this Kunal Kohli directed film, this one is second straight flop in a row for Saif and Rani after TASHAN and LAAGA CHUNARI MEIN DAAG. While Saif still has a RACE behind him and some exciting projects ahead of him, the picture is quite bleak for Rani who is now far away from her 'Queen' throne with Katrina Kaif and Kareena Kapoor being the hot contenders now!

With a 90% fall in it's third week, DE TAALI is now sighting a DVD release. Ending it's run at 8.5 crores, the film has been quickly forgotten with everyone associated with this 2 years-in-the-making film moving on with newer projects. MERE BAAP PEHLE AAP is also ending it's 'theek-thaak' run by collecting 35 lakhs more in it's 4th week. Seeing a big fall week after week after a reasonably fine opening week, this Priyadarshan-Akshaye Khanna starrer has been a forgettable affair though for it's makers Shemaroo, it has got them a decent success at last. At 23 crores, the film is now set for a DVD release.

As predicted last week, SARKAR RAJ has seen another major fall over the week gone by with 80% dip in collections. With only 15 lakhs more coming in, the film now stands at 34 crores. However, in a week's time from now, it should be running at a few centers (~10) and celebrate 50 days for itself.

In the future

It is going to be a battle of realism v/s candy floss as Ram Gopal Varma and Shahid Kapoor take on each other in KISMAT KONNECTION and CONTRACT. The two films are in complete contrast of each other. While Ramu's CONTRACT promises to be a massy thriller because of it's underworld/terrorism connection, it's a different kind of 'connection' in KISMAT KONNECTION which is a fun-n-cool outing.

Ramu's film is seemingly third in the trilogy of his underworld films after SATYA and COMPANY. Since the film stars newcomers, an opening better than 30%-40% isn't really expected. It is a word of mouth film and unlike SARKAR RAJ which did it's best business in the first week, this one would have to largely depend upon content to make an impression and sustain itself at theaters for far more weeks.

On the other hand Shahid Kapoor would be looking at taking his lover boy image forward after big hits like VIVAH and JAB WE MET in the last couple of years. With Aziz Mirza at the helm of direction, one can certainly expect a sensitive outing in KISMAT KONNECTION with ample feel good moments, especially so with Shahid-Vidya pairing looking quite unique. The film promises to take a good opening and ensure Shahid yet another success.

Everybody loves to hate Vidya Balan

In the past actresses have proved to be lucky for their directors. There was a time when Indra Kumar could not think of making a film without Madhuri Dixit in it. The Chopras considered Sridevi to be their lucky mascot.

Ram Gopal Varma believed that Urmila brought him the much needed luck that a director needs to survive in the film industry. Sanjay Leela Bhansali bestowed the luck factor on Aishwarya Rai.

The latest addition to the above names is Vidya Balan. If Vidya's career graph is observed closely, out of the five releases that the actress has had till date - Parineeta, Lagey Raho Munnabhai, Heyy Babyy, Bhool Bhulaiya and Guru - all have been super hits.

A trade analyst says, "Like Sridevi and Madhuri who were criticized for their bad dress sense, Vidya, too, has been cornered by the critics. But that has not affected her in anyway as Vidya has dished out hits one after the other.

Directors continued to cast Madhuri and Sridevi in their films; the same case is with Vidya Balan. She is considered to be in top league of actress' today.'

Though she is being showered with praises for her looks, Balan is not taking her career for granted and is genuinely working on her style and clothes. A source close to the actress says, "Vidya Balan is working hard on her clothes and designer Sabina Khan is helping her with it."

Now with Vidya being declared a lucky mascot and Shahid the future superstar, will there be any surprise if Kismat Konnection immediately connects at the box-office?

Salman proposes marriage to Katrina

Is Bollywood's most eligible bachelor going to tie the knot finally?

It sure seems like a possibility, as Salman Khan proposed marriage to girlfriend Katrina Kaif on her 24th birthday on July 16.

The actor had thrown a big birthday bash for Katrina, and the who's who of tinsel town was invited -- including Shah Rukh Khan [, Aamir Khan , Ranbir Kapoor , Deepika Padukone , as well as Katrina's mother and sister.

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As the deejay turned up the volume for the title track of Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Salman proposed to Katrina on bended knee.

"She didn't know how to react with Salman's gesture," said a source, who was present in the party.

Salman seemed to want to fulfill the wishes of his contestants on Sony Entertainment Television's 10 Ka Dum as well, as many of them have suggested that he get married.

'I really respect their love for me but why is everyone concerned about a very individual choice? It is a personal choice,' Salman wrote on his blog, adding, 'There is a saying, 'Shaadi woh laddoo hai joh khaye woh bhi pachtaye jo naa khaye woh bhi pachtaye. And I don't like sweets, so it does not concern me.'

At 24, Katrina is having dream run

As she turns 24, Britain-born Katrina Kaif, who was initially written off by critics for her strong foreign accent, can boast of having carved a niche in Bollywood in just five years.

Her birthday Wednesday will see a family get-together as her mother and sisters are arriving in Mumbai from abroad to celebrate.

'Katrina is working. She is doing radio interviews for her forthcoming film 'Singh Is Kinng'. As far as celebrations go, she will dine with her family members, ' a source close to the actress told.

Katrina ventured into Hindi films from London in 2003 and struggled a lot mainly because of her accent and height. But then last year, she proved her mettle with four hits - 'Namastey London', 'Apne', 'Partner' and 'Welcome.

This year too she repeated the success story with 'Race' and gave credit to her fans for her success.

'I don't think it's a matter of where you place yourself. It's a matter of how your fans feel about you and where the industry finds you. At this particular place I think I am lucky to be able to say that I do get offers for a lot of films, ' Katrina said.

She is one of eight siblings, all girls. Her mother is British and her father is from Jammu and Kashmir.

The actress spent her formative years in Hawaii, but later moved to London. She started modelling accidentally when she was in Hawaii at the age of 14. Thereafter she continued modelling in London till she moved to Mumbai, pursuing a movie career.

While climbing the ladder of success, the actress kept her focus intact.

'I am pretty clear about what I want to do. I don't want to go down the road doing serious cinema. I am happy doing commercial films. The fun films give the audience time to escape the monotony in everyday life, ' she said.

Now all eyes are set on her films 'Singh Is Kinng' and 'Yuvraj'. While the former is a romantic comedy and sees her once again with Akhsay Kumar, the latter is a musical extravaganza and will see her teaming up with real life beau Salman Khan.

''Singh Is Kinng' is a comedy. Director Rajkumar Santoshi's script is one of the best scripts I have ever heard.'

Katrina has now moved on to bigger banners like Yash Raj Films. She will soon be seen in 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani' with Ranbir Kapoor.

Look who got into Mallika Sherawat’s skirt!

Actor Ranvir Shorey has done some crazy things in Ugly Aur Pagli . One of them was getting into the skirt of Mallika Sherawat .

In case you are burning with envy and dying to swap places with Ranvir, hold your horses. For, after reading this you might not envy but pity Ranvir.

The film has Ranvir playing a pansy who gets hooked with an obnoxious, strong and witty girl, played by Mallika. She dominates her boyfriend and makes him do crazy and quirky things like dancing around in circles, running semi naked, riding bicycles without seats, or wearing short skirts and high heels.

Yes, there is a scene in the film in which the aggressive Pagli (Mallika) orders the meek Ugly (Ranvir) to wear a ladies’ skirt. A skirt from Mallika’s costumes was given to Ranvir but the actor was very shy of getting into it.

At last after much joshing and taunting by director Sachin Khot and the film’s crew, Ranvir decided to put on Mallika’s skirt.

But with those hairy legs and jaunt physique, Ranvir looked really funny in a mini skirt. And everyone had fun at the poor lad’s expense.

Bollywood producers still back Harman Baweja

His launch vehicle may not have lived upto the expectations but Bollywood producers and directors are still sure that Harman Baweja is a star in the making.

The failure of Love Story 2050 may not be of much consequence to Harman’s acting career. Even before the film’s release on July 4, he had signed movies with the likes of Ashutosh Gowarikar and Sanjay Leela Bhansali .

And though there have been rumours that the filmmakers are having second thoughts about working with Harman after his fairly mediocre launch, the fact is that the folks in Bollywood are still backing him.

Gossip has been abuzz that Bhansali is thinking of showing Harman the door from his home production Chenab Gandhi , to be directed by Vibhu Puri. But the director-producer denies it.

Bhansali has not just reconfirmed Harman’s presence in ‘Chenab Gandhi’ (also starring Amitabh Bachchan ), he says he is thinking of signing Harman for another film to be directed by Bhansali himself.

On another front, director Anees Bazmee has also denied that Harman is dropped from a film to be directed by him.

And last but not the least, Ashutosh Gowarikar is fully convinced that Harman and Priyanka Chopra are perfectly suited to play the romantic lead in his film What's Your Raashi .

Well, Harman has nothing to complain about.

Kareena Kapoor, Imtiaz Ali team up again, but Shahid’s not there!

The Jab We Met team is all set for another film, but Shahid Kapur is not there in it.

Finally, Kareena Kapoor has her way. She had expressed her disappointment when Imtiaz Ali chose Deepika Padukone over her for his next film starring Saif Ali Khan . The loss of the film was disheartening to Bebo since it also happens to be Saif’s first home production.

Rumours also spoke about a definite fallout between Bebo and Imtiaz – that the things had soured between them and the duo won’t ever work again.

These rumours can now bite the dust coz Bebo and Imtiaz are set to team up again for the director’s next film. The movie would be produced by Ashtavinayak. However, Imtiaz would begin this project only after finishing his film with Saif.

Contrary to what you might expect, Imtiaz’s next film won’t have Saif as Bebo’s love interest. It might rather have Akshay Kumar .

Incidentally, Kareena is presently in Los Angeles shooting Sajid Nadiadwala’s film Kambakht Ishq that has Akshay as her love interest.

'Kismat Konnection' – Test of Shahid Kapur - Vidya Balan chemistry

Connection between 'kismat' (luck) and the much talked-about Shahid Kapur – Vidya Balan couple is all set to be put to test as their film Kismat Konnection releases across India this Friday.

The love story, which centres around Raj Malhotra (Shahid), a street-smart charming guy but despite his best efforts success eludes him. Raj's luck changes when he meets an enigmatic fortune-teller played by Juhi Chawla , who assures him that he is about to get lucky with a new chance.

Deviating from his signature pair of Shahrukh Khan and Juhi, veteran director Aziz Mirza has roped in Shahid and Vidya.

The director hopes that Vidya and Shahid will make it to the list of successful Bollywood reel-couple.

When asked whether the super success of Jab We Met made him decide on Shahid, Mirza said, "It is not after the success of 'Jab We Met' that I signed him for my movie. I was already impressed with Shahid's performance in his debut movie, 'Ishq Vishq' and had signed him even before 'Jab We Met'."

The director, however, wanted a different fresh pair and that's what made him sign Vidya as her girl-next-door image suited well for the film's character.

"I wanted my film with an entire new pair which is both young and fresh and that's why Vidya Balan was signed for the film and she has done a wonderful job, " said Mirza.

The director believes in Shahid's potential to justify the character of a perplexed young man in 'Kismat Konnection'.

But it seems Mirza's favourite pair of SRK-Juhi are indispensable for his movies. In 'Kismat Konnection', Juhi plays the role of Haseena Banu Jaan, a crystal ball reader while King Khan, who is also a very dear friend of Mirza has given his voice-over to this film.

Mirza has made a come back with 'Kismat Konnection' after a long time. The film he had last directed was Chalte Chalte in 2003 with SRK and Rani Mukherjee .

So, why did he take such a long to make another movie?

"I like to make a film when I want. I am never bothered by whether I am among the top filmmakers or not. Besides film making, I am also involved with other things and I am happy with the way my latest film has turned out," he said.

With a film depicting the significance of luck in human life, does the director himself believe in 'kismat' and all?

"Old people like me may believe in luck, but youngsters should not put their faith blindly on luck,", Mirza said, quickly adding that the voice-over of the film by SRK happened as a matter of chance.

"Originally, Juhi had recorded the voice-over for the film but later when we heard it again, we did not like it much. While we were discussing it Shah Rukh called me up from London. I immediately asked for his voice-over, which he readily accepted. That's how it happened," Mirza said.

Mirza, however, denied that there was any numerology behind the spelling of the film with 'K' in connection. According to him, the film's name is only a marketing strategy.

After 5 years, Abhishek finally keeps his promise to Aishwarya

Five years ago, when he had no clue that he would one day marry her, Abhishek Bachchan had made a promise to Aishwarya Rai .

It happened during the making of their film Kuch Na Kaho in 2003 when Ash was headed for a world tour and tipped the organizers of the shows to ask Abhishek to be a part of the tour. Abhishek turned down the offer because he had no dates to spare. Since then Ash has been taunting him for that. But Abhi made a promise to her that one day he would definitely accompany her on a world tour.

Years passed and their lives turned out such that they ended up falling in love and getting married. Now, what did not materialize five years ago is finally going to happen.

For, Abhishek and Ash are headed to the ‘Unforgettable’ tour that will travel to Canada, the US and the UK. This is the couple’s first tour together. They, along with Pa Amitabh Bachchan , are at the helm of the tour.

The tour begins with a concert in Toronto on Friday.

While Aishwarya could not fully rehearse her dance steps for the first concert because she fell ill, Abhishek has assured the organizers (Wizcraft) that he is more than willing to step in for Ash or dad Big B if any of them feels unwell during the tour. The trio will perform solo as well as together in concerts.

Apart from the Bachchans, the tour features Preity Zinta , Ritesh Deshmukh and music composer duo Vishal-Shekhar . Other Bollywood stars like Madhuri Dixit , Akshay Kumar and Shilpa Shetty would join the troupe on different legs of the tour

Shahrukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Abhishek Bachchan make it to Forbes list

After the business titans like Ambanis and Mittals, it is the turn of the three young icons of Indian entertainment world – Shahrukh Khan , Aamir Khan and Abhishek Bachchan – to make it to a Forbes list.

The US publication, known for its rankings of wealthiest persons across the world, has named these Bollywood stars among ten celebrities adding star-power to mobile phones.

The two Khans and the junior Bachchan, son of Bollywood mega superstar Amitabh Bachchan , have been joined by two international sportstars Maria Sharapova and David Beckham, four singers Usher, Fergie, Rain and Andy Lau and race car driver Danica Patrick in the 'Ten Celebs and Their Cells' list published on the Forbes website.

"Once upon a time, perfume and designer jean makers were the ones who relied on celebrities to add a bit of star-dust glamour to their products. Add to that list, now, mobile phone makers," the report said.

While SRK endorses mobile phones made by Nokia, the world's biggest cellphone maker, Abhishek and Aamir are brand ambassadors for Motorola and Samsung phones respectively.

Among other celebrities, Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova endorses Sony Ericsson phones, while soccer star David Beckham is a brand ambassador for Motorola RAZR2 phone.

Forbes said the ten celebrities are "some of the big ones who want you to join their handheld club."

"As nearly everyone on the planet seems to have a cellphone, device makers must work harder to win new customers. Cool designs and low prices help, of course. But so do celebrities. That's led phone makers to recruit some A-listers from Usher to David Beckham to lend an ear-- and a smile-- to selling cellphones," it added.

How 'Singh Is Kinng' got its title

It was Akshay Kumar who suggested producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah to title the film Singh Is Kinng .

Akshay, a full-bloodied Punjabi munda who grew up in Delhi, struggled in Bangkok, and achieved fame in Mumbai, had a dream to play a Sikh in a Bollywood film from the start of his career. That dream realized with this Vipul Shah production directed by Anees Bazmee .

When the film was still in production stages and yet without it’s title, Akshay Kumar came up with the name ‘Singh Is King’.

How?

Those were the days when Akshay was shooting Priyadarshan’s film Bhool Bhulaiya in Jaipur. There, Akshay saw the catchphrase ‘Singh is king’ written on the back of a truck driven by a Sikh.

Immediately, the actor called Vipul Shah and suggested the title ‘Singh Is King’ for the film. Shah agreed but later added an extra ‘n’ to King for numerological reasons.

‘Singh Is Kinng’ has Akshay Kumar playing Happy Singh, a good-natured sardar who tries to help people in his village but inadvertently ends up creating more troubles for them. To keep him away, the villagers send him on a mission to Australia to reform Lucky Singh ( Sonu Sood ), a local munda who has gone bad and become an underworld don Down Under.

The film stars Katrina Kaif as Akshay’s love interest. It is set to release on August 8.

Salman suggests changes to God Tussi Great Ho?

God Tussi Great Ho is a big film and Salman Khan's next release after almost eight months. Naturally, everyone, including Salman, is ensuring that everything goes right this time. There're rumours that Salman wasn't happy with the first promo of the film and has suggested some changes. Consequently, the teasers were withdrawn. It's said that a new set of promos will be on air soon.

"The first promo was basically to enlighten the viewers about the film," God Tussi Great Ho director Rumi Jaffery said. "We will actually kick-start the campaign with song promos. We haven't withdrawn the promos, that's a misconception."

Rumi defends Salman completely. "Salman is not the type to interfere in anyone's work. He's not made that way.

On whether the release date will be shifted ahead (it's scheduled for release on 15th August) and Rumi shoots back, "No way. God Tussi Great Ho is arriving on that date. That's final."

Scarcity of cinemas hit new films

The flow of multiple releases week after week is playing havoc. Sometime back, this writer had mentioned categorically that the day is not far when release dates will go haywire due to lack of theatres. And that's what is happening.


This Friday, as many as three new Hindi films were confirmed -- MEHBOOBA, MUKHBIR and GOODLUCK. In fact, the producers of MEHBOOBA and GOODLUCK have gone all out to promote their films. With JAANE TU… YA JAANE NA faring exceptionally well and some plexes increasing its shows from next week onwards, it has resulted in the new releases not getting the theatres. Resultantly, the makers of GOODLUCK have decided to shift its release to 1st August. That makes it MEHBOOBA and MUKHBIIR this Friday [July 11], besides two major Hollywood openers, HANCOCK and KUNG FU PANDA.

In the future too, the release dates of a number of films are expected to go topsy-turvy for this reason.

"There were three options for 'Bas Ek Kinng' - Mayur Puri

While the soundtrack of Singh is Kinng is topping the charts the world over, little has been written about the lyricist who has penned these successful numbers - Mayur Puri. From the emerging breed of young and talented dialogue writers-lyricists, Mayur Puri's name strikes a chord when one talks about songs with distinct Punjabi flavour.

Also to his credit lies that fact that he has penned most of the chartbusters by Pritam, making them knock-out hits. Talking about his work for Singh is Kinng, Mayur fondly says, "I've done some of the most popular work of my career, be it for Dhoom or Pyaar Ke Side Effects with Pritam. So there's an inherent understanding between us. Also Aneezji (Bazmee) and I had been talking about working together for a long time. Finally everything fell into place with Singh is Kinng. And I'm glad I did it; it's a project close to my heart as I got to revisit my mother tongue in all the songs."

When quizzed about his favourite track from the film, Mayur is quick to respond, "Actually I have two favourite songs. Jee Karda for its energy and synergy between the Punjabi and English lyrics, and Teri Ore for its softness."

He also shares how Pritam had initially composed three different tunes for Bas Ek Kinng - the track currently topping the charts, and had almost settled for one of the other tunes. After much deliberation from Mayur he used the current tune. In fact even the lyrics were a little different originally, but then a philosophical twist was added to them to go with the message of the film - Being a Kinng is a derivative of positive attitude in life.

Interestingly, while Punjabi is a binding factor among the songs, Mayur has gotten as authentic as it gets in the Daler Mehndi-rendered Bhootnike - using some of the most rustic expressions found in the language.

Talking about this track he says, "I really didn't want this song to be a run-of-the-mill shaadi number, where people come and wish the couple. This is the first song in the film and it really had to set the tone right. So Aneezji and I came up with the idea of making it as real as possible. If you notice, at a wedding, the groom's friends are always kidding about the end of his independence, and how he found himself such a good looking wife despite being so ugly himself! Bhootnike was written in the same spirit. Akshay's character has a blast in the song, and he's performed it beautifully. I'm confident it'll leave people laughing!"

If the two songs on air are anything to go by, this album looks set to win listeners' hearts all over!

Vidya Balan answers questions on Shahid

Joi de vivre, vivacious and bubbly, just a few small words to describe Vidya balan’s Tete a Tete with VJ Salil on Star Stop on B4U Music. The lovely actress is at her wittiest best as she answers Salil’s questions candidly.


B4U STAR STOP is a programme with film related interviews. On B4u Music Actors/directors talk about their forthcoming movie, their likes, dislikes and other things and chat with B4U VJS. Stars talk about their personal review of the film and share their anecdotes of their experiences during the making of the film

Vidya talks about her forthcoming film Kismet Connection and the ease with which she has essayed her role. A firm believer in destiny she completely identifies with the film. Forthright and clear she answers all questions regarding her relationship with Shahid and their chemistry with absolute comfort.

Salil fires a rapid round of questions and Vidya Balan reciprocates with the most amazing amusing and witty answers. Cool and level headed she talks about the paparazzi hounding her with questions on her relationship with Shahid, her disbelief in numerology astrology and palmistry.

To watch and enjoy this lively and energetic interview and much more, tune in to Star Stop on B4u music on 13th July at 19.10 hrs.

'Zayed taking on Nikiten Dheer is highlight of MISSION ISTANBUL'

For the climactic battle in Apoorva Lakhia's Mission Istaanbul, the reed-thin Zayed Khan put on 11 kg and weighed 75 kg for the first time in his life. All because he had to take on the movie's bad man Nikitin Dheer, who is 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighed 86 kg.


This scene is supposed to be the climax sequence. Zayed was excited when he was told about the climactic situation and requirement of this role. 'I suddenly had to weigh beyond what I ever usually did. I had to match Nikitin Dheer because there was a lot at stake for me. 'Mission Istanbul' sapped me. This project meant a lot to me,' Zayed said.

Mission Istaanbul targets the youth audiences across the globe and is all set to invade the Indian Box Office from 25th July, 2008. The film casts actors Suniel Shetty, Viveik Oberoi, Zayed Khan, Shabbir Ahluwalia, Shriya Saran, Nikitin Dheer and debutante Shweta Bharadwaj. Mission Istaanbul is an action flick directed by one of the most innovative action directors, Apoorva Lakhia and produced by a joint venture of Balaji Motion Pictures Ltd and Suniel Shetty’s Popcorn Motion Pictures Pvt Ltd.

The pace of the film is relentless and the actions are mind boggling. The film moves in a rock solid direction and has a strong theme. The Mission Istaanbul script saw 22 drafts before it was finalized. All the star-cast in the film has been made to perform out of ordinary stunts to give it a brush of reality. Zayed and Viveik were made to jump from a four storey building. Buildings and helicopters were blown up, cars were smashed and many such things were done to make it a bigger project in the leagues of action flicks.

The music of the film is outstanding and perfectly matches the film’s plot. Turkish Singer Ege sung an awesome romantic song “Jo Gumshuda” in the movie. It has been scored by Bollywood’s renowned music Directors, Anu Malik, Shamir Tandon, Chirantan Bhatt and Mika. The overwhelming lyrics have been penned by India’s ace lyricist Sameer. The action Director for Mission Istaanbul are Javed and Ejaz Shaikh and the Dialogues are written by Raj Vasant. The film is an outrageous approach toward the new era action films in India and probably might turn out to be the Indian MISSION IMPOSSIBLE.

BALAJI MOTION PICTURES LTD march towards presenting a top of the line entertainment software to Indian feature film audiences after Balaji Telefilms Limited, whose serials rank among India’s most watched television programming. With MISSION ISTAANBUL awaiting release and big films like Bhool Bhulayia, Sarkar Raj already making success stories at the box offices, and C Kkompany and EMI just awaiting release, this group will also actively produce and distribute both Indian and Foreign motion pictures all over the world.

Bollywood box-office report of the week

The coming Friday will witness a clash between two delayed projects, Afzal Khan's Sanjay Dutt and Ajay Devgan starrer MEHBOOBA and Mani Shankar's Samir Dattani starrer MUKHBIR and also Rituparno Ghosh's KHELA. None of the new releases are expected to create much of an impact, though MEHBOOBA may achieve a little at single screens and small centres and MUKHBIR some critical acclaim. The week will once again belong to last Friday's JAANE TU... YA JAANE NA.


The much awaited, first major clash of the second half of 2008 between Harry Baweja's LOVE STORY 2050 and Aamir Khan's (production) JAANE TU? YA JAANE NA turned out to be by and large in favour of the latter that is the Imran-Genelia starrer. Released at 70 cinemas of Bombay city and suburbs through PVR Pictures, JAANE TU... YA JAANE NA had an excellent opening. In other circuits, the start was pretty good in multiplexes almost everywhere. On the other hand, the Priyanka Chopra and Harman Baweja starrer, LOVE STORY 2050 was released at 82 cinemas of Bombay city and suburbs through Big Pictures and had a fair start. In other circuits the opening was alright at some places and dull at others. Collections did pick up during the night show. Trade predicts that JTYJN will work big time. It will prove class A1, with chances of AA in Bombay and South. However, the picture is not so bright for LS 2050 and the gloss and richness may not be able to save the film at the box-office, due to lack of a good script and the heavy prices. In the UK, LOVE STORY 2050 has grossed $97,354 as compared to $59,843 by JAANE TU... YA JAANE NA. In the US, the Imran-Genelia starrer has grossed an impressive $214,360 (upto 6th July).

The collections of Yash Raj's Kunal Kohli directed THODA PYAAR THODA MAGIC began to slide from the fourth day onwards. During its first week, the film collected 3.45 crores from Bombay, 75 lakhs from Ahmedabad, 1.10 lakhs from Himmatnagar, 1 lakh from Patan, 2.40 lakhs from Jamnagar, 2.85 lakhs (gross) from Bhavnangar, 2.15 lakhs from Gandhidham, 1.20 lakhs from Adipur, 16.25 lakhs from Pune, 1.30 lakhs from Solapur, 1.60 lakhs from Sangli, 7.10 lakhs from Nasik, 2.20 crores from Delhi, 30.25 lakhs from Noida, 32.05 lakhs from Ghaziabad, 10.50 lakhs from Kanpur, 26.50 lakhs from Lucknow, 6.15 lakhs from Agra, 3.35 lakhs from Meerut, 1.70 lakhs from Bareilly, 4 lakhs from Aligarh, 42.10 lakhs from Gurgaon, 16 lakhs from Faridabad, 3.20 lakhs from Panipat, 66 lakhs from Calcutta, 3 lakhs from Guwahati, 22 lakhs from Nagpur, 1.10 lakhs from Akola, 1.35 lakhs from Raipur, 20.50 lakhs from Indore, 1.35 lakhs from Sehore, 27.40 lakhs from Jaipur, 3.10 lakhs (gross) from Ajmer, 2.05 lakhs from Bikaner, 41.35 lakhs from Hyderabad, 2.65 lakhs from Aurangabad, 1.40 lakhs from Nanded and 4 lakhs from Mangalore. In its opening week, THODA PYAAR THODA MAGIC has netted around 16.75 crores from India. It is now clear that the 20 crore, Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji starrer is all set to be another losing proposition for Yash Raj Films. The film has also been rejected in the Overseas, grossing $473,706 from UK and only $335,874 from the US.

Fizz Entertainment's THODI LIFE THODA MAGIC is very poor. It could not complete even a week's run at many places. With less than 5 lakhs from India, it is one of the biggest disasters of the year.

NFDC's VIA DARJEELING has quite dull collections to show. The film collected 8.25 lakhs from Bombay, 5 lakhs from Delhi city, 1.50 lakhs from Noida, 2.10 lakhs from Gurgaon and 1 lakh from Hyderabad. Netting barely 30 lakhs in its opening week from India, VIA DARJEELING will be lucky to even cover its low cost.

E Niwas's Aftab, Ritesh and Ayesha starrer, DE TAALI, is on its way out. The film crashed badly during the second week as it collected 30 lakhs from Bombay, 6.40 lakhs from Ahmedabad, 2 lakhs from Pune, 1 lakh (approx) from Rajkot and Solapur, 10.20 lakhs from Delhi, 2 lakhs from Noida. 3 lakhs from Ghaziabad, 1.05 lakh from Kanpur, 1.75 lakhs from Lucknow, 2.45 lakhs from Gurgaon, 1.15 lakhs from Faridabad, 2 lakhs from Nagpur, 1.50 lakhs from Amravati, 2.25 lakhs from Jaipur and 3.50 lakhs from Hyderabad. Adding another 1.45 crores in its second week, DE TAALI has netted nearly 9 crores in two weeks from India and has failed at the ticket window. The loss though will not be too heavy.

Priyadarshan's Akshaye-Genelia starrer MERE BAAP PEHLE AAP is on its last lap. The film collected 9.20 lakhs from Bombay, 10 lakhs from Ahmedabad, 1 lakh (approx) from Himmatnagar, Gandhidham and Pune, 1.35 lakhs from Jamnagar, 18 lakhs from Delhi, 2.05 lakhs from Noida, 3.55 lakhs from Ghaziabad, 1.30 lakhs from Kanpur, 5 lakhs from Lucknow, 1.50 lakhs from Meerut, 3.50 lakhs from Gurgaon, 1.20 lakhs from Faridabad, 1.10 lakhs from Calcutta, 2 lakhs from Nagpur, 1 lakh (approx) from Amravati and Dhule, 1.25 lakh from Indore, 12.05 lakhs from Jaipur and 4.30 lakhs from Hyderabad. With an additional 1.50 crores, MERE BAAP PEHLE AAP has netted a surprisingly decent 23 crores in three weeks from India. The Shemaroo venture is now an above average fare, which has also impressed in the UK, grossing $500,757.

During its fourth week, Ram Gopal Varma's SARKAR RAJ collected, 14.15 lakhs from Bombay, 5 lakhs from Ahmedabad, 1.15 lakhs from Pune, 11 lakhs from Delhi, 2 lakhs from Noida, 1.30 lakhs from Ghaziabad, 2.30 lakhs from Lucknow, 1 lakh from Agra, 3.70 lakhs from Gurgaon, 1.50 lakhs from Nagpur and 5.10 lakhs from Hyderabad. Adding another 75 lakhs, the Amitabh, Abhishek and Aishwarya starrer, SARKAR RAJ, has netted 34 crores in four weeks from India and is now ending its run. The film has turned out to be a losing venture for most of its distributors, barring Bombay and has not impressed in the Overseas, despite a decent US gross, due to its heavy procurement price.

Shilpa Shetty & Bipasha Basu in action comedy!

Bollywood bombshells Bipashu Basu and Shilpa Shetty are all set to scorch the screen together!!


Yes, the two hotties now will share the screen space together. Not only this, Shilpa Shetty for the very first time is ready to take over the production charge with this film. And besides herself, she has also signed Bipasha Basu for the film. It is heard that from a long time Shilpa was looking forward to produce a film under her own production banner. And when she heard about the script she immediately grabbed this opportunity.

It is also heard that Shilpa's sibling Shamita Shetty is taking keen interest in the project and helping her elder sister with the production work. This untitled action comedy flick will be co-produced by UTV Motion Pictures and directed by Manish Jha. While the male lead is yet to be finalized.

This is the second time when 2 hotties Shilpa Shetty & Bipasha Basu would be seen together. The sizzling ladies last were seen together in comedy flick CHOR MACHAYE SHOR starring Bobby Deol alongside. Though at that time the 2 ladies didn't have a chance to share the screen space, hope the 2 will rock with this new film.

Johansson doesn't try to look sexy

Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson claims she doesn't try to look sexy.

Thesun.co.uk reports that Johansson, who got engaged to actor Ryan Reynolds recently, thinks being presentable is more important that looking good.

She said: "I don't normally think about being sexy. I think: 'Do I look presentable? Do I look sane?'"

The Lost in Translation star also said that she would not find it easy to be in an open relationship.

Shilpa breathes life into dead film

Actress Shilpa Shetty may not be a popular heroine anymore in India, but in the UK the Shilpa fever still soars.

And, it is this Brit popularity that brought to the fore the resurrection of a film — Humsaaya: The Shadow — that was shelved a long time ago.

The film, which has Dino Morea in the lead, was shelved due to differences between the producers. However, with Shilpa’s Big Brother win, a UK production house has shown interest in the project, and in all probability the film will come back on floors.

Director Kawal Sharma informs us, “When she heard the script for the first time ever, Shilpa was so excited that she reduced her fees for us. It’s great that a production house has shown interest in my project. However, their approaching us is just the initial phase, let’s see how it all turns out,” says an excited Sharma, who is keeping his fingers crossed.

Shoaib Mansoor tickled by rumours of his next film

So consumed are his friends from Bollywood by the idea of him directing another film after Khuda Kay Liye that they've already decided to give over an entire project with cast and all to Shoaib Mansoor.

But Shoaib is no hurry to make his next film. "I'm really amused to hear that I've already decided which film to make next. In fact I've a couple of ideas that I'm developing," says the director speaking from Pakistan.

Tell him that Percept Pictures is quoted as saying Shaan, the Pakistan matinee idol who played the lead in Khuda Kay Liye, has already been cast in his next, and Shoaib replies, "When I haven't even decided what I'll make next how can I firm in on the cast? It's unlikely that Shaan will be part of my next project."

The Pakistani superstar didn't quite give Shoaib an easy time making Khuda Kay Liye. Though Shaan agreed to change his image and do a starkly realistic role he seemed to lose interest halfway and did nothing to support the film's craggy progression after release.

Laughs Shoaib, "The star system is no different in Pakistan or India. India has some great acting talent .And I'd love to work with all of them. But at this juncture it would be highly premature to mention names because I've no one in mind."

It took Shoaib a good 25 years to make his first feature film. "Making a film in Pakistan is not easy. I've fought many battles, petty and epic, to make the movie. And if it has done well in Pakistan and India then my struggle has been worth it.

Now of course I'll make my next film out of Mumbai. I'm committed to Percept Pictures for my next. And I think I'll make it within a year. This time I can focus on writing and directing the film while my producers will take care of everything else. But it will take me a year to get the script in place."

At the moment Shoaib is getting ready for a three-week trip to Japan from July 20 where he's being honoured by the Japanese federation. "This year I've a lot of travelling to do. Khuda Kay Liye had a much longer shelf life than I had imagined. My next film will also have a very strong socio-political content. I don't think cinema is about making 150 girls and boys dance on top of a Swiss mountain. It's a very powerful medium. Let's not use it for frivolity."

Bollywood loses Rs 150 crore in six months

MUMBAI: The year is halfway through, but Bollywood has very little to cheer about. More than Rs 3 billion ($70 million) has gone into making films, but half of the amount sank beyond recovery.

The ratio of success and failure in Bollywood has for the past many years been 5/6:100, it means, out of 100 movies released in a given year, only five or six manage to hit the jackpot.

The industry takes solace in the fact that of the 47 movies released in the last six months, at least two, "Race" and "Jannat", turned out to be genuine hits, bringing cheer to producers, distributors and exhibitors.

And, of course, they enthused the audience for giving value to its money.

"Race", an Abbas-Mustan-directed racy thriller, was an instantaneous success, unlike "Jannat".

Though an equally piquant movie based on the subject of match fixing in cricket, "Jannat" was a slow starter.

But eventually it reached the finishing line, doing a business of Rs 400 million on an investment of Rs 100 million. That's all that matters to merit it the status of being a hit movie.

UTV's mega budget "Jodhaa Akbar", which had big stars like Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai, did the major business in the first quarter of this year. But, with an investment of Rs 450 million, it was a costly production and a period movie at that, it took a long time for UTV to recover the cost, the reason being that the genre, popular with audiences till the early 1970s, lost its past flavour.

Akshay: Fishing in troubled waters

Sanjay Dutt, we had informed you, was having some great time in the Bahamas as he shoots for Blue.

Well, the latest news is that Akshay Kumar has joined him there and the two heroes only recently found themselves in a disastrous situation as they shot for the film 50 feet under water.

The sequence demanded that a ship be blasted. Utmost precautions were taken for the safety of the cast and crew under water, but in spite of it all the underwater conditions we so bad that the blast went a little out of control.

It was a harrowing moment, and the sheer mental presence of cameraman Peter Zuccarini saved the team. Directed by Anthony D’Souza, this is touted to be one of the most expensive Hindi films being made. And, the actors seem to be paying the price!

I am glad Bebo left the film: Priyanka

The sexy actor Priyanka Chopra is in a league of her own. The ex-Miss World has done all kinds of roles ranging from comedy to action.

She is once again in news for her recent ‘futuristic’ film. In an exclusive interview, Priyanka gets talking about her latest movie, her chemistry with the Hrithik lookalike Harman Baweja and more...

Earlier this film had been signed by Kareena Kapoor and then she walked out. Is that correct?
Yes. I think I was lucky, and I am glad and thankful to Kareena that she left the movie. She did sign the film but left it later citing dates problems.

Some people say it is a remake of Hollywood movie Back To the Future.
No, it’s a different concept altogether.

You bond quite well with your co-star both on and off-screen. How was it working with Harman?
It was great. Although he is a newcomer, his acting skills are remarkable. I really enjoyed working with him. He is a very good person too. Sometimes he is funny and sometimes he is very naughty. I hope to work with him again.

Harman is a very good dancer. Did you find it difficult to match steps with him?
Yes, he is really a very good dancer. He gave me a complex. Come to think of it, he is a newcomer and yet he dances better than me.

Harman is often compared with Hrithik Roshan. Comment?
I think every newcomer is compared with some other actor. And comparing Harman with Hrithik is like an honour for him. Besides, he has got the same response which Hrithik got after KNPH (Kaho Na Pyar Hai).

There was one more rumour that Harman has gifted you a ring?
No, he has not gifted me any ring.

You are very choosy about your roles, but you haven’t signed any movie with Yash Raj banner yet. Why?
Some people say that I am choosy but it's not like that. I love to do different roles which are exciting and challenging. I want to do something which no one else can do. But yes, at the same time, it depends upon the director, producer and the character that I am going to play. And about Yash Raj banner, I really want to work with them but I haven’t received any offer from their side yet.

What’s next in your kitty?
I am working on five films right now. These include Rumi Jaffrey’s God Tussi Great Ho, Madhur Bhandarkar’s Fashion, Goldie Behl’s Drona, Karan Johar's Dostana and Kabir Kaushik's Chamku. My schedule is absolutely packed for the rest of the year.

Bachchans to produce Pa

The refreshingly different Cheeni Kum released more than a year ago, but even before the film could hit the screens, Balki had expressed a desire to work with Big B again. "He's addictive. Once you work with him, it's difficult to look elsewhere," Balki had remarked then.

Balki had plans of bringing the father and son duo of Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan in PA. Well, the dream has finally realized, for AB Corp has decided to produce the project. Also, besides the Bachchans, Balki has also confirmed Vidya Balan and Paresh Rawal for pivotal roles.

"We begin filming in February next year and hope to wrap up the shoot by May. PA deals with the father-son relationship," Balki divulges. Sunil Manchanda and Balki will execute the project.

John Abraham dubs for animated Alibaba

Bollywood hunk John Abraham has lent his voice to the central character in an animation film on ‘Alibaba and 40 Thieves’.


The film, based on the famous episode from ‘Arabian Nights’, is being made by Soumitra Ranade, who made the famous children’s film ‘Jajantaram Mamantaram’. To dub for the central character of Alibaba, Ranade wanted an actor with a soft, humble voice. He found that in John’s.

Ranade first approached John last year to dub for his film. The actor reportedly promised the director that he would lend his voice to Alibaba whenever asked to do so.

And now that the film is in dubbing stages, John took a week’s time off from his other movie commitments, solely to dub for Alibaba.

John did not just come to the studios and dubbed and left. He discussed the character of Alibaba deeply with Ranade and did many rehearsals before doing the final dubbing.

Ranade says he cannot think of any other actor whose voice would have suited Alibaba more than John’s.

John has been busy shooting for Karan Johar ’s production Dostana . His next release would be Aashayein in which he plays a compulsive gambler.

Matthew McConaughey, girlfriend welcome baby boy

Matthew McConaughey's long-time model girlfriend, Camila Alves, has given birth to the couple's first child, a 7-pound, 4-ounce boy.

Alves, 24, gave birth in California and named the child Levi, revealed McConaughey's publicist, Alan Nierob.

The 38-year-old actor announced that Alves was pregnant in a posting on his Web site in January.

"Camila and I were side by side the entire time," McConaughey told OK! magazine. "We are both tired and elated, and are so happy to have created the greatest miracle in the world having a child and making a family."

"Now comes the greatest adventure raising one, together."

Amitabh Bachchan to lend voice to film on global warming

Bollywood mega superstar Amitabh Bachchan is going to lend his voice for a film that talks about global warming.


The film titled Zor Laga Ke Haiya , is about a group of kids who make a tree house as part of their school assignment which a corrupt builder tries to cut down. The kids then try to garner the support of the media and society to conserve the tree.

The film is directed by Girish Joshi and produced by Kartikeya and Basant Talreja.

After Bhoothnath , this is the second children’s film that Bachchan is going to be a part of.

Reports are that the Big B was so moved by the script that he agreed to lend his voice to it without charge.

Global warming is definitely big on Big B’s agenda as last year, he joined hands with Hollywood star Sienna Miller to help spread awareness about global warming and now, he is going to lend his voice for a film that talks about the same.

Even the recently held IIFA Awards, of which Bachchan is the brand ambassador, had a green carpet welcome instead of the traditional red carpet welcome to emphasise the dangers of global warming

Drew Barrymore and Justin Long end relationship

Justin Long and Drew Barrymore have ended their romance, the actor's publicist said on July 8.

"I just wanted to confirm that, yes, they did break up," said Carrie Gordon, adding that the couple remain friends. Gordon didn't give further details.

Barrymore, 33, and Long, 30, co-star in the movie adaptation of the self-help best-seller He's Just Not That Into You, slated for release next February.

The split comes as a surprise, given their public displays of affection since they began dating last year.

Long's big-screen credits include Accepted and Dodgeball, and he's also the "Mac guy" in Apple's TV commercials. Barrymore's screen credits include Fever Pitch, 50 First Dates and E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial.

The lanky actor seemed smitten with the actress-producer, escorting her to red-carpet events including Madonna and Gucci's A Night to Benefit Raising Malawi and UNICEF party in New York City in February.

He was in the audience during Barrymore's recent appearance on Oprah Winfrey's talk show. Beaming, Long gushed: "She's the most compassionate person I've ever met."

"This relationship is great," Barrymore told Winfrey. "It's healthy, it's productive, and it's supportive. It's full of humour and a lot of fun."

Ayesha Takia to reduce her bust size

Busty Ayesha Takia would soon be losing the assets she has been known for.

Ayesha is having a lot of problems due to the boob job, which she had done few years ago. After the surgery Ayesha surely gained plus sized breasts, but the actress is now thinking of reducing it back to normal.

Sources reveal that due to heavy sized breasts Ayesha is having a lot of pain on her shoulders. This is the reason why doctors have advised this diva to go through a surgery and reduce her bust size.

The actress may have won best debutant award in 2004 for ‘Tarzan: The Wonder Car’, but in her long career of four years it’s only 2006 release Dor that her acting talent were been appreciated by both the critics and masses.


The surgery is scheduled to take place in next month at Lilavati hospital.

Now, will Aamir Khan stub out the cigarette!

Anticipation and nervousness before the release of Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na had made Aamir Khan return to the killer habit of smoking.

Aamir hasn’t been able to keep off the cancer stick for long since he last stubbed it out in January this year. Last year, before the release of his directorial debut Taare Zameen Par in December, Aamir had candidly confessed to have resumed smoking out of anxiety and nervousness. He had promised to quit the habit from 1st January 2008.

But the superstar wasn’t able to keep his promise and continued to puff away a few weeks into January until finally kicking the habit in the third week.

Recently, Aamir had again frankly confessed to have resumed smoking. This time before the release of ‘Jaane Tu’. He had also revealed that his family members were “kicking the shit” out of him for having taken to the habit again.

But now that ‘Jaane Tu’ has released and has met with a fabulous response from the audience, will Aamir Khan stub the cigarette again?

According to a friend close to the actor: “Aamir is known for keeping his word. But he will do it at his own chosen time.”

However, the thing is that even if Aamir sticks to his word and quits smoking, his forthcoming film Ghajini (Hindi) will near its release date in a few months time and the star would be a bundle of nerves again and might again reach out for the cancerous stick.

That’s like going in smoke circles.

14-year-old's big movie break with Aamir Khan and Kareena

t's a dream come true for 14-year-old Rahul Kumar, who has got an opportunity to act with Bollywood stars Aamir Khan and Kareen Kapoor in a new movie.

Rahul, a Class eight student here, has been offered a role in the movie Three Idiots by Munnabhai fame director Raj Kumar Hirani.

"I could not believe for a few minutes that I have been offered a role with Aamir Khan. It was my long cherished dream that has come true," an excited Rahul. The movie is based on Chetan Bhagat's famous novel Five Point Someone about three IIT students and the problems they face while studying in the institute.

As of now, Rahul has not been given details about the role he would play in the movie but has been asked to report for shooting in Bangalore and Goa.

The other actors in the movie, slated for release in September, include Sharman Joshi, R. Madhavan and Boman Irani.

This is not Rahul's first feature film. He also worked in Vishal Bharadwaj's Omkara and The Blue Umbrella. In Omkara, he played Saif Ali khan's son.

"It was really a good experience to work with Saif Ali Khan, Konkana Sen Sharma and Ajay Devgan," he said.

However, it had not been a cakewalk for Rahul, son of a daily wage earner to learn acting before he got the support of Literacy India, an NGO that runs a drama school for poor children in Delhi's Palam Vihar.

"I was interested in acting from a very young age but the monetary problems in family stopped me from taking professional training," Rahul said, adding: "In 2000, I came to know about the drama school and since then I have been taking acting lessons there".

Many volunteers from the National School of Drama (NSD), including an expert, Shrivardhan Trivedi, regularly visit the school to hone the acting skills of the children.

Although Rahul enjoys his stint in films, he is worried his studies will suffer due to his acting schedule.

"I am worried about my studies as I have to miss school for many days while I am shooting. Although my teachers and classmates are very cooperative, it is difficult to manage both," Rahul said.

Rakhi Sawant bags film role with YRF

Casting aside her item-girl image, Rakhi Sawant has bagged a full-fledged dramatic role in Yash Raj Films' new venture that she hopes will result in a flood of offers.

"So far my career in movies didn't take off because I don't have a lobby to support and sign me. That's the only explanation I have. But people love Rakhi Sawant," said Rakhi, who was seen in Rakesh Roshan's Krazzy 4.

"Now, I've finally got a film I'm proud of with the best banner. After this, I'm sure I'm going to be flooded with good offers, and not just to do item songs, although I've no godfather in the film industry," she said.

Directed by debutant Anurag Singh, the yet to be titled film also stars Rani Mukerji and Shahid Kapur. Rakhi is excited about working with Rani.

"She is my favourite actress. I love Rani. She's a superstar, but so down to earth. I'm going to take blind instructions from Rani about how to do my scenes. And I've no ego about it."

It wouldn't be improper to point out that Rani had borrowed many of Rakhi's mannerisms and speech patterns to play the tart with a golden heart in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Saawariya.

Rakhi, who starts shooting with Rani and Shahid July 17, is about to be turned into a typical Yash Raj heroine and the man given the seemingly impossible job is designer Manish Malhotra.

Rakhi Sawant ka jalwa

"I've already started rehearsing. Do I play cricket in the film? My lips are sealed. Do I have item songs in the film? But, yes. I don't have just one dance. I've three dances in this film, choreographed by Vaibhavi Merchant. They're not just ordinary item songs.

"And I'm being dressed up by Manish Malhotra. I'm so excited about working with him," Rakhi added.

The bold, beautiful and brassy Rakhi

So will Rakhi be playing cricket along with Rani in this film about women's cricket?

"If I reveal everything now why will you pay money to see the film when it's released? All I know is that the offer came to me without any lobbying. They saw my item song in Krazzy 4. I guess they liked what they saw.

'Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na' melts 'differences' between Aamir, Bachchan

Overwhelmed by the response to his recently released film Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na from critics and masses alike including screen icon Amitabh Bachchan , actor-producer-director Aamir Khan seems to have "mended fences" with Big B.

In his recent blog post after release of 'Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na', Aamir said, "We (the cast and crew) were on a live dial on Aaj Tak (for the film promotion) and the caller was Amitji! You can imagine our surprise. We almost fell off our chairs in shock. He had such kind words to say about the film and the cast and crew, which was extremely encouraging. Amitji is not only the biggest star that Hindi cinema has ever seen but an extremely graceful and generous human being."

Bachchan was irked by Aamir's unsolicited comments last year about Black which fetched the megastar a national award.

Aamir had reportedly termed the film as "insensitive" and "manipulative" and had said that the performances of the actors were "over the top".

Bachchan, who took the comments very personally, said, "I cannot comment whether my performance was towering or not. But Aamir may be right on the other ...may be the performances did go 'over the top' of his head."

However, Aamir later clarified that his observations were towards the film and the way it was handled and not towards any of the actors.

He wrote on his blog that he had the right of opinion as an audience and said that he was critical of 'Black' for depicting a child with severe difficulties as being ill treated instead of being treated with love, care and understanding.

Aamir and Imraan together in 'Delhi Belly'

Aamir Khan ropes in Imran for his next production Delhi Belly; Imran plays the lead and Aamir might play a negative character

Looks like mamu Aamir Khan has been so impressed by bhanja Imran’s work that he has roped him in for his next production 'Delhi Belly' in which Imran will play the lead. The interesting thing, however, is that Aamir and Imran will be seen sharing screen space in the film.

Directed by Abhinay Deo, Aamir is expected to play a negative role in the movie. There are three main characters in the film for which currently Aamir is busy casting. The film, which is a sex comedy set in New Delhi, will also have Chitrangada Singh in it.
Imran will play the role which was initially offered to Ranbir Kapoor. However, Ranbir backed out of the Aamir Khan venture due to date problems. Delhi Belly is expected to have an ensemble cast and shooting for the film is set to begin this August-September.

“After Ranbir backed out, Aamir was really looking forward to cast someone fast for the role because the shooting is about to start by August. However, that someone had to have a market name and he had to have a fresh face. So with Jaane Tu… doing well, Aamir has now cast Imran for the role,” says an insider.

The source adds, “It is a huge development as far as the film is concerned. Aamir and Imran sharing screen space will be a very interesting proposition. It will be a treat for the people to see the mama-bhanja jodi. Let’s see who the audiences root for more.”

Salman’s Human side

The actor has borne the expenses for the surgery of a young girl who had lost her voice and hearing ability during childhood, finds out Riddhi Doshi

Salman Khan proved to be a knight in shining armour for 34-year-old driver Ram Pal. Ram was running from pillar-to-post to get his nine-year-old daughter Meenu operated so that she could hear and talk. Meenu had lost her voice and hearing ability as a result of a childhood ailment.

However, Ram couldn’t cough up the whooping sum of Rs 7 lakh required for the operation. That’s when Salman stepped in. He paid for the entire expenses of the operation through his foundation Being Human.

While Meenu was undergoing pre-surgery checkups, Salman was shooting abroad. “He called me several times to check about the girl’s progress,” says Samir Bhargava, the ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist and surgeon who operated upon Meenu. He adds, “Salman insisted that I operate on the girl when he is around. After her surgery, he dropped in to the hospital to meet her. Meenu was ecstatic. Now after six months of the surgery, which is the post-surgery rehabilitation period, Salman again wants to meet the girl and check her progress.”

When we spoke to him, Salman was very modest and just said, “It feels great. I am very happy that the girl is doing fine and is well on her road to recovery.” Samir said Salman was ecstatic about the fact that his foundation has helped a young girl get back to normalcy.

Ram says he will never be able to repay Salman and his family. “I went to various organizations to ask for help but everybody turned me down. For four long years, I was not able to find any help. And one fine day I decided to speak to Salim Khan during his morning walk,” recalls Ram.

He adds, “Salim Khan asked me to meet him. After checking my papers, he decided that I should meet Salman-bhai. And Salman-bhai instantly agreed to get Meenu operated upon. Salman-bhai is a great human being and is very humble. Meenu will never forget the day when Salman-bhai had come to meet her and now she is trying her level best to start talking quickly so that she can talk to Salman-bhai,” laughs Ram.

Salman is taking his foundation very seriously. In fact at a recent event, Salman was seen wearing a t-shirt bearing his foundation’s name in an attempt to gain more support for his foundation.

Kareena’s dancing the night away

areena Kapoor’s weight loss has not only helped her look glamorous, but it has helped her improve her dancing skills as well.

What else can explain the string of performances that the actress has been putting up at many events and award functions. And though it’s boyfriend Saif Ali Khan who’s always watching her perform, the actress seems to be having a ball dancing to the tunes from Jab We Met , where she grooved with Shahid Kapoor.

Dancing apart, recently she shot for an international magazine cover where she was styled by Nicole Kidman’s stylist Desiree. Says Kareena, “It was great fun shooting with such well- known international name. I was so excited.”

London school creates new world record in Bollywood dancing

LONDON: It's like a dream come true for a London-based school to set a new world record for Bollywood dancing as more than 200 budding dancers of the school braved inclement weather at Trafalgar Square here.

The five-minute routine on Sunday had people of all ages and backgrounds dancing to the tunes of Hindi song of Shah Rukh-starrer Om Shanti Om.

Charanjeet Singh Oberoi, General Manager, Sapnay School of Dance, the firstever UK Bollywood dance champions, told "it was a proud and fantastic experience." Hosted by Strictly Come Dancing's Erin Boag, the event encouraged young people to break several world records including largest number of football freestyle tricks in one minute.

"On Sunday at 1 pm for 5 minutes the whole audience danced to the routine taught in an attempt to make a new world record and were successful. It was lovely to see so many people from different backgrounds and origins took part and made history," Ash Oberoi, Artistic Director of the dance school, said.

Last year, Sapnay was commissioned for London India performance by Greenwich plus Docklands Festivals to launch ceremony of Trafalgar Square Festival.

This year, the Harrow-based school was commissioned by The Mayor's office and BBC Blast to make the new Bollywood World record.

The school teaches Bollywood, Bhangra, Street and Hip Hop to all age groups and it is the firstever UK Bollywood Champions honoured and privileged to represent the UK in the international finals.

Thoda skin thoda name change: Amisha

Amisha Patel got the title of “Sexy Avatar” after seducing Saif Ali Khan in Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic. The movie under Yash Raj banner proved quite helpful for Amisha. The song ‘lazy lamhe’, shows Amisha in her best in the entire career (we are talking about some serious skin show only).

When asked whether she is joining the queue of Soha Ali Khan, who posed for a magazine or Kareena Kapoor who managed a skin show in bikini in Tashan, the diva says, “It was the demand of the character, I am not joining any queue”.

She is happy and proud to be in the film which is portraying her new sexy and glamorous avatar.

Well, leaving the flaunted words apart, she’s not sure if she really is looking hot in the movie. “You will have to watch the movie to figure out that I certainly have worn such clothes for the first time, ” giggles Amisha.

Amisha has always been giving the media personnel a reason to peep into her personal life. After breaking off with Vikram Bhatt, she has already found her new guy, ‘Kanav Puri’, who’s a Delhi based businessman.

We even heard that Amisha has dropped her surname in her movie Thoda Pyaar Thoda magic. Hopefully, just ‘Amisha’ will bring her luck and bag her some roles in which she gets to act rather than revealing her skin.

Akshay and Katrina - From Milan to London

One of the most eagerly awaited films of the year; Singh is Kinng holds multiple attractions for viewers. Besides being in the news for some stunning locations in Egypt and Australia, the film is also making waves for the unique look of its actors. While the men will be seen in Pagdis for the first time in Bollywood throughout the film, the women too are not to be left far behind!

News is that in a bid to keep the perfection in her look going, Katrina Kaif flew for a day to Dubai especially to pick up a perfect outfit for Singh Is Kinng! The result of the shopping spree is evident in the Singh is Kinng poster, with Katrina looking stunning in an orange outfit. According to sources, this expensive and chic orange gown is Missoni - a leading Italian fashion brand based in Milan.

On the other hand, Akshay's dazzling golden jacket in another poster of the film is said to be a Burberry Limited Edition picked up from London.