Bollywood focus: Hrithik Roshan

Date/Place of Birth:
10th of January, 1974

Relationship Status:
Married

Spouse/Partner:
Suzanne Roshan

Debut Film:
Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai (2000)

Son of actor-director, Rakesh Roshan, this green eyed hunk, is a perfectionist and a control freak. He believes in extensive rehearsals and preparations while shooting for a film. A Capricornian by birth, Hrithik Roshan, catapulted overnight to instant superstardom with debut hit film Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai.

Then there was a lull. Films like Fiza, Mission Kashmir and Kabhi Khushie Kabhi Gham did little to prove his abilities. The Roshan jadoo was soon back with a bang with another super hit Koi Mil Gaya. Hrithik today is one of the biggest competitions to the 'Khan' clan.

Roshan took a two-year break from acting before resurfacing with the superhero film Krrish, a sequel to his 2003 hit Koi Mil Gaya which released in June 2006. Krrish was a major box office success and one of the highest grossers of 2006. His most recent release is Dhoom 2, a sequel to the 2004 hit Dhoom, in which he played a negative role for the first time. The film released on November 24, 2006 and is declared to be the highest grossing film ever in the Hindi film industry. His newest release will be Ashutosh Gowarikar's Jodhaa AKbar opposite his Dhoom 2 co-star, Aishwarya Bachchan. The film will release in early 2008.

Roshan is married to Suzanne Khan, his high-school sweetheart and daughter of Sanjay Khan. The couple had their first child, a baby boy and named him Hrehaan.

Bollywood Focus: Neha Dhupia

This former Ms India has made a mark for herself on the Bollywood scenario. She is the talk of the town for her dare-bare act in ‘Julie’ where she plays a high-class prostitute. Neha deserves full marks for doing such daring roles.

Neha Dhupia is the daughter of Navy commander Pradip Singh Dhupia and mother Manpinder is a very family oriented woman who enjoys spending most of the time with her family. She has a brother, Hardeep who is a high flier with Jet Airways.

Born in Cochin, Neha went to school in Vizag before passing out of Army Public School. Neha started her career at the age of 19, in a TV serial Rajdhani, produced by Bobby Bedi of ‘Bandit Queen’ fame. Neha decided to join modelling world and also did a few plays and TV serials on the side.

Neha Dhupia debut film was Harry Baweja's ‘Qayamat’, an action-packed thriller starring a number of Bollywood actors including Ajay Devgan, Sunil Shetty, Sanjay Kapoor, Arbaaz Khan and Isha Koppikar.

In 2007, she has to her credit, noticeable roles in films like with ‘Delhii Heights’ and ‘Ek Chalis Ki Last Local’.

Bollywood focus: Dino Morea

Born on the 9th of December 1975 in Bangalore, to an Indian mother and an Italian father, Dino Morea is the second of three siblings. Like almost every other child, he also wanted to be either a super hero or a racing car driver.

Born on the 9th of December 1975 in Bangalore, to an Indian mother and an Italian father, Dino Morea is the second of three siblings. Like almost every other child, he also wanted to be either a super hero or a racing car driver. Acting was something he’d never considered then.

For 11 years he lived in Italy after which he returned to Mumbai and studied in St. Josephs College in Bangalore. Meanwhile, he also started modeling. It was after winning the Galdrags Man hunt Contest that things started looking bright for Dino.

Getting the chiseled body was not exactly a child’s play as he used to regularly work out and even play basketball every once in a while. Dino has modeled for famous brands like Armani, Hugo Boss, Rohit Bal and Ravi Bajaj, but he quips, he is most comfortable in his boxer shorts.

As a debut film, Pyaar Main Kabhi Kabhi, didn’t exactly do much for his career. However, his performance in Rajiv Menon’s Kandukondain Kandukondain and Mahesh Bhatt’s Raaz was much appreciated and gave him the right break into Bollywood.
Dino looks up to people like Lee Iacocca and Dhirubhai Ambani, people who have made it on their own in spite of all the odds. Dino plans to some day be a part of Hollywood but as of now, it’s hail Bollywood.

The actor used to date the dusky dame Bipasha Basu for a while before dating Indian designer Nandita Mahtani. At the moment, he is pretty much single.

Bollywood focus: Shahid Kapoor

...Starting off his career by working in music videos and ads, Shahid made his Bollywood debut as a background dancer...

Shahid Kapoor was born February 25, 1981 in Mumbai, India is a Bollywood actor and model. He studied in Delhi in his earlier days and came to Mumbai and joined Rajhans Vidlaya post which he studied in Mithibai College. While studying in college, he continued pursuing dancing.

Starting off his career by working in music videos and ads, Shahid made his Bollywood debut as a background dancer in Subhash Ghai's Taal. After four years, he made his debut as a leading actor in Ishq Vishk and won a Filmfare Best Male Debut Award for his performance. Following that he did films like Fida and Shikhar.

In 2005, he had a setback in his career when all three of his films, Vaah! Life Ho To Aisi, Deewane Huye Pagal, and Shikhar failed to do well at the box office. However his performance in the latter was praised and he received a Star Screen Best Actor Nomination for his performance in the film.

In 2006, things began turning around as he received his first box office success since his debut with the multi-starrer, 36 China Town. Despite mixed reviews the comic-thriller became an above-average success. Shortly after the release of 36 China Town, Kapoor's second release, Chup Chup Ke released, which was an average success. He had his first commercial success with Sooraj Barjatya's Vivah and the film turned out to be his biggest commercial success so far. Since then he has established himself as one of the most promising actors of the industry.

Before starting off his career as an actor, Kapoor worked in several music videos and ads, including one with Shahrukh Khan and Kajol, post Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. In 1999, he was seen in the hit movie Taal as a background dancer with Aishwarya Rai in the song 'Kahiin aag lage lag jawe'.

His last release Jab We Met has proved to be a major success in India and a blockbuster in UK, alongside it has also managed to impress the critics who could not stop raving about the film. He will soon be seen in two upcoming films - Nagesh Kukunoor's Tasveer with Akshay Kumar and Ayesha Takia and Aziz Mirza's Lucky Charm opposite Vidya Balan.

Born to actor Pankaj Kapoor of Karamchand fame and actress/classical dancer Neelima Azeem, who divorced when he was three, Shahid is a trained dancer who studied under Shiamak Davar. After the divorce of his parents, he usually lived with his mother. His step-mother is Supriya Pathak. Kapoor also has a sister named Sana and a brother named Ishaan Khattar who acted with him in Vaah! Life Ho To Aisi.

In 2004, Kapoor began dating actress Kareena Kapoor. They separated three years later in 2007. Furthermore, prior to joining the film industry, he dated actress, Hrishita Bhatt.

Bollywood focus: Vivek Oberoi

Vivek Oberoi was born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He attended Mayo College, Ajmer and Mithibai College in Mumbai. At an actors' workshop in London he was spotted by the director of NYU, who took Oberoi to New York City to complete his Masters Degree in film acting. He then did some scriptwriting before making a break in films.

Oberoi made his debut in Ram Gopal Verma’s Company. The film was a critically acclaimed hit and his performance was applauded. He received Filmfare Awards in the Best Debut as well as the Best Supporting Actor category. He then starred in the action films, Road and Dum.

He starred alongside Rani Mukherjee in Yash Raj Films Saathiya (2002) directed by Shaad Ali. The film was critically and commercially successful though it was attributed more to Rani Mukherjee's appeal. However he received Best Actor nominations at various award functions. He also starred in the comic film Masti (2004) with Aftab Shivdasani and Riteish Desmukh. The film in spite of negative reviews became a surprise box office hit. His 2005 release Kaal was also successful.

Recently he appeared in Omkara an adaptation of Shakespeare's play Othello which was critically acclaimed in India as well as overseas as 'Kesu Firangi'. Vivek displayed different nuances of the character as a 'Gangster' and was appreciated for his performance.

Vivek was once again seen portraying the role of the dreaded gangster 'Maya Dolas' in 'Shootout at Lokhandwala', based on the real life 'Encounter' drama that rocked the Nation!

His next film will be Mission Istanbul directed by Apoorva Lakia and the film has a huge cast consisting of Abhishek Bachchan, Bobby Deol, Tusshar Kapoor and Shabbir Ahluwalia.

Vivek was previously engaged to model Gurpreet Gill, but the engagement was broke off due to unknown reasons. Oberoi also dated actress Aishwarya Rai. He is currently single.

Bollywood focus:Emraan Hashmi

Born as Emran Anwar Hashmi on the 24th of March 1979, he later changed his name to Farhaan Hashmi and then reverted back to his original name with an extra ‘a’.

Born as Emran Anwar Hashmi on the 24th of March 1979, he later changed his name to Farhaan Hashmi and then reverted back to his original name with an extra ‘a’. Emraan’s father was a Muslim while his mother a Catholic. The actor has many relatives and close friends in Karachi, Pakistan. Emraan finished his college from Sydenham College where he studied graphics and animation.

Emraan is not new to the glitz of Bollywood as he is the nephew of director Mahesh Bhatt and cousin to Pooja Bhatt. He married Parveen Shahani on 14th December ’06 and held a lavish reception at a posh hotel in Bandra. The event was restricted to only close family members and friends.

Emraan made his debut in the film Footpath in ’03, but the movie was a flop and bombed at the BO. His next film Murder, however was much better and catapulted him to fame, this was his first hit. The next few movies like Zeher, Kalyug and Gangster have also managed to do well at the box office. But the sound tracks of all these films were instant hits and helped the actor create a huge fan base. The play back singer for most of his songs was Himesh Reshammiya, Kunal Ganjawala and Atif Aslam.

Recently Emraan was back in the news with his famous kissing scenes in almost every movie that he did. It was such a rage that he was termed as the ‘serial kisser’ of Bollywood. Apparently in an interview Emraan said that he was nervous about the kissing scene and almost opted out of the film, but after trying it out, it looks like he couldn’t get enough.

Emraan has decided to get rid of his image of lover boy and being the ‘Serial Kisser’ and develop an image of a mature actor. For this purpose he has requested to play the role of a ghost in the movie Raaz 2, however it has not yet been decided as to what role he will get.

Emraan has always been followed by controversies as though the filed he is in has them as a free tag along. Besides this it is rumoured that he charges a total of RS.80 lakh for a film. Hope this hi-paid actor can live up to his new image whatever it may be.

Bollywood focus: Amrita Arora

Amrita Arora emerged from the shadow of her sister Malaika Arora. She began her career with modeling. Amrita won the MTV VJ hunt – an experience she considers memorable.

Amrita Arora emerged from the shadow of her sister Malaika Arora. She began her career with modeling. Amrita won the MTV VJ hunt – an experience she considers memorable. She became a video jockey and hosted shows such as MTV House full and MTV Chillout on MTV India. Around this time she also began appearing in TV commercials for cosmetic companies.

In 2002, Amrita made her debut in Bollywood opposite Fardeen Khan in ‘Kitne Door Kitne Paas’, the two were also romantically linked. Amrita’s second movie was ‘Awara Pagal Deewana’ in which the actress proved her talent as an actress. Amrita started dating model Upen Patel and the two went pretty strong for a year.

Amrita has been more in news for her glamour than her roles in movies. Just like sister Malaika, Amrita has an alluring image; she is also very close to her brother-in-law Arbaaz whom she considers her older brother and also ties him a Rakhi. Amrita is currently dating London based cricketer Usman Afzal. The actress is now getting into serious cinema with Kalpana Lazmi’s next and plays a negative character in Vikram Bhatt’s ‘Red’. Amrita loves socializing and her best buddy is none other than actress Kareena Kapoor.

Bollywood focus:Kajol

Great people are made of small beginnings. And that’s what gives them the lacquered edge over the rest. Kajol’s entry onto the silver screen was a blurred image on memory screens - with ‘Bekhudi’, opposite Kamal Sadanah, the doe-eyed Bong beauty made her foray in to Bollywood.

It was in the genes, and it was predestined. The daughter of actor Shomu Mukherjee and Tanuja, the niece of unsullied beauty, Nutan, and the grand-daughter of Shobhna Samarth, Kajol took charge of her territory in the first few years of stardom; it was almost like she had swallowed the secret gems of success right in the womb. ‘Bazigaar’ in 1993, followed by ‘Yeh Dillagi’ in 1994 established that Kajol had inherited nothing but the best from her illustrious filmi lineage.

But, of course, what catapulted Kajol into the top rung was ‘Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge’ in 1995, with Badshaah Khan – Shah Rukh. With her self-effacing, endearing, and lifelike performance, Kajol tiptoed into the hearts of millions of Indian fans.

At a time when most actresses in her league would evade any unconventional or negative role, Kajol made an unwavering move to tread onto the road less travelled. Her resplendent portrayal of a dark character in ‘Gupt’ made other actresses revise their own benchmarks. Then, again, her twin-role in ‘Dushman’ gave the audiences hair-rising entertainment.

Spontaneity and versatility are two virtues that have set apart Kajol from the rest of her kin. She could dissolve herself into the character of Simran in ‘Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge’, draped in chiffons, silks and sarees, with as much dexterity she could transform in to the tom-boy Anjali in ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, sporting sneakers, track-pants, caps and a short-crop hair-cut. Her stellar performance in ‘KKHH’ is indeed one of her best she has delivered so far.

One wonders why Kajol did ever did films like ‘Karan Arjun’ and ‘Hamesha’, ‘Hote Hote Pyaar Ho Gaya’, as they didn’t conform to her natural acumen and piquancy for bagging the perfect roles. However, to err is human, and when a star is riding on a meteor of accolades, a slip here ‘n’ there is worthy of the audiences’ amnesty. At the zenith of her career, when most actresses would single-mindedly drive their careers into the fast lane, Kajol plunged into marital bliss. She married her co-star and sweet-heart, Ajay Devgan. Perhaps the couple took their first film together ‘Ishq’ too seriously? Soon after, motherhood beckoned Kajol, and the couple went on to have their first – a baby girl, Nysa.

The myth that marriage and motherhood affect the popularity of actresses’ was condemned by the actress. While she didn’t go to any lengths to prove this wrong, her popularity did. And even she couldn’t be blind to this fact. Her inexorable, soaring popularity and the resolute demand of her fans and filmmakers urged Kajol to come back to the limelight. And ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham’ and Fanaa, Kajol set the screen on fire yet again with her beguiling presence. Kajol reaches for the stars, yet for her sky is not the limit.

Bollywood focus: Fardeen Khan

Bollywood actor Feroz Khan’s and Sundri Khan’s son Fardeen was born on the 8th of March 1974. He was born in India but has since studied abroad.

Bollywood actor Feroz Khan’s and Sundri Khan’s son Fardeen AKhan was born on the 8th of March 1974. He was born in India but has since studied abroad. Fardeen completed his education in Business Management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in the USA.

After he finished his education Fardeen returned to Mumbai to enter the film industry. He made his debut with Prem Aggan which released in ’98. The movie , unfortunately, was a flop and failed miserably at the box office. His second film, directed by Ram Gopal Verma, titled Jungle, was a hit and served to launch his career in Bollywood.

After this success, his next couple of films went unnoticed and he made a come back in 2003 with Khushi. This film too flopped but his performance made an impact on the critics. In 2004 his performance in the movie Dev with Amitabh Bachchan, Om Puri and Kareena Kapoor. He received critical acclaim for it. Fardeen's No Entry in2005 was one of the greatest hits and was also the year’s highest grossing films. Post No Entry, none of his films have fared well at the box office .

Before getting married, Fardeen dated Ruheen Jaiswal for five years, following which he married Natasha Madhwani. She is the daughter of former actress Mumtaz and business tycoon Mayur Madhawani based in Uganda. On May 6th 2005, the two were engaged in London and the marriage took place on the 14th of December 2005 via a registeration service. Apparently the wedding festivities lasted for three whole days and was held at the Hyatt and JW Marriott hotels. The ceremony followed traditional Muslim and Hindu rites and was attended by the who’s who of filmistan. Fardeen’s wife’s mother Mumtaz and his father Feroz have played lovers onscreen many a times in the ’70.

In an unfortunate event, Fardeen who is considered as today’s youth icon was caught red handed while trying to buy cocaine from a drug peddler at an ATM in Juhu Vile Parle Development Scheme. The police caught the duo with a total of 9gm of the drug.

Bollywood focus: Dia Mirza

Born to a German father and a Bengali mother, this light-eyed damsel first started working at the age of 16 as a marketing executive at Sriven Mult-tech in Hyderabad.

Born to a German father and a Bengali mother, this light-eyed damsel first started working at the age of 16 as a marketing executive at Sriven Mult-tech in Hyderabad. She earned a monthly salary of Rs 5000, with a 15 per cent commision. She has done an advertising campaign which appeared in Femina. After the pictures came out she was encouraged to participate in the Miss India competition thats when Miss India happened.

At 18, this quiet, introverted girl entered the Femina Miss India Contest to have some fun. She walked away with 3 titles – Miss Beautiful Smile, The Sony Viewers’ Choice Award and Femina Miss India-Asia Pacific.
As a career move, the Hyderabad girl shifted to Mumbai, away from home and family.

She opted to do her First Year Bachelor of Arts via correspondence, but as the Miss Asia Pacific competition drew closer, juggling work and studies became close to impossible, especially with her modeling assignments, traveling and training.

Her first film, opposite Madhavan – ‘Rehaana Hai Tere Dil Mein’ did not make a big splash. But it spelt one thing - Diya Mirza had arrived. Diya Mirza also worked in a film with Arjun Rampal titled ‘Deewanapan’ and ‘Tumsa Nahin Dekha’ which did not do well either.

In 2005, Mirza appeared in ‘Parineeta’, a Vidhu Vinod Chopra production. In 2006 she teamed up once again with Chopra and Sanjay Dutt for the successful film ‘Lage Raho Munna Bhai’. She also played in the music video Kajara Mohabbat Wala from Sonu Nigam album Kajara Nite. She has also appeared in ‘Dus’, ‘Fight Club’, ‘Shootout in Lokhandwala’ and also in the latets, 'Dus Kahaaniyan'.

Bollywood focus: Aishwarya Rai

One of the biggest female names in Bollywood is that of Aishwarya Rai, the lady won the title of Miss World in the year 1994, after which there was no looking back and she took to acting in film

One of the biggest female names in Bollywood is that of Aishwarya Rai, the lady won the title of Miss World in the year 1994, after which there was no looking back and she took to acting in films. Aishwarya fondly referred to as Ash is known to one and all.

Ash was born in Manglore in Karnataka on the 1st of November 1973, the younger of the two siblings by 3 years. When she was 4 her family decided to move to Bombay and settled here for good. Her farther was an officer in the Merchant Navy.

Ash did her schooling in Arya Vidya Mandir, Santacruz. She was a bright student and excelled in her studies because of which she was elected as the head girl of the school. After school she went in for science at the D G Ruparel College. Ash wanted to pursue medicine but it was not to be and so she took Architecture instead. Even when in college she had been approached by ad firms to be a model in their advertisements. It was this attention that got her to try modeling and she was soon the hot favorite for ad makers. . Besides ads she also appeared on the covers of some of the most prestigious magazines like Vogue, TIME and others. Ash was an instant star with her good looks and her Miss World title.

Her stunning beauty and quick witted intelligence helped her win the much coveted crown of Miss World ’94, on returning she was immediately approached by top producers and directors to star in their upcoming movies. This was her entry ticket into the film industry. Her first film was with Mani Rathnam's 'Iruvar' (1997), for this movie she received critical acclaim from distinguished film personalities and also the critics. The movie Aur Paar Ho Gaya' (1997) directed by Rahul Rawail helped her win the award for the best female debutant award. Later on in 2000 she won the award from Film Fare and Zee Cine for the best actress in the movie Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, followed by the best supporting actress award in Aditya Chopra's Mohabbatein (2000), and again in 2001 she was nominated for the best actress award for Satish Kaushik's "Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai".

Not looking back Ash continued to forge forward and make a place for herself in the Indian film industry and on the international front. In 2002 Ash did Devdas which was honoured with a special screening at the Cannes film festival. The next year was more exciting as she was chosen to be on the jury for the Cannes Film festival. Besides this she was also chosen as a member of the elite L’Oreal Dream Team.

In 2004 Ash was selected for the lead role in Gurinder Chadha’s "Bride & Prejudice", her first English language film. Ash was also the first Indian woman to have a wax replica of her installed in Madam Tussad’s Museum in London. The actress has a big fan following in well known with over 17,000 sited dedicated to her she then finally decided to launch her own site named www.Aishwaryaworld.com.

A bit more on her personal life is that she was once dating Salman khan but unfortunately the two decided to part ways, but it was not smooth sailing with constant rows erupting between them. On the 14th of January ‘07 it was announced that Ash was engaged to Abhishek and on the 20th of April ’07 ash married Abhishek Bachchan. Now we just have to wait and see where she goes from this milestone in her life.

Bollywood focus: Deepika Padukone

She is the daughter of former badminton champion Prakash Padukone...

Deepika Padukone, was born on the 5th of January, 1986 in Copenhagen. She is the daughter of former badminton champion Prakash Padukone. Her mother is a travel agent and she has a younger sister, Anisha. She attended high school in Bangalore and has been modeling for print and television advertising campaigns since then. Deepika's schooling was done in Sophia's High School, Bangalore and she did her under-graduate studies from one of the most prestigious colleges in Bangalore, Mount Carmel College.

She has to her credit brands like for Liril soap, Dabur, Close-Up toothpaste and Limca. After receiving many prestigious modeling offers, including the brand ambassadorship of the Jewels of India, an annual jewellery exhibition, she hit the international scene when Maybelline made her their new international cover girl face.

She took a break from modeling by starring in the music video for Naam Hai Tera a song from the pop album Aap Ka Suroor, an independent album by Himesh Reshammiya.

More recently Padukone made her cinematic debut in a Kannada film, Aishwarya, directed by Indrajit Lankesh. The film has already been successful at the box-office, and Padukone has received rave reviews for her screen presence. Padukone will be making her Bollywood debut in Farah Khan’s second directorial venture, Om Shanti Om, opposite Shahrukh Khan . In the movie, she has been depicted as a 70s superstar Shantipriya and later as Sandy. Padukone has already signed Priyadarshan's next, Pirate and Made In China opposite Akshay Kumar. Om Shanti Om is due to be released on November 9, 2007.

Bollywood focus: Arbaaz Khan

Since then, his roles have not been substantial. ...However, no matter how meager the role is , his films did manage to create a stir in the box-office...

Born on the 4th of August 1967 in Mumbai, Arbaaz Khan is noted script writer, Salim Khan’s son. He is brother of actors Salman Khan and Sohail Khan.

Arbaaz made his debut in the film Daraar. He played the negative role of a psychotic wife–beater top the hilt. He even won the Filmfare Best Villain Award for his performance in Daraar.

Since then, his roles have not been substantial. However, no matter how meager the role is , his films did manage to create a stir in the box-office. Be it Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, Garv: Pride and Honour or Qayamat: City Under Threat, all were hits.

Besides these, he has also played supporting roles in movies like Malamaal Weekly and Bhagam Bhag. Another talked about film in which he had a supporting role was Shootout at Lokhandwala.

As for his personal life, he is married to the leggy VJ-cum-model-cum-item girl, Malaika Arora. The couple has a son named Arhaan.

Bollywood focus:Sushmita sen

Zoom wishes Sushmita Sen a very happy birthday! Sushmita’s victory in Miss Universe 1994 put India on the beauty map of the world. More crowns and beauty queens followed, but Sushmita became a benchmark for them. And Bollywood had to follow.

Sushmita’s victory in Miss Universe 1994 put India on the beauty map of the world. More crowns and beauty queens followed, but Sushmita became a benchmark for them. And Bollywood had to follow.

Strangely, Sushmita’s debut film was Mahesh Bhatt’s ‘Dastak’, where she enacted her real life role (that of Miss Universe) onscreen. Sen had everything - dashing looks, ambition, talent, and a fiercely intelligent mind that could intimidate most erudite men from the industry; her only hitch was that she was a trifle taller than most Bollywood actors at that point of time. She carried her towering height and lean physique with poise and elegance, though offers didn’t come by, a dime a dozen. In 1999, for the first time Sushmita Sen received applause for her performance in ‘Biwi No. 1’ with Salman and Karisma Kapoor – it was then that she woke to an interesting revelation about her knack for comedy. In 2001 she attempted another David Dhawan so-called laugh-riot, ‘Kyo Ki Main Jhuth Nahin Bolta’, the results of which weren’t funny at all; of course, the critics had the last laugh.

But Sushmita wasn’t here to simply tickle funny bones and make her way into the highest echelons of the glamour biz; her intensity and perceptive sensibilities gradually emanated from the screen. In 2002 she starred in Meghna Gulzar’s debut vehicle, ‘Filhaal’, a strong woman-oriented subject. The film didn’t go down well the masses, but Sushmita received a sack full of accolades for her portrayal as a surrogate mother.

In 2003, ‘Samay – When Time Strikes’ followed, a thriller where she played the protagonist – a cop in common-wo(man’s) clothes. Here again she evaded the archetypical role of posing as a heroic cop’s love-interest; she was the officer-in-control. In Manisha Koirala’s ‘Paisa Vasool’, Susmita played the role of a crass woman for the first time. Though the film bombed at the BO, she walked away once again with the bouquets, leaving behind the brickbats for others to bear.

Bollywood finally woke up to a serious actress in Sushmita Sen and received offers such as Farah Khan’s ‘Main Hoon Na’ and Mahesh Manjrekar's 'It Was Raining That Night' (the English version of his earlier production, 'Astitva'), which is in her native languages of Bengali and English.

Sushmita’s professional life might be packed with a houseful of films, bustling with other activities, or blossoming with love (with her string of high-profile liaisons), but her first priority is her adopted daughter, Renee, who, Sushmita says, is the joy of her life.

Bollywood Focus: Aarti Chabria

Aarti was born on the 21st of November 1982 into a sindhi-speaking family, which did not have any links to the film world of the Bollywood film industry. So it was a total surprise when she entered the filmi dunya.

Aarti was born on the 21st of November 1982 into a sindhi-speaking family, which did not have any links to the film world of the Bollywood film industry. So it was a total surprise when she entered the filmi dunya.

Aarti completed her education and was catapulted to fame when she won the crown of Miss India in the year 2000. it was then that she got into shooting for ads and she did a total of approximately 200 ads, starting with Krack Cream and moving on to Amul. Later she also did music videos for Sukhwindar Singh and Adnan Sami. This is when she was realized by the film industry for her talent and stunning good looks.

Aarti is fluent in English, Hindi, Marathi, Sindhi and Gujrati, and hence had no language problems where ever she went. Her debut was in the film Tum Se Aach Kaun Hai in ’02 opposite Nakul Kapoor. However the movie failed to make an impression on the Box Office. But prior to this she was also in Akansha and Lajja in 1989 and ’01 respectively.

Later Vikram Bhatt signed her on for the multi starrer Awara Pagal Deewana opposite Akshay Kumar. She has also done Raja Bhaiyya with Govinda and other comedy flicks.

When asked about how she felt about entering Bollywood without a godfather the actress said that she really doesn’t mind. She says that she was born to act and that it was her destiny to be here. She thoroughly enjoys herself while acting by saying that she gets to go places, work with handsome men while being paid to do all this.

Besides the main stream Bollywood movies she has also done a Kannada film Pritisonaba. She says that the people down south are so organized that it is really easy to go ahead as per schedule. Aarti has a bit of a problem at first with her language but eventually she started to understand it.

Her latest venture was that of a bar dancer in the much acclaimed Shootout At Lokhandwala. Her performance in the film, though brief, was quite appreciated. Since then, she has been approached with many film offers as well as brand endorsements.

Bollywood focus: Sayali Bhagat

Born in a traditional Maharashtrian family in Nasik, Sayali Bhagat has big dreams for her future. She got her management degree from Mumbai University.

Born in a traditional Maharashtrian family in Nasik, Sayali Bhagat has big dreams for her future. She got her management degree from Mumbai University.

She has a knack for Indo-Western Fusion dance and she ahs been modeling since quite sometime. Sayali won the Femina Miss India crown in 2004 and like most of her contemporaries, entered the film industry. Prior to this her family had no contact with the Bollywood.

This budding model-cum-actress idolizes Baba Amte for his selfless work and for what he has done for the welfare of the tribals and the lepers. Sayali has also featured in a documentary film that is based on his life.

Sayali made her Bollywood debut in 2007 with The Train. Her co-stars in the movie were newcomer, Geeta Basra and the serial kisser, Emraan Hashmi.

For her, life is like an ice cream and she likes to enjoy every bit of it. No wonder that she enjoys whatever she does and sees that it is done well.

Bollywood focus: Ayesha Takia

Ayesha Takia was born and raised in Mumbai. Her father is a Gujarati and her mother is half British and half Maharashtiran. No wonder then that she grew up speaking English at home.

Ayesha Takia was born and raised in Mumbai. Her father is a Gujarati and her mother is half British and half Maharashtiran. No wonder then that she grew up speaking English at home.

Modeling since the age of four, Ayesha first appeared in a music video of Phalguni Pathak. Later on, she was noticed in the loaded-with-oomph-video titled ‘Shake It Daddy’. Not only did she garner the public’s attention but also bagged her first film.

Ayesha made her debut in Bollywood with Taarzan: The Wonder Car. She went on to do Socha Na Tha which was a debut vehicle for the Deol lad, Abhay. Both the films didn’t do very well at the box-office.

Later, she did quite a few films and none of them were worth a mention. Then came Dor, a smaller budget film in which she plays the role of a young widowed Rajasthani woman living in a traditional joint family. She went on to win a Zee Cine Critics Award for Best Actress for her performance.

In a a poll conducted by Zoom, an Indian TV channel, Ayesha featured as one of the 50 most desirable women of India. This vivacious lady has been dating restaurateur, Farhan Azmi since quite some time, though they have no intenntions of getting married any time soon.

Bollywood focus: Arjun Rampal

Arjun Rampal, son of Gwen and Amarjeet Rampal, was first spotted by designer Rohit Bal in a disco. His modeling career took of from there.

Arjun Rampal, son of Gwen and Amarjeet Rampal, was first spotted by designer Rohit Bal in a disco. His modeling career took of from there. His debut movie - Moksha was released in 2001 and was directed by Ashok Mehta. However, this film was released after his second film, Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat, in which he appeared with Sunil Shetty and Aftab Shivdasani. Although both films did not perform at the box office his performances in both films was lauded by critics. In 2002, he won the Award of the International Indian Film Academy for Face of the Year.

Since his debut, he has worked in a series of films, successful and some unsuccessful. He has also appeared in the Temptations 2004 concert with stars Shahrukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Saif Ali Khan, Preity Zinta, and Priyanka Chopra.

Recently, he produced and acted in film I See You (2006). He released it with his own production company Chasing Ganesha Films. His wife, Mehr Jesia, was the co-producer.

This man, who set the ramp on fire, got married, to Ex Miss-India Mehr Jesia. They have two daughters, Mahikaa and Myra.

Bollywood focus: MADHAVAN

...After Aethiree failed, Madhavan banked upon Nothing But Life, an English film, to divert him back into a career of stardom. But it also failed, leaving Madhavan offerless. However, Mani Ratnam selected Madhavan to play a lead role.

Madhavan was born on the 1st of June, 1970 in Jamshedpur to Ranganathan and Saroja. He is married to Sarita and they have a son named Vedant. He was born on August 21, 2006, which eventually led to relocating towards to the boat-club area in Chennai from Kilpauk. Madhavan's parents continue to live with him as do his parents-in-law. This Filmfare Award-winning actor, unlike other prominent actors in India, began to act after marriage, at the age of twenty-nine, and his short career has seen performances in diverse roles.

In early 1997, Madhavan did a sandalwood talc advertisement for Santosh Sivan, who later recommended him to Mani Ratnam for a screen test for a role in Iruvar. Later in the same year, Mani Ratnam called Madhavan for the screen test, but left him out of the project citing that he thought his eyes looked too young for a senior role. As his film career, failed to take off, Madhavan reverted to act in Hindi television serials. He appeared in minor roles in serials titled Saaya, Sea Hawks, Banegi Apni Baat, Tol Mol Ke Bol and Ghar Jamai.

In 1998, Madhavan appeared in his first film role as an Indian police officer in Fred Olen Ray's Inferno alongside Don Wilson. His first chance in Indian movies came in the form of Shanti Shanti Shanti, a Kannada film, in which he acted in the second lead role to Abbas, an established actor. However the film failed to make an impact, and went unnoticed.

Madhavan’s first major film appearance was in the Tamil romantic film, Alaipayuthey. In the 2002 blockbuster Kannathil Muthamittal, he portrayed a father of an orphaned child alongside Simran. He then played the role of an action hero, for the first time in the successful project, Run and, the year after, won critical acclaim as a henchman in Mani Ratnam's film, Aayitha Ezhuthu, his role in which earning him a Indian National Film Award nomination. In 2007, Madhavan set up his own production company, Leukos Films, which will distribute several of his forthcoming films.

After the success of his first Tamil film, the producers of his previous Kannada film, Shanti Shanti Shanti, dubbed the film into Tamil and released it as Relax, to capitulate on Madhavan's new found success. Madhavan's second lead role was in Ennavale, a film ignored by critics and audience alike..

Madhavan had more success starring opposite Reema Sen in Minnale, which was later remade into Hindi as Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein marking Madhavan's debut in Bollywood; he also played in Madras Talkies' Dumm Dumm Dumm with Jyothika Saravanan. Both films became successes and Madhavan became established as a bankable actor in South India.

Madhavan then starred opposite Simran in his third Mani Ratnam production, Kannathil Muthamittal. He portrayed the role of a father of an adopted child, who wishes to return to her native homeland amid a civil war. The film became a trend-setter film in Tamil cinema and managed to six National Awards as well as over ten awards at various International Film Festivals around the world. Madhavan gained a particular praise for putting in a mature display.

Madhavan's next large success came in Run, a film recognized for its screenplay. The success of Run, became Madhavan's final major hit for a while, several films of his were critically acclaimed but failed to perform commercially. Anbe Sivam, co-starring Kamal Haasan, was critically praised but failed to become a grosser. Several critics claimed that Madhavan's performance as a frustrated ad-maker, lived up to the title role of Kamal Haasan's. Kamal Haasan's home production, Nala Damayanthi and Vikraman's Priyamana Thozhi, failed to live up to their anticipated values but Madhavan's performance in the films were appreciated. A guest role followed in Lesa Lesa, and two more average films in Jay Jay and Aethiree followed.

2004, despite starting poorly, was a very prolific year for Madhavan, who starred in the films Aethiree, Nothing But Life, and the critically acclaimed Aayitha Ezhuthu. After Aethiree failed, Madhavan banked upon Nothing But Life, an English film, to divert him back into a career of stardom. But it also failed, leaving Madhavan offerless. However, Mani Ratnam selected Madhavan to play a lead role in his forthcoming bilingual. The film was made as Aayitha Ezhuthu in Tamil and Yuva in Hindi, with only Esha Deol reprising her role in both versions.

Madhavan has stated that the role he played, was the role he had experienced and enjoyed the most. He received praise from critics, claiming he outplayed Abhishek Bachchan's interpretation of the character in the other version, Yuva. Madhavan was short listed for the Indian National Film Award for the Best Supporting Actor and won the South Indian Filmfare Award for the Best Supporting Actor.

Priyasakhi followed in 2005, co-starring Sadha - with the pair playing an estranged husband and wife. The film received praise for the lead actors and became the first Tamil language to be dubbed into Zulu. Ramji Londonwaley, the remake of Nala Damayanthi was released in Bollywood and became an average grosser.

In 2006, Madhavan recorded three hits in Rang De Basanti, Thambi and Rendu. His appearance in vital cameo role, in Rang De Basanti, was appreciated by film critics, earning him his first major hit in Bollywood. Thambi, was shot for over a year and was badly delayed, however despite a poor opening, the film managed to make a remarkable comeback and prove to be a big hit in town and village centres. Madhavan’s portrayal of the do-gooder, received mixed reviews from critics. In Rendu, Madhavan appeared in his first dual role in his career. The film became one of Madhavan's biggest successes.

Guru, Madhavan’s fifth film under Mani Ratnam's production, portrayed him in the role of real life journalist, S. Gurumurthy. Guru, which is one of Bollywood's biggest hits of 2007, was a bio-pic of the life of business tycoon, Dhirubhai Ambani. After playing a guest role in Delhi Heights, his next Aarya received mixed reviews, but became a success. Madhavan's debut production venture with his company, Leukos Films, Evano Oruvan released in December 2007 to raving reviews, but the film failed commercially.

Madhavan has three films ready for release, with the earliest being, Leelai, also known as Adi Oka Idhi Le in its Telugu version, set for release in the first quarter of 2008, while his Hindi film, Mumbai Meri Jaan is also completed. The third film completed, is a Hindi-Bengali bilingual Sunglass, directed by Rituparno Ghosh. Madhavan has a film in the production stage, Vaazhthukal alongside Bhavana, directed by Seeman who had directed, Thambi. Several other films have been announced by Madhavan, including a bio-pic of painter, Raja Ravi Verma; a film on the 2006 Mumbai Bombings and an English film with Deepa Mehta as director.

Madhavan, who is a vegetarian, endorses for the brand, PETA. Since joining them after starring in his first film, he has appeared voluntarily in several advertisements and released an E-Card for the brand. In July 2006, Madhavan was voted the ‘cutest male vegetarian’ by an online poll conducted by the NGO, People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), while Kareena Kapoor won the female award respectively.

Despite winning the public-voted poll, Madhavan was then questioned at his home for keeping an African parrot as a pet. The pet was not confiscated, with Madhavan labelling himself as an animal lover with two dogs and a parrot, which he claimed was like his "second son".

In July 2006, Paradox Studios Limited launched a new game compatible with mobile phones, with Madhavan as the lead character. The company released two mobile game titles featuring Madhavan as their lead character. The first of the two games, Madhavan's MIG, featured the actor making a reprise of his Rang De Basanti pilot's role. In the other game titled Madhavan, the player had to help the actor get to the premiere of his latest movie evading the paparazzi.

Madhavan was announced as the host of Sony Entertainment Television's Deal Ya No Deal, the Indian version of the American game show Deal Or No Deal, in October 2005. However Madhavan quit as the lead anchor of the game show, Deal Ya No Deal in January 2006. Madhavan claimed he was "unhappy with the way the shoot schedules were handled by the production house". According to the actor, when he took on the show, he had "made it clear that he would continue with his South film assignments, and as the show was being filmed in Mumbai, he had found it hard to keep travelling throughout India from Chennai to film the ten days a month he had signed up for". The ever-changing look of the show meant Madhavan had to constantly rehearse. Madhavan also added that he was restricted by the producers to spend one day rehearsing technically, which left him with fatigue.

Bollywood focus: Yana Gupta

...Yana got her break into Bollywood with the film Dum. After which she has made an appearance in Telegu, Tamil and Kanad films. Later she was seen in the Bollywood movie Ek Ajnabee co-staring with Arjun Rampal. ...

This vegan beauty was born on the 23rd of April 1979 in Brno, in the Czech Republic. She was considered to be of East-Indian origin but she is actually a European and a citizen of the Czech Republic.

Yana has natural beauty and a fair, smooth complexion; she started modeling at the age of 16. Besides her striking beauty she also possesses a very high IQ level. Yana can speak 5 different languages namely English, Czech, Hindi, Spanish and Japanese.

She started her modeling career with names like Calvin Klein, Victoria's Secret, Toyota, Honda, Sony, and cosmetic products such as Nivea, Rexona, Shuemura, & Shisheido. Her appearance and her last name ‘Gupta’ were what confused the public in reference to her origins. She has been to almost all corners of the world from Milan, Paris, Vienna, Munich and others while modeling.

Once she finished her graduation from Park Architecture and Gardening she went to Japan to continue her career in modeling. She then came to India where she met and fell in love with Satyakam Gupta, after her marriage she shifted to Pune.

Her marriage did not hamper her career and she continued to model with Limca, MTV and Lakme. She even replaced Lisa Ray as the Lakme face. Yana got her break into Bollywood with the film Dum. After which she has made an appearance in Telegu, Tamil and Kanad films. Later she was seen in the Bollywood movie Ek Ajnabee co-staring with Arjun Rampal.

Yana loves playing the piano, flute, dancing, aerobics, health, fitness and computers. She also became an anchor for a musical countdown show on Zoom TV. Besides this she also signed a contract with Indiagames and will feature her in their forthcoming games like puzzles and others.

Even though Yana is single again after her divorce she is not planning on leaving India, she says that she will stay as she is launching her own English album. She also plans on making a re-entry into the film industry.