Kareena: No time for Hollywood

Don’t know how far this is true, but it seems likely, and we’re sharing it with you for what the rumour is worth. Our Kareena Kapoor is supposed to have declined a role in Gurinder Chadda’s next film which might have cast her opposite Hollywood’s No 1 star, Johnny Depp. The Bride and Prejudice NRI filmmaker reportedly offered Kareena a role in the film which promises to be a lavish, international production. Gurinder is also in talks with Depp for this film. But, tut-tut, Kareena said no. She’s got no dates. And, she’s unimpressed by Hollywood offers. She’d rather do meaningful and bigger roles in Bollywood, like the ones she's doing right now — 3 Idiots with Aamir Khan, Kambaqt Ishq with Akshay Kumar, and Main Aur Mrs Khanna with Salman Khan. We salute the talented actress and the smart lady. Why be a slave in Hollywood when she’s the czarina of Bollywood!

Bachchans’s most ‘Unforgettable’ gift to the world

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan-led extravaganza of Indian cinema, 'Unforgettable', will provide solar lanterns to 100 villages across the world by February 2009.

’Thirty Three per cent of the universe is without electricity and a large part of this is in India,’ Amitabh Bachchan told newspersons on the eve of the UK leg of the show to be held at the O2 Arena in London on Sunday.

’We have taken up the cause of providing electricity in 100 villages (across the world by Feb 2009) and through this tour, hopefully, we will be able to contribute towards providing solar lantern to at least one village in India. As the tour moves we would like to increase the number of villages that we can lend our support to,’ he said.

’In an attempt to fight the global challenge of Climate Change, the Unforgettable Stars and the producers of have pledged their unflinching support to this worthy cause,’ Bachchan added.

On being asked as to what prompted him to take up the issue of climate change, he said it was at the IIFA event in Yorkshire two years ago that they joined hands with Global Cool.

’USA and other developed countries might have caused the global emission but all of us are victims and hence it's time we take preventive measures. When it is a global challenge at hand, the Indian Film Fraternity sure does sit up and take notice,’ Bachchan said.

In association with The Energy Resources Institute of India (TERI) led by Nobel Laureate R K Pachauri and the Green Globe Foundation, 'Unforgettable' has committed to promote the 'Light a Billion Lives' campaign which envisions to provide clean lighting to people across the world who don't have access to electricity and modern lighting, the organisers of the tour said.

’The show strives to use its global platform and the phenomenal reach of the 'Unforgettable' stars to campaign for this noble cause. Through the campaign the stars welcome contributions from millions of Indian Cinema fans from across the world, whereby people can contribute to the cause by purchasing single solar lanterns or adopting a village.’

The 'Lighting a Billion Lives' campaign will reach out to nine states in India, Myanmar, Pakistan, Maldives and the African Continent focusing on Ethiopia, Tanzania, Ghana and Malawi, the organisers added.

Amitabh Bachchan along with wife Jaya, son Abhishek, daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai, co-stars Preity Zinta and Riteish Deshmukh arrived in London from New York after their successful and "fantastic" shows in Toranto, Trinidad, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, New Jersey, Chicago and New York.

’We had a wonderful trip so far and we are on the last leg of the tour here where we hope to give a little bit extra - running the extra mile,’ Bachchan said at a press conference held at Tata's Crown Plaza hotel where music director duo Vishal-Shekhar were also present with other team members.

Now, Katrina in an angelic avatar

Right after Salman plays God comes news of yet another godly appearance! And this time it’s none other than the heavenly beauty Katrina Kaif! The actress, who has been delivering back-to-back hits lately, plays an angel in Atul Agnihotri’s Hello (based on Chetan Bhagat’s One Night @ The Call Centre) which is to release next month. As for her ‘angelic’ role, Salman and Katrina play the sutradhaars or narrators of the film who meet in an airport lounge and discuss a group of employees who work in a call centre and how their lives change dramatically in one single night. In the end, when Salman asks her how she knows about this story, since she was not even there when the events unfolded, Kat, dressed in very ethereal white-and-gold, gives a Salman a teasing smile and actually, physically glides away!

Uncle Aamir’s gifts Imran a beauty

Latest sensation Imraan Khan is having a fabulous 2008. The actor’s debut film Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na is still rocking in cinema halls and it wouldn’t be wrong to say that this chocolate boy has become a heartthrob amongst the younger generation.
It was in the year 1988 when his uncle Aamir too created a same kind of magic with his debut film Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. It seems uncle Aamir is recollecting that golden moment and is very happy with the remarkable response his nephew’s first film is receiving. Aamir has not only gifted Imran an opportunity to act in his forthcoming film Delhi Belly but, recently he also presented Imran the latest model of BMW costing about 50 lakhs.

Well, we hope Imran enjoys a nice long drive in this romantic monsoon season with girlfriend Avantika.

Rambo comes to Bollywood

One would have thought an Italian stallion like Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone would have his fair share of problems speaking Hindi. Think again! The macho star not only said a few words at the Kodak Theatre sets in LA for Sajid Nadiadwala’s Kambhakht Ishq, he also showed off some impressive research done on Bollywood.
Speaking to The Bombay Times from Hollywood, Sajid said, “It was the high point of my career to have the iconic Sylvester Stallone being called for a shot on my sets.”
Elaborating on the emotional moment, the filmmaker said, “I couldn’t believe the research Stallone had done on Bollywood. He knew that Akshay Kumar (who plays the lead in Kambhakht Ishq opposite Kareena Kapoor) doesn’t lift weights and that he is into the fitness activity called Parkour. Stallone also knew most of my films were made with Salman and Akshay and that I had six back-to-back hits over the past six years. Except for my latest film Heyy Babby, he had to struggle with the names of the rest, and his Hindi was atrociously cute!”
Sajid’s shoot with the superstar was completed in three days. “I met him at his house and my designer Sabina Khan did his fittings there. We had problems with his size, so Stallone produced costumes he had worn in Rocky and Rambo. We decided to let him wear his own suit for a sequence on the Academy Awards,” said Sajid.
Apparently, Stallone and Akshay also hit it off well. “It was as if they had known each other for a long time,” said Sajid. “Stallone was impressed by Akshay’s physique and exercise routine. They enthusiastically exchanged a lot of fitness tips.” At Paramount Studios, where Stallone performed a Rambo-like action sequence, the actor was bowled over by Kareena Kapoor. “He told her she was pretty,’” added Sajid.
The scene was co-ordinated by Hollywood action-director Spiro Razatos, who has done films like Vantage Point and Bad Boys 2. Stallone’s dialogues are in English, but there is a scene where he speaks in Hindi too. “He came to the sets fully prepared with his lines,” said Sajid. Now if only some of our own established stars could be as professional.

Shilpa and her beau sure can party!

There’s a party this weekend at St. George Hill Estate, London, and the question is... who’s going to be there? Hosting it will be our Shilpa Shetty. Not surprising, ‘coz the party is a housewarming celebration for beau Raj Kundra’s new five million pounds mansion. If the festivities tend to get noisy, so what, the neighbours won’t mind. Not when there are Sir Cliff Richard and some international celeb football stars who are given to throwing boisterous weekend parties themselves.
By playing hostess for Raj, Shilpa is ensuring that the couple’s love story gets social acceptance from his friends and family. A source said, “This is a countryside mansion Raj bought to come and relax at with Shilpa. Otherwise Raj has another house in London itself where the couple will move into after they get married.”
But Shilpa, who met Raj in London after Big Brother, is not talking about marriage. So don’t expect a surprise announcement after the party. “There’s no immediate marriage plans,” Shilpa told BT. “I have a few commitments to wrap up first and will want to take it a little easy after marriage. Let me clear my plate which is full.”

Katrina’s Big, Fat Birthday Bash

If you’re wondering where Bollywood was partying at on Wednesday night, well, practically the entire industry was at a Bandra nightspot. The occasion was Katrina Kaif’s birthday, and beau Salman Khan hosted a special party for his lady. Now when Sallu invites you, you don’t say no! So everyone from the other two Khans — Shah Rukh and Aamir — to Govinda, Rishi Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, even Karisma Kapur (who looked stunning) were all there. Karisma had come with good friends Sanjay and Maheep Kapoor while Gauri Khan was accompanied by Karan Johar. Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone came hand in hand. Neha Dhupia was seen with ‘good friend’ squash champ Ritwik Bhattachrya. The list of directors and producers who attended was endless too: Rajkumar Santoshi, David Dhawan, Subhash Ghai, Kunal Kohli, Prakash Jha.

Of course, the entire Khan parivar was there too, right from papa Salim Khan to Salma Khan to Helen to Sohail and Seema Khan to Alvira and Atull Agnihotri to Arpita Khan. Birthday girl Katrina came with her mother and her sister, and refused to be photographed... she even tried to cover her face, but in vain!

Other faces spotted in the crowd included Parmeshwar Godrej, Anu and Sunny Dewan, Arti Surendranath, Dino Morea (who looked rather thin), Inder Kumar, designer Anna Singh, Atul Kasbekar and Niketan Madhok. The party rocked on (not surprising, considering the guest list!) as the guests danced away till half past two. This was certainly one wild night!
Parmeshwar Godrej

What’s making Shaahid smile?

Boy wonder Shaahid Kapur is smiling a lot these days. The reason, apart from his film Kismat Konnection’s release, is the great time he had shooting for it. Now, before you start imagining him with Vidya Balan behind the scenes, let us inform you that he’s only cherishing his experience of working with Aziz Mirza. Turns out the actor’s been mighty impressed with the senior director and breaks into an adorable smile while recollecting the latter’s reserved, simple nature.
Apparently, an actor who was required for a couple of scenes in the film didn’t turn up for the shoot. So, Shaahid and the crew decided to rope in Aziz to do the cameo himself. They did all they could to convince him that as the scene was at the start of the film, it would prove lucky. “Just when I had personally started styling his (Aziz) hair for the shoot, he made an excuse and managed to cleverly wiggle out of it,” he laughs. Shaahid also captured a lot of special moments on location with his camera. “The best picture is of a 10-month-old Chinese kid,” he says with a crinkly smile.

Harman sorts out Bewajah ki baatein

Harman’s film Love Story 2050 was pitched against Imran Khan's Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. And, in the midst of all this it was Harman who was at the receiving end of some harsh comments, so he decided to sort out the uncalled-for rivalry with Bollywood’s Mr. Perfectionist.

According to sources, "The two had a long, chat on Sunday night at the peak of the televised tu-tu-main-main between the two films. The stories of one-upmanship were making the Baweja’s deeply embarrassed. However, Aamir was extremely gentle and gracious with Harman. The senior actor also generously complimented Harman and said there’s no reason for this bitterness”. The conversation dissolved all misunderstandings between the two parties. And now, Harman plans to see Imran's film and Aamir intends to watch Love Story 2050 soon.

Was this an indication for the news channels to look for something ‘new’? Maybe…

Katrina, Akshay: Still friendly and going

Looks like, rumours of a tiff between Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif were just that. Apparently, Akki and Kats are still as good friends as they once were. What sparked rumours of a fall-out between the two stars, was the fact that the duo was hardly seen together during IIFA. Moreover, there was a buzz that Akshay refused to respond to Katrina’s call during the weekend. Katrina said, “Akshay came late to Bangkok. Then, once he was here, we were all busy rehearsing for our performance. There was hardly any time.” Well, if it’s not one of the starry excuses, then well and good as their fans wouldn’t possibly like their favourite jodi parting ways.

As for her time in Bangkok, looked like, Katrina could do with some more time in hand. She said, “I love the beaches and islands here. Unfortunately, throughout the day you are busy rehearsing and then at night you are too tired to step out. But, I have seen Bangkok before and it’s a beautiful place.” This thorough professional believes in working hard when the time is right.

Abhishek: No song-n-dance with Vivek

The makers of Mission Istanbul have been desperately trying to promote their venture, right from the days of its filming. One of the many types of bait thrown to lure the unsuspecting audience was that Abhishek Bachchan will dance along with Vivek Oberoi for an item number in this action based film. Now, who will not want to watch Aishwarya Rai’s ex-lover and current husband shaking a leg together? Just imagine the hype that could possibly rise courtesy some alleged tiff they had while shooting?

Unfortunately (or otherwise?), at a recent event, Abhi cleared the air of all the rumours of an item number with Vivek. Considering that Apoorva Lakhia and Abhishek are close friends, the denial was indeed surprising. So was Apoorva just taking advantage of his closeness with the Bachchans? Here is what Abhishek said: “Apoorva considers me as a lucky mascot for his film. When he approached me, I did agree to do a song in the film. However, I have no idea if I’ll be sharing screen space with any other actor. I’d be more than happy to do it with anybody.” There, the Bachchan brat wriggled his way out of this one too!

Vidya with Shahid by Kismat

As Kismat Konnection gets closer to its release date, Vidya Balan is getting edgier. We wonder why, considering the chemistry that konnects her with Shaahid Kapur. Right from day one of the filming, their chemistry was under the scanner. While, in the beginning critics were uncertain if the two would click together, now the focus has shifted to their growing rapport. Apart from Vidya’s off-screen relationship, her on-screen glamorous avatar also gave way to immense publicity much to the filmmaker’s pleasure. As for Vidya, she believes in destiny and thinks it was just that which helped her bag the film. She said, “It was in my in kismat to do this film. Because of such a strong belief in kismat, I just feel like I had every reason to be a part of this.”

After receiving a lot of flak over her (lack of) dressing sense in her previous venture, Heyy Babbyy, this one seems to have a hot and happening Vidya. She has not only experimented with her looks but also dared to match steps with the nimble-toed, Shaahid. She says, “I just did my work. I didn’t try to match steps with him. It would be very difficult to do that. He is too good a dancer. I was just enjoying myself.”

She also commented on her bond with Shaahid. She said, “We have a comfort level that helps create the chemistry on screen. In Toronto, right from the beginning, we gelled so well that it was bound to show on the big screen. We have received many compliments from people and the response is really nice.” Hopefully, this film will garner more bouquets than brickbats for this southern beauty.

Being Shilpa Shetty!

At last, somebody has given Shilpa Shetty the role of a lifetime. The sexy actress, who couldn’t make much headway in Bollywood despite breaking ground internationally, plays herself in Sunny Deol’s film The Man. “When I heard the script, I went ‘Wow!’,” said Shilpa of the film co-starring Sunny and which is being shot in UK, Egypt and Russia. “My character Natasha is a Bollywood star who becomes an international celebrity and is constantly under the media eye.” There’s more, naturally, that Shilpa would not like to reveal. Like the many controversies she has got herself into. “Well, there are lots of parallels drawn from my life,” she reluctantly agreed. “The Richard Gere controversy has been touched upon in the film.I still feel so much was made out of just a simple kiss. The media instead should have highlighted the AIDS issue which was more important.

The media’s role is big in Sunny’s film.” And what about Jade Goody and Big Brother? “Hmnn, the script has another huge controversy, but I don’t want to let it out now,” said Shilpa refusing to be drawn into discussion on Big Brother. Instead, she said her role offered her the opportunity to emote heady success, downfall, reactions to link-ups, gossip and much more. “A film star’s life looks exciting from outside but it’s excruciatingly painful to smile and go through all this most of the time. It’s like living hell and heaven in this life only.” Sunny Deol has also boldly explored the myth behind the casting couch in a big way. “But the highpoint of the film is the dignity that the actress maintains all through even while dealing with the casting couch, break-ups and other stuff that happens in the industry. It’s all about the actress finding love at the end and the similarity ends there,” laughed Shilpa who herself is finally and happily in love with UK businessman Raj Kunder.

Harman: No comparisons with Hrithik

Harman Baweja is upset about all the attention coming his way. Odd for someone making his foray in showbiz. Well, the newcomer has a reason. Even before his debut Love Story 2050 has released, he is being inundated with comments about the similarities he shares with nimble Hrithik Roshan.

At a recent interview for a radio station, Harman spoke his mind about being perpetually compared to Duggu. For many, any publicity is good publicity. But not for Harman! He despises the fact that, right from his looks to dancing, he is constantly under the scanner. He said, “Hrithik is a superstar. He has been around for eight years and has grown in front of the audience. He has done 20 films. When you go to see the film, it is a sincere request that you go with the idea of watching a new boy who has done his best. He is just himself in the film.”arman doesn’t think he is as good a dancer as Hrithik either. He says, “Technically, I am not a good dancer. I just listen to my choreographers.” Apologies Harman, but you seem as modest as Hrithik.

World’s Sexiest Woman: Katrina Kaif

Katrina Kaif is maha thrilled these days. Kats, as she is known in the industry, has just been declared the ‘Sexiest Woman in the World’ by a UK men’s entertainment magazine that held its first online poll in India. Around five lakh men voted for her. What’s more, Kats won the coveted title by defeating the likes of Hollywood superstars Angelina Jolie and Scarlett Johansson, singers Rihanna and Madonna and Bollywood stars Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone and Bipasha Basu, among others.
“It feels great. I think it’s the sweetest thing my fans have done,” says the actress, flashing a million dollar smile. Kats also boasts the most downloaded images online. “Isn’t that amazing?” she asks.
Considering her fan following is increasing, is she going to start a blog soon? “I’m very shy. I reach out to fans through my films. Starting a blog means updating viewers with what’s happening in your life on a daily basis, which I can’t do. I need my personal space,” says the actress.
And what, according to her, makes her the Sexiest Woman in the World? “I think people just like me in the type of roles I do. I won’t say I want to do highly dramatic or intellectual films because perhaps that’s not what my fans would like to see me in,” says the actress. “Every actor reaches a certain stage in life when he or she thinks they have to do different kinds of cinema, but I am content for now,” says the sexy woman whose good friend Salman Khan, too, apparently features in the list of Sexiest Men in the World. When are the two going to star in a film together? “I’m doing Subhash Ghai’s Yuvraj with him,” says Kats.

Salman, Aamir discuss 'Pappu' over dinner

Aamir Khan — the otherwise politically correct actor — seems to have rubbed many coactors the wrong way off late, the latest being Salman Khan. Recently there were reports that the song Pappu Can’t Dance from his nephew Imran Khan’s debut film Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa was a dig at the Bollywood hunk. However, an insider said that as soon as these baseless reports emerged, Aamir didn’t waste any time and made a special call to Salman to clarify the issue. Incidentally, the two Khans — who are long standing friends and go back to Andaz Apna Apna days — had not spoken for a long time and were completely out of touch. The insider said, “Aamir’s call proved to be a welcome connection between the two.” Surprisingly, even though Aamir clarified that the Pappu... song’s lyrics which talk about a ‘muscular bachelor’ were not directed towards him, the otherwise hot-headed Salman was dismissive and took it in his stride. Bypassing all the talks about Pappu..., all he wanted to know is when was Aamir taking him out for dinner.

When contacted, Aamir confirmed this saying, “Salman can dance pretty well so there it goes. But actually I am thankful that this has made me call him as we hadn’t connected since long. Salman is a most chilled out person. My attempts to clarify were fruitless as he would just not listen to anything, but in the process we have decided to go out for dinner one of these days. We have both been busy, so it will be actually a great catching up session.”

Salman, Katrina: From reel to real

We heard a lot of hearts breaking when Bollywood heartthrob Salman Khan openly announced his relationship with Katrina Kaif. The two have been going steady for a long time now, and are no longer afraid to declare their love for each other. From what we found out, wedding bells might ring soon. Watch the glow on Kats’ face and gauge her love for Salman yourself.

Salman Khan: Bollywood bad boy?

After taking over Bollywood, Salman Khan is set to sizzle on the small screen. Despite many ups and downs in his professional as well as personal life, he still has the kind of charisma that lets him connect with audiences.
With a host of reality shows hosted by Bollywood’s top stars, Salman just had to join the gang. On June 6, he makes his debut with Dus Ka Dum. Extremely excited about the show, Salman has even experimented with his looks and is rehearsing constantly. After all, he will be competing with King Khan himself.
For Salman, the journey in tinsel town has been interesting. Despite having begun his career as a supporting actor in Biwi Ho To Aisi, he garnered enough attention to get many lead offers. His career changed with Rajshri Production’s Maine Pyar Kiya as he bagged the Filmfare Best Debutante Award for his portrayal of a lover boy. Since then, his big list of hits has included Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, Hum Saath Saath Hain, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Tere Naam, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and No Entry. Salman has worked with most producers and directors, and there is no doubt his professional life is going places.
Having said that, his personal life still seems to be in an eternal state of turmoil. First he was associated with Somy Ali, only to break it off. Then walked in Aishwarya Rai and the two became the focus of tabloid attention. That relationship was followed by the entry of gorgeous Katrina Kaif. Now issues between the two seem to have cropped up.
Often known as Bollywood’s bad boy, Salman’s knack of walking into trouble has overshadowed people’s perception of him as an actor. In 1998 he was arrested for killing protected wild animals and spent about a week behind bars. He also has other cases to face. Let’s hope his television debut marks a new innings.

Malaika, from dancing to drama!

Malaika Arora, who is mostly seen doing item songs and endorsing brands, is finally doing a full-length leading role in Suniel Shetty’s production EMI. What’s more, she has no item song in the film. Malaika is particularly happy with her role in the film. After all, she’ll be part of a stars cast that boasts of names like Suniel and Sanjay Dutt.

The actress, who scorched the screen by shaking a leg with Shah Rukh Khan in Chaiyya chaiyya and Kaal, stars opposite the model-turned-actor, Arjun Rampal in the film. Now trying to shed the item girl tag and launch herself as a full fledged actress, Malaika is obviously gung ho about the role. It’s a different issue that she’d rather not reveal much about her character. She says, “It’s pointless talking about it now. Though I am there in only one part of the film, I am looking forward to doing EMI.” She added, “There’re lots of actors and four-five parallel stories in the plot and I’m a part of one of those stories.”

What this sizzling hot model-turned-VJ-turned actress would like the most is a role opposite her husband, Arbaaz Khan. The two will be seen together in the soon to be released, Shaadi Ke Aftereffects. However, it’s just going to be yet another item song and not a full-blown role as she would have liked it. Well, her identity as a model, a VJ and an item girl are undisputed. Let’s hope she makes an indelible mark as an actress as well.

Udita's canine capers

There is more to Udita Goswami than her stunning looks. The big screen beauty has a heart of gold. A close friend revealed that the Paap star is a dog lover and that includes strays. The friend stated that, she was restless all through out the shooting, thanks to a stray dog who almost got run over and hurt its paw. Udita rushed home from her shoot and not only did she feed the dog but also nursed him back to health…