I don't make films for awards: Aamir Khan

After Aamir Khan's directorial debut “Taare Zameen Par” failed to get an Oscar nomination in the foreign film category, the superstar has said that he does not make films for “awards” but for the “audience”.

“I don't make films for awards. I make films for the audience. The audience, for which I have made the film, really loved it and the audiences outside India have also loved it. What I am trying to say is that film has been well loved across the globe and that for me it is extremely heartening and something that I give very high value to, ” Aamir said in an interview to NDTV 24x7.

The actor who was recently in the news for his hit psychological thriller “Ghajini” was also upbeat about the film's effect on children.

On being asked about his decision to make a violent film with a U/A certificate after wielding the megaphone himself on an issue-based subject, he said: “I think the censor board gave it due thought before coming out with U/A certification, which means parental guidance.

“I feel any film which is U/A certified, parents ought to check it out before or wait till they see the review. I myself have done that. Junaid (Aamir's son) is 15 and he has seen 'Ghajini' and Aira (daughter) is 10 and she has not. As parents, Rina (first wife) and I have taken that call, ” he explained.

Aamir also negated the Western made Indian film controversy surrounding Danny Boyle's Oscar-nominated underdog drama “Sllumdog Millionaire”.

“I don't see 'Slumdog...' as an Indian film. I think it is a film about India like 'Gandhi' (that) was made by Sir Richard Attenborough. Similarly, 'Slumdog...' is about India but it is not an Indian film.

“I hope it does well in (the) Academy (awards). I don't think it's got to do anything with India or abroad. Filmmakers are creative people and they are storytellers. They are telling us a story. I don't think 'Slumdog...' is making an attempt to show the underbelly of India or that may be its selling point, " he explained.

Talking about Bollywood stars making an entry into politics, Aamir said: "I don't want to. I'll support a political partly only when I seriously believe that this is in fact a party in which I have real hope and full confidence. Otherwise, I would never endorse a political party, ” he said.

The show will be aired on NDTV 24x7, Sunday at 9:30 p.m.

Don't cook up controversies about my past: Preity

Does Preity have a British ancestry? A story doing the rounds on websites that Preity Zinta is of British parentage has the actress who turns a year older on Jan 31, completely flummoxed.

But this isn't the first time that Preity's lineage is being questioned. "Some years ago there was this rumour that I was related to Dharmendra. I didn't mind that at all since he's so goodlooking."

The bit about the Brit has Preity less amused. "I don't know where that come. I'm a full-on pahadi girl. Both my parents are from Himachal Pradesh. I'm a complete Rajput girl. And yet I've been flooded with inquiries about my 'British blood'. Arrey yaar, who's spreading these strange rumours? And they erupted so suddenly. I wonder who's responsible."

A section of Preity's supporters see this as a ploy to discredit her lately-vocal tirade against the vote-politics of the nation.

Preity wants to stay away from politics of every kind. "For those who feel threatened because they feel I'm getting into politics let me assure them I've no intentions of getting into yet another alien territory. Movies are my life. And now there's cricket and the IPL. Politics is not my scene at all. There's no need to cook up controversies about my past."

If SRK dances with me I will do it: Chitrangada After making a comeback through Onir’s Sorry Bhai Chitrangada was in news recently. Apparently this talented actress refused to be part of Aamir Khan’s forthcoming film Delly Belly. Calling it as a rumour Chitrangada said “No nothing like that has happened. It’s just a misunderstanding. I too heard about it but no one came to me personally about the film. It just got out blow out of proportion. There was nothing like that.” Chitrangada informs that she would love to work with Aamir in future. The actress doesn’t stop talking about Aamir. “I think Aamir has high credibility. He is amazing. He is a perfectionist and whatever he touches becomes perfect.” This two film old actress is so much talented and all two films were non commercial films. “If a film makes sense to me I will do it. If Shahrukh dances with me I will do it.” she quips.

Koel demystifies Tabu but in vain.

The red polka dotted ruk ruk girl Tabu, usually known to be very elusive, does a girly banter with Koel this time round.

The immensely talented actor talks about her transformation into varied roles such as: the sikhni militant 'veeran' in Maachis, murderous 'Nimmi' in Maqbool and the taciturn housewife 'Ashima' in Namesake.

That's not all, the two time national award winner is a multilingual, who hasn't escaped her share of link ups and controversy, but nonetheless is not defined by it.

The show enlightens the loyal fans of Tabu about her link up's, some odd film choices that she made and how she always manages to deliver pitch perfect performances.

Apparently at the end of the chit chat Koel acknowledged that some things are best left mystified.

Catch the indescribable Tabu in conversation with Koel on Headlines Today this Saturday 31st January at a new time of 7 pm.

Shahid belives in growth and touching people's heart.

Recently he was in the capital to announce his association with one of the biggest brand Pioneer.

Says Shahid, "I have always felt the need to attach myself to brands that exemplify the core values that I try to live up to in everyday life - growth, innovation, professionalism and touching people's heart."

The reason why Pioneer signed him is because being a youth icon already, he relates big time to music, dance and masti,

Says a source, "Shahid has been signed on as the Brand ambassador for Pioneer.

Apparently its for their music systems because Shahid is synonymous with music and fun and the youth.

This line caters to the youth that spends most of their time listening to music.

The actor has signed the deal for a whopping price! Even in this time of recession, Shahid is the only star who has got his market price, not a penny less."

Abhay's camaraderie with his 'Dev D' director

Abhay Deol enjoyed every bit of shooting for his forthcoming film "Dev D" mainly because director Anurag Kashyap was always chilled out on the sets.

"Anurag would just let Abhay be during the shoot. There was no typical actor-director relationship, where the director calls the shots. Anurag would not say anything to Abhay even if he was fiddling with something or playing with a toy.

Abhay really liked that and he also liked the fact that Anurag is spontaneous, " said a source.

In "Dev D", which is a modern take on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's classic novel "Devdas", Abhay plays the lead role.

I'm not a romantic girl & Adhyayan knows it

Mohit Suri’s recently released Raaz - The Mystry Continues is doing well at the box office. Interestingly Raaz has become the first successful film of the year. However Mohit Suri along with his team celebrated the success of the film.

We met film’s leading lady Kangana who is top of the world as she has been appreciated for her performance. When asked, did they expect huge success for Raaz – TMC she says, “Yeah but never thought that morning shows will be houseful too. The response is incredible. I never got such opening for any of my film.”

Speaking about the scariest scene of the film she says, “I was scared while watching Raaz – TMC as it’s a very scary film. I feel scared of myself in the film. I think there’s a scene in the film where I become a man and then a ghost. It’s a horrifying scene. I got cramps in my stomach while watching that scene.”

Kangana Ranaut, who is riding high on the success of her films “Fashion” and “Raaz-The Mystery Continues”, says she only trusts her instincts while choosing a role.

“I read 60 scripts before signing 'Fashion' - all the others flopped. I know which movie would be a hit. I trust my instincts, ” Kangana said on Zee News' celebrity chat show “Kahiye Janab”.

Commenting upon her on-an-off relationship with Adhyayan Suman, she said that they have “no issues” with each other. In fact, she shares: “I'm not a romantic person and Adhyayan knows it."

I hate Valentine Day : Neha Dhupia

When all are gearing up to celebrate this beautiful day, Neha shocked us by saying that she hates Valentine Day. She informs that V day is just another day for her. Interestingly Neha has been dating her childhood buddy, a famous squash player Ritwik since long time.

But then what is the reason to hate such a lovely day? “I think it’s really stupid concept. I don’t understand why do we even need to celebrate that day? It’s not a festival to celebrate?

I don’t see the significance of that day? No one knows who was Valentine, was he a man or priest? We still celebrate it so blindly. I am not doing it.” She reacts.

Is that the reason for not celebrating such a beautiful day? Neha recalls a funny memory related to this day. “I was very fat when I was in school I was very ugly. On every Valentines every girl used to get chocolates except me. That’s how I hate V Day.

Now all those boys must be regretting for not giving me gifts on that day.”

"I'm looking forward to doing Naach-Gaana: Mugdha

Model-turned-actress Mugdha Godse, who scorched the screen in Madhur Bhandarkar's offbeat film "Fashion", now hopes to do a typical song and dance role in "Jail".

"I'm looking forward to doing naach-gaana (singing-dancing) after playing an unconventional role in 'Fashion'. Surprisingly, all the offers coming to me now are of that variety," said Mugdha.

"Jail", also being directed by Bhandarkar, will be a two-hour thriller about a jail escape. In the film, Mugdha is paired opposite actor Neil Nitin Mukesh and the director feels they make a "great pair".

We're trying for a baby

His "Raaz 2" has got an encouraging opening and actor Emraan Hashmi is all set to work in the third instalment of the spooky thriller. He also feels secure enough to start a family now.

"We're trying for a baby and we should be parents by next year. One is never prepared for fatherhood. And if I wait to be fully prepared, it will never happen. But I'm getting into the mindset now," Emraan, who is married to Parveen Shahani, told.

Talking about "Raaz 3", he said: "Yes we're on," said Emraan. "The third part will also be directed by Mohit Suri and I'll play the lead. The rest of the details are yet to be decided. The cast of the second 'Raaz' film was totally new. And I think I'm going to be the only actor common to 'Raaz 2' and '3'."

Emraan feels vindicated by the audiences' response to "Raaz 2", which also starred Kangana Ranaut and newcomer Adhyayan Suman.

"My wife kept telling me I should try the genre. I had never done horror before. It's believed in the trade that horror films open well and then soon fizzle out. But then it was also believed that a film looking at the seamier side of cricket ('Jannat') would never do well.

"I like to walk the lonely path. That's why you don't see me at parties and functions. Maybe that's why I play the part of the loner and watch another guy take away the girl I love," Emran said, drawing attention to his loser-lover's role in "Awarapan" and now "Raaz 2".

Emraan, who has been lying low during the publicity of "Raaz 2" thanks to all the focus on real-life pair Kangana-Adhyayan, says he didn't feel left out.

"Kangana and Adhyayan were a real-life couple. I can't concoct an affair just to be noticed. I was confident my work would speak for itself. Sure enough I believe people clap when I come on screen the first time. I do have fan base, though it might be small," he said.

John loves his bike shoot

Bollywood's hot boy John Abraham recently got a chance to spend loads of time with his original love - bikes on a sunny afternoon as he posed for the cover of the latest GQ.

John's the cover boy for the newest edition of the magazine.

Unlike 'Dostana', John is showing no skin here and interestingly he loves doing photo shoots like these more than shooting for movies.

He says, "It's going to be a very retro biker shoot, something that I haven't done in ages. With lots of bikes but the old ones.The whole shoot is shot around these couple of bikes, with tyres lying around, oil and is the kind of space I would want to live in. I am very comfortable in this space."

Photographer, R Burman was super impressed too. He said, "The thing that really struck me about John is that he is very original. He is very organic; he doesn't have any airs, is very down to earth and it's fantastic vibration to work with him."

Johnny Boy's ways are unique indeed.

I was never asked to go bald

Shilpa Shetty has been taking odissi dance lessons for her forthcoming Indo-Chinese project The Desire. Shilpa recently completed shooting a complicated song and major scenes for the film.

The actress informs that it wasnt any ordinary song " it was an Odisssi dance performance. It was complicated because among all the songs that I've ever shot for, this has been the most difficult.

In the normal course, its easy to rehearse a step and add your own style to it, not necessarily perfecting it, making it fun. But here I had to not only do a different dance form, I had to do it perfectly, making it look authentic and emote at the same time" reveals Shilpa.

The actress informs that it takes a lot of practice and she had to curve her body to autheciate the dance performance.

"Well, thanks to my Guru, Ratikant Mohapatra (son of the iconic Odissi dancer Kelucharan Mohapatra) and his wife Rajshree, who were hard taskmasters, they made the impossible possible. What is really interesting is also that I got the chance to experiment with so many different looks, right from donning all the finery for the dance performances to going simple which is the actual character."

When asked about going bald for the film Shilpa says, "Cant divulge too many details, but I'm sure it will be a film I'll be proud of. Contrary to reports, I didn't say no to going bald. I was never asked to go bald.

It was just understood that I couldn't cut my hair because of continuity I need to maintain for my other films."

SRK is not ashamed of Slumdog

Many critics and prominent industry people have been fuming about the fact that the Oscar nominated film 'Slumdog Millionaire' highlights the poverty in Mumbai.

But the baadshah of Bollywood SRK has no problems with it.

He thinks that the poverty seen in the film is a reality and thinks it's wrong for people to become cynical when the film is getting international acclaim.

Khan, who has read the original book as well as the script says, "Isn't that (poverty and slums) a reality? If you (critics) have a problem with the word slumdog, why don't you look positively and see that there is a word millionaire or 'crorepati' also."

Khan, has returned from Los Angeles after a month-long schedule of Karan Johar's 'My name is Khan' and testified, "I have just returned from the US and people there have become crazy about the film and its music. The film's sound is also good apart from a good story and screenplay. The film deserves all awards."

However he doesn't regret turning down Anil Kapoor's role in the film.

He says maybe he wouldn't have done justice to the role of a game show host like Anil Kapoor. He was already hosting 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' (KBC) and later 'Kya Aap Panchvi Pass Se Tez Hai' during the time Danny shot the film and will do the new season too.

He adds, "I love awards and I hope to feature in a film comprising Indian cast and crew some day which will go to win these awards. The success of 'Slumdog Millionaire' worldwide is an incentive to all Indian filmmakers."

And we always thought that the baadshah was totally in love with Bollywood only and didn't really care about anything else. It's nice to see him talk with an international perspective for a change!

Gorgeous Lara Dutta graces the cover of Grazia

Lara Dutta may not have had a single release last year barring a cameo in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and giving the voice-over for the animated flick Jumbo.

However, the gorgeous beauty would be seen in quite a few films this year such as Billu Barber, Blue and Banda Yeh Bindaas Hai.

Before setting the silver screen on fire, Lara is seen at her glamorous best as the cover-girl for fashion magazine 'Grazia' in their January issue.

The stunning beauty is seen in a chic burgundy colored dress and one look at her in this outfit and you will know why she was crowned 'Miss Universe' few years ago.

This issue is simply a must have for all die-hard Lara Dutta fans.

Koel demystifies Tabu but in vain The red polka dotted ruk ruk girl Tabu, usually known to be very elusive, does a girly banter with Koel this time round. The immensely talented actor talks about her transformation into varied roles such as: the sikhni militant 'veeran' in Maachis, murderous 'Nimmi' in Maqbool and the taciturn housewife 'Ashima' in Namesake. That's not all, the two time national award winner is a multilingual, who hasn't escaped her share of link ups and controversy, but nonetheless is not defined by it. The show enlightens the loyal fans of Tabu about her link up's, some odd film choices that she made and how she always manages to deliver pitch perfect performances. Apparently at the end of the chit chat Koel acknowledged that some things are best left mystified. Catch the indescribable Tabu in conversation with Koel on Headlines Today this Saturday 31st January at a new time of 7 pm.

Shahid gets himself a cool bike worth Rs. 15 lakh Shahid is an enthusiastic bike lover. Recently he got himself a new bike. Not many know that that the younger icon of India got this bike only after his parents allowed him to do so. And for that he had to assure them that he would ride safely. Says a source, "Shahid loves biking. When he was shooting with Ahmed Khan for Ishq Vishk Pyar Vyar, Shahid would go with him for long bike rides along the Western Express highway. And now, he has gifted himself a new bike but only after his parents approval. Shahid's new bike is a midnight black, air cooled, sportsbike with high torque speed and 1670cc machine, costing around Rs. 15 lakh." "Shahid chose black as he doesn't like anything bright, flashy and over the top but rather classy, understated and subtle stuff. He is very possessive about it and insists on cleaning it himself. He has been biking a lot these days especially at nights and also while going for his shoots", siad the source.

Juhi was shocked to see the change in Rishi

The lovely Juhi Chawla was reunited with her favourite co-star Rishi Kapoor after 12 years. And she was shocked by the change in him.

"Earlier when we did all those films like Bol Radha Bol and Eena Meena Deeka there was no question of shooting in the night. So when there was night shoot for Luck By Chance I said, 'Oh Oh here comes trouble. I'll agree.

But knowing Chintuji …. He will never agree.' But he shocked me. He continued shooting in the night even after I packed up with no sign of grumpiness."

Laughs Juhi, "He has changed. Not counting the delayed Karobaar the last time we worked together was in Daraar in 1996.

It was always fun working with him, though he was always grumpy and that hasn't changed. Now he's far more flexible and thoroughly enjoying himself. But otherwise he's still the same. He still shouts at me and everyone on the sets. That's Chintuji. "

But Juhi was shocked to see the change in Rishi in other ways. "He used to be so fastidious about the timings. He'd shoot completely by the clock, and then leave not a minute before or after. Now he's far more flexible."

Fans of Juhi Chawla have something to look forward to. The lady returns in Zoya Akhtar's Luck By Chance, albeit in a cameo.

"I play Chintuji's loud Punjabi wife, a loud wannabe socialite.I wear garish clothes and makeup.I've even coloured ny hair a bright blonde. It was fun. But just a guest appearance. "

Juhi admits sheepishly she hasn't been able to keep up with her friends in the industry including Rishi Kapoor. "I live in South Mumbai now. It takes a good two hours to get to Juhu-Andheri. I just can't do it. For work I can go anywhere. But not to socialize."

Juhi finds it easier to go to London than Film City. "I've been asked to come to London for the premiere of Luck By Chance. I might go for that. I'm cut off from all my industry friends, including Chintuji. But I always feel close to the industry even when I don't meet the folks regularly."

Juhi will now be seen on television. But only as a judge on the new season of the reality show Jhalak Dikhla Jaa.

"Luckily I'm not expected to change into some aggressive creature for the show. They told me I don't have to act, just be myself and the participants aren't dancers to begin with. But that's okay. I don't know how to judge participants. We'll learn on the job."

Will Aishwarya Rai contest elections from Bihar?

After 'Munnabhai' Sanjay Dutt, it could be the turn of Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls as a Samajwadi Party candidate.

Samajwadi Party workers and leaders in Bihar have decided to offer Aishwarya the party ticket for the Madhepura seat against Janata Dal-United (JD-U) national president Sharad Yadav, a party official said.

In view of the overwhelming demand of the party workers, the Samajwadi Party Bihar parliamentary board has recommended Aishwarya's name to party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav.

Senior party leader Tulsi Singh told that a large number of party workers and people had requested him to convince Mulayam Singh to give the party ticket to Aishwarya from Madhepura. Singh is chairman of the party's state parliamentary board.

The Madhepura seat is held by the Rashtriya Janata Dal's Pappu Yadav, who is serving life imprisonment in Tihar Jail in Delhi for his involvement in the murder of Left leader Ajit Sarkar. His wife Ranjita Ranjan is a Lok Janshakti Party MP from Saharsa.

JD-U leader Sharad Yadav is likely to contest from Madhepura, his old seat.

In the last Lok Sabha polls in 2004, Railway Minister Lalu Prasad, the RJD chief, won from Madhepura by defeating Sharad Yadav. Lalu Prasad later resigned the Madhepura seat and opted to retain the Chapra seat.

Madhepura, a rural seat, is dominated by the backward Yadav caste. Last year, Madhepura was hit by devastating floods when the Kosi river changed its course after a breach upstream in Nepal.

When Rishi Kapoor romanced Ranbir's first crush

The newly launched show 'Oye! It's Friday!' has been making waves since weeks now, and this week's episode promises to be one of the best. We bring to you the reasons why this episode will be one that shouldn't be missed.

How often is it that you see the best of two generations together? The answer is quite simple, almost never. Adding another feather to multi-talented Farhan Akhtar's hat is this week's show which promises not just to enthrall but even and as always entertain you. The episode features the chocolate boy of the yesteryears-Rishi Kapoor and the current heartthrob - his son Ranbir.

Farhan's upcoming film Luck By Chance is playing on everyone's mind and Farhan being the genius that he is has crafted this special episode for the film LBC.

There are obvious points of interest that should not be missed which we make easier for our readers:

- Relive the memories of the father-son duo - Rishi and Ranbir during the shooting of the film Luck By Chance along with co-star Isha Sharvani.

- The experienced Rishi Kapoor shares his tale of the tough time he had gone through during the shoot and also reveals the fun moments on the sets.

- While Ranbir Kapoor bares his heart out to Farhan as he confesses about his relationship with the beautiful Deepika Padukone. And yes he also talks about his first crush…

Ranbir pours his heart out and admits that he felt cheated when he saw his dad, Rishi Kapoor, romancing his childhood crush Madhuri Dixit, a source from the channel said.

"Ranbir confesses that as a teenager, he had a huge crush on Madhuri and that he even had posters of her in his cupboard. He talks about the time when he finally got to meet her on the sets of 'PremGranth' only to find his father romancing Madhuri in the film," the source said.



- This 'roller-coaster' episode also features a stylistic and acrobatic dance act by Isha Sharvani, and an entertaining skating performance straight from Germany. It's an all-round expose with the Kapoors' on 'Oye! It's Friday!' on January 30th at 10:00 p.m.IST only on NDTV Imagine.

If all this wasn't enough to get you moving, the special episode also features the ever gorgeous and breathtaking performance by the beautiful Isha Sharvani and her dance troupe.

This Luck By Chance special episode of 'Oye! It's Friday!' promises to be a fun, moving and flexible episode this week. So don't miss it.

I look up to Sush when it comes to style: Deepika

She is young and beautiful. Her style and attitude reflects through her personality. Being a youth icon she has been offered many fashion brands but being choosy Deepika became brand ambassador of Levis.

We asked her about her personal style and her favorite brands. Speaking about fashion she says, “I think when it comes to fashion there are certain things that will never goes out of style. Anything in black, saris and salwars will never go out of style. Denim is something that is here to stay will never go out of style.”

But who do you look up to when it comes to fashion? “I look up to Sushmita when it comes to style.” Deepika gives more importance to comfort when it come to fashion.

“I like to wear clothes that make me feel comfortable. I am not very band conscious person. One thing is most important for me is comfort. I have to be comfortable in whatever I am wearing.” She adds.

Kareena's dramatic make up with Salman Khan

Kareena Kapoor has had broken friendships and many squabbles with people in the course of her 9 years in Bollywood. Blame it on her 'I don't care for anybody attitude' or just circumstances. It happened with Bipasha and her once upon a time good friends Rani and Esha Deol (though she still has to make up with them) and some others. The latest to join the list is bad boy Salman Khan. The buzz is that the twosome shared a great rapport during the making of 'Kyon Ki'. Though the film didn't fare so well at the box office, their friendship remained intact. But it went sour by and because of Bebo's ex beau Shahid. There were major differences between Shahid and Salman, during the 2006 Rock Stars concert. Bebo had to either side with Shahid or Salman and she obviously had to be with her boyfriend. But since now she has been openly dating Saif Ali Khan for more than a year, many thought that things between she and Salman would also improve. But it wasn't all that easy. While starting to shoot for 'Main Aur Mrs. Khanna' the vibes between the two were not so warm. So uncomfortable were they that they would head to their vans once the scene was over. When it came to discussing a scene, the director would have to individually sit down with them and discuss the setting. But the chemistry on screen is pretty sizzling, it's been said. But one fine day Bebo decided to break the ice. When an intricate scene was to be shot, she decided to walk up to Salman and asked him to discuss the scene with him. Though proud man Sallu bhai was taken aback, he cooperated. It's been said that Saif Ali Khan helped to ease tensions too. They were seen laughing and giggling. Sister Karisma was present too and was happy for them as she's been friends with Salman for years too. So if all goes well, the positive effects of this dramatic make up will be visible on the screen in 'Main aur Mrs. Khanna'! Wait and watch.

Shah Rukh Khan to undergo a surgery

'Baadshah of Bollywood' Shah Rukh Khan has finally returned to 'Aamchi Mumbai' after a hectic month long schedule of good friend Karan Johar's film My Name Is Khan in the US of A.

However the Superstar, who many describe as a 'Bundle of Energy', is now in severe pain courtesy a shoulder injury which he sustained whilst shooting for an action scene for Dulha Mil Gaya in December last year.

SRK apparently hurt his shoulder badly then but since the pain was not severe, he decided to just go in for physiotherapy sessions and even went ahead with the shooting of My Name Is Khan. However now it seems, his shoulder can't seem to take any more strain and hence King Khan would have to go in for a surgery. The date and location of the surgery is yet to be decided.

It may be recalled that the actor had previously even been operated upon for his back and knee problem.

With his home production Billu Barber slated to release early next month (Feb 13) , we pray for SRK's speedy recovery.

Bebo to receive an award from Erin Brokovich

Bollywood's eternal heartthrob Kareena Kapoor must surely be on cloud nine these days for reasons more than one. If you thought that her film 3 Idiots (her dream come true film with Aamir Khan) tops her list, then, its time for you to rearrange the 'toppings', as Bebo will now be presented an award for her contribution to art and cinema in February, by none other than the world-renowned environmental activist Erin Brokovich! For starters, Erin Brokovich is an American legal clerk and an environmentalist despite no formal education in law. One may also recollect that the Hollywood hottie Julia Roberts had played the title of 'Erin' in the Hollywood flick Erin Brokovich, which fetched Julia an award for the Best Actress, no less! To present the award to Kareena, Erin is reported to be air dashing to Mumbai. Needless to say, life couldn't have just been better for the Kareena girl!

Deepika is just another girlfriend in Ranbir's life

Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone came together quietly under dramatic circumstances more than a year back. There were talks that Ranbir was seeing his first co-star Sonam and Deepika was oscillating between Yuvraaj Singh and M.S Dhoni after her break up with Nihar Pandya.

They have been officially seeing each other for a while but there have been some uncertainties.

Of late there have been talks about Ranbir getting close to his new co-star Katrina Kaif and Deepika being spotted with some mystery man.

In the beginning, Neetu Singh seemed to be confident about her dear Ranbir's relationship with Deepika. Both Rishi and she seemed to have accepted her as their bahu.

In fact, she was even spotted with Deepika at the Lakme Fashion week and caught the attention of all and sundry.

But now things have changed. Because of the differences they too are uncertain about what the future holds for the young couple.

Neetu has recently said, "Deepika is just another girlfriend in Ranbir's life. Both of them are very young. It's a long way to go before marriage. No one knows what the future holds for them."

The bad thing is that both of them are busy and don't have enough time to sort out things. We too wonder what the future holds for the young love birds.

I'm very jealous of Harman Baweja: Amrita Rao

Bollywood actress Amrita Rao says she is jealous of her Victory co-star Harman Baweja because he has several scenes with national and international cricketers while she didn't have even one in the movie.

“Don't sprinkle salt on the wound, ” whined Amrita when she was asked if she got to share screen space with any of the cricketers in "Victory". “I didn't get a single chance to shoot with any cricketer. It has all been Harman's privilege and I am very jealous of him, ” Amrita told.

Releasing Firday, “Victory” is directed by debutant Ajitpal Mangat and is the story of a father's dream that his son, who is from a small village in Rajasthan, will become a national cricketer. How the young man becomes an acclaimed cricketer forms the remaining plot.

The film has cameos by cricketers including Michael Hussey, Brett Lee, Stuart Clark, Allan Border, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, R.P. Singh, Ishant Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, Sanath Jayasurya and Dilhara Fernando.

About her role, Amrita said: “I play Nandini, a medical student from Jaisalmer. The character is very strong and inspiring. Nandini's character is basically very vocal about her mind.”

Amrita was here Tuesday to promote a new range of watches by the Gitanjali Group at the Rajouri Garden market.

The actress, last seen in Shyam Benegal's “Welcome To Sajjanpur”, says she had "a nice time working with Harman”.

“Not even once it come across that he was acting like a cricketer. He used to give such subtle expressions while shooting with the professional cricketers and facing bowls from legendary players, ” said Amrita.

Amrita is confident that the film will do well even though it is pitched against the much-hyped Farhan Akhtar-starrer “Luck By Chance”, releasing on the same day.

“It wasn't easy to convince so many legendary cricketers to star in a Bollywood film, ” she said.

After “Victory”, Amrita is looking forward to her next film ““Shortcut - The Con Is On!” that stars Akshay Khanna and Arshad Warsi. It is produced by Anil Kapoor.

We are ordinary folks: Amitabh Bachchan

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan wants to dispel myths about his "high and mighty" image, saying that he would prefer to be known just as the son of Teji and Harivansh Rai Bachchan.

"I never believed that I was special. I am just blessed. I would like to be known as the son of my father Harivansh Rai Bachchan and mother Teji Bachchan. I respect my parents for bringing me up the way I am," Bachchan said while speaking at the Jaipur Literature Festival Friday.

The superstar, who has given the country the maximum number of hits and blockbusters like "Zanzeer", "Deewaar" and "Don", said he has "never consciously tried to project my star image. It is an epithet created by the media."

"I have not contributed to the fact that I am a star. My son Abhishek and I want to do away with the word star. We are ordinary folks.

My relationship with my son is personal and domesticated. Even before Abhishek was born, I had made up my mind that if I ever had a son he would be my friend. Abhishek is as balanced and down-to-earth by nature as I would expect anyone from our family to be.

"While acting, we do not follow any particular routine or concepts - we both leave it to the director. In fact, Abhishek had a very normal upbringing.

Jaya and I have never tried to do anything special for him. We did not produce any movie to secure him a toehold in the industry. He has never felt propped up - all that he has done has been on his own," Bachchan said.

Further listing the virtues of his son, Bachchan said Abhishek possesses sharp powers of observation and reaction.

The audience - numbering around 500 - comprised over 165 writers, an equal number of delegates and an army of media representatives both from home and abroad.

Bachchan feels the love of millions of Indians has helped him become the "phenomenon" that he is today.

"The love and affection of the people of the country, my fans who prayed for me each time I fell sick, have helped sustain my journey over the last four decades that began in 1969," said Bachchan.

The actor, who has worked with almost every generation of directors in the country - from Prakash Mehra, Ramesh Sippy, Manmohan Desai, Yash Chopra to Tinu Anand and the youngsters like R. Balakrishna and Sujoy Ghoshe, says he has grown up watching Dilip Kumar and Waheeda Rehman.

"I was their fan and also loved watching Guru Dutt movies. 'Kagaz ke Phool' starring Guru Dutt was my favourite.

Now that I have an opportunity to speak about all the directors I have worked with, I hope one of the youngsters in Mumbai grows up to be a Dilip Kumar or Guru Dutt," he said.

Father Harivansh Rai still remains the star's obsession.

"I am not an avid reader, but now whenever I have time to spare, I read my father's poetry and his autobiography. I try to bring out snippets from his works in my blog. And in the process I learn more about my father," he said.

The superstar, who recited "extracts" from his father's seminal work "Madhushala", signed off with a message for the audience: "Yadi man ka ho to accha, agar man ka na ho to aur bhi accha. (If things go the way you want, it is good. And if it does not, it is better)."

You would be foolish to write Akshay off: Anees Bazmee

Chandni Chowk To China hasn't worked but Anees Bazmee doesn't blame Akshay Kumar for that. Someone who has always maintained that a star alone cannot make or break a film, Anees Bazmee has always believed that there are number of factors other than the presence of a star that impress an audience.

Maintaining the same comments as he did after a successful Singh Is Kinng and a flop Tashan, he continues in the same vein when the topic of Chandni Chowk To China comes up.

In a candid conversation with Joginder Tuteja, he maintains though that Akshay Kumar is too hardworking a man to be bogged down by one failure and his future films would make him wipe away one aberration that goes by the name of Chandni Chowk To China.

Chandni Chowk To China hasn't performed at the box office. A setback for Akshay Kumar?
Come on, this is such a ridiculous piece of gossip that I am seeing floating around ever since the first paid preview of Chandni Chowk To China got over. How could one film make or break a star, and that too someone as huge as Akshay Kumar.

He has reached the position where you do expect him to deliver in every outing of his. But is it humanly possible? You do make mistakes, you do err and this film could well have been an error in judgment on his part. But that's ok, he is a hardworking man and the last thing you want to say is that his positioning in the industry is threatened.

But everyone believed that the star presence of Akshay Kumar would be good enough to pull in audience in hordes for at least the opening week?
If the presence of a star was good enough for a film to succeed, why would you need a story writer or a director? Why not just take a good looking guy? Why would a star himself ask for a story from the filmmaker?

Won't it just suffice for him to say that 'Chalo, I am on board and so we don't need anything else'? He may as well make a movie all by himself, isn't it? There is a definite role for anyone in the process of filmmaking and then you have the captain of the boat, the director. Most of all, he certainly has to perform and bring everything together for the success of the film.

Something that you maintained in case of Tashan, Welcome and Singh Is Kinng too...
That's right. Tashan was the best available set up that any filmmaker could have dreamt of. There were A-list actors like Anil Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, the music was popular (Vishal-Shekhar), the banner was huge (Yash Raj Films), the hype was there and we all saw what happened to it.

Agar story hi nahi hogi to aapke sab star kya karenge? On the other hand, Welcome and Singh Is Kinng worked because though they too were out and out commercial flicks; there still was something definite happening throughout the narrative. They weren't just being gimmicky or piggy banking on a star's popularity.

What happens for Akshay from here on?
I am no one to comment, he is experienced enough to know what he has to do. He has been around for a couple of decades and knows how to handle such situations. See, he has so much going for him, a) He is very hard working, something that is his biggest strength, b) He is good looking and only getting better with age and c) He can do everything that a mainstream Bollywood hero is required to do.

Please go on…
He can do everything. You want him to do comedy, he will. You want him to do action, he will. He can do drama, perform well on emotional scenes, romance his heroines. In a nutshell, he can do everything that is expected from a 'masala' hero.

Don't forget that he is the same man who has been the darling of the masses and given so many back to back money spinners over the years. He has achieved so much in life in such a short time period. You would be foolish to write him off.

That's right. And in any case he has biggies like Kambakth Ishq, Blue, Housefull, Tasveer 8X10 and De Dana Dan coming up...
Yes, an impressive line up but again a word of caution here. If a film is bad, no one can help it. Neither an actor nor a star. I just hope and want that his films are well made indeed. Akshay bahut mehnati ladka hai and I am sure he will have a great run at the box office from here!

I used to kiss Tom Cruise in poster: Eesha Koppikhar

From item girl to vamp to girl next door. Eesha Koppikar has lived up to every guy's fantasy by excelling in each of these roles. She has charmed her way into our hearts with her drop dead gorgeous looks and her sizzling performances. Read on as Eesha shares sweet little nothings even as she makes a devastating disclosure in the men's magazine FHM.

Eesha Koppikhar breezes into my studio an hour late, walking on those long, shapely legs and apologizes demurely. Awww! That million-dollar smile she flashes at me! I have forgiven her already.

As she puts her makeup on, we get to reminiscing the last time she sipped that extra-strong tea from my flask. 'Yeesh! Don't even remind me. I don't have the stomach for your chai!' I look at her flatter-than-ironing-board stomach and wonder what it takes to get a new-age body like hers. 'Yoga,' she squeals with delight. 'And salads and meditation.

You can't go wrong with good old Indian values.' Well, to be honest, my good-old-Indian-values fast evaporate as Eesha effortlessly cavorts and romances the camera. And while my camera whirrs and purrs, I can't help but think…Eesha's made for the arc lights.

We heard you are just back from a trip. Was it work or pleasure?
I had been to Bali to attend a friend's wedding. Bali was beautiful. So was the wedding. It was a nice break from work and I think I deserved the holiday.

Are you happy with your journey in Bollywood so far?
I started out with small-deglamourised roles down South and then turned to my glamorous avatar in Bollywood to now doing lead roles as the lead actress.

It has been an interesting journey and a great learning experience. I have always had belief in my abilities and talent. The perseverance and hard work seem to have paid off.

Did being stereotyped as an item girl affect your career?
There is a lot of stereotyping in the film industry. People like to label you like boxes of cereal.

We know that in real life you are truly a fun person. Were Kya Kool Hain Hum and Salaam e Ishq easier to work on given your penchant for comedy?
I am a natural with comedy… I really enjoy comic roles. It was a wonderful experience working in Kya Kool…and in Salaam-e-Ishq.

You are one of the most chilled out girls in the industry. What makes Eesha so cool?
I believe in live and let live. I am not judgmental and I believe in the goodness of the human heart. Maybe this thinking makes me cool…I dunno!

Loved your work in Don. You looked stunning as well. How did Don happen?
Initially Farhan Akhtar had wanted me to work in Dil Chahta Hai. But due to some reason, I was unable to do that film. We decided that we'd work sometime again and that's how I was offered Don and I accepted.

How was the experience working with Shah Rukh Khan?
Shah Rukh's energy levels are infectious. His professionalism is something to be admired. His humility is something to be imbibed. I think he always succeeds in motivating his co-stars and heroines.

Are you part of Farhan's planned sequel to Don?
Not aware of any sequel.

Who is the hottest guy in Bollywood today?
Amitabh Bachchan. Purely for the fact that he started off from such a humble background. It was his sheer hard work and attitude, professionalism and devotion that propelled him into becoming a legend. I believe that he's also a very doting and loving father. Aamir Khan too…because I simply love his diligent work ethics. He is one of the brilliant actors of our times.

Would you consider settling down with someone from the film industry?
No. I wouldn't. Because I've already found someone who is not from the industry. (laughs)

Describe Eesha's ideal guy?
Someone open, with whom I can share my weakness and have no fear of being let down! Also someone who shares the same interests as mine. But like I said, I have found my ideal guy.

So what makes your relationship with Timmy tick?
The fact that we are sensitive to each other and we share similar interests. We understand each other completely. Though we are from different backgrounds, we are willing to understand each other and be there for each other. It's the simplicity that makes it work.

The one way to get your attention?
Be genuine. That's the only way to get my attention.

What turns you off?
Fake and judgmental people! And everything that comes along with it.

Conversation or action? What does Eesha prefer?
Actions speak louder than words. Words are easily spoken but it's only in one's actions that one can feel the depth and sincerity of words spoken.

What was your first crush?
When I was in school, I had the biggest crush on Tom Cruise.

First kiss?
I would kiss his poster. Ha ! Ha!

The naughtiest thing you have ever done?
It was when I was in school. It was my friend's birthday! My friends and me packed a huge cockroach in a small cardboard box that was inside a bigger cardboard box which was in turn, in another bigger cardboard box… and we packed it beautifully with ribbons and stuff. Poor girl. When she opened it, she fainted.

You used to play basketball? Do you still follow sports?
Unfortunately, I haven't been able to follow up on any sport due to my hectic work. But I still love basketball.

Watched any good movies lately?
Quantum of Solace. Though Sean Connery has been my favorite Bond for all times.

Mantra for Success
Success is the result of steadily taking action on our most important goals. Discipline is to stay focused on what really matters and be careful about not letting other less important issues or concerns get in the way. Gratitude. The only people to get even with are the ones who helped us.

It sums up to what I think is gratitude. Regret. We are all humans and we all make mistakes that we regret. And to regret the past is to forfeit the future. We have to move on and we can't keep dwelling in the past. What makes Eesha tick?
Love. Love. Love. Love. Love. Love. Love.

Kites has been jinxed for Hrithik Roshan

Shooting for home production Kites has been jinxed for Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan. After hurting his knees while doing a dangerous car stunt in Las Vegas in October last, the actor hurt his arm at the Filmistan Studio in Mumbai Tuesday.

"Hrithik hurt his arm while doing a stunt shot for 'Kites' at the Filmistan studio. He was breaking a glass with a rod and one piece of glass flew and hurt him. It's a minor injury - there's nothing major, " a source close to Hrithik told.

Hrithik suffered many injuries after he performed some daring stunts in "Krrish" and "Dhoom 2".

He had torn the ligament in his right knee and continued working despite the pain. Towards the latter half of 2008, Hrithik underwent surgery in the US and spent nearly two months recovering but his tryst with injuries continues.

"Kites", directed by Anurag Basu, is being touted as featuring Hrithik's most sensuous role till date. He stars opposite US-based Spanish model Barbara Mori.

The film is about an Indian boy's romantic affair with a Latina girl and their predicament as they do not understand each other's language. It also stars actress Kangana Ranaut.

Hit strved Nandana turns writer

Stardom has eluded her in Bollywood but this dame has some unique talent which she's putting to good use.

The buzz is that the actress is a closet script writer and has already penned three scripts.

Reportedly she wrote 'The Widow of Alang' for Norwegian director Emil Stang Lund and penned 'Forever' for a short film by Telefilms in Canada.

But her latest and most prolific script is adapted from Indian author R K Narayan's book 'Waiting For Mahatma'.

The buzz is that Nandana read the book thoroughly to grasp the story's fine points and then only went ahead and adapted the story to a movie script. She finished it pretty fast too and now it will be made into a movie by her Canadian director friend Srinivas Krishna.

The actress who would be seen in Ketan Mehta's 'Rang Rasiya' opposite Randeep Hooda claims to have inherited her writing skills from her mother, the award winning writer Nabanita Dev Sen and says writing also helps her as an actress. She says that it helps her to "connect to the scenes" that she enacts in films.

Talent and stardom doesn't always go hand in hand. Nandana must be feeling the same but is sure to not give up way too soon.

Thank You Priyanka, with love from SRK

Shah Rukh has been taking more than a passing interest in the music for the films he produces. And Priyanka Chopra would vouch for that.

If she declares from rooftops that she is Shah Rukh Khan's biggest fan then it with reason. The man just floors his ladies, without trying to be be charming.

What he did for Priyanka Chopra in Billu Barbar would certify as pure magnanimity and generosity, both as a considerate co-star and producer.

Shah Rukh decided to give away a large portion of his duet in Billu Barbar to Priyanka.

Says the film's excited music composer Pritam Chakraborty, "Shah Rukh took very close interest in each one of the songs. He isn't a musician. But he has an instinctive ear for music. It takes him just a few seconds to approve or cut down a track."

With the songs meant for Kareena Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, Pritam faced no problems. "Shah Rukh loved his songs with Kareena Marjana and Deepika Love mera hit hit. They were straightforward dance songs with shared grooves between Shah Rukh and Kareena/Deepika."

The Priyanka song needed special treatment. And Shah Rukh made Pritam re-work and re-record the song.

Divulges Pritam, "Shah Rukh's song with Priyanka Khuda-ae-kher is not an item song. It's a love ballad that the pair playing Bollywood superstars, emote to in front of the camera.

Being a love song Shah Rukh felt there wasn't enough of the female presemce in the vocals. He made me re-record the song with more for the female vocalist (Dominique) to do since he wanted Priyanka to have an equal number of lines."

Irrfan Khan and Lara Dutta who play a rustic couple will later be seen enacting the same Shah Rukh-Priyanka ballad exactly the way the village couple had seen the stars do the song.

From sharing Akshay Kumar on screen in Andaaz to sharing the same love song, the Priyanka-Lara Dutta rivalry sure has come a long way.

Laughs Pritam, "It was entirely Shah Rukh's idea to give Priyanka more lines in the song. He's a very generous entertainer. If you see him on screen he never tries to steal the limelight from his heroines. Even Khai ke paan banaras wala had a lot of Priyanka in Don although it was entirely Shah Rukh's song."

When told about Shah Rukh's gesture, Priyanka stays silent for a while. She then sighs and says, "What do I say? Now do you know why he's my favourite?"

MY NAME IS KHAN; SRK-Kajol complete first schedule!

	SHAHRUKH KHAN and KAJOL

One of the most anticipated and awaited film of the year, Karan Johar's next directorial venture, MY NAME IS KHAN, has been in the limelight ever since its announcement. And that is because it is Karan Johar's third project after two blockbuster hits KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI and KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM and the superhit KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA. The first shooting schedule of the film commenced last year end itself.

CHECK OUT: Kajol's giving Karan Johar a hard time

MY NAME IS KHAN assumes more importance because the hottest on-screen Bollywood couple of the last fifteen years, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol shot together for a full fledged project after almost 8 years. The momentous day was January 7 2009! And now we have news that SRK and Kajol have finished their Los Angeles schedule and have left the city last week. From March-May they will shoot in Mumbai and complete the Indian portions. They are scheduled to be back in the US (San Francisco) in June to wrap up the last parts. After that the film will go into post production.

Keep tuned to your favourite portal for more exclusive details (apart from what we have already revealed) about probably the hottest film of 2008!

FERRARI KI SAWAARI with Aamir Khan!

	view CNBC AWARDS AAMIR AS ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR picture gallery

Our heroes seem to be getting younger. For when cricketers retire at 30 plus, our B-wood dudes enter the cricket field when they're forty or something.

At least Aamir Khan is doing that. Yes, AK will be seen in yet another cricket-based film titled FERRARI KI SAWAARI. Aamir liked the script so much that he immediately signed the movie.

After Dev Anand's AWWAL NUMBER and Ashutosh Gowariker's LAGAAN this is the third time that Aamir plays cricketer in a film. He's truly becoming King of Ball-ywood, eh?

Media killed CC2C

CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA has underperformed and the way it is progressing after a not-so-heartening weekend, the picture is certainly not rosy for this Akshay Kumar starrer.

The wheels of fortunes have turned, and how! In case of this Rohan Sippy produced film, the very idea of having paid previews have gone wrong.

The moment first ever show concluded on Thursday night (around 9 PM), SMSs started floating around, most of them from the industry folks.

The film was pulled down, and how. The movie was being termed as the disaster of the decade, and not just the year, and it was being pitched much above LOVE STORY 2050, TASHAN, DRONA and RAM GOPAL VARMA KI AAG in terms of 'disaster quotient'.

The question is - 'Did CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA really deserve this treatment?'. The answer is NO! The film isn't bad, as it has been made out to be.

A decent entertainer, it is an engaging watch and all the backlash that it is currently getting really seems unjustified. In fact it reminds me of the statement that Ram Gopal Varma made after all the media bashing that his AAG got (not that his film was better).

He had said - 'If only all those people who are bad mouthing my film would have actually went to theaters to watch it, the movie would have been a Superhit!'

This is what has happened in case of CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA too.

The movie was panned by a few media folks at the end of first show, they were joined by others as Thursday night came to a close, the word of mouth started spreading around and the Friday opening took a jolt. That's it.

Headlines started screaming that the movie had failed and it didn't have any breather to recover on Saturday/Sunday. Since an average 50% odd occupancy in theaters for the weekend was good enough reason for us media folks to announce it's failure, movie goers too were influenced in a big way.

A vicious circle, it resulted in movie really struggling to find it's feet. The question which is bound to be raised now is - 'Can media make or break a film?'

Well, it may not always manage to make it but at times, when luck is really unfavorable for a film maker, it can break a film, as seen in case of CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA.

GOLMAAL RETURNS was lucky enough to survive in spite of all the media backlash, CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA is seen struggling. The quartet of Ajay Devgan, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor and Shreyas Talpade didn't quite provide good enough fodder for making headlines which Akshay Kumar single handedly could.

After all 'Akshay Kumar is finished' is much spicier to hear when compared to 'Ajay Devgan's return with GOLMAAL fails', right?.

Some people think I'm Muslim: Preity

Bubbly dame Preity Zinta has had an interesting career graph.

Now the actress after lying low for a while has reportedly signed a Yash Raj film with her 'Dil Chahta Hai' co-star Aamir Khan

But apart from her career, all this while there have been loads of talks about Preity Zinta's familial connections.

The buzz is that she got fed up of queries about her family background and has decided to tell one and all that she's British blood in her.

The actress explains, "Some people think I'm south Indian, while some feel I'm a Muslim. There have also been fans who have asked me whether I hail from Himachal Pradesh.

In the early 18th century, when marital alliances between the Rajput and British became quite common, the Zinta clan was born. I'm a rare combination of British and Rajput blood."

Well, Preity sure has blue blood. No wonder she behaves like a royal most of the time.

I was born with a silver spoon: Sonam Kapoor

Her 2007 debut vehicle “Saawariya” sank without a trace at the box office, but one-film old Sonam Kapoor is unperturbed and says she is no underdog. "I did my first film with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and my second film 'Delhi-6' is with Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. These are big names and I am on top of the world. I am not at all an underdog. I am Anil Kapoor's daughter. I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth,” Sonam told reporters here Friday. Sonam was speaking at a press conference for the 54th Idea Filmfare Awards 2008. She was here to promote her forthcoming film "Delhi-6", releasing next month. Sonam maintained that though “Saawariya”, which was released in 2007, failed to click at the box office, it brought her critical acclaim and she “got whatever she needed from the film”. The 23-year-old actress stressed that she is very much in the league of young actors like her "Saawariya" co-star Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, who debuted same year with hit movie "Om Shanti Om". In fact, Deepika walked away with the Filmfare award for best female debut last year. “Awards are important and it was important for me to win one for 'Saawariya'. I was quite upset that I didn't get the award,” she said. Sonam, who has recently signed a comic caper “Come On Pappu” with Akshay Kumar, finds comparison with Deepika unfair. “I can't compare myself with Deepika. She is doing mostly commercial roles and I am not. She is signing more films, but I want to do one film at a time. It takes nearly a year for a film to be made and that's why I am being seen lesser than her,” said Sonam.

Proffessional relationship with Salman: Asin

Ghajini girl has been in news for since the time she has made her debut in Bollywood. After Ghajini she is looking forward to Vipul Shah’s London Dreams. According to a recent buzz she is in books of Salman Khan who gifted a glass doll to her on Onam.

But Asin denies the report of being overfriendly with Salman. She informs that no exchange of gifts happened on the sets. When asked about her cordial friendship with Sallu. Asin reacts, “I don’t know how to react to it because it’s absolutely false. I have not got any gifts at all from Salman.

Speaking about return gift she said, “In fact I read that he gave me a gift on Onam and I gave a return gift on Eid which is absolutely false because we were shooting from early morning to late night. Thus there was no time to buy gifts or exchange gifts. ”

Being a professional Asin knows that such things are part and parcel of her profession. “When that news came out the whole unit was laughing because everyone knows what the truth is. Everyone know how we are working on this project we all are professionals. ” She signs off.

Priyanka-Shahid: Love brewing?

	SHAHID KAPOOR and PRIYANKA CHOPRA

Shahid's KAMINEY has become the talk of the town. If you think the film is abuzz only because of Shahid-Priyanka's hot scenes - it is said that the lock lips in this one - think again!

CHECK OUT: Priyanka - Shahid to lip lock...

It's their sizzling off-screen relationship that has got all the unitwalas gossiping. Now, we are just reporting what we were told about this latest jodi in B-town.

Of course, Piggy Chops isn't going to mention a word about it, because she's like that only, you know. After all she never once did admit that Hurman was 'her man'! Well, we'll keep you updated on this ishk-visk-pya-vyar kissa.

BILLU BARBER to rekindle the Krishna-Sudama friendship

	view BILLU BARBER videos

When Shah Rukh Khan's home banner, Red Chillies Entertainment, announced BILLU BARBER, to be directed by comedy king Priyadarshan, all that we knew was that the film was a remake of the Malayalam hit, KADHA PARAYMBOL and that its Tamil version, KUSELAN had megastar Rajnikant in a guest appearance, that of a superstar. However, there is more to BILLU BARBER than it simply being a remake!

As we know, a lot of changes in the screenplay were made to suit the larger than life image of Shah Rukh Khan, and as a result we have him doing as many as three item numbers with hot and happening Bollywood actresses like Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra. And of course it is full of Priyan's comic touches, complete with his much loved village bumpkin characters, played by Asrani, Om Puri and Rajpal Yadav. But above all, it rekindles the Krishna - Sudama timeless friendship.

CHECK OUT: BILLU BARBER Movie Preview

The story of true friendship between Lord Krishna, the King of Dwarka and Sudama, a poor hermit is known to most of the Indian children. It is described in Bhagwat Purana, an ancient scripture of the Hindus and is taught in most Indian schools in one form or the other. The reason being that the moral of the story is so strong that it inculcates humbleness and greatness and conveys the true meaning of friendship. And therefore symbolizing the greatness of Lord Krishna is superstar Shah Rukh Khan and the inferiority and insecurities of Sudama, a poor hermit, has been enacted by ace actor Irrfan Khan, essaying the role of a barber.

Well, a great entertainer with a strong social message, we are sure that BILLU BARBER will be loved by all when the film embraces its audiences as it hits the screens on 13th February, just like a Krishna embraced his long lost friend Sudama!

Interview : Emraan Hashmi







RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES promises to be one of the scariest movies ever that has come out of Bollywood. Whether it is Mohit Suri. Mukesh Bhatt, Emraan Hashmi or Adhyayan Suman, each of them has always maintained that the film would shock the audience and scare the daylights out of them. Joginder Tuteja catches up with Emraan Hashmi to know if the film would indeed live up to the mammoth expectations. Over to Emraan!

Do you want to narrate a few scenes?
(Laughs) I don't want to give away the scenes but can tell you for sure that they change the face of horror on screen. I am proud of the way the team has worked together to make them the way they have turned out. In fact for the shooting of the film, we went on a lot of haunted locations. We went deep into the interiors of some secluded spots; you know the kind of places where you are not allowed to go after sunset. Then we also shot at Mukesh Mills in night and believe me when I say that it is just not a pleasant experience at all. It is hard for a person not to be unnerved shooting there. And if someone says that he/she wasn't disturbed then well take my words, they are lying!

CHECK OUT: RAAZ THE MYSTERY CONTINUES Movie Preview

You had earlier mentioned about the scare factor from Japenese/Korean movies being at the back of your mind while making RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES. How did you get the Indian milieu to the proceedings?
At the heart of it all, the film is truly Indian. We have done a lot on research on the horror beliefs in the country; about spirits and all. In India, we do talk about wandering spirits and all. The character that I play is one such person who acts as a medium for these spirits. This is why it is so integral to the film's plot. I could have been shown as a writer talking to the spirits through his words but then that would have become boring. So we opted for the visual medium.

And how was that achieved
By showing him to be a painter. Through his paintings, he communicated with spirits. He is someone who believes in super natural and has the power to communicate with their world.

A dark character indeed, isn't?
Definitely one of the darkest characters that I have played. This person is quite reclusive, sits lonely in his studio, is someone who could talk about the difference between a believer v/s non-believer. He is not a somber character as in AWARAPAN because he comes from a world where spirits do exist. This character is slightly edgier and certainly darker!

Interview : Asin




She can call herself lucky but even that will be an understatement. For actress Asin it was a dream come true making her Bollywood debut opposite Aamir Khan in GHAJINI. And it seems her dream run continues, as she will be next seen opposite Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan in Vipul Shah's LONDON DREAMS. With two big projects to start off, Asin is today enjoying life and Bollywood. The actress speaks to our Correspondent, about life after GHAJINI, her next project LONDON DREAMS and more

You had a great start to your career indeed. How are you feeling right now?
It's simply great. I can't explain it. (Smiles) It's fabulous, fantastic and I feel at the top of the world. The way the entire industry has accepted me and has appreciated my work in GHAJINI is really very encouraging.

Not many are fortunate to get such good debut and that too opposite Aamir Khan.
Yes, I am really fortunate. I am glad that everyone besides appreciating my performance has enjoyed the movie also. And I am happy that I got to start my career opposite Aamir Khan. It is really great working with him and the best part is you learn a lot working with him.

CHECK OUT: Asin's Hindi fluency comes in handy in GHAJINI

Are the feelings similar... given that you are already a star in the South and now Bollywood is again a new place now?
The reception has been almost similar though Bollywood is a national platform so it has much more thrills and the picture gets bigger here. I am more thrilled because I have been able to be part of a good film twice. The film was a hit in south and I really enjoyed playing the role of Kalpana but I never thought I would be part of this film again.

So how did the offer come in?
Aamir watched the film and called me up to say that I have done a good job. I never realized that he was planning to remake it and one day it happened so. I got another call and I was on. (Smiles)

That sounds great but you have another film too, LONDON DREAMS.
Oh yes and that is what I am looking forward to now. I am shooting for it and I hope that film too gets equally good response from the audiences.

When you thought of doing GHAJINI did the language pose a problem?
No, never...really. I am absolutely comfortable with my Hindi and that was never an obstruction while doing GHAJINI in Hindi. You can make that out from the film itself now that it has released. The entire film has been shot in sync sound. You know how particular Aamir is about these things... so you can make out how good is my Hindi. (Laughs)

view GHAJINI movie stills

Besides director AR Murugadoss, you are the only common link between the two GHAJINIS...
And I am really happy being that. Actually I have known Murugadoss for a long time, have worked with him and we know each other's style of working, so we share a different comfort level working together.

Did you try and improvise while playing the role of Kalpana this time?
Not really because I knew people would love to watch Kalpana the way it was in the original GHAJINI. The character was loved by all; hence I didn't do anything intentionally. But maybe subconsciously there might have been some improvisations.

So what are your plans now? Do you plan to go back to the south and continue working there?
Nothing is planned as of now. But it's not that I am here for one or two films. I am here to stay to do more films because I am enjoying it a lot. For the time being I have made Mumbai my base and moreover I am already doing LONDON DREAMS ... so not any soon...

CHECK OUT: Asin is not shifting to Mumbai

Okay so how is it working with Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan?
It's tremendous fun. Both are very talented, at the same time professional. We have a lot of fun on the sets.

And what's the film about?
It's going to be a great film. It's being made on a grand scale and has a great story to tell. The film revolves around the life to three people Ajay, Salman and myself who are the members of a band called LONDON DREAMS. There's comedy romance, drama...everything.

So who are you romancing in this film?
Ha....ha...I'm not going to tell that. Actually I am not supposed to because it will take away the story of the film. But I must say that this film's going to be equally good. Wait till August.

Raaz The Mystery Continues Movie Review



There is no Raaz in this film. There is not story in this film either. And there are just two scenes that jolt you. Also, there are only two performers. One is Kangana Ranaut and the other, Adhayan Suman. The lad has improved after his HAAL-E-DIL disaster.

In the first few opening shots, we are treated to Kangana walking the ramp. You ask yourself, is this Fashion Part II. It could jolly well have been.

'50 mulkon ki Police' to chase SRK in Don-2

By Joginder Tuteja

On the sets of 'Oye! It's Friday', Shah Rukh Khan and Farhan Akhtar found themselves in such a playful zone that it turned out to be a two-episode show instead of a single episode. Have a look at what to expect in the second and concluding episode that would be aired today.

- Shah Rukh jokes about how it's difficult to explain to his children the need for wearing makeup for macho roles. He also talks about how Indian Cinema is growing by leaps and bounds with young talent making Indian cinema go places.

- Shah Rukh tries to relive the Mohabbatein moment as he 'attempts' playing the violin all over again. A difficult task for him because he is pitted against none other than Violin maestro Lakshminarayana Subramaniam, also known as Ambi, who in spite of being in just his 12th standard has already begun to follow in the footsteps of his father, the famous Violin Maestro Dr. L. Subramaniam.

- This young genius gave his first performance at the age of seven and has already performed extensively in Indian and abroad. Ambi has also performed with his father for Karnatic concerts at the prestigious Dussehra Festival at the Mysore Palace and recently performed at the Lincoln Center Out- of- Doors Festival.

- Even though Shah Rukh believed that playing a violin was his 'Dain haath ka khel', all he could do was just 'pretend' playing the violin.

However, once Ambi started playing it, SRK didn't have any other choice but to admit that actors are after all only the face of the talent. However, the mischievous man that he is in real life, SRK did joke about how he would teach Ambi to 'act' while playing a violin.

- Shah Rukh Khan also shared an interesting anecdote about a real life situation that he found himself in during the shoot of Mohabbatein. He reveals that he was so bad at playing the violin that Amitabh Bachchan and Aditya Chopra actually banned him from using a real violin, courtesy the kind of sounds that he produced while playing it.

However, when it came to Ambi, his riveting performance got him a standing ovation from Shah Rukh Khan, Farhan and the entire Oye audience.

- There is an interesting game played as well where Shah Rukh Khan is required to recognize his heroines. So how does he do that? Well, he uses his glasses, sunglasses and the torch!

- One of the major highlights of the show involves Farhan Akhtar asking Shah Rukh to call a girl from the audience. The girl here turns out to be Silky.

Well, SRK being SRK, he tells her - 'Silky, I'm Milky'. He scares her though with his ever-so-famous 'Madan Chopra' dialogue from Baazigar. The girl is obviously shocked but this is when SRK does something that relaxes the atmosphere. What did he do?

- Farhan Akhtar jokes that instead of '11 mulkon ki Police', there should been at least 50-60 countries involved or maybe even 3-4 planets. A possibility explored? Try doing that in Don 2!

- On a serious conversation around 'Brand SRK', Shah Rukh again maintains that 'He is not SRK; instead he works for SRK'.

He also talks about how when something works, branding starts! He adds though that basic level of honesty is required in all what one does and though it is not necessary to rebel, one should not do wrong things because everybody is not a superhero. He also mentions that there is no alternative to hard work!

- Shah Rukh Khan talks about his presence in 20-20 Cricket. He also jokes about how all his childhood pictures were the ones that showed him playing sports.

He brings up his love for Chak De India and talks about the sorry state where children cannot tell their parents about their aspirations to be sportspersons. On this, Farhan requests parents to support children who are inclined towards sports.

- Of course, how could a Farhan Akhtar show get completed without a gift being given to the guest? While Farhan does hand him over something interesting, Shah Rukh jokes that how Farhan could have asked him earlier about his choices and he would have been glad to send over a list.

- Shah Rukh Khan makes a grand exit to one of his most popular songs of the decade. Any guesses?

To know about this and a lot more, don't miss 'Oye! It's Friday!' at 10:00 PM today, only on NDTV Imagine.