I don't believe that wearing a bikini leads to success: Raima Sen

Moon Moon Sen's daughters Riya and Raima Sen have carried the beauty legacy ahead in Bollywood started by their beautiful grandmom Suchitra Sen but success has however constantly eluded them.

Especially Raima who despite some really good performances in films such as Godmother and Manorama Six Feet Under and the very recent Mere Khwabon Mein Jo Aaye have got applause from the critics but no box office success.

We asked the demure and petite actress about her lack of recognition, her relationship status and what’s on the cards for her career wise.

About her career, Raima states, “I know well that to reach that particular level of big stardom it does take time. But I think I am on the way. I am certainly trying my best and I feel that I have not gotten the right recognition so far but I will never lose sight of my goal. I will make my way to success.

Would she follow the trend of doing bold roles or ever resort to the skin show that many actresses adopt these days in their films? “I don't believe that wearing a bikini leads to success. I have not given it any thought beyond that, ” says Sen.

As for her personal life, Sen is single but not ready to mingle. She reveals, “My focus is on my career. I am not looking for any sort of relationship right now. When the time is right, everything will fall into place. Right now, there is no one in my life.”

Raima’s next film up for release is Teen Patti, which also stars Amitabh Bachchan. “Apart from that, there are a few more scripts that I am reading right now, ” she concludes.

No more Bikinis for Kareena.... Ever!!!

If you thought 2008 was the year of Kareena Kapoor then wait till you hear what’s in store for this stunner in 2009.

“For starters, ” she begins as she packs for her much-awaited week-long vacation in Europe with Saif Ali Khan, “I’ll finally be moving into my new home in January. It’s just a hop and skip away from where I stay on Hill Road in Bandra. I can’t give up being close to my mom and living in Bandra.”

The home in a building called Queen will also have a new apartment for Kareena’s mother. “Of course my mother is moving with me. I can’t live breathe or take one step without my mother. The only difference is she’ll now have a separate apartment. But we’re still on the same floor.”

As for the home that Saif is preparing for the two of them, Kareena shrugs, “That won’t be ready for another two years. That’s how long it’s going to be before we get married anyway. Right now my diary is filled up till 2010. There’s no space for even a runaway marriage.”

Kareena has in fact decided to gift her mom much more than just a new home. She has made her mom a New Year promise.

“No more bikini shots for me. I mean I’m very happy with the kind of attention and adulation I got for getting into a bikini in Tashan. And I wasn’t uncomfortable wearing it. Why should I be? I’ve the physique to carry it off. But that’s it.

My mother didn’t like me in a bikini. Also the kind of work that I’m doing now in 3 Idiots or Renzil d’Silva’s film doesn’t require that kind of exposure.”

With her super-star daughter being extremely busy with her career and Saif, mom Babita has a lot of time on hand.

“She now does a lot of charity work with charitable institutions like the Mount Mary Old Age Home in Bandra and other places. She’s a very giving woman. I should know. She scarificed her own career and joys to bring up my sister and me.”

Not too many people know Babita is half-Christian.

Reveals Kareena, “Her mother was a Christian and father a Sindhi. So we are as fond of the church as we’re of the temple. Christmas is a big event for us.That’s why I needed to rush home at this time from Philadelphia to be home for Christmas before taking off for my holiday.”

Surprisingly Kareena is full of praise for her supposed arch-rival Priyanka Chopra. “I don’t know why so much is made of our rivalry. We’re in totally difference spaces. She does her own films. I do mine. Whenever we meet she’s really sweet to me. I don’t understand why we’re made out to be two squabbling sirens. Please, we’re grownup women.”

As far as conducting a career goes Kareena’s role- model is Aishwarya Rai. “I love the way she carries herself and the roles she’s choosing after marriage. I’d like to follow that pattern when I get married.”

But that’s a long way off. At the moment Kareena is just happy being with Saif.

“He may appear to be very volatile and undecided, just like me. But actually he takes all the right decisions on my behalf. He’s totally into his books while I love films.

I keep him clued in to what’s happening in the industry.Right now we both want to see Ghajini before we leave for our holiday. We’re both Aamir fans. After Ghajini I think the next film Saif will see will be my 3 Idiots. And this time it won’t be for Aamir.”

Katrina out, Mugdha in for Rohit Shetty's comedy

Mugdha Godse, who made quite a few heads turn in "Fashion", has replaced Katrina Kaif in director Rohit Shetty's next entertainer.

Shetty, whose "Golmaal Returns" had set the cash registers ringing last year, confirmed that Katrina was the first choice for the film, which is yet to be named.

"Yes, we wanted Katrina Kaif in the project. She would have been a definite value-add. It's a pity though that she can't be doing my film because the dates of my film clash with some other assignments of hers, " Shetty told.

Mugdha, who is paired opposite Neil Nitin Mukesh in Madhur Bhandarkar's "Jail" too, is only too happy to be in the full-on entertainer that is Ajay Devgan's home production.

"I love singing and dancing around trees and have no contempt for hardcore commercial Hindi films. I'm happy to be playing one of the female leads in the film. Moreover, my part requires me to look glamorous as well as add to the plot, " said Mugdha.

Is she aware that Katrina was initially approached for the role that she has been signed on for?

"I have heard about this, but frankly I don't worry about such things. Cliched as it may sound, replacements do happen in the industry. I don't know whether I'm replacing anybody or not. but I'm glad about playing an interesting character, " Mugdha chirped.

So is she excited about working in her first 'masala' film?

"I'm happy to be paired opposite Fardeen Khan and I love that man's style. Moreover, I'm being directed by Rohit who has never put a foot wrong. He is a guy who thinks commercial cinema and knows how to get his audience engaged in theatres. I'm sure I will have a blast working in this film, " the actress said.

Ajay Devgan and Sanjay Dutt Yaari is getting stronger by the day

The bonding between Ajay Devgan and Sanjay Dutt is getting stronger by the day. Not only has Dutt agreed to do Devgan’s comedy directed by Rohit Shetty in spite of his decision to concentrate on his newly – started political career, Dutt also decided to allot dates to Shetty’s film All the Best Immediately.

However the first of schedule of All The Best which was supposed to start from March 5 has been moved ahead to March 10, leading to speculation whether there’s trouble in paradise.

But Dharam Oberoi, the CEO of Sanjay Dutt films quickly quells all controversy. “Before people start imagining there’s a problem between Mr Dutt and Mr Devgan let me say the dates have been kindly re-adjusted by Mr Devgan to accommodate the last schedule of Blue which now begins on March 1.

Apparently co-ordinating Sanjay ‘s dates with Akshay Kumar for Blue has been a problem.

Says Oberoi, “They’re both busy artistes. Yes it has been a problem co-ordinating their dates. In fact the last schedule from March 1 has been arranged to accommodate Akshay Kumar because he has to leave. Ajay’s film was to start on March 5. But he kindly agreed to shift forward his film to March 10 to accommodate the last schedule of Blue.”

An Award ceremony which Aamir Khan was a part of

The impossible happened in Mumbai last evening. Awards show hater, Aamir Khan was present at an awards function held in Mumbai. The 8th Kelvinator Gr8. Women Awards 2009 held at ITC Grand Maratha saw Aamir making a surprise entry and enthralling many present but at the same time charging up the entire atmosphere of the event for good.

An annual affair, the awards are conceived and founded by Anu & Shashi Ranjan and now in its 8th year they were given in a total of 21 different categories to women achievers from all over the country.

Apart from Aamir the event was attended by some very prominent celebrities like Kumarmanglam Birla, Yash Chopra, Harman Baweja, Roop Kumar Rathod, Alka Yagnik, Prem Chopra, Farah Khan and many others.

The theme of the event was Anu Ranjan's cause against female foeticide called 'Beti'.

The highlight of the evening was a special tribute paid to 4 women for their bravery - 3 from Mumbai during the 26/11 attacks and one decorated police officer from Jammu & Kashmir.

Farah Khan who gave away the prize for Medicine to Dr. Firuza Parikh personally thanked her for helping her conceive her 3 kids. Aamir said he was delighted to be in such august company of strong and independent women - "God created both man and woman and she created them equal" he quipped.

There was a sizzling dance performance by Celina Jaitley who paid a tribute to lifetime achievement winner Zeenat Aman.

There were performances from television stars Kushal Punjabi, Barkha Bisht, Gaurav Chopra & Mouni Roy; singer Mohit Chauhan belted out his latest hit "Masakalli" from Delhi 6 and his other hit songs from the past, a stand-up comedy act by Purbi Joshi and Ali Asgar, which had the audience in splits and rajasthani folk dance performace. The show was anchored by Roshni Chopra and Manish Paul.

Kylie and Rahman’s interesting combo

AR Rahman’s become a deserving Oscar winner and the world seems to be at his feet.

Now Aussie singer and pop star Kylie Minogue is also working with him in a music video for the forthcoming film 'Blue'.

The song composed by Rahman, was recorded in London by Kylie a few weeks ago and she is also visiting Mumbai which is also on the world map thanks to the multiple Oscar winning film ‘Slum dog Millionaire’

Reportedly Kylie liked the score when she heard it and was keen on recording it.

The pop star has sung two songs for this film-one a duet which has been sung with Sonu Nigam and the other a solo number which is going to be made into a promotional video for the film.

The music video will in all probability be shot alongside Sanjay Dutt and Akshay Kumar. We just hope the fight for footage between the two heroes doesn’t affect the promising song in any way.

Farah Khan is choreographing the number for Kylie. Now that Rahman has won the Oscar, he may also feature in the video.

Chances are this one will shine out bright and attract plenty of attention worldwide.

Kangana Ranaut finds a new passion

The buzz is that she’s being inspired by her last film ‘Fashion’ and by the various fashion designers she worked in close contact with. So much so that she's decided to turn fashion designer.

She has also enrolled herself in a reputed fashion institute in London. The buzz is that she is planning to stay put there for two months. So she might not do films for a while.

A source claims, “Kangana’s decision to enroll for the course is totally unplanned. She in fact had given dates for a film opposite Sunny Deol.

But now that the film is shelved, Kangana decided to invest her time in preparing herself to be a fashion designer. But acting doesn’t take a backseat. Post her course, Kangana will start shooting for her forthcoming films as it’s her primary passion in life.”

Who knows Kangana might just be inspired by Abhay Deol who had shifted to New York for a welding and metal work course?

After all this lass always has many surprises up her sleeve and she somehow wishes to stay a step ahead!

I'm dying to work with Aamir: Vidya Balan

The graceful Vidya Balan who turned a year older on January 1, has turned a new leaf.

After her abortive attempts to revamp her wardrobe in Heyy Baby and Kismat Connection Vidya has decided to go easy on the glam ramp.

"It's not as though I'm disowning my efforts to do glamorous roles. I'm proud of Heyy Baby and Kismat Connection. But this year I'm doing films that don't need me to stretch my personality. I'm very happy doing roles that come naturally to me. That's what I decided about my career this year."

Vidya has just given the nod to Nikhil (Chandni Chowk To China) Advani's next film which would surprise many.

Advani's Chand Bhai is a raw realistic songless film on juvenile delinquency.

Says Vidya, "It's nothing like the high-flying glam-wham stuff that one expects from Nikhil after Chandni Chowk. Chand Bhai is a stark very real kind of drama. And I get to co-star with a very talented actor Akshaye Khanna with whom I was in Nikhil's Salaam-e-Ishq though we had just one passing shot together."

Vidya gladly admits Chand Bhai doesn't feature her in the central role.

"The film revolves around the delinquent boy's character. But I'm very happy to be part of a film that addresses itself an important social issue. This year I think I'm done with searching for various bylanes to my screen identity.

All my forthcoming films have a sharp sense of social purpose, and that definitely includes Vibhu Puri's Chenab Gandhi which I'm enormously excited about because it's produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali."

Vidya has been attending costume and reading sessions for Chenab Gandhi and is spellbound by the script. "But I haven't really interacted that much with my co-star Hurman as yet. With Mr Bachchan who plays the title role, I share a lifelong bonding.

Right from Eklavya we've been paired in so many films right up to Chenab Gandhi and now Balki's Pa. If I did all the films last year that I was offered with Mr Bachchan I wouldn't be working with anyone else, " says Vidya, adding she's excited to work with Abhishek Bachchan for the first time in Pa.

"We've never been paired together.It would be interesting to have another interesting co-star to work with, " says Vidya who went to Panchgani for her birthday this year, with her parents, sister and brother-in-law.

"It's very rare for all five of us in the family to be together. My birthday falls on a very unforgettable day, the New Year. It's preceded by Christmas, so we all take time off to be together.

Another advantage of being born on the first day of the year is, no one can claim to forget your birthday, " she says with loud laughter.

Vidya recently saw Ghajini and was bowled over by Aamir Khan. "I'm dying to work with Aamir. And Shah Rukh of course is my favourite. I said on Sajid Khan's chat show I want to kill Shah Rukh's wife. No one took me seriously. There was no enhancement in the security around her. Sad."

Freida Pinto: From Bombay's local trains into Hollywood's limousines

Freida Pinto has leapt off Bombay's local trains and into Hollywood's limousines. MANJULA NARAYAN looks at the transformation of the girl next door

At this time last year, Freida Pinto was probably one of a million girls scrambling onto the woefully crowded Malad local train. Considering that she had landed some modelling jobs and had hosted a travel show, she'd have jostled with the first-class bunch which, as every commuter in Bombay knows, can be far more vicious than any second class dibba gang.

Who knows, our Freida must have occasionally been battered with laptops and prodded with tweezers if she'd dared to hog the coveted gangway space next to the door.

In the evenings, she'd have been sharing a frappe with Rohan Antao, her boyfriend (oops, husband?) at the local coffee shop and perhaps spending love struck weekends with him at a cottage on Manori island.

She would have been hanging out with the friends she has known since her days as an English Literature student at St Xavier's College and practising her expressions in the mirror in the bathroom of the flat she shared with her Mangalorean parents and sister.

Then she landed that role in Slumdog millionaire. She began spending time with Danny Boyle and the crew, taking time out to show her leading man Dev Patel the sights including, perhaps, the Queen's Necklace, the neo-gothic buildings that had once prompted Aldous Huxley to call Bombay "one of the most appalling cities in either hemisphere", and seedily exotic Colaba.

But this isn't a tourist brochure for Urbs Prima in Indis. It's a contemplation of what fame can do, and in the case of Freida Pinto, Oscar hopeful, BAFTA award winner and new darling of the red carpet, how it can take you from boarding the Churchgate fast every morning to riding around New York in a stretch limousine surrounded by stylists.

Suddenly, Vogue, Vanity Fair and Elle, are courting her, UK's Sun is advising readers on how to get her 'look', luxury London outlets are inviting her to beam at the paparazzi from their shop fronts.

Freida Pinto YOU'RE not sure at what point Ms Pinto, who really didn't have much to do in the film, became an international sensation.

Was it when she warmed the cockles of the firangi media's collective heart by mumbling through a mouthful of chocolate cake at Angelina Jolie?

Was it because Jolie has anointed her for a life of stardom by advising her to "keep it real" - a bit strange coming from a woman whose own life with a million kids, zillion dollar paycheques and gadzillion international do-good programmes seems as far from reality as poor Rohan Antao is from Brad Pitt.

Was it because she now speaks with a Miss India accent she couldn't have picked up at St John's Universal High School, Goregaon? Any day now you expect her to have a white-gloved-palmto- face Sushmita Sen moment.

The truth is her stylist George Kotsiopoulos, who'd rather commit harakiri than let a Tahiliani near Pinto, is the real star. That other Mangalorean beauty Aishwarya Rai needs to get his number quick.

The boob-squash thingy she wore to the Berlin Film Festival is just the sort of outfit George would chuck into Bombay's stinking Mahim creek... as Freida's usual local lumbers slowly over it.

Which brings you to the question, what will Freida do next? Will she snap out of her fame-induced amnesia and run back into Antao's arms once the Slumdog fever dies down? Or will she find herself a Pitt replica?

Whatever she does, let's hope she doesn't imitate Jolie's bizarre fertility goddess routine. With whoever.

Shakti Kapoor's daughter to debut with Big B

Much like Karisma, Kareena, Esha, Soha and Sonam, another star daughter is set to turn actress. Only this time around it’s the daughter of a B-Town bad guy.

Silver screen baddie Shakti Kapoor's daughter, Shradha is making her acting debut in Leena Yadav's 'Teen Patti' opposite Amitabh Bachchan and R Madhavan.

‘Teen Patti’ is based on a true story about some students who mastered the art of card counting and made a killing at the casinos of Las Vegas. The film, which is scheduled for a release in June or July this year also features Pierce Brosnon in a cameo.

The 21 year old Shradha has reportedly inherited her looks from her mother, Shivangi and aunt Padmini Kolhapure. She has done her homework as well as she’s been associated with theatre for a while..

According to sources, Shradha won’t be romantically paired opposite anyone in the movie. The unit will be soon travelling to Boston to wrap up the shooting for the movie.

All that’s good, as long as the bad name that her father got in the industry doesn’t come between her hopes and ambitions in any way.

Kareena Kapoor reveals how she achieved her sultry figure

Kareena Kapoor has turned writer for her dietician Rujuta Diwekar! Confused? Well Bebo has written a foreword in Rujuta Diwekar's bestselling book, Don't Lose Your Mind, Lose Your Weight and in that she has herself revealed her breakfast secrets that lead to her size zero figure.

"Rujuta has changed my perception towards diets and dieting. She has taught me to eat well, eat right and eat regularly. I started working with her around the time I started work on Tashan. The results are for all to see.

My size zero became a topic of national interest. The media asked me if it was diet or exercise. It was a combination of both; 70% diet and 30% exercise-training and yoga, " writes Kareena in her foreword.

"Rujuta understands my work and lifestyle and has given me a diet totally customised to my needs. My diet on work days is different from my diet on shoot days. It even on varies on shoot days, like it is different if I have to dance or perform. The meal is planned according to my level of activity."

"In Mumbai, my breakfast is muesli and milk or a chillah or parathas; no chai or coffee. While shooting for Tashan in Ladakh. I ate fresh fruit for breakfast and thukpas and momos for my other meals. I had pudina tea without milk.

On the last day, I was allowed pizza as well. In Kerala, I had idlis and appams. In Italy it was risotto and pasta with gorgonzola; half portions though, not full."

"I make sure I eat every two hours. My evening snack or meal is soy milk or a sandwich. Rujuta focuses on nutrition, not calories. Amazingly, she likes to keep the nutritional value of what you eat, as compared to the calories consumed, high.

I have learnt what she means when she says, "be smart about food" and still enjoy what you eat. Now thanks to this book, you can (learn) too and I am sure you will find it good enough to eat, " signs off the svelte and gorgeous superstar.

Rujuta Diwekar's book Don't Lose Your Mind, Lose Your Weight is presently selling like hot cakes and is available at bookstores.

If I say that I never thought about acting, I would be lying: Vaishali Desai

Come April 2009 and Bollywood would be ready to welcome one more debutant leading lady.

Though the year so far has brought new faces like Mahi Gill and Kalki to Bollywood with Dev D, when it comes to a new face that begins her career as a quintessential Bollywood heroine, Vaishali Desai may well be the name that could make an early impression.

Even though the surname Desai comes with it's own for this pretty girl in her early 20s, Vaishali claims that she has already started working on maintaining a balance in her personal and professional life.

"You could be in front of the camera for most of the time but then you have to strike a balance", says Vaishali who will be making her debut opposite Jackky Bhagnani in Vivek Sharma directed Kal Kissne Dekha.

She adds, "You should never forget that other than being Vaishali - the actress, you are also Vaishali - a daughter and a friend who has her own personal life at home.

You can never let that fact go away and it is better if one understands this at the very early stage of the career. You could be all prim and proper at work and be composed but when at home, it is better to be relaxed and let loose your hair."

She doesn't come up with a clichéd statement belonging to 'I never thought I could be an actress' kinds.

"Being from a filmy family (as is a known fact that she is related to the Late Manmohan Desai), the glamour thing is right there in front of you all the time. Being in the industry, you can't ignore it as you know that it's quite an addictive place to be. So if I say that I never thought about it, I would be lying."

The immediate question that comes to the mind then is, how did she land up into films?

"In this regard, I would say that I have been just plain lucky. Everything that I have done other than my education has happened to me by an accident.

I started off as a model and right from the modeling days, things have just fallen into place without me actually pushing aggressively for them", says Vaishali, "Yes, I enjoyed my modeling days and since I came from a Bollywood background, there was a strong foundation being built as well."

She admits that belonging to film fraternity does come with its own advantages.

"First and foremost people can't take advantage of you. It all boils down to how I wish to approach my career in this industry.

It's for me to judge a person on whether he/she is good or bad and what I should be possibly doing to move ahead in my career. I also know for sure that nobody can push you into doing anything wrong. It's your call at the end of the day and how you want to react to a particular situation", she says in a thoughtful tone.

In this contest, she is confident about Kal Kissne Dekha?

"Of course yes", Vaishali is quick to respond, "Thankfully Kal Kissne Dekha came at just the right time in my career and I didn't have to look back in time. I made a right decision and the way film has been wrapped up in quick time further makes me confident about its prospects."

What's with the accent: Shilpa Shetty

This leggy lass never thought that her next Indo-Chinese film Desire is not going to be as easy as she thought.

Well the actress confesses that speaking English without accent wasn’t easy for her.

Desire is here first international Indo-Chinese project where she plays a role of a dancer. Shilpa informs that shooting for Desire was a unique experience.

“This is also the first time I did dialogues in English and so did Xia Yu. Not as easy as I thought it would be, when you are so used to saying dialogues in Hindi.”

Speaking about the same Shilpa informs that, “Both Xia Yu and I made such an effort not to speak the English language with an accent. But all’s well that ends well. I am happy I got to do this too.”

Ranbir's mom doesn't hate me: Deepika Padukone

Sports and Deepika Padukone are inextricably linked. what with her father being a badminton champ. And now Deepika has gotten together with her father Prakash Paudokne in a project to help needy sports people.

SaysDeepika, "My father has just started an organization to help promising individual sports persons. I've decided to be associated with it. I want to contribute not just financially but also by being there for it physically. I'm dying to do a sports film. But no one has offered me any so far. "

Deepika moves away from her Lucy Lieu act in Chandni Chowk To China to do a very 'today' film about a contemporary relationship in Imtiaz Ali's film with Saif Ali Khan.

And the extremely contemporary film often found Deepika drawing references from her own relationship.

"It's a very contemporary take on relationships, the way couples feel in this day age. It's a very unusual film. Very real. It will connect with contemporary couples. I sure did connect with it. "

Deepika is thrilled to be compared with Lucy Liu. "I come from a very athletic background. And I wanted to do an action scenes. To be doing somersaults and flips for all those guys who supervised the stunts for Uma Thurman in Kill Bill…was a big treat. "

She did injure her ankle, permanently she thought. "But it has healed miraculously. And I'm raring to do another action film. "

Like Kareena, Deepika has decided to stay mum about her personal life. "The only time Ranbir and I have spoken is about each other is when we wanted to talk confess our love. Then they've been bringing us together, splitting us up…I'm very secure and happy in our relationship. "

Sidelining all speculation about Ranbir Kapoor's mother being disapproving of her, Deepika says, "I've only met her a couple of times and hardly interacted with Ranbir's parents. I've the highest regard for her. Ranbir and I will get to know each other's parents when the time is right. At the moment we're both focused on our careers. "

About being called a female Akshay Kumar Deepika laughs, "That was picked up by a journalist who asked me if I wanted to be a female Akshay Kumar. If my words are twisted and played around with, what can I say? I'm just here to enjoy myself. Now I've another chance to be a female Akshay Kumar when we start Sajid Khan's Houseful. "

It's choc-a-bloc routine for Deepika. But she says she has time for everything. "Time management is something I learnt very young. I make sure I work very hard. I also get time to relax. We're in a business where we need to get look good. "

Then she adds, "But I'm glad people don't think of me as a decorative doll. I take my own decisions on what films to do. Ranbir and I don't discuss work. "

A recent trip to Tirupathi with her family also gave the actress a big high, and not just spiritually. "It's nice to know that people recognize me even in the South. We were obviously there for a religious visit. People were extremely well behaved. They did of course take photographs and ask for autographs. I'd have been disappointed if they didn't."

Rahman and Resul Ki Jai Ho: Preity Zinta

Preity Zinta: "You've no idea how euphoric I'm feeling. I've been up and dancing all morning. I mean Rahman and Gulzar Saab are the jewels of Indian cinema. They did my first ever song Jiya jale in Dil Se. And they've been doing consistently outstanding work.

What Rahman did in Slumdog Millionaire was to bring out a kind of clever fusion which just clicked with the world. I love him for it. The one that I'm happiest for is Resul. To be honest I knew little about his work until Slumdog.

Dil Chahta Hai was the first Hindi film with live sound. Now of course sound in our cinema is finally making itself heard. It's sad but true that we very often wait for the West to recognize a genius.

My heart had broken when I had seen how little kids were shown to be treated in Mumbai in Slumdog Millionaire. It was so true and so sad. Now my heart swells with pride. I'm so happy I don't know if I'm coming or going."

Amitabh Bachchan: "Great moment for Indian cinema and Indian talent. And that two of our most talented film artistes have won international recognition is remarkable."

Karan Johar: "It's a proud moment for our fraternity. This is just the beginning. Rahman and Resul are flag bearers for an entire movement in world cinema where India is going to play a major part. More power to them and thank you Rahman and Resul for this master-stroke of a flag-off."

Deepa Mehta: "It's just fabulous. I can't think of anyone more deserving. What a great day for Rahman. What a great day for India and Indians. We always knew Rahman was talented and brilliant. And now the world knows it."

Urmila Matondkar: "It's a happy and proud moment for every Indian. Rahman's music scores were always of international standards. It's great to see him achieve this highest recognition possible."

Bipasha Basu: "I was so sure that he would get it. Long before he had won I had typed a text message saying A R Rahman has done it. I think Resul and Rahman have made all us Indians proud.

What an amazing performance by Rahman. And his acceptance speeches were so real confident and dignified. I'm so happy. For the first time in my life I was late for work because I was watching the Oscars."

Shabana Azmi: "Rahman is a genius like no other. His music is informed by his spirituality. His success in the international arena was written in stone. No surprises there. Resul has brought the spotlight on the skill and prowess of Indian technicians.

As a fellow student of the FTII I feel doubly proud. But for me the greatest thrill is that a small independent film rather than a big budget studio film has won the best film.

I'm thrilled for my friend Anil Kapoor. He has walked the path less traveled and is reaping the dividends. Congrats to all of them including Loveleen Tandon."

Shilpa Shetty: "I cried when I heard Resul's name being announced. Those tears of joy were for all of us. I felt I had won the Oscar. Resul and Rahman both deserved it. We waited long. But the wait has been worth it."

Adnan Sami: "I'm over the moon. Apart from being a great musician Rahman is a great humanbeing. He's made the entire musical fraternity proud, not to speak of India. I'll squeeze his cheeks when I see him. He's a darling."

Himesh Reshammiya: "I love Rahman. He is the best. He truly deserves it."

Alka Yagnik: "Very, very well-deserved. Rahman and Resul have done us all very proud. They're our real heroes, the jewels in India's crown. I'm so fortunate to have been a part of the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack. God bless both Rahman and Resul. Jai ho!"

KK (singer): "Can't stop smiling. I'm so proud of Rahman and Resul. My heart swells with pride and love. God bless him. And may we Indians get more wings to fly in the global sky."

Vishal Bhardwaj: "We have done it! Gulzar Saab should have gone for it. If not for himself than for me and for his daughter Bosky."

Sunidhi Chauhan: "Great new for all of us. We're very proud of Rahman and Resul."

Aadesh Shrivastava: "Brilliant. Rahman is the one who opened the door for us to step into the West. God bless him."

Sharmila Tagore: "I'm very, very happy for both of them."

Subhash Ghai: "Slumdog Millionaire becoming a global success confirms the talent and potential of Indian artistes and technicians abroad.

It's a new perspective thrown open for Indian filmmakers where we no longer need to ape the West but think of Indian themes and not just star-studded projects. Next time I want to see an Indian director winning an Oscar for a film on India. Jai ho!"

Vidya Balan: "God, I'm overjoyed, overwhelmed, proud and humbled. I couldn't stop my tears when I saw little Jamaal, Freida, Anil, Resul and the team on stage.

To me, going from Obama's victory to the Slumdog Oscar victory suggests there're better times ahead for all of us. It's no longer about where you belong or who you may be.

It's about one people one nation and one world. Now the binding force is merit."

Aishwarya and Abhishek have no plans of having a baby

The film has not taken the box office by storm but when I meet him for this interview at his office in the bungalow Janak, Abhishek tells me that what appealed to him when he was offered the film Delhi 6 was the fact that though Roshan is an American by mind, he is an Indian by heart.

"It was not at all tough for me to get into the character of Roshan, because I could easily connect to it, since I could understand him, having spent twelve years abroad in a different culture.

I could relate to the character because like Roshan, I too had learnt abroad and know how it is to feel like an outsider, though born and brought up in a hard core Indian family, steeped in the culture of the ancestors".

Abhishek had almost lost the opportunity to act in Delhi 6. "When Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra gave me the script to read it, frankly I did not know whether he wanted me to be a part of the film because in the past too he had given me the script of his films.

I was happy when he said that he wanted to cast me in Delhi 6, though I could not adjust my dates for the shooting since he wanted to shoot in the winter in Delhi though I had committed those dates to Mani Ratnam for Guru.

Rakeysh asked me whether I would mind if he goes ahead with the film with some other actor and reluctantly I had agreed too. I think I was destined for the role of Roshan because came back to me, after tweaking the script after a year".

Earlier, Abhishek had flatly declined to be part fo his film Rang de Basanti. "When he came to me with the script of Rang De Basanti, I could not understand it at all.

To add to my confusion, he had then decided to call his film not Rang De Basanti but Paint It Yellow. I could not fathom how he could show Bhagat Singh in contemporary setting and said no to be part of the film and after I said no to it, he approached Aamir Khan. The rest is history. "

Even after Rakeysh had finalized Aamir for Rang De Basanti, he came to him once again to offer the role of Siddharth in Rang De Basanti when Arjun Rampal walked out.

However, Abhishek says that he told him that he could not be a part of the film because he could not understand the subject at all. Laughs Abhishek, "I told him that I was not as intelligent as Aamir Khan is. The role then went to Siddharth".

Abhishek admits that though Drona was only two hours and ten minutes long, thanks to its screenplay, people felt it was too long.

"As an actor, I feel you have to be immune to both hits and flops. You work hard in every film and naturally want it to click, because there is an emotional 'connect' to the actors with their films".

Abhishek is of the opinion that his life has not changed after marriage in any way, because now he has a wife like Ash who he considers to be his best friend. Abhishjek denies that it is a conscious decision on his part to do most of his films with Ash.

"It is petty to think that I maneuver to have Ash in every film of mine. I do not decide who should be cast in a film as my leading lady. I do not insist that Ash should be my leading lady.

I did two films last year after marriage and Ash was not there in them at all. Ash was not there in Delhi 6 with me. Mani wanted her in his film which has a working title like Ravana and Abhinav Deo was keen that she should be a part of his film. "

Abhishek confesses shyly that he and Ash have still not thought about an addition to their family.

"We feel that a child is God's gift and frankly have not planned about having a child as of now because both of us are quiet busy with work. As and when we do have a child, what is of primary importance is that we should have a healthy child and it is immaterial whether we have a son or a daughter".

Abhishek's next releases will be Balki's Pa in which he has been cast with his dad, Mani's film, in which his co-actors are Vikram, Ash and Ravi Kishen and Rajeev Menon's next film, which has been inspired by his parents' film Abhimaan.

Sonam Kapoor's candid confessions

Ask Sonam Kapoor to describe herself in three words and pat comes the reply "I am nerd, a shopoholic and an actress completely. I love acting and have always dreamt of becoming an actress. I was never into anything else."

Having received rave reviews for her performance in Delhi – the actress is looking forward to acting with almost all the stars of Bollywood.

She goes on to add "My first crush in life was Shah Rukh Khan and I was six years old. I fell in love with him when I saw Shahrukh on a motorbike in Deewana.

Divya Bharati was playing the lead and I envied her, well after Shah Rukh, when I was 14 I fell in love with Leonardo Di Caprio. I had seen his film Basket Ball Diaries" she reveals.

When asked about her single status the actress smiles and says, "When love happens I will definitely tell everybody, I have yet to find my dream man." And how would you want your dream man to be like? "I want him to be good looking, intelligent and be an individualistic about his opinions" she reveals.

Ask her about her idea of a romantic evening pat comes the reply "having good food and a good conversation." We coax her to talk more about it and she smiles and reveals, "Yes something more than that" But she further adds, "I don't want to talk about it. I am not comfortable answering this question" she concludes.

When Kareena Kapoor chickened out...

Kareena Kapoor has been known for her bold and brash attitude.

But apparently it's not really about being bold for the actress all the time. Kareena recently got very scared while shooting a scene under water.

The scene was for the upcoming flick 'Kambhakt Ishq' at Goregaon Sports Club a few days back.

It was a scene which was a continuation to a previous one shot in Italy.

Scuba divers were there to guide her but apparently the actress was feeling jittery underwater. Kareena is supposedly a good swimmer and tried to go underwater for a scene as many as four times but pulled out every time. The shooting had to be stalled for close to six hours.

Even the presence of Akshay 'Action' Kumar couldn't convince her to go for it.

Ultimately some water had to be taken out of the pool and after a number of retakes Kareena finally managed to shoot the scene.

It's been said that Kareena was unwell that day and hence couldn't manage it.

Well, Bebo has many shades in her character. We would never really know what it was actually all about! Until of course Bebo herself chooses to tell.

Ayesha Takia isn't leaving films after marriage

Some months back there was a lot of news about how Ayesha Takia served notice to her producers and asked them to wrap up her projects fast as she was planning to get married to her fiancé Farhan Azmi.

There was a buzz that 'Eight by Ten' with Akshay Kumar; 'Wanted Dead or Alive' with Salman Khan; the animated 'Ab Dilli Door Nahin' with Govinda and Akshaye Khanna; and 'Paathshaala' with Shahid Kapur would be a few of her last films.

But the actress now claims that she's not giving up acting after marriage.

Ayesha said, "No. In fact, it will be work as usual once the wedding is over. I enjoy working in films and will be back in the studios soon."

Ayesha and the son of Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi will tie the knot on March 1st. The marriage was initially supposed to take place in December but was delayed because of the Mumbai attacks.

Ayesha would then take up the mettle of a business woman quite seriously.

She and her hubby-to-be plan to build a chain of hotels in Goa together.

She's said, "Yes, we have built the first of many hotels in Goa. The project is nearly complete. Once it's on track, we plan to have an entire chain of hotels around the country."

Well, that means there's a lot to look forward to for this lady.

Rahman's acceptance speech at the Oscars: A R Rahman

The Glitz, the Glamour and the Golden show - The Night we've all been waiting for ended in flamboyant fashion. India wakes up today to celebrate the super success of the two Indians who've made us swollen with pride.

It's time to rejoice the achievements of the entire Slumdog Millionaire team....especially A.R. Rahman who is the first Indian to win two Oscars and Resul Pookutty to have won one. Wow!

The who's who of Tinsel town graced the red carpet just like they did at the BAFTA's. Nothing special, apart from Angelina Jolie bending the rules and wearing black, and hey... here come grinning Dev Patel and demure Freida Pinto, who appears to have shown up without her "secret husband", which is a shame.

Notebooks out: Pinto confesses that her dress is by John Galliano. pride. It's time to rejAnil Kapoor in his Armani black, A.R Rahman and Resul Pookutty in their Indian black and all the small, petite and cute actors who played the young Jamal and Salim graced the red draped in black.

A R Rahman Inside the Kodak Theatre, Slumdog Millionaire was the undisputed winner with 8 Oscar trophies....and boy they gave their acceptance speeches with pure gusto, emotion and joy.

Resul Pookutty came up on the star studded stage where he was bestowed with his first Oscar Award for Sound Mixing when he said, "This is unbelievable. We can't believe this. Ladies and gentlemen... sorry... I share the stage with two magicians, you know, who created the very ordinary sounds of Bombay, the cacophony of Bombay, into a soul-stirring, artful resonance called SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE.

I come from a country and a civilization that given the universal word. That word is preceded by silence, followed by more silence. That word is "Om." So I dedicate this award to my country. Thank you, Academy, this is not just a sound award, this is history being handed over to me.

My sincere and deepest gratitude to my teachers, Danny Boyle, Christian Colson, Paul Ritchie, Pravesh... and everybody who has contributed to this film, Glenn Freemantle and all the sound mixers. I dedicate this to you guys. Thank you, Academy. Thank you very much."

The next one followed when A.R. Rahman came up on the stage but not before he performed in front of the live Oscar audience on his songs, 'O Saya' and 'Jai Ho' receiving a standing ovation from the front benchers like Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, Mickey Rourke and Angelina Jolie.

His name was announced, walked up on to the stage, accepted his first Oscar for the Best Original Score and said, "Before coming, I was excited and terrified. The last time I felt like that was during my marriage.

There's a dialogue from a Hindi film called "Mere paas ma hai," which means "I have nothing but I have a mother," so mother's here, her blessings are there with me. I am grateful for her to have come all the way. And I want to thank the Academy for being so kind, all the jury members.

I want to thank Sam Schwartz, I/D PR, all the crew of Slumdog, Mr. Gulzar, Raqueeb Alam, Blaaze, my musicians in Chennai and Mumbai. And I want to tell something in Tamil, which says, which I normally say after every award which is... "God is great." Thank you".

The music maestro walked up on stage again for his second Oscar for The Best Original Song 'Jai Ho' which he received and made him the only celebrity at the 81st Academy Awards to win two Oscars.

In his acceptance speech, the shy musician said, "I just want to thank again the whole crew of SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, especially Danny Boyle for giving such a great opportunity. And the whole, all the people from Mumbai. The essence of the film which is about optimism and the power of hope in the lives, and all my life I had a choice of hate and love. I chose love and I'm here. God bless".

And then what.....Danny Boyle came up on stage bouncing and jumping with gratitude accepting his award as The Best Director for Slumdog Millionaire where he personally thanked the choreographer of Slumdog Millionaire, "There's one guy I should mention, we've mentioned a lot of people. I forgot a guy. The guy who choreographed the dance at the end of the film. He's called Longiness. And I forgot him off the credits. And I only found out about it two weeks ago.

I'm an idiot and I apologize from the bottom of my heart, Longiness. Thank you so much. Finally, just to say to Mumbai, "Unending, inseparable, unborn."

All of you who've helped us make the film and all of you of those of you who didn't thank you so much. You dwarf even this guy (gesturing to the statuette). Thank you very much indeed" and producer Christian Colson accepting the last award of the grand night for The Best Picture.

But the picture perfect moment was captured by one and all when the entire team of Slumdog came up on the Oscar podium, smiled, laughed and enjoyed the super success of their super film - Slumdog Millionaire

A six year old boy once said he wanted to marry me

'Girl Uninterrupted' is exactly how Priyanka Chopra has been described in the latest issue of the fashion and lifestyle magazine 'Hello'! And we just couldn't resist agreeing to that. The article surely is a one-of-its kind interview, where Priyanka actually speaks her heart out on topics that have never been touched before!

Not many people know that this hot chic had even got a marriage proposal from someone as old (read 'young') as 6 years!

Priyanka confesses that "A six year old boy once said he wanted to marry me... and when I told him he was too young, he said, I will wait till I turn 18!". For the cool lady who gave us the smash hit Dostana, this is her take on friends!

She says that "You cannot have 25-30 friends; if you have even four to five who go back to your childhood and who will vouch for you... consider yourself lucky."

All this and more...only in the latest issue of Hello, a mast-must buy!

Shilpa Shetty to launch a chain of medi-spas

After launching her own range of perfumes and a YOGA DVD, Bollywood hottie Shilpa Shetty is all set to launch a chain of medi-spas across Mumbai.

The spas, which are likely to start, next month, will have doctors and skin specialists who would be there to give consultation on everything ranging from Botox to acne, weight reduction to thyroid.

According to sources, the various services at the spas would be provided at an affordable price-range. Shilpa would be getting into the spa business in partnership with spa owner Kiran Bawa.

After gauging the response, Shilpa is likely to extend her chain of spas to other metros such as Delhi, Bangalore, Pune and Chandigarh.

In these times of recession, Shilpa has been on a 'new business venture and acquisition' blitzkrieg. First she along with beau Raj Kundra acquired a stake in the Rajasthan Royals cricket team and now she is all set to open a chain of medi-spas. We wonder, what's next in the pipeline Shilpa?

Anushka Sharma to judge SRK's Angels

With IPL round the corner, its time once again for various franchisees to create maximum awareness about their respective teams, and keeping this in mind, Shah Rukh Khan (who owns Kolkata Knight Riders) has come up with the idea of a unique T.V. reality show called ' Knights and Angels'.

This much-awaited reality dance show will trace the hunt for 6 spirited and talented girls to lead the Cheer-leaders Squad of the Kolkata Knight Riders. Adding his final stamp of authority, would be judge Sourav Ganguly the inimitable icon of Indian cricket and captain of Kolkata Knight Riders.

The show will be hosted by V.J. turned actor Purab Kohli and the pretty Anushka Sharma (who made a stunning debut opposite SRK in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi) will be seen as the special celebrity judge in the first episode.

After an extensive audition conducted across key metros in India, the 24 shortlisted girls will be groomed and trained by the biggest names in the Indian entertainment industry.

The 6 finalists will have to possess qualities like energy, style, chutzpah, poise, personality, attitude, grace, rhythm, and fire within themselves to make it to the Knight Riders cheerleading squad.

King Khan's girls will be mentored by ace choreographer Shiamak Davar and will be taken through their paces by the revolving guest judges, which will see some of the biggest and prettiest faces in Bollywood!

Speaking at the launch Sourav Ganguly said, "I have never been a judge before. It's equally exciting and nerve-wracking for me and I'm really looking forward to a whole new experience. Shah Rukh and Juhi have promised to guide me and I assure my Knights that we will find those 'Angels' that will cheer us to victory."

Speaking on this new and exciting show, Shah Rukh said, "Cricket is a perfect blend of hard work and entertainment. We are very excited about the whole challenge of finding the best cheerleading squad for our Knights.

These girls will become a key part in our quest for victory this season. The competition is tough and the boys will need all the support they can get on-field. All the girls have the right attitude, energy and enthusiasm."

'Knights and Angels' will be a 6-episode series that will be telecast at 10.00 p.m IST every Saturday, starting 28th February 2009 on NDTV Imagine.

Each episode will be filled with fun, dance, music, glamour and full on entertainment, seeing these enthusiastic dancers from all over India competing against each other to make it to the final 6.

I'm ready to fall in love again Shahid Kapoor

Shahid Kapur's happy with his career and he's left the break up of his four year old relationship with Kareena Kapoor behind.

He says he hasn't lost faith in love and is willing to fall in love again.

He's said, "Life throws googlies at you. You catch some, you miss some! But, I haven't lost faith in love. I am like any normal guy. I would love to fall in love again. But, as of now, I am single. And I would rather have people talk about my work."

He says he's not troubled by the constant link ups with his co-star.

He's stated, "Well, what can I say? It's very sweet of people to keep linking me up with somebody or the other. I think they just hate to see me single."

On the career front, Shahid's been voted a favorite youth icon and he's super excited about it.

Shahid who turns 28 on February 25 says, "I'm all set to make up for my long absence. Being voted as a youth icon is both an honor and very encouraging too. The year has begun on a good note and I don't want to look back at all."

'Kismet Konnection' with Vidya Balan might have tanked but he's has high hopes on 'Kaminay' with Priyanka Chopra. His other projects are Ken Ghosh's dance film, Yash Chopra's untitled film with Rani, Ahmed Khan's 'Paathshala' and finally his dad Pankaj Kapoor's directorial venture.

This guy sure is set to balance his personal and professional lives. Let's see how it works out for him in the end.

Raima Sen: Koi Hit Kara do Bhai

Raima Sen has had a rather thanda career. In spite of acting in some meanigful Bengali films and a few good Hindi films like 'Parineeta' and 'Eklavya', stardom has eluded her.

Supporting parts in movies like 'Dus' and lead roles in bland movies like 'Mere Khwabon mein jo aye' hasn't really helped her case in any way.

Same goes for her younger sister Riya who has been in the industry for almost 11- 12 years now. Raima of course is the better actress.

But both the Sen sisters have bagged a few prestigious ad assignments.

Raima recently launched Titan Nebula Calligraphy Collection. Now that's a big brand. Raima is in the big league in a way. She sure has a few things to be happy about.

Mugdha ends rivalry joins the Golmaal camp

The news has spread like wild fire that hot-n-happening Mugdha Godse has been roped in as a female lead for Rohit Shetty's next film (yet untitled) which is an Ajay Devgan production.

While Mugdha is grinning from ear to ear after bagging this true blue multi starrer that stars the likes of Ajay Devgan, Sanjay Dutt, Bipasha Basu and Fardeen Khan, there was a time when she was in rivalry with Rohit Shetty.

Well almost, and for a brief period!

Says Mugdha after a hearty laugh, "Omigawsh, you make it look like a big scandal when there was hardly anything like a rivalry between Rohit and me. Come on, why would a newcomer like me have problems with an established film maker like Rohit?"

Well, let us bring out the reason then. Last year when her high profile film Fashion released on 29th October, even Rohit Shetty directed Golmaal Returns arrived on the same day. Fortunately for both the films, they survived well at the box office and did the kind of business that was expected out of them.

Apparently, Mugdha had made it a point that she won't watch Golmaal Returns in theaters since that would have meant joining the competition.

"Come on now, stop finding so much of 'what's happening behind the curtains' thing here. Ok, so I didn't go to theaters to watch Golmaal Returns but I did catch it eventually on the DVD"", says the glamorous young woman who has been making quite a name for herself ever since she began work on Fashion last year.

If she says that she loved Golmaal Returns, it hardly brings with it a surprise element. "I really loved the way Rohit involves his audience in the narrative. He kept the gag element on throughout Golmaal Returns which says a lot about him knowing the pulse of the audience. In real life also he is quite some fun to interact with.

He is very humorous", she talks fondly about her director, "He is someone who has Bollywood deep into his veins. He thinks completely commercial. Whenever you talk to him, you realize that he is so filmy. No wonder, I am looking forward to begin shooting for his film".

Neetu Chandra' Wallpaper

I am also going to rule Bollywood: Neetu Chandra

Neetu, to start with, your fans were really shocked to hear of the infamous nightmare called 'Rajshekhar '. We are so very concerned to know the status of the same.
The legal proceedings are going on. I have stopped talking about it, because it's my lawyers who are taking care of it. I am just not getting into it at all. Anyways, thanks for your concern.

We are so happy to hear that things are looking great. Now, let's actually start off this interview by asking you about your forthcoming and much awaited film 13B. There seems to be a lot of buzz about its unique title. Buzz obviously means the first step towards rumors. So, let's nip the rumors in its 'buzz-stage'...I mean... the 'bud-stage'. Why don't you tell us what's the film actually about?
All that I can say is that it's a super natural thriller and a complete family drama which the whole family can watch together. Beyond this, I cannot say anything about the film because that will have me letting the cat out of the bag. But yes... I promise that 13 B is one of the best thrillers that anyone would have ever seen.

13 B is a bilingual film (being made in Hindi and Tamil). Does that mean that we can get to her your sweet husky voice in Tamil as well?
You can 'see' me talk in Tamil, but you will not hear my voice as it has been dubbed by someone else. As a matter of fact, my co-star R. Madhavan really helped me a lot in getting the language right as I do not have any hang of the (Tamil) language. All in all, it was really fun throughout!

What's that one word or sentence that you have learnt in Tamil, which will remain with you for the rest of your life?
It has to be the name of the film 'Yaavarum Nallam' (means 'Everything is Fine'). Besides this, I have also learnt a couple of other lines such as 'Yeppadi Iruukinga?' (How are you?), 'Nalla Irukkkiya?' (Are you alright), 'Unga Peyar Yenna?' (What's your name?)...The whole Tamil experience is quite cool in itself.

How was it working with your co-star R. Madhavan, who is popularly known as the Tom Cruise of South India?
It's only needless to say that Maddy is not just a great person to be with, but also a great actor. He is a fantastic and superb co-star. I would love to work with him again and again.

He is extraordinarily down to earth, very co-operative and helpful. To top it all, he has got an infectiously great smile, on which, I am sure that all the girls get charmed, swooned and swayed by…so am I (blushes)!!!

13 B centers around a TV programme. In real life, do you watch TV? Are you one of those zillion addicts of the never-ending 'saas-bahu' sagas?
(Laughs). Actually I am not a TV freak as my profession does not give me that kind of time to sit before the TV and watch programmes. But a good TV show is always welcome.

These days, one gets to see a lot of good reality shows which actually does it for me. My kind of T.V. programme will be something as real as like 'Khatron Ke Khiladi'.

All of the spooky films made in the past have got its directors and crew experiencing some or the other strange experiences whilst shooting for the same. Did you experience any such things during the shoot of the film?
Throughout the film, we did encounter lots of spooky experiences. But what will always remain memorable in my mind was the day when we were shooting for a certain lightning sequence in the night, where all the people were supposed to be there.

Even after the shot was through, no one came out. I kept on calling out for everyone, but nobody came out. I was so very scared. I can never ever forget this incident.

We bet that there should be more such things...
Hmmmm...yaa... For some strange reason, we just couldn't shoot at 1300 hours (1'o clock). We also were very careful about shooting on the 13th, as lots of things were just not happening in that day as per planned. No matter what we did...we just could not shoot!

The website of the film is offering cash reward of a whopping Rs. 1 lakh for someone with the spookiest experience in real life. We may not be able to offer you that much, but we will surely like to know that has Neetu Chandra been spooked in real life?
If you offer me Rs. 2 lakhs, only then I will tell you! (laughs heartily)

Bihari men like Shatrughan Sinha, Manoj Bajpai and Shekhar Suman have been ruling the Bollywood roost for quite sometime now. How does it feel to be Bihar's only girl in Bollywood?
The way they ruled, I am also going to rule Bollywood too. The fact is that there are a lot of girls from my state (Bihar) who have been working in the technical department for quite sometime now and have been really successful in that.

And as far as acting and being in front of the Bollywood camera is concerned, I am really happy that I am the first one to do so. And I really do not mind being a role model for other girls to achieve this feat.

Deepika Padukone's stunts were quite appreciated in CC2C. When will we get to see Neetu Chandra, Taek-Won-Do's Black Belt wonder girl, winning the cine goers' hearts with her real life stunts?
Whenever I get the right script, I surely will do.

Neetu, now tell us, what's the status of the first-of-its-kind 3D mobile game 'Neetu - The Alien Killer Game Story: 3000 AD', where you play the lead character? How has been the response to that?
The response to the game has been really very encouraging. It's really doing very well in the market and the makers have also sent it for an award.

What's your all time favourite horror film in Bollywood and Hollywood?
In Bollywood, it has to be RGV's Bhoot for sure. As far as Hollywood is concerned, there are so many of them!

that I did in the film.

Besides 13 B, what are the other films that are keeping you busy?
I have five releases this year. There is Mumbai Cutting, a film with Vipul Shah, Raj Kanwar besides a couple of others.

Lastly, do you know that Lara Dutta is doing an item song in Rajasekhar's film Satyameva Jayathe.
It's the same song of Khaki that has been dubbed in the film. As far as Lara is concerned, all that I can say is that she is a great dancer, besides being an amazing actress.

Sushmita-Randeep feud out in the open!

Nothing seems to be going right for the once upon a time 'woman of substance' Sushmita Sen these days.

The actress has no good movies to talk about and even her ambitious directorial debut on Rani Laxmibai for which she planned for so long didn't take off.

Her last release was the very pathetic 'Ram Gopal Verma Ki Aag' which obviously did nothing for her.

Unlike Aishwarya this actress has not maintained herself or her career well.

But one of her long delayed international projects 'Karma Aur Holi' is now ready to hit the screens.

This movie was originally titled 'Karma Confessions and Holi, ' has been shortened to the simpler 'Karma Aur Holi'. Reportedly the film is about a group of friends in New York, who grapple with their life and karma before realizing their destinies on the day of Holi.

The film written and directed by Manish Gupta and co-produced by Robert De Niro's daughter Drena De Niro has a mix of Indian actors and actors from the West like Sushmita, Randeep Hooda, Rati Agnihotri, Suresh Oberoi, Suchitra Krishnamurti, Deepal Shaw and Naomi Campbell.

Though Sush has agreed to the film but strictly on one condition - she will not be part of any promotional campaign where she has to share space with her ex-beau, Randeep Hooda.

The producers of the film, Sa Re Ga Ma, were stumped when Sush conveyed her decision. Although they understand Sushmita's point of view, they were hoping that she would cooperate.

According to sources, the film is releasing after many glitches, so they had no choice but to go with Sushmita's demands. Now, interviews and events will have to be planned separately for Sushmita and Randeep.

Randeep claimed that Sushmita had no problem in promoting Karma Aur Holi with him. He said, "I am not aware of any such thing. I spoke to the producers recently and they told me that she was inquiring if I was promoting the film or not, and in fact, she wanted me to come on board."

The story goes that Sushmita is hurt because Randeep refused to reconcile with her when she had wanted to rekindle their relationship. But Randeep denied this too and shot back, "That's not true to my knowledge. Why don't you ask Sushmita? Why are you asking questions about her to me?"

Let's wait and watch if Sush's good karma resurrects her career and gets her what she really wants.

Sushmita Sen' Wallpapers

Anyone who is dark and doing an art house cinema is called Smita Patil: Nandita Das

What made you take up direction?
I have wanted to direct for a while now. As an actor, it was always exciting to watch the rest of crew work towards shaping up a scene. Often I would get involved with suggestions or just observe the whole process. Slowly, the desire to tell stories, the way I wanted to, started growing stronger. But I didn't think Firaaq would be my first film.

Firaaq was born differently. It had to do with waking up to newspapers with stories full of violence; having conversations about religion and identity and soon finding oneself in a very polarized debate; feeling deeply disturbed by the constant 'them and us' from all quarters...

Firaaq is a reaction to all that and more. On a more optimistic note, during my many travels and interactions, I have sensed a collective desire to understand this complex and violent world we inhabit and a palpable need for peace. I think Firaaq reflects these complex thoughts in an accessible way.

As a film maker, do you believe in the terms - Art house cinema, and commercial cinema?
While these terms are somewhat valid, as they connote the sensibilities of the film maker and also define some parameters within which they operate.

But they are not always fully descriptive as the boundaries are getting blurred, for instance, some art house films have been worldwide commercial successes. And some commercial films are stretching their boundaries by experimenting with form and content.

But most people would agree that the real categories are only good cinema and bad cinema, which can be made under any of these labels.

Dev and Parzania dealt with the Gujarat riots too, and the way it affected the common man in the state. Then why deal with the same subject again?
Firstly, any two films are not necessarily alike just because they have a similar context. Moreover, Firaaq is not set during the riots, but a month after it, when the overt violence was over. In fact there is hardly any violence in the film. Instead, I have chosen to explore the fierce and delicate emotions and the unfolding of relationships in such times.

Nandita Das Please brief us on how well was Firaaq received at the various film festivals across the globe. Any memorable comment you've received from anyone?
Going by the reactions I have got thus far from audiences across board- Toronto, NY, London, Pusan (S. Korea), Thessaloniki (Greece), Calcutta and Trivandrum it seems to really connect with people.

I am truly overwhelmed by the amazing response I got at all the festivals so far. After every screening I had people wanting to engage, share their stories and ask a hundred questions.

People of all race, community, age and nationality have had similar responses and I feel it resonates with them. What more could I ask for?! I am eagerly looking forward to the end of February release in India. Some of the comments are given below:

Salman Rushdie: "Nandita Das' Firaaq succeeds because it allows the humanity of its characters to shine through the darkness, even the horror, of the events it describes, and because of the skill with which the many narrative strands are interwoven. It's a remarkably assured directorial debut by one of India's finest actresses."

There are many others...some of them are:

"I returned from viewing Firaaq yesterday evening in a mood of profound sadness, but a sadness mingled with the frisson of pure aesthetic excitement that great art can give. I was deeply moved and shaken by Firaaq"

"I cried, I laughed, my heart raced-at various times, I was disgusted, ashamed, saddened, hopeless, hopeful, happy, and fearful. Watching the film was truly a journey"

"You made a bold movie and told a very important story with gentleness, grace and thoughtfulness. You wove stories together and gave a voice to so much that remained silent."

You remind me of the great Smita Patil as far as your looks and talent goes. How do you take this compliment?
I feel anyone who is dark and is seen in an art house cinema is called Smita Patil. She did many great films and her performances are unforgettable. I frankly feel it is an unfair comparison. But sure I will take it as a compliment, although I truly think I don't deserve it.

Was casting for such a kind of film a tough task?
While writing the script, I would mentally start casting. Although I was not lucky enough to get all of them, the four I did were precious- Naseeruddin Shah, Paresh Rawal, Raghuvir Yadav and Deepti Naval. I got to experience a diverse range of talent as I searched for my characters; and finally an incredible cast came together.

The additions to the list were Sanjay Suri, Tisca Chopra, Shahana Goswami, Nowaz and many other wonderful actors. But the most challenging audition was for Mohsin, a six-year-old child.

I found Mohd. Samad in the first of the eight different schools I visited in the old city of Hyderabad. The reason he wasn't an instant choice was because he couldn't stop smiling! And our little Mohsin in the film was a sad child who smiled only once!

So I pressed on through eight other schools before realizing that Samad was the one I was looking for. His eyes full of wonder, innocence, intelligence and resilience was what I was looking for.

Nandita Das Why don't we see much of your acting prowess now-a-days?
I have done 30 films in 10 different languages and most people wouldn't know the names as many of them are in regional languages. Also the last year and half has been only Firaaq, which completely consumed me.

And just before that I did Adoor Gopalakrishnan's Malyalam film and Santosh Sivan's Before the Rains, which is yet to release in India. I am doing an exciting project soon after the release, but can't tell you the name as I am yet to sign in the dotted lines.

Is Firaaq going to be a one off attempt?
Not at all! I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience of making the film, but it was also very stressful and consuming. So I don't think I will direct very soon and would like to do other things and see what stories emerge organically.

I will surely direct more films, but as it is so all-consuming, I would want to have enough gaps between two directorial ventures and do other things in between. It would also allow me headspace to think of stories that I would want to tell.