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Single mum Sushmita to adopt another child

Webmaster — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:04:04 +0000

If the latest B-town buzz is to be believed, actress Sushmita Sen is apparently planning to adopt another girl child. Sources reveal that Sush visited an adoption centre last week and most recently the actress was seen shopping at a baby wear brand outlet in Bandra.

An onlooker revealed that Sushmita was spotted trying out a baby sling carrier at the store, and was also doing a survey of all the attractive baby stuff on display.

A source says, “She became particularly fond of a newborn but then it was found that the baby was too young.”

Grapevine has it that for a long time now, Sush has been willing to provide company to Renee. The source adds, “Sush wants to complete her family with another child, preferably female. She has already made inquiries and begun visiting such centres. The actress is keen that she adopts another baby soon.”

Sushmita became a single mom in 2000 when she adopted Renee.

ZEE

I have learnt to forgie, says Aamir Khan

Webmaster — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:58:22 +0000

• In 3 Idiots you play a guy from 20 to 24 years, while you are actually 44. How old are you in your head?

jumping sexes like my playing a woman is always tough. I had actually told Raju to take someone younger but he insisted he could see me in the role. He said, “In real life, you are so close to Rancho, (the character that I am playing) I feel if you are saying what Rancho is saying people will believe it. What Rancho says is the philosophy of the film and I need someone who people will believe in.”

• You exude a lot of confidence on screen. Are you really a very confident person inside?
I think I am average, in the sense that most people are confident to a certain degree, people go through self doubt. I too go through self doubt. I am given to thinking, “Am I doing the right thing?” I only do things that I enjoy, that’s my first rule. I must be happy in what I am doing. If I am not happy doing an ad, I won’t do it. I don’t do it for commercial reasons. Yes of course I am earning money while I am doing it, but that’s not the core reason for doing it. This ultimately shows in my work, otherwise I am as confident or diffident as the next man. I also need reassurance like everyone else. I also need people to say “I liked your film”.

• When you were directing yourself in Taare Zameen Par was there anything about you as an actor that disturbed you as a director?
I have to say no. The actor and director in me saw eye to eye. Yes, when I see the film today, there are moments where I feel the scene could have been pitched differently. But that is in retrospect. That’s the corrective process in me when I am watching any of my work.

• In hindsight which of your successful films needed the most correction?
One of them would be Fanaa, the other would be Ishq, both highly successful films. In the first half of Fanaa, the character was pitched too filmy. I would have pitched him slightly different. In fact, Kunal (Kohli) and I had a long discussion about it. I would have made the character more real and more layered because as human beings we don’t have a singular emotion. When I am playing a character my attempt is that it should not be single dimensional, it should be layered. Ishq again had a lot of broad strokes and it’s also a very successful film.

• As a director do you have an actor wish list?
I am not sure whether I am thinking as a director right now. I think at heart I am still an actor. Of course now that I have taken the first step and directed one film, I am more open to listening to stories. Actually I have a very strange answer. While I am not in the mood of a director just now the opposite is also true. I think like a filmmaker. Coming back to your question, my wish list would really depend upon what the script is. So my casting would really be based on who can best play a certain part and who will suit the role. Each and every person connected to the film should feel that he is in love with it.

• Does success isolate you?
Success can be extremely isolating. And often, for multiple reasons. When you are successful, a celebrity, especially an actor, your stardom is like a magnet. It’s like the sun. (In fact, I wonder who coined this term ’star’. Because every star is actually a sun). Because you are a star, every one is attracted to you for different reasons, some valid, some invalid. Some honourable, some not so honourable. But, as a human being our bandwidth is limited. So often what happens is that we need to shut off. It is humanly impossible to deal with so many things.

Have you noticed that stars, never make eye-contact when they are out in public. The moment you make eye-contact, you have to engage. And it’s not that we don’t like engaging. I love engaging with people. But I get tired. How many people can I engage with? That’s the nature of the beast. That’s the nature of my profession.

• You have been reportedly meeting people you met on social networking sites. Does engaging with them help you perform in some way?
Now people know that it’s me on the blog, but there was a time when they didn’t. The idea behind it was to interact with strangers. Because the minute a person knows who I am, he reacts to me in a particular way. He may or may not share certain ideas with me. Or the attitude of sharing will change. The fiber of the communication will change. But if the person doesn’t know who I am, which the Internet allows, then he’s freer. That was the kind of interaction I valued a lot. There were a few people who I found to be particularly engaging. Or unusual. And those were the few people to whom I revealed who I am.

If I felt that I had a certain rapport with someone, then I no longer felt comfortable hiding, or lying about who I am. If I have reached a level of engagement of this kind, I need to tell the person who I am. So then it happened that I took three-four people into confidence.

• Since you have just completed 3 Idiots with Raju Hirani, the director of the Munnabhai series, tell me an instant recall of a Munnabhai moment?
I would say jaadu ki jhappi. That’s my big recall moment from Munnabhai. Both, Munnabhai MBBS and Lage Raho Munnabhai are my favourite films in the last five-seven odd years. They are great wholesome entertainment, which connect with you on a human level. Really connect with you on a human level.

Going back to one of your earlier questions, one of the key reasons for me doing this film, despite the fact that I am double the age of the character is Raju. I was so keen to work with Raju and I could see that Raju was excited about casting me in the film. Iske saath mereko film karne hain yaar. Agar isko lagta hain main bees saal ka ho jaata hoon toh main ho jaata hoon. Kyunki ye itna kamaal ka director hai, iske saath mereko kaam karna hain yaar.

Over the years all my professional decisions have been absurd. Its absolutely right for someone to tell me – ke tu 42 ka hain aur tu 22 ka character play kar raha hain. It may be an idiotic decision but all my decisions are idiotic. 3 idiots ka idiotic decision.

When I told anyone that I was making a film on dyslexia, they said I was mad.

When I signed Rang De Basanti, usse pehle Bhagat Singh aur Azad Singh par char filmey aa chuki thi.

It was a crazy decision. My sister called me up in the evening and asked, “What are you doing?” I told her I signed a film, it’s the fifth remake of Bhagat Singh.She started laughing. She said abhi flop hui hain chauthi, aur tum paanchvi karoge. It was a bizarre decision.

Lagaan is another example. Today it is known as successful film but at that time it was a disastrous decision. None of my decisions have been practical.

• How easy or difficult it is to forgive past mistakes?
Earlier, I was much more unforgiving as a person; not only towards others but also towards myself. I was extremely unforgiving of my own mistakes. In the past four or five years, I have undergone a change as a human being. I have become more forgiving of myself and others. I see it as a very positive change in myself. One of the powerful things in the world is the power of forgiveness. Its what Jesus Christ and other great philosophers have said. Also, forgiveness comes with the genuineness of the person’s intentions. If someone has done something to hurt me and then comes and says, “Sorry Aamir”, but does not feel it, then forgiveness does not come into the picture. But if a person genuinely feels ki usse galti hui hai, then you should forgive him. It’s the same for yourself, if you realise that you’ve done some wrong, you should forgive yourself. It’s one of the most healing things. Today we have become very unforgiving people. It may be an ethnic problem, or a community’s problem or a country’s, or in your relationships, with your wife, children, parents, we get very very unforgiving and we hold that against them. We wear it as a badge which says ‘main tujhe kabhi maaf nahi karoonga’. I used to be like this.

TimesI still imagine myself to be 18 or 22. The other day I was at the birthday of someone who I had always thought of as older than me in my head, an uncle type person. I asked him, how old he was that day and he said 30 and I got a shock because suddenly I realised that I was 14 years older than him. I am, of course, 44, which is middle-aged, but somewhere in my head I am lost in the 18-20 age group.

• Did that help you play this character?
No. But given that it is necessary to get into the head of a character when you are jumping age lines, it gets more challenging. Jumping age lines, jumping accents, or

Celina to meet Salma and Samuel in Cairo

Webmaster — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:45:53 +0000

Celina Jaitly is globe-trotting. The actress, who was recently shooting in Australia for the finale of a reality show, is now moving from Down Under to The Land of Pyramids, Egypt. She will be attending the prestigious Cairo International Film Festival there as the guest of honour. And guess what, Celina will be brushing shoulders with none other than Salma Hayek and Samuel L Jackson at the closing ceremony. “I am very excited. I feel I have a past life connection with Egypt as earlier I was bestowed with the honour of the
Ambassador de Touriste of Egypt,” said Celina who will be wearing an uncut diamond and emerald antique set specially designed for her on the red carpet!

Times

Shilpa seeks blessings before wedding

Webmaster — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:44:52 +0000

It’s time to seek blessings of the Lord. The bride-to-be Shilpa Shetty, beau Raj Kundra along with Shamita were spotted at the Siddhivinayak temple in Prabhadevi around midnight on Tuesday. Dressed in red track pants, Shilpa obviously didn’t want the media to spot her, so she was surprised when she was gheraod by the paparazzi. “How do you all get to know about all this?” she asked the photographers who wanted her to pose for them. “Come after three days, I’ll pose for you all,” smiled the leggy beauty referring to her wedding ceremony which kickstart in a few days from now.

Times

Sanjay Dutt gifts an expensive jacket

Webmaster — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:42:52 +0000

Sanjay Dutt is known for his largess. In Cape Town, where he was shooting for his upcoming movie No Problem, he realised that his director Anees Bazmee was in for a shock because the weather turned chilly without warning. Sanju immediately purchased a warm jacket worth $5000 and gifted it to his director. Anees was completely taken aback. One wonders why the director, who is said one of the highest paid technicians on the block, couldn’t buy himself some warm clothes.

Times

Deepika buries herself in work after heartache

Webmaster — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:41:30 +0000

A few days before Diwali, Deepika Padukone was a girl deeply in love. Despite her own work assignments, the leggy beauty was shunting between Mumbai, Bangalore and Bhopal just to be able to spend quality time with beau Ranbir Kapoor. Just when they were crowned the hottest couple of Bollywood, came the news that they had decided to part ways. Ww even heard a diva, with chocolate-like complexion, telling people on the sets of a comedy film that the hotshot couple had made a clean break. But if rumours are to be believed, the embers haven’t died down yet. True, Ranbir and Deepika are no longer the couple they used to be, but the two still exchange a dozen phone calls everyday. While one may or may not give credence to this, it’s very clear that the young actors don’t want to ruin a friendship they’ve shared even if the ‘fondness’ levels have dipped. Besides, both are smart enough to understand that being in the same industry, they will cross each other’s paths everytime. Meanwhile, instead of wallowing in self pity, Deepika has decided to keep herself immersed in work. The girl has green lighted Ashutosh Gowarikar’s Khelien Hum Jee Jaan Se with Abhishek Bachchan; Kunal Kohli’s next with Imran Khan and Pradeep Sarkar’s film with Neil Nitin Mukesh. She’s expected to fly to the US on a work assignment around November 20, do two new commercial endorsements and then there’s also Kartik Calling Kartik and Houseful which she has to complete.

Times

Shilpa turns down mega money wedding deal

Webmaster — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:01:48 +0000

Shilpa Shetty has decided not to sell her special day! While most celebrities market their marriages in an attempt to recover their wedding costs, Shilpa Shetty has declined a whopping Rs 50 lakh deal with UK`s Hello magazine. Refusing to sell exclusive coverage rights of her wedding to Raj Kundra on November 22, the actress has set the bar high for her contemporaries to live up to.

Confirming the news a source told a daily, “It`s the first time that an Indian actress has been offered so much money for coverage of an event. This is more than what Aishwarya Rai was offered for her wedding. Shilpa is a big celebrity in the UK (thanks to her winning the reality show ‘Big Brother’) and Raj Kundra too is a well-known industrialist, so they were keen to cover this wedding.”

But the actress was firm about not giving away exclusive rights for the coverage to her shaadi. In fact if source are to be believed, the actress decided not to tie the knot in Raj`s lavish 10 million-pound mansion at Surrey, in UK to avoid the paparazzi.

Talking about the clauses in the contract, the source further added, “One of the clauses in the contract offered by the international magazine was that no other photographers would be allowed at the event. Also they didn`t want any of the guests to carry their cell phones in case someone leaked the pictures to other media. And Shilpa wasn`t comfortable with both these conditions.”

As for the last high profile Indian wedding of Eliizabeth Hurley and Arun Nayar where exclusive rights were sold, guests were frisked and their cell phones were taken away by the representatives of the magazine.

Well, looks like Shilpa doesn’t want to harass her guest at any costs.

ZEE

Salman Khan gets slapped by girl at party

Webmaster — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:20:30 +0000

He may be notorious as the bad boy of Bollywood but Salman Khan is anything but disrespectful toward women. How else would one explain his unfazed demeanor despite being provoked to the extent of being slapped by a girl? The shocking incident took place during a recent private party held in Delhi where a rich builder’s highspirited daughter Monika allegedly barged into Salman’s private party and slapped him. According to sources, she also ended up abusing S u s h m i t a Sen, Sohail Khan and other guests who were present at the party. Ignoring the hullaballoo, the actor kept his cool and asked the security guards to show a sozzled Monika the way out.

A source from the party says, “After the fashion show by Sanjana Jon, a private party was being held at a five-star hotel in Delhi. Present there were Salman, Sohail Khan, Sushmita Sen, her brother Rajiv Sen, Raima and Riya Sen, Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan, Shibani Kashyap, boxing champ Vijender Singh, a few Bollywood biggies and prominent politicos. The party, which went on till the wee hours of morning, was not without its fair share of drama. A sloshed Monika accompanied by a male friend first tried to forcefully enter the party venue. She was too loud and completely out of control because of her inebriated state. Sohail Khan, who was standing close to the entrance, saw the hungama and asked the security guards not to let Monika in.”

“Meanwhile, Salman heard the commotion and walked to where Monika was making a fuss. She was misbehaving and started bragging about her connections and abused Sushmita Sen. When Salman very politely asked the girl to leave, she suddenly slapped the actor,” adds the source.

A crowd gathered and the guards whisked away the girl. “Known for his infamous temper, surprisingly, Salman did not retaliate even once. He kept his cool and went inside with Sohail after the girl was taken away,” says the source.

Despite repeated attempts at trying to talk to Monika’s friend, he said he was busy with somebody’s marriage and would be free to talk only after 15 days.

Times

Katrina Kaif turns down mega money

Webmaster — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:02:48 +0000

It must have taken some heart to do this… but for Katrina Kaif, it appears, family comes first over the big bucks her fast-rising status in Bollywood has to offer.

The story goes that the actress, whose latest film Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani has got her closer to Kareena Kapoor in the box office stakes, turned down a lucrative offer of Rs 2.5 crore by a five-star hotel in Juhu to be its New Year’s eve star. This, by far, is the biggest sum ever offered to any Bollywood personality for a New Year’s eve appearance. But Katrina could not be bothered. Apparently, she said she was unavailable because she intends to spend the Christmas and New Year vacation in London with her family. No doubt, the actress must have taken the difficult decision after much deliberation and weighing the pros and cons of the situation. Katrina is remaining tightlipped because she doesn’t want the hotel to suffer when it approaches another actress to do the same job, but a close friend of the actress said she was sorely tempted to take up the offer at one stage.

When asked about her plans for December 31, Katrina said guardedly, “I’m heading to London to bring in Christmas and New Year with my mother, sisters and brothers. It’s an annual family ritual. And I wouldn’t like to break it for any amount of money in the world.”

Times

Cyclone destroys Aamir Khan’s house

Webmaster — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:59:01 +0000

Cyclone Phyan that gave Mumbai a skip on 11.11.09 wasn’t so kind to other parts of Maharashtra. It hit the hill station of Panchgani really bad, destroying trees.

Aamir Khan has a sprawling bungalow in Panchgani that is lined with silver oaks and Gulmohar trees. And the cyclone winds destroyed one of his most prized Gulmohars, and also brought down two silver oaks in his driveway. The actor, who is a keen environmentalist, was really sad and was heard telling his wife Kiran to see if she could talk to the local authorities and try and save the affected trees, rather than fell them.

Apparently, the actor was even keen to visit his Panchgani home to take stock of the situation because he didn’t want any untoward incident. But his chock a block date diary was making it a little hard for him to find time.

Times

Hansika Motwani talks about her fitness

Webmaster — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:51:39 +0000

My workout regime
I love waking up early and most days when I do, I jog my way to the gym. I find working with weights extremely boring, so I do most of my workouts where I can use my own body as resistance. I try to make workouts interesting so there is no fixed regime as such. Spinning and swimming every alternate day is a must. I do yoga regularly since I find it very relaxing and it also helps me stretch.

My diet
As soon as I wake up, I have two glasses of water and follow that with a cup of green tea without sugar. Breakfast is a bowl of papaya, after which I head to the gym. Mid-morning I have an omelette of three white eggs with a multigrain toast. Lunch usually comprises boiled vegetables. I also make sure that I keep sipping on a lot of water throughout the day. Early evening I have a light snack, which is a couple of biscuits and green tea. I eat my dinner by six in the evening, which comprises boiled vegetables or a salad. I don’t eat after that. Sundays is the only day when I’m allowed to cheat. I watch what I eat and try not stray too much.

Happiness quotient
I believe in taking each day as it comes. I don’t find any point in stressing about tomorrow and letting today pass by. I live each day and learn to go with the flow and don’t let things get to me too much. I think when you are irritated by something, that irritation continues all day and you lose a very precious day in your life. Like the Bobby McFerrin number, my philosophy is ‘Don’t worry, be happy!’

My idea of relaxation
I travel a lot and seeing new places is the best way to unwind. There is nothing like going to a spa every once a while to reenergise and relax at the same time. Whenever I am free I try to spend time with my family and friends to go for dinners, movies and long drives. Football, music and photography are other passions that help me unwind.

Times

Kareena to get Christmas tree from UK

Webmaster — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:28:53 +0000

his year’s Christmas is surely going to be very special for Kareena Kapoor. The actress is already looking forward to the release of her much-awaited flick ‘3 Idiots’ on December 25, and now the latest news suggests that she’s also awaiting to receive a special X`mas tree that will come shipped in from UK.

Reports reveal that recently when Bebo was in London to promote her film ‘Kurbaan’, she indulged in shopping at Harrods, and the actress fell in love with a huge fir tree. So, she decided to ship it back, instead of having an artificial tree in parlour this time.

Kareena said, “I am very excited about the natural fir tree I chose from Harrods. They have a wonderful Christmas department there. I did all my X`mas shopping there. For the last 20 years, we`ve had Christmas plum pudding shipped from there, as it`s my mom`s favourite and the best in this world. Normally, we have fake fir trees for Christmas at home. They are not too large and look synthetic. So when I saw this huge, beautiful, lush green, natural tree, I couldn`t resist it! I bought it and had it shipped back through Karan`s production team as I couldn`t carry it back myself.”

Meanwhile, Kareena is looking forward to the release of‘3 Idiots’, also starring Aamir Khan.

Zee

Bipasha and Vidya bond at party

Webmaster — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:23:01 +0000

The three-year-old cold war between Bipasha Basu and Vidya Balan has ended, thanks to Bipasha. The two actresses who would often bump into each other at social dos refused to acknowledge each other. This happened recently at the party of All The Best at a suburban five-star hotel.

The buzz is that the two actresses have not been seeing eyeto-eye ever since rumours of John Abraham’s onscreen and offscreen chemistry with Vidya during Nikhil Advani’s Salaam-e-Ishq (2007) started doing the rounds. Apparently, the whispers regarding the two started when they shot a romantic scene under a dupatta. It is said that despite Advani calling for a cut, John and Vidya continued to remain inside the dupatta for at least a minute before coming out of it.

There were reports that Bipasha had persuaded John not to work with Vidya after Salaam-E-Ishq. This time however, Bipasha let bygones be bygones. When Vidya entered the party, Bipasha was already present. While chatting with everyone, the cast and crew of the film reminded Vidya that she was the original choice for Bipasha’s role in All The Best.

During the course of the conversation, Bipasha, who was also in the group, broke the ice by approaching Vidya. A source says, “Bipasha just went up to Vidya and hugged her.”

Vidya, who didn’t expect such warmth from Bipasha, was shocked.

The source adds, “Before it could all sink in, Bipasha was already talking to her with a big smile on her face. Later, John too spoke to Vidya.”

Bipasha did not deny that she met Vidya at the party. However, she maintains, “I never had any problem with Vidya. Many ridiculous stories are printed every day in the media. I don’t change my attitude towards people according to them.”

However, Vidya chose to remain mum about the issue.

Times

Could Shahid be dating Anushka now?

Webmaster — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:16:01 +0000

Actresses often claim that the news hungry media makes up stories of their link ups with their heroes when they are “just good friends”.

However Vidya Balan recently confessed that she did have more than a good friendship going with her Kismat Konnection costar Shahid Kapoor, who then callously moved on. Through Kaminey the lead pair Priyanka Chopra and Shahid played hide-and-seek with the media… sometimes suggesting that they were more than good friends, and at other times pretending that they weren’t even speaking to each other. PC who is preparing to shoot Anjaana Anjaani with hotshot Ranbir Kapoor doesn’t show any tell-tale signs that her friendship with her neighbour and Kaminey actor has gone kaput. However, studio gossip is that she is indeed a little rattled.

And now reports say that Anushka Sharma is very friendly with Shahid who is serenading her with songs in Parmeet Sethi’s directorial debut. The rumour mills suggest that Anushka and Shahid share a good equation on and off the sets. But, then of course, both actors will lead the paparazzi on a paper trail with their “we are good friends” line.

Times

Lara and Bhupati rumours surface again

Webmaster — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:10:45 +0000

For a few months now, rumours have been flying fast and furiously that tennis ace Mahesh Bhupati is reportedly ‘good friends’ with Bollywood beauty and ex-Miss Universe Lara Dutta. But when she was promoting her film Blue, Lara categorically said that she was single.

However, B-town continues to buzz about how Mahesh and Lara are more than just good friends. At a hairdressing salon in Bandra, whose owner is a friend of Lara’s, there was actually buzz recently that the two are going to get hitched. Which really, from BT’s point of view, is not a bad idea at all. But Lara and Mahesh continue to deny their personal equation on any level. Meanwhile, Shvetha Jaishankar-Bhupati, former Femina Miss India International 98 and a runner-up at the Miss International pageant in Tokyo, had issued a statement in October saying, “Mahesh and I have shared a life together and as we part ways, I wish him all best for his future.”

Shvetha, an extennis champion, was also partners with Mahesh in running his celebrity management company and is actively involved in the social cause which deals with children’s education projects. She hasn’t reacted to the stories about Mahesh and Lara. Why should she? If they’ve parted ways, and if Lara is in the scheme of things in Mahesh’s life now, also if both Lara and Mahesh are cool about their relationship, we don’t see how it matters who’s doing what!

Times

Ranbir spends time with sick children

Webmaster — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:09:24 +0000

He’s a ladies’ man all right, but this time… Bollywood’s new heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor did it for the kids. Here’s a story that will warm the cockles of your heart. On Children’s Day, the star of the new hit Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani spent four hours at a city hospital entertaining sick children, some of whom were terminally ill with cancer.

Ranbir went to every bed in the Children’s Ward and read stories to the young patients out of Jungle Book, he told them jokes, danced and entertained until there was not a face that was not smiling for joy. And, the great thing here is that the young actor did this on his own volition. Rahul Verma of the NGO Uday Foundation, which holds story-telling sessions for children in various hospitals across Delhi, was surprised when Ranbir volunteered to do the same for them in Mumbai. “His mother told him to be part of it, so Ranbir came and spent time with the children. Since there were around 300 children, we made groups of 15 each and Ranbir stood among them and posed for pictures too,” said Rahul.

Lyricist Jaideep Sahni too took time out and sang and played the guitar for the children there. “Ekta Kapoor sent chocolates because she didn’t have the heart to face these children. Even Aditya Thackeray sent crayons and colour books for them. Imtiaz Ali, too, wanted to be part of it, but he had to attend his own kid’s school function,” said Rahul.

Times

Kareena talks about last year’s Mumbai attacks

Webmaster — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:03:35 +0000

While last year’s terror attacks during 26/11 left us dazed and confused, stories about acts of outstanding bravery, kindness and generosity also abound. Acts that make us proud to be from this city. Highlights in a cloud of grey, that let us know that humanity shines through no matter what. Mumbai will never forget the bravery displayed by the NSG, the policemen or the firemen.

To honour these heroes, Radio Mirchi has organised a special screening of the film Kurbaan. Kareena Kapoor was recently on Radio Mirchi’s Sunset Samosa with RJ Suren to talk about this initiative and her upcoming film. Visiting the Radio Mirchi studio after a gap of six years, the stunning actress spoke about her role in the film. She said, “I think this is one of my best roles after Jab We Met, so I am very excited about it. Karan came up with ‘Some love stories have blood on them’ because the film is very intense; blood here refers to the pain.”

Produced by Dharma productions and directed by debutant director Rensil D’Silva, Kurbaan stars Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Vivek Oberoi, Kirron Kher and Om Puri. Salim-Suleiman who are the music directors have given a fantastic score for the film which can be heard on Radio Mirchi. Suleiman’s favourite here is a song called “Rasiya, as it is has dark undertones and really sets the mood for the images it accompanies in the film.” On her part, Kareena continues, “The lyrics of all the songs are beautiful. Ali Maula is a very gripping song; the film comes to life in this song.” The popular Shukran Allah is already climbing the charts.

Pleased with the special initiative take by Mirchi, Kareena asked Radio Mirchi listeners to nominate those people they know who helped out during 26/11. The nominees will be able to attend the special screening of Kurbaan where the lead star Saif Ali Khan will also be present.

Times

Kajol reveals the secret of her beauty

Webmaster — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:01:45 +0000

The lovely actress Kajol, currently working on her return to Bollywood with Step-Mom for Karan Johar, revealed the secret of her beautiful, flawless skin.

“It’s wisdom,” says Kajol. “People get upset when they see their first grey strand or a line on their face because for them, those are the first signs of ageing. Wisdom tells me that you start to age much before it shows on your face and that it can be controlled if we begin to care at the right time.”

Kajol swears by Olay Total Effects. It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, soothes dry skin, evens and smoothens skin tone and texture, and minimizes the appearance of pores while helping to protect the skin’s moisture barrier for firmer skin appearance.

Lines and wrinkles are not the only signs of ageing, there are totally seven signs which include also dark spots and dull and dry skin. So, how does the vivacious actress fight these signs? “I prefer a simple beauty regime which gives me visible results, that’s it,” says Kajol. “Regular use of the Olay Total Effects regimen fits perfectly in my daily routine! It is a brand I have known for a very long time, a true friend who will stay with me forever. It makes me look gorgeous, confident, young and helps me keep the seven signs of ageing at bay. In my wisdom years, who better to turn to than someone who has always been around in the past!”

Times

Vidya talks about her time with Shahid

Webmaster — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:59:43 +0000

What is the difference between Vidya of Kismet Connection and Vidya of Paa and Ishqiya?
I know what you want to hear (laughs). To begin with, I have lost a lot of weight. I am feeling healthier and happier. Paa will see me in the Indian look. I am very excited about Paa and Ishqiya both. The change started by losing…yes, I had gained a bit of weight.

At the wrong places?
(Laughs) Let me say it. It’s been a long journey. Full marks to my dietician Pooja Makhija and trainer Vilayat Hussain. I don’t even go to a gym. I train at home. I do a bit of cardio, weights and calisthenics. And I eat a lot more intelligently now.

After losing weight, why are you not seen in Western outfits?
I didn’t lose weight to wear suggestive outfits. I lost weight to feel better about myself. I enjoy wearing Indian clothes.

Don’t you therefore stand to lose roles? You have kissed in Ishqiya, you did a lovemaking scene in Heyy Baby, so why say no to ‘suggestive’ attire?
I will wear what is required. But you know, suggestive outfits tantamount to skin show and take away the meat from the character. I want the meat, not the bone.

Have you always avoided daring outfits? Even in your teens, college etc?
Yes. My friends wore what collegians mostly wear. But I didn’t join them. I stood alone, but I was happy. I do wear skirts, but not very short ones. And I don’t wear shorts, not even at home.

Back to your weight loss. Did the caustic comments about your weight finally get to you?
I won’t say that I was immune to them. But you see, I was going through a lot of confusion in my head on a lot of fronts. I started taking a few things for granted. I became complacent. And I lost interest. Till Kismet Connection, everything was going well for me and then suddenly…

That was when your friendship with Shahid Kapoor went haywire?
I don’t see the connection.

Connection with a ‘K’, eh! Okay, what triggered off the need to lose weight?
Well, my mom sat me down and told me that I needed to feel good about myself. I think that I was trying to be someone else. I was desperately trying to fit into a certain mould (pauses)

Go on…
(Looks up at the ceiling) It was not about my weight and clothes. Those caustic comments were coming because I looked unhappy. I was exuding a certain amount of unhappiness.

Why were you unhappy?
You know what…

What?
If someone who matters to you talks you down, it can break you. That someone whose approval mattered to me started to constantly find faults with me. It started reflecting on me. At that point of time, it was important to walk away from that relationship. I don’t want to take his name.

Hmmm… I get it. Shahid doesn’t want to work with you now.
(Interrupts) Did I say that that I want to work with him? (pauses)

Continue…
If someone doesn’t want to work with me, so be it. It’s his loss completely. There are other fish in the sea.

Your friendship with fashion designer Shabina Khan has gone sour. Once upon a time, she was your best friend.
One tends to spend a lot of time with people one works with. My best friends have been people I have grown up with.

She isn’t too fond of you now.
I don’t bother about how people feel about me. What matters to me is how I feel about them.

How do you feel about Shabina?
Just like I feel about any other professional acquaintance.

Parting shot?
Even today, I am standing alone, but I am happy again. That’s all that is important to me (runs her hand through her hair and smiles)

Times

Preity knows who her true friends are

Webmaster — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:52:06 +0000

For Preity Zinta, this year has been a year of learnings. “Someone had told me that in the beginning of the year and rightly so. Today, I’ve learned who my true friends are. I have learned not to trust people easily (after my maid robbed my house). I have learned new forms of dancing. During Diwali, I learned to gamble and lose too! Karan also taught me not to frown and be too animated while speaking, and now I’m going to be learning at the Harvard Business School where I’ve been accepted for a short executive course in negotiating and dealmaking,” she said. Not to let criticism affect her, PZ who had been written off by “regressive journalists”, said, “Let them write me off… I’ll keep coming back. I’m producing and hosting a cricket show for TV and will also be making an appearance on the Yash Chopra show that will be hosted by Karan Johar,” said the perky actress, who’s looking for a new innings in the industry.

Times

Katrina names Ranbir a puffin

Webmaster — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:47:54 +0000

For all those who thought that Ranbir Kapoor was one from the Kapoor clan with no nickname, the secret is out. And it’s been revealed Katrina Kaif. Of course, Ranbir kept denying it, but given the Kapoor tradition, we were sure he had some cute li’l name tucked away. In fact, during an explosive interview with ZOOM, RK commented on the legacy of Kapoor khandaan’s names, “Everyone has lovely names, but just look at the pet names in my family… Chimpu, Dabboo, Chintu, Lolo, Bebo… I’m happy that I don’t have one. I am plain, old Ranbir.” But before that breath was even over, Katz let the cat outta the bag. He does have a nick and it was assigned to him by Katrina. She revealed, “Ranbir’s nickname is ‘Puffin’. Puffin is the national bird of Iceland, and a distant relative of the penguin. The difference is that puffins are more colourful, they have puffier cheeks and coloured beaks. So Ranbir is like a puffin. He’s like a colourful penguin, he has happy feet and on some days he can look really puffy.” She kept laughing even as ‘Puffin’ puffed up in some kinda sulk.

Times

Imran and his father to meet in New Year

Webmaster — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 10:00:20 +0000

Imran Khan has many reasons to be elated about his grand engagement ceremony that will take place in January 2010. He is also looking forward to the fact that his biological father, Anil Pal will be flying down from the US to be part of the celebration. This will be the first time that Imran’s father will be part of one of the most important events of his life. Imran will be officially exchanging rings with his girlfriend Avantika Malik in the third week of January.

A source close to Imran reveals, “Imran exchanged rings with Avantika a few months ago. It was a close family affair, but his father was not present then. Imran is now hosting a grand celebration in January and his father features prominently on the guest-list. He is currently abroad, and this is will be his first presence at Imran’s celebrations.”

“Imran has been very close to his father and they are in constant touch. He had moved to California to live with his father and studied there till he finished high school. Whenever his father visits India,he makes it a point to stay with Imran and his mother (ex-wife Nuzhat Khan). Anil shares a healthy relationship with Nuzhat and would want to be a part of his son’s celebration. He is very fond of Avantika,” the source adds.

Imran’s spokesperson says, “Yes, Imran’s father is coming for the engagement.”

Times

After Katrina, now Minissha is being stalked

Webmaster — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:19:02 +0000

Yesterday, we reported that Katrina Kaif was being hounded by a stalker at a multiplex. Now, Minissha Lamba is being stalked by a man who has been calling and sending her lewd messages.

The man turned out to be the notorious serial stalker who has hounded a lot of popular actresses and a star wife in the past.

A source close to Minissha reveals, “The actress started receiving abusive messages and calls early this month. She blocked his number, but the man continued to call her from different numbers. The actress lodged a police complaint at the Versova Police Station after two continuous days of harassment.”

The source continues, “The SMSes sent were extremely obscene. The stalker has no control over his language and gets extremely abusive. He used to call her from different numbers, and when Minissha would not answer, he would send her abusive SMSes, asking her to pick up his call.”

DCP KMM Prasanna at Versova police station confirmed the news. He says, “Minissha has filed a non-cognizable complaint (NC) with us on November 5. We asked her if she wanted to register a police complaint. She refused and just wants us to call and threaten the stalker. We will provide all the help she requires.”

Minissha did not respond despite repeated attempts to contact her.

Times

Govinda hits back at the media amid rumours

Webmaster — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:16:26 +0000

If Govinda’s upset about rumours of his turning up late for Mani Ratnam’s Raavana, he doesn’t show it. “It’s just a group of people who are trying to spoil my image. Affairs ke baare mein likh nahin sakte kyunki hain nahin, toh yehi sab likh sakte hain. I’m thankful to Maniji who has come out and clarified these stories. That’s not his style, but he has done that much for me,” he says. Chi Chi these days is now building his body. The actor has been trying to shed those extra kilos and has managed to lose 28 kgs. “I’ve been learning martial arts — nothing specific as then it becomes one-sided — but basic exercises,” he says. Considering he’s great friends with Salman Khan, has Govinda taken any tips from him? “Salman ke saath yeh sab discuss karne ke liye bhi mujhe chaar maheene lagenge!” he laughs. On a serious note, Govinda says he’s going back to the kind of body he had during his Shola Aur Shabnam days. “I’m trying to build my physique. Within a span of four months, I’ll be a much fitter person,” he says. His ‘body’ might be getting better, but then so is his ‘body of work’. “I’m dubbing for Run Bhola Run, then I’ve got Raavana and Banda Yeh Bindaas Hai is ready for release,” he says.

Times

Akshay Kumar to become a torch bearer

Webmaster — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:12:07 +0000

Remember Akshay Kumar’s International Khiladi with wife Twinkle Khanna? Today the actor has become an international khiladi in the real sense. Akshay, who has been the brand ambassador from India for the Special Olympics World Winter Games for the past three years, is now also going to be the torch bearer for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games at Vancouver in Canada.

The martial arts expert, who was bestowed with the Katana — a high Japanese honour in Karate, will be presented with the torch by Canadian Prime Minister Steven Harper in Mumbai on November 16. Akshay will be flying to Canada for the Games which will be held from January 30 to February 14, 2010. Reveals a source from the Indian Olympic Committee, “At a high power and exclusive lunch for 50 CEOs of prominent tourism companies, the Canadian PM will introduce Akshay as the sole torch bearer from India for the Olympics. The Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) will bring the Olympic Torch to the luncheon.” This will be the first time an exception is being made and the Olympic Torch will be presented to an actor and not a sportsperson. “A sitting head of the state invites someone from another nation to represent their country. This is a very huge honour for Akshay and he rightly deserves it,” added the source.

Indian skiers Tashi Lundup and Jamyang Namgial have qualified for the Winter Olympics.

Times

Kareena talks about Saif, in her own words

Webmaster — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:10:43 +0000

The questions I am most frequently asked today are how was it working with Saif Ali Khan in Kurbaan and doing those intimate and intense love-making scenes with him… I think those scenes, and our pairing, have been blown out of proportion by people who can only think of us as an off-screen couple. When the audience sees Kurbaan, I want people to forget Saif and Kareena Kapoor and see the film for Ehsaan and Avantika, because on screen we only do what our characters demand. We’re serious actors… creative artistes, cinema is our business, we’re passionate about our careers, our work, we have individual takes on cinema and that is what makes us push ourselves to do films like this one where the roles are powerful. Really, this is not some candy flossmini skirt love story… it is a love story, yes, but intense and complicated, and beautifully woven with terrorism to be a thriller.

Of course, Saif and I are happy to come together in this film, but it’s not as if Dharma Productions had us in mind from the start. I remember Karan Johar spoke to us individually. He chose us separately as actors, because Avantika’s role was so apt for me, and Ehsaan’s was almost written for Saif. It’s great if directors like Karan, and Shriram Raghavan of Agent Vinod, pair us together as actors because they believe we can sink our teeth into meaty roles… and not just because Saif looks hot and I look beautiful, as a jodi. We’re not selling ourselves as a pair, you know.

But, yes, Kurbaan was a great journey because of Karan… and a special one because of Saif. Karan is not just a professional filmmaker with whom I discuss cinema, he’s a friend and philosopher on whom I rely upon when taking the most personal decisions. He’s truly a superlative person, multitasking all the time, making films, but always available for family and friends. There was also director Rensil D’Silva, who is edgy in personal life, so he brought a fresh take to the film that was real and slightly borderline… but it being a Karan Johar film, Kurbaan is also commercial, so there’s a wonderful balance.

As for Saif… what can I say, he is truly one of the best actors in the country today. So versatile. And, like with Aamir Khan opposite whom I am also cast in my next film, there’s also so much to learn from Saif. They keep me on my toes. Aamir is a method actor, Saif is both — method and spontaneous, you cannot take one Saif Ali Khan film and put it into another… you cannot compare an Omkara with a Love Aaj Kal. And while I enjoy different schools of acting, I rely on spontaneity, so I could glide through my role in Kurbaan as a result.

It’s different working with Saif because we know each other so well and there’s the need to switch off and go into character. That’s why we chose a real and serious kind of film instead of some romantic comedy that had flippant roles. It was easier to perform because the scenes were raw and edge of the seat. Switching off Saif and Kareena and switching of Ehsaan and Avantika was complicated, difficult, but in the end, that is what made us select this film. The roles. And that’s what I want you to see it for.

Kareena Kapoor for Times

Riya Sen to share all for new website

Webmaster — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:15:55 +0000

Riya Sen will share a lot of interesting trivia about herself on her newly-launched website! The portal was launched after the screening of Rituparno Ghosh’s movie Abohoman where Riya plays a cameo of Satyajit Ray’s rebellious daughterin-law. Riya, who will be seen in Abohoman and Nauka Dubi, has been quite active on networking sites. Her own website will feature everything about Riya right from her style fundas to her exclusive photo gallery and will also update readers about the latest happenings in her life.

Times

Simple Kapadia passes away

Webmaster — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:19:24 +0000

Simple Kapadia, Dimple Kapadia’s younger sister, is no more. She breathed her last yesterday afternoon in a hospital at Andheri.

The former actress-turned costume designer had been undergoing treatment at various hospitals since the last few years. It is believed that she was suffering from cancer but the family was always tightlipped about it.

A source says, “The family was under terrible stress because of Simple’s illness. They never spoke about it then and they will not speak about it even now.”

Director Rahul Dholakia, who was present at the hospital when Simple breathed her last, says, “My friend is no more. I really can’t talk.”

A family friend says, “Akshay Kumar (Dimple’s son-in-law) is returning from Baramati, where he is shooting for Priyadarshan’s next film.”

Simple began her career when she was 18. She made her debut in 1977 with Anurodh, where she was paired opposite her brotherin-law Rajesh Khanna. Later, she worked in Hum Rahe Na Hum, Tumhare Bina, Jeevan Dhaara, Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai, Dulha Bikta Hai, Naseeb, Shakka, Lootmaar, Man Pasand, Ahsaas, Rehguzar, Chakravuyha and Pyar Ke Do Pal. She quit acting in 1986 after Pyar Ke Do Pal. Later in 1994, she worked as a costume designer for Rudaali and won a National award for it.

Times

Fans taken ill outside Amitabh’s house

Webmaster — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:21:47 +0000

What happens when Amitabh Bachchan decides to step out of his bungalow and reach out to his fans? Chaos, traffic jams, a near stampede-like situation and of course, a crowd of crazy but satisfied fans. That’s precisely what happened yesterday evening. However this time, a couple of women also got breathless. Apparently, Amitabh took control of the situation, instructed his security to take them inside Jalsa and ensured that nothing adverse happened to them.

As per his Sunday routine, Amitabh stepped out of Jalsa and met his fans. According to our source, he was giving television interviews for Paa when he decided to take a small break. He knew his fans were waiting outside. This time around though, he had planned a special surprise for them.

A witness to the situation outside Jalsa said, “When Amitabh stepped out and started distributing autographed pictures, people crowded to grab the pictures and to just touch the living legend. The word that Amitabh was out, spread like wild fire and the crowd soon increased manifold, causing a jam on the roads. Caught in the mini mêlée, a couple of elderly women started feeling breathless. It immediately caught Amitabh’s attention and he asked his security guards to rush them inside the house and give them some water. He then got his personal staff to distribute the remaining pictures to the people he could not personally reach out to.”

Appreciating the love shown by his fans, Amitabh said, “From the day I was discharged from Breach Candy hospital in 1982, every single day, crowds throng my gate. That’s 27 years without a break. I have never been able to explain this incredible outpour of emotions. I am indebted for life by my fans’ gestures and step out every Sunday to greet them. I give them autographs and pose for photographs as and when the frenzy permits. I felt like giving them autographed Paa photographs, so I sat up till late signing them.”

Times

Amrita Rao ready for sex before marriage

Webmaster — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:25:06 +0000

She may have played the girl-next door in ‘Ishq Vishq’, a tomboy in ‘Main Hoon Na’ and a demure belle in ‘Vivaah’, but the girl’s thoughts on pre-marital sex is as explosive as a dynamite.

The coy-looking lass has no qualms in entering into a heated love-making session with boyfriend even if it’s scorned by the conservatives in our Indian society.

Recently, the belle ignited a time bomb sort of controversy, when she appeared half naked on the cover of ‘The Man’ magazine`s November 2009 issue – the wedding special edition and gave an interview in which she expressed her bold views on sex before marriage.

“I don`t see any harm in people getting physical in a relationship before marriage. If there is romance, there is bound to be some level of physical intimacy between partners. As long as both partners are comfortable and they take precautions, it should be their decision to take the relationship to that level before marriage or not,” Amrita said.

Well, what concerns us is not Amrita’s radical views on marriage but the reason behind her attempts to change her image from a demure lass to a bold bimbo. What’s going on, Amrita?

Zee