I am game for bikinis and skin show: Anjana Sukhani

Anjana Sukhani says she is game for bikinis if her role really demands it. Though she has adopted a glamorous persona in films like "Golmaal Returns" and "Salaam-E-Ishq", the actress is yet to join the bikini brigade.

"It's not in my wish list either. However, there comes a point in your career where you get a film that requires you to shed your inhibitions. Of course, the role that I play has to be of utmost importance - if it is justified for the character to wear a bikini, then I won't fret about it, " Anjana told.

Skin show has taken a different dimension in the last few months with actresses like Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Minissha Lamba and Amisha Patel getting into the swim wear for their roles. Also with dozens of film and fashion magazines hitting the stands, actresses are making a bee line to be seen on the cover.

"I'm very sure about the fact that posing seductively for the camera doesn't really pay. It can't help you grab work. What eventually matters is how talented you are and whether you can deliver goods on the screen, " said the actress who had grabbed attention in the Cadbury ad with superstar Amitabh Bachchan.

But being in the glamour world where beauty sells, isn't that a dicey statement to make?

"Of course, looking pretty is a valuable thing, but then talent matters as well", said Anjana. "At the end of the day, it is about coming up with a balancing act. Being 'just pretty' or 'just talented' doesn't help because one of them working just in isolation can't take you anywhere. You have to have a good mix of both."

"My dad has always said that you should do things that reflect the goal that you want to ultimately meet. If a small step taken by me helps me get closer to that goal, I won't mind doing that as long as I don't cross any limits, " she added.

In that case, how does she look back at her first few steps when she had just started her career with films like "Humdum" (2005) and "Sun Zarra" (2006)?

"I continue to be emotionally attached to these films because those earlier steps reaffirmed that I existed and paved the way for me to appear in bigger and better films.

I didn't come from a filmy family; nor did I have any supermodel experience that could help me get work. Those were testing times and everything that I decided to do, I had to do it on my own without any godfather supporting me."

With "Jashn", "Tum Milo toh Sahi" and "Allah Ke Banday" in the pipeline, life is certainly looking up for Anjana.

"Certainly. I am glad that these are turning out to be good times. I stand by all my decisions in the past and, regardless of whether they have succeeded or failed, I have no regrets, " she said.

What's Neetu Chandra doing in Apartment with Tanushree

Two months back, Neetu Chandra was at pains to explain to all and sundry that her 13B wasn't a horror film but instead a supernatural thriller. Now she is forced to take the same route of denial even as the shoot of her latest film Apartment is making brisk progress.

"I don't know why some out there are hell bent on placing me in a horror film. I have nothing against the horror genre and who knows, I may work in one as well in near future.

But just like 13B wasn't a horror film, as everyone saw it for themselves, even Apartment doesn't have any inclusion of horror element. Guess people have started associating horror with every film that is set within the confines of four walls in a skyscraper apartment."

She insists that while 13B still had supernatural element attached to it, if not the horror, Apartment is a plain and simple dramatic thriller.

"Jag sir (as Jagmohan Mundhra, the film's director, is popularly called) is really shaping up Apartment quite beautifully. It is an edge of the seat thriller and I am enjoying every day of the shooting.

This is one of those films where I feel like coming in every day the moment I wake up. In fact I get depressed when there is an off day since I am myself so inclined to see which scene is going to be shot next."

Interestingly, Apartment is the same film which was earlier titled Roommates and was supposed to star Gul Panag and Raima Sen along with Pakistani actor Mikaal Zulfiqar of Mundhra's own Shoot On Sight fame.

However, the cast as well as the film's title went through a complete change and Apartment stars Rohit Roy and Anupam Kher along with Neetu Chandra and Tanushree Dutta.

Though Neetu is not willing to talk much about her character in the film, she hints on being prodded further, "Apartment tells the story of this girl (played by me) who comes from a small town to this big city. She sees quite a lot of changes around her which start reflecting in her personality.

Soon, she becomes quite possessive about things and obsession takes over. Now what is she so obsessed about is something for which you would have to wait. It is too early to talk about it."

In the film, Neetu's character is shown to be sharing an apartment with Tanushree Dutta. Now whom does she get obsessed with? Is it the apartment, Tanushree, someone else or herself? Well, time should tell!

I’m tired of being the sweet girl now I am going hot: Amrita Rao

Shocking as it may sound, Amrita Rao who has been in two of the most successful films of the decade –Farah Khan’s Main Hoon Na and Sooraj Barjatya’s Vivah and whose success rate and iconic status is certainly higher than most of her contemporaries, was not asked to part of Karan Johar-Tarun Mansukhani’s Vote Aapke Haath Mein Hai campaign.

When asked about this surprising omission Amrita laughs away the query. “You’ll have to ask them why I wasn’t part of it.”

Amrita, it would seem, has antagonized the Johar-Chopra’s by refusing to do Bachna Ae Haseenon. She a was offered the role that Minissha Lamba finally did.

Says Amrita, “I won’t say I’m tired of playing the sweet girl nextdoor who looks at life each day with wide-eyed wonder. But I do crave for a change of image. In my next release Short Cut I play a very glamorous girl.

For the first time I’m being dressed up by Manish Malhotra. That does say something about the characters I’ve played so far. So yes I declined Bachna Ae Haeseenon. I couldn’t relate to the character.”

No one says no to a Yash Chopra presentation. Amrita’s behaviour was secretly described as “high-handed” and “reckless”.

And now she was refused a place among Bollywood’s 30-minus icons in Karan Johar’s voting-awareness film although everyone from Kareena Kapoor to Ritesh Deshmukh featured in it.

Not that Amrita was brooding over being left out. On Thursday Amrita Rao voted for the first time. So excited was she by the prospect of casting her vote that she reached the polling booth even before the gates had opened.

“At 7 am I was the first voter at the booth in the municipal school in Mahim.I feel so proud of being able to vote for the first time. I keep looking at the black mark on my finger proudly. For years I envied that tell-tale mark on my parents’ finger.”

Amrita’s chosen candidate had to fulfil three prerequisites. “He had to be well-educated, young though not inexperienced, and without a criminal background.”

Interestingly she says she attained a voting consciousness from a electorally-galvanizing website jaagore.com.

Did Kangana Ranaut really go nude?

These are completely false and baseless reports. There has been a variety of speculation in the media that critically acclaimed actor Kangana Ranaut will be doing a nude scene in her upcoming Telugu film Ek Niranjan. These are completely false and baseless reports.

Kangna Ranaut has no nude scene in this or any of her upcoming films and has clearly stated that she will not be essaying a role in cinema that requires nudity in any of her movies.

In the film, directed by Puri Jagannath and produced by Aditya Ram, Kangna essays the role of a guitar teacher opposite South Indian actor Prabhas.

An out-and-out commercial movie, Ek Niranjan gives equal importance to romance, action, fun and emotion.

Meanwhile the actress has slowed down on her projects. She has just two movies on hand. Kangana has complete shooting for Rakesh Roshan’s Kites and is concentrating on her next venture Once Upon A time with Ajay Devgan being directed by Milan Lutharia.

John to do love scenes with director's wife in 1-800-Love

After director Sam Mandes' spectacular spousal success directing his wife Kate Winslet in the richly resonant Revolutionary Road in '1-800-Love' John will be romancing his director Abbas Tyrewala's wife.

And he is cool about it. "I know Abbas and Pakhi well. They make a beautiful couple. There's absolutely no awkwardness about doing a love story with the director's wife.

Pakhi has co-written the script and knows her character and mine, in and out. She's an unknown face and extremely pretty. These are her biggest advantages. A beautiful woman whom the audience hasn't seen."

John is dead serious about this project. "I'm going to sit on script readings with Abbas, do workshops and rehearsals with Pakhi, just like Abbas did with the cast in Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na. 'm hungry for acting challenges.

But most of the time my physicality comes on much too strongly on screen. People haven't really seen the performances I'm really proud of, like No Smoking, Kabul Express, Zinda and Aashayein.

My physicality always takes precedence. But you know what? I'll change that. I've been in this industry only five years. People have started looking differently at me after Dostana. The body was talked about. But when they praise my performance it really feels good."

Where next? "Nagesh Kukunoor's Aashayein. I'm very proud of it.Yes, it has been delayed. There's a problem between Reliance and Percept that needs to be sorted. We're working on a solution.

Aashayein is a beautiful film and we have to release it. Another film I'm really excited about is Kabir Khan's New York. I know I've got it right this time.

Kabir says so. It's an awesome film. And I'm thankful to Aditya Chopra for showing faith in me at a time when I didn't have Dostana."

John describes himself as an off-roader. "I travel my own road. Like I'm doing Abbas Tyrewala's 1:800 Love. When he offered me that film he was directing Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na. The film's producer Madhu Mantena had Ghajini in the making and I was doing Dostana.

By God's grace we all have a success on hand. So we're a proud team and very comfortable with.

It's my intense love story and it's such a wonderful space to be in. Before Dostana I was only doing films that kept me within my comfort zone. Now I'm going to test myself as an actor as much as possible."

When questioned whether he would feel any awkwardness directing love scenes between his wife and John, Abbas Tyrewala said, "I hope not! If I can't remember they're acting then I lose the moral ground to ever a direct a girl in a love scene. Luckily I've never written explicit love scenes in my film.

The only explicit love-making scene I've conceived was for Vishal Bhardwaj's Maqbool.

That apart I like my writing to be benign. It doesn't matter whether my wife is acting or not. I can't forget my parents will be watching my film."

Kiddie times again for Aamir

Things you never knew about Ayesha Takia Azmi

Ayesha Azmi born as Ayesha Takia (April 10, 1986 is an Indian actress who appears in Bollywood movies.

Takia appeared in "I'm a Complan Boy. I'm a Complan Girl" advertising campaign alongside Shahid Kapur and also in a music video, Falguni Pathak's Meri Chunarii Udd Udd Jaye, when she was fifteen.

She then appeared in the video, Shake It With Me Daddy, when she was sixteen, which brought her to the attention of the movie industry, and a few film offers followed.

She signed a contract for Socha Na Tha, then for Taarzan: The Wonder Car. However, delays in making Socha Na Tha meant that Taarzan released first and was therefore her "debut" film.

She won the Filmfare Best Debut Award in 2004 for her performance in Taarzan: The Wonder Car.

Ayesha Takia was born on April 10, 1986. She comes from a mixed family. Her father, Nishit, is Gujarati, and her mother, Faridah, is half British and half Maharashtrian, an Anglo-Indian.

Takia went to St. Anthony's High School. Her father interacts with her producers and handles her dates. She has a younger sister named Natasha.

On March 1, 2009, Takia married Farhan Azmi, a restaurateur and the son of Muslim politician Abu Azmi, a Samajwadi Party leader.

The couple had originally planned to marry in December 2008, but the wedding was delayed due to the Mumbai attacks.

Hrithik and Kangana's Kites at Cannes

BIG Pictures is gearing up to market KITES to the international buyers, distributors and media during the upcoming Cannes Film Festival.

To begin with, BIG Pictures will host a press conference and an elite cocktail event at Cannes. BIG Pictures has also purchased time slots to screen the KITES teaser on two digital screens adjacent to the red carpet entrance of the Palais, for the entire duration of the festival.

This is a regular feature for big-budget Hollywood films, but for the first time ever, an Indian studio will showcase their film publicity on that screen.

KITES stars Hrithik Roshan, Barbara Mori, Kangna Ranaut, Nick Brown and Kabir Bedi in pivotal roles. The film is produced by Rakesh Roshan's Filmkraft and directed by Anurag Basu. KITES is being readied for release in the last quarter of 2009.

Apart from KITES, BIG Pictures will market and publicize its art house film slate.

The International Distribution team has also lined up meetings with officials from Hollywood studios such as Fox, Sony, Paramount, Disney, Warner, Universal, Lionsgate amongst many others in order to explore business propositions.

I hope I have done justice to Kaminey: Priyanka

Priyanka Chopra is all excited about her role in director Vishal Bhardwaj's new movie "Kaminey" and says the character will "definitely make an impact amongst audiences".

"I do hope that I have been able to do justice to Vishal's vision for this wonderful character that he has created. You don't get to work in a fantastic movie like 'Kaminey' and play someone like Sweety (the name of her character) every day, " said Priyanka, who donned an altogether new look for the film.

"I am confident that my character of Sweety will definitely make an impact amongst the audiences. You can't expect anything less from Vishal. This character is so well written that it is bound to create an impact."

Earlier, the film was expected to release on June 5. But due to the standoff between the producers and multiplexes, "Kaminey" is expected to be pushed forward by at least a month.

Asked whether it was a conscious decision on her part to mix glamorous roles (as seen in "Dostana" and "Fashion") with a real look, Priyanka said: "Well, yes, it was a conscious decision for sure. I am mixing it up and 'What's your Rashee', which would come next, would see me in a completely different light as well."

Just like "Kaminey", "What's Your Rashee" is being produced by UTV Motion Pictures (though in collaboration with Ashutosh Gowariker Productions). The film was earlier slated for a September release but it has to be seen whether the delayed release of "Kaminey" has any bearing on "What's Your Rashee".

"Kaminey" also features Shahid Kapoor in a double role and Amol Gupte (writer of "Taare Zameen Par") as a villain.

Gul Panag tears Mahesh Bhatt apart in public

High drama took place during the book reading session of Varon BK Sharma’s acclaimed novel Assasination of George Bush at Crossword’s Juhu branch. Actress Gul Panag, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt and filmmaker cum activist Ashok Pandit engaged in a verbal duel which led to early wrapping up of the book reading session.

The high voltage book, Assassination of George Bush written by actor turned novelist, Varon BK Sharma has been fast gaining popularity and to celebrate its success a book reading session was organized.

It saw a decent celebrity turnout of Bollywood town folks such as Mahesh Bhatt, Gul Panag, Shefali Shah, Ashok Pandit, Suchitra Pillai, Roza Catallano, Aman Verma and socialite Nisha Jamwal.

Since the celebrities present had already read the book, a healthy discussion began on its content and the issue of global Islamic terrorism it deals with.

One thing lead to another and when the topic came to why there are few Muslims in Indian army; a heated argument took place between Gul Panag and Mahesh Bhatt. Gul comes from an army background and she therefore put up her views more strongly.

Ashok Pandit too chipped in voicing his opinion on the topic. Mahesh Bhatt known for his command over such issues, for once appeared cornered. Soon their voices raised as their argument continued and it was all happening right in front of the present media and the guests present.

The Crossword store official sensing that the matter would go out of hand intervened and hurriedly announced the end of the event. Bhatt was seen leaving the venue in a huff post that.

When asked, Varon who has also written the critically acclaimed film directed by Subhash Ghai, Black and White, said, “I feel it was a healthy debate and nothing much should be read into that. The matters of the book are explosive so some sparks are bound to fly.”

What John, Celina, Shilpa have in common

John Abraham, Celina Jaitley, Shilpa Shetty and Malaika Arora Khan have something in common apart from their celebrity status. They have come forward to endorse a message for animal welfare in the country.

Whether it is turning vegetarian, binding themselves in chains, getting inside cages or going out of their way to provide shelter to animals - the actors have done their bit to promote awareness about cruelty against animals.

"When it comes to raising awareness for animals, the celebrities are available at a click for the cause. They do it for free and give us time from their tight schedule knowing what they are standing for, " Anuradha Sawhney, chief functionary of PETA India, told over phone from Pune.

Sawhney said PETA India did not, in fact, try to rope in celebrities just for the sake of it, but noted that when a known face says something to people, the impact is greater.

Launched in 2000, PETA India is the Indian chapter of the US-based animal rights organisation People for Ethical Treatment of Animals.

The celebrity involvement in campaigns for animals started in 2001 when actresses Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit wrote letters to people in South Africa and Assam appealing for the endangered black rhino and elephants respectively.

Since then, celebrities like Rahul Dev, Ameesha Patel, Eesha Koppikhar, Yana Gupta, Raveena Tandon, Gulshan Grover, Shamita Singha, Jiah Khan, Rahul Khanna and controversy queens Rakhi Sawant and Sherlyn Chopra have shed their inhibitions to wear outrageous outfits, sometimes, just leaves or red chillies to spread the message that animals must not be killed for commerce.

Celina Jaitley, who appeared in a torn and tattered grey vest and was tied with chains for a PETA ad to save elephants from captivity, said: "I have been an animal lover all my life...they are the most loyal and unconditional givers of love...they complete us and bring joy to us with their crazy antics. But we humans don't understand their value and treat them with cruelty for our own purpose, which is wrong."

Shilpa Shetty, who reflected her concern for the misery of circus animals through a print commercial, told via text from South Africa: "Just the thought of getting into the cage for the PETA ad made me so uncomfortable...just imagine what animals who spend their entire life in cages go through."

Another actor who has worked relentlessly for the cause is John Abraham. He provided a helping hand in creating India's first elephant village in Maharashtra, for which he was even awarded an EcoWarrior award in 2008.

"Real men are kind to animals. If we don't treat our animals and the habitat with kindness today, it'll be not long that we lose both, " John said.

The celebrity involvement did not go in vain.

"We had a tremendous response when John got into a cage to show the dilemma of caged birds. We even had a fabulous response for Shilpa and Rakhi's ads where they got themselves caged to show the plight of circus animals, " said Sawhney.

"Children from schools wrote to us pledging not to visit any circuses that had any animals. The response has been fabulous and it increases each time a celebrity does a campaign. Even when the Big B was voted the hottest vegetarian three times in a row (2002-2004), the response was huge and his fans even asked us to help them turn veggies, " she added.

While actors like Raveena Tandon and Lara Dutta are "very anti-fur and anti-leather", said Sawhney, other indirect efforts by celebrities to stop atrocities against animals have been by promoting vegetarianism.

These efforts have involved Aditi Govitrikar, Mahima Choudhary, Rajniesh Duggall and Devang Patel among others.

Actor R. Madhavan and Kareena Kapoor were also voted the "cutest vegetarians" of 2007 with Kareena even bagging the crown for 2008's "sexiest vegetarian".

After Darsheel, Aamir set to make little girl a star

After ‘little boy bana big superstar’ Darsheel Safary, perfectionist Aamir Khan is set to make a star out of a little girl.

When Aamir Khan mentors anyone, the person concerned does well.

And the lucky little gal is a nine-year old girl is Parul who he has taken under his wing for a movie called 'The Falling'. The movie in itself will handle a serious topic of farmer suicides.

Now Aamir saw her fantastic performance playing the role of a farmer’s daughter at a stage play during his trip to Delhi. And he’s giving the kid hailing from Muzzafarpur of Bihar a similar lengthy role in the film.

The kid has trained under renowned theatre stalwart Habib Tanwar and has traveled across the continents and won acclaims as a part of her Theatre’s play in Germany and European Countries.

This kid already has done well. So when she actually becomes a film star post the film, chances are her starry tantrums will be much much more

Anyway, the film is already on the floors of ‘The Falling’ and spread across the towns of Bihar.

Let’s wait and watch to see what the movie brings to the audience and what the future holds for the gal

I look hot in skimpy and short dresses: Rosa Catalano

Q. What is fashion according to you?
A. I will define fashion as being yourself. It is not about following a trend or something. Wear good comfortable clothes and think positive, that is what fashion means to me.

Q. Where do you mostly shop from?
A. I mostly shop my clothes from Italy. I am not much into buying Indian stuffs. That does not mean that I don’t like Indian stuffs (laughs) but I generally prefer to pick my clothes from Italy only.

Q. Any brands you prefer?
A. I am not that brand conscious but I make it a point to pick good cloths from good shops. I can’t buy cheap clothes even if they are comfortable.

Q. While at home, you mostly wear?
A. I like wearing shorts and ganjee when I am at home. During monsoons and winters, I slip into my tracks and ganjee with a jacket on it.

Q. Your gym wear is like?
A. I am a big fan of Adidas, so most of my gym wear is from the same. I can’t think of anything beyond Adidas.

Q. Do you go for the formal look at times?
A. Ohh, I love formals. I do slip into formals once or twice a week. I think I really look hot in formals.

Q. Do you adorn yourself with accessories?
A. Yes, I do. I wear some or the other accessories in my daily life.

Q. Which is the latest perfume that you bought?
A. My latest addiction is a perfume called Princess.

Q. Which colours do you think are a must in a wardrobe?
A. I love wearing black. I am just addicted to black color. Most of my wardrobe is filled with black clothes only.

Q. What do you have to say about short and skimpy clothes?
A. I think people who can carry it off well should only wear it. I personally think that I look hot in skimpy and short dresses. It’s all because I know I carry it off well.

Q. Any fashion tips for our readers?
A. I will only say wear whatever you are comfortable in and nothing else. One has to be comfortable in whatever he or she is wearing.

Not without my Mother: Soha Ali Khan

The glamour of tinsel town has always been irresistible for girls who want to make it big as heroines but with the reputation of casting couch existing in the industry most of the heroines are accompanied by their mothers on sets and while meeting producers.

Despite the fact that shootings generally happen in a friendly atmosphere mothers are always particular that their daughters do not fall prey to unreasonable demands. On the occasion of Mother's Day falling on Sunday, let us take a look at a few mother daughter relationships in connection with Bollywood.

During the yesteryears, actress's mothers would always accompany their star daughters. Nargis used to be often accompanied by her mother, Jaddanbai who was also Bollywood's first woman director.

It can be recalled that Sharmila Tagore, then broke the myth and started coming to Mumbai all alone for her shoots would generally stay alone at the Taj in South Mumbai.

Like her mother, daughter Soha is also quite independent. Soha is always on her own when she is shooting and also lives alone in Mumbai. "Yes I do take Amma's advice and bhaiya's (Saif Ali Khan) advice but when it comes to taking our career decisions we are all very independent" Soha had earlier stated.

Mala Sinha was one more actress who was particular when her daughter Pratibha came in Bollywood.

The yesteryear actress would always accompany her daughter everywhere and used to make sure that she would go through the scripts before her daughter signed on the dotted line. She never let Pratibha make her own decisions.

Ultimately Pratibha started losing a lot of work and she was left with no films on hand. Pratibha has now completely retired from Bollywood.

Hema Malini's mother also often accompanied her on the sets of the films that she signed. It was said that her mother took the decisions right from choosing the scripts to the actors she worked with.

But the same cannot be spoken of Hema Malini. She never accompanies her daughter Esha on the sets. She had once told us in an interview, "I often take my mothers advice on the script but ultimately it is my decision. She leaves it to me. She often tells us that we have to fight our own battle"

Sridevi could always be seen with her mother on the sets. She was famous for her line – "Ask my mummy" whenever any journalist posed questions to her.

In fact Ram Gopal Varma had even carried a spoof on Sridevi and her mother in his Rangeela (1995) with Shefali Shah and her mother played by Shammiji mocking the ex super star actress and her momma.

Madhuri Dixit used to be sometimes accompanied by her mother but her parents never interfered in her work. It was always her secretary Rikku Rakeshnath who took care of all her work including the scripts that she chose.

When Madhuri had to shoot the bold lovemaking scene with Vinod Khanna for Dayavaan (1988) she made sure her mother was not present on the set.

Babita never went with her daughters on the sets but she always interfered in their work. She made sure that she went through all the scripts before her daughters signed the film.

When Kareena Kapoor was signed by Rakesh Roshan's Kaho Naa Pyar Hai it was Babita who made huge demands and finally asked her daughter to opt out of the film.

Even when her elder daughter Karishma had signed Raja Hindustani, during its launch in Lonavala when Karishma was asked by a journalist whether she or her mother chooses her scripts, she had ended up in tears and left the press conference midway.

It was Aishwarya Rai who broke the trend of being accompanied by her mother on the sets.

Very rarely her mother used put in an appearance on the sets. It is said that Ash was far too head strong to let her mother interfere in her work. So is Sushmita Sen.

The Ex Miss Universe had once stated, "I love my mother a lot but have always been independent when it comes to work. She has been the backbone of my life. She is always there when I need her. She comes running to me but also has a family and life of her own."

Amisha Patel's mother used to accompany her on the sets and had even got herself a role in her daughter's debut film directed by Rakesh Roshan.

But problems followed thereafter and now Amisha refuses to acknowledge her parents anymore. She has cut ties with them following financial irregularities with her income.

Actress Amrita Rao is often seen accompanied by her mother on the sets. It is her mother who has always been instrumental in taking her career decisions that include right from choosing the films, her co-stars, directors, the PR and her interviews.

One has always experienced that Amrita Rao is a tough nut to crack because her mother is always overpowering her. Amongst other actresses of the current lot, VJ turned actress Sophie Choudhary is many a time accompanied by her mother.

Till she was very active in Bollywood, Ayesha Takia was also always seen with her mother on the sets or at film functions. Her stand was, "I make sure mummy is on the sets with me. I feel comfortable if she is around.

The decisions are always mine. I make sure I take decisions that don't hurt them but I bring her on the sets because I feel there's someone to take care of me when I need something not because I cannot make my own decisions"

Shankaracharya organises special puja for Mallika

Calling Mallika Sherawat "a pure soul," Shreemad Jagadguru Shankaracharya Shree Shree Raghaveshwara Bharathi Swamiji, the 36th and present pontiff of Shree Ramachandrapura math, made a special invitation to Mallika Sherawat to visit his new ashram in Karnataka and organized a number of special pujas in her honor.

The Shankaracharya brought a number of high priests from Kerala and Mangalore for the special occasion, which included Miss Sherawat breaking ground for the pontiff's Hanuman project at the cave the Shankaracharya says Lord Hanuman was born.

Sherawat also initiated a new Hanuman temple on the site, where the largest Hanuman monument, over 15 stories, will be built.

Miss Sherawat received the Shankaracharya's invitation while staying in Los Angeles for the post-production of her new film "Hisss" and made the trip back to India especially for the occasion, which included extensive pujas with 600 lotus flowers.

Sherawat returned the sentiment by inviting Shankaracharya to the United States during her stay there. If the pontiff accepts her invitation to visit the U.S., it would be the first time in history a Shankaracharya traveled to America.

Sherawat said, "After having spent most of my time recently in the U.S., it was a great honor for me to make a special trip back to India to meet the Shankaracharya. In a very special way it reconnected me to my Hindu roots. The experience was truly one of the best of my life and one I will never forget."

I will test ride all my prospective 15 grooms: Rakhi Sawant

Rakhi Sawant get’s up front and personal regarding her marriage on NDTV Imagine's Rakhi Ka Swayamvar.

Why marriage?
I want to settle down. I have worked a lot, made good money. Now I am feeling lonely. And like all Indian woman, I too want to have a loving husband, caring in -laws and God willing, later kids as well. I also feel the need to come home to somebody after a hard day at work.

Unlike popular perception, I am quite a traditional girl at heart, I want to do my husband’s seva. I will also touch my mother in law's feet as the way to a man's heart does lie through his mother.

Will you work post marriage?
Yes I hope to work if I get time from my domestic responsibilities Dance is my passion and I would not want to leave that. Everything is possible, if I get a broad minded husband. [more...]

Ex-lover make Lara and Dino split

Mumbai tabloids are claiming Lara Dutta has split up with boyfriend Dino Morea because his growing proximity to his old flame designer Nandita Mahtani.

But when we met Lara yesterday at the launch event of a new mobile company she played down the break up news.

She claimed that she is not upset about the press reports that suggest her break up with Dino. She said, “Why should I be upset if someone is writing something about me and earning his livelihood?”

When continued probing further about the break confirmation, she replied, “I don’t want to comment. I have always stayed away from talking about my personal issues in the media and today too, I will not talk about them.”

One can recall Lara and Dino entering into a relationship over a year back after she split with her boyfriend of 8 years Kelly Dorji.

Kelly had recently claimed in an interview to a film glossy that his once good pal Dino had backstabbed him by lying to him about his affair on the sly with Lara.

Where are these stars gone…?

Stars come and go. There are many stars who made their big in their own way but now they are gone and its slightly a disappointment for their fans.

Amisha Patel
Last film: Bhool Bhulaiyaa was her last film, which released way back in 2007 (but she was seen on-screen last year in a yellow dress for the item song Lazy Lamhe from Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic). The last film in which her acting was appreciated was Gadar Ek Prem Katha.

In spite of debuting with the super hit Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai in 2000, Amisha has not been able to make it big in Bollywood.

Claim to fame: In July 2004, Amisha sent a legal notice to her father Amit Patel for mismanaging her accounts and assets amounting to Rs 120 million and demanded the money back. She dated director Vikram Bhatt for five years and they broke up in 2008. [more...]

How girl with the forever 'behenji' look got lucky

Preeti Jhangiani tried her best to make a mark in Bollywood but it never happened. This inspite of debuting in a Yash Raj flick like 'Mohabbatein'.

After a whole lot of struggle, the dame with the forever ‘behenji’ look decided to get married to another struggler from B -Town- Parveen Dabas.

Now unlike the likes of top actresses like Kajol and Ash, she’s not expected to make a comeback to B-Town.

So she’s currently focusing her energies down South.

She’s doing an item number in Tejam which is directed by Raj KS Gopi. S Rajasekhar is producing the film under Sunrays Entertainments banner and Gana is scoring the music this flick. The cast includes Sardhar Patel, Suresh, Mahesh, Vivek, Goutham, Raj, Vinod and Monisha. Monisha, Divya, Ramya Chowdary, Gopi, Praveen, Rama Krishna and others. [more...]

Divya Dutta’s lesbian dreams

What’s up with Divya Dutta?

The actress who’s played decent character roles in the past suddenly decided to glam up in ‘You, Me aur Hum’. More recently in ‘Delhi 6’ she played the interesting character of ‘Jalebi’.

Now she’s cozying up to a female actor on screen in the film ‘Monica’ and is taking the challenge head on. The movie is about two struggling and vulnerable women who find solace in each other.

Before Divya many actresses had turned it down simply because they did not want to do the lesbian scene. In the past only actresses like Nandita Das and Shabana Azmi in ‘Fire’ and Amrita Arora and Isha Koppikar in ‘Girlfriend’ have shown some guts.

By the way, it wasn’t all that easy for Divya too as she was initially at a loss when she was told that she has a lesbian scene with co-star Kitu Gidwani. [more...]

Mahie Gill sheds inhibitions decides to go glam

Actress Mahie Gill, who impressed audiences with her mature performance in "Dev D" and "Gulaal", said she will be seen in glamorous roles in her forthcoming films.

"As an actor I want to do all kinds of roles and work in different genre of films. 'Dev D' was a fantastic appearance while 'Gulaal' did see me in a semi-glam avtar as I played a mistress-cum-mujra dancer who was a huge fan of Tabu. However, none of the films had me running around the trees, " said Mahie.

So is running around the trees and singing romantic numbers next on the anvil?

"Why not? I pretty much love conventional Bollywood cinema. And don't forget that I have worked as a heroine in Punjabi films as well. So it is not going to be anything surprisingly different for me to get into a typical heroine mode, " she said. [more...]

I like hot guys with narrow waists like Hrithik and John: Manisha Kelkar

MANISHA KELKAR, the daughter of the late writer Ram Kelkar is all set to sashay into Bollywood with Abhijeet Sawant as her leading man, tells JYOTHI VENKATESH that she has a good body and hence has no hesitation to flaunt it if it is the requirement of the script.

How did you bag the role of the leading lady in Lottery?
It was Adesh K. Arjun the writer of the film who had introduced me to Hemant Prabhu the director of the film. I auditioned for the role and bagged it. It was as simple and easy as that.

What is your role in Lottery?
I play the role of the super model Simran in a popular fashion house the film. Simran is an educated go getter girl who gets what she wants in life. Lottery is a romantic thriller in which my co-stars are Abhishek Sawant and Rucha Gujarati. While Abhijeet plays the role of an accountant in the fashion house where I function, Rucha Gujarati plays his neighbor. [more...]

'Harrassed' by Jawans, Celina finally finds some justice!

A fortnight back, Celina Jaitley had a harrowing experience with the airport authorities in New Delhi during a security check for her flight to Mumbai.

While her iPod and Blackberry were damaged, the worst was yet to come as the cops who were apparently responsible for it were found smiling even as Celina was complaining against them. Hurt and disappointed, she spoke her mind out in full public view.

Her words did find listeners as CISF came into action and began an enquiry into the matter. This resulted in the highest placed authorities at CISF waking up to this fact and assuring Celina that all would be done to prevent such an incident from happening again. [more...]

I'm not giving up hope of seeing Jade Goody one last time: Shilpa Shetty

Shilpa Shetty rushed on Sunday night to meet her former Big Brother housemate Jade Goody who apparently has reached the last lap of her rudely- abbreviated life.

However a rude shock awaited Shilpa on her arrival in London.

When Shilpa rushed to meet Jade she was not allowed the terminally ill girl with whom Shilpa made peace after months of bickering on Big Brother.

Sounding extremely dejected Shilpa said from London on Monday afternoon, “When I left for London on Sunday I thought I’d be able to meet her. But she has deteriorated since yesterday. She’s heavily drugged and hardly awake.” [more...]

Mallika gets desperate, apes Freida Pinto!

Mallika Sherawat last week was present at Hollywood hotspot 'Mr Chow' in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. The famous Chinese eatery is frequented by stars and paparazzi alike. For example, Hollywood celebrity Miley Cyrus was also there with boyfriend Justin Gaston on the same day when Mallika went there.

In fact, not surprisingly no one recognized our Miss. Sherawat. Perhaps with her ego hurt, she walked up to a photographer present there and asked him to guess her age! She then even asked him if he thought an Indian actress could make it big in Hollywood.

Now finally noticing how hot our desi lass looked, the photographer started clicking her as well.

Mallika, whose first Hollywood film, Hisss, is in post production, is keen to cross over from Bollywood, where producers take her seriously only when she is ready to shed her clothes before the camera. [more...]

I’M NOT LAUNCHING MYSELF AS AN ACTOR

Kunal Kohli, launches himself as hero ! Sanjeev Kohli from YRF to join Kunal Kohli as CEO! After both seen having lunch together. Now, both news items are totally untrue, I might deny them, but those will be the headlines, a whole article will be written on how a ‘source’ has revealed all about me launching myself as a hero and another ‘source’ saw Sanjeev Kohli and me having lunch and decided that he’s joining me as CEO, the journalist might or might not call me for confirming the story, if I deny it, then at the end one line will appear saying Kunal denies it. Its so sad that today some websites, newspapers and TV Channels report whatever they feel like, attribute it to a ‘source’, make headlines out of it, spread absolute lies and then have one sentence saying ‘Kunal denies it’ or get away with it by saying ‘rumour has it’ or ‘a source revealed’. [more...]

Affy has some nice words to say about Aamna

If you thought that this week's release Aloo Chaat is all about Aftab Shivdasani and debutant Aamna Shariff then that's not really the case. Aloo Chaat also features a young American woman Linda Arsenio in a key role who acts as a catalyst in all the fun happening during the narrative of this Robby Grewal film.

"Honestly the film is structured in such a way that it doesn’t move without Linda's character at all", says Aftab when questioned about importance of Linda's character in Aloo Chaat, "For obvious reasons, I can't get into the creative details about her presence in the film. However, what I can confirm is that she certainly adds value to the story of Aloo Chaat."

Linda has acted in films like KABUL EXPRESS and MUMBAI SALSA in the past. So what does she have to say about her third film? [more...]

AYESHA TIES KNOT WITH BEAU FARHAN

Bollywood beauty Ayesha Takia and her long time fiancé and a top restaurateur Farhan Azmi tied the knot in a simple nikah ceremony on Sunday night in Mumbai. It was a simple and private ceremony with 200 persons that comprised only close friends and family members. You may recall that they were scheduled to wed last year, but had to cancel it following the 26/11 terrorist attack in Mumbai. They have now finally married. The couple looked stunning in simple but traditional ensemble. Significantly, the marriage outfits of Ayesha Takia and Farhan Azmi were traditional and not made by any designer. [more...]

AMRITA MARRIES WITH SHAKEEL LADAK

Amrita Arora's marriage was today solemnized with Shakeel Ladak by Catholic rituals at Olive restaurant in Mumbai . After the wedding, Alvira Agnihotri (Salman Khan's sister) hosted a 'sangeet' ceremony in honor of the couple. Who but Farah Khan choreographed the ceremony . A formal nikaah will, however, follow on March 6. Among those who graced Amrita and Shakeel's wedding included Gauri and Shah Rukh Khan , Anil Kapoor, Fardeen Khan and Zayed Khan with their wives along with Twinkle and Akshay Kumar, Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia, Urmila Matondkar, Priyanka Chopra, Mehr and Arjun Rampal, Manish Malhotra, Tusshar Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan besides others. [more....]

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.

Neetu Chandra Wallpapers

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."

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."

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.

Raima Sen Wallpapers