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

People say I need to get a boob job, but I’m comfortable the way I'm: Freida Pinto

Indian actress Freida Pinto Made it to the U.S. without doing the same old song and dance. Though the 23-year-old former model from Bombay auditioned for melodramatic Bollywood roles, she’s going Hollywood with her film debut, playing a child of the ghetto in Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire. Hood never looked so good.

How hard is it to break into India’s film industry?
It’s really difficult. You have to have a godfather or parents who can get you in. I got into modeling for the visibility factor, hoping that portals would open up for me to act.

I did a lot of print because people found me too skinny in India to do television. We have the voluptuous, full-figured woman thing. People say I need to get a boob job, but I’m just comfortable the way I am.

Is Bollywood as sleazy as Hollywood is?
Three or four years back, I was auditioning for a film and I met this man who was like, “We can be good friends, ” with a twinkle in his eye. I knew where that was coming from, and it didn’t feel right.

Would you ever do nudity or a sex scene?
I don’t think I’d have an issue (doing a love scene), but it all depends on the director—what kind of work he’s done in the past. In India, I probably wouldn’t do something like that; it’s kind of taboo. It usually gets cut off at the censorship board level, so what’s the point of having shot it?

What’s the best way for a guy to approach you?
Back in college, if boys did the most stupid thing, like compose a silly song, I’d listen. It could be something really stupid, like a rap for all I care.

Have you ever used your acting abilities to manipulate men?
Hmm… (Laughs.) If you have it, you gotta use it.

I am not Sita: Aishwarya Rai

Aishwarya Rai, who is currently shooting for director Mani Ratnam's film "Ravana" here, said her character is not called Sita in the film that also stars her husband Abhishek Bachchan.

"The name of my character is not 'Sita'. I am playing a woman who has similarities with the Sita of 'Ramayana', " the actress told reporters at the press conference of her new Hollywood flick 'Pink Panther 2' here.

Aishwarya, however, refused to give further details about "Ravana".

"I can't give any details about 'Ravana' at the moment. You will have to wait and watch. All I can say that it is an intense film set in today's time and Mani has given a totally new perspective to the art of storytelling, " she said.

Asked if she is paired opposite Abhishek, Aishwarya said they never played a conventional couple on-screen.

"We have never been paired opposite each other in the conventional way, apart from the film 'Kuchh Naa Kaho'. Be it 'Dhoom 2' or 'Sarkar Raj', it's not the conventional man-wife pairing. Even in 'Guru', the film revolves around Abhishek. So, by the time 'Ravana' happened, we have become used to this, " she said.

"But, director Abhinay Deol has decided to cast us in his new film. Hopefully, the audience will see us romancing on screen there, " she added.

Aishwarya said it is always a pleasure to act with Abhishek.

"It's always a pleasant experience working with actors like Abhishek. I am not saying it just because I am his wife, but the fact remains that he is one of the nicest co-actors I have seen so far, " she said.

Talking about "Pink Panther 2", which has released in India Friday, Aishwarya said the film is a "joyride".

"Anyone who is familiar with English films and 'Pink Panther' will know what I mean when I say the film is a joy ride. Although I have a small role in the film, I said 'yes' only because I wanted to work with institutions like Steve Martin.

"Besides, I have highest regard for comedy because it is the most difficult emotion to portray on screen. 'Pink Panther 2' is an easy comedy and every one can watch it with family, " she said.

The actress has been shooting for "Ravana" here since Feb 17. Abhishek is expected to join her soon. The shooting will continue till mid-March.

I am looking a lot sexier and steamier: Tanushree Dutta

Tanushree Dutta is hot, and she knows it too. The Chocolate actress, who posed for the latest issue of Maxim told the magazine why 2009 is her year. Excerpts: Tell us what other sexy avatars of you can we expect to see in the New Year other than this one? There is Rama -- The Saviour slated for release very soon. It's an adventure flick in which you guys will see a very different side of me, and I can promise that you would definitely see a lot more of me in 2009. Aha! Is that right? Considering the fact that you have been on Maxim earlier and are appearing again, what has changed since then? (Smiles) A lot! Somewhere deep down, I am still the same person but I have also become more aggressive towards life and work. And I'm sure I am looking a lot sexier and steamier in this particular shoot! Do you have any crazy male fans and do you get asked out a lot? (Laughs) I am sure my popularity is quite high, but I don't really know for sure do I? If we talk about being asked out by men, that rarely happens... maybe because I don't come across as someone who's easy to approach and I am not really open to strangers. Hmm, mummy taught you well. Tell us something that very few people know about you? I used to write poetry as a child, and now that I mention it... I began very early, in the first grade and gave up equally early. I had outgrown it by the time I reached the eighth grade, maybe I will get back to it someday. (smiles) The lamest pickup line you've ever heard? "I want to make friendship with you." (Laughs out loud) And this was while I was in college. Me and my friends laughed our hearts out at the guy, like any bunch of wicked girls would. What's the nicest and the naughtiest that you would like your man to do for you this Valentine's Day? I would like to be surprised; the ideal way would be a day starting with a really beautiful bouquet of red roses in the morning, with small little thoughtful gifts throughout the day, leading up to a really nice candle light dinner in a private open air dinning area, overlooking the sea. You party a lot, don't you? Where can we find you on a week day? And if we wanted to hit on you and hope to land a date, what would work best? You would probably find me with my gang of friends in this place called Firangi Pani having a ball. And I normally follow an age old wisdom which parents preach to their children, 'Don't talk to strangers.' So I guess there's not even a glimmer of hope, as I would be too busy having a ball of a time with my friends.

Tanushree Dutta Wallpapers

'Successful' Freida dumps boyfriend, calls off engagement

Freida Pinto, who shot to fame with the success of her film "Slumdog Millionaire", has dumped her boyfriend of four years.

According to reports 24-year-old Rohan is upset and is convinced she will come back. The two met at St. Xavier's University in Mumbai and soon came very close.

A friend said: "They were really into each other. Rohan would do anything for Freida. They were best pals as well as lovers. While together he helped her develop her website, did publicity and marketing for her and even fixed her dresses before the fashion shoots."

"Freida called off the engagement after the film took off. She could never have imagined how rapidly her career would grow and it's all been overwhelming.

Since the release of the film, she's hardly been in Mumbai and even when she is, she's too busy working. Whether it's permanent or temporary she's not sure, but for now they are not together. But Rohan took it very badly.

He is cut up about it now and hoping they will get back together. He has still not changed his relationship status on Facebook - it still says he is engaged. But no one else believes she will come back now. She is off pursuing her dreams."

There are rumours that the 24-year-old Pinto and her 18-year-old co-star Dev Patel are more than friends. Patel had earlier said: "She is very beautiful. Absolutely gorgeous. Everyone's agreed on that. But there's no romance, no."

Celina alleges rude behaviour at Delhi airport

Celina Jaitley says she had a harrowing experience with the airport authorities in New Delhi when she was going through the security check for her morning flight to Mumbai. In the city for a special Valentine event, Celina Sunday went through body frisking and her belongings being scanned. However, she was shocked after realising that her expensive state of art iPod and Blackberry were scratched while quite a few other things in her bag were broken. "I agree that authorities there are doing their duty and we too are completely cooperating with the security measures. It is for our own benefit and I understand that we should comply with them. However, who gives them the right to mishandle things belonging to others? It was heartbreaking to see my stuff in a bad shape. Both my iPod as well as Blackberry have lost their sheen due to callous attitude of men who were doing the scan," Celina told. Worse, the cops who were apparently responsible for the damage, were found smiling even as Celina was complaining against them. "These guys don't know how to behave with women. I went up to the officer in charge and all he could say was 'Sorry'? Also, they told me in no uncertain terms that they couldn't repair what was broken. Moreover, the guys who did it were grinning in front of him. What a shame! Someone ought to teach these cops how to behave with women", she said. It wasn't just the material loss that angered Celina. During the same time, she also saw an old female passenger being pushed around. When she approached the officer in charge, all she got from him was a casual 'sorry'. Celina is thinking of approaching higher authorities and apprise them about what transpired with her at the airport. "I was not only angry with them for breaking my stuff but for their misbehaviour with other women. They are there to secure us and not to humiliate, insult and manhandle us, especially women. They are misusing the power of uniform everywhere now-a-days. At the end of the day we are paying passengers and they can't break our things, insult us and indulge in indecent behaviour," she said. Though there wasn't any major showdown at the airport post Celina's outburst, women around her were certainly appreciative about her courage to voice her displeasure. "True, the women there were thanking me and one of them even said that I did what they couldn't have possibly done in fear. Well, nice to hear this as a compliment, but my request to all womenfolk out there is - 'Fight for yourself and raise your voice in events like this'. Till the time we don't come out in open and let the authorities know that they are there to help us and not harass us, such shameful things would continue to happen."

Celina Jaitley Wallpapers

Bebo: Enough of money I need my family now

Kareena Kapoor might be earning big but her multiple brand endorsements and shooting schedules are taking a toll on her in a big way. The buzz is that it takes so much of her time that the actress is homesick and wants to take a break. "Kareena feels sad about staying away from her family for so long, " said a friend. So this time when Bebo returned home sis Lolo waited for her in the building compound. "They were meeting after a long time. Bebo and Lolo chatted nineteen to the dozen discussing everything under the sun right from their parlour visit to the colours that they have applied to their hair, " said the friend. Bebo is a home bird. "Being away from home makes Bebo feel out of place. She is a homely person. She likes to be with family. Kareena is tired of her tight schedules and demanding job. She has now decided that she will keep herself free for her family, " the friend said.

Kareena Kapoor Wallpapers

People think Akki and I are good friends: Katrina

She may have been more than just 'good friends' with Salman Khan but Katrina Kaif doesn't deny that she shares good friendship with Akshay Kumar too. In a chat show with Farhan Akhtar, she admitted that Akshay is a good friend of hers as well. "People think that I and Akshay are good friends. Yes, it is easy working together when it comes to Akshay but then our friendship is not the kind that I could have with my childhood or college friends", said Katrina when asked about her friends. In fact she went on to add that best friend is in fact her Manager. She admitted though that Akshay has a great role to play in her successful Bollywood stint, especially when it comes to dedication. "I have learnt dedication towards work from my co-star Akshay Kumar", says Katrina, "If you have good talent but take it for granted, then it fails for you. However, if you have less talent but work hard towards it then you get what you want. Someone like Akshay has a good combination of both talent which he hones further by working hard on it." Over the years gone by, her success ratio has been phenomenal with only BOOM and YUVVRAAJ failing at the box office. So, does she choose a script or a director? When asked this question, Katrina replied, "There should be one strong point at least when a film if offered to me. No, it isn't like I am a lucky mascot or anything but I believe in praying and hoping. I believe and pray that if you genuinely ask something it is granted." She goes on to add, "I don't have enough knowledge of films but I think that a film has to have some quality control at the least. If a director is new then at the least he should have a good and strong script. On the other hand, if a director is experienced that even a new actor with a good script can work."

Katrina Kaif Wallpapers

Shah Rukh and the Khans of Bollywood

This week, Shah Rukh Khan would be seen sharing screen space for the first time with yet another 'Khan'- the talented Irrfan Khan. The film in question is SRK's home production Billu and is directed by well-known filmmaker Priyadarshan.

As SRK pairs up with yet another Khan, Bollywood Hungama takes a trip down memory lane and sees some of Shah Rukh's on-screen pairing with the other 'Khans of Bollywood'.

Salman starrer Veer banned from shooting at Amber Fort, Jaipur

Download Veer wallpapers

Salman Khan never fails to make the headlines, be it for his looks, his big heart and above all- his controversies, this guy has the knack to stay in the spotlight. However, this time round his film Veer has run into a controversy and it's not Salman's fault at all.

The story by far is that the film which was being shot at the historical Amber Fort in Jaipur, recently had to face a spat of trouble as a complaint was lodged that the film crew was cheating the administration by paying for just the five days, when in reality they were present on the location for almost a month, setting up the set. However, this complaint was shot down by the district court on grounds that the Amber fort did not fall under their jurisdiction.

If that wasn't enough, an accident happened on the sets of Veer yesterday when a 20 foot long wall collapsed injuring fifteen people. A day after this incident, the Rajasthan High Court has issued a stay order on the filming of Veer in the fort and the Jaipur bench of the court has issued notice to the state government to explain why the norms relating to protected historical monuments were not followed and asked for a reply by March 3.

This stay order comes just after an initial complaint that was lodged. Besides this, the tourism business at the fort was also badly hit as most of the sections in the fort had been sealed off due to the shoot.

Karan Johar at his candid best on Farhan Akhtar's 'Oye! It's Friday!'

'Oye! It's Friday!' has been one entertaining show so far for its audiences, week after week with 'action-packed' episodes full of surprises, shocks and revelation to add a touch of excitement to our weekends.

This week too, 'Oye! It's Friday!' keeps up with its tradition of entertainment with the many twists, turns and convulsive curves with none other than the smooth talker Karan Johar as the guest on the hot seat. Farhan uncovers hidden secrets and unknown fact about Karan's childhood when he enjoyed dancing to tunes of renowned Jeetendra's song 'Tathaiya Tathiya Ho'. Farhan gets into his mischievous best as he quizzes KJo with 'Raped' Fire round where he asks a series of embarrassing questions to KJo.



If that wasn't enough, the show gives the audience a performance to remember with the 'Sharara' lass Shamita Shetty gyrating her way to win the audience hearts.

However, roping the audience together is the magical International 'Ariel Act' all the way from Hungary who will perform the astonishing aerial act. Following them is Suzie Q, the latest sensation in play-back singing who has taken Bollywood by storm with her exceptional voice. So stay tuned for this week's show of 'Oye! It's Friday!' on February 20 at 10 pm only on NDTV Imagine.

No film risks arriving close to Akshay's next big film Kambakht Ishq

Click above for more movie stills

Regardless of the fate of Chandni Chowk To China, there is no denying the fact that Akshay Kumar stays on to be a crowd puller. Even though his film is a certain flop, one can't discount the decent opening that the film took at the box office. The collections were good at least for the opening weekend and if not for a huge print count at which the film arrived, Chandni Chowk To China may have showed better numbers in percentage occupancy as well.

So why are we bringing back Chandni Chowk To China when the matter is dead and buried. Well, Akshay's next biggie Kambakht Ishq is around the corner and the release plan has proved once again that Akshay magic stays on. Reason? Even though this Sajid Nadiadwala production releases on 29th May, no other film, whether mainstream of offbeat, has confirmed its plans before the release date.

Typically, films begin making their plans a few months in advance so as to get the best chain of theaters and show timings with enough breathing space for promoting their films. However, as of now, the only other film which is confirmed for a May release is Abbas-Mustan produced Life Partner and that too is arriving on 1st May. Yash Raj Films' New York too is sighting a May release but there is no word yet on the exact date.

Says Akshay's friend, producer and director Vipul Shah who has worked with Akshay Kumar on Aankhen, Waqt, Namastey London and Singh Is Kinng, "Akshay Kumar is a thorough entertainer and an odd Chandni Chowk To China failing at the box office hardly makes a difference to his career. His subsequent film like Kambakht Ishq has blockbuster written over it and he would be rocking with the audience once again."[more...]

My kissing days are finally over: Emraan Hashmi

In his six year long career so far, Emraan Hashmi has given quite a few hits at the box office. Still with each release of his, he has been required to answer his critics and prove his detractors wrong.

In the meanwhile, he has continued to earn a loyal fan base for himself which started from B and C centers, reached the single screen audiences and has now finally seen even multiplex audience warming up to his popularity and screen presence, something that has been witnessed in Awarapan, Jannat and now Raaz - The Mystery Continues.

"You tell me, for how long do I have to continue to prove to the world about my presence in the industry", questions Emraan Hashmi who is experimenting with his roles and look in each of his films, "Between Gangster and Awarapan, there was a phase in my career when there wasn't much happening my career.

My films were not working and it was actually a harrowing phase. This is when I made a conscious call to reinvent myself."

And reinvent he did with Awarapan that brought him together with Mohit Suri, his friend and director with whom he had grown up since childhood and also worked with in Zeher and Kalyug.

"It was heartbreaking to see Awarapan not working. It may sound clichéd but I gave my heart, body and soul to the film. Those who saw the film loved it but then destiny had other plans.

It didn't work commercially at the box office but for my standing as an actor, it really benefited a lot. Finally, it seemed that the industry had started taking me seriously", remembers Emraan.

It was a one year long wait before Jannat released in 2007. The movie took a bumper opening at the box office and the floodgates opened for Emraan Hashmi who saw his biggest opening film till then.

"I have somehow stuck to my stand of doing only solo films, until and unless something exceptional comes up, and though it is big risk, it also translates into big benefits", says Emraan.

Though the success of Jannat was a huge shot in the arm for Emraan Hashmi, cynics were still not willing to give Emraan his due by calling the film's success a fluke.

"You can't help that, can you", asks Emraan Hashmi who is still doing majority of films with Bhatts, "I know for sure where my fan base resides and as long as they are happy, my producers are happy, I am getting my market price, heroines are willing to work with him and my wife isn't questioning me every morning if I would kiss for camera or not, I am happy", winks Emraan!

Nevertheless, his wife Parveen would certainly not have any questions for Emraan after the release of Raaz - The Mystery Continues and there are two reasons for that - a) The film has taken the biggest ever opening for an Emraan Hashmi starrer and b) It is Adhyayan Suman and not Emraan Hashmi who locks lips with Kangna.

Laughs Emraan, "Well, the film has worked even without a kiss from me so I guess the jinx is finally broken."

He adds on a serious note, "At least now do I have the right to feel successful? This is my second straight film that has taken a solid opening.

Even otherwise, I have constantly delivered successful films during last 6 years - Murder, Zeher, Aashiq Banaya Aapne, Kalyug, Aksar, Gangster, Jannat and now Raaz - The Mystery Continues. Agar kuch logon ko yeh ek long successful winning streak nahi lagti toh I can't help it. And actually, I don't care."

Some distributors have even gone to the extent of billing him as mini-Akshay Kumar in the making; someone who can guarantee a solid opening with every release of his.

"Arrey yaar don't get me into that trap. I am not commenting anything on this. Akshay has been around for close to two decades and done a lot in his career. Still, you can't say much for the audience. We just saw what happened to Chandni Chowk To China", he says with caution.

"Yes, what I am confident though is that I would continue to choose the best of the scripts coming my way. I won't let down my audience; that's a promise.

After that it is all destiny and luck", he signs off as he continues to make rounds across the country promoting Raaz - The Mystery Continues which is now all set to surpass the business of his last success Jannat and hence turn out to be the biggest money spinner of his career.