Chak De girl Shilpa Shukla steps into international cinema

Chak De girl Shilpa Shukla is all set to enter the international cinema with a film titled Extrospection which will be directed, written and produced by Manan Singh Kotohora. It is said that the film is based on Satyajit Ray's Charulata but set in contemporary times.

The film will be shot in New York with Shilpa playing the lead role of Charu. With all praises for Shilpa Shukla, Kotohora said that he was taken aback by the actress' performance in Khamosh Pani and Chak De India. Hence, she was his natural choice for the film.

Kotohora's another project titled When Kiran Met Karen, which is based on the issue of lesbianism, is in under post production. Extrospection is expected to go on the floors this year.

IIFA'08 Technical Awards Announced

The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) recently announced the awards in the Technical category.

And no prizes for guessing the winners as it were the regular suspects who walked home with the prestigious honors. The winners included superhit like Chak De India (five awards) and Om Shanti Om (four awards). While Chak De India bagged the awards in Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Sound Recording, Best Sound Re-recording, Best Screenplay (shared it with Life in a Metro), Om Shanti Om got it for Best Art Direction, Best Special Effects, Best Costume designing and Best Makeup.

The choreography award has gone to Vaibhavi Merchant for Aaja, while Javed Sheikh & Ejaz Sheikh won the best action award for the movie Shootout at Lokhandwala.

The Award for Best Sound Recording went to H. Sridhar for Guru, while A. R. Rahman won the Idea IIFA Award for Best Background Score for the movie Guru. Imtiaz Ali won the IIFA for Best Dialogue for Jab We Met.

The prestigious IIFA awards are to be held Bangkok, from June 6 -8 ‘08.

A thing Emraan can't share!!!

One look at Emraan Hashmi's filmography and you know that the young man loves to do films which aren't too crowded for comfort.

With Vivek Agnihotri's 'Chocolate' as an exception which had Anil Kapoor, Suneil Shetty, Arshad Warsi and Irrfan Khan for his company, Emraan has mainly done two/single hero projects.

While 'Murder' (Ashmit Patel), 'Gangster' (Shiney Ahuja), 'Good Boy Bad Boy' (Tusshar Kapoor) and 'Aksar' (Dino Morea) did have another male lead sharing screen space, Emraan still managed to tower above his contemporaries in most of the projects.

Now his upcoming 'Jannat' is a solo hero project, just as 'Awarapan' and 'The Train' were last year. Is it a conscious move?

"More than being termed as a conscious move, I would term it is a well thought move", says Emraan after a brief pause, "For me the film should work for me and I should be able to work for the film. It has to be mutual."

Please elaborate. "I don't want to be a part of a multi starrer for the heck of it. I mean it shouldn't be the way that 'if Emraan Hashmi is in the film, it becomes bigger, so let's add him on.' There should be substance and a reason behind my inclusion", adds Emraan Hashmi.

Continuing in a confident tone, Emraan also shares another thought, "Also, the film should be able to sell on my name too.

I don't want to be a part of the situation where a film has a big name as it's selling factor with Emraan Hashmi as an added attraction. Sorry, I may rather have my film as an Emraan Hashmi, even if that means going solo."

"There is no point in joining the fray just because so many other leads around me seem to be doing that. A package film is good as long as it has good share for everyone involved. The moment one has to struggle and fight for something like this, it ceases to be a worthwhile exercise."

Concludes Emraan Hashmi, "I am here to do great roles. 'Jannat' is one of them and yes, it is a solo hero film. If I get a script which surprises me, even though it requires a multi starrer set up, I would jump on it. Ultimately, what matters is a project which gives me an ample opportunity to demonstrate my acting capabilities."

I apologize for sexy photos

Teen idol Miley Cyrus, the fresh-faced star of Disney's "Hannah Montana" television franchise, has apologized for two sets of photos in which she flashes her bra, lies across a boy's lap, and appears semi-nude.

The 15-year-old churchgoing daughter of country singer Billy Ray Cyrus said in a statement on Sunday that she was embarrassed about some photos released on the Internet and others to be published in Vanity Fair magazine.

The first series of photos, which circulated on the Internet last week, showed Cyrus draped over the lap of her then-boyfriend, her producer's son, while another showed her revealing part of her green bra.

She is also starring in some as-yet released shots by celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz in which she appears to be topless and wrapped in a blanket. These are set to be published in Vanity Fair magazine's June edition.

"For Vanity Fair, I was so honored and thrilled to work with Annie. I took part in a photo shoot that was supposed to be 'artistic' and now, seeing the photographs and reading the story, I feel so embarrassed," Cyrus said in a statement published on People magazine's Web site.

The Disney Channel backed up the rising star saying in a statement that "a situation was created to deliberately manipulate a 15-year-old in order to sell magazines."

No one from Vanity Fair was immediately available to comment.

But in a statement to the TV show "Entertainment Tonight," Vanity Fair defended itself.

"Miley's parents and/or minders were on the set all day. Since the photo was taken digitally, they saw it on the shoot and everyone thought it was a beautiful and natural portrait of Miley," said the magazine's statement.

Regarding the photos on the Internet, Cyrus said these were "silly, inappropriate shots" and she was sorry if she had disappointed anyone.

"I appreciate all the support of my fans, and hope they understand that along the way I am going to make mistakes and I am not perfect," she said.

"Most of all, I have let myself down. I will learn from my mistakes and trust my support team. My family and my faith will guide me through my life's journey."

Late last year, some candid photos of Cyrus frolicking with a female friend during a sleepover raised some eyebrows. She said at the time that there was "nothing wrong" with those photos.

Cyrus rocketed to fame as "Hannah Montana" on the Disney Channel's TV show of the same name about a girl who leads a double life as a teenager and singing sensation.

Ashtavinayak's hat-trick

2008 seems to be another eventful year for Shree Asthtavinayak Cinevision. The hi-profile concern will have three important releases one after the other, starting July. While MAHARATHI will hit the screens on 25th July, KIDNAP [Sanjay Gadhvi's first film outside Yash Raj] has been confirmed for 22nd August. And the sequel to GOLMAAL, GOLMAAL RETURNS [directed by the talented Rohit Shetty] is, as of now, expected in Diwali [24th October].

However, Ashtavinayak will release one more film before the year draws to a close: RUN BHOLA RUN, starring Govinda and Tusshar and directed by Neeraj Vora. Great going indeed!

I confess, I am a selfish actor: Kajol

'U, Me Aur Hum' may not have got a great opening like Shah Rukh Khan's Om Shanti Om, but Kajol is happy that she was a part of the project.

When I meet her at her actor-director husband Ajay Devgan's office in Juhu, Kajol confesses that it was not very tough to play the role. Kajol adds that she was confident that people would be able to identify with the role, when Ajay narrated the role to her. Here is a chat with the actor.

"I had a superb director to back me. I should undoubtedly give the entire credit to my director for the ease with which the character of Piya has unfolded on the screen in 'U, Me Aur Hum'.

The best thing that I liked about my character in the film was that besides the fact that she was normal and not handicapped in any way, Piya had a wicked sense of humor and at the same time, she was a little vulnerable too."

Kajol kick started her career with the film 'Bekhudi', more than a decade ago, with Kamal Sadanah as her leading man. Kajol is practical enough to confess that her role in 'U, Me Aur Hum' is not the best in her career till date.

"Every role that I have done has been the best at that particular point of time in my career. Since my latest release is 'U, Me Aur Hum', I feel that it is my best as of now." Kajol quips.

She admits that she is far too picky as an actor. "I am lucky that I have been approached by various kinds of directors, in spite of the fact that I am very choosy.

The problem is that my expectations as an actor are quite high and I am not getting the kind of roles that I want to do and I am not interested in doing the kinds of roles that I am offered", she avers.

What is interesting about Kajol is that she is capable of throwing surprises not only as an actor who gets into the skin of various characters but also as a person who can shock you out of your wits with statements you do not expect at all.

"I want to do films that I want to watch. I watch very few films for my entertainment. As far as I am concerned, happy and positive films make me laugh.

I am not against other kinds of films, though I may not be tempted to be a part of it. For instance, if tomorrow Mira Nair offers me a comedy film, I'd gladly grab it, without a second thought."

She disagrees when you tell her that married actors are not accepted by the audience when they set out to stage their comebacks in films.

"For your information, I acted with Ajay in films like 'Raju Chacha', 'Dil Kya Kare' etc only after I was married to him. Didn't 'Fanaa click'? I had acted in it after my baby Nysa was born. Didn't I?

I think that if you choose the right role, you can click, especially if you are a married actor, that too with a baby.

If I had made my come back with a film in which I played a college girl with a short skirt, I am sure I would not have succeeded. You should know to choose the right role."

Kajol confesses that she has mellowed a lot and is not the fire-brand rebel that she once was.

"I think motherhood changes you in many ways. Motherhood removes the chasma which is experience and you start looking at people in a different way and also judge them in a different way.

Your perceptions about people too changes. The way Nysa looked at people changed my pre-conceived notions too."

She adds, "Today, thanks to my growth as an actor, I feel that I can adapt my technique. I did not know what technique was earlier. I have, over the years, actually learnt a method to acting, and use it honestly with a lot more expertise and finesse."

Kajol says that then only film which she has signed is 'Toonpur Ka Super Hero'. She adds in the same breath, even before you can ask, that she has not signed any film with Karan or for that matter with Shah Rukh Khan.

"Ajay has got nothing to with me doing or not doing a film with Karan or for that matter Shah Rukh Khan. I choose the script every time I am offered a film, not Ajay Devgan, Aamir Khan or for that matter Shah Rukh Khan.

Ajay is proud that I choose to do films which I believe in."

She continues. "I have not heard Karan's script. It would not do him and his project justice, if I tell him that I'd do his film without listening to the script, though as a friend, he trusts me enough to let me make a decision and vice versa.

Our friendship is so strong that it will stand the test of time, whether we do a film together or not."

Kajol is happy that she agreed to be a part of the TV show 'Rock N Roll Family' with her mother Tanuja and her husband Ajay.

"We were offered a lot of reality shows earlier but we kept on declining each of them, although we appeared in one episode of 'Little Champs'. We agreed to be in 'Rock N Roll Family' because of the concept. It is about the family and the principles that we believe in."

Though it was a life long dream of Ajay to wield the megaphone, Kajol says that she does not plan to take up direction. "I'd say that as of now I am not inclined to take up direction, though I do not know what is in store.

Unlike Ajay, whose strength as a director is his clarity, I am a selfish actor. Mujhe sirf apne kaam se mutlab hain. I am in fact surprised that Ajay and I never had any disagreement throughout the shooting of the film.

I have had some point of disagreement with almost every director with whom I have worked till date. In fact, I'd say that the director Ajay Devgan exceeded my expectations when I worked with him."

"I hope that I have affected Ajay a lot. I have taught him a lot and vice versa. I believe that any marriage works only if there is a lot of give and take between the couple. In fact I agree one hundred per cent with the message that 'U, Me Aur Hum' sets out to drive home.

That man makes a problem bigger though it is never bigger than a man. We make the solution impossible, because we do not make an attempt to solve a problem, since we concentrate more on the problem than the solution," she concludes.- Jyothi Venkatesh

The things hotties do and say

Sex bomb bimbette Sherlyn Chopra, who so far has a sleazy film, a sleazy pop album and lots of popping photographs splashed all over including Maxim, to her credit recenbtly claimed that she was doing a role opposite Shahid Kapur in a Yash Chopra film.

Not that she was lying, but the things these bimbettes will do, and say, to get into newsprint or the newsd channels! That's how they becdome Rakhi Sawants and Mallika Sherawats, you know. The Yash Raj banner is mighty upset about this claim and a spokesman has sought to clarify the dubious report. Said he: "Shahid has been paired with Rani Mukerji. Sherlyn is just making a brief appearance in the film.

The report of Shahid acting opposite Sherlyn is false. Sherlyn is doing it just to gain mileage for herself and some cheap publicity."

And to think she claimed in Maxim that her real name is Sherlyn but "some sleazy producer felt it was too Westernised a name and changed it to Mona", but she didn't approve and changed it back to her original name Sherlyn after that sleazy film flopped! Dear, oh dear!

Aishwarya is very cool: Preity

Preity flew into Mumbai on Wednesday from her busy schedule in Mohali to record a promotional clipping for the Bachchans' Unforgettable concerts.

If you've been wondering why Preity is seen in dark glasses at all her IPL events in and out of Mohali, it's not for fashionable causes. A seemingly minor eye injury two weeks ago blew up into a serious problem for Preity Zinta.

"Anything could've happened," she shudders. "At an event in Mohali two weeks ago a stranger's elbow jabbed into my eye. I felt the room swim. And the eye got immediately swollen. But after ice-pack treatment for hours it seemed to be in control. Little did I know what was in store."

In the next few days Preity's eye condition worsened. "The pupil acquired every colour in the rainbow, and the cornea shrank. I was in a panic. My mother was so worried. Finally I went to a really good doctor, the same one who looks after the Bachchans' eyes. At last my eye is healed."

Now Preity intends to maintain a safe distance from crowds during her public appearances in Mohali.

The Bachchans and Preity seem to be bonded in more ways than one. And the bonding gets strongers now that Preity joins them on their world tour.

"I'm very fond of Jayaji and Amitji. And Abhishek is a chum. I also think Aishwarya is very cool. In fact I'm now joining them on their world tour in July. And really looking forward to it."

Unlike the other actors like Akshay Kumar and Shahid Kapoor who would be making appearances at selected venues, Preity will be accompanying the Bachchans throughout their 2-month tour.

Several actresses who were verbally committed to join the Bachchans chickened out with lame excuses. Putting aside her plans to return to acting after the IPL activities in July Preity decided to join the Bachchans for their world concerts.

She brushes off any suggestion of largesse. "I don't know why the other actresses aren't going. The Bachchans are my buddies. They asked me. I agreed. As simple as that.

In fact I've been on a world tour with them before and I had myself a ball. I'm looking forward to this one too. And I do not care who's going with them, or not."

What she does care about is the oncoming IPL matches in Mohali, and not only for the matches. "The people there are so warm and friendly. Ness and I have begun to care for the town.

See while the others in the IPL have got developed cities, we're the only ones who were given a town that's growing. And we're so proud to be part of that growth.

Mohali is an air-force base so only army planes land there. There's already talk of an international airport and several luxury hotels in the town, all thanks to the IPL."

Speaking of her team's rocking music video Preity giggles, "Ram Madhvani shot our film exactly the way we wanted. Daler Mehdi captured the flavour and ethos of Punjab so wonderfully in his song.

We wanted it to be about the spirit of the game and we wanted the people of Chandigarh and Mohali to participate. I made just a fleeting appearance in it. It felt good.I haven't faced the camera for some months."

Penelope Cruz to bare all with Ben Kingsley

Spanish actress Penelope Cruz is setting pulses racing with her steamy new film, Elegy.

She appears alongside Sir Ben Kingsley, who plays a charismatic professor who loses his composure when he falls in love with a student half his age.

The star is no stranger to nudity - she has gone topless in more than eight films, including the Italian release Don't Move.

"Penelope has done screen nudity before and isn't shy about showing off her boobs and bum," The Sun quoted a film insider as saying.

"Movie fans are in for a real treat," the insider added.

Elegy is based on Pulitzer Prize-winner Philip Roths short novel The Dying Animal. The movie is about a passionate relationship between a celebrated college professor (Ben Kingsley) and a young woman (Penelope Cruz) whose beauty destabilizes him.

She admits her hairdresser mother, Encarna, and merchant father, Eduardo, aren't thrilled at her nude scenes.

She has said previously, "Going topless is not my favourite thing. It's a little tough for my parents."

The film, which also stars Debbie Harry, Dennis Hopper and Patricia Clarkson, is expected to be be released is the UK next month.

Anna keeps rejecteing my marriage proposal

Pop singer Enrique Iglesias says he has tried repeatedly to convince his girlfriend Anna Kournikova to marry him — with no luck.

Iglesias spoke to reporters Friday after arriving in the Dominican Republic for the first of nine concerts planned across Latin America.

Iglesias says he's been involved with the tennis star for at least three years and says she keeps ignoring his appeals to wed. In his words, "I always try, but she pays me no attention."

The Madrid-born artist is the son of crooner Julio Iglesias.

Paris Hilton Defends Her Breasts

American socialite Paris Hilton decided to share her view regarding Jessica Simpson's boob size with the world. According to Hilton, small boobs are far better than big sized ones, citing the Dukes Of Hazzard star's assets as being "too big".

"I like how mine are, I don't like big boobs," the Sun quoted her as saying.

"I think they're too ... big," she said.

In order to prove her point, Paris arrived at The Sanderson Hotel in London in a see-through top. Earlier Paris Hilton has groveled to her former best friend Kim Kardashian after likening her ass to cottage cheese.

The dimwitted socialite told a Las Vegas radio show, “I would not want [Kim’s butt] — it’s gross! It reminds me of cottage cheese inside a big trash bag.”

However, when the insults were posted all over the web, sorry Paris realised she overstepped the mark.

Speaking to In Touch, the Good Charlotte groupie said, “I was just joking around and I made a stupid joke. I felt really bad afterward, so I contacted Kim and apologized. It was a silly thing to say. Kim’s hot!”

Kim graciously accepted the apology, saying: “Paris and I have been friends since we were kids and I’m glad she made the effort to say she's sorry."

Split, actually or just a gimmick?

Here's another quake hitting bold and beautiful Bollywood. The made for each other couple, Arbaaz Khan and Malaika Arora Khan, have separated and will be seeking talaq, going by the indisputable indications.

This comes soon after the stunning, overnight as it were, split between Shahid Kapur and Kareena Kapoor, looked upon as the head-over-heels in love pair for quite some time.

While both Shahid and Kareena kept their counsel, Shahid rose in the esteem of his fans for playing the dignified lover being dumped after all those wild quotable quotes about their everlasting love and their tongue wrestling in a public place MMS.

Kareena, who is now looked upon as the coolest babe on Saif Ali Khan's arm (and in his arms), fell for Saif during the outdoors of Tashan and the news plopped out just prior to the release of Shahid-Kareena's only hit, Jab We Met.

Saif, just out of his torrid relationship with Italian bomb, Rozza Catalano, has gone through the pleasant agony of tatooing Kareena's name on his arm, and Kareena is in the euphoric quoteable quote mode again as if nothing or Shahid ever happened only the other day!

Of course, true to showbiz type, both Saif and Kareena are also emphasising to everyone who cares to listen, that their career is on the upswing at the moment, and certainly they will marry, but don't see that happening before another five years.

The emergency exit for another couple of Shahids and Rozzas to happen in the next five years.

On the surface, the Arbaaz Khan-Malaika Arora affair looked a lot more cool and dignified, and the eyebrow raising was because people couldn't believe that what they were seeing was worth believing. They seemed to be too genuinely happily married to be true. And they lasted all of 10 years and a five-year-old son, Arhaan.

After his much touted acting debut in Daraar, where he played a debonair sunglassed villain, Arbaaz's career never took off, despite the family film where all three Khan brothers played stellar roles, Hello Brother.

He managed two-and-a-half roles in the years since, but all of them rather insignificant. The last we saw him in was Apoorva Lakhia's Shootout At Lokhandwala, starring Sanjay Dutt, in which he played a dashing cop, buit the film was not a commercial success either.

Malaika, on the other hand, was a high-profile model and hit the Bollywood jackpot by swivelling her hips with Shah Rukh Khan atop a moving train.

Dil Se's Chhaiyaan Chhaiyaan made her a memorable item girl, and she made her sexual presence felt as a 'love and agony aunt' anchor on television and make cleaage and leg showing appearances at glitzy parties and inaugurals. Kaante's Mahi ve and Welcome's Hoth Rasiley, also added punch to her power as an item girl.

In a split-second appearance among a galaxy of Bollywood stars in Heyy Baby and Om Shanti Om, both the sisters Malaika and Amrita Arora are seen shaking their booty, along with Arbaaz!

When a television channel, Live India, broke the story late last night (April 16) and asked the couple separately about the divorce, Arbaaz and Malaika neither confirmed nor refuted the news, but their replies were loaded.

"It is my private life and I would not like to discuss it in public," Arbaaz said, adding, "Life is uncertain and no one knows what will happen tomorrow."

Malaika seemed to be pretty shaken and also asserted, weakly though, "It is too personal and I would like to keep quiet on this issue." When reminded that keeping quiet on such issues indicates trouble, Malaika reiterated, "I believe silence is golden."

The news comes as a surprise especially at a time when Malaika and Arbaaz are getting ready for their Kannada film together, Shaadi Ke Side Effects. The film, which is ironically about marriage and infidelity, casts Malaika in her first lead role.

It could just be a publicity gimmick for the film, but their reactions did not seem to indicate that. Even the Kareena-Shahid split was initially supposed to be a gimmick for pushing Jab We Met.

Arbaaz and Malaika's 10-year-old marriage is to end, it can safely be concluded, unless there is a last minute reconciliation.

They have one son, Arhaan, from this marriage and people have always looked on in awe at the couple's successful bonding despite a failed career of Arbaaz and Malaika always being the hot-bod model mom who even appeared in various stages of undress in Maxim recently, but with a total understanding between the couple.

Ten years of mutual respect between a high-profile couple is not usual in Bollywood or showbiz. That is why this comes as a shocker, coming as it is without any runway clues.

The news trickling in is that Arbaaz has found a new love with whom he is living secretly at a Bandra property. Even during the Shahid-Kareena affair, there were rumours of the goody-goody Shahid having been seen with co-star Amrita Rao too many times.

Kareena is supposed to have spit fire and doused any flame waiting to break out. But here, Arbaaz has actually separated from Malaika, his wife since 1997 and mother to five-year old Arhaan, two weeks ago.

A friend of Malaika has told the media, "Malaika and Arbaaz have stopped communicating with each other completely. She is not even aware where Arbaaz is."

Arbaaz, on the split and a rumoured second marriage, says, "I don't want to comment on my personal life or on Malaika. Why is the press so impatient? They will know whether I'm remarrying or not in due time. I will probably talk about it soon. At this moment I don't want to say anything further."

King Khan launches Nokia 2 Hot 2 Kool

Shah Rukh Khan is known to put his heart and soul completely into whatever he undertakes. The big event which is keeping him really busy these days is the inaugural edition of the IPL- Indian Premiere League which kicks off in Bangalore tomorrow (April 18th)

SRK who is the proud owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders team is going all out to promote his team. In fact, his promotional music video 'Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo Re' is already making the air-waves and now Shah Rukh has gone ahead and even launched a music album called Nokia 2 Hot 2 Cool.

The actor along with music moghul Bhushan Kumar of T-series officially released the music of the album in association with Nokia at a function in Mumbai yesterday.

Speaking on the occasion, King Khan said, “I thought of Nokia because Nokia could connect my 22 players who were diverse but came together in one thought- they hated the thought of losing. T Series was the obvious choice because whenever I think of music, the only company that comes to my mind is T Series and I have a long association with Bhushan Kumar since Chalte Chalte days and recently even with Om Shanti Om”

With the album having some pulsating numbers by Vishal-Shekhar, Bappi Lahiri and Pritam this one surely seems a must- buy for all die-hard SRK fans

"I know who's gunning for me" - Upen Patel

There's a definite design to demolish Upen Patel's reputation. And Upen knows who's behind the smearing schemes. "I'm being made out to be this publicity hungry woman-eating Casanova with nothing better to do than chase skirts. I know exactly who's behind these."

Apparently, a certain section of the industry is determined to hold Upen up for ridicule. Off the record, he names some people who have in some way or other felt slighted threatened or rejected by the actor. "But the truth is I'm not here to take up a panga with anyone. I'm accused of having a temper problem. Fine. But do I display my temper unnecessarily? I got into a situation with the One Two Three director Ashwani Dheer. But did you see how silly I looked in One Two Three, especially when I take my shirt off in the middle of a song, everyone laughed when it wasn't meant to be funny."

Upen takes a deep breath. “I'm accused of being the kiss-and-tell type. Will anyone, even my closest friends, be able to claim I've shared my girlfriend secrets with anyone? I'm not that kind of a guy."

What about the stories of Upen whizzing past Mumbai's fast lanes with Tabu? "Did I call up journalists and say I'm seeing the lady? Did I plant stories of our friendship? No! The next thing I hear Tabu is upset with me, for what? What have I done? Or Tanissha for that matter. I've been shouting from rooftops that I'm single. Will someone please listen to me?"

When other actor's past rares its head it's often an ugly occurrence, But Upen Patel feels he's being hounded for a perfectly normal past….sans hanky panky. "The latest attempt to force me unnecessarily into a corner is a group of pictures featuring me and Deepika Padukone released on the net by someone who has nothing better to do. Now, I'm being accused of leaking out those pictures! What would I gain by doing something so silly? It's not as if they're sleazy pictures. They're part of mine and Deepika's modeling days. We shot the photo-spread for a men's magazine. What's wrong with that? I've shot similar pics with other model-friends like Yana Gupta. What is the point of bringing them out? If they're meant to embarrass the lady, then they don't work. I'm very proud of my modeling days and all that I did back then."

Upen insists he knows who his enemies are. "But I won't give them the pleasure of publicity by naming them. Neither will I let them demoralize me. I came to Mumbai from London with a dream. Today, I've made a place for myself and for my sister whose modeling agency is doing very well. I will make it big without being a star-son or having godfathers and sugar daddys in the industry."

Bipasha Basu to endorse a perfume brand

Download Bipasha Basu wallpaper

After endorsing for various renowned brands like 'Heads & Shoulders' and 'Kinetic scooty', Bipasha is all geared up for yet another brand which suits her sumptuous personality. A US-based company has signed Bips as a Brand Ambassador of their brand 'Alcome perfumes and cosmetics'.

Alcome will be launched in the Indian market with Bipasha as the face of the brand. Sanjeev Nayyar, Vice-President of Alcome Perfumes and cosmetics enthusiastically said that Bipasha perfectly fits in the bill and will definitely help the brand and the company with respect to their business aspect in India.

Naomi Campbell not allowed to donate blood

Brit supermodel Naomi Campbell wanted to do her bit when she offered her blood at the HemoRio medical centre in Brazil only to have officials turn her away.

Campbell, who had flown Apr 14 night to Brazil, had turned up at the centre to participate in a blood drive to fight a dengue fever epidemic, but officials turned her away due to medical reasons.

"I have to help Brazil and will donate blood," New York Daily News quoted her as saying in Sao Paulo. However, the 37-year-old's wishes were not fulfilled, as due to the surgery she had in February to remove a cyst, she was not permitted to donate blood.

Not letting her inability to donate blood stop her fight for the cause, she will be appearing at a blood centre to raise awareness of the epidemic, which has so far infected 55,000 people, and killed 67. It is obvious that the supermodel loves Brazil, as she often visits the country.

She has been given an invitation by Rio Mayor Cesar Maia to be a goodwill ambassador for the city.

Kareena, Deepika's item numbers in Billo Barber

Priyadarshan's forthcoming film Billo Barber has been in the news ever since it was announced, as this is the first time that the talented director is working with the 'Baadshah of Bollywood', Shah Rukh Khan. The film which stars Irrfan Khan in the lead role is a story of friendship between a poor villager and a big star and is completely different from Priyan's usual comic fares.

The latest buzz doing the rounds is that the film will have an item number featuring none other than the gorgeous Kareena Kapoor and the super-hot Deepika Padukone along with King Khan. While Kareena has already shot for the number, it is believed that Deepika would be shooting her part later this month.

When Kareena last grooved with Shah Rukh in Don, the song went on to become a chartbuster. As for Deepika, her pairing with SRK in Om Shanti Om also re-wrote the box-office history. So will the same magic be created this time round too? Well….our guess is as good as yours.

Soha backs out of the Olympic torch relay

With just one day to go for the Olympic torch relay in the capital, actress Soha Ali Khan seems to have got the heebie-jeebies. The bubbly actress has backed out from carrying the Olympic torch in the relay and has even informed the Indian Olympic Association of her decision.

What is quite strange is that Soha has cited purely personal reasons as the cause for her backing out at the last minute. For those who came in late, the Olympic torch relay event scheduled to take place in Delhi tomorrow has been affected by one controversy after the other. First actor Aamir Khan was asked by some members of the Tibetan community to not participate in the event, then star football player, Baichung Bhutia, opted out of the event and finally Aamir decided that he would be carrying the Olympic torch.

With so many ups and downs, the Indian Olympic Association surely would heave a sigh of relief if and when the event goes on smoothly tomorrow.

James Bond won't bare all in next 007 flick

It surely is hard luck for all Daniel Craig female fans, for the actor's iconic character of James Bond will not shed his clothes in the next 007 movie.

However, Bond bosses have revealed that they continue to insist Craig to consider baring all in the next Bond flick.

Producers have slammed rumours that the 40-year-old star would pose nude for the next 007 movie, Quantum Of Solace, but they did agree that they tried convincing him for the same.

It certainly was an eye-candy for girls when the actor gave a glimpse of his perfect physique donning a skimpy pair of swimming shorts in 'Casino Royale'.

However, producer Barbara Broccoli has revealed she hasn't yet convinced Craig to go one step further and be fully nude in the forthcoming 'Quantum of Solace'.

"I'm always after him to take his clothes off, every day. I have to fight on behalf of all the women, and some of the men, too. I'm doing my best," Contactmusic quoted her, as telling AOL movies.

'I never asked Big B to leave'

After actor Amitabh Bachchan vowed not to leave Mumbai in the wake of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena campaign against him, party chief Raj Thackeray on Friday said that he had never asked the actor to leave Maharashtra.

Raj's remarks came in the wake of Bachchan's comments three days ago, stating that he was not an outsider in Mumbai and that he would not leave the city.

Raj was speaking at a function at Dinanath Mangeshkar Hall while addressing employees of an airlines.

Bachchan had said, "I am not leaving this city (Mumbai) and going anywhere. Let them chuck a thousand bottles. Let them burn my effigies. Let them attack me with stones and lathis or whatever is their arsenal. I will not budge".

The actor had made the remarks as he was hurt by the campaign that was unleashed by the MNS against him.

Raj had first launched an attack on Bachchan more than two months ago, when he said at a public rally that Bachchan was taking more interest in his native Uttar Pradesh than in Mumbai, which had made him a superstar.

Later, MNS also made fun of the actor in a poster, in which they called him a superstar farmer for having purchased farmlands.

Lindsay Bares All in Florence drama

Hollywood actress Lindsay Lohan has agreed to go totally nude for a new movie - just to prove that she can be a mature actress.

The actress isnt getting paid a hefty amount for the nymphomaniac waitress role either.

The Mean Girls star will be paid around 40,000 dollars to go ‘full frontal’ for new independent, low-budget flick Florence, reports The Sun.

The actress is so keen on making her point that when producers wanted her to only go topless during the red-hot sex scenes, she happily offered to do a full frontal.

And whats more, Lohan, who has usually been commanding seven-figure movie cheques, has agreed to strip off for a least amount.

Lindsay doesnt care shes getting paid peanuts. She wants to remind people she can act and that she is worth hiring, an insider said.

She is fully aware of the potential of her body. Lindsay wants to build up an image as a mature, responsible actress, a Hollywood pal added.

Barrymore, Long are Most Loved Couple

Lovebirds Drew Barrymore and Justin Long have topped the list of Hollywood's Most Loved-Up Celebrity Couple. Barrymore and Long have defeated Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes to the top slot in In Touch magazine's public display of affection list, reports Contactmusic.

Following TomKat are Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz at the third position. The publication editors gave the most 'touching' couple title to Barrymore and Long because, since last summer, they just can't seem to keep their hands, or lips, to themselves.

The list of Most Loved-Up Celebrity Couples is as follows:

1. Drew Barrymore + Justin Long
2. Katie Holmes + Tom Cruise
3. Ashlee Simpson + Pete Wentz
4. Nicollette Sheridan + Michael Bolton
5. Brooke Burke + David Charvet

I'm trying to be more feminine: Madonna

American pop singer Madonna has revealed that she is trying to be more ladylike – because she feels that she is too "masculine".

Madge claimed that she has always been comfortable with her masculine side, but would now like to concentrate on being more feminine.

"I think I've been honing and finessing my feminine side,” Contactmusic quoted her as saying.

She further stated that she likes the idea of being more flexible and more vulnerable.

"I've always been very comfortable with my masculine side - the confidence, the ballsiness. I've learnt to be more pliant, more vulnerable - and to be comfortable with that," she added.

Saif-Bebo most Prized couple

They are beautiful, gooey-eyed and forever in love.

The picture perfect, real-life Bollywood couples are emerging as the most coveted brand ambassadors and seem set to test the adage that real-life couples do not sizzle on the silver screen. Among star couples, Ajay-Kajol is undoubtedly the most visible.

They are also the ones who set the trend of endorsing products together.They make a neat Rs.80 million to Rs.90 million per ad. Clearly, being in love and flaunting it was never so lucrative.

Says film critic Indu Mirani: 'For advertisers, married real-life Bollywood couples are a picture of happy matrimony which is highly sellable.'

Advertisers already swear by the pull factor of casting such couples and are willing to shell out unheard of amounts to rope them in.

Box-office performance of upcoming releases like 'U Me Aur Hum', Ajay's directorial debut in which he stars with wife Kajol, and 'Tashan', which has Saif Ali Khan and real-life girlfriend Kareena Kapoor in the lead, will determine whether filmmakers join the queues outside the homes of perfect duos.

Now with Ajay appearing on a reality show along with Kajol and mother-in-law Tanjua, they may just start yet another trend.

And advertisers are hoping that the other famous couple, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai - along with his father Amitabh - would relent and be up next. It is estimated that the trio together could be worth around Rs.700 million.

And it is only a matter of time before some brand comes up with a deal that the three just cannot refuse. Already, they are setting off on 'The Unforgettable World Tour' sometime this year.

The other big question on everyone's mind is when Abhishek and Aishwarya will do a joint endorsement.

While Aishwarya is internationally known and one of the global faces of L'Oreal Paris, Longines, Lux and Coke as well as jewellery products in India, Abhishek endorses 11 products from motorcycles to radio stations.

The couple has been offered between Rs.100 to Rs.120 million per endorsement.

But the duo is yet to be seen endorsing a brand together. According to reports, the couple has been quoting astronomical prices to give joint endorsements.

Rumour has it that Abhishek's deal with LG was called off when he insisted on joint endorsement and asked for way too much.

The title of the hottest couple on the circuit, however, would go to Saif and Kareena. According to a media report, companies are willing to offer over Rs.100 million per ad for the duo to make joint endorsement.

Saif, who makes a neat Rs.360 million a year from his 12 endorsements, and Kareena, who represents five brands, have been approached to appear together by five companies.

Perhaps, Saif and Kareena want to take their time and not go the John Abraham-Bipasha Basu way. The real-life couple had to do a lot of explaining when they decided to end their joint endorsement for a hair shampoo.

The contract was discontinued around the same time as their film - 'Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal' - failed to put the box-office on fire, setting tongues wagging. All is well in lovers' paradise again but the makers of the hair shampoo ad have smartened up.

'Few hotties can act like Kajol'

Kajol is a director's delight, says Bollywood actor Ajay Devgan of his talented wife whom he has cast in his directorial debut 'U, Me Aur Hum'.

'Very few actresses can perform like her. Doesn't every director want to work with Kajol?' Ajay told.

'Working with her is a delight. When a writer writes his book, he uses words to express himself and when a director makes a film, actors like her help convey the message rightly,' added Devgan, who was in the capital Saturday to promote his upcoming film.

The actor denies he would only select Kajol for his future projects.

'Taking her in my first film doesn't mean that I would only work with her. Casting depends on who suits the role most, and for this character she fitted the bill.'

Apart from Ajay and Kajol, the movie also stars Divya Dutta, Karan Khanna, Isha Sharvani and Sumeet Raghavan. It narrates the story of three couples and how the successful marriage of one couple helps mend another's relationship and how the third is urged to tie the knot.

'I have not tried to make a pseudo intellectual film, instead a commercial one. 'U, Me Aur Hum' is about love, life and relationships. The aim is that people must come out of the theatre with a smile and feel good,' the national award winner said.

Ajay believes directing a film and acting in it is not difficult.

'Doing two things at a time requires a lot of hard work but once you are clear about what you want to do it is not that difficult.

'Moreover, direction wasn't a big change for me. I started my career as a director. I used to make small films and would do everything except acting in them. I always wanted to direct a full-length film,' he said.

'It all started with a thought that gradually took shape. Only when a second thought comes along will I roll out my next film.'

Commenting on whether his role in the film is a reflection of his personal life, he said: 'No, there are no similarities.'

'For instance, in the film the character falls in love at first sight but nothing like this has ever happened to me in real life. However, I believe in what the character believes in.'

I never met Dawood's sister...

A story that Ram Gopal Varma had a hushed meeting with Dubai-based alleged don Dawood Ibrahim's sister Haseena in the bylanes of Mumbai, has the director scratching his head in puzzlement.

"I've never met the lady. In all my life I've probably seen one picture of her in the paper.

I don't know where this story comes from. In fact they invented a whole screenplay where I'm shown driving up to a secluded spot and the lady's car driving up to meet me.

Then we both supposedly took off for an unknown destination. This is a better screenplay than any I can think up."

Ramu says the shooting of his new film Contract is over. "So I don't need to do any research for my film.And I don't need to meet people who can help me to know more about the underworld."

Contract features an entirely new star cast. "Right now I'm focusing on the release on Sarkar Raj."

Ramu dismisses the report that after Raj Thackeray his uncle Bal Thackeray also saw Sarkar Raj.

'I have paid for being Muslim'

It comes as a shock to know that second-time director Samar Khan's hard-hitting look at the isolation of the Indian Muslim in Shaurya comes from the director's personal anguish.

"We don't confront anything that's uncomfortable. But the fact of the matter is that the Indian Muslim is living a very real crisis. What you see in Shaurya is born of a very private anguish.

Why is it that a Khan is asked to prove his patriotism in this country while a Jha is not?

Why do I've to wear my patriotism on the sleeve? Isn't it enough that I am an Indian? These are questions that have always troubled me.

There came a time when I said, 'F..k it. I won't be answerable to anyone except my own conscience'.

Samar says he has felt the discrimination in Mumbai first-hand. "It may not be on an obvious level. But it's there.

If I praise the performance of the Pakistani cricket team a look would pass around the room. But if anyone else said it, it wouldn't be noticed. I don't want to be known as a Muslim.

I want to be known as an Indian.Unfortunately in these troubled times that we live in it's become embarrassing to be Samar Khan."

The character Javed Khan of the persecuted Muslim in Shaurya is inspired by what Samar has gone through. "Javed's character represents the predicament of the Indian Muslim today.

Javed is willing to give up his life for the honour of the army uniform and is still looked on with suspicion. The discrimination against Muslims does exist.And it hurts.

I pay my taxes like any other Indian, and I'm willing to give up my life for the country. Then why?"

Samar then tells a hair-raising story. " Recently when I was trying to buy a house, five housing societies turned me down.

If this can happen in Mumbai I shudder to think what it must be like in Surat and Bhopal. I situated Shaurya in the army becauseI feel I feel the army is the nation's moral guardian.

I was in the National Defence Academy for three years. In my film Javed and before him his father have served the country in the army. And yet when Javed is accused of murdering a colleague he's held guilty even before the trial."

Once and for all, is Shaurya inspired by the Tom Cruise-Jack Nicholson starrer A Few Good Men?

"Yes, the skeleton of the film is A Few Good Men. But I've changed everything around. Where in A Few Good Men did they talk about Kashmir and the Muslim identity?

It's like comparing Independence Day and The Day After Tomorrow. They're both about the end of the world. But so different."

Samar had earlier made the innocuous candfloss confection called Kuch Meetha Ho Jaye. "I wanted my peer's respect. My first film didn't get me that."

About the incredibly sensitive cast Samar sighs, "It's K K Menon's presence that lends the film a colour of reality. He makes you shudder in your seat.And Rahul Bose has brought so many subtleties into the plot."

However Samar concedes that Shah Rukh Khan who recites poetry in Shaurya, would've made all the difference to the project.

"But I didn't have the nerve to ask Shah Rukh. Nor did I want to exploit my friendship with him. I was more confident approaching Rahul Bose, though he obviously didn't share my confidence.

But when he heard the script he was immediately with me. In any case today it's the subject and the film that pull in the crowds. I'm hoping Shaurya to create a buzz. In Mumbai its audience has been growing."

He then adds, "I didn't want to sound jingoistic and judgemental, even when K K Menon gives his Hitlerian speech.

I honestly feel if we keep closing our eyes to what happened to Gujarat then the Muslims in India will end up getting a dose of Nazism. Yes Shaurya has made me a more politically aware creature.

Amita was never my Girlfriend

Stories about Kasturi's rebellious Robby,Karan Patel, turning tardy are filtering out of Balajee Telefilms.

With surprising candour, Karan admits that there was indeed a problem at the Balajee. "Yes, I did come late for the shoot.

But that's because I've taken on another show—I'm anchoring Kaho Na Yaar Hai—and initially there's some problem synchronizing the two schedules although they're both shows for the same channel.

I'm sure it'll be sorted out very shortly. For now I regret the incovenience caused to the Kasturi team and to Ekta."

Karan admits Ekta was upset about his latecoming. "We had a meeting and I explained my situation. And she's okay now. Yes the Kasturi cast did walk out en masse because I arrived late. But it's not something I could help. Or something that I'd do intentionally."

Kasturi's Bad Boy turned Angel makes another strangely disarming confession. Amita Chandekar, who has a vamp's part in Kasturi, and who partnered him on Nach Baliye 3 recently was never his real-life girlfriend.

"I'd like to clarify that I don't have a girlfriend. This was something I needed to clear for a long time. It's a misunderstanding that has been allowed to go on for too long. Amita and I were close friends.

And we were together for some time, though not as a couple. Our togetherness was mistaken for something else. I'm much relieved to clear this notion."

So how did they end up being a couple on Nach Baliye? "We were friends and we suited the rules and regulations of Nach Baliye…You could say we were a pair, or you could say were never a pair

. I never proposed to her. There was never a girlfriend-boyfriend tag.We were two people who hung out together quite often."

Karan is currently one of Indian television's most coveted stars.

"Really?" he feigns disbelief. "Now that you've brought it to my notice, I'm flattered and thrilled. Yeah, the change has been quite sudden, though I hardly get time off from television to see what I've achieved.

I was just one of the bit players on Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki where I was almost a junior artiste. I was suddenly pulled out of the back bench to play the lead in Kasturi.

I never thought the serial would fetch me so much recognition. It just boosts your morale to know you've finally arrived. I guess I've made big progress."

Karan Patel has now taken on another tv assignment. "I'm anchoring a show called Kaho Na Yaar Hai. It's a fun game-show where celebrities come with their best friend. I'd say it's a tribute to friendship."

The young actor says he was always confident of his success. "But I never knew it would happen so suddenly.

One day I was just another face on television. The next day I was Robby in Kasturi. Then Nach Baliye happened. Now I'm anchoring a show for Star. I couldn't have hoped for more."

He admits the fan attention has multiplied. "I'm now craving to make the next move…to cinema. Insha Allah, it should happen soon.

Yes television has its own place now. But when you do a lot of television, you become identified as the character you play in the soaps.

Smriti will be known as Tulsi no matter what she does in future.But age and time are on my side. So I can be patient.I'll have to cut off from television, re-invent myself for the big screen. Yes I do have film offers."



He admits Nach Baliye added to his popularity. "Weekdays I was seen on a soap. And during weekends I was seen as dancer on a reality show.

So I was there in viewers' faces throughout the week. It gave me a chance to dance, something I am very fond of.

I used to dance for Shiamak Davar's troupe earlier. Yes, I was preparing for stardom from my childhood," says the sole heir of a Gujarati business family.

"My dad was very encouraging of my acting ambitions. He made me join dance classes."

I'll dance better than Tanushree: Rakhi Sawant

Rakhi Sawant, we can say is at her best dancing phase, whether it be on television or on big screen!

The sexy actress who set the stage on fire with her blazing dance number in Rakesh Roshan's 'Krazzy 4' has just finished shooting another item number in Vikram Bhatt's '1920'.

Well, if this is not enough, here is the actor cum dancer all set to complete a hat-trick as she has replaced the bong Tanushree Dutta for an item number.

It is heard that Rakhi Sawant is very happy to have bagged this item number. Rakhi who is seen in a realty show on TV and was also seen performing at the Sansui Awards recently, balances her work really well and gives her best shot at whatever she does!

Talking about her replacing Tanushree for the song, she says, "It's not my promise but my demand that I'll dance better than Tanushree. I didn't have time for the song.

But as I came to know about what happened and as I realized that if I don't support the director then the producer will lose lacs of rupees invested in the song, I agreed".

Elaborating on why she accepted to do this item number, Rakhi states, "I have Ganesh Acharya, who choreographed my song in "Krazy 4", as the choreographer for the song. I call him as Masterji.

When he called me up and told me about the song I couldn't avoid it. Again I have the golden chance to do it with Nana Patekar. I am his fan since my childhood and it's really sad that I didn't have opportunity to meet him.

He will accompany my steps in the song. It's really a big thing for me. And you must know the blasting effect that two Marathis together can create on the screen".

Well, not to forget, Ganesh Acharya too is a Marathi and as Rakhi states, it is surely going to be a blast as three Marathis join in to entertain the viewers.

Akki gets 1.5 crore beats SRK

Akshay Kumar has taken the battle of superstars raking in moolah on TV to the different dimension altogether. We hear that this uncrowned king of box-office is getting bigger bucks than even SRK for hosting the second season of Fear Factor.

According to sources in the TV industry, Akshay will be paid Rs 1.5 crore per episode, which is more than what SRK is getting for Kya Aap Paanchvi Paas Se Tez Hain? Incidentally Sallu has been booked for Rs 89 crore for 104 episodes.

Akki will host a desi version of Fear Factor with Bollywood actresses as participants. This show will enable him to pursue his passion for action as well the Khiladi will be doing his own bit of stunts as well before he goads the contestants to overcome their fears.

However, this is not the first time that Akshay will be seen in a television show. Four years ago he had hosted a martial arts show Seven Deadly Arts for National Geographic. The seven-part series took viewers on a journey through the world of martial arts.

Fear Factor is Endemols International’s biggest selling ready made formats in the world. Aired in about 106 countries around the world, it is one of the most popular reality television shows in the world with a proven track record in these countries.

The first season was aired on Sony. Shot in the exotic locales of Kuala Lampur and Malaysia and hosted by Mukul Dev, it was then the ultimate in adrenaline rush- a true test of stamina and guile for those willing to put their body and soul on the line for Rs 10 lakh.

Ekta told me to leave: Smriti

Actress Smriti Irani, who is set to return to TV as Tulsi - the character that catapulted her to fame - says due to her long association with STAR Plus and Balaji Telefilms, she couldn't refuse when they asked to make a comeback.

"I was asked by the production house and even the channel to come back. Honestly, I couldn't refuse since I have a very long association with them," Smriti told on phone from Mumbai.

The actor portrayed Tulsi's character in the soap "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi" for almost seven years before she was asked to leave the show by the head honcho of Balaji, Ekta Kapoor.

Considering that her flawless acting was credited with taking the TRPs of the show to an all time high, Ekta's decision to ask Smriti to leave the show surprised many. But she did.

Said Smriti: "I am in a professional arena and I never felt it was important to ask Ekta as to why I was being asked to leave. Similarly, I didn't even question her when I was asked to make a comeback on the show."

According to Smriti, the best aspect about "Kyunki..." is its audience. "The audience of the show, which is so appreciative and loyal, has always been the best part," she said.

While she was on a 10-month hiatus from the show, another popular actor, Gautami Kapoor, played her character.

But Smriti said: "I don't know how well Gautami did as Tulsi because I never saw the show or her acting."

During her break from "Kyunki...", the actor concentrated on her production house Ugraya Entertainment and made serials like "Thodi Si Zameen Thoda Sa Aasmaan" and "Viruddh" that were aired on Sony TV and "Mere Apne" that is currently aired on channel 9x.

Smriti also appeared on Zee TV's drama "Teen Bahuraniyaan" as Vrinda Mausi and her role came to an end in the show only recently.

The actor is, however, confident that she will be able to chalk out ample time for her production house despite her gruelling schedules for "Kyunki..."

"I always managed my time well even while I was shooting earlier. So I am sure I will be able to do the same even now," she said.

Smriti seemed to have no inkling about how she would reappear as Tulsi and said it was something for the creative directors to think about.

No, I am not as good as Saif

Saif Ali Khan isn't the only one who's unveiled a secret passion for playing the guitar. Director Farhan Akhtar, who plays a rock musician in Abhishek Kapoor's 'Rock On', also knows how to strum but says he is not as good.

Now that Saif and Farhan are working together in the latter's 'Voice From The Sky', will they be jamming together?

'I don't mind, but I don't think I'm as good as Saif on the guitar. Not that we're in competition or anything,' Farhan, who ventured into showbiz with the successful directorial venture 'Dil Chahta Hai', told.

Unlike Farhan, Saif has performed at a few concerts and also played the guitar with the Indi-rock band Parikrama.

For Farhan, 'Rock On' was like a dream come true.

'Playing the rock musician in 'Rock On' has been a wild fantasy come true for me. I've been playing the guitar for eight years now. When I was 14, I heard Guns 'N' Roses do their song 'Appetite for destruction' and I was hooked. I wanted to be a rock star.

'The timing for 'Rock On' was just right. When I met Abhishek Kapoor and he told me about my role of a musician, I grabbed it. I had the time to sharpen my skills on the strings. It gave me a chance to play out a secret fantasy. I really enjoyed it.'

'Rock On' recreates the musical mischievous masti of Farhan's 'Dil Chahta Hai'. And Farhan is all praise for his musicians.

'They've all been wonderful - Luke Kenny, Arjun Rampal, Prachi Desai and Shahana. We're all happy working together and meeting when we've time. That feeling of bonding shows up on screen.'

The film will be released by the end of August.

'I don't think Saif is planning to cut an album before me,' Farhan joked. 'I'm really looking forward to working with him. For 'Voice From The Sky', we both go back to the turn of the last century.'

Ranbir-Katrina ki Prem Kahani

If Ranbir Kapoor is being seen as the true inheritor of the Kapoor legacy it is with reason.

In his debut film Saawariya a major part of Ranbir's personality was patterned on Raj Kapoor.

And now Raj Kumar Santoshi who sees a special spark in the Saawariya star is getting ready to take Ranbir's acting ancestry to another level.

In Santoshi's Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani Ranbir plays the melancholy lover-boy hopelessly in love with the idea of being in love.

The character was immortalized by Raj Kapoor in Mera Naam Joker and before him, Chaplin in City Lights.

Ranbir in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani plays Prem a true inheritor of the two imperishable heroes from the past.

Says Santoshi, "I decided Ranbir was the right actor for my film from the time I saw Saawariya. He plays Prem an innocent guy with a heart of gold.

Yes there will be distinct elements of Charlie Chaplin and Raj Kapoor, though not too much of it. Raj Saab has already done it all in Sri 420 and it would look repetitive.

Also, that level of political and sexual innocence would look odd in present times. Let's say Ranbir plays the Charlie Chaplin and Raj Kapoor of our times."

Santoshi fondly recalls the experience of working with Ranbir's father.

"In my Damini Rishi Kapoor played a really difficult role….of a man caught between his duties towards his family and society. Though Rishi didn't have an author-backed role in Damini what a beautiful job of he did."

Ranbir on the other hand not only has the title role in Ajab Prem… his character also gets to go through a series of life-changing experiences.

Says Santoshi, "Ranbir takes interest in every aspect of the film. He's a keen student if cinema. His enthusiasm for cinema goes much beyond his role. I know I'll enjoy my shooting with him. But beyond that I'm right now enjoying interacting with him."

In the next two months Santoshi will be doing a first-look photosession between Ranbir and Katrina Kaif. "We'll also be sitting on the costumes because the clothes are a very important part of the story.

We start shooting the film only when Ranbir returns from his long foreign schedule of the Yashraj Film." Informs Santoshi.

Being a full-on love story Pritam is doing the music score of Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani. "I've been watching Pritam's growth as a musician. And I can't think of anyone else for this project," says Santoshi who has earlier worked with the likes of A R Rahman.

Pamela Anderson Refuses to Act With Dog

Pamela Anderson stormed off the sets of her new comedy Superhero Movie – because she was against working with a dog in the film.

The ‘Baywatch’ babe is a supporter of People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), and thinks that training dogs to work on films is wrong.

"Pamela left the set and went for a walk. She needed a time out. She was that upset," theage.com.au quoted a movie insider, as saying.

In the scene, the actress’ ‘Invisible Girl’ character had to call for her Invisible pooch, which turns visible the moment it is picked up by the busty blonde.

In order to calm down the actress director Craig Mazin reportedly edited shots of Anderson and a dog to make it look like the pooch belonged to her character, but later all scenes featuring the pet were cut from the finished film.

The Motion Picture Association of America's Ratings Board were against a bestiality joke in the scene, which suggested the dog had been sexually satisfying a superhero professor.

If Shoaib is out, I'll bowl: SRK

Strongly supporting Shoaib Akhtar who was debarred from taking part in cash-rich Indian Premier League, Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan on Thursday said he would ask the Indian Cricket Board to review the decision.

“If Shoaib is out then I have only one other option, I will bowl myself!” told King Khan to the press outside his Bandra bungalow, Mannat.

Khan's support comes in the wake of BCCI's decision to disallow Shoaib from playing in the IPL tournament in view of Pakistan Cricket Board's decision to ban him for five years.

Khan’s comments could come as a relief to Akhtar, considering it’s the only vote of confidence he has received after the PCB banned him for five years two days ago.

"We planned the team keeping him in mind. He is the team’s pillar of strength. We will take the matter to the officials and hopefully it will work out in our favour," said SRK, who is owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders team, for which Shoaib has been roped in to play.

He said the charges against the fast bowler are not so serious that his presence could create a negative impression in the minds of young crickters.

"It is a ban related to his behaviour and I hope things get sorted out in our favour," Shahrukh said.

Hrithik joins the IPL rush too

Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan is likely to be the brand ambassador for industrialist Mukesh Ambani's Mumbai Indians cricket team in the inaugural Indian Premier League (IPL) starting April 18.

Speculation is rife that Hrithik will soon be shooting for an ad campaign and even an album - the music for which has been composed by Anu Malik - for Mumbai Indians.

Bollywood actors are making their presence felt in the IPL. It all started with Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta buying IPL teams and then Akshay Kumar being roped in as brand ambassador for Delhi Daredevils.

Shoaib says PCB chief wanted cut in IPL contract
Banned Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has accused Nasim Ahsraf, the country's cricket board president, of blackmailing him to get a share of his IPL contract.

"I have been victimised, I have been pin-point targeted. I refused to pay him the money and that was why I am being victimised," said Shoaib after the temperamental fast bowler was banned for five years.

He was punished for criticising the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for not offering him a central contract.

Yellow fever at Chepauk
The recently concluding first Test between India and South Africa at Chennai's Chepauk Stadium will be remembered for two reasons - Virender Sehwag's triple ton and the introduction of the Chennai Super Kings to the city's cricket lovers.

Over the five days of the Test, the stadium and its surroundings were a sea of yellow, the official colour of the Super Kings.

The promos arranged by India Cements Ltd, the owner of the team, began during the ticket sales, when those in the queue received pamphlets inviting them to 'Get Caught Yellow Handed' at the Test: wear yellow to the match and be treated to surprise gifts.

The walls surrounding the stadium were painted yellow and bore the Super Kings logo. The road leading to the pavilion entrance was lined with Super Kings flags.

There were posters of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Muttiah Muralitharan, Mathew Hayden and Stephen Fleming, the big stars of the Super Kings, adorning the entrances to the stadium. En route to their seats, fans were handed masks of Makhaya Ntini, Hayden and of course, Dhoni, which proved to be a big hit with everyone.

The walls and roof of the stadium were plastered with banners proclaiming 'Welcome to the Lion's Den' and 'Out here the Super Kings rule'. Pillars were painted yellow and bore the Super Kings logo. To top things off, there were a couple of enormous Super Kings balloons flying proudly above the stadium.

England players to be asked views on IPL
Professional Cricketer's Association chief executive Sean Morris will talk to leading English cricketers and officials next week to find a way to accommodate them in future IPL tournaments.

The move comes after IPL chairman Lalit Modi's willingness to shift the dates of the cash-rich Twenty20 competition in future to allow Englishmen to take part in the league.

Although Hampshire's Dimitri Mascarenhas is the only England international in the IPL, which starts this month, plans need to be put in place now if a window is to be opened in future.

"We will ask the players how they feel," said Morris. "We need to sit them down and ask their views, some might have different opinions to others. But I would like to think on behalf of the players we would be able to take advantage of this concept and allow them to reap the benefits."

I convinced Ekta Kapoor to act

That Ekta Kapoor, the camera-shy czarina of the home medium, is all set to do her first acting role is not new. But very few know that it was her brother who convinced her to take it up.

Earlier, Tusshar had coaxed father Jeetendra out of retirement to play his son's dad in "Kucch To Hai". Sis Ekta was a harder nut to crack.

Tusshar told: "But Ekta couldn't say no to me. Besides, the role is tailormade for her. You see, she plays Ekta Kapoor in the film. And who else but Ekta Kapoor can play Ekta?"

"It's for our home production 'C Kompany'. We're doing this rib-tickling satire on the underworld featuring Anupam Kher, Rajpal Yadav and I. Mithun Chakraborty plays an underworld don," added the doting brother affectionately.

"It's just a cameo. And it won't take up much of Ekta's time."

Ekta laughs delightedly about her acting debut.

"I'm giving them some time this week to shoot my scenes. It's a small role and how could I say no to my brother? I don't turn him down for anything. My scenes are with Mithun Chakbraborty. So you can imagine how nervous I am," said Ekta.

Donning different caps seems to be the order of the Friday.

While Ekta is gearing up for her acting debut, director Farhan Akhtar is currently facing the camera for the hardcore rock musical "Rock On". And last but not the least, Himesh Reshammiya is busy singing, acting and composing.

Sonam wants SRK, does he?

Rumors are abuzz that Sonam Kapoor, the daughter of Anil Kapoor has been signed opposite SRK in Aditya Chopra's next, 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi'.

When asked Sonam, the actress denies saying, "I've met Adi Chopra like any aspiring actress wanting to be in a Yashraj film". Well, this does not deny that the actress has not bagged a role in Adi's next, isn't it?

Maybe Sonam has been asked to keep silent until things get more clear.. Or wonder if the King Khan wants to be cast opposite a much younger girl rather than Sonam?

Well, you never know!!

'Yes, Deepika is our product'

After a year cluttered with achievements, Anupam Kher is all set to add more feathers in his cap.

Branches of his acting school will open in London and Durban.

"We've completed all the formalities. The school in London will start some time in June while the one in Durban takes off in August 2008. In 2007 I started new branches of my school in Chandigarh and Ahmedabad.

What started as a very small initimate and sincere effort to share my acting skills with newcomers has now spread to three continents.

For our acting school, the proudest achievement in 2007 was Deepika Padukone. Yes, she's our product," says the proud guru who hopes to expand his acting school to America in 2009.

Anupam is the only actor in the world with acting schools in Asia Europe and South Africa.

From Ang Lee's Lust, Caution to Lead India…2007 has been an extraordinary year of triumphs for the actor.

"Yes, when I look back on the year I do feel a great sense of satisfaction. I did quite a large number of films, good and not-so-good in Chalta Hai.

In addition I went to Israel to do the commentary in a 6- dimensional film on India and its culture, and then I gave my voice to an international animation film where I played an Indian horse.But I guess my biggest achievement is my acting school.

I'm very proud of our students. The one in Mumbai is so successful that we've to take two batches of students instead one one, for 2008."

Deepika dislikes Ranbir’s closeness to Sonam

Hot and sensational Deepika Padukone is over possessive about her beau Ranbir Kapoor and dislikes his closeness with his first co-star Sonam Kapoor.

Ranbir and Sonam stepped into the world of glamour together with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Saawariya. As both of them hailed from filmy background, they knew each other from childhood. They are good friends but according to industry insiders for the last three months, they are no longer on talking terms. It is learnt that Ranbir after getting entangled with Deepika threw Sonam from his life. He does not want to create doubts in his lady love’s mind by coming close to any other girls.

Sonam tried to keep in touch with Ranbir but he did not answer her phone calls nor replied to her SMSs. Gossip mills also churned that the prime reason for his misbehavior is Deepika. After the release of Saawariya, everyone smelled a brewing relationship between them and so did Deepika. She is over protective about him and to secure their relationship, she made it clear to Ranbir to stay away from Sonam.

Salman-Katrina still together and in love

Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif better known as Bollywood’s bold and beautiful couple are still very much together and in love.

The latest buzz of the couple heading for splitsville is nothing more than just another tiny rumour of the tinsel town. The news of Salman allegedly slapping Katrina in public at a Mumbai restaurant, followed a series of unconfirmed reports of the actor seeing another woman and Katrina going apartment hunting.

Though Salman decided not to comment on the subject, Katrina snubbed aside the slapping incident as just a silly rumour. But then again, the actor’s absence for the premiere of Katrina starrer ‘Race’ sparked further speculations.

But wait... do not arrive at conclusions so fast. We are told that Salman had a very strong reason for not being present at the premier. The actor was not in India, as he was busy shooting for his upcoming flick ‘Wanted Dead or Alive’. Though he was not present at the premier his entire family went to show their support and admiration for their potential bahu rani…

And Katrina has all the good things to say about Sallu’s family:

“Salman`s mother is a lovely lady and has a lot of integrity. So are his sisters. It`s a wonderful family that cares for me a lot. I bond with them very well.”

However, a topic that has come up time and again into the spotlight and is thought to be the main reason causing a rift between the couple is that Katrina and Salman don’t have the same on-screen chemistry, as she and her ‘Namastey London’ co-star, Akshay share.

Katrina who feels otherwise says, “People like my on-screen chemistry with Akshay, but I feel Salman and I look superb and stunning on screen.”

The real life couple will be seen romancing on the screen in their yet to be released flick, ‘Yuvraaj’. Subash Ghai, who is not only the director of ‘Yuvraaj’, but also a close family friend of the Khans says, "Salman and Katrina are very much together. In fact Katrina dons the role of a perfect host at all Salman’s parties."

Khuda Kay Liye to improve Indo-Pak ties

The Pakistani film Khuda Kay Liye, which delves into the rift between radical and liberal Muslims, hits the screens this week.

It is the first Pakistani film to have a commercial release in India in more than four decades. The movie, starring Naseeruddin Shah in a key role, has been made by Shoaib Mansoor.

Mumbai-based Percept Picture Company has got the rights of the film and is releasing it with 300 prints on April 4.

"We are the first to get the rights of a Pakistani film and it's a big high for us. We are releasing it with 300 prints, including the digital ones," Nadish Bhatia, General Manager of the marketing division of the Percept Picture Company.

"Everybody is saying Khamosh Pani was the first Pakistani film to hit the Indian theatres. It was a French co-production. But Khuda Kay Liye is a Pakistani film and the first one to hit Indian screens in 43 years," Bhatia added.

The movie, which faced opposition from the extremists and Pakistani clerics, was a huge hit in Pakistan.

"The film has made a record in the country. Those who hadn't been to a hall in 35 years made an effort to watch the film," said Mansoor, who was in town to promote his movie.

"We released it with only 10 prints. Pakistan is a small market, but we still made Rs 70 million in Pakistani currency. It is surprising that a film, which discusses religion and doesn't have any humour, songs, dance or romance has done so well commercially. It means that it has touched the hearts of people," he added.

Mansoor, who has also produced the movie, made it at a budget of 60 million Pakistani rupees.

"The film has made an impact in Pakistan and abroad and I am confident that it will make an impact here too."

Khuda Kay Liye was the first Pakistani film to be included in the official line-up of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and it struck an instant chord with audiences when showcased there last year.

The film stars Pakistani superstar Shaan, who impresses as the harried protagonist Mansoor and Rasheed Naz as the Maulana who brainwashes boys. The film also features Pakistan's top model Iman Ali, who plays Maryam, a woman trapped between modernism and conservatism.

Naseeruddin Shah essays a powerful cameo of an Islamic scholar who embodies the voice of reason.

With the lifting of the ban for exchange of films between the two countries, the Pakistan government has allowed it on a condition that films will be strictly "exchanged". For each Hindi title released in Pakistan, an Urdu film will have to be exhibited in India.

Indian movies were banned in Pakistan in 1968 and the Pakistan film industry had to bear huge losses. There were more than 1,000 theatres throughout Pakistan those days, but now it is reduced to just 200.

Compared to India, which churns out about 1,000 films every year, Pakistan's film industry produces just about 40 movies, a fifth of what it churned out during its heyday in the 1970s.

"Pakistan will get a big Indian market and when Indian films will come there, the business of cinema will flourish. Secondly, release of Indian films will translate in competition for Pakistani filmmakers. In a competition, the underdog benefits. This will help good filmmakers come out and bad filmmakers will automatically vanish," Mansoor said.

Devgan on U Me aur Hum

Bollywood actor Ajay Devgan making his directorial debut with U Me aur Hum, scheduled to release later this month, says his maiden project brings out the positivity of relationship between a husband and wife.

Ajay who is paired opposite his actress wife of nine years Kajol in the film said it was a simple love story about a man who marries a girl he loves and overcomes all hurdles to maintain the relationship.

"The film doesn't give a sermon on relationships. The audiences will identify with the characters. What is different in the subject is that the film looks at the institution of marriage in a positive way," the actor said.

"A lot of people question the institution of marriage, or blame it when problems arise. I feel that in a marriage, or any relationship for that matter, problems are inevitable."

'Giving up' should be our last option. However, an increasing number of people just prefer to give up at the first sign of trouble, Devgan said.

The actor who began his career with action packed roles, said he felt that relationships, especially marriages need to be nurtured with love, sensitivity and understanding.

"People keep asking me what inspired me to chose this subject and direct a film. To be honest, this is a story straight from my heart. A story, which I strongly believed in," he told reporters.

Devgan turns 39

Once tipped as the 'action hero' of Indian cinema, versatile Bollywood actor Ajay Devgan, who turned 39 Wednesday, has proved his mettle in every genre. This year, he also turns director with U, Me Aur Hum.

Ajay got an early birthday gift on Tuesday when his entire family landed up on the sets of Zee TV's reality show Rock N' Roll, which he is hosting with wife Kajol and mother-in-law Tanuja. The family arrived to cut a cake with him.

His parents Veeru and Veena Devgan, sisters Neelam and Kavita and his nephew Aman were part of the entourage.

"I was pleasantly surprised, considering my parents never go on television. It was one of the most beautiful gifts I've ever received," said Ajay.

After a successful acting career spanning 16 years, the actor wanted to make a film through which he told people a story he really believes in.

"People often ask me if this is the right time to venture into direction. Frankly speaking, I don't know whether it is the right time or not, but I have always wanted to tell people a story I strongly believe in."

"I had this story idea in my mind for a long time and then I sat and wrote it down. Later when I gradually developed the screenplay, I felt that unless I directed the film myself, it would not be presented the way I want it to be," said Ajay.

Even before he started off as an action hero in the 1991 hit film Phool Aur Kaante for which he won the Filmfare award for best debutant actor, Ajay had worked with internationally acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur as an assistant director.

"I had worked with Shekhar and when I was eight or nine years old. I also used to take part in editing and other technical areas of filmmaking with my father," he said.

The actor has been among the first few of his generation to turn producer. In 1999 and 2000 he produced Hindustan Ki Kasam and Raju Chacha. Though the films bombed at the box-office, Ajay is confident that his directorial debut releasing this month will do well.

Early in his career Ajay showed his penchant for action in films like Jigar (1992), ,Divya Shakti(1992), Vijaypath(1994), Hulchul(1995) and others that one could only expect from the son of well-known action director Veeru Devgan.

In 1999, Ajay married his co-star and friend Kajol and they have a four-year-old daughter named Nyasa. The couple will be seen together after a long time in U, Me Aur Hum.

After his action period, Ajay surprised the audience with his comic performances in Ishq(1997), Golmaal - Fun Unlimited (2006) and his ability to emote in Pyaar Toh Hona Hi Tha (1998) and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999).

His powerful acting in Zakhm(1998), The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002), Company(2002), GangaaJal (2003), Yuva (2004), Raincoat(2004), Omkara(2006) and others won him critical acclaim.

On the actor's versatility, director Rajkumar Santoshi, who has made some of his best films with Ajay, said: "One of his strengths is that he can get under the skin of any well-written role and make it his own. He has sharp, expressive eyes. And he appears to be very natural in all the challenging characters he has played so far."

Ajay has won two National Awards - the first one for Mahesh Bhatt-directed Zakhm and the other for Santoshi's The Legend of Bhagat Singh.

This year, he doled out a power-packed performance in Santoshi's Halla Bol and Rohit Shetty-directed comedy flick Sunday.

His upcoming films include U, Me Aur Hum and animation film Toonpur Ka Superstar which he is producing himself.

'U Me Aur Hum' looks at the institution of marriage in a pos

Bollywood star Ajay Devgan making his directorial debut with U Me Aur Hum , scheduled to release later this month, says his maiden project brings out the positivity of relationship between a husband and wife.

Ajay who is paired opposite his actress wife Kajol in the film said it was a simple love story about a man who marries a girl he loves and overcomes all hurdles to maintain the relationship.




"The film doesn't give a sermon on relationships. The audiences will identify with the characters. What is different in the subject is that the film looks at the institution of marriage in a positive way," the actor said.

"A lot of people question the institution of marriage, or blame it when problems arise. I feel that in a marriage, or any relationship for that matter, problems are inevitable. 'Giving up' should be our last option. However, an increasing number of people just prefer to give up at the first sign of trouble, Ajay said.

The actor who began his career with action packed roles, said he felt that relationships, especially marriages need to be nurtured with love, sensitivity and understanding.

"People keep asking me what inspired me to chose this subject and direct a film. To be honest, this is a story straight from my heart. A story which I strongly believed in," he told reporters in Mumbai on Monday night.

Ajay also affirms to the concepts like love at first sight, happy marriages and soulmates.

"I know that they exist and hence they are important elements of my film," the actor added.

The actor said he was aware that he cannot change the way people think or live their lives through his film.

"A film is meant to entertain you and give your money's worth. Besides entertaining the audience, if the film makes them introspect on the state of their relationships or encourages them to improve it, my success will be much greater," he said.

When asked about his experiences off-screen, Ajay said he was well versed with the nuances of filmmaking as he had assisted Shekhar Kapur before joining films and even helped father Veeru Devgan, veteran action director in editing.

"I believe that if your vision as a director is clear and are backed by an efficient crew, there will be no hurdles," he said.

Speaking about his wife, Ajay said he was fortunate enough to direct a film with a powerful and efficient actress like Kajol.

"She is always thorough with the nitty-gritties of her character before she begins shooting. In this film, she is not only the lead actress but also the producer. Since the screenplay work happened at home, Kajol was present for all the sittings and even gave her inputs. She made my work as a direction much easier," Ajay said proudly.

He said major portion of the film has been shot on a cruise while the remaining at Filmistan studio in Mumbai.