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Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Monday, May 25, 2009

I don't have a fixed address: Freida Pinto

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While she is travelling all around the world and meeting famous people, Freida Pinto, heroine of the Oscar-winning film "Slumdog Millionaire", feels Mumbai will always be her home.

"I don't have a fixed address as I'm making movies all over the world. I'm filming in Israel at the moment and who knows after that, so I'm not making plans to buy my own place yet," dailymail.co.uk quoted Freida as saying.

"Ultimately, Mumbai will always be home. That's where my family is," she added.

The 24-year-old actress is presently working on a film, "Miral", in Israel and has also been signed by Woody Allen for an untitled film to be shot in London.

Freida, a model and a travel show presenter in India, said when she auditioned for Danny Boyle's "Slumdog...", she didn't know that it would become such a big hit.

"I had no idea 'Slumdog Millionaire' would become such a huge success. In fact, when we were filming, none of us expected it, so the feeling of surprise and shock is still with me."

"The film won eight Oscars and I was nominated for Best Supporting actress at the Baftas, and now, when I look back at photographs in magazines of me at the film awards I can still hardly believe it's me," she added.

Barbara Mori surprised by fuss over her kiss

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Mexican babe Barbara Mori is surprised that her on-screen lip lock with Hrithik Roshan in the movie Kites has become a talk of the town. The actress is amused as to why so much of fuss is being made about a kiss in a romantic movie. The movie revolves around an Indian salsa dancer played by Hrithik who falls for a Mexican girl played by Barbara.

Barbara Mori has incidentally created a lot of buzz in Bollywood in the past couple of months over her alleged affair with Hrithik Roshan. Rumors had it that Hrithik's wife Susanne had left home after being upset with hubby's extra-marital affair with the Mexican babe. This was later turned down by the couple who claimed to be still together.


Barbara comes from a totally different culture where kissing is as common as handshakes and is finding it difficult to understand the Indian culture. The actress should have been informed that a decade or so ago even a lip to lip kiss was censored from public viewing. A generation of Bollywood lovers grew up watching two red roses meeting instead of two lips. Well Barbara if you want to work in Bollywood better get acclimatised to the Indian culture and mentality!

Dune Kossatz named IPL's Miss Bollywood

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Model and actress Dune Kossatz, 35, of East London was named Miss Bollywood IPL South Africa at a glittering event at the Montecasino entertainment complex in Johannesberg early Sunday (May 24) morning.

Kossatz, who had garnered the most Internet votes of 48 finalists selected from each of the IPL games held at various South African venues, was ecstatic at the opportunity to do screen tests for a movie with Shah Rukh Khan as part of her prize package.

This on-off component of the prize was finally revealed at the event after it was announced at the start of the series, and then changed midway through the contest to "a guided tour through Bollywood", because organisers said guaranteeing a role with Shah Rukh Khan would be difficult.

Johannesburg Business Marketing graduate Genna Cloud, 24, who got the second greatest number of votes, was also named First Princess by the panel of judges and Dunay Nortje was crowned Second Princess.

Confessing that she had not seen any Bollywood movies yet, Kossatz said she was going to start doing so immediately. She also promised to start learning Hindi.

Commenting on the fact that all three winners were white South Africans who beat several Indian contestants, Kossatz said it showed the true nature of the rainbow nation that the country was: "I think it's great! I think we should all stick together and love another and be respectful and tolerant of each other and their cultures."

Kossatz received a specially made crown from Gitanjali Jewellers containing gold, silver, diamonds and other precious stones from former Miss Universe Michelle McLean of South Africa.

Earlier, Mclean got out of her seat in the small overhead booth to dance to the music of Caribbean music legend Eddy Grant. She even got IPL supremo Lalit Modi to join in. They were two of the judges on the one side of the theatre, while opposite them; Shilpa Shetty joined a more staid group.

For Modi, there was extra cause for celebration to add to the huge success of the IPL that culminates with the final later on Sunday at the Wanderers in Johannesberg. The compere announced that Modi had just become a grandfather for the first time just an hour before the show started late on Saturday night.

The scene outside Montecasino as leading lights from the sports, business and arts field from India and South Africa walked the red carpet was reminiscent of when a horde of stars descended on the venue a few years ago for the IIFA Awards there. But the excited crowd was left disappointed as the only star they got a glimpse of was Shilpa Shetty, who passed them fleetingly without even stopping for photographs scheduled by organisers for the media at a spot along the route.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Thursday, May 21, 2009

All is well between Hrithik and Susanne

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Much juicy gossip was spread around in the print and electronic media about Hrithik Roshan’s so called proximity to his Kites co-star Barbara Mori at the Cannes film festival which they both attended for promoting their film.

Repeated video clippings of Hrithik putting his hand around Barbara’s waist during a photo call at Cannes was shown and comments passed on how his dad Rakesh Roshan, who was also at the event, was feeling embarrassed about it all. Recently, there were rumours floating around that Hrithik’s wife Susanne had left him and gone to stay with her parents, doubting him of an affair with Barbara. Hrithik had denied such a thing and so had his wife.

We saw the couple on yesterday, May 19, evening attending the Heroes Project and Mumbai District AIDS Control Society hosted 26th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial to reduce stigma and discrimination against those living with HIV. They arrived together and were together throughout the event. Had there been problems especially after watching the clips of Cannes, they would have shown a hint of discomfort. But there appeared no sign of discomfort between the two as they looked very much in love.


Ash play a wicked game with Sonam

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Sonam Kapoor is terribly upset with Aishwarya Bachchan as the latter stood as a roadblock to her walking the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival. Sonam who had been signed as a brand ambassador for L'Oreal and was to walk the red carpet a Cannes with other beauties including Aishwarya, Penelope Cruz, Kerry Washington, Beyonce Knowles, Eva Longoria and Scarlett Johansson.

The excited Sonam in an interview dug her own grave when she offended Aishwarya. Sonam had said would be endorsing the youth brand and Aishwarya would appeal to the older women. This certainly did not go down too well with the former Miss World who has been a face of L'Oreal in India for years. Ash refused to walk the red carpet with Sonam and the L'Oreal had to bow down before her demands.

L'Oreal on its part maintained that Sonam's comments had created a lot of adverse effect and to prevent any escalation of the controversy they had asked the Saawariya actress to stay out of Cannes. Well it can be easily understood on whose request Sonam missed a ticket to the Cannes. As for Sonam she surely will never let her excitement get over her mind in future.


Dhoni's top spot in ICC ODI ranking under threat

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India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's numero uno status in ICC ODI batsmen's ranking is under threat as few good knocks from West Indies captain Chris Gayle or his teammate Shivnarine Chanderpaul in the upcoming England series may topple him from the top spot.

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Dhoni is currently the only batsman above the 800-point mark but Gayle is not too far behind as he trails the Indian by 33 points, while Chanderpaul is another four points behind which means the order could potentially change with a couple of strong performances by the two West Indian cricketers.

However, failure of the pair would directly benefit the fourth-placed Yuvraj Singh of India and Australia's Michael Hussey in fifth position who are waiting to pounce on any opportunity that comes their way.

Master batsman Sachin Tendulkar is 13th while team-mate Virender Sehwag (7th) and Gautam Gambhir (17th) are the other Indians in the top 20.

Left-arm paceman Zaheer Khan continues to be the only Indian in the top-20 bowlers' list, headed by Sri Lankan Nuwan Kulasekara.

Among all-rounders, Yuvraj Singh remains to be the only Indian with Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan leading the list.

In the team championships, India is third behind Australia and table toppers South Africa.

Preity confirms Break up with Ness Wadia

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After weeks of denials and confusions, Preity Zinta has finally admitted that she is single.

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The Kal Ho Naa Ho girl declared her breakp with industrialist Ness Wadia, who co-owns the Kings XI Punjab IPL team along with Preity.

Preity started dating Ness Wadia, the heir to the Bombay Dyeing business, in 2005, and the two have always attended events and parties together.

Ever since rumours of her single status started doing the rounds, Preity has been linked to a number of people, including members of her IPL team Brett Lee and Yuvraj Singh.

Preity has however clarified that while she and Ness have broken up, she is not seeing anyone else at the moment.

She has also stressed that just because she and Ness aren't a couple any more doesn't mean that there will be drastic changes in the ownership patterns of their IPL team, because she believes in keeping her personal life and her professional life miles apart.

Preity said that she makes it a point never to date actors or directors since they will have direct consequences on her private and public life. She said that ever since she bought the team, cricketers have been added to her list of men she will not date.

I am single, says Preity Zinta

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Ever since the Preity Zinta-Ness Wadia split became public, Preity has been linked with a variety of men.


From the much-married hotelier Vikram Chatwal, to another co-owner of an IPL team to even her team Kings XI Pinjab’s captain Yuvraj Singh, her name has been linked with a different man every few days.

Now there are rumours that Preity is seeing Aussie bowler Brett Lee, who anyway is known to have a great liking for most things Indian.

“I am single,” says Preity Zinta, in reply to all the speculation about her love life.

She has denied dating anyone right now.

She has also clarified one more report.

After the news of her breakup with Ness had come out, it was said Preity had sent an email to her team members saying that even though she and Ness have parted ways they continue to be together professionally as co-owners of Kings XI Punjab and that their relationship was now cordial.

Preity now says she had not sent out any such email and that she does not even know the email id’s of her players.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Koena Mitra to go for biking

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Koena Mitra has just bought herself a Trek Madone 6.9 PRO road bike and plans to go biking with her friends at midnight. The actress says, "I wanted to buy a BMW bicycle but apparently they are not safe for road trips. My bike is red, white and blue with big wheels and a completely carbon frame body. It's foldable and built for sturdy terrain so I can take it with me when I am travelling. I love bikes. People were sceptical when I bought it but I've always been into swimming and bike riding."

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Koena says she has always had a passion for speed. "In Kolkata, I had two bikes till I had an accident and had to give them up. In Mumbai, I rode a Yamaha until a few years back. Today I have a collections of video games which include car racing and football simulations.

My collection includes all kinds of racing games from helicopters to cars, cycles and bikes. They all have to do with racing and I am good at it. I find more adventure playing video games and going biking than in games like badminton and tennis."

She adds, "All my male friends are into fitness and though I go gymming and swimming, I find yoga and spinning at the gym very boring. I would rather go out biking with my friends at midnight for coffee. There's less pollution then and I get to burn calories. Monday nights, I go to a hotel at Juhu as it's open till late but I never go out alone at night on my bike. I am a late-night person and always loved doing crazy things. Racing and biking at midnight or during the monsoon fits the bill."

Bollywood Extravaganza at IPL Finals

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Akshay, Kareena, Rani, Bipasha to perform at closing ceremony Indian politics took a backseat to Bollywood in the biggest South African weekly, the Sunday Times, with photographs of film stars participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) gala finale hogging page three, while the Congress party win at the general elections got only two short columns on page 15.

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Despite having a weekly supplement called 'Extra' for South African Indian readers, which features Bollywood news as well, the Sunday Times prominently used pictures of Bipasha Basu, Kareena Kapoor, Rani Mukherji and Akshay Kumar in an article highlighting the Bollywood extravaganza that will follow the final of the IPL at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesberg next Sunday (May 24).

Celebrated choreographer Shiamak Davar will coordinate the Bollywood extravaganza, in which 750 people will be involved.

"A closing ceremony should always leave a lump in one's throat," the weekly quoted Etienne de Villiers, the South African born advisor to IPL commissioner Lalit Modi.

"It's going to be an acknowledgement of the role that South Africa has played in the success of the IPL."

The IPL games, featuring eight teams, were played at several South African cities to packed stadiums. It was moved here because of security concerns during parliamentary elections in India.

The closing ceremony will also feature 2,000 floating lanterns released into the sky as fans rock to the music of reggae star Eddie Grant; Indian and South African drummers; and the latest South African Idols winners, Jason Hartman and Sasha-Lee Davids.

Following an SMS voting bungle, the two Idols winners are the first ever joint winners of an Idols contest that takes place in many countries across the globe to find a local singing star.

Davids was first announced the winner. But after it was discovered that almost 200,000 viewers' votes had not come through in time, Hartman was declared a joint winner.

Meanwhile, 48 young South African women are holding thumbs to see which 16 of them will go through to the finals of the Miss Bollywood IPL South Africa to be held at the Wanderers in Johannesberg next Sunday (May 24).

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been selecting one finalist at every game to eventually have six women representing each of the eight teams in the series that is being played out in South Africa.

Voting for the 48 finalists started at midnight on Saturday, with votes closing at 18:00 SA time on Monday evening. Fans can cast their votes on the website www.iplt20.com.

The 16 finalists will all feature in a contest before the final game at the Wanderers next Sunday (May 24) to vie for a prize of 50,000 rands in cash, a flight to India, and a guided tour through Bollywood that initially was also expected to include an audition for a Bollywood role, but that still appears to be uncertain.

The finalists include budding lawyers, accountants and auditors; businesswomen, students, models, actresses, teachers and a radiographer.

The final two contestants were announced on Saturday (May 16) during games in Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg.

One of them was 24-year-old Phylicia Ramdin of Glenanda, south of Johannesburg. She was picked from the crowd attending the clash between the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Deccan Chargers held at the Wanderers.

Ramdin is currently an insurance analyst but is determined to become a successful businesswoman: "I'm enthusiastic, positive and goal driven. I believe we need to always have a positive outlook on life and go after what you want with determination."

"The IPL has been great, watching the cricketing talent, team strategies and the unity of the crowds that come to watch", added Ramdin.

Earlier on Saturday Rohini Jaga of Port Elizabeth was selected as a contestant in the Miss Bollywood IPL South Africa competition during the DLF IPL game held at St. George's Park.

Jaga, 20, who has a passion for figures and is currently a B.Com Accounting student at the University of Port Elizabeth, recently went on holiday to India: "My dad studied in India and took us on a journey through the subcontinent. It was vastly different to places I have visited before. I was very taken with the culture; it's truly a land of contrasts and beauty."

I will marry Dhoni: Laxmi Rai

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Actress Laxmi Rai is waiting for cricketer boyfriend to propose
M.S. Dhoni’s personal and professional life is on a high. While his cricket team Chennai Super Kings is among those at the top in the ongoing IPL, his love life is in good form too.

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There have been reports linking him to South star Laxmi Rai, and now the confirmation has come from the lady herself.

Laxmi Rai is smitten by the Indian cricket captain. She has said she met Dhoni last year and since then their relationship has been growing.

They have been dating for quite some time now.

Laxmi said Dhoni is a gem of a person and is also very affectionate.

Laxmi has revealed one more secret. She said that if ever Dhoni proposes to her, she will readily agree to marry him.

Laxmi Rai is a model cum actress. She has also been Miss Karnataka.

After making her name in the film industry down south, Laxmi is now turning to Bollywood. Even though she rejected Himesh Reshammiya’s “Hey Gujju”, after watching his film “Karz”, she is hopeful she will get better offers.

This is not Dhoni’s first relationship with an actress. In the past, he was briefly linked with Deepika Padukone.

Ash not behind Sonam's broken Cannes Dream

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There were rumours that actress and L'Oreal ambassador Aishwarya Rai may have held back Sonam Kapoor from walking the Cannes red carpet. But sources close to the former beauty queen say she didn't even know that Sonam was to visit the French film festival.

"She (Aishwarya) did not even know that Sonam was going to be at Cannes because she was there for just two days (May 13-14) where her days were packed with back-to-back interactions with the international media, fashion shoots for various European fashion magazines and other business meetings besides attending all the events at the festival," a source close to Aishwarya said.

Anyone can go to the Cannes Film Festival as a visitor and that is how many in the film fraternity and normal public go from across the world.

Confusion ensued when L'Oreal issued a list of those ambassadors that were to represent the brand at the French festival and Sonam's name was missing from it. This, despite a formal announcement made by the company officials on Sonam's presence at the Cannes at a press conference in Mumbai on May 10.

Sonam, who was earlier set to leave for Cannes on Monday and was excited to rub shoulders with Aishwarya and Hollywood A-listers like Elizabeth Banks and Eva Longoria, finally did not go for the film festival when company officials asked her to stay back.

According to media reports released thereafter, Aishwarya was not very upbeat about the fact that Sonam would share the same stage with her as the face of L'Oreal and asked company officials to deny her the opportunity of being there.

But clarifying their decision of holding back Sonam to go for Cannes, a spokesperson from L'Oreal said in a press release, "We do not want to take part in or encourage any controversy involving our spokespeople. There were adverse reports in certain sections of media after some comments by Sonam Kapoor, which were presented out of context.

"Following this, in order to avoid further escalation, we have advised Sonam not to go to Cannes as was planned earlier, bearing in mind that there would be more interesting opportunities for future appearances in Europe for her."


Monday, May 18, 2009

Yuvraj and Mandira cosy up in South Africa

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According to sources from South Africa, Yuvraj Singh is believed to be more than just good friends with Mandira Bedi. Buzz is that the cricketer and the commentator have been bonding big time a couple of weeks after the Indian Premiere League took off.

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“They were very good friends earlier, but somewhere along the way they got too busy with their schedules and couldn’t really keep in touch,” says our source, adding that Yuvi and Mandy caught up in SA like more than just long-lost buddies. The cricketer and television hottie’s bonding hasn’t gone unnoticed. The two have even made it to the the famous ‘fakeiplplayer’ blog as the author writes, “Sometime during this tournament, the Prince and Sandy Baddy Babe have renewed their long friendship.

They have been seen together in clubs, hotel lobbies and corridors having long discussions on the finer nuances of the beautiful game.” Reportedly, Prince is the blogger’s name for Yuvraj Singh while Sandy Baddy Babe is Mandira Bedi. Now this is something that isn’t too hard to believe.. since the Kings XI Punjab captain is reported to be quite a ladies’ man, considering his partying ways in Mumbai, Delhi etc. That was after he had broken up with long-time girlfriend, actress Kim Sharma.

Yuvi and Kim were in a relationship for four years.. and were reportedly even considering marriage. But it is believed that his mother didn’t exactly approve of an actress bahu right from the time they committed to each other. Initially everything was hunky dory, but after a couple of years, his mother’s dominance began to show.

Yuvi, who’s known to be a maa ka laadla, reportedly gave in under pressure from her.. and gradually he and Kim drifted apart, sometime in the middle of 2007. It’s believed that Yuvi used to call and SMS her till last year, but wisened a year-and-a-half since their split, Kim didn’t revert to him.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Ash isn’t happy with hot Sonam

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She has stolen many hearts even though she hasn’t made it big on Bollywood yet, but Ash isn’t impressed yet.

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Ever since Sonam made a remark about Mrs. Bachchan, saying that she belonged to another generation, Ash has seemed miffed. She went on to blame it on Sonam’s immaturity and juvenile mindset.

If this wasn’t enough, former Miss World wants the young gun to apologise for making the statement. We say, before Pa Big B can shoot out at Sonam dear about her remark, he should help Ash come to terms with her age! She isn’t young blood any more, after all!

Katrina Kaif continues to be 'Sexiest woman Alive'

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It seems that none can match Katrina Kaif when it comes to sex appeal. For the second consecutive year, the angelic beauty is rumoured to have been voted the ‘sexiest woman alive’.

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If the latest buzz doing rounds in tinsel town is to be believed, the gorgeous head-turner has won a poll by FHM (India) magazine to emerge as the ‘sexiest woman alive’. The only competition she faced was from Deepika Padukone and Kareena Kapoor .

Katrina, who last year played down her elevation to the pedestal of an oomphmati, has told a Mumbai tabloid that it would be lovely to win the poll again, though she said she hasn’t yet been officially informed about the poll results.

Slumdog kid, Azharuddin loses Home

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Slumdog Millionaire star Azharuddin Ismail’s bamboo and plastic hutment at Kala Nagar in Bandra East, suburban Mumbai, was demolished by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation on the grounds of it being illegal. Take a look at how Azhar and his family dealt with the ordeal, as if they were used to it.

Azhar stands among the remains of his house

His parents interact with the media and smile for photos.

Surrounded by his belongings, family members and the media, Azhar speaks to media persons.


At the end of it, he gets tired of the media circus and runs away from it all


He seems unperturbed by his house being demolished as he poses with his friends, shouting ‘Jai Ho!’


Like any other boy his age, he cycles likes a carefree soul. That is the spirit, boy!

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Ash, Preity's booty shake at Mallya's Bash

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India might have not had an official entry at the Cannes Film Festival this year, but that is not deterring the businessmen of the country from living it up there!

While the Hinduja brothers throw a bash every year for their friends abroad, this time beer baron Vijay Mallya is throwing his own bash on May 16 at his villa Le Grand Jardin on Sainte-Marguerite. While the Hinduja party is expected to be a sedate affair, Mallya's would be typically boisterous. The invites have already gone to around 300 guests, which include political dignitaries from the Indian and French government. The Indian ambassador in France, Ranjan Mathai is one of the chief guests along with Sushma Singh of the I&B Ministry.

The theme of the party is 'Bollywood' and all the Bollywood dignitaries in Cannes are expected to be present at this party.

According to sources, the DJ has been asked to play a range of film tracks - from Bollywood oldies to Slumdog Millionaire. AR Rahman is expected to attend the party too. Mallya is working closely with the CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) and they have promised to get Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan or Preity Zinta to attend the party. Anil Kapoor is also expected to attend the party.

It is said that Aishwarya along with hubby Abhishek already flew to Cannes on Tuesday early morning. Ash and Preity are expected to be present at the Cannes festival to promote their respective beauty and jewellery brands.

Neetu Chandra's photo shoot called off for being too steamy

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Neetu Chandra's shoot was stalled, and then called off, after a hotel guest objected and a huge crowd created a scene

Actress Neetu Chandra was recently embroiled in a controversy while doing a steamy photo shoot for a magazine at a hotel in Juhu. The Tasteful touching

A source reveals, "Last weekend, Neetu was meant to do a hot bikini shoot for a glamour magazine. The actress was doing this shoot with another top model and both girls were to do a very suggestive shoot. The vibe of the shoot had undertones of lesbianism with both girls touching each other and trying to undress each other. Obviously, it was all done in good taste."

Yeh bandh karo!

The source further adds, "The shoot started in the morning by the hotel's poolside. A guest basking in the morning sun when the shoot began, was aghast with the way the shoot was shaping up. She told the photographer to stop immediately and even went to the hotel's manager to voice her complaint. The crew was shocked on being asked to leave without even getting any good pictures."

Meanwhile, a crowd gathered and they recognised Neetu in a two-piece swimsuit and started saying nasty things about her. The actress was ushered into the changing room and left the hotel pronto.

However Neetu says, "The management didn't tell us to leave because of complaints from other guests but it was a mob of over 80 people that disrupted the shoot. I have done shoots like this before. It was a very classy shoot although some people might call it suggestive.

Coming back to the crowd, they were being a nuisance and that's why we halted the shoot for over three hours. Even after that, they refused to leave. Eventually after waiting for three hours, I left as I was flying out of town for a press conference."

Bipasha Basu takes up swimming lessons while Shooting in Goa

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Apart from getting sun-tanned in Goa, Bipasha Basu has been catching up on her swimming lessons after pack-up, while shooting for Ajay Devgan's home production, All The Best, directed by Rohit Shetty.

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Ocean can wait

Says the actress, "I like to swim in the night but it's too dark and it's high tide mostly when I go to swim. So till now, I haven't swum in the ocean."

Bipasha is catching up on her swimming at Cancona beach where the cast has been put up.
As reported the actress was keen to learn belly dancing, swimming and driving.

"But after just a couple of lessons, I had to come to Goa. So now every night after pack- up and after working out at the gym, I practise in the hotel pool."

Bipasha is not afraid of swimming. She laughs, "The pool is so shallow that I can stand in it as I am tall. This is because of the universal law that states no hotel can have pools of more than five-and-a-half feet deep, that I can stand there."

Apart from swimming, Bips is also having fun catching up with her co-stars Ajay Devgan and Sanjay Dutt. "There is loads of mazaak and masti on the sets."

She continues, "We have just shot a song and we will be in Goa for a month and a half."

Deepika Padukone the most Searched word on Yahoo

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Deepika trumps her peers to emerge Most Searched Word on a portal's entertainment category

Deepika Padukone recently received the Yahoo! Search Buzz Award 2008 in Mumbai.

Says a source close to Deepika, "While Katrina Kaif and Kareena Kapoor are vying with each other to be voted the sexiest actress in B-Town, Deepika has quietly emerged ahead of them. She was given an award for the Most Searched word in the entertainment category. The awards have been announced on the basis of the most searched keywords for 2008 and the searches are performed by users of Yahoo! India."

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The source adds, "This is quite surprising considering Deepika is just three films old and one would have thought that actresses like Priyanka Chopra and Aishwarya Rai would have been voted in terms of popular appeal."
The website is also planning a television show on the Search Awards which will be promoted and aired on their television partner's channel in late May.

Reacting to the news, Deepika says, "I am a bit surprised but it's fun. They presented me with an award so I have one more to add to my collection now."

It definitely gives Deepika an edge above the rest considering she's still a newbie while the others in contention (Katrina Kaif, Aishwarya Rai, Rani Mukerji among others) have done many films. Says Deepika diplomatically, "That doesn't matter as the other actresses also must have received awards at some point. It's about enjoying the moment and having fun. It all stems from loving what I do being an actor."

Other celebrities who received awards included:
Most Searched Sports Personality Yuvraj Singh and Sachin Tendulkar. Most Searched Indian Film Kamal Haasan's Dasavatharam

Adhyayan Suman growing friendship with Shahana Goswami

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B-Town is abuzz with the growing dosti between Adhyayan and Shahana and the badti duuri between Kangana and the actor

Adhyayan Suman, 22, is known to take a shine to girls older to him.

It started with current girlfriend Kangana Ranaut. He is also fond of his Jashn co-star Anjana Sukhani who is older to him. Now he is growing close to Shahana Goswami (older to him... again!), who is also his co-star in Mahesh Bhatt's film.

A source says, "Adhyayan is a happy-go-lucky guy. He is extremely friendly and bonds easily with people. He has grown extremely close to Shahana and is often seen hanging out with her. The couple has been spending a good amount of time at each other's houses too."

Banned from sets

An unit member of Jashn reveals, "Shahana used to hang around the sets even when she wasn't required. As a result, she was banned from the sets as it proved a major distraction for Adhyayan. Jashn's director duo Hasnain Hyderabadwala and Raksha Mistry had even fired Shahana at one time for hanging around. The matter had become so serious that Mahesh Bhatt was asked to speak to the couple."

B-Town buzz is that Shahana is close to Milind Soman as they are often spotted together.
Sources add, "Adhyayan is having major problems with Kangana due to her growing proximity with Kites star Barbara Mori's brother Kintaro.

The actor was so upset that he didn't even meet Ranaut while she was down in Mumbai for a few days after being away for weeks shooting in Hyderabad. In spite of Kangana's repeated requests Suman Jr didn't even fly down South to see her."

About the state of affairs Adhyayan says, "Shahana and I are extremely close. We are buddies. This link-up is bound to happen since she is my co-star."

When quizzed about Kangana's closeness with Kintaro, he says, "We all are good friends. Kintaro is our close friend and it requires no further explanation."

Why did he not visit his ladylove in Hyderabad when she desired so, then?
Adhyayan says, "It is too personal to comment."

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Aish isn’t happy with Sonam

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She has stolen many hearts even though she hasn’t made it big on Bollywood yet, but Ash isn’t impressed yet.

Ever since Sonam made a remark about Mrs. Bachchan, saying that she belonged to another generation, Ash has seemed miffed. She went on to blame it on Sonam’s immaturity and juvenile mindset.

If this wasn’t enough, former Miss World wants the young gun to apologise for making the statement. We say, before Pa Big B can shoot out at Sonam dear about her remark, he should help Ash come to terms with her age! She isn’t young blood any more, after all!

Where do Dev-Freida meet

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Where do “Slumdog Millionaire” stars Dev Patel and his lady love Freida Pinto meet?

Any guesses? We are sure not many will get this one right.

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Apparently, the secret meeting place between the two is a loo!

It seems during the promotion of “Slumdog Millionaire” in India, the duo would snatch some time between the interviews and get into the ladies' rooms of five-star hotels.

We know they were super busy then, but still! Moreover, at that time weren't they supposed to be “good friends only”?

Priyanka & Shahid are Friends

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Shahid Kapoor’s detractors (they know who they are) can surely eat their hearts out!

While they have to make public announcements saying that they have clearly moved on, the actor is silently but surely scaling new heights.

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An internet search engine says he’s the “most searched guy’’ — even more than current hotties Ranbir Kapoor and Imran Khan; 68% of his fans are women; he has one of those designer-made, eight-pack physiques; he has four back-to-back releases —Vishal Bharadwaj’s Kaminey, Ken Ghosh’s Yahoo, his best buddy Ahmad Khan’s Paathshaala (it’s only a special appearance) and, Yash Chopra’s Hadippa with Rani Mukerji. “When I’m finished with these projects, I will start work on Parmeet Sethi’s next for Yash Chopra again with Anoushka Sharma (the Rab Ne girl),’’ says the reluctant talker who’s been completely off the media radar “simply because I feel work is all I should talk about’’.

Ok, we’ll start with talking shop. Is Parmeet Sethi’s film an extension of Dhoom 2, with some heavy dancing thrown in, as is being speculated? “No,’’ he says. “I can’t discuss the script or storyline right now, but it’s certainly not a Dhoom 2-like film as is being reported,’’ Shahid says.

Asked to tackle his own reputation of being the most “interfering’’ guy on a set, Shahid gamely explains, “Listen films are my raison de etre. On a set I am like a wired animal. I keep asking my director — can I come from the left or should I come to the right? Should I wear my shirt out or does it look better tucked in? Now if someone is going to report all this and equate my work queries as ‘insecurities or interference’... then what I am to say?’’

Currently this 28-year-old star is on pins and needles because his next release Kaminey comes with sky-high expectations. “Yup, Vishal Bharadwaj says my role is going to definitely surprise the audience. It is a hugely challenging role, very different from Jab We Met, and though JWM is the reason why Vishal signed me for Kaminey —both roles are poles apart.’’

Kaminey also brings with it the Priyanka Chopra romance angle; it is being extensively reported that the two lead stars of the film are dating each other. “I’m not left with much of a choice, am I?’’ asks Shahid. “I’m linked to all my co-stars. With Kismat Konnection it was Vidya Balan, now with Kaminey it is Priyanka.’’ Smiling, he adds, “Priyanka and I are good friends. However, people have been jumping the gun. If we take our relationship further, I may talk about it; but people are in a rush to link us together. I will not lie or hide a relationship but I will not stand on the rooftop and announce it either.’’

Ok, but will he at least confirm the last rumour that said he asked for Rs 18 crores for a film? “I will neither recognise nor reject that figure because I don’t wish to talk about my remuneration,’’ he says, adding, “My first film was made at a budget of Rs 3.50 crores; and now I’m being asked whether I charge six times that amount? The only thing that takes you forward in life is a hit. I definitely don’t wish to be short changed; but I don’t make unreasonable demands either.’’

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Saif Ali Khan hurts Deepika Padukone

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Saif Ali Khan not only wanted his love Kareena Kapoor in his life but the actor also wished to cast her in his debut production. The very thought of Saif has hurt Deepika. Saif wanted Kareena to cast in Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Love Aaj Kal’ but on Imtiaz’s insistence, he signed Deepika Padukone.

Though hurt by Saif’s acceptance of not wanting her in his film, Deepika has shown great maturity in her reaction. She is reluctant to comment on Saif’s verdict as he is her producer and co-star. She instead spoke in favor of the actor and praised him as a co-star.

Deepika Padukone is rather happy that director Imtiaz Ali chose her over Kareena despite Saif’s insistence to cast Kareena. Deepika concluded that she fits the role so well as if the story has been written keeping her in mind.

Saif too busy to start his own personal blog

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Saif Ali Khan has always kept a low profile. That's precisely the reason why the actor won't start his own personal blog even as other actors and directors have already jumped on to the blog-wagon.

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A source reveals, "Saif wants his blog to be a platform for him to interact with the media and not be misquoted and give the media access to him in a way that ensures that it acts responsibly when reporting about him. But the actor is in a dilemma whether he will be able to give the required time for regular blogging."

The source continues, "Saif's wants his blog to be a window to his work. He does not want to bug his fans with a daily information overload about his life. Saif would want to keep it short and simple to engage fans' interests in his films, his growing home production etc."

Saif says, "I thought I'd blog but I changed my mind. I am still thinking about a website because I would like to connect more with fans. But a blog means doing it all the time and I don't want to be that accessible."

Will he start blogging sometime around the release of Love Aaj Aur Kal? Says Khan, "There will be a Love Aaj Kal website in any case but I am still thinking if I want a personal one or not."

Would he blog to give clarifications? Says Saif, "That would probably be the only reason I'd do it."

After starting out with a bang, Karan Johars's posts kept trickling down till there were none. The director stopped blogging after November 2008. Will the release of My Name Is Khan this year-end see him return to blogging with a vengeance? Let's see!

Saif doing uncomfortable 'Hot Scene' with Kareena

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We would have thought it would be easy for Saif Ali Khan to do a sizzling bedroom scene with his girlfriend Kareena Kapoor. So we were rather surprised to hear that Saif thinks otherwise and is in a dilemma about how far to go while filming an intimate scene, given the comfort level the two share. Saif did try his hand at working up a sizzling chemistry with Kareena in Tashan.

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But now, while shooting for Rensil D’Silva’s untitled next, Saif says he was constantly conscious of the fact that it was his girlfriend that he was making love to, on screen. “It was obviously easier to do the intimate scenes with Kareena as my co-star and it would be the easiest thing for me to say otherwise, but I’ll admit, having Kareena as my co-star on the sets actually made me feel more responsible, and so more conscious. I did not want to show off our relationship by accentuating the intimacy aspect. It was quite a double-edged sword there! Of, course, at the end of the day we’re all actors, but this was certainly different,” Saif explains.

About the film, Saif says “It’s a love story with a passionate and relevantly disturbing theme. And I have kissing scenes with Kareena because Rensil is making a real contemporary film here. We just can’t have two flowers touching each other to show intimacy. At the same, we have taken care that there isn’t anything that will make us squirm while watching the film with our parents. We’ve done the scenes tastefully and within the limits of decorum.”

Having completed the film, Saif and Kareena are now ready to fly of to holiday to mysterious destination. Revealing their holiday plans, Saif says, “We’re holidaying it Italy. And though one likes to be private about holidaying, I’m hardly a Johnny Depp to have fans stalking me! In fact, an Indian fan who follows us to Italy should be applauded for his resilience.”

Karan has joined hate groups that target him

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Karan Johar loves Facebook as much as the last celebrity.

But the filmmaker has gone on and done something most other celebrities who are members of the popular social networking site might never do join hate groups that target him. KJo has joined two such groups.

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Says an apologetic Karan, "I joined these groups simply for my entertainment. I was recently in America, bored, and stumbled upon these groups and decided to check them out.

I didn't know people could have so much random hatred.

I have been meaning to leave these groups for a while now. I am going to do that right now. Thanks for reminding me."

Membership details
CAN'T STAND KARAN JOHAR Members: 40 including K Jo
Karan Johar, get a life and stop tryin' to be a model / designer / tv host - Members: 14 including KJo

Kambakkht Ishq team not going to Cannes

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Last week we reported that Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor, the lead pair of "Kambakkht Ishq", were to walk the red carpet with Sylvester Stallone at the Cannes Film Festival starting on May 13.

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Producer Sajid Nadiadwala has now announced that his “Kambakkht Ishq” lead actors will no longer attend the Cannes Film Festival. This is a side effect of the ongoing crisis caused by the producers and distributors vs multiplexes conflict.

"Because of the strike and embargo thereof on new releases in multiplexes, we are not allowed to screen any trailers anywhere or release audio cassettes of new releases. For Cannes, we needed to be there for the worldwide coverage of our trailers which would also be aired on Indian TV channels. But now, we can't release trailers of upcoming releases, so there's no point in going to Cannes," said Sajid.

“This would have been my first trip to Cannes. Akshay, Kareena and I were really looking forward to our trip and to walking the red carpet. But these are minor disappointments compared to the larger picture where everyone in the film industry benefits. Ultimately we all belong to the same family and no personal interest is above the interests of all," added Sajid.

The “Kambakkht Ishq” team was also due to perform at the IPL finals on May 24 in Johannesberg, South Africa, but that too has been cancelled because of the strike.

Meanwhile, one person who will surely be in Cannes during the film festival is Arjun Rampal.

The beverage company, for which he shot an ad for with Nicole Kidman recently, is taking him to Cannes for a day on May 15. He’ll be flown there on a helicopter from Paris and will be put up at a luxury villa.

Also scheduled to attend the Cannes Film Festival are Hrithik and Rakesh Roshan, and Mexican actress Barbara Mori. They will be promoting their upcoming film “Kites”. It remains to be seen whether their plans too will get affected because of the strike.

Kareena Kapoor Shaves It Off

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Kareena Kapoor seems to have decided to thrill the audience each time she does a new movie. In Tashan it was her size zero experience. The actress did some steamy scenes in that film with Akshay Kumar. In one of her recent pictures she has put-on weight to look a bit old.

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Now, in a latest move she has decided to shave-off her hair and go bald. She would tonsure her head for this Karan Johar movie she is doing with Kajol. The actress feels that she would look sexy with no hair on her head.

Indeed Kareen has a way of throwing-up surprises!!

Aish is the fading beauty: Sonam Kapoor

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Actress Sonam Kapoor is the new brand ambassador of the cosmetic product company L’Oreal’s.

Sonam will endorse products which will target the young audience, at the same time the ex-brand ambassador of the company would reportedly only be seen on anti-wrinkle and anti-aging products.

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Sonam thinks that Aishwarya is a fading beuty and doesn’t represent younger generation any more.

Sonam Kapoor, who stareed in Delhi-6 said “I think we belong to two different generations and that’s why L’Oreal has asked me to be a part of their brand.”

At the same time, she praised Ash for her acting skill and said that she’s a great success. Sonam said, “I feel fortunate that I had the opportunity to work with her husband Abhishek in Delhi-6.”

Kangana Ranaut books a Car

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Kangana Ranaut is all set to get herself a hot new set of wheels for herself. It's a vehicle that exudes luxury. Incidentally, her beau Adhyayan Suman, too, has the same car. A source reveals, "Kangana booked the car on her birthday (March 23) but still hasn't recieved it. It's taking a long time as she has requested her lucky number 5 to be a part of the number plate. This is the star's third purchase. She owns two other vehicles.

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The actress was never a car freak, though. It really is her beau Adhyayan's passion. The small-town girl developed a taste for luxury brands only recently and now that she can afford to splurge, there's no holding her back. The source continues, "It was after sitting and driving her boyfriend's car that she fell in love with it and decided to buy one of the same make too. She is looking for a white car whereas her beau has a silver one, gifted to him by his parents on his birthday."

Kangana's manager confirms, "I booked the car for her on her birthday."

Sanju's definitely closer to me: Amar Singh

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In an industry where you are known by the clique you belong to, it wasn't surpising that at a sombre gathering for Feroz Khan's prayer meeting, B-Town folks noticed and discussed that Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh made an entry and exit with Sanjay Dutt, and not Amitabh Bachchan.

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Until now, the politician has been seen at filmi dos only at the Big B's side, so naturally, it became a talking point. Amitabh, came to the venue with wife Jaya, son Abhishek and bahu Aishwarya.

Changing sides?

Last year, the Big B came with Amar Singh to the book release function of Sanjay, Priya and Namrata Dutt's parents: Sunil and Nargis Dutt. Now, Sanjay is being accompanied to most events by Singh. Says a source, "After the prayer meeting, Singh went with Jaya to Bachchan's home; but now, it's Sanju first and Bachchan later."

The source says it's natural for Singh to get close to Dutt as the actor has been campaigning for him and his party (SP) over the last two months for the elections. "Apart from the fact that Sanju knows Amar Singh for the last 14 years they have become emotionally close in the last couple of months. Earlier when Singh used to come to Mumbai, he would head first to Bachchan's Juhu home but now he goes to Sanju's Bandra home first, spends some time with Sanju and Maanayata and then goes to meet Bachchan."

Amitji is family

Amar Singh refutes the fact that he's become closer to Dutt. "Amitji (Amitabh Bachchan) is my family and my elder brother. He's not a commodity to be chased after. Sanju is definitely closer to me politically than Amitji because he's my party's general secretary and has campaigned hard during the elections. He could have got an escape route when he wasn't allowed to contest but he chose to serve with dignity. Amitji is apolitical. He doesn't like politics. If you ask me, then I will say that Amitji can never be replaced in my personal life. He's the head of my family."

Singh continues, "When I go to Mumbai I stay in Amitji's home. I am the only Amar Singh who shares his bedroom. I am politically equally close to Jaya and Sanju though I am more comfortable with Sanju as he's a guy. I know Sanju for the last 15 years and if today, I am closer to him it's because he's stood beside me like a rock during the elections like my younger brother. But that doesn't mean that Amitji has not been with me. It's absurd to compare the two relationships."

About Feroz Khan's prayer meeting, Singh says, "I had no plans to go there but Sanju was with me campaigning and while boarding the plane he asked me to come along. It was all last-minute, but now because I went with him that visit has become a point of discussion."