Gauhar Khan Is Very Happy To Be The Latest Yash Raj's Girl

Yash Chopra is more than proud to have chosen Gauhar Khan for ‘Rocket Singh-Salesman Of The Year’.

Apparently, Gauhar has been much-appreciated for her performance by one and all, including critics. Keeping this in mind and Gauhar’s laudable acting Yash Chopra personally congratulated Gauhar for the film.

Claims Gauhar brimming with excitement, “My happiness knew no bounds as soon as Yash ji appreciated me after watching the film. And what came as an icing on the cake was when Rishi and Neetu Kapoor too came around to congratulate me.”

Though when asked if this appreciation has been translated into any further film deal with Yash Raj Films (YRF), Gauhar denied saying, “Not as of now; however, I would love to do a film if they consider me again for an interesting role like I played in ‘Rocket Singh’.”

Gauhar plays a receptionist in (Harpreet Singh) Ranbir Kapoor’s company. Interestingly, her character was kept under wraps and was revealed after the release and that is when she started interacting with the media.

Though Gauhar is not sure, but her deal with YRF might not come as a surprise. Lately YRF has been very keen to have films deals with newcomers, like Anushka Sharma from ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’.

Aamir Khan Was Shooed Away By Ganguly's Guards?

Film star Aamir Khan was not allowed inside former Indian cricket skipper Sourav Ganguly's palatial residence by the guards who told the actor disdainfully that the batsman was not at home. However, the guards cannot be faulted, as Aamir was in disguise.

The celebrated actor was on the latest leg of his two-week country tour in different get-ups as part of his unique way of promoting his forthcoming film "3 Idiots".

Attired in a black shirt, sporting a hippy-like mop of hair, and carrying a bag, Aamir walked the streets of Kolkata asking people the way to Ganguly's residence and sought entry into the house claiming to be a fan of the cricketer. "I want to take a photo with him."

Aamir dropped his disguise after he was refused entry and was warmly received by the cricketer once he returned home after scoring a ton in the Ranji Trophy outing against Delhi.

Ganguly took Aamir to his sprawling drawing room full of trophies and prizes and aesthetic paintings which astounded the actor.

"Why did you retire so soon. From fans' point of view we all felt you should have played more, " Aamir said, as his wife Kiran Rao nodded approvingly.

Aamir and Kiran wound up their visit to Ganguly's place with a sumptuous Bengali dinner. But before taking leave, Aamir presented a ring to the cricketer.

"Whenever you see this ring, you will remember me, " said Aamir.

"Thank you. But without the ring also I will recognise you, " Ganguly replied.

Akshay Kumar Will Try His Best To Better Himself

Akshay Kumar has a new aspiration. He wants to learn gymnastics on a par with the Russian Olympics winner Ivan Ivankov.

“My favourite Olympian sportsperson is Ivan. And as I watch his skills I want to now learn it so that I could apply it to my own dancing and fights on screen.

I think gymnastics are the hardest and most dangerous sports in the world. He was unbelievably graceful. Ivan’s agility and power is unbelievable. I want to try for it... In India my favourite sportsperson would have to be Sachin Tendulkar.”

And cricket is the the sports that Akshay needs to brush up for a forthcoming film. In fact the actor has asked the star-batsman to give him tips for his role as a cricketer in a forthcoming film.

Says Akshay, "Now I’m very very excited to be part of something as prestigious as the winter Olympics. I just feel the whole experience will be truly inspiring. I think this is one of the biggest happenings in my life.

“I had to ask my director for a few days off from his tight schedule of Khatta Meetha. He kindly agreed. Now I’m very very excited to be part of something as prestigious as the winter Olympics.I just feel the whole experience will be truly inspiring. I think this is one of the biggest happenings in my life.”

Said Akshay before he left, “I’m going to be so proud to have so many Indians, Sri Lankans and Asians cheering me on when I run with that torch.I know a lot of of Indians in Toronto because it’s my second home. I’ve never been more excited.”

Akshay says when he got a call from the Canadian Prime Minister office informing him that he’d be carrying the Olympian torch the actor didn’t tell anyone. “Until it happened I didn’t believe it myself. I’m very lucky to be chosen for this honour. It’d be great to be standing on the same platform as Arnold Schwarzenegger. I wondered why they chose me!”

Akshay feels it is work for Special Olympics (physically challenged sportspersons) that did clinched the Olympian torch in his favour.

“When it comes to sports I’ve taken up a lot of responsibilities. When I joined Special Olympics three years ago we had 1.5 lakh special athletes. Today we have 5 lakh athletes. Also I’m deeply connected with Canada.

Toronto is like my second-home. I do a lot of charitable work. I even have a cancer ward in my father’s name in a hospital in Toronto. I had taken my father for treatment to Toronto and they looked after him really well.”

Looking back on 2009 Akshay says, “It was not a professionally rewarding year work-wise. But I am happy wth De Dana Dan. Next year I’ll try my best to better myself. In 2010 I’ve Housefull and Action Replay, all commercial cinema. My New Year resolution is to only do films that will entertain audiences.”

Imran Khan Fearing Of Being A Mocked?

Imran Khan is living under the fear of being mocked these days

We hear Imran, who is famous for his jovial and prankster nature, seems to have given up playing tricks on his ‘Delhi Belly’ co-star Vir Das, for the fear of being out-witted in his own game.

Vir Das, apart from being an actor is apparently also a stand up comedian.

“Imran, Shenaz Treasurywala and Kunal Roy Kapoor could not dare to take pangas (play tricks) with me (winks), considering I would give it back, twice as hard, as I am a hard-core comedian, and pranks come naturally to me.”

Vir raves enthusiastically about Imran and goes on to add, “On a serious note, Imran is a wonderful person and has been very supportive of my stand up comic act. He has watched my shows and has been a great admirer.”

“I have found a good friend in Imran and he is a great actor, ” signs off Vir.

Salman Told Its Unfair To Compare Zarine With Katrina Kaif

Salman Khan who has turned script writer with his upcoming dream project Veer says the film has been a stressful experience for him as an actor and writer.

"It was a stressful experience for me. But Veer has shaped up well and I am happy with the final product, " Salman told reporters at the music launch of the film. The period flick, set in 1875, is slated for a theatrical release on January 22, 2010.

Salman, who has further toned his body to suit the role, had first conceived the idea of making a movie on the exploits of a Pindari soldier 20 years ago. Speaking about his new co-star Zarine Khan, Salman said Zarine was a brilliant newcomer as she belongs to the new generation.

Director Anil Sharma disapproved comparisons between Zarine and Katrina Kaif. "It is unfair to compare a newcomer with anybody. By doing this you are belittling the efforts and hard work of a young actor, " he said.

Music composers Sajid-Wajid have given the music in the film while Oscar-winning lyricist Gulzar has penned the songs.

My Name Is Khan Movie's 1st Look

The first look of "My Name Is Khan", which reunites superstar Shah Rukh Khan with Kajol on screen after eight years, was unveiled by Star TV network Wednesday night at a star-studded event here.

The first look was launched by Shah Rukh, director Karan Johar and Kajol at the JW Marriott hotel. The promos were aired at 10 p.m. across 70 countries.

"It is one of the nicest love stories I have participated (in), " Shah Rukh said while the promo was unveiled.

The film brings Karan, Shah Rukh and Kajol together for a film after the hit "Kabhie Khushi Kabhi Gham" eight years ago.

The story revolves around Rizwan Khan (Shah Rukh), a Muslim from Mumbai who suffers from Asperger syndrome, a form of autism.

Rizwan marries a Hindu single mother Mandira (Kajol) in San Francisco. But post 9/11, Rizwan is detained by authorities at Los Angeles International Airport, mistaking his disability for "suspicious" behaviour.

The film is slated to release Feb 12, 2010.

Who Is Willing To Pay Good Price To Have Amrita Rao?

Amrita has been rising slowly and steadily in the popularity meter.

She's has been approached for various endorsements off late of which she considered Vivel Shampoos. However this actress is not in a mad rush or a singing on spree as we can see.

Very recently, a prominent gutka company (Pan Parag) approached her for an endorsement and were willing to pay any price just to have Amrita on board as they thought their target customer group identified the best with Amrita and Shahid as they had undertaken a survey to justify the same.

However Amrita who is a non-supporter of tobacco in any form declined this offer immediately but it seems the brand doesn't seem too happy letting go.

Now we must say here's one actress who thinks more of the social benefits than the moolah she's raking in. They say the slow and the steady wins the race.

But yes Amrita will be endorsing a premium tea brand very soon!

Bollywood's Best Salesmen Amitabh, Shahrukh, Kareena or Katrina?

With ‘Rocket Singh –Salesman of the year’ paying an ode to the oiled, over-the-top and dramatic tribe of pushy ‘Salesman’ we do a round-up of the superstars who with their perfect set of white teeth, flawless skin and oodles of superstardom have pushed the poor fashion models to the background and taken the onus of selling us products that we never thought existed or wanted either!

Crisscrossing from the boundaries of cinema to television we had the man- the Mard of Bollywood ahem!

Mr. Amitabh Bachchan selling herbal oils, the possession of which was usually frowned upon as the indulgences of hoi polloi by the elite class.

But apparently, after the blessings of the Sarkar this relatively Lawaaris oil brand was lapped up in numbers and occupied the much-coveted space on the toiletries shelve with the imported shea butter creams.

And while we were still rubbing our eyes on how the Big B can be all thand thand coolum coolum amidst the eyesore garish backdrops, he made us do a double take and left us Nishabd with promises of miracle churan to cool the Toofan of gastric flatulence.

Well this was just the trickle, the flood of cinema celebrities on television has arrived and how! Taking over the cheesy brand ambassadors, ‘stars’ replaced them with even oilier smiles and taller claims. This new breed of ‘Star’ salesman left us gaping at the undue credit to shady products, stuff you know for sure won’t be around 200 feet of these ‘stars’ under normal circumstances.

Feeding a breed of star-starved nation the ad-man found the perfect savior to bail out a market fed by Chinese products. Roping in the badshahs and shahanshah the average Joe was short changed into believing a complexion makeover of the sort Michael Jackson had by none other than Shahrukh Khan.

Borrowing catchphrases of eunuch beggars, the ‘Fairness cream for men’ ad had overbearing lines like ‘Hai Handsome!’ where Shahrukh preens, pouts and saves the day of a ‘black boy’ while simultaneously skyrocketing the stock of the cream that promises to blur the racial divide with its ‘imported’ ingredients.

Well this ‘Salesman’ might have burnt a hole in the company’s budget with his over-the-top endorsement fee, but hey! Who said the world is ‘fair’!

And now, when we are talking of fair it would be highly unfair to leave the fair maidens out of the ‘salesman of the year’ race.

Who else but Asin could have coaxed you to shell out exorbitant sums of money for something you could have easily picked up in the basket sale of Fashion Street.

Here a special mention goes to Salman Khan for his vest-ed interest in Dollar shop stuff. Sallu shows the world that you can get away with anything- including running with kids in a race and beating them to the finish line, is all perfectly fine, as long as you have the right brand of baniyan. Moving on to his ‘Lady love’…

Well one could have never thought that ‘Lady’ Katrina Kaif will be scrubbing clean with a piece of soap that was best left back at the store shelve.

But Katrina convincingly demonstrates the wonders of a low-budget soap that will give a clear complexion to a fairly large family. Waltzing between the bathtub and jungle Katrina finds the answer to all her beauty queries and in the process puzzles one and all on her highly questionable choice of bath soap.

Speaking of bathing choices, Kareena Kapoor has nailed it; playing dirty with chocolate this Kapoor kudi sold the dream of a beautiful skin to millions looking deliciously dirty.

Who said soap could be sold off only by playing bubbles in bathtub…Kareena proved them wrong by dunking in a bar of dark chocolate soap, which by the way, is way cheaper than an average bar of chocolate.

But that certainly will not qualify Bebo for the salesman of the year award as we yet have to explore the potential of Virar boy, Govinda, and his magical smile, which was never put to adequate use by the dant manjan companies.

Nevertheless Govinda shone bright selling hair oil, a match made in heaven only to be destroyed by the Big B. The guy was in his element before Big B stole his show and hair oil.

And for that Big B ends up with the salesman of the year award too, after all, credit does go to him for educating us on the power of a certain washing detergent that makes a white shirt whiter-er-er-est…

Aamir Khan Spined Some Magic, Overwhelmed Kareena Kapoor?

Aamir Khan recently gifted a Rs. 25, 000 handloom saree to Kareena Kapoor made by handloom workers of Chanderi village in Madhya Pradesh. Kareena was overwhelmed by the present.

Kareena was asked to fly down to Madhya Pradesh for two days. She had to travel for 14 hours to reach Chanderi. All this while, she didn’t know where they were going and all she knew was that they had to meet Aamir. So when she received the black and gold traditional saree, like the ones the weavers used to make for the nawabs, she was overjoyed.

According to Kareena, Aamir Khan wanted her to have the saree because she is a style icon and she should promote the work of these handloom industries.

The ancestors of the workers used to work for royal families. Kareena and Aamir went to the workers’ homes, interacted with them and saw that they live in miserable conditions and make only about Rs. 50 while the designers borrow their work and sell it for Rs. 30-40, 000.

Aamir has invited some of the workers to the premiere of 3 Idiots.

Shahrukh Khan Should Have Got The Oscar 10 Years Back?

Shah Rukh Khan is ready with the much awaited My Name is Khan. The Bollywood Badshah breezed in Kolkata for the grand finale of ‘Dadagiri Unlimited’, a quiz show hosted by Sourav Ganguly.

TWF correspondent Sreya Basu catches up with the actor on his friendship with Dada and his new film where he is paired opposite Kajol after several years.?

What was the first thing that came to your mind when you saw Sourav as a quizmaster?
It was really a pleasant surprise. I have seen him play cricket, discuss cricket…this is completely a new avatar of Dada (Sourav Ganguly). But I must say, he is really good at it. As I said on stage-Dada ko pakadna mushkil hi nehin, na mumkin hai. (Smiles)

What brings you to the finale of ‘Dadagiri Unlimited’? Friendship with Sourav?
Sourav and my friendship now go beyond Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Indian Premier League (IPL). To me, he is one of the best cricketers in India. I can never say ‘no’ to him.

Is this a kind of ‘favour returning’ gesture…since Sourav has earlier judged your cheerleader hunt ‘Knights & Angels’?
I never thought about it in this way…really. And as far as ‘Knights & Angels’ go, Sourav was not getting cheerleaders for Shah Rukh, but for the entire KKR team.

You have got Sourav back as KKR captain for IPL 3…
I told you…he is the best (in cricket).

KKR started with much energy, but failed to win the first two seasons of IPL. Do you expect to win this time?
I won’t comment on that. But if KKR wins this time, I will come and dance for all of you in Kolkata.

You are back in a Karan Johar film again?
Yes…I am inseparable from Karan’s films (smiles). On a more serious note, My Name Is Khan is a passion project; somehow I wanted to be part of this important film personally and as a production house.

Your company Red Chillies has tied up with Fox for My Name Is Khan. So with the help of Fox, are you trying to push your film to the Oscars?
I have just written to the Oscar people that they should have given me an award 10 years back; now I am losing interest. Jokes apart, our association with Fox is not award-based. But we believe Fox is one of the few people in the world, who can perhaps take our film to the roads of getting awards and recognition, if it is good enough.

For the first time you are playing a person with Asperger syndrome. How much effort Shah Rukh had to put to play the character?
Rizwan Khan is a special character-because he has a definite beginning and ending, and a bit of realism. He is a person with Asperger. While studying the character, I really had to hold Shah Rukh Khan back. I put together all my years of acting skills, before I could step into Rizwan’s shoes.

Already quite a few films have been made on terrorism. How different is your film from the lot?
Karan wrote the story three years back. At that time I felt it was quite an advanced one. This is not a film on terrorism, but on relationships; as are all Karan Johar films.

First it’s the relationship between two persons, then among many people, then, relationships within a basti, within a city and finally, within the world. Within those relationships, we put aspects of western culture, Islam and Asperger syndrome.

Now-a-days controversies are used as a publicity tool for a film. What do you think?
We (Karan and I) have never tried to create euphoria about the film with the help of controversies….no, never. But sometimes there are mistakes, sometimes it’s not a mistake, but an issue.

Even for My Name Is Khan, everyone of us-right from the producers, directors, actors, to lightman, cameraman, spot boys-has been really careful not to show any bias to any community or hurt people’s sentiments while dealing with Asperger. Even then, if there are reasons for controversies, then please help us out.

You are working with Kajol after a long time…
Yeah! Karan and I discussed at least a thousand times, how my pairing with Kajol will be…if it will be another Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge or Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. But in this film, Karan has not shot any romantic songs in Egypt or Switzerland with us. There is romance…but the treatment is not the same.

The title of the film-My Name Is Khan-is being seen as a Shah Rukh Khan statement…
My name is unimportant. My work is much more important than my name.

Katrina Kaif & Ranbir Kapoor Say Khullam Khulla Pyaar Karenge Hum Dono?

The latest buzz in Bollywood claims that Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif are more than friends but neither of them is admitting to their relationship. It all started during the shooting of ‘Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahini’. Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif came closer and their growing fondness can be measured from text messages, constant phone calls.

Among other news that has surfaced, it is being said that Katrina had also visited Ranbir’s residence and that Ranbir had gifted her heart-shaped pendant. Katrina has tried keeping it under wraps having told only a few close friends about it.

A source close to the couple said that Ranbir and Katrina are are finding it extremely difficult to keep their growing fondness for each other under wraps and it is just a matter of time before they make it public.

Ranbir isn't even trying to conceal his new-found love for Kaif. She too has moved on from Salman, and they are now "just friends" now they've decided that they have grown out of the relationship.

Katrina had even visited Ranbir’s house and gelled with the family well. According to a source, she has worked with Ranbir’s dad in ‘Namastey London’, so there is a feeling of comfort. Ranbir is extremely close to his mom and doesn't do anything she won't approve. So getting her approval is extremely important for him.

Some say that Katrina is even looking for a house next to Ranbir’s. But another source close to the actress rubbishes talks of Ranbir getting close to her.

According to him, "Katrina has been keeping unwell for quite some time. All this buzz about Ranbir sending her flowers and text messages is untrue. In fact, they haven't even met up after the release of Ajab."

Adding that Kat hasn't visited the Kapoor house, the source says, "She hasn't been to his house, neither is she close to his family. In fact, the only person who, s been by her side in the illness is Salman's mom."

Talking about Ranbir giving her a pendant the source says, "The one pendant being assumed as Ranbir's gift is actually something picked from Hill Road, Bandra. Forget gifting her something, Ranbir hasn't even checked on her health ever since she fell sick."

Penelope Cruz Couldn't Stop Kissing Meryl Streep?

Actress Penelope Cruz has admitted that she can't stop kissing Meryl Streep.

Speaking to her Nine co-star and fellow Oscar winner Marion Cotillard, the Spanish star said she thinks Meryl is the best there is.

"We only know each other from seeing each other at awards ceremonies or those kinds of events, but whenever I see her, I always go up to her and start kissing her," Penelope said in the latest issue of Interview Magazine.

She added: "I don’t even say anything - I just kiss her. She must think I’m some crazy person."

The Spanish stunner believes that Meryl is the best actress there is, reports The Daily Telegraph.

"There is nobody better," she said. "I watch her movies over and over again. I saw Silkwood again a couple of weeks ago, and it made me just want to kiss her feet."

Movie Review Of " Prince "

Cast: Vivek Oberoi, Aruna Murty, Nandana Sen, Niroo Singh, Isaiah, Sanjay Kapoor, Dalip Tahil, Manish Anand, Mayur Puri, Rajesh Khattar, Mohit Chauhan

Producer: Tips Industries Ltd.

Sound Engineering: Resul Pookutty

Story, Screenplay: Shiraz Ahmed

One of the savviest thieves in the world commits the biggest heist of his life. He wakes up next morning to realize he has a gunshot wound on his arm that he doesn’t remember getting.

In his quest to find answers he discovers his name is Prince (Vivek Oberoi), he used to work for a man named Sarang (Isaiah) and his girlfriend’s name is Maya (Nandana Sen, Niroo Singh, Aruna Murty).

He is being hunted by the secret service of India- I Grip, the CBI and the biggest white collared criminals in the world. He is the most wanted man in the country because only he knows the whereabouts of the heist, which contains a secret that is linked not only to his loss of memory but threatens the future of the Human Race.

Prince can rely only on his razor sharp instincts to salvage himself. The web of deception spins and Prince gets even more entangled.

Nothing and no one can be trusted.

Every day he meets a new girl claiming to be Maya...

Every cop and criminal in the country is out for his blood…

He doesn’t remember where he has hidden the Heist…

He doesn’t know which side of the law he is on…

His life is at stake…

The future of mankind is at stake…

Prince has no one but himself to trust …

Failure is not an option…

He has just 5 Days of his life…

Time is running out will he survive…

Himesh Reshammiya Never Smiled In Public! Why?

Himesh Reshammiya seems to be taking pleasure in being portrayed as a serious person.

Recently, at an event, he refused to smile for pictures and when a photographer caught him smiling and chatting with one of his celebrity friends and clicked the picture, Himesh asked him to re-shoot it. Talk about strange quirks.

In Radio, Himesh’s character is that of a smiling and bubbly RJ, however, he doesn’t seem to want to be caught smiling in public. According to sources, throughout the time when the photographers clicked pictures, Himesh had a very serious look on his face.

The guys kept asking him to smile and even pleaded but all in vain. Later when he was smiling while talking to a friend, a photographer caught him on camera. However, Himesh asked him to take the picture again, this time with Himesh looking serious.

Himesh denied the news and claimed that when his character in Radio is that of a happy, smiling guy, why would he want to behave this way?

Sameera Reddy Is Dancing For Sachin Tendulkar?

It is learnt that Sameera Reddy is busy gearing up for a special number which she is planning to perform for the Ambani's.

Our sources reveal that the Ambani’s group is organizing a show for their cricket group. The show is specially arranged for cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and is called Powers.

Sameera will be performing a special act for them. Sameera who has been busy otherwise has managed to squeeze in time for the act as she is an avid sports lover. “Sameera has been an athelete since her school and college days” informs our source.

“In fact now that Sameera does not get time to play any sport she is taken to Scuba diving and is licensed diver. Whenever Sameera is abroad the actress tries all the adventure sports there. She loves to ski, bungee jumping etc” adds our source further.

Shahrukh Khan & Amitabh Bachchan's Cold War Ended?

Amitabh Bachchan’s character in ‘Paa’, Auro, is already a hit among children, even before the film has released. The film’s premiere tonight will be attended by all the big names in the industry, including Shah Rukh Khan and even his kids.

Shah Rukh Khan, who was attending the event anyway and had some passes, called up Bachchan especially requesting for extra passes after his children, Aryan and Suhana expressed their desire to watch the movie.

The kids loved the promos of the film and are very excited to watch it. So, SRK called up Bachchan, actually to speak more about the film and to ask him about his character during which Bachchan asked SRK if he would like extra passes to which SRK said he would like five more as his kids want to watch the movie.

However, Bachchan sent him six passes and personally asked SRK to attend the premiere. The kids are now looking forward to watching the movie tonight.

The news was confirmed by Amitabh Bachchan who said that he has also sent six passes to Aamir Khan, who wanted them.

Sonam Kapoor & Abhay Deol Has Similar Styles?

Actress Sonam Kapoor, who is playing the female lead in dad Anil Kapoor's home production "Aisha", says she and co-star Abhay Deol have similar acting styles, making it easier for her to give her best.

"It was great working with Abhay. I feel we have very similar acting styles that made working with him so easy. It's always nice to work with someone who has done the kind of work you would want to do, " Sonam told over phone from Mumbai.

Based on Jane Austen's novel "Emma", "Aisha" is being directed by Rajshree Ojha and produced by Anil Kapoor and his younger daughter Rhea Kapoor. It is expected to release in April next year.

Asked if she too would like to don the producer's hat like her father and sister, Sonam said: "I don't want to get into production or anything. I have left that for my sister and my father. I am a more creative person and thus acting is what is more suitable for me rather than the production side of a film."

Before embarking on an acting career, Sonam worked as an assistant with Sanjay Leela Bhansali during the making of "Black". Later she made her big screen debut in Bhansali's "Saawariya". Based on Fyodor Dostoevsky's "White Nights", the film also introduced Ranbir Kapoor.

Her second film was Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's "Delhi-6" with Abhishek Bachchan. The film received mixed reviews, but her performance was highly praised.

The 24-year-old is also working on "I Hate Luv Stories". Produced under Karan Johar's Dharma Productions and directed by debutant Punit Malhotra, the film also stars Imraan Khan.

Asked how she felt when people referred to her as the thinking actress, she said: "It's nice that people think this way. Every woman and artist would be happy if people think like that about her. So am I. I think it's because of the kind of work that I have done that this image has been created. It makes me happy."

Apart from acting, Sonam endorses brands like Mont Blanc pens and L'Oreal and said that endorsement increases the visibility of an artist.

"Brands give you visibility. They not only give you monetary benefits but helps audience connect to you in a better way because you are not your character while endorsing the brands. You are yourself, " said the actress, who loves diamonds.

"I love jewellery like most girls. Diamonds are my favourites. Solitaires and even unconventional large pieces are what I usually like and wear," said the actress, who is also the brand ambassador of Anant diamond jewellery.

Eesha Narang Revealed Her Honeymoon Plans?

Post her wedding Eesha Koppikhar has not only changed her name to Narang (and not a hyphenated Koppikhar-Narang like Shilpa’s Shetty-Kundra) she is also keen that her husband the restaurateur Timmy Narang be known by his real name Rohit and not his nickname Timmy.

She pridefully makes mention of Rohit frequently and just can’t stop talking about her post-wedding plans with him.

“To my wildest surprise, yesterday Rohit revealed to me where he is taking me for our honeymoon.

"Over the past few years I think he has been making a mental note of all the things I have never done. So our honeymoon is basically planned entirely by Rohit, ” the new bride gushed two days after the event.

“Rohit has planned it in such a way that we get to enjoy the best of all seasons. It’s the sun on the Caribbean cruise and it’s the snow in New York and the world’s most beautiful beaches in Turks and Caicos. I think he has planned it very beautifully. I just can’t wait now to see the world with him.”

After a sunny Caribbean honeymoon the couple will bring in Christmas in New York.

“Rohit knew that I have never experienced a white Christmas and he has planned to take me to New York this Christmas where I am told his friends are going to throw us a Christmas bash. I think its extremely romantic of him to remember and plan a vacation in New York.”

On their return Eesha and Rohit will be staying at his family house Narang House with his parents.

Explains the blushing bride, “We will be staying with Rohit's parents at the Narang House. I have been living in a joint family all my life so I consider Narang House as my own place. The house is large enough to have our own space and privacy and yet have the opportunity to spend time with the family.”

Aishwarya Rai Took Home Nearly Rs.1 Billion From Ads

Bollywood may not be kind to married actresses, but they sure have a special place in the ad world. Their marital status helps these heroines sell a host of goods, especially household products like soaps, biscuits and washing machines.

While Kajol is the brand ambassador of products like Knorr Soups, Olay cream, Alpenliebe candy and Whirlpool appliances, Juhi Chawla has Kurkure snacks, Ashoka pickles and soft drink Rooh Afza in her kitty.

Karisma Kapoor endorses products like Khaitan Fans, Shaktibhog flour and Priyagold biscuits. Then there is Aishwarya Rai Bachchan who boasts of a glitzy lineup of products like Lux soaps, L'Oreal beauty products and Longines watches.

So what makes married actresses a hot favourite in the advertising world?

"Once married, Hindi film actresses stop being alluring and being part of the average Indian male's dreams. People do not expect married actresses to run around trees. But they continue to enjoy a certain nostalgic relationship in the minds of the audience, "Sai Nagesh, chief growth officer of Dentsu Media India, told.

"In the hugely cluttered media platforms, a married actress endorsing a brand does get that extra attention from the audience - a curious but extra glance."

Sonali Bendre, 34, who endorses Pril soap, Surya bulbs and tubes and Omega watches among others, was recently taken on board as the brand ambassador of the health brand Dr. Morepen.

"Sonali is a perfect example of an Indian woman handling brilliantly both professional and personal duties with ease, an aspiration for every Indian woman...She has a universal appeal that extends to everyone across age groups, " said Sushil Suri, chairman and managing director, Morepen Labs.

"We believe her endorsement of Dr. Morepen will go a long way in reinforcing the attributes of the brand and reiterate the position of 'Dr.Morepen."

The actresses themselves often prefer advertisements to full-fledged films as the former are less time consuming.

"It's just that I like to do things when the time is right according to me. When I was full-fledged into films, I didn't have time to do endorsements. And now I have a little time on my hands and I have realised that ads don't take a lot of time...That's why I am more open to them now," Kajol was once quoted as saying.

In terms of money too, ads are not a bad idea. Industry sources reveal that actresses are being paid anywhere between Rs.8 million and Rs.20 million depending upon their popularity and number of personal appearances to promote it.

According to media estimates, Aishwarya takes home nearly Rs.1 billion from advertising assignments annually.

Amitabh Bachchan's Compliment Left Vidya Balan Blushing?

It is learnt that since the time, Amitabh Bachchan had said that Vidya Balan reminded him of his favourite actress Waheeda Rehman, the actress just can't stop blushing.

The senior Bachchan had said in a recent interview that Vidya "has the grace and beauty of Waheeda Rehman". He had further added that Vidya’s Indianness reminded him of the star with whom he worked in his earlier films like Trishul, Kabhie Kabhie and Adalat.

A pal of Vidya’s reveals to us that Vidya is extremely delighted by the superstar’s compliments. "What more she could ask for. She is deeply humbled and at the same time dumbfounded.” The pal tells us.

Vidya has stated in this regard, “It was very kind of him (Amitabh Bachchan) to say something like that. Waheedaji was known for her beauty and grace and being compared to her is like receiving a great award. Amitji has been generous with his compliments. I’m speechless.”

She further adds, “I got the opportunity to work with him and Abhishek and it has been a great experience. I sincerely wish I get more roles like this in the future.”

God Is Continueing Shower His Largesse On Lataji

She has won every award worthy of her stature including the highest civilian honour the Bharat Ratna in our country.

Yet when the French displaying impeccably good taste as always decide to confer their highest cultural award the Officier de la Legionne d’Honneur on Lata Mangeshkar she humbly bows to another acknowledgement of God’s generosity.

“I don’t know why God continues to shower his largesse on me when I’ve reached an age when I’ve received more love and honour than any human deserves. But the French are a class act. And I feel doubly honoured to be chosen by them.”

Lataji will be getting the award at an event at a suburban hotel in Mumbai on December 2. “It would be part of the French Film Festival being held next week. They’ve sent me some invites which I’ve given to people very close to me. The rest of the film industry I’ve no idea about. I know I’ve the industry’s blessings, though.”

Among the invitees to witness Lataji’s French honour, Amitabh Bachchan is also expected to attend, though the premiere of his home production in on the very next day(December 3).

Earlier the Big B received the same award at a function in Delhi last year, though he was conferred the award after Lataji.

Says the Nightingale, “Actually I got this French honour three years back. But I was in no condition to receive it. I was actually on drips when I was informed about the award.

Now when I had completely forgotten about it they called to say they’re giving me the award on December 2. I thought they had forgotten about it too, ” she laughs her still-girlish laughter, and adds, “Actually I think it was my Rakhi-brother Shivaji Ganesan who was the first Indian artiste to be given the Legionne d Honneur.. Then came me and Amitabhji.” Must say the French have good taste.

Laughing at the observation Lataji says, “People say recognition has no meaning beyond a certain stage in one’s growth as an artiste. I say it’s never too late to be told people love you.”

Shahid Kapoor Sculpted Eight Packs?

Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh flaunted six-pack abs, but Shahid Kapoor is doing two better -- he will show off eight-pack abs in his forthcoming film "Chance Pe Dance".

Trainer Abbas Ali said they managed to achieve the new look in a very short time for "Chance Pe Dance", directed by Ken Ghosh.

"Shahid had to look cosmetically presentable. After 'Kaminey' we had only two months in hand to change his complete look. It's Shahid's sheer hard work, dedication and consistency that transformed him from what he used to look a couple of years ago to his present look," Abbas told.

"His body in 'Chance Pe Dance' is better than all his previous films. Shahid told me that dancers are coming from abroad and he wants to look like god and move like god. I had to change the entire training to bring that look along with flexibility and muscle endurance which was required for his dance performance, " he said.

Shahid first started working on his body for Vishal Bharadwaj's "Kaminey" as he had to run with horses in a scene.

"Shahid didn't have a muscular body. I was training him only for fitness. Shahid didn't want a picture perfect body in 'Kaminey' because the film shows that he comes from street and doesn't workout in high-tech gym," said Abbas.

For "Chance Pe Dance" Shahid needed a sculpted body and practiced five days a week. He also had to work on his diet.

"Shahid is a vegetarian and he doesn't even takes egg so first class protein, which is required to build lean muscle, was not there. White carbohydrate was removed from his diet, like white potatoes and pasta. We added brown carbohydrate like brown rice, sweet potato, oats instead.

"We didn't go for low carbohydrates because if you go for low carbohydrates your performance level goes down in real life. He has to dance so we couldn't go for low carbohydrates."

"Chance Pe Dance", in which Shahid plays a struggling actor opposite Genelia D'Souza, is set for a Jan 15 release.

Saif Ali Has Only One Film In Hand

While Saif Ali Khan has had a recent release with Karan Johar production, Kurbaan he has not signed any film besides his home production Agent Vinod with Kareena Kapoor.

So is he out or work after that then? "Yes, I have no work after Agent Vinod. I am currently concentrating only on my home production," he says.

Saif further states that Agent Vinod is an action thriller with "loads of adventure". "But, it will also be very real. My character is not going to be a wannabe James Bond. We are still developing the character and right now I am losing some weight for the movie," he informs.

While Saif says that he loves taking on different roles, his experimentation with acting didn’t just happen.

"I was never meant to be an actor, but I have grown a lot as one while doing a lot of films.I developed my potential and I do think certain films tapped into my insides. After my role in Dil Chahta Hai, directors started looking at me differently.

There was a time when I thought that I was wasting my time in the industry, but after certain films such as Kachche Dhaage, and Parineeta, my sensibilities towards cinema changed. Omkara was a different story — it changed me completely. I consider myself lucky to have had such roles," he says.

Om Puri Is Proud To Have Been Stripped By His Wife?

Om Puri, whose biography Unlikely Hero was released during the IFFI in Goa tells Jyothi Venkatesh that he had started his life as a rag picker by picking coals from the railway track…
Mani Ratnam released Om Puri’s biography Unlikely Hero, written by Om Puri’s journalist wife Nandita Puri at Inox in Goa during the IFFI. The book had earlier been released at the hands of Amitabh Bachchan in Mumbai.

While releasing the book, Mani Ratnam said that he felt that it was a great honor for him to release the book and added that directing Om Puri has been an amazing experience for him.

“I am quite curious to read about Om Puri’s life in the book. It should have been very difficult for Om’s wife Nandita to write about him even though she is closely associated with him in her capacity as his wife,” Mani said and very sportingly bought a copy of the book by paying Rs 395

Om said that though it is difficult to write about him since she is his wife, it goes to her credit that Nandita had detached herself and written about him objectively.

"I’d go to the extent of going on record that my wife Nandita has really stripped me in public and I am happy to have been stripped by my wife in public. I am very proud of my wife who is now all set to come out with her ninth edition of her book of short stories shortly, after having written for two films, including one for Poonam Sinha”

"I have been a great admirer of Mani Sir because he is one film maker who has brought the right combination of art and commerce together as far as films is concerned. Unless some art film makers who set out to intellectualize, Mani Sir is like Bimal Roy, who made sensible films like Do Beegha Zameen and Devdas."

Om confessed that he was quite angry and cut up with his wife when sensational excerpts from the book were published when he was shooting in Chandigarh, because she did not bother to reprimand the publication or the journalist who published it without her permission.

"It is not a cheap or sensational book. The media quoted me irresponsibly. My son Ishan who is just twelve years old was in tears when he called up. Let me clarify that the story was not a publicity gimmick, as some people tend to believe to promote the book written by my wife. All that I can say is that I am proud of my life and have not hidden anything from my wife."

Om added that his journey in life had begun when he was just 7 when he was a rag picker who earned his livelihood by picking coals from the railway track.

“I have been very frank about my love life too. My book is actually a tribute to all my friends who had helped me on way and my teachers who trained me and shaped me like my mentors Shyam Benegal and Govind Nihalani. If only they had not given me the right break at the right time with the right film, who knows, I may not have been able to show case my talent to the world, as an actor.”

Nandita Puri, who her husband Om Puri described as a woman of few words who was very media savvy, said that she had set out to write the book with a lot of empathy, with a certain detachment which it needed since Om also happened to be her husband.

She conceded that it was tough writing the book objectively but added that writing the book helped her see her husband in a different light from what she had perceived of him and said that she wanted the reader to connect to the book in all levels.

"It is light, simple reading. I am only a biographer. This is a teaser trailer. If it does well, I'd certainly try to bring out a fatter volume because I have condensed out of whatever I could lay hands on my husband's life. I am glad to announce that the book would be also published shortly in Punjabi and Malayalam".

Shenaz Treasuryvala Bitten By The Bug Acting?

She has done it all. A super-amazing MTV VJ, model, travel writer turned actor who had for some years disappeared from the scene. Her contagious smile flutters many a hearts even today after she made a comeback with Aagey Se Right.

She is none other than Shenaz Treasurywala. And now, the real life VJ has turned reel-life RJ in Ishaan Trivedi’s Radio where she will be seen sharing screen space with Himesh Reshammiya and Sonal Sehgal.

The multi-faceted artist in a candid interview discloses the reason about her sudden disappearance and also talks about her experience of working in Radio.

Which profession interests you the most after venturing into modeling, acting, and writing?
Modeling does not interest me at all. My interests are varied and as a performer, I express myself in different mediums such as acting, hosting, writing and photography, though, I enjoy acting the most! As long as I can be creative I am happy.

You disappeared after Ishq Vishq and Hum Tum? Was it a deliberate effort?
Being a Bollywood actress was never my single and most overriding or crucial goal in life. In fact I never even thought about it. Ishq Vishk just happened. And after Ishq Vishk, I turned down so many roles, as I didn't like the script or the character didn’t inspire me enough. I wasn’t so keen. I wasn’t even living in India.

What have you been doing all this while?
I was shuffling between Hong Kong and Thailand doing one of my most fun shows called ‘Whatever things’ for MTV Asia. So, I was not even living in India when I’d get calls for films and I didn't think any of the offers were worth coming back for.

After Hong Kong I moved to LA where I was working on an international travel show for Discovery Travel Channel. That was really my big dream. To write, host and produce a show for the Travel Channel in the U.S. That was my careers’ highest point till date!

The show was called ‘Culture Shock’. After he show got over, I moved back to India last year, signed Delhi Belly, Aagey Se Right and Radio.

You seem to be totally engrossed and seem to be enjoying your work. Where do you see your career graph moving?
See, I have been so lucky to have so many interests and opportunities in my career. In addition to being an actress, I am fortunate to be an international travel host, a writer, and documentary producer and host.

I have done so much career-wise, which has not been solely dedicated to Bollywood and continue to do so. My interests are varied and as a performer, I continue to express myself in different mediums. I don’t want to limit myself to just Bollywood.

I am so fortunate to be able to make a living expressing myself in so many ways so I sign what I really like and won’t take on anything unless I’m fully convinced.

Let’s talk about Radio, what is it all about and how does your character figure out in the movie?
It is a modern day love story about relationships today and how they are not as simple and straightforward as they used to be in our parents’ time. ‘It’s complicated’ is most people’s status on face book and it’s definitely complicated for all our characters in Radio.

The radio station is the backdrop; I play RJ Shanaya who is a crazy, fun loving girl. Shanaya is a facebook addict and a die-hard romantic. She is very girlish and finds it difficult to deal with her emotions when she falls in love with a colleague from work.

The complication is that he has a lot of baggage including a beautiful ex-wife who no longer wants to be his ex. Today relationships are very complex and our film depicts true to life love, marriage and relationship complications.

Are you satisfied with the way your character has shaped up?
Definitely, yes.

Movies seem your main focus now…Aagey Se Right, Radio and soon Delhi Belly….how does it feel to be back?
Yes films are my focus at the moment. Delhi Belly, Aagey Se Right and Radio just happened after moving back to India. Now I'm bitten by the bug. I absolutely love and enjoy acting more than anything else and I believe I have talent and I am a skilled actor. It feels good to be back.

A lot has been spoken about the music which is very contemporary.What’s your take on that?
Radio is definitely Himesh's best album ever. The music in our film is outstanding. It is the no. 1 selling albums. His singing in Radio beats everything he has done so far and wins hands down

My favorite songs in the film are ‘Janeman’, ‘Mann Ka Radio’, ‘Rafa Dafa’, ‘Teri Meri Dosti’ and ‘Piya Jaise’. Gosh, I just named all the songs! The music is just so melodic and when I just watched the trial of our film the audience was singing along and so was I. Even the background score is brilliant. The audience must prepare themselves for a very entertaining film filled with beautiful, melodious music. Share some memorable moments while shooting on the sets which you cherish?
I enjoyed doing the scenes where my character is conflicted, when she is trying to hide her emotions and acts irrational, Shanaya can’t handle her emotions and acts ridiculous sometimes. She does those really silly and irritating things. I enjoyed doing those imperfect, flawed, and confused scenes the most because that's how we are in real life -unpredictable, irrational and flawed.

What are your other projects in the pipeline?
Delhi Belly and another big international film that I am not allowed to talk about.

Karan Johar Got A Marrige Poposal From Uzbekistan?

Recently, Karan Johar received a fan mail from a fan of his in Uzbekistan who proposed marriage to him in the mail along with a specially designed carpet with his image on it, thus dismissing the belief that it is only the lead actors and actresses who get marriage proposals in fan mail.

The parcel reached Karan on Sunday afternoon who was pleased to see the carpet. The parcel also contained a love letter from a girl, Dilbahar, which carried a marriage proposal for Karan.

Although he was very touched that a fan had spent some time to write some nice things about him and had given him such a valuable present, he was also left a little embarrassed.

Sanjay Leela Bended Rules For Aishwarya Rai?

This one is strictly for Paa. Not just the film, but Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s ‘Pa’, the Big B.

A stickler for discipline punctuality and strict schedules during shooting Sanjay is known to shoot through burning fevers and locational setbacks, just so as his actors’dates don’t go awry.

For the first time in his career as a filmmaker Sanjay is voluntarily slackening his schedule this week for Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Later this week she will be given a couple of days off from the current schooting schedule of Guzaarish, and that too when she is required to shoot solo scenes with her co-star Hrithik Roshan.

A huge dent on Sanjay’s tight schedule. But nonetheless a sacrifice that the diligent director thinks has to be made since Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is also a producer for Paa and needed to be present hands-on for the premiere.

Says a friend of Sanjay and Aishwarya, “Aishwarya is not just Sanjay’s leading lady. After doing three films together they are family. Sanjay saw how stressed Aishawarya was trying to balance her tight schedules for Guzaarish with the time required to pitch in with her real-life Pa(Amitabh Bachchan) for Paa.

In fact Mr Bachchan has been running around alone inviting the film fraternity for the Premier on December 3 since Abhishek has been shooting non-stop in Goa for Ashutosh Gowariker and Jayaji is in Delhi attending parliament.”

Earlier this week Sanjay saw how troubled Aishawarya was looking on his sets. That’s when he decided he had to let her go.

Says director and actress’ common friend, “When she expressed her helplessness about not being avalailable for Amitji to make arrangements for the premier Sanjay made up his mind to give her those crucial days on and before the premier off, although it meant considerable schedule adjustment on his part.”

Says Sanjay Bhansali, “It’s no big deal. Adjusting my schedule is the least I can do for someone who has been a dear friend for many years. But this was not done Aishwarya. It was for Paa and Amitji. It’s a very special moment for the family.”

Aishwarya has been juggling her Guzaarish schedule with her duties as a hostess for the Paa premiere to the best of her abilities. On Saturday evening she was present as an integral part of the Bachchan parivar with husband Abhishek, sister-in-law Shweta and the Big’s B bother Ajitabh Bahchan’s kids for a poetry reading on Harivansh Rai Bachchan’s birth anniversary.

Says a close friend of Aishwarya, “She had little time to prepare her poems. But she recited Harivansh Rai Bachchan’s lines like a true Bachchan.”

“You mean like a true Rai Bachchan," quips Aishwarya.