Aamir Khan Got Padma Bhushan?

Bollywood star Aamir Khan, enjoying unprecedented public acclaim with his hit film "3 Idiots", has been conferred with Padma Bhushan, the nation's third highest civilian honour.

The 44-year-old, who struck gold at the box office with his latest outing "3 Idiots" that grossed over Rs.375 crore at the worldwide box office, is already a recipient of the Padma Shri.

Known as a perfectionist, Aamir began his film career as a child actor in his uncle Nasir Hussain's "Yaadon Ki Baraat" (1973) and then featured in "Madhosh" (1974).

He made his debut as full-fledged actor in Ketan Mehta's "Holi" (1984) however, he achieved overnight stardom in 1988 with "Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak".

He followed it up with his first national award winning role in "Raakh" and successful movies like "Dil" (1990), "Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin" (1991), "Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar" (1992), "Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke" (1993), "Andaz Apna Apna" (1994) and "Rangeela" (1995).

Khan continued to act in just one or two films a year and still does the same. Other hits of Aamir are "Raja Hindustani", "Ishq" and critically-acclaimed "Ghulam", "Sarfarosh" and "Earth".

In the new millenium, he appeared in hits like Oscar-nominated "Lagaan". In the same year he featured in "Dil Chahta Hai". After that he took a four year sabbatical and returned with Ketan Mehta's dud "Mangal Pandey: The Rising".

But he hit the bull's eye again with "Rang De Basanti" and after that blazed a new trail to success with "Taare Zameen Par", "Ghajini" and "3 Idiots".

Bollywood diva Rekha and Saif Ali Khan have been awarded Padma Shri this year.

Meanwhile, from sports, Saina Nehwal, Narain Karthikeyan and Virendra Sehwag have been selected for Padma Shri awards.

Padma Awards, the country’s highest civilian awards, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The awards are given in all disciplines/ fields of activities, viz. art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc.

‘Padma Vibhushan’ is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; ‘Padma Bhushan’ for distinguished service of high order and ‘Padma Shri’ for distinguished service in any field.

The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year.

The awards are conferred by the President of India at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan sometime around March/ April.

This year the President has approved 130 awards including 13 in the category of Foreigners/ NRIs/ PIOs.

These comprise 6 Padma Vibhushan, 43 Padma Bhushan and 81 Padma Shri awards. There are 17 women among the awardees.

Hrithik Roshan Is Superhero Of Darsheel Safary In Bollywood

After playing a dyslexic child in "Taare Zameen Par", Darsheel Safary will be seen as a superhero in his forthcoming film "Zokkomon", which is about extraordinary powers. The 13-year-old is happy to fulfil his fantasy, but hopes to be granted the powers in real life too.

"Hrithik Roshan is my superhero in Bollywood. He is a good dancer, has a very good body and is a great actor. I really want to work with him. I feel great and fortunate to fulfil my fantasy. I wish to help the world if granted these superpowers in real life too," Darsheel told here.

"'Zokkomon' is a completely different movie. The experience was very different as 'Taare Zameen Par' was an emotional movie and this is an adventure-action film," he added.

Amitabh Bachchan Was One Of The Pioneers Of Satellite TV?

Amitabh Bachchan, who plays a media mogul in his forthcoming film Rann, says he is well-versed with the business as he was among the pioneers of satellite television in the West, many, many years before it came to India.

"I was one of the pioneers of satellite television in the United Kingdom and New York. We ran Asian television there. We were actually the first ones who did that many, many, many years ago before satellite television came here. So, yes, I know how it works and how it functions," Bachchan told in an interview here.

"But now, of course, it has become a huge industry. It's a very intricate process, a very difficult task and extremely competitive. I have been to some of the (news) studios and I have seen how they function - (it's) a massive task," he added.

Bachchan had endorsed one of the first satellite Asian TV channels in Britain in the early 1990s - TV Asia before it was taken over by ZEE Network.

The megastar clarifies that "Rann", which releases Jan 29, is pro-media and not at all about media bashing as has been reported.

"It's a little premature for the media to think like this, but you know 'Rann' is a very pro-media film. In the film what I do as part of the media (industry) is nothing dishonourable. I (have been) put across as a very honourable person and whatever I do is very pro-media."

Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, "Rann" is about business and consciousness in electronic media and the moot point of the film is what edges the other.

"Whether business wins over consciousness or otherwise, that would always depend upon the owner of the channel and that's the crux of the story. It's a battle between business and consciousness.

"Does Mr.Vijay Harshvardhan Malik (played by Amitabh in the film), who is a symbol of purity and integrity, succumb to things like 'I don't care about business, I want to keep my consciousness' or 'to hell with conscience, I will have to save my business'; that's what the story will be," said Amitabh.

The actor also said that he didn't borrow any mannerisms from media personalities like Prannoy Roy or Rajdeep Sardesai.

"I don't try imitating any particular action of anybody. I try to be myself," said Amitabh, but added Ram Gopal Varma might have taken inspiration from the two while creating a character.

"These are elements which we see every day. Yes, when we are making a film on electronic media, it is very difficult to ignore them (Prannoy or Rajdeep) or not be inspired by them."

While Amitabh appreciates the positive impact of the media, he maintains that it is not flawless.

"Media is a very powerful medium. It's the voice of the nation. It informs and also forms opinion. It has the power to be able to influence you in forming a decision. It has a power to change governments... Now, when one entity has so many powers, are there any drawbacks? Are there any loopholes there? Do people use them or misuse them? These are some of the issues that the film deals with," he said.

The actor, who recently criticised the paid news syndrome in an interview, said the media is not solely responsible for such practice where the source of information is kept under wraps.

"Somebody has to bring the concept. You are the medium and they have to publish it or broadcast it. It is your decision whether you want to do it or not. One doesn't mind provided there is a disclosure. Disclose what you are doing, then it is fine. If it is made transparent, I don't see any harm. Let everybody have some kind of transparency."

Minissha Lamba Finally Made Her Dream Purchased?

Minissha Lamba finally made her dream purchase. She bought her first house last month at Andheri’s Raj Classique, which also houses celebrities like Priyanka Chopra, Abbas Tyrewala, Satish Kaushik and Shahid Kapoor, all of whom will be Minissha’s neighbours now.

Minissha bought her three-bedroom apartment after looking for a house for six months. She had looked for a place all over Yari Road, Four Bungalows, Versova only to be disappointed. She even thought of giving up in between.

She hadn’t even thought of looking in this building because she didn’t believe she’d find a flat for sale. And when she did find it by chance, she fell in love with it straightaway.

She thinks it’s important to have a flat of your own when you’re single. She will be doing the interiors of her house herself.

Kangna Ranaut Enjoyed National Award Over 22 Wine Bottles?

After her victory as the Best Supporting Actress for Fashion at the National Awards, Kangna Ranaut is riding high.

She got a pleasant surprise yesterday at around 4 in the evening, when a Delhi-based fan of hers, Sameer, sent her a huge gift hamper to congratulate her for her National Award win.

The hamper contained three boxes – one that had 22 wine bottles, one with 22 cakes of different types and sizes, and one with 22 accessories like earrings, bangles, bracelets, etc.

The hamper also contained a note from the fan which said, “22 because you are 22-year-old and a National Award is no mean achievement at such a young age.” Now, isn’t that mind-blowingly sweet?

Anushka Sharma Is Using Bum Bags For Heavy Butts?

Actress Anushka Sharma, who is working with Shahid Kapoor on Parmeet Sethi’s untitled film, is taking a leaf out of her co-star’s book. Following in Shahid’s footsteps, she is wearing bum bags for her role in Patiala House.

For Parmeet’s film, she needed to be thin and well-toned. However, while shooting for Patiala House opposite Akshay Kumar, where she plays a Punjabi girl, she had to be a little full and heavy on the lower body.

To look full in the Punjabi outfits she needs to wear for the film, like patiala salwars and short kurtis, designer Jaimal Odedra had to suggest bum bags. A bum bag is a small pouch of fabric that is secured with a zipper and is worn at the waist, held in place by a strap.

However, Jaimal has denied suggesting them to her and stated that she looks perfect even without them.

Katrina Kaif Planed To Get Married In 2012?

Katrina Kaif is certain. She will get married in 2012. Until then, she wants to have a blast while doing all the projects she has lined up.

Her current films, Farah Khan’s Tees Maar Khan, Imtiaz Ali’s Rockstar and Dostana 2 with Tarun Mansukhani will keep the lady on her toes this year.

That also means she has stopped looking for a new house. She states that first of all, she has a comfortable home so there is no reason to look for a new house. And anyway, she will be going to her husband’s home once she’s married.

Now, even though Katrina has a gut feeling about getting hitched in 2012, what she can’t be sure of is if the groom will be her current boyfriend Salman Khan or another actor or someone she hasn’t met yet.

Priyanka Chopra Was Not Expecting The National Award?

At 4 a.m. in New York Saturday, the last thing Priyanka Chopra was expecting to hear was that she had won her first National Film Award. She jumped out of bed in sheer joy when she got the news.

"It feels soooooo fantastic! It's 5 in the morning here (New York) and my phone has been ringing non-stop since about an hour. I am so excited, " Priyanka told over the phone from New York, where she has been shooting for Siddharth Anand's "Anjaana Anjaani".

The 27-year-old has won her first ever National Film Award for her performance in Madhur Bhandarkar's "Fashion". She says she is glad that she agreed to do the film.

"When Madhur approached me for this film, I was terrified about how complex the character was. But I am glad that I did it, " she said.

Though Priyanka has already won several awards including a Filmfare best actress award for her portrayal of a struggling model in the film, she says the National Award is most special.

"This is a National Award! I was just not expecting this and especially because there are several regional films and actors competing for it. One can't keep track of the nominations at all. But this feels just great. After having won 15 awards for 'Fashion' so far, I feel I have come full circle with this one, " she said.

Instead of celebrating her success, the actress says she was looking forward to the morning shoot scheduled for "Anjaana Anjaani", in which she is featuring opposite Ranbir Kapoor.

"I have a shoot tomorrow morning. So I just want to sleep right now so that I wake up fresh. I will be in a mood for celebration, but the shooting will definitely happen. It is my bread and butter - and also what will hopefully - yes hopefully, fetch me my next National award, " she joked.

Priyanka, who made her Bollywood debut in 2003, says she received the most special congratulatory call from her parents. Her father Ashok Chopra had shed tears after watching "Fashion" in 2008 because he was touched with his daughter's performance, and he cried now again after hearing about her victory.

"My father called me up and said he is ecstatic and extremely proud of me. He had tears again. He is happy because I have achieved so much in such a short span of my career, and that makes him really proud, " she added.

Priyanka, who won the Miss World title in 2000, made her Bollywood debut with "The Hero: Love Story of a Spy" and then featured in "Andaaz", for which she even won a Filmfare best female debut award.

In 2004, she delivered a critically acclaimed performance in "Aitraaz" and later did commercial films like "Mujhse Shaadi Karogi", "Bluffmaster", "Krrish", "Don - The Chase Begins Again", "Salaam-E-Ishq", et al. But it was "Fashion" that brought her into the league of top-rated actresses in Bollywood.

She has, since then, given commercial hits like "Dostana" and "Kaminey" and also featured in films like "What's Your Rashee", and more recently in "Pyaar Impossible", which didn't fare too well at the box office.

She is hoping to strike gold again with "Anjaana Anjaani" and Vishal Bharadwaj's "Seven Husbands".

Mallika Sherawat's Brother Stoped Her For Stripping?

Mallika Sherawat’s older brother, Vikram Lamba, got a little protective of his younger sister on the sets of Hissss. He blasted the crew for making Mallika wear a skin-coloured, flimsy bikini.

The shot was being done on a dark, cold night. Director Jennifer Lynch’s plan was to take Mallika’s close-ups and full body shots of a naked body double. Mallika had to lean on a branch.

However, Vikram, one of the producers of the film, walked in and shouted at the crew to stop the shooting. The body double ran off to the vanity van while Vikram exploded and told the crew members that Mallika would not wear such a bikini.

Vikram’s co-producer on the film, Govind Menon, tried to make Vikram understand but the latter remained stubborn. The shooting came to a halt for more than two hours as the producers fought.

While Mallika told her brother that she was ok with the outfit, he still didn’t relent. It was only when her bikini was replaced by a longer, skin-coloured bikini which was better than the previous one that he finally agreed.

Though Rakesh Rathore, the executive producer of the film, denies such an incident, it has been confirmed by sources.

Movie Review Of "Chance Pe Dance"

Star Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Genelia D’souza, Mohnish Bahl

Music Directors: Pritam, Adnan Sami, Sandeep Shirodkar, Ken Ghosh

Producer: Ronnie Screwvala

Director: Ken Ghosh

SantaBanta Rating: **

If you want to be successful, you must either have a chance or take one. With a star like Shahid as a bosom pal, Ken Ghosh had it but with the film like this, Kapoor took one and the result is hardly pleasing.

Chance Pe Dance is a story of archetypal Dilli guy Sameer (Shahid Kapoor) who leaves his home town to become a star in Bollywood. He is confident to break into the top league because every aunty in town, including his mom, has been telling him that he's a bundle of talent with killer looks- the only two prerequisites to become a Hero.

But then Shah Rukh Khans are not made everyday. So, poor Sam has to do rather embarrassing things like lungi ads to eke out his existence at his ‘parsi-monious’ tenement.

Going into auditions after auditions he has mastered the skill of saying, “Hi, I'm Sameer Behl and my number is…” but life in Mumbai without a grand daddy is not easy and getting a break, virtually impossible.

His chances are stolen by others, his friends betray him and his landlord throws him out. He is rendered penniless stays in his car for days before he gets a job at a school and some emotional-cum-romantic support from a scooty-riding spirited choreographer Tina (Genelia D’souza).

After his initial I-hate-kids attitude, Sam finds his solace by making the teenage underdogs of school the dance champs of the city.

Eventually, he gets his biggest break as well but only to be matched by the biggest betrayal. Now he has no way but to enter the talent hunt like thousands of other contestants and emerge a winner to fulfill his dream... and our nightmare.

It is a film like Chance Pe Dance that separates a Ken Ghosh from a Farhan Akhtar and Ashutosh Gowariker who actually spend so much time (esp. Ashu :-)) penning the details and seldom leave anything to ‘chance’.

In times when flicks run on their taut and realistic storyline, Ken makes his Sameer Behl enter a talent show and eventually pronounces him a winner in an eight-pack flashing jig with virtually no competition whatsoever.

It is Ghosh’s decrepit script and predictable plot that make even Shahid’s otherwise sincere performance go down the drain. Shasha, however, as Sam the struggler tries hard to lend authenticity to his character and succeeds as well.

Genelia is as bright and breezy as ever but hardly displays her choreography skills. Alas, for her the film never picks up just like her scooty that perpetually runs on 30km/hr.

Despite being a musical, Pritam, Adnan Sami, Ken Ghosh and Sandeep Shirodkar’s work is a big let down.

The dance sequences are choreographed by Marty Kudelka, who has also directed moves of stars like Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, and N'Sync. Our Shahid also does well on the dance floor in certain sequences but chance favours only the prepared minds and Ken Ghosh was certainly not prepared when he was making this film.

Avoid!

Movie Review Of "Rocket Singh - Salesman of the Year"

Star Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Gauhar Khan, Prem Chopra, Shazahn Padamsee, Mukesh Bhatt, D. Santosh, Naveen Kaushik and Manish Choudhari

Music Director: Salim Merchant, Sulaiman Merchant

Story / Dialogue /Lyrics: Jaideep Sahni

Producer: Aditya Chopra

Director: Shimit Amin

SantaBanta Rating: ***1/2

They say, ‘Show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, winning takes care of itself.’ And whoever they are, they're often right.

Like any other business, sales and service fundamentals are no rocket science. All it needs is honesty, dedication and integrity. But the blitzkrieg of cold calls and unsolicited offers on your phone everyday show that these virtues haves been mothballed for good. Poor Harpreet Singh Bedi (Ranbir Kapoor) who has ‘just’ passed his college hasn’t learnt these tricks of the trade yet.

His mark sheet is an embarrassment but that never stopped him from dreaming of an exciting and adventurous career in ‘AYS sales’. He is like an honest professional, who lived in every one of us before those unreasonable deadlines, targets and peer pressure got better of us. Soon, his idea of success begins to clash with the ‘professional’ ways of his colleagues, team leader and the boss.

But Harpreet who has inherited nothing but integrity and a modest scooter from his fuddy-duddy grandpa (Prem Chopra) refuses to give in to this chicanery. Instead he forms his very own, at your service 24x7 Rocket Sales Corp. that works from the AYS premises itself.

With his honesty pep talk he also poaches the ‘best’ AYS talent which includes, his sales shark team leader (Naveen Kaushik), perennial lech techie Giri (D. Santosh), hot customer relations manager Koena (Gauhar Khan) and an office boy Chhote Lal (Mukesh Bhatt) better known as ‘cup-plate’.

Together they restore the idea that business is not just about numbers but it’s about people and when people are happy numbers surge anyway.

As the orders start pouring in and sales sky-rocket, AYS begins to feel the heat. What follows is Harpreet’s conquest over the ideas which AYS boss (Manish Choudhari) considers mainstays of any sales business.

Rocket Singh works fantastically due to Jaideep Sahni’s crisp story and dialogues, Shimit Amin’s taut direction and Ranbir’s pristine performance as he plays the desi Jerry Maguire. As for women, it is Gauhar Khan and not Shazahn Padamsee who steals the limelight. Prem Chopra is delight to watch after a long, long time.

Salim-Sulaiman's music & background score is easy on the ears and never hinders the pace of the story. All in all there is no stopping this Rocket Singh and if you like some uncluttered entertainment you know where to board this flight.

Movie Review Of "Dulha Mil Gaya"

Starring: Fardeen Khan, Sushmita Sen, Ishita Sharma, Mohit Chaddha, Tara Sharma and Shah Rukh Khan (Sp. App)

Director: Mudassar Aziz

Rating: *1/2

Settled in Trinidad and Tobago, Tej Dhanraj a.k.a Donsai (Fardeen) is a rich playboy who lives to party hard and have fun with the most attractive girls minus in commitment.

His only good female friend is the hot shot super model Shimmer (Sushmita Sen). Donsai hopes of leading a fun life ahead as well comes crashing down when his late father’s will is declared by his lawyer Mr. Vakil (Vivek Vaswani).

A clause in the will makes it compulsory for Donsai to get married to his father’s friend’s daughter living in a Punjab village if he wants to inherit the huge riches of his father running into five billion dollars.

A reluctant Donsai only agrees for the same when Vakil suggests him a loophole. So, he marries the Punjab small town girl Samarpreet Singh (Ishita Sharma) in quick court marriage and comes back to Trinidad minus her. He stops any communication with her but dutifully keeps sending a fat cheque at every month end to her family.

Longing for him, the sweet and simple Samarpreet then decides to go to Trinidad herself. But on landing at his doorstep she is in for a cultural shock and is stunned to see Donsai having fun with other females. She is even insulted and thrown away from the house by Donsai’s bodyguards even before they both meet. Following her accident she lands up in Shimmer’s house.

The snooty, high society girl Shimmer at first detests her but after hearing her story she decides to help her. How Shimmer manages to help Samarpreet woo Donsai back by completely transforming her as a hottie Samara and how in the same course also learns a lesson or two about true love of her long time lover PRG (Shahrukh Khan) forms the rest of the plot.

With a plotline that offers nothing new apart from a unique location setting in the West Indies isles, the predictability of Dulha Mil Gaya puts you off to sleep long before it is over.

Shahrukh in a special appearance making a proper entry just post interval too cannot salvage the film. Just by taking off her glasses and appearing a bit mod, Samarpreet manages to hoodwink Donsai into believing she is someone else, just like Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’s SRK’s (Suri’s character)!

While the first half breezes past quickly, the problems begin when the second half begins. After SRK’s entry your expectations rise but as soon come crashing down by some really juvenile sequences added. The whole cruise sequence is extremely tackily shot. The climax too is simply lame.

Lalit Pandit’s music works well when watched on screen. The entire track of lovers played by Tara Sharma and her DJ boyfriend Mohit Chaddha is a waste of time.

Fardeen puts in the efforts and delivers an okay performance. Sushmita Sen never looked so hot before. Her comic timing is very good. Newcomer Ishita Sharma last seen in a small cameo in Dil Dosti Etc. is extremely likeable.

Be it emotional sequences or comic ones, she gives it her all and leaves you mighty impressed. Tara Sharma looks good but still hasn’t got rid of her pathetic dialogue delivery. Mohit Chaddha is passable.

Vivek Vaswani is good but Johnny Lever is complete wasted in the role of Fardeen’s butler. Finally, SRK even his small part, gives a glimpse of his famous romantic lover charm. The superstar puts in his 100% in his half backed character.

Debutante director Mudassar Aziz’s Dulha Mil Gaya could have worked had it been released a decade back. But now it seems too outdated. It constantly keeps you giving a feeling of déjà vu with sequences appearing quite similar to films like Ponga Pandit, Namastey London and even Dil Bole Hadippa!

Give it a miss guys unless you are a hardcore Shahrukh Khan fan who doesn’t mind sitting through a 150 minute bore watch only to catch a few sequences of his. He though succeeds in holding your attention in an otherwise boring film.

Movie Review Of "Fired"

Cast : Rahul Bose, Militza Radmilovic, Dinesh Lamba

Director : Sajit Warrier

Joy Mittal, the arrogant CEO of H.W.L.S, in a hardnosed decision to repair his scandal ridden work record and prove his ability to emerge as a pioneering leader in times of financial crisis, fires all the employees from his London office to cope with the global economic slowdown.

Amongst the sacked employees is Ruby Herminson, 29, an alluring, sophisticated, career-driven woman, with whom a married Joy is having a long affair.

Joy fires Ruby along with the rest of the people he considers expendable. After a trying day, Joy decides to finish off some paperwork before heading home, but soon realizes that the only possible means of leaving is the one he least bargained for.

Cornered in a deserted office, Joy soon realizes that there is a gruesome super-natural force in the building, which is hell- bent on extracting revenge for his ruthless actions.

FIRED is the shocking tale of a man who pays a steep price for his cold-blooded actions.

Movie Review Of "Ishqiya"

Cast : Naseeruddin Shah, Vidya Balan, Arshad Warsi, Salman Shahid, Adil Hussain, Rajesh Sharma, Anupama Kumar, Gauri Mala, Master Alok Kumar, Anisha Bano, Jai Singh & others

Producer : Chandan Arora

Director : Abhishek Chaubey

Two thieves, Khalujan (Naseeruddin Shah) and Babban (Arshad Warsi), feeling frustrated with the lives they are leading under their ruthless ganglord Mushtaq (Salman Shahid), they steal the sum of 25 lakhs from him to flee to their home and not remain slaves to the system they are working under. On being caught by Mushtaq they manage a narrow escape right under his nose along with the money, thus bruising his ego greatly.

Being on the run for their lives, they seek refuge with an old friend, and instead meet his widow, Krishna (Vidya Balan). She leads a dull and lonely life of a widow.

With the coming of Khalujan and Babban there is new energy and enthusiasm that enters her life. Krishna's youthfulness and serenity starts to flower again.

Khalujan builds a deep amount of respect and love for her, to which she responds in a positive manner.

Babban on the other hand eyes her with lust. There is a breath of fresh air in the lives of the three as in each other they find a vent to forget the past and find joy in every moment.

This fantasyland is suddenly disrupted as Mushtaq discovers the location of the two. They are again forced to delve back into their past ways in order to protect their lives. Being a gangster's wife, a new side of Krishna comes to light, a master in her husband's criminal ways. She is the only route for the two to get out of trouble.

As we ride along this dangerous territory, the situations lead Babban and Krishna to celebrate moments of intimacy, thus summing up to become a clash of emotion between the three.

Skeletons from the Krishna's past which were locked up till this moment; bounce back and affect the crime they are committing, creating a clash between love & trust on one side and crime & deceit on the other.

Set in a rural landscape, Ishqiya explores basic human emotions as influenced by desire, greed and revenge.

Aishwarya & Abhishek Don't Want To Be A Couple Anymore?

Abhishek Bachchan's film, ‘Crooked' was supposed to star his wife, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. But she was out of the film before Abhishek started shooting for it on January 14 due to date issues. However, he isn't upset at all.

According to sources, Abhishek and Ash wanted to work together again but not as a pair. They weren't playing a couple in ‘Crooked'; on the contrary, Ash was to play his enemy. His romantic interest in the film is former Miss India and VJ Sarah Jane Dias.

The film, directed by Abhinay Deo, stars Sarah Jane alongside Shahana Goswami, Gul Panag and Pakistani actress Sonya Jehan, who has replaced Ash.

Ash's role, which was that of a cop trailing global criminals, has gone to Sonya. Sonya debuted with Akbar Khan's ‘Taj Mahal', where she played Mumtaz Mahal and then did Sudhir Mishra's ‘Khoya Khoya Chand' where she played the role of a 1950s actress, which was based on her grandmother Noor Jehan.

Sonya was chosen for her fair skin and light eyes. Producer Ritesh Sidhwani has confirmed her part in the film. However, he won't reveal her role. He also wants to change the title as ‘Crooked' is only their work title and he doesn't want it to stick.

Kats Fighting? Kareena Declared War With Katrina Kaif?

Katrina Kaif is as diplomatic and politically correct as an actress could get is common knowledge. However, her disdain towards Kareena Kapoor became known to people at the recently held Star Screen Awards.

The organizers of the show asked Kareena to present an award to Katrina. The Kapoor girl however refused to do so citing the reason that Katrina had also refused to give her an award. So there was a major ego clash at the award show.

Bebo is known to not have grudges against stars unless she has been enticed to do so. So is Katrina the one at fault for having shown her dislike for Bebo so publicly? We really can't say much…

Priyanka Abandoned Abhishek For Seven Husbands?

Priyanka Chopra, as we all well know by now, is very keen to be part of Rohan Sippy's film.

Rohan who had earlier worked with Priyanka in Bluff Master was also keen to cast her in his Goan drug-busting film. Sippy wanted to cast Priyanka in a powerful role opposite the Southern star Rana Daggubati.

The earlier plan was to cast Priyanka opposite Abhishek. But now a new girl will be paired with Abhishek while Priyanka was seriously considered opposite Daggubati.

Says a source, “Unfortunately the dates on which Priyanka was required for Rohan's film clashed with Vishal Bharadwaj's film.”

After Kaminey Priyanka has a unique chemistry with Bhardwaj. In Vishal's Ek Bataa Saat (which means ‘1 into 7') she plays a woman with seven husbands, a big challenge for the actress.

Says a source, “There was no way Priyanka could let go of Vishal's Ek Bataa Saath. So she regretfully opted out of Rohan's film.”

Now Rohan says he would probably have to cast newcomers opposite both Abhishek and Rana Daggubati.

Aamir Khan's Ex-Wife Reena Came Face 2 Face With Kiran?

Recently, Imran Khan's engagement with his longtime girlfriend Avantika Malik saw an unexpected guest. Reena Dutta, Aamir Khan's ex-wife came down to the engagement which was held at the Malik farmhouse in Karjat to bless the couple.

The event saw Aamir Khan at the forefront with his wife, Kiran Rao. Karan Johar was also present.

Imran looked thinner than ever before, making everyone feel he needs to start eating.

HOT SEXY Jacqueline Fernandez Is An Exciting New Face?

Ex – Miss Sri Lanka Jacqueline Fernandez from TV anchoring to political reporting to modeling, has done it all and now has finally fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming an actress.

The gorgeous star made a big splash with her debut in Sujoy Ghosh's Aladin alongside veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan and Riteish Deshmukh – the results of which won Jacqueline the “Exciting New Face” at the Stardust Awards 2010.

Reveals a source “Jacky debuted with Amitabh Bachchan in her first film very few get the opportunity to work with a Bollywood legend this early in their career. Jacqueline has a unique face, very Malaysian yet very Indian. The screen loves her”

Jacqueline Fernandez was only too thrilled to receive the honor. Says a gushing Jacky “This is the first award I've received and will cherish it. I will only strive to work harder now”

With such an effortless performance and gorgeous face Jacqueline Fernandez managed to make her mark in Bollywood.

The year's exciting new face will soon be seen yet again alongside Riteish Deshmukh in Jaane Kaha Se Aaye Hai.

Maddy Don't Like Sharman In Real?

Here’s the news for all of you who thought Madhavan and Sharman Joshi are as chummy with each other in real life as they were in 3 Idiots. They aren’t.

Recently, they refused to host an award ceremony together for reasons only they know. So, Madhavan was made to host the show with his 3 Idiots co-star Omi Vaidya (who played Chatur Ramalingam).

Maddy has however, denied hosting the show even with Omi. And he didn’t just stop there. He kept insulting the newcomer and made fun of each and everything that Omi did.

Omi was the one who acted mature in the situation, by staying calm and unnerved by Maddy’s antics. Just shows who the real idiot is!

Ishqiya Has Adult Contetnts?

Ishqiya with all its colourful expletives and sexually charged visuals was passed on Wednesday without any cuts with an ‘A' certificate. A huge step forward for Hindi cinema which contains graphic language.

Says the film's director Abhishek Choubey, “Frankly I expected I'd be asked for some kind of an explanation for the language and content and why they were necessary. I had gone prepared with dossiers on every graphic word and shot.

To my surprise I wasn't asked for any explanation. I was given an ‘Adults' certificate with no cuts at all. I guess it's a sign of how far censorship has come in our country.”

The censor board apparently baulked at some of the gaalis. But finally saw reason.

Says the film's director, “I never claimed the film was for children. The content is adult. So I've no problem with the ‘A' certificate.I feel the profile of the audience is changing swiftly.”

Abhishek also hastens to add that the language is not as strong as people seem to think. “It's not about creating shock value.It's the way these people in the small North Indian towns live their life.”

Anil Sharma Had Differences With Salman Khan?

Salman Khan has first gone to his friend Sanjay Leela Bhansali to direct Taras Bulba. When Sanjay declined Salman bitterly vowed to make the same story with another director, and make it as an epic comparable with Sanjay’s vision.

Anil Sharma was chosen because of Gadar : Ek Prem Katha.

“But please don’t expect Gadar in Veer. Gadar was far more dramatic and emotional. Veer is targeted more at today’s younger audiences, ” warns the director.

Stories about differences between Saslman Khan and his director Anil Sharma during the making of Veer abound.

Speaking on the issue for the first time Anil Sharma admits there were differences. “Salman was not just the main actor in Veer he was also the writer. We had a lot differences of opinion. The way he narrated the story and the way I perceived it as a director were different.

Moreover I brought in other writers Shailesh Verma, Shaktimaan (who wrote my Gadar) and Krishna Raghav. Raghav did all the research. So Salman’s story has been interpreted in the way I thought right.In the original story Taras Balba”

Salman insisted that Anil Sharma watch his source of inspiration the Yul-Brynner-Tony Curtis 1962 film Taras Bulba.

“But we couldn’t get a single print of the film. So I had to make do with the images that I had in my mind from childhood. They made the film in Russia last year. I saw that version. Taras Bulba was the story of the father Yul Brynner, played by Mithun Chakraborty in my film.

Veer is not the father’s story. It’s the son Salman’s story. And we had to relocate the entire story from 16th century Russia to Colonial India.”

While Salman Khan has become the face of Veer, the film’s director Anil Sharma has taken a backseat so far.

Speaking up finally he says, “For three years now all kinds of things have been said and written about Veer and my relationship with the project and actors. The truth is, we were making a very difficult film. And there were bound to be creative differences. But we sorted it out.”

Anil admits he never wanted Salman’s favourite composers Sajid -Wajid to do the music of Veer.

“I had heard his tunes in his earlier films and I was sure Sajid -Wajid wasn’t the right person for a period drama like Veer. I met them reluctantly and was surprised by their understanding of Hindustani music.

We worked really well together. They were delighted to be told to compose a thumri or a bandish for the first time. And the fact that I could convince Gulzar Saab to work with Sajid-Wajid was a stroke of luck.”

Says Anil Sharma, “We’ve reduced the length to approximately 2 hours 45 minutes. Only one 15-second action scene was removed by the censors. We had actually retained longer versions of the action sequences than we needed because the censors always shorten action scenes. To our surprise they didn’t touch anything!”

Priyanka & Kareena Are Giving Sleepless Nights To Katrina Kaif?

Katrina Kaif, who gave numerous hits, last year, has just one film for 2010. And the fact that her competitors Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor have many films lined up for release is giving her sleepless nights.

According to sources, while Katrina has mostly done romantic comedies in the past, she will be entering a new territory this year with Prakash Jha's ‘Rajneeti'.

She now wants to do more films that are issue-based, like the ones that Madhur Bhandarkar makes. She has expressed her desire to even work with Bhandarkar, as the lead actresses in his films always win awards.

While rumours of Katrina starring in ‘Dostana''s sequel, Imtiaz Ali's next film opposite Ranbir Kapoor and Farah Khan's ‘Tees Maar Khan' are doing the rounds, sources indicate that Katrina doesn't have anything on her hand other than ‘Rajneeti' and Abbas Mustan's remake of ‘The Italian Job'.

However, Katrina rubbished this piece of news stating that she is very busy with her films. She also denies having contacted Madhur Bhandarkar.

Gul Panag Found Her Lover In India?

Gul Panag’s love for cars is not news anymore. So, it didn’t come as a surprise when she was spotted at the inauguration of ‘Skoda Yeti’ in an exhibition organized by Auto Export Car 2010 in New Delhi.

Our reliable source informs, “Gul Panag was invited as a chief guest on an exhibition by Auto Export Car 2010. Gul seemed to be very excited to have ‘Skoda Yeti’ launched in India and also took a picture with it.”

Interestingly, ‘Skoda Yeti’ is the actress’s favourite car and is completely in love with it. Wonder, organizers knew about the fact in advance or not!

Rakhi Sawant Fight With Ishq On Stage?

True to the title of their new music album ‘Jhagde’, the catty Rakhi Sawant and the wacky singer-composer-lyricist ishQ Bector, got embroiled in a strange spat on stage, this week.

During the launch of their second video titled ‘Bhoot”, Rakhi and ishQ began an impromptu conversation to entertain the cheering crowd at a packed shopping mall in Mumbai.

All was well, till Rakhi urged the public “to buy original CDs, ” while ishQ, popularly known as India’s mad-max music import from Canada, retorted, “love is free – music should be free too. Even if you have to resort to piracy on the Internet, make sure you listen to, and share the songs.”

This began an argument between them. Initially, people thought the dramatic tiff was being staged to create hype for the album. But when it started going out of hand, it dawned upon everyone, the spat was happening for real.

Soon, the unintentional tiff got out of hand, while the audiences enjoyed every bit of the public display of emotions and ethics. It is only when Rakhi and ishQ got off the stage, is when they realized the absurdity and futility of their public ‘jhagde’.

Luckily, without creating more fuss, they whispered some sweet-nothings, hugged and made-up, as the officials from Pen Music, who released the album, heaved a sigh of relief.

Salman Rushdie Has No Fears?

Eminent novelist Salman Rushdie has left his fears of a fatwa completely behind. He now travels all over the world fully freed of fear.

Rushdie was in Mumbai on December 5 and 6 with filmmaker Deepa Mehta. The two are collaborating on a film version of Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children.

Among the Bollywood clan that Rusdhie visited during his two-day stay in Mumbai was Amitabh Bachchan, Irrfan Khan, Shahana Goswami and Shabana-Javed Akhtar.

Deepa Mehta who accompanied Rushdie through his Bollywood yatra says he loved every minute of his stay in Mumbai.

“As far as I could see there’s no fear to his life. He travels in a relaxed atmosphere. I couldn’t see any security arrangememts. Salman loved every minute of his stay in Mumbai. He loved meeting Mr Bachchan whom he was really keen to meet.”

Rushdie and Mehta have been friends for as years now. “We haven’t become associated because of Midnight’s Children. We know each from long before. In fact he allowed his book to be filmed by me only because his comfort level with me is so high.”

Rushdie has collaborated on the screenplay of Midnight’s Children with Deepa. He’s also taken a keen interest in the film’s casting which began with Shabana Azmi last year.

As more and more names get added to the cast Rushdie is expected to return to Mumbai more often.

Akshay Kumar Is No More A Celebrity?

Bollywood’s box office King Akshay Kumar has a great year ahead in 2010 with his upcoming Priyadarshan’s Khatta Meetha, Sajid Nadiawala’s Housefull, Nikhil Advani’s Patiala House and Farah Khan’s Tees Maar Khan.

The normally suave Akshay Kumar will be seen playing a common man in Priyadarshan’s Khatta Meetha.

Reveals a source, “Khatta Meetha is a satire based on the road-mafia prevalent in Bihar and parts of UP. Based on a true incident, this film unveils the charade of the common man.”

Akshay’s production banner Hari Om Productions will be producing Khatta Meetha.

Akshay Kumar who is well renowned for his comedy as much as he is for his stunt performances seemed to be the apt person to play a comic common man much on the lines of R K Laxman’s famous character.

The star has had many ups with blockbuster films, the highest honour of a ‘Katana’ and of course he was the Indian Ambassador for the Olympics. Akshay Kumar till date is the only star in Bollywood to do justice to both his passions- film and sport.

Aamir Khan Has No Recipe For Success

He has given back to back hits like "Taare Zameen Par", "Ghajini" and "3 Idiots" in the last three years but Bollywood actor Aamir Khan claims he has "no recipe" to make a successful film and he doesn't know what audiences want.

"I don't have any recipe (for success). Lot of us often forget that the business we are in by definition is basically selling stories... We have to be different each time. I have to reinvent myself, I have to be different - that's the demand of my job. It's not something that I am thinking and doing, " Aamir said.

"I am attracted to scripts that move me emotionally and when you have such stories to tell, it doesn't matter how unusual it is, people connect to it, " he added.

The 44-year-old who was here at the Economic Times Awards also stressed that he is oblivious to the audience demand in terms of content.

"I've no idea what audiences want. I only have an idea about what I want... When I read a script, I go with my gut and then it just happens, " he said.

Aamir's latest outing "3 Idiots" has smashed all records and become Hindi cinema's highest grosser till date with collections crossing Rs. 240 crore worldwide.

Shahrukh Khan's Parties Are Hard

Bollywood badshah Shahrukh Khan works hard but he partied harder at the birthday bash of another tinsel town sensation- Hrithik Roshan.

As Hrithink Roshan turned 36 on Sunday the entire Bollywood showered him with good wishes. Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor and Karan Johar joined the party with SRK, said the actor in his twitter post.

Shahrukh Khan tweeted: "Been to Duggu (nickname of Hrithik) Hrithik's house, his birthday, we Karan, Riteish, Abhishek, Ash, Saif, Kareena, Preity, Dino, Kunal, Farah Ali had a good bash."

Hrithik Roshan is scheduled to shoot on his big day for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film Guzaarish.

Earlier, Hrithik’s sister Sunaina and family said they were planning to give him a small surprise party on the sets and take along with them a huge chocolate cake.

Hrithik began his career as a child artist at six in the 1980 movie Aasha, and then made a sensational debut with Kaho Naa...Pyaar Hai that released in 2000, making him an instant megastar.

His forthcoming films are Kites and Guzaarish.

Salman Told Zarine & Katrina Aren't Look Alike Same

Salman Khan says period dramas usually give the impression that people in past eras never used to laugh, but promises that his new movie "Veer" will have its light moments.

"We haven't followed the regular format. This has emotion, drama and comedy unlike other period films, which always casts an impression that no one used to laugh in those days, " Salman told in an interview.

"The language has undergone a huge change. The dialogues are in contemporary language but would show that people of that time used to speak and behave like this, " he added.

"Veer", slated to release Jan 22, is a story of bravery, treachery and love. The story revolves around the 18th century Pindaris who preferred death to dishonour and fought to their last breath to save their land. Salman plays the lead role.

Throwing light on how his co-star Zarine Khan joined the cast, Salman said: "The film is of a different genre, so we needed a young fresh look. More than that we needed somebody with a yesteryear look. How our grandmothers and great grandmothers used to look, we needed someone like them.

"Just two weeks were left to start the film and we didn't have anyone who would fit the role. We were searching left, right and centre and met her by coincidence on the set of Subhash Ghai's 'Yuvvraaj'."

Salman denies any resemblance between Zarine and his girlfriend Katrina Kaif.

"Except being fair and having a sharp nose, I don't see any similarity between them. Give god that credit for not making two people identical, " said Salman.

The film's story has been written by Salman himself and while scripting it he was scared whether his father Salim Khan, a noted writer, would approve. "I showed the story to my father and the biggest fear was what is he going to say. But he said it's a good story."

When asked why he chose to make a period film now, he said, "I had written the story 20 years ago but at that time it wasn't possible to make the film. I thought now is the right time to make it, so I did."

This is Salman's second film as a scriptwriter. His first was the 1990 movie "Baghi" and there is a common thread running through both the scripts - the father-son relationship."

'Baghi' showed a good relationship between a father and son, 'Veer' does that too. I believe that father and son should be the best of friends. Today, my father and me chat, drink and chill out together.

"But if I cross my line, I run away. I stay outdoor for two months. That's the chemistry they should share. The respect should also be there, " said Salman who claims that he could be a good father.

"I am not sure how good I would be as a husband, but I believe I would be a good father. One has to get married, I will also get married but haven't decided when."

The actor has been in the industry for more than two decades and has played a variety of roles, worked in various genres and sported different looks.

Asked if there was anything particular he looked forward to as an actor, he said, "No yaar. I do whatever comes my way."

Salman Khan Bear Rakhi Sawant As A Real Veer

He’s bachelor, he’s muscular and he indeed can dance saala…yes we are talking about none other than dashing Salman Khan who recently got two big hits namely Wanted and London Dreams in his kitty.

And his brainchild Veer is all set to hit the screens. Salman claims his new venture all about father-son relationship and is leaving no stone unturned to promote the film.

In a candid interview with us, Salman Khan speaks about Veer, his beautiful relationship with father Salim Khan also the co-writer of Veer and his love for kids. Here we go,

Veer is your third venture as a co-scriptwriter post Baaghi: A Rebel for Love and Chandramukhi. When did the idea cross your mind and what made you write a period film like Veer?
The idea crossed my mind when I was 25 years old. I was so excited about the concept- I desired put on canvas by myself. Due to financial constraints for such films need big budget to support, I could not fulfill my dream. Years passed by but passion to make Veer didn’t fade away with them.

Eventually when I felt- the story should be shared with the audience I showed the script to the producer Vijay Galani and readily agreed to do it. Moreover, the original script was too lengthy which was re-scripted by my father Salim Khan (scriptwriter). One common factor between Baaghi and Veer is- both stress upon the beautiful relationship of father and son.

Interestingly, rumours of Veer inspired from the novel Taras Bulba are doing rounds, what do you have to say on that?
No, Veer is an original concept though I have read the novel when I was five years old. And I do remember the beautiful relationship there too in the novel which might again be the common factor.

Which are your favourite period films made in Hindi Cinema?
Pause, ponder…so far there are only three classic period films which I feel are par excellence. Mughal-e-Azam, Dharmveer and the last definitely not the least Veer.

What is Veer all about?
Veer is primarily an epic drama but it also highlights the relationship of father-son. I can’t say beyond this. I would rather want audience to decide for themselves.

In the times when female-actors prefer zero-figure to retain in the competition out there; you suggested Zarine Khan the debutant actor to put on weight? Why?
It was necessary as yesteryear’s princesses had voluptuous bodies considering the royal families they belonged to (khate pete khadaan se hote the bhai) chuckles. So, Zarine’s character demanded her to put on some kilos.

How was it working with Mithun Chakraborty and Jackie Shroff with whom you are working after a long time?
Oh, it was fantastic! We had a blast working together after a long time. Both of them are gem of a people and terrific actors. They are quite senior to me as well. And I must admit that Mithun Da is world’s best chef.

Whats your take on the music of the film?
Veer is an epic film so we have to adhere to the sounds of that era. And I think music director Sajid-Wajid had done justice to the music. The duo is really talented. The music is very close to my like the film.

Who is your Veer in real life?
A person who can bear Rakhi Sawant is a Veer in real terms (laughs). Well, on a serious note, my father is a real Veer as he has always faced tough times with courage and I salute him for that.

Talking about your father, you said Veer is a story of father-son relationship. Share some fond memories of you with your father which still bring smile on your face?
(Smiles), Humm, I remember I was small when I flunked in maths. I was terrified to face my father and disclose the fact to him. Somehow I gathered guts to tell him; to which he politely reacted and told me not to worry and spoil my vacations. Exams are not the real test. Still, ‘beta agli baar zara dhyaan se padhna’ (be careful next time and study).

You are extremely fond of kids; are plans to marry and become a father in near future?
I like being with kids and definitely would love to be a father and I’m sure I will make good father but can’t promise if I can make a good husband.

When entire Bollywood is eating, breathing and sleeping Blogs, you too have been a part of it since a long time now. How has been your experience so far?
It has been fabulous! I love to connect with my fans. Like other Bollywood celebrities, I don’t concentrate on vocabulary and flowery language much as it leads one to deviate from the core topic. I write in a spoken language which you could make be understandable. I personal read all the comments of my blog and also address with the same sincerity. I’m enjoying blogging.

Genelia D' Souza's Cold War With Jiah Khan?

It's commonly known that Jiah Khan had shot for a substantial portion in "Chance Pe Dance" before she was asked to leave. But Genelia D'Souza, who replaced her in the movie, says she didn't bother to see those portions.

"I didn't feel the need to do that at all, " Genelia told.

"There was no point doing so because I wanted to approach my character in a totally fresh manner. The part had anyway been re-written; so it was anyway a new character to begin with."

The reason behind Jiah's exit from "Chance Pe Dance" was said to be "change in characterisation".

Genelia, who has teamed up with Shahid Kapoor in "Chance Pe Dance", also confirms that she didn't talk to Jiah before stepping in for the film.

"No, there weren't any conversations involved. In any case I hadn't replaced her. The makers (UTV and Ken Ghosh) had already taken the call and were looking for a leading lady. According to them I fitted the bill and hence I was in, " she said.

Filmgoers aren't really complaining considering that the fresh pairing of Shahid-Genelia is looking good together.

In the film, Shahid plays a struggling actor who is quite good at dance. On the other hand Genelia is seen as a choreographer. A 'chance' meeting brings the two together and there begins their journey.

A UTV Motion Pictures production, "Chance Pe Dance" is a solo release Jan 15. Genelia describes it as an out and out entertainer.

"Well, yes, this is a fun film for sure, though there are some emotional moments as well. Of course, there is a lot of music, fun, romance and dance but at the crux of it, 'Chance Pe Dance' stays on to be a heartwarming, feel-good musical entertainer, " she said.

For more than half a decade, Genelia has been juggling between the south and Bollywood. It was the success of "Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na" that brought her to the forefront of Hindi movies. Now she is working with the likes of Anees Bazmee in "It's My Life" and David Dhawan-John Abraham in "Hook Ya Crook".

Talking about the kind of offers coming her way, Genelia said: "Between the south and the north, there are some films which are out and out glamorous, a few are challenging me as an actor while a couple of them are a complete package affair where I get to look glamorous and also act. I am closely studying the kind of films I want to do."

Vidya Balan Felt So Sexy & Raunchy By Sucking Arshad's Thumb

Vidya Balan who never touches alcohol has shot a special risqué number entitled Ibn batuta in Ishqiya with her co-stars Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi.

Says Vidya, “We shot the song last month after the entire shooting was completed. I don’t drink and I had to act sozzled along with Naseer Saab and Arshad.”

The track will be used in the opening and credit titles of Ishqiya.

Says Vidya, “Arshad is a fab dancer. And Naseer Saab was having a ball dancing to the song Vishal Bhardwaj had composed. I think the last time he danced was for Oye oye in Tridev. But you can’t tell. He’s so good. Both the guys were having so much fun, and I had to join in pretending to be totally drunk.”

The song came out so well that the director Abhishek Choubey was thinking of using it in the narrative. But since it didn’t fit in, Ibn batuta will now just be part of the credit titles.

That isn’t the only daredevil thing Vidya has done in Ishqiya. This has to qualify as one of the most sensuous things a mainstream Hindi-film heroine is seen doing in any movie.

In what Vidya Balan describes as the most blatant come-hither gesture she has ever seen any actress in Hindi cinema make, in Ishqiya she was required to take Arshad Warsi’s thumb in her mouth and suck on it suggestively.

Each time she did so in the rehearsals Vidya would burst into uncontrollable giggles.And Arshad would join in.

Recalls Vidya, “Fortunately Arshad is a friend. We’ve gotten along well from the time we did Lage Raho Munnabhai together. I don’t know I’d have been able to do a scene like putting my co-star’s finger in the mouth with someone else. That gesture of sucking Arshad’s thumb was so raunchy and sexy, so not me, I couldn’t connect with it all.”

That sense of non-connectivity, says Vidya, runs through her character in Ishqiya. “I play this rustic voluptuous woman. All my weight-loss happened after I did this film. I had to looked filled up for this part.

In Ishqiya everything from the way I wore my saree to the way I looked at men, was alien to me. The role exposed me to a new way of interpreting a liberated woman. My character in Ishqiya may not know about feminism. But she’s truly liberated.”

Vidya is now looking forward to the release of Ishqiya in January. “The director Abhishek Choubey had to constantly keep giving me a pep talk. Quite often I was stuck because of the language and content.

Lets Meet Salman's New Girl Zarine Khan

Zarine Khan is making her acting debut with magnum opus Veer along with none other than Salman Khan. And now as the film Veer’s release is just around the corner, the debutant actress desires to make her presence at the premiere grand. She wishes wear an attire of 18th century queen like she’s wearing in the film.

Zarine who is quite excited and looking forward to the premiere says, “I wish we would have 18th century theme at the premiere and would love to wear something of that era like I have worn in the film.”

She who sounds very confident about the positive fate at the box office says, “I hope film does well and I’m pretty much confident that it will.”

Let’s see what in store for this new bee in the film circuit. All we can say is All the Best, Zarine!

Nobody Knew Chatur Of 3 Idiots Two Weeks Ago

Wasn't it just two weeks ago that he was a virtual unknown with no interviews, no autograph hunters and no recognition, wonders Omi Vaidya, the man with the laughs from "3 Idiots" who has been catapulted to instant stardom with the success of the film.

Says the film's Chatur Ramalingam: "I am extremely excited after getting the kind of response I got. Two weeks ago, no one knew me. There were no interviews, not many calls, but now I don't have the time to even answer all the calls that I get."

"When I walk on the road now, people stop and tell me, 'Hey, you are the balatkaar guy'. It is a wonderful experience, " Omi told, referring to one of the high comic moments in the film where Chatur Ramalingam makes a Teacher's Day speech.

The import from the US said he was not star struck when he met his co-actor and Bollywood star Aamir Khan.

"I wasn't star struck when I met Aamir. I knew that he is an actor and I'm an actor too and that I'm here just to do my job right. I never came in the way of the other actors in the film... something that they appreciated, " said Omi, who was virtually the 'fourth idiot' with the kind of screen space he got along with Aamir, R. Madhavan and Sharman Joshi.

"There were few people who used to go and try speak to Aamir and others, but I never did that. I think he liked my attitude because there were times when he used to ask me to sit with him for a cup of tea."

The 27-year-old Maharashtrian's life has changed after the super success of his debut film. As the compulsive and sadistic geek Chatur, Omi had some of the best one-liners and the funniest comic scenes.

Omi, who was kept under wraps until the movie's release, has even been nominated for the best actor in a comic role for the Nokia 16th Annual Star Screen Awards in January.

He is hoping for a long innings in Bollywood.

"People have approached me for roles and ad films. I have been looking for a manager too. I would love to do more films here but only if good work is offered because I was working back in Los Angeles too... but I want to do quality work, " said the actor, who graduated from the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts and thereafter acted in various TV shows, including "The Office".

So, is he working on his Hindi diction, since he would need to polish the language to be a part of world's most flourishing film industry?

"I am already taking classes for Hindi, two-three hours a day. But it's not only to get roles in the industry; it is mainly to connect with the people of my country. I love the language and I want to perfect it to feel at home when I am in India, " he said.

When asked whether he has any favourite Indian actor and whether he had watched Hindi movies before "3 Idiots", he said: "I have seen films like 'Roja', 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' and older films like 'Padosan' and many Raj Kapoor films.

"As far as actors are concerned, my favourites are not the superstars but actors like Shabana Azmi, Anupam Kher, Naseeruddin Shah and Nana Patekar who believe in doing challenging roles and experimenting with their characters."

Vidya Balan Need A Reason For Bold Scenes?

Debutant Bollywood director Abhishek Chaubey says that his film Ishqiya has turned out to be a bold movie because of the rural backdrop. He, however, adds that he isn't making any social statement with the film, which is a tale of romance, crime, suspense, passion and deceit.

"One of the reasons why it comes across as bold is because it has a north Indian rural setting. If I were to place my characters in downtown Mumbai, then it would have been a normal movie. The locale makes the film fresh and unique, " Chaubey told.

But Chaubey clarifies that "Ishqiya" is not a social comment, rather it's about the emotional journey of three people played by Naseeruddin Shah, Arshad Warsi and Vidya Balan.

"My backdrop, my setting, I have borrowed them from reality and I used them to tell the story. The film is about these three people, it is not a social comment. I'm not making any statement about society with my film. It's basically about the emotional journey of these three people, " said Chaubey.

Asked what inspired him to set his film in an interior area of Uttar Pradesh, he said: "There are many reasons. The most important is that I am from there. My parents are from there, I was born there and I spent some part of my life there. I know a little bit about the place, people, culture and the landscape. And I wanted to set a film in a territory where I am most comfortable."

"Ishqiya" could be described as a female-centric film because Vidya's character has an important role in the movie.

"The woman in my film happens to be a very important character. She has her own issues. She has her own needs, desire and goals. She is not just an emotional support to the hero of the film. The female character in the film drives the plot in critical places, " said Chaubey.

"The film is a blend of romance and suspense. It deals with various aspects of love, lust, complete submission and false love. It is not just about the three central characters; other characters in the film are also connected to it, " he added.

Chaubey admits that the film will reflect his personal experiences as well.

"It's very difficult for a director to make a film and not show himself. Definitely the film will have a reflection of me. You don't plan it, you don't think in that way, but the moment you start creating your characters, some of your personal experiences go into it.

"Things that you have experienced in your life that remain at the back of your consciousness pop up and help you in creating your film. Some part of my life has gone into the film. For instance, inputs for Vidya's character came from women I met in my life."

Chaubey says Vidya wasn't apprehensive about the bold scenes, but she had to be given reasons why it was required in the movie.

"She was not apprehensive to do bold scenes, but she needed proper reason why those scenes were required. It was well explained in the script and I was also clear in my mind why her character is like that. So I gave her the details. When she came on the set, she knew what she was doing and why she was doing it."

"Ishqiya" is slated for release Jan 29.

Saif Ali Khan Is Out From Work & Desperated To An Agent Vinod

Saif Ali Khan is worried now. The actor, who had relaxed for a fair bit after Love Aaj Kal was a hit, is now tensed. He didn’t sign any films after Love Aaj Kal merely because he thought the scripts were run-of-the-mill or not the central roles.

He was certain Kurbaan, which was a Karan Johar film and starred opposite him his girlfriend Kareena Kapoor would be a success. So, even though his second home production, Agent Vinod, got delayed, he wasn’t bothered.

But reality came down knocking hard when Kurbaan sank. The directors he liked, Siddharth Anand and Imtiaz Ali had shifted to Ranbir and he had no project in his hand. That’s when he started off Agent Vinod at the fastest speed possible.

Directed by Sriram Raghavan, the film’s script has been fixed. Kareena, who was working on Karan Johar’s Stepmom and was about to sign another film with Aamir Khan after 3 Idiots, has been asked to keep herself free for Agent Vinod.

Saif is pinning all his hopes on this film as it is his only film along with being a home production. According to Sriram, the film will begin shooting in March for a few days in Mumbai and then move on to Morocco.

Katrina Kaif Don't Want To Upset Her Fans?

Bollywood’s most sought after star Katrina Kaif has much to celebrate– Katrina topped the ‘Most Popular Celebrities’ list and was featured second on the ‘Most Popular Mobile Queries in India’.She also had blockbuster films this year New York, De Dana Dan and Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani.

Katrina was also voted the ‘Sexiest Actress’ by London Eastern Eye and featured second on the ‘Top Online Newsmaker of 2009’ list by Yahoo. With this sort of fan following Katrina has decided to pay close attention to the films she will hence forth do. Reveals an insider, “Katrina does not want to upset her fans. She will now only do films she believes in and roles that interest her.”

Katrina is also doing what she promised to do- is branch out into different sorts of roles and this year she will be seen in Rajniti where she plays an ordinary woman battling corruption who goes on to become the chief minister of the state.

“Katrina is also getting choosy with the stars she wants to work with, ”adds the source.

Well, Katrina Kaif seems to have lady luck on her side and with a string of great character driven movies and ‘A’ list actors and directors routing for her- there is no stopping this gorgeous diva.

Bipasha & John Are Having A Serious Problem?

Delhi girl Bipasha Basu returned to her roots to bring in her birthday on January 7.

“This was my first birthday in Delhi. I’ve very special links with that city. I was born in Delhi. So when I got a chance to be in the Capital for my birthday I grabbed it. To make it even better it was seriously cold in Delhi. I love the winter weather.”

Bipasha’s soul-mate and hopefully her lifelong companion John Abraham accompanied her to Delhi.

“It was the Auto Expo and as you know John loves anything on wheels, but hates birthdays. So he was just happy being around some of the best cars in the world.”

The couple flew back to Mumbai in time for Bipasha’s family birtjday lunch. “It’s an annual ritual on my birthday, and one I won’t miss for the world.This time one of my sisters was not here for my birthday. She’s studying. We really missed her. But my parents and my other sister, brother-in-law and nephew was home for my birthday.”

John was not invited to thr family lunch.

As far as birthdays go there’s a serious problem between Bipasha and John.

While John hates birthdays and all the accompanying rituals, Bipasha loves every bit of the attention of her birthday. Hence while John went into hiding on his birthday last month (Decemeber 17) Bipasha basked in all the attention.

“John runs the other way when it comes to cutting cakes. I spent my whole birthday cutting cakes with different groups of family members and friends. I couldn’t take all the calls and smses. But I answered all of them on the day after my birthday.

When I returned from Delhi my house was filled with flowers. You’ve no idea how wonderful flowers look in a newly-renovated house. My home was fragrant and attractive. My two sweet maidservant had arranged all the bouquets all over the house.”

Bipasha is hoping for a productive year. “There isn’t much work happening. The scripts floating around are mostly mediocre. I can’t bring myself to do sub-standard work. Hopefully I’ll sign something exciting soon. But I’m certainly not sitting at home. I’m constantly on my toes doing one thing or another, too busy to twiddle my thumbs.”