Movie Review Of "Kites"

Star Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Kangna Ranaut, Barbara Mori, Kabir Bedi, Nick Brown, Yuri Suri

Story / Writer: Akash Khurana, Anurag Basu, Robin Bhatt
Music Director: Rajesh Roshan
Producer: Rakesh Roshan, Sunaina Roshan
Director: Anurag Basu

So, the Hrithik biggie is finally here and looking all loaded. Picture this, our very own Greek god on the run with this exotic babe from the far-far-away. Together they defy an omnipotent capo and his trigger-happy son who has sworn to hunt them down.

Add a dash of breathtaking locales, adrenalin pumping action and some steamy scenes to the tale of these incongruous lovers and voila... ‘Kites’ is ready to soar at the box-office across the globe or so thinks Mr Anurag basu.

But alas, all the good things about Kites only end up on writer’s desk and what you see on screen is one confused attempt by the director who can’t decide between his Bollywood roots and Hollywood style, and ends up delivering a hackneyed wild goose chase. I mean, come on, it took three people to write a chase film so predictable?

First half, with its monotonous music and prolonged love-dovey glances, hampers the fast paced opening to the story in the sin-city where avaricious J makes his living as a salsa dancer.

As a sideline, he marries immigrant women to get them green cards. When Gina (Kangna), the rich daughter of a powerful casino owner Bob (Kabir Bedi), falls for him, J. goes along in order to marry into money.

He discovers that his future brother-in-law, the vicious, homicidal Tony (Nick Brown), is about to marry a beautiful Mexican woman named Natasha (Barbara Mori), whom J knows as Linda, the last of the immigrant women he married. Love blooms 'again' between the two and they elope by ditching the jilted brother-sister duo.

We, as not so privileged moviegoers, don’t get too see the real taste of Hrithik and Barbara’s steamy romance, which is specially crafted in the 90-minute song-less thriller for their first-world audience. Instead we get to see them as half-naked fugitives squabbling in Spanish, English and god-knows-what at an outpost and at best nuzzling at times.

Even the climax sequence, which was supposed to be the emotional highpoint of the film, evoked mirth from the audience, clearly exposing the chinks in the director’s plot.

To his credit Mr Basu, aptly goes back and forth with the narrative and gives a fine visual appeal to his project but a plot sans any major twists makes J and Natasha's love-on-the-run a non-starter.

Performance-wise, Hrithik shines in his role though, at places, it seems he is pitching a bit too hard for his case in Hollywood. Barbara Mori despite over flashing her toothy smile manages to engage the audience with her Mexican good looks and Spanish charm.

Kangna is merely doing a favour to Mr Basu in Kites with her cameo. Kabir Bedi as suave rich-daddy is a predictable replica of his earlier performances.

Nick Brown, clearly, seems to be watching wrong sort of movies to prepare for his Tony-the-wacko-brother part. If it is his natural style then I'm even more sorry him as an actor. His anger and actions are incomprehensible at times even by his own standards.

Music by Rajesh Roshan not only lacks the magic but also hampers the prospects of Kites being a slick thriller.

As for Mr Basu, he has made a very average effort in Kites. Now it’s time for him to accept the consequences like a man or as they’ll tell it in Spanish- ‘A lo hecho, pecho’, Mr Basu.

Movie Review Of "Badmaash Company"

Starring Shahid Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, Meiyang Chang, Vir Das

Written & Directed by Parmeet Sethi

Rating: ***

There’s a longish sequence in an American eatery in the second-half of this deeply flawed and yet refreshingly cool urbane casual and yet highly cinematic work where Shahid Kapoor’s Karan, by now on the road to seemingly irredeemable moral degeneration is told by his partner, played by newcomer Vir Das, that he wants out.

The way that sequence progresses and the manner in which the two actors play out a conventional friends-falling-apart moment, just makes you forgive all the excesses of inflated self-worth that the script suffers from in the last 90 minutes of this endearing though exasperating experience.

Badmaash Company is a film that is too smart for its own good. The main characters, four friends bonded by the collective will to grow rich overnight, go through a series of caper experiences.

Not all of it is either convincing or even interesting. After a point, we know exactly where this quartet is hurling to. And the slide out of moral degeneration is never touching enough to make us shed a tear for these misguided over-reachers.

The doom comes none too soon, and then the narrative proceeds without a proper graph. By the time Karan (Shahid Kapoor)’s spunky girl Bulbul (Anushka Sharma) leaves him the script begins to look like one of those subverted morality tales from the house of the Bhatts where the heroes talk with clenched fists and heroines weep in their pillows as their companions come home in a drunken stupor.

We’ve been here before. But wait. There is a sense of intuitive cockiness about the narrative which just sees the film’s improbable mixture of the trendy and the trite (in how many ways will the upright father ask the devil-may-care son to leave home as the mother bites her lips and wrings her hands???) to the final stretch of predictable moral redemption.

There is a sense of the predictable and yet the unpredictable in the storytelling. Debutant director Parmeet Sethi’s screenplay is one of those things that you want to believe merely because it sounds so smart on paper.

But not all of this makes complete or even incomplete sense. The climax about colour-bleeding shirts being sold to America as the Next Best Thing is much too far-fetched to work even as a part of a con caper.

Nonetheless Badmaash Company has a lot going for itself. The first-half when Karan meets Bulbul, Chandu and Chang to create an instantly materialistic energy, gets you interested in these out-of-control lives.

You don’t quite empathize with their overweening goals. But at least they seem to know their minds, even if on occasions the plot doesn’t seem to know what it’s doing.

There’s something pitch-friendly about the four actors and the way they tackle the plot -material which never seems fully sure of itself. It’s sometimes cool sometimes over-reaching itself.

If the film holds together it’s because of the bonafide enthusiasm and unconditional
surrender to the proceedings of the actors.

Shahid Kapoor pitches in another perfectly poised and subtle performance even though his character’s graph gets blurred towards the end. You can’t stop caring for Karan’s
character because Shahid doesn’t let go of his centre even when the narrative gets shaky.

Anushka Sharma in a stunning makeover conveys her character’s spirit and spunk through her well-toned body language and that twinkle in the eye. Tragically a lot of her speech and morality, and this goes for a lot of film’s careless periodicity, is not 1990s (the film’s setting) at all.

Vir Das as the film buff with a roving eye negotiates his character with gentle care. Here’s one actor who knows what he’s doing even when his character doesn’t. And Meiyang Chang as the chinky-eyed alcohol guzzling Gangtok-guy seems made for his character.

Badmaash Company is an extremely smart and smart-looking film. But its sassy all-knowing tone cannot hide a certain bankruptcy of genuinely inventive ideas. This is a fatally-flawed film about seriously flawed characters. The packaging is glamorous but not over-done. The dialogues convey a ring of truth without bending backwards to be cool.

And though guilty of extravagant flights of fancy (the way our quartet of protagonists plunder the American Dream can only be called wishful thinking) Badmaash Company has enough going for itself to make it an experience worth our while.

And never mind the blind spots. Whoever said life in the movies was meant to be a bed of roses?

Moview Review Of "Raavan"

Beera Munda - Undisputed, Unlawful, Untamed (Abhishek Bachchan)

Dev Pratap Sharma - The Punisher, The Law, The Righteous (Vikram)
Ragini - Conscience, Beauty, Music (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan)
Synopsis: TEN HEADS TEN MINDS A HUNDRED VOICES ONE MAN
Did, such a man ever exist Was' he Just a myth... or does he live even today...?
What is the line that divides Good from Evil..? Do our understanding change when we look from the opponent's perspective...?

The bond between the hunter and the Hunted between the Captor and the Captive seems to be a bond of do or die... The tension between opposites often seems so electric, that it isolates them from the rest of the world, leaving just the two - All alone...

Are Ten Heads better then one...?

Is there a Ram inside Raavan? And a Raavan Inside each of us?? RAAVAN is not a story. It is a world. Dev falls in love with Ragini, a spunky classical dancer who is as unconventional as him. They get married and he takes up his new post in Lal Maati, a small town in northern India. A town where the word of law is not the police but Beera, a tribal who has, over the years, shifted the power equation of the place from the ruling to the have- nots of the area.

Dev knows, that the key to bringing order to any place is to vanquish the big fish; in this case- Beera. In one stroke Dev manages to rip open Beera's world, and set in motion a chain of events which will claim lives, change fortunes. Beera, injured but enraged hits back starting a battle that draws Dev, Beera and Ragini into the jungle.

The jungle which is dense, confusing, scary. And in this journey they must comfort their own truth. A journey which will test their beliefs, convictions and emotions. Emotions, which are as scary and confusing as the forest.

The forest becomes the battleground. The battle between good and evil, between Dev, and Beera, between Ram and Raavan. But when the lines dividing good and evil are blurring fast whose side will you take.

When hate turns to love and the good start' looking evil, which side will you battle for? Love is a battle that nobody wins but everyone must fight. Even this Raavan.

Written and directed by Mani Ratnam, it stars Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Vikram in the lead roles while Govinda, Ravi Kishan, Nikhil Dwivedi, Tejaswini Kolhapure and Priyamani play key supporting roles.

It has been simultaneously made in Tamil as RAAVANAN with a slightly different cast. Vikram, who plays Dev in Hindi version, plays Veera, a Naxalite leader (Ravana) in Tamil version, whereas Prithviraj plays a Police officer.

Abhishek Bachchan is there only in Hindi version; however Aishwarya Rai is there in both the versions. The film is also dubbed into Telugu and other regional languages.

Mani Ratnam has approached the story from the perspective of Veera (RAAVAN).

The music and lyrics of the movie are done by Oscar winners A. R. Rahman & Gulzar. The audio rights are with T- Series.

RAAVAN, which hits the screens in June 2010, is jointly distributed by Madras Talkies and Big Pictures.

Movie Review Of "Its A Wonderful After Life" Hai Marjawaan!

Starring Shabana Azmi, Goldy Notay, Sendhil Ramamurthy, Jimi Mistry

Written & Directed by Gurinder Chadha

Rating: **

As Shakespeare said in another context, this is a grave matter. Gurinder Chadha’s new….er, ghoulish comedy (for the want of a better terminology) is also a gravy matter. Ghouls rise from the dead and mess around with ladels of curries and gravies in what could easily be termed the most messy climax of desi-gone-ballistic-firangi cinema.

By the time the masala curries chutneys gravies and other acidic edibles begin to fall across a singing-dancing gathering of NRIs at a big fat Punjabi wedding, the plot is too far gone to be called eccentric or even bizarre.

Hai Marjawaan (It’s A Wonder Afterlife) is one those films that should not have happened. It is way too strained in concept and far too outlandish in execution to hold the audiences’ interest beyond the first ten minutes when we see the benignly murderous Mrs Sethi ( Shabana Azmi, in full-blooded form) surrounded by the ghosts of the people she killed because they wouldn’t let their kin be married to her overweight daughter.

The half-dead people in this half-baked attempt to combine spook with satire spend the film’s entire playing time counseling and cajoling the harassed Mrs Sethi. Beyond a point watching the murder victims with the murder weapons permanently in place begins to get tedious and nauseous.

For how long can we watch a man with chicken curry bursting out of his intenstines? Or a woman with rolling-pin sticking out of her head? The ghosts try to be funny. They are just exasperating.

But make no mistake. This film has great redemptive qualities. The romantic lead Sendhil Ramamurthy is certainly not one of them.

After the hype about making the ladies swoon Sendhil turns out to be pretty much a ramp-walker on camera adding precious little to a badly-written part. On the other hand his puffed-up soul-mate Goldy Notey as the fat girl with no marriage prospects fills up the screen with her affectionate warmth.

It’s Shabana Azmi who finally lifts this creaking protesting piece of zonked-out what-you-may-call-it from the zone of the groan.

Infusing an intuitive candour to her eccentric larger-than-life character Shabana lifts almost every sagging scene with her muted empathy towards characters who are incomplete and insubstantiated not only because they play ghosts but because they’ve been written as shadowy figures signifying a genre-breaking defiance rather than any real connect with the British Indian community.

Where are the real warm-hearted character from Bend It Like Beckham in this one?

Ironically the most real character in this ode to the spirit of maternal over-protectiveness is a British girl names Linda (played with effective self-irony by Sally Hawkins).

Lately returned from India after a spiritually enlightening experience Linda’s passion for Indian spiritualism in many ways defines the Westerner’s quest for nirvana that makes them look ridiculous to the outsider.

In many ways the same holds true of the film. It tries so hard to move away from the stereotypes of the diaspora cinema that it ends up entering the territory of the tripped-out. The elements from the dead that pursue the harrowed mom are so baroque in their other-worldliness you wonder how they ever thought they could link themselves to the fate of an unmarried Indian girl.

To compound my eyes I saw It’s A Wonderful Afterlife in its weird Hindi dubbed version where the British characters speak Hindi like caricatural Pathani characters in Bollywood films. Whoever advised the director Gurinder Chadha to dub in Hindi is not her friend.

What was she thinking when she embarked on this voyage of the spooks in search of baroque ki manzil?

If you are a diehard Shabana Azmi fan like I am, you could watch this film for the sheer joy of seeing her take over the show without getting in the way of the scary humbug that sticks out of every nook and corner.

But if you are a fan of Gurinder Chadha’s work then rent a dvd of Bend It Like Beckham instead.

Movie Review Of "Kuch Kariye"

Starring: Sukhwinder Singh, Vikrum Kumar, Shreya Narayan and Rufy Khan

Director: Jagbir Dahiya

Rating: *½

First thing that immediately comes to your mind after watching popular singer Sukhwinder Singh deliver his first scene as an actor in this acting debut film of his is that acting is just not his cup of tea and the film ahead is going to be one helluva torture ride having to bear him as the main lead of the film.

Rishi (Sukhwinder Singh), a simple and honest musician in love with Alpna (Shreya), who is forced by the people of his city to leave his home town and move to Mumbai.

Here he meets two other boys Javed Khan (Vikrum Kumar) and Shani (Rufy Khan) who have also come to Mumbai in search of their destiny and fortune. Together, they realise, that all of them share same passion for films. They are also an idealistic lot and want to bring a change in the society.

They believe that a positive thought can change the course of life. If one is able to rise above the personal selfish needs, one can bring a change is what they believe in. With stroke of luck, they do begin their film. They meet Roza Khuahhish) and Pappu Halva (Mustaque Khan) and with her support their plans start falling in place.

However, destiny has planned something else. There is terror and loss. Rishi is overcome with grief and disillusion. Will he choose the right path? Will Rishi and his friends manage to achieve their goal?

Will Rishi be able to change the thinking of law and outlaws? Does disillusion wait for Rishi at the end of the journey? You get all your answers if you manage to stay awake till the climax.

Debutante director Jagbir Dahiya’s Kuchh Kariye tries hard to deal with the current socio political scenario and tries to incorporate certain contemporary and relevant issues.

But despite such good intentions the film falls flat on its face mainly due to its amateurish direction, unintentionally
hilarious acting by its main lead Sukhwinder Singh and a confusing script that keeps jumping genres.

It keeps going off tangent in various directions and then suddenly comes together for what plot it began with. What further irritates is the shoddy treatment. Production values are poor and none of the technical departments impress.

Sukhwinder Singh should understand he is no Salman Khan by going shirtless many times! We wish to advice him to stick to singing which he is very good at and don’t ever try acting again. Shriya is good though especially in emotional scenes. Rest all are competing with each other as to who shall irritate you the most!

For a film with one of country’s best singer as its main lead, the music should have been good atleast but well that one area alls bags a big zero!

Kuchh Kariya is apt for you if you are seeking solace and want to have a good nap in the cool comforts of an AC cinema hall in this sweltering heat.

Movie Review Of "City of Gold"

Starring Karan Patel, Seema Biswas, Ankush Chowdhary, Satish Kaushik, Kashmira Shah

Directed by Mahesh Manjrekar

Rating: *** ½

Move aside. There is no room for artifice in Mahesh Manjrekar’s latest work. A raw guttural gritty intense edgy mordant and finally devastating look at the world of the damaged and the ravaged, City Of Gold is as powerful in portraying a bereft working class as Molly Maguires was about Irish mine-workers. Except for the fact that there is no room for pretty visuals in City Of Gold.

Manjrekar portrays the opposite of the beau monde. That murky end of the spectrum where the shenanigans of the IPL brigade seem as distant as the promise of that pot of Gold at the end of the rainbow.

Manjrekar’s chawl-life, captured on camera with merciless frankness by Ajit Reddy, is a bleak world of dreamers and losers who are often the one and the same.

His heroes (if we may call the young characters that) are offered no hope of solace or redemption. This is the side of the slum that Danny Boyle missed when he made that clever adrenaline rush of splendid squalor in Slumdog Millionaire.

City Of Gold is neither stylish nor swanky enough to attract elitist readings of poverty. Fiercely radical in thought and intensely socialistic in execution the film plunges beneath the poverty line to emerge with characters whose despair is not an act for the camera.

The sweat and grime, the corruption and crime are characters of their own in Manjrekar’s teeming jostling chaotic world of abysmal nullity.

Mumbai never looked murkier and less inviting.

Taking a panoramic look at the lives of thousands of mill-workers in Mumbai who went on an indefinite strike in 1982 is like trying to hold the ocean in a teacup.

Manjrekar in what could easily be rated as his finest most cogent work to date, does just that.He holds a universe in the eye of the camera. It’s world of the doomed and damned, no frills attached.

His return to fine form and the enraputuring energy level that sweeps across a multitude of lives without trivializing or sidelining any of the characters who come into camera range, are reasons enough to celebrate the joys of neo-realistic cinema. This cinema in all its grime and glory.

But wait wait…City Of Gold not only marks the return of a storyteller who tells it like it is, without the comfort of shortcuts and shallow shindigs.

It’s also a macroscopic look at people who populate the fringes. Their silent screams of protest are seldom heard in cinema without their sounds being converted into some kind of vicarious relief and comfort for the audience.

Not for a second do we feel any comforting distance from the misery of Manjrekar’s characters. The smells of scant cooking in the kitchen and the soundless noise of hearts and ribs breaking at given intervals swamp our senses creating an overpowering and riveting world of inequality and resentment.

Manjrekar shoots his characters’ emotions in tight comprehensive close-ups but wastes no time shedding excessive tears over their lives. The editor (Sarvesh Parab) cuts the raw material with ruthless economy, leaving no room for humbug and certainly no space for commercial embellishments.

So the question, what happened to those thousands of mill workers who were overnight rendered bankrupt after the mills closed down?

You will find some uncomfortable answers in City Of Gold. But most of the time you will be faced with questions about the quality of life we choose to hand over to those who are economically and emotionally weak.

Welcome back, Mr Manjrekar.

Would this film have worked without the actors who don’t look like they are facing a camera? The whole batallion of characters flicker to life as though they were a part of an extended family shot by hidden cameras for a reality show to be aired at ‘grime’ time.

Television actor Karan Patel as the youngest scion of Manjrekar’s troubled family is a revelation. He portrays pain hurt humiliation angst compromise and anger with complete authority.

A scar is born.

Movie Review Of "Bumm Bumm Bole"

Starring Atul Kulkarni, Darsheel Safary, Ziyah Vastani, Rituparno Sengupta

Directed by Priyadarshan

Rating: ***

Majid Majidi’s Children Of Heaven comes down to earth in an endearing spiral of the spellbinding and the sensitive.

Let’s not get unnecessarily and unjustly nostalgic about the original Iranian film. This remake, done up in shades of terrorism in the idyllic North-east (region unspecified) is so lyrically lush in its visuals and so gently evocative in treatment that the original material is forgotten ten minutes into the narrative.

A great deal of the credit for the film’s immense intense but toned-down impact must go to the children, Darsheel Safary no longer the pouty buck-teethed moppet from Taare Zameen Par, and little Ziyah Vastani who’s quite easily the most delightful new discovery of the year.

Ziyah in fact steals many scenes from under her brilliant co-star’s nose. If he minds it, he doesn’t show it.

Darsheel and little Ziyah create an intangible and secret world of hushed wonderment and discovery that takes the narrative far beyond the precincts of the original fable about an impoverished pair of siblings’s desperate but disarming attempt to share a pair of shoes.

Yup, Bumm Bumm Bole is quite a ‘shoe’ stopper. The fable is expanded to accommodate a world filled with pain pleasure and other emotions that emerge in the journey from innocence to awareness.

Unlike Vishal Bhardwaj’s The Blue Umbrella or Majid Majidi’s Children Of Heaven, Bumm Bumm…. doesn’t try to be wise at the children’s expense.

Frequently you feel Priyadarshan allowed the children to instinctively empathize with if not fully understand the political complications underlining the social issues of poverty and socio-communal solidarity in times of stress and longing.

Unlike other recent parables on children, innocence and violence set in idyllic sports like Santosh Sivan’s Tahaan and Piyush Jha’s Sikandar, Bumm Bumm Bole doesn’t forget to be an entertaining story.

Priyadrashan, fresh from the triumph of his other socially relevant drama Kanchivaram imbues the pale but passionate dusky light of the mountainous locales with oodles of warmth and emotion.

The kids don’t take over the show. They just slip into the proceedings like two scoops of icecream into a ready steady cone. Darsheel shows a definite and reassuring progress as an actor since his debut.

His rapport with his screen –sister jumps out of the screen and pervades our senses unconditionally. You just want to steal little Ziyah from the screen and take her home.

The two kids are amazingly good. The ever-dependable Atul Kulkarni puts in a supremely credible turn as the harried father who doesn’t forget to smile when the kids are around.

Like other fabulous or farcical creations by Priyadarshan, this one too is shot on picture-postcard locations with the cinematographer (Selvi) and the art director (Sabu Cyril) adding that extra bit of lyricism to every frame without showing off.

Bumm Bumm Bole is a gentle but persuasive piece of work, not just for children though certainly about children who learn fast about the harsh realities of life.

The film follows their trail without getting bitter cynical or hysterical. The constantly even tone is a boon. The kids are a blessing. This film is a soft-spoken and delicate piece of cinema. Not to be missed.

Celina Jaitley Is Going Into Limca Book of Records?

Celina Jaitley is crazy about shoes. The actress has around 1, 400 pairs and plans to register herself in the Limca Book of Records.

While shooting in Canada recently for Anees Bazmee's Thank You, the actress was in pain due to a root canal treatment.

So she stopped at a chemist to pick up some painkillers, but across the road she saw a shoe shop. The sexy star got super tempted and ended up buying 11 pairs of shoes.

On reaching the hotel she realised she had forgotten to buy the medicines! Her close friends now call her Shoelina!

Sonam Kapoor Became A Cricket's Fan

Thanks to the extremely persuasive team of actors that she was working with in Vancouver Sonam Kapoor has turned into a cricket fan during the month-long schedule of Anees Bazmi's Thank You.

Which is ironical considering she plays a tennis player in Thank You and needed to get familiar with tennis and not cricket. But it's cricket that was the flavour of the month in Vancouver. And the crew was having a ball with the bat.

Speaking excitedly from Vancouver Irrfan Khan said he has never had more fun shooting for any film. “We shoot the film till late evening and since it's daylight even at 8 pm we play cricket till the sun supports us late in the night.”

Irrfan reveals that the whole crew, man woman and child, are addicted to the game. “We have as much fun during shooting as we have afterwards. Our cricket matches have become a serious business.

I'm working for the first time with almost everyone in the cast and crew from Anees Bazmi to Akshay Kumar and it doesn't feel like the first time. Everyone is so chilled out.I had worked with Sonam's father Anil Kapoor in Slumdog Millionaire. Now I'm working with Sonam.”

But the one bonding that Irrfan really values in Vancouver is with Bobby Deol.

Says Irrfan, “I recently worked with Bobby's brother Sunny. We were cordial. But with Bobby it was instant camaraderie. He's so genuine and simple. Most of my scenes are with Bobby.We've become close friends.”

Earlier it was Akshay Kumar and Bobby Deol who were best buddies. Vancouver seems to have changed that. It's Irrfan Khan and Bobby who are seen to bond together over cricket while Akshay prefers to spend time with his wife and son.

On Irrfan's insistence it has now been decided that on their return the Thank You team will try to get together in Mumbai to play at least one match every week.

Says Irrfan. “We actors need to explore areas of interest beyond acting. We will certainly carry forward our new team spirit and enthusiasm for cricket.”

Rukhsar Shoted For An Ad With Shahrukh Khan

Rukhsar recently shot for a commercial with Shah Rukh Khan. The actress who has featured in Ram Gopal Varma's films like Sarkar has idolised the star since his Fauji days so she was thrilled to share screen space with King Khan.

The actress feels he is the most humble superstar she has ever met. She says, "I had never seen him in real life, forget meeting him inspite of being in the industry for so long.

I used to always wonder if I will ever get an opportunity to work with him." It came knocking in the most unexpected way in the form of a toothpaste ad where she plays his wife!

And like all diehard SRK fans, Rukhsar even took his autograph... SRK ka jadoo chal gaya!

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Sherlyn Chopra Is Not Keen To Do Nude Shoots

Sheryln Chopra is one of the most downloaded and searched for model/actress online and is often known for her non apologetic dare to bare image. However the siren turned down Playboy's offer to feature in the magazine since the shoot involved nudity.

Sherlyn who has made no qualms about shooting for daring bikini photo shoots was offered a spread in the world's largest selling men's magazine after their chief photographer Bob saw Sherlyn's pictures on the internet.

Reveals an inside source “Bob happened to think that Sheryln would be fabulous in Playboy after seeing some of her pictures online. He got in touch with her US agent and details of the shoot were being sorted out up until Sherlyn developed cold feet”

We come to hear that Sherlyn was comfortable doing some bold pictures in a two piece but wasn't too keen on doing nude ones and finally ended up turning down the offer.

Priyanka and Shahid's Love Blossoming Again?

Love's blossoming at full speed ahead between Shahid Kapur and Priyanka Chopra. We are told that that PC recently sent her beau a huge bouquet congratulating him on the success of Badmaash Company.

Even though she is busy shooting in Coorg, she made sure the flowers and note reached Shasha, who was quite thrilled to receive the token of love.

How come no one told us the film is a hit? Or is a hit only in Lover's Land?

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Sushmita Sen Will Go For Biological Baby?

After adopting two children, former Miss Universe and actor Sushmita Sen now wants to give birth to a child.

"I will go for biological baby because the clock is ticking for me," Sushmita, 34, told reporters Thursday on the sidelines of a preparatory workshop for the 2010 Miss Universe pageant.

Sushmita’s production company Tantra Entertainment was awarded the India franchise to select participants by the Miss Universe Organisation.

The Hyderabad-born actress ducked questions about her marriage.

"I said the clock is ticking... I never said anything about marriage," she snapped when reporters asked whether marriage was on the cards.

"Every girl wants her prince charming. I have stopped thinking about it long back but still I want it," said the actress.

Sushmita adopted daughter Renee in 2000 and another girl Alisah in January.

Pooja Bedi Have Found Her New Lover Again?

It looks like Pooja Bedi has found love again. The new man in her life is Dwiti Vikramaditya who is from Bhubaneshwar, Orissa, and is associated with the United Nations Development Programme. Though he is simply known as Aditya, Bindaas Bedi refers to him as Mr Thousand Roses -- as he keeps sending her red roses.

On May 11, Pooja celebrated her 40th birthday with Aditya in Goa. Accompanying her were her kids Aalia and Omar as well as her dad Kabir Bedi and his girlfriend Parveen Dusanj. Some of Pooja's close friends like Ana Singh, Karan Grover, Karan Oberoi, Raageshwari, Sveta Keswani with hubby Alexx O'Neil were also present.

Playing safe
The normally forthright Pooja is, however, tightlipped about her man. "He comes from a different environment. I don't want people in his line of work to look upon him differently. He has ushered in a lot of sunshine in my life. I admire the kind of work that he is doing for the neglected sections of society." About her birthday she says.

"We had a laughter filled day from the Hawaii-themed morning to wearing 'Pooja Twenty-Twenty' T-shirts which Sveta had designed. At least 20-20 sounds better than saying 40, besides the huge cake!"

Pooja has known Aditya for the last few months and he visits Mumbai often. He is also associated with the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences in Bhubaneshwar that works for the development of the deprived folk like scheduled tribes.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Kangana Ranaut Is Back On That Place Where She Got The Fracture

Kangna Ranuat is back shooting for Tanu Weds Manu in Punjab at the same place where she injured her foot during an action scene in March. The fracture had rendered the actress immobile and out of action for several weeks.

Along with co-star Madhavan, Kangs is currently filming for Anand L Rai's flick.

Kangna's spokesperson confirms, "She has now fully recovered and back at work. Kangna has a long schedule in Punjab for Tanu Weds Manu."

The actress had hurt herself when the bike she was riding for a scene skidded. She had gone to her hometown in Himachal Pradesh to recuperate as she was advised complete rest.

Laugh along
Tanu Weds Manu has Kangna essaying a comic role for the first time. Madhavan and she play characters who are too modern for the small towns they reside in.

Dubbing work
Her injury had also affected the dubbing of Once Upon A Time In Mumbai. Her spokesperson informs, "She has completed the dubbing now. Kangna also shot for her other project Game recently on their Greece outdoor. Her injury has fully healed."

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Chitrangada Singh Says No Differences With Sudhir Mishra

Chitrangada Singh has refuted rumours that she had differences with director Sudhir Mishra while shooting for "Sali Zindagi" saying it was just a "difference of opinion".

"There was nothing of that sort. It was just a difference of opinion about how we actually had to shoot a certain song in the film and the way I was playing the guitar in the same. But that was hardly anything, " Chitrangada told here.

It was reported that Mishra, who launched her in "Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi", was irritated with her while shooting "Sali Zindagi" that was earlier titled "Dil Dar Badar".

The actress plays a musician in the movie that also stars Irrfan Khan.

"I learnt guitar before the shooting started. But that was hardly for 20 days... but I don't think I am comfortable with it or can strum it, " said Chitrangada.

Asked about the status of the film, she said: "It is a love story and is almost complete. It will release sometime in September."

She was here with Saif Ali Khan to unveil the new ad campaign for Brooke Bond's Taj Mahal tea. Saif is the brand ambassador for the product.

Shriya Saran's Luggage Got Looted In Abroad

Shriya Saran was in Europe last week shooting for a South Indian film.

On a day off, she took to shopping along with unit friends at Barcelona. On their way back, they took the train and mid way, Shriya and her colleagues suddenly realised that they had been robbed on the train itself.

Shriya is calm about the incident but is amazed over the fact that none of them realized that they were being robbed.

The actress lost a couple of bags, shoes over the incident and swears to be careful next time.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Upsets As Shahrukh Khan's Mention, Salman Walked Off

Salman Khan will be the brand ambassador of the IIFA Charity Initiative, which includes housing, literacy and rehabilitation measures for the people in the Northern and Eastern regions of Sri Lanka.

The initiative is part of IIFA Weekend being held in Colombo from June 3 to 5.

Addressing a press conference here, Salman, who runs the Being Human charity foundation, said he supported IIFA's initiative to build bridges with the Lankan people who have suffered hardships due to the decades- old war that ended last year with the military defeat of the LTTE.

"I am happy to be the Ambassador for change and believe that it is crucial to make a difference and contribute to this worthy cause, " the 44-year-old actor said.

A charity cricket match is being organised between Indian celebrities and Sri Lankan cricketers on June 4 as part of the 'cricket for change project' under which former child soldiers will be rehabilitated.

The kids, who bore the scars of the ethnic conflict, will be educated and trained in cricket and get to participate as volunteers at the IIFA Weekend.

As a symbol of solidarity with the people of the island nation, IIFA, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, will adopt and rebuild a village housing refugees with the proceeds of the cricket match being donated for this cause.

Habitat for Humanity is an international NGO with which former US President Jimmy Carter is associated.

The global organisation, devoted to building simple and affordable housing, is already doing considerable work in Sri Lanka, Sabbas Joseph, Director of Wizcraft, which organises the IIFA Weekend, said.

The housing project would involve building 100 houses in the Jaffna region, he said.

Actors Lara Dutta, Riteish Deshmukh and Boman Irani will once again host the IIFA Awards function on June 5.

Sri Lanka Deputy Minister of Economic Development Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena expressed confidence that IIFA, that showcases Bollywood to the world, will play a vital role in strengthening co-operation between India and his country.

"Sri Lanka, called the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean', has great potential for investments in tourism, agriculture and film co-productions that will contribute towards the rapid development drive initiated by the government, " he said, adding a Film City is being developed near Colombo.

Indian icons Rabindranath Tagore, Pandit Ravi Shankar and filmmaker Satyajit Ray were part of Lanka's culture and heritage as much as they were in their home country, he said.

Dileep Mudadeniya, Managing Director of Sri Lanka Tourism, said the number of Indian tourists visiting the island nation is about 100, 000 a year.

"We expect the number to double in 2012. So far, we have invested USD 4 million to create infrastructure to hold international events."

When Sallu heard SRK and walked off...
At the event someone asked Sallu about sharing the IIFA stage with Shah Rukh Khan (who is also slated to be present), he ignored the question.

But after two to three other questions, when Salman was again asked, he got up and left mid-way.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Soha Ali Khan Is Not The Single Anymore?

Though Soha is most excited about is her first film with her mother the ever-gorgeous Sharmila Tagore in Sangeeta Dutta's Life Goes On surprisingly working with her mom is something Soha doesn't want to do again in a hurry.

Says Soha excitedly, “It's my first film with mom. Hopefully we won't have to to face the camera in a hurry again. In spite of having years of experience playing her daughter the experience of doing it for the camera just unnerved me.”

This, in spite of the fact that Sharmila chose to be very restrained on the sets. “Normally when it comes to shooting my mom is usually very hands-on. But this time she just let it be. She did take a keen interest in my clothes makeup, etc. But once we faced the camera she let the director Sangeeta Dutta do all the directing.”

Soha listened to her mother about the clothes. “Because she has great taste. But it's so morbid I've become petrified about losing my mother after doing a film on a daughter losing her mom.”

As for love, Soha isn't naming anyone. But she admits she's not single. “I'm seeing someone. It's still in the early stages. And it's great fun.”

Deepika Padukone Is Not Planning To Get Married Yet

Actress Deepika Padukone, who has reportedly rekindled her romance with long-time boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor, has clarified that she is not planning to get married anytime soon.

"I am just 24 and I have a enough time to decide whom and when to get married to. So, whenever that happens, I will let you people know, " Deepika told reporters at a press conference here Wednesday.

Right now Deepika is excited about walking the red carpet at the ongoing 63rd Cannes International Film Festival for liquor brand Chivas Regal.

"This is the first time I am going to a festival like this. Initially I was a bit hesitant but now I am looking forward to meet great people from all across the globe, " she said.

In the past Aishwarya Rai and Mallika Sherawat earned flak for their bad dressing sense at the Cannes, but Deepika is unperturbed and says she is least bothered about criticism.

She has decided to wear a sari, designed by Rohit Bal, at the red carpet.

"Sari is a very sensual garment and whenever people from other countries discuss about sari, they just say one word - wow!!, " said Deepika.

She also admitted that she feels very comfortable in a sari and can drape one in just 30 seconds.

Asin Is Dating With Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Bollywood belles and sportsmen have been a great combination since the days of Tiger Pataudi and Sharmila Tagore. Since then we have seen several liasions, some for keeps, others for a shorter duration.

Azharuddin-Sangeeta Bijlani, or the more recent Deepika Padukone and Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh and Geeta Basra!

But apparently the latest duo on celluloid is Southern beauty, Asin, and Indian cricket captain, MS Dhoni. Dhoni was spotted at Asin's apartment to watch the first IPL semi-final between the Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians.

Dhoni arrived at Asin's Lokhandwala home before the match. His presence created a buzz in the locality and a crowd gathered on the premises. Dhoni stayed till the end of the match and made a quiet exit.

The grapevine is abuzz with speculation about the two good-looking youngsters. They met and bonded as brand ambassadors of Big Bazaar.

Our reporter was told that they enjoy each other's company and often hang out together! Asin also made an appearance at Dhoni's birthday celebrations last year!

Asin has been linked to fellow actors John Abraham and Neil Nitin Mukesh in the recent past. John and she are reportedly slated to do Vipul Shah's remake of Kaakha Kaakha.

The two stars bonded over their passion for racing bikes. John even invited her to his home to show off his enviable collection of mean machines! Asin was also spotted enjoying a cosy dinner with Neil! Sure looks like Asin's on a roll.

Hrithik Roshan Is Very Special To Barbara Mori?

Barbara Mori is coming back to Mumbai for another film after Kites.

Guarded but ever-effevescent she says, “I’ve another film in India to be shot in January I think. I can’t talk about it right now. I will when all the details are worked out. I can’t tell you the details. But it’s a big film. I’d love to do many films in India.”

Barbara’s English in her words, “is not the best, but not so bad either.”

Barbara loves Mumbai. “Not just Mumbai, I love all the Indian people. They’re so lovely so warm. They make me feel so much at home. In Bollywood Sussanne wanted me to meet every friend of hers. So she took me a lot of places.

We went partying all night at Shah Rukh Khan’s home. I met many actors and actresses but I can’t remember their names. They are all so warm.”

She wants to visit more of India. “I want to visit Delhi and the Taj Mahal. I haven’t had time to do so. So far I’ve been to India only for work. Now I need to come back for a vacation. Then I’ll visit all the places I want to.”

She finds Mexican and Indian culture very similar yet different. “My brother has been living in India for the last 1 ½ years. He’s a singer and he has put together an album in Mumbai. Me? I sing too. But not professionally.”

About Kites she says, “I’m not nervous I am not scared. I’m just excited. Kites is my first film for this part of the world. I had never watched Bollywood films before Kites. But after I realized I’d be part of Kites I enjoyed some. I really loved Hrithik’s film Lakshya”.

She brightens up at the mention of Hrithik. “I feel there’s a very special chemistry with him. I’ve done a lot of movies with many other actors. But nothing like Hrithik.

Maybe because Kites is such a special love story about two very special people who can’t speak the same language.” Barbara has just returned from the Maldives after a photo-shoot with Hrithik.

“I love the place. In fact we shot a sequence of Kites in the Maldives. But no, contrary to what people believe I don’t enjoy being in the water.”

She enjoys acting the most. “I’ve a production company in Mexico. I’ve just produced a film starring me.I’m now putting up a restaurant in Mexico.”

She plans to do a film with Hrithik in Mexico. “Oh yes! I’d love to have him in Mexico for a film produced by me. He’s a great actor and beautiful humanbeing and one good friend.”

As for the rumours about their link-up Barbara is not bothered. “Oh the media in Mexico is as active. Every time I do a movie they link me with my co-star. So I’m used to it…Kites is such an honest love story every one who watches it would watch to fall in love. That’s the best feeling in the world.”

Punit Malhotra Is Really Now Dating Sonam Kapoor?

I Hate Luv Storys director Punit Malhotra has denied dating Sonam Kapoor time and again, despite the number of rumours that claim otherwise.

Though rumours of their affair have been providing all kinds of publicity to the film, the director has spoken up about it.

He states that the rumours about him dating Sonam are baseless. He clarifies that he is single at present and that the buzz about their relationship was all rubbish. However, he didn't say anything more than that.

According to some reports, Sonam and Punit are in a serious relationship. The couple was apparently spotted together on a dinner date.

But a friend of Punit stated that they hadn't gone out on a private date but were actually at a common friend Shiraz Siddique's party where there were more than 50 guests. They were seen getting into their respective cars but that's simply because their cars were parked nearby.”

Punit's friend asserted that stories linking him with Sonam bother Punit, but there isn't much he can do about it. It hasn't changed their warm relationship though.

Katrina Kaif Accepted Salman Khan's Presence In Her Life?

Katrina Kaif, who usually remains tight-lipped about her relationship with actor Salman Khan, says the star always guided her and genuinely believed she would join the big league in Bollywood one day.

"Salman had been always there, more than anything to guide because I didn't know anything about the industry. What would remain special in my mind is that from the very beginning Salman told me that I will achieve this success in the industry. And at that point it was too far off," Katrina told in an interview.

"That time I couldn't see myself one movie ahead, forget 15 movies ahead. I think that he believed it genuinely," the 25 -year-old actor said.

She entered Bollywood in 2003 with the dud "Boom". Her first big hit was 2005 romantic comedy "Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya" in which she teamed up with Salman. After that she gave a string of hits, including "Namastey London", "Partner", "Welcome", "Singh Is Kinng" and critically acclaimed "New York".

But Katrina feels nobody can plan success.

"It's (success) destiny, no one can plan it. There are many people who are connected with the industry because of their father, mother or other family members; still they are not able to achieve what is termed as success in the industry.

"You can come here, make two or three films, your co-stars could be your friends - all this you can plan but you can't plan which film would be successful. The miracle that happened with my life has been the success of my films. Because, had those films not been successful, no one would have done anything for me," said Katrina.

She is now eager to take more responsibilities and do more diverse roles like the one she is doing in Prakash Jha's "Raajneeti', where she plays a politician.

"Till now I have done a genre of films. People have accepted me, loved me and have given me so much support. I never imagined getting so much. But I feel that there are other types of films to do. See other contemporary actors, they have done much more diverse roles.

"People can say that the success ratio of my films has been very, very good, but I still feel people should see me on other kinds of films too...

"May be something like a remake of 'Sita Aur Gita'...In 'Raajneeti', I have more responsibility. But you will have to remember that there I am with six very important guys, all have very important roles," said Katrina.

The actress maintains she always wanted to do something unusual in life.

"I always used to make a world in my head and live in that. I always wanted to be something unusual. Some of the dreams I remember, they may sound stupid - I wanted to be a firefighter, I wanted to be a stunt woman, I wanted to go to NASA. Acting was something to fancy," said Katrina.

Vaishali Desai Won't Work With The Rapist Shiney Ahuja

Next month it will be a year since Shiney Ahuja was accused of rape by his housemaid. However, the ghosts of his past continue to haunt the actor. Recently the leading lady of his film Shunya, Vaishali Desai, walked out of the project because she didn't want to work opposite him.

Vaishali had made her debut opposite Jackie Bhagnani in Kal Kissne Dekha. She opted out of the project as she doesn't want to be associated with Shiney in any manner. Shunya is being produced by Pooja Bedi, niece of Bobby Bedi.

Change
The project was initially offered to Adhyayan Suman. But later they decided to go ahead with Shiney. Vaishali heard about the change and made it clear that she wasn't happy with their choice of hero.

It is learnt that the producers weren't convinced that Adhyayan was the best person for this role. So they approached Shiney. They wanted someone who was more mature and better known.

However, once they signed the accused actor, the leading lady bid adieu to the project.

A source close to her reveals, "She comes from a very conservative background and doesn't want to be associated with Shiney. She reasoned that she wouldn't be comfortable working with him. She thought it would be a bad move for her to be cast opposite him."

Vaishali confirms that she is no longer in the film. "I have opted out of Shunya, and it's because of some personal reasons I don't wish to reveal. It's true that the film was first offered to Adhyayan, but later on they decided to go ahead with Shiney."

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Katrina Kaif And Ranbir Kapoor Witch Flights For Some 'We-Time'

Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor are traveling all over the country for the promotional tours of Raajneeti. And they are taking advantage of the situation to officially spend time with each other.

On Friday, they were in Mumbai, and on Monday they were in Bengaluru. And this week they are scheduled to be in Delhi and Chandigarh. Katrina and Ranbir travelled to Bengaluru with director Prakash Jha and scriptwriter Anjum Rajaballi from Mumbai in the morning to be part of a debate over whether elected MPs should have a degree.

Secret time
At the Bangalore event while Ranbir, Katrina and Prakash Jha was in one team, Manoj Bajpai and Anjum were in the other team. Ranbir and Kat appeared very comfortable with each other and he keeps teasing her about little things.

When a TV channel asked Katrina five secrets about Ranbir she said she didn't know him well enough to comment. When Ranbir was asked the one secret about Katrina he said, ' Katrina becomes Batman at night."

The team returned to the city on the same night. Says a source, "The whole team came back on the same flight but Katrina and Ranbir changed their itinerary and stayed back to return by a later flight. When they landed at the Mumbai airport, Ranbir asked Katrina's car to follow his car, and he dropped her off to her home in his car."

The spokesperson of Rajneeti says, "Katrina and Ranbir came back in the same flight as Prakash Jha, Manoj Bajpai and Anjum Rajaballi. They didn't change flights."

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Katrina Kaif Will Not Roman With Hrithik! What About Barbara Mori?

Not happy with film title -- Zindagi Na Mile Dobara -- actress recommends finding a new title

Zoya Akhtar's film starring Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol along with Katrina Kaif and Kalki Koechlin was initially titled Running with the Bulls.

The name of this road trip film was later changed to Zindagi Milegi Na Dubara, as the general consensus was that an English title might not go down well with the desi audience. In a new development even the Hindi title has been dropped now.

The shooting of this film begins in Spain next month, and the hunt for a brand new title.

Outdated
A source reveals that Katrina had reservations about the title Zindagi Milegi Na Dubara, "She thought it sounded very dated, and didn't suit a film about coming of age. She suggested they opt for something current rather than an old title."

The producers need to come up with a name for the film soon. Ritesh Sidhwani confirms, "We haven't decided on a title yet." However, he denies that Kat suggested the change, "That's not true at all."

Apart from hunting for a title, the crew is also looking for a lead opposite Hrithik. Contrary to speculation, Katrina is paired opposite Farhan and not Hrithik. They are still looking to cast some one opposite Hrithik. Will it be Barbara who will pair once again with her Kites hero?

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Sultry Jiah Khan Will Be Sizzling In Hollywood

The sultry Jiah Khan is steadily making headway in filmdom. She debuted with the controversial Nishabd opposite the very-senior Amitabh Bachchan and followed it with a meaningful role in Ghajini.

The dusky actress is known for her alluring persona and trademark curly tresses. After charming Indian audiences, she has set her sights on the West. After Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Jiah is the next Bollywood celebrity to head for Hollywood.

The sultry lady is slated to appear in not one but two international productions. A source told us that one is an adaptation of an English play.

Jiah naturally is thrilled to be working in international venture. She is tight-lipped about the details but reveals that both films are mega enterprises with a global appeal. Reportedly, she has been offered roles even before she was seen in Nishabd but she turned them down as she couldn't relate to them.

Now that the right opportunity has come along, she is all for it! On being quizzed if she was the leading lady, the stunner retorted that the concept of leading lady is different in the West.

She is of opinion that in Hollywood, one can cast three top actresses together and have them all playing important characters! Point taken, Ms. Khan! The girl has sure mastered the art of diplomacy!

Shahrukh Khan Was Having Super Hero Dreams From The Childhood

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, who is currently working on his superhero film "Ra.One", says he dreamt of being a superhero since childhood.

"When I was a kid, (I) used to tie a towel on my neck... wear my sister's tights and my red swimming trunks on top, eye mask and wanted to fly, " Shah Rukh wrote on his Twitter page.

The 44-year-old also informed that he is really inspired by the fitness of his children and wants to become like them.

"Aryan and Suhana fly without having to wear garbs, he does awesome taekwondo and she does malkhamb... both are super fit. (I) want to be like them, " wrote Shah Rukh.

While Aryan is 13 years old, Suhana is 10.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Katrina Kaif Joined The Stunts Bandwagon

While we saw Lara do some water stunts in 'Blue' and Deepika do some scuba diving in 'Housefull', how can the gorgeous Katrina be left behind?

Katrina Kaif has gone one step ahead and is all set to be seen doing not only deep-sea diving but also dirt biking in her next film. Zoya Akhtar's, Riding With the Bulls will see Katrina, Abhay Deol, Hritik Roshan, and Farhan Akhtar come together with the best of their talents.

Although, Katrina is not that much of an out door freak, she says that she is very excited about this role and has already started training for it. Katz, who is now under the training of Jasmine Karachiwala, will start learning deep sea diving after her return to Mumbai.

She does not plan to become a certified diver but she sure will leave no stone unturned for this role as she believes that is one of the best scripts that she has read so far.

The deep blue sea might be making her nervous but the lovely lass, in company of Hritik, Farhan, and Abhay, plans to put her best foot forward. She is all upbeat to discover the mysteries of hidden life under water. With the kind of hard worker she is, we are sure that she will adapt to the sea like a beautiful mermaid. We wish her all the best!

Freida Pinto Can't Sleep Having Make Up

Drink lots of water and eat fruits and vegetables to have a glowing skin, says "Slumdog Millionaire" star Freida Pinto who says she is not fond of cosmetics.

"I always wash my face before bed. I can't sleep with make-up on, even just a little bit. I like my skin clean. I wear sunscreen every day, that's my cardinal rule, " contactmusic. com quoted Freida, 25, as saying.

"I don't have too many beauty tips because I am not fond of wearing too much make-up but the first would be to drink a lot of water because water really cleanses your system and it keeps you fresh and your eyes looking fresh.

I also recommend adding a lot of fruit and vegetables to your diet and not making it too meat centric, " she said.

Bollywood Celebrities Welcomed Sachin Tendulkar On Twitter

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has joined Twitter, and film personalities went all out to welcome the ace cricketer on the micro blogging site.

One of Sachin's early tweets were: "By the way this time its real me. No more wrong information... "

Soon after, many actors posted messages on their Twitter pages welcoming him.

"The original rock star is here. Welcome Sachin Tendulkar. He is here. Give him all the love he deserves, " posted Arjun Rampal.

Deepika Padukone wrote: "The only record left for him to break is maximum number of followers. Welcome the one and only and my favourite Sachin Tendulkar. "

Karan Johar: "A big welcome shout for the Sachin Tendulkar himself. Enjoy!"

Shilpa Shetty: "Finally on twitter, the god of cricket himself. A big welcome shout for Sachin Tendulkar himself. Spread the word. "

Riteish Deshmukh: "Sachin Tendulkar is on Twitter. We want him to beat Ashton Kutcher hollow. Spread the word. Follow Sachin. "

Rahul Bose: "Welcome Sachin. What a pleasure!"

Arbaaz Khan: "Amcha Sachin tendulkar aala re (Our Sachin Tendulkar has come)... Welcome India's favourite son on twitter!!!"

Even internationally popular Indian filmmaker Shekhar Kapur said: "Welcome Sachin. "

Sameera Reddy: "Twitter got more awesome. Let's welcome the undisputed king of cricket! We Love u Sachin! Sachin Tendulkar. "

Atul Kasbekar: "Ladies and gentlemen, it is my proud privilege to introduce finally to Twitter, Sachin Tendulkar, follow the King now, go go go!!! Let's get Sachin on top of the Twitter verse in world record time, how cool to have an Indian displace Ashton Kutcher. "

The Real Reason Behind Shahrukh & Farah Khan's Split

The belief that nothing remains permanent in Bollywood has just proved to be right. One of the thickest bonds in Bollywood with films like 'Main Hoo Na' and 'Om Shanti Om' being SRK and Farah Khan has recently gone bitter. But what is the reason behind this infamous Khan split?

We found the reason behind the split of this extraordinary duo.

As already known that Farah was keen on casting Shahrukh in 'Tees Maar Khan' but because Shahrukh could not find time and Farah could not afford waiting forever finally decided to cast Akshay in the film. It seems this did not go down too well with SRK and Farah had to bear the repercussions.

Farah went to SRK to make him aware of her interest in remaking the old blockbuster 'Satte Pe Satta' which failed to interest SRK.

After hearing Farah for a while, SRK finally said a firm 'no' to and showcased his disinterest in the film. Farah had already approached Raj Sippy's son Mintoo to buy the copyrights of the film and he willingly accepted the proposal.

Shahrukh reasoned saying that he did not want to do a remake of Mr. Bachchan's films to which Farah retaliated saying that he had done the remake of 'Don'. Shahrukh did not really like this reaction and the conversation ended calmly with Farah leaving his company.

He has also refused to do Shirish Kunder's film and showed disinterest in 'The Zoya Factor' based on a novel by Anuj Chauhan which Shirish was suppose to direct for his production house. This news will definitely be disappointing for the audiences who loved watching the dynamic duo together!

Anushka Sharma Didn't Kiss Shahid

After playing a simple girl-next-door, Anushka Sharma has gone in for an image makeover in "Badmaash Company" where she not only wears stylish clothes but also has a kissing scene with Shahid Kapoor. The model-turned-actress says the script demanded it and it wasn't meant just to attract attention.

"I don't see it as a kissing scene. It's a part of the screenplay. I think cinema is changing and we are not doing (kissing) for the heck of it. We do not need to do this (kiss on screen) to attract attention, " Anushka told in an interview.

"When you see the film, the kind of chemistry Bulbul (her character in the film) and Karan (Shahid) share, the kind of love that's there between them, you will be able to understand that the scene was justified, " said Anushka, who made her debut as a small town girl in "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" opposite Shah Rukh Khan.

The 22-year-old claims the audiences will be able to relate to the characters in the film as all of them represent the middle-class dreams.

"This film is about four friends, their relationships and the trials they go through to achieve their goals. All the characters are extremely relatable because they come from middle-class families with big dreams and aspirations. We have all been like that. Their dreams are really big. They have not got any patience... They want to do it right away, " she said.

Set in Mumbai of the 1990s, "Badmaash Company" is about four youngsters who start a business and find a way to beat the system.

Anushka's gang in the film comprises Shahid, Vir Das and Miang Chang. And she says they gelled well.

"When we travelled outdoors, we got to spend time with each other... We hung out, ate out, went to the pub. Good that we got along very well because it was a pre-requisite of the film, " said Anushka.

"Badmaash Company" is actor-turned-director Parmeet Sethi's first outing as director. Anushka says Parmeet knew the characters inside out, but was still open to others' ideas.

Anushka enjoys not being a trained actor because it allows her to visualise scenes naturally.

"I quite enjoy the fact that I'm not a trained actor... If you are experienced, you have a certain method of acting, but I haven't discovered that method yet.

There is a positive side of not being a trained actor. When I get a scene, I see how naturally it should be done. People call it natural acting and that is also a method, " she said.

Asked if she wants to explore any particular genre, she said: "No, I am not looking forward to any particular genre. I'm open to doing films of every genre and with different directors. There are so many things that I would love to do - a period love story or an action film. "

But Anushka finds acting a difficult profession and says her hectic schedule leaves her with little time for her friends.

"I never wanted to be an actor. I wanted to remain a model. Had I wanted to be an actor I would have been more observant about actors. After 'Rab Ne... ' I realised that it's a very difficult profession.

You don't have time for your personal life, for your parents, and your social circuit becomes very small because you are working day and night, " she said.