Bollywood Heroine Poses Nude For MF Hussain

Two things that make the veteran artist M F Husain a legend are his beard and his brush. Yes, his creations on the canvas are marvels in the art world. Now, he is creating a special flavor by showing interest in film heroines and his muses are quite seasonal ranging from Madhuri Dixit to Anushka Sharma.

Now, it is heard that the ninety plus artist has set his eyes on the sensuous beauty Vidya Balan and he has given a special request. It is heard that Hussain wants to paint Vidya nude and here is the best part. Sources say Vidya said yes to the idea and is all thrilled about it.

Apparently, she has assured Hussain that after doing her film based on the life of Silk Smitha, she will do the nude posing. Hussain from his end is quite turned on with this and it looks like he will live for another ten years after looking at Vidya in her birthday suit and drawing her.

Aniston in an Indian remake?

Me in an Indian remake? Really? Is Jennifer Aniston's reaction to rumours that she's in the Hollywoodremake of 'Khamoshi' and 'Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya'.Jen got candid about her life and hot bod, when talking to us in Los Angeles

Wit is sort of default to quiz or to speak of whatever Indian connection there exists – in real or reel life – when presenting Hollywood's stars to Indian readers, there's reason to ask if the desi connect serves to make Hollywood's stars more appealing to Indian audiences. Stallone in "Rambo" rocks, but that doesn't mean Stallone in "Kambakht Ishq" is aspirational; Julia's shooting for " Eat Pray Love" got more interest here than the film itself did, post release; and the Big Daddy of western star's Indian connect, Sir Ben Kingsley himself, couldn't do anything to change which way the cards lay on the table for "Teen Patti".

So I opted to not ask Jennifer Aniston if she was fascinated by India. Suffice that enough fans in India seem to be adequately fascinated by her. But Jennifer's latest release, "Just Go With It", still has an India connect since it, engagingly enough, has been described online as a remake of the Salman starrer, "Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya" – which charge is dismissed with a shrug by the movie's director, Dennis Dugan, since both "MPKK" and "JGWI" are actually remakes of "The Cactus" – which is based on a play. So there's little risk, yet, of a Jennifer starrer being branded a remake of a Sush starrer.

But there's still an India question that makes sense. Do a Google search and you find that this is not the first time you are looking at 'Jennifer Aniston in Indian remake' goss. As far back as 2008, the net had stories of Jennifer having expressed her willingness to play the character of Waheeda Rehman in a remake of "Khamoshi" (no, not the Bhansali one) being made by an LA-based restaurateur, Sanjay Patel, whose restaurant Jennifer apparently frequented, and indeed had tears when she read the script there one day. You recall anything of that, Jennifer? She looks flummoxed and asks, "Who? I'm sorry. Who?"

Sanjay Patel, one spells out. A gentleman who told the media you were acting in a remake of this old Indian movie, and we've been waiting to hear more of it since, in vain. A few seconds' pause and Aniston sums up her response in one word – "Really?" – followed by she and director Dugan bursting into laughter. "That's great... where will we shoot it? In a restaurant?" she asks, while still laughing. Dugan adds his bit, "Maybe you've already done it. It's been shot, and I'm remaking it!"

The hysterical laughter subsiding, we ask Dugan about the uneasy position of being a director of a remake, since the Bollywood experience indicates that if the remake bombs, the flak is not shared, while if it works, the credit partly goes to the original that inspired it. Dugan doesn't seem worried about it. "I never saw the other movie," he says, incredibly enough, "And so it doesn't seem like a remake to me – it seems like a 'make'. And I just hope it's a huge hit, so the guy who remakes it, I, get the credit for it."

When Dennis is asked how he wanted to "explore that whole concept about the precarious balance between the truth and a lie", he nonchalantly responds with, "I was just showing up every day trying to figure out ways to make people laugh. That central, complex concept that you propose to me is something that, had I done it, the movie would have been probably way better, but not as funny."

Responding to questions about speculations in the press about her boyfriends, her wanting children, Jennifer lets her guard down and gives a candid response to how she deals with the consistent speculation: "Well, you stay as far away from it as possible and just try to deal with the e-mails and phone calls from your mother, saying, 'Are you adopting?' 'No, Mom.' 'Are you dating somebody?' 'No, Mom.' 'Well, Aunt Jean thinks...' 'No.' 'Are you getting married at Oprah's?' 'An eight million dollar wedding?' 'No. I told you. Don't believe it.' So the only way I'm really privy to it is when I have to, sort of, field questions from my family members, 'coz, for some reason, they still believe it's true. But how does it affect my work? If I don't know that it's there, I'm just living my life, having fun doing my thing."

Aniston's personal life and philosophy is quite the global media's pet project, but when faced with a question as shorn of nuances as "Do you believe in love forever?", she responds by looking all around before turning back and counter questioning with the straightest face, "Do I believe in love forever? Who are you talking to?" leaving everyone laughing uproariously yet again.

There's been talk of the hot bods showdown when 41-year-old Jennifer has a bikini scene along with Brooklyn Decker, who, apart from being 23, is also a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover girl four times over, already. When asked if she had to change her workout and diet to 'prepare' for the bikini scenes opposite Brooklyn, Jennifer was emphatic – "I didn't change, actually, anything". Then she explained, "I just kind of have a regular workout routine that I just maintained. With Nicole and Nick and Jack, we also had a great yoga class... If you get 20 minutes of a good run, then that's great, and if you can get an hour, that's great. As long as you have cardio as well as – just a good sweat is really good. Wakes you up. Keeps you alert the whole day. And a good sleep at night, too, so it helps with not getting that afternoon lull."

Why the obsession with plastic surgery, more so in the US, with looking younger and better at any expense? Makes sense to hear Jennifer's take on this: "I think there's an extreme pressure on women and men – it happens a lot, as well – to just stay young. And it's magazines, it's internet and I think – I don't know why. It's a pressure for some reason and, unfortunately, women and men don't see it beautiful to grow old gracefully. I mean, a lot of women who we see in our industry who have – and there's a lot who don't. And the unfortunate thing is, a lot of women – we were talking about this before – who go too far, end up looking a hell of a lot older than they actually are, it sort of has the reverse effect. So... talk to me in ten years!"
See ya in ten, then, Jen!

Brook wears the same perfume as Madonna

Model Kelly Brook admits she started wearing Fracas perfume by Robert Piguet because she wanted to smell like Madonna, who also wears the same fragrance.

"I first smelt this perfume on Madonna and asked her what it was. I decided there and then that I always wanted to smell like her. Who wouldn't want to smell like Madonna?" femalefirst quoted her as saying.

"It's a lovely jasmine-based scent which you can get from Harrods. Once somebody came up to me and said, 'Madonna wears that fragrance too.' And I replied, 'Yeah I know'."

I love my nude pictures now: Kim

Kim Kardashian says she now loves the naked images taken of her in W magazine.

Kardashian had initially described the images as ''porn'', and claimed the magazine had gone back on its word by not covering her with pictures of artwork.

Appearing on the cover of the edition dubbed ''''The Art Issue'''', Kardashian appears fully naked with only strategically placed text preserving her modesty, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.

Inside the magazine, the super-imposed text is removed and Kardashian is shown in all her glory.

Speaking to Us magazine on Friday she said she now regarded the photographs as "beautiful"."Obviously I''''m comfortable posing nude - I've done that before, and I did that then for the magazine - but that''''s probably not the direction I would''''ve wanted to go if I thought that was going to be the case," she said.

"Looking back, I love the photos. W magazine is iconic so I''''m really happy that I did it and that those are the photos," she added.

Ranbir as house-husband?

Ranbir Kapoor, when asked about how he'd pamper his lady love, reports Nimisha Tiwari

Wanna know what Ranbir Kapoor did over the weekend? TOI snooped in on the rockstar's trail and found him giving styling tips alongwith his stylist friend Aalim.

Sporting a green cotton shirt, torn blue jeans and black aviators, Ranbir took the students there completely by surprise as he volunteered to do some impromptu straightening, ironing and blow drying.

But his next statement is what got our attention. "Since I am good at giving my lady love a shampoo, a blow dry and even ironing her hair, I guess I will make a good house husband," said RK Junior.

When one of the young girls asked him how he took care of his own hair, he said, "I've got stubborn wavy hair, so I am perpetually at the mercy of my stylist."

Stars should break the mould: Shabana

Shabana Azmi shares her thoughts on experimental theatre, middle-of-the road cinema and social activism at the grassroots.

"Tumhari Amrita" has been performed all over the world, including special performance at the United Nations. What makes for its unequivocal success?
The writer Javed Siddiqui. The script is the hero. What continues to astonish and delight us is that in our heads it was an experiment in a new format. But the very first show was such a phenomenal success, we decided to do few experimental shows which were successful too, and then we travelled the world as part of the experiment. Of course emotional appeal is a factor, and it is also part of people's nostalgia.

Repeated performances of the play for almost two decades, with the same actors, director and script and with no props or elaborate sets. How do you retain freshness and spontaneity of performance?
The play works. It has a fabulous script and the three of us, Farooq Shaikh, Feroze and I, retain our passion for the play. At a personal level, the play brings us together, as all of us are extremely busy and rarely get a chance to meet. For me, Amrita is the best character I've played in my 30 odd years. She's my favourite because she's flawed, all heart, totally real and unpredictable. I've internalized the character, dohzak mein bhi I can reel off the dialogues.

You started out by doing women centric films like " Nishant", " Ankur", etc. Recently, the success of "Ishqiya" and "No One Killed Jessica" with women in pivotal roles, have made a mark in viewer imagination.
It is very important that "No One Killed Jessica" is a success. For a long time it was believed that women centric films work, but they were never tried. Success is important because hopefully one will see more women centric films and more will be attempted. Very importantly, the belief system that women centric films work is getting tested and with success. Even within mainstream cinema, they are trying many things, its no longer just about commercial success. Take a film like " Udaan" for instance, it is neither experimental nor commercial, and so well done! All kinds of films must be made to give people choice, no hard positions please. That a film is experimental is okay but that's not enough. But if I do a film that I believe in, it gives the director leverage. When I first did commercial and parallel cinema, people said I will sink between two boats. Films with experimental people do well but the success is minimal and restricted. It is the star that brings the commercial value and it is important to have them to break the mould. I'm not sure "Jessica..." would have been successful if it didn't have established stars like Vidya Balan and Rani. But, having said that, for a film to work it has to be basically good.

Is theatre about bringing personal conviction on a public platform?
It's about personal conviction in theatre and cinema, otherwise a given play/film enacted by different actors, would be the same. For actors it is extremely important to continue to have life as your resource base, to give more to your part and to your character.

Your Hyderabad theatre experience?
Very good! Hyderabad does have a theatre crowd. Hyderabadis understand the language. As performers, it holds a special significance for us. My parents met here and Hyderabad is a strong focal point of my mother's book. I was born in Hyderabad.

How do you manage films, theatre, activism, endorsements?
I'm all for life. In my work as an actor, activist etc., I'm taking forward values of life in different ways. In fact we recently had a fashion show for our NGO and 24 stars walked the ramp. This is unheard of. Ranbir (Kapoor) is our brand ambassador and Hrithik (Roshan) has contributed `10 lakh and participated. Actors are accused of not being caring, but despite being so busy they joined in.

What's the way to go for India?
India has to empower the poor which is 80 percent of our population. Give them education, funds and employment locally and make them self sufficient so they don't migrate to the cities. Development in India is unequal: rich become richer and poor poorer. The question that begs to be asked is whose progress and at whose cost?

What's a good model?
What is lacking is equal opportunity. Our way to make up for years of neglect of the girl child, tribals and all the marginalized groups is to educate, give computer education, and teach a craft/ skill for employment. My NGO initiative gives liberal education to the girl child, is gender just and secular, bridges the digital divide and gives all round development which is scalable, replicable, so it snowballs.

We hear you are planning to write your autobiography?
No, I'm too busy.

Meena Kumari on stamps

Nutan, Meena Kumari, Savitri, Devika Rani, Kanan Devi – all considered beautiful women on Indian celluloid – will now have postal stamps issued in their honour on February 13.

Earlier, Nargis and Madhubala were immortalised on stamps. "Indian Cinema will form a prominent feature of the exhibition wherein postal stamps of other legendary actors like Raj Kapoor and Guru Dutt will be exhibited," said a senior official of the Indian Postal Department. Apart from this, the they've also launched a new scheme 'My Stamp' wherein any individual can get personalised stamp by paying Rs.150.

Abhi to die in Delhi 6 re-release

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra is set to follow his heart and re-release Delhi 6 with his original vision that would have seen Abhishek dying.

The dark film questioning religious intolerance and the politics of religion in India turned out to be a happy film as even after being shot, AB Jr unites with his lady love Sonam Kapoor. According to the original idea, Rakeysh wanted to begin the film with Abhishek's ashes being submerged in water and then he narrating the story that leads to his death.

The filmmaker now wants to release the movie with his original idea. Last year he had made these changes and showcased it at various international film festivals and garnered acclaim and now he wants the people to see this version. Rakeysh confirms to TOI saying, "I think I drifted away from my vision of killing my protagonist and that did not really work. I now want to re-release the film so that people can see what the original idea behind the movie was." He adds, "The plan was to do the shooting in a guerilla mode.

I had not planned for a big budget and I wanted to shoot with only one handheld camera. I wanted to make the film real. But I guess everyone else got excited and in the process I too, went over the top." When we had spoken to Sonam, she had told us, "I'm aware of this version of the movie and, of course, it will be great if the film is re-released with the changes to see how the audiences react to it."

Ranbir, Imran: The new Siamese twins?

Friends-turned-foes seem to have turned friends again...

Bollywood seems to be an unpredictable space. One day you're best friends with someone, on another you aren't friends anymore. Ranbir Kapoor and Imran Khan have left us speculating on their relationship. Before they hosted the Filmfare Awards together, and were just one film old respectively, both boys hadn't met, and weren't keen to do films together. They were interested only in solo-film offers, till the two got together to host the Filmfare Awards and were declared a 'hit'.

The two were then touted to be 'inseparable' and best buddies, so much so that they had even planned to launch a production house together! The two were even keen to star in a movie together - but that one, they said, would have to be ultra-special - something like the Andaz Apna Apna types, we guess. A cult-like, coming of age wonder.

No sooner had we digested the fact that there can be fast friends in Bollywood, till what reached our ears was astonishing - the two had fallen out! Avantika Malik, now Imran's wife, then Imran's girlfriend, had no bones about laughing out loud and not thinking much of Ranbir's performance and even voicing it at a special screening of the motion picture! Suddenly, not all was well between the Kapoor and Khan lads who even went on records to clarify that they weren't ever the best of friends.

Well, now the hosting of the recent Filmfare Awards has sparked off something that once was. Ranbir and Imran seemed too comfortable with each other. That's not all. Avantika and Katrina (supposedly in a relationship with Ranbir), too, seem to go yap-yap-yap at every given opportunity. And if that wasn't enough, our Kapoor lad wore nearly the same outfit that groom Imran Khan wore at his wedding reception. "Only the colour of their churidars were different. While Imran was dressed in all black, Ranbir wore a white churidar. Else, they came across like bothers lost in a mela," said a guest who attended the function.

Talks have it that Ranbir and Imran have become fast friends all over again and are often spotted hanging out together with their respective better-halves, and Katrina's sister Isabelle has fitted beautifully into the 'group'. Their friendship reminds us of the Rani Mukerji-Preity Zinta dosti that once was. Of course, things change over time, and not everything always remains the same. But let's hope this camaraderie does pass the test of time.

Bollywood girls in solo motion

'Don't Stand So Close To Me" is not just a famous song by Sting; it is also a modus operandi for lovers in tinsel town.

Some of the loveliest women in India were adding dazzle to the star-studded reception of Imran Khan and Avantika on Saturday.

But that most of them came solo or with strictly platonic friends was a good barometer of the relationship quotient in Bollywood these days.

Katrina Kaif, lovely in a churidar and flowing kurta, arrived solo and steered well clear of Ranbir Kapoor who preferred the company of his father Rishi, and grand uncle Shammi Kapoor.

But while Bollywood's lover boy may have chosen the company of men that evening, it didn't prevent some of the ladies from eyeing him slyly.

We caught Anushka Sharma seizing up the hottie Kapoor more than once while beau Ranvir Singh came in separately and chose to spend time with Raju Hirani, with whom we hear, he's in serious talks for a film.

Anushka, slender in a short lbd, flaunted endless legs and fascination for Karan Johar. Clearly, this new lot has its priorities sorted.

Deepika Padukone was the exception as she walked in late with Sidhartha Mallya. Her colleagues, Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor, Preity Zinta, Rani Mukherji Sushma Reddy all came in solo; as did Vidya Balan, though mint-fresh boy friend, UTV's Siddharth Roy-Kapoor was very much around. Discreet, it seems, is the new way to romance.

Highlights of Imran reception

The eclectic mix of guests saw Mukesh Ambani, in a moment of sheer emotion, bending down to hug the electric wheelchair-bound Shammi

Dilip Kumar, Saira Bano, Shammi Kapoor, Dev Anand and Asha Parekh waited for each other and then sought out a secluded area to pop a bottle of champagne, reminiscing that they were meeting together probably for the first time, since the wedding night of Imran's mother Nuzhat.

Mukesh and Nita Ambani were around till almost 4 am, as were a substantial number of other guests. Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri arrived at 2.30 pm, by which time of course Salman Khan had left.

While every top star right from Akshay Kumar, Hrithik Roshan and Ranbir Kapoor to Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif were in attendance.

My warmth for Zeenat diminished: Dev Anand

Dev Anand talks about why love stories need colour, why he will never allow Guide to be remade and how he got over his obsession with the Dum Maro Dum actress.

How was it watching Hum Dono in colour amidst Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Uddhav Thackeray and Ranbir Kapoor beside you?
I felt that they all belonged to me. I felt that I had done something very unusual and I felt proud.

Who amongst your invitees did not turn up?
Rishi (Kapoor) said that he would come but then Ranbir represented him. I had called Saira Banu but she told me that Dilip (Kumar) is not well, so I gave it up. Amitabh informed that he was out of town. Ditto for Deepika Padukone. Shah Rukh was in Berlin.

Sadhna had a problem in her legs. Nanda is a very shy person. I had even invited Tina (Ambani) but she was out of town.

Did you invite Karan Johar?
Yes. Karan said that he would come but he did not. But I have no regrets. I am not that kind of person who thinks yeh aaya, voh nahin aaya. I have always been different from most other stars. I don't have chamchas running behind me carrying my cigarettes and mobile. I don't have any pretensions.

Hum Dono in black and white or Hum Dono in colour?
There are people who have asked me why I coloured it.

People who believe that old classics should remain black and white?
That's right. But these are people who are not intelligent. Hum Dono is not a murder mystery, which needs dark areas. Hum Dono has love, romance, violence, war, mutilation. It's God's verdict that it is now enveloped in color.

So your answer is Hum Dono in color (smiles). And tell me, would you like to see any beautiful girl in black and white? (winks)

Remakes are becoming common but you have always refused to part with your 1969 classic, Guide.
Yes, I refused Pritish Nandy and Ajay Devgn. I am against the idea of remakes. No matter how a remake is, you always remember just the original.

You shocked us in your autobiography Romancing With Life in which you revealed that you were in love with Zeenat Aman.
Why not? If I have written a book about myself, shouldn't I be true to myself?

Did your wife react?
No drama happened at my house.

In your autobiography, a part talks about you being upset about the way Raj Kapoor met Zeenat at a party.
Yes (pauses), I was sad but temporarily. I don't let defeats overcome me. I overcome them.

Did you ever tell Zeenat about your feelings for her?
I didn't reach that stage. Baat khulkar saamne aa gayi. Listen, these things happen. She was the heroine of my film. I had planned a few things for her. That possessiveness does get in.

And did Zeenat ever read into your feelings for her?
After the Raj Kapoor incident, she must have sensed that my warmth for her was diminishing. And she is an intelligent woman to have understood the reason.

Recently, you refused to meet some senior, ailing citizens. You told the hospital that you are only 16-years old.
I must have told them, but that was a joke. I know my age. But I didn't want to go because I don't like to see old, ailing people. It brings me down.

What next?
Charge Sheet. The film is ready and I am very kicked about it.

Showbiz pals support Amanda Holden after baby tragedy

London, Feb 7 – Showbiz pals have showered Amanda Holden with heartfelt support following her tragic miscarriage of her baby son seven months into her pregnancy.

Celebrities, along with thousands of ordinary fans, sent messages of support to the 39-year-old telly favourite who had been rushed to hospital last week after sensing the baby was not moving, reports the Daily Star.

It is a double tragedy for Holden and husband Chris Hughes after she suffered a miscarriage in 2010.

Among the first to offer condolences were close pal and ex- fellow Britain’s Got Talent judge Piers Morgan, ‘This Morning’ presenter Holly Willoughby, former ‘Spice Girl’ Emma Bunton, ‘Apprentice’ chief Lord Sugar, and actress Sarah Parish.

“My sweetheart. I’m so very sorry. Please God, watch over your family and your little angel in heaven,” tweeted pregnant Myleene Klass.

Amanda, who has a five-year-old daughter Lexi, had delayed announcing her baby news until January when she was over six months pregnant.

“They are utterly devastated. Amanda had been closely monitored throughout her pregnancy and it is not yet known what went wrong,” said Holden’s spokesman Alison Griffin. (ANI)

Jennifer Lopez unaware of controversy surrounding copying Kat video

New York, Feb 7 – Jennifer Lopez has claimed that she ‘didn’t hear about’ the controversy surrounding her reportedly smiliar music video with one of Kat DeLuna’s.

In an interview on ‘Despierta America’ a Latin American television show she was asked “about the rumor of her supposedly copying Kat DeLuna’s ‘Party O’Clock’ song to make her ‘On the Floor’ single.

A surprised Lopez said, “What? Really? I’m not aware of that,” reports the New York Daily News.

Interestingly, an insider has revealed that that J.Lo’s camp specifically requested that nothing about the Deluna debacle be brought up during the interview.(ANI)

With dhoti, choti, Sunny Deol set to play priest in new film

New Delhi, Feb 7 – He wore a turban and beard to play a sardar in hit film ‘Yamla Pagla Deewana’, and now actor Sunny Deol is set to essay a dhoti-clad priest in Chandraprakash Dwivedi’s ‘Mohalla Assi’. 

Sunny has taken on a very fresh and different character in the film. His look, complete with a dhoti, kurta, gamchha (towel), kolhapuri chappals and a choti (plait) is unique and quite unlike that of a Bollywood hero. But Sunny is quite excited.

‘The script of ‘Mohalla Assi’ is very different and interesting, especially the character I play is very unique – it’s not quite like anything I have played yet. You will see me in an entirely new avatar. It’s true that I will be playing a pundit, therefore, I will be dressed in clothes that are typical for a pundit, right down to a ‘choti’ to complete the look,’ Sunny said in a press statement.

The story of ‘Mohalla Assi’ is based in Benaras, says Dwivedi, whose last directorial was the critically acclaimed ‘Pinjar’.

‘It is a movie based in a famous and historical ‘mohalla’ (locality) on the southern end of Benaras and the river bank of Ganga. The film is based on a popular Hindi novel ‘Kashi Ka Assi’ written by Dr. Kashinath Singh,’ said Dwivedi, best known for his mythological TV shows ‘Chanakya’ and ‘Mrityunjay’.

On the reason behind choosing Sunny for the role, he said: ‘The movie is a satire and Sunny just seemed like someone that could do justice to the character, as he has proven to play serious roles equally as good as he plays comic roles.’

The film is being produced by Vinay Tiwari of Crossword Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. 

IANS

Jordan’s war of words with ex Peter Andre over burn on daughter’s back

London, Feb 7 – Katie Price had a war of words with her ex-husband Peter Andre after he found a burn on their daughter Princess’ back.

Andre, 37, was furious when he discovered three-year-old Princess’ injury, and asked his lawyers to step in to demand an explanation when he could not get hold of Jordan, 32.

He then confronted her when she phoned their children while he looked after them, and she told him that Princess had hurt herself during a ski break.

She branded the incident a “fluke accident” and downplayed the wound as a “minor burn”, and then tried to deflect blame by accusing Andre of using the incident as a “shameful” publicity stunt.

Outraged, Andre was also forced to deny claims he leaked the story about Princess to paint his ex as a bad mum.

Jordan released a public statement and took to Twitter to attack Pete.

“Princess has got a minor burn that she received in a fluke accident when she was in Klosters. That injury was seen to immediately. Princess is fine,” the Daily Star quoted her as writing.

“My ex-husband was made aware of this incident when we returned. To have this incident appear in the press and garner a little publicity is quite shameful.

“I shielded him from blame when Harvey was badly burned while he looked after him. And people wonder why I insist he has specialist care on hand when he looks after him?” she stated.

But fuming Andre insisted the story about Princess’ burn had not come from his camp.

“I was dealing with this privately. I won’t be accused of using an accident to gain publicity. That’s completely untrue,” he stated.

“For the record, Princess came back from a skiing trip with a bad burn to her back. No one had contacted me to tell me.

“I tried to contact Kate but she didn’t respond. I took Princess to our doctors and they dressed it there and then.

“Kate finally called and said I was making a big issue out of it.

I’m sorry but my daughter being burnt and me not being told about it immediately is a big issue,” he added. (ANI)

Ellen DeGeneres happy not playing ‘American Idol’ judge

London, Feb 7 – Ellen DeGeneres has revealed that she is glad to have stepped down from her role as a judge of ‘American Idol’.

The 53-year-old comedienne and chat show host said that she could not handle being negative about audition hopefuls.

“It’s so hard to tell people they aren’t good,” the Sun quoted DeGeneres as saying.

“Every time I tried to think of some funny way to say it. I don’t have any of that pressure any more,” she said.

Ellen quit saying it “didn’t feel like the right fit”.

Jennifer Lopez has replaced her in the new-look ‘American Idol’. (ANI)

Campbell's beau bitten by jellyfish

Supermodel Naomi Campbell is helping billionaire boyfriend Vladimir Doronin recover after he was reportedly stung by a jellyfish during their Thailand vacation .

The couple were enjoying a vacation in Phuket when Doronin came out of the water with painful-looking red weals on his back, reports dailystar.

She was snapped wincing as she examined the injury.

No suggestions for Christina Aguilera

Christina Aguilera, who seems to be in a denial mode over suggestions that she needs help for her erratic behaviour following her divorce from Jason Bratman, has rejected offers from her staff in this respect, it has emerged.

Sources said the pop singer was acting erratically, and her staff banded together with a plan to persuade her to get some help, reports the New York Post.

But when she caught wind of their plan, she threatened to fire all of them for even suggesting that she has a problem, said a source.

"They wanted to talk to her carefully about the issue, but they''re not going to because they are scared after she threatened to fire them," said a source close to Aguilera''s camp. 

"Her people desperately want this to come out so she will get help," the source added.(ANI)

Akshay to premiere his film in Patiala

Plans of hosting a lavish premiere of " Patiala House" in Mumbai and London later this week have been put off in favour of a new venue - Patiala. Thanks to the initiative taken by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, the event has been shifted there.

"Yes, we are shifting the premiere to Patiala on the Punjab CM's request. It will be held at the SRS Cinema in "Patiala on February 10. Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia, Akshay Kumar, Anushka Sharma and I will be flying down to Patiala for the premiere," said the film's director Nikhil Advani.

Apparently the minister happened to meet Akshay at a function in Punjab last week and the two got talking about "Patiala House", which is releasing Friday.

"Parkash Singh Badal wondered why the premiere of 'Patiala House' should not be held in Patiala. Isn't it the most logical thing in the world to have premiere of 'Patiala House' in Patiala? Akshay and director Nikhil Advani were stumped. Within minutes everything was decided," said a source.

Incidentally while Akshay and Rishi, who are playing Sikhs in "Patiala House", are full-blooded Punjabis, the film's leading lady Anushka is not a Punjabi but is often mistaken for one.

"I don't know if the Punjab CM thinks Anushka to be a Punjabi. But at the moment we're all Punjabis including me (actually a Sindhi)," said Advani.

Saif strikes the right chord in Bhopal

While shooting in Bhopal for Prakash Jha's next " Aarakshan", Saif Ali Khan goes out of his way to oblige his fans who come to the sets to catch a glimpse of their favourite star.

Saif also takes time out to interact with his fans while working out by the poolside of the hotel he's staying at.

"A huge crowd of over a hundred people gathers almost everyday to watch Saif while he works out by the poolside of the hotel in Bhopal... Saif's a pretty relaxed guy and minus starry airs talks to his fans in between his workouts," a source said in a statement.

When the star is in a jovial mood, he also strums a couple of songs on his guitar for them, said the source.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan and actress Deepika Padukone are also shooting with Saif in Bhopal.

Did You Know? | Emraan's multi-tasking in 'The Train'

In the movie 'The Train', all the scenes that were shown on the train between the lead actor Emraan Hashmi and her co-star Geeta were shot in just three hours!

Whenever Geeta used to go for changing her clothes, crew members used to shoot Emraan's solo shots and Emraan would change his clothes in the train itself and all this happened because they were not allowed to shoot for much of the time.

There were fixed timings for shooting on the Sky Train of Bangkok and the cast and crew was permitted to shoot between 7 and 10AM and also, without lights!

Truly, a dedicated effort...

Sameera Reddy to run marathon next year?

Actress Sameera Reddy has a sexy body, but the actress thinks she can get even sexier.

And the secret, she believes, lies in running the marathon. She told us, "A friend of mine trained for the marathon and lost a lot of weight. Just maybe, I should start running, too." A lot of actors associate themselves with marathons held in the metros of Mumbai.

Some diligently participate in it, while others from the fraternity are there to support a cause. Gul Panag ran the Delhi marathon, and had a terrible eve-teasing experience. Rahul Bose, Purab Kohli, Milind Soman, Siddharth Mallya are others who give this long distance run their best shot. Anyway, next year, don't be surprised if you spot an even sexier Sameera Reddy running the distance in some athletic hot pants.

Making it to the finish line is quite the way she likes it.

'Priyanka to star in Dhoom 3'

If all goes well, Priyanka Chopra will be rubbing shoulders with Aamir Khan in YRF's Dhoom 3. Priyanka and Yash Raj Films are in advance talks.

A source says, "YRF has a very good professional working relationship with Priyanka. Yash Chopra and Aditya are both keen that she should play the girl opposite Aamir."

Adds the source, "Priyanka has acted in many action films. Dhoom 3 has a lot of action. Hence, Priyanka fits the bill."

While the buzz is that Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone are also in the race to star in the film, our source says, "Priyanka is most likely to beat them to the post."

Priyanka remained unavailable for comment.

Sonali Bendre denies wardrobe malfunction

Sonali rubbishes her wardrobe malfunction story and also claims that the quote attributed to her is utterly ridiculous.

Reports regarding Sonali Bendre's wardrobe malfunction when she attended Karan Johar's party at the Four Seasons Hotel were doing the rounds since last week. However Bendre's spokesperson has denied the story clarifying, "There is no truth to the story which has left both Sonali Bendre and her family highly grieved and disturbed".
 
The story also carries a quote attributed to Sonali which her spokesperson claims is utterly ridiculous. "Sonali belongs to a respectable family, is a mother and has always shared a very warm and cordial relationship with the media".
 
"We would like to elucidate to all concerned that the story is fabricated by vested interests that aim to damage her reputation and hence request you to not credit it or encourage it". In fact Sonali plans to take legal action against sources further publicizing this malicious story.

Sonali Bendre holds the media in high regard and she is of full faith that this speculation will be put to an end.

Sonali Bendre goes pantyless at KJo's party

After Rakhi Sawant, Yana Gupta and Neetu Chandra it’s now Bollywood actress Sonali Bendre who was caught without panty. Intentionally or intentionally, the actress attended Karan Johar’s bash without innerwear.

Sonali is a family friend of the Bachchans and she came to the party with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. No sooner she stepped out of the car, she hogged all the limelight as she was accompanied by Ash but more than that her pantyless stunt caught maximum attention.

On being asked by reporters, the actress desperately answered, "I am happy that you saw it."

Dressed in a mini black attire, Sonali might not have thought that her pantyless act would catch media’s attention and make so many hullabaloos.

Censor's teen rating: 15 plus

A new category of film certification, to be called 15-plus (15+) is likely to be introduced for movies in India.

This was indicated by Sharmila Tagore, the chairperson of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) recently. "I think the CBFC should have a new category, a 15 plus category, between U/A and A, because there is a huge difference between a 12 and a 15 year old. The bill for the change is yet to be tabled in the Parliament but I think most producers will be happy with the development," said Tagore. Currently, movies in India are certified under four categories – U, U/A, A and S. Filmmakers like Prakash Jha, Sudhir Mishra and Madhur Bhandarkar have not been happy with the certification of their movies in the recent past, but Tagore, who took over as CBFC chairperson in 2004, says the Board has been trying to match the changing times with a liberal approach. "I cannot deny that the Board has become liberal during my tenure. The audience has matured over the years and so has cinema," said Tagore.

The Board has passed controversial movies like "Omkara", "Kaminey", "Ishqiya" and "No One Killed Jessica" without any cuts, although with an 'A' certificate. Tagore said she is not in favour of cuts as deleting scenes destroys the film. "We're trying to do with just certification. But sometimes the producers come to us saying that they do not want an 'A' certificate. "For example, if the producers of 'No One Killed Jessica' would've asked for a U/A certificate, we'd have had to cut the abusive language and Rani Mukerji's character'd have been destroyed," says Tagore. But she does not agree with filmmakers who question the need of a regulatory body. Tagore says it is important to maintain a standard for cinema in India, where sensibilities differ regionwise. "Self-regulation is the best policy but it's due to the absence of one cohesive film body that the CBFC does the part. In other democracies like the US and the UK, film bodies ban films and order cuts, though theirs is a much more mature society," she said. PTI

Priyanka got a special invite from Lara

Priyanka Chopra will receive a personal invitation from Lara Dutta requesting her to be present at her marriage.

The two co-stars, who are working together for Don 2, have recently patched up post their long-standing tiff that had happened when they had initially started working in Tinseltown.

The former room-mates (yes, not many know that they used to stay together during their Miss India days) have buried all hatchets and Priyanka is stated to be in Goa and join Lara in her celebration. The wedding is happening in a church on Feb 19th and the sangeet and reception is on Feb 18 and 20th respectively.

Legal hassle for Seeta Aur Geeta remake

Seeta Aur Geeta remake runs into legal hassle on issues of licensing.

The Seeta Aur Geeta remake, which was supposed to star Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif and Abhay Deol, has run into trouble.

Producer G P Sippy's son Suresh has raised a strong objection against G P Sippy's grandsons, Sascha and Shaan, claiming that they had no right to license the remake to Sunil Bohra, who is planning to co-produce the film with Studio 18.

A source says, "Suresh and G P Sippy's grandsons, Sascha and Shaan, have had issues since a long time. There are problems in the Sippy family."

However, Sascha and Shaan seem pretty confident that they have done no unlawful thing by licensing the remake.

Said Sascha, "I don't understand why my uncle is being so funny. He does not have any documents to prove his claim. We have all the relevant papers in place."

Added Sascha, "The matter is actually in court. The Delhi High Court has in fact restrained Mr Suresh Sippy from infringing our copyrights in several films, including Seeta Aur Geeta."

When contacted, Suresh initially said, "Speak to my lawyers. The matter is under dispute. It is going to the Mumbai High Court." But on being questioned further, he said, "Why just Bohra, I don't want anybody to remake Seeta Aur Geeta at this point of time since I have not licensed the remake.

The rights belong to me."

Does Ramesh Sippy, who has directed several films under the G P Sippy banner, have any problem with the licensing? "No. Mr Ramesh Sippy is out from the family business after our film Brashtachar released in 1989."

Are Akshay, Katrina and Abhay still doing the film? Bohra told Mumbai Mirror, "It's early days. Nothing is finalised on casting as yet." 

Salman, SRK avoid each other at Imran's bash

There were little spots of tension on the evening of Imran Khan and Avantika Malik's wedding reception hosted by Maamujaan Aamir Khan and his wife Kiran Rao.

After all, it was touted that Aamir would play mediator between expected guests - Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, and get the two to patch up on this special night.

But alas, that was not to happen. Salman Khan reached the venue at about 11:45, sporting a jacket on top of his 'Being Human' t-shirt. Salman walked in with brother Sohail. Salman, apparently, made a quick exit, and that too, from the back gate. Salman's exit from the event happened way before Shah Rukh Khan's entry.

Shah Rukh attended the event with wife Gauri Khan. They came in late night - around 2:30 a.m. So a patch up between Salman and Shah Rukh at this do was just not possible, though many a well-wisher of the two Khans was hopeful that the hatchet would be buried, courtesy host Aamir.

We guess, we'll have to wait for another celebration of this magnitude for such magic to happen.

Men are asking me out for dates: Tisca Chopra

From a dedicated mother of Taare Zameen Par to ultra glam socialite of Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji, Tisca Chopra has changed her creative colours with effortless ease.

And she's currently receiving accolades for her hot and sexy avatar in DTBHJ. In a candid chat with NT, Tisca speaks about working with Madhur Bhandarkar and her upcoming projects.

'A pleasant surprise'
Dil Toh... is doing well and Tisca's performance is being widely appreciated. Sharing her excitement, she says, "I am slightly surprised because I was not expecting such a huge response for my oomph factor." And what kind of compliments is she getting? "In TZP everybody felt sympathetic towards me, but this time I have received some amazing reactions. My account on social networking site has crashed with comments, especially from men asking me out for dates. In fact, my husband Sanjay hugged Madhur after watching the film. He told him - 'I haven't seen my wife like this before, and she has grown up as an actor.'"
'Madhur believed in me'

It's a dream come true for any actor to work with a filmmaker like Madhur Bhandarkar, and Tisca is no different. She says, "It's difficult for someone to break the image that Aamir Khan had created, and only a gutsy director like Madhur could see the potential in me to do Anushka Narang." The movie has some real hot scenes with co-star Emraan Hashmi. Was she a bit sceptical about working with the 'serial kisser'? "Not at all! Emraan's so well-behaved and a sweet person. He makes you feel very comfortable before the shot and I wouldn't mind working with him again," says she.

'I'd prefer anchoring'
Right now she's happily enjoying her share of glory, but ask her why has she been absconding from the big screen, and she says, "For me it's important to keep changing the game and to do some difficult roles as I get bored playing similar characters. After this role, people will understand that I am not stereotyped." And what are her upcoming projects? "I have finished shooting for a psychological thriller 404 and another film 10ml Love. I will soon start shooting for Love Breakups Zindagi etc", says she.

The actress was earlier a part of many TV shows like Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Sarrkkar: Risshton Ki Ankahi Kahani and a reality show Main Hoon Na. Ask her if she is planning to stage a comeback on TV, and she replies, "May be sooner or later, but as a host because I am good at that. For me anchoring is easier than acting in a serial."

'Ah Oranges!'
Tisca has been to Nagpur quite a few times and has some pleasant memories attached with the city. She says, "I am charmed by the city and looking forward to visiting Nagpur soon. But, I don't want to come there in summers because it's too hot." She adds with a laugh, "And if my fans really want to show their appreciation for me, they should send me some farm fresh oranges!"

Kareena's wearing Saif on her tee!

Bebo's busy wearing her heart on her sleeve these days!

If Saif has Kareena embedded on his forearm, Bebo is not leaving a single stone to make her love for Saifu obvious either.

The actress was recently spotted wearing a T-shirt which read, "My boyfriend is sexy, rich and handsome."

Come to think of it, the t-shirt quote described none other than her beau Saif and the actress had absolutely no qualms in wearing her heart on her sleeve.

The actress pulled off the grey Tee in style and was in fact enjoying all the attention coming her way!

After setting the trend of size zero, Bebo seems to have begun the trend of describing her darling and sending out a message through her shirts!

Deepika, Priyanka and Katrina... we wonder what your t-shirts would read!

Yana Gupta's costume drama

Yana Gupta was thrown out of at an award function over a dispute with organisers about costumes.

Not long ago, Yana Gupta was in the news for appearing at an event panty-less. Yet again, the drop-dead diva has come into the media spotlight over a costume dispute!

Gupta was supposed to perform at an award function that was to honour women. Shashi Ranjan, the organiser of the award ceremony, said, "Yana was to perform at the award function, on February 7th, in Delhi.

During her rehearsals too she would throw a lot of tantrums. On 6th morning, the whole crew was to fly down to Delhi, for the award function and on the 5th night, Yana refused to wear the costume designed by the designer assigned by us.

She wanted us to hire her designer and pay him Rs. 40,000. Not only this, she asked us to pay Rs. 20,000 to her staff as well. Just a day before we were supposed to fly to Delhi, she issued this like a threat, thinking I would give in to her demands.

This was very unprofessional on her behalf. If it was a genuine complaint, I definitely would have taken care. But this kind of attitude I have never yielded to.

So I asked her to leave. We had booked everything for her stay in Delhi, but now we have to replace her. TV actress, Jasvir Kaur, will now perform instead of her."

Gupta's spokesperson said, "This is to clarify that Yana has not backed out of the show at all. There was an issue with the costume they had made and we kept trying to reach the team so we could sort it.

However, they did not respond to calls or mails and the next thing we found out was someone else was performing. Yana is very professional and has never been unreasonable or difficult."

Does Neetu prefer Nargis?

Ranbir kept out of his leading ladies' hair over the weekend because he was busy elsewhere, but TOI learnt that there are some new developments pertaining to his personal life.

Since RK Junior is the most eligible bachelor in B-town, rich, super-successful, blue-blooded and talented, the women have been seeking his attention constantly.

An insider says, "The guy has had no breathing space. He is constantly smothered with affection." Barely had his famous affair with Deepika Padukone ended, when he was linked to Katrina Kaif. The reason for his split with Deepika is well-known. It is alleged that his mother, Neetu Kapoor didn't approve of the hazel-eyed Bangalore beauty.

A few days ago the snooping paparazzi insisted that after filmmaker Karan Johar's party to celebrate his win at the Filmfare Awards, Kat spent time sipping coffee at Ranbir's Pali Hill home, late at night.

Kat and Ranbir do share very good vibes. They are both rumoured to be doing Ayan Mukerji's second film that might mount the floors at the end of 2011 or early 2012 depending on when Ayan furbishes a finished script. In this context we must reproduce an informal conversation with Neetu who mentioned, "I like Katrina. She's a sweet girl."

However, there are rumours saying that Neetu's innocuous statement certainly doesn't mean that KK has the senior Mrs Kapoor's stamp of approval for anything more serious.

An industry insider says, "Neetu was last seen lunching with Ranbir's Rockstar heroine Nargis Fakhri at a five-star hotel. To onlookers it certainly looked like Neetu had taken the young, extremely attractive model-turned-actress under her wing."

Now whether this is also an innocuous lunch meet or whether it is Neetu's way of saying she prefers Nargis over the other girls who are Ranbir's 'good friends' is something only time will tell. 

Source: TOI

Big Ballet takes on ’slimmer ballerinas due to lack of plus-size dancers’

London, Feb 7 – The Big Ballet has brought down its requirement of 17-stone dancers to 15-stones because it is unable to find plus-size dancers.

The Big Ballet troupe was established 13 years ago by renowned Russian choreographer Evgeny Panfilo to prove that bigger women could still move elegantly 

“The number of hopefuls weighing 17 stone has dropped significantly, coinciding with sustained global campaigns for healthier eating, perhaps most notably spearheaded by celebrity chiefs such as Jamie Oliver,” the Telegraph quoted Tour producer of the Russian dance company, Alexej Ignatow, as saying.

Now for the first time in its 16-year-history, the performing group has dropped its requirements of heavy dancers.

The 16-strong alternative group was set up to challenge social standards in the ballet world and dancers weighed in at just under an average 20st during the last UK tour in 2008. 

The 40-date tour starts in Eastbourne, March 1, and ends in Darlington, April 18. (ANI)

Cheryl Cole’s pals worry as love-split anniversary nears

London, Feb 7 (ANI): As the one year split anniversary of Cheryl and Ashley Cole nears, friends of the reality show judge have expressed worry about the star’s health.

Their warnings come as the X Factor babe faces her first Valentine’s Day without her 30-year-old ex-husband.

‘Girls Aloud’ bandmate Kimberley Walsh has admitted being terrified about the strain on her pal.

“I do feel a bit protective. I don’t like the fact she’s so trapped sometimes, trying to go out and about. There’s not a great deal you can do about it but it frustrates me,” the Daily Star quoted her as telling Cosmopolitan magazine.

“Everyone deserves a little bit of freedom and she doesn’t have that,” she said.

The concerns come after a tough year for Cole in which she split from Ashley and battled malaria. (ANI)

Madonna’s Malawian daughter’s family plans to sue over break of visit vow

London, Feb 7 – Madonna might face legal action from her adopted Malawian daughter’s family, after they claimed the singer broke her promise to let them see the little girl. 

Madonna, 52, is said to have guaranteed them regular contact with Mercy James, 5, after she adopted the tot from an orphanage in June 2009.

But they have not seen her since, even though Madonna has made two return visits to Malawi with the little girl.

Now they have enlisted the help of the country’s leading civil rights group CILIC to prepare a legal case.

The child, whose 16-year-old mother died five days after giving birth, was raised by her grandmother and uncles, but placed in the care of the Kondanani Children’s Village when they could no longer look after her.

“Mercy’s family have met me several times over the past year and they have been very upset,” the Daily Mail quoted Emmie Chanika, director of CILIC, as saying. 

“They have a strong recollection of being told that they would be able to see Mercy and have regular contact with her – and that when she is an adult she will return to live with them in Malawi.

“I believe they have a case in law because there appears to have been a verbal contract between them and Madonna’s representatives. 

“I have already consulted a lawyer on their behalf. Obviously there could be problems as there is no written agreement, but the lawyer is looking into it.

“I am preparing a letter which will appeal to Madonna’s lawyer Alan Chinula to intervene on the family’s behalf and ask Madonna to kindly let Mercy meet her family.

“None of us desires an embarrassing and expensive court case which could humiliate or inconvenience Madonna. The best outcome would be a proper agreement to let Mercy meet her family on a regular basis,” Chanika added. (ANI)

Miranda Kerr defends breastfeeding picture

Melbourne, Feb 7 – Miranda Kerr has explained as to why she shared a snap of her breastfeeding newborn son Flynn.

The Aussie supermodel caused a stir when she posted the picture taken by husband Orlando Bloom on her blog, reports News.com.au.

Explaining her decision to show off such a revealing picture, Miranda said that she was only promoting breastfeeding, and encouraging mothers to not be put off by stigmas that might be attached to feeding babies in public.

“To me it is the most natural thing in the world and I love it and the bonding time we have during these precious and beautiful moments,” she said.

“Honestly, I for one can say there are more breasts being shown on a daily basis around the world in swimwear and low-cut dresses and tops than there are from breast-feeding mums,” she added. (ANI)