Dabangg director refuses Sallu, chooses SRK

Abhinav Kashyap said no to Salman Khan's Dabangg 2 because seemingly Shah Rukh Khan gave him a better offer. 

 After frequent admittance and denial, it was finally reported today that Dabangg director Abhinav Kashyap won't be directing the sequel. The report claimed that Kashyap didn't want to direct the sequel which he expressed to producer-actor Arbaaz Khan. With Abhinav's ouster, Arbaaz has taken over the directorial reins and will be directing the sequel now.

However what is surprising is why did Abhinav Kashyap refuse to direct Dabangg 2 especially since it's a big project, more so after the immense success of the first part? The other side of the story seems to be untold. An industry insider claims, "Arbaaz was not willing to give Abhinav a good price as a director despite Dabangg being a huge hit. Kashyap expected a better remuneration. Other big banners were willing to offer him Rs 2-3 crores but he kept saying no to them because of his attachment to Dabangg . While he didn't expect that kind of money from Arbaaz, he surely expected something better than what he got for his debut film".

But there seems to be an even bigger reason for Abhinav Kashyap to leave Dabangg. "Apparently Salman Khan's archrival Shah Rukh Khan managed to bowl over Kashyap with a mind-boggling offer", claims the source. " SRK is desperate to make a masala film starring himself and wanted Kashyap to direct it for him". As per trade sources Shah Rukh lured Kashyap by offering him a hefty fee of Rs 2 crores.

But over the fact that money is good, Abhinav Kashyap seems more kicked about directing Shah Rukh Khan. "Also Shah Rukh was willing to offer complete creative freedom to Kashyap in terms of directing the film", adds the source. "It's a known fact that Salman Khan had things go his way during the making of Dabangg . Lines in the script were changed at the last minute. Also Abhinav did not sit for the editing".

Kashyap seems to have taken a Dabangg step of shifting loyalties from Shah Rukh to Salman. Let's see if he is able to recreate the same success with the other big Khan of Bollywood.

Vidya to romance Rajinikanth

Actress Vidya Balan to play a part in Rajni's 'Rana'. 

There have been a lot of specualtions as far as the female casting of Rajinikanth's 'Rana' is concerned. While Deepika Padukone definitely dumped 'Housefull 2' to be a part of this venture, there were talks that Asin, Madhuri Dixit and Rekha were also offered to be a part f this film at some point in time.

However, Madhuri, it is heard declined to play the part she was offered; Rekha it is heard will romace the older Rajni; Deepika Padukone will romance the younger Rajni; and now it's touted that Vidya Balan will play the love interest of the middle-aged Rajni.

It is common knowledge, that Rajni plays a triple role in 'Rana', and thus three actresses were required to be cast for this multi-lingual fare.

Saif likes me in bikini: Bebo

Kareena Kapoor is undoubtedly one of the most versatile actresses of the decade gone by. But it is Bebo's sex appeal that comes up for discussion at regular intervals.

On being asked why even the most recognised actresses crave for titles like sexy and hot, Bebo in her candid style says, "I love being called sexy. But then I'm equally charged about being recognised as a good actress. In my case, I first won notices for my work and then when the size zero phase happened, people started noticing my physical attributes. To me, the important fact is that I have got recognition as an actor. Now being called pretty, sexy, hot, powerful or any such thing is also flattering."

Ms Sensuous Kapoor, however, has vowed not to wear bikinis on screen anymore. And her reasons for this decision are surprising. One would imagine it is her boyfriend Saif Ali KhanTashan who had put a spoke in the wheel. But Bebo says, "The bikini is a highly overrated garment. For me it has lost its' novelty. I have worn it twice on screen. In (2008) and in Kambakkht Ishq (2009). However my fans preferred me in Jab We Met (2007), 3-Idiots (2009) and Golmaal-3 (2010) where I stayed steered clear of exposing. I don't have the patience to go through the whole regimen that needs to be in place for your body to look bikini-perfect. So I've decided that I will not wear a bikini on screen again."

The actress however admits that we will get to see a flash of thigh and cleavage in some of her upcoming movies. Says Kareena, "The songs of RA.1 are hot, but in Bodyguard there is no skin show. In Agent Vinod too there is more style and pizzazz than any actual exposure. In Short Term Shaadi I'm playing a bohemian character."

Oh, and what are Saif's views on her decision not to wear bikini again? Does he also share her fans' view point? Flashing a naughty smile, her brown-eyes twinkling with laughter, Bebo says, "Saif likes me in a bikini. He has no issues with it. Saif actually prefers me glamourous. He liked me in Kambakkht Ishq; he thought I was very hot in it. He says that it is his personal choice but he doesn't necessarily want me to abide by it. Saif likes it when I use a bit of make-up and dress fashionably rather than when I step out looking like a plain-Jane."

Sonakshi Sinha wants to date Ranveer Singh?

The Band Baaja Baaraat actor, Ranveer Singh made a mark not only at the BO, he also seems to have stolen many-a-heart, and Sonakshi Sinha's is one of them.

On a talk show with Karan Johar recently, Sonakshi was asked whom she would like to date.

Quite candidly, the actress confessed, "Ranveer Singh, if only he was single!" Sonakshi is surely impressed by the actor and his antics. Touted to be dating Anushka Sharma, his Band Baaja Baaraat co-star, Ranveer isn't in the 'available' league as of the moment.

However, Ranveer and Anushka deny that they are a couple, and Anushka did leave a message for Sonakshi whilst on the same talk show. "Take him. He's all yours," she said.

Sunny enjoys shoot at Varanasi's ghats

Bollywood star Sunny Deol returned here after 15 years to shoot for director Chandraprakash Dwivedi's new movie " Mohalla Assi" and said the experience is "refreshing" and "unique".

"This film brings me back to the city after 15 years and I am sure that I will have a wonderful time shooting," Sunny told reporters here. "Even though I have come here after a gap of 15 years to shoot, the experience on the banks of river Ganga is so refreshing and unique."

Inspired by Kashinath Singh's popular Hindi novel "Kashi Ka Assi", the film is a satire on social, political and national issues.

"The script of the film is very interesting. The role is something that I have not done in the past, but I am confident of doing full justice to the character."

For the first time, Sunny will be seen in the garb of a pundit - he will wear a dhoti, kurta, gamcha and Kolhapuri chappals and sport a 'choti' for his role.

Major portions have been shot in Mumbai studios. In Varanasi "Mohalla Assi" will be shot on a historical location as well as the ghats of the Ganges.

Dwivedi said: "Ideally, I would have loved to shoot the entire movie on the ghats of Varanasi, but since Sunny has a huge fan following in this region, it would have been difficult to shoot here as thousands of fans would have descend on location to catch a glimpse of the star."

Vinay Tiwari of Crossword Entertainment Pvt Ltd is producing the films, slated for release later this year.

Arbaaz to direct Dabangg 2

Abhinav Kashyap is not directing Dabangg 2 and it will be Arbaaz Khan who will be helming it. This will be Arbaaz's debut as a director.

Abhinav, it turns out walked out around 10 days ago after differences with producer Arbaaz Khan turned into an all-out spat. At 9.30 one evening, Arbaaz received an SMS from Kashyap saying that he was not going to direct the sequel.

Following this, Arbaaz, who has been eyeing the director's cap for some time now, grabbed the opportunity and took over. He even flew to Bangkok to convince brother Sallu of the musical chairs that had ensued in his absence. Dabangg was Abhinav's debut film as a director.

Our source said, "It is strange considering that Dabangg was the biggest hit of 2010. Abhinav walked out of the film and Arbaaz decided to step in, not a surprise considering he's been harbouring directorial ambitions for some time now. So Abhinav walking out is a blessing in disguise. He is now confident that he will give Dabangg 2 a special zing.

Arbaaz was also unhappy that Abhinav sent him a message so abruptly at 9.30 pm one evening saying that he doesn't wish to direct the film. He didn't even come and tell him. Arbaaz felt that certain professionalism or decorum should have been maintained."

When contacted Arbaaz Khan said, "Yes, there have been issues and Abhinav is no longer directing the film. I don't want to get in to details of what happened between us, but this has happened over the last two weeks.

He didn't want to direct it, and, fair enough, it is his choice. We have to move on. I don't know his reasons but I am happy that he is no longer doing the film after what transpired. It was strange how he shot me an SMS and didn't even bother to meet me personally. I wish him all the very best. I just hope that whatever decision he has made is the right decision."

So who will be directing it? Will he take the plunge? Arbaaz said, "Yes, I am directing it and the process has begun. I was involved in every aspect of Dabangg as producer. We have started work on the script and in the next 2-3 months I will have the first draft ready as well. But I don't want to say anything more about the film and it subject."

When finally asked if he went to Bangkok to inform Salman about this blockbuster development, Arbaaz said, "No, that's not true. I had gone to Bangkok to do a cameo in the film." Let's hope it's not a cameo in the director's role too. Abhinav Kashyap, for his part, remained unavailable for comment.

Preity can't pray with paparazzi

That Bollywood is superstitious is well-known. Our actors and actresses are a devout lot, dedicated to their Gods.

This was therefore an endearing image. But actress Preity Zinta didn't think so. She wanted her privacy with the Almighty. She organized a VIP darshan to be blessed by Sai Baba. But on noticing shutterbugs in the room, Preity got a bit freaked.

She quickly put her pallu on her face. "She was looking lovely in a maroon salwar kameez but the moment she saw photographers trying to click her, she got very, very upset. She put up her right hand very close to the cameras, so that she could block the view. The cameramen were shocked."

"Aap log please yahan se chale jao. Mujhe akela chhod do," said the actress, still grappling with her breakup from Ness Wadia and her long-standing absence from the big screen.

And before the shutterbugs could respond to her anger, Preity covered her face fully and began praying. Wonder if it is a comeback (and love) that she was praying so hard for.

Mallika Sherawat's a US socialite now!

When Mallika Sherawat tweets that she's been hanging out with Sir Elton John after the Academy Awards and that Golden Globe nominated Scarlett Johansson is her friend, it's not because she's in la-la-land.

She's really in Los Angeles, where she's covered much ground on the social scene. Mumbai was merely a pit stop for this actress from Haryana, who has turned into a Hollywood socialite even though her Jennifer Lynch-directed Hisss was a turkey and her low-budget Politics of Love is yet to be released.

She's been tweeting about her star encounters ('Scarlett Johansson is supacool' and 'Just met Elton John! He said I look divine').

Mallika, on Oscar night, attended the legendary Governor's Ball, hosted by the Academy Board, and hung out with Oscar winners and nominees.

After the event she attended many after parties, John's being one of them. Our sources caught Mallika and Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx exchanging pleasantries.

The actress, whose agent William Morris also represents Ben Affleck, Richard Gere and Emma Thompson, has left Bombay abuzz on her social skills. Whether at the riverfront at Cannes or the ceremony to name a milkshake after her.

"Today, Mallika has become a big socialite in the US. She knows so many people that you will find it hard to believe. And all the biggies, mind you.

You will frequently find her dropping names and saying 'I met so-and-so, and oh, he praised me,'" says a former career associate.

Mahesh Bhatt whose Murder she acted in says, "Yes, she does it every time, being seen at the right place. She knows how to attract eyeballs. From the lanes of Haryana to the Oscars! We should applaud her for that.

She has that Indian quality that attracts foreigners. They find her exotic. I met her when she was promoting her last film Hisss and I just knew that she was on the make."

He adds she learnt this game in Mumbai during the making of his film. A close friend of Mallika's says the man who actually turned her knight in shining armour was Govind Menon, the producer of Hisss. "There were many stories about their affair too.

He always told her 'Yahaan kuch hone wala nahin hai. Tum foreign deshon mein raha karo aur phir dekho tumhari taqdeer kaise badalti hai." Seems Mallika went to town with this tip.

Before Murder made her a household name, Menon had cast her in the 2003 turkey Khwahish, in which she smooched co-star Himanshu Malik as many as 17 times.

Even after Murder failed to make her an A-lister, Menon cast her again in Hisss and convinced her to move bag-and-baggage to LA in 2008.

India's most Bollywood-steeped fashion designer Manish Malhotra is happy for this diva's recently and exponentially acquired internationalism. "I think it's great that Mallika was at the Oscars with Aishwarya and Abhishek.

That girl is daring and in-your-face. I would give her 7/10 on the white gown she donned at the function."

Ratan Jain, who was a very good friend of Mallika (until Hisss that is) is less generous in his praise.

Perhaps the fact that co-producer Menon took complete charge of Mallika's career post-Hisss might have something to do with this. Says Jain, "Yes, I keep seeing Mallika's pictures almost every day in some paper or the other. Her PR machinery is apparently doing very well."

Mallika, whose low-budget Hollywood flick Politics of Love is yet to be released, sure has covered much ground for a starlet who cut her teeth in small-time modeling as Reema Lamba. As to how she affords this Hollywood glitter is mystery that the headline-chasing Mallika will not reveal.

Sallu's new girl Hazel Keech follows Kat

While the British might be busy scrutinizing Kate Middleton, we in Mumbai have our own, on-going investigations of a London belle who seems to have made her entry into the Khan dynasty.

On February 26, Mumbai Mirror broke the news about Sallu and his new friend Hazel. So for all the curious cats out there, here's the juice on Hazel Keech.

For starters, Hazel was actually christened Rose Dawn. No, she is not an undercover cop, just a 24-year old of Indian-British parentage hailing from London and currently pursuing a career in acting and modelling.

Born in Essex, north-east London, Hazel took inspiration from her Indian mother's roots and enrolled into a local Bollywood dance academy.

Rose Dawn, aka Hazel, was an extra on Harry Potter's second, third and fourth series of films. Probably that's where she learnt how to cast her spell on Bollywood's most eligible bachelor, Sallu!

While holidaying in Mumbai six years ago, she chanced upon several opportunities to pursue her acting career. Ever since then she has appeared in the Tamil film, Billa (2007) and in some of the top commercials on air, garnering a lot of popularity in the ad-film circuit.

Our Londoner has also trained in kathak, bharatanatyam, jazz, tap dance, ballet, hip-hop and the basics of belly dancing (hmmmm...). At the age of 19 she earned praise for gyrating to Kahin Pe Nigahen (the Suga Candy version, for all you chartbuster fiends out there).

Hazel, like Sallu's ex-flame Katrina Kaif, is currently taking Hindi diction classes from Vidur Chaturvedi for Sallu's brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri's remake of the Malayalam super hit Bodyguard; she plays the second lead opposite Sallu.

When contacted, Chaturvedi tells us, "Yes, I am training Hazel who is in Bodyguard. It has been a week since I have been coaching her at Atul Agnihotri's office." Will our pardesi girl also make it big a la Kaif?