Kristen Bell refuses to have expensive wedding

Actress Kristen Bell has refused to have a expensive and elaborate wedding, saying she and fiance Dax Shepard will tie the knot whenever they feel like it.

Bell got engaged to actor Shepard over a year ago but says they are not planning an expensive and elaborate day.

"We're just not having a wedding, so there's no story to report there. I mean, we're still getting married, but we're going to do it whenever we feel like it. The fact that he asked me to marry him is of a little more importance than me planning a party," femalefirst.co.uk quoted the 30-year-old actress as saying.

Did Aniston date a crew hunk?

A lighting technician has spoken out about his brief romance with Jennifer Aniston, insisting the actress instigated their romance.

Brian Bouma, 40, met the actress on the sets of her 2008 movie " Love Happens" and claims she made the first move and invited him to spend 10 days with her in in Beverly Hills. She later asked him to visit her when she shot comedy movie " Marley and Me", reports contactmusic.com .

"As a lighting technician, you learn not to approach the talent, but she approached me. I was only on set for seven hours. I had a crush on her," he said.

"All that's written about her being lonely is just ridiculous. I didn't spend time with Jen because she was famous or successful. It was because of the conversation that first time we spoke. She's genuine, sincere and charismatic," he added.

According to Bouma, Aniston who embarked on a romance with musician John Mayer soon after ending their relationship, prefers "bad boys" and made him feel like a "school boy" during their time together.

"It was an overwhelming experience. I guess she just wasn't that into me. She did tell me that I was too 'Mr. Pure'. She kind of made me feel and act like a young school boy," he said.

Aniston is said to be "mortified" by Bouma's revelations and is shocked he has decided to make their romance public.

Bar Refaeli poses topless

Israeli model Bar Refaeli has posed topless for a war-themed magazine photoshoot, seven years after she managed to dodge the national service in her home country.

In the photoshoot for the May issue of GQ Italia, Refaeli, 25, posed in nothing but a helmet and shorts, the Daily Mail reported.

The inside pages showed the model striking a series of other sultry poses, using an ammunition belt for a prop.

In Israel, military service is a must for both men and women once they turn 18, but Refaeli managed to avoid doing a three-year spell by marrying an acquaintance.

In the interview with GQ, Refaeli has only positive things to say, wishing her homeland "peace and prosperity".

She even tweeted the pictures, clearly being more comfortable taking the military concept to the front pages - rather than the front line

Pattinson to join acting school

Actor Robert Pattinson, who is dating "Twilight Saga" co-star Kristen Stewart, says a chance to meet pretty girls was one of the motivational factors for him to join acting school.

"I suppose it was a variety of things - the pretty girls? There was a theatre around the corner of my house. I guess it was something I always wanted to do, but I thought it was pretty pretentious - I didn't mind the kids that were acting at school but I wanted to do it secretly outside the school," contactmusic quoted him as saying.

"I just liked the environment. I worked backstage for about three years and just watched everything and then I did a couple of plays and I got an agent from one of the plays, totally randomly," he added.

Halle Berry to be honoured for fragrance

Actress Halle Berry, who has created three successful perfumes, will be honoured with celebrity fragrance of the year award at FiFi Awards.

"For years, I have created my own personal scents by mixing and layering fragrances, trying to come up with something unique and different. It's a wonderful form of self-expression and I am thrilled to share these fragrances with consumers worldwide," femalefirst quoted Berry as saying in a statement.

Her three perfumes are called Halle by Halle Berry, Pure Orchid and Reveal.

The US Fragrance Foundation each year chooses one celebrity who has especially contributed to attracting shoppers to the industry, with past winners including Paris Hilton and Usher.

Black Eyed Peas star Fergie is being presented with the new fragrance celebrity of the year award for Outspoken, while legendary designer Jean Paul Gaultier will receive the Hall of Fame award.

Batman's opening act

The helicopter that will be used to can the aerial shots of the fort

Shooting in one of the historical cities of Rajasthan has become customary for Hollywood filmmakers. And latest to join the league is Christopher Nolan.

The production unit of his film "The Dark Knight Rises" is camping in the sun city Jodhpur. Now it's Mehrangarh Fort's turn to be a part of the 'lights-camera-action' sequences.

On Thursday, the unit was preparing to shoot in the Fort. According to a source, "Various locations of Mehrangarh Fort will be shot during the two-day-long shoot.

Some of the shots will be taken from a helicopter, especially chartered to shoot the aerial view of the fort." Some of the scenes will also be shot Chidiyanath cave on the hills and Jaswant Thada, graveyard of the royal family, situated next to the Fort. The royal cenotaph is brilliant example of the fort's beautiful architecture. The crew reached the city on May 1 and is putting up at a five-star hotel."

I have done no film in India: Freida Pinto

Despite doing interesting films, Freida Pinto and Rushita Singh have still not had their big Bollywood break. Why does Bollywood ignore Indian exports to Hollywood?

International directors have come to India and worked with Indian artistes in their critically acclaimed projects. Some of these actors have even gone on to do quite a few big Hollywood and European movies later on. But why is it that barring a few, Bollywood has largely ignored these actors while casting them in Hindi movies?

Irrfan, of course, remains an exception who has been welcomed with open arms in Bollywood even while his international career is going great guns. But look at Freida Pinto's Bollywood career. The actor has returned to India again after "Slumdog Millionaire" catapulted her to fame in the West. This time around, she has been shooting for Michael Winterbottom's "Trishna" in India. But, Freida, who has already worked with the likes of Woody Allen in "You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger" and Julian Schnabel in "Miral", is yet to sign on an Indian movie. In fact, in an interview in The New York Times, Freida has said, "I have done no film in India, so it's very hard for people to accept me as an actor there. They don't really know who I am or they probably don't take me that seriously".

Rushita Singh, who played Tulsi alongside Julia Roberts in " Eat Pray Love" is yet to sign on any new Bollywood film. She says, "Be it for an ad, a film or a stage performance, actors give their best shot. Also Freida and my international debuts were offered to us because we best suited the roles. Similarly, when there will be something that suits us best here, we will surely be seen in a Bollywood movie. Sometimes, dates don't work out. There are a lot of things responsible for doing or not doing a movie." So, does a Hollywood debut still force an actor to start from scratch while Bollywood is concerned? "There are people who get the best start possible. Their debut films are blockbuster hits. But, that's about it all. It's not about Hollywood or Bollywood," Rushita adds.

Priyanka Bose, who acted in Italo Spinelli's "Gangor" and even walked the red carpet at the Rome International Film Festival, did a cameo in "Guzaarish". But the big Bollywood break has still not come her way. "Perhaps, offers haven't come my way since I am supposedly not conventionally pretty for film-makers. I know the audience is also ready to experience actors who don't cater to a certain stereotype. Perhaps, independent film-makers in India will be more keen on casting actors who have made international debuts than hardcore Bollywood directors," she says.

Anand Tiwari, who had Naomi Watts as his co-star in Doug Liman's "Fair Game", says, "Casting for films for Hollywood and Bollywood happens differently. Casting directors in Hollywood have a big role to play in getting particular actors for parts in films. In India, in most cases, the director and producer approach you personally. So, in the end, getting cast in Hollywood or Bollywood is about who you know or what work of yours has been seen by whom." Ask him if his role in "FG" has made any difference to anyone in Bollywood and he says, "It has made no difference to me as an actor to get work in Bollywood. "Udaan" and "Aisha" have generated more work."

Perhaps, Bollywood is a lot more insular a space. Whether an Indian actor courts Ang Lee or Michael Winterbottom, seems like Bollywood will only abide by rules set by itself and for itself.

Amitabh wants Harley Davidson!

After riding what he calls the "beast bike" for "Bbuddah - Hoga Tera Baap", megastar Amitabh Bachchan is eager to buy his own Harley Davidson.

"What is it with men and the sound of a mean machine. The roar of a speed car, the rush of air and sound in a double exhaust bike, that kick of acceleration as you push the pedal flat, that jerk of change on the Concord, when it was functional, as it went from normal to Mach 3 at 55,000 feet in the air! Is it the same with the ladies too?" Amitabh wrote on his blog bigb.bigadda.com.

"Soon after it was the adrenalin pumping beast bike, the Harley 'twixt my legs. And what a monster it is. I have to say though that having done it, and for the first time, it is an experience that now coerces me to have one of my own. OOOOO! Baby!! It is another world as you stride all the leather and studs and white metal that surrounds you. Quite something!" he further wrote.

Meanwhile, age seems to be taking its toll on the 68-year-old.

"Running at 70 is a bit of a bother! You feel you can move with some fluidity, but no! The legs do not respond to what the mind is telling it to do and you suddenly realize that the weight of your body is not that lithe anymore," he wrote.

"So as I sit down on my 'blogespherechair' to fill in my adventures, I am cushioned with hot water bags and electronic heating devices to ease out the numerous folds of muscles, that had remained dormant and in retirement for a very long time," he added.

Love to be Rajasthan's brand ambassador: Anjana Sukhani

Says Bollywood actor Anjana Sukhani and shares some of the most memorable experiences of her life, spent in jaipur. Here's a quick lowdown...

The moment I enter Jaipur, memories flood my mind – those of my school and college life, and good old days spent with family," says Jaipurite Anjana Sukhani, who stays in Mumbai these days.

Anjana, who spent her childhood in Adarsh Nagar, misses the city's tranquil environment which is too difficult to find in the fast-paced life people live in Mumbai. Even though she is not very familiar with the Marwari language, she tells us it's the lip-smacking marwari fare, which includes dal-baati, gatte ki sabzi, lahsun ki chutney, etc, she misses. "I remember I had a marwari boy in my class. We were so fond of his food, that the moment he'd enter the class, we'd snatch his lunch-box and finish it even before the first period would get over," she quips.

ask her if Rajasthan is the quintessential India and she says, "I don't think so. India is an amalgamation of varied cultures and Rajasthan puts forth an important aspect of our nation, courtesy its historical significance and rich ethnicity." Is there anything about the city that upsets her? "I feel the city's tourism and mode of transportation should be improved. Like Mr Bachchan is the brand ambassador of Gujarat to promote its tourism, Jaipur too should have its brand ambassador," reasons Anjana.

Any names? "Why should I suggest somebody else's name, I'd love to be Rajasthan's brand ambassador." She attributes her success to her home-town Jaipur. Anjana shares, "Jaipur laid the foundation of my life and it is here that I realised my ambition. I found the best of friends in Jaipur."

With Jaipur becoming popular with filmmakers, Anjana is waiting for the day when she'll get to shoot here. "I'll be proud to shoot here. It feels great when people refer to me as 'This girl is from Jaipur. The city's rustic and royal look allures the world," she says.

Breaking News: My life is like Obama's: Mallika

Mallika Sherawat is back in India from the US. Yesterday she was shooting a dance number for her forthcoming film Double Dhamaal at Mehboob studios, Bandra.

She was at her chatty and catty best. This is the Mallika we know and love. Uninhibited and caustic. Excerpts from the interview...

You r-e-a-l-l-y met US President Barack Obama?
Yes. He is a thorough gentleman — simple and intelligent. I even invited him for the premiere of my film Love, Barack which he gracefully accepted. In fact, I feel that my life is the same as Obama's. I do not come from a filmi family, nor do I have a Godfather. I'm from Haryana, but I changed the rules of the industry with my work and so has Obama. I entered an industry dominated by ones who use their surname as a passport, yet I managed to make a name for myself. I think we both are changing the rules of the game in our own way.

You constantly draw criticism for your acting and your dressing. Comment.
This is what I also want to know. I am the only Indian actor to have met the President of the United States, the most powerful man on earth. That is something special, right? And still people try to pull me down instead of celebrating the fact that an Indian has made it big. My obituaries have been written a number of times, but somehow I manage to resurrect myself. God has been kind. Society celebs and the so-called blue bloods of Bollywood are the only ones who have a problem with me. I think they can't stand the fact that I have made it without making any compromises.

There is something that must be working for you. It can't be just good luck and God's kindness...?
I'm high on life and my passion is acting. I'm doing just that. The response I get from girls in small towns saying how much they adore me, keeps me going. I hope I'm inspiring girls like me from small towns to dream big. People from smaller places don't really get opportunities you know.

Who are these people supposedly targeting you?
Let's not get there. But who hasn't tried to put me down every single time? Of course, they haven't been successful in doing so. They might want to do something else now! (laughs) The attitude here is bad. Somehow people don't like people who come from humble backgrounds to soar high. I'm the face of India in Hollywood like it or not.

Is there a boyfriend tucked away in LA?
No. That's not true but I do have many Oscar winners asking me out and I also have proof! (laughs)

Is it true that you prefer older men?
My personal life is really pathetic and boring. I sleep by 10. I'm into yoga and am a vegan. Where do I find a man who doesn't smoke, drink and eat non-vegetarian food?

Have you been approached to write your autobiography. Ahem, for 20 crores?
I have been approached and I'm contemplating writing it. But I won't do a tell-all right now. There is a lot that I want to do. Some point in my life I would definitely write an autobiography. A girl coming from Haryana, a state with a high female foeticide record, making it big and meeting the President of United States is worth a story, no?

It is alleged that you are very difficult to work with.
Our industry tries to bully actresses. I don't know why the other girls don't talk about it but filmmakers want us to work for free, they don't want to pay our staff and all that. I have put my foot down and I have become the bad one, who is difficult to work with.

You have lost oodles of weight. Trying to be size zero?
Trust me it's there in all the right places. I'm on a fruit diet. I eat almonds, nuts and as I said
I'm a vegan now and loving being fit.

Aishwarya joins Abhishek in Russia

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is packing her bags to join hubby AB in Russia, where he is shooting for Players.

"She is first going to St Petersberg and from there will join AB Jr. Abhi-Ash will spend a couple of days together.

Abhi is making a list of things to do there, once wifey arrives. He doesn't want her to get bored, and plans to make time to discover the sights and sounds with Ash. He is thrilled that she is joining him, because it wasn't planned." Ash will join AB after her Cannes trip where she is walking the red carpet on the opening day of the film festival.

Anushka to flaunt a bikini!

Say goodbye to the sweet girl-next-door and get ready for a scorching seductress, as Anushka Sharma is gearing up to set the screens ablaze in her next film with Ranveer Singh.

Out of her Punjabi patialas, she's jumping right into a sexy lil bikini! The last time we saw her in an almost two piece in Badmaash Company, but we heard this time around she wants to go ultra glam (if not size zero), and the gal is toning up to flaunt the perfect bikini bod.

Well, we're okay with that Anushka, and we love the patialas to bikini makeover, as long as you strut the right stuff. The real talent, we mean. Uh-huh...and what were you thinking, lovelies?

Lara's not wife material!

Well, don't blame us for creating trouble in this paradise; the lady herself admits that she's not wife material.

Yeah, she confessed this exclusively to zoOm, and surprisingly hubby, Mahesh wasn't broken-hearted about his lovely wife's comment. That's what we call a true sport, eh? Now, jokes apart, here is Lara's real confession. During an interview Lara was quizzed about her maiden venture, not her shaadi dearies, we're talking about her newly launched production house.

She admitted, "I don't want to play SRK's wife or Akshay's girlfriend anymore." On the same breath she said, "It's just that in our business, there's a serious dearth of roles for women. And invariably, a heroine is clad in fancy costumes, great make-up and hair extensions and is reduced to dancing in a film where the song becomes a big hit. I have done umpteen number of those myself. And the heroines are either being subjected to being hero's wife or girlfriend." Hmnnn...we're sure the other beauties have heard that. Now we're waiting for their take...

Bipasha in action mode

Bipasha Basu is doing some serious muscle flexing action stunts in the freezing cold of Russia. The Bong beauty is doing heavy-duty action scenes for the first time.

"It's freezing cold and we didn't really get to train ourselves in such extreme condition before coming here. So, we are giving our 100 percent. The safety precautions are in place and it's great to do action in such challenging conditions. The thrill is just double," says Bips.

When Penelope set her hair on fire

Actress Penelope Cruz once set her hair on fire while blowing out candles on her birthday.

Cruz revealed she was so nervous while blowing out the candles of her birthday cake that she set her hair on fire, reports dailymail.

"I always get nervous celebrating the birthday. I get nervous when people sing 'Happy Birthday', I get nervous when I have to open the presents in front of them. I get more nervous even than at the Oscars," she said on " The Tonight Show With Jay Leno".

"If I like it or don't, I don't know how to express myself. The other day I got so nervous that when I had to blow the candles, my hair caught on fire. But it really caught on fire," she said.

I'm in an exciting phase: Arjun Rampal

He's had his share of ups and downs, but now national award winning actor Arjun Rampal has found a firm foothold in Bollywood.

His aim is to be a contributor by bringing good cinema to viewers and says he doesn't want to be a liability.

"I hope I have grown as an actor. I am more comfortable in what I do. I think I understand it better now. I have had opportunities, I had been blessed with opportunities to work with the best in the business and I have learnt a lot from them. I feel there is a nice future and with the experience, I can hope I make good cinema," Arjun told IANS in an interview.

He was here at the Kingdom of Dreams to be a part of a charity fundraiser for quake ravaged Japan.

Arjun's cinematic journey is not unusual. Like other models, after scorching the ramp, he too decided to dazzle on the big screen. But when he debuted in 2001 with " Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat", he had to face disappointment. At that time, no one knew that in future he would deliver such dazzling performances that he would be conferred a national award.

After failures like "Moksha", "Aankhen", "Ek Ajnabee", he got his share of accolades when Farah Khan presented him as a villain opposite Shah Rukh Khan in " Om Shanti Om". The film was a super-hit and so was Arjun's performance as a cold-blooded producer and a mean lover.

Arjun's success mantra was not to give up.

"You should never give up and you should never say no. I think these are negative things. What I know is that I can act, I enjoy, I can contribute and entertain people and that's the belief that keeps me with who I am," said the 38-year-old.

"The day I get bored of what I do and the kind of work that I do, I would not do it. Right now, I am in an exciting phase. The phase that was not going right for me, I was in a phase of discovery, trying to find what is it that I really wanted to do, so again it became exciting on that level," he added.

"People will speculate to whatever levels they have to, but I don't live for those people. I live for my audiences, for bringing good cinema to my audience and being a contributor rather than a liability."

Arjun proved his mettle as an actor with hits like "Don: The Chase Begins", "Rock On" - for which he won a national award for the best supporting role - and "Raajneeti".

Has the people's perspective changed after he won the national award?

"I don't know. I have had a slow start, but I think people who have really believed in me, got really proud especially my family, my friends, who have stood by me. A lot of professional people who I have worked with always said it will happen and when they saw it (happen), that was the highest point in my career and in my life," said Arjun.

His negative portrayal in "Om Shanti Om" and "Raajneeti" won appreciation not only from the critics but also from the audiences.

"I think people like my characters. There is no colour to any character, they are not grey, they are layered, and to find characters that are written like that I think is wonderful. I enjoy playing characters which are more dimensional and more layered rather than being one-dimensional," said Arjun, who has a quite an interesting bouquet of films coming soon.

He has finished shooting for "Rascals" and Shah Rukh Khan's highly anticipated sci-fi thriller "Ra.One".

He has also been roped in for Tigmanshu Dhulia's "Jai Ramji ki", Sudhir Mishra's next venture, a war movie and one more, which he refused to talk about.

Beckhams are worth 165 mn pounds

Singer-turned-fashion designer Victoria Beckham and her footballer husband David are reportedly worth 165 million pounds and they have reached this stage after making 20 million pounds last year.

Contactmusic reports that Victoria's fashion line Victoria Beckham, which has won critical acclaim as well as attracting A-list clients, contributed majorly in accumulating the wealth last year.

Victoria, currently pregnant with her fourth child, recently added handbags to her range. In addition to her fashion range, Victoria signed a multi-million deal with luxury car manufacturer Range Rover.

David, 36, has also been contributing - he has been paid 56 million pounds before tax in the past two years by his soccer club Los Angeles Galaxy. He also recently announced a multi-million pound contract to become Samsung's global brand ambassador for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The Beckhams' wealth is revealed in the 2011 Sunday Times Rich List, which will be published on Sunday.

Ranbir’s item no. tribute to father Rishi

The actor reprises the look of Rishi Kapoor's legendary character Akbar from the superhit film 'Amar Akbar Anthony', in an item song.

Ranbir Kapoor is the latest item boy in town. The actor recently shot for an item song with a gang of kids for the film ' Chiller Party ' produced by UTV Spot Boy. However, what's interesting is the fact that the song is actually Ranbir's tribute to his father, Rishi Kapoor.

Apparently, Ranbir Kapoor has been in love with his father's film Amar Akbar Anthony since he was a kid himself. The film showcased Rishi Kapoor in the character of Akbar that featured him in a very different look. This tapori look had created an impression in Ranbir's mind when he was growing up.

"When Ranbir was approached with the idea of an item song with kids in a similar fashion, donning the same look as his father, he immediately agreed and decided to give a tribute to his father", says a source associated with the film. "Like Rishi Kapoor, Ranbir dons the look of a tapoori , with evident kajal in his eyes, a cupped tirchi topi on his head, a thin moustache and a real pan in his mouth making his lips go deep red".

" Chillar Party is a kid's film that Ranbir had fallen in love with, the moment he saw it", adds the source. "Junior Kapoor felt that the kids would love this look on him and it eventually did work. The kids were amazed to see him in that attire. They all ran towards him and gave him a big bear hug".

The co-directors of the film Vikas Bahl and Nitesh Tiwari were extremely happy to have Ranbir do this interesting item song with the kid gang of Chillar Party . They expressed, "As an actor, Ranbir keeps improvising. And when it came to the 'inspired' look in the song, he was prompt to come up with the idea to have a similar kind of head-gear, moustache and pan chewing look as his father in Amar Akbar Anthony ."

Osama's death used in film's publicity

The most talked about news of recent times – Osama's death, has been incorporated in the new poster for a film.

Osama Bin Laden's death seems to have instantly inspired Bollywood. No, there is no announcement of a biographical film on the terrorist as yet. However filmmakers are trying to use his execution story for promoting their films.

The makers of the upcoming psychological thriller ' 404 ' have incorporated Osama Bin Laden in their latest movie poster. The 404 team have synergized the movie's theme with the most talked about news of Osama's death and have come out with this interesting poster. In fact they have made the poster a part of their Facebook page. And this page instantly garnered huge response and is being talked about.

Let's see how many follow suit! 

 

Source: TOI

Aamir guides Imran Khan again

As Delly Belly is all set to release, Aamir Khan takes Imran in his stride once again.

Imran Khan is on a high these days as he gets a chance to be back to where he started from – Aamir Khan Productions. Delhi Belly , which is the next production from the banner, will see Imran Khan in the lead role. Imran is extremely excited about this film as this will be his second film with his mamu jaan Aamir Khan and that too after a big gap of 3 years.

Imran Khan had taken his baby steps into the film industry way back in 2008 when AKP launched him with Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na . This was the third film produced by the company and it marked the debut of the suave actor. Since then, it has been a roller coaster ride for Imran Khan who went on to do some successful cinema and has emerged as a good actor.

"Although mamu jaan Aamir ensured Imran's entry into Bollywood, the actor has never looked back upon him for help for any of his future assignments", says a close friend. "He has taken his own decisions and done a plethora of films, proving his mettle as an actor, with every genre of film that he has done. And he has done so rather successfully which is why he is kicked about Delhi Belly where he will get a chance to chisel his skills once again under the impeccable guidance of Aamir Khan".

Delhi Belly, which is co produced by Aamir Khan Productions and UTV Motion Pictures is slated to release on the 1st of July. Incidentally Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na also released in the first week of July. Guess with the first movie turning out to be a megahit, AKP is leaving no stones unturned to ensure the success of this film as well.

Indian film fest in New York kicks off with 'Do Dooni Char'

Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh Kapoor

The 11th Annual New York Indian Film Festival kicked off in spectacular fashion with the US premiere of the Delhi-set comedy " Do Dooni Chaar," Disney's first live-action Hindi film.

The star-studded red carpet premiere Wednesday night at Manhattan's prestigious Paris Theatre, was attended by special guests Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh Kapoor along with writer/director Habib Faisal.

Also attending the premiere were Pulitzer Prize winner author Siddhartha Mukherjee, Aparna Sen, Madhur Jaffrey, Aditya Bhattacharya, Ajay Naidu, Samrat Chakrabarti, Meetu Chilana, Rehana Mirza, Sarita Choudhury, Ami Sheth, Poorna Jagannathan, and many other actors and filmmakers whose films will play festival through closing night May 15.

Following the screening of "Do Dooni Chaar" was a discussion with Faisal and the Kapoors moderated by festival director Aseem Chhabra. A gala benefit dinner followed at the opulent Jumeirah Essex House on Central Park South.

Asin's sexy transformation!

Now, now, look at this actress' transformation over the years. When Asin attended the audio launch of one of her biggest films till date, Dasavatharam, in the presence of international celebrities like Jackie Chan, she came along in a traditional and simple salwar kameez.

A few years later, after her Bollywood dreams (in the form of London Dreams) went kaput, the actress – in Chennai for a press meet for her Vijay-starrer Kaavalan, went in for yet another 'homely' avatar; in the form of a simple salwar kameez.

However, when she made an appearance at the audio launch of her upcoming flick Ready, the actress – who will romance Salman Khan – went in for a short-and-sexy sheath dress. Insiders at the event that was held in Mumbai were heard ranting about how uncomfortable the actress was in the dress and how she should stick to what's comfortable with her. We wonder what Asin has to say to this...

Caterina Lopez goes Gilli Gilli akka

After Pyaar Do Pyaar Lo, Dum Maaro Dum and Laila yet another yesteryear song gets remixed.

RD Burman's Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani rendered by Kishore Kumar is back in the reckoning with the brand new song Akkad Bakkad in Bhindi Bazaar Inc. Sung by debutant Suraj Jagan and composed by first time music director Sandeep Suryaa, the song brings back the memories of RD Burman's music using popular elements common to his tunes.

The use of Gilli Gilli Akka... Billi Billi after every verse is what adds the punch to this one. What more, the video version will have Jennifer Lopez' cousin Caterina Lopez groove to the number.

Well, it seems it will take long before our music director's new found interest to reprise old classics dies down. Wonder is this is their way of saying cheers to the old times!

Saif's debut at Cannes 2011

This year at the Festival De Cannes, Saif Ali Khan will join Indian hotties Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Mallika Sherawat, Freida Pinto and Minissha Lamba.

Making the announcement at a press conference in Mumbai on Thursday, Saif revealed that he would be debuting at the festival this year. Talking about what he'll wear to the big night, Saif said, "Kareena has been telling me to get a Tom Ford suit for the red carpet and so I have finally got one." It's a dinner jacket disclosed the Khan, who's looking forward to attend the event.

The actor will be part of the fest representing Chivas, for which he is a brand ambassador. But Saif wishes to showcase one of his movies at the fest some day. "I am excited about attending the Cannes film festival, but I wish to showcase one of my films at the fest some day. If I have a film in the competition section, it will be the ideal occasion to attend the festival."

The festival kick-starts on 11th May through 22nd May.

Katrina's tribute to Madhubala

While she is being considered to play the role of Madhubala in Kishore Kumar's biographical film, Katz has already reprised the role in another film.

While Salman Khan is paying tribute to yesteryear actors in the song ' Character Dheela ' from Ready , Katrina Kaif doesn't seem to be left far behind. Katz will be reprising the role of one of the most beautiful actresses on Indian screen – the ethereal Madhubala.

And no, we are not talking about the biographical film on Kishore Kumar to be directed by Anurag Basu, where apparently Katrina Kaif is being considered to play the role of the legendary singer's wife, Madhubala. While there is still some time before that happens, Katrina has already gone ahead and revived the magic of Madhubala in her upcoming film Mere Brother Ki Dulhan .

Perhaps because no actress, in her good senses, can think of playing Madhubala, Katrina Kaif has attempted to do that in an intoxicated state. That's exactly how the scene happens in the film. Sources associated with the film claim that, in the scene, Katrina downs some bhang at a roadside dhaba where she sees a poster of the yesteryear actress. And after that she breaks into a song and dance number which is a tribute to Madhubala.

From Sheila to Madhubala, must say Katrina Kaif has quite a diverse range in her dance numbers. Perhaps Anurag Basu might not need to do a look test on Katrina Kaif as Madhubala, after seeing this song.

Ekta's really sweet: Kainaz Motivala

Cute and bubbly, newbie actor Kainaz Motivala appears surprisingly calm and composed for someone so young. In Paathshala, she got eyeballs as the girl who had a crush on Shahid Kapoor. In her latest film Ragini MMS, she's graduated from a character role to playing the female lead.

A Mumbai mulgi, Kainaz even worked in a magazine before she faced the camera. "Paathshaala landed on my platter just like that and since then life's been one hectic whirl. I am glad that this profession isn't monotonous — and I get to live a different character."

Her cosy scenes with her co-star Raj Kumar Yadav has her unruffled. "Raj and I are great friends and he made me feel comfortable during the love scenes." Now Kainaz wouldn't mind doing steamy scenes in other films, if the "script demands it".

Meeting Ekta Kapoor was a life changing moment for her. "I was a little guarded when I met her the first time, but she is very sweet and chilled out," says Kainaz who goes on to add that she is not "interested in doing TV shows made by Ekta. At least not yet," she says.

A trained contemporary dancer, Kainaz's short story Hope Comes In Small Packages has just hit the shelves. "For now, I am enjoying facing the camera, so even though I love to write, it will have to take a backseat for now," she grins.

'Shah Rukh, Kareena kiss'

Actor Shah Rukh Khan will kiss Kareena Kapoor in 'Ra One'...

Actor Shah Rukh Khan who has been a decent man on screen and off screen all this while, will now go bold for his superhero flick 'Ra One'. There's news that Shah Rukh will do everything and anything necessary to make his movie a rage.

We hear that SRK will kiss on celluloid this time round. And it's the gorgeous Kareena Kapoor he'll lock lips with. The actors kiss each other in a song. It's nothing explicit, but something that can be termed as 'simple and sweet' we are told.

It can be remembered that Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor, too, indulged in a romantic lip-to-lip in '3 Idiots'. "I've kissed on screen before, it's no big deal," says the Kapoor lass, who always looks forward to working with the Khans. "All four of them – Aamir, Salman, Shah Rukh, Saif – are so amazing that I always look forward to doing movies with them."

Farah debuts in a Bhansali film!

Farah Khan, choreographer-director-TV host, is now in a different role. Literally. She is the leading lady of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's next production Shirin Farhad, to be directed by SLB's sister Bela.

This bit of news is interesting for two reasons. First and the big one being this is Farah's big screen debut. Second, because until recently she and the Guzaarish director were bitter enemies and had even lashed out at each other in print. Clearly now, it's all in the past.

When asked why Farah as the heroine, Sanjay laughs, "It is the best way of taking revenge on her." Then getting serious, he adds, "I thought she suited the role perfectly. It's a funny and very tender and quaint love story of a Parsi couple. And the character of Shirin suits her perfectly. Farah has amazing wit and wicked humour and I could see that translating on the screen."

The film has been written by Bhansali, who may be known for serious films, but he promises it will be a laugh riot. His sister Bela, who debuts as a director and has edited most of her brother's films, says, "I instinctively felt Farah was right for the role. Also, she is half-Parsi and has a mad side to her. And there could be no one better than Boman for this role. Expect to see a lot of song and dance in my film."

Farah laughs when asked about her debut, "When Bela and Sanjay called me for the role, I thought they were playing a prank on me. When they insisted, I realised they were serious. I almost fainted! Here, all heroines are dying to work with him and he wanted me! I know people will bitch and make fun, but what people say has never bothered me. Let's just say one of the reasons for me doing this film is to annoy them! The other one, of course, is that this is my way of getting back at Sanjay," she laughs.

She continues, "You have one life, and you should do whatever you want. Even Shirish is supportive. My mother has warned me to get my Parsi accent right, and I think I will be meeting my relatives more often to prepare for this role. Anyway to conclude, it is a sweet role and it suits my personality. I am not attempting to play a sex-bomb. I just hope I can pull it off."

Shefali in jail

Ladies, there's a new housewife in town! This one's with an adventurous streak. Shefali Shah plays a desperate housewife, who runs into a criminal, in her forthcoming film Kucch Luv Jaisaa.

And to get a first-hand feel of her character, she decided to visit a jail. Dressed in a simple kurti and jeans, sans make-up and without informing either her director or her co-star Rahul Bose, she spent one day in a jail with an undertrial. "It was unnerving, of course," she admits. "I wanted to be honest and absolutely non-judgmental towards him. And in some time, I realised that we did share a common ground of what two human beings could possibly share. We talked of everything under the sun, including small things that matter such as the food in the jail," confessed Shefali.

After Satya and Monsoon Wedding, Shefali may have suffered a stereotypical fixture in Bollywood, but sure enough she wanted to break that mould and offer something realistic. "It's true that I wanted to challenge my past roles and come up with something fresh and exciting. I so wanted to destroy my comfort zone and break free. Thankfully, I could do that with this film," adds a much-slimmer Shefali.