Comic-Con: Saturday features Kristen Stewart's 'Snow White' and Coppola's 'Twixt'

The film presentations at Comic-Con's sci-fi/fantasy conference on July 23 are led by Snow White and the Huntsman starring Twilight Saga's Kristen Stewart and Francis Ford Coppola presenting his new film Twixt.

The lineup's highlights on Saturday also include Tarsem Singh's Greek epic Immortals, MTV Comics, animated film Dorothy of Oz with the original author's great grandson, the comedy-fantasy Knights of Badassdom and the premiere of Cowboys & Aliens starring Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford and Olivia Wilde (Tron: Legacy).

The panel for Snow White and the Huntsman includes Kristen Stewart (The Twilight Saga), Charlize Theron (Hancock) and Chris Hemsworth (Thor) plus first-time director Rupert Sanders. The presentation of the epic action-adventure following the fairy tale with Stewart as Snow White and Theron as the Evil Queen will include a screening footage and a Q&A session.

Legendary director Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather, Apocalypse Now) will appear with musician Dan Deacon to present sequences from Coppola's latest film, Twixt, with a unique performance presentation involving the audience, followed by a Q&A session.

On the Immortals panel, the stars Henry Cavill and Freida Pinto (Slumdog Millionaire) join director Tarsem Singh to showcase the 3D action-adventure about the epic Greek tale about Theseus's rampage as he sets out avenging his mother's killing. Also stars Mickey Rourke (Iron Man) and Luke Evans (Clash of the Titans).

Roger Baum (great grandson of L. Frank Baum), whose book was been adapted into Dorothy of Oz, appears with the crew and cast of the upcoming 2012 animated musical starring Lea Michele (Glee), Megan Hilty (Wicked), Martin Short (Tim Burton's Frankenweenie), and Patrick Stewart (Star Trek, X-Men). Footage, music, and new cast announcements are in store.

Director Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) presents news about Buffy digital comics, plus most attendees hope he'll show footage from The Avengers, one of the most anticipated superhero films of 2012.

Among the comic book panels, Marvel's legendary Stan Lee joins the MTV Comics panel to present September Mourning, a multiplatform project blending comics and music in video, comic books, and live events, including upcoming digital book The Seekers, which will allow readers to collaborate.

Television has a strong presence at the Comic-Con conference, July 21-24, including MTV's Teen Wolf, the reboot of Charlie's Angels, The Vampire Diaries, Grimm, and more.

Terra Nova, a television show produced by Steven Spielberg and Brannon Braga (24, Star Trek: Enterprise) and starring Stephen Lang (Avatar) will premiere footage to reveal this epic adventure about an ordinary family journeying back in time to prehistoric Earth as a part of an effort to save the human race.

Also, a huge part of Comic-Con is the toys, merchandise and collectables available, and Hasbro will unveil its latest line of designs for Marvel's Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger, and Spider-Man.

The day ends with a premiere of Cowboys and Aliens by director Jon Favreau (Iron Man) starring Harrison Ford and Daniel Craig in a mash-up about an alien invasion of America's Old West.

'Buy my silence about John-Genelia wedding'

The panditji is blackmailing Vipul Shah to keep mum about John-Genelia 'wedding' There was much hullabaloo about how John Abraham and Genelia D'Souza's marriage scene in Force apparently turned out to be a 'real' wedding. However, what is transpiring now is something neither the actors nor their director-producer Vipul Shah might have expected even in their wildest dreams. According to sources, the pandit has been blackmailing Shah. Also, the director is now looking for an amicable settlement by paying him off. If he still creates issues, Shah says that he will resort to legal means. Says a source close to the director-producer, "The pandit wanted monetary compensation to not raise an alarm over the supposed sampurn shaadi (complete marriage) when it had been shot. At that time Vipul had brushed off the pandit's demands. Now when he read about Genelia's purported wedding with Riteish Deshmukh he is looking at a hefty pay-off to not bring up the legal validity and moral sanctity of the filmed wedding." What happened... According to Vipul, while he suggested a filmy wedding with an actor playing the priest, it was director Nishikant Kamat who wanted the rituals to look bona fide. Says the harried director, "This is the price we pay for my director's penchant for realism. It was he who suggested that we get a real priest. How were we to know that the priest would suddenly claim he had performed a real wedding?" Vipul also fears that this would be a good playground for Hindu organisations, who might also jump into the fray. Says Vipul, "But I'd like to remind the potential trouble-makers that Genelia is not a Hindu, and therefore the Hindu wedding rituals are not applicable to her." A publicity stunt While the industry is claiming that this whole tamasha is actually a promotional technique, the producer claims that it is true but only for the pandit. "He is in the news. More people would now approach him to perform marriages. I'm happy he is famous at the cost of my film. But I am not taking this lying down." "Are people really saying I'm doing this for publicity? If I wanted to carry this absurd matter forward I'd have got some Hindu organisation to jump in myself. There were at least a dozen news channels wanting to do special programme on the so-called marriage. I declined."

Sorry Mahie for the torrid erotic scenes!

While shooting for Ram gopal varma's Not a Love Story based on Neeraj Grover's murder, RGV sends an sms to his lead actress apologising, for making her enact intense love scenes in the film What on earth could've prompted a brazen unabashedly abrasive man like, Ram Gopal Varma to send an apology via SMS to his Not A Love Story leading lady Mahie Gill? Acting uncharacteristically, Ramu sent the actress a text message saying sorry after she had to perform intense love-making sequences with Deepak Dobriyal. Apparently the love scenes between the two were so intense and torrid that Ramu left the sets and allowed an assistant to be present until the two actors finished their libidinous business. Recalling the incident, Mahie (who seems to have a very different opinion of Ramu from what he projects) laughed, "Ramuji was very apologetic about the love making sequences. I had to reassure him it was fine. Deepak and I were just doing our job. But Ramuji was really disturbed, almost as if he was subjecting a close relative a daughter or a sister to an uncomfortable situation. After Deepak and I finished the love scene, he sent me a message saying sorry." For a filmmaker who likes to be known as a ladies' man and has apparently had a string of romantic involvements, it comes as a surprise to know how shy he is of love-making sequences. Mahie maintained, "I did enquire about the torrid scenes. He explained to me that the nature of the relationship between the girl and the guy who together kill her former lover was so desperate and passionate that the impact couldn't be achieved without the acute intensity onscreen." She asserted that she had never done skin show before. But came to terms with Ramu's requirement. "I think this was the first time he was directing love-making scenes. I was really surprised at how shy he was. Contrary to his image he is quiet, withdrawn and a shy person. Certainly no ladies' man," she said. We asked Ramu about the kissing scenes in his movie, he chuckled. "Maybe I've just grown up. Jokes apart, the intensity of the emotions between the couple is very high in the movie. There are three long kissing scenes between Deepak Dobriyal and Mahie Gill. I have to confess I've never had couples kissing in my films before except a fleeting kiss between Abhishek Bachchan and Antara Mali in Naach. Taking about this film, he mentioned, "It was necessary for me to show that such a thing happened (the murder) in Not Love Story because of uncontrollable emotions. I firmly believe no one is intrinsically bad. It's just circumstances that make them do some irrational things and then they get deeper and deeper into the mess." Mahie Gill doesn't deny that she is playing the character of Maria Susairaj. "But we've changed the character quite a bit. Maria was from Bangalore. But my character is a Punjabi girl. We have shown how one moment of weakness and untruth actually destroyed her life and made her commit that murder," added the director.

Babes with curves are the new rage in Bollywood

B-Town changes shape as more rounded bodies become talk of town Kareena Kapoor and her size zero statistic may have been the benchmark of Bollywood a few years ago, but the current crop of girls in tinsel town are not exactly thin. Even Bebo has shed her reed-thin look for the curves. Imran Khan had recently declared, "Most women don't know how to flatter their bodies. I am not a great admirer of size-zero figures. I like curves on a woman as it really flatters her body." While the late American actress Mae West had declared, "The curve is more powerful than the sword!" And the one time sex goddess should know this from her experience and from lots of it. Here's looking at the curvaceous B-Town girls... Sonakshi Sinha She shed some 30 kilos for her Dabangg launchpad at co-star Salman Khan's insistence. But this girl has a tendency to pile on and now just lets her body be. Kajal Agarwal She's done South flicks where they prefer voluptuous women. And she hasn't shed it for Singham with which she makes her B-Town debut. Vidya Balan Flayed for her weight and her dress sense, Vids improved on both counts and let her histrionics do the talking. But, for Dirty Pictures she's back with the love handles. Zarine Khan Ironically, for her launch in Veer she was asked to pile on the kilos as she was to play an Indian princess. Co-star Sallu had put her on a chocolate and cake diet. She gymmed vigorously to shed it but seems like it isn't working as Character Dheela saw her with all her curves. Sameera Reddy Yet another name in the industry who has had a constant battle with her weight. Though she has been extensively shedding the flab, sexy Sam looks best with her curves.

Pregnant Aishwarya's day out

The actress's first public appearance after the news about her pregnancy was revealed... Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's much awaited public appearance may happen this Thursday as she is slated to attend the French National Day celebrations in Mumbai. From the time father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan announced that his bahu is pregnant, Ash has been maintaining a low profile and she hasn't been seen in public except while exiting a multiplex in Juhu last week. The National Day of France also known as Bastille Day is celebrated every year on July 14. The French Embassy this year is hosting an event at a South Mumbai hotel and according to sources the Bachchan bahu is definitely going to attend it. The actress's presence at the evening is ensured by the fact that an international French brand she has been an ambassador for over a decade now, is part of the evening's sponsor list. As part of the celebrations, designers Rahul Mishra, Nachiket Barve and Narendra Kumar are designing costumes inspired by the French flag. Nachiket Barve for whom Aishwarya has been a muse, is making a garment embodying the spirit of France using its national colours of red, white and blue. So is he also creating something special for Ash for that day? Nachiket says, "She has sported my garments in the past and it's always a pleasure to dress her up. Her presence in itself is great attraction to the evening."

War of the Hotties: It's Asin vs Zarine Khan vs Jacqueline

We’re heard this one before. When two leading ladies come together in a film there’s no love lost, right? But what happens when three leading ladies get together?

There is an instant territorial war. So the two Sajids, producer Nadiadwala and his director Khan, have discovered on location in Petersborough in England for Housefull 2.

According to a source the sense of rivalry among the three heroines Asin, Zarine Khan and Jacqueline Fernandez is so palpable it has all the men on location cheering the ladies on to give their best.

The three ladies have a history with one another.

Says the source, “Asin and Zarine are Salman’s protégées. Their competitive spirit got a further edge when Zarine was given the Character dheela item song by Salman in Ready.

Though Asin was super- cool about the itemized intervention, arguing that she had her own Dhinka chika number in Ready, Zarina has been strutting around like the new star-attraction on location in the UK even since she joined the Housefull 2 unit last week.

Similingly polite Asin chooses to remain aloof from the Zarine factor. ”

Jacqueline of course is the new Murder girl. The Bhatts have convinced the Alladdin Barbie doll that she’s the next Mallika Sherawat.

Along with the attitude of a star-in-the-making Jacqueline apparently gets along with the Housefull 2 director Sajid Khan like a house (and a director) on fire.

Says the source, “Though Jacqueline is not playing the nose-in-the-air diva on location there’s definitely a sense of haughtiness about her. And why would Asin, a major star in the South with two blockbusters in Hindi tolerate any attitude?”

Into the simmering cauldron of competitiveness arrived choreographer Farah Khan this week to shoot a song featuring all the three heroines.

And Farah is dreading it.

Says a source, “It’s bad enough handling dance steps of two leading ladies. But three?? Asin is an expert dancer and she is opposite the biggest star of the film (Akshay). So she’d be within her rights to expect the best steps.

On the other hand Zarine, Salman’s blue-eyed babe thinks she’s the hottest item girl after Character dheela. Unka to haq banta hai.

Jacqueline of course is the new ‘It’ girl and therefore a star in her own right. besides she shot Apni to aise taise with Farah for the two Sajids’ Housefull. ”

Given the circumstances Farah is understandably nervous.

“Yes I’m in London to shoot a number with the three girls and their three heroes. Doing a song with two heroes and two heroines in Housefull was grueling enough. Here I’ll have to sambhalo three pairs.

And during the song the pairs get inter-changed also. It’s quite a challenge. Lekin kya karoon? I can’t say no to the two Sajids in my life.

One is my brother. The other is my brother and my husband’s producer and also like my brother. Main to phans gayi. ”

Watch out for fireworks when the teen divas hot-foot it for Farah. Wonder how Nanda, Simi Garewal and Kalpana Kartik shot Teen Deviyan without their leading man Dev Anand losing all his hair.

Is Deepika the most beautiful girl of her generation?

On Tuesday Deepika Padukone got a surprise call from Singapore.

It was Rajnikanth, the Rana star himself, calling to reassure his leading lady that all was well with his health and with the project and that she should not give away her dates to another project.

Sounding relaxed, healed and content Rajni paid Deepika the best compliment of her life.

Says a source, “Rajnikanth told Deepika she was the most beautiful actress of her generation. That made Deepika’s day, week and year.

Coming from an icon who has worked with heroines of every generation and from both Bollywood and South cinema Deepika felt 10-feet tall.

Rajnikanth also told her that he was looking forward to shooting with Deepika again and that whatever he had shot with her had come out really well. ”

Apparently Deepika assured Rajnikanth that she would be available for shooting whenever he was ready.

Says the source, “He sounded very relaxed. And he told Deepika he couldn’t return home right away due to the privacy factor. His fans wouldn’t let hm rest if he went back to Chennai.

Rajni told Deepika that was the only reason why he couldn’t return home and resume shooting right away. Deepika was extremely touched by his gesture. He is such a huge star. He didn’t have to call her. But he did. And he also paid her the best compliment she has ever received. ”

Deepika confirms, “Yes, we did talk. It was very sweet of him to call. ”

Further inquiry on why Rajnikanth rang up his leading lady from Singapore revealed the fact that that too many pessimistic readings of the mega-star’s health are going around.

Says a source from the crew, “Rajnikanth is ready to shoot. And he wanted to shoot down idle talk of his failing health.

That’s why he called Deepika. We’ve shut down all shooting of Rana until Rajni returns. We could’ve shot with other actors. But we wanted to resume with Rajni only. ”

Dr Murli Manohar the co-producer Rana completely shoots down the rumours that the film has been shot with Rajnikanth’s body-double in the iconic star’s absence.

“No no, we’re very sure we will resume shooting Rana with Rajni-ji alone. We’ve shot a song with him and Deepika. Now we resume shooting in September. ”

I want to do a very raunchy item number: Sushmita Sen

Former beauty queen Sushmita Sen, who did item numbers in movies like "Fiza" and Nayak", wants to get back into the dancing mode and is keen on doing a raunchy item number.

Sushmita was last seen in Anees Bazmee's comedy "No Problem" last year.

"I like winning but I don't like rat races as I can't deal with Friday to Friday fluctuations. I do a 'Main Hoon Na' and people think I've arrived - with the saris, the glamour. And then I do a 'Chingari' and people hate it. But I experiment. Now I am taking a break and reading scripts.

"I do want to do an item number, to get back to dancing soon. Want to do a really raunchy item number," she said in an interview on "The Date Season 2", which will be aired on Bloomberg UTV Saturady.

During the show, she also reminisced about her first big success in 1994 when she was crowned Miss Universe and said that there were people who didn't even know her name when she won the crown, but they were happy with the fact that an Indian had won.

"Everything in my life has been a cosmic accident. I was found at a nightclub and somebody suggested I go for Miss India. The entire experience (Miss India) opened up my eyes. Around the world people celebrated. They didn't even know my name, but they knew India had won. That's when it hit me that I had put India on the map," said the 35-year-old.

Now a budding entrepreneur, who selects model from India to participate in the Miss Universe pageant through her company I Am She - Miss Universe India, Sushmita feels that beauty contests need attention.

"Beauty contests are a structured business and India needs to start looking at it like that. That's what will dictate our performance at pageants. Latin America starts grooming girls at a very young age...

Yes our win at that time helped to open up the market, but it's not just about the cosmetics industry else china would be winning every year. It's also about personalities. That's where the public vote comes in," she said.

"We don't like to objectify women....because we celebrate women. (We) stick to the age group 18-26 because that's the mandate but other than that, (we) have removed language barriers, allowed a girl with one eye because we thought she was beautiful.

Not restricted to what is conventionally acceptable," she added.

The actress, who adopted two girls Renee and Alisah, finds no reason to get married.

"My parents didn't raise me to be someone's wife or for that to be my sole identity. They supported me in my adopting two little girls.

They know I am responsible and can make my own decisions and am good at prioritizing things in my life. They helped me to balance my work and kids," she said.

I have made lots of lovely boyfriends: Sushmita Sen

Sushmita Sen loves children. The actor, along with the finalists of I Am She beauty pageant, was recently seen having a good time with the kids of Sunil and Mana Shetty’s NGO Save The Children India at Bandra in Mumbai.

Sreya Basu catches up with the ex-Miss Universe.

What made you visit Save the Children NGO?
There are so many hearing, speech or intellectually impaired children in India who are studying hard with hearing aids and other devices.

So it (Save The Children India) is giving hope and a life which a lot of us can only dream to do. But they actually do it. We are really privileged that we were allowed to spend some time with the kids.

What is the most memorable part of your visit to the NGO?
I have made lots of lovely boyfriends (the kids at the NGO), who have been extremely affectionate. Don’t miss this part. They just all clung to me. (Laughs)

Is it mandatory for I Am She finalists to do charity works?
It was important for us as all our three winners (of I Am She) work on different causes.

Last year also, they achieved a lot of targets, we raised funds for our organizations. I am happy that this year too my girls are getting chance to interact with people and contribute towards the society.

When they will win (the crown) this year, then for the next one year, they will have a target to raise up to Rs 10 lakh each fro corporates and events so that the money can go to an organization through I Am Foundation.

So every year we do our homework to find out which organization is really working well in our country; who will actually spend the money on the welfare of the society.

We are teaching the finalists of I Am She that you can’t live alone in this world.

You have to see everything in a big canvas so that they can realize that they are a small member of such a big country and a bigger world. So unless you make a difference in the world, you won’t be a productive citizen of a country or world.

Do you remember the first time you visited an NGO?
Seventeen years back when for the first time I came to such an organization was in South America…in Colombia.

There the children couldn’t speak my language and nor I could speak their lingo. But still I made so many friends there that even today, though the kids have grown up now, they remember me as ‘Sush’.

So I believe that once you make an impression in someone’s life, it lasts a long way.

You are also associated with Salman Khan’s NGO Being Human…
I have a long relationship with Being Human, not just because it’s Salman Khan’s organization (as you have seen, we have always been part of any fund-raising events organized by it).

But for me, it’s anybody who does good work, I will support them and would like to do through I Am Foundation.

You seem to go along with kids really well…
Children are the loveliest gifts of nature. We always complain that we don’t have this or don’t have that, but special children teach us either you mourn your defects and what’s lacking or celebrate the gifts that God has bestowed upon you.

As for me, I am used to carrying two babies on my lap. Aadat par jati hai. For any mother, carrying a kid on her lap is a natural and most beautiful posture.

Why Aamir, Salman can't ever do a film together?

It will be a dream-come-true for Aamir Khan and Salman Khan fans to see them together, creating the same magic they did in Raj Kumar Santoshi's Andaz Apna Apna. But sadly, the dream seems to be farfetched from reality.

Sources inform that when UTV approached Aamir to star alongside Sallu in David Dhawan-helmed Partner 2, he humorously declined pointing to their very different work timings.

"Though Aamir loved the script, he said he wouldn't be able do the film. He said 'I am very fond of Salman and would love to work with him but it's not practically possible for both of us to work together.

By the time Salman starts his day at a shoot, its time for me to wrap up. So how can you expect us to work together?'" says a source.

The two actors apparently didn't see eye to eye in their only film together in 1994 but now it is well known that they have grown quite fond of each other.

"The studio feels that they form a lethal pair. But though Aamir was being humorous, he did make a valid point.

They are two ends of the pole when it comes to their work ethics. That's the reason they haven't worked together since AAA and there is very rare chance of it happening in the future, " the source further explains.

Well, there goes a chance to see both the Khans in the same frame. We hope they get together for their fans' sake, even if it is for just one film.

Murder 3 will be three times hotter

The unexpectedly high success-ratio of Murder 3 has speedened up the process of working on the franchise. Director Mohit Suri has been told to leave all other ideas and work on the next Murder movie.

Murder 3 will now be made sooner rather than later. The way it’s going Murder 2 will be one of the biggest hits of 2011 and the biggest success so far of the Bhatts’ production house. They now want to do Murder 3 quickly. The writing has already begun.

Jubilant and all geared up for the Murder 2 success party to be held on Friday evening, producer Mukesh Bhatt said, “Yes we’re already looking at Murder 3. We hope to have it out by the Summer of 2012. ”

Shagufta Rafique who wrote Murder 2 has been put on the job of quickly coming up with a crackling script for Murder 3 which will again star Emraan Hashmi. But the USP of the Murder franchise is the eclipsed hottie waiting for a makeover. If Murder presented a made-over Mallika Sherawat and Murder 2 sees a completely revamped Jacqueline Fernandez.

Murder 3 will also see an actress with a made-over image.

Says Mukesh Bhatt, “At the moment I can’t reveal the casting plans. But yes Mohit Suri will again direct the next Murder film. ”

The one thing that the writer has been asked to keep in mind while doing Murder 3 is to keep the plot original. Murder was apparently plagiarized from Unfaithful and now Murder 2 is said to be ripped off from a Korean film.

Mukesh Bhatt baulks at the suggestion of plagiarism. “People said Murder was copied from Unfaithful when it was more like B R Chopra’s Gumrah. As for Murder 2 I haven’t even heard of the Korean film The Chaser. If there are similarities then they’re purely coincidental. ”

Adds Mahesh Bhatt, “Saying Murder 2 is ripped off is an uncharitable remark. It’s like saying Gajini was copied from Memento. A situation can’t be copyrighted. I’d say Murder 2 is closer to our own production Sangharsh. A Hindi film is like a patched quilt. ”

All said and done Murder 3 which is now being written will be absolutely original. About it being made ahead of Raaz 3, Vikram Bhatt who’s to direct Raaz 3 for the Bhatts, says, “As far as I know we’re going on the floors in January 2012.

Raaz 3 will have Emraan Hashmi and Jacqueline Fernandez. It will also star another girl. But the role is still in development. As for Murder 3 it’s a great franchise. But I’m sure Raaz 3 will also have a lot of takers. ”T

Rajinikanth doesn't need promotion, but we do: Big B

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan admits promoting films has now become as important as making them. However, he feels there are some exceptions like Tamil megastar Rajinikanth who doesn't require such marketing tools. "Promoting films has become as important and time consuming as making them! The element of bringing to notice this vast multitude and inviting them to come and see it within a week, for that is the duration of most films these days, at least as an indicator for their commercial prospects, has now become the yardstick," Amitabh posted on his blog BigB.bigadda.com. "We never had it in our time and neither were we ever conscious of it. It was left to the producer and the distributor how it needed to be exploited. But times have changed now. There is greater awareness as far as communication goes; mediums of which have increased a million fold," he added. The 68-year-old feels that for "lesser mortals like us", promotions are needed to excite audience and get them into theatres. "Rajini, Rajinikanth never indulges in this practice. The practice of promotions. And on occasion when we talk film informally, he often questions me as to why I do this. It's like selling yourself like a product, he often tells me. We laugh over it, but I explain to him that he is Rajinikanth, he does not need it. For him, it happens on its own. For lesser mortals like us, we need to excite audiences, to propel them to take interest, to get them into the theatres!!" he wrote

Neha Dhupia is dating 10 guys!

Though she keeps her relationships under wraps, Neha Dhupia is busy dating 10 guys at the same time!

The actress features as the celeb guest in Ashmit Patel's show Superstud of India.

As she helps him find the hunk, Neha declares that she finds romantic sher-o- shayari boring!

So you know what to avoid when she is around.

The Harry Potter: Journey ends here

A decade of Harry Potter ends today as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 hits the screens for the final time tomorrow. As the biggest franchise ever, comes to a grand finale, here is some interesting trivia on the making of the world's greatest saga Harry Potter.

The costumes
Over 25,000 items of clothing have been used on Harry Potter and over 600 school uniforms have been created for the character
Dan Radcliffe wore out 60-70 wands during the making of the film and has been through 160 pairs of glasses. 

The scenes with the largest number of cast and extras to dress have been the battle scenes in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows", with 400 Death Eaters and Snatchers and the Great Hall scenes with 400 children and teachers.

The creatures
In "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets", Ron's vomit slugs were in fact, puppets. Rupert Grint chose orange-flavored slime to make the experience more palatable.
Over 200 creatures were created for the "Harry Potter" film series.

Hair and makeup
A dentist was on standby for many of the young crowd scenes to replace teeth which wobbled and fell out — to prevent continuity issues involving teeth. 

Harry's infamous scar has been put on by makeup approx 5,800 times. This is not only on Daniel Radcliffe, who has had the scar applied approx 2,000 times, but also on his doubles and stunt doubles. 

Robbie Coltrane once got a mini-fan caught in his Hagrid beard and had to have it cut out.

Hogwarts
Hogwarts was 60 x 50 x 30 ft high. A scale of 1:24 . The original version took about seven months to create with 40 people working on it. The miniature has been updated over the years due to story requirements.
Each of these updates has taken approximately 3-4 months with about 20 model makers.

Sets and props
Number of sets created — 588
Biggest set — Ministry of Magic
Longest standing set — The Great Hall, used from the first film till the last. 

The "Harry Potter" art department contained a team of 58 people working full-time. Over 10 years, they produced some amazing work, but also produced 35 babies!

The Great Hall
The Great Hall was one of the first ever sets created. It could fit 22 London double-decker buses inside. It stands 120ft x 40ft and took over 100 tons of plaster to complete. The set took 18 weeks to build by 30 men. 

Dumbledore's chair was inspired by the throne in Westminster Abbey. n The Hall seats 400 children. 

Behind the Professor's top table is the house points system. Each hour glass contains tens of thousands of Indian glass beads.

Grimmauld Place
The fabric used on the hall and stairwell walls was made from 350 meters of dark grey silk bought in from India and then screen-printed in gold. 

The same pattern was used on the curtains in the drawing room.

Priyanka, Kareena in race for Heroine

Madhur Bhandarkar's desperate search to find Aishwarya Rai's replacement for Heroine has become a race between long-time rivals Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor.

While Bhandarkar has been pursuing his Fashion leading lady Priyanka Chopra, currently on holiday in the United States, to sign on the dotted line, UTV head honcho Ronnie Screwvala is in talks with Kareena Kapoor.

Aishwarya had to leave the film after she got pregnant, resulting in a war of words between the Bachchans and Bhandarkar over why she did not break the news before shooting began.

"When the film was shelved, owing to Aishwarya's pregnancy, Madhur Bhandarkar went into a shell.

But some he has decided to go ahead with it, and there are various names floating around - Katrina Kaif, Vidya Balan, Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra.

But the race is now between Priyanka and Kareena," a source close to the project told Mumbai Mirror.

The dates are being worked with both. Kareena is busy with Bodyguard, followed by Agent Vinod.

Priyanka, on the other hand, is committed to a film by Kunal Kohli and Anurag Basu's Barfee. "Ronnie is trying to work the schedule around them so that the film can go on the floors soon.

Ronnie had called Kareena but since she was busy shooting for Bodyguard with Salman Khan, they could not meet immediately.

Priyanka is in LA and Madhur has spoken to her. He is waiting for her to get back."

Bhandarkar's dream project, Heroine, has been in the news ever since the proud grandfather-to-be, Amitabh Bachchan, announced Aishwarya's pregnancy on Twitter. Though wishing her well, Bhandarkar admitted to being shattered by the news.

Aishwarya was required to portray the rise and fall of an actress in the film and the role would require her to be at her fittest best.

Further, Aishwarya had refused to do any smoking scenes early on, but Bhandarkar added that since the other characters would be smoking, the passive smoke could affect the actress and her baby's health, a risk he could not take.

The chaos was followed by an official statement by UTV that the production house and Bhandarkar had shelved the project.

However, with search for a leading lady on in full swing, all that is awaited is the official announcement of the film getting back on track.

Preity Zinta's first look in Ishq In Paris

After news started doing the rounds that Preity Zinta has been working out with Madonna's trainer in Los Angeles to get a svelte figure for her first home production Ishq In Paris, it now seems that the actress, who is back after a long hiatus, is making sure that she looks great on screen.

We hear that Preity recently did the first look test of her film with celebrity photographer Ashutosh Gupta.

 

Says a source, "Preity wants her first home production to look really stylish and that's why she wants to experiment with her look. She did the first look test at a house in Los Angeles."

I can hit and kiss: Sanjay Dutt

Actor Sanjay Dutt is a happy man. After all, he has become a father to two lovely twins, and his film career seems to be doing well, too!

Currently shooting for 'Rascals', and with the current success of 'Double Dhamaal', actor Sanjay Dutt will be seen in a special appearance in Shah Rukh Khan's 'Ra One', not to forget to mention the remake of 'Agneepath' with Karan Johar at the helm.

Excited about getting back to action, Sanjay Dutt is heard to have said: I love action films and roles. We all set out as action heores who beat up the bad men; it was later that we realised that we could not only hit, but we could romance as well. So we did a few romantic movies. Then we realised that the audience found us funny! And that we could make them laugh; then comedies came into the scene. Right now, I'm enjoying the best of all three worlds with a little bit of this, that and the other. So it's good."

Unwilling to talk much about his twins, all that Dutt says is that they make him happy!

Puri gears up for Idiot 2

It seems Puri Jagannath has list of films to work on. After the success of his Bollywood debut film Bbuddah ... Hoga Terra Baap, he is going to start his next The Businessman in Hindi with Abhishek Bachchan and in Telugu with Mahesh Babu.

Apart from this, there's one more big film he is going to announce soon.

Puri, who recently met Raviteja, expressed his desire to work on the sequel of their blockbuster film Idiot which was released in 2002. If all goes well the duo will work together once again for the sequel. It is believed that the film will be called Idiot 2 and will be a big budget film. Though Puri wants Raviteja to play the lead, he hasn't yet finalized the female for his film.

It can be recalled that Idiot was a remake of a Kannada film Appu. Idiot 2 will have a totally different story and Puri will start this film once he is done with The Businessman.

Chanakyas Chant to be adapted into a film

UTV Motion Pictures has recently acquired the rights to bestseller Chanakya's Chant, a historical political thrille r, which shall soon be seen on the big screen. The interesting fast paced story based on politics in two radically different eras will now be adapted into a film by the studio. 

Ashwin Sanghi, author of Chanakya's Chant says, "UTV has always backed content that they believe in and I believe that it is the only studio that will do justice to the story presented in this novel." 

The book narrates two parallel political tales, one in Chanakya's puranic Bharat 2300 years ago and the other in post independence contemp orary India. 

Other details about the film is yet to be disclosed.

I'll probably adopt children: Kalki Koechlin

Kalki Koechlin is the latest actress to come under the preggers scanner after Shilpa Shetty and Lara Dutta. Yesterday, reports in Mumbai said the actress might be pregnant.

However, at the time that these reports were circulating in Mumbai, Kalki was in Delhi, talking to DT as part of her promotional activities for "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara", and she was asked about motherhood.

"I'm not the mother kinds," Kalki said on Tuesday, at a Gurgaon hotel. "Anurag (filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, her husband) keeps telling me I'll change my mind, but it just doesn't look like it right now. And even if I do someday choose motherhood, there are so many children without homes. I'll probably adopt."

At the time of this interview, Kalki had been unwell for a few days, and her ill health sparked off the pregnancy rumours. But she was just under the weather because of the rains, and also had a cold. On Wednesday, when DT asked Kalki for a confirmation on reports that she actually might be pregnant, she replied, "Ha ha! No no I'm definitely not expecting. Do I look that fat?

F1 racing fever grips Mumbai

Jacqueline Fernandez and Minissha Lamba cheering for the Force India Formula One Team during Force India Octane Nights at Trilogy

Combining the elements of speed, glamour and fun, the Force India Formula One Team hosted the first Force India Octane Nights at Trilogy.

Celebrating the arrival of Formula One to India in October this year, the introductory Force India Octane Night marks the beginning of a series of entertaining evenings to be held across the country in the weeks to come!

Cheering for the Force India team at the event were Bollywood beauties Minissha Lamba and Jacqueline Fernandez. Says Jacqueline, "I had an awesome time and I am looking forward to seeing the team in action when they race in October."

The temperature of the F1 inspired party was sent soaring further thanks to the gorgeous Force India Speed Divas present at the venue.

Tattoo design registered on SRK's name!

For those keeping tabs, here's another first to chalk up to Shah Rukh Khan's name. The 'D' tattoo worn by King Khan in the upcoming Don 2 has been registered for copyright protection against his name.

Says producer Ritesh Sidhwani, "Farhan, SRK and I thought it was a good idea to make the tattoo permanently his." Also the film's entire range of merchandise will have the same design Khan sports on his arm. Sidhwani feels fans of the superstar will lap up the new trademark of sorts.
Adds the producer, "The biggest fans of the franchise are kids. Merchandise like caps, T-shirts, bags and other stuff will really be liked by them. It's been five years since the first film. In this period, the craze for the film has just grown. We've realised that protecting the copyright to the tattoo design worn by SRK will keep the franchise alive."

He further reveals that when Farhan and he made the first film, they had certain script limitations as it was inspired by the original Amitabh Bachchan-Chandra Barot film. "In several ways, it ended just the way Amitji's film did. In the case of Don 2, we had no such limitations, so the thrills and the frills are more original." Getting the tat registered is just one of them!

Says Farhan, "The D tattoo was designed as a representation of Don's attitude. In a world where men tattoo the name of their beloved on their arm... we thought we should have a subliminal symbol of Don's confidence in himself. It is definitely not permanent but I think Shah Rukh really enjoyed wearing it... maybe it kept him in the character's frame of mind."

Shilpa Shetty: Party hearty

Shilpa Shetty and husband Raj Kundra are currently in Los Angeles partying up a storm.

Last week, Preity Zinta hosted a party in New York that was attended by them, apart from Dino Morea and girlfriend Nandita Mahtani, Harman Baweja and Sussanne Roshan.

The Kundras are in the US for a month long holiday, and the buzz is that the couple is there to finalise a Hollywood film deal. Watch this space!

Deepika Padukone's Taj fixation

Deepika Padukone has found solace at a legendary monument built in honour of love: the Taj Mahal!

Says a source, "It's a secret few friends know. Deepika has, over the last year, visited the Taj thrice. On two of those instances — full moon nights — the Taj was at its most majestic. Dippy prefers to visit the monument incognito (surprisingly) and alone." The obsession apparently began a year ago when the actress shot for a commercial photoshoot there, which eventually got canned. That was her first visit to the Taj.

When asked by a friend what she sought there, the actress said that she finds "a strange solace just gazing at the beautiful structure, especially by the moonlight." Deepika added that it was very cathartic. Strangely enough, she hasn't gone there with current beau Sidhartha Mallya yet.

When probed by BT, the actress didn't deny her fascination for the Wonder of the World, but chose not to discuss it. However, with us outing her secret, it does mean that DP's nocturnal visits to the Taj will be fewer.

Tete-a-tete with Naresh Rohira: The man behind SRK's wardrobe

They say that 'Clothes maketh a man'. But, have you ever wondered about 'Who' maketh the clothes! Well, Bollywood Hungama got in touch with the man who goes by the name of Naresh Rohira and he makes clothes for none other than The King himself! You guessed it right... Naresh Rohira is the man who is responsible for all of Shah Rukh Khan's wardrobes. Satish Sundaresan of Bollywood Hungama caught up with this man. Here are the excerpts: 

Naresh, to start with, can you tell us how this journey started for you?
We (my brother Kanhaiyalal Rohira and me) have always been in the line of costume designing since 1970s. Those days, we used to run a store in Khar called 'New Stylo', (which is now shut down). My brother, then, used to design clothes for topmost film stars like Dharmendra, Vinod Khanna, the late Amjad Khan and many others. At that time, it was not just the stars; it was also the films that he rendered his services too. I used to see my brother working, and the very sight used to inspire me a lot. Even though I never had any formal training in this field, I decided to take the plunge in the same field. Then, way back in 1987, I started my store. Post that, my brother also joined me.  

If one has to describe you and your profession, how does one do so?
Frankly speaking, the terms 'Fashion Designer' and 'Costume Designer' have cropped up only recently. Those days, it was the 'darzee' (tailor) who used to be in charge of the dresses of the stars. For me, it was a total hands-on training since the word go. I used to physically sit and work with the 'master' and the workers. Over the years, what I have learnt is that, it's very easy to think and draw, but when it comes to practical execution, it totally tough.

Can you recall the first time Shah Rukh Khan visited your shop?
How can I ever forget that! That was the time which changed my destiny forever. Till today, the memory of his first visit is fresh in my mind. He had come for Hema Malini's Dil Aashna Hai. I made him very comfortable that time. But, what was so striking about SRK was his causal sense of dressing. He had dressed in jeans with his check shirt half tucked in and half hanging out, which, a lot of people say is his trademark style. I took his measurement while he was sitting and reading a newspaper and smoking. And while he was about to leave, all that he said that 'I am very happy with your work. From today onwards, you will be doing all of my work!'

Here, I really want to tell the readers as to what the industry has taught me is that 'Never EVER underestimate anybody... today you could be a newcomer/ struggler, and tomorrow you might just be the next superstar!' So, from that day onwards, I am still with him…I am whatever I am, because of him. I can proudly say that, whatever he wears now, have been mostly done by me, including his wedding suit!  

Everybody knows SRK the Superstar, the businessman and many other sides of him. But you are one of the lucky ones who know him from close quarters. So, tell us how is personally…
He is one of the best people you can work with. He is such a big star, but without any starry attitudes. Since I have been very close to him, I can tell you that he is one of the most loyal guys in the industry. If you see his staff, they have been with him for years. I know that there have been people who have tried telling him that 'please stitch clothes from us', to which he says that 'This man (Naresh) is already doing it for me'. All of this speaks volumes about his loyalty! That's why I always say 'its not about my loyalty towards him… it's about his loyalty towards me'.  

In that case, tell us what forms his personal favorite wardrobe?
It's a black suit, which I feel I must have made over a thousand in numbers for him! In addition to that, it's his trademark white shirt and blue jeans. In the same breath, let me also add that he is not a fussy or finicky guy. I have seen celebs in Bollywood. Just that one hit film... and they make others feel that they have arrived. But, that's just not the way SRK is. He is modesty personified. Just that he is very specific about few colours.

What about SRK and his liking for tuxedos...
He is a guy who simply loves tuxedos. Out of the 15 suits that I used to make for him, 14 were tuxedos. Initially, he used to love tuxedos and 'kamar bandhs'. I also feel that nobody in the industry can wear a tie like him.

Does the King Khan ever tend to repeat his dresses?
Sometimes yes… Let me also tell you that he is not fussy about his dresses. But, if he likes a particular suit for some reason or the other, he may repeat the same. He has got so many suits…otherwise; I have not seen him repeating the dresses. Supposing if he has to reach a shoot at 8'o clock and he reaches home at 7.30, then, maybe, he will pick up whatever comes his way, but an apt one at that! 

Is it true that you have a special room in your showroom that stocks clothes and caters exclusively to SRK?
(Surprised) How did you learn about that? Yes, that's true… I have made a special room in my shop that stocks clothes and caters exclusively to Shah Rukh. The reason is that one never knows which character he will be playing next. 

Naresh, has there been any instances wherein SRK got angry or upset with you/ your creations?
I have to tell this rather funny but memorable incident. What happened was that, I got a call from SRK's man Friday, during one of the shoots. SRK saw me and asked 'Have you sent this pair of shoes?' I replied, 'Yes Sir'. He said, 'No problems Naresh… just because, you have sent these shoes, I will wear them. Only that I will land up looking like (the late) Ajit. I couldn't gather what he was referring to. Only then, I realized that the shoes that I had sent to him were measuring 8 and 9 sizes, by mistake. Wasting no time, I quickly arranged the right size! That's why we now send him three pairs so that he should not face a problem on the sets.

Do you cater only to SRK or you have other celebrity clients as well?
I am working with lot of designers. But on a personal and direct level, it's only to SRK. I have celebs like Hrithik, Riteish Deshmukh, Boman Irani and many others on my client list.

Well, that brings us to the big question... are you accessible to the common man?
The answer is yes. I am undoubtedly accessible to every common man. And that too, it's an advice that's SRK gave me. He simply said, 'I am with you. Don't worry. Just that you should cater to everybody.' 

Sonakshi doesn't want to work with Shahid

Sonakshi Sinha is the sorts who might forgive but won't forget. The Dabangg actress was in talks with Shahid for his home production Mausam.

She was to be the leading lady opposite Shahid. But things didn't work out as the makers felt that the two wouldn't look good on screen. There were plans to hold a screen test, but Sonakshi was put off with the way things were being discussed.

The major bone of contention was that she wasn't informed about Sonam being signed on to do the film. She only go to know when the reports came out in the media. However, now tables have turned and Shahid is more than keen on working with the actress. A source reveals, "Dabangg is a massive hit and it has made Sonakshi hot property. He definitely wants to work with her, but she isn't that keen after what happened in the past."

Buzz is that Kapur has been sending feelers to the actresss through common friends but Sonakshi is not interested. So, here's one jodi you won't see on screen anytime soon.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie: Are they really planning a wedding?

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are supposedly planning a secret wedding that will take place in the very near future.

Us Weekly has reported this news, which naturally is shared in much more detail in print since it’s the magazine’s cover story this week. The report says that three sources — none of them named, of course — have confirmed that the couple plans to marry either later this summer or in September, and may do so at their chateau in France. Reps for Pitt and Jolie have not commented on all this; I reached out to one myself and have not received a response yet.

Wedding plans would seem like the natural follow-up to statements Pitt made this summer while doing interviews to promote his film “Tree of Life.” Back then, he told USA Today that marriage is something he and Jolie have “got to look at” because their six kids frequently ask about it.

But it’s worth remembering that the celeb gossip world has been dead wrong about Pitt and Jolie many times before.

Remember when Pitt and Jolie were supposedly planning a Hindu wedding to take place this year in India? Never happened. 

Or that time they secretly got married in the Seychelle Islands? Also a fabrication.

Or that other time when they allegedly got married in New Orleans but then everyone realized that was false?

We’ve all walked down this Brangelina-wedding aisle before. So let’s just say I’ll believe the news when I see legitimate wedding photos, a ring on both fingers and actually hear both of them say they are married. And even then, I still might remain skeptical.

Priyanka Chopra debuted with a Tamil film

Priyanka first appeared on the silver screen in India in a Tamil movie Thamizhan (2002).

She made her debut in Bollywood with The Hero: Love Story Of A Spy in 2003, co-starring Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta.

Bad news for Harry Potter fans

There is a piece of bad news for Harry potter fans. The advance booking for the last leg of the Harry Potter series: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, 2 may not open Wednesday.

The multiplexes have demanded more share in the revenue that will be generated from the business of the film.

According to a source, multiplexes want 55 per cent and want the distributors of the film to take only 45 per cent, which is not agreeable. The distributors are insisting that multiplexes give them the same as the previous Hollywood films like Transformers have got, which is 50 per cent. It may be recalled here that multiplexes and distributors had signed a two-year memorandum of understanding wherein it was decided that that revenue sharing pattern between distributors and multiplexes would be 50:50 in the first week. And the distributors' share reduces to 42.5 in the second week, 37.5 in the third week and 30 in the fourth week. The MOU expired last month, and renegotiations have started. As per the new demands, the multiplexes want the distributors to take 45 per cent in the first week, 37.5% in the second week, 32.5% in the third week and 27.5% in the fourth week.

Mukesh Bhatt, vice president of the Film Producers' Guild confirmed that the MOU had expired and multiplexes had begun acting tough with distributors. "We plan to hold a meeting with them to renegotiate the revenue sharing issue but another distributor of Hollywood films said that Hollywood studios feel that multiplexes are giving Hollywood studios lesser share than Bollywood films. But Bhatt said that multiplexes were only trying to create a rift between them. "We need to work out a formula that will help all of us coexist" he said. Denzil Dias, Deputy Managing Director(Theatrical), Warner Bros Pictures, India said: "We are working with each of our multiplex partners to find the best possible way of ensuring that the many thousands of Harry Potter fans across India can see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part Two, the much-anticipated final installment in this record-breaking film saga, in the cinema of their choice.


Suniel Wadhwa, an independent distributor said: "With the new move development for revenue share for Hollywood movies are offered which is 45% for first week ( Multiplex : 55% Distributor : 45% ) followed by 40% in week 2 ( Multiplex : 60% Distributor : 40 % ) compare to 50% for first week ( Multiplex : 50% Distributor : 50% ) followed by 42.5% in week 2 ( Multiplex : 57.5% Distributor : 42.5 % ) which was earlier terms offered by multiplex. Because of new revenue sharing , as an Independent Distributor will stop importing the Hollywood Movies and also it will not be a viable proposition to enter into deal with local Hollywoofd Studios as their asking price for selling Blockbuster Movies will be exorbitant where it is not possible to recover the investments based on new revenue sharing model," he said.

Courteney Cox offers beauty tips

Actress Courteney Cox will be sharing her beauty secrets in a new lifestyle blog.

The former 'Friends' star has been signed on as the Home Editor for xoJane.com, where she will offer tips and product suggestions for women desperate to have young-looking skin and more energy, reports Contact music.

In her first blog, Cox admitted she uses a Clairol hair dye, which costs just 8.99 dollars, to keep her luscious brunette locks looking their best.

But she splurges on pricey make-up and skin creams from the Edward Bess collection.

Sam Raimi to remake "The Evil Dead"

A still from "The Evil Dead"

Filmmaker Sam Raimi is going to remake horror movie " The Evil Dead", his first big directorial hit.

The " Spider-Man" director rose to fame with the horror film in 1981 which unfolds the story of a group of friends who head to a forest cabin and unleash a group of evil demons, reports contactmusic.com.

Bruce Campbell, who played lead character Ash Williams in the original movie and its follow ups "Evil Dead II" and "Army of Darkness", confirmed the news via micro-blogging site Twitter.

"Believe in the remake, dawg! The project is real. In the works. Cool as hell. Scary as hell.(sic)" Campbell posted.

Raimi is now heading to Detroit, US, to begin work on the project, which will have a small budget and a similar feel to the original movie.

"Evil Dead" has made approximately $29 million since its release, with funds of just $400,000.

Emma Watson was drunk only once

'Harry Potter' star Emma Watson has revealed that she has tried alcohol but has been very very drunk only once in her life.

Watson, 21, made the revelation during an interview on 'The Late Show With David Letterman' in New York.

Yes I have tried spirits, we drink at 18 in the UK but I'm actually legal to drink here now, it's worth mentioning. Yes, yes I have. I got very very drunk once in my life as everyone does. Fine I got drunk, I have been drunk - and I'll bow to that! Contactmusic quoted her as saying.

She was asked if she had ever peed on the subway, while in an intoxicated state.

No it's never gotten that bad - thankfully it's never been that bad, she replied.

Demi Lovato overwhelmed by fan support

Actress-singer Demi Lovato broke down after fans bombarded her on Twitter with gushing messages on her comeback single "Skyscraper".

The 18-year-old's new track was written following her stint in rehab, last year, reports contactmusic.com.

Skyscraper received its first play, this Monday, after which she received congratulatory messages on micro-blogging site Twitter.

Actress Brittany Snow told her followers, "Everyone make sure to listen/download this talented & gorgeous girl (Lovato's) new single Skyscraper out tonight!"

Socialite Kim Kardashian declared, "So excited 2 download (Lovato's) new song Skyscraper! It's out tonight! Everyone Must Download It! So proud of u Dem!", while Eva Longoria simply added, "Me Too!"

And Lovato replied by posting, "Wow... Cloud nine... I'm so incredibly thankful for the support... Tearing up. I Love You Guys."

"Okay I'm literally balling my eyes out right now... So grateful for my friends and fan's (sic) support... Wow... So happy, so blessed..." she further posted.