Harbhajan’s girl to shake a leg with Sanjay Dutt

In a tale about the hardships faced by farmers, suicides and the underworld, director Anand Kumar and producer Vinod Bachchan decided that their upcoming film, Zilla Ghaziabad needed a more Bollywood touch - a hot, item number.

And so, the filmmakers have brought Harbhajan Singh’s girlfriend, Geeta Basra to gyrate to the number alongside the film’s star Sanjay Dutt.

Sources have revealed that the item number in the film, which required the lead actress Minissha Lamba to work on enhancing her lower body assets (Mumbai Mirror, July 5, 2011), is sure to stem up the silver-screen.

A source told us that fashion designer, Archana Kocchan, has been brought in to style the costumes for the number.

The source added, “A set has been specially designed for the item number, which will be shot in Mumbai next week.”

Basra has previously gyrated in the music video for the Sukshinder Shinda and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan song, Ghum Sum Ghum Sum for Shinda’s upcoming album, Collaborations 2.

My family doesn’t take me seriously : Anil Kapoor

 Anil Kapoor tells us how he manages to keep his head on his shoulders, his Hollywood projects, Sonam’s romantic liaisons and being the best tapori in B’town

Are Indians getting their due in Hollywood?

Honestly, there’s still a long way to go. But yes, the doors have opened. I was speaking to a few successful people in LA recently who told me, ‘It’s never been so good here for the Indians in show business and other spheres as well’.

What do you think is lacking in Bollywood?

Things are rapidly changing here. There are some exceptionally talented people here who are making a difference - Aamir Khan, Aditya Chopra, Karan Johar, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Rajkumar Hirani, Sanjay Leela Bhansali. These guys are constantly raising the bar. But having said that, I feel that we are still catering to Indian diaspora. They should go all out to get a global audience.

Do the inevitable comparisons of Bollywood and Hollywood in your mind disturb you?

That’s a good question but no, I adjust quickly. My roots are here. I am what I am because of Bollywood. Shekhar Kapur keeps telling me that I should stop working in Indian films, but I’ll never do that.

At the end of the day, I am a very emotional person. I just continue being myself, a mainstream commercial hero from Indian cinema. Coming to your question, I have my share of conflicts but I don’t voice them or take them negatively. To be honest, Hollywood too has its downside.

How much has Hollywood changed you?

Personally, I am the same old Anil Kapoor. Professionally, it has opened several doors for me. For the first time in my 30-year-old career, I am getting offers from the US and Great Britain. And in the US, I am what I was 30 years ago in India. It’s like I am starting all over again.

Did it hurt not being a part of the promotional campaign of MI4?

(Smiles) I am ecstatic that I am not in the promos of MI 4. No expectations from me in India now (smiles). Frankly, I would fly down for Tom Cruise and J J Abraham even if they want only one shot with me. Above all, I can’t say ‘No’ to my son. He had told me, ‘Dad, you must do MI 4’.

So many Hollywood offers... how do you avoid getting carried away?

Thanks to my wife and kids; they still don’t take me seriously (grins). Secondly, it depends on the kind of person you are. My bank balance does not define my success.

Thirdly, I am in a happy space. I feel that I am like the most successful person in the industry. I am peaking in my health. My kids are doing well. My wife is looking lovely. What more do I want?

Seems that you have started indulging in gambling. You placed bets in a horse race…

Arre no. That was just for a lark. I haven’t been to the Mahalaxmi Race Course yet.

Has your dressing style changed?

Not really. I change my wardrobe every ten years. Surely, I can’t be dressing today how I used to in 1990.

How do you feel when you read that Sonam is more about clothes than films?

The biggest stars of the world - Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, Rekha, Meena Kumari, Dev Anand, have all been fashion conscious.

Has the film industry given Sonam her due?

Yes. People love her as an actress. She is a star who has a mind of her own. Moreover, she’s been here only three years.

Are you a conservative father who comes in the way of her films?

Not at all. She takes her own decisions. I come in only if and when she needs me. My wife, kids and I are friends. It’s a fantastic atmosphere in the house. We pull each other’s pants off.

Do her linkups (Ranbir, Punit Malhotra) disturb you?

No. Link-ups are a part of showbiz. As long as she is well behaved and comes home in time, I am not complaining.

What did you think of Sonam and Deepika taking on Ranbir in KJo’s chat show? Rishi was fuming…

That’s a thakela question. It’s been done to death. Rishi and K Jo who swore not to work with each other are now doing two films together.

Who do you think can play the role of a tapori, like you did in many of your earlier films in your hey days—Shahid /Ranbir/ Imran?

No one. I was a tapori in real life and they are all good boys (laughs).

The heroine with whom you had the best chemistry?

Four actually. And let me shock you with the order. 1. Amrita Singh 2. Padmini Kolhapure 3. Sridevi 4. Madhuri Dixit.

Link-ups are a part of showbiz. As long as Sonam is well behaved and comes home in time, I’m okay with it

Action replay in the forthcoming film Singham

Ajay Devgn and Rohit Shetty recreate fight scenes from Amar Akbar Anthony and Zanjeer, complete with the dialogues in the forthcoming film Singham. 

Rohit Shetty who paid a tribute to the 70s in his last, Golmaal 3 with Mithun Chakraborty’s character is all set to take his 70’s inspiration a step further in his next.

The Ajay Devgn—Kajal Aggarwal starrer Singham, Shetty has not just drawn inspiration but entire fight sequences from 70’s blockbusters Amar Akbar Anthony and Zanjeer.

Ajay Devgn who plays a angry young cop named Bajirao Singham in the film titled after his character, will be seen enacting the same cuts and chops and mouthing the same dialogues in the film.

A source revealed, “The famous scene from Amar Akbar Anthony between Vinod Khanna a cop and Amitabh Bachchan the goon has been re-enacted in Singham.

This scene from Singham (above) is inspired by the famous Vinod Khanna-Amitabh Bachchan fight sequence in Amar Akbar Anthony  (below)

The scene has Vinod Khanna unbuttoning his police uniform to beat up Amitabh. In Singham, Ajay Devgn who plays a cop, does the same to Ravi Beasant. In fact, the dialogue between Ajay and Ravi are similar to the ones between Vinod and Amitabh.”

And that’s not all. “There is a scene similar to a scene from the 1973 hit Zanjeer as well. The scene where Pran walks into a police station and tries to sit on a chair, which Amitabh Bachchan kicks away and says, ‘Jab tak baithne ko kahaa na jaaye, tab tak chup chaap khade raho,’ has been re-created in Singham. In this film, the scene has been picturised on Ajay Devgn and Marathi actor Ashok Samarth,” added the source.

Seems like Rohit Shetty and Ajay Devgn are all set to recreate the 70s magic on screen with Singham. “Rohit wanted to pay a tribute to the 70’s and also to the original angry young man of Indian cinema, Mr Amitabh Bachchan,” said the source.


When contacted, the official spokesperson from the film confirmed the existence of the scenes in Singham and added, “They are used as a tribute to the films of 70’s.

Rohit and Ajay have grown up watching these films. These are iconic scenes and we have tried to pay them a tribute through our film.

Vidya is Smokin’ hot

 The actress pushes her limits and takes to tobacco to essay her character in Dirty Picture

Vidya Balan, the lead actress of the film, Dirty Picture, had to come out of her comfort zone to shoot for a smoking sequence in the movie, recently.

The actress while shooting for the film in Hyderabad had to enact a scene in which she had to actually smoke. Since Vidya had never smoked before, she began to feel uneasy after her fourth cigarette and started coughing. This halted the shoot of the film for a few minutes.

Once the effects of nicotine subsided, Vidya managed to resume shooting. Milan Luthria, the director of the film, gave a green signal to the shot after multiple retakes; however, by then, Vidya had already smoked 10 cigarettes.

The film Dirty Picture is one of the most awaited films of the year as it is based on the life of southern siren Silk Smitha. It focuses on how an actress who provided entertainment to millions died a lonely and a tragic death.

Vidya Balan, who essays Silk Smitha, is pushing her boundaries to play this role. She is not only experimenting with the costumes which will change her image but is also making additional efforts on the personal front to be able to do justice to the character. The director also wants the scenes in the movie to look realistic which is probably why he insisted on “ the non-smoker” Vidya to smoke cigarettes in reality.

No Bachchan for Genelia

His reputation for over crowding his films with A-listers and undertaking exclusively male centric projects has paid off for the most part for director Rohit Shetty. But, with the latest turn of events he might have to reconsider this formula that has usually won him critical acclaim.

Reportedly, the leading lady in his upcoming production Bol Bachchan, Genelia D’Souza, felt inconsequential in the Abhishek Bachchan and Ajay Devgn starrer and so, opted out of the film.

Apparently, Shetty was rather taken-aback by the actress’s decision and tried very hard to convince her to stay on-board.

However, Genelia, who was to essay Bindiya Goswami’s character in the original, was adamant about not going forward with the project. A source explained that while Shetty has had to return to the drawing board to cast another actress, his losses are minimal as the film has not yet gone on floors.

The source explained, “If shooting was in process, Shetty would have to re-shoot with Genelia’s replacement, which in turn would have increased the cost of the film.

At least now, producers Ashtavinayak will not have to bear a hole in their pocket. It was a good call for Genelia to opt out before the film went on floors.”

When asked why the actress opted out, the source said, “When she read the script, Genelia felt that she didn’t have a very significant role in the film. But that is with most of Shetty’s films - either they are too crowded or they are male-centric.”

However, a friend of the actress came to her defence and denied these claims. “Her dates are clashing with Navdeep Singh’s film, starring Abhay Deol. She had to chose one between the two,” said the actress’s friend.

With Genelia giving up her role in the film, the industry is already abuzz with speculation about her possible replacement. And it seems that Prachi Desai is the most likely contender.

“Shetty spoke to Prachi, who instantly agreed to step into Genelia’s shoes,” added the source. When contacted, both Genelia and Prachi remained unavailable for comment.

Gauri likes clean-shaven Shah Rukh

 Shah Rukh Khan's long hair, unshaven look for Don 2 may be the most anticipated look in Bollywood this year, but the actor isn't fond of it and his wife Gauri Khan hates it. SRK has had to sport the look for the last six months, shooting for the sequel in Malaysia. When he returned to Delhi mid way to attend a wedding in the family, Gauri asked him to get rid of the look. Gauri, reportedly asked Khan to complete the rest of the schedule with a wig.

However, despite hating the look, Khan refused to visit the barber. Ritesh Sidhwani, co-producer of Don 2, said, "When he went to Delhi, he was asked about the long hair and the stubble. But Shah Rukh remained unfazed. He wanted to stay in character throughout."

Respite, however, came in the form of son Aryan. Farhan Akhtar, the director of the film whose wife Adhuna Akhtar conceptualised Khan's look, recalled, "It wasn't easy to keep that look in the Malaysian humidity. But Shah Rukh told me, his son had said after seeing the look, 'Now, that's what a don should look like'."

According to Akhtar, he wanted Don to be re-introduced in a new avatar, something that suggested that he'd been taking it easy and biding his time to make the next big move.

According to a source, SRK wanted his anti-hero act in Don 2 to provide a sharp contrast to his superhero role in Ra.One. All the characters in Don 2 are the same as with the original film, except for two additions ? Kunal Kapoor and Lara Dutta. Khan reportedly spent several weeks with makeup professionals and stylists to get the right look.

Ashley Cole accused of enjoying tryst with 3 women while wooing ex Cheryl!

Looks like philandering footballer Ashley Cole will now be facing a hard time in winning back the trust of his former wife Cheryl.

least three girls are set to claim that they enjoyed recent liaisons with the Chelsea footballer around the time he was trying to woo Cheryl earlier this month.

At her 28th birthday party in this month, Cheryl left onlookers in no doubt that she was back with the man whose string of alleged affairs ended their marriage. 

But it is now alleged that Cole, 30, was enjoying trysts with at least three women despite trying to win back his ex-wife at the same time.

One is believed to be a 29-year-old Virgin Atlantic air hostess, who has claimed she spent the night with Cole only a few weeks ago at a mansion he had hired in Beverly Hills.

The pretty stewardess, who is British, is said to be ready to make her claims public and has contacted publicist Max Clifford to help break her story.

"She was with Ashley a few times, the most recent was just a couple of weeks ago. Cheryl's at her most vulnerable, and Ashley sees an opportunity to get her back," the Daily Mail quoted a source close to the air hostess as saying.

Another friend said: "She had no idea Ashley was in the process of getting back with Cheryl and was horrified when she found out. She would never have gone near him had she known. She feels really bad for Cheryl."

The other two girls are believed to be bikini models who Cole met in Hollywood. 

Clifford said: "In recent weeks, three girls have been in touch with me claiming to have had recent relationships with Ashley Cole. 

"They will be coming to see me and I'll see if there is any evidence to back up these allegations," added Clifford. (ANI)

Coming soon: "Bhabhi" Jacky?

Till recently, Jacqueline Fernandez, former Miss Sri Lanka-turned- Bollywood actress, was reported to be dating a Prince from Bahrain. Those "royal" rumours can be put to rest. Jacky now has a VSP (Very Special Person) in her life.

The 26-year-old actress is reportedly in a serious relationship with her 40-year-old Housefull 2 director, Sajid Khan.

Just how serious are Sajid and Jacky?

Here are some reported indications: Sajid's sister, choreographer-director Farah Khan is aware of it. The couple may even get hitched if all goes well. Jacky is apparently called "bhabhi" on the sets of Housefull 2. There you have it -  so the glow on Jacky's face is not just due to the success of Murder 2.

Keep checking back with us for updates.

Read more at: http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?ID=ENTEN20110180246&keyword=bollywood&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&nid=119856&cp

Lady Gaga's website hacked

Pop star Lady Gaga called in police after her website was hacked, resulting in the theft of thousands of names and email addresses.

Mirror.co.uk reports that Gaga's Britain website was hacked by US cyber attackers SwagSec, prompting her record label Universal to take urgent action.

"She's upset and hopes police get to the bottom of how this was allowed to happen," said a source.

The cyber attack happened on June 27 but those responsible didn't make the information public until this week.

The hackers, who also issued a death threat against the singer, bizarrely branded her homophobic.

"The hackers took a content database dump from www.ladygaga.co.uk and a section of email, first name and last name records were accessed. There were no passwords or financial information taken," said a spokesperson from Universal label.

"We take this very seriously and have put in place additional measures to protect personally identifiable information. All those affected have been advised," the source added.

SwagSec have also targeted other Universal artists recently including Amy Winehouse and Justin Bieber.

Angelina-Brad not marrying: France mayor

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's recent marriage speculations have been rubbished off by a local mayor of South of France. The reports suggested that the two stars will tie the knot soon in a South of France chapel, reported People. But mayor Michael Latz, who is a good friend of the actors, says,"There are no plans for them to marry that I know of – and I would know.

 

"Every year, the rumor resurface. More noise from the American press to sell a few more pounds of paper," he added.

The mayor has been friendly with Jolie, 36, and Pitt, 47, whom he says invited him to their home after they first moved into the Chateau Miraval just outside Correns three years ago.

There is a chapel, part of which dates back to the sixteenth century, on the property, leading to speculation they might opt for a private, in-house religious ceremony.

The couple raise six children together of which three are adopted.

"Harry Potter" magic with record $92.1 million

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The eighth and final "Harry Potter" movie sold $92.1 million worth tickets in the United States and Canada on its first day in theaters to set a single-day box-office record, according to studio estimates released on Saturday.

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 2" shattered the single-day record set in 2009 when "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" earned $72.7 million in theaters, said Paul Dergarabedian, head of tracking firm Hollywood.com Box Office.

"To even be close to $100 million for a single day is unprecedented," Dergarabedian said.

Hollywood watchers are attributing the high interest in the film from Time Warner Inc's Warner Bros unit to strong critics' reviews and the fact this is both the final film in the "Harry Potter" series and the only one released in 3D.

"This will be the first 'Potter' movie to earn over a billion dollars at the worldwide box office," Dergarabedian said.

"Harry Potter," which is already the highest grossing film franchise ever with over $6.4 billion in global ticket sales, is based on the novels of author J.K. Rowling and it revolves around the adventures of a young wizard, his friends and their battle against evil.

The record-setting $92.1 million in the United States and Canada was earned at more than 4,300 theaters, including the midnight screenings that extended into the early morning hours of Friday and by themselves earned a record-setting $43.5 million.

Outside the United States and Canada, the film earned an estimated $75 million in 59 countries, Warner Bros officials said.

The movie brought in a record-setting 9.3 million pounds ($14.8 million) in the United Kingdom on Friday, the studio said.

Mahesh Bhatt launches online title hunt

New Delhi, July 17 (IANS) Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has taken to social networking site Twitter to hunt for a title for his new film, tentatively titled 'Jannat 2', starring Kunal Khemu and Amrita Puri. 

'I am looking for an attractive title for my new film staring Kunal Khemu & Amrita Puri. HELP!' Mahesh wrote on Twitter. 

Bhatt had previously decided to call the film 'Jannat 2' but he is now looking for something different. 

'Listening to you folks has made me decide not to call my new film 'Jannat 2'. Thank you! Acknowledging others makes them happier & u wiser,' Bhatt posted. 

Bhatt had earlier used Twitter and Facebook to finalise the main poster for 'Murder 2', which released last week.

Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart Still Going Strong Despite Rumors

Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart's relationship is still going strong, despite recent rumors. The Twilight co-stars seem more in love everyday, and are obviously not letting rumors bring them down.

The lovebirds, who recently spent time together in Canada on the set of Rob's film, Cosmopolis, don't let speculation get them down, and are actually very considerate of one anothers needs.

"[Kristen] makes sure in advance it's mellow on the set and that there's a lengthy break for Rob. She doesn't want to disturb his focus," said a source. How sweet! They're not only totally in love, but also understand the pressure that each other comes under in their careers.

"Robsten" is one of Hollywood's hottest couple, rivaled only but the younger Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez. According to reports, the pair will spend some downtime at a Summer villa in LA.

"It's like trying to break into jail or walking through Middle Earth in the Lord of the Rings. It's literally miles away from civilization - you can't even see it from the entrance way. It's officially in the middle of nowhere," one insider said of the Summer home.

Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart have made it through many relationshp ups and downs. The pair are separated much of the time, and are the center of many tabloid rumors. 

However, "Robsten" is one Hollywood power couple that are seemingly here to stay!

Vasuki Sunkavalli is Miss Universe India 2011

Former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen’s production company Tantra Entertainment holds the I Am She contest to select the Indian representative to the Miss Universe contest. Starting this year the 'I Am She' pageant will also select the contestants for Miss Globe International and Miss Asia Pacific.

23-year-old fashion designer Parul Duggal was crowned the I Am She Globe International 2011, and 19-year-old Tanvi Singla was crowned the I Am She Asia Pacific 2011.

"In this competition, I met a lot of people from different parts of the country and from different professions. That was very interesting. I am very confident, hopeful and determined that I will bring the crown back. I will give it my best," said Vasuki.

All three beauties will represent India at the International beauty pageants this year; and if that was not enough to make their day special, they were each awarded a cash prize. Vasuki Sunkavalli will take home Rs 200,000 and Parul and Tanvi will take home Rs 100,000 each.