Kareena Kapoor and Salman Khan at the event to unveil the first look of their upcoming flick 'Bodyguard'.
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Friday, July 22, 2011
Salman donates blood for Mumbai blasts victims
Pune, July 22 (ANI): Known for his generous acts, Bollywood's bad boy Salman Khan in Pune donated blood for the victims of Mumbai blasts on Thursday. And following the footsteps of their favourite star, over 5000 people came for the noble cause, at the city's Sambhaji Park.
Hundreds of Khan's fans were seen shoving and jostling necks to have a glimpse of the actor.
Hailing the cause, the actor said blood has no religion and it is the most precious gift a human being can give.
'Troll' remake underway with Harry Potter, Jr
It's a remake of the 1986 cult hit "Troll," that featured Harry Potter, Jr. and Harry Potter, Sr. as lead characters.
The remake will include the original characters, the filmmakers' legal consultant, Thomas Girardi, has confirmed to TheWrap.
John Carl Buechler, who directed the original, will direct again, as well as produce.
The original, which made $5.4 million at the box office -- 11 years before J.K. Rowling published her first novel about that other Harry Potter -- starred Noah Hathaway, fresh off "Never Ending Story," as a character named Harry Potter Jr. Michael Moriarty played his dad.
"We've got the producer," Girardi said of the remake. And though he wouldn't name them, he said, "We've got two big-time actor guys -- one woman, one guy. Everyone has signed on the dotted line."
As for the Potter characters: "They certainly do have the right to make their own picture," Girardi told TheWrap. "And their own picture was 'Troll' and Harry Potter, Jr."
Warner Bros., which owns the rights to Rowling's Potter, had no immediate comment.
"Troll" was about, as you'd expect, an evil troll, who uses an emerald ring to take possession of little Wendy Potter. Her brother -- yes, Harry -- recognizes that something is amiss.
The troll, often in the form of Wendy, roams from apartment to apartment, transforming people. Harry must save the world.
Oddly, the mostly forgotten movie also featured Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sonny Bono, June Lockhart and Gary Sandy.
So why did they wait so long to capitalize on the Potter name?
The movie's owner had a family situation which kept him occupied, Girardi said, adding that his legal analysis has showed the film -- and the "Harry Potter, Jr." name -- are fair game.
The producer of "Troll," Albert Band, died in 2002. The writer, Ed Naha, went on to write 1989's "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids."
Schwarzenegger's son injured in beach mishap
The statement gave few details of the mishap involving Christopher Schwarzenegger, the youngest of the couple's four children, nor did it say how badly he was hurt.
But the celebrity news website TMZ.com reported the youth was severely injured when hit by a large wave while surfing or boogie-boarding last weekend in Malibu, suffering multiple broken bones and a collapsed lung.
According to TMZ, the boy initially was hospitalized in intensive care, but his condition has since been upgraded.
His parents said their son is expected to make a full recovery.
"While it has been a very scary week, Christopher is surrounded by his family and friends," the couple's statement said.
"We want to sincerely thank the paramedics and lifeguards who responded so swiftly, as well as the doctors, nurses, emergency room and hospital staff who have cared for our son. They have been extraordinary to him and to us."
Shriver filed for divorce from Schwarzenegger on July 1, weeks after the Austrian-born former bodybuilder and film star publicly admitted to fathering a child out of wedlock with a member of the family's household staff more than a decade earlier. Schwarzenegger and Shriver had separated in May.
Shriver, a daughter of the Kennedy political dynasty, gave up her career as a network television journalist when she became California's first lady at the start of Schwarzenegger's two terms as governor. She has requested spousal support and joint custody of all their children.
Schwarzenegger's attorney filed court papers on Wednesday seeking suspension of court-ordered spousal support to Shriver and requesting that she pay her own legal fees, according to legal documents obtained by Reuters.
Two of Christopher's siblings, Katherine, 21, and Patrick, 17, posted messages of support for their younger brother on Twitter on Friday.
"This kid is strongest kid I ever seen (sic). Keep praying," wrote Patrick, while Katherine wrote: "He's a tough little guy and getting better!"
(Reporting by Mary Slosson; Editing by Steve Gorman, Jerry Norton and Cynthia Johnston)
Who is Kareena's favourite Khan?
Salman Khan was as usual his ebullient self at the first look launch of his film Bodyguard yesterday at a suburban multiplex.
It was unveiled by his bodyguard Shera. At the event, when his co-star Kareena Kapoor was asked who was her favourite among the three Khans, she gave a politically correct answer saying Salman.
To which Sallu quickly retorted, "When you ask a child who he likes better -- mummy or daddy. The child will say mummy in front of the mother and daddy in front of father."
When asked that Shah Rukh Khan had danced on one of his songs recently at an event, so did it signal a patch up? Salman passed the question to Bebo saying "Kareena will answer the question because she is very close to SRK!" Hmmm..
PS: After the event, Sallu's sis Alvira (wife of Bodyguard producer Atul Agnihotri) was seen shopping at a cosmetics store!
It was unveiled by his bodyguard Shera. At the event, when his co-star Kareena Kapoor was asked who was her favourite among the three Khans, she gave a politically correct answer saying Salman.
To which Sallu quickly retorted, "When you ask a child who he likes better -- mummy or daddy. The child will say mummy in front of the mother and daddy in front of father."
When asked that Shah Rukh Khan had danced on one of his songs recently at an event, so did it signal a patch up? Salman passed the question to Bebo saying "Kareena will answer the question because she is very close to SRK!" Hmmm..
PS: After the event, Sallu's sis Alvira (wife of Bodyguard producer Atul Agnihotri) was seen shopping at a cosmetics store!
Salman's aide launches promo of Bodyguard
"This is a very big honour that bhai (Salman) has given me by giving me an opportunity to release his film's promo. I have been with bhai for 15 years now. I used to tell bhai that I can take a bullet for him. But the reality is that he protects his close ones so much that even he can take a bullet for them. He is the real life bodyguard, " Shera told reporters here.
The actor, who was also present at the event, said: "I can trust him with everything - with money, girls, family and even my life. He is very trustworthy. Apart from guarding me, his duty has also been to go with every girl who has been in my life. I knew he will take good care of them wherever they go."
"Bodyguard" is romantic action film directed by Siddique and it is a remake of the director's 2010 Malayalam movie of the same name. The film is being produced by Atul Agnihotri and is slated to release Aug 13. Kareena Kapoor plays the female lead in it.
She was all praise for Shera and Salman.
"Shera has known me since I was 10 years old. And today, he is launching the promo of my film. He has known me before I was an actress, so it is a very special moment. It's all thanks to Salman, " said the actress.
Sonam Kapoor is face of jewellery week
Sonam Kapoor is the face of the India International Jewellery Week (IIJW) after designer Farah Khan Ali, who created waves at the inaugural edition last year decided to give it a miss this time due to other commitments.
The five-day event, organised by the Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)begins in Mumbai July 31.
"I am not showcasing at the second edition of the jewellery week as I am working on a bigger project which requires time and concentration, " Farah, was in the news recently after international singer Beyonce Knowles wore a crown desgined by her for a new music album "4", told.
The jewellery at Mumbai's Grand Hyatt hotel will see collections from designers like Varuna D. Jani and brands like Amrapali, Tanishq and Ganjam.
Top Bollywood celebrities, models and some international icons, whose names are being kept under wraps, have been roped in to walk the ramp during the event.
The five-day event, organised by the Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)begins in Mumbai July 31.
"I am not showcasing at the second edition of the jewellery week as I am working on a bigger project which requires time and concentration, " Farah, was in the news recently after international singer Beyonce Knowles wore a crown desgined by her for a new music album "4", told.
The jewellery at Mumbai's Grand Hyatt hotel will see collections from designers like Varuna D. Jani and brands like Amrapali, Tanishq and Ganjam.
Top Bollywood celebrities, models and some international icons, whose names are being kept under wraps, have been roped in to walk the ramp during the event.
Akshay Kumar excited about Breakaway
He has done everything from the list and beyond it to reach out to the audience.
He has not spared a single aspect and nor has he slowed down on the efforts to reach out on mass appeal. He himself is a hardcore Punjabi munda and even Breakaway has the theme of Punjabi’s and their ever popular culture.
Previously he had worked with International singer and rapper, Snoop Dog, this time he wanted to go big and has two international singers as Ludacris and Drake. Which again adds up as a huge USP for the movie.
As Akshay believes in living a larger than life, He expects the same for his movies.
The theme of the movie, star cast, crew and obviously Akshay’s excitement is evident from all the little teasers that we have gotten from the pre-release trailers and teasers.
Singham v/s File Sharing
Government issues order allowing ISPs to block sites that enable piracy
What is it about July and the government's interest in the Internet? Five years ago this month, India did what China, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan had done before it by ordering Internet Service Providers to block access to a number of blogs.
The ISPs, in turn, blocked entire domains leading to much anger online. Now, the government has done it again; this time, file sharing sites have been made inaccessible.
According to a report by Medianama, a respected source of information on the digital media business in India, the block was instituted because the Delhi High Court passed a 'John Doe' order, allowing Reliance Big Pictures to prevent piracy of its movie Singham, which hits theatres this week.
The name 'John Doe' is used as a placeholder in a legal action or case for any person whose true identity is unknown in this instance, a potential pirate interested in illegally downloading or sharing prints of Singham.
As the block came into effect on July 20, some users of Airtel Broadband, BSNL and MTNL Triband reported to Medianama that several sites - including MediaFire.com, Megaupload.com, Rapidshare. com, Hotfile.com, Fileserve. com and Filesonic.com among others were inaccessible.
On the face of it, this appears to be an over-reaction. The order only necessitates blocking access to anyone pirating the film, not an entire website. And yet, users are being denied access to legitimate file sharing as well.
According to Nikhil Pahwa, Editor, Medianama, "ISPs are, naturally, playing it safe. In 2006, instead of blocking sub-domain pages, on orders of the Department of Telecommuni-cations, ISPs completely blocked entire domains like Blogger and Typepad."
Sanjay Tandon, Vice President (Music and Anti Piracy), Big Pictures, says the company's appeal to the Delhi High Court was a pre-emptive measure to prevent piracy of its film.
According to him, John Doe orders have been issued in the past, but have been restricted to cable operators. This makes the inclusion of the Internet a historic one.
"Past experience taught us that pirated prints would appear online on the day of release, which compelled us to file an appeal, " he explains.
When asked about whether or not the block is an indefinite one, Tandon replies, "It will continue until people obtain a licence from us, allowing them to show the film in question in any form.
Until then, anyone uploading, downloading, selling or distributing it will be considered an infringer of copyrighted material and face action."
While it may well be a historic order, it is also one that gives rise to a number of disturbing questions. Can the government pull off a blanket ban on file sharing sites across the country? Nikhil Pahwa believes it can.
"This is because there are just three or four landing stations, " he says. As these landings stations which are, in effect, cable landing points carry Internet and private data traffic, blocking access to content here could effectively pull the plug across India.
It's how Egypt managed an Internet and SMS blackout, hours before major protests against the regime of President Hosni Mubarak, in January this year.
When this reporter checked, some file sharing sites were still accessible, presumably because the particular ISP hadn't moved to block them yet. This could change though.
Is this an infringement of our rights to the World Wide Web? That is a larger debate waiting to happen.
What is it about July and the government's interest in the Internet? Five years ago this month, India did what China, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan had done before it by ordering Internet Service Providers to block access to a number of blogs.
The ISPs, in turn, blocked entire domains leading to much anger online. Now, the government has done it again; this time, file sharing sites have been made inaccessible.
According to a report by Medianama, a respected source of information on the digital media business in India, the block was instituted because the Delhi High Court passed a 'John Doe' order, allowing Reliance Big Pictures to prevent piracy of its movie Singham, which hits theatres this week.
The name 'John Doe' is used as a placeholder in a legal action or case for any person whose true identity is unknown in this instance, a potential pirate interested in illegally downloading or sharing prints of Singham.
As the block came into effect on July 20, some users of Airtel Broadband, BSNL and MTNL Triband reported to Medianama that several sites - including MediaFire.com, Megaupload.com, Rapidshare. com, Hotfile.com, Fileserve. com and Filesonic.com among others were inaccessible.
On the face of it, this appears to be an over-reaction. The order only necessitates blocking access to anyone pirating the film, not an entire website. And yet, users are being denied access to legitimate file sharing as well.
According to Nikhil Pahwa, Editor, Medianama, "ISPs are, naturally, playing it safe. In 2006, instead of blocking sub-domain pages, on orders of the Department of Telecommuni-cations, ISPs completely blocked entire domains like Blogger and Typepad."
Sanjay Tandon, Vice President (Music and Anti Piracy), Big Pictures, says the company's appeal to the Delhi High Court was a pre-emptive measure to prevent piracy of its film.
According to him, John Doe orders have been issued in the past, but have been restricted to cable operators. This makes the inclusion of the Internet a historic one.
"Past experience taught us that pirated prints would appear online on the day of release, which compelled us to file an appeal, " he explains.
When asked about whether or not the block is an indefinite one, Tandon replies, "It will continue until people obtain a licence from us, allowing them to show the film in question in any form.
Until then, anyone uploading, downloading, selling or distributing it will be considered an infringer of copyrighted material and face action."
While it may well be a historic order, it is also one that gives rise to a number of disturbing questions. Can the government pull off a blanket ban on file sharing sites across the country? Nikhil Pahwa believes it can.
"This is because there are just three or four landing stations, " he says. As these landings stations which are, in effect, cable landing points carry Internet and private data traffic, blocking access to content here could effectively pull the plug across India.
It's how Egypt managed an Internet and SMS blackout, hours before major protests against the regime of President Hosni Mubarak, in January this year.
When this reporter checked, some file sharing sites were still accessible, presumably because the particular ISP hadn't moved to block them yet. This could change though.
Is this an infringement of our rights to the World Wide Web? That is a larger debate waiting to happen.
Will Aamir play a gymnast in 'Dhoom 3'?
Aamir Khan will be playing a gymnast in Dhoom 3.
After he wraps up Reema Kagti's film, he starts working on his body to make it as flexible and agile as possible.
Didn't he bulk up for Ghajini and lose weight for 3 Idiots in which he played a college student?
Mr Perfectionist can slip into any role.
After he wraps up Reema Kagti's film, he starts working on his body to make it as flexible and agile as possible.
Didn't he bulk up for Ghajini and lose weight for 3 Idiots in which he played a college student?
Mr Perfectionist can slip into any role.
KRK praises Priyanka Chopra
This after Priyanka in an interview listed KRK as one of her favorites for the fifth season of celebrity reality show Bigg Boss.
KRK has profuse praise reserved for Priyanka.'
Reacting to Priyanka’s Bigg Boss wish list which also includes names like Rekha and Karan Johar, KRK says, “I am thankful to Priyanka for including me in her wish list of people she thinks will make Bigg Boss even more entertaining.
Though I must admit that living in Bigg Boss is like living in hell but I thank her for her comments.”
Adult films are raking in moolah in Bollywood
"Delhi Belly" has shocked quite a few with its toilet and sex scenes and generous use of expletives, but the A-certified film got a bumper response. With "Haunted" and "Murder 2" also raking in the moolah, these movies have shown how to make money despite having a restricted audience.
"The reason we are seeing A-movies becoming hits is because people are experimenting a lot with the subject. Gone are the days of happy family with Ram Rajya-type subjects. Just to get out of the family drama zone, Bollywood is experimenting with subjects, language and characters," director Rahul Dholakia told.
Dholakia, known for making movies like "Parzania" (2005) and "Lamhaa: The Untold Story of Kashmir" (2010), which were released with A-certificates, is penning down a courtroom drama, "Kanoon", which has a close reference to the 2007 Nandigram incident in West Bengal.
He believes the audience was always ready to accept strong and bold concepts, but producers and directors shied away.
"We always watched such things, but it's just that we never really told such stories through our cinema. There were films by Mahesh Bhatt which had strong and bold concepts like 'Saaransh' (1984) and the movie was well received by the audience.
" 'Nirmaan' (1974), directed by Ravi Tandon, was another example of strong and real subjects. Though the movie received an average business, the plot is revisited now," he added.
In the past few years, things have changed and filmmakers have become bold storytellers and A-movies are setting cash registers ringing.
"Delhi Belly", an adult comedy produced by Aamir Khan, has broken the dry spell at the box office by earning Rs.15.65 crore on its first two days and Mohit Suri's crime thriller "Murder 2" earned Rs.34.9 crore net in the first week.
Earlier this year Raj Kumar Gupta's "No One Killed Jessica", which makes heavy use of abuses, was given an A-certificate, but it created a box-office record.
Anurag Kashyap's "Shaitan", about the dark side of the life of Mumbai youngsters, and Ekta Kapoor's horror flick "Ragini MMS" received critical acclaim and did decent business at the box office.
Gupta said the times have changed and so have viewer perspectives.
"Bollywood films that include reality, violence and the dark side of life have caused a stir. The film industry is also trying hard to shed its traditionally conservative image and develop a new Bollywood which is full of experimentation," said Gupta.
Film critic Taran Adarsh feels a new Bollywood is coming out and said: "Now the whole concept has changed. I am not denying that masala movies have taken a back seat, but other films are also doing very well. 'Delhi Belly' is a shining example. We have a broader outlook towards everything; so we are automatically experimenting."
Mainstream cinema has moved into the 'adult' territory nowadays with acclaimed actors like Aamir Khan and Naseeruddin Shah, who acted in "Ishqiya", jumping into the A bandwagon without any hitch.
Dholakia feels Sharmila Tagore, the ex-chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), and Vinayak Azad, the regional director of CBFC, played a big role in changing the trend.
"Full credit should be given to two people for this change in Bollywood - one is Sharmila Tagore and the second is Vinayak Azad. They are the ones who made a revolutionary change in cinema in the last five years. I love the way Bollywood movies are made nowadays," he said.
"The reason we are seeing A-movies becoming hits is because people are experimenting a lot with the subject. Gone are the days of happy family with Ram Rajya-type subjects. Just to get out of the family drama zone, Bollywood is experimenting with subjects, language and characters," director Rahul Dholakia told.
Dholakia, known for making movies like "Parzania" (2005) and "Lamhaa: The Untold Story of Kashmir" (2010), which were released with A-certificates, is penning down a courtroom drama, "Kanoon", which has a close reference to the 2007 Nandigram incident in West Bengal.
He believes the audience was always ready to accept strong and bold concepts, but producers and directors shied away.
"We always watched such things, but it's just that we never really told such stories through our cinema. There were films by Mahesh Bhatt which had strong and bold concepts like 'Saaransh' (1984) and the movie was well received by the audience.
" 'Nirmaan' (1974), directed by Ravi Tandon, was another example of strong and real subjects. Though the movie received an average business, the plot is revisited now," he added.
In the past few years, things have changed and filmmakers have become bold storytellers and A-movies are setting cash registers ringing.
"Delhi Belly", an adult comedy produced by Aamir Khan, has broken the dry spell at the box office by earning Rs.15.65 crore on its first two days and Mohit Suri's crime thriller "Murder 2" earned Rs.34.9 crore net in the first week.
Earlier this year Raj Kumar Gupta's "No One Killed Jessica", which makes heavy use of abuses, was given an A-certificate, but it created a box-office record.
Anurag Kashyap's "Shaitan", about the dark side of the life of Mumbai youngsters, and Ekta Kapoor's horror flick "Ragini MMS" received critical acclaim and did decent business at the box office.
Gupta said the times have changed and so have viewer perspectives.
"Bollywood films that include reality, violence and the dark side of life have caused a stir. The film industry is also trying hard to shed its traditionally conservative image and develop a new Bollywood which is full of experimentation," said Gupta.
Film critic Taran Adarsh feels a new Bollywood is coming out and said: "Now the whole concept has changed. I am not denying that masala movies have taken a back seat, but other films are also doing very well. 'Delhi Belly' is a shining example. We have a broader outlook towards everything; so we are automatically experimenting."
Mainstream cinema has moved into the 'adult' territory nowadays with acclaimed actors like Aamir Khan and Naseeruddin Shah, who acted in "Ishqiya", jumping into the A bandwagon without any hitch.
Dholakia feels Sharmila Tagore, the ex-chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), and Vinayak Azad, the regional director of CBFC, played a big role in changing the trend.
"Full credit should be given to two people for this change in Bollywood - one is Sharmila Tagore and the second is Vinayak Azad. They are the ones who made a revolutionary change in cinema in the last five years. I love the way Bollywood movies are made nowadays," he said.
Female fan lands up outside Abhay Deol's home
A female fan landed up with a bouquet of flowers and pleaded with him to marry her. She agreed to leave only after the actor clicked a picture with her.
And though we're sure the actor loved all the attention, he's not yet in the mood to tie the knot.
He has been in a steady relationship with model-actor Preeti Desai for a few years now.
But few things sell in B-Town as much bachelorhood, and we guess it'll be a while before Abhay takes a walk down the aisle.
I request the Government to hang Ajmal Kasab: Vindu Dara Singh
The Bomb-bay bomb blasts have upset all of us and we keep thinking how we bring an end to this growing menace. We blame the police, state government, Center Government and that is all that we tax paying citizens can actually do. Any such attack or scam incident in India is followed by lots of news coverage by all the networks, followed by lots of debates and mobile messages, followed by a candle march in various places and eventually forgotten till the next big blast.
I have also thought about this a lot like the rest of us and feel that if we put our mind to it we can overcome this.
The Government keeps finding quick fix solutions to it which will never work because finding a terror suspect in the crowded streets of Mumbai is like finding a needle from a haystack.
We will have to start a huge process of accountability which will be hard but shall get rid of lots of problems in our system and eventually we will come out victorious.
A Passport kind of document has to be developed and given to each and every citizen of the country with a number which will be their Identity number, we can start off by giving it to everyone who attains the age of 18 and above and you cannot get any employment unless you have that document.
It has to be unique and cannot be sold under corruption or duplicated. It has to be online and every employer will have to give a reason as to why he has removed the employee so the people know that it is like a report card and if you rob or cheat it will be hard to get your next job.
The employer has to sign the document and date since the person began the job till the date when they left the job with the reason and how good and effective the person was at work, in case an employer hires a person without asking for the number and details he to will be held responsible and guilty.
Nepali's and Bangladeshi’s will get a different document as they enter because no job is possible without it and any policeman can ask for your ID number and we must all be have it memorized and he can put it in his computer and our record will pop up with date and place of birth, picture etc.
A common domestic servant to will be easy to employ without any police verification cause all records will be online. I know this process is hard but It is necessary so that all documents like a voters card, Ration Card, Pan Card will not be needed then and I think if all the offices in the country can just be giving this one document to each and every citizen and uploading the information on the net it will be easily possible. Until this happens you can keep trying to find that one person out of 120 crores and fail most of the time.
Also I request the Government to hang Ajmal Kasab so that the other terrorists know that if they get caught they will be hanged publicly before another Kandahar kind of incident makes us set him free.
Please give a private contract to a surveillance company to put all the metros under CCTV entirely with every nook and corner linked and I would not mind if the 2G scam accused are given bail if they pay for the entire process of CCTV covering all the metros and major cities fine them the entire amount and give them bail and I am sure they would be willing and ready with this offer.
Mumbai has just a few entry points so please get huge machines that can X ray the entire vehicles and trucks that enter through these points as it is not possible for a nakabandi to ever stop guns and bombs.
First look: Mahi Gill Goes Bold
Here's a look at how far the actress has gone in 'Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster' Mahi Gill stunned everyone with her bold portrayal of Paro in Dev D.
But in Tigmanshu Dhulia's Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster (the new-age adaptation of the old classic Sahib Biwi Aur Ghulam), she goes a step further.
Not only has she shed her clothes but also has a lengthy kissing scene as well.
A source says, "The film has erotic scenes between Randeep Hooda and Mahi Gill. There is a love-making scene where she is dressed like a royal bahu and seduces Randeep's character.
Initially she had a few reservations, but once Tigmanshu assured her that it will be shot aesthetically she was game for it."
Says producer Sunil Bohra, "It's a romantic scene in the film. Though people will find it very hot and sensuous, Tigmanshu has shot the sequence aesthetically."
But in Tigmanshu Dhulia's Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster (the new-age adaptation of the old classic Sahib Biwi Aur Ghulam), she goes a step further.
Not only has she shed her clothes but also has a lengthy kissing scene as well.
A source says, "The film has erotic scenes between Randeep Hooda and Mahi Gill. There is a love-making scene where she is dressed like a royal bahu and seduces Randeep's character.
Initially she had a few reservations, but once Tigmanshu assured her that it will be shot aesthetically she was game for it."
Says producer Sunil Bohra, "It's a romantic scene in the film. Though people will find it very hot and sensuous, Tigmanshu has shot the sequence aesthetically."
Katrina Kaif apologises for Rahul Gandhi remark
Katrina Kaif has apologised for her statement that Rahul Gandhi is half-Indian and half-Italian just like she is half British and half Indian.
The star feels her remarks made during an interview were misconstrued.
Kat had earned the wrath of the Congress party when its spokesperson stated: "Who is she? I do not know. Tomorrow, you will ask for our reaction on the statement of Johny Lever.
To what level you want to bring down the level of the political discourse in the country?"
Next time Kat will be doubly guarded before even saying anything about Rahul baba!
The star feels her remarks made during an interview were misconstrued.
Kat had earned the wrath of the Congress party when its spokesperson stated: "Who is she? I do not know. Tomorrow, you will ask for our reaction on the statement of Johny Lever.
To what level you want to bring down the level of the political discourse in the country?"
Next time Kat will be doubly guarded before even saying anything about Rahul baba!
Warring Couple Sonam-Shahid Are Friends Again
When Shahid had a house-warming party on at his newly-renovated apartment at Raj Classic in Andheri for his close friends, invitees were surprised to see Sonam present.
Since when had she become Shahid's friend? Everyone at the intimate party wondered.
It's a well-known fact by now that Shahid and Sonam are two different individuals and actors with irreconcilable differences about their approach to work.
There was constant friction during the shooting engendered by their different work methods. The differences of opinion vanished just as suddenly as they started.
During the last schedule of Mausam in Mumbai Shahid, always the one in charge, sat his co-star down for a long meeting.
Says a source, “Shahid was the one who initiated the long meeting. He felt that if the differences between them continued, Shahid's father the film's director Pankaj Kapoor and the film, in that order, would suffer.
Shahid sat Sonam down and explained to her why it was imperative for them to out up compatible front and put an end to all the talk about the friction and fights between them.
Shahid reasoned with his co-star that they were doing an intense love story together. If the audience thought of them as a warring couple it would prejudice them against the passion that they shared in Mausam. ”
In brief Shahid asked his co-star to put on her best performing abilities for the sake of the film. Sonam agreed to play along.
Says the source, “They were never at war or anything. They were just two different persons. Shahid decided to push their differences under the carpet, so they could project a compatible picture for the publicity. ”
Murder 2: Model-actor Pinki Gaur to sue Bhatts
For using her photos indiscriminately in 'Murder 2'Considering that Bhatt productions are always courting controversy, one can understand their latest venture being caught in the eye of a storm.
Though it does come as a surprise that Murder 2 has got into trouble 10 days since its release. Model-actor Pinki Gaur is all set to send a legal notice to Mukesh and Mahesh Bhatt's production house, Vishesh Films, for using her photograph without her prior consent.
Pinki, who has featured in shows like Dil Dosti Dance, Karam Apna Apna recalls being informed about her photograph being used in Murder 2.
"There's a scene, where an agent is talking about supplying prostitutes and showing pictures of a number of girls. One of the snaps he shows is mine, and he says that she's gone out on work, " says Pinki, adding that she was astonished as she had never given any of her photographs to Vishesh Films.
However, through a friend who works with Mukesh and Mahesh Bhatt's company, she learnt that they had obtained permission from a model coordinator who had given them her photographs.
Pinki avers that there should have been an agreement with her. "How can they use my photograph in their movie just like that?" she wonders, maintaining that, "There was no contract, nothing at all. Just using my photograph for a scene like that is not acceptable to me."
She further says that while it may not matter to the producers, her snap featuring in a scene where a character is showing photographs of prostitutes could affect her career.
Pinki concedes that her friend suggested she send the notice to Vishesh Films, which she's doing today. "If they don't reply, then I can file an FIR against them for using my photograph like this, " asserts the model-actor.
Possible goof-up
While Mahesh Bhatt says, "If you've seen the film, you'll understand that it's not our intention to malign, demean or tarnish the image of the people whose photographs feature along with that of Yana Gupta, on whom the scene zeroes on."
He conceded that a trainee in charge of putting the props for the particular scene might have goofed up. "Instead of getting the images cleared by the department seniors, the trainee bungled up, maybe out of sheer oversight or lethargy, " he admitted.
Bhatt further reasoned that going the legal way could in turn be a cause of hardship for the girl concerned, so he'd rather resolve the issue arbitrarily.
"If the lady wants a graceful apology from Vishesh Films, I've no problems with that, " he stated, adding that nothing would come out from her going to court. "Because our courts are already burned with far more important cases. So it's best to resolve it arbitrarily."
Kajal 'Singham' Agarwal - Punjabi by birth South Indian by choice
The actress does not feel insecure about Ajay stealing the show in the promos of 'Singham' and says that she had a great time working with the actor.
When asked whether Ajay's presence makes her insecure about her visibility in the film, Kajal says, "Its not the amount of screen space that I have but it is the quality of work that I deliver.
Yes, its an Ajay Devgn film but I will stand out with my performance. I am sure after watching the film people won't stop loving me."
Directed by Rohit Shetty, 'Singham', is an action film. On her experience of working with Ajay, the actress says, "Its better for me to act with Ajay as acting is second nature to him. We have rehearsed together and he is very co-operative.
He does not need rehearsals he gave me very important tips." 'Singham', a remake of 2010 Tamil film of the same name, stars Ajay and Kajal in lead roles.
After having made a name for herself down South, Kajal, says though the reach of Hindi cinema is wider but the south film industry is now going beyond boundaries.
"The reach is bigger in Hindi cinema. The reach is definitely wider in Hindi cinema. But now-a-days south regional cinema is reaching lot of places. Both the industries are equally professional, very punctual, have got good technique, good artists, good stories and scripts, " Kajal said.
"For example my movie 'Magadheera' has been watched by lot of non-Telugu people. I do believe regional barriers are slowly and steadly disappearing which is a very good thing for us, " she said.
Talking about trends in the film industry, Kajal says, "I have noticed is lot of technicians like art directors, choreographers, actress are being shared pan-India. Like lot of south technicians are working for Hindi cinema and vice-versa.
Even actresses and actor are now working or doing films in different languages. I do believe that regional barriers are disappearing now and its now becoming one big Indian industry."
The Mumbai-based actress had reportedly stirred up controversy down South when in an interview she said she does not consider herself as a south Indian actress, as she is Punjabi by birth.
Following which Tamil and Telugu filmmakers issued statements saying they will ban the actress from working in south Indian films.
"I feel very proud that I am a South Indian actress. That industry has given me name, fame and love. I have never said I am not a south Indian actress...I have done 21 movies over there.
I do enjoy a certain position over there which is fabulous and why will I say that, " Kajal said. 'Singham' is all set to hit cinema houses on July 22.
Winners of 12th International India Film Academy (IIFA) awards ceremony in Toronto
Bollywood stars to celebrated the 12th International India Film Academy (IIFA) awards ceremony in Toronto, Canada. Shahrukh Khan was one of the favourites to win, along with Salman Khan blockbuster Debangg.Toronto, Canada, was the host for the 2011 International Indian Film Academy Awards. On Saturday, June 25, 2011 at 8pm, the Rogers Centre in Toronto held the12th IIFA Awards.
The glitzy affair with stars from Bollywood in downtown Toronto meant road closures around the event area. Bollywood fans arrived as early as 7.30am at the Rogers Centre in order to be at the front of the reception to see stars arrive.As the stars descended on the green, the evening received a raptus reception from thousands of fans screaming and shouting to get a glimpse of some of the biggest names in Bollywood.
Lisa Ray, Irfan Khan, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Anil Kapoor with Hilary Swank (Hollywood actress), Shilpa Shetty, and Bipasha Basu, Shahrukh Khan with Ontario’s premier Dalton McGuinty and Asha Bhonsle were amongst some of the names to be the arrivals wowing the crowds at the venue.
The IIFA awards event sold-out live to accommodate an audience of 22,000 in the Rogers Centre. Television broadcasts and pay per view also attracted approximately another 700 million viewers.
The awards ceremony was hosted by Riteish Deshmukh and Boman Irani. Performances on the night included Shahrukh Khan on stage, who tweeted on Twitter before his performance and said: “Iifa begins…nervous cos of my knee pain…hope I entertain the audience enuff…so much love need to return the warmth,” Kangana Ranuat and the Deols with over colourful 200 dancers on stage.
Here is the list of the winners of the 2011 IIFA Awards:
Best Film
Dabangg
Dabangg
Best Direction
Karan Johar (My Name Is Khan)
Karan Johar (My Name Is Khan)
Leading Role Male
Shahrukh Khan (My Name Is Khan)
Shahrukh Khan (My Name Is Khan)
Leading Role Female
Anushka Sharma (Band Baaja Baaraat)
Anushka Sharma (Band Baaja Baaraat)
Supporting Role Male
Arjun Rampal (Raajneeti)
Arjun Rampal (Raajneeti)
Supporting Role Female
Prachi Desai (Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai)
Prachi Desai (Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai)
Comic Role
Riteish Deshmukh (Housefull)
Riteish Deshmukh (Housefull)
Negative Role
Sonu Sood (Dabangg)
Sonu Sood (Dabangg)
Debut Male
Ranveer Singh
Ranveer Singh
Debut Female
Sonakshi Sinah (Dabangg)
Sonakshi Sinah (Dabangg)
Best Story
Shibani Bhatija (My Name Is Khan)
Shibani Bhatija (My Name Is Khan)
Screenplay
Dilip Shukla, Abhinav Kashyap (Dabangg)
Dilip Shukla, Abhinav Kashyap (Dabangg)
Dialogue
Vishal Bhardwaj (Ishqiya)
Vishal Bhardwaj (Ishqiya)
Music Direction
Sajid – Wajid & Lalit Pandit (Dabangg)
Sajid – Wajid & Lalit Pandit (Dabangg)
Lyrics
Niranjan Iyengar (My Name Is Khan – Sajdaa)
Niranjan Iyengar (My Name Is Khan – Sajdaa)
Playback Singer Male
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan (Dabangg – Tere Mast Mast Do Nain)
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan (Dabangg – Tere Mast Mast Do Nain)
Playback Singer Female
Mamta Sharma (Dabangg – Munni Badnam)
Mamta Sharma (Dabangg – Munni Badnam)
Outstanding Achievement in International Cinema
Irrfan Khan
Irrfan Khan
Lifetime Achievement Award
Asha Bhonsle
Asha Bhonsle
Outstanding Contribution to Indian cinema
Dharmendra (50 years in cinema)
Dharmendra (50 years in cinema)
Outstanding Achievement in Indian cinema
Sharmila Tagore
Sharmila Tagore
Best On-Screen Jodi
Anuksha Sharma and Ranveer Singh (Band Baaja Baaraat)
Anuksha Sharma and Ranveer Singh (Band Baaja Baaraat)
Special ‘Green’ Award
Priyanka Chopra
Priyanka Chopra
On the night before the main awards, the technical awards were given out and Salman Khan’s ‘Dabangg’ and ‘Band Baaja Baaraat’ led the technical award winners with three trophies each. ‘Dabangg’ won Best Choreography for the hit song, ‘Munni Badnaam Hui’ choreographed by Farah Khan, and Leslie Fernandes won Best song recording. The film also won the award for Best Action by S Vijayan.Maneesh Sharma’s ‘Band Baaja Baaraat’ won three awards/ Best Editing for Namrata Rao, Song Recording for Vijay Dayal’s ‘Ainvayi Ainvayi’ and Costume Designing by Niharika Khan.
Shankar, Ehsaan, Loy won the award for the best background score for ‘My Name Is Khan’ and Pritam Das won for Best Sound Recording for ‘Love, Sex aur Dhoka.’ Sudeep Chatterjee won the award for Best Cinematographer for ‘Guzaarish.’
Rajnikanth and Aishwariya Rai Bachchan film ‘Robot’ won Best Art Director for Sabu Cyril and the awards for Special Effects by Indian Artists and Make-up by Banu.
Looks like the 2011 IIFA Awards were a Dabangg affair and of course SRK didn’t miss out by winning Best Actor. All in all everyone at the event was elated to win or just be there. A great show put together by Wizcraft and Toronto.
Once again IIFA has completed a spectacular show with all the razzmatazz of Bollywood; celebrating a year of exciting, interesting, nostalgic and innovative Indian cinema. This first North American show definitely has opened the doors for brand IIFA and all that comes with it.
Reason for Robert Pattinson's New Haircut Revealed!
It turns out the most talked-about sight at the Breaking Dawn panel wasn't that infamous sex scene after all. Instead, it was Robert Pattinson's new 'do, which I can only describe as a partial mullet. Business on the side, party on the other side.
So, what's the story behind the half-buzz? There's an official story, of course, but I have some theories as to what really happened.
The Breaking Dawn scene got re-enacted at home. You know how Edward goes all ape-man in the book and rips up the bedroom while he's ravaging Bella, right? Who's to say R-Patz and Kristen Stewart didn't get a little worked up filming this pivotal moment and decided to play "Powerful Yet Helpless in Your Presence Vampire and Overcome With Repressed Hormones Human" back at their mansion or hotel suite or crew trailer or whatever? I'm just saying, they may seem kind of mopey and broody in real life, but maybe they're just crazed sexbeasts. Hair-pulling can go too far, kids.
R-Patz is trying to hide his bald spot. In a fit of weepy emo desperation triggered by some bad overhead lighting and the revelation that no matter how handsome he may currently be, he's destined to morph into Prince William any minute now, Robert Pattinson viciously attacked his own head with a pair of scissors. Bad move, Rob.
He has a Comic-Con reputation to live up to. Maybe Pattinson is just trying to keep the crazy-hair Comic-Con tradition alive. After all, this is what he looked like in 2008:
Whoah.
Well, I hate to disappoint you since those are obviously some very fine theories, but the official excuse for why Edward looks like he lost a fight with an oscillating fan is that he's starring in the upcoming thriller Cosmopolis, which is "centered on a young man who makes an odyssey across Manhattan in order to get a haircut." Uhhhh. Okay. That sounds ... awesome.
Salman's the most sacrificing: Shera
Salman Khan invited his real life bodyguard Shera to launch the music of his forthcoming film 'Bodyguard'.
Shera was touched by Salman bhai's kind gesture. As he thanked Salman at the event he couldn't stop himself from unveiling Salman Khan, the man and not the actor to the world.
"It was kind of him (Salman) to give me an opportunity to launch the trailer of his film 'Bodyguard'. At first I couldn't believe it. I have been working with Salman bhai for the past 15 years. He is family and I will most happily take every bullet if at all fired at him as his bodyguard.
Although, I'd like to say, Salman Khan is the person who can sacrifice his all for the people he loves. He can give his life for us and that is what makes him special," revealed an emotional Shera.
Now that's really a special bond the two share, we say.
Shera was touched by Salman bhai's kind gesture. As he thanked Salman at the event he couldn't stop himself from unveiling Salman Khan, the man and not the actor to the world.
"It was kind of him (Salman) to give me an opportunity to launch the trailer of his film 'Bodyguard'. At first I couldn't believe it. I have been working with Salman bhai for the past 15 years. He is family and I will most happily take every bullet if at all fired at him as his bodyguard.
Although, I'd like to say, Salman Khan is the person who can sacrifice his all for the people he loves. He can give his life for us and that is what makes him special," revealed an emotional Shera.
Now that's really a special bond the two share, we say.
Ram Gopal Varma's Shabri will release soon
Nearly five years ago, Ram Gopal Varma produced Shabri, a story about the first female crime lord in Mumbai, but his apprehensions about the subject prevented him from releasing the film.
However, now that director Vishal Bhardwaj has announced his upcoming project Daayan, which is also based on a female gangster, RGV has decided that it's the right time to release Shabri.
When contacted, director Lalit Marathe confirmed, "The film will be releasing on August 26. I am elated. It has been a long wait. I was never given any reason as to why the film was held back. I tried really hard to get it released. Ramu will also be involved in the promotions of the film."
Considering that RGV did not think the film was suitable for release five years ago, the industry is abuzz with speculations about the influences on the script.
However, the director dismisses all the speculations and said, "The film is a fictional account of a female gangster. It will not be similar to the one Vishal Bhardwaj is going to make, which I believe is based on a story from Hussain Zaidi's book. I hope the delay works in favour of the film rather than against it."
The film starring Eesha Koppikhar and newcomer Raj Arjun will be released by co-producers Reliance Pictures, formerly known as Adlabs.
However, now that director Vishal Bhardwaj has announced his upcoming project Daayan, which is also based on a female gangster, RGV has decided that it's the right time to release Shabri.
When contacted, director Lalit Marathe confirmed, "The film will be releasing on August 26. I am elated. It has been a long wait. I was never given any reason as to why the film was held back. I tried really hard to get it released. Ramu will also be involved in the promotions of the film."
Considering that RGV did not think the film was suitable for release five years ago, the industry is abuzz with speculations about the influences on the script.
However, the director dismisses all the speculations and said, "The film is a fictional account of a female gangster. It will not be similar to the one Vishal Bhardwaj is going to make, which I believe is based on a story from Hussain Zaidi's book. I hope the delay works in favour of the film rather than against it."
The film starring Eesha Koppikhar and newcomer Raj Arjun will be released by co-producers Reliance Pictures, formerly known as Adlabs.
Shah Rukh Khan mocks Salman Khan, performs on Dabangg
Shah Rukh Khan perfroms at the International Indian Film Academy
Recently held at Toronto, IIFA 2011 Awards have revealed the greatest love affairs and definitely a lesson that 'a friend in need is a friend indeed', and seems like SRK's finale act was just enough to give a perfect icing to the glamorous cake! Seems like in a performance on Dabbang, King Khan expressed his thought on Salman's step in the title song and commented on it saying that it seems like later's pants were quite loose, resulting in one of the funniest step. Almost hitting a score with a mockery on Salman, SRK managed to conquer the battle with a diplomatic statement on how Arbaaz-Mallaika make for the most adorable couple in the industry.
Seems like King Khan is using his wit to impress some old friends of the industry, the question remains unanswered as Salman remains unapproachable.
Who's the fairest of them all? First look at Phil's beautiful daughter Lily Collins as Snow White
It looks like Lily Collins could be the fairest of them all if you take this exclusive Brothers Grimm: Snow White picture at face value.
However if Phil Collins daughter is to take the title it will be against all odds, as she is starring opposite Hollywood beauty Julia Roberts in the fantasy adventure.
It is being billed as a dark twist on the classic fairy tale, in which Snow White and the seven dwarfs look to reclaim their destroyed kingdom.
Fairest of them all: The first image of Lily Collins starring as Snow White in the upcoming adaption of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale
However viewers will get to see both sides of the story when they see the Pretty Woman star’s Evil Queen battle to eliminate her pure-hearted nemesis.
No doubt parents will enjoy watching the two sweethearts battle it out in the upcoming movie.
Lily, who is following in her father’s footsteps by going into acting, said: ‘I keep saying to everyone I feel like I’m walking into a snow globe, a fairy tale, every single day.
Wear my hat: Lily has followed in her rock star father Phil's footsteps by becoming an actress
‘It’s so epic. I was part of a costume ball today, so you can only imagine the outfits.
‘She’s very much that fairy tale princess we’ve all read about in books.
'She’s been modernized in a way that she becomes a fighter in the end.’
The Brothers Grimm: Snow White is being released next March, and is directed by The Fall’s Tarsem Sing.
There is a feeling in the air the movie could be Lily’s breakthrough into the big-time.
This was further bolstered when Game of Thrones star Sean Bean agreed to star as Snow White’s father the king.
It seems his character does not share a groovy kind of love with the Evil Queen however, as she ends up trying to steal the heroic prince of the story away from Snow White.
Lily said: ‘They’re competing for the prince in separate ways.
‘The Queen wants to use him to better herself. I’m seeking his help to gain back my kingdom from the Queen.
‘She has her intentions from the start. I go from seeking his help to falling in love, though obviously there’s something of a spark from the beginning.’
Lily says Julia, 43, portrays the Evil Queen as having a sweet exterior, but with a rotten core, and ends up trying to kill Snow White with a poison apple.
She said: ‘You can’t figure out if you are supposed to like her or hate her. But if you happen to be the victim of it, you really feel it.’
Lily, 22, said she is hoping to show her true colours as her character is, ‘a joyful person who lights up a room and maintains grace at all times.
‘She’s a naive innocent young girl who turns into a woman and really finds herself.’
And though they lead separate lives, it looks like Lily is turning out just like her retired rock star father Phil.
The Genesis star started his career as a child actor, and famously appeared as the Artful Dodger in the London production of Oliver, and was an extra in The Beatle’s move A Hard Day’s Night.
By the time he would next grace the silver screen in the popular 1988 Great Train Robbery film Buster he was an established worldwide music superstar.
However it looks like we will have to wait and wonder before we find out if his daughter's film can claim the spoils as next year’s best fairytale movie.
Where did they come from? Pixie displays a Lott of cleavage on dinner date with her boyfriend
She usually has her enviable legs on display in a pair of itsy bitsy hotpants.
But last night, Pixie Lott showcased her generous curves in a daringly cut dress that threatened to spill her bust.
The Mama Do singer headed out for dinner with Oliver Chesire, who indeed had a Cheshire Cat grin across his face.
Curvacious: Pixit Lott looked smitten with her boyfriend Oliver Cheshire
The lovebirds, both clucthing oversized bags, headed to dinner before popping into Blockbusters for a DVD on their way home.
Pixie, real name Victoria Lott, wore a short dress with black ruffled detail.
Despite her bare legs and low-cut frock, she kept the cold weather at bay with a stylish unisex overcoat.
Her tresses however, left a little to be desired for.
Scruffy: Pixie's peroxide hair looked messy compared to normal
The pop princess appeared to have chopped her own layers into her hairdo, with a scruffy unkempt look compared to her usual immaculate glow.
But her natural beauty and grace has scored her a deal with model agency Select.
Pixie said: 'I've always loved experimenting with different looks and styles through work - it's one of the perks of the job!
'I've always been surrounded by clothes, and I love fashion and accessorising.
'I've learned a lot about what works and what doesn't, which has helped to build my confidence and interest in fashion.
'Music and fashion go together well for me as they are both very expressive.'
The 20-year-old peroxide blonde has already dabbled with fashion, having designed a range for Lipsy.
Pixie added: 'Being with Select is like getting my first real fashion job after an apprenticeship.'
Legendary model scout Tandy Anderson, of Select Model Management, said: 'Pixie is stunning.
'She has presence, style, an infectious personality, and has already caught the eye of various designers and photographers, from Dolce & Gabbana to Ellen Von Unwerth.
'She's a talented and successful musician and we are confident that as a model, she can enjoy similar success.'
Voluptuous: Singer wears a flirtatious outfit on night out with Oliver Cheshire
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