Sarabjit Singh's sister, daughters meet Salman Khan

The sister and daughters of Sarabjit Singh, who has been languishing in a Pakistan jail for the last 20 years, met Bollywood actor Salman Khan, who has been seeking his release.

"Today, Sarabjit's sister and daughters had come to meet Salman. They had come on the sets of Dabangg 2 at Mehboob Studio," said a close associate of Salman.

Sarabjit's sister Dalbir Kaur is actively working towards his release. He is married to Sukhpreet Kaur and has two daughters-- Poonam and Swapnadeep.

The 46-year-old actor has begun an online campaign urging people to sign a petition to free Sarabjit.

The Dabangg star plans to hand the petition to Pakistan government in a bid to free Sarabjit, who has been on death row in Lahore jail.

Earlier, on Twitter, Salman had expressed sadness for Sarabjit's family and wanted to launch his support for freeing him.


Press Trust of India | Monday, July 02, 2012 (Mumbai)

Arbaaz Khan's car crushes woman to death

A 70-year-old pavement dweller was crushed to death under actor Arbaaz Khan's Land Cruiser car in Mumbai last night. The actor was not in the car; it was being driven by his brother Sohail Khan's driver, Dhananjaya Pimpale.

The accident happened at around 11 pm last night near the St Andrews Church in Bandra. Pimpale, 46, was driving the car towards Arbaaz Khan's home, when he hit the elderly woman Chandra Bala. The police said they received a call at 11.30 from an eyewitness, reporting the accident. They said preliminary investigations showed the driver had not been drinking, but a medical report on his blood and urine samples is awaited. The driver has been arrested on various charges including negligent driving and culpable homicide not amounting to murder. He will be produced in a local court today.

The police said though Arbaaz Khan, who is Bollywood star Salman Khan's younger brother, was not in the car, his statement will be recorded as the car belongs to him.

The driver is said to have been negotiating a turn when he hit the woman, eyewitnesses said. An autorickshaw driver, who saw the accident happen last night alleged that the car hit the woman and then ran her over, but didn't stop. Another eyewitness said he and a constable rushed the victim to the Bhabha Hospital. "But no doctor was attending to her; half an hour was wasted there. They told us to take the woman out of the hospital," he said. She was later declared dead at the hospital.

An onlooker described the scene at the accident site: "I was just passing by and saw that a woman was lying on the road. She was lying here, bloodied and injured. There were about 150 people gathered there."

In 2002, Salman Khan's Land Cruiser ran over pavement dwellers in Bandra, Mumbai, killing one and injuring three others. The actor was booked for rash driving.


Reported by Rashmi Rajput, Written by Amit Chaturvedi | Monday, July 02, 2012 (Mumbai)  

Rajinikanth's first item number for Aamir Khan @ Rs 15 cr

Is Thalaivar joining the item roll call? The grapevine reports that Tamil superstar Rajinikanth has agreed to appear in an item number in Aamir Khan's delayed project Talaash.


And what might an appearance of this sort by one of India's biggest stars cost? Rumour puts the price tag at a whopping Rs 15 crores, and could be one of the most expensive item songs ever. This will be the 61-year-old Robot actor's first item number.

Besides Rajini sir's fees, the song will cost the production team of Talaash a whopping Rs 50 crore.

If reports are to believed then this item number will be shot at 50 locations across 200 countries and will also feature the who's who of Bollywood, cricket legends and politicians. Talaash, which has been delayed because of Aamir Khan's TV debut, is set to release in November this year.

All in all, this will be one helluva item. We say, mind it!


Sarika Sharma | Monday, July 02, 2012 (New Delhi)  

'I didn't marry into royalty to schlep around in a taxi': Kate is branded a gold-digger in bizarre promotional video for Chinese city

The Duchess of Cambridge has been portrayed as a gold-digger in a promotional video made by Chinese tourism executives.

In the bizarre advertisement - which was made by Chengdu city officials publicising a range of 'panda cabs' - lookalikes playing Kate, Prince William and the Queen are seen standing outside a palace trying to hail a taxi.

The 'Queen' is shown shouting 'taxi' - and whistling to get a driver's attention - before telling her 'grandson' and his wife they should save money by opting for a cab to get to the Jubilee celebrations.

In the video, 'Kate' - played by lookalike Colette Mularkey - moans: 'I just don't understand why we cannot take the royal limo. I didn't marry into royalty to schlep around in a taxi.'

Lookalike Simon Watkinson replies: 'But darling, granny is right. The commoners want to see us tightening our belts and all that.'

By DailyMail
By Kerry Mcqueeney

Sonakshi was terrified to do item song in front of dad in IIFA Awards 2012

Sonakshi Sinha was recently set to sizzle the stage with her dance performance at IIFA Awards and was quite confident about her item number as well. Until she got to know who would be watching it.

While she was performing and showing off her thumkas to the audience, seated on the first row was her father, veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha.

The actress was very petrified and anxious about whether he would approve of her dance moves or not. So much so that she literally broke into a sweat.

But soon Sonakshi gained composure and held the fort. She completed the song as a true, thorough entertainer. While her performance was appreciated by one and all, we are yet to hear what her dad had to say.

Katrina Kaif goes deglam for Tiger

Mumbai: Director Kabir Khan, who had earlier insisted on a no-make-up look for Katrina in the film New York, has gone even further and insisted that she wear clothes from her own wardrobe for this film. Katrina's not complaining either.

A friend of Katrina said: "Katrina loves dressing in casuals. She hates getting dolled up and wearing makeup. She was all smiles during the Ek Tha Tiger shoots."

Interestingly, it's the opposite for Katrina in her forthcoming Yash Raj film opposite Shah Rukh Khan.

Says a source close to the actress, "She is dressed like an average city girl in Ek Tha Tiger. It's the 'real' her, the way she is off screen. She even dug into her own wardrobe for this part. For Yashji's film, Ye Kahan Aa Gaye Hum, however, Katrina has been given a chic appearance, so even a 'casual' song in the park is being worked upon in great detail."

Apparently Yash Chopra is adamant about transforming her into the archetypal Yash Chopra heroine.

In fact, Gulzar has penned a paean to Katrina's beauty and the song has been composed by AR Rahman. The source further adds: "It's Gulzar saab's most romantic song since Jab Bhi Yeh Dil Udaas Hota Hai. And it can't be sung to Katrina in torn jeans and a floppy top."


By : Mid Day

Sunny Deol, Amisha Patel team up again after 'Gadar'

The mood on the sets of Neeraj Pathak's Bhaiyyaji Superhitt (BS) is upbeat. Amisha Patel and Sunny Deol are in their element. Contrary to rumours of the film being shelved, it is being shot at a brisk pace.



"Why give unnecessary importance to baseless rumours! The truth will speak for itself," Amisha says nonchalantly when asked where the rumours began in the first place. Amisha has just returned from a marathon schedule of Race-2 in Turkey.

"My plate is full with lot of good work. I am looking forward to Shortcut Romeo and Race-2. There's also Desi Magic and Paradise Street being made under my home banner. The first has me in a double role, a brainwave of my partner and good friend Kunal Goomer. He is working on the script and I am sure the film will surprise all. And, of course there is Bhaiyyaji Superhitt," she smiles.

Amisha further says, "Sunny and I will be different in this film as compared what you saw of us in Gadar. What makes our combo even more interesting here is Sunny's double role in the film. I am flirting with one but am actually in love with the other. We have not resorted to slapstick humour that is so typical of double roles in a film. It also shows our innocence and vulnerability and that works in our favour as a pair."

Of Sunny, Amisha says, "His shy nature is so endearing. That is what makes him the star that he is."

According to Sunny, BS has stood its ground despite facing rough weather. "Everybody wants the film not to be made. I don't know why. But let me tell you that my fans are going to enjoy watching me in a double role," he smiles.

Director Neeraj Pathak adds, "Sunny and I just laughed when we read that the film was shelved. Our schedules have started and we don't have to prove anything to anyone."

PARAG MANIAR, TNN | Jul 2, 2012, 12.00AM IST

Veena Malik's ultimate dream

Controversy's favourite child, Pakistani actress Veena Malik reveals that her heart craves to croon and that her dream has been to become a singer and not an actor.

"I think, Bollywood is beautiful, but my ultimate dream is not to become a Bollwood star. My ultimate dream is to become a singer. I always wanted to become a singer, but because of my looks I was always suggested to act," Veena told IANS.

"Ever since my childhood, I have imagined myself standing in front of thousands of people and singing. I never dreamt of becoming a Bollywood star. I am happy, and acting is something I enjoy but my ultimate dream is to become a singer," she added.

Currently Veena is busy promoting her first Hindi movie Daal Mein Kuch Kaala Hai, which will see her in a double role.

The actress shot to fame in India with her stint on reality show Bigg Boss 4 and her romantic escapades with Bollywood actor Ashmit Patel spiced it up.

Talking about the popularity of reality shows on television, Veena said: "People love spice in reality shows. There are certain aspects in a reality show that I also like, like Swayamvar. I think media shows what people want to see."

Veena was roped in for the reality show Veena Ka Swayamvar, but the reality show didn't happened because the Imagine decided to shut down its operations.

Would she be part of any dance or comedy show?

"I personally don't like dance shows. I said no to dance shows, I said no to comedy shows because when it comes to comedy, I would like to only do the films," she said.

First stills: Sunny Leone in erotic thriller 'Jism 2' movie

Hot & Spicy Celebrities : FULL ENTERTAINING: First stills: Sunny Leone in erotic thriller 'Jism...: Watch out for stunning Sunny Leone in 'Jism 2' this August.

Are Salman and Abhishek playing the avoidance game?

Abhishek Bachchan has been stationed at Bandra's Mehboob Studios since the past few days giving interviews for his upcoming film with Ajay Devgn

Interestingly, Salman Khan has also been shooting at the studio and that too on the opposite floor.

While both have cleverly avoided bumping into each other, we wonder what will happen when they actually do!

Salman’s staff meanwhile met Bachchan Junior on Wednesday afternoon. 

By Midday

Ileana plays the sexiest role of her career

While Ileana D’Cruz waits for her Bollywood career to take off with Anurag Basu eagerly-awaited Barfi, she has gone back to Hyderabad to work on Jagannadh Puri’s Telugu film Devudu Chesina Manushulu where she stars opposite the reigning superstar of Telugu cinema Ravi Teja.

In Devudu Chesina Manushulu Ileana moves completely away from the image of the simple uncomplicated girl in Barfi to play the piping-hot seductress in Puri’s film.

Ileana plays a taxi-driver in Devudu Chesina Manushulu. Says a source close to the project, “Ileana plays the sexiest role of her career in the film. The image of the staid sober sedate and shy girl goes out of the window. She has been re-invented as a phataka in this role. ”

Says Puri Jagannadh, “I’ve worked a number of times with Ileana. She will be seen in a completely different avatar in my new film. The title Devudu Chesina Manushulu is tentative. We may soon change it. ”

By Subhash K Jha

How Ameesha turned into a producer's delight from being a dud

Actress has five releases lined up in the coming 12 months and has to juggle her dates to complete them

Ameesha Patel is on a roll. The actress returned from Istanbul last week where she was shooting for Race 2. She was in Mumbai for five days for the shooting of Superhit Bhaiyyaji with her favourite co-star Sunny Deol.

It has been tough juggling the dates between her films as Ameesha had to return to Istanbul where she has to shoot till July 2. She then heads back for a huge show in Surat where she will be performing in front of thousands.

After her return from Turkey on July 2, she will immediately leave for Surat from Mumbai airport. Initially her shoot for Race 2 was to end on June 30 but the makers requested two more days.

Ameesha being a professional immediately went ahead and adjusted her dates since she values what a producer and director can go through, especially in films like these where there are so many stars.

The actress has always maintained from the beginning of her career that punctuality and humbleness is the key to long-term success.

Ameesha has five releases lined up in the coming 12 months. So much so that her production partner Kuunal Goomer has to wait for her dates till October for their project as her date diary is full!

Kuunal feels that Ameesha’s life can actually be an example to lots of people who give up in life and are not strong enough to face issues in life. For a while, Ameesha took her time to select the correct scripts that excited her.

Today when she’s mentally ready to experiment, different kind of roles that are coming her way. People are surprised that today Ameesha is back with lots of work in her kitty in such a big way and with so many releases lined up.

As they say people like writing you off but real talent always lasts. Kuunal also feels that it is Ameesha’s inner beauty that is the reason for all this success. 

When she’s on the sets, people actually feel she’s stepping out of the Humraaz set and entering the Race 2 set. These are the words that were said by director duo Abbas-Mustan to Ameesha on the very first day of the Race 2 shoot.

Meanwhile, Kuunal who has been working on a double role film for Ameesha is very close on script completion and two male heroes will be finalised. David Dhawan’s film Paradise Street is also in the planning. Ameesha is out to shock many in 2013.

Sunny Deol with whom she’s working after years had a great time on the sets of Bhaiyajji Superhit and felt that the chemistry of Gadar cannot be defeated.

Ameesha, who will shoot for her sunglass endorsement and then immediately back to Sunny’s film, is very happy with the way her career is shaping up. Ameesha always feels that in life, success or no success, being humble and being a producer’s actress is the key to a long-term career and that’s what makes Ameesha the actress she is today. 

By Midday

Movie Review : The Amazing Spider-Man

Director: Marc Webb

Cast: Emma Stone, Andrew Garfield, Stan Lee, Rhys Ifans, Martin Sheen, Chris Zylka, C. Thomas Howell, Sally Field, Embeth Davidtz, Denis Leary, Irrfan, Kelsey Chow, Annie Parisse, Campbell Scott, Michael Massee

Rating: ****

First, the bad news: The Amazing Spider-Man contains a majority of the elements found in the Sam Raimi film – Peter Parker is a loser school kid in NY, Peter has the hots for his classmate, Peter gets bitten, Peter becomes Spidey, Peter overcomes the school bully, Peter loses his uncle, and Peter fights crime. There is precious little that the reboot brings to the table, some of which includes a glimpse of his parents. The good news is that The Amazing Spider-Man works despite the constant sense of deja vu.

That slightly-okay story finds a young Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) being hurriedly placed by his parents in the care of Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen) and Aunt May (Sally Field). Cut to a grown up Peter working with his late father’s old colleague Doctor Connors (Rhys Ifans) and finding love and a pesky reptilian ruffian with a master plan. The bulk of the film then becomes a series of action scenes and romantic cutaways in which Peter and Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone) effortlessly make us forget the lame melodrama between Maguire and Kirsten Dunst.

There is no upside down kiss under the rain, but there is an unexpected moment under a starlit balcony and a finale that puts a big twist on the bittersweet climax of the 2002 movie. Despite some clunky dialogue, the melodrama and romance here actually works — thanks mainly to director Mark Webb who brings the matured, assured handling of emotions from his (500) Days of Summer and makes his actors believable. Unlike the case in Spider-Man 3, Webb keeps The Amazing Spider-Man from becoming a string of hastily glued together boring ‘emo’ bits.

Best, however, is the charming Andrew Garfield in the title role —even though he looks hilariously old for a school kid. Garfield is the perfect leading man and has a sunny, winning charisma that audiences (mostly girls) can cheer for.

Peter here is faced with more heartbreak and trauma than in all three previous films put together, yet Spidey is more of the sarcastic wisecracking punk here — it makes for a nice change. Emma Stone is jaw-droppingly gorgeous to look at, and her Gwen is rather courageous instead of ditsy. Sheen and Field here are the Hollywood versions of Alok Nath and Farida Jalal, and they even have those overtly dramatic facial expressions and cringe-inducing lines. Irrfan plays the Token Black Guy of the movie.

Mark Webb seems to understand why we have put on the 3D glasses, and he offers enough immersive scenery to keep us wowed. When Spider-Man swings, he takes you along with him. The downside is that there simply aren’t enough of those scenes. There are some brilliant sequences, including one in a sewer that lasts quite a few minutes. One little scene at Peter’s school where a certain someone makes a cameo is probably the film’s best moment. There is also a 3D jump scare that might scare the hell out of you.

The Lizard is menacing, and very intricately designed but frustratingly there aren’t enough still moments to make us appreciate the work that was put in to create the motion capture GI beastie. When the action isn’t happening, Webb brings in his years of music video experience and throws in some rock music montage, but it sadly makes us yearn for Danny Elfman’s score from the Raimi movies.  

By santabanta

'The Amazing Spider-Man' stars Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone are masters of comic (book) timing

Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield give the Daily News a rare interview about the making of 'The Amazing Spider-Man', reliving high school and the best part about living in New York

Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy and Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker in 'The Amazing Spider-Man'

On-screen chemistry isn’t an exact science, even for Peter Parker.

Director Mark Webb and the producers of “The Amazing Spider-Man,” opening Tuesday, knew that all the CGI-infused fight sequences, 3-D camera tricks and heart-pounding stunts wouldn’t mean a thing if they didn’t find the perfect Peter and an equally perfect Gwen Stacy, Peter’s true love from the original 1960s Marvel comic books.

The already-risky rebooting of the successful Tobey Maguire/Kirsten Dunst franchise from 2002-2007 could have been an experiment gone awry had the casting not clicked. But it proved to be a winning formula once British stage veteran Andrew Garfield, 28, and comedy alumna Emma Stone, 23, emerged from an international casting search.


Webb compares the way Garfield and Stone play off each other in an awkward high school hallway scene to ’50s comic duo Mike Nichols and Elaine May.

That playful, rapid-fire back-and-forth was on display when the stars of “The Amazing Spider-Man” — now a couple off-screen as well — recently sat down for an exclusive interview with the Daily News.

Daily News: So, this movie plunks Peter Parker back to his high school days. Emma, even though you were home-schooled, between this movie, “Easy A” and “Superbad,” you can’t seem to graduate, even though you’re now 23.

Emma Stone: I know, are you kidding me?! But as long as they cast me in high school, I’ll take it. There’s going to come a day when [if I passed on one of these roles] I would kick my own a— later on if I was like, ‘You complained about playing younger? Really?!’ There’s nowhere to go but up.

Andrew Garfield: Because you’re looking, well, old.

Stone: I am.

Garfield: You’re looking proper old.

Stone: I am looking proper old.

Andrew, did the scenes in high school give you flashbacks to your own high-school days?

 Garfield: Yeah, of course. Everyone wants to relive high school and do it better — and I got to do it as Peter Parker, which is the most awesome thing ever.

Stone: Are you serious? If you had the chance to go back and do it again, you’d do it again?

Garfield: Yeah, of course. And you’d do it completely differently?

Stone: Hell, no. But most people say they’d never go back.

Garfield: Yeah, but you were simply at home with your mom.

Stone: Yeah, it was awesome. But I wouldn’t do it again.

Garfield: You were the coolest kid in school!

By Ethan Sacks / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS