I use Facebook to my advantage: Riya Sen

Mumbai, March 11 – Although social networking site Facebook is used by most people for fun and interacting with friends, petite actress Riya Sen uses it for her professional pursuits. 

The actress, who walked the ramp in a short white dress by designer Arpan Vohra at the ongoing Lakme Fashion Week (LFW), gets in touch with designers and photographers through the site.

‘I met Arpan for the first time through Facebook. I had bought his clothes from Kimaya and I loved them so much that I decided to get in touch with him and tell him to design some more for me. That’s how I got to know him,’ Riya, 30, told reporters here.

‘Facebook is a good medium of getting in touch with people. I had got in touch with another designer, Pam, through it. I have also got in touch with photographers from Paris and some other countries. So you can use this medium to your advantage. I love it and I’m sure, so do a lot of people,’ she added.

Arpan’s collection was an extension of the sailor girl style, which have key elements connected to all things nautical including ropes, chords and anchor inspired metal studs and knots. The colours aptly used were white, red and sea green, along with silver studs and zipper effects to complete the look. 

The clothes primarily were casual and sporty, including wide-legged sailor pants, jackets and swim wear.

‘We were planning to do a show together for quite some time now but somehow every time some or the other problem used to come up. Finally, this time I did walk the ramp for him and I’m happy,’ said Riya. 

‘I loved the collection because its very different from what he actually does. I selected this outfit from the entire collection because I love white and I loved the way he has designed it,’ added the actress, who was last seen in ‘Paying Guests’ in 2009.

In the past, celebrities like Katrina Kaif, Malaika Arora Khan, Juhi Chawla, Dia Mirza, Chitrangada Singh and Sania Mirza were seen in Arpan’s designs. 

IANS

Lara Dutta talks about her married life

Bangalore, March 11 -  Lara Dutta and Mahesh Bhupathi got hitched on 16th of February in Mumbai, they had registered marriage on that day, and on 19th of February, they got wedded in Goa, in a Victorian style, which was a lavish affair. The Christian style wedding took place at the Sunset Venue in Taj Aguada. Dressed in a white Ellie Saab Gown, Lara looked adorable; while Bhuapthi was sporting a black and white tuxedo.

 

After marriage, Mrs Bhupathi says that to have equilibrium between home and career is a difficult act. She has played the role of a housewife in films, but she did not quite realise the fact until she got married for real. She added that even though the task of maintaining a balance between home and her work is the hardest job, yet she is enjoying her married life a lot. Celebs don’t let the problems come to sight, but its true that she loves both her home and her work, and thus will have to work too hard on both these territories.

Not even a month has passed by, Lara-Mahesh got married, but Lara has become too busy with her work at home as well as on her professional assignments. She is shooting for “Don 2″ and working on her production debut “Chalo Dilli”. Apart from these two, Mrs Bhuapathi is going to launch a fitness DVD.

Hrithik hails nod for passive euthanasia

Mumbai, March 11 – Welcoming the Supreme Court verdict in favour of conditional passive euthanasia for terminally-ill patients, Bollywood hunk Hrithik Roshan, who played paraplegic in director Sanjay Leela Bansali’s ‘Guzaarish’, says he can realize the pain of a patient who loses all mobility.

Hrithik says it’s a good beginning and with time it would become easier for the society to accept it.

‘Any act that ends consistent suffering in any form must be condoned. Euthanasia must be allowed in cases that merit it. But a system needs to be set in place to process the information and make a decision,’ he said.

‘This is a good beginning, in time as we evolve as a society, it will become easier to see reason in the concept of euthanasia as a boon for those who are suffering to a degree, which you and me cannot even imagine,’ Hrithik said in a statement.

The Supreme Court gave a sanction to passive euthanasia if the high court concerned approves it. The process involves withdrawal of life sustaining drugs and/or life support systems for patients who are brain dead or in a persistent vegetative state (PVS), after their relatives and doctors convey their approval to high court.

IANS

Sonakshi Sinha Fem’s new brand ambassador

New Delhi, March 10 – “Dabangg” actress Sonakshi Sinha has been appointed as the brand ambassador for cosmetic brand Fem Fairness Bleach.

 

Fem is a product of Dabur India, which has recently acquired it.

“As a consumer, I have been associated with Dabur for years now. So, it gives me great pleasure to be associated with a large beauty brand with a stature of Fem and be the face for the brand,” said Sonakshi.

This is not the first time the 23-year-old has endorsed a cosmetic brand. Earlier she replaced actress Katrina Kaif as brand ambassador for beauty soap brand Diana.

Riding high on the success of “Dabangg”, the actress is busy shooting for Shirish Kunder’s “Joker” along with Akshay Kumar.

Yuvika Chaudhury to be showstopper for Sabah Khan at Lakme Fashion Week

Mumbai, March 10 – Actress Yuvika Chaudhury, who featured in the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer “Om Shanti Om”, will walk the ramp at the Lakme Fashion Week (LFW), starting Friday, for designer Sabah Khan.

“Yuvika Chaudhury would be my showstopper and she has never dressed in this style before. She has always worn classic dresses. But what she would be wearing for the show, would be very funky,” Khan told IANS.

Yuvika, who has been part of films like “Summer 2007″, “Toh Baat Pakki” and will also be seen in upcoming Govinda-starrer “Naughty @40″, will walk the ramp for Khan’s “Tuk Tuk On Linen” collection.

Apart from the fact that the young actress is Khan’s friend, the designer also chose Yuvika because she could not afford to get a bigger star for her show.

“I have just graduated from NIFD (International Institute of Fashion Design) so, from an emerging designer’s point of view, I don’t have the contacts and the backing where I can afford to give a grand fees to a big star to be my showstopper. Yuvika is a very dear friend and fits in very well, so I decided on her,” said the 21-year-old designer.

Her collection is inspired by the auto-rickshawwalas of Mumbai and will include dhoti dungarees, waterfront waistcoats, T-backs as well as bikinis and hot pants.

“I think very common things in life can inspire you to make complex things. Rickshaws are the most available medium of transport in Mumbai, which are available at every hour all across the city. These small things inspired me.

“Rickshaw is the metaphor. All the elements of Rickshaw have been combined to construct the garments for the collection. Road signs such as yellow and the white lines used to mark the divider have been used very beautifully in my collection and borders,” she added.

The collection is made to be very funky and commercially viable, says Khan.

“The garments need to be commercially viable also. Whatever we make for the ramp are roughly over the top… I needed to project myself in such a manner that people know how creative I am. When I will sit with the buyers, we will make the changes according to the requirement of our clients,” she said..

Geeta Basra walks for designers Parvesh-Jai at LFW

Mumbai, March 11 – Actress Geeta Basra, who was recently in the news for her alleged relationship with Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, enjoyed walking the ramp at the Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) as the showstopper for designer duo Parvesh and Jai. 

‘It was a fantastic experience walking the ramp for them. The garment was so nice and light that I really loved sporting it. You feel nervous when you are on the ramp and worry about malfunctioning or tripping off, but thankfully all went well,’ Basra told reporters after the show.

She walked the ramp in a maroon lehenga and green choli. 

Geeta made her Bollywood debut with ‘Dil Diya Hai’ (2006) and also featured in ‘The Train: Some Lines Should Never Be Crossed…’ (2007) – both opposite Hindi movies’ serial kisser Emraan Hashmi.

Parvesh said: ‘It was wonderful to get her as a showstopper. She is very nice by heart and very down to earth and carried it very well so it was pleasant working with her.’

The duo’s collection, inspired by flora and fauna, is called ‘Rural Species’.

‘Our collection is inspired by nature, animals, birds and fish. Our collection is for those who have really travelled the world and then go to a remote village in India to spend some time there. The prints have fish, elephants, trees and birds and elements, which are very rural,’ said Parvesh.

Their collection comprises loose gowns and they have used with hand print applique work and hand embroidery. One striking feature of their collection was that most of the garments were transparent. 

‘This resort couture collection is for powerful women who dare to experiment, love to flaunt their feminity, break the norms and above all, love to live to the fullest,’ said the Delhi-based Parvesh. 

IANS

Viacom18, Movie Temple Productions to produce Kashyap’s next

New Delhi, March 11 – Viacom18 Motion Pictures have teamed up with Movie Temple Productions to produce ‘Dabangg’ director Abhinav Kashyap’s second directorial venture, which is tentatively titled ‘Project 18′. 

The film is being written by Kashyap and is slated to go on floors in the last quarter of the year.

‘I am impressed with their (Viacom18 Motion Pictures and Movie Temple Productions) approach to focus on high-quality content which connects with the audience and their ability to execute and market films innovatively. Together, we should be able to deliver a film that is high in appeal for the audience,’ he said.

Movie Temple Productions Pvt Ltd is co-promoted by Sanjeev Gupta, a Saharanpur-based textiles businessman, and Himanshu Mehra, chief assistant director to Kashyap for ‘Dabangg’.

‘We have been able to identify a lot of young and enthusiastic talent to support us in our endeavour and we hope to live up to everyone’s expectations,’ said Mehra.

Vikram Malhotra, COO Viacom18 Motion Pictures, said: ‘We are proud to have Abhinav join the Viacom18 Motion Pictures family. Abhinav is not just a rare writing and directing talent but also possesses an uncanny and stylish approach to filmmaking that puts him in the top league of young directors today. We also plan to further build on our relationship with Mr. Sanjeev Gupta and Mr. Himanshu Mehra’s company Movie Temple Productions.’ 

IANS

Miley Cyrus lashes out at paparazzi

Actress-singer Miley Cyrus yelled out at a photographer for the second day in a row after he got too close to her while she was leaving a gym.

The 18-year-old singer-and-actress was leaving a gym in West Hollywood, California, when the incident took place. She than unsuccessfully tried to grab his camera, X17.

The incident occurred just a day after she scolded a member of the paparazzi for bumping into her mother with a camera as they were getting into their car after lunch at the California Chicken Cafe.

"You just rammed my mom with your camera. Don't you ever do that again. You just almost hurt my mom. Don't you ever even think about it," femalefirst quoted her saying.

The " Hannah Montana" star also tweeted about it saying, "Being a paparazzi is the most DISGUSTING job imaginable."

Julianne Moore to play Sarah Palin

Actress Julianne Moore has been roped in to play former Alaska governor Sarah Palin in new film "Game Change".

According to a representative from HBO, the film is based on John Heilemann and Mark Halperin's bestseller of the same name. People reports that the film will talk about 2008 presidential campaign mounted by John McCain in which Palin was the candidate for vice president

However, the casting has not been completed for other roles such as McCain or Barack Obama.

Rachel Zoe upset with Galliano's remarks

Fashion stylist Rachel Zoe, who has been good friends with former Christian Dior designer John Galliano, says she was disappointed by his racist remarks. 

"It's a little insane and super-sad. Anti-Semitism, racism or any prejudice is not something I tolerate. I've fired clients because they were anti-Semitic, or anti-everything, except what they were," she told Hollywood Reporter.

"I've known John Galliano and his boyfriend for years. I don't know enough about it to make a clear statement, but if it's true, it's tragic," she added.

Zoe, who has styled Nicole Richie, Kate Hudson and Demi Moore, admits she has always been desperate to work in fashion but is uncomfortable with the fame that comes with it, reports contactmusic.

"I worked 20-something hours a day, seven days a week. I was completely obsessed with fashion and spent all my money flying to Paris to go to couture because that was the dream. I crashed shows, stood in line for Marc Jacobs. Designers were my heroes and my celebrities. It hasn't really worn off.

"A stylist is a behind-the-scenes job. I'm never a star when I'm with a star - ever. Back then, I was very insecure about that. Even now, if you watch me on a red carpet, I'm physically uncomfortable. I can't strike a good pose to save my life. Fortunately and unfortunately, it's a part of brand-building. It's just part of my job," Zoe added.

Drugs made George Michael lose 15 pounds

Singer George Michael lost 15 pounds since he got addicted to drugs. 

Michael, who now sports a lean physique, insists he no longer suffers cravings.

"I'm having therapy about my ongoing drug abuse. Hopefully the period where I was a bit lost is over for good. I hope it's self evident just in the fact I've lost about 15 pounds, I hope it's self-evident I'm not eating as much any more, which should tell you a lot. None of my trousers fit anymore, for the right reasons this time. I've dropped about 14 or 15 pounds without really trying," dailystar quoted him as saying.

"I've always been the porky boy in my head. I didn't know on the last tour I was carrying all that extra weight! Now if anything, I'm a little bit skinny. I have two pairs of black jeans and they're the only ones that fit me. In my head I obviously think I'm going to put the weight back on so I haven't bought any new jeans."

Kelly Osbourne bitten by spider

Singer Kelly Osbourne is nursing a swollen eye after she was bitten on the face by a spider.

The daughter of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne paid a visit to her doctor after her cheek swelled up, leaving her looking fearful, reports contactmusic.

"I got bit by what my doctor thinks is a spider under my eye and I look like I got punched... I spent all day with my dad feeling all sorry for myself looking like Quasimodo! On the plus side we a had family dinner tonight. We have not all been in the same room since xmas except without fighting (sic)," Osbourne posted on her Twitter page.

No bold lip colours for Portman

Oscar-winning actress Natalie Portman, who is pregnant with her first child, says she feels like a clown to wear bold lipstick but is now slowly trying to agree with make-up artists to wear more dramatic colours.

"I feel like a clown if I put on strong lipstick, but recently I've experimented with reds. Make-up artists have been urging me to try stronger lips, but it still doesn't feel like me. I'm working on it," femalefirst quoted her as saying.

Portman also revealed she developed an interest in perfume from her mother and believes it is important to include scent when "dressing up".

"My mum taught me to spray fragrance and walk into it. She has a sensitive sense of smell, so I've grown up with a great awareness. A scent that sets you apart makes you feel glamorous and elegant and gives you a different way of walking into a room - it's part of dressing up," she added.

Why Shah Rukh Khan isn't watching his own Ra.One?

By Subhash K Jha 

 Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies production house is no more a one-man show. In what seems to be major revision in his working methods, Shah Rukh, known to have his finger in every pie,has decided to delegate more authority and power to his extremely efficient colleagues and directors.

This critical decision must be weighed in the light of Shah Rukh’s decision to devote the most time to what he really loves doing the most: acting and being with his family.

Says a source close to SRK, “All these years Shah Rukh has been able to devote himself with equal passion to a number of activities both within his own production house and outside.

But now he wants to focus on what he loves best. He wants to build his equity as an actor. At the same time he doesn’t want to miss out on his children’s growing years.”

To implement his new energy-conservation policy Shah Rukh has withdrawn his responsibilities towards the post-production of Ra.1.

Says the source, “Earlier whenever Shah Rukh produced films he was hand-on in every department.This time he has left the entire production and post-production in other professional hands,so much so that he hasn’t even watched the rushes of Ra1 as yet. As far as he’s concerned his job as an actor and producer in Ra1 is done. His team has now taken over.”

Most of Shah Rukh’s associates have observed that he has now become a team player.

Says a close friend, “Earlier he took personal charge of everything that flowed out of his production house.That has changed now. Maybe it’s the IPL effect on Shah Rukh. But he now insists on other professionals in his production house doing their jobs while he does his own.”

Director Anubhav Sinha confirms that Shah Rukh Khan has not seen the rushes of Ra1 yet.

“I’ve been persuading him to watch it. But he has been shrugging it off. As far as he’s concerned he’s moved on. ‘Picture ban gayi na. Now is the time to focus on its marketing,’ Shah Rukh told me.He has always been a restless soul. Now he is even more so.”

This refusal to rest on laurels and to linger on current production activities is an indication of the direction Shah Rukh’s life will take in the coming years.

It’s time for the superstar to let others in his company make their presence felt. It’s also time for the mega-star to stop being taken for granted.

For years Shah Rukh has played cameos,done guest appearances and voiceovers for friends and strangers. Now, we are told,he won’t be taken for granted.

SRK to share screen with Leonardo Di Caprio | Video News

Rahman creates magic at the Oscars | Video News

Lady Gaga grabs 3 Grammy awards | Video News

Shilpa's low and skimpy dresses too hot to handle for us

The sex siren was scrapped from celebrity invitee list after writers criticised her for exposing her navel while starring in two Kannada films Following close on the heels of the recent displeasure expressed by writers over Infosys chief N R Narayana Murthy inaugurating the Viswa Kannada Sammelana (World Kannada Meet), another noted personality faces their ire for a very different reason. Writers preferred Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as special invitee and perfect representative of Kannada pride outside the state, as opposed to Shilpa Shetty, because they think that the latter is known for her skimpy dressing sense. The list Shilpa has acted in Kannada films including Preethsod Thappa and Auto Shankar. But, the writers were not happy with her because of her steamy scenes and she exposing her navel while draped in a sari. They added that while she was a celebrity outside the state, she could not be seen as the pride of the state. Deepika Padukone was also short listed along with Aishwarya and Shilpa as these glam dolls of Hindi filmdom are from the Tulu speaking part of Karnataka. But, since she was currently out of India and since the orthodox writers did not favour Shilpa, former Miss World Aishwarya was a clear winner. Organisers speak However, organisers sought to decline that skimpy dress sense was the criteria saying that Aishwarya was always the proffered choice. A source from the organising committee requesting anonymity said "We prefer Shilpa to other Bollywood stars since she has acted in Kannada movies and connects well with the Kannada audience. But some writers are not comfortable with the idea and plans have been changed just to avoid controversy." "Shipla Shetty was in the list, but we could not include everyone because of the space and time limit. Also, security was another major concern and we decided that Aishwarya would be the only invitee among all the film stars, " said Prabhakara Kore, working president of the meet. "I hope she will speak Kannada when she greets the audience, " Kore added. 'Ash no different' Tara, Kannada film actress and a member of the BJP, was irked. She said, "It is ridiculous to reject anyone for their onscreen dressing. We have to be mature enough to see an actor beyond their onscreen roles. If we say Shilpa was seen in revealing clothes, then Aishwarya is no exception as she has been seen in steamy scenes as well." "Shilpa or Deepika are a better choice since both have acted in Kannada movies unlike Aishwarya, who has none to her credit, " she said. She also added that while people have heard Shilpa and Deepika speaking Kannada, no one she knew could vouch for Aishwarya. I M Vittalmurthy, special officer of the meet, said, "Not that we have ignored other achievers by inviting Aishwarya alone. We have selected her as a representative of all of them." Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Rakhi to play a sexy teacher

There's been much speculation in recent days about designer Charu Parashar making her debut in Bollywood by designing Rakhi Sawant's outfits for the upcoming movie "Qasam Se Qasam Se". 

When we met the reality star and the designer in Delhi recently, they both put all the claims to rest. Rakhi told us, rather vehemently, "Yes, Charu is doing my

costumes for my next film. For the first time, someone is giving me a different look. I am crazy about saris, blouses and ghagra cholis and she has done fantastic clothes for me for my several shows. I have known her for three months now. And for this role of a sexy teacher, she's giving me a lot of sexy saris."

Tell her of the recent controversy where the makers of the movie said that Charu's not part of the project, and Rakhi quips, "Miscommunication ho gaya hoga. We have a right to talk about us but not about anyone else. So, Charu can talk about my clothes and not the cast's. I have a message from the producer ki humne kuch nahi bola hai Charu ko. Maine kaha hai you have to apologise to her, but unhone kuch nahi bola hai. So, it's all solved. Aur, anyway, kaun kya bolta hai, isse kya matlab hai? Swayamvar Part 2 hoga toh bhi she will do my clothes."

Gul Panag to wed on Sunday!

Gul Panag will wed her former classmate and friend of ten years, airline pilot Rishi Attari on Sunday.

The couple will have a traditional Punjabi marriage in Chandigarh, which will be attended by close friends and family.

But before that, Gul and her girls just wanted to have fun.

There was a wild bachelorette party held in Delhi, where he r parents are based.

The mehndi and sangeet will take place in Chandigarh.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Osama's gang threatens Veena

Veena Malik, who became a household name after appearing on the Indian reality show, has received death threats from Taliban. 

 She is in possession of a letter (a copy of which is available with TOI) by Maulana Masood, Mujaheddin leader connected with Osama bin Laden, accusing her of humiliating Islam and Pakistan's name during her stay in the Bigg Boss' house. The helpless model-turned-TV star has decided to seek asylum in other countries.

The actress who cosied up with male contestants on the show and flaunted her curves unabashedly was criticised by the media in her country. Says the defiant girl, "I'm an artist and I would have felt guilty if I had done something wrong, but I haven't. I have worn the same clothes in Pakistan and behaved in the same fashion back home, so suddenly what's my fault? I cannot be issued death threats for participating in a TV show in India."

"We are neighbours for God's sake and artists should have no boundaries to worry about."

Veena, who is currently shooting a cricket show for an Indian TV news channel says, "I went back to Pakistan knowing the repercussions of my vibe on the show, but I never thought in my wildest of dreams that I would have to contemplate about leaving my country, my birthplace. Right now, I'm being forced to think about seeking asylum. Now that even my parents are being threatened, I don't see how we can continue to stay in Pakistan."

Did Nargis come between Katrina and Ranbir?

Fakhri stakes claim on Ranbir Kapoor. Get the lowdown on the RK-Katrina split right here! KYA HUA?

Ranbir and Katrina finally broke up last week.

KAISE? The couple's relationship had a rocky run from the very beginning. Their arguments constantly revolved around insecurity and loyalty issues.

Kat felt RK wasn't giving her enough time, while he felt extremely stifled towards the end. After her split from Salman, Kat wanted to give her relation with Ranbir everything. There was even a time when she contemplated going public about their pyaar.

But then, things took turn for the worse. Enter his Rockstar co-star Nargis Fakhri, a Kingfisher calendar girl, who along with her looks had the right attitude to attract RK's attention.

A source spills the beans on how things went down, "It wasn't a surprise for anyone.

Ranbir: I have bigger things on my mind right now, baby! It's time to Kat my losses and move ahead. Lo, maine apna haath chhuda liya. Yay!

Katrina: There's a song that comes to mind here... don't know what it means though. Sounds apt. Here goes... Humse ka bhool hui jo yeh sazaa humka mili

They had been arguing and fighting for over a month. When the new gal got in the frame, it only got worse. Kat was totally against him spending time with her. There were times when he was with Fakhri and wouldn't pick up Katrina's calls. He said they were meeting to see the film's rushes, but later she realised he was just making excuses to spend time with her."

What seemed like mere infatuation at the start, turned serious when Nargis got a chance to visit the Kapoor household in Delhi.

The source adds, "When Ranbir took her to his sister Riddhima's place it was a big step. It upset Kat that he was introducing her to his family when they were still going around. She felt like he was two-timing her with Nargis."

DEEPIKA FACTOR: It is believed that Ranbir's ex-girlfriend Deepika Padukone's interest in acting with him was also a bone of contention for Kat. She was extremely upset with the news that Deepika might be doing Ayan Mukherji's next with RK.

"Even though RK and Deepika have got over each other, Kat wasn't pleased with the idea that they would be working together in the same film. She even expressed her apprehensions to Ayan who told her he hadn't finalised anyone yet."

IS IT FINAL? Close friends are of the opinion that Ranbir-Kat are done for good. Ranbir is clearly besotted by Fakhri and has been raving about her to all his friends.

When asked if their love story was scripted to benefit their film, the source quipped, "Not at all. They are truly in love. Spend time with them and you would know."

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com 

Amisha accuses Kangna of using cheap publicity stunts

Declares Ameesha Patel about the Dutts, making pointed retorts at Kangna Ranaut by saying "co-stars come and go"

Dutt loyalists Kangna Ranaut and Ameesha Patel haven't exactly seen eye-to-eye for quite some time now.

As reported 'Kangs edges Ameesha out' (Hitlist, February 16), Kangna was proving to be more closer to Sanjay and Maanayata than the Patel girl.

Says a source, "Ameesha has been fuming ever since. This happened because Patel was absent at a couple of the Dutts' events. Almost immediately, there was buzz of a fallout."

The Patel gal was out of Mumabi for a show when the the buzz reached here. An upset Manaayata called her pal immediately. Ameesha was shocked as she had always been cordial to Kangs when they met."

Adds the source, "Ameesha has decided she has had enough. If she meets Kangna at a social event, she has decided to snub her. Patel feels Ranaut is behind this.

She has no issues with Kangna but won't allow her name and friendship with the Dutts to be tarnished at any cost."

The source continues, "Films have never mattered to Ameesha more than relationships, so to be accused of getting upset for losing films to Kangna, implied that she had got close to the Dutts to enhance her career. That is far from the truth.

In fact, few know that when Maanayata was about to deliver, it was Ameesha (not Kangna) who had driven down immediately to Breach Candy Hospital to be with her right from the beginning till Sanju came in from Dubai.

The Dutts consider her as family and have said they will do her kanyadaan when she gets married. Kangna is just a co-star for Sanju, not a friend."

Ameesha says, "I can't help it if people (Kangna?) use cheap publicity stunts to be in the news. I can't be caught in that web. Co-stars can come and go. Sanju and Maana will always be family."

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Ekta's man has to be successful: Tusshar

That he is Ekta Kapoor's brother is not something that bothers Tusshar Kapoor. 

Instead he is proud that he has a sister like her. "Ekta is very nice person and we are very fond of each other. We discuss everything under the sun. However, most of the conservations usually end up being about work and movies being made these days," says Tusshar, as he goes on to speak about this strong lady he has known since he was born.

Having worked in her projects as well as with others, does work become easier when Ekta is involved in a project, just as she is in his upcoming film "Shor In The City"? "There is no difference really when I work with her or with anyone else. On the sets, it's just a professional relationship that we share," explains Tusshar.
The siblings are actually different on the professional and personal scale. "Yes, we are different. I think Ekta is more outspoken where work is concerned but when it comes to personal life, I am the more outspoken one. I talk a lot. Yes, I do." (laughs).

Ask him what he thinks about the man in Ekta's life. "Ekta is a successful woman. Her man has to be more successful than her. She is also very intelligent, so he should also be more, or as much intelligent as her."

Coming back to films, Tusshar seems to be stepping out of his genre (comedy we mean) but it isn't a conscious attempt, the actor clarifies instantly.

Tusshar has been part of a few multi-starrer films in the past as well and in "Shor" too, he will be seen will Sendhil Ramamurty. Does he not fear of being overshadowed? "I don't think I have ever been overshadowed. I have been appreciated in all the multi-starrer films that I have done. In fact, I am loved for my role in "Golmaal" series. I think as an actor, taking risk is always good," says Tusshar adding, "The industry has been good to me. A few years back, I wasn't happy with the number of films I was doing. Today, however, I am happy with the films I am doing. I have "Lovely Kalakar", "Hum Tum", "Dirty Picture", the sequel to "Kya Kool Hai Hum" and a few others next."

Happy with work, Tusshar openly declares, "I am single and ready to mingle. I don't have anyone special in my life yet but I definitely want that special someone." And quickly adds, "I have a message for a special woman. I want to tell her that I always hope that she achieves what she wants and always remains part of my life."

Aarya Babbar to play Qasab

A film based on the heinous act of 26/11 terrorist Ajmal Qasab is being made by debutant director Shuja Ali.

The film, Kuch Log, will feature Aarya Babbar, son of veteran film actors Nadira and Raj Babbar, as Qasab. Until now, the film and its controversial character have been kept under wraps for obvious reasons.

According to sources, Aarya's father, who also happens to be a senior politician, requested the filmmakers to avoid disclosing Aarya's character for as long as possible.

Now that the secret is out, Aarya is trying to play down his character, "Well, I am playing a character inspired by Qasab in the film." Prod him a little more and it's clear that the character is not only inspired but is totally based on the real Qasab.

Aarya admits, "Well, yes. It is what you're saying. But I'd rather not talk too much about the film and my character."

When questioned if he has met the real Qasab, he retorts, "You know that's impossible. But I've read a book on Qasab. I've also gone through a rigorous rifle shooting training." Aarya further talks about gathering television footage on 26/11 for the preparation of his role.

Says Aarya, "It's not a pleasant thing to relive. But I'm happy to take on such a challenging role."

Apparently Aarya got selected to play Qasab because of his command over Urdu and Hindi and also for his Afghani-Middle Eastern looks. "You can say I look the part," grins Aarya.

Acting with Kamal is difficult: Sonakshi

Sonakshi Sinha does not believe her 33-year age difference with Kamal Haasan will deter her from playing his wife in Tamil and Telugu director Selvaraghavan's film

I will be respectful but an equal on the sets with Kamal Haasan," says Sonakshi Sinha, who is gearing up to star as Haasan's wife, in the Tamil-Telugu director Selvaraghavan's film.

When asked if the 33-year age difference between Haasan and her will be an obstacle, Sinha tells us, "Why should that be a problem? Once you are on the sets in front of the camera, your age should not matter.

I never felt like a child while working with Salman in Dabangg (2010) and now with Akshay in Joker. In real life, age makes no difference in a marriage.

On screen too, your biological age is of no consequence. Salman and Akshay are a lot older than me so it's not as if I am suddenly going from teenybopper co-stars to a co-star of another generation."

Apart from the co-stars age difference, the movie has also reportedly garnered attention for being a remake of Hollywood director Ridley Scott's Hannibal (2001).

However, the actress quickly squashes all the rumours saying, "I don't know where these speculations started from. No this film is a complete original. When I heard the script, I was blown away."

Currently, Sinha is busy making all the efforts to get into character. She plans to watch Haasan's film, Hey Ram(2000), where the actor is married to Vasundhara Das, who is at least 25 years his junior, so as to see how they enacted a convincing on-screen chemistry.

In order to effectively portray Haasan's on-screen wife, Sinha wants to establish an off-screen rapport with him first, as she tells us, "I need to establish a comfort level with him. I certainly feel an initial nervousness, since Kamalji is legendary.

Acting with him is difficult enough. Playing his wife will require me to have a lot more guts."

To eliminate the language barrier, Sinha is taking cues from her father, Shatrughan, to learn how to read Tamil and Telugu, without making it obvious.

She adds, "It is impossible for me to get a grip on Tamil and Telugu in such a short time.

My father couldn't speak either language when he did Rakht Charitra (2010). He read out the lines from cue cards but no one could make it out and so now he is teaching me this trick of the trade."

Ranbir spotted with Nargis outside a multiplex | Video News

A question of marriage, not Nargis

Katrina denies it but sources allege her in insistence on a ring is the reason behind her spat with Ranbir 

Some say that it's his alleged coziness to his Rockstar co-star Nargis that is causing issues between Kat and him.

But a rather reliable source also tells us that things are getting sour between Kat and him because the 27-year-old is not willing to marry Katrina who allegedly is insisting on having a rock on her finger.

A source tells us, "It was only incidental that Ranbir's fondness for Nargis increased recently. However, what has really distanced him from Katrina is her demand that they get married, by March 2012, if not December 2011. She clearly told him that they should tie the knot in a year's time."

Katrina on her end claims these rumours are tommyrot. "These rumours are embarrassing, ugly, a million miles from the truth, beyond fiction.

The so-called people close to me who are saying these things actually have no proximity to me Ranbir is a friend, but there is nothing beyond. So there is no question of my breaking up with him or asking for marriage."

Well, wedding bells were chiming in Kat's head some time ago, when in an interview she told Mumbai Mirror, on 25 Jan 2010 to be specific, that she wanted to get hitched in 2012.

However, the Rajneeti actor, who has been dating Kat for nearly two years, ever since they worked together on Rajkumar Santoshi's Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahaani, seems to be taken aback by her demands.

The source explains Ranbir's bewilderment, saying, "Well, he didn't know what to do. He explained to Katrina that marrying her in a year's time wouldn't be possible since he is too young. Ranbir doesn't want to pin himself down in life."

Think of it, Katrina was more demanding than Deepika in her relationship with Ranbir. While Deepika asked for commitment, Katrina asked for shaadi, claims our source.

Reconciliation between the two lovers is not ruled out, says our source. "It would be more apt to say that they have had a big fight at the moment, rather than to say that they have ended their relationship.

Katrina would love to get back with Ranbir, who also likes her very much. But he is certainly not thinking in terms of marriage with her at this point of time."

It may be recalled that Mumbai Mirror (November 3, 2009) was the first to tell you the real reason why Ranbir split with Deepika; Ranbir was not discreet about his less-than-innocent encounters with other women then. Maybe he knows himself too well to commit to something as serious as marriage...

Salman gives second chance to Zarine

Zarine Khan, the Katrina look-alike who went unnoticed after her debut flop 'Veer' will make her comeback with an item number in Salman's Ready. 

 Remember Zarine Khan? The Katrina Kaif look-alike who made her debut last year alongside Salman Khan in Veer! The film might have come and gone and Zarine Khan might have gone unnoticed. But the actress seems to have got another chance in Bollywood thanks to Salman Khan again.

"The actress is close to Salman Khan and Salman is known to help out his good friends. So he got Zarine an item number in his upcoming film Ready ", says a source. The actress shot this item number with Salman in Bangkok. The song is choreographed by Raju Khan and Mudassar Khan.

Zarine hasn't done any film after her debut film Veer bombed badly at the box-office. After playing a traditional character in Veer , this item number will have Zarine in a hot-n-happening avatar. And knowing what item numbers have been doing to actresses off late, seems like Zarine might just get a new lease of life.

Why Kareena can't be Madhur's Heroine

Madhur's long wait has finally ended. For Kareena that is. After waiting for over a year to sign her for his ambitious project, Heroine, Madhur has given up and moved on. 

At one point, he was adamant that only Kareena could essay the central character, and after months of conversation and convincing, the project is heroine-less. While most of us thought it was the usual date problems (considering the Khans have taken up most of her year), Kareena reveals exclusively to zoOm, the real reason for this. "I'd love to work with Madhur, he's an amazing director, but the script that he's doing is not something I'm looking at doing right now".

There you go, this sums up one part of the story. Nevertheless, she adds, "I loved Page 3 and Fashion and I'd love to work with a director of his repute". Rumour has it that Aishwarya and Katrina are now in the running for the same role, and when Bebo was quizzed about who she thought best fits Heroine, she said, "It's Madhur's decision in the end, but I think both Katrina and Aishwarya will suit the role."