Kareena tired of her demanding job

Her multiple brand endorsements and shooting schedules take so much of her time that Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor is homesick and wants to take a break.

"Kareena feels sad about staying away from her family for so long. She is a homely person and likes to be with the family. She is tired of her tight schedules and demanding job. She has now decided that she will chalk out some quality time for her family," said a source close to Kareena.

On a recent visit to her home, Kareena caught up with her sister Karisma and both of them apparently spoke about everything under the sun.

Hurman will bounce back...

Hurman S. Baweja's "Victory" may have fared poorly at the box office, but Annees Bazmi, the director of his next film "It's My Life", is unperturbed. He says the actor would come out trumps with the light-hearted romantic film, which is a remake of Telugu superhit "Bommarillu".

"Hurman is a hardworking boy and that is something we all would agree after both his films. They may not have worked, but in filmmaking there are so many factors that decide the fate of a movie at the box office. Hurman has done very well in 'It's My Life'. The audience will love his pairing with Genelia D' Souza," Bazmee told IANS.

Hurman's all three forthcoming projects are very high profile. While his immediate release is "It's My Life", it will be followed by Ashutosh Gowariker's "What's Your Rashee" where he is paired opposite Priyanka Chopra. His next would be a Sanjay Leela Bhansali project which is still untitled.

"It's My Life" is a critical project not only for Hurman, after a hat- trick of successes in the form of "Singh Is Kinng", "Welcome" and "No Entry", Bazmee too has to prove a point - that he can set the cash registers ringing even when it comes to romantic films.

"You are forgetting 'Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha'. It was a good success as well, but was there any comedy? It was a complete musical entertainer, something that I can vouch for 'It's My Life' as well. With the film, I am sure Hurman will bounce back."

Bazmee isn't too worried about recession either. According to him, it isn't really impacting the films being directed by him.

"The entire boom followed by burst was witnessed in last two-three years while I have been in the industry for 30 years. I think I can say that I have seen it all quite closely. This is why I have never been unreasonable when it comes to the budget of my films. It has always been set in a decent range; hence the price cut doesn't impact my films.

He argues that films are doing well even today.

"Look at the back-to-back success of 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi' and 'Ghajini'. People did go to watch them in theatres, even when all thought that post- Mumbai terror attacks, no one would venture into theatres. This means that films are doing well even today. Even 'Chandni Chowk To China' did fetch in good numbers to begin with. It's just the price which is failing," said Bazmee.

Meanwhile, the shooting of "It's My Life" will soon enter its last leg with the final schedule in Delhi, which is expected to take place soon. Bazmee is confident that this film, which also stars Nana Patekar in a key role, would be ready for release in June-July.

The film is being produced by Sanjay Kapoor.

Abhi: Sonam was a revelation

After the runaway success of Dostana, Abhishek is back in one of the most anticipated releases of the year, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s Delhi 6.

Although it’s set in Delhi, just as Rakeysh’s previous mega hit Rang De Basanti was, it’s not only about the city. “Delhi 6 is a story about India. If it was set in any other Indian city, it would have had the same charm. I play a guy from New York who comes to India and discovers it,” says Abhishek.

Starring opposite Abhishek is the still-new-on-the-scene Sonam Kapoor. “Sonam was a revelation,” says Abhishek, “She’s a wonderful person and actress. She brings a fresh feel to the film. I’ve known her for a long time. She’s a great co-artiste too.”

Abhishek says Rakeysh and he were always looking for an opportunity to work together. “We were waiting for the right script,” he adds.

Then there’s Mani Ratnam, with whom Abhishek has done two films — Yuva and Guru — and has another, Ravana, in the making. Does he like working with the director? “I don’t work with Mani Ratnam; Mani Ratnam works with me,” he says as a matter-of-fact.

Rumour has it that there will be a follow-up to Drona, but Abhishek clarifies, “There is no sequel.” But he won’t say as much about the Feroz Nadiadwala-Rob Cohen Hollywood venture that his father is supposed to be part of. “Talks are still on,” is all he’ll say.

What about Aishwarya’s role in Pink Panther 2? “She was fantastic. It wasn’t just about getting a Hollywood break but about doing a movie in another language,” he says. As for whether he’s looking to head to LA, he says, “I’m happy doing good movies here. If something comes along, I’ll do it.”

So, how big a fan or critic is Ash of his films? “I always ask my family for their opinion. They give their honest views and I take them,” says Abhishek.

When asked what he feels about his marriage to Ash being followed so closely, he says, “We are public figures. It’s natural to be in the news and I’m okay with it.” Who is his fave B-town actress? “I’m married to my favourite actress,” he signs off.

Ash in Kolkata

It was during the latter half of 2003 that Mani Ratnam had gone to Kolkata to shoot for Yuva.

Five years later, the ace director is all set to shoot in Kolkata again. And the film in question this time is Raavana.

Having completed the shooting schedule in Kerala, MP and UP, the director reached Kolkata on Saturday. Shooting for Raavana will begin from February 18 and will continue till the end of this month.

Incidentally, both the Tamil and the Hindi versions of the film are being shot simultaneously. In the Hindi version, Abhishek plays the hero while Vikram plays the villain. In the Tamil version, Vikram plays the hero. Not much is known about the storyline though the buzz is that the film is a contemporary story that doesn’t have any obvious mythological connect to it.

Ash, who has been cast in both the Hindi and Tamil versions, will begin shooting in a jute mill in Agarpara. Vikram will also be shooting along with her from Wednesday. Big B will be joining the unit later this month. Apart from shooting in the jute mill and a bungalow, cinematographer Manikandan will also film certain portions on the streets of Kolkata that have a neutral character.

Recently, Raavana was in the news when Abhishek had shot for a song along with 500 dancers in Jhansi. The song, Kata Kata Mara Mara..., is reportedly the most lavish number that the director has ever shot in his career.

Shah Rukh’s home Mannat attacked with flaming bottle

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan said on Friday (Feb 13) he was worried for the safety of his wife and two children after his house Mannat was attacked by unknown people who had apparently misinterpreted the lyrics of a song in just-released "Billu" and reacted.

"I got scared. I got worried about my children and wife, but they are fine. I don't think there is any place safer than my home. I'm in London for a check up. I will be back home the day after tomorrow," Shah Rukh told a TV channel over phone from London.

Clarifying the confusion about the lyrics, the actor said: "They thought we are referring to the Prophet in the song. But it has been sorted out. They have seen the film and now it’s clear to them that the lyrics weren't referring to the Prophet."

A burning kerosene bottle had been thrown in the premises of his sea facing house Mannat early in the morning.

According to an officer of Bandra Police station, two men came to Shah Rukh's bungalow, at Bandra Bandstand around 2.30 a.m. They lit a bottle full of kerosene and flung it over the gates before fleeing. The security guards were caught unawares, the police said.

The police said a case was registered and they are searching for the culprits.

There was no damage to property as the flaming missile landed in the garden.

Meanwhile, Shah Rukh will ask you to "wish more" with Dish TV as the company has decided to retain the actor as its brand ambassador for another 18 months.

The company had first tied up with Shah Rukh in 2007.

"Shah Rukh is the undisputed king of Bollywood - the best in his field. He is someone who personifies style, entertainment and popularity and these values resonate perfectly with our brand attributes as well," said Salil Kapoor, COO, Dish TV.

While Dish TV, direct-to-home (DTH) service provider, has renewed its contract with the actor, media reports indicate that soft drink giant Pepsico has decided to drop him as their brand ambassador and find a new face.

SRK: I am becoming narcissistic!

No other actor is Bollywood has the amount of dedication and energy that Shah Rukh Khan possesses. The actor, who is due for surgery soon, attended four functions back-to-back in order to promote the film Billu. In fact, he was so busy that he had no time to attend his good friend Farah Khan's birthday party for her triplets.

Getting down to business, King Khan narrated the synopsis of his latest film first at a press conference. He said, “There is a saying that goes ‘east is east and west is west and never the twain shall meet’. What we wanted to ask is ‘can the twain meet?’ Whether this is possible or not, that’s what the film is centered around. Billu and Bindya are played by Irrfan and Lara respectively. An alien played by me then enters their lives.”

You started a portal called srkworld .com. Do you think that it is the right time to revive it?
I would actually like to because I want to start a site related to me. That and I am becoming more narcissistic by the day. Everywhere, there should be me and no one else! After my surgery is done with, I will get started on this.

You do a lot of promotions for you films through brands. How does this association help your film?
It’s all about give and take. If the film fits into the category of an existing product or one which is going to be launched then media buyers and media sellers will associate that product with the film and both are promoted. For example, Om Shanti Om fits a musical product while Billu suits earthy products- hence plywood.

We heard that you edited two of your scenes so that the focus would be on Irrfan Khan?
We have reedited some scenes- eight to be specific. We felt that the length of the film was too much. If you’re saying the same thing in two scenes then it doesn’t make sense to keep both of them. Editing was not done to promote any actor. It happens with all films. It is called postproduction. The media, however, likes to put its own spin on things.

What’s your take on blogging?
It’s a very connective and vast medium where you can share your thoughts- many stars are into it and it is all very well written. But I think that for me, the media conveys 90% of my thoughts. So what would I write about if I started? I don’t want to talk about my films or where I am shooting. Rather, when I start my portal I will talk about nature and human beings. I would like to talk to the youth and tell them that anything is possible if you work hard.

The word ‘barber’ had to be removed from the title of your film. Do you think it is fair?
Life is not about being fair or unfair. I make films for people. The audience should like it. I have made films which have hurt a few elderly stars and I have personally said sorry to them because it was not intentional. With Billu, the barber’s union told me very emotionally that the Hindi translation of the word ‘barber’ may be misused. I felt the same way so we removed the word. Legally, there was no problem keeping it but we often tease people with the Hindi word- think about it. Anyway, I feel that if a film is good, you can call it Ullu or Billu, people will still come and watch it.

You said that you would like to do an ordinary role in a realistic film. Why didn't you play the lead in Billu?
My director said that no one could play the lead in Billu except for Irrfan. He didn’t want any other big stars, just Irrfan because we all know that he is a brilliant actor. I thought that I should go and fight for the role but then I just let it be because I get to play a superstar- which I am (laughs).

Aamir Khan recently said that you are good at PR but not at marketing. Do you want to prove him wrong?
I don’t take compliments from people very seriously. I know what I have to do when it comes to my job and I don’t need to hear about it from other people. I want people to go watch my film so I promote it. Since I am producing it, it is my responsibility. I don’t think I need to explain myself. People like me, that is why I endorse so many products. Do you think that I have worked hard for 20 years just to make a film to prove to someone that I am also good at marketing? Aamir is a smart guy. I would like to know more about marketing from him.

You have removed ‘barber’ from your film because of protests. In your next film, My Name Is Khan, will you remove the word ‘Khan’ if the public had a problem with it?
I am just hoping that I don't have to remove the word ‘Billu’ from the film too! A man can suddenly come and say ‘My name is Billu’ and I will have to remove it. I really don't want my film to release without name! Then it will be just me, Irrfan and Lara posing for a film without a name.

Madly-in-love Married Couples

Here's celebrating wedded couples who have been together forever but still look like madly-in-love sweethearts. From Gauri and Shah Rukh to Arjun and Mehr and Arbaaz and Malaika, we take a look at them all.

Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan: They have been married since 1991, even before SRK became the superstar he is. Gauri is his anchor, someone who keeps him grounded and she has stuck with him through thick and thin. Their children Aryan and Suhana are being raised to follow Hinduism and Islam. Gauri maintains a low profile; she produces his movies and hosts his parties but doesn't accompany SRK to every second event. She is one of the warmest, most stylish and most hospitable wives in B-town. Together they make a couple that completes each other.

Hrithik and Susanne Roshan: Ah, young love. Hrithik and Susanne are childhood sweethearts. Apparently, he decided to marry her at the age of twelve and finally married her after he became a superstar and became an interior designer. Like SRK and Gauri, this is another interfaith marriage. They have two young sons, Hrehaan and Hridhaan. With his Greek God looks and her delicate beauty and grace, they are one of the most beautiful couples in Bollywood.

Arjun and Mehr Rampal: They were both supermodels at the top of their game so being attracted to each other was only expected. Mehr and Arjun are usually seen hand-in-hand at concerts, premieres and parties. The perfectly paired couple have two daughters, Maahika and Myra. Mehr is Arjun's biggest fan; her prayers and love have helped Arjun go from Bollywood struggler to Bollywood biggie. Their compatibility is amazing.

Twinkle and Akshay Kumar: We all know what a playboy Akshay Kumar was before he got married. Twinkle Khanna tamed him and got him to commit to her. They have one young son, Aarav. Akshay may be a superstar today but when Twinkle married him, he wasn't. She keeps him grounded through success and failure. The interior designer with an elite clientele is one of the most stylish and gorgeous star wives in B-town.

Abhishek and Aishwarya Bachchan: Bollywood newest couple (they married in April, 2006) is totally in love. Ash and Abhi are hand-in-hand wherever they go and the newlyweds have eyes only for each other. Luckily for them, they are even doing films together, so they get a chance to mix business with pleasure. We can't wait to hear when the stork will visit this perfect-for-each-other twosome.

Arbaaz and Malaika Khan: This is one of the strongest marriages in B-Town in spite of the wife being more popular than the husband. They have a school-going son, Arhaan and are extremely supportive and secure about each other's career choices. Arbaaz and Malaika have been married for ten years but looking at them, you wouldn't be able to tell because they are still so smitten by each other.

Revealed: The plot of 8x10

After Chandni Chowk To China, Akshay Kumar will be seen next in Nagesh Kukunoor’s 8x10. The film, which was previously called Tasveer, stars Akki opposite Ayesha Takia, who plays his wife.

We spoke to our source from the Precept picture company and got the lowdown on the plot.

The source says, “8x10 is a story of a young man named Jai, played by Akshay Kumar, who has a supernatural power. Jai’s supernatural gift is the ability to go into the past of the deceased by touching objects that used to belong to them. His family and friends find this unbelievable and sometimes, even Jai doubts his abilities but later on he comes to know that it is real.”

More about the characters, the source adds, “Jai’s father Jatin, played by Girish Karnad, feels that his son is wasting his time and not taking enough interest in managing their business empire. This leads to the complete breakdown of their relationship. Jai’s mother is played by Sharmila Tagore. Jai is always supported by his wife Sheela (Ayesha Takia).”

The turning point in the story happens when Jatin is killed in a boating accident. The source says, “Jai goes through this personal tragedy and uses his unique power to solve the mystery of his father’s death. He sees photographs and comes to know that his father’s death was not accidently, he was murdered. That is when he starts investigating.”
8x10 is directed by Nagesh Kukunoor. Other cast members include Javed Jaffery, Girish Karnad, Anant Mahadevan, Benjiman Gilani, Rushad Rana and Utara Pawkar. The film is slated to release by mid 2009.

V-Day Sp: Sizzling Couples in Love

It is that amorous time of the year again where expressing your love is a compulsion. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, we bring you Bollywood's hottest couples who haven't tied the knot as yet.

Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan: They are Bollywood royalty. She is a Kapoor and his father is the Nawab of Pataudi. She is a flawless beauty and he is drop-dead-hot and handsome. Together they make a madly-in-love couple with crackling chemistry. It was on the sets of the disastrous Tashan that their romance blossomed. Kareena looked so gorgeous in the movie that Saif couldn't help but be drawn to her. They have eyes only for each other and aren't afraid of showing how much they adore one another. You want to fall in love just looking at them. Saif wants to tie the knot now but Bebo's saying 'not now'.

Bipasha Basu and John Abraham: Dating for over five years now, this sizzling twosome has stood the test of time. Romance blossomed on the sets of Aetbaar and the two set the screen on fire with their unrestrained passion in Jism. The good looking fitness freaks complement each other really well. She is a smokin' hot Bong tigress and he is a Bawa boy with the body of a Greek God. They are a mature couple who have left their PDA days behind and are too secure about each other to be affected by malicious rumours.

Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone: Ah, young love. She is a leggy supermodel-turned-actress with enchanting doe eyes. He is Bollywood’s Prince Charming who could sweep any girl off her feet. It was a double whammy for them at the Filmfare Awards in 2008. Not only did they win best debut awards, they also secured each other's affection. The two bonded in picturesque Australia while shooting for Bachna Ae Haseeno. The photogenic twosome is so much in love that they cannot keep their hands off each other, even in public.

Shahid Kapur and Priyanka Chopra: These two, who will feature together in Kaminay, are rumoured to be going out. And they have adorable nicknames for each other: Peefee and Shaks. They share a hot kiss in the film so it’s no wonder a hot romance started off-screen too. Priyanka was having a hard time with Harman and Shahid wasn't really dating anyone after his breakup with Kareena. They stay in the same building and spent a lot of time bonding on and off the sets. The two are fiercely private people so the relationship is still under wraps. But their chemistry in Kaminay will surely tell us all that we need to know.

Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia: She is vivaciously beautiful and he is dashingly debonair. Preity has gone from bubbly to sophisticate ever since she started attending upscale society dos with her good looking boyfriend. They mix business with pleasure as they own a cricket team together and Ness accompanies Preity on her shoots. They aren't into PDA but their sweet gestures such as feeding each other during matches show that they have eyes only for each other.

Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif: He is over 40, she is over 20 and they are madly in love with each other, though they may not show it. She is a beautiful in-demand newbie in Bollywood while he is the handsome established superstar. Being Salman Khan's girlfriend is not easy, but the composed and dignified lady Kat is, she has managed to play that role with aplomb. Apparently, his family loves Kat too and Salman hasn't been so smitten by anyone before. He wants to settle down but she is in no hurry to with her burgeoning career. Will they or won't they? We will have to wait and watch.

Billu Barber - Movie Review

Priyadarshan is synonymous with ha-ha-thons, but the talented storyteller has been equally proficient while handling intense dramas like SAZA-E-KALA PANI, GARDISH and VIRASAT. Like VIRASAT and MALAMAAL WEEKLY, BILLU, the accomplished director's new outing, is also set in a hamlet.

Although the story has been attempted in Malayalam [KADHA PARAYUMBOL] and Tamil [KUSELAN] earlier, the story actually takes its inspiration from the legendary friendship between Lord Krishna and Sudama. In this case, the story talks of the friendship between a superstar and an ordinary mortal who runs a salon.

BILLU is a simple story about simple people, told in the most simplistic manner. There's a generous dose of glamour as well, given the fact that the protagonist's friend happens to be a superstar, but what actually works for the film is the simpleton's story. He wages a daily battle to make ends meet.

Although the film is engaging, Priyadarshan reserves the best for the finale this time, when the superstar reminisces about his childhood friend and the deep bond that they shared. The end is remarkable and is sure to strike a chord with all sections of moviegoers.

Final word? BILLU is amongst Priyadarshan's finest works. And also Irrfan and SRK's. This tale of friendship is sure to steal your heart!

BILLU tells the story of a simple ordinary man, Bilas Rao Pardesi [Irrfan Khan], living in a small town with his wife Bindiya [Lara Dutta] and two kids. His life undergoes a drastic change as superstar Sahir Khan [Shah Rukh Khan] visits the village for a film shoot. Everything changes. Things go from good to bad to worse to good again.

Ten minutes into the film and you get absorbed into Billu's small world. The salon is in bad shape, the family is facing tough times, the neighbours and acquaintances are fair-weather friends... Billu's life gets grim with each passing day.

The story takes an interesting turn when Billu's life collides with the superstar's. And the assorted characters -- right from an aspiring poet/lyricist [Rajpal Yadav], to a stingy money lender [Om Puri], to the principal of the school [Rasika Joshi] -- everyone wants favours from Billu. These characters only make BILLU more interesting.

SRK's track is equally fascinating and only spices up the proceedings. In fact, Priyadarshan has amalgamated the three songs [featuring SRK with Deepika, Priyanka and Kareena] in the narrative smartly. Not once do you feel that you're watching two stories concurrently.

The best part of the enterprise is its climax. The superstar recalls his humble beginning and how his friend stood by him in times of crisis. The writing is brilliant and SRK only takes the scene to greater heights with his terrific portrayal.

Priyadarshan is adept at handling relationships and with BILLU, he proves he can handle emotions with as much flourish as comedy. To tell a simple, uncomplicated story, without the usual frills, is an arduous task indeed and Priyadarshan tackles the material with remarkable ease. The humour here is subtle, not loud, and a constant smile remains on your face all through.

Mushtaq Shiekh and Priyadarshan's screenplay is foolproof. In fact, the writing never loses focus and the highs and the lows in Billu's life are sensitively penned by the duo. Manisha Korde's dialogues are simple, gelling with the mood of the film.

Pritam's music is energetic. The songs, promoted aggressively prior to the release, only get an impetus thanks to the presence of the three actresses. 'Mar Jaani' and 'Love Mera Hit Hit' are, of course, the pick of the lot. V. Manikandan's cinematography is top notch. The locales [Pollachi] are breath-taking.

In the recent years, Irrfan has emerged as a force to reckon with, his performances have appealed to all strata of moviegoers and his work in BILLU will only cement his status as a remarkable actor. Shah Rukh Khan needs to be admired for two reasons. The show belongs to Irrfan, although SRK could've forced himself in every scene. Also, he has chosen to opt for a film that's not one of those run-of-the-mill types. In terms of performance, SRK shows his true potential towards the finale.

Lara Dutta springs a pleasant surprise. She goes through her part with complete understanding. Om Puri is excellent. Rasika Joshi is too good. Rajpal Yadav is really funny in the penultimate scene, when he recites a film song of an SRK film. Asrani and Manoj Joshi are passable.

On the whole, BILLU is a sweet-n-simple film that lingers in your memory even after the show has concluded. The final 20 minutes are the highpoint of the enterprise and that elevates the status of the film to great heights. The film has the potential to grow with a strong word of mouth. Recommended... Take your family for this one

Aishwarya Ria in sizzling pink at Berlin Intl Film Festival

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan arrives for the premiere of the movie 'Pink Panther 2 ' at the Berlinale in Berlin, Germany, Friday, Feb. 13, 2009.

The 59th International Film Festival Berlin takes place in the German capital from Feb. 5 until Feb. 15, 2009.

'My Valentine Wish…!' - Bollywood gets Mushy on Valentine's Day

Preity Zinta: "To be able to balance out my crazy schedule so that I've time for those I love. What more can I want this Valentine's Day?"

Bipasha Basu: "Valentine's Day is special for all the people I love. I'll tell them how much I love them and prove my love for them with simple gestures. The ideal Valentine gift would be hundreds of red carnations. I know John will get them for me."

Kangna Ranaut: "Valentine's Day means pure selfless love from me to everyone I love. My ideal gift would be roses and candles."

Sammir Dattani: "My affair with the camera began on Valentine's Day. My first screen appearance was for a music video called 'Valentine's Day.' Since then I've made sure every Valentine's Day is special for me."

Manisha Koirala: "I'm spending Valentine's Day with family and friends. I would want everyone to experience love in any and every relationship."

Urmila Matondkar: "Valentine's Day is a time to show my friends and family how much they mean to me. The one gift I'm looking for is a gorgeous hunk. But the species seems extinct."





Shilpa Shetty: "I've got my Valentine's Day gift. The IPL and I've got the man who gifted it to me by my side. What more can I want?"

Riya Sen: "I want to spend quantity time with my loved ones. No matter where I am I want to be back in time for Valentine's Day to be with my loved ones. That's the greatest gift I can get. Other gifts are fun. But spending time with your loved one is the best gift. For Valentine's I'll be performing at a college festival in Ahmedabad before rushing home."

Neil Nitin Mukesh: "For me Valentine's is a day of love and friendship and a day of mending bridges. My ideal gift would be a collective hug from all those friends and family whom I love. And a million kisses from that someone special."

Dino Morea: "I want to spend Valentine's Day showing love to everyone who deserves it. We all are so caught up in our routine, this is the one day when we can devote to love."

Raima Sen: "I'm single, so the only Valentine gift I can give myself is time with the family."




Neetu Chandra: "This Valentine's Day means a lot to me as I'm partying with my school friends and meeting with my first ever crush, my schoolteacher. And I hope I find my permanent Valentine this year."

Mugdha Godse: "Valentine's Day is just another day for me. I'll be attending a beachside Catholic wedding of a very close friend on Goa's Morjim beach. Chalo apni Valentine nahin kisi aur ki sahi."

Minissha Lamba: "When you're in love it's Valentine's Day all year round. Am I in love? Who knows a woman's heart? Not even the woman herself."

Malaika Arora: "For me Valentine's Day means the freedom for people to express their love without worrying about self-appointed custodians of our precious moral values. The best gift I can think of is the right for us women to live our lives how we want without intolerant groups stopping us."

Celina Jaitly: "Valentine's Day is 'emotional atyachaar' for those who aren't in love. It will remind me that I've been unhappily single for the last three years. At the risk of sounding pompous I want a society rid of all intolerance and prejudice."

Tusshar Kapoor: "The day would again remind me I'm single. How about a love life for me this Valentine's Day?"




Amrita Arora: "Valentine's Day means nothing to me. Love should be celebrated everyday. Bring on the love!"

Chitrangda: "Sorry I don't celebrate Valentine's Day. I don't like the idea of being told when to celebrate love."

Ruslaan Mumtaz: "I just broke up with my girlfriend. So my ideal gift would be the sad songs of Himesh Reshammiya."

Koena Mitra: "Everyone loves to be loved. But being single gives me more room to love myself without sharing that space for love with someone else. All the eligible men have been taken away. The rest are not worth considering. I'm enjoying my single status and making the most of it."

Pooja Bedi: "It's horrible to be single on such a romantic day. But my brother Adam is getting married on Valentine's Day. So I'll be happy watching two people in love being united. Dreams do come true on this day. As for myself I'm a hopeless and a hopeful romantic. I'm even in love with the idea of love. The real thing may be around the corner."

Esha Deol: "I'm not answering this one."

Dia Mirza: "Being single on Valentine's Day is the same as any other day. Love is a feeling that you can't miss. It's omnipresent."



Divya Dutta: "Do I miss love? Not really. Work is great healer of the heart. And I get lots of love and male attention. So what if I don't have a guy this Valentine's Day. I know he'll come."

Jiah Khan: "There's too much work. No time to think about love. I miss having my family with me on Valentine's. They're my only true love."

Tanushree Dutta: "It's fantastic being single on Valentine's Day. You can choose whom to love for that day."

Arjan Bajwa: "Being single is not a big deal. I'm shooting in Hyderabad so I've no time to miss love. Moreover, Valentine's Day is no reason to miss love. To be loved by family and friends all through the year is a blessing. And I've that blessing"

Vatsal Seth: "Who is one kidding by saying it's great to be single? Valentine's Day and single....man, it sucks! It's like no one being there to wish you on your birthday. Being in love is the most amazing feeling and I definitely miss it."

Adnan Sami: "What a Valentine's Day gift my wife has given me."

B.O. update: 'Billu' starts slow, but actual test on Sat./Sun.

The much-awaited BILLU opened to a tepid response of 25% to 35% at various screens across the nation. However, the silver lining is that the film is enjoying positive reports and the next two days [Saturday and Sunday] will be crucial. Most exhibitors aren't surprised with the slow start, since it was evident from the promotion that the story revolves around Irrfan and that it wasn't the conventional SRK film, like OM SHANTI OM.

The other two releases, THE STONEMAN MURDERS and JUGAAD, have also opened with dull collections.

Aishwarya rocks on US showbiz TV

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan may not have made a mark as a Hollywood star but still manages to be a part of American showbiz.

After the Oprah Winfrey Show and the David Letterman shows, she's appearing on the popular Martha Stewart Show this week.

The buzz is that Ash has been a part of the Valentine's Day line-up at the day-time show, and she featured in a segment that had Martha Stewart teaching her and audiences how to make candy treat cups.

Ash appeared while she was in New York for the premiere of her Hollywood flick 'The Pink Panther 2′.

However there's been some controversy around Ash's involvement with the movie as she reportedly has a very small role. She didn't even feature in the posters and other publicity material of the film. The producers said that she had been left out of mainstream Hollywood publicity because her appeal was 'limited to Asia'.

When Ash was irked and asked for better treatment, there was a little understanding and she was invited to be a part of the promotional events.

After bad responses to 'Bride and Prejudice', 'The Mistress Of Spices' and 'The Last Legion', it was hoped that 'Pink Panther 2′ would give Ash the required international publicity. This movie has got bad reviews as of now. We just hope it's not another all hype- no show' thing for Ash.

What next Ash? An international film maybe with Will Smith which you've been supposedly declining for so long

Billu premiere for barbers and hairstylists

In a move to appease the Hairdressers' Associations of Mumbai, Shah Rukh Khan is planning to invite various barbers and hairstylists for the premiere of "Billu", which was earlier titled "Billu Barber".

"As far as I know, Shah Rukh is planning a premiere for the various barbers and hairdressers' associations, so they'd see and know that the film doesn't ridicule them in any way. In fact, the film is a homage to the hair-cutting technique. I can't understand how there can be a protest about the film or its title without anyone seeing the film," Priyadarshan told IANS.

According to Priyadarshan, Shah Rukh is not inviting friends from the industry for the screening.

The film was earlier titled "Billu Barber", but when Hairdressers' Associations of Mumbai objected to the use of the word "barber" in the title, Shah Rukh, who is producing the film and making a guest appearance, decided to change it.

"I'm in Chennai. Shah Rukh Khan tells me all the posters hoarding with credits will blacken out the word 'barber'. If it was hurting anyone's sentiments, I'm okay by it," Priyadarshan said.

He wonders how the word 'barber' could be okay in other languages and not in Hindi.

"Does it mean half the Indian population is not put off by the title and the other half is upset about it? I don't understand the controversy. And I've left it entirely to Shah Rukh to deal with it."

The director has no plans of being in Mumbai for the release of "Billu". "I've done my best. And Irrfan Khan in the title role is the best homage that can be paid to any profession."

Priyan does wonder, and so do we, if we as a collective nation protest too much.

Irrfan Khan plays the title role and is paired with Lara Dutta in the film, which is releasing on Friday (Feb 13). Shah Rukh will make a guest appearance along with Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone.

Deepika to be face of Mallya's Formula One Team

Industrialist Vijay Mallya, chairman of Force India Formula Team, has roped in actress Deepika Padukone to be the face of his team.

Deepika said, if she could manage time from her busy Bollywood schedule, she would love to be one of the team's 'speed divas' and travel around the world for the Formula One Grand Prix event 2009.

"I may make brief appearances during MTV's reality show, 'The Fast and the Gorgeous' and I'm looking forward to it," said Deepika as she sat on a McLaren-Mercedes-powered Formula One car to unveil MTV-Force India's The Fast and the Gorgeous hunt for the 'speed divas' in Mumbai on Tuesday (Feb 10).

Following a countrywide hunt four 'speed divas' will be chosen from 20 contestants to be the cheer girls/pit girls.

Deepika, daughter of badminton champion Prakash Padukone, loves sports and excelled in badminton in school.

Asked what is common between badminton and car racing, she said: "Speed".

Force India Formula One Team's maiden performance on the international race track last year was not up to the mark. "But to be qualified to take part in Formula One Grand Prix itself was no mean achievement," said Mallya.

Mallya, however, warned the Indian car race lovers not to expect "miracles" from the Force India Formula One Team during the prelims.

"The Grand Prix event from Barcelona onwards will be the real test for all the teams," he said.

Mallya, who took the initiative to put India on the international car racing track, said he will be a proud man when Force India Formula One Team will host the first Indian Grand Prix in 2011.

Ashish Patil, MTV India general manager and vice president (creative ad content), informed the media that the channel, which has always identified itself with the youth, is the right platform to popularise Formula One sport in India through its partnership with Force India Formula One Team for the reality show, "The Fast and the Gorgeous".

Bachchan in his most autobiographical film to date

Amitabh Bachchan is set to play a superstar named Ashmit Bhargava in Kushan Nandy's "The Actor", which incorporates many incidents from the Big B's life, making it his most autobiographical film to date.

"Yes, I wrote 'The Actor' for Mr. Bachchan, along with two writer-friends Kiran Shyam Shroff and Ghalib Asad," Kushan told IANS.

Confirming the news, Amitabh said: "Yes, I'm doing a film for Pritish Nandy (Kushan's father). The details you'll have to get from him."

The film is being produced by Pritish Nandy Communications (PNC) and will go on floors in the next few months.

Nandy and Amitabh got together for director Sanjay Gupta's "Kaante" in 2002, but after that there were reports of a rift created between them by a third party that didn't want the two to work together.

"I wouldn't like to go into the past, or comment on our relationship. Amitabh and I go back a long, long way. I've known him from long before the troublemakers were born. It was just a matter of the right vehicle for the amazing actor. When my son came up with 'The Actor', I knew this was it. I immediately approached Amitabh. We met several times and he agreed."

The rest of the cast is now being finalised.

"But getting the principal part right was imperative," said Nandy. "I don't think anyone else could've played Ashmit Bhargava the way Kushan wrote the character. The protagonist has to be an icon who's about 55-60 years old, portraying what's according to the script the greatest actor playing the biggest role of his life."

So are the identical initials of the superstar in "The Actor" and the one playing the role more than a mere coincidence?

"I think so," laughed Nandy. "I think the initials for Amitabh Bachchan and Ashmit Bhargava say it all."

Miss India Worldwide 2009 contestants watch 'Billu'

Priyadarshan's comedy "Billu", which features a large number of top-notch Bollywood actresses, saw bevy of Indian origin beauties from 25 countries at its premiere in Durban, South Africa.

The 25 young women have assembled here to vie for the Miss India Worldwide 2009 title at the Suncoast Entertainment resort on Saturday (Feb 14) night. And they were excited to take a break from rehearsals on Tuesday (Feb 10) evening to join local celebrities at the premiere of "Billu", hosted by young South African Indian cinema magnate Abie Moosa.

While Lara Dutta is cast opposite Irrfan, who plays the title role, Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone feature with Shah Rukh Khan in three different item numbers in the comedy.

"It will be delightful to have a complement of such lovely Indian ladies from across the globe to complement the Indian beauties on the screen," Moosa told IANS.

In keeping with the traditions of the Miss India Worldwide Pageant, started by Dharmatma Saran of the US nearly two decades ago, the contestants have been engaged in a series of visits to local communities and welfare projects for several days now.

On Monday, they were shown the massive Hare Krishna Temple in the huge Indian township of Chatsworth, which has become a popular tourist attraction.

Many of them expressed surprise that there were so many Indians in South Africa, and even that they had been here for nearly 150 years. "It is also wonderful to see the huge cultural diversity in South Africa," said Miss India Australia, Kanchan Verma, a health professional.

Miss India Oman, geneticist Shruti Dilip, said she had watched an impressive Indian dance by "a pint-sized" Indian dancer when they visited historic Gandhian sites in Pietermaritzburg, where the young lawyer Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi started his path to becoming the Mahatma after being kicked off a train by a white conductor.

Miss India Singapore, Asmaa Pandit, a business development consultant, and Miss India India Deepthi Varughese said that Durban with its large Indian population felt "just like being in India".

This is the second consecutive year that South Africa is hosting the Miss India Worldwide Pageant after Shagun Sarabhai of India was crowned the winner in Lenasia, the huge Indian township south of Johannesburg, at a gala event last year. Sarabhai will hand over the crown to her successor on Valentine's Day as another former winner from India, Fareisa Joemmanbaks of Suriname, looks on.

Saran said that he definitely had a soft spot for South Africa: "I have been coming here since 1991, when South Africa was just beginning to regain its international stature ahead of the first democratic elections, and the local franchisee for the Miss India Worldwide Pageant, Farook Khan, started it off here."

Saran said from just 12 countries participating in the initial event, this has now more than doubled, and the high standard of entries was most gratifying as young women in the Diaspora gained the international recognition denied to so many of their forebears.

Katrina's role has nothing to do with Sonia Gandhi

Film director Prakash Jha on Tuesday (Feb 10) denied that the role played by Katrina Kaif in his "Rajneeti" was based on Congress president Sonia Gandhi's political career.

"It (Katrina's character) has nothing to do with either the life or political career of Sonia Gandhi", Jha said in Bhopal, where he is shooting “Rajneeti”.

There have been media reports that the movie was based on the life and career of Sonia Gandhi and that the character played by Katrina bears an uncanny resemblance to her.

Meanwhile, Prakash Jha also said on Tuesday that he would contest the Lok Sabha elections from Bettiah constituency in West Champaran district of Bihar.
Talking to reporters, Jha said this time he would not contest as an independent candidate but in all probability for some political party.

"I contested the previous Lok Sabha elections as an independent candidate but now I will be in fray as a candidate of some political party," he said.

On which party he would contest from, Jha said that he enjoyed good relations with everyone in Bihar, be it Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad, Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) supremo Ram Vilas Paswan, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as well as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s L.K. Advani and it is yet to be decided for which party he would contest.

"I am in constant touch with my people in Bihar for the past five years and regularly serving them. As such, the party for which I contest is immaterial. However, it is certain that I will contest for that party which will talk about development and serving people in the real sense", he said.

Billu is a brand new movie

The buzz is that Shah Rukh Khan's "Billu Barber", now renamed "Billu", is inspired by Malayalam hit "Katha Parayumbol" (2007), which was later made in Tamil as "Kuselan" (2008). But the film's writer denies any similarity between the movies.

"'Billu' is a completely different film," said Mushtaq Sheikh, co-writer of "Billu" along with director Priyadarshan.

"When you will see 'Billu', you will know what I mean. The screenplay of 'Billu' does not follow the route followed by the predecessors," said Sheikh, who was also the co-writer of Shah Rukh's blockbuster "Om Shanti Om".

While Mammootty played a superstar in "Katha Parayumbol", its Tamil version starred Rajnikant in the same role.

So has the screenplay of "Billu" been tweaked to make it more suitable for an all-India audience?

"One did not have to tweak it, one had to change it completely. I repeat - this film is a re-birth of 'Billu' (the character in the film). It's a brand new film with no connection with any other film," Sheikh told IANS.

Unlike "Katha Parayumbol", "Kuselan" had bombed in spite of Rajnikant's presence.

"How does that affect our film?" asks Sheikh. "There wasn't any doubt or fear in us when we were working on 'Billu'. 'Kuselan' working or not working was never going to hamper the flow of 'Billu'."

Sheikh added that he and Priyadarshan had sat down to give the film a new "touch and feel".

"This movie was made before and here we wanted to make a brand new film keeping the ingrained soul intact. Also, making a Hindi film is a totally different ball game than the ones that are made in the south. The people, the emotions, the landscape, the conflict - everything changes when we make Hindi movies. We knew it was never going to be easy," he makes a candid confession.

He is particularly ecstatic about the fact that with 'Billu', he could work with his real-life friend Shah Rukh yet again.

"For me Shah Rukh is like a beacon of light that guides me and inspires me. He is like family. He brings in a certain strength to my presence," he said fondly.

Featuring Lara Dutta in the lead with special appearances by Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone, "Billu" also stars Priyadarshan regulars like Asrani, Om Puri, Rajpal Yadav, Manoj Joshi and Rasika Joshi. With music by Pritam, "Billu" is all set to arrive on Feb 13.

Shilpa Shetty adopts four villages

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty is an avid green activist. She was the highest individual donor for a green campaign overtaking fellow actors Shah Rukh Khan, Sanjay Dutt and Preity Zinta.

Shilpa donated Rs.1.2 million for NDTV's Greenathon, a campaign initiated by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). The actress has adopted four villages - each costing Rs.300,000 - in support of TERI's 'Lighting a Billion Lives' project that aims at solar powering villages across the country.

Apart from Shilpa, other generous donors for the campaign included Shah Rukh Khan who has donated Rs.1.5 million along with the "Billu" team.

While Shah Rukh and the "Billu" team together adopted five villages, Akshay Kumar's son Aarav became the youngest donor of the campaign by adopting one village.

The 24-hour non-stop 'Greenathon' managed to generate over Rs.24 million through corporates, Bollywood stars, musicians, environmentalists, NGOs and educational institutions, said a press release.

Sanjay Dutt and family, Preity Zinta, Arjun Rampal, Vivek Oberoi, Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi, cricketer Yuvraj Singh, Nokia and Coca-Cola too have donated for the cause.

Greenathon was a TV campaign and included on-the-ground activities such as clean up drives in Mumbai and Delhi, a 24-hour marathon run by model-actor Milind Soman, and a musical extravaganza by Bollywood stars.

Katrina Kaif to talk in Hindi

It’s going to be fun to watch Katrina Kaif in Prakash Jha’s Rajniti.

We hear, Katrina’s role in this movie has been inspired by Sonia Gandhi, while Ranbir Kapoor’s role seems to be inspired by Rajiv Gandhi. Now, if Kat is going to be a political personality, too, she obviously is required to deliver long speeches to crowds, and that’s going to pose a great challenge to the actress.

For this, we are told, Kaif has been attending voice modulation classes. Let’s hope she can get rid of that English twang soon.

Bebo as bridesmaid

Amrita Arora is getting married on March 6, and Kareena Kapoor’s all set for her best friend’s wedding.

Why not? We heard Bebo will be Ammu’s bridesmaid. Kareena is trying to take out time from her tight schedule to help the bride. Not just that. Bebo herself has made the rounds to the best stores in town and
co-ordinated with the best fashion designers to design her gown. Although, Amrita will be the maiden of the night, we are eager to watch Kareena in her ‘gown’ing glory!

Pics: What's been happening in tinseltown

All the pretty women around town and outdoors.

Hollywood Babe: Freida Pinto is going places. Here she is posing as a 50s Hollywood star for Vanity Fair. The red bikini and shoes and the yellow knickers are very cute. The globe probably represents the world at her feet. Way to go, girl!


Eternal Diva: We absolutely love Hema Malini's golden polka dots saree. It is so classy and rich. And she is as beautiful as ever.


Black Beauty: Jiah finally gets her LBD right at a part by Shane and Falguni Peacock. The red lipstick is perfect too.


Gorgeous Judge: Juhi is going to judge Jhalak Dikhla Jaa 3. The lady and her clothes get better with each passing day. The maroon, turquoise, gold and brocade combination is luxurious and beautiful, just like Juhi


Same-Same: Eesha Koppikhar has carried the same ugly bag to two events in two days. She first carried to a hair exhibition followed by a movie screening the next day. Could someone tell her to get rid of it ASAP?

Lara Dutta in Man's World

The leggy beauty shows you don't need to strip to grab eyeballs. Take a look at lovely Lara posing for the February issue of Man's World.

Vision in White: The short white dress does full justice to her curvy figure and long legs


Enchanting: Lara's smile could melt hearts. The silver sandals, pink nail polish and chunky accessories add the right amount of colour.


Natural Beauty: The windswept hair shows off her beautiful face and showing just the right amount of skin, Lara knows how to keep it classy and subtle.

Sanjay and Maanyata Dutt’s big bash!

Maanyata and Sanjay Dutt brought in their first wedding anniversary last night. The couple threw a big bash at their home in suburban Mumbai.

The guest list included the who’s who of Bollywood –Ajay Devgan, Fardeen Khan, Zayed Khan, Dino Morea, Lara Dutta, Vidya Balan, Riteish Deshmukh, Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia, Kunal Khemu, Aftab Shivdasani, Raj Kumar Hirani, Shatrugan Sinha and his kids, Sujoy Ghosh, Rahul Dholakia, Kirron Kher as well as close friends like Apoorva Lakhia, Abhishek Bachchan, Suniel and Mana Shetty, Amar Singh, Bunty Walia and Dharam Uberoi.

“The party totally rocked. It was amazing. The food, the alcohol… it was the best. And the turnout was fantastic too. It was a great evening,” informs a source from the party, “The champagne kept flowing all night long. It was a fantastic party and one that will be talked about for weeks to come.”

Interestingly, our source says that Dutt, who enjoys his drink, has quit drinking. “Sanju has stopped drinking completely. He is very keen to turn his health around and one of the things he did for that is quit alcohol. But that didn’t stop him from being in high spirits all evening long. He was personally checking on each guest to see that they were eating and drinking.”

Maanyata too was the toast of the evening. “Maanyata personally arranged for everything. She decided on each and every item on the menu. The food was just delicious. She too looked so beautiful in the gold sari that she wore. She ensured that everyone was having a great time. The party was on till the wee hours of the morning.”

While the guests kept dropping in all evening, Dutt’s sisters chose to stay away. “Priya, Namrata and Kumar Gaurav stayed away. They didn’t come up for even a few minutes. They chose to stay away. Also not present at the party were Salman, Shah Rukh and Aamir. They had been invited but cited previous commitments,” adds the source.

Dutt’s Like It
The Dutt guestlist included:
Ameesha and Kanav Puri, Vidya Balan, Riteish Deshmukh, Karan Johar, Ajay Devgan, Fardeen Khan, Zayed and Mallika Khan, Dino Morea, Lara Dutta, Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia, Kunal Khemu, Aftab Shivdasani, Sophie Chaudhary, Raj Kumar Hirani, Shatrugan Sinha and his kids, Sujoy Ghosh, Rahul Dholakia, Kirron Kher, Apoorva Lakhia, Abhishek Bachchan, Amar Singh, Bunty Walia, Shabina Khan, Dharam Uberoi, Suniel and Mana Shetty.