Nominations for Pan Bahar Max Stardust Awards 2009

SUPERSTAR OF TOMORROW - MALE
Nikhil Dwivedi (My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves)
Adhyayan Suman (Haal-E-Dil)
Harman Baweja (Love Story 2050)
Farhan Akhtar (Rock On!!)
Sikander Kher (Woodstock Villa)
Imran Khan (Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na)

SUPERSTAR OF TOMORROW - FEMALE
Sonal Chauhan (Jannat)
Genelia Dsouza (Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na)
Prachi Desai (Rock On!!)
Anushka Sharma (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi)
Chitrangda Singh (Sorry Bhai!)
Asin (Ghajini)

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE - FEMALE
Shahana Goswami (Rock On!!)
Vidya Malvade (Kidnap)
Mugdha Godse (Fashion)
Sheetal Menon (Bhram)
Manjari Phadnis (Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na)

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE - MALE
Sonu Sood (Jodhaa Akbar)
Sumeet Raghavan (U Me Aur Hum)
Samir Kochhar (Jannat)
Prateik Babbar (Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na)
Purab Kohli (Rock On!!)
Vatsal Sheth (Heroes)
Arjan Bajwa (Fashion)

STANDOUT PERFORMANCE BY A MUSIC DIRECTOR
Kailash Kher, Naresh & Paresh (Dasvidaniya / Pranali)
Raghav Sachar (One Two Three)
Justin - Uday (Hijack)
Dhruv Ghanekar (Drona)
Vidyasagar (Mere Baap Pehle Aap)

STANDOUT PERFORMANCE BY A LYRICIST
Kausar Munir (Falak Tak / Tashan)
Kashif (Khwaja Mere Khwaja / Jodhaa Akbar)
Ashok Mishra (Sita Ram Sita Ram / Welcome To Sajjanpur)
Kailash Kher (Muskura / Dasvidaniya)

NEW MUSICAL SENSATION - FEMALE
Shilpa Rao (Khuda Jaane / Bachna Ae Haseeno)
Bela Shende (Mann Mohanaa / Jodhaa Akbar)
Monali (Zara Zara Touch Me / Race)
Anusha Mani (Lazy Lamhe / Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic)
Dominique Cerejo (Ye Tumhari Meri Baatein / Rock On!!)
Anmol Malik (Talli / Ugly Aur Pagli)

NEW MUSICAL SENSATION - MALE
Benny Dayal (Pappu Can't Dance / Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na)
Wajid (Bang Bang Bang / Hello)
Vijay Prakash (Manmohini Morey / Yuvvraaj)
Farhan Akhtar (Tum Ho Toh / Rock On!!)
Dhruv Ghanekar (Drona / Drona)
Rashid Ali (Kabhi Kabhi Aditi Zindagi / Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na)

HOTTEST NEW FILMMAKER
Rohit Shetty (Golmaal Returns)
Sachin Khot (Ugly Aur Pagli)
Samir Karnik (Heroes)
A.R. Murugadoss (Ghajini)
Tarun Mansukhani (Dostana)
Kunal Deshmukh (Jannat)
Abhishek Kapoor (Rock On!!)
Siddharth Anand (Bachna Ae Haseeno)
Abbas Tyrewala (Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na)

EXCITING NEW FACE - FEMALE
Adah Sharma (1920)
Shreya Saran (Mission Istaanbul)
Neha Uberoi (Woodstock Villa)
Amruta Khanvilkar (Phoonk)
Aushima Sawhney (Yuvvraaj)

EXCITING NEW FACE - MALE
Rajneesh Duggal (1920)

HOTTEST NEW FILM
Hello
Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na
U Me Aur Hum
Phoonk
Ghajini

THE NEW MENACE
Imran Khan (Kidnap)
Nikitin Dheer (Jodhaa Akbar)
Anurag Sinha (Black & White)
Rajesh Shringapure (Sarkar Raj)

STARDUST SEARCHLIGHT AWARDS

BEST ACTOR
Rajeev Khandelwal (Aamir)
Anupam Kher (A Wednesday !)
Rahul Bose (Shaurya)
Vinay Pathak (Dasvidaniya)
Amitabh Bachchan (The Last Lear)
Abhay Deol (Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!)

BEST ACTRESS
Preity Zinta (The Last Lear)
Sarika (Hari Puttar - A Comedy Of Terrors)
Minissha Lamba (Shaurya)
Soha Ali Khan (Mumbai Meri Jaan)
Neetu Chandra (Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!)
Amrita Rao (Welcome To Sajjanpur)

BEST FILM
Aamir
Shaurya The Last Lear
Mithya
Dasvidaniya
Mumbai Meri Jaan
A Wednesday !
Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!

BEST DIRECTOR
Rajat Kapoor (Mithya)
Rituparno Ghosh (The Last Lear)
Rajkumar Gupta (Aamir)
Neeraj Pandey (A Wednesday !)
Nishikant Kamat (Mumbai Meri Jaan)
Shashant Shah (Dasvidaniya)
Dibakar Banerjee (Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!)

READERS' CHOICE AWARDS

BEST ACTOR IN SUPPORTING ROLE
Arjun Rampal (Rock On!!)
Shreyas Talpade (Golmaal Returns)
Anil Kapoor (Race / Yuvvraaj)
Tusshar Kapoor (Golmaal Returns)
Bobby Deol (Dostana)

BEST ACTRESS IN SUPPORTING ROLE
Kangna Ranaut (Fashion)
Gul Panag (Hello)
Sushmita Mukherjee (Dostana)
Bipasha Basu (Bachna Ae Haseeno)
Neha Dhupia (Singh Is Kinng)
Amisha Patel (Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic)
Divya Dutta (U Me Aur Hum)
Kirron Kher (Dostana)

BEST ACTOR / ACTRESS IN NEGATIVE ROLE
Anil Kapoor (Tashan)
Akshaye Khanna (Race)
Kay Kay Menon (Drona)
Urmila Matondkar (Karzzzz)
Katrina Kaif (Race)

STAR OF THE YEAR - MALE
Hrithik Roshan (Jodhaa Akbar)
Saif Ali Khan (Race)
Abhishek Bachchan (Sarkar Raj / Dostana)
Akshay Kumar (Singh Is Kinng)
John Abraham (Dostana)
Salman Khan (Heroes / Yuvvraaj)
Ranbir Kapoor (Bachna Ae Haseeno)
Aamir Khan (Ghajini)
Shahrukh Khan (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi)
Amitabh Bachchan (Sarkar Raj)

STAR OF THE YEAR - FEMALE
Katrina Kaif (Singh Is Kinng)
Aishwarya Rai (Jodhaa Akbar / Sarkar Raj)
Priyanka Chopra (Fashion / Dostana)
Kareena Kapoor (Golmaal Retunes)

BEST FILM
Singh Is Kinng
Jodhaa Akbar
Jannat
Dostana
Race
Fashion
Yuvvraaj
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

BEST DIRECTOR
Ashutosh Gowarikar (Jodhaa Akbar)
Subhash Ghai (Yuvvraaj)
Anees Bazmee (Singh Is Kinng)
Madhur Bhandarkar (Fashion)
Aditya Chopra (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi)
Ram Gopal Varma (Sarkar Raj)
Abbas-Mustan (Race)

Kangna Ranaut finds herself scary

After Fashion, Kangna Ranaut is basking in the glory of Raaz 2. We met her at the success party of the film and instead of singing praises of her character, the actress revealed how she got scared of herself in the film!

I don’t want to play a ghost for the next five years atleast. I’ll get scared of myself if I do! Some scenes are so horrifying that I got cramps in my stomach while watching those,” she stated. So don’t treat Kangs for a horror flick for a few years, else she’ll just ‘run-out’!

Arjan Bajwa catches chill after Delhi visit

"Fashion" star Arjan Bajwa has returned to Mumbai with a chill after he visited New Delhi recently for a friend's wedding.

"I was in Delhi for one of my close friends' wedding and it was so cold that even my bones were chattering. Still it was amazing fun. I am a Delhi boy but since I have been in Mumbai for so long, it affected me and I have come back with a chill," said Arjan.

Now back in Mumbai, the actor is missing the "love and warmth of people" and waiting for his next trip to Delhi.

Mugdha Godse tops online poll for most popular actress

Former supermodel Mugdha Godse, who debuted in Madhur Bhandarkar's "Fashion", has topped an online poll as the most popular actress in Bollywood now.

To everyone's surprise, Mugdha left behind leading actresses like Aishwarya Rai, Katrina Kaif and Kareena Kapoor and topped the charts with a whopping 1,600 hits in the live poll conducted by Buzz18.com, the online entertainment wing of the Web18 network group.

The newcomer earned rave reviews for her performance as Janet Sequeira in "Fashion", which also featured Priyanka Chopra, Kangana Ranaut, Arbaaz Khan and Arjan Bajwa.

Success party of Fashion

Priyanka Chopra on a roll

She has played a supergirl, a supermodel, a superstar and is now back on the silver screen tickling the funny bone as a sassy desi girl.

Priyanka Chopra or Piggy Chops as she is fondly called may be seven years old in the Hindi film industry, but this year has been particularly busy and diverse for her. She is perhaps the only leading star who has had as many as six releases in one year. And most importantly she has played a central role in nearly all of them.

Beginning the year with a special appearance in a medium-budget "My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves", she was then seen as uber stylish superstar in "Love Story 2050". Touted as India's first film set in the future, Priyanka looked the part as a red-head.

The film, marking the launch of Harman Baweja, had some serious money riding on it, but bombed for no fault of the actors.

Then came Salman Khan-starrer "God Tussi Great Ho", which also did not make a dent at the box-office. She was then seen in off-beat filmmaker Kabeer Koushik's "Chamku", co-starring Bobby Deol.

She got the rare feast of being called a supergirl with "Drona", yet another very high-budget film. Some of her action sequences were as hard as that of Abhishek's itself and built on her previous action-packed experience in Farhan Akhtar's "Don".

Priyanka's central role in Madhur Bhandarkar's "Fashion", that has done exceedingly well, has brought in both critical acclaim and proved her clout to pull in crowds. It is perhaps the only recent female-centric film that has done good business.

It seems there is no looking back for her now with the hype generated around latest-release "Dostana" ensuring bumper opening of the film. And Priyanka's toned and shapely appearance in a golden bikini has established her as a top contender for the most hottie title.

The rise to the top has been fast but not completely smooth for the former Miss World. Last year saw Priyanka's popularity slipping after the multi-starrer of the year - "Salaam-E-Ishq" - had critics questioning her acting. But she took it as a challenge and worked on her acting as well as sweated it out in the gym.

Diversity within the fold of commercial film format has been the guiding force of Priyanka's career from the very start. She caught people's attention with her unconventional role of a seductress indulging in male harassment in "Aitraaz". She also got nominated for the best supporting female actor for "The Hero: Love Story of a Spy".

She followed it up by excelling in a comic role in "Mujhse Shaadi Karoge". In fact, she bagged three Filmfare Awards in just two years. And with no god father in the industry propping her up, Priyanka has surely come a long way.

"Priyanka has done what few would dare to, in 'Fashion' and 'Dostana'," author and critic Bhawana Somaaya said in an interview.

With heroine-oriented films tasting success today, the road ahead seems to be full of opportunities for these leading ladies.

"In every era, one heroine has always dominated the scene in the film industry. Things are more fluid now. Today, Katrina Kaif, Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra are all sharing this space," said Siddharth Anand, director of the hit "Bachna Ae Haseeno".

Bhawana said: "They are all confident women of this generation who all have their own distinct personalities."

Perhaps that would explain why "Fashion" released with more than 700 prints around the country, and Kareena Kapoor dominated publicity material of "Golmaal Returns" though she has a small role in it.

As product placement and corporate funding of films increases, female characters are bond to be in the forefront today. After all, women make most purchasing decisions and corporates want them to see and relate to the films that feature their products.

"I couldn't have entered the industry at a better time," Katrina Kaif is quoted as saying in an interview. "Today, perceptions have changed. How else would you explain the audience accepting me in different roles so wholeheartedly? I don't think that was possible, say, 10 years ago," said Katrina, who will be seen in "Yuvvraaj" in a different avatar.

Priyanka's New Body

Former Miss World Priyanka Chopra, who floored the audiences with her dare-bare performance in Fashion is waiting anxiously for audiences reaction to Dostana, which is her next release.

The beauty has confessed working hard on her body for the film. She says: "For Fashion, I had to put on six kilos and later had to shed chip by chip as the character progressed in the film. My body structure in Dostana is more toned than in Fashion as it is a completely beach film. I've worked very hard on my body."

Since it's a complete beach film, we would find Priyanka Chopra dressed chic and minimal clothes apart from bikinis.

Box Office update: 'Golmaal Returns', 'Fashion' bring cheer

The morning and matinee shows on Thursday, October 30 were affected due to Bhai Dooj festival. Resultantly, the business of practically all movies was down by approx. 30% - 40% at several places, but things picked up again from noon and evening shows onwards. GOLMAAL RETURNS continued to lead with excellent collections in North and also Hindi belt mainly, but the real surprise was FASHION, which is running to packed houses at plexes of metros and mini-metros. However, the single screens aren't too strong. HEROES too picked up considerably on Wednesday and Thursday.

After two days of festivity [Wednesday, Thursday], its back to work from Friday [today] onwards. The new movies have opened at major single screens today. Also, the shows have been increased at plexes everywhere. The industry is keenly watching the response to GOLMAAL RETURNS and FASHION on Friday. Will the dream run continue, we'll keep you posted on that!

"I don't feel glamorous anymore" - Kangna Ranaut

Very recently, Kangna shocked the industry when she made the bold declaration that 'she never felt like being a part of a hardcore Bollywood commercial film because she had no respect for such cinema'! Joginder Tuteja catches up with Kangna on the eve of the release of Fashion for a candid conversation. As the clock has started ticking for the arrival of the film at theaters across the globe, a pertinent question which one can't help but ask is - 'Who amongst the three actresses in Fashion would walk away with the honors. Over to Kangna:

Priyanka has been hailed as the central protagonist in the film. Where do you and Mugdha fit in?
(Smiles) Should I really be commenting on it at this moment when the film is ready to be seen by on and all? You should watch the film and you'll get to know.

But with most of the promos centered on Priyanka, didn't you feel left out?
I didn't. Because the central character of the film is Priyanka. Even the publicity stills and promos are giving the right impression of the film. People should not get the wrong notion about the movie that the promos were focused on one person and the story is about someone else.

Madhur's realistic cinema has always raised eyebrows. Do you want to elaborate on Fashion is it again comes with similar traits?
Raised eyebrows? I don't know in which way? But he has always been appreciated for the films that he has made. He has also won National Awards. I am sure that this film has a possibility of winning him one more award and I think its going to be a very high impact film rather than a controversial one.

You have been a model yourself. That must have helped your performance in Fashion, right?
(Scowls) Puhleeze, let me clarify this once again...and on the records. I was never a model! It is a misconception that some people have been carrying with themselves.

After being in the industry for around 3 years, do you feel wiser when it comes to making career decisions?
Today when I have to make a decision, I do feel much more confident and much stronger. I was just discussing with my friend the other day about how people change and how we grow up from inside. I was 18 yrs when I started, I am 21 today, tomorrow when I become 45 years and when I look back I won't be the same Kangna. At 18- I was different, at 21- I was different and at 45 also I will change. I do feel much wiser while talking decisions today. I feel stable today.

Once upon a time, Kangna was a simple girl from Manali with big dreams. Has the world of glamour allowed that simplicity to remain?
I think I was much more glamorous before I entered films. I was very funny as a person and I used to think of myself as a huge superstar compared to what I think of myself today. Like when I was in school I used to compare myself to American actors and Miss World and Miss Universe. But today after being in this world I don't feel glamorous anymore.

Seriously?
Yup, seriously. In fact I have become boring. I don't want to think about acting all the time. I have completely changed as a person, I am not exciting anymore and my life is not exciting anymore. I think, before I came into this glamorous world I was much more fun and funny and exciting as a person.

What happens from here?
Roshan should be releasing any time. Then there is Raaz 2 that is confirmed for January 2009. Kites is another film and I am also doing an international project!

The D-Day arrives!

Happy Diwali! It's that time of the year when everyone hopes and prays that the festival of lights spreads light in our lives. This year, I sincerely and genuinely wish, from the bottom of my heart, that the gloomy scenario fades and Diwali brings in cheer and prosperity to everyone within and outside the industry.

Till a few months ago, everything seemed bullish. But the last few weeks have been tough. Movies are flopping, the footfalls at plexes -- single and multi -- have reduced sharply, the corporates are in no mood to clinch deals, the independent producers are reeling under the shock over inflated prices of stars, the independent distributors are wary… Things have slowed down considerably.

But let's not lose hope. Or lose sleep. Let's keep our fingers crossed on GOLMAAL RETURNS and FASHION, the two movies that open today.

The pre-Diwali phase was dullest this year. HEROES, despite tremendous appreciation from all quarters, hasn't shown that big jump at the ticket window. The viewers were gung ho, the critics were generous too. But the numbers never reflected that appreciation.

After a decent start on Friday, things were more or less the same on Day 2 [Saturday]. There wasn't much improvement. Sunday was no different either. However, movie business hit rock-bottom on Monday and Tuesday, while Wednesday, today, should show an increase, provided HEROES manages to hold on to good shows.

Of course, GOLMAAL RETURNS and FASHION will be the first-choice, but let's remain optimistic. Also, the film deserves to be tax-exempted and the sooner the makers act on it, the better.

The other release, Yash Raj and Walt Disney's ROADSIDE ROMEO, has failed to lure the kids -- its target audience. No doubt, the animation was top notch, but the content was outright predictable. In fact, below mediocre level. We're moving ahead in terms of presentation and technology, but how about upgrading the content as well

Fashion - Movie Review

Are you ready for an expose on the fashion industry? Where designers pass off 'Indira Market, Bangkok' stuff as their own creation. Where ad agency/fashion mag honchos call the shots. Wild lifestyles, backstage dramas, wardrobe malfunction, casting couch… ouch, ouch, ouch!

Madhur Bhandarkar, the undisputed king of realistic fares, comes up with yet another hard-hitting film that enlightens you, moves you, motivates and deflates you, even shocks and surprises you and of course, entertains you.

The solid reason why FASHION works is because Madhur brings alive everything you've read in newspapers or watched on TV as an outsider, to the big screen. And that works and how!

But let's not give the subject material all importance, for Madhur's handling of the subject is exemplary. Madhur dresses up his mannequins well, but most importantly, infuses life in those prime bodies. A number sequences leave you tongue-tied [more on that later].

But there's a hitch. And this problem tones down the impact considerably. The running tine of almost 2.40 hours makes you restless, especially the penultimate 25-odd minutes. Yet, all said and done, FASHION has all it takes to be the showstopper this Diwali!

FASHION tells the story of a small-town girl with a dream and the determination to make it a reality. Meghna [Priyanka Chopra] is ambitious, she wants to attain the status of a supermodel. She realises her dreams and rises to walk the ramps for leading designers across India.

But Meghna has to pay the price for her fame and her journey to the top. Her career starts sliding downwards. In this journey of Meghna, she encounters a number of people. Most importantly, Shonali [Kangna Ranaut] and Janet [Mugdha Godse]. Also, Abhijit Sareen [Arbaaz Khan], a tycoon who controls the fashion industry.

CHANDNI BAR, PAGE 3, SATTA, CORPORATE, TRAFFIC SIGNAL -- every Madhur Bhandarkar film has a new story to tell and he tells it most convincingly. In fact, Madhur strikes a fine balance between realism and entertainment in every film. Given the fact that FASHION is all about the fashion industry, the narrative is inevitably filled with lots of glam-n-glitz moments. The fashion shows, the stunning models, the superb styling, the vibrant colours and the behind the scenes drama is worth every penny spent on the ticket.

But it's not just ramp shows and style-n-fashion here. There's a story running concurrently -- of three models. One, the rise of an unknown into a supermodel. Two, the fall of a supermodel to dust. Three, the ambitious model not achieving success, but opting for a marriage of convenience.

While Madhur has handled the theme as if he were an insider, this review would be incomplete if you ignore two major sequences that are simply outstanding. One, Kangna's wardrobe malfunction and two, when Priyanka exposes Arbaaz to his wife [Suchitra Pillai].

Mahesh Limaye's cinematography captures every aspect of the fashion industry to the fullest. The screenplay [Madhur Bhandarkar, Anuradha Tiwari, Ajay Monga] is perfect, except for the penultimate portions. Niranjan Iyengar's dialogues are fantastic. Nitin Chandrakant Desai's production design is truly upmarket. The costumes and styling are top notch, a feast for the eyes. Salim-Sulaiman's music is well synchronised as well. 'Mar Jaava' and 'Jalwa' are lilting creations.

Madhur places immense trust on Priyanka and she is remarkable all through, more towards the second hour. Post AITRAAZ, FASHION is another medal that shines the brightest when you look at her body of work. But the real star is Kangna. Her role may not be as lengthy as that of Priyanka, but the actress pitches in an awesome performance. Her confidence at the very start is infectious and her overall performance deserves an ovation.

Mugdha Godse is, again, supremely confident. She has dum. Arbaaz Khan is first-rate. Arjan Bajwa does well. Harsh Chhaya, the gay designer, stands out with a realistic performance. Ashwin Mushran, Priyanka's confidante, is top notch. Samir Soni is good. Suchitra Pillai and Kittu Gidwani are effectual. Raj Babbar and Kiran Juneja are seasoned in such roles.

On the whole, FASHION has tremendous curiosity value and also shock value for the Indian audiences. Its subject -- the behind the scenes working and drama of the fashion industry -- is its USP. At the box-office, the pre-release hype and buzz will ensure a successful run for the film. Its business at multiplexes mainly should be bountiful. However, trimming the film will only help; not only will it enhance the film, but also its business. Must watch!

Raaz 2 promo with Fashion - Scary and intriguing

Glamour meets thrill as the first theatrical promo of Raaz-The Mystery Continues will be showcased with upcoming movie Fashion on 29th October.

This writer had an exclusive dekko at the film's 90 seconds promo and the impact it has managed to create is truly stunning. Get ready to jump from your seat and engage in some shocking moments as the promo catches your attention in the first 10 seconds itself. Kangna Ranaut hanging on a wall with a haunting background score in play is good enough to set the mood in for this horror flick which is next in the series of Raaz.

While there are a couple of shots featuring Adhyayan that give a romantic angle to the tale, the promo remains true to the film's subject of mystery and intrigue as Emraan Hashmi's character finds himself engaged in an all around suspicious environment. What takes the cake though is a shot where Kangna suddenly jumps and sits up on her bed while giving out a loud cry. Scary, really scary!

What really stands out in the promo is that never once do the frames turn gory or ugly. Instead, the promo showcases the film to be a thrilling encounter with some spine chilling moments intact without resorting to 'let's scare you with ugly faces' look! Also, the promo focuses on Kangna's character, who plays the central protagonist with Emraan Hashmi following next as the star attraction.

Says Mukesh Bhatt about the importance of the promo, "We wanted it to convey the right mood of the film without resorting to being gory or too violent. Raaz - The Mystery Continues, as conveyed by the title, is centered on mystery and this is what remains to be it's true essence."

A supernatural thriller, the film is directed by Mohit Suri. This is Mohit's fifth film with the Bhatt Brothers. Incidentally, Kangna Ranaut plays a fashion model in Raaz-The Mystery Continues after Fashion.

Raaz-The Mystery Continues deals with issues of the "evil within" the human psyche and how it manifests itself. It is based on the myths and superstitions that are still widely existent in the contemporary Indian society. The film attempts to challenge one's beliefs about paranormal phenomena. It is about anticipation of fear and the fright residing within ones' self.

"I have no respect for hardcore Bollywood commercial film" - Kangna Ranaut

Kangna Ranaut is in an explosive mood. May be it has something to do with the 'explosive' cinema that she has been a part of ever since she made her debut with Gangster. From playing a gangster's love interest (which was straight out of headlines) in Gangster to re-enacting the trauma of Parveen Babi in Woh Lamhe and most recently expressing the dilemma of Senior Executive at a Call Center in Life In A Metro, Kangna has been busy making her own space outside a world which goes by the name of Bollywood.

While working in aforementioned films, didn't she feel like being a part of a hardcore Bollywood commercial film to at least stay in the reckoning during her relatively leaner period?

"Everybody asks me this. But I never felt like being a part of a hardcore Bollywood commercial film because I have no respect for such cinema", Kangna makes a shocking confession.

She continues, "It is like an immortal work of art. For me my movies are my heart-beat. I cannot do a stupid film in which people laugh while they are watching it. So I have to be very careful".

Seems like she detests such cinema? "Yes, because it hurts me emotionally and mentally when people make fun about the characters in the film. I don't like people making fun of movies and characters. You should be given respect in society and for the work you do."

In that case, is Fashion the kind of film which should get the actors in it the kind of respect she aims for? "I really hope so. Fashion will change the thinking of the society and what they think about the fashion world. I don't have a crystal ball to see what the future holds, but yes I do know that the film will do very well", says Kangna in a positive tone.

There has been long gap between her last film Life In A Metro and Fashion. Was a break like this planned? Replies Kangna, "It was not planned. Some times it just takes too long for a project to complete. Even Fashion for that matter took about 6- 7 months to complete. In fact I did a film in the middle called Roshan but it didn't come. It will now come out after Fashion".

The three sizzling bombshells of Madhur Bhandarkar's Fashion

Madhur Bhandarkar is known for making hard-hitting and realistic cinema. While his film Chandni Bar dealt with the lives of bar-dancers, Corporate looked at the games people play in the world of business. Page 3 gave an interesting overview into the lives of the rich and famous while Traffic Signal exposed the lives of beggars and street urchins in a metro like Mumbai. Now, the director is ready with his latest film Fashion that gives us more than a sneak peek into the world of modeling and Fashion. The film slated to release this Diwali (Oct 29th) stars Priyanka Chopra, Kangna Ranaut and Mugdha Godse in lead roles. What is interesting is the fact that all the 3 leading ladies have been successful models at some point of their career, hence it surely must have been easy for them to play models on screen. Bollywood Buzz brings you a snapshot of the characters which Priyanka, Kangna, and Mugdha play in Fashion along with their experiences of shooting for this film. You simply don't wanna miss this one!!!

Priyanka Chopra as Meghna Mathur

Call it a coincidence or what, but just like in her real life, Priyanka plays a small town girl who comes to the big city with dreams in her eyes of making it big in the world of Fashion. Her character Meghna is someone whose strength, determination and feisty spirit takes her on a journey far from home. Meghna Mathur is an elusive combination of beauty and intelligence. She aspires to be a part of the fashion world. She knows that she has what it takes to become a supermodel and will pursue it to the fullest. She has an added advantage of an in-built self-esteem & a sense of morality and will not compromise on her dignity.

Speaking about her experience of working on Fashion, Priyanka says, "It was great working on the film. The experience was more like working for a fashion show than working for a film. The ramp walks, the costumes, the make-ups, the changes everything was so exciting, it just brought back old memories of my modeling days"

Kangna Ranaut as Shonali Gujral

Kangana Ranaut has also has done some modeling before she got her first big break with Bhatt's Gangster. That film went on to become a super-duper hit and since then there has been no looking back for this curly-haired actress. Kangna is now looking forward to her role in Fashion where she plays the character of Shonali Gujral

Shonali Gujral is the reigning model on the runway and an icon for Meghna to aspire and look up to. However, Shonali is also a victim of the choices she has made. She bears the consequences of a steep rise to fame and fortune without a resolute backbone especially when the weight gets unbearable. Shonali is the poster child for glamour and unfortunately, even for self-destruction. Famous, envied, lost and confused she is a prisoner in a world, which will lead to her ultimate downfall.

Kangna is known for her excellent acting skills and even in Fashion, we are sure to see her perform to the best of her capacity. Speaking on her experience working on Fashion, Kangna says, "Fashion is the most stylish film I have done till date. Though I have walked the ramp before, playing a model in Fashion was a completely different experience. I play a super model in the film. I got to wear some really good costumes and getting styled by Rita Dhody was amazing. I completely surrendered myself to her and I think I look very good in the film. It is my first film where I have donned so much of make up because in most of my previous films I was seen with minimal make up. I must say I really enjoyed playing Shonali Gujral in the film."

Mugdha Godse as Janet

Mugdha Godse may not be a well-known name in Bollywood but in the world of fashion, she is a name to reckon with. Having done numerous stage shows and commercials, this real-life super-model is now all set to make her mark in the big, bad world of films with Fashion. In fact it was during one of her fashion shows that she met director Madhur backstage, who immediately offered her the role of Janet in Fashion.

Janet is the tough talking girl with a heart of gold, who becomes Meghna's best friend. A model, who may not have reached the heights that someone like Shonali has reached, yet Janet remains carefree and lives life by her own terms with no demons or regrets. She seems like she has made a pact with life - 'You keep me alive and I'll walk around with a smile on my face.' But Janet has something which the others who survive like her don't: She has a heart. She values the importance of a family. And she knows that you can find love in the strangest of places.

Mugdha who is really banking on this film to kick-start her Bollywood career says, "My role in Fashion is like a tailor made character for me. I play Janet who is a true to life girl, someone who is carefree and lives life on her own terms. I thought that playing a model would be a cakewalk for me as I belong to the fashion industry but as we started shooting, I realized it was not that easy. Walking the ramp in fashion shows is quite different than walking the ramp for a film but working in the film was an amazing and a great learning experience."

With 3 stunningly good-looking actresses portraying such contrastingly different characters, Fashion looks like yet another quality product from Madhur Bhandarkar.

Fashion to arrive with 700 prints

Fashion is turning out to be the biggest film ever, for Madhur Bhandarkar. Not just, it is the costliest; it is now also seeing the biggest release ever of the National Award winning filmmaker.

With Bhandarkar as the film's co-producer, Fashion is heating up well in the market and is seeing good demand amongst the exhibitors. Diwali being the festive season, the film is being pitched in a big way across the globe, notwithstanding competition from Golmaal Returns and EMI, both of which release on the same day i.e. October 29th. No wonder, the film is arriving at 700 prints across globe.

Confirms Madhur Bhandarkar who is working 24X7 to meet October 29 deadline, "Fashion is turning out to be a big film in all ways. Feedback has been unprecedented and the success of the film's music has further enhanced it's visibility. We all are super charged about the prospects of Fashion and are bringing it at 700 prints which includes India as well as Overseas count."

Golmaal Returns is releasing along side Fashion; does it worry him? "Fashion has its own audience and two films coming on Diwali is nothing new," says Madhur who promises that Fashion would yet again get into the 'expose' mode.

There have been talks that Ram Gopal Varma expects a lot from Madhur's Fashion. "It's nice of him to think that way", Madhur comments, "We both met recently and he told me that he is looking forward to Fashion. Everyone has quite a lot of expectations from Fashion but I am confident that the product has turned out to be good. Each of the actors has done quite well and I am sure audience's expectations would be met."

Fashion to premiere in New York

"Fashion", Madhur Bhandarkar's film set in the glamorous but ruthless world of haute couture, is slated for its world premiere on October 24 during the week-long 5th South Asian International Film Festival (SAIFF) in New York.

Nandita Das' "Firaaq", also from India, is the opening night feature of the festival and Das starrer "Ramchand Pakistani" directed by Mehreen Jabbar is the closing film. The festival runs from October 22-28.

SAIFF 2008 will present a select combination of full-length films, shorts and documentaries in a variety of genres. With several screening locations in Manhattan and high-profile sponsors like HBO, the New York Times and Time Warner Cable, the festival is dedicated to supporting established and emerging filmmakers from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, as well as the South Asian diaspora.

"Fashion", starring Priyanka Chopra, Kangana Ranaut and Raj Babbar explores the world of style through the emotional journeys of the key people that make up the industry -models, designers, photographers, agencies and businessmen.

"Firaaq", which premiered last month at the Toronto International Film Festival, takes place over a 24-hour period one month after the 2002 communal violence in Gujarat. It features a star studded ensemble portraying the emotional journeys of "ordinary people" - some victims, some perpetrators and some who watched silently.

"Ramchand Pakistani" is a true story from 2002 concerning the accidental crossing of the Pakistan-Indian border during a period of extreme, war-like tension between the two countries by two members of a Pakistani Hindu family belonging to the Dalit caste. Nandita Das is the only non-Pakistani in the film's cast.

Fashion - First Look

Priyanka's rings of health

Priyanka Chopra has taken to wearing healing stones for her good health and prosperity. Sources reveal that ever since her dad's health went down hill the actress has taken to wearing these special stones in her rings.

A few weeks back, the actress was spotted wearing three stone-studded rings in her hands. In the past, Priyanka hasn't sported any such rings.

A source reveals that Priyanka took to the rings after her dad's recent relapse in health. "Priyanka was advised by a common friend to start wearing the stones in her rings.

She is wearing three rings, two on her right hand and one on the left. The stones have healing powers and Priyanka believes will get her good health and luck. Even though she isn't a strong believer in astrology and such, Priyanka is wearing these rings to bring her luck and prosperity."

The source further reveals, "Harman too believes in the power of stones and has been wearing some rings for a long time. With three important releases Drona, Fashion and Dostana lined up, Priyanka wants to make sure she gets all the luck these rings can offer. In fact, both Harman and Priyanka sport the same emerald rings in their hands."

Priyanka the latest swimsuit babe

Against the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the sparkling beaches of Miami, rises a sexy babe clad in a golden swimsuit. With water shimmering on her body in the sunlight, the face turns towards the camera... and we get the first look of Priyanka Chopra in a bathing suit. The vista is mesmerizing.

With bollywood babes going the extra mile to show off their toned bodies, it is now the turn of Priyanka Chopra. Kareena Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Amisha Patel, Minissha Lamba have done it and now Priyanka joins the elite gang of those wearing a swimsuit for a film.

In her signature husky voice, Priyanka who is suffering from acute congestion in her throat and chest says, “The compliments are pouring in. The film has been shot in Miami and as we are young people, the best place for frolicking is on the beach. Hence, the swimsuit.”

However, shooting for a swimsuit shot is not easy for filmstars. One heard stories of Amisha and Kareena intense workouts, Bipasha’s diet of just orange juice three days prior to the shoot, so what is Priyanka’s tale?

“Since I was shooting for Madhur Bhandarkar’s Fashion where I play a supermodel, I really did not have to do much for the shot in Dostana. I was already working out and since I have a very slender frame, the shot did not require me to do anything drastic,” says the former Miss World.

Priyanka Chopra in 'Fashion' Trailer