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?

SRK's IPL Bangla shocker

Englishmen Kevin Pietersen and Andy Flintoff may have won the highest bids at the IPL auction on Friday, but the real jawdropper came from Shah Rukh Khan.

King Khan picked up Bangladeshi fast bowler Mashrafe Mortaza for about Rs 3 crore, 12 times his base price of Rs 25 lakh. Why would SRK do that? The answer is that he thinks neighbouring Bangladesh's TV audience will add value to his team. Brilliant. Fellow Bollywood stars Preity Zinta and Shilpa Shetty were also busy shopping for men. Here's how it played out for all of them.

Kolkata Knight Riders: Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla
New Additions: M Mortaza for 2.94 crores
SRK snapped up Bangladeshi pacer Mashrafe Mortaza this morning in Goa. Coming for just under 3 crores, SRK is hoping for Mortaza to strengthen his bowling line up. And while Mortaza has impressed critics in his international career, Khan will have to hope that he doesn't get plagued down my injuries – something that has hindered Mashrafe's career extensively so far.
Big Guns: Sourav Ganguly, Brad Hodge, Chris Gayle, David Hussey, Ricky Ponting, Tatenda Taibu
Point of Worry: With Pakistani players not being allowed to participate in the IPL, players like Mohammad Hafeez, Salman Butt, Umar Gul and Shoaib Akhtar will be no shows at this year's IPL.
Bollywood Charm: SRK, Juhi, Arjun Rampal, Sajid Khan, Farah Khan

Kings XI Punjab: Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia
New Additions: Ravi Bopara for 2.20 crores and Jerome Taylor for 73.5 lakhs
Preity has added two new players to her young team. Ravi Bopara who has been impressing domestic and international audiences with his form will join Yuvraj Singh's team. Also signed on is right handed fast West Indian bowler Jerome Taylor who will help back the young cricketers.
Big Guns: Yuvraj Singh, Brett Lee, Irfan Pathan, Kumar Sangakarra, Mahela Jayawardena, Shaun Marsh, Simon Katich and Sreesanth.
Bollywood Charm: Preity Zinta

Rajasthan Royals: Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra
New Additions: Shaun Tait for 1.83 crores and Tyron Andserson for 3.18 crores
Last year's winners Rajasthan Royals have further strengthened their team by adding Kiwi player Shaun Tait. Known for his strong bowling action, Tait is known to have brought the strongest international teams to their knees with his fast ones. Royals have also taken on Tyron Anderson for over 3 crores
Big Guns: Shane Warne, Shaun Tait, Darren Lehman, Mohammed Kaif, Shane Watson, Yusuf Pathan
Point of Worry: Like KKR, Rajasthan Royals had also signed on Pakistani cricketers like Kamran Akmal, Sohail Tanvir and Younus Khan. All these three will be unavailable this year.

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Vijay Mallaya
New Additions: Kevin Pieterson for 7.5 crores and Jesse Ryder for 78.4 lakhs.
Vijay Mallaya had a very disappointing start to the IPL. And therefore we are not surprised to see him go all out and snap up the most expensive and also one of the most talented international players for his team. Kevin Pieterson has become the most expensive player to be bought superseding M S Dhoni's price.
Big Guns: Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Jacques Kallis, Mark Boucher, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Zaheer Khan.
Point of Worry: Misbah-Ul-Haq from Pakistan has dropped out of the running.
Bollywood Charm: Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif

Chennai Super Kings: India Cements
New Additions: Andrew Flintoff for 7.5 crores, Thilan Thusara for 68.6 lakhs and George Bailey for 24.5 lakhs.
Headed by M S Dhoni, Chennai Super Kings have made also snapped up the most expensive player for this season. Andrew Flintoff from England has been taken over for 7.5 crores. Thilan on the other hand is a Sri Lankan all rounder.
Big Guns: Andrew Flintoff, M S Dhoni, Makhaya Ntini, Mathhew Hayden, Michael Hussey, Murali Murlitharan,
Bollywood Charm: Amrita Rao

Delhi Daredevils: GMR Holdings
New Additions: Owais Shah and Paul Collingwood for 1.34 crores
Delhi Daredevils have taken on a batsman in Owais and an all rounder in Paul Collingwood. Both English cricketers have been farely successful n the one day format and should therefore help back up Sehwag's team.
Big Guns: Virender Sehwag, Daniel Vettori, Gautam Gambhir, Glenn McGrath
Point of Worry: Mohammad Asif and Shoaib Malik won't be a part of the line up this year.

Mumbai Indians: Reliance Industries
New Additions: J P Duminy for 4.65 crores, Kyle Mills for 73.5 lakhs and Mohammad Ashraful for 36.75 lakhs
The Mumbai Indians have signed on South African batsman to help support the storng team that has the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Jayasuriya and Shaun Pollock as well.
Big Guns: Sachin Tendulkar, Andre Nel, Harbhajan Singh, Robin Uthappa, Sanath Jayasuriya, Shaun Pollock
Bollywood Charm: Hrithik Roshan

Deccan Chargers: India Cements
New Additions: Fidel Edwards for 75.3 lakhs and Dwayne Smith for 49 lakhs.
West Indian bowler has been picked up by V V S Laxman to help bowler R P Singh. Also signed up is Dwayne Smith who was earlier with the Mumbai Indians.
Big Guns: V V S Laxman, Adam Gilchrist, Andrew Symonds, Chaminda Vas, Herschelle Gibbs, Rohit Sharma and R P Singh
Point of Worry: All rounder Shahid Afridi is out of running.

Preity, Juhi, Shilpa shine at the auction of IPL 2009

After a super successful inaugural edition, IPL is back again and this time, it only promises to be even bigger and better. The auctions took place at Goa yesterday and it was indeed a star studded high profile event which brought together the best from the world of sports, business and entertainment.

Shah Rukh Khan may not have been present at the auctions but his partner Juhi Chawla was very much there along with hubby Jai Mehta. SRK's team Kolkata Knight Riders' only major purchase of the day was Bangladeshi player Mashrafe Mortaza.

Preity Zinta's Kings XI Punjab may have made it to the Top 4 last year but this time Zinta babe surely wants no less than the top honor. Hence she, along with partner Ness Wadia, was seen aggressively bidding for their preferred players. In the end, they bagged English all-rounder Ravi Bopara and West Indian fast bowler Jerome Taylor.

The new entrant at this year's auctions was none other than Shilpa Shetty, who, along with beau Raj Kundra had recently acquired a stake in the victorious Rajasthan Royals team. Just like last year, even this year, Rajasthan Royals decided to go with lesser known players like Shaun Tait (Aus) and Tyron Henderson (SA).

The biggest catch of the day was bagged by the Vijay Mallya owned Bangalore Royal Challengers, who spent a staggering 1.55 million $ to get flamboyant England player Kevin Pietersen on board. Pietersen's team-mate Andrew Flintoff also fetched the same amount when he was picked by the Chennai Super Kings. The Mukesh Ambani owned Mumbai Indians was represented by Nita Ambani and she surely seemed to have made a right decision in picking up the promising South African all rounder J.P. Duminy.

The second season of the IPL kicks off on April 10th this year, and if yesterday was the beginning of things to come, one can only expect a cracker of a tournament this time too. We simply can't wait for that!!!

Luck By Chance - Movie Review

By Taran Adarsh

One has often heard, read and seen [on screen] the positive and negative aspects of Bollywood. It would be erroneous to state that LUCK BY CHANCE does a pol-khol of the glamorous industry. Let's put it this way: The film mirrors the behind-the-scenes drama and manoeuvring exactly the way it occurs in showbiz. Watching LUCK BY CHANCE is like experiencing it first-hand.

If you're associated with Bollywood, if you know how the machine works, you'd laud and applaud, laugh and smile, identify and understand and at times, empathize and sympathize with the characters in LUCK BY CHANCE. Zoya Akhtar's take on an industry that attracts millions of hopefuls year after year is bang on target.

Almost three decades ago, Hrishikesh Mukherjee's GUDDI depicted a star-struck teenager's [Jaya Bhaduri] obsession for a top star [Dharmendra]. Along with the core issue, the film highlighted the behind-the-scenes hard work and labour that went into making movies.

LUCK BY CHANCE taps almost every important facet of Bollywood and presents assorted characters you've encountered some time in life: An over-ambitious aspirant who knows to make the right moves; an actress trying hard to get that big break, even if she has to compromise; an icon of the 1970s who desperately wants her daughter to be a star; a producer who looks at riding on big names, script be damned; a failed actor now looking at direction to redeem his career.

One of the prime reasons why LUCK BY CHANCE works is because the writing [Zoya Akhtar] is simply wonderful. Right from the characters, to the individualistic scenes, to the way Zoya puts them in a sequence, LUCK BY CHANCE is easily one of the most cohesive scripts this side of the Atlantic.

The verdict? Leave aside everything and hitch this joyride called LUCK BY CHANCE. It would be sacrilege to miss this one!

Sona [Konkona Sen Sharma] arrives in Mumbai with dreams of becoming a film star. She does whatever it takes, to make it. Vikram [Farhan Akhtar] has just moved to the city leaving the comforts of his Delhi home. He is used to getting what he wants and is smart enough to know when to demand it and when to manipulate it. Gradually, Sona and Vikram develop a romantic relationship.

Rolly [Rishi Kapoor] is a successful though superstitious producer who only works with the biggest stars. He is making a potential blockbuster launching Niki [Isha Sharwani], the daughter of 1970s superstar Neena [Dimple Kapadia]. The hero of the film, Zaffar Khan [Hrithik Roshan], is the superstar.

Zaffar decides to opt out of Rolly's film and that creates havoc in Rolly's life. Rolly decides to cast newcomers and finally, Vikram is shortlisted for the main role...

LUCK BY CHANCE picks up characters straight out of life and that's the beauty of this script. The interesting part is that each of these characters has a story running parallel to the main story. Although the writing is foolproof, this review would be incomplete if one failed to acknowledge a number of scenes that are the hallmark of this enterprise...

Note the sequence when Rishi Kapoor breaking down after Hrithik has walked out of his movie. It moves you!

On the lighter side, Farhan strikes a conversation with Dimple at a movie premiere and extols lavish praises on her.

Much later, an angry Dimple instructs Isha to patch up with Farhan, soon after Farhan and Isha's debut film has been declared a success. Watch the moments when Dimple recalls her early years.

The sequence featuring SRK.

If Zoya's writing is superb, her execution of the written material deserves distinction marks. This may be Zoya's directorial debut, but she treats the difficult subject like a veteran. Javed Akhtar's dialogues are remarkable. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's music is a mixed bag; the score could've been better. However, the choreography of the circus song is remarkable. Carlos Catalan's cinematography captures the right moods.

Farhan Akhtar is evolving into one of the most dependable actors of his generation. He's very real, very believable. No wonder, this character stands out. Konkona Sen Sharma is exceptional. The supremely talented actress delivers a sparkling performance yet again. Rishi Kapoor is incredible. A performance that merits the highest praise. Dimple Kapadia is in terrific form. It easily ranks amongst her most accomplished works. Juhi Chawla is first-rate. Isha Sharwani does her part well. Sanjay Kapoor springs a surprise. He registers an impact. Aly Khan is perfect.

Hrithik Roshan is truly wonderful. Note the sequence when he strikes a conversation with Karan Johar, only to realize that he himself had paved the way for Farhan in the industry. Only an accomplished actor could've handled this sequence with aplomb. Amongst the A-listers who make fleeting appearances in the film, the one who registers the maximum impact is Shah Rukh Khan.

On the whole, LUCK BY CHANCE is an outstanding film in all respects. A magnificent outing from the producers of ROCK ON!!, LUCK BY CHANCE is sure to prove an extremely lucky and rewarding experience at the box-office. Strongly recommended!

Juhi Chawla on working with Rishi Kapoor after 12 years

The lovely Juhi Chawla was reunited with her favourite co-star Rishi Kapoor after 12 years. And she was shocked by the change in him.

''Earlier when we did all those films like Bol Radha Bol and Eena Meena Deeka, there was no question of shooting in the night. So when there was a night shoot for Luck By Chance I said, 'O Oh, here comes trouble. I'll agree. But knowing Chintuji... He will never agree. 'But he shocked me. He continued shooting in the night even after I packed up with no sign of grumpiness."

Laughs Juhi, ''He has changed, not counting the delayed Karobaar, the last time we worked together was in Daraar in 1996. It was always fun working with him, though he was always grumpy and that hasn't changed. Now he's far more flexible and thoroughly enjoying himself. But otherwise he's still the same. He still shouts at me and everyone on the sets. That's Chintuji.''

But Juhi was shocked to see the change in Rishi in other ways. ''He used to be so fastidious about the timings. He'd shoot completely by the clock, and then leave not a minute before or after. Now he's far more flexible."

Fans of Juhi Chawla have something to look forward to. The lady returns in Zoya Akhtar's Luck By Chance, albeit in a cameo.

"I play Chintuji's loud Punjabi wife, a loud wannabe socialite. I wear garish clothes and makeup. I've even coloured my hair a bright blonde. It was fun. But it's just a guest appearance."

Juhi admits sheepishly she hasn't been able to keep up with her friends in the industry including Rishi Kapoor. "I live in South Mumbai now. It takes a good two hours to get to Juhu-Andheri. I just can't do it. For work I can go anywhere. But not to socialize."

Juhi finds it easier to go to London than Film City. "I've been asked to come to London for the premiere of Luck By Chance. I might go for that. I'm cut off from all my industry friends, including Chintuji. But I always feel close to the industry even when I don't meet the folks regularly."

Juhi will now be seen on television. But only as a judge on the new season of the reality show 'Jhalak Dikhla Jaa'.

"Luckily I'm not expected to change into some aggressive creature for the show. They told me I don't have to act, just be myself and the participants aren't dancers to begin with. But that's okay. I don't know how to judge participants. We'll learn on the job."

Juhi Chawla wears a new look

Juhi Chawla is wearing blonde highlights in hair hair for her role in Zoya Akhtar's directorial debut "Luck By Chance" (pictured above).

Juhi, last seen in Ravi Chopra's "Bhootnath", will play veteran actor Rishi Kapoor's wife in the film.

"Playing Minty was so much fun! And moreover I got to colour my hair blonde, which was something I had never done before," said Juhi.

"When Zoya offered me the role I was extremely thrilled. Even though I was told it was not a big role, I didn't mind as it was different from all the other characters I have played before, and that was the most exciting part," she added.

"Luck By Chance", releasing on January 30, stars Farhan Akhtar and Konkona Sen Sharma and has a much-hyped guest appearance by superstar Hrithik Roshan.

Wishing Juhi Chawla a Very Happy Birthday

She is the original 'bubbly' girl who can even give effervescence an inferiority complex, with her most endearing smile. She is none other than Juhi Chawla, today's Birthday Girl. This cutie made her dream debut with the smash hit Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, and with this very film itself, she became the dream of every cinegoer! During her heydays, her mere name in the film was good (read 'best') enough for the theater owners to laugh all the way till the bank. Even though she has bid adieu to Bollywood (thanks to her marriage to the suave business magnate Jay Mehta), the cine goers just do not seem to be in a mood to see her off Bollywood! Maybe that explains the reasons why she was recently seen (in prominent roles as ever) in films like Bhootnath, Kismat Konnection, Krazzy 4 etc...

People...please join us and put your hands together as Bollywood Buzz wishes this once-in-a lifetime-Angel Juhi Chawla a very Happy Birthday, by posting your birthday wishes below

'Amitabh and Shahrukh respect each other'

NEW DELHI: Bollywood actress, Juhi Chawla, who starred opposite both Amitabh Bachchan and Sharukh Khan in the latest flick 'Bhootnath' refutes reports about any sort of ego clash between the two pointing that both the actors shared good chemistry during the film's shooting.

"Both are very talented actors and are full of energy with a great deal of respect for each other. I don't know from where all these rumours surfaced as I didn't find anything of that sort during the shooting of 'Bhootnath', says Juhi.

"I had a great time working with the Amitji, Shahrukh and Aman (child actor) and we were like a cute little family. It is a special film for me," she says.

The actress who was in the capital recently is upbeat about her involvement in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), where she co-owns the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team with Shah Rukh Khan.

"IPL is something which is exciting, cheering and full of colours. All the matches were thrilling with so much drama involved in it," says the former Miss India.

"But, I am so much occupied with my professional commitments and my two sweet kids that I am not getting the time to attend it personally. As well as, my hubby Jai and SRK are taking care of what's going on in the IPL," says Juhi.

The actress also spoke about her recently released film "Bhootnath", in which Shahrukh and Juhi played the role of Aman's parents. 'Bhootnath' is a story based on the friendly relationship of a child with his deceased grandfather, a kind of ghost.

I like Shah Rukh everywhere, says Juhi Chawla

The vibrant and cheerful Juhi Chawla loves being in Shah Rukh Khan’s company.

On being asked whether she prefers Shah Rukh as a friend, as a co-actor or as a business partner, Juhi flashed her million-dollar smile and replied, “I like Shah Rukh everywhere! He is a sharp person and great fun to be with. He is great in whatever he does and, yes, he is truly a joy.”
Besides acting, it is her involvement in the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches that sets her pulse racing. Juhi, who is co-owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders team along with Shah Rukh, said, “IPL is really exciting, but it is also stressful for me.”

Dressed in a simple kurti and pants with no accessories, Juhi spoke about her recently released film. The initial response to the film has not been good, but Juhi asserted that it was being appreciated the world over. “I am so happy that the film is being appreciated. I had a great time working with the child (Aman Siddiqui) and Amitji (Amitabh Bachchan), and it is a special film for me,” she said. Since the film was centred on Amitabh and Aman, didn’t she feel overshadowed? “I have been asked about this many times but, frankly, I could neither have played the ghost nor the child! So, there is nothing like being overshadowed in the film. I feel that as long as we play our given parts well, we are noticed and our work is also appreciated,” Juhi said.

Talking about her future projects, Juhi said she was playing the role of a fortune-teller in Aziz Mirza’s Kismet Konnection. “It’s a small role but a very different one,” she said.

Madhuri, Juhi snub Paanchvi Pass

Did not take Paanchvi team’s calls; SRK had to call KJo at the last minute

Madhuri Dixit was supposed to feature with Rani Mukerji in the celebrity episode of Paanchvi Pass, which was shot on Wednesday. At the nth hour the actress remained unreachable.

As a result, Juhi Chawla was asked to be on the show. But Chawla, too, did not respond to the phone calls. As a last resort, host Shah Rukh Khan called buddy Karan Johar to step in.

Paanchvi, produced by Siddharth Basu’s Synergy Communications, had been in touch with Madhuri. But when the date to shoot was nearing, she remained elusive. As a result, Juhi’s name was considered.

Says a source, “Time was running out, SRK took on the onus to salvage the situation. He called buddy Karan Johar (who picked up the phone!) and the director made his way to the show.”

Says Rikku Rakeshnath, Madhuri’s spokesperson, “I don’t think she was supposed to be on the show.”

Shah Rukh is such an excellent marketing guy, says Juhi Chawla

One of the darlings of Indian cinema, Juhi Chawla, couldn't be happier to talk about her new film Bhoothnath, and as she sits in her London hotel suite draped in her red and golden anarkali dress, it's clear that Bhoothnath is a film that means a lot to her. Call her the chirpy Chawla as many of the journos call her, she seemed totally relaxed and frank while talking about her costar-friend SRK, the IPL, her kids, then begins to lavish praise on her new director and describes her 'Ek Rishta' with Amitabh Bachchan in this exclusive interview.

Former Miss India, then ad campaigns, then your beautiful smile, then your first big hit QSQT followed by plenty more, your best buddy SRK, then your 'saat phere' with Jai Mehta, your kids, then some more ad campaigns followed by your Saade Saat Phere with Irrfan Khan and the least you expect is a 'bhooth'. How do you sum up your journey so far?
Talking about the journey, you've been following me since 6.30 am from Heathrow airport. So you must have guessed that my journey was hectic. Anyway, the way you started it, I thought where will you land up? But yes, you are right. It has been one hell of a journey. So much has happened so fast and look, I am a mother of two and still doing films. It's good to be back in London after a long long time for the promotion of Bhoothnath. My journey still continues after this film though. But here I am ready to face your questions.

Juhi Chawla has never been a part of a B.R. Films. Then how did you find your first outing with them?
The outing has been great. Bhoothnath has been a wonderful experience for more reasons than just one. I am working with Mr. Bachchan after a long gap, the same with Shah Rukh. Actually, my last film with both of them happened to be Paheli and that too was a ghost film. But working with Ravi Chopra was one of my most memorable moments simply because of the experience and talent he has brought along with his production house. To be a part of B.R. Films in your cinematic journey is a must for everyone.

You play Banku's mother in the film but have you ever encountered a Banku in any of your kids?
(Laughs) Don't even remind me of it. My kids can be naughty, frustrating, mad and even go outside the house. I then have to spank them but all in good faith. From the most joyous and blissful moments to the most frustrating moments, I've had them all with my kids. It's an experience I cannot forget all my life.

Do you think that in Press conferences held overseas and events which promote the individual film, kids are somehow forgotten and it's only the big stars who steal the show?
Let me tell you that our little Banku has been a part of many shows and promotional tours back in India. It was him (Aman Siddiqui) who launched the soundtrack of Bhoothnath on the musical reality show Amul Star Voice of India. It is quite sad that he is not present here with us in London but that's not what we intended. I guess he must be a bit busy with Bhoothnath back home (laughs).

You've worked with a bhooth, your very good friend SRK, in Paheli. Bhooth here is Amitabh Bachchan. How was your Ek Rishta with him?
You've framed this question very nicely. Yes, as I've said before that this is the second time I'm working with both SRK and Amitji. In Paheli, I did not share screen space with Shah Rukh because his portions were more with Rani Mukherjee in the film. In Bhoothnath, it's almost a similar story. It's the kid, Banku, who shares screen space with the bhooth. I am a mother who doesn't believe in ghosts until the ghost reveals itself. Working with Amitji is a dream come true for any actor and sharing a scene with him is even more special. Coincidently, I am working with him again in Aladdin where he plays a genie. Now that's spooky (laughs).

You thanked everybody and mentioned every co-actors name in Bhoothnath but forgot one - Shah Rukh Khan. Do you think he is not a part of this film only because he is doing a special appearance?
Oh Yes. I did forget to name him but that does not mean he is not a part of the film. Even though he has only 20 minutes in Bhoothnath, he has played his part well. In fact, I told Vivek Sharma, the director, that how lucky he was to have Amitji and Shah Rukh both in his debut film.

You mentioned in the Press conference that you have worked once with B.R Chopra before. Can you clarify that a bit?
(Laughs) Yeah. This is going back to my Miss India title. After winning the title, I got an offer from B.R Chopra saab to work in their tele series Mahabharat. In fact, they screen tested me for the part of Draupadi. I was selected too but at the same time, I got another offer to work in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak which happened to be my debut film. So I had to choose between the two. What happened next, everyone knows.

Why don't we see you along with SRK in all the IPL matches? You both are owners of the Kolkata Knight Riders and you should be attending.
I am so busy with my two kids that I just cannot leave them. But it's Jai, my husband, and SRK who have the control over what's going on in the IPL. I hope that Kolkata Knight Riders win the tournament. Do you know, I am not even following the matches? Such is my halat. Shah Rukh is such an excellent marketing guy that right from the special music video for our team to the clothes they wear, he wants everything in the right place. No compromises there for him. But I have attended couple of matches with him. Let me get back to India and I'll have a think about it again.

This is the first time you have sung a song in the film. How was the experience?
Now that's been the highlight of today's event. Pehle nachvaenge aur ab gavaenge (laughs). I have trained myself as a classical vocalist and when I was given a chance to sing, I did. The song is called 'Jaane Do' which is a slow number. You will soon find out after seeing the film whether I've got my career in singing or acting (laughs).

Any message for all the special kids out there?
The message is that, Go and watch Bhoothnath. It's a story of a haunted house where this family goes to stay and where they meet this ghost. Don't worry guys; I am not trying to scare you. It's a fun film with lots of emotions and laughter and an underlined message that is be good to the ones who are bad too. You never know when a foe might turn into a friend. But do go and watch it for Vivek Sharma who has put his heart and soul in this film. A must watch for his creative direction.

Devnash Patel

B.O. Update: Dull start for new releases

The two new releases, BHOOTHNATH and JIMMY, opened to a lukewarm start at most places. While BHOOTHNATH was better with a 25%-30% opening, the film has an advantage because the audience response is encouraging. The traders are hopeful that the film would gather steam with word of mouth by family audiences.

On the other hand, JIMMY opened to a meagre 10%-15% start everywhere. Also, the reports are outright negative.

Taran Adarsh

Juhi Chawla promotes 'Bhoothnath' at McDonald's

SRK-Juhi's Knight Riders' are Banku's favourite!

With TASHAN disappointing big time at the box-office, the focus shifts to this Friday's new and interesting release, Ravi Chopra's BHOOTHNATH. Though not many in the trade were giving the Amitabh (Bhoothnath), Juhi (Anjali) and Aman Siddiqui (Banku) starrer much of a chance, the recent promos have definitely boosted the prospects of the film. In fact, the intelligent, well spaced out and timely teasers must have taught a lesson or two to the other Chopras, on how to publicize a film in today's times!

Coming back to BHOOTHNATH, the child star of the film, the charming and cherubic Aman Siddiqui is a big time fan of Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla. He is also a cricket buff and during the spare times on the sets of BHOOTHNATH, he used to play cricket with Amitabh Bachchan and King Khan. When we asked him about which team he is supporting in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament, pat came the reply - 'Kolkata Knight Riders'!

Well it was but obvious, after all the team belongs to his favourite on screen pair of Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla. Here's hoping for Aman's sake that his best wishes work for the KKR team!

Abid

‘I can recognise a lot of players’

Remember the QSQT girl opposite Aamir Khan? Actor Juhi Chawla, now married to Jai Mehta has come a long way.

Her new avatar as a cricket buff and promoter has meant she is taking more interest in the game than ever before. But Juhi is a wee bit disappointed with her team Kolkata Knight Riders’ loss in the last few games. “It is a disappointment, but ups and downs are part of the game,” Juhi says with a smile. She is quick to add, “We got off to a flying start with McCullum’s century.

The team is getting along well as a unit. There are no frictions in the team. Of course, now with some of the players leaving, the composition will change a bit.” The last time Juhi watched a match in a stadium was while she was in college, but she confesses that her knowledge of the game has increased post-IPL. “I used to watch cricket in snatches at home on TV. Now I have become much more familiar and can recognise a lot of players,” she says.

Moving away from cricket, Juhi is busy promoting her latest film. In between, she is catching up on her ad shoots. “Also coming up is Kismat Konnection, where I have a guest appearance,” says Juhi. So, have priorities changed for her over the years? “Surely it has, with age. Previously, I was running around trees, but now every film has a different requirement. Now I first see the production house, and then who is directing it. The script is another concern. Earlier, most of the scripts were written on the sets,” says Juhi.

The moment we mention kids to Juhi, her face lights up: “Oh, they take up much of my time. But it is nice to be around them.” And have they watched any of her films? “Shockingly enough, my kids haven’t watched any of my films. We have no TV culture at home,” she laughs.

Ashok Chatterjee

100 % strike rate for SRK

Shah Rukh's team wins both the IPL matches played so far; Preity hopes to win today's and make-up for her first loss.

It has been an eventful three-day journey with the IPL having taken off full throttle. The marriage of cricket and cinema seems to have provided much entertainment to the masses and some are still reeling in the flamboyancy the concept of the IPL provides.

Shah Rukh Khan hasn't left any stone unturned – in spirit and money – as he saw his team in both the matches played so far. And while Preity Zinta is a disappointed loser with her first match at the IPL, the lady is hoping to make up for it in the match that'll be played today in Jaipur.

The stadiums have been packed, and never mind the TRP's, the spectators are getting total paisa vasooli what with the huge celeb turnout. Indiatimes Movies lets you in on the story so far... which match was played where, who won, and who turned up? Read on...

April 20:
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Deccan Chargers ( Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata)

Winning Team: Kolkata Knight Riders beat Deccan Chargers by 5 wickets

Celebrities: Shah Rukh Khan and wife Gauri, filmmakers Priyadarshan and Karan Johar, actors Arjun Rampal, Vivek Oberoi and Juhi Chawla cheered for Kolkata. Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi with sister Priyanka and brother-in-law Robert Vadhra were also present.

Mumbai Indians vs Bangalore Royal Challengers (Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai)

Winning Team: Royal Challengers beat Mumbai Indians by 5 wickets

Celebrities: Tashan actors Saif Ali Khan, Kareena, Anil Kapoor, cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin and wife Sangeeta Bijalini cheered for Mumbai

April 19:

Kings XI Punjab vs Chennai Super Kings (Venue: Punjab Cricket Association, Mohali)

Winning Team: Chennai Super Kings beat Kings XI Punjab by 33 runs

Celebrities: Actress Preity Zinta cheered her team on

Delhi Daredevils vs Rajasthan Royals (Venue: Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi)

Winning Team: Delhi Daredevils beat Rajasthan Royals by 9 wickets

Celebrities: Daredevils' Daredevil ambassador Akshay Kumar performed a daredevil act and slid down a 100 feet high wire.

April 18:

Bangalore Royal Challengers vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore)
Winning Team: Knight Riders beat Royal Challengers by 140 runs

Celebrities: Shah Rukh Khan and wife Gauri along with friends Arjun Rampal, Karan Johar cheered their team to victory. VJM had on his side Katrina Kaif, Zayed Khan and Shilpa Shetty who performed for the opening match. Shankar Ehsaan and Loy also gave a melodious performance.

Urvashi Ashar

Juhi Chawla shoots for a television show

It's more that a fetish now a days to be on the tele-screen. Juhi Chawla gets attached to a family other than her own. The TV serial 'Baa Bahu Aur Baby' had the honor of having Juhi's presence on their show and she spent an entire episode with the cast. Must have been some experience. “I liked the Thakkar family and I enjoyed myself a lot. Although it was my first time, they made me feel very much at ease. I was thrilled to see that the whole cast behave like one big family. They are all such good actors and it was easy working with them. I have never worked on television before, and it is the first time I have come in a serial, but I will remember and cherish this day for a very long time. 'Baa Bahu Aur Baby' has been my one and only experience in a TV serial and a very pleasant one”, says Juhi.

Bhoothnath was a smaller family when you compare to the family in 'Baa Bahu Aur Baby'. “The serial has been an exciting experience because there is such a big family who've been together for such a long time. I wouldn't like to choose one over the other but all I can say is that the viewers who watch 'Baa Bahu Aur Baby' are very attached to the Thakkar family and are supremely fond of the show.” After playing the mother of the naughty kid in Bhoothnath the serial could barely be that tiring, especially with kids like 'Gattu'. Juhi remembers shooting for Bhoothnath in the big house. “Not just the kids of the house, but the ambience, the spirit of togetherness, the ease, no-attitude behavior, chemistry between the actors, on spot improvisation etc., every thing reminds me of Bhootnath. The film also had a huge set of a house where 50 to 60% of the film was shot. For almost two months, we have been going on the sets daily that by the end of the schedule the entire unit was like one big family and going to the sets felt like going from your home to another home. The same applies to the set here. Since there is such a big house and such a big family, you start thinking of it as a part of you...”

'Baa Bahu Aur Baby' and Bhoothnath, if compared would have some similarities minus the 'Bhooth' factor. What say Juhi? “I like 'Baa Bahu Aur Baby' since it's a family show and things here are not over dramatized. The incidents and nuances are so similar to our real lives and most of the incidences we see here often happen in our own homes. Our film, Bhoothnath is also quite the same. It is a movie that families would like to see. I think just as family audience form the crux for 'Baa Bahu Aur Baby', so will they for Bhoothnath.”

Juhi Chawla can be seen in 'Baa Bahu Aur Baby' on Saturday, April 12 at 9.30 pm on STAR Plus.

No 'Ishq' between Juhi and Kajol!!

Call it a twist in the proceedings or sheer coincidence but the twin release of U ME AUR HUM and KRAZZY 4 brings with it an interesting trivia.

It is pretty much known that Kajol and Juhi Chawla, the two veteran actors, are the leading ladies of the film. However, what is not really a known fact is that it would be after as many as 11 years that both the ladies would be seeing a release of theirs on the same day!

If one jogs down the memory lane, it was way back in 1997 that Kajol and Juhi were seen on the big screen on the same day. The film was ISHQ and incidentally Kajol and Juhi played friends in this Indra Kumar comedy. However, there doesn't seem to be any 'ishq' lost between the two now, at least professionally, as Kajol and Juhi would be seen on the big screen again though in different films.

In the interim 11 year period, either Juhi or Kajol has made a 'blink and you would miss' appearance in a common project. While Kajol had a flying cameo on Shah Rukh Khan - Juhi Chawla starrer DUPLICATE, both the ladies did shake a leg or two for Shah Rukh in 'Deewangee Deewangee' [OM SHANTI OM]. However, they haven't really shared the screen space in all these years!

Joginder Tuteja

Shah Rukh just before BHOOTHNATH's salvation!

Ravi Chopra's Vivek Sharma directed BHOOTHNATH is about an emotional bond between a young boy Banku (Aman Siddiqui) and a ghost referred to as Bhoothnath (Amitabh Bachchan). Contrary to beliefs, BHOOTHNATH is more than just a story about a friendly 'bhoot'. It is about friendship and bonding of an unusual kind.

The slick promos of the film and popular music director Vishal-Shekhar's apt music is already striking a chord with the target audience, the kids, and will definitely boost the prospects of the film. The release date of 9th May has been carefully chosen by the makers, as the film will get the benefit of the long summer holidays.

As is known, the film also features (after a long time) the hit pair of Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla, who play a couple and parents to the mischievous 'Banku', who befriends the ghost.

Though Shah Rukh Khan only has a guest appearance in BHOOTHNATH, but keeping his superstar stature in mind, he will come at a very important juncture in the film. And that is just before BHOOTHNATH's salvation climax, in order to extract maximum mileage from King Khan's brief but very special appearance.

So during the summer vacations, the children can look forward to a very interesting film, one which will cater to their taste and liking in BHOOTHNATH.

Abid

Amitabh Bachchan unveils the first look of Bhoothnath