Sonam & Deepika: There is no fight

Sonam on Deepika

What do you think of Deepika – is she competition?
See, the thing with competition is that you start concentrating too much on someone else’s career. Competition is unhealthy and one should consider only oneself as the benchmark. You can’t expect two actresses to be the same. Everyone is different.

And are you both friends?
Yes, I have a nice vibe going with her. I have a nice vibe going with everybody in the industry. We (Deepika and I) have made our separate niches in the industry. Our kind of work is not the same.

Deepika on Sonam

You and Sonam seem to be the best of friends. Did you girls exchange notes after watching the trailers of your forthcoming films?
It’s a nice equation that we share. I’m glad that all the awkwardness has gone. In fact, we avoid talking about work when we are together. It isn’t a thought out thing. We prefer not to tread on each other’s space. Sonam did see the trailers of the item number in my next film and was shocked to see my abs. I, on my part, am really looking forward to Delhi 6.

Pics: What's been happening in tinseltown

Does Billu spell bad luck? Sharman is giving away 1 crore and feast your eyes on Deepika, Madhuri and Sonam.

Billu Bad Idea? Astro-numerologist Bhavikk Sangghvi predicts that the movie will not do well.

"Originally the title of 'Billu Barber' added up to No.29 (2 ) which is also not a positive number but it is one of SRK's best numbers & would have done some damage control. But by now just calling the film 'Billu' is going to 'cut' down the film's prospects ( pun unintended ) further!. 'Billu' now adds up to No.15 (6). Generally, No.6 is harmless but the octave 15 of No.6 does not have a lasting effect & is often bad for people who are born on dates 4 & 8. The producer of the film Gauri Khan, is a No.8 (8th Oct.). Also No.6 represents Venus – the planet of love, peace, harmony etc. To call 'Billu' - a love story would be inappropriate," says Bhavikk

Mad about You: Madhuri looks dazzling in an elegant saree at a hair and make up event in Bandra


Pretty Face: Eesha Koppikhar at another hair event with children from the National Association for the Blind


Leggy Beauty: Sonam Kapoor looks sophisticated in her high waited pants, soft curls and purple clutch at the Russian Film Festival


Poker Face: That is Sharman's new show on Real Channel where he will give away 1 crore rupees


The Fast and the Gorgeous: Deepika arrives in a racing car at an MTV Force India event

Sonam Kapoor sizzles on the latest issue of Verve

We told you this will happen and look...this is all happening, right here, right now! We are indeed talking about the rise, rise and super-rise of the 'Surp-rise' discovery of 2007, Sonam Kapoor, who is having the whole of 2009 going in her favour! On the professional front, on one hand, while she has been chosen as the Brand Ambassador of the cosmetic giant L'Oreal and a big film (Delhi 6) lined up for release, on the other; she is all over the place as being the cover-girl of a trillion mags.

This chic's latest conquest is the latest issue of the uber-cool magazine Verve, for which she has done an exclusive photo-shoot which was shot on the sunny beaches of the Maldives. One look at those 'holiest-than-thou' snaps and you are bound to get impressed with her zest for life, the love and cheer she spreads liberally and a sharply discerning mind that doesn't allow for compromise. Full marks to Verve for discovering the undiscovered aspects of the petite Sonam Kapoor.

Lastly, what one observes is that, those (read 'critics') who had panned and pulled Sonam Kapoor down immediately after her Bollywood debut vehicle Saawariya will now have to eat their own words now. Welcome aboard... Sonam Kapoor!

Sonam to become a face of L'oreal

Aishwarya Rai has been a brand ambassador for the French cosmetics giant L’oreal for a few years. Now, she is being joined by another Bollywood actress, Sonam Kapoor.

No, Sonam is not replacing Ash but will endorse more products aimed at younger consumers.

Ace photographer Atul Kasbekar, who has launched many glamorous faces, is said to be responsible for cinching this deal.

Delhi 6 - First Look

Dilli 6 unveiled at the Dubai International Film Festival

One can confidently say that the Indian cinema has definitely left a mark at the ongoing Dubai International Film Festival, which ends on December 17, 2008. The festival saw the unveiling of first look of the highly anticipated film Dilli 6, which is jointly produced by Rakesh Omprakash Mehra Productions and UTV Motion Pictures.

The first look of the film was unveiled before the big daddies of entertainment around the world. One also saw the likes of Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and UTV's head honcho Siddharth Roy Kapoor, at the festival.

Following the screening was an interactive Q and A round, comprising of the director with the rest of starcast and a vast audience. During this interaction, Rakeysh spoke about his key influences and the theme of the film, while the film's actors described their experience of working with Rakyesh.

All in all, the excitement and the curiosity of the audiences regarding Dilli 6 has now reached a different level altogether.

Sonam gives Yash Raj film a miss

Is Ranbir Kapoor responsible for Sonam Kapoor not doing the Yash Raj film?

Director Shimit Amin was keen to cast the “Saawariya” stars for Yash Raj's next project. Ranbir was inked first and then Sonam was to be signed.

However, Sonam started having second thoughts about the film and ultimately refused to do it.

It can be recalled that all was well between Ranbir and Sonam till Deepika entered Ranbir's life. Post that, Sonam and Ranbir even stopped talking.

They recently patched up, but Sonam reportedly is still not comfortable shooting with Ranbir and hence she refused the project.

Imran Khan & Sonam Kapoor watch the F1 Grand Prix at Singapore

In case you think that Imran Khan is all nervous waiting for the release of his second film Kidnap, you couldn't be further from the truth.

The newest Khan on the block was seen enjoying himself at the Formula 1 Grand Prix at Singapore over the weekend. Giving Imran company was none other than yet another new and talented actress, Sonam Kapoor. Both Imran and Sonam cheered for Force India's driver Adrian Sutil. What's more, the duo even presented Adrian with a Siddhivinayak idol of Lord Ganesha before the qualifying race at Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore.

In spite of the round the clock promotions for his forthcoming film Kidnap, Imran did manage to squeeze time to fly to Singapore and watch the F1 Race. Must say, Imran surely believes in the adage 'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy'

Abhishek's connection with Taj Mahal

There seems to be some sort of karmic connection that Abhishek Bachchan shares with the monument of love- Taj Mahal. How else do you explain the fact that the actor keeps getting a chance to shoot at one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Abhishek Bachchan along with his co-star Sonam Kapoor was recently shooting at the Taj Mahal in Agra for their upcoming film Dilli 6. While it's probably the first time that Sonam got a chance to shoot at the Taj, for Abhishek this is his 5th instance,

In one of his early films Tera Jaado Chal Gaya, AB Jr. shot at the Taj. Post that, even films like Bunty Aur Babli and Jhoom Barabar Jhoom had this actor posing in front of this great monument. Recently, Abhishek even shot a commercial at the Taj (where he played a tourist guide) for one of the leading cell phone network operators.

And when Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra decided to film some important portions of his upcoming film Dilli 6 in and around the Taj, Abhishek's tryst with the Taj continued. While filming at the Taj seems to have become quite a routine thing for AB Jr., young Sonam seems to be enjoying every moment posing in front of one of the greatest monuments in the world.

Abhishek Bachchan & Sonam Kapoor shooting for Dilli 6 in Agra

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's last film Rang De Basanti is still fresh in our memory. The film won not just critical acclaim but also turned out to be one of the biggest commercial successes of that year (2006).

Now everyone is waiting with bated breath for Mehra's next film Dilli 6. The film stars Abhishek Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor in lead roles and is slated to release early next year (2009).


The cast and crew of the film comprising Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Tanvi Azmi, and Waheeda Rehman were seen shooting some important scenes in Agra recently. From the looks of it, the camaraderie between AB Jr. and Sonam Kapoor seems to be really good. One can't wait to see them sizzle together on screen.

Not much is known about the premise of the film but the buzz is that the film is based on Mehra's growing up years in the popular Chandni Chowk. Whether Dilli 6 will be able to repeat the success story of Mehra's earlier film, one will just have to wait and watch.

I was never offered Adi’s film: Sonam

Sonam Kapoor feels relieved now that Aditya Chopra has finally found a girl for Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi in Bangalore-based model Anushka Sharma, who will star opposite Shah Rukh Khan in the film. B-Town buzz was that Sonam was to be part of the project.

Says the Saawariya actress, “Ever since the project was announced, there was speculation about me being in it. I was never offered the film. I don’t know where the whole thing started. To be honest, I did visit Adi a couple of times like any other actor. But not for any particular role.

Maybe people saw me entering Yash Raj. Nowadays, even if an actress passes by Yash Raj, she has signed a film with them.”

But Anushka does resemble Sonam? “Does she? Hmm... Is that a compliment to me or to her? I never even approached Adi for the role. I had a reason not to. I know it required someone very Punjabi-looking and young.

I’ve just played a full-on Punjabi kudi — salwar-kameez sharara-gharara and all, in Rakeysh Mehra’s Dilli 6. Even in Saawariya, I was in Indian clothes. Now I need a change of pace and grace.”

She adds, “I’m not signing anything in a hurry. I’ve all the time in the world and the best advisor any actress in Bollywood could have — my dad (Anil Kapoor).”

Apparently, Sonam was also offered the role Barbara Mori is doing in Anurag Basu’s Kites with Hrithik Roshan. Wouldn’t this sizzling heroine’s character change Sonam’s demure image?

She is tight-lipped about the Roshan project. “All I’ll say is I’d never compromise on anything. I’d never do anything where I would have to cringe at the premiere.”

Subash K. Jha

Ranbir’s katti with Sonam

According to the film world tattlers, all’s not well between one-time friends and co-stars, Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor. They aren’t on talking terms anymore.

Sources close to the co-stars swear that the Saawariya pair haven’t spoken to each other for the last three months. It is learnt that after Ranbir got serious about Deepika, he totally cut Sonam out of his life.

A source says, “Sonam made efforts to keep in touch with Ranbir. However he hasn’t responded to her calls or messages. This peeved Sonam off and she cut off all contact with him.

In fact, the last time she got in touch with Ranbir was when she left for her Dilli 6 schedule. After that she has totally stopped calling him.”

Another reason for Ranbir and Sonam falling out is that Deepika is very protective and possessive about him. The source adds, “Deepika wants to make sure that her man doesn’t get too close to any other girl.

Even though she doesn’t see any threat from Sonam, she doesn’t want Ranbir to be in touch with her. After the release of Saawariya there was a buzz that Ranbir and Sonam were getting close and this bothered Deepika. She has clearly asked Ranbir to stay away from Sonam.”

Ranbir has moved on with Deepika and wants to make sure he doesn’t do anything wrong to irritate his woman. Ranbir was not available for comment.

Tushar Joshi, Mid-Day

Sonam's Facebook account hacked

Kapoor's Facebook personal pictures were stolen from her account

The net-savvy Sonam Kapoor had a Facebook account through which she kept in touch with her friends all around the world, for over a year now. Recently, she was shocked to learn that someone had hacked into her account and gained access to her personal pictures and other information.

All over the place

Sonam found out her account was broken into when a friend called to inform her. Says a source. “Sonam wasn’t in town when she got a call from a friend alerting her that pictures from a private party were all over the Internet. They were also on some movie blogs and other Bollywood sites.”

The pictures are said to be taken at a private party a year ago. Sonam’s younger sister Rhea is also in the photos.

The actress had no Internet access where she was shooting and so she called her brother Harsh, an avid Internet user, and asked him to delete all the personal information on her account.

The source continues, “She was quite upset that her personal pictures had leaked.” Sonam also has her B-Town buddies on her account. The account is still alive.

Tushar Joshi, Mid-Day

Sonam Kapoor to star opposite Shah Rukh Khan: Exclusive Report

Sonam Kapoor, 22, will star opposite Shah Rukh Khan, 42, in Aditya Chopra's romantic action drama Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.

Shah Rukh was paired with then 22-year-old debutante Deepika Padukone in his last film Om Shanti Om.

Unlike in Om Shanti Om, the script for Aditya Chopra's film mandates the massive age difference since it focuses on the love between a 40-year-old man and a 16-year-old girl.

When Yash Raj Films announced their new project they also indicated that the female protagonist in the film would be a 16-year-old newcomer.

Following the announcement the banner launched a massive talent hunt for the right combination of Punjabi looks and histrionic abilities, interviewing hundreds of girls in the process.

However, their efforts drew a blank, reports Mumbai Mirror, prompting Aditya Chopra to settle for a young and talented Punjabi girl that the whole country already knew and raved about - Sonam Kapoor.

Sonam's father Anil Kapoor, himself a talented actor, was receptive to the idea, and several meetings later Sonam was on board.

Production of the film, that will be shot extensively in Greece, Australia and Dubai, will start in June - July for release by the end of 2008.

Sawf News

Cast and director won't promote Saawariya DVD

Sony Pictures Entertainment has been planning to release the DVD of their maiden Bollywood flick Saawariya for a long time. But the Hollywood giants aren’t really getting any support from the film’s director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and the cast.

Still hopin’

According to a source, “Saawariya was released well over three months back and although it lost money, the overseas producers Sony Pictures have not lost hope. They reckon that the film will still bring in a handsome amount back through the DVD market.”

The disc of Om Shanti Om which released on the same day as Saawariya is already out.

The insider continues, “Sony Pictures wanted to have a huge event to launch the DVD but neither the cast and nor the director seem to have time. Looks like Sanjay Bhansali, who, is also the co-producer of the film, has lost interest in the film. Meanwhile, Sonam Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor are busy with their new projects.”

A spokesperson for Sony Pictures Entertainment, who didn’t want to be named said, “Sanjay is busy with his opera in Paris and the company can’t seem to get a proper dialogue with him regarding the DVD release. As the rights of the film are with us we are now going to go ahead and release the feature in the market soon. We were planning something extravagant but now it is going to be a silent release.”

The idols who have influenced Sonam's life

Chirpy Sonam names the idols who have influenced her life and acting style apart from her papa, who’s her “mentor, philosopher and guide” and manages her contracts and deals:

Waheeda Rehman:
Gorgeous dancer, stunning looker and a whammy performer, she really had the goods. Her snake dance in Guide is Sonam’s all-time favourite and she “envies” her for being Guru Dutt’s heroine.

Rekha:
Her enduring “aura” and magnificent screen presence fascinates Sonam.

Sridevi:
She’s impressed with Sri’s “sheer range” which is amply displayed in Sadma and Chaalbaaz.

Salman Khan:
When her childhood star turned her hero, she knew that Lady Luck was beaming upon her. Sonam is awed by his “complete dedication” to cinema.

Shaan:
Believe it or not, during her college days Sonam “simply worshipped” singer Shaan and doted on his Lovology album.

Screen India

Bollywood says NO to male nudity!

Daniel Craig, who had women all around the world gasping when he stepped out of the sea in Casino Royale wearing swimming trunks, is willing to set new standards for Ian Fleming’s secret agent James Bond.

In his next Bond film, Craig has promised to go totally nude. When asked why he intends to strip, Craig "who has one of the most finely chiselled bodies in Hollywood" said, "I’ve got nothing to hide. And, after all, we ask the girls to reveal almost all in films, so why not the men?" Why not, indeed! And better still is his willingness to bare it all.

Meanwhile, shifting the focus to Bollywood, our desi male stars with their new six pack abs are happy and confident about shedding their shirts and dropping towels to titillate female fans’ imaginations. Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, Hrithik Roshan, John Abraham and Ranbir Kapoor don’t have bodies much different from Craig’s. But the question BT asked their female costars in Bollywood was would there be as much interest in seeing Messrs Khans, Roshan, Abraham and Kapoor in the nude as there is in gawking at a Daniel Craig? This is what they replied, laughing in embarrassment!

Priyanaka Chopra

I think I would cringe on seeing anyone in the Hindi film industry naked on screen. When you watch a movie with your family it gets difficult not to react. I think sensuality is more appealing than a full monty. It’s just too much in your face. And that is ugly.

Dia Mirza

Ha-ha-ha... I wouldn’t want to see anyone nude on screen in a Hindi film. I think the mystery of not seeing all is much more exciting than seeing it all. Mystery evokes a deep sense of fascination and intrigue.

Celina Jaitley

Hone-stly, I wouldn’t like to see any of our heroes in the nude, because nudity turns me off. But I certainly want to see a couple of them in uniform. The male clothed body is much more appealing.

Kangana Ranaut

While I can give you a list of female bodies that I would appreciate nude, the male body is not a pleasant sight. First of all they are so hairy, and then they wax their bodies! I think it’s a terrible sight to see even a nude male statue or a man in his briefs. Let it be in the imagination, making it real isn’t a pleasant thought.

Sonam Kapoor

The Indian sensibility doesn’t accept this. I agree Ranvir in that towel-dropping scene looked like a Greek God in Sawariyaan, but let’s keep it there, I mean showing the back only. Further than that, well, I can’t see it. As I know most of the stars personally, it will be too embarrassing for me to see them it all their splendour on screen.

Riya Sen

In Holly-wood, it’s a brave fashion statement, and we don’t mind seeing male nudity in films made out there. But I don’t know how much our sensibilities will allow us to see our heroes like that. No, I won’t be able to.

Afsana Ahmed, TNN

Sonam Kapoor feels that her best scenes in Saawariya were chopped!

If sources are to be believed, debutante Sonam Kapoor had shot far too many sequences for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Saawariya than what we have seen in the film.

The 22-year-old actress has been telling friends that many of the scenes flattering her beauty didn't make it to the final print. A reliable source says, She has shot far better sequences than the ones that are shown in the film. Unfortunately, the director didn't use those.

However, Sonam is not in a mood for making unpleasant revelations. In an email interview with Mumbai Mirror she says, That happens in any film. Scenes are meant to be edited for the betterment of the film. As an actor, one has to be prepared for it.

Like most docile newcomers she has decided to preoccupy herself with the compliments she has been receiving. The actress, who finds giving out autographs quite cool, says, I have received so many of them, and every compliment is special. Two compliments that meant a lot to me are from Shekhar (Kapoor) uncle and Bebo (Kareena Kapoor). He said that I came across as very intelligent and sensitive on screen. Bebo sent a message to my mom saying, Sonam is a born star, she looked stunning and acted like a seasoned actress.

Sonam is now gearing up for her next production, Rakyesh Om Praksh Mehra's Dilli 6. But she is not allowed to give out any details about Mehra's film. When asked about her character in Dilli 6, all she says is, No comments.

Rajiv Dutta, IndiaTarget

Shah Rukh invites Bhansali to Om Shanti Om party!

Not one to let bygones be bygones, Shah Rukh Khan is rubbing more salt into the wounds of Sanjay Leela Bhansali, by inviting him and the rest of the Saawariya cast and crew to a Om Shanti Om success party.

Tonight will see a book being launched, The Making of Om Shanti Om, and the whole of Bollywood will be present. A source has aslo confirmed, “They have surely invited the Saawariya team. Despite rumours that things are not so well between SRK and Bhansali, the actor has always mentioned that Bhansali has given him one of his biggest hits, Devdas. However, it will be interesting to see if Bhansali comes to the event.”

Rajiv Dutta, India Target

Exhibitors opt for JWM, dropping SAAWARIYA

Strange as it may sound, but from today (Friday), many of the exhibitors are going to opt for the three week old Shahid-Kareena starrer, JAB WE MET, removing SAAWARIYA. The trend is very pronounced in small centers and single screens. Even many of the leading multiplexes / cineplexes have reduced the number of shows of the one week old SAAWARIYA and have reverted to JAB WE MET, which did exceedingly well during its two week run.

When we talked to the concerned people, the view is unanimous- After Monday, the collections of SAAWARIYA are going down alarmingly with each passing day, and there is little or no hope of a pick-up. As per inputs available with us and going by the paying audiences reaction, it was inevitable, and we are not surprised.

While on JAB WE MET, the movie was rock steady, even in the second week (check out our latest box-office report), and had to be prematurely removed, to make way for the heavyweight 'Diwali' biggies like OM SHANTI OM and SAAWARIYA.

Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network