Reliance Buys Karzzz!

After investing $1 billion in Hollywood projects, Reliance BIG Entertainment (RBE) is expanding its footprint in India as well. It has acquired theatrical and other rights of T. Series' much talked about film 'Karzzz' for Rs.350 million.

RBE has bought the world theatrical, satellite and Internet rights for the film. This is apparently the highest price the movie starring composer-turned-actor Himesh Reshammiya has got so far.

The movie is shot on a lavish scale and T. Series reportedly spent Rs.280 million on its production. 'Karzzz' is the first of a three-movie deal Reshammiya had recently signed with the company for an undisclosed amount.

Apart from the Rs.350 million, T. Series is expected to earn at least Rs.250 million more from TV and other rights.

'Karzzz' is a re-make of Subhash Ghai's hit of the same name that was released in the early 1980s.

Indra Kumar, who delivered a number of hits in the late 1980s, has directed 'Karzzz' and his daughter Shweta Kumar makes her debut in it, playing the female lead opposite Reshammiya.

The cast includes Urmila Matondkar, Danny Denzongpa, Gulshan Grover and Raj Babbar.

Source: IANS

Mere Baap Pehle Aap - Inconsistent All Through

What happens when a naughty kid gets hold of a ball of wool? He rolls it open and swathes it around the entire house, creating a terrific mess of complicated entanglements and accident-prone tripping zones.

Quite a few of Priyadarshan's comedies resemble such a scenario. They are insanely chaotic, and, more often than not, lead to nowhere. That wouldn't really be a valid crib if one got a few laughs and entertained in the process.

Mere Baap Pehle Aap kickstarts with a bikini-clad Mumait Khan soaking in the sun and sand, in the company of a dozen other equally under-dressed nymphs providing drool material for a lustful Om Puri and his tacky wig. It's like the makers decided to pack in as much forced hotness possible, in the first five minutes of the movie itself.

The next twenty minutes involve a salacious Puri convince his dough-kneading best buddy Paresh Rawal to help him bride-hunt who hasn't reached her 'expiry date'. Predictably, the mission goes kaput and they get in trouble with She-Cop [Archana Puran Singh, who else?]. Even as you recover from Singh's volley of bawdy metaphors, Akshaye Khanna comes to the rescue. And I mean that so literally [and gratefully]. The feeling doesn't last too long. Before you know it he's mouthing his own share of 'Bhains ki bachis!'

What's worse is that this entire caught 'n' rescued sequence is repeated thrice and in quick succession. Aesthetics, clearly, have no place in Priyadarshan's latest madness, said to be inspired by Malayalam flick, Ishtam. Having said that, Mere Baap Pehle Aap isn't a complete goner, either.

There are moments when you slip into your seat, comfortably viewing the effortless and endearing chemistry between Paresh Rawal and Akshaye Khanna, playing an unconventional father-son pair. Paresh Rawal plays the perfectly adorable and compliant daddy to Akshaye's admonishing, authoritarian son. Besides exuding mutual warmth and taking well-timed cues, both the actors give each other respectful space, all of which is palpable on and off-screen.

Oddly, the significance of its title --son marrying off widower father to estranged childhood sweetheart [Shobana looking elegant as ever and clad in gorgeous saris. Too bad she's only required to frown or sob through the film] -- is realised alarmingly late in the film.

On the positive side that provides the romantic track, between Akshaye and the disarmingly lovely Genelia D'Souza, ample screen space to bloom convincingly. As evident in the super-duper Telugu rom-com, Bommarillu, Genelia, besides her apparent cuteness, brings in tons of freshness and traits to the youthful characters she chooses to play.

Speaking of characters, Om Puri is grossly miscast in a role tailor-made for Johnny Lever. The actor known for his electrifying performances takes the standard of hamming to an altogether unexplored level here. And you thought he has done it all in Buddha Mar Gaya. Also, whose idea was it to take so many unflattering close-ups of the guy?

The problem with Mere Baap Pehle Aap is its stubborn display of inconsistency.

It starts off like a B-grade version of Basu Chatterjee's Shaukeen, changes into a crazy game of Chinese Whispers, develops into a feel-good tale of a father-son and his fun-loving girlfriend, detours to do some heavy-duty Kerala tourism only to drastically meander into a old-fashioned social melodrama followed by a proverbial 'kahani mein twist'.

Summer 2007- Movie Review

If you liked Rang De Basanti, there's a chance you may like Summer 2007. The film does not pack in patriotism, nor does it boast of stars. But it has a touch of humanity, and a noble story.

Summer 2007 opens with a peasant putting himself on fire -- depicting the Vidarbha farmers' mass suicide. The scene cuts to three medical students, smoking a joint on a hill, and chatting -- they are the typically rich friends, with no big worries in life.

The gang of five friends -- Rahul Sharma (Sikander Kher), Qateel (Arjan Bajwa), Bagani (Alekh Sangal), Vishakha (Gul Panag) and Priyanka (Yuvika Chowdhary) -- are indifferent to the world around them, and remain absorbed in their lives.

After an incident in college, the five pack their bags and head to a village for their rural internship. For them, this is really a vacation. And then, reality strikes.

As soon as they reach the rural service centre, an entire family of farmers poison themselves. Rahul and his friends cannot believe what goes on in the villages. They try to escape to Goa, but instead, they're dragged further and further into the farmers' tragedies.

Like Woodstock Villa, Sikandar's acting is amateurish in Summer 2007. Gul Panag and Yuvika do well. Ashutosh Rana shows his versatility yet again.

Except for a song picturised on Sikandar and Yuvika, there aren't many songs in the film. But the music is pleasant and in sync with the film.

Debutant director Suhain Tatari does a fairly good job in making the film gripping, and laying down the hard facts. But he seems too inspired from Rang De Basanti , and should try something new next time.

Summer 2007 is a hard-hitting film, but it would have worked even better if it had a good climax.

Rani Plays Cricket

After playing an angel in "Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic", actress Rani Mukerji is all set to do another unconventional role - she plays a cricketer in Yash Raj Films' next venture and is busy practising on the field!

"I don't know if any actress has played a cricketer before. But I'm playing one for sure. In fact, I've been learning cricket regularly on the field for the past two months. I can most certainly play the game convincingly now, though not as good as professionals yet. It's a very big challenge for me," Rani told IANS from her swanky new home here.

So is she equipped to join the Indian Premier League now (IPL) now?

"I don't know about that. But I'm definitely enjoying it. My practical sessions are on in full swing."

She will also for the first time be paired opposite Shahid Kapur in the film that will be directed by debutant Anurag Singh.

Rani says she is hungry for new roles. "At this stage of my career I feel I need new challenges. When Kunal Kohli offered me an angel's role, I was kicked. I don't now of any actress who has played an angel before.

"Also, for the first time I was playing a character who couldn't cry. Now they can stop saying Rani cries so much in all her films. It was pretty cool to play a character who actually doesn't know how to cry and who had to fly around like Hrithik (Roshan) in 'Krrish'."

Being suspended on a harness, she says, was not easy.

"It required a lot of physical strength to assume the correct 'flying' posture on the harness. I guess it'd be equally difficult for me to look convincing as a cricketer. But I'm glad to be doing work with challenges."

So is she ok working with a first-time director?

"It isn't as if I haven't worked with new directors before. I was in Shaad Ali's first film 'Saathiya', remember? And Kunal Kohli started his career with me in 'Mujhse Dosti Karoge'," she quipped.

After an angel and a cricketer what would Rani like to play?

"Maybe an astronaut like Kalpana Chawla. And I'd also love to play a doctor. I've never done that before. Come to think of it I've never worked with Shahid Kapur before either. I'm doing so now."

Isn't there a danger of her being branded a resident Yash Raj heroine since all her recent films have been with that banner alone?

"Why? Wasn't 'Saawariya' with Sanjay Leela Bhansali? And if Yash Raj is making some of the best films in our country why should I keep out just because people are talking?

"Incidentally, my marriage date Feb 10 (as reported by some media) has come and gone. Would mediapersons like to set another date for me so I can start getting my trousseau ready?"

Source:Indo-Asian News Service

The Un Usual Pair!

Gee, what a pair! But there you have it. 'Saawariya' star Ranbir Kapoor is all set to star opposite the twice National awarding winning Konkona Sen Sharma in a film that will be produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Production.

This highly unorthodox confluence of a Punjabi heir-apparent and the Bengali bohemian is being directed by Ayaan Mukherjee who's a cousin of Kajol. Ayaan has assisted Ashutosh Gowariker in Swades and Karan Johar in Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna.

Says a source, "It wasn't so much because Ayaan was Karan's pal, Kajol's cousin. It had more to do with Ayaan's script than anything else that clinched the deal. The minute Karan read it he fell in love with it."

But aren't Ranbir and Konkona coming together like the synthesis of Venus and Mars? "That's exactly the point. In this Mumbai-based romance about urban relationships, the director needed a pair that seems incompatible. The film is about seeking a level of compatibility in a world gone distinctly out of control."

Apparently, when Ranbir and Konkona heard the script, they immediately fell in love with the script. Now all they've to do is fall in love with one another on screen.

Source: Bollywood Hungama

Salman Is the Real King!

Who is the real King Khan?

If TV ratings are anything to go by, it is Salman and not Shah Rukh! And Sallu has bested the Bollywood Badshah by a decent margin.

The game show he hosts on Sony, ‘Dus ka Dum’, was the numero uno on the first day, according to Amap’s six metro ratings. The show garnered an average TVR of 2.81 and a peak rating of 4.5. Shah Rukh’s show in Star Plus, ‘Kya Aap Paanchvi Paas Se Tez hai?’ came a distant second with an average rating of 1.37 TVR and a peak rating of 2.3. ‘Paanchvi Paas’, which had begun much earlier, got punched on the chin by the IPL cricket in the beginning and has now been mopped by a muscular Sallu. Amap, a TAM rival, is a widely followed TV-rating agency.

‘Dus ka Dum’ was launched on June 6. Hrithik Roshan’s ‘Junoon — Kuch Kar Dikhane Ka’, launched on the same day in NDTV Imagine, managed only an average TVR of 0.76; the peak rating was 1.1, much less than that of the one hosted by Shatrughan Sinha in Star One, ‘The Great Indian Laughter Challenge 4’. On day two of DKD, Salman Khan reigned supreme with an average TVR of 2.27 and a peak rating of 3.5 TVR. ‘Kya Aap Paanchvi Paas Se Tez hai?’ also picked up with the ratings.

What makes Salman’s show a success? Industry watchers say there is a novelty value in seeing him on the small screen, unlike Shah Rukh and Hrithik who have come on and off. Salman’s immense popularity with Indian households is also a factor.

His followers say it is the positive energy and cheer that he brings to the table that makes all the difference.Drawn on the lines of the US game show, ‘Power of 10’, ‘Dus ka Dum’ gives the contestants an opportunity to win Rs10 crore, the biggest prize money (to date) on Indian television, by answering just five questions. The contestant has to predict what would be the opinion of the Indian people. The prize money starts from Rs10,000. Thereafter wins grow by the power of 10 and losses shrink by the power of ten.

Salman Khan, it is believed, will cost Sony around Rs 90 crore. Akshay Kumar, though he is contracted for a single 16-episode season of 'Khatron Ke Khiladi’ (a ‘Fear Factor’ take-off) for Colors, the yet-to-be-launched channel, will be charging around Rs 15 crore-20 crore. Akshay will be starting off with 13 women celebrities.

Why are these channels running behind Bollywood stars? Aren’t they too expensive for the whims of the Idiot Box? Says Colours CEO Rajesh Kamat: “It is one way of cutting through the clutter and getting into Indian homes quickly.” That was just what happened to Star Plus, whose fortunes changed all of a sudden with Amitabh Bachchan’s mega hit ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’.

On the flip side, telly success has eluded most Bollywood bigwigs, including Anupam Kher, Manisha Koirala and Govinda. Shah Rukh-hosted KBC also had to flash a sad “The End”.

Source: India Syndicate

When Saif and Karena Played the Game!

Katrina Rubbishes The rumors!

Being linked with Akshay Kumar has upset Katrina Kaif for a while now. The latest rumour doing the rounds is that Akshay refused to answer her calls in Bangkok, when the duo attended the IIFA awards. This time, Katrina has refused to keep quiet.

She not only rubbished the reports but also released a press statement to end the controversy.

"People need to stop imagining so much," Katrina said in the statement. "This is pure imagination on someone's part. Akshay came in for the show in the night and left immediately as he had a flight to catch.

"I had dinner with Twinkle and her friends. My mother was with me as well. So what is with these stories?" she asked.

Katrina, who was voted as Sexiest Women in the World by FHM magazine, clearly wants to move on.

Bikini Babes

Asin Arrives in Bollywood

This South Indian Star has arrived in bollywood , She will be seen in Aamir Khan's Ghajini and then will be starring along with Salman and Ajay in a movie called London Dreams, and is expected to sign a Priyadarshan Movie too.

Mallika The Mistress!

What is Mallika Sherawat up to these days? Well no one actually knows, But the news is that Mallika hates when people have unpleasant behavior on the sets. Everyone including the directors are forewarned not to scream and shout at the junior artists and technicians. Seems like the sexy lass has taken up cudgels to fight the assistants' cause!

Sunny busy again!

Thought you could write him off? think again. Sunny is looking his best these days and plans to return with a vengeance. Sunny Deol is all set to hold the directorial baton, wear the producer's cap and don the acting costume too. The bottom line is that the actor has decided to get busy again. And what is interesting is the kind of movies he is part of now, from the action packed movies he has acted in he is moving over to the multiplex audience. Gues sunny is all set to become a cool dude.

Mehbooba sees the light of the Day

In recent times, billboards and trailers of a film called Mehbooba have been all across town and the media. Starring Ajay Devgan,Sanjay Dutt and Manisha Koirala, the film was made ages ago. While none of the actors want to speak about it- Even though they all look much younger in the movie, The makers of the movie have gone all out and ensured that the movie hits the screen, Even if all this has taken 9 long years to happen.

Shamita Shetty UpSkirt!

Lisa Ray- The Hot Babe

Lage Raho Munna Bhai Steals the Show!!

It was Bollywood's day at the National Awards Tuesday with 'Lage Raho Munnabhai' bagging four awards, Konkona Sen Sharma getting best supporting actress for 'Omkara' and Madhur Bhandarkar being tagged best director for 'Traffic Signal'.

The National Award for best feature film has gone to the Malayalam film 'Pulijanmam'. Veteran Bengali thespian Soumitra Chatterjee got the award for best actor for his role in 'Podokkhep' while Tamil cinema's Priyamani got the best actress award for 'Paruthi Veeran'.

'Lage Raho Munnabhai' won the National Award for best screenplay, best lyricist, best supporting actor and best popular film providing wholesome entertainment.

National awards were not announced after 2005, as per the Supreme Court directions in connection with the controversies erupted over the award selection in that year.

According to reports, Priyamani has been selected as the best actress for her stunning performance in the film 'Paruthiveeran'. The 2006 award for best Malayalam film went to the film 'Drishtantham’ directed by M P Sukumaran Nair. The reports said that the film `Lage Raho Munna Bhai’ won the award for the most popular film in 2006. The awards were decided by a committee chaired by Bangali director Budhadeb Gupta.

Source: India Syndicate/ IANS

Jaane Tu..Ya Jaane Na- Preview

Rotlu. Jiggy, Bombs and Shaleen offer to tell Mala the tale of Jai and Aditi - a match made in the pastry shop of heaven - Mala is convinced that she is in for yet another love story with heavy doses of emotions... and a climax at the airport.

And indeed, 'Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na' is all of that. And more!

Meet Jai Singh Rathore ('Rats'), the most non-violent Rajput either side of the Aravallis. And meet, if you dare, the violent and passionate Aditi Mahant ('Meow'). Whatever you do, do not pick a fight with her. She scratches and abuses. If you do get into a scrap, take cover till Jai arrives, as he alone can calm our snarling wildcat.

Never was there a less likely couple. Jai thinks Aditi's parents should have rinsed her mouth with soap when she was a child. Aditi thinks that Jai is the biggest coward she has ever encountered. Heaven, it seems, has mixed up its apples and oranges.

More nuts in this fruitcake scenario: Rotlu weeps secretly for Aditi. Bombs' heart explodes for Jai. Jiggy applies golden mascara to his hair. Shaleen... Well, she's probably the only one who doesn't seem a few notes short of a concerto.


So, to come back to our story: Jai and Aditi are perfect for each other (in some odd, distorted way, impossible to understand). Friends know this. Parents know this. Everybody knows this. But do Rats and Meow know?

Can two people ever, truly, know the secrets of their hearts? And how do you know it's the real thing?

When do you know it's love?

Add to this quandary a quarrelling portrait, strange dreams of a desert warrior, a dope-head brother and his pet mouse, two Rajput 'cowboys', three ancestral conditions, a fateful night in jail, a climactic ride to the airport...

... And there, you have it! 'Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na'. The coolest, warmest, hippest, funniest musical-romantic-comedy of the year releases on Friday 4th July, 2008.

Source: Bollywood Hungama

Koena Mitra Angry!

Koena Mitra is an angry lass, these days. She has boycotted the promos of ‘Anamika’. Reason: A dubbing artiste was called in to re-post the voice. Koena feels this has made her character look “incomplete”. “Why should my voice be dubbed when other actresses, who can’t even speak Hindi, are allowed to speak in their own voice?” Koena roars like the MGM lion. No one listens to her “Grrr”s. ‘Anamika’ is already nameless on the poster and lost at the marquee. And the nation does not seem to mourn Koena’s voice either! Cool down, Koena. Chant “I am no Amitabh Bachchan” a 100 times. You will feel better.

Source: India Syndicate

Desi Girl Friend for Superman!

Superman, it seems, is getting bored of flying around with Lois Lanes and having his afternoon beer on the stony bosom of Statue of Liberty. He wants to fly down to India and have bhelpuri; and he has asked a Bolly actress to man his cockpit (no pun intented). The lucky one is none other than Priyanka Chopra. Director Bryan Singer is “extremely interested” in casting Priyanka opposite the ‘Man of Steel’. Singer, the birdie says, went to see Priyanka on the sets of Karan Johar’s ‘Dostana’, which was being shot in Miami. He was “greatly impressed” by the Indian beauty.

Time to fly, Priyanka!

Dia Gossip!

Give Sanjay Gupta a cross and he will hold it upside down and make it look like a machine gun. Trying different permutations with sulphur, stubble, sex and speed is the king of remakes. His latest protégé is a starlet who is known for her girl-next-chair looks. Dia Mirza will wield the musket in Gupta’s next. The film is titled ‘Acid Factory’, and is a tall tale of seven baddies, played by Danny Denzongpa, Fardeen Khan, Manoj Bajpai, Irrfan Khan, Aftab Shivdassani, Dino Morea and Gulshan Grover. Dia’s ‘kirdaar’ is classified info, but it would surely be that of a trigger-happy gal, who would make howitzers rise and handguns go off by accident.

Himmesh Bhai Does his own Stunts?

Who says Himesh Reshammiya is good only at blowing his nose on the microphone and calling it a song? He is the only actor in the world who can yell “Assalam Alekum” with a “I-am-going-to-kill-you-after-this” face. The latest to hit the grapevine counter is the scoop that Himesh is performing daredevil stunts for his ‘Karzzzz’ (reserve your seats and “zzz” off). A little birdie reports Himesh, jumping from a skyscraper with the guitar in his hand! He will also be seen ducking and diving in John Mathew`s ‘A Love Iiisshtory’, in which he plays “a violent tapori who sings”. Action masters from Hong Kong are being called in to train the chronic crooner for the “dishooms”. Himesh’s brief for his stunt gurus would be simple: “Kick, punch, kill or die, but the cap should live to tell the tale!”.

Shah Rukh's Show all set to Go International

While Shah Rukh Khan's much talked about game show 'Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hai?' opened to quite a mixed response in India, looks like the NRI folks are really excited to see their matinee idol's show. Needless to say, King Khan enjoys unprecedented popularity among the NRI junta and it's this very reason that the show is all set to be telecast in some foreign countries.

According to Akash Sharma of Bulldog Entertainment, license owner of the show, the tremendous response in the form of fan-mail from NRI's has made them take the decision to telecast the show in some foreign countries.

The show would first be launched in U.K. on June 13 followed by countries like U.S., Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Indonesia, Fiji and Australia.

While NRI's would be able to enjoy SRK at his wittiest best, they would still be ruing the fact they can't participate in the show.

Source: Bollywood Hunagama

Aishwarya to Play a Sex Worker?

Plans are afoot to bring Aishwarya Rai and Meryl Streep together in an American production of 'Chaos', Colin Serreau's 2002 French movie.

Says a source, "They ran the concept with Meryl and Ash and they were game. They need to Americanise the theme because 'Chaos' was a very French movie. But, yes, in principle Ash is on for this film."

Ash is slated to play a sex worker in the film.

Another international project Aishwarya has agreed to is Roland Joffe's 'Singularity' with Brendan Fraser.

Ash says she has asked for the final draft of the script. "Now the time factor has to be worked out. The time they want is devoted to Mani (Ratnam) Sir's project. New dates have to be worked out. There're so many projects that I want to do but because of the dates or a delay I can't. There're only that number of assignments I can take on. I've never done more work than I can do. I never can."

In the meanwhile, Aishwarya gets ready to shoot for Shankar's 'Robot' and Mani Ratnam's film with Abhishek.

"There has been a little delay in Shankar's 'Robot' because of his writer Sujata 's death. That has delayed 'Robot' a bit. All kinds of rumours have been floated about the project. The dates situation does get tighter for me because I was supposed to shoot 'Robot' now and Mani Sir's film a little later during the year. We just have to work under a tighter schedule now."

Source: IANS

Kamal Hasan's Daughter Gets ready for Her Debut!

After filmmaker Harry Baweja's son Harman, it's the turn of another star child to be launched in tinsel town. Kamal Haasan's daughter, Shruti, has signed her first Hindi film, Luck, which will be directed by Soham Shah of Kaal fame. She will make her debut opposite Imran Khan, Aamir's nephew.

The film would also star Sanjay Dutt , Mithun Chakraborty, Danny Denzongpa, Ravi Kissen and Rati Agnihotri. Luck will be produced by Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision Ltd.

If sources are to be believed, Shruti will do a lot of action sequences in Luck. The action director will be Allan Amin.

The shooting will start on July 8 in South Africa, where it will be shot in a start-to-finish schedule.

The background music is scored by Salim Suleiman (Chak De! India).

Aamir- Wonderful Movie!

Unfortunately, the film isn't original — it bears too close a resemblance to Philippino film 'Cavite' (which had similarities to 'Nick of Time' and 'Phone Booth') to be coincidental — but Gupta's control of the medium is still masterful.

Aamir Ali (Rajeev Khandelwal), a doctor returning from London, puts up with the insolence of the customs officer with remarkable patience. The minute he steps out of the airport his nightmare begins.

A cell phone is tossed to him by two sinister men on a mobike, a voice tells him to take a cab and come to Dongri (a Muslim-area in South Mumbai), and that his whole family has been kidnapped and will be killed if he won't obey.

Aamir is made to go on a mad chase through the slums and ghettos of the area, presumably because the caller (Gajraj Rao) wants the privileged doctor to see how poor Muslims live, and feel the anger and urge to fight "them." Eerily, the film captures an ordinary day in the life of the caller — including his playing with a cute child.

Aamir's complete passivity is odd, as is his not taking off his suit jacket and tie in Mumbai's heat; at a few points in the film it looks as if Aamir will attempt to fight back, but this is not about unreal herogiri, it's about an ordinary man's extraordinary heroism.

Finally, in a tense few minutes shot in real time, his courage and humanism come to the fore. It is this kind of Muslim, the film seems to say again, who suffers the most and still holds on to his innate decency.

Apart from Khandelwal's superb performance, the other hero of the film is cinematographer Alphonse Roy, who realistic work (a lot of handheld and hidden camera shots) gives the viewer goose bumps --a scene in a filthy toilet makes you hold your breath, as if you were there yourself. The actors all look like they were picked from the real locations. The editing and music are near-perfect too.

Gupta worked with Anurag Kashyap earlier and the similarity in style is discernable, but the newcomer has all the makings of an excellent director. If only he can come up with an original script the next time.

Source: India Syndicate

Harman Bowled over By Lalu's Wit!

Bollywood newcomer Harman Baweja, who debuts in the much-hyped futuristic film 'Love Story 2050', was bowled over by Railway Minister Lalu Prasad's wit when they met on the sets of 'Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain'

"He is the ultimate entertainer," Harman told us after his interaction with the minister on the reality game show hosted by superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

Lalu was invited to the show along with Harman and Priyanka Chopra as guests for a special celebrity episode.

"When I saw him get together with Shah Rukh, I realised what constitutes superstardom. It's just a quality that you have or you don't have," Harman said.

When Harman came to know that Lalu Prasad was in the studio to record for the same show, he made it a point to meet and greet him.

"The hello turned out to be quite an experience. Laluji knew Priyanka. But he also knew me. He knew about my father as well. I found that surprising since I have not yet been seen in any film.

"He asked me about my film and when I described the film, he wondered if it is a love story set in 2050 or 3050," Harman narrated.

On the show, the railway minister won a grand prize of Rs.10 million.

Harman said: "I wouldn't like to comment on what Laluji won. But, yes, Priyanka and I felt a twinge for not being able to go right up to the grand prize. The bell ruined us. We knew the last answer. But time was up. So we came away with Rs.5 million. Not bad for my first television recording, no?"

Harman and Priyanka played the game as a pair, so how would they divide the money?

"Oh, Priyanka can have it all and do what she likes with the money. I got my prize on the show when I met Laluji. Now, if he could only come for my premiere, I'd be quite happy."

The former Bihar chief minister and Harman apparently got along well on the sets.

In 'Love Story 2050', which is set to release July 4, Harman pairs up with Priyanka Chopra. Directed by Harman's father Harry Baweja, the film's promos are on air and are catching the fancy of cine buffs.

Source: IANS

RGV's Next Is a Movie About Black Magic!

"'Phoonk' is all about black magic. I am working with a new team. It's a subject I want to experiment with images and with characters. I can do that only with new people," he told us in an interview.

"Stars have certain baggage because of their stardom and their limitations about how far they can push their character," explained Varma.

"Also, I don't give chances to people, I take chances," maintained the director who premiered his much-talked about 'Sarkar Raj', starring Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai, at the 9th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) weekend.

He also showcased his next release 'Contract' on Saturday.

How is 'Contract' different from his other films?

"'Contract' is a basically about underworld-meets-terrorism," Varma replied. "I didn't deal with this link in my earlier films. 'Satya' gave an inside view of the underworld, 'Company' was an overview of its organisational structure.

"In 'Contract', I speak about what can happen when the underworld and terrorists come together on a platform."

The film will be released in July.

Asked how he sourced information for his underworld dramas, Varma said: "I mostly get information from the media. The media keeps reporting about what is happening and I just have to pick pieces from here and there and join it all together.

"I am interested in anything larger than life and people who create an impact, whether negative or positive. I am interested in doing a psychological study of these people," he added.

Lately, the director has been ridiculed for making films like 'James' and 'Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag', but he says he makes film for his personal satisfaction and thus is not bogged down by criticism.

"I don't feel anything (about the criticism). I have a lot of fun while making a film. I enjoy every minute of it. I make films for my personal satisfaction.

"I am a storyteller. I have a story, various actors, situations and locations and I compile them all together to create a visual impact. That is my high in life," Varma maintained.

A lot has been said about three Bachchans in 'Sarkar Raj' but that's no big deal for Varma.

"I don't have this sense of achievement that I brought the three Bachchans together. For me, they are three separate and highly professional actors.

"Whether they are in one family or not doesn't make a difference to me," Varma contended.

Fitness Top Priority for Shilpa Shetty!

A balanced diet, a strict fitness regime and regular yoga make Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty's skin glow and help her remain fit and glamorous as she turns 33.

Shilpa, who celebrates her birthday Sunday, looked svelte in a simple coral-coloured top paired with jeans at an event in Delhi.

"Yoga keeps my mind, body and soul fit," Shilpa said. "I have a neck problem and suffered from chronic spondylitis. So I started practising yoga. I took professional training and it really benefits," she added.

"I don't believe in starving myself to remain thin. I eat well, work out and practise yoga to remain healthy. But that doesn't mean I eat butter chicken and naan (bread) every day. If you want to get peace for the mind, body and soul, yoga is the only answer," she said.

She is not planning a big bash for her birthday. "I would just be spending my birthday with my family in Dubai," Shilpa told us.

Last year a special event was organised at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards function in Yorkshire to celebrate Shilpa's birthday. Several film personalities attended the same.

This year the actress has planned to skip the IIFA, which is on in Bangkok now. "No IIFA this year," she said. Although last year she was recognised at the event with an IIFA special award for Global Impact, this year Shilpa has not been nominated in any category.

Shilpa, who has contributed 15 years of her life to the Indian film industry starting with 'Baazigar' (1993), was here to launch her own instructional video based on yoga titled 'Shilpa's Yoga'.

She not only features in the video, which was released internationally in English last year, but has also produced it.

"This is not a money-making thing for me. It is purely out of passion that I have done this video. I had not thought of releasing it in India, but it has been a great experience. It was tough to dub it in Hindi though," she quipped.

On the production front, Shilpa has planned a big budget action flick under her banner S2 Global Productions. She would also be acting in the film.

"I do yoga and also work out at the gym for a fit look in the film," she said.

Shilpa hit the jackpot after winning British television reality show 'Celebrity Big Brother 2007' and became a big name. Her emoting in films like 'Phir Milenge' (2004), 'Dus' (2005),'Apne' (2007) and 'Metro' (2007) also fetched her acclaim.

"I am happy that both 'Apne' and 'Life...In A Metro' were well received by the audience. November onwards, the audience would see a lot of me," she said.

The actor's new movies include Sunny Deol's and Neeraj Pathak's 'The Man', and an international venture titled 'Hanuman' with filmmaker Uru Patel.

While 'The Man' will see Shilpa portraying the role of a simple, dedicated girl who rises to instant global stardom, in 'Hanuman' she would be portraying the role of Goddess Sita.

There has lately been a lot of speculation about her plans to marry London-based Indian entrepreneur Raj Kundra. But Shilpa, who believes that "marriage is important," said: "Whenever I get to know, I will tell you when and where it would happen, what would be served, so on and so forth," she said.

Source: IANS

Is Shah Rukh Khan Coming?

A bevy of Bollywood stars including Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, Preity Zinta and the four Bachchans have descended on Bangkok but Indians living here are missing Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

"Is Shah Rukh Khan coming?" is what most cine fans are asking the visiting Indian media.

They wear a disappointed look on learning that their favourite actor will be giving the show a miss. Many families here say they bought passes for the award night just to get a glimpse of King Khan.

Source: IANS

Hum Sey Hai Jahan- Not Worth A Watch

I wonder what director Mashoor Amrohi was thinking when he made Hum Sey Hai Jahan. Only he knows. Launching himself, the grandson of Kamal Amrohi, with this film is surely a decision gone wrong. Was the film made to be a spoof of other stereotypical commercial films, or was it made to be a complete nonsensical comedy? Either ways Hum Sey Hai Jahan is bad.

Technically the camera and direction were all right. But what they failed to do was to mute the abusive language used occasionally.

Living life as a con-man in Singapore, Sameer Khanate (Mashoor Amrohi) lands up working as a 'recovery agent' for Gary Rosario (Jackie Shroff), a goon and owner of night clubs.


Earning his livelihood by cheating people of their money, Sameer's life takes a turn when his brother lands in a financial crisis and needs money. When his boss refuses to help him, Sameer makes a plan to kidnap the daughter, Esha, of a superstar, Gyaneshwar Singh (Shehzad Khan) in order to solve his problem.

He pretends to fall in love with Esha (Vishaka Singh), not knowing that he is actually gone head over heels in love. He takes her off to a romantic weekend with the motive of spending quality time with her, and letting her dad think she's been kidnapped and demand a ransom from him. Esha gets duped and agrees to elope with Sameer.

Gyaneshwar, who believes that Esha has been kidnapped, is forced to call his best friend, Gary, who happens to be Esha's godfather, for help. Gary promises to bring back Esha safe and sound and puts his best man Sameer on the job.

The film unfolds with further complications when Sameer gets involved in a drug deal and loses Esha to a gang of druglords, Dabar (Mukesh Rishi) and Pran Panwara (Kiran Kumar); the latter is also Gyaneshwar's relative.

Sameer saves Esha from Dabar and Pran in a series of dramatic escape and gunfights, the couple abscond, letting everyone assume that Esha is dead.

What happens next leads up to a confusing and tiresome climax, where all ends well. All in all a film not worth watching.

Bollywood's Sexy Sisters!!

Kajol and Tanisha


Riya and Raima Sen


Shamita and Shilpa Shetty


Kareena and Karishma Kapoor


Amrita and Malaika Arora

Tania Zaetta Will recieve an Apology!

Australian actress, Tania Zaetta, who has done Bollywood films like Mr Black, Mr White,Salaam Namaste , will receive a personal apology from Australian Defence chief for false claims about her sexual relation with the country's soldiers in Afghanistan.

Air Chief Marshal Houston said there was no evidence of any such conduct by Zaetta during a concert tour in April, an AAP report said today. "A quick assessment has been completed," Houston told a Senate hearing today. "There was no substance to the allegations, and I will conclude the matter with a letter to the person in question. I will obviously apologise and express my deep regret about any hurt she has suffered," he said.

Zaetta was at the centre of controversy last month after the Australian media reported that unsubstantiated claims that she had sex with troops at a base were detailed in a departmental briefing note prepared for Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon.

The actress, had paid a trip to the military bases along with other entertainers, angrily denied the claims, describing them as "complete made-up lies".

"Perhaps I do feel like I need an apology because not only my family name but my career which I have worked very hard for is suddenly at stake here," Zaetta had said.

The defence department has already formally apologised to Zaetta for the leak last month. On his part, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd had raised his doubts on the sex scandal from the very beginning.

"I doubt very, very, very much - I have only seen all the girls conduct themselves in a very, very professional manner and certainly Tania, because she is a very professional person," Rudd was quoted as saying by APP last month.

Akshay and Saif Team Up Again!

The failure of Tashan doesn't seem to bother our Khiladi and Anari all that much.

Getting ready to have another go at the Box Office are Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan in a film to be directed by Pakistani director, Shoaib Mansoor.

Now, we don't know what Shoaib's film is all about, though the director is known for making meaningful films.

The film will be produced by Percept Picture Company. Sources inform Gullu that the actors are working out on the dates.

Akshay and Saif were first seen together in Main Khiladi Tu Anari in the mid 90s. The film was a hit. Very soon Akshay's career lifted off. Saif, on the other hand, wasn't so lucky, and it was a full ten years later that he tasted success with Hum Tum in 2004.

The World's Sexiest Woman!

A Tribute to Shammi Kapoor.

The Osian's Cinefan Festival of Asian and Arab Cinema celebrates its 10th anniversary this year in Mumbai and Delhi.

The two-day film festival will showcase three exhibitions from the Osian's Arts and Film Archive Collection. It will also showcase The Shakespeare Gallery and the Original Artworks for Vintage Hindi Novel Covers.

There will also be a tribute to Shammi Kapoor for his contribution to Indian cinema. A host of films, including his Kashmir Ki Kali, will be screened at the festival.

The Osain's Cinefan festival will be held at National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Nariman Point, South Mumbai on June 13 and 14, from 10:30 am to 7 pm.

The film festival will shift to Delhi next month.

Emraan On a Roll!!

Emraan Hashmi is on a roll.

After the success of his film, Jannat, the actor has signed a multiple deal with Percept Picture Company for Rs 15 crores.

"We are very happy to have Emraan Hashmi on board," Shailendra Singh, joint Managing Director, PPC, says. "We believe his performances are consistently improving and he has the potential to make a difference to our future line up with leading directors"

The deal comes after the success of Jannat, which took everyone by surprise considering the absence of big stars in the cast.

The film, which dealt with the predicament of a rookie bookie (played by Emraan), did surprisingly well at the box office, making it the only film after Race and Jodhaa Akbar to rake in big money.

We'll just have to wait and see if Mahesh Bhatt's nephew is as lucky in his next venture. After all, for every Murder, a God Boy, Bad Boy is not very far behind.

Clash Of the Titans!

Television programmes really like to toy with us these days. Take show timings, for instance.

Just when we're all set to watch Salman Khan's new show Dus Ka Dum on Sony Entertainment Television that starts on June 6, NDTV Imagine has decided to premiere its serial Junoon Kuch Kar Dikhanne Ka with Hrithik Roshan on the same day.


The only consolation is that Hrithik's show starts at 8.30 pm, so we have half an hour to watch him before we switch over to Sony.

While Dus Ka Dum is a game show, Junoon is a musical consisting of three teams headed by singers Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Ila Arun and Anand Raj Anand.

Unlike Salman, however, Hrithik will not be appearing on the show everyday. So, next week onwards it will be Sallu's show all the way

The New Bond Girl Shops In Mumbai

Here's a snippet that will send temperatures soaring even higher in the summer heat: Bond girl Zaara Adams was in Mumbai scouting for some Indian styles to suit her Bond look, and chanced upon eyewear brand Mojo.

"I have a squarish face, so framed styles look better on me than rimless styles. Also, I always take care to see that the definition of my eyebrows is visible above my eyeglasses," she explains.

Hailing from an orthodox family in Pakistan, Zaara stars opposite Daniel Craig in the latest Bond movie, Quantum of Solace.

On a personal trip to the country, Zaara said that she was 'just spending time with a few associates.'

"Everything about India is hot now -- and I love this country full of enterprising, energetic people," she says. "I love the biryani, the pani puri and of course, Mumbai's vada pav."

She also met up with producer Sanjay Gupta and expressed an interest in organising a charity show in Mumbai. "I am planning on getting some merchandise from the Bond shoot and do a charitable show with my friend, designer Archana Kochar," she reveals. "In fact, I am wearing some of her clothes in the Bond movie."

John Abraham- Eco Warrior.

Bollywood actor John Abraham's sensitivity and sense of social responsibility drove him to help in creating India's first elephant village in Maharashtra, for which he was awarded an EcoWarrior award on Thursday.

On the occasion of World Environment Day, the EcoWarrior awards were given out as recognition and to honour the crusaders who worked towards the cause of environment.

"These awards create awareness about what people do at their level for the environment. Everything starts at a micro level and one has to take it at a macro level," John told reporters at the event.

John has been working with grass root communities for creating habitat for animal welfare. His commitment towards elephants has helped several of these wild animals return to their natural home.

Of 15 real life heroes who have been working towards conservation of environment and wildlife, John was the only one from Bollywood. The awardees were an eclectic mix - a bus conductor, a 15-year-old-girl, a government servant and others.

"There are awardees from every field. They are the real heroes who have gone ahead and done great things for the environment," he said.

The awards are an effort by Earth Matters Foundation, a brainchild of environmentalist filmmaker Mike Pandey, and were handed over to the recipients by Vice President Hamid Ansari.

Source: IANS

Sexy Priyanka Chopra

Hot Payal Rohatgi!!