Celebrity Gossips: 2011

Bollywood's young and charitable sizzlers

Some new-age Samaritans discreetly go about sharing their hard-earned earnings with charitable organisations

Katrina Kaif
Katrina Kaif is probably one of the few Bollywood stars to initiate brands into tying up with charitable trusts.

In fact, a diamond brand has just tied up and donated a whopping amount towards the cause of her mother's charitable trust, Relief Projects India (RPI).

RPI has collaborated with The Claretian Educational and Social Services Society to rescue unwanted and abandoned baby girls.

They are also actively involved in preventing infanticide and improving health of expectant mothers and babies.

Kajal Aggarwal, Singham actress
Kajal Aggarwal has believed in giving back to the society since her college days. Not many people know that as a college student she used to teach at the Akansha foundation.

Whenever she has free time on hand, she teaches her house help and people around her.

Other charitable guns

Abhay Deol
Abhay vouches for four NGO's, Video Volunteers, Butterflies, The Climate Project and Wildlife SOS. The actor found Butterflies on the internet.

"They do children development banking. They basically encourage street kids to put aside a little bit of their daily earnings into a bank and earn monthly interest. They also have mobile schools. So they actually drive to where the kids are."
Ranbir Kapoor
Ranbir Kapoor was part of the NDTV Toyota Greenathon 2010 that helped raise money to provide solar power to 160 villages across the nation. He sponsored solar lamps in the Lakhisarai, a village in Bihar, as part of the initiative.

A lot more economical and less polluting than kerosene lamps, solar lamps not only help students to study in the evening and women to work in well-lit kitchens but they also aid small scale workers to earn more as they can work late hours.

John Abraham
Jacqueline Fernandes and R Madhavan strongly support NGO Habitat For Humanity India, that runs a campaign for affordable housing. While Mika donates to Divine Help that educates children and destitute women.

Prateik Babbar
There is a side to Prateik that is little known. The actor, who will be seen in UTV Motion Picture's My Friend Pinto is a true friend of old people and street kids.

The do-gooder donates a part of his earnings from films to charities. And what more, he doesn't like blowing his own trumpet.

A family friend of the young actor on condition of anonymity confirms, "Yes, Prateik has been doing charity for many years now, much before he entered the industry and started acting in the movies. He started from the age of 18, when he was still a young boy assisting ad man Pralhad Kakkar.
He donates a percentage of his salary to the charities. Earlier it used to be what he earned from his assisting jobs and now it's a percentage of his film remuneration. His donations go to multiple charities for aged people or street and orphan kids."

The source adds, "Prateik has a soft corner for aged people and street kids. He always wanted to do something for them.

There is this sensitive side to him that is not known to the world. He was very close to his maternal grandmother, late Smita Patil's mom. He does charity for his own happiness and likes to keep mum about it. He doesn't want it to be a publicity gimmick like others."

Reportedly, he also wore and sent tees with logo 'My Friend Anna' to Anna Hazaare to show his support. As expected, Prateik remained unavailable for comment.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Share Telly babes aim for size 'Bebo'

Popular soap stars Sanjeeda Sheikh and Rashmi Desai are on a mission to achieve the size zero look

Kareena Kapoor may no longer be size zero, but she seems to have set a standard for our telly actresses.

They want to be as skinny as she was! The latest actress to follow the path and even indulge in hot yoga (like Bebo) is Sanjeeda Sheikh.

She has been working towards the goal of achieving the size for a while now. Coupled with a diet and work out regime, the Haye Padosan actress is determined to be reed-thin.

Being a fitness freak, she joined a gym and was completely taken in by the hot yoga on offer. Aamir Ali's girlfriend has been attending the sessions for the past few months now and she swears that this is the best form of exercise.

Says Sanjeeda, "I wanted to get a photoshoot done since a long time. But I was keen that it should be different from my previous ones. I thought of having a perfect figure for the shoot and therefore started working towards it."

She adds, "I've always been active and sporty, with a high metabolism rate, so it was not difficult. Plus, being a dancer I made sure that I dance daily without skipping even a day.

Being a foodie, it was difficult to control my diet, but I made sure I didn't cheat." She continues to eat healthy and avoid junk food.

Gymming hard!

Uttaran actress Rashmi Desai, too, wants to go the Bebo way. She makes it a point to never miss her gym, even if she is shooting for long hours. As Rashmi has been gaining a lot of weight of late, she is even more determined and works out with husband Nandish Sandhu.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Malaika sizzles in a Sari at National Film Awards

Malaika Arora Khan left her thigh-high slit dresses back home in Mumbai and covered up in a black and maroon sari for the prestigious 58th National Film Awards ceremony here Friday. Others like singer Rekha Bhardwaj and actress Mahie Gill too looked elegant in the six-yard wonder at the event.

Malaika was in attendance to receive the award for the best popular film providing wholesome entertainment for "Dabangg", of which she is one of the three producers.

She was dressed in an embroidered sari, with minimal make-up. The bold and beautiful "Munni" girl, who is known for her glamourous dressing, added zing to her look with large, traditional earrings.

Singer Rekha, who received the best female playback singer award for "Badi dheere jali" from her husband, filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj's movie "Ishqiya, looked earthy in a traditional red and gold sari.

She chose the ethnic look with a big, round, red bindi on her forehead, and accessorised her attire with bangles and earrings.

She enthralled the audience with her live performance as she sang her award-winning number as melodiously as she did in the film, which won a total of four National awards including best audiography, best audiography (re-recording), best music direction and best female playback singer.

"Dev D" actress Mahie Gill, who was recently seen in Ram Gopal Varma's "Not A Love Story", looked pretty and sophisticated in a blue sari with a border of paisleys. She matched it with a fuschia-coloured blouse, and grabbed due attention as the host of the prestigious event, along with actor-filmmaker Rajat Kapoor.

Actress Zarina Wahab was spotted in a mustard sari, while Deepti Naval looked elegant in black.

Vidya Balan - Woman on top!

Yet another real-life character gets modified in reel just for the actress

She may not have impressed the fashionistas too much with her personal style, but Vidya Balan has managed to wow the people who matter in her professional life.

How else can you explain B-Town's creative lot actually modifying real-life characters in reel to suit her image.

In Sanjay Gupta's Shootout at Wadala, Vidya is being wooed to essay the role of gangster Manya Surve's girlfriend.

While in reality the late don's moll is a widow and mother of two, her character in the movie will now not have any kids. Her widowhood status will also not be given any importance.

Explains Gupta, "We didn't want to stress too much on Surve's girl's past.

The fact that she was married at some point in her life before she met him is of no consequence to the story. We'll barely mention it in passing. And yes, Survey's girl will have no children in my film."

With the character suitably altered, one hopes that Vidya will finally agree to come on board to do her second biographical character in a row after playing Silk Smitha in Dirty Picture.

Incidentally, this role too was substantially altered for Vidya's sake.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Desperate times? Publicity Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega

B-Town's PR cell seems to be in overdrive. From getting stars to sell jalebis to encouraging threesomes, nothing seems sacrosanct in this business of film promotion

Films have never been this aggressively marketed in India.

After getting even the biggest Bollywood stars to market their upcoming movies on multiple TV shows and social networking sites like Twitter and Face Book, PR agencies are getting even more creative (read: bizarre) with their promotional activities.

Shahid Kapoor reportedly turned weather forecaster for a day to promote his forthcoming film Mausam.

Desperate publicity stunts seem to have become the latest trend to hit the Hindi film industry. We bring you a list of the silliest PR stunts in the recent past...

During the publicity of Bodyguard, Kareena felicitated the bodyguards of most Bollywood stars barring Shah Rukh Khan's.

Since Salman is in America getting medical attention, his real-life bodyguard Shera was used to promote the film.

He wore the same uniform Sallu had on in the movie and played Kareena Kapoor's bodyguard to the hilt at all events.

John Abraham and Genelia's accidental marriage on the sets of Force was a farce.

Amitabh Bachchan turned guest principal of colleges across the countries for Aarakshan.
Sanjay Dutt and Salman allegedly staged a fake war to promote Bigg Boss 5, which they are to co-anchor.

Mallika Sherawat made jalebis to promote the song Jalebi bai for Double Dhamaal.

Ekta Kapoor promoted naughty threesome parties during the promotions of Ragini MMS.

Ranbir Kapoor milked cows to promote Rockstar.

Tusshar Kapoor turned bootlegger and earned money from selling books on the streets for the promotion of Shor In The City.

During the release of Thank You, a story came out about lead stars Akshay Kumar, Bobby Deol and Suniel Shetty renewing their marriage vows, which they later denied. Then, they married off two couples in front of the entire media.

The most memorable ones so far...

Yana Gupta went commando to get noticed was quite a desperate PR attempt.

Malaika Arora Khan and Arbaaz Khan's ugly break-up was a publicity stunt to promote the brand that the couple was endorsing.

Aamir Khan's missing act during the promotion of 3 Idiots.

Rakhi Sawant did not marry the winner of the Rakhi Ka Swayamvar after so much hoopla.

Akshay Kumar had his fly open while walking the ramp to promote the brand he was endorsing.

The usual suspects...

- When publicist can't find out-of-the box stories, they rely on these standard stories to promote the film
- Link ups, break ups, catfights and stars bonding.
- Actresses refusing lip locks.
- Accidental leaks of sex scenes or songs.
- Spooky activities on the sets of horror films.
- Stars selling tickets to promote the films.
- Stars doing charities.
- Producers gifting their film's stars to show love and gratitude.
- Actor, directors and producers making religious trips just before the release.
- Six packs and size zero stories. How can we forget Shah Rukh Khan's six packs in Main Hoon Na and Kareena Kapoor's size zero figure in Tashan.
- Stars getting injured
while shooting daredevil stunts in their movies.
- Alphabetical alterations.

The king and queen of innovative PR

Aamir Khan tuning barber for Ghajini and introducing people with Ghajini hairdos at cinema halls overshadowed Shah Rukh Khan's Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.
Ekta Kapoor's publicity campaign of putting 'Ragini Idhar Bethi Thi' at the rear of auto rickshaw was brilliant. Though it was Aamir who first introduced the idea with 3 Idiots with his catchphrase: 3 Idiots were here.

Kajol shakes her booty

The actress pursues dance while on her second, much-extended maternity leave from the film industry

Though Kajol is still on a break from films after delivering her second child almost a year ago (her son Yug turns one on September 13), the actress has found a fun way of keeping herself fit and occupied.

She has been learning Western dance at her friend Bhavesh Gandhi's institute. What's more, she will soon match steps with the students.

Confirms Kajol, "I am just doing one special class."

The actress is slated to get jiggy with dance enthusiasts at the institute's branch in Bandra in the coming weeks.

There will be strut jazz, salsa, contemporary, fusion, rock-n-roll, Afro and Bollywood fusion, it's not sure which dance form she will perform with the students.

According to the institute's spokesperson, "Our students are looking forward to dancing with Kajol."

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Salman's Bigg problem

Given the rigid format, speculation is rife about whether the ailing star will co-anchor the reality show with Sanjay Dutt now

Salman Khan's health issue has not only affected his film schedules, but has also become a cause of concern for the makers of Big Boss 5.

The actor, who hosted the last season successfully, is supposed to co-anchor the fifth edition of the reality show with Sanjay Dutt from next month. In fact, promos of the show have already started airing.

According to the show's format, Salman has to trek to the Big Boss house in Lonavala every week to shoot his part. Two episodes are shot back-to-back, which can prove quite taxing.

Bigg Boss lasts for over three months and as the episode goes on air the same night, there is no way any adjustments can be accommodated.

This has led to speculation that Dutt may have to host the show solo for several episodes. Says a source, "The channel decided to have two star hosts.

They are keen that both be present every week. The Dabangg star and Munnabhai have their own inimitable styles, so together they can double the fun element."

Adds the source, "But till the picture is clear, Salman shooting for it every week looks difficult. It will prove extremely hectic as he has to continuously keep on talking being the host."
However, channel sources say, "He has not yet reverted about any changes in the shooting schedule." The show is also slated to undergo several changes this year to make it even more appealing.

A pregnant contestant in Bigg Boss 5!

As usual, the channel is tightlipped about the names of the contestants but sources state that this season there will be a participant who is pregnant. The channel refuses to name her at this juncture.

Also NAVJOT SINGH SIDHU and KAMAL R KHAN (who is claiming he is in the show) are definitely not among the contestants.

The channel is keen that KARAN JOHAR be in the house at least for a day especially after Abhishek Bachchan and Riteish Deshmukh have been mustering support on their micro-blogging sites to pack KJo in the house.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Salman Khan helps Mugdha get her payments

Bollywood actress Mugdha Godse of Fashion popularity went through terrible, as the producers of Jail rejected to pay a part of her payment for the movie. Percept Picture Company due her Rs.6 lakh but it did not pay heed to her request to provide her the charge. It’s only when Salman Khan intervened that the company responded.

Sources says that hapless Mugdha was forced to contact Salman, as her repeated request to the film makers of Jail didn’t support. She met the actor at a celebrity cricket game and mentioned her complaint to him. Fortunately, Shailendra Singh, head of Percept Picture Company, was also present. Taking the chance, Salman apparently advised Shailendra that it is incorrect to hold the fees.To Mugdha’s nice surprise, the owed was given instantly.

The actress accepted that Salman assisted her in getting her owed. She discussed him as a actual hero and a good buddy.

Dabangg sequel to take off in January 2012

The leading hit of yr 2010 ‘Dabangg’ is coming up with it’s follow up and the shooting of the movie will begin from January 2012. Salman Khan is in a rush to begin the shooting but Arbaaz Khan who’s starting direction initially is in no hurry to begin the film, he desires to take numerous more time. A source near to the sequel exposed, “Arbaaz will begin the ‘Dabangg’ sequel in early 2012. Since he`s directing it, there are more duties on him than the last occasion, and he doesn`t desire to dash in unprepared.

The sequel has to match upto ‘Dabangg,’ and to make sure that, the director has to prep a lot.”The source also added, “‘Dabangg 2’ will be a continuation of the first. The movie will pick-up where it ended and Salman, Sonakshi, Sonu Sood will make an appearance in the part 2 as well. Other cast is being worked out. Arbaaz has got the initial draft and he will begin working on it. “

Arbaaz verified, “Yes, the sequel will begin early next season. Salman will be providing the essential schedules. It`s too early to discuss anything else.”

Prateik desires to bowl in Salman Khan’s team

Prateik Babbar, who played a soccer player in Dum Maaro Dum, is also a cricket lover. He’s eager to sign up in the next year of Celebrity Cricket League started by Sohail Khan. He’s now likely to meet Salman Khan shortly, to make sure a place for him in the Mumbai Heroes squad for the upcoming event. Our source more informed that Prateik is a very excellent pace bowler and was angry that he could not make it to the initial edition of CCL this season.

When approached, Prateik verified his programs of approaching Salman. “Not numerous understand that I was a quick bowler for my school side. I have played cricket in the inter-school events and also at the state stage,” recalled the actor, enthusing, “So I would love to play for Salman’s squad.” Considering that Mumbai Heroes, led by Sunil Shetty, could not make it to the finals this season, here is expecting Prateik’s speed bowling helps them the next occasion.

Shahid Kapoor & Priyanka Chopra affection-disdain teeter-totter!

Shahid Kapoor & Priyanka Chopra affection-disdain teeter-totter!: Everyone in the industry and beyond is baffled with the question of whether Shahid and Priyanka are still romantically inclined. The guess-exercise has left a lot of people wiggling their speculative tongue on what is the status of these two Bollywood heartthrobs. People have almost lost counts of how many times these on-off love birds have broken up only to patch up again. As a testimony of them being a couple, the little birdie has cited the IT raid incident at Priyanka’s house where the IT officials were surprised to find Shahid answering the door.
But if rumors are to be believed, Shahid and Priyanka have parted ways, this time for good. A little birdie confirmed that they have split up just few days before Shahid’s birthday. The reason of this break up is said to be incompatibility issue between these two.

Even after having a good companionship, as person both Shahid and Priyanka are poles apart. So they have decided to end this relation and move on. Shahid is not in a mood to woo her back.

Anushka Sharma to love Ranbir Kapoor?

Anushka Sharma to love Ranbir Kapoor? This will be Ayan Mukerji’s second film with Ranbir, he has previously directed Ranbir in the off-beat coming of age comedy Wake Up Sid. Like the previous outing the next film is to be produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions.
For a while it was assumed that the female lead would be played by Deepika who is also close friends with Ayan, and was also close to Ranbir, then after their much public break-up, Katrina’s name was floating around as the one likely to play the lead. Now, with things not looking too well between Ranbir and Katrina, it does seem apt to consider another.

There is no confirmation from Ayan or Anushka Sharma about this development, and the producer of the film Karan only confirms that Ayan will finalize the actors once the script is ready. Ranbir and Anushka surely would make for a good on-screen couple.

Kangana gets close to Salman’s family members

Every person understands that Kangana Ranaut is close to actor Salman Khan, but not numerous may understand that she’s close to his family members too. The reality is, she go to the actor’s Bandra home usually and visits nearly all the individual events of the Salman Khan Family. Kangana even joined the special opening of Ready.

Kangana, who was on the special visitors list, was seen having great moment along with Salman’s family members though whispers have been doing the rounds that they’re more than only buddies. Well, Kangana is mentioned to be at loggerheads with Asin, the heroine of film, but she’s viewed the movie for her close buddy Salman. Salman Khan will certainly enjoy her gesture!

Court Claim Against Dum Maaro Dum Song

A claim has been registered in a court in Rajasthan to protect against Deepika Padukone and producers of Dum Maaro Dum for an claimed indecent and obscene item song in movie.The director Rohan Sippy, producer Ramesh Sippy and music director Pritam Chakraborty have been named in the claim.

The complainant, Mukesh Kumar, a person of Pal Road region in Jodhpur, contacted a city magistrate’s court and registered the claim to protect against a track in the movie Wednesday. Kumar has claimed that his feelings were damage in the song.”The court is to document my sentence June 6,” mentioned Kumar.

Dum Maaro Dum is a offense thriller movie featuring Abhishek Bachchan, Rana Daggubati, Bipasha and Prateik Babbar. Deepika has performed an item song in the flick. The movie was launched April 11.

Minissha in big trouble: Caught with jewellery worth Rs 50 lakh

Minissha Lamba detained at airport for carrying jewellery worth Rs 50 lakh

Minissha Lamba was detained at the airport yesterday. The actress was kept back for bringing jewellery worth approximately Rs 50 lakh while returning from Cannes, France.

She arrived by an Emirates flight yesterday morning from Nice via Dubai.

The actress walked the red carpet at the Cannes film festival last week. But the same red carpet treatment was not meted out to her here at the international airport.

She has been charged with carrying R 50 lakh worth of jewellery above the permitted limit and was detained by custom officials.

She spent the afternoon being questioned about the bling. She was arrested for this. A statement will be recorded and a case will be registered against her, too.

Selected by Fast Company magazine as one of the 100 most creative people in business, author of bestsellers tells Subhash K Jha the honour would help him promote creativity and innovation

You have just been selected by the magazine Fast Company as one of the 100 most creative people in business today. Your thoughts?
I am delighted. The two things I value most, influence and creativity, are exactly the things I have been recognised globally for. First the Time magazine list and now this one, I am surprised that they noticed my work while I'm based in India.

Do you like seeing your creativity as a business?
I do think creativity needs to be commercialised somewhat, to make it sustainable. If I could not earn anything from my creativity, I would still be working at the bank, thus curtailing my creative stuff. I feel commercialising creativity is also a creative act by itself, and one has to do it with grace.

How much does this honour mean to you?
It means a lot to me, as I want to promote Indian creativity and innovation. This will help give me credibility for that cause.

Minissha Lamba sounding cheerful, relieved & grateful on the morning after her trauma on Mumbai airport, speaks to Subhash K Jha.

Minissha, what happened?
It was just minor discrepancy in my papers for the jewellery. I’m just so shocked by the monstrous proportions that the incident acquired.

Is it true you were detained the whole night at the airport?
I was detained for sixteen hours. Which, if I may say so, was completely unnecessary in a case like this. However if my papers were not in order because of a minor technicality then the authorities were totally within their rights to detain me. We’ve to go by the book. No complaints about it.

Did you really have undeclared diamonds worth 40 lakh rupees?
Definitely not that much. The value was much much less. I can’t tell you how much because it involves a legality. I had the paperwork to authenticate it.

Starring: Raj Kumar Yadav, Kainaz Motivala
Directed By: Pavan Kirpalani
Written By: Pavan Kirpalani & Vaspar Dandiwala
Produced By: Alt Entertainment and iROCK Media Pvt Ltd.

Ragini MMS is a sensuous paranormal film, shot as if in real time!

The quintessential couple, Ragini and Uday, set out to have a dirty weekend at a friend’s farmhouse on the outskirts of Mumbai.

The weekend getaway quickly changes gears as they find themselves in a house that has been rigged with cameras in Bigg Boss style.

The cameras that were meant to capture love-making are witness to something that is beyond the realm of human understanding...something metaphysical....

Within the confines of this house, Ragini and Uday are now at the mercy of an unexplainable paranormal force.
With sundown approaching, what will the new entrants of the house do?

Music Director: Shamir Tandon

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Raaj, Faizan Hussain, Agnel Roman, Bappi Lahiri and Shweta Shetty

Rating: ** and 1/2

The music album of "Ragini MMS" is not a mammoth album; so there is hardly anything to look forward to. With just four songs, it will not take much of your time.

The album begins with the original version of "Raat akeli hai", a popular song from the 1967 hit "Jewel Thief". Unlike most old songs used today, this one retains its original character and has not been worked upon or remixed. It's used in its original form.

Then romance flaps its wings again with "Itne kareeb aao", crooned by Raaj. The song has influences of jazz and is sung in a sensual tone. With less orchestration and a number of variations, the song brings forward a different sound and is worth a hear.

Music Directors: Pritam Chakroborty, Ashish Rego and Shree D

Singers: Bhaven Dhanak, Sanah Moidutty, Harmeet Singh, Benny Dayal, Apeksha Dandekar, Roshan Abbas, Suhail Kaul, Ishq Bector, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shaan, Aditi Singh Sharma, Naresh Iyer, Shefali Alvaris, Shafqat Amanat Ali, KK, Anupam Amod and Vinnie Hutton

Rating: **1/2

With "Always Kabhi Kabhi", Pritam has brought forward a young, campus soundtrack, sticking to the theme of the film. But most tracks lack freshness and do not possess anything extraordinary. One expects more from a composer like Pritam.

The music album has 10 tracks sung by a variety of singers.

The title track has been done by guest composers Ashish Rego and Shree D and sung by Bhaven Dhanak, Sanah Moidutty and Harmeet Singh.

Cast: Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Geoffrey Rush, Ian McShane and Kevin McNally

Director: Rob Marshall

Rating: *** 1/2

The secret of a franchise, besides the usual elements that makes the original click, is to have enough elements that can be improvised, improved and recreated to ensure that the same audience isn't bored by it despite having seen it all. "Pirates of the Caribbean", with its fantasy, quirky characters and explosive action, is a perfect example of the same.

In the fourth outing of the franchise, Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) gets the undivided attention in a full film dedicated to him. With its love angles, brawny pirates, the kings' armies, guns and magical lands, the film becomes the perfect adrenalin rush thanks to coordinated work by the film's team.

Cast: Raayo Bakhirta, Nushrat Bharucha, Sonalli Sehgal, Divyendu Sharma, Ishitta Sharma and Kartikeya Tiwari

Writer-Director: Luv Ranjan

Rating: ***

"Pyaar Ka Punchnama" packs in a precocious punch. In telling the story of three friends-cum-flatmates who get into 'serious' relationships with three self-serving working-class female monsters of the concrete jungle, debutant director Luv Ranjan gives us a film that's fresh, flavourful and finally hugely rewarding.

Not that the film attempts to say anything we've not seen before. That's the beauty of this sometimes-embarrassing sometimes- disturbing, often-funny and never-dull peek-a-boo at youthful life in the metropolis where human values are frequently sacrificed for the sake of a trendy lifestyle or maybe just to get even with a fast-moving materialistic city that doesn't care how much you carry in your heart as long as the credit-cards keep working their mall magic.

Model-turned-actress is penning a script for veteran actor Naseerudin Shah

Udita Goswani has just completed a film script. The model-turned-actress steps into her new role as writer with a romantic yet mature love story.

And the only actor, she had on her mind while writing her project is Naseeruddin Shah.

"I have written my scenes keeping him in mind and no one else. He's perfect! I just hope he says yes when I'm done with the script, " said Udita. "I will approach him with the final draft. Then I can narrate each and every scene to him."

Udita had been toying with the idea of writing for a long time. "I started writing, then got confused and stopped.

But I am finally completing the script now. Although the story is ready, I am working on the screenplay. I have realised that every scene in the film can't be from a woman's point of view."

Unhappy with their dialogue delivery during shooting, Prakash Jha has asked the two actors to take voice-rehearsals before dubbing begins

While you can understand why John Abraham would require 'dialogue-orientation classes' (he took the classes with Anurag Kashyap for his role in Deepa Mehta's Water) and agree with Katrina Kaif taking 'voice lessons' (for her public speech scene in Raajneeti), do you think Saif Ali Khan and Prateik Babbar would require a similar session?

Surely, Khan would have convinced anyone of his dialogue-delivery with his performance as a thug in Omkara and Babbar is after all the son of legendary actress Smita Patil. However, all this doesn't pass muster with Prakash Jha.

With the shooting of Aarakshan complete, director Jha has asked both Khan and Babbar to take some time off for 'voice rehearsals' before dubbing begins. After hearing them deliver their lines during the shoot, Jha felt both actors needed to work on their diction and accent.

Arbaaz Khan concedes that he may produce another film before he takes up the Dabangg sequel

Arbaaz Khan does not want to take any chances when it comes to giving the best for his superhit film Dabangg's sequel. His brother Salmaan Khan is busy with other commitments and he does not want to rush things.

"Salman Khan is a big star. He has several films lined up before he gets ready for Dabangg 2. He has to finish Atul (Agnihotri)'s Bodyguard.

Then he has to start two films later this year, one for Yashraj and the other for brother Sohail. This is the first time Salman is working with Yashraj.

And we're all very excited about it."

Arbaaz reluctantly admitted that he might produce another film in the meantime. "If I come across something exciting, or a script that feels right, I'll

Contrary to the reports from Pakistan, Veena Malik has not been injured in a road accident

In an accident involving the Pakistani actress Veena Malik while she was travelling from Islamabad to Lahore, the actress has declared herself to be unhurt, opposing the claims of the Pakistani media.

According to Pakistani media reports, Veena was recovering in a hospital.

"Not true, " said Malik, "Miraculously, I didn't get a single scratch. Although the vehicle is completely mangled we managed to escape unhurt. I think there is a guardian-angel watching over me."

The incident, however, has resulted in one good aftermath.

Her boyfriend, Bollywood actor Ashmit Patel and she are together again. Ashmit has been on the phone constantly inquiring about Veena's well being, specially since the reports in the Pakistan press were fairly alarming.

No wedding bells

Prodded about marriage, Veena chuckled, "Neither Ashmit nor I believe in the institution of marriage. The day marriage makes sense to us, we will take the plunge."

Veena returns to Mumbai in two weeks. "I've accepted three movie projects and will talk about them when I return to India."

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Salman comes to foe Subhash Ghai's rescue

After Yuvraaj's failure, Ghai and Salman Khan's relationship went for a nose dive, but recently Khan agreed to do Ghai's next film

While everyone knows that the once sought after director Subhash Ghai has fallen on bad times (his last hit was Taal, way back in 1999), look who's coming to his rescue?

Salman Khan who had once infamously, got into fisticuffs with the director in a toilet, and whom one would assume would stay away after the colossal flop that Yuvraaj turned out to be, is going to do a film with Ghai in the coming months. The film will reportedly be a lavish musical set in contemporary times, and work will commence by the year end.

The director had forgiven Khan for their loo spat before taking him on for Yuvraaj. But the film bombed, and the relationship between the two nose dived. However, last Monday, Ghai dropped in at Khan's makeshift pad in Film City.

According to an eyewitness, "Salman met Ghai with a lot of warmth. Neither of them brought up Yuvraaj. What was meant to be a brief hello, turned into a lengthy discussion about Ghai's next project. Salman loved the idea and immediately agreed to do the film."

According to the source, Khan even told the grateful director, "Anytime for you." When contacted, Ghai did not deny meeting Khan for a new film. "We may be doing a project together, " he said, adding, "To this date Salman and I are very close." Can Khan, who is riding on his Dabangg success, pull Ghai out from misfortune?

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Ranbir's ex Angela would love to do an item number

Born in Chennai to an Icelandic father and Mangalorean mother, 21-year-old model Angela Jonsson maintains that being half-Indian is no disadvantage in making it big in the Bollywood film industry any more.

"I don't think being a half-Indian impedes entry into Bollywood any more. In fact, I would like to believe that I have been blessed with the best of both worlds, " Angela told over phone from Mumbai.

There was a time when half-Indians and foreigners were offered only typical roles, but the scenario has changed ever since experimental scripts have come into play, said the model, more in the news for her link-up with actor Ranbir Kapoor.

"Also, the industry has become open and encouraging to newcomers. Films with newcomers seem to be getting a good response at the box office. So I am hoping for the best for myself too, " she added.

Fagun Thakrar claims that she managed to grab more eyeballs than Mallika Sherawat in her maiden trip to Cannes.

The UK- based actress danced her way at the opening ceremony of the screening of Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Shekhar Kapoor's Bollywood documentary, The Greatest Love Story Ever Told.

Fagun features with Kal Penn and Martin Sheen in Bhopal: A Prayer For Rain. She claims, "I got clicked more than Mallika Sherawat!" Over to Madam M.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Will Karan Johar take RGV's punch lying down?

Varma has slyly got his friend to name Amitabh Bachchan's character in a new film, Vijay Dinanath Chauhan. This at a time, when Johar is remaking Agneepath

AND the Karan Johar-Ram Gopal Varma saga continues. After a bit of a lull, Varma has thrown in a big right hook.

As Johar readies to remake Agneepath with Hrithik Roshan, Varma has not only got his dear friend Puri Jagannath to cast Amitabh Bachchan in Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap, he has also gotten his friend to name Bachchan's character in the film, Vijay Dinanath Chauhan.

As one might remember Bachchan played Vijay Dinanath Chauhan in the original Agneepath. This is Telugu director Jagannath's first film in Hindi and Varma introduced him to Bachchan.

According to a source, when it came to giving a name to Bachchan's character in Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap, Varma suggested Vijay Dinanath Chauhan.

"His name in the film is no coincidence. Everyone knows Ramu loves to provoke Karan. Karan is remaking Agneepath with Hrithik, and by naming Amitabh Chauhan, Ramu wants to draw attention to the real Vijay Dinanath Chauhan."

Varma and Johar have had many showdowns in the past. Varma once claimed Johar's Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna was the scariest film he had ever seen.

Johar, later, took a potshot at Varma, after Phoonk 2 bombed, tweeting, "I have not seen Phoonk or Phoonk 2. I am sure Phoonk 3 will not be made." Varma then retorted on Twitter, "I've completed scripting Phoonk 3 and I'm planning to approach Johar to act opposite the crow."
However, when asked about his role in naming Bachchan's character, Varma feigned ignorance. "I am not guilty of this, " was his reply. Now we are waiting for Johar's retaliation.

Ramu can fight, sala

Varma once claimed Johar's Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna was the scariest film he had ever seen. Johar took a potshot at Varma, after Phoonk 2 bombed, tweeting, "I have not seen Phoonk or Phoonk 2. I am sure Phoonk 3 will not be made." Varma then retorted on Twitter, "I've completed scripting Phoonk 3 and I'm planning to approach Johar to act opposite the crow."

Later, Johar tweeted, "Early morning dreams come true? I dreamt I was watching Phoonk 2 and holding RGV's hand in fear. Is this possible?" Varma, however, was quick with his reply. "Well, I don't know about Phoonk 2, but I'm scared of the Karan Johar hand-holding part."

Bittu Late Than Never - Ranveer Can't Leave Bittu Behind

There is more excitement in Delhi for the shooting of Maneesh Sharma’s Ricky Bahl Versus The Ladies than expected. Apparently Ranveer Singh keeps slipping into his character Bittu’s accent from his debut film Band Baaja Baraat, leading to much amusement and some annoyance among the unit.

Ranveer Singh’s character Ricky Bahl in Ricky Bahl Versus The Ladies is actually based on someone the writer Habib Faizal knew in his growing days in Delhi. And Ricky Bahl is not the only hero in a Yashraj Film to be based on the same character.

Abhishek Bachchan in Shaad Ali’s Jhoom Baraabar Jhoom which Habib Faizal wrote was also based on the same character and even had the same name.

Habib doesn’t deny the similarities, “Yes, Abhishek’s character in Jhoom Baraabar Jhoom was named Ricky Thukral. Ranveer I’ve named Rick Bahl. Are they similar? They might be. They are both creations of the same mind. I grew up surrounded by Buntys and Rickys in Delhi. It’s important to use the spoken language that one hears around oneself for the characters. ”

While writing Ranveer’s second character Habib made a concerted effort to make them sound different. “Ranveer’s Bittu and Ricky both have their linguistic peculiarities. They both speak the way I think they should.

I often see the characters in our films speaking a language that no one speaks any more. I can guarantee you that Ranveer will sound as conversational and real in Ricky Bahl Versus The Ladies as he did in Band Baaja Baraat. ”

Though Habib has give Ricky Bahl his own speech patterns Ranveer is still somewhere stuck on Bittu in Band Baaja Baraat. It was hoped that the rigorous workshops in the last few weeks would flush Bittu out of Ranveer.

It got awkward with Deepika, after her Koffee With Karan: Ranbir Kapoor

Ranbir Kapoor, who features on the cover of this month's GQ, has spoken about Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor. Here's an extract from the accompanying interview...

On being a womaniser: "Right now it's like I'm being linked left, right and centre. I open the paper and I'm actually dreading it sometimes.

Jesus Christ, you know? I'm 28 years old, I work hard, I'm fairly successful at my job and I'm attracted to women."

On Deepika: "With Deepika it was just kind of strange, because after she gave certain interviews post our break-up or that episode on Koffee With Karan, it got really awkward.

Deepika must be having some angst against me, which she probably took out through this interview. But I still respect her, I still like her, I still feel she's a really nice girl."

On Sonam: "I really have nothing to say about because she was just my co-star and I think she said a few things which she really didn't need to."

On relationships: "I don't believe in casual relationships. I don't believe in one-night stands. But I'm not really looking to date someone."

Luv Ka The End

Rhea is the quintessential girl next door, in love with Luv Nanda, the richest, most popular boy in college. On the eve of her 18th birthday, they plan to take their relationship to the 'next level'. When accidentally she finds out Luv is not as nice as she thought he was.

Rhea decides to not get mad, but to get even and bring Luv Nanda down! All in the span of one night with the help of her friends.

Buckle up for one crazy night as the girls discover the meaning of love, life, friendship and more...

CHARACTERS

Sonia Lovani
It's BFF, Not BIFF!

Completing the trio of BFF's, Sonia is the borderline anorexic airhead of the group. She is allergic to oily food and makes fun of Jugs all the time for being fat. She loves Natasha's sense of style and tries to ape her.

Having been raised by a single mom, Sonia carries around her complexes of wanting to be thin and perfect all the time…

But the perks of a complexed fashion designer for a mother also include getting to drive her car, wearing her fancy clothes and if need be calling her in the middle of night expecting to be bailed out of sticky situations!

Gollu
If I don't see upper thigh then bye bye!

Gollu is the fat, obnoxious and horny boy of the college. There is only one thing permanently in his mind. Sex. His only purpose in life is to throw the best parties hoping that one such party will get him laid.

The only reason he gets to hang out with the coolest group of the college is because his dad is THE record producer of the country, making him the most loaded kid in the college. He is a kid with no morals, loves to show off. His god is Luv Nanda and he does everything to ape him. But he's the guy, who will not think twice before switching loyalties if his friends fall.
Jugnoo (Jugs) Shastri
Luv Nanda ko Luv Nanga nahi kiya, toh mere naam Jugs Nahi!

Rhea's best friend Jugnoo is bold, unpredictable, hilarious, and ton ness of fun. She's got a razor-sharp wit and can easily tear a person apart with her well-timed comic gems. She's a bit overweight but not obese.

She doesn't approve of Luv and Rhea's intention of taking her relationship forward with him. She's truly believes he is not a guy any girl should trust, least of all Rhea.

Jugs loves to eat and is constantly at war with Sonia about her diet facts and her wanting to be as thin and cool as Natasha and her clones - the vamps - who she HATES!

Timmy
I can move my chest muscles!

Timmy is all brawn, no brain. If he spent as much time on his studies as he does at the gym, he wouldn't have to repeat the 12th standard exam three years in a row.

Timmy is a genuinely sweet guy and a loyal friend to Gollu and Luv, always at their beck and call. Luv and Gollu like to keep Timmy around because they feel one need a beefier, "adult" guy in the group to inspire respect and spread fear.

Timmy's favorite quote about continually flunking the 12th standard: "I keep getting older, but the girls stay the same age". But if he had to impress girls it would be by showing them how many pounds he can bench press. He's truly homophobic and if he had his way would punch every gay along his way.

Karthikeyan Ramachandran
I always have my computer with me!

Karthikeyan is the school nerd! He can crack any code, hack any computer, and jump any firewall. Is the joke of his college and Luv Nanda's group in particular? Gollu and Timmy feed off Karthikeyan as daily entertainment.

He hates all of them and has developed breathing disorders thanks to them. If given a chance, will join the Luv, Gollu and Timmy bashing party happily.

He secretly has a crush on Jugs, but is so scared of her that whenever she comes in front of him, he just stares and stammers and ends up looking like a freak. His only friend is his brother Daman. Karthikeyan also happens to be Rhea's neighbor.

Daman
Giiiiirls!

Daman is an even greater freak than his younger brother Karthikeyan. Karthikeyan looks up to Daman. He is the guy who knows everyone's dark secrets including Luv Nanda's. He is a computer genius and prefers never to surface in civilization and remain underground forever.

Natasha Oberoi and the Vamps (Maya and Tara)
"Tumse toh ek light bulb bhi turn on nahi hoga!"

Natasha is teen royalty and the Queen Bee of "The Vamps" - she never goes anywhere without her clones Maya and Tara who are cheaper imitations of herself.

A trio of girls everyone at school knows absolutely everything about: what they wear, who they are dating, what diet they are on, everything. They are the celebrities of school. They dictate the style, fashion and cool new "buzzwords." It's almost as if they have a guidebook nobody else has.

As leader of "The Vamps," Natasha sets the rules and everyone follows everything she does. Natasha is one of the sexiest (and sluttiest) girls on campus.

Ragini MMS

Ready

Music Directors: Pritam Chakraborty and Devi Shri Prasad

Lyricists: Amitabh Bhattacharya, Neelesh Misra, Ashish Pandit and Kumaar

Singers: Neeraj Shridhar, Amrita Kak, Tulsi Kumar, KK, Mika Singh and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

Rating: *** and 1/2

The music of upcoming Salman Khan-starrer "Ready" can be described in two words - fun and entertaining. Songs are totally commercial, meant for the masses, and will make you gyrate.

The music album offers four originals and four remixes.

The album begins with a bang with "Dhinka chika", a song by guest composer Devi Shri Prasad. It is the Hindi version of Shri's Telugu composition "Ringa ringa". In this version, Mika Singh and Amrita Kak go behind the mike to croon it.

Full on energy, the composition has whistles and dhols' sounds; it is a total dance number. Its infectious rhythm will force you to shake a leg. The track is a hit from the word go.

It has a remixed version too.

Then enters Pritam's composition "Character dheela hai", another sure-fire hit from the album. It has a lot of entertainment in store, thanks to interesting composition and lyrics. Crooned by Neeraj Sridhar and Amrita Kak, the song can become a favourite at DJ consoles. The music is such that you get addicted to it.
This one too has a remixed version.

Then the album takes a 360 degree turn and introduces a light, moderately paced love ballad "Humko pyar hua". A one-time hear, the song is not very different from Pritam's previous romantic compositions. It has Tulsi Kumar and KK behind the mike but does not have anything extraordinary.

There is a re-mixed song attached to it too.

"Meri ada bhi", sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Tulsi Kumar, adds Punjabi favour to the album. The song is a contemporised version of Punjabi folk song "Laung gawacha". With added lyrics and sounds, it turns out to be a foot-tapping and entertaining number.

There is a remixed version here too.

On the whole, the soundtrack is packed with fun tracks that are meant to liven up your evenings and parties.

Ragini MMS

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Raaj, Faizan Hussain, Agnel Roman, Bappi Lahiri and Shweta Shetty

Rating: ** and 1/2

The music album of "Ragini MMS" is not a mammoth album; so there is hardly anything to look forward to. With just four songs, it will not take much of your time.

The album begins with the original version of "Raat akeli hai", a popular song from the 1967 hit "Jewel Thief". Unlike most old songs used today, this one retains its original character and has not been worked upon or remixed. It's used in its original form.

Then romance flaps its wings again with "Itne kareeb aao", crooned by Raaj. The song has influences of jazz and is sung in a sensual tone. With less orchestration and a number of variations, the song brings forward a different sound and is worth a hear.

Next in line is the title track of the film "Ragini", sung by Faizan Hussain and Agnel Roman. It's more of a song that can be used in the background score. Rap is a dominant feature in the song that gives out the theme of the film.

Finally, there is another relatively old composition used in the film. This time it is Bappi Lahiri and Shweta Shetty singing "You are my fish fry". This one has also been used in its original form and no changes have been made to the song, which was originally in the film "Rock Dancer".

On the whole, the album is not such a treat for music buffs but stays close to the theme of the film.

Chalo Dilli

Starring: Lara Dutta, Vinay Pathak

Directed by: Shashant Shah

Rating: *** 1/2

Once in a while you come away from a film with a lot more than you expected. Except for a somewhat flabby 15 minutes post-interval, "Chalo Dilli" sparkles with the pleasurable punchy emotions that we seem to have forefeited in our journey from the cinema of Basu Chatterjee to the present day films of the Kashyaps and Bazmis of the show-world that are all form and virtually no content… with very little contentment to take home.

"Challo Dilli" is a film with a lot of heart, and some soul. There are practically just two characters in the skillfully-conceived plot about two mismatched travelers on the road from Mumbai to Delhi via Jaipur and places in Rajasthan you had never known about until now.

That the two seemingly-incompatible traveling companions are played by Lara Dutta and Vinay Pathak is a stroke of good fortune that takes the story much further than it would have gone in the hands of two other actors. Before any more comment on the captivating product, let's speak right away about Vinay Pathak, whose unorthodox personality and talent have been on the look-out for suitable resting places since the unforeseen success of "Bheja Fry" four years ago.

In "Chalo Dilli", Pathak as the Dilliwala with a heart many sizes larger than his luck and bank balance sheds so much solar energy into the plot you feel grateful that someone out there in the mediocrity-infested entertainment industry looks out for talent like Pathak's.

And Lara Dutta? Quite easily one of the most beautiful and underrated actresses of our times. She's smart, sexy, savvy and supremely confident. What has stopped her from cracking the top rungs of stardom? You think about this quite frequently while watching her make all the correct moves as the hoity-toity investment banker who misses her flight but gains so much in terms of human experience that you wish we would all miss our flight if we don't want to miss the bus as complete human beings.

Apart from the wrong use of the word 'forcefully' in place of 'forcibly' for Lara's character the people in director Shashant Shah's film remain true to their words.

Really, you can't catch the people in Shashant Shah's films making false moves. Whether it is the cabbie who falls asleep on the deserted highway, or the bashful truckdriver who gives Vinay and Lara a ride, or the rashogolla-sweet Bengali couple on the train, you can't miss the heartwarming sincerity of this little film with a big heart.

Ironically Akshay Kumar strikes the only false note. When towards the end he appears to laugh out loud at Lara's adventures he sounds as though he's just being polite. Not quite the emotion that we expect in a film that is all heart. No two ways about it.

"Challo Dilli" follows that refreshing trend of capturing India's heartland in all its sleepy supine splendour. It was Imtiaz Ali who in "Jab We Met" started the trend of making his protagonists travel across places in India that had gone out of favour in recent times. The recent "Tanu Weds Manu" carried forward the trend of traveling into the small towns.

"Chalo Dilli" is an absolutely enchanting and heartwarming journey into the heart and the heartland. Skilfully scripted and with credible dialogues (Arshad Syed) and situations that you immediately recognize it revives the joy of the road movie back.

Nope, you can't imagine any other two actors but Lara and Vinay in the two main parts.

"Chalo Dilli" is a far more accomplished work than many of the big-budget monstrously unfunny comedies that infest the silver screen. Very often you find your face breaking into a smile as you watch the sophisticated female entrepreneur opening up her emotional vaults to the experiences that the Jaipur-Delhi route offer.

At one point in a roadside dhaba she stares pleasurably at the sunrise. 'Iss mein kaun si nayi baat hai?' guffaws the street-smart Pathak.

"Chalo Dilli" connects us to the basic element of the cinematic experience. It is all about the heart and the heartland.

Shor In The City

Starring: Tusshar Kapoor, Sendhil Ramamurthy, Sundeep Kishan, Pitobash Tripathy, Nikhil Diwedi, Preeti Desai, Radhika Apte, Girika Oak

Directed by Raj Nidimoru, Krishna DK

Rating: ****

I saw the future of Hindi cinema. And it’s got a name. Shor In The City. They say Mumbai never goes to sleep.

Catching the restless on-the-edge mood of a city and its people who refuse to fall off that edge of the hurling local train that takes thousands of destinies every day to their work and then back home, Shor throws forward the kind of seductive cinema that makes you think about the quality of life we all lead, irrespective of the city that we occupy, or rather, the city that occupies us.

Mumbai, in co-directors Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK’s scheme of things, is that giant monster that consumes everything that moves.

The characters are all casualties of that traffic-jam freedom that comes to a commuter stranded in the middle of a highway in a car with nowhere to go and nothing to do with time than to spend it in idle retrospection (with or without music playing in the background).

The mood of this tense clenched and thoroughly gripping humane thriller is so spiritedly Mumbai-centric you applaud the director’s vision after the last shot of the work swishes by.

The rapid movements of images of extreme emotional crises and the ensuing violence, are so skillfully put forward you don’t feel you are being manipulated into staying riveted to the screen. You flow with the frenzied pace of a people whose lives are out of control.

Shor In The City pins you down to its brilliant screenplay from the first frame when we see the three waylaid youngsters Tusshar, Nikhil Diwedi and Pitobash negotiate the crowded streets of Mumbai in search of prey. The characters work both as predators and as victims. They feel the gun gives them the right of way when in fact the traffic snarl of life has got them by their balls.

There are three protagonists with their ‘Mumbai’ stories to tell. Sawan (Sundeep Kishan) wants to play national-level cricket. Tilak (Tusshar) wants to give up a life of crime to focus on reading and housekeeping (in that order).

But the most interesting strand in the lucid lineup of conflicted characters is the NRI Abhay (Sendhil Ramamurthy) whose dreams of setting up his own business in the city are turned into a nightmare by goons who muscle into his work- place and life with menacing insidiousness.

The interaction between the NRI and the goons is chilling to the core. So real because they are sound so unrehearsed. Abhay’s lapse into a life that he had probably left behind, is charted in a zigzag of humour and irony.

The pace is so relentless, we don’t even get a chance to applaud the even narration that defines these jagged lives as they hurl towards a karma that we are not allowed to guess. The co-directors succeed in remaining many steps ahead of the audience.

The masterly editing (Ashmith Kunder) and the moody earthy cinematography (Tushar Kanti Ray) aids the director in building a conflagration of compelling montages that add up to a climax that doesn’t quite add-up…and rightly so. There are no neat conclusions to these lives that are stuck in their desperate bid to escape their karma.

Karma, the theme song tells you, is a bitch. Watching the people who move through their designated anguish with such furious fluency, you have to agree with the opinion that destiny deals a bitchy blow to most working-class people in the cities.

Shor In The City is a work suffused in an inspiring glory. The characterization is so precise and the dialogues so perfectly attuned to the minds and hearts of the characters you wonder which came first. The people in the film. Or the film itself.

I have not seen a film so filled with credible performances in a while. Even the smallest cameo is done by the perfect face and personality. Whom do we single out without doing injustice to the rest?

But yes, Tusshar as the bad-boy finding salvation in books and wife gives an interesting spin to his character. This is a far cry from his over-the-top Golmaal escapades. Nikhil Diwedi and newcomer Pitobash as Tusshar’s accomplices are entirely in tune with their characters blending so well with the milieu you are sure no one gave any of these actors a second glance on the streets of Mumbai where the script often ventures out.
Sundeep Kishan as the boy who wants to play cricket and get married brings a certain simplicity to the tangled goings-on. You could say he’s the voice of innocence in the cacophony of selfserving diabolism. Among the female characters Radhika Apte as Tusshar’s simple but strong wife reminded me of Tabu in Viraasat.

There are stand-out cameos by Amit Mistry (as a street goonda who specializes in organizing dharnas), Zakir Hussain (as an extortionist) and several other actors who bleed a brilliance into the plot for just fleeting moments before vanishing into the crowds of Mumbai.

Yes, the city has been savage and inviting before in the cinema of Raj Kumar Santoshi and Ram Gopal Varma. But never so funny. There’s a moment when a little boy whose foot Tuushar thinks has been blown away by a mistimed bomb, stands and dances in the Ganpati visarjan.

That moment defines the cutting edge of the humour in Shor In The City. If Mumbai is troubled by violence and greed it survives so splendidly because it never takes its problems to heart.

Don’t miss this outstanding ode to the city of dreams, goons, guns and glory.

Mallika Sherawat meets Obama once again

Mallika Sherawat once again met Barack Obama at Saturday night's White House Correspondents' dinner.

The starlet wore a white gown designed by Shahab Durazi on the occasion.

Madame M had also met the US President last month during his campaign visit in Hollywood. She is said to have spoken about her film Politics of Love, Barack.

Obama had told her invite him to the film's premiere! This time, however, the pics have her at a distance from the President.

If UK royal wedding was planned by Indian filmmaker...

A Hitlist reader sent us this stating that if the recent wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton had been planned by Indian filmmakers, it would be as follows...

The Yash Chopra version: The royal couple romancing in the Swiss Alps. Cut to Mr Middleton saying Jaa puttar jaa.. jee le apni zindagi!!"

The Karan Johar version: Prince William steps out of a chopper and sprints towards Buckingham Palace! All of London (dressed in Manish Malhotra's saris) dances to Shava Shava!

The Bhansali version: Lavish sets, tacky wigs, heavily orchestrated songs and the colours black and blue!

The SOORAJ BARJATYA version: Queen Elizabeth plays the harmonium while Prince Harry breaks into a gig to Joote Do Paise Lo.

The Ram Gopal Verma version: William kills Harry by chopping off his neck with a butcher's knife, for having a secretive affair with Kate and then does an item number with Priyanka Kothari and Urmila Matondkar!

The Ekta Kapoor version: William and Kate go for their honeymoon, but in their room looms the spirit of Diana! They didn't know it... but it was a threesome!

Salman breaks kissing record, gets kissed 108 times!

Salman Khan attempted to break a record for most kisses received on the hand in a minute on Guiness World Records -- Ab India Todega.

The previous record for the stunt was set by an actor from Japan who received 87 kisses.

To break this record, Sallu was joined by 25 young girls who were thrilled to have the opportunity to kiss the superstar. They managed to kiss him 108 times in a minute, breaking the Guinness world record!

Maybe Salman should now star in the male version of Katrina's famous song -- Zara Zara Kiss Me Kiss Me. Wot say?

Zayed gets in a spat with DJ Ryan at bro-in-law's club

Zayed Khan squabbles with disc jockey at bro-in-law's club

A few nights ago, Zayed Khan got into a verbal spat with DJ Ryan Beck. The two were partying at a Worli nightspot owned by DJ Aqueel Ali, Zayed's brother-in law.

An eyewitness recounts how it went down: "ZK walked in post midnight with a bunch of guy friends.

Ryan was there with his friends. A few drinks down, the actor and the disc jockey began chatting. In a short while, they were seen arguing when Beck made an unflattering remark on Zayed's career.

Name-calling followed and there would have been a scuffle right then and there had Aqueel not come and sorted the two out."

Short-tempered

Notes the onlooker, "Had happened a few years ago Zayed, who used to be famously short-tempered would have used his fists do the talking.

Says ZK, "I don't do that anymore. I have mellowed down now. Ryan is a dear friend. We had a small argument but we sorted it out."

Ryan admits to the argument, but adds, "It was a friendly argument." What led to it? "That I will leave between us, " he replies, denying that he ridiculed the actor in any way.

Anushka miffed with Ranveer due to Sonakshi?

Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma around 9 pm on Sunday in a white car at Juhu Scheme, near Amitabh Bachchan's house.

The Band Baaja Baraat actor was wearing a hat and it appeared that Anushka was a bit miffed as he was trying to please her.

PS: It was her birthday... maybe he did not get her the right stuff and she was cross? Tee hee.

Meanwhile Sonakshi, says Khamosh with a smile

Mrs Chubul Pandey aka Dabaang Sonakshi was in town to launch a magazine.

While the lady made a quick exit from the launch after a photo op with lens men and news channels camera crew.

A young daring fan asked her about her rumoured relationship with a bollywood actor. The lady choose to answer the question with a dazzling smile.

Now the man didn't get his answer but the memory of that smile is going to haunt him for days.

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