Bollywood Gossips

Gandhi My Father in Oscar Library

2007-09-10T15:29:00.000-07:00

Anil Kapoor's maiden production Gandhi My father directed by Feroz Abbas Khan has been selected to be part of the prestigious Academy of Motion Pictures Library(Oscar Library). The script will be there permanently for the reference of cinema students. World leaders like Nelson Mandela, President Makebhi and, recently, Nobel laureate Nadime Gordimer have highly praised the film. the academy got in touch with Anil Kapoor directly to procure the script. It seems Bollywood films are increasingly getting to be on the international film circuit. "Yes, it seems that we are on the radar. But, out of the blue, I received the call requesting for the script. They are now keeping track of what's happening in the Indian motion picture scene," says Anil.

Beyonce Knowles to rock India!

2007-09-10T15:07:00.000-07:00

The buzz that's been making the rounds is now confirmed - the hugely popular hip hop group from LA, the Black Eyed Peas, fronted by the charismatic Fergie, will rock Banglore on October 16. And Beyonce Knowles will be in Mumbai doing a show on October 27.
T Venkat Vardhan, managing director of the company that is organising the shows, calls them a 'double whammy'. Fans of the Black Eyed Peas will be able to groove to all their fav numbers, which include Don't Plunk with My Heart, Let's Get It Started etc. The group will be in India for the first time as part of their Black Blue and You Tour.
Beyonce, R&B songwriter, singer, actor, dancer and designer, has a massive fan following of her own in India.

John breaks his silence!

2007-09-10T14:23:00.000-07:00

He is rumoured to have a soured relationship with co-star Arshad Warsi and split from girlfriend Bipasha Basu, but John Abraham is unfazed by the grapevine buzz. The actor, who is busy shooting abroad, pursuing his international goals, says it is the media's inaccessibility to him that fans rumours.
"I would rather be seen than heard. I've always believed in working quietly and not making tall claims. I've always maintained that roles abroad would happen when they happen. At the end of the day Bollywood is my home. I'm damn lucky to be getting all these apportunities. The film industry has been very kind to me. I love the movies!
Talking about his comparison with Hollywood icon Antonio Banderas, he was quoted, "I come from a completely different cultural space. But, you do feel flattered when you are compared with a good-looking Hollywood icon like Banderas. I am not even two per cent of what he is."
About his problems with Arshad Warsi, "It's sad when incorrect things are written about me. I want people to know I am not a vindictive person. I am not going to sit here and clarify my non issues such as these. Every person in the unit would vouch for that. Neither Arshad nor I have spoken against each other. I have no clue who is spreading the rumours."

Chetan Bhagat to quit his IT job to persue his literary career

2007-09-10T13:33:00.000-07:00

Chetan Bhagat may be a popular author today and about to make his foray as a scriptwriter in Bollywood, but so far, he has been loyal to his software job. Having tasted success in the literary world, Bhagat now plans to tap on a different set of keys. This IIT-IIM alumnus is now considering a different career option - writing.
Bhagat plans to take up writing full time. "I am working hard on my third book, presently and that requires a lot of concentration," says Bhagat. "I am a lazy person and balancing two jobs is not possible for me. I would like to devote quality time penning stories. Besides, as my wife and kids are shifting to Mumbai soon I want to spend as much time as possible with them. My wife has got a job there and my kids are growing up. I want them tp imbibe our traditional values. I want my children to be a part of our rich culture. I don't appreciate the fact that they don't speak Hindi."
The writer whose first book 'Five Point Someone' was a big hit, following which the Bollywood Director of the famous Munnabhai series, Rajkumar Hirani is toying with an idea of making a movie based on the book. According to Hirani, Shahrukh Khan is the perfect choice to play the lead role of the narrator, Hari, who is also one of the three protagonists of the book. However, Hirani is busy working on his next movie in the Munnabhai series, 'Munnabhai chale Amerika'.

Rakhi Sawant : 'Why can't I be cast in roles like Smita Patil?'

2007-09-08T17:17:00.000-07:00

Item girl Rakhi Sawant, who has signed a new semi-autobiographical Broadway-style Bollywood musical called Balti Devi: Queen of Southall, is looking for an image makeover. "If I want, I can make people weep like Meena Kumari. I live in India and I do feel uncomfortable with my image sometimes. Whatever I have done so far is because the public demanded it. It's the public that's undressing me." says Rakhi. "Heroines send me SMS messages asking why I dress up the way I do. What right do they have to question me? Why can't a nice clean film like Swami click? And, why can't I be cast in roles like Smita Patil? Even she did hot scenes," she adds. Incidentally, her much-touted sting in Buddha Mar Gaya died a quiet death.

Keanu Reeves all set to play God Rama in the latest flick Hanuman!

2007-09-08T16:20:00.000-07:00

Matrix star Keanu Reeves is expected to play the role of Lord Rama in Puru patel's film Hanuman. There are apprehensions as to whether or not a foreign actor be accepted as Rama. "Why not? There aren't any rules against it," says director Homi Adajania. However, he believes a face with ethnic features would definitely have made the character more identifiable.
But will the Indian audiences accept a foreign actor playing the role of Lord Rama? "If the Mahabharata could be produced in France and the Ramleela performed in Indonesia, why can we not accept a non-Indian face as Rama?" asks writer Javed Akhtar. "We should be happy, our mythology is becoming popular globally," says Shankar Mahadevan,"Moreover, the Indian audiences have matured."
But Adajania has his doubts,"It's unlikely that the Indian audiences will be able to identify with Reeves as Rama. If he speaks in Hindi, it will not appeal to the global audiences. And, if he speaks in English, he would not be able to connet with the Indian viewer."

Akshay-Katrina : New hot pair of Bollywood

2007-09-08T13:22:00.000-07:00

Bollywood is well known for its hit jodis that have stood the test of time. The latest pair that seems to be leaving its mark on celluloid history is Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif. In their very first film together, Raj Kanwar's Humko Deewana Kar Gaye in 2006, Akki and Kats displayed an amazing amount of that extra something, be it in their dancing prowess or their acting histrionics.
"It's another story altogether that the film didn't work, but it gave us a fabulous looking jodi," says a film analyst. Having been the first person to spot that extra something between the two, Raj Kanwar is glad he did so. "Their body language together is spectacular, and I am very sure that they will go down as a top pair to remember," says Kanwar.

Double Trouble for Sanjay Dutt!

2007-09-07T11:34:00.000-07:00

Sanjay Dutt may lose out on a few of his films, given his legal hassles. His next film which is ready to roll is Sujoy Ghosh's Aladdin, the megabudget film also stars Amitabh bachchan and Ritiesh Deshmukh.
Says a source, "The producers are in a fix as they are unsure whether Sanju will be able to give them the required dates. The film is scheduled to take off by the end of October. But, Sanjay Dutt already has a set of incomplete films like Sanjay Gupta's Alibaug and Kidnap, and Abbas Mastan's Race lined up before he can start shooting for another one." The makers of Aladdin are keeping their fingers crossed hoping that they would get to shoot with Sanjay as per schedule. They do not have too many options as Amitabh bachchan's dates cannot be altered. There is also a team of International technicians already working on the film.
So talks are on with John Abraham, in case things don't work out with Sanjay.

A scary Holi for Sushmita!

2007-09-07T10:44:00.000-07:00

The unit of Ram Gopal Verma's latest film was witness to Sushmita Sen's fear of colours. Apparently, during the shooting of a song sequence on Holi, Sushmita Sen left the sets and fled to her van. Says a close source, "We were shooting, and all was fine until Sushmita fled from the sets. She refused to shoot, began shouting frantically and complaining that a co-dancer had splashed colour on her mouth. Everyone was warned not to get close to Sush with colour. She appeared paranoid.
This sequence also featured Mohanlal, Nisha Kothari and Chakri. It was a colourful sight but Sush wasn't thrilled. She found the entire act scary. Shabina Khan, who choreographed the song, said, "Sushmita was scared when colour was smudged on her face."

Why is Ranbir Kapoor lean?

2007-09-06T18:34:00.000-07:00

While all newcomers spend most of their free time at the gym beefing up for their debut roles, newcomer Ranbir Kapoor prefers to stay the way he is. The reason is that, apparently, director Sanjay Leela Bhansali wanted Ranbir to have a 'worker's body'(meaning a lean body) rather than bulging muscles for his film Saawariya. So, the workout had to be such that he looked lean and well toned. Of course, that didn't mean easier workouts. Ranbir had to work just as hard to maintain his body, and the results will show as soon as the Saawariya releases!

Mallika has gone underground

2007-08-30T18:16:00.000-07:00

Oblivious to rumours doing the rounds in tinsel town, controversy queen Mallika Sherawat is lying low for the moment, letting melodrama babe Rakhi Sawant hog the limelight with her quotable quotes. Mallika, we hear, has issued a self-imposed ban on the media's intrusion into her private life. Now, isn't that the same motormouth Mallika who owes her popularity in tinsel town to her quotable quotes? But, Madame Mallika has changed tracks after tasting success.
Mallika sure knows how to use the media to her advantage. Speculation is rife, though. Is there something she is trying to hide at the moment? Is it to do with her movies, or is it a new man in her life? Well, well! Should we just play spoilsport and spill the beans?

Kareena's simmering chemistry with Saif

2007-08-29T19:39:00.000-07:00

For the first time, we will get to see the talented Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan together in Yash Chopra's Tashan. Both actors hail from great aristocratic families. Their new looks in the film are radical and exciting. While bebo has lost a lot of weight for her role, Saif is gladly sporting his Latin American look. And, when the duo was shooting in Ladakh and the hot and sandy deserts of Rajastan, they were totally sunburnt. Never mind the heat off screen, if sources are to be believed, the couple, they promise, will set the screen ablaze. "Their chemistry is incredible," says a unit member. Now, let's hope it isn’t too hot for the masses to handle!

Salman Khan is Qaidi No.343 in Jodhpur Central Jail

2007-08-29T19:32:00.000-07:00

As the actor's five-year sentence for poaching chinkaras in 1998 was upheld on Friday, Salman is back in the 133-year old Jodhpur Central Jail a second time as Qaidi No.343. The 41-year-old actor's previous cellmate was Mahesh, a lifter. This time jail authorities are tight-lipped about his new cellmate. "Let us just say, he is safe and secure," said the jail official to a newspaper. There are around 200 dreaded Punjabi and Kashmiri terrorists housed in the same prison.
Khan interacted with mediapersons on the flight to Jodhpur. "Everyone else in the case was discharged. Why am I being punished?" he asked. But he did not lose his sense of humour. He was reading a newspaper that had a representative collage of celebrities behind bars. "So I am not the only one," he smiled to a cameraperson on the flight.
The actor's legal team filed a revision application in the Jodhpur high court on Saturday. But Salman should be mentally prepared to stay in prison for at least a few days; the earliest his application may get a hearing is Wednesday. The revision application challenges his conviction and sentence and simultaneously seeks bail.
Legal experts say that the one good thing the actor has done is to listen to his lawyers and go to Jodhpur on his own volition to show that his intentions are honourable; this will help when the judge is considering his bail application.

Vidya is throwing her weight around!

2007-08-29T19:23:00.000-07:00

Vidya Balan must have looked hard at herself in the mirror after watching her recent release. Appearing totally out of shape, the actress is all set to shed her extra fat for her new role in Aziz Mirza's film. According to a source from Mirza's film, "Vidya has been asked to lose at least 15 kilos before she starts shooting for this film. Although the film is a love story between a young boy and an older woman, the actress needs to look better than the way she is appearing these days.
Vidya has begun working out so that she looks perfectly in shape before starting the film, "As Shahid looks like a kid in front of her. She is older to him but they cannot offord to have this glaring difference in their ages," says an industry source. "Vidya has a pretty face and is a promising actress, all she needs to do is keep herself fit like most of today's actresses do," adds the source.

Esha Deol: It's fun being sexy sometimes!

2007-08-29T19:13:00.000-07:00

Esha's transformation from a chirpy, cherubic teen to a well-toned sexy star (complete with an Om tatoo and an hourglass figure to die for) has been gradual. Shedding off her puppy fat wasn't easy for Esha at all. She had to spend hours burning calories, working out dutifully before she could flaunt her fab abs in Dhoom. Since then, the 'sexy' tag has kind of stayed with her and it's one tag that she doesn't mind having!
Esha says being called a sex symbol feels nice. "Honestly, that was a role I was required to play in Dhoom. If the role demands, I am ready to dress up a particular way. You would never find me in a low neck or a saree pallu draped in a wrong way in real life. I am dressed more simply. But it's fun being sexy sometimes."
Esha doesn't think she would really enjoy living without the arclights around her. At least for now. "There have been days when I was at home, sitting on my bed and thinking that it wasn't worth living. If I'd not been an actress, I would have been a very fat girl, bored with life. I love living a hectic life."

Why Amrita got angry with Sudhir Mishra?

2007-08-25T16:25:00.000-07:00

Amrita Singh is furious. According to her, Pritish Nandy Communications (PNC) wanted her for a role in their modern adaptation of Devdas. However, they kept her waiting for two hours before informing her that the meeting wasn't happening!
An enraged Amrita then told them that she was not interested in doing their film if they were so disorganised and had little respect for other people's time. Sudhir Mishra, who will be directing the film, was scheduled to meet Amrita at her home in Lokhandwala last week. The meeting was scheduled for 3 pm. At around 5 pm, an executive from PNC named Bobby called Amrita to say that Mishra wouldn't be able to make it. Amrita then fired Bobby and said that she now had no interest in the film.
However, Bobby says, "I did speak to Amrita for a film to be directed by Sudhir Mishra, but she didn't like the role. I don't know anything about that meeting."
Interestingly, Rangita Nandy of PNC confirms that Mishra was supposed to meet Amrita but adds she was informed well in advance about the non-event. "Sudhir wasn't well that day and this was communicated to Amrita. She was not made to wait for two hours," she says.

First look at Om Shanti Om

2007-08-25T15:52:00.000-07:00

One of the most hyped and awaited release of this year, Farah Khan's Om Shanti Om has finally come out with its first promo. The first look at the film has already made it on the Internet with the theatrical trailer to be released with Sajid Khan's Heyy Babyy on August 24.
Over the top, grand and larger than life are some of the phrases that come to mind after watching the promo. Starting off with some shayari, the promo shows Shahrukh dressed in a '70s get up talking about winning true love in one lifetime. Newcomer Deepika Padukone is introduced in the teaser sporting her hair tied in a bun and wearing saris. Reportedly based on the story of reincarnation, the promo flash forwards to what looks like the present time, with Shahrukh riding a bike and Deepika wearing trendy attire.
Bearing the trademark Farah Khan stamp of lavish sets, whacky dance steps and colourful costumes, the promo definitely lives up to its hype.

Why Salman is upset with Priyanka Chopra?

2007-08-25T15:17:00.000-07:00

It seems Salman Khan is not on talking terms with Priyanka Chopra. A close source says Sallu is upset with her for talking about KhanKat in a magazine interview.
Apparently, she mentioned how Katrina Kaif would visit the sets of Salaam-E-Ishq and spend hours chatting and lunching with Salman. Needless to say, the hotheaded actor is miffed with Priyanka for discussing his personal life in print. He’d been recommending Chopra for several films, but now, he has stopped taking her calls and doesn’t even revert to her text messages!
Come on PC, you have to pay for the mistakes you make, right?

1,2,3....Upen and Tanisha get cozy!

2007-08-25T15:11:00.000-07:00

Contrary to reports that Uday and Tanisha have called it quits, they are still very much together. However, their relationship is indeed having problems.
The bone of contention between the couple, who have been going steady for nearly two years, is the much-in-love Upen Patel (he is back with Shamita Singha, remember?). Apparently, Tanisha's growing 'friendship' with Patel is causing trouble in Chopra's paradise.
Says a source, "Tanisha and Uday have been fighting ever since he got to know about her rapport with Upen. They became rather close while shooting for 123 in Goa. Tanisha and Upen are romantically involved in the film and would spend hours together on and off the sets."
Often, while enacting scenes together, Tanisha and Upen would break out in giggles making it difficult for director Ashwini Dheer to shoot. "Also, most people find Tanisha too much to handle, but Upen was always defending her as a 'sweet girl'. When Uday quizzed her about this growing attachment, it didn't go down well with Tanisha. Things came to a head when she returned from Goa. They had a huge showdown that day," adds the source.

Trishala-Sanjay share emotional minutes over a phone call

2007-08-25T13:52:00.000-07:00

Finally out of jail after 23 days, Sanjay Dutt called his daughter Trishala in New York and gushed into the phone, "Sweetheart, I'm back home!" sources close to the family say though Sanjay spoke for only a few minutes, the warmth and the play of emotions on his face were obvious. Trishala told a newspaper, "It's a big day for me. Trust me, I missed him a lot. There has not been a single day when I didn't communicate with him."
Sanjay who has always been an anchor for his daughter missed her 19th birthday on August 10, as he was serving time at Yerawada jail in Pune. Sources claim that Trishala didn't celebrate her birthday and also wrote an emotional letter to her father, which was allegedly handed over to Dutt in prison. Trishala added, "We have won the battle, but not the war. Dad has a long way to go and I pray for his freedom."

What's Sanjay been eating in jail?

2007-08-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

Here is the menu: chicken curry without the bird, watery dudhi and bhopla for veggies, all teamed with rice loaded with stones. To wash it down, Sanjay Dutt filled his glass at the communal tap and drank deep.
Jail food never did make it to the Michelin Guide, but Dutt, who is known for his love of Tandoori chicken (has a recipe named after him) and Chinese cuisine, admitted without qualms that he loved the food dished out to him at Yerawada jail, Pune. "Jinke jeb mein paisa hai, unko boti milti hai," grinned Dutt.
After 23 days in jail, Dutt was finally released from prison on the interim bail order by the Supreme Court. Sipping tea spiked with honey, the actor told his friends and family gathered inside his home, that he had signed at least 1150 autographs in jail - a minimum of 50 every day.
They went to prison guards and officers, undertrials and their friends, families and neighbors - all visitors to the jail. Dutt said many prisoners had wept on his shoulders recounting the life they had left behind and the years in jail ahead of them.
The actor said he was embarrassed to wash his undergarments in public. "For the first few days, I wasn't comfortable. Finally, I gathered courage to fill water for washing clothes, bathing and drinking from the commom tap," Dutt said.

Non-bailable warrant against Priyanka Chopra's father

2007-08-23T19:35:00.000-07:00

After attending the Nation Day Parade in New York to celebrate the 60th year of India's independence, the Chopras have something to worry about now. Non-bailable warrants were issued against Priyanka's father Ashok Chopra, on Monday evening and he might be arrested after he returns to India. The warrants have been issued based on the case filed by Priyanka's ex-secretary, Prakash Jaju, for non-payment of dues. Jaju also alleges that he was threatened by don Chhota Shakeel at the family's behest. Ashok Chopra was supposed to be present at the Indore High court on August 18 to attend hearing. Since, he didn't show up, the NBW was issued.
Jaju has a chequered reputation in the industry. He has worked with Jackie Shroff, Sridevi and Dimple Kapadia - none of whom kept him for long. After being asked by Priyanka's family to leave, he worked with Celina Jaitley and Nikita Anand. While, Celina also asked him to leave, he still owes money to Nikita. He is not working with any Bollywood personality as of now.

Emraan Hashmi to endorse a cellphone brand in Pakistan

2007-08-21T18:28:00.000-07:00

Emraan Hashmi, who now has quite a fan following in Pakistan after Awarapan, has become the new brand ambassador of a cellphone company in Pakistan.
Informs a source close to the actor, "Ever since Awarapan released in Pakistan, Emraan has been getting offers to do commercials for Pakistani products." Said Zeeshan Yousaf, the marketing head of the cellphone company,"Awarapan is the only Hindi film released in Pakistan, so Emraan is a rising star here with quite a fan following. That's why we chose him to endorse it." When asked if other Indian actors are also being considered, Zeeshan said, "Yes, we have been talking to some stars and will soon be coming back to India to sign one of them."

Sameera abused and heckled by a lathi-wielding mob in Mumbai

2007-08-20T16:35:00.000-07:00

Actress Sameera Reddy who has been working with a Mumbai-based home for destitutes, called Dream Homes, was abused and heckled by a mob of 15-20 persons that forced its way into the home and attempted to assault her. Police, however, arrived just in time to rescue her from the mob's wrath.
Vijay karande, secretary of the organisation that runs the home, said Sameera and her sister Meghna were in the midst of a programme organised for the 21 children in the home when men, carrying sticks, forced their way in. They began hurling abuses and started heckling her. Officials at the home immediately called up the police station. And, the cops stepped in quickly to avert any incident.
Apparently, the landlady had issued eviction notices to the home's officials after Karande filed a complaint two months ago against a tenant for 'molesting' a girl inmate.
Sameera said after the incident,"I have been trying to raise funds to buy a house for these children, and what do I get? I have just managed to escape with the help of the police. I am shaken and scared, I don't know what to do."

Preity watches latest SRK flick with masses in burkha !

2007-08-20T14:58:00.000-07:00

Recently, Preity Zinta wore a burkha and went into a Mumbai cinema hall to see SRK's latest film with the junta. Preity says, "I could have seen the movie in the safety and comfort of a multiplex, but to guage the reaction of the audience, I had to sit among the masses. I went along with my mom and cousin, hidden in burkha, and 'coz nobody could see me, I was at my buoyant best!"
According to the actress, in her disguise, she was able to scream, whistle and cheer along with the audience.