Mallika has gone underground

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

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

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!

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!

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?

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

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?

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!

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

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?

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

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

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

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 !

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.

The latest season of Koffee With Karan comes to an end

The Koffee With Karan season is almost over. Says host Karan Johar, "I enjoyed doing this show. But, there were only an X amount of guests I could call on the show. We still have to telecast episodes with Shahrukh Khan-Deepika Padukone-Farah Khan. Then we have Javed, Shabana & Farhan Akhtar."Trust Karan to bring out another side of his guests. "Javed-Shabana are light and casual on my show. As for Himesh Reshamiya, I found him realistic and modest and honest. He mentioned his wife and son for the first time. The guests I would have loved to get on my show are undoubtedly Salman and Aamir. I regret not getting them on Koffee with Karan. I would have loved to discuss cinema with Aamir. I really never followed Ramu as he was busy with Sarkar 2 and his version of Sholay.
Karan's criteria for the guests were news-makers whom people wanted to see and hear. "For instance, Rakhi Sawant was a great choice. I needed people who could talk. Koffee With Karan is a great format. I will re-visit it after a few years and let people miss it."

Shilpa Shetty's Krazy demand!

Rakesh Roshan had approached Shilpa Shetty to perform an item number in his Krazy 4. Apparently, Shilpa(after her newfound star status)asked for as much as Rs 50 lakh which Rakesh Roshan refused to pay up. When contacted, Shilpa said, "I don't talk about the films that I'm not doing."
After Shetty opted out of the project, Rakhi Sawant stepped into her shoes. Incidently, Roshan had first approached Bipasha Basu for the item number. Bips turned down the offer because she had some differences with Arshad Warsi who is playing the main lead.

Amitabh Bachchan : Not without my son!

The buzz is that Big B has been recommending son Abhishek to a bunch of filmmakers. The first in the line is director J P Dutta's long planned film Aakhri Moghul, which revolves around Bahadur Shah Zafar; and his son Mirza Moghul. Apparently, Big B wants to be a part of the film only if Abhishek essays the role of the crown prince Mirza Moghul. Even industry sources reveal that along with bahu Aishwarya, the Bachchans are looking at forming a camp of their own when it comes to pitching for films and Ad campaigns.
However, J P Dutta has abandoned the project for the reasons best known only to him. When quizzed about this casting coup, Dutta's wife Bindya Goswami simply laughed, but refused to say anything more than, "The cast has not been finalised yet."

Casablanca to be remade in India

An Indian filmmaker is remaking Casablanca swapping Rick's Cafe of a Oscar-winning classic for a restaurant in South India, and the World war II backdrop for the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka.
"My film will be a tribute to the original. As a student of films, I had watched this great classic for 20 times." said Rajeev Nath, the director. The Malayalam language remake of this classic will be called Ezham Mudra(The Seventh seal).
The remake will feature Malayalam actor Suresh Gopi and Bollywood actresss Mandira Bedi in the roles famously essayed by Bogart and Bergman. Casablanca ranked third after Citizen Kane and The Godfather on a list of 100 best American films in a poll conducted by the American Film Institute in 2007.

Parzania bags two National Awards with best actress award for Sarika

Rahul Dholakia's controversial film Parzania is in the news again. But this time, the makers of the film are not worried but smiling all the way! In the recently announced National Awards for the Indian Cinema, this film has got actress Sarika and Director Rahul Dholakia the National Awards for Best Actress and Best Director respectively.
When asked about her experience, Sarika said "Parzania deserved to win. Not only was it a cut-to-cut screen version of a real incident, it was heart-rending in its sensitivity." Sarika plays the traumatised mother of the abducted boy in the film.

Shahrukh : "All is well between me and Bachchans"

Shahrukh has just come home with a French honour (Officier dans I'Ordre des Arts des Lettres), will have his statue installed at French Graven Museum in Paris very soon, and might even get to meet Queen Elizabeth.
Talking about his improved relationship with Mr Bachchan Sr, SRK confesses that he is no more upset with the idle gossip anymore. "There never was any friction between us. Very recently, he sent me a designer jacket for my French award win and I sent him one too. We keep interacting with each other and there never has been any awkwardness between us."

Gul Panag : I want more realism in my films !

With the kind of films she is doing, Gul Panag better be taken 'seriously'. After all, her films Dor and Dhoop were noteworthy, and soon Anubhav will hit the screens. "Cinema should be such that people should be able to relate to it," she says. So, it's realism for Gul. With Anubhav having been screened at the Osian Cinefan Film Festival recently, Gul is hopeful that this realistic film will get its due. All the best Gul!

Hansikaa has a makeover guru !

Aap ka Suroor's teenage heroine Hansikaa is slowly and steadily learning the tricks of showbiz. And, as a first step, she has hired India's biggest makeover guru Micky Mehta to get in shape and to gain mental and emotional stability to handle stress at her tender age of 16. Apart from physical fitness, the ace fitness guru is also training her in communicating with expressive and enchanting eyes. "At 16, she is one of the most beautiful women in the country, and in years to come, she will one of the stunners on the global scene," avers Mehta.
Hopefully, this will take her to the road of stardom!

Kathak is Tanushree's new passion!

We all have our secret passions and Tanushree is no exception. The actress is learning Kathak with a vengeance. And, she is taking training from a kathak exponent for the last six months. The actress religiously wakes up every morning at five and practices for two to three hours. It's also her way of keeping fit.
"I am learning Kathak because it ia a fine form of dance, which not only keeps me fit but is also great for my body. Dancing brings in a lot of disciplin in your life, and also adds a lot of grace to a woman," says the actress. Keep it up baby....we all love you!!!!!!!

Govinda is fond of Madhuri Dixit!

Madhuri still has many takers and admirers in the industry and one such Die hard fan is our man of the masses, Govinda who says he misses working(or shaking legs, Govinda?) with her immensely. "Whenever there is a Madhuri's film song playing, I can't stop myself from shaking my legs," he says. More than anything, he says it's the comfort level that he shares with Mads. And whenever they meet they always end up chatting in Marathi. We wonder what the topic of discussion is? Who is the better dancer, maybe!

Rituparna : 'I am not very superstitious'

I would not say that i am extremely superstitious but, then again, there are certain things that I abide by. I might not believe in 13 being an unlucky number; but I consider it unlucky if a cat crosses my path while driving. Also, I would sit for few seconds and leave home if someone sneezes just when I am going out or calls me from behind. And, I don't go to temples frequently, but I do go there whenever I get a chance.
I am very open-minded when it comes to religion. To a certain extent, I also believe in idol worship. I believe that worshipping creates a sense of discipline in us. It helps to cultivate a sense of mental peace, and also gives you strength of character.

After Kajol and Madhuri, it's time for Lolo to make a Bollywood comeback!

First Kajol did it with Fanaa and Madhuri is going to do it with Aaja Nach Le. But what? a Bollywood comeback!! The buzz in town is getting stronger by the day about Karisma's comeback plans. If the rumours are to be believed, she has already started the process by touching base with some of her old loyal filmmakers who are more than happy to welcome her. The comeback may happen sooner or later.
We wonder what's stopping her from making her comeback with her once Hero No 1, Govinda. Is she waiting for a call from Salman, Shahrukh or Aamir? And, if that's the case, her wait will get longer, as they are busy romancing Priyankas, Deepikas, Katrinas and Laras of the world!

Himesh to step in Rishi Kapoor's shoes in Karz remake

Showman Subhash Ghai has recently agreed to give the official rights to remake his timeless classic Karz to Bhushan Kumar. This deal was struck last week but details of the shoot locations, song sequences, leading actress are still under wraps. Perhaps, the one who was most surprised about this remake was single movie hero Himesh Reshammiya. He has been selected to play the lead role in the character which was originally played by actor Rishi Kapoor.
Himesh is said to be really excited about this project as his songs will be 'soulful' in this movie. Ghai is really fond of Himesh and is confident that the singer-actor will be able to play the hero brilliantly. Who will be directing this flick is yet to be decided even as the movie is scheduled for release in August next year.

Sushmita : I have a strange connection with goddess Kali

After lying low for the last few days because of the viral infection, Sush is ready to talk about the films in her kitty. "There are loads of films. I will be seen in Durga's shoes in Ramu's Aag. And then, there is Dulha Mil Gaya, in which I play Shimmer", she says.
After that, she is off to do her dream role. "Next year, I will be in China shooting Rani Lakshmibai. As I didn't want anyboby to mess with this role, I decided to produce it myself. Rani Lakshmibai is not the only female icon she is fascinated with. "I have a strange connection with Kali," she says as she draws the goddess on paper,"she comes to me in different ways and the only thing I do for her is show faith in her."