Is Sallu trying to start a Kat-Kareena catfight?

Salman Khan seems to have developed a new interest – creating cat fights between stars in B-town, all with a wicked glint in his eye

Just when we thought this beefy actor was all done with the brawl business, he proved us wrong. Recently, at the first look event of his new movie Bodyguard, when a journo asked him who in the industry doesn’t really need a bodyguard, the actor looked around drolly, rolled his eyes and replied, “Well, we have a lot of actors who don’t need a bodyguard, but still roam around with one.” After pushing him a little to give some names, he responded, by first looking at his co-star Kareena Kapoor standing next to him and then saying, with a sly smile, “Kareena was saying that Katrina doesn’t need a bodyguard, but she still walks around with one.” Kareena looked embarrassed and tried to defend herself, but Sallu didn’t seem to budge and continued mocking her. We can only draw two inferences from this: Sallu is either playing safe by naming names he knows are not going to land him in trouble or he really needs a hot new controversy in his life - maybe he’s so used to them by now that he misses having a new one every now and then. An altercation between Kareena and Katrina might just satiate his need for a new high. All we can say is, if Sallu bhai reads this, we will definitely need not one, but maybe a whole team of bodyguards…

Shahrukh Khan goes a step ahead to thank his buddies

This is a well known fact that SRK and Karan Johar are great buddies. So, when SRK wanted Sanjay Dutt and Priyanka Chopra to shoot a cameo for his forthcoming ‘Ra.One’, karna Johar was all too generous to give them a few days off from their packed schedule for the shoot of ‘Agneepath’. Even more, both the actors refused to discuss any payment issues for their cameo.

SRK made it a point to thank them on a social networking site as he posted, “3 days of hectic shoot…last 4 days to go. My heartfelt thanx to sanjay dutt and priyanka chopra for being so wonderful on the sets.bless u.”

Not being the one to keep his friends in any loss, Shahrukh Khan went ahead to gift Sanjay Dutt a cruiser motorcycle, which costs over Rs 15 lakh. Dutt has a passion for bikes and had been enquiring about a particular Italian model, so SRK arranged for the custom-made bike to be imported direct from Italy. It may be mentioned here that Sanju baba had even bought some biking gear including a helmet, jacket and gloves of the Italian company from South Africa a few months ago, but didn’t buy the bike due to custom problems.

An elated Dutt was quoted as saying, “I really appreciate what Shah Rukh has done. It’s a thoughtful gesture.”

Shahrukh also gifted Priyanka Chopra an expensive acoustic guitar on her birthday as a token of thanks for her support and efforts!!

Katrina Kaif apologizes for calling Rahul Gandhi as ‘Half-Indian, Half-Italian’

Katrina Kaif’s remarks on Rahul Gandhi calling him as ‘half-Indian’ sparked such controversy that that actress had to finally apologize to the nation for this though it was unintentional and meant no malice.

Katrina had told in an interview to a newspaper, “Am I supposed to be ashamed that I am half-Asian, I mean, no! Rahul Gandhi is half-Indian, half-Italian. So? I am very proud of what I am and I just don’t understand the confusion? as if I’m trying to hide the fact that my mother’s a British. Why would I?”

Her remarks were met with contempt and criticism from Congress and the party spokesperson Manish Tewari sarcastically said, “Who is she? I do not know. Tomorrow, you will ask for our reaction on the statement of Johny Lever. To what level you want to bring down the level of the political discourse in the country?”

To cool down the heat, Katrina apologized on a TV news channel saying, “The comments have been misconstrued. They have been taken out of context. But having said that if I have caused hurt to anyone’s sentiments, I deeply apologies. It was not the intention at all.”

“I will also request the media not to make a controversial issue out of something which was not meant with any intention or malice or any real thought behind it. That’s all I have to say,” she added.

Mahie Gill redefines boldness for Hindi cinema

Seems like Dev D’s Paro, Mahie Gill, is bent on creating new definitions for boldness in Hindi Cinema. If her bold character in her debut venture ‘Dev D’ was not enough, the actress has gone a step further as she portrays the character of infamous Maria Susairaj in ‘Not a Love Story’

Taking the boldness to a level further, she will be seen giving in a passionate lip lock along with many dare-bare scenes in her forthcoming ‘Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster’. The movie, which is a modern day adaptation of ‘Sahib Biwi Aur Ghulam’ stars Randeep Hooda and Jimmy Shergill in lead roles. Jimmy Shergill will be playing Mahie’s husband and Randeep will be seen as the gangster, having an affair with her.

Kareena Kapoor accepts ‘Heroine’ but sans the love making scenes

With Aishwarya Rai’s pregnancy leaving the future of Madhur Bhandarkar’s ‘Heroine’ in a doom, Madhur had absolutely no choice but the bounce back on his original choice for the leading lady of this film, Kareena Kapoor.

It has taken up a year and a half of toil and hard work from the makers of the film and UTV’s Siddharth Roy Kapur and writer Niranjan Iyenger, not wanting to shelve the project after putting in so much of efforts, approached Kareena Kapoor and met her in Hyderabad.

It may be mentioned here that Madhur had first approached Kareena for the role but the girl had refused the role because she found it too bold for her. Now, though she has accepted the offer but she has made it clear that she will not do any love making scenes with the male co-stars Arjun Rampal and Arunoday Sinha. However, she has agreed to smoke, drink and even snort for the film.

The question here is that Madhur is known for being very clear and adamant on what he wants. Whether Kareena’s conditions will be acceptable to him or not, that would be a wait and watch for us!!

First Look of ‘Bodyguard’ unveiled by Salman Khan’s bodyguard

As Salman Khan’s ‘Bodyguard’ awaits its release on Eid weekend, excitement seems to be building up in the atmosphere. Salman plays the sleek and stylish bodyguard of Kareena Kapoor in the film and keeping with the theme of the flick, the first look of the film was launched at a Juhu multiplex on Thursday by the superstar’s bodyguard Shera.

It was Salman’s idea to make Shera to the unveiling. Not to mention here that Shera, who has been Salman’s bodyguard for the last 15 years was overwhelmed at this opportunity. He said that Salman is like a big brother to him and the unveiling of the first look of Bodyguard is an honour for him.

Check out the two new posters of Bodyguard………….

Vidya Balan reveals her love for Kolkata

Though Vidya Balan has been born and brought up in Kerala, the actress has a unique attachment with the city of Kolkata. She not only made her acting debut here with Goutam Halder’s Bhalo Theko, but her first Bollywood superhit ‘Parineeta’ was based here. The actress is also shooting for ‘Kahani’ which is again set in Bengal.
Vidya says, “I don’t know. I have stopped trying to understand why. I have just accepted that there is a relation. My mom keeps saying that there might be a relation from a past life because I do not know anyone with so much of love for Bengal. Even the man in my life will have to deal with another love affair, and that is Kolkata.”
“I know how to sing some songs and rhymes. I keep on learning,” says the actress who is often mistaken by people to be a Bengali. “The first time I went to Kolkata, I felt a sense of familiarity,” she added.

Koena Mitra completes her shoot for ‘The Story of Naomi’

Koena Mitra may not have been able to gather much appreciation in Bollywood but the girl’s career in Hollywood has kick started impressively. Our space had informed you that the girl had bagged in a Hollywood project, ‘The Story of Naomi’ alongside Kevin Sorbo. The latest addition to it that the movie which has been directed by fashion photographer Ash Gupta and produced by Michael Hirshenson has already been completed. Though Koena romances both a man and a woman in the film, she clarifies that it is not a bisexual role. Revealing more about the story of the film, she says, “The story of Naomi is a dark film. I play Kevin’s wife in the film. It also deals with another relationship and that’s the reason for the tag line Love, Lust, Betrayal.”
Koena also has two more Hollywood projects in her hand and incidentally both are produced by Karen Armstrong. One of them is an as yet untitled film starring Miles O’Keeffe and another one is titled Dark Romance.

Geeta Basra to do a hot number for ‘Zilla Ghaziabad’

Vinod Bachchan’s next project ‘Zilla Ghaziabad’ revolves around the theme of politics, crime, mafia and hardships faced by farmers leading to their suicides, in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The film is being made under the direction of Anand Kumar and stars Sanjay Dutt, Vivek Oberoi Arshad Warsi and Minissha Lamba in lead roles.
To add spice and masala to the flick, the makers have decided to add in a hot item number and Harbhajan Singh’s girlfriend Geeta Basra has been approached for it. Geeta will perform on this song alongside Sanjay Dutt.
The song will be shot on the set which has been specially designed in Mumbai for the purpose. Fashion designer Archana Kocchar will be styling Geeta’s look in this song which will be shot next week.
Confirming the news Geeta Basra said, “Yes, I am in talks with the producer. It’s a larger than life item number and I am getting an opportunity to dance after a very long time. I am really excited about this song”

Sushmita Sen declares the winners of ‘I Am She’ 2011

Former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen’s production company Tantra Entertainment holds the I Am She contest every year to select the Indian representative to the Miss Universe contest. This year, the crown for the contest was won by 26-year old Vasuki Sunkavalli and she will now represent India at the Miss Universe contest this year. 23-year-old fashion designer Parul Duggal was crowned the I Am She Globe International 2011, and 19-year-old Tanvi Singla was crowned the I Am She Asia Pacific 2011. While Vasuki bags in a cash prize of Rs. 2,00,000, both Parul and Tanvi become the proud winners of Rs. 1,00,000 each.
“In this competition, I met a lot of people from different parts of the country and from different professions. That was very interesting. I am very confident, hopeful and determined that I will bring the crown back. I will give it my best,” said Vasuki.
Check out Sushmita Sen beaming with joy and confidence with her three winning contestants…..

Poonam Pandey offered 2 crores for ‘Big Boss 5′?

Controversial model Poonam Pandey is more known for her controversial statements and dare bare acts than her professional achievements. Latest reports have it that the girl been offered a whopping Rs. 2 crore for the next season of Big Boss. Well, this does not come much as a surprise because the show keeps hunting for spice and masala babes as they boost their TRPs.
To add to this spicy news is the inside report that the show will also have an ex-cricketer as its contestants and during the show he will ask Poonam to fulfill the promise which she made during the World Cup. Because of this clause Poonam is still thinking about the offer.

Kat meets exes on b'day!

Now this one is sure to send B-Town gossipmongers into overdrive. While they were still trying hard to figure out actor Katrina Kaif's relationship status with Salman Khan and it being affected by her equation with actors Shah Rukh Khan and Ranbir Kapoor, Kat's thrown them all off. So, even as all were waiting to see who the birthday gal spends her big day with to help solve the puzzle, Katrina's managed to complicate the mystery further by catching up with all three of them within a span of a few hours.

It all started when actor Ranbir Kapoor apparently met Kat on Friday night at the same suburban multiplex where she had come with the cast of her recent release, including actor Hrithik Roshan. While many felt that Kat bumping into Ranbir was a mere co-incidence, there are others who insist that the two were hoping to catch up and the 'bumping into each other' bit was just eye-wash.

In any case, Kat didn't stay back to spend time with the young actor. Instead, she scooted off to Bandra and landed on the sets of Salman's movie where he was shooting before midnight and the two then partied for a while at a Bandra nightclub. According to sources, Salman had arranged for a cake and the two even cut it together at 12 am.

However, in less than an hour, Salman went back to shooting and Kat moved on party at the further end of Bandra where King Khan had organised a special screening and a small bash for his future co-actor at his residence Mannat. Apparently the b'day gal and several of their industry friends partied on till quite late.

Interestingly, it was Katrina's birthday in 2008 when the industry had seen one of its' biggest camp divides when Salman and SRK had got into a heated argument. "It's ironical that Aishwarya (Rai Bachchan) apparently over whom the feud had begun is already well-settled in her marriage and Katrina in whose bash the fiasco had happened too has moved on beyond the two camps. It's about time that Salman and SRK get the hint and move on too," said a source.

Bollywood cancels big events following Mumbai blasts

Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani were ready with the first look of “Don 2: The Chase Continues” and Mahesh Bhatt was set to celebrate the success of “Murder 2″ Wednesday evening, but the filmmakers cancelled their plans following three bomb blasts in Mumbai, which killed over 20 people.

The launch of the first look of the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer “Don 2″ was to be held 7.45 p.m. onwards at Cinemax, Andheri West, while the success party for Mohit Suri’s directorial “Murder 2″ was scheduled for 9 p.m. at the J.W. Marriot hotel in Juhu.

The first blast took place at Zaveri Bazar at 6.59 p.m, followed by a second blast at Opera House at 7.05 p.m, and the final explosion took place at Dadar West at 7.17 p.m., causing panic and chaos in the city.
The incessant rains added to the dilemma of city dwellers.

However, a few print and electronic journalists had already gathered at Cinemax, Andheri West to catch a glimpse of “Don 2″, one of the most awaited movies this year.

Producer Ritesh Sidhwani was there too, but he approached the mediapersons, and said: “Due to the blast, we have decided to call off the event.”

No further date for the event has been issued as yet.

The “Murder 2″ success party, which was expected to be attended by lead pair Emraan Hashmi and Jacqueline Fernandes, apart from director Mohit Suri, other crew members and celebrities from the film industry, was also cancelled as the news of the blasts flashed everywhere, and a high alert was issued.

In New Delhi, Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai requested officials of the French government to postpone an award ceremony where she was supposed to be honoured with a “Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters”.

However, Aishwarya appeared before the media along with her actor-husband Abhishek Bachchan and observed a minute-long silence mourning the death of the people in the blasts.
- IANS

Ash in town to take an Order

lhi, July 13 -- Tonight, actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will make her first public appearance after the announcement of her pregnancy, and it'll be in Delhi. Ash, 37, along with hubby Abhishek and in-laws Amitabh and Jaya is in the Capital to receive the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters (Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres) from the French government.

Abhishek's sister Shweta Nanda and her family, Ash's parents, her brother and sister-in-law will also accompany Ash, who is now in the fifth month of her pregnancy.

The award, meant to honour her contribution to the world of cinema, was to be conferred in 2008 but she could not receive it then due to her father's illness. So, she will now receive it on the eve of the National Day of France - July 14. Aishwarya, who is likely to don a sari for the event, is ecstatic. "This is an occasion for joy and I want to spend it with my entire family ... I'm glad they'll all be there," she says.

Jerome Bonnafont, Ambassador of France to India, will give away the award at the Taj Palace Hotel. "A well- known face at the Cannes International Film Festival and the first Indian actress to be among its jury, Mrs Rai Bachchan has woven ties with France that are emblematic of a very special relationship," he says.

Katrina on two wheels!

By Hindustan Times

New Delhi, July 15 -- K.One has just strolled into my life and almost immediately he's fixated on Katrina Kaif. The other day, when he was cruising down Andheri's Link Road, he was ecstatic when Katrina braked beside him. And guess what? The biker nayika was without any security and ready to mingle with the aam aadmi.

K.One is still going Kkkkkk..... Must send him to Ekta Kapoor, maybe he can give her an idea for a soap opera. Only this time her saas-bahus will have to be riding the two wheeler!

B.O. update: 'Z.N.M.D.' is superb at plexes, 'Harry Potter' excels in 3D

The sun continues to shine on Bollywood! ZINDAGI NA MILEGI DOBARA, which hadn’t generated much heat when the promos were first launched, fetched a flying start at practically all multiplexes across the country. In fact, the occupancy at plexes ranged from 70%, 80%, even 100% at several properties. The response was equally fantastic in noon shows. The response at single screens of metros ranged from good to decent, but was average/ordinary elsewhere. However, the film is expected to accumulate a hefty total at the end of the day thanks to the gigantic contribution from plexes.

HARRY POTTER also had an electrifying start in its 3D version, although the non-3D version reported lesser occupancy. The hype for the film is tremendous and the successful franchise is expected to garner healthy figures in its opening weekend. Overall, the two films, ZINDAGI NA MILEGI DOBARA and HARRY POTTER, have added to the celebratory mood.

Beth Loves Bollywood: IIFA podcast

Beth Loves Bollywood: IIFA podcast

Hrithik and Katrina dub for ‘Main Krishna Hoon’

Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif may be busy for the promotions of their forthcoming ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ but the two definitely know how to keep their promises. Our space had informed you that Hrithik’s man Friday Nandan Mahato and Katrina’s hairdresser Promila Hunter are making the film ‘Main Krishna Hoon’ and both the actors had promised them to extend all help possible for their project. Keeping their promise, the two took off time to dub for this animated film. Both of them came in separately and dubbed for a whole day each at the Yash Raj studio. The two have also shot for a seven minute cameo in the film. The cameo was shot by Hrithik in Hyderabad while Kaif shot for her part at Bandra’s Mehboob Studio.
Nandan Mahato has been working with Hrithik for almost 10 years right from his Kaho Naa Pyar Hai days and has produced a few Bhojpuri films. This is his debut project in Bollywood. Promila Hunter is the co-producer of this film and has been Katrina’s hairdresser for a very long time.

‘I am Amrita Rao and I am a Vegetarian’: The new PETA campaign

Looking casual but sexy in a pair of shorts and hugging T-shirt, Bollywood actress Amrita Rao, feels proud to be a vegetarian and shot for a new pro-vegetarian advertisement for animal rights organisation People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India.
“I call being vegetarian the Wow Rao diet. Wow because I know that being vegetarian is the best thing I can do for myself, the animals and the environment,” claims the 30 year old actress.
“Pulses can get pulses racing, while corpse cuisine slows you down. Kick the meat habit and you’ll look and feel better than ever,” added Rao.
With this the ‘Vivaah’ girl joins the bandwagon of celebrities Lara Dutta, Pamela Anderson, Shahid Kapoor, R. Madhavan and Anil Kumble, who have been associated with PETA to promote awareness for ethical treatment of animals.

Catch the deadly look of SRK in ‘Don 2′

Farhan Khan had most intelligently apprehended the success of his ‘Don’ and had left the movie at an ending which left it open for a sequel and sure enough ‘Don 2’, set to release on December 23, is the most awaited movie of the year.
The original one had ended with Roma (Priyanka Chopra) realizing that Don had survived and it was Vijay who had met his end. So, the sequel takes its lead here and in ‘Don 2’, Don will be seen chasing all those who had betrayed him. You can easily anticipate a lot of high-energy action in the flick.
While SRK, Priyanka Chopra, Boman Irani and Om Puri carry on from the original one, Lara Dutta and Kunal Kapoor will be fresh additions to the sequel.
Check out the killing look of SRK on the posters of ‘Don 2’……