Sameera Reddy is a lassi fan

There is a lot that you can do when in Jaipur, and some of the most important things you can't miss out on include digging into the finger-licking fare on offer, dropping in at palatial monuments and heritage structures, splurging on stuff you'd treasure all your life, etc.

We spoke to a few celebrities and asked them what tops their to-do list when they visit the city. As expected, their list was interesting and validated their fascination with Jaipur. Read on to know what they love to do when in Jaipur..

Subhash Kapoor, Director
The "Phas Gaye Re Obama" director loves the traditional culture of the city and the simplicity of its folklore. Even if it's work, the director makes sure he visits Chokhi Dhani and eats the scrumptious Dal Baati Churma. "Though the food is oily, it's difficult to resist. The ambience is amazing and the way the food is served is quite unique," says Subhash Kapoor. "Also, whenever I come to Jaipur, I make sure I buy jootis and pick up Jaipuri razaai", he adds.

Arya Banerjee, Actor
Diamonds are a woman's best friend and for actor Arya Banerjee, whenever she comes to Jaipur, she just can't get enough of the jewellery at Amrapali. "I love its jewellery. They are gorgeous," she says, adding, "Also, I have never been to the Jaipur Literature Festival. But now i've decided that no matter what happens, I'll attend it the next time."

Sameera Reddy, Actor
She comes to Jaipur often as she has a lot of friends in the city. "Rajasthan is one of the most beautiful states in India and the people here are very hospitable," says the dusky actor. Yes, even she has her favourite place to visit when in Jaipur. I am a diehard lassi fan so I visit the famous Lassiwallah on MI Road."

Jackky Bhagnani, Actor
A UP person at heart, he feels that jo maza local shops ya market mein hai woh five-star hotels mein nahi hain. "I love the raj- kachori in Jaipur and whenever I'm here, I eat the Rajasthani thaali," he shares. "I make sure I lay my hands on the authentic mojari that is found in the city's markets like Bapu bazaar. when I come here to watch a match, I do all the fun things the city is famous for," he adds.

Shobhaa De, Author
For her, Jaipur is a treasure-house as she invariably has a long list when she visits the city. Be it Rashid home-studio for block-printed shirts, Ratan Textile for hand-stitched mulmul shirts or jadau jewellery found all over the city, she loves them all. Also, the Anokhi Café is front-of-mind for Mrs De, as she just has to have the Thai salad from there.

Manav Gohil, TV actor
"I love the Rajasthani Lal Maans and whenever I come to Jaipur, I gorge on it," says TV actor Manav Gohil. Plus, the jootis from the local bazaar of Jaipur are something to die for and he makes sure he has them. "The jootis are amazing and whenever I come to the city, I get loads of them." However, one thing he hasn't done is captured Jaipur and since he is fond of photography, Manav says, "I am looking forward to capturing Jaipur and its scenic beauty." Plus, Rohit Kamra is a great friend and I always buy breeches, Jodhpuri jackets, etc from him," he adds.

Asin-Zarine can't stand each other

Buzz is that Salman Khan's ladies, Asin Thottumkal and Zarine Khan, cannot stand each other.

The two, who are also part of the same project as Sallu (Ready) are smartly concealing their feelings because they don't want to offend Sallu. We hear that Asin and Zarine are very cordial to each other every time they meet and even hold hands to show how much they bond. But the twist comes when people are not noticing them. Both, it seems, have been saying how the other is not comfortable with each others presence. While Zarine feels Asin's behaviour towards her changes from being discourteous to even rude, Asin says she has to put up with Zarine - the newbie - as the latter is Salman's doe-eyed girl. Quite a catfight this one can emerge to be. We certainly want nothing short of a pow wow!

Mom's is prettier than me: Sonakshi

It's Mother's Day, a special day... and who better than the beautiful Sonakshi Sinha to talk about her mom, the elegant Poonam Sinha, who's she says is the "epitome of courage, strength and perseverance." Excerpts...

What does Mother's Day mean to you?
It's nice to have a day dedicated to mothers. But personally, I would celebrate with my mom any time by taking her out on a vacation or doing something together. She likes this day, so I'm happy celebrating it. It's beautiful.

Is there something special you have planned for her?
I'm going to be at home as I'm not shooting today. I plan to give my mom five saris, all designed by me. After 20 years of wearing salwars, she now loves wearing saris, and she looks beautiful in them.

You got her to switch to saris?
She started wearing more saris recently when she was campaigning for dad (Shatrughan Sinha).

How did you feel when she returned to acting after 25 years with Jodhaa Akbar?
I was very happy for her. It was a different feeling to see her going to shoot. I went to the sets too.

You'd like to act with her in a movie?
Of course! But I know that she is 70 times prettier than me!

How was she when you were younger... quite strict? Did you have a deadline to reach home?
I still have deadlines! But mom and I are very close. She is my friend, philosopher and guide. She played a very important role in keeping us grounded. We were never allowed to use dad's name to get our way. When dad was a minister, we had security. But mom ensured that we didn't feel uncomfortable while going to school. She made sure that we led a very normal life.

So, she's had a major influence on you?
Yes. My mother gave up her career to look after her family and it needs guts to make a sacrifice like that.

SRK's kids prefer Hrithik as superhero

The actor reveals that his kids choose Hrithik Roshan over him when it comes to playing a superhero.

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is gearing up for his most ambitious project of his career Ra.One. It is a huge budget film in which Shah Rukh will be seen as a superhero for the first time. The actor is excited and nervous too. Reason? The actor is scared whether his kids will love him as superhero or not.

SRK reveals that his kids are already a big fan of Krissh and think of Hrithik Roshan as ideal superhero. Both the kids love and admire Hrithik more than their father. Now when Shah Rukh is coming up with a superhero flick of his own, his main aim is to impress his kids along with his fans.

Shah Rukh knows that his competition is with Hrithik and doesn't want to take any chance. Though he can't be as good looking superhero as Hrthik is, he will certainly try to make his stunts bigger than Hrithik's to impress his kids.

It can be recalled that SRK showed the first look of his film to his kids first. We hope SRK manages to impress them.

Soha set for Harvard

Soha Ali Khan is on cloud nine. The actress has been specially invited by the acclaimed Harvard University to deliver a lecture on Hindi cinema in an interactive session titled Cinema – Then and Now.

What's making the Oxford grad's visit to Harvard even more special is the fact that her mother, Sharmila Tagore, would be joining her during the session. The event will also screen Soha's works like Khoya Khoya Chand, Rang De Basanti and Antarmahal.

She will pay tribute to icons of Hindi cinema like Madhubala, Meena Kumari, Waheeda Rehman and her mother Sharmila Tagore in her lecture. "I'm quite excited and tense about my Harvard visit," says an excited Soha. "I have never really delivered a lecture on cinema before and I will be in front of the most academic followers of Indian films there. It's a really humbling experience that I have been chosen by them to speak about Indian cinema and that my films are also being screened."

About her lecture, Soha discloses, "I have done a thorough research of the cinema we have created over the ages. I have a pretty huge period to cover in my lecture, but I will touch upon landmark films, directors and actors who have made huge contributions in shaping up cinema as it is today. I will specially talk about how Meena Kumari, Madhubala and Waheeda Rehman and also my mom helped Indian cinema to shape up as it stands today."

She adds, "I will also talk about the actors and the directors (both commercial and art-house genre). Though commercial films might be called brainless films, they are films that the masses like and thus cannot be ignored at all. "

Minimal make-up for Sonakshi

Standing tall at five feet eight inches, young actress Sonakshi Sinha is a girl with a keen fashion sense.

In fact, not many people know that she's studied fashion designing in college; worked as a fashion assistant at the Mumbai Fashion Week; helped backstage with models during ramp shows and is now a designer in the making.

"Films and fashion are two extremely demanding professions. So, as of now, my priority is to make a mark in Bollywood. Fashion is on my mind but only with time, it will take wings,"confesses Sonakshi, as she casually sketches a girl in a flowy toga dress. The actress is also gifting five sarees, designed by herself to her mom today.

Au Indian
This Dabangg girl has won admiration for her Indian looks and features. And incidentally, her mother Punam Sinha was also an Indianwear model before she took up acting. Having walked the ramp in Mumbai with the likes of Mohini Mahajan, Purnima Dasgupta, Meher Castellino and the late Persis Khambatta, Punam says that she thoroughly enjoyed her modelling days. She says, "My ramp days were lovely and we made good friends too. Today, when I see Sonakshi take to the ramp, I relive my days through her eyes. It feels great to see her sport casual, western and Indian ensembles with such grace."

Style Mantra
Sonakshi likes to keep things simple and casual. "I don't like to dress up too much. Neither do I like to put on much make-up. If I could have it my way, I would attend even red carpet events in a pair of jeans. But then, you know, it's not considered the done thing," she rued. "I like to keep my make-up minimal and never go to sleep without removing every hint of it. My fave colour is orange. I love to play with colours and use fluorescence too, in a mix and match way with my jeans and tees."

Brand Connect
As a brand ambassador of Provogue, Sonakshi says it's a fine way to be visible in the public eye. "After Dabangg, my next release is by the year-end. So I decided on remaining connected with fans via brands. I choose them with discretion as my sensibility needs to match with them. Of course, the brand also does its bit of research and only then approaches an actor," she cues.

Fave Stuff
Accessories can make a fashion statement and I like to don a few, too. I really dig my dull gold dragonfly pendant, aviator sunglasses, multi-colour belt and watches.

Malaika's become pricey!

It looks like Malaika Arora Khan's price has skyrocketed. It is being speculated that the item bomb has upped her show charges fee by at least 25 per cent.

Apparently, she has been refusing quite a few shows lately citing date issues. What has got tongues wagging is that Malla was spotted attending parties or just simply chilling on days she let some of those plum offers go by. People in the industry tell us that since Malaika has been working very closely with her set of people for years now, she does not just want to announce that she would perform at a higher fee. She is selectively telling the right people so that the word filters out to the rest. Well Malla, you have all the right for a hike! Munni Badnaam was definitely the best thing to happen to you and the industry last year!

Salman's jungle film in 3D!

Imagine Salman Khan's too-hot-to-handle abs. And now imagine it in 3D. Beating the other Khans, Salman has now decided to go three dimensional in his next film Sher Khan.

"First of all I am not playing Tarzan in the film and it has got nothing to do with the character at all. It is an adventure film based in a jungle," clarified Salman Khan about his next endeavour with his brother Sohail.

While he dismisses any link to the famous man of the jungle in Sher Khan, the brothers are reportedly toying with the idea of making the film in 3D.

Our source told us, "It is Sohail's idea to make it in 3D. However, Salman bhai is still in two minds about this. Shooting in 3D is very difficult and going by the standards of special effects expected these days, the Khan brothers want everything to be sorted before they take the final call.

However, Sohail is quite confident given his technical finesse. He is known to be very hands-on, as far as his films are concerned. Plus the film is a jungle adventure and so it will be fun watching the film, if it is in 3D."

When asked about his scepticism to make the film in 3D, Salman explained, "As far as 3D goes, I am not sure. We are definitely thinking about it. However, 3D films have not worked in India and I am not too sure about its market."

When contacted, Sohail said, "I am still working on the script and only after the script develops, we will decide if it has 3D scope or not."

The historical fascination with 3D in India dates back to the release of James Cameron's action- adventure sci-fi, Avatar, in 2009. The stereoscopic film was a breakthrough in cinematic technique and so ever since then, Bollywood filmmakers have been eager to follow suit.

While most of the 3D projects have fallen through, two have managed to go as planned. Vikram Bhatt's Haunted, which released on April 15, is India's first next generation stereoscopic 3D film. And Shirish Kunder's Joker is the next 3D film to be released. 

Considering the professional roll that Sallu has been on, we wonder if Sohail will let his brother take the final call.

Love to be Rajasthan's brand ambassador: Anjana Sukhani

Says Bollywood actor Anjana Sukhani and shares some of the most memorable experiences of her life, spent in jaipur. Here's a quick lowdown...

The moment I enter Jaipur, memories flood my mind – those of my school and college life, and good old days spent with family," says Jaipurite Anjana Sukhani, who stays in Mumbai these days.

Anjana, who spent her childhood in Adarsh Nagar, misses the city's tranquil environment which is too difficult to find in the fast-paced life people live in Mumbai. Even though she is not very familiar with the Marwari language, she tells us it's the lip-smacking marwari fare, which includes dal-baati, gatte ki sabzi, lahsun ki chutney, etc, she misses. "I remember I had a marwari boy in my class. We were so fond of his food, that the moment he'd enter the class, we'd snatch his lunch-box and finish it even before the first period would get over," she quips.

ask her if Rajasthan is the quintessential India and she says, "I don't think so. India is an amalgamation of varied cultures and Rajasthan puts forth an important aspect of our nation, courtesy its historical significance and rich ethnicity." Is there anything about the city that upsets her? "I feel the city's tourism and mode of transportation should be improved. Like Mr Bachchan is the brand ambassador of Gujarat to promote its tourism, Jaipur too should have its brand ambassador," reasons Anjana.

Any names? "Why should I suggest somebody else's name, I'd love to be Rajasthan's brand ambassador." She attributes her success to her home-town Jaipur. Anjana shares, "Jaipur laid the foundation of my life and it is here that I realised my ambition. I found the best of friends in Jaipur."

With Jaipur becoming popular with filmmakers, Anjana is waiting for the day when she'll get to shoot here. "I'll be proud to shoot here. It feels great when people refer to me as 'This girl is from Jaipur. The city's rustic and royal look allures the world," she says.

Bipasha in action mode

Bipasha Basu is doing some serious muscle flexing action stunts in the freezing cold of Russia. The Bong beauty is doing heavy-duty action scenes for the first time.

"It's freezing cold and we didn't really get to train ourselves in such extreme condition before coming here. So, we are giving our 100 percent. The safety precautions are in place and it's great to do action in such challenging conditions. The thrill is just double," says Bips.

Ranbir’s item no. tribute to father Rishi

The actor reprises the look of Rishi Kapoor's legendary character Akbar from the superhit film 'Amar Akbar Anthony', in an item song.

Ranbir Kapoor is the latest item boy in town. The actor recently shot for an item song with a gang of kids for the film ' Chiller Party ' produced by UTV Spot Boy. However, what's interesting is the fact that the song is actually Ranbir's tribute to his father, Rishi Kapoor.

Apparently, Ranbir Kapoor has been in love with his father's film Amar Akbar Anthony since he was a kid himself. The film showcased Rishi Kapoor in the character of Akbar that featured him in a very different look. This tapori look had created an impression in Ranbir's mind when he was growing up.

"When Ranbir was approached with the idea of an item song with kids in a similar fashion, donning the same look as his father, he immediately agreed and decided to give a tribute to his father", says a source associated with the film. "Like Rishi Kapoor, Ranbir dons the look of a tapoori , with evident kajal in his eyes, a cupped tirchi topi on his head, a thin moustache and a real pan in his mouth making his lips go deep red".

" Chillar Party is a kid's film that Ranbir had fallen in love with, the moment he saw it", adds the source. "Junior Kapoor felt that the kids would love this look on him and it eventually did work. The kids were amazed to see him in that attire. They all ran towards him and gave him a big bear hug".

The co-directors of the film Vikas Bahl and Nitesh Tiwari were extremely happy to have Ranbir do this interesting item song with the kid gang of Chillar Party . They expressed, "As an actor, Ranbir keeps improvising. And when it came to the 'inspired' look in the song, he was prompt to come up with the idea to have a similar kind of head-gear, moustache and pan chewing look as his father in Amar Akbar Anthony ."

Indian film fest in New York kicks off with 'Do Dooni Char'

Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh Kapoor

The 11th Annual New York Indian Film Festival kicked off in spectacular fashion with the US premiere of the Delhi-set comedy " Do Dooni Chaar," Disney's first live-action Hindi film.

The star-studded red carpet premiere Wednesday night at Manhattan's prestigious Paris Theatre, was attended by special guests Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh Kapoor along with writer/director Habib Faisal.

Also attending the premiere were Pulitzer Prize winner author Siddhartha Mukherjee, Aparna Sen, Madhur Jaffrey, Aditya Bhattacharya, Ajay Naidu, Samrat Chakrabarti, Meetu Chilana, Rehana Mirza, Sarita Choudhury, Ami Sheth, Poorna Jagannathan, and many other actors and filmmakers whose films will play festival through closing night May 15.

Following the screening of "Do Dooni Chaar" was a discussion with Faisal and the Kapoors moderated by festival director Aseem Chhabra. A gala benefit dinner followed at the opulent Jumeirah Essex House on Central Park South.

Saif's debut at Cannes 2011

This year at the Festival De Cannes, Saif Ali Khan will join Indian hotties Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Mallika Sherawat, Freida Pinto and Minissha Lamba.

Making the announcement at a press conference in Mumbai on Thursday, Saif revealed that he would be debuting at the festival this year. Talking about what he'll wear to the big night, Saif said, "Kareena has been telling me to get a Tom Ford suit for the red carpet and so I have finally got one." It's a dinner jacket disclosed the Khan, who's looking forward to attend the event.

The actor will be part of the fest representing Chivas, for which he is a brand ambassador. But Saif wishes to showcase one of his movies at the fest some day. "I am excited about attending the Cannes film festival, but I wish to showcase one of my films at the fest some day. If I have a film in the competition section, it will be the ideal occasion to attend the festival."

The festival kick-starts on 11th May through 22nd May.

Katrina's tribute to Madhubala

While she is being considered to play the role of Madhubala in Kishore Kumar's biographical film, Katz has already reprised the role in another film.

While Salman Khan is paying tribute to yesteryear actors in the song ' Character Dheela ' from Ready , Katrina Kaif doesn't seem to be left far behind. Katz will be reprising the role of one of the most beautiful actresses on Indian screen – the ethereal Madhubala.

And no, we are not talking about the biographical film on Kishore Kumar to be directed by Anurag Basu, where apparently Katrina Kaif is being considered to play the role of the legendary singer's wife, Madhubala. While there is still some time before that happens, Katrina has already gone ahead and revived the magic of Madhubala in her upcoming film Mere Brother Ki Dulhan .

Perhaps because no actress, in her good senses, can think of playing Madhubala, Katrina Kaif has attempted to do that in an intoxicated state. That's exactly how the scene happens in the film. Sources associated with the film claim that, in the scene, Katrina downs some bhang at a roadside dhaba where she sees a poster of the yesteryear actress. And after that she breaks into a song and dance number which is a tribute to Madhubala.

From Sheila to Madhubala, must say Katrina Kaif has quite a diverse range in her dance numbers. Perhaps Anurag Basu might not need to do a look test on Katrina Kaif as Madhubala, after seeing this song.

I hate thin people: Ekta Kapoor

Ekta Kapoor, adding that she's not bothered about what the world expects from her and there's much beyond the tantrum throwing, cellphone hurling person to her than is portrayed

Why the decision to move from television serials to mainstream movies?
I'm always ready to do things based on my gut. When you make things for TV, it has to be en masse because television prohibits you as far as niche programming goes. Even if there's niche programming, the numbers are so small that you can never get any creative expression. For TV your product needs to be en masse. With films, you can experiment more.

Shifting from soaps to movies, how much audience analysis do you do for new projects?
Research is not the only way to know the pulse of your audience. Research is available to everyone today but does it work for everyone? No. Asking a viewer on the road what they want would be more useful. When you make something for television or a movie, research can never overpower your own gut. When I made saas bahu serials, there was no research on the subject. Clearly, if my gut has supported it, why should I not follow it? It might let me down at times and I might make mistakes, but I will pay for it. I may hear a research; I am not saying I don't keep my ears open. My ears are open, but my nose can smell a good concept right away.

You're labelled as an overdramatic creative professional. Added to that, there are many images attached to you...
I used to be a human being earlier and now I am folklore because people think they know me even before they know me. You are going to throw a stone at us, or a mobile, your temper... and I am like, "Guys, there are no mandates! I'm a human being. Try to get to know me."

So, what don't people know about you?
I am as moody as the other person, just that I am seen more than the other person. What's different is that I am over-passionate about my work. I am just like anyone else. I am a fat girl with fat girl fantasies of eating the whole day and not putting on weight. That's my biggest dream. I hate people who are thin and are thin after eating what they want. I am just like anyone else. I did things without thinking so I shocked and I achieved.

Do you think of yourself as something of an enigma for the rest of the world?
I am an enigma for myself. I figure myself out for a while and then something happens, and then everything changes and I'm like – I changed the plot again, damn! And I thought I knew myself. I trick myself, forget others. You see, I don't want research done on me. I'd rather live my life than analyse it.

But people do analyse you – from your rings to your pujas...
I used to have a couch in my cabin. Everyone tells me it's a very suggestive couch, but I say this is for my creative work. Creative offices should let your creativity flow. They cannot be management offices. The fifth floor even had bunk beds in the office and it was very spoken about at one time. We had people working till 4 in the morning and they had to come back at 8 in the morning to edit. Let them sleep for four hours and then come back to work. If you don't rest, you will not give me any creativity. So, from my rings to my sleeping in the cabin and hearing scripts, my ideologies have been followed by a lot of people. Most of my associates who've left Balaji, suddenly ordered for a couch like that. It may not work for them – it's for my creativity.

What do you credit your success to?
I like to be on the ground. When I was doing serials, I used to watch every TV serial – mine and everyone else's too. I was obsessed with television. I was making serials for the audience and for myself. And I was in touch with what was happening. Most of us keep our social circle and our tastes very elite, and yet we want to make serials for the masses. How is that possible? When I decided to go into movies, I started going to the cinemas... I got a lot of lessons from watching people at the ground level. People just want to be entertained. Sometimes, I would want to be intellectually provoked or placated. I want to get scared in a scary movie.

Also, I never go for trials of movies – mine or someone else's. Half the time people come out, they have to say good things about your film and then you have to say good things about their films. So, I would rather not get into that rigmarole. I'd rather go to a film with my friends and I have friends from various walks of life and various strata – bankers, people from the television world, younger friends, etc. When they spend 200 bucks to go watch a movie, I see the anger if they don't enjoy the film. So, I'd do everything in my power to ensure that when you spend your 200 bucks, you enjoy your movie.

How obsessed are you with your work?
I am a psycho, I am a work junkie. I don't get sleep, so I need to get creatively motivated. On a serious note, any kind of creative expression excites me. One of my friends told me, 'People think you don't have a life, but unfortunately, it'll take them a long time to realise that this is your life. It's not that you are depriving yourself of a party sitting in office; you enjoy sitting in office'. Of course, parents only analyse these and preach!

Who do you draw your influence from?
My mother – I love her. I am flaky, flying, crying, over dramatic, overdoing it, but she's rock solid. This company survives because of her; she's great at people management. She's great in calming nerves, great in pushing people, great businesswoman. I am the one who is financially weak – always spending more than I should. Always overdependent on creativity and very little understanding of finances. We foil each other.

Apprehensions for your next " Ragini MMS"?
I have apprehensions but not fears. Like people slot you, they slot films. They think this is like "LSD" because of captured footage, but what they don't realise is that that was one camera footage for a shaky feel but this is 25 cameras for a totally new imaging. It's more like "Big Boss" and not "LSD". Also, since there's the word MMS in the title, they think it's sexual in nature. That's stupid because we can download sex today and no one is going to pay 400 bucks to watch a sex film. On the net you get free porn, so why will they go to a theatre to watch? The MMS was to get a grab footage film feel – this is voyeuristic horror.

The couple is comfortable with each other sexually, but they are not jumping at it each other; there's no dramatic heaving of chests. It's the story of a haunted house (so many people book houses to go away for a weekend). You never know if the house has a story and imagine if you bug the house. During static, spirits are captured. What if you are aware there's a spirit in the house and the fourth person – the viewer – knows that. It is actually a young horror. My third apprehension is when people doubt your intention. I do not want to intellectualise the film, and at the same time, I don't want to trivialise it. I want to make a great scary movie.

'Shah Rukh, Kareena kiss'

Actor Shah Rukh Khan will kiss Kareena Kapoor in 'Ra One'...

Actor Shah Rukh Khan who has been a decent man on screen and off screen all this while, will now go bold for his superhero flick 'Ra One'. There's news that Shah Rukh will do everything and anything necessary to make his movie a rage.

We hear that SRK will kiss on celluloid this time round. And it's the gorgeous Kareena Kapoor he'll lock lips with. The actors kiss each other in a song. It's nothing explicit, but something that can be termed as 'simple and sweet' we are told.

It can be remembered that Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor, too, indulged in a romantic lip-to-lip in '3 Idiots'. "I've kissed on screen before, it's no big deal," says the Kapoor lass, who always looks forward to working with the Khans. "All four of them – Aamir, Salman, Shah Rukh, Saif – are so amazing that I always look forward to doing movies with them."

Farah debuts in a Bhansali film!

Farah Khan, choreographer-director-TV host, is now in a different role. Literally. She is the leading lady of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's next production Shirin Farhad, to be directed by SLB's sister Bela.

This bit of news is interesting for two reasons. First and the big one being this is Farah's big screen debut. Second, because until recently she and the Guzaarish director were bitter enemies and had even lashed out at each other in print. Clearly now, it's all in the past.

When asked why Farah as the heroine, Sanjay laughs, "It is the best way of taking revenge on her." Then getting serious, he adds, "I thought she suited the role perfectly. It's a funny and very tender and quaint love story of a Parsi couple. And the character of Shirin suits her perfectly. Farah has amazing wit and wicked humour and I could see that translating on the screen."

The film has been written by Bhansali, who may be known for serious films, but he promises it will be a laugh riot. His sister Bela, who debuts as a director and has edited most of her brother's films, says, "I instinctively felt Farah was right for the role. Also, she is half-Parsi and has a mad side to her. And there could be no one better than Boman for this role. Expect to see a lot of song and dance in my film."

Farah laughs when asked about her debut, "When Bela and Sanjay called me for the role, I thought they were playing a prank on me. When they insisted, I realised they were serious. I almost fainted! Here, all heroines are dying to work with him and he wanted me! I know people will bitch and make fun, but what people say has never bothered me. Let's just say one of the reasons for me doing this film is to annoy them! The other one, of course, is that this is my way of getting back at Sanjay," she laughs.

She continues, "You have one life, and you should do whatever you want. Even Shirish is supportive. My mother has warned me to get my Parsi accent right, and I think I will be meeting my relatives more often to prepare for this role. Anyway to conclude, it is a sweet role and it suits my personality. I am not attempting to play a sex-bomb. I just hope I can pull it off."

Shefali in jail

Ladies, there's a new housewife in town! This one's with an adventurous streak. Shefali Shah plays a desperate housewife, who runs into a criminal, in her forthcoming film Kucch Luv Jaisaa.

And to get a first-hand feel of her character, she decided to visit a jail. Dressed in a simple kurti and jeans, sans make-up and without informing either her director or her co-star Rahul Bose, she spent one day in a jail with an undertrial. "It was unnerving, of course," she admits. "I wanted to be honest and absolutely non-judgmental towards him. And in some time, I realised that we did share a common ground of what two human beings could possibly share. We talked of everything under the sun, including small things that matter such as the food in the jail," confessed Shefali.

After Satya and Monsoon Wedding, Shefali may have suffered a stereotypical fixture in Bollywood, but sure enough she wanted to break that mould and offer something realistic. "It's true that I wanted to challenge my past roles and come up with something fresh and exciting. I so wanted to destroy my comfort zone and break free. Thankfully, I could do that with this film," adds a much-slimmer Shefali.

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Sonakshi isn't my best friend: Zarine

To a girl looking in from the outside, being labelled a Katrina Kaif doppelganger would be a compliment worthy to boost a young lady's self-esteem for quite sometime.

But for Salman's protégé Zarine Khan, who has been trying to recover from her debut in the box-office flop Veer, it has been more of a bane in her professional life.

The actress revealed, "You know after the release of Veer, I was lost. The film did not do as well as expected and I was not getting big offers.

Only new directors were approaching me. Then, there were all these comparisons about me being a Katrina Kaif look-alike and how I would eventually disappear like Sneha Ullal.

I was very insecure and had no film background. However, it's been over a year and with work coming in, I have been able to dispel all talks about me disappearing. However, now I have to shed one more issue and that's being a Katrina look alike."

The uncanny resemblance to Kaif has funnily enough made people believe Zarine too is from the UK. And with her British background being spread with conviction she is rumoured to have difficulty speaking Hindi. However, Zarine set the record straight, as she said, "There is this misconception that I am from UK and I am 26-27 years old.

The fact is I have been born and raised in Bombay and I am just 23 years old. I don't know why everyone feels that I can't speak Hindi. I cannot only speak Hindi but also Marathi and that too fluently. Mujhe koi problem nahi hai. I just hope that once and for all, it is clear."

Also, having a Dabangg Khan in your corner comes with the difficult task of dealing with the other ladies in his life, who are competing for his attention. Just recently, we heard how Sonakshi, green with envy, pushed Zarine at one of Salman's parties.

Zarine, the diplomat, laughed and simply said, "I don't think anyone needs to be insecure as Salman gives attention to everyone.

I won't say that Sonakshi is my best friend. We don't go out for coffee and have long conversations, however, there is no bad blood. When the news came out, Sonakshi smsed me and all is fine."

Although, she is happy with the attention Salman gives her, he has not been the only man to have catapulted Zarine's career. Contrary to popular belief, it was Sajid Naidawala and not Salman who offered her the role in Housefull 2.

Incidentally, Zarine's aunt and Sajid's sister have been friends for 20 years. Zarine said, "Sajid has practically seen me growing up. My aunt used to stay in the same building. However I started interacting with Sajid only after I joined the film industry."

With all the criticism she received for being overweight in Veer, the actress is all geared up to reveal her enviable look in Housefull 2.

She excitedly said, "Everybody wrote me off. People said I was very overweight but no one understood that I had to gain weight for the film. However, I had to really work hard to get back to what I am today.

The results are now to be seen. Now, with Housefull 2, I will be able to surprise people. I am work out twice a day and follow a strict diet."