Wave of women centric Bollywood movies a welcome trend

New Delhi, March 7 – “No One Killed Jessica”, “Mirch”, “Turning 30″ and “7 Khoon Maaf” – all women-centric films in the last few months show the female leads in strong and powerful roles. Filmmakers and actors hope this trend continues in future.

 

On the silver screen women are usually seen as a helpless mother, submissive wife, devoted girlfriend, overcaring sister, daughter or a vamp, but directors like Vishal Bharadwaj and Alankrita Shrivastava are trying to break the mould and present women in a more realistic, vibrant and unconventional way.

One-film-old Rajkumar Gupta’s “No One Killed Jessica” was an attempt to bring alive the struggle of Sabrina Lall’s fight with the Indian judiciary for years to get justice for her murdered sister.

Starring Vidya Balan and Rani Mukerji, the movie created a buzz as it was inspired by the 1999 murder of model Jessica Lall and the director was never apprehensive that his film won’t do well without a strong male character.

“The protagonists in my movie were two leading ladies who were very powerful in whatever they did. It’s not easy to make a film on such a theme, but times are changing and people are accepting it with open arms,” Gupta told IANS.

Director Vinay Shukla, best known for his 1999, multiple National Award-winning project “Godmother”, is confident there will be more successful women-centric films in the years to come.

“At the moment, the number of women-centric movies is less, but it will grow with time because actresses nowadays have got huge potential to run a movie on their shoulders much like their male counterparts,” said Shukla, whose latest film “Mirch” dealt with four stories of women’s emancipation.

Other movies that gave importance to women character is Bharadwaj’s “7 Khoon Maaf”, inspired by Ruskin Bond’s short story “Susanna’s Seven Husbands”, which saw Priyanka Chopra bumping off her seven husbands, while debutant Alankrita Shrivastava’s “Turning 30″ was a take on the dilemma of women at the milestone age.

Talking about her experience of working as the leading lady in “Turning 30″, actress Gul Panag said: “‘Turning 30′ was all about a woman’s perspective and being a woman, I loved shooting every part of the movie as it was an honest attempt. We gave it our best and I am proud of the movie.”

Earlier too, films like “Dor” (2006), “Silsilay” (2005), “Tehzeeb” (2003), “Pinjar” (2003), “Chameli” (2003), “Satta” (2003), “Filhaal” (2002), “Zubeidaa” (2001) “Lajja” (2001), “Chandni Bar” (2001) and “Fiza” (2000) brought the woman into the spotlight – all these films got critical acclaim, but they didn’t turn out to be a commercial hit.

Shukla pointed out: “It’s not that the trend of women playing the main character has come into practice now. It has been happening for quite long. From Meena Kumari in ‘Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam’, Nargis in ‘Mother India’, Nutan in ‘Bandini’ to Hema Malini in ‘Seeta aur Geeta’ and Meenakshi Seshadri in ‘Damini’, these ladies always managed to make an impression on the audience.”

“The number of such movies has in fact decreased in today’s time but the reason could be that women-centric movies are distinctive and appeals only to a specific audience,” he added.

Veteran actress and censor board chief Sharmila Tagore said: “I feel more women-centric films will come with time. But we shouldn’t complain because it’s the same the world over – it is indeed, the male characters that are in prominence even in Hollywood. So we shouldn’t fuss.”

The 64-year-old, who has been in the industry for over five decades, feels “No One Killed Jessica” is the only woman-centric movie to have worked at the box office.

“Only one women-centric film has sort of worked – ‘No One Killed Jessica’; so one shouldn’t get too excited about the phenomenon. ‘No One Killed Jessica’ was a hugely publicised film because of the actual happening, which had affected so many people. The news about Jessica (Lall) was in the front page of dailies for very long, people were so involved, so the film had a lot of publicity value in a commercial way. So, it was one success,” Sharmila explained.

Meanwhile acclaimed actress Rani Mukerji says she is looking forward to more projects where women are projected as strong and powerful.

“Whatever films I have been a part of so far, most of them have been women-centric films. I wish to do more such films where women are shown stronger because it is a fact that women are stronger,” she said.

By Nivedita Sharma

Salman’s Being Human to help create bone marrow registry

Mumbai, March 6 – Bollywood star Salman Khan’s charitable organisation Being Human has teamed up with Marrow Donor Registry India (MDRI) to create a world-class registry of marrow donors in India.

However, for the registry to be functional, more than one lakh donors need to be registered. People from the age group of 18-50 years are eligible for donor recruitment.

Both the organisations are reaching out to younger generation by working with colleges to create awareness of the need for a world-class registry in India for patients who have blood-related illnesses like leukemia, thalessemia, aplastic anemia and congenital immunodeficiency states.

One of the first colleges to participate in this initiative is K.J. Somaiya Institute of Engineering and IT, Sion, who conducted a marrow donation drive on their college premises along with ‘Marrowthon’ – a 6 k.m. run showing support for the cause.

‘We are glad K.J. Somaiya has come forward. We hope that this will pave the way for more colleges and their students to come forth and register with MDRI and thus make their contribution towards saving many more lives,’ said MDRI spokesperson.

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Sunidhi Chauhan loves photography

Sunidhi Chauhan’s love for music is well known, but not many are aware that the singer has another passion – photography.

The 27-year-old is completely crazy about taking pictures wherever she goes. She is so dedicated and serious about photography that on a recent trip to Dubai for a concert, she even spent around Rs.2 lakhs on a high end SLR camera.

If sources are to be believed, the singer is in talks for a book deal to publish her photographs.

IANS

Amitabh Bachchan shoots for Bbuddah – Hoga terra baap!

Mumbai, March 7 – Megastar Amitabh Bachchan Monday started the shoot for his next home production, which has been finally titled “Bbuddah – Hoga Terra Baap”, being helmed by southern director Puri Jagannath.
 

“It’s official now. The title of the next AB Corp production will be spelt “BBUDDAH”, with the tag line…’hoga terra baap!’ (sic),” Amitabh posted on his blog www.bigb.bigadda.com.

The actor was busy shooting for Prakash Jha’s “Aarakshan” in Bhopal before he came to Mumbai for the first day shoot of his new film.

At one point, it was believed the subject of the film was Buddhist saint Gautam Buddha, as it was earlier titled just “Buddha”. So, the film has a special tagline now.

“Just making sure it does not mingle with Gautam Buddha, the saint… Will have more details on it once I join them… but a few thoughts in prayer and wish for the film would be most appreciated,” Big B posted Sunday night.

The funky title is already grabbing eyeballs.

“‘Bbuddah – Hoga Tera Baap!’! How cool is that title! 1st day of AB Corps new film… BBUDDAH – hoga Tera baap!!! Starring THE MAN @SrBachchan. He’s back and he’s angry!!!,” posted Abhishek Bachchan.

Shekhar Ravijani of music composer duo Vishal-Shekhar tweeted: “One of the coolest titles ever. Bbuddah- hoga Tera baap starring @SrBachchan.” 

AB Corp’s last Hindi outing was “Paa”, which won many awards and critical acclaim for its unique theme and the performances by Big B as a progeria patient, Viday Balan as his mother and Abhishek as his politician father. 

IANS

Preity Zinta hits back at Media

Mumbai, March 7 -  Preity Zinta, is one such bold and daring film stars of Bollywood, who never loses courage, to voice her honest opinions on issues. Even if her opinions, breed controversies, Preity never dreads about such situation and manages it well. A few days back, when Preity went to visit Shirdi, she had to come back hurriedly, instead of peacefully praying due to media’s interference. Obviously, she did not expect so much rush and “commercialisation” of the pilgrim town, where celebs who visit the shrine to pray, are bothered by media.

 

She was very upset with media, and even tweeted about it. We hear about cat fights between Bollywood actresses, but Preity seems to opt out for a different kind of tiff. She is disturbed by media, who makes big fuss. But, being an actress herself, and working in front of the camera for several years, why Preity does not enjoy media attention, is a question.

On that particular day, after returning from Shirdi, Preity tweeted that she cannot understand why is media entertained in the pilgrim town, where people go to pray, and get blessings from God! A temple trustee wanted to take a photograph with her, and all this resulted in a ruckus. Instead of praying in front of Sai Baba, Preity had to deal with media.

She added that, not all celebs go to shrines to seek media attention, some really go for praying. And to disturb anyone while they pray, even if he or she is a film star, is what Preity calls ‘Bad Karma’.

Jackky Bhagnani, Pooja Gupta romance not a publicity gimmick!

Mumbai, March 7 – Jackky Bhagnani has a soft corner for his “F.A.L.T.U” co-star Pooja Gupta and says it is not a publicity gimmick to promote their forthcoming film, but refuses to talk about their future plans.

“Let’s just say Pooja and I are very close friends. Beyond that I leave it you to draw your own conclusions,” said the young actor who debuted with 2009 movie “Kal Kissne Dekha”.

When probed further, he said: “At first Pooja and I were at loggerheads. She thought I had an attitude because I was the producer’s spoilt son. I thought she had an attitude because she was Miss India and all that. As shooting progressed in Mauritius we came close… We partied really hard together. We realised we were not the persons we thought each other to be.

Releasing April 1, “F.A.L.T.U” is choreographer Remo D’Souza’s first Hindi directorial venture. Jackky’s father Vashu Bhagnani has produced it under the banner Puja Entertainment (India) Ltd.

When asked if his friendship with the former Miss India is a gimmick to promote their new film, Jackky replied: “Not at all. I don’t even want to discuss Pooja. When have you last seen a film do well just because the lead pair is linked together?”

Asked about the future of their relationship, he said: “We are both young and starting out in our careers. Who can predict what will happen tomorrow?”

A friend of Jackky said that the two are definitely seeing one another. “It started as a hate-hate relationship, like in those corny movies and then grew into a very tender relationship when they were shooting in Mauritius. Initially, all the four youngsters who were shooting in Mauritus were a wild group. Then it came to a stage where the two of them would steal away from the group for stolen moments of togetherness.”

The friend added that there was a sequence where the four youngsters had to jump off this massive waterfall in Mauritius and Jackky put his foot down. “He wouldn’t let Pooja do that steep plunge. He even had a heated argument with his director Remo Fernandez about the scene. It was the only time they ever argued. That’s when we got to know for sure that Jackky and Pooja are a twosome,” said the friend.

“F.A.L.T.U” is about a group of friends who are considered a total waste. However, a turn in their life leads them to such a situation where fates of many more like them come in their hands.

Talking about the waterfall scene, Jackky said: “About the waterfall scene, it’s one of the steepest waterfalls in the world. Mr (Amitabh) Bachchan and others have jumped down from it, but with a harness. We boys decided to take the plunge without harnesses. How could Pooja do that?”

Bollywood has massive audience in world: Apache Indian

Mumbai, March 8 – Indian origin reggae artist Steven Kapur, popularly known as Apache Indian, says Bollywood has massive popularity in Britain and the rest of the world which is why he wants to learn Hindi and work in movies.

He says he has collaborated with many Indian artists on music, but his ultimate aim is to act in a Bollywood film.

‘I have collaborated with A.R. Rahman, Harbhajan Mann and Pritam in the past, but what I would really like to do is to learn Hindi and act in movies. I have done a movie with Bappi Lahiri called ‘Love Story’, which has not been released yet. India has a great culture, but you have to spend time here and cannot do things from the UK,’ the 43-year-old told IANS in an interview.

‘Bollywood has become very popular around the world. There is a massive audience in the UK, not just Indians who love to listen to Bollywood music. The growth and change have been absolutely phenomenal over the years. The maximum change has been noticed in the past seven years where Bollywood has reached out to a global audience beyond just Indians,’ he added.

The singer is here to promote his new album ‘Musical Freedom’ and had a sneak preview of the new album on Radio City 91.1 FM.

‘I am in India for my tour. I will be touring around four cities in India. This is a warm-up tour for the new album coming out later in the year and getting together my live band. I am here to promote the same,’ said the singer who gave albums like ‘No Reservations’, ‘Make Way For The Indian’ and ‘Real People/ Wild East’.

He believes this is the right time for him to return to India.

‘I have been busy with different territories, travelling in different parts of the world. It’s not true that I haven’t been to India, but I have been to India in bits and pieces. Everything comes at a right time and this is the right time, I believe,’ said Apache whose last album titled ‘Sadhu – The Movement’ came in 2007.

After witnessing unexpected success, Apache slowed down and toured the world to enrich himself.

‘I believe in my career everything happened too suddenly. I had way too many hits in a span of three years and I have been able to draw massive crowds for my performances. Sometimes you have to take one step backward to take two steps forward.

‘I always thought that I got success too soon and no experience with it. Hence I wanted to go around the world and get some experience, play with my band, get into the industry and know the industry better. Now that I have done all that, I am coming back with new albums and new songs for the audience,’ he added.

His new album will hit the shelves in October this year.

Talking about Indian music, he said: ‘The music industry in India has gone through a massive change. In the 1990s, a lot of international music was played across channels. The next phase comprised only Bollywood.

‘Again now a whole new culture has come in with rock, hip hop, reggae becoming popular. A lot of experimentation is happening with fusion, etc., as well. It is really good for India and I am extremely excited about it.’

(Ruchika Kher can be contacted at ruchika.k@ians.in)

IANS

One night stand offered to Mink Singh with a pay of few lakhs

Pune, March 7 - The term ‘Casting couch’ is linked with the film industry for a long time, which means the young aspirants especially female, who aspires to be a heroine, are sexually exploited in lieu of roles in movies. But its existence has been denied by many directors and producers. Also, the film Industry is heard to have connections with flesh trade, and several South Indian film heroines are alleged to be involved in prostitution. 

Mink Singh has affirmed the news that in fact many heroines are involved in one night stands and prostitutions, which offers them more money in a single night, than they can earn by doing a film. A pimp contacted Mink few days back, and at first he said that she will be given 10 lakhs for a saree advertisement if she agrees to model for the saree brand. Later, he called her again on March 1st, when he revealed that she needs to spend time with a customer for few hours in a five star hotel. On being cross questioned by Mink, he even revealed that many other heroines are involved in this racket, and business men, politicians pay them large amount of money, to spend the night together. And this offer, could let Mink get even up to 15 lakhs, per night. 

Mink turned the offer down, but still the man keeps on calling her several times.

I can bring more professionalism to Bollywood: Sofia Hayat

Mumbai, March 8 – Sofia Hayat, a Britain-based singer-actor of Pakistani origin, rues the lack of professionalism in the Indian film industry, alleging some producers were unpleasant to her. India can churn out many hits like ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, says she, provided directors up the quality of their work.

‘I can bring more professionalism to the table. You need to be the character and can’t pretend to be one. When I act, I am not pretending, I have the tool. You can’t say I am an actor when you don’t have any tool. 

You can learn. I learnt for six years through different courses in universities in England. We can bring more professionalism, more colour,’ Sofia, 26, told IANS in an exclusive interview.

She says Bollywood producers wanted to get personal before signing her up for any project, unlike in Britain or the US.

‘I find sex is like a commodity you just trade here. If you need it, why don’t you hire a prostitute?’ asked Sofia who is here to shoot for ‘Diary Of A Butterfly’ directed by Vinod Mukhi.

Back home, Sofia worked in both television serials and movies. She featured in the BBC’s ‘Waterloo Road’ and ‘Jonathan Creek’ and had a role in the BAFTA winning series ‘Fur TV’ that came on MTV.

Her movie stint includes ‘The Unforgettable’, where she had a role opposite Raji James, ‘Exitz’ that also stars Malcolm Mcdowell and Stephen Billington, as well as ‘Cash and Curry’, which sees her as the gun-toting wife of a gangster.

Sofia, who was kidnapped by her parents at knife point when she was in university, has scripted a film called ‘Dishonoured’, about the trials and tribulations of Asians in Britain. She says it is inspired by her own life. The film will go on the floors by the end of this year and major parts of the movie will be filmed in India.

Though she came here to do some good movies, she believes the craft of acting is not important here.

‘I am not making films for money. I have made huge money in Britain. I am here to do some good films, but it is like a factory here. They ignore the craft of acting. If you pay heed to the craft, they would be appreciated in Britain and America,’ she said.

She feels if the filmmakers here won’t pull up their socks and show professionalism, foreign producers won’t engage them in their projects as directors.

‘I fear producers would come here and make films, using your lighting guys, your editors, but not your directors. Directors from Britain and the US would involve a high level of money, but they would bring some professionalism with them,’ said the actress.

‘People say ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ put India on the global map. Sorry, it’s Danny Boyle who put India on the global map. He is a British guy. You can have millions of films like ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ if producers and directors put that level of professionalism to the table,’ added the actress.

Another problem that Sofia complains about is that the entire script is not disclosed to an artist until one signs on the dotted line.

‘The problem in India is they don’t show you the whole script. Recently, I signed one film looking at my character, but when I read the whole script (I decided) to cancel it,’ she said.

‘I don’t want to do a film where people would exclaim ‘wow! She looks good’. Rather, would love to do films where people would say ‘wow! She can act’. That’s why I didn’t do the role though it was the lead role,’ she said.

(Dibyojyoti Baksi can be contacted at dibyojyoti.b@ians.in)

IANS

Katrina Kaif not part of any other IPL team

Mumbai, March 7 – Shooting down rumours that she will join Kochi Indian Premier League (IPL) or Pune Warriors as its brand ambassador, Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif’s spokesperson revealed that she is not connected to IPL in any way this year around.
 

After the 26-year-old stepped down as the brand ambassador of IPL Royal Challengers Bangalore team, it was speculated that she might join Kochi IPL team or the Pune Warriors.

“These reports are untrue and Katrina is not part of any Indian Premier League (IPL) team this year,” said Katrina’s official spokesperson in a statement. 

“She is not a part of this 2011 IPL season nor were there any talks on her being Brand Ambassador for any team. The reports doing the rounds are absolutely baseless and untrue. 

She will be shooting for Yash Raj Film’s ‘Mere Brother Ki Dulhan’, which is why she opted out of the Bangalore team (Bangalore Royal Challengers),” added the spokesperson.

Kajol seen with her son Yug and her daughter Nysa

Mumbai, March 7 -  Real life jodi of Kajol and Ajay Devgan is one of the perfect couples of B-Town. They dated each other for a few years, and then got married. There were no controversies or rumours heard about their love life. After both of them got married, the industry predicted that Kajol won’t ever be seen onscreen again, because Bollywood is not warm towards married heroines, who generally can’t deliver a hit after marriage. Kajol’s unwillingness to face camera even for interviews after marriage, instigated the thought that she has ended her filmi careers and wont be seen again onscreen.

 

But, mother of two, knows to handle her career as well as her family together. She has delivered hits like “Fanaa”, “Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham”, “My Name Is Khan” after her marriage. In September 2010, Kajol gave birth to a baby boy Yug. She was shooting for Karan Johar’s film “We are family” when it was heard that she got pregnant for the second time.

Nysa, Kajol-Ajay’s first child is 9 years old. Recently, Devgan family was seen together with their newest member Yug, in Mumbai Airport on Wednesday night, after they returned from Bangkok trip. The little baby boy was in Kajol’s arms while Nysa walked holding her father’s hands.

The Devgans are perfectly happy family!

Rakhi Sawant ends enmity with Mika

I'm shifting base to LA: Udita Goswami

Actor Udita Goswami speaks to TOI about her Hollywood experience, moving bag and baggage to Los Angeles, Mohit Suri and much more. 

Now that you are back from Los Angels, tell us how was the experience?
It's been two days since I'm in India and trust me I already want to go back there. I had a wonderful time.

So was the trip productive in anyway?
Absolutely. I was supposed to be there for 21 days but I ended up staying for two months. I had a lot of work lined up for me in India. But when I was invited to the Oscar week festivities, which is a big deal there, I decided to stay on. Honestly, I thought it was once in a lifetime chance and I shouldn't miss it. Thanks to my stay there, I met a lot of people from Hollywood, hired a manager, publicist and lawyer. So it was extremely productive.

Buzz has it that you have become very pally with actor Gerard Butler, who was rumored to be dating Priyanka Chopra?
Why just Gerard? I've made friends with a lot of folks from Hollywood. I'm in touch with them constantly. I discovered that they are a lot sweeter and simpler than many of our B-Town people. Plus, I'm not into the name dropping game. You don't go to a private party and micro-blog your pictures from there — with Gerard or any other celeb. It's cheap and tacky.

So are you planning to shift base now?
Yes. I have plans of going back there in August or September. I have done my groundwork. I've looked at places I could shift to and plan to take driving lessons. My secretary here almost wanted to kill me when I was delaying my return to Mumbai because I was having so much fun there. The only reason that I'm back in India is to work on my American accent.

Considering most of our top actors have failed to make a splash in Hollywood films, why are you willing to take such a risk?
For someone like me, who hardly does any work here, I think it's a good idea to move to LA. The thing that works for me there is that I don't look Indian. Here, this was my biggest disadvantage because my looks didn't fall in the Vidya, Rani, and Konkona bracket. The kind of roles that I have been offered in Hollywood is of the exotic variety. I could pass off as a Spanish woman, according to them. Plus, there aren't many Indian roles happening in English movies. Since I don't have the typical 'Indian beauty' look and don't have much work here, I don't see the reason why I shouldn't move there.

Back home, reportedly your ex Mohit Suri and Vishal Mahadkar came to blows over you. Mohit has blamed Vishal for his split with you.
It's very strange. I just got back two days ago and here I am reading about this in the papers. It is interesting to know that two men are fighting over me. But let anyone fight, I don't care anymore.

Kat vs Ash: Battle of Sallu's exes

Marilyn Monroe very candidly said, "I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. 

But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best." Well, we wonder which of our Bollywood heroines Aishwarya Rai Bachchan or Katrina Kaif, Sallu's most talked about exes, will be able to epitomize the character of this controversial Hollywood star, who has inspired Madhur Bhandarkar's most ambitious directorial venture, Heroine.

Not so long ago, the industry was abuzz with rumours that UTV, which is co-producing the film with Bhandarkar, was keen on Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to play the lead role. However, for a dash of competition, the producers have decided to include Sallu's other ex, Katrina Kaif, as an option for the lead.

Our source tells us, "Heroine is now a toss-up between Aishwarya and Katrina. The film will go on floors as soon as either of them is finalized. The rest of the cast is not going to be too difficult to put together."

However, before Sallu's exes stood a chance for the role, Bhandarkar had decided to shelve the film altogether as his first choice, Kareena Kapoor, had backed out.

We broke the story on September 13, 2010 that Kapoor opted out of the film because she felt that certain portions of the film reflected her real life. Also, if sources are to be believed, she was apprehensive about doing the intimate scenes in the film.

Our source confirmed Bhandarkar's previous decision to shelve Heroine, saying, "Yes, he had put it off. In fact, he was very, very disappointed that Kareena could not come to terms with the role."

Now that Heroine is back on track, the source adds, "Everything is okay. Both Aishwarya and Katrina are fine actresses. Both can do ample justice to the role, which requires a lot of style and character as well.

Bhandarkar and UTV took a joint decision to  revive the project and short-list Aishwarya and Katrina as the options for the lead role. The decision was taken as the film's script is extremely hard-hitting and such a story is just waiting to be told."

A source close to Bhandarkar says, "After the moderate success of Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji, he is considering venturing into other genres like comedy and action as well. He is also keen to revive Heroine with UTV but he is yet to give them a green signal."

Kareena Kapoor reveals that Saif likes her in a bikini

Mar 7, Mumbai: Trendsetter of size zero in India, Kareena Kapoor, has got a figure to die for. In “Tashan” and “Kambakkht Ishq”, she donned bikini and flaunted her bikini-perfect body. Her vital stats, is a hot topic of discussion among the youngsters, after she whittled herself down to nearly a skeletal frame. But, now she is putting on weight (only at the right places), and has achieved a curvy voluptuous body.

 

When interviewed Bebo said, her beau Saif Ali Khan, loves to see her in bikini, and with makeup. He does not like to see her plain and simple. But, Bebo has decided that she wont be wearing bikini onscreen, because she flaunted her assets a lot in the previous movies, and now that she is getting curvy again, does not want to attain a size zero figure, which is difficult to maintain.

Even though, Saif does not mind her wearing bikinis onscreen, she has made up her mind to opt for less show off. However, she will be seen in a hot avatar, in the flick “Ra. One”; giving audience a glimpse of her cleavage and thighs.

Audience likes this curvy Bebo, and despite Bebo’s NO to bikinis, viewers won’t be less thrilled to see the sexy voluptuous lady onscreen.

Rana's lingo trouble!

Southern actor Rana Daggubati, who prepared full-on to play a Goan rock musician in the Hindi movie " Dum Maro Dum" (DMD), says he had to get rid of his Hyderabadi accent and learn Goan Hindi to fit into the role.

"I can play the guitar. But I don't know how well I play it. I had to go into preparation not just playing the guitar but to look convincing as a Goan musician. I can't say much about plans to take me on stage. The producers will know better," said Rana, who is currently dubbing for his new Telugu film.

Directed by Rohan Sippy, the film revolves around the lives of six Indians who meet in Goa, and how their lives change forever once involved in drug mafias. The film starring Abhishek Bachchan, Bipasha Basu and Prateik Babbar is releasing April 22.

Both Rana and Prateik had to learn both Goan body language and the spoken language.

"We became really close. He's now like my younger brother. We've kept in touch even after the shooting. We were bonded in our nervousness as virtual newcomers. Since it was live sound, I had a Hindi coach with me throughout.

"I had to get rid of my Hyderabadi Hindi and learn Goan Hindi. It wasn't easy because the two kinds of Hindis were mutually incompatible. I had to unlearn one kind of Hindi and then learn a new kind. Since I was brought up in Chennai, I speak fluent Tamil and Telugu. I am confused about which language to sing in," said Rana, grandson of veteran Telugu film actor-producer D. Ramanaidu and son of producer D. Suresh Babu.

Rana will be rushing into Mumbai to promote DMD and then rushing back to Hyderabad because he has a Telugu release "Nenu Na Rakshasi" a week after DMD.

"It's a hectic time. I am not nervous because DMD is not really a debut for me. I've already gone through that acid test with my Telugu release 'Leader' last year. We shot DMD in Goa. So I don't know what it feels like to be a part of Mumbai," he said.

Vidya Balan in a bikini!

After Sonakshi Sinha, it's actress Vidya Balan who's facing the consequences of being a celeb in the time of the internet.

Last December, morphed pictures of Sonakshi Sinha in a bikini for a magazine cover had floated online. But, Sonakshi was quick to point out and clarified immediately on her social networking page that those were not her pictures, and that she was shocked at the stories around the fake photo shoot.

And now Vidya's facing the same situation. A few days ago, she was shocked to learn that a morphed picture of hers in a black bikini for a magazine cover had been posted online and was doing the rounds. The photo has been morphed on the cover of a famous men's magazine for the 'Annual 2011' edition. But when we contacted the actress, she was completely shocked and denied shooting for the mag. She is now taking legal action against those responsible for this. She told us, "First Sonakshi and then me... When I heard there was a picture of me in a bikini on a magazine cover, I thought someone was being mistaken for me because I haven't done a shoot like this. But I was shocked when I saw it. I will be taking proper legal action against the people who are responsible for this."

The two aren't the first to suffer the bane of morphed pictures that make their way online. In 2009, actress Celina Jaitly had filed a legal case against two websites – a gadgets blog and a Bollywood portal – for uploading obscene morphed picture of hers online. A magazine, in 2006, had carried morphed pictures of South Indian star Khushboo in a red transparent bikini, which had resulted in the actress filing a police complaint against the magazine.

Anurag takes on Salman!

Late Saturday night, Anurag Kashyap put this status on his social networking site profile, " Salman Khan thinks he made my brother's life. Hope he does the same for Arbaaz when he does Dabangg 2. All The Best."

A few minutes later he posted another message, "Abhinav Singh Kashyap, you rock... I love you... Show them what you are made off." The "them" clearly means the Khan brothers. Anurag's outburst comes close on the heels of the news of producer Arbaaz Khan directing the Dabangg sequel. Two days ago, Arbaaz revealed on a micro-blogging website, "Hey guys it's true, I will be directing the sequel of Dabangg. Abhinav for some personal and professional reasons opted out."

It is known that Abhinav and Salman had problems throughout the making of the film. But neither spoke about it. When the film became a superhit, all was forgotten. However when the awards and the rewards began flowing in, the director felt that the Khan brothers did not credit him enough for giving them the biggest hit of the year. While the Khans felt that he owed them for giving him a break, and the opportunity to direct a film with one of the nation's biggest stars. When talk of the sequel began, Kashyap started getting a feeling of déjà vu, and decided not to be a part of it. The producer and the director claimed it was amicable but following Abhinav's big brother's flare-up on a public platform, the jhagda is now in the open. Now will Arbaaz's big brother respond?

India needs many Women’s Day in a year: Gul Panag

Women's Day is just round the corner. And while women get ready to get pampered and be in the limelight on March 8 th , actress Gul Panag feels that India needs more than just one Women's Day.

Talking about the day, around which all products and services catering to women try to come up with the best offers and tempting deals, Gul says, "Women's Day- while not doubting its spirit, has become another day to market goods & services. Commercialization is the objective."

Gul was discussing Women's Day and the hype around it with fans and friends on a micro blogging site. Voicing her thoughts the actress said that, "Even an hour would be enough if people have serious intentions; WD has been reduced to just another branding opportunity."

The actress has always come out strongly about issues concerning women. And today although she is looking forward to celebrate womanhood this women's day, Gul is saddened by the evils against women that still prevail in society.

"Knowing the condition of women in India, we probably need many many Women's Days in a year," said Gul who referring to the ills like female foeticide, dowry and rape that are still the order of the day.

Rakhi Sawant wears a diamond as her tooth!

Mar 5, Pune- Rakhi Sawant, the drama queen of India, is back in news again. She is notable for her juicy comments and nakhras. Wherever she goes, controversy follows her like a shadow.

This time, she took the help of her tooth, to grab media attention. For quite sometime, she was missing from the gossip columns. And now that she has got a diamond tooth, she candidly spoke about her new ornament to the whole world. After getting layers of plastics implanted on her body, she is set to beautify her smile. 

 

When asked why she preferred a diamond tooth, she blatantly spoke that she loves jewellery. Her tooth is made up of pure diamonds and is on her left jaw. She longed for it, and now she has already got it. She also added that she does not like Indian jewellery like nose studs and all, because it does not go with her modern glam look. So she prefers to wear those ornaments which go on well with her look. 

Our own item girl Rakhi thinks her overdone plastic surgeries and heavy makeup are no longer sufficient to glam up her look, and thus got diamonds set on her tooth.

I can’t do what Mr. Bachchan did in KBC: Prosenjit

Mumbai, March 6 – Bengali superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee recently got an offer to host the Bengali version of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ (KBC), but he refused. He says he can’t create the same magic that Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan did with the quiz show. 

‘They offered and they are still asking me to do this, but I am not doing that. I am a big follower of Mr. Bachchan. I still remember his signature dialogue in ‘Mohabbatein’ and we used to be excited when he used to say ‘Lock Kiya Jaye’ (on KBC). I can’t do what Mr. Bachchan has done. I somehow can’t place myself where Mr. Bachchan sat,’ Prosenjit told IANS on the phone from Kolkata. 

KBC, based on the British show ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire’, created history when it was first launched on Star Plus in 2000 with Big as the host. Five years later, he hosted the second season of the show. 

In 2007, superstar Shah Rukh Khan hosted the third season. But last year Amitabh returned to host the fourth season of KBC. 

Bollywood actors are doing lot of television shows and the trend has reached the Bengali film industry too, but Prosenjit is statying away from small screen right now. 

‘I will come to television very soon. But I have been keeping myself away for a very long time because I am waiting for the right thing. Basically, I was trying my patience. I have seen so much ups and downs, I don’t want to rush for anything. I have never hurried in life,’ said the national award winning actor. 

Son of yesteryear superstar Biswajeet, he made his debut with ‘Duti Pata’ in the year 1983 and is known for his powerful performances in ‘Omor Shongi’, ‘Apon Amaar Apon’ and ‘Ami, Yaseen Aar Amaar Madhubala’. He also won accolades for ‘Chokher Bali’ and calls ‘Dosar’ his most challenging role. 

Recently, he received appreciation for his work in Goutam Ghose’s ‘Moner Manush’ and Srijit Mujherji’s ‘Autograph’. 

But despite being so successful, the 48-year-old is never in a rush and takes his own time in selecting an offer. 

‘My only plus point is that I don’t rush. I wait for the right time. I try to study and I try to know it first. From television, of course, I got lot of offers. I get offers every day, but I am trying to keep myself away as much as possible,’ he said. 

IANS