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.

Breaking News: My life is like Obama's: Mallika

Mallika Sherawat is back in India from the US. Yesterday she was shooting a dance number for her forthcoming film Double Dhamaal at Mehboob studios, Bandra.

She was at her chatty and catty best. This is the Mallika we know and love. Uninhibited and caustic. Excerpts from the interview...

You r-e-a-l-l-y met US President Barack Obama?
Yes. He is a thorough gentleman — simple and intelligent. I even invited him for the premiere of my film Love, Barack which he gracefully accepted. In fact, I feel that my life is the same as Obama's. I do not come from a filmi family, nor do I have a Godfather. I'm from Haryana, but I changed the rules of the industry with my work and so has Obama. I entered an industry dominated by ones who use their surname as a passport, yet I managed to make a name for myself. I think we both are changing the rules of the game in our own way.

You constantly draw criticism for your acting and your dressing. Comment.
This is what I also want to know. I am the only Indian actor to have met the President of the United States, the most powerful man on earth. That is something special, right? And still people try to pull me down instead of celebrating the fact that an Indian has made it big. My obituaries have been written a number of times, but somehow I manage to resurrect myself. God has been kind. Society celebs and the so-called blue bloods of Bollywood are the only ones who have a problem with me. I think they can't stand the fact that I have made it without making any compromises.

There is something that must be working for you. It can't be just good luck and God's kindness...?
I'm high on life and my passion is acting. I'm doing just that. The response I get from girls in small towns saying how much they adore me, keeps me going. I hope I'm inspiring girls like me from small towns to dream big. People from smaller places don't really get opportunities you know.

Who are these people supposedly targeting you?
Let's not get there. But who hasn't tried to put me down every single time? Of course, they haven't been successful in doing so. They might want to do something else now! (laughs) The attitude here is bad. Somehow people don't like people who come from humble backgrounds to soar high. I'm the face of India in Hollywood like it or not.

Is there a boyfriend tucked away in LA?
No. That's not true but I do have many Oscar winners asking me out and I also have proof! (laughs)

Is it true that you prefer older men?
My personal life is really pathetic and boring. I sleep by 10. I'm into yoga and am a vegan. Where do I find a man who doesn't smoke, drink and eat non-vegetarian food?

Have you been approached to write your autobiography. Ahem, for 20 crores?
I have been approached and I'm contemplating writing it. But I won't do a tell-all right now. There is a lot that I want to do. Some point in my life I would definitely write an autobiography. A girl coming from Haryana, a state with a high female foeticide record, making it big and meeting the President of United States is worth a story, no?

It is alleged that you are very difficult to work with.
Our industry tries to bully actresses. I don't know why the other girls don't talk about it but filmmakers want us to work for free, they don't want to pay our staff and all that. I have put my foot down and I have become the bad one, who is difficult to work with.

You have lost oodles of weight. Trying to be size zero?
Trust me it's there in all the right places. I'm on a fruit diet. I eat almonds, nuts and as I said
I'm a vegan now and loving being fit.

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.

Yes I met Somy Ali: Salman

Post two consecutive money rakers Wanted and Dabangg, one would expect Salman Khan to now start having those starry airs. Looks like, he couldn't be bothered less.

While people may think that whom they see is a new, more focused, serious Salman, the star himself feels, "Stardom and all is bakwaas. I am and always will be the same. The only thing that has probably changed in me is that I have learnt to say 'No'."

Salman, who always stood by his friends, has now realised that even friends deserve to be told 'No' when required. "Gone are the days when I used to make a film and say 'chalta hai, sets pe dekh lenge, kuch bana denge' to friends who did not have a script. Give me a good script and I will do it," explains the actor.

However, the star sure has learnt to say a 'yes' to media. Salman, who never promoted his own films, did so for Wanted. And for his forthcoming film Ready, he has even designed the promotional events.

The actor who brought a graffiti covered bus to an event of the film recently, still chose to deny his new media savvy avatar, "I am bakofying, and you are chapoying. It's the release of my film. I am doing my job and you are doing yours. Solves the purpose for both of us."

With a lot of expectations pinned on Ready after the success of his last two films, the media promotion is understandable. "I just hope we stand up to the expectations. Everybody starts off wanting to make a successful film," says the actor.

Ready, the film has had its fair share of controversies as well. The fight between Salman and Anees Bazmee for instance. "It is all bulls***. he came back for the post production of Thank You. There is no fight," states Salman.

But then, one would wonder why he never chose to refute them? Was that too a part of the publicity? "Why should I clear rumours? It just takes my thumb to deny all rumours on Twitter. But I choose not to," declares Sallu bhai.

Leaving films aside, there have been constant speculations about his personal life as well. His meeting with ex-girlfriend Somy Ali hit the headlines a little over a month back. "Yes, I met her. She is my friend like many others.

They come to my house doesn't mean I am having an affair with them," says Sallu and adds, clearing the air about Kangna, "Kangna too, is my friend. She is very sweet."

Though, Salman understands how to be diplomatic about the women in his life, one thing he still hasn't learnt is the business of making a film, unlike his peers Aamir, Shah Rukh or Saif. "I don't want to understand the business.

Sohail does and so does my father. It will probably take me five minutes but if I understand, I will spend hours every day thinking about it. I am happy this way," reveals the actor.

Munni is my favorite: Yana

Yaana Gupta, who is often in the news for various controversies, denies rumors about her relationship with Salman Khan (Jhalak Dikhlaja 4 co-star) and offer from a magazine to pose nude. 
 
Yaana will be seen in her latest item song 'Laila Main Laila' from the film Chalo Dilli (which released on Friday). She also happens to replace Bipasha Basu in an item song from the film Murder 2. Excerpts:
 
Your latest item song 'Laila Main Laila' is making listeners groove. How does it feel to be back?
 I feel very excited about it and I am grooving myself.
 
What do you think of the original song? Which one do you find better?
 I am attached to the new one as I am a part of it. The original song has obviously been a hit in the past and I am happy that I got an opportunity to be associated with such a classic song.
 
Amongst 'Munni' and 'Sheila', which one is your favorite?
 Munni is my favorite. I prefer its music.
 
How do you rate yourself as an item girl?
I wouldn't try to rate myself but improve and become better each time.
 
Do you want to continue to have the tag of an item girl? 
 I don't mind.
 
You are in the news more often for the controversies rather than work. Does it help in getting work?
 I don't think it helps in getting work, but what does help getting work is being Professional, talented and that is what I focus on.
 
There are many rumors floating about you dating Salman Khan ( Jhalak Dikhlaja co-star). Could you please clarify? 
I have been saying the truth all along but I suppose no one seems to be satisfied with it. I am being asked the same question over and over again. All I can say is I am not interested and I have never been.
 
You are living in India for long but are not yet an Indian citizen. Please comment.
 My soul is Indian. I don't think I need a paper My soulor a document to make me a citizen.
 
Is it true you got an offer to pose nude from a British magazine?
I wish!
 
You shot for another item song- Aa Zara Kareeb Se ( Murder 2 )...wasn't Bipasha Basu the first choice?
I heard so!
 
When can we see you act in films?
As soon as I get an offer to act and not just pose in a bikini.

Are you going to be a part of any new reality show in the near future? 
Not as yet.
 
What do you do when you're not working?
Give interviews (smiles). 

Princess of Poise!

Kate Middleton's a sudden fashion icon with her easy style. The royal bride-to-be has 'approachable style' that sets her apart from Princess Diana, says Nona Walia

The fashion world has been taken over by the 'Middleton' effect. As the hysteria before the royal wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William builds up, Kate is slated to be the next 'fashion icon'. Stylists predict that the future Queen of England Kate will be a bigger style icon than Diana! In fact, UK's Daily Mirror reports how Kate is poised to become a style icon in her own right!

Making monarchy stylish!
Kate's chic and classy style has already got her an iconic status. Ahead of the wedding, Katemania is sweeping the world, as the future princess' wa r d r o b e choices show a positive effect on sales. Kate brings a softer touch to British dressing. According to royal historian, Hugo Vickers, the couple has sparked a "new generation revival" of the monarchy and they could eclipse celebrities such as Beckhams. Says designer Suneet Varma, "Kate's style is more relaxed and approachable. She'll chart her own personal style. When Princess Diana was courting Charles, she was in her teens and a school teacher. The legendary Bruce Oldfield gave her a drastic makeover, by ensuring whatever she wore became a big fashion moment. From her hats to her dresses — Princess Diana's makeover after marriage had a huge impact. Kate's style is evolved, as her own identity is strong, but it'll be tough for her to match Diana's style. Kate should stick to her own signature style and keep it simple but not boring."

The 'Middleton' effect
Kate enjoys being a lady of elegance. She was wearing a see-through dress when she first caught Prince William's eye. The world is waiting in anticipation to discover the mystery designer of her bridal gown. The question is: Will it be anywhere close to Princess Diana's silk taffeta gown which topped the list of iconic wedding dresses worn by royal and celebrity brides. Says designer Rohit Bal, "I personally doubt anyone could ever fill Princess Diana's shoes! There can be only one Grace Kelly, one Marilyn Monroe and only one Princess Diana, who'll remain the ultimate style icon."

Unlike Diana, Kate doesn't dress for publicity. Fashion expert Asha Baxi says, "Kate's good-looking, smart, charming. The 'Middleton' effect on fashion will be influential in coming years."

A glimpse of fairytale!
Kate's life has a glimpse of fairytale endings — girl-next-door becomes Queen of the palace, with minimal make-up, auburn hair falling on her shoulders. Designer Raghavendra Rathore agrees, "Kate has a polished and sophisticated sense of style. She is considered a style icon already because of her timeless elegance. She has kept away from anything frivolous and flouncy and has stuck with ensembles that emulate sharpness. Kate embodies a cutting-edge and chic sense of style and has the ability to pull off anything fresh and feminine to contrived and structured with equal panache."

But it isn't just about clothes and style, the Princess-in-waiting's personality and presence also make her unique. Designer Rina Dhaka says, "Kate will be the style icon of the future. She'll be to England what Michelle Obama is to the US. She doesn't need to ape Princess Diana, for she's stylish in her own way.

Soon, Kate hysteria will become a talking point, making her a different icon from Princess Diana." Says designer Jaya Rathore, "Kate Middleton and Princess Diana are two different women from diverse backgrounds. There's a generational change in their styles. When Diana got married into the royal family, she was too young. It was a magical. Kate's educated and experienced the media attention over the last few years and her style is more practical."

Princess of the high street!
With the spotlight on Kate's mystery bridal dress, Alexandra Shulman, the Vogue editor writes, "When you get a pretty, young woman who is going to have an incredibly high profile on the stage, the inclination is to want to embrace her." Interestingly, Kate's been referred to as 'Princess of the High Street' because of her affordable choices. Designers Anjalee & Arjun Kapoor believe, "Kate has a comfortable body language. She carries herself with poise and grace. The best thing is that Kate always gives positive vibes and connects with the masses."

Agyness Deyn to visit India

British model Agyness Deyn is apparently planning a trip to India in a bid to 'find herself'.

The Oldham-born model recently returned to London after an unsuccessful attempt to break into acting in New York.

Now the restless model, once the muse of designer Henry Holland, is preparing for a backpacking voyage of self-discovery.

"Agyness has been sofa-hopping in London while she prepares to head to India," the Daily Mail quote a pal as saying.

"She's only 28 and she still needs to find out what she wants to do in life.
The acting world wasn't for her and she thinks there's more to life than modelling.

"She's hoping it will be a life-changing experience that will help her to finally find her calling," the pal added.

SRK praised Salman: Abhinav

Abhinav Kashyap a.k.a. Dabangg director and brother of Anurag Kashyap, only recently visited Shah Rukh Khan at his residence and all hell broke loose. There were talks that Abhinav had left the Salman camp for Shah Rukh's. However, Abhinav Kashyap denied all of this when we put him in the hot seat.

He told us, "Yes, I did go to Shah Rukh's house. He saw Dabangg, thought it to be a good movie, and share the appreciation with me. He's an actor, I'm a director, we are a part of the same industry, there was no reason why I shouldn't have met him. I didn't meet him in hinding, I told Arbaaz that Shah Rukh had called me home and that I intended to meet him," he said.

Abhinav further added, "SRK spoke a great deal about Dabangg. He praised Salman's performance in it. He applauded Arbaaz' production efforts. He congratulated me on a job well done as well. That was really all that happened when I visited Shah Rukh."

About Abhinav's next project, it's going to be backed by Viacom 18. Nothing else has been decided yet. A film with SRK? "Well, if fate has it that we work together, we will. Nothing has been talked about so far."

I'm not a f**k buddy: Payal

Payal Rohatgi declares she is, "angry and in mood for vengeance," She was recently discharged from a nursing home, where she was treated for depression.

She's been grappling with the decision to bare her mind about her tryst with Dibakar Banerjee. But now she has decided she wants to have her say. In a no holds barred conversation, she reveals her version of what happened between them, during their short four-month friendship.

Payal says a few months ago she sent an SMS to Dibakar, introducing herself and asking to meet him. According to her, since then they've been friends. "You could also call him a mentor." She adds they'd often talk about relationships – his and hers. "I spoke about my problems (split with Rahul Mahajan), and he'd talk about his marriage not working. He advised me to see a psychiatrist from Bombay Hospital, someone whom he sees to discuss his inability to be monogamous and his need for multiple affairs." She admits not minding being agony aunt to him.

Things changed after she auditioned for a role for his upcoming film, Shanghai. "I mentioned to him that I want to act, and asked for a role in his film. He asked me to meet Atul Mongia, his casting director. The scene required me to react to the news about my husband's murder. I think I gave my best because I cried my heart out. After the audition I messaged Dibakar, and he asked me how I was feeling. I told him I was very low because to portray the grief I'd imagined my mother dying." She claims he then offered to come to her house. "He'd been over before and we've hung out but he never misbehaved with me. So, I agreed. When he came, he commented that I had put on weight. I was puzzled. He then asked me to lift my shirt and show him my stomach. I got pissed-off. I told him not joke around as I was feeling low. I said to him, 'Let me be, and please leave.' And he left."

She says after that whenever she tried to call the director, he never took her calls. "After the positive feedback on the day of the audition, I was surprised when the casting director told me that Dibakar and the core crew preferred another girl. I messaged him requesting him to give me the role and that I was ready to do a two-day workshop, and also do a second audition. No revertal, no reply, nothing from this man who'd call me at least 20 times a month," she says in a high pitch. She says this behaviour from 'a friend' devastated her. She continues, "This must have happened to me before. But never from a friend. You can't f**k your buddy, if you are giving her a role!"

What Dibakar has to say...

The meeting: Payal contacted me first around March 2010 through many texts and phonecalls of an over familiar nature. She said she wanted to act in meaningful films rather than do item numbers. Upon her repeated insistence I met her at a Business Centre of a Five Star hotel in a business environment.

There I impressed that the ONLY way to act in my film would be to pass a screen test. Because her texts were flirtatious I clarified in a frank and forthright way – that if I were to ever cheat on my marriage, I would rather have an extra marital affair with a non actor than ask for sexual favours in return for a role as that would really go against my deepest principles. After that there were many calls and texts asking for professional advice. I learnt other directors had got similar calls too. However giving her benefit of doubt I referred her to my casting and workshop director whom she contacted.

The counselling session: After which there were many phone calls where she sought advice on a personal front. Realizing that she was a deeply troubled person I recommended acting teachers, playgroups, theatre workshops and a personal counselor to h er. This counselor was someone I had consulted, during my darkest hours in 2004 when Khosla was not releasing and there had been a death in the family. This is no secret. Many of my friends, colleagues and my wife know about it. This was told to Payal as a way of telling her that all bad patches can be overcome if one is determined.

The screen test: She contacted me in early 2011. I told her to test for Shanghai by contacting my casting director. She insisted on meeting him and me for workshops before testing. I did not meet her in any way during this period though she called me for advice a few times. After testing for the role, she called him and me many times in a disturbed state. Apparently the testing for the role of a bereaved wife had seriously unsettled her. I told her to get on out and meet friends. I was on my way to a colleague's studio and she insisted on coming there, to presumably to talk to me about the test and cheer up. She also insisted that I pick her up. I was unwise enough to accede.

The meeting at her house: When I reached her place, she asked me up as she would take five minutes. I was barely there for a few minutes and my driver can affirm that. Nothing of any sexual, exploitative or suggestive nature transpired – I'm willing to swear in court to that. After which I escorted her to the studio, where an hour-long happy interaction with people present, while I withdrew to work. This is where the conversation about her weight took place! My colleague remembers it! And there was no request to lift her top – but a discussion on the weight of the character she was testing for! She started texting me shortly after this, asking about the screen test results. I texted her to please check with my casting director, as is my policy. Upon which the texts again became insistent and troubled. This time I took a call as this repetitive pattern of help-anxiety-help was taking its toll. I decided to end communication.

After ending communication: Her texts became angrier, more disturbed. She called me and my casting director in the middle of the night in an angry state. Then all communication stopped. The screen test cue sheet proves the date is 7th February. Why does one take so long to ask redressal? During this clarification you will note that I have not betrayed the many details of Payal's confidential life that she narrated to me while asking for advice. My cardinal mistake has been to take her aim to act in meaningful roles sincerely. And in my well-meaningness and well known practice of being cordial and respectful to all who approach me, misjudged her desperation and level of disturbance and the length she's willing to go to damage a well wisher who just happened to give her a screen test and then not find her suitable.

'Sunidhi, Enrique didn't shoot together'

It was big news that Sunidhi Chauhan was to croon with international singing sensation Enrique Iglesias.

But TOI has stumbled upon some startling facts. Sunidhi hasn't recorded with him for 'Heartbeat'. The collaboration is simply to make an Indian version named The Masala Mix composed by Shamir Tandon. The other 'fact' being drummed was the music video that she shot with Enrique. Sources say the original video featuring Enrique and Nicole Scherzinger of Pussycat Dolls has been edited. Nicole has been chopped out, and Sunidhi fitted in! Apparently, Enrique is not in touch with Sunidhi or the composer, he is only in touch with the record label. When confronted on this, Sunidhi attempts to come clean. Read on....

Was Enrique present when the recording happened? We hear otherwise.
Enrique has not re-recorded the song. His part is from the original song. My portions have been fitted in. We've brought in Indian elements into his song.

What about your interviews about "working with Enrique"?
There might be a misunderstanding. You may want to hear the recording before jumping the gun. I mean, it was great to collaborate with Enrique, which is his song, and we have made a totally different new song for the Indian audiences. It is fresh and doesn't sound like the original. It isn't a remix.

We hear Enrique hasn't shot even for the music video and that you've merely been fitted in?
As I said, you have to see the video before you can decide that. Enrique has shot for the video. We have scenes together in the video. (Sources from the record label reveal that when Sunidhi was in LA for four days, Enrique might have shot a couple of shots with her for some part, but most of it was shot separately)

'Meet'ing of minds
Meanwhile, the public relations executive of the music label informed us that the entire office staff was busy in a crucial meeting and and thus unavailable for a comment. Hmmmm... what was the agenda? An album with Sunidhi and Jay Z?

I'm an obsessive actor: Aamir Khan

This may well be one of Aamir Khan's busiest birthdays. He is shooting for Reema Kagti's suspense thriller, bulking up for Aditya Chopra's Dhoom-3 and getting ready to release Delhi Belly.

He's also learning to swim, speak Marathi more fluently and planning to enroll in a cooking class. In a quick Q & A, the actor confesses to his current highs.

So who is it with you in Dhoom-3? Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra or Deepika Padukone?
Dhoom-3 will roll in January 2012. I'm only building my physique for it from now on. And why are you assuming that I'm involved in the casting. Aditya Chopra and Vijay Acharya Krishna (Victor) will select the heroine. I have no say in the matter.

In an Aamir film, Aamir normally has all the say...
Yaar nahin, I'm only an actor on set. I'm an obsessive actor but nothing more. Right now, I'm totally preoccupied with Reema's film. It is a genre that neither I nor anyone else has dabbled in for a long time. It's also got a strong emotional core.

And, it has no title?
Yeah, if someone gives me a title for Reema's film, it will be the best birthday gift I receive today.

Heard you are learning to swim?
Yes, in fact I've enrolled for swimming lessons with Mickey Mehta. I have to swim in Reema's film. Actually I'm very excited about this one. After 3-Idiots this is my next film. I was in Dhobi Ghaat, but it was more Kiran's movie.

You also have conversations only in Marathi?
With my staff I only speak in Marathi. My teacher Suhas Limaye says that it is the best way to polish my language. I have poor language skills; I'm a little slow but I am thoroughly enjoying speaking the language.

What's this cooking thing you are getting into?
Cooking is also something I want to learn. Honestly, I haven't started.

One hears Kiran and you have moved into your mother's house?
Yes, Kiran and I are now sleeping in the bedroom where I spent my childhood. My mother has come to live in my building; Kiran and I have moved upstairs to her home. Our things are still in our home downstairs but we sleep and wake up in mom's house. After pack up, I go straight to mom's house and I am with her till bedtime.

What according to you is your biggest achievement in the year gone by?
I have given the industry two women directors-Anusha Rizvi (Peepli Live) and Kiran Rao (Dhobi Ghat). I've supported talent that I believe in and I have also shown that art house movies which earlier collected two-three crores can collect as much as 15 crore-plus.

Is Delhi Belly also art-house?
No. It is a kameena commercial film.

Are Shah Rukh, Salman and you still the front-runners?
I don't know about being number 1 or 2; I'm excited about my success. My fans are happy to see everything that I put out there in the market. That's immensely gratifying.

Do you feel any different at 46 than you felt at 40?
Frankly, age is just a number. Physically, no one can counter age; to me it has never mattered. Goals can be achieved even when you are 90. The audience doesn't ask an actor's age when it comes to seeing his film.

I'm not a B or C grade actress: Preity

Preity Zinta, 36, talks about her television debut and having survived a difficult personal phase 

What convinced you to accept the offer to host Guinness World Record Ab India Todega?
(laughs) It is a record breaking show. I have been getting TV offers for the past five-six years. I didn't have time. Nothing grabbed my attention then.

Talk shows are too personal because so much about your own life emerges through them. I am an adventurous person and when I heard about this show, I had to give it a shot.

All your friends from the industry (Shah Rukh, Salman, Abhishek, Amitabh) have hosted TV shows. Did you ask them for tips?
They told me to relax and be myself. Whoever met me said do what you want.

When will you return to the big screen?
You will see me in movies this year.

Why have you turned down scripts in the past few years?
I was busy over the past six months with the court cases and the fights with BCCI. Before the IPL, I can shoot for the show. IPL follows, and then I will take a month off before shooting for my film.

You made a successful transition from acting to entrepreneurship.
Earlier, I never had the courage to try something completely different. Once I was at the top of my game and opportunity came, I said, 'I want to try this.' I could have done it a bit differently by doing one film a year at least. But I got so consumed by various things that I did not have time for anything else.

Are you in touch with people from the industry?
Of course. I always meet filmmakers who call me for script narrations and politely say, 'Not right now, later'. I listen to every script and that's why they have always been nice to me. You can never forget where you have come from and the people who have helped you get there.

Have you refused any exciting projects?
I have said no to most of the major releases that have done extremely well. It is not in my personality to say I was offered this and that.

Any regrets?
None. In the past 10 years, I have done big films, given big hits. I was never a B grade or C grade actress. I started with Dil Se. I am the only actress in my generation to have worked with Yash Chopra. I have been very lucky. I have never seen crazy failures in films. I did see a difficult side of life personally and it has made me tougher, stronger and smarter. I hope.

When your IPL team Kings XI Punjab came under the scanner, how did you deal with the allegations?
There were allegations against all the teams. We emerged clean, and had the court to back us. After all these investigations and after people pointing fingers at us, we went to court and won fair and square. I would have died of a heart attack if I had been accused of something that I have never done in my life.

Did you discuss issues with your business partner Ness Wadia?
I was in discussion with all my partners and there is no one in particular that I turned to.

What's your involvement with the Kamal Amrohi property case?
I am not anybody's legal heir, nor am I inheriting anything from anybody. I have a lot of respect for him and he is a gentleman. He was in a lot of trouble and I helped him. He asked me to help him. But people blew up the story. The only inheritance I will ever get is from my father.

But he publicly said he wants to give you his property.
Well, yeah! But I haven't taken anything from him.

Are you in touch with Ness?
Why is he so important to everybody? It was over between us two years ago and you should let it be.

Is there a new man in your life?
No, not right now.

Have you turned celibate?
(Laughs) No, I am normal. If I meet someone, I am happy to have a chat. But I am not seeing anyone in particular right now.

Would you want to marry soon?
Of course! I am like anybody else.