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Sanjay & John take to the mike

Going by the 憈rack

John Abraham to endorse Pepsi Diet
  
New Delhi: Pepsico has embarked on an aggressive marketing campaign for its Pepsi Diet and has signed on Bollywood actor John Abraham as its first brand ambassador in India.

John Abraham


[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 1-6-2007 01:31 PM ]

Ash, Abhishek to act in a Mani Ratnam film

Will Viveik Oberoi also be part of the cast?

While the Mumbai film industry is abuzz with Mani Ratnam's next film with Aamir Khan, the cat is more or less out of the bag that the movie moghul will first bankroll and direct a Hindi film tentatively called Guru, starring Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan and Vidya Balan.

The much-feted director of films like Nayakan, Anjali, Roja, Bombay, Alraipayuthe and Kannathil Mutham Ittal was recently holed up at a Mumbai hotel, location hunting and script narrations and finalisations of his cast. The search is on for the role of the antagonist who spars with Abhishek Bachchan.

It could just be John Abraham, though rumours were also circulating that the role might be offered to Viveik Oberoi.

Anurag Kashyap will helm the Hindi dialogue, A R Rahman will score music. The director has zeroed in on Gulzar for the lyrics. Director Rajiv Menon who was the cinematographer on Ratnam's Bombay, will photograph Guru.

The Aamir Khan project will roll only at the end of 2006. But as of now, it will be action time for Guru in April-May, with its first shooting schedule in Aden. Ratnam's Hindi feature film forays including Dil Se and Yuva were commercial failures.

Neither Ratnam nor the cast members, including Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan were available for comment.

Aishwarya Rai


Abhishek Bachan


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 14-1-2006 12:05 AM ]

I don't think I'm fashionable: Abhishek Bachchan

It has been a memorable year for Abhishek Bachchan - three hit films, Elle magazine's most stylish person of year and CNN's entertainer of the year - but he says his biggest high was father Amitabh's performance in Black.

Once tagged as a flop star, Abhishek is going places after giving three successful films in 2005, Bunty aur Babli, Bluffmaster  and Sarkar and says he is equally proud of all his films.

"Dad's performance in Black was undoubtedly the biggest high for me. I wouldn't single out any of my own performances because none of them was anywhere near Dad."

Referring to Elle magazine selecting him as most stylish person of the year, he says modestly: "I have to thank all the people who work from behind the scenes to create that illusion. A special thanks must go to my personal stylist Falguni Thakore and Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla."

About CNN designating him the entertainer of the year, Abhishek tells IANS in this interview: "I am thoroughly flattered. I don't agree with that at all."

What was the biggest high of the year?
Dad's performance in Black. That was undoubtedly the biggest high for me. I wouldn't single out any of my own performances because none of them were anywhere near Dad. And at the end of the year, Black was selected by Time magazine as one of the 10 best films of the year. Isn't that cool?

What about your own films?
They all made me happy. And I am equally proud of all of them. At the end of the year, I was happy to know that the first week's collections of Bluffmaster in the US were $160,000 dollars. In the second week, the collections went up by almost $60,000. That's practically unheard of.
How do you explain it?
I dunno. Maybe they just liked Bluffmaster. I certainly did. I am fond of all my films.

Elle magazine has chosen you as the most stylish person of the year?
It's very humbling...

Do you think you're stylish?"
No. I have to thank all the people who work from behind the scenes to create that illusion. Special thanks must go to my personal stylist Falguni Thakore and Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla. These are the people who do most of my clothes. And if I am being labelled stylish the credit must go to these persons. I don't think I'm fashionable. But thank you very much.

Suddenly in the last one year you have become a pinup favourite?
How do I explain it? I don't even try to explain it. Aditya Chopra once told me, very seldom does the audience decide to like someone. No point in questioning it. Just be thankful and work extra hard to keep the audiences' faith intact. I'll try my best not to disillusion those who've faith in me.

Also, CNN has designated you the entertainer of the year?
I am thoroughly flattered. I don't agree with that at all.

It could have something to do with the variety of roles you did in 2005?
No, they are just being kind. I think there are artistes out there who have done far better work than me during the year. I don't think I am the most entertaining actor or the most stylish person. But like I said, there's no point in analysing these things. I am trying to improve myself. Because I know there are people who are far more stylish and entertaining.What are you looking forward to in 2006?
Quite a lot of things. But mainly I want to do more exciting work. I'll continue to work hard and leave the rest to god and the audience.
How is it going with JP Dutta and Umrao Jaan in Jaipur?
It is wonderful to get back in front of JP saab's camera. It is like coming home. Shooting this film is a great deal of fun.

And Aishwarya?
She is a thorough professional. So am I.



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 25-2-2006 12:30 PM ]

Shah Rukh regales with dripping wit, wants to quit smoking

Megastar Shah Rukh Khan, regaled a wide-eyed audience of fans and mediapersons here today with his characteristic wit and a promise to cut down on smoking.

Though it was a press conference to announce the inauguration of the annexe building of a city hospital, which he endorsed free of cost, the larger than life image of the star prevailed as the softspoken gentleman charmed everyone with his ready wit.

"The organisers have told me that they are distributing Rs 40 lakhs among needy patients because I have just turned 40. I will meet you all again when I turn 100!," the 'King' Khan said as he handed over cheques to poor patients.

Even young women journalists and policemen on duty could not resist taking pictures of the star on their mobile phones.

"I met old ladies in the wards of this hospital. And I met one lady whose nephew had broken his head trying to dance like me...I'm glad she let me go unscathed," he said.

To a question if he thought the law on banning on-screen smoking was any good, he said,"I respect the law. But where does such censorship stop? Creativity needs to be left alone, I feel."

On his own habit of chain smoking, Khan said," It is injurious to health. It is a bad habit. Anybody who doesn't smoke must not get into it ever. As for me, I am too old to give up bad habits!"

Known to smoke as many as 80 cigarettes a day, Khan, however, said he had cut down his smoking and wanted to quit altogether.

Rishi excited about acting with Aamir  

From Shahrukh, Salman to Saif, actor Rishi Kapoor has worked with all the Khans in the industry. Expect of course for the most reclusive one

First look: Abhishek before Hrithik

Abhishek Bachchan had a rocking 2005 with a bunch of hits. Hrithik Roshan, on the other hand, was absent, without a single release.

It's a far cry from a few years ago when Hrithik dominated proceedings. As seen in this interesting picture from ace photographer Dabboo Ratnani's (centre) 2006 calendar launch in Mumbai on Thursday, the tables have turned.

Now, Abhishek stands in the foreground, basking in the spotlight and flashbulbs, while Hrithik looks on eagerly. Let's see if 2006 changes things yet again, with both stars boasting big releases over the next few months.

Ratnani's calendar is the toast of Bollywood, and features 24 superstars, including Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Aamir Khan, Mallika Sherawat, Priyanka Chopra and Salman Khan, among others.

Abhishek Bachan & Hrithik Roshan

'Evidence against Salman contradictory'

Counsel for Bollywood actors Salman Khan and Satish Shah on Friday told a court here that evidence collected by forest officials in the Bhawad village Chinkara poaching case of 1998 are "contradictory and managed by them only to implicate Salman".

After four hours of hearing the final arguments of the prosecution and counsel for the actors Hastimal Sarswat, Chief Judicial Magistrate B K Jain adjourned the case to January 24 due to the absence of a lawyer representing two other accused - Yashpal and Kuldeep.

It asked all the eight accused, including Salman and Satish Shah to be present at the next hearing.

Sarswat objected to the "contradictory reports" of a forest officer Lalit Bora and his subordinate S S Chouhan, alleging that all documents and "evidence was managed by them only to implicate Salman" in the case.  

He argued that the investigation officer Ashok Patni obtained blood stains from the floor of Ashirwad Hotel near a wash basin "whereas the same officer wrote a letter to the forensic science laboratory that blood stains were found inside the wash basin".

He said "Patni's report is contradictory in itself" and it was the duty of the prosecution to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt, but the prosecution had failed to do so.

Sarswat also contended that no independent witness had supported the prosecution case, and requested the court to acquit the actors and initiate "serious action" against the errant officials.

The case pertaining to Chinkara poaching at Ghora farms allegedly involving Salman and others was adjourned to February 3.

Outside the court, fans had collected in large numbers and were raising pro-Salman slogans and the police had to use "mild lathi-charge" to ensure they do not enter the court.

Police said no one was injured in the action.

The alleged poaching of Chinkara deer and wild rabbits took place in Bhawad village and Ghoda farms on October 11, when the actors had come to Jodhpur for the filming of Suraj Barjatya's 'Hum Saath Saath Hain'.

Kareena, Shahid in Priyadarshan's next

Bollywood's hottest couple Kareena Kapoor-Shahid Kapur have signed Priyadarshan's next comic-flick Chup Chup Ke, described as a laugh riot about love and confusion.

It seems that Kareena and Shahid, working together in Boney Kapoor's Milenge Milenge and Subhash Ghai's 36 China Town, are busy bagging films from all top-notch banners, reports Bollywood Trade.

Chup Chup Ke, produced by UTV Motion Pictures, also stars Om Puri, Paresh Rawal, Shakti Kapoor, Anupam Kher, Suniel Shetty, Neha Dhupia and the latest trump card for comedy - Rajpal Yadav.

It is slated for a summer release.

Kareena Kapoor


Shahid Kapoor

Amitabh, Rani bag Screen awards

Amitabh Bachchan was adjudged best actor and Rani Mukherjee best actress for the film "Black" at the Hero Honda 12th Annual Star Screen Awards in Mumbai.

Bachchan could not attend the award ceremony held at the NSE Grounds in Goregaon on Wednesday due to his recent diverticulitis illness, according to a press release.

However, the actor nominated in two categories - best actor "Black" and best supporting actor "Bunty Aur Babli" - was represented by his wife Jaya Bachchan and son Abhishek Bachchan who collected the trophy on behalf of his father.

The junior Bachchan also won two trophies - best actor in a comic role "Bunty Aur Babli" and Jodi No.1 "Bunty Aur Babli".

Jaya Bachchan reportedly told a TV channel later that while she had been extremely confident about her husband's chances with "Black", she was proud of her son's victory because she had seen him "suffer through his struggle". "The awards are an acknowledgment of his hard work and commitment against all odds," she added.

Amitabh Bachchan told the TV channel: "It is an overwhelming feeling to know that I am still being considered for such central characters at my age. I am indeed grateful to Bhansali for trusting me to play Devraj Sahai. I will always cherish 'Black' as a special memory."

"Black", which was nominated in 12 categories, picked up 10 awards including best film and best director for Bhansali.

Amitabh Bachan


Rani Mukherjee

Abhishek, Rani flag off Senior Citizens' Marathon

Bollywood actors Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukherjee on Sunday flagged off the Senior Citizens' Marathon at Chhatrpati Shivaji Terminus as part of the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon 2006.

Nearly 2700 senior citizens participated in the marathon, which will be 5-km-long and is aimed at evoking participation of the senior citizens in the mega event.

Before the event took off, Tina Ambani, actress of yesteryears and wife of Reliance Infocomm chief Anil Ambani, greeting the participants said, "Race itself is not important as much as the spirit of being together".

The oldest among the participants, Shalini Chirputkar (89), had tears in her eyes when Abhishek and Rani greeted her and wished her for the event. Shalini said that she had participated in the freedom struggle and was part of the `Dandi March' launched by Mahatma Gandhi at Azad Maidan.

Shalini said that the memories of the struggle are still fresh in her mind and added that she was thrilled to participate in the event that has witnessed huge participation by people of Mumbai.

81-year-old Dayalal Shah, who is also a participant, was seen greeting his contemporaries in the senior citizens' race.

Leena Loyalka (63), yelled at Rani Mukherjee in Bengali, "Bhalo Acho?" (how are you). The actress replied, "Bhalo Achi" (I am fine).

Abhishek Bachan


Rani Mukherjee

Zinda : Dutt dazzles in dark flick

Zinda
Cast: Sanjay Dutt, John Abraham, Lara Dutta, Celina Jaitley
Direction: Sanjay Gupta
Rating: ** & 1/2

Time for more inspired blood-spill. After Kaante and Musafir, desi Tarantino wannabe Sanjay Gupta serves it Kimchi flavoured. For, Gupta抯 new film Zinda is based on Park Chanwook抯 superhit Korean thriller Oldboy.

If Zinda is broodingly dark, ultra-sadistically brutal, Gupta can thank Chanwook抯 original material for as much. Violence as a box-office tool is nothing new to Bollywood, but Zinda goes the whole hog in satiating the appetite if blood is your cup of tea. In fact certain shots of gore (including one involving a character抯 teeth being extracted with a claw hammer without anaesthesia) have been retained frame-for-frame in this Hindi remake. Certainly not stuff for the faint-hearted.

That last bit also raises the vital question: Will an unflinching gore trip such as Zinda find takers in India (it抯 a box office where even Gupta抯 guru Tarantino has failed to make a dent)? Don抰 be surprised if it doesn抰. And if it does, the gruesome could indeed see a quiet entry into the Indian psyche with Gupta抯 filched bloodfest.

While Zinda retains most of Oldboy抯 thriller and stunt bits, the basic plot has been changed. Understandably so - the Korean original was all about incest, a theme that may not be wholeheartedly acceptable to most desi mainstream viewers. At the centre of Gupta抯 murky tale is Balajit Roy (Sanjay Dutt), who lives in Bangkok with his wife Nisha (Celina Jaitley).

Without wasting much time, Gupta抯 narrative comes straight to the point: Balajit is kidnapped without notice, and confined in a dingy room that just has a TV set. He isn抰 told why he has been kidnapped, or by whom. Years go by, and as Bala抯 fury mounts, his only link with passage of time in the outside world is television.

Then, one day - 14 years later - Balajit is released, as abruptly as he was kidnapped. The real story actually begins here, as Balajit sets out to avenge the act that has wrecked his life. As his nameless, unidentified tormentor gradually reveals himself to Bala, in store for our hero lies a bigger possible tragedy that could pale his 14-year plight.

Zinda  is supposed to be new-age entertainment - cutting edge, no-hold-barred images that literally butcher your senses. Gupta balances the gruesome
tension with a languid pace. If anything comes as a hurdle, it抯 precisely the genre he has chosen to peddle at the desi box office.

The film belongs to Sanjay Dutt. The star has always portrayed rage effectively

Jism overdrive: Girls go gaga over John

This model-turned-actor has no role model and clearly no match when it comes to driving people delirious with his dynamic presence and incredible drive. Drive, because John Abraham's first love (sorry, girls) is bikes.

More specifically, super bikes. But don't let that kill your hopes because brawny Johnny finds Chandigarh girls particularly pretty.

As for himself, John, believe it or not, thinks he has broken out of the sex god symbol. He's got to be joking. Just one look at the crush of young girls screaming and drooling over John at FR on Saturday would have created some serious doubts about Abraham's self-assessment.

He says, "I have come out of the sex symbol straightjacket. And that's fine by me for now as I am being recognised as an actor."

Sure, John may be making a mark as an actor with some truly charming performances of late, but his lure continues to be essentially physical: strong chin, powerful body and devastating smile.

It's a combination that has sent a whole generation of young women delirious.

"I realise that models who entered the filmdom before me have fallen by the wayside largely because of over-emphasis on their physical quotient.

This is why I am consciously making that extra effort on my acting skills," he admits, flashing his charismatic smile that has created Dhoom in Bollywood.

That effort is clearly showing both in the sort of roles he is choosing and the way he is performing. "I am very particular about script and the roles that are close to my character even if I have to share the limelight with other big stars," he adds.

John's role in Zinda is quite different from the earlier roles, including some of his stirring performances like the one in Jism, which he says, is his personal favourite. "I like to do movies that throw up different kinds of acting challenges," he says.

That doesn't mean he is not conscious of his looks and the effect that it has on people. John is a big fitness fanatic and prefers home-made food. "I am particular about my diet," he says.
And his fitness mantra: Eat well, eat right.

Bachchan says: 'Thank you Lord!'

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan may soon revisit Andhra Pradesh to offer diamond ornaments worth Rs.100 million to Lord Venkateshwara, temple officials in Tirupati said.

The actor, who along with wife Jaya Bachchan and son Abhishek Bachchan had offered prayers at the temple December 28 and 29 following a speedy recovery from an illness, offered to donate the jewelry as thanksgiving.

Bachchan is likely to personally visit the temple again to make the offerings, said A.V. Dharma Reddy, a special officer of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD).

The TTD, which manages the affairs of the hill shrine, has sent specifications for diamond-studded 'abhaya hastham' and 'kati hastham' (wrap for hands) to Bachchan.

Bachchan, 63, who was diagnosed with diverticulitis - an infection of the small intestine, underwent surgery in a Mumbai hospital in December.

The temple, located some 570 km south of Hyderabad, draws about 50,000 devotees a day.

Salman to examine brother Sohail in blackbuck poaching case

Actor Salman Khan is considering to examine his brother Sohail Khan as defence witness in the blackbuck poaching case in which he is being tried in a Jodhpur court, his lawyer Dipesh Mehta said on Sunday.

"We have decided to examine defence witnesses and Salman's brother Sohail could be one of them," the actor's lawyer said.

"The next date for the hearing in the case is January 24 and on that day we shall give a list of defence witnesses we propose to examine," Mehta said.

On the last occasion, Salman has given a statement in the court under section 313 of CR.PC in which he claimed that he was innocent.

Earlier, the actor broke down in the court and had pleaded before the trial judge to expedite the trial.

"You better hang me if I am found guilty," said the actor and added that he was fed up with the slow pace of trials and was prepared to face any punishment given to him.

A case was registered against Salman when he was shooting for the Rajshri Productions' film Hum Saath Saath Hain in Jodhpur as he was found poaching protected wild animals during his leisure time during the last week of September and the first week of October in 1998.

Salman Khan


Sohail Khan

Witness wants Salman prosecuted

The prosecution's case in the hit-and-run case involving Bollywood star Salman Khan has received a boost with an eye witness telling the trial court that the actor drove rashly on September 28, 2002, killing one and injuring four.

The witness, Ravindra Patil, who was accompanying Salman as bodyguard in the same car which met with the mishap, said that he had warned the actor not to drive rashly or else he would meet with an accident but he did not pay heed to his advice.

Meanwhile, Khan is considering to examine his brother Sohail Khan as defence witness in the blackbuck poaching case in which he is being tried in a Jodhpur court, his lawyer Dipesh Mehta said here on Sunday.

It's Amisha, not Lara in Aap Ki Khatir

Priyanka and Lara were known to be good friends in Bollywood, since the duo kicked of with Suneel Darshan s Andaaz. But now when Darshan wanted the duo to work again for his forthcoming film Aap Ki Khatir, Lara turned down the offer. She was supposed to play Priyanka抯 sister in the film.

Not being able to manage dates is one official reason given by the actress who perhaps seems insecure about being in the same frame with Priyanka. Everyone aware knows the fact that Priyanka and Lara started their career at the same time but now Priyanka has kind of outshined Lara.

Director Dharmesh Darshan approached Amisha Patel subsequently, who had no issues to step in. However, Priyanka is not aware of change. She explained that she never had any problem working with Lara. Lara is very good friend and they enjoyed working together during making of Andaaz. She has no issues working with Lara again. Nevertheless she is looking forward to work with Amisha.

Amisha Patel


Lara Dutta


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 19-1-2006 04:34 PM ]

After Sallu, it's Saif who's gone bald!

Saif, on Thursday evening, chopped off his shoulder-length tresses for the new look for his next movie Othello.

Remember a time when bald was meant strictly for the old dudes? But thanks to Salman Khan and his bindaas bunch, the skinhead look is suddenly 'haute'.

And it's Saif Ali Khan, who's showing off his new 'cropped-to-the-scalp' look now. Saif, on Thursday evening, chopped off his shoulder-length tresses for the new look for his next movie Othello.

Once again, it was hairstylist Aalim, who after scissoring Sallu to size, chopped Saif 's locks. "Saif wanted the new look for his film, but he was too scared to cut it short.

He thought he'll look bad. But I convinced him. Late in the night he messaged me saying it's kickass,"says Aalim.

Salman Khan


Saif Ali Khan

Akshay to boost Indo-Pak ties in his first Punjabi film

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar will be seen in a special appearance in a Punjabi film, his first in that language, based on the Indo-Pak friendship which will be shot and released in Pakistan.

Akshay will be acting free of cost to encourage friendly relations between the two nations. The film, Saanj Mohbaatane De is being produced by Punjab's Culture Minister Raj Kumar Verka and directed by Thakur Tapasvi.

The film, being made under the banner of World Wide Punjabi Cinema Pvt Ltd, is a pre-Partition saga.

"We have shown unity in the film, which later turned into rivalry along with the current process of peace making," a statement here quoted Dr Verka as saying. "Akshay is playing an important role of bridging the divide between the neighbours."

"We have got all the necessary permissions to shoot in Pakistan and Akshay will accompany us whenever he is required," Dr Verka added and lauded Akshay for being exceptionally supportive by acting in the film free of cost.

"This is a great attempt to strengthen relations between both the nations and I thought this could be a right way to forward my support to the Punjabi film which is set to create history by getting canned and released across the border," Akshay Kumar said.

"Mein apne desh vaste kuch bhi kar sakda haan, (I can do anything for my country," he said.

"We will be approaching some top film personalities to play a cameo in the film, which will be completed within next 30 days with a budget of Rs 2 crore," added Dr Verka.



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 27-1-2006 10:25 PM ]

Aamir on horseback gets the scissors

After the recent controversy with the Indian Air Force, Aamir Khan's Rang De Basanti has met with resistance from the Animal Welfare Board. But while the IAF cleared the film after three suggested cuts, the AWB is less accommodating.

So, 20 seconds of Rang De Basanti has been edited out.

The deleted scene sees Aamir riding a horse during the Nihang Festival celebrated by Sikhs. The AWB found the scene objectionable as it felt that proper permission had not been taken before the shooting.