gossip artis HOLLYWOOD~BOLLYWOOD~MALAYWOOD

Rani beat Ash!

Rani in award-winning spree. For her powerful acting in 'Black', she has already swept almost all big awards in best actress category, now in popularity also she became no. 1.

The Bengali babe recently crowned "Sabsey Favourite Heroine' in the Star Gold Sabsey Favourite Kaun 2006 Awards beating Aishwarya Rai and Kajol, who were the other contenders for the award.

Shah Rukh Khan kept his 'Bollywood King' title intact winning the award for Sabsey Favourite Hero. Shah Rukh faced strong competition from Salman Khan, who won the award last year.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Black' adjusted the ''Sabsey favourite film'' award. Whereas Kunal Kapoor of 'Rang De Basanti' fame beat all to win the ''Sabsey favourite Naya Hero'' award.

Vidya Balan won ''Sabsey favourite Nayi Heroine'' and Paresh Rawal swept ''Sabsey favourite Comic hero'' award.

Rani Mukherjee


Aishwarya Rai

揑 don抰 care, what people say,

'I made Nihira sing for Preity'

Salman Khan has rehearsed and is ready to record for Aadesh Shrivastava in the film Babul.

"Before Salman left for his world concerts he rehearsed the song. We sat over it the whole day. Now we're finally ready to record. He didn't get the time to do so. But the minute he returns, any time after June 13, we'll do the needful.

It's a rocking Bhangra number for Salman, unlike any other Bhangra song, It'll be as novel as what I got Bachchan Saab to sing in Major Sahib and Baghban," promises composer Aadesh Shrivastva.

He says he has had his fill of newcomers and aspiring singers. "I do have talented new singers like Hemachandra and Ujjaini singing in my soundtrack Alag. But from now no more new singers for me. I'm more challenged by getting stars to sing for me. Amitji has sung one song for Babul. I want him to sing the title song also."

He's all praise for the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa finalist Hemachandra. "The boy comes from a family of trained singers. He knows what he's singing. I've made him sing for Abhishek Bachchan in Subi Samuel's Alag while I've made another Sa Re Ga Ma finalist Nihira sing for Preity Zinta.

But I'd rather stick to established voices Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghosal and my own wife Vijayta. I won't thrust Vijayta down producer's throat. But if producers want her why not? So far I've done nothing for her."

Aadesh was very disappointed when Sandeep Acharya won the Indian Idol position over his rival Karunya. "Karunya was far more accomplished. Sandeep sang off-key at the finals."

Preity Zinta

They're just like Salman and Ash: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

After winning every major award for Black, Sanjay Leela Bhansali is in the mood to look back & ahead with unqualified gusto. Bollywood's most celebrated director shares his happiness with Subhash K Jha

Q: Like Devdas, Black has walked away with every popular award. Which one makes you prouder?
A: You've to love every film with equal intensity. When I was making Khamoshi and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam I was as elated as I was during Devdas and Black. Today I'm consumed by Saawariya. They're all a labour of love.

The entire team put its heart and soul in all my four films. Just because Black has won more awards than the rest it cannot become my favourite.

Q: Were you surprised by the mass acceptance of Black?
A: I certainly was! And I can't thank the audience enough for giving the film such a warm-hearted response. The awards were unexpected. After Devdas which some people called lavish while others thought it was garish, everyone thought it was suicidal to do something dark I just wanted to go ahead and do it.

I never sat down to calculate what would happen at the boxoffice, festivals or awards ceremonies. Friends who were festival organizers were impressed by Black. But they wondered if a film of this nature would work among the audience. But I never-ever under-estimated the audiences' tastes. You don't do that.

You don't make film thinking about the audiences' reaction. I wanted to make a film expressing the trauma and triumph of a physically challenged person and the sacred relationship between a teacher and the pupil.

Q: I remember how wary the market was.
A: Distributors were a little apprehensive about the ticket sales. But all of us who worked on the film were sure of what we wanted to do. When the standing ovations at the end of screenings all over the country happened, I knew I had made the right decision.

That, and the teacher at the deaf-and-mute school Behroze Vacha rushing out of the film with tears in her eyes卼hese were my reward 卆nd the beginning of the awards. Then there was the Times' spiritual- awareneness award.

Q: That award was quite unique.
A: Yes, to be told that the film was actually one way of searching for God卼hat was quite something. I knew the film was on the way to reaching where I had never dreamt it would. When you fulfil an impossible dream you're quite amazed by the whole experience yourself卙ow did it happen!

I know the film has its share of critics. Some people wanted me to shoot it in a chawl in Dadar just to be realistic by their definitions. I've a certain style of filmmaking. And people must accept me by my standards.

A lot of people are offended by my opulent style of storytelling. To each one his own style. And we shouldn't challenge that style. I'm open to constructive criticism. But arbitrary criticism doesn't affect me.

Q: Prakash Jha went on television to say he was disappointed when he heard the deaf and blind Michelle's voice-over in Black.
A: Really? Hellen Keller on whose life Black is based wrote stories, remember? The deaf and blind do have a mind. They've an inner voice that talks to them through the sign language which is their means of communication with the outside world.

Two boys from the Helen Keller Institute, Pradeep and Zamir write essays匟ow do they do it? If Mr Prakash Jha feels the deaf and blind are mindless people, then I've nothing to say. He's a respected and senior filmmamker. I would like to respect his opinion.

Q: Today when you hear Sajid Nadiadwala or Boney Kapoor say they wished they had made Black how do you feel?
A: I wish they had told me before (laughs). Jokes apart, I couldn't have hoped for a better producer than Anshuman Swamy and Applause Films. It's easy to show confidence after the product is ready. But to believe in a filmmaker's dream before it's concretized requires a lot of guts.

It's a dilemma faced by directors everywhere: how do they convince the producers of their vision? Yes, there were people negotiating to produce Black before Applause. But they saw it as that niche-quickie.

But there're no shortcuts for me in life. I don't believe in making quickies. Even when I look back at Basu Chatterjee's sweet light films like Rajnigandha and Chotisi Baat I don't see them as quickies.

Q: Both Devdas and Black were audacious in their creativity. How daring are you in your new film which is love story?
A: Why can't a love story be daring? Besides I've never made a film to prove a point. It's not necessary for the characters to be extraordinary for the film to be daring. I didn't make Black to be daring. That deaf and blind woman walked with me ever since I visited the Helen Keller Institute ten years ago.

I wanted to tell the story of Black. Now I want to tell the story of Saawariya. For me to jump from Black into a tender musical love story is an an exciting challenge. I've never made something like this before. I've never made a film with newcomers before.

Q: Will Saawariya take you as far away from Black as Black took you away from Devdas ?
A: That's for you to decide. It's very difficult to comment on my own work. But yes Saawariya is a completely difference ambience, scent, sound and colour from Devdas and Black.

Q: Will Ranbir-Sonam be as magical as Salman-Aishwarya in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam?
A: That depends entirely on how people like them individually and as a couple. But yes, if I hadn't seen the same potential as Salman and Aishwarya in Ranbir and Sonam, I wouldn't have signed them. I believe in the two kids as much as any actor I've worked with.

At the end of the day, I need to convert my imagination into cinema. For that I need the right actors. The performances have always been highlights in my cinema. I'd never compromise on the cast.

Q: A truck-load of awards for Saawariya?
A: I don't make films for awards. I work extremely hard, much more than people think. I'd say I'm more hard-working than gifted. If someone else gets the awards I'd be stimulated enough to get up and applaud and try to do better next time.

But nothing can take away my pride and joy at having made a film that I want to. I didn't get a single National award so far. But that doesn't make me feel inadequate in any way.

Salman Khan


Aishwarya Rai

MALAYWOOD....change to to MALLYWOOD or MOLLYWOOD

Ash and Amitabh to promote tourism in Kerala!

Tourism industry in Kerala is expecting to get a heavy boost as Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai and Amitabh Bachchan have agreed to entice tourists for visiting the God's Own Country.

It's definitely a great win for Kerala tourism authority to get stars like Aishwarya and Amitabh as their brand ambassador.

However as per latest, the Kerala tourism has yet to sign up the stars on the dotted line; talks are on as the hopping amount Bachchan and Ash have charged is quite high for the authority.

Director of Kerala tourism, B. Suman, however hopes that it won't be a problem because Ash and Amitabh both have finally agreed to slash their original fees.

On asked about the possible theme of the promo, B. Suman said, "Imagine a catchline by Ash, silhouetted against the alpenglow on the Western Ghats, revealing the secrets of ayurveda and how she copes with grueling schedules. That's the kind of promo we have in mind." So get ready, Amitabh and Aishwarya are soon coming in your drawing room inviting you to the state of great natural beauty Kerala, however if everything goes right only.

Aishwarya Rai & Amitabh Bachchan

Priyanka indulged in ghar ka khana!

Home, sweet home! And even sweeter the ghar ka khana.

After spending some sweetest time with her family in Mumbai recently, sexy Priyanka Chopra has all to say that.

Priyanka, who was busy shooting Farhan Akhtar's 'Don' remake in Malaysia, had taken few days out of her hectic schedule and flew down Mumbai to spend some quality time in home.

Priyanka has already gone back to Malaysia and joined the 'Don' unit, but the sweet memory of those days is still haunting her.

On her visit home, she did all that she had missed out on for months while shooting for 'Don' in Malaysia. She gorged on ghar ka khana, chilled with her family and even attended her cousin's wedding in Goa. "I had a great time," said Priyanka recently from Malaysia.  

Aamisha to turn entrepreneur?

After Bipasha Basu, who recently said she wants to open a restaurant, it is another Bollywood beauty Aamisha Patel echoed Bipasha's idea of becoming an entrepreneur in future days.

In a recent interview, Aamisha Patel said, she wants to start her own business soon. "I've been toying with this idea for a long time," she said adding, "I came from a economic background. My degree should be of some help."

However, like Bipasha, Aamisha doesn't want to open a restaurant.

"I don't want to open a boutique or a restaurant, I would like to do something out of the box," she gushed.

Then she would want to make film? Aamisha keeps mum. However if Aamisha becomes producer, boyfriend Vikram Bhatt will be her director for sure. Right!



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 11-6-2006 02:19 PM ]

Abhishek is thirsty for Mallika

For so long Abhishek Bachchan has thirsted for Mallika Sherawat, and at last he has got his wish, by way of Mani Ratnam.

The director of Guru has recently finished an item song in Turkey, which features both Abhishek Bachchan and Mallika Sherawat. It is also been rumoured that Mallika will appear in more scenes with Abhishek, scenes which have yet to be shot.   

It has been a known fact that Abhishek Bachchan has been longing to appear on-screen with the beauty. During many interviews he has open heartedly said that he is a fan of the beauty.

And not only him but his father too. Amitabh Bachchan is also eagerly awaiting a future date with the sex siren.

Abhishek Bachchan


Mallika Sherawat

Shah Rukh, Rani win Sabsey Favourite Star awards

Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukherjee have won the favourite hero and heroine titles in the Star Gold Schwarzkopf Palette Sabsey Favourite Kaun 2006 awards in Mumbai.

The winners were honoured for their popularity and not performances in a particular film. The award show saw a battle between Shah Rukh and Salman, with the former winning almost by hair breath.

It went on to prove again that Shah Rukh was truly the King Khan, while the mass adoration for Salman remained undiminished despite his recent travails.

Bengali beauty Rani Mukherjee, who faced strong competition from Aishwarya Rai and Rani's cousin Kajol, was crowned Sabsey Favourite Heroine. The result was testimony to her popularity despite the fact that no film starring Rani had been released since almost a year.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali directed Black was adjudged the Sabse Favourite Film not only by the classes but the masses as well.

In the Sabsey Favourite Naya Hero the fight was close between Kunal Kapoor and Kunal Khemu with heart-throb Kunal Kapoor from Rang De Basanti coming through in the end, while in the new actress category, doe-eyed Vidya Balan of Parineeta  won the Sabsey Favourite Nayi heroine' as Katrina Kaif lost the post.

The Sabsey Favourite Comic hero went to Parseh Rawal, who bagged the award for the third year in a row.

The Sabsey Tez Sitara award, given to a hero who has taken most strides in the past one year, went to John Abraham. He followed in the footsteps of Abhishek Bachchan, the last year's winner. The award was not voted by fans but by film industry experts.

Above all, the award that held special meaning for lakhs of fans who was voted the Sabsey Bada Fan went to Madhuri M Madekar, a resident from the distant suburb of Kalyan, who voted the most number of times for the eventual winner.

The evening saw some stunning performances by Trickbaby from London, who performed their megahits from Bluffmaster. The video of the song 'Nine Parts of Desire', featuring Abhishek Bachchan, was unveiled for the first time.

Udita Goswami and Kunal Khemu performed on a medly of songs by Himesh Reshammiya, mixed to reflect various musical forms of the country.

Tanushree Dutta, Vinay Pathak and Suresh Menon of the Great Indian Comedy show recreated the magic of all-time classic Hindi films such as Sholay, Amar, Akbar and Anthony and Don. Hilarious skits on the classic numbers from these films made a compelling viewing.

Shah Rukh Khan


Rani Mukherjee

Karishma's life inspires new film

As more and more Bollywood filmmakers turn to real life for ideas, debut-making director Nilesh Mulye says his first movie has been inspired by the "love story" of Abhishek Bachchan and Karishma Kapoor.

Mulye, currently writing the script for the film to be produced by Raj Gandhi, says, "My film has been tentatively titled 'Glamour' and it has been inspired by high profile marriages and divorces in high society and corporate circles."

He is excited about his project, which he describes as "an out and out love story". "My idea is not to show either Sanjay Kapoor or Karishma Kapoor in a negative light. I have just been inspired by the love story of Abhishek Bachchan and Karishma, their break-up, Karishma's marriage on the rebound to Sanjay Kapur, their hurried honeymoon and a subsequent split and coming together," Mulye said. "It is not my intention to paint any celebrity in black." Mulye says 'Glamour' will be a "social film which will set out at length to tackle the issue of marriage conducted in haste only to repent in leisure".  

Karisma at Eros抯 international jewellery show

The ravishing Karishma lent her gorgeous face and personality to Eros Jewelry抯 collection launch in Dubai days back. Now the stunning gal made her manifestation at Eros Jewelry show that showcased more than 1000 designs in the Indian International Jewelry Show (IIJS) that took place on 4th May, 2006 at NSC Grounds, Goregaon in Mumbai. Karishma graced the occasion and looked beautiful as usual wearing her favorite jewelry of Eros.

Karishma Kapoor being the brand ambassador for Eros Jewelry says, "I am very fond of jewelry and what I like about Eros Jewelry is that it is not limited to gold or diamond. But it also ventures into designing a wide variety of quality gemstones. The appeal of the brand actually lies in the timeless beauty of the precious stones like Ruby, Topaz, Onyx, etc."

Eros Jewelry has a limitless resource of Color Gemstones, as they are one of the largest Color Gemstone manufacturers in India.

Abhay Godha, managing Director, Eros Jewelry who was present at the event expresses, 揥e have introduced Eros Jewelry as a self emerging branded jewelry in India and in the International markets. With over 18,000 designs and patterns we are looking forward to make franchise with selected retailers all over India as well as abroad. IIJS proves to be the right platform."

Vishal Mehra Productions managed this event for Eros Jewellery.

Can Hrithik succeed in Tamil?

Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan's forthcoming movie Krrish would be dubbed in Tamil and released this June.

The actor is optimistic that the movie would click among the Tamil audience for it is on universal theme.

Says Hrithik, 'The movie is about a youth who gets super natural powers and how he utilizes them for the welfare of the universe. It is a common theme and I am confident of its success'.

Being produced  and directed by his father Rakesh Roshan, Krrish features former Miss World  Priyanka Chopra opposite him, who made her debut in the Tamil movie Thamizhan.

Krrish would be released in Tamil and Telugu along with its original Hindi in the last week of June.

One of big budgeted movies, Rakesh Roshan is hopeful that Krrish would do a big business here.

Hrithik too is optimistic of its fortune here.

More bad news for Aishwarya!

After the Mistress Of Spices setback there is more bad news for Aishwarya Rai and her fans.

The beautiful actress has been nudged out of Time's 100 Most Influential People in the World list by her fellow Indians; Infosys President Nandan Nilekani, who has been called "the Indian at the centre of the global economy" and New York-based entrepreneur Vikram Akula, who has been recognised for "finding novel ways of supporting India's poor".

Knowing Aishwarya's resilience and fightback qualities, we are sure she will bounce back.

Mannat does not belong to Shah Rukh Khan

According to BMC records Shah Rukh Khan does not own his 26,400 sq ft home Mannat on Bandra Bandstand.

Mannat, as SRK calls it, still remains in the name of the trust from which the Bollywood superstar bought the bungalow in 2001.

King Khan bought the bungalow from the trustee Nariman K Dubash for Rs 13.32 crore.

But municipal reports state otherwise. It says that that the property is still in the name of Bai Khorshed Bhanu Sanjana Trust.

Since Dubash is the assessee of the trust, the valuation of the property and property tax bill is in his name.

SRK however refused to comment on this issue. But a source close to the actor told Midday, 揑t was not Shah Rukh抯 job to check the documents. He is a busy man. He therefore appointed a legal adviser to manage the property deal.

Amrita Arora refuses to be photographed with her ex

Amrita Arora and her ex-boyfriend do not acknowledge each other at social dos.

It has been over two years since Amrita broke off with model Upen Patel only to find love again in the English county cricketer Usman Afzal, with whom she is going steady.

Although Amrita and Upen抯 relationship is history, Amrita still can抰 seem to stand the presence of her ex beau near her.

On Sunday, at the Sabsey Favourite Kaun awards in Mumbai, Amrita had gone to the event with her jeeju Arbaaz Khan to give away the award to the most favourite newcomer (actor), while Upen Patel had gone to give away the award for the most favourite newcomer (actress).

After the show, Amrita and Arbaaz were waiting at the entrance to leave the venue when Upen also came there with another group, also about to leave.

Amrita and Upen apparently made an eye contact after which Amrita got busy with her mobile phone.

Meanwhile, photographers in front of them started clicking Upen and Arbaaz together. And when photographers asked Amrita to pose with Upen and Arbaaz, the lady sulkily said 慛o Way

Salman Khan to record for Aadesh Shrivastava in 態abul

Saif Ali and Vidya Balan Together Again

After the success of his debut film PARINEETA, director Pradeep Sarkar is all set for his next venture.Reportedly, Pradeep Sarkar teamed up with Yash Raj Films and he will direct his next untitled movie with Saif Ali Khan, Rani Mukherjee and Vidya Balan in the lead.

This is the second time that Saif Ali Khan and Vidya Balan will be paired together on screen. The film reportedly is an emotional love story and the media grapevine has it that Pradeep Sarkar would not go for adaptation of any novel as he did for his first film 慞arineeta

Saif says he is not a Khanna

Saif Ali Khan has opted out of Feroz Khan抯 Qurbani, putting the blame on dates.

Saif was supposed to re-enact the role made famous by Vinod Khanna in the original, with Fardeen Khan opposite him. Saif was not able to provide dates until 2007, but Feroz Khan the film抯 director, wants to make the movie as soon as possible.

Feroz Khan is now on the look out for a replacement and industry insiders have said that he has approached Shah Rukh Khan. However, it is unlikely that the King will sign on, as he has many other projects in the pipeline.

I would recommend that Feroz ji signs up Salman Khan. Why? Why not!

The secret naughty passion of Amisha

She is sexy. She is naughty. She knows how to get the nest of her skin and movie contracts. But het passion is stealthy and seductive.

Amisha's forthcoming film Ankahee is based on Vikram Bhatt's ex-affair with glam siren Sushmita Sen. I have no knowledge about it. All I know is that it's a story of a married doctor who falls in love with a beauty queen. I am playing the character of a married woman and I think lot of married women will identify themselves with this character," explains Amisha.