gossip artis HOLLYWOOD~BOLLYWOOD~MALAYWOOD

Rani, Preity, Ash, Esha卹ules the roost!

Let's be fair. So far this year we've had only one outstanding film, and that is Rang De Basanti. Everyone and everything involved with the film has benefitted big time. Including Southern star Sidharth, who's being touted as the most promising new-kid-on-the-block, all thanks to his rather cleverly-crafted role. An actor would have to be an utter fool to botch it up, which no actor in RDB is.

Meanwhile, Esha Deol is going to shock you in Vikram Bhatt's Ankahee. Playing an on-the-edge-actor caught in an adulterous arm-twisting affair, Esha comes into her own, proving herself better at the craft than her legendary mom. Ditto Kajol in Fanaa and Bipasha Basu in Corporate. In her first screen appearance, since pal Karan Johar's Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kajol plays a blind girl in love with a closet-terrorist.

Bipasha Basu as the ruthless entrepreneur in Corporate will 'steel' your heart. The fourth female performance to die for this year would be Aishwarya Rai in JP Dutta's Umrao Jaan. Those who have been hammering Rai for a thanda-thanda-cruel-cruel performance in Mistress of Spices must remember that an actor is only as good or as bad as the vehicle provided.

For the fifth female powerhouse performance I'd opt for Rani Mukherjee for Preity Zinta in Karan Johar's Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna.
The most talked-about male performer of the year is definitely Abhishek Bachchan in Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna. The chap whose career has been on the upswing since Mani Rathnam's Yuva, promises to touch a new pinnacle with Karan's film, where he matches stride with the two super-giants of Bollywood - Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan. Whether it's Hrithik Roshan in Krishh, Sammir Dattani in Mukhbir or little Sarla as the unforgettable Chuhiya in Deepa Mehta's Water, it's the author-backed roles that will get noticed the most this year.

So one sure prediction for next year's awards. There won't be a cakewalk like Amitabh Bachchan and Rani's Black magic this year, as the competition definitely promises to heat up.

Rani Mukherjee


Preity Zinta


Aishwarya Rai


Esha Deol

Revealed: Stars on the weirdest scripts ever offered to them

Dia Mirza
Directors who come with the weirdest scripts usually insist that the film will win awards for me. The most common narration I've been through tells the story of a woman who's raped by her father-in-law, while her husband is killed. The worst part is that they are so convinced about theirs being a 揻antastic film

Priyanka bags another mega project with ace Benegal

Soon after Urmila Matondkar opted out of the Hindi adaptation of thelegendary opera Carmen called Chamki Chameli, she was replaced by Priyanka Chopra; giving the actress the opportunity to work with director Shyam Benegal and producer Sanjay Gupta. Priyanka landed the role after it was accepted and turned down first by Kareena Kapoor and later by Urmila. With Urmila opting out, there are to be some more changes in the cast. Originally, Jimmy Shergill was to play the jealous lover of Carmen/Chamki. With Urmila opting out, Gupta is on the look-out for a replacement.

The film's music score is being done by A R Rahman. "I've never worked with either Shyam Benegal or A R Rahman before. The prospect of such a creative team is certainly challenging. Priyanka is ideal for the title role," says Gupta. Didn't Gupta and Priyanka get into a tight corner over Musafir when the actress opted out of his Musafir on the grounds that it was too bold and unconventional for her? "That was then," says Gupta. "So much has changed since Musafir. I've changed. So has Priyanka. The past is done with. We're now looking at working together and we're going to make it rock." The film will also have a cameo by Sanjay Dutt. "I can't make a film without him," says Gupta.

KAREENA GOES MUTE

Kareena Kapoor is to play the role of a mute girl in Priyadarshan抯 next venture

AMEESHA GETS A NEW VOICE

In one of her next in-line releases Ameesha Patel plays the role of a mute girl. The flick in question is Harry Baweja抯 慣eesri Aankh

BIPASHA IN POLITICAL CONTROVERSY

Recently a newspaper published a transcript of a conversation between Politician Amar Singh and Bipasha Basu. The conversation was surely not in-keeping with the image of both personalities. But, as the story goes from both ends

A LOVE STORY WITHOUT KAREENA

Initially, Kareena Kapoor had been signed by Harry Baweja for 慙ove Story 2050

AMEESHA, INTELLECTUALLY SPEAKING

Here is one girl, who changes her look every now and then. Presently Ameesha Patel has shifted to the intellectual look, with Italian framed reading glasses. She wears them wherever she goes. Wonder if they抮e powered or just an intellectual fashion statement?

SHAH RUKH IS THE PERFECT PAPA

He maybe a superstar and the protagonist of innumerable fantasies of women and men; but as a father he is no less than perfect. If he is not at work then Shah Rukh drops his kids to school and picks them up, that too right on time. And at night he puts them sleep with bedtime stories. So sweet, na!

SQ154

HEBOH BERITA AISHWARYA RAI 'MAUT DALAM NAHAS JALAN RAYA'
LONDON - Dunia hiburan kelmarin gempar dengan berita kematian pelakon wanita dan model Bollywood, Aishwarya Rai, selepas beliau dikatakan terlibat dalam satu nahas jalan raya di sini.

Sebuah laman web, Global Associated News (GAA), melaporkan pelakon jelita berusia 33 tahun itu menghembuskan nafas terakhir di tempat kejadian.

Sekeping gambar yang menunjukkan sebuah kereta terbalik juga disiarkan di laman web itu bagi menguatkan dakwaan tersebut.

Menurut GAA, anggota Penyiasat Keselamatan Lebuh Raya London memberitahu pemberita, Aishwarya dikatakan hilang kawalan ketika memandu kereta rakannya dengan kelajuan 152 kilometer sejam di Jalan Interstate 80 di sini sebelum kereta berkenaan terbalik beberapa kali.

Laporan itu juga memetik beberapa saksi di tempat kejadian sebagai berkata, kereta yang dipandu oleh pelakon itu melewati beberapa garisan berkembar sebelum melanggar pembahagi jalan, menyebabkannya terpelanting.

Bagaimanapun, dua laman web lain iaitu Indiatarget.com dan aishwaryaworld. com pula menyangkal berita tersebut.

Indiatarget.com turut memetik pengurus perniagaan pelakon itu, Encik Hari Singh, sebagai berkata beliau tidak tahu siapa yang menyebarkan khabar angin tersebut.

'Kini, Rai sedang menjalani penggambaran untuk filem arahan Mani Ratnam berjudul Guru di Chennai, India,' ujar Encik Singh.

Selain itu, laman web aktres tersebut, aishwaryaworld.com yang menyiarkan soalan dan jawapan berhubung kematian pelakon seksi itu di England, memaklumkan yang Aishwarya masih hidup. - Agensi.

Originally posted by SQ154 at 27-5-2006 04:48 PM
HEBOH BERITA AISHWARYA RAI 'MAUT DALAM NAHAS JALAN RAYA'
LONDON - Dunia hiburan kelmarin gempar dengan berita kematian pelakon wanita dan model Bollywood, Aishwarya Rai, selepas beliau dikatakan  ...

Bipasha, in that frightened evening

I'm not overshadowed in Krrish and 'Don': Priyanka

Priyanka Chopra, who is shooting for Farhan Akhtar's Don in Malaysia, is eagerly waiting for Krrish and says she is not overshadowed by her male co-stars - Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan in any of the films. She would be seen doing stunts in Don, a remake of 1970s classic starring Amitabh Bachchan and Zeenat Aman.

"We are having a ball in Malaysia. We have shot like crazy. But what we have shot is really quite amazing. I have lots of action scenes to do... I'm looking forward to 'Don'," Priyanka told IANS.

"But before that there's Krrish in June. And I'm really excited about it. Duggu (Hrithik Roshan) is awesome in the film. And if I may say so, I make quite an attractive pair with him. You mark my words, Krrish is going to rock."

But aren't both Don and Krrish a pretext for major hero-giri?

"Ah! You wait and watch what I've done in them. In both, 'Don' and Krrish, I'm very much part of the action."

Outwardly she is totally focused on her work but Priyanka is a troubled soul.

Apparently, her ex-business manager Prakash Jaju has dragged her into a financial dispute. He has allegedly asked Priyanka and her father to pay Rs.10 million which he claimed was due from them.

Jaju had entered into a contract with her to promote her in Hindi films and as per the agreement, he was to get certain percentage from her earnings, which he says the actress has refused to give him.

Though Priyanka is loath to discuss the problem it's weighing on her mind.

"I really don't want to comment on any of this. Right now my work is my main concern.

"But my family's welfare is also absolutely essential. My father is not well. He is going into another surgery in July. It is really sad that he is being subjected to such anguish."

Anil Kapoor supports birth registration cause

Actor Anil Kapoor donned the role of a goodwill ambassador and pledged his support to the promotion of birth registration, as part of the Universal Birth Registration campaign (UBR) launched by Plan India - a child development organisation.

The actor unveiled a poster at an event at India Habitat Centre here on Saturday, heralding the campaign. Filmmaker Govind Nihalani and Bruno Oudmayer, country director of Plan International (India), were present at the occasion.

Anil Kapoor will actively promote UBR through the electronic medium and other activities. His participation in the campaign is a reflection of his beliefs in upholding the basic right of a child - the right to a name, legal identity and nationality.

The actor said: "Being a public figure also brings along with it a sense of tremendous responsibility because people look upon you for inspiration. I have received a lot of love and affection from people. Helping this cause is one of the most meaningful ways in which I can repay and make a contribution to society."

Govind Nihalani, who is also a member of Plan India's governing board, said Anil Kapoor was the ideal choice as ambassador.

"The need was to have an ambassador who himself believed in the message and had full commitment towards it. I am glad a celebrity like Anil Kapoor is partnering and extending his whole-hearted support to the UBR campaign."

The UBR campaign has been targeted to generate awareness in states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Karnataka where mass media, including television and radio, have been used in a big way. Besides, the grassroots mobilisation in Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan is resulting in increased registration levels.

Plan India and the Office of the Registrar General of India (ORGI) have come together to ensure universal birth registration. The birth certificate is the first legal document that the state gives to its citizens and its possession ensures a large number of rights and privileges.

Plan India, as per the National Population Policy, has set the goal of achieving 100 percent registration of births by 2010.

Akshay Kumar tastes the thunder!

Akshay Kumar has become hot brand property as the latest Thums Up ad campaign has captivated viewers and several brands are now lining up to be endorsed by him.

Akshay is, however, being very selective about the brands he would like to endorse and does not want to dilute his brand equity. He has been turning down a slew of brands, as he does not want to compromise either on price or quality, Bollywood Trade reported.

Recently, he was offered a whopping amount to renew a contract with a liquor company, which he refused. Similarly, he also turned down a Rs. 80 million offer to endorse an undergarment company.

Says Akshay, "I would only like to endorse quality products. I prefer to be selective and it should be in sync with my brand Image. I will not compromise either on price or quality".

He has been refusing to endorse sub-standard brands, be it a cigarettes or alcohol products, as a matter of policy.

According to sources close to the actor, a huge Multi National Company has signed Akshay to be their brand ambassador in India. It is said to be a deal clinched amidst heavy competition from other biggies and an announcement of the same is on the anvil.

And what Akshay says of the whole endorsement game is - "A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do"!

Kajol steals a march over Aamir in romantic Fanaa

Film: Fanaa; Starring : Aamir Khan, Kajol, Tabu, Rishi Kapoor, Kirron Kher; Directed by : Kunal Kohli

Send up a silent prayer for rediscovering that old lost pleasure of a powerful plot that Fanaa retrieves so affectionately for us. Also send up a prayer for an actor like Kajol who fills up the screen with feelings and thoughts that go way beyond the tears, fears and jeers of a workaday movie.

Shibani Bathija's powerful drama about the tumultuous romance and tragedy between a blind Kashmiri girl Zooni (Kajol) and her guide, mentor and tormentor Rehaan (Aamir Khan) is suffused in the silken sounds of a heart feeling the first stirrings of love and hurt.

Kajol expresses the delicate fragrance of a blind girl's romantic and sexual awakening in the hustle bustle of Delhi with a sure-fire sensitivity that energises the plot and gives the narrative the edge of excitement that cinematic romance captures once in a while.

Cinematographer Ravi Chandran shoots in places that the camera seldom visits. But Jatin-Lalit's songs, though well shot leave little lingering impact.

The romantic interludes are beautifully written. The shayari between Zooni and Rehaan flows out of the script to create an insouciant intimacy between the couple.

Just when the romance builds to a quiet crescendo, director Kunal Kohli brings in huge dollops of drama. In quick succession, Zooni regains her eyesight (a medical miracle straight out of the cinema of the 1970s), loses love, returns to be with her parents in the wilderness of Kashmir (actually Poland), becomes a mother and shelters Rehaan without knowing who he is.

Speed attack? More like a flurry of dramatic activity created to convey a sense of urgent doom.

Oddly, the mid-section of the narrative looks like a poor version of "Mission Impossible". Even the background score by Salim-Sulaiman echoes "Mission Impossible", making us wonder why the old-world charm of a tender romance had to be compounded by contemporary corruptibility.

Aamir Khan is certainly more at home playing the eternal romantic than the hardened terrorist. Jehad is topical but only when the director can bring headlines into the plot without bumping into the footnotes.

Aamir's romantic scenes with Kajol convey a kaleidoscopic chemistry. A major portion of the second-half is shot in a snow-swept cottage. Director Kohli uses the restricted space to great advantage creating a domestic warmth among the four confined characters played by Aamir, Kajol, Rishi and the delightful child actor who gets to mouth some of the most naturally endearing lines to have escaped young unschooled lips on screen.

The narrative exudes a warm glow of glamour and substance. That silly self-conscious emptiness that had crept into recent romantic films is gone, as we are swept into a stylish yet substantial kingdom of courtship and damnation.

Yet you cannot escape the web of improbabilities that creep willy-nilly into the otherwise well-ordered plot.

Critical bits of the story where the female protagonist with newly-restored eyesight encounters her lost paramour in a new surrounding echo the recent flop Amisha Patel-starrer Humko Tumse Pyar Hai.

Aamir Khan is extremely effective in some sequences, though not consistently compelling in his various transitions and disguises.

Kajol steals a march over her co-star. She goes from romantic awakening to tragedy and motherhood with skilled smoothness without ever letting her craft shine through.

But what is the astonishing Tabu doing in this film? As a government agent tracking down a dangerous Kashmiri militant she looks as lost and anorexic as a model on the wrong ramp. Among the supporting actors Rishi Kapoor as Kajol's father is delightful.

As in his earlier film Mujhse Dosti Karoge, the director here makes endearing use of old film songs to bring the couple closer together. The sound of Lata Mangeshkar's Lag jaa gale se in the background raises the emotional level considerably.

Star-crossed love never seemed more dramatic in recent times. For this we need to thank the stars.

Kajol & Aamir Khan

deaf4ever

Originally posted by Gadis_Venus at 28-5-2006 07:01 PM
I'm not overshadowed in Krrish and 'Don': Priyanka

Priyanka Chopra, who is shooting for Farhan Akhtar's Don in Malaysia, is eagerly waiting for Krrish and says she is not overshadowed by her mal ...

apa punye posing ni :jeling:

C抦on yaar! It抯 Esha  

慖 really feel that I should have been born in Meena Kumari抯 time! What great roles the heroines got to play then!

Originally posted by deaf4ever at 28-5-2006 07:10 PM




apa punye posing ni :jeling:

ED joins probe into Saif car import

As happened in the case of Salman Khan, the enforcement directorate has joined the investigation into the import of actor Saif Ali Khan's Toyota Land Cruiser.

The ED was roped in after Customs' Special Investigation and Intelligence Branch (SIIB) discovered that large sums of money were withdrawn from a bank account in Mumbai.

One of these withdrawals is allegedly through a 'self' cheque by Saif himself. The suspicion seems to be that if the car was paid for by this money, then how was the money paid in Dubai from where it was brought?

The vehicle was imported under the Transfer of Residence Rules in 2004. The importer is a Kerala resident, Kolangara Mannuni Mohammad. He is a man of small means and could not have paid for the car himself, the investigators feel. Saif's statement has not been recorded though he was summoned in January this year by the SIIB.

The probe is about the alleged misuse of the TR scheme, in which a labourer coming from abroad is asked to lend his papers so that the car can be imported in his name. Used cars can be imported to India only if the car has been in the use of the importer at least six months before returning home.

Sources reveal that Kolanagara told the Customs team that he never went to Dubai after 1994. Saif's car was imported in 2004...

Officers suspect that Kolangara's passport might have been stolen or forged and the import shown against his name.

While the onus of proving the import is on him, Saif may be questioned about the bank transactions and how he got in touch with Kolangara.

Saif is likely to explain the withdrawals by claiming that the amount was towards the hire-and-lease agreement between him and Kolangara and that he knew nothing of how the latter paid for the vehicle abroad. The actor is likely to be summoned in June for a detailed questioning.

In fact, Saif has already deposited a bank guarantee. He has also paid differential duty on account of the date of manufacture of the car being wrongly declared at the time of import. Sources refused to reveal the amount of duty paid.