gossip artis HOLLYWOOD~BOLLYWOOD~MALAYWOOD

MAHIMA DESPERATE TO ACT FUNNY GIRL

Showman Subhash Ghai's discovery Mahima Chaudhary who shot to fame in her debut 'Pardes' opposite Shah Rukh Khan, failed to maintain that glory in her later filmi career. She doesn't harbor any regret though. She knows that it's very difficult, if not an impossible task. She is happy even with her guest appearances in films as these provide her opportunities to mark her presence in the industry and among viewers. For instance, her brief roles in 'Baghbaan' and 'Dhadkan' kept her alive among her fans. Mahima is not out and claims to be doing a lot at present.

She was recently seen in 'Kuchh Meetha Ho Jaaye'. Besides, she is acting in 'The Film'. This is based on the story of some youngsters trying to make a film, but then failing after their investor suddenly expires. Her another is 'Kudiyon Ka Hai Zamana', a very popular song picturized on Salman Khan in 'Hum Aapke Hain Kaun'. Mahima says she has had almost all types of roles in films except that of a funny girl. She is desperate to do that role, and wishes the directors and the producers to place her in a comic role with her fun loving senior Juhi Chawla. Will the directors and the producers fulfill her wish?

AJAY, AKSHAY ACT TOGETHER IN 'SAAMNA' DESPITE RIVALRY

Both Bollywood actors--Ajay Devgan and Akshay Kumar -- are contemporaries, but are not on good terms with each other. This is despite that they have been working together in many films for quite some time. Industry circles say that Ajay Devgan is in the top rung while Akshay Kumar is a successful actor. So, they are competing with each other. The war of nerves began in 'Khakee'. Both had almost equal roles in the movie, but Akshay's role attracted a better response. Then both acted in 'Insaan'. Again, Akshay became a front-runner here too.

This led Ajay Devgan to allege that Akshay had prevailed on the director to cut Devgan's role in this movie. Akshay has, however, denied it, and said that the director should be questioned about it. Despite this bitter rivalry, Raj Kumar Santoshi is fielding both in his next 'Saamna'. Though both of then hold equal position in the industry, Akshay has earned a little more glory by his performance in 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi'. In fact, Akshay played a better role than Salman's in this movie. Hence, Akshay is stronger than both Salman and Devgan. The latter are worried about it. Film critics wonder how Santoshi will be able to get the best performances out of both of them despite their bitter relations.

Ajay Devgan


Akshay Kumar

IT'S BARSAAT TIME FOR BOBBY ONCE AGAIN!

Bollywood actor Bobby Deol is now all geared up to act in a fresh version of his debut film "Barsaat." Deol joins up with Bollywood two beauties Bipasha Basu and Priyanka Chopra in a love story, that reflects both romance, emotions and attachments. The actor believes that his debut movie sharing the same title with the upcoming one are as different as chalk and cheese. 'Barsaat' revolves around the characters of Arav (Bobby Deol), Kaajal (Priyanka Chopra) and Anna (Bipasha Basu) and about their personal relations. It is about Kaajal's strength, Anna's belief in destiny and Arav's ambitions and how these three come together forms the basis of the story.  

AISH GRACES SCHOOL FOR SPECIAL KIDS

Former Miss world Aishwarya Rai attended the inauguration of a school for children with special abilities here on Sunday (June 19).

JBCN international School has special educators and experienced psychologists to assist the faculty, students and parents with unique, individual personality base and learning difficulties.

Tina Ambani wife of Industrialist Anil Ambani inaugurated the special school.

Rai, recently named by a British magazine as the world's most beautiful woman, said the society needed to change its attitude to children with special needs.

One of the top stars of India's film industry, Rai, was also on the Time magazine's 100 most influential people list.

After starring in "Bride and Prejudice," an adaptation of Jane Austen's classic tale, Rai will now be seen in "Provoked" and" Umrao Jaan.



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 27-4-2006 09:18 PM ]

Aishwarya joins shooting for The Last Legion

Aishwarya Rai has left Mumbai to shoot for Hollywood film The Last Legion in Tunisia where she will join actors Colin Firth and Ben Kingsley in her first major international project.

"The Last Legion is my first major legion abroad," she said remarking on her first international project.

"It's a long journey for me in more ways than one," she said, remarking on the recent controversy sparked by a purported conversation between her and Salman Khan in which the latter revealed his alleged links with the underworld.

"It's all destiny," Aishwarya sighed. "Anyway I'd rather look ahead than behind."

"Now it's time for another new experience, another challenge. New explorations, new discoveries every single day - that's life! I look forward to a positive existence, always..."

Internationally Aishwarya seems poised at a new beginning. Two of her projects -Jagmohan Mundra's Provoked and Paul Mayeda's Mistress Of Spices - are ready for release.

In Last Legion she plays Mira, a rebel warrior. The role requires a lot of stunts and horse riding.

"I'm looking forward to all of that. Never done it before. Just after playing a warrior I go straight into the ultra feminine mould in J.P. Dutta's Umrao Jaan."

The Last Legion also stars adolescent actor Thomas Sangster in a pivotal role.



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 30-8-2005 10:54 AM ]

GOVINDA`S FAMILY INJURED

Bollywood actor- turned-politician Govinda`s wife and two children were injured while his political secretary Rishab Jha was killed when their Qualis van collided head-on with a truck as they were going to Ajmer. The accident occurred on the Jaipur-Ajmer road near Bagru, 50 kms from Jaipur, at around noon on Monday, August 15th.

According to the Anil Paliwal, Suprintendent of Police (Rural) the driver of the Qualis rammed into the truck coming from opposite direction while trying to save some children. The actor`s wife Sunita received head injuries and their daughter Namarata had a broken tooth while son Yashvardhan escaped with minor bruises. Their driver Abdul alias Albert slipped into coma but his condition was stable, doctors at the Sawai Mansingh Hospital said.

The actor airdashed to the Pink City in an Indian Airlines flight from Mumbai in the evening and later flew back his family in an Indian Air Force plane after seeking permission from the doctors, airport and police. Rajasthan Governor Pratibha Patil, Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, and several state Congress leaders called Govinda`s family and enquired about their condition.

Govinda kin survive mishap, secy dies  

Bollywood star and Congress MP Govinda抯 political secretary and friend Rishabh Jha died on the spot, while the star抯 wife and children were injured, when their taxi hit a truck on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway, around 40 km from here this morning.

Govinda抯 family was said to be out of danger. Govinda, who was in Mumbai at the time of the accident, reached Jaipur in the evening.

The mishap occurred around 12 am, when they were heading for Ajmer to perform ziyarat at the Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. The driver抯 bid to save some children on the road led to the accident, sources said.

The deceased was on the front seat.

Govinda抯 wife Sunita, son Yashvardhan (10) and daughter Narmada (17) were rushed to the Sawai Man Singh (SMS) hospital, where they were declared out of danger. Sunita sustained head injuries but the doctors said they were not severe. Narmada and Yashvardhan were treated for minor injuries, SMS superintendent PPS Mathur said. 憫When they were brought to the hospital, the injuries looked serious. But their condition improved rapidly. Now they are completely out of danger,拻 he said.

The driver of the taxi was also injured in the accident. The truck driver has been arrested. Govinda and his brother Kirti Kumar flew by an Indian Airlines plane to Jaipur in the evening. The family was likely to be flown by a special plane to Mumbai for further treatment.

憫We assured him that we have the best of facilities for their treatment. But since they were completely safe, the star was keen on taking them back to Mumbai,拻 Mathur said. Special permission was needed for the flight as chartered planes are not allowed to fly on the Independence Day due to security reasons.



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 11-9-2005 10:32 PM ]

ZINTA MAKES FOR A PRETTY PICTURE

The script is often the soul of a film and contributes to a great extent to its success or failure. And one reason why Tips Music's latest film, 'Dil Hai Tumhaara', impresses is because of its script. The film does not boast off any leading hero, but its female lead, Preity Zinta, manages to carry the film on her delicate shoulders.

It may be recalled that another film of Preity's (Kya Kehna') directed by Kundan Shah did good business some two years ago. Kundan's cause is helped here by that other renowned director, Rajkumar Santoshi, who has written the story and screenplay of this film.

Dil Hai Tumhaara has a certain freshness and youthfulness that is bound to appeal to many. It is to a great extent Preity's film, with all other characters revolving around her. She is the only actress in Bollywood who does not take up more than one film at a time. This film of hers comes some time after 'Dil Chahta Hai' and the audience will not see her again till she finishes 'Koi Mil Gaya' with Hrithik Roshan.

Preity plays Shalu, who has a sister called Nimmi (Mahima Chaudhary). Shalu feels that their mother Saritaji (Rekha) does not love her as much as she does Nimmi. This feeling is not subjective but is based on a number of incidents involving the two. Shalu has only one friend in Sameer (Jimmy Shergil). As Nimmi is a working girl, Shalu too feels that she should start working to attract her mother's attention. She manages to get a job with a company and soon comes in close contact with the driver, Anand (Arjun Rampal), appointed by the firm. Anand is, in fact, Dev, the son of the proprietor, who is working incognito to keep a tab on those who making the company lose money. A situation, however, arises where Dev is forced to disclose his true identity and feelings for Shalu. The mother, Saritaji, for her part is convinced that her other daughter, Nimmi is in love with Dev and she decides to finalise her marriage with Dev's father (Alok Nath). But things do not exactly pan out the way she would have wanted. Dev's father is aware of the blossoming love between his son and Shalu. Saritaji, to complicate matters, discloses to him that Shalu is not her daughter but her husband's illegitimate child whom she has brought up only to honour a promise given to him. All hell breaks loose. And it is left to the combined talents of Rajkumar Santoshi and Kundan Shah to sort things out.

The first half-hour of the film is quite pedestrian, but thereafter it begins to pick momentum. The audience, which is expecting a conventional love triangle, is in for a lot of surprises from the director.

Preity has come a long way since her first film, 'Dil Se'. All the labour she has put into this film is reflected in her performance and she is able to walk away with most of the scenes. Mahima does not have much going for her and even Rekha is confined to the sidelines. Arjun Rampal shows some sparks, but still has a long way to go as an actor. Jimmy Shergill is nothing more than a prop.

Technically, the film is competent. Jehangir Chaudhary's cinematography contributes to the freshness of the film and he gets good support in the art design department from Omang Kumar. Subrat Khan's dialogues are offbeat and touching. The film has some lilting music from Nadeem-Shravan.

'SHAKTI' TEPID DESPITE KARISHMA'S MUSCLE FLEXING

Hollywood has been a perennial fount of inspiration for Bollywood. The latest to dip into it is producer Sridevi. What she comes up with is a version of 'Not Without My Daughter' titled 'Shakti-The Power'. The original story is about one Betty Mehmoodi who marries an Iranian and faces unending trauma at the hands of his hardliner countrymen. 'Not Without My Daughter' has already been made in Telugu ('Anthapuram') by Krishna Vamsi, and he makes his debut as a Hindi film director with this remake of 'Anthapuram'.

The film was completed a few months back but met with a tepid response from the distributors. This is, perhaps, the reason why an 'item number' ('Ishq Kameena') by Aishwarya Rai was included as a bait for them. Karisma Kapoor had, of late, been making tall claims about her performance and role in 'Shakti', but these are belied by the film. Her performance here does not even come close to her showing in films like 'Fiza' and 'Zubeidaa'. In 'Shakti', she falls prey to loose characterization and a surfeit of violence.

This is the third film this month that sees the plot revolving around a female character (after 'Dil Hai Tumhaara' and 'Sur'). And, going by the history of Bollywood, where films based on female protagonists hardly click, 'Shakti' too has bleak chances of success at the box office. 'Shakti' is the story of Nandini (Karisma Kapoor) who lives in Canada and falls in love and marries Shekhar (Sanjay Kapoor). The result of this union is a son. One day Nandini comes to know that Shekhar has a family back in India. Her hubby has received some bad news about his mother and he wants to leave for the motherland immediately. When she lands up in India, Nandini comes face to face with a world that she has not even visualized in the worst of her nightmares. Shekhar's father Narsimha (Nana Partekar) is a demi-god in a part of North India that is not clearly delineated (one sees vast stretches of desert and a lot of camels but the people of the area speak Bhojpuri!). In this part of the world, Narsimha's word is law. No one challenges him, neither police nor politicians. Narasimha has evidently been having a running battle with his stepbrother for years and it is this factor that was responsible for Shekhar's shift to Canada after an aborted bid on his life. Now, the phoren-returned Shekhar wants to change the ways of his father and his followers but is killed during the course of his missionary act. An upset Nandini naturally wants to leave all this behind but Narsimha won't allow it. He wants Shekhar's son to be brought up like the Spartans of old so that he can avenge his father's killing. Nandini makes several attempts to escape, once even with the aid of her mother-in-law (Deepti Naval) and a street-smart chap (Shah Rukh Khan is a special appearance), but is unsuccessful.

Karisma Kapoor has been trying hard for the past few years to change her image of bimbette in short skirts. Of late, she has been opting for offbeat roles, like the one in this film, in a desperate bid to be recognized as an actress of worth. But she seems to be missing the point. An actress is remembered not for extraordinary roles but for extraordinary acting even in normal roles. Moreover her body language and looks are a hindrance in achieving her aim. She just not have the looks or style of a Smita Patil or a Shabana Azmi. He looks are just not 'Indian', and this becomes a big handicap for her while essaying some roles. All the films in which she has played 'offbeat roles' have bitten the dust. It remains to be seen how 'Shakti', in which she has put in a decent performance, fares at the box office. One has the suspicion, though, that at the end of the day, the film will be remembered more for the 'Ishq Kameena' number than Karishma's performance.

Shah Rukh Khan's brief role comes more as a hindrance in the progression of the story but Nana Patekar rules supreme in the film. If there is any fault to be laid at his door, the blame should go to the dialogue writer. Sanjay Kapoor has nothing to show for his exertions. 'Shakti', however, can boast of slick presentation. In Krishna Vamsi, one sees the entry of a talented director. He gives us some very creative and innovative frames. Along with cameraman S.Sriram, Krishna shows that technically, Indian cinema can be on par with global cinema.

Ismail Darbar has composed some melodious songs for the film in tandem with lyricist Mehboob.

SAIF IS HUMOROUS IN 'HUM TUM'

'Dil Chahta Hai' brought this actor in the limelight and 'Kal Ho Na Hai' has made his future. Saif Ali Khan is a busy man these days. He is shooting for a whole lot of films. But this actor is excited about his next release 'Hum Tum' Saif has worked in a lot of multi-starrers earlier. But after 'Ek Hasina Thi' he's doing a few solo hero films.

Comfortable with humor, Saif will be seen in his element in 'Hum Tum'. " It's a humorous film. The wit and humor is more. Men are from Mars and women are from Venus," says the actor. A Yash Raj banner film, it's an obvious love story but more of a dating flick. It's said that it is taken from 'When Harry Met Sally. " The film is situational and episodic and in that way it might be taken from 'When Harry met Sally' but its done to the Indian taste so its very different," defends Saif.

A story spanning 10 years has both Rani Mukherji and Saif Ali Khan in different moods and looks. And for Saif who loves to sport different looks all the time has fun with the way he looked in this film. " I have three different looks in the film. One at 21 when I have shambles in my hair. I also looked like that when I was 21yrs old. Then at 25 when you are a little mature yet easy going then I have a different look and the final look is when I am 31 when I want to be accepted by the society. These three looks actually any man will have spanning ten years of his life," says Saif.

Directed by Kunal Kohli who's first film was 'Mujhse Dosti Karoge' didn't do well at the box office and Saif still chose to do the film. " It's a YashRaj banner film and of course the director plays a major role in selecting a film. And Kunal's film might have not done that well in India but abroad it was a hit. Also my role in the film is nice and the film is a little different in terms of genre. It's the first dating flick which is all about men and women at different ages," says Khan. 'Hum Tum' due for release in May is targeted to a younger audience. Having a Yash Chopra signature are the foreign locales. " There's no harm in shooting the film abroad. Though India is beautiful but we have shot our film there, as it is set there. And if some places look beautiful on screen one must shoot there," explains Saif.

'Hum and Tum' are the two cartoon characters made by Saif Ali Khan who is a cartoonist in the film. While 'Hum' represents men, 'Tum' depicts women. And now Saif publishes his book of cartoons named 'Hum Tum'. With comic roles like these he's bound to get similar roles and films, but he doesn't agree with this. " If you have noticed I did 'Ek Hasina Thi' which was a thriller film, its not that I mind being tagged but I am trying to do various kinds of roles."

Whatever you say Saif, but with 'Kal Ho Na Ho' and 'Hum Tum' you are surely becoming a part of the Johar- Chopra clan.

SRK MAKING SOHAM'S DEBUT VENTURE

In a trailer outside a studio floor in Film City, Shah Rukh Khan takes a break during the shooting of his film 'Main Hoon Naa'. The film is a few weeks away from release and the actor is still wearing his dancing shoes. Dressed in Karan Johar designed Turquoise blue beaded shirt and looking healthy he answers questions on his newly formed company Red Chillies' first production, 'Main Hoo Naa'. Also confirming that Karan Johar and he will co-produce Soham's first film with John Abraham, Shahid Kapoor and Ajay Devgan.

Why did you form a new company when you already have Dreamz Unlimited?

Last year there were quite a few happenings. Aziz Mirza lost his wife; Juhi had a baby and I had my back problem. So none of us could focus on our production company. Farha's film was ready to be made and we had a schedule planned at the St Paul School in Darjeeling which we couldn't push as we had to shoot during their holidays. So we decided to form this new company with Venus. Red Chillies is in Gauri's name.

What are the results of the company and what next?

There are many people I couldn't involve with Dreamz but with Red Chillies, I can. So when Red Chillies was formed, Karan and I could produce films together. We are producing Soham's debut venture.

Do you like films, which have action?

I love action films but somehow people don't give those roles or films to me! The action in 'Main Hoon Na' was a little stressful after my surgery but pulling it off gave me confidence. Action shouldn't be gruesome or angry but stylishly done. I hope we've done something new here. I didn't want 'Main Hoon Na' to be a chick flick just because it's directed by one (Farha Khan). If I had to make a film it would be James Bond type or a 'Bad Boys' type.

So what's the story of 'Main Hoon Na'?

It's a masala film. It has action, bhai-bhai, Maa, border issue, dancing, romance. Everything but bits of logic left on the doorstep. My films are for a younger audience and they entertaining but with a little social message. Here the messages are that of friendship between two countries and bridging the generation gap.

What's on the front of Ashutosh Gowarikar's film 'Swades'?

We have only the US schedule left for 'Swades'. This film is made for Ashutosh's audience. 'Swades' is a contemporary film about a nation and its villages. It examines a point of view about the country going to the dogs and the complacency among some people.

What are the films you have chosen now?

I don't choose films they choose me. I am planning to do two films a year as I get too involved in the project and then it drains me out. I also want to spend more time with my children. I have three films coming out this year- 'Main Hoon Na', Yash Chopra's film and 'Swades'. That'll give me some time off to assimilate my work and spend time with my family.

Shah Rukh Khan


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 14-1-2006 04:13 PM ]

CELINA IS FIDA (CRAZY) ON FARDEEN

Celina Jaitley is not only pretty but lucky too. She reached the world beauty contest but couldn't make it there. Despite not being crowned a world beauty, Celina was lucky again. The doors of Bollywood opened for her, and she began getting offers from the directors and the producers. She acted in 'Khel' and then in 'Jaanasheen' but the box office eluded her. She claims that both of her initial movies were man-dominated, and therefore  click for larger view  

she should not be held responsible for their failure. However, she is happy with the roles assigned to her in those movies. She is not one of those girls who would get disheartened and quit. She is determined to secure a proper place for herself in Bollywood what may come. She says she is trying in this direct, and is confident too.

Aren't you giving more importance to body exposure in your films?

Well. One cannot afford to ignore the reality of the situation. Today our audience wants glamour in films. We can ignore it only at our peril. So heroines have to present themselves as glamorous to stay in the trade. I want to be popular among the audience.

Did you quarrel with Fardeen on the sets of 'No Entry'?

Fardeen and I have a special relationship. That's the reason for our on screen chemistry. There is nothing wrong in small quarrels occurring in a true friendship. How can I fight with him, who is a senior actor? How could I sign so many films with him unless we have some kind of reIationship between us?

Why did Subhash Ghai replace you with Priyanka Chopra in his movie 'Aitraaz'?

Abbas- Mastaan read the script of 'Aitraaj' to me. I liked it, and offered to do it. However, I could not meet Subhash Ghai as I had been busy in the shooting of some movie at that time. Meanwhile Priyanka signed this movie. I had never signed that movie. So there is no question of my quitting it or Priyanka replacing me.

Won't you like to be known as a serious girl of Bollywood?

I am 23 years old. What's wrong with me if I try to appear as a glamoro girl. I cannot to the age of 32, then I shall not look glamorous. At that time I can do serious acting. No director of Bollywood would allow his heroine to look non-glamorous. However, the matter of kissing scenes is different. Kissing scenes without any relevance to the script are meaningless to me.

Is your family happy with your joining films?

Yes, of course. My father and my brother are in the army. They enjoy life and have no objection to my joining films. I wanted to join the army too.

Do you feel secure in Bollywood?

Yes, I feel safe in Mumbai. I am safe in bikni even.

How do you like a hero promoting a heroine?

I am not aware of any such thing. If there is a common chemistry between a hero and a heroine, then they can certainly do better on the screen.

Who in Bollywood has impressed you the most?

Fardeen Khan is too sweet, and any girl will feel crazy about him. I am still a girl and quite far from turning a woman. So I consider Fardeen as a boy and not as a man. He is my good friend. His eyes are expressive, and can attract any girl towards him. Fardeen has a charm to attract girls like his father Feroze Khan does.

Celina Jaitley


Fardeen Khan


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 28-10-2005 08:46 PM ]

GOVINDA IS PRODUCING 'SUKH'

Govinda is turning a producer after having many flops. Now, he is producing a film titled 'Sukh'. He considers that 'Sukh' will lead him to new pastures in his career. Before entering into the election fray for the next Lok Sabha as a Congress candidate pitied against a four-timer Member of Parliament and presently Petroleum Minister Ram Naik, we met him at the set of 'Sukh'.

Will 'Sukh' show the new way to career of Govinda, the producer, or Govinda, the actor?

Both. Its success will influence me as a producer. However, as an actor this movie will lead me to a new way in my career.

What's the big deal in 'Sukh'?

'Sukh' is made to guide a breaking family and an irresponsible society by apprising both of their duties and responsibilities. The movie aims at helping us to find solace in this maddening world.

What's your role in 'Sukh'?

I play the character of a young man known as 'Chandra Prakash. He is a simple man, and is well versed with the strong as well as weak points of life. I do whatever I like doing. However, I like to help others in their hour of need. Priti Jhingiani is a traditional Indian woman though there is Aarti Chhabria too.

How come you have signed on Chanki Pandey when David Dhawan even didn't repeat him after 'Aankhen'?

Chanki Bhaiya has to be with Raja Bhaiya. He has fascinated me by his excellent performance in the role of a clever photographer in the movie.

Who else has fascinated you like Chanki Pandey?

Yes. Who else but Jackie Dada? Initially I wondered if he would be able to give me dates. However, he worked with me and left. When I offered him his fee, Jackie scolded me left and right and asked me how I dare talk about fee among brothers. This is indeed great on his part. Similarly, cameraman Sunil Reddy has contributed a lot to this movie.

Why have you taken new singer and musician?

Yes. New faces are always welcome provided they have some thing worthwhile to offert .

Who else comprise your cast?

Prem Chopra has blessed me and so has the new girl Gouri charmed me by her performance. Avtar Gill, Pratibha Kazmi, Mahesh Anand and Narendra Bedi have also performed beautifully in my movie.

'Govinda is a fighter'

"I don't know what's happening with Govinda. His life and happiness seem to be under a cloud," says an upset director David Dhawan after hearing about the road accident in which the actor's wife and children were hurt and his close aide killed.

Govinda's family was hurt and his friend Rishab killed in Rajasthan on August 15th  when their vehicle collided with a truck while they were on their way to Ajmer from Jaipur.

The news of the accident involving his dear friend's family has Dhawan agitated.

"I'm at Madh Island where there's no network, no TV... I heard about Govinda's family only in the late afternoon. At first I couldn't get through to Govinda, so I contacted Bina Kak who played Salman's mother in Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya (a Congress politician from Jaipur). She immediately got me information about Sunita and the kids. Thankfully they were okay."

Dhawan said he got in touch with Govinda as soon as he could.

"By the grace of god, Sunita and the two children have been saved. In fact, I just spoke to Sunita... I hope their two children too will be just fine. I'm sure they will be. I don't know what's happening with Govinda. His life and happiness seem to be under a cloud. But I'm sure he'll bounce back. Govinda is a fighter."



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 17-8-2005 09:10 PM ]

PRIYANKA BLASTS MEDIA ON HER AFFAIR WITH AKSHAY KUMAR

Priyanka Chopra's alleged affair with her patron Akshay Kumar has disturbed her too much. Scotching all such rumors, the petite girl categorical denies, and asserts that there is not even an iota of truth in them. She wondered how a section of the media gets involved in such gossips and benefits from it. Rather it spoils the home of a married person, who has been living happily with his family. Though her movies like 'Plan and ' Kismat' have not fared so well, her kitty is not without offers. She has been acting in several films at this juncture. She is proud to claim that she has with her more than half a dozen films and those too of big budget.

Are you satisfied with your filmi career?

I am always anxious to know the movie watchers' response to my movies. I felt very happy when the public reacted very favorably to my performance in 'Andaaz'. After that I started getting offers. Many filmmakers are ready to spend tens of millions of rupees on my films. This is not a small thing. This provides me a lot of satisfaction. So I take my work very seriously.

How come your 'Plan' and 'Kismat' did not do well and failed to hit the box office?

The Bollywood stars always move ahead with hopes. Though all of us have high expectations from our movies, yet many of us fail in this endeavor. However, we proceed further on hopes in the near future. This happened with me in my 'Plan' and 'Kismat'. Still I am doing more movies in the hope to satisfy the viewers.

Is Akshay Kumar promoting you in your filmi career?

What's wrong with it? I think seniors need to help their juniors. If Akshay introduces me to some of his director friends and helps me in getting film offers, I don't find anything wrong in it.

Is there any affair between you and Akshay as alleged by the media?

This is all nonsense. The media should think twice before writing such gossips. These gossips do not benefit the media. I wonder why the media involves itself in such things, as they can spoil the life and peace of any person and his family. I wonder if the media gains anything out of it.

How did you feel working with Amitabh Bachchan for the first time in 'Vakt'?

I felt very proud to get an opportunity to act with Amitabhji in 'Vakt'. During the shoot of this movie, I used to do my homework first so that he didn't feel bad.

Do you get film offers by sheer exposure?

The filmdom is a world of glamour, and it does sell here. Making noise about body exposure is no solution of the problem. I wish the viewers would rise above it, and stretch their imagination a little further.

What are your forthcoming movies?

I am doing Sazid Nadiadwala's 'Mujhse Shaadi Karoge', Subhash Ghai's 'Aetraaj', Rajiv Rai's 'Asambhav', Rajat Mukherjee's 'Kabhi Kabhi Pyaar Mein', and Kuku Kohli's 'Asar'. My other movies include Mahendra Dhariwal's 'Aatma", K.C. Bokadia's 'Ek Haseena Ek Deewana', besides a couple of others.

Priyanka Chopra


Akshay Kumar

NAMRATA: 'CHARAS' IS AN ADVENTURE THRILLER

'Charas' --- A Joint Effort", is director Tigmanshu Dhulia's second film s due for release this week. This multistarrer is an action thriller about the Rs 7000 million drug trafficking industry and focuses on the drug communes where foreigners often spend years at a stretch. We caught up with one of the female leads of the film Namrata Shirodkar.

What's your role in Charas?

'Charas' is an adventure thriller; its got mystery, emotions and it's a basic commercial entertainer with drugs as its backdrop. I play the character of a drug addict. My name is Priya Benegal in the film. She lives in a small town called Kasol and hangs out with this group. Somewhere along the line she meets Jimmy who's there on a mission to find a missing person. How she meets him and falls in love with him and also helps him to achieve his goal is the story.

Being a multistarrer how crucial or important is your role?

Jimmy is opposite me in the film, and there's Uday Chopra and Hri******a along with Irfan Khan. All of them are the principal characters in the film. Each character has its importance in the story; otherwise there will be something missing in the story. It's an adventure thriller where all the characters meet at one point in the film.

Did you shoot the movie at Charas farms?

We shot it at three locations. The first is Kasol, where my character comes from. Then Ladhak and in last its Mumbai. Many people do consume ganja and charas there. But then they are in their own world so that was not a problem for us. Also, it was easy for us to shoot there because we didn't give them any problem from our end. We were doing our shooting and they were enjoying their way. So in the real sense there was no disturbance. The experience of shooing in such places was definitely fun.

Is it true that the title of the movie was changed while it was in the production stage?

Yes, earlier the film was called 'Yaara'. Since we were not permitted to shoot with the title 'Charas' there, so we kept 'Yaara' as the name of the film on the clapperboard.

Tigmanshu is a fairly new director. How was it like working with him?

He is a very capable director and a very nice person too. He knows his work well as to what he is going to shoot and how. We enjoyed a lot while shooting. In fact, I didn't realize when we started and when we finished.

Does the music give a 70's feel?

The music is very melodious and that's why probably you find a 70's feel in it. And of course my favorite is the song Dhuan Dhuan as it's also picturised on me.

Why should people go to the theatres to watch the movie?

Well, the USP of the film is its story and the characters. Each actor has played his or her role with dedication and to his or her best capability. All this is helpful in making the film sell and work.

What do you expect from the film?

Whichever film I do, I put my best in it. And I have done the same for 'Charas'. I just hope that the people will go and see this film and like it.

Apart from 'Charas' what are your other films?

Another film, which will be releasing this year apart from 'Charas', is 'Bride and Prejudice', directed by Gurinder Chaddha.

Aish facing a crisis

The world's most talked about beauty is faced with a dilemma these days. Aishwarya Rai is feeling sad, as most of her recent movies have flopped. Even her 'Kyon Ho Gaya Naa' starring Vivek Oberoi, failed to register its presence at box office. So also was the fate of 'Balle Balle -Amritsar to L.A.' She has realized that her preference for Hollywood movies has annoyed Bollywood producers and directors so much so that they are feeling cut up with her. Consequently, Aish has asked her secretary to knock at the doors of famous producers like Chopra and Johar. Besides, she is taking help of her friends to resume her regular contact with these big banners as the latter's two movies are likely to be on the floors very soon.



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 27-4-2006 09:19 PM ]

Pooja Bhatt to launch cousin

Pooja Bhatt is known for her novelties. She introduces new faces and new trends in the movie world, and creates some controversies as well. The Bhatt camp's 'Zeher' has got an encouraging response, and is still being exhibited in theatres. At present, Pooja is busy with her 'Dirty Dancing'. This time round she is determined to make her cousin Muskaan's entry into filmdom through her latest. Muskaan's real name is Ritu though. She is taking lessons in dancing from famous dance teacher Sandeep Soparkar.

Preity puts off coat

Preity Zinta put off her coat to show to the waiting crowd that she is not far behind them. Preity was asked to be chief guest at a Mumbai function organized to show their concern for the welfare of the animals. Even though she reached the venue late, but was seen putting off her coat to convince the audience that she was also wearing the PET logo. This certainly pleased the public that was feeling unhappy otherwise because of her delayed arrival.

Beware Bipasha

Actors Akshay Kumar and John Abraham have been working together in several movies. Besides, they have common habits. Both are averse to smoking and drinking, and like visiting gym. However, they are known for flirting girls too. Akshay Kumar is known for breaking hearts of many of his girlfriends in the industry. Hopefully, John wouldn't indulge in it otherwise Bipasha's would have to look for another boyfriend.