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A SENSIBLE HEAD ON PRETTY SHOULDERS

Preity Zinta, who started her film career with Mani Ratnam's 'Dil Se', has already featured in 13 films. She is a very popular personality, both with directors and her co-stars and stands out with her charming smile and dimples. At present, Preity told Smashits, she is shooting for 'Dil Hai Tumhara'.

How come the word 'Dil' is in most of your films?

I don't know. It must just be a coincidence.

'Dil Hai Tumhara' has a lot of other female actresses. Does this make you feel insecure?

I am happy that both Rekha and Mahima Choudhury, with whom I am working, are very friendly and cooperative. Rekha is a fantastic person, as glamorous as ever. Mahima and I share a good working relationship.

Don't you feel tired of playing the tomboy in several films?

No, not at all. But it is a fact that I have played different roles in different films. As Babli in 'Mission Kashmir', I got several letters from my fans saying that they were not aware that I could play such a role also.

Do you feel frustrated when your films flop?

Sure I get upset, and why shouldn't I? It does affect my mood. But now I have learnt not to bother about it and to relax after the dubbing of my film is over.

How do you evaluate your films?

Well, I thought 'Dil Se' would be a super hit and was shocked when it didn't do all that well. On the other hand, 'Soldier' was a hit, contrary to my expectations.

Have you ever been attracted to any of your co-stars on the sets?

No way. That is not healthy. Even my boyfriend rarely visits me on the sets. These are two different things; they cannot be mixed up.

What was the impact of 'Chori Chori Chupke Chupke' on your career?

In terms of following, I may say that 'Chori Chori Chupke Chupke' increased my male fans three times, especially in Pakistan and the Gulf. While some of these fans send me marriage proposals, others look to me with respect and call me 'Didi'. I feel nice and warm after reading their letters.

What about your 'relationship' with Aamir Khan and Sanjay Dutt?

Well, linking me with Aamir comes as news. And as for talk of me and Sanjay, it is all rubbish. How can the media link me with Sanjay? It is ridiculous.

JIMMY BANKS ON 'DIL VIL PYAAR VYAAR'

Jimmy Shergill traveled a long way from Guljar's 'Maachis' (where he played the role of a militant) to Aditya Chopra's 'Mohabbatein', where he earned fame and developed confidence in himself. 'Mohabbatein' was a dream project for him where he made a mark in the midst of super stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan. Though he has yet to travel far, he has proved that he is handsome and good actor and therefore has a bright future unlike many other new comers in the film industry. He is an optimist. It hurts him to be compared with any other actor. He is busy in his new movie 'Haasil' with Hrishitaa Bhatt and awaiting the release of his movie 'Dil Vil Pyaar Vyaar'. Success, he tells Smashits, is bound to come his way soon.

You seem to be in high spirits after 'Dil Vil Pyaar Vyaar'?

I have reason to be. My role in the film was a pivotal one.

What was your role anyway?

I played an industrialist's son who is not your usual spoilt brat. He falls in love with a girl but is not able to convey his feelings to her. It was a very refreshing change to play this role as it was very different from anything that I had done so far.

Do you identify with the character you played in this film?

No. Hrithik, the character I played, is a total contrast to me. I cannot identify with him. In reality, I am an extrovert and say whatever I want to. I do not have this tendency to hide things from others as Hrithik does. But it was fun playing this role.

Who were your co-stars?

Sanjay Suri, Madhavan and Namrata Shirodkar.

How was it working with them?

It was a lot of fun. Everyone was so helpful. We would joke and more often than not ended up having a blast. I regret the fact that the shoot got over so soon. I wish we could have spent more time together.

Did you come across any memorable incident during the shooting?

A scene between my heroine and me left a deep impact. It was shot on a railway station and we had to chase a train. But every time we missed one, we used to have a hearty laugh.

What is the story of the film?

The story is a combination of four different love tales merging into one. Everyone meets in the climax. There is youthfulness and there is romance.

How do you think this film will fare?

I think it should do well, considering all the labor we have put into it.

What motivated the producers to insert R.D.Burman songs into the film?

I think it was a great idea to use the R.D.Burman songs and I think it will work wonders. I am sure it will be a trendsetter of sorts.

Has your acting improved now?

That's for the public to decide. I give 100per cent to whatever I do. The final critic is the audience.

IS AKSHAYE KHANNA HEADING TOWARDS BOLLYWOOD TOP?

Akshaye Khanna, son of actor and presently Minister Vinod Khanna has been impressing viewers with his acting since his first movie 'Himalayaputra'. He did very well in 'Taal', 'Dahek', 'Lawaaris', Kudrat', Doli Saja Ke Rakhna', Aa Ab Laut Chale' and 'Dil Chahata Hai'. In 1997, he won a Best Supporting Actor award in J.P.Dutta's 'Border'. He is being signed on by some of the big directors to play major roles in their movies. He has a very strong screen presence. What's worth noting about his career is that he hasn't used the media to get himself publicity. Usually his movies are released quietly. He doesn't give too many interviews to gossip magazines. He never boasts that he is Vinod Khanna's son. Industry pundits predict a very bright future for Akshaye. They won't wonder if he reaches the top in Bollywood soon.

What's your status in film after "Humraaz"?

I am overwhelmed with the response of the public to 'Humraaz'.

How did you get this movie?

When the director narrated the role to me, it worked for me. I knew it would be fun for me to play and as much for people to watch me.

Was your role negative?

If you are playing mean guy, you might well go the whole hog. I wanted to play a complete black character. I am a mean guy that's it.

Are you afraid of playing a mean guy?

Most bad guys of our Hindi films are typical. These kinds of characters in Hindi movies come once in a while. I would have been a fool to let it go.

How did you play something different in Humraaz?

I don't think I've only done romantic roles. In fact there is a strong element of romance in 'Humraaz' too. I'd say I've done 'Border', which is almost entirely action and patriotism and I've done 'Dil Chahta Hai', which cannot be categorised as a romance alone.

What's your experience with your co-stars?

I go well with all my co-stars. I've never had a problem with any of my co-stars. I've always had good experiences working with other actors and I enjoy working with them.

Why didn't you do a movie after 'Humraaz'?

Do I have to do 10 films to prove something? Do three films make a better actor and seven films a big star?

What are you waiting for?

I want to do just few films. I'm not relaxing. Which actor is doing more than two films right now?

Is acting a passion for you?

Acting is very addictive. It's a great place to be in, especially if you are successful.

Which film demanded a challenging role from you?

I don't think anything has challenged me as much as I'd like it to.

AISHWARYA: MAID IN INDIA

Aishwarya Rai is not only being wooed by filmmakers but even has corporates tagging on to her. One company recently put her on its board of directors. The world's beauty and queen-bee of Bollywood is exceptionally 'Swadeshi' and is averse to flattering of any sort. She attributes her success to the love and affection showered on her by the countrymen. She prefers to be an empress in India to that of a maid in the world's Mecca of films, Hollywood

Do you agree with the international media calling you Julia Roberts?

I never believed it when I was told that Julia Roberts found me "unassumingly beautiful".

Have you got any offers from Hollywood?

During my stay in Cannes for the screening of 'Devdas', filmmakers came up to me for dates. Some agents asked me which actor I would like to work with and the US media could not believe that I did not have an agent.

What came of it eventually?

A European banner offered me a role for a film that was to roll soon but as I had prior commitments I said 'no'. Aamir told me that people inquired about me at the Oscars. As the agents still call, I realise that the offers are for real. I am going to the US as part of a tour programme and will meet some agents in L.A. and New York.

Do you consider Hollywood as your ultimate destination?

I love my work here, and it is this experience in Hindi films that has stood me in good stead. I am not going to compromise my work in India for foreign assignments.

How do you look at foreign appreciation?

It is with a sense of pride that I look at the recent accolades, be it Rahman's achievements, Ayesha Dharker's role in 'Bombay Dreams' and Aamir Khan at the Oscars. We have set a few benchmarks and whatever each of us does should ultimately help the film community.

Who appreciates your role more, Indians or foreigners?

The Indian audience has showered me with so much love and affection that I have been put on a pedestal here and I don't want to compromise that. Think about it why be a slave somewhere when you are an empress here.

Will you balance as a Hollywood/Bollywood venture?

I still haven't said yes to anything. There is lot of responsibility on my plate and whatever I do, has to set a precedent for others.

What is your USP?

My USP is that I am intrinsically Indian, but with a western packaging.

Which are your forthcoming films?

There are two films in various stages of production: 'Radheyshyam Sitaram' and 'Hum Panchhi Ek Daal Ke', but these have been in the making for years. Due to some disputes, these films may not see light of the day in the immediate future.

Are you bidding adieu to films?

No, why should I go anywhere. Whatever it is it will be a professional decision. I am going nowhere. I am an Indian and there is where I belong.



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 27-4-2006 09:26 PM ]

TALENTED BIPASHA GOING PLACES

The dynamic Bipasha Basu is posing a threat to her contemporaries. Her debut in 'Ajnabee' followed by Vikram Bhatt's 'Raaz' created a sensation in film circles. Her good looks have contributed in no small manner to her success. David Dhawan signed her on for 'Chor Machaye Shor', Kundan Shah for 'Kasam Se' and Ajay Chandok for 'Nahle Pe Dehla'. Vikram Bhatt is repeating her in 'Aitbaar' and 'Gunaah'. Her loyalties are with Bhatt. Despite her dislocated shoulder, the actress remained with Bhatt as a part of publicity campaign for her next release of 'Gunaah'.

How come your role in 'Ajnabee' was more appreciated than Kareena Kapoor's?

I was very happy that people appreciated my performance. I did my best. I had never imagined that the viewers would like my role more than Kareena's.

Have you given up modeling?

I have earned a great name in modeling. But after entering films, I enjoy acting. I am happier now. I have not abandoned modeling, though I have not taken up any assignment in this field for about a year. I have no time to spare from films.

Do you have any regrets about entering films so late?

I had no interest in acting or story sessions initially. I declined all offers thinking I would not be able to make it in films. But now that I have joined films, I want to put in my best and reach the top.

Don't you feel shy about playing negative roles?

First of all, J.P.Dutta signed me for 'Aakhri Mughal' starring Amitabh Bachchan, but the film never saw the light of the day. I took no time in accepting 'Ajnabee' offer.I don't believe in "positive" or "negative". The role should be strong, so that the player can leave an impression with his or her performance.

You are being criticized for 'doing anything' to woo directors?

I don't care for such talk. It comes from gossipmongers who have nothing better to do.

Did Dino Morea recommend you to Vikram Bhatt?

Dino knows well that I don't like anybody recommending me. He would be the last person to involve himself in getting me into a Vikram Bhatt film.

Why is Kareena upset with you? Did you have a fracas with her during the shoot of 'Ajnabee'?

I care little about Kareena talking ill about me. I hardly know her. Kareena can say anything she likes. Everyone is free to speak whatever he or she wants.

What kind of roles do you have in your forthcoming films?

They are quite varied, though there are some filmmakers who want to cash in on my sex appeal. I wish to do something 'different', but I am not in a hurry. I can wait any long. I have a comic role in David Dhawan's 'Chor Machaye Shor' which I am sure the audience will lap up.

Have you signed some small banner films also?

Yes. I need the money to buy a house.

Who is your boyfriend?

She made no comment. However, Bipasha was found spending a day with John Abraham during John's shooting of an ad film for Benzer .

BARRY JOHN MADE ME WHAT I AM: SHAH RUKH

Shah Rukh Khan says Barry John "made me what I am." In fact, Barry has been instrumental in teaching the craft of acting to many of today's actors. He was born in 1946 in Britain, a "war baby", and moves to India while still quite young to teach English in the sixties, contrary to his parents' advice. In 1973,he set up Theatre Action Group and then in 1997 'Imago'.

How did you acquire knowledge of acting?

I met Joy Michael, who ran a theatre group called 'the Arctic', in New Delhi. She invited me to join her group and so my theatre career began in 1970.

Who among your students have made it in Hindi films?

Shah Rukh Khan, Raghuvir Yadav, Divya Seth, Meera Nair, Manoj Bajpai and many others.

What does Shah Rukh have to say about learning the craft at your feet?

Shah Rukh is incredibly busy. He has found space for himself. He knows what I think about his acting. He is self-made but is kind enough to say that I made him.

What made you opt to stay in India?

I love India. The heat never bothered me, the food I relish always. I never wanted to go back to Britain to do something else. India is a passion for me. It is my home now.

Why did you not marry?

I am married to my work. I didn't get time to marry. I find it difficult to make commitments. I enjoy my independence and freedom too much.

What are your hobbies?

I love photography, designing, reading. In the process of researching things, we have to be updated with the subject. In theatre, the subject is the whole world.

Shah Rukh Khan


[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 30-8-2006 12:48 PM ]

Bhumika turns glamorous

Bhumika Chawla came as a heroine in Bollywood in Satish Kaushik's directorial 'Tere Naam' opposite Salman Khan. In 'Tere Naam', she played a role of a simple girl, her co-star was Salman Khan and this film got big success. Thus, Bhumika became very famous. After that she appeared in two films 'Run' and 'Dil Ne Jise Apna Kaha', but both flopped. Incidentally, she had repeated her "Tere Naam' image in both these films. After two flops Bhumika's career suffered a lot. This made her realize that there is no success without boldness and glamour. So, she resorted to skin shows in Adanan Sami's video album and challenged her so called bold colleagues. This is a clue for producers that Bhumika has become glamorous. Recently, she has signed three mega budget films 'Benaam', 'Silsile' and 'Luck By Chance'. She has thus joined the bold and glamorous heroines' queue.

Katrina with Akshay in ' Humko Deewana...'

Nowadays, the big producers are busy in signing Katrina Kaif for their new films. In the near past she had played a role with her lover Salman Khan in the David Dhawan's film. Besides, she has signed two mega budget films. Earlier, she also signed a movie under the Super Cassettes banner, starring Akshay Kumar. The movie director is Raj Kanwar and the producers are Bhushan Kumar Dua and Krishan Kumar. This is titled 'Humko Deewanaa Kar Gaye Aap'. This is to recall that only three years ago Raj Kanwar had made a film named 'Andaaz' with two former Miss World beauties --Priyanka Chopra and Lara Dutta with Akshay Kumar.

Katrina Kaif


Akshay Kumar


[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 30-8-2006 01:28 PM ]

Rani has another fan in John Abraham

Nowadays, Rani Mukharjee is on the top of the race of number one. Recently, she got a Filmfare award of Best Actress for 'Hum Tum'. Her popularity is increasing day by day. Now an another name has been included in the list of her fans. This name is also a very famous name, and a heartthrob of youths. He is John Abraham. In a recent interview, John said that he is a very big fan of Rani Mukherjee. "Rani is very beautiful and an attractive personality. She realizes her responsibility". That's why John is her fan. When we asked John who after Rani he likes most. John named Kareena. This shocked us as only in the recent past we heard about his thick relations with Bipasha Basu. Is Bips listening?

Rani Mukherjee


John Abraham


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 23-1-2006 10:25 PM ]

WHY LARA IS STILL STRUGGLING?

Lara Dutta, former Miss World, who started her career from 'Andaaz' with another Miss World Priyanka Chopra, is still struggling in the industry unlike her colleague. Though her role in her debut 'Andaaz' was stronger than Chopra's, she remained behind. Even after 'Andaaz', Lara did many films but she couldn't repeat the magic of her debut film even. It appears that Chopra became a hit because of her glamour and sexy style. Even Lara's recently released 'Jurm' with Bobby Deol has belied her expectations.

Maybe it is because of a flop star like Bobby Deol. This may be true as Priyanka too did a flop movie titled 'Kismat' with Bobby '. However, the clever Priyanka did not repeat her mistake. This year Lara's one more film has released, but again it has been a flop ('Elaan' directed by Vikram Bhatt). There is no doubt that Lara is beautiful, talented and a sexy figure, but her luck doesn't favor her. Lara's coming films are 'No Entry', 'Phir Herapheri', 'Rajneeti' and 'Kaal'. She is very excited about them. Let's hope that Lara succeeds in these films.

Isha is very busy

Isha Koppikar is very busy these days in the shooting of Pankaj Paraashar's 'Intekaam'. She is playing the role of a sexy writer, who is involved in many murder cases. She succeeds in charming a police inspector by her sexy image. The latter is in charge of the murder cases. She has another film 'Hamrahi' in which she plays a simple girl. This is almost complete. Besides, she has one more film 'Kasam Se' on hand. Again, she acts as a sexy girl in this movie. This is ready for release.



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 26-8-2005 02:55 PM ]

Shahid and Amrita together again

Shahid Kapoor and Amrita Rao will soon be seen together again in John Mathew's forthcoming film in the yet to be titled film. John has shown his power of direction in 'Sarfarosh'. Now, he has signed Shahid and Amrita Rao in lead roles. This pair had earlier worked in Ken Ghosh's 'Ishk Vishk', and had attracted a wide acclaim from the viewers. The movie had proved a hit then.

Shahid Kapoor


Amrita Rao


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 14-1-2006 04:34 PM ]

Friends annoyed with Amisha

Amisha Patel, who has broken all relations with her family, has annoyed her friends. She knows that her friends don't want her to break with her parents, whom she considers wrong. She tries to justify her stand her parents. But they are not satisfied. Whenever she tries to contact with her friends, she finds a cool response from them. She is therefore finding herself alone. However, her brother Asmit Patel is still hopeful of his sister returning home very soon.



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 14-1-2006 04:35 PM ]

Mahima's hot scenes in 'Sauten...'

Mahima Choudhry has traveled a long way in the industry since showman Subhash Ghai discovered her in 'Pardes'. Despite several years in films, she has not become a successful actress. Now, she has chosen a new path pursued by her colleagues. She is turning to appear bold and sexy. That's why she has given a lot of hot scenes in her forthcoming film 'Sauten-The Other Woman' of Navin Taak directed by Karan Raajdan. In this film, she is playing the role of a sauten (the other woman). More significant is that she plays sauten (the other woman to no other person than her own stepdaughter. Her scenes are said to be hotter and sexy than Mallika Sherawat and Neha Dhupia. Will she succeed as an actress in her changed image?



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 30-8-2006 01:47 PM ]

Bipasha names dog Abraham

Once upon a time a dialogue was very famous in Mithun Chakravarty's films that 'pet a dog of your name'. This dialogue was used as an abuse, but our Bengali girl, Bipasha Basu, believes otherwise. She has a pet dog and she has named it Abraham after her boyfriend John Abraham. John Abraham is happy too as he thinks that her ladylove Bipasha Basu would remember him all the time she names her pet dog.



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 30-8-2006 01:55 PM ]

Vivek and Lara again together

Not long ago Vivek Oberoi was crazy about Aishwarya Rai. However, he doesn't remember her for his film 'Kyon Ho Gaya Na' with Aishwarya had flopped. Interestingly, he is stated to be admiring Lara Dutta these days. How would it affect Lara's position in the industry can be anybody's guess? However, it would certainly help producers. After the success of 'Masti' Vivek Oberoi and Lara Dutta will soon be seen together again in producer Indra Kumar's forthcoming film. Earlier, Aishwarya Rai was cast in this role.

Vivek Oberoi


Lara Dutta


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 14-1-2006 04:37 PM ]

Big B meet James Bond

Amitabh Bachchan met James Bond recently during a function organized by a watch company in Mumbai. While talking to the media Big B said that he has seen all the movies of James Bond. However, James disclosed that he has not seen any of the Big B's movies, but taking them with him. Big filmmakers like Yash Chopra and Shekhar Kapoor besides Mallika Sherawat and some others, were also seen in the party.

Amitabh Bachan


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 14-1-2006 04:37 PM ]

Bips back to bold role

Bipasha Basu became famous by showing her body in 'Jism'. But after this film all her films flopped, and she announced that she would do some different films, meaning serious roles. But now she is coming back to her old way. We hear that she has given a lot of hot scenes in Sunil Darshan's 'Barsaat'. Hopefully this film will revive her status of a bold and sexy Bipasha of 'Jism'.

Shilpa moving to South

Shilpa Shetty is still struggling for her position in Hindi films. Only two of her films 'Baazigar' and 'Dharkan' were hits at the box office. The rest of her films fell flat at the ticket window. Her forthcoming films are 'Shaadi Karke Fans Gaya Yaar', 'Khamosh' and 'Fareb'. And, she doesn't have high hopes from them. So, she is thinking of shifting to the south. Recently, she has signed a Kannad film. Earlier too, she did two Kannad films.



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 30-8-2006 02:02 PM ]

Preeti 'engaged' with Kim Sharma

You may have heard the engagement of two persons, but not of two girls. If it happens then it will be a lesbian couple. In any engagement ceremony, the couple exchanges rings. Recently, Kim Sharma held a party on her birthday, and Preeti Jhangiani gifted a diamond ring to her friend on the former's birthday. Interestingly, Kim said to Preeti with a sweet smile, " We are engaged now." Though Kim's relations with her boyfriend Yuvraj are not good, but Preeti filled the vaccum in Kim's life.

Preeti Jhangiani


Kim Sharma


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 14-1-2006 04:39 PM ]