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Priyadarshan rubbishes Akki-John rumours

"Am I some idiot to let one of my actors make my film for me?" Priyadarshan who's just out of hospital after a sinus problem, laughs sarcastically at rumours doing the rounds in Bollywood that Akshay "chopped off" his co-star John Abraham's scenes in Garam Masala.
Sighing deeply Priyan comments, "This is nothing but a figment of a troublesome journalist's imagination. It may be some people's idea of publicity, not mine. I've been around for too long to let actors dictate to me. Akshay never showed the slightest inclination to invade John's territory. In fact I've been in touch with John. Not once has he expressed any grievance against Akshay. So who are these people spreading these rumours? I want to know their identity."

The failure of his Diwali release Kyun Ki has sorely disappointed Priyan. "As I kept saying Kyun Ki was from my heart. Its failure broke my heart. I wanted to make films that I believe in. But now it doesn't seem possible, at least not in Hindi where the market is dictated by the formula.   

"I guess I might as well make films like Garam Masala and not lose my audience in Bollywood. I can make the more serious and experimental films in Malayalam where the market is more friendly to new ideas."

Priyan regrets the damage that the failure of a 'serious' film like Kyun Ki does to the star system. "People said Salman shouldn't have died at the end. But that was my story! Why should I have changed the ending? Just to suit the Diwali mood? In that case I should've never released Kyun Ki in Diwali.

"If films where Bollywood stars try to go beyond convention don't work they'll continue to do the same kind of safe films. No wonder big banners like Yashraj Films make films based on specific formula and mood. At least they're ensured their success. In Bollywood success is all that's respected."

In the same breath Priyan admits his next release Malaamal Express is a more believable comedy. "It's nothing like Garam Masala which was an out-and-out escapist comedy. Malaamal Express is more rooted to reality. It's for a more selected audience. If there were 300 prints of Garam Masala only a 100 prints of Malaamal Express should be released."

Priyadarshan


Akshay Kumar


John Abraham


[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 8-12-2006 04:02 PM ]

Sanjay Dutt exempted from court appearance till Dec 9

Actor Sanjay Dutt, accused in the 1993 bomb blast case, was on Thursday exempted from appearance by a special court on health grounds till December nine.

Hearing Sanjay's plea, designated TADA judge P D Kode exempted him from appearance but asked him to remain present on that day.

Sanjay's lawyer Farhana Shah pleaded that the actor was not keeping well and should be exempted from appearance for the day. She pleaded that Sanjay was ready to appear on any day the court may deem fit.

The court had earlier exempted Sanjay from appearance till November 14 and asked him to appear today as yesterday was a holiday on account of Guru Nanak jayanti.

The actor is facing charges of allegedly possessing an AK-56 rifle prior to the 1993 bomb blast. Sanjay has denied the allegation.

Sanjay and 85 other accused, on bail, are required to attend the TADA court periodically on dates fixed by the judge.



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 8-12-2006 04:11 PM ]

Shah Rukh may campaign against smoking

'Shah Rukh aur Kajol yahan mile the...'

International destinations where Bollywood films are shot are the latest draw for tourists.

"This is the famous Trafalgar Square of UK, which is over 160 years old... This is also where Amrish Puri aka Chaudhury Baldev Singh in Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge feeds pigeons, while yearning for the green fields of his own land..."informs a guide to an excited tourist group, as they pass the square in London.

"And this is where Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan parted ways..."he continues pointing towards the King's Cross Station.

Hardly the introduction one would expect, but interestingly, an increasing number of locales, where Bollywood films have been shot are now being promoted as prominent tourist destinations across Europe.

More so in the UK and Switzerland, places that have for long epitomised the dream sequences in Bollywood films, where the hero romances the coy heroine on the snow-capped mountain peaks.

And European countries are betting on Bollywood to lure more Indian tourists, who are drawn by picturesque locales that form the backdrop of many a Bollywood blockbuster.

"Many Indian tourists come to visit Europe to see for themselves the snowy mountain peaks, enchanting landscapes and scenic beauty that have featured in many Bollywood hits. The backdrop that are used in films, work as magnets for the starcrazed tourists,"says a tour operator.

"We regularly get people enquiring about locations and destinations based on what they have seen in films. 'Woh jagah hai na, jahan Hrithik Roshan ne Kareena Kapoor ke saath dance kiya tha?

Or Hero ka shooting idhar hi hua that na?Or Kya Shah Rukh aur Kajol yahan mile the,"they ask, as they flip through brochures.

Based on those requests we have included several of the film locations as part of our regular tours,"informs another tour operator.

"Both the filmmakers and the countries involved tend to derive symbiotic benefits of destination branding and recall in addition to revenue generation by promoting Bollywood tourism in these countries,"feels trade analyst Taran Adarsh.

"For the filmmaker it's added production value, while for the country it's increase in tourism. Bollywood provides the ideal link between the Indian consumer and any destination for tourism promotion,"he adds.

"Besides luring travellers, Indian movie-making also brings big business to these countries,"reveals producer Vashu Bhagnani. "In fact, many of the places have actually become tourist destinations only after being featured in Bollywood flicks,"he says.

"This is a win-win situation for all. Not only the filmmakers and the tourism boards of the respective countries, but also the tourists,"adds Adarsh.

Shah Rukh Khan


Kajol


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 25-2-2006 12:40 PM ]

Aamir, Kajol to begin shooting for Fanah

This week Delhi's Chandni Chowk and the Red Fort will witness the arrival of two celebrity tourists, Aamir Khan and Kajol.

For, shooting begins later this week for Aamir and Kajol's under-production film, Kunal Kohli's Fanah at the Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi Railway station and several historical monuments in the national capital. Those hoping to get a glimpse of the stars are, however, in for some disappointment. For, the shooting places will be out of bounds for the general public.

The portions of the film to be shot in Delhi have Aamir playing at guide taking a Kashmiri girl (Kajol) through a sightseeing tour of Delhi, including the historical monuments.

Consequently, shooting will be held at several historical monuments like the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Jantar Mantar, Purana Qila and Lodhi Gardens.

Trade sources say director Kunal Kohli (of Hum Tum and Mujhse Dosti Karoge fame) had requested permission to shoot in these places from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) authorities, who were initially reluctant as they feared damage to the monuments due to the shooting and presence of a huge crowd of people to watch the celebrities.

Eventually, only a small area of these monuments has been allotted for shooting, at Rs 5000 per day, the sources said. Also, parts of the monuments where the shoots are on would be cordoned off to keep away onlookers.

The remaining portions of the monuments will, however remain open to the public.

Trade sources say the film was to be shot in the Kashmir Valley but security concerns made the filmmakers change their plans. Initially, the film was to be shot in Delhi for two days only. However, the schedule has now been extended to nine days.

Prior to Delhi, a brief shooting stint of the film was held in Mumbai.

Being produced by Yashraj productions, the film, dealing with terrorism in Kashmir, also stars Tabu in a key role.

Fanaah is the second Hindi film in recent months to be shot at historical monuments. Earlier, Rakesh Mehra's Rang De Basanti was shot in and around the historical monuments of Delhi.

Aamir Khan


Kajol


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 22-1-2006 03:56 PM ]

Abhishek Bachchan to promote Fiesta

Ford India on Wednesday signed up Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan as the brand ambassador for its new mid-sized sedan 'Fiesta.'

Abhishek had earlier endorsed Maruti's multipurpose vehicle Versa along with his father Amitabh Bachchan.

Ford on Tuesday announced the prices of its new sedan Fiesta, with the entry level 1.4 litre petrol version being pegged at Rs 5.86 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai).

The other two petrol variants -1.6 litre ZXi model would be priced at Rs 6.59 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai) and 1.6 litre SXi at Rs 7.22 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai).

The 1.4 litre common rail diesel variant would be available at Rs 7.33 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai).

Salman Khan抯 憁usical

Manisha Koirala joins G.V. Films Ltd.

Manisha Koirala is on the Board of Directors of G.V. Films Ltd., which has recently made its foray into the Hindi film industry. The actress seeks to contribute her knowledge, understanding and experience to accelerate the company抯 growth.

Manisha will be involved in various aspects of the company, besides handling film and TV production, apart from being the face of the company nationally and internationally.

At a press meet organized on November 15 to formally announce Manisha抯 association with the company, Mahadevan Ganesh, Chairman, G.V. Films said that her ideas will only enhance the media vision of the company.

Manisha also shared her thoughts on the association and said that she was looking forward to exploring new areas of growth. 揋.V. Films Ltd. has contributed a lot to films in the South. Bollywood needs such professionals,

FARDEEN BANKS ON HIS SOLO 'EKEH

Fardeen Khan is feeling relaxed these days , presumably he is waiting for his luckiest day, December 14 when he will marry with Natasha, daughter of former actress Mumtaaz. He is known more for his screen presence than acting, and he confesses it. "I am fit as an urban or a playboy. But I cannot play the character of 'Devdas' like Shah Rukh Khan or that of Bhuvan played by Aamir Khan in 'Lagaan'." He is right as he has attracted more girls than any other actor. The list of his former girlfriends is too large.

Fardeen Khan is banking on his next Suparna Verma-directed 'Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena'. He is a khiladi ( player) but he is faced with a haseena (beauty) played by Koena Mitra . Hence both need to interact with each other otherwise none of them will be able to fight against underworld's king Sikander played by Bollywood's bad man Gulshan Grover. Hence this movie can boost Fardeen's image unlike his previous movies like 'No Entry and 'Shaadi No 1' where he doesn't have solo performance. Though 'Shaadi No 1' has flopped yet it would not have given credit to Fardeen as the central actor in the movie was Sanjay Dutt along with Sharman Joshi and Ayesha Takia. Since Fardeen's father Feroz is there, the movie will surely boost Fardeen's image. However, it is wondered if Feroz will not dominate it as in ' Jaanasheen'. In any case, Fardeen will have more scope to show his skill in 'Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena'.



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 8-12-2006 04:19 PM ]

Diya Mirza's new video

When she first made her foray into Bollywood, she was called an Aishwarya Rai lookalike. But Dia Mirza's career never took off, despite making her debut opposite Madhavan in Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, four years ago.

In the last four years, she has had no major solo hit to her credit. But she is still around. The last we saw her was in Parineeta and Dus this year.

Now, Dia will be swaying alongside singer Sonu Nigam in the video of Kajra mohabbat wala, originally from the hit film Kismet (1968).  

The videos of the T-Series album, Kajra Nite, have been shot by Vaibhavi Merchant. Alisha Chinoy has sung the duet with Nigam.



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 1-6-2007 02:23 PM ]

Akshay turns gentle man

Khiladi Akshay Kumar has become a gentle man. This is certified by of some of the Bollywood actresses who have once acted with him or say those whom he once flirted. According to these beauties, Akshay spends his spare time in his actress-turned-interior decorator wife Twinkle's business. Even during shooting he invites his small family to share his idle time with them. What a pity for those who act opposite her during the shoot! But , they don't mind as Akshay is growing old now.



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 8-12-2006 04:21 PM ]

Dino foresees bright future

Dino Morea has confessed that his relations with Nandita Mehtani are no longer as sweet as before though they remain close friends even today. "I am always with her in need." Dino says that he was present when Nandita launched her boutique. Regarding his career, he says he is very happy at present as he has got an opportunity to show his real self in Deepak Tjori's comedy ' Tom Dick and Harry'. This movie will certainly attract a large audience keeping in view the positive response to the recently released 'No Entry', he adds. Besides, he will be on the screen in Dharmesh Darshan's forthcoming movie.



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 8-12-2006 04:22 PM ]

Riya fond of Kolkata, but allergic to fish

Though Riya Sen misses Kolkata very much , yet she has no taste for the region's best dish-fish. Yes, it's true. Riya says that she missed Kolkata's Durga Pooja this year as she was preoccupied in the shooting for Rohit Shetty's 'Golmaal'. When asked that she could have celebrated Durga Pooja this time in Mumbai, she said, " Pooja in Kolkata is far different. I go on staring at the Goddess Durga, especially made by the artists for this occasion. Besides, the prasad offered to the devotees is beyond words. "I like it very much as it is offered on banana leaves." Though she lives in the posh area of Kolkata called New Alipur, she is fond of shopping in the South Kolkata. Regarding her taste for food, Riya admits, " Yes , I am non-vegetarian , yet I am allergic to fish." When she is taunted for being a Bangalee and not eating fish, she readily quips, " Yes, I am not a Bangalee."



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 8-12-2006 04:23 PM ]

Kajol: Still discovering myself

Actress Kajol launched a diamond collection titled 'Asmi' recently in New Delhi. Telling her that the title 'Asmi' in Sanskrit means 'Main Hoon' ( 'I am'), we asked her "What are you - a mother a daughter, a sister or just a woman?" She was nonplussed for some time , then turned serious and quipped, " I am still discovering what I am." This indeed was an interesting answer! Besides, Kajol said that she does like diamonds, and her mother likes and wears them too.

Lara,Sania Mirza in 'KBC'

Now was the turn of model-turned-actress Lara Dutta to sit on the hot seat of Amitabh Bachchan's most popular game show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati. She was accompanied with another world celebrity tennis star Sania Mirza . The Star Channel had decided to organize this show on the eve of Children's Day in India to present the two young celebrities as role models for children. Lara was chosen to sit along Sonia Mirza because of her smartness and intelligence .

Lara Dutta


Sania Mirza


[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 1-6-2007 02:24 PM ]

SHARMILA,DAUGHTER TOGETHER

Sharmila Tagore Khan Pataudi's daughter Soha Ali Khan is one of the most occupied heroines today. Her career graph is moving high following her excellent performance in the David Dhawan's directorial hit 'Shaadi No 1'. She has also completed one English movie recently. The most significant thing is that she is more in demand for Bangla movies than for Hindi ones. Now, Soha will be soon seen in Aparna Sen's 'Goynar Baksho' along with her mother. This has excited her very much.

She says, "Aparnaji wanted me to act in a project along with my mother. I liked the idea, and offered to act in her movie along with my mother. Also, I am happy that I have got an opportunity to work with such a good filmmaker." Besides, we may recall that Soha has acted as the wife of a landlord played by Jackie Shroff in the recently released 'Antar Mahal'. She is very happy to play Yashomati's role in this movie. She says, " Though this was a very difficult character but our director Rituparno saw to it that I am completely at ease. Moreover, Rituparno has shown my face the way Satyajit Ray showed my mother's in 'Devi' in the past.

Soha Ali Khan


[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 8-12-2006 04:26 PM ]

NRI producers queue for John

John Abraham's acting talent is attracting NRI filmmakers, in particular. In this series, NRI filmmaker Deepa Mehta has now signed John Abraham for her next movie 'Komgatha Maru'. According to sources close to the actor, Deepa Mehta has also made some changes in her next movie's script on John's advice. Not only that many more NRI filmmakers are in the queue to sign him at any cost. Besides, John is very popular among his neighbors as he mixes up with them. However, pretty girls complain that he ignores them. Maybe he is afraid of his girlfriend Bipasha Basu.



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 8-12-2006 04:27 PM ]

Vivek in 'Babool' ad

Frustrated in his love for beauty queen Aishwarya Rai and also in his career following the failure of his movies, Vivek Oberoi will soon be seen in an ad for a consumer product known as Dabur's "Babool" toothpaste. The ad is based on the principle of 'Live Life Big Bite' picturized on Vivek Oberoi. Dabur wants to tell its consumers that a big bite of the Babool toothpaste will help live good life. Dabur claims that Babool toothpaste will make teeth strong. Its commercial jingle will go well with the theme -"Subah Babool Ki To Din Tumhara" meaning that if you use Babool toothpaste in the morning then the day will be yours. Interestingly, Vivek not only plays deaf in Indra Kumar-directed 'Pyare Mohan', he turns a deaf ear to all that is avoidable. However, he is quick in listening and then replying if anyone says that he is short of films on hand.



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 8-12-2006 04:28 PM ]

Hrithik re-enters Nepal

Hrithik Roshan whose films were banned in Nepal after his alleged statement against the Nepalese some five years back and consequently his movie's posters were torn into pieces all over the country is re-entering Nepal through the country's famous company, Surya Nepal. This company has signed Hrithik as brand ambassador for its products. The people of Nepal seem to have forgotten Hrithik's earlier alleged remarks that he neither likes Nepal nor the Nepalese though Hrithik had then denied to have made such remarks.



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 8-12-2006 04:30 PM ]

Now Priyanka to market Coke

After Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor and others, now sexy Priyanka Chopra will market a cold drink. Recently, Coke has signed Priyanka for two years to market their Coke Cola. Earlier, Pepsi had signed her for its drink. The cold drink manufacturers are experimenting with the two star girls to market their fiercely competitive products. Let's see who wins the fierce competition.

Priyanka Chopra


[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 9-6-2006 05:01 PM ]