Ranbir finds Love Again

Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif

Love is in the air especially for Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif. They both share a special bond, which is more than friendship. Ranbir and Katrina shared a special closeness on the sets of their latest release Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani and the bond continued to grow further on the sets of Rajneeti.

There were rumors last year about their alleged closeness. However, at that time both of them were happy in their relationships. Now, they are single and reviving their love for each other without any guilt. Some of the close friends of Ranbir and Katrina disclosed they are more than friends and now it has become very difficult to hide their love for each other.

Ranbir and Katrina started meeting each other, and started exchanging love messages and phone calls the moment Ranbir’s break-up news was out in the public. Katrina Kaif claims that she is just good friends with Salman, and they have moved on in their respective life. However, Ranbir is madly in love with Katrina and does not want to hide his feelings for her.

A close source of Ranbir revealed that he has been much tensed about Katrina’s illness. He keeps on calling her just to make sure, if she is ok, he also advices her to take rest and slow down the work. He has also assured Katrina’s family in London that he will be taking care of her. Kat’s cannot stop praising Ranbir for his concern.

Katrina pays a regular visit to the Kapoor house. Since, Ranbir is very close to his mom and wants her approval for his love. Therefore, Kat’s is trying her best to get their relationship approved from her. The biggest proof of their love affair is a heart shaped diamond pendant Ranbir gifted her. Close friends of the couple confirmed that they are going to make their relation official soon.

Shahrukh is the King Khan

Kajol, Shahrukh Khan

Shahrukh Khan is all geared up for his new release My Name is Khan under Dharma Productions. Recently the promo of My Name is Khan was released to a selective media on Wednesday night at a hotel in Juhu. The promo was of three minutes and was welcomed with a loud applause.

Later on there was a press conference with Karan Johar and the lead pair Shahrukh Khan and Kajol. The three best friends entertained everyone with their sense of humor. Shahrukh was asked why the movie’s name ‘My Name is Khan’ has a surname in it. SRK replied simply by asking them, “have you guys not heard of my name is Bond. James Bond?” The promos of the movie also went on air. Karan Johar instantly received a message from Neetu and Rishi Kapoor saying that, they are spellbound and this will be the best film ever.

Shahrukh who has been very busy with My Name is Khan, also attended the red carpet premier of Avatar. However, he did not see the movie since his children Suhana and Aryan had their exams going on. So, King Khan has organized a special screening of the movie Avatar for his kids and wife Gauri Khan.

Sush adopts a baby girl

Sushmita Sen

Sushmita Sen always wanted to adopt another child. The Bengali Beauty has always believed in living life on her own terms and conditions. Sushmita Sen has one adopted daughter Renee. Recently, Sushmita adopted a baby girl she says, “I am feeling on top of the world. I have named her Alisah, which in Greek means joyful. She is a very happy child. She will win you over in one minute.”

Renee and Alisah slept together in Renee’s room for first few weeks. Sushmita says, “that was Renee’s condition. Now, however, Alisah has a room of her own.” Sush just cannot stop shopping for her, she said, “you have to see Alisah’s room. It is like a play van.”

According to Sushmita, Alisah is a calm and peaceful baby. Therefore, Sush will not come across the stage where she would have to wake up in the night for her crying baby. When asked her, that was she looking for a younger sister for Renee? She said, “of course. But you know what, I wanted to be a mother all over again. Motherhood is very special. I was thinking about it for a very long time, but there was some ruling problem with High Court.”

Sushmita said that the previous High Court rules were, if you have already adopted a baby girl, then you could not adopt another girl. However, three months back, High Court changed the rules. She says, “You can’t imagine how happy I was after hearing that. Honestly, I was over the moon. I am still over the moon.”

Khiladi Akshay to represent India at Winter Olympics

Akshay Kumar

Bollywood’s Khiladi No. 1 Akshay Kumar feels privileged as well as nervous to run with the XXI Winter Olympics torch on Thursday in Canada. The XXI Winter Olympics are slated to start from on February 12, 2010 in which around 80 countries are participating. The competition includes eight sports, which includes ice hockey, figure skating and Alpine skiing. Last time in 2006, India had sent a team of four members to the competition held in Turin, Italy for sports luge, cross-country skiing and Alpine skiing, but India didn’t win any medal. So it seems like the pride of the nation is in Akshay’s hand this time.

When we wonder how an actor is chosen for the honour, Akshay explained, “I definitely didn’t get nominated because of my cricket skills. I may be a celebrity, but with great power comes even greater responsibility. I have put a lot of effort over the years supporting and being brand ambassador for the ‘Special Olympics’in India . I would go to any lengths to promote sport in my country, my efforts have been appreciated worldwide, and I am touched that India shares my enthusiasm. To be honoured to carry the Olympic torch is so prestigious in every country; you can’t ask for this honour, you can only be recognised for your true love and dedication to children, to sport, to bettering your country’s involvement in the world. You can’t imagine how grateful I am. And how nervous as well!”

Akshay will be the only actor among 14 other international celebrities to run with the torch.

Juhi invokes industry to invest in new talent

Juhi Chawla

Talented actress Juhi Chawla who is the chairperson of an film and animation national committee feels that Indian film industry is being ignorant to the new talent. She also feels that film making nowadays has become a mere business.

“Film financing and funding is easy only for reputed film firms and not for genuine film-makers with a lot of passion, but no monetary support,” says theactress.

“Storytelling is an art. Entertainment is not easy. The balance between money and art has to be maintained. Both should be respected,” she adds.

Recalling the moment of how director Paresh Mokashi had to struggle for financial help while making Harischandrachi Factory, which is India’s official entry to the Oscars in the foreign film category this year, Juhi said, “I was told by my husband to meet Paresh, whose parents are family friends, and help him out. Paresh appeared to be a genuine filmmaker. He wanted to directthe film on Dadasaheb Phalke making India’s first motion picture, only in Marathi.”

Juhi believes that investing in talent will only improve the Indian cinema.

Pyaar Impossible - ‘Alisha’ Song Video

Check out the ‘Alisha’ song from film Pyaar Impossible, starring Priyanka Chopra and Uday Chopra.

Saif obsessed with Kareena

Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan

When he got some time off from work, Saif Ali Khan immediately landed in Sydney to surprise girlfriend Kareena Kapoor who was shooting for Karan Johar’s Stepmom. People close to the actors always talk about their obsession with each and how they never miss a chance to spend quality time with each other. However, Kareena will break her Sydney schedule to attend childhood friend Reena Pillai’s wedding in Mumbai on December 10.

Aamir-Salman bonding big time these days

Salman Khan and Aamir Khan

It’s now known to everyone that Salman Khan and Aamir Khan are good friends. Aamir admits, “Yes, I am very fond of Salman. I also spend time with him whenever we can match our schedules.”

Both the superstars share the passion of adventure biking at night. When Aamir packs off all his staff except the security staff at midnight, then it is a signal that he is going to visit Salman.

The source reveals that Aamir directs his vehicle to Salman’s house in Bandra and parks his vehicle there. Then Salman brings out his red motorcycle and goes for a ride with Aamir, while Aamir’s security staff follows them. After the drive they land up at Sallu’s house or Aamir’s place when Aamir’s wife Kiran is out and have some drinks. Aamir even breaks his diet when he is with Salman.

Moreover, Aamir even arranged a special preview of his films to Salman. Aamir had arranged preview of Ghajini for Salman and Sachin Tendulkar, after which Salman gave some suggestions and Aamir implemented those in his film. There was also news that Aamir told Salman stop drinking to look good in Veer.

So it now supposed that Aamir who is currently in Delhi, wrapping up 3 Idiots, might arrange a preview of the film for his best friend Salman. However this is possible only after December 3 as Salman along with other actors Katrina Kaif, Neha Dhupia, Celina Jaitley and Sridevi are about to perform at an event in Dubai on December 2.

Aamir followed Danny Boyle’s footsteps

Aamir Khan

According to sources, Aamir Khan has roped in three kids from Mumbai local trains to sing for his next production venture The Falling, directed by Anusha Rizvi. The kids named - Durga (12), Nagarjuna (17), Bramendra (18) are discovered by musician Mathias Duplessy, who has given background score to the film. The kids have recorded two songs under guidance of Mathias for the film, which is based on the theme of farmer’s suicide.

“I met the three kids two years ago through the director of The Fakir of Venice, Anand Surapur. They had played for me then. In fact, I have even traveled in trains to check out their talent. They have the energy and talent of gypsies. They’re great singers. Durga is the little princess of the group andNagarjuna is the lead singer. Bramendra too has a very good voice,” said Mathias.

A source said, “Mathias discovered the talented kids. He learnt that they earn their daily bread and butter by singing in local trains. He found it interesting, got in touch with the kids and things quickly fell in place. Aamir was really happy with the trio’s talent and immediately agreed to record with them. In fact, Mathias is now making a film with a foreign production house where these kids will sing about six seven songs.”

Last weekend, Mathias arranged a small get-together at Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s house to showcase the kid’s talent. Aamir, Vidhu (producer of 3 Idiots) along with their wives were present there and liked the performances by the kids. “The kids gave a zabardast performance. Aamir was very impressed. Aamir and Vidhu may do something for the kids in future,” added the source.

A break-up won’t stop Ranbir-Deepika to work together

Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone

Ex-couple Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone are putting forward a great example to wannabe actors by keeping their personal and professional life separate.

According to a source close to Deepika, she is ready to work with Ranbir professionally although they have parted ways personally/romantically.

When these two newbies were a couple, many filmmakers thought of making a film with them. And there is one director, a common friend of the couple, who hopes to cast them together for his film. However neither the filmmaker nor the film’s name has been revealed yet as the film still is in its formative stages. We will come to know about the film only in April next year.

Bollywood babes going bold

Lara Dutta, Jiah Khan and Deepika Padukone

Earlier Bollywood babes were little shy or nervous to do a bikini act. Now they are not so conscious about it and will do it happily as per the script demands (or their audience). Get ready to watch next three hot babes of Bollywood - Lara Dutta, Jiah Khan and Deepika Padukone - in a skimpy affair.

Lara who earlier did it in Blue had received applause and is now ready to do it again in Sajid Khan’s Houseful. Jiah Khan will also be seen in minimal cloths for a comic caper. Meanwhile news also has that the new sensation of Bollywood, Deepika may also appear in a swimsuit in the same film.

SRK plays a 75-year old

SRK's new look for Dish TV ad

Seems like Shah Rukh Khan is inspired from his rival Aamir Khan or Big B after Paa, because he has donned a 75-year-old look for the upcoming ad for Dish TV. In the ad, Shah Rukh romances with his wife played by Tanvi Azmi behind closed doors by dancing with her.

Anurag Basu, who directed the ad, said, “The story is very cute. Tanvi Azmi is playing Shah Rukh’s wife. They’re hiding inside their room and are dancing.”

Anurag along with Prasoon Joshi planned the concept of the ad. “We didn’t know if SRK will agree to the idea. I didn’t want to make him Veer Zaara kinda old. It had to be different. So, pehle Shah Rukh ko buddha banaya humne pictures mein, and then showed it to him. He was very sporting and loved the idea,” said Anurag.

Shah Rukh loved the idea and immediately agreed to do it. SRK has very well emoted in the ad. His chemistry with Tanvi Azmi looks wonderful. The ad shows SRK in a bald look, but the actor is sure that he is never going to lose his hair in real life.

Well, how was his wife, Gauri Khan’s reaction to the look? “Shah Rukh called his make-up guy and gave him the brief on how to do his look. After the whole get-up was done, he did something very cute.

He clicked a picture of himself and sent it to Gauri on the phone, asking, ‘Will you still love me when I am old and look like this?’ I am sure he will look much more handsome when he is old!” said the director.

Youngsters look up to Shahid’s hairstyle

Shahid Kapoor

Be it Shahid Kapoor’s hairstyle in Kismat Konnection, Kaminey or the latest short hair cut he is sporting for director Parmeet Sethi’s film, every youngster is looking forward to it. Ask his hairstylist, Dilshad Pastakia. In fact, this has been keeping the hairstylist busy these days.

“I used to get requests from people since his Kismat Konnection days for the ‘SK haircut’, but with Kaminey the demand for ‘Charlie hair’ suddenly exploded and people from places as far as Chandigarh, Indore and Delhi wanted his style,” said Dilshad.

“Now that he has changed his hair again, the new short crop is just as popular, especially with the 17 to 22-year-olds who like to stay trendy,” she added.

By the way, Shahid and Shah Rukh Khan share the same hairstylist.

Ranbir wants to rekindle romance with Deepika

Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor

When a couple (especially celebrities) break up, rarely do they get back together, but the exception has happened with Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone.

According to sources, Ranbir is keen to get back with Deepika; meanwhile she too seems miserable without him. Ranbir currently is shooting for Anjana Anjani with co-star Priyanka Chopra in Bangkok and as per everyone’s expectations, there is no spark between the lead pair. According to sources, Ranbir is not even noticing the glamorous Piggy Chops. Clearly, his heart is somewhere else.

“Ranbir was too much into his own space to even notice his glamorous co-star. He spent most of his time, when not shooting, either at the gym or taking walks and visiting malls,” said a source.

So will they get together again? “I hope so,” wishes Ranbir.

Pooja Chopra is Beauty With A Purpose

Pooja Chopra at Miss World 2009

PFMI World ‘09 Pooja Chopra’s campaign at the Miss World event was doubtful as she was injured just a day before the final event. However, she did make Indians feel proud as she won the Beauty With A Purpose award at the competition. Other nominees for the award were Miss Barbados and Miss Guatemala. The kind award is given to a contestant who has done a thorough charitable work in her home country. Pooja is actively involved in a campaign to save the girl child in India.

The award made Pooja an easy entry to Miss World 2009 semi-finals, where when all the contestants were seen gliding on the stage, Pooja appeared with a cast on her leg. When Pooja was eliminated from the pageant, her sister Shubhra Mendonca said, “Pooja has definitely made India proud. I am getting calls from all over India. But I still believe that if she had not been injured, she would have surely got the crown home. She had taken heavy painkillers just to be on stage for this evening. She was crying backstage too. She was shattered because of this mishap. Throughout her entire life, Pooja has always been a winner, be it Miss Pune or at the NDA ball.”

Suffering from the mishap, Pooja was already started losing hope before the finale as she had said, “I already feel I am out of the competition.” She had been advised by doctors to take bed rest for three weeks. However, determined Pooja walked across the stage with the help of painkillers. When she was announced as one of the semi-finalists, she burst into tears. “I am speechless at this moment,” said Pooja, hugging anchor Angela Chow.

Her sister added, “My mother is also in South Africa, and just told me that everybody is congratulating her. Being the elder sister, I was quite worried for her and had initially advised her to back out, but Pooja was furious. She replied, ‘It’s not Pooja Chopra participating in Miss World, it’s Miss India.’ If it was some other girl, she would’ve surely withdrawn, but it was only Pooja’s strength and desire to win that kept her going.”

Birthday time for Sameera Reddy

Sameera Reddy

Bollywood hottie Sameera Reddy turns a year older today, so what’s on her wish list today?

The actress is not at all worried about her growing age as actresses have a short career life in Bollywood. “I absolutely love my birthdays. In fact, I always wished it could come at least twice a year,” says Sam. “I don’t think that there’s any wrong side of the age to be at inBollywood anymore. Besides, instead of brooding over turning older, I enjoy looking back at the fun and experiences I’ve had and look forward to another kickass year,” she adds.

No wonder, she is coming up with three films in line- Nagesh Kukunoor’s Yeh Hosla, Red Alert and Priyadarshan’s untitled film.

Clarifying her long absence after Race, she said, “Just that the action was all happening down South. But, now, I want to balance the two, and won’t mind tilting a little more in favour ofBollywood.”

Recently she appeared in De Dana Dan (2009), so is comedy a high on her agenda while signing films. “No. I really enjoyed doing comedy, but I want a mix of everything on my platter. Like Nagesh’s film is a far cary from anything I have done before and I am really excited about that one,” she said.

In fact, she is dying to do some action. “I’d love to do action. I think that would be really sexy,” she adds.

The actor also promises to come up with an item number soon, in different styles. “Ya, I really want to do one again. But I want to do it the desi style, with the latka, jhatkas et al. That’s high on my birthdaywish list,” says the actor.

Apart from the item number, what’s more on her wish list is “SRK and Sallubhai. I really really want to work with them now. They’re definitely what I’ll be wishing for when I make my birthday wishes today,” wishes the birthday girl.

Rahul Bose-Arjun Mathur shot Bollywood’s first gay love scene

Arjun Mathur and Rahul Bose

Actor-director-social activist Rahul Bose and an upcoming actor Arjun Mathur (earlier seen in Farhan Akhtar’s short film on AIDS Positive and Zoya Akhtar’s Luck By Chance) recently shot a gay love making scene for Onir’s I Am Omar. Moreover, the director is happy with his actors, as all of them are thorough professionals and he expects the censor board to act professionally too.

The film also stars Abhimanyu Singh of Gulal fame. He plays a homophobic cop in the film harassing the gay couple. Praising his actors, director Onir said, “Luckily none of my actors had any inhibitions. Rahul and Arjun did the scene, which goes much beyond anything seen in Indian cinema. They behaved like thorough professionals.”

However, about the scene, Arjun said, “For me as an actor it is always challenging to see what lies beneath the calm exteriors. I had absolutely no inhibitions playing the gay character and doing the kissing sequence with Rahul. I wondered what it would feel like. But it was done clinically and professionally.”

Meanwhile, the director adds, “We haven’t taken any still pictures of the kissing because we don’t want them to leak out on the net. The whole idea is to look at the question of homosexuality in a proper perspective and not to highlight any specific aspect of it.”

This will be the first gay love scene in Bollywood. Earlier for Madhur Bhandarkar’s Fashion, Samir Soni and his on-screen gay lover had shot a kissing scene in car. But, Madhur deleted it from the film before sending it to the censor board. However, with I Am Omar, Onir don’t want to delete it, as it is crucial for the film. “Arjun plays a sex worker. So we couldn’t do away with the physical aspect of the gay issue,” states Onir.

The film is supposed to be presented at Rotterdam Film Festival.

Priyanka has beauty as well as brains

Priyanka Chopra at some event

Every time we see her, whether in films or events, she looks fabulous and the actress admits that it takes great pain to look that way. “I really work at the way I look,” says Priyanka Chopra.

Further, when you compliment her that even on an odd day, at a film screening or in a dubbing theatre, she looks hot. She cleverly remarks, “I work harder at looking casual. Thank God the effort doesn’t show.”

No doubt, Piggy Chops does have both- beauty and brain.

Shekhar Kapur talks about his ambitious project - Paani

Shekhar Kapur

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur talked about his ambitious project Paani on his birthday on December 6. By the way, he doesn’t like being wished ‘Happy Birthday’. He turned 64, but he says, “No, I’m 52.” He adds, “Okay, so I’m 64, but why do you have to bring that up? Birthdays are just another day in your life. I don’t believe in sun signs either. I don’t think people’s characteristics can be divided into 12 types.”

With the news of Boney Kapoor set to produce sequel to Mr. India, doesn’t he feel bad about not directing it? “It was my baby 19 years ago. I don’t own the copyright. So, I’m not possessive about it,” says Shekhar. What’s his take on Salman Khan roped in to play Mogambo, played by Amrish Puri in the original? “No one asked me about it, so I don’t have an opinion. It all depends on how interesting the new characters are,” added the director.

Meanwhile, he is focusing on his ambitious film Paani. The film will go on floors in April next year and supposed to released in September 2011. Revealing details of the film, he said, “Since it’s set in the future, the whole world is being built on the computer. It’s about a city that runs out of water. Individual rural farming communities have died down; people have migrated from the villages to the cities for water. However, the highly populated cities will also run out of water soon. Paani is about the future, in which water becomes a tool of political and social exploitation.”

Does the film have same intentions that of Al Gore’s? “Gore made a documentary; mine will be a commercial film. It’s to show the world what’s happening, in an emotional way,” he stated.

For the film, Shekhar has done research almost for a decade. “Now, I give lectures on water. I’ve become quite a water activist. I’ve spoken to scientists like R K Pachauri to learn about the issue,” he added.

The film will also include a love story and talking about the casting for the film, he said, “I have some people in mind, but will cast whoever is available at that point. There will also be six to seven kids inthe film.”

Along with direction, Shekhar will also produce the film. “It’ll be made on a budget of $ 25-30 million. I won’t accept funding from any studio to ensure independence of expression. I am, however, sure that Paani will do at least as much business as Slumdog Millionaire. It’ll rake in half a billion dollars,” added the filmmaker.

Buddha is also one of the ambitious projects of Shekhar Kapur, but the film didn’t start because of creative differences between him and the producer. However, seems like he has found solution to this, as he says, “I’m still fascinated by Buddha. But the producer and I had a difference of interpretation. So, I might produce it myself.”

Nita-Mukesh Ambani celebrate Sachin’s 20 years in cricket

Sachin Tendulkar

It was a grand affair at Sea Wind, hosted by Nita and Mukesh Ambani to celebrate friend and admirer of every Indian, Sachin Tendulkar’s 20 years in cricket. It was double fun for the patriotic Sachin, as the same day Indian cricket team became the top test team beating Sri Lanka. It was a “One man’s triumph is everyone’s celebration.”

Biggies form cricket and Bollywood world were invited to attend the dinner. However, Ambanis also invited the Sri Lankan cricket team to join in the celebration of Sachin and Anjali Tendulkar.

Sachin no doubt was overwhelmed by his host’s gesture. The celebration also included a entertainment programme. According to sources, Bollywood stars Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan both recited poems in praise of Sachin. It also included dance numbers by Shamita Reddy, Dia Mirza, Sameera and a song by Asha Bhosale, showing that cricket and Bollywood are the biggest things in India. However, the silent otherwise, Mukesh Ambani gave an emotional speech. He said in his line of business he never gave forward-looking predictions… but in this case, he was willing to predict a long and fruitful innings for Sachin.

After addressing Sachin, the Ambanis invited Team India on stage and popped champagne. It was starry night only for Sachin and the Indian cricket team. Sachin too shedding off his reticence comfortably mixed with the guests.