Ram Gopal Varma becomes Big Fan of Aishwarya Rai

Ram Gopal Varma has his coterie of favourite actresses and these include Urmila Matondkar, Antara Mali and Nisha Kothari. But lately he has been bowled over by reigning Bollywood Queen Bee Aishwarya Rai.

The director, who had once quoted, “I don’t like cute women”, has been praising Ash for quite some time now. So one wonders why Ram Gopal Varma got a liking for the queen of commercial cinema.

Ram Gopal Varma explains,” When I first approached Aishwarya, I never thought of her as a good actress. Her beauty always came to the forefront, making it impossible for me to focus on her acting skills or other aspects. But she surprised me. There was one particular scene in Sarkar Raj with Amitabh Bachchan and she had to give retakes nine times because of some technical mistakes and every time she faced the camera, she behaved as though she was doing it for the first time. I have become a big fan of her’s ever since,”

So, we can expect a future project from Ram Gopal Varma- Aishwarya Rai joint venture.

Shoaib Malik bowled over by Sayali Bhagat

M S Dhoni, the Indian Cricket Skipper has been bowled out by the prettiness of Deepika Padukone. Yuvraj Singh already attracted by some of the actresses (Deepika again). Now Shoab Malik got fascinated by a Bollywood actress.

The former Miss India Sayali Bhagat and Pakistan Cricket Team Captain, Shoab Malik have been spotted together at many times. They were recently seen at a hotel where they obliged a crowd of fans with autographs.

Sayali, who made her debut opposite Emran Hashmi in The Train, had hoped to keep their relationship under wraps. “We need more time because we are just getting to know each other,” she explains.

Shoaib, meanwhile, was recovering from a controversy. He was recently in the news when a Hyderabadi family claimed that he had married their daughter. Sayali defended her man, “This was a marriage proposal that he said no to. Those allegations have been legally proved baseless. Shoaib was always single.”

They met at a store opening in Delhi last year and since then, kept in touch via email and occasional phone calls. “It’s not easy, especially when he is in Pakistan,” admitted the former beauty queen. But she’s bowled over by Shoaib’s effort to make things work. “It’s so flattering, he makes special trips just for me and showers me with attention. I am in love, I guess,” Sayali Bhagat said of her cricketer boyfriend who faces the intimidating task of answering the Pakistan media’s questions on her.

Sayali Bhagat thinks their difference in religions is not an issue and the distance between them is a bigger issue. Sayali accepts that their romance might face political interference. “I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow, but I believe when you want something from the heart- the whole universe conspires to get it for you. I hope that happens for us,” she said.

Well said Sayali.. This proves you have seen Om Shanti Om..

Shilpa Shetty on the cover of People

Shilpa Shetty happens to be the “Celebrity Big Brother” winner cum actress cum entrepreneur cum many other avatars bundled into one. She exclaims the above mentioned famous words in the latest issue of “People”, the niche magazine, of which she also happens to be the cover-girl. Not just this, she also has made many other confessions, which includes her relationship with her boyfriend- the London based entrepreneur Raj Kundra.

Very few might know the fact that Raj Kundra was also a part of the Akshay-Karisma flick Mere Jeevan Saathi as a producer, and the recently released Strangers that starred Jimmy Sheirgill with Sonali Kulkarni and Nandana Sen. The good news is that Raj is also a part of a film venture that Shilpa is producing. That doesn't mean that Shilpa will be saying adieu to heroine roles. Testimony of this is the fact that she is having her next venture The Man coming up with Sunny Deol. When asked about the difference between being an actress and a producer, she simply blushes in her trademark style to say that "You don't get as pampered as an actress".

Metamorphosis of Dia Mirza

Once upon a time Ms. Dia Mirza was described as dainty, dreamy and elfin. The operative word here being 'once'. But today, there's a new Ms. Mirza in who audaciously demands nothing less than sexy, sultry and a host of other femme fatal-esque synonyms to be bestowed on her. This sudden volte-face from sweet to sexy is all thanks to her upcoming Sanjay Gupta film Acid Factory, which has the actor playing the anti-heroine, 'Max' - a cold, manipulative character that Dia admits is "the darkest side of me." Even her Facebook message board mirrors her state of mind, "I am working harder than ever because Max is the most challenging character to play." But a challenge is something the 26-year-old claims to like and even crave at times. "As an actor, I feel it's important to be able to essay different roles. Each one of us has so many layers, so many facets to our personality," she purrs languidly as she takes a break from painting her lips a saucy scarlet. "It is unfortunate that most characters in Indian cinema are one-dimensional. Max is not just dark. She's fun, charming, arrogant, proud, indifferent and confident. Most of which we all are or can be… or perhaps would like to be."

Getting a vicarious thrill from playing a woman like 'Max' is one thing, but finding a hidden part of your personality in a dark character is a whole new ball game. "Even though Max is dark, I think she's still inspirational. That's the side that excites me," she says, laughing with manic exhilaration. "It's that facet of my personality that upbringing, emotional intelligence, and perseverance to be the best person that I can be has disallowed me to explore. I'm having so much fun being Max that sometimes it scares me how good it feels to be bad!"

And the metamorphosis is apparent, not just in her well-toned, lean bod, but in her demeanor as well. She looks me dead straight in the eye while adroitly fielding a volley of questions the Dia of old would vacillate over. Especially the one where I ask her if her decision to play Max was a calculated move to veer away from her girl-next-door persona. "No character I choose to play is a calculation. I do a film if it excites me. Acid Factory is a high-octane thriller with an ensemble cast, wherein the characters are dueling against each other in a deadly battle for survival."

Speaking of an ensemble cast, this one has her pitted against six guys - Fardeen Khan, Danny Denzongpa, Manoj Bajpai, Aftab Shivdasani, Dino Morea and Irrfan Khan. So, what was it being the only girl in a seemingly out and out guy movie? "It can be exasperating and exhilarating in the same breath! Exasperating because when the boys get together they can get really carried away and exhilarating because when you finally get down to doing a shot and you are alongside them, the energy is fantastic. Also the script is so cleverly written, coupled with the fact that I'm the only woman amidst all these men is highly invigorating." On a more personal note, besides her alleged link-up with actor Kunal Kapoor, these have been lonely times for her, right? "I will be in a relationship the day I am ready to share my life with someone. I don't wish to date somebody out of a need to be with someone."

It's been almost a decade for her in the movies - eight years to be precise. Have there been any regrets along the way? "I look at the last eight years as the most enriching phase of my life. I started out clueless about practically everything with regard to the workings of the film industry. All I had at the time was a few beauty titles, confidence, and enthusiasm. I made a few ridiculous mistakes in the beginning, but I must admit that those mistakes could easily be the best things to have happened to me. I learnt lot of lessons the hard way and I am still learning." And where does Dia hope to see herself five years down the line? Exploring yet another parallel dimension of her personality, perhaps? "Five years from now, it will be film direction for me. I have this incredible desire to explore the unexplored!"

Ameesha Patel on cover of Verve this September

Life has finally started looking up for Ameesha Patel, both on a professional and personal front. With her latest release, Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic Ameesha climbed the charts; both her looks and acting were praised to the hilt. Now the babe has featured on the cover of Verve this September.

Her snaps as a ‘Runaway Bride’ in this issue of Verve indeed anchors itself in the readers’ hearts, mind, body, and soul. Needless to say that Ameesha is a chic herself, but she adds a certain aura and glory to the already glorious range of Louis Vuitton, Prada, Falguni Shane, Suneet Varma, Hermes (to name a few) range by posing with them. She, in her own words, confesses, “I am still enjoying the limited edition Dior ‘Jazz’ bag that Kanav gifted me on my birthday a couple of months ago.” Whereas, on a professional front, this pretty lass is looking forward to films like Run Bhola Run, Chatur Singh Two Star etc.

Sameera Reddy becomes Brand Ambassador for Rivaaz

Sameera Reddy appeared as a judge on “Kabhi Kabhi Pyaar Kabhi Kabhi Yaar” on Sony Television. Now this hot babe has become the Brand Ambassador for Gitanjali's new launched brand Rivaaz.

Rivaaz apparently, is targeted to give the customers a stimulating and reasonable choice within Gold along with the assurance and legacy of the Gitanjali Group. Sameera claims that Rivaaz is a gorgeous and available in a myriad of designs with both traditional and a personal touch.

Retail division head R. K. Menon says, “Sameera was mainly selected because of her a mass appeal. Being a combination of both traditional and contemporary style, she would add to the glamour quotient of Rivaaz”.

Actress Rambha admitted to hospital

Recently actress Rambha was admitted to a hospital due to food poisoning and the rumour zone said that she attempted suicide. Now the actress has denied all such rumours and revealed the fact.

“I was uneasy after food poisoning and was kept in hospital for observation. Some mischievous elements spread a canard that I attempted suicide with ulterior motives,” Rambha says.

“I am attached to my family and a happy-go-lucky person. My co-stars, producers and fans telephoned from all over the country, demanding I disclosed the identity of the imaginary man who is supposed to have jilted me to force him to marry me,” a cheerful looking Rambha says at her southwest suburb residence.

Rambha has acted in 100 plus movies in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi and Bhojpuri.

Sagarika Ghatke replaces Esha Deol in Raftaar

Sagarika Ghatke played the gutsy character of Preeti Sabarwal, in Chak De India alongside Shahrukh Khan and probably managed to draw maximum attention mong the whole bunch of girls. She had emerged as the highest goal-scorer in the film.

Now Sagarika has managed to strike a goal in her real life too. The actress has been signed by Percept Picture Company for their film Raftaar. The film is directed by noted ad film maker Shamin Desai. Sagarika will be paired Emraan Hashmi in the film. What is interesting is the fact that the role which Sagarika has been signed for was to be originally played by Esha Deol. In a way Sagarika has replaced Esha Deol.

According to Sarita Patil, Head of feature films at Percept Picture Company, to get some more info on this story. “Yes we have signed Sagarika for Raftaar. She has replaced Esha Deol as we couldn’t agree on the price. After things didn’t work out with Esha, we had a couple of options in mind and our director Shamin had seen Sagarika’s work in Chak De India and felt she would fit the part. Sagarika’s is a full-fledged lead role opposite Emraan Hashmi.”

The film also stars Neha Dhupia and Aditya Panscholi in prominent roles. Shooting for the film is currently underway in Kuala Lumpur and the film is expected to release sometime early next year (2009).

Buttt.. beware Sagarika!! You are getting paired opposite a serial kisser!!

Exchange Offer stars Rahul, Esha, Naseer, Paresh and Om Puri

Rahul Bose and Esha Deol star in Shivam Nair's next directorial venture titled Exchange Offer. The film was earlier titled Ghost Ghost Na Raha. The story is written by Urmi Juvekar and the film is being produced by PVR.

Besides, Rahul and Esha, the film also has a very strong star cast which includes Naseerudin Shah, Paresh Rawal and Om Puri. The film also features Vatsal Sheth, the actor who made a rather forgettable debut with Tarzan - The Wonder Car. The film belongs to comedy genre and has a very urban feel to it. Sources also claim that such kind of film is being made for the first time in Bollywood.

Vogue brings Priyanka Chopra this month

One of the most successful bollywood actress, Priyanka Chopra has illuminated the latest edition Vogue. A lot of unspoken facts about this lass have been revealed in this issue. The actress also talks about her career plans from early days of modelling to future projects in bollywood as an actor.

You will just be socked to know one fact about her that her aunt used to call her 'Kaali' and it was actually her Mom who should be attributed to giving Bollywood its Gen-Next Superstar. The reason being that Priyanka's mother sent 'passport sized snaps' of Priyanka wearing a suit as an entry for the Miss India competition, something that was meant to be sent to Australia for a scholarship exam in an engineering college.

She very honestly confesses that “People will reject 90 days of work in two hours. But it's changed me for the better. I'll never again walk out of a film I am watching. No matter how bad it is."

All that I can say here is just go and grab the latest version of Vogue to know more about our lovely Priyanka.

Anil Kapoor starrer Slumdog Millionaire goes to Toronto International Film Festival

First it was Anees Bazmee and his gang who have been invited to woo Toronto in the prestigious forthcoming Toronto International Film Festival (from September 4 - 11, 2008) with their blockbuster offering Singh Is Kinng. After them, it's the turn of Bollywood's very own 'Jhakaas' darling boy Anil Kapoor's turn to continue the magic. The news is that Anil Kapoor's much eagerly awaited film Slumdog Millionaire that stars him alongwith Irrfan Khan will be premiered at the festival. Anil Kapoor and the entire cast and crew of the film are expected to be attending this gala event.

Anil Kapoor (who plays a quizmaster in the film) was chosen after the Big B and SRK refused the role of the quizmaster. Big B's and SRK's loss turned to be AK's gain.

Buying an essay online

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Fashion in Diwali

The much hyped and much awaited Madhur Bhandarkar's FASHION starring Priyanka Chopra, Mugdha Godse and Kangana Ranaut was earlier scheduled to hit the screens on October 17, but with KARZZZ arriving on this date and T-Series ready to bombard the channels with promos of this Himesh Reshammiya film, FASHION has decided to look at a later release date. Now the movie is to go for a Diwali release.

Meanwhile, a section of the media had reported that SRK's BILLU BARBER and Karan Johar's DOSTANA would clash on the same date [November 14], but it's not true. The date for BILLU BARBER is yet to be confirmed.

Nana Patekar in The Pool directed by Chris Smith

Without doubt Nana Patekar is one of the finest actors of our country. Nana, who has won over countless fans and appreaciation through his performances in Hindi and Marathi cinema, will now be seen in an English film called The Pool. The movie is to be directed by Hollywood director Chris Smith, the director who earned accolades with American Movie and The Yes Men.
The Pool is a charming, elegantly shot in the neighborhoods of poverty and privilege in Goa, India. It tells the story of an 18-year-old Venkatesh, who ekes out a living working in a hotel and pounding the pavement selling plastic bags. It's a far cry from his fantasy - to dive into the glimmering swimming pool of an upper-class family that never actually swims in it. After he befriends the head of the household (Nana Patekar), and begins to pal around with his upstart, cosmopolitan teenage daughter Ayesha, Venkatesh subtly, but assertively sets his sights on a more comfortable way of life for himself and his friend. His friend is the 12-year old self-sufficient and charismatic Jhangir who manages a restaurant pretty much by himself. The three youngsters are resilient as they navigate an adult world, in between enjoying simple pleasures like picking mangos or traveling to the ocean.

The Pool, which has already received some rave reviews from international critics, is expected to release across theatres in US this September in English and in Hindi.

Akshay Kumar is brand ambassador for Levi's

The success of the Anees Bazmee directed Singh Is Kinng, has brought Kinng status to Akshay Kumar. And the actor has not just upped his Bollywood status, but has also become the advertiser's darling.

After endorsing brands like Thums Up and Grasim, Akshay has now been roped in as the Brand Ambassador for the American Jeans and casual wear manufacturer, Levi Strauss, for launching its brand Levi's 501 in India.

According to sources, Akshay has been paid a whopping sum for the endorsement of the jeans brand. The ads have been shot in some of the most stunning locations of Los Angeles. These ads are expected to go on air from the last week of this month.

Bipasha Basu pairs with Yuvraj Singh for Reebok Brand Promotion

The cricketer with “Six” appeal, Yuvraj Singh may not have made it to the Indian Test squad that recently played against Sri-Lanka in the Emerald Isle. However, the handsome cricketer surely made the most of his free time by attending reality shows as chief-guest and even continuing with his string of endorsements.The actor features in the latest campaign of sports-brand Reebok and giving him company is one of Bollywood's hottest babe- Bipasha Basu. The chemistry between Yuvraj and Bipasha is definitely sizzling with one known for his Six appeal and the other for her Sex appeal.

If the buzz is to be believed then Yuvraj was not the first choice for this sporty campaign. Bipasha Basu's boyfriend John Abraham was first offered this campaign but the hunky actor backed out due to his prior commitment with another brand (Wrangler). Must say John's loss is Yuvi's gain. As they say in cricket, catches win matches and for Yuvi this one surely is a prized catch.

Bipasha who was recently seen at her glamorous best in last week's release Bachna Ae Haseeno is back looking super-duper fit in this campaign. In fact Bipasha who thoroughly enjoyed the experience working with Yuvraj had this to say, "Working with Yuvi is great fun and he is a complete bundle of energy" Bips also had few words of praise for brand Reebok, "You can call Reebok a confluence of sorts and style. I associate with it, as it is the kind of clothing I wear, being a fitness conscious person myself. I am sporty person and these clothes are a part of my life. The stylish clothes and patterns are simply amazing"

You can watch The Reebok Brand Promotion Video here...

Sonam Kapoor on cover of ELLE

Just don’t get surprised to see the cover girl of ELLE this month. You will just be delighted to find Sonam Kapoor on the cover of Elle. Posing like a supermodel, the talented young actress looks gorgeous and never seen before.

Sonam simply looks stunning on the cover, to say the least. And it's not just the cover, her pictures inside the magazine scream in silence show the untapped potential that Sonam has.

In this issue, Sonam clears the air about 'issues' like lack of confidence, backless ghagra, weight issues etc… etc… etc… She also speaks about her growing up days, her stint working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and also her 'investments'.

Singh is Kinng set to go Toronto International Film Festival 2008

Singh is Kinng- got released on 08-08-08 and it continues to take the box-office by storm raking in the moolah from all parts of the world.

After creating new box-office records, the film has managed to achieve yet another milestone. Singh Is Kinng, the year's biggest hit, is headed to the glittering Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF 2008), one of the biggest cinematic events in the world. It will be one of the eleven coveted gala presentations to be screened at The Roy Thomson Hall on Sunday, 7th September, 2008.

Singh Is Kinng finds itself in august company with ten celebrated top-notch Hollywood titles that include Kate Beckinsale- David Schwimmer starrer Nothing But the Truth, Edward Norton-Colin Farrell starrer Pride and Glory and George Clooney-Brad Pitt starrer Burn After Reading amongst others.

Tickets to the gala are always in high demand, being high-profile star-studded events. The Singh Is Kinng celebration at the festival is tipped to be attended by Sandeep Bhargava, CEO of the investment adviser to Indian Films, producer Vipul A. Shah, director Anees Bazmee, and lead actors- Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif.

Jade Goody to be a part of Bigg Boss

Jade Goody, the british celebrity who attained notoriety in Big Brother reality show in Britain has arrived in India to take part in its Indian version Bigg Boss.

She had hit the headlines last year in Big Brother for passing racist remarks against Indian actress Shilpa Shetty who not only garnered popular sympathy but also went on to win the reality show. This time, Shilpa Shetty will not be co-participant but the show’s host.

Jade Goody has been roped in to Bigg Boss apparently for a princely sum of 100,000 pounds. Big Boss is slated to go on air on the channel "Colors" on Sunday, August 17. Goody landed in Mumbai by Virgin Airlines on Friday and drove to Lonavala, where the Big Boss will be shot.

In ‘Bigg Boss’, Ms. Shetty will interact with housemates every week for the eviction round. The shooting for Bigg Boss began on Friday. It will be a daily one-hour show. It will also include a half-an-hour capsule showing live footage of the goings-on at the house around midnight.

Sherlyn Chopra out of Bigg Boss

Bollywood actress, singer and bombshell Sherlyn Chopra aka Mona Chopra will no longer join the Housemates in 'Bigg Boss' as she has been shown the door. Sherlyn, who was in discussion to be cast on the show, could not close the deal as her two conditions could not be met on time.

Apparently, Sherlyn asked for a sum of Rs 3 crore for her 3 month appearance in the 'Big Boss' House. Since, after her first music album 'Outrageous', her second album 'Dard e Sherlyn' has also become a runaway success, she felt that only a decent price could keep her inside the House for a whole three months.

It is also learnt that Sherlyn suggested that the makers install cameras even in bathrooms of the House, so that she could flaunt her vast collection of colourful bikinis and inner wear while bathing. It seems she was keen to generate loads of teenage interest in the show from both sexes.

It can be recalled that the practice of cameras in the bathrooms of such a reality show existed in UK's 'Big Brother' earlier, until Shilpa Shetty got the practice discontinued two years ago, with a clause in her contract stating it went against her ethics and culture. It is obvious, Sherlyn thinks otherwise.

But since 'Big Boss' found her demands outrageous, she was out. "Right from the beginning of her career, Sherlyn has a very bold, outspoken, daring and sensational diva like image. One can't really blame her for thinking of her colourful bikinis," quipped her publicist Dale Bhagwagar.

Sherlyn is a typical bindaas new age babe. Everyone knows that if she would have been on the show, the TRP's would have sky rocketed simply with her boldness and flamboyance. It's hardly 'her' loss.

Soha Ali Khan in a dream role in- Mumbai Meri Jaan

Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan talks about her upcoming film 'Mumbai Meri Jaan' in Mumbai.
The film is being produced by Ronnie Screwvala who's last movie 'Rang De Basanti' was a major grosser at the box-office and directed by Nishikant Kamat.

Kamath's film stars Soha Ali Khan, Kay Kay Menon, Irrfan Khan, Madhavan and Paresh Rawal.
This film is based on Mumbai blasts which happened on July 11, 2006, affecting the local train service, known as Mumbai's lifeline. Bombay Meri Jaan explores the impact of this devastating incident on the lives of the people of Mumbai.

In this film Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan who essays the role of a television journalist said that as a child she always wanted to become a journalist.

"When I was a kid I always wanted to become a journalist and I am very sympathetic towards journalists. There is a passion and a drive in you people to deliver truth to the general public and that too as fast as possible because your work is very competitive. In today's scenario when you switch on the television there are hundreds of television channels and new crop up every day," says Soha.

“Mumbai Meri Jaan” is slated for an August 22 release.

Indian Actress Asin to fall in love with Japanese Superstar Tadanobu Asano

If every thing goes quite well, then actress Asin will star opposite Japanese superstar Tadanobu Asano along with Kamal Hassan in a Indo-Japanese-Disney production. It will be a martial arts movie to be shot on an international scale.

Bharath Bala and his Bharath Bala Productions (BBP) who makes television commercials, documentaries and music videos have now tied up with Walt Disney to produce the feature film in English, with versions in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Japanese. It will be directed by Bharath Bala and will have music by A.R Rahman.

The project is learnt to have a whopping 50-million dollar budget. Bala’s film is based on a script written by the best known writer in Malayalam M.T Vasudevan Nair or MT as he is popularly known, a Jnanpith award winner who has won five National awards for screenplay writing.

This period film deals with Kalaripayattu the martial arts form from Kerala and will trace its roots to the ninth century. MT’s script is now being re-written by Hollywood script doctors to give 19 Steps an international look and suitable for an overseas audience.

In the film Kamal plays a character role of a veteran Kalaripayattu guru who trains Tadanobu Asano in his fight against his enemies. Asin will play a local princess and a martial arts expert who falls in love with Asano.

Bipasha Basu becomes New Face of Gili Diamonds

Good news for Bipasha fans…

The hot actress Bipasha Basu has been chosen to be the face of Gili diamonds for its exclusive collection.

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend and Gili offers a wide range of diamonds to choose from. I hope this association is amiable and mutually profitable,” Bipasha said in a press statement.

The brand Gili had earlier been acquired by Gitanjali Group, one of India’s largest integrated diamond and jewellery manufacturer and retailer.

According to Mehul Choksi, Chairman Gitanjali Group and Nakshatra, Bipasha epitomises what Gili stands for.

“In our effort to find the right brand ambassador for Gili - a brand of mass appeal, we have stumbled upon the gorgeous and vivacious actress Bipasha Basu to endorse her alluring personality on its products, which is a rhapsody of the traditional and modern. We are excited about having her on board as the new face for Gili,” says Choksi.

The brand has more than 500 outlets in over 30 cities that include retail formats, stand alone stores, shop-in-shops and outlets in airport.

Nandita Das comes with Ramchand Pakistani

Nandita Das is arriving with a new film by a Pakistani director which has a cross border theme. Nandita is excited about her upcoming film Ramchand Pakistani which is Pakistani TV director Mehreen Jabbar’s maiden venture.

“It’s a story of a seven-year-old Dalit boy Ramchand. This boy and his father cross the border and the film talks about their experiences thereafter. I would say that Mehreen has really done a fabulous job and full justice to the subject.” says Nandita.

Nandita, who is also a little nervous about her performance, informs, “I am playing the role of Ramchand’s mother in the film. Playing the role of a mother was an entirely different experience all together.”

What about interacting with a Pakistani crew? “It was wonderful. They treated me like a member of their family. I love Pakistan and the Pakistani people. Before shooting I was a little worried but once I was there, I found no difference between India and Pakistan.”

“The film is about the relation between two countries which had been divided decades earlier. Mehreen has tried to show the feelings that one country has for another. Ramchand Pakistani is a film that is based on both Pakistan and India. I hope that the film gets a proper release and that the audiences of both the countries like it”, says Nandita, explaining how the film is different from other Pakistani films.

Deepika Padukone on cover of Maxim

"The blacker the berry, the sweeter it is"

Whoever wrote that saying would've definitely replaced 'sweet' with 'hot' if he had seen this sizzling picture of Deepika Padukone in her sexy black dress.

Deepika has done full justice to the colour black on the cover of the latest edition of the men's magazine Maxim. To describe her, the word 'Stunning' seems as if we are showing a torch before the sun.

Having said so, let us also tell you that there's something about this snap that really transforms the lookers into hookers! If the cover was anything to go by, the inside 'content' will never make you feel 'content', thus defying the saying 'Never judge a book by its cover'.

One should admit that Deeps has never looked so ravishing before.

Katrina Kaif on cover of Grazia

It seems that after the reign of Kareena Kapoor as the undisputed cover girl over the last few months, it's going to rain Katrina Kaif.

Katrina has now kick-started the month of August by being the 'pink' dressed cover-girl of 'Grazia', the newly launched style magazine. This issue sees Katrina getting candid enough to say that she maintains a pretty non-egoistic view when she chooses a film. This angel in disguise also tells the readers about what she does during her free time.

While on Kats, do not miss on her definition of fashion and a fitting testimony about her from the New-Age guru of fashion. To find out who 'that' is and more insights on Katrina Kaif, you know what to do. Simply graze yourself with the latest copy of Grazia.

Rihanna has Sexiest Stomach in the World

The 20-year-old Barbados-born beauty, renowned for her revealing stage outfits, has topped a new poll of the 'Sexiest Celebrity Stomach in the World'. She came first in the poll conducted by stomach-flattening supplement AntiBloat, reports China Daily.

Second on the list was Keira Knightley, who is famous for wearing midriff-flashing costumes, and who has bared her taut abs in movies including 'Bend It Like Beckham' and 'King Arthur'.

Dame Helen Mirren, who recently wowed onlookers with her trim physique when she donned a bikini while on holiday in the Italian Riviera, came third in the poll.

Sienna Miller, who showed off her enviable toned figure in a skimpy bikini while on holiday recently, shared the fourth spot with Liz Hurley.

Rounding off the top five was Jemima Khan, an English socialite known due to her relationships as Hugh Grant's ex-girlfriend, the former wife of Pakistani cricketer Imran Khan, and a daughter of late billionaire James Goldsmith.

"The survey results reveal that a sexy stomach isn't governed by age, which is good news for all those wanting to tone up or maintain a flat tummy," AntiBloat spokesperson Jalal Janmohamed said.

Sexiest Celebrity Stomachs in the World:
1. Rihanna
2. Keira Knightley
3. Dame Helen Mirren
4. Sienna Miller and Liz Hurley
5. Jemima Khan

Rakhi Sawant Vs Mallika Sherawat

Actress, item girl and host of chat show, Rakhi Sawant is furious with another sultry actress Mallika Sherawat for refusing to appear on her T.V. show, the Rakhi Sawant Show.

The show, which airs on Zoom T.V.. has garnered guests like Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan. This makes Rakhi furious that with such big stars agreeing to be part of the show, Mallika Sherawat had the audacity to refuse the show even while she is busy promoting her new film.

Rakhi says that Mallika Sherawat was not on her wish list of interviewees but the show’s producers approached the latter who refused. “ I have been told that Mallika is insecure about facing me. She has no reason to be. I am not a good dancer like her and she’s a big star where as I am the poorest person in the industry today,” says a fuming Rakhi Sawant.

Rakhi feels Mallika shouldn’t have behaved in such a haughty manner, “Does she think she’s such a diva? In God’s eyes, we are all one and the same. Itna ghamand kabhi bhi nahi karna chahiye.(One should not be so proud) If I do, I will go to the gutter. I say she’s better than me but what I can give she can’t. But I am honest…. I won’t become smaller if she doesn’t come on my show, she becomes small for refusing. Anyway, I have no problems that Mallika refused me. When she needs me I will stand by her.”

Bipasha Basu reveals why she has problems with Katrina Kaif

Katrina Kaif is not very popular with her female colleagues is something which has always been hinted at but never spoken about openly. But actress Bipasha Basu has decided to break her silence.

The actress revealed that she does have a problem with Katrina. We all know that Malaika Arora Khan and Kareena Kapoor too cannot stand her. Bipasha did not exactly go into the details of what went wrong between them but hinted that it could also be because of the feud between their respective boyfriends, Salman Khan and John Abraham.

But the reason Bipasha was quick to clear the air was because it was being said that she did not get along with Deepika Padukone during the shooting of Bachna Ae Haseeno. But the Bengali siren clarified that she has nothing against Deepika and has absolutely no problem with her.

There have been stories of Bipasha playing dirty and upsetting Deepika during their appearance on television reality show. But the actress has also added how she thinks that Deepika is a great girl. But Katrina is another story. The two don't even talk to each other.

Bipasha is also ready to forget and forgive whatever went wrong between her and Kareena Kapoor so many years ago. She says she has no problems with Kareena and could go up and say hello to her.

Deepika Padukone tops the list of Maxim Hot 100 Girls

Om Shanti Om famed Bollywood entrant Deepika Padukone, whose second film Bachna Ae Haseeno is due for release Aug 15, is considered the hot favourite actress by Indian audiences across the globe. She tops the popular Maxim Hot 100 girls worldwide list.

The Maxim Hot list makes its debut in India and Deepika is winner of the first edition.

'To be honest, personally I never thought of myself as 'sexy' or 'hot' but if that's the call that people have taken, then I hope I live up to it. I am so excited about this,' Deepika said in a press statement.

She joins the likes of previous Bollywood celebrity-winners like Bipasha Basu, Katrina Kaif and Kareena Kapoor.

'Deepika was our choice as the winner because apart from her huge fan following with the new generation of Indians, she also has the potential to be an international face. This calls for a huge party,' said Anup Kutty, editor of Maxim-India.

Deepika will be felicitated in August end in Mumbai.

Kareena Kapoor enters Hollywood with Chamera

Our lovely and size zero Bebo aka Kareena Kapoor has been signed for a real Hollywood movie with a big time Hollywood co-star and director.

Rumors were rife that she was in talks with Hollywood Biggies for her foray into Hollywood. But her deal has taken Bollywood by surprise.

So, Kareena will star with actor Billy Zane of Mummy and Titanic fame. She will be directed also by a Hollywood heavyweight Daniel Silver, the man who has to his credit Perfect strangers and the Devil wears Prada.

The film named ‘Chamera’, will be shot in North India in a month long schedule. Kareena Kapoor plays an Asian girl.

“This is one of the many projects that Kareena has been offered. They are paying her a handsome amount since she fits the role perfectly. She will be making an official announcement soon.”, confirms a source.

Angelina Jolie to adopt a Chinese baby

Angelina Jolie is considering adopting a Chinese baby along with hubby Brad Pitt to add to the six kids in their brood.

Angelina Jolie was inspired by her feelings of sympathy for victims of the earthquake that devastated China in May that left many children orphaned.

A source told Britain’s Star magazine: “Angelina Jolie is devastated over the earthquake that occurred in China in May. She has been in constant touch with relief workers as part of her UN involvement, and even got her hands on photos of a few orphaned kids. She’s made overtures offering a home to one earthquake orphan, or even two if they are siblings.”

Angelina Jolie is a mother to three biological children, Shiloh and twins Knox and Vivienne and three adopted children namely Maddox, Pax and Zahara. She admits she is finding it hard coping with the babies, but is getting help from the rest of her family.

She added in an interview with Hello! magazine, which has published the first pictures of the twins: “It is chaos, but we are managing it and having a wonderful time. Shiloh calls the twins her babies. She and Zahara pick out their clothes, help change and hold them. It’s sweet - they are like little mommies.”

Bipasha Basu is now the brand ambassador of Sugar Free Gold

The sultry actress, Bipasha Basu is one who is not only known for her acting prowess but also for her stunning figure. The actress is a complete fitness freak and swears by healthy ways of living. Hence, it comes as no surprise when pharmaceutical company Cadilla decided to appoint Bipasha as the brand ambassador for its brand Sugar Free Gold.

Apparently, Bipasha was zeroed in as the brand ambassador for Sugar Free Gold as she truly is a fitness icon among the youth and hence would help in creating the necessary awareness among the consumers.

As per the contract, Bips will feature across all Sugar Free Gold communication, including advertisements on TV, outdoor, print, radio and other media.

Well, being a fitness freak has surely helped Bipasha to bag yet another endorsement deal.

Shah Rukh Khan denies no-smoking

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has denied having told a Malayalam daily that he would quit smoking within two months.
When asked on this, King Khan replied with a terse 'No'.

The actor even declined to respond to a query whether the decision to quit cigarettes would come after a couple of months as stated in his interview.

Shah Rukh had reportedly told the leading Kerala daily Malayala Manorama that he thought of quitting smoking while he travelled 17 hours on a flight without lighting a cigarette.

'The idea of quitting cropped up during a 17-hour flight,' Shah Rukh was quoted as saying. 'So if I can do without smoking in flight, I am sure I can do without it on land too.'

The Bollywood icon had also reportedly said that he planned to kick the habit for his children's sake.

The interview was conducted at Pollachi in Tamil Nadu where the actor is shooting for Priyadarshan's Billo Barber.

Shah Rukh also revealed that he had started smoking when he was 22.

The star has often been ticked off by Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss for smoking in public as it would set a bad example for youngsters.

Heaven On Earth to be screened at Toronto Film Festival

Deepa Mehta's Heaven On Earth is to be screened at the Toronto Film Festival on 6th September at the prestigious Elgin theatre.

"It's the venue of all serious-minded films at the Toronto Film Festival meant for a discerning audience. Last year, the Coen Brothers' No Country For Old Men premiered there. This year I'm proud to have my film there in the 'Special Representation' section," says Deepa.

The film's leading lady Preity Zinta joins Deepa in Toronto for the Festival screening. "And that's when Preity will dub her portion of the film in Hindi", informs Deepa. The Punjabi film is now being dubbed into Hindi as a two-language film on the insistence of the film's Indian distributor Ravi Chopra. However, Deepa insists that the Hindi version will have a very restricted screening. "The language of the film is Punjabi," she insists.

And now begins the struggle to find the right voices to dub the Punjabi characters. "The entire cast barring Preity is from Toronto. They can only speak English and Punjabi." Deepa arrives at Mumbai next week to supervise the Hindi dubbing of Heaven On Earth. "Preity will have to do her portions in Toronto after her world tour with the Bachchans and also attend the Toronto Festival screening."

Katrina Kaif replaces Aishwarya Rai to be Brand Ambassador of Nakshatra

Nothing is said to be permanent in Bollywood. The wheels of fortune at the Box-Office changes every Friday depending upon the 'sale-brity' quotient of the celebrity. In other words, someone's loss is another's gain.

This was exactly the case with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who was till late considered as the most saleable celebrity globally. But, little did anyone expect that she will be toppled by a relative newcomer like Katrina Kaif. The news that took recently the air out of Bollywood and the modeling world is that Aishwarya Rai has been replaced by Katrina Kaif, for a whopping amount, to be the Brand Ambassador of Nakshatra range of jewelry.

But wait! The story does not end there. The news is that Katrina was apparently not the first choice for Nakshatra! According to the most reliable sources, the first choice of Nakshatra was Deepika Padukone, who had almost signed the dotted lines till she realized that the contract did not contain what she had asked for. To simplify it further, Deepika had agreed to endorse the said brand (only on a national level) for a certain amount. But the Nakshatra officials wanted her not just to endorse Nakshatra, but its sub-brands as well and that too on a global level, which Deepika refused for obvious reasons. And naturally, Deepika's loss turned out to be Katrina's gain.

Such is the big, bad and unpredictable world of glamour!

Katrina Kaif costars with Ranbir Kapoor in Rajneeti

Katrina Kaif is on a signing spree with Ranbir Kapoor, with three back-to-back movies costarring them in her kitty.

First is Yash Raj’s Bachna Ae Haseeno, then comes Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani for Raj Kumar Santoshi and now, Rajneeti, a gritty political thriller by Prakash Jha.

Rajneeti is the story of a political dynasty. For both Katrina and Ranbir, working with Prakash Jha known for his raw political thrillers, is an experience very different from the kind of cinema they’ve done so far. How did Katrina, with such a glamorous image strike gold with Prakash Jha?

Says Prakash, “I needed an actress who would look convincing as an intelligent modern cultured girl of today. Katrina fitted the bill perfectly. She also looks perfectly matched with Ranbir.

Not too many of the top leading ladies are compatible with Ranbir. Katrina is versatile enough to look perfectly match with Salman-Akshay and Ranbir.

I also like her focused attitude to her career. Now that she has proved herself successful there’s a hunger to prove herself in roles and projects that aren’t considered Katrina’s kingdom.”

Katrina would not be a glamor quotient in the film, she has a meaty role. Not at all, ” asserts Prakash. “She has very powerful dramatic moments in the plot. This role would require Katrina to put all her skills into the active mode.”

The film also stars Manoj Bajpai and Ajay Devgan.

Watch Phoonk and take away Rs 5 Lakhs

If Raat scared the living daylights out of us than Bhoot scared and terrorized people to the extreme with its dreadful expressions and loud background score, and in this way Ramu continued to petrify with his scary outings like Vaastu Shastra, Darna Mana Hai and Darna Zaroori Hai subsequently.

And now Ramu is all set to release his yet another horror flick Phoonk, a black magic film, which is touted as the scariest of all his horror genre movies till date. Infact so much upbeat is Ramu about Phoonk that he and his producer Azam Khan of One More Thought Entertainment are in a mood to test the real guts and courage. Apparently, the director and the producer have devised a daredevil challenge. According to the challenge the person who dares to watch Ramu's upcoming horror flick Phoonk all alone from start to finish in a theatre without getting out of the theatre will be rewarded with Rs. 5 lakhs from Ram Gopal Varma. The contest will be well-publicized and the necessary details will be given on the film's website.

Set against the backdrop of Black magic Phoonk is scheduled to release on August 22.

Deepika Padukone and Soha Ali Khan in Tata Open Badminton Tournament

Bollywood actors Deepika Padukone and Soha Ali Khan enthralled sports lovers with their badminton skills at a tournament in Mumbai on Thursday.

Deepika teamed up with her father Prakash Padukone who happens to be the best badminton player India has ever produced while Soha played with Aparna Popat.

Deepika seemed overjoyed to participate in the Tata Open badminton tournament.

"I am very happy to come here. I love to play badminton. I have been playing badminton since my childhood, so I think I'll enjoy participating in it a lot and I guess I am going to play also here," said Deepika.

Badminton runs in Deepika's blood. She played at the State level in Bangalore until her mid-teens.

Her paternal grandfather Ramesh also represented Mysore in the nationals during fifties and early sixties.

Prakash, who was the All England champion, which is considered to be the world crown and also won numerous other tournaments around the world, was satisfied with her daughter Deepika's performance.

"She was quiet good. She was not the no. one, she was no. three or four in the state but she used to play very regularly until she reached the tenth standard but she has not played for a long time...I mean after that she went into modelling and then got into films," said Prakash Padukone.

Soha, who has always been a big sports lover, was excited at playing along with the professionals.

"I have always loved badminton. I played it in school a lot. I played it in university. I haven't ever played it at such a professional level before with the professional players like Prakash Padukone and Deepika Padukone. It was great fun because I am a huge fan of the sport," said Soha.

Deepika, who has already impressed her fans by her screen presence made them even more impressed by her performance on the badminton court.

Imran Khan wishes to work with Kareena Kapoor

New Kid on the Block, the very talented Imran Khan has declared lately that he would like to work with none other than Kareena Kapoor.

“She is a very good actress”, he says. At the same time he seems to be caught in a K factor. He wants to act with Kangana Ranaut, Konkona Sen Sharma and Kareena Kapoor.

But apart form the leading ladies, he is a perfectionist to the point P. Imran Khan strongly said that he is never satisfied with his work and always sees room for improvement. He said, “I have seen my film around fifty times, but each time I watch it, I cringe. The moment one starts praising his own work then he or she is in deep trouble.”

Also like his other famed family members including mamu Aamir Khan, he believes in being serious around the sets. He is not too fond of too many pranks being played around the sets when they are engaged in the serious business of film making. Another classic actor in the making?