Will SRK work with Rajat Kapoor?

Before we start questioning Rajat Kapoor about his new film - he makes it quite clear that he is not interested in responding to the usual set of questions. So bypassing the customary role-related details we talk to Rajat about his choices as an actor and a filmmaker. Rajat Kapoor spoke with us as a part of promoting his new film Siddharth-The Prisoner.

Are you Siddharth-The Prisoner?

Ya I am. Please read the synopsis for more.

I have…And it talks about a man just released from jail after serving a long sentence. Any similarities to Shawshank Redemption?

I am not aware of that.

So why did you pick up this film?

I believe it is a film that is worthy of my talent. Also I am passionate about working with people who are passionate about their work.

Is that your main criteria for choosing films? You seem to have become the face of small budget cinema and are a big support system for struggling directors.

Yes that is one of the factors for choosing such films. But the role still remains paramount.

So are you in a way using your position to help budding filmmakers who are facing the same crisis as you did (during Raghu Romeo)?

I am not returning anything to the industry or doing any service. As you said I do believe I am in the position of backing the kind of work I am interested in. And that's what it is.

One sees you with the same set of co-stars…

Well, we are all great friends. And we also have a great chemistry on screen. This chemistry comes from the fact that Saurabh, Ranvir, Vinay and I share the same sense of aesthetics as actors.

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Barbara Mori Loses her Passport

Guess what I heard last from the sets of Rakesh Roshan's Kites. His leading lady, Barbara Mori has lost her passport.

Looks like problems are just not leaving the Kites team. It started with the weather problem in New Mexico where they were shooting. Then there were some money problems with the locals there. Then back home, 26/11 happened. And finally this passport problem.

A birdie who keeps hovering around the sets of the film, no doubt to drool over the bronzed Hrithik Roshan, tells me, "Miss Barbara Mori has misplaced her passport and the entire unit of Rakesh Roshan is working hard to fetch her a new one. Nobody seems to have any clue about the missing passport. And this only makes the actress angrier. The people looking after her work have been on the receiving end of her anger ever since."

Well, methinks she just has to spend some more time with the Roshan family and go out to parties etc.

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I won't waste my time on Delhi-6: Emraan Hashmi

Still basking in the afterglow of the Raaz success, Emraan Hashmi came online to chat with his fans on buzz18.com. Here is the excerpt of the chat.

[tausif] asks: assalamualikum

Hi everyone...glad to be chatting with you all. What are you waiting for? Ask

[hee] asks: hey! so when do we see u next?

Tu Mile releasing in July...definitely watch it. I am paired with Soha.

[sam] asks: I like u r acting in Footpath,after that Jannat i like raaz now your expression and acting.But some movies are not really nothing to make u act why u choose those?Please go for movies like footpaths role

Well i made few mistakes and chose bad films. I am being more cautious. Hopefully u will see another char like Foothpath next year.

[hee] asks: u have worked with newcomers...is it better to work with them or with established actresses>?

newcomers...b'coz they bring along a freshness in the film.

[upasana] asks: what do you think of Slimdog Millionaire as a film? and what do you think of Delhi six? How do they compare with the kind of films you star in

I've heard D6 is not good so I wont waste my time. Slumdog after all the hype...my wife is forcing me to go with her.

[ravi 880] asks: hi, imran how u feel when u kiss ur co-star in front of all the unit

it feels gr8...thats why i do it so often. But it is definitely not for everyone. Better left only to me.

[hee] asks: How was it working with Soha and what is Tu Mile all about? With u in a film we can always expect something different right?

soha is very chilled out...and a fine actor. Tum Mile is definitely one of my fav films i have worked on. It opens in July.

[jjbhoi] asks: emraan .. are you acting in any hollywood movie now a days besides hindi films? if yes , which one is in your kitty?

No not yet...i wud prefer to stick to Hindi as of now.

[rohit008] asks: Who do you think is the hottest actress in Bollywood?

There are so many of them very hard to choose one. But if i had to pick on I'd say Kangana.

[sam] asks: thanks , i really a great fan of you from Footpath especially the acting .Work is work now each and every movie contains so many kisses it is turning to a normal thing now, to attract audiance or marketing stratergy?

Ya when i started it everyone followed...but i guess i will always be the original

[deepak] asks: what is important to be a Good actor good Looking or good acting?

A=[ Ans ]:i dont have the former...so hopefully i have a bit of the latter to make me click.

[upasana] asks: hi emraan heard you have had an eye problem.... how are you feeling now?

Thinking of getting the eye removed tomorrow. And then i cud do a pirate's role...a one-eyed pirate.

[imam] asks: when r we gona see u in some intelligent thriller?

i m doing a thriller called raftaar 24x7...which releases in aug. There's Neha and Sagarika with me.

[ravi 880] asks: what is ur basic phylospy in life

Just chill out..dont take too much stress...AND KEEP KISSING

Q=[ayancs84] asks: Emraan r u doing any comedy movies ?

not at the moment...i tried doing one but i turned out to be my worst nightmare...it's called Good boy Bad boy. But i wudnt mind a good comedy.

[shrijhapallath] asks: hi emraan iam ur gr8 fan ur too cool onscreen like ur so much and how was it working with co stars in raaz-2 i liked it so much

at any point of time i was working only with Kangana in the film. It's only in the climax that we had more than two people so it was great.

[nasreen] asks: hi am a big fan of urs...any movies of urs releasing apart from the bhatt camp?

Ya Raftaar in non Bhatt and hopefully if Once upon a time in Bombay happens...i am open to doing films outside Bhatt camp

[sam] asks: I saw one incident in some reality show some blood came out for that also a girl came and try to hold you so tightly u also got upset that time,Anyway what exactly happened with you.Everything okey with you or you really hurt by that incident.

No not really...it was something that was done in fun by the show people, can't take these things seriously.

[tapansharma] asks: do you particularly act with a certain set of directors? atleast we can see that...any specific reasons for the same?

Just that we have a great success rate and am willing to work with any director who gives me an interesting script. Have had hits with Mohit Suri, Kunal, Anurag.

[jjbhoi] asks: emraan .. what is ur hobby? what you most like to do during leasure?

I like to google myself...recently i hav got into still photography also

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Oscar win opens doors for Indian Cinema: Shabana Azmi

It was an incredible night at the Oscars gala in Los Angeles. Slumdog Millionaire swept eight of the most coveted honours at the Academy Awards 2009 on February 22. India's celebrated music director AR Rahman took two Oscars. Rahman's first Oscar was for the best original score. Rahman also shared the Oscar for best song, Jai Ho with Gulzar, a celebrated poet-lyricist. More cheer awaited India as Resul Pookutty's Oscar for best sound mixing created a record of sorts.

Suddenly, India's ample technical and creative talent in filmmaking was at the centrestage in the world. Everyone sat up and took note of the sweep of Indian cinema. With recognition comes acknowledgement and opportunities.

CNN-IBN quizzed actors Shabana Azmi, Kamala Haasan and composer Ehsaan on the big haul at the Oscars and what it means for Indian cinema.

What does this day mean for Indian cinema? A film based on India with AR Rahman winning for his music, Gulzar winning for the lyrics, Resul Pookutty winning... what does it mean?

Shabana Azmi: It is celebration time. It is absolutely delightful and I congratulate all of them from the bottom of my heart. For me obviously this opens doors for Indian cinema. But to me the most important thing about Slumdog Millionaire winning the Oscars is that the slum dwellers sense of self esteem is now heightened. It gives the world a big picture of the slum dwellers, which is different from the one they are used to. It is largely that they are the scum of the earth and that they don't do any work and they are not to be respected and along comes this film, shows the truth as it is and makes you realise the resilience and the spirit of the people who live in slums.

Will the lives of people living in slums change or should this be just taken as cinema?

Shabana Azmi: No, no! There lives are not going to change because of this film. They are not going to get more money; they are not going to start living in better houses overnight. There is no magic wand. But definitely perceptions of them will change to a little degree and that's all that art can do. It can create a climate of sensitivity in which it is possible for change to occur and that change occurring in perception about people who live in the slums and work towards the city... to me is the most magnificent achievement of all.

The movie uses Indian landscape, uses Indian actors and is set in India. Does this do anything for Indian cinema? Do we call it and Indian victory?

Kamal Haasan: We should allow this baby steps and we should take step by step but this day means something to Danny Boyle, Rahman and to an extent some of the Indians. But it doesn't mean anything to Indian cinema till Indian cinema tries to make quality films. So when it does that, it will deserve the recognition and it doesn't mean that we are not making quality cinemas. We are not respecting quality cinemas as it should be. That is because content might be king but placement is very important. S you have to place good cinema in the right perspective. I am talking about the distributors, investors and the producers of good cinema. If you good think of good cinema as won't do well, it is the general opinion that film acha hai par nahi chalega (film is good but won’t be a hit)… this is a bad attitude. You are not a businessman, you are an audience. That should change and when that changes and everyone wants to get into the share market business of cinema that is silly. That is not what cinema is all about. It is an art and you should enjoy it like that and every cinema is art and every art cinema is cinema. We don’t know what they mean by art cinema nahi chalega kind of a thing. Everything is changing now.

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Freida Pinto be the next Diane Keaton!

Less than a day after Slumdog Millionaire swept the Oscars, winning eight statuettes, Freida Pinto, has firmly entrenched herself in LA culture. The lady is on her way to acting in a film with Woody Allen.

Confirming this, her sister, Sharon Pinto, who works as a television producer, said, "Yes, Freida has been cast in a film to be directed by Woody Allen, but she is also very busy with her agent in Los Angeles to work out her acting agenda. Currently she is overstressed with all the interviews, the media barrage."

Woody Allen, one of America's iconic directors has made such classics as Annie Hall, Crimes and Misdemeanours, Husbands and Wives and Bullets Over Broadway.

Once married to Mia Farrow, the couple had a messy divorce, when Allen was discovered to be having an affair with one of their adopted daughters.

Despite the scandal, Allen has always been considered one of Hollywood's maverick filmmakers, known for his wit, his zany take on urban relationships, and his eccentric dialogue writing.

Woody Allen
Despite this casting coup, Pinto is shying away from the Indian media currently. "The last two weeks have been difficult for Freida with all the speculation about her personal life in the media.

Some details have been very unsavoury and traumatic for her, and the family at large. Currently she is sleeping and catching some rest in Los Angeles. Also it being Oscar week, she has been in and out of interviews.

We try to keep in touch with her, but then I always have to Google what the LA time is, for she might be asleep! I think it's time to let her be," said sister Sharon, insisting that Freida have some privacy. Well, Los Angeles is miles away from Goa, Freida. Chill out. And congratulations.

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The hot New face in Bollywood Aditi Rao Hydari Revealed!

Aditi Rao Hydari is not a familiar name. In fact, most of us saw her for the first time in Delhi-6, which released last Friday.

The actress played Ramaa bua – Bittu's unwed aunt – sans any make-up and sported a cotton sari throughout the movie.

It takes a few phone calls and a good deal of patience till you finally get her mobile number.

Later that evening you are standing before a man (presumably) in his late 20s as he opens the door. "Hello!" he says ushering you into a cosy apartment in Versova.

It's not the kind of houses that most out-of-town newcomers usually live in. For starters, it actually looks liveable! It's well decorated; a high-end music system is playing soft number in the backdrop and the walls have been freshly painted.

There's something about it that makes it a home and not just an accommodation. It's a place that has been decorated by someone who actually wants to live in it – and that's saying a lot by Bollywood standards.

The voice on the phone walks in. She's a far cry from her onscreen image – a subdued young Delhi girl waiting for life to happen to her.

In fact, the only thing common between her and Ramaa bua is the Delhi connection. But it ends there.

Aditi is a commerce graduate from Lady Sriram College and has completed her schooling from Rishi Valley, a school near Bangalore that imbibes the teachings of philosopher J Krishnamurthy.

The young actress – she refuses to divulge her age ('It's suicidal') – is married to a former bureaucrat-turned-lawyer-turned-aspiring actor (whew) who had opened the door earlier.

Having migrated from Delhi ('It is for good') the two spend their days auditioning for roles.

Unlike her husband Satyadeep, Aditi is not new to showbiz.

She has to her credit Sringaram a National Award-winning Tamil film. Set largely in the 1920s, Bharatnatyam and the Devdasi system, form the central themes of this movie.

Interestingly she has also acted in a Malayalam movie with Mammotty, which she refuses to talk about. "It wasn't a pleasant experience working in that film," is all she is willing to say.

Aditi says that Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra spotted her when he watched her in Sringaram. "When the film was at the National Awards, Rakeysh and Bharti saw me and got my number from somewhere," she says.

(Later that evening a friend calls up to say that Rakeysh saw her in 'some Mammotty film' and wanted to cast her)

Nonetheless, next thing Aditi was giving a screen test. "I was auditioned for three parts –that of the moneylender's (Prem Chopra) wife, Bittu (eventually Sonam Kapoor played the role) and Ramaa the unwed aunt," she says adding, "Actually they were thinking of expanding Sita's role in the Ram Leela too. But that didn't happen."

You ask her if she was aware that Shefali Shah was being considered for the role and she replies, "They had to make some changes in Ramaa's character. She was supposed to be older and a widow. I'm told Juhi Chawla was considered too."

After about 20-odd minutes of talking about her role we return to talking about her roots. She says her parents have been separated. With little or no inclination of getting into her personal space you want to change the topic when she says, "My mum runs a small publication house."

It turns out that the 'small' publication house is called Orient Longman (now called Orient Blackswan) a fairly prominent company by any standards.

There's a moment of silence.

Another connection about Orient Longman that Aditi doesn't mention is the fact that the company is run by an erstwhile royal family.

"So you're a princess," you ask slowly and somewhat excitedly. This was clearly becoming one of the most interesting interviews.

Another moment of silence.

"Er… yes!" she says hesitantly not expecting you to make this connection.

You assure her it was okay if she didn't want to talk about it. But she continues, "Raja J Rameshwar Rao was my maternal grandfather and Sir Akbar Hydari was my grandfather from my dad's side."

Anyone who knows a little about Andhrya Pradesh will tell you that these names are not to be taken lightly. Akbar Hydari was responsible for the establishment of the Osmania University and Rameshwar Rao was part of one of the prominent princely families around Hyderabad.

"My mum moved to Delhi. She's also a singer," Aditi says, "And she's playing Aishwarya Rai's mother in Ravana."

While she doesn't reveal anything about the much-talked about movie, interesting anecdotes keep tricking at regular intervals.

As it seems, as a child, Aditi caught the fancy of Muzaffar Ali. He was to cast her in Zooni, a film that never saw the light of the day. "I was to play Dimple Kapadia's daughter," Aditi says, "He hoped the film would be made. But it wasn't to be."

For now though, Aditi Rao Hydari spends her time with her pet Frodo and her husband Satyadeep are busy 'being unemployed'. At other times, she cooks Hyderabadi Biryani for her friends.

"I am in talks with a few filmmakers. But it's too early to speak about it," she ends with a Bollywood cliché. What the hell! A princess can take that liberty.

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Shahid Kapoor's new look turns a rage

Shahid is certainly all out to impress his female audiences now. The actor who has improved his dancing prowess has certainly amazed the younger female fans in his new Pioneer commercials.

But ever since Vishal Bharadwaj's Kaminay promos hit the theatres along with the release of the movie Delhi-6 there has been a strong buzz about Shahid's new look in the people. The audiences simply can't stop raving about his totally new avatar in the film.

All those who have managed to get a glimpse of the promos are going gaga about Shahid's look. Sources close to the actor reveal that "Shahid's chararacter in the movie is to watch out for as he will be seen in a double role. His rusty and rough look is definitely something to look forward to. It seems like another hot action thriller flick after Ghajini. The trade buzz of Kaminay is positive definitely. Also people are quite curious about Shahid - Priyanka's chemistry on screen."

The actor who is planning his 27th birthday very soon is still keeping himself away from the eye of the public. "He does not want to reveal his new look before the release of his film hence he also plans to have a private party at home with family and few close friends on his birthday.

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Freida Celebrates leaving ex-boyfriend Devastated

The Slumdog Millionaire team might be celebrating hard and the whole of India might be celebrating with them, but Rohan Antao sure isn't one of them. The man says that he hates the Oscar winning movie and won't watch it because it ended his relationship with the film's heroine Freida Pinto.

He thinks the movie's reported off-screen romance between Freida and her co-star Dev Patel, who is six years her junior, ended his relationship. He reportedly told the News of the World, "She ended it with me after getting close to Dev Patel. Now everywhere I go I see them on billboards. I am devastated. I hate the film. It wrecked my relationship. As soon as it became a success and she started spending all her time with Dev, she ended it."

Antao, who is a marketing executive, said the two met six years ago and that he proposed to her in 2007. Some even claim that they were married in 2007 but Slumdog Millionaire turned their lives around.

He said, "The film bosses didn't want her to be engaged. It would affect the whole emphasis of the film, the love story. I had no say in it. I was kind of forced to lie to director Danny Boyle about the relationship when they met at a party. He was very down to earth, but I had to lie all evening and say I was just Freida's boyfriend."

After seeing Freida with Dev at the Toronto Film Festival last September, Antao said he sent Dev an angry text message saying: 'You do know she is engaged, don't you?" but he never responded.

He said, “I feel bitter towards Dev. If you are engaged to someone, the last thing you want to be thinking about is whether Dev Patel is telling her how wonderful she is. She is infatuated with Dev. I don't know if they were having a sexual relationship but if I came face to face with him I would have things to say. I wish her success in her career, but I can't watch the Oscars, and I don't want to watch the film - it wrecked our love.”

This one sure is scorned lover. We wonder what the effect of his words is going to have on ambitious Freida who's flying high and not thinking about anything negative right now.

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Freida Pinto is infatuated with Dev Patel

Rohan Antao, Freida Pinto's fiance, has spoken to British weekly News Of The World about their split. The issue hit stands on Sunday, just before the Oscar ceremony went underway.

Antao blames Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire for the reported romance between Freida and her co-star Dev Patel, six years her junior.

"She ended it with me after getting close to Dev Patel. Now everywhere I go I see them on billboards. I am devastated," the 24-year-old Antao said.

About the Oscar-winning movie, he stated, "I hate the film. It wrecked my relationship. As soon as it became a success and Freida started spending all her time with Dev, she ended it," he added.

Antao, a Mumbai-based marketing executive, said the two met six years ago. He proposed to her in 2007, but Slumdog Millionare changed their life.

"The film bosses didn't want her to be engaged. It would affect the whole emphasis of the film the love story. I had no say in it."

He further claims that he was forced to lie to Danny Boyle about their relationship when they met at a party. "He was very down to earth, but I had to lie all evening and say I was Freida's boyfriend, not her fiance."

Angry SMS

After seeing Freida with Dev at the Toronto Film Festival in September, Antao said he sent Dev an angry text message saying: "You do know she is engaged, don't you?" Dev did not reply.

"I feel bitter towards Dev. If you are engaged to someone, the last thing you want to be thinking about is whether Dev Patel is telling her how wonderful she is," Antao said.

He said he and Freida broke off last month after she called him. "She is infatuated with Dev. I don't know if they were having a sexual relationship but if I came face to face with him I would have things to say."

"I wish her success in her career," he added.

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All Indians are floating on air: Anil Kapoor

For Anil Kapoor, who grew up in the bylanes of Chembur, to become one of India's leading actors, it was an unforgettable moment when he went on stage with Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire team to receive the Oscar for the Best Film.

Speaking from Los Angeles, he says excitedly, "I still can't believe what is happening. It's like a dream come true.

Can you believe that I was on stage at the Oscars when it got the Best Film award? It's fantastic thrilling! I can't express in words what I am feeling I am completely overcome by emotion!"

But Anil adds that more than him it was a proud moment for all Indians. "Today I wasn't thinking about myself or from my point of view.

It was like an Indian award and I was thinking of India winning not me. It was an Indian moment. I could see Indian faces around me. I wasn't floating on air India was!"

Anil says no one from the group expected to win eight out of nine awards. "This is the biggest event and Slumdog has gone beyond actors and nations."

Petty bickering

He adds, "It's time to stop the petty bickering and small-minded behaviour amongst us in the film industry.

There are only a few films like Ben Hur and Gone With The Wind which can come on par with Slumdog.

The film is the triumph of the human spirtit against all odds. Everyone all over the world has loved the film.

We all got a standing ovation from the entire audience at the Oscars. It was one of India's proudest moments of glory."

While at the Golden Globes, Anil had been accompanied by wife Sunita. This time, he went alone to the Oscar ceremony dressed in a Armani suit.

"I felt so proud when I came out and was greeted by my old friends Goldie Hawn and Will Smith who came to congratulate the Slumdog team and me.

They were like apna bachcha jeet gaya. Rahman, Danny we are all together. I was so thrilled!"

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Sonam, Abhishek Race for Guinness Record: Pics

Sonam, Abhishek Race for Guinness Record: Pics

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Smile Pinki wins Oscar for Best Documentary

Los Angeles: Smile Pinki, the tale of a Uttar Pradesh girl and her fight against the social stigma of a cleft-lip, won the Oscar award for Best Documentary (Short).

Directed by Emmy-award winning Megan Mylan, the film was shot in Mirzapur and Varanasi of Uttar Pradesh.

Elated at the victory, Mylan thanked the eight-year-old girl, who could not smile due to her cleft-lip and was teased as othkatti (one with a cut lip) for letting her tell her story.

"Thank you Pinki. Thank you for letting me tell your incredible story," said Mylan while accepting the Oscar.

Pinki then underwent a simple surgery with the help of social workers that almost changed her life.

Mylan also thanked the NGO Smile Train, which funded the surgery and Pinki's Los Angeles trip to attend the Oscars.

Mylan also thanked Dr Subodh K Singh, who performed the surgery.

Smile Pinki edged past The Final Inch, which was also shot in India and documents the struggle of polio workers as they travel from village to village to administer polio drops under the polio eradication programme of India, to win the award.

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I'm not leaving films after marriage: Ayesha Takia

Some months back there was a lot of news about how Ayesha Takia served notice to her producers and asked them to wrap up her projects fast as she was planning to get married to her fiancé Farhan Azmi.

There was a buzz that 'Eight by Ten' with Akshay Kumar; 'Wanted Dead or Alive' with Salman Khan; the animated 'Ab Dilli Door Nahin' with Govinda and Akshaye Khanna; and 'Paathshaala' with Shahid Kapur would be a few of her last films.

But the actress now claims that she's not giving up acting after marriage.

Ayesha said, "No. In fact, it will be work as usual once the wedding is over. I enjoy working in films and will be back in the studios soon."

Ayesha and the son of Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi will tie the knot on March 1st. The marriage was initially supposed to take place in December but was delayed because of the Mumbai attacks.

Ayesha would then take up the mettle of a business woman quite seriously.

She and her hubby-to-be plan to build a chain of hotels in Goa together.

She's said, "Yes, we have built the first of many hotels in Goa. The project is nearly complete. Once it's on track, we plan to have an entire chain of hotels around the country."

Well, that means there's a lot to look forward to for this lady.

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Sonam Kapoor goes chic for her dad's next, Ayesha

Devika Bhagat, who wrote the fiercely contemporary Bachna Ae Heseeno as a Ranbir Kapoor vehicle has been roped in by producer-papa Anil Kapoor to give his daughter Sonam Kapoor an ultra-chic image in Ayesha.

Yes it's official. Anil Kapoor's adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma has been rechristened Ayesha in Hindi.

And though the project's official spokespersons would have us believe that "nothing is finalised yet", the Desi Emma is all set to roll in April.

While Abhay Deol has been cast as the man who will secretly love Ayesha until the end, newcomer Arunodoy Singh is the Victorian Casanova whom Emma will chase till kingdom come.

Daddy, for reel?

An interesting bit of casting rumour is of Anil Kapoor playing Sonam's father in the film as well. It's reliably learnt that Anil Kapoor is reluctant to be cast as his daughter's father at a time whem he's playing the lead with the likes of Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif.

The most interesting aspect of the desi version of Emma would be its translocation from 19th century England to the present-day metropolis.

After two back-to-back films (Saawariya and Delhi 6) that required her to romp largely in an ethnic salwar-kameez kind of sartorial grace, Ayesha will finally see Sonam blossom into the diva-avatar that she has so passionately assumed in recent months for magazine covers.

Says a source, "Though Sonam is happy to have been seen mainly as a tradition-bound girl in her first two films, she's itching to break free of the desi good-girl image.

Ayesha will be her first stab at an ultra-chic role."

Interestingly, like Ranbir in Bachna Ae Haseeno, Sonam will have three men played by Abhay Deol, Arunoday Singh and veejay Cyrus Sahukar pursuing her in Ayesha.

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Vidya and Manish kiss and make up after a Year

After designer Manish Malhotra lashed out at Vidya Balan last year ('Manish Malhotra blasts Vidya Balan'; Hitlist, March 10), they had stopped talking to each other even though they occasionally met at events.

However, Manish says they kissed and patched up last week. Says Manish, "It was at my nephew's engagement that I met Vidya again.

I was chatting when she came up to me with Kunal Kohli and said, 'Can we just forget what happened?' and wanted to give me a hug.

I said, 'Ya sure!' Kunal chipped in saying we should perhaps kiss too so Vidya kissed my hand and we both decided to let bygones be bygones."

Manish adds that Vidya was generous enough to add that what had happened in Heyy Babyy! wasn't his fault.

I told her that I was very hurt about what she had been saying about me and I lashed out against her as I was coming across looking like a wimp.

She said that she hoped that was all forgotten and I said now it was."

Would he work with Vidya again? "Yes. I don't hold grudges against anyone," Manish signs off."

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Dietician Rujuta Diwekar dedicates her book Kareena Kapoor

Kareena now has a book dedicated in her name by her dietician

Kareena Kapoor recently launched a book Don't Lose Your Mind Lose Your Weight (Rs 199), penned by dietician Rujuta Diwekar, who's responsible for making the actress achieve her size-zero figure.

The book is No 1 on the bestseller list and has already sold 10,000 copies. Rujuta says, "Kareena had predicted that it'd be a sellout!

That's why I have dedicated this book to her." The book also carries a foreword by the actress.

Lose it, right

Talking about how she got the idea for the book, Rujuta says, "I once met a 24-year old girl who was planning to get married and wanted to lose weight.

She wore electric belts that gave her rectal bleeding. She also had lot of coffee with sweeteners, to kill hunger pangs. In the process, she got so dehydrated that for nine months, she didn't get her periods.

I wanted to write a book for people like her. To educate them about the right way to lose weight; in a healthy manner, without any side effects."

Finally, it was Kareena who made national headlines last year with anorexia and size-zero rumours, who suggested that Rujuta write a book.

Rujuta says, "Bebo told me there was so much media speculation about her diet that it was time to set the record straight. Essentially, it was about maintaining the body shape while keeping her energy levels high."

Rujuta took three months to complete the book. "From October to Deember 2008, I switched off my cell from 8 am to 8 pm and just wrote and wrote about all my experiences in my diary and laptop." She gifted the first copy of her book to Kareena.

Bebo: Diet stickler

Today, Rujuta prescribes diets for Kareena and her beau Saif Ali Khan. "Bebo follows everything strictly but Saif sometimes eats what he feeels like.

He asked me to help him, after seeing Bebo's weight loss and toned body."

Recently, Rujuta worked out a diet for Kareena in Delhi when she was shooting for Rensil D'Silva's film. "Kareena was having daal makhni, parathas and paneer tikkas.

Because of the Delhi smog, she got a throat infection but since she had been eating correctly, she recovered faster than she would have normally done.

I am amazed at Bebo's dedication. She is the most down-to-earth star I have met."

Excerpts from Kareena's foreword:

"Rujuta focuses on nutrition and not just calories. Amazingly, she helps you to keep the nutritional value of what you eat, as compared to how many calories you consume, high.

And still enjoy what you're eating! I have learnt what Rujuta means when she says, 'Be smart about food.' Now, thanks to her book, you can too. I'm certain you'll find it good enough to eat."

Excerpts from Don't Lose Your Mind Lose Your Weight

Anti-aging

To keep the face and body from aging, work at keeping body weight to optimum. To have a young face, you must not allow your body weight to go up from its optimum.

The second thing that you must do is include healthy fats in your diet, like nuts (including peanuts), cheese, ghee, paneer and fish.

Including fats not just provides your facial skin with the moisture and raw material that it needs to keep from wrinkling, but also helps you burn fat effectively there, by not allowing your body fat levels (body weight) to go up.

Coffee post dinner

Well, coffee for one, will come in the way of your sleep, you know that. It will interfere in the digestion, specifically in the absorption of minerals like iron and calcium.

And on low levels of calcium and iron, fat burning suffers (oh no!). Wait, one more, coffee makes your stomach acidic so you wake up bloated and constipated.

And now for the proof. When you wake up in the morning, brush your teeth, stand in front of a mirror, put your tongue out and look at its colour.

It will have a thick deposit. These are the toxins settled on your tongue after your night's sleep. Still want that coffee?

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Aamir Khan shoots for his film, 3 Idiots at IIT Powai

Aamir Khan's next movie Three Idiots being directed by Raju Hirani has many firsts to its credit. It was the first film to be shot at a Bangalore B-school.

Now in another first, they shot at a Powai engineering campus in Mumbai last week.

Since the film based on the book 5 Point Someone by Chetan Bhagat, and has a backdrop of premier educational institutes, there's an attempt being made to be as authentic as possible.

Special permission to shoot on the premises have been requested.

The film was shot mostly in the mechanical labs of the institute and kids from the classes even said that the actor looked every bit like them.

A source reveals, "While in Bangalore, he interacted with the students there and joined them in various activities and sports, Aamir is keeping a low profile on the Powai campus since he doesn't want to disturb the study atmosphere there."

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Sister prays for AR Rahman's Oscar Victory

Chennai: She is hoping her brother will bring back at least two Oscars for Slumdog Millionaire. Music maestro A.R. Rahman's elder sister Reihana, a well-known Tamil music composer and singer, says the family is very excited and deliriously happy at his super success.

“We are hoping he will win at least two Oscars. We trust in god and have surrendered to him,” Reihana told IANS in Chennai.

Rahman has been nominated for three Oscars - Best Original Score, for the song Jai Ho and for O Saya.

Though Rahman's bagging awards is nothing new for the family, an Academy Award will of course be special.

”Awards may have become commonplace for Rahman, but we are deliriously happy on every occasion. The mood now is similar to that on the eve of his maiden honour for Roja. We are excited, but not nervous about the special honour," Reihana said.

Reihana has yet to wish her brother luck. “I will, when everybody else has finished doing that,” she said with a chuckle.

Tanvi Shah, who crooned the Oscar-nominated Jai Ho is optimistic and proud of her mentor.

”When Rahman Sir wins the Oscar, it would be for the whole nation,” Shah told IANS.

”Two weeks ago when I congratulated him breathlessly, he replied, 'Congrats to you too!' This shows why we have a proud sense of belonging as he values our team work. He may be thousands of miles away, in a different continent, but to us he is virtually next door,” Shah said.

Shah has also rendered another number Gangsta Blues in the movie.

Young Madhumita, another singer in Slumdog, is sure Rahman will bring home at least one Oscar.

“I have a very strong feeling that he will come home with an Oscar. I want to catch every second from the moment when Rahman's name is announced,” Madhumita told IANS.

Already in celebration mode, Madhumita is all keyed up to watch the big event and the man who, according to her, ‘unleashes the creativity in every singer’.

“I will always be grateful to Rahman Sir for the Slumdog... opportunity. I only came to know how big it was when I saw the album with Mia and Sukhvinder's names on it too,” she recalled.

“The Liquid Dance number was a challenge because Rahman asked me to rap with jathis (notations), which are normally used only in south Indian classical music,” Madhumita added.

PA Deepak, one of the main sound engineers for the movie and its songs, other than Jai Ho and Dreams on Fire which were done by the late H Sridhar, has expressed his 'wish' already to Rahman.

“He called me from LA for some work and asked me what I wanted from the US. I said to him 'I want an Oscar'. With intricate knowledge of the pluses of each technician and singer, Rahman brings out the best in us without pushing us too much. Working with him is indeed an inspiring pleasure," Deepak told IANS.

If Slumdog wins even one Oscar, its Tamil dubbed version Naanum Kodeeshwaran may get a windfall, according to Sunil Narvekar, who is currently exhibiting the movie here.

”The publicity generated during the run-up to the Oscars is a win-win situation for the movie. And when Rahman is given the gold-plated Oscar statuette, it would be our crowning glory,” Narvekar said.

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Movie Veer makers fined Rs.20 lakh

A while ago there was news about how the unit of Salman Khan's ambitious period film Veer was in trouble for causing damage to the Amer fort. For the uninitiated, the shooting at the sixteenth century Amer fort was brought to a halt after six days following a wall collapse.

The Rajasthan High court gave its nod for the shooting to resume but this decision comes with a rider. The picture is not clear though. The damage to the historical structure may or may have not been done but the Veer producers have to abide by the condition.

The producers have been asked for Rupees 20 lakh for damaging the wall of the protected Amer fort. The producers will have to pay and they've been given four days, two to shoot and two to wind up. Then they have to leave.

Vijay Galani, the producer of Veer has said, "The crew will have to wind up the shooting within four days and pay Rupees 20 lakh as compensation to the government. This amount will be utilised to restore the fort and to give to those injured in the wall collapse. I'm happy that the court has made this order."

But this might prove to be a temporary relief for the producers. The Ministry of Culture at the Centre has taken a serious note of the damage caused to the fort's wall and an enquiry has been ordered.

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I'm Waiting for a woman to hit on Me: Gul Panag

As Gul Panag readies herself for the release of her film Straight: Ek Tedhi Medhi Love Story, she claims that she would be flattered if a woman made a pass at her. She says, "It has not yet happened but I would be extremely flattered.



I'd like to try the other side. I would not call it a lesbian relationship… but I'm not closed to homosexuality at all." Don't go fantasising just yet.

Gul claims that she is afraid to discover that she might actually be a sociopathic killer. "Every now and then I experience an emotion and I don't know why. But they also help me as an actor," she says.

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Actress Priyanka Chopra Shows her Sexy curves

Priyanka chopra Wins NDTV Profit Car & Bike Awards

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Dev and Freida spotted shopping for ring

Slumdog Millionaire stars Dev Patel and Freida Pinto have fuelled dating rumours after being spotted shopping for a ring on Valentine’s Day.

The report comes after their co-star Anil Kapoor recently revealed he could feel “the beginning of something exciting” between the two.

The 18-year-old lad was seen taking his six-year-senior “lady love” to a High Street jeweller’s on Oxford Street – and left without purchasing anything.

“Dev and Frieda seemed completely smitten with each other. They spent 15 minutes in the jeweller’s and were quite happy to sign autographs and talk to fans,” the Sun quoted an onlooker as saying.

“They paid particular attention to one of the cabinets which was full of the more expensive rings stocked by the store chain.

“They didn’t buy anything in the end, but they certainly spent plenty of time studying the range,” the onlooker added.

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Something happening b/v Dev and Frieda

Freida Pinto and Dev Patel, stars of the Indian-themed movie Slumdog Millionaire, may be dating in real life, according to their co-star Anil Kapoor.

Kapoor told an American radio station the pair, who play childhood sweethearts who find love in and out of slums, had a "magical chemistry".

"As a matter of fact, when I meet them I feel there is something happening," Kapoor told Ryan Seacrest's Morning Show on Los Angeles-based KIIS FM.

"But she says 'I have to look after him' and 'I have to baby sit him' and that kind of stuff... (I think) this is the beginning of something exciting happening.

"They definitely make a great pair. Both of them look very good together," Kapoor said, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Pinto, 24, and London-based Patel, 18, were spotted recently sharing Oreo cheesecake at a bakery in Los Angeles and have become close as they travelled the world promoting their film, the paper reported Friday.

Pinto, a former model, split with her fiance last month.

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Shilpa Shetty's all set to start a chain of medi-spas in the city

Shilpa is all set to start a chain of medi-spas in the city

Shilpa Shetty is all set to launch a chain of medi-spas all over Mumbai next month. These will be in partnership with spa owner, Kiran Bawa.

A source close to the actress reveals, "Shilpa hasn't had a party for a long time but on March 10, she will have a double celebration the Royal Rendezvous to celebrate her partnership with Rajasthan Royals as well as the opening of her new medi-spa at a five-star hotel in the suburbs. She has already asked people to block the date."

Metros first
The plan to launch in Mumbai and then open branches all over the country, "The flagship spas will be in Bandra and the rest in Ghatkopar, Breach Candy, Andheri and Powai. Later, they will launch in metropolitan cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Ludhiana and Chandigarh."

The medi-spas will have doctors and skin specialists and everything ranging from botox medicines to acne remedies. There will be doctors for consultations on weight-related issues, which might include thyroid consultations. There will be an all-round team of doctors to give advice.

Money matters
The source continues, "Shilpa is taking a keen interest in the entire project as she's put in her own money. Raj is involved in a purely advisory capacity in this venture. Kiran and Shilpa meet regularly to discuss new products and salon treatments. There is space for yoga and holistic treatments. But the most important thing for Shilpa is that she wants to make women aware of their beauty and take care of their health. Her aim is to build a chain of such cost-effective spas which are very affordable and a facial can range from Rs 300-3000 and the clients can be given a choice of a normal or chocolate pedicure."

Dream realised
The friend says that it has been Shilpa's childhood dream to own a salon or spa. "It's the one thing she has always wanted to do for a long time even before she became an actress. Shilpa had always wanted to own a salon or a beauty parlour. In fact, she had done a beautician's course for four years and is a qualified beautician herself. Today, by launching the med-spas, Shilpa is realising one of her dreams. She never wanted to go into her father's business of bottled caps as she thought it unglamorous and boring."

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Big B' surprise appearance in Delhi-6

The suspense is out! The producers of Delhi-6, UTV and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, had kept Amitabh Bachchan's cameo in the film hidden from all and sundry.

Now it can be told. The veteran stars in the film, albeit in a brief role. He first appears in a photograph, when Waheeda Rehman walks into the ancestral home and refers to Bachchan Sr. as her husband. Yep, Bachchan Sr. enacts the role of Abhishek's grandfather in the film.

Bachchan Sr. eventually appears on the screen towards the end, during a crucial part of the climax. The sequence brings the real-life father son together. Of course, we wouldn't like to spill the beans, but the sequence is vital for the film.

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SRK: Sling a happy Song

“I’m hoping to be back, bouncing around with the usual energy,” said Shah Rukh Khan, just a few hours after he was discharged from hospital after his shoulder surgery.

“I’m in pain, but I wanted to be home with my kids. That’s why I requested the doctors to discharge me soon.”

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Big B visits Shahrukh at Mannat

Amitabh Bachchan visited Shah Rukh Khan at his home, Mannat on Bandstand, Mumbai, today, February 19, 2009. He had earlier written on his blog that he had plans to visit the ailing star who had just come out of a successful shoulder surgery.

"I had sent him (Shah Rukh) a message for his speedy recovery. He called back to thank and inform me that he is home. 'I was getting depressed in hospital, so came away', he said," Amitabh posted on his blog.

Amitabh messaged him, "I was planning to visit you in the hospital" and Shah Rukh replied saying, "Come home sir, we shall play some games."

"Don't take after surgery too lightly, I warned him and take rest and do not get into any kind of activity. He sounds a little groggy. I shall visit him tomorrow," he added.

Shah Rukh underwent an arthroscopic surgery Monday for a nagging pain in his left shoulder at the Breach Candy hospital in south Mumbai. He was relieved from the hospital Tuesday evening. The actor has been advised six weeks' rest.

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Mumbai barbers Cut the Cinema queue

Mumbai hairdressers will be treated to a free screening of Shah Rukh Khan’s barber-based flick “Billu”.

As many as 270 of the city’s top crimpers will sip free refreshments at the VIP screening to celebrate the movie’s release.

Organisers from Sujata Cinema Hall, explained: "We have decided to screen the movie free of cost to 270 barbers of Ranchi on Thursday. The move is aimed at bringing cheer on the faces of barbers who work hard to earn their livelihood," Dushyant Jaiswal, owner of the cinema hall, told reporters.

The decision was taken after consulting the Ranchi Nayee (barber) Association (RNA).

According to sources, Thursday was chosen because people normally avoid cutting their hair and shaving on the day.

"The barbers are neglected in the society. The movie is a step forward to recognise our job," said Tanik Thakur, secretary of RNA.

"Billu" revolves around the barber Billu (Irrfan Khan) whose friend Sahir Khan (Shah Rukh) becomes a superstar and comes to shoot a movie near his village.

Earlier the film was titled "Billu Barber" but it landed in controversy after hairdressers associations got offended. Shah Rukh, who is also producing the film, promptly chopped off the the second half of the film's name.

Shah Rukh had also organised a show for some 600 barbers at the Gaiety theatre in Mumbai a day before the film's release.

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Abhishek has only 11 lines in Delhi-6

Here's a secret about the much-anticipated Delhi- 6.
Abhishek Bachchan doesn't speak much in the film. In fact, Rakeysh Mehra lets out that Abhishek has barely 11 lines to speak in the whole film!

This makes Delhi 6 Abhishek's most silent performance to date. "He's quiet, very quiet in the film," admits director Rakeysh Mehra. "His character is more like a silent observer than a commentator."
At the film's screening at the Museum Of Modern Art in New York on Sunday evening, Delhi-6 got three standing ovations. "We were overwhelmed. Somewhere, the story of an American NRI's return to his roots connected with the New York audience. So far, our films about homecoming meant picture-postcard villages and sarson ke khet, as though 'home' was linked only to nostalgia. In Delhi-6, the protagonist comes home from one dynamic society in flux to another. I think that connected with the audiences in New York."

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Sonam Kapoor reveals her only regret

Sonam Kapoor has become an actor today but she was quite inclined towards academics in her growing up years. In fact one wish that she still has it to become a college graduate. Reason? After Class XII, she discontinued her studies and started concentrating in films.

''I really wanted to study more, especially language'', says Sonam who will soon be seen in Delhi-6 this weekend, ''I have completed my Class XII and though English and Hindi were my favourite subjects, it's a pity that I couldn't pursue them further. I still feel bad that I haven't done my graduation.''

Talking about her love for reading, she also shares an interesting fact about herself. She is not just fascinated with the English language but also loves studying subjects like History and Geography.

''That's true'', confirms Sonam, ''While I had a soft corner for languages, it wasn't possible for me to stay away from History and Geography for long. I always enjoyed my stint with studies during school and for me reading was a lot of fun. What also helped me engage in studies was the fact that I didn't have to do the same things time and over again. I was constantly learning.''

For the moment, it's her brother Harshvardhan Kapoor who is keeping her abreast about the finer techniques of cinema.

''He is currently studying screen writing and I keep calling him and understanding from him the new things that he is learning. Yes, I get to know some good things of screen writing from him but I would always carry the regret of not being able to study things myself. May be some other day, some other time'', concludes Sonam.

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SRK to host Filmfare Awards despite surgery

You just can't stop Shahrukh Khan from working. The Bollywood Baadshah went through shoulder surgery on February 16 at Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai, and doctors have advised him to abstain from working for atleast six weeks but he is not listening. He is going to host the 54th Idea Filmfare Awards on March 7.

Yes, King Khan is getting back to work barely 20 days after the surgery. Interestingly, the awards function was scheduled for February 28 but the organisers postponed it to March 7 just for Shahrukh. He underwent an arthroscopic surgery for a nagging pain in his left shoulder by a team of doctors led by Sanjay Desai, orthopaedic surgeon.

Well, Shahrukh hosted last year's Filmfare Awards too along with Saif Ali Khan. Let's see what he has in store this time around!

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Hrithik's Kites sold at a whopping Amount!

It was reported that Big Pictures has bought the worldwide rights of the Hrithik Roshan, Barbara Mori and Kangana Ranaut starrer, Kites for 100 crores. Though the exact figure has not yet been disclosed by the concerned parties, this is probably the highest price paid for a Hindi movie!

However, a few terms and conditions have been laid while finalizing the deal of the Anurag Basu directed Kites. It is as follows: Since the film is being made in Hindi and English, the deal has been left open ended with a minimum price frozen. If the film's English version manages to be released in non-traditional markets and if the producers succeed in dubbing the film in German, Russian, French etc. for the simultaneous release of the dubbed versions (along with the Hindi and English versions), Rakesh Roshan's company will get more than the stipulated price.

Fair enough and looks like it will be a cracker of a Diwali this year as Filmkarafts' magnum opus Kites is expected to release on the festive occasion.

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Aamir se Shahrukh tak

With Ghajini breaking many records, one would expect more from the actor Aamir Khan- director AR Murugadoss jodi. But that’s not what’s happening.

Murugadoss has moved on from one Khan superstar to the other. The Tamil-Telegu director is in talks with Shah Rukh Khan for his second Hindi film. Now, considering that there’s no love lost between Aamir and Shah Rukh, Murugadoss does appear to be going on the politically incorrect lane.

Murugadoss has been regularly meeting SRK since the last few months. It is reliably learnt that SRK has even agreed to do the Murugadoss film just before he left for the hospital for his shoulder surgery. Murugadoss admits that he was in Mumbai for negotiations with Shah Rukh. He says, “Things will materialise further only after Shah Rukh recovers from his surgery.”

Reveals our source, “It was cinematographer Ravi Chandran who suggested SRK’s name to Murugadoss. Ravi is currently shooting the SRK starrer My Name is Khan.”

An out-and-out romance, the film will be Shah Rukh’s home production. One of the industry’s top actresses, Priyanka Chopra or Kareena Kapoor will play the lead, reportedly. Unlike in the case of Ghajini, this film won’t be a remake.

We wonder what Aamir has to say about this.

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IGI officials scratch Celina Jaitley the wrong way

Celina Jaitly says she had a harrowing experience with the airport authorities in New Celina Jaitely Delhi when she was going through the security check Celina Jaitely for a morning flight to Mumbai recently.

In the city for a special V-Day event, Celina went through body frisking and her belongings being scanned without an objection. However, she was shocked to see that there were scratches on her i-Pod and mobile and quite a few other things in her bag were broken.

I agree that the authorities there were doing their duty. However, who gives them the right to mishandle things? Both my iPod as well as Blackberry have lost their sheen due to their callous attitude,” Celina said. Worse, the cops who were apparently responsible for the damage, were found smiling even as Celina was complaining against them.

These guys don’t know how to behave with women. I went up to the officer-in-charge and all he said was ‘Sorry’. What a shame! Someone ought to teach these cops how to behave with women,” she said.

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Abhay Deol’s Booked

Now before your imagination takes off trying to figure out the hottie in Abhay Deol’s life, clip it’s wings.

We are talking about Abhay’s love for books. So much so, that the actor is often seen reading one even between shots. And this bookworm has no qualms in admitting his love for reading.

“I read whenever I get time from my busy schedule and sometimes even try and squeeze in some time for it,” says the actor. As for the kinds of books he enjoys reading, Abhay reveals that it’s an eclectic mix. “I like reading different genres of book, but dark humour attracts my attention. I find books with morbid and dark humour very eccentric. I also read Osho’s works,” added Abhay. Well, so for all those who ever wish to gift the young Deol something, you know what’ll win you extra brownie points! Read Abhay? Oops, right Abhay?

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Katrina is crazy about cars

With her career zooming ahead of many of her contemporaries, it’s but obvious that Katrina Kaif loves to speed things up.

But few know of her love for cars. Katrina says, “I always had a passion for cars. I loved the thought of owning luxury cars. I told myself that the day I’d earn money I’d buy expensive sports cars.” It’s all about speed for this Bollywood babe!

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Kareena and Sreesanth: The Sexiest Vegetarians Alive

Thousands of voters have spoken, and Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor and cricket star Sreesanth have been crowned the winners of PETA India's annual Sexiest Vegetarians Alive poll. The online contest was conducted by petaDishoom, PETA India's youth arm.

Kapoor and Sreesanth narrowly edged out 2007 winner R Madhavan, model and doctor Aditi Gowitrikar, Pentagram vocalist Vishal Dadlani, film star and Kailasa singer Kailash Kher and many others.

Four-time Filmfare award-winner Kareena Kapoor, who has appeared in more than 31 movies, captured the female title for the second year in a row. Exuberant young fast-pace bowler Sreesanth beat out fellow vegetarian cricket stars Ishant Sharma and Anil Kumble to earn the nod for sexiest male.

Other top contenders include Olympic Bronze Medallist Sushil Kumar; actors Alicia Silverstone, Pamela Anderson, Hansika Motwani, Mallika Sherawat, Mahima Chaudhary and Rajneesh Duggal; musicians Sir Paul McCartney and Moby; and designers Anita Dongre and Hemant Trevedi.

''When you look at the dozens of gorgeous celebrities in this year's poll, there are no bones about it - a vegetarian diet makes you beautiful inside and out'', says PETA India's Anuradha Sawhney. ''After all, going vegetarian is the best thing you can do for the animals, the Earth and your health. Plus, everyone knows that there is nothing sexier than someone who exudes both passion and compassion.''

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Mallika and Shradha to rock Country Club

Shradha Sharma, Mallika Sherawat and Adnan Sami have been recently roped in to hype the on-going party at Country Club says a source.

The three are expected to perform at different venues this month. According to the event was supposed to be part of V Day celebrations but was later changed to a different date to avoid any confrontation with the moral brigade.

While Shradha and Mallika will do stage performances Adnan will pour his heart out through song. Shradha's performance will include 20 dancers and comprises of four special acts said a source associated with the event.

While Shradha confirmed her participation at this event, the other artistes were unavailable for comment. "Yes I am performing at this event," said Shradha.

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Preity Zinta Nominated for Genie Awards

After her power packed performance in The Last Lear, Preity Zinta, has again proved her mettle by getting nominated for Deepa Mehta's Heaven On Earth yet again.

The actor has been nominated for the internationally acclaimed Genie Awards. She has been nominated under the 'Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role' category; the film has also been nominated for Best Original Screenplay.

The spunky babe will be rubbing shoulders with Hollywood biggies like Susan Sarandon and Ellen Burstyn who have been nominated for Emotional Arithmetic and The Stone Angel respectively. But what makes this news big is the fact that Preity's nomination is the first ever nomination by an Indian in these awards. The nominations were announced by The Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television (ACCT) recently.

The awards will be announced on the 4th of April at Ottawa in Canada.

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