No politics in Sanjay-Shatrughan friendship

Friendships in politics and showbiz are hard to predict.

Take Shatrughan Sinha and Sanjay Dutt. The two are so close now that Sanjay Dutt will be visiting Patna on Feb 19 on Shatrughan Sinha's invitation. This, quick on the heels of Shatrughan Sinha's warm presence at Dutt's wedding-anniversary bash last week, is being seen in political circles as a very serious social and political association.

Shatrughan Sinha is a prominent and vocal member of the Bharatiya Janta Party while Sanjay Dutt is a new recruit to the Samajwadi Party(SP) whose general secretary Amar Singh is quoted as saying that Shatrughan Sinha welcome into SP whenever he desires.

Could the Shatru-Sanju friendship be seen as a political alliance?

The two were never the best of chums.Though always on cordial terms. Says a source close to Sanjay, "While Mr Shatrughan Sinha was fond of Dutt and never spoke negatively about his younger colleague all through his court hearing and trial, there was never any serious bonding between the two."

But lately there has been a focused attempt from both sides to get close to one another.

Says the source, "Shatruji came to Sanjay's anniversary party with his children. But before that the two of them met on a Mumbai-Delhi flight and chatted seriously for two hours. That conversation really brought them together. Shatruji now advices Sanju on a lot of matters, both political and personal."

When contacted to explain the nature and gravity of Sanjay Dutt's flash visit to Patna next week, Shatrughan Sinha, says, "Please don't read any political meanings to his visit to Patna. I want Sanju to visit the Mahavir Cancer Hospital in Patna. As you know Sanju's father worked relentlessly for cancer patients. Even I work closely with cancer patients. Sanju is also coming to meet the winners of a cricket memorial award. Every year I bring a topnotch celebrity to Patna on the occasion . This time they were very keen on Sanjay Dutt, because this award is about the youth. And Sanju has played a big hand in promoting the 'gym culture' among the youth of the country."

Interestingly Amar Singh is also expected to accompany Shatrughan Sinha and Sanjay Dutt to Patna on Thursday.

Laughs Shatrughan Sinha, "I know people will read even more politics into the visit. But we're coming before the electoral code of conduct is announced in Bihar. Amar Singh and Sanjay Dutt are accompanying me to Patna purely as a social visit. They'll also be visiting the famous Gurudwara in Patna City to pay their respects.But let me tell you there's no political agenda to this visit. I've been a part of the BJP, I'm a part of the BJP and hopefully I'll continue to be a part of the BJP."

But seen in the light of recent statements about Shartrughan Sinha's unhappiness with his party, wouldn't his alliance with two high-profile SP members be seen as politically motivated?

Says Sinha, "Look I know people are talking about my being sidelined by my party. But Sushma Swaraj and Rajnath Singh have said I'd be getting an election ticket in Bihar.I see no hitches in this. However let me add, I've friends in every party and I've open invitations to join them any time. But at the moment I'm not going anywhere.I repeat, Sanjay Dutt's visit is not political. In fact they'll be stopped from making any political statements during their visit."

Sanjay Dutt says only one thing. "Shatruji and Amar Singhji are now like family to me. Their wish is my command."

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SRK’s hot surprise for Cricket Enthusiasts

When it’s Shah Rukh Khan, one can always expect something unique and interesting. And this time with the new season of IPL, this Khan once again has a hot surprise for his fans and sports enthusiasts.

Recently, Shah Rukh Khan short-listed twenty four girls, ‘Angels’, at Mannat who will now participate in the reality show ‘Knights and Angels’. The contestants will compete with each other and the six winners will form the team of cheerleaders for SRK’s Indian Premier League team, Kolkata Knight Riders.

The objective is to encourage sports enthusiasts to take active interest in cheerleading and even consider it as a career option in future. These angels will be the driving force for the Knights when they will battle it out on the Cricket pitch and will also travel with the Kolkata Knight Riders across the country during IPL.

The interesting part is that these 24 girls will be mentored and trained by Shiamak Davar. The fate of these 24 hotties will be decided by Saurav Ganguly - captain of Kolkata Knight Riders, who turns judge with this show.

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Secret behind Malaika Arora's sexy curves

If you’ve wondered how Malaika Arora-Khan manages to look so fit and sexy even today, let us tell
you.

It’s the usual health recipe that Arora follows. Yoga! “Yoga keeps me fit. If you are in a healthy state of mind, then you are physically fit, too. Also, if you look at something beautiful and natural like green surroundings or the aquarium for that matter, it’s very healthy.” We’re sure the suggestion of green surroundings and aquariums comes after taking son Arhaan to all the world’s national parks and fishy spots. But as long as it does wonders to mama’s skin, mind and soul, nobody’s complaining!

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Priyanka Chopra dating Scottish actor Gerard Butler

It’s raining men in Priyanka Chopra's life. After her on-and-off relationship with Harman Baweja, and, rumours of her growing closeness with Shahid Kapur, there are murmurs in the industry that Priyanka is bonding big time with Scottish actor Gerard Butler (of 300 and P.S. I Love You, f a m e ) .

Priyanka and Gerard first met at the inauguration of Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai’s latest iconic luxury resort, in November 2008. The two have been in regular touch with other. A friend of Priyanka tells Mumbai Mirror, “Since November, Priyanka and Gerard have kept in touch via phone calls and SMSes.”

According to sources, Priyanka and Gerard had actually hit it off at the party hosted by Shah Rukh Khan in Dubai, soon after the inauguration of the luxury resort. Today, Priyanka and Gerard share a deep bond.
Priyanka’s official spokesperson did not deny the ‘dostana’ between Priyanka and Gerard. She said, “Priyanka and Gerard hit it off really well in Dubai and have maintained their friendship ever since.’

Buzz is that Priyanka and Gerard recently had lunch and coffee together in Chicago where Priyanka was shooting for Ashutosh Gowariker’s What’s Your Rashee? Though Priyanka’s official spokesperson refused to confirm this, a friend of Priyanka tells us that the couple did spend some quality time together. “A couple of Priyanka’s cousins who stay in Chicago accompanied Priyanka and Gerard.”

P.S.: Harman Baweja and Shahid Kapur, are you listening? As for Gerard, he has been linked to many women including, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Aniston, and Naomi Campbell.

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Abhsihek Bachchan's fave co-star

Actor Abhishek Bachchan enjoyed working with Sonam Kapoor on the sets of Delhi-6. But ask him who his fave co-actor has been, and he states: Masakalli, the pigeon (of Delhi-6).

"While working with Sonam was a pleasure, it was lovely to work with Massakali as well. She was just too professional, always on time, didn't speak much, always knew her lines and yes was hygienic, too. She was loved by everyone on the sets," says Abhi.

Now, what one wouldn't do to be in Masakalli's shoes!

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Himesh Reshammiya’s new look

Much has been written about singer-turned-actor Himesh Reshammiya’s hair, or rather, the absence of it!

He reportedly went to great ‘lengths’, including hair-weaving and hair-extensions, in order to have the perfect do.
However, the latest news is that Himesh is finally ready to show off his real hair, as his hair-weaving process, for which he went abroad, is finally showing results. Himesh will be seen with this new look first in John Matthew’s film, A New Love Ishtory.
A friend of Himesh told us, “Himesh wore hair extensions for a while, but at the same time, as a result of hair-weaving, his real hair was growing under the extensions.”

Pooja Bhatt, who is directing Himesh in her forthcoming film Kajrare, said, “I was shocked when I saw Himesh’s new look recently. I think he looks deadly.”

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Ranbir Kapoor is Sonam's blind friend

How did your dad respond when he saw the promos of your next big screen outing?
He was happy with them. He liked it not because it was my film, but because he felt that it would be a good venture. He felt Abhishek and I share a great onscreen chemistry. In fact, he called up Rakeysh Mehra to congratulate him on the project.

And what according to you, was the best part of shooting for the film?
I got along well not only with Rakeysh but also the rest of the cast. It was great
working with Abhishek. He is cool and young enough for me to relate to. At the same time, he is experienced enough to help me with my acting.

The buzz is that Abhishek and Rakeysh played pranks on you while shooting for the film. What would be the best prank to play on them?
(Laughs) I think it’s time for revenge now.

On a more serious note, Slumdog Millionaire is going places and your latest venture is set to hit theatres. How apprehensive are you of meeting expectations?
I don’t think of expectations as it will only lead to apprehension. I believe in karma. I work for the best and whatever has to happen will happen because I deserve it.

Honestly then, would you keep your fingers crossed for SM to be lucky at the Oscars or a BO hit for your latest?
Both, in fact. I want people to watch my latest film, not because I want it to be a hit, but because it is a noble film, an honest effort. Let me add that I want SM to fare well too.

Isn’t every film an honest effort in that sense?
I have a positive approach to things. Most film-makers make films because they want them to be watched and appreciated. But very few films are made with integrity. Rakeysh’s venture is such that any viewer, from a child to an 80-year-old, will be able to relate to it. ‘

Going back to SM, do you think slamming Slumdog is turning out to be a favourite pastime?
I don’t know. Everyone is entitled to an opinion. That’s what freedom of expression is all about. And if there’s
discussion or debate on a subject, it only makes people think more. Personally though, I loved Slumdog.

Okay, so whose expectations is it more difficult to live up to — your dad’s or the audience’s?
Dad has no expectations from me. He simply asks me to give it my best shot and work hard.

So, when you ink a deal, does it have to do with your dad’s approval?
No, though I do seek his opinion. I’m 23 for God’s sake! For me, it has to be a director with a vision and a great script. The cast will invariably follow.

Following Deepika’s quote then, you had expressed shock on seeing her abs in the item song of her latest film...
I really like Deepika a lot. I have seen her eat. Surprisingly, in spite of that, she manages to flaunt a figure like that.

Did Ranbir call you up once the promos of your latest film came on air?
He loves them. He saw Masakali and called me up. Ranbir can’t see anything wrong in what I do! He’s a blind friend.

How did the Deepika-Sonam friendship catch on?
I didn’t know Deepika too much. She started seeing Ranbir, who’s one of my best friends. We started hanging out together in a group and that’s when we started knowing each other.

Finally, with all the appreciation going in favour of your looks, have you finally come to terms with the fact that you are beautiful?
(Laughs) I don’t know. I’m awkward and I’m not being modest when I say that. I guess it’s genetic. I believe that I’m here because I’m my father’s daughter and because film-makers like Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Rakeysh believe in me. I will only realise how much it has to do with me, once I mature.

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