Drunk Rhys Ifans 'posts' his soiled undies!

Welsh actor Rhys Ifans, 40, who was with his friends, played the prank after he had been interviewed for Q Radio.

"Rhys and some friends were down in the reception being quite boisterous. They had obviously been sinking quiet a few drinks,” News of the World quoted a source as saying.

“He was particularly excited when the postman arrived. He went outside and was singing ''hey Mr Postman'' and ''Special delivery'' and giggling to himself manically,” the source said.

As onlookers looked on, Ifans stunned them and the staff by pulling a pair of men’s Calvin Klein pants out of his pocket.

“I don''t know what was in there, but it made a couple of people laugh and then Rhys crouched down and slipped the pants between a couple of sacks of mail - all the time laughing away to himself,” the source stated.

“When the postie arrived back he looked inside his sack and pulled out a piece of underwear he looked as if he was getting ready to gag,” he added.

The Notting Hill star, who made a hasty exit when he saw the raging postman make his way into reception to complain holding the pants at arm’s length, escaped being penalised.

“We did have an unofficial compliant from Royal Mail about a "rogue" item in our post. But no further action has been taken,” a Bauer Media spokesman confirmed.

Amitabh Bachchan Childhood Rare Photo

Amitabh Bachchan Reallife Photo

Amitabh Bachchan Childhood Rare Pic With Gandhi Family


In Pic from left to Right : Rajiv Gandhi, Dara singh's brother Randhawa, Rajiv Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, Dara Singh, and Amitabh Bachchan

Aishwaryarai-indian Beauty

Aishwaryarai-indian Beauty

Greatest Industrial leader K K Birla Passes Away

K.K. Birla, noted industrialist and former Rajya Sabha member, died on Saturday morning at his residence in Kolkata after a brief illness. He was 90.

The Chairman of Hindustan Times and several Birla group of industries is survived by three daughters Nandini Nupani, Shobhana Bhartia, who is Vice-chairperson and Editorial Adviser of Hindustan Times and Saroj Potddar.

Birla was ailing for the last two weeks and the end came at 7.30 am, family members said. His wife Manorama Devi Birla, died about a month ago.

Son of Ghanshyam Das Birla, Krishna Kumar Birla was born in Pilani, Rajasthan, on 12th October 1918.

He was amongst the founder members of the Indian sugar industry which he joined in 1940. Birla had established one of India's biggest business conglomerates and his industrial empire spans key industries like sugar, fertilizers, chemicals, heavy engineering, textiles, shipping, newspaper, etc.

He was a respected parliamentarian, socialite, philanthropist and scholar apart from being an industrialist.

Birla was a Rajya Sabha MP for 18 consecutive years. In 1961, he was elected Sheriff of Calcutta and in 1997, he was conferred Doctor of Letters by Pondicherry University. He has headed a number of Chambers of Commerce such as Indian Sugar Mills Association, Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

He established the K K Birla Foundation which has instituted annual awards for excellence in Indian literature, scientific research and Indian philosophy.

Obituary

Krishna Kumar Birla, popularly known as K K Babu, was a builder of modern institutions, ranging from industry to education, one of the famous symbols of which is the Birla Institute of Technology and Science in Pilani Rajasthan, his birthplace.

Born on November 11, 1918, Birla called it a historic day (his birthday) in his autobiography, "Brushes With History", as agreement of armistice for World War I was signed on that day.

K K Birla inherited a legacy in which the creation of wealth, philanthropy and political leadership was all regarded as part of nation building.

Spiritual strength and moral values were regarded part of KK Birla's personal credo. He built a Radha-Krishna Temple (popularly known as Birla Temple) here and many other institutions countrywide that enriched the fabric of Indian society.

He was responsible for expanding the famous Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, with extension of its campuses in Dubai, Goa and Hyderabad.

He was the chairperson of the Hindustan Times Group and had been a member of the Rajya Sabha for a long time. He is survived by three daughters - Nandini Nupani, Jyoti Potddar and Shobhana Bhartia.

His wife Manorama Devi Birla died in Kolkata on July 29.

Fact file: Dr KK Birla

* Dr KK Birla was the Chairman of HT Media Ltd.

* He passed BA (Hons) from Lahore University in 1939.

* Dr KK Birla joined Congress Party in 1984 as a life member. He was elected as a Rajya Sabha member in the same year, under the leadership of Indira Gandhi. He was a Member of Parliament for three terms from 1984 till 2002.

* Dr Birla was a successful industrialist having interests in Textiles, Sugar, Engineering, Shipping, Fertilizers and Information Technology.

* Dr Birla also served as the Chairman/Chancellor of Birla Institute of Technology & Science since 1983.

* He also served for Central Board of State Bank of India and also on the Board of ICICI for many years. He was a member of a number of committees appointed by the Government of India.

* Dr Birla had established KK Birla Foundation, which confers annually, awards in Indian Literature, Scientific research, Indian philosophy, Art and Culture and Sports.

* He also set up KK Birla Academy that undertakes research in Scientific, Historical and Cultural subjects.

* He liked reading, music and playing Bridge in his leisure time. He was president of the Bridge Federation of India for a number of years and of Lawn Tennis Association.

World's Tallest Man

WORLD's TALLEST MAN

An undated handout photo shows the world's tallest man Bao Xishun (2nd R) of China posing with unidentified men. Guinness World Records has returned the title of world's tallest man to Bao after Ukrainian Leonid Stadnyk refused to be measured under new guidelines. Bao, who stands at 7 feet, 8.95 inches (2.36 metres), held the title for a year before losing it in 2006 to Stadnyk, who is 8 feet 5.5 inches (2.57 metres) tall, Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief of Guinness World Records told Reuters. REUTERS/Handout (UNITED STATES). NO SALES. NO ARCHIVES. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS.

Leonid Stadnyk of Ukraine, named as the world's tallest man by the Guinness World Records, poses for a picture next to a car in Kiev March 24, 2008.

China's Bao Xishun (R) poses during a presentation for the Guinness World Records in Beijing in this January 28, 2005 file photo.

China's Bao Xishun (R) leaves with his wife after a news conference in Baotou in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in this July 13, 2007 file photo.

Bao Xishun , 56, a 7 feet, 9 inches tall herdsman and his wife Xia Shujuan, 29, 5 ft., 5 inches tall, are seen in Baotou in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in this July 13, 2007

Bhumika Chawla : The perfect homemaker

Those who thinks traditional Indian hospitality is dead in urban areas, particularly with people associated with glamour industry, read this!

Imagine you are sitting in the drawing room of an actress’s house. When you expect the house-boy to serve you a glass of water and a hot cup of tea, comes the actress herself with a tray containing a cup of tea. Well, the actress in question is Bhumika Chawla who had given hits like Tere Naam etc, but is keeping a low-profile after her marriage to hi-flying yoga guru Bharat Thakur (we hear she’s quietly making a comeback). Recently, a friend of Bharat’s went to meet him at his house. As they kept talking came a beautiful-looking lady carrying a cup of tea.


On a closer look, he found it to be Bhumika Chawla. After she left an embarrassed friend asked Bharat why his wife served the tea, Bharat put it simply, “She likes that way. Her approach to life is different. I don’t interfere in her decisions.” So sweet, na...? Hope other actresses are reading this!

Lucy Liu who has also acted in movies

Men like me fierce: Lucy Liu

Actress Lucy Liu, best known as the cold laywer in hit TV show Ally McBeal, believes men find her scary persona attractive.

Liu, who has also acted in movies like Charlie's Angels, doesn't think men are repulsed by her tough image, thesun.co.uk reports.

She said: "They're kind of into it. They're kind of excited by someone who is very strong and it's a nice change. I think they find my fierceness on screen kinda sexy. Maybe it's too much for some of them. I can't speak for men."

Rakhi Sawant somehow always manages to surprise

Traditional is sexier: Rakhi

Rakhi Sawant somehow always manages to surprise, if not shock. That after all, is her USP. Known for her skimpy outfits, Rakhi takes a complete U-turn and declares that she looks the sexiest in a traditional getup.

This revelation happened when the item-queen was getting ready for the bichua number in Vikram Bhatt's forthcoming film 1920.

"The backdrop is of the year 1920 and my getup is in accordance with the era. Getting ready for the song, I realised that I looked sexier in traditional clothes than in modern skimpy clothes," elaborates Rakhi.

And Rakhi being Rakhi doesn't fail to add, "I'm really looking hot and am the only happening sexy thing in the movie. Rest is all horror."

"If I even get a 17th and 18th century character to play, I will still outshine other actresses. I look bold and hot in whatever I wear, it makes me look sexy. And that's why people like me," she adds.

Commenting on her new talk show on TV - The Rakhi Sawant Show - she gives all the credit for its success to the almighty.

But she doesn't reserve any such credit for singer Mika, who had kissed her publicly. When asked whether she would give the singer some credit for bringing so much publicity her way, motor-mouth Rakhi gives a predictable response. "Mika has not given me any publicity. That was the most unfortunate incident of my life. People appreciated me for my action against him and that's why I became so popular. I didn't want to become popular by getting kissed forcibly in public. My courage and conviction has awarded me what I am today."

Courage and conviction, that's what we all identify Rakhi with.

Mumbai Girl eyes Bollywood after British debut

It’s the kind of role that a Kareena or Katrina would love to do, but renowned British director Danny Boyle of Trainspotting fame dropped it into little-known Freida Pinto’s lap. And Boyle’s film Slumdog Millionaire, partly shot in Mumbai and Agra, is now ready to premiere at the Toronto Film Festival this October. Freida, 23, is running around in excitement, arranging a visa and making other plans.

“I hadn’t given acting a thought,” admitted Freida, “and I was kind of threshing around in life when I was asked to audition by the film’s casting director Loveleen Tandon. I didn’t think I’d be selected to play the lead opposite Dev Patel in a Danny Boyle film!” She had to do workshops with the film’s writer Simon Beaufoy and was then ready for shooting.

After Toronto, Freida will go to New York to promote the film. “It’s the kind of life I never imagined for myself,” said the Mumbai girl who’s done amateur theatre and anchored an international travel show for television. She believes Boyle wanted an unknown face and someone who knew the pulse of Mumbai. “I fitted the bill because I’ve spent most of my life here. I’m a pucca Mumbai girl,” said Freida.

Slumdog Millionaire, she said, has changed her life. “Dev Patel (a household name in Britain for his role in the teleserial Skins) was completely hassle-free. The shooting went off like a charm. Boyle’s unit was immune to all the problems that foreign units usually face in Mumbai,” said the debutant actress who is now reading several scripts and getting ready for Bollywood!

Shoaib Malik, is dating Bollywood actress Sayali Bhagat

Shoaib Malik bowls Bollywood maiden over!

Remember, you read it here first. Pakistan’s cricket captain, the dashing Shoaib Malik, is dating former Miss India and Bollywood actress Sayali Bhagat. This reporter bumped into them at a South Mumbai hotel where Shoaib was staying when they ventured into a beauty parlour in the lobby. Sayali, of course, is instantly recognisable; but Shoaib pretended to be somebody else! When he realised that he had been well caught, the Pakistani cricketer gamely signed autographs for hotel staff.

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 explained. Shoaib, meanwhile, could not have started off on a more sticky wicket: 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 said of her cricketer boyfriend who faces the tricky task of answering the Pakistan media’s questions on her.

She’s hoping this will be a Jodhaa-Akbar kind of story and said, “Our religion is not an issue, I am more concerned about the distance between us.” But, 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. Meanwhile, films continue to happen for her and cricket for him. He’s “cool” about her work but sometimes expresses insecurity over her hot Bollywood’s male costars! And she, having heard all the stories about how cricketers score off the field, hates to think of him on long tours. “I keep imagining all kinds of things when I cannot reach him,” Sayali said wistfully

Lindsay's gal pal to pen a book

Lindsay Lohan's close friend Samantha Ronson is reportedly in talks to pen a tell-all book.

A source close to club DJ Samantha said, "Well, she's certainly telling friends she's planning to write a book." “It's supposed to be about her, allegedly. But come on, you know Lindsay will be all over that book. She's the only one people want to read about,” E! Online quoted the source, as saying.

Lindsay's father, Michael Lohan, says he's also been told that Samantha is writing a book, though he hasn't spoken directly to Lindsay or Samantha about it. Still, he says he is already furious over the notion. "I've shut up about this long enough," Michael said.

"She's using my daughter. People never even knew who Samantha Ronson was until she met Lindsay. She was just some LA DJ. And now she's writing a book? This is not in Lindsay's best interest,” he added.

Britney Spears’ impersonator is not an ordinary

Britney Spears' double is a man!

Pop princess Britney Spears’ impersonator is not an ordinary look-alike, for it happens to be a male by the name of Derrick Barry.

Barry has made quite a good impression in the States with his rock-hard abs and razor-sharp cheekbones.

His sleek physique is so chic that it has America''s Got Talent judge David Hasselhoff asking for more during filming for the hit show.

The Spears double, who has imitated the Toxic singer for five years, wore a schoolgirl outfit and danced to hit 90s tune ‘Baby One More Time’ in a bid to secure a place in the series finale.

Hasselhoff, who sat on the panel alongside Sharon Osbourne and Piers Morgan, was really caught up with the by the eye-popping performance.

"I''m questioning my sexuality," the Sun quoted the former ‘Baywatch’ star as saying.

When questioned whether there would be room for two Spears’, Barry was of the opinion that a male counterpart would be welcomed.

"There may be people or critics that don''t approve of what I do, and they may not approve of her, but I''m here because she is so talented,” Barry said.

"Its make or break time. I think the world is ready to see that male impersonation is a true art form," he added.

Harman, Genelia's love story?

Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa and Love Story 2050 may have clashed at the box office.
But the actor of the latter was busy romancing the actress of the former, when the two movies released. All this for Anees Bazmi’s next titled It’s My Life. Apparently Anees is enjoying a hat trick of his hit films — No Entry, Welcome and Singh Is Kinng. When we got in touch with him, he was packing his bags for Jaipur for a schedule of his Harman Baweja-Genelia starrer. Success of my commercial films has allowed me to make the kind of films I want to make. It’s My Life is a simple, sweet love story, one of those that’ll give me creative satisfaction!” he said. Thank God this is a simple love story and not a complicated futuristic one!

Salman and Abhishek bonding so well

Ash such, they’re friends!

Salman Khan has been telling his friends, "Whatever happened between Ash and me is over. I'm really fond of the Bachchans. Abhishek is a buddy and I really like him."

A couple of days ago, Sallu followed up his words with some action. Putting the past completely behind him, Sallu spent half an hour with Abhishek, in the latter's vanity van.

Salman was shooting for Veer, Abhishek was there at the same time for a promotional shoot of Drona. Salman took the initiative to break the ice with Ash's husband. He went to meet Abhishek and the two were closeted in Abhi's vanity van for 30 minutes.

At around 3.30 pm Salman and Abhishek emerged from the van, looking pretty happy with themselves. After escorting Sallu back to the sets, Abhi returned to his vanity van. What did Salman do after that? Reports an eyewitness, "Salman headed straight to his set and started shooting."

The eyewitness adds, "It was heartwarming to see Salman and Abhishek bonding so well. Everyone was pleasantly surprised."

Salman's official spokesperson Alok Mathur confirmed the news and said, "It is true that Salman and Abhishek met. They chatted for some time. Salman is extremely fond of Abhishek."

To hash a loose chronology, Aishwarya and Salman were a couple for four years (1999-2003), before they split. She married Abhishek in April 2007. According to past reports, Salman and Abhishek were spotted walking the ramp for Farah Khan in 2006 and the two stayed away from each other literally dividing the ramp into two factions. While Hrithik Roshan, D J Aqeel and Kunal Kapoor stood by Salman; Arjun Rampal, Zayed Khan and Ritiesh Deshmukh were on Abhishek's side. Everyone present on the show could sense the tension between the two.

In 2007, there were more reports suggesting friction between between Salman and Abhishek. Apparently, at one of the awards events in 2007, when Katrina Kaif was performing, Salman Khan had jumped on the stage to join her. Soon after Abhishek too dragged Aishwarya, who was sitting with the audience, to join him for his dance number, because he wanted to send out a message.

Watch Live Coverage of Chiranjeevi Tirupathi Party Meeting

Watch Live Coverage of Chiranjeevi Tirupathi Party Meeting

Highlights In Chiranjeevi's Speech

Chiranjeevi Party Name

The following are the Highlights of the Speech :

* I will always remain your servant. It is a historic moment. A proud moment for Andhra.

* I founded hundreds of blood and eye banks.

* Let's concentrate on positive things and fight divisive forces.

* God has blessed me. Asked me to do this. I seek your support.

* Happy Andhra Pradesh is my motto. Modernisation and industrialisation will be on my agena.

* My party is of the people, for the people and by the people.

* Social justice is the main agenda of my party.

* I take an oath in the name of Lord Venkateshwara that I will be with you. You don't need a leader. You need a servant. It is my motive. I want to restore the honour of politics.

* We should be transparent in public life. We should be with the weaker sections. Even after 60 years of freedom, there has not been any improvement.

* I don't know politics. I can't understand it. But I know the suffering of people.

* I have done all roles in cinema. I have seen the entire world. I don't want anything more.

* I had just two pairs of trousers in my college.

* I survived in Madras with less than Rs 100 per month. People need a person from such background to lead them. My roles in cinema always represented weaker sections.

* I am from a very humble background. We had just 5 acres of land. My father was a police constable.

* This sound will reverberate across Andhra.

* I know the pulse beat of the Telugu people. I promise a clean and effective movement.

* Youth power is my power. Women will get more attention.

* This sound will reverberate across Andhra.

* I represent weaker sections. Today's meeting is a historic meeting.

* I am like the brother of all Andhraites. Telugu people made me what I am today.

* I don't know to how to thank you all. I will never forget your kindness.

* My mother taught me about life. I don't bother about caste, religion and class.

* My achievement will be your achievement.

* As an actor, I struggled. I am a servant of the people.

* Please bless my movement. You have always blessed me. Mother Theresa has always been my inspiration. I believe in her.

Praja Rajyam Flag

Chiranjeevi political party speech from tirupathi..Videos

Chiranjeevi political party speech from tirupathi..Videos

Shriya's water therapy!

Actress Shriya Saran, who started her career with the Telugu film Ishtam, has been going places. But wherever she goes, she makes sure she sticks to her health plan - drinking five litres of water everyday!

The beautiful actress, who forayed into Kollywood with Enakku 20 Unakku 18, claims this gives her perfect health, keeps her skin supple and promotes her complexion as well. She says that it is very important for actors to drink plenty of water given the fact that they spend too much time under arclights or the sun.

She says apart from this, a good sunscreen is very important for an actor. She trusts a brand of sunscreen with 50% SPF. And except for a nourishing cream at bedtime, she does not do much for her skin. Yes! We know she has a natural glow, which is growing intense these days with her successful career.

Bollywood queen Katrina Kaif, believes in hydrating her body constantly with water and fruits rich in moisture such as melons, kiwis, and cucumber. Another fan of H2O is Mallika Sherawat, who has a preference for Evian, the French brand of mineral water, which she claims to have miraculous health benefits, as believed by the discoverer of its spring and most French people.

Whether one is an actor or not, one has to drink enough water as it constitutes 70% of the human body. Though many claim drinking excessive water keeps them healthy and their skin supple, there is no scientific proof to support this claim. Many doctors suggest that one should drink around 8 to 10 glasses of water a day as the food also has a water component. And besides, one of the primal instincts of humans will surely let you know when you need water - your thirst!

Mohanlal (Interview) I’m learning Japanese, Chinese for a new film

M alayalam movie superstar Mohanlal is learning Japanese and Chinese for his upcoming Japanese movie about an Indian freedom fighter.”I have to dub the film and speak in Japanese and Chinese. I have to learn the languages,” Mohanlal told IANS in an interview here. “It is a Japanese film.”

Mohanlal was here along with fellow actor Mukesh to announce the staging of the hit Malayalam play “Chayamukhy” in the Gulf later this year.

Speaking about the Japanese project “Nair San”, he said that the movie revolved around the true story of an Indian freedom fighter popularly known as Nair San in Japan.

“Maybe he (Nair San) was the first person in the world to conduct a student agitation against the British. This is a thrilling biography of him,” Mohanlal said.

“It is a docudrama. He fought against the British from Japan. Later, the Japanese government presented him with the title ‘San’,” he added.

Ayyapan Pillai Madhavan Nair - or Nair San - had to leave Kerala at the age of 18 as he campaigned among the students and led protests and marches against the social injustices of the British, according to the film’s website.

He rebelled against the education tax imposed by the British. He later settled in Japan, where he struggled hard to root out imperialism from Asian countries.

“His efficiency in Japanese, Chinese and Spanish languages lifted him above all other Indian freedom fighters in Japan such as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Rashbehari Bose, Pratap Singh and Barkathullah,” the website posting states.

Mohanlal said he personally knew Nair San, who had later opened a restaurant chain by the same name in Japan.

“I know that person. I have met him and I have been to his restaurants in Japan also, long back - I am talking about 23 years back,” the two-time National Award winner said.

He also confirmed that martial arts hero Jackie Chan will be doing a cameo in the film, which will be directed by noted Malayali director Albert.

“He is doing a small role. There is an action sequence he is doing,” he said.

Shooting for the new project, the first Japanese film by an Indian director, starts Sep 3 and locations will be spread across Japan, China and Mongolia.

“It is 160 days of shooting for me. The film will cover the life of Nair San from his age of 35 till his death,” Mohanlal said.

As for his other upcoming projects, he sounded very excited about the Oct 2 release of “Kurukshetra”, based on the Kargil war.

“It is about the Kargil war, how it happened and how it ended… We shot in real locations like Kargil and Drass,” the Padmashri recipient said.

He, however, clarified that the film was not a sequel to the earlier fast paced action thriller “Kirti Chakra” that he had done.

“Only one character, Major Mahadevan in ‘Kirti Chakra’, appears as Colonel Mahadevan here (in Kurukshetra),” he said.

The veteran actor is also looking forward to his multiplex business, which he said would cater basically to small towns in Kerala.

“It will not be in major cities like Kochi or Thiruvananthapuram. We will stay about 40 to 50 km away from such cities. Whatever amenities multiplexes provide will be available but at a lower scale,” he said.

Apart from Mohanalal, others involved in the project are Antony Perumbavoor, industrialist K.C. Babu and Asianet chief K. Madhavan. They have set up a company, Maxlab Entertainments, for this.

According to reports, the first of the multiplexes will be coming up near Chalakudy in Thrissur.

Mohanlal said now people don’t have to come to major cities to watch the latest movies.

“Previously there was a ban (on releasing films all across Kerala). But now we can release films throughout Kerala. People in smaller towns did not have enough theatres. We are aiming at these pockets,” he said.

So, now with Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi announcing his foray into politics, when can one expect Mohanlal to do the same?

“No, no, Kerala state is not like that,” he said shaking his head even before the question could be completed.

“In Kerala, film actors are not needed in politics,” he smiled.

Asserting that he was in no way connected to politics, he said: “I don’t want to get into politics. I know about the state, I know what is happening in the country. But I am not very keen on party and all. I have friends in all parties.”

Chiranjeevi to launch party today

CHIRU TSUNAMI

KAKINADA/VISHAKAPATANAM: All roads in East and West Godavari and north coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh led to Tirupati as lakhs of Chiranjeevi's fans climbed four-wheelers, buses, trucks and special trains to attend the meeting to launch the actor’s political party on Tuesday.

It was a spectacle at railway stations and bus stations as the fans decorated trains and buses with their matinee idol's posters.


Fans from both the Godavari districts - where Chiranjeevi's support is the highest — were in delirious mood beating drums and applying 'tilak' on co-travellers. Two special trains each from Kakinada and Vishakapatanam, one each from Rajahmundry, Samarlakota, Narsapur, Eluru and Anakapalle left for Tirupati. Each train has 15-18 bogies. It is learnt that Waltair railway division is charging Rs 80,000 per compartment, while the state road transport corporation is levying Rs 28 per km for special buses.

While over a lakh people have left their homes from both Godavari districts, nearly 50,000 people from Vishakapatanam and nearby districts left for Tirupati.

Director Nishikanth Kamath Interview

Nishikanth KamathFilming Mumbai's fight for survival

After making the critically acclaimed Marathi film, Dombivili Fast -- which he remade in Tamil with R Madhavan called Evano Oruvan -- Nishikant Kamath directs his first Hindi film, Mumbai Meri Jaan.

A sensitive film, Mumbai Meri Jaan is set against the backdrop of the Mumbai train blasts two years ago. The film traces the lives of certain people -- played by Paresh Rawal [Images], Irrfan Khan [Images], R Madhavan, Kay Kay Menon and Soha Ali Khan [Images] -- and how they react to the train blasts.

Nishikanth Kamath talks to Patcy N, and tells us what prompted him to make such a sensitive film.

You have made movies in Marathi, Tamil and Hindi. Any specific reason?
I work for whatever projects come my way, and appeal to me. I don't look into languages.

How did you decide on Mumbai Meri Jaan?
I wanted to write a script for a long time but could not think of a suitable topic. I was out of town when the Mumbai train blasts occurred. When I returned, I saw so many people, who were very shaken, but taking a hold of their emotions and lives. So I decided to base my story on human emotions and their fight for survival, rather than the tragedy.


How did you get UTV Motion Pictures to produce this film?
UTV and I have been looking forward to working with each other for a long time. When I got the idea of Mumbai Meri Jaan, I spoke to them and they readily agreed.
The difficult period started later when it took me about nine months to write the entire script.

What research did you do?
The emotional stories were all fictional. I did not want to go up to people, talk to them about their stories and make them feel bad. Besides, this film is about human emotions -- the calamity could have been anything from riots to floods.


I am not talking about the conspiracy. My story starts after the blasts.

Tell us about Mumbai Meri Jaan?
The film was shot last year during the rains. The shooting was done mostly on the streets. We shot in bylanes and crowded places. Sometimes, it was difficult to shoot because the crowd would become unmanageable. On two occasions, we had to cancel the shoot.

How did you manage to rope in so many talented actors in one film?
That was the easiest part. After finishing the script, I narrated it to all the actors I wanted in the film. Everyone liked it and they were immediately cast.

I am happy with all my actors; I liked everybody's work.

What next?
I have not decided yet. I will not do anything for the next six months or maybe even two years. I work at my own pace. I work when work comes to me and it pleases me.

source:rediff.com/movies

Chiranjeevi all set to take new role

Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi will formally launch his political party at a public meeting in this temple town on Tuesday, which will have all the ingredients of a blockbuster with party's name, flag still kept under wraps.

The 53-year-old actor, who announced his plans to take a plunge in politics at a press conference in Hyderabad last week, will reveal his party's name and programmes at the 'mega show' here.

Chiranjeevi, accompanied by his family members, would be reaching Tirumala onMonday night and offer worship at the hill shrine on Tuesday morning before addressing his maiden public meeting. To give a cinematic touch to the rally, a chopper will shower petals, while another will film the programme with movie cameras, organisers told PTI.

They also said that besides 18 special trains, about 1500 buses, including state transport buses, thousands of cars, vans, and trucks would be engaged to transport people from all parts of Andhra Pradesh to the venue of the meeting at Rajiv Nagar.

Moreover, 10 special trains have been booked to take the participants and mediapersons from Hyderabad. A large number of film personalities and a group of NRIs who have arrived in the state capital from the US last week to campaign for the party and mobilise public support for Chiranjeevi would also be participating in the meeting, the organisers said.

Over 126-acre ground has been cleared of bushes at the venue, where an AICC Plenary was held in 1992 during P V Narasimha Rao's regime.

With the question whether Chiranjeevi can recreate the magic of N T Ramarao who had stormed to power within nine months of floating TDP in 1983 doing rounds in political circles, the launch is keenly watched in the state. Chiranjeevi, who is expected to be the sole speaker, will be announcing the thrust areas, agenda and policies of his party.

An estimated 2,000 police personnel and 5,000 private volunteers of the proposed party would be on duty from dawn- to-dusk dusk on Tuesday, the organisers said. According to information reaching here, all hotels, lodging houses and marriage halls in Tirupati and surrounding towns of Puttur, Sri Kalahasti and Chittor have already been occupied by politicians and the actor's fans.

The police said vehicles reaching the meeting venue from far away places would not be allowed into the temple town of Tirupati as it was already facing a lot of traffic problems with the arrival of vehicles carrying pilgrims.

A TTD official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told PTI that the people attending the meeting should avoid visiting the Lord Venkateswara temple at Tirumala as the shrine was already experiencing heavy rush of devotees due to marriages taking place during the auspicious 'Sravana Masam'.

If this happens, it would take three days for pilgrims to have darshan of the Lord, he said adding that the hill temple can ensure darshan for 60,000 to 80,000 people per day, he said.

Madonna’s concert under scrutiny over green issues

Madonna’s Sticky & Sweet world tour has come under the scrutiny of environmental groups for not taking eco-friendly precautions. As per the findings of the website Carbonfootprint.com, the 45-date tour that started off from Cardiff, Wales on August 23, generated emissions, equal to that created by 160 Britons in an entire year. Having a large 250 member staff has also not been helpful to the environment, as they generate 1,080 tonnes of carbon while flying on commercial planes in addition to the 460 tonnes of from her heavy cargo.

Paris Hilton with a group of models

Paris Hilton with a group of models at a fashion show in Malibu, California

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone is the world's sexiest woman

Deepika, the Maxim's hot girl

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone is voted as the world's sexiest woman by a popular men's lifestyle magazine in Mumbai.

She was adjudged ‘Maxim HOT 100' based on reader's reaction, industry feedback and gauging the potential to be the "next big thing" on an international level.

Deepika joins the likes of Lindsay Lohan, Eva longoria, Marissa Miller by topping the list that features several Bollywood celebrities like Bipasha Basu, Katrina Kaif and Kareena Kapoor.

She was found to be an ideal girl who is 100 per cent Indian and has the potential to represent new India on the global platform.

Deepika told reporters that she was happy over the fact that it's the first time that an Indian is being presented on the international platform.

“I'm very happy after being voted as the world's sexiest woman as I had never expected this. But I'm happier over the fact that it's the first time that an Indian is being presented on the international platform so I'm very happy,” said Deepika.

The twenty-two years old actress Deepika Padukone became an overnight sensation after she starred in Farah Khan directed super hit film Om Shanti Om where she starred opposite Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan.

Bollywood Actress 'Deepika Padukone' Interview

Deepika Padukone on the Olympics & more

She’s the ‘D’ girl of tinsel town. The newlycrowned ‘Dream Girl’. With the best banners and the best men in the business (read: Khans, Kumar and Kapoors) vouching for her, a hottie like RK for a boyfriend, and admirers galore —
Deepika Padukone wins the coveted title hands down. In an exclusive interview in New York, where she was the ‘Grand Marshall’ at the Independence Day Parade, Deepika spoke about her unrevealed emotions of love, envy and pride! And the ‘O’ dream.

You are a badminton champ. Ever thought of doing your country proud at the Olympics?

• I doubt people are aware, but I quit playing national level badminton in 2002. If I had continued till 2008, I could be representing India at the Olympics right now. Life had other plans for me, and I had other plans for myself.

So now you’d choose the Oscars over the Olympics?

• To me they are the same. I always wanted to be part of the entertainment industry, and I have just started out. Olympics are passé for now. And the Oscars are far-fetched. Though I want to contribute to Indian sports in every way I can.

After a debut with SRK, it only has to get bigger. Too much of pressure?

• In terms of a film, that was a huge start, but as far as performance, I’ve to better myself. I don’t think even Mr Bachchan will sit up and say ‘I know everything’. And after a solo hit, a lot of people wondered why I did a two-heroine project. People are saying that I am brilliant in my second film, and that’s all I want to hear. So what if I find a good role in a multi-starrer, with some other girls?

You are romancing actors from 20 to 40 somethings. What’s next, 60 plus?

• Let’s hope. I am working with Akshay Kumar, I don’t know what his age is and I don’t want to know it, but I think he is extremely good-looking and he’s ageing gracefully. He is one of the most energetic actors we have. I am also working with Saif for Imtiaz Ali’s film. He is like a child on the sets, he has to be taken care of and fed all the time.

Comparisons with Ash are plenty. Your reaction?

• I admire the way Ash has handled her career. It’s not been easy for her as she’s always faced a lot of criticism and speculation, which is absolutely unfair. I know what she is going through and what she could be feeling. At the same time she’s always dealt with it boldly and kept smiling through it. If I am compared to her, it’s truly a compliment to me.

The men have often labeled you a ‘heartbreaker’…

• In India when relationships don’t work out, society ends up blacklisting a woman, and claim she is like ‘this’ or ‘that’. Why don’t they sit back and think that if she has stepped out of a relationship, there could be something not right with the man, too? Tell me, if I was happy in a past relationship, why would I step out of it?”

source:zoomtv.in

Bollywood Actress Deepika Padukone Profile

She is the daughter of former badminton champion Prakash Padukone...

Deepika Padukone, was born on the 5th of January, 1986 in Copenhagen. She is the daughter of former badminton champion Prakash Padukone. Her mother is a travel agent and she has a younger sister, Anisha. She attended high school in Bangalore and has been modeling for print and television advertising campaigns since then. Deepika's schooling was done in Sophia's High School, Bangalore and she did her under-graduate studies from one of the most prestigious colleges in Bangalore, Mount Carmel College.


She has to her credit brands like for Liril soap, Dabur, Close-Up toothpaste and Limca. After receiving many prestigious modeling offers, including the brand ambassadorship of the Jewels of India, an annual jewellery exhibition, she hit the international scene when Maybelline made her their new international cover girl face.

She took a break from modeling by starring in the music video for Naam Hai Tera a song from the pop album Aap Ka Suroor, an independent album by Himesh Reshammiya.


More recently Padukone made her cinematic debut in a Kannada film, Aishwarya, directed by Indrajit Lankesh. The film has already been successful at the box-office, and Padukone has received rave reviews for her screen presence. Padukone will be making her Bollywood debut in Farah Khan’s second directorial venture, Om Shanti Om, opposite Shahrukh Khan . In the movie, she has been depicted as a 70s superstar Shantipriya and later as Sandy. Padukone has already signed Priyadarshan's next, Pirate and Made In China opposite Akshay Kumar. Om Shanti Om is due to be released on November 9, 2007.

Wedding bells soon for Salman-Katrina

Its celebration time at Khan's abode. The long dream of Salman has finally taken shape. He has officially declared his marriage with Katrina next year and his engagement is going to take place very soon. After lots of denial, Katrina finally said yes to Sallu. The venue of the engagement is his Galaxy apartment.

Sallu does not want the affair to be a grand one and therefore concise his guest list to only close relatives and friends. His parents always wanted to see him as a groom and very soon he will fulfill their dream by marrying his long time girlfriend. Salman has given enough time to Katrina to shape up her career and eventually she had to bow before Salman's wish and sacrifice her career which is at the zenith.

Salman's family adores Katrina and already accepted her as their bahu but one person that shares cold vibes with Katrina is Arbaz Khan's wife Malaika Arora Khan. Malaika does not favor Katrina and even did not turn up for her birthday party. Let's see how she accepts her as her Jethani

Britney's life in new TV documentary

Pop star Britney Spears is set to reveal all the details of her crazy life in a new telly documentary. The ‘Hit me baby one more time’ hitmaker will spill the beans about her battle with mental illness and her chaotic personal life on the MTV documentary. However, close ones fear that the programme would turn into a ‘car crash TV show’.

Tom Cruise To Play Comic Book Superhero

Actor Tom Cruise is reportedly set to become a superhero in an adaptation of comic book classic "Sleeper". The star is helping set up the movie as a project for Warner Brothers along with director Sam Raimi with an option of starring in the film himself, reports Hollywood.com. The movie will be adapted from the DC Comics' "Wildstorm" comic book that centres on a spy whose fusion with an alien artifact makes him immune to pain.

When Saif Ali Khan Thought Of Buying A New House

‘I went to a Muslim builder to avoid complications’
Saif Ali Khan says it's impossible for Muslims like him to get land or a house in certain parts of Juhu and Bandra. This, coming from one of India's superstars!

It's shocking, but true. When Saif Ali Khan thought of buying a new house, he made a conscious decision that he would not approach a Hindu housing society for fear of being rejected. That's a superstar of the country talking.

Our sources in the construction industry say that Saif did approach a few Hindu housing societies and was rejected –- despite being a superstar. Saif, however, says that he went straight to a Muslim builder to buy his dream house. "I know there are localities and building societies that won't sell real estate to anyone who's a Muslim.

I went to a Muslim builder to avoid complications." Saif insists that the problem of communal segregation is very real. "And it's not restricted to building societies in Mumbai, it's there in society in general. It's common knowledge that in certain areas of Juhu and Bandra land and houses are not sold to Muslims. I'm constantly surprised by how much religion matters to some people here. Perceptions of religion are always based on experience or fanaticism. Some elements have spoilt things for the entire community. That's the sad truth about Islam,” says the star who has bought a 4-BHK apartment in La Beau in Bandra.

Saif's dad is a Muslim, and mom a Hindu. "I've been brought up to believe in the oneness of God. In some places He is known as Jesus. In other places He is known as Bhagwan or Allah. And in some places He is known as Shah Rukh Khan."

Reacting to the extremist diktat that none of the Khans must act in Hindi films, Saif says, "I'd rather get shot than not do a shot! I'd have a tough time finding another job. There's nothing I can do apart from acting."

source:toi

Shweta Bharadwaj made her debut with Mission Istanbul...

Swetta speaks up about Vivek

Shweta Bharadwaj made her debut with Mission Istanbul, but the poor girl couldn’t be around to enjoy the release of her first film as she was busy working down South.

“I couldn’t enjoy the release of my first film because I was shooting for my South film Indumati. In fact my friends would keep a tab on all that appeared in the newspapers and would call me back. Of course I went through all newspapers when I came back, but it isn’t the same,” she says adding, “In a way it was good because even if anyone said anything bad I didn’t have to hear it.”


With no filmi connection, Shweta managed to make her debut in a high-profile film like Mission Istanbul when Suniel Shetty spotted her on a hoarding. “Suniel saw the hoarding and got in touch with me. He asked me to meet director Apoorva Lakhia. Luckily, I was wearing boots and white shirt and jeans when I went to meet him and that was the look he had in mind for the character. Within no time I had signed the film,” she says. And it’s not just this movie that she got. Shweta will be doing two more films with Suniel’s production house. Next on the cards is Loot.


Shweta, whose character was inspired by Lara Croft had a ball playing the role in Mission Istanbul. “The only thing that I felt sad about was that some action sequences were chopped because they were very violent and we would have gotten an A certificate. I remember I had a ligament tear and my shots were taken after that. But I have no complaints about the scenes being chopped because it works for the film.”

Apoorva is known to make macho movies, so was she comfortable with the male-dominated cast? “See, I am not a star kid to get a big launch but I had a substantial role and I am happy with that,” she says. Shweta was linked to co-star Vivek Oberoi during the making of the film. “I think we were seen somewhere together during our shoot and they immediately paired us together. But seriously, I don’t even know Vivek that well,” she says.


Vivek was said to be miffed for not getting enough prominence in the promotions. “I have no clue about it. Vivek is a nice guy. He’s a little reserved, maybe because he’s been dragged in so many controversies. Maybe now, he thinks before speaking. But I don’t know him that well,” she says. And about Zayed, she says, “Zayed has an open heart. He’s completely chilled out. He clicked a picture with me touching his feet. He said once you become a star I’ll put it on the wall and show everyone!” she laughs.,


Despite having no filmi connections, Shweta is loving her innings in Bollywood. So did she have to face the dreaded casting couch? “I haven’t had any experiences till now, but I am sure it exists. Infact it’s present in every industry and film industry is no different,” she says.

source:timesofindia

SHRIYA SARAN (REAL LIFE PHOTOS)

SHRIYA WITH HER DAD (PUSHPENDRA SARAN),MOM (NEERAJA SARAN),BROTHER (ABHIROOP SARAN) & SISTER-IN-LAW (AARTI SARAN)

Sharon Stone dating a 24-year-old?

Basic Instinct star Sharon Stone is reportedly dating a man who is less than half her age.

According to reports Stone, 50, is dating a 24-year-old guy called Chase Dreyfous. The actress is not talking about it, but Dreyfous boasted about his new romance with friends at a recent party.

A source said: "Sharon called him and he showed the caller ID to everyone. She is really into him and even asked him to come with her to Mexico."

SHAHRUKH, A R RAHMAN, CHIRU, AMITHAB, Who’s the strongest?

Ping, it’s a fan!

In a land where actors plunge into politics empowered by their fans, the new age dimension of fandom – the fan clubs in cyberspace

The first-day-first-show queue, the bedroom wall posters, going gaga over the style and dialogues … the fanfare does not stop at these. With online networking communities, fans are finding more ways to connect with their stars. Scan through any fan community and you see proud anointments of their stars into gods and divas. How has the world of virtual fandom changed the star-fan equations? What does it mean to be a fan online?
Stars on the pages

As the Big B blogs of his "pain of absence" from home, and SRK of his dislike for 'goodbye's, fans now can get a daily update on their gods. The stars keep the fans updated not just on their projects, but also of their travels, opinions and afterthoughts on their cheeky comments. All this is just a few clicks away.

With all the big names in the industry starting their own blogs, despite all the mudslinging, there is still time for fans. Like how Aamir Khan came up with this open question to his readers: should he include the Runa sung Jaane tu mera kya hain in Jaane Tu…? The answer was an overwhelming YES. Bingo! He repackaged the movie.
Virtual fandom

Shouvik, a virtual fan from Hyderabad, thinks that being part of a fans community online helps you procure a lot of resources, which will be impossible as an individual. Plus it builds your contacts. He even designed what he describes as "India's first community based fan club." Samata Biswas, a researcher, feels that it is impossible for people with busy schedules to be real time fans. "You don't know where these clubs are, how to join, etc. Here you can just log in anytime and contribute."

For the 3,00,000 strong A R Rahman Fans community in Orkut, virtual space is for meeting and organising. The community is used as a platform for the planning of their outdoor activities, which include free food distribution for the poor, concerts, and aid for the disabled kids. It also serves as a platform for raising money for these charity works by selling Rahman tees, Pray for me Brother colourbooks, etc. What this also says is that fan sites have marketing potential which could be manipulated.

A speck of the spotlight
Fans themselves come under the spotlight as they rally support from their communities to help their stars shoot high in online polls. Adding to these are the numerous games related to the stars that are available online. An SRK application in Facebook has 624 monthly active users, while another game on Aamir Khan attracts 205 users every month.

As a fan flaunts her pics with the star, much to the envy of others, or another one brings out a link to a rare snippet on the star, the fan too gets a share of the star's glamour. It's all about show biz, indeed!

The real-time fans associations
Charity seems to be the catchword for the real-time fans associations, when not in their "cut-out" mode. Nagarjuna fans organise tree plantations and other charity works while Balakrishna fans caught attention with their generous Rs 5 lakh donation to the Indo American Cancer Organisation. Education and medical aid are the concerns of NTR Fans too. Chiranjeevi fans run a blood bank, but they have more business to do in the coming days.

Who’s the strongest?

On Orkut:
A R Rahman Fans 3,81,313 The Shahrukh Khan Fan Club 3,35,557 Aamir "The Ace" Khan 1,52,974 Megastar Chiranjeevi 1,05,192 John Abraham 1,04,521 Salman Khan 1,02,963 Nandamuri Balakrishna 72,811 Super Star Rajinikanth 63,451

On Facebook:
Shahrukh (King) Khan 20,947 Aamir Khan 19,143 A R Rahman 12,931

source:timesofindia

“Kareena’s Song Is Crucial To The Story Of Billoo BarberS

Billoo, here comes Bebo!

Come October and Kareena Kapoor’s fans can look forward to a double bonanza. Rohit Shetty’s Golmaal Returns starring Kareena hits the theatres at the end of October. Around the same time, Billoo Barber releases too that has Bebo performing on an item song. Sources have it that the song that Kareena dances on, is the highlight of the film. “Kareena’s song is crucial to the story of Billoo Barber. Like the famous song of Don of Kareena that people cannot forget, similarly people will never forget the Billoo Barber number too. Kareena’s name will become synonymous with the number,” informs a source.

Anna Faris Researched Her Role as a Playboy

Anna Faris checks out Playboy mansion for research

Anna Faris researched her role as a Playboy outcast in a new comedy House Bunny by wandering around Hugh Hefner’s famous Holmby Hills, California mansion. In the film, the Lost In Translation star plays a Playboy regular who becomes a sorority mother at college after she’s kicked out of the mansion. And to get a feel for life at Hefner’s fabled pad, Faris spent time there. She says, “There are peacocks wandering around and beautiful girls and oddly placed bottles of baby oil. I checked out the grotto, but I didn’t go in.” And Faris is planning a return trip — House Bunny’s premiere party will be held at the Playboy Mansion. She added, “I’m taking my mum the next time.”

Scarlett Johansson started an online competition

A threesome with Scarlett Johansson?

An online impostor, who claims to represent actor Scarlett Johansson, has started an online competition where the winner will be able to participate in a threesome with the star.
The website that was anonymously registered, says the offer represents a part of a contest aimed towards promoting the movie Vicky Cristina Barcelona, which stars Johansson. The website offers its email for anyone wishing to send the most “creative” answers as to why they should be the winners. However, it does not have any official images or logos. The seemingly fake website isn’t so much of a surprise as the domain that it sits on scarlettjohansson.com.
While the website has an offer that’s hard to believe, it’s even more incredible that the actor could so easily fall prey to a cybersquatter Agencies

Sridevi Is All Set To Make Her Comeback

Mrs India Come Again

Sridevi is all set to make her comeback with a sequel to the 1987 hit, Mr. India

Hawa-hawai girl Srivedi is all set to make a grand comeback in the film industry. The actress will soon be seen in a sequel to the 1987 hit, Mr. India Sridevi's husband Boney Kapoor and his brother Anil Kapoor, who played the lead in the hit film, will once again team up for this ambitious project. Manmohan Shetty too has joined hands with Boney to make the film The characters of Seema (played by Sridevi) and Arun (played by Anil Kapoor) in the film will be carried for ward in the sequel.

Our source said, "Sridevi will be back with the film and the script is being finalised. The film will be a sequel and not a remake. Anil Kapoor is excited about the film while Boney is leaving no stone unturned to make the film bigger and better than the first. This time, the audience will be in for a visual treat as there will be a whole lot of special effects in the film. Boney is also planning to tie up with a major SFX company. This film is the reason why Sridevi turned down so many film offers recently. She was waiting for the sequel to make her comeback."

We contacted Boney Kapoor to give us some more details about the film. "We are making Mr. India 2 and things have been moving forward gradually. But I would like to announce the film only after everything is finalised," said Boney.

Bollywood Actress 'Bipasha Basu' Interview

‘Iget well with Deepika’

Say Bipasha Basu, and the image that conjures up is of a sexy, glamour doll, who is too hot to handle. But, as she warms up to the conversation, it is her scintillating intelligence that gets you. Putting aside all the diplomacy, she articulates on subjects good, bad and controversial. In a free wheeling chat, Bipasha speaks about women in Bollywood, the controversies surrounding her and a holiday with boyfriend John Abraham.


Experimenting with roles
"I don't think much while selecting a role. I do whatever makes me happy. But, fortunately for me my films are a nice mix of different characters. For every masala film I also have a Corporate, an Apaharan and the extremely arty Pankh to boast of. I have enjoyed doing the comedies too as they are fun and we also have a blast on the sets. I am happy with the roles that I have done."

Bollywood is male centric
"I am intelligent enough to realise that women are always secondary in this male dominated industry. Look at the way Shah Rukh Khan, Salman and Aamir are still going strong. But we actresses can never even dream of such an inning. The only actress in Bollywood who has been able to beat this system is Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. You can call it her luck or just being at the right place at the right time, but the fact is that she has achieved this feat. In fact her fame goes beyond Bollywood as she is the only one who is recognised in Hollywood. This is something, which can't be said for even SRK or Big B."


Coping with controversies
"They are never of my making, but yes, there is one to my credit almost every day. I don't know how these rumours about me acting pricey and having differences with Deepika Padukone got started. I am not crazy to insist that I will sit next to Ranbir or will make an entry with him on the sets of a television programme. I know that the two of them are together. In fact I gel very well with Deepika. In fact she is the only actress with whom I don't mind sharing a vehicle. This is something I would never do with any other female star. Then there was this big fuss about my having refused to shoot with Shahid and Vidya Balan for the finale of a music reality show recently. The fact is that the channel and the title sponsorer for whose product I'm the brand ambassador had some differences. I was asked not to go for the shoot. Then they asked me to do so the next day and I went."

Home sweet home
"My new home is taking up a lot of my time. All I want is a comfortable bed, a nice kitchen were tasty food can be prepared and a luxurious bath. I think we guys deserve at least this much after a long and tiring day. I'm working on this and will be ready to enjoy it by early next year."


Holiday with John
"It was just that I arrived at Capri for a film's shoot and fell in love with the place. So I called up John to share my joy with him. The next thing that I read was that John and myself are planning a holiday at Capri. Please, I would never go there for a holiday as it would be too tiring."

source:timesofindia

Shamita Shetty, Shilpa Shetty,s Father Time Table

Shetty Shilpa’s father sets a time table

Shamita Shetty has been given standing instructions by her father about timings Apparently, the same rule is applicable on elder daughter Shilpa Shetty as well. Their father has told his daughters that he doesn’t approve of the fact that his daughters walk in and out of the house anytime. “He has told us that we can take those liberties when we get married. But coming home late is something that he isn’t going to accept,” says Shilpa.

So the girls have decided to set a deadline for themselves and not upset the father. “He is the big boss of our house. We love him too much and we do not want to upset him.”

So the Shetty sisters are Cinderellas, who have to make it to their homes before their time is out.

Rachel Hunter Has Got Engaged

Rachel Hunter engaged

Rachel Hunter has got engaged. The 38-year-old model — the ex-wife of rocker Rod Stewart — is set to wed Canadian ice hockey player Jarret Stoll, 26. The couple — who have been together for two years — are due to tie the knot next year. Rachel is said to have told friends: “He’s my first true love since Rod and the age difference isn't an issue.” The New Zealand beauty’s manager Andy Haden offered his blessing for the union. He said: “We are all delighted for her.” Jarret — who plays for the Los Angeles Kings and met his new fiancee at an ice hockey game — told a New Zealand radio station the proposal was “romantic.” The athlete’s mother has also given her blessing to the forthcoming nuptials, telling a magazine: “We like Rachel very much. She fits into the family very nicely.

Rachel sparked marriage rumours last weekend when she was seen sporting a diamond ring on her engagement finger as she walked around her hometown of Auckland. The pair live together in Los Angeles with Rachel’s children from her marriage to Rod, Renee, 16, and Liam, 14. When the pair first started dating, Rachel said: “The kids have no troubles with Jarret — Liam now has a first-class ice hockey coach, so he’s happy. Obviously as a single mother you have to treat new relationships very delicately.” Rod — who was divorced from Rachel in 2006 — married 37-year-old lingerie model Penny Lancaster last year.

Chiranjeevi Political PressMeet

Chiranjeevi Political Entry

Months-long stalemate over the political entry of actor Chiranjeevi officially concluded this afternoon. As scheduled, Chiranjeevi addressed media conference at 2.45 PM at his newly constructed Party office at Road No. 46, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. Clad in white dress, Chiru posed for media photographs for a brief while, minutes before addressing the media. Marking this occasion, there was huge fanfare outside the office. The fans blasted crackers and shouted slogans, "Future CM, Chiru. Chiru… Zindabad."

My life is dedicated to people
A cool and calm looking Chiranjeevi said: "My sincere thanks to one and all whoever prompted me to enter into politics. It is in tune with the dreams and aspirations of crores of Telugu people, fans and supporters. For the last some months, newspapers replete about my political entry. I consider this as response from the public. Today is the most memorable day in my life. I wanted to talk about my political entry with my own mouth. Today has brought the much required change in my life. For the last thirty years, I was in the film industry. Now, the public response wants me to come into politics. They have decided my political future. Manasa Vachaa Karmana… my life is dedicated to the people and in their service. This is a God-given opportunity. As and when required, God sometimes takes on the human course of action for solving social problems. My political entry is the call from God. People from all over the state and my fans conducted huge rallies and meets inviting me to join politics. Now, it is my basic responsibility and duty to fulfill their dreams."

APJ Abdul Kalam and NTR inspired me
"During all these days, I met a number of socially elite people, common people and several segments of the society. I expressed my feelings to them. One such person who inspired me most is APJ Abdul Kalam garu. He told me: Chiranjeevi, when I was in Chandigarh participating in a program for about 400 students, I asked them several questions. Most of them responded to take up the positions as engineers, lawyers, doctors, civil servants, but a negligible percentage of them (just four or five persons) said they are interested in politics. Politics has come to be regarded as a mire of mud. This should change. People like you should come to change this. You don't know about yourself. You are more than an actor – These words forced me to change my mindset and concentrate on doing something constructive to the people through politics."

"There is nothing in finding fault with selfish politicians. When the youth and those who have the stamina to change the society don't respond to politics, it is a big mistake. If I fail to make my decision to enter politics, I shall be making a historical blunder. I thank Abdul Kalam garu for his inspiring words. Another great man who changed the course of politics with social creativity in the state was late NT Rama Rao garu. He proved that artistes also have political and social awareness. I bow my head to him and thank him for all the inspiration to me."

I can't do historical blunder
"I can clearly see the invitation from lawyers, workers, mahilas, youth, tribal people and all. (Showing the portraits of Ambedkar, Gandhi, Mother Teresa and Pule)… These are the four great people who inspired me. I will tell you two particular incidents which moved me to tears. In Khammam district, a home guard before committing suicide made it clear in his note that he felt sad for not being able to see "Chiranjeevi" as chief minister. Secondly, a couple from the IT sector also did the same thing, before ending their lives. I understand their feelings before resorting to extreme step. Once again, these incidents made me believe that I would be making a historical blunder if I don't enter into politics."

I can't act as politician, but only live "I am not here for power or posts. I am into politics just to have mental satisfaction. God has given me popularity and money to some extent. Whenever the people are benefited with my blood bank, they come to me – hold my hands and cheeks, and express their thanks. That is enough for me. After my three decades of stint as an actor, now I am getting ready to do the role of a politician. I can never be acting in this area. Just I have live in this. I shall continue to live with honesty as long as I live."

Details of Party, flag and agenda at Tirupati
"With regard to the Party's name, agenda and flag, I shall be declaring these matters at a public meeting on August 26th at Tirupati. This day happens to be the birthday of Mother Teresa. My sole aim is to make Andhra Pradesh into – Santosha Andhra Pradesh and Chiru Navvula Andhra Pradesh."

CHIRANJEEVI PROFILE

Chiranjeevi First Political Press Release Meeting on17/08/08 Video

Superb press meet chiru..long love chiru we are all with u...

CHIRANJEEVI PROFILE

Chiranjeevi Political Party Anouncement Gallery

17 Aug 2008 ... Months-long stalemate over the political entry of actor Chiranjeevi officially concluded this afternoon. As scheduled, Chiranjeevi addressed ...












CHIRANJEEVI PROFILE

I suffered during Big Brother: Shilpa

Shilpa Shetty will soon host the second season of Big Boss on Indian television. She is mighty excited about the venture as it’s the first time she will be hosting a TV show. Whilst she had earlier come on TV as a participant in the UK reality show, Big Brother, this is going to be different for the actress.

Speaking about her new endeavor, she says, though her journey from Big Brother to Big boss was fantastic, she will not want to participate in Big Boss again. She says, “I will never go there. I just can’t do it again.” Despite the fame, stardom and support she got, the bitter after taste is still lingering in her mind. Again, that doesn’t act as a deterrent for her to host a similar reality show. “I had suffered a lot there. Now, it’s not going to be so. It will be more interesting for me as I have lived in that house. So my experiences would help in interacting with the participants,” states Shilpa. Here is hoping a happy time hosting the show.

Vidya’s Comic Connection With John

After trying her hand at romantic films, Vidya Balan is set to shift gears to the genre of comedy. Currently working on Vishal Bharadwaj’s Ishqiya, she has just signed David Dhawan’s comic caper Hook Ya Crook. What’s more, she’ll be paired opposite her Salaam-E-Ishq co-star, John Abraham.

As you may remember, during the shooting of Salaam-E-Ishq, the duo was linked up courtesy their awesome onscreen chemistry. There were even rumours of tension between Bipasha Basu and John as she couldn’t digest their alleged proximity. Since then, John diplomatically avoided doing films with Vidya. However, when asked to comment on this piece of information, John found the question too ‘stupid’ to react. Now we know why!

Anyway, coming back to the film, it was initially supposed to have the lead pair of Siddharth (Rang De Basanti fame) and Amrita Rao. Perhaps it was John and Vidya’s sizzling chemistry in Salaam-E-Ishq that prompted him to change his decision. At least Bips has no reason to fret this time, as it’s not a romantic saga but a comic flick.

Happy INDIPENDENSE Day!!!

Happy INDIPENDENSE Day!!! Proud To Be An Indian.

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Birthday wishes to Famous INDIAN ACTRESS 'SRIDEVI'

Birthday wishes to Famous INDIAN ACTRESS 'SRIDEVI' from BOLLYWOOD STARS PROFILE

Famous INDIAN Actress 'SRIDEVI' Profile

Abhinav Bindra's Gold Medal Celebrations

Celebrations back homeShooter Abhinav Bindra's father AS Bindra along with his wife Babli Bindra after hearing of their son's won gold medal at the Beijing Olympics. They celebrate with their relatives and near dears at Bindra farms house at Zirakpur near Chandigarh on August 11, 2008.
Joyous JigShooter Abhinav Bindra's father AS Bindra along with his wife Babli Bindra after hearing of their son's won gold medal at the Beijing Olympics. They celebrate with their relatives and near dears at Bindra farms house at Zirakpur near Chandigarh on August 11, 2008.
Picture perfectShooter Abhinav Bindra's father AS Bindra along with his wife Babli Bindra after hearing of their son's won gold medal at the Beijing Olympics. They Celebrate with their relatives and near dears at Bindra farms house at Zirakpur near Chandigarh on August 11, 2008.
Joyous JigShooter Abhinav Bindra's father AS Bindra along with his wife Babli Bindra after hearing of their son's won gold medal at the Beijing Olympics. They celebrate with their relatives and near dears at Bindra farms house at Zirakpur near Chandigarh on August 11, 2008.
Official saluteShooter Abhinav Bindra's father AS Bindra celebrate their son's gold medal win with CRPF Officers at the Beijing Olympics, at Zirakpur near Chandigarh on August 11, 2008.
Picture perfectShooter Abhinav Bindra's father AS Bindra along with his wife Babli Bindra after hearing of their son's won gold medal at the Beijing Olympics. They Celebrate with their relatives and near dears at Bindra farms house at Zirakpur near Chandigarh on August 11, 2008. 08.
Dancing to the tune of successShooter Abhinav Bindra's relatives celebrate their son's gold medal win at the Beijing Olympics, at Zirakpur near Chandigarh on August 11, 2008.

Bill Gates in Beijing

Microsoft founder Bill Gates (right) with his wife Melinda during the men's badminton singles match in Beijing

Chiranjeevi Political Party Office Opening

Chiranjeevi Political Party Office Opening Today. The opening was going to start in few minutes ( 01:45 hrs). huge number of fans gathered at Jubile hills road no: 46 by knowing the news that Chiru’s party office was opening now. Pavan kalyan, Naga Babu, Allu Aravind, Hari Ram Jogayya and close associates of chiranjeevi attended this opening cermony

CHIRU PARTY OFFICE IN BANZARA HILLS VIDEOS

CHIRU PARTY OFFICE IN BANZARA HILLS VIDEOS

Chiru Prachara Radham

Kamal-Asin team up again

After Dasavathaaram, 'ulaka nayakan' Kamal Haasan and latest Bollywood attraction Asin are all set to team up again with an English film titled 19 Steps, to be produced as a co-venture by Bharath Bala Productions (BBP) and Walt Disney. Kamal Haasan and Asin will share screen space with Japanese superstar Tadanobu Asano in this Indo-Japanese film, slated to be made on a 50-million dollar budget.

The film, directed by Bharatbala, will trace the origins of the martial art form of Kerala, Kalarippayattu. It is heard that the movie will be made in the backdrop of the ninth century. Shooting is likely to start in the summer of 2009.

Kamal plays the character role of a veteran Kalarippayattu guru (teacher) who trains Tadanobu Asano in his fight against his enemies. Asin will play a local princess, a martial arts expert who falls in love with Asano.

The movie is based on a script written by the best-known Malayalam writer, M.T. Vasudevan Nair, popularly known as MT, a Jnanpith award winner who has won five National awards for screenplay writing.

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. 19 Steps will have versions in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Japanese with music by A.R. Rahman.

Indian Shooter Abhinav Bindra Profile

Abhinav Bindra shows his medal as he stands with silver medallist Zhu Qinan and bronze medallist Henri Hakkinen.

Name: Abhinav Bindra
Born : September 28, 1982 (1982-09-28) (age 25)
Dehra Dun, India
Residence: Chandigarh, India
Occupation: Sportsman (Shooter)
Height: 173 cm (5 ft 8 in)
Weight: 65.5 kg (144 lb)
Religious beliefs: Sikhism (Sahajdhari)
Medal record
Competitor for: Flag of India India
Men's shooting
Olympic Games
Gold 2008 Beijing Men's 10 m Air rifle
ISSF World Shooting Championships
Gold 2006 Zagreb Men's 10 m Air Rifle

Commonwealth Games
Silver 2002 Manchester Men's 10m Air Rifle (Singles)
Gold 2002 Manchester Men's 10m Air Rifle (Pairs)
Bronze 2006 Melbourne Men's 10m Air Rifle (Singles)
Gold 2006 Melbourne Men's 10m Air Rifle (Pairs)

Abhinav Bindra (born September 28, 1982 is an Indian shooter specializing in the 10 m Air Rifle event. At the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, he became the first Indian to win an individual gold medal at the Olympic Games and first gold medal since 1980 for India by winning the gold in the 10 m Air Rifle event.

Early days


Abhinav Bindra comes from an affluent Sikh family, belonging to the Punjabi Khatri clan. His parents are Dr A S Bindra and Babli Bindra. Bindra is a clean-shave Sikh.


He studied at the Doon School, Dehradun till 10th standard and then left for St. Stephens school, Chandigarh to pursue shooting.


Abhinav Bindra had an indoor range in his backyard -- a luxury in India. At 15, he became the youngest participant at the 1998 Commonwealth Games.

Career

Early years

Abhinav Bindra's potential talent was first spotted by his first coach Lt. Col. J.S. Dhillon.
Abhinav Bindra was the youngest Indian participant at the 2000 Olympic Games.

International performance

He won six gold medals at various international meets in 2001.



In the 10 m Air rifle event at the 2002 Commonwealth Games, Manchester, he won Gold in the Pairs event and Silver in the individual event. At the 2004 Olympic Games, he broke the Olympic record but failed to win a medal finishing 7th. At the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games, he won the Gold in the Pairs event and the Bronze in the Singles event.

2008 Beijing Olympics

Bindra booked his place in the 2008 Olympics by winning the gold medal at the 2006 ISSF World Shooting Championships with a score of 699.1

At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Abhinav Bindra won the gold for the Men's 10m Air Rifle final after shooting a total of 700.5. He scored 596 (fourth) in the qualifying round and out-scored all other shooters in the finals with a round of 104.5. In the finals, he started with a shot of 10.7, and none of his shots were below 10.0. Bindra was tied with Henri Hakkinen heading into his final shot. Bindra scored his highest of the finals - 10.8 while Hakkinen came with his worst performance of the finals (9.7) to settle for Bronze medal.

This was India's first individual gold medal at the Olympics, and the first gold in 28 years, since the Men's Hockey team won the gold at the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

Awards and recognitions

Bindra received the Arjuna award in 2000. He was awarded with India's highest sports award - the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 2001.

Business career

Abhinav Bindra holds an M.B.A. (Masters in Business Administration). He is the CEO of Abhinav Futuristics, a PC games peripherals distributor based in Chandigarh.

Abhinav Bindra won India's first individual Olympic gold medal on Monday

Lalitha, Ragini, Padmini ...Travancore Sisters Profile

The Travancore sisters with Sukumari (standing next to Padmini, extreme right)

Lalitha, Padmini, centre, and Ragini.

Padmini (1968)

SEPIA-TINTED MEMORIES Padmini in a frock, sitting on the left, with her extended family at Malaya Cottage in 1935

Padmini, Lalitha (actor) and Ragini are called as Travancore sisters. All of them were dancers and film actors. Lalitha is the eldest and Ragini the yougest. Padmini gained the maximum success and has acted in more than 250 films. They have one brother, Chandrakumar, who is the father of the Malayali actress Shobana also vineeth, the malayali actor, is also a nephew of the travancore sisters. They all learned dancing under the trainer Guru Gopinath.Their mother Saraswaty's, sister's daughter is the famed Sukumari, who has perhaps acted in most number of films (over 2500) than any other person in the world. Sukumari is the wife of Late A. Bhimsingh a well-known film director. Their son, Suresh Bhimsingh, is also a film director.

Sukumari

Shobana

Vineeth

Hollywood star LINDSAY LOHAN GIirlfriend Coming To MUMBAI

Hollywood star accompanying DJ girlfriend Samantha Ronson for show

For an Independence Day gift, Mumbai could not have asked for anything as exciting as a visit from American actress, model and pop singer Lindsay Lohan. But, apparently, the Mean Girls star will be here, not on August 15, but the 18th. And she’s reportedly accompanying girlfriend DJ Samantha Ronson who is slated to be deejaying at the South-Central nightclub Blue Frog. Lindsay, however, will not be singing. Although the management of the nightspot refuses to confirm, the Hollywood star will be present at its premises. The buzz is that the show on the 18th will be attended by the Who’s Who of Mumbai showbiz, including the starcast of Bachna Ae Haseeno — Ranbir Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Deepika Padukone and Minissha Lamba, plus other screen and television actors.

Lindsay, who is 22, and whose life has been the subject of tabloid journalism in the US, is romantically involved with Samantha. Though the singer-actress has never confirmed the relationship, the two are openly seen being affectionate with each other in public. Also Lindsay is known to go out of her way by making public appearances to support the lesser-known Samantha. Mumbai is not new to strange relationships between celebs. But, please, not yet in public.

Actor Akshay Kumar pays obeisance at Gurudwara Rakabganj in New Delhi./div>

List Of Indian Bollywood Comedians

List Of Indian Bollywood Comedians

* Asrani
* Jagdeep
* Rajpal Yadav
* Kader Khan
* Johnny Lever
* Johnny Walker
* Paresh Rawal
* Jaspal Bhatti
* Sunil Pal
* Raju Shrivastav
* Keshto Mukherjee
* Laxmikant Berde
* Mehmood

Bollywood Actress Tanushree Dutta Profile

Indian Actress Tanushree Dutta Biography

Born March 19, 1985 (1985-03-19) (age 23)
Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India
Years active 2004-Present

Tanushree Dutta (born 19 March 1985) is an Indian film actress and model. She won the Femina Miss India title in 2004.

Biography

Tanushree Dutta was born and raised in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand state (then Bihar), and did her graduation in communications in Pune, Maharashtra. She is Bengali.


She won the Femina Miss India title in 2004, and placed among the top ten in the Miss Universe 2004 pageant held in Quito, Ecuador.


She debuted in Bollywood in 2005. She worked on two films simultaneously Chocolate and Aashiq Banaya Apne. Chocolate was intended to be her debut film, however its release was preceded by Aashiq Banaya Apne.

Filmography



Movies
Year Film Role Other notes
2008 Saas Bahu Aur Sensex Nitya post-production
2007 Mr Fraud
2007 Speed Sanjana
2007 Dhol Ritu Tripathi
2007 Raqeeb Sophie Matthews
2007 Good Boy, Bad Boy Dinky Kapoor
2007 Risk Shraddha
2006 Bhagam Bhag Anjali Appeared in the song " Signal..Pyaar ka signal"
2006 36 China Town cameo appearance Appeared in the song "Jab Kabhi"
2005 Chocolate: Deep Dark Secrets Simran "Sim" Chopra
2005 Veerabhadra Malathi Telugu movie
2005 Aashiq Banaya Aapne Sneha

Television

* Anchor for Bengali Show Hoi Hullod 2002

‘Dark Knight’ too violent for kids

The Dark Knight has sparked controversy in the UK after parents complained its scenes were too violent for young children. At least 60 people have contacted the British board of film classification (BBFC) since the new Batman movie was released. They insist some scenes are too violent and the film should be given a higher age restriction.

Tyra Banks to dress like Michelle Obama

Tyra Banks to dress like Michelle Obama: Supermodel Tyra Banks is all set to dress up like US presidential candidate Barack Obama’s wife Michelle Obama for Harper Bazaar’s magazines cover. Critics have termed Bank’s new modelling project as a publicity stunt.

Jodie Marsh’s Asset Management’

Jodie Marsh’s 32GG breasts are modelled on Pamela Anderson’s chest. The British glamour model — who recently underwent a £7,500 operation to increase her chest size because her breasts were sagging — admits she was desperate to have boobs like her Baywatch idol. Jodie said: “I never said I’d never get a boob job. I never said I didn’t like fake boobs. In fact, I’ve always loved Pamela Anderson and her fake boobs.

I told my surgeon I wanted Pamela’s boobs.” Jodie’s decision to go under the knife was considered controversial because of her public argument with fellow glamour model Jordan, who she criticised for having fake breasts. Jodie also explained it was her idea for a magazine to pay for the operation. She added to Britain’s Heat magazine: “I thought, if I get huge new boobs, I might as well show them off.”

Sharon Prabhakar Set For Filmi Debut

S haron Prabhakar, who burst onto the Mumbai stage belting out Don’t Cry For Me Argentina in the 1980s with Alyque Padamsee’s version of Evita, is ready to take her act to the Bollywood screen. Yes, she can act, dance, sing, and thanks to some Punjabi blood in her, Sharon can speak the language fluently and has been called to play a Punjabi character in the comedy Baa, Bahu aur Sensex. This at a time when her pretty daughter Shazahn is toying with the idea of getting into Bollywood herself.

“People said, movies and Sharon! And for a long time I thought this way too. But the family supported me. It began when Kirron Kher heard me speak Punjabi and was amazed. Then came producer Jayshree Makhija and director Sheona Mitra with the movie script. It sort of fell into place,” reports Sharon.

Initial anxiety gave way to confidence with the first few takes of Baa, Bahu aur Sensex, an Indian version of Desperate Housewives. “I’m among four women who invest hard-earned kitty party income in shares. Farooque Sheikh plays the share broker. And then a riot of incidents happen as we ensure that the share market does not crash,” reveals the debutante actress.

There’s no way of knowing, as yet, if Sharon sings in the film.

Soha Ali Khan Says Mumbai Meri Jaan

‘SO WHAT IF SAIF DISAPPROVED?’
Mom liked my (itsy-bitsy) pictures, says Soha Ali Khan, who’s getting an image makeover that she doesn’t need!

Soha Ali Khan started out as a banker, today, after spending five years in Bollywood, she feels very much at home. In fact, looking back she now finds her stint as a banker out of character. “Your persona is moulded by what you do. I am more of an actor than a banker, definitely. I am more suited to this world,” she says. “My family is in the industry. So yes, I am quite at home here.” Appreciated as a serious actor, Soha had people taken aback when she posed in itsy-bitsy clothes recently.

“I am not looking for an image makeover, I don’t need it,” she laughs. And so what if brother Saif was upset with the pictures, Soha says mom Sharmila had no problems. “Mom thought they were pretty tame. She is very progressive. During her time she was the trendsetter, so this is nothing,” adds Soha. Her next release Mumbai Meri Jaan, based on the July 2006 blasts, has Soha playing a television journalist. “Rang De Basanti was the turning point in my career. The roles I have been offered post Rang De... are extremely good,” she says. But none as yet are with Saif. “Someone has to come up with a great script. I am not going to play just the hero’s sister,” she laughs. She’s uncomfortable talking about her relationship with him.


“What I feel for him, what we do, how we fight, how we’ve been brought up... all I can say is that we are like any other brother-sister... normal,” she says. Ditto her relationship with South star Siddharth. “I have grown up seeing my parents being photographed. People can ask me whatever they want, but whether or not I answer them is upto me,” she declares.

Batman’s new adventure

Will 2008 go down in box office history with two completely different films creating records that have managed to beat the recessionary trends in industry? On the one hand, there is Hollywood which has already witnessed a new record first-day opening with The Dark Knight raking in $67.3 million at the box office. And on the other hand there is Bollywood on the brink of a bonanza with the runaway hit Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na pitched to become one of the biggest hits of the year with a three-week gross of Rs 37 crore. And the two films have simply nothing in common, except the stupendous response they have managed to elicit amongst the ‘aam janta’.

Batman’s new adventure which has a staggering production cost of $180 million has created a furore that has already outstripped the frenzy created by Spiderman 3. Spidey’s third adventure in 2007 had the highest opening day record till now with collections measuring upto $59.8 million. But the Joker’s histrionics seem to have taken the world by storm, which is queuing up for a taste of Heath Ledger’s mindblowing interpretation of Batman’s arch rival. This post 9/11 ‘agent of chaos’ — that’s what he calls himself — might just end up as the biggest anti-hero of all times. In the Dark Knight, he is already walking away with most of the applause, leaving the superhero to walk away into the horizon, even as the film concludes with an ambiguous end.

The Joker signs off with a maniacal grin, dangling against the skyline of Gotham City. Sadly, he may return, but minus the mesmerism of Heath Ledger.
Closer home, Jaane Tu... has managed to strike a chord with the burgeoning youth population of cine-goers with it’s twenty-something look, lingo and longings. Till now, the box office record for love stories featuring a lead pair is held by the Rishi Kapoor-Dimple Kapadia teen romance, Bobby. The 1973-film has an adjusted gross of Rs 85 crore. While Imran Khan’s Jaane Tu... might not be able to match this figure, it could well cross the record earnings of Maine Pyar Kiya, the alltime blockbuster which is the second highest earner in this category. The Rajshree film which introduced Salman Khan and Bhagyashree in the classic rich boy-poor girl story grossed Rs 67 crore in its silver jubilee run.

The other two popular first-timer romances are Love Story (Kumar Gaurav and Vijeyta) and Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla). Although the film seems to have taken the metros by storm, with maximum impact in Mumbai and Mysore, the smaller towns haven’t been too ecstatic, according to box office reports.

This could be one of the reasons why Jaane Tu... might not be spoken in the same breath as Bollywood’s blockbuster romances: Hum Aapke Hain Kaun (Rs 110 crores), Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (Rs 98 crores), Raja Hindustani (Rs 83 crore). But the film has already overtaken last year’s hot love story, Jab We Met, which reaped a rich haul of Rs 30.59 crores at the box office.

PREITY ZINTA's Gown Case

Although the effervescent PREITY ZINTA is having a blast performing live with the Bachchans in the US, the tour has not been a bed of roses for her. Preity lost her baggage on arrival in LA just hours before she was to go on stage. “It’s not just AMITji whose world tour experiences come with a baggage. Can you imagine my plight when I lost my baggage! And to my horror, the lost suitcase contained my precious golden gown.

There was no way I could go on stage without wearing that gown,” she said. Preity’s hunted for a designer in LA who would replicate the golden gown. “I found this place run by a guy called MIKE. Initially, he was horrified about duplicating a dress without a pattern, and that too, just in a few hours. But you know how I am. I badgered, threatened and then pleaded till he finally made me a new golden gown just in time,” says Preity.

Abhishek’s ‘idli’ diet

Wehave heard of fruit, vegan and even detox diets but who’s ever heard of an idli diet? Well, if someone has, it is Abhishek Bachchan. After putting on oodles of weight for his role of a street smart businessman in Guru, the actor required to shed all of it for his next ‘Dostana’. A film that will see him co-starring with John Abraham and Priyanka Chopra, two of the fittest bods in the industry, Abhishek clearly couldn’t afford even a bit of laxity when it came to getting back in shape.

And so, apart from hitting the gym, Abhishek decided to go in for an intense idli sambhar diet. So every day on the breakfast table at the Bachchan household, Abhishek would find his paratha plates replaced with bowls full of steaming hot idlis . With a regime like this, we are sure the actor has outwitted even his counterparts down South.

Dhoni to be conferred Khel Ratna

India's One-Day and Twenty20 captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was on Monday chosen for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, country's highest honour for a sportsperson.

An expert committee, chaired by Milkha Singh, on Monday met to discuss the nominees and they decided to confer the award on Dhoni for leading India to the Twenty20 World Cup triumph -- making him only the second cricketer after Sachin Tendulkar to get the honour.

Sources in the Sports Ministry, however, informed that an official announcement would follow only after August 20.

Meanwhile, BCCI Chief Administrative Officer Ratnakar Shetty hailed the decision.

"On two occasions, we felt let down when Rahul Dravid didn't get Khel Ratna and Yuvraj (Singh) was denied Arjuna. Dravid was in good form, we had won 16 ODIs on the trot and the team was on a high -- still he did not get the award.

"Yuvraj too was unlucky not to get Arjuna after two years of consistent performance. We are happy Dhoni got it," he told 'Times Now' channel.

Shetty said what impressed him most about Dhoni was the way he conducted himself.

"What I like most about Mahi, apart from his cricket, is the way he leads. He is a cool customer and never gets agitated. I'm also impressed by his clarity of thought. He speaks his mind even if it may not be seen in the right sense," he added.

Actors Lauren Bosworth and Lauren Conrad

Actors Lauren Bosworth (left) and Lauren Conrad at the 'Do Something' party in Los Angeles on Saturday

Jolie-Pitt sell right to twins’ pictures for $14m

baby-shiloh-wax-figure

Jolie-Pitt sell right to twins’ pictures for $14m: Exclusive photos of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s newborn twins fetched $14 million, a person involved in the negotiations said, giving People magazine and a British tabloid joint rights to publish the most expensive celebrity pictures ever sold. People will feature twin babies Vivienne Marcheline and Knox Leon in an issue to hit newsstands on Monday, spokeswoman Nancy Valentino said on Friday.

Lindsay Lohan fires back at ...

Lindsay Lohan fires back at cop’s gay remark: Lindsay Lohan said that police have no business getting involved in her personal life, a day after the police chief explained that the paparazzi were no longer an issue — in part because the 22-yearold actress had evidently “gone gay”. “Police chiefs shouldn’t get involved in everyone else’s business when it comes to their personal life. It’s inappropriate,” Lohan said.

Christina Applegate fighting cancer

Christina Applegate fighting cancer: Actress Christina Applegate, famed for playing ditzy daughter Kelly Bundy on TV comedy ‘Married ... With Children,’ is fighting breast cancer, but expected to make a full recovery, her spokeswoman Van Iden said. “Christina is following the recommended treatment of her doctors and will have a full recovery,” Van Iden said.

Lindsay Lohan set to marry Sam Ronson

Lindsay Lohan and her DJ girlfriend Sam Ronson have proved that they are very serious about each other, as the pair is planning to tie the knot soon. The date for the wedding has not been set as yet, but it seems the couple will be exchanging vows at a private ceremony in LA later this year. Lohan, 22, has been shopping for a white mini-dress for the occasion, and she has chosen a very bridal-looking one by Chanel, while Ronson, 30, joked that she’ll wear a black groom-style suit complete with a top hat. Lohan’s mum Dina told pals that she wants to “welcome Sam into the family” with a lavish do.

The United Kingdom accounts for 25% of a Bollywood film's

SCRIPTING SUCCESS STORIES
Bollywood stocks rule London Exchange

The United Kingdom accounts for 25% of a Bollywood film's total collections. Most A-list films have been routinely making it to the UK-Top 10 week after week. Naturally, the business sentiment on London Stock Exchange's AIM (Alternate Investment Market) has been pretty friendly towards Bollywood film companies.

Three Bollywood majors — Eros, UTV Motion Pictures and Indian Films — have had huge success in their initial run on AIM. And now many more Bollywood biggies are looking to raise funds through this route.

Business reports indicate that the Indian media & entertainment industry is growing at over 18% CAGR and is slated to cross $30 billion by 2012. Eros International chairman and CEO Kishore Lulla, whose firm was the first Bollywood film corporation to be launched on AIM, says his company realised the potential of the Indian media entertainment and film industry. ‘‘And we've reason to rejoice now,” he adds.
Lulla says: ‘‘AIM gave us increased financial strength, visibility and currency to achieve our objectives. And, we are humbled to be recognised as pioneers of elevating Indian cinema to new heights.”
Indian Films raised pound 55 million (Rs 495 crore) from AIM in the last year and within a year of operations, the company has returned pound 2.27 million gross profits on its investment of pound 36.31 million. Their releases like Jab We Met and Welcome were huge money-spinners and their next couple of releases — like Singh Is King and Ghajini — have also added to the company profile. Sandeep Bhargava of Indian Films says, ‘‘In the first year of our operations, we've been able to return healthy profits on our investments. Things are looking up for Bollywood at London's financial circles.”

Siddharth Roy Kapoor of UTV Motion Pictures, who has had a golden run in overseas distribution with films like Taare Zameen Par, Jodhaa Akbar, Race and Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na, says: ‘‘London, which is the hub of the world financial market, is emerging as one of the viable routes to raise money for Bollywood companies. Buoyed by positive results that Bollywood firms listed on AIM have shown, more Bollywood companies are encouraged to follow suit. When the investing community sees how Bollywood releases have been raking in big money in the UK market, their confidence is certainly boosted.'”

Indian Actress REVATHI Interview

REVATHI

‘I like doing something new’

Her’s is a face anybody in the country would recognise, thanks to the films she has either acted in or directed. As an actor this versatile performer displayed a rare combination of innocence, vulnerability and mischief, using her eyes and smile to maximum advantage.

Then as a film director, she made waves with her films ‘Mitr, my friend and ‘Phir Milenge’, dealing with bold themes in such a sensitive manner that she won both critical and popular acclaim. So it was no surprise that she won five Filmfare Best Actress Awards and a National award for Best Director (English). Yet she is still yearning for new forms of artistic expression. That’s where theatre comes in, she tells you.

In unchartered territory, Has she been busy with theatre since 2004 when she made the path-breaking ‘Phir Milenge’? No, theatre is a recent development, she confesses. After ‘Phir Milenge’, she has been busy making the Hindi film ‘Mumbai Cutting’. Unlike her earlier feature films, ‘Mumbai Cutting’ is a string of 11 short stories presented by 11 directors in what will be released this September. Here she is in the company of Sudhir Mishra, Jahnu Barua, Rituparno Ghosh, Anurag Kashyap, Shashank Ghosh, Rahul Dholakia, Ayush Raina, Ruchi Narain, Kundan Shah and Manish Jha to offer a glimpse of life in Mumbai and tries to find a reason why and how the city influences people who come there and survive adversities.

Short films are a natural progression for this creative artist. “I just cannot do the same thing again and again. I always want to do something new; in my film roles, in the themes I make films on, or now in trying to do theatre. I will definitely act in films if the role challenges me and I haven’t made a film in a South Indian language yet simply because I have not found a suitable subject. That’s just the way I am,” she explains.

Theatre, her latest venture

Elaborating on her move to theatre, Revathi says, “I have not been involved in theatre till recently, though I have been watching plays for some time. I met Arundhati Nag a few years back and followed her work through the building of Rangashankara. When she asked me whether I would be interested in acting on stage, I wondered ‘why not’ because theatre is an actor’s ultimate paradise. It is all part of an artist’s growth. But I was aware that theatre is a different experience, that you have to remember all your lines and deliver without retakes.

That’s why I wanted something small.” Which is why Chetan Datar’s original ‘1, Madhav Bagh’ which can actually run for 90 minutes has been abridged to just 35 minutes for her. Since her theatre debut with her solo act for this play in October 97 at Bangalore, Revathi has grown confident enough to consider another theatrical venture, if it excites her. Otherwise she is back on familiar territory, currently working on her next Hindi feature film.

source:timesofindia

Indian Actress RAMYA KRISHNAN Profile

R amya krishnan was born on September 15, 1967, in Chennai is a successful multilingual actress in commercial Indian cinema. She has over 200 films to her credit. She also holds a rare record of acting in five languages, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi. She has played such diverse roles as a glam-doll, a caring wife, a devoted mom, an arrogant vamp and even a goddess.

BIOGRAPHY:

Ramya Krishnan was born on September 15, 1967 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu in a Telugu Brahmin family. She is the niece of Cho Ramaswamy, an actor and outspoken politician. She had initial training in Bharathanatyam and Kuchipudi dance forms and has given many stage performances.

Ramya Krishna started her acting career at the age of 13 and has been in the field for 19+ years. She first played the lead role in Vellai Manasu in Tamil opposite Y.G.Mahendran. She was studying in 8th standard when she acted in her first film.

CAREER:

The south Indian actress has a long career spanning over two decades and 200+ films to her credit. She has portrayed a wide range of roles from that of an innocent village belle to a hip and happening female.

Ramyakrishnan's first Telugu film was Bhalae Mithrulu. Kasinadhuni Viswanath’s master peace Sutradharulu, released in 1987 have given first major break to Ramya as a actress. Under the direction of K.Raghavendra Rao Ramyakrishna established herself as a ‘star’ in Telugu film industry. She worked with all the major heroes of yester years like Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Nandamuri Taraka Ramarao, Krishna (actor), Sobhan Babu and also with the next generation of heroes like Chiranjeevi, Balakrishna Nandamuri, Venkatesh, Akkineni Nagarjuna and Jagapathi Babu. Though a trained Bharatnatyam dancer, she never really got a chance to explore that facet of her.she is currently producing TV soaps for gemini tv.

Her Tamil film Padayappa (Narasimha in Telugu) have brought her recognition and fame not only in South India but also internationally in Japan, Singapore, London and Paris. Her role in Padayappa was perhaps the best role of her career and disproved her critics who said that she was a mere glam doll.Recently she gaven performance in some stage shows in New York, Dallas, San Jose, and Cincinnati along with Nagarjuna and Tabu.


She bagged only one prestigious Nandi Awards from the Government of Andhra Pradesh,

Ramya have also enjoyed success in Kannada movies. In fact one of her earliest movie roles was in the Kannada fim Krishna Rukmini with Vishnuvardhan. Her biggest Kannada hits include Gadibidi Ganda and Mangalyam Thanthunanaena with Ravichandran and Raktha Kanneeru with Upendra.

Ramya Krishan had appeared in a game show called Thanga vettai (Gold Hunt) shown in SUN TV.

Ramya has just started a company in the name of her son 'Ritwik'. She is now hosting the entertainment show "Zara Masti Zara Dhoom" by interviewing film personalities. She has plans to do more of these types of shows.

PERSONAL LIFE

The actress married noted Telugu film director Krishna Vamsi on June 12, 2003 and has since then settled in Hyderabad. She gave birth to a boy (named Ritwik) on February 13, 2005.



FILMOGRAPHY:

TELUGU

Movie Co-Star Director Notes

Mr. Girisham Krishna Bhagavaan Comedy Film
Alludu Vara Mullapudi
Aavide Shyamala Prakash Raj
Chandra lekha Nagarjuna Krishna vamsi
Annamaya Nagarjuna K.Raghavendra Rao
Criminal Nagarjuna Mahesh Bhatt eddaru-eddare

nagarjuna k.raghavendrarao
Gharana Bullodu Nagarjuna K.Raghavendra Rao
Hello Brother Nagarjuna E.V.V.Satyanarayana
Iddaru Mitrulu Chiranjeevi K.Raghavendra Rao
English Pellam Eastgodavari Mogudu Sree Kanth E.V.V.Satyanarayana
Maanavudu Daanavudu Krishna Krishna
Adhirindhi Alludu Mohan Babu E.V.V.Satya Narayana
Pellala Rajyam Krishna Mouli
Dharma Chakram Venkatesh Suresh Krishna


Soggadi Pellam Mohan Babu
Sammakka Sarakka Roja Dasari Narayana Rao
Muggurru Monagallu Chiranjeevi K.Raghavendra Rao
Alluda Mazaka Chiranjeevi E.V.V.Satya Narayana
Alludugaru Mohan Babu K.Raghavendra Rao
Aayanaaki Iddaru Jagapathi Babu E.V.V.Satya Narayana
Allari Premikudu Jagapathi Babu K.Raghavendra Rao
Allari Priyudu Raja Sekhar K.Raghavendra Rao
Allari Mogudu Mohan Babu K.Raghavendra Rao
Ammoru Soundarya Kodi Rama Krishna
Love Story 1999 Prabhu Deva, Vadde Naveen K.Raghavendra Rao
Major Chandrakanth Mohan Babu K.Raghavendra Rao
Sutradharulu Bhanu Chander K.Viswanath
Ahwaanam Sree kanth S.V.Krishna Reddy
Brundavanam Rajendra Prasad S.Sreenivasa Rao
Chinnabbaayi Venkatesh K.Viswanath
Bala Rama Krishnulu Raja Sekhar Raviraja Pinisetty
Bangaru Bullodu Nandamuri Bala Krishna Raviraja Pinisetty
Vamsanikokkadu Nandamuri Bala Krishna Sarath
Vamsodharakudu Nandamuri Bala Krishna Sarath
Devudu Nandamuri Bala Krishna Raviraja Pinisetty
Chakravarthy Mohan Babu, Chiranjeevi

TAMIL

* Panchathantiram
* Padikkathavan
* Padayappa
* Vellai Manasu
* Captain Prabhakaran
* Vaa Arugil Vaa
* Panchathantiram
* Budget Padbanaban
* Muthal Vasantham
* Vaanchinathan
* Jaya
* Julie Ganapathi
* Pattali
* Kuththu - Dance
* Rhythm - Dance
* Narashimma - Dance
* Raja Enga Raja
* Asathal
* Kanavu Mei Pada Vendum
* Raja Kali Amman
* Sri Raja Rajeswari
* Amman
* Whistle - Dance
* Kaakha Kaakha - Dance
* Kurumbu - Dance
* Vanamay Ellai
* Sigaram
* Paarai
* Kutrapatthirikkai
* Baba - Guest appearance
* Thambi thanga kambi
* Per Sollum pillai

MALAYALAM

* Ore Kadal
* Onnaman (2002)
* Kakkakuyil (2001) ... cameo appearance
* Aryan (1986)
* Aham (1992)
* Maanyanmar
* Kathanayika
* Mahatma
* Neram Pularumbol
* Orkapurathu
* Anuragi

HINDI

* Wajood (1998)
* Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (1998)
* Chaahat (1996)
* Banarasi Babu (1996)
* Criminal (1995)
* Parampara (1993)
* Khal Nayak (1993)
* Dayavan

KANNADA

* Maangalyam Thanthunanaena
* Snaehaa
* Yare Nee Abhimani
* Krishna Rukmini
* Gadibidi Ganda
* Rajanarasimha
* Raktha Kaneeru
* Ekaangi
* Andhra Hendathi
* Baa Baaro Rasika

Vishwa Mohan Bhatt second Indian musician to win the Grammy Award

Synonymous with the invention of the Mohan Veena, Vishwa Mohan Bhatt talks to Hyderabad Times about the invention, his Grammy Award, and Hyderabadi audiences.
You were the second Indian musician to win the Grammy Award. What quality of your piece Meeting by the River won you the award?
It was the Indian element of improvisation that appealed to the Western mind. Only 10 per cent of the piece is composed , fixed music, 90 per cent was spontaneous music involving improvising, combining and joining. Besides the album was not recorded in a studio but in a church as we wanted natural acoustics with no retakes or equalisation.

What inspired you to make your own instrument the Mohan Veena?
I was looking for a different kind of sound and also trying to incorporate the gaayaki style in the instrument. It was also my dream to bring together the sounds and techniques of different instruments like the Sitar, Veena and Sarod into one instrument. That's how the Mohan Veena came into being. And it has established itself as a concert instrument.

You have performed several times in Hyderabad. What draws you to the city?
I like to come to Hyderabad as I'm drawn to my roots. I'm originally a Rao from Telangana. About 250 years ago my forefathers migrated to Jaipur on the invitation of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Also I like the new transformed Hyderabad which has made strides in the field of IT and is now I think much cleaner!

What's been your experience of Hyderabadi audiences?
Audiences in Hyderabad are very serene, sophisticated and mature. They do not respond with loud clapping and standing ovations like in other metros. They are very attentive and composed and come to me personally to express their appreciation.

Any projects you working on and what can we look forward to at the performance tomorrow?
I've just cut an album with my son Saurabh who is a composer. It's a combination of both our compositions titled Celebrations of Love and the theme is romance. I have also done an untitled album on fusion with Glen Halls who is an excellent Jazz pianist. At the concert I will be doing Raaga Malhar, evocative of the rainy season. And apart from playing , I will also sing a bit to show that music germinates as a song before you play it on an instrument

Pt Vishwa Mohan Bhatt who’s performing in the city today is a Rao from Telangana

Bollywood Actor VIVEK OBEROI Profile

Name: Vivek Oberoi
Born: Vivek Anand Oberoi
Date Of Birth: September 3, 1976 (1976-09-03) (age 31)
Hyderabad, India

Early life


O beroi is the son of Bollywood actor Suresh Oberoi and Yashodara. He was born in Hyderabad, India. He went to Mayo college in Ajmer, Mithibai college in Mumbai and Master's Degree in film acting, New York.




Career

Oberoi made his debut in Ram Gopal Varma's Company. The film was a critically acclaimed hit and his performance was applauded. He received Filmfare Awards in the Best Debut as well as the Best Supporting Actor category. He then starred in the action films, Road and Dum, in which his performance was appreciated.

He starred alongside Rani Mukerji in Yash Raj Films Saathiya (2002) directed by Shaad Ali. The film was critically and commercially successful and Vivek gained many accolades. He received Best Actor nominations at various award functions. He also starred in the comic film Masti (2004) with Aftab Shivdasani and Ritesh Deshmukh "" The film in spite of negative reviews became a surprise box office hit. He also starred in the critically acclaimed film Yuva, in which he was very much appreciated for his performance. His 2005 release Kaal (2005) was also successful.

In 2006, he appeared in Omkara an adaptation of Shakespeare's play Othello which was critically acclaimed in India as well as overseas. He played the character of Kesu based on the character Michael Cassio in the original play.

In 2007, he won acclaim for his role as the gangster Maya Dolas in the multi-starred Shootout at Lokhandwala. At first the movie seemed an average film along with another movie Cheeni Kum but later both movies turned out to be superhits on the same day. Vivek got Star of the Year Awards for Shootout at Lokhandwala,in Stardust Awards from his father Suresh Oberoi(for first time)Also Vivek obeori was awarded best IIFA awards Best Villain Awards for Shootout at Lokhandwala.


In 2008, Vivek did his film Mission Istanbul which was directed by Apoorva Lakhia and produced by Ekta Kapoor which they were shooting together in 2007 film Shootout at Lokhandwala.Vivek first 2008 film,Mission Istanbul was declared a flop while getting 35%-45% of viewers to watch it.Right now he is shooting his next 2008 film called Ragniti which is directed by Prakash Jha

Personal life


Oberoi was previously engaged to model Gurpreet Gill but the engagement was broken. Soon after, he dated actress Aishwarya Rai but broke up since 2006.Oberoi is active in volunteer work. He sponsored a village after the Indian Ocean Tsunami. He also released Tanya Khubchandani and Sandeep Chowta's government approved anti substance abuse documentary

Years active 2002 – present

Awards

* 2003 - Filmfare Best Debut Award for Company
* 2003 - Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award for Company
* 2003 - Star Screen Award Most Promising Newcomer - Male for Company
* 2003 - Zee Cine Award Best Male Debut- Male for Company
* 2003 - Zee Cine Award Best Actor in a Supporting Role- Male for Company
* 2003 - Bollywood Movie Award - Best Male Debut for Company
* 2003 - Stardust Superstar of Tomorrow - Male for Road & Company
* 2005 - Stardust Best Supporting Actor Award for Yuva
* 2005 - Bravery Award
* 2005 - Citizen One’ Award for his exemplary contribution to the society.
* 2007 - Bollywood Movie Award - Best Supporting Actor for Omkara
* 2008 - "Standout Performance of the Year" for Shootout at Lokhandwala at the Max Stardust Awards
* 2008 - IIFA Best Villain Award for Shootout at Lokhandwala


Filmgraphy
Year Film Role Other Notes
2002 Company Chandrakant "Chandu" Nagre Ram Gopal Varma Won, Filmfare Best Debut Award &
Won, Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award
2002 Road Arvind Chauhan Rajat Mukherjee
2002 Saathiya Aditya Sehgal Shaad Ali Nominated, Filmfare Best Actor Award
2003 Dum Uday E. Niwas
2003 Darna Mana Hai Amar Prawal Raman
2004 Yuva Arjun Mani Ratnam
2004 Kyun...! Ho Gaya Na Arjun Samir Karnik Nominated,Jodi No.1 with Aishwarya Rai
2004 Masti Meet Mehta Indra Kumar
2005 Kaal Dev Malhotra Soham
2005 Kisna Kisna Singh Subhash Ghai
2005 Deewane Huye Pagal Narrator (Sutradhar) Vikram Bhatt Special Appearance
2006 Home Delivery: Aapko... Ghar Tak Sunny Chopra Sujoy Ghosh
2006 Pyare Mohan Mohan Indra Kumar
2006 Omkara Keshav "Kesu" Firangi Vishal Bhardwaj
2006 Naksha Vicky Sachin Bajaj
2007 Shootout at Lokhandwala Maya Dolas Apoorva Lakhia Nominated Filmfare Best Villain Award Won Stardust of the Year Nominated Stardust Best Villain Award Nominated Zee Cine Best Villain Award Won IIFA Best Villain Award
2007 Fool n Final Lucky Ahmed Khan
2008 Mission Istanbul Rezwan Khan Apoorva Lakhia To release in July
2008 Rajniti Prakash Jha Under production
2008 7 G Rainbow Colony Selva Under production
2009 Anubhav Sinha - Vikram Bhatt film Vikram Bhatt Announced
2009 Untitled Renzil D'Silva Project Renzil D'Silva Announced

Jerry Lewis held after gun found in bag

J erry Lewis held after gun found in bag: Comedian Jerry Lewis was held by the police after an unloaded gun was found in his hand-luggage in Las Vegas. The weapon was seized as the star passed through the security checkpoint at McCarran International Airport. Lewis was travelling to Michigan for a oneman show.

Charles invites erotic dancer to Harry’s party

Charles invites erotic dancer to Harry’s party: Charles was left red-faced when he realised that he had invited erotic dancer Dita Von Teese to perform at Harry’s birthday party without knowing the raunchy nature of her routine. Charles met Dita at the a polo tournament in Windsor, England.

Victoria’s underwear auctioned for £4500

Victoria’s underwear auctioned for £4500: A giant pair of bloomers which belonged to queen Victoria sold for nine times their estimate at an auction in Britain. The 50-inch waist knickers, which date from the 1890s, sold for £4,500 but had been expected to fetch just £500.

Sharon Stone sued for $1b over...

Sharon Stone sued for $1b over ‘karma’ comment:

Sharon Stone is now facing a $1 billion lawsuit over her comment about China’s earthquake being “karma” for its stance on Tibet. According to Hollyscoop.com, the suit is being filed by 1000 survivors and victims’ families who have been rallied by a New York lawyer. The lawyer is demanding a better apology on Stone’s part, stating that failing to do so will see her slapped with the lawsuit, reports the Daily Telegraph. Attorney Ming Hai says: “For the families who have lost their loved ones or lost limbs or suffered severe injuries, your statement and act has caused extreme emotional distress.”

Rowling's fairy tales published for charity

Rowling's fairy tales published for charity: A book of fairy tales written and illustrated by Harry Potter creator J K Rowling is being published for charity. The Children's High Level Group says it hopes to raise $8 million through sales of "The Tales of Beedle the Bard." Rowling co-founded the charity, which supports institutionalized children. The book is a collection of five wizarding tales referred to in Rowling's Potter saga.

Britney Spears falls for bodyguard

B ritney Spears falls for bodyguard: Pop star Britney Spears, who had a series of problems in the recent past, seems to have fallen for one of her bodyguards. According to reports, the bodyguard is a former Israeli soldier and his name is Lee. He is the fourth member of her staff that she has dated. A source said: "Britney and Lee hit it off immediately. He is her perfect type. "

Halle Berry tops worst performances poll

H alle Berry tops worst performances poll: Oscar winning actress Halle Berry has topped King magazine's worst performances by models turned actresses list of shame thanks to her role in "Gothika". Berry beat the likes of Cameron Diaz in the infamous list, reports contactmusic.com. The five worst performances are: Halle Berry in "Gothika",Cameron Diaz in "Any Given Sunday", Garcelle Beauvais in "Wild Wild West",Cindy Crawford in "Fair Game",Tyra Banks in "Coyote Ugly".

Helen Mirren tops Vanity Fair's best dressed list

O scar winning actress Helen Mirren has topped Vanity Fair's prestigious best dressed women list of 2008, while "Blood Diamond" star Djimon Hounsou leads in the men's list. Mirren beat the likes of Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Connelly who are much younger than her, says a report in thesun.co.uk. In the best dressed actors list, Bond Star Daniel Craig was pipped to the post by "Blood Diamond" star Djimon Hounsou.

Actors David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson arrive for the pre

Actors David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson arrive for the premiere of the ‘X Files-I want to believe' in London on Wednesday

‘O ur Jehad Weapon Is Love’

‘O ur jehad weapon is love’
Sheikha Cemalnur Sargut is a Turkish Sufi mystic. A former chemistry teacher, she is widely popular among the young in Turkey. Her teachings focus on the application of Sufi principles and ethics in daily life. She spoke with Swati Chopra:

How did you reconcile your study of modern science and philosophy with the Sufi way?
I was born into a Sufi family. In order to find things out for myself, i rejected my family’s ideas and studied philosophy and chemical engineering. I examined philosophers’ lives to see what i could learn from them, but saw that none of them was happy. Nietzsche became mad, Schopenhauer predicted the end of the world.
I turned to Samiha Ayverdi, my Sufi teacher, and asked her to show me somebody who was actually living what he or she was saying. She showed me Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi (1207-1273 A.D.). Some years later, she asked me to teach the young. I said i knew nothing. She said, it is then you can teach. You cannot teach when you claim to know something. You are actually learning when you are teaching.

There are many schools of Sufism. How would you characterise yours?
There are different paths to the Kaabah, one chooses this and another chooses that. My teacher’s teacher, Kenan Rifai, combined the four main Sufi paths, which stand for humbleness, knowledge, love and praying while living in the world fully. We are trying to bring these together.

Was this a new Sufi path?
Yes. Kenan Rifai was a revolutionary, as was Prophet Mohammed who broke the idols which are actually the ideas that bar our intellect, our mind. I try to do the same thing. I am lucky because many people accept me. Perhaps it is because i don’t want to show myself, but the beautiful face of religion.
The Sufi way is of love.
Love is so precious, it is our weapon. Our jehad weapon is love.

Have you ever had to face controversy because of your beliefs?
It happens all the time. My teacher said that if everybody loves you, you are not a real murshid (Sufi teacher). Some people must not understand you, because wholeness is very difficult to understand. People like to make war, to take one side. If you belong to all sides, then they don’t want to accept you.
There is increasing tension between secularists and fundamentalists in Turkey.
Problems are created by a handful of people, and they seem huge because they have big voices. In terms of the headscarf controversy, covering actually means to cover our bad habits.

What is your way of teaching?
We try to live what we learn. When i went to the US 10 years ago, one man said: If i just listen to you, i will think of you for a few days. But because i saw all of you (Sheikha and her students), i saw how to behave, how to be what you say. That is very important.

source:timesofindia

Rajni Kanth Apologises To Kannadigas

The much-hyped Tamil film ‘Kuselan’, will have a smooth release in Karnataka on Friday following the movie’s protagonist, super star Rajnikanth’s apology to Kannadigas for his anti-Kannada statements made during the Hogennakal controversy.

Speaking in Kannada to a local TV channel on Thursday, which caught up with him in Hyderabad, Rajnikanth admitted that his “utterances’’ were a blunder. ‘Kannadigas have taught me a good lesson. In future such mistakes will not happen,’’ he added.

Kannada activists were up in arms against Rajnikanth for his statements that he would not lose anything, if his films were not watched in Karnataka.

The remarks were made by the actor, while, participating in a protest organised by the Tamil film industry supporting Tamil Nadu government on the Hogennakal project in April this year.
The protest was in retaliation to the Kannada film industry taking up cudgels on behalf of Karnataka government which had taken exception to the project on grounds that it was being executed without consulting.

The protests and counter protests between the two states on the project had simmered following TN chief minister M Karunanidhi’s announcement that it would be put on hold till assembly elections in Karnataka were over.

But once the dates for “Kuselan’s” release were announced, Kannada activists put down the rider of an apology from the actor for the film’s screening in the state.

Baba Amte couple chosen for Magsaysay Award

Amte couple chosen for Magsaysay Award

More than three decades after Baba Amte won the Magsaysay Award for public service, his son Prakash Amte was on Thursday chosen along with his wife Mandakini for the prestigious prize, called the Asian Nobel Prize, in the category of community leadership.

It was 35 years ago, following in the footsteps of his father that Prakash had set up the first hospital for the Madia Gond tribals living in deplorable conditions in the forests of Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra and nearby Bastar region, now part of Chhattisgarh. Equipped with a medical degree, he took up his father’s offer to serve the tribals. Baba Amte had won the award in 1975.

When news reached him that he and his wife have been chosen for the award, Prakash was doing what he is best at — rescuing animals. “It was a 8-ft-long python caught in a net. Some tribals found it in the jungle and brought it to me. I was extricating it from the net and tending to its injuries when I got the news,’’ he said.

The doctor couple were awarded for “enhancing the capacity of Madia Gonds to adapt positively in today’s India, through healing and teaching and other compassionate interventions’’, the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation said in Manila.

Prakash and Mandakini are among seven individuals and one organisation from India, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand and Sri Lanka who have been selected for this year’s awards.

Besides working with tribals through his medical services in the remote, inaccessible and backward Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, Prakash is known for his love for wildlife and nature.

At his Hemalkasa camp, 350 km from Nagpur, Prakash has set up a virtual zoo which he likes to call “animal orphanage’’. Two years ago a Russell Viper’s he was tending, bit him almost pushing him to death. “It was my mistake, don’t harm the snake,’’ he exhorted family members. That snake now is a member of his zoo.

When he was studying, the senior Amte took him for a picnic to Bhamragad. It was there that he encountered the immense suffering of the Gond tribals living in poverty and deprivation without access to health care. When they returned from the trip, Amte asked if he would like to work for the tribals . Prakash’s answer was an instinctive ‘yes’. It was a decision that changed his life and that of poor tribals who found in him a selfless, unassuming doctor always ready to help.

The just-married Prakash and Mandikini then trudged some 50 km from Alapalli to reach Hemalkasa, where Baba had put up a hut. “Life was very tough then. For six months the place was cut off from the world with no bridges on rivers,’’ said Prakash. “We did not know the tribal dialect, making it impossible to communicate. They don’t speak any other language except Madia and that made matters difficult for us,’’ recounts says Prakash. The Gonds were suspicious of outsiders and resistant to the idea of visiting the Amtes for treatment.