Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor criticise the terrorism

I feel little scared as a Muslim: Saif

Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor are the latest Bollywood stars to criticise the government for failing to tackle terrorism and protect citizens.

Both said they were "disgusted" with politicians "who provide no leadership" while arming themselves "with so many security guards".

The actors were busy shooting for Renzil D'Silva's untitled project in Philadelphia when the mayhem broke loose in Mumbai Nov 26. "The government has failed us again. The BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) is advertising for votes while the bodies of the dead have not yet been cremated. Mr (Narendra) Modi had offered Rs 10 million to the widow of Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) chief Hemant Karkare. The news has shaken the foundations of our city and destroyed our already shaky belief in our government's ability to protect us," Saif wrote in a statement circulated to the media and signed by both.

Added Kareena: "I am disgusted with the so-called political leaders who provide no leadership and ironically surround themselves with so many security guards while doing little or nothing for the security of the people who have voted them to power.

Saif also slammed the terrorists for killing "innocent people" in the name of "god" or "religion". "As an Indian and a Muslim, I feel like expressing my condemnation and outright disgust at any party killing innocent people in the name of god, Allah or whatever we choose to call him.

"I am so worried that the whole religion (Islam) will be judged and condemned. There are strong communal feelings running through all strata's of our society and I find it hard to defend the fact that there seems to be a Muslim hand behind every detonator. I feel a little scared as a Muslim now," explained the actor.

The couple offered commiseration for the families who suffered at the attacks and praised the police and media for their endeavours in tackling the situation. "Saif and I would both like to offer our deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and I want to applaud the media for being pro-active and for being the force that is trying to unite the nation," wrote Kareena.

Saif added: "I would like to thank the NSG (National Security Guard) and the Mumbai police who handled the situation so well with so little on their side in terms of equipment and support."

source:ndtv.com

Bollywood Actress Jiah Khan's Sexiest Photoshoot

"We had been getting too many requests from our readers to get Jiah to do a Maxim shoot," says Anup Kutty, Editor, Maxim India. "And with Ghajini around the corner, we figured this would be the best Christmas gift we could give Maxim fans."
After enticing Amitabh Bachchan in Nishabd, Jiah Khan gave Maxim magazine one of her sexiest photoshoots. The actress, who stars in Aamir Khan-starrer Ghajini out this month, is sure to capture many hearts, thanks to Maxim and photographer R Burman.

Bollywood Actress ' Reema Sen ' Interview

Bollywood Actress ' Reema Sen ' Interview

She is beautiful, glamorous, warm and friendly. All the heroes and directors in Kollywood who have worked with her will vouch for her friendliness and frankness.

Anyone who has met the charming Reema Sen will tell you that she has the knack to make you feel special and at ease.

It’s been two years since her last release Vallavan hit the screens, but the actress is still a hot favourite of all Kollywood directors who want to sign her up. What makes Reema special?
The actress concentrates on one film at a time. For the last few months, Reems, as she is called by friends, has been shooting for Selvaraghavan’s magnum opus Aayirathil Oruvan in various locations from the deserts of Jaisalmer to the forests of Kerala. She now opens up to Chennai Times.

You seem to have disappeared from Kollywood. For the last few months, you have been keeping away from the media, why?
It’s true that I have not had a release in two years. I have been keeping a low profile for the simple reason that I haven’t had anything to talk about. For the last one year, I have been shooting, for one film — Selvaraghavan’s Aayirathil Oruvan. We have shot for over 200 days in various locations across India. I’m enjoying every bit of it, though the terrain has been inhospitable and the weather conditions extreme.

The never ending shooting of the film has been a bit of a joke in the industry.Who cares? I will boldly say Aayirathil Oruvan is truly a spectacular action adventure moving from the 13th century to the present day. It is an attempt by Selva to do a different sort of film on a big canvas. I have almost given two years of my life for the film.

For a commercial star like you, spending two years on a single project could prove suicidal for your career. What do you say?
Many of my friends in the industry have echoed similar sentiments and said I was a fool to give bulk dates. Do you think I would do it if I’m not convinced by Selva’s script and narration?

The buzz is that your movie has been inspired by the Indiana Jones series and Lara Croft’s Tomb Raider...
It’s utter nonsense. Does anybody other than the actors working in the film know the story to make their comments? Let people speculate till the film releases.

How has it been to work with Karthi, who is doing his second film?
The guy is amazing. He understands cinema and is a perfect actor. He is sharp and grounded and I guess it will take him a long way.

There have been reports of ‘Selva torturing you on the sets’ of the film?
Selva is a very demanding director on the sets. Unless he is convinced, he will not okay a shot. He screams, cajoles and pampers to get the scene right. I’m cool with it.

What about Andrea?
The grapevine has it that during the shoot, you were taking potshots at each other, as she was the director’s favourite and he was extending her role?
I don’t know what you are talking about. Andrea and I are ok, though we are not great friends.

The rumour mill has it that Vishal, with whom you did back-to-back hit films, is still crazy about you?
(Laughs) It happened a long time back in Bethlehem, and is more of a media creation. Vishal and his brother Vicky were my good friends and we used to party together along with our group of friends. During Sathyam promotions, he told the media that his dream date was Reema Sen. Well, I guess he has the freedom to say what he wants. I will not react to such things.

Do you like to party?
I like to chill with my good friends Shriya and Trisha. Shriya stays a stone’s throw away from my apartment in Mumbai. All of us gel well and on occasions, we like to party.

A t the Filmfare party, Nayanthara looked through you at the lobby of the hotel where both of you were staying. Please comment...
If people lack basic etiquettes, I can’t help it. I did a film with her, but we were never good friends.

The buzz in Kollywood is that you are doing a very glamorous role and looking sexy in revealing clothes in Aayirathil Oruvan. Please comment.
(Laughs) There is a difference between sensuality and sexuality. All I can say is that it is not like I have worn a two-piece swimsuit and walked out of a pool. Yes, I have a very different look. I have lost weight as I wanted a size zero fit for the film as the script demanded it.

What after Aayirathil Oruvan?
I will be doing more films in Tamil next year. At the moment, I’m onlY committedPriyadarshan’s Malamal Weekly 2 for Percept.

source:timesofindia

Baby Moshe's Indian nanny recalls Nariman horrror

BRAVEHEART: Indian nanny Sandra Samuel may be given Israeli citizenship to be with baby Moshe.

The world knows her as the daring nanny who, clutching a two-year-old boy, pushed past the havoc in a terrorised Mumbai and risked her life to keep the toddler safe.

But Sandra Samuel sees no heroism in her actions amid last week's terror attacks on India's financial capital that killed nearly 180 people -- including baby Moshe's parents, Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and his wife, Rivka. She only wishes she could have done more.

"Even today, I am thinking I should have sent the baby and done something for the rabbi and his wife," Samuel told CNN in an exclusive television interview in Israel, where she now lives.

Samuel and Moshe were among the few to make it out of the Chabad House alive after gunmen stormed the Jewish center, killing the Holtzbergs and four others.

Israel's Chabad movement has set up a fund to provide for Moshe's care. He is being looked after by members of the community, although who will serve as his guardian has not yet been established.

The nanny says she came face to face with a gunman late Wednesday, the first night of the siege. "I saw one man was shooting at me -- he shot at me."
She slammed a door and hid in a first-floor storage room and attempted to reach the rabbi and the others on the second floor.

Overnight, Samuel frantically tried to call for help as gunfire and grenade blasts shook the Chabad House.

Samuel says she emerged early the next afternoon, when she heard Moshe calling for her. She found the child crying as he stood between his parents, who she says appeared unconscious but still alive.

Based on the marks on Moshe's back, she believes he was struck so hard by a gunman that he fell unconscious at some point as well.

"First thing is that a baby is very important for me and this baby is something very precious to me and that's what made me just not think anything -- just pick up the baby and run," Samuel said.

"When I hear gunshot, it's not one or 20. It's like a hundred gunshots," she added. "Even I'm a mother of two children so I just pick up the baby and run. Does anyone think of dying at the moment when there's a small, precious baby?"

Outside, chaos flooded the streets as people tried to make sense of the massacre that killed at least 179 people and wounded 300 others. Ultimately, she and Moshe reached safety at the home of an Israeli consul before arriving in Israel, where she is considered a hero.

In the aftermath of the attacks, Moshe asked for his mother continuously, Samuel says, and he is learning to play again -- though he likes the nanny close by. And while she still has nightmares of the horrific siege that took hold of Mumbai, Samuel, a non-Jew and native of India, said she will stay in Israel for as long as Moshe needs her.

"Yes, yes, they said it is important I am here," she said. "Me, I just take care of the baby."



CNN: Tell us what happened.

Samuel: I was in the kitchen. I came running to stop them and I saw one man was shooting at me he shot at me, it was like something I don't know but still in that time I could shut the door I lifted the phone, I could hear rabbi speaking in second floor, everyone speaking at once, then I knew there was some problem, I put the phone down and took out that wire because I didn't want that phone to be ringing.

CNN: What did you do next?

Samuel: That's it, I was in the storeroom hiding like a coward, I don't know.

CNN: How long for?

Samuel: It was until next morning when the baby called me. When I went, Moshe was next to his Ima (mother) standing and crying out my name, that's what I know.

CNN: What were you thinking, what went through your mind?

Samuel: My first thought was for the baby, only for the baby. But then when I saw my rabbi and his wife. Even today I think I should have sent the baby and done something for the baby and his wife. But…

CNN: But you saved Moshe, how was he when you picked him up?

Samuel: When I picked him up he was quiet, that's why I could bring him out, I don't know if somebody else was there. May be he'd have created a racket. Just because it was me and he's been with me that he didn’t cry.

CNN: Did you know where the gunmen were?

Samuel: No.

CNN: Were you scared as you ran out of the house?

Samuel: Scared no, I was like just take the baby and run, frankly I don't even know what I was thinking, I just picked up the baby and I ran and that other worker Jackie was with me and we ran like mad. When I heard gunshots, not one two but hundreds of gun shots, 10-20 grenades, in the Chabad I just picked up the baby and ran. I don't think of fear. Does anybody think of dying at that moment when a small precious baby's (around)? No. I have dreams, nightmares actually, about this -- me sitting between the fridge and another worker sitting by the fridge and we want to do something but we can't do anything and we go to the window and as we come out they bomb the glass has been shattered everywhere.

CNN: How are you coping?

Samuel: Me? Baby's there that's it.

Akshay Kumar and Shilpa Shetty met after 8 years.

What happened when Akshay Kumar and Shilpa Shetty met 8 years after breaking up? The two could not stop being formal with each other. And at the end, Akshay Kumar, started off with his humour. You truly cannot afford to miss this one.

Indian nanny of Moshe to get Israeli honour

The Indian nanny who rescued Jewish toddler Moshe Holtzberg from the clutches of terrorists during the Mumbai attacks, may be conferred a top Israeli honour usually reserved for saviours of Jews from Holocaust.

Moshe, the orphaned son of Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and his wife Rivka, reached in Jerusalem in a special Israel Air Force aircraft last night which also brought the governess, Sandra Samuel.

The Jewish couple were killed during the terror siege of Nariman House where they ran a cultural and outreach centre for the ultra-orthodox Chabad-Lubavitch movement.

Samuel, lauded a hero by the Chabad movement and Moshe's family for saving the child, could be conferredthe "Righteous Gentile" award that could facilitate herstay in Israel, media reports said. The special honour is usually reserved for those who risked their lives to save Jews from the Holocaust.

Samuel, 44, had worked at the Chabad centre for about five years andstarted caring for Moshe who had become "extremely connected to him". As terrorists stormed the Chabad centre last week,Samuel locked herself in a room with another staff member.

The following morning, she heard Moshe calling her name and went to look for him. She found Moshe, his pants covered in blood, crying beside his motionless parents. The Indian nanny toldreporters that she grabbed the child and ran outside.

Terrorists continued the siege of Nariman House for the next two days, killing several hostages before being gunned down.

Jessica Biel Performance

Biel-icious

A scene ON YOUR MIND in which Jessica Biel appears in hot pants in the Nicholas Cage-starrer Next once remarked – this is what movie-going audiences pay for! You couldn't but agree. Biel's acting career took off at 14 with the TV serial 7th Heaven, which was a runaway hit. But Biel, unhappy with her good-girl image posed semi-nude for a mag!

The big break for this model actress came with the film The Illusionist, winning her a couple of prestigious awards. Her acting career has gone on from there, with some acknowledgeable performances. But watch out folks, for Biel plays a stripper in an upcoming film Powder Blue next year. And news is, she'll appear in the buff for the first time. Oh, FYI, our lady here has made it to all the major hot-lists in the last few years. You knew that, right?

Saif Ali Khan’s and Rosa Catalano’s Relationship

‘I still love Saif Ali Khan

Rosa Catalano’s Interview

Rosa Catalano’s only claim to fame (so far) is that she’s Saif Ali Khan’s ex-girlfriend. But after her relationship with the Chhote Nawab went

kaput, Rosa tried hard (and is still trying) to find a foothold in Bollywood. Rosa, who was first seen as a model at a fashion week in India, has been embroiled in several controversies. She lowers her guard and tells us about the controversies...

While in a relationship with Saif Ali Khan, did you at any point feel overshadowed by him?
Initially, I felt that since I was just a model, my image was being overshadowed. But later, I got used to it.

You seem to have enjoyed the limelight while he was a part of your life?
I was in a relationship with Saif. And that was the only thing I cared about. I still love him and I really enjoyed that limelight.

What was the reason for your break-up with Saif?
As it’s something very personal, I don’t want to comment on it.

Are you dating someone right now?
No, I am not but I would like to be in love. But this time, I will really think twice before falling in love.

In an interview you said you would love to pose nude. Will you pose nude for any Hollywood or Bollywood film?
It depends. I would love to do the same for charity, but not for money.

How does it feel to see Saif with Kareena?
Love is a beautiful thing. It’s not easy at times, but it’s worth experiencing. I am happy if Saif is happy with her.

What do you like about India?
I’m a very spiritual person and I love the country’s spiritual side. I just visited the Ajanta and Ellora caves. It was a unique experience. India is beautiful if you know how and where to look.

source:timesofindia

Britney Spears Positive changes In 2009

Britney's plans for 2009

After making a remarkable comeback, pop star Britney Spears says she has planned many things for In the January issue of Glamour magazine, the ‘ Toxic’ singer has revealed what positive changes she’s going to make in her life.

"I would like to stop worrying so much because I worry all the time," Insider quoted her, as telling the magazine.

"And to learn how to be happier, just in general. I have to learn to take things not so seriously,” she added. Britney also revealed what role her new album played in turning things around.

"Recording this album has helped take my mind off certain things. For me, my music is therapy," she said.

Music Release of Bollywood Movie 'Chamku'

A recent do hosted by Bhushan Kumar and his wife Divya Khosla-Kumar turned out to be quite a show stealer with the three Deols hogging the limelight. It was with regards to the promotion of a film that Bobby Deol and Priyanka Chopra and Dharmendra made their presence felt here. Before the stars made an entry, buzz was that Priyanka would not really come and when people saw Rosa (Saif ’s ex-girlfriend), they were more confident that she was a substitute for Priyanka. But soon the rumour mills were stopped by the lady herself as she graced the occasion.

After the recent fashion fiascos she had been seen in some recent dos, she looked svelte in a saree. But all eyes were on Dharmendra, Sunny Deol and Bobby as soon as they were on the stage and everybody else was almost sidelined. Dharmendra was heard reciting a shayari written by himself which talked about his journey so far and about how far beyond he’s yet to go. Also seen at the event were Arya Babbar and Monty Sharma who are also part of the project.

Celina Jaitley...‘I am unlucky in love’

Former Miss India and Bollywood actress Celina Jaitley, who turned 27, says she has been unlucky in love but hopes god will bless her with more Celina Jaitley romance in life.

"So maybe for my birthday, god will grant me romance and love. About time I got lucky in love," said Celina, who celebrated her birthday recently with destitute girls. Celina sponsors some of these poor girls and she threw a party for them. "I threw a birthday party for my girls. Nothing makes me happier than seeing them smile. Wish my family was here."

"So for me it was not a very happy birthday. My parents left Mumbai and my dog didn't take well to their absence. So she swallowed plastic. The entire day before my birthday the vet was trying to pull the plastic out of her throat. Not a very pleasant way to bring in my birthday."

However, the actress tried to cheer herself up by buying a BMW on her birthday. "I need that boost. I've been working hard and Golmaal Returns is a hit. So I need to indulge myself. I know a girl's best friend are diamonds. But she needs a posh car to get to the jewellery store. So a BMW! " said the actress.

Ram Gopal Varma's Taj Tour

‘I didn’t do it consciously’
As usual, RGV is embroiled in yet another controversy. He talks to Hyd Timesabout walking into the Taj on Sunday after the blasts

Ram Gopal Varma's Sunday visit to the Taj along with actor Reitesh Deshmukh, has raised a public outcry. "Is it a picnic?" some questioned, while others raised doubts why 'a film director who specialises in films dealing with the underworld' was present there. Hyd Times speaks to RGV, for whom controversies are a way of life

In view of your visit to the Taj, do you think you have overstepped?
Being at the Taj was incidental, I did not do it consciously. I was there with Riteish (Deshmukh) at that time. I think the whole thing is being blown out of proportion. I have anyway not seen anything more than what was already shown in the media.

What’s your overriding fascination with terrorism?
Once again I make it clear, I have no intentions of making a film out of this incident.

Are you going ahead with your film, Rakta Charitra on the Rayalseema faction feud? Has Moddu Seenu’s death added a new twist to your story's plot?
I am going ahead with the film. Like any other person, I was shocked by Seenu's death. The cycle of violence is continuing and the basic principle that those who live by the sword die by the sword, will not change.

Is Sarkar III still on the cards?
Not really.

Will your film on the media, in some way reflect the media coverage of the Mumbai terror incident?
The film's titled Rann – A News Story and the shooting will start in January. The star cast includes Amitabh Bachchan, Riteish, Sudeep, Paresh Rawal, Rajat Kapoor, Raima Sen, Manisha Koirala, Gul Panang and Mohnish Behl. The script of the film was finalised two months ago, so my using instances of media reporting on the recent incident is out of the question.

source:timesofndia

Hillary Clinton, Robert Gates on Obama national security team

President-elect Barack Obama unveiled his national security team today, including formally announcing his intention to nominate his onetime rival for the Democratic nomination, Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York, as the next secretary of State.

Obama also announced his intention to keep current Defense Secretary Robert Gates in his post, likely for at least a year in the new administration. The president-elect also said he would nominate Susan Rice as ambassador to the United Nations, retired Marine Gen. James Jones as his national security adviser, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano as homeland security director and Eric Holder as attorney general.

"The national security challenges we face are just as grave, and just as urgent, as our economic crisis," Obama said during a Chicago news conference where he was surrounded by his newly chosen team. "We are fighting two wars. Old conflicts remain unresolved, and newly assertive powers have put strains on the international system. The spread of nuclear weapons raises the peril that the world's deadliest technology could fall into dangerous hands. Our dependence on foreign oil empowers authoritarian governments and endangers our planet."

Obama said he, his security team and the American people believe "now is the time for us to regain American leadership in all of its dimensions" as he sought to strike a balance between "maintaining the strongest military on the planet" and employing "the wisdom of our diplomacy."

All of Obama's nominees appeared in Chicago as did the vice president-elect, Joe Biden.

The nomination of Clinton comes only months after a hard-fought and often caustic Democratic primary in which the former first lady, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, questioned Obama's experience on the world stage and his credentials to become commander in chief in contrast to herself and Republican nominee John McCain.

But Obama called Clinton "a friend, a colleague, a source of counsel" and "a tough campaign opponent."

"She is an American of tremendous stature who will have my complete confidence, who knows many of the world's leaders, who will command respect in every capitol, and who will clearly have the ability to advance our interests around the world," Obama said, adding that her appointment was "a sign to friend and foe of the seriousness of my commitment to renew American diplomacy and restore our alliances."

Clinton said it was "very difficult" to leave her Senate seat of eight years but said her service prepared her for the job since "New Yorkers aren't afraid to speak their minds and do so in every language."

She called Obama's election a signal that the American people have demanded not only a new direction on domestic affairs, but in foreign relations as well, in which "vigorous diplomacy" is balanced with military might.

Clinton's nomination comes after her husband, former President Bill Clinton, agreed to curtail his foreign speechmaking and acceptance of money for his Clinton Global Initiative charitable conference. The former president also agreed to disclose the names of all contributors to his charitable foundation and submit his speech schedule for review by the State Department and the White House counsel.

In a statement, former President Clinton said his wife was the "right person for the job of helping to restore American's image abroad, end the war in Iraq" and "advance peace and increase our security."

"She has already earned the respect of foreign leaders and diplomats through her work to promote human rights and the empowerment of women through access to education, healthcare and economic opportunity," the former president said. "And Americans know from her leadership in the Senate on national security that she will always put the security, values and the interests of our people first."

But Republicans were quick to pounce on the appointment, noting that during the Democratic primary campaign Obama's camp said Clinton was never a "player" on foreign policy and did not do "any heavy lifting with foreign governments" during her time in her husband's White House.

Obama said he knew it was "fun for the press" to contrast the statements from the campaign trail to today's announcement.

"Look, if you look at the statements that Hillary Clinton and I have made outside of the heat of a campaign, we share a view that America has to be safe and secure, and in order to do that we have to combine military power with strengthened diplomacy," Obama said.

Gates has been secretary of Defense for nearly two years. He previously served as deputy CIA director and was a deputy National Security Agency adviser for President George H.W. Bush. His role for the Obama White House is viewed as transitional.

Jones rose from the Marines to become the supreme allied commander for NATO and has held a number of posts under Democrats in Congress and in the State Department under Republicans. He was said to be on the vetting list as a possible Obama running mate.

Napolitano is a former U.S. attorney and former Arizona attorney general. She was among the first governors to call for the use of the National Guard to patrol the country's borders, at federal expense, to address illegal immigration.

Holder was deputy attorney general in the Clinton White House. A top legal adviser to the Obama campaign, he also served on the team that vetted his potential running mates. Holder also was previously U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia.

Rice was a leading foreign policy adviser to the Obama campaign, on leave from her post as a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. She previously served in the Clinton White House as an assistant secretary of State for African affairs.

Obama said there was a common thread linking the nation's economic problems with foreign concerns: "Our destiny is shared with the world's."

"From our markets to our security, from our public health to our climate, we must act with the understanding that, now more than ever, we have a stake in what happens across the globe," he said.

Obama said he had spoken with current Secretary of State Condolezza Rice throughout the past weekend about the terrorist activities in Mumbai, India. And he used the attacks, which killed six Americans, to vow a diligent fight against extremists.

"Both myself and the team that stands beside me are absolutely committed to eliminating the threat of terrorism and that is true wherever it is found," he said. "We cannot tolerate a world in which innocents are being killed by extremists based on twisted ideologies."

source:latimes.com

Telugu Actress Bhoomika to start first production

Bhoomika’s production house Down Town Pictures has already been initiated and plans are on to start a film magazine and a web-site in the name ‘Movie Minar’ on November 29. On the same day, in the direction of 'Satyabama' fame Srihari Nanu, the first movie of Down Town’s production banner will be commenced.

Bhoomika debuted as a heroine in Telugu cinema with 'Yuvakudu'. She became a sought after heroine with 'Khushi' opposite Pawan Kalyan. She co-starred with most of the top heroes like Chijanjeevi in 'Jai Chiranjeeva', Nagarjuna in 'Snehamante Idera', Venktesh in 'Vasu', Ravi Teja in 'Naa Autograph', Shivaji in 'Missamma' and gained a niche for herself as a good artist. Her recent releases were 'Anasuya' and 'Mallepuvvu'.

Maharashtra Dy CM R R Patil resigns

NEWS FLASH :Maharashtra Dy CM R R Patil resigns.