CELEBRITY HUB

Nov 27, 2010

Akshay Oberoi INTERVIEW

Vivek’s actor-cousin Akshay Oberoi is Salman’s fan!

Debutant Akshay Oberoi, who happens to be the first cousin of Vivek Oberoi, happens to be a Salman Khan fan!

Cousin of Vivek Oberoi and the new face of Rajshri Productions, Akshay Oberoi is surprisingly a Salman Khan fan! The newcomer even prefers to 'follow' his icon 'Salman Khan' on Twitter and in real life over his own cousin Vivek!

We chatted up the youngster on his filmy lineage, equation with Salman and foray into Bollywood.

Salman Khan has been promoting you and your 'debut' Rajshri film, inspite of you being Vivek Oberoi's cousin!
It feels great. I have always been a Salman fan. I've met him a couple of times and he does guides youngsters indeed. I am always star struck when I meet him. He has encouraged me a lot. Salman has even played a cameo in my forthcoming film 'Issi Life Mein'.

Salman's infamous spat with Vivek is known to all.
The film industry is like a family. Salman and Vivek are like two brothers within the family and differences happen.

So have you replaced Salman as Rajshri's most lovable hero 'Prem'?

Not at all. Nobody can replace Salman as Rajshri's Prem. He is the iconic Prem. I play Vivaan in the film who works in theatre and wants to achieve everything in this very life. His father wants him to be a CA/ CFA but he wants to live life on his terms. My film is a love story.

Did Vivek inspire to act in films?

I've been in love with films since I was 10 years old. My filmy lineage did play an important role but Vivek and I have lived our life apart. I was in US, studying acting, theatre at The Johns Hopkins University, US. We haven't interacted much. We don't meet up often either. But I am sure he wishes well for me. I loved his work in Saathiya, Company and Rakta Charitra.

How did you get the big break with Rajshri?

I struggled as an actor for a year before I auditioned for this role. I am glad I got selected. They are one of the best production houses we have here.

Rajshri receive a lot of flak for their never ending songs in films.
'Issi Life Mein' is unlike your typical Rajshri film in many ways. Though the core Rajshri family values are in place, it's more about dreams and fulfilling your dreams than marriages!

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Allu Arjun Engagement Ceremony Video

Nov 26, 2010

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Allu Arjun getting engaged today

Allu Arjun aka Bunny is getting engaged to a Hyderabadi girl named Sneha Reddy today (November 26). It is said that the engagement ceremony would be held at the bride's house.

According to reports, the function will be attended by close relatives and friends of the couple. Allu has said that the ceremony would be a low-key affair as they did not find a suitable venue and engagement date was fixed in a hurry. Sources say that Allu Arjun and Sneha Reddy's wedding will be held in February 2011.

Sneha Reddy is the daughter of educationist and businessman Sankar Reddy. She has completed MS in Computer Science from a reputed US university.

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Kamal Haasan’s younger daughter in love

Kamal Haasan and Sarika’s younger daughter Akshara Haasan has found love. The 20-year-old is dating Jason Jeyaseelan, a Sri Lankan boy based in Colombo.

A source close to the couple reveals, “They met through common friends and have been dating for over a year now. The couple is very much in love and going pretty strong.”

Akshara, who lives with her mother Sarika in Mumbai, is a great dancer and aspires to be a choreographer. But currently, she is working on ad films as an assistant director. Apparently, she is working hard on her relationship too.

The source adds, “Jason and Akshara are quite open about their relationship and have put up their pictures on social networking sites. Akshara’s family knows that Jason is her close friend but they are unaware that they’re in love.”

A look at the networking site reveals that the two are comfortable expressing their feelings for each other publicly. Like other couples on such sites, they too have nicknamed each other Akshu and Zayn. Aw! Told daddy, Akshu?

Nov 25, 2010

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South Korean Defense Minister Kim Tae-young resigned

South Korean defense minister steps down

Resignation comes amid criticism over response to North Korean artillery attack

South Korean Defense Minister Kim Tae-young resigned Thursday in the wake of North Korea’s artillery attack on an island at the centre of a dispute between the two countries. Critics have lambasted the South Korean administration for not being prepared for the attack and for responding too slowly. Meanwhile, South Korea is sending in more troops to the island. North Korea’s attack was the first on civilian-inhabited land, and has led some to fear that war is imminent between the two neighbours.

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Asian Games boxing: Krishan wins gold, Dinesh silver

Guangzhou, Nov 25 (IANS) On a mixed day for India, Vikas Krishan won the gold in the men's 60 kg boxing but compatriot Dinesh Kumar settled for silver after losing his bout in the 81 kg weight category in the Asian Games here Thursday.

Krishan beat China's Qing Hu 5-4 in a keenly fought bout while Dinesh lost 4-10 to a far superior Elshod Rasulov of Kazakhstan.

Krishan was tied 1-1 with the Chinese after the first round but nosed ahead 3-2 in the second. The Indian showed superb defensive skills to restrict Qing, who made furious attempts to level the scores with the Chinese crowd staunchly behind him.

The third round also ended on 1-1 but Krishan succeeded in sustaining the lead.

It was India's first gold in boxing here.

However, Dinesh failed to make it two in a row for India. The Indian was off to a poor start, trailing 0-1 in the first round before Rasulov stepped up the ante to stretch the lead to 2-5 in the second.

The Kazakh continued to dominate in the third round (4-2) to put it beyond the Indian.

Five Indian boxers Wednesday put themselves in contention for gold medals.

Apart from Krishan and Dinesh, Santosh Kumar Virothu (64kg), Vijender Singh (75kg) and Manpreet Singh (91kg) booked their place in the title clash after winning their semi-final bouts.

The trio will take to the ring Friday.

Besides the gold and silver, India have also won four bronze medals in boxing.

Suranjoy Singh (52kg) and Paramjeet Samota (+91kg) lost their semi-final bouts to end up third. In the women's category, five-time world champion M.C. Mary Kom (51kg) and Kavita Goyat (69-75kg) ended up with similar results.

Nov 22, 2010

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Imran Khan moves-in with his fiancée Avantika

Mumbai: All set to wed, lovebirds Imran Khan and Avantika have taken their relationship to another level as they have moved-in together. The couple that will tie the knot in January has decided to live-in much before their marriage.

But it’s no pre-marriage trial that the duo is experimenting with. News has it that Imran’s bungalow is undergoing some major renovations and it’s for this reason that the actor and his mother Nuzhat have moved into Avantika’s home.

Confirming the news, Imran told a daily, “My bungalow belonged to my grandpa (late Nasir Hussain). The time had come to do it up all over again. It required a lot of repair for various reasons. The inside structure is being changed to a large extent. So, now I am staying at Avantika’s house.”

However, Imran aims to restore most of his grandfather’s belongings like his chair and desk. “I am putting them up in my office. I shall be using them. I will never do away with certain things, which are everlasting memories. My grandpa penned so many hit films sitting on that chair and using that desk to write,” adds the actor.

And for living with Avantika, the actor said “What I see in Avantika, I can’t see in any heroine I have worked with. I proposed to her first in our period of dating. It’s been nearly eight years now. It’s not early to get married. Weren’t many stars in Bollywood younger than me when they tied the knot in their respective lives?”

Nov 20, 2010

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Rahat Tasneem is KBC's first woman crorepati

She is KBC's first woman crorepati

Mumbai: After 10 years and four seasons, 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' finally got its first woman crorepati as Rahat Tasneem won the prize money of Rs one crore in the fourth season of popular game show.

She is confidence personified, a trait which was even lauded by the show's host megastar Amitabh Bachchan.

Coming from a small town of Giridih in Jharkhand, the 37-year-old says she played well utilising the options of 'phone a friend', 'double dip', 'expert advice' and 'audience poll' effectively.

Rahat said she was confused initially and had to use the lifelines. "But, from the stage of Rs 3.20 lakh to Rs 50 lakh, I knew my answers and did not require lifelines."

"When Big B asked me where did I get my confidence from, I replied it stemmed from self-belief and the fact that I knew it all," she said.

Rahat won the crore sum by opting for 'double dip' to a question about which state did the first woman president of an African nation, belong.

"I was confused so I used my last lifeline (double dip)," she said adding she quit the game as she did not know the answer of the jackpot query of Rs 5 crore on the first heart transplant. "I did not have any lifelines left."

The lucky housewife had only Rs three in her mobile phone as balance when it began all, with a question on Hindu mythology on October 16. "I decided to take a chance and send the SMS," Rahat said.

Rahat said she was confident of being selected and got a call to give an audition in Mumbai on October 26.

"We were told that a bank account and PAN card was necessary for all contestants. When I went back home, the first thing I did was to open a bank account and apply for PAN card," she recalled.

The she was informed of being selected as a participant on November 1. The episode featuring her was shot on November 8 and will be telecast on November 18.

"I was confident of making it to the hot seat but winning Rs one crore is unbelievable. The feeling is yet to sink in," she said.

Besides, being a housewife Rahat runs a tailoring class. "Now, I will open a boutique and, after ensuring my other needs are taken care of, I plan to utilise my prize money for charity especially children's education," she said.

Rahat was married off at an early age but completed her degree course (BA Honours) in History after her children were born. She said her husband is presently employed with a public sector company and stationed in Kochi.

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Durai Dayanidhi's wedding Photo Gallery

Durai Dayanidhi, Anusha's Marriage Photo Gallery

Durai Dayanidhi, Anusha, M Karunanidhi, Dayalu Ammal,Surjith Singh Barnala, Latha Rajnikanth, Dhanush, Aishwarya M K Alagiri, Vairamuthu, Pranab Mukherjee, K Anbazhaganm, Vijay Mallya, M K Alagiri,Prabhu, Ajith, Suriya, Dayanidhi Maran, Pranab Mukherjee, P. Chidambaram and others were present at the wedding of film producer-distributor Durai Dayanidhi, grandson of Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and son of Union Minister M.K. Alagiri.

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Peepli Live to be screened at IFFI

India's official entry to the Oscars Peepli Live will have a special screening at the upcoming International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.

"A special screening of Peepli Live in the presence of important cast and crew members has been scheduled at the festival," IFFI organisers said today.

Debutante director Anusha Rizvi's critically acclaimed movie is a comic satire that explores the topic of farmer suicides and subsequent media and political attention to it.

The Aamir Khan Productions movie has Naseeruddin Shah, Raghubir Yadav, Omkar Das Manikpuri, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Shalini Vatsa and Malaika Shenoy in major roles.

The film is India's official entry for the 83rd Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Film category.

IFFI 2010 will be held from November 22 to December 02 in Panaji. The organisers said this edition of the festival will commemorate the golden jubilee of the Pune-based Film and Television Institute of India (FTII).

"Five non-feature films curated by the institute will be screened," an IFFI spokesman said.

As part of the celebrations of the platinum jubilee of Odiya cinema, five Odiya films will be screened during the 11- day extravaganza.

There will also be screening of films associated with Dadasaheb Phalke awardees like V K Murti and D Ramanaidu.

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Guzaarish - Movie Review

Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Aditya Roy Kapoor, Monikangana Dutta, Suhel Seth, Shernaz Patel and others

Screenplay-Music Director-Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Producer: Sanjay Leela Bhansali-UTV

Rating: ***

Background
Sanjay Leela Bhansali has made films like 'Khamoshi – The Musical', 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam', 'Devdas' and 'Black' before. His last attempt at the box office – 'Saawariya' was a disaster. He has a lot to prove with this film.

Storyline
Mercy killing or 'Project Euthanasia' is what Ethan Mascarenhas (Hrithik Roshan) demands. Ethan is a magnificent magician... He has the world under his thumb. He holds his audiences spellbound every time he performs. But one fine day one of his best friends does a foul play leading to a mishap and Ethan's bed ridden, never to be able to move on his own.

But his love for life does the magic as he turns into an RJ and solves the problems of all his listeners by giving them a mantra – that life is beautiful – go and enjoy it. He also gives away all the mantras of magic to his best friend's son, forgetting his evil deed.

But then one day, he feels that he wants to end his life and gets his listeners involved... He wants an audience poll on whether or not he should die with dignity of his own free will. The story also has an impression of undying love that the nurse Sofia (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) nurtures under her pious bosom.

He then engages a lawyer Devyani Dutta (Shernaz Patel) who is also his best friend. But she is unable to procure mercy killing that he so desires.

Sofia who looks after Ethan is happy as she does not support the idea but when the mother and doctor also agree to it then Sofia extends her support too for the mercy killing.

Is Ethan able to get the desired death or not? Will Ash get a divorce from her husband under the domestic violence act? Will she disclose her love for Ethan and finally will she turn to be Mrs Mascarenhas? All this form the crux of the story.

The making
Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali has a way of narrating stories. He has a thought process that is out of the box. 'Guzaarish' is about a lot of pain. It translates the agony and the emotions that tug at the heartstrings of the viewer. Every sequence in the film is handled with utmost care and the intricacies have been portrayed delicately. Sanjay's mantra 'love for life and love perhaps keeps the world going' – will surely touch the hearts of one and all.

Music by Sanjay Leela Bhansali has its own charm. A classy music may not pep the ears of the masses, but the classes love it. Excellent cinematography will surely be liked by one and all. Editing is almost up to the mark, but the editor needed to push the director into chopping the last few minutes leading to a better climax.

Performances
Hrithik Roshan, the protagonist Ethan Mascarenhas, has performed this unusual character brilliantly. His expressions manage to translate the pain on screen. Certainly his outstanding performance deserves a pat on his back. Aishwarya's effortless performance with ample brilliance brings life into the character. Monikangana Dutta is good as long as she is blowing off the candles. Others are decent.

Recommendation
Go watch the wonders of Sanjay Leela Bhansali this weekend.

Nov 19, 2010

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Sonam Kapoor Biography

Bollywood Actress Sonam Kapoor Profile, Biography

Born     9 June 1985 (1985-06-09) (age 25)
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Occupation     Actress
Years active     2007 - present
Spouse     None

Sonam Kapoor ; born 9 June 1985, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India) is an Indian film actress who appears in Bollywood films.

Early life

Kapoor is the daughter of Anil Kapoor and Sunita Kapoor, and the granddaughter of filmmaker Surinder Kapoor. She is the niece of producer Boney Kapoor, actress Sridevi, actor Sanjay Kapoor and producer Sandeep Marwah. Kapoor is the eldest of three children; the others are sister Rhea Kapoor and brother Harshvardhan

She went to school in Mumbai at the Arya Vidya Mandir school in Juhu and then enrolled in the United World College of South East Asia to do her International Baccalaureate. She is fluent in English, Hindi and Punjabi, and has received training in classical Indian and Latin dance forms.

Career

Before starting her career off as an actress, Kapoor worked as an assistant under Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and assisted him during the making of his film, Black (2005). She made her acting debut alongside newcomer, Ranbir Kapoor in Bhansali's Saawariya (2007), which failed to do well at the box office. Her performance was opened to good reviews by most critics.

In 2009, Kapoor appeared in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Delhi-6, opposite Abhishek Bachchan. The film flopped at the box office and received mixed reviews by the critics, but her performance was highly praised. Critic Rajeev Masand commented, "Sonam Kapoor is the revelation in Delhi 6. She's a firecracker performer, instinctive and uninhibited in what isn't even a conventional female lead"

In 2010, she appeared in Punit Malhotra's I Hate Luv Storys opposite Imran Khan. The film went on to become her first box office success She also appeared in the romantic comedy, Aisha, opposite Abhay Deol.
Awards and nominations

Filmfare Awards

Nominated

* 2008: Filmfare Best Female Debut Award; Saawariya
* 2008: Sony Head N Shoulders Fresh Face of the Year Award; Saawariya

Star Screen Awards

Nominated

* 2008: Star Screen Award for Most Promising Newcomer – Female; Saawariya
* 2008: Star Screen Award Jodi No. 1 along with Ranbir Kapoor; Saawariya

Zee Cine Awards

Nominated

* 2008: Zee Cine Award for Best Female Debut; Saawariya

Stardust Awards

Winner

* 2008: Stardust Superstar of Tomorrow - Female; Saawariya

Filmography

Year Movie Role Notes

2007     Saawariya     Sakina     Nominated, Filmfare Best Female Debut Award
2009     Delhi-6     Bittu Sharma
2010     I Hate Luv Storys     Simran Sharma
Aisha     Aisha Kapoor
2011     Thank You     Sanjana     Filming
Mausam     Aayat     Filming
Players         Filming

Nov 16, 2010

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Sarod maestro lights up Sai Baba's 85th birthday Celebrations

Puttaparthi, the abode of Sri Satya Sai Baba, on Monday witnessed a beautiful symphony of sound and spirit as thousands of devotees from across the world, important dignitaries and well renowned artists gathered to join the 85th birthday of the renowned spiritual guru.

The Festival of Divine Love commenced with a soul stirring performance by Sarod Maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan accompanied by his sons, Ayan and Aman; followed by the dynamic Carnatic vocalist Abhishek Raghuram later in the evening.

The Veda chanting began at 4:30pm on Monday, and it was at about 6:45pm that Swami arrived for darshan as the bhajan singing went on.

The proceedings of the day was a heartwarming experience for all at Puttaparthi and a joyous occasion for everyone as the maestro, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan himself stated, "It was a spiritual experience."
The musical performances heightened the emotions of all present and the purity of sound was soul touching as the renowned artists mesmerised the gathering with their talent.
Image: Ustad Amjad Ali Khan performing at Sathya Sai Baba's birthday celebration

All in all it was a musical feast for all gathered. The presence of Bhagwan Sri Satya Sai Baba seem to have inspired the artists to give one of their most memorable performances.

Shri Satya Sai Baba was born in a remote village called Puttaparthi in Ananthapur District of Andhra Pradesh in India on November 23, 1926 to the pious couple Ratnakaram Pedda Venkama Raju and Eswaramma.

Image: Sai Baba surrounded by thousands of devotees at his birthday celebrations at Puttaparthi

Baba was named Satyanarayana Raju. Young Raju was exemplary to others through his behaviour. Even as a child, His spiritual inclination and contemplative nature set him apart from other children of his age, and he was known as 'Guru' and "Brahmajnani' (knower of Brahman or Godhead) among his peers and others in the village.

However, he made the historic declaration of his Avatarhood, (divinity incarnate in human form') on October 20, 1940. The world at large started learning of his divine phenomenon and the holy mission started unfolding.

Sri Satya Sai Baba is revered and worshipped across the continents by millions of people for his teachings of value oriented life and for his innumerable projects in education, medical care and fulfillment of social needs.

Image: Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, sons Aayan and Amaan receiving blessings from Satya Sai Baba

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Katrina Kaif Interview : Working with woman director Farah Khan was nice

Katrina Kaif (Interview) Speaking about - woman director Farah Khan

She has a reputation for setting men's hearts aflutter and had worked only with male directors. But Bollywood star Katrina Kaif said working with a woman director - Farah Khan in Tees Maar Khan - has been a nice experience.

"I've had wonderful experiences of working with male directors as well, but definitely, it's nice working with a female director. The vibe is different and definitely there is a different way that you would bond or gel with a woman director," said Katrina in an interview.

The actress is all praises for Farah, who has given blockbusters like Main Hoon Naa and Om Shanti Om in the past.

"She is so clear about what she wants to do and is not a hard taskmaster on the sets at all. She never wastes a minute of your time and will never call you earlier. She is a phenomenal director and I think she is fantastic," she gushed.

Releasing Dec 24, Tees Maar Khan, an action-comedy, stars Akshay Kumar opposite Katrina. Akshaye Khanna too has a pivotal role in the film.

Throwing light on her role, the 26-year-old said: "I play a wannabe actress in the film, who is a very innocent girl."

"She doesn't see any possibility that a person might be doing something wrong or doing something bad. So Akshay is forever running after her to save her from situations that she gets herself into because she is too trusting.

"She is very ambitious too, but in a simple way, not in a very intelligent way. It was fun to play this character. I just kind of went with the flow," added Katrina.

Her well-toned look has also caught attention, particularly in the item song Shiela ki jawaani, already something of a hit.

"It's not that I had to lose weight, it's just that I wanted to set a different kind of target for myself in terms of fitness. Also, the clothes I'm wearing in the song demanded a more toned up look. So that's why I worked towards that," she explained.

Doesn't the title of the song sound suggestive?

"Lyrics are lyrics. No one should take them literally and seriously and analyse them in songs like these. If you believe that you are doing something clean and keeping yourself in the boundaries of dignity, then the lyrics and mood of the song don't matter and you feel comfortable while performing it," she said.

"I enjoy my dancing. I don't know how technically good I am, but I like doing it and I enjoyed it," she added.

Speaking about the film's leading man, Katrina said even though she had done a couple of films with Akshay in the past, including Hum Ko Deewana Kar Gaye, Welcome, Namastey London and Singh Is Kinng, audiences will still get to see something new in the movie.

"I think it's a new approach that we take in each film. You have never seen me and Akshay in this kind of space and this zone. That is something we always look for because when you do so many films together, it's important that we don't do the same things," she said.

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