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Lux Celebrates 75 Years Of Stardom : 
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, Friday, September 09, 2005 -- (Business Wire India) -- 

Lux – one of the most trusted brands in the country - is celebrating its 75 years of stardom in India. Lux soap was launched in India in 1929. 

Down the ages, every leading Bollywood star has been a ‘Lux’ star. Right from its first Indian star Leela Chitnis, Lux has gone on to feature Madhubala, Madhuri Dixit, Karisma, Aishwarya Rai and now Kareena, who have all endorsed the goodness of Lux. It is probably the only brand that has had the endorsement of nearly 50 Indian film stars. This rare feat has taken a huge leap forward with the Badshah of the Indian film Industry, Shah Rukh Khan, now saying, “Aaj mein aapko batanewala hoon meri khubsuratein Ka Raaz – Lux. Ab batayein aapka favourite Lux Star kaun hai?” (I am going to reveal my beauty secret – Lux. Now tell me who your favourite Lux star is?)
 
Across India, the four new variants of Lux that are in a special 75th year commemorative celebration pack will be endorsed by Dream Girl Hema Malini, Beautiful Juhi Chawla, Stylish Kareena and Sensuous Sridevi! They all come together in the new Lux ad with the first Indian male star… Shah Rukh Khan!
 
At this historic moment, stars are celebrating with the consumers where they will get to be part of the action with the ‘Har Star Lucky Star’ promotional activity. This will probably go down in history as the only promotional activity where every consumer is a winner. All wrappers of Lux will have a star printed inside them and the pictures of the stars in the pack!. The worth of each prize will be inscribed on each star. 

 
Mr. Ashok Venkatramani, VP Skin, Hindustan Lever Limited, says, “It is a great feeling being part of the team that works on a brand like LUX which has, down the ages, consistently given its users an unmatched bathing experience. It’s truly a proud moment. We have several things on the anvil to commemorate the 75 years of stardom. We are especially excited about the “Har Star Lucky Star” promotion where every consumer is a winner. Lux has always been the soap of the stars and we needed to find the perfect way to celebrate this momentous 75 years. What can create magic better than the Indian heartthrob Shah Rukh serenading the Lux beauties! ” ( Read full story )
 

Sush in saree is most exciting 
Though Aishwarya Rai and Sushmita Sen have been contemporaries both in the world beauty contests as well as the film industry, they hold different positions in their filmi career. While Aish has reached the number one position among Bollywood heroines following her roaring success in 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' and 'Devdas', Sushmita is still counted in the B grade actresses. However, Sush has earned glory in her recently released 'Main Hoon Naa'. The film industry has realized of late that Sush wearing a saree in Chandni Chopra's 'Main Hoon Naa'  This has prompted Sush to enter into direction field in the near future. 

It is Shibani's turn to be on top
New Delhi, "Zinda hoon main" from Sanjay Gupta's upcoming action flick "Zinda" is sitting pretty on the top of music charts this week. 

The top 10 Hindi songs are:

1. "Zinda hoon main" - Film: "Zinda"; Singer: Shibani Kashyap; Music: Shibani Kashyap - The title song, composed and sung by Shibani Kashyap, is topping the music charts. Virag Mishra has penned the lyrics of this hit number, which appears in three versions in the film.

2. "Rang de basanti" - Film: "Rang De Basanti"; Singer: Daler Mehendi; Music: A.R. Rehman; - The title song is surely a treat for bhangra-king Daler Mehendi's fans. The foot tapping number is quickly turning into a chartbuster.

3. "Say na say na" - Film: "Bluffmaster"; Singers: Aneela, Robert and Arash; Music: Vishal-Shekhar - After Mehmood's evergreen "Sabse bada rupaiyya", which was remixed by UK based band "Trickbaby" for the film, "Say na..." sung by Aneela, Robert and Arash is gaining popularity.

Bollywood film Bluffmaster review : 

'Bluffmaster' wise in treatment but lacks soul
Film: "Bluffmaster"; Starring Abhishek Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, Nana Patekar, Riteish Deshmukh, Boman Irani, Tinu Anand, Sanjay Mishra; Directed by Rohan Sippy; Rating: **

You know you are being taken for a ride. You know it's all a masterly make-believe. But the packaging and presentation are so intriguing, the efforts to take Hindi cinema away from the rhythms of a routine narration are so pronounced, you smile at the sheer novelty of this satirical stress-buster. 

Bollywood movie Kalyug Review : 
'Kalyug' - original and thought provoking
Film: "Kalyug"; Cast: Amrita Singh, Kunal Khemu, Smiley Suri, Deepal Shaw, Emraan Hashmi and Ashutosh Rana; Director: Mohit Suri; Rating: *** 

"One man's pain is another man's entertainment..." The truism trickles into the blazing bowels of this film more than once. At a time when many of the biggest films are unexpectedly turning from pleasure zones to titillating tombs of groans, here's a film that sings a different refreshing and believable ring tone.
 

Bollywood producers aiming to hit US theatres
Mumbai, A delegation of producers and distributors from Bollywood has held talks with an association of theatre owners in the US to make available theatres in America for Indian films. 

Bollywood actors turn to regional cinema
Mumbai, For many years now, Bollywood actors have been migrating to the south for better career prospects. Many actors and, more so, actresses have been dabbling regularly in south Indian flicks. 

Anees Bazmi goes from 'No Entry' to 'Welcome'
Mumbai, Anees Bazmi's "No Entry" is one of the biggest hits of 2005 and the marital comedy disproves the myth that screenwriters do not make capable directors.

No 'Apaharan' screening for anyone: Jha
Mumbai, Producer-director Prakash Jha has rubbished rumours that he is planning to organise a special screening of his film "Apaharan" for political heavyweights in Bihar.

Big is still beautiful for Bollywood
New Delhi, It is hard to find method in Bollywood's madness. Even as mega-budget, multi-starrer flicks are falling flat at the box-office, the costliest Hindi film has hit the marquee.Made with a whopping Rs.750 million, a new Bollywood record, Akbar Khan's "Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story" released Friday. Apparently, for an industry, which is often criticised for its herd mentality, no time is a bad time for big-budget films.

'Kalyug' marks Kunal Khemu's homecoming
Mumbai, Kunal Khemu, who worked as a child artiste in Mahesh Bhatt's "Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke" (HHRPK) and "Zakhm", is set to make his full-fledged acting debut in "Kalyug".

Aishwarya Rai getting into shape for 'Dhoom 2'
Mumbai, Esha Deol went svelte and shapely for "Dhoom". Now, Aishwarya Rai seems all set to do the same for "Dhoom 2" and has even asked for a couple of months to get into shape.So is it makeover time for Aishwarya Rai? And will "Dhoom 2" revamp her image? .
 

Bhimrao Dalvi- ‘Har Star Lucky Star’ Winner - Receives His Year’s Supply of Lux from Lux Superstar Kareena Kapoor! 

Lux consumer Bhimrao Dalvi from Mumbai wins a year’s supply of Lux and gets awarded by Lux superstar Kareena Kapoor. Lux is celebrating 75 year’s of stardom in India and to kick start the celebration, Lux has launched the Har Star Lucky Star activity.Har Star Lucky Star offer is bound to go down in history as the only activity where every consumer is a winner! All wrappers of Lux have a star printed inside them. If the consumer finds written inside the star, any number from “1” to “5”, she will get an equivalent discount (in rupees) on her purchase from her shopkeeper. If the consumer finds “75 years” written inside the star, she will get a year’s supply of Lux free, courtesy the beauty stars. 

Mr. Bhimrao Dalvi, from Santacruz, Mumbai, says “My family has been using Lux for years and I knew about the Har Star Lucky Star offer. However, when I saw 75 written on the wrapper I could hardly believe it! And to meet Kareena Kapoor and to receive prize from her was amazing!”

Kareena says, “My association with Lux has a very personal significance since my mother Babita and sister Karisma have also been Lux stars. I am proud of my association with Lux.”

Join in as the stars and consumers celebrate 75 glorious years of Lux!

Mallika's 'stellar' role in 'The Myth' just a myth
Mallika Sherawat's much talked about international debut with Jackie Chan starrer "The Myth" has the starlet cast actually in no more than a cameo.Her much-vaunted "stellar" role in Stanley Tong's "The Myth" is just that - a myth. According to the audience at the Toronto Film Festival where the film was premiered, her role is no more than a glorified cameo. "What was all the fuss about? And why do we go on about our prospects out West when Hollywood has no patience for us?" said an Indian actor present at the festival.

Celebrating 76 years of Lata Mangeshkar
Last week my friend, director J.P. Dutta, gave me one of the most precious gifts I've ever received in my life - two unreleased songs of Lata Mangeshkar from his shelved film "Sarhad".At JP saab's office, Lataji's incredibly dulcet tones wrapped around Sahir Ludhianvi's words "Ankahee dastaan ankahee reh gayee" and "Main kitni khush-kismat maa hoon". 

Shah Rukh Khan emerges new icon in Poland
It was Shahrukh Khan all the way as the 'Bollywood Badshah' drew the maximum attention at a three-day Indian film festival here. His three hits, "Kal Ho Na Ho", "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" and "Main Hoon Na" won over the young Warsovians, who were clapping and dancing whenever Shah Rukh came on the screen. "It's the time to disco" and "Mahi ve" - songs from "Kal Ho Na Ho" - were big hits.
 

Bhandarkar signs Sammir Dattani for 'Corporate'
Director Madhur Bhandarkar has signed Sammir Dattani for his next venture "Corporate" after he watched his performance in "Pyar Mein Twist".Says Madhur, "There's something really likeable about Sammir. He could be a part of a scene that has 10 other faces. But he holds the camera. That's the kind of face and presence I needed for a key role in 'Corporate'. Yes, I have signed him for the film."

alman-Ash tape were fake, says forensic test 
The controversial Salman Khan-Aishwarya Rai tape in which the actor is supposed to have exposed his underworld links is fake as the voices in it don't belong to the stars, reliable sources at a forensic laboratory here said Friday.

Mohit being marketed as matinee idol: Ram Gopal Varma ( INTERVIEW ) 
Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma makes a rather candid statement about his new production "James" - it has nothing new to offer. But wait, he hasn't finished yet.

I had a ball doing 'Salaam Namaste': Abhishek Bachchan ( INTERVIEW ) 
Abhishek Bachchan says he enjoyed every moment of his comic role as a frazzled gynaecologist in "Salaam Namaste" and insists it should not be labelled a guest appearance. 

'Water' creates waves at Toronto Film Festival
Indian origin filmmaker Deepa Mehta's "Water" created waves at the 30th annual Toronto International Film Festival when it was screened at its gala opening in this Canadian city.

Karisma, husband get more time to settle dispute 
The Delhi High Court Thursday granted the request of actress Karisma Kapoor and her estranged husband Sanjay Kapur for more time to settle their marital dispute out of court.

"Mangal Pandey - The Rising" at Locarno Fest 

(by : Manohar Chimmani - Film Director)
 
The Aamir Khan, Rani Mukharji starrer 'Mangal Pandey-The Rising' seems to be making news worldwide even before the much-awaited release of the film next month in it’s native land. The film, which comes almost four years after Farhan Akhtar's 'Dil Chahta Hai', has been chosen as the opening film at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland. Great news, isn’t it? Besides, producer Bobby Bedi’s ‘The Rising’ is going to be the first Indian film to open the Locarno Film Festival. Mangal Pandey is officially going to open the 58th Locarno Film Festival, to be held from August 3 to 13 in Switzerland. Locarno is the picturesque site for the first of the major August European festivals. It’s really awesome to know that the 58th Locarno International Film Festival will open with Director Ketan Mehta's story of India's first rebellion against foreign rule in the mid-19th century "The Rising". And the Rising star Aamir Khan ("Lagaan") along with Rani Mukherjee, Ketan Mehta and producer Bobby Bedi will attend the screening... ( Read full story )

You can get Previews, Reviews, Wallpapers,  Music of yet to be release Bollywood films :

Bollywood film Dansh Cast & Crew :
Cast: Kay Kay Menon, Sonali Kulkarni, Aditya Srivastava
Director: Kanika Verma
Music Director : Fazal Qureshi 
Lyrics : Nida Fazli
Producer : Talking Pictures

Hindi Film Salaam Namaste Cast & Crew :
Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Preity Zinta, Arshad Warsi, Tania Zaetta, Jugal Hansraj, Kunal Vijaykar
Director: Siddharth Raj Anand
Music Director : Vishal-Shekhar
Producer : Yashraj Films
Lyrics: Jaideep Sahni
Editing: Ritesh Soni
Screenplay: Siddharth Raj Anand

Hindi Movie Ramji Londonwaley Cast & Crew :
Cast: R Madhavan ( Maddy ) , Sameera Bangargi, Harsh Chhaya, Raj Zutshi, Satish Shah, Akhilendra Mishra, Dayashankar Pandey, Govind Namdeo
Director: Sanjay Daima
Music Director : Vishal Bharadwaj 
Producer : Sunanda Murli Manohar

' D' Movie : Make way for RanDeep!!!!

(by : Shiv Charan Pulugurtha -   Student- IIM - Calcutta )

The Factory’s latest offering ‘D’ hit theatres all over the world on 3rd June. There has been a lot of speculation about the movie with people calling it a prequel to Ram Gopal Varma’s critically acclaimed Company. The genre itself has been explored in great depth by Varma and a host of other makers and so the viability of another underworld flick was being questioned. So, has ‘D’ succeeded in silencing its detractors?? To start with ‘D’ has nothing new to offer in terms of either the story line or the screenplay. The film is extremely similar to Varma’s other two underworld offerings Satya and Company. One gets a sense of déjà vu in many a scene in the movie. But ‘D’ has something going for it that the other two films didn’t i.e. Randeep Hooda. In what is arguably the most power packed role of recent times ,Randeep Hooda plays the character of Deshu , a young man who seems to be besotted with the idea of playing the deadly games of the underworld with effortless ease. He looks the part with the stubble and goggles. His dialogue delivery is flawless and one never gets the slightest inkling that he is only doing his second movie. Full credit should go to Varma and Vishram Sawant for having the vision and etching out the role of Deshu in such a succinct manner. Hooda carries the movie on his shoulders and ensures that there is never a dull moment when he is on screen. So , is all well with ‘D’? The answer unfortunately is no. Hooda’s power packed performance apart , the film has nothing else to write home about. The film is surprisingly similar in story line to Satya. One doesn’t quite see the rationale of making the movie with such a striking similarity to Varma’s previous movie. Also, the film has poor editing, something one doesn’t expect from the Factory.The second half of the film peters off for a bit with there being three back to back songs!!!! Et tu Varma? So , what is ‘D’ about? Deshu( Randeep Hooda) comes back to Mumbai , from Dubai , where he is a mechanic because of his mother’s death. He happens to witness the killing of a fellow chawl resident at the hands of a few mafia men. The police are now after him as they want him to identify the murderers and so are the gangster , Maangli’s men as they want him to shut up. Deshu decides to stay shut. He then joins the rival gang headed by Haashim (Goga Kapoor) and offers to kill Maangli. After successfully accomplishing his first task, Deshu goes from strength to strength and rises at a phenomenal rate in the gang much to the chagrin of Haashim’s sons Mukarram( Sushant Singh) and Shabbir( Yashpal Sharma). Read Full Story

Keeravani composed music for Bollywood film Paheli as Kreem
Noted Telugu music director MM Keeravani is part of one of the ambitious projects of Bollywood - Paheli. Amol Palekhar is directing Paheli with Shahrukh Khan, Rani Mukharjee, Amitabh Bhachchan, Sunil Shetty in the lead. Shahrukh Khan is the producer too. Keeravani composed music for this film. Keeravani is not new to Hindi industry. He is one of the favorites of Mahesh Bhatt. No wonder he composed music for Bhatt movies Criminal, Zakhm, Jism, and Rog. Keeravani composed music in other languages too including Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam. Well the interesting thing here is that he has different identities. In Telugu he is MM Keeravani, in Tamil he is Maragathamani and in Hindi he is Kreem. The titles of Paheli carried the name of the music director as MM Kreem. T Series released the audio of the film. 

Shoaib Akhtar offered role in Bollywood film :
Pakistani bowler, Shoaib Akthar, has been offered the role of a gangster-on-the run in an Indian film 'Gangster' by filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt. 
 
"We were looking out for a person who had the combination of a young vulnerable face with the rawness of an animal instinct. Earlier, we had thought of Sanjay Dutt, but there were date problems, so when Meera, actress of my film 'Nazar', suggested Shoaib, I jumped at the idea," Bhatt said. 
 
The film to be directed by Anurag Bose will be shot abroad, he said, adding that they had assured Shoaib that they would start shooting soon once he gives his nod. 
 
"But it is only after I meet the cricketer that the picture would be clear," Bhatt said. 
 
"It was Meera who was instrumental in helping me get in touch with Shoaib and speak to him on phone," he said. 
 
"Shoaib was initially amused by the idea, but when he realised that the role was real and was offered to Sanjay Dutt, he took it up seriously and has agreed to meet me when I fly down to Pakistan next week," he said. 
 
"We will try and convince him about the need of using cricket and cinema to boost ties and bring a change in the relationship between both countries," he said. 
 
The filmmaker said he was also scheduled to meet the Pakistani Prime Minister to discuss on using cinema as part of confidence-building measures between the two neighbouring countries. 
 
"Pakistan channel 'Aaj' has arranged for a platform for the meeting in a programme titled Aaj Dosti", he said adding that he would be accompanied by his wife and director Soni Razdan. 
 
"We hope to raise the issue of permitting Indian films to be screened abroad during the meeting," he said.  Courtesy : The Hindu

You can get Previews, Reviews, Wallpapers,  Music of yet to be release Bollywood films :

Hindi film Naina : Hindi film Naina Directed by Shripal Morakhia, Produced by Firuzi Khan, Ashish Bhatnagar, Cast includes Urmila Matondkar, Anuj Sawhney, Shweta Konnur, Amardeep Jha, Naina Music composed by Salim - Sulaiman, Cinematography by C.K Muraleedharan Editing by Amitabh Shukla Screenplay by Sagar Pandya, Shripal Morakhia

Hindi Movie Paheli :
Paheli film Director : Amol Palekar 
Producer : Red Chillies Entertainment
Paheli Cast includes : Shahrukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Rani Mukherjee, Juhi Chawla, Suniel Shetty, Anupam Kher, Dilip Prabhavalkar, Rajpal Yadav 
Music Director : M.M Kreem
Lyrics : Gulzar
Cinematography : Ravi K. Chandran
Screenplay : Sandhya Gokhale

Hindi Cinema Parineeta :
Producer : Vidhu Vinod Chopra
Parineeta Cast includes : Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan, Vidya Balan, Riama Sen, Dia Mirza, Rekha (sp.app)
Parineeta Music Composer : Shantanu Moitra
Lyrics : Swanand Kirkire
Cinematography : N. Nataraja Subramanian
Screenplay : Rekha, Vidhu Vinod Chopra
Art Direction : Keshto Mondal, Tanushree Sarkar, Pradeep Sarkar

Bunty Aur Babli : Hindi cinema Bunty Aur Babli Direction by Shaad Ali, Produced by Yashraj Films, Cast includes Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukherjee, Amitabh Bachchan, Bunty Aur Babli Music composed by : Shankar-Eshan-Loy Lyrics by Gulzar, Cinematography by Abhik Mukhopadhyay
Editing by Ritesh Soni, Screenplay by Jaideep Sahni

Hindi film Yakeen :
Hindi Movie Yakeen Director : Giresh Dhamija 
Producer : Sujit Kumar Singh
Yakeen Cast includes : Arjun Rampal, Priyanka Chopra, Kim Sharma
Music : Himesh Reshamiya
Lyrics : Sameer
Screenplay : Vikram Bhatt

Hindi film Silsiilay :
Hindi film Silsiilay Direction by : Khalid Mohamed 
Producer : Vashu Bhagnani
Cast : Tabu, Kay Kay Menon, Bhumika Chawla, Rahul Bose, Divya Dutta, Riya Sen, Jimmy Shergill, Ashmit Patel, Natassha 
Silsiilay Music composed by : Himesh Reshammiya
Lyrics : Sameer
Cinematography : Santhosh Sivan
Editing : Sreekar Prasad
    

New censor guidelines 
Censor Board chairperson Ms Sharmila Tagore has said that the censorship has not lost its relevance in the age of Internet and raunchy music videos. She emphasized on the need of new guidelines of vigilance in keeping with the times. " While we are doing our best with the existing guidelines, I understand the need for framing new rules in accordance with the changing times, for which we have initiated steps, "she added. 

Bollywood amrita proves an exception 
Actress Amrita Arora has proved an exception. She is the one person who dared show even her flop movie to her boyfriend Afjal. We have heard about artistes taking their friends and admirers to their successful projects, but never to their failed ones. According to our sources, Amrita Arora visited a Mumbai multiplex along with Afjal to show him her flop movie 'Kitne Pass Kitney Door'. She was not disheartened to find that there were hardly two dozen audiences in the theatre. Hopefully she chose this quiet place to be with her boyfriend. 

Kim Sharma's 'Yakeen' on Arjun 
Arjun Rampal has had a number of flops in his five-year long career, but her co-star Kim Sharma has full faith in Arjun's future prospects. That's why she is starring with Arjun in the latter's 'Yakeen'. Similarly, Arjun's launch director Rajiv Rai is hopeful of his favorite actor though he knows that his two films have failed at the ticket window. Despite this Rajiv Rai has signed Arjun in his next. Besides, Girish Dhamija has signed Arjun opposite the most shining girl Priyanka Chopra in 'Yakeen'. Kim Sharma is doing an important role in Shreya Creations' 'Yakeen'. 

Lara's tauba to action movies 
Lara Dutta wants to bid goodbye to action films. She says she has had enough of it in her recent two movies-'Eilan'and 'Kaal'. She has enacted a lot of stunt scenes in both these movies. These have told on her body too. She is feeling stressed. So, she is looking for a break. Well, she is willing to do romantic movies now. Moreover, Lara has a habit of getting bored with one thing. Is it why she left her old boyfriend Kelly Dorji and has got fancy for John, one wonders! 

Bollywood film 'Tango Charlie' cast at border 
Actors Nandana Sen, Tanuja and Tanisha were recently seen in Suchetgarh sector to promote their film 'Tango Charlie'. This movie is based on the lives of the jawans of Border Security Forces posted at the Indo-Pak border. Besides, Indian jawans even Pakistani fans had collected there in good numbers to cheer the Indian actors.

Kajol signs Rs 500 m ad films 
The long wait of the directors and the producers seems to be over with the announcement of a talented actress back to filmdom after a lapse of about two years. Yes, Kajol will soon be seen in Yash Chopra's film starrer Aamir Khan. Besides, Kajol has also signed two big ad films of a multinational named Whirlpol. The MNC has signed her husband too in this project involving a huge sum of Rs 500 millions. The shooting for the big ad films will resume soon but after the director of the project is finalized. It is said a new director of the Yash Chopra camp will be named as its director. 

Abhishek enjoys with friends 
Abhishek Bachchan is happy nowadays as he has successfully displayed his acting skill in his films like 'Yuva' and 'Dhoom'. Besides, he has some offers from big banners. He is busy though with Ram Gopal Verma's 'Sarkar', Yash Chopra's 'Bunty and Babli' besides his home production. He is banking on 'Bunty and Babli' He seems to be fully relaxed now. Whenever free from shoot, the junior B is noticed enjoying with friends in five star hotels. Recently, we found him in an auditorium watching his papa's latest 'Black' in the company of his pals like Bunty, Goldie Anand, Rohan Sippy and Aditya. They told us that they were there at the invitation of junior B. Apart from it; they are also seen playing cricket on holidays 

Meghna keeps her lover waiting 
Meghna Naidu, the actress famous for her skin show in 'Hawas', waited for some time in the hope of turning a star, and declined some offers. Finally, she is happy as she has four movies in her kitty now. Her forthcoming 'Classic -Dance of Love', will release soon. Among her other movies to release later are 'Rain' and 'Ishq Deewana'. Both the movies will charm her viewers. Interestingly, during her shooting of 'Rain' the hotly dressed Meghna Naidu was seen bathing in an artificial rain. And a young man was waiting on the sets for hours to see Meghna. This young face is the new lover of Meghna after she left her old boyfriend Leander Paes. 

Neha Dhupia banks on ' Siskiyan' 
Neha Dhupia's high hopes on her 'Sheesha' dashed to the ground on the second day of the release. She was shocked too. Presumably, she realized that the success of a movie didn't depend on bold scenes and Shah Rukh only. There were other factors too. Now, she is busy shooting for 'Siskiyan'. She is stated to be telling people she comes across that the story and the role in her latest movie is just different. 

Bipasha not keen on bollywood awards 
After 'Gangajal' Prakash Jha is busy nowadays in the making of his forthcoming movie 'Apaharan'. The movie stars Bipasha Basu and Ajay Devgan. Bips is the one Hindi movie actress who is not too keen on getting awards sooner than she deserves. Jha is an awards winner. When asked if she has signed this movie with Jha to earn awards, she said no. Bipasha says, "The award for this film may go to Ajay Devgan for his performance. I do not expect this kind of award for me." 

Preity as guest in Hrithik's 'Krish' 
Though Hrithik Roshan had a hit with Preity Zinta in their 'Koi Mil Gaya', yet he would be missing her partner Preity in his papa's production 'Krish'. Hrithik has adopted a policy of 'go slow and be choosy' in regard to acting in films after his 'Lakshya' that failed him. It is stated that papa Rakesh Roshan wanted to sign Preity for 'Krish', but later assigned this role to Priyanka Chopra for the reason best known to him. However, papa knows his son's choice too, and has therefore roped in Preity in a guest role. Anyway, Hrithik would get some time to be with Preity. 
 
Newcomer excels in skin show 
Yes, the audience seems to be tired of the movies. That's why the response for such movies at the ticket window is low. But the competition among the heroines for bold scenes is still growing. About 18 such movies are stated to be on the floor these days. This is evident from the latest shooting we witnessed in Mumbai. Rajendra Tyagi, the producer of 'Jalwa', was busy shooting a scene with his two heroines. They were Payal Rohatgi, known for her bold image in Bollywood, and the other was Neha Bhatt, a new comer. Neha is niece of singer Hemlata. In her debut movie, Neha has excelled her senior heroines in enacting scenes. Payal lost her sleep when she saw Neha Bhatt picturizing the scene. Payal was wondering if Neha Bhatt will leave Neha Dhupia and Mallika Sherawat much behind in exposing the skin. 

Rekha shifts from mom to sis 
Actress Rekha knows how to remain evergreen. She has recently changed her character in Govind Menon's 'Bach Ke Rehna Re'. She was first assigned the role of a mother of Mallika Sherawat. But the role has changed now. She will play sister of Mallika. Since the movie is a take off from Hollywood's 'Heartbreakers', the original story was of a mother and her daughter. Rekha has changed the storyline inasmuch as the mother's character is concerned. Perhaps, Rekha is not happy with her character of a mom in 'Mother 98'. So, she will act as sister of Mallika. 

Career ke liye kuchh bhi chalega 
The casting couch story has grown in its dimension. Some of the artistes say that it is prevalent in other professions too, and defend it. Filmmaker Shyam Benegal who has worked with Shakti Kapoor in 'Zubeida', believes that the sting operation is a zero story. Rajat Sharma, owner of the channel, defends it by saying that it was the only way of exposing to the public the extent to which the people can go. Item girl Rakhi Sawant confesses that she has been propositioned. Manisha Koirala says that favors are rampant in almost all professions. Director Vinita Nanda opines that not only women but men also face exploitation. Meanwhile, actor Shakti Kapoor tendered a public apology to those he had "unintentionally hurt" by his remark that Bollywood personalities were seeking favors in return for film roles, but said he suspected a political party had "framed" him up. "With folded hands I have apologised to the entire film industry, including Subhash Ghai, Preity Zinta, Aishwarya Rai, Rani Mukherjee who are close to me. I have been framed so badly that I could suffer from a heart attack or they could have pushed me to the brink of committing suicide. I have been framed by a political party." 

Baby child thrills Raveena  : 

Interestingly, this month has been very auspicious for Bollywood as it has brought a lot of joy to their families. One after another star has been proving lucky by delivering babies No sooner Madhuri Dixit delivered her second baby boy on the 8 th; and Karisma a baby girl on the 10 th,, it was the turn of the ravishing Raveena Tandon to deliver a baby girl on 16th morning at 10 o'clock . As reported earlier, both Raveena and her distributor husband Anil Thadani were anxiously awaiting for the new arrival in their family. According to family members of the Thadani family, the baby girl is as gorgeous as Ravs herself. The child is perfectly healthy weighing eight-and-a-half pounds at the Leelavati hospital, where the baby was born. Raveena was too thrilled to believe that the child is hers. " I can't believe that she's a part of myself and Anil." She was full of tears though of joy to be the proud mother.

Preity in a dilemma 
Preity Zinta is in a dilemma. Though she has had an entry in the Yash camp by snatching a role from Rani Mukherjee in the Siddarth Anand directed movie, but she is finding it difficult to keep her dates as she has already given these dates to Sajid Nadiadwala's movie. She has to choose one, and has not been able to decide which to quit. If she wants to keep Rani down and replace her as the Yash banner's heroine, she has to keep up with the Yash banner dates and leave the Sajid movie. 

Celina breaks arm 
Celina Jaitley has broken her arm during the shooting of a South Indian movie. This happened when Celina was busy practicing boxing with her advisers. So, she is confined to bed now. After her recovery, she says she will resume the shooting of David Dhawan's 'Maine Pyaar Kyon Kiya' starring Salman Khan. Besides, she has to resume acting in Ram Gopal Verma's 'Sarkar' and in Raj Kanwar's recently signed one. 

'ADA - will kill you' :

New film, new director, new producer! Yes, this is the new project of Magic Hour International. Debutant director Ajit Sinha has worked as an assistant to famous director Inder Kumar for 12 years. Sinha is nowadays busy in his film titled 'Ada - Will Kill You' as an independent director. The movie star cast comprises Diana Heyden, Meera Vasudevan, Rajiv, Gulshan Grover and former Miss India Reshmi Ghosh. We witnessed the shooting of the movie at Nasik. A song was being picturized. Actress Meera Vasudevan and actor Rajiv were busy in the rehearsal. After 15 minutes, the director called the team and other technicians for the shoot. 
Choreographer Dilip Mistri explained the scene to both the stars. Dilip ordered playing of the song. The star cast starts dancing on the track. After two hours of retakes the director okayed the shot. Later, Sinha talked to the media that the story of the movie revolved around Sonia Sanyal (Diana Heyden) who is a pretty looking young girl. She can do anything to achieve her goal. The Rajiv- Meera couple is living a happy and married life. But Sonia enters in the life of Rajiv and disturbs his married life. Anoop Srivastav and Dheeraj Jain, who had earlier worked as PROs, produce their debutant movie. Udit Narayan and Shreya Ghoshal have given the music. 

Amitabh got 450 million :
Super star Amitabh Bachchan is very happy and excited these days. First, this year has begun well for him. His recently hit Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Black' has got him wide acclaim for his acting. Last year was not so good for Amitabh. He had maximum number of flop films during the previous year. So, he decided to concentrate on some choosy films. Besides, he has recently signed two films of top filmmakers -- Yash Chopra and Ram Gopal Varma. Moreover, he is finishing his incomplete movies. He has announced that he would not participate in any film's shooting from May 1st to 30th as he has allotted these 30 days to complete the part-2 of 'Kaun Banega Carorepati'. This serial is going to fetch him a huge sum of Rs 450 million, meaning Rs 15 million a day! Very good indeed. 
 

Urmila is no longer glamorous :
Urnila Matondkar has been known as a glamorous actress for long. However, she has shed her past image now. She has been doing serious roles nowadays. Whether her fans would like it or not is yet to be seen. She is doing non-glamorous roles. After 'Bhoot' that was based on super natural power, she is excited these days with the new role in her forthcoming film 'Naina'. This movie is based on supernatural power too. Her another film is Pankaj Parashar's 'Banaras' based on spirituality. This all means that a yesteryears' glamorous girl will be noticed in the opposite roles now. Let's keep our fingers crossed till her movies are released. 


Awards: 

Shah Rukh Khan - Best Actor for 'Swades' 
Rani Mukherjee - Best Actress for 'Hum Tum'
Abhishek Bachchan - Best supporting Actor for 'Yuva'
Rani Mukherjee - Best supporting Actress for 'Yuva'
Saif Ali Khan - Best comic actor 'Hum Tum'
Priyanka Chopra - Best Villainous actresss
Kunal Ganjawala - Best Playback (Male) 'Murder' Bheege Hoth Tere...
Alka Yagnik - Best Playback (female) 'Hum Tum' Sason Ko...
Anu Mallik - Best Music Director 'Main Hoon Na' 
Javed Akhtar - Best Lyrics 'Veer Zaara' Tere Liye
Shah Rukh Khan - The Filmfare Power Award
Rajesh Khanna - Lifetime Achievement Award
'Sholay' - Best Film of 50 Years

FIRST EVER GAME SHOW IN A FILM : 

'Humdum' has first ever game show in a film, produced by Kiran Shyam Shroff and Kushan Nandy. Kushan Nandy directs this film and Sujeet Shetty and Rajesh Ropy have given the music. The story is about two persons who have never met but they have been chosen to play the biggest game show. 'Humdum' is the game of love and money (100 million each). To win this huge money they have to drop love. The film is completed in four rounds. The first round starts with seven days' notice to develop between both of them. To make friends and love with each other, in the round they go to shopping malls, theaters and restaurants. In the second round they live for three days into the each other's house. They touch each other's emotions. In the third round, they stay together but without their family members for seven days in a hotel, That's the time to make romance period. So, this is called 'Hum Saath Saath Hai' round. Their last and fourth round is called ' akele hum akele tum', and during this round they live apart from each other for seven days. After completing four rounds, they choose money to fulfil their cherished dreams. While the girl wishes to build house or shelters for her 25 dogs, the boy wants to pay Rs 7.5 million to the owner of a car he hit some time ago and kept this news away from his parents. However, the circumstances favor otherwise. They drop money for love. The boy's father helps his son by selling his big house and shifting to a smaller one and thus settling the accident case. The boy's father also gives space in his house for the girl's 25 dogs. Meanwhile, the girl's fiancée also wishes her to live with the boy whom she loves. This is a time pass average film for the middle class. Acting by hero Romit Raaj and heroine Anjana Sukhani has been impressive. 

Amisha's new love is Singh's Ghazal :
Amisha Patel is a very big fan of ghazals, especially those sung by the king of Ghazals, Jagjit Singh. She can go anywhere at anytime to Singh's concerts. She says that she gets totally absorbed in his music. Now her love Vikram Bhatt has a very good formula to please his ladylove that is giving her a 'Singh- song', because he knows the music that really turns on Amisha Patel is the Singh's ghazal. 

Koel Purie is in two boats :
Is Koel Purie walking a different street? This is shown by her recently released 'White Noise', which is just different film from a commercial film. Earlier too, she has done this type of films like 'Everybody Says I'm Fine' and her forthcoming 'American Daylight'. These all fall in this category. However, she says no to it. She will do all types of films, she says, though not as loudly as others do. She says, I don't want to be closed into any category. I will do cinema all over the world. Yes, she is also doing some commercial films too. Her first commercial movie is Soni Razdan's 'Nazar' that will release soon. Besides, she would begin shoot for 'Dil Deke Dekho'. 

Aditi may return to medicine :
Former Mrs. World Aditi Govitrikar is a bold actress, but is still struggling in the film industry. Aditi has no films though she has been known as a bold actress. She says that the reason for her not getting film offers is that she is a married woman. Yes, I am married. So I am not getting films. Under these circumstances, I would like to return to my medical profession. " Very few people know that Aditi is a qualified doctor. 

IS 'NAARI - THE GREAT' A CLEAN MOVIE? :
In the wake of a trend for bold movies, producer Ashok C. Patil is making a clean film. This is titled 'Naari- The Great' was being shot. The writer-director is Mahendra Belekar. When we reached the studio for the coverage, an emotional scene was picturized on Sangita Roy, Binni Bannerjee and Smita Jaikar. Director Mahendra Belekar says that the heroine's husband has AIDS, but is unaware of it. Sangita gives him tablets with food. But Sangita's mother-in-law gets suspicious and ousts her from the house. Later, she realizes her folly when the hero's sister reveals the truth. She apologizes to her daughter- in- law. This film shows the sacrifice of women. The director says that there is in this movie, though it's contrary to what we discovered from its promos that are full of hot scenes. Sangeeta Roy started her career with Telugu films. The hero is Yogesh Mahajan. He is new to Hindi films but has been a famous actor of Marathi films. In the movie, he marries with a rich girl to become a wealthy person. One evening he realizes his mistake and lives in the shadow of death. Model Binnee Bannerji plays a doctor. Others in the cast are Samip Kang and Asraani, besides others.

MAHESH DEFENDS MEERA'S SMOOCH SCENE IN 'NAZAR' : 

On the occasion of launching the India Pakistan peace march, the famous filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt reached Delhi. Incidentally, he also shares a lot of controversy about Pakistani actress 'Meera'and his latest film 'Nazar', showing a kissing scene involving Meera. This has created an adverse situation in Pakistan, resulting in seeking a ban on Pakistani actors working in India. Meera has also sought protection from Pakistani government against such elements. However, Bhatt doesn't consider this issue as critical. "It's a routine gossip in the film industry. Unfortunately, this matter relates to a Pakistani actress for her smooch scenes in my latest movie 'Nazar'." He adds that the Indian film industry is growing very fast. And Indian movies are very popular abroad. He wondered why people behave like this. "We show only that the viewers want to see." Answering a question if such a type of film should be banned, he said that his last film 'Murder' had its golden jubilee. All scenes in a film depend on the need of story. "We can't join any extra scene." Answering our question if Meera should leave India, Bhatt said that she came to India on a work permit visa and nobody could take any action against her. Whenever the permit visa expires she should move out. " I don't want to say any think more about her." 
 

FUTURE OF DEOLS LIKE THIS, SOCHA NA THA!

Vijayata Films and director Raj Kumar Santoshi parted ways. The point of clash between the two was a film on the legendry freedom fighter Bhagat Singh. Both wanted to make a movie on this subject, but they differed about who should play the lead role. While Santoshi wanted Ajay Devgan, Sunny Deol was adamant for brother Bobby Deol to play the role. Later, both Santoshi and Sunny made two separate films, and both bombed at the box office. The result was catastrophic for both. Sunny had to delay all his projects and Raj Kumar Santoshi bid adieu to the production of films. 'Socha Na Tha' was the first movie to suffer on this account. It was supposed to be the debut of its heroine Ayesha Takia, but meanwhile she has already released her two films -- 'Tarzan-The Wonder Car' and 'Dil Maange More'. Pitched against her is a new Deol, son of Dharmendra's brother Ajit Singh Deol. He has a chocolate and cute look that was seen in Bobby Deol in the latter's 'Barsaat'. But Ayesha Takia is better than Sunny and Bobby's heroines -- Amrita Singh and Twinkle Khanna, respectively. But the cache lies behind the screen. Both Sunny and Bobby had directors like Rahul Rawail and Raj Kumar Santoshi as their mentors in their debut films; Abhay is left in the hands of a new comer Imtiaz Ali, a debutant director. Let's see where 'Socha Na Tha' takes Vijayata Films, a name behind films like 'Betaab', 'Barsaat' and 'Ghayal'. 
Abhay Deol plays Viren in 'Socha Na Tha' (Didn't think about this). He is from an orthodox family where values and heritage are considered vital. But Viren is a new age and happy go lucky guy and dreams like any other boy. Viren's parents want him to marry a girl of their choice. Everything has been fixed. The girl in question is Aditi (Ayesha Takia). She is charming, pretty and chirpy too. However, Viren is seeing another girl. This surprises Aditi though she is a new age girl too. So, she supports Viren in his voyage. Viren has not opened his heart to any one about his girlfriend, who is a Catholic and her family will not agree to this relationship. Despite Aditi's cooperation, Viren's refusal to marry with her creates havoc between the two families. A game of one-upmanship is on not only among the senior members of the families but between the lovers too. Viren continues to woo Kareen, but bumps into Aditi too. However, Viren's family gives up the protest. Now what? Didn't think about this. To review a film of a debutant has never been an easy task. Every one wishes to be star with his first film. Aftab Shivdasani wanted so and so did Fardeen Khan. The reason why I am taking names of these two is because these two actors like Abhay look very attractive and do make impacts on famines. Girls may like soft, cute and chimpoo types of heroes, but the majority wants the macho man (remember 'Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai', where daddy Rakesh Roshan brought in this angle post- interval). With the Deol tagline come some expectations like dhishum dhishum. If films like 'Dillagi' and 'Kareeb' failed in the past it was because the people didn't want to see Deols romancing around trees. With 'Socha Na Tha', Deols want to break this myth. This is also the reason for the long delay in its release. 'Socha Na Tha' was scheduled to hit screens almost two years back. But the shock of '23rd March 1931-Shaheed' having flopped let it not release then. 'Socha Na Tha' will be remembered in the film history for two things. First, a Deol in a romantic fun film, and second, as a film where expectations were nil. It did unite all the Deols for the first time in front of a lens man. Abhay Deol needs to learn a lot before he could think of a great career; the better option will be to have a break with his cousins in a second lead. He has failed as a solo hero. This proves that blue blood alone can never make a star. He is not fit for comedy scenes too. He fails in emoting in intimate scenes. Ayesha Takia on the other hand looks sensuous and bubbly. But if this film fails too, it will be a hat trick of flops for an actress who deserves better films than she has been doing. Ayesha Julka, Suresh Oberoi and Apoorv Jha support the film well, but the final impact is missing somewhere. For a film like this, the music must be rocking, but Sandesh Shandilya on the contrary has preferred to be melodious and has failed to come out with one solid hit. At box office, the film has not much to deliver. It will also face tough competition with the current Indo-Pak cricket series. 
 

NIGAR'S PRODUCERS IN LONDON :

Nigar Khan has been living away from her husband since her deportation to Norway from India. This has affected her professional as well as her family life. Her husband is frustrated these days living alone in India from his wife. Both of them have nothing to do though they were assigned to produce a movie in India. Thus, the producer and the director of the movie are peeved too, as they cannot resume the shoot of their film in the absence of Nigar Khan, who is away in Norway at present. So, the producer has decided to resume shooting of his new venture in London as both Sahil Khan and Nigar Khan can reach there without much difficulty. This movie titled 'Double Cross' will help the couple meet at London. The producer of 'Double Cross' says he has suffered heavy losses because of the delay in shooting. Meanwhile, sources say that Nigar Khan is trying her best to get a visa for India to complete her film, and be with her husband. They are hoping that their separation would end soon. 

RGV AND BIG B TEAM UP AGAIN 
When Ram Gopal Varma and Amitabh Bachchan team up, the people await with hi-end fascination. Besides 'Sarkar', the actor-director is clubbing together for Varma's sequel to his 'Darna Mana Hai'. The sequel is 'Darna Zaroori Hai'. The scare fest is being currently shot at the Filmalaya Studio in Mumbai. RGV comes as a determined person when he makes a sequel with the same structure of six different stories; Varma sampled for 'Darna Mana Hain'. 

But Ram Gopal Verma insists that the presence of an Amitabh gives the film a sense of intrigue. Re-tracking to the segment that is being currently filmed, it happens to be the second story in the set of six. The first one has been directed by television face of Sajid Khan. RGV directs the second story that has Amitabh Bachchan and Ritesh Deshmukh. The sequence has Bachchan and Ritesh play the role of guru and shishya (Teacher and pupil) . Certainly a weird set-up ! We are sure Varma has an equally bizarre plot brewing that justifies the characters. 
 

ShahRukh Khan Adjudged BEST Actor, Rani Mukherjee Best Actress :
Millions of Hindi movie watchers' heartthrob Rekha presented the best actor award to Shah Rukh Khan, and quoted a couplet on love. She also said that there is a commonality between her and the Filmfare awards inasmuch as both entered their fifth decade. Saif Ali Khan emceed the show along with Sonali Bendre and Farida Jalal. 

This is to recall that Saif and his Shah Rukh Khan had brought the house down with their wicked swipes at Bollywood celebrities only last year. While SRK was missing on stage this year, the audience cracked up repeatedly as Saif lampooned his colleagues. The performances kicked off with an antheme-composed specially for Filmfare's golden jubilee by Sankar-Ehsaan- Loy and sung by 'Indian Idol' finalists Abhijeet Sawant and Amit Sana. 

Sonu Nigam charmed the audience with a 25-piece band, which accompanied him to a medley of songs from the '40s to the present era. This was indeed a unique feature. Beginning with the soulful 'Babul mora' and ending with his own qawwali from 'Main Hoon Na' Night spanned both decades and genders, adding a touch of mimicry and bringing the house down. 

If Sonu was the voice of the past, Rani Mukherji and Priyanaka Chopra were its twinkle toes. Rani danced to a medley of hits from 'Hothon pe aisi baat' to 'Choli ke peeche' while Priyanka Chopra sizzled to sultry dance numbers from the '70s and 80s such as ''Yeh mera dil pyar ka diwana' from Don. Shah Rukh Khan gave a leg to popular tunes from the '60s onwards. 

SRK was accompanied by the original leading ladies themselves - from a yesteryears' most charming Vyjanthimala to Sharmila Tagore and the sultry Zeenat Aman, Jaya Prada and Rekha, down to Kajol, Rani and Preity Zinta. As Khan serenaded each actress, the audience went wild. Amitabh Bachchan and the chief minister felicitated Lata Mangeshkar, Dilip Kumar and veteran composer Naushad, the first winners of the Filmfare awards in their respective categories. 

Farhan Akhtar and Ashutosh Gowarikar gave away another special award to Ramesh Sippy whose 'Sholay' was adjudged the best film of the past 50 years. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to an actor who was discovered 40 years ago in a Filmfare-United Producer contest. This was Rajesh Khanna who became a rage after his first hit 'Aradhana'. It was mentioned that girls had sent him letters written in blood. The word 'superstar' was coined for him. Khanna mania prevailed until the superstar was unseated by Amitabh Bachchan. Khanna, in flowing white kurta-pyjama, accepted the award with customary 'shairana andaz'. An audiovisual tribute against the haunting background melody of 'Bicchede sabhi bari bari' from Pyaasa was paid to those from the cinema fraternity who had passed away in the previous year - Vijay Anand, Gulshan Rai, Yash Johar, Mehmood, Nirupa Roy, Parveen Babi, Amrish Puri and Laxmikant Berde. 

Bollywood actress Parveen Babi found dead: 

Bollywood actress and yesteryears sensation Parveen Bobby was found dead in her flat in Juhu today under mysterious circumstances. The police broke open the door of her apartment, when she did not respond to the doorbell. The police was apparently called by her neighbours, who got suspicious after they were told by the milkman that she was not picking up the milk packets for the last three days. Then they tried to contact the actress over the phone, however, she did not answer the calls. So, they finally decided to call the police. She had been living an isolated life for many years now and the neighbours had no information of any of her relatives. Babi had worked in several hit movies with Amitabh Bachchan including Suhaag, Shaan, Kalia, Deewar, Namak Halal, Amar Akbar Anthony, Majboor, Khuddar etc. 

Film on Sonia Gandhi : British Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and Minister for Women Patricia Hewitt Friday unveiled plans for a film on Congress president Sonia Gandhi. The plans for "Sonia" come almost one year after Hewitt announced the UK's "Bollywood Initiative" allowing British investment in Bollywood cinema. Directed by Jagmohan Mundra and produced by Sunanda Murli Manohar of CEE (I) TV UK, the film will begin with Sonia's renunciation of India's prime ministership. It will then go back to her early days in Orbassano, her romance with Rajiv Gandhi, the Gandhi family's initial opposition to their marriage and her relationship with Indira Gandhi. Since the film is based on an unauthorised biography of Gandhi, the producers have not approached her for approval. 

Akshay - Katrina starrer launched :

Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif have been teamed for the first time in Super Cassettes Industries Ltd. and Inderjit Films' HUM KO DEEWANA KAR GAYE. The film was launched with a song recording under the baton of music composer Anu Malik. HUM KO DEEWANA KAR GAYE is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Kishan Kumar and Raj Kanwar jointly and written-directed by Raj Kanwar. 

Big B in Vidu Chopra's 'Yagna'!: 

Every filmmaker wants to work with Amitabh Bachchan and after 30 years of trying, Vidhu Vinod Chopra has finally managed to finalise the Big B for a project titled 'Yagna', which will be shot at a stretch in September-October 2005. Every year Vinod tried to sign Amitabh for his film, but nothing materialised. When Vidhu made his first film 'Murder at Monkey Hill' for the Pune film institute, he came to Bachchan and showed him the film . 'Yagna', which Bachchan describes as "extremely dramatic", will also cast Naseeruddin Shah with whom AB will work for the first time. Saif Ali Khan, who's currently working in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's production of 'Parineeta' is also expected to star in 'Yagna'.

Thalavattom in Hindi: 

Priyadarshan who made Thalavattom in Malayalam with Mohanlal is now remaking the film into Hindi. The shooting of the film yet to be named with Salman Khan, Jackie Shroff and Kareena Kapoor is fast progressing at AVM Studios in Chennai. Kareena plays doctor in the film and will be seen clad in saris. 

Good Hubby :

Ajay Devgan is as a good hubby as a good actor. He supported wife Kajol's decision to doing movies again. But he don't refer it as a comeback, he said, "Why do you call it a comeback? It is not a comeback. What she did was more of a break. And taking a break was her decision. I had nothing to do with it. Just like her deciding to sign films now is her decision. She has a right to do what she wants."

Arshad Warsi signs Yashraj Films next: 

Arshad Warsi is on a roll. His performance in "Hulchul" has come in for much praise and he has signed up a series of interesting films, including Yashraj Films next with Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta. The best of producers are queuing up outside his door. Among the other films lined up for release are Choice Films' "Saher", Samar Khan's "Kuch Meetha Ho Jaye" as well as Vinod Chopra's and Raj Kumar Hirani's "Munnabhai Meets Mahatma", reports Bollywood Trade. Yashraj Films' Saif-Preity starrer will be directed by debut-making director Siddharth Anand. 

Aishwarya Rai on American TV :

After the Time magazine cover, it is 60 Minutes for Ash. Beauty queen Aishwarya Rai will feature on one of the most celebrated television magazine of America - 60 Minutes. The channel traveled all the way to Mumbai for an exclusive tête-à-tête with Aishwarya Rai. Renowned reporter Bob Simon has covered the interview and the segment is produced by Neeraj Khemlani. The program will be telecast on CBS on Sunday January 2, 2005. 

2 killed, 18 wounded as bomb rips through Shahrukh's concert:

A bomb ripped through Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan's mega concert at Colombo's former Race Course open air stadium tonight killing two persons and wounding 18 including a number of children.The bomb ripped through the 10,000-Rupee stands just as Khan ended his three-hour concert, police said adding the actor and his troupe were unharmed. Doctors at the national hospital here said all the victims were Sri Lankans. A 30-year-old woman and a 22-year-old man were killed while a number of children were among the wounded of whom the condition of 12 was stated to be critical. There were members of the Indian High Commission in the audience but they escaped unhurt. There has been no claim of responsibility for the attack. "There were a lot of fireworks and everyone thought this was also part of that. Then we realized that we were bleeding," a doctor at Colombo's national hospital quoted one of the injured as saying. "Two persons were dead when they were brought dead," the doctor said adding "there are another 15 injured admitted of which 12 are critical. They all have shrapnel injuries caused by hand grenade or a hand bomb." The concert was held despite protests by Buddhist monks who said the musical show coincided with the first death anniversary of a popular monk. But some of them went on the rampage continuing with their protests prompting police to use force. 

Kareena's dil maange more :

Kareena Kapoor is grinning from ear to ear. And it has everything to do with HULCHUL, which has hit the bull's eye. After a series of flops and average runners, Kareena has finally tasted success before the year comes to a close. No wonder, her laughter can be heard from as far as Chennai, where she's shooting for Priyadarshan's new film, starring Salman Khan in the lead.And now she readies herself for yet another crucial release - BEWAFAA. “It has been one amazing experience,” she just can't stop praising, “This is one [challenging] role any actress would give her right hand for. You rarely come across such scripts these days. What a film; you'll talk about it for months together!”Will BEWAFAA do for Kareena what RAJA HINDUSTANI did for her sister? “Hopefully, it should. There's no stopping this film. Working with Dharmesh [Darshan] was an enriching experience. He knows his characters so well and that helps an actor tremendously,” she beams.Another film she's keenly looking forward to, and it doesn't star Bebo, is DIL MAANGE MORE. Her beau Shahid Kapoor stars in the film, hence the interest in it. And the music that she's hooked on to these days, besides D.M.M., is that of MUSAFIR. “It rocks,” she smiles. Life is indeed rocking for this Kapoor gal! 

Ash signs Hollywood film ‘Windfall’ :

Aishwarya Rai has signed a Hollywood murder mystery ‘Windfall’ based on the 1984 Union Carbide disaster in Bhopal, reports Mid Day. The film was announced during the 20th anniversary commemoration in Bhopal and will be shot after April 2005 with approximately two-thirds being filmed in North America and one-third in India . Zachary Coffin, CEO of Zachary Coffin Productions will produce the film while Aishwarya Rai will be the executive producer. Windfall is about a young woman’s search for her father, a plant manager on duty on the night of the disaster. Ash plays the lead role of Jasmine Singh, an Indian-American debutante born in Bhopal but raised in Beverly Hills. No other cast members have been finalised yet. 

Police cover for Yash Chopra, Ram Gopal Verma:

Filmmakers Yash Chopra and Ram Gopal Verma have been provided armed bodyguards following threats to them from the underworld, police said Saturday.
Mumbai police chief A.N. Roy confirmed that the two face threats, though it was unclear whether the underworld elements who called them wanted money or distribution rights of their films.Reports here say the Pakistan based Dawood Ibrahim gang was keen to secure the overseas rights for Chopra's "Veer-Zaara" and Verma's "Naach" that were released last month.While "Veer-Zaara" is a hit, "Naach" has not clicked at the box office. However, sources here say the mob usually makes money from overseas rights as Bollywood films are popular among the Indian diaspora.

Biapsha marrying Mithun's son? :

Is disco dancer of Bollywood Mithun Chakravarty making Bengal beauty Bipasha Basu as his daughter-in-law? Why not, he has a marriageable son in Mimoh. But he is not doing it in real life though. After all he has yet to see his son succeed in his career. How can he think of marrying him now? In fact, Mithun Chakravarty is acting in a Bangla film titled 'America America' and his son in the movie is Rahul Bose, who does marry Bipasha Basu in the movie. Any way Bipasha becomes Mithun's daughter-in-law in the reel life.

Salman in Rajsree again :

Salman Khan has been maintaining a very cordial relationship with Rajshree Films, the one that made Salman Khan a star through its productions -- 'Maine Pyar Kiya' and 'Hum Aapke Hain Kaun'. However, he was missing in its 'Mein Prem Ki Diwani Hoon' It seems that its former patron realized its mistake and took him in its forthcoming though still untitled movie. Moreover, Salman is playing the lead role in this film. Besides, sources close to Salman say that Salu would soon act as hero in an English movie of Puneet Issar in the company of galaxy of foreign artistes.

Rahman concert to open International Film Festival:

To present Indian cinema's colour and vibrancy to a global audience, this year's International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will open in Goa with an A. R. Rahman concert. Rehman will perform songs from director Subhash Ghai's forthcoming release, "Kisna - The Warrior Poet", which stars Vivek Oberoi and danseuse Isha Sharvani in her maiden role. Sharvani is set to charm audiences with a live rope dance performed at the Dinanath Mangeshkar Hall, the film festival's official venue. The opening ceremony will be telecast live on Doordarshan.The festival's opening film is Mira Nair's "Vanity Fair". Nair is expected to attend, although it is not known if any of her star cast will be there.