Katrina Kaif: I'm no toon

A filmmaker recently approached Katrina Kaif with an offer to feature in an animation film - she'd not just be doing the voiceover but the lead character would also be named after her.

An unconvinced Kat gave the offer a royal snub.

'I want to wear a bikini, but...' : Sonam Kapoor

Bollywood and bikinis go a long way.

Katrina Kaif, who kick-started her career as a bikini girl in Boom, may have gone for a 'No Bikini' clause for Dhoom 3 for whatever reasons, but bikini seems to be the flavour of the season. All the three heroines of Sajid Khan's Housefull - Deepika Padukone, Lara Dutta and Jiah Khan had men drooling over them as they were seen prancing around in a two piece on the beach comfortably. Anushka Sharma too has joined the bikini club and she will be seen wearing it in Yashraj Film's (YRF) Ladies v/s Ricky Bahl. YRF had got Esha Deol and Bipasha Basu to wear a two piece swimwear for Dhoom and Dhoom 2 respectively.

Shazahn Padamsee, who joined the Housefull 2 team some time back, is very much keen on donning a bikini, but sadly for her, the film may not require any of its female leads to wear an itsy-bitsy outfit since the film's sequel doesn't demand so. But, the perky actress is hoping that Sajid Khan brings in a twist in the tale and she gets the opportunity to wear a bikini. "I am full on..I am dieting, I am working out, I am fit..bikini dena hai de do," she said recently.

And now it is Sonam Kapoor who would like to shed the girl-next-door image and wear a bikini. Sonam says, she has absolutely no inhibitions in wearing one. "I have worn angrakhas, salwar-kameez, bandana, jeans, skirts, gunjee - whatever it takes. If the character I play is on the beach - the correct gear would have to be a bikini. And then I wear it in real life, too," she squeals away naughtily. But the only problem is her figure, she says. "I want to wear a bikini but currently my figure doesn't permit me to do so," adds Sonam who will be seen in a glamorous avatar in soon to be released Players.

Few years back Priyanka Chopra or Piggy Chops flaunted her body in Dostana in a gold colour bikini. Then Kareena Kapoor set the temperature soaring in a hot bikini scene in Yash Raj's Tashan where she flaunted her size zero hot bod in Chalia... song. Lara worked really hard for a perfect bikini body in underwater adventure movie Blue. Kangana Ranaut was easily convinced by director David Dhawan to wear one in the recently released Rascals. Mallika Sherawat wore a bikini in Bachke Rehna Re Baba. A very bold and confident Mugdha Godse looked extremely hot and comfortable in a bikini scene in her debut film Fashion. Voluptuous Ameesha Patel shed off a few kilos to seduce Saif Ali Khan in Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic's Lazy Lamhe song. Her underwater sensuous moves in bikini was the only highlight of the flop film.

I am full on to wear a bikini: Shazahn Padamsee

Shazahn Padamsee has shed her cute image to exude oomph for Sajid Khan's Housefull 2.

But rumours suggest that unlike Housefull in which the leading ladies Deepika Padukone, Lara Dutta and Jiah Khan sizzled in bikinis on the beach, the sequel is a bit tamer and more family-oriented, and perhaps there would be no requirement for any of the actresses -Asin, Zarine, Jacqueline and Shazahn to don a two-piece. "Maybe now that I have joined the team, it will change. I am full on to wear a bikini. I am dieting, I am working out, I am fit... bikini dena hai toh de do," the spunky actress laughs uproariously. She will be seen opposite Shreyas Talpade in the multi-starrer.

Shazahn made her debut with Ranbir Kapoor in Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year in 2009 and then she was seen in Madhur Bhandarkar's Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji released early this year. "I was lucky to work with Ranbir in my first film. Then I started getting lot of offers after Dil To Bachcha Hai Ji and now I am very happy to get to work in Housefull as it will help me expand my canvas. At present, I would like to do just commercial, mainstream cinema," says Shazahn.

On October 19 Shazahn celebrated her birthday by cutting a cake with the entire cast. She says, "I was drawn to Hindi movies very early in life. I am very comfortable working with the Bollywood guys, I feel like one of them. I don't want to sign random movies. I do consult my dad (ad guru Alyque Padamsee), but the final decision is mine," says Shazahn.

Shah Rukh Khan : Ready to race

Shah Rukh Khan is going all out to promote upcoming release Ra.One.He has now announced the film's association with the Sahara Force India Formula One team that is participating in the inaugural Indian Grand Prix.

At an exclusive photo shoot, the actor posed with the team's speed demon - the VJM04, seamlessly blending his character from Ra.One with the F1 car.This is the first time that the logo of an Indian film has been beamed proudly on the nose cone of the car. SRK will also be seen in a new TV commercial urging Indians all over the world to support India's first and only F1 team.

Is Anushka a puppet?

Seems like Anushka Sharma has been reduced to a puppet of Yash Raj Films. Apparently, she has been asked by the production house not to retaliate about her alleged affairs with Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor. A source said, “Anushka isn’t the kind who’ll hide things for the heck of it. But she has been advised by the YRF officials not to talk about her personal life to the media.” However, it was the most recent Shahid Kapoor allegation that made her see red. So she chose to seek Shahid’s help itself to clear the air. “She will be allowed to talk to the press only during the promotion of the film Ladies V/S Ricky Bahl. But Shahid has promised to bail her out in the time being,” added the source.

After all, what are “just good friends” for?

Katrina Kaif becomes World's most searched celebrity

Katrina Kaif has been named the most searched celebrity on mobile videos in a new survey.

She beat Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan, who came second and third. According to the Global Video Insights Report for September, released by Vuclip, Bebo came fourth, Beyonce came fifth, and Sonakshi occupied the sixth place. "A B-wood star leading ahead of her global peers in mobile video searches worldwide is a testimony to the fact that mobile videos have finally taken off in India in a big way," said Salman Hussain, vice president of the mobile video service.

Kajol dances on Jennifer Lopez’s song

Kajol isn't shooting these days and has a lot of free time on hand. So she has taken up a new hobby. She dropped in to try a class at Strut - The Dancemakers in Bandra.

Kajol danced to the tune of Jennifer Lopez's Get On The Floor with her friend Bhavesh Gandhi. She gushed later, "It was fabulous. Bhaav is a good teacher and I will come here again." C'mon Kajol, do an item song now!

Silver lining for Dia Mirza!

The festive season is on and in keeping with the festivities, Adler & Roth, a classic silver products range from the house of Gitanjali Group, announced the launch of an all new religious idol and modern show pieces collection at the Giantti showroom in Atria, Worli. The new collection was unveiled by none other than the Love Breakups Zindagi star, Dia Mirza.

Adler & Roth is a range of eclectic silver centerpieces across different categories with a design and finish that speaks of a rich European heritage, yet has a modern and very contemporary feel. It consists of religious idols and spiritual symbols that are at once both traditional and trendy and decorative objects and items for your home or office.

Looking beautiful in a salwar kameez, Dia said that she was impressed by the one-of-a-kind range that's traditional yet contemporary. "Its diverse range of religious idols offers beautiful deity pieces which are perfect for the modern Indian homes. Its other modern collectable pieces are intricate, very versatile and ideal to add to your home decor this Diwali. I am glad to be here today to launch the latest collection of the brand."

Poonam Pandey to strip on Bigg Boss?

Poonam Pandey might finally fulfill her dream of stripping for her country, albeit in the Bigg Boss house.

While the latest is that Amar Upadhyay (Mihir of "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhie Bahu Thi"), is set to enter the show, buzz has it that Poonam will appear on it for two days. And she has promised not to disappoint - the starlet will go semi-nude. Say sources, "Poonam had been approached long back, but she wanted a special entry.

So, an unusual concept has been launched for her and she will be in the house to create controversy." Will Poonam finally get her more-than-15-minutes of fame?

Shilpa Shetty, the housewife

If you were wondering where Shilpa Shetty had disappeared all this time only to suddenly be back in the limelight, she has been busy for the past year or so, setting up home after her love marriage to businessman Raj Kundra.

“After I got married, I decided to design the house and renovating kept me busy for almost a year or so,” she says.

Shilpa also candidly reveals who runs what department at home. “When it comes to taking decisions about things at home, the reins of the home ministry are held by me. Raj is the finance minister undoubtedly, so when it comes to signing the cheques, it has to be my darling hubby Raj,” she laughs.

Now, after staying away from the silver screen for a year, Shilpa returns in a film titled Desire, produced by mother Sunanda Shetty. The film had been delayed because of a financial crisis. Then, Sunanda heard the story and excited with the intriguing tale, decided to take on the responsibility of completing the film. “Actually, I was really surprised that my mom was the one who fell for this story. I tried a bald look for my character Gautami and the first one who saw it was mom who turned speechless. She did not expect me to look so stunning even in that bald look,” says Shilpa.

Talking about her character in the film, Shilpa says, “Gautami is a strong person who decides to realise her dream of dancing. She is not like me in real life. I am strong too in but I will also consider the wishes of my family. Gautami does not believe in love. She is cynical about love but I cannot live without love. I enjoy being loved by my family members, friends and now my hubby. Moreover, being in any kind of relationship, love plays an important role. Without the right amount of love and care, no relationship is worth it,” she says.

One relationship that has been worth it is the one with her parents and sister Shamita. “I am happy that my parents have taught us the simple, disciplined way of living and so we have been able to be successful in our lives. As our culture teaches us to be loving, caring and sharing towards one and all, similarly I have been taught to care for not only my younger sis but to take care of the entire family,” she says.

Shilpa also adds that she is very proud of her parents and has learnt many things from her mother. “I still remember my mom would deck up nicely, especially with her big red bindi and wait for my dad to return from work. She was also very conscious about maintaining her health. She would tell me, ‘I dress up for myself and I also like to keep healthy and keep my kids and family healthy too.’ Now I am 36 while mom has turned 62 and I keep having health problems but touchwood, mom is always hale and hearty,” says Shilpa.

Mona Lisa’s hot Hindi film in Tamil

At a time when some good Tamil films are postponing their release dates due to the non-availability of theaters in the state, the Tamil-dubbed version of Bollywood’s B-Grade film London Calling is effortlessly making its way to Tamil Nadu screens.

Titled Urvashi Divine Lovers 2 in Tamil, the movie features hot B’town babe Mona Lisa and Bobby Khan in the lead. Directed by B. Subhash, it was called a sex film by Bollywood critics and is a sequel to the filmmaker’s earlier offering, Divine Lovers.

The steamy kiss between the lead pair Mona Lisa and Bobby Khan and some of the erotic bedroom scenes were the talk of the town. This story is about a young man who is besieged by dreams of his unfulfilled sexual desires from his previous birth.

He meets a beautiful girl, who was his partner in the earlier life, and they accomplish together whatever was left pending from the previous birth. The makers feel that the adult content will lure audiences during the festive season, especially in the B and C centers, so they’ve decided to release the film on October 14 in as many theaters as possible.

The makers feel that the adult content will lure audiences during the festive season.

Actors are like kids: Dia Mirza

Actor-producer Dia Mirza, who is looking forward to the release of her debut production venture " Love Breakups Zindagi", says she treated her actors like kids on the sets of the film.

"Actors are like kids. You have to take care of them like kids, look after their smallest needs and make them feel wanted and comfortable. We tried to provide all actors an atmosphere where they felt good and also tried to create an environment of love and trust," said Dia at an event here. "Love Breakups Zindagi" is a slice-of-life film, which is made under Dia, Zayed Khan and Sahil Sanga's banner Born Free Entertainment and Sahara Motion Pictures has co-produced it. Directed Sanga, the film will hit the silver screens Oct 7.

Who is better - Zayed as a producer or Zayed as an actor? "It is our relationship and our camaraderie that drives us. And the bond that we share reflects in our film. I wouldn't choose either of them as he is my friend first," she said.

Ranbir Kapoor to get married?

Here’s a bad news for all Ranbir Kapoor’s female fans. According to numerology predictions, Ranbir Kapoor is likely to tie the knot in 2012. The heartthrob celebrates his 29th birthday yesterday and on the very occasion, numerologist Bhavikk Sangghvi sees a bright future ahead for the Kapoor scion. Here is what he has to say...

“Born on 28th September 1982, Ranbir is a Number 1 person in numerology ruled by Number 1 (Sun), Numbers 6 and 8 (ruler Venus and Saturn – Libra) and Number 3 (Jupiter – sum total of his date of birth which is known as the ‘destiny number’),” explains Bhavikk.

“Being a Number 1, Ranbir wants to be an ‘ace’ in whatever he does since he ruled by the most powerful star – the Sun. But being partly ruled by ‘shani’ (Number 8 – Saturn), the planet associated with hardships, struggle, delayed success etc., his first two films (Saawariya – flop and Bachna Ae Haseeno – average) did not create the expected ripples at the box office, although Ranbir did make a strong impression and left a mark. But all thanks to a well placed Jupiter (Number 3), ‘success’ could not elude him for a very long time and the industry woke up to him with 'Wake Up Sid', and he has not looked back after that.”

“Even on the personal front, things are looking much more stable for him and he may soon find himself a permanent life partner. From the way I look at the scene, and if it shapes up that way, it will be no surprise to me, if he even makes the relationship ‘official’ before September next year,” Bhavikk predicts.

“His current name spelling adds up to Number 40 which is not a positive number and hence he should spell his name as RANBIR R. KAPOOR.”

“His next release Imtiaz Ali's Rockstar will do big business at the box office and his work will also be widely appreciated. After that inBarfee, where he plays the character of deaf and dumb, he would again do an outstanding job,” states Bhavikk.

“He should be wearing a Yellow Sapphire above 4 carats to be set in gold on his right hand index finger on a Thursday evening (one hour before sunset) which will help him with any difficulty in decision making and managing his growing financial position in a much better and secured way,” advices Bhavikk before signing off.

Mallika replaces Malaika!

It's official: Mallika Sherawat will dance in a chartbuster that Malaika Arora Khan originally grooved to.

The Tamil version of Dabangg, called Osthe, is currently on the floors and the filmmakers were looking for someone who could up the oomph quotient in the remake. The item number Munni was a chartbuster in the Hindi original, and its Tamil equivalent has been constantly under the spotlight.

It is being said that the Bollywood bombshell has been paid a whopping amount to dance for the song. Sonu Sood will shake a leg with Simbu and Mallika for this song. Simbu and Dharani have decided on the word Kalasala to be the catchphrase of the much-expected item song in Osthe.

Says a source, "Yes, the song will have the term Kalasala as its buzzword. The word is used as a call for merriment."

It is believed that Shruti Haasan will croon the song, which will be recorded by composer Thaman next week.

Shahid Kapoor vs Taran Adarsh twitter war

I have never seen Shahid ever speak like this before:( There has been a small war of tweets between Shahid and Taran Adarsh(trade analyst).

Taran Adarsh(trade analyst) tweeted:

#Mausam - The business trends indicate a decline on weekdays.

#Mausam - Shahid's biggest opener, but also Shahid's biggest release in terms of print count & screens. Hence, numbers are below the mark.

Shahid Kapoor tweeted(though he did not mention Taran, it's quite apparent he is hinting at Taran here):

So all those trying so hard to screw mausam can go screw themselves .. Waise bhi aajkal kuchh logon ke adarsh buri tarha gir chuke hain

Later, Taran tweeted:

Abusing and maligning me on a public platform won't help. Instead, get a reality check and introspect the shortcomings of the film.

Poonam Pandey in a Hollywood flick?

Model Poonam Pandey says she has bagged a Hollywood film.

Model Poonam Pandey, famous for her 'declaration' of a striptease for the men in blue might just do it not for our men though! While she backtracked from stripping here, Poonam, Hollywood might be lucky to have her do that for them, for the model has apparently bagged a Hollywood flick. And guess who announced it! Well, the girl herself. This trend (announcements), however, are nothing new for Poonam for she keeps posting her pictures for all to see. Poonam has now declared, "GOOD NEWS!! GOOD NEWS!! U r Gonna Watch me Soon in a HOLLYWOOD Film,, Stay tune Will Keep u Updated!!! Love u all!! Bless me!!" (sic). Isn't this news?

'Russell Peters must apologise!'

Say women activists protesting against the Canadian performer's offensive comments on Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

His film Speedy Singhs may not have really picked up pace at the box-office, but actor and stand-up comedian Russell Peters' recent comments on the Bachchan bahu certainly have caused a stir.
 
Peters, who was in Mumbai to promote Speedy Singhs, took a dig at Aishwarya Rai Bachchan last week saying, "She hasn't become a better actor.


Aishwarya Rai
 
She is still good looking, isn't that good enough? Good job Abhishek, you finally knocked her up!"

The actress was apparently offended by Peters' comments and now, not surprisingly, there are certain women's rights activists who have joined her in protest, demanding an apology from him.

Says Shalini Thackeray, president of the MNS cine-workers union, "He (Russell) has no right to talk badly about our actors. His comment on Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is indeed in bad taste and will not be forgotten."

Some of the groups have apparently even written to Speedy Singh's producer Akshay Kumar to get Peters to apologise for his comments.

Adds Sundari Thakur from the NGO Nari Samman Sanghathan, "He should mind his language and stay within his limits.



Aishwarya is a woman first and an actress later. I think Russell has no respect for women and shouldn't be entertained."

The controversy, timed well during the film's release, hardly seems to have helped its fortunes at the box-office.
 
Fortunately, for Peters he does not have to face the music as he has already flown back to Canada.  Akki, however, may not be so lucky.

Russell Peters and Akshay Kumar were unavailable for comment.

Salman, Katrina having tough time in Ireland?

Salman-Katrina starrer " Ek Tha Tiger" is facing protests from locals in Ireland, where it's being shot. Industry workers demonstrating over poor pay targeted the shooting of the film, reported Irish newspaper Evening Herald. Excerpts from the report:

They're bringing Euro 1.5million into the country, creating more than 1,000 short-term jobs and spending hundreds of thousands of Euro - so why is a major Bollywood production being shot here facing protests that threaten to drive filmmakers away from Ireland for good?

Ireland's potential as a base for multi-million Euro Bollywood movies is being jeopardised by a handful of industry protesters. Two A-list actors have been left frightened by protests at the filming in Dublin city centre, it's been claimed. Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, described as the Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie of India, were said to be "frightened and worried".

Industry workers demonstrating over poor pay and conditions picketed a weekend shoot of blockbuster "Ek Tha Tiger". Gardai (Irish police) were called to the scene after the 30 or more protesters allegedly used klaxon horns and other methods to ensure filming was seriously interrupted. "They started to shout and stick their placards across the wall at the crew and cast," said a source.

Irish production company Fantastic Films told the Herald the firm had "worked long and hard" to bring "Ek Tha Tiger" to Ireland. "The film is a high-profile Bollywood production that will reach an audience of over 100 million in India, the Middle East worldwide," a spokeswoman said, "It's breathing life into the Irish film industry, creating jobs and generating revenue. It is disappointing that the actions of a small minority will jeopardise the reputation of Irish filmmaking internationally."

However, a shop steward for Irish film workers, John Arkins, rejected the claims, saying the shoot took place on All-Ireland final day when hundreds of football fans were blowing horns and chanting. "What sort of genius said, 'Let's film 100 metres from O'Connell Street on All-Ireland final day'? I witnessed the Viking tour bus blowing its horn, people blowing car horns..." He said demonstrators were highlighting low pay, long hours with no overtime and a lack of regulation within the Irish film industry. Mr Arkins doubted claims that the Bollywood stars were frightened, saying "You have hundreds and thousands" of fans "chasing these people around the streets" in India.

Mallika Sherawat turns bride!

Designer Anjalee and Arjun Kapoor will have Mallika Sherawat as their showstopper at the Aamby Valley India Bridal Week, writes Nimisha Tiwari

Mallika Sherawat akaJalebi Bai is all set to walk the ramp in Mumbai for designer duo Anjalee and Arjun Kapoor on Friday at the Aamby Valley India Bridal Week. The show is titled 'The phantom of the Opera'.

Mallika will don an outfit with gemstone in the colours of love and romance. The collection comprises of the Opera style ball gowns, which is a blend of the authentic Mughal era with sophisticated Victorian sensibility.

Interestingly, The Phantom of the Opera will have a series of shows staring from the Aamby Valley India Bridal week followed by show in London at Mint Leaf and Delhi respectively.

Mallika, who has walked the ramp selectively for many designers is considered one of the highest paid celebrities to walk as the showstopper. The show will take place at Sahar Star hotel, Mumbai.

Aishwarya to deliver twins!

Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan who is expecting her first child is due on November. However, the latest news is that Aishwarya and Abhishek will be blessed with twins. Yes! It's twins for the lovely couple.

Earlier, it was the astrologer Bavikk Sangghvi, who declared that it will be twins for Aishwarya. He has predicted that, “Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will become pregnant in the year 2011, and she will give birth to a girl or twins.”

But now the news has been confirmed. A close source reveals, “It’s a very private affair. The entire family is very happy and excited about the kid. And yes the doctors have confirmed that it’s twins for Aish and Abhi.”

Well, it remains to be seen if his prediction will come true again about the twins or girls. If it does come true it will be Abhishek Bachchan's prayers answered as he wished to have a girl baby.

To be recalled even in Mani Ratnam’s Guru this lovely couple who played the lead had twins. Hope reel life story is coming true in real life.

Katrina Kaif to raise oomph in 'Dhoom: 3'

The hunt for a leading lady for "Dhoom: 3" is over! Katrina Kaif will sizzle in the third instalment of the action-adventure series, which features Aamir Khan as the anti-hero.

Yash Raj Films (YRF) had been on the lookout for a fresh face for the role, which was essayed by Esha Deol and Aishwarya Rai, in "Dhoom" and "Dhoom:2", respectively.

"After almost a year of searching for a new face for 'Dhoom: 3', we were still unable to find the perfect debutante to play the lead role. We even reached out to international talent but were still unable to find someone who stood out," said director Vijay Krishna Acharya aka Victor.

The choice was made jointly by Victor and producer Aditya Chopra.

"Once we decided to go with a known face and not pursue the newcomer route, Katrina was the obvious choice for all of us," Victor said in a YRF press statement Friday.

Katrina has been riding high on the success of films like "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara" and another YRF venture "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan" earlier this year.

"She is someone who we all know will bring tremendous enthusiasm and commitment to the film. The first time pairing of Aamir with Katrina will also certainly add value," he added.

"Dhoom: 3" is written and directed by Victor, who had also written "Dhoom" and "Dhoom 2".

Apart from Aamir, both Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra will continue in their now iconic roles of Jai Dixit and Ali, respectively.

The shooting will begin towards the end of this year. "Dhoom: 3" is slated for a 2012 Christmas release.

'Heroine' back on track: Madhur Bhandarkar

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar's stalled project Heroine is back on track on THursday with Kareena Kapoor as its new leading actress.

Bhandarkar, 43, had to stall the project after film's leading actress Aishwarya Rai announced her pregnancy.

"'Heroine' is back on track, pre-production starts from Thursday, need your blessings & prayers!!!," the posted on Twitter.

The film suffered a huge set back soon after its grand announcement at 64th Cannes Film Festival after Aishwarya announced her pregnancy, sending Bhandarkar in shock.

The director later claimed that he was kept in dark about the pregnancy. Aishwarya has returned the signing amount and has barred the producers from using any material from the scenes that she shot for the film.

'Kareena Kapoor out of Shahid Kapoor's guest list'

Shahid Kapoor is leaving no stone unturned for his home-production, Mausam. Shahid has personally invited everyone from Bollywood for the premiere of Mausam. Calling his ex-flames Vidya Balan and Priyanka Chopra but leaving Kareena Kapoor, the one woman with whom he had the longest relationship.

A source said, "Shahid and Pankaj decided the guestlist. They personally called or texted everyone from the industry. But maybe, Shahid didn't want Kareena."

This comes as a surprise because Shahid and Kareena have maintained that that they are cordial to each other and would love to work together again after Jab We Met.

Shahid and Kareena had also been very warm towards each other during the Filmfare awards earlier this year. Saif was also present with Kareena. The three of them had exchanged pleasantries and spent time together.

The reason for their break-up still remains a mystery since both of them have remained tight-lipped about it and moved on. Kareena began dating Saif Ali Khan immediately while shooting for Tashan.

Shahid found love in Vidya Balan while shooting for Aziz Mirza's Kismet Konnection. However, once the film released, Shahid decided to move on. Soon, they stopped talking to each other. According to sources, they drifted apart because Shahid was attracted to tennis star Sania Mirza.

Though, Kareena has been going strong with the Chhote Nawab, it is not the same for Shahid. The actor was seen hanging out with Priyanka Chopra soon after Vidya. Shahid and Priyanka had an on-off relationship interspersed with a lot of fights.

However, they have not let their personal differences disrupt their professional lives. Shahid and Priyanka will be seen together in Kunal Kohli's next untitled film. The three girls in question were unavailable for comment.

What makes Deepika Padukone tick?

A watch can say a lot about your personality, and who knows this better than actress and style icon Deepika Padukone.

The lean beauty, who is the brand ambassador of Tissot watches, the leading Swiss watch brand from the world's largest watch conglomerate Swatch Group, launched their ladies collection amongst a select gathering in Mumbai on Tuesday.

This special collection for the fairer sex includes the sporty T Race, the casual T Cera and the graceful T Evocation. At the event, the actress admitted that she started wearing watches regularly only four years ago and her first piece was none other than a Tissot.

Commenting on the new line, Deepika said, "It seamlessly helps me commute between my busy work schedules and frantic social commitments. Above all, each timepiece reflects femininity." With her superpacked daily itinerary, trust Deepika to choose the best range of watches to help her keep time in style.

Kangna Ranaut's secret is out

So aakhir Kangna Ranaut had to admit to it. She has revealed that she has found mohabbat with a firang fellow.

The guy's from England and he's a doctor too. Kangs made the confession on Simi Garewal's chat show. She has known the boyfriend since over a year and says he is extremely romantic.

Oh ok, it was fine till then and then she goes on to say that he talks about significant things to her like the genesis of cancer! Huh?

Like what is li'l Kangs going to do with all that 'significant' info? Tsk tsk, things people have to endure in love.

And oh yes, before I forget, Kangs also unabashedly admitted that she wished Aamir Khan and Mahesh Bhatt were single. Mahesh Bhatt? Too many shocks from Kangna, I tell you.

Priyanka too snobbish for Malaysian PM!

As an onlooker I always thought Priyanka is a very friendly girl. She is nice to fans on twitter and seems nice in interviews etc. But the Malaysian PM has a different view on this dusky beauty.

Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak seems to be an admirer of Bollywood films and finds actress Priyanka Chopra very pretty.

Razak said he has watched a few Hindi films, in spite of their length.

"I have seen some films, I find them quiet interesting but too long," he told visiting Indian journalists.

Razak said he had liked Shah Rukh Khan starrer Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.

And among the bevy of Bollywood beauties, former Miss World Priyanka seems to have caught his fancy.

Razak, who has met Priyanka earlier, said that he found the 29-year-old "very pretty but a little snobbish."

"I didn't find her friendly," he quipped in a lighter vein.

Ranbir, Deepika to romance again on big screen!

 Their personal chemistry may have gone a bit sour after their break-up, but Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone will romance on the silver screen in Karan Johar's new production "Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani".



It will be directed by Ayan Mukherjee of "Wake Up Sid" fame.

"So hey... Ranbir and Deepika will be in Ayan Mukherjee's next titled... YEH JAWANI HAI DEEWANI!!! The wake up sid boys on the floors from Jan!!" Johar announced on micro-blogging site Twitter.

Deepika and Ranbir, who dated each other for over a year before heading for splitsville in 2009, were last seen in "Bachna Ae Haseeno" in 2008, and their crackling chemistry was there for all to see.

For now, Johar is busy directing "Student Of The Year", which will see three newcomers -- Alia Bhatt, Siddharth Malhotra and Varun Dhawan -- entering the film industry.

"Am back on the sets of STUDENT OF THE YEAR (SOTY)!!! The young energetic crew makes me feel like a geriatric!!!" added the 39-year-old filmmaker.

I'm still a child: Dia Mirza

What does Dia Mirza regret? She says she misses not going to regular college and hanging out with friends. "I am still a child, I never let go of it.

When I was younger, a big priority in my life was to go out and be independent, earn my own money...It was a great feeling of empowerment, of financial independence. Feeling secure of the fact that I have me to take care of me. And I think every women needs to feel that," Dia told IANS. "Do I regret not going to regular college and interacting with friends? Yes, to a certain extent I do miss the fun. But I think life has given me a whole different set of fun and experiences that I cherish." "I believe every human being has a paradigm shift in their life. Every 10 year or every five years, they shift internally. My first shift was winning beauty pageant and suddenly doing everything that I never imagined.

Ranbir Kapoor's proud of Kareena

Kareena Kapoor's cousin Ranbir was recently heard praising her at an event in Delhi. Says a source,

"One of the young girls who attended the event asked him if Bebo and he would ever work together, and RK said, "Everyone knows she's my first cousin, so we can't act opposite each other, but yes, I would love to work with Kareena if there's any brother-sister role offered to us and we both like it.

She has made the entire family proud." The source adds that Ranbir and Kareena are both working but despite their hectic shooting schedule they sometimes meet discuss their films."

Kangna finally gives in...

Completes dubbing for estranged pal Sanjay Dutt's 'Rascals' after initially refusing to do so

Kangna Ranaut seems to have thrown in the towel, at least where Rascals is concerned.

The actress, currently embroiled in a cold war with Sanjay Dutt, had earlier refused to complete the dubbing for the David Dhawan comic caper co-produced by Dutt unless she was paid more.



The move backfired. A complaint was lodged with the Cine and TV Artistes Association (CINTAA), as a result of which she promptly changed her mind about the additional remuneration and finished the dubbing over the weekend.

Sanjay Ahluwalia, who is co-producing Rascal with Dutt and Vinay Choksey, confirms, "Yes, Kangna has completed the dubbing even though she had some reservations earlier," he says.

While he does not elaborate on what her "reservations" were about, sources had earlier informed that Kangs was just trying to get even with the Rascals team for deliberately excluding her from the film's title track due to her fallout with Dutt.

Registering a complaint
A source reiterates, "She had walked off mid-way through the dubbing and asked for an additional payment even though her full acting fee had been paid.
 
On Friday night, however, she completed the dubbing at Yash Raj Studios. No additional remuneration was given.

A complaint was lodged with (CINTAA) after she walked out. I guess after that better sense prevailed and she decided it was better to complete her portion of the dubbing. That complaint has now been withdrawn."

However, if Kangs thought this move would help her make peace with Sanjubaba or even the crew, she is wrong. Our source reveals, "The actress will not be included in the film's promotions.
 
Even though she stays in the movie, Lisa Haydon will be promoted as Dutt and Ajay Devgn's co-star in Rascals."

Chitrangada gets an ultimatum!

Director Sudhir Mishra gives Chitrangada Singh just two months to prove she's the right choice for 'Mehrunissa'

Mehrunissa, the epic love story set during the 1947 Partition, is proving to be quite a challenge for Chitrangada Singh.

Her current favourite director Sudhir Mishra, apparently, has issued a strict ultimatum to her to unlearn all the modern skills she had mastered for her purported role in Krissh 3, and to gain weight.



If she doesn't shape up in two months, she apparently could find herself out in the cold, replaced by a more suitable heroine to play the title role!

 Confirms a source, "Yes, Sudhir has issued her an ultimatum. Chitrangada will have to master the speech, body language, clothes, culture and ethos of a Muslim girl in post-Partition India within a couple of months.

This is proving difficult as not only is she completely unaware of the era and culture she must embody as Mehrunissa, but till very recently she was also actively preparing for the svelte, futuristic role in Rakesh Roshan's next (which she is no longer doing).

Now, the actress has to go back in time, all the way to 1947, fast and rigorously."

And Mishra's demands don't end just there. He has, apparently, asked her to make a trip to Pakistan to get a feel of the country's culture before they starting shooting.

"Playing a Muslim girl from 'undivided' India won't be a question of only getting the language and the clothes right.

The director wants her to fly down to Pakistan and get a first-hand feel of the atmosphere and people," adds the source.

Incidentally, Nikhil Advani, who has written the script of Mehrunissa, was not too convinced about Chitrangada being the right choice for the role.

But since Advani trusts Mishra's judgement implicitly, he has agreed to see how far the actress can go with the character of a girl with whom both Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor's characters are supposed to fall in love with in their youth.

The actress, who has a packed work schedule as well as a family event to attend to before the year is through, is running against time.

But the director, it seems, is confident of his girl.  "The role requires intense preparation. She is already preparing for the part and I think she can pull it off," he says.

Salman, Priyanka make Shah Rukh angry?

Probably the mere mention of arch rival Salman Khan and the box office collection figures of his recent big hit " Bodyguard", and actress Priyanka Chopra, who he is reportedly having an affair with.

At the music launch of Ra.One in Mumbai, on Monday, when a media-person asked Shah Rukh what calculations he has made for his magnum opus (scheduled to release this Diwali) considering the fact that Salman has been repeatedly competing with his own films and box office collections, Shah Rukh while hiding his emotions replied, "Heart doesn't make calculations. We have made the movie from the heart."

But when he was asked about the absence of Priyanka Chopra at the huge event, a visibly annoyed Shahrukh ordered the journalist to sit down while saying, "There's Sanjay Dutt too in the film and even he hasn't come. I am glad that Sanjay and Priyanka (both the actors have done a cameo in Ra.One) didn't come nahin toh unhe tumhare sawaalon se sharminda hona padta.""

Was SRK over-reacting? Many felt so. This is rather strange because the media savvy star, who was a lesson for many in how to do one's PR, seems to be the victim of his own image.

Sonam Kapoor to play Milkha's girl

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra had been all praises about his Delhi 6 actress Sonam Kapoor ever since he cast her in the film. Looks like the filmmaker is so besotted with Anil Kapoor's little girl, that he has decided to repeat her in his next project Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, a biopic on India's ace sprinter Milkha Singh.

While Farhan Akhtar will essay the role of the Flying Sikh (Mumbai Mirror, August 14, 2011), Sonam will be the female lead in the film.

Confirming the story, a source told Mumbai Mirror, "Rakeysh has a very easy working relationship with Sonam. He enjoyed working with her in Delhi 6. Also, he believes that Sonam has a lot of potential as an actress."

Rakeysh, according to the source needed the female lead of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag to be somebody who can carry off a village damsel look perfectly.

Considering Sonam's avatar in Delhi 6 and the soon to be released Mausam, she seemed to fit the role to the T. "Rakeysh wanted somebody who can carry off a desi avatar. Sonam's face and style suited the image," said the source.

Sonam, however is still to sign on the dotted line. A friend of the actress told Mumbai Mirror, "Sonam is still in advanced talks. But yeah, she will do the film. She is very kicked about working with Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Farhan Akhtar."

Despite repeated attempts, Sonam Kapoor and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra remained unavailable for comment.

'Physical intimacy is essential'

Sonam Kapoor turns love guru for our readers and reveals some tips on the art of wooing and romance

Crack a funny joke...
The best way you can woo someone is by striking a good conversation or cracking really funny jokes. I think a good sense of humour can really help you win anyone. You can automatically catch someone's attention.

Smell good...
I strongly feel that a first impression always makes a lasting impression. So there are a few things that you need to do to make that quick impact in the first glance itself... like you should look presentable, smell very good. Witty one-liners and a good attitude are also winners.



Variety is spice of life...
You should not take each other for granted and keep at it. Do different things together like reading, watching movies and going out for dinners and holidays. Absence makes heart grow fonder, so some sort of distance is also good.

Hug, caress but avoid PDA...
Physical intimacy is essential, but only when you are sure of the person. I think physical attraction and sexually compatible are very important factors to keep the fire going. Also hugging, cuddling, caressing each other are great ways to show affection, but only to a certain extent. You shouldn't be too clingy. Also try and avoid PDA. It's overdone and offensive at times.

you just can't bring back the spark...
There has to be a small burning flame, which is consistent. If there is no spark maybe you should not consider being with that person.

When on a date, certainly avoid garlic...
Don't wear something too conservative as if you are going to meet his parents and don't wear anything too sexy either. You should wear something that you can sit down and be comfortable in. Don't drink too much and certainly don't eat garlic and onions.

Dress up...It's necessary to look presentable and dress up well whether you are or not in love. I also feel it's not important to dress up for somebody else. You should do it for yourself because it makes you feel good about yourself and gives a big boost to your confidence.  As soon as you start loving yourself, people will love you more.

Create your love nest...
You can feel romantic anywhere, even at home. It just depends on the person you are with. You can create romance in the worst place possible also, but the setting does have an effect. If you want to be really romantic, then you should definitely take your sweetheart to Paris. It is the most romantic place.
 
Set the mood...
Music definitely sets the mood. Try not to play rock and roll or hard rock.  My personal favorites are Rehna tu jaisa hai tu from Delhi 6, Ye kahan aa gaye hum from Silsila and Teri bindiya re from Abhimaan.

Go French...
Fruits and chocolates are great love food. A nice French meal would be really romantic.
(Sonam's forthcoming film Mausam is releasing this Friday)

Romantic Movies
Gone With The Wind, Breakfast At Tiffany's, Pakeezah, Mughal-e-Azam

Romantic Books
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, Wuthering Heights by Emile Bronte, Pride And Prejudice by Jane Austen