Sonam makes peace with Bhansali

Sonam Kapoor takes a hurt Sanjay Leela Bhansali to dinner for a more personal apology

Seems like Sonam Kapoor is set to restore all the bridges she has burnt in the past. Apparently, on her birthday on June 9, she took her mentor Sanjay Leela Bhansali, with whom she had soured relations with, for a hush-hush dinner.


Sonam Kapoor

Taking a flashback
It may be recalled that the actress's comment on a chat show had upset the Saawariya director
hugely.

On the show, host and director Karan Johar asked her 'what would she do if she woke up one morning and realised she'd become Bhansali?'.



To this, the fashionista, who is known in the industry for her mischievous candor, replied 'get colour in my life apart from blue and black'. Not surprisingly, Bhansali, who gave her a break in the industry, got quite offended. 
Nipping problem from the bud
Sonam did apologise, but to remove the end bits of thorn between them, she made a special plan. An industry insider says, "SK had realised her mistake and apologised to her mentor.

Bhansali, who doesn't like nursing grudges against anyone, forgave her for her childish mistake. But there was still some awkwardness left between the two.

So the actress thought her birthday was the best time to take the filmmaker out and have a heart to heart talk with him."

The source adds, "Now thankfully, everything is fine. Sonam told Bhansali that she never meant to be disrespectful to him and has always held him in high esteem. And he also told her to be a bit careful with her words in future."

Dad's sweet daughter
Sonam, recently, played peacemaker between her dad Anil Kapoor and Shilpa Shetty, too.

Anil had rewarded Shilpa as 'the worst case of botox' on the same chat show. Not only that, he went on to narrate how her lip and nose job during Badhai Ho Badhai disrupted the entire shooting!

Another source says, "Her frankness and sharp tongue has displeased many of her colleagues. It's high time she extends the olive branch to people she has hurt before it's too late."

So who is next Sonam? Ranbir Kapoor or Shobhaa De? Both Sonam and Bhansali remained unavailable for comment.

‘Shruti Haasan is my co-star, that’s all’

After seven long years, Siddharth, once the lover-boy of Kollywood, is returning to his roots with a bilingual — Nootrienbadhu in Tamil and 180 in Telugu. The bilingual film is the product of Siddharth’s mentor, filmmaker Jayendra, for whom 180 is his debut directorial venture.

“Nootrienbadhu is special to me, as I am happy to return to the Tamil screen, especially with Jayendra who has known me since I was a kid. It’s all the more significant as the character I play reflects my real-life personality. He lives for the day and doesn’t think about the past, nor does he bother about the future. That’s exactly me,” Siddharth starts off his conversation with DC.

The actor says it is the first time in his career, spanning more than a decade and a total of 12 films, that he is acting in a genuine bilingual flick. “I am really excited to see myself on screen in a Tamil movie after a long time. It’s an emotional film and centered on a man and the two women in his life.” Does this mirror his real-life situation as well? Sid gets bit serious and says, “I am talking only about my film’s script.”

Ok, so it’s inevitable that we shift gears to the topic of Shruti Haasan. It’s common knowledge that she is currently the girl in his life.

It comes as a big surprise to find that the Anaganaga Oka Dheerudu star is unwilling to open up. “She is my co-star in one of my coming Telugu flicks. That’s all. Why can’t we talk about my two co-stars Priya Anand and Nithya Menon in 180 instead?” he suggests, trying to steer the conversation into a lighter vein. But when you persist about the rumours of his alleged relationship with Shruti, he comes back to normal and shrugs, “Rumours are rumours! In the past, I have been linked with at least a dozen actresses and so I take them in my stride.”

He determinedly gets back to the topic of his costars Priya and Nithya and is all praise for them. “Both are highly talented and have dubbed in their own voices in Tamil and Telugu. Contrary to misconceptions, 180 is a happy and enjoyable flick with a positive ending.” Asked to comment on the music being one of the highlight of the film, he agrees wholeheartedly. “Undoubtedly! When you look at the visuals along with the music, you will know how much effort has gone into it. Music composer Sharreth has done a brilliant job and his tunes are very original. It does not sound like regular film music from a Siddharth starrer. I say this because my Tollywood film composers are more inclined towards the audio market.” Going by the teasers, it appears that Sid plays a dual role.

He smiles enigmatically. “Oh, that’s the beauty of the teaser cut by Jayendra. Another intriguing factor is its title. I can’t reveal the surprise element. Please watch it on screen. ” On the long gap since his last film in Bollywood, he says that he has always considered B’town a part of his ‘additional’ work. “I would never see Bollywood as superior to south films. I am happy with what I am in Tollywood and with my huge fan following in Telugu; I want to stick to them. But, I am open to any language. If I get an inspiring script, I would certainly accept it!” he states. People say that he is the Aamir Khan of the south. He smiles modestly. “It’s unfair to compare me with a legend like Aamir. I take this compliment with a pinch of salt!”

The actor will soon launch his own production banner and says he wants to give new talent a chance. Presently, his kitty is full with two very big Hindi projects and one more Tamil-Telugu bilingual which he says he will soon announce.

Priyanka beats Aftab

While the entire cast of the film Bin Bulaye Barati were having fun cracking jokes or hurling insults at each other of course as a part of the script, actor Aftab Shivdasani and Priyanka Kothari were busy fighting over who is going to eat less. The two actors, who were on a strict diet while shooting for the film, would often end up eating nothing at all, just to beat each other.

But Aftab being a foodie himself, staying away from all the delicacies served on the sets was a big challenge. “She and I used to have these constant battles over who’s going to eat less on the sets,” says Aftab, who eventually gave up when Priyanka started taking just plain water. “She won. Can you believe that there were days when she used to have just plain water? And I was like ‘Dude, I give up! I can’t survive on water’!” says Aftab.

Emraan-Mallika to sizzle again?

Emraan Hashmi and Mallika Sherawat, it seems, are ready to sizzle on screen together once again. The two had reportedly stopped working with each other after their last film Murder because of some unresolved issues, but the bitterness is now over. As Emraan says that he won’t mind working with the actress again.

Emraan, it is believed, was really miffed with Mallika because of the limelight hogging tactics that she used during Murder and had decided not to work with her ever again. According to industry sources, Emraan was also one of the reasons why Mallika, once said to be a hot contender for Murder 2, was not signed on for the film. The popular belief is that when the Bhatts suggested Mallika’s name for the film, Emraan put his foot down.

“Emraan is not carrying any grudge about it at all. Though after Murder, Emraan chose to stay away from Mallika, he is not allowing his current professional decisions to be affected by his personal likes or dislikes,” a source close to the actor said. Although Emraan hasn’t extended the olive branch as yet, the actor says that he didn’t have any issues with her being a part of the team, and if a project comes across, he won’t mind pairing with Mallika again. “I am comfortable if that turns out to be the case. I have no issues with Mallika,” he says. Mallika is believed to have been in touch with th Bhatts and there may soon be a project on the anvil.

When questioned if he had put his foot down when it came to casting decisions for Murder 2, the actor replied, “As for casting, I can say that I was in Murder 2 from day one. Why is Mallika not there? Well, for that you would have to ask the Bhatts.” Now don’t be surprised if the Bhatts indeed plan Murder 3 with Mallika and Emraan. And let’s just hope all is really well between the hot pair.

Rajinikanth Exits Hospital, Phones Jayalalithaa

Superstar Rajinikanth has been discharged from the hospital in Singapore where he was admitted late last month for respiratory problems. He has spoken to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on the phone to congratulate her on her recent victory in the state elections. He also told her he would return to India soon.

The actor's son-in-law, Dhanush tweeted: "Superstar discharged from hospital. He has recovered completely and taking rest. Soon national award celebrations :) god bless"

His family said the actor is on a vacation and will return to India in July.

Rajinikanth was shooting for the Tamil period film "Rana" on April 29 when he complained of exhaustion. Since then, he has been in and out of different hospitals.

He travelled to Singapore on May 28 where he was admitted to the Mount Elizabeth Hospital.

Sonakshi tries to upstage Shriya!

Sonakshi Sinha is not known to be the friendliest of actresses. Post her catfights with Katrina Kaif, Zarine Khan and Asin, the latest to join the list is Shriya Saran. And the catfight was on full display at the Celebrity Cricket League finale.

During the Chennai Rhinos' innings, Sonakshi came with a posse of bodyguards and walked towards Sridevi, Boney Kapoor, Subhash Ghai and her father Shatrughan Sinha — who came in especially for the match and were seated near the Team Chennai dugout. She was sitting next to her dad, chatting and cheering.

The highlight of the innings break however, was actor Shriya Saran's much-publicized performance. And no sooner had the actress gone on stage than Sonakashi got up and began walking towards team Karnataka's dugout. On getting a glimpse of Sonakshi, the crowd went ballistic. Ignoring Shriya's performance, they got busy calling out to Sonakshi, who in turn waved at the crowd, causing more commotion.

"Sonakshi clearly tried to steal Shriya's thunder. She does not like anyone getting friendly with Salman and all through the CCL, Shriya has been sharing a great rapport with Sallu. This did not go down well with Sonakshi. What she did at the stadium was very juvenile," says a source. Call it a twist of fate, but Shriya did manage to get back at Sonakshi. "Shriya was slated to perform to 'Munni Badnaam' from "Dabangg." As soon as she began to shimmy, the crowd forgot Sonakshi and began cheering for her instead. Sonakshi, immediately went back to her seat, sulking all the way," adds the source.

"Sonakshi does not like Kat, Asin or even Zarine because they are close to Salman. It's the same with Shriya too. The rivalry between the two however, does not end here. The two are being pitted against each other onscreen in Kamal Haasan's upcoming film, "Vishwaroopam." Maybe that is also an issue," said the source.

Mallika strips off to Bikini for 'Double Dhamaal'

Mallika Sherawat dons a half bikini for her role as Sanjay Dutt's wife Kamini in Indra Kumar's comedy ‘Double Dhamaal’.

Produced by Ashok Thakeria and Indra Kumar, this laugh riot is shaping up to be one of the most awaited releases this year, with a brand new glamorous touch to it in the form of Mallika Sherawat and Kangana Ranaut.

The movie boasts off a huge starcast namely Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, Riteish Deshmukh, Ashish Chowdhry and Jaaved Jaaferi, along with Mallika and Kangana, and starts from where ‘Dhamaal' ends.

 

Four boys Adi (Arshad), Manav (Jaaved), Roy (Riteish) and Boman (Ashish), unknowingly donate all their money in the end of previous film. Now, as they sit and curse their luck they come across Kabir (Sanjay Dutt), who was previously their partner in crime, is living a luxurious life. What follows is a comical tale of plots and plans as the four boys try their luck at easy money, once again. This time around they are accompanied by two alluring women Kamini (Mallika) and Kiya (Kangana)!

Maruti International’s ‘Double Dhamaal’, directed by Indra Kumar is slated to release on June 24.

John confesses about his split with Bips

The news of actors Bipasha Basu and John Abraham’s break-up came as a shock to most as the two were dating for the past eight years. Though Basu has been vocal about her feelings, Abraham refused to comment on the relationship until now. He has apparently poured his heart out on a chat show recently.

A source says, “John said that after being in a relationship for eight years you want to try out everything to make it work. And when it still isn’t working out, it’s still not easy to break up instantly as you have some really fond memories with the person.”

He added that Basu was a very strong person and that is what he loved about her. But the problem he felt was that they were both headstrong. He went on to say that as much as men say they believe in women’s liberation, they are chauvinistic. He added that he cared about the women in his life and would not like it if they were in any problem. Therefore he maintained the ‘no comments’ stand.

The source further adds, “On the show John’s parents were asked who they feel would be an ideal girl for him. John’s dad maintained that he should settle down with any girl he felt happy with and said that he liked Bipasha. John’s mother clearly ignored Bipasha in her talks and not even once referred to her.”

However, now rumour mills are abuzz that the actor has been quite well with women around him. In fact, the hunk has been spotted having coffee and on another occasion dinner with an upcoming model Priya.

Preity Zinta denies her affair with Brett Lee

The latest celebrity news that is doing the rounds is that actress Preity Zinta is secretly meeting ‘good friend’ Brett Lee.

The duo was spotted recently at a plush restaurant in Mumbai talking dime to dozen. According to people present there, the duo seemed very comfortable in each others company and were enjoying catching up. When the restaurant staff informed them about the paparazzi that was waiting outside, the couple decided to exit the restaurant separately. While Bret came out from the front exit, Preity decided to take the back door.

Clearing the air about this dinner, Preity says there was another friend who was also present. “I was at Olive with a friend and halfway through, Brett joined us. Everybody speculated that I’m dating him and said that I went out through the back door. What I don’t get is how could anybody just speculate. I have said before that I won’t date actors. Likewise, I also won’t date men I work with. Most of the actors’ wives like me because of this, but I get very upset when I get linked,” Preity says.

News about link ups with different celebrities is not new for either Bret or Preity. Both have been linked with other people in the past. In fact, news of their alleged romance had surfaced when Bret was a part of Preity’s IPL team, Punjab Kings XI. But Preity was also linked to Yuvraj Singh at that point of time.

Preity recently tweeted on micro blogging site Twitter rubbishing the news of her link up to Lee. She admitted that they were just friends and there was no truth about them dating.

Ajay Devgn snubs Kangna

Bollywood actors Ajay Devgn and Kangana Ranaut were close friends at one point of time. Ajay even got into a spat with his friend Rohit Shetty, as he wanted to cast Kangana in Singham. But sadly, their friendship is passe. The actor is reportedly trying to avoid his once close friend.

Sources said that Ajay has been giving cold shoulder to Kangana on the sets of their film Tezz in London. They shoot like any other professionals but keep to themselves after their part is done. Sources said that the actor avoided her when she shot her final portion, indicating that all is not well between the duo.

Now, it remains to be seen whether Ajay and Kangna sign any other project together in the future. Kangna had already told in an interview, "Ajay and I are thinking of not doing films together for two-three years. We are taking a break from each other professionally. That's how Ajay also feels."

Who knows she said so following their strained relationship!