No Bodyguard 2, says Salman Khan

Actor Salman Khan admits that the sequel to last year’s biggest commercial success, Bodyguard, has been shelved.

“There was no story to take forward. It all ended beautifully. It’s true that we had contemplated a sequel but Baby (younger sister Alvira) and Atul (Atul Agnihotri) Agreed with me that there was no point. So, we’ve now decided to make another film together, but the work hasn’t started on it yet.”

In Cuba at the moment, the actor, who co-anchored Bigg Boss 5 with Sanjay Dutt, is flying to the USA for a thorough health check-up to examine the size of the aneurysm in his head, which results from the abnormal swelling of an artery due to weak walls of the blood vessel.

Salman, who has completed more than 70 per cent of director Kabir Khan’s Ek Tha Tiger with Katrina Kaif, says, “The visit has been due for a while. The doctors have successfully treated the trigeminal neuralgia that I was suffering from. But I still don’t know how big the aneurysm is. I just pray it has reduced in size, because if it has increased, I will be in deep trouble. And that will put a lot of people in trouble too. A lot is at stake.”

Once he returns from his hospital visit in March, the actor will start step back into the shoes of supercop Chulbul Pandey for the sequel to the 2010-hit Dabangg, produced by elder brother Arbaaz Khan. Salman was also working on younger brother Sohail Khan’s Sher Khan, which was reported to be shot in 3D. But he reveals that the film requires 24 months more of pre-production work. “We can’t start it immediately, though I know the project is superb. So, Sohail is taking his time to complete the pre-production work on Sher Khan. And once that’s done, we’ll start, even if it’s after three years from now,” the actor reveals, adding, “He’s started work on a comedy that I’ll work with him for. We’ll announce it once the details are ready.”

‘Chulbul becomes even more corrupt’

Arbaaz Khan, who will also direct the Dabangg sequel, has been working hard to put the cast, crew and script together. Apart from the new villain, to be played by Singham  (2011) baddie Prakash Raj, Salman insists everyone else from the previous movie will make a comeback in part two. “The film can’t be complete without Prajapati Pandey (Vinod Khanna), Makhi (Arbaaz), his wife (Mahi Gill) and of course, Rajjo. The story will shift base to Mumbai, where Chulbul will become even more corrupt than he was when he was posted in Lalganj,” he says. “His crooked activities will land him in trouble, and then you’ll see what the villain does.”

Ask who has been cast to play Chulbul junior in the coveted sequel that releases on Christmas day this year, and the 46-year-old says, “I can just tell you that there will be a lovely romance between Rajjo and Chulbul, the kind we see between our parents who’ve had an arranged marriage. As for the child, whether we have a junior Chulbul or a choti Rajjo is something I’ll leave for the audience to discover. If I reveal everything now, there’s nothing left for you to watch on Christmas when the film opens.”

Trouble in Shah Rukh-Gauri's paradise?

Shah Rukh Khan's link-up with his Don co-star Priyanka Chopra has reportedly not gone too well with wife Gauri. The Chopra girl has apparently accused Gauri Khan's good friend Neelam Kothari for spreading the rumours.

Kothari took to Twitter to clear the air: "Don't know how to react to a certain article that has come out today, claiming that I am responsible for starting certain rumours. I'm shocked and hurt with these allegations!! This is the first time in the whole of my career I have been dragged into a controversy.. Not fair at all!! Gauri and Sharukh happen to be my dear friends and will continue to be so.. Would never say anythin derogatory about them(sic)."

It was also reported that PC and Neelam even had a spat over the issue. However, Neelam denied saying: "As for Priyanka Chopra... No we have never had a fight.. Get your facts right people!!(sic)."

Family man Shah Rukh Khan has stumbled in a link-up controversy for the first time in his career. However, he's keeping mum on the controversy, proving silence is the best answer.

Priyanka and SRK have always openly admitted their fondness for each other. The two share a great rapport and have worked together in Don and its sequel.

Farhan defends Akshaye Khanna’s joke

A few days ago, Akshaye Khanna made news for being “upset” with his friend and Dil Chahta Hai (2001) director Farhan Akhtar. Khanna had stated that he was “angry with all of them”, including Farhan and Race director duo Abbas-Mustan, for not offering him roles in their new films

but ask Farhan about the outburst and he defends his colleague, saying, “There’s nothing to be offended by. I know Akshaye really well. And sometimes, people misunderstand his humour.”

The director-actor insists that Akshaye has already joked with him before. “He has told me the same thing in person, ‘I am very upset with you. You have never worked with me again.’ But that’s Akshaye and he’s a dear friend,” Farhan says.

Ask whether the public rant will discourage him from casting Akshaye in the future, and he replies to the contrary: “I would love to work with him again and he knows that. We have tried to make things work (in the past) but they just didn’t. It’s a matter of time (before we work together),” says Farhan.

Farhan also hit headlines recently for another reason – attending Salman Khan’s 46th birthday party. “People forget that we have known each other for many years, and tend to overlook that amidst all the chaos that’s going on in the industry. What’s significant is that if someone invites me and I know him well, then I will go. I have a great relationship with him, so why should I not attend the party?” wonders Farhan, who is readying to start shooting for his upcoming acting venture, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, to be directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.

Saif's Agent Vinod to become a franchise?

Even before the release of the much-awaited action-spy movie Agent Vinod, actor Saif Ali Khan has expressed his desire of making it a franchise.

Produced by Saif under the banner of Illuminati Films, Agent Vinod features Saif along with his real life lady-love Kareena Kapoor.if Agent Vinod turns out to be a box-office hit, then Saif would consider making sequels to it, much like the James Bond series, of which, approximately 22 films have been made so far.

When asked about it, Saif said, "Hope so, if the film does well and audiences likes it. If it is popular, then of course we will look forward to making it a series."

The Sriram Raghavan-directed venture, which was beset with teething problems in its early stages, will finally release on March 23.

Is Imran Khan following Aamir, Salman?

Looks like Imran Khan is following in the footsteps of his Mamu Aamir and 'Chachu' Salman when it comes to awards.

As we all know that Aamir has not been attending award functions for many years now, and Salman has always maintained that awards don't matter to him but he continues to perform at some of the award events. Just about four years in the industry, Imran, who has been on a winning streak with two back to back hits -Delhi Bellyand Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, has already started giving award ceremonies a miss.

Why so Imran? Are you inspired by the two super stars? "My understanding of awards has come from the first year in the industry fromJaane Tu Ya Jaane Na.When award season came around I got busy shooting forDelhi Bellyand as a result I didn't attend any award show and I didn't win any either. I was able to attend one award show and I won that award. It indicated to me that there is perhaps some kind of system to it. By attending you win and by not you don't, there is some kind of correlation," he says.

"But", the actor adds, "I am not following anyone. It is about what is important to you and what is about value to you. Respect of my peers in the industry and love of my audience are the two things that are intangible. These things last," he signs off.

Genelia D'Souza, Riteish to move into new flat

Actors Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza, who tied the knot only recently, may move into a new flat and make it home.

If sources are to be believed, Riteish Deshmukha and Genelia D'Souza, the recently wedded couple in Bollywood have together purchased a flat in Juhu in suburban Mumbai. The flat, will be designed by Ritiesh himself, and it's most likely that Genelia and Riteish will move into the flat for good. 

Riteish stayed at Worli with his family as a bachelor. A friend of the actor's informs us, "Riteish may have got a flat in Juhu, but he is very close to his family. It's unsure if he'll move into the Juhu flat for good!"

There were talks that Riteish's family was initially against this wedding, owing to religious differences. If true, love seems to have been the winner, and everyone seemed to be smiling and in good spirit on the big day. "Both families conducted a Maharashtrian and Christian wedding with much aplomb. This is the true case of unity in diversity, and everyone was most tolerant. It's difficult to believe that anyone had a problem with this union. Maybe it's the couple, who was ready to tie the knot only now!"

About Genelia, a friend of the bride's informs us that she is extremely accomodative and family oriented, and will surely love her in-laws like her own! So all's well that ends will in the Deshmukh household.

SRK’s personality is not fit for a superhero: Mukesh Khanna

He's the man who gave a new dimension to telly superheroes like Shaktimaan, Bhishma and Jaanbaaz; and created a world of fantasy for children, which was truly endearing. 

On his visit to Pune, the actor got chatty with TOI on his creative journey, changing nuances of serials and more... 

'Sadakchaap dialogues' Mukesh had rejected the role of Shantanu that was offered to him in Ekta Kapoor's remake of Mahabharat. Quiz him on this, and he says: "Mere zakhmon pe namak mat chidko. Ekta Kapoor cannot recreate what BR Chopra, Rahi Masoom Raza and Pt Narendra Sharma created. She has actually made a mockery of the epic, where Draupadi has a tattoo; Shakuni resembles a Bhojpuri hero and Bhishma looks more like Sikander. I wouldn't have done this version of Mahabharat, even if I was offered a crore. I wouldn't be able to utter the 'sadakchaap' dialogues that have been written for this Mahabharat. 

Positivity matters! Mukesh Khanna has always played positive characters in films and serials. Does that mean he has an aversion to villainous roles? "I have rejected negative roles because I cannot project negativity. I am known as the most positive character on-screen and my audiences will also not accept me as a villain. So, I strictly stay away from negative and weak characters," he explains. After a long hiatus, the actor will now be seen in many films. Quiz him on this and he says, "I have my hands full right now with films like Koila Mafia, Akad Bakkad Bumbai Bo and Raghupati Raghav in my kitty." 

Superhero tales If Shaktimaan is the most remembered superhero on Indian telly, then G.One from Ra.One is the latest desi superhero in filmdom. So, how does he find his filmi counterpart? Mukesh retorts without much ado: "Please do not call G.One a superhero, you could call him a terminator because he comes alive through a video game. Superhero inspires and has legends about him. Shah Rukh Khan made this movie on a whim because he had the money, but he does not have the personality to become a superhero. I knew it from the word go that the movie would be a flop, and I was proved right. SRK smokes and this sends wrong signals to the youngsters. Shaktimaan, on the other hand, had a message and taught the children good habits. 

Nostalgia rules Veer his thoughts towards his earlier days in Pune, and he says rather passionately: "I still miss my FTII days. Naseeruddin Shah and Shakti Kapoor were in my batch. In those days we had a distinct gait and a particular manner of speech, and we really believed that Mumbai would embrace us actors with open arms, which never happened. But, Pune has changed a lot since then. In my FTII days, Pune used to be much cooler and traffic was much lesser too. But, I still love to come here."

Direction is not my cup of tea: Rajpal Yadav

After giving some of the brilliant performances in comic roles for a number of years actorRajpal Yadav turned director for the first time in his home production's upcoming flick 'Ata Pata Lapata'.

But he feels direction is not his cup of tea, he is an actor and would prefer to be one in future. "Main actor hoon aur actor he rahoonga. Direction is a very creative thing, karne ki ichcha thi so kar liya," avers the actor on his recent visit to the sangam city where he had come to participate in a religious function, adding, "Direction is a very creative work and I wanted to see how does it feel to be behind the camera. I think I have been able to experience what I wanted to, so no more direction for me in near future." However, the actor-turned director does not rule out the possibility of going behind the camera totally. "Abhi to koi plan nahi hai lekin bich bich me aage bhi karne ki ichcha hui to kar lenge but I am not turning into one full time."

Imran denies saying he has an edge over Ranbir

Ranbir Kapoor and Imran Khan are perhaps the best in the younger lot in Bollywoodcurrently, and undoubtedly they are fierce rivals.

Since both of them started their career around the same time there are constant comparisons drawn between the two on the films they choose and, of course, their performances.

And recently, around the time of Kareena-Imran-starrer Ek Main Aur Ekk Tupromotions, when Imran was quoted saying that he has an edge over Ranbir because he can be romantically paired with Kareena whereas Ranbir can't, the controversial statement led to many tongues wagging. But, when Imran was asked upfront about it, Imran denied making the statement. "That is not my quote. Some one said that I can work with Kareena and Ranbir can't, and I merely said, "Yes, that is true."

"I don't make such antagonistic and aggressive statements. That is the fabrication of some eager journalist," the actor further said laughing. Coming to her co-star's defence, Kareena says, "Imran is too sweet a guy to make such statements. And I don't think there is an edge because everyone knows that Ranbir and I am brother and sister (laughs). So it is no big deal."

Quoted or misquoted, we don't know, but many movie-buffs definitely feel sad about the fact that huge talents and beautiful actors like Kareena and Ranbir who are known for their cinematic brilliance cannot be romantically paired in a film. What a pity.

Don’t judge Pakistan through Veena Malik: Ali Zafar

Pakistani actress Veena Malik is controversy's favourite child but it would be unfair to judge the entire country on the basis of what she does in India, actor-singer Ali Zafar says. 

"You have to understand that she's an individual and you can't judge the entire community on the basis of one person's behaviour. You shouldn't even judge Pakistan through me. The whole Pakistan is not like Ali Zafar or Veena Malik," Ali told IANS. 

"And such individuals are there in very entertainment industry. In India also there are women who ride on controversies. It happens everywhere. It happens even in Hollywood," he added. 

Veena came to limelight after her link up with tainted Pakistani bowler Mohammad Asif. She rose to fame in India after appearing in the fourth season of controversial reality show "Bigg Boss". 

Ever since she has been making headlines for her alleged link up with her "Bigg Boss" inmate, actor Ashmit Patel, or her sudden disappearance while shooting for the Bollywood movie "Mumbai 125 kilometres". 

Ali says he makes sure he doesn't do anything that gives a bad name to his country. 

"I pay all my taxes. I make sure all paper work is in place and streamlined. I want to work in a manner so that I stay away from controversies," he said. 

"Whatever films I do, I make sure that I don't do scenes or say dialogues or do stuff that could hurt people back home. In my capacity, I try and keep everyone happy but that's just me. Everybody has their own style of working," he added. 

For Ali, being controversial is not the best method to boost one's career. 

"It's unfortunate...I think one should avoid controversies as long as possible, they may help you in the short run, but I don't think those who are talented need controversies to boost their career," he said. 

"It's always good to stay away so that you can work smoothly. You try to stay away from trouble for your own sake and for the sake of other people. I think anybody who comes from there (Pakistan) to here (India) should be cautious and conscious, otherwise it puts others into bad light," he added. 

After making a name in his home country with his albums, Ali forayed into Bollywood with debutant director Abhishek Sharma's "Tere Bin Laden" (2010), which won him critical acclaim from all over. 

He was later seen in Yash Raj's "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan" and right now he is looking forward to the release of his new Hindi film " London Paris New York", which hits the silver screen March 2.

Teesha Nigam adjudged best at international film fest

Bhumika International Film Festival gets bigger with the presence of the sensational Filmfare award winning singer Teesha Nigam.

"This is perhaps the best platform for the young aspirants to showcase their talent & creativity in film making. Such initiatives will create a new benchmark for the Indian film Industry & I could foresee the Bollywood outperforming the West in the years to come" exclaimed Teesha.

The students of the mass media have taken the vision in a real sense and would not like to limit their creative minds within the four walls, but paint their imagination on a wider canvas. Thus the students of ICLES’ BMM successfully executed  the 7th consecutive year of BHUMIKA FILM FESTIVAL 2012

Dia Mirza has no plans to get married this year

Acrtess Dia Mirza, who feels that Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza's have set an example for others by handling their relationship so nicely, says she has no plans to get married this year.

"Not this year as it is already a packed year and I'll be busy attending the weddings," said Diya who was here Monday to attend the sangeet ceremony of Riteish-Genelia, who are getting married Friday.

"It's a very, very wonderful example to all of the other newcomers coming into the industry. I would specially like to say that the way Riteish and Genelia have handled their relationship and the way they have gone about it, is beautiful," said the 30-year-old actress.

Diya, who turned producer in 2011 with " Love, Breakups, Zindagi", is currently shooting for " Johnny Mastana".

I don’t suck up to anybody for work: Udita Goswami

She hasn't graced the screens for long and her past releases have sunk without a trace, but actor Udita Goswami is unfazed with the way her career is shaping up.

Her career graph went downhill after the debut in Pooja Bhatt's 'Paap' but she insists there's more to her than just films. "I don't suck up to anybody for work," she retorts, adding, " In the film industry, you have to suck up to the director, producer and always say nice things about them, irrespective of the fact whether they are doing good work or not. There's no honesty in this industry, and I guess I am too in the face for all these things".

The actor who will be seen in upcoming film, 'The Diary of a Butterfly' is also busy creating work for herself. She is busy scripting a love story revolving around a relationship between an older man and a younger woman. "I am writing my script in which I will be acting and co-directing as well. For the male lead, I want to have Naseeruddin Shah," says Udita.

Prod her about branching out of the Mahesh Bhatt camp and she explains, "I was never part of any camp. I am too in the face to belong to any camp. I don't take films so seriously and I can't be nice to anybody just to get work at the end of the day. Infact, I don't even party or network," says Udita.

Meanwhile, it is her dedication to realism that has surprised the industry insiders. After clocking commercial film like 'Zeher', Udita was last seen in the nightmarish'Rokkk' and 'Chase' where she plays a nurse. "Despite being a good movie, 'Rokkk' didn't take off as it wasn't marketed too well. It's strange how publicity budgets are higher than the budget for making the film," she says.

Another reason, reveals Udita, is that she stays away from multi-starrers. "The only reason I agree to doing these films is because I can never play second fiddle to anybody. I am a queen in real life and I like to be treated like a queen in my films too," laughs Udita.

However, the actor has a completely different take on item numbers. "The reason why most actor's lookout for item numbers because it makes a huge difference. It's true most of the actors live more on shows and they can charge four to five times more after the song. Secondly, the item number instantly puts an actor in the top slot," explains Udita, adding, "Katrina's Chikni Chameli was fabulous and I don't think anybody else could have done a better job".

I can't expect Shah Rukh to say sorry: Shirish

Though all's well between Shah Rukh Khan and filmmaker Shirish Kunder after an ugly spat, the superstar still refuses to speak about either the fight or the patch up.

"Did I tell you that there was a fight..no...so I will not tell anything about the patch up also," Shah Rukh told reporters at a pre-nuptial ceremony of Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza. The actor reached the function in the wee hours of Wednesday.

However, he took to microblogging site Twitter to talk about his exciting day, revealing the best part was to meet friends at home.

"Long satisfying day...dancing at filmfare...shoot with prabhuda..dinner with riteish and genelia at 5am. Best was to meet friends at home again," he wrote on his Twitter page.

Shah Rukh was embroiled in a scuffle with Shirish, husband of choreographer-turned-director Farah Khan, at a party organised by Sanjay Dutt to celebrate the success of "Agneepath".

The truce was intiated by Farah's brother Sajid Khan and filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala. Shirish along with Farah, brother-in-law Sajid and producer Nadiadwala had arranged the meeting at Shah Rukh's house Mannat, where all of them sat together to sort out the issue.

After the patch up, Shirish had told IANS that their frienship has become stronger than ever.

"It was a mutual thing and was not about saying sorry to each other. Since I am younger I can't expect Shah Rukh to say sorry. We kept our egos aside and were gracious enough about it. Being the younger, I should have not reacted like this. Our relationship has become stronger like never before. Everything that was said has been cleared face to face now," he said.

It's my birth right to speak Hindi: Sunny Leone

Indo-Canadian porn star Sunny Leone, who will be seen playing the lead role in " Jism 2", is working on her Hindi diction and says that it's her birth right to speak the language.

"The people around me probably think I'm crazy. Repeating what I hear out loud in Hindi... Haha whatever! Anything for 'Jism 2'(sic)," the 30-year-old posted on micro-bloggings site Twitter.

"I believe this is my birth right to speak Hindi and Punjabi... it's who I am. Indian and proud and 'Jism 2' is giving me my big break in movies, so thankful," she further posted.

Sunny became a known name in India after her stint on controversial reality show " Bigg Boss 5".

I’m done with dumb roles: Sameera Reddy

Actor Sameera Reddy, who was in the city recently, says she's tired of playing ditzy girls onscreen
Sameera Reddy has reason to smile. The actor has had a good start this year, with her last Tamil film opposite Madhavan raking in the moolah at the BO. Moreover, the director of her upcoming film Tezz, Priyadarshan, has been conferred with the fourth highest civilian award of the country, the Padma Shri. "I told Priyadarshan sir that he should receive one of those titles. He would say, 'I feel humbled, but that's a great achievement and beyond my expectations.' Both Shabana Azmiji (who won the Padma Bhushan) and Priyadarshan sir are close to me. So when their names were announced, I called them up. 'We are so humbled,' is what they both said to me," says Sameera.

The actor also says that she's going to be more picky about the roles she chooses. "I want to play more performance-oriented characters. I'm done playing dumb, good-looking girl roles," she says. Ask Sameera if she is hinting at the lukewarm response to Vedi, her Tamil outing with Vishal in which she played exactly that kind of role, and she says, "I cannot pinpoint one particular film. After Vaaranam Aayiram, I did few roles that required me to look and act in a certain way. I became synonymous with such characters. That's why for my film with Maddy, I told director Lingusamy that I would play the role of a village girl. I want to do what Simran and Jyothika did in Kollywood."

And finally, has Sameera been in touch with celebrity television anchor Oprah Winfrey, whom she recently met in Mumbai? "Since Oprah loved the sari I was wearing at the do at which I met her, I sent her a similar one as a gift. I consider the souvenir a representation of our country and I hope it will be one of her memories of her India visit," says Sameera.

Filmmaking is not a business: Abhinay Deo

Delhi Belly director Abhinay Deo rejects film offers from three leading production houses to concentrate on the Indian version of American TV series 24

Filmmaker Abhinay Deo, after a successful 2011 with Aamir Khan Productions' Delhi Belly has decided to concentrate on one thing at a time. Mumbai Mirror has learnt that Abhinay, despite being offered a lot of film deals by leading production houses, has decided to concentrate on Anil Kapoor's television series 24. In fact, the filmmaker has turned down offers from at least three leading producers in the Hindi cinema industry.

Confirming that a lot of films have indeed come his way after the successful Delhi Belly, Abhinay said, "Big offers are not something that you want to say 'no' to. However, the script is also important. If a film doesn't work, people will blame the director for taking up the project."

Also, Abhinay revealed that he isn't one to work on numbers. "I believe in what Aamir had once told me: Filmmaking is not a business. A good script is very important," added the director.

Talking about his Best debutant award victory at Filmfare on January 29, Abhinay added, "30th of January is my father's birthday. In my family, we make it a point of calling the birthday boy or girl at 12 o' clock sharp. And believe it or not, my award was announced at 12 o'clock sharp. At the time, I was talking to my father over the phone. It was the best moment of my life."

Needless to say, the filmmaker after winning the award is looking forward to keep up with his last success. And thus, Abhinay is leaving no stone unturned to make Anil Kapoor's Indian 24 a success.

"The venture is still at a nascent stage. Anilji has just acquired the rights. Work on it is still going on," revealed the filmmaker.

Though the project is yet to take off, Abhinay is ready to take on the challenge to recreate the popular American TV series for the Indian audience. "As a filmmaker, making 24 for India is a challenge. But then again, there nothing that Hollywood can and we can't. The way 24 was accepted in the country reaffirms the fact that the series can indeed be recreated for the Indian audience."

"The television industry has still not entered the zone where the audience would accept Hollywood storylines as is. It has to be Indianised. The tastes and sentiments of the Indian audience have to be kept mind while recreating 24," added the filmmaker.

Karan Johar explored my talent: Priyanka

Priyanka's come a long way from playing Dostana's sizzling sari-clad desi girl in Miami to the damsel from Dongri in her latest film.

The success of her recent hit aside, she is all praise for Hrithik, and producer Karan Johar, who "has given me ample space and explored my talent from Dostana to our latest film together," she revealed in an exclusive chat with zoOm PC's next is about time travel and period love stories, but we think she has already travelled places.

For exclusive interviews, B-Town parties & events, watch B Tonite from Mon-Fri at 10 pm, only on zoOm - India's No 1 Bollwood channel.

I haven’t called anyone: Salman Khan

Salman Khan clarifies that he did not speak to Shirish Kunder after the latter's fight with SRK

On Tuesday, a media report claimed that a concerned Salman Khan, who is shooting in Cuba, called Shirish Kunder to show his support after SRK bashed him. That night Salman heard about his so-called concern for the film director. What's surprising is that, he was clueless about the whole fight at Dutt's party. He wasn't happy about being dragged into a fight between two people, especially because he wasn't at the party. And not even in the country!

Says a source close to the family, "It's really strange how bhai's name has gotten dragged into this. He hasn't called anyone. Salman doesn't even have network where he shoots. We haven't been speaking to him often also. He wasn't even aware of the fight... how can he call Shirish to offer support? When we called the newspaper to check about their source, we were told that Shirish told them about Salman's call to him. But shouldn't they have checked with him or someone from his side? Salim uncle is very upset about Salman's name being used in this fight."

BT tried contacting Salman but his phone was not reachable. Finally we managed to reach his manager Reshma Shetty who is also in Cuba. The line was bad and got disconnected a few times before we got through. She asked us to call later and put the actor on line. He said, "I am filming in Cuba. I am not using my phone here. I haven't called anyone and no one has called me. If you are printing this also say hello to my mom and dad." And the line went dead.

Ranbir Kapoor's loss, Prateik Babbar's gain

Everyone is talking about the sizzling chemistry between Liverpool lass Amy Jackson and Mumbai ka chokra Prateik Babbar.

Unlike other fake 'encounter specialists' which emerge everytime a new pair is introduced in a love story, the Amy-Prateik chemistry in 'Ek Deewana Tha' is for real.

The entire unit vouches for the twosome being absolutely smitten with one another. Do we see Smita Patil smiling down from heaven?

Says director Gautham Menon, "Our film is getting a positive vibe. People are saying the lead pair is looking good together."

And to think it could have been Ranbir Kapoor romancing Amy in 'Ek Deewana Tha'. Gautham Menon is one of Tamil cinema's leading lights of filmmaking. But in Mumbai Ranbir Kapoor doesn't know him, nor wish to work with him.

Apparently when Menon wished to approach Ranbir for his new Hindi film, the star refused to meet him.

Embarrassed to talk about his failure to connect with the Kapoor star the hurt and angry Menon, who has worked with the likes of Kamal Haasan, Madhavan and Suriya in the South, finally admits, "Ranbir was my first choice for 'Ek Deewana Tha'. I tried to get in touch in with. Forget about meeting Ranbir. I couldn't even meet his secretary. Yes, even the secretary refused to meet me."

This is when Gautham turned away, his pride and dignity seriously challenged, to sign Prateik for the film.

Says Menon, "One reason why I've taken 11 years to make my second Hindi film is because I am comfortable working with the stars in the South, as they are with me. In Mumbai, I feel like a stranger. In fact I've had a number of offers to direct Hindi films. Vipul Shah wanted me to do the Hindi adaptation of my film 'Kaakha Kaakha'. I declined the offer. Nishikant Kamat directed the remake 'Force'."

Now after his bitter experience with Ranbir Menon has become even more wary of Mumbai and its stars.

Menon can take solace in company. Increasingly a wide spectrum of director are complaining about how inaccessible Ranbir has become.

Sudhir Mishra wanted to cast Ranbir in 'Driver' . He's been waiting for months for a meeting. Raj Kumar Santoshi wanted to do a sequel to 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani' with Ranbir. Katrina Kaif was willing. Ranbir was not.

Incidentally, Ranbir loves romancing half-foreigners on screen: Katrina Kaif in 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani', Sarah Thompson in 'Raajneet' and Nargis Fakhri in 'Rockstar'.

February engagement for Kareena?

Speculation over Kareena's impending marriage with Saif continues...

Wedding of Bollywood actors is news of public interest and thus an overdose of speculation is guaranteed.

News of Rani Mukherjee getting married every six months, John Abraham getting secretly married every now and then is common.

Kareena-Saif marriage is another 'popular news'.

Its now said, the two are planning to get engaged on Feb 10. The day will also see the release of Kareena's film 'Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu'.

When we met up Kareena a few days back, she told TOI.com, "Yes we are definitely thinking of marriage but it all depends on our film commitments. I am busy promoting Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, then Agent Vinod and also shooting for Heroine. So all depends on when's the right time."

The actress also denied of Ritu Kumar designing her wedding outfit. "That's not true" she said.

The wedding news has put both Saif and Kareena in spotlight. "I am only asked about the marriage. No one seems interested in our films anymore" laughed Kareena.