‘Players’ is not ‘Dhoom’, says Abhishek Bachchan!

Buzz has it that Abhishek Bachchan’s soon to be released film, Players is a copy of Dhoom. However, Jr Bachchan denies these rumors saying that both the films are from the same action genre, but are way too different.

While promoting his film, Abhishek said: “Players and Dhoom are two different films – Dhoom was on cops-robbers faceoff and all the main characters in Players are thieves.”

Abhishek added: “However, the genre of both the films is the same. Both films are action-thrillers, but director-duo Abbas-Mustan have given a different treatment to Players.”

Abhishek also says that the characters of Bobby Deol and Bipasha Basu are an addition in the film and that those characters were not there in the original film,The Italian Job!

We hope Players bring some luck to Abhi.

Shahid not ready for another love story!

Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s new project, a love triangle ‘Chitthiyan’ was offered to Shahid Kapoor. But, it is heard that, the actor turned down the offer after his last film ‘Mausam’ went bla at the box-office.

“I haven`t accepted any new offer except Maneesh Sharma`s. And it would be inappropriate to talk about the films I`ve said no to,” said the 30-year-old actor.

It seems that Shahid is not ready for another love story after what happened with ‘Mausam’. Says a close friend of Shahid, “He is hearing at an average one script every day. For some strange reason, most of the films on offer, including Anand (`Tanu Weds Manu`) Rai`s `Ranjhana`, are love stories. Ideally, Shahid would want to do an action film next.”

“Shahid has the highest regard for Vidhu Vinod Chopra`s work and was keen to work with him. But a love story is not what he wants to do at the moment. He meant no offence to Mr. Chopra and would like to work with him in the future. At the moment the only film Shahid has said yes to is Maneesh Sharma`s next for the Yash Raj Films…” added the friend.

Katrina Kaif declines 31st night offers!

After ‘Sheila Ki Jawani’ and ‘Chikni Chameli’, needless to mention, the gorgeous lady, Katrina Kaif definitely must have recieved several offers for 31st December. But guess what? It is heard that the actress has declined all the offers.

As per reports, Katrina Kaif will be spending her 31st night with her family. The actress says, it’s only on Christmas and New year, that she gets to spend quality time with her family and so would never want to miss this opportunity for anything else.

If buzz is to be believed, Kats has said that she would perform on New Years eve only on one condition. Stating her condition she said, only if she was given a huge amount that it compensates the amount of working in two movies, would she think of giving performances.

Well, the actress is planning to buy a house for herself in London and so she needs the money.

Aamir’s gift to Salman Khan!

Aamir Khan was a painter in his film Dhobi Ghat. He also essayed the role of an arts teacher in Taare Zameen Par. But is he a good painter off screen??

Say’s the actor, “Painting, like singing, is something I really enjoy doing. Though I do it badly.”

“I love singing, it puts me in a good mood. It disturbs the hell out of everyone around me, but it makes me feel very happy… painting also. I have realised that I am really a bad painter but when I am painting, I get so engrossed and I feel as if I am making something like a Picasso,” added the 46-year-old.

It seems, while shooting for Dhobi Ghat, Aamir completed a painting and gifted the same to his close frined, Salman Khan.

“The one painting that I have done in my life is on the sets of Dhobi Ghat, while they were lighting up, I did a full canvas and presented it to Salman. So, it’s in Salman’s house,”Aamir Khan said.

Aamir Khan recently launched CDs and DVDs of his film Dhobi Ghat.

Naseeruddin Shah heaps praise at Vidya Balan!

Vidya Balan has won millions of applauds for her awesome performance in ‘The Dirty Picture’. Not just the audiences but her co-stars have also showered praises on her. Well, this time it is Naseeruddin Shah who couldn’t stop praising the actress.

“She is a marvelous actress. She has been very brave, not just worked very hard but she is courageous in her choice of work… It is a testimony to her courage that she is in a position that most of our leading ladies would envy her today.” says Naseeruddin Shah at the music launch of his film Chaalis Chauraasi.

The actor also said that no one better than Vidya could do justice to a woman-oriented script: “It is a wonderful thing. So hats off to the girl.”

Naseeruddin Shah will be seen dancing to three numbers in the film Chaalis Chauraasi.

Salman not ready to give time for ‘No Entry Mein Entry’.

The script for Anees Bazmee ‘No Entry Mein Entry’ is ready. As reported earlier, the film which is a sequal to ‘No Entry’, will have all the three actors, Anil Kapoor, Fardeen Khan and Salman Khan play double roles. However, Salman Khan, who is said to be upset with Anees, isn’t ready.

A source close to both Anees and Boney Kapoor (producer) revealed, “Salman is really excited about his first double role since Judwaa. And he will love the script that Anees has written. However, he first needs to hear it. He has to give Anees time.”

Even at Salman’s birthday bash, Anees Bamees was not invited to the party.

When Anees was asked the reason for him being absent for Sallu’s party and whether it was because of their differences, he said, “Aisa kuch nahin hai. I’m leaving for a holiday with my wife and children for New Year. I met Boney and he loved my script. I haven’t met Salman. But Boney and Anil have met Salmanbhai. Salman is very excited about the script. As soon as we can we will sit down for a narration,” said the director.

Salman was miffed with director Anees Bazmee during the making of Ready.

Guess how much Gauri makes for attending an event?

Buzz is that Gauri is paid around Rs 15 to 17 lakh for a half an hour appearance at events, thanks to being Shah Rukh’s wife. Speaking about her brand value, a source from a top event management company says, “Even though Gauri Khan has no films to her credit or any big achievement to boast of, being the wife of the Bollywood superstar comes with its own benefits.

SRK’s huge popularity has brought Gauri in the spotlight too and has got her a huge fan base. If Shah Rukh Khan is one of the biggest brand names, how can the brand value of his stylish wife be anything less?

Gauri has turned producer for most of SRK’s films. Moreover, her unique sense of style has made her quite famous among young women. Gauri Khan and Sussanne Roshan are the only two non-actress wives who have a strong demand in the appearance space. “

Salman spoils Sanjay’s New Year plans

Work commitments have thrown a spanner in the holiday plans of Sanjay Dutt. The star along with wife Maanayata and twins Shahraan and Iqra left over the weekend for a vacation in Bali.

But now he has been summoned back for a special shoot on December 31 for the reality show he hosts. As co-anchor Salman Khan has kept himself away from the shoot, Dutt has no way out but to return by December 30.

Says a source, “Sanjay had planned the family trip around Christmas and had planned to return only after January 1. He waited for his flick Agneepath’s trailer launch on Friday and the show’s shoot on Saturday and planned his departure only after these events.

But the makers of Bigg Boss planned a special episode shoot on December 31 and the channel authorities requested Sanjay to be present for it. He decided to return on December 30. He will fly in a chopper to Karjat on December 31 for the special episode shoot.”

Last year, Salman who was in Dubai for his birthday (December 27) as well as New Year celebrations had flown into Mumbai in the wee hours of December 31 to shoot for the episode and returned to Dubai in the evening.

But this time, the star who is slated to be in the desert Emirate again is in no mood to fly down for the shoot.

SRK: ‘If Salman is upset with me, then it is my fault’

Karan Johar completely broke down when SRK started speaking about his former friends Farah Khan and Salman Khan. The episode of Koffee with Karan will air on January 2.

A source on the sets says, “SRK’s episode with KJo is emotional where Shahrukh Khan has been caught in a mellow, introspective mood. He is emotionally vulnerable, revelaing things that have hurt him in the last year.”

The source continued to add, “When Karan pointed out people feel that old friends Farah Khan and Salman have problems with Shahrukh Khan, SRK said, ‘I don’t know how to make friends and if I did and I have no clue how to keep them. If Salman and Farah are upset with me then it is 100 percent my fault, but I can’t pick up the phone and say sorry. I cannot apologize because I have ego issues, but because I cannot say get myself to ask people to come back to me. Once I did ask my parents to come back to me and they did not.”

He also admitted that one of his biggest enemies is his cell phone as many of his friends have complained that he does not take their calls and ignores them. At one point Karan had tears in his eyes when SRK said, “I feel it is understood that I love them if I have said it once, I cannot keep repeating it. I have some problem in saying ‘I Love You’ twice and thrice and keep repeating those words. Even in my movies I can never keep saying ‘I Love You!’”

KJo said, “It was totally a different cup of coffee this time. it is really awkward to discuss and recreate all those intimate scenes normally again. Till date I have never become emotional on the sets of Koffee with Karan, because that has never been the tone of the show. It is usually controversial and spicy.”

When asked about SRK on the couch he says, “SRK is one of the warmest human beings I have seen in this industry, he has spoken openly about his family, friends and relationships. There is some strength in what he said. He is beyond any kind of issues. You can feel that he has risen above every situation and this comes beautifully through this show. This coffee on the couch episode with SRK was emotionally unplugged and more than humor unplugged. It has a new impact!”

KJo is the wedding planner

Finally, Imran Khan and Avantika Malik have turned to Karan Johar to plan their wedding and wedding functions. The director is more than happy to help them. Initially the bride-to-be wanted to do things on her own, but as the wedding date came closer, it hit her that she is getting stressed with all the planning and needs help.

She did not know whom to ask. The groom was of no help, as he is busy shooting the next movie of Yash Raj productions. A souce revealed, “Avantika was getting stressed about everything from her wedding trousseau to the menu. Imran was in conversation with his I Hate Luv Storys producer and mentioned how his sweetheart was panicking and KJo immediately offered to look at the list and help her with all the suggestions. When he sat down with Avantika and saw her plans, he was not very happy with a few things. So the veteran of all things Shaadi took the reins in his hands and became the unofficial wedding planner for the couple.”

The first and the most important thing was the trousseau. Karan asked Varun Bahl and Manish Malhotra to design the clothes of the couple. Karan was very specific with the details. He asked Avantika to wear a burnt orange color lehenga and not only this, he picked a green colored Maang Tikka for her as well.

Imran confirmed saying, “Karan has been very helpful. He has been an excellent mentor and a friend to Avantika. He has helped us immensely and sorted our lives. I did not have time for planning but he really helped Avantika in all the planning.”

Preity tries to break the world record, but fails

Preity Zinta has finally taken a first step towards her television debut. She has started shooting for the promos of Guinness World Records - Ab India Todega, the show that she will be hosting on Colors Channel.

The actress tried to break an international record at Film City herself!

In a promo video while pulling a truck she says, “Australia ka Derek Boyer ka Guinness World Record aaj main toodoongi.”

Later she stated, “Chaliye main naa kar saki toh kya hua? India kar ke dikhadega. Ab garv se har Hindustani bolega, Guinness World record, Ab India Todega.”

This is a desi version of the international show, produced by Miditech and will be aired later this year.

According to the channel, the never-say-die attitude of Priety echoes the concept of the show and it also represents the spirit of new India. She will try to encourage all the viewers to take a plunge to make or break records.

Surily Goel will be styling Preity for this show. Surily says, “I am excited to style Priety for her television debut. A show like Guinness World Records will be a great platform to experiment with various looks. Her personality is quite sporty, energetic and adventurous, and hence, I will style her keeping her personality in mind. I have given her a waistcoat over a casual shirt teamed with boots and gloves especially for the promo shoot.”

I want Gulzarji to write poems for me: Katrina

She is definitely one of the most beautiful women in the Hindi Film industry. However, no one has ever written a love poem for Katrina, she believes that love is the only beautiful thing in the world. The actress wishes that Gulzar saab would write one for her.

Recently at the launch of Pritish Nandy’s book ‘Love Poems’ she says, “Nobody has ever written a poem for me. But if actually someone writes a poem for me, I think that will be very romantic.”

She was looking her best in an off-white knee length dress, Katrina, 26, surprised everyone present there saying, “I want Gulzar saab to write poems for me.”

Gulzar, 74, has written many poetry books and innumerable songs, was also present at the event. He said, “Inshallah, I would write a poem for Katrina for sure.”

The entire event was about love poems, and it was obvious that everyone wanted to know Katrina’s views on love and romance. The actress obliged everybody by sharing her views.

“Even though love is known to entail pain, disillusionment, disappointment, still I don’t want to be pessimistic about love. I would rather want to have a positive approach to love. I believe that there can be a happy ending, because love is the most beautiful thing in the world,” said Katrina.

When media asked her about her Valentine’s Day plan she said, “No plans, I will be working on that day.”

Priyanka made Kareena wait

On Friday evening, Kareena Kapoor drove down all the way from Pune to Mumbai for shooting her televised act for an award ceremony. What should have ended in a few hours took them forever, thanks to Priyanka Chopra.

Bebo finished with her make-up and hair and arrived on the stage to see that it was already occupied by Priyanka Chopra. She had to wait for four hours before she could actually shoot her performance.

A source present at the awards revealed, “Kareena landed at Yash Raj Studios around midnight; she found that the stage was occupied by Priyanka. She waited patiently for sometime. On spotting her, PC came down from the stage and told her that she could not give the stage until 1 am (although Kareena was assigned the stage at 12 am).”

PC continued to rehearse till 4 am, by that time, the exhausted Kareena had left for home.

The next morning, Kareena asked her manager Zahid to cancel the shooting (with Salman for Bodyguard), which was scheduled on Saturday in Pune and then came back to the studio to finish her song.

Normally, the fiery Bebo would have flared up because she was kept waiting for more than four hours. Although, she was smarting with humiliation, she maintained her cool. Later, she gave a call to the organizers and gave her piece.

They explained it to her that because of some technical problems, Priyanka’s act took a longer time.

PC’s spokesperson said, “Priyanka was not aware that Bebo had to wait for hours. Not that I am aware of. Priyanka had a long act with many changes.”

Bebo remained unavailable for comment.

John, Priya engagement

Finally, Jon Abraham has made up his mind to tie a knot. This time his girlfriend would be Priya Runchal, an investor banker. In fact, the credit for John’s final decision to enter into marriage goes to Priya who has made John to agree to be engaged soon. John is reported to be very serious about his new ladylove and wants to make it official by getting engaged as early as April 2012, followed by a wedding at the end of the year. John wants to prove to the glamour world that he hadn’t been unfaithful to his former beau Bipasha Basu as supposed by many. Besides, he would like to show that he has settled in life earlier than Bips. Is Bips listening?

Kat impresses KJo

Katrina Kaif is indeed more than what she looks like. Wait to watch her in ‘Agneepath' remake’s hot item song. She has a bottle of pahua hanging from her waist. Ganesh Acharya, who has choreographed it, wishes it to be bigger than any of the previous item songs. Kat also feels proud of it and says, “It’s a desi-rustic number. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for the audience’s reaction”. Karan Johar, the producer, has revealed the first look of Katrina's “Chikni Chameli” item song on Twitter. The filmmaker tweeted, "Katrina Kaif is doing a full on item song in ‘Agneepath’ its a total swinging number called Chikni Chameli...we shoot it in a week!!"

Veena Malik traced

The most controversial Pakistani actress Veena Malik who claims to have earned both glory and money in India was reported to have been missing after her Mumbai shooting. Luckily, she has been traced in Mumbai. It is said that she had been to Pakistan for her visa renewal via Wagha border, where her friend Ashmit Patel had dropped her. She had been in India on a 45 days visa, which was about to expire and the authorities wanted her to get the same renewed. Her arrival in Pakistan reportedly went unnoticed because she was wearing a burqa and her passport carried her real name Zahida! This is another matter that reports from Pakistan deny her arrival there.
his is to recall that Veena Malik had recently hit headlines after a nude shoot for a magazine cover, and angered the people of Pakistan. Hence, there was speculation following her disappearance from the sets even for a very brief period. So, Veena and her director and producer need to be more cautious and keep a track of her movements to avoid unnecessary guesses in India as well as in Pakistan.

Shah Rukh is nervous

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan is nerves these days, and he will remain so till his much-awaited film `Don 2: The King Is Back` hits the screens Friday, Dec 23,2011. However, SRK claims that this nervousness gives him a big high. In the meantime, the super star has been city-hopping to promote the Farhan Akhtar-directorial, which also features Priyanka Chopra, Lara Dutta, Boman Irani and Sahil Shroff. The movie is a sequel to the 2006 film ‘Don: The Chase Begins’, which was a modern day remake of the 1978 Amitabh Bachchan-starrer ‘Don’.

n spite of his nervousness, the actor wants to continue his warring relations with Salman Khan. Why else would he call Salman’s ‘Bodyguard’ a tapori Chap? In fact, he scoffed at all of his rivals during the promotion of ‘Don 2’. He didn’t spare Imran Khan and Hrithik Roshan. He said, “The viewers have matured. One can say that their taste has evolved. These days, they like to watch a ‘Delhi Belly’, a ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ and a tapori chaap ‘Bodygaurd’ too.” When asked about his dream role, Shah Rukh said, “I am only looking forward to doing different kinds of characters.” In the same breath, he denied having received any offer from Hollywood.

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan is nerves these days, and he will remain so till his much-awaited film `Don 2: The King Is Back` hits the screens Friday, Dec 23,2011. However, SRK claims that this nervousness gives him a big high. In the meantime, the super star has been city-hopping to promote the Farhan Akhtar-directorial, which also features Priyanka Chopra, Lara Dutta, Boman Irani and Sahil Shroff. The movie is a sequel to the 2006 film ‘Don: The Chase Begins’, which was a modern day remake of the 1978 Amitabh Bachchan-starrer ‘Don’.

Shilpa to sell homes

• After her night club shut down, Shilpa Shetty had been wondering what to do next. Of course her acting career is always there, sillies. So what if we don't see her in the movies. She'd been trying to extend herself. Our sources tell us that she and hubby Raj Kundra thought of many business options but nothing really worked out. Now it seems the couple has targeted real estate. What's more they're even planning to sell property on a discounted rate. Now that's interesting. All you Mumbaikars looking for a budget home, you know where to head.

Salman Wants His Dues

Salman Khan is miffed with the producer of Veer, Vijay Ghelani. The thing is that even after two years of the film’s release, Gelani hasn’t paid Salman Khan his dues. We hear he owes the actor a whopping ` 15 crore. And this has angered Salman no end. The actor, who’s known to waive off his dues in many cases, is in no mood to do so this time. Our sources say he feels he has been taken for a ride by the producer and this is something the actor won’t take lying down. So he has apparently sent a notice to the producer to pay his dues. Well if Gelani knows what’ good for him, he’ll cough up the money in no time. Otherwise…  surely he doesn’t need us to spell it out for him. 

My dad is the don of B'wood: Abhishek Bachchan

Pehle SRK and PC, aur ab Abhishek Bachchan and Neil Nitin Mukesh, sure looks like a star shower for Lucknow these days. On Monday, the duo of Abhishek and Neil stopped by the city to promote their upcoming flick "Players", and not surprisingly, hundreds gathered at a mall in Gomtinagar to catch a glimpse of the cinestars.

Girls screamed Abhishek's name out loud on seeing him. But Neil, with an overgrown beard, became a tad tough for the people to recognise. But when they did, everyone gathered there made up by greeting him loudly.

Considering the fierce manner in which the Bachchans have been guarding Beti B, Abhishek was virtually swamped with queries about her. When asked if the family has decided on a name for her, a smiling Abhishek replied, "We've yet to decide. We would ideally like to name her with the alphabet 'A', but let's see."

BOLLYWOOD KA KING KAUN? 

With SRK's "Don 2" having just been released, Big B as the original Don was high on people's minds. But Abhishek expertly fielded queries on SRK's venture, when asked, by saying, "Bollywood mein to ek hi Don hai. And that's my father Amitabh Bachchan. But honestly, I haven't seen the film as I have been busy. But I will catch it soon."

Neil, however, was all praises for the film. "It's a slick movie with brilliant performances," he said.

FAMILY TIME: It was a family reunion for Neil, who was with his sister Neha and her family in Kanpur for Christmas, before reaching Lucknow. Giving them company was father Nitin Mukesh. In Lucknow, Neil appeared relaxed and still in the holiday mood. Clearly, the short holiday was a welcome break from the promotional rounds. In fact the family, with brother-in-law Alakshendra Swaroop, Alakshendra's sister Akanksha and Neil's nephews Aryendra and Shauryendra, accompanied him to Lucknow for a day of gorging on lakhnawi food. "Yahan Lucknow aa ke mein toh bas yahan ki sari mashhoor cheezen khana chahta tha," declared Neil. And he did just that with costar and friend Abhishek Bachchan, when the two feasted on kebabs from Tunday, paranthas, biryani, makkhan malai and laddoos.