Abhishek Bachchan hits the gym!

Not one given much to body building or indeed any kind of heavy duty exercising, Abhishek Bachchan is now doing the lunges and lifting up weights.
Apparently, the inspiration comes from none other than the Singham supercop Ajay Devgn, who's the reason behind Abhishek hitting the gym. The two, Abhishek and Ajay will be seen together on Bol Bachan, and the latter has been instrumental in persuading the former to get into the fitness routine for this movie. And, hopefully, Abhishek might get addicted to the fitness rigour after this.

Rohit Shetty miffed with Singham producers

Singham director Rohit Shetty is miffed with his producer Reliance Entertainment. After prolonged differences, he was asked to vacate his office by some members of the production unit 

Singham is roaring at the box office currently and so is its director Rohit Shetty. Despite having set the cash registers ringing, it looks like Rohit Shetty and the Ajay Devgn starrer's producers Reliance Entertainmenthad some major issues. 

Reportedly, there have been consistent issues between the production unit and the director since the beginning of the film. And recently, it reached to a state that Rohit moved out of his office, probably never to return. The possibility of them working together again looks bleak now. 

A source told Mumbai Mirror what exactly transpired between Rohit Shetty and Reliance. "There were various issues between some people from the production unit and Rohit Shetty. 

In fact, during the Goa schedule of the film, there were fights between them over trivial issues. Rohit was heard saying that he has never worked with such a production crew and he was unwilling to continue the film. However, Ajay's timely intervention made him complete it." 

The issues have probably not been minor. The unit crossed the line and Rohit was forced to vacate his office. "During the post production, Rohit had various issues which fumed him. But since he was racing against time, he let matters go. 

However, just a day before the release of the film, things turned nasty. People from the production team named Purva and Dhiraj Shah, sent an email to Rohit's chief assistant Bahul asking them to vacate the office premises. After Bahul informed Rohit about the email, he lost his cool completely and did not go to the office," said the source. 

When the higher officials of Reliance Entertainment learnt of the blunder, they immediately sent higher personnel to personally meet and apologise to Rohit and settle the matter. "Incidentally, that time Rohit was at Ajay's residence. 

While two officials reached Ajay's residence in Juhu, both Ajay and Rohit refused to meet them. The officials wandered for a couple of hours but when they saw that both Rohit and Ajay were in no mood to meet them, they left. It has been four days since the release of the film and Rohit has not spoken to any of the people in Reliance at all," revealed the source. 

The source added, "Going by what has transpired, Rohit an otherwise cool customer has no plans of working with them in the future. It is a fact that every production house has repeated Rohit in their films so far but working with Reliance again seems like a far-fetched proposal at the moment." 

While Rohit did not wish to comment on the episode, the spokesperson of Reliance Entertainment said, "Since Singham was an extremely quick production, stresses are invariable part of that experience. Right now, we are extremely pleased with the way the film has opened and hope it continues to play as successfully in the coming weeks."

Arjun's meeting Delhi cops

While Arjun comes often to Delhi to meet friends with whom he goes back a long way, there's another reason he's been frequenting the capital - to prepare for his role of a cop in Tigmanshu Dhulia's "Jai Ramji". 

And he's already met the top brass, including police commissioner BK Gupta. Says Arjun, "We've been doing a lot of homework, since this is the sort of character for which you need to do research to get into the skin of it. Tigmanshu has got a script like that. He is a filmmaker who makes something real. This cop comes from North India and that's why we are studying cops here. And the Delhi Police has been very supportive. I have met Commissioner Gupta and Delhi is lucky to have a commissioner like him."

Till now, Arjun says he has only met the top ranks of the Delhi Police, but he will soon start interacting with other cops who have handled relevant cases too. He adds, "What I need to do is send them a lot of incidents that happen in the film industry, and then they will tell us about cops who have handled similar cases, and we'll meet them to know about their experiences. I am waiting for those introductions to happen now. Right now, I have only met the top brass - people who will allow me the access - and they've been very supportive." 

I can give my life for Salman Khan: Shera

Salman Khan's bodyguard Shera insists that Salman has no enemies and he is just there to take care of him in public places and events. 

It seems like everything relating to tiger is important in Salman Khan's life in recent times - whether it's his next films Ek Tha Tiger and Sher Khan or his bodyguard Shera. Shera, the man who has been closest to Salman Khan for the past 15 years, explains his association with Salman as a relationship of loyalty. "He is my boss, brother and friend". 

Salman recently got Shera to release the first look of his forthcoming film Bodyguard , as a tribute to his real-life bodyguard. "I have been close to Salman bhai for years but I never imagined that I would be given such a huge honour. It was a surprise for me when I was asked to give a speech on him". 

Salman Khan refused an in-film branding offer of Rs 7 crores by a security company and instead chose to wear the uniform of Shera's company. "You can imagine his liking for me by that. He is a real nice man at heart", says Shera who also owns a security company called Tiger Security that supplies bodyguards to bigwigs in the industry. 

Shera believes a bodyguard has to protect his boss but more importantly he has to be loyal. Ask him if he offered any advice to Salman Khan, who plays bodyguard to Kareena Kapoor in his next film, and Shera says, "Salman has noted me so closely for past many years that he didn't need any advice. He looks damn smart and handsome in the film". And would we get to see Shera in a cameo in the film? "The film is still being made so I can't say anything, as yet", Shera remains non-committal. 

Ask him which heroine suits the best with Salman and he can't decide on one. "Salman looks good with anyone and everyone be it Kareena or Katrina". And the question that the world is posing Salman - should he get married? "This is his personal decision so what do I say". Salman recently mentioned that Shera knows all his secrets. " Ab Salman bhai ne bol diya... toh bol diya... main kya bolu ", smiles the humble guy.

Shera insists that Salman has no enemies and he is just there to take care of him in public places and events. "I can go to any extent to protect Salman. Jaan bhi de sakta hoon (I can give my life as well)", exclaims Shera, like a true protector.

Karisma Kapoor's item number in Housefull 2!

Super sexy Karisma Kapoor is all set to make a comeback. As we all know she has signed Vikram Bhatt's 3D horror film Dangerous Ishq. Now the actress has also been approached by Sajid Nadiadwala for his forthcoming film Housefull 2. 

According to a unit hand, Karisma wasn't the first choice for the item number. Rani Mukherji was approached for it earlier. But it seems things did not work out so the makers of Housefull 2approached Karisma who is a close friend of producer Sajid Nadiadwala.

"Lolo's association with Sajid is very old. The duo has worked together for films like Jeet and Judwaa. Sajid and Lolo are still in touch. So after Rani refused, Sajid thought of Karisma who looks as sexy as she was earlier", informs a source close to H2 unit.

It can be recalled that Raveena who recently made her comeback with an item number in Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap received an outstanding welcome by her fans. Let's hope Lolo's item number creates the same magic for her.

Khaps demand film ban

'Khap' director says his film condemns honour killings and not khap panchayats, even as no Haryana minister wants to watch it and court controversy.
Four days before release, "Khap - A Story of Honour Killing", based on Haryana's khap panchayats, is facing the ire of village heads in Haryana. Khap leaders have approached theHaryana government to ban the film as they feel it shows them in a negative light. They've threatened that they won't allow the film to be screened in theatres, as they feel their portrayal as "bloodthirsty fanatics" is incorrect.
Reacting to the sentiment, the director of the movie, Ajai Sinha, told DT that he was only condemning the act of honour killing through his film, and not the community. Says Sinha, "The movie was inspired by a Times of India headline ("Medieval Justice Just 50km From Delhi"), and after I read it, I started researching the subject."
Interacted with a few people from some khaps too, and did a lot of research on why they were formed, what it was like in the initial days, etc. I also consulted social workers who have been working on the issue in Haryana. It was only after understanding the system that I decided to make the film. So, while the movie is about the khaps and their way of justice through honour killings, it also talks about the positives of the khaps," says Ajai.

The director says he was prepared for some opposition, but not to this extent. In fact, he'd even tried requesting a few political bigwigs in Haryana to watch the movie, but says that no one wants to court any controversy. Ajai adds, "It was two months ago that I heard for the first time that the khaps want the film to be banned. But we know we haven't made anything that maligns anyone. If a teacher beats a boy, and the boy dies, we condemn the act and not the entire teaching community. It portrays the negative acts of the community and their medieval system of justice. But when we contacted some senior politicians in Haryana, no one wanted to see the film. They are concerned about their vote banks and do not want to generate controversy."

The lead actor of the film, Sarrtaj Gill, plays Kush, an MBA student who revolts against the system since he falls in love with a girl from the same khap. Speaking to us about the film, he says, "The movie shows the truth. There's no exaggeration. We've discussed the positives of the khaps too, like we have a character played by Alok Nath who comes to Delhi from a khap and they have funded his education. It also shows how they help farmers, make schools for the farmers' children, etc. We're not attacking the panchayat, but the thinking of the people. We're only hoping to impact their thinking and that they'll change their system of justice."

Ameesha Patel woos ’em all!

Ameesha Patel is playing her cards well. Not only has the actress smitten everyone by her beauty but is also enamouring one and all by her decision to float her production house along with her friend Kunal. 

The actress recently took to an international tour for an award ceremony and was seen interacting with the likes of Shah Rukh Khan and Anil Kapoor. It is also learnt that quite a few filmmakers like Rakesh Roshan and Ramesh Taurani were really impressed by her being one of the youngest and most good-looking producers in the industry. So much so, they went all out to give filmmaking tips to both Ameesha and Kunal for their successful innings. Within two months of launching her banner Ameesha Patel Productions, the actress is close to the heels of announcing her second director with the first being David Dhawan. But if you thought that was all, then you guess it wrong. This damsel has a lot in her kitty. After her successful tour, Ameesha is gearing up for her forthcoming release Chatur Singh 2 Star in which she stars alongside close friend Sanjay Dutt. Well Ameesha, there is surely a lot to look forward to from you.

Sohail Khan buys Shilpa Shetty's nightclub

Salman Khan's actor-filmmaker brother Sohail, recently bought over the Bandra nightclub, owned by Shilpa Shetty Kundra. 

The nightclub, in an avatar before that, was known as Poison and belonged to close friends of Sanjay Dutt. However, it ran into trouble when the local authorities wanted it shut down terming it a "nuisance". On it's reopening under a new name, Shilpa Shetty Kundra and her husband Raj acquired a stake in it, which Sohail has now reportedly bought. Currently, the place is given out for film shootings. Producer Pahlaj Nihalani shot a song for his last film there and more recently, Atul Agnihotri shot key scenes for his September 1 release Bodyguard here. 

Riteish Deshmukh, Genelia D'Souza finally come together

Real life couple Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza will be seen together onscreen almost after seven years. Their untitled romantic comedy film goes on the floors today. 

Both the actors will shoot on the first day of the shoot which will be directed by debutante Mandeep Kumar. The couple is excited about working together once again after Masti . Speaking about it Genelia D'Souza said, "My new film starts today. Working with Riteish after 7 years is a long time and I am excited for sure."

This rom-com will be produced by Kumar Taurani under his banner Tips. It can be recalled that Ritesh and Genelia made their Bollywood debut with Tujhe Meri Kasam in 2003. The buzz about their relationship and marriage is doing rounds of B'town ever since.

The couple doesn't deny the fact that they like and admire each other but are yet to admit their relationship. Let's hope this film does wonders for both of them. 

Deepika tips John to get over breakup

During the London schedule of Desiboyz John Abraham and Deepika Padukone bonded really well. Despite this being their first film together, the two actors spent a good time getting to know each other and becoming friends first.
In fact they surprised the whole unit by cracking jokes, going out for coffee and hanging out together. Apart from this, John also spoke about his break up with Bipasha with her at length. Deepika who has been through a similar situation in the past empathized with him.
A source reveals, "John and Deepika have become really good friends. They are close to the extent that he even talked about his break up and the low phase in his life with her. Even though the London schedule is over, they are still in touch and are looking forward to working together again. Deepika not only lent him an ear, but also understood his situation and his need to keep it private."
Deepika also gave John some tips on how to deal with a break up and get a closure. "She has emerged as a stronger person after her split with Ranbir and she could feel his pain. They both bonded on topics of relationship and heart break."

Sonakshi Sinha's in awe of Sonam Kapoor

Dabangg girl Sonakshi Sinha sat transfixed on the front row of SynergyOne Delhi Couture Week 2011 and oohed and aahed at Sonam Kapoor, who started the fashion show for designer Manish Malhotra

This was a first, that a young and upcoming actress so openly complimented the looks of another contemporary. And that title now goes to Sonakshi Sinha, who after doing the showstopping act for designer duo Santanu and Nikhil came back within 30 minutes to sit and watch designer Manish Malhotra's show on Sunday, July 24 at SynergyOne Delhi Couture Week 2011. Sonam Kapoor started the show for Manish and Sonakshi was absolutely zapped by Sonam's beautiful avatar on the ramp.
"I love it," she let out in a hushed voice and kept watching the ramp show right from the start till the end. She later congratulated designer Manish, too. Both, Sonam and Sonakshi come from Bollywood families and their
camaraderie was unmissable. Way to go, girls.

Vidya Balan, Naseeruddin Shah get dirty with oranges

Vidya Balan and Naseeruddin Shah will be seen dancing, in true South style, amidst a thousand oranges rolled down a hillside in 'The Dirty Picture'. 

First it was tomatoes, then sweet lime and now oranges - Bollywood's fetish with edible items just doesn't end. You saw the ZNMD team playing with tomatoes and more recently the sweet lime fruit was ordered in tons for a song sequence in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's Ferrari Ki Sawari . 

Now director Milan Luthria recently ordered two truckloads of oranges for a sensational song sequence in his forthcoming film  The Dirty Picture . The track was picturised on Vidya Balan and Naseeruddin Shah and shot at Hyderabad's Ramoji Film City. 

In true South style, over a thousand oranges were rolled down a hillside as the actors danced to choreographer Pony Verma's matkas and jhatkas - reminiscent of the erstwhile Jeetendra-starrer Himmatwala ! 

In The Dirty Picture , Naseer, who plays a South-Indian superstar, consented to dancing after 20 years, as it was in line with the requirements of his character. He was last seen dancing with Sonam in Rajiv Rai's smash hit,  Tridev . 

Date trouble for Kareena Kapoor

B-Town buzz says that Kareena Kapoor has given the nod to play leading lady in Madhur Bhandarkar's Heroine. But the deal is yet to be finalised. 

Also the director wants start the shoot this year which won't be possible if he signs Kareena. She is currently shooting for Salman Khan's Bodyguard, after which she will start promoting Ra.One and then complete three other films - Aamir Khan's next with Reema Kagti, Saif Ali Khan's Agent Vinod and Karan Johar's Short Term Shaadi. Kareena has also been telling close friends that she plans to marry Saif in February 2012.With Madhur planning to start the film this year it just seems unlikely that Bebo will be able to manage dates given her tight schedule. This leaves the maker with no choice but to replace her or push his film to mid-2012.

Salman Khan plans Chillar Party sequels

With UTV more focused on other projects, Salman Khan has decided to go ahead and produce the sequels of the film 

Salman Khan seems to have taken his role as a producer pretty seriously, as he is ready with not one but two sequels to Chillar Party. With his maiden production venture receiving rave reviews from the critics, there is no stopping Sallu now from jumping into the bandwagon of sequels, even though co-producer UTV looks skeptical. 

Salman, who co-produced Chillar Party with UTV, is allegedly miffed with the latter. This follows after UTV sidetracked Chillar Party and moved on to commercially successful films like Delhi Belly. 

Vikas Bahl, co-director of the film, confirmed, "We actually shot the film two years ago. And when Salman came into the picture the kids were again back into action. 

They bonded so well with Salman, that it would be heartbreaking for them if he had moved on." 

On Salman coming on-board for the two sequels, he adds, "Yes we've written two more screenplays for the Chillar Party series. 

In one, all the kids get together to take the slum-kid Fatka ( Irfan Khan)) and all his slum-mates to school. In the third film the kids are the think-tank for the Indian Olympic squad hired by the government." 

Vikas Bahl and writer-director Nitesh Tiwari are also in the process of writing the fourth story to the Chillar Party series. Salman has apparently made it clear that he'd like to be on board for the entire series.

Where have the heroines gone?

Sonakshi is out, Sonam hasn't even been approached. Kamal Haasan's search for a Bollywood beauty to play his young love interest in Viswaroopam continues. 

Sona neither confirms nor denies whether she is doing the project but her dates for the next few months have been allotted to Joker, Race-2 and Rowdy Rathore. There's no way she can fit Viswaroopam in her schedule, say sources. Vidya Balan turned down Kamal's offer, too. And though rumours say that Sonam was also considered, she hasn't even approached by the veteran actor. Asin who romanced Kamal in Dasavatharam has given bulk dates in August to Rohit Shetty for Bol Bachchan.

Sources close to Kamal say that some members of the actor's team are still huntimg for a Hindi film heroine to fill in Sonakshi's shoes. Isha Sharwani, the other B-Towner in Kamal's film, is rumoured to be playing Kamal's sister in the film.Watch this space to know what's about to happen here! 

Rivalry is a fact of life: Mahesh Bhatt

Mahesh Bhatt advises Emraan Hashmi on how to deal with stardom now that he has pole-vaulted into another league
The huge success of "Murder 2" has catapulted Emraan Hashmi to a different league in Bollywood. While that's a reason for celebration, his mentor, Mahesh Bhatt, is quick to advice him about the pitfalls of showbiz. After all, bright lights, glamour and big bucks are not the only perks that one has to deal with while on the top.
Says Bhatt, "You pray for rain, you got to deal with the mud too." On being quizzed whether Emraan was feeling down that Bhatt needed to bring up the topic of mud, the film-maker says, "I was just telling him the blunt truth of showbiz now that he has pole-vaulted into another league. Like it or not, stars are the characters in our ongoing national soap opera. Critics and journos make a living by cutting them down to size, mocking their carefully groomed images. They need to know that one slip and these jackals will tear them to shreds. Once you reach the top, you discover it's a very precarious position. Suddenly you are playing a whole new game and they don't hand out the rulebook."
Ask him where he sees Emraan in a year from now and the director says, "His climb towards the 'top' begins now." How astute does an actor need to be to remain at the top? "Rivalry is a fact of life," he admits.So, how has he dealt with rivalry while being where he is for so long? "Well, it is by demolishing myself before others do," Bhatt signs off.

Rumours are making me healthier: Mahima

Actress Mahima Chaudhary says her marriage is not in trouble, as reported. She's very much with hubby Bobby.
Rubbishing rumours that her married life withBobby Mukherjee is on the verge of collapse, actress Mahima Chaudhary says everything in her personal life is going the way it should be. The actress, who married Bobby, an architect, some years back, is perturbed with the way false news is being circulated.
When contacted, she said, "No. It's not right. Bobby and I are not only husband wife, but also best buddies who will always be there for each other. I fail to understand from where the issue started. I was flooded with calls and my friends told me to initiate stern legal action, but I decided not to react.
Often, people from show world get angry on such matters, but Mahima kept her cool. She said, "Rumours are making me healthier as I have a good laugh after hearing all this." Sources say Mahima's married life has not hit a purple patch and the actress was out on a holiday to Alibaug recently with Bobby and daughter Ariana. "He works very hard, but whenever he can, he manages to come back and spend time with Ariana and me. Family has been his priority besides work," she said.
The issue flared up after Mahima went to stay at her parent's house in Lokhandwala for some months. The rumour mills went on overdrive speculating their marriage is over. Clarifying this Mahima said, "I go there very often as Bobby's watertight work schedule requires lot of travelling. It's sheer stupidity to judge our relation on such a basis. We are very much together. I was there for three months, but how does it substantiate that we have parted ways?"
For Bobby too this rumour came as a surprise. "He stood quiet before he burst into laughter. But he's become use to hearing all this now," said Mahima, adding they will soon be going on a trip abroad.

When Salman caught Kareena off guard!

Salman caught Kareena off guard with his brutal jokes at the trailer launch of Bodyguard, much to the surprise of the actress. Salman is used to playing pranks on most of his actresses and Kareena wasn't spared either.

The actress who kept quiet for most of the time as she let Salman do the talking, was stunned when Salman directed most of the 'controversial' questions aimed at him towards her.

Shah Rukh Khan lightheartedly imitated Salman's Dabangg signature move at the IIFA. When asked if it was symbolic of the two Khans ending their rivalry, Salman reacted, "You guys should ask this question to Kareena since she is close to Shah Rukh." Salman was referring to Ra.one.

Kareena was zapped and chose not to answer the question.

Salman even took digs at Kareena-Katrina's supposed rivalry by teasing Bebo on how she envies Katrina's coterie of bodyguards and vice versa.

Be it Sonakshi, Katrina or even Veena Malik, no one has been spared from Salman's brand of humour!

Shahid-Priyanka's lovemaking scene

Ex-lovers Priyanka Chopra and Shahid Kapur will be resuming the shoot for Kunal Kohli's next inLondon. 

Things might get a bit awkward for them given a situation they are in. Sasha has moved on to Bipasha, while Priyanka has been bonding with Shah Rukh Khan. To add to this, the actors have to perform some heavy duty lovemaking scenes for the film. A source reveals, "It's going to be uncomfortable. But given the level of professionalism these two display, it shouldn't be that much trouble. Both of them are excited about this project and want to make sure their personal equation doesn't affect it."

Aarti Chabria wins Khatron Ke Khiladi 4

The winner of Khatron Ke Khiladi Torchaar Season 4" - Aarti Chabria - spoke to TOI about her experience of being a part of a reality show for the first time ever. 

A daredevil act 
It was mindblowing! It was a heartening experience to be part of the show as it was a great challenge for me. It was a different experience altogether for me as I have never done this ever in my life. Today as a winner of the show I feel proud of myself and dedicate my winning title to my teammate (in the show) Dhaval Thaku, who has been my support and inspiration. It was a great opportunity and a complete daredevil act which I have never done before. I gave my best and my dedication made me reach the final.
more fit now.I look delicate on-screen, so the audience was pretty amazed to watch me do those stunts. Of course I did undergo a lot of hard training before the show and that made me strong and fit for all the challenges. This show helped me to become physically and even mentally fit.

Chanted During Stunts 
There were 13 contestants and everyone has been very supportive. I was not the bravest or the strongest in the show but I was determined that I will give a tough fight to everyone. I used to chant the Hanuman Chalisa every moment I would do a stunt and that helped me a lot. It gave me the power and confidence to fight against all odd situations.

Proved myself 
I feel this show has given me the opportunity to prove myself. Now I feel more confident to do an action-oriented role on the big screen someday.

Worst & Best Stunt 
The worst stunt was when I was buried alive in the sand and had 101 rats all over my body. I freaked out at that moment.

And my winning shot was the best shot I guess. I had to be inside a burning bus and my teammate had to get the keys and get me free from that bus. It was quite amazing.


As told to Piyali Dasgupta