Salman romances Katrina in Ireland

In between his trips to the US for surgery, Salman finds time to romance Katrina in Ireland, writes Nimisha Tiwari
Work comes first for Salman Khan. And everyone knows that. Despite gruelling pain pangs due to trigeminal neuralgia, a facial nerve problem, he went ahead with the shoot schedule in Ireland for Ek Tha Tiger.
Paired opposite his former beau Katrina Kaif, the fun quotient was evidently high on the sets in Ireland. And when Kat's around, it's go to get smoking hot around. Sources say that the duo were very friendly and cordial with each other. Amongst others, who came to meet the Bollywood actors, the tourism ministry ofIreland also extended a warm welcome to the cast and crew there. In fact, one of the clap shots was flagged off by Ireland tourism ministers in a location called Dublin. The film is scheduled to be released worldwide on June 1, 2012.

Sudhir Mishra denies warning Chitrangada Singh

Denying all rumours of him having warned his muse Chitrangada Singh to get in shape and visit Pakistan for his dream project "Mehrunnisa" director Sudhir Mishra says, "I have no idea where this news came from. No where in the story have I been quoted. It's just a rumour,"" says he.
Adding more to it Mishra says, "Who says Chitrangada is part of "Mehrunnisa"? Nikhil Advani, who's producing the film and I have yet to finalise the script and only then we will decide on whom to cast and none of us has approached Chitrangada as of now for a role in ""Mehrunnisa"" so where does the question of my having warned her or anything come up? And what is all this warning and all? Why should I resort to that? I haven't uttered a word to anyone about ""Mehrunnisa"" so I don't know who's giving out all this info and from whom. I haven't even begun shooting for it fir bhi log baat karne lage hain. Abhi toh dur-dur tak uska kahin naam nahi hai,"" says he. "" said Mishra who is currently shooting another film with Chitrangada Singh and Arjun Rampal.
Quiz him if this film is actually "Mehrunnisa" and he quickly says, ""No, This is not the same film. This is another film which is still not titled. We have yet to decide on the name of the film. But it's not " Mehrunnisa."

I will make a film with Big B: Kamaal R Khan

Kamaal R Khan, who will soon be making another appearance in the much-awaited reality show Bigg Boss on Colors, recently told us that he has big plans after returning from the celebrity house.
Big B fan
The man, who has cocked a snook at the biggest stars of Bollywood and Hollywood, clarifies that he is an ardent admirer and fan of superstarAmitabh Bachchan. "Bachchan saab is the most down-to-earth person and a fabulous actor. And my dream is to make a film with him one day!"
Deshdrohi-2
KRK goes on to add: "After Deshdrohi, I wanted to make Deshdrohi-2 with Amit ji. I even narrated the script to him, but he said the role won't suit him. So, now I am looking for a script for Big B. And he has also shown his willingness, so I'm sure I will make a film with him soon and my dream will finally come true."

Kissing isn't required in Indian cinema: Genelia

Sexy, sweet and a youth icon, Genelia D'souza is probably the only actress who can play a college-girl with ease by simply wearing her gorgeous smile and girlish attitude. It's her style and her USP. 

That's what makes Genelia a 'Force' to reckon with... In this exclusive interview with Madhureeta Mukherjee, she talks about being away from Hindi cinema, the cultural differences down south, her relationship with Riteish, and other link-ups. Read on...

Your sizzling chemistry with John is talk-of-the-town... 
l It is, isn't it? We're both very relaxed people and we don't bother about our perfect profiles on camera and looking perfect onscreen. There are a lot of intimate scenes in 'Force'. It's an action film, but it's also a love story between two mature people. There's a lot of sensuality in the film.

You've done intimate scenes, but what about kissing on-screen? 
I don't think onscreen kissing is required in Indian cinema. Most of the times it's done to attract eyeballs.

You're often typecast for your cute, bubbly image... 
I tried to break that with this film. My character is cute and bubbly but at the same time, it is very mature. People think being cute is being clueless. It's not like that. Cute people aren't dumb, and I want to prove that.

Your Bollywood films are far and few? 
I want to do more Bollywood films, but I also want to do films down south. For me, the language isn't the determining factor for choosing a film, it's the role. I'm part of 5 different film industries within India, and that's very rare.

So any plans of moving on to another industry, like Hollywood? 
Sure, if I get a good role in Hollywood, I'd love to do it. But there are so many industries within India, so I'm happy exploring everything there is here.

When do we see you do a 'Munni, Sheila' number? 
I don't think doing an item number is a necessity, but I'll do it if I'm required to. I won't ever do a sleazy number.

Over the years, you've been linked with Riteish Deshmukh. Now we hear talks of a wedding... 
Yeah, I think Riteish has over-powered all my other link-ups! I did my first film with him, and when you start your career with someone, you become friends. You aren't co-stars because you don't know what professionalism is, in that sense. So Riteish and I have maintained the friendship and if and when there is something to announce, I will announce it to the world.

To watch the complete interview, tune in to 'B Tonite' on Sept 30th, at 10pm only on zoOm - India's No.1 Bollywood channel. 

I never stopped being a heroine: Ayesha Takia

She maintains that she never really went away, but actor Ayesha Takia is treating her upcoming love story as a comeback film after a hiatus of two and a half years. "I never stopped being a heroine. I began acting when I was four and bagged my first film as a heroine at the age of 15," she says. 

Ayesha, who hit a career high with her stirring performance in Dor, is reuniting with her favourite director Nagesh Kukunoor for her return. "I know him socially and bumped into him one day. That was when he told me about this project and I took it up because Nagesh will never offer me anything less than the best," says Ayesha, adding, "The critics noticed me as a performer only with Dor."

The actor had gone off the radar after her marriage to hotelier Farhan Azmi, which she says helped her change her outlook towards life. "I never planned anything in my life. When I got married, I decided to take a break. I wanted to travel, see life differently and discover things about myself," says Ayesha. During this self-imposed hiatus, the actor also found a new calling. Ayesha and Farhan are currently giving finishing touches to their new property - a 100-year-old bungalow that is being converted into a boutique hotel in Goa. "We had this concept in mind for a long time and we plan to bring to take this to other cities as well," she says.

With her attention thus divided, will she do fewer films? "I am enjoying this phase in my life and am very happy being a businesswoman. But acting has always been part of my life and it just can't go away," she says.

And while Ayesha is looking to work her way back into the mainstream, she isn't ready to shimmy and show skin for an item number. "Item numbers are not my scene at all," says the actor.

But much has changed in Bollywood since her hiatus - the industry has become more competitive with newer faces stepping in. But the bubbly actor is unfazed. "There has always been competition, then and even now. I never noticed it, though," she says.
richa.bhatia@timesgroup.com

Amitabh Bachchan deserves Bharat Ratna: Lata Mangeshkar

Amitabh Bachchan felicitated Lata Mangeshkarby honouring her with the very first 'Hridayanth' award on the occasion of her 82nd birthday last night in Mumbai. 

Also present at the occasion were the Mangeshkars lead by Pandit Hridayanath Mangeshkar, renowned filmmaker Yash Chopra, ace Tennis player Leander Paes, Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray and renowned singers like Sonu Nigam, Sadhana Sargam, Sunidhi Chauhan, Suresh Wadkar,Kavita Krishnamurthy & Bela Shende.

Inspite of being a legendary actor, Amitabh Bachchan chose not be fashionably late. He was right on time to honour the nightingale of India.

After presenting Lata didi the trophy, Lata Mangeshkar thanked the superstar.

"Yash Chopra considers me her sister and I consider Amitabh Bachchan as my brother. So I have my three brothers here tonight. As Hridaynath said earlier, I want to present this very 'Hridaynath' award to Amitabh next year on his birthday or mine. By then I am sure he will be given the Bharat Ratna. It will then become special as one Bharat Ratna will give away the award to other Bharat Ratna'. "

Lata's younger brother Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar was actually the first one to point out how Bachchan deserves the country's highest civilian award.

He said, "For presenting the 'Hridaynath' award to Lata, we were looking for someone who is as experienced as Lata is in her field but then we kept the 'age' factor aside and zeroed in on Amitabh Bachchan. He is a legendary actor and has immensely contributed to the Hindi cinema. I wonder why the government cant see what we can! He deserves a Bharat Ratna and should ideally get it till next year."

Bachchan expressed gratitude for being given an opportunity to honour 'Bharat's kokila'.

While most sang Lata Mangeshkar's songs, Sundhi Chauhan sang Mariah Carey's Hero, & Te Amo from Dum Maaro Dum. Suresh Wadkar enthralled everyone as he sang one of the most complex marathi compositions of Pt Hridaynath Mangeshkar 'Dayaghana'. Kavita Krishnamurthy sang 'Naino mein badra' from Meara Saaya, Sudesh Bhosale sang Tere beena zindagi se koi from Aandhi.

The most fitting tribute however came from Sonu Nigam who sang Lataji's songs with great conviction. He sang the title track of 'Mera Saaya' and then Lata's only cabaret number, 'Aa Jaane ja'...

Actors are like kids: Dia Mirza

Actor-producer Dia Mirza, who is looking forward to the release of her debut production venture " Love Breakups Zindagi", says she treated her actors like kids on the sets of the film.
"Actors are like kids. You have to take care of them like kids, look after their smallest needs and make them feel wanted and comfortable. We tried to provide all actors an atmosphere where they felt good and also tried to create an environment of love and trust," said Dia at an event here. "Love Breakups Zindagi" is a slice-of-life film, which is made under Dia, Zayed Khan and Sahil Sanga's banner Born Free Entertainment and Sahara Motion Pictures has co-produced it. Directed Sanga, the film will hit the silver screens Oct 7.
Who is better - Zayed as a producer or Zayed as an actor? "It is our relationship and our camaraderie that drives us. And the bond that we share reflects in our film. I wouldn't choose either of them as he is my friend first," she said.

Salman Khan & family not in Rajinikanth's good books

Actor Salman Khan, who has gained much popularity down South owing to the action roles and being a part of South remakes, seems to have got into the bad books of Rajinikanth and family. 

It all started with Atul Agnihotri, Salman Khan's brother-in-law going public about his intentions to make a biopic on Rajinikanth. There were also talks that Salman would play Rajini in the biopic. This hasn't gone down too well withSoundarya Rajinikanth, daughter of Rajni, who is a filmmaker in her own right.

While she has tried to contact Atul several times to discuss the matter, she claims that she hasn't got any response from the filmmaker, who now claims that Salman Khan was never being considered to play Rajni.

Soundarya also maintained that a biopic on her father was not an affair to be taken lightly and that talks with the family were extremely essential if anything was being done about it.

This apart, there are talks that political party HMK will not allow Sallu entry into Tamil Nadu, even if he is being invited there as a special guest of the Tamil remake of Dabangg, Osthe. We thought it was an expression of ire for his bro-in-law's wish to make a biopic on the legendary Rajinikanth. However, this protest is for Salman Khan's visits to Sri Lanka when there were strained relationships between the Sri Lankans and Tamilians.

So, the Khan family needs very much to come out and speak up before things go awry in these not so pleasant circumstances.

Mausam in news again, for wrong reasons

Certain people who have recommendedMausam in a trade magazine are themselves unaware of the same 

Shahid Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor starrer Mausam hit the theatres on September 23. The project remained in the news for weeks before it's much publicised release. And now, less than a week after its release, the film is back in news. And this time, for all the wrong reasons.

A trade magazine published on Sunday September 25, 2011 had its pages filled with adverts praising Shahid's performance and Pankaj Kapur's brilliance in the recent release. Surprisingly, some of the personalities quoted in those very commercials were not even aware that their names had been used. What's more, even Shahid Kapoor, the lead actor did not know about the publicity campaign.

A friend of the actor told Mumbai Mirror, "Shahid is flabbergasted. He cannot believe that such a thing has been carried out without even keeping him in the loop. Agar usko thoda sa bhi pata hota, toh use permission definitely nahin diya hota."

The official spokesperson of the actor added, "Shahid is not aware of these ads. He has been busy with post overseas productions. The producers of Mausam must have put these ads out."

A source informed us, "At least three prominent personalities who have been quoted in the advert were not informed about it. Some of them learnt about it only on Tuesday, when their friends from the industry called them up. Obviously it was a publicity exercise undertaken by the makers of the film."

The three people unaware about their names being used to publicise Pankaj Kapur's maiden directorial venture, happen to be Ken Ghosh, Parmeet Sethi and Nikhil Advani.

When contacted, Ken cleared his stance and said, "I don't know why they've used my name to endorse Mausam and Shahid's performance in it. I haven't even seen the film. I wish to clarify that I have not endorsed the ad."

Parmeet Sethi, who had directed Shahid in Badmaash Company, too was taken aback with the surprise advert in the trade magazine. The actor-turned-filmmaker said, "Someone has played mischief. If I had to do such an exercise, I would have rather done it with more style and elan in leading newspapers and not in some trade magazine."

A friend of Nikhil Advani, the third person who was unaware of the publicity exercise undertaken by Mausam makers, informed, "Nikhil has been trying to figure out how his name was used without his consent and knowledge. He has still not got any answers."

The co-producer of the film Madhu Mantena, seemed to be the only person aware of the adverts in the magazine. When contacted, Mantena said, "Yes, we did include Nikhil Advani, Ken Ghosh and Parmeet Sethi's names. They are friends. We wanted to congratulate Shahid on his excellent performance, Such things are a norm in the industry."

Abhay Deol upset with Dibakar Bannerjee

They shared a rapport that went beyond a mere actor-director bond. In fact, people who know Dibakar Banerjee and Abhay Deol are accustomed to the two of them pulling each other's leg all the time. 

And so, at the Shanghai wrap-up party, when Abhay suddenly got up and told the director, "I'm leaving. There's no point me staying on. You've no time for me", everyone thought it was another silly gag the actor was playing on Dibakar. But this time around, it seems that Abhay was not joking.

An eyewitness told Mumbai Mirror, "We all heard Abhay say this to Dibakar and we thought this was an inside joke between them, since they are constantly pulling each other's leg. But Abhay was serious. He walked out and Dibakar didn't try to stop him, although he looked surprised."

This incident has surprised many in industry because Abhay and Dibakar's friendship dates back to when the two worked together in 2008, in Oye Lucky Lucky Oye. Since the film was Abhay's first commercial success, the actor always seemed to favour Dibakar and his work. And that is apparently why they decided to work together again in Shanghai.

A source revealed that Abhay's outburst at Dibakar stems from a lot of pent up tension the actor had with his co-star Emraan Hashmi. "While shooting in Latur and Baramati, the crowds went crazy for Emraan. In the beginning, Abhay did not take it badly. But then when the story was repeated everywhere, it naturally took a toll on his self-esteem.

To top off the overt tilt of balance in the popularity scales between the two actors, Abhay also began to feel that Dibakar was showing a certain amount of partiality towards Emraan," explained the source.

When contacted, Dibakar told Mumbai Mirror, "I don't know what happened. But Abhay suddenly got up and walked out saying I had no time for him. I was surprised. But it would be wrong to say I sensed any tension between Abhay and Emraan during the shooting of Shanghai.

As actors, they've both gone through a lot of churning and vilification before getting to where they are today. So, they empathize with one another's circumstances. As for the rivalry, I didn't sense any and certainly didn't create any. Maybe people felt a tension between them in real life because their on-screen characters are in conflict with each other."

Sanajy Dutt gifts Rs 30 lakh bike to Ranbir Kapoor

Ranbir Kapoor might have left some of his old friends (read Sonam Kapoor, Imran Khan) behind, but he is sure making some new buddies in B'town. The fourth generation Kapoor lad, who turned 29 yesterday, has found a new best friend in the 52-year-old Sanjay Dutt. 

Sanjubaba not only dropped by at the surprise party planned at a Juhu nightspot by Rockstar producer Ashtavinayak to wish the young actor but also bought him a bike worth Rs 30 lakh.

A source informed Mumbai Mirror, "Ranbir andSanjay Dutt are neighbours. They both live around the same place in Bandra. Also, Dutt has seen Ranbir grow up. They work out together at the same gym in Dutt's building Imperial Heights. Though Ranbir has his own trainer, he had always looked up to Sanju."

"When it came to buying a gift for Ranbir, Dutt immediately thought of a bike. Sanju knows how much Ranbir loves bikes," added the source.

This might make a lot of people in Bollywood wonder why their love for bikes went unnoticed by Sanjubaba. After all, a Rs 30 lakh bike is a dream come true for many. However, one may recall, that Sanjay Dutt's love for Ranbir goes back a long way.

In a past interview with Mumbai Mirror, Dutt, proclaiming his love for the Kapoor boy had mentioned how the young actor should now venture into action films. Dutt, who believed that an actor is incomplete without a macho character to his name, even mentioned in the interview that he intends to remake his father Sunil Dutt's film Mujhe Jeene Do with Ranbir in the lead.

When contacted, Sanjay Dutt still seemed to be pondering over the gift option. "I am thinking of gifting Ranbir a bike. I don't know if it's a good idea or not. But he is a lovely boy and I am very fond of him," said the man.

Our source confirmed, "Dutt gifted the bike to Ranbir last night. It apparently costs around Rs 30 lakh."

Arjun Rampal miffed with SRK?

Actor Arjun Rampal is very much a part of RA.One. However, it has been reported that the guy isn't too pleased about not being seen too much while the promos of the mega-budgetRA.One have already begun. 

When we caught up with the good looking actor, he was quick to rubbish all the rumours. "RA.One is a huge film. Shah Rukh knows what he is doing. Of course, there is a strategy being followed. Don't worry, I'll be known to the public pretty soon and in a manner that'll be beneficial to the movie."

Ask Rampal if he has had enough with these constant rumours of his fight with SRK, and he just laughs. "Well, as long as RA.One is getting all the publicity, it's best to sit there and not mind."

Arjun is also looking forward to hosting Lady Gaga while she comes down to perform at the Formula 1 event in India. Much excited, the actor said, "Just wait and watch!"

No birthday party for Ranbir Kapoor

He's striving hard to become the posterboy of all things professional in Bollywood, and it's no wonder then that actor Ranbir Kapoor has chosen not to take a break today on his birthday. 

Ranbir, who turns 29 today, will be spending the day at Chandivali Studios in Mumbai working on " Barfee". A friend of the actor tells DT, "He'll be working from 10am till late evening. No parties have been planned at all. He had committed dates to Anurag Basu for the next schedule of his film "Barfee" a while ago and he doesn't want to go back on it. He has given dates to the team till October 17. Even Priyanka (Chopra) has given her dates for the schedule together, so even if he misses a day, everyone else's schedule will be impacted." When contacted, Ranbir said, "I'll dine with my parents. Then a couple of friends will come home. No big noisy party for me. And I'm not a birthday person. Maybe because I don't like to build expectations around that one day. You never know how it'll turn out to be. For me, the greatest happiness is in sharing my evening with my dear ones."

Shahid Kapoor-Taran Adarsh's twitter war

Shahid Kapoor had an online spat with trade analyst Taran Adarsh over the latter's comments on the collections of Shahid's latest release, " Mausam". 

Adarsh's tweets about the film, which said, "Fetched approx `21 cr/`22 crore net in its opening weekend. Biz slid downwards on Saturday, but showed escalation on Sunday... numbers are below the mark", did not go down well with Shahid, who tweeted back, "So all those trying so hard to scr** "Mausam" can go scr** themselves. Waise bhi aajkal kuchh logon ke adarsh buri tarha gir chuke hain." Adarsh, not to take it lying down, replied, "Abusing me won't help. Instead, get a reality check and introspect the shortcomings of the film."

Genelia D'Souza wants to shed bubbly girl image

Actress Genelia D'Souza wants to shed her cute and bubbly image because she feels it is often related to being clueless.
"I don't think it's bad being bubbly. Since 'Janne Tu...... Ya Janee Na' I have just two more films. But the image of Aditi as a character is so strong that I am always related to a bubbly character. Being bubbly and cute is often related to clueless, which something I wanted to change," said Genelia at press meet for her forthcoming film "Force".
She has teamed up with John Abraham in director Nishikant Kamat's "Force", an action-romance. In the film, John plays a no nonsense cop, while Genelia will be seen as his love interest Maya. "Maya is an extremely cute girl but who is not afraid of speaking her mind. She is more a lady than a college girl," said Genelia and added that emotions are extremely strong in "Force". After establishing herself in Telegu cinema, Genelia made her Bollywood debut with "Tujhe Meri Kasam " and then featured in "Masti", but her first big hit was 2008 release " Janne Tu...... Ya Janee Na".

Love makes me feel secure: Dia Mirza

The lead artists of Bornfree Entertainment's Love BreakUps Zindagi, that releases on October 7, speak about what the individual emotions mean to them 

Dia Mirza on love 
Love is what completes every one of us! Personally, it makes me feel special, it makes me feel secure, it gives me a reason to smile... but the most beautiful thing about love is that it instantly increases your appetite to want to spread it.

Cyrus Sahukar on zindagi 
Zindagi is a sum total of all the experiences we go through, and more often than not, are things you may not have planned for. And therein lies the charm, because no matter what you do, life will teach you to embrace her for her unpredictability. And if you're smart, you will love zindagi for exactly that quality.

Zayed Khan on breakups 
Breakups are the reason you are able to fall in love all over again! They signal the end of a relationship, but they also offer you a chance to introspect and accept where things may have gone wrong, thereby providing you with the clarity you need to move forward in subsequent relationships. 

I don't miss being married: Lata Mangeshkar

TOI gets up close and personal with thelegendary singer Lata Mangeshkar on her 82nd birthday 

Last few weeks Lata Mangeshkar has been a little caught up. Having wrapped up the Ganpati puja at her Peddar Road residence, the melodyqueen says there are no special plans for her 82nd birthday today. "I never plan, kyonki jo hona hai wohi hota hai," she smiles. But the evening will see the legendary singer being honoured with the newly instituted `Hridaynath award' for Lifetime Achievement by Amitabh Bachchan. Thereafter she is off to Pune for her usual holiday. Exceprts of an interview...

You are the first recipient of the award that's instituted in your brother Hridaynath Mangeshkar's name 
I am proud to accept this award. He is my guru though he is younger to me. I am very proud of him and my other siblings. Yeh bachche mere saamne bade huwe hai aur gaurav ki baat yeh hai ki kisine apne bure waqt pe ya apne mukaam pohochne mei mere madad nahin li. Even though our mother brought them up unke parvarish pe thoda bahut haath mera bhi hai. They are like my children.

In hindsight, what has been the one most enriching and regretting factor in your life respectively? 
I am most happy and at ease when I sing. As for regrets, I have none, because whatever God gives it's meant for you and whatever you miss was never for you. I am only thankful to God.

Is there any sense of loneliness that you feel sometimes? 
Kabhi kabhi mei ek khaalipan mehsoos karti hun. All my friends are gone..so are the golden days!

Are you in constant touch with friends from the industry? 
Nargis and Meena Kumar were my close friends. We used to be in touch regularly till they passed away. Dev Anand is another person who I am in touch with. Otherwise from this generation, Anu Malik often calls me to chat. I am also close to Aamir Khan, Shankar Mahadevan, Hariharan and Sonu Nigam.

Why do you always holiday in Pune and London? 
You forgot Kolhapur. I have a house there too. I often run away to these places when I want to escape Mumbai's cacophony. These places have different and lovely memories for me. But for the last few years I have stopped going to London for personal reasons.

Other than music, what else are you involved in? 
Photography. I love clicking pictures. I also love cooking. Everyone loves my gaajar ka halwaa and pasanda. I also prefer sitting in my room and reading. Books are a different world I would like to get lost into.

So have you clicked any new pictures? 
Nowadays, I have stopped clicking pictures because I do not understand the functioning of a digital camera which is in vogue. Mujhe acche nahin lagte. I love black and white
pictures.

But you can still click with your old camera? 
I have sold all of them because they are hardly in use these days. I don't think anyone values that kind of camera anymore.

Among the sisters who are you closest to ?
I have no favourites and I love all three of them. We share everything like all regular
siblings.

So what about the famous Lata-Asha rivalry? 
Aisa kuch nahin hai. Jyadaatar woh sab aafwae the. Yes, we were different in nature. I was the quiet type whereas she was the restless and on edge kind. Badi himmat hai yeh ladki mein. She's a versatile singer and a legend in her own way. But we are sisters and quite close. She comes and sits with me and shares everything. We have one door in our house. My bedroom door opens to Asha's room.

Lastly Lataji, like every girl who grows up with dreams of marriage, do you miss being married? 
No. Everything happens according to God's wish. Jo hote hai acche ke liye hote hai aur jo nahin hote who aur acche ke liye hote hai. Had you asked me this about four to five decades back, perhaps you would have got a different answer. But today I have no room for such thoughts.

Shah Rukh Khan can not dance: Kamaal R Khan

All set to up the TRPs of the forthcoming reality show Bigg Boss with his antics on Colors channel, actor-producer-director-writer Kamaal R Khan is in a bindaas mood! 

Known to make relentless scathing comments on various celebrities without batting his eyelids, KRK has now taken a big-time panga with none other than Shah Rukh Khan. 

Too much hype! 
Kamaal, who has been taking potshots through his tweets at SRK's item number Chammak Challo, rendered by Akon, says: "Just because it has been sung by Akon in Shah Rukh Khan's RA-One, doesn't make it a great song, despite all the hype created around it. But then, it's my personal view, although now I'm noticing quite a few people playing this song. Well, to each it's own! 

Oops, those steps! 
If the rising popularity of Chammak Challo redeems the song in KRK's eyes, he just can't get over Shah Rukh Khan's steps in the song. "Everybody knows that Shah Rukh Khan is a bad dancer, but in Chammak Challo, his steps are the worst till date! He looks so awkward and uncomfortable. I wonder, what made him do that at this age," says KRK with a hearty laugh. 

Ban Bollywood: Pakistan bigwigs

Several bigwigs in the Pakistani film industry have decided to take legal action to stop Indian films from being shown in the country. 


Actors Moammar Rana, Shaan, Sangeeta and Shahid, directors Syed Noor, Aslam Dar, Altaf Hussain, Masood Butt and Pervaiz Rana, and producers Jani Malik and Chaudhry Kamran, were among those who pledged to take action, claiming they were perturbed by the public's interest in Indian films and that Pakistani films hardly drew crowds. While they said a petition was being filed against exhibiting Indian films, the view was also expressed that Pakistani films released on Eid-ul-Fitr could have done better business had it not been for Indian films.


We face similar situations here 
I can understand where they are coming from. We were the first to release "Awarapan" there in 2006, a bold move by the Pakistani establishment during the Lal Masjid civil crisis. Since then, every Indian film finds takers there. But has it helped the Pakistani industry? No. The workforce is unemployed, the actors, singers, technicians, etc, still struggle to keep body and soul together. So, let's be fair. It's easy to question their decision, but do we remember that we have similar problems in Karnataka? You fight every time to get more screens for Hindi films there. In Maharasthra, the Shiv Sena and the MNS crusade for the Marathi film industry, saying they must get more screens because with their budgets, they don't have the capacity to elbow in this huge competitive market. But the establishment in Pakistan has supported our films, and now that they are facing internal opposition from the industry, we must understand that this is a tightrope - this fight to protect the indigenous product. Perhaps they can collect some sort of tax from foreign films, and use that for the Pakistani industry, instead of shutting doors completely on us. - Mahesh Bhatt


We need the support of Indian filmmakers 
Our protest is not only to ban screenings of Indian films, but to protect Pakistani films. It is very sad that we see very few screenings of Pakistani movies in our own country. There are very few distributors who actually want to buy Pakistani films, and that's why our industry is suffering tremendous losses. Our aim is to revive our films. Therefore, we need the support of Indian filmmakers to come forward and also do their films' shoots in Pakistani locations, and use our artistes in their movies. Indian cinema has a huge market and they are damaging our industry. We are planning to have some more meetings, but as of now, we have not come to any final decision.

- Syed Noor, eminent Pakistani filmmaker

The cinema halls will remain empty 
This decision would have appeared convincing if the Pakistani industry had successful projects to its credit. Pehle woh apne pairon pe toh khade ho jayein. There is no comparison between the Indian and the Pakistani film industry. The latter has just a few interesting films to boast of. Chaar saal mein ek achhi Pakistani film aati hai. Kyun log itne time ke liye intezaar karein? Also, a ban will affect the profits of distributors - the cinema halls will remain empty. Logon ko kyun entertainment se mehroom rakhein? Logon mein jo frustration hai, woh bhi badh jaega. In Pakistan, you only find eateries and restaurants in the name of entertainment. Why should people be stopped from watching Indian movies, which provide the biggest entertainment in the country?
Veena Malik, Pakistani actress


It's just dirty politics 
In the past, several such reactions have come from the Pakistani film fraternity, but we know that a ban is not a long-term solution. However, when Ali Zafar (pic right) had done "Tere Bin Laden", the movie didn't click in Pakistan, but "My Brother Ki Dulhan" has got a tremendous response there. If they want to take some legal action, they might be right where they stand, but this will get into deeper debate. Things have changed and no one can stop an artiste from working globally. I think it's just dirty politics and people are feeling insecure.
Sarfaraz, Pakistani actor Ali Zafar's manager


It's unfair to the people of Pakistan 
Trying to ban Indian films is stupid, because the only entertainment we have in Pakistan is either eating out or watching movies. So a ban on Bollywood will be really unfair to the people of Pakistan. With Indian movies, the industry has revived, and Pakistani producers have also started making films on those lines. I think, rather than banning them, there should be healthy competition, and people should have the choice of what they want to see.
Adeel Ch, Pakistani singer-turned-actor


Entertainment Unites Us 
The Pakistani film community should support Indian films because the screenings of Indian films began as a gesture of peace amongst the nations. Entertainment is one medium that balances and unites similar or dissimilar interests of every nation. The Pakistani film industry is growing and competition can only improve our quality of production. I'm proud to say that "Bol" had international exposure and it was made in Pakistan.
Mehreen Syed, Pakistani model-turned-actress


They're scared 
This is totally wrong. Bollywood movies have the biggest market in Pakistan after Hollywood. I'm a big fan of Bollywood movies myself. Mujhe lag raha hai ki yeh log darr rahe hain.
Meera, Pakistani actress




Who are these people? 
Some of the biggest names from the Pak film industry have put their weight behind the anti-Indian movies campaign.
Shaan: Described as the Shah Rukh Khan of Pakistan, Shaan is familiar to Indian audiences as the guy in Fuzon's video of "Khamaj". A leading actor, writer, director and producer who's achieved both critical and commercial success. Reported to have rejected roles in " Ghajini" and "Delhi-6" because they projected Pakistanis as villains.
Moammar Rana: A star of many hit films and television soaps.
Sangeeta: Successful actress and director.
Syed Noor: Among the most popular Pakistani directors. Apparently revitalised the industry during a period of slump in the 90s.

I know I am sexy: Ameesha Patel

Ameesha Patel, B-Town's latest actress-turned-producer, talks about love, betrayal by her family and bouncing back 

Being sexy... does it make you feel superior to others? 
I know I am sexy. But being sexy is all about attitude, not body type. It's a state of mind. To me, an intelligent girl with a positive attitude and a great smile is sexy... and she could well be wearing a salwar-kameez. In our profession, sometimes being overtly sexy can be a handicap. You don't really know if the men are just looking at you as a sex kitten or actually paying attention to you. But yes, I am glad I can carry off a sensuous avatar on screen. I work on my body to stay fit, but that does not make me superior to anyone. I am a forthright and hardworking girl.

Your Miss-Goody-Two-Shoes image has withered. The whip is now in your hands... 
I have struggled a lot and put in tremendous amounts of hard work to reach this phase in my life. Believe me, it's not easy being an actress and a producer, especially with no big daddy to support you. I love the fact that I am not arriving on someone else's sets. I have a say on when the camera will roll and what it will shoot. I am proud that I did not succumb to industry pressures or bend my morals.

You have bagged a steamy role in " Race 2". Age doesn't seem to be catching up. 
Yes, I will be seen in "Race 2" soon. As for my looks, my friends keep telling me that with every new candle added on my birthday cake, I regress in age. I think it's the effects of positivity within me. I eat healthy, I don't smoke and follow a good exercise regime. I have always been my grandmother's pet child. She passed away at 92 but didn't look a day over 60.

Looking back, you went underground post "Kaho Na Pyaar Hai" and "Gadar". Do you regret losing out on meaty roles in the years since? 
I never really went without action. "Kaho Na..." and "Gadar" have been top grossers in the Hindi film industry. I played Saif Ali Khan's love interest in "Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic" (remember "Lazy Lamhe"), and "Bhool Bhulaiyaa" was a hit too. I was approached for "Billu" but the role finally went to Lara Dutta. Priyadarshan felt I looked too young to play a mother to two kids.

If you could turn back time, what would you erase from the past? 
Honestly, I would erase nothing. Life is all about evolution. What looks like a mistake to others has been a milestone in my life. Even if people have betrayed me, even if my heart was broken, even if people misunderstood or judged me, I have learned from these incidents. We are human and we make mistakes, but learning from them is what makes the difference. I have learned to live my life from my grandmother. Her fire and grit showed me the way ahead.

Not too long ago, Bipasha Basu and you wore the same dress at a red carpet event. How did you take that? 
I had got this dress specially made by my friend and designer Ramona Narang Rodella. The mix up wasn't her fault. Apparently, some junior assistant gave away the same dress in a different colour for a film with Bipasha, but she decided to wear it on the red carpet. No actress wants to be in a situation like this obviously, and people went a little crazy writing about it, but Bips and I laughed it off. I am over that incident.

Your sartorial preference is known to be sexy... 
I have had a fabulous upbringing. My family lived in Mumbai and London, and we travelled all the time. The exposure really boosted my confidence and dressing style. I am not a fashion victim. I pick what I feel comfortable in. I love shoes and handbags. In fact, I have an enviable collection. I love dressing up. I know what suits me and looking sexy is a compliment. Dressing up and looking good is effortless for me.

How do you keep in shape and take care of your long tresses and skin? 
I eat healthy, work out and sleep well. I don't go overboard and do not abuse my body. I use besan on my skin, oil my hair and use raw eggs as a pack. I also like to hit the spa when I can. I go for facials and massages too.

Anyone you fall back on during bad times? 
I have a set of 10-15 rock solid friends. I laugh with them, cry with them and often seek their advice. I can
count on them always. My business partner Kuunal Goomer is my best friend. We share the same tastes in music, fashion and films. And finally, when my production house Ameesha PatelProductions happened, we became a natural team.

What kind of space are you in right now? 
I am a child, but I am sorted. I know my priorities and values. I stay happy by doing things my way. I celebrate my birthday with a lot of excitement, like a child... sending out invitations six months in advance! I enjoy the whole drama of cutting a cake, singing songs, dancing and then unwrapping presents. It's the fun element in our lives that keeps us going. I have decided to make films that can entertain the entire family. It's time to bring back the 'Fun Day' concept. And you know what, I will damn well do it!