Kashmiri treat for Rahman and Imtiaz

Music maestro AR Rahman and filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, the kitchen boasts some of Kashmir during his recent visit to Kashmir during the entire length of the film Rock Star.

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Box office Records Being Break By Bodyguard

Mumbai - A new Bollywood Thriller "Bodyguard" broke the Indian record labels in the first two days, analysts said Friday, predicting that it will also open up the lines during the weekend.The film sees Khan playing bodyguard and Kareena Kapoor is a 2010 film remake of the Malayalam languages of the same name.

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Now, Shahid hit by Hurricane Irene

The actor's dance tribute to the King Of Pop at Times Square had to be cancelled due to the storm Hurricane Irene has managed to play spoilsport for Shahid Kapoor. 

While the actor's loss is certainly no way close to the havoc and destruction caused by nature's fury in America, it has come in the way of probably his biggest live performance. Shahid was supposed to pay tribute to his favourite singer, the late Michael Jackson, at Times Square, New York, yesterday. Of course, it had to be cancelled due to the hurricane. 

Plans go haywire Says a source, "The producers of Mausam had gone to great pains to get the required permission for the actor's performance at Times Square. Flash mobs comprising of world-class male and female dancers, who were going to perform with Shahid, had been practicing for weeks. The entire event was kept under wraps in India. 

The whole idea was to let loose his dancing prowess at the world's most avidly eyeballed recreational venue." Now a new date for this event, which promises to be one of the most unique Bollywood concerts in history of Times Square, is being planned. Mausam co-producer Sheetal Talwar confirms, "We were all set to have Shahid's performance on August 29, but now another date is being worked out."

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Kareena wants Imran to play Chhota Rajan

Impressed by the young Khan, Kareena Kapoor is pushing director Milan Luthria to cast him in her next romcom, the sequel of Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai If closed-door talks at Balaji Motion Pictures are an indication, then Shahid Kapoor won't feature in the sequel of Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai, the film based on the underworld. 

It is learnt that Kareena Kapoor is rooting for Imran Khan, her co-star in Short Term Shaadi, to play the character inspired by Chhota Rajan. Interestingly, Kareena herself isn't being paired with Imran in the Milan Luthria directed movie, as she has already confirmed to pair with Akshay Kumar, who plays the role of a don, inspired by Dawood Ibrahim. 

According to an insider associated with the film, "Kareena feels that Imran would bring novelty to the character inspired by Rajan. More so because he has played strong romantic roles in most of his films." Besides that, an insider told us that working in the project, Short Term Shaadi, Kareena is enthused about how well she gets along with the co-actor. 

"That's also one reason why she's so strongly recommending Imran's for this movie, " said our source. Now, the actor will have take a call when the producers approach him. However, our source maintained that producer Ekta Kapoor is also backing Kareena's suggestion to director Milan Luthria. 

"But it's still some time before they connect with Imran, as currently Milan is focused on finishing the last schedule for The Dirty Picture, for Ekta's company. In another week or two, talks should be initiated, " said our source. When contacted, Tanuj Garg, CEO Balaji Motion Pictures said, "It's still too early to talk about the parallel male lead. When things are finalised, we'll make a formal announcement."

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Now Aamir Khan to turn anti-corruption crusader?

Mantena has acquired the rights of a Tamil film about an anti-corruption crusader, and plans to star Aamir in the title role Anna Hazare and his message of anti-corruption has not just caught the imagination of ordinary citizens, it has also planted an idea, that of a film, into the minds of Bollywood producers. 

While there are rumours circulating that Prakash Jha will make a film on the movement with Amitabh Bachchan playing Hazare, what has now emerged is that well-known producer Madhu Mantena (who produced Ghajini) has purchased the rights of an old Telugu film that revolves around the anti-corruption theme. Titled Tagore, the film starred Chiranjeevi as an anti-corruption crusader who starts a vigilante organisation called Anti-Corruption Force. 

It as old as 2003, and was forgotten but suddenly there was high demand for its remake rights, say sources. The producers of Tagore jacked up the remake rights of the film to a staggering Rs 10 crore. What's more, Mantena is believed to have paid up the amount. When contacted, Mantena said he is in the process of acquiring the rights for the film. 

"I love the title and I love the message of the film. I think it's far more relevant today than it was when it was made seven years ago." Interestingly, Tagore itself is the remake of a 2002 Tamil film called Ramanna. AR Murugadoss who directed Ghajini for producer Madhu Mantena also wrote Tagore. According to sources, Mantena wants to cast Aamir Khan in the role of the anti-corruption crusader. While not denying this bit of news, Mantena refused to talk about the subject. He said, "I can't talk about the casting. It's too early."

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Shahid vs Saif: Kareena and her warring lovers

Former beau Shahid Kapoor and current lover Saif Ali Khan avoid bumping into each other while shooting at Mehboob Studios When couples in B-Town break-up, they usually do everything in their power to avoid bumping into each other. Not surprising then, they don't want their new lovers to run into their exes either. Like in the case of Saif Ali Khan and Shahid Kapoor. 

Kareena Kapoor's present and past avoided each other despite shooting on adjacent floors at Mehboob Studios in Bandra recently. "Saif was shooting for a shoe brand that he and Bebo endorse, while Shahid was doing a magazine shoot with his dad Pankaj Kapoor. 

Their vanity vans were parked barely a few meters away, so it was up to their staff to ensure that they don't come face to face with each other, " informs our source who was present there. Shahid was the first to arrive. "He had to shoot a couple of changes with his dad and his bike. So he was moving a lot between his van and the studio room he was shooting in, " says our source, adding that it was the same with Saif as he was shooting six changes. 

Fortunately, for their respective crews, the two actors didn't meet even once. Both, however, didn't seem too perturbed about running into each other. "Saif and Shahid were too preoccupied with their shoot to be bothered about the other, " points our source. Shahid steers clear of Sallu Interestingly, Saif Ali Khan wasn't the only actor Shahid Kapoor didn't want to meet. 

Salman Khan was also at the same studio doing promotional interviews for Bodyguard. Differences between Salman and Shahid arose during their Rock Stars tour some years ago, post which the former doesn't acknowledge the latter's presence. 

Kareena not keen to work with Shahid Kareena Kapoor strongly recommending Imran Khan for Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai sequel (HitList, 27 Aug) seems to be a clear message to Shahid Kapoor. She's not keen to work with him even though he has been approached to play the role parallel to Akshay Kumar in the Milan Luthria film for Balaji Motion Pictures.

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Celina Jaitley hitched - Announces her marriage online

Celina Jaitly has announced her marriage to Dubai-based Austrian beau Peter Haag on her micro-blogging site.

The starlet stated: With great pleasure I would like to announce my wedding with Peter Haag on the 23rd of last month at a 1,000-year-old monastery in Austria. We seek your blessings and good wishes, and apologise for the delayed announcement due to a family tragedy.

She also posted a snapshot and said: Here is a picture of the most cherished moment of our lives. The picture features myself and my beloved husband, flanked by my dearest father-in-law to my left, and my brother- in-law to Peter's right.

The actress got engaged to the hotelier last year. A while back, she had denied rumours the two were already married, claiming that they had only had an engagement ceremony.

She had also stated that she would wed in Egypt (for which she is the cultural ambassador) in September, but now all that is history.

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Salman Bhai, Health is wealth

Even superstars need a break to recover from ill health. It’s impossible to imagine Salman Khan taking time off for health reasons. And that too at a time when he has a big release around the corner. But that’s the way the cookie of life crumbles. 

A nerve disorder has thrown the elaborate promotional plans for Bodyguard off course. Says a source, “Salman and the makers of Bodyguard had planned many major promotional activities for the whole week until the film’s release on Eid day including a number of Eid-related appearances for Salman in several cities. But he needs to take it easy. ” Efforts are now on to cut down Salman’s promotional activities as much as possible. Says the source, “It’s not easy wriggle out of commitments since Salman is the face of Bodyguard. And Bhai doesn’t want to disappoint his fans specially when it’s an Eid release. ”

Apparently Salman insists on going through all the activities planned for the next one week. But the family is not willing to give in. Says the Bodyguard producer, Salman’s brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri, “Health is wealth. Bhai’s contribution to Bodyguard has been a 110 percent. He has done a lot of stuff in the past week. Even on Wednesday he was visited Kanpur, Lucknow and Indore. ” But now it’s time for recuperative rest. Salman’s fans would agree he has earned it.

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Kajal says no to film with Hrithik

Ajay Devgn may have garnered a lot of eyeballs in Singham, what with his action scenes, but so has the film's leading lady Kajal Aggarwal. After the success of the film, Aggarwal has been approached by filmmakers in Bollywood but the actress has turned every one of them down. 

According to sources, she has turned down offers by top directors and producers like Madhu Mantena, Vashu Bhagnani, Samir Karnik and Harry Baweja. In fact, Mantena who made the blockbuster Ghajini, wanted to remake the 2009 Telugu hit Magadheera with Kajal. 

She also starred in the original Telugu version. Mantena wanted to cast Aggarwal opposite Hrithik Roshan. He is now looking for another actress. Kajal -- who made her Bollywood debut with Karnik's Kyun...Ho Gaya Na (2004) after which she starred in a string of Southern hits -- has turned down the offers because she is concentrating on her two back-to-back South Indian films, in Tamil and Telugu. 

Not divulging any details about the offers she has turned down, Aggarwal said, "I am currently shooting with Suriya in Chennai for the Tamil film, Maatraan. Then I will start work for Puri Jagannath's The Businessman in Telugu with Mahesh Babu (actor). I've received loads of offers in Hindi. But I haven't zeroed in on any." She, however, is unfazed by the success of Singham. "People ask me how I feel about the success of Singham. I've experienced the same feeling after Magadheera, Darling and Mr Perfect in Telugu, " she said matter -of-factly..

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No 'Bigg Boss 5' for Dino Morea

Model-turned-actor Dino Morea says that he has not been approached to participate in reality show "Bigg Boss". 

"CLARIFICATION: I have not been approached, nor do I have the intention of being part of 'Big Boss', as reported, " Dino wrote on microblogging site Twitter. Rumours that Dino might appear in the fifth season of "Bigg Boss" started off when he was spotted with the host of the show Salman Khan at Filmcity where the superstar was shooting for another reality show. 

Dino admits he had gone to meet Salman for business purpose. Dino posted: "Salman Khan is a friend and my company CoolMaal is doing the film BODYGUARD'S merchandise, hence I was there to meet him." The new season of "Bigg Boss" will see actor Sanjay Dutt co-hosting the show with Salman.

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Forbidden art: Bollywood's Adult Movie Posters

A kitsch art showcase of 30 Bollywood adult film posters has brought to the capital snapshots of a forbidden aesthetics of the Indian movie industry that had been buried for decades. 

The exposition, titled "Morning Show", is symbolic of the secret draw of the 10 a.m. pornographic movies that are still screened in small theatres across India, said curator of the exhibition V. Sunil, an ace designer, artist and adman. 

The morning shows are an industry in themselves, pulling crowds from among the adventurous early office goers, daily wage labourers, errant students, petty traders and inhabitants of the urban underbelly. The exhibition, sourced from the personal collection of V. 

Sunil, has been presented by the Wieden + Kennedy's Art. "It is a tribute to the dying breed of movie poster artists of Mumbai and other small towns," V.Sunil of Wieden+Kennedy's Art told. The art of film posters painting is fighting a losing war in an age of photoshop and digital screens. The new technology has replaced legacies of accomplished artists like M.F. Husain, who began his career in Mumbai as a movie poster artist. Sunil, a self-taught artist, who had begun his career as a mechanic and apprentice in Kerala and Bangalore, had been collecting the posters for the last 10 years. 

Sunil described the exhibition as the first of its kind. "None of the posters are alike; each one is distinctive in its choice of fonts and art work because they were manually drawn. In contrast, now every movie poster looks alike," Sunil said. 

 The posters painted in vibrant water and poster colours are crude; often imitations of pornographic movie stills of the West. But the figures are life-like with an animated quality to them. The accompanying texts are explicit and titillating; designed to attract crowd. They are at times garish, but the figures - usually of a man and woman, capture human emotions like lust, contempt and wit. The movies bear suggestive names like "Saali Puri Gharwali" and "Tera Tota, Mera Maina" to reflect the rustic flavour of rural India, the core audience of the 10 a.m. screenings. The designer said that "traditional Bollywood posters have become cult design objects and are collected the world over". 

 "But adult movie posters have been largely ignored. They have an aesthetics of their own. With a visual language that is at times daring, at times naive, these posters echo the kitsch (bohemian) imagery of Indian movie posters and sexuality which as a subject is taboo in India despite its many manifestations in social and cultural life," Sunil said. But as an underground thriving design form, adult movie posters, along with the large volume of pictorial pornographic literature, address the Indian society's forbidden fantasies which are often difficult for young couples to play out in the strict confines of joint family systems, he said.

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Then coming close to Priyanka - Shahid

Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra are old lover. Last week came the news of their breakup, but we've heard now that they are getting closer again. In the last few days, a source close to Shahid and Priyanka have risen and with them many times during this one - while the company has also been observed Enjoy. 

The sources also say that at present about the relationship status of Sasha and piggy Cops can not confirm anything. But in view of their increasing proximity to the prospect of their Pacap. In the last few months from Priyanka Harman Baweja Ranbir Kapoor and Akshay Kumar have long been linked to many people. So, it is extremely difficult to find out who will be her Mr. Right. 

On the other hand, after his breakup with Shahid Kapoor does not seek to have a partner. Last week, were aided by Priyanka, but they were separated. So, once again coming close to Shahid and Priyanka are the reports indicates that both - are dying without the other. 

Let me tell you now, with Sasha and the piggy in the shooting of Kunal Kohli's film. However, this relationship can only tell the truth or Priyanka, Shahid!

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Did singer Raghav share some flirty vibes with Minissha?

Canada-based R&B singer Raghav (of Angel Eyes fame) makes his singing debut in Bollywood with Hum Tum Shabana.

At the music video shoot of the title track which features him along with the cast consisting of Shreyas Talpade, Tusshar Kapoor and Minissha Lamba.

Raghav shared some flirty vibes with the actress. Onlookers state the pair's chemistry for the video was more happening than with her co-stars.

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I wont change to be considered sexy: Prachi Desai

Tired of played sedate, butter-won't-melt-in-the-mouth roles Prachi Desai is all set to loosen up and let her hair down. Not only is she ready for a complete makeover in the Bhatts' Informer for Rohit Shetty's Bol Bachchan Prachi teams up with Abhishek Bachchan. 

And she's already going into the fun zone big time. Prachi who has lately been struggling with bad press. And the reason for it, according to sources, is Prachi's sudden transition from television to cinema. A leap that many earlier Balajee protégées like Mihir Upadhyay, Iqbal Khan and Amna Sharif, Natasha and Eijaaz Khan have attempted and failed. 

Says a source, “Only two of Ekta's protégées Rajeev Khandelwal and Prachi Desai have been able to make the transition successfully from television to cinema. Ask Prachi about her relationship status with Ekta, and the girl turns diplomatic. “So much has been said about our soured friendship. But the fact is, we are still the same. Nothing has changed. 

” Prachi is at a crucial stage in her career where she is ready for an image makeover. Tired of her prim and conservative image She is all set to go all-out for a wardrobe revamp, even if it means losing some of her inhibitions. 

 Says the girl, “I have a sober image and I am proud of it. I wouldn't want to exchange that image just to be considered sexy. Even when I got my big Bollywood break in Rock On and then Life Partner I played sweet goodygoody roles. But now in my forthcoming films I am all set for a makeover. I am ready to do what the script requires. 

But I've my inbuilt censor which stops me from doing certain things. I won't go beyond the limits I've sent for myself. I am young and a girl of today. But so far whether On television or in films I've played extremely inhibited conservative girls far older than I actually am. That will change now. I'm playing my own age and that too with leading men closer to my age.

About opting out of two South Indian films at the last minute Prachi says, “What can I do? It was a genuine dates problem in one case. As for the other film, nothing had been finalized, no dates nothing. If filmmakers want to use my name for publicity what can I do? It hasn't been easy for me to make the transition from television to cinema. I had to prove myself doubly hard. And now if people want to spoil it for me, what can I say? Except that I wish them well. ” You wonder if Ekta Kapoor is proud of her blue-eyed girl and Prachi shoots back, “I hope she is!”

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Everything is fair in Love, War and Showbiz: Bipasha and Bhatts end war

Bipasha Basu who rose to fame with two Bhatt films -- Jism and Raaz -- had reportedly enraged the directors after she turned down the lead role in Mukesh Bhatt's last film Murder 2. 

Citing date issues, the Bong bombshell had also backed out from performing an item number. However, it looks like all that is forgiven and forgotten. 

On Thursday, Bipasha signed for the lead role in Raaz 3. The film will be directed by Raaz director Vikram Bhatt and will be made in 4D. 

Mukesh Bhatt said, "It is a homecoming for both Bipasha and Vikram. Yes, we did have issues earlier but, in a family, there are always different point of views that arise till the members realise that amendments need to be made."

"This is where they started and this film brought recognition to both Vikram and Bipasha, " he added. When Mukesh was asked who made the first move, he said, "Being in the same business, we keep bumping into each other. Bipasha expressed a desire to work with us again and she loved the Raaz 3 script. It is a very challenging and powerful role for her."

Vikram, who will be directing the said, "Bipasha is a very important part of the team that created Raaz as a brand. I am happy to be working with her again and hope to create the same magic with the already heady pair of Emi (Emraan Hashmi) and Jackie (Jacqueline Fernandes)." Confirming that she has signed on the dotted line, Bips said, "I have a long and fruitful relationship with Vishesh films. 

I am very fond of both Maheshji and Mukeshji. They have given me two of my best films of which, Raaz, my second movie, was a golden jubilee hit. It was only a matter of time before we worked together." Talking about the film, she said, "My role in Raaz 3 seems to be a very challenging one and the director is not only very good at his craft, but has also been a friend for a long time.

The thought of working with my own people gives me a high. It is a terrific combination, " she added.

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I have been through heartbreak: Yuvraj Singh talks about Kim

Though he did not take the name of Kim Sharma, Yuvraj Singh has spoken about his heartbreak in Simi Selects India's Most Desirable. 

The cricketer who is the guest this week has stated, "I have been through heartbreak. It is very tough to come out of it. 

At that time I was just peaking in my career. Yes, I was going to get married she has been the main love of my life. She is married now so it's not good to talk about her." You don't have to think twice who Yuvi is referring to! It appears he is still nursing a broken heart.

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Gulshan Grover wins best actor at NY fest

Actor Gulshan Grover has been honoured with the best actor international award at the New York City International Film Festival (NYCIFF) for his performance in the Hollywood film 'Desperate Endeavours'. 

In the film, directed by French-Algerian director Sam Khassa, Gulshan plays spiritual leader Dada Bhagwan, the man who went to America in the 1970s and enlightened the lives of the Indians there as well as the Americans. 

'Gulshan Grover's performance as the Indian holy man is so compelling, sincere and has an aura that the entire jury unanimously voted for Gulshan Grover as the Best Actor International. We will be screening this film at Times Square for all the tourists and the public,' said Roberto Rizzo, CEO and founder of New York City International Film Festival. 

Gulshan is also riding high on the critical acclaim he has garnered for his role as a dhaba owner in 'I Am Kalam'.

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All set for makeover: Prachi Desai

Tired of played sedate, butter-won't-melt-in-the-mouth roles Prachi Desai is all set to loosen up and let her hair down. For Rohit Shetty's 'Bol Bachchan', she teams up with Abhishek Bachchan and is going into the fun zone big time. 'I have a sober image and I am proud of it.

I wouldn't want to exchange that image just to be considered sexy. Even when I got my big Bollywood break in 'Rock On' and then in 'Life Partner' I played sweet goody goody roles. But now in my forthcoming films I am all set for a makeover. 

I am ready to do what the script requires,' said Prachi. The 22-year-old, who started her career with Ekta Kapoor's popular television show 'Kasamh Se' where she played a small town girl, is ready for a complete makeover in Mahesh Bhatts' 'Informer' as well. 'But I've my inbuilt censor which stops me from doing certain things.

I won't go beyond the limits I've sent for myself. I am young and a girl of today. But so far whether on television or in films, I've played extremely inhibited conservative girls far older than I actually am. That will change now. I'm playing my own age and that too with leading men closer to my age,' she said. About opting out of two South Indian films at the last minute Prachi said: 'What can I do? It was a genuine dates problem in one case. As for the other film, nothing had been finalized, no dates nothing. 'If filmmakers want to use my name for publicity what can I do? 

It hasn't been easy for me to make the transition from television to cinema. I had to prove myself doubly hard. And now if people want to spoil it for me,what can I say? Except that I wish them well.' You wonder if Ekta Kapoor is proud of her blue-eyed girl and Prachi shoots back saying, 'I hope she is!' Asked her about her relationship status with Ekta, and Prachi turns diplomatic. 

'So much has been said about our soured friendship. But the fact is, we are still the same. Nothing has changed,' said the actress who featured in Ekta's production venture 'Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai'.

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Is Jackky Bhagnani in love with Karishma?

The actor was seen with TV actress Karishma Tanna recently Seems like Vashu Bhagnani's son Jackky as found love again. 

The Faaltu actor has been spotted quite often in the company of TV and theatre actor Karishma Tanna, who is currently seen in two shows - India's Magic Star and Meethi Chhuri. A common friend reveals, "Jackky and Karishma met through common friends a few months ago and hit it off very well. 

They started dating in April. They hang out together quite often and can be spotted at Trilogy pub every now and then. They also meet at Jackky's place, but very discreetly as there are strict rules at the Bhagnani residence. 

The actor has promised Karishma a role in his next film." Karishma was earlier linked with Bappa Lahiri, the musician son of Bappi Lahiri, while Jackky was rumoured to be dating a childhood friend. When contacted Karishma laughingly said, "Really? Even I heard that now. It's a news to me. Why can't two people be friends?"

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Mommy says no more steamy scenes

After explicit love-making sequences in "Rang Rasiya" and "Sahib Bibi Aur Gangster", Randeep Hooda has acquired quite a reputation for the steamy stuff on screen. 

 But all efforts to carry his lover's image forward have been thwarted thanks to his mother, who has asked him to temper his roles. Randeep's mother is based in Rohtak in Haryana. "My mother is my biggest fan and critic. She loves the fact that I give all of myself to my roles. 

But she also feels it's time I held some things back from the camera. Maybe she's right. I can make love to the camera. I don't have to make love on camera," said Randeep. Apparently he has convinced his mother he'd no more be seen doing the naughty stuff with his leading ladies. 

 In the process of keeping a promise to his concerned mother, Randeep had to request the producer of his new film "Kushar Prasad Ka Bhoot" to tone down the love-making sequences.

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