Bipasha's favourite singer is Pakistani Atif Aslam

Actress Bipasha Basu is a fan of Pakistani singer Atif Aslam and she wants him to do the playback for her movie 'Race'.

Just back from Kolkata after shooting for her first Bengali film, 'Sab Charitra Kalpunik' (All Characters Imaginary)' by Rituparno Ghosh, Bipasha almost swoons at the mention of her favourite singer.

'I am a diehard fan of Atif from the time he sang 'Tere Bin' and 'Doori'. I wish he would sing for me some day. I listen to his albums in my car all the time and so when I heard about the track 'Jaan-e-Jana' in 'Race', I knew only Atif could do it,' she said.

Bipasha not only recommended Atif for the song but also urged the film's producers to sign up her favourite singer. 'And why not? Atif has a deal with Tips, which is producing 'Race'. So this was my golden opportunity to get Atif into one of my films. And now 'Jaan-e-Jana' is my favourite song in 'Race'.'

Talk about the crackling chemistry the actress shares with Saif Ali Khan in 'Race', Bipasha lights up. 'It's a slick sensuous thriller and I share good chemistry not only with Saif but also with Akshaye Khanna. I was working with both Saif and Akshaye for the first time. They're good actors.'

'It's been really hectic for me. We worked on Ritu's film on a very tight schedule. I loved my role and the chance to speak in my mother tongue for the first time. I also shot in Santiniketan. It was something I really looked forward to. Unfortunately, I was there for just two days and it was raining all the time. I reached late in the night, shot the whole day and returned to Kolkata.'

Bipasha has a lot to look forward to in 2008. 'Besides Ritu's film, which gives me a completely new image, I have one more Bengali movie, Shudipto Chattopadhyay's 'Pankh', lined up. It's a very disturbing film about a child actor, who grows up thinking he's a girl. I play his muse. I play myself. It's a very different film. Then of course, there's 'Race' with Abbas-Mustan.'

Bipasha started her career with Abbas-Mustan and hopes to work more with the duo. 'In fact, I've an incomplete film 'Mr Fraud' with them. It is a full-on comedy with Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgan and Anuuj Sawhney. I'm ready to give dates whenever Sanju and Ajay find time. But they're so busy, and so am I,' the actress said.

Shilpa Shetty- Interview

After touring Europe with her musical Miss Bollywood, Shilpa Shetty returns home to work in the Sunny Deol starrer 'The Man' and says people are going to see her in a different avatar in the movie.

'I know what I'm worth. I never expected people back home to start pampering me just because I've got a certain standing in Britain. And I promise you - you'll see a different Shilpa in The Man,' Shilpa told IANS in an interview.

The last one year after Celebrity Big Brother has been a roller-coaster ride for Shilpa and she looks back at it with much happiness and affection.

'It has been a time of great experiences. Miss Bollywood was my first experience on stage and also gave me a chance to take Bollywood abroad. It was not just lucrative but also a very creatively satisfying experience,' she said.

admits that she is dating someone, but marriage is not on the cards.

'The good thing is that love happened in my life while all those good things were happening to me professionally. So everything fell into place. I don't want too much speculation on this. The next thing I know they'll be marrying me off.'

Excerpts from the interview:

Q: Did you miss Bollywood?

A: It has been a time of great experiences. In the last three months I've been taking my play 'Miss Bollywood' to the remotest corners of Europe. This was my first experience on stage and also gave me a chance to take Bollywood abroad. It was not just lucrative but also a very creatively satisfying experience. And now I've come back to do Sunny Deol's home production, 'The Man'. I'm a huge fan of his work and admire him as a human being. I loved his first directorial venture, 'Dillagi'. Every time we're paired together we are a success. And I've got a fantastic role. I play an actress.

Q: How was the experience of doing Miss Bollywood?

A: With due respect to all the other Bollywood stage adaptations like Andrew Lloyd Webber's Bollywood Dreams and Merchants Of Bollywood, they've all been fantastic, 'Miss Bollywood' was a hardcore Bollywood musical starring a Bollywood actress. I belong to Bollywood. I think I added a certain authenticity to the play. It was a very proud achievement for me to take a slice of Bollywood out West. I felt especially proud to perform at the Royal Albert Hall.

Q: What were the most memorable experiences during the musical?

A: There were good and some bad. The worst was when my zipper tore in Offenbach (Germany) 20 seconds before I was to go on stage. I don't know how but my dresser managed to stitch it back in time. All through that act I was on tenterhooks. It was such a scary moment! This was the one time when I wanted a re-take. And I couldn't have it.

Q: And the good experiences?

A: Oh plenty! We got standing ovations in 95 percent of the performances. The last time we got a standing ovation was at Royal Albert Hall. It brought tears to my eyes. Gulshan Grover was there. I was so happy because he was so happy for me. He came backstage and said, 'I can't believe you pulled it off.' I felt so happy and proud to have one of my colleagues praising me.

Q: Do you feel welcome back home?

A: Of course, why not? I don't expect anything to change, except my price that has gone up (laughed). Everyone is making money. So why not me?

Q: Back home I don't see the kind of work you should be getting.

A: I don't really care. Or think about it. As long as I've enough work on my plate. When I was in Qatar women came up to me and said they absolutely loved my work in Life In A Metro. It was a very subtle portrait. I'm very proud of my performance in Metro. I know what I'm worth. I never expected people back home to start pampering me just because I've got a certain standing in Britain. And I promise you - you'll see a different Shilpa in The Man. Look, in the past I did whatever came my way. I got some great roles like Dhadkan, Rishtey and Phir Milenge. I'm very happy as an actor. True I never received an award, but I was nominated. You can't win 'em all.

Q: The big development in your life is love. You've acknowledged Raj Kundra in the British press?

A: No I didn't! The British press asked me about my love life. And I said yes, I was dating someone. To that they added their own bits. Then the Indian press got wind of it. After having spoken openly about my personal life in the past, I'm not too comfortable discussing it. I'm not going to hide the fact that I'm in love. Maybe I'm just a little superstitious.

Q: How much difference has love made to your life?

A: The good thing is that it happened in my life while all those good things were happening to me professionally. So everything fell into place. I don't want too much speculation on this. The next thing I know they'll be marrying me off.

Q: So is marriage on the cards?

A: The day it is on the cards, I'll distribute them personally.

Are Aditya Chopra, Rani Mukherji engaged?

Is producer-director Aditya Chopra tying the knot with Bollywood star Rani Mukerji? The grapevine is abuzz with rumours ever since the former has filed a petition seeking divorce from his first wife at the Bandra Family Court in northwest Mumbai.

Aditya's father, movie moghul Yash Chopra, is not too happy with this alliance and therefore Aditya has moved out his family home and is now staying in a five-star hotel in suburban Mumbai.

In fact, Aditya's parents have already made it known publicly that they are against their son divorcing his wife whom they adore. This might also indirectly mean that if Aditya's marries Rani, he will have to do so against his parents' wishes.

It is speculated that Aditya's shift from his father's home is a prelude to his impending marriage with Bollywood star Rani, with whom he has been having an affair for a long time, according to sources.

A rumour has been also doing the rounds since Sunday that Aditya had, in fact, given the actress an engagement ring a day earlier when both met secretly at the hotel where he has been staying.

Though none close to the Chopras would confirm the rumour, but the fact that Aditya's petition seeking divorce from his first wife, Payal, was granted after the mandatory grace period of six months last week, lent teeth to the speculation.

'I am afraid, I will not be able to comment on the private life of my client. Moreover, I have no inkling of the exchange of engagement rings between Aditya and Rani. My client does not keep me informed about his private affairs,' Gopal Pandey, long-time publicist of Yash Raj Films, told IANS.

As a matter of fact, in deference to the reputation of Yash Raj Films, especially the position filmmaker Yash Chopra holds in Bollywood, none came forward to comment one way or the other on the 'impending' Aditya-Rani marriage, which, without confirmation, has remained a rumour.

Over the last few years, Rani has been seen in quite a few films made by Yash Raj Films, being handled by Aditya. She featured in Hum Tum, Veer-Zaara, Ta Ra Rum Pum and Laaga Chunari Mein Daag.

Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut faces assault charge

Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut is in trouble. Her driver Thursday accused her of physical assault and registered a case against the star of 'Woh Lamhe' and 'Gangster - a love story'. The driver, Rajesh Shah, has alleged that Ranaut slapped him after he bumped her car into another vehicle Thursday morning, when he was driving the actor to the sets of her latest film.

The incident reportedly enraged Ranaut. Kangana later summoned the driver to her make-up van where she allegedly slapped him. The case has been filed at the Versova police station in northwestern Mumbai.

'The driver has registered a case against Kangana, her sister Rangoli Ranaut and her make-up man,' Deputy commissioner of Police Vinay Choube told IANS. Choube said the driver alleged that Kangana's sister and her make-up man were also present in the make-up van and they also assaulted him.

Katrina Kaif - Interview

Katrina Kaif, the British-born actor who gave the maximum number of hits among all Bollywood actresses last year, says she is having a ball doing commercial films and has no plans to venture into serious cinema right now.

'I am pretty clear about what I want to do. I don't want to go down the road doing serious cinema. I am happy doing commercial films. The fun films give the audience time to escape the monotony in everyday life,' Katrina told IANS in an interview here.

'I love what I am doing and there is plenty of time to do serious films. I am sure I will do them. But at this point I am really enjoying myself and I love dancing, I love the characters I am playing. Last year, I did a lot of comedies, at the same time I did 'Namastey London' which was a fantastic character. This year, I have a slightly greater variety of roles.'

The 23-year-old star ventured into Bollywood from London in 2003 and was instantly written off because of her strong British accent. But after five years of hard work and determination, she is one of the most highly sought after actresses in the Hindi film industry.

She was in Delhi to promote the film Race, which will be her first release of the year. Directed by the duo Abbas-Mustan, the film also has a host of A-list actors like Anil Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna and Bipasha Basu.

'I don't want to give away too much about my role because it is a suspense film. My character has a lot more shades. She is something you don't expect from me. I saw the first print of the film. It is a very tongue in cheek kind of film and not to be taken very seriously.

'It is one of those films where good guys are really good and bad guys are even worse. It is like those heightened novels of Agatha Christie where everything is little exaggerated. The overall experience was truly entertaining.'

Her kitty is full of hits like Partner and Welcome.

After so many hits in a row, where do you place yourself in filmdom?

'I don't think it's a matter where you place yourself. It's a matter of how your fan feels about you and where the industry finds you. At this particular place I think I am lucky to be able to say that I do get offers for a lot of film.'

She is one of eight siblings, all girls. Her mother is British and her father is from Jammu and Kashmir, India, but has since acquired British citizenship.

The actress spent her formative years in Hawaii, but later moved to London. She started modelling accidentally when she was in Hawaii at the young age of 14. Thereafter she continued modelling in London till she moved to Mumbai, pursuing a movie career.

Now she has moved on to bigger banners like Yash Raj Films.

'Yes, I am doing a Yash Raj film with John Abraham. Neil Mukesh is also in the film. I think the best if they (producers) speak about the film. It is a completely different genre and not something I have done before.'

Apart from that she will be seen in Singh Is Kinng with Akshay Kumar and Rajkumar Santoshi's next film, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, with Ranbir Kapoor.

'Singh Is Kinng is a comedy. Rajkumar Santoshi's script is one of the best scripts I have ever heard. It will be a new experience for me.'

In all these films, Katrina is paired with the younger lot of actors. Ask her if it is a conscious move, she says: 'It just happened. The whole set up has to be good and the script is very important.

'You know that if Akshay (Kumar) and Salman (Khan) are in the film, they can pull off even a bad script. But when you are working with a new team, you have to be really sure of the whole project. It took me some time to select the films.'

I was never meant to get pregnant in 'Fashion': Priyanka

Denying rumours that she forced Madhur Bhandarkar to change the climax in Fashion, Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra, who has been shooting nights for the movie, says her character getting pregnant was not a part of the script.

Priyanka told IANS: 'That was never a part of the script. The ending was decided at the scripting stage. The girl was never meant to get pregnant.

'Why would I shy away from doing something unconventional? I started with Aitraaz, which was as unconventional as they come. I'm so amused by all the speculation about Fashion. It just shows how much interest the film is generating. In spite of the constant attention, we've shot a majority of the film. We're all working really hard on it.'

'I don't know where these stories come from. Apparently, I asked Madhur to change the climax of the plot so that my character doesn't get pregnant. Now where did that come from? Madhur is a very competent director. Do you think he'd allow any actor to tamper with the script?

'Yes, the two of us sat down on the script and threshed it out over six-seven months. Once that was done, we went by the script completely. I'd be the last person to ask for changes once I begin shooting.'

As for the film being inspired by the lives of real-life ramp-walkers, Priyanka clears the air.

'The film is a work of fiction. It's not meant to be the true story about the modelling world. Basically, it's the story of this one girl's biographical journey, just like Tabu in Madhur's Chandni Bar or Bipasha in Corporate.

'The fashion world is my character's backdrop. My character could very well have been a part of any other profession.'

Priyanka, who will be seen in Drona and Love Story 2050, admits that she has never been more nervous about any of her films.

'It's a very nerve-wracking character and I hope I'm able to live up to people's expectations.'

Priyanka has to cram in as much of the shooting as possible for Fashion before she rushes off in March to Miami for Karan Johar's 'Dostana' directed by Tarun Mansukhani.

'That would be a welcome sunny seaside change after shooting the intense scenes indoors on a set for Fashion. It's a young peppy frothy film. Totally different from Fashion.'

Not yet time to get married, says Sushmita

Bollywood actress Sushmita Sen, who has many a time made headlines for her relationships, says the time is not yet right to tie the knot.

"I have been planning to get married for seven years now. Plans do not work but the right man does. I think it's not time for me to get married yet," Sushmita told IANS Tuesday."Moreover, I am already experiencing and enjoying the better half of marriage - I am a mother!" she quipped.

The actress, who is the brand ambassador of Pantene shampoo, was in the capital to promote the product. She was dressed in a white empire line gown with dirty pink ethnic motifs.

Asked how she liked to wear her hair, she said, "I like natural hair because I am comfortable wearing it any time. The last time I remember I did my hair was during the Miss Universe pageant."

The former beauty queen added, "Hair is an extension of one's being and you don't need to follow the trends blindly. You have to live with your natural hair like your skin. In fact, I love grey hair but my profession doesn't allow me to show them off."Sushmita, who's making her directorial debut with Jhansi Ki Rani, said destiny made her a filmmaker.

The film, produced by her company Tantra, will portray the life of Rani Laxmi Bai, the queen of Jhansi who fought against British rule during the 1857 war of independence." Throughout my life I have fought with myself (to believe) that whatever happened with me was what I chose for myself. But now that I am directing this film I think destiny decides it all."

"I was never meant to direct the film but the film chose me. And believe me, it took me tremendous amount of courage to do that. Now I have crossed my fingers and hope everything goes fine."

She added. "So far life has been good. There have been ups and downs. But I think lately I saw more lows than highs. I hope better things happen in future."

Actress Celina Jaitley `abused' by Pakistani cricketers

This certainly isn't cricket. Actress Celina Jaitley alleged that cricketers from across the border abused her after she performed at the Indian Cricket League (ICL) match between Pakistan and India.

On Sunday, had finished her performance and was taking what she calls a 'glory round' with her security personnel around the stadium, when she heard loud abuses in Hindi coming out of the players' enclosure.

'At first I couldn't believe where it was coming from. I still want to give them the benefit of doubt because it's so hard to believe they could behave this way,' she said with a shudder, recalling that she wanted to rush back to her car and drive away from the nightmare.

'But I couldn't because the security guys wouldn't let me pass. So I was stuck listening to myself being described in the most colourful language,' Celina, who was seen in films like No Entry and Shakalaka Boom Boom, told IANS.

The ex-Miss India refuses to lay the blame on anyone for the abusive incident, but she does admit that she recognises the Pakistani players because she had participated in a TV interview with them for a sports channel.

She said: 'But what hurts and offends me more is the fact that people from our own country have chosen to speak on behalf of those who abused me. As they say, I am 'just another Bollywood actress'. Fine. Does that mean I don't command even the respect that other woman get?'

All in all it hasn't been a very pleasant Easter and Holi weekend for Celina.

'I attended my producer Kumar Mangatji's Holi bash Saturday and then having ensured that I wasn't required for shooting Sunday, I left for Delhi for the ICL, tired and irritable. I had no clue what was waiting for me. And to top it all, I had observed Lent this Easter and was very weak and depleted. This wasn't what I expected.'

Celina is a child of a mixed marriage. Her father is a Punjabi and her mother is an Afghan.

Urmila to scorch the screen with Himesh!!

Singer, Music composer and actor Himesh Reshammiya is all set to shoot an item song with the sizzling Urmila Matondkar for his film Karzzz. The song is titled Tandori Nights and will be shot in Mumbai. Both have recently completed a 40-day outdoor shoot for Karzzz in South Africa and Johannesberg.

Urmila would be playing the character played by Simi Garewal in the original Karz. However original Karz did not have an item song for Simi. This is for the first time the duo Urmila and Himesh would be seen on the screen.

Himesh himself has sung the item song. Sunidhi Chauhan has lent her voice for Urmila. The remade Karzzz is being produced by Bhushan and Krishan Kumar and directed by Satish Kaushik. The film stars Himesh Reshammiya, Debutant Shweta Kumar (daughter of producer/director Indra Kumar), Raj Babbar, Urmila Matondkar, Gulshan Grover, Danny Denzongpa and Rohini Hatangadi.

Manish Malhotra has designed Urmila's look in the movie. It will have pastel shades with shimmer and satin.

Well looks like Urmila will be scorching the screen yet again!

I want to do a full-fledged film with Arbaaz: Malaika

Mumbai, March 30 (IANS) Model-turned actress Malaika Arora has just done her first film with her husband Arbaaz Khan, however they just have an item song together. She is very keen to do more feature films with him.

She told IANS: 'It's a marital comedy called Shaadi Ke After Effects. I'm not Arbaaz's wife in the film. I play the temptress and I've an item song with him.

'It was great fun working with Arbaaz. Now I want to do a full-fledged film with him. I want to do a comedy with my husband. So far no aspect of talent has been tapped except my dancing.'

Now Malaika, who was seen in hit item numbers like 'Chaiyya chaiyya' and 'Kaal' songs, will be extremely cautious about the item songs.

'But if tomorrow a Farah Khan tells me to do a song with Shah Rukh Khan, of course I'll do it. But it has to be something worth my while. It's always been nothing but the best for me.'

She is married for 10 years and and says that the secret to their successful marriage is an angel who is protecting them.

'I don't know how these ten years have passed. It's been so unreal, such a dream.

'How do we manage to avoid all temptation? I guess there's an angel watching over our marriage,' she added.

The couple's top priority is their son Arhaan.

'Arbaaz and I make a conscious effort to share domestic responsibilities. When I'm out working he looks after our son. Without a doubt our baby is our top priority. And the work I do has to centre on his schedules,' said the actress who plays main lead in Suniel Shetty's EMI.

'Anjathe' tops Tamil music charts

Like the film, the music of Anjathe is making waves. The top five Tamil albums are:

1. Anjathe - Music Director: Sundar Babu. If Mysskin and Sundar C. created Vazha meekum in Chithiram Pesuthadi, Anjathe has Kathathazha kannala. Sung by Naveen Madhav, it is a huge hit.

2. Vellithirai - Music Director: G.V. Prakash. Naresh Iyer's Uyirile uyirile is a big hit.

3. Nepali - Music Director: Srikant Deva. The album by Srikant Deva is interesting with some original soundtracks.

4. Polladhavan - Music Director: Yogi B. This is remix time and listeners can't have enough of the remix song 'Engeyum eppothum'.

5. Billa - Music Director: Yuvan Shankar Raja. The remix My name is Billa sung by Naveen and KK makes it to the list this fortnight.

I don't want to be called hot: Katrina Kaif

'Pankh' is a crazy role, but I like it: Bipasha Basu

Dusky and doe-eyed glamour girl Bipasha Basu, who got a makeover in Madhur Bhandarkar's Corporate, is trying to create a balance between commercial and art house cinema by doing unusual films like Pankh.

'I believe that I do have the intelligence to understand that I need to keep the balance between commercial entertainer and art-house and only then can I command different audiences,' Bipasha told IANS.

'It is interesting for an actor to think about audience interest, but then I would not do a film like Pankh.'

In director Shudipto Chattopadhyay's Pankh, Bipasha plays an imaginary character.

'I play an alter ego. I am an imaginary character - the protagonist in the film is a boy called Maradona; he has done a fabulous job,' said Bipasha who was recently seen in Race.

'It is about a boy who goes through gender confusion. He is a child artiste but plays a female child artiste and is very popular. Then he grows up and wants to be launched as a hero but there is a kind of confusion in his mind.

'The boy's family is poor and they want to make it big. The pressure of parents and ridicule make it a very sad situation for him. Eventually he creates this imaginary character he is in love with. And that imaginary character happens to be an actress as well. It is quite a crazy role and many would say why Bipasha has done it, but I like it so I do it.'

Bipasha is also doing Rituparno Ghosh's Bengali film Shab Choritro Kalpanik where she plays Prasenjit Chatterjee's wife who falls in love with her husband after his death.

Sherlyn to romance Shahid Kapoor!

The Bindaas Babe Sherlyn Chopra who was seen stunning the audience with her 'Outrageous' performance will soon amaze you again. No not with any groovy dance number but with her mind-blowing performance in one of India's most prized production house's film.

Yes, you heard it right; the effervescent Babe Sherlyn has bagged a meaty role in a Yash Raj Films' production opposite none other than the young gun Shahid Kapoor. A Yash Raj spokesperson confirmed, "Yes, Sherlyn has been signed by Yash Raj to star in a film by Anurag Singh." The film is a love triangle involving Rani Mukherjee, Shahid Kapoor and Sherlyn Chopra. She will be seen romancing and seducing the ever-charming Shahid. Apparently it was Yash Chopra who wanted to sign her as she has been in their good books ever since he saw her performance in Red Swastik. A section of the press has gone to the extent of mentioning that Mr. Chopra was the one who had seen her earlier and stated that she would go too far in her career. Earlier she had done a few films but it was during Red Swastik that she caught the attention of Yash Chopra.

When asked about her reaction after having a prestigious film in her kitty, she promptly replied, "Yes you are right, now I am a part of the film. It feels really good to get associated with such a big banner in the very onset of one's career. I was very confident that my hard work would pay me off. And now I'll work harder to prove myself and showcase the best of my abilities."

Is she planning for any special preparations for the role, she added, "Nothing special or extraordinary but yes I am soon going to start attending workshops where there are different sessions on acting. I'll undergo training sessions, test shoots that will help me playing my character well. Right now my costumes are also getting designed."

About the role, she says, "Right now I can't speak about it much in detail. But yes when the time is right I will definitely talk about the same. Why would I want to hide it? It's a role to die for. Only thing is, I can tell you it will enhance my level to the next level from the 'Outrageous' one. A complete brand new look has been planned for me. I was always keen to work with YRF. I desire to have a multiple film contract with them."

Aishwarya Rai - Interview

The much sought after Aishwarya Rai, who has been turning down movies for more than just lack of time, says she refused Karan Johar's comedy Dostana because the quirky situations mentioned in the script wouldn't have worked.

Karan wanted to cast her with Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham. He has now roped in Priyanka Chopra for the female lead.

'I opted out of Dostana because the inter-personal relationships among the three of us made me uncomfortable. Now that Abhishek and I are married, the kind of quirky situations shown in 'Dostana', albeit in a comic vein, wouldn't have worked,' Aishwarya told IANS in an interview.

When asked why she accepted superstar Rajnikanth starrer Robot, Aishwarya said: 'I want to work with Rajni sir, yaar. He is phenomenal. Everyone speaks of this experience. I'll actually go through the experience. It's very important for me to come away with something from my films since I give so much.'

The film is directed by Shankar, who gave Aishwarya her first break in Jeans.

'It's a total Rajni-Shankar styled entertainer. There's no logic as to why I agreed to do it beyond the urge to work with Rajnikanth. Shankar and Rajni sir have approached me for so many films, it's embarrassing.'

Excerpts from an interview:

Q: First things first. Did you turn down Karan Johar's Dostana?

A: Yes, I opted out of Dostana because the inter-personal relationships among the three of us made me uncomfortable. Now that Abhishek and I are married, the kind of quirky situations shown in Dostana, albeit in a comic vein, wouldn't have worked.'

Q: But Dhoom 2 and Jodhaa Akbar worked although you were paired with Hrithik Roshan and not Abhishek?

A: But Dhoom was before marriage and there was no triangle in Jodhaa Akbar. Now the audience can't see me sharing my affections for Abhishek with another guy. I can't tell you why it wouldn't have worked for Abhishek and I as a pair without giving away the plot. Karan Johar wasn't bothered with all these personal considerations, but I felt otherwise. I thought the audience would wonder, 'She likes John and Abhishek equally? No way!'

Q: Now you'll be romancing Rajnikanth in Shankar's Robot?

A: It's a total Rajni-Shankar styled entertainer. There's no logic as to why I agreed to do it beyond the urge to work with Rajnikanth. Shankar and Rajni sir have approached me for so many films, it's embarrassing. Ever since we did Jeans together Shankar has approached me for all his films except Boys.

Rajni sir, being the senior that he is, has shown no egoistic traits in approaching me for his last four-five films. And my refusal to do his films was never misconstrued by him. I admire him for that. It speaks volumes for his seniority and his calibre as a human being to never take offence to my no.'

Q: Is that why you said yes to Robot?

A: This time for Robot it was an immediate yes from me. I just wanted to work with Rajni sir and Shankar. My Jeans with Shankar was a super success. I learnt so much from Jeans and Shankar. Robot too will be a learning experience.

Q: Is it a sci-fi film?

A: It is hard to define. But technically it will take cinema to another level. I can only say I'll come away enriched. It's very important for me to come away with something from my films since I give so much. I want to work with Rajni sir, yaar. He's phenomenal. Everyone speaks of this experience. I'll actually go through the experience.

Q: Well you have a seasoned phenomenon (Amitabh Bachchan) in your own house.

A: Yes, but I share a different equation with the one in my house. They're both institutions. And I'm blessed to work with both. When I look back at all the leading men, directors and technicians I've worked with I feel totally blessed. It's a good place to be in.

For Harman's sake, Priyanka to return to Mumbai

Current Bollywood flavour Priyanka Chopra is all set to attend the music release function of Love Story 2050, actor Harman Baweja's debut film, and has already set aside time for it.

Though Priyanka will be shooting in Miami for Tarun Mansukhani's Dostana, she is taking time off from the tight schedule to pay a flying visit to Mumbai May 10 for the music release.

Seldom, if ever, has a co-star gone so much out of her way for any project.

The shooting is almost done. The last two days when Harman's snazzy introduction was shot has just been completed. And Harman's long-awaited debut film will be released July 4.

'We've all worked very hard on this film. The shooting is complete. Now begins the real struggle. The FX are comparable with anything from Hollywood, as we could see from the theatrical trailers that were released with Race,' Harry Baweja, who is producing the film, told IANS.

Earlier this month, Priyanka joined the crew in Miami a day late because she wanted to be in Mumbai when the theatrical trailer of Love Story 2050 was released.

Priyanka has also set aside a major chunk of dates for the film's promotion in June.

Says Priyanka, 'What's the big deal? Love Story 2050 is as much my film as Harman's. I'd have done just as much for any of my films. About returning for the music release, it is being worked out with Karan Johar.'

The schedule in Miami goes on till May 20. But Priyanka hopes to wrap up her work in time for the music release.

The Bawejas have quietly acknowledged her huge hand in seeing Harman's launch acquire epic proportions.

A whole elaborate song sequence in the air with Priyanka flying on a jet singing and dancing across Mumbai's shimmering skyline has been choreographed by Vaibhavi Merchant.

'This,' says an inside source, 'was the least the Bawejas could do for Priyanka after all she has done for them. Harman has a couple of super-elaborate songs and dances. They felt the need for Priyanka to also make her presence felt.'

Harry said: 'The song we've done with Priyanka has her flying on top of futuristic Mumbai. It's something never seen before.'

Ash-Abhi To Celebrate Wedding Anniversary In Miami

Wedding of Ashwariya and Abhishek seems like a marriage out of a fairy tale and now it’s going to be a year to their marriage and guess what? They are going to celebrate it in Miami when they got married they went to Venice for honeymoon now what next? A trip to the moon on their next anniversary I guess! Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will be in Miami for their first wedding anniversary next week. Not that they planned so. "It just happened," says Amitabh Bachchan. "Abhishek is shooting in Miami for 'Dostana' on their marriage anniversary. And Aishwarya is going to be with him," Amitabh Bachchan told IANS. "We'll get them by a new technology called skyscape to speak from Miami to mediapersons in Mumbai at the launch of 'Sarkar Raj' - which happens to be on the same evening as their wedding anniversary," he said. "Sarkar Raj" director Ram Gopal Varma says it was just a coincidence that the unveiling of his film will take place the same day. "I didn't even remember it was Abhishek and Aishwarya's wedding anniversary on April 20. We decided to do the First Look party of 'Sarkar Raj' on this day because it was six weeks before the release," said Varma. "It's just a coincidence. I don't keep track of anyone's birthdays and anniversaries, not even mine."Ramu is excited about something else too. "This is the first time the actors of an Indian film will be connected to the media via satellite. We're doing it through a technology known as skyscape. I think it's very exciting to reach out by modern technology in this way. Aishwarya and Abhishek will be live from Miami in Mumbai." However, Big B will be present at the Mumbai event. Tell Ramu that the "Sarkar Raj" event will be eclipsed by the excitement over its lead pair's wedding anniversary, and he shrugs. "It doesn't matter. We cannot separate Abhishek and Aishwarya's life from 'Sarkar Raj'. Very soon after the First-Look event we'll have the music release. T-Series is releasing the music soundtrack."

Girl power in Bollywood

KAREENA KAPOOR'S sudden price hike has thrown Bollywood into a tizzy. If tinsel town is all about the moolah, then Kapoor seems to be ruling the roost. Success of Jab We Met has allowed this queen-in-waiting the opportunity to sink her teeth into that elusive pie. And what's more, the producers are falling over themselves to meet her demands at her price!

Queen B Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was earlier known to ask for a heavy paycheck. While fees femme fatales quote are nowhere close to the hunks, the brat pack led by Kareena, is effortlessly breaking all Bollywood myths and setting new benchmarks.

Female actors have most often been looked at as the proverbial extra limb in the entire film. Producers were known to hem and haw where the lead heroine's fee was concerned. Casting coups failed because filmmakers did not adjust their budget for the leading lady’s demands.

Actress Hrishitta Bhatt is happy. "I think women have definitely come into their own. With good storylines and author backed performances, they are delivering hits and carrying the film on their shoulders. So the fee quoted by them is completely justified. Producers too understand and are willing to pay now."

An open letter to Aamir Khan!

The Indian national football team captain, Bhaichung Bhutia, barely squeezed in 11 minutes of the mandatory 15 minutes of fame for his principled decision not to carry the Beijing bound Olympic torch in Delhi on April 17.

Reason: somewhere between the 10th and the 11th minute his thunder was stolen by actor/director Aamir Khan who stated that he had a different way of wearing his conscience on his sleeve.

He would carry the torch but with a prayer in his heart for the people of Tibet. He said, "The Games did not belong to China but to the human race".

On screen, it would be called a nuanced piece of method acting. Off-screen it is called positioning.

Or is it just a coincidence that among the human race that owns the Games are official sponsors Coca-Cola, a brand Khan carries a torch for through endorsements?

Poor man, he will be running multiple overlaps - carrying the Olympic torch as a Coke team member, for humanity's claim to the Games and for the Tibetan cause against China's oppression. That's a lot of running of the treadmill kind.

It is a measure of Khan's reputation as a thinking individual that his recent sniper attempts to voice issues have not met with the usual disdain reserved for motor-mouth celebrities.

Largely, Khan's stance as explained on his blog - sans any mention of the Coke factor - has been hailed as a 'mature' decision, preserving India's diplomatic face while expressing support for Tibet.

Anjana is one hot girl to watch

Anjana Sukhani, the 'Salaam E Ishq' girl is all set to make a mark in Bollywood as she awaits the release of not one, but three films.

The actress who made a not-so significant appearance in Rohit Shetty's 'Sunday', has in her kitty, 'Golmaal Returns', 'Allah Ke Banday' and 'Jai Veeru'.

Talking about her films, the actress says, "Allah Ke Banday is expected to release in early June, in which I am paired with Sharman Joshi. This adventurous film also stars Naseruddin Shah, Atul Kulkarni and Anupam Kher".

Anjana claims that the script of 'Golmaal Returns' is simply 'Dhamaal'.

The girl who made her big-screen debut with 'Hum Dum' says, "I am paired opposite Tusshar Kapoor here, and imagine all the fun I would be having since Tusshar continues to play his mute character which was so popular in GOLMAAL".

I met Saif Ali Khan in Kenya: Rozza Catalano

After gyrating to the sizzling ‘Jaane Kyun’ in Samar Khan’s Shaurya, Rozza Catalano is now gearing up to set the screen ablaze in Parto Ghosh’s Ek Second Jo Zindagi Badal De.

On the personal front, there has been considerable speculation and fabrication about her equation with Saif Ali Khan ever since their relationship soured. Rozza Catalano in a freewheeling chat with Swati R Chaudhary on Saif, her preoccupation with India and more…

A brief introduction of your background…
We hail from the South coast in Italy. We are four siblings- My brother Gioele, sisters Contessa and Dalia, myself and my parents of course.

My family moved to Switzerland before I was born and they wanted to move back to Italy but it never happened due to our education, friends and other commitments. I’ve done various print and television ads (international and Indian). ‘Seagram’ is one of the brands I worked with.

What got you to India? What fascinates you about India? Are you happy here?
I came to India with Saif Ali Khan. It was very challenging to come to India and stay back here.

I am a traditional person with a strong sense of family values. My family used to dine together and we would say our prayers before every meal. I was drawn to the Indian culture and its strong value system.

I thought I was patient but I have learnt to be far more patient that I ever thought I could be. India is all about acceptance.

Saadgi- Lata Mangeshkar

Lata Mangeshkar coming back for an entire album? And that too with Javed Akhtar? Now that's good enough for one to have mammoth expectations from 'Saadgi', an album that marks the return of Lata after a hiatus. With newcomer Mayuresh Pai composing each of the 8 tracks from the album and Farhat Shahzad, Meraj Faizabadi and Chandrashekhar Sanekar contributing as lyricists, 'Saadgi' is ready to roll. The very beginning of 'Mujhe Khabar Thi' makes it quite obvious that this one is a 'ghazal' in the offering. In fact by the time you are mid-way into song, you start wondering if 'Saadgi' would be an out an out 'ghazal' album, considering the fact it marks the return of Lata who would certainly wish to do something different from what she has done in last few years. Boasting of sensitive lyrics by Farhat Shahzad and a beautiful tune set by Mayuresh Pai, 'Mujhe Khabar Thi' seems like just the right song for Lata to open the album.The thought around 'Saadgi' being a 'ghazal' album seems to be coming true with 'Ishq Ki Baatein' being a second successive track that follows the same genre. A track about love being a distance away that only brings with it some pain and tears, 'Ishq Ki Baatein' by Javed Akhtar is for the lonely hearts. To the credit of Mayuresh, he keeps a consistent feel for 'Saadgi' hence ensuring that the album maintains its quality. Yet another painful track follows next in the form of 'Raat Hai'. A track about a perfect night still being incomplete due to absence of the one you love most, 'Raat Hai' follows the same music theme as heard earlier though a small part of the arrangements sees a Spanish tune being played. Javed Akhtar is at the helm of writing once again as he makes sure that his short and sweet sentences are sung emotionally by Lata. Lata's 'aalaap' at the very beginning of 'Chand Ke Pyale Se' makes you remember innumerous tracks that she has heard for Yash Raj Films in the past. Yet another song for the night with moon and it's moonlight being the center of attraction, 'Chand Ke Pyale Se' is a soft number for the ones who are in love. Javed Akhtar makes sure that he spins a tale of love which is pure, beautiful and endless. A happy track when compared to the three which were heard before, 'Chand Ke Pyale Se' turns out to be a better outing. Mood of the album takes a deviation with a philosophical angle coming into play. 'Andhe Khwabon Ko' is about maintaining self control over one's desires, looking at a world being a better place and aiming for being content with whatever little that one has. Well, this time around, except for lyrics by Meraj Faizabadi there isn't much that impresses a listener. Lata of course sings the track with all the right emotions but the song is such which could perhaps be more engrossing when read than heard. Lata from the past is heard in 'Jo Itne Kareeb Hai' which is a beautiful love song written by Javed Akhtar. Some of the gems go as - 'Hum Unki Mohabbat Paane Ko Har Baat Ganwara To Kar Le, In Baaton Se Wo Aur Agar Magroor Huye To Kya Hoga'! In fact more one hears the track, more one can remember songs belonging to this genre that Lata had sung in late 70s/early 80s. A track about complete surrender to the one you love most, 'Main Kahan Ab Jism Hoon' is written by Chandrashekhar Sanekar. One of the dullest songs in the album so far with neither the composition nor singing making much of an impression, 'Main Kahan..' turns out to be a drag that is best ignored. Agreed that Mayuresh has looked at the flow of the album being consistent but 'Main Kahan...' doesn't quite work. Meraj Faizabadi returns to writing with 'Phir Kahin Door Se' that carries on the mood similar to that of 'Main Kahan..'. The difference here though is that Lata is heard in relatively higher pitch that saves the track from getting into complete boredom. Though yet again the song is about complete surrender to the loved one, Phir Kahin Door Se' comes across as a track with sad connotations. 'Saadgi' is mainly for the broken hearts who wish to drown their sorrows away by listening to Lata's voice in the dead of the night with painful lyrics only added to the pain. For those looking out for some lovely melodious tracks, there isn't much to look forward to but for those who love to weep a tear or two in isolation, 'Saadgi' could well be the one.

Bollywood Celebrities Celebrate Holi Festival

Here are few quotes from the top bollywood celebrities about their plans for this years Holi the festival of colours.

Amrita Rao: Nostalgic about Vrindavan
This Holi, in all possibility, I will be in Phuket. Unfortunately, last year I was shooting. However, I will never forget the time I had in Vrindavan where Holi is played with flowers and one is immersed up to the waist in water. It is simply divine and one is away from the artificial colours.

Riya Sen: Let’s play Holi!
I am very fond of Holi. There are many Holi parties happening and since I am not working this year, I will probably go to one of them. I don’t really mind getting wet for Holi.

Maliaka Arora-Khan: Out of town
I am not going to be in town this Holi as we are planning to go to Dubai. Nevertheless, I prefer to stay away from playing.

Celina Jaitley: Family friend and masti!
I will be celebrating with my parents and friends. Last year I had good fun with my friends, and I’m looking forward for the same this year as well.

Deepika Padukone: Colour me right!
I have got a hectic schedule around Holi. But I am still not going to miss out on playing the festival of colours.

Amrita Arora: Holi is not for me!
I am not really fond of playing Holi. I do not like getting wet unless it’s in the bathroom. I really dislike that colour on my face and hair.

Kim Sharma: Moody girl
Whether I play Holi or not depends solely on my mood on that day. So there are no fixed plans as yet. Sometimes, I just go freak out, yet there are times when I remain stuck in the house. Holi is fun.

Ayesha Takia: Scared about eggs!
Frankly speaking, I never play Holi. People throw all all sorts of weird things like eggs and oil paint and this really freaks me out.

Tulip Joshi: Bhang and colours!
I will have some friends coming over home. We will have a nice dinner or maybe lunch, and of course colours and bhangs are included.