Shahrukh Khan to act with Obama

Karan Johar's forthcoming film 'My Name is Khan', Shah Rukh Khan will be sharing the screen with President Obama lookalike. The film is currently being shot in San Fransisco and other parts of United States.

Everyone’s waiting for 'Kambakkht Ishq

He was written off after the debacle of "Chandni Chowk To China" and "8X10 Tasveer", but Akshay Kumar is back to entertain audiences with his full-on masala act in the action-thriller "Kambakkht Ishq" that experts hope will pull the industry out of the dumps.

"You would be foolish to write him off," said Anees Bazmee, who has delivered two superhits "Singh Is Kinng" and "Welcome" with Akshay. "Don't forget that he is the same man who has been the darling of the masses and given so many back-to-back money spinners. He cannot be penalised for one 'Chandni Chowk To China' throughout his life."

After "Chandni Chowk...", Akshay suffered another setback in the form of Nagesh Kukunoor's "8X10 Tasveer".

"'8X10 Tasveer' was never meant to be blockbuster material to begin with, even though critics insisted on calling it 'the Akshay Kumar' film. Also, a terrible climax was the major reason for the film to flop, not Akshay's acting. In fact, he was the lone saving grace of the film," said a trade analyst.

In the much-awaited "Kambakkht Ishq", releasing on July 3, Akshay plays a Hollywood stuntman with an international set-up that boasts Hollywood stars Sylvester Stallon, Denise Richards and Brandon Routh.

"This is a film for the masses but with a rich international feel to it that would break the mass versus class barrier," said Sajid Nadiadwala, the man behind the multi-crore movie, "We have the best of both the worlds in the film with Kareena Kapoor playing a supermodel. The Akshay-Kareena combination is the one to watch out for."

"Akshay is a superstar and he is here to stay. Let 'Kambakkht Ishq' release and we will see it for ourselves," said Sajid Khan who has roped him in for his second directorial venture "Houseful".

However, the usual 'Akshay Kumar frenzy' is missing even though the film is less than a fortnight away from release.

"Let's not read too much into it. Akshay is too big a star to be worried about such minor things. And why are we forgetting that he is the same man who in the last three years has seen 21 films of his getting released out of which 17 have been hits.

"He is the most consistent actor, star and a lot more than that. Just because one film of his doesn't take a kickstart as expected, people out there have started making judgments," said Vipul Shah, who directed Akshay in the hit "Namastey London".

As the countdown begins for "Kambakkht Ishq", Shah has the last word.

"I can recount 100 such cases when someone has been pulled down so badly. A few months back, it happened to Himesh Reshammiya for 'Karzzzz'. Earlier, after 'Saawariya', Sanjay Leela Bhansali was said to be finished.

"Hurman Baweja got to hear so much due to 'Love Story 2050' while after 'Drona', Abhishek was written off. This is sheer cynicism at play but mind you, one film cannot make or break anyone. With 'Kambakkht Ishq', the industry would get the much-needed respite."

Katrina Kaif: I will never do a film for money

Bollywood Actress Katrina Kaif, who has made a mark in Bollywood with her stunning good looks, says that she will never do a film for money.

The 24-year-old actress, whose earnings support her family of seven sisters, said there are times when she feels that she needs the money being offered to do a particular film. “I am in a panic situation. But, If I succumb to such pressures, I know the audience will not respect me,” said Katrina.

Katrina, who made her debut in Bollywood with box-office disaster Boom has not looked back since finding success with Akshay Kumar starrer Namaste London. Looking back at her career Katrina says that she considers her journey so far in the industry as a learning experience.

Neil Nitin Mukesh's 'reality check' in New York

Bollywood Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh was detained at an airport in the US for over an hour because the immigration officials refused to believe that he was an Indian.

Neil said that the incident happened earlier this year when he arrived in New York to shoot for Kabir Khan's film New York which has a backdrop of 9/11 terror attacks.

"I can pass off as a Britisher, American, Kashmiri easily because my skin tone and complexion can blend anywhere. But this incident changed my attitude of how I will approach my role in New York which also dwells upon discrimination," Neil, grandson of legendary playback singer Mukesh, said.

The film is about three friends, played by John Abraham, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Katrina Kaif and how their lives change forever after the terror attacks. Neil recalled asking the official if his accent was not proof enough that he was an Indian national.

"I told him to google search my name. When he realised his folly, he was still not willing to let me go and started asking questions about my profession like what kind of films I do and why am I in New York," the actor said.

The young actor said that while leaving the immigration office finally, he thanked the official because he had found the crux of what New York is all about.

Neil Nitin Mukesh described New York as an intelligently made film which will pick up at the box office through the word of mouth. "Too much of publicity heightens the level of expectations and some times proves detrimental to the film's interests. We are very confident of our product," he said.

Talking about New York, Neil said the 9/11 terror attacks had affected everybody especially the youth and shook the entire world.

"In the film, there are three young friends from India studying in an American university campus and the incident affects their friendship," he said. Declining to give more details, Neil said, "The friendship is affected in a certain way. Whether in a good or bad way is the question and the crux of the film."

Neil said co-stars Katrina Kaif and John Abraham are great human beings. "Off screen they are good friends and their chemistry shows on screen," he said. Neil did not know Katrina earlier and said he was skeptical to work with her initially.

"But I found her to be very down to earth. New York is her best performance to date," the actor said. When asked if the film was a love triangle, Neil said there was an element of love. But the bond of friendship is more important.

"Unfortunately, in our society, we are unable to accept that a girl and boy can be the best of buddies," he said.

To a question about whom Katrina is paired opposite in the film, the actor said, "She is paired opposite both of us. Katrina's character is torn between me and John."

The actor, who is a self-confessed fan of Salman Khan, said that he met Salman Khan for the first time on the sets of Dus ka Dum 2 where he and Katrina promoted New York.

"I was very nervous because I am a fan of Salmanbhai. But, he made me feel very comfortable. He gave lot of gifts for me and my brother including T-shirts of Being Human, his charity and a watch for my father," the young actor said.

Neil, who started his bollywood career with crime-thriller Johnny Gaddar said that his 'adventurous' nature made him decide to become an actor.

"It is the reason that I wanted to become an actor. I want to know what's happening around the world and being an actor gives me that privilege of exploring the changes. Films are fictitious only to a certain extent. You can't fake everything," he said.

"In New York, I got to live a life of a campus student in a foreign university and was shocked to see that discrimination does exist. I have student friends in Australia who tell me that they are very scared after the recent incidents of violence against Indian students," Neil added.

Aamir Khan & Rekha receives Raj Kapoor Awards

A Man Of Few Awards And A Woman Of Few Words: Aamir Khan receiving the Raj Kapoor Outstanding Achievement award from Chhagan Bhujbal and Rekha receiving the Raj Kapoor Pratibha Gaurav award from Chief Minister Ashok Chavan at the 46th Marathi Film Awards ceremony at Balewadi, Pune, over the weekend.

Deepika Padukone in talks to play female lead for Krrish 2

After the release of Kites, Rakesh Roshan will soon start working on Krrish 2. According to well-placed sources, the film is already in the scripting process, with a newer concept. It will feature Hrithik Roshan yet again and Deepika Padukone is being considered for the part of the leading lady.



A source reveals, "After the success of Krrish, the Roshans decided to go ahead with the sequel of the movie. Their first priority was to finish with Kites and then work on Krrish 2. Kites is almost done and is in the post-production stage. Rakesh Roashan's production house FilmKraft is working on Krrish 2. They are at an infant stage and still working on script and the star cast, but it obviously includes Hrithik as the actor."

The source continues, "The layout of the script is ready and it will see Hrithik in a superhero avatar once again. He will be seen saving the Seven Wonders of the World, so naturally the film will be shot extensively at various foreign locations. Hrithik will undergo physical training once again for the role. Like the prequel, this too will have SFX and a big crew of foreign technicians."

It is believed that Papa Roshan is keen to have Deepika for the role opposite Hrithik, as he feels she suits the role perfectly and he was very impressed by her stunts and athletic character in Chandni Chowk To China. When quizzed, Roshan said, "Not thinking of anything till the release of Kites."

Bolly Queens Kareena Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan patch up at KJo

Karan Johar's birthday party on Monday evening turned out to be an occasion for more than one grand reunion. KJo made sure that Abhishek and Kareena put aside their differences and became friends again.

Following the thawing between Abhi and Bebo, the camaraderie between Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Kareena Kapoor that evening didn't surprise anyone.

To see them laughing, giggling, whispering and behaving like two long-lost sahelis was something that did bring a smile to all the invitees' faces and added that extra zing to Karan's glamour-gorged party.

The highlight of the evening was Ash and Bebo taking to the dance floor. Finally, the long-standing cold war between the Bachchans and Kapoors that started when Abhi's relationship with Karisma's sister ended, came to an end. All ties had been severed between the Bachchans and Kapoors.

It was reported that Abhishek refused films with Kareena, prompting the emotional girl to react angrily and defiantly. She publicly snubbed Amitabh Bachchan at an award function last year. Very recently, through the subtle efforts of Aishwarya and Karan Johar from both ends, the two families began to dissolve their differences.

KJo's party on Monday evening did the trick. Now it's only a matter of time before Abhishek and Kareena finally come together again for a film after Refugee and Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon. Chances are KJo will design the project.

Brief encounters: Who's the ice maiden now
Ash and Sonam too had a very brief chat. However there was no lets-be-friends vibe between them, even when they spoke to each other for a few minutes. It was very formal and although Ash was warm, Sonam's stance was aloof. A source reveals, "As soon as Ash spotted Sonam, she rushed to her side and gave her a warm hug. She complimented her on the outfit she was wearing and told her how much she loved her style sense." There was no talk about Sonam being dropped from Cannes at the last minute. Minutes into their conversation, Kapoor spotted someone, she excused herself and walked away.

Priyanka Kothari set to sizzle again

Changing her name did not help Priyanka Kothari aka Nisha Kothari much. She was last seen in a tantalizing item number with Fardeen Khan in ‘Darling’. Her delayed release ‘Go’ went unnoticed and without creating any stir.

Now, it seems she is all set to impress everyone with her forthcoming flick ‘Agyaat’ where she plays the solo female lead. She also has a sizzling dance number in the film titled ‘Kiss Mix’.

“Yes, that’s my song in Agyaat. Don’t you like the sound of ‘Kiss Mix’? I find it quite cute actually; it is just one of it’s own kinds,” says Priyanka.

When the shooting of AGYAAT had come to a standstill, only a few scenes involving Priyanka were waiting to be shot. The earlier plans were to have only song to be picturised but later ‘Kiss Mix’ was added as an after thought.

“This is one song which has excited me so much after a very long time. And before you call it as an item or a promotional number, let me clear this at the very onset that ‘Kiss Mix’ would be very much a part of the film”, says Priyanka.