Mallika Sherawat: New Age Naagin

Mallika Sherawat is raising quite the furore in her upcoming film Hisss, the actress has posed in nothing but leaves in one of the scenes of the film.

Starring Irrfan Khan and Divya Dutta, Mallika is a snakewoman with a vengeance. Gobbling up anything that comes her way, the movie is based on a Far Eastern myth of the snake woman who is able to take on human form. According to Mallika, this is by far her most difficult role too date; she had to wear huge contact lenses that even covered the white of her eyes and had to take out the lenses every few hours to let her eyes breathe. The elaborate nagin costume had to be kept on for 8-10 hours at a stretch and she has to be carried around.


For now the actress is living it up in LA, promoting her film. The actress is enjoying the high life with Usher and Yanni and the latter even dedicating a song to her in front of millions of people at a concert. Not only has she been featured in many international T.V shows, she even went on a movie date with Johnny Depp. On quizzed on her return to Bollywood, the actress replied, “I'll come back to Bollywood when they learn how to treat a woman right.” This will be one highly anticipated snake bite for sure!

Ramayan Returns: Hrithik Roshan to play the Lord Rama

Sanjay Khan, a secular Muslim whose family members have married into every conceivable religion and community and who once produced a controversial television serial on the life of the notorious Islamic invader Tipu Sultan, is all set to do his own big-screen take on the Ramayan.

Throwing light on this precious epic project Sanjay Khan's son Zayed says, "Yes, my father is indeed making the Ramayan. It's called The Legend Of Rama.

He has been planning this film for three years. But he needed the perfect Rama. And who but Hrithik would be perfect for the role? Earlier Hrithik had no dates. But now he's doing very selected films."

As for Zayed as Laxman the young actor who will be seen as the pampered younger brother Subhash Ghai's Yuvraaj chuckles, "Playing Laxman in one form or another is the story of my life."

Amitabh Bachchan had been approached to play Dashrath two years ago. And it's likely that he would continue being functional in that role.

The Legend Of Rama co-scripted by Sanjay Khan and Briton-based author Faroukh Dhondy will feature the producer-director's superstar son-in-law Hrithik Roshan as Rama and Sanjay Khan's only son Zayed as Laxman.

Dhondy who's currently in Mumbai to put finishing touches to the script. "The script is ready. Hrithik is the perfect Rama and Zayed the perfect Laxman. I'd love them to do it. It's the Ramayan in modern format. It's not a modern but a traditional adaptation but with the grammar of a modern films.

This means it would be the Ramayan in The Lord Of The Rings genre. The screenplay has the motion motivation and movement of a Shakespearean play.

When you do a Mahabharat, Ramayan or any other scripture the danger is, it just becomes…. the Gods did this Gods did that because the Gods can do anything they like.

That's why you are taught in writing school to never include Gods in your creativity. I'm trying to rationalize the ways of the Gods."

Interestingly, Raj Kumar Santoshi had announced the Ramayan with Ajay Devan, Kajol and Riteish Deshmukh as Rama, Sita and Laxman.

The project was shelved. Some years ago an ambitious filmmaker made Luv –Kush with Jeetendra and Jaya Prada as Rama and Sita. It flopped. And this year Ekta Kapoor's ambitious serial Mahabharat floundered and fell from the TRPs.

But now Sanjay Khan is determined to break the jinx on the mythologicals.

Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif Wallpaper

Akshay Kumar: If you don’t smooch, you lose

Do you think Kambakkht Ishq (KI) will please audiences?
People are hungry to be entertained. But they see a movie
because they want to, not because they have to. 8x10 was the last movie to release before the strike started, yet that didn’t make the crowds fall in. It’s totally up to what they see is right in the ingredients that make a movie.

KI is reportedly a remake of the Tamil film Pammal K Sambandam ...
How can it be a remake? When I first saw the movie I thought I’d never seen an Indian film like it. Not only was the script well written, but also most of the screenplay was spontaneous madness. I’m sorry you can’t take this film away from any of its artistes. This is Sabir Khan’s and Anvita Dutt’s little baby.

In real life, you are not an MCP, but where women are concerned, your charm and sex appeal cut across age groups.
Believe me, I’m not that irresistible. It’s all because of my father that I know how to treat women. It’s been one of my biggest blessings in life. Women like me, adore the honest gentleman in me who makes them laugh and feel wanted and comfortable. I don’t throw my weight around. I only throw my arms around (laughs). As for my sex appeal, I don’t know where that lies. I can’t answer that. Most women like menwho take care of themselves. I’m worried my wife will leave me the day I let myself go!

You’re often dragged into controversies. Does this come with the territory?
I’m fully aware people like to voice their opinions and make themselves heard. Fair enough, it’s their choice. Do you think complaining about it is going to make them stop? Hell, no! So, all I say is, if people think it’s important enough to cry about, then one must be important enough to cry over, don’t you think? I remember the days when no one gave a toss about what I said. Now, they pay attention to every word I say. Don’t know which is worse!

Are you going to take them on?
Oh, I never play them at their own games. I don’t need to stoop so low to get somewhere in life. But if you play with fire, you’ve to be prepared to get burnt. But I don’t agree with messing with people’s careers or families, no matter what ...

First Kylie Minogue, then WWE star Kane. What makes your place such a hot destination?
I have a good cook and feel these people need to be fed! When people show an interest in my work or in my industry, I like them to taste true Indian hospitality and give them something to take back.I open my doors to everyone with good intentions. Plus, I’m proud of the home my wife has created. What’s wrong with a few luncheons here and there?

Denise Richards endorsed your smooching skills...
Well if you don’t smooch, you lose! Like I said earlier, I know how to treat the ladies. You’ve to make them feel special. Women really aren’t that difficult, you just give them what they want and you’ll be fine. They deserve it for just being women, I think.

After parkour, what’s your latest craze?
The Hula Hoop ... When there’s no gym for miles around, I whip out my Hula Hoop and Hula until I can Hula no more.

Aarav, a chip off the old block?
Yeah, he takes after me in the crazy department, for sure. Give him a wall he’ll jump off it, hold out your arm and he’ll punch it. Twinkle loves this adventurous streak in him. Even my sister’s daughter is as action packed as my son Aarav. Danger seems to run thicker than blood in my family.

Trisha is doing Khatta Meetta with you...
Yeah, she’s definitely signed for our movie. Kind of looking forward to working with Priyadarsan, who has a different take on Indian cinema. It was Priyadarsan’s idea to have her. And what he says goes, and it works every time ...

What’s the riskiest thing you’ve done so far?
Get married! It was the biggest jump of my life. But what I love is, is that this jump will never end. It’s a thrill I get to enjoy forever. All my other stunts are over in a flash.

What gets AK so high in life?
I know where the ground is!

Your elixir of youth ...
Live life like a child. Our bodies are our temples. Keep your temple clean and cared for and you’ll look as young as the Chinese ...

Aamir Khan played a doubles match with the Padukones and won

On Sunday evening, Deepika Padukone and dad Pakash Padukone played a doubles badminton match against Aamir Khan and Aparna Popat, at the annual tournament for the Padukone Academy run by the one-time badminton champion.

Even though the actress lost the match against Aamir, Deepika believes it's the sportsmanship that won at the end of the day. In her words, "I know that Aamir plays badminton at the Khar gym. He's extremely fit and a great player. It was an incredible experience to play opposite him."

Deepika who's extremely passionate about badminton adds that she always enjoys pairing with dad on the court, "Even after so many years dad is such a driving force and an inspiration for badminton enthusiasts.

I remember in the older days when he would train in Bangalore there were no high roof courts, so he would play in shaadi mandaps. From that day to having his own badminton academy he's come a long way."

The actress grabs every opportunity to promote any kind of sport activity. "I have always been a champion of fitness and well being. I think badminton is a great sport for anyone who wants to increase his stamina and fitness level."

Sajid's will celebrate the sucess of Kambakkht Ishq with team tonight

Sajid Nadiadwala and the team of Kambakkht Ishq will party at a suburban five-star hotel night club tonight.

Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor and Sajid will raise a toast to their film, and it's super duper opening at the box-office. Also, it is Sajid's wife Wardha's birthday today, so it's a double celebration.

Akshay, who is a close friend of Sajid, is helping organise the bash, as the producer is feeling under the weather. Almost the entire industry is being invited along with Sajid's best friend Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, to all of Akshay's heroines including Deepika Padukone with her beau Ranbir Kapoor, Lara Dutta and Karisma Kapoor."

Akshay affirms, "It's a party to celebrate the success of Kambakkht Ishq. Kareena, Sajid and I are hosting it together. But it's not just a celebration for the film but also for our film industry which suffered losses worth Rs 250 crore because of the multiplex strike. It's good that films like New York and Kambakkht Ishq are doing well. It's great news for our industry."

Sajid is not deterred by the poor reviews. "I am thrilled with the great opening. Out of the seven films I've produced, all except Jaan-E-Mann, went on to become blockbusters in spite of getting poor reviews. Jaan-E-Mann, which got four stars, didn't do well. Kambakkht Ishq has grossed Rs 30 crore in the first three days! Akshay has been organising the party as I haven't been keeping too well."

Is Sajid's best friend Salman Khan coming? Sajid says, "I have invited Salman and I hope he joins me in our celebration. It would mean a lot to me."

Kareena Kapoor says, "I am excited about the collections of Kambakkht Ishq. I have heard that it is doing much better than New York. I am happy to host a party with Akki and Sajid. I will invite my colleagues personally. After the release of Love Aaj Kal, if it's a hit, Saif and I might throw a party."

Priyanka Chopra still bonding with Shahid Kapoor

Dressed in a chic short outfit, her shapely legs adorned in a pair of stilettos, the actress makes a high-profile entry with an entourage.

There’s a PR man dressed in a suit, a valet holding her clothes on a hanger, her hair-dresser, her secretary and a marketing executive from a film corporation. It’s a melee. Also every detail of this meeting with the actress has been worked out with precision. “My days are always like this,’’ warns the 26-year-old laughing. “If you waste time, you may just have to drive with me to my next appointment.’’ Without much ado, we ask:

You’ve received ten awards in six months, many of them international honours...
I can’t tell you how exciting it has been. While awards like Filmfare have come for my film Fashion, there have been honours like the Jin Jue Award at Shanghai and the Nielson Box Office Award (Outstanding contribution to Asian Cinema) that have also made me proud.

You have three releases lined up now. Are you nervous?
Extremely nervous! Kaminey is a film where I play a middle-class Marathi mulgi; then there’s What’s Your Rashee where I play 12 characters. And I have Pyaar Impossible with Uday Chopra.

Are you miffed with Ashutosh Gowarikar for his remark against you at a film awards function?
I wouldn’t like to give it any importance. I’m a girl to whom nothing matters more than my film. I would rather see the bigger picture than hold grudges. After the incident, he and I were on set and we were perfectly fine.

What’s with you and your co-stars — Shahid Kapoor, Hurman Baweja and Uday Chopra. Are you talking/sulking with them? Sometime ago it was suggested that you were dating Shahid...
Who says we’re not talking? Of course, Shahid and I are talking. I will not tell you whether I’m dating him. I’m also on talking terms with Hurman. For God’s sake — he is my co-star. And, Uday and I can’t stop talking.

Kareena Kapoor has some boy fun

How would you like it if Kareena Kapoor offered to shake a leg with you? Well, the bunch of 400 men present at a special screening for ‘men only’ of her latest film Kambakkht Ishq sure loved the idea.

As Kareena plays a hard-to-get woman in the film, she decided that attending a screening of the film just with boys would be a lot of fun. So on Friday afternoon she set out to implement her crazy idea.

A source close to Kareena says, “When Bebo shared the idea with a few of us, we seemed unsure whether she actually should do it or not. A theatre packed with guys and Bebo in the middle of it sounded risky.”

Well, the screening went smoothly... until Kareena offered to dance with a guy who performed the best to her song, ‘Bebo mein Bebo’. Our source reveals, “That’s when all hell broke loose. It was unbelievable how the entire pack broke into a jig to seek Kareena’s attention. Imagine 400 guys dancing for Kareena, all at the same time.”

With the pandemonium that followed, Kareena was whisked away to safety soon. The actress says, “It was great fun. If the clamour got at bit out of hand, well, so be it.”