Akshay is a happy singh

After an ordinary weekend, Monday had a clear enough tale to tell for Tashan. The film's word of mouth has reached an abysmal low and this Yash Raj film now is under threat of coming close to the first week's collections of the likes of Jhoom Barabar Jhoom (for which the end box office outcome read a flop in the final run).

Still, in spite of such unforeseen fate of the film, Akshay Kumar is smiling and continuing to keep 'happy'. How is that possible? Well, the name of the character that he plays in his forthcoming film is called - hold your breath - Happy Singh!

Yes, that's true! In Anees Bazmee's Singh is Kinng which has an out and out Punjabi flavor to it, Akshay Kumar is known as Happy Singh while Sonu Sood is named Lucky Singh. It is a known fact that names like Happy Singh and Lucky Singh are pretty much in vogue in the state of Punjab and for a film like Singh is Kinng it is only justified to have two of its principal protagonists carrying the same names.

With Singh is Kinng just about three months away, Akshay Kumar certainly would be looking forward to some 'happy' times ahead after the Tashan fiasco

Randeep follows SRK and Hrithik

Randeep Hooda is on a career high these days. He has a long list of films to release this year. After SRK and Hrithik, now Randeep will be seen in a legendary character in Ketan Mehta’s Rang Rasiya where he portrays the character of painter Raja Ravi Verma. This is a film that the actor is banking heavily on.

“Rang Rasiya is a period film in which I am playing Raja Ravi Verma – the legendary Indian painter.” says Randeep. He believes it is one of the best characters he has portrayed in films. Randeep feels preparation for any character is important before you portray it onscreen. So what was his preparation to play this legendary character? “I did prepare for this role. But the tragedy is I can’t paint like Raja Ravi Verma, so I dropped the idea”, he quips.

Speaking about his director Ketan Mehta, Randeep says, “It was a great pleasure working with Ketan. He has extracted some really good aspects of me and especially as an actor I feel it’s very important for a film. At the same time I don’t think only one film can decide your standing in the industry. I have done nine films and I am yet to know my standing.”

Randeep’s forthcoming films include Ru Ba Ru, Love Khichdi , Ketan Mehta’s Rang Rasiya, Mere Khwabon Mein Jo Aaye and the long delayed Karma Confessions and Holi . “They have all shaped up pretty well. I am very excited. I have done varied work. Hopefully all my movies capture different audience”, he concludes.

When cricketers got bitten by the acting bug

Bollywood is surely making its way felt in the world of cricket, what with top stars like SRK, Akshay Kumar, Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta and Juhi Chawla going all out to promote cricketing world’s latest extravaganza IPL.

While the who’s who of Bollywood is now seen on the cricket field cheering their favorite teams, not so long ago, we even had a kind of role-reversal where some of our past and current cricketers tried their hand at acting.

Ajay Jadeja: This good-looking cricketer had a good career going for him until he got embroiled in the match-fixing controversy along with Azharuddin, Manoj Prabhakar and some others. Making a comeback after that was always going to be a Herculean task and hence the flamboyant all-rounder decided to put his good looks to use and try his hand at acting. He debuted in Khel along side Sunil Shetty, Celina Jaitley and Sunny Deol. The movie sank without a trace and Ajay soon realised ki filmy hero banna har kisi ka khel nahin.

Akki beats SRK as music of Singh is Kinng has raked more than OSO…

Vipul Shah's Singh Is Kinng has highest ever music sale in more than a decade. Sources close to the production house reveal that the sales for a limited period of time have been for whopping Rs 13.5 crore. Says Sandeep Bharghava of Indian Films, "This is a landmark valuation and we are very proud to be associated with the biggest films of 2008 - Singh is Kinng and Ghajini. We are very sure the music will do very well".

Indian Films, who own the worldwide rights of Singh is Kinng, have sold the music rights to Times Music. Says Adarsh Gupta of Times Music, "Having tasted humongous success with one of the biggest grosser of 2007 in the Hindi film category, Welcome, we are now signing on what is believed to be the biggest hit of 2008 with Singh is Kinng."

Music industry has been going through a lot of turbulent times and had hit the slumber in revenues. Average music sales were less than Rs 3 cr and even a talked about project like Shahrukh Khan's Om Shanti Om had gone for Rs 7 cr.

If the music sale of Singh is Kinng is any indication then the music valuations are back and how.

Says Vipul Shah, the producer of Singh is Kinng, "Akshay Kumar has been commanding a huge draw, whether it would be the box office, satellite or music are concerned. I am not surprised at all."

I wish SRK luck for Paanchvi Paas...: Big B

After SRK, is the Big B planning to return to the small screen? CNN-IBN’s Entertainment Editor Rajeev Masand finds out in this exclusive chat with Amitabh Bachchan.

Rajeev Masand: You have a commitment with Star TV to do something with television. What is the nature of the shows that you are discussing? I ask this specifically because after Kaun Banega Crorepati the game show format seems a little redundant now.

Amitabh Bachchan: This is exactly what I have been telling all the television channels who have approached me. There is a balance amount left over with Star TV and we are looking into how we can accommodate that. But yes, it is time to think of something new and normal.

I have spoken to several channel heads and they are battling with new ideas but if nothing comes up then I will go back to the tried and tested formula of game shows or question-and-answer shows.

Rajeev Masand: Shah Rukh Khan’s new show Kya Aap Paanchvi Paas Se Tez Hain is also a quiz show. It is perhaps filling in the void that KBC left. Have you had a chance to see it?

Amitabh Bachchan: I haven’t seen it. But I saw the master, the original. It was put up to me as one of the options that I would do. But it has gone to Shah Rukh now and I wish him all the best for it.

Rajeev Masand: Are you looking at other formats like acting on television?

Amitabh Bachchan: I don’t think so. But you never know, circumstances maybe such in life that you may finally end up acting on television.

Vidya Balan scores a biggie opposite Abhishek Bachchan.

Vidya Balan

She is the lucky mascot of Bollywood and now, after pairing with Saif, John, Shiney and Akshay it’s her turn to rub some luck on Abhishek Bachchan.

Balki, who made his directorial debut with ‘Cheeni Kum’, has signed Vidya Balan for his next ‘Pa’ along with Abhishek in the lead, and Big B is expected to play a character role in the movie as well. Tabu was a strong contender for the role, but the director decided to opt for Vidya Balan instead.

Based on insiders, Tabu had a showdown with Balki after the release of ‘Cheeni Kum’ and the actress ended up giving no credit to the director which irked Balki hence, he approached Vidya for his next, who readily accepected the role.

The Bachchans have always admired Vidya as she has acted with Big B in ‘Eklavya’ and AbhiAsh in ‘Guru’, and this time the actress will be playing Abhishek’s leading lady for the first time.

Tabu was not too happy as she was hopeful of bagging the role, but guess Vidya stole her sugar and has left her with a ‘Cheeni Kum’ after taste.

Minnisha and Bips feel that they make a cute pair with Ranbir Kapoor.

Bips and Ranbir in ‘Bachana Aae Haseeno’

Her role in ‘Shaurya’ won her accolades not just from fans, but also from the critics, and now Minnisha is ready to make a comeback to mainstream Bollywood with ‘Bachana Aae Haseeno’.

Minnisha has replaced Katrina Kaif in the movie as Kat did not find the role to be impressive; Ranbir Kapoor will be shown romancing Minnisha in ‘Bachana Aae Haseeno’. Minnisha has earlier paired with Abhay Deol, Jimmy Shergill and Rahul Bose, but her pairing with has not been termed as the perfect ‘jodi’ just yet.

Minnisha is however; sure that audiences will love her pairing with Ranbir as the two look really cute together and also; share a great on-screen chemistry.

Now, co-star Bips has also been claming her ‘jodi’ with Ranbir to be #1 in the flick which is the remake of the Hollywood blockbuster ‘Bachelor’.

So, if Bips-n-Minnisha’s claims turn out to be true then, Deepika sure has to keep Ranbir away from these Bollywood babes and express loud, “Ranbir honey, Bachana from these Haseenas.”

Saif-Kareena, Ranbir-Deepika and Shilpa-Raj shine at the Zee Cine Awards in London.

Saif and Kareena at the Zee Cine Awards, London

After IIFA, Zee Cine Awards show was the next to go International and the biggest highlight of the awards turned out to be the couples, who began their romance journey in 2007.

Ranbir Kapoor was accompanied by his family and Deepika, who walked in with the Kapoors like a soon-to-be daughter-in-law. Saif was seen taking blessing from Kareena's grand-uncle Shammi Kapoor, and even exchanging hugs with her family.

Shilpa Shetty stepped out for the first in public with her beau Raj Kundra and she looked hot in a Cavalli gown. Lara Dutta, opted for a gown as well and she looked simply glamorous in her brown-n-blue number, and she was sure quite excited to be in London.

Kim Sharma in Indra Kumar’s next comedy

Neha Dupia scorching covers

She once made ripples with her statement, “In India, only sex and SRK sells!” Well, the gal definitely believes in what she says. So, since nothing is working for her, be it ‘Ek Chaalis Ki Last Local’ or ‘Mithya’, Neha Dhupia has reverted back to where she started from.

So, you have this former Miss India in a bikini scorching waters in the pool in the latest issue of the men’s magazine, ‘The Man’. While we wonder whether the temperatures of the water in the pool soared beyond the boiling point when Neha stepped in, you guys bathe your eyes with these hot pics!

Ash finally proved her tenderness towards Bachchan Family

After her marriage to Abhishek she has proved the decision of Bachchan family of imbibing her as daughter-in-law and a being a great companion for Abhishek and benefactor for all those, who are close to the Bachchan family.

She unveiled ‘Summer 2007’ of Sikander Kher who is like a younger brother to Abhishek and good friend of Bachchan family. This was a first event of its type where Ash did not appeared as guests, however, it seemed like that she is involved in her own family affair. She was quite frank all the time and kept on smiling and giggling through out the event.

While unveiling Sikandar look’s same shards of glass hit left cheek of Sikandar and there started bleeding. Ash immediately asked for tissues and wiped his cheek. She was looking wary about Sikandar. She gagged, “See Sikku has given his blood for this movie.”

She explained reasons for being present at party, “Sikku and the rest of his family are like my family. They are a part of our lives and it gives me immense joy to be here at such a momentous occasion in Sikku’s life.”

She further said, “He is Abhishek’s y brother. I am here more for personal reasons than anything else. He is getting into films and I want to give him me and my family’s best wishes. Abhishek wanted to be here too but he couldn’t make it so I am here representing the two of us!”

Amitabh Bachchan getting nostalgic in his is Blog!

Amitabh Bachchan after Amir khan has accepted the power of Internet and blogging and now a regular Blogger has got a magnificent medium to express all; his past memories to present activities. He is doing all on the blog from condemning his political rival Shatrughan Sinha to tirade against certain journalist.

At the same time on the blog he speaks about his movies, films, family and the injury that he received during the shooting of movie Aladin. And he is getting huge number of comments in response to his posting on the blog now if you wish to read what, he writes it all about then goes at his blog

Why is Koena Mitra angry?

Koena Mitra is very upset with the makers of ‘Anamika’ where she stars alongside Dino Morea and Minissha Lamba. The actress feels that the final output of the film is not what had been promised to her.

Says a friend of Koena, “Its nowhere close to what was promised to her. She was promised something else. Koena has got a raw deal.”

So, where director Mahadevan has been giving everyone from the media Koena’s cell number, she is not talking to anyone about the film. The lady sure is nursing some deep wounds.

Sonu Nigam and his female fan following

Sonu Nigam has some female following, must say. After the incident in South Africa where four female fans intruded his privacy while he was working out in a gym, this one had a female rush to the dias and attempt to kiss him when he was performing at Andheri Sports Complex on Sunday night. When the security guards tried to pull her away from Sonu, she scratched the singer on his neck leaving a prominent scar there.

How much Sonu enjoyed is for you to guess, but incidentally because of this scar, Sonu had to postpone the photo shoot of his new album for 20 days.

Shilpa Shetty shoots for ‘Dostana’ in Miami

Hrithik and Bipasha on ‘Vogue’ covers

This May the heat is sure to soar as high as it can get. And why not? You have Asia’s sexiest woman oozing all her appeal on the covers of ‘Vogue’ in its May edition. Talking about Biapsha Basu, the damsel poses on the Vogue cover with those killer eyes and complementing hairstyle.

Giving competition to this Bong bombshell is our very own Bollywood’s style icon Hrithik Roshan on the cover of Vogue India Man, the men’s supplement for Vogue. Vogue India Man is a 75-page supplement that touches upon fashion, cars, clothes, watches, grooming products and gadgets tips for every man.

With Bips and Hrithik on the covers, who would want to flip through the pages though?

Saif takes ‘Honey’ Kareena to the ‘Moon’ (in Maldives)

This Friday was a big day for Yashraj Films as their much awaited (over-hyped) project ‘Tashan’ hit the screens receiving mixed reviews. What happens to be the major attraction for the film is the Saif-Kareena jodi which is the latest masala for the gossip columns these days. And more so, it was this film that brought them close together and made all the difference in their lives.

Well, just before the release of their film, the couple decided to take a break and go holidaying in Maldives. Not to mention the crew and all the staff members were thrilled to have the star-couple in the business class of their flight. After all, it is not always that you get to see Bollywood’s most talked about love birds getting cozy with each other.

Says a friend close to Kareena, “Bebo had been shooting non-stop with Main Aur Mrs Khanna and been busy with her cover and endorsement shoots for the last couple of months while Saif had been busy with Race so when they got a few days off last week she and Saif decided to go off to the Maldives and spend a few restful days there away from the media glare”.

While we hunt for more masala for you, you enjoy these cool pics from the couple in ‘Tashan’.

Eesha Koppikar - It is all in a name

Isha Koppikar is leaving no stones unturned to revive her sinking career. First, she changed her name to Ishaa Koppikar according to numerology. Now, once more the actress had consulted numerologist Niraj Mancchanda who suggested that she spell her name as Eesha Koppikar that would give her name number 55 which symbolizes victory.

Nonetheless, now we have Eesha Koppikar who claims that this change has done good for her career with ‘Hello Darling’ and ‘Ek Vivaah Aisa Bhi’ coming her way post this change. Eesha is quite hopeful for these films and says, “I hope both these films do wonders for me and give me what I have been waiting for all these years- My due!”

John Abraham and Jiah Khan in Wrangler Jeans’ campaign

Wrangler Jeans has come forward with its latest campaign, which aims at conveying socially relevant message of creating an eco-friendly environment through its ‘Naturally Eco‘ collection.

And what better way to do it that to have hot bods John Abraham and Jiah Khan asking to save water in a cozy pose in a bath-tub and that too in the middle of a lake….

Talking about electricity, John and Jiah do not need it when they are getting cuddly on a moonlit night in the middle of a jungle…

Accompanying John in his love for riding bikes is gain jiah khan but this time not alone. She has a mannequin with her while she asks you to save fuel.

What about water, electricity or fuel, girls and guys out there are ready to give up anything for you, provided you keep them entertained with your killer looks, dear John and Jiah!

Tashan Movie Review

TashanTashan is the perfect example of all style and no substance. The Title of the movie goes like this: Tashan-The ishtyle-the good luck-the pharmoola. The movie is plenty on so called ishtyle but lacks the good luck to rule the roost at the box office and the pharmoola also flops. Then what is the saving grace of the flick : It’s undoubtedly Akshay Kumar.

The ishtory of Tashan goes like this:

Lakhan Singh aka Bhaiyyaji loves to talk in English the way he loves running bullets through people’s flesh. Pooja (Kareena Kapoor) works for Bhaiyyaji and charms a cool call center executive Jimmy Cliff (Saif Ali Khan) to teach Bhaiyyaji toothi-poothi English. Its love at first sight for Jimmy and he falls head over heels in love with the skinny beauty Pooja.

Now Pooja lures Jimmy to steal Bhaiyyaji’s paise wala aluminum trunk. But slutty Pooja not only betrays Bhaiyyaji she also kicks off Jimmy’s ass leaving him to fend it himself in front of Bhaiyyaji. Bhaiyyaji summons Bachchan Pande (Akshay Kumar) who is junior Rajnikant and can do gravity defying stunts with utmost ease. Pande’s job is to find the sultry con girl and hand her over to Bhaiyyaji.

Meanwhile clever Pooja divides the loot and hides it in different parts of the country. After a series of boring songs we get to know ala Bollywood ishtyle that Pande and Pooja are childhood lovers and Pooja’s father was dumped to death by Bhaiyyaji. All this crap unfolds across India and is probably called TASHAN.

When I went inside the dingy theatre ( it has not released in multiplexes ) I expected stunning performance by Kareena post her Jab We Met success, Anil Kapoor post his Welcome and Race success, Saif Ali Khan post his Race success and Akshay Kumar post his Bhool Bhulaiyya, Hey Baby and Namastey London’s success. Except Akshay Kumar everybody else burned a big hole in my expectations.

Kareena Kapoor only raises eyebrows with her bikini scene whereas Akshay Kumar steals the thunder right under the noses of Saif, Kareena and Anil. The only reason I went through the three hour Tashan hell was Akshay Kumar- this guy surely rocks. With his ‘this is my rifle(the real gun), this is my gun(his crotch)- this is for shooting and this is for fun’ histrionics he is definitely an eye candy.

The most surprising thing about Tashan is that the director Vijay Krishna Acharya is the same man who had penned the blockbuster hits Dhoom and Dhoom2 earlier. He only scores on witty and humorous dialogues and I give him no points for turning such a lousy story into a movie. Anayanka Bose deserves a pat on the back for great cinematography.

Vishal-Shekhar’s music deserves a mention with songs like Dil Haara and Chaliya, all others are hard to remember.

In the end the movie will be remembered only for Akshay Kumar’s acting, Kareena’s bikini scene and all style sans substance.

Watch Tashan if you have nothing better to do.

Kareena Kapoor going places with Tashan

Her look has been the talk of the town; every other girl likes to look like Kareena and dreams to get that fab Hollywood like abs.

No matter how Tashan fares at the box-office Kareena Kapoor after Jab We Met is here to stay on the top for a long long time.

The beauty with brains is the main reason the audiences are flocking to the theatres to watch Tashan.