Katrina rocks the stage

Katrina Kaif's popularity hits the web

Katrina Kaif has arrived. Not only has she scored five consecutive hits at the box office, she has also scored a huge hit in the cyber world.

She has become the most searched female celebrity on the internet in terms of picture downloads, stripping former Miss World Aishwarya Rai Bachchan of that title by a huge margin.

And that’s not all. According to a recent study commissioned by a global provider of mobile content, Katrina has also been declared the most popular face on mobile screens.

Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra, Lara Dutta and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan are the others who feature in the top five.

So what makes Katrina queen of cyber world? The opinions are many and varied.

Photographer Atul Kasbekar, who takes credit for ‘discovering’ Katrina, feels it’s her looks.

Ad guru Prahlad Kakkar concurs. “She is new, young and has delivered not very big but average hits, and that’s made her popular.” And he has more to add. “Though she is neither a good actress nor a good dancer, she is attractive and watchable. She looks clean and healthy,” he says.

VJ Cyrus Sahukar thinks it’s her personality. “Kat is taller than Aishwarya, which adds to her towering personality,” he says tongue-in-cheek.

Ace lensman Dabboo Ratnani feels the lady is not only photogenic but has had her share of good luck, too. “She’s picked the right films and that’s one of the prime reasons behind this survey,” he says.

Akshay Kumar gets Hollywood stuntman to direct stunts

Bollywood movie Kambakht Ishq will have Akshay Kumar returning to action in a big way.

Producer Sajid Nadiadwala is pulling out all the stops to ensure best crew for his movie ‘Kambakht Ishq’, starring Akshay Kumar as a Hollywood stuntman and Kareena Kapoor as an international celebrity.

To direct the stunts in the film and also to serve as a role model to Akshay, Nadiadwala has roped in top Hollywood stuntman, Spiro Razatos, who has done action for Hollywood movies like ‘Training Day’, ‘Swordfish’, ‘Vantage Point’ and ‘Bad Boys 2’.

In Bollywood, Razatos has previously worked with Sanjay Gupta in Kaante .

Spiro would direct the main action sequences in ‘Kambakht Ishq’, including a nail-biting climax chase in Los Angeles. The chase would involve a number of cars and Spiro is reported to have already demonstrated it by using toy cars.

‘Kambakht Ishq’ will be Nadiadwala’s biggest project till date. He is trying to rope in Hollywood stars like Beyonce Knowles and Arnold Schwarznegger for cameo appearances in the film.

The movie’s shooting will begin soon in the US.

Deepika Padukone Hot Wallpaper

Is it beauty or talent; is it her easy charm or sensuousness? There's something beguiling about Deepika Padukone that draws the onlooker unawares towards her. Not even a powerhouse performer like Shah Rukh Khan could take it away from her in 'Om Shanti Om'.

Katrina visits Ahmedabad

Katrina Kaif

What happens when one of the most beautiful faces of Bollywood comes to town?

Of course, traffic jams and fans going crazy to get a glimpse of their favourite star. Isn’t it? Yes, that’s what exactly happened when Katrina Kaif was in the city for the promotion of a spa.

In a hall packed with fans, mediapersons and guests, she chose to share her beauty secrets only. Talking about a balanced diet, she said, “Diet is very important, not just in order to control weight but to remain healthy. One should not eat much of oily or spicy food.” So what should one eat, Miss Kaif? “One should eat fresh food and less oil and butter.” Like her beau, Salman Khan, she is also a fitness freak. “We should continue our workouts to get a look that we want.”

Katrina is known for her ever-glowing skin and her pretty smile can win many hearts. So what is the secret behind this ever-charming personality? “I think if you are happy then automatically you will look good. I try to remain happy in spite of all the ups and downs of life.” Katrina’s beautiful hair is one of the best assets she has, thanks to her efforts of nourishing it religiously. “It’s very important to nourish hair regularly with good oils,” she says. We will see Katrina romancing Akshay Kumar in Singh is Kinng and in Yuvraaj with Salman Khan.

Well, Katrina chose to speak only on her beauty but people wanted to know more than that. But, in the presence of Shera (beau Salman Khan’s loyal bodyguard), who will bell this beautiful ‘Kat’?

Indian actress to be Superman's new love in the next movie...

BOLLYWOOD beauty Priyanka Chopra is in line to play a scientist who is Superman's new love interest in the proposed sequel Man of Steel, according to an online news site.

Reports say director Bryan Singer went to see the stunning star on a film set in the USA and offered her the role. It's left comicbook fans wondering exactly which character she could portray.

"Priyanka Chopra is likely to play Superman's love interest in the flick's upcoming sequel. According to our sources, Priyanka has been offered the role of Superman's leading lady in the latest sequel and she has almost given her final nod though the official statement is yet to be released."

A source told the site: "The filmmakers had been looking for an Indian face for quite long as the role is of an Indian scientist. When they came to know of Priyanka shooting in the US for Dostana, the director of Superman went to the shoot to judge her work."

Over on the Superhero Hype, theories for which role Chopra could play include:
1. Dr Teng - Lex Luthor's female scientific assistant
2. Mercy Graves - a bodyguard/mistress of Lex in the comics
3. Maxima - an alien superbeing who worked with Brainiac and has powers of super-strength, flight, telekinesis, mind control, optical energy blasts and creation of force fields
4. A version of Kitty Faulkner who works at S.T.A.R. (Scientific and Technological Advanced Research) a laboratory research organisation shown in various DC Comics stories. Since the name Kitty was used already in Superman Returns for Lex's moll, she would need a different name but fill the same role.

When Buffy creator Joss Whedon was writing a Wonder Woman movie screenplay, it was reported at the time that Priyanka had been interested in the lead role. That screenplay was shelved in the end.

The Indian actor Kal Penn played one of Lex Luthor's henchmen, Stanford, in Superman Returns, so it wouldn't be the first time an Indian star had stepped into the franchise.

Chopra's popularity has risen since she played the female lead in India's first superhero film, Krrish, which was among this year's blockbusters. The former Miss World was voted the "most amazing actress" by Indian children in a poll by the Pogo TV channel. Hrithik Roshan, who played the superhero in Krrish, bagged the award for the "most amazing actor."

On the actress's fansite, Priyanka says: "You could say I am India's answer to Lois Lane."

For Superman fans, it raises questions over the inclusion and role of Lois Lane in any future Superman movie. In Superman Returns, Lois - played by Kate Bosworth - was in a relationship with Richard White (nephew of Daily Planet editor Perry White, and played by James Marsden).

Casting a new romantic character would sidestep the diffiicult situation of how to handle the Superman/Lois relationship in a future movie. For Superman to be with Lois, her stable family life with the dependable Richard would have to break up - and seeing Superman as a home-wrecker would be unpalatable. But if a new love were introduced, we could bypass that scenario altogether.

Whether this news about Priyanka is just an internet rumour, or some clever self-publicity, is not yet known. But the idea of a new female character for the next Superman movie is feasible, especially if it includes Maxima (and Brainiac) or the S.T.A.R organisation.

While seeing Priyanka play a scientist who is also Superman's girlfriend may seem like further deviation from the mythos, it might well be preferable to seeing an awkward resolution to the Superman/Lois scenario in the last movie, which left a bitter taste with many fans.

The Khans keep away from IIFA

The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) weekend is set to kick start in Bangkok on Friday, but the three top Khans of Bollywood won’t attend it.

Helmed by Amitabh Bachchan , who is the brand ambassador extraordinaire of IIFA, the event will see participation by the who’s who of Bollywood, including Akshay Kumar , Kareena Kapoor , Katrina Kaif , Priyanka Chopra and Harman Baweja and others. But conspicuous by their absence would be the three Khans – Shah Rukh, Aamir and Salman.


Shahrukh Khan has stayed away from the event from the last three years because he says IIFA clashes with the summer holidays of his kids whom he has to take on vacation in June every year. But insiders believe SRK doesn’t want to play second fiddle at an event that centers on the Bachchans.

Salman Khan , who has been regular at IIFA every year, would give it a miss this year because of his other commitments like the TV show ‘Dus Ka Dum’ and the movie Main Aur Mrs Khanna . However, his ladylove Katrina Kaif will be shaking her leg with Akshay Kumar at the IIFA finale.

Aamir Khan , who hasn’t kept secret his dislike for award shows, has stuck to his principles and decided not to attend the IIFA. Aamir did not even formally apply for the nomination of his film Taare Zameen Par , which, consequently hasn’t been nominated in any IIFA category.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, stars were spotted arriving at the Thai capital for the event. Urmila Matondakar and Arshad Warsi and his wife Maria were among the first to arrive.

Bollywood's Shilpa Shetty goes into fitness business

Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty entered the celebrity physical fitness business on Friday, launching a new yoga video she called a "management system for life."

The 32-year-old actress, who produced and stars in the video, said she made it in response to fans' questions about how she stayed fit.

"A lot of fans have asked about my fitness regime -- I think this is the best way to tell them what to do to be healthy," Shetty told reporters as she released the video in the Indian capital.

Shetty said her aim in producing the 72-minute video entitled Shilpa's Yoga, whose cover features the actress sitting cross-legged in a yoga pose, was "to make it simple for people to do yoga."

"It can be done by a 10- or 60-year-old," she said, adding yoga had a "spectacular impact" on her own life.

"It has helped my mind, body and soul," said Shetty, who also recently launched a perfume.

Shetty made the headlines last year when she won British reality show Celebrity Big Brother UK, during which she faced racist attacks by housemates.

Months later, she made news again when Hollywood actor Richard Gere showered her with kisses at an AIDS-awareness event in India.

The incident, aired on TV, sparked a firestorm in India, where chaste public behaviour is a tradition. Shetty blamed India's "lunatic fringe" for the uproar in which effigies of the pair were burned.

At Friday's news conference, Shetty denounced Bollywood's new "size zero" craze, spawned by media obsession with Indian star Kareena Kapoor's slender new figure.

"Size zero is something very unhealthy. I'm a size eight," Shetty said.

"Today fitness in India is a style statement. My idea of fitness is to be healthy. Even if I am slightly bulky, I am well-toned, I am happy," she said.

Comparison to Hrithik unfair yet challenging: Harman Baweja

All set to make his Bollywood debut with the soon-to-be released film "Love Story 2050", actor Harman Baweja, who is said to bear a striking resemblance to superstar Hritik Roshan finds the comparisions "unfair", at the same time "challenging".

"I am taking baby steps into the industry and am being compared to somebody who is a well established superstar. It is like asking for too much. The expectations are taxing for a newcomer like me", Harman told PTI here on Sunday.

The actor who is debuting in his father's directorial venture releasing on July 4, said familiarity with the cast and crew of the film helped him feel at ease during the production.

"The film being my home production, the concern of the unit for me was not superficial. This helped me ease the pressure. Besides, I have known Priyanka since three years before we began shooting for the film," he added.

Disclosing that he had already been signed by several producers after they saw the rushes of his yet-to be released film, Harman said he was wary of a star-label being attached to him too early in his career.

"I don't want the star label on me before the audience watch my film and give their judgement," he said at the sidelines of the IIFA weekend here.

However, Priyanka Chopra, the female lead opposite the actor in the futuristic film did not agree with comparisons between Harman and Hrithik.

"I have worked with both of them and they have their distinctive styles. Audiences will come to know once they see the film," she added.

Both Harman and Priyanka will begin shooting for Ashutosh Gowarikar's next venture "What's your Rashee?" in November.

Akshay Kumar? He's just a friend now: Shilpa Shetty

Wearing a smiley, she is on a promotional spree for Apne, which will be premiered at the IIFA Awards ceremony in the U K next month. Helloes exchanged, I want to know:

Will there be anything for you to do in Apne which toplines the Deols?
Well, it’s a casting coup as you know and I’m glad to be part of it. When Neeraj Pathak, the writer of the movie, narrated the script to me, I had tears in my eyes.. it’s a very emotionals story. Not that my role is earth-shattering.. but sometimes it’s important to do a prestigious film.

You’ve worked with the Deols individually before.Was it any different this time?
Dharamji is lovable, I want to give him a hug.. he plays my father-in-law…(laughs ) and really, he’d make an ideal father-in-law. When I started shooting for Apne, Dharamji wasn’t in Metro. It was the time I was working with him.. that’s why I wanted to do Apne.

Substantial hype was built around you during Metro, but Irrfan Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma and Sharman Joshi walked away with the praise.
Those who have seen the film have appreciated my performance. The characters played by the actors you’ve named have comic elements.. so it’s easier for the audience to like them instantly. My character had a strong undercurrent..a woman striking a friendship with a man outside marriage.. it had to be kept subtle otherwise it could have gone totally black.. and dark.

So why’s Shiney Ahuja upset with you for praising Kay Kay Menon in Metro?
I must say the rumour mongers are working overtime. Shiney and Kay Kay are actors of a different temperament.

Overseas, the marketing strategy of Metro was changed to suit your new found status after Big Brother win. Despite that, the film didn’t work abroad.
It’s not a conventional film. I got calls from friends, saying there were firangs sitting in the theatres to watch the film. I don’t know why, but I guess the audience expected it to be something that it wasn’t.

Stories of how you bagged Big Brother still persist. How did it happen?
A lot has been said and written about that.. It came to me through Jazz, who contacted Bobby Khan, who in turn got in touch with me, as a friend. After I went in the Big Brother house, it became an entirely different issue. I’ve no clue what Bobby had in mind. I’m not taking any credit away from him.. he did suggest my name.. but if he expected more than what was discussed, then I really don’t know what to say.

Big Khans missing from IIFA fashion show

Bangkok, June 08: The four big Khans of Bollywood - Shah Rukh, Aamir, Salman and Saif - were missing from the IIFA fashion show. In fact, other than the Bachchans no big stars were seen at the do.

'This year, IIFA is a no show. Apart from the Khans, Hrithik Roshan didn't come either,' said an insider.

Indian stars vie for glory at 'Bollywood Oscars'

BANGKOK (AFP) — Hundreds of Indian stars prepared to sparkle Sunday at the "Bollywood Oscars," a glitzy awards ceremony expected to attract 600 million television viewers.

The gala event launched by the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) just eight years ago has become one of the biggest dates in the film industry calendar.

Celebrations began Friday with the premier of "Sarkar Raj" (Absolute Ruler), featuring newly-wed superstars Abhishek Bachchan and former Miss World Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan, performing with his father Amitabh Bachchan.

The celebrity couple are up for Best Male and Best Female awards on Sunday for their roles in "Guru" -- a rags-to-riches story of an Indian businessman.

Vying for the coveted Best Picture award are "Guru," "Chak De India," "Jab We Met," "Om Shanti Om," "Life in a Metro" or "Partner."

At least 500 Bollywood names -- including Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif and Govinda -- have arrived in Bangkok to promote their unique brand of film-making outside India.

Bollywood is a novelty in Thailand, but police struggled to control huge crowds who turned up in force to see the stars attend the "Sarkar Raj" preview Friday.

The political thriller highlights the kind of movie that IIFA wants to show the world -- an Indian film with an international sensibility that goes beyond the traditional song-and-dance format.

The movie is a sequel to the 2005 film "Sarkar," considered a homage to the American classic "The Godfather," and is loosely based on the controversy around an Enron power plant built in India a decade ago.

Other stereotype-busting films previewed in the run-up to the awards included the sci-fi flick "Love Story 2050" and the action-packed thriller "Mission Istaanbul."

But filmmakers say Indian movies are not leaving music behind.

Although India is the world's biggest film-going nation, cinema tickets sell for a pittance and moviemakers need spin-off music revenue to offset production costs.

"Music is an integral part of it," said "Mission" director Apoorva Lakhia.

"We like our heroes or our action heroes to cry and dance. It's part of our culture and I think music is very important because it's a huge revenue as far as making the money back," he told AFP.

The Indian film industry was valued at 2.2 billion dollars last year, just a fraction of what Hollywood earns in a year, but organisers say that IIFA will help expand audiences around the globe.

They note that in the six months after the first awards show in London, Hindi cinema ticket sales grew 35 percent in Britain.

The gala itself has criss-crossed the planet since the inaugural ceremony in London, heading in past years to Amsterdam, South Africa's Sun City and Yorkshire in Britain.

Bollywood Star John Abraham Supporting Germany

Named the brand ambassador for ESPN for the mega event, John is gung-ho about the tournament.

Speaking to Goal.com, John said, “I have been following Germany since a long time right from the days of Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.”

The former model’s love for football is well-known as he captained his school team and wanted to take it up as a career.

When asked why he did not, “because of studies and the perception that football didn’t have much of a future then,” said the actor in a reflective tone.

“But I want to change that,” says a determined John, which proves that he isn’t one of those who just talk in the air.

John’s passion for football took another step when he inaugurated the first ever professional I-League last season when champions Dempo squared against Salgaocar.

He has met Mr.Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi, the President of All India Football Federation (AIFF) in his bid to improve the state of the people’s game.

“I said, Priya Da (Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi) I am not a superstar but I shall do what it takes to help build the game in this country,” informs the actor who is known to take up causes and give his all for it.

Ask him about his favourite club and John says, “I don’t follow clubs in particular but I follow players. I like Torres, Fabregas, Ballack and Drogba too. Amongst managers, I like Arsene Wenger. So, I do like Liverpool and Arsenal.”

The ‘Dhan-Dhana-Dhan Goal’ star hasn’t yet got over Champions League and comments on some of the key moments.

“I believe Liverpool would have been in the finals if Torres wasn’t taken off in the extra time of the second leg. If you ask me, I would say Chelsea deserved to win the Champions League as they twice hit the woodwork. In the second half they played very well though the first half they were equally disappointing.

“Also I feel John Terry slipped and missed the crucial penalty as the ground was wet. Again this is a subjective opinion.”

John Abraham would be hoping that Ballack carries his supreme form in the English Premier League (EPL) to the Euro 2008 and thus, lead the Germans to their fourth European Championship title.

Bollywood movie stars, directors competing for industry's 'Oscars'

Popular Bollywood films "Om Shanti Om" "Guru" and "Chak De India" were among the favorites to win top honors Sunday at the Indian film industry's glitzy awards ceremony.

Mani Ratna topped the list of nominees in the best director category while Shak Rukh Khan was a good bet to win best actor.

The best actress will be a close race between rising star Deepika Padukone for her performance in "Om Shanti Om" and Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan, who played alongside her husband Abhishek Bachchan in "Guru."

Fans will vote for their favorite stars on the Internet and the results will be announced at the awards ceremony. As many as 600 million people worldwide were expected to watch the ceremony, which is sponsored by the Indian International Film Academy.

Along with best movie, actors and directors, nominees will compete in number of categories that will feature the prominence of song-and-dance in the industry, including best lyrics, musical direction and playback singer.

"We still don't know yet who's going win tonight but they all are here," said Sabbas Joseph, director of Wizcraft Entertainment that helped organize the awards ceremony. "It's the biggest celebration of the Indian movie industry."

At 5:30 p.m. local time (1030 GMT), the big names of Bollywood — including Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Dia Mirza, Zayed Khan and Priyanka Chopra — paraded down a green carpet, instead of red, in a bid to spread awareness about global warming.

The awards ceremony two hours later will feature colorful, high-energy musical displays by various Bollywood stars including Kapoor, Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif.

The event will also feature a premier screening of Ram Gopal Varma's "Sarkar Raj."

Other Bollywood films that will be screened in the Thai capital during the weekend include "Mission Istaanbul," "Acid Factory," "Love Story 2050" and "De Taali."

The Mumbai-based Indian film industry, commonly called Bollywood, churns out some 800 Hindi-language movies a year — three times Hollywood's production rate. Hundreds more films are produced in southern India.

The International Indian Film Academy awards were launched in 2000 to promote Indian films to an international audience. Earlier ceremonies were held in the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands and Singapore.

Is Harman the new Hrithik Roshan?

They look the same, dance the same, share the same height and their names begin with H.

Is it any wonder that Harman Baweja is being called the new Hrithik Roshan. The similarities do not end there. They have each been introduced to the industry by their fathers and, remarkably, Harman’s promotional shots and debut movie moves mimic Hrithik’s in a manner that makes it impossible to tell them apart.

But Harman’s not riding on the lookalike wave — he’s not too happy about being called the new Hrithik and girlfriend Priyanka has apparently made him change his wardrobe so he can be seen as his own man.

Harman’s laying the blame for this resemblance to Hrithik squarely on his parents. “If I resemble somebody, it’s not my fault. My mom and dad have done that. I have not done any plastic surgery to get those looks. I believe every newcomer will be compared [to somebody else],” he said practically.

In fact, both Harman and Priyanka seem to have coordinated their responses, saying that every newcomer faces being compared.

Priyanka has reportedly said that this is the done thing in Bollywood, pointing out that Shahid Kapur was compared to Shah Rukh, while Shah Rukh himself was compared to Dilip Kumar. But has Priyanka not noticed how many things in common Hrithik and Harman have?

Their toned but lean build, the light-coloured eyes, sharp jawlines and aquiline features? Then Harman’s launch song Milo na milo from Love Story 2050 sounds like Hrithik’s Dil mera har baar yeh from Kaho Na… Pyaar Hai while his dance moves in the video look like those of Hrithik’s Main aisa kyun hoon from Lakshya.

The movie’s costume designer, Theia commented on the similarities: “Harman’s excellent dancing ability is another reason for him to be compared to Hrithik. We were quite surprised that they look so similar... Harman indeed looks like Hrithik.”

One person who is not able to brush off the resemblance is dad Harry Baweja who finds the comparison uncalled for.

According to him, it's not right to compare Harman to Hrithik because Hrithik is far ahead, and his son deserves the same time to prove himself. Movie double Even the promotional posters of Harman’s Love Story look like those of Hrithik’s debut Kaho Na... Pyaar Hai.

Where is Shah Rukh Khan?

A bevy of Bollywood stars including Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, Preity Zinta and the four Bachchans have descended on Bangkok but Indians living here are missing Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

"Is Shah Rukh Khan coming?" is what most cine fans are asking the visiting Indian media.

They wear a disappointed look on learning that their favourite actor will be giving the show a miss. Many families here say they bought passes for the award night just to get a glimpse of King Khan.

It’s Khan vs Khan this weekend

The ‘royal’ battle for the Indian Premier League trophy did not include his once-promising Kolkata Knight Riders.

But Shahrukh Khan has yet another battle brewing with his Bollywood rival Salman Khan, who is threatening to throw a googly at his game show 'Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain' on Star Plus.

Star’s rival Sony is offering a rival game show, 'Dus Ka Dum' (DKD), with Salman as the host. Already struggling to retain its third position amid stiff competition from INX and NDTV Imagine, Sony stands to lose its rankings should Salman fail to capture the viewers’ attention after the IPL frenzy.

His battle with SRK will begin this weekend, the first after the IPL tournament wrapped up. Will Shahrukh and his classroom dominate the airwaves? Or will Salman Khan steal their thunder?

Bets are already being placed, with Rs 150-200 crore per channel at stake. The novelty factor seems to be tipping the scales in 'Dus Ka Dum's' favour.

Ajit Varghese, the managing director of media buying firm Maxus India, sees DKD as a clear winner. “Both Paanchvi Pass and DKD kicked off amid much fanfare. But IPL took away attention from it. The newness and novelty factor now belong to DKD,” he said.

With its rival trying to recover lost glory, DKD is on a better wicket. It also benefits from the promotion during IPL that planted it firmly in the viewers’ consciousness.

After the first couple of weeks, Paanchvi Pass failed to get television rating points (TRPs) higher than four. To declare itself a hit, DKD needs TRPs of between four and six. Incidentally, IPL’s TRPs were higher than six, making it a superhit.

The curiosity factor is on DKD’s side. According to Chandradeep Mitra, the president of Optimum Media Solutions, the media arm of the Mudra group, the hype that was built around it during IPL would stand it in good stead now. “On the other hand, Paanchvi Pass is currently on a low. There is no novelty factor there. So, DKD’s initial ratings would be good but the show would better be good after that,” Mitra said.

Had the two shows hit the small screen together, 'Paanchvi Pass' would have had the upper hand, because Shahrukh’s star power is bigger than Salman’s. Also, Star is a bigger platform than Sony.

While some are batting for DKD, others prefer to wait and watch. Anita Nayyar, the chief executive of Media Planning Group, said that both are reality shows with big celebrities on board. “One can only wait and see. But if DKD fails even initially-after the promotional activities that it did especially during IPL-it would be the failure of the advertising.”

Advertisement space on both has been sold out. Sources said that ad rates for Paanchvi Paas have dipped by Rs 1.5-2 lakh for a 30-second slot but DKD has started at the level that Paanchvi Paas is at now. “That is all Sony can expect anyway,” Optimum Media Solutions’ Mitra said. Advertising money is scarce in the market, since IPL ate up most of it, Maxus’ Varghese said.

The man behind the two shows, however, felt both have a good chance of success. Siddhartha Basu of Synergy Adlabs, which is presenting the show, said, “One is a quiz show while the other is a game show. Both are being telecast in different time slots. So there is no head to head rivalry. While Paanchvi Paas is more for the upmarket viewer, DKD is a janta ka game with the aam aadmi ka hero hosting it.”

Rajeev invites Ekta for Aamir's premiere

Every one is aware of Rajeev Khandelwal and soap queen Ekta Kapoor's love-hate relationship. Once known as the blue-eyed boy of Balaji telefilms, Rajeev soon makes his Bollywood debut with UTV's Aamir.

Many people know that it was his Bollywood aspirations that made Rajeev quit Kahin toh Hoga, a popular TV soap from the Balaji stable. And that's what was resposbile for his so-called tiff with Ekta Kapoor.

But Rajeev Khandelwal feels he can't ignore Ekta's contribution in his career and so has invited her to a special screening of his debut film Aamir.

Says Rajeev, "This is my first film and hence very important to me. I want Ekta to be there for the premiere. I was remembering all those people because of whom I'm in Mumbai and Ekta is one of them. I just can't ignore her contribution in my career."

But does he really think Ekta will turn up for the screening?

"She's quite unpredictable! Though I'm aware she's busy with her own film which is releasing the same day," replies Rajeev.

When contacted, all Ekta had to say was to wish Rajeev "All the best".

Now let's wait and watch if the Soap Queen makes Rajeev's day or not!

Bollywood hot actress Kim Sharma wallpaper

One film wonder Kim Sharma got recognition in Bollywood with the movie Mohobatein, but could not maintain the tag. She just did some item numbers and affairs that made her the talk of the town.

Bollywood Hot actress Koena Mitra

 

Bollwood's Hottest Actresses

Yana Gupta first achieved international fame as a model, appearing in numerous ad campaigns and magazine covers. It was her performance in the song ‘Babuji’ in Dum, which turned her into Bollywood's hottest diva