Katrina Kaif doesn't need short skirts!

Guess one can’t take chances with stalkers these days. The Bollywood sweetheart who is currently on a roll — yeah, she has just notched up another successful film — is jubilant.

Dressed in a pair of slim-fitting jeans and a pink tee-shirt, her pretty face devoid of pancake, she smiles, “At least they can’t say my latest film is doing well because Katrina Kaif wore a short skirt. I don’t need to show leg to win notices.’’
The actress doesn’t take kindly to being called Bollywood’s lucky mascot either.

“Saying I’m just lucky kind of annihilates all the hard work that I have put into my films,’’ she says. “It also derides the capability of my directors. A script makes a film work, a lot of hard work goes into getting the right script, and to just attribute a film’s success to my good-luck is not right.’’

Of course, she’d rather be called a lucky mascot than a jinx, but she says in her four years in Bollywood, she has strived to make things work. Today, she is in a cushy place. Even Kareena Kapoor, Bollywood’s No. 1 actress, concedes that Katrina is hot property, but Katz is definitely not resting on her laurels. “I’m not ruthlessly ambitious. But, there is greed in me to want to do better work. In that sense, I’m exactly like Akshay Kumar. I deeply admire that quality in him. He has done over a 100 films, yet Akshay still has the same hunger in him to strive to do better.’’

Katrina is no longer a girl in a hurry. She has just three films on the floor — De Dana Dan, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and Rajniti. And though she can earn some megabucks really fast, the girl from London with her anglicised Hindi, who began her star trek with the unorthodox Boom, is taking it easy.

Fully aware that the competition — Kareena, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra and Asin — will eat her alive if she slips, Katz says, “Each successful film motivates me to work harder. For example, in Prakash Jha’s Rajniti I’m the sole girl with power-house performers like Naseeruddin Shah, Ajay Devgan, Manoj Bajpai and Nana Patekar. Arjun Rampal and Ranbir Kapoor, my two other co-stars, are also very good actors and my immediate aim is to raise the bar as far as my performance goes.’’

Admitting that it was important just being a top hero’s arm candy in movies like Welcome, Singh is Kinng, Partner and Race to consolidate her position in Bollywood, she now wants to walk down the path of respected performers. Yeah, Katrina knows the length of her skirt can carry her only this far. If she wishes to go further, which she does, she must stand up and deliver.

Now Salman Khan will be gifting his own watches

Bollywood star Salman Khan, who has given watches worth as much as Rs.50 crore to his friends and family, has found a method of beating his expensive gifting habit. On his mother's advice, he has asked his charity foundation Being Human to manufacture inhouse designer watches.

And the first proud recipient of the Being Human designer-watch was actor Aseem Merchant, Salman's co-star in Boney Kapoor's "Wanted".

"He gave me his the first Being Human watch. It's awesome. Its look and movement are as slick as the super-exclusive Swiss Breitling watches," Aseem told IANS.

"You're right. He did say his mom advised him to find a way of cutting down costs on his watch-gifting habit. He gave me the watch and said, 'Your time begins now'," he added.

Apart from the watch, Aseem also received a Being Human shirt from Salman.

"He made me strip in front of him and try on the shirt. I really don't want to talk about his generous nature. But I've been shooting with him for a year and Salman's generosity is unbelievable," said Aseem.

Salman also gifted Aseem a role in his brother Arbaaz Khan's first production which will star Salman and Shatrughan Sinha's daughter Sonakshi, to be directed by Abhinav Kashyap.

"And since I play the main antagonist with Salman in 'Wanted', he said he wanted me to do a positive role in Arbaaz's production," said Aseem.

Ironically, the real-life buddies are at each other's throat throughout "Wanted".

"And it's not the choreographed, synchronized action movements we see in our films. Salman and I have real basic fist to fist street fights composed by a stunt director called Vijay from the South. Salman and I were fighting on the sets and drinking together once the camera was switched off," said Aseem.

Michael Jackson was spending $50,000 a month on Medicines

He was consuming insane amount of drugs

Pop legend Michael Jackson was battling with numerous disorders and was spending 30,000 pounds ($50,000) a month on prescription drugs like narcotic pain relievers, muscle relaxants and anti-depressants before his death.

The ailing "Thriller" star, who died on June 25, was said to have consumed "mountains of medication" as he battled numerous disorders in the year leading up to his death, reported thesun.co.uk.

Along with narcotic pain reliever Vicodin, 50-year-old Jackson gorged on other drugs like muscle relaxant Soma and sedative Xanax, antidepressant Zoloft, anti-anxiety drug Paxil and heartburn pill Priolosec.

The revelations on the true scale of the tragic star's pills habit came as his family said they now wanted an investigation into the quantity of drugs he was prescribed.

"They suspected the drugs were harming Michael - but not as badly as this. What is crucial to them is not the drug types Michael was taking, but the quantities he was taking them in," said Brian Oxman, the Jackson's family lawyer.

"This is a huge and major concern. During Michael's court trial he was taking 40 Vicodin a day - and this may have even increased. It’s an insane amount of drugs to be given and to be taken," added Oxman.

Some of the King of Pop's prescriptions were allegedly written by his Beverly Hills dermatologist Arnold Klein. Most were taken from Jackson's local drug store Mickey Fine Pharmacy.

Many prescriptions were bought under the fictitious name Omar Adams, claimed to be a name Jackson devised for a fictitious alter ego. The cost of the superstar's spiralling prescription drugs usage led to a number of lawsuits.

In 2001, he was sued by Mickey Fine Pharmacy for arrears of about 7,000 pounds on his account.

Jackson also owed Klein around 18,000 pounds at the same time. And in 2002, lupus specialist Allen Metzger claimed that the singer owed him 16,000 pounds.

'New York' makes money across the world

Producers say movie top earner in UAE for 2009
Yash Raj Films' "New York" that sees director Kabir Khan tackling an unconventional and serious subject has brought much-needed respite to the box office by grossing Rs.350 million worldwide over the three-day weekend.
"New York", released worldwide on Friday (June 26), is about three friends whose lives change post the 9/11 terror attacks on the Twin Towers. It stars John Abraham, Katrina Kaif, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Irrfan Khan in pivotal roles.
The movie that hit over 900 screens across the world had promising advance bookings and continued to register more demand from the audience after the first day of its release.
According to Tushar Dhingra, COO, BIG Cinemas, the film "opened very soundly and is giving good results".
"It has proved to be a strong box office ledge for multiplexes. After a long, long time, this movie has been able to pull the crowds to the cinema halls again," Dhingra told IANS.
Apart from its success in India, "New York" has also garnered positive response from movie buffs in the US, Britain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where it was released across around 60, 40 and 30 cinema halls respectively.
The movie has opened at the number three slot on the Australian charts and 10 in Britain at the weekend. It was the top earner in UAE for 2009, said a press release by Yash Raj Films.

Michael Jackson fans ‘commit suicide’

Fans of Michael Jackson have been hit hard by the star's death - 12 devotees have allegedly killed themselves following the tragic news.

The King Of Pop passed away on Thursday (June 25) from a cardiac arrest and millions of his fans worldwide went into mourning.

But several of them found it too hard to cope and subsequently ended their own lives, according to the founder of an online Jackson fanclub.

Gary Taylor, president and owner of MJJcommunity.com, says, "I know there has been an increase (in deaths), I now believe the figure is 12. It is a serious situation that these people are going through but Michael Jackson would never want this. He would want them to live.

"They (fans) can't accept it, they feel in some sort of different reality. I'm stunned that he's dead. One minute he is coming here for concerts and the next he is gone. I think the funeral will be where the reality kicks in that he is gone and won't be coming back, there will be a huge depression in the fan community when that happens."

And Jackson's political activist pal Reverend Jesse Jackson has even recorded a message to his fans, urging them not to "self-destruct" in the wake of the singer's demise.

Jesse Jackson says, "This is a time when hearts are heavy. There is great pain but great cause to celebrate Michael's life. It made Michael happy saying 'We Are The World'. Don't self-destruct. We fall down sometimes, we get back up. That's the right thing to do. In Michael's name let's live together as brothers and sisters and not die apart as fools."

Thousands of Jackson fans are planning a vigil on July 13 at the O2 Arena in London where the star was due to kick off his 50-date comeback tour.

I'm expecting great response for this film

'Kambakkht Ishq' is very important for Akshay

The box office is on a roll after a long lull thanks to Kabir Khan's "New York" that got a good opening at the box office. Now the Hindi film industry is pinning its hopes on Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor's much-hyped romantic comedy "Kambakkht Ishq" to keep the cash registers ringing.

Made at a budget of Rs.40-45 crores (Rs.400-450 million), the film was extensively shot at Universal Studios in Hollywood as well as in Italy and Mumbai. This Bollywood extravaganza also has much publicised cameos by Hollywood stars like Sylvester Stallone, Brandon Routh and Denise Richards.

Co-produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and Sunil A. Lulla, the film has been directed by debutante Sabbir Khan and also has Aftab Shivdasani and Amrita Arora in pivotal roles.

The movie's highlight is the Akshay-Kareena chemistry and mind-blowing actions. The 41-year-old actor, who plays a swashbuckling stuntman in Hollywood in the film, has gone whole hog and done death defying stunts himself.

"This is a film for the masses but with a rich international feel to it that would break the mass versus class barrier. We have the best of both the worlds in the film with Kareena playing a supermodel. The Akshay-Kareena combination is the one to watch out for," Nadiadwala had told IANS.

"Kambakkht Ishq" explores the relationship between two individuals who are completely opposite in nature. Viraj (Akshay) is a stuntman in Hollywood who detests women, while Simrita Rai (Kareena) is a part-time supermodel and doesn't believe in love.

The two meet but they love to hate each other especially because of Simrita's waspish tongue. But the turn of events forces them to be together as Simrita's best friend Kamini and Viraj's brother Lucky decide to get married.

Simrita and Viraj try to stop the wedding, but they end up falling in love with each other instead.

"Both the producer and I dreamt big and we sort of took a simple and interesting story and made it larger than life," said the director.

"Kambakkht Ishq" is releasing with 2,000 prints across the globe. It is an important film for Akshay as his much-publicised last two releases - "Chandni Chowk To China" and "8X10 Tasveer" - turned out to be duds.

"I'm expecting great response for this film. Though I had worked very hard in 'Chandni Chowk...' , the response didn't turn out to be as expected. Some people and critics didn't like it and '8X10 Tasveer' was more like an art film, which has a niche market in India. 'Kambakkht Ishq' is a complete entertainer and I hope the audience appreciates it," Akshay said.

He says the length and the budget of the film is reasonable.

"It's a reasonable budget (film) around Rs.45-50 crore and is in the similar range as 'Chandni Chowk To China' or a 'Singh Is Kinng'. (And) we won't take much of your time. The film boasts of some power-packed entertainment in two hours and 15 minutes. I guess that is quite reasonable for a film of this scale," he said.

Apart from a diverse promotional strategy, the advance booking for the film opened on Sunday instead of a Wednesday for other films.

With the unprecedented buzz and the huge star cast, the film is expected to lend a hand in reviving the box office.

Michael Jackson’s mum gets temporary custody of his Kids

Katherine Jackson also temporary guardian of his estate

Michael Jackon’s mother Katherine Jackson has been granted temporary guardianship of her son's orphaned kids.

The Thriller hitmaker, who died from a cardiac arrest at the age of 50 last Thursday (June 25), is survived by Prince Michael Jr., 12, Paris Michael Katherine, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II, known as 'Blanket'.

The kids are currently being cared for by their grandmother, who filed a petition for custody for all three children on Monday morning (June 29).

A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge issued the ruling, but Katherine will have to wait until a July 6 hearing to discover who gets permanent guardianship of the kids.

Her attorneys told the court the children's biological mother, Debbie Rowe, has "no relationship" with them, and that if she won custody, it would be "detrimental" to the kids.

Rowe, who initially waived her parental rights to her two kids by the late pop star, is expected to challenge the Jacksons for custody of Prince Michael and Paris. An appeals court has ruled she is the legal mother of the children.

According to the Jackson matriarch's court documents, it is "not known at this time" whether Rowe agrees that Katherine should be the legal guardian.

The document continues: "Minor children are currently residing with paternal grandmother. They have a long-established relationship with paternal grandmother and are comfortable in her care."

Katherine Jackson has also been appointed temporary special administrator of her son's estate.

Hours after a Los Angeles court granted Katherine Jackson temporary guardianship of her late son's three children, the ageing matriarch was handed the power to administer aspects of her son's estate until a hearing the following week.

In ruling, a judge stated that Katherine will be able "to control tangible personal property currently in the physical possession of a third party, and to marshal and secure such assets."

In court papers filed by Katherine Jackson's attorney, she states, "Numerous bank accounts now exist that are in control of third parties, some of which accounts were used to pay expenses of (Michael Jackson's) parents' home."

The new ruling gives Jackson's mother immediate responsibility for her son's belongings and means nothing from his estate can be sold or auctioned by a third party without her knowledge and consent.

This follows reports that certain memorabilia items, which were retrieved from an April auction, are in the hands of a former associate of the King of Pop. These items, including a custom-made limousine and the old gates to Jackson's Neverland property, can no longer be sold until further notice.

Jackson's longtime friend David Gest is currently seeking legal action after his collection of memorabilia was sold in Las Vegas on Friday (June 26) night - a day after the King of Pop's death. He insists the timing of the sale was inappropriate.

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.

Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan in an international film

The Secret History of the Dalai Lamas, which is to be directed by the French director Jan Kounen, could have Abhishek Bachchan and Amitabh Bachchan in the lead. The director is currently at the Cannes Film Festival where his film will be showcased. According to the film’s producer Manuel de la Roche, The Secret History of the Dalai Lamas will trace the history of the Dalai Lamas from the fourteenth century.

In an interview to the IANS, Roche had said: “We are very keen to cast the father and son duo in key roles in the film. Sharon Stone, who is a practicing Tibetan Buddhist, will step in as the narrator, while Hollywood star Richard Gere will also be involved with the project.” The film will be shot in several Indian locations including Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh

Want to join Actress Celina Jaitley

I myself am a straight woman with a whole lotta balls,” is how actress Celina Jaitly introduces herself on her blog on itimes.

Calling herself “a film star by profession and a gay rights activist by humanity,” Celina champions the cause of homosexuals and talks about how Article 377 is a hurdle in letting them live life their way.

While celebs and causes go pretty much hand in hand these days, Celina is quite serious in her intent to draw attention and support towards this issue. The actress has created a community on itimes for equal rights for the gay community, and asks everyone to join her petition to the health ministry seeking amendment to Section 377. So, let’s join Celina in her fight for equal rights. Celina wants your support. Time to act, right? To join Celina’s campaign, visit itimes.com

Actress Kareena Kapoor on the cover of Elle

Bollywood Director Aditya Chopra to direct Madhuri Dixit in next film

Madhuri Dixit's comeback to the big screen with YRF's Aaja Nachle may not have worked, but the lady is still making a lot of news. Right after I heard she was all set to play the milf in Prakash Jha's adaptation of Lolita with Ranbir Kapoor, a little birdie came and told me some more.

Apparently, Mads was approached by none other than the elusive Aditya Chopra. After DDLJ and Rab Ne... the director is ready to direct his third film. And he wants Madhuri to star in it!

A source tells me, "Last weekend, Aditya was holidaying in the US. Early one morning he approached Madhuri with a bound script at her residence in New Jersey. He started his narration of the script. Madhuri listened to it without a break. She has asked some time to think over it. The film is a women centric romance."

Saif ali Khan the producer inspired by Clint

Saif ali Khan started his Illuminati Films, after hearing the story of how Clint Eastwood started his production company

Not many people know that Saif Ali Khan is a huge fan of Clint Eastwood and has even styled his production company Illuminati Films after the Hollywood actor's production house Malpaso Productions.

Says a source close to Saif, "Clint is Saif's favorite actor and he has grown up watching Clint's films. He also has a vast DVD collection of all of his films and has adorned his Bandra office with his posters."

According to the source, "Saif ali Khan was toying with the idea of launching his own production house but was wary of taking the first step. Then one day Saif saw Clint's interview in which he narrated how he started his production house. When Clint mentioned to a friend that he wanted to produce films, his friend replied 'malpaso', which means a bad step in Spanish. But instead of deterring Clint, it spurred him to make movies he believed in and that's how he launched Malpaso Productions."

The source adds, "Saif was fascinated by the story and he woke up his business partner Dinesh Vijan in the middle of the night. He suggested to Dinesh to start working on the venture even though people may think it's a bad step."

The next step was finalising a name for production house. Says the friend, "Saif ali Khan is fond of reading Dan Brown's novels and he loved the term Illuminati from Angels And Demons."

Saif ali Khan says, "Illuminati means from darkness to light and I am fascinated by this word. I decided to name my production house Illuminati Films, as I want to make enlightening cinema. We want to make films that have our stamp – unusual love stories, edgy thrillers and any exciting unique drama. Now we are ready with our first release, a refreshing love story called Love Aaj Kal, which is directed by Imtiaz Ali."

Preity vs Shilpa - Santa cap vs Maharaja turban

Since they have so much of money on stake, the Bollywood beauties Shilpa Shetty and Preity Zinta are trying out all possible publicity fundas to motivate their team and to glamorize the event. Though their teams are not doing very well, the ladies are still on a high spirit.
Shilpa’s team are the Rajasthan Royals and in keeping with the spirit of the team, Shetty was seen sporting a Maharaja style blue turban on her head to support her team and bubbly as she is, Preity Zinta gave a competition to Shetty with her red Santa topi. Post your comments to let us know, which one you like better?