Urmila Matondkar to play a super-glamorous 50-plus woman

Actress Urmila Matondkar will play a super-glamorous 50-plus woman who lives in isolated splendour in a castle, wears the most stunning clothes and plays out life queen-size in a remake of the 1980 blockbuster “Karz”.

She will be riding horses, flying planes and gambling the night away in casinos.

Says Urmila: “The character will be an ageless diva. A very stylish and super-exclusive heiress and her clothes and demeanour will reflect a kind of inherent glamour.”

Urmila’s favourite costume designer Manish Malhotra is working on her clothes that will reflect the character’s diva-like splendour. A budget of several crores of rupees has been set aside for the wardrobe.

Manish Malhotra has been asked to design some of the most elaborate and expensive clothes ever worn by an actress for any part. “Manish and I have collaborated on numerous films. But this one will be something else,” laughs Urmila.

Director Satish Kaushik says Urmila in “Karz” will be the epitome of a glamorous high-flying existence. “She will be a 50-plus woman, who will ride horses, fly planes and gamble the night away in casinos. She will be living the high life at the highest level,” Kaushik said.

Shah Rukh Khan refuse Sushmita Sen for Special appearance in her directorial debut

Shah Rukh Khan is known to be extremely generous towards his friends so this definitely came as a surprise to all of us. Recently, Sushmita asked SRK to make an appearance in her directorial debut Jhansi ki Rani Laxmibai but it seems Khan has turned her down flatly.

“When SRK was filming that special song for Om Shanti Om with 31 stars they had approached Sushmita too. But she gave an excuse of unavailability and stayed out of the project. SRK was upset about it because he genuinely cares a lot about Sush and their pairing in Main Hoon Na had done really well.”

“Now Sush is putting together her plans for her movie. And she asked SRK if he would make a special appearance in his film but this time SRK has turned her down,” says our source.

Khan is known for making friendly appearances in films for his close friends and associates. In fact recently he filmed an entire item song for Rakesh Roshan’s soon to be released Krazzy 4 as a ‘thank you’ gesture for their appearance in OSO.

The buzz also suggests that SRK has washed his hands off Viveck Vaswani’s Dulha Mil Gaya which stars Sushmita Sen and Fardeen Khan. “Shah Rukh had agreed for a special appearance because of his friendship with Viveck. The two have known each other since the time SRK entered Bollywood. Then Viveck asked him to increase his role and again SRK agreed. Slowly and steadily it’s gone from a cameo to a full fledged role.”

Priyanka Chopra lost weight to play a model in Fashion

Priyanka Chopra rebuffs rumours that she has lost weight to play a model in Madhur Bhandarkar’s “Fashion”.

“It’s the silliest story I’ve heard about myself in a long time…. on a par with the one about me being in Sydney with Harman Baweja for the New Year when I was actually shooting an ad in Bangkok,” Priyanka told IANS.

“No, nobody has told me to do anything for the role in ‘Fashion’. Madhur Bhandarkar and I share great rapport. He didn’t ask me to lose weight for the character,” she added.

However, Priyanka has worked on herself for her next two roles as well.

“I always like to work on my character. That’s why I work on one film at a time. For ‘Fashion’ I opted for a toned body. I went on a health-conscious diet, though I didn’t cut down on my food or anything. And I’ll be using the same physique for my film with Karan Johar,” she said.

“It’s set on the beach of Miami. Imagine two months on the sun and sand and so the toned body would be just what the dietician ordered. But, sorry, I don’t get into a bikini for Karan’s film,” Priyanka was firm.

Karan’s film also features Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham.

Priyanka says she doesn’t endorse anorexic figures.

“It isn’t about getting thin at all. It’s just about toning my body. I don’t think you need to be reed-thin to be beautiful. I think Indian women look terrible when they try to get anorexic. We (Indian women) are naturally healthy. And by that I don’t mean voluptuous,” she says.

Karisma Kapoor plunge back into Bollywood

Apparently, Karisma Kapoor is quite inspired with sister Kareena’s great run at the box office and is currently reviewing scripts.

Although the actress has maintained quite a low profile since her wedding to Delhi based Sanjay Kapoor, we hear the actress might just take a plunge back into Bollywood and her comeback film might see her share screen space with her Zubeidaa co-star Rekha.

“She is seeing some scripts. As soon as she showed even a little inclination she had a lot of directors knocking at her door. But she is taking things very slowly. She wants to do a film that will actually allow her to act and not just do a film for the sake of acting. In fact she herself is not completely convinced of making a comeback,” says a close friend of the actress.

The source adds that Kapoor is worried about her daughter and has therefore stayed away from films for so long.

“Karisma saw a couple of scripts that interested her. But her main focus is her daughter. She doesn’t want to be away from her for too long and is quite torn right now about which way to go. She is pretty much a single mother as she and Samaira live here in Mumbai while Sanjay visits them often. So she is still wondering… Kareena has been egging her to do a film for very long now,” says the source.

Rakhi: Abhishek better than Saif

Rakhi Sawant is always in the news. What’s more, she doesn’t need to work for it. However, the recently held award function for a radio channel was uneventful despite the presence of Rakhi and her arch enemy Mika. Dressed in a black and silver outfit with on-off boyfriend Abhishek Awasthi in tow, Rakhi enjoyed every bit of attention coming her way.

Her histrionics weren’t missing either. In between posing for shutterbugs, Rakhi couldn’t help but indulge in a melodramatic ogling session. No, it wasn’t Mika, but Abhishek who was the object of her affection. She even declared, “Abhishek’s six-pack looks better than Saif’s.” Isn’t this bindaas babe aware of Bebo’s wrath? To that, “Kareena is my friend,” retorted Rakhi. Sigh!

As for Mika, he was heard saying, “I’ve always been a trendsetter. I believe in standing out from the crowd.” Here’s more from the newsworthy twosome.

Was Kareena joking?

Kareena's comment at the awards about being miffed at not being part of Jab We Met director Imtiaz Ali's next film, surprised everybody. But Imtiaz Ali insists that it's a private joke between the two
From Aishwarya Rai and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Karisma Kapoor and David Dhawan, Kajol and Karan Johar - all Bollywood actresses get possessive about their hit director. Now, it's Kareena Kapoor who is showing similar symptoms with Jab We Met director Imtiaz Ali.

A lot of eyebrows were raised when Imtiaz Ali cast Deepika Padukone for his next film instead of Kareena. Our source says, “At the awards night, Kareena (albeit jokingly) made a comment saying, 'I am upset because I have not been cast in Imtiaz's next film.' Kareena's statement, that too at the podium, left Imtiaz quite shaken. Though the comment was made in jest, it seems that Bebo got her point across.”

The source adds, “Kareena obviously assumed that after having a hit like Jab We Met, Imtiaz would surely cast her in his next project. However, when she came to know that it was OSO girl Deepika Padukone and not her, she was quite miffed. So on stage at the Filmfare awards function, Kareena cleverly put the message across. It was her way of telling Imtiaz that she may not have been very happy about not being part of his next film.”

When asked about his reaction to Kareena statement, Imtiaz Ali laughed it off. He says, “When Kareena said that, she was directly looking at me. It's a joke between us, that's all! But if you are trying to make a story out of this, sorry to disappoint you, there isn't any!” He adds, “Kareena and I practically lived together during the making of Jab We Met. We know each other too well to take anything of this kind seriously. We keep rubbing each other wrong way all the time.”

"I love you Deepika", says Ranbir Kapoor

“I love you Deepika”, says Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika too expresses her love for him in front of thousand onlookers. For quite sometime, both of them are going round together but finally they expressed their love for each other at the backstage of the Filmfare Awards.

Ranbir whispered this magic word in Deepika’s ear when both were getting ready at the backstage to collect the best debutante award of 2007. Deepika overwhelmed to hear those words from him and she too whispered back the same. After the award ceremony, both of them walked out and spend some quality time, hugging and kissing each other.

Ever since Deepika has made her appearance in Om Shanti Om, she has hit the headlines for her close association with cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh and model Nihar Pandya. Recently, Deepika has called off her relationship with Yuvraj because of his possessiveness. Before entangled with Ranbir, Deepika went to Yuvi and informed him that she was now going to see someone else. Deepika-Ranbir’s love story is expected to bloom day by day as both will get maximum time to spend with each other in connection to work. The duo is shooting for Yashraj Films.

Kareena: Diva of diamonds

Kareena Kapoor is known for the utmost care with which she selects her clothes and accessories. So, when she was recently invited to inaugurate a jewellery store close to her home, the fashion-conscious diva gladly accepted. “I especially like diamonds,” said Kareena, when we asked about her penchant for jewels. “I think they make me look more beautiful.” While she is often gifted jewellery, she makes her own decisions when it comes to fashion. “Fashion should always be understated. Jewellery, too, should be classic. That’s the way I dress.”

Kareena does manage to abide by her own fashion rules most of the time. This time, however, she wore a flaming red shirt, casual blue jeans and — surprise, surprise — elaborate diamond-studded green earrings! Is she planning to start a ‘mismatch’ trend? Watch Kareena and be the judge!

Now, Shah Rukh and Preity at war

When the auction of cricketers for the maiden Indian Premier League began, some of the best known names from Bollywood and the business fraternity were present. Shah Rukh Khan, Ness Wadia, Preity Zinta and Vijay Mallya were among those who made successful bids, worth millions of dollars, for teams in IPL. While SRK and Preity have danced around trees and stood for each other quite a few times, they seemed totally inspired in an effort to beat each other at the auction. Here’s a glimpse of the much talked about event.

Amrita Rao in November Femina Magazine

Wallpapers/Images

Pooja Chitgopikar

Pooja Chitgopikar Femina Miss India Earth 2007 Hot Photoshoot. She is the one of the Hottest Model of India and Miss Earth too. She has done so many advertisement’s and Ramp walk for big brands. Here is her New Sizzling Hot Photoshoot Pics.

Katrina Kaif- New Face of SPICE Telecom

Katrina Kaif has been roped in as the new ambassador for the Spice Group, which includes Spice Telecom, Spice Mobile Phones, Spice BPO’s and other ventures of the group. The model cum actress, will be seen endorsing the group’s products beginning next year. Priyanka Chopra has been the brand ambassador of the brand since its launch, and the first TVC with her was launched in 2006. Spice’s contract with Chopra ends in December this year.

Ash's item number with her ex, Viveik

It sounds unbelievable but a little birdie informed Gullu that Viveik Oberoi will do an item number with his ex-girlfriend Aishwarya Rai , and her husband Abhishek Bachchan in Mission Istanbul.

The song will be shot in Rajasthan. Zayed Khan will also be a part of it.

The reason the Bachchans have agreed to be a part of the Viveik-starrer was because of Abhishek's friendship with director Apoorva Lakhia.

Abhishek had starred in Lakhia's first film, Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost. He, as well as Amitabh , had also guest-starred in Lakhia's Shootout At Lokhandwala free of cost.

That's probably why they say dost ke liye kuch bhi karega in Bollywood.

Winners of 53rd Annual Filmfare Awards

Best Actor
Shahrukh Khan - Chak De India

Best Actress
Kareena Kapoor - Jab We Met

Best Film
Taare Zameen Par

Best Director
Aamir Khan - Taare Zameen Par

Critics' Award For Best Actor
Darsheel Safary - Taare Zameen Par

Critics' Award For Best Actress
Tabu - Cheeni Kum

Critics' Award For Best Film
Shimit Amin - Chak De India

Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male)
Irrfan Khan - Life in a... Metro

Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female)
Konkana Sen Sharma - Life in a... Metro

Best Lyrics
Prasoon Joshi - (Maa - Taare Zameen Par)

Best Playback Singer (Male)
Shaan - (Jab Se Tere Naina - Saawariya)

Best Playback Singer (Female)
Shreya Ghosal - (Barso Re - Guru)

Best Music
A. R. Rahman - Guru

Best Story
Amol Gupte - Taare Zameen Par

Best Screenplay
Anurag Basu - Life in a... Metro

Best Dialogue
Imtiaz Ali - Jab We Met

R. D. Burman Award
Monty Sharma (Saawariya)

Lifetime Achievement Award
Rishi Kapoor

Power Awards
Yash Chopra & Aditya Chopra

Best Debut (Male)
Ranbir Kapoor - Saawariya

Best Debut (Female)
Deepika Padukone - Om Shanti Om

Best Special Effects
Red Chillies Entertainment - Om Shanti Om

Sony Head N Shoulders Fresh Face of the Year Award
Deepika Padukone

Best Background Score
A. R. Rahman - Guru

Best Editing
Amitabh Shukla - Chak De India

Best Choreography
Saroj Khan (Barso Re Megha Re - Guru)

Best Action
Rob Miller - Chak De India

Best Art Direction
Samir Chanda - Guru

Best Sound
Leslie Fernandes - Johnny Gaddaar

Best Cinematography
Sudhip Chatterjee

Best Costumes
Sujata Sharma - Gandhi My Father

Superstar Aamir Khan Saturday night won the Filmfare Best Director Award for "Taare Zameen Par", which was also adjudged the best film, while Shah Rukh Khan ("Chak De! India") and Kareena Kapoor ("Jab We Met") won the awards for the Best Leading Actors in the male and female categories respectively.

The glittering 53rd Fair One Filmfare Awards ceremony at the Yash Raj Studios here went on till wee hours of Sunday. It was here attended by leading Bollywood celebrities.

The Critics' Award for Best Film went to Shimit Amin's "Chak De! India". The film also won the Best Cinematography Award. In the Critics' Award series, Tabu was named the best actress for "Cheeni Kum" and child artist Darsheel Safari ("Taare Zammen Par") was named the Best Actor.

Rishi Kapoor got a standing ovation as he won the Lifetime Achievement Award.

While the Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male) went to Irrfan Khan for "Life In A Metro", the Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female) award went to Konkana Sen Sharma for the same film.

A.R. Rahman bagged the award for best music in "Guru" and also for the best background score.

Smita Thackeray who is accompanied by David Dhawan, announces the next award for Best Male Singer.

While Shaan ("Jabse Tere Naina" from "Saawariya") was named the best male singer, Shreya Ghoshal ("Barso Re" from "Guru") was adjudged the best female singer.

The Best Lyrics Award was won by Prasoon Joshi ("Ma" from "Taare Zameen Par").

The Best Story Award went to Amol Gupte for "Taare Zameen Par", the award for the best screenplay went to Anurag Basu for "Life In A Metro", and Imtiaz Ali was honoured for the best dialogue ("Jab We Met").

Deepila Padukone of "Om Shanti Om" won the Fresh Face of the Year Award as well as the Best Female Debutante, while the Best Male Debutant Award went to Ranbir Kapoor ("Saawariya").

Jodhaa Akbar breaks all overseas records

Jodhaa Akbar, the historic film by Ashutosh Gowarikar has broken all overseas records and achieved the status of being the 4th Biggest Opening Film in the World. The movie has generated a whopping $8.1m from 15 territories worldwide. In the UK, the movie opened at Number 10 in the charts, grossing £500,000 in the 1st week.

The best part of all this is that this is the first time that an Indian film has been reviewed so widely by mainstream press in US/UK. All the reviews have been extremely positive, except for the one that was put up in San Francisco Chronicle.

Ajay's advice to Kajol regarding SRK!

Well do not get excited and jump to conclusions after reading our headline, as we are not about to indulge in yellow journalism! This is a rather interesting incident that took place between Ajay Devgan, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. It is quite in contrast to the recent stories involving Kajol's hubby Devgan and her advice seeking SMS to Shah Rukh Khan, concerning Raju Hirani's film. And we go!

As per Mumbai based media sources, Kajol was wondering as to why her close friend Shah Rukh Khan had not replied to her SMS about doing Rajkumar Hirani's film. Seeing Kajol being worried about the same, loving hubby Ajay Devgan told her (rather coolly) to call SRK and find out, instead of getting worried the whole day and staring at her mobile, while waiting for a reply from King Khan. Needless to add that Kajol took her husband's intelligent advice rather seriously and did the same. And we know her decision regarding the matter.

For those who are still clueless, as of the moment, Aamir Khan is the only actor finalised for Rajkumar Hirani's next project based on the Indian education system.

Aishwarya Rai is turning more and more traditional

Ever since Aishwarya Rai became the Bachchan bahu in April 2007, we have spotted the actress turning more and more traditional. At most pubic outings the actress has stuck to a salwar kameez or a sari. And although the actress looks stunning in just about anything she puts on we can’t help but wonder when we will see the chic Ash back!

14th February 2008: Jodhaa Akbar premiere
Wearing a pastel pink sari that most women would give their right arm for, the actress looks every bit the Rajput princess she portrayed in Jodhaa Akbar.

12th January 2008: Cover Girl!
Ash looks every inch of a cover girl seen here at the launch of a magazine.

28th November 2007: Spreading a smile
Spending time with children affected with AIDS at Ashray Foundation with hubby Abhishek Bachchan, Ash stuck to a demure and simple baby pink salwar kameez.

Lisa Ray’s comeback vehicle to Bollywood: Deepa Mehta’s comedy movie, Stella

Out West, they think she’s Satyajit Ray’s daughter!

Lisa Ray is only too happy to be imbued with literary antecedents. After all, she once said she wanted to be a novelist and it’s great to know, she’s not entirely given it up.

“For now, I am totally engrossed in my acting career, especially after the release of Water. Writing is something I will take up, when I am very old and cannot move, because for now, I am enjoying my acting,” she clarifies.

After her critically-acclaimed performance in Water, the controversial lesbian film - I Can’t Think Straight - and the action thriller - Kill Kill Faster Faster - Lisa is working with Deepa Mehta again in the comedy, Stella.

The film began shooting hush-hush in Delhi, on a start-to-finish stretch this week.

This is Lisa’s comeback to India after the steamy Kasoor in 2001, where she shared more than just screen space with her co-star Aftab Shivdasani.

Her inability to speak Hindi was one of the reasons, why she made no headway in Bollywood and returned to her home base in Canada.

Stella is Deepa’s third film with Lisa.

She earlier did the light and frothy Bollywood/ Hollywood with Rahul Khanna in 2002, besides the controversial Water.

In Stella, she’s perfectly cast as a 32-year-old Indian-Canadian in Delhi and looks a natural choice, for the part.

Lisa’s co-stars in Stella are the Canadian TV phenomenon, Scott Speedman and the NRI Punjabi theatre-actor, Vajendra who makes his screen debut as Preity Zinta’s husband in Deepa’s Punjabi film, Heaven On Earth.

On the personal front, things seem to be perfect for Lisa, however she reveals that marriage is not for her.

“Well yes, I am living with someone and I am very happy. I do not believe in marriage, and that is how it’s going to be!” she declares.

17 Going On 30 - Amrita & Kunal

Kajol's sister Tanisha in a see thru

Chak De girls have a new mission

After beating the boys at hockey, Chak De girls Sagarika Ghatge and Chitrashi Rawat are ready to give them a piece of their mind in real life, too! The two girls have joined forces to fight against social problems such as eve-teasing. “I have gone through a lot of eve-teasing,” says Chitrashi, “I used to wear short skirts on the hockey field, because we had to, and random people used to tease us for that.” Any message for the boys? “I definitely want to tell them they are very sick,” laughs Chitrashi, “Stop doing it, because girls are getting ahead.”

Preity-Ness: Marriage on the cards?

The talk of the town is Maureen Wadia has granted Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia permission to marry. However, both mother and son are reluctant to share the information with the media. “What can I tell you?” laughs Ness, “One day I’m not with Preity, one day I am. One day I’m with her for business purposes, so I don’t know. Everyday you hear new rumours. I don’t know where they come from and why.”Maureen Wadia is more concise, saying, “This is a private matter and I don’t want to discuss it with the press.” One thing is for sure: Preity’s fans can’t wait to see her as a bride. Let’s hope we don’t have to wait long!

Jodhaa Akbar could make even more money than OSO

Getting a royal welcome on both sides of the Atlantic, Ashutosh Gowariker's Jodhaa Akbar, grabbed an estimated $1.3 million in North America and $750,000 in the United Kingdom over the weekend.

Factoring in the Gulf countries, the Caribbean and Australia, the three day haul could reach an awesome $3 million.

The film may not have crossover appeal to the mainstream audiences but anyone who reads the opening of The New York Times review may be tempted to see it. 'They may not make'em like they used to in Hollywood,' critic Rachel Saltz wrote, 'but sometimes in India they still do. Jodhaa Akbar... is filmmaking on the grand scale of Cecil B De Mille (The Ten Commandments), with romance, stirring battles, and enough elephants and gold to sink the Titanic [Images].'

• Also Read: Showcasing Jodhaa Akbar

The US box-office was especially impressive given the awful weather conditions in the Midwest.

"If the goodwill and enthusiasm for the film continues, and we at UTV feel it will, Jodhaa Akbar could make even more money than Om Shanti Om," said Lokesh Dhar for distributor UTV. "We are not looking at the success of this film in terms of another hit for UTV (which has distributed hits like Don). It could become the all-time highest grossing Bollywood film in North America."

Farah Khan's [Images] OSO starring Shah Rukh Khan [Images], who also produced it, grossed about $3.8 million in North America and holds the record.

"Despite the fact that Jodhaa Akbar is three-and-a-half hours long," Dhar continued, "and theatres are having less number of shows, we are doing extraordinary business."

• Review: Jodhaa Akbar is okay but too long

The film, which got decent reviews from many mainstream publications including The New York Times and a few pans like the one in the San Francisco Chronicle, had a record 135 prints released in North America. In the United Kingdom it has some 70 prints.

The full week's gross outside India could exceed $4.5 million. Even if the film's takings were to fall by 50 percent in subsequent weeks as it traditionally happens for Bollywood movies, it could still end up with some $8 million.

Unlike in India where the entertainment tax takes away nearly 50 percent of the box office collection, Bollywood producers get about 65 percent of the overseas take.

Bollywood insiders believe that even if Jodhaa Akbar does not do spectacular business in India, the overseas moolah will help it recuperate its reported $10 million budget.

• Review: Jodhaa Akbar is a spectacular watch

Another reason why the film may not suffer a steep decline in the second week is that there are no big movies challenging Jodhaa Akbar for several weeks, till the action thriller Race, which is also distributed by UTV.

"We strongly feel that Jodhaa Akbar is not going to be a one week phenomenon," Dhar said. "Many people are telling us that they are seeing the film two or three times, taking friends and family members who may not usually see films in theatres. The word has gone out that this is one film you ought to see on the big screen first."

Indian Americans are also spreading the word that Jodhaa Akbar is not like the typical Bollywood production, and some of them are quoting reviews like the one in The New York Times.

'These royals are played by Hrithik Roshan [Images] and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan,' Saltz continued, 'two rather astonishing specimens of human beauty. Neither is a great actor, but both know what's required of a star and seem to the palace born.'

She did not forget the music and Kiiran Deohans for his cinematography. 'The film bounces along to a memorable score by A R Rahman. (I am still humming the songs),' Saltz wrote.

Giving the film four stars out of five, the BBC's Tajpal Rathore wrote: 'One is perhaps starting to expect too much from director Ashutosh Gowarikar after such masterpieces like Lagaan [Images] and Swades [Images]. But he seems to raise the bar with his historic magnum opus, Jodhaa Akbar.'

'Extensive though it is, Jodhaa Akbar cannot be discussed using small talk,' Rathore wrote. 'Everything in the film is big and grand: the palaces, the armies and most importantly, the love story. It hits at the heartstrings and somehow has enough energy to sustain itself through the bloated script that perhaps should've been chopped. Ravishing Rai is convincing enough but it's Roshan's majestic performance as the love-struck warrior that packs the punch; it's his film from start to finish.'

Gowariker knows how to tell a story, declared Sandip Ray in the San Francisco Chronicle, referring specially to Lagaan. But in the new film, the review said, he seems overwhelmed by the sheer weight of history.

'The never-ending opening sequence, a CliffsNotes version of Indian history in superstar Amitabh Bachchan's [Images] sonorous baritone, doesn't help either,' Roy added.' Or perhaps the film just topples over under the sheer weight of all that gold jewelry.'

The problem with Jodha and Akbar is that they are both too noble, the reviewer continued.

'Epic stories need epic tragedies or at least forbidden love,' he added.' In the 1960 classic Mughal-E-Azam, the rebellious prince (actually the son of Akbar) falls in love with the beautiful courtesan, and her defiant songs became the anthem of star-crossed lovers. (You still hear South Asians singing it at gay pride parades.)'

But there are moments when the film manages to break free of its limitations, the review said. 'Jodha and Akbar duel in an empty palace courtyard, their swordplay turning into foreplay,' it explained. 'A crowd of Sufis whirl, their white outfits glowing against the brick red earth, and the emperor leaves his seat to dance ecstatically with them. These are the real human moments in the film. One just wishes there were a few more.'

Many viewers in New York and New Jersey cinemas said they were not deterred by the film's length. "We have watched on DVD some films which are just about two hours long and we have found them boring," said a 50-year-old man who had driven 40 miles from Connecticut to see the film in a New York theatre with his wife and grown children "But if a film is well made, who worries about the time? And this kind of a film one must first see in a theatre, never mind what good home entertainment system we have at home."

Kareena’s ticket to Hollywood?

Kareena seems to be enjoying the roller coaster ride that life is offering her. She is undisputedly the No. 1 actress in Bollywood today. After the stupendous success of ‘Jab We Met’ she has the best of banners in Bollywood vying for her dates. Right now she has the biggest projects under her name.

Starting from ‘Tashan’ (With Akshay Kumar & Saif Ali Khan) she has more than a half-dozen films in her kitty. ‘Kambakth Ishq’ (With Akshay Kumar) ‘Golmaal Returns’ (With Ajay Devgan) ‘Agent Vinod’ (With Saif Ali Khan) and two yet-untitled films, one with Asthavinayak production firm, where she will pair with John Abraham and another yet-to-be titled film of Karan Johar. Her film list seems to be endless.

Bebo is the Queen Bee when it comes to the endorsement bandwagon too. Her list of ad campaigns are Globus, ICI paints, Head & Shoulders shampoo, Boroplus cream, and Citizen watches. Kareena certainly seems to be making headlines for all the right reasons. Close on the heels of this super success comes another clincher.

Reports have it that this Kapoor girl has recently been approached by a couple of Hollywood biggies. After the super success of ‘Jab We Met’ Hollywood too seems to be beckoning Kareena.

A source reveals that "Kareena has been high on the popularity stakes for sometime now. The super success of ‘Jab We Met’ has catapulted her into the top league. Hollywood is definitely looking at her. It is reported that she is going to be in Los Angeles in May to shoot for Sajid Nadiadwala's ‘Kambakth Ishq’.

She has been offered two top line Hollywood projects and she will be listening to the scripts. A low-key meeting has been planned in May when she is there to finalize the details."

Looks like Kareena is soon going to conquer Hollywood too. All the best girlie!

Akshay in Cola Lumpur!

Akshay Kumar is at it again. The Khiladi has done some daredevilry in Kuala Lumpur for the new commercial of Thums Up — the cola he endorses.

The ad has the actor zip through the streets in a pulse-racing car chase to get his bottle that is lodged in a truck. How Akshay manages to stay in control at breathtaking speed in the narrow alleys results in some action-packed stunts for the ad which cost a whopping Rs 3 crore.

Conceptualised by Leo Burnett’s executive creative director Sainath Saraban and directed by Malaysian director Farouk Aljoffrey, the campaign was filmed recently. It features the actor in his new look (his cropped haircut) and took a week to be shot. It is slated to air this month-end.

Says Akshay, “I enjoy doing action scenes that push me. I really liked the theme of the ad and had great fun shooting it. It was filmed over a week and I sport a new look in the ad film. It should air shortly and I’m sure it will get a great response.”

This cola brand has earlier featured Akshay in other action-filled sequences. The most notable of course is the one in which he is shown doing Parkour, a kind of free-running through the city behind a Thums Up van.

Aishwarya to reveal Salman’s secret

Gorgeous Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is all set to unfold many untold and unheard happenings of her life. She is going to write a book on her life story with the help of her mother Vrinda. Her book would reveal many unknown facts of her life. The book will also speak about secrets of her relationship with Salman Khan.

Few years ago, the news of Salman Khan making Aishwarya’s life nothing less than hell had flashed in various media. Salman was once in love with Ash but their relationship did not worked out. Her name was also linked with actor Vivek Oberoi. Vivek once declared that Ash is his love partner but their alliance has also turned out to be void.

Aishwarya finally tie the knot with Big B son’s Abhishek Bachchan. Though the pace of her career was slow in the beginning but soon she caught the train of success. Today she is the most demanding actress of Bollywood and has also good number of Hollywood films in her kitty. Her international project has also done good business. Like her films, her book is also assumed to be a big hit. So, hold your breathe because Ash is going to disclose many unknown facts. No doubt that once her untitled book is available in the market, it will be a bestseller.

All Kareena talk annoys Saif!

By Subhash K Jha

Kareena is certainly going to work in Saif Ali Khan's productions. But Saif will have nothing to do with it.

Says the exhausted rocker-actor currently shooting for his only film on the floors. "It's entirely between Kareena and my business partner Dinesh Vijen.

There has been a verbal commitment between them for a couple of projects. Kareena and I don't discuss business. It's entirely the prerogative of the directors that we sign to cast whom they want.

Yes, I'd want me and Kareena to be in all our productions. But I'm not going to thrust our pair down producers' throats. Of course I'd like Kareena to be in every film I make. But my directors may have other plans."

That famous arm with the by-now mythic tattoo has been injured.

Saif's hand was bandaged while he played his rock gig in Bangalore and Mumbai. "Yeah, I injured my right hand while shooting in Greece.

I put a glass down too hard after a drink. And it broke in my hand. It's no big deal. The only thing is, I can't shake hands. Fortunately it didn't affect my guitar-playing."

Saif admits he's annoyed by people constantly asking him about the 'Kareena' tattoo. "On the other hand you can't really blame them. I suppose it's a big deal.

So people will talk and then stop talking about it after a while. You gotta remove yourself from the place of discomfort and look at it more dispassionately."

Saif was aware that the media would focus on the tattoo rather than his music. "Fortunately the audience appreciated the music. Look, the limelight is a moving spotlight. Once in a while you get caught in it."

Couldn't he have got the tattoo done in a less visible place? After all it's between Saif and his love.

"No. It's between me and my arm," he shoots back.

After the successful rock concerts would Saif like to cut an album? "No, can't sing beyond the lower notes. Right now I'm in Alibaug to finish the last schedule of Kunal Kohli's untitled film. Then we're done with this film."

Bride and Bipasha?

The 29-year-old actress, who plays an NRI, who lives in Yorkshire along with her family, is in advanced talks with independent director Raza Mallal.

The story revolves around Jack a jilted lover of a Catholic priest. He settles for an arranged marriage with an Indian girl (Bipasha) in an attempt to avoid priesthood. But Jack has to acquaint himself with the culture, food and even Hindi before he reports to the mandap.

Anupam Kher will be seen playing Bipasha's father, and her other co-actors include Ross Kemp, Robert Hardy, Amanda Holden and Karen Shehnaz David.

Anupam Kher says, "I have given my letter of intent about working in the film. As far as Bipasha is concerned, I am aware that they were supposed to meet her when they had come to meet me. However, I have no clue if she is doing the film."

Anupam Kher, who also stars in the film

Bipasha Basu remained unavailable for comment and repeated calls and SMSes went unanswered. The actress's publicist, when contacted, didn't categorically deny the news and guided us to her international agent Simone Sheffield. Simone Sheffield was not available for comment.