Kareena Kapoor looks good only with me: Saif Ali Khan

Saif Ali Khan didn't mince words when asked which of Bollywood's many Khans does his girlfriend, actress Kareena Kapoor look best with
Apart from Saif, Kareena has so far worked with Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan and will soon be seen with young Imran Khan in "Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu". After working with Saif in "Tashan" and "Kurbaan", she will be seen with him again in the upcoming "Agent Vinod", set for release March 23.


Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan

"Kareena looks good with me and there is no comparison! Apart from me, I don't see anybody (with whom she looks good)," Saif told reporters here on the sidelines of the first poster launch of his production "Agent Vinod".

Kareena, the leading lady of the spy thriller, was missing from the event Wednesday. Saif explained: "We had to divide to conquer... she will be seen in future promotional activities for the film."

The first poster of the movie features only Saif in it. However, he promises that unlike other action films, the actress has a justified role in his film too. "Kareena has a very strong role in the film. She has done justice to the role and the role has also done justice to her," Saif said.

The shooting of "Agent Vinod", directed by Sriram Raghavan, took a while. And Saif denies rumours that the delay ensued due to budget hassles.

"The film taking time to complete are the reports given by media. There were lots of rumours that the film is getting delayed, it's getting over the budget... everything was just a rumour. Films take time," he said.

He guarantees that the wait will be worth it, as he said: "The kind of action and locations that we have chosen, I have not seen in much movies. The film must have taken a longer time, but it does not matter as long as the product is interesting."

The film is said to have dollops of action, but Kareena wasn't too comfortable with it. "She doesn't like doing action, but she is very good at it. She gives pretty intense expressions. As far as I am concerned, I thought it (action) would be fun, but it was very frightening. It's not easy," said Saif.

Besides the unique action sequences, "Agent Vinod" will also have a "different" item song, a 'mujra' picturised on Kareena. "We thought let's go a different way and try something different in terms of expression. I believe even Dinesh Vijan was pushing for a mujra... we needed to make our item a little bit different," said Saif.

Prateik getting pricey?

The actor is apparently losing out on some plum offers due to an 'unreasonable' demand of Rs 1.5 crore per film

It had been earlier reported that Prateik lost out on Shoojit Sircar's Second Time Lucky because the production house, Viacom 18 Motion Pictures, had apprehensions about casting the actor in a complex character.

Apparently, this decision was taken after watching his lackluster performance in Prakash Jha's Aarakshan. Now, however, the real reason seems to be something else. Buzz is that Prateik lost out on the film because he demanded an exorbitant fee, which the producers didn't feel he deserved.

A source close to actor says, "Prateik demanded rupees 1.5 crore for the film. Since some of his films have not worked in the past, the producers were apprehensive about paying him so much. The producers are not sure if they would be able to recover the money."

The source adds, "Prateik never gets into the financial details. It's basically his manager, who takes such calls. One and half crore is not a huge amount considering the pay packages of other stars but Prateik still has to prove himself. Things may turn in his favour overnight, if he gives a hit."

Reportedly, actor also lost out on Tigmanshu Dhulia's Milan Talkies because of the same reason. Prateik and the production house remained unavailable for comment.

Ranbir, Vidya named best actors at Apsara Awards

Bollywood stars Ranbir Kapoor and Vidya Balan picked the best actors' trophies at the star-studded seventh edition of Chevrolet Apsara Awards here Wednesday night for their performance in "Rockstar" and "The Dirty Picture" respectively.

The best film award went to "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara", and Zoya Akhtar won the best director for the movie. Her actor-filmmaker brother Farhan took home the best supporting actor award for the movie too.

The best supporting actress award went to Priyanka Chopra's cousin Parineeti, for her portrayal of a bubbly, rich, spoilt Delhi girl in "Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl". The act also bagged the best debutant (female) award for her.

The best debutant (male) honour went to southern actor Rana Daggubati for his first Bollywood project "Dum Maro Dum". The best choreography trophy was picked by Bosco-Caesar for the peppy title track of "Desi Boyz".

Irshad Kamil picked the best lyrics award for "Naadaan parindey" from the film "Rockstar", while the best music award went to Oscar winning composer A.R.Rahman for the same film.

Mohit Chauhan, who became the voice of Ranbir's character in "Rockstar" walked away with the best singer (male) award for the cult song "Sadda haq". Among the females, Shreya Ghoshal took the honour for her rendition of romantic number "Teri meri" from the movie "Bodyguard".

A special award was bestowed upon megastar Amitabh Bachchan for the last season of "Kaun Banega Crorepati", which proved to be a worthy platform for the common man.

The Apsara Awards, organised by the Film and Television Producers Guild of India in association with Wizcraft International Entertainment and channel Colors, was hosted by witty filmmakers Farah Khan and Karan Johar. It had a line-up of entertaining acts.

A highlight was the kickstarting of the celebrations of 100 years of Indian cinema . As a special segment of the celebrations, the awards night hosted a special tribute dedicated to the cinema legends and their glorious years in Bollywood. Veteran stars like Rajesh Khanna, Zeenat Aman and Jaya Bachchan came upon the stage for it.

Other performances were a hit too. "Band Baaja Baaraat" actress Anushka Sharma took to the stage to groove with popular telly actors Nandish Sandhu, Sushant Singh Rajput and Shabbir Ahluwalia on songs like "Dum dum", "Thag le" and "Jazba" respectively.

Soon-to-be married couple Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza also set the stage on fire with their crackling chemistry as they brought their real-life love story alive on stage while performing at the award function at the Yash Raj Studios. They emulated the story of their eight-year-old romantic journey.

Kareena Kapoor staged a sizzling performance, wherein she took a cue from sirens of the southern film industry and performed on a medley of south Indian hits such as "Nakka mukka", recently heard in the Hindi film "The Dirty Picture". She also grooved to "Ringa ringa" from the film "Arya 2", as well as the chartbuster "Kolaveri di".

Actress Ameesha Patel also entertained the audience by dancing to recent hit item numbers like "Chikni chameli", "Ooh la la" and "Madhubala" from Mere Brother Ki Dulhan.

Bollywood badshah Shah Rukh Khan gave the show a befitting grand finale act. Styled around recent hit "Don 2: The King Is Back", the performance saw the superstar in the avatar of a gangster.

Sony Music acquires rights of 'London, Paris, New York'

The music rights of romantic comedy "London, Paris, New York" have been reserved by Sony Music. All seven songs in the album have been written, composed and sung by Ali Zafar, who is also the movie's lead actor.

The album, which will be digitally available starting Jan 30, will also have the movie's actress, Aditi Rao Hydari lending her voice to a song called "Voh dekhane mein". The release of the album will be in the first week of February across key retail outlets.

"London, Paris, New York" follows its characters' personal journey and their love story as they meet in London, flirt in Paris and fall in love in New York for a night each over eight years. The songs of the movie blend strongly with the theme of the scene and location.

"This generation-next movie comes with a variety of songs where the multi-faceted creative talent, Ali Zafar, has sung all of them giving each song his own distinctive style that merges perfectly with each moment in the film," Sanujeet Bhujabal, marketing director, Sony Music India, said in a press statement.

"The freshness quotient of the music will be loved by all music fans whether young or those who are young at heart," added Bhujabal.  The soundtrack also features voices from Sunidhi Chauhan, Haldika Kiani and Pakistani Sufi singer Sanam Marvi. The film, directed by Anu Menon, will release March 2.

'Student...' not releasing with 'Joker': Karan Johar

Filmmaker Karan Johar has quashed rumours that his forthcoming directorial "Student Of The Year" will release on the same date as Shirish Kunder's "Joker".

"Farah is a really dear friend and I would never come up with the film the same day with her husband's film," the 39-year-old filmmaker said here at Riteish-Genelia's pre-wedding party, thrown by Sajid Nadiadwala Tuesday night. "Student Of The Year" is so far scheduled for release Aug 31.

Johar's new film features three new faces - Alia Bhatt (Mahesh Bhatt's daughter), Varun Dhawan (David Dhawan's son) and model-turned-actor Siddharth Malhotra. The filmmaker is upbeat about launching the newcomers.

"I'm really excited about the three of them. Siddharth Malhotra, Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt... all of them are very talented. I will not say much about them. You should see for yourself and base your opinion on what you see," he said.

"Student of The Year" will see Johar return to direction after his 2010 film "My Name Is Khan". The film is being co-produced by Shah Rukh Khan. For now, Johar is keeping his fingers crossed for his latest production, the remake of 1990 film "Agneepath", which will hit screens Thursday. The film features Hrithik Roshan, Sanjay Dutt and Priyanka Chopra in key roles.

Sanju's twins can't watch 'Agneepath'

Sanjay Dutt does not want his twins to watch his menacing Kancha Cheena act till they are mature enough

Sanjay Dutt's deadly act in Agneepath may have raised the bar for Bollywood villains, but this is one screen persona he would like to hide from his twins.


Sanjay Dutt in Agneepath

Though Shahraan and Iqra are toddlers, and too young to understand at the moment, he would not like them to watch the flick till they are grown up and mature enough. Reason? The star feels he has outdone himself in essaying the bloodcurdling baddie on screen.

Though he has been part of gangster flicks and done dark roles, he thinks nothing matches to this. He has already instructed wife Maanayata to keep this film beyond reach of their offsprings.

Says Dutt, "Yes, I would really not want my kids to see me in such a character. I have told Maanayata not to show it to them for a long, long time."

When the star began to shoot for the flick, he had to shave his head. On reaching home with his tonsured look, his tots initially stayed away for a while. It was only later when they recognised his voice that they knew this was their dad!

Seeing himself in Kancha Cheena's avatar came as a shock to Dutt as well. Though he followed the script, he was taken aback by the evil he had managed to spew for the character.

When he saw the first rushes of the film and during dubbing, he needed to take a break as he was so taken aback by his monstrous self on screen.

Why can't celebrities have fun, asks Shahid

Actor Shahid Kapoor wonders why people are more stringent about parties involving celebrities, and says like all young people even celebs like to party.

Recently, a party organised in Mumbai in honour of international talk show queen Oprah Winfrey was busted by police more than once due to complaints from neighbours about loud music. In the past, several actors' parties have been interrupted for the same reason. Shahid feels it's not right to keep celebrities under special scanner all the time.

"Parties are for enjoyment. I don't think that's something which gets represented correctly. Especially if it is an actor's party and the music is loud, people tend to be a bit stricter, which is something I have never understood. We are all young people and why shouldn't we enjoy our lives," the 30-year-old said here at an event.

Shahid also believes if he can't have a guilt-free fun time, it's a hindrance to his freedom.

"There has to be a system where people can enjoy themselves without feeling guilty. Why should I feel guilty if I have worked hard all day long and then want to dance as much as I want? If I can't do it, then I feel it takes away from my freedom," he said.

The actor has recently wrapped up shooting for Kunal Kohli's tentatively titled "Teri Maeri Kahaani".

He also recently performed at the Zee Cine Awards in Macau, where he shook a leg with Ranbir Kapoor.

SRK-Priyanka's special 'friendship'

We trace back in time when Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra first met and how their 'dostana' has evolved over the years...

He calls her his 3 am friend, while she turns red even at the mention of his name.


Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra

Few actors have shared the camaraderie Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra do, but it's not a bond that hasn't burnt some bridges along the way.

May 2000
Twelve years ago, when Shah Rukh Khan crowned Priyanka as Miss India, little did they know that their names would be spelt together, more often than they could have expected. He was her lucky charm, she had said back then.

Mid-2004
It was a time when apna Miss World was facing enough trouble from her then-secretary Prakash Jaju who sued her for non-payment of dues. The first time she sought help from Shah Rukh who ensured things would get better and encouraged her to concentrate on her career. She even accompanied him on the Temptations tour back then.


At the Don premiere

August 2006
After six years, the lady landed a role beside her favourite Bollywood star in Farhan Akhtar's Don. Thanks to his allure and her acting abilities, both would often fall short of words of praise for each other. Priyanka said, "I still cannot believe I'm working with King Khan!" To which he responded, "She's beautiful and the best actress we have today."

November 2008
This was the year PC apparently found love with Shahid Kapoor while shooting for Kaminey (after breaking up with Harman Baweja of course. Remember him?) The relationship seemed fickle, yet feisty. Not to mention, it was one that good friend SRK approved of. The couple was seen spending time at Khan's Bandra residence many times since then.

January 2009
By now Chopra's love life was even more unpredictable than the Mumbai weather. Stories about trouble in the PC-Sasha paradise started doing the rounds every few months. The only constant was her affection for SRK. (By this time she had fallen out with Salman. She and Aamir on the other hand have never worked together).


In Berlin
October 2010
Don and his junglee billi were reunited as they began shooting for the Don sequel in Berlin. Apparently PC just couldn't stop blushing after SRK complimented her at a press conference saying, "Priyanka looked prettier than Berlin." Sweet!


Priyanka Chopra and Shah Rukh Khan at the KKR IPL match in 2010

December 2010
In the season's hottest episode of Karan Johar's Koffee with Karan, PC gushed like a teenager when KJo mentioned how close she was to SRK. All poor Sasha could do was provide background score. However we hear that Gauri wasn't too happy with it.

January 2011
In a surprise twist in the tale this time, it's SRK who went out of the way to announce his fondness for her. At the Screen Awards co-hosted by Khan and Kapoor, SRK asked Shahid, "Is Priyanka your sister?" Ouch!


On the sets of Zor Ka Jhatka
February 2011
Shahid was well out of her life, and she needed a friend more than ever. PC promoted both her films 7 Khoon Maaf and Don 2 with SRK who was hosting the show Zor Ka Jhatka. He went down on his knees for her and the cameras. "If he was one of the seven husbands in the film, I'd never kill him," she said.

September 2011
By now their alleged closeness was too serious to be brushed off as a promotional gimmick for Don 2. Every time the media mentioned their 'relationship', she'd get defensive, while he took it lightly. This is when wife Gauri decided to throw an Eid bash.

Priyanka was invited, but apparently ignored. Buzz was that Gauri's friend Mehr Jesia walked up to SRK and confronted him about why Priyanka was part of the party. SRK jumped to came to PC's defense saying she is a friend like most others.


On the sets of Just Dance
October 2011
They appeared on friend Hrithik Roshan's reality show Just Dance and spent more than quality time together.

November 2011
Buzz was that by now Gauri and SRKs close  friends had started smelling the coffee. Most of them empathised with Mrs Khan. A close friend was quoted in a magazine saying, "Priyanka is at every party that Shah Rukh throws. She's always hovering around him. Of course, Gauri is upset."

December 2011
Best friends Hrithik Roshan and Arjun Rampal walked out of Dabboo Ratnani's calendar launch the minute SRK entered. A few days ago Priyanka was spotted in his office late in the night.

January 2012
Over the weekend, SRK and his new best friend hosted an awards function together in Macau.

Excerpts from an interview that SRK and PC gave to HitList in November 2011...

You both have never masked your admiration for each other. In all these years how has the equation changed?
PC: Ever since I remember, I've wanted to grow up and be like him. Perhaps like a female version. He has always been associated with the most important aspects of my life ever since he crowned me Miss World. So he has been instrumental in honing me in a lot of ways.
SRK: Personally, I am quite uncomfortable around actors. I get very conscious. But she makes me feel comfortable. She'll fix my hair if it's out of place. It's nice working with a friend like that. Also she has realised that I am as insecure as anyone else.


At the Drona premiere (2008)

So there's never been a disagreement?
PC: I'd never have the guts to disagree with him...
SRK: Actually a lot of people have told me that. They say you look sweet and all, but it's not easy to dispute you. (Turns to PC) Should I tell them about that time in Malaysia where I was reprimanding you on a scene?
PC: No....but yes, he reprimands me all the time. Just because he knows I can't turn around and say anything back. 

Is there something you don't like about her?
SRK: Okay, there's one issue I have with her as an actor. When she finishes a scene she says, 'I killed it.' You don't 'kill' a scene. You 'live' it...
PC: That's just my way of expressing when I finally get it right...
SRK: So use a different word. I'm not saying you show 'kill' is not what you do. You enthuse life into it.

Why have you stayed away from working with other senior superstars like Salman, Aamir, Akshay, Saif?
PC: I've done four films with Salman and Akshay.
SRK: Darling, we've only done Don together. But I would love to do a full-fledged romantic film with her. I also think she'd be great at comedy.

In the last three months much has been written about your  growing 'friendship'. It seems like a perfect publicity build-up to the film (Don 2).
PC: You are the ones writing it. You should go and ask your fraternity.
HitList: I can't ask everyone around, so I'm asking you.
SRK: As an actor when you put in long hours of work, and then you have someone who you really love or feel for to share that space, you feel fortunate. What's unfortunate is when people give it a name or a tag. Sometimes friendships or relationships are beyond what people say. So when things out of the ordinary are said, it's not embarrassing to us at least, because we know what it really is.

So why do they say you don't make friends in Bollywood?
SRK: That's a generic line. F*** off if people say so. I'm happy she's around. I can take the advantage of calling her and asking her to do a three-day shoot for me, where all she's doing is hanging from a rope. And she does it for me. She shoots on her birthday. It may be beyond professionalism, but that's what friends do. The process of work becomes beautiful when you share that kind of relationship. I read what's written, think about it, but it won't come in the way of what we feel for each other.

Ranbir not a part of Vinod Chopra’s next

Ranbir Kapoor has been in the news since his much appreciated performance in Imtiaz Ali's Rockstar. The latest being that the actor is competing with Shahid Kapoor for the lead role in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's next project titled Chithiyan. However, Ranbir revealed to Mumbai Mirror that he is not doing the film for sure.

According to media reports, Ranbir and Shahid - the two actors who have been pitted against each other professionally as well as personally, were being considered for the lead role in Chopra's love triangle saga. While Chopra's favourite Sharman Joshi, who had worked with the filmmaker in 3 Idiots as well as Ferrari Ki Sawaari, had reportedly been finalised to play one of the male leads in the film, Shahid and Ranbir were contending for the other.

A source close to the film told Mumbai Mirror, "It has not been finalised yet as to who will play the male lead. Vidhu might just zero down on a few other names as well. A decision will be taken on this regard soon enough."

Reportedly, Vidhu had met Ranbir in Los Angeles and had even narrated the script of Chithiyan to him.

While the leading lady has not been finalised either, Shahid seems to be the only contender for the second male lead at the moment.

However according t our source, this film is not on Chopra's priority list as of yet. "Currently, he is busy with Ferrari Ki Sawaari. However, soon he will focus his attention on Chithiyan. The film is supposed to go on floors by July 2012," added the source.

Though Ranbir reverted to our question on whether he was doing Chopra's film with a curt 'Nope', when inquired why he declined the offer, the actor chose not to dwell on it.

On the other hand, while Vidhu Vinod Chopra remained unavailable for comment, a source close to the filmmaker confirmed the news saying, "Yes, Ranbir is not doing Chithiyan. Vidhu and Ranbir mutually decided not to work on this project. Ranbir had some date issues. They would however love to work in the future."

Vidhu and Ranbir decided not to work now. They would love to work in the future

Tezz goes the Mission Impossible way…

No, Priyadarshan's new action flick Tezz is not a remake of Mission Impossible (rather it's more similar to Keanu Reeves's Speed with the bus being replaced by a train). So how are the two films connected?

Remember the immediate reactions when the first trailer of Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol was released in India. While the Tom Cruise starrer had a slick look, many Indian fans were disappointed that Anil Kapoor, who had a cameo in this Hollywood flick, was nowhere to be seen in the trailers. So the production house had to bow down to the public demand and a new trailer featuring Anil Kapoor was released in India.

A similar scenario seems to be occurring with another Anil Kapoor starrer though it's not because of Kapoor this time around. The first trailer of Priyadarshan's action flick Tezz starring Ajay Devgn and Anil Kapoor in lead roles was recently released. The film also stars Malayalam superstar Mohal Lal in a cameo. The trailer has a fleeting appearance of the South star.

However that doesn't seem to have gone down well with his South fans and they have widely expressed their disappointment on social networking sites. A unit-hand mentions, "The makers weren't expecting such a furor. Mohan Lal wasn't highlighted in the trailer because the South star anyways has a cameo in the film and the makers didn't intend to mislead the audience. However now they are giving second thoughts and perhaps a new trailer prominently featuring Mohan Lal will be released".

Sunny's persona matches her Jism 2 role: Pooja Bhatt

Bollywood producer Pooja Bhatt believes that casting plays an important role in movie making, and an actor's personality must match the character one plays. And that, she says, is precisely the reason why she chose Indo-Canadian porn star Sunny Leone for the lead role in Jism 2.
"We have done authentic casting in Jism 2. We have taken Sunny Leone because we want a girl who plays that kind of part and persona," said Pooja on the sidelines of an event.
"It is very important that you cast authentically. Everyone talks about out-of-the-box casting but no one does it," added the the 39-year-old.
Pooja, who has made films like Zakhm, Jism and Paap, asserts that she likes to associate with people who are genuine.
"People talk about Zakhm and then go and watch Jism. The point is that we have decided to attach ourselves with only those who are audacious, be it Sunny Leone or anyone else; people who walk their talk and dare to stick their necks out," she said.
The actress-turned-filmmaker, daughter of Mahesh Bhatt, is currently busy with pre-production work of Jism 2, which will go on floors soon.
Two male actors are yet to be finalised for the film

Bipasha: Love is my biggest priority right now

Bipasha Basu and costar R Madhavan joined music composers Salim-Sulaiman and actor Omi Vaidya to launch thier film's music at West Inn in Goregaon, a western Mumbai suburb.

While playback singers Shafqat Amanat Ali, Shradh Pandit, Benny Dayal and Shilpa Rao sang songs from the film, other members of the film's cast -- Dipannita Sharma, Milind Soman [ and Mrinalini Sharma [  -- joined in with an impromptu jig.

But it was only when Bipasha Basu -- looking sensuous in a light-coloured sari -- walked in to the tune of her song titled Bipasha -- when things took a turn for the better.

When asked what true love means to her, newly-single Bipasha promptly said it means everything. "Love is my biggest priority right now. And it is not only looking for a partner, but love for and from everyone right from family members to friends and co-stars," she said with a smile.

"I am single now and enjoying all the attention," she added. 

Since her split with longtime beau John Abraham  last year, the actress has been linked with several costars including Rana Daggubati and Hollywood actor Josh Hartnett.

When asked who would be her ideal man like, she said, "He just has to be like Madhavan. He is a fabulous actor, a good human being and a great friend. He is into adventure sports, he likes to travel, he loves eating good food, has a great taste in movies and music; he just is the right person."

Madhavan returned the compliment. He said, "I thought of Bipasha as this exotically beautiful actress who carried the superstar persona throughout. I was relieved to find that she was so kind at heart and friendly. We got along so well."

Amy and I? Keep guessing: Prateik

Actor Prateik refuses to divulge whether rumours that he is dating his Ek Deewana Tha co-star Amy Jackson are true or not.
"Whether it is true or false, I think it is for me and Amy to know and for the whole world to keep guessing," the 25-year-old said at a promotional shoot of the Gautham Menon-directed film, releasing February 17.
Prateik and British model Amy have been spotted together at various occasions thanks to the movie's promotion, adding fuel to the fire about their relationship status. However, the only subject Prateik preferred to talk about was his character in the film.
"I am playing the character of a middle class Maharashtrian boy who is around 25 years of age and wants to become a film director. Then Amy's character enters his life and he falls in love at first sight and then he wants both the things. He wants to become a film director and get his love as well," said Prateik, who was last seen in My Friend Pinto.
The son of actor Raj Babbar and late actress Smita Patil, Prateik made his Bollywood debut with Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na in 2008. Since then, he has starred in films like Dhobi Ghat, Dum Maaro Dum and will be seen in the upcoming film, Aarakshan. He is also filming for Isaaq, an adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

Which Khan will it be in Gautham Menon's next?

It looks like director Gautham Vasudev Menon who is awaiting the release of 'Ekk Deewana Tha' (a remake of Tamil blockbuster Vinnaithandi Varuvaya) will be back with another remake shortly in B-town for grapevine is abuzz that his 2006 Tamil hit, 'Vettaiyaadu Villaiyaadu' will be remade in Hindi by him.

Gautham, who forayed in Hindi cinema with the dub of his Tamil film 'Minnale' as 'Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein', has reportedly confirmed this remake of his venture in Hindi and he is said to be toying with the idea of casting either Shahrukh Khan or Salman Khan in the lead role. Kamal Haasan played the lead in the Tamil original along with Jyothika.

'Vettaiyaadu Villaiyaadu', a crime thriller, was also dubbed in Telugu as 'Raghavan'. It revolves around a police officer as to how he solves a case that involves series of brutal rapes and murders.

Gautham currently has 'Ekk Deewana Tha', a trilingual and 'Yohan: Adhyayam Ondru' with Vijay in Tamil.

He'll soon be approaching both the Khans following which an official announcement will be made.

Lara Dutta delivers baby girl

Lara Dutta delivers baby girl

It was one of the most talked about Bollywood weddings that of actress Lara Dutta and tennis star Mahesh Bhupati. The couple, who tied the knot in Feb last year, have been the talk of the town ever since.

However, now adding that extra special touch to the beginning of 2012 for the couple is their new bundle of joy as Lara Dutta delivered a baby girl an hour back. An ecstatic Mahesh, who won his mixed doubles match at the Australian Open today itself, tweeted his joy saying, "ITS A GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! @DuttaLara. I Love u…

Neil Nitin Mukesh no more larger-than-life in Paidaar

It looks like the failure of Players has pulled Neil Nitin Mukesh back to earth. His maiden production Paidaarwhich Neil has co-scripted has gone into re-writing. The larger-than-life hero who seeks revenge against the villains, who kill his wife, has now been turned into a more reasonable average man on the street.

The decision to do away with the muscle-power inPaidaar was taken between producer-star Neil Nitin Mukesh and his co-writer and director Rohit Jugraj who threatened to walk out of the project if Neil insisted on playing the character as a romantic Rambo. 

Says a source, "Neil wanted to play the guy as a vendetta-seeking Romeo who transforms into a killing machine. Neil wanted to build his muscles and beef up, a la his 'bro' John Abraham. But Rohit Jugraj thought it a much better idea for Neil to play the character as an average regular Joe using his common sense to take on the criminals." 

Apparently, Neil was adamant and gave in only when Jugraj threatened to walk out of the project. 

On his 30th birthday on Sunday Neil admitted, "I am now playing a guy who is your working-class hero, no muscles and beefing up. Just a guy who wants revenge for wrongs done to him. Yes, Rohit is directing. I am very confident of his abilities." 

The film goes on the floors later this year. Neil has much reason to be happy on his 30th birthday. "I am doing the films that I like. I am single by choice. I don't want to get into the love zone until I can spare the time for my girl. One relationship went kaput because I was too busy making my career. To me a relationship is a serious business. I hate people who take it lightly. I'd expect my girl to make me her first priority, as I'd make her." 

Neil had a surprise birthday party waiting for him on Saturday night when he returned home from an awards function. "I had no idea about the get-together. When we reached home all my school friends, and my latest co-star Puja Gupta, were at home. I love birthdays." 

Deepika Padukone also dropped in to wish her friend Neil.

Bhatt versus Bhatt clash averted!

The clash between Mahesh Bhatt-Mukesh Bhatt and Vikram Bhatt's films has been averted! Last week, Mukesh Bhatt finally locked the release date of his forthcoming films -- BLOOD MONEY on 30 March and JANNAT-2 on 11 May. A few days later, while deciding on the release strategy of DANGEROUS ISHQ [in 3D] with Reliance, Vikram Bhatt felt that 11 May was the ideal date for his film. But the problem was Mukesh Bhatt had already decided to bring JANNAT-2 on that date. 

Instead of getting into a confrontation [like some film-makers do], Vikram Bhatt picked up the phone and requested Mukesh Bhatt to alter the release date of JANNAT-2. Fortunately for Vikram, Mukesh Bhatt obliged instantly and took the decision of bringing JANNAT-2 a week earlier, on 4 May, instantaneously. "The issue was solved within seconds. I am extremely thankful to Mukesh-ji for being so accommodating," Vikram says. 

JANNAT-2 is now slated for release on 4 May, while DANGEROUS ISHQ arrives on 11 May.

Back in theatres... with a bang!

THE DIRTY PICTURE ranks amongst the Blockbuster hits of 2011. The film set new records at the ticket window, shattered myths prevalent in the film industry and silenced the perpetual pessimists and naysayers who felt that movies based on film industry are jinxed. In fact, THE DIRTY PICTURE has had a dream run at the box-office; it's that rare film that withstood the opposition posed by films such as LADIES VS RICKY BAHL, DON 2, PLAYERS and four new films last week.

THE DIRTY PICTURE enters into 8th successful week in India today [Friday], a feat not many film can claim to achieve in today's times. What's noteworthy is the fact that the screen count of the film has increased three-fold, starting today. Last week, THE DIRTY PICTURE was being screened at around 45/50 screens, while the screen count has shot up to 150+ from today. 

One of the reasons for the multiplication of screens is that THE DIRTY PICTURE continues to attract ample footfalls at cineplexes. "Also, with THE DIRTY PICTURE winning/nominated for coveted awards, it was decided to capitalize on the tremendous mileage that it was getting already. Besides, there's no prominent release this week, so THE DIRTY PICTURE should benefit for this reason as well," Girish Johar, Head - Distribution & Acquisition, Balaji Motion Pictures states.

Vishal Dadlani nominated for Akon's song!

The music composer was in for a shock as his name was wrongly nominated in the Best Playback Singer category at two award events

Shah Rukh Khan almost burnt a hole in his pocket in the process of bringing down international R&B sensation Akon to sing for RA.One. But with the arrival of the awards season, guess whose benefiting the most from it?

Vishal Dadlani

It seems weird that the film's music composer Vishal Dalani has been nominated in the Best Playback Singer (Male) category for Chammak Challo. And that too, at two different upcoming award events.

 

A surprised Dadlani tweeted, "I have been nominated in the best playback singer category for Chammak Challo...wonder why?"

Akon

Interestingly, though composers Vishal and Shekhar delivered one of 2011's biggest hits through the SRK-Kareena number, the song was hard sold as Akon's first Bollywood number. 

Says a source, "The only thing that really stands out in the song apart from Kareena Kapoor's latka and jhatkas is Akon's nasal voice. 

He may not have been part of the video, but visuals of the singer recording the number with the composers and SRK were all over the place. So it's strange that the awards' jury can make such a ridiculous mistake."

However, Dadlani seems to be taking this in his stride. He kept away from any controversy saying, "No disrespect to the awards. They are run by friends and colleagues. It's an honest mistake. I was just setting the record straight."

'My wife is a better businessperson'

Sanjay Dutt says contrary to him, his wife has real aptitude for finance

Why are you missing from the Agneepath promotions?

I don't think so. I am going to be doing the interviews very soon. I am very excited about the film. I am getting such a positive feedback. It's funny that a villain (he plays Kaancha Cheena) is getting such an amazing feedback but I am so happy.

When is the Munnabhai triquel going on floors?

September.

It's been a while since Lage Raho Munnabhai came out. How do you plan to get into the skin of the character again?

I don't think it should be a problem. I will watch the film a couple of times just before the start of the shoot.

In a cricket crazy country like India, why are you planning to concentrate on martial arts?

People in India like watching action movies. This is a huge opportunity. I remember when Mike Tyson was fighting I was in jail at that time. I requested the authorities 'sir please mujhe ek din ke liye barracks main le chalo because I want to watch Mike's match on the TV'. As a result, Raj Kundra and I have got together to launch a martial arts venture.

You are a self-confessed bad businessman...

Yes, but fortunately my wife is not (smiles). One thing I love about Maanayata is that she never interferes in my matters and respects my decisions. When it's business I am clueless. All I know is that 10 plus 10 equals to 20. Raj who is aware of this said 'okay you stay out of it, I will coordinate with Maanayata.'

Cuban salsa for Salman and Katrina

The warm weather in the country is expected to soothe Salman Khan's neurological condition. Kat's presence should help too

After two back-to-back stage performances, Katrina Kaif is all set to leave for Cuba, where a month-long shooting schedule of Kabir Khan's Ek Tha Tiger has been planned.

While no Hindi film has ever been shot there before, buzz is that the location has been chosen keeping in mind Salman Khan's neurological condition. The weather there is warm and will not affect Salman's health.

A source close to the project says, "Salman's neuro-condition which is not fully cured, was aggravated when he shot in the freezing cold in Ireland for the film some months ago. Kabir likes to shoot in difficult locations."

Incidentally, Salman will be performing some of the most intricate stunts of his career there. Apparently, it is being said that Katrina will keep an eye out for her former beau as he continues with his daredevil stunts.

Says a friend of the actress, "Their relationship has now gone to another level where he continues to look out for her, and she for him. While they'll be shooting in Cuba she will be keeping an eye on his health."

When contacted, Katrina states, "I'll be gone for quite a while. I've never been to Cuba before. It sounds exciting."

Is 'Bipasha' inspired by Beyonce video?

Salim Merchant denies that Beyonce's sensational 2006 number 'Beautiful Liar' inspired their new track titled 'Bipasha'

Six years back when Beyonce and Shakira came together for the song Beautiful Liar, it was deemed as one of the hottest music videos ever produced. 


Bipasha Basu in the song titled 'Bipasha'

Now a song in Bipasha Basu's new film Jodi Breakers, named 'Bipasha' sounds way too 'inspired' by the number featuring the two international hotties.

We wonder why Salim-Sulaiman would create something that sounds way too similar to the English track, and not expect it to be noticed?

Says composer Salim Merchant, "I don't really know which song you are talking about, but what we have created is an original number. We make sure none of our music sounds similar to anyone else's. Even if it sounds similar, it will never be entirely the same."


Salim Merchant

On her part, Bipasha says, "A lot of people have been interested in using my name in songs, but I am very protective about it. But when Salim-Sulaiman came to me with this track I thought it would really work for the song. This is the first time my name has been used like this and it's very exciting."

Same-same?

The original English track goes..."Oh, Beyonce, Beyonce...Oh, Shakira, Shakira". The alleged copy in Jodi Breakers goes..." Oh Bipasha, Bipasha" in the same tune.

The official song is yet to be out, but we heard the number on Bips' birthday party video, which was recently leaked over the internet. 

Adds Bipasha, "All my friends are absolutely crazy about the song and we play it all the time." Ask her if she's aware of the Beyonce number and she says, "Oh really? I didn't know that."

Salim insists, "May be you should listen to the whole song first." The track will be out on television today. You can watch and decide!

Amitji’s presence added pressure

Considered one of the most controversial scenes in Bollywood, my toughest scene was the one where I had to lock lips with Katrina Kaif in Kaizad's Boom. This scene was difficult because Kaizad hated Katrina and had decided not to give our scene much time and attention. We were given just two hours to shoot the scene in an underwater aquarium at Hotel Burj Al Arab in Dubai. I thought it would be a good idea to rehearse the scene. And so, Katrina and I rehearsed the scene several times without Kaizad. While we were rehearsing, Amitabh Bachchan walked in to discuss his scene with Padma Lakshmi. Although Amitji encouraged me and gave me advice since it was my first romantic scene, his presence on the sets added to the pressure.  While shooting the intimate scene, Kaizad suddenly said, 'This scene is not working for me. Katrina, I want you to slide over the table, grab Gulshan and kiss him.' I froze because this was not part of the plan. It's only after the confident Katrina rehearsed the scene a few times, did I calm down and could finally shoot the scene.

Kareena between the Khan-daan

Who needs a phone or internet, when you can have Kareena Kapoor for a messenger?  And that's exactly what the actress has been to the bhanja-mama jodi, Aamir and Imran. Both the actors have reportedly been so pre-occupied with their respective films that they haven't had anytime to catch up with each other.  Imran, who was busy shooting for Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu last year, is currently involved in the film's promotions. And Aamir has been consumed with work on Talaash. Since Kareena is working on both projects, a source close to the actress revealed that she has been the bearer of news about Imran to Aamir and vice versa. "Imran always ends up inquiring about his mamujaan and Kareena happily gives him all the updates. And likewise on the sets of Talaash, Aamir wants to what his bhanja has been up to," said the source.

Neil out, Irrfan in

Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster 2 needed an older actor, claim the filmmakers Director Tigmanshu Dhulia's Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster 2 may indeed be the fastest sequel to go on floors in recent times. However on the casting side, the story is a bit different. We hear Neil Nitin Mukesh, who was originally cast in the role of gangster in part 2 (as reported by Mumbai Mirror on December 28, 2011), has now been replaced by Irrfan Khan. Reason: "We felt that the script required an older actor. Neil would have been nice, and he was very excited to be part of the film. However, it was a creative decision that we took. We would love to work with Neil in the future," explained producer Rahul Mitra.  Talking about the film, Mittra said, "Irrfan's character is also from a royal family and takes great pride in the fact. However there are twists and turns, and he lands up in the haveli where the saheb and biwi live." Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster, which garnered rave reviews, had Jimmy Sheirgill and Mahie Gill in the role of saheb and biwi, respectively, while Randeep Hooda essayed the role of the gangster, who dies in the end. "Although Randeep died in part 1, we're bringing him back in the sequel. The reason for the sequel is that the audience wants to see how the story will move forward, and it makes great business sense," Mittra added. The best part is that Irrfan and Tigmanshu are back together after a long gap since Haasil and Charas.

do not owe Salman any money

Producer Vijay Galani, who has been banned from filmmaking by FWICE until he settles his dispute with Salman Khan over remuneration for the 2010 film Veer, breaks his silence to Mumbai Mirror, rubbishing the actor’s claims

Vijay Galani was reportedly accused of not paying Salman Khan Rs 15 crore for the actor's role in his 2010 production, Veer. Mumbai Mirror had reported on December 2, 2010 that Salman decided to take the issue against the producer to FWICE (Federation of Western IndiaCine Employees). Following which, FWICE passed a non-cooperation directive against Galani, which implies that he cannot make another film in Bollywood until he resolves the dispute with Salman (Mumbai Mirror, January 18, 2012). However, after being bound to these terms and conditions, Galani has finally broken his silence on the matter.

Galani told Mumbai Mirror, "Unnecessarily, people have accused me of not paying Salman his dues. I do not owe Salman any money at all. I am clean. I know what I am saying. I have kept quiet for too long. Not anymore though."

 According to Galani, he has crossed paths with Salman at least seven to eight times since the film's release, but the actor has never broached the subject. "Why doesn't Salman talk to me if he has a problem? You know what, I have met him at least seven to eight times in the past and he has never mentioned anything about an outstanding payment for Veer. Yes, I know he has lodged a complaint against me in FWICE. So what? He doesn't have the papers to prove that I have to give him any money," added Galani.

 Not only is Galani lashing out at Salman's supposedly unsubstantiated claims, but the filmmaker is also upset with FWICE's non-cooperation directive. Galani explained, "FWICE is not authorised to pass any non-cooperation directive against anybody, unless they are associated with AMTPP (Association of Motion Pictures Producers' Association). In my case, I am not a member of the AMTPP."

When contacted, FWICE President, Dharmesh Tiwari, simply said, "No comments."