OUT OF WORK- Ghajini Villian

Pradeep Rawat, the man who played the main villain in Bollywood’s biggest money spinner ever ‘Ghajini’ is finding difficulty in getting plum roles post the film’s release. Well, its because of his striking resemblance with Vipin Sharma, the man who played Darsheel Safary’s dad in ‘Taare Zameen Par’. In a light hearted conversation with Vipin, he made a mention of their similar looks confusing people not just from outside the industry but even within the industry.
Laughs Vipin, "I had never met Pradeep earlier but through some common friends, I finally met him about a week ago. Imagine seeing someone in flesh and blood who just comes across as your mirror image. Of course he has a heavier built than me but still our faces do resemble a lot. He is an amazing guy and we both got along so well right away."
Vipin immediately sounded Pradeep about the compliments that were coming his way instead post the blockbuster success of ‘Ghajini’.
"Soon after the release of ‘Ghajini’, I started getting emails and messages stating that I did a great job. The moment I realized that it was Pradeep (who had played the part of Deva in ‘Lagaan’) with whom they were mistaking me, I cracked up laughing. I browsed through his other images on the internet and it seemed almost surreal see two people being so similar."
On hearing this anecdote, Pradeep too started to laugh. "He said in jest that no wonder he was not getting any calls for roles in films because everyone was instead busy complimenting Vipin."
However, Vipin’s isn’t an isolated case. When ‘Taare Zameen Par’, his first Hindi film, had released a year back, people were busy congratulating Pradeep.
"Call it poetic justice but we both seem to be reveling in each other’s glory", winks Vipin, "It started happening after the release of ‘Taare Zameen Par’. I would meet people who said that they liked me in ‘Lagaan’ also. When I said that I wasn’t in that film, many thought that I was joking. Some didn’t believe me at all and others were plain confused as they struggled to remember that where had they seen me elsewhere."
Incidentally Aamir Khan too plays a common element to both the actors. While Vipin made his Bollywood debut with ‘Taare Zameen Par’ (and since then has worked in ‘Jannat’, ‘1920' and ‘Lamhaa’ - which is currently being shot), Pradeep has been an almost regular with the actor with films like ‘Sarfarosh’, ‘Lagaan’ and ‘Ghajini’. Incidentally, these have been Pradeep’s last three Bollywood films as well and he is yet to sign a new film.

BIG B praises Ranbir Kapoor

If Amitabh Bachchan showers accolades on someone then it is a great credit and fortunately Ranbir Kapoor is the luckiest one who has walked away with all the praises from Big B. Amitabh is a great admirer of Ranbir and he is happy to see him growing day by day.

'He (Ranbir Kapoor) has shaped up so well in his career so far and with such ease and rapidity. Cannot imagine he was assisting Sanjay Leela Bhansali as an AD (assistant director) on 'Black',' Amitabh posted on his blog www.bigb.bigadda.com.

'He and Sonam Kapoor were assistants on the set together. And now look at them. Big stars in their own right. Feels so wonderful to watch how this generation grows and accomplishes itself,' he added.

It’s a wonderful feeling to have personalities like Amitabh Bachchan as fan, isn’t Ranbir.

SRK doesnt like a pat on the back

Now that he has got a shoulder surgery done, superstar Shah Rukh Khan doesn’t like it when someone pats on his back. Recently, when actress Deepika Padukone tried to catch up with the actor to find out about his health post surgery, SRK’s wife reportedly messaged her saying that he doesn’t like to get a pat on his back now.

Deepika said, “I did get a message from Gauri saying he was in a lot of pain and wasn’t in the state to meet anyone. He doesn’t like a pat on the back. He’s a fighter and a go-getter and an operation is just another day in his life.”

Honeymoon trip cancelled-Amrita Arora

Amrita and Shakeel cancelled their honeymoon trip to Mexico due to excessive drug violence in the country. Mexico was the choice of Amrita but unfortunately she had to drop her plan on looking at the unsafe scenario of the country. Western beauty and spicy cuisine fascinated Amrita to choose Mexico.

A source close to Amrita says, "Amu and Shakeel had planned a 15-day honeymoon. They were to leave on March 14, go to New York and head to Mexico from there. However, due to escalating drug violence in the last week, their plans stand cancelled. Amrita has been to most European cities, so she wanted to either go to Mexico or Hawaii places she's never been to before."

Their families have been debarring them from going to Mexico. "Finally yesterday, both Shakeel and Amu decided they would fly to New York and then go to Hawaii or some other place rather than risk their lives going to Mexico."

After shooting for Pantaloon campaign, the duo will head to New York. Marriage has not put a full stop on Amrita’s career. After enjoying honeymoon, she will shoot for Sajid Nadiadwala's Kambakht Ishq and Season's Greetings.

SRK-- back to work

'My Name Is Khan' is a much awaited film of the year as after a long time SRK and Kajol's pair will ablaze the silver screen.

King Khan who is resting at home following shoulder surgery will get back to work very soon. If sources are to be believed, he will resume shooting from March 19 with Karan Johar’s film, 'My Name Is Khan' opposite versatile Kajol. Since Shahrukh Khan has undergone surgery very recently, he will not risk his health and will shoot scenes that requires no stress and strain. He will shoot the light moments and will keep the fight sequences for the later.

Karan Johar answered in a diplomatic way when questioned on Shahrukh's return, he said, “All I’ll say is SRK’s health is of utmost importance. Films will come and go. He needs to be well.”

‘My Name Is Khan’ is a joint project of Shahrukh and Karan. “I tend to go a bit crazy with money. SRK is an active producer. It’s an important film for both me and SRK. Again, it’s an emotional bonding. This was a film I wanted to make with and for SRK. I want it to be an endeavor that should take both of us forward together", said Karan Johar.

YET ANOTHER RIVALRY

After winning the Filmfare best actress award for her role in Fashion, things are not hunky dory for Priyanka Chopra on another level. Known for her usually restrained image and ever so politically correct statements, Priyanka rubbed Aishwarya Rai Bachchan the wrong way while giving her thank you speech after she received the award.
This incident follows Priyanka's fallout with once-upon-a-time good friend Abhishek Bachchan who too is upset with Priyanka for wanting to groove to the same song ('Ma da laadla' from Dostana), which he had selected for the same function.
Priyanka had said that she felt honoured to have won the award after being nominated with the likes of beautiful Aishwarya( Jodha Akbar) and talented Kajol (U, Me aur Hum). Aishwarya’s grudge comes from the fact that while Priyanka praised Kajol for acting; she chose to keep the Bachchan bahu in beautiful category only. Sources present on the occasion say that Aishwarya was seen losing her cool on the matter for the first time; otherwise she is generally sport to such comments or rivalries. An actor who was present at the function said, on condition of anonymity, "Priyanka should have chosen her words carefully. How can Priyanka sideline Aishwarya's acting abilities?"

"Aishwarya rarely loses her cool. But this time, she did. She is mighty upset with Priyanka," added our source. The buzz doing the rounds is that it might have something to do with Abhishek-Priyanka tussle at the same award function. In fact, Abhishek wanted to perform on ‘Ma da ladla’ number from ‘Dostana’, but Priyanka had already selected that number and this created friction between them. A source quotes; "Priyanka selected the track first. Later, Abhishek also wanted the same song. As he was performing after a long time, he wanted to get jiggy on this particular track.” With Abhishek to not willing to budge, Priyanka decided to take the high road and let go of her act. May be it added to Ash’s displeasure with Priyanka and she could not take anymore from her, when Priyanka ignored her acting talent on stage.

Priyanka was in Delhi recently for work over the weekend we tried to clear the rumours of her fall out with good friends Ash- Abhi, and since it was the weekend – time for some chhutti for most people – we asked if she went around the city afterwards.

“I keep coming to Delhi, but almost always, I’m here for work. I can never really go out on personal visits – I don’t have much of a personal life anyway,” says the actress.

That’s sad. But then, she’s also working a lot – having bagged the Filmfare award for her role in Fashion, she’s now working on Vishal Bhardwaj’s Kaminey. But is it true that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was upset with her for calling Kajol ‘talented’ and Ash just ‘beautiful’ in her acceptance speech? “I don’t think Aishwarya said anything about being upset with me. I admire her as an actor and she’s like an icon today. She’s brought Indian cinema international recognition. She’d never say something like that,” says Priyanka.

That said, this was among the few controversies that PC was dragged into. How come she isn’t involved in too many? Isn’t that boring? “Yeah, I prefer not to get into anybody else’s business. I am also a little diplomatically correct always. But I don’t keep my opinion to myself either. If I feel strongly about an issue, I speak my mind and that’s important,” she says.

But on her the subject of her co-stars, Priyanka is still diplomatic. On Harman, with whom she’s now doing What’s Your Raashi, she says, “Harman has and will always be a great friend.” And on Shahid Kapur, with whom she’s doing Kaminey and with whom she’s been linked as well, she says, “I prefer not to give out any more unnecessary details that add to these stories. I’ll talk about my role – I play a college going, 20-year-old girl, Sweety. The character is really interesting and is a Maharashtrian. I don’t know Marathi at all and I really had to work hard for that.”

All right, then, what about her nickname, Piggy Chops – does she dislike it? “That’s so not true. I love the name and I think it’s different and unique. Abhishek Bachchan named me that and I find it quite cute. It is just that the ‘Piggy’ part of the name mystifies me – I’m hardly a pig!” she laughs.

PRIYANKA gets SMOOCHY

The latest dope is that the sexy damsel, Priyanka Chopra, has done a kissing scene in Vishal Bhardwaj’s ‘Kaminey’, in which she plays a Maharashtrian mulgi.

A unit hand informs us that though Shahid Kapur and Priyanka Chopra have great on-screen chemistry, Priyanka wasn’t happy when director Vishal Bhardwaj informed her about the kissing scene. But since that scene forms an important part of the film, director Bhardwaj got Priyanka’s nod.

It can be recalled that Priyanka refused to kiss beau Harman in his debut movie ‘Love Story 2050’. Later, her kissing scene with Arjan Bajwa for Madhur Bhandarkar’s ‘Fashion’ got Harman furious. But we are sure Priyanka’s lip lock with Shahid in Kaminey will not have Harman fuming any more… after all the two have split gracefully and have gone their own separate ways.

So after her swimsuit show in ‘Dostana’, Piggy Chops makes the headlines once again with yet another smoldering bold act!

PRIYANKA - AN EMERGING BRAND

Priyanka Chopra has been endorsing a lot of brands.Her diverse brand protfolio includes Nokia, Tag Heuer, Ponds, Lux and Hero Honda. Priyanka is also known to be the most viewed celebrity second to King Khan as far as her endorsements are concerned.

Apart from that she has has had six major releases in the year 2008 which included Love Story 2050, God Tussi Great Ho, Chamku, Drona, Fashion and Dostana.
The actress has been refusing a lot of endorsements and wants to sign the correct brands and not overexpose herself now.

Percept Talent Management, a leading talent management conglomerate which exclusively handles Priyanka’s work says that along with Priyanka they have selected right brands for her where she was not overexposed at the same time giving her the right edge.

Manish Porwal, CEO, Percept Talent Management says “We are undoubtedly excited that we have been able to partner Priyanka to reach this slot. The results have been visible. What we need to keep in mind is that her career is not static.

We have carefully chosen all her associations and they are fairly visible not overexposed. Today she is the number one name as far as endorsements are concerned.”

He further adds. “We have kept a fine balance as female artistes have a very low shelf life. Hence she has to make most while the sun shines. Not having too less or too much more. We try and use her appropriately for the right brands and she gives her clients much more than their demands.”

Apart from the brand endorsement, Priyanka is now looking forward to five releases this year including What’s your Raashee, Pyar Impossible, Kameeney, Don 2, and Bekasoor.

INTERNATIONAL FEVER

Still as far as Duggu is concerned, it’s understandable since he’s quite the emperor ( especially after the many acting awards for ‘Jodhaa Akbar’) here.
After the Slumdog success and huge international coverage, every second Bollywood actor has been aiming to go international.
And Hrithik Roshan seems to be one of them. However he maintains that he’s not really courting international success as such.


And he was also just selected by Forbes among the half a dozen Bollywood actors who have a name in Hollywood. Though his favorite female co-star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan beat him to it, he’s happy about it.

He says he was delighted and surprised when he was recognized on the streets in the US while shooting for ‘Kites’.

He’s said in an interview, "That was a change. It makes me feel good to see our films are crossing borders. At a bank in the US when you’re withdrawing money you are delighted to realize that the person on other end of the counter knows who you are. Or salesgirls at shops…they recognize you and go, ‘Are you…? And when you tell them, they go, ‘Wow’ …yeah it feels good."

He’s added, "I haven’t set any goals for myself as such. I just want to keep evolving as an actor and a person. That’s the only mission in my career. If Kites takes me international, I’ll be happy."

Interestingly Hrithik’s Spanish speaking co-star Barbara Mori has gone unrecognized in Mumbai, while attending fashion shows and walking the Fashion Street.

Well, it shows she’s not a big star. We wonder if with a co-star like that, ‘Kites’ will do it internationally for Hrithik or not! Let’s wait and watch.

Katrina Left Out..?

One surprise miss though was actress Katrina Kaif! What was even more surprising was the fact that none of her fellow actors seemed to miss her at all. Missing her was one thing but not mentioning her was a bit of a stretch.The star casts of the film ‘Blue’ held a press conference to unveil the movie. The whole cast including Australian pop diva Kylie Minogue were present.Seems like even Akki forgot his luck charm!

Red chillies Couple...

Shah Rukh Khan the icon of all who are aspiring to work in the film industry, is known for his acting skills, but he's not all too hard on the eyes either! His suave style, head full of dark locks, light eyes and infamous dimples make him a fantasy man for women across the world, but alas he's a taken man. Shah Rukh’s been married to Gauri Khan for nearly 18 years! The two met way before Shah Rukh Khan was the superstar that he is today. Now we're not here to bash her looks or anything, but ever since Shah Rukh Khan has become famous people have always questioned whether Gauri was a hot enough match for one of the biggest stars in Bollywood.

Okay, so she may not be the most gorgeous girl on the planet, and the couple may not always match, but the chemistry the two share is undeniable. And while she may not have movie star good looks, Gauri Khan has hit the Mumbai fashion scene in full force. In fact, Gauri Khan used to be Shah Rukh's costume designer in his earlier films (we're talking the days before Manish Malhotra and Karan Johar!). It seems the fashion bug bit her as she's often spotted out and about in the chicest clothing and designer labels, and when Shah Rukh Khan is your husband you can afford it! But the first lady of Bollywood is making some of her own moolah, as part-owner and producer of Shah Rukh's entertainment company, Red Chilies Entertainment.

Khans come together

The biggest stars of Hindi films who haven't been able to see eye-to-eye are brought
under the same roof for the first time after their ugly spat during Katrina Kaif’s last birthday.The event was Amrita Arora’s sangeet ceremony.But to everyone’s surprise, they behaved like two strangers. Neither did they exchange pleasantaries nor did they look at each other.

No one actually expected Shahrukh Khan and Gauri at the sangeet as it was reported earlier that they would not attend any wedding function of Amrita. But when the duo stepped in at midnight, they raised many eyebrows.

Though Salman and Shahrukh were at the same place, they avoided any sort of interaction. SRK was busy with his pals and Salman in his own world. They did not exchange greetings.

"Shah Rukh left after half an hour, while Gauri stayed back with her pals Kaajal Anand, Bhavna Pandey and Seema Khan," said the eyewitness.

According to a source, "Salman was to attend only Amu's wedding, as he was shooting in Jaipur. But Malaika persuaded him to stay back for the sangeet”.

Their activities showed that the hostility between them hasn't died down yet. At the middle of the party, Salman left in an auto rickshaw while Katrina stayed back.

Salman in London Dreams

Sallu Bhai's forthcoming film ‘London Dreams’, that has been kept under wraps for long with neither the actors nor the directors willing to divulge about the film, is touted to be the remake of Hollywood flick ‘Amadeus’.

Grapevine has it that the film that stars Salman, Ajay and Asin in lead roles in an-out-an- out copy of ‘Amadeus’. Based on the lives of 2 musicians, Wolfang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri, the Hollywood hit is set against the 18th century.

What’s interesting is Salman plays the role of music maestro Mozart while Ajay essays the role of Salieri. The film begins with Ajay narrating the story of their friendship that lived long enough to be turned into bitter rivalry.

Adding the Indian touch, Vipul has changed the background of the film with Salman and Ajay hailing from Punjab. They later go to London to realise their dreams.

Well, Salman playing Mozart is sure to make the music prodigy turn in his grave.

Ash- encounter with ex

Ashwarya Rai Bachchan had a tough time at the Filmfare Awards night.

Undoubtedly, when ex lovers meet, fireworks can be heard from distant and if the separated couples are prominent personalities like the Bachchan bahu, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Vivek Oberoi, bombardment are sure to take place. Similar kind of jhatkas has been experienced when Ash came across her ex lover Vivek Oberoi at the Filmfare Awards night.

Ash encountered with Vivek when he was giving bites to the media. In order to avoid Vivek, Ash who was accompanied by hubby Abhishek Bachchan did not step out of their car and both were seen chatting inside the car creating an impression as if she had not seen him.

Though Vivek was busy with his activities, he was aware of the fact that Ash was trying to avoid him. As if he was ignorant of the entire affair, Vivek walked in. Soon after he entered, Ash and Abhi went inside. Vivek did not stay there for long and left the venue soon.

Ash tries to pretend smart but she does not know that there are people smarter than her that follows their every movement.

MR. Perfectionist

After a slate of serious, romantic and message driven films,Mr. Perfectionist, Aamir Khan is all set to produce and also act in an out and out comedy to be written and directed by Neeraj Vora. Most of Aamir’scomedies have been big hits and from long time his fans have been dying to see him do a comic role again.

According to the reliable sources, ”Neeraj Vora who has written super hit comedies right from RANGEELA to HERA PHERI and directed PHIR HERA PHERI is an old friend of Aamir Khan. He had recently approached Aamir with a comedy script. And so impressed was Aamir on hearing about the script & his role in the film that he immediately volunteered to produce it under his banner. Vora was left speechless with joy as he had never expected such a thing coming from Mr. Perfectionist for him.”

Not many are aware that the recent Tata Sky commercial where Aamir has dressed up partially as a male and partially as female is directed by Neeraj. Their association goes long back for more than a decade now. Neeraj had even acted as Aamir’s best friend in MANN. Neeraj who directed two films till date, Akshay Kumar starrer KHILADI 420 and HERA PHERI sequel PHIR HERA PHERI is presently working on FAMILYWALA starring Arjun Rampal and Dia Mirza and Anil Kapoor’s home production SHORTKUT - THE CON IS ON starring Akshaye Khanna, Amrita Rao and Arshad Warsi. His Aamir starrer will most probably go on floors in early 2010.

Presently three of Aamir Khan Productions’ films are underway. Starting with DELHI BELLY starring nephew Imran Khan, DHOBI GHAT being directed by his wife Kiran Rao starring Prateik Babbar and a film on farmer suicides starring Aamir himself and Raghuveer Yadav alongside.

God of Love-Shahrukh khan

Sexiest and the gorgeous star in Bollywood, King khan is all set for his new movie.

The latest bit of rumour says the superstar plays the God of love in the Vivek Vaswani-produced film which has been in the making for god knows how long! SRK doesn’t play a naked winged boy with bow and arrow in hands. He rather plays a serene God of love who even indulges in some stunts.

It can be recalled that while shooting one of these stunts, SRK injured his shoulder and had to recently undergo a surgery at a Mumbai hospital.
However, SRK doesn’t play a central role in ‘Dulha Mil Gaya’. He’s not even second fiddle to the lead hero Fardeen Khan .

Sources say SRK has just a guest appearance that’s restricted to a few scenes and a song that’s yet to be shot on SRK, Fardeen and the film’s leading lady, Sushmita Sen .

The film got stuck on floors after producer Vivek Vaswani increased SRK’s role from a cameo to a full-fledged one, much to the dismay of the superstar who’s apparently doing the film for free since Vaswani is, or at least was, his friend.

Love life of Saif Ali Khan

The lover boy has been in news for his passionate love story with Kareena Kapoor entire 2008. But, it looks like with the New Year, Saif has new priorities set for himself. The actor has become more serious with his forthcoming film made under his own production house, along with director Imitiaz Ali.

Though, the shoot was progressing smoothly, Saif and Imitiaz were looking out for a perfect title for the film that could be a perfect blend of modern culture. The good news is that they have finalised on the title Love Aaj Kal that qualifies all their standards.

The film would portray Saif in a never like before avatar of a Sikh, romancing the hot actress Deepika Padukone in the female lead.

No HOLI for the Bachchans..

Amitabh Bachchan is one of the actors who is admired by all. His sympathy and love for all wins each one's heart.
This year, Amitabh Bachchan has said that he will refrain from celebrating Holi in remembrance of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
The Bachchans have been giving a miss to Holi for last several years. While in the past the reasons for not celebrating have been personal, this year the elite family of Bollywood feels the spirit of the festival of spring has been dampened by the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai.

"That joyous spirit has been dampened by the atrocities that our city faced on 26/11. In its wake somewhere inside us there is a reluctance to involve ourselves in any kind of exhibition. Professional work is understandable, but private excesses do not find favor in our hearts," Big B wrote in his blog.

Aamir's Rivalry

He is a highly acclaimed and a prominent National Film Award-winning film actor, producer and director. He is the talk of the town.

‘Aamir Khan’ is the name we hear very often these days. Be it the promotions of his forthcoming film- Ghajini or direct and indirect remarks on his rival Shah Rukh Khan- the hot actor with 8 packs has made news with everything he has done.

Get ready for yet another piece of news about Mr. Perfectionist and SRK. After being two hours late at the Van Heusen fashion show, Aamir Khan had a gala time answering the questions by media. In fact, it looked like it was the best opportunity for him to reply to Shah Rukh’s overflowing superiority complex, witnessed at the cover page inauguration function of Filmfare magazine recently. Apart from that, Aamir was seen complimenting and appreciating the hot hunk Salman Khan to the fullest.

Though the actor gave it back to SRK with his witty answer, we still think that Aamir is a mere follower of trends set by the top actors of Bollywood. Watch the video to know how.

Shahrukh in top 50 of most powerful personality

“I am humbled, but at the same time I realise the power of Asians around the world... just by their love for my work they have changed the perception of an Indian actor. Wow!”,is the expression by Shahrukh khan after he was elected in top 50 of most powerful personalities on earth.Bollywood Badshah Shah Rukh Khan, shooting in LA for My Name is Khan, was amazed to find himself counted among the world’s 50 Most Powerful People in a poll that also lists Sonia Gandhi from India and is topped by President-elect Barack Obama from the US. “What have I done to deserve this,” asked SRK who is placed at No 41, ahead of the Dalai Lama and American TV high priestess Oprah Winfrey. But, the actor truly believed the Dalai Lama and Oprah do a lot more good for people around the world than he does. And he promised to touch more lives in a positive way from now on. “Haule haule ho jayega,” said Shah Rukh. Power to him meant the ability to live a life of happiness on his own terms. “Where honesty and goodness need not be sacrificed to make a livelihood, where you have the freedom to be compassionate to all without worrying how your status will be affected, where you know that you can face your God with head held high.” He also admitted Sonia Gandhi deserved to be in the power list more than anybody. “A lone woman in an alien land doing so much for the country...” he said. But then Shah Rukh Khan also thought every common man who rides in a bullock-cart, who takes a bus or train to work, who celebrates every festival with so much happiness for so little, deserved to be in the power list. “I think 1.2 billion Indians deserve to be there before me. Perhaps, I stand up for these billion Indians, I’m just the representative of all of us... not actually the powerful one.”