Bollywood Celebrities Gossip: November 2010

Friday, November 5, 2010

Amrita Rao walks the ramp for girl child

Mumbai, (IANS) Bollywood actress Amrita Rao walked the ramp in a red bridal outfit as the showstopper for designer Archana Kochhar's show at the Aamby Valley India Bridal Week (AVIBW), which was dedicated to NGO Nanhi Kali that works for the girl child.

'Today the collection was dedicated to Nanhi Kali. It is a charity that looks into the issues of a girl child. So when we are doing a show for brides, I thought that they all emerged from 'nanhi kalis' and its very important to create awareness about them so we did this show in association with this NGO,' Archana told IANS.

The collection, which was an amalgamation of three lines, saw Amrita walking down the ramp wearing a heavy, red lehenga coupled with a long red sheer coat.

Asked why she roped in Amrita, the designer said: 'It was a pleasure having Amrita as the showstopper. She is a very dear friend and I love having her as my showstopper. I love the way she carries her clothes and also the aura.'

The actress too was excited to walk the ramp dressed as a bride.

'Being an actress I'm not professionally qualified to walk on the ramp but I have always enjoyed this experience. Though you are nervous as a turkey backstage, I think it's the sheer idea of entering into another territory that excites me,' said Amrita.

The actress added that she was happy that the show was in association with an NGO for the girl child.

'When we do something for entertainment but is also done for a good cause, then one feels very good. I'm really happy to be part of this,' she added.

The collection was called 'gulal', 'genda' and 'gehna', which are all part of a wedding in India.

The first segment of the show displayed garments in the colours of 'gulal' - red and pink. The second segment was inspired by 'genda' (marigold) and hence yellow and orange as colours were used. Then the final section was 'gehna' (ornaments) so the whole line was gold in colour and was embellished by red and green resembling rubies and emeralds.

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Justin Bieber thinks he's uncool

London, (IANS) Singer Justin Bieber doesn't understand why he is so popular with fans because he thinks he is uncool.

'I'm not even that cool, like seriously. What is so cool like that you freak out. These girls crying, it's like I can't believe that, I'm so honoured that you're crying but, I don't know, it's crazy to me,' femalefirst.co.uk quoted him as saying.

The 16-year-old singer, who recently released his autobiography 'First Step 2 Forever', hopes to be an inspiration to people.

'I wanted something with my own words. to describe what I'm going through and describe how I got here. I want people to look up to me, I want people to say, 'You know, I look up to you.'

The singer said his fans will be surprised by how 'funny' his book is.

'The humour in it, it's just funny, it's fun. There are so many surprises in here that you're just going to be like, 'What?' and a lot of things people don't know about me.'

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Witherspoon caught in action with beau

Los Angeles, (IANS) Hollywood actress Reese Witherspoon and her beau Jim Toth were spotted being 'adorable and affectionate' at a halloween bash in Los Angeles.

According to a source, the duo were having a great time, reports people.com.

The couple drank Don Julio margaritas throughout the night and chatted with Toth's work friends. For the Halloween bash, Witherspoon was dressed as a Harajuku girl while Toth dressed like a punk.

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DiCaprio to play serial killer

Los Angeles, Nov 2 (IANS) Actor Leonardo DiCaprio is all set to play a serial killer in 'The Devil in the White City'.

The movie is based on author Erik Larson's non-fiction book which has sold 2.3 million copies and has been translated into 17 languages. DiCaprio will play H.H. Holmes, who murdered around 200 people, mostly single young women, reports variety.com.

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Mariah Carey plans Christmas concert

London, IANS) Singer Mariah Carey will be flaunting her baby bump on the American small screen at a Christmas special show in December.

Carey, who went public about her first pregnancy with husband Nick Cannon last week, will make an appearance on a planned ABC television special called 'Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas to You', reports people.com.

The 'Hero' hitmaker will perform hits and songs from her upcoming album, 'Merry Christmas II You'. The show will air Dec 13.

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Guns N' Roses guitarist calls off divorce

London, (IANS) Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash has called off his divorce - four months after announcing the split from wife Perla Ferrar.

The 45-year-old guitarist, whose real name is Saul Hudson, has put in a request for dismissal of the divorce papers he had filed at the Los Angeles Superior Court, reports dailymail.co.uk.

As a show of unity, Slash and Perla took their two children trick or treating for Halloween over the weekend and both were wearing their wedding rings.

The papers, which cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split, were filed two months ago with the date of separation listed as July 15 this year.

Slash had been seeking joint physical and legal custody of the children but his representative confirmed that the divorce had been called off Tuesday morning.

--India-Asian News Service

ris/pm

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Ricky Martin cried after revealing sexuality

London, (IANS) Latin singer Ricky Martin says he cried 'like a baby' after admitting that he is a gay.

The 'She Bangs' singer says he felt relieved after ending speculation about his sexuality in a Twitter posting in March this year, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

'When I realised, 'Ok, I just pressed send, whoo'. I was alone. I was in my studio alone for a minute. My assistant walked in and I just started crying like a little baby. I started crying,' said Martin.

The 38-year-old star - who has two-year-old twin sons Valentino and Matteo with a surrogate mother, decided to reveal he is gay for the sake of of his children.

'I couldn't take it anymore. It was too painful. But I guess the most important thing is my children. When I was holding them in my arms I was like, 'What? Am I gonna teach them how to lie?' Whoa, that is my blessing right there.

'Then, when I was holding my children I said, 'Okay, it's time to tell the world.',' the singer told Oprah Winfrey in an interview, to be aired on US TV.

Martin also delves into the details of his sexuality in his new autobiography 'Me'.

'Since I can remember, I have felt a very strong attraction to other men and, although I can say that I have also come to feel a lot of attraction and a lot of chemistry towards women, it is men who ultimately awaken what is instinctive, the animal in me,' he wrote in his book.

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Plays are platform to test run scripts: Vipul Shah

New Delhi, (IANS) Vipul Shah loves bringing plays to the silver screen and he is doing the same with his new film 'Action Replayy'. The hit Bollywood filmmaker feels it is a successful proposition as theatrical productions are a testing ground for scripts.

'I have been adapting my plays for the screen. My first play that was adapted into a movie was 'Aankhen'. Then I adapted Aatish Kapadia's play as 'Waqt',' Shah told IANS in a telephonic interview from Mumbai.

'The 'Action Replayy' script was with me for a long time. I was not finding the right budget to do it. I finally had the technology and budget to make a film of this kind; so I decided to do it,' he added.

Has taking plays to celluloid become a fascination?

'No. I just pick up these scripts because these are what I believe in. I believe that if these are presented first on stage, they can achieve greater success and greater heights as movies. It is not a new trend. It has been so the world over. Films have been adapted either from books or from plays.

'And plays already make a good platform for the test run of a script. You already know the parts that have been loved by the audience and appreciated. So it's very easy to adapt these into a film,' he said.

Theatre is his first love, but movies have kept him busy for years. Recently he returned to the stage after a gap of 14 years with 'Bas Itna Sa Khwab', his fifth theatrical work. Starring his actress wife Shefali in the lead, it is a Hindi version of the famous Marathi play 'Dhyanimani'.

'Action Replayy', on the other hand, has been based on his 1994 Gujarati play by the same name.

Penned by Kapadia and with Akshay Kumar and Aishwarya Rai in the lead, it is a time-travel comedy capturing Mumbai in the 1970s. Produced and directed by Shah, it also stars Neha Dhupia, Randhir Kapoor and Rajpal Yadav in pivotal roles. It is releasing Friday.

So are there any sci-fi elements in the movie to support the time travel?

'No. It is fantasy, not science fiction. That's the biggest difference. Indian audiences are not very keen to see science fiction. Fantasies work. If I have to give a reference point to 'Action Replayy', it would be 'Mr. India', which was not a sci-fi but a fantasy,' said Shah.

' 'Action Replayy' is a fantasy in the world of romantic comedy and a romantic comedy in the world of fantasy. It is about what happens if you get an opportunity to relive your life. The film starts in 2010 and goes back in the 1970s,' he added.

Romantic comedies are Shah's forte - he gave hits like 'Namastey London' and 'Singh Is Kinng' with his favourite actor Akshay.

'Camaraderie with Akshay has grown with time and it has become bigger and better. I hope to continue my relationship with Akshay and make some really fantastic cinema with him.'

With 'Action Replayy', the filmmaker presents Akshay and Aishwarya for the first time as a romantic couple.

'In 'Khakee' (2004), they were not a romantic pair, but in this film they will be romancing each other. They bring a lot of freshness and terrific chemistry on screen,' said Shah.

He is tense about his movie's fate at the box office.

'Apprehensions will be there till the audience gives its verdict. We will be tense, nervous with sleepless nights while waiting for the release. But our expectations are high. We have really worked hard and tried to make a product to entertain the people. There is a festival bonanza on Diwali and that is the expectation that we are hoping to fulfil,' he said.

Shah's future projects are 'Kuch Love Jaisa'; a remake of Tamil hit 'Kaakha Kaakha' with John Abraham; an outing with Abhishek Bachchan; another with A.R. Murugadoss and 'Singh Is Kinng 2' with Akshay.

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I'm 16! Have a long way to go: Ananya Chatterjee

Kolkata, Nov 3 (IANS) She jokes that she is 16! But Bengali actress Ananya Chatterjee is dead serious when she says she has a long way to go. Sheer hard work and commitment to acting have helped her win the National Film Award, she asserts.

'I think the National Award has created a benchmark for me. Now I need to live up to the expectations of my audience,' Ananya Chatterjee told IANS in an exclusive interview.

'Winning it is an amazing and wonderful experience. But it is not the last thing. This is just a first step. I still have a long way to go,' she added.

When asked her age, she smiled and said: 'I'm 16!'

At the 57th National Film Awards, she won the best actress trophy for her performance in Rituparno Ghosh's 'Abohoman', which was also declared the best Bengali feature film at the same event.

In 'Abohoman', Ananya was seen as an upcoming actress, Shikha, with whom a senior film director falls in love. Her performance was acclaimed both nationally and internationally.

Born and brought up in Kolkata, Ananya was a student of biology at Jogamaya Devi and says 'acting happened accidentally'.

She has been a household name in West Bengal thanks to her stint in serials and telefilms. She started her acting career with TV soap 'Din Pratidin' and later acted in various popular Bengali mega-serials. She also tried her hand in telefilms.

In no time she established herself as a talented and hardworking actress in the Bengali film industry. She landed three telefilms directed by renowned filmmaker Anjan Dutt.

A confident Ananya describes her journey from serials to the National Award as an outcome of sheer hard work and commitment to acting.

'I still remember the first day when I stood in front of the camera. On that day neither I nor others ever thought I would one day walk on stage for a national award. It's a really amazing journey. But I still have a long way to go,' said Ananya who lives with her mother and grandmother.

She made her debut on the silver screen in 2005 with the horror movie 'Raat Barota Paanch'. But it was her performance in 'Angshumaner Chobi' and 'Dwando' that won her critical acclaim and established her in the film industry as a dark horse. Both the movies were released in 2009.

Her acting talent drew the attention of National Award winning director Rituparno Ghosh and he offered her a role in 'Abohoman'.

When asked who was a better director - Anjan Dutt or Rituparno Ghosh, a diplomatic Ananya said: 'Both are very good and are really very sweet people to work with.

'I have a slightly better equation with Anjanda as I have worked with him in three projects. Earlier, I dubbed a Rituda film. But this is the first time I worked in his film as an actor and this role earned me the award.'

Is she eyeing Bollywood?

'If offers come, then I will definitely work (in Hindi films). I have heard that many people have asked for DVDs of my film,' said Ananya.

'I want to work with almost all the renowned directors of Bollywood. The list includes Yash Chopra, Mani Ratnam, Dibakar Banerjee, Anurag Kashyap and many others. I want to work with all of them,' giggled Ananya.

For Ananya, who is also a trained dancer, her dream role is a character revolving around a dancer. Before starting her acting career, she was a dancer in Mamata Shankar's ballet troupe.

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Essence of Christmas & Diwali is the same - Julia Roberts

Oscar winner Hollywood star Julia Roberts (Pretty Woman), the recent convert to Hinduism, says “Diwali should be celebrated unanimously throughout the world as a gesture of goodwill”.

In her “Diwali wishes”, published on the website of India’s leading English daily The Times of India dated November three, Roberts adds that essence of both Christmas and Diwali is the same as both “are festivals of lights, good spirits and death of evil”.

Roberts further points out that Diwali (Hindu festival which falls on November five) “not only belongs to Hinduism but is universal in nature and in its essence too. Diwali ignites the values of self confidence, love for humanity, peace, prosperity and above all eternity which goes beyond all mortal factors… When I think of Diwali, I can never imagine a world broken into fragments by narrow feelings of communalism and religion which does not care for human benevolence.”

“Ever since I developed my liking and fondness for Hinduism, I have been attracted and deeply fascinated by many facets of the multi dimensional Hinduism… spirituality in it transcends many barriers of mere religion”, Roberts stated. Talking of India, she promised “to return to this sacred land again and again for the best of creativity”.

Welcoming Roberts for attempting to fathom the depths of Hinduism and pointing to its universality, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that Hinduism had a universal appeal which was very practical. It offered something to every seeker of every path and disposition.

Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, suggested Roberts to achieve the “state of permanent joy” through various techniques mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures. She should realize the Self and practice regular mediation as right meditation would result in intense inner wakefulness. Taittiriya Upanishad told us that “meditation is Brahman (the supreme Godhead)” and directed us to seek Brahman through meditation. If Roberts needed any help in deeper Hinduism exploration, he or other Hindu scholars would be glad to assist, Zed added.

Roberts reportedly became interested in Hinduism after seeing a picture of Hanuman devotee Hindu guru Neem Karoli Baba, who died in 1973 and whom she never met. She revealed in the past that entire Roberts-Moder family went to temple together to "chant and pray and celebrate. I'm definitely a practicing Hindu”. According to reports, Roberts has been interested in yoga for quite some time. She was in Haryana (India) in September 2009 to shoot “Eat Pray Love” in an ashram (hermitage). In January 2009, she sported a “bindi” (vermillion mark on forehead) during her trip to India. She has a production company called “Red Om Films”, and “Om” in Hinduism is the mystical syllable containing the universe. There were reports that she was trying to adopt a child from India and her kids shaved their heads during her last visit to India. Roberts, however, grew up with a Catholic mother and Baptist father.

Julia Fiona Roberts, one of the most successful Hollywood actresses besides a producer and fashion model, has won best actress Oscar for “Erin Brockovich” and earned Oscar nominations for “Pretty Woman” and “Steel Magnolias”. Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal. Largest of Hindu festivals Diwali, the festival of lights, aims at dispelling the darkness and lighting up the lives and symbolizes the victory of good over evil.

London, Nov 4 (IANS) Supermodel Kate Moss is sporting a fringe haircut and she did it by herself.

Moss, 36, revealed she cut her fringe herself when she opted for 1940s-style retro style at a party recently, reports express.co.uk.

Moss is a style icon and has featured on the cover of international fashion magazine like Vogue and has featured in several advertisements for brands like Versace, Yves Saint Laurent and Just Cavalli.

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Kylie Minogue denies adapting to water-only diet

London, Nov 4 (IANS) Australian singer Kylie Minogue has denied that she is on a water-only diet to keep herself slim.

The singer hit back at a British magazine after it was published that she was cutting on meals and drinking only flavoured water for a slim figure. But Minogue says it is false, reports contactmusic.com.

'OMG (oh my god)....... media reports that I am on a water diet are not only untrue but irresponsible. No, no, NO!!!' Minogue posted on micro-blogging site Twitter.

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Cheryl Cole loves her shoulder blades

London, Nov 4 (IANS) Singer Cheryl Cole thinks her shoulder blades are her best features and likes to show them off as she thinks her back is sexy in a 'subtle way'.

The 'Promise This' singer known for her petite figure discovered how sexy showing off her back can be while filming a video, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

'I first noticed my shoulder blades where I was wearing a backless dress, and I thought, 'I quite like them!' A woman's back can be sexy in a really subtle way,' said Cole.

Cole, 27, also revealed she maintains her stunning figure by eating healthily and having respect for her body.

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I missed my curvy figure: Charlotte Church

London, Nov 4 (IANS) Singer Charlotte Church had been missing her feminine curves ever since she had lost weight, but now she has got back to her curvy self.

She has even posed confidently for a magazine photoshoot to show off her new feminine curves.

'People talk about my reinvention, in fact, I had two kids and quite fancied looking the way I did before, so I ate half of what I was eating before and ran around after two crazy toddlers. That was it,' dailymail.co.uk quoted Church as saying.

'I'll tell you what, it felt amazing. I'd got so small that everything I put on looked incredible, But now, even though I've gone up a couple pounds, I feel much better. I'd lost my assets and missed them,' she said.

Church also spoke about her split from rugby player fiance Gavin Henson, admitting it was when he returned from filming reality show '71 Degrees North' in Norway that they realised their engagement wasn't going to work.

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I rehearsed 'Red' fight scenes for three weeks: Bruce Willis

Mumbai, Nov 4 (IANS) Bruce Willis is 55 and hasn't stopped fighting. In his latest film 'Red', the Hollywood star says he will be seen in a major fight sequence for which he rehearsed for three weeks with actor Karl Urban.

'I have been a fan of Karl's since he started working. We have this big fight scene in the film that has been compressed down to hopefully what looks like a real fight. We rehearsed the scene for three weeks and shot for two weeks,' Bruce told IANS in an email interview from the US.

'Karl and I learned most of the sequence using mixed martial art fighting-- like what you see in cage fight matches. There are things I did in 'Red' that I haven't done in a long time like running through a glass window, getting thrown around. But I really enjoyed fighting with Karl,' added the star.

'Red', which is being distributed by PVR Pictures, is due to hit theatres in India Nov 12. The film was released in the US Oct 15. The action comedy is a screen adaptation of graphic novels by Warren Ellis and Cully Hanmer.

Willis is known for doing films like 'Pulp Fiction', 'The Sixth Sense', 'The Fifth Element', 'Unbreakable' and 'Die Hard'.

Asked why he agreed to 'Red', Bruce said: 'I liked the script; I was one of the first people to get involved in it, myself and Karl Urban.'

'Red' has a star-studded cast led by Academy Award winners Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren and John Malkovich.

'Just before we started shooting, an unusual thing happened - a lot of movie stars signed up for the film - Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren, John Malkovich, Richard Dreyfus, Marie Lou Parker, that whole list and more, so it was like Christmas! Every four or five days some one or the other big movie star showed up,' he added.

'Red' is about Frank (Bruce Willis), Joe (Morgan Freeman), Marvin (John Malkovich) and Victoria (Helen Mirren) who used to be the CIA's top agents and are now the agency's top targets for the secrets they know.

Framed for assassination, they must use all of their collective experience and teamwork to stay one step ahead of their deadly pursuers and stay alive. To stop the operation, the team embarks on an impossible, cross country mission to break into the top-secret CIA headquarters, where they will uncover one of the biggest conspiracies and cover-ups in government history.

The film has been directed by Robert Schwentke and produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Mark Vahradian.

Even though the film is an action comedy, it supposedly also has a hint of romance; so what is the expected target audience?

'It's definitely an ambitious movie because you try to put in all those things into a movie. You make a film about action, or comedy or humour, but we put it all into this film and somehow Robert Shwaynke, the director, made it work. So, I would say, it's a film for everyone,' clarified Bruce.

The film was the closing film at the recently concluded 12th Mumbai Film Festival.

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Actress Carey Mulligan best dressed woman of the year

London, Nov 5 (IANS) English actress Carey Mulligan has beaten Victoria Beckham and Kate Moss to be named the best dressed woman of the year by Harper's Bazaar magazine.

The 25-year-old Oscar-nominated has been admired for her style since she shot to fame in 'An Education', and wowed fashion experts at the Oscars when she wore a stunning black Prada gown covered in hundreds of jewels, reports dailymail.co.uk.

According to the magazine, her unique fashion sense has put her a cut above other style icons including Beckham, who has her own fashion line, and supermodels Moss and Yasmin Le Bon.

Explaining the decision, fashion designer Erdem Moralioglu, who was on the judging panel, said of the actress's style: 'So Sixties French New Wave - like a Godard starlet - but totally modern.'

However, Carey has previously said she's not really that interested in fashion, explaining in a recent interview: 'I was at a press conference and Woody Harrelson was answering questions about how he felt about his character.'

'I got up there, and they said, 'What are you wearing?' And I thought, 'There was a time when I was an actress. Not just someone who wore dresses.' I don't really care that much about fashion, I just have a brilliant stylist who dresses me, and in my own life, I'm pretty simple. So that side of things has been wearing.'

Prime Minister David Cameron's wife Samantha also featured on the list in 10th position, ahead of Gwyneth Paltrow, Stella McCartney and Sienna Miller.

It was recently announced that Samantha, who recently gave birth to daughter Florence, has become such a fashion icon that she will be enlisted to work on future fashion weeks in London, although the nature of her role is as yet unclear.

After the announcement was made, Samantha said: 'London Fashion Week is extremely important to the fashion industry in the UK and I look forward to being fully involved from next season.

'We have so much young talent that needs to be supported and nurtured to ensure we are building brands and businesses for the future.'

Other judges for the Harper's Bazaar list included milliner Stephen Jones and Harper's Bazaar editor-at-large Kim Hersov.

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Supermodel Claudia makes fashion faux pas

London, Nov 5 (IANS) Supermodel Claudia Schiffer made a rare fashion faux pas when she stepped out in the same outfit she wore earlier.

The German mum of three, 40, did the school run in the familiar green jumper, striped shirt and jeans. She also had the same belt, bag, sunglasses and even the same bangle as she wore on the same walk on Wednesday, reports thesun.co.uk.

The only difference was that a day earlier, she accessorised the look with a takeaway drink.

Claudia, married to 'Kick-Ass' director Matthew Vaughn, 39, was dropping off their kids near her West London home.

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Charlie Sheen back to boozing, womanising

London, Nov 5 (IANS) Just a few days after getting out of rehab, Hollywood's bad boy Charlie Sheen spent three days at a holiday villa with six bikini-clad babes whom he flew in a private jet.

Sheen launched into his alcohol-fuelled bender in Belize in central America despite being warned by a court to stay off booze and drugs as part of his probation for attacking his wife Brooke Mueller, reports thesun.co.uk.

One local said: 'How a man can consume that amount of alcohol and stay conscious is beyond me. He's only 45 and looked horrendous, but he was with six amazing women in bikinis who were all frolicking in front of him.'

The star of the hit US comedy 'Two And A Half Men', also America's top-paid TV actor, was staying at his godfather, director Francis Ford Coppola's private Turtle Inn resort.

The private jet that flew in him and his 'rainbow' of women then whisked them to another resort in the cocaine-ridden country.

The local said: 'There was one beautiful Asian, two Spanish girls, one tall Nordic-looking blonde and two foxy brunettes. He'd sneak off to the bedroom with a girl then come back and each time he returned his spirits were a bit higher. I didn't see him taking drugs, but for someone that drunk he was pretty wide-eyed.'

Last week a porn actress hid in Sheen's wardrobe at a New York hotel when the married dad went berserk during a drug binge.

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Asha Bhosle announced Goodwill Ambassador

By Hindustan Times

Mumbai, Nov. 4 -- Up until now, Indian musicians have only been commemorated at Bollywood film awards. But things are now looking up. The first Global India Music Awards, to be held in the city on November 10, is being touted as the way ahead to recognise talent in both film and independent music. And backing it up are big names in the industry.

At the launch of the award ceremony on Tuesday, Colonial Cousins, Leslie Lewis and Hariharan sang a soulful rendition of their 14-year-old song 'Something about the way you smile.' Up next, Asha Bhosle was announced as the Goodwill Ambassador for GIMA.

Speaking about her involvement with GIMA, held in association with Hindustan Times, Bhosle said, "It's the first time Indian music, and not just film music, will get its due. It's a wonderful initiative to encourage new talent and musicians across genres." Singer Shaan, also present at the event, announced the launch of the Singers Association of India. About the award function, he said, "GIMA will encourage the growth of various kinds of music in our country and will honour and encourage musicians by recognising them."

Under the non-film category, GIMA will honour the best debutant, most popular music album, fusion album, devotional album, semi-classic album, carnatic classical album (vocal, instrumental), Hindustani classic album (vocal, instrumental) and non-film song.

Jury members include musicians L Subramaniam, Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, Shankar Mahadevan, Hariharan, Talat Aziz, Usha Uthup, Resul Pookutty and Sulaiman Merchant, and filmmakers Karan Johar, Mukesh Bhatt and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.

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Ash wants steamy scene with Hrithik cut!

By Hindustan Times

Though Aishwarya-Hrithik chemistry has never failed to sizzle the box-office, Ash doesn't want to face flak over her intimate scene with the actor in Guzaarish. That's probably why she's requested director Bhansali to remove the particular sequence.

According to sources, the maverick director might consider her muse's request if he feels that the removal of scene in question would not disrupt the storyline.

Ash is playing safe this time as her liplock with Hrithik in Dhoom 2 ruffled many feathers.

But we hear that Bhansali is not very sure about chopping off this scene and is contemplating over the decision.

Well we hope Bhansali doesn't turn down Ash's Guzaarish!

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Vidya Balan : Back in action!

By Hindustan Times

Mumbai, Nov. 4 -- Now, who's this disturbing me while I'm chatting with you guys. Turns out to be my Bandra reporter who's insisting that I give him a minute right away. Hmm, he says that Vidya Balan, best known as the goodwill ambassador of saris, the national dress for Bhartiya naaris, has become the first woman to be featured in a sari on a popular lifestyle magazine's cover.

So? Reporter insists that the magazine in question doesn't feature women too often, and in its entire run, has never featured a woman in a sari. It seems that Balan has worn an artistic six-yard and has posed backless for the mag's anniversary cover. I think ladies just need to get up and take note of this sexy old-new avatar of hers, right now!

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Ajay-Kajol :What's in a tattoo?

By Hindustan Times

Mumbai, Nov. 4 -- Ooo, look who was here! Madhu My Mottu Maid and Rapchik Rajni had come over to collect their pending payments. I'm glad because I don't want to have anything to do with my past pest employees.

They've left me a message, which says that Ajay Devgn, accompanied by the entire Golmaal 3 team, went over to the KBC 4 sets. In between the shots, director Rohit Shetty and Devgn babu got into a conversation over tattoos. The director asked if he'd regret having only his daughter Nysa's name engraved and the actor promptly said, "Never. In fact, I may soon have Yug's name inked too."

Shetty, the ladies state, went a step ahead, and asked why he hadn't got Kajol's name engraved. To this, Devgnji just smiled and winked. Hmm, some questions are best left unanswered.

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Aishwarya: Hit in Malaysia

By Hindustan Times

Mumbai, Nov. 4 -- Goooooooood morning my lemon-n-mint mojitos! How goes it in your world? Mine is all lit up, thanks to the Diwali greetings, crackers and chocolates! Before I can ask my chauffer to drive me to the nearest jewellery store for my itsy-bitsy diamond hunt, since I don't have anything new as yet to wear on the big Friday night, let me fill you in with all that is and some that isn't sensational in Bollywood. Here goes!

For starters, I've been told that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has become a hit of sorts in Malaysia this year. You're wondering what happened there?

Well, Jr Mrs Bachchan's Anarkali kurtas from her films Raavan and Robot, both multi-crore-bi-lingual projects, are becoming popular with ladies in the South-East of Asia this Diwali. My informers from Malaysia insist that Thiyananthan Bathumalai, a manufacturer in the country, is flooded with orders from ladies of all sizes, for kurtas similar to the kind that the ex-Miss India and Miss World wore in the two aforementioned films.

In fact, if the orders continue, the dresses are sure to become the best-selling items in the country this year. Oooo!
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Deepika lifts 75-kg Imran!

By Hindustan Times

NEW DELHI, Nov. 4 -- In most Hindi films, we've seen the hero lift his heroine in some or the other scene. But a heroine carrying her hero on her back. Well, Deepika Padukone has done exactly that. Deepika lifted actor Imran Khan in her forthcoming film, Break Ke Baad. Although it wasn't easy, she managed it after some training and rehearsals.

The scene in question features during the song Adhoore Hain. In the film, Aaliyah Khan (Deepika's character) plays the lead in the relationship with Abhay Gulati (Imran Khan). "Danish (Aslam, the director) felt that showing Aaliyah carrying Abhay was the perfect way to convey the drastic changes their relationship undergoes during the film," says a source from the film.

Turns out that was easier said than done, as Imran weighs 75 kgs as against Deepika's 55 kgs. But she underwent considerable training. Deepika also rehearsed the scene a few times. "To ensure that she didn't suffer any back trouble while performing the scene, she wore a thick, wide belt as a preventive measure," says the source. Talking about the sequence, Deepika says it was really "fun to shoot."

"Everyone on the sets was worried. But being an athlete, I was confident that I'd be able to carry Imran without any problem," she said. On the contrary, director Aslam calls it a complicated scene. "It's not easy to carry 75 kgs on your back. We didn't want Deepika to get hurt, so we were cautious," he says.

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Mithun ki deewani!

By Hindustan Times

NEW DELHI, Nov. 4 -- TV star Rashmi Desai sure is crazy about Disco Dancer star Mithun Chakraborthy. Though she's quite the dancer, Rashmi couldn't concentrate on her steps during the shoot of Dilwalon Ki Diwali.

Reason: Mithunda! Rashmi, who talks nineteen to the dozen normally, was rather mum and nervous on sharing the same screen with him. In fact, the whole cast of Golmaal 3 couldn't match the enthusiasm and energy of Mithunda's dance! He danced the night away and forced everyone including Rashmi to join in the celebrations. While Rashmi is still in shock after meeting Mithunda, the actor says she's happy she got this Diwali present.

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Sanju's nephew hits Bollywood

By Hindustan Times

NEW DELHI, Nov. 4 -- After actors Aamir Khan and Imran Khan , there's a new mama-bhanja jodi in Bollywood - Sanjay Dutt and his cousin sister's son, Nilesh Sahay. Sahay's debut film, director-choreographer Ganesh Acharya's Angel, hit cinemas in 2011, and Sanju mamu is ready to go out to help promote Nilesh.

Nilesh, incidentally, is the grandson of yesteryear actor Zaheeda who co-starred with Dev Anand in the 1971 hit Gambler.

Acharya confirmed Dutt's participation, saying "Sanju has told us he will be there to help us in any way possible - not just for Nilesh but all of us and the film in any way we need him. It's really very sweet of him." Despite being busy with his new born twins, Dutt will accompany his nephew to various promotional events.

The film's spokesperson added, "Sanju has been guiding Nilesh through all his career decisions. He's keeping a close track on the film too."
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They'll sing for Obama!

By Hindustan Times

NEW DELHI, Nov. 4 -- President Barack Obama may not have heard much Indian music, but the world's most powerful man will soon be serenaded with some of Bollywood's most iconic songs. The Shillong Chamber Choir, which is performing live for the Obamas at the state banquet on Monday at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, has prepared an arrangement of Sholay's hit song Yeh Dosti.

They will also perform a medley of songs such as Kabhi Aar, Kabhi Paar, Tu Hai Wahi, and Chura Liya Hai. "We chose Yeh Dosti because it has a message of friendship," says Damon Lyndem, a choir member.

They were approached by the Ministry of External Affairs before they won the reality show India's Got Talent. "We are wearing fusion outfits, our director is wearing a sherwani and the boys are wearing suits with ties. The women are wearing our traditional two piece dress, dhara," he says.

Sugar-free sweets for friends on Diwali, says Mugdha

Kolkata, Nov 5 (IANS) Actress-model Mugdha Godse plans to present sugar-free chocolates and sweets to her friends this Diwali.

"This Diwali I have decided to gift sugar-free chocolates and sweets to my friends," said Mugdha, who was here for the launch of fashion and lifestyle store Baid Boulevard.

The actress, who made her debut with the film 'Fashion' directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, revealed that her next film is 'Will You Marry Me', slated for release early next year.

"It's a romantic comedy," said Mugdha.

Julia Roberts wants Diwali celebrated worldwide

London, Nov 4 (IANS) Hollywood actress Julia Roberts says the whole world should celebrate Diwali because it "celebrates self-confidence, love for humanity and peace".

"Diwali should be celebrated unanimously throughout the world as a gesture of goodwill," femalefirst.co.uk quoted Roberts as saying.

"It not only belongs to Hinduism but is universal in nature and in its essence too. Diwali ignites the values of self-confidence, love for humanity, peace, prosperity and above all eternity which goes beyond all mortal factors," she said.

The 43-year-old beauty, who recently revealed that she has converted to Hinduism, said she has become interested in the spirituality of the faith because it is more than a "mere religion".

"Ever since I developed my liking and fondness for Hinduism, I have been attracted and deeply fascinated by many facets of the multi dimensional Hinduism. Spirituality in it transcends many barriers of mere religion," she said.
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Akshay Kumar visits Hadimba temple for 'Action Replayy' success

New Delhi, Nov 4 (IANS) Bollywood star Akshay Kumar went to the Hadimba Devi temple in Kullu Manali Thursday to pray for the success of his film "Action Replayy", releasing Friday.

"I quickly flew from Dubai to Delhi where I waited for the fog to clear so I could fly to Kullu Manali to visit the wonderful Hadimba Temple. This is where I came when shooting with Ash," Akshay posted on his Twitter page.

The actor was in Dubai with co-star Aishwarya Rai for the premiere of "Action Replayy" Tuesday.

"I promised I would return before my movie released and here I am sitting at the foot of the temple surrounded by Yaks and the biggest of smiles on my face. I feel at so much peace right now… that's all I can ask for," he added.

Akshay, who is currently seen on the small screen as the host of Star Plus' "Master Chef India", will be flying back to Mumbai for Diwali.

"I'm now quickly flying back to my family so we can start celebrating Diwali together. I know my wife, with a little help from (my son) Aarav has decorated our home while I was gone. And I can't wait to get back and see it," he posted.
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Sushmita, Priyanka and now another beauty queen - Ash

In the past, Vipul Shah has worked with number of beauty queens [Sushmita Sen (Aankhen), Priyanka Chopra (Waqt)] and top actresses from North [Katrina Kaif (Namastey London)] or South [Asin (London Dreams)]. However, this is the first time that he is working with Aishwarya Rai, another beauty queen, in 'Action Replayy'. No wonder, he wanted to do something entirely different with the ex-Miss World when it came to her presentation on the big screen.

"Unlike the kind of image that people have about Ash, I have always looked at her as someone who is a really simple girl in heart and persona", says Vipul who himself is known for being one of the most easy going film makers to work with, "I didn't have any special consideration in the mind that I was working with a beauty queen. I never get carried away by such background, whether it was in case of Sushmita, Priyanka or now Aishwarya."

"Even before 'Action Replayy', I have been interacting with her on a personal level. My view about her is that she is a fun loving girl in real life. This is the reason why I could visualise her as a 20 something girl in 'Action Replayy'. I knew that she could carry off the fun character really well."

Also starring another ex-Miss India, Neha Dhupia, 'Action Replayy' releases all over this Friday.

It wad close to a decade back thast Tusshar Kapoor had made his debut opposite Kareena Kapoor in 'Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai'. After that he went on to do two more films with her. While in 'Jeena Sirf Merre Liye', he and Kareena were seen as a couple again, in 'Golmaal Returns' the two played siblings.

Circa 2010 and Kareena isn't neither playing Tusshar's sister nor his love interest. Still, whether it was on or off the camera, the two continued to share a good bond that was built a decade back.

"It was fun to be carrying on all the memories that we had from the past. Kareena and I go back a long way. Yet again on the sets of 'Golmaal 3', we bonded really well. It was bound to be that way; after all she was my first co-star", Tusshar gets nostalgic here.

Meanwhile, one tends to ask Tusshar about the camaraderie that he shared with another big star in the film, Ajay Devgn. After all he has worked with him in not just the earlier 'Golmaal' series but also 'Khakee' and 'Insan.'

"We were all having great fun during the making of 'Golmaal 3'", Tusshar perks up here, "After pack up, we all used to go to gym together and party in someone's room. Poor Rohit (Shetty - the director), while we all used to have fun, he had to slog it out to prepare for the next day."

Also starring Arshad Warsi, Shreyas Talpade and Kunal Khemu in principal roles, 'Golmaal 3' releases all over this Friday.
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'Action Replayy' and 'Golmaal 3' - Which film has the edge?

The big day is just round the corner. Diwali releases are up there for the grabs. While hardcore movie buffs are out there to get their share of fun with both 'Action Replayy' as well as 'Golmaal 3', trade predictions have already gone on an overdrive. Which of the two films will eventually enjoy a long run? Which of the two films would take a bumper start? Whose credentials as a superstar would be further established?

'Golmaal 3' comes with a brand recall value and promises overall fun and celebration mood. It is the kind of film that audience makes up their mind to watch it, right at the time of the announcement itself. On the other hand 'Action Replayy' has hit music going in its favour and also the fact that for both Akshay Kumar and Aishwarya Rai, the film promises to show them in a different light altogether.

With a clean entertainer written all over it, 'Action Replayy' should open better in multiplexes when compared to 'Golmaal 3' which should be doing better in single screens. However, all of this would come into play only for the first four days with the actual content doing the talking for the remainder of the week.

All said and done, it is going to be crackling Diwali at the box office after a month long lull that has seen biggies like 'Aakrosh', 'Knock Out', 'Crook' and 'Jhootha Hi Sahi' falling like nine pins. With 'Action Replayy' and 'Golmaal 3' all set to evidence massive foot falls over the first weekend at the least, it should be back to happier times again.

Shah Rukh Khan’s secret out!

The Baadshah of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan aka SRK turned 45 on November yesterday and he is going stronger and stronger. Going on strong at 45 is no wonder when Dev Anand goes strong on 82. What one wonders is what makes Shah Rukh Khan Shah Rukh Khan. You might be making certain guesses.

Like an astrologer you may say, Shah Rukh Khan is Shah Rukh Khan as he was born under the highly and mightily lucky stars of November 2, 1965.

But there must be so many persons in the world born under the lucky stars of November 2, 1965, and they did not grow up to become Shah Rukh Khan.

You may say, the reason is his doing his high school from St Columbus High School in New Delhi.

So many boys did their high school from St Columbus High School in New Delhi. They did not become Shah Rukh Khan.

You may say, Shah Rukh Khan captained his school teams of football and hockey and played cricket.

There are boys who are far better sportsmen in their school and college, they did not become Shah Rukh Khan. Playing cricket made him own Kolkata Knights, but Shah Rukh Khan had become Shah Rukh Khan before owning an IPL team.

You may say, as a student he was good in electronics and biology.

Being good in electronics and biology makes a person an engineer, biologist or doctor. It does not make him a star.

You may say, Shah Rukh Khan is highly educated. He got a degree in mass communications from Jamiya Miliya Islamiya of Delhi.

A degree in mass communication qualifies a person to be a journalist. A scribe in old days rubbed pen on paper or struck fingers on the typewriter, now he works on the computer and internet. He does not dance before the camera.

You may say, Shah Rukh Khan worked on the stage with Barry John.

There are so many actors who work on the stage and spend their lives in Prithvi Theatres. They don’t become Shah Rukh Khan.

You may say, the great director Lekh Tandon saw the spark in him and gave him a role in the TV serial Dil Dariya.

Lekh Tandon gave breaks to many actors on the small screen, and they remained small on the small screen.

You may say, Shah Rukh Khan is a born lover boy. When he was 19 he saw a 14 year old girl called Gauri Chibba. It was love at first sight. Despite the difference of religion he got what he wanted.

If being lover boy is a qualification, all the Street Romeos would have turned into Shah Rukh Khans.

You may say, Yash Chopra had offered ‘Darr’ to Aamir Khan, but he refused. Shah Rukh Khan accepted it and became Shah Rukh Khan.

There is some weight in this view. By refusing ‘Darr’, Aamir Khan remained Aamir Khan. But the acceptance of ‘Darr’ by Shah Rukh does not explain entirely the phenomenon of Shah Rukh Khan becoming Shah Rukh Khan.

You may say, Shah Rukh Khan is Shah Rukh Khan as he owns a heritage 23,400 sq ft sea facing bungalow called Mannat.

In modern times also there are kings and princes living in heritage palaces, but they don’t enjoy Shah Rukh Khan like mass following.

You may say, Shah Rukh Khan owns six luxury imported cars, Pajero, BMW, Audi and Mercedes.

There are many rich men and women owning fleets of cars, but they are nowhere near Shah Rukh Khan.

If you say, Shah Rukh Khan became Shah Rukh Khan because he ran a restaurant in Darya Ganj, Delhi, you are near the point. Dilip Kumar became Dilip Kumar because he was a canteen manager. Akshay Kumar became Akshay Kumar as he was a cook.

If you say, Shah Rukh Khan became Shah Rukh Khan because his father ran a transport company, you have hit the bull’s eye. From his childhood Shah Rukh Khan learnt the art of going places. He has been going, going and going and reaching places. No wonder he went to Berlin to celebrate his birthday.

Now that what’s make Shahrukh Khan Shahrukh Khan…..

Bollywood Celebrities Gossip

Friday, November 5, 2010

Amrita Rao walks the ramp for girl child

Justin Bieber thinks he's uncool

Witherspoon caught in action with beau

DiCaprio to play serial killer

Mariah Carey plans Christmas concert

Guns N' Roses guitarist calls off divorce

Ricky Martin cried after revealing sexuality

Plays are platform to test run scripts: Vipul Shah

I'm 16! Have a long way to go: Ananya Chatterjee

Essence of Christmas & Diwali is the same - Julia Roberts

Kate Moss gets new hairstyle

Kylie Minogue denies adapting to water-only diet

Cheryl Cole loves her shoulder blades

I missed my curvy figure: Charlotte Church

I rehearsed 'Red' fight scenes for three weeks: Bruce Willis

Actress Carey Mulligan best dressed woman of the year

Supermodel Claudia makes fashion faux pas

Charlie Sheen back to boozing, womanising

Asha Bhosle announced Goodwill Ambassador

Ash wants steamy scene with Hrithik cut!

Vidya Balan : Back in action!

Ajay-Kajol :What's in a tattoo?

Aishwarya: Hit in Malaysia

Deepika lifts 75-kg Imran!

Mithun ki deewani!

Sanju's nephew hits Bollywood

They'll sing for Obama!

Sugar-free sweets for friends on Diwali, says Mugdha

Julia Roberts wants Diwali celebrated worldwide

Akshay Kumar visits Hadimba temple for 'Action Replayy' success

Sushmita, Priyanka and now another beauty queen - Ash

Tusshar bonds with Kareena

'Action Replayy' and 'Golmaal 3' - Which film has the edge?

Shah Rukh Khan’s secret out!