Monica: I have surprised myself with DHOBI GHAT

MONICA DOGRA IN DHOBI GHAT

It is a known fact that Monica Dogra, the debutant leading lady of Aamir Khan's 'Dhobhi Ghat', has been a prominent member of the band 'Shaa'ir + Func' and has cut a few albums in the past. In fact she recently sung the stunning 'Dooriyaan' for BREAK KE BAAD as well which, unlike the film, has stayed on to be popular till date. As a follow up to that when a call for acting came in for DHOBI GHAT, the young woman couldn't help but bite the bait.

With a strong presence that her character boasts right through this film which is now ready for theatrical release in India after making the rounds of the festival circuits, one wonders if Monica ever realised the enormity of the platform when she actually began to shoot for DHOBI GHAT.

"Not really actually", Monica says in a cautions tone, "You know what, my situation in case of DHOBI GHAT was quite curious actually. I have been extremely interested in music and played with 'Shaa'ir + Func' for four years now. In many ways I am very happy with my career in music. It is art that excites me, whether it is music or acting. As long as I can get a special change in the world regardless of the capacity that I can contribute, it would be worth it."

But didn't she miss her team from 'Shaa'ir + Func' while shooting for the film? After all from being a live performer, she was suddenly getting into a more rehearsed environment?

"As I stated earlier, it is all about the different formats of art that you are a part of at any given point in time", says Monica who has cut a few albums via her band in the past, "I have always been an actor; it's just the platform that differs. It's eventually about changing people's minds and pushing things forward. I have always aspired to do great things and working really hard since I was very-very young. With my first feature film now, I have happily surprised myself. More than just being an actor in the film, I am glad that a film like this has been made."

DHOBI GHAT releases all over on 21st January.

Playboy hottie makes Bollywood debut

Candice Boucher plays a sand artist in upcoming spy flick Candice Boucher, a South African Playboy hottie who features in Percept's untitled next, essays the role of a sand artist in the espionage drama. Directed by Prashant Chaddha (Aap Ka Surror), the film stars Sachin Joshi (the Managing Director of an energy drink endorsed by Shah Rukh Khan) and Arya Babbar. The beauty had to train from a professional artiste for the role. She says, "Learning from a sand artiste from Belarus was an amazing experience. It's an intricate art more difficult than oils and watercolours on canvas as sand keeps shifting all the time. One's concentration has to be sharper and more focussed." As reported 'Playmate on board' (Hitlist, June 11), Candice was the nude centrespread attraction of Playboy magazine for April 2010 and is also the brand ambassador for an international jeans brand. She was signed for the film during the FIFA World Cup in June (it was held in her home country) to up the project's glam quotient. The movie is about an informant who has to go undercover to save his brother and the nation from the effects of a biological war. Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Bollywood gets X'massy - This is how hotties will celebrate the big day!

'Tis the season to be jolly. Christmas spells Santa's gifts, mistletoe kisses and togetherness. And B-Town folks, like every year, ring in the yuletide in their own way. Here's a look at what the stars are doing for X'Mas... Kareena Kapoor The star will celebrate it in style by having roast turkey and Yorkshire pudding for lunch on Christmas Day with beau Saif Ali Khan, mother Babita, sister Karisma, niece Samaira and nephew Kiaan. Says Bebo, "Christmas is always a very special occasion for me. I take the day off and spend it with my family. We attend midnight mass at St Andrew's Church in Bandra." The actress is using the same Christmas tree that she had shipped from Harrod's in London last year. Saif will be putting up all the Christmas decorations. They don't throw away their Christmas fir trees but preserve them for three years. This year, Samaira has put in a special request under her Christmas tree. She wants Kareena to give her a doctor's set and the aunt has already got it for her! Katrina Kaif She normally travels to London to be with her sisters and mother for the festivities. But this year, it will be a working Christmas. Apart from shooting for an ad, Kat will also be busy with the promotional work of Tees Maar Khan as well as the shoot of Mere Brother Ki Dulhan. The Dutts The couple will celebrate Christmas with Sanju's sister Priya Dutt and her husband Owen Roncon at their Bandra home. Joining them in the festivities will be sister Namrata and hubby Kumar Gaurav. Incidentally, the Dutts celebrate all festivals. Malaika Arora Khan Malaika and her sister Amrita Arora Ladhak celebrate Christmas with their mother Joyce. Munni has taken four days off from her Jhalak Dikkla Jaa commitments. They begin with a Christmas dinner followed by midnight mass at St Andrew's church in Bandra. On X'Mas Day, a sumptuous lunch is lined up at their mother's home. Lara Dutta The actress is completing all her work and will spend Christmas with her family in Bangalore. Anil/Sonam Kapoor Anil and Sonam (she's got a day off from Pankaj Kapur's Mausam) will celebrate his birthday along with Christmas at their Juhu bungalow with the entire Kapoor khandaan which includes Boney and Sridevi, Sanjay and Maheep Kapoor and their children. Kangna Ranaut It's a white Christmas for her as she is in New York shooting for Happy New Year. Shilpa Shetty The actress is in London with her family and husband Raj Kundra celebrating Christmas at Raj's Yorkshire manor. Bunty Walia The producer loves to soak in the festivities and has erected a huge Christmas tree at his home. Eesha Koppikhar Last Christmas, Eesha and hubby Timmy Narang were travelling but this time, she is celebrating Christmas at her in-laws' place. The actress personally decorated the tree and her mother-in-law loved it.

Kareena will decide about our Marriage: Saif Ali Khan

There has been enough discussion about Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor's marriage! We have come across lots of comments from both of them but none of them have given real indication about the time when they will tie the knot.

Saif has already taken the marriage vows once and is happy with two kids from his former wife Amrita Singh. So, it seems there is no hurry from his side and Kareena is also at peak of her career and is only 30 now. The hottest couple of Bollywood does not seem to be interested in tying the knot at this moment considering their career is going great these years.

However, Saif is quite intelligent and shifted the question towards Kareena saying that he is ready for taking the vows once Kareena is comfortable and happy with this.

The couple has been dating since last three years and the question has been haunting them since last two years. Saif once made it clear that Bebo is not required to convert herself before getting married to him so there is no problem in this aspect. She has also reached a comfort level with his two kids and family, so no barrier here too.

So, why is Kareena waiting to say yes for marriage to 'chote nawab'? She has given enough to Bollywood and can easily continue her journey in the industry even after turning 'choti begum' considering the fact that Saif's mother and sister are actresses themselves.

Saif says that he will remain committed the same way even if he is not married to Kareena but we think the lady should come out with a serious decision very soon. In 2009, Bebo was quoted saying that she would get married by 2012 with Saif and would like to have two kids! We hope she sticks to her decision.



Source: Santabanta

Asin and Salman stuck on a tree for 3 days

A simple scene turned into a nightmare for Salman Khan and Asin when the two had to hang from a tree for three days

It was meant to be a simple jungle sequence to be shot in Goregaon's Film City for Anees Bazmi's forthcoming film, Ready, but it turned out to be a nightmare for the lead pair, Salman Khan and Asin.

The scene revolved around Asin being lost in a jungle, and scampering up a tree, with Khan following suit. Says a unit source, "Both Salman and the director were not sure if Asin could carry it off.

Climbing a high tree is not quite what you'd expect a heroine to do, especially since this was a massive tree with sprawling branches. One look at the size of the tree and the director decided to use a duplicate for Asin and Salman."

But Asin would hear none of it. "She insisted on doing the dangerous scene herself. Salman looked at her as if she was crazy. He finally said, 'Lady, you have balls of steel.' A harness was attached to her shoulders, and she was lowered on to the tree. Salman had no choice but to follow suit, " says the source.

What was meant to be a simple shot, took three whole days to complete. "The unit had not anticipated disruptions and distractions from other film units that were shooting in the jungle. Suddenly there was a funeral procession that passed under the tree, and that had Salman and Asin crack up."

Many other distractions too brought the shooting to a grinding halt.

So exhausted were the two actors, that the shoot had to be cancelled. Asin's shoulders were numb because of the pressure from the harness.

"Salman and I were shooting on top of a tree for three days. Was it dangerous? I don't care! It is my childhood fantasy to climb a tree, " laughed Asin.

That's a heavy price to pay to see your fantasy come true!



Source: Santabanta/ mid-day.com

When Aishwarya was left with no clothes to wear

What happens when one of the most sought after celebrities in India loses her bags while travelling? It is natural that her staff and the airport authorities also become part of the panic.

That is exactly what happened when Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, numero uno heroine in Bollywood and the most beautiful woman on this planet, lost her personal belongings while travelling from New Delhi to Chennai.

According to reports in the media, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was at a loss after it was informed that her bags, which she had been carrying during her travel from the capital city to Chennai, could not be located! It was the airlines' mistake and they admitted it too, but how could that be of any help to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan who was left with no clothes to wear for the event that she was scheduled to attend in Chennai!

The true professional that she is, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan did not lose her cool, and instead tried to reason the best possible way out of this mess. Well, she was dressed in a track suit during her journey and the immediate idea that came to the Bachchan bahu was to wear the same track suit for the promotional event that she was to attend!

Though we are sure that her fans would not mind, not many went along with her idea as a track suit was not what they wanted the most beautiful woman on this earth to be seen in in public.

Therefore it was left to her manager and the organizers of the Chennai event to shop for the proper clothes and accessories for Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Last heard, her staff managed fine in hunting for the new ensemble in which Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made her public appearance.

And her fans in Chennai could not help going gaga over the mesmerizing beauty of the lady. Little did they know what Aishwarya Rai Bachchan had to go through to get that look!

Source: santabanta

Google Declared : Most people look for Katrina on the Internet

Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif has become the most searched for person in the world’s leading search engine, Google.

According to Google country head Vinay Goel, the most searched celebrity Katrina Kaif is more popular in Pakistan than in India. YouTube became the fastest rising term in 2008 while Orkut and Gmail remained the most popular networking and communication properties for Indian users.

While speaking to media, Katrina Kaif said that it very nice to get included in the most searched for list as it indicates that the fans are enjoying her works in the movies.

According to her, it is a very interesting change as Bollywood is largely male dominated and women come far behind. Katrina Kaif is not only the most searched for Bollywood celebrity, she is also in the list of fastest rising search item across categories in India.

The search engine, Google has published its year-end Zeitgeist, the tool which reveals what internet users are searching for. Goa, Kerala and Kashmir were listed as the top holiday destinations. While developing the 2008 report, Google analyzed various aspects of the search queries to read out the minds of Internet users in India.

Who's the hottest in Sari: Priyanka, Bipasha or Vidya?

Bollywood actresses and their various style mantras are always in big focus whether it is their western outfits or otherwise. The Indian traditional outfits have always been something which has been under the scanner as soon as the B town actresses wear it. However, no other garment has made such an impact such as the sari.

The sari is the most popular garment in the traditional Indian context of fashion. This attire has undergone quite a change in the way it used to be draped around a woman.

The Bollywood top female stars who look simply great in this six yard cloth are of course many. But the ones who truly look stunning are Priyanka Chopra, Bipasha Basu, Vidya Balan, Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone and Shilpa Shetty.

Who can forget Priyanka Chopra in the Desi Girl number from the flick Dostana, , looking piping hot ? Or Bipasha Basu creating a storm in her beautiful sari at the IIFA Awards?

Even Deepika Padukone at the Cannes film festival in an exquisite sari was the talk of the nation, while Kat is well known for her wet sari look in most of her films. Vidya Balan makes it a point to look as cool as ever in sari at most formal events and ditto Shipla Shetty, who is quite often spotted in this attire at public events that almost start the nation’s heart beating a tad bit faster.

Well, with most of our Bollywood stars opting for this Indian attire to look their best it seems like the fans of these stars just can’t get enough of them. Each time a star appears in a designer sari-it becomes a rage with almost every one wanting the same look.

The sari has traveled a long way from being a modest garment to being transformed into the most fashionable garment from the Indian attire range. Now with all these beauties mentioned above looking astoundingly smashing in the sari it’s a tough job to pick who the best one is. What do you think?



Source : Santabanta

Ash, Kat, Priyanka & Shilpa: Plastic dolls of Bollywood

The world of glitz and glamour is such that there are many who fall prey to it before realizing what a great demand this particular world has of the perfect look.
The perfect look includes not only a beautiful face with pearly white teeth and long hair but also having the right cheek bones, the right shape of lips and a perfect jaw line. Speaking of getting into the perfect mould, our Bollywood stars are not far behind in seeking the perfect look and body albeit with a little magic with the cosmetic surgeon's knife.

Ever since the new generation of top crop stars have set the trend, having perfect teeth is no longer considered a hindrance as it is an uncalled for rule that if one has to join in the bandwagon of tinsel town then going to the best dentist in town is the first step to be taken.

However, many of the top stars in Bollywood have gone on record accepting going under the surgeon's knife for the perfect look and yet there are others who refuse to even accept that a term called a plastic surgeon exists in their dictionary.

Well going by the trend in looking just perfect, there are many names that have cropped up while speaking of cosmetic surgery.

There are names like Koena Mitra, Rakhi Sawant, Shilpa Shetty, Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif and even Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to name just a few have undergone at least some sort of cosmetic cure in order to get the perfect look.

Even though most of these top notch stars have denied taking any such step, gossip columns do crop up with news about them having become plastic dolls of Bollywood.

If reports are to be believed at least 80% of Bollywood actors have undergone cosmetic treatment to get their perfect look. Well, it is actually quite difficult to tell what's real and what's fake in today's plastic dolls of Bollywood.


Source: Santabanta

Vidya Balan in asexual clothes

Marriage may or may not figure in her five-year plans but Vidya Balan is not ready to give up acting for "anything or anyone" and feels life has been "good" ever since she turned 30.

"Acting is a part of who I am. I don't think I will remotely give it up for anything or anyone, " the 32-year-old actor told in an exclusive chat in the capital.

"But having said that, if it comes naturally to me and I do feel like taking it easy at some point of time, maybe I will. But that shouldn't be a pre-condition to get into any relationship, " she added diplomatically.

Vidya, who will soon be seen in "No One Killed Jessica" based on the Jessica Lall murder case, says she is glad women are not giving up their careers just for their personal lives any more.

"I think today women continue to work at every age. It's fantastic! And it is happening in every profession. I met a girl at a store who got back to work within just two months of delivering a child - such is the dedication.

"But, yes, in our profession (acting), in the earlier days, the moment you got married, you ceased to be an object of desire, which is why a lot of actresses retired. Today, no longer! I guess that's also got to do a lot with the fact and attitude that today if someone is with someone, it doesn't stop you from desiring them!" she said and broke into a naughty laugh.

The critically acclaimed actress, who featured in films like "Parineeta", "Ishqiya", "Guru" and "Paa", is on a high these days. Neither her performances, nor her dressing sense are being criticised - and she admits she has started being very careful and fussy.

"Over a period of time, I think rightfully so, I have found the courage to do only what I want to do. I will not get pressurised to do anything that I don't want to do, even if it is a right film, or maybe it's the kind of film that one should be doing.

"It has to challenge me and it has to excite me. It can be an extremely simple film, it could be a mad role, it could be intense...it could be anything across the spectrum...but I have to feel excited, " she said.

That's also her mantra when it comes to dressing up - especially since she became the favourite child of India's fashion police. Now she often sports designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee's elegant saris and steals the show wherever she goes with her style.

"I stick to what makes me feel I look good in. If I feel I am looking good in something, I will wear it. And if it isn't, then even if it is the most beautifully crafted creation, I won't. That's the only criterion I use while wearing anything now and I guess that's what has worked for me, " she said, as she sat pretty in a black and red gown at a five-star hotel here.

Vidya has completely dressed down for her role in "No One Killed Jessica", where she portrays the strong-willed and simple Sabrina Lall, who fought an over-a-decade-long legal battle to get justice for her youngest sister, model Jessica Lall, who was shot dead by Manu Sharma in 1999.

She has gladly worn an "almost no make-up look" and worn "asexual" clothes in the film, releasing Jan 7.

"There's no shape to the clothes I have worn in the film. Loose t-shirts, men's shirts, loose jeans, spectacles...these are what I have worn to show what a regular girl Sabrina is, " she said, and added she dare not be caught wearing those sort of clothes in real life.

After "No One Killed Jessica", Vidya is looking forward to the release of Sujoy Ghosh's "Kahaani", and will start working on Milan Luthria's "A Dirty Picture". The latter will see her at her sensual best as she prepares to essay south-based actress Silk Smitha, best known for her sex appeal. The actress was found dead in her Chennai apartment in 1996.

Source : Santabanta

Katrina is World's Sexiest Woman third time in a row

Sitting pretty atop another poll for 3 consecutive years Katrina Kaif was recently announced Eastern Eye's Sexiest Woman beating off contemporaries from around the world third time in a row.

Apart from being amongst the most photographed actresses in the world Katrina Kaif is also considered highly bankable not to mention uber sexy and confident. After proving her acting prowess in Rajneeti Katrina Kaif went on to scorch screens with her latest song Sheila Ki Jawani from her forthcoming release Tees Maar Khan one of the year's highly anticipated movies.

Eastern Eye showbiz editor Asjad Nazir, who was chairman of the selection panel, thinks that Katrina's win is all the more remarkable because of the incredibly high standard.

“Although Bollywood heroines dominated the top 10, the list for 2010 included stunning beauty pageant winners, top actresses from around the world, pop stars and TV personalities. That is why Katrina should be deservedly proud of her amazing win.”

Delighted with the hat -trick says Katrina Kaif “I'm very happy that I have made it to the top of Eastern Eye's list again. England is off course a very special place to me and I think it's very sweet to be voted the sexiest by them. I just want to thank everyone for the support,”

The poll was conducted by the most popular, influential and established South Asian publication in the UK.



Source: Santabanta

Sonakshi Sinha ups the passion in Maxim

Given the 'image' of Sonakshi Sinha and her much talked about reservations on the silver screen, sensuality is one word that you would not like to associate with her... better still... would not dare to associate with her. But, the current issue of maxim has just done that.

With the headline reading 'Sensuality In Motion', Sonakshi was sweet enough to confess that 'It was an amazing experience to see her 'other side'. She also speaks about her wish list. Says she, "My wish list is unending. I am in the industry to work with everyone". And for those who felt that Sonakshi never knew the meaning of the term 'sexy', well, here is your answer. The term 'sexy', to her, means, excitingly appealing, without having to be provocative! For her, subtlety is sexy. And for all the lovers of the hit track 'mast mast do nain', she says "My sex appeal lies in my eyes. More than shedding my clothes, it is about the expression for me".



Source: bollywoodhungama

Now everyone wants to work with Sonakshi Sinha!

Sonakshi Sinha or the Rajjo of 'Dabangg' has shot to instant fame due to her village belle act in the block buster with Salman Khan as the male lead where the two shared an amazing on screen chemistry. Such was the impact of the movie that it made Salman Khan immediately say yes to the next project with Sonakshi which is titled Kick.

Right after that the amazing beauty has also bagged a role opposite the favorite action man of B town Akshay Kumar in a project titled Joker, which is touted to be in 3D.

Both the new movies are to be Shirish Kunder's films and with these two big movies in her kitty, Sonakshi was being seen as one of the most promising new comers who were on top of the charts even before anyone realized it.

Recent reports doing the rounds suggest that Sonakshi Sinha is being considered to be cast in many top big banners and even top actors like Anil Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan who have their own production houses are said to be keen on taking her as the female lead in their future projects.

Sonakshi Sinha has indeed been quite a lucky gal not only for herself but also for the film in which she is starring, taking the case of Dabangg and perhaps it is due to this that she is also being offered an astounding one crore for her forth coming projects.

What Sonakshi Sinha has achieved is something which is quite praiseworthy, as reports suggest that even stars like Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor and he like did not get such astronomical fees right after their debut films.

Well with Salman Khan's golden touch and her lovely looks Sonakshi is surely hopping up the ladder to success with aplomb!


Source Santabanta

Vidya to visit Silk Smitha's home for The Dirty Picture

Vidya Balan will take a sizeable chunk of time off to explore Silk Smitha's life before getting into the part for Milan Luthria's Silk Smitha biopic, The Dirty Picture. Smitha was the controversial queen of sleaze from Tamil cinema who died under mysterious circumstances in 1996.

Currently focussed on completing Sujoy Ghosh's Kahaani in Kolkata, Balan intends to visit Eluru, Smitha's birthplace in Andhra Pradesh, as well as Chennai, the late actress' workbase. She will also meet people who were close to Smitha.

Says a source, "This is Vidya's second biographical character in a year. Just as UTV made sure that her part as Sabrina Lal in No One Killed Jessica was approved by her family, Vidya wants Silk Smitha's family to give their go-ahead."

Balan is aware that the team behind this film, producer Ekta Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms and director Milan Luthria, got into trouble with their last film Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai.

Says a source, "They had to eventually deny that Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai was Haji Mastan's biopic because of pressure from his family. Kangna Ranaut's character was modelled on Madhubala. By the end of the film, they were all denying any resemblance to her."

Says Balan, "I was surprised to hear that I had reservations about doing certain scenes in The Dirty Picture. We haven't reached that stage of discussion. We're still discussing the contract."

Apparently Balan will mention in the contract that the film is indeed and irrevocably a legitimate Silk Smitha biography. Says the actress, "One has to be very careful about portraying real lives on screen, especially controversial ones. Of course, the role comes with a sleazy connotation. But I never go by the character only. I go by the entire script."

Reportedly, director Raj Kumar Santoshi is also keen on signing her in an author-backed true-life role.

Balan sighs with happiness, "I'm glad filmmakers show so much faith in my ability to portray real people. I'd love to do a comedy with Raj Kumar Santoshi. To do a role like Sridevi's in Mr India, I'd give my right arm."


Source : Santabanta

Kareena hits back at Priyanka: I Am Beautiful!

The sets of television chat show 'Koffee With Karan' has turned into a battleground for all our Bollywood beauties.

With host Karan Johar fielding some of the most controversial questions to the celebrities sitting on his couch, they too, do not shy away from giving some of the wackiest answers in spite of the fact that they are on national television.

And if reports are to be believed, the celebrities have taken the show so seriously that they are suffering from the after effects of 'Koffee With Karan'! What else can we term the catfight between once good friends Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra?

When asked by Karan Johar what she would like to take away from Bebo's laptop, Piggy Chops promptly asked whether Kareena Kapoor at all has a computer in the first place!

And now it looks like that our catty Bebo is not prepared to sit back and listen to such baseless allegations. Well, did she go back to Karan Johar to sort things out with Priyanka Chopra? No, Kareena is smarter than that.

According to reports circulating in the media, Bebo has made it a point to post a text on her mobile phone informing all her friends and everyone else in the industry that some people may think that she does not own a laptop, but they will have to accept the fact that she is beautiful.

Through the message, Kareena Kapoor has made it very clear that she is better looking than Priyanka Chopra! What does Piggy Chops have to say about that? Fans are eagerly waiting for more!



Source : Santabanta

Akshay Kumar expresses his sadness for not performing in Kolkata

Bollywood Khiladi Akshay Kumar was in Kolkata on Saturday along with Bollywood Barbie Doll Katrina Kaif to promote their latest upcoming Bollywood flick Tees Maar Khan but unfortunately due to security hazards had to cancel the event. The actor moved out of the city while tweeting his plans on his way back.

In his tweet Akshay Kumar says “Dear Kolkata… I completely understand all ur frustrations guys & I am very sorry for what has happened. I am just as upset as u are. It was me that flew late last nite all the way to Kolkata to see u all, but i need u to understand
that when there is a security breach I have no authority to argue with these guys. I was a guest in ur city, I can’t disrespect ur rules!I couldn’t allow either Katrina or myself to be banned from ur beautiful city! There were major security issues & I couldn’t put my fellow colleagues in that kind of danger. We ended up being escorted straight to the airport feeling extremely sad about the days events. Please understand the predicament I was in. My Full apologies. Love & prayers, Akshay Kumar”



Source: bollywood gossips

Watchout for six-month pregnant Vidya Balan

Vidya will be seen as a six-month pregnant woman throughout Sujoy Ghosh's Kahaani

Vidya Balan will be seen in a totally different avatar in Sujoy Ghosh's Kahaani. The actress will be seen as a woman with a six-month baby belly. And it is not just in passing. The actress will be seen with a big bump throughout the film.

Shot in Kolkata and London the film will be out some time mid 2011. A source reveals, "Vidya's character is that of a pregnant woman whose husband travels from London to India for work. However, he goes missing and she comes to Kolkata in search of him."

Not without her

Sujoy, who just wrapped the Kolkata schedule, confirms, "It's the story of a woman who's six months pregnant and her journey. I had written the script keeping Vidya in mind. I wouldn't have made the film without her. For me she's a perfectionist who has beautifully brought the character alive."

He adds that she met the challenges of playing an expecting mom rather well, "She made it look so effortless. She never compromised on any aspect of filmmaking. Since cinema is a visual medium it was very important for her to look the part. There is lot of simplicity in her character and at the same time great turmoil within.

Also there were boundaries because a pregnant woman isn't Batman or Superman. She can't do much, there's only so much you can make her do. But the beauty lies in the vulnerability and subtle nuances that she's used to play the character."


Source : mid-day.com/santabanta

Katrina's Jawani leaves Men drooling

After the Munni madness comes Sheila Ki Jawani josh. Dissecting the item number concept that is setting movie screens on fire all across the country

You have to hand it to Katrina Kaif. She got rid of all her British contours and proved she's a pucca desi girl in Sheila Ki Jawani.

The latkas-jhatkas amidst the pots and the matkas in the inspiring company of Akshay Kumar did not come easily to Katrina. She got herself a belly dancer to make her belly button acquire a life of its own.

She lost weight and she gained that glorious and gorgeous gait to make the men drool and women smirk in the darkness of the auditorium.

This, just months after Katrina's would-have-been sister-in-law Malaika Arora sizzled on screen with Munni Badnaam Hui.

Sigh. Zara Hottie kay zara bach kay yeh hai Item-bomb meri jaan!

Sallu connection

Is it just a coincidence that the three most cherished 'item' song queens in recent times have some kind of connect with Salman Khan? There was Aishwarya Rai Bachchan jiving to Kajra Re in Bunty Aur Babli three years ago with her future husband Abhishek Bachchan and father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan. Now there is Malaika's Munni and Katrina's Sheila act.

Kajra effect

No one expected Kajra re would be such a rage. It spawned a virtual explosion of item songs ranging from Mallika Sherawat's clumsily performed Maiya Maiya in Guru to Malaika Arora's raunchy but ravishing Honth Raseele Tere Honth Raseele in Welcome where Anil Kapoor pranced all around Malaika.

There are item songs and there are I- thumka-songs. If you throw in a raunchy desi-folk beat into the item song like Shilpa Shetty's Main Aayee Hoon UP Bihar Lootne in Shool, Aishwarya's Kajra re and Malaika's Munni, you have a sure`shout' winner on your hands.

Item, huh?

This is where the battle between Munni and Sheila really hots up. Though Katrina dances like a dream in Sheila Ki Jawani most experts feel the song is too urbane, chic and slick to make an impact in the interiors of the country.

But Katrina has a peculiar protest against Sheila Ki Jawani being termed an item song. Says the sizzler, "How can Sheila be an item song? I play an item girl in Tees Maar Khan.

But I am there throughout the film as the leading lady and I have a number of songs and dances. Isn't an item song one appearance by an actor and actress, like Shah Rukh Khan's opening-credits number in Karan Johar's Kaal or Lara Dutta's Aisa Jadoo Dala Re in Khakee?"

One 'n' gone
Katrina makes a valid point. How do we define the item song? It continues to be the domain of any top actress (and sometimes actor too) sweeping into sight for one song and then vanishing leaving a lingering impact.

By this definition Madhubala's immortal Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya in Mughal-e-Azam does not qualify as an item song. Hema Malini's Mujra in Pradeep Sarkar's Laga Chunri Mein Daag and Joothe Nain Bole in Gulzar's Lekin are item songs because Hema came, danced and vanished from the plot.

Sequins, feathers

So, which is the first item song of Hindi commercial cinema? Long before Munni Badnam Hui darling box office ke liye, there was Mumtaz in a 1970 potboiler called Humjoli. She performed the first item song by a leading lady in Bollywood. The film starred Jeetendra and Leena Chandavarkar.

But there was a situation in the plot where Jeetendra needed to make his girl jealous by dancing with another girl, the hotter the better. The makers were thinking on the lines of the obvious. Helen, the ultimate item girl. But the ever-enterprising Jeetu had a brainwave.

Why not his pal Mumu? That's how commercial Hindi cinema's first title song; Tik Tiki Tiki Mera Dil Dole in Humjoli was born. The ever-bindaas Mumtaz got into the feathers, sequins and a body stocking that was meant for Helen. And boy, did she sizzle!

A rage

Today, the item song is just not the same. Is it a victim of overkill? Koena Mitra who has performed a couple of them seems to think so. Now in Los Angeles for the past few months, Koena says, "The item number is just not interesting any more.

Any and every one is doing it. What's the big deal? It has lost its exclusivity. I am done with item songs. Let the others do it." Raveena Tandon performed an item song Shaher Ki Ladki way back in 1996 in the film Rakshak. It was a rage.

Raveena says, "I had just gone through a period of personal stress and needed to get out of it. Suneil Shetty who was the hero of Rakshak recommended me for the song. I was like waaaat? But he convinced me. And I did Shaher Ki Ladki. My God! What a rage it was!"

No questions

The ultimate item girl or the IT girl as she was known, was Helen whose cabaret numbers warmed up the box office potential of scores of films in the 1960s and 70s right until her drizzle of sizzle in Yeh Mera Dil Pyar Ka Deewana in 1978 in the film Don.

Helen once reminisced that she never thought of her numbers as item numbers. "I just did what I was asked to. I never questioned the choreographer. But I made sure I never crossed the line of decency."

Zeroed in

All Helen's cabaret numbers were performed under strict self-censorship codes. Every inch of unclothed skin was covered in body stocking. The dance movements never crossed the limits of decency.

And pelvic thrusts which are almost mandatory to the average item song today, were a complete no-no for Helen. Ironically Helen's repertoire of cabaret dances were never given the status of dignity and grace in their heyday that they are given today.

While in the past, Helen's dances were often accused of being off colour, today, they are looked on as the epitome of grace and decorum. Recently when Ekta Kapoor needed a new-age Helen for her 1970s retro-gangster film Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai she auditioned dozens of wannabe Helens and finally zeroed in on Gauhar Khan who did scant justice to Monica, Oh my darling.

Toast them

Guess we need more power for the item girl to rise and shine to a place where Helen's magic took those immortal cabaret numbers like Aa Jaan-e-Jaan (Inteqam), Piya Tu Ab To Aaja (Caravan) and Mehbooba oh Mehbooba (Sholay).

It is plain to see that love them or hate them; most filmmakers can't do without them. Yeh jaam item numbers ke naam.


Source: santabanta

Sonu gifts Salman a Rs 4 lakh high-end mobile phone

The actor gifts Salman Khan a Rs 4 lakh high-end mobile phone

At the success party of Dabangg, Salman Khan graciously removed his Being Human watch and gave it to Sonu Sood.

Sallu was impressed with Sonu's performance and wanted to give him a gift. Now Sonu has returned the favour by gifting Salman a high-end Vertu mobile costing around Rs 4 lakh.

A source reveals, "Sonu wanted to gift Salman something for a long time. He didn't know what to buy him till some one suggested a mobile phone.

Sonu thought of getting him the best in phones and hence got him a Vertu.

The phone is one of the high end models of the brand and Salman was extremely touched when he got the gift."

Initially, Salman refused to accept it, but Sonu insisted that he had to. The source adds, "Salman loves to give gifts.

He's always seen giving away watches to his friends. But he isn't that forthcoming while accepting gifts.

He felt Sonu's phone was really expensive and he kept trying to convince him to keep it himself. However, Salman finally accepted it."

Sonu was hesitant to elaborate on the gift.

"It's quite personal and I wouldn't like to talk about it." Sood's character (Cheddi Singh) in Dabangg got such a great response that Arbaaz has decided to retain him in the sequel.

What's Vertu?

Vertu manufactures high-end mobile phones for the luxury market. It is an independently run, wholly owned subsidiary of Nokia.

The mobiles are handmade from very expensive materials such as gold, sapphire, rubies and fine leather.

Each handset comes with a concierge key, through which the user can contact a team of lifestyle managers who will arrange for services such as gourmet dining, luxury travel or accommodation.

Source: Mid-Day.com / santabanta

Katrina and Malaika : Munni - Sheila Battle Heats Up

Malaika and Katrina to perform at different branches of same hotel for New Year's Eve

On New Year's Eve this year, Sheila and Munni are all set to clash at different branches of the same hotel.

While Malaika Arora Khan will be performing to Munni Badnaam Hui at the Sahara hotel in Amby Valley Katrina Kaif is all set to perform at the same hotel in Juhu.

Says a source, "Katrina and Malaika have never seen eye to eye with each other and this year the competition is between their individual chartbusters Munni Badnaam Hui and Sheila Ki Jawaani.

Each actress is intent on proving that hers is a bigger hit. Even when Katrina was dating Salman, they could barely stand each other and were just about cordial whenever they would meet.

Now, with New Year's eve coming up, both have been offered huge amounts of money to perform at different branches of the same hotel chain. "

The source adds that both Malaika and Katrina have even been offered the same amount of money.

"Both the songs are superhit and Katrina and Malaika have apparently both been offered Rs 2. 5 crore each to perform on New Year's Eve.

It will be interesting to see Katrina and Malaika try and outdo each other by performing to their own songs as well as to each other's songs. "

However, a source close to Katrina says, "Katrina has not yet decided whether she's going to perform this year though she has been offered potloads of money from various hotels for her chart-topping number Sheila ki jawani. For Katrina, her family has always come first and she always loves to spend Christmas with them. "

"This year too, she was planning to spend Christmas in London with them, as it's the only time of the year when the entire family comes together.

Tees Maar Khan releases during Christmas time and Katrina might get stuck in some post-release events too. So, as of now her New Year plans are not finalised, " added the source.


Source : Mid-day.com/santabanta