Trisha: Rollicking start in Bollywood

Trisha's Bollywood debut is begin with lots of fanfare. S. Rocky, the industry's hotshot designer, is creating the costumes for Trisha and Akshay Kumar for Khatta Meetha.

Reportedly, director Priyadarshan is keen on the hues of Trisha's costumes as her character has two persona. Known for the importance she gives to her wardrobe, Trisha is pleased that a director of the stature of Priyan has taken the initiative to supervise her costume designs. “I keenly anticipate the shoot which begins after Diwali,” said Trisha.

Ramlath demands immediate arrest of Nayantara!

After this incident, it is said that Deva’s behaviour has changed and has reduced his visit to his residence. He spends most of his times with actress Nayantara, as alleged by Ramlath. According to the reports, the actor turned director has entered into a secret wedlock with Nayantara and are living together in a bungalow in Hyderabad. Both Prabhu Deva and Nayan haven't refused these reports and keep silence on this issue. Both have been together spotted in many places and film events.

A couple of days ago Nayan visited Mumbai along with Prabhu Deva and attended the premier of Wanted directed by the latter. After the show, both jointly met the press and gave a silent nod to a question about their marital status.

Now Prabhu Deva's wife has come out from her silence and blasted Nayantara for her attitude of 'grabbing' other's husband for illegal relationship. In a press meet, the former dancer openly criticized that Nayantara is the person who has caused damage to her family set up.

Says Ramlath: "Prabhu Deva is a sincere and kind husband, who has taken care of us for the past 15 years. Very recently he purchased a house for us. But now everything has changed. His present behaviour is a big shock to me and Deva's family too.

Our family law never allows a married person to marry other woman. At the same time it should punish the woman who steal others husband illegally. I have requested the police and judicial set up to arrest Nayantara for her intention of stealing my husband from me. If I see the actress anywhere, I will surely kick her on the spot. She is the best example for a bad woman..."

Also sources close to Deva's family reveal that Ramlath is planning to meet the CM to lodge a complaint on this in a day or two. However, Nayantara was not available for comment on this.T

Priyamani Likes Obscene-Words..?

Though Priyamani satrted with the movie "Evare Athagadu", she got recognised only in "Pellaina Kotthalo" with Jagapathi Babu. Later with "Yamadonga" she became a big star. According toTamil media, it is said that Priyamani and Malayalam hero Prithviraj have something -something in between them. Not only that they communicate with each other through lewd sms'es. It is also said that Priyamani is very much fond of the obscene phrases in their sms'es.

TV Anchor And News Reader Caught In Lodge

While affairs and relationships tend to happen in a large manner in the film circuit, off late the trend is being seen in the small screen circuit as well. As per reliable sources, recently one incident has come to light. It is heard that a noted news reader and a beautiful TV anchor who have been working for a popular channel were said to be involved in a steamy passionate affair. Apparently, they ended up booking a room in a lodge and were having a good time when the concerned authorities got a whiff of it. Though both of them have been caught in the lodge, the matter is said to be in a hush-hush mode since the credibility of the channel would be at stake.

Trisha's Affair With Costume Designer Sydney

Tamil media is agog with the rumour that heroine Trish is having an affair with the costume designer Sydney. Though Trisha denied the allegations saying that they are just good friends, some of their photographs suggest that they have something more than a frienship between them. What is intriguing is that in some of the photographs another heroine Ramyakrishna is also seen!

Slideshow - Hot stills from Namitha's next

Azhagana Ponnuthaan Namitha starrer 'Azhagana Ponnuthaan' may have been in the making for a long time but her fans are waiting the movie’s release with bated breath. Now, the film’s sizzling stills will further whet their curiosity. 'Azhagana Ponnuthaan' is about a 16-yr old boy falling in love with a 26-yr old woman. The movie is directed by Thiru and stars newbie Raj Karthik. Namitha, who is the hottest siren downsouth, again dons dresses that highlight her curves fully. Though we think the actress could look still better with a little less flab. The music of the film was launched recently, but Namitha could not attend it due to poor health. Azhagana Ponnuthaan Lady in red. Azhagana Ponnuthaan Unboun Azhagana Ponnuthaan On a rocking chair. Azhagana Ponnuthaan In white. Azhagana Ponnuthaan Stretches out. Azhagana Ponnuthaan Namitha.

Divya’s dancing to new tunes!

However, interestingly, what left everyone on the sets equally wowed are her dance moves. So much so, that the award-winning American director Fred Holmes even asked the actress — who has choreographed earlier for Shyam Benegal’s film Samar — to choreograph for this film as well. A source revealed, “The sequence required Divya’s character to dance dreamily. Having seen Divya’s previous works, Fred was sure that Divya would be able to bring out the true essence of the character’s persona.” When asked, an excited Divya said, “When the director came and asked me whether I would be interested in choreographing the sequence, I was more than thrilled to do it!” So, is she game for some Bollywood films as well? “Sure, why not?” Well, seems like our B-town choreographers will just have to gear up for some tough competition ahead! Right Divya?

We don't mind this at all!

The film is currently talked about a lot on social networking sites. Because the film has been released in English, Hindi and Tamil, the film has created a sensation not only in Mumbai and Delhi but also in Bangalore and Chennai grossing combined numbers comparable to hits like A Wednesday, Iqbal, Khosla Ka Ghosla and Aamir. The film has been commended for its wacky originality and visual style. MP Shashi Tharoor saw Quickgun Murugun, his first film in cinemas since the 1970s and recommended it on a networking site to all his followers: “Some terrific visual gags and puns. Worth it!” Critics across the board have given it a unanimous thumbs up, Not surprisingly, director Shashanka Ghosh is in demand after the film. He is rumoured to be currently in talks for various projects including a Kishore Kumar biopic starring Aamir Khan, a big-budget Blade Runner-type futuristic film with Warner Bros and a sequel to this film where Quick Gun goes to America to look for Clint Eastwood! After the rapturous public response to this film, one can only say: “Mind it!”

More Stories from this section

josh set for new trendy

Josh, the movie starring debut hero Naga Chaitanya and Karthika, is all set for release worldwide today (Sep 5th), according to producer Dil Raju.

To mention here, the film got postponed from its original scheduled date of September 3 due to the sudden demise of the Chief Minister Dr. YS Rajasekhar Reddy.

Speaking to the media, Dil Raju said that the decision to this extent ws taken after consulting the distributors, exhibitors and the biggies of the Tollywood industry.

As the boxes had already reached most places, it would not be a problem to release the film on 5th, the film unit members said. The film would also be hitting the marquee at the overseas front simultaneously.

Dil Raju maintained that the unit was very much aware of the grief-stricken moments in the state. “It might affect the collections for the time being, but we are hopeful that the good movie doesn’t suffer this problem,” he said.

The sudden decision was viewed as the result of the fear factor among the producer and the distributors that since the prints were already despatched to the locations, it might lead to the piracy material.

Nayantara becomes active in Malayalam

Reiginng queen Nayantara, who is making a comeback to Malayalam with Dileep's Siddhique directed Bodyguard after her super hit Rappakal (2005), has reportedly bagged two more Malayalam movies. More details are yet to come.

Nayantara debuted in films with the Malayalam film Manassinakkare (2003) and is currently busy with two films: Jr. NTR starrer Adurs (Telugu) and Suriya starrer Aadhavan (Tamil).

She recently completed her portions in Bodyguard. Her last scene in the film was shot at Tata Tea’s Munnar golf club, where a song was picturised on her and Dileep along with other junior artists in the backdrop of a college excursion.

mallika i love you

Mallika I Love You is the dubbed version of Ultimate star Ajith's super hit Tamil film Aegan, directed by choreographer Raju Sundaram with Nayantara as the heroine. Produced by Vagicharla Murali Krishna in Telugu, the film has music by Yuvan Shankar Raja. The dubbing process is currently on and the film is likely to grace the screens on August 12.

Here is the story of Mallika I Love You: Commissioner Nasser and his department are hunting for evidence to nab pharmaceutical tycoon John Chinnappa (Suman) for his life-threatening adulteration in medicines and other illegal activities. Chinnappa's closest friend and partner Ramprasad (Devan) turns approver and is on his way to testify against him in court. Though policemen are protecting him, he is attacked by Chinnappa's men but manages to escape.

The Commissioner, frustrated about the security measures of his men, hands over the task of finding and arresting Ramprasad to his son Siva (Ajith), a brave and honest CID officer. To carry out this mission, Siva is ordered to join a college in Ooty in the role of a student where Ramprasad's daughter Pooja (Piya) is a student. The Commissioner plans to arrest Ramprasad when he visits his daughter.

After enrolling as a student, Siva tries to become friendly with Pooja and her gang to know where her father is hiding. In the meanwhile, he also gets to romance Mallika (Nayantara), a lecturer at the same college. The twist in the tale comes when Siva comes to know that he is an orphan, finding this bitter truth from his long-lost mother (Suhasini) and his brother Narain (Navdeep). The remaining plot revolves around how he finds Ramprasad, who then leads him to Chinnappa.

Salman Doesn't Like Katrina In Short Dresses

Bollywood’s bad boy, Salman Khan, has admitted that he is very possessive about his girl friend, Katrina Kaif. He has revealed that he does not watch any of Katrina Kaif’s movies as he does not like to see her in sexy and small clothes in the movies.

Salman says, "Once I saw she was wearing a really small skirt in a movie and I didn`t like it. It`s better to stay away from those films. I never interfere in her work anymore, as she`s grown up and has good scene of choice. I just watch the promos of Katrina`s films and get the idea of what the film is about."

Even though, all the people are aware of the fact that Salman Khan is very possessive about his girls, this statement is a clear revelation of what exactly is in his mind.

Now if he really has a problem with Katrina Kaif wearing short dresses, then he will definitely be against her

Salman Doesn't Like Katrina In Short Dresses

Bollywood’s bad boy, Salman Khan, has admitted that he is very possessive about his girl friend, Katrina Kaif. He has revealed that he does not watch any of Katrina Kaif’s movies as he does not like to see her in sexy and small clothes in the movies.

Salman says, "Once I saw she was wearing a really small skirt in a movie and I didn`t like it. It`s better to stay away from those films. I never interfere in her work anymore, as she`s grown up and has good scene of choice. I just watch the promos of Katrina`s films and get the idea of what the film is about."

Even though, all the people are aware of the fact that Salman Khan is very possessive about his girls, this statement is a clear revelation of what exactly is in his mind.

Now if he really has a problem with Katrina Kaif wearing short dresses, then he will definitely be against her

Deadly combination: Salman Khan and Prabhu Deva

Salman Khan will be seen dancing at his best to the tunes of Ganpati song titled 'Jalwa' in his forthcoming film Wanted. And why not, when the dancing demi-God Prabhu Deva himself has taken the charge, nothing but the best is expected. Prabhu Deva has turned director with this film.

“Although the film has dancing number in abundance, but Prabhu Deva chose to choreograph only this song along with Rajiv Surti, who has choreographed the other songs in the film,” confirms a reliable source. The source further adds, “The song is the depiction of Salman’s character in the film, but has a flavour of his real life as well. So, Salman was really charged up to give his best. This was the only song for which he rehearsed the steps days before the shoot, so that he could match up to Prabhu’s expectation; since Prabhu is known as a task master, Salman worked extra hard.”

The macho man himself confirmed about his new achievement. “This is the best song in the film; I am amazed to see the dance I have done. And I can’t believe it. (Yakeen hi nahin hota, ki aisa bhi ho sakta hai) Prabhu has not only choreographed, but is also featured in the song. He is simply fantastic and I am not all that great as compared to Prabhu Deva. Nevertheless, as per my dancing capacity, I feel I have done a good job,” Salman Khan says excitedly.

Whoa! Prabhu Deva and Salman Khan, a deadly combination. Wanted will be eagerly awaited by one and all. So we can safely say that if not the adrenalin pumping action then perhaps the disco moves might end up as the USP of Wanted, Wotsay Sallu Miyan?

Mallika receives Honorary Citizenship by City of LA

One can always trust Madame Mallika Sherawat to do something that's worthy enough of being national headlines. Right from the time she entered Bollywood, till date, anything and everything she does becomes iconic statements!

This time round, she added yet another feather in her already overloaded cap by being the first Bollywood star to be bestowed with an Honorary Citizenship and Official Resolution by the City of Los Angeles. Mallika Sherawat received the prestigious honor in front of members of the entertainment industry, friends, family and fans during a ceremony at Los Angeles City Hall on the eve of the Indian Independence Day.

In the City Hall Council Chambers, Councilmember Jose Huizar presented Mallika with the said honour. Mallika accepted the Resolution, which was signed by the Mayor and all City Council members, before giving an inspiring speech to numerous rounds of applause throughout the hall. In her profound speech of thanksgiving and acceptance, an emotional Mallika said that she is deeply, and humbly, grateful for this grand honor, in addition to thanking the Councilmember Huizar, Mayor Villaragosa, Mayor Riordan, and all the City Council. Said the actress,

"As the first Indian Bollywood actor to receive this Recognition, I proudly accept it in honor of my home country, mother India, and my beloved Bollywood, the world's largest film industry." She concluded the heartfelt speech saying "I am deeply touched, and eternally thankful for this acknowledgment. Jai Ho, Los Angeles!" Way to go, Mallika. India and Bollywood are equally proud of you!Tags: mallika sherawat.

Raghavendra spent Rs.85 lacs for Sneha?

A sudden 'twist in the tale' has crept up in actress Sneha's 'harassment' case. Sneha had been maintaining to the Police and the press that an 'unknown' industrialist Raghavendra had been harassing her continually over phone for the past six months or so. She laid a trap to the said person, who was promptly arrested by the waiting Police at a star hotel in the city a couple of days ago.

The presspersons, who are yet to meet Raghavendra and listen to his version of the episode, have been making their stories based purely on the info given to them by the Police. A little piece of information, supposedly uttered by Raghavendra inside the prison, has trickled in now.

Raghavendra firmly states that he knows Sneha 'very well' and that they had been pair for some time. He also says that he has so far spent Rs.85 lakhs to meet Sneha's desires. Raghavendra, whose remand expires in about fifteen days' time, says that he had lot more information and 'concrete' evidence to offer on the issue and that 'truth would ultimately triumph'.

In another related development, Sneha called on distributor Nag Ravi, and enquired about his health. Ravi, who had suffered serious injuries at a recent road accident in U.S., is now recuperating in Chennai. Viewers might not have forgotten how, just a couple of years ago, Sneha called the press and gave interviews stating that Ravi had been on her trail and is harassing her with a marriage proposal.

Sneha, however, states that she went to the hospital only to call on an 'ailing friend'.

Ameesha’s Janmashtmi Celebrations

who couldn’t care less about it. Yes, it’s Ameesha Patel who is eager to cheer the participants at a dahi handi event at Worli.According to sources, Ameesha is very close to the organizers and it is a huge celebration that she believes in strongly. That’s why she’s very keen on attending the event. She doesn’t seem very bothered by the whole swine flu thing.This year dahi handi is a small affair as compared to every year. Ameesha plans to attend the event sans the mask as she has full faith in God.-Sampurn Media

Shreya Saran acts pricey

To be paired-opposite Salman Khan, especially female-actors who are not very old in B-Town is like a dream come true. However, Shreya Saran is one actor who values money more than the dream. If sources are to be believed, Shreya was the first choice of Boney Kapoor for the role in his forthcoming venture Wanted, which later went to Ayesha Takia Azmi.According to reliable sources, “Shreya was supposed to do the role but things did not work out over the monetary front as Shreya’s mother and manager had demanded for more than what Shreya was being offered.” The source further adds, “So, later Ayesha Takia Azmi was roped in opposite Salman in the film.”Wanted marks the directorial debut venture of actor-choreographer Prabhu Deva, and is slated to release on September 18.-Esha Razdan/ Sampurn Media

The wait is over

The Vikram- Shriya starrer, super-hero fantasy Kanthaswamy, directed by Susi Ganeshan is being released worldwide this Friday (August 21).

The Censor Board in Chennai has given the movie a ‘U’ certificate, after a few cuts.

Says Vikram, “I’m very happy that Kanthaswamy is making it to the theatres. Children and family audiences are going to love this entertainment extravaganza. Susi Ganeshan has made it racy and I’m sure people are going to lap it up.”

Producer Kalaipuli S Thanu added, “I’m delighted that the censors have cleared Kanthaswamy with a ‘U’ certificate. With a release on 900 screens across the world, it’s going to be the biggest ever release for a south Indian film!”

Realtor held for pestering Sneha

A 34-year-old real estate businessman, who was allegedly stalking South Indian actress Sneha by bombarding her with SMS messages and phone calls pestering her to marry him, was arrested by the police here on Saturday.The arrest came after the actor complained to City Police Commissioner T Rajendran last week, alleging that Bangalore-based Raghavendra had been harassing her for the last six months after she spurned his proposal. For the city’s Cyber Crime Cell (CCC), this is the first case after it was upgraded as a ‘Cyber Crime Forensic Laboratory, a couple of day back. Assistant Commissioner, CCC, Dr Sudhakar told Express that the actor received more than 100 SMS messages from Raghavendra, who claimed be a chartered accountant running a real estate business in Bangalore. For the last one year, Raghavendra collected all information he could about the ‘Autograph’ star and also followed her everywhere. He managed to get her mobile number from his friends in the Tamil film industry and started calling her. Eventually, he compelled her to marry him.The actor plainly refused, but the obsessed man was unrelenting, Sudhakar said. “She changed her mobile phones several times, but he always managed to find her number,” he added. Sneha’s manager John told Express that Raghavendra came to them seven months ago, offering to make ‘Autograph-II’ with the actor. They told him to meet the film’s director Cheran, who later called them to say that Raghavendra did not have the capacity to make a film.“We advised him to go back to Bangalore,” he said. “But he refused and started sending SMS messages and greeting cards to Sneha. He made some 300 calls to her, asking her to marry to him. It was sheer torture and harassment and she was terribly upset.” When she thought enough was enough, she called the police chief and a trap was laid for Raghavendra. John said they told him to come down to Chennai so that they could meet and sort out the whole matter and he agreed.On Saturday, the manager and Sneha’s uncle met Raghavendra at a business class hotel in Pondy Bazaar around 4 pm and the police were tipped off about the meeting. A special team swooped on the businessman and arrested and booked him under the Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act. “The man told us that he was planning to buy Pyramid Saimira, but at the time of arrest we found that he had only Rs 166 balance in his mobile phone,” John said. Sudhakar said they were extracting date from the mobile phones to establish prima facie evidence and if proved guilty Raghavendra could end up with a seven-year-term for the offence under the Act.

Now, follow your fav B'wood stars' fitness mantra

Shilpa Shetty: I don't avoid any food. My calorie intake is about 2,000 per day. I don't need that much carbs because I don't do manual work.

I eat non-vegetarian food every day except Thursday. My breakfast is a bowl of porridge and normal tea. Then I work out (three-four times a week). After I return, I've a protein shake, two dates and eight black raisins. My lunch at 2.30 p.m. comprises one roti (bread) made of five different kinds of grain. And I must have ghee (butter) on my roti, can't do without ghee on my roti, vegetables done in refined oil, chicken and daal.

Then if I've a craving for something sweet I have a kulfi or a chocolate. I've green tea late afternoon and I've lots of hot water throughout the day. Evening, I've a flavoured soya milk. Then a cup of tea, no food until dinner, unless I feel hungry, then maybe an omelette sandwich. Dinner at 9.30 - lettuce salad with pomegranate or apple. And I avoid roti in the night. I'm a late sleeper.

Suniel Shetty: I take about 1,500-2,000 calories per day. But I work out. For me it's breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper. I don't avoid any food and I eat as much as I like without stuffing myself. I don't monitor my carbs and calories. I go by my body requirements. For breakfast, I've mom's cooked stuff, etc. Sometimes I try brown bread and egg white. I don't avoid carbohydrates during the day. I've brown rice with two vegetables in the afternoon. Dinner is soup and salad and fish or meat. Thrice a week I don't have meat. But I'm not vegetarian. At 11.30 a.m. I have fruits. Then at 4 p.m. I snack on biscuits or something light. Early dinner at 7.30 p.m. is very important.

I don't belong to the protein-shake or steroids school at all. But my body knows its requirements. And the fact that I've a 30-inch waist at 47 proves I'm getting my food right. I binge on Saturdays. I've a sweet tooth and my wife Mana has to keep it away from me. Thai food is my favourite. It's healthy and when I was shooting in Bangkok, my fitness level was at its peak. Mana makes wonderful Thai food. Chef Solomon (the head chef of the Taj group) is my favourite cook.

Himesh Reshammiya: I'm following the 1,400 calorie a day diet. I've stopped rice, rotis and sweets completely. When I'm not dieting I eat everything, no restrictions on quantity or intake.

Neil Nitin Mukesh: My calorie count would be about 2,500 a day. Then I burn out approximately 1,000 to 1,100 per day. These days I'm eating steamed fish for both lunch and dinner. I take in approximately 140 grams of proteins. Besides that, I avoid carbohydrates and fatty food as much as possible because there's a tendency to put on weight in my family.

Vidya is Bollywood's latest temptress

Eager to set her career back on track after the fashion gaffes and flops, Vidya Balan gets candid with Neelima Menon about the steamy scenes in Ishkiyan, alleged link-ups and more "Dancing is definitely not my strong point.But it's really ironic that it was Madhuri Dixit's EK do teen dance that inspired me to act".Ishkiyan promises to take passion to new levels and the actress is not going to be cowed down from being the new sex symbol.Vidya Balan is in a hurry to set straight the great Indian movie lovemaking trick. Her next big release, Ishkiyan (a Vishal Baradwaj production) is already reaping publicity for its steamy between-the-sheets sessions featuring Balan and Arshad Warsi. And for a nation who still goes ballistic over 10-sec bikini appearances in movies, the Ishkiyan premise is adding enough fodder to the newshounds. Too close for comfort I start off with the controversy doing the rounds (No time to beat around the bush). Grapevine has it that she had issues doing the passionate scenes with Warsi? "Oh, please! I know exactly what I am doing when I sign a movie. I read the script thoroughly and work only if I am convinced," she denies it hotly. There's no unnecessary bashfulness, with Balan; what you see is what you get.Also, she gives you the impression of weighing each word before uttering.Actors have confessed to feeling drawn towards their co-stars during an intimate scene. What's been her dynamics with Warsi? "Intimate scenes are very tricky . It's the biggest challenge for any Indian actor to enact a lovemaking scene. We, as a nation aren't open about PDA (public display of affection). There are times when you do feel stirrings of attraction for your co-star. But I guess that's your biggest victory as an actor," she states candidly.Balan details this delicate behind-the-scenes process. "Most of the time you are wondering whether you are being shot from the right angle, or worried about the sheets slipping away to reveal that you are not really nude. See, I don't want to demystify the process," she laughs.Directed by Abhishek Chaubey, the long-term associate of Vishal Baradwaj, Ishkiyan (co-starring Naseeruddin Shah) according to the actress is one of the best roles of her career after Parineeta."It's a well-layered role. Not your typical story and extremely challenging. Something, I have never done before. This is also one of the best professional set-ups I have worked on," she offers.Balan is equally thrilled about her second release this year, Pa directed by Balki (Cheeni Kum) where she is acting alongside Bachchan Sr and Jr. Like every actor in B-town, Balan worships the seniorr actor. "It's just humbling to work k vwith him. His dedication is unbeliev o able. For God's sake, he can afford to throw his weight around but after er working with him I have become the he Buddha," she chuckles.We go back to Ishkiyan. Heard her er ell, character is that of a temptress? "Well, she's a very real character with her oes own set of complexities," she says. Does she involve herself during script read-ad ing ings? "Normally I like to get everything se, I clear before I start any film. Of course, make suggestions and won't t let hings anyone get away with saying things like `Arre yaar, heroine hai'."Despite her no-nonsense attitude, directors who have worked rked with her have vouched for her undiminished professionalism ism on the sets. She grins, "I like e to have a good time on the sets. I am a people's person and involve in friendly banter, but not at the he cost of work." Is it difficult to get back to normalcy once the cam- mera stops rolling? "Most often, ,I manage to switch off. But it's 's emotionally draining all the e same," she admits.I bring up the issue of her r poor dancing skills. But before e I could frame my question, she interrupts, "Listen, everybody can't be a Madhuri Dixit. I know dancing is not my strong point. But, it's really ironic that it's in fact Madhuri Dixit's Ek do teen dance that inspired me to act. You can't expect me to match steps with Shahid (Kismat Konnection), " she laughs out loud.To link or not: I broach the topic of her various link-ups. From Sanjay Dutt to Shahid Kapur, it's been a marathon race. Doesn't it get awkward to face them? "When I first got linked with Sanjay Dutt (Parineeta), I was worried. But being a seasoned actor, Sanju took it lightly. Now I have learned to deal with it. At least on paper, I lead a very colourful life," she giggles.If there is one thing that Balan is particular about, it's that her films should be seen and heard by the masses and not just be part of some ambiguous film festival. "I am not ok about my movie being seen by two people in some corner of the world. I would prefer to make home videos instead," she says with mock anger. But having said that Balan is a fan of world cinema. "I remember flipping over The Tin Cup (a Taiwanese film) and hungrily lapping up some of the finest Iranian films. In fact, I am dying to do an Iranian movie," she discloses.The brat and bookworm: We flashback a bit to her growing up days. How was she as a kid? "My only focus was eating. I was a fat indulgent child," she grimaces. She attributes her so-called laidback attitude ("My ambition is only in front of the camera") to a happy , contented childhood.Her love for books is well-known. "Yes, it's like oxygen for me. I shamelessly borrow from everyone," she owns up. From Sue Townsend (currently reading) to Jhumpa Lahiri, Chithra Bannerjee, Paulo Coelho and even Ramayana, you name it and she's read it. For Balan, St Xaviers College, Mumbai, was an extended home and a place where "she's spent some of the best years of her life". That's where she acquired a taste for films and Indian classical music and listened devotedly to Begum Akhtar, Balamurali Krishna and Maharaja puramSanthanam. Even today, she never misses Ustad Allah Rakha's barsi that happens annually in Delhi in February . Her perfect day? Listening to ghatam player Vikku Vinayakram and Hindustani musician Kishori Amonkar.She sounds so unaffected by stardom. How does she tackle the glitches that come with it? "I can live with the lack of privacy but I wish film critics would be more responsible. We work hard to make movies. Somebody's personal opinion could really cause damage," she says solemnly . Bit of classical, a plate of avial, truckload of books and a mind of her own, the real Vidya Balan is indeed without pretensions and retakes.Ishkiyan is slated for a September release.

katrina severing ties with John?

It was just weeks back that a Mumbai

tabloid went on and on about an alleged clandestine relationship

between Katrina Kaif and John Abraham while they were shooting their film New York. Though the talks have died down what with both Kat and John vehemently denying any such thing having happened, it can't be denied that Katrina’s rapport with boyfriend Salman Khan has not exactly been great since then

Adding to her woes now is an offer from Dev D maker Anurag Kashyap to star in his next opposite John Abraham. It is learnt that the maverick filmmaker is making a series of movies about life in Mumbai and John is the only one who has been officially signed up so far. Anurag apparently has also sent the script across to Katrina who seems to have loved it.

Sources close to her claim, it’s just the kind of film Katrina would like to do at this point in time when she has just begun to make her mark as an actress. But she is still in two minds about signing up for the movie. The primary reason is that she is not sure if she wants to be paired opposite John Abraham again.

Katrina is in no mood to handle the rumours that she is sure will resurface.

STAR DIARY Mallika

Mallika Sherawat, who has recently been rubbing shoulders with the A-listers of Hollywood, will be officially conferred with the title of honorary citizen for her charitable efforts by Los Angeles on August 15. Los Angeles City Mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa,will recognise Sherawat in a star-studded event on August 15 as a citizen of the US. This is the first time that a Bollywood celebrity is being presented with this title and many Hollywood stars will be gracing the occasion including Hissss director Jennifer Lynch. Sherawat is also quite active on the social networking site Twitter where she interacts with her fans on a regular basis. Her profile is quite popular and has 6,800 followers tracking her posts. While she was recently in the US to promote her film Hissss, the sexy siren dropped in the Twitter office headquarters at San Francisco and chatted with employees. Sherawat is also working on a new American film in which she will play a character based on a San Francisco’s Attorney General. Jennifer Lynch’s Hissss, which will see Mallika play a nagin, will premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in 2010.

Bobby Deol, who is not too fond of horror films, has gone ahead and signed one. Currently, being shot in Mauritius, the film is directed by Rajeev Virani and will have Mugdha Godse fame playing the lead opposite him. Apparently, Bobby cannot stand the sight of blood and gore and does not watch horror movies at all. The junior Deol is impressed with Rajeev Rai’s original script and believes that it is not a rip-off of any Hollywood film. Meanwhile, Samir Karnik’s romantic film Vada Raha with Kangna Ranaut and Bobby Deol will have a grand opening at the Norway Film Festival. Made on a shoestring budget, the film is a sweet love story about never losing hope. Earlier, titled Roshan, Vada Raha, which is scheduled to release on September 11, will be the curtain raiser film at the Norwegian International Film Festival.

Koena Mitra, who has been missing in action for the past few days, was on a well-deserved break. The lissome lass recently went on an all expense paid trip to Kenya. Koena, who was in Nairobi to attend an event at the Bollywood Club, was lucky enough to get a chance to go on a wildlife jungle safari. The organisers arranged a four-day jungle safari for the self-confessed animal lover. Koena’s four-day safari included a bush walk where she saw wild elephants and buffalos from close quarters. The organisers had arranged for five-star treatments for her, which included a hot air balloon ride and a champagne breakfast in a luxurious tent in the middle of the forest. Koena, who is just back from her trip, is busy with the preparations of her website launch. The dusky actor will join the leagues of Lara Dutta and Genelia D’Souza by launching her own web portal where she will post exclusive information.

I've delivered hits in four languages: Genelia D'Souza

Chennai (IANS): Actor Genelia D'Souza has done films in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada - no big deal, did you say? She's delivered hits in all four languages - not bad! In one single year, she informs us - wow!

Ever since Genelia D'Souza, who celebrated her birthday on August 5 took her first steps in Bollywood with Tujhe Meri Kasam and down south with director Shankar's Boys, there's been no looking back for her.

"I delivered super hits in all four languages - Satya (Kannada), Santosh Subramaniyam (Tamil), Ready (Telugu) and Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Naa (Hindi). I guess I'm the only heroine who delivered four superhits in four languages in one year," she said.

The actress has another reason to be happy.

"I'm the heroine in all the three languages of Bommarillu. The Telugu film was made in Tamil as Santosh Subramaniyam and in Hindi as It's My Life," she said.

Asked about which language she prefers, the actor replied: "I enjoy doing films in all languages. Script is the first factor I look into. I don't mind doing a five-minute role if it's worth it. Secondly I should have a comfort level with the director/producer I work with. Language is never the criterion for me."

Quiz her about how she keeps fit, Genelia says: "I am basically an athlete. I was a state-level runner and I played for the national football team. Hence, I am fit. I don't stay away from any kind of food. I love biryani, even if it's oily."

On her much talked about affair with Riteish Deshmukh, she said: "No, I've always maintained that he is a good friend. The press wrote what they wanted to but that hasn't affected our friendship. Besides, I am single."

Magadheera grosses Rs 20 cr in first week

Amidst the allegation and arguments, Telugu movie Magadheera continues to rock the Box Office. According to the Telugu film industry sources, Ram Charan Teja-Kajal Agarwal starrer movie is all set to break the Box Office records. Magadheera has reportedly opened to fabulous first week collections.

"The film Magadheera has already grossed Rs 20 crores in the first week of its release with approximate region-wise break-up being Nizam (Rs 7 crore), Rayalaseema (Rs 5 crore) and Andhra (Rs 8 crore) and is being screened in 1000-odd theatres all over the state," greatandhra.com reports.

However, actor Ram Charan Teja, director SS Rajamouli and producer Allu Arvind are all very happy at the success of the movie. They attributed the success of the movie to all the technician, actors and other unit members. They said that team effort is behind the success of the movie.

Telugu movie Pokiri has been the highest earner in the industry with its collection of Rs 40 crores. Producer Allu Arvind believes that Magadheera will break the records of Pokiri and set up its own new records.

Profile of Hrithik Roshan

Hrithik Roshan a popular Hindi Film actor born on the 10th of January, 1974 at Mumbai. He is the son of Pinky ROshan and Rakesh Roshan. Rakesh is a former Film star and currently a leading director in Bollywood. His grand father was the renowned Roshan - a famous Music Director. His mother is an award-winning Indian and Bollywood actor.

Hrithik is married to Sussanne Khan and have two children, both boys - Hrehaan and Hridhaan. He studied at the Bombay Scottish School, and Sydenham College; both in Mumbai.

Hrithik starred as a child artiste in several movies in the 80's. He later made a debut in a leading role in Kaho Naa...Pyaar Hai. It was a blockbuster and the public reacted with such hysteria that it reminded people of the popularity that Rajesh Khanna enjoyed in his hey days. He followed up with Koi... Mil Gaya in 2003 and its sequel Krrish in 2006. These were the first movies that were based on ET that were succesful in Bollwyood. Dhoom 2 saw him play an anti-hero role which was again one of his biggest hits of his career.

Nickname: Duggu

Height: 5' 11½" (1.82 m)

Katrina Kaif - Profile

Katrina Kaif, an Indian actress was born on July 16, 1984. She has appeared in a clutch of Bollywood (Hindi Film Industry), Telugu and Malayalam films.

Katrina Kaif was born in Hong Kong to an Indian Kashmiri father and a white British mother. She was one among eight children, all girls, and was raised in Hawaii.

At the age of fourteen, Katrina Kaif started modeling for a jewelery campaign in London, and was spotted by an Indian filmmaker named Kaizad Gustad, who launched her in his film Boom (2003).

For that movie she shifted to Mumbai (formerly Bombay) and was offered a number of modeling assignments. But movie roles eluded her due to her lack of fluency in the native language Hindi and her strong British accent.

Even though Katrina Kaif has been dating Bollywood co-star Salman Khan for a while now, she still avoids talking about him and doesn't take questions relating to her personal life from the media.

Reema Sen

Date of Birth : 29 Oct 1981

Place of Birth : Calcutta, India

Biography :

Reema Sen the Super model and Actress of the bollywood was born on 29th October, 1981. She was born in a middle class family in Calcutta. This Bengali girl has straight black hair and brown eyes. She is 5’5” tall. She speaks Bengali, English and Hindi.

Raveena Tandon

Date of Birth : 26 Oct 1970

Place of Birth : Mumbai, India

Biography :

Daughter of Bombay film industry (Bollywood) director Ravi Tandon. Raveena dropped out of Bombay's Meethibai College to pursue a career as a model with middling success. She made her movie debut with the flop _Pathar Ke Phool (1991)_ . Her next few films were also failures and it was only with Andaz Apna Apna (1994) that she tasted success. Mohra (1994) made her a superstar all set to become Bollywood's reigning actress. However she then began a tangled affair with co-star Akshay Kumar. All her films flopped and her arch-rival Karisma Kapoor had her fired from some top films. By the end of 1995 her career was in tatters and she was reduced to the level of a starlet doing bit roles. Her career revived with a huge hit Ziddi (1997) and she now is again a top rung star

Preeti Jhangiani

Date of Birth : 18 Aug 1980

Place of Birth : Mangalore, Karnataka

Biography :

Preeti Jhangiani is an Indian actress and model. She is fluent in Sindhi, Hindi, Telugu, English. She is cusp-born (Leo/Virgo) and stands 5'5" in height. She studied in St. Xavier's College, Ahmedabad. Preeti first appeared in a Rajshri Music Video 'Chui Mui' opposite Abbas, this made them as well as the Koala bear symbol - famous. Thereafter she has appeared in Nirma Sandal soap ads. Her first film was in Malayalam which was called Mazhavillu. She made her Bollywood debut in 2000 with Mohabbatein. The film starred Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan and Jugal Hansraj as well as four other debutantes (Shamita Shetty, Uday Chopra, Kim Sharma and Jimmy Shergill). The film was a huge hit and started her film career. Her next hit was the comedy Awara Paagal Deewana, but she did not really have much of a role. After the release of Mohabbatein, she received about a dozen offers, but before she could commence filming, she became so ill, that she was on anti-biotics - which altered her visage and caused weight fluctuations. She did recuperate and went on to act in some more movies, but has yet to make her mark on Bollywood. She has since been acting in mostly B grade movies. She earlier had an image of a homely girl but later on she started showing her skin rampantly, like in her movies Chhahat ek nashaa Haseena etc. She has been romantically linked with Bollywood actor, Aftab Shivdasani, also a Sindhi; model Gautam Rodha, and married actor Parvin Dabbas on March 23rd, 2008. She lives in Bandra (West), Bombay

Mandira Bedi

Date of Birth : 15 Apr 1972

Place of Birth : Mumbai, India

Biography :

Mandira Bedi is an Indian Bollywood actress,born in a Punjabi-speaking Bombay-based Bedi family.she did her schooling in the Cathedral & John Canon High School. She shot to international fame first as television serial Shanti(1995) and then as a television presenter during the 2003 Cricket World Cup and also in 2007 Cricket World Cup. Mandira married Bollywood Film Director, Raj Kaushal, quite dramatically on Valentine's Day 1999, and they live in Bandra, Bombay. She has acted in hubby's movie 'Shaadi Ka Ladoo', and is currently involved in the filming of 'Dus Kahaniyan'. She likes doing a variety of screen roles, but prefers glamorized dramas. She would love to do negative roles, like the one in 'Kyun Ki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thee', but is told that she does not have a face for it. Now She is doing a role in Meerabai Notout(2008)

Mallika Sherawat

Date of Birth : 24 Oct 1972

Place of Birth : Rohtak, Haryana

Biography :

Sherawat's birth name is Reema Lamba; she says that adopted the screen name of "Mallika", meaning "empress" to avoid confusion with other actresses named Reema. "Sherawat" is her mother's maiden name. She has stated that she uses her mother's maiden name because of all the support her mother has provided for her. There is also a controversy regarding her age. A news channel in India had alleged that she was already a graduate before starting to work as an airhostess and hence she can't be as young as she claims. She has also a degree in philosophy from Miranda House, Delhi University. Mallika's onscreen debut was in Lak Tunoo, a music video by Surjit Bindrakhia. She attracted wide notice with her appearance in the 2003 movie Khwahish. By Indian standards the movie was quite racy, however it was known for its naturalistic and realistic topic. In 2004, she starred in Murder, a film inspired by Hollywood's Unfaithful that again challenged Indian film standards. She received a nomination for Best Actress at the Zee Cine Awards ceremony for her performance in Murder. The film went on to become one of the biggest hits of the year.Since then, Sherawat has been known for her courage to express her opinions in public, and went on to make headlines through her outfits and blunt statements. She also made news when she won a small role in a Jackie Chan movie, The Myth, where she again appeared in revealing costumes. She made a widely publicized appearance at the Cannes Film Festival to promote The Myth. Since her debut, Mallika was often accused of simply being a sexy woman without talent. However, her performance in the 2006 film Pyaar Ke Side Effects co-starring Rahul Bose won her praise from around the industry, and the film also garnered decent collections. The movie stamped Mallika as an actress who started off as an item girl and joined the main stream later on. She is now beginning to work in the Kollywood (Tamil) film industry as well. She plays the second fiddle in Dasavatharam starring Kamal Haasan, Asin and Jayapradha. Her latest project is a 10-minute role in Himesh Reshammiya's Aap Ka Suroor - The Real Love Story, which has been called a "vampish role". Mallika herself has protested, saying that it is a negative role but not a vamp role. With Aap Ka Suroor she has become the most expensive "Item Girl", as she charged Rs. 1.5 crore for her Item number in the movie. Sherawat has been voted as one of Asia's 100 most beautiful people by the Hong Kong based fashion and beauty magazine, Cover

Malaika Arora

Date of Birth : 23 Oct 1973

Place of Birth : Bombay

Biography :

Malaika Arora Khan is an Indian supermodel and a Bollywood actress. When MTV India first started, also the wife of famous bollywood actor arbaaz khan, Malaika was one of their most prominent VJ's. She rose from this to an interviewer for MTV India, becoming the most prominent and hot non-movie, non-model female in urban India. Malaika was born to a Malayalee mother and a Punjabi father. Her father Anil Arora worked in the merchant navy . Malaika completed her tenth grade from Swami Vivekanand School in Chembur(Mumbai).Her Aunt Grace Polycarp was the principal of that school. Malaika lived in Borla Society opposite Basant Talkies before her modelling career. MTV India, recognizing her potential gave her prominent roles at Awards Functions and concerts telecast on the television channel. From there, she expanded her career into the modeling world. Her modeling and TV careers are going strong. At one point she was romantically linked to John Abraham. Malaika has appeared in numerous advertisements. She can also be seen in various item numbers or song and dance sequences, such as Chaiyya Chaiyya in the film Dil Se and Maahi Ve in Kaante. She has since then focused on her career as a model and television anchor. In 2005, she did another item number: Kaal Dhamaal in the movie Kaal. Recently she also did an item in Prince Mahesh Babu's Athidhi. In 2007, she did a title song in Heyy Babyy directed by Sajid Khan and another popular song for Om Shanti Om whose director is the sister of Sajid, Farah Khan. She is married to the Bollywood actor Arbaaz Khan whom she met during a coffee ad shoot. They have a son, Arhaan. She is the sister of actress Amrita Arora and sister-in-law to Bollywood heartthrob Salman Khan and Sohail Khan. Arbaaz said in an interview "She balances work, home and kid beautifully" Amrita said on the popular show Karan Johar show Koffee With Karan that she doesn't know anyone in Bollywood who have maintained their body like Malaika has even after motherhood (Koffee With Karan, 2005).

Madhuri Dixit

Date of Birth : 15 May 1967

Place of Birth : Bombay, India

Biography :

Madhuri Dixit is an award winning Indian Bollywood actress and one of the biggest stars of the Indian film industry. Madhuri Dixit is a native of Mumbai, India. She was born Madhuri Shankar Dixit to Shankar and Snehlata Dixit, of a Marathi Chitpavan Brahmin family. Maduri Dixit made her acting debut in Abodh (1984). After a few minor and supporting roles her first major role was in Tezaab (1988) which launched her career. She then went on to star in the hit films Ram Lakhan (1989), Parinda (1989), Tridev (1989), Dil (1990), Kishan Kanhaiyan (1990), Saajan (1991), Beta (1992), Khalnayak (1993), the Bollywood blockbuster Hum Aapke Hain Kaun! (1994) and Raja (1995). After a year of little success, she appeared as Pooja in the blockbuster Dil To Pagal Hai (1997), for which she won her fourth Filmfare Best Actress Award. In the same year, Dixit starred in Prakash Jha's critically acclaimed Mrityudand. A powerful commentary on social and gender injustice, the film straddled the boundary between an art and a commercial film. It won the Best Feature Film at the Cinéma Tout Ecran in Geneva, the Bangkok Film Festival and the Sansui Awards (Critics' Choice). Her performance in the film also landed her Best Actress awards at the Star Screen Awards and Sansui Awards. Her dance sequences accompanying many famous Bollywood songs such as Ek Do Teen (from Tezaab), Bada Dukh Dina (from Ram Lakhan), Dhak Dhak (from Beta), Chane Ke Kheth Mein (from Anjaam), Choli Ke Peechche (from Khalnayak), Akhiyan Milau (from Raja), Piya Ghar Aya (from Yaarana), Key Sera (from Pukar), Mardala (from Devdas), and many others have received abundant critical acclaim. In 2002, she starred in Devdas, with actor Shahrukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai. Her performance was applauded and earned her a Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award. The film attracted worldwide attention and was featured at the Cannes Film Festival. Since then she has not appeared in any films. The following year a film named after her, Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon!, was released. On February 25, 2006 she performed on stage for the first time in six years at the Filmfare Awards to music from her last movie Devdas.Her performance was choreographed by Saroj Khan and was very well received. Madhuri Dixit has been the muse for the famous Indian painter M.F. Hussain who considers her the epitome of the Indian woman. She also appeared in his film, Gaja Gamini (2000). The film was intended as a tribute to Dixit's talent and beauty. On December 7, 2006, Dixit returned to Mumbai along with her husband and sons to start filming for her new film, Aaja Nachle (2007). Recently, on Women's International Day, Dixit topped the list of the Best Bollywood Actresses Ever