Sallu not interested in camoes

Whether it is the debacle of ‘Saawariya’ at the box office or the worry that his recent films are not able to create any impact; whatever it is Sallu has decided that he will not do any guest appearances. The first six-pack boy of Bollywood feels that his fans like to see him only as a lead actor and he is not willing to disappoint them.
May be it is because of this that Salman declined the offers from Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Sooraj Barjatya. Leela Bhansali had met Salman for a small role in his ambitious project titled ‘Heera Mandi’. But reportedly the star asked him to come up with a full length role for him in some other film in the future.
This is exactly what happened to film maker Sooraj Barjatya as well. Barjatya too had knocked the doors of Salman requesting him to do a supporting role and came back failing to get a positive answer. It is a well known factor that whatever be the fate of his films, Sallu’s fan following has not reduced one bit. Now it is high time the so called bad boy of Bollywood sign a solo hero project and taste success once again.
After all he is one of those few few stars could carry of any solo-hero role effortlessly on his wide shoulders.

'Yuvvraaj' finds its way to the Oscar Library

Subhash Ghai's film 'Yuvvraaj' Starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif in the lead has found a place in the Oscar Library.
Subhash Ghai's 'Yuvvraaj' has just garnered the most prestigious honour from the Library of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences for including 'Yuvvraaj' as a part of the Oscar Library. The script will be part of the core collection which is made available for film makers, writers, actors and students worldwide for their research work.
The merits of this selection are not based on box-office performance of the film but mainly on the artistic merits, original screenplay with a substance and the film as a whole.
"Of course the selection of the script of 'Yuvvraaj ' came as a surprise to me but surely an honour which no one can deny. Let's say it is my consolation prize of my hard work." said a smiling Subhash Ghai
The screenplay of 'Yuvvraaj' has been jointly written by Subhash Ghai, Kamlesh Pandey and Sachin Bhowmick, with the story & dialogue by Subhash Ghai with actors Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif and Zayed Khan. The music was composed by A.R Rahman while lyrics were penned by Gulzar.

Stars war with brands

So what if brands think Aishwarya Rai is too old to be a youth icon? With more companies looking for newer models with a greater reach to sell their product, it’s offers pouring in for young, haute actresses in the country today. And cashing in on that are many petite damsels, from Genelia to Bebo and the newest kid on the block in Bollywood, Asin. The ‘Ghajini’ actress has, most recently, signed uBrand wars could well be the newest thing among heroines today, as the female leads have been vying with each other to clinch international brand contracts. If Ash turned down Loreal’s fairness cream, Sonam Kapoor got it. And Asin has now become brand ambassador for Fairever Fruit. Genelia, it may be recalled, endorsed Fair and Lovely in the early days of her career.
Among soft drinks, if Genelia and Trisha have been the pretty new faces on Fanta ads, Asin has continued her support for Miranda with another series of wacky ads. Katrina Kaif has been flaunting jewellery from Nakshatra as its ambassador, while Asin remains Tanishq’s most trusted model. Vatika has zeroed in on Genelia as its ambassador while Asin until recently was Parachute’s model.
Mobile service providers, who have also entered advertising their services in a big way, today boast of two big names for endorse them. Bebo along with boyfriend Saif for Airtel and Asin, again, for Tata Indicom. p a deal to endorse Big Bazaar, along with cricket star MS.Dhoni.

Tulip Joshi’s double whammy!

Tulip's Punjabi film ‘Jag Jeondeyan De Mele’ where she stars alongside Harbhajan Mann has opened to a smashing response in Punjab!
This is the first time Tulip has featured in a Punjabi film where she essays a double role. The film which is running to packed theatres is currently in its 7th week! And the congratulatory calls are not just poring in from Punjab but also from as far as Canada and UK!
On one hand, Tulip plays the character of a modern blind girl from UK and on the other hand she gives it a rustic touch by playing the role of a tribal gypsy woman from Punjab. Both roles being on either end of the spectrum gave the actress ample scope to experiment and has given her two completely different looks in the film! Tulip Joshi who has won accolades for her performance in ‘Matrabhoomi’ and critical acclaim with her role in ‘Dhoka’ was last seen in Shree Ashtavinayak’s ‘Superstar’.

Hissss'- Hollywood brain, Bollywood body

As everyone knows the snake woman popularly known as Naagin is getting back in a big way to Bollywood.
With this movie the leading lady Mallika Sherwat might also be looking out for a rejuvenation of her limping career as a result of two big time flops.
The film has now been given the title 'Hissss' and more than expectations there is the factor of curiosity of how the movie when finished will turn out to be.
This curiosity gets its fuel from the thinking which constantly makes the film lovers imagine how the new age Naagin will be portrayed, how good the leading lady will be and from the fact that as the movie is directed by a foreigner, a way of film crafting different from that of the Indian film makers can be expected.
The movie is being directed by Jennifer Lynch who is the daughter of the 4 time Oscar nominee and 2 time Cannes film festival winner David Lunch.
She has made a movie called 'Surveillance' which got fantastic reviews when show at the Cannes Film Festival 2008.Jennifer surely will not waste this chance to create a high impact movie and thus grab the attention of Indian film lovers.
We will hope that this film maker who by making 'Hissss' wishes to make her own contribution to the tradition of cult thriller movies such as 'Silence Of The Lambs' and 'Predator' will not disappoint us.
The revenge story is being produced by Vikram Singh & Goving Menon of Split Image Pictures.
'Hissss' will narrate how the 4000 year old folk story of Naagin attracts a cruel American who decides to travel to India and find out the truth.
So in 2009, the character George States played by Jeff Douchette travels to the jungles of India and manage to capture the mate of the snake woman.
This action of the villain leads the Naagin to transform into a gorgeous attractive woman who comes to the modern world fuming with vengeance and armed with her poisonous venom to find her captured lover.
This desperate search of the protagonist for her soul mate results in horrifying deaths and slender escapes from the claws of death.
Irrfan Khan plays a prominent role in the movie.
One reason why this movie is a must watch for all the movie buffs is because of the involvement of Robert Kurtzman who is considered as a special effects and make up genius.
A mere glance at his work profile is enough to know the quality which can be expected from him.
He is same man behind the visual effects of movies such as 'Evil Dead' and 'Spy Kids'.
He is a trusted team man of the path breaking film maker Quentin Tarantino having worked with him in all his films.
Robert Kurtzman has also worked with Robert Rodriguez.
He wrote the story of 'From Dusk Till Dawn' directed by Mr. Rodriguez.
He has also worked along with Tom Cruise for the film 'Vanilla Sky' and John Travolta for 'Pulp Fiction'.
'Hissss' will be hitting the big screen by the middle of 2009.

The kiss in 'Hissss'

Bollywood may never show the kind of intense romance scenes as shown in Hollywood flicks, but gone are the days when Indian actors were reluctant to lock lips for a passionate steamy kiss in intense romance scenes.
Directors sitting at the editing table making the performers work easier by either inserting the visuals of two doves or colourful roses peck each other have also become passé. In the coming months, film lovers are going to see the lengthiest kissing scene ever in Bollywood. That is what the buzz from B-Town is.
The scene was shot for the upcoming international flick titled as 'Hissss' having the hot Mallika Sherawat in the role of a "Nagin" (the female snake having unique powers). The artists in the stretched out lip locking scene are Irfaan Khan and Divya Dutta.
Even though 'Hissss' is being directed by the Hollywood film maker Jeniffer Lynch, it cannot be called a Bollywood film and the fact that all the leading actors are from India will make it as endearing as 'Slumdog Millionaire'.
After being part of such acclaimed movies like 'Namesake', 'The Warrior' etc.. 'Irrfan Khan is no stranger to the ways of international film makers. But he still felt jittery when Jennifer told him about the steamy scene with Divya.
The director sensing that Irfan and Divya were quite tensed promised them that the scene will be taken care of in the most possible aesthetic manner. The scene was shot in Kerala. The actors had to do the act in front of the entire unit and not break the lip-lock until Jennifer Lynch asked them to do so.

Mallika roped in by Playboy?

Mallika Sherawat is one actress who in spite of not having any new big releases lined up manages to be in the news.
The only forthcoming movie having the sultry lady in a significant role is the international project titled ‘Hisssss’ directed by Jenifer Lynch. New information regarding this film has ceased to come in the media.
But again here comes an interesting tidbit of information that is going to give Mallika some media space in the coming days.
As per some rumours, Mallika is all set to represent “Playboy” in India. It is said that she has been roped in by “Playboy” for the grand launch of its perfume line in India.
However it is not clear if she has been considered by the American company for being the brand ambassador of the perfume or whether she has been offered the job of just launching the perfume.

Shah Rukh will play Don in Don 2: Farhan

Pics: SRK in DelhiPics: SRK, Deepika's hot item numberRead: Shah Rukh's house attackedPics: The SRK-Aamir warThe first season of Oye its Friday may have come to an end, but it looks like Farhan Akhtar still has a lot to talk about, which includes a very exciting news for Shah Rukh Khan fans. "Yes, Shah Rukh Khan is going to be playing Don in Don 2. Most of the main characters will be tha same as the first movie, but we will also have a lot of new surprises in it," Farhan said. While shooting for Don 2 is at least a year away, Farhan's got his hands full with the psychological thriller Kartik Calling Kartik co-starring Deepika Padukone."Right now, im only thinking about Kartik Calling Kartik. I am glad to have got Deepika in the movie. She is a very sweet girl and the film is a psychological thriller," he said. With projects with SRK and Deepika in hand, Farhan certainly seems to have a soft corner for the cast of Om Shanti Om.

Salman, Katrina headed for separation

Again the gossip column is filled up with Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif’s splitting news. Grapevine is abuzz that Salman Khan’s over possessive nature has widened the gap between the two. He is said to be the root of their separation. Sallu is stubborn and overprotective and he does not want Kat to question him regarding any matter. He wanted to lead life according to his own wish. Moreover, Salman wants a housewife who only manages his house and does not like an independent woman like Katrina who is ambitious. Their bitter relationship came into forefront when both did not talk with each other on the set of Veer. Their long period of silence has given birth of their differences. They were on the same venue but hardly spoke with each other and maintained a professional relationship.They remained far away from one throughout while shooting in Jodhpur. It was easy on Salman’s part to call off his relationship but problem lies with Katrina Kaif who in five years of long commitments with Sallu not only fallen for him but also became very friendly and homely with Salman’s parents. Hope, it is just another rumor that dies off with passing time.

"I play a famous star in 'Bollywood Hero'" - Neha Dhupia

By Bollywood Hungama News Network
She has not had a Bollywood release in 2009 as yet, but this lass has made it big time with her latest in West. After giving some memorable performances in Bollywood films, Neha Dhupia is all set to take the western world by storm with the mini series titled 'Bollywood Hero'. Bollywood Hungama caught up with the elated and ecstatic actress to find out more about the series…
From Bollywood you will now be moving west… what was the catalyst for this change?Well to be frank this has been on since January. I auditioned for the miniseries then and got the part. Almost all Hollywood productions go through an audition and screen test no matter how big a star you may be, and that is what makes the difference.
What about the series how did you get to know about this particular audition?I was contacted by Tabrez Noorani, who was a line producer for Slumdog Millionaire. Tabres is a friend of mine and he was the person who told me about this. First I was a bit sceptical but then he said that the guys out there were pretty keen on having me play the part of Alima Lakhani. So I did the screen test and got the part.
About the series could you brief us a bit on it?Bollywood Hero, stars Chris Katta from Saturday Night Live and Julian Sanda. The series is about Chris whose ambition is to be an actor in a Bollywood film. As for my role, I come in when Chris comes to Mumbai and lands a role in a Bollywood film, I am his co-star in that.
What about your role of Alima, what is she like?Alima, is this famous star when it comes to Hindi films and she is cast opposite this newcomer from the west who has come to India to act in a film.
What about the dates of the series, when will be hitting the screens et al?As I said earlier, I did the auditions in January and we started the shoot only in March. Currently the production process is still on and is scheduled to be completed by the 22nd of April. As for the release date we are looking at somewhere in August may be around the 7th. Besides that we are also planning to have a lot of media coverage done in July around the American Independence day.

Mahie decides to go glam after 'Dev D', 'Gulaal'

By Joginder Tuteja
Mumbai, March 27 (IANS) Actress Mahie Gill, who impressed audiences with her mature performance in "Dev D" and "Gulaal", said she will be seen in glamorous roles in her forthcoming films.
"As an actor I want to do all kinds of roles and work in different genre of films. 'Dev D' was a fantastic appearance while 'Gulaal' did see me in a semi-glam avtar as I played a mistress-cum-mujra dancer who was a huge fan of Tabu. However, none of the films had me running around the trees," said Mahie.
So is running around the trees and singing romantic numbers next on the anvil?
"Why not? I pretty much love conventional Bollywood cinema. And don't forget that I have worked as a heroine in Punjabi films as well. So it is not going to be anything surprisingly different for me to get into a typical heroine mode," she said.
Mahie, who has been one of the newcomers this year, will now be seen in two more UTV productions "Aage Se Right" and "Paan Singh Tomar". So is she in some kind of contract with the production house?
"No, not at all. I don't have any kind of contract with them. They just saw the rushes of 'Dev D' and signed me on soon after."
Talking about her roles in the two films, Mahie said: "'Aage Se Right' is a comic thriller in which I play a reporter. I would be seen in a semi-glam part though there is a song where people will get to see me in a full-on glam avtar. I am paired opposite Shreyas Talpade in the film."
Directed by Indrajit Nattoji, "Aage Se Right" is set in Mumbai and spans over five days of panic, chaos and mayhem when a sub-inspector loses his gun. This triggers off a series of incidents that gets progressively complicated yet comic and, as the gun travels, it passes through the most unlikely set of characters and links them together.
"Another film of mine is 'Paan Singh Tomar' which is the true epic journey of a talented runner (Irrfan Khan) who turned into a rebel! This film has me in a non-glam role though. Tigmanshu Dhulia, the film's director, has done an excellent job with his characters in the film," she said.
"Paan Singh Tomar" is about an athlete who gave up his running shoes, became a rebel and wreaked havoc in the Chambal Valley.

Shilpa hopes IPL will be a success in South Africa

New Delhi, March 30 (IANS) Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, who co-owns Indian Premier League (IPL) team Rajasthan Royals, hopes that the new venue for the matches will be a success for the T20 series.
"Kudos to the South African government and South Africa cricket body who have welcomed us with open arms and I am really hopeful after attending the Australia vs South Africa Pro T20 Match on Friday, seeing the huge cricket fan base there, I am sure that the IPL will be hugely successful," Shilpa posted on her blog shilpashettylive.com/blog Sunday on board a flight to Cape Town.
The second edition of IPL is taking place in South Africa. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to shift the Twenty20 tournament outside the country after state governments failed to assure security for the event that clashed with general elections.
Last year's winning team, Rajasthan Royals will kick off the series with a match against Bangalore Royal Challengers at Newlands, Cape Town April 18 and the 33-year-old actress also admitted to undergoing pressure to maintain the winning streak.
"The pressure is really on, especially for us but I feel Rajasthan Royals have an edge since three of our players belong to the South African team, namely South Africa captain Graeme Smith, Morne Morkel and Tyron Henderson," she wrote.

Indian film industry should change its attitude: Kamal Haasan

Chennai, March 26 (IANS) Multilingual film actor Kamal Haasan Thursday slammed the critics who say that Oscar winning film "Slumdog Millionaire" showed India in a bad light.
"I am tired of hearing allegations about 'Slumdog Millionaire' showing India in a bad light instead of rejoicing over the achievement of A.R. Rahman and Resul Pookutty," Haasan said at the audio launch Wednesday of "Pasanga" a children's film being by Sasi Kumar.
"Director Danny Boyle shot on location and did not create a set to depict Mumbai's underbelly. Further, foreigners see the slums of India's financial capital first and then its skyscrapers."
"If good films are made and showcased, bad films will fade away naturally," Haasan added.
According to the matinee idol, the showbiz's prevalent fetish for "success formulae" on pure commercial terms was leading the audience astray and in turn resulting in mediocre movies.
Haasan advised all concerned - especially fans - to encourage healthy, meaningful and decent cinema to help the society at large correct itself.

"My challenge is to look as ethereally beautiful as Madhubala" - Kangna Ranaut

By Subhash K. Jha Bollywood Hungama News Network
Kangna is getting ready for the biggest challenge of her career. She'll be playing whom she considers the most beautiful woman in the history of Indian cinema.
It's a thought that flatters and terrifies her. Kangna is afraid she may not look beautiful enough on screen.
"I've never thought of myself as beautiful. In fact I've always suffered from the lowest self-esteem. Till recently, I'd look at my pictures and cringe. I still have the pictures from my first portfolio I got done in Chandigarh. They remind me of how ugly I can look. And to now play Madhubala in Once Upon A Time In Mumbai. How will I do it?"
Kangna is so petrified at the prospect that she has stopped looking into the mirror completely. She laughs when people tell her playing the traumatized mistress of the underworld don would be a cakewalk for her. "I'm proud of my so-called territory as an actress. If playing traumatized women is my territory then I'm glad. Because I know I'm good at it."
The challenge in Once Upon A Time... is the physicality. "Madhubala's role is not as tragic as my other roles. It's basically a very tender romance between this really funny don (played by Ajay Devgan) and this female superstar who can't understand his personality. How will I manage to play the most beautiful woman that Indian cinema has ever seen? My characters have always had a dark and light side. And this one is no exception. But the challenge for me is to look almost ethereally beautiful, like Madhubala. How will I manage that?"
Kangna intends to undergo a complete transformation of look and appearance. She has already started watching DVDs of Madhubala's films very carefully. "I won't copy her. But I want to get into her mind and heart space."

Big B - Nana together?

By Taran Adarsh Bollywood Hungama News Network
Mehul Kumar made a couple of films with Nana Patekar [TIRANGAA, KRANTIVEER, KOHRAM]. This guru of Abbas-Mustan [yes, the director duo assisted Mehulbhai for couple of years before they turned independent] has also made a few films with Amitabh Bachchan. Now Mehul is making the sequel to KRANTIVEER, called KRANTIVEER - THE REVOLUTION.
Why did he opt for new names this time? "Because the subject deals with youth. I could've cast established actors, but they would've come with the baggage of a fixed image. As for newcomers, you can mould them the way you wish to," the veteran film-maker says.
Mehulbhai had cast Big B and Nana in KOHRAM and one expects him to team them yet again. "I'd love to direct them again. They're brilliant actors. In fact, at the launch party of KRANTIVEER - THE REVOLUTION, when someone asked Amit-ji if there was a possibility of working with Nana again, he instantly answered that if Mehulbhai has the script that would do justice, he'd accept it immediately," Mehul says.
So is Mehul approaching them for a film? Most importantly, does he have a script that would excite Bachchan and Nana? "Oh yes, I have a script. I hope to approach them in the near-future. It would be great if this project materialises," Mehulbhai says.

Shah Rukh's pal hits out at tabloid journalism!

By Joginder Tuteja
Mumbai, March 30 (IANS) Shah Rukh Khan's biographer and close friend Mushtaq Sheikh, who has co-written films like "Om Shanti Om" and "Billu", says he hates being used by those who have personal grievances against the superstar.
Furious at a media report that he and Shah Rukh had fallen apart, Mushtaq said the superstar was "very much family".
"I hate it when my friends are attacked. I mean how can you demean names like Farah Khan, Priyadarshan and Shah Rukh Khan all in one article without an iota of truth and get away," Mushtaq told IANS.
"This is tabloid journalism at its worst. I hate being used by somebody who has misused his pen to vent personal grievances against Shah Rukh."
Mushtaq, whose friendship with the superstar dates back more than a decade, recently released a book on Shah Rukh titled "Still Reading Khan".
"Malice? Desperation? You tell me what inspires muck-rakers and I will till you where this came from," said Mushtaq when questioned if Shah Rukh and he had indeed fallen out.
Doesn't he feel that in today's desperate times when movies are not releasing and news is hard to find, this is just one way for a section of media to grab attention and increase viewership?
"See, movies are releasing, and there is enough news out there, but it does depend on what kind of media you are and what you think are 'good stories'. Matter of fact, Shah Rukh is family and will continue to be one. People can imagine, say and write anything they want."

Akshay, Kareena set to scorch screen in 'Kambakkht Ishq'

Mumbai, March 28 (IANS) The on-screen chemistry between Kareena Kapoor and Akshay Kumar is being touted as one of the highlights of the action comedy "Kambakkht Ishq".
Akshay plays a Hollywood stuntman, while Kareena features as a model in the film.
"The two look hot together. Akshay and Kareena will set the screen on fire. The duo share such a good chemistry on screen," said a source close to the project.
Ever since their 2004 film "Aitraaz" became a hit, their on-screen chemistry was touted as one of the best. Apart from "Aitraaz", they teamed for films like "Talaash", "Bewafaa" and "Tashan", but none of these could ape the success story of Aitraaz". Now all eyes are set on "Kambakkht Ishq".
The film, which is scheduled for May release, also stars Hollywood biggies.
"The film is an exciting marriage between the East and the West. The movie is a romantic comedy but features a lot of action. Sylvester Stallone, Brandon Routh and Denise Richards play interesting roles in the film," said producer Sajid Nadiadwala in a press statement.

Emraan Hashmi gets injured on the sets of Tum Mile on his birthday

By Subhash K. Jha Bollywood Hungama News Network
Mahesh Bhatt likes to receive gifts from his nephew and favourite protégé Emraan Hashmi. Even on the young actor's birthday.
Says Emraan, "On my 30th birthday on Tuesday I called Bhatt Saab to ask what he's giving me. He turned around and made me gift him books. He makes me do that quite often. The only thing is he doesn't call it gifts. He calls it guru-dakshina. In fact after every hit film he takes a cheque from me. And every couple of months I give him money to buy books."
For his birthday all that Emraan got from Mahesh Bhatt was a long touching SMS, and a fractured finger. "I'm finally a true-blue member of the cast," puns Emraan Hashmi jokingly about the plaster cast on his finger.
Shooting scenes of torrential rain in Kunal Deshmukh's Tum Mile, Emraan broke his finger on Tuesday. "This is the second time I've injured myself during this film's shoot. Earlier I injured my eye. But I need time for it heals fast because we're shooting under several feet of water. We're re-living the torrential rains of 26 July 2005 for the past month."
And the on-camera deluge has been created in no ordinary studio. Says Emraan, "Since no studio could give us a floor large enough to submerge cars in rain water we've hired this disused scrap-metal factory in Mulund which has been filled up with water. It started with ankle-deep water. Now it's knee-deep. Now the water has gone up to the waist and stomach. Soha is much shorter so we just see her head popping out of the water. "
Wading through stagnant water for almost a month has taken its toll on Emraan and Soha's skin. "There're two recycling plants installed. But they haven't helped much. And on top of that we've cars underwater which we bump into regularly. The director Kunal Deshmukh should be happy he's got two co-operative actors. We don't demand mineral water instead of rain water to sink into."
A broken finger was the birthday gift he got when he turned 30 on Tuesday. "I and Soha Ali Khan have been literally shooting 16-18 hours a day. I couldn't even attend the birthday calls. When I went back home I saw more bouquets than I had ever seen in my life. Quite a change from how it used to be when I had debacles."
In his words, Emraan's birthday was chaotic. "The shooting went way beyond what we expected. So by the time I reached home we couldn't really go out. My wife and I just had a quiet dinner.
No gift from his wife because Emraan doesn't believe in giving or getting gifts. "My wife was with me and she made dinner for me. That was gift enough."

Aishwarya may be the new face of Barbie in India

London, March 25 (IANS) Beauty queen-turned-actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan could be the next to join the league of female Hollywood celebrities like Beyonce Knowles and Elizabeth Taylor to have the next "celebrity Barbie" doll modelled on her.
Representatives of the 35-year-old were reported to be in negotiations with Barbie's manufacturer Mattel as it plans to give the iconic doll a Bollywood face and sell throughout India, the Daily Telegraph reported Wednesday.
If the deal happens, the new Barbie will have Aishwarya's green eyes and wear outfits created by top Indian designers.

Sonam Kapoor ready to bend rules for De Niro, Shah Rukh

By Joginder Tuteja
Mumbai, March 30 (IANS) Sonam Kapoor may be just two films old, but she is choosy about her roles and has drafted strict guidelines for herself to sign movies. The young actress is, however, willing to make exceptions if the man opposite her happens to be Robert De Niro or Shah Rukh Khan.
"Well, why would one actually ask questions if paired opposite Robert De Niro?" asks Sonam with a mischievous smile. "You should consider yourself plain fortunate to just share a common frame with him. In fact, I will be happy to even walk past a frame featuring him. No questions asked. Period."
Sonam teamed up with Ranbir Kapoor in her debut vehicle "Saawariya" and she was seen with Abhishek Bachchan in her second film "Dilli 6". She is now looking forward to a movie with superstar Shah Rukh.
"He is another man for whom I will be so very willing to ignore my rule book. I would be more than happy to go ahead and sign a film if Shah Rukh happens to be my hero," says Sonam, a self-confessed Shah Rukh fan.
"There are exceptions that one makes about the size and content of the role when it comes to working with legendary actors; De Niro and Shah Rukh just fit the bill," she said.
However, when it comes to working on films with anyone lesser, Sonam certainly has her do's and don'ts in place.
"I don't intend to do films where all I am required to do is to dance in four songs and enact a couple of emotional scenes. By no means am I looking at that kind of cinema," she said.
Though the formal announcement of her next film is yet to take place, reports are that Sonam's next will be for her dad's production house. The film is called "Ayesha" and is based on Jane Austen's novel "Emma".
According to industry sources, Sonam will be making a complete about turn from her "Saawariya" and "Delhi 6" image and take on a completely new ultra-chic avtar. The film will feature Abhay Deol along with newcomer Arunodoy Singh, who will soon make his debut with "Sikandar".
Sonam and Imran Khan are meanwhile reportedly being considered by Kunal Kohli for his next film that would be directed by his assistant Danish Aslam. However, confirmation is still awaited around this young love story.

Shilpa to marry Raj Kundra in October?

London, March 29 (IANS) Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty will probably tie the knot with beau Raj Kundra in October this year, the Daily Mail online reported Sunday.
The couple have set a tentative date in October and plan to have a traditional ceremony in India, the report said.
"I have very traditional views of marriage. I've seen my parents maintain a 35-year marriage and I really believe marriages are made in heaven. I've always said that the day I decide to tie the knot it is going to be for good," Shilpa said.
"I have often wondered who the right person would be and I've come to realise that for me it is Raj. I'm completely sure he is my soul mate," she added.
Kundra seems as excited about the prospect of marriage as Shilpa.
"I have spoken to Shilpa's parents and we are doing it the Indian way. In India, you don't get engaged until just before the wedding, so I didn't go down on one knee to her or anything like that. But we have definitely set a date for this year," he said.
The couple have been together for two years. They are yet to make an official announcement out of respect for British reality TV star Jade Goody, who passed away March 22. She had appeared with Shilpa on "Celebrity Big Brother", sparking an international racism row.
The actress, 33, recently bought a 5 million pound house in Weybridge, Surrey with Kundra. The house has seven bedrooms.
Kundra, a 34-year-old millionaire, owns a Dubai-based business and deals in the trading of precious stones and metals.
He has also started to help Shilpa manage her career and is believed to be behind her decision last month to invest 8 million pounds in the cricket team Rajasthan Royals, who were last year's Indian Premier League winners.

'Har Pal' not an art film: Preity Zinta (Film Snippets)

Mumbai, March 29 (IANS) Preity Zinta has rubbished reports that her next film "Har Pal" with multiple National Award wining director Jahnu Barua is an art film.
"Everyone thinks it's an art film but it's not. It's a beautiful story with an amazing music. 'Har Pal' is super commercial," Preity told IANS.
Slated for a summer release, the film also stars Shiney Ahuja, Dharmendra and Eesha Koppikhar.
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Madhavan doesn't mind playing second fiddle in Hindi films
Multilingual actor R. Madhavan, who was after a long time seen in a solo lead in recent horror film "13B", doesn't mind doing multi-starrer Hindi films.
Madhavan shot to fame in Bollywood with his debut movie "Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein" (2001) and after that he was seen in solo lead in "Ramji Londonwaley" (2005).
"Solo leads were not in style after 'Rehnaa Hai...' or 'Ramji Londonwaley'. And despite being multi-starrers, all my films have done very well both commercially and critically whether it is 'Rang De Basanti' or 'Mumbai Meri Jaan' for that matter," Madhavan told IANS.
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Purab Kohli mobbed by girls in Dubai
VJ-turned-actor Purab Kohli, who won accolades for his performance in the musical hit "Rock On!", was recently mobbed by a group of girls in Dubai. The girls tore his waist coat, but he is not complaining.
"I was obviously not expecting a reaction like this from the girls. This came as a complete shock. But I am not complaining. Show me one guy who would not be thrilled to be in my shoes, or rather, clothes in this case," Purab said in a press statement.
He was performing at the "Rock On concert" when a group of girls pulled him from the stage in an attempt to get closer to him. It took some manhandling before the actor managed to break free and got back on stage.

I'm the first Indian to be the face of Barbie: Katrina Kaif

By Subhash K. Jha
Mumbai, March 29 (IANS) British-born actress Katrina Kaif, whose face will now adorn Barbie dolls, says contrary to what people believe her Barbie is not an Indian counterpart of the international brand. She also feels that in many ways it's an endorsement of how kids connect with her.
"I'd call it a fun honour. To have your face on dolls that you've played with from childhood is quite flattering. We've been in negotiation for nearly six months. It finally came together for the 50-year celebration of Barbie," Katrina told IANS.
"Contrary to what people believe my Barbie is not an Indian counterpart of the international brand. It's an honour because I'm the first Indian to be the face of Barbie. I'll be dressed the way the Barbie is all over the world.
"And I think in many ways it's an endorsement of how kids connect with me. You can't be the face of an international doll unless kids like you. I like that. The thought that kids like me enough to make me a part of their doll collection is very gratifying," the 24-year-old said.
The actress walked the ramp as the showstopper at a special show dedicated to Barbie at the Lakme Fashion Week here. She sported a small pink dress that the 'Katrina Barbie' will be wearing from September.
With the Barbie image coming to the surface, Katrina is a little worried about the bubbly-girl image that she'd like to change.
"So much for my attempts to move to more mature level as an actor," laughed the actress. "I guess Prakash Jha's 'Rajneeti' will take care of that. But I'm very happy being the clean healthy Barbie-girl next door."
The doll's look and dress were planned in collaboration with Katrina.
"It is quite something, if you think about it. But I'd rather not. I don't want my head to get swollen. For me, it's enough that I was chosen because I reflect a certain bubbly wholesome personality, quite contrary to the 'sexy' tag that I get in net polls and which I'm not very comfortable with," she said.
Apart from "Rajneeti", Katrina's other releases this year are debutant director Anthony D'Souza's underwater thriller "Blue" and Yash Raj Films' "New York".

Jai Veeru (Hindi Movie)

Movie Report
Jai Veeru is an entertainment film directed by Puneet Sira. Before Jai Veeru his previous work was I-Proud to be an Indan which was a super flop. But this time he has come with a totally different type fo film. Jai Veeru is a comedy film starring two hot heros of todays generation Fardeen Khan and Kunal Khemu with two most astonishing actresses Dia Mirza and Anjana Sukhani.The film tellas the story of Jai [Fardeen Khan], a Police officer and Veeru [Kunal Khemu], a small time crook who steals cars and sell them to the buyers. Veeru meets Jai in a car workshop. Jai pretends to be a car mechanic. There Jai and Veeru befriends. Jai is a secret cop but Veeru does not know about it. Jai wants to get the underworld don Tejpal [Arbaaz Khan].But an unexpected twist changes everything. Jai and Veeru feel betrayed by the other. One person who hates them more than they hate each other is the ruthless gangster Tejpal [Arbaaz Khan], who wants to kill both of them. Jai and Veeru are on the run. Will they survive?Well, the film looks like a mixture of many previously released Hollywood and Bollywood flicks. On the pars, the film gears up prior to intermission and is brimmed with an unexpected twist. Puneet Sira's direction is strictly okay. Bappa Lahiri's music is tuneful. Cinematography [K. Rajkumar] is alright. The action scenes [Allan Amin] are top notch. The production values are tacky.Performance wise, Kunal Khemu has done a fabulous job. He cast a shadow on everyone else on the screen. Fardeen Khan is impressive. Chemistry between both Fardeen and Kunal is superb. They have excellent timings. Arbaaz Khan is okay as an antagonist. Dia Mirza and Anjana have nothing to dso in this film. They are just there to show their beauty and glamour. Rajesh Khattar does his best.On the whole, Jai Veeru is an entertainer film made for masses. This is really a paisa wasool film. Viewers will really like it.