Mona Singh, who had captured the imagination of the tele viewers with her much talked about role of Jassi in Jassi Jaise Koi Nahi will make her Bollywood debut next year.

Talking to newspersons in Jaipur, Mona said ''I will make my Bollywood debut next year. I have signed up for a film which will be released next year.''

She however did not reveal much detail about the project and also who will be hero opposite her.

''I cannot say anything more than that. Many surprises are in store for you next year.'' She added.

Mona said, she participated in the reality show Jhalak Diklaja followed by the much acclaimed serial as a 'conscious decision' to bring out her real image as she did wanted to be draped in the Jassi character.

She said ''though the serial has made me what I am today but I don't want to be in an image trap. The Show Jhalak Diklaja helped me to showcase my real self as against the charactor of Jassi. An actor has to be versatile and some times a particular image may harm my growth.''

Asked about her new roles she said ''I have not signed any new serials but will be seen in a new reality show in the pipeline in the name Naya Roop Naya Zindagi to be aired shortly. When asked about the serials she said serials no longer enthuse her.

Mahima Chaudhary.

MUMBAI  - Frustrated by their failed marriages, two men launch a bizarre plot to kill each other's wives in a new Bollywood thriller that takes a look at the complexities of the human mind.

"Strangers", directed by Anand Rai, narrates the tale of the duo who in a chance meeting discuss their private lives, failed marriages and the everlasting effect it has had on them.

"It (the film) is very realistic in its approach," said actor Jimmy Shergill, who plays the role of a writer with a dwindling career in the film. "It's a thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It will show how complex the human mind is."

"As it sometimes happen in real life, we meet a stranger and find that person so interesting that our conversation become a little personal, the film is also about this," he added.

"The conversations of the two strangers in the film bring out their unhappy married lives and this emotional discussion leads them to suddenly decide to kill each other's wives," he said.

Shergill said there was an inherent twist in the tale that makes the plot intriguing at its climax.

"It is also a film about choices," he said. "One of them will realise that finishing off someone is not a practical solution to the problems of life. The problems need to be solved rationally."

The film also casts Kay Kay Menon, Sonali Kulkarni and Nandana Sen.

Menon plays the role of a management professional in a difficult relationship with his wife who loses her mental balance after their son's death.

"Strangers" is set to open on December 7 which is also the release date for two other Bollywood movies "Khoya Khoya Chand" and "Dus Kahaniyaan".

Imagine a life without air, music without rhythm and a body without a soul. Well, that is exactly how the Bollywood films will be without its 'soul'full and gracious dance, which is also responsible to keep the cinegoers swaying themselves for every reason and during every season! Dance becomes the bridge between the story, music, and the film's characters. In short, if there is no dance, there is no Bollywood. And with one of Bollywood's greatest dancer, Madhuri Dixit, making her comeback with Aaja Nachle this week, Bollywood Flash lists down some of dance based films made in Bollywood.

Dil To Pagal Hai

Someone somewhere is made for you. This phrase brings Yash Chopra's film Dil To Pagal Hai to our minds. The film starred Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit and Karisma Kapoor and was a love triangle. The entire film had a westernized feel to it, right from the clothes to kind of dance sequences. A larger than life special effect was given to whole film. The dance sequences added to that effect. Shiamak Davar choreographed the songs, with the emphasis on body movements, rather than steps, which made the whole performance, look grander.

The whole ambience for every performance and practice sessions was very much unlike in India and closer to the western musicals. They had created a Manhattan loft kind of place where Shah Rukh lives and the troupe practices, the Pepsi vending machine, neon light, everything was made to look very western. The film went on be a cult film and dance became a major attraction. The music piece, 'Dance of Envy' that shows Madhuri and Karisma competing with each other, became the focal point. The choreography and technical aspects of the direction during the songs shows off the real beauty of Yash Raj Films. The film also established Shaimak who today is one of the best film choreographers.

Taal

A combination of A.R. Rahman and Shiamak Davar can create magic on screens. That was exactly what was seen on the screen when the film, Taal was showcased. Taal was again a triangular love story. It shows a major alteration from Indian to western.

The film shows a very remarkable transformation from the regional Indian first half to the western feel in the later half of the film. The film imbibed the regional feel to the dance and to the music. As the story moves forward to when Aishwarya meets Anil Kapoor a successful and famous music producer/director. A mix of classical and western freestyle combination was portrayed through Shiamak's beautiful choreography. Taal probably has Aishwarya's best dance performances onscreen.

Naach

Career is a very important aspect of a dignified person but any profession that obstructs personal relationship with a loved one must be made very carefully. In the film Naach, Abhishek Bachchan and Antra Mali are two middle class citizens in Mumbai. Both try to get a breakthrough in their individual professions. Abhishek wants to be an actor and Antra wants to be a choreographer. Both eventually falling in love manage to succeed in their career, but with a bigger price to pay. Shabina Khan Raoul, Maitria, Harshall, Vitthal and Terrence Lewis choreographed the dances in the film. Shabina, in fact, she is first-rate in bringing out the nuances that make Antra, the glum-looking idealistic passionate dancer she is, fiercely protective of her space and fiery in the dance sequences. She beats Urmila in body flexibility through her jazz-meets-yoga-meets-aerobics `naach' and in the costumes too. Antra's dance sequences aped a lot of Urmila's but the former surely gave a lot of competition to the latter. The movements were not only graceful and sensational but also poignant.

The rest of the film focuses on whether Abhishek and Antra can put their differences aside and if they get back together.

Disco Dancer

Nobody doubted his acting abilities. He had always been a good dancer, a rare thing for a gold medalist at FTII, Pune. Real success came with Disco Dancer for Mithun Chakraborty. This film made Mithun the national dancing sensation. The word disco owes a lot to Mithun Chakraborty and vice versa. Mithun danced and the nation danced with him. He sang and India joined in the chorus. In Disco Dancer, young Mithun sang and danced on streets for their livelihood. After becoming a star how a certain personal tragedy affects his career. When nothing works his old mentor, Rajesh Khanna steps on stage and encourages him. He brings back dance to his life and life goes on… the musical drama Disco Dancer has one of Mithun's breakthrough performances. This was a huge success due to its hit music and remains a cult favorite to this day.

Dance Dance

Another film Dance Dance showcased him as a talented dancer. The film topped the charts for his dance sequences. Dance Dance featured him and Smita Patel as siblings who danced to earn a living. Mithun gave a new definition to Disco and his dance moves are still imitated by his fans even today. He not only gave disco a new definition but also created a new trend of the 'Jing-Bang' clothes and accessories as well.

Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje

Sandhya, a dancing girl, is seen doing a cheap dance by an old time Keshav Rao Date and his son and disciple Gopi Kishen. Chastised by Keshav and shown what real dance is by Gopi she sees a new meaning in dance and begs Keshav to teach her. He tells her it will be a hard task but she is willing. Gopi and Keshav stay at her place, where her maintenance is paid for by one of her admirers Madan Puri. As Sandhya and Gopi begin their training for a prestigious dance festival, the two of them also fall in love. Keshav is furious as he is totally against any display of any emotion by the artist other than devotion to his art. She gives up everything so that Gopi may excel in his art. Keshav relents as he realizes the hardships Sandhya has undergone and he reunites the lovers. The film is a tribute to the Classical Dances of India. From lessons in Kathak to Yaman Raag to Dance of the Seasons to the Shiv Tandav sequence, the film is a series of sparkling vignettes and gorgeous ensembles of Kathak, Bharatnatyam, and Manipuri. The film is a feast of Indian Dance but never moving away from the story and is in fact an essential part of a tender romance of the Keshav's disciple, which ripens into love and is turned into drama and near tragedy before resolving itself happily at the end. Sandhya is an ace dancer till date and Gopi Kishen is considered as one of the best Indian dancers ever. V. Shantaram filmed with movie with the best technology and created some path breaking scenes and grand sets. The shots were not only done artistically but also given a larger than life feel to it. Among these is also the film, Navrang that changed the definition of dancing and choreography. This film too was made by V. Shantaram and starred Sandhya.

Naache Mayuri

Sudha Chandran is a well-known Bharatnatyam dancer. During an unfortunate accident, she lost her leg. But the urge to dance never let her quit. She got a Jaipuri foot and continued to dance her heart out. The story of Naache Mayuri revolves around her life itself in which she plays herself. Today Sudha Chandran can not only do classical Indian but excels in western dancing as well, which is very clear through her performances on the tv shows. As a dancer, she not only raised the bar of performances but also of achievements. Today, she is an idol to many dancers who still cannot match her level of enthusiasm and commitment.

These were some of dance based films made in Bollywood. Hindi films are known for their melodious music and graceful dance sequences and this is one trait that will continue to distinguish Indian cinema.

Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit's two sons enjoy their mother's work so much that when it came to selection of her much awaited comeback vehicle Aaja Nachle's title song, her youngest son Ryan gave the final nod.

Images: Madhuri spins magic with Aaja Nachle

"I had gone to the studio with my two sons -- Arin and Ryan -- to select the title song among various options. As soon as both my sons heard the number they were mesmerised and Ryan started dancing," Madhuri told IANS.

"We all looked at each other and said 'this one is going to be a chartbuster' and by God's grace people are liking the song," she added.

The versatile actress, who ruled Bollywood for more than a decade, said that her sons love to see her dancing on screen and all the media attention they are getting.

Images: Madhuri Dixit bonds with Lata Mangeshkar

"There was no reaction from him. We both discussed and talked in detail about how we would work it out.

"And after watching the film he said he liked it, as it is clearly visible that the effort made by all of us is genuine. Also, the audience can relate to the characters," she said. Madhuri, who last appeared in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Devdas, is playing the role of a choreographer in her forthcoming film.

To appeal to the evolving taste of the Indian audience she did a lot of preparation before making a comeback.

Image: Madhuri Dixit on Nach Baliye 3

"I used to work out four times in a week to get back in shape, as after having two babies I had put on a lot of weight. However, I have always been a health freak so it was not very taxing."

Commenting on the secret of aging gracefully she said, "It's a mind over matter kind of thing. I just don't think about age. I still feel young. And to do away with the lines be vice free, do yoga, meditation and eat healthy."

The Dhak Dhak girl, as she is popularly called, said she would take up only those projects that would be completed within a strict time frame.

Madhuri: Aaja Nachle was scripted for me

"Currently I have only this film in hand and I have not thought of anything else yet," said the star who has given hits like Tezaab, Dil, Beta, Khalnayak, Hum Aapke Hain Kaun and Dil To Pagal Hai .

"Budget is not that important, I would do a film only if the script is good and it gets completed in a fixed time frame, as I have a family to look after now. At no point in time will I compromise on that."

Mallika Shakes Up In Yet Another Item Song!

If Rakhi Sawant uses her assets to make news off the screen.. there's another Bollywood hottie who uses hers to make headlines on the screen!

Yes, we are talking about Mallika Sherawat, the original fantasy girl of many Indian men.

Mallika is now-a-days seen in a yet another item song "Kiya Kiya" of the much anticipated Christmas release of the year, "Welcome", starring Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif and Anil Kapoor.

This time her partner is, I bet you can't guess, Nana Patekar… who was never featured with any item girl before in his long Bollywood career. In fact Nana has played dad/uncle to many modern day actresses, more times than even doing lead hero roles… forget 'masala' songs!!

It's also been said that he enjoyed so much shaking his legs with the hot bombshell that he took 15 retakes for a single shot!

So, I guess Mr.Patekar is really enjoying his shift from art-type films to real 'masala' ones!!

Om Shanti Om has grossed over 1.5 million pounds to enter the UK Top 10

Bollywood has never been very kind to comeback heroines. However, Madhuri Dixit, who is all set to return to the silver screen with Aaja Nachle, says she is not bothered about whether she will make it to the top or not. Images: Madhuri spins magic with Aaja Nachle "I have never been a part of the numbers game. We are not racing horses, who should be numbered. Either the work you do is good or bad," Madhuri told IANS. "I have come back not because I missed the media arc lights or being written about... it's secondary. I missed my craft!" she said on Tuesday, while in Delhi to promote her new film. Madhuri: Aaja Nachle was scripted for me   The actress, who last appeared in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus Devdas, agrees that she was a little unsure about making a comeback. "When Adi [Aditya Chopra] came up with this film the first thing I asked him was 'Is the audience still interested in watching me?' But when I came here the way my friends in the industry and fans responded was heart warming." Image: Madhuri Dixit on Nach Baliye 3 "The best compliment I have received so far is 'It feels you never went away and now that you've returned don't ever go back'," said Madhuri. The dhak dhak girl, as she has been fondly named, started her stint in Bollywood with Abodh and gave hits like Tezaab, Dil, Beta, Khalnayak, Hum Aapke Hain Kaun and Dil To Pagal Hai, to name some. Image: Madhuri arrives for Aaja Nachle promotion Asked how she felt while facing the camera after a gap of five years, Madhuri said: "My heart was racing. I was afraid that I would forget the dialogues. Thankfully nothing of this sort happened and once the camera rolled every hesitation and fear of mine just melted." The versatile actress is playing the role of a choreographer called Dia in the film and feels there could have been no better launch vehicle than this one. "This film is really close to my heart as it imparts a very important message apart from being an out an out entertainer," she said. Images: Madhuri Dixit bonds with Lata Mangeshkar "I feel we are somewhere moving away from our roots. With the onslaught of so many cultures we are forgetting our own culture. It is our treasure and we must nurture it. This film gives the same message. I couldn't have got a much better role than this one," Madhuri said. "I hope people will like the film as everybody has poured their hearts into it. It is made with all honesty, with no gimmicks and calculations. Nothing has been overdone because it is Madhuri Dixit's film and no one has tried to act smart," she said.

Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt arrives at a special bomb blast trial court, in Mumbai, India, in this Oct. 22, 2007 file photo. The Supreme Court on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2007, granted bail to Dutt who has been sentenced to six years in jail for illegal weapons possession, his attorney said.

NEW DELHI (AP) — Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt was granted bail Tuesday and will likely be released by Wednesday, after serving just 19 months of a six-year sentence for illegal weapons possession, his attorney said.

The Supreme Court agreed to free Dutt pending its decision on an appeal of his sentence, his attorney Satish Maneshinde said, adding that prosecutors did not oppose the bail plea.

Dutt was sentenced to six years in prison in July for possessing three automatic rifles and a pistol that had been supplied to him by men subsequently convicted in the 1993 Mumbai bombings, which killed 257 people.

He was originally arrested on suspicion of involvement in the bombings but was acquitted of terrorism and conspiracy charges.

Dutt has maintained he knew nothing about the bomb plot, claiming he got the guns to protect his family after receiving threats during sectarian riots in Mumbai. His mother is Muslim, and his father is Hindu.

He served 18 months in jail immediately after his 1994 arrest, and has spent the past month in prison in the western Indian city of Pune. Between his two stretches in prison he spent 12 years free on bail, when he starred in at least half of the 100-plus movies of his acting career.

His father, Sunil Dutt, and mother, Nargis Dutt, are also well-known Bollywood actors.

 
Salman-Katrina: Relationship Troubles?

It seems like Salman and Katrina are having troubles in their relationship.
Some have even rumored of a split-up!

The reason cited is that Salman has stopped Katrina during her shoots in Australia for "Singh Is King", which is said to be unusual, looking at his past record.

Apparently, the trouble started ever since Salman started interfering in Katrina's professional life, and dictating terms to her.

He was upset when Katrina informed him that she is doing a film with Shahid Kapoor, to be directed by Raj Kumar Santoshi.

Salman has been the original controversy's child in Bollywood and had always made headlines whether because of his accidents or relationships. There have been incidents of him threatening other stars (read: Vivek Oberoi) with whom Aishwarya was linked to, after his much hyped breakup with her. So, may be it's his possessiveness which may be the cause.

There have been many reports earlier of the two on the verge of a break-up, when Salman appeared with a friend at IFFA Awards and Katrina came alone.

There's no news from Katrina's end about the alleged break-up… but speculation's are rife!

MUMBAI - Beating its own time-tested formulas for mushy romances and revenge sagas, Bollywood is on its way to adulthood, though not quite there yet, veteran Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah feels.

"I do not think our industry has matured but yes the attempts to experiment with different subjects, different themes have surely gone up," said the 57-year-old award-winning actor.

"This is a very healthy sign. More attempts at experimentations should happen."

Bollywood has in the past probed themes like AIDS, surrogate motherhood and even extramarital affairs.

Critics say this trend is the sign of maturity from an industry that essentially rolls out formulaic romances, musicals or melodramas.

Shah added that Indian producers, who mostly fund time-tested formulas that are unoriginal and often Hollywood rip-offs, should support filmmakers who are ready to dish out innovative content for the audiences.

"A lot depends on the producers," he said. "They should support fresh content and push originality. India has some very talented directors and they can do well with the help."

Usha Agarwal and Nisha Jamvwal

Ipsita

 

Item girl Rakhi Sawant this year spent Diwali with her boyfriend Abhishek's parents. Is wedding on the cards?

The actress denied marriage rumors. "They had come to visit. Yes, our parents do want us to get married. But we don't want to marry yet. Right now we want to concentrate on our careers. Shaadi kar ke kya karlenge? Everyone gets married. Big deal! And after marriage, love tends to die, especially in showbiz," she said.

"With both of us working, there's the danger that I and Abhi will get less work after marriage. We don't have a good fortune like Ajay Devgan and Kajol or Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri. Let us both make something out of our lives. Then we'll shout out our marriage plans from the rooftops. Abhi to main khadi bhi nahin hui hoon theek se," she added.

Diwali proved to be really special for Rakhi as she had Shah Rukh for company. "I was busy whooping it up with Shah Rukh Khan on the sets of 'Nach Baliye'. I was too ill that day to even get up from bed. But the minute Shah Rukh walked in I was up on my feet. This was my most memorable Diwali," Rakhi said.

Despite all the fights and arguments on the sets of "Nach Baliye", the kind-hearted Rakhi seems to have forgiven her detractors on the show. She said, "Shall I tell you the truth? Now I don't care whether Abhishek and I win or lose. We got a platform and we got our fame."

Instead, she claims that the backbiting on the sets does not bother her any more. "May God keep everyone happy with their behavior. I've stopped paying attention to them. I don't want my mood to be spoilt before every performance. Now I just focus on my performance. God is on my side. But I don't want to pressurize God for anything. He has already given me everything," said Rakhi.

The Pardesiya item girl cannot help but gush about the compliments bestowed on her by the dreamgirl Hema Malini. "Recently we met Hemaji and she said she watches us on 'Nach Baliye'. She wanted to know if I was a trained dancer. There's a fire within me to dance. I don't have a godfather. 'Nach Baliye' gave me an opportunity to be noticed. People wait for my performances. Abhishek and I work really hard on every performance."

Rakhi has put all her other activities on the backburner to give her 100 percent to the current reality TV dance show. "At the moment we don't have time to do anything except 'Nach Baliye'. I did do an item song in Rakesh Roshan's Krazzy 4. But I won't lie to you. I'm not flooded with offers," the former "Big Boss" participant confessed.

 

Mumbai, Nov 25 (IANS) Madhuri Dixit has been a Lata Mangeshkar fan for as long as she can remember. And when the latter sang for her in Hum Aapke Hain Koun and Ram Lakhan, the actress felt her career had come a full circle.

The two came together on one platform Saturday for the grand finale of STAR's "Voice Of India" show in Mumbai, 24 November, 2007, where Madhuri danced and also handed over the trophy for the winner to Lataji.

Says a STAR source, "Lataji and Madhuri met after ages. The warm bonding between the two was something to be seen."

 

 

New Delhi, Nov.26 (ANI): Once can be termed a fluke. The second makes a point and the third time its validation. Aishwarya Rai, then Shilpa Shetty and now Deepika Padukone, the three damsels from Karnataka have captured the imagination of the Bombay film industry.

Their dancing skills, chiseled bodies, large limpid eyes, perfect diction and dialogue delivery, dignified demeanor has the industry and viewers accepting the fact that Kannadigas have more to offer than Deve Gowda and rava dosai.

There is yet another K factor. If you combine a KK (Karnataka Kudi) with another K (khan) well you get sparkles. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam had the KK plus K combine of Aishwarya Rai and Salman Khan and that raked in huge moolah and Om Shanti Om has the KK plus K of Deepika Padukone and Shahrukh Khan, and what a blockbuster that one is.

That brings us to the other Karnataka Kudi, Shilpa Shetty. She has managed to melt the icy Brit hearts. So far, the Brits thought that only Udupi cuisine is what came out of Mangalore, that coastal city (mind it, its not a town) in Karnataka. Not so. This hot Kannadiga lady has shown that Mangalore has ice (Aishwarya) and fire (Shilpa). Now beat that.

But why call them 'kudis' which is the Punjabi word for 'lass' you might ask...because they can do the Punjabi thumak better than the Punjabi leading ladies of today. Watch Shilpa Shetty gyrating in OSO and see the Punjabi kudi Karishma Kapoor shaking her head and bobbing her knee....what was Farah Khan thinking? See Aishawarya doing the gidda in Bride and Prejudice and look at the dancing of Priyanka Chopra or Lara Datta.

There is grace and vigor in Aishwarya, but in Priyanka and Lara's style its in your face heaving and jumping and lip biting. And what about the new K entrant Deepika Padukone who is disarmingly charming as 'dreamy girl'. Her poise and innocent looks are signs that she is "lambi race ka ghoda (ghodi?)". So, whereas there will always be room for Kareenas and Poojas of the film industry, the reigning queen will always be from the Deccan, whether it is Vijayanti Mala Bali, Hema Malini, Rekha or Vidya Balan.

Maybe, it can be loaned for a while to bong bombshells like Rakhee, Sharmila Tagore, Kajol or Rani.

But for today, it's with the K brigade, thank you.

After her Bengali hit 'Anuranan', Rituparna Sengupta has some promising projects in her hands which are sure to strengthen her foothold in the Bollywood industry. The promos of her upcoming supernatural thriller ' Gauri- The Unborn' are out and the gal is busy these days promoting her film with her tour all over India.

Her next project which is on the verge of completion is 'Saab Chai Paani'. The movie directed by Manish Gupta is based on corruption. Talking about it, Sengupta says, "I play Sonu Sood's wife in the film who is a hardcore Maharashtrian. I didn't have to speak much of Marathi, just a few words here and there. We also had someone on the sets to help me out".

Her next film is titled 'Love Game' and has Randeep Hooda as her co-star. 'Love Game' is an out and out comedy film. The film is about a chef who keeps having relationships and changes girls by the day. But what happens when he actually falls in love is what the films is all about.

Not only this, Sengupta is also working in a serious political thriller titled BBD directed by Anjan Dutt. The title stands for three historical characters namely Binoy, Badal and Dinesh.

Looks like this Bong Beauty is all set to rock Bollywood with her talent and versatility!

Washington, Nov 25 (ANI): Bollywood stars Bipasha Basu and Arshad Warsi have claimed that a group of white men hurled racial abuses at them, while they were filming in London.

Basu and Warsi were shooting scenes for forthcoming movie Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal when the group passed racist remarks at them.

Warsi claims that the actors were "very shaken" by the incident that occurred in May (07).

"I was shocked. I'm not used to this sort of thing. A car stopped with a couple of white guys. They just lashed out at us and totally gave us their point of view, Contactmusic quoted Warsi, as saying.

"It's the first time I've experienced this. For me it was an alien thing. It was like, do people actually think like that?" he added.

MELBOURNE, November 25: Australian pacer Brett Lee's much-talked about Bollywood career is all set to take off next year when he lands in India to shoot for a cameo in a film titled 'Victory'.

Although the details of the film are not yet known, a report in the 'Sunday Telegraph' said the tearaway pacer will do a day-long shoot for the movie next year.

"There's no question Brett is among the most marketable athletes in Australian sport," Lee's agent Neil Maxwell, who is himself a former cricketer, was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

"There are Australian athletes offshore who can tap into bigger markets and possibly make more money, but the Indian market has been a massive coup for Brett. It's given him a platform to launch himself globally," he added.

The affable bowler, who has a huge fan-base in India, has never been shy of admitting that he was interested in foraying into acting in Bollywood.

Lee, who also sings and plays bass-guitar for a band Six and Out, last year teamed up with legendary Indian singer Asha Bhonsle for a chart-buster duet 'You are the one for me'.

And his manager said Lee's squeaky clean image has increased his opportunities in the entertainment industry.

"Obviously there's his blond, fresh-faced appeal, but one thing about Brett is his make-up as a person," Maxwell said.

"No sponsor needs to worry about him taking drugs or being pulled out of a nightclub at 3 am. I've never seen anyone so pedantic about what goes into his body," he added.

The 31-year-old, who is one of the highest-paid Australian cricketers, has a multi-year Cricket Australia contract and would end the year with earnings of more than $3 million.

However, Lee said he would not allow money to influence his choice of brands for promotion. The pacer said he would never take up any campaign for a alcohol brand.

In fact, Lee said he turned down an advertising contract offered by a alcohol company after he burst into the international scene with a seven-wicket haul against India at the age of 23.

"It was a massive deal, I was blown away. The money would have set me up for life, but it was from an alcohol company. My answer straight away was no. I didn't want kids seeing a Test cricketer plugging alcohol," he recalled.

"Looking back, it was the best move I ever made. The money and the status hasn't changed me. Everyone in my eyes is equal. I don't think I'm better than the average bloke who goes to work every day," he added.

Lee also said that he would not let endorsements and his other off-field activities affect his on-field performance.

"I've got some great sponsors and I enjoy being a brand ambassador, but what drives me is being the best cricketer I can be," he said.

"I'm on the cusp of 250 Test wickets, that's just bizarre. You know, as a kid, I just wanted to take one Test wicket, now if you do the maths it's possible I'll go past Dennis Lillee. I'm one off Richie Benaud. It makes me the proudest cricketer on earth," Lee, who has taken 247 Test wickets so far, said.

Chandigarh, November 24 The annual function of DAV Model School, Sector 15, scheduled for on Monday, i.e., November 26, is all set to be an event extraordinaire with much pomp and glitz expected for the show.

Famous Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut, who is also an alumnus of the school, is going to be the chief guest at the show.

Announcing the highlights of the show during a press conference today, Dr Rakesh Sachdeva, Principal of DAV Model School and Professor S C Gupta, Chairman, Kalpana Chawla Memorial Education Society and the sole sponsor of the mega event, informed that bollywood sensation and alumnus of DAV school Kangana Ranaut will be participating in the event to make it memorable.

Dr Sachdeva said that the event is going to be both unique and novel as for the first time a school will set up such a large stage and professionally managed paraphernalia.

Prof S C Gupta said that Kalpana Chawla Memorial Education Society is sponsoring the show in totality with a firm conviction that the path-breaking event would mark the beginning of an era of shows that will showcase talent and expose students to superior performing skills to be exhibited by trained professionals.

While Kangana will interact with students on and off the stage, the event will be marked by Saraswati Vandana, to be followed by songs and dances in Bhojpuri, Marathi and Punjabi Dances, and the annual prize distribution ceremony.

File pic of Parveen Babi in Yeh Nazdeekiyan (1982)

Bollywood most sensational star Salman Khan can't far away from the rumors for sometime. Star is always in air whether his brainsick actions and movies or his romances with various actress including Somi Ali, Aishwarya Rai, Katrina Kaif and recent romance with his Partner Lara Dutta. After break up with Aishwarya Rai he was going along Boom Girl Katrina Kaif and concentrated on his upcoming movies. Both of them praised each other very warmly as well Katrina entered in Khan Brothers' production camp.

But it seems that was not too longer and with the releasing of Govinda, Katrina Kaif, Salman Khan and Lara Dutta starrer comedy movie Partner Salman Khan gets the friendly hand of sizzling Lara Dutta. In the film industry it is in light that both are like each other company and Salman Khan has recommended Lara Dutta to Producers to take in their films. As we know Lara Dutta and her ten years old relationship with Kelly Dorji had broken up in the past. So she also needs a nice friend like Salman who gives her few films in his friendly package.

 

 

Beautiful Ayesha Takia is one of them actresses who have a number of flop films in her account but praises by her works and for the good looking face. She works in both streams in bollywood as well as Telgu film industry. Ayesha Takia's last movie was John Abraham starrer No Smoking directed by Anurag Kashyap in which she did double role the film was also get down at the box office.

Ayesha Takia next coming movie De Taali which is based upon a story about three friends will come in 8th February, 2008. Even De Taali working title is JAlSA but its theme mainly about friendship directed by E. Niwas. De Taali is produced by Ravi Walia and starring by Ayesha Takia with her co stars like Aftab Shivdasani, Ritesh Deshmukh, Rimi Sen, and Saurabh Shukla. De Taali has been visualized in the locations of Auckland (New Zealand), Bangkok (Thailand) and Mumbai (India). Forthcoming movie has the melodious songs composed by Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani.

Madhuri Dixit.

Shilpa Shetty, the winner of Big Brother in UK, was in London's West End to promote her latest show "Miss Bollywood".

The "Miss Bollywood" is a musical extravaganza that combines spectacular choreography and staging and tells the story of 'Maya', a young classically trained choreographer who finds herself thrust into the limelight where she must sink or swim. Her tribulations include the unwanted attentions of a famous but predatory choreographer and a jealous diva. Shilpa Shetty leads a cast of 40 dancers and performs some of the Indian film industry's most popular songs in the show.

Shilpa Shetty said "I am quite excited to perform on December 12, because we are going to be doing our last show at the Royal Albert Hal - It's such a huge honour and privilege. So, when you come in and talk about "Miss Bollywood" and you see the reception you get here, it's just amazing because I think this is truly one of the first for the Bollywood fraternity to get this kind of reception from the mainstream."

She added "It all about believes in yourself, believing in your talent and not giving up easily in life."

This fun-filled musical is a celebration of Bollywood's kitsch and splendour as well as it's unique brand of humour in a colourful, contemporary and yet cultured representation of Bollywood.

The show is produced by international impresario and promoter Farhath Hussain, Ajmal & Raj Kundra.

New Delhi:  Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan's decision that he would not go to watch a cricket match again not only created ripples in the Indian Cricket Board but also left Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik disappointed.

Malik's elder brother Imran, watching the first Indo-Pak Test at the Ferozeshah Kotla here, said his whole family liked Shahrukh a lot and Shoaib was disappointed to know that the actor may not come to watch any match again.

"We often discuss cricketing matters at length and yesterday Shoaib was very disappointed after knowing about Shahrukh's statement," said Imran.

"He (Shoaib) was of the view that if we can go and watch their films why cannot they watch our matches?"

BCCI Chief Administrative Officer Ratnakar Shetty had on Tuesday said that cricket matches were being used by filmstars to promote their movies after Shahrukh watched the fifth ODI between India and Pakistan at Jaipur and talked about his latest release -- 'Om Shanti Om' -- on the live telecast.

After learning about the Shetty's objections, Shahrukh said he was sad and disappointed and would not go to watch cricket matches in future.

November 21, 2007 7:08:46 PM IST

We have heard of heroines backing off and refusing to do kissing scenes in Bollywood. But according to the source on the sets of STRANGERS, surprisingly Jimmy Shergill backed out of the lip lock scene with Nandana Sen on the day of the shoot!

According to reports, it was supposed to be a very emotional intimate moment between Jimmy and Nandana that culminates in the lip lock.

Director Anand Rai had earlier explained to Jimmy about the scene which required the actors to kiss. Though the director was a bit skeptical whether Nandana would do it, he was apparently caught off guard when Jimmy refused to do it.

But director Anand Rai justifies his lead actor, "Though I had explained the scene, I understand that actor sometime are not comfortable doing intimate scenes on screen. When I set out to make STRANGERS, I was clear that my film was about relationship. Therefore a kissing scene with Nandana or the semi-nude scene of Sonali Kulkarni, though important for the emotional turmoil the character goes, I was always flexible for options and pointers from the star cast."

When Jimmy was asked for his reaction he clarified that, when he heard the initial narration from the director he was sure, it wasn't a must do sequence in the film and made it clear that he didn't want to do it. According to him even the director understood it and was cool about the whole issue.

Lip lock or no lip lock in STRANGERS seems like Jimmy Shergill joins the bandwagon of actors like Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan who do not kiss on screen!!

STRANGERS produced by Sahara One Motion Pictures is slotted to release on December 7th 2007.

Shilpa Shetty continues to make news overseas.

Cashing on the success of celebrity show Big Brother and her last film Life In A... Metro, the actress is promoting a new production of the musical Miss Bollywood in London

Shilpa plays Maya, a na�ve Indian dancer who decides to invest all of her savings into a Bollywood Dance Academy.

According to the show's website, the 'fun-filled musical is a celebration of Bollywood's kitsch and splendour as well as it's unique brand of humour in a colourful, contemporary and yet cultured representation of Bollywood.'

Renowned choreographer Ganesh Hegde is the man behind the extravagant song sequences while fashion designer Neeta Lulla has done Shilpa's elaborate outfits.

However, Miss Bollywood, which is currently touring the UK, has been panned by critics. The Daily Mail called it an 'ill-conceived, half-baked star vehicle.'

 
Alisha Bags Top Honours At Bollywood Awards

Alisha Chinoy, who instantly became a rage in India after her song 'Made In India' broke all the records a long time back, proved once again that she is still hot… at least overseas.

She bagged the Best Singer Award for her song "Its Rocking" in the film Kya Love Story Hai, at the Bollywood Music and Fashion Awards, held at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey on Saturday night.

The same song also got her the Best Song of the Year Award.

Acclaimed music director, A R Rahman was given the Best Music Director Award for the film "Guru" and Sonu Nigam was adjudged the Best Male Singer for his song "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kahna".

The annual Bollywood Music and Fashion Award is the only award given for Bollywood and Indian music and fashion industry in the United States of America.
Sunnet Verma, who is fast emerging on the global fashion scene got the Best Designer of the Year Award.

Among other awards given on the occasion were Best Bhangra Artist (Jazzy for B-Romeo), Best Remix Album (DJ Sanj for Block Party), Best Pop Artist (Jay Sean for Ride It) and Best Dance Video (Bilz for 2 Step Bhangra).

Alisha later got a standing ovation for her majestic performance which was attended by many noted celebrities, most of them NRIs.

Tags:Alisha Chinoy Bollywood Music and Fashion Awards  

Deepika Padukone

BANGALORE: Now that Farah Khan's "Om Shanti Om" has been declared as a hit, Bangalore's Deepika Padukone is the new rage of the Bollywood. Long-limbed and fresh-faced Deepika's bubbly presence is another big reason for the film's success apart from Shahrukh Khan's charisma. More than anyone else, the person who is over the moon over Deepika's success is her father Prakash Padukone, the badminton legend.

For the past few days, the trainees of the Tata Padukone Badminton Academy have been watching the film, courtesy Deepika Padukone.

In a chat with The Hindu, Mr. Padukone gave full credit to his daughter.

"It was a good show and she worked for her success. I am proud that she has made an impact," he said.

What pleases him is the fact that Deepika was not a whit overawed by Shahrukh Khan or for that matter anyone else.

"She has always been level-headed and knows what she is doing," said Mr. Padukone.

If Deepika did not choose to be model or Bollywood star, she would have become the most glamorous badminton star in the country. She had played a few State-ranking tournaments as a sub-junior with moderate success. But badminton's loss was Bollywood's gain.

Mr. Padukone wants Deepika to choose her roles with care and pick the right ones.

"What I would love to see is that she plays some good roles, not just glamorous stuff," he said.

Will she act as badminton star now that films such as "Chak De" are a big success?

Mr. Padukone is excited by the thought. "Why not? That would be a good idea. She could enact my own story, how as a youngster I struggled to make it to the top, eating, sleeping and playing just badminton and struggling to go on tours and living always in suspense, whether I would board the flight or not. Yes, I think there is enough masala in it," he said.

Shah Rukh Khan.

JUST A NUMBER: Rajnikanth and Shriya in Sivaji.

MUMBAI: Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan refused to accept the charges levelled against him for defying an Anti-Smoking Act during the recent Twenty20 cricket match in Mumbai.

National Organisation for Tobacco Eradication, an anti-smoking group, had issued legal notice against Khan for allegedly lighting up in public in violation of India's anti-smoking law. "This is not how a superstar should behave... Adored by millions (he) shouldn't lend a helping hand to promote smoking," the group's general secretary Shekhar Salkar said.

The truth, however, is that Bollywood has precisely three actors who can sell a film on their name - Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan and Aamir Khan.

"Statistics have proved that others like Saif Ali Khan, Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham have to be sold in clever packages," says a trade analyst.

Of course, if the film itself is appreciated ¬like a 'Lage Raho Munnabhai', 'Malamaal Weekly', 'Gangster'; 'Khosla Ka Ghosla' or 'Corporate', all of whom made it to the 2006 hit list - the stars don't matter.