Sexy Strugglers of Bollywood

If beauty alone was enough to guarantee success in film biz, then many of our Bollywood Belles would've done wonders and soared the popularity charts already. However they haven't.

Sex may sell. But not always. That's the reason many actresses have come, flaunted and gone. But the name of the game isn't just survival. It is to achieve success. And though a fab body maybe on their 'sexy side', Lady Luck casually avoids them, and these Body Beautifuls can't do anything but try again and again।sensuously.

That could well explain the success stories of say a Konkona Sen Sharma and Vidya Balan vis-a-vis a Riya Sen and Celina Jaitley.

Indiatimes Movies brings to you the lovely ladies still trying to carve their own bankable identity that filmmakers could rely upon 
 
 

 

 
Riya Sen

Riya Sen belongs to the renowned Sen clan and has been blessed with the good looks of the women in her family. Riya's official debut Love You Hamesha (1999) is still lying in the cans. The next film Style proved to be a surprise success. Jhankar Beats was a well-received and refreshing film. Qayamat and Plan were averagely successful. Riya then did a film Silsiilay for film critic Khalid Mohammed. Shaadi No. 1 and Apna Sapna Money Money had contrasting outcomes. With a semi-successful career Riya still hasn't generated as much buzz as she would've liked to. 
 
 
 

 
 
Sameera Reddy

Sameera has been the most-noticed amongst this list about Bollywood beauties on the sidelines. She started out with Maine Dil Tujko Diya a film where she acted opposite Sohail Khan. The film also had Sanjay Dutt, but that didn't save it. She then got a noticeable role in Ram Gopal Verma's Darna Mana Hai. From there she caught the fancy of Sanjay Gupta who cast her in Plan and Musafir, but neither of them worked. Naksha and Fool 'N' Final despite their known star casts went down badly. Aladin and the Mystery of the Lamp which releases next year seems to be a promising project in Sameera's kitty.
 
 
Amrita Arora

Amrita the sister of Malaika Arora thus the sister-in-law of Arbaaz Khan has met with limited success in the film industry. Amrita's debut Kitne Door Kitne Paas (2002) was opposite Fardeen Khan who was relatively new himself. The film didn't do well. In 2004, she then did the controversial lesbian film Girlfriend along with Isha Koppikar. The film although hotly-debated didn't do any wonders at the box-office or the careers of those associated. The multi-starrer Fight Club then happened in 2006 but that didn't do very well either. Despite being associated with a long line of flops, Amrita has landed many projects that are in various stages of production. 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Celina Jaitley

Celina Jaitley has been a Miss India and a Miss Universe finalist… indicators of her undeniable beauty. Celina got off to a bumpy start with Khel and Janasheen. She landed a relatively small part in the largely successful No Entry. Another film that saw success was Apna Sapna Money Money where she shared glory along with Riya Sen and Koena Mitra. 2007 hasn't proven to be lucky for her however as both Red and Shakalaka Boom Boom were critical and commercial duds. Celina is currently looking westwards for career growth. 
 
 

 
Shamita Shetty

Shilpa win at Big Brother along with the international recognition might've perched her atop the A-list bracket, but his doesn't mean any of that fame will polish off on sister Shamita. The actress has to duke it out for herself. She began with the Dead Poets Society-inspired film Mohabattein. But then chose to get featured in item numbers. Zeher was a moderate hit Shamita acted in. This year she did Anubhav Sinha's hyper-stylish film Cash , surprisingly even though it released on shaky ground the film went on to become a surprise hit. Shamita is currently working on Rokda. 
 
 
 
Neha Dhupia

Neha began her career with seedy B-grade films before she made her shift to Bollywood. Once here she appeared in Qayamat, although the film had been inspired from Hollywood, it was a successful 'inspiration'. Thereafter in her list of failed films occasional hits such Kyaa Kool Hain Hum and Chup Chup Ke came to the rescue. Films such as Julie and Teesri Aankh showed us the bolder side of Neha. Although this year, DelhiiHeights and Ek Chalis Ki Last Local didn't work out, Shootout at Lokhandwala certainly did. We're sure we'll see Neha stick around Bollywood for a while. 
 
 
 
 
 


 Koena Mitra

Koena has been more associated with her item girl image rather than her acting skills. But Koena has acted in films such as the unsuccessful Musafir and Apna Sapna Money Money which was a hit. Having met with a limited success, Koena isn't currently facing a downpour of film offers. 
 
  
Kim Sharma

Along with Shamita Shetty, Kim Sharma also debuted with Mohabbatein. After this initial success none of her films in the past seven years. Kim Sharma is now only known as the girl who once dated popular cricketer Yuvraj Singh. With that romance over with, Kim is now only spotted on the party circuit. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ishaa Koppikar

Ishaa's official debut came in Khalid Mohammed's film Fiza. After this she became associated with her item number in Company and became known as the Khallas girl. Thankfully despite her list of unsuccessful films she isn't Khallas. Even among this line of flops there have been the occasional hits such as Kyaa Kool Hain Hum and Don. Luckily Ishaa is one of the few actresses who hasn't been branded due to her failed films. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Udita Goswami

Udita Goswami has an international look with fine Anglo-Mongol features and a great body to go along with it. Even then she has yet to become a regular feature within the industry. Udita debuted opposite John Abraham in Paap (2004) but though John's career saw him reach Bollywood's prestigious A-list, Udita was left behind. Udita's next two films Zeher and Aksar opposite Emraan Hashmi were successful on the other hand. Udita hasn't been as active on the career front, Aggar Anant Mahadevan 'A' series follow up to Aksar bombed. Udita is currently holding a wild card with Kisse Pyaar Karoon a film that will see her act opposite popular funny man Arshad Warsi. The film could go either way… 

 

 
Aarti Chhabria

She's beautiful, graceful and has a very Indian look to her. But Aarti Chabbria has yet to receive mainstream recognition the way someone like Neha Dhupia has. Aarti made her debut at the age of 19 years with a minor role in Lajja. The film allowed her to act in a movie that had Madhuri Dixit, Manisha Koirala and Anil Kapoor. In the following year she acted as a female lead along with small timers such as Kim Sharma and Nakul Kapur in Tum Se Achcha Kaun Hai. Aarti was a part of mediocre films such as Awara Paagal Deewana, Ssukh and Shaadi No.1. Aarti only recently got busy in 2007 where she has signed up for 8 films. She played a minor role in Partner but did a noticeable role as Tusshar Kapoor's girlfriend in Shootout At Lokhandwala. Who knows perhaps in 2008 Aarti will finally lose her struggler status. 
 
 

 

 Preeti Jhangiani

Preeti bears a strong resemblance to Kim Sharma and surprisingly they've both debuted in the same film together. So it doesn't come as a surprise that Preeti's acting career is in shambles just like Kim's. Preeti is the same girl who was a part of the popular Chui Mui song. Unfortunately she didn't capitalize on her initial fame to establish herself in the film industry. It is said she unluckily fell ill when the film offers came pouring in causing her to miss out. Her most recently film Victoria No. 203 was a colossal flop. Now an uncertain career awaits her… 
 
  
 Deepal Shaw

Deepal Shaw began with a small-time film called Daag. However in her case the expression ' Daag achche hain' didn't apply. She subsequently did a film called Kalyug which proved to be a minor success. She has a small role in the film Karma, Confessions and Holi. Deepal then disappeared for nearly two years, she is currently doing Teesri Manzil and Wednesday. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Nauheed Cyrusi

Unlike Preity Zinta and Amrita Rao, Nauheed was one of the unsuccessful ad girls. She came into films with Supari. She acted alongside with mostly small stars and Irrfan Khan who hadn't yet found his current fame. Nauheed then got busy with films such as Lakeer and Holiday but both were unnoticed flops. Rockin Meera was a British film with an largely Indian crew. A not-so-happening acting career prompted Nauheed to do Raffoo Chakkar a B-grade film. Anwar was so far the only well-received film of hers. The year 2007 had her do two other films Life Mein Kabhie Kabhiee and Aggar which were unnoticed. Now with her current projects not looking promising things aren't looking good for Nauheed.
 
 

 

Payal Rohatgi

Payal Rohatgi is a girl known in Bollywood for her item numbers, otherwise she has done shady B-grade films such as Fun - Can Be Dangerous Sometimes, Mazaa Mazaa and Mr 100% - The Real Player . Payal Rohatgi is the least successful among the women of this list, but recently she has been getting bit roles in films such as Corporate, Apna Sapna Money Moneyand Dhol. 
 

 
 
Tara Sharma

Tara Sharma made her debut in Om Jai Jagdish a film that had Anil Kapoor, Fardeen Khan and Abhishek Bachchan, however neither Fardeen or Abhishek were well-known then. The film proved to be a huge flop despite the presence of a large star cast otherwise. She then went on to do some well-received films in her career such as Masti, Page 3, Aksar and Khosla Ka Ghosla. Despite these successes Tara Sharma is nowhere among the limelight, perhaps the bevy of films she's signed this year will change all that. 

Paswan's son joins Bollywood bandwagon

Mumbai (PTI): Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan was the perfect host at the launch of his son Chirag in tinsel town on his 25th birthday.

"No politics today," pleaded Paswan to the media on wednesday evening, adding "it's the day for celebration and birthday of my son Chirag".

Chirag was launched here for an untitled Bollywood movie.

An elated Paswan was all praise for his son and said, "Chirag has chosen a path on his own and has taken up the challenge in a very new field."

It was Chirag's decision to choose the tinsel world and of course "if he is talented, definitely film makers will cast him in their movies," the Union Minister added.

Bollywood writer Ali Raza passes away

MUMBAI: Yesteryears renowned film writer Ali Raza passed away early this morning due to a heart failure. He was admitted in Nanavati Hospital seven days back to be operated for artery blockage in the heart. He was 85 years old.

In his career spanning 47 years, Raza worked closely with Mehboob Khan. His last film as a writer was Pravin Nischol's English Babu Desi Mem in 1996.

Apart from this, he has also written films like Andaz, Anand, Aan, Mother India, Saraswatichandra, Reshma Aur Shera, Raja Jani, Dus Nambri, Sawan Badho. In 1968 he won the Filmfare award as best dialogue writer for Saraswatichandra.     

In 1974 he even directed a film with Sunil Dutt and Rekha titled Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye.

Meet Bollywood’s chameleons

/photo.cms?msid=2494516 Magician is probably the right word for our Bollywood actors. With every film comes a new makeover, it may be a physical change or learning a new art, our Bollywood celebs seem to be doing it all and that to in the shortest time possible. But the question is how do they do it? With their crazy traveling schedules, film shoots in different locations across the world, shows and performances and a zillion other commitments. Is it the magical powers or perhaps their fast metabolic rates or is it just in their genes – we would never know. Take for instance John Abraham who had to reportedly smoke almost 90 cigarettes a day for his film No Smoking and that too when he is a non smoker! And on the other hand the actor had to loose oodles of weight for his upcoming film Aashayein where he plays a cancer patient, well if you thought this was too much the actor has gone a step further and got a perfectly toned body for his sport flick Goal .

To go through such physical changes can be quite harsh on an actor's body. Like actor Madhavan explains "For my film Guru I had to look like a lean and on-the-prowl journalist because that's what I was playing. But for my Tamil film Thambi just before Guru I had to put on a beefy action hero's girth. And after going luminously lean in Guru I got even leaner for my harassed middleclass commuter's role in the Tamil version of Nishikant Kamath's Dombivali Fast

"Now I have the heftier look in Aarya because I play a small town medical college student. It's now getting to be a problem. I've been playing this gain-and-lose game so frequently that it's getting alarming,"

Well it's not just Madhavan who is playing this dangerous game but most of our Bollywood actors today are juggling their lifestyle just to fit the part. Take for instance Bipasha Basu who survived on oranges for three days for a song where she had to wear a bikini in Dhoom 2 . Or Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai who had to put on quite a few calories for their film Guru.

Gaining and loosing weight is just a part of the drastic makeovers that the actors have to go through. Every time an actor does a new film he has to shed his earlier image and get into the next one. Take for example Anaitha Nair who wore long tresses in her film Chak De India and now for her upcoming film Aashayein , Anaitha has gone ahead and shaved her head for the role of a cancer patient. That definitely takes some guts! Or Kamal Hassan who is known for his detailing of character roles to perfection, may it be Hindustani where he played an old man or Chachi 420 where he was seen portraying an middle aged lady's role. Well all these makeovers require immense planning and hard work. But the real test comes when its time to get into the character. The garb definitely helps but when its time for action only the lines help.

Nowadays Bollywood actors are always trying to do something different. Either they are learning a new language, a new skill or a new stunt – all this sounds interesting but imagine you are only given a few days to master a skill you have never done before. Now that's tough. For example For Dhoom 2 Bipasha had to learn to swim for a surfing shot. Earlier she couldn't even get into the water. But eventually she never gave the shot as the sea was too rough but at least she learnt how to swim. For Aparna Sen's The Japanese Wife Raima Sen had to learn how to do domestic chores. It wasn't enough to just fake it as her character. She actually had to look like she does house work. So she did the actual cleaning and sweeping every day and yet make herself look graceful while doing it. Whew!

Well what we get to see is always the end product, we either criticize it or love it but we sometimes forget about all the hard work done for canning that one shot and making it possible. So the next time you go watch a film think twice...

Deepika says she is in Bollywood because of Ash !

Deepika says she is in Bollywood because of Ash !


In a recent interview, Bollywood latest sensation debutant Deepika Padukone said that ex-Miss World Aishwarya Rai is somewhat responsible for her entry in Bollywood.

When asked that she is being touted as the next Aishwarya. What is her reaction?

Deepika said, "Does she even know this? For me it's a huge compliment. She is someone I have grown watching. I've been watching her ever since she won the Miss World. And she is partly responsible for me wanting to get into this industry."

Age is just a number: SRK

LONG LIVE THE KING: Shah Rukh Khan cuts his birthday cake

Of these 42 years, 18 have been spent maintaining a super successful career in Bollywood.

When he was young, Shah Rukh Khan thought life gets over in the 40s.

But now that he is there, he doesn't feel it's any big deal. "I feel more stronger and enthusiastic today. In fact, when I play with my kids' friends, I don't use age as a criteria to perform less. I still think I can beat kids half my age at half the things I do, physically I mean. Age has become a number for me now. It doesn't matter that a few more grey strands have come. I always had grey hair which I have been dyeing for the last five years. I feel I am the most looked after person in the world," said King Khan who turns 42 today.

Of these 42 years, 18 have been spent maintaining a super successful career in Bollywood.

At this stage in his life, does he feel he has seen and done it all? "I don't look at age as a reason for making more intelligent and wiser decisions. I don't think what I did earlier was wrong and what I do now is right. It's the wrongest notion that older people are smarter and wiser, I feel they are just older. In the film industry, someday I read I am ruling more, some days less, someday a younger star has toppled me. I think I am beyond all this now. But yes, it's been 18 years and people say I have been the King of Bollywood, and I like it. I am not pompous but I don't know how it feels not to be successful. For me, there's always been one way and that is success. So I don't know how it's not to be the King of Bollywood. I feel it's my birthright now," admitted SRK.

What was his take on Akshay Kumar, whose box office position was being compared to his own? "Akshay is the most viable star in the country now," admitted Shah Rukh.

"He's doing more prolific work, giving more hits, he's not just good looking and focussed, but really hard working too. I am very fond of him. I have known him for years now. Today, the concept of a single star ruling seems to be slowly phasing out. It's like a league of movie stars, all very secure, happy, singing, dancing. It's beautiful. Aamir, Salman, Akshay and I, we are all big stars today. It's like tennis ranking. One Grand Slam, and there you go. But the commercial success of others never makes me feel any lesser or more successful. God isn't there only to give Shah Rukh Khan everything, in fact he shouldn't be giving only me."

Is he upset that Chak De! India did not make it to the Oscars? "I am happy with the Filmfare award. The Oscar is not something that I will cry about. If I get it, good, if not — it's ok," said SRK. At 42, he has made six pack abs a trend. Of this, the Bollywood Badshah said, "I know people have been saying that I got it through special effects, surgery, and steroids, but I know how much hard work I put into this. When I was working out, I thought, I can't have bigger biceps than Salman, a stronger chest than John or even wider shoulders than Hrithik, so I said why not concentrate on my abs. See, I have a very oriental kind of physique, like Bruce Lee, so I guess it's standing out."

Bollywood Film Premiere - Om Shanti Om

Bollywood Film Premiere - Om Shanti Om, Wellington, 8 November 2007

Om Shanti Om, the most anticipated Bollywood film of the year, is having its premiere in Wellington on Thursday 8 November.

The $20 premiere ticket will get you Bollywood entertainment, Indian snacks and a seat at the premiere.

Om Shanti Om is a different kind of love story – the central theme is reincarnation. Expect drama, suspense, six-pack abs and of course lots of colour, music and dancing.

Be amongst the first in the world to watch this much-awaited film!

STRANGERS - From perfumes to Bollywood

Jimmy Sheirgill would soon be seen in a film with Key Key Menon, Nandana Sen and Sonali Kulkarni which is interestingly titled STRANGERS.

Directed by debutant Aanand L Rai, what is notable about the film is that it is produced by Raj Kundra or Indorama Films. For the starters, Raj Kundra is the same man who had launched S2 perfume (a label for Shilpa Shetty's perfume) in London. At that time, there were also rumors about an affair between the two celebrities which later a silent death.

Now with STRANGERS, Raj Kundra is looking at making his presence in Bollywood with his first film 'STRANGERS'; though for all the right reasons. The film is being presented by SAHARA ONE MOTION PICTURES.

Deepika Padukone, the new face for Kingfisher Airlines

 Billed as the most promising newcomer ever in tinsel town, Deepika Padukone will now become the face of Kingfisher Airlines. Thanks to her huge fan following and the connect that Deepika enjoys with the youth, she will quite naturally mirror the hopes, aspirations and lifestyle needs of the new and young generation of Indians who are now literally taking to the skies.


Not merely a passive brand ambassador, the move to sign on Deepika is conceived as an initiative that aims to serve guests better and pro-actively offer them the best experience in the world, Kingfisher Airlines has carved out a very specific persona for the Kingfisher Airlines brand ambassador.


Sharing the motivation behind the introduction of this initiative and giving insights into how Deepika is a perfect fit for the brand, DR. Vijay Mallya, Chairman and CEO, Kingfisher Airlines Limited, said "Kingfisher Airlines in the short span of 29 months has firmly established itself as a market leader while setting new service benchmarks. Deepika Padukone, the Kingfisher airlines Brand Ambassador, personifies the brand values of Kingfisher Airlines and what it stands for."


By elevating its customers to a level of being the 'guest' and not just passengers, Kingfisher Airlines has endeared itself to its consumers. The appointment of Deepika Padukone as the Kingfisher Airlines Brand Ambassador is yet another step in the direction of Kingfisher Airlines strengthening and deepening the unique understanding and insights that it has about the needs and aspirations of consumers in India.


Deepika will make her acting debut in 'Om Shanti Om' opposite Shah Rukh Khan. The film is slated to release on November 9.

Preity-Ness in Shillong together

 If you saw Preity Zinta dimpling more prettily this past weekend it's because she got to be with her soul-mate Ness Wadia in Shillong for the whole weekend. "He's just left," she says. "And it was a good holiday for him while I was working my butt off for Jahnu Barua's 'Har Pall'."


Over the weekend Preity also had one of her dreams come true. She attended a concert by one of her favourite rock bands Mr Big and also got invited on stage by the band's lead singer Eric Martin. "On Saturday evening I was told Mr Big were performing in town. I was like….wow! I grew up listening to their songs like 'Wide World' and 'Just To Be With You'. I decided, come what may, I had to go attend the concert."


Excited as a school girl Preity re-lived some of her favourite 1980s' songs and danced in aisles. But the thrill wasn't over. Mid-way through the concert, Mr Big stopped short in their tantalizing tracks to announce they've a very special guest at the concert. "And to my utter delight and embarrassment Mr Big announced my name and asked me to come on stage. I died. Man, what a moment! I felt like a school girl out on her first date. It was what one calls a magical moment."


Preity had a ball, while Ness was happy to see his lady enjoy herself. Back in her hotel in Shillong, Preity had another surprise waiting for her. "I discovered Mr Big's villa is right next to mine. So I had Ness and one of my favourite teen dreams next to me. Who knows what will happen next? With all this excitement I find it very hard to concentrate on my work."

Ranbir doesn't copy anyone: Neetu Kapoor

She's in shape, smiles spotaneously and is considered the perfect housemaker. A star wife yesterday, she is a just a week away from becoming a star mother, with the release of Ranbir Kapoor's 'Saawariya'. Cut to  Neetu Kapoor in conversation with us.
 
Have you seen 'Saawariya' yet?


Yes, and I'm elated. I saw it yesterday I knew my son has been in perfect hands. Now I'm no longer stressed or nervous. Now, I'm proud. I'm essentially very shy about interviews, especially on TV. Once there was hardly any media around, today the scenario is so different.


On screen, is Ranbir more like Rishi Kapoor (Chintu) or you?


Honestly, Ranbir doesn't copy anyone, he has his own style. But I have to admit that his voice is more like his grandfather's (Raj Kapoor). I can confidently say that Ranbir is very talented. As far as dancing is concerned, Ranbir definitely has rhythm which is extremely important.


Is Chintu anxious? (Laughs)


He's very hyper, he calls me every five minutes from Chandigarh where he's shooting. I have to reassure him that I loved the film and it'll be fine. He will see 'Saawariya' only at the premiere.


Have you been visiting temples and fasting for your son?


(Smiles) I'm doing everything a mother would.

Are you surprised with the stories of Ranbir's link-ups?


I don't think they are true, the girls are only his friends. Everyone gets written about and anything is news. At home, we don't discuss the stuff written about Ranbir anymore.


Would he tell you if he fell in love?


(Laughs) Yes he would. A few years ago, he excitedly told me one day, "Mum I am in love." Did he confide in you about his heartbreak over the girl he liked? Oh yes! When he was going through it every morning I'd ask, "Are you okay? How is your heart?" He would smile, "Mum I'm doing fine, I'm much better, don't worry He's very emotional."


The one absolutely untrue news about Ranbir?


That he hit someone on the road. Ranbir is the most peace-loving boy you can know. He doesn't even get irritated. So how can he hit anyone?


With Riddhima married, do you hope to become a grand mom soon?


I had Riddhima nine months after my marriage. I was very naïve. These days, kids know their minds. Riddhima and her husband want to wait. He travels a lot because of his work, he wants her to be with him. I guess it's also because they hardly had any courtship. They married very soon. She's here with me, she's very excited for her brother.


Have you ever thought of making a comeback to the movies?


Not really. Chintu (Rishi Kapoor) and I were offered a film together. He had even said yes. Then I became busy with Riddhima's wedding, I don't know what happened to the project.


Actually, I would love to make a comeback with my husband because I'm comfortable with him. I would not like to go to the studios alone. I've been so deep into my family that I need them around all the time. One thing's for sure, if I do a film now, I don't want to be a typical mother.

Any regrets about turning down Jaya Bachchan's role in 'Kal Ho Naa Ho'?


(Smiles) I wasn't ready to do films then. I regret not doing it. Not only because it was a terrific role but because I missed a chance of working with Karan (Johar) whom I adore.


You're always smiling. Is that for real?


Oh, really? I can't sulk or put on a sullen face. I believe if you have a problem then solve it. If you're fat, do something, instead of whining. If someone irritates me, then I just cut off that person from my life.


Really, you can't be happy in an unhealthy atmosphere. I don't like people who are like complaint boxes. I'd love to work again but not at the cost of making anyone feel neglected.


You said you married too early. Was it a tough call at the age of 22?


I could have waited for a few more years and matured mentally. Frankly, I didn't have a mind of my own. Sometimes, I wish I had done a few more movies. Today when I'm asked for autographs, I wonder whatever for?


There's really no movie of mine that will be remembered. Anyway it's all turned out fine. How much longer could I have worked? Two three years and then what?


Have your views on marriage changed over the years?


Nope, they're the same. Marriage is for keeps. The romance may fade but it's for keeps. Priorities change but the love remains.

Is your husband your closest friend?


Yes. I've been married to him for 27 years now, I knew him for five years before that.


About 10 years ago, your marriage nearly hit the rocks. Whom did you turn to then?


My kids stood by me throughout. I realised how strong I can be. I could have fallen apart but I stood my ground. Life returned to normal. It was just a mid-life crisis. Every marriage goes through difficult times, ours was no different.


What lessons did you learn?


None. Every phase simply makes you stronger.When Riddhima went abroad to study for the first time, I cried for 10 days. The second time, I cried less.


And I didn't cry at all when Ranbir went to study abroad. It's not that I love Ranbir less. Obviously, I had become accustomed to my children leaving for long periods of time. I was weak and scared, today I'm not.


How's your relationship with your in-laws?


If I had been fake to them, they would have seen through me. If I have a problem with any one of my in-laws, I sort it out immediately Why let a problem fester? My mother-in-law treats me like a daughter. There's no typical saas bahu friction at all. Reema, my sister-in-law, has been a friend even before I got married.


What about your nieces Karisma and Kareena?


No comments.


Aren't you a role model for fit housewives?


Am I? Honestly I don't work out and eat healthy to look good. That's simply for my old age. I do yoga and work out religiously. Even if I've had a late night, I don't skip my workouts. Ranbir has also started eating right, he's completely off junk food. Riddhima is like me too, fanatical about living right.

'Jodhaa Akbar' website launched!

The first phase of the website of UTV Motion Pictures and Ashutosh Gowariker Productions' 'Jodhaa Akbar' has been launched. A film of this scale evokes curiosity and numerous inquiries and hence information will now be available to world wide audiences. Although the website is right now in its infancy, the next phase which will be launched around the time of the film's music launch, will unveil much more content for those looking for more information.


The first phase has a small note from Ashutosh Gowariker in the Director's Welcome Note and also lists the entire cast (along with the characters they play) and crew. All 5 of the posters which have been showcased so far are also available for download.


However if you are expecting to see the theatrical trailer on the website, then you will have to wait until Diwali as that is when the trailer will be uploaded on the site.  Users can register on the site now, and receive updates whenever new content is uploaded and also to take part in the Discussion Board which will also be launched on 9th November.


'Jodhaa Akbar' is a sixteenth century story about a marriage of alliance that gave birth to true love between the greatest Mughal emperor that ruled Hindustan, Jalaluddin Mohammad Akbar, and the fiery young Rajput princess, Jodhaa.


With Hrithik Roshan as Akbar and Aishwarya Rai as Jodhaa, the film is produced by UTV Motion Pictures and Ashutosh Gowariker Productions and is slated for release on 25th January 2008.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: Ageless Wonder...

Once crowned the most beautiful woman in the world, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has sashayed down the ramp and on to the silver screen with equal poise and elegance. A trained classical dancer, a model and a beauty queen...She had all the makings for a successful career in the Indian film industry. And so, when she made the step by making her first on-screen appearance in the Mani Ratnam flick 'Iruvar' opposite Mohanlal, the crowds just went ga-ga over her!.

 
Her foray into Bollywood started with her appearance in 'Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya' which did not click at the box-office. Her trump card came in the form of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' in which her performance was lauded. The audience began to sit up and started taking notice of this beauty who smiled out at her audience, stifled a giggle and drew butterfly-wing lashes down over her olive-green eyes.

 
The movie was followed by another noteworthy performance in 'Taal'. The two movies are the only saving grace of her career as she has yet to prove that she can carry a movie on her shoulders. A string of blink and miss appearances, flops followed.

Of late, she has become more careful in choosing her projects and deciding on who she would work with. Her last performances in which she showed considerable mettle was in 'Guru' and 'Provoked'. It would be safe to say she works best when she is in the safe hands of a good director like a Mani Ratnam or a Sanjay Leela Bhansali. She has also done a number of forgettable Hollywood flicks of which 'Provoked' is worthy of mention here. 

 
Whatever we might say, Aishwarya Rai is today a name to reckon with and is easily rated among the top actresses of Bollywood.

The year started off with her flick 'Guru'. Aishwarya Rai stunned us with a powerful performance. Known for her angelic looks all the while, the actor made people sit up and notice the reservoirs of talent in 'Guru'. Also, the chemistry between Abhishek and Aishwarya was electrifying.

Next was 'Provoked' in which she plays a Punjabi woman who kills her husband after being at the receiving end of constant mental and physical torture. The one aspect that's absolutely flawless is the choice of the actor enacting the role of the protagonist -- Aishwarya Rai. Stunning is the word that has often been used for this ethereal beauty, but for a change, you want to use this word for her performance in this film. Her work in 'Provoked' easily ranks amongst her best.

The marriage billed as Bollywood's biggest wedding in a decade took place when two of Bollywood's biggest stars, Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan tied the knot in a modest ceremony at the Bachchan family home in Mumbai, India, the climax of three-days of festivities. Abhishek Bachchan arrived at the service astride a horse, wearing an off-white sherwani and a white turban bedecked with flowers. Aishwarya, believed to be wearing a red and gold hand-embroidered sari, arrived in a silver Mercedes decorated with flowers along with her mother and brother.The Bachchan mansion was turned into "a fortress" as 1,000 security personnel worked around the clock to prevent crazed fans from gatecrashing the ceremony.


Aishwarya Rai then bagged 'The Pink Panther' sequel with Andy Garcia, John Cleese, Alfred Molina, and, of course, Steve Martin. The movie it seems will have Aishwarya in a more promising role as she will be playing one of the detectives along with Alfred Molina and Andy Garcia. They will join French police detective Jacques Clouseau, played by Steve Martin.The movie is expected to release in 2009.

She was also in the news for her work in Ashutosh Gowariker 's 'Jodhaa Akbar'. 'Jodhaa Akbar' is a sixteenth century story about a marriage of alliance that gave birth to true love between the greatest Mughal emperor that ruled Hindustan, Jalaluddin Mohammad Akbar, and the fiery young Rajput princess, Jodhaa. With Hrithik Roshan as Akbar and Aishwarya Rai as Jodhaa, the film is produced by UTV Motion Pictures and Ashutosh Gowariker Productions and is slated for release on 25th January 2008.

She is also all set to star in a major film about the Taj Mahal, India's famous monument to love. Rai will play the role of Mumtaz Mahal, the favourite wife of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan who built the stunning monument for her. Oscar-winning actor Sir Ben Kingsley, who will also be producing the $30m film, will play Shah Jahan.

Aishwarya Rai and the men in her life!


Previously with: Rajeev Mulchandani, Salman Khan, Vivek Oberoi

Current status: Married to Abhishek Bachchan


Aishwarya's relationship with Salman started on the sets of 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' in 1998.The two year relationship ended when Salman became increasingly abusive. Aishwarya moved on and began seeing Vivek Oberoi. Salman could not come to terms with the situation and this led to some altercations between them.This relationship again failed to make it till the end. It was finally junior Bachchan who won the heart of one of the world's loveliest women, and after seeing each other for a while they tied the knot on April 20!

Daler Mehndi, journalists trade charges

 Bhangra-pop singer Daler Mehndi's words were no music to the ears of mediapersons as he picked up a verbal duel with them over controversies surrounding him in recent years.


The singer seemed quite irritated by the media's handling of his image in the last three to four years and even singled out journalists to remark about how they were trying to run him down. He even made personal attacks on a couple of journalists.


The press conference soon turned into a free-for-all as the journalists and Mehndi traded charges till the singer left the venue in a huff.


The controversy was centred on the lyrics of one of his songs where he indirectly attacks the previous Congress regime in Punjab.


Mehndi was arrested by the Punjab police in October 2003, when Amarinder Singh of the Congress was chief minister, on charges of being involved in a multi-million immigration scam.


He was accused of accepting money from people for taking them abroad as members of his musical group and thus help them immigrate illegally. His brother Shamsher Singh was also arrested in the same case.


Mehndi, who is performing in Punjab these days in connection with the launch of a private Punjabi TV channel owned by a leading politician of the ruling Akali Dal, denied that the lyrics of his Punjabi song were targeted at Amarinder Singh or the Congress.


He had recently stated that he had penned the song while languishing in Patiala jail in 2003.


"I don't understand why the media hounds me everywhere. No one wants to write about my singing or the social work I have done for earthquake relief, Kargil heroes or tree plantation in Delhi. You just want to run me down," Mehndi lamented.

Sanjay Dutt has visitors at Yerwada jail

Sanjay Dutt lodged in Yerwada jail here following his conviction in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case, had visitors Wednesday: his friend Manyata and brother-in-law Kumar Gaurav.


The two visitors, who entered the jail at 11.55 a.m. and were with Sanjay Dutt till 12.20 p.m., chose not to speak to the waiting mediapersons.


This is Dutt's second stint at Yerwada. He surrendered before the TADA Court in Mumbai last week after receiving a copy of the judgement. He has been held guilty of possessing an AK-56 rifle ahead of the serial blasts that killed 257 people.


He was first taken to the Arthur Road jail in Mumbai, from where he was sent to Yerawada jail.


Dutt's lawyers are hopeful of getting a bail for him before Diwali, which falls on Nov 9.