Celebrity Latest News

Ban Harbhajan For Slapping Sreesanth

2008-04-26T21:30:00.002-07:00

If it is true that Harbhajan slapped Sreesanth, BCCI should take firm action against him. However bad Marco Materazzi taunted Zidane in the world cup, Zidane's head butt was not justified (This is in a sport that is much more violent than cricket). Similarly whatever Sreesanth had done to invoke Harbhajan, a slap is unwarranted and not justified. BCCI should take firm action after a quick and proper enquiry. He should be banned for at least a few matches and a huge fine should be laid on him.

Weed

By this slap, Harbhajan has let himself down and made the whole nation to doubt his earlier actions during the Australian controversy. He has also given fodder to the likes of Mathew Hayden who has already called him 'an obnoxious weed'. Now even the Indians would start asking whether he is really an obnoxious weed to cricket? Expect the Australians to get back on Harbhajan with full force.

Indian Premier League

But during this controversy there will be one group of people who will laugh their way to the bank - Organizers of Indian Premier League. This controversy will generate more publicity for Indian Premier League and will shoot its television ratings further. Lalit Modi would be thanking his stars for this controversy.

Kareena and Shahid Kapoor's 'Milenge Milenge'

2008-04-26T21:30:00.001-07:00

Shahid, Kareena back again

For all Kareena and Shahid Kapoor fans there is a reason to smile. The once in love couple will soon be seen in Boney Kapoor's Milenge Milenge.

The film has been in the making for almost two years now and is getting ready for release. Since the Shahid Kareena's first post-split film Jab We Met was such a hammer at the box office, Boney may want to cash in on Milenge Milenge as the last film to feature the two.

For almost six months, the producer has been chasing his dream pair, but now the wait is over. After months of dillydallying, Shahid and Kareena are dubbing for the film.

"Shahid, who is my neighbour, has already started dubbing for the film. Kareena will dub as soon as she returns from abroad," said Satish Kaushik, film's director.

Milenge Milenge is the Hindi version of Peter Chelsom's Serendipity. Yes, the film does have elements of Serendipity," said Kaushik.

The title suggests a touch of after life. "No, no! Milenge Milenge has got nothing to do with reincarnation. One film on that theme is more than enough," said Kaushik.

Connor Cruise Is Making His Big Screen Debut

2008-04-26T21:28:00.000-07:00

Connor Cruise Is Making His Big Screen Debut

Following in his parents' footsteps, Connor Cruise will make his film debut in the upcoming Will Smith drama Seven Pounds, PEOPLE has learned.

Connor, 13 – who has grown up around movie sets with mom Nicole Kidman and dad Tom Cruise – will play a young version of Smith in a very minor role. Even with such famous acting mentors in his corner, Connor had to audition for the part.

"Tom is so proud of Connor," says a source. "He's proud of him for really doing this on his own."

The Columbia Pictures film, which is still in production, also costars Woody Harrelson and Rosario Dawson.

The Naked Truth Behind Jessica Simpson's Hospitalization!

2008-04-22T22:56:00.000-07:00

Hey guys do you still remember that recently Jessica Simpson was hospitalized for a kidney infection. But according to Star Magazine Jessica's visit to hospital was more than a mere kidney infection.

Star magazine reports that:

Jessica Simpson's health problems were "brought on by drinking an obscene amount of alcohol," says the source. "She was treated for a kidney infection, a bladder infection and a urinary tract infection." Adding to her distress, anxious Jessica Simpson asked doctors to give her a pregnancy test! "She was a nervous wreck," says the insider. "She was three weeks late and convinced she was pregnant. She was feeling really weak and really scared. She was unraveling."

Being a celebrity is of no use, if you do not party. But one should not forget their limitations too. Jessica it's better to avoid excessive drinking if you can't handle the after effects.

Praful Lakhani (NRI businessman) runs school for deaf

2008-04-22T22:55:00.001-07:00

Success, wealth and a good life - Praful Lakhani, a hearing impaired non-resident Indian, had it all. But he decided to run a school in Ahmedabad for children with similar problems and has several other philanthropic activities planned in Gujarat.

"It is not borne out of any instinct of spiritualism. It is all about corporate responsibility in its real sense," Lakhani, 60, who now lives in Ahmedabad but frequently, travels to New York, told reporters.

A mechanical engineer by profession, he is the promoter of the US-based Reliable Group. The group provides business management software and IT services to companiesthat seek to revamp operations, accounting and management.

Lakhani, 60, is now running a unique school in Ahmedabad where deaf children overcome their impairment.

Ironically, Lakhani too is afflicted by the problem. But he has overcome the handicap by learning to read lip movement. He is now passing on the benefit to hearing impaired children.

In response to a question as what made him turn to such children, Lakhani revealed how he overcame his handicap. He said: "Even now I am answering your questions by reading your lip movement."

Lakhani said his NRI friend based in New York had launched the school. He was finding it difficult to run it. "I decided to take over. It is as if the project fell on my lap," he said.

The school called Umang has a research centre and library. Umang is among the few research centres that develop materials such as books and media for the hearing impaired. The centre also trains nurses and healthcare professionals on how to detect loss of hearing in newborn infants.

He said: "Umang works with government and non-government agencies to bring about awareness of various in the area of disability due to hearing impairment. We have plans to set up an audio logical service centre and an ear mould laboratory, a mobile diagnostic units and a computer centre".

In the ear mould laboratory, the objective is to make customized moulds. The customized moulds will then be fitted in the hearing aids, so that they work better. Without the moulds, the efficacy of a hearing aid is only 80 per cent.

"Once it is known that a child has overcome hearing impairment, he or she is sent to a regular school. Umang's goal is to bring the afflicted children to the mainstream of life," said Lakhani.

"Umang provides educational services to 150 children free of cost through its school, which was set up in 2003."

The school will now have its own building to be constructed on a plot of 5,000 square yards in the heart of the city.

On what motivated him to focus on charitable causes, Lakhani said: "Coming from a middle class background, I am aware that my success was sparked by some key people whom I met in life, who inspired me to achieve my financial goals. I believe that it is repayment time for me. So I want to support, motivate others to reach their full potential."

Lakhani said: "I do not believe in big vision or mission statements to make it known that one is socially responsible. A simple vision is enough for one to make a mark in life."

He has many dreams. One of them is transforming rural economy. He has picked up an obscure village called Dhaboda in Gandhinagar district for the transformation experiment. The village, whose main occupation is farming, will now have a school, hospital and an integrated township. The project is in the planning stage.

Another project of Lakhani is to set up information kiosks. Namaste Indya Communications Private Limited (NICPL), a media management company that Lakhani launched, installed its first kiosk called E-Pothis (public utility information kiosks) at the city's municipal bus stand area called Lal Darwaja.

This is the first private sector project that will finance and manage public utility information kiosks. It is proposed to launch 4,000 E-Pothis all over Gujarat with an investment of Rs.800 million.

Sania Mirza Rare Video

2008-04-22T22:51:00.000-07:00

Sania Mirza Rare Video

Madonna RICH, RICHER, RICHEST!

2008-04-22T22:50:00.001-07:00

Madonna to get richer by £12.5m

Madonna is set to earn a staggering £12.5 million for two concerts. The 4 Minutes singer is in talks to perform in Dubai in November as part of her forthcoming world tour for £7 million and is also negotiating to sing at a party for a mystery businessman for a further £5 million. A source close to Madonna — who recently signed a £60 million deal with an entertainment promoter — said, “Madonna is about to break another record by playing the most lucrative concert of her whole career.

The negotiations for the tour to stop in Dubai in November are being finalised and she will get £7.5 million for one show alone She is also close to agreeing to play a private party in Dubai, the first of her career.” Madonna was recently named the highest-earning woman in music. The Hung Up singer’s personal fortune was boosted by her successful Confessions Tour, which generated a staggering £130 million worldwide. She also made earnings from working with a high street fashion chain and general record sales.

JESSICA ALBA Is Terrified Her House

2008-04-22T22:49:00.000-07:00

Jessica’s house panic

Jessica Alba is terrified her house won’t be ready before she gives birth. The Fantastic Four actress — who is expecting her first child with fiance Cash Warren in May — has been redecorating her whole house in preparation for the baby, but says time is running out to finish it. She said, “I’m just trying to get my house ready before the baby comes. It’s kind of hectic, it’s getting close and the house isn’t even ready yet. I’m used to having to be somewhere all the time, and it’s kind of the first time in my life where I really haven’t been working in a while, and now it’s just about the baby being healthy, the house being ready, and nesting, it’s really different. It’s cool,

I feel like I’m fully absorbing the whole experience.” Jessica also revealed she is shocked by how much her appetite has grown and admits the pregnancy is starting to take its toll. She added, “I have to make sure that I’m eating more of the right
nutrients and vitamins, but I’m not used to eating this much.”

Sampada Vaze's Show Time

2008-04-22T22:48:00.000-07:00

SAMPADA’S SHOW TIME!

After a small break Sampada Vaze is back with a comedy show on television and a Bollywood movie

Sampada Vaze is getting ready to spread laughter on the small screen — literally. She is currently anchoring a comedy show Comedy Ka King Kaun, which will be aired soon. The show revolves around the winners of the earlier comedy shows. “There are six Pakistani and six Indian contestants. There’s also Jaspal Bhatti and Divya Dutta on the panel of judges, and I’m the only compere. It’s interesting to be the host, and this is the second time I’m hosting a show,” she explains excitedly.

Sampada is also excited about her character in Milind Soman’s next production in which her character has some grey shades to it. “The romantic comedy is based on the movie America’s
Sweethearts. I’m very kicked about playing Catherine Zeta-Jones’ character, where I can wear dresses of my choice and look very today. I play an interesting character who is a spoilt movie star which even people will like,” she says.

Like many models, she started with the ad world and was seen in various ads. She also did music videos like the one with Shaan. “Shooting for advertisements and music videos is a lot of fun. We’d shoot at exotic locations and there’s something different always,” she says. She goes on to inform that “I had the privilege of working with big filmmakers like Rajesh Menon, Priyadarshan and Govind Nihlani during my modelling days. I am extremely happy that I learned the ropes from advertising. A lot of my closest friends hail from the ad industry.”

From music videos she went to the small screen, where she was seen in the serial Pyar Ki Kashti Mein set on a cruise liner, and tackled the character Tejaswini in the family drama Rishton Ki Dor where she captivated the audience. With all the ventures coming up, we are sure will see a lot of dainty Sampada on television. What’s for sure is that she will continue to win people’s hearts with her dazzling smile and charm.

Ties The Knot In Hot Air Balloon

2008-04-22T22:47:00.000-07:00

The marriage that was made in heaven

Pune Girl, Record Holder In Free Fall Para Jumping, Ties The Knot In Hot Air Balloon

Marriages are made in heaven, they say and this marriage proved the saying—literally.
In keeping with her love for adventure sport and doing something different, Puneite Sheetal Mahajan, who made history by becoming the first woman to do free fall para jumping from the North and South poles, tied the knot with Finlandbased software professional Vaibhav Rane in a hot air balloon some 600 ft above the ground on Saturday.

The wedding ceremony was conducted in the trolley of the balloon by Milind Bildikar—the family priest of the Mahajans.

The relatives who were on the ground sang the mangalashtak—part of Maharashtrian weddings—over a walkie-talkie.

Sheetal and Vaibhav’s parents also accompanied the couple in the balloon for a short while to complete some rituals. All mandatory rituals like kanyadaan, saptapadi (saat pheras) and lighting of the sacred fire were done in the air on the premises of a club near Bavdhan, some 18 km from Pune.

“After doing the free fall para jumping I always wanted to get married in a different way. Initially, I thought of getting married while parajumping but it was not possible as a lot of practice is needed and Vaibhav did not have the time to do it,’’ said Sheetal, speaking to TOI after the wedding.

She said the couple had been rehearsing for two days, all decked up in their wedding finery, with the priest doing a mock drill. “At first we wanted to do the wedding in the evening but we realised that wind conditions were not favourable. So the time was shifted to morning,’’ she said.
“I was thrilled and had no objections to doing the ceremony in the air. I have done some para jumping myself,’’ said Vaibhav.

The Mahajan family priest Milind Bildikar said that he has known Sheetal since her childhood and had anticipated that she would be doing something different at her wedding. “It was a thrilling experience for me, almost an adventure,’’ he said.
The daily rent of the balloon was reported to be about Rs 1 lakh.

LOVE IN THE AIR: Sheetal’s marriage with Finland-based techie Vaibhav was solemnized in the balloon as relatives sang ‘mangalashtak’ on a walkie-talkie

Kareena Kapoor Beautiful Photos

2008-04-17T21:51:00.000-07:00

Kareena Kapoor

Pakistani Beauty Queen Wants to Date Musharraf

2008-04-17T21:50:00.000-07:00

Reigning Miss Pakistan World Mahleej Sarkari found time last week to write a post on Musharraf on the pageant's website.

"A little note to the people of Pakistan. Going to international pageants we have found out how much Musharraf is known to all beautiful young girls, the beauty queens. Some have replied, 'Oh yes, the general man (sic)'. While others have said 'the man who rules Pakistan'," wrote Sarkari.

"Everything positive... I think personally Musharraf Sahab is very good-looking. Some Pakistani politicians may not agree with these gorgeous women. You know like Benazir, all men around the world thought she was a beauty, similarly Musharraf is a hunk. He has enough charisma to have young girls going nuts," goes the beauty queen's post.

Sarkari said she would love to date Musharraf if he asked her out. "Yes, any time...I like him a lot...," she told a news portal.

Sarkari also said she thought "Mrs Musharraf would nod her head in agreement that her husband is an icon no matter what happens".

Sonia Ahmed, founder of the Miss Pakistan World pageant, too is a huge Musharraf fan. On the pageant's website, there are several shots of beauty queens holding up Musharraf's picture, blowing kisses and saying, "We love you Mushy".

"Well, I am a huge fan of President Musharraf and so are my Miss and Mrs Pakistans and I don't know why but we all look up to him as a man who gave freedom to the entertainment industry and media.

Sachin Tendulkar not to carry Olympic torch: Report

2008-04-17T21:48:00.000-07:00

In a major blow to the Olympic torch relay preparations in the National Capital, master blaster Sachin Tendulkar has reportedly announced that he will not participate in the event.

According to TV reports, the reason behind Sachin's refusal to take part in the relay is still not known but according to sources in the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), the batsmen didn't want to aggravate his groin injury by running in the race and ruin his chances to take part in the Indian Premier League (IPL) starting on Friday.

Sachin's decision is a big setback for the IOA, which is scheduled to announce the final list of runners on Wednesday.

The announcement comes barely a day after Bollywood actor Soha Ali Khan said she would not be a part of the Olympic torch relay in New Delhi this week for "strong personal reasons."

Sports fraternity had been demanding that only sportspersons should run the Olympic torch relay.

Kangana Sizzles At Raaz-2 Press Meet

2008-04-17T21:47:00.000-07:00

Kangana Sizzles At Raaz-2 Press Meet

Raaz released in 2002 Produced by Mahesh Bhatt became years biggest hit. Now he has decided to produce Raaz Part 2 . Mahesh Bhatt has found another female lead role for this film. So now it is not Bipasha who is featuring in this movie, but it is Kangana Ranaut!!! Recently she has signed on the dotted lines after a long discussion with Mahesh Bhatt and Mohit Suri.

The actress is back in the Bhatt camp for Raaz 2 and has even managed to get her market price for the film. Bhatts who otherwise are known for their small-budget films have agreed to pay Rs 60 lakhs to Kangana Ranaut for Raaz 2.

It will be directed by Mohit Suri in place of Vikram Bhatt, staring Emran Hashmi and Kangana Ranaut. Kangana Ranaut Sizzles at Raaz 2 press meet.

Lindsay Lohan's Dad Attacks His Ex

2008-04-15T22:03:00.001-07:00

Lindsay Lohan’s father Michael is fuming at his ex wife Dina for not making any efforts to urge their kids to see their grandmother after her serious car accident last month.

Michael has revealed that even after giving so much from the property, his ex is not doing anything to help him meet his kids.He said that this is one of the reasons he’s reopening his divorce case with Dina.

"I gave her the family house, all the furniture and the 200,000 dollars she owed me just so that I could see my kids and have a relationship with them," The New York Daily News quoted Michael, as saying.

"But after I gave her everything she wanted, she made it hard as hell for me to see my children."Even though my father is dying and my mother was in a car accident on Easter, my parents still haven’t seen my children.

"[Dina] told me, ’It’s up to the kids if they want to see their grandparents.’ But she’s made no effort to put them in touch or make this happen. That is the bottom line. My mother, Marilyn Lohan, was medevacked by helicopter to the hospital on Easter Sunday after hitting a telephone poll and tree. Thank God, she’s okay, but the car was totaled. Every window blew out.

"My father went into heart failure again yesterday - and yet not one of the kids has seen him," he added.

Pakistani Actress Mona Liza Pairs Up With Himesh Reshammiya

2008-04-15T22:01:00.000-07:00

Singer-composer-actor Himesh Reshammiya has got another debutante for himself. This time it is a girl from across the border.

After many unsuccessful auditions, Pooja Bhatt has found the leading lady of her next movie Kajra Re . And the girl is popular Pakistani TV actress Mona Liza.

Since the movie is set in Pakistan, Pooja wanted a Pak actress. And she wanted a new face because of Himesh’s decision to work with newcomers only. Tried hard though she did, Pooja couldn’t find the right actress unless Pak actor Javed Sheikh (who’s acted in Namastey London and Om Shanti Om ) reportedly sent her a few photographs of promising Pak actresses, of whom Pooja liked Mona.

Pooja says Mona fits the bill because she is good-looking and knows how to dance well.

The film has Mona playing a girl who disappears from Morocco and is found again in the Lahore mandi, the red light area of Lahore. Himesh plays the lawyer who falls in love with her before her disappearance and later traces her to Lahore.

Ben Hur star Charlton Heston dies at 84

2008-04-06T21:09:00.000-07:00

Charlton Heston, who won the 1959 best actor Oscar as the chariot-racing 'Ben-Hur' and portrayed Moses, Michelangelo, El Cid and other heroic figures in movie epics of the '50s and '60s, has died. He was 84.

Heston spokesman Bill Powers says the actor died on Saturday night at his home in Beverly Hills and his wife Lydia was at his side.

Heston revealed in 2002 that he had symptoms consistent with Alzheimer's disease, saying, ''I must reconcile courage and surrender in equal measure.''

With his large, muscular build, well-boned face and sonorous voice, Heston proved the ideal star during the period when Hollywood was filling movie screens with panoramas depicting the religious and historical past. ''I have a face that belongs in another century,'' he often remarked.

Kareena Kapoor Hot With Shahrukh Khan

2008-04-05T11:34:00.001-07:00

About this Video:

Sexy diva Kareena Kapoor is going to be hot with Shahrukh Khan as she has signed a hot item number with him in his forthcoming film, Billoo Barber. King Khan will be seen getting cozy not only with Kareena but with sensational Deepika Padukone too. Both of the gals have been signed by Red Chillies Entertainment. With this song, Deepika will make her debut in item numbers.

Sachin Tendulkar retires from Test cricket

2008-04-02T19:23:00.000-07:00

In a shocking revelation that has shook the cricketing fraternity, the ‘Little Master’ has decided to call it quits in the Test format of the game. Following his dropping for the second Test against South Africa with fielding maestro Mohammad Kaif taking his place– Sachin Tendulkar announced his retirement early this morning.

The BCCI had initially mentioned a groin-injury, which had supposedly left Tendulkar on the sidelines; yet after today’s announcement, one wonders if this was their veiled attempt to push India’s greatest batsman into what seems to be a very early retirement…

“After years of giving India my 100%, I have decided that I can no longer compete in the Test format of the game. The formula of a youth dominated ODI – T20 squad has reaped many rewards, I’m inclined to believe that this should translate into our Test squad,” Tendulkar said as he opened his Test-retirement announcement.

“Now as we chase the number one spot in Test standings – the selectors and Board are under the impression that youth is the winning formula for Tests. Since I have had my fair share of Test cricket, I’m willing to take a side step to give India’s youth a chance. I have given my life to cricket – maybe it’s time I gave a little more attention to my family.” Sachin closed.

Sachin Tendulkar, quite possibly cricket’s most supreme batsman, didn’t seem to be in the best of moods during the conference – and once his short and curt speech ended, he vehemently refused to take any questions from the few journalists who were present. He quickly put on his shades and surrounded by personnel dashed to his Mercedes in which his wife Dr. Anjali was waiting.

SRK, Yash Raj films & Rajinikanth clash!

2008-03-31T23:59:00.000-07:00

SRK, Yash Raj films & Rajinikanth clash!

As interesting as the headline is the story itself. If reports smoking out of Bollywood are to be believed then we can witness the clash of Titans, we mean with regards to the film industry.

Red Chillies VFX, Yash Raj Films and Rajinikanth’s daughter Soundarya’s Ocher Studios will be vying with each other in the National Association of Broadcasters show to be held in Las Vegas on April 15.

The three production houses will also be making their presentations. Reports suggest that the production houses will also extend their service to not just desi but foreign films as well. The highest billing among these three production houses has been given to given to SRK’s Red Chillies VFX. Not to mention that SRK’s production has ventured into making animation films as well.

Rajinikanth’s Ocher Studios has ventured in to the production and making of the animated film ’Sultan - The warrior’, with a whooping budget of 70 crore rupees. Reports indicate that there is tough competition existing between Red Chillies VFX and Ocher Studios. And with Yash Raj films too coming out with an animation film titled ’Roadside Romeo’ the competition is getting stiffer.

Now the best we can do is just wait till the calender turns April 15th and watch who gets picked as the best!

Mira Nair: ‘Person Of The Year’!

2008-03-31T23:58:00.000-07:00

Mira Nair, the famous Indian director of acclaimed films like monsoon Wedding, The Namesake, Mississippi Masala and Salaam Bombay is honored by the India Abroad Person of the Year 2007, on March 28.

The award was presented by Indra Nooyi, Chairperson and CEO, Pepsi, and India Abroad Person of the Year 2006 at a glittering ceremony held at the Gotham Hall in New York City.

Nooyi said while discussing her contribution to cinema and community that she had captured a special space for herself.

Nair reached New York to receive the award after a week-long trip to Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Toronto, Canada, where she will shoot her next film Amelia, starring Hillary Swank.

Her husband Mahmud Mamdani, a professor at Columbia University, was present on the occasion while only child Zohran, on whose insistence actor Kal Penn was selected for The Namesake, could not make it.

Nair paid her regards to all those mothers and women who inspired her.

Hosted by Columbia Professor Sreenath Sreenivasan, the evening began with Ajit Balakrishnan, publisher of India Abroad, the oldest Indian-American weekly, owned by rediff.com, lauding the winners and the Indian-American community’s achievements.

The awards ceremony was attended by diplomats, artistes, high ranking professionals, businessmen and stalwarts of the community. It was held at the stately Gotham Hall, formerly the headquarters of Greenwich Savings Bank, which hosted an event honoring soccer legend Pele and tennis great Boris Becker last week.

The legendary Economist Padma Desai and his husband Jagdish Bhagwati were chosen for India Abroad Lifetime Achievement Award from writer Salman Rushdie, winner of the same award last year.

Dr Renu Khator, President and Chancellor of the University of Houston, was awarded the India Abroad Publisher’s Special Award for Excellence.

India Abroad Youth Achiever 2007 award was given to 24 year old Somdev Burman. He is the first Indian to win the prestigious US collegiate tennis title.

Award for Service to the Community was given to Naveen Shah and Joy Cherian.

Aamir Khan At The Press Conference Of Olympic Torch Relay 2008

2008-03-31T00:23:00.001-07:00

See Bollywood event of Aamir Khan at the press conference of Olympic Torch Relay 2008 Video.

Adriana Lima Beautiful Photos & Mini Profile

2008-03-31T00:22:00.000-07:00

Adriana Francesca Lima (born June 12, 1981) is a Brazilian supermodel. Lima is best known for her modeling work with Victoria's Secret and Maybelline. Lima is probably best known for her work with Victoria's Secret. She first graced the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 1999 and has appeared on subsequent shows ever since. Her most notable walk down the runway was in 2003, where she was the show opener. Lima had appeared on several television ads for the brand but her most memorable one, was appearing alongside the legendary rock musician Bob Dylan in 2003 Victoria's Secret Angel in Venice commercial which received both praise and criticism. She is currently a contract 'Angel' and spokesperson for the brand. She appeared in Victoria Secret's Super Bowl XLII ad.

Tanushree Dutta Under Controversy -Blacklisted?

2008-03-31T00:21:00.000-07:00

The Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has taken strong exception to allegations of "indecent behaviour" levelled against Bollywood actor Nana Patekar by upcoming star Tanushree Datta.

The MNS has written letters to different associations of cine producers to ’blacklist’ Tanushree for accusing a senior actor like Nana of bad behaviour during the shooting of an item number for the movie "Horn O.K. Pleassse" on Wednesday.

The organisation, which was recently in the news for its violence against the north Indians living in Mumbai, has threatened to agitate against the actress if she does not give an unconditional apology to the actor, whom it describes as the "pride of Maharashtra".

Meanwhile, producer of "Horn O.K. Pleassse," Sami Siddiqui, filed a complaint Saturday with the Association of Motion Picture and TV Programme Producers (AMPTPP) against Tanushree.

He alleged that his production firm, Sunshine Pictures Pvt. Ltd, incurred a heavy loss because the actress failed to complete shooting for the item song being filmed on her and Nana.

In his complaint, Siddiqui also stated that the goodwill of his production firm was tarnished because Tanushree went to the media saying that she was "coerced" by director Rakesh Sarang and choreographer Ganesh Acharya to do steps in the item song she did not feel comfortable doing.

Acting quickly on the complaint, the AMPTPP dashed off a letter to the actress, asking her to pay a compensation of Rs.65 million. This would include Rs.15 million to Sunrise Pictures Pvt. Ltd. and Rs.50 million for defaming it in public.

Sunrise Pictures Pvt. Ltd. had signed Tanushree for Rs.1.5 million for the item number to be shot over four days. She had been paid an advance of Rs.500,000. According to Siddiqui, he as well as Sarang and Acharya had explained to Tanushree what her steps would be in the dance number.

"She had agreed to it," Siddiqui said."They (Sarang and Acharya) also agreed when she requested them not to compel her to wear a costume she would not be comfortable with. So we were surprised when she walked out of the sets on the last day of the shooting (March 26) after taking part in it for two days," Siddiqui told IANS Saturday.

On Friday, Tanushree shot off a letter to the Cine and Television Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) explaining the sequence of events that led to her stomping out of the sets and the scuffle that subsequently took place between media persons present on the sets and her secretary.

In her letter, the actress also referred to the "unbecoming" manner in which Nana Patekar behaved with her during shooting of the item number on the first day and why she felt the need to ask her parents and her secretary to be present during the shoots later.

CINTAA is yet to act on her letter, but it is likely to ask Patekar for his explanation.It is rarely that a member of a cine association complains against a fellow member. In this case, what makes it unique is that an upcoming star has lodged a serious complaint against a senior member at the risk of her budding career.

Supermodel Carla Bruni - Nude Picture Of The First Lady of France

2008-03-30T22:53:00.000-07:00

She Empress Has Few Clothes

Expected to go under the hammer for $3,000 to $4,000, a nude picture of the First Lady of France, President Nicolas Sarkozy’s wife, former supermodel Carla Bruni, is up for grabs at Christie’s auction house next month.

“This one is racy?” asks photographer Michel Comte. “You should check out the ones I didn’t publish... and never will!” Those, we are told, are far more explicit! Along with the first ever First Lady photo to be auctioned in the buff, are also professional supermodels Brazilian Giselle Bundchen and Kate Moss, whose nude pictures will also go under the hammer. To check out the First Lady nudes and lot more of her pictures – including some where Carla actually donned some clothes,

M&M's Arun Nanda Wins French Award

2008-03-29T11:05:00.000-07:00

MR ARUN NANDA, Executive Director

Mahindra and Mahindra's Executive Director Arun Nanda has been conferred the Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur, the highest civilian award of France.

He will be presented with the order at a ceremony in Mumbai at a date to be announced, a release said here on Thursday.

"It is a recognition of your remarkable career in the business community in Mumbai and on the part you took in the establishment of the partnership between Mahindra and Renault," French Ambassador to India Jerome Bonnafont said in a letter informing Nanda of the award.

"But, above all, it is your performance as President of the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the efficiency which you have restored in this association, that the French President wishes to pay tribute by conferring this distinction on you," he said.

Did Aishwarya Rai Really went topless in the 90s!

2008-03-29T06:33:00.000-07:00

A picture showing backs of Four girls has been making a round up in TV channels and in the net saying that one among them is Aish.The names present below that magazine cover page are Milind Soman, Aishwarya Rai, Madhu Sapre, Ruchi Malhotra, Anu Verma and Colleen Khan.

Many have been assuming that the last girl in this pic is Aishwarya Rai as the second girl is Madhu Sapre. Then, the first girl must be Milind Soman as mentioned beneath the pic. But Milind Soman is a male model. Hence there are no grounds to prove that there is Aish in this list. The names of a few models are mentioned on the cover page to state that the modeling photographs of those models are comprised in the magazine. There is no question of nudity of Aishwarya Rai in that. So hot hearts! Don't get an ectopic heat in your hearts when you come across the same pic through mails sometime.

Want to check the picture click below.
CLICK BELOW
After checking the picture you will only say that TV channels are doing all this for publicity or just the rivals of aish and bachan are doing up for making them indulge in a controversal issue."What do you think Comment"

A Resplendent Lara Dutta Walks The Ramp: Photos

2008-03-27T23:12:00.001-07:00

Lara Dutta walked the ramp to showcase the new collection of Pantaloons at Hard Rock Cafe in Worli, Mumbai Wednesday late evening, March 26.

March 27, 2008 - A resplendent Lara Dutta walked the ramp to showcase the new collection of Pantaloons at Hard Rock Cafe in Worli, Mumbai Wednesday lateevening, March 26.

Lara Dutta walked the ramp to showcase the new collection of Pantaloons at Hard Rock Cafe in Worli, Mumbai Wednesday late evening, March 26.

Lara, 29, the former Miss Universe (2000) became the new face of Pantaloons in late 2007.

She made a strong and ethnic style statement clad in an ivory colored silk churidar set with heavy gold and tear-drop pearl bridal jewelry.

Lara Dutta walked the ramp to showcase the new collection of Pantaloons at Hard Rock Cafe in Worli, Mumbai Wednesday late evening, March 26.

Her full sleeve dress had a form hugging brocade bodice with a scoop neckline, dropped waist, and a full A line skirt with gold band details just above the hem.

Her long hair was styled in large curls. Her jewelry included a tikka, jhumkas, a large majestic choker, gold bangles on both hands and rings with chain extensions and she wore strappy metallic gold stilettos.

Lara Dutta walked the ramp to showcase the new collection of Pantaloons at Hard Rock Cafe in Worli, Mumbai Wednesday late evening, March 26.

Dutta's forthcoming films include:

BR Films’ Banda Yeh Bindaas Hai (Filming) directed by Ravi Chopra with co-stars Govinda, Tabu and Boman Irani.

Shree Ashtavinayak's Blue (Pre Production) directed by Tony with co-stars Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif and Suniel Shetty.

Pritish Nandy Communications’ Devdas remake (Pre Production) directed by Sudhir Mishra with co-stars Shiney Ahuja, Mahesh Manjrekar and Chitangada.

Abbas-Mustan Rohit Jugraj's Next (Announced) directed by Rohit Jugraj with co-stars Sushmita Sen and Priyanka Chopra.

Shilpa Shetty marry boyfriend Raj Kundra?

2008-03-27T23:11:00.000-07:00

Will Shilpa Shetty marry boyfriend Raj Kundra?

Well, it's now Shilpa Shetty's turn. The echoes of ringing temple bells have culminated into a possible wedding bell rumour for the duo. Apparently, Raj Kundra joined Shilpa, Shamita and mom Sunanda Shetty on a visit to Shirdi. However, marriage, they maintain is still not on the cards. And the yet-very-much-single Shilpa is flabbergasted by the 'misreporting', her publicist tells us.

Not very long ago, the media got Rani Mukerji married off to Aditya Chopra, speculating a big fat Indian wedding in the city of Jodhpur. Bipasha's engagement to John was also another serious conjecture. The diamond ring on Sushmita Sen's finger began assumptions of her having been proposed to by then-boyfriend Sanjay Narang, and more recently the Kareena Kapoor - Saif Ali Khan secret nikaah was just the minds of many working overtime!

But then Ash and Abhi did eventually tie the knot. Wonder what Sai Baba has planned for the Shilpa-Raj jodi.

Actor Richard Widmark Dies At 93 - Richard Widmark Biography

2008-03-27T23:10:00.002-07:00

‘Kiss of Death’ star often portrayed killers, cops and Western gunslingers

Richard Widmark, who made a sensational film debut as the giggling killer in “Kiss of Death” and became a leading man in “Broken Lance,” “Two Rode Together” and 40 other films, died at his home in Roxbury after a long illness. He was 93.

Widmark’s wife, Susan Blanchard, said he died Monday. She would not provide details of his illness and said funeral arrangements are private.

“It was a big shock, but he was 93,” Blanchard said.

Widmark earned an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor for his role in the 1947 thriller “Kiss of Death.” He played Tommy Udo, who delighted in pushing an old lady in a wheelchair down a flight of stairs to her death. It was his only Oscar nomination.

“That damned laugh of mine!” he told a reporter in 1961. “For two years after that picture, you couldn’t get me to smile. I played the part the way I did because the script struck me as funny and the part I played made me laugh. The guy was such a ridiculous beast.”

Actress Shirley Jones, who appeared with Widmark and James Stewart in “Two Rode Together” and became a good friend, said she was devastated about Widmark’s death.

“He was a down-to-earth guy, and I respected him for that,” Jones said in a phone interview from Los Angeles. “He was a real guy, but he was such a wonderful actor.”

A.C. Lyles, a producer with Paramount Pictures, worked with Widmark on the 1975 western “The Last Day.”

In this 1972 image originally released by NBC, Richard Widmark stars as Sgt. Dan Madigan in a scene from the NBC series “Madigan.”
“Dick was just one of the nicest guys I ever worked with: very, very professional, very, very prepared and he couldn’t have been more cooperative,” Lyles said.

“He would have little comments to make during rehearsal about a scene and it was never a suggestion that would enhance him,” he said. “It was always to enhance someone else in the scene and I thought that was very courageous of him.”

A quiet, inordinately shy man, Widmark often portrayed killers, cops and Western gunslingers. But he said he hated guns.

“I know I’ve made kind of a half-assed career out of violence, but I abhor violence,” he remarked in a 1976 Associated Press interview. “I am an ardent supporter of gun control. It seems incredible to me that we are the only civilized nation that does not put some effective control on guns.”

Widmark was born Dec. 26, 1914, in Sunrise, Minn., where his father ran a general store, then became a traveling salesman. The family moved to Sioux Falls, S.D., Henry, Ill., and Chillicothe, Mo., before settling in Princeton, Ill.

“Like most small-town boys, I had the urge to get to the big city and make a name for myself,” he recalled in a 1954 interview.

“I was a movie nut from the age of 3, but I don’t recall having any interest in acting,” he said.

But at Lake Forest College, he became a protege of the drama teacher and met his first wife, drama student Ora Jean Hazelwood. Their daughter, Ann, became the wife of baseball immortal Sandy Koufax.

Two years out of college, Widmark reached New York in 1938 during the heyday of radio drama. His mellow Midwest voice made him a favorite in soap operas, and he found himself racing from one studio to another.

Rejected by the Army because of a punctured eardrum, Widmark began appearing in Broadway plays in 1943. His first was a comedy hit “Kiss and Tell.” He was appearing in the Chicago company of “Dream Girl” with June Havoc when 20th Century Fox signed him to a seven-year contract. He almost missed out on the “Kiss of Death” role.

“The director, Henry Hathaway, didn’t want me,” the actor recalled. “I have a high forehead; he thought I looked too intellectual.” The director was overruled by studio boss Darryl F. Zanuck, and Hathaway “gave me kind of a bad time.”

An immediate star, Widmark appeared in 20 Fox films from 1957 to 1964. Among them: “The Street with No Name,” “Road House,” “Yellow Sky,” “Down to the Sea in Ships,” “Slattery’s Hurricane,” “Panic in the Streets,” “No Way Out,” “The Halls of Montezuma,” “The Frogmen,” “Red Skies of Montana,” “My Pal Gus” and the Samuel Fuller film noir “Pickup on South Street.”

The week in celebrity sightings
Keith Urban lights up, Aretha’s still tops, Paris does good, and more.
In 1952, Widmark starred in “Don’t Bother to Knock” with Marilyn Monroe. He told an interviewer in later years:

“She wanted to be this great star but acting just scared the hell out of her. That’s why she was always late — couldn’t get her on the set. She had trouble remembering lines.”

“But none of it mattered. With a very few special people, something happens between the lens and the film that is pure magic. ... And she really had it.”

After leaving Fox, Widmark’s career continued to flourish. He starred (as Jim Bowie) with John Wayne in “The Alamo,” with James Stewart in John Ford’s “Two Rode Together,” as the U.S. prosecutor in “Judgment at Nuremberg,” and with Robert Mitchum and Kirk Douglas in “The Way West.” Also: “St. Joan” (as the Dauphin), “How the West Was Won,” “Death of a Gunfighter,” “Murder on the Orient Express,” “Midas Run” and “Coma.”

“Madigan,” a 1968 film with Widmark as a loner detective, was converted to television and lasted one season in 1972-73. It was Widmark’s only TV series.

He also was in some TV films, including “Cold Sassy Tree” and “Once Upon a Texas Train.”

In later years, Widmark appeared sparingly in films and TV. He explained to Parade magazine in 1987: “I’ve discovered in my dotage that I now find the whole moviemaking process irritating. I don’t have the patience anymore. I’ve got a few more years to live, and I don’t want to spend them sitting around a movie set for 12 hours to do two minutes of film.”

Hazelwood died in 1997 and Widmark married Blanchard in 1999.
source

Sameera Reddy's Race Was Released

2008-03-27T23:10:00.001-07:00

SAMEERA REDDY AT BIG FILMS

Last Friday, Sameera Reddy's Race was released and the movie has gotten great response at the Box Office. Sameera Reddy played the role of a dumb and innocent sidekick of Anil Kapoor. Her next movie is One Two Three.

Richie Sambora arrested on suspected DUI

2008-03-27T23:09:00.001-07:00

Bon Jovi's Richie Sambora has been arrested for investigation of driving under the influence of alcohol. The 48-year-old guitarist was arrested just before 11 p.m. Tuesday after an officer noticed his black Hummer weaving in traffic lanes, said Laguna Beach police Sgt. Jason Kravetz.

Sambora was given field sobriety tests and arrested without incident. He was booked at the Laguna Beach jail and released at 4 a.m., Kravetz said Wednesday.

"He was very cooperative with all the staff," Kravetz said.

A woman and two girls were passengers in the car, said Kravetz, who declined to release their names.

Sambora was given notice to appear in court May 7 on one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence, Kravetz said.

Ken Sunshine, a spokesman for Bon Jovi, had no comment.

Sambora is a founding member of Bon Jovi. The band's last album, "Lost Highway," was released in 2007.

Rakhi Tandon Divorce With Raveena Tandon’s Brother Rajiv

2008-03-25T07:29:00.000-07:00

failed marriage hasn’t affected me’

After a divorce and a self-imposed break from the small screen, Hum Paanch’s Sweety is back in an all-new avtar

We best remember her for her unforgettable role as Sweety in Hum Paanch. Then, Rakhi Tandon was in the news for her not-so-amicable divorce with Raveena Tandon’s brother Rajiv. And then the talented actress who made comedy seem so easy, simply vanished, both from the big screen and from television. But she’s back now, with a new serial, a new role, a new look and a renewed zest for life.

Admitting she hasn’t been in the limelight since a while now, Rakhi goes on to say that it was a deliberate move to give up work for personal reasons. “But now I’m back with a bang, not just on the small screen but in films too,” smiles Rakhi, as she proceeds to relate her numerous upcoming film projects which include Golmaal Returns and Money Hain Toh Honey Hain.

“I’m doing a lot of comedies with some fantastic characters!” But doesn’t she feel her talent is being limited, that she is being typecast? “I look at it in a positive way. I’m more comfortable doing comedy, and honestly, I take it as a huge compliment that I’m categorised in the comic bracket. It’s very easy to make people cry, but it’s very, very difficult to make them laugh!” says Rakhi, on a serious note.

Yet, her role in her comeback serial Jiya Jale on 9X sees her in a different avatar. “She’s not a negative character, but she’s not all good either. She’s a very grey character, someone who always reacts according to the situation. It’s an integral character in the storyline, in essence, she unveils the story,” is what Rakhi is willing to reveal. All she promises is that she will be seen in a never-before avatar in terms of her role and her styling — her character will don a sari.

Professionally, she’s doing fine, but on the personal front, does she still believe it’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all? “Of course, love is the most beautiful thing, it should happen to everybody. I still completely believe in love and marriage; my failed marriage hasn’t affected me.”

As we promised, the new-and-zesty Rakhi’s back!

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan Was Totally Ignored At The Glittering Ceremony

2008-03-25T07:28:00.001-07:00

Salman Khan, who was invited as a special guest to inaugurate Hyderabad’s new international airport, was completely ignored during the function.

Salman Khan will not forget March 14, 2008 for quite some time to come. The actor was called as a special guest to inaugurate Hyderabad’s swanky, new international airport but the Bollywood superstar was totally ignored at the glittering ceremony arranged at the sprawling airport complex. Bollywood actress Dia Mirza hosted the ceremony, held amidst tight security since many politicians attended the function.

Salman arrived at the scheduled time of 3 pm. However, till then, the politicians who were supposed to attend- Sonia Gandhi (the airport is named after the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi), Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajsheker Reddy and G N Rao of GMR construction- hadn’t arrived.

Says an eyewitness, "Most of the politicians, including Soniaji, came in around 4.30 pm. while Salman waited patiently for them. He was asked to sit in the sixth row in the audience."

Our source adds, "One expected that after the arrival of the dignitaries, Salman would be invited on stage- but nothing of that sort happened. Salman continued to sit in the sixth row amongst the common people and not even once was he called on stage. Not only that, his name was not even mentioned by anybody on stage. Dia could not take his name because she had a bound script. No politician interacted with him even backstage."

"It was simply ridiculous. If you call such a big personality like Salman and don’t even acknowledge his presence, then why call him at all? This is not done. It was simply ridiculous," our source adds.

So what did Salman do? A friend of Salman says, "Bechara Salman sat through the ceremony very quietly. He looked very amused but did not do anything to make a noise, which would indicate that he was present and was being neglected. Around 6 pm, he quietly got up and left, this time his face did look a tad disappointed. Obviously he had informed the organisers about the time that he had to leave and catch a flight back home. Hence it is all the more surprising that the organisers didn’t acknowledge his presence for nearly three hours when he was seated there."

Soon after, Salman took a flight and came back to Mumbai.

Kishan Shrikanth: World's Youngest Director

2008-03-25T07:26:00.000-07:00

He might just be 12, but he has more cinematic success than many older professionals. Meet Kishan Shrikant, who’s in the Guiness Book for being the world’s youngest director. And the icing on the cake? He’s just bagged 3 awards at the Cairo International Film Festival for his film on street children.

kishanshrikant1 While most children his age spend time watching movies, 12-year-old Kishan Shrikanth of Bangalore prefers to call the shots from behind the camera.

The Guinness book of records calls him the youngest movie director. Kishan’s feature film Care of Footpath has now bagged 3 awards at the Cairo International Film Festival.

The film won the Children’s Jury Award, the Special International Jury’s Award and a third special achievement award. In the past such awards have been given to superstars such as Amitabh Bachchan.

Says the young director, "The journalists of Cairo press made a group, and the movie was screened in a private theatre. They then presented an achievement award to me. They told me that this same trophy is there with Mr Amitabh Bachchan and you have got a similar one and so I was really happy hearing that."

Besides working behind the camera, Kishan has acted in many regional language films, and now looks forward to future ventures, such as a Hindi film in 2010.When Kishan, who idolises Steven Spielberg, is not shooting he’s busy researching new scripts, planning his next shots and discussing new scenes.

Pamela Anderson Injured In Berlin

2008-03-24T07:32:00.001-07:00

During her recent visit to Berlin, Pamela Anderson was left burned and injured after assisting in a magic trick.

Pam said, "I got scorched and I think I may have thrown a rib out. There's one trick... where the spikes go through the box and it got really close and I ended up going backstage and going, 'Woo, that was close.'"

Don't worry, she wasn't injured too badly. Those multi-million dollar paychecks are more than enough to cover the cost of a few Band-Aids.

Is Joe Simpson Is Single?

2008-03-24T07:31:00.001-07:00

Oh oh! Hide your teenage daughters, creepy Papa Joe Simpson is on the prowl!

According to the NY Post, Jessica and Ashlee Simpson's dad Joe, who hasn't been seen with his wife in months, has been acting a lot like a single man.

"He turned up at the 5 Gum-sponsored party for Perez Hilton in Austin, Texas, last Saturday without a wedding ring on and 'hit on a lot of girls,'" said their spy.

"He was with a group of guys including Ryan Cabrera . . . He was flirting with one group of girls who either didn't know who he was or didn't care, and they just grabbed their drinks, laughed and walked away."

Joe's reps didn't return calls to comment on the story. We still don't know why does Joe needs a rep but this guy is out of control! So creeepy.

Pamela Anderson Injured In Berlin

2008-03-23T06:58:00.000-07:00

Halle Berry Gave Birth To Baby Girl

2008-03-22T05:24:00.000-07:00

We now have another mother in Hollywood. According to Star Magazine, Halle Berry gave birth to a baby girl early this morning.

She had a 7lb 4 oz girl at 10:17am at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles Congrats to Halle and her hot baby daddy Gabriel!

Bollywood Actress Kangana Ranaut Has Got Into Trouble.

2008-03-21T21:37:00.000-07:00

Case slapped on Kangana Ranaut for slapping driver

A case has been registered against her at the Versova police station in Mumbai for allegedly hitting her driver.

The complaint was filed by her driver, Rajesh Shah, who accused her of slapping him while she was on her way for a shoot. Apparently, Kangana was accompanied by her sister Rangoli at the time of the incident.

Apparently, the actress struck Shah because she was unhappy with the way he had been driving since months.

The driver has also alleged that he got death threats from Kangana's sister over the phone after the incident. He also said that this was not the first time that he has been sat the receiving end of Kangana's behaviour.

In an earlier incident the actress had apparently slapped him for getting her the wrong juice.

WATCH VIDEO

Meet Jenny. Lop's Twins!

2008-03-21T03:40:00.000-07:00

check out the $6 million dollar twins! J.Lo, who demands that we stop calling her J.Lo, is featured on the latest cover of People magazine with her newborn twins, Max and Emme.

People managing editor Larry Hackett says, "We are thrilled that the world will see these images for the first time in People magazine."

The 12-page spread features an exclusive at-home interview with J.Lo and Marc at their Long Island, New York home. If you get a chance to pick up the issue, let us know if spread was worth the $6 million.

Mandy Moore and Ryan Adams

2008-03-21T03:39:00.000-07:00

The cute Mandy Moore may have finally moved on from her breakup with Zach Braff. Sources say she's been dating rocker Ryan Adams since December. Ryan hates Hollywood stuff, and can't stand being photographed, so that may be why the public hasn't caught on.

The two did just work together on her most recent album, Wild Hope. They would be cute! Mandy's all into being folky, and a singer-songwriter, and that's right up Ryan's alley.

Bipasha Basu Walking On The Ramp

2008-03-14T23:29:00.000-07:00

BIPASHA BASU WALKING ON THE RAMP

Britney Spears - Break The Ice Video

2008-03-13T23:26:00.000-07:00

SHILPA SHETTY Best Shot To Inspire And Influence The Young Guns

2008-03-13T23:25:00.000-07:00

SHILPA SHETTY To Inspire Gen Next'!

In an attempt to make a difference to generation next, Shilpa Shetty joined forces with the 'Dove Self-Esteem Fund' campaign this week in UK to raise the morale of young people all over the world.

Kick-starting a global initiative with an educational workshop called body talk at Sebright Primary School in London, Shilpa joined the likes of 'Desperate Housewives' actress Andrea Bowen, T4's Miquita Oliver, Blue Peter's Zoe Salmon and ex-Atomic Kitten Liz McClarnon, who have earlier conducted similar workshops in various schools across Britain.

Facilitating a discussion about personality development with a class of youngsters in the age group of 11 to 14 years, Shilpa said, "There have been moments in my career where I have struggled with self-esteem, so I'm really pleased to be doing this workshop. As a person in the public eye, I understand the important role I can play in making a difference to the way young people feel about themselves."

"Using her iconic stature in UK to advantage, Shilpa gave the workshop her best shot to inspire and influence the young guns. She also educated them on a wider definition of beauty and the reality behind the images of beauty they see in the media," informed Shilpa's publicist Dale Bhagwagar.

The workshop was supported by 'Beat', UK's leading eating-disorders charity. Expanding their horizons, the 'Dove Self- Esteem Fund' aims to reach maximum youngsters worldwide through similar educational campaigns and workshops in future.

Deepika Padukone Wanted To Become A World Famous Model

2008-03-13T23:24:00.000-07:00

Deepika Padukone gets candid about current beau Ranbir Kapoor and former boyfriends Nihar Pandya and Yuvraj Singh

• Let me not start by asking about your personal life lest you become uncomfortable. Did you always want to become an actress?
No.
I always wanted to become a world-famous model after which I had
planned to become an interior designer before getting married and
settling down. But when a few of my advertisements became very popular,
I started getting lot of film offers. So I decided to try my hand at
films. Now, of course, I can't even think of doing interior designing.

• Tell us about your forthcoming films.
I
have finished Yash Raj film's Bachna Ae Haseenon, which is directed by
Siddharth Anand. Siddharth's film is a romantic comedy and I play one
of the three girls who comes in the hero's (Ranbir Kapoor) life. I have
started shooting for Nikhil Advani's film, Chandni Chowk to China. It
is an action film which requires me to learn jijitsu (a form of martial
arts).I will soon start shooting for Imtiaz Ali's film with Saif Ali
Khan.

• Is Akshay teaching you jujitsu for Chandni Chowk to China? What do you think of him?
No,
Akshay is not teaching me jijitsu. Professional trainers from China are
teaching us jijitsu. But yes, Akshay is full of energy on the sets. He
tends to improvise a lot, which increases the output in every scene.

• Will you do bold scenes?
I will see if I am comfortable. I'll cross the bridge when it comes. As of now, I wouldn't like to list down the dos and don'ts.

• Recently, Farah Khan complained that you hadn't kept in touch with her after Om Shanti Om?
I
visited her in the hospital when she delivered her triplets. Yes, I may
have not kept in touch as much as other people do or as much as she
expected me to. But honestly, I think of her every day. I even wished
her on her birthday. Whenever we speak, it's just like we have spoken
yesterday. I don't know why a section of the media reported that I
haven't stayed in touch with Farah and blew it out of proportion.

• Have you kept in touch with Shah Rukh Khan?
Yes. I am in touch with him for work reasons. I often meet him socially too.

• Has your life style changed after OSO?
Nothing
about me has changed as a person. I still talk the same way as I did in
my college days. I still dress the same as I did three years ago. The
only thing that has changed is that I have shifted base from Bangalore
to Mumbai. I recently bought my own house at Bandra. I interact with
people like I used to earlier and people's attitude towards me has not
changed either (pauses). Hmmm... maybe a few friends have drifted away
but my true friends whom I trust are still with me. Today, I am very
happy.

• Aha! You have a great reason to be happy. Your man (Ranbir) recently admitted that he is in love with you...
(Blushes) Yes, Ranbir and I are seeing each other. So sorry as the media will not have gossip to write about me anymore

• But you two were in a relationship and then broke up, and now you are together again?
No.
It wasn't like that. Whenever Ranbir and I met, the media started
speculating. Love is the most beautiful emotion in the world. Why would
we hide it if we were in love then? You see, we used to meet often but
that was because we were getting to know each other better. After a
certain time, we drifted apart because we both got busy with our
respective shooting schedules. Today, we realise that we are compatible
with each other. So, we have no qualms in telling the world that we are
in love.

• So, when did it happen? I mean, when did you both realise that you love each other?
(Smiles) We realised it when we were shooting for Siddharth's film in Australia.

• There's so much written about your personal life, may be more than your professional life?
Initially,
it used to disturb my parents a lot. But now, they have realised that
it's a part of my profession. Today, everything is sorted out. Ranbir
and my parents know what exactly is happening and they are very happy.

• What went wrong between you and Yuvraj Singh?
I
don't want to talk about that. If two people are spending time together
and having dinner in a restaurant, why does it make front page news?
Aren't there more important issues in the world? But like I said, my
family and I are getting used to all this.

• Are you saying that there was nothing between you and Yuvraj?
I am not commenting on my past. I am very happy right now in my relationship with Ranbir.

• Are you in touch with your ex-boyfriend Nihar Pandya?
Yes. His parents have taken care of me and treated me like family. I am in touch with Nihar and his parents.

• Kareena Kapoor is upset with Imtiaz Ali
for signing you and not her with Saif Ali Khan? She openly said it on a
stage in an award ceremony, few days ago?
(Smiles)
Absolutely. If an actor has a hit film with a certain director, he/she
is naturally keen to work with the same director again. But I am sure
that Imtiaz will have enough work for her, me and other actresses as
well.

• Are you and Kareena okay with each other? After all, she is Ranbir's cousin...
Oh, yeah. We are fine with each other and we have met many times.

• So, what next?
Well, I am shooting for a long time abroad and won't be free until July.

• No Ranbir till then?!
(Laughs)
Well, we still have a song that we have to shoot for Siddharth's film;
it will be shot in Venice. And then, there's the phone. The phone bills
have increased, but that's natural. We want to spend every free moment
with each other.

Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi Real Life Photos

2008-03-13T23:21:00.000-07:00

BEAUTIFUL COUPLE RAJIV SONIA

Rajiv and Sonia Gandhi during their happy days. View their wedding pictures, leisure time pictures, moments with Indira Gandhi , Sanjay Gandhi and family in this picture gallery.

Catherine Zeta-Jones loves working with Aussies

2008-03-11T23:51:00.001-07:00

Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones loved working in Australia so much that she said that she’d be thrilled to work with Aussies once again.

The Welsh beauty confessed her love for Aussies while she was in Sydney to promote her new film, ’Death Defying Acts’, in which she worked with Australian director Gillian Armstrong.In the film, the 38-year-old actress stars with local actor Guy Pearce.

The Academy Award winning mother of two said that she worked well with Aussies and the country felt like home to her."I think there is a great camaraderie with us Aussies and Brits. I felt very much at home. The funny thing is when Scott Hicks or Gillian Armstrong for that matter question (her character’s) accent, it’s like, ’What do you know?’," news.com.au quoted her, as telling the reporters.

The ’Mask Of Zorro’ star said that she would love to come down under for more projects."I did a movie here years and years ago playing a little part in The Phantom, and I really loved working here. I really got to see a bit of Australia so I would love to come back and do a movie some time."

New Gril Friend of Actor Salman Khan

2008-03-09T23:41:00.000-07:00

Bruna Abdalah: New Gril Friend of Actor Salman Khan

Getting new girl friend is nothing new for Bollywood actor Salman Khan. He had love affair with a number of girls in the past. Now, it seems that the list of the names of his girl friends continues to be longer as Salman has reportedly found love with model girl Bruna Abdalah. The Brazilian model has not become a popular face in India, but it seems that she is going to become Bollywood’s next craze as Salman is promoting her extensively in Bollywood

Bruna Abdalah was born to Brazilian father and Arabian-Brazilian mother. With a tall, svelte physique, Bruna looks attractive and her beauty was first caught in the media through actor Shekhar Suman's music video Kuch Khwaab Aise. Then she performed in an item song of Anubhav Sinha directed movie Cash. She is also a VJ of MTV television channel.

Salman Khan is reportedly promoting her new love bird in Bollywood and recommending her to the producers. By this time, he already asked his producer brother Sohail Khan to cast her in a movie. Reports have it that Bruna Abdalah is going to play a role opposite Hrithik Roshan in a movie directed by Anurag Basu. Now, it seems that Bruna has got the right man in the industry.

Salman Khan and Bruna have been seen together on several occasions following their first meeting at a party. The two have already hit the headlines in India and they seem to be the new couple of Bollywood, though nothing is confirmed yet. Bruna is said to be taking Salman’s advice before signing for any movie. However, the Brazilian beauty termed her relationship with Salman Khan just as of a good friendship, nothing beyond that.

Now, question comes on the future of the relationship of Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif. They have been involved for few years and it is said that Katrina has become the first girl with whom Salman could get on well for the longest time. However, their relationship is not going well these days. As per the media report, Salman Khan slapped Katrina Kaif in a coffee shop a few months back, though both of them denied it. However, Bruna’s entrance in the scene would definitely jeopardize the Salman-Katrina relationship.

Katrina Kaif showed her reluctance regarding Salman’s involvement with Bruna. Katrina did not make any comment on the matter when asked about the truth of the news of Salman’s newly found love with Bruna Abdalah. The actress requested media to show enough respect to her privacy.

Katrina Kaif was a newcomer in Bollywood when she met Salman Khan a few years back. During this time, Katrina has gradually flourished her acting skill and become one of the popular actresses of the industry. Reports have it that it would not be possible for Katrina to rise to prominence without getting help of Salman Khan. Now, it seems that Bruna is going to take the place of Katrina. Only time will say if Bruna could also find as successful a career as Katrina found in Bollywood. Till then, let’s wait and see what is going to happen between Salman Khan and Bruna Abdalah in Bollywood.

Esha Deol a jobless actress in bollywood

2008-03-08T20:46:00.000-08:00

Esha Deol can now be said to a jobless actress in bollywood. Presently she is working on her physique and is binging on her home food. This sexy lasso is also using her free time in learning Jazz and Ballet in USA institute of Ballet and jazz.

Speaking about her love life in a recent interview, Esha openly expresses her willingness that she has been attracted to all hunky guys whom she came across. The daughter of Dream Girl Hema Malini has also expressed her inner feeling that from the age of teens she was more attracted to married men a lot and even openly admitted that she wanted them on her bed. But Esha’s mind is changed a lot.

Now, the sexy girl is hoping to date a Hunky guy and then get married and after that she would think about children. May be after two years, Esha hinted that she will fulfill all her dreams. But also expressed that if at she finds a hunky man this year and if he manages her to woo her then she is ready to bond in the marriage bliss.

Katrina Kaif turns prostitute Role

2008-03-02T05:44:00.000-08:00

If rumours are to be believed, Bollywood hottie Katrina Kaif may star in Sanjay Bansali’s new movie based on the stories regarding Pakistan ’s Heera Mandi famous for prostitutes.

Sanjay is being reported to buy the rights of a book of a famous Pakistani writer based on Heera Mandi’s paradise of whores. He may rope in Rekha, Shabana Azmi, Rani Mukherjee and Madhuri and also recent hot star Katrina for the roles of prostitute.

Jennifer Lopez Sold Unborn Baby Pics For $6Million?

2008-03-02T05:43:00.002-08:00

When it comes to the requisite selling of her baby pics to a tabloid magazine, J. Lo is aiming sky high!

The about-to-pop pop diva, 38, and hubby Marc Anthony, 39, will rake in between $4 million and $6 million for exclusive rights to the first snaps of their expected twins, Ad Age reports today.

The buyer? People — though the mag, as well as Jennifer’s reps, denied to Ad Age that any deal for U.S. rights for the pics has been finalized. The asking price will be split with OK! magazine, which will pay for the international rights for its editions around the world.

If the $6 million figure turns out to be accurate, it would easily dwarf recent payouts to other A-listers: People’s current issue features Christina Aguilera with her newborn son — which was rumored to have cost the magazine $1.5 million. And in 2006, the tab shelled out an estimated $4 million for pics of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s biological daughter, Shiloh.

My godness.. Jenny and Marc is everything alright dear????

Sonia Gandhi Teenage Photographs

2008-03-02T05:43:00.001-08:00

Sonia Gandhi Teenage Photographs

Shah Rukh Khan’s Another Dream For Son

2008-03-02T05:41:00.002-08:00

Shahrukh khan's son Aryan

After getting six-pack abs to please his son, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has another dream for the boy. He wants to do an Indian version of the “Spiderman” as a gift to Aryan who is a big FX and SRK fan.

And the director chosen to put together what is arguably the most expensive movie ever made in Bollywood is Anubhav Sinha. The superstar is gung ho about the project. The two are writing the script.

Though Sinha is not willing to reveal more details about SRK’s “superhero” project, the film will require a 12-year-old boy to co-star with the actor. At the moment, the hunt is on for the boy, who will get the opportunity to join Shah Rukh’s fantasy of donning a cape and flying across the sky at supersonic speed.

The director, credited with action movies “Dus” and “Cash”, is ready to take on the biggest challenge of his career.

“I’m surprised at how accessible Shah Rukh is for me. I always thought that he likes to work with directors with whom he has a certain comfort level. Shah Rukh didn’t know me at all, but he’s all for our film together,” Sinha told IANS.

The character that Shah Rukh will play is based on gizmos, computer games and a superhero on the lines of “Spiderman”. The superstar is developing the character.

Whether he takes credit for the screenplay remains to be seen. At the moment, all systems are ready to start SRK’s most expensive movie before the end of 2008.

A year ago, Shah Rukh said in an interview that he wanted his company to produce a mega FX film on the lines of “Spiderman”.

“I want my company Red Chillies to become truly FX-savvy. Have you seen ‘300′? That’s the kind of optical effects I want in our cinema,” SRK had said with characteristic gusto.

Talks between Sinha and Shah Rukh for the project, which will be made by his production house Red Chillies, have been on for nearly a year.

“But over the past three months, we’ve been talking very seriously about the project, thanks to a common friend (journalist Mustaq Sheikh). Yes, it’s an FX-driven fantasy for children and the child within every person, on the lines of ‘Spiderman’. It’s definitely not an animation film, as wrongly reported in some sections of the press, ” Sinha said.

Rakhi Sawant and others at Red FM Awards

2008-03-02T05:41:00.001-08:00

Rakhi Sawant and others at Red FM Awards

Sachin Interview Day 1 4th Test Australia v India Adelaide 2008

2008-02-24T08:22:00.000-08:00

Sachin interview after his 39'th unbeaten century

Aishwarya to reveal secrets about Salman

2008-02-21T20:31:00.002-08:00

Actress AISHWARYA BACHCHAN will finally reveal many unknown secrets about her life in a book which she will write with the help of her mother Vrinda Rai who is an author. The book will tell the untold tales of her life prominent among them will be her short lived relationship with Salman Khan. The duo's relationship ended on a bitter note when Salman had allegedly threatened her next boyfriend Vivek Oberoi over the phone.

The book will also track her journey from a middle class home to be being crowned Miss World in 1994. The actress who has ruled over the hearts of millions in Bollywood will also talk about her being a part of the Bachchan family and the wife of Abhishek Bachchan. The untitled book which is expected to be a bestseller once it hits the markets.

Lindsay goes nude to recreate Marilyn

2008-02-21T20:31:00.001-08:00

The Mean Girls star bared all in the latest issue of the American magazine for renowned photographer Bert Stern who actually shot Monroe for a similar shoot way back in 1962, shortly before the screen legend died.

Stern photographed Monroe in 1962 at the Hotel Bel-Air in California, six weeks before she was found dead of an overdose of barbiturates.

The pictures, for Vogue magazine, show Monroe posing nude with some scarves and jewellery as her accessories and sipping champagne.

The veteran photographer recreated the same images, this time with a nude Lohan in a blond wig at the same hotel.

When it came to being nude before the camera, Lohan said: "I was comfortable with it.”

"I didn't have to put much thought into it. I mean, Bert Stern? Doing a Marilyn shoot? When is that ever going to come up? It's really an honour," The Sun quoted her, as telling the mag.

Stern said that he found women like Lohan and her tabloid companions Paris Hilton and Britney Spears "interesting".

"They're girls that draw attention to their notoriety and their celebrity through their behaviour," he said.

"I thought she was a natural, not at all squeamish," he added.

Lindsay Lohan Finally Nude

Britney Not Allowed To See Sons

2008-02-21T20:26:00.001-08:00

Britney Spears was denied permission to see her two sons yesterday (Feb 19, 2008).
The troubled singer’s custody plea was rejected by family court commissioner Scott Gordon, despite ex-husband Kevin Federline supporting Britney’s request to visit two-year-old Sean Preston and Jayden James, 17 months.

After the day-long closed court hearing, Kevin’s attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan said: "Both sides want to see the day that visitation can resume."
"It is a question of working out details on how that can happen. Mr. Federline looks forward to his children having their mom back in their life."Kaplan also revealed Kevin is coping well as a single father, adding: "Mr. Federline is doing everything that he can to make up for the fact that the boys are with him."

"He is keeping family around the boys and trying to let them know there is any change whatsoever."Britney’s lawyer Anne Kiley was also unsuccessful in her request for a gag order to be placed on the case to prevent details being made public.
Commissioner Gordon explained: "We’re dealing with very critical issues. The hearings are public. The public has a right to know what the courts are doing." The hearing was the first in the custody battle since 26-year-old Britney was hospitalized for a psychiatric evaluation earlier this month.

Her father Jamie has co-conservatorship of Britney which gives him control over her day-to-day affairs.Neither Britney - who sparked rumors she is pregnant again after being spotted with a bulging stomach at the weekend - or Kevin were present at yesterday’s hearing.

Britney Not Allowed To See Sons

2008-02-21T20:26:00.000-08:00

Jessica and Tony Perfect Their PDA Skills

2008-02-18T02:23:00.000-08:00

Tony Romo may still wallowing in his big playoff loss, but luckily he has Jessica to help nurse his emotional wounds. Last night the couple had no problem proving those breakup rumors wrong with a romantic dinner at Il Sole in LA before hitting the town. Sure, they were joined by eight of their closest friends, but that didn't stop Jess and Tony from kissing, cuddling, and eating off of each other's plates. How appetizing for their buddies. Nothing screams we're still together like a dinner at one of the most popular paparazzi hideouts.

Wedding Bells for Bhansali and Vaibhavi?

2008-02-16T06:21:00.000-08:00

Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant are all set to tie the knot at the end of next month. According to sources, the wedding will take place in March once Bhansali is back from Paris, where he is working on a musical Padmavati for the French opera houses Theatre du Chatelet.

According to sources, Vaibhavi's family is quite excited about the wedding and the preparations are on in full swing. Bhansali and Vaibhavi have been working together for several years. The choreographer has worked on Bhansali's films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas and Saawariya. But it is only recently that the two have been romantically linked. In the last couple of months, the couple, quite reclusive otherwise, has been seen together publicly and Vaibhavi's closeness to Bhansali's family was evident at the premiere of Saawariya. She walked into the premiere of the film along with Bhansali's mother Leela and sister Bela Saigal. It was obvious that Vaibhavi was more than a professional colleague. So far, there has been no official announcement from either of the two or their families. One can just wait and watch.

Sanjay And Manyata Wedding Ishue

2008-02-13T06:20:00.000-08:00

It was a fast-track divorce that enabled Sanjay Dutt to tie the knot with Manyata early this month. In a rare waiver of the mandatory six months wait for a divorce by mutual consent, the family court in Bandra granted the actor and Rhea Pillai the decree in a month's time, thus paving the way for him to exchange vows with the new lady in his life days later on February 7.

Dutt and Rhea had been leading separate lives for the last eight years, never really got down to filing for divorce till January 2008.

And then they filed a plea by mutual consent - 'F28 of 2008' - citing irreconcilable differences to put a legal end to their marriage.

A divorce by mutual consent requires at least one year of separation which Dutt and Rhea clearly had. The law under the Hindu Marriage Act and even under the Special Marriage Act also stipulates that the court should wait for six months before passing an order to dissolve a marriage in response to a mutual consent divorce plea. The idea is to give a couple time to reconsider their decision to split.

The family court has been following the rule of the six month wait quite scrupulously and in over 99% cases of 'no fault' mutual consent divorce petitions, couples have to wait it out before they can legally go their separate ways.

In Dutt's case, the waiting period was waived, and he went on to tie the knot for the third time in Goa.

Lawyers specialising in divorce cases said a waiver in general should be encouraged and the "unnecessary window period'' done away with when there is little chance of a reconciliation between couples who have already lived separately for over a year before moving the court.

But several high profile lawyers also point out that they have been unsuccessful in getting such a waiver all the same. An application that's required to be made for such waivers usually ends in a rejection. Albeit, the six month wait is often done away with when a unilateral plea for divorce is eventually converted into a mutual request.

In Dutt's case, he and Rhea filed their petition in the Bandra family court in January and after a month made the necessary plea for a waiver.

Abhishek Loses Over Rs 1 cr on Reliance Power IPO

2008-02-12T06:19:00.000-08:00

EXCLUSIVE! Abhishek loses over Rs 1 cr on Reliance Power IPO

Had applied for shares worth almost Rs 1,000 cr in Reliance Power IPO; lost over Rs 1 cr on Day 1
AMONG the millions who wished the Reliance Power Initial Public Offering (IPO) would change their fortunes, there was a close family friend of ADA (Anil Dhirubhai Ambani), Abhishek Bachchan.

Junior Bachchan put in close to a whopping Rs 1,000 crore, which is almost 10 per cent of the IPO’s value, hoping for a substantial allotment and good returns. That he lost over Rs 1 crore on Day 1 itself is a different story.

Documents with MiD DAY reveal that Abhishek applied for a mind-boggling 2,19,00,000 (Two crore nineteen lakh in words, as applications often ask) shares at Rs 450 base value. That’s a whisker away from Rs ONE THOUSAND CRORE.

While most retail investors have been happy with the 15-odd shares they may have been allotted, as an HNI (High Net worth Individual), Junior B was allotted 1,37,256 shares, according to the application and allotment details available with MiD DAY. Let us do a little bit of math. That works out to shares worth above Rs 6 crore.

Abhi expected to earn Rs 7 to 9 cr

So as the Reliance Power shares dipped 32 per cent to Rs 372, Junior B lost around Rs 1 crore.
But there is more to it. As per the rules, as an HNI, if the allotment was to have been done in totality, Junior B would have had to pay the entire amount.

Incidentally, considering that he paid advance tax of Rs 1.75 crore, as indicated by the income tax authorities, he is expecting to earn approximately Rs 7 to 9 crore this year.

Clearly, to make a payment of almost Rs 995 crore or Rs 250 crore, (whether he paid only 25% which is about Rs 250 crore or the full amount could not be ascertained) he must have had a lot of cash piled up from his earlier years’ earnings to have the resources to apply for so many shares.

"Tata tea joss 11th feb 2008" Saif And Anupama Verma

2008-02-12T06:18:00.000-08:00

Sexy Anupama Verma and Saif were at the Tata Tea event at Joss on 11th Feb 2008. Anupama is the same gal who was featured in Biddu’s “Boom Boom” and Bali Brahambhatt’s romantic melody with Bikram Saluja, of the Graviera fame. Having graduated from the music videos she created waves with her unusual screen presence in “Grahan” opposite Jackie Shroff. The Braun-Silk Epil girl with silken charms was also in the news due to her friendship with tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi.

I Have A Good Role In KAYAMATH

2008-02-12T06:17:00.001-08:00

You have a good role in Kayamath, but it’s not a prime time show. Is that a setback?

• I don’t think so. It is in fact still among the topmost-watched shows on the small screen. It’s doing really well.
Currently, you’re just doing one show. Is it by choice or lack of other meaningful roles?

* Totally by choice. I prefer to concentrate on one show and do a good job, rather than shuffle between fourfive shoots. Besides, Kayamath takes up a lot of my time anyway!
But don’t you fear being left back in the rat race, with your colleagues doing a number of serials simultaneously?

• I need some time to myself, to think, to rejuvenate. Otherwise one gets exhausted as an actor. I prefer doing just one show well and having a life too!
You’ve been quite low profile off late...

• That’s because I’ve been so busy with work — my TV serial as well as a Bollywood film. Besides, I had nothing to talk about!
Were you happy with your Bollywood debut (Shootout at Lokhandwala) or do you think you were given a raw deal?

• I was very happy with the end product. See, the movie wasn’t only about a single hero, it was about different characters. I was one of those essential characters, and was content with my role.
Was Shootout at Lokhandwala a one-off experiment with Bollywood, or are films next on your career chart?

• I’m already working in Apoorva Lakhia’s next, Mission Istanbul. It’s an exciting storyline. I’d like to shuffle between both television and films, as long as I’m doing good work in both mediums. I’m becoming extremely choosy about my roles now.
You have been linked with Sakshi Tanwar on more than one occasion. So, what’s the real story?

• The real story is nothing! The best way to handle a rumour or a controversy is not to deal with it at all. That’s what I do.

Famous Shilpa Shetty Richard Gere Hug N Kiss

2008-02-12T06:17:00.000-08:00

Hollywood star Richard Gere wants to visit India in March, but is wary of being nabbed by either the Rajasthan or UP police, who are still armed with arrest warrants issued by courts for his controversial kiss with actress Shilpa Shetty (right) at an AIDS awareness function last year.
On Monday, he requested the Supreme Court to stay the execution of arrest warrants and a guarantee from the state governments that his exit from India, after the completion of his engagements, would be hassle-free.

Shetty supported Gere’s plea through her counsel Anand Grover, but a bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justices R V Raveendran and L S Panta only issued notices to respondents on his plea. The bench pointed out that the proceedings before the trial courts had already been stayed by the SC.

Gere’s counsel Indira Jaising said that though the proceedings were stayed, the actor fears the police could still attempt to execute the arrest warrants that could cause immense harassment to him.

Shetty was the first to approach the SC, immediately after the courts in Rajasthan and UP took cognisance of complaints accusing her and Gere of indulging in obscene acts in public that hurt the sentiments of people apart from violating several provisions of Indian Penal Code.
After the SC stayed the proceedings before the trial courts, Gere followed suit and got similar protection. However, with the impending visit, it crossed his mind that the police could be the stumbling block for his safe departure from the country.

The bench sought responses from complainants as well as the state governments within two weeks to Gere’s plea and posted the matter for hearing thereafter.

Manyata is pregnant with Sanjay's child

2008-02-12T06:16:00.000-08:00

It was an auspicious day yesterday but that's not the only reason why Sanjay Dutt and Manyata hurriedly tied the knot last morning. According to sources, the new Mrs Dutt is pregnant. And that explains the need for the formal shaadi.

Making it known

Last year, in a midnight conversation with a MIDDAY reporter, Sanjay Dutt had admitted that he was married to Maanayata. She has been living in his apartment at Imperial Heights for over a year.

A industry insider says, "His close friends Bunty Walia and Sanjay Gupta had been present at the wedding last year, and everyone knows they are husband and wife, so why did they get married again in front of their friends and family? It was almost as if they wanted to make it known that they are married. It"s obvious they wanted to out the shaadi now because they have a more special announcement to make shortly."

Since Sanju and Maana have denied being married, it would've been uncomfortable for them if the news of her being pregnant got out, so they decided to have the saat pheras. On Sunday, Manyata deliberately showed up at a event teeming with media, with sindoor in her maang. She desperately wanted the news of their wedding to be featured prominently by the press. The source adds, "It was she who conveniently 'leaked' the details of the venue etc, to the press."

The channels showed up at the venue before the couple did. Later, the newly-weds came out and waved to the waiting media happily announcing their married status.

The baby news will follow soon. Both Sanjay and Manyata didn"t revert back to deny that she was pregnant. However, a source close to the couple confirmed that she is pregnant.

Sanjay Dutt, Manyata Tied The Knot On Feb 7 In Goa

2008-02-11T06:14:00.000-08:00

Mr and Mrs Dut

Superstar Sanjay Dutt tied the knot with his girlfriend of two years, Manyata, at the Taj Exotica in Goa on February 7 under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, in front of a few close friends as witnesses.

The couple will solemnise the marriage vows according to Hindu rites on Monday in Mumbai.

"It is scheduled to take place at Manyata's friend, Pradeep's house at 9.30 am," claimed a Bollywood insider.

Last month, the actor finally completed the divorce proceedings with ex-wife Rhea Pillai. Before that Dutt had been married to actress Richa Sharma.

A source said, "Two officers from the registrar of marriages in Goa were called to the hotel to solemnise the marriage on February 7.

Among the witnesses present were Dharam Oberoi, the CEO of Sanjay Dutt Production, and the actor's business manager and close friend Bunty Walia, who had flown from Mumbai a day after a TV awards function, for the marriage."

Oberoi, who is Manyata's godfather, reportedly gave away the bride. Oberoi's actress daughter Neha, and Dutt's closest friends Ajay alias Bittu and Prashant (a common friend of Fardeen Khan and Dutt) were the other witnesses at the wedding.

The groom was casually dressed in a yellow T-shirt and jeans and the bride glowed in her simple purple T-shirt and trousers. The Dutt family wanted to keep it a personal affair. Just after the marriage in Goa, the actor went back on the sets of the film Kidnap .

The marriage ceremony took place while Dutt was shooting for Suniel Shetty's production, EMI, in Goa.

TOI has learnt that Dutt presented Manyata a diamond ring worth Rs 40 lakh as wedding gift. "She was spotted wearing sindoor at a school function (see video) on Saturday evening," a source said.

"It was the first time we saw her wearing sindoor , which indicated her married status." Manyata refused to comment, although she did mention to some mediapersons that her husband would be the best person to answer the question. Sanjay and Manyata have been seeing each other since October 2006.

Bipasha and Katrina’s cold war

2008-02-10T06:13:00.000-08:00

It is a known fact that Salman Khan and John Abraham do not get along. But it is surprising to see that things are not so rosy between their lady-loves either. It is believed that Katrina Kaif and Bipasha Basu who will be seen in Abbas Mastan’s forthcoming film Race didn’t even acknowledge each other on the sets of Race.

As Race is a highly stylized film, it is believed that to avoid problems on the sets, director Abbas Mastan made it clear to the actors that their look and costumes will be designed according to their scenes. This nipped any tiffs in the bud. While Sameera Reddy used to get along with everyone, Bipasha and Katrina were never seen talking to each other on the sets. Knowing the rivalry between Bipasha and Katrina, directors Abbas Mustan would shoot their scenes separately. And thankfully the two had minimal scenes together.

But just when the directors were heaving a sigh of relief with the film being complete and all set to release, there seems to be a new problem. Bipasha and Katrina have refused to promote the film together. Come to think of it, Bipasha avoided being on the sets of Chotey Ustad and a music reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa on Zee when Katrina was present with the other stars of the film. Bipasha teamed up for a solo couple entry with her co-star Saif for the MTV Hero Honda Roadies promotional event of Race .

Knowing this fact and the cold war between the two actresses, the producers and directors have intentionally planned separate promotional dates for Bipasha and Katrina.

What needs to be seen is that will Yash Raj Films have to adhere to such practices as well, considering the two ladies will be working together in their next project opposite Ranbir Kapoor to be directed by Siddharth Anand.

Baba Amte passes away

2008-02-10T06:12:00.000-08:00

Noted social activist and Magsaysay award winner Murlidhar Devidas Amte alias Baba Amte died at his 'Anandvan' ashram in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra on Saturday. He was 94.

Baba Amte passed away at 4:15 am, his son Dr Vikas said.

One of the country's most respected social leaders, Amte devoted his life to the care and rehabilitation of leprosy patients.

He is survived by two sons.

Baba Amte, 94, passed away on Saturday

Paris Hilton's Nipples want Comes Out to Play

2008-02-10T06:11:00.000-08:00

I find it so scary to imagine being a celebrity. Each and every move you make, there are constantly cameras watching out for something juicy or reports waiting to catch the latest piece of gossip about your life, but with Paris Hilton it happens every single time she leaves the house!Source

Valentines Day Gift Ideas

2008-02-09T06:10:00.000-08:00

This Valentine's Day Capture Their Heart

Valentines-Day-Gift-Ideas - Get Video Code

Kidney Rocket Den

2008-02-09T06:08:00.000-08:00

Saif, Kareena have done a nikaah ceremony

2008-02-09T06:06:00.000-08:00

Have Saif, Kareena tied the knot?

Actor Saif Ali Khan has denied the rumours that have been doing the rounds for the past few days that he and Kareena Kapoor have done a nikaah ceremony. Sources had said that Saif’s mother Sharmila Tagore had been witness to the nikaah .

But when TOI contacted Saif on Wednesday night, he said, “Such rumours will only upset both families.

’’Kareena, on her part, categorically said in an interview that took place on Tuesday, ‘‘I am not getting married for the next five years.’’

Meanwhile, industry sources insisted that a wedding had taken place. They said that the Khan family had witnessed the nikaah , but the Kapoor family has been kept out of it.

Kareena and Saif had begun a relationship six months ago on the sets of Tashan . Saif has also tattooed her name on his arm in Hindi.

Friends of the couple say Saif has never been more committed in a relationship. A close friend of Saif had recently said, "There's a fierce and single-minded determination in Saif to make this relationship work for keeps. And, it isn’t a defiant determination to disprove the cynics who say it won’t last. Saif doesn’t give a damn about what people say."

The friend further added, "Earlier, after Rosa left, there were whispers of Saif being involved with various ladies. Saif doesn’t like the image of a casanova at all. He thinks he’s too grown up for it. He wants stability in his life and a relationship that’s for keeps. He believes he has found it in Kareena. Saif will make this relationship work."

Apparently, both of them spend as much time together as possible. Lately, Kareena has also been seen in public with Saif’s kids.

Abhishek's No.1 Critic

2008-02-07T06:04:00.000-08:00

What you never knew about Abhishek…

Critic No. 1

Abhishek Bachchan claims that his biggest critic is his little niece Navya Naveli and he listens to whatever she has to say.

Be it good or bad, ‘Mamu’ loves whatever the little one opines.

Jordan Hits Out At Ex-nanny

2008-02-07T02:54:00.000-08:00

Katie Price aka Jordan hit out at her ex-nanny’s claims accusing her of being a bad mother. The 29-year-old Price, mother of two called the allegations as ‘a total pack of lies’. According to a friend, Jordan is in a terrible state. “Jordan is understandably in a terrible state over this made-up nonsense,” a friend was quoted as saying. Becky Gauld, 25, had recently accused the glamour model of her drinking binges and blamed her of being “selfish”. “Their life is very different to the one on TV. The reality is she’s selfish and self-centred — and not the perfect mum,” said Gauld in an interview.

Gauld said that the model did not bother about her children. Gauld also revealed how Jordan would allow her overweight thyroid disorder sufferer Harvey to eat twenty chicken nuggets at once when she was told by doctors he could die if he didn’t diet. Price and hubby Peter Andre even taught Harvey to say “f*** off just so that they could raise a laugh from their friends at a barbecue. Price had even sent a text to Becky from her bed from her cottage in the grounds of the 2.5 million pounds mansion as the star couldn’t be bothered to get up and cope with Junior crying in a nearby room.

Ajay Devgan Directs Kajol Again

2008-02-07T02:53:00.000-08:00

Actor-debutant director AJAY DEVGAN seems to love directing his dear wifey KAJOL. Yes, she is a part of his directorial debut U, Me Aur Hum, but she is also a part of a jewellery ad commercial, which in fact Ajay took upon himself to direct. It'll feature both Ajay and Kajol. Shot in Filmistan only recently, the ad will hit the small screens in mid-March. Also, the storyline of the ad commercial has been formulated keeping in mind the theme of the romantic, feel-good U, Me Aur Hum. Well, let's hope the movie proves to be a gem, and worth it's weight in gold, too.

Celebrity Cartoons

2008-02-07T02:52:00.000-08:00

Shilpa Shetty Real Life Photos

2008-02-07T02:51:00.000-08:00

SHILPA SHETTY REAL LIFE PHOTOS

Lucky, Safe Landing

2008-02-06T02:50:00.000-08:00

SAFE LANDING:

A two-year-old boy being hurled by his parents (seen crowded around a tiny window) from atop a third-storied apartment that was caught in a horrific fire in Germany’s Ludwigshafen town to awaiting members of the fire brigade (not seen in picture) on Monday. Nine people, including five children were killed in the fire. While the boy survived the ‘fall’, the fate of the parents and two other adults is not known

“To understand your parents' love you must raise children yourself.”

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, guru to the Beatles, dies

2008-02-06T02:49:00.000-08:00

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, a guru to the Beatles who introduced the West to transcendental meditation, has died at his home in the Dutch town of Vlodrop, a spokesman said on Tuesday. He was thought to be 91 years old.

"He died peacefully at about 7 pm," said Bob Roth, a spokesman for the Transcendental Meditation movement that the Maharishi founded. He said his death appeared to be due to "natural causes, his age."

Once dismissed as hippie mysticism, the Hindu practice of mind control that Maharishi taught, called transcendental meditation, gradually gained medical respectability.

He began teaching TM in 1955 and brought the technique to the United States in 1959. But the movement really took off after the Beatles visited his ashram in India in 1968, although he had a famous falling out with the rock stars when he discovered them using drugs at his Himalayan retreat.

With the help of celebrity endorsements, Maharishi parlayed his interpretations of ancient scripture into a multimillion-dollar global empire.

source:timesofindiaC

The Tourism Ministry From Aruba Has Invited KAREENA KAPOOR

2008-02-05T02:48:00.000-08:00

Kareena Kapoor has acquired a huge fan following in Aruba Island, in the Caribbean. The incident brings to mind her grandfather, Raj Kapoor’s fan following in Russia.

The tourism ministry from Aruba has invited her over for a visit. To add to the honour, Kareena will be taken to the island on a cruise liner. A close friend of Kareena says, “Kareena has never been to Aruba Island. However, she is aware that Aruba is a popular holiday destination with the Hollywood stars. Kareena’s fan following in Aruba has increased after the locals watched Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham. Some people from Aruba Island were recently in India and they invited her to visit their island.”

The friend tells us that Kareena has accepted the offer but will not be able to visit the island immediately as she is caught up with her film commitments. “Kareena was overwhelmed by the offer and has agreed to visit the island. Right now, she is busy shooting for Golmaal Returns. She will also begin work on Kambakth Ishq, Agent Vinod and Ashtavinayak’s film with John Abraham. She will be visiting the island as soon as she gets some time off,” the friend adds.

Talking about Kareena’s popularity in Aruba, the friend says, “Kareena’s character Poo in K3G is extremely popular in Aruba. People from Aruba love fashion and hence the clothes she wore in K3G were a big hit. They have also asked for DVDs of her recent film Jab We Met.”

Britney Spear's Father Retained As Conservator

2008-02-05T02:47:00.000-08:00

Spears' father retained as conservator

Britney Spears' father was granted control of her finances until Valentine's Day by a judge who also barred the troubled pop star from contacting her friend and sometime manager, Sam Lutfi.

Superior Court Commissioner Reva Goetz also appointed a physician Monday to evaluate whether Spears, who is in a psychiatric ward, is competent to make decisions.

Her father, James Spears, and an attorney were granted conservatorship last week after the 26-year-old was hospitalized for the second time in two months following increasingly bizarre behavior.

The commissioner extended that conservatorship until Feb. 14. It allows Spears' father, and attorney Andrew Wallet, to make decisions involving the singer's assets and even who enters her home.

The commissioner also tried to further distance Spears from Lutfi, who sometimes spoke on her behalf and had been seen escorting her about town.

Spears was ordered to have no contact with him by phone, texting, or any other means.

The commissioner extended a restraining order against Lutfi that was issued last week, although court spokesman Allan Parachini said the original order had not yet been served.

In a Monday text message to The Associated Press, Lutfi said: "I have no problems with anyone writing anything negative against me. My image is not of concern, hers is."

A police motorcade helped shepherd Spears to UCLA Medical Center last Thursday for a 72-hour mental evaluation. She was originally to be released Sunday but doctors and a ward medical officer decided to keep her for two more weeks. They cited a state law that allows holding patients for treatment if they are found to be gravely disabled or a danger to themselves or others.

The question of Spears' competency came up again Monday as an attorney, Adam Streisand, unsuccessfully argued that the pop star told him by phone that she wanted her father removed as conservator.

"She has expressed to me very strongly (her wish) that her father not be the conservator," Streisand said. "There has been an estrangement for quite some time. With him as conservator, that is causing her more agitation and more distress."

Streisand, who placed Spears' estate assets at $40 million or more, also said he believed he had been authorized to represent Spears.

But court-appointed attorney Samuel Ingham said he interviewed Spears on Sunday at the hospital and determined she didn't understand the court proceedings, and "she lacks the capacity to retain counsel."

Attorney Vivian Thoreen, who represents Spears' father, said her client should continue to be conservator because "his daughter is in great distress."

"He's not here to take over her assets," Thoreen said. "He's here to get her medical help. He's here to take over while she's healing."

Billy Will Make The ‘Perfect Dad’; Kelly Brook

2008-02-05T02:46:00.001-08:00

KELLY BROOK thinks fiance BILLY ZANE will make a great dad. And though the 28-year-old beauty says the pair don’t have any immediate plans to start a family, they definitely want children together. She says, “Will we have kids one day? Definitely. But at the moment, I’ve got four nieces and four nephews and that’s enough for me. It’s non-stop.” Kelly also revealed that the Titanic actor once dressed up as Santa Claus to impress her nieces and nephews. She adds, “In my first Christmas with Billy, he dressed up as Father Christmas. He had the big belly, the boots and the beard and all the kids were running around the house trying to find him, looking up all the chimneys.

He hid behind the sofa, rolled over the back of it and landed on the floor and they just screamed. One of my friend’s little boys went up to him and said, ‘I love you Father Christmas’ and cuddled him. My mum and friend started crying. It was just the most touching thing. I think he would make the perfect dad.” Kelly and Billy met on the set of the movie Three in 2005 and got engaged in 2006.

Game researcher ducks millions in royalties

2008-02-05T02:46:00.000-08:00

Co-developer of multi-million seller 'Brain Age' gave royalty share to college construction efforts.

Ryuta Kawashima, the researcher behind Nintendo's Brain Age series of games for the DS portable system, would rather be working than enjoying $11 million in royalties he could have earned from his creations.

"Not a single yen has gone in my pocket," Dr. Kawashima told the AFP in a recent interview. Kawashima, whose likeness was heavily featured in the best-selling Brain Age games, is instantly recognizable to almost 12 million gamers worldwide.

Under the terms of his agreement with his employer, Tohoku University in Japan's north-east region, Kawashima was entitled to accept half the Brain Age royalties personally. Instead, he used the proceeds to help fund $6.5 million in construction projects on Tohoku's campus.

"My hobby is work," he said. "Everyone in my family is mad at me but I tell them that if they want money, go out and earn it."

Kawashima, who strictly monitors his teenage sons' gaming time, is currently working on a four-year project to study brain development in children. He's also cooperating with Toyota to develop a car designed to keep elderly drivers alert.

Hollywood Perfect Celebrities Jessica Simpson& Paris Hilton....

2008-02-04T02:44:00.000-08:00

The sexiest models and actresses in the world -- according to me, anyway! Featuring Chatherine Bell, Brook Burke, Andriana Lima, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Heidi Klum, Uma Thurman, Eva Longoria, Kate Moss, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson, Charlize Theron, Tyra Banks, Christina Aquilera, Jennifer Aniston, Shannon Elizabeth, Kirsten Dunst, Jessica Alba, Halle Berry, Uma Thurman, Heather Graham, Keira| Knightly, Angelina Jolie & Paris Hilton.

DOWNLOAD LINK

Things aren't going well in paradise… Jessica’s relationship with bad boy Cash Warren isn’t going as pretty as they want it to appear…

2008-02-04T02:43:00.000-08:00

Two motor-cycle borne youths threw glass bottles at actor Amitabh Bachchan's residence in the wee hours on Monday in the wake of Maharashtra Navanirman Sena (MNS) attacking the superstar for alleged negligence of Maharashtra.Big B has angered Raj Thackeray over his interests in UP more than Maharashtra

While police denied any such incident, mediamen deployed outside Bachchan's bungalow anticipating trouble in the wake of clashes between the MNS and Samajwadi Party (SP) supporters on Sunday said they heard verbal abuses being hurled by the duo and also saw a bottle being thrown by them.

Security was already stepped up at Bachchan's house 'Prateeksha' in Juhu following the MNS chief Raj Thackeray's attack on the superstar for preferring Uttar Pradesh over Maharashtra for opening a girls' college.

Senior police inspector Deepak Katdare of the nearby Juhu police station, who denied the attack, said: "Apart from the private security guards posted there, we had also deployed our own men at the spot and no such incident has been observed there during the night."

However, a mediaperson present at the spot said: "At around 1:30 am, some cameramen, who were posted outside the bungalow anticipating trouble, heard the abuses and also saw a bottle being thrown at the direction of bungalow."

Earlier in the night, SP leader Amar Singh had lodged an FIR against Thackeray and others in South Mumbai's Azad Maidan police station regarding the incident of protest by MNS activists during his press conference on Saturday.

A couple of theatres staging Bhojpuri films outside the metropolis were attacked and five cars were damaged during Sunday's violence after which 15 MNS and five SP activists were arrested.

Pregnant Jessica Alba Dumps Cash Warren!!??

2008-02-04T02:42:00.000-08:00

Things aren't going well in paradise… Jessica’s relationship with bad boy Cash Warren isn’t going as pretty as they want it to appear…

Rumors say the couple was already struggling before they found out they were pregnant but it seems like the baby isn’t the solution.

"Jessica was so distraught that she fled LA — and Cash — and took off for Sundance alone," says a friend. "She's telling everyone that she just needs time away. It's an act. Jessica's secretly a wreck."

After a few days of being apart, Cash eventually decided to follow Jess to Sundance. But it may have been too little, too late. "She feels like she's in her pregnancy alone," says the source.
Adds another friend, "They can't agree on anything anymore. Jessica picks a baby name and Cash says 'no way'. Then any name Cash thinks is cool, Jessica thinks is stupid."

The source says before they knew they were going to be parents, Cash and Jess had been struggling to get their relationship back on track. The couple's romance had been rocked by a Russian model's claims Cash was cheating on Jess with her.

"The baby was a bandaid measure," says the source. "They thought that having a baby together would help."

Jessica if you are not happy just leave him… you are too good for him anyway! Wish pregnant Jess all the happiness and peace of mind needed for someone in her condition.

Britney Spears to stay in hospital 14 more days

2008-02-04T02:41:00.000-08:00

Fallen pop princess Britney Spears' stay in a psychiatric ward was extended on Sunday, as doctors decided to keep her hospitalized for an additional 14 days.

Spears was to be released from UCLA Medical Center's psychiatric hospital on Sunday, but doctors and a medical officer at the ward determined that she should remain, a source close to the pop star said.

Spears was committed Thursday for a 72-hour hold for evaluation. Paramedics, flanked by a police escort of about a dozen officers on motorcycles, in cars and a helicopter, took Spears from her home to the UCLA Medical Center's psychiatric hospital before dawn.

In extending her hospital stay, hospital staff members cited a section in the California legal code that allows patients to be retained for medical treatment if they are found to be gravely disabled or a danger to themselves or others, the person said.

Court Commissioner Reva Goetz ruled the day after Spears was hospitalized - and following a year of increasingly bizarre public behaviour - that someone should take over the singer's personal and financial affairs.

She named Spears' father, James Spears, as his daughter's conservator and made Spears' father and attorney Andrew Wallet conservators of the pop star's estate. Goetz granted the conservator access to all Spears' medical records, as well as the right to restrict her visitors and to provide her with around-the-clock security.

A court creates a conservatorship when it concludes a person no longer can care for themselves or their personal and financial affairs. Goetz also issued a restraining order, keeping Sam Lutfi, the pop star's friend and sometime manager, away from her.

She ordered a hearing Monday to review the matter. Spears' current hospitalization is the second this year for the 26-year-old singer, who has been in spiral of bizarre behaviour since November 2006, when she filed for divorce from Kevin Federline, the father of her sons, 1-year-old Jayden James and 2-year-old Sean Preston.

Since her breakup with Federline, Spears has been seen at public events in short skirts and without underwear, has shaved her head bald, run over a photographer's foot with her car, left the scene of a fender bender, flogged another car with an umbrella and abandoned a car in traffic when it had a flat tire.

Recently, she was seen sitting on a sidewalk, holding her pet dog and crying. Spears was hospitalized on Jan. 3 after police were called to her home when she refused to return her children to Federline following a visit. That episode resulted in her losing custody of her sons.

Karan Johar Biography

2008-02-03T02:40:00.000-08:00

Karan Johar, son of the late renowned filmmaker Yash Johar, was born on May 25, 1972. He schooled at Mumbai’s Greenlawns High School before attending H R College. Johar was, by all accounts, always a bit of a film buff

Karan Johar, son of the late renowned filmmaker Yash Johar, was born on May 25, 1972. He schooled at Mumbai’s Greenlawns High School before attending H R College. Johar was, by all accounts, always a bit of a film buff. Having lived and studied in South Mumbai all along though, he had few friends connected with the film industry.

After a master’s degree in French, Karan planned to move to Paris, but became involved in cinema instead and later joined Dharma Productions, founded by his father. As his love for cinema kept growing when in college, he became friends with Aditya Chopra, son of filmmaker Yash Chopra.

He narrated a gem of a story idea to Aditya — it went on to become Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge — and the rest is history. While working on Dilwale Dulhaniya… on location in Switzerland, Shah Rukh Khan one day suggested to Karan that he direct his own film. That is how his debut, Kuch Kuch Hota Hain, was born. The film ended up one of the biggest blockbusters of all time and won eight Filmfare Awards in 1998. Almost overnight, Karan Johar was a superstar director.

From that point, the hits kept coming. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham went on to win five Filmfare Awards in 2001. In 2003, Karan produced and wrote the script for Kal Ho Naa Ho. In early 2005, he co-produced another movie with Shah Rukh Khan, titled Kaal, which didn’t do as well at the box office. After a four-year break from direction, Karan began working on his third film as a director and fourth as writer — Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna.

Since then, Lady Luck has been exceedingly sweet to him. He tried his hand at the small screen, and 2004’s chat show Koffee with Karan was a runaway success. Considering this talented filmmaker’s journey is just beginning, we can expect a lot more great stuff from Karan Johar in the years to come.

Priyanka shares Madonna’s belief

2008-02-03T02:39:00.000-08:00

Actress Priyanka Chopra forms Sunsilk foursome with Madonna, Shakira and Marilyn Monroe

The world stands witness to Priyanka Chopra’s inspirational journey from a teenage girl to a reigning actress. This pretty girl from Bareilly has come a long way and is now joining the elite company of three global brand ambassadors, including pop star Madonna, ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ girl Shakira and the Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe.

And there’s a common sentiment that these sexy divas believe in – the girl of today wants to go out, live her dreams and share her memorable moments and stories with the world. Incidentally, Piggy Chops’ favourite ‘Queen of Pop’ icon Madonna says, “Every Sunsilk brand ambassador, including Priyanka Chopra, stands for freedom of expression, doing what she believes in and going after her dreams. I am my own experiment. I am my own work of art. I have the same goal I’ve had ever since I was a girl.”

In the same vein, Latino performer Shakira feels that Priyanka is experiencing a typical ‘Life Can’t Wait’ moment, which is a time when you seize an opportunity and live for today. She preaches, “You need to be ready to seize every opportunity that comes your way… else you will be somewhere invisible in the crowd of people who just dream big but don’t make an attempt to realise their dreams and transform them into a living reality.”

Priyanka Chopra says, “Today, girls who want to make it happen tend to enjoy a wealth of opportunity. Sunsilk believes feeling happy with your hair can unleash your true potential. It can help girls in expressing themselves and make life happen.”

Well, get going girls, for Piggy Chops herself seems all geared to root for you.

'No Country' wins another top award

2008-02-03T02:38:00.000-08:00

"No Country for Old Men" grabbed another award before the Oscars later this month, winning the best feature film award presented by the Producers Guild of America on Saturday.

The film, which stars Javier Bardem as a determined hit man pursuing Josh Brolin, beat out other nominees "There Will Be Blood," "Juno," "Michael Clayton" and "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly."

Scott Rudin and Ethan and Joel Coen were given the Darryl F. Zanuck producer of the year award. The film was released by Miramax/Paramount Vantage.

"No Country for Old Men" has already garnered the top prizes from the Directors Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild. The film is nominated for eight Academy Awards.

"Ratatouille" from Disney-Pixar was chosen as best animated film by the producers guild.

The award for episodic TV comedy went to NBC's "30 Rock," while HBO's "The Sopranos" won in the drama category.

Other PGA awards included HBO's "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" in the long-form television category; Michael Moore's "Sicko" in the documentary division; and Discovery Channel's "Planet Earth" won for best nonfiction television program.

Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" won a PGA award for live entertainment/competition.

Knightley’s dress to be auctioned

2008-02-03T02:37:00.000-08:00

Keira Knightley’s Atonement dress is being auctioned for charity.

The stunning green silk evening gown worn by the British actress as Cecilia Tallis in the romantic World War II movie will be sold in an online auction to raise money for Variety — a children’s charity of Southern California. The auction opened online with a minimum bid of $1,000. It is due to close on March 1.

The description on the website reads: “Memorably worn during the crucial emotional and romantic sequences by Knightley as Cecilia Tallis, opposite James McAvoy as Robbie Turner, the backless dress was taken directly from the production’s archives and is one of a handful that was made specifically for Knightley to wear during filming. Multiples were fashioned, because of the fragility of the dress.” The gown has been authenticated by costume designer Jacqueline Durran, who is nominated for an Academy Award for her work on Atonement.

Jolie collects award for 'Mighty Heart'

2008-02-03T02:36:00.000-08:00

Angelina Jolie traveled up the California coast to receive the Santa Barbara International Film Festival's "Performance of the Year" award.

The 32-year-old actress was honored Saturday for her portrayal of Mariane Pearl, wife of slain journalist Daniel Pearl, in the film "A Mighty Heart." It's one of numerous awards Jolie has received for the role, but among the few she's personally collected.

"To be honest, I just heard that it was a beautiful festival, and one to take seriously," Jolie told Associated Press Television News.

The award was presented by Clint Eastwood, director of Jolie's upcoming drama "The Changeling."

"Clint Eastwood? Ahttp://wwww! Don't get me started," Jolie said. "I could talk forever about him. I could turn the whole evening into a Clint Eastwood evening. ... I think he's just a genuinely great guy. He's nice to everybody on set."

Jolie arrived with her partner, Brad Pitt, who did not speak to the media but briefly posed with Jolie for photos.

She said dealing with the insanity of Hollywood is much easier with Pitt and their children at her side. "I think it's the only way to juggle it," she said.

Besides her film career, Jolie, who won an Oscar for her part in the 1999 film "Girl, Interrupted," keeps busy with humanitarian efforts at home and abroad, including work with the United Nations as a goodwill ambassador.

Her friend George Clooney was recently named U.N. messenger of peace, but Jolie said she didn't have a clue what he should expect from the gig.

"I'm not sure exactly what his position is and what he's gonna do," she said. "But I know his heart is in the right place, and he's truly committed."

Jolie, who wore a black blouse and loose-fitting floor-length skirt, looked lean and not obviously pregnant. Publicists asked the media not to question her about reports that she may be with child again.

Jolie and Pitt have been tabloid staples since they began shooting "Mr. And Mrs. Smith" in 2004, when Pitt was still married to Jennifer Aniston but a romance with Jolie was blooming on the set.

What does Jolie think it will take for the press to move beyond their off-screen life and onto more significant things?

"I think it's going to take, partly, people wanting to learn those things," she said. "I mean, I know, that's what I look for when I wake up in the morning ƒƒ‚‚ when I go online or when I get the paper. And you can find it if you're looking for it. And you can avoid silliness if you want to. So it's a personal choice of each individual."

Gorgeous Calendar Girls

2008-02-01T02:35:00.000-08:00

Gorgeous Calendar Girls

BRITNEY SPEARS PHOTO GALLERY

2008-02-01T02:34:00.000-08:00

BRITNEY SPEARS PICTURES

India Scatters Gandhi's Ashes - 30 Jan 08

2008-02-01T02:33:00.000-08:00

he ashes of Mahatma Gandhi, India's iconic promoter of non-violent protest, have been scattered off the coast of Mumbai, marking the 60th anniversary of his assasination.

Salman Khan Wedding

2008-02-01T02:32:00.001-08:00

Bollywood’s most eligible bachelor Salman Khan is all set to tie the knot in October, this year.

According to the sources, bollywood’s spoilt boy Sallu has finally decided to give up his bachelor status and settle down. It is said that the actor has given in to the demands of his parents, who want their son to marry and start a family as soon as possible.

Salman who has been seeing British born Indian Actress Katrina Kaif for nearly three years now, seems to have found his soul mate in her. After having had a string of affairs with famous models and actresses which include Aishwarya Rai, and Sangeeta Bijlani, its Katrina who got the star thinking of the Final Commitment.

Though the actress who stood by his side during his short lived jail term in the Blackbug case has openly said that she has no plans for marriage in the near future at least for 5 years, sallu’s decision to settle down might cause her to have second thoughts on the subject.

It is said that Katrina is miffed with salman , as the latter is pestering the former for marrying and that is the reasons ,for the latest rift between Katrina and Salman.

To surprise all ,Katrina was seen dating and partying with Ranbir kapoor very recently ,which also hints that she is completely vexed up with sallu’s proposals to marry and is in a look out for another Boyfriend.

There is a buzz in the bollywood that Katrina is now a settled actress and so she does not need any kind of support from anyone.

However, Katrina apart from her regular shooting schedules is busy in grooming her sister who is also making her debut into bollywood in the coming June of this year.

So, if Katrina says no, as her career is said to be in its peak presently, then who will be the Bride for Sallu is the million dollar question.

After all, it was not easy to convince Sallu to settle down into dreary ways of Matrimony!

Britney Spears Returns Back To Hospital For Psychiatric Treatment

2008-02-01T02:32:00.000-08:00

Spears was taken to the UCLA Medical Centre about 1.30am Los Angeles time to be held against her will because she was deemed a danger to herself or others.

A psychiatrist treating the singer contacted Los Angeles police to set the events in motion, celebrity website TMZ.com said, quoting law enforcement sources.

A Los Angeles Fire Department ambulance transporting the 26-year-old was escorted by dozens of police on motorcycles, accompanied by a police helicopter, the Los Angeles Times said.

The operation appeared to be thoroughly planned, it said.

A motorcade the length of a football field surrounded the pop star and kept photographers and onlookers at bay.

Spears was told of her impending confinement by her psychiatrist and did not resist when paramedics arrived and placed her on a gurney, TMZ said.

The doctor told police of concerns about her reckless driving and erratic behaviour.

Spears had not slept since Saturday, the website said.

She was stripped of access to her two young boys at the beginning of January after another hospital drama.

During that incident Spears was wheeled out of her home on a stretcher after a stand-off that began when she reportedly refused to release her two children, Sean Preston, 2, and Jayden James, 1, to former husband Kevin Federline's bodyguard.

Spears was taken to the Cedars Sinai Medical Centre for mental evaluation before she discharged herself two days later.

The reasons for Spears' admission have not been revealed, although speculation has raged that the singer is suffering from a long-standing mental illness.

Spears, one of the most successful singers of her generation, has been locked in a custody fight with Federline since the couple separated in 2006.

A judge limited the star's access to her children in October after she failed to submit to random drug testing as demanded at an earlier hearing.

Her latest attempt to regain visiting rights to her two sons was rejected last week after she failed to appear for a Los Angeles court hearing.