Kareena Kapoor Shines On The Inaugural Issue Of Harper's Bazaar

The aforementioned words aptly and also literally describe the lissome lass of Bollywood as she is the 'Inaugural cover-girl' of the mega launch issue of the world-famous fashion and lifestyle magazine Harpers' Bazaar.

As we had (exclusively) carried the news earlier this week, the issue does contain some of beautiful pictures of Kareena And Saif on the beaches of Mauritius. After seeing this couple romancing along the coastline, one wonders if this romance is enhancing the scenic beauty of the to-die-for beaches or is it the other way round! Get this issue to see for yourself some of the most precious verbal gems that Saifeena have belted out in this issue, with Bebo saying, "I think I am just perfect, because on screen, being my size looks great".

All in all, a must buy-issue for the Bollywood buffs! BTW, when we said that 'Kareena shines on the inaugural issue of Harper's Bazaar', we really meant our words as this issue comes with 'diamonds' attached on its cover! Go and check for yourself!

Sajid Nadiadwala Signs Siddharth Anand For His Next

Siddharth Anand is the latest director to branch out from Yash Raj Films. After having made successful films like Salaam Namaste, Ta Ra Rum Pum and Bachna Ae Haseeno, Anand is all set to direct a film for producer Sajid Nadiadwala. "The contract with YRF is over. We are starting a film with him in August," Sajid confirmed with Indian Masala News.

We probed him about more details and this is what he had to say, "It's an interesting film which has its moments. The cast should be finalized in a week's time. In the first week of April we can announce everything...it's an interesting star cast."

Nadiadwala is eagerly looking forward to his next release Kambakht Ishq which apart from Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor, also stars his all time favourite actor-icon Sylvester Stallone in a pivotal role. Those who've seen the first look promo of the film just can't stop raving about it.

Vijay - The Man Who Too Deserves Credit For 'Jai Ho'

'Jai Ho' has won an Oscar for A.R. Rahman and Gulzar, hence making India proud. While the entire country is singing the song and Sukhwinder Singh, the man who originally sung the number behind the mike, is basking in its glory as well, there is a man who is missing out on all the action. He goes by the name of Vijay Prakash, who is incidentally one of the four singers that were roped in by A.R. Rahman for the song, the other two being Tanvi Shah and Mahalaxmi Iyer.

"I don't have any regrets though", says Vijay Prakash who has been contributing to the Bollywood music scene for close to a decade now and is slowly but steadily making his presence felt, "Sukhwinderji is a fantastic singer and a very well known person. It happens and I don't blame anyone for not being in the limelight. As an audience, when you are listening to a song, you tend to stick to one individual whom you probably know and hence can identify with."

Smiles Vijay, "That's true, the echo is sung by me though the main song belongs to Sukhwinderji. However, Rahman sir has always been on a forefront when it comes to giving credit to his team. In some of the speeches made by him at award functions, he has named not just Gulzar saab but even me. Now that's an award in itself for me."

After years of being around on the Bollywood circuit, and singing in movies like Yuvvraaj (Manmohini) and Cheeni Kum (title song), Vijay Prakash his happy that his hard work is finally fetching him some good recognition.

"Of course, the name Sukhwinder Singh is much bigger and hence the name Vijay Prakash was perhaps relegated to the background. However, now that I am a part of an Oscar winning song, people have been taking notice. I am sure Tanvi and Mahalaxmi too will get due credit for their work in the song. 'Jai Ho' reaching at such a level is indeed quite big at this stage of my career", he says with a grin.

Any regrets that he couldn't walk the red carpet and be on stage when the award was announced? "I won't deny that", says Vijay, "I did wish if I was there but then considering the fact that Mr. Sukhwinder himself wasn't there, I didn't have any reason to feel overtly disappointed. Yes, the dream situation would have been for all us singers to be there on stage and perform live in front of a global audience. But that's ok, some other day, some other time."

Ilaiyaraja-Gulzar Team Up Again After 25 Years

Even while the Guru team of A. R. Rahman and Gulzar is being feted in the US for their 'Jai Ho' track in Slumdog Millionaire the poet par excellence has gone to the Guru of Guru's composer for his next cinematic collaboration.

Gulzar Saab is working with Rahman's mentor Ilaiyaraja for the first time in 25 years. Says Gulzar saab, "The last time Ilaiyaraja and I came together was for Balu Mahendra's Sadma. Now we're working together in another film after so many years."

The film is directed by Ajay Verma, who is grandson of the legendary inventor of calendar-art Raja Ravi Verma. "It's interesting that Ajay Verma has made a film at just about the same time when a film on the life of Raja Ravi Verma by Ketan Mehta is ready for release," says Gulzar.

Gulzar saab is not too fond of the title though. "The film is at the moment called SRK. Hopefully it will change. What the film most certainly changes is the idiom of expression for film music. I feel Shaad Ali's Jhoom Barabar Jhoom and Anurag Kashyap's No Smoking gave me a chance to experiment with words in a way that film music generally doesn't. Now I feel the same way about my poetry in SRK."

About working with Ilaiyaraja again after 25 years, Gulzar Saab says, "His aptitude and skills for creating the perfect harmony have not altered at all. Ilaiyaraja is one of his kind. I wish he was heard more often in Hindi cinema."

Gulzar Saab would be pleased to learn Ilaiyaraja is also scoring music for Balki's Pa which features Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek and Vidya Balan.

Says Balki, "He did the music for my Cheeni Kum, and now Pa. For me there can be no cinema without Ilaiyaraja."

Feroz Khan Admitted In A Critical Condition

Veteran actor and filmmaker Feroz Khan was rushed to Mumbai's Breach Candy hospital and admitted in the ICU yesterday. The actor, producer and director of films like Dharmatma, Qurbani, Jaanbaaz and Dayavan was in a critical condition while he was being admitted.

It may be recalled that Feroz Khan has been not keeping well for a while now and yesterday's incident did give his close family members a scare. Most of his close family and friends immediately rushed to be by his side.

We at Indian Masala News pray for his speedy recovery.

Woody Allen Signs Freida Pinto For His Next

The film Slumdog Millionaire has been making waves not just in India but even across the seven seas. Along with the film, the two new found stars Dev Patel and Freida Pinto are also riding high on the wave of their debut film's success. Following an almost clean sweep at the recent Oscars, Slumdog Millionaire's actress Freida Pinto is quite literally going places.

Quick on the heels of this recent success, Freida has bagged herself another highly prestigious project. Freida confirmed this on an American show (The Today Show) saying that her next is a film being made by the legendary director Woody Allen. Freida and the rest of the cast of Slumdog Millionaire were on the show talking about the success of their film at the Oscars.

The legendary Woody Allen was impressed with Freida's work in Slumdog Millionaire and decided then and there that he would be casting her in his next. The film, which is as yet untitled, will also star Naomi Watts, Josh Brolin and Sir Anthony Hopkins in all probability.

While in Hollywood promoting Slumdog Millionaire, Freida (who has been eyeing to make a mark in Hollywood) has done the smart thing of hiring herself an agent along with whom she has been meeting several producers and studio owners.

Must say Freida is slowly and steadily making her presence felt among the bigwigs of Beverly Hills.

Sajid Nadiadwala Spends 1.5 Crores On A Song In Kambakth Ishq

Kambakth Ishq now has two faces...rather voices. There was an item song by that catchy title that Sandeep Chowta had composed for Ram Gopal Varma's Pyar Tune Kya Kiya. Urmila Matondkar and Fardeen Khan had danced that track into the charts.

Now there's a new song by that title for Sajid Nadiadwala's Kambakth Ishq composed by RDB. No, not another R.D. Burman remix -God Forbid! It's the bhangra -pop group from Briton RDB, acronym for Rhythm Dhol Bass.

A favourite with Akshay Kumar, RDB were first heard in our cinema for Vipul Shah's Akshay vehicle Namastey London followed by Singh Is Kinng.

RDB walked into Kambakth Ishq after Carmen Electra and other international artistes who were supposed to participate in the song walked out.

Says Sajid, "It's just Akshay and Kareena dancing to RDB's tune and what a tune it is. It's not a music video but a song that we'll use as an integral part of the film. It will occur close to the film's interval. It will also be the first promotional song."

Press him for a sum of money spent on the song, and Sajid says it's close to 1.5 crore rupees.

Wonder what Sajid's old associate and faithful music director Anu Malik who scores the rest of the songs in Kambakth Ishq has to say about this invasion from the outside!

Shakti Kapoor's Daughter To Debut With Big B

Much like Karisma, Kareena, Esha, Soha and Sonam, another star daughter is set to turn actress. Only this time around it’s the daughter of a B-Town bad guy.

Silver screen baddie Shakti Kapoor's daughter, Shradha is making her acting debut in Leena Yadav's 'Teen Patti' opposite Amitabh Bachchan and R Madhavan.

‘Teen Patti’ is based on a true story about some students who mastered the art of card counting and made a killing at the casinos of Las Vegas. The film, which is scheduled for a release in June or July this year also features Pierce Brosnon in a cameo.

The 21 year old Shradha has reportedly inherited her looks from her mother, Shivangi and aunt Padmini Kolhapure. She has done her homework as well as she’s been associated with theatre for a while..

According to sources, Shradha won’t be romantically paired opposite anyone in the movie. The unit will be soon travelling to Boston to wrap up the shooting for the movie.

All that’s good, as long as the bad name that her father got in the industry doesn’t come between her hopes and ambitions in any way.

Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Playing Terrorists Iin Rensil D'Silva's Film?

2009 is a special year for Rensil D'Silva as he takes the big leap from writing to direction. By now it's known to one and all, that Rensil would be making his directorial debut with the Saif-Kareena-Vivek Oberoi starrer to be produced under the banner of Dharma Productions.

The buzz in the media circles is that the intense film is titled Jihaad but Rensil denied this rumor. "No...my film is not called Jihaad. It's a name that the media seems to have given the film but it's not the official title", says Rensil.

Probe him a little bit on what the film is about and Rensil says, "It's a romantic thriller set against the backdrop of global terrorism."

There is a strong buzz that Saif and Kareena are playing terrorists in the film but the director is not ready to reveal much. "I can't reveal plot points or character sketches at this point of time", says the writer turned director, who doesn't deny the news.

Apart from Saif, Kareena and Vivek Oberoi the film was supposed to star Tara Sharma. However, the actress is due to have her first baby soon and hence had to back out of the project. Minissha Lamba would now be essaying that part. The supporting cast also includes Kirron Kher, Om Puri and some talented new faces.

So, how much of the film's shoot is complete at this stage? "We are around 40% through with filming. We've shot in Philadelphia, Delhi and the Mumbai schedule is currently underway. We plan to complete shooting by May and will release the film in the last quarter of 2009," says Rensil.

While the story of the film has been written by Karan Johar, Rensil has worked on the screenplay of the film. An interesting fact however is that instead of Dharma favorites Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, this time it would be Salim-Sulaiman who would be composing music for this film.

Rajiv Menon's Abhishek - Ash Starrer Is Titled Dhun

Ace cinematographer Rajiv Menon captured some really beautiful moments between Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Mani Ratnam's Guru. Now Rajiv is all set to direct Bollywood's most talked about couple in his next film.

Indian Masala News spoke to the South based cinematographer who confirmed the news. "Yes...Abhishek and Aishwarya are starring in my next directorial venture titled Dhun. It's a film where music plays a very important role. The film goes on floors sometime in June this year."

Quiz him on rumors that the film is similar to the Amitabh-Jaya Bachchan starrer Abhimaan and he says, "I think Abhishek has already clarified this. There is no similarity except the fact that the characters in my film also play musicians."

The film is being produced by Eros International and Rajiv's good friend and Ocscar Winner A.R.Rahman would be composing the music for this musical drama. One will have to wait and watch if after the melodious music of Guru, Rahman can once again come up with some interesting 'Dhun' for this film.

Vidya Balan Signs Nikhil Advani's Chand Bhai And Bhansali's Chenab Gandhi

The graceful Vidya Balan who turned a year older on January 1, has turned a new leaf. After her abortive attempts to revamp her wardrobe in Heyy Babyy and Kismat Konnection, Vidya has decided to go easy on the glam ramp.

"It's not as though I am disowning my efforts to do glamorous roles. I'm proud of Heyy Babyy and Kismat Konnection. But this year I'm doing films that don't need me to stretch my personality. I'm very happy doing roles that come naturally to me. That's what I decided about my career this year."

Vidya has just given the nod to Nikhil (Chandni Chowk To China) Advani's next film which would surprise many.

Advani's Chand Bhai is a raw realistic song less film on juvenile delinquency. Says Vidya, "It's nothing like the high-flying glam-wham stuff that one expects from Nikhil after Chandni Chowk. Chand Bhai is a stark very real kind of drama. And I get to co-star with a very talented actor Akshaye Khanna with whom I was in Nikhil's Salaam-e-Ishq though we had just one passing shot together."

Vidya gladly admits Chand Bhai doesn't feature her in the central role. "The film revolves around the delinquent boy's character. But I'm very happy to be part of a film that addresses itself an important social issue. This year I think I'm done with searching for various by lanes to my screen identity. All my forthcoming films have a sharp sense of social purpose, and that definitely includes Vibhu Puri's Chenab Gandhi which I'm enormously excited about because it's produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali."

Vidya has been attending costume and reading sessions for Chenab Gandhi and is spellbound by the script. "But I haven't really interacted that much with my co-star Hurman as yet. With Mr. Bachchan who plays the title role, I share a lifelong bonding. Right from Eklavya we've been paired in so many films right up to Chenab Gandhi and now Balki's Pa. If I did all the films last year that I was offered with Mr. Bachchan, I wouldn't be working with anyone else," says Vidya, adding she's excited to work with Abhishek Bachchan for the first time in Pa.

"We've never been paired together. It would be interesting to have another interesting co-star to work with," says Vidya who went to Panchgani for her birthday this year, with her parents, sister and brother-in-law. "It's very rare for all five of us in the family to be together. My birthday falls on a very unforgettable day, the New Year. It's preceded by Christmas, so we all take time off to be together. Another advantage of being born on the first day of the year is, no one can claim to forget your birthday," she says with loud laughter.

Vidya recently saw Ghajini and was bowled over by Aamir Khan. "I'm dying to work with Aamir. And Shah Rukh of course is my favourite. I said on Sajid Khan's chat show I want to kill Shah Rukh's wife. No one took me seriously. There was no enhancement in the security around her. Sad."

Ajay Devgan Adjusts Dates Of All The Best For Sanjay Dutt's Blue

The bonding between Ajay Devgan and Sanjay Dutt is getting stronger by the day. Not only has Dutt agreed to do Devgan's comedy directed by Rohit Shetty, in spite of his decision to concentrate on his newly - started political career, Dutt also decided to allot dates to Shetty's film All The Best immediately.

However, the first of schedule of All The Best which was supposed to start from March 5 has been moved to March 10, leading to speculation whether there's trouble in paradise.

But Dharam Oberoi, the CEO of Sanjay Dutt films quickly quells all controversy. "Before people start imagining there's a problem between Mr. Dutt and Mr. Devgan let me say the dates have been kindly re-adjusted by Mr. Devgan to accommodate the last schedule of Blue which now begins on March 1."

Apparently, coordinating Sanjay's dates with Akshay Kumar for Blue has been a problem. Says Oberoi, "They're both busy artistes. Yes it has been a problem coordinating their dates. In fact the last schedule from March 1 has been arranged to accommodate Akshay Kumar because he has to leave. Ajay's film was to start on March 5. But he kindly agreed to shift forward his film to March 10 to accommodate the last schedule of Blue."

Re-visiting the Sunny Deol Classic Betaab

Director Rahul Rawail recalls how the adaptation of 'The Taming of the Shrew' worked wonders with the feisty Amrita Singh and the dashing Sunny Deol in the lead. A benchmark as far as young romances go, Betaab makes for a perfect watch even after 25 years!

Sunny's launch vehicle...

Lime and green textured walls, minimal decor and plush sofas to sink in comfortably form the setting of Rahul Rawail's Juhu office. Over a steaming cup of chai, he rewinds 25 years ago to when he was only 29 and three films old (Gunehgaar, Love Story, Biwi O Biwi). He was at a strange crossroads in life as Love Story became a hit but owing to differences with Rajendra Kumar, the producer of the film, he was denied the credit. "I was pleasantly surprised when Dharamji sent for me after the Love Story mess-up," he harks back. Rawail was well acquainted with Dharmendra not only through his father, H S Rawail, the maker of classics like Laila Majnu and Mere Mehboob, but had also worked with him as Raj Kapoor's assistant during the making of Mera Naam Joker. "I met Dharamji and his brother Ajit ji at his Juhu bungalow when he asked me to captain Sunny Deol's launch vehicle. Then it was the biggest deal for any young director at that time," he recalls happily. That was in April, 1980.

Priyanka Chopra Greets You With Hello!

'Girl Uninterrupted' is exactly how Priyanka Chopra has been described in the latest issue of the fashion and lifestyle magazine 'Hello'! And we just couldn't resist agreeing to that. The article surely is a one-of-its kind interview, where Priyanka actually speaks her heart out on topics that have never been touched before!



Not many people know that this hot chic had even got a marriage proposal from someone as old (read 'young') as 6 years! Priyanka confesses that "A six year old boy once said he wanted to marry me... and when I told him he was too young, he said, I will wait till I turn 18!". For the cool lady who gave us the smash hit Dostana, this is her take on friends! She says that "You cannot have 25-30 friends; if you have even four to five who go back to your childhood and who will vouch for you... consider yourself lucky."

All this and more...only in the latest issue of Hello, a mast-must buy!

My Mother Always Showed Me The Bad Side: Kareena

Kareena Kapoor is on a real high. She is being showered with awards off late and the recent one being the prestigious India Today Women Award 2009 for her contribution to the world of art and cinema by none other than Erin Brokovich.

Kareena states that she always cherished the idea of becoming an actress. She further revealed, "I always wanted to be an actress since I was a little girl in my mother's womb. The dreams resurfaced when I was became fourteen years old.

I always told my mother that I wanted to act but then my mother always showed me the negative side of the industry. She often chided me saying that one shouldn't go by the glitz and glamour of the industry.

But then one fine day I woke up and said that I had finally decided that I was going to act. My mother then advised me first to lose weight and then watch a lot of movies. She said being a star is not easy.

There are two sides to it. You earn lot praise but also face a lot of criticism and negativity in the industry. You will have to compromise a lot in life" reveals Kareena."My elder sister Karishma became a star and she too said that the path to stardom is not easy. I will have to work really hard to achieve my goal and learn to face criticisms." she further added.

Kareena said that she was very adamant and hell bent on becoming an actress. "I plunged myself into it and there's no looking back.

Kareena said that she was very adamant and hell bent on becoming an actress. "I plunged myself into it and there's no looking back.

Yes there is a lot of compromise, negativity and criticisms but if you want to achieve something and follow your dreams you have to go through the grind only then will you reach your goal. I have done that and I am glad where I am today" concluded Kareena.

I Feel Bad That I Couldn't Graduate From College: Sonam

Sonam Kapoor has become an actor today but she was quite inclined towards academics in her growing up years. In fact one wish that she still has is to become a college graduate. Reason? After Class XII, she discontinued her studies and started concentrating in films.

"I really wanted to study more, especially language", says Sonam who will soon be seen in 'Delhi 6' this weekend, "I have completed by Class XII and though English and Hindi were my favorite subjects, it's a pity that I couldn't pursue them further. I still feel bad that I haven't done my graduation."

Talking about her love for reading, she also shares an interesting fact about herself. She is not just fascinated with the English language but also loves studying subjects like History and Geography.

"That's true", confirms Sonam, "While I had a soft corner for languages, it wasn't possible for me to stay away from History and Geography for long.

I always enjoyed my stint with studies during school and for me reading was a lot of fun. What also helped me engage in studies was the fact that I didn't have to do the same things time and over again. I was constantly learning.

"For the moment, it's her brother Harshvardhan Kapoor who is keeping her abreast about the finer techniques of cinema.

"He is currently studying screen writing and I keep calling him and understanding from him the new things that he is learning. Yes, I get to know some good things of screen writing from him but I would always carry the regret of not being able to study things myself. May be some other day, some other time", concludes Sonam.

Freida Pinto Secretly Married Ex-Boyfriend In Goa?

Slumdog Millionaire star Freida Pinto, who recently broke up with her boyfriend of four years Rohan Antao, may have secretly married her ex two years back.

The Indian actress was said to have called off her engagement to Rohan Jan 15, but Britain's Daily Telegraph says that the couple clandestinely wed in Goa in 2007 deciding to keep the marriage under wraps to give Freida a greater chance of winning film roles.

"Freida and Rohan fell in love at college and were extremely close. They were great together. The marriage was an impulsive decision and both of them went to a designer to get the gown made, " a source close to the couple was quoted as saying.

The source added: "Rohan was with her throughout her years as an actress when she was not at all famous. He supported her during the filming of 'Slumdog' and the pair even celebrated the film's success at the Toronto Film Festival together last year."

"However, she just stopped calling him around the time of the Golden Globe awards, when the film started to make waves internationally. He is completely shocked at being dumped and is heartbroken."

Preity-Shilpa: We Are Not At War

The mischief-mongers are at it. Trying to create a imaginary war between two glamorous divas who have stakes in two rival IPL teams, by pitching them against one another.

It all started after a televised debate where Shilpa made a comment on how she wouldn't run to the field to hug players or chat with them in the backroom.

Preity's friends feel the remark was directed at the actress.

On a debate on NDTV recently on the IPL matches when Preity spoke on how she had worked hard to get her makeoff and be on the field with the boys, Shilpa retorted that she would be in the IPL with her makeup on. Preity walked out.

Subsequent press statements too suggest that the vibes between the two actresses is far from cordial, thanks to their presence on different sides of the IPL fence.

Vested interests are trying to fuel the supposed war. Fortunately the two ladies are not biting the bait.

Shilpa completely denies making digs at Preity publicly or privately. "Yeah I've heard that I'm supposed to have made remarks about Preity. Why would I do that? I really admire the way Preity conducts herself.

I'm so new to this whole IPL thing. Just trying to find my way in the whole thing running around getting the nitty-gritty right. The last thing I need is the electronic medium to have a field day pitching two glamorous actresses against one another. Please! Both Preity and I are grown up enough to see through these games."

Preity admits she has heard that Shilpa has been making uncharitable remarks. "But I refuse to believe that Shilpa is talking against me. We're mature ladies with more to do than talk against one another."

Sushmita-Randeep Feud Out In The Open!

Nothing seems to be going right for the once upon a time 'woman of substance' Sushmita Sen these days.





The actress has no good movies to talk about and even her ambitious directorial debut on Rani Laxmibai for which she planned for so long didn't take off.


Her last release was the very pathetic 'Ram Gopal Verma Ki Aag' which obviously did nothing for her.


Unlike Aishwarya this actress has not maintained herself or her career well.


But one of her long delayed international projects 'Karma Aur Holi' is now ready to hit the screens.


This movie was originally titled 'Karma Confessions and Holi, ' has been shortened to the simpler 'Karma Aur Holi'. Reportedly the film is about a group of friends in New York, who grapple with their life and karma before realizing their destinies on the day of Holi.



The film written and directed by Manish Gupta and co-produced by Robert De Niro's daughter Drena De Niro has a mix of Indian actors and actors from the West like Sushmita, Randeep Hooda, Rati Agnihotri, Suresh Oberoi, Suchitra Krishnamurti, Deepal Shaw and Naomi Campbell.



Though Sush has agreed to the film but strictly on one condition - she will not be part of any promotional campaign where she has to share space with her ex-beau, Randeep Hooda.



The producers of the film, Sa Re Ga Ma, were stumped when Sush conveyed her decision. Although they understand Sushmita's point of view, they were hoping that she would cooperate.



According to sources, the film is releasing after many glitches, so they had no choice but to go with Sushmita's demands. Now, interviews and events will have to be planned separately for Sushmita and Randeep.

Randeep claimed that Sushmita had no problem in promoting Karma Aur Holi with him. He said, "I am not aware of any such thing. I spoke to the producers recently and they told me that she was inquiring if I was promoting the film or not, and in fact, she wanted me to come on board."

The story goes that Sushmita is hurt because Randeep refused to reconcile with her when she had wanted to rekindle their relationship. But Randeep denied this too and shot back, "That's not true to my knowledge. Why don't you ask Sushmita? Why are you asking questions about her to me?"

Let's wait and watch if Sush's good karma resurrects her career and gets her what she really wants.

Vikram Bhatt: The New Factory

Now to another Bhatt -- Vikram Bhatt! Like Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt, Vikram too is making a series of medium-budget films and lo and behold, Vikram plans to release as many as six films between March 2009 and March 2010...

The first project is PHHIR, which is slated for release on 19th June. It teams the 1920 pair -- Rajneesh Duggal and Adah Sharma -- with Roshni Chopra. PHHIR is directed by Girish Dhamija and produced by ASA Productions and Mirah Entertainment.

The second film in the pipeline is THREE - LOVE, LIES AND BETRAYAL. Slated for release on 21st August, the film is directed by Vishal Pandya. It stars Aashish Chowdhary, Nausheen Ali Sardar and Akshay Kapoor. This one is also produced by ASA Productions and Mirah Entertainment.

Vikram Bhatt will launch Udit Narayan's son Aditya Narayan in SHAAPIT [yes, that's the title of the film] with Shweta Agarwal. This film is slated for release on 12th February, 2010.

Besides these three films, Vikram is in the process of starting one film each with journalist turned director Khalid Mohamed, Sanjay Khanna and Sujit Mondal. The project with Vikram as well as these three films is being produced by ASA Productions.

Anurag Kashyap Postpones His Big Budget Spectacle Doga

Anurag Kashyap had decided to make a no-holds-barred action film with Kunal Kapoor playing his first action hero.

But the project has been put on hold. Explains Anurag, "That project Doga (based on the comics that are so popular in North India) to be produced by Sony International (who entered the Indian market with Saawariya) requires a whole lot of preparation. It needs international -level special effects for which I need to go for internship to the US with my cinematographer Rajeev Ravi for some months. This would probably be the most expensive Indian film ever. And I don't want to slip up. And Kunal needs to do a helluva lot of preparation. I'll go to Doga after Bombay Velvet," informs Anurag.

Anurag, who has a history of censorial run-ins, is surprised at how liberal the censor board has been to his latest film Dev D. "They understood its theme. It's definitely an adult's film with minor cuts. My target audience is 18-35. If there was an over 15 censor certificate in India, I'd have definitely applied for it. Censorship in India is not obsolete any more. Sharmila Tagore and Vinayak Azad have brought in a liberal element to the censor board."

Salman starrer Veer Banned From Shooting At Amber Fort, Jaipur

Salman Khan never fails to make the headlines, be it for his looks, his big heart and above all- his controversies, this guy has the knack to stay in the spotlight. However, this time round his film Veer has run into a controversy and it's not Salman's fault at all.

The story by far is that the film which was being shot at the historical Amber Fort in Jaipur, recently had to face a spat of trouble as a complaint was lodged that the film crew was cheating the administration by paying for just the five days, when in reality they were present on the location for almost a month, setting up the set. However, this complaint was shot down by the district court on grounds that the Amber fort did not fall under their jurisdiction.

If that wasn't enough, an accident happened on the sets of Veer yesterday when a 20 foot long wall collapsed injuring fifteen people. A day after this incident, the Rajasthan High Court has issued a stay order on the filming of Veer in the fort and the Jaipur bench of the court has issued notice to the state government to explain why the norms relating to protected historical monuments were not followed and asked for a reply by March 3.

This stay order comes just after an initial complaint that was lodged. Besides this, the tourism business at the fort was also badly hit as most of the sections in the fort had been sealed off due to the shoot.

Anand Raj Anand To Compose The Theme Song For Shilpa's IPL Team

Just recently we heard that the curvy actress and yoga aficionado Shilpa Shetty along with her beau Raj Kundra had invested in the IPL. This has promised to give the sport some much needed Bollywood glamour quotient. However, we now hear that following in Shilpa's footsteps is yet another Bollywood resident Anand Raj Anand who will be entertaining us this IPL season.

Anand Raj Anand will be composing a theme song for Shilpa's team - the Rajasthan Royals. The composer who is a close friend of Shilpa was approached by the actress who had earlier said that she would also be making a music video for the team.

Apparently, the basic song of the Rajasthan Royals ('Halla Bol') will remain unchanged, but the music that accompanies it will be changed. Besides this, the anthem of the team will have elements from typical Rajasthani folk music. The lyrics of the anthem will be some what like, 'Phir vahi lalkar hai, phir kanon mein goonj rahi jeet ki jhankar hai.' as for the vocals, Anand Raj Anand will croon the song himself along with Monali Thakur who will be the female vocalist.

Kamal Sadanah's New Film 'Goa Goa'

After remaking his father's VICTORIA NO. 203, actor turned producer Kamal Sadanah is ready to take the big step of directing his next film, titled GOA GOA. "There are two stories running parallel in the film. The first is based in Mumbai in today's times and the other is set in Goa in 1979. That explains why Goa is repeated twice in its title," Kamal Sadanah tells me.

Writing the script was a challenge. "The story was conceived by me, while Sukhwant Dhadda, Brij Katyal and I are writing the screenplay. I have decided to make this film under my father's banner Dynamo International," says Kamal.

The film will go on floors as soon as the casting is complete. "For the Goa segment, I am looking at a new cast. The characters are interesting and require freshness and innocence. I am in the process of launching a talent hunt where anyone interested just needs to log on to my company's website and see if they qualify for the role. For the Mumbai segment, there are some established names that I cannot reveal at this stage," Kamal reveals.

Dual Treat With 'Delhi-6'

While watching a big film, you're often treated to the promos of forthcoming films. In fact, most producers feel that launching the first look of their soon-to-be-released film with a keenly-anticipated biggie would ensure terrific exposure for the film. Post RANG DE BASANTI, everyone's confident that Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's DELHI 6 would attract moviegoers aplenty.

In view of the fact that the film would have a strong opening, its producers, UTV, have decided to include the first look of Vishal Bhardwaj's KAMINEY and Ramgopal Varma's AGYAT with the prints of DELHI 6. These two films have been in news for a while now and one waits with bated breath to see how their first look is.

Amrita Arora on the cover of Grazia

"Yes, I am crazy about Shakeel"... claims and proclaims the hottie lass Amrita Arora (who looks hotter than ever before!) on the latest issue of Grazia. And this month being the month of the eternal Valentine, who better than Amrita and her boyfriend the suave businessman Shakeel Ladak to be the chosen one!

Well, this issue has more than you ever wanted to know about the pristine details of the romance between the couple. Amrita, on her part is all praises for her man. She says (read 'confesses') "I am completely cuckoo about him and we love being together. He is extremely stable, extremely responsible, and not at all wishy-washy about anything". She also goes onto add that, "Shakeel is a fiercely private person and though he understands that all the media attention is a part of being with me, he chooses to stay away from it." For those whose tongues are (still) wagging and are giving competition to the dog's tail, can read this loud and clear... coming straight from the horse's mouth. She announces, "If people want to take potshots at my relationship, I can't do much about it, but I won't learn from it. My boyfriend is going to come with me to events, I won't compromise on that!"

Lots of such 'Kambhakht Ishq' quotes... only in the latest issue of Grazia!

John Is Like My Brother, Why Would He Refuse Me

We read about John Abraham sportingly pitching in with a song and dance for Bipasha Basu and his newly-found sibling Neil Nitin Mukesh's sake in new director Jehangir Surti's Aa Dekhe Zara.

Nothing there that was hard to believe. After all, John did a walk-on appearance in John Mathew Mathan's Shikhar, for Bipasha's sake.

Couldn't have been for the film's leading man since Shahid Kapoor and John, as we all know, couldn't see eye to eye, thanks to Kareena Kapoor.

But with Neil Nitin Mukesh it was different. John apparently dotes on the younger actor. When they were shooting in Philadelphia for Kabir Khan's New York they were so chummy they became inseparable twins, gyming swimming and bonding in the freezing cold and flourishing fabulously on a fish diet.

John, in fact, urged Bipasha to work with Neil in Surti's Freeze, now entitled Aa Dekhe Zara. Bipasha too is very fond of Neil.

So it came as no surprise to know that John had agreed to do a song and dance in Aa Dekhe Zara, for his mashuka and chote bhai's sake.

But here comes the clanger. John is no longer doing that song. Why this change of plan, and that too at the eleventh hour? Has John opted out?

According to Neil John's presence didn't fit into the song. "John has not opted out of the song. It so happened that the song didn't fit in correctly. But it was sweet of him to have agreed.

Like I said John didn't fit into the film's situation. He had agreed. And there was no reason for him to opt out. There's Bipasha and now there's me, his younger brother. He'd have gladly done the song for us."

However Bipasha tells another story. "John was never supposed to be part of any song in Neil and my film Aa Dekhe Zaraa. That was wrong news."

Kidnap Cupid

Pramod Mutalik's Sri Ram Sene and Shiv Sena say they are determined to oppose and disrupt Valentine day celebrations.

Dev D Is Little Hard To Watch With Your Mom And Dad: Abhay Deol

'It's all about loving your family', agrees Abhay Deol. He also says that a film like Dev D should be watched by an entire family.

A word of caution though is thrown by him - "Dev D is a family film but not the kind that should be watched by all the family members 'together'. Joginder Tuteja catches Abhay Deol in a candid mood as he talks about Dev D which releases all over today.

What kind of audience are you looking for Dev D?

We are looking at a family audience. It's a wholesome family entertainer; though just don't watch it with your family (laughs). In the film, we are candid about sex and violence.

Though none of it is visually explicit, it's one film where it would be a little hard for you to watch it with your mom and dad. Mark my words though - they will like the film too! The subject is such that it would reach out to one and all; people will appreciate it.

Along with 'emotional atyachaar', even 'emotional violence' seems to be inherent to Dev D.

(Laughs) But we are certainly not endorsing violence in the film. We are showing it the way it is written down in the book. I don't think anyone can be offended by the so-called violent streak of the film. Come on, I mean it when I say that Dev D is a family film!

After years we are seeing a film where drugs play a major role in the narrative.
See, the thing is that there are so many masala movies out there as well where drug usage has been shown. It's just that since things are not considered real there, it's not taken seriously.

Here we are more implicit; the drug usage is more candid. Everything else is more implied. Sometimes the less of what you see sticks out, especially so when you treat it in realistic manner.

But tell me honestly, isn't it a mental turmoil for an actor to be in a part of such a role?

Since Anurag's way of making movies doesn't have any space for superficial level of storytelling, it does get a mental turmoil on.

When you are portraying a character like 'Devdas' for like an entire day, it does become intriguing and exhausting. It turns out to be much more than just other film because you are constantly working in a film that takes so many different pitches. One does tend to get exhausted.

Anurag (Kashyap) says that it was the film's music that helped him relax once he returned home after a heavy day at work. True for you too?

Amit Trivedi's music for the film is truly brilliant. Each of the tracks shows the state of the character's mind and works superbly with the film. Numbers like 'Duniya', 'Nayan Tarse' and 'Maahi Mainu' are my favorites. Dev D is one of rare out and out musicals that have been made.

Also, for a subject like 'Devdas', we can't be fools by not having songs. Each of the 18 tracks has a reason to be in the movie. They play in the background and go down quite well while in accordance with Anurag's vision of incorporating music in the narrative.

There was music in No Smoking too...

But here you will see a difference when compared to No Smoking. There is a lot of humor derived from the songs. Also, they play for the moment and take the narrative further. Let's face it, a song less film by itself is considered as a parallel film so when we had 18 tracks at our disposal, how could we not allow Dev D to become as commercial as it can.

But weren't you worried about doing Dev D considering Anurag was fresh out of No Smoking?

Why do you guys keep forgetting Black Friday? See, No Smoking was always going to be on a different tangent altogether. I don't think the non-performance of the film at the box office was created any trap for Dev D.

There is no insecurity whatsoever, why would I? I never felt like that even once while working on the film. I respect Anurag Kashyap. He has it in him to make a movie in a certain way and comes with an ability to deliver.

One really wishes that Dev D works though you would consider yourself a little unlucky with Oye Lucky Lucky Oye, right?

No way, I guess the film fetched itself as well as me some great response. And then it released at the time (the Mumbai terror attack) when there were so many other tragedies happening around us.

For us the film not taking a great opening was a small tragedy. In any case, as the weeks unfolded, the film did get steady. No, it didn't rake in huge collections but people were curious as the film continued to play on in theaters and then on TV.

The film has certainly recovered its money, it's not a flop. It's a little success in its own way. It gained public acceptance, got all of us some good acclaim and credibility.

B.O. Update: Another Thanda Week, Ttally Of Flops Rises

RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES and SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, the business continues to go downhill. Last week's LUCK BY CHANCE and VICTORY opened to dull and dismal houses, respectively and this week's DEV D had a 25% - 35% start at select screens, while the opening was much lower at others. The reports are negative and a decline in business was noticed on Day 1 itself. The general feedback is that the film is not likely to sustain.The other two releases, MERE KHWABON MEIN JO AAYE and CHAL CHALA CHAL, have opened to a disastrous response. The opening was 5%, at places even lower. It would be an achievement if these two films manage to complete an entire week's run.

Play the video below to check out the audience reaction to "Dev D"