I'm very comfortable with homosexuality: Samir Soni

Shabana Azmi and Nandita Das kissed under the mosquito net in Deepa Mehta's Fire. No one from mainstream cinema dared before or after to bring homosexual love openly out of the closet onto the screen. In fact Rekha who was the first choice for Fire said to me, "I'd happily kiss Nandita Das a dozen times. But not THAT way." And when Tom Hanks "dared" to play a gay HIV-positive in Philadelphia he refused to kiss his screen-lover Antonio Banderas. Samir Soni(Raj Kumar Santoshi's discovery best- remembered as Madhuri Dixit's caddish lover in Lajja and as Amitabh Bachchan's ungrateful son in Baghban) is the first Indian actor to have played a gay character in a mainstream Hindi film. And that isn't all. Samir Soni in Madhur Bhandarkar's Fashion has actually done a passionate kissing scene with his screen lover played by a young theatre artiste named Anil Kumar. Madhur spotted Anil in a posh party-scene for Fashion and immediately offered him the role of Samir Soni's lover. Anil accepted without hesitation and had no problems with the intimate scenes. Earlier in Page 3 Madhur had shot a love-making scene between Jai Kalra and Rehaan Engineer. But there was no kissing. In fact gay kissing is almost non-existent in our cinema. Laugh Samir. "Is it? Anil was more nervous than I could ever be. I wasn't nervous or anxious at all," says Samir with a laugh. "Why should I be? I think too much hoo-ha is made in our country about sexual orientation. Isn't there enough violence and unrest being created against minority groups on the basis of religion? Do we need to get all het up about what tow grown-up up men do in privacy?" The gay kiss in Fashion happens in the car when the dress designer Rahul Arora (Samir Soni) says bye to his lover. "It's a very natural moment between two people in love. And I didn't have a moment's hesitation in doing it.Why should I? I don't have a girlfriend to be answerable to. I did think, 'Oh my God, what will my parents say?' But it's not me, it's my character kissing the person he loves. More than me it was my screen-lover Ashish (that's what his name in the film is, and that's what I call him though his real name is Anil) who was trembling in fear. I told him to chill, I was like his elder brother. I knew with Madhur at the helm it would be aesthetic. Did I feel repelled? No I was okay." Tell him lots of Indian actors have a prpblem playing gay and Samir shrugs, "See, I feel those who are homophobic would recoil from doing a gay role. But I'm extremely confident of my sexuality and had no qualms about playing gay. From my modeling days I've had gay friends who would discuss their boyfriends with me. So I'm very comfortable with homosexuality. I think we need to get over our prudery about these things. And archaic laws are only making things worse for gay people. They're either hiding or defiantly flaunting their homosexuality in their clothes and body language." The revolutionary scene was dropped from the film before it went to the censors. But now Madhur Bhandarkar is having second thoughts. Says Madhur, "What a beautifully-shot scene of intimacy it is between Samir and Anil. You forget their gender. They're just two people in love expressing their feelings. I took it out before taking it to the censor board. I thought portraying a homosexual couple was bold enough. The kiss would have been too much. But now I'm planning to restore it in the DVD." "Scrap Outdated Laws On Homosexuality": Says Samir. "I am not very qualified to speak on the current controversy over the constutitional rights of homosexuals. But I do know every individual has the right to choose whom he or she wants to be with. I'm heterosexual. But I respect my gay friends and their right to live life the way they want. Playing a homosexual in Fashion I realized love has no gender."

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To look sexy, I don't need to become nude: Poonam Jhawar

Poonam Jhawar is a Hindi Film actress, model, singer and film-maker. Here's what Poonam Jhawar has to say about herself... How did Bollywood happen? After an initial stint as a model with Advertising commercials, the producers of Hindi flick MOHRA saw me in one of the ad commercials. I got a call from the producers and was screen tested for a major part in the film and selected. That's how my journey into Bollywood began. What kind of music do you prefer? Depending where I am and what is the mood… from Ghazals to Pop, everything interests me. Infact I have a huge collection in all the genres… basically in Hindi & English. What's sexy to you? Me and myself… Lol…. jokes apart anything which catches my interest and kick starts my imagination… its all in mind. I know the way I can carry myself, it makes me look hot. To look sexy, I don't need to become nude. I can do it in my very own style. Your sex appeal lies in? Obviously I can't brag about myself… Isn't it? If you are reading this you should answer this… I will love to hear from you rather. What (How) do you do to keep in shape? Eat healthy, yoga, gymming and…… well rest is a secret. (not to be revealed)… What's your ideal guy like? Tall, Handsome and of course RICH… filthy rich with a heart of Gold. Hahaha…. I am serious about it. What's the dumbest thing a guy's ever done to get your attention? During a music video shoot, a guy requesting me to autograph on his forehead. What should a guy do to win your heart? Buy me a island…. Island of kindness, honesty and purity of heart. Have any females made passes at you? How have you handled those? Happens almost every day…. I smile and move on. If given a chance, who would you like to audition on your casting couch as a Bollywood Producer ? The one and only... Salman Khan...Sallu my dear! Your favourite Bollywood Heroines ? In the current generation, I love Bipasha Basu, Katrina Kaif, Aishwarya Rai and Kareena Kapoor. From the past, I like Hema Malini, Rekha, Shri Devi and Madhuri Dixit. Which is the sexiest place on the planet for you, that just thinking about it turns you on? Answer is reserved for the person who wins my heart. You feel you look the hottest in? Everything. If your man's playing hard to get, what would be your strategy to get him back? I am not experienced in this... till now no one has done this to me. What should a guy do to ensure a second date with you after the first one? Win my heart in the first one to get a second date. What are your future plans? Work hard towards my goal and keep searching for my dream man. What comes to your mind first when you hear these words - Food - Health Sex – Divine Happiness Music – Relaxation and Fun Films – Me and My dream Star – I want to shine like the STARs Journey – Beautiful and Relaxing holiday Friend - Trust Wild - Disco Wet – Dance in the Rains Happiness – Togetherness with my Family and Friends.

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Kareena has the meatiest role in this new Golmaaal: Tusshar Kapoor

You've won an award for not delivering your dialogues in Golmaal. Will Golmaal Returns see the same results? I feel good only because I was very afraid of playing this character in Golmaal. I had just come out of Kya Kool Hain Hum and I had signed Golmaal. So to do a role with no dialogues was a huge risk. How will I be noticed was the first question in my mind. I just went with my gut feeling. It was my tutor Vikas Kadamb who told me that even the mute can make sounds to convey their message. My character is not deaf, he just can't speak. Golmaal Returns is going to be even more hilarious. So, I hope to win more trophies next year. Did you do your homework before preparing for your role in Golmaal Returns? I didn't have to go through as much training as I did during part one, because I had already done it. There was a bit of a brush up in the way I pitch up my sounds, etc. but the hard work was seen on the sets as the story is not the continuation from where the first part ends. In Golmaal, my sign and sound language was translated by my co-star in the film Sharan Joshi who played Laxman. This time around, there is no translator. The only person who can come to understand my sounds and signs is Kareena Kapoor who plays the role of my sister. Here the challenge was more than part one. What change did you see in your director Rohit Shetty from Golmaal to Golmaal Returns? I feel he has matured a lot. In part one, he was a little more controlled in not going over board with dialogues and scenes. He took calculative risks in Golmaal as it was his first comedy film. Now in Golmaal Returns, you will see him completely over the board with a lot of masala. Golmaal Returns is more commercial and funnier than part one. Rohit has put in so much more in Golmaal Returns. Earlier there was a fear factor like some scenes will or will not work. You've been paired opposite Anjana Sukhani who is still new to the industry. How was the new comer? She is a very natural actor who has a very small role and she is a surprise element in the film. Even though I was the only one who won Rimi Sen in part one, I still got to flirt with Anjana in part two. Of course, Kareena has the meatiest role of all the other actresses because the whole story begins with her suspicious mind. Amrita Arora is going to be a revelation in this film and so is Celina Jaitley. Everyone who has seen Golmaal simply adored your character. They are going to come again for you in Golmaal Returns. But tell us something about the new boy in the house. You mean Shreyas Talpade. Well, what can I say about this versatile actor! He has also done a lot of comic work till now. He has excelled in Apna Sapna Money Money and Dor where he did a bit of comedy. The audiences are looking forward to see Shreyas Talpade after the super success of Om Shanti Om in London. Maybe some of the audiences would want to see Sharman Joshi but they'll have to settle with Shreyas this time. When you go and see the film, you will forget Shreyas and remember only his character just like they did for me. People remember me as the 'goonga' guy and not Tusshar Kapoor of Golmaal. Your sister Ekta Kapoor is the serial queen of India. She has taken over the entire world from 7pm to 11pm. Was it your idea about Kareena playing the role of someone who loves to watch Ekta Kapoor serials in Golmaal Returns? It was Rohit Shetty's idea and it's not a personal attack in anyways on my sister Ekta Kapoor. Kareena Kapoor's character is a mad fan of the serials and she believes whatever is shown in these serials. It's like paying homage to these prime time serials. Ekta and Rohit are good friends and we are doing our next film together. He is going to direct the sequel to Kya Kool Hain Hum and it'll be a Balaji film. Do you think Ekta Kapoor should act in films? (laughs) What are you saying? She hates acting and is very camera conscious and shy. From childhood she was clear that she wanted to do something creative in the television front. She wasn't shy before but now giving an interview on the television is a tough job for her. Would you ever attempt to act in a remake of your father Jeetendra's earlier films? I've done a tribute to him four years ago at the Stardust Awards but that's it. I was dressed like him and did an act on stage too. I would love to act in a remake of the film Caravan and Farz. I did put across this idea to dad but to get the right director is a concern. So we are taking our own sweet time. It's strange but the truth is that Tusshar Kapoor likes to stay away from controversies. (laughs) Yes, you're right. I never fight with anybody, never come late on the sets, I promote my films, I don't trouble my directors with dates and I love my work. I'm just like my dad, very non-controversial figure in the Indian Film Industry. Only when my films are releasing, I don't mind landing up in any controversy that gives the film a little push (laughs). You seem to be very happy and content with the films you're doing. You don't seem to complaint like your other co-stars. I think you're merry in what you have. Yes. I am happy in what I am doing. I am sure everyone else thinks the same way but I'm not fussy. I am happy and satisfied with the roles I am doing. Sometimes I do feel that I should act in a solo hero film but I have gained so much from being a part of multi-starrers that today directors want me to be a part of their multi star cast film, especially when it comes to comedy now. I will only do a solo hero film if I find the right banner, the right director and the right producer. Everything has to be right and I will never experiment with it. My role should hit the bull's eye. I hope that day comes soon. Do you think the duration of Golmaal Returns will also decide its fate at the box office? Of course yes. The total duration of Golmaal Returns is two hours twenty minutes. A film can be an hour long but might feel long due to it's slow pace. Golmaal Returns is too quick. The energy and the screenplay of the film are very important. A lot of people like Jodhaa Akbar. The story ultimately takes over the proceedings. I bet people would love to watch Golmaal Returns for hours and hours. They're in for a big Diwali surprise this year.

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Sonu-Eesha wait 12 years for their marriage

Rajshri's latest release Ek Vivah Aisa Bhi arrives with an interesting plot. The film features Sonu Sood and Eesha Koppikar as two lovers who are just about to get married. However, destiny has different plans for them as changed circumstances in their lives force them to wait for as many as 12 years before they can tie the knot. And all of this happens even as they stay in touch with each other! Confirms Sonu Sood who is mighty excited about the project which features him in a solo lead, "That's the reason why the film is titled Ek Vivah Aisa Bhi. The film shows how two individuals decide to make sacrifices in their life in order to be with each other, even if it requires them to wait for more than 12 years before they get married." "Frankly, if one looks at today's time, how many of us would be willing to wait for so long even though we may proclaim true love for someone? However, that's the beauty of Sooraj Barjatya's cinema. It teaches, challenges and inspires the youngsters of today that something like that is possible if one comes with a clean resolve. One of the partners may be going through a bad phase while another may achieve a lot. However, that doesn't mean that one distances apart", Sonu gets emotional here. Ek Vivah Aisa Bhi features both Sonu Sood and Eesha Koppikar as musicians. While Sonu Sood is fond of playing a guitar, Eesha's pet musical instrument is harmonium. Eesha Koppikhar adds, "In the film, the characters played by Sonu and me take this long journey together to achieve something in life. Yes, their dreams and commitments may have gone for a toss even as they move ahead in this journey but together, they are ready to wait. Time flies by and one of us grows up in the career while another is left behind. However, it is true love which is the eventual winner." Concludes Sonu Sood, "First time director Kaushik Ghatak has made such a sensitive film which is bound to make you emotional. Those who have seen the film have loved it. For them, it has been a pleasant surprise to see me in an altogether different mode. I am sure once the film releases this November, audience would have the same to say as well."

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Is Kangna Ranaut doing a Geetanjali Nagpal?

Madhur Bhandarkar is known for making realistic cinema and many of his characters seem to be inspired by real life characters. Even his latest film Fashion, which is all set to release next week, has Kangna Ranaut playing Shonali Gujral, a supermodel whose choices in life bring about her ultimate downfall. It may be recalled that ever since the film was launched, there have been stories about Kangna's character being inspired by Delhi based model Geetanjali Nagpal who also had a similar fate. Despite it being quite obvious that there are certain similarities between Kangna's character and Geetanjali Nagpal, director Madhur Bhandarkar keeps denying the same. However you can say that Madhur indeed seems to be inspired yet again by a real life character. What say?

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All Katrina and No Salman suprises everyone

In an industry where males rule the roost, one is surprised to spot a hoarding with a solo picture of an actress. She is none other than Katrina Kaif. The Yuvvraaj hoarding has only Katrina splashed over it, while the male leads Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor and Zayed Khan, for a change have taken a back seat. An industry source revealed, "Katrina is considered to be a lucky mascot for her directors. Subhash Ghai is confident that Katrina will bring in luck for him too." Subhash Ghai also feels that a solo hoarding of Katrina is his way of telling her that she has earned her rightful due in the film. "Katrina has done a fabulous job in Yuvvraaj. Ghai has witnessed the dedication with which Katrina has worked in the film. Hence the solo hoarding," said the source. Katrina is amongst the top actress today and Subhash Ghai feels that with Yuvvraaj Katrina will make history of Indian cinema.

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Salman set to rule with WANTED

The much awaited promos of Yuvvraaj may not of had the desired effect as yet but Salman Khan has a sure shot winner in Boney Kapoor's Wanted. This remake of Telugu super hit Pokkiri stars Ayesha Takia opposite Salman with Mahesh Manjrekar playing the main villain. While Yuvvraaj and Salman's next release after that, Main Aur Mrs Khanna are romantic films, after a very long time Salman will be seen in an action avatar in any film. Wanted is carrying excellent reports and is touted to get back Salman's action fans back to the cinema halls! Our source who managed a sneak peak of the rushes told us, "The biggest asset of the film is the music by Sajid Wajid which is definitely bound to rule the charts. Four songs of the film have already been picturised as yet and they look very pleasing to the eye. Two more songs remain to be filmed and they shall be shot in Greece very soon once Salman is back from London. The action scene just before the interval is totally out of this world and will see the public going wild in the theatres. Also the handsome actor has never looked more dashing than in Wanted which will ensure his legions of fans making sure they watch the film." The trade is very confident that Wanted will be a huge grosser because the first reports of Wanted are similar to first reactions of Singh Is Kinng which everyone knew was going to be a huge winner before release and it more than lived up to expectations by smashing box office records worldwide. It would be no surprise if Wanted repeates the Singh Is Kinng magic when it releases in March 2009.

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Kangana shocks: I've no respect for masala films

Kangna Ranaut is in an explosive mood. May be it has something to do with the 'explosive' cinema that she has been a part of ever since she made her debut with Gangster. From playing a gangster's love interest (which was straight out of headlines) in Gangster to re-enacting the trauma of Parveen Babi in Woh Lamhe and most recently expressing the dilemma of Senior Executive at a Call Center in Life In A Metro, Kangna has been busy making her own space outside a world which goes by the name of Bollywood. While working in aforementioned films, didn't she feel like being a part of a hardcore Bollywood commercial film to at least stay in the reckoning during her relatively leaner period? "Everybody asks me this. But I never felt like being a part of a hardcore Bollywood commercial film because I have no respect for such cinema", Kangna makes a shocking confession. She continues, "It is like an immortal work of art. For me my movies are my heart-beat. I cannot do a stupid film in which people laugh while they are watching it. So I have to be very careful". Seems like she detests such cinema? "Yes, because it hurts me emotionally and mentally when people make fun about the characters in the film. I don't like people making fun of movies and characters. You should be given respect in society and for the work you do." In that case, is Fashion the kind of film which should get the actors in it the kind of respect she aims for? "I really hope so. Fashion will change the thinking of the society and what they think about the fashion world. I don't have a crystal ball to see what the future holds, but yes I do know that the film will do very well", says Kangna in a positive tone. There has been long gap between her last film Life In A Metro and Fashion. Was a break like this planned? Replies Kangna, "It was not planned. Some times it just takes too long for a project to complete. Even Fashion for that matter took about 6- 7 months to complete. In fact I did a film in the middle called Roshan but it didn't come. It will now come out after Fashion".

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"I have no respect for hardcore Bollywood commercial film" - Kangna Ranaut

Kangna Ranaut is in an explosive mood. May be it has something to do with the 'explosive' cinema that she has been a part of ever since she made her debut with Gangster. From playing a gangster's love interest (which was straight out of headlines) in Gangster to re-enacting the trauma of Parveen Babi in Woh Lamhe and most recently expressing the dilemma of Senior Executive at a Call Center in Life In A Metro, Kangna has been busy making her own space outside a world which goes by the name of Bollywood.

While working in aforementioned films, didn't she feel like being a part of a hardcore Bollywood commercial film to at least stay in the reckoning during her relatively leaner period?

"Everybody asks me this. But I never felt like being a part of a hardcore Bollywood commercial film because I have no respect for such cinema", Kangna makes a shocking confession.

She continues, "It is like an immortal work of art. For me my movies are my heart-beat. I cannot do a stupid film in which people laugh while they are watching it. So I have to be very careful".

Seems like she detests such cinema? "Yes, because it hurts me emotionally and mentally when people make fun about the characters in the film. I don't like people making fun of movies and characters. You should be given respect in society and for the work you do."

In that case, is Fashion the kind of film which should get the actors in it the kind of respect she aims for? "I really hope so. Fashion will change the thinking of the society and what they think about the fashion world. I don't have a crystal ball to see what the future holds, but yes I do know that the film will do very well", says Kangna in a positive tone.

There has been long gap between her last film Life In A Metro and Fashion. Was a break like this planned? Replies Kangna, "It was not planned. Some times it just takes too long for a project to complete. Even Fashion for that matter took about 6- 7 months to complete. In fact I did a film in the middle called Roshan but it didn't come. It will now come out after Fashion".

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Katrina Kaif to perform at J.W. Marriott in Mumbai on New Years' eve

Katrina Kaif is surely riding high these days. After delivering hits like Namastey London, Welcome, Race and latest being Singh Is Kinng, Katrina has indeed moved to the A-league. Now the actress is cashing in on this very popularity of hers by agreeing to perform at a grand show in Mumbai on New Year's Eve.

Katrina would be performing at Mumbai's plush J.W. Marriott hotel on 31st Dec 08. The actress, needless to say has been paid a huge sum of money, for this performance. Noted designer Rocky S would be in charge of her costumes while Bosco-Caesar will be choreographing her act.

It may be recalled that last New Year's Eve saw Bipasha Basu performing at the same hotel while the year before that saw Mallika Sherawat move her body. This year however, all eyes will be on Katrina, as she brings in the New Year performing to some of her biggest hits. So all you die-hard Katrina Kaif fans, you know where to go this New Year's eve.
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Raaz 2 promo with Fashion - Scary and intriguing

Glamour meets thrill as the first theatrical promo of Raaz-The Mystery Continues will be showcased with upcoming movie Fashion on 29th October.

This writer had an exclusive dekko at the film's 90 seconds promo and the impact it has managed to create is truly stunning. Get ready to jump from your seat and engage in some shocking moments as the promo catches your attention in the first 10 seconds itself. Kangna Ranaut hanging on a wall with a haunting background score in play is good enough to set the mood in for this horror flick which is next in the series of Raaz.

While there are a couple of shots featuring Adhyayan that give a romantic angle to the tale, the promo remains true to the film's subject of mystery and intrigue as Emraan Hashmi's character finds himself engaged in an all around suspicious environment. What takes the cake though is a shot where Kangna suddenly jumps and sits up on her bed while giving out a loud cry. Scary, really scary!

What really stands out in the promo is that never once do the frames turn gory or ugly. Instead, the promo showcases the film to be a thrilling encounter with some spine chilling moments intact without resorting to 'let's scare you with ugly faces' look! Also, the promo focuses on Kangna's character, who plays the central protagonist with Emraan Hashmi following next as the star attraction.

Says Mukesh Bhatt about the importance of the promo, "We wanted it to convey the right mood of the film without resorting to being gory or too violent. Raaz - The Mystery Continues, as conveyed by the title, is centered on mystery and this is what remains to be it's true essence."

A supernatural thriller, the film is directed by Mohit Suri. This is Mohit's fifth film with the Bhatt Brothers. Incidentally, Kangna Ranaut plays a fashion model in Raaz-The Mystery Continues after Fashion.

Raaz-The Mystery Continues deals with issues of the "evil within" the human psyche and how it manifests itself. It is based on the myths and superstitions that are still widely existent in the contemporary Indian society. The film attempts to challenge one's beliefs about paranormal phenomena. It is about anticipation of fear and the fright residing within ones' self.

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Upen's African Diwali

For the first time in the last three years, Upen Patel will be able to spend time with his mom during the festival of lights. Upen's mom who lives in London, is presently in the city. He has booked her on a flight to South Africa (where he is going for a shoot) so they could celebrate Diwali together.

Patel says, "I haven't been able to share much time with my mom. In fact, even though she's in India more often than before, I have been very busy with work. However, we are spending Diwali together. Festivals are always family time and I didn't want her to be alone."

Upen is shooting for an ad in South Africa and arranged for Mrs Patel to join him, "She keeps complaining that I don't spend time with her. Now I have got her a ticket and we both will be travelling to Cape Town and then Johannesburg. It will also be an opportunity for me to finish my work and also be with her at the same time."

He adds, "Diwali is special for me, and this year I plan to look at the positive side of life. I am working very hard with the films I have and will be coming up with some good releases next year."
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Priyanka Chopra features on the 12th Anniversary Edition of Cosmopolitan

They always say that 'Diamonds are a girl's best friend'. But the shocking thing that we discovered is that there are times when even the best of diamonds loses its shine! Don't believe us? Then check out the latest edition of 'Cosmopolitan' that has got not just Priyanka Chopra adorning the cover.

Priyanka looks very elegant and beautiful in the green dress, so much so that shines brighter than the diamonds on the cover! No wonder then, she is aptly called the 'Sunshine' girl of Bollywood! Even though Priyanka does not speak more than what she has told in her zillion interviews so far, this issue does make a good read due to the way she has presented her answers!

Way to go, Priyanka. And Congratulations to 'Cosmopolitan' team as the mag completes 12 glorious years!

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Yuvvraaj - First Look

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The hottest gay couple of bollywood

Ok, who’s the hottest couple in Bollywood? Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif, right?

Wrong! After Karan Johar’s Dostana next month, it’s going to be Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham. The two hunks, according to the buzz from the film’s sets on Miami’s sunny beaches, share such a terrific chemistry... that audiences are going to wonder.

Check out this rumble-tumble they’re indulging in and decide, is there a vibe between them? For sure! John, of course, is the international gay’s fantasy. And Abhishek is fast getting there with his switchover from dark-and-brooding to naughty-and-mischievous. Apparently, John and Abhishek had no hesitation about putting their leading hero and straight images on hold for the time being and playing gay with conviction on screen. Union Health Minister Ambumani Ramadoss, who was all for changing the law that makes homosexuality a crime in India, will be delighted.

Karan, who’s always pushed the romantic genre and taken it to higher levels in cinema, admits that he’s experimented with the gay theme. “But not in an offensive way,” said the director, “this is not Brokeback Mountain, you understand, but it’s also not the same triangle with a train, plane or automobile climax and somebody rushing to stop someone from going away.

Our audiences are more ready than filmmakers for new formats and path-breaking films. Ten years ago, who would have thought A Wednesday would pack in multiplexes or a Taare Zameen Par would do multi-crore business?

They would be parallel cinema. Today they are mainstream.” Agreed. Times are a-changing and kuch kuch hota hai in Bollywood!
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Everyone's invited to Shah Rukh's party

It’s Shah Rukh Khan’s 17th wedding anniversary. And all his fans in the UAE are invited to the party. Arjun Rampal revealed that October 25, the day on which SRK’s Temptation Reloaded 2008 show is scheduled in Dubai, is the star’s wedding anniversary.

“It’s rare for him to get permission from wife Gauri to have a show on this day. So we are going to make it a memorable night,” said the actor.

Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Hard Kaur, Anusha Dandekar and Ganesh Hegde are among the stars slated to perform along with SRK and Arjun at the show to be held at the Dubai Festival City Arena.

SRK and Arjun spoke about the show at a press conference in Dubai held on Thursday at the Country Club Hotel, the main sponsor of the event.

It was the most badly organised press conference we have ever attended and we hope the show will be better organised. But despite the crowds of fans at the venue and SRK having to pass the single mike around to the organisers and sponsors who spoke before him, the actor kept his cool and was as witty and charming as ever. He answered questions about his films, endorsements, cricket and controversies.

“As you get older, occasions like anniversaries become moments to celebrate the love I share with my family. So I am happy that my family, friends and fans will be with me on that day. The show will be informal and you can see me be funny and make a fool of myself like I usually do with my family. These shows are not about displaying my talent. They are about getting in touch with my audience to say a personal thank you. It is our way of hosting a party for those who have given me a lot of love,” said SRK.

“It has been four years since I performed in the UAE and we want to give our best. Although Arjun and I are not good dancers, we have been rehearsing hard to match steps with Katrina and Kareena. We will dance and jump our hearts out and make sure that everyone has a great time and feels entertained,” he added.

Here’s our pick of five SRK quips of the day:

Between Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and Raj Thakeray, who would you like to invite for tea?
SRK: I don’t drink tea. I drink coffee or Pepsi. And invitations to our house are decided by my wife. But jokes apart all three are old friends and would make for interesting teatime conversation. And I can tell you that they all behave like gentlemen at teatime.

Are you a better actor or property developer?
That is for my audience and the people who buy the homes to decide.

Will the financial crisis affect your plans for SRK Boulevard?
My timing was perfect wasn’t it? But my partners tell me that people will still need houses.

After movies, cricket and property, which other field do you want to get into?
I would like to do something for the education of kids and women. I respect women and really want to do something for all the women of the Eastern world.

Will you join the Country Club?
I had a lower middle class upbringing and was not fortunate enough to go to clubs, so I am not used to the club culture. My wife is a member of all the clubs and I just go along.

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Crowd goes berserk, fan faints at Shah Rukh Khan press conference

Dubai: A girl fainted while waiting outside the hotel to catch a glimpse of Bollywood charmer Shah Rukh Khan and was rushed to hospital, while inside it was pandemonium at a press conference venue.

Fans shouted, “Shah Rukh we love you,” as sponsors of the show had invited hundreds of guests while some people with cameras posed as photographers to get closer to the star.

Shah Rukh is in Dubai for the Temptation Reloaded 2008 show at Dubai Festival City Arena on Saturday. The sponsors expect a huge crowd and will open the gates at 3 pm for the 9 pm show.

The press conference venue at the Country Club seemed very small for the number of guests invited and there were more fans than media persons. As the conference ended, teenagers ran behind the star seeking his autograph.

The Khan entourage at the show includes Bollywood beauties Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif and UK-based singer Hard Kaur dancing to their hit Bollywood numbers.

'I have reached a point in my life where I don't have to do live shows for money. It's not about the money anymore nor do I think it's a platform to showcase our talents. Such dance shows are my way of thanking my fans for their support and their love,' says Khan in his signature exuberant yet self-effacing style.

Unfortunately, his loyal fan-base on seeing their superhero at an arm's length got a bit carried away. Girls swooning and dozens pushing against the flimsy barricades to catch a glimpse of the actor was the order of the evening.

Asked if he regretted his decision of turning into a property developer in the UAE earlier this month considering the dismal economic climate, Khan said he was optimistic about the scenario.

'Yes, the timing was a bit off. But I am positive that it would turn all around. And honestly, the global recession has not touched us as yet. In my opinion, recession is not going to take people away from their homes or their decision to buy one,' says Khan.

The actor is now involved in a Dh8 billion (US$2.18bn) residential development on Dana Islands in Ras al Khaimah.

Meanwhile, the reticent actor Arjun Rampal, who has found success recently as a guitar-toting musician in the movie Rock On!, promised to kick up a storm in true head-banging style.

Khan was quick to pitch in that the extravaganza would be a testament to all the gruelling rehearsals.

'We have put in a lot of hardwork and though we may not look as good as Kareena or Katrina, you will not return home disappointed.'

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