Preity is nominated for Best Actress with Susan Sarandon: Deepa Mehta

Under what name is your film releasing across the globe besides India? Across India, the film will be released with the name Videsh and in the rest of the world as Heaven On Earth. With a story so strong and its message out loud and clear, do you think a change in the name of a film really matters when it's speaking of a universal subject? I am not the distributor of the film, I am a filmmaker. If the distributor knows that the change in the name is helping the Indian audiences, I will listen to them because that's not my expertise. Jag Mundhra had shown some startling issues surrounding a Punjabi woman's plight in his film Provoked. Are we going to see your woman, Preity Zinta, going through the same torment in Videsh? I must say that Heaven on Earth or Videsh is very different from Provoked. It's like what Shakespeare said - There are three stories in the world and its how you tell them that makes one different from the other. Yes, this story is partly about domestic abuse, but for me, the film is about the power of imagination. When reality becomes so grim, how can you use your imagination to liberate yourself? That is what the film is about. The milieu is of course the isolation of the first generation working class immigrant, whether they are in the U.S, the U.K, Australia or in this case Canada because it's the first generation that suffers the most. Films are tagged as commercial, art house and world cinema. What tag fits the kind of films you make or have made over the years? This is so bizarre (laughs). I don't think I fit any of them. I just write and tell stories. Only when a film is very particular, that's the very minute it starts becoming universal. I hope my films are universal. Let's talk about your new find - Vansh Bhardwaj. Tell us a bit more about this talent. He is amazing. It's his first film. He was a lead in the play I saw, a play by Neelam Maan Singh Chowdhary. He did Girish Karnad's Naag Mandala. I was so blown away by the play that I used it in the film too with Girish's blessings. I think the theatre actors have a lot of depth and discipline. I asked Vansh if he wanted to be a part of my film and he readily agreed, and you put him with a star like Preity Zinta, nothing beats it. I must say, Preity was very generous to Vansh. The Best Actress at the Chicago Film Festival 2008 - Preity Zinta! Will she be able to surpass the best? (Laughs) I think it'll be really immodest if I said that this isn't her best performance to date and the other directors won't like me too much. But I think she is superb in the film and personally, it's a world class performance. Preity is also nominated under the Best Actress at the Genie Awards 2009 along with top international celebs, right? Yes, you're right. She is nominated for the Best Actress in a Leading Role along with Susan Sarandon. The awards are to take place next month in April. Do you agree that it rightly takes a director to suck out the best of the hidden talent from an actor in order for them to win an award on a global platform? And why can't other directors do the same? I think it's the work. It's not necessary that a director is very important. I can never forget Cher in the lovely movie Moonstruck. What a wonderful performance. Everybody was shocked that she could act like that. She also won an Academy Award for the Best Actress for Moonstruck and she went up on the stage and said, "I would like to thank my hair dresser". She didn't thank the director. It was a bit weird but what I'm trying to say is that, generally, good directors really take out wonderful performances. But for a film to do well, it isn't the director alone. It has to start from the script. What other films are you working on? I'm working on two films currently. One is a film called Exclusion with Akshay Kumar and the other is based on Sulman Rushdie's book called The Midnights Children. Any filmmaker likes commercial and critical acclaim. Are you content or hungry for more? The day I get content, I will stop making films. Contentment makes you lazy and gives you a false sense of security. If you want to make films, you need to be hungry for more. In your future projects, would you like to work with actors of your past films like Aamir, John, etc? I can't think of any right now. But I am really looking forward to be working with Akshay Kumar in my next film. I hope one day comes when I work with Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerjee. You're a Canadian citizen. Don't you get impressed with stories from the West as well? Yeah, some of them. I just feel that I can deal with the authenticity of India and the Indians far better. It's not that I haven't done anything in the West. I have. I think to get into the western mind sets is difficult for me, not impossible, but it's not entirely satisfactory. What is it that you're trying to say with Heaven On Earth? That you can't be simplistic about it. It's out dated now that the West has a lot to offer than India. So if anybody would be able to revisit the fact that perhaps, they should not be so ready to leave home. As the character says in the film - Sometimes it's better to live in Hell than in Heaven where there is more self dignity. How did you celebrate Holi? I've got a lot of purple colour on my face from which I can't get out. It's scary because I have to attend the Press conference for the film too. I had great fun with friends and we celebrated the festival of colours with a lot of rang. You've worked with the music director A.R. Rahman before. But how about working with the Oscar winner now? (Laughs) Yes, A.R did the music for Fire, Earth and Water. I'd love to work with the Oscar winner now, you're right (laughs). He definitely deserved an Oscar. But we should never ever forget that he has always been a brilliant music director and just because the West has recognised him doesn't mean that he is more recognised now Sum up your film Videsh in one word please. Videsh is a celebration of the imagination.

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Blue - Movie Preview

It takes a maverick director to propose the most expensive film in Bollywood ever and its takes a gutsy producer to agree. But to actually get the biggest cast together, combined with the finest international crew, a prodigy music composer, and an international music sensation ....Now that's either sheer madness or sheer genius! In case you are wondering what we are talking about its none other than one of 2009's biggest and most anticipated films Blue. We brings you some never before seen stills from Blue. So get set to dive deep into the ocean and start an adventurous expedition to uncover the treasures hidden under the sea. Blue has a starcast that would put any big multi-starrer to shame. Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar, Zayed Khan, Lara Dutta and Katrina Kaif form the principal cast who are out to find the deepest and darkest secrets hidden 250 feet below the ocean. The film has been directed by Anthony D'Souza who makes his debut with this flick and the producers are none other than Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd. (makers of hits such as Jab We Met & Golmaal Returns). The film has been shot at some of the most exotic locations such as the Bahamas and its India's first ever underwater film. Blue has music by double Oscar winner and pride of the nation A.R.Rahman. What's more, Australian pop sensation Kylie Minogue has been roped in to render two tracks for this high octane flick. You surely won't be able to get this music out of your head for a long, long time. Among the international crew, Pete Zuccarini (who has shot some of the biggest Hollywood blockbusters like Pirates of the Carribean, Deja vu etc.) is the man who has given a true international look to the film while action director James Bomalick (the man behind Indiana Jones series) is at the helm of coordinating the dare-devil action sequences. In addition, the crew also has George Peters, the Ultimate Arm Operator, who has added adrenaline to Hollywood hits like The Dark Knight, Polar Express, Superman Returns & Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Last but not the least, Resul Pookutty, Oscar winner who impressed one and all with his sound mixing in Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire is the man who will be exploring the unique sound of bubbles, lashing waves and the pure blue surf in this action adventure. With such an ensemble cast and crew, one can't wait to check out this magnum-opus.

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Daredevil Zinta's back in business!

“Sometimes in life, you have small mountains to climb and small fears to conquer,” states actress-cum-entrepreneur Preity Zinta. No, she didn’t

expound these words of wisdom at a philosophical meet; on the contrary, the bubbly Preity was talking about her first-time experience at bungee-jumping and sky-diving! The always-full-of-life actress was in New Zealand last week for the India-New Zealand cricket matches, and she’s come back super excited. No, not just because India won but because of the mind-blowing adventure sports she did there, courtesy, she says, New Zealand Tourism.

“This has been a complete action-packed, adrenaline-pumping trip,” says an excited Preity, as she talks of her sporting encounters in the adventure capital of the world. For not only did she take the gigantic leap from the 47 metre-high Waikato River Valley, but she also indulged in sky-diving and the heart-pounding Huka Jet Boat ride. “I have always wanted to do bungee-jumping, but somehow never got the chance before. So it was literally a dream come true for me,” says Preity. Her only thoughts as she was being strapped on, she says, were of all the Indian Gods! “There are certain moments in your life when you think of your whole life in two seconds... this was one of those moments. My heart was pumping so fast with excitement, and then suddenly I went blank. I had no thoughts. I just knew I had to jump!”

Although the daredevil Preity isn’t scared of heights, she admits she is, er was, scared of water. But after taking the Jet Boat ride, that too is a thing of the past. “After doing the bungee-jump, the Jet Boat was a piece of cake,” she laughs. Ask her to sum up her free fall experience and she tells us that “it’s an inexplicable high. Bungee-jumping goes well with my theory on life, that when you’re down, the only place you can go is up!”

What also made the entire experience more special was the place — besides the fact that both the bungee-jump and the Jet Boat were invented in New Zealand, Preity shares a special connection with the country. “My first major commercial hit, Soldier, was shot there as well as many of my other hits. Besides, it’s a lovely country with amazing scenic beauty.” So she would do it all again, huh? “Absolutely! I’d do it anytime I get the opportunity!” says the self-proclaimed adventure junkie.

Veer towards cricket and the upcoming IPL and Preity beams again. “But before the IPL, I’ve got Deepa Mehta’s Videsh – Heaven on Earth releasing. And I’m shooting for other films too. People say Preity Zinta’s gone, but I’m back in business!” she signs off, the excitement still ringing through her voice.

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Now, Kangana to play Madhubala

Once Upon a Time in Mumbai could possibly be Kangana Ranaut’s magnum opus as she is slated to star as the veteran actress Madhubala who was also

Haji Mastan’s love interest. The film deals with the real story of the underworld don of the 1960’s, Haji Mastan.

Once Upon a Time in Mumbai will be produced by Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji films and directed by Milan Luthria. Before zeroing in on Kangana, Luthria had also considered Katrina Kaif and Priyanka Chopra for the role. Our source said, “Kangana’s selection is a good thing as although Ajay Devgan and Emraan Hashmi were on board, the producers couldn’t shoot for a long time because Luthria was unable to select an actress. Only recently did Luthria and Ekta settle on Kangana.” Now, with cast in place, the film is scheduled to go on floors in April and will be shot across Mumbai.

Although Bollywood has made films on Haji Mastan before, like Deewar, this film will concentrate on the romantic angle between Haji Mastan and Madhubala. Ajay Devgan will play Haji Mastan and Emraan Hashmi will play the young Dawood.

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The Curious Case of Bipasha Basu

Age is just a number, alright.

More for our celestial beauties. Who cares about lines and creases, lovelies... Botox hai na? Lol! But we tell ya...the Bollywood women are only getting sexier with age. And hear this one....the hottest of ‘em all, yeah Bipasha Base, of course, wants to regress in numbers. Recently while talking to ZoOm she expressed that she had no qualms about arriving at the cool number 30.

She proudly added, “I look my age, perfect. I had said that after I reach this age, I’ll start going backwards. Now that I am here, you can guess, what I will do. It’s time to go back now. Ha, ha, ha.” Regression, huh? “No, not now. From next year onwards, I will regress 100 per cent. By 2010 I’ll have a different age.” Aha! Maybe our lovely Bips is too inspired by Brad Pitt’s The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. We don’t blame her, but we’re curious to know if she wants to go to Hollywood, too. Out there the age really doesn’t matter, Bips. And if you ask us... we don’t want baby Bips, we just want the babe!

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Something about Ash’s Sita avatar

The ideal Bollywood bahu Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has always been praised for her heavenly beauty.

And now, to have her play Sita in Mani Ratnam’s modern version of Ramayana is hardly ironic! Mani sir, as he is hailed on the sets, is too secretive about his projects. And, while most things have been kept under wraps, we have managed to stumble on some interesting piece of news. First, Ash will be seen in a de-glam avatar in some portions of the film — sans makeup and all. And the second, her clothes are being designed by Sabyasachi Mukherjee. Let’s hope this is no myth!

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'I don't consider anyone my competition'

Former Miss India Neha Dhupia, who has as many as five films lined up this year, says that winning a beauty pageant is no guarantee for striking gold in Bollywood and that it's only hard work that finally counts.

"It's not easy to create a place for yourself in Bollywood even if you have a pageant behind you.

No one in the industry was laying out special carpets for me because I had won the Miss India contest.

You have to work hard if you want to prove something. It's taken me a long time to carve a niche for myself, but I'm glad that finally I have done it," Neha said on phone from Goa.

Neha’s releases for 2009 include Paying Guest with Mukta Arts, Pappu Can't Dance Saala and Raat Gayi Baat Gayi by actor-director Saurabh Shukla, Raftaar co-starring Emraan Hashmi and Priyadarshan's De Dhana Dan.

In Pappu Can't Dance Saala, her first release this year, Neha is acting along with funny man Vinay Pathak.

"In this comedy I'm doing with Vinay Pathak, I play the role of a Maharashtrian back-up dancer.

It was something very different for me because I'm not a Maharashtrian.

I had to learn the mannerisms of the character, who is a complete brat and a bully, but Saurabh (Shukla) helped me a lot," she explained.

Neha maintains that she has become more careful while choosing projects as she doesn't want to get typecast in a certain role.

"I'm holding myself back now and doing only interesting projects."

After winning the Miss India crown in 2002, Neha stepped into Bollywood in 2003 with Qayamat: City Under Threat, which starred Ajay Devgan.

She got noticed when she acted in Julie in 2004.

She went on to do films like Kyaa Kool Hai Hum and Shootout At Lokhandwala and tried to break her glam image with Chup Chup Ke, Mithya, Maharathi and Dasvidaniya.

"I feel in our industry you get typecast instantly.

When I started off I was offered other roles as well, but I chose the ones I did and got stuck with one image, which was hard to break.

That was a mistake and I've learnt from that. There was no guiding force for me when I entered Bollywood," Neha said.

Like many others in Bollywood, Neha too admits she would love to work with Shah Rukh Khan and Mani Ratnam, but adds that she doesn't consider anyone her competition in the industry.

"I don't consider anyone my competition.

Everyone is great and so talented. Why compete? I would rather be a collective part of the industry," the actress said

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Priyanka Chopra's two-in-one mantra – shoot and meet family

Actress Priyanka Chopra, who recently shot for Ashutosh Gowariker's What's Your Raashee, said she did more masti than work on the sets of the film in Chicago as many of her family living in the US came to meet her and hang out with her.

"It was more masti than work. We chose this time to shoot in Chicago because the script needed snow. And we got it in plenty.

I love the snow. And since I've a lot of family in America I called them over to Chicago. It was more fun than work really."

"I love going to America. I've my family there. Earlier during Dostana in Philadelphia I had a ball.

Now in Chicago many people, including my naani, my aunts and cousins would be on the sets to visit me. And luckily there was very little work for me. It was Harman's character which is from Chicago."

Priyanka was glad to have this chance to unwind.

"I let Harman do all the slogging... but What's Your Raashee is a very taxing film for me. This kind of role has never been done. For the first time in my career I plan to take a two-week holiday after a movie."

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Salman Khan’s Veer in trouble again

An FIR has been lodged against the Veer crew for cutting down trees in Bikaner without permission. To add to their woes, the trees belong to the Khejri species which is the state tree of Rajasthan and is worshiped by the Bishnoi tribe.

The Gajner Police station in Bikaner confirmed the FIR and said, "Yes, there is an FIR lodged under section 41 and 42 of the Rajasthan Forest Act under which transporting Khejri tree is an offence."

On the other hand Vijay Galani, producer of the film, denied any wrong doing. He said, "At the moment I am near Jodhpur and I am shooting for my film Veer. To my knowledge, neither have we cut down any tress illegally nor is there any FIR lodged anywhere in the state. People are saying all these things without any basis. Till now, we haven't received any communication from any police station about the FIR or any complain against the film crew."

Just a few days ago, Veer was mired in controversy when the Rajasthan High Court stayed the shooting in Amber Fort because of an accident which injured around 15 people. Later, the court allowed the shooting on the condition that the producer will pay a compensation of Rs20 lakhs to the state government for the damage to the historic structure and as compensation to the onlookers injured.

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DDLJ crosses the 700-week mark, creates new record

Fourteen years after it was first released "Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge" continued its successful run at the box office crossing the 700-week mark. The Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol starrer, which had previously broken the record of "Sholay", to become the longest running film in 2007, has been playing continuously for 700 weeks at Mumbai's Maratha Mandir theatre, creating a record of its own.

The film, directed by Aditya Chopra, starred Shah Rukh and Kajol in a story that featured Indians living outside the country for the first time in a mainstream Bollywood film.

The film a romantic drama, included typical Bollywood elements, but owed its stupendous success to the fresh twist it brought to the boy-meets-girl story. Filmed in London and Punjab, the film is considered one of the best romantic films of Bollywood.

The music of the film composed by Jatin Lalit topped every charts and the movie won 10 Filmfare awards, including best actor and best actress for Shah Rukh and Kajol.
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Ranbir - Konkona starrer Wake Up Sid to release on Oct 2

Karan Johar's Dharma Productions and UTV Motion Pictures today announced that they are all set to release its film Wake Up Sid on Oct 2, 2009. Wake Up Sid is produced by Karan Johar and distributed worldwide by UTV Motion Pictures.

The film is being directed by debutant Ayaan Mukerji and stars Ranbir Kapoor and Konkona Sen Sharma. The music of the film has been composed by the celebrated trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.

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What's happening in Bollywood

Check out Jackky and Vaishali at the music launch of Kal Kissne Dekha, Eesha Koppikhar without make up and how being Bebo's BFF has helped Amrita Arora professionally.

Launched
Vaishali Desai, Zayed Khan, Vashu and Jackky Bhagnani, Abbas Mustan and Sameer launched the music of Kal Kissne Dekha last evening.


Future Stars?
Jackky Bhagnani keeps it simple in black and denims. Vaishali has a pretty face and hot body but the hot pink is a tad too much to handle. Both of them will evolve, hopefully.


Jail-ers
Neil Nitin Mukesh, Mugdha Godse and Madhur Bhandarkar at the mahurat shot of Jail, held yesterday in Bandra, suburban Mumbai.


Desi for Videsh
Preity Zinta looks pretty in a black kurta with denims and blue sandals at the launch of Videsh: Heaven on Earth.


Secret Notes
Director Deepa Mehta exchanges notes with cinematographer Giles Nuttgens. All of them, from Preity to Deepa to Giles and Ravi Chopra, were exchanging notes during the press conference.


Kaun Hai Woh?
Can you recognize Sushma Reddy and Eesha Koppikhar (with beau Timmy Narang) without make up? Looking at her hands, Sushma sure had a blast on Holi. Eesha, on the other hand, looks fat in her all-velvet track suit which isn’t nice at all.


Cover Up
Sangeeta Bijlani looks lovely for her age but she should avoid wearing knee length dresses because her legs aren’t the slimmest!


Useful Friend
Being Bebo’s best friend has really helped Amrita Arora. Bebo helped her bag supporting roles in Golmaal Returns and Kambakkht Ishq, lose weight with the help of her Yoga trainer Payal Gidwani and becaus of her friendship with Bebo, her wedding was made a big deal of. Now she is seen in an Airtel commercial alongside Kareena, Saif and A R Rahman. We wonder what Amu’s achievements are that she deserves to be on the same platform as Rahman, Saif and Kareena.

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Leave me alone: AR Rahman

Post-Oscars it's not been an easy time for A R Rahman.

He returned home to a kind of hysterical fanfare that exhausted and alarmed him. Rahman has been beleaguered by a blitzkrieg of attention. He is finding it tough to cope with all the adulation. Suffering from serious fatigue the maestro has decided to go completely underground for a while.

After cancelling his work-related trip to London, Rahman has now disappeared from his home in Chennai to destinations unknown. Presumably he has surfaced in Bengaluru . But none of his close family and friends are telling his fans, admirers and the media about his whereabouts. A close friend, on condition of anonymity, spilled the beans. “All the international and national attention finally got to Rahman. He is essentially a very very shy artiste. All he cares about is God and his music, in that order. He doesn't talk about anything else. Going on stage and being the cynosure of thousands of eyes is death for him. He went into hiding with only his God and music for company.”

Inaccessible at the moment to all but his closest family members, Rahman reluctantly replied to persistent queries about his health. He said, “I am just recovering from all the exhaustion.”

The question is, how will this media-shy genius cope with all the demands on his time and attention that are bound to be

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The other side of the gate: John

Be it Om Shanti Om, or the recent Luck By Chance, the lives of those involved in Bollywood continue to fascinate the audience.

But more than the audience, it’s the bunch of people living outside the studio gates that gets to see the real Bollywood. And John Abraham is one actor who the bunch will definitely get to see. For John plays himself in UTV’s Film City. The film, to be directed by UTV biggie Deven Khote, will see a host of newcomers too.

Says Deven, “Film City is about the lives of those people who stay outside the film studios and how their lives are influenced by people from inside the industry. It will be a fun film; one of the protagonists plays a spot boy while the other plays a camera assistant. Film City is my experiences in the film industry for the last two decades.”

Won’t this be similar to Luck by Chance, we ask Deven. He is quick to say, “See, John does play himself, but we have deliberately refrained from roping in other actors, like in Luck by Chance. We didn’t see the need to do that, and so, we have fresh faces in Film City.”

Says John, “I think Film City’s a small film with big emotions. Only ideas work today.”

Reveals our source, “Deven was earlier planning a film titled Dhin Chak with Salman Khan, but the film never got made because Salman insisted on changes. It was then that Deven moved on to Film City and roped in John.”

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Knight rider: Neil Nitin Mukesh

Neil Nitin Mukesh and Mugdha Godse were in for an unpleasant experience on the first day when they were shooting for Madhur Bhandarkar's Jail.

Yesterday, Neil and Mugdha were harassed and chased by a group of youngsters while they were shooting for an intimate scene at Bandra East. Consequently, the shooting was stalled for nearly one-and-half hour.

An eyewitness said, “Mugdha and Neil were shooting an intimate scene while sitting in a stationary car. Since it was a long shot, Madhur and other unit members were standing quite far away from the car in which Neil and Mugdha were sitting. For the scene, Mugdha had put her head on Neil's chest. When the youngsters saw this, they surrounded the car and started whistling and singing songs of Fashion. Mugdha was petrified.”

Before Madhur Bhandarkar's crew could rescue Neil and Mugdha, Neil had to take immediate action. “Neil drove away when he saw the youngsters coming too close to the car,” the witness added.

To get things under control, Neil drove away all the way from the shooting site at Bandra East to Bandra Reclamation to ward-off any unpleasant incident.

After they managed to get rid of the pesky youngsters, Neil and Mugdha returned to the shooting site. Both of them were a quite shaken up after the incident and Madhur too thought it was prudent to wait for some time before resuming the shoot.

Madhur Bhandarkar confirmed the news and said, “We had a tough time. It was quite unexpected. But everything is okay now. Hopefully, we'll have a peaceful day tomorrow.”

Mugdha put up a brave front and said, “I didn't get scared. It was funny. In Fashion, I hadn't shot on the roads of Mumbai. I didn't know I'll have such an experience on the first day of shooting for Jail. Anyway, all's well that ends well.”

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Want to LOOK like Shilpa Shetty

After investing in the IPL, Shilpa Shetty’s next business venture is the Iosis Medispa for which she has collaborated with Kiran Bawa. The actress with the best body in Bollywood tells us why she wanted to start a chain of spas, how she unwinds and what makes her spa different from the rest.

Why did you start a chain of spas?
Spa stands for ‘Salva Pour Aqua’ which means healing through aqua. The reason we wanted to start a medispa because our aim is Wellness India. Today, we lead such stressed, fast-paced lives that we have no time for ourselves. There is nothing to be apologetic about if you want to feel and look beautiful - it is your right. You need the right advice. There are so many girls out there who need help. They need the right approach to cure their ailments from within. They need to focus on health and fitness. Beyond the business aspect, I really think it is important to take care of yourself and unwind no matter who you are and what you do. This is one opportunity I have opened for people as this is the way I unwind after a long day’s shoot. Iosis is my catharsis.

Why did you decide to partner with Kiran Bawa and Iosis?
I couldn’t have asked for a better person to partner with. Kiran and I have known each other for 17 years as we are family friends. She comes from a hospitality background and is trained abroad. I just went to a Chembur salon for a beautician course. We share the same passions. We come from a sound financial background. We are not doing this for money, even though today success is measured by the money you make. I need someone to look into nitty-gritties and she is the perfect person to do that. We both are 50 percent partners in the venture.

What makes your spa different from the other spas?
What makes our spa different from the other spas is that it is a medispa. It is not just about slimming and getting a facial. If you have a problem, like a shoulder ache, we will give you a massage and some therapy to go with it to solve your ailment. It is a long term process. We have trained doctors, cosmetologists, dieticians, nutritionists, dermatologists, Reiki specialists and other rejuvenation therapists to guide you to wellbeing. There are acne, laser and pigmentation treatments. There is Yoga and Power Pilates and a hydro-therapy room, all under one roof. That is the way I have wanted it as a customer, because I don’t want to run around. We have done extensive R&D to make our spa different. I can’t talk enough; you need to see it for yourself. Also, our spa is aimed at the younger generation because they are impatient and want to see results fast. Even the older generation is more than welcome to experience our services.

Do you have any membership packages?
Here people can enroll for a yearly membership program. Most spas or salons don’t have such packages. And our spa is not only for the uber-rich class. The middle-class feels spa is a luxury indulgence. We want to break that misconception. A basic clean-up facial starts at Rs.300 while a gold-caviar facial costs Rs.3000. So there is quite a range to cater to the taste of our clientele.

Do you have a special Shilpa Shetty package?
We do. Kiran tells me she got a lot of people who said they wanted to look like me and wanted a hair blow-dry like mine. So my favourite caviar facial and body massage and all my tips have been combined in a package called Shilpa Shetty’s Signature Treatment. One thing is there, you won’t walk out looking like me but they can surely get a blow dry like mine. On a lucky day, you might see me there.

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Anil Kapoor to star in super-hit thriller 24!

Riding high on the success of Slumdog Millionaire’s stupendous run at the awards, Anil Kapoor is now all set to play a key role in the popular American TV show, 24 – if all goes according to plan.

Sources report that he was approached a few days after the Oscar awards night.

“The new season of 24 begins in May and Anil will be part of that season,” the source continues.

Anil’s camp, however, chose to play safe and a close friend of his told an Indian newspaper, “The modalities are being worked out. Anil is very kicked about this offer.”

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Kangana to play a top don's girlfriend

Kangana Ranaut is all set to reprise her role as a gangster’s moll in Once Upon a Time in Mumbai.

She is slated to star as the veteran actress Madhubala who was reportedly also Haji Mastan’s love interest.

Based on the life history of the underworld don of the 1960s, Haji Mastan, the film is being produced by Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Films and directed by Milan Luthria.

Strangely enough, Kangana was the third choice for the film. The filmmakers had initially considered Katrina Kaif and Priyanka Chopra for the role.

Ajay Devgan is also on board and will portray Haji Mastan, while Emraan Hashmi will play the young Dawood.

While there have been films in the past that have focused on Haji Mastan, like Deewar, this film will be the first to concentrate on the romantic angle between Haji Mastan and Madhubala.

Kangana had earlier played a gangster’s moll in Gangster. In that film too, Emraan Hashmi was one of her co-stars.

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Akshay Kumar film not finding distributors

Thanks to the credit crunch, Akshay Kumar starrer 8 X 10 Tasveer is not finding a buyer.

Producers Percept Picture Company are now having to release the film themselves.

In fact, due to the producers-distributors battle with exhibitors over revenue-sharing, the Producers’ Guild had decided not to release any new movies from April 3rd but have relaxed their stand as regards 8 x 10 Tasveer.

This concession has been made as the guild realised that the film has already been delayed and that, combined with the strike and upcoming IPL matches, could result in an unfair delay of the film that could spell doom for it at the box office.

Does this have something to do with the credit crunch or with the fact that Akki’s last flick tanked big time at the box office?

Another Percept film affected by the crunch is Madhur Bhandarkar’s Jail.

There were rumours that Madhur was all set to leave Percept for UTV but that is not the case. In fact, Madhur and his actors Neil Nitin Mukesh, Mugdha Godse and Manoj Bajpai have even agreed to take a pay cut as a result of the film’s budget being reduced.

Madhur said, “I am co-producing Jail with Percept Picture Company. Keeping in mind the recession, we mutually decided to cut the budget.”

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"I like being a Pinup boy" - John Abraham

John Abraham says the best thing to happen to him in 2008 was his brother's marriage. And the most unusual happening in his life in 2009 could be his first stage performance, thanks to the success of his 'Desi Girl' number in Dostana.

"My brother's marriage in Romania was beautiful. Standing there at his wedding as his best man as he took the vows with his wife in a beautiful old church I felt so content. I was never happier. And I liked being the best man. Because I'm the best. People ask me where I'm going from here. And I tell them, I'm only going to get better."

2008 was a decisive year for John. He learnt to be funny. "For the first time I was really funny, far more so than my previous comedy Garam Masala. I'd say there was a 500 percent jump between Dostana and Garam Masala. I was completely clueless about comic timing in Garam Masala. I knew I needed to do let myself go to do comedy convincingly. In real life, I'm very funny. I needed to put some of that across on screen. Why do I have to be so serious on screen all the time? I decided to get seriously funny in Dostana."

John still remembers the moment when he discovered he could be funny. "I was doing a scene when everyone clapped. That was the first time I realized I was really funny on screen. Now when I go to events people start giggling the minute I enter. That's the best gift I've received in 2008. The gift to make people laugh. It's just so beautiful. The other day I was at my doctor's. The assistant kept looking at me and giggling so much that she had to leave the room. That really tickled me pink. I found that really cute."

There's no marriage yet with Bipasha. "And neither are we willing to speak that openly about our relationship," says John. "No more PDA…public display of affection. We've reached a stage in our relationship where we don't need to flaunt our relationship nor talk about it with others or with each other. We're gone beyond that."

And what about his other successful jodi with Abhishek Bachchan? John grins, "Our marriage depends on Ash and Bipasha. Jokes apart, Abhishek and I are not at all insecure about one another's camera presence. I'd love to team up with him again for Dostana Returns. Everyone feels our jodi shouldn't end. People haven't seen male bonding like ours in years." John is happy being Bollywood's no.1 Pinup boy. "I wasn't seen as cheesy. I like being a Pinup boy. God has given me the opportunity to be there. I should respect that. I owe my physique to my parents' wonderful genes."

John says the secret to his 'sexy' tag is his comfort level. "I'm myself wherever I go, whatever I wear. A lot of us have a benchmark for how well-toned we must be. I had a very high benchmark. I'm a leader, not a follower. Not that I am always seeing sunshine up my backside. But I'm very individualistic."

John realizes being an example for the young is a huge social responsibility. "Karan Johar explained what he wanted from me in Dostana. He said I needed a beach body. I didn't need to look like a body builder. I think my physique is achievable. I follow a strict diet. I eat very carefully. But when I go out, I don't create a scene if the food is not cooked in olive oil. I do have normal food. And I binge on special occasions like Christmas and birthdays."

Going to the gym is a must. "It is a part of my daily routine. I work really hard at the gym. I understand my body very well. I know what to do with it to make it respond. I follow a strict gym regimen and a diet. But I believe I'm not just a body."

Regarding the risk of his followers taking short cuts to get John Abraham's body, the stars says, "The use of unnatural substances is just not done to get a body. It leads to hair loss, high blood pressure, mood swings, loss of libido and enlarged glands. Stay away from short cuts."

As a brand ambassador, John has his hands full. "I've a whole array of brands that have stayed with me through thick and thin. I love my association with them and they believe in me regardless of my success quotient. I believe an actor has to be exclusive in his acting assignments, events attended and endorsements."

One thing John still won't do is perform on stage. "I've a strong resistance to stage performances. Forget about dancing at weddings birthdays and functions, I don't even want to go on stage. But now that I've such great songs to perform to it might change. If I could dance the way I did in 'Desi Girl' I think I'm ready for the stage."

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Karan Johar joins hands with UTV

Surprising many within the industry, director Karan Johar has decided to go ahead with the distribution of his next two movies with UTV Motion Pictures. This deal will give Ronnie Screwvala and his company exclusive worldwide distribution rights for Karan's next two productions.

WHY this has surprised many is because till date Karan has either distributed films himself or gone with Yash Raj Films for the distribution of his films. But this deal with UTV gives the latter theatrical, home video, overseas and satellite distribution rights.

And while the two films - Wake Up Sid and Rensil D’silva’s untitled film – have been handed to UTV for release, interestingly Karan’s own directorial venture My Name is Khan still remains with Johar and Dharma Productions.

Speaking about the deal, Karan says that the deal is a natural choice for him. His (Ronnie Screwvala) passion and sensibility towards understanding a cinema is exceptional and I’m looking forward to working with UTV Motion Pictures,” says Karan, “I’ve known and been in touch with Ronnie for a long time now and I am glad that finally we are getting a chance to work together.”

Wake Up Sid is directed by Ayaan Mukerji and stars Ranbir Kapoor and Konkona Sen Sharma. Rensil D’silva’s film stars Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Vivek Oberoi.

UTV on the other hand is in desperate need of a hit film. While their small budget independent films under their Spotboy Entertainment banner have done reasonably well, barring Madhur Bhandarkar’s Fashion – which they co-produced – UTV has found it tough to make money at the box office. And therefore it makes business sense for Ronnie to sign up with someone like Karan Johar who is known to rake in the big bucks internationally as well.

“Karan has a brilliant slate of films to his credit. He brings a tremendous entertainment quotient to his films coupled with immense understanding of the pulse of the audience. His films are the most awaited amongst audiences across the country. We are thrilled to start what we hope is the beginning of a long relationship with Dharma Productions,” said UTV CEO Ronnie Screwvala on the deal.

Industry insiders are also saying that things are not very good between Yash Raj Films and Shah Rukh Khan. And it is this crack in the infamous SRK-YRF friendship along with rising budgets of Karan’s films that has resulted in Karan walking in the other direction.
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What's happening in tinseltown

Sonam Kapoor graces yet another cover, Karan Johar’s new partnership with UTV and Adnan Sami bonds with his family.

White Beauty

Sonam Kapoor looks like a goddess on the latest cover of ELLE. Her gown swirls like a flower as her hair blows in the wind. Beautiful!

Family Time

Adnan Sami’s son Azaan came down from Lahore to meet his ailing grandfather in Mumbai. Adnan is seen here with his son and parents.

New Partnership

Dharma Productions’ films will now be distributed by UTV. Karan Johar, flaunting his trademark smirk is seen here with Ronnie Screwvala.

No Glamour Here

The music launch of Sikandar by Sudhir Mishra was a quiet affair as the star cast was not present.

Musical Collaboration

World renowned pianist Lang Lang who is also the brand ambassador for Audi is in India to collaborate with music maestro Zubin Mehta at a charity concert.

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Amrita’s Mexican honeymoon plans cancelled

Newlyweds Amrita and Shakeel Ladhak were to head to Mexico for their honeymoon on March 14.

But an all out war between the powerful Mexican drug cartels and the government has put paid to those plans.

Says Amrita’s friend, “Amu and Shakeel had planned a 15-day honeymoon.

They were to leave on March 14, go to New York and head to Mexico from there.

However, due to escalating drug violence in the last week, their plans stand cancelled.

Amrita has been to most European cities, so she wanted to either go to Mexico or Hawaii, places she's never been to before.”

The plans have now been adjusted so that the two will head for Hawaii from New York.

The original plans had included staying at a traditional Mexican ranch, horse riding, trekking and enjoying spicy Mexican cuisine.

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Sanjay Dutt ready to leave Mumbai!

Sanjay Dutt is taking politics very seriously.

He is temporarily planning to move from Mumbai to Lucknow.

He clearly knows that politics is a full time occupation and a house in Lucknow would make it easier for him to campaign for the elections.

He has, in fact, narrowed down on two properties in the centre of the city with full modern facilities. He’s now waiting for Manyata to agree.

Apparently, she wants to move into some purani haveli instead of a big house.

We know by now that lady Dutt’s decision will be final!

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No questions about Rani please, says Pamela Chopra

Pamela Chopra was recently invited to Hyderabad for a seminar. The organisers wanted her to interact with the panel. She agreed to do so but on one condition.

She told the panel clearly that they could not ask her a single question about Rani Mukherji, or even mention her name!

Is this the Chopra family’s way of saying Rani is out of their lives? We have to wait and see..

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Farhan grills Abhishek

Abhishek Bachchan will be on the hot seat on Oye! It’s Friday! The chat with Farhan Akhtar will feature stories about growing up, the stars they know, their families and, of course, some sizzling gossip.

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Salman Khan turns down a Sooraj Barjatya film

Salman Khan and Sooraj Barjatya together have created the now famous character of Prem in films like Maine Pyar Kiya and Hum Aapke Hain Kaun.

Sooraj’s last hit film Vivaah starred Shahid Kapur.
But this time round he approached Salman with the script for his next film – a sweet family drama in typical Rajshri style.

Salman sat through the story session, but felt that the lead of the film had to be someone younger and that he was not meant for the role.

However, Sooraj told him that he wanted Salman to do one of the support roles.

A source says, “Salman was not impressed with the role offered to him and said no straight off.

He also told Sooraj that come what may in his career, he would never do silly character roles. He feels that if he did so, he would be betraying his fans as they still want him to do the main leads.”

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Bebo moves into cricket!

She has been wanting to enter the IPL for long time, especially since Preity Zinta’s so much involved.

Now after Shilpa Shetty plunged into cricket taking over last year’s winning team, Kareena does not want to be left behind.

She wanted to buy a team last year itself, but beau Saif did not want to invest, preferring to put his money into production projects.

But now Kareena’s moving forward.

She has been arranging meetings with businessmen to buy a team of her choice. And this time she is not depending on Saif.

She is planning to invest her own money to buy the team and become an active member.

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Shahid uses the ‘F’ word

His role in Kaminey requires Shahid to say ‘f’ instead of ‘s’.

So Shahid took lessons to lisp and stammer from leading ENT surgeon Dr Prabodh Karnik, so that he could play the character convincingly.

Vishal Bhardwaj, director of Kaminey, wanted to leave no stone unturned to present reality.

So he took Shahid to Dr Karnik.

Shahid plays a double role in the film - Charlie lisps and Guddu stammers.

Vishal confirmed the news about meeting Dr Karnik and said that it was a good learning experience that would bring the film closer to reality.

Shahid said that after meeting Dr Karnik, he got a better understanding of speech impairments and this would definitely help him keep his character real.

Meanwhile, Shahid Kapur's Yamaha MT 01 bike was the focus of all attention at Yash Raj Studios.

The fan brigade consisted of Ranbir Kapoor, Imran Khan and Abhishek Bachchan. "An excited Abhishek Bachchan even called John to have a dekko at the bike.

John was shooting a promo for New York in the same building and rushed down to see it," said a witness.

John has always been a bike freak.

"John loved the mean machine and kept staring at it. The bike had become a hot topic of discussion among the boys.

The guys took turns to feel and sit on the bike.

John also rode it!”

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Vidya Balan goes Hot: Does intimate scenes

Vidya Balan has given some really intimate scenes in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Ishkiyan. All her hot scenes in the film are with Arshad Warsi. Vidya play’s a slightly grey character in the film who fools the uncle-nephew jodi of Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi. A unit source reveals, “She indeed has quiet a few hot love making sequences in the film but the scenes have been aesthetically shot. Vishal Bharadwaj is simply too glad with the way the actress has performed her act in the film without any inhibitions. But this is not the first time that the actress has done such scenes. She had been sensuous in her debut venture Parineeta earlier as well and in Heyy Babyy too with Akshay Kumar.” In Ishkiyan Vidya is playing a very complex character and will be seen speaking the U.P dialect which is very akin to Vishal Bharadwaj’s movies. She also has a very different look in the film. She will certainly take away accolades after the release reveal unit sources. Vidya’s career too seems to be on an all new high now. It has been heard that the actress has also been signed for Nikhil Advani's Chandbhai opposite Akshay Kumar. The film is a tough love story set in a juvenile detention facility. She will also be seen working with two legendary actors - Naseeruddin Shah in Ishqiyan and Amitabh Bachchan in Balki’s Pa and Sanjay Leela’s Chenab Gandhi.

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Ranbir refuses to make any commitment to Deepika

Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone have become fed up of all the public display of affection it seems. After a lot of buzz surrounding their affair, break up and patch up etc, the latest is that the young couple has decided that they are too young to get into any sort of commitments and they should concentrate in their flourishing careers instead. Deepika is undeterred by the poor response to ‘Chandni Chowk to China’ and is now busy with Saif Ali Khan’s home production and is working for his untitled film, directed by ‘Jab We Met’ director Imtiaz Ali. Ranbir is busy with Rajkumar Santoshi’s ‘Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahini’ opposite Katrina Kaif with whom he was reported to have been close to for a while. Both of them feel that it’s time for only work comes first and nothing else. Ranbir had recently said that he would choose a good film over their relationship and Deepika is now agreeing with him. She said that she would do the same and added, "I think we are both young and our careers are important to us, so what Ranbir said was absolutely right." Well, so we shouldn’t be caught by surprise if they suddenly announce their break up soon. After all, work is all that matters for them, right?

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Our marriage depends on Ash and Bipasha: John Abraham

John Abraham says the best thing to happen to him in 2008 was his brother's marriage. And the most unusual happening in his life in 2009 could be his first stage performance, thanks to the success of his Desi girl number in Dostana. "My brother's marriage in Romania was beautiful. Standing there at his wedding as his best man as he took the vows with his wife in a beautiful old church I felt so content. I was never happier. And I liked being the best man. Because I'm the best. People ask me where I'm going from here. And I tell them, I'm only going to get better." 2008 was a decisive year for John. He learnt to be funny. "For the first time I was really funny.Far more so than my previous comedy Garam Masala. I'd say there was a 500 percent jump between Dostana and Garam Masala. I was completely clueless about comic timing in Garam Masala. I knew I needed to do let myself go to do comedy convincingly. In real life I'm very funny. I needed to put some of that across on screen. Why do I have to be so serious on screen all the time? I decided to get seriously funny in Dostana." John still remembers the moment when he discovered he could be funny. " I was doing a scene when everyone clapped. That was the first time I realized I was really funny on screen. Now when I go to events people start giggling the minute I enter. That's the best gift I've received in 2008. The gift to make people laugh. It's just so beautiful. The other day I was at my doctor's. The assistant kept looking at me and giggling so much that she had to leave the room. That really tickled me pink.I found that really cute." There's no marriage yet with Bipasha. "And neither are we willing to speak that openly about our relationship, " says John. "No more PDA…public display of affection. We've reached a stage in our relationship where we don't need to flaunt our relationship nor talk about with others or with each other. We're gone beyond that." And what about his other successful jodi with Abhishek Bachchan? John grins, "Our marriage depends on Ash and Bipasha. Jokes apart, Abhishek and I are not at all insecure about one another's camera presence. I'd love to team up with him again for Dostana Returns. Everyone feels our jodi shouldn't end. People haven't seen male bonding like ours in years." John is happy being Bollywood's no.1 pinup boy. "I wasn't seen as cheesy. I like being a pinup boy. God has given me the opportunity be there. I should respect that.I owe my physique to my parents wonderful genes." John says the secret to his 'sexy' tag is his comfort level. "I'm myself wherever I go, whatever I wear. A lot of us have a benchmark for how well-toned we must have. I had a very high benchmark. I'm a leader, not a follower. Not that I am always seeing sunshine up my backside. But I'm very individualistic." John realizes being an example for the young is a huge social responsibility. " Karan Johar explained what he wanted from me in Dostana.He said I needed a beach body. I didn't need to look like a body builder. I think my physique is achievable. I follow a strict diet.I eat very carefully. But when I go out I don't create a scene if the food is not cooked in olive oil. I do have normal food. And I binge on special occasions like Christmas and birthdays." Going to the gym is a must. "It is a part of my daily routine. I work really hard at the gym. I understand my body very well. I know what to do with it to make it respond. I follow a strict gym regimen and a diet.But I believe I'm not just a body." Regarding the risk of his followers taking short cuts to get John Abraham's body the stars says, "The use of unnatural substances is just not done to get a body. It leads to hair loss, high blood pressure, mood swings, loss of libido and enlarged glands. Stay away from short cuts." As a brand ambassador John has his hands full. "I've a whole array of brands that have stayed with me through thick and thin. I love my association with them and they believe in me regardless of my success quotient. I believe an actor has to be exclusive in his acting assignments, events attended and endorsements." One thing John still won't do is perform on stage. "I've a strong resistance to stage performances. Forget about dancing at weddings birthdays and functions, I don't even want to go on stage. But now that I've such great songs to perform to it might change. If I could dance the way I did in Desi girl I think I'm ready for the stage."

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