Shocker: Deepal Shaw mistaken for a house maid

A Wednesday's heroine, Deepal Shaw was mistaken for a house maid. The item girl turned actress was left shocked by this incident.

A friend of Deepal's told us, "Deepal had gone visiting another friend's house and as she boarded the lift, two more ladies hopped in. Very casually dressed in a Salwar Kameez, Deepal was her normal self sans make up.

Both the ladies looked at her up and down and enquired with her whose house was she going to? When she told her friend's name, they immediately replied back, 'Oh so you are doing their house work.

We are short of a house maid too. Can you manage to do it for us? If not then do you know any of your friend who can do it? We shall pay good money.'

Hearing this Deepal could simply not react and giving a half smile she instantly hoped out as soon as her floor came."

The friend adds, "Deepal shared this incident with all of us her friends and was very embarrassed about it.

But she didn't feel angry about the two ladies and she told us that may be they were too much engrossed in themselves and their problems in hunting the right maid that they failed to recognize her."

On her career front, Deepal has managed to achieve a rare feat of becoming the first actress in Bollywood history to perform a triple role in a Bollywood film. The former item girl is enacting a triple role in Navneet Baj Saini's as yet untitled film. In the film she is starring opposite Irrfan Khan, Lucky Ali and Ranvir Shorey.

Deepal Shaw had debuted with Mohit Suri's Kalyug, featuring Emraan Hashmi and fellow-newcomer Kunal Khemu in a role of a cabaret dancer.

She has also a Hollywood film Karma, Confessions and Holi to her credit which also stars famous international model Naomi Campbell along with Sushmita Sen and Randeep Hooda and is produced by Robert De Niro's daughter, Drena.

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Poisonous Snake in Lara's Room, SRK faces Hell

Priyadarshan's dream town Pollachi where he shot some of his favourite films turned into a bit of a nightmare last week when heavy rains disrupted the shooting of Billo Barbar at a time when Shah Rukh Khan's dates were in the imminent danger of being wasted.

And if you think that was the end of Priyan's ordeal, here's more. One night an extremely poisonous snake entered Lara Dutta's room in Pollachi.

Recounts her co-star Irrfan Khan, "To her credit, Lara handled the situation very sensibly and bravely, probably because she didn't know how poisonous the snake was. If it had bitten her it would've been disastrous.

But then Lara is nothing if not spunky. I've realized that facing the camera with her was as challenging as co-starring with Tabu or Dimple Kapadia. Lara is the most underrated actress I've worked with."

More problems for Lara. Apparently her mom has taken ill very seriously.

Says Irrfan, "I could sense she was tense and dealing with a situation on the phone. But she never let it affect her work."

It wasn't just Lara who faced tough times in Pollachi. Shah Rukh and Irrfan Khan together with Lara Dutt faced hell and high water.

Priyadarshan just about managed to wrap up Shah Rukh's work before the mega-star had to leave to get back to Mumbai.

Says Irrfan, "Pollachi is one of the most peaceful spots in the world. Though prone to the monsoon vagaries that grip Kerala at this time of the year, never did we imagine that the weather could act so unpredictable."

Recounting their harrowing experience Irrfan says, "Suddenly during the last two days the weather acted up more than all of us who were facing the camera, ha ha. We were in a panic.

Because there was no way Shah Rukh could delay his departure. Priyan had to wrap up his work at any cost by Sunday. So we had no choice but to shoot through the rain. Which was harrowing. "

On the bright side SRK seems to have won himself even more friends.

Says Irrfan fondly, "Shah Rukh is as entertaining off camera as he's on screen. We all bonded big time. Now that he's no longer with us in Pollachi we find that spark is gone out of the unit. Seldom have I missed a co-star after shooting with him or her. Shah Rukh, I'm missing."

Irrfan has his family over in Pollachi. "I always take my wife and two sons to as many outdoors as possible, even if it means making my kids skip school. It's the only way we have of finding time together. In fact I'm out of Mumbai shooting till the end of the year. And I'll try to get them to come with me whenever possible."

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An interview with Farhan Akhtar

TWF, Bollywood Trade News Network
There are a very few things that Farhan Akhtar hasn't tasted success with. From making his directorial debut with landmark film like DIL CHAHTA HAI to a hit remake like DON, Farhan has come a long way. And now his fans are eagerly waiting to see him in a yet another avatar, as actor and singer in forthcoming release ROCK ON. The director-actor-singer speaks to our correspondent on his new roles.

So from a director you are now an actor and a singer...

(Ha...Ha)...It's nothing like that. I am doing this film because I liked the story and the role. That's why when director Abhishek Kapoor came to me, I did not hesitate much.

But we never knew that there was an actor and singer in you...

I was never averse to acting. I always liked acting, only that I never thought of giving it a serious try but I was always open to it. I was waiting for a right time because I don't think I could do so many things at a time. I started as a director and wanted to focus on my work.

But you are a brilliant singer too. Didn't you think of singing someday?

Oh...is it so? I was also interested a lot in music but again I never gave it a serious thought. It just happened but I really enjoyed the whole experience.

So do you plan to act and sing in the future?

Why not if I enjoy the script... I am in fact acting in my sister Zoya Akhtar's LUCK BY CHANCE. As of singing I haven't thought much. I am right now immersed in ROCK ON.

Okay then tell me how did ROCK ON happen?

Abhishek came up to me with the script, he wanted me to act. I too liked it and it just happened. But he was very clear from the beginning that whoever plays the lead vocalist has to sing. He knew me for a long time and he trapped me. (Laughs)

But you did justice to the songs?

I learnt playing the guitar and was a great rock fan but I should also credit Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy who showed faith in me. I have worked with them earlier IN DIL CHAHTA HAI LAKSHYA and DON so I know how talented they are. In fact it was Shankar who honed my singing skills and a lot of credit goes to him.

Won't you say that ROCK ON is another film that the audience is waiting for because rock music hasn't found that much of a place in Bollywood?

That's because Indians have heard international rock music and sound. But there are so many good musicians here who haven't been tried out. Had they been utilized we would have got rock music in Hindi films long before.

So, you will be the person to look out for once the film releases?

Come on don't say that. It is a film about four friends and the story doesn't move if one is missing out. It is a film of four people, Arjun Rampal, Luke Kenny, Purab and myself. But at the end of the day it's Abhishek's film. I must say he has done a brilliant job.

So what next after Rock On? Acting or back to direction?

In fact both because I am gearing up for my next directorial VOICE FROM THE SKY at the same time I will be acting in LUCK BY CHANCE. I take my job seriously so once I start these two things my focus will shift there completely.

And what's your next film all about?

I won't say much but what I can promise is something interesting...

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Drona - Music Review

Rating: **

Creating music for a film like Drona is always a tricky preposition. A conventional soundtrack isn't really what the film warrants while boundaries have to be set around how unconventional can the music actually go.

This is why one carefully looks at what composer Dhruv Ghanekar (who was a part of the composer duo Ashu-Dhruv) has to offer in Drona which is Abhishek's first solo release since Guru.

Surprisingly, unlike some huge expectations that one had from recent biggies like Singh Is Kinng, Bachna Ae Haseeno and Karzzzz, Drona (which has lyrics by Vaibhav Modi) is relatively low key in nature.

One can't exclaim 'I have been waiting with a bated breath' for the music of Drona which has just hit the stands. And this is what turns Drona into a fairly okay score which is certainly not exceptional but not a bad hear either.

The anthem track 'Drona' (sung by Dhruv himself) opens up proceedings and it has the kind of sound which just fits in well with the theme of the movie.

A number with a Western base to it, it does have an advertisement jingle feel to it but one doesn't quite mind it due to the comic book spirit of the movie. Narrating the background of 'Drona' and how he would be acting as a savior for the rest of the world, 'Drona' is a kind of number which appears at numerous junctures in the film.

Sunidhi Chauhan version of the same song comes at the album's end and carries a funky feel to it, courtesy a full on club setting. In both the versions, 'Drona' stays on to be primarily situational though and doesn't even attempt taking a popular route.

The number which does aim at being popular though is 'Oop Cha' which has an interesting orchestra throughout its duration. Different instruments are brought together to give this item number an edgy sound.

The number by Sunidhi Chauhan and Nandini Shrikar is foot tapping, yes, but beyond the initial setting 'Oop Cha' doesn't quite turn out to be THE item number which Priyanka Chopra could carry for couple of years or so.

The culprit here are the lyrics that do touch upon the philosophy of 'living life every moment' but somewhere down the line, they fail to make an impact. 'Remix version' sounds good at high volume as well though how one wishes the lyrics could have made a little more impact!

'Bandagi' follows next and though it doesn't promise much in terms of popularity, it is easy on ears nevertheless.

While Roop Kumar Rathod is subdued as usual, Sunidhi Chauhan too keeps her pitch low for 'Bandagi' which comes across as a laidback love song to be heard with the lights switched off.

For those who are fond of 'ghazals' and soft music, 'Bandagi' is a decent offering though a wide spread reach of the number doesn't seem feasible.

A number which is seemingly picturised on Jaya Bachchan and the kid (who grows on to be Abhishek Bachchan), 'Nanhe Nanhe' is a lullaby that follows next.

Sadhna Sargam (with support from Nandini Shrikar) comes up with good rendition in this extremely slow moving number and at places does sound like Lata Mangeshkar from 'Ek Tu Hi Bharosa' (Pukar).

A situational track, this is yet another number which derives its value from it's placement in the film's narrative.

Finally arrives 'Khushi' which is experimental to say the least. With a jazz feel to it, 'Khushi' sees quite a few ups and downs during it's 4 minutes duration even as Suzzane D'mello, Francois Castellino, Dean and Sunaina Gupta give Shaan, the prime singer here, ample support.

A conversation song which seems to be picturised on Abhishek Bachchan having fun with his friends, 'Khushi' has a lot to look forward in the way it is picturised because audio wise it is not a number that one expects to be sung or played around.

As mentioned in the start, Drona takes an unconventional route for most part of the album and the only place where it does follow the popular trend ('Oop Cha'), the final result is 'theek-thaak'.

Goldie Behl, Dhruv and Vaibhav have their intentions right in making Drona look and sound different from the league; however while doing so the soundtrack turns out to be the kind which would has it's chances of making a better impression as a part of the narrative and able choreography/picturisation.

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Good girl Diya Mirza has gone Bad!!

Known for her Ms Goody Two-Shoes Image Diya is currently enjoying being bad in Hyderabad.

In Suparn Verma's Acid Factory she plays a girl locked up in a factory with four men with apparently no way out. She's being made to do the most impossible stunts. But Diya doesn't mind. Diya is the only woman in the entire script. "What I enjoy is being one of the boys. I'm doing everything that the boys are being made to do. And that includes all the stunts.

After playing dainty utterly feminine roles I'm enjoying being put on a harness dangling from ropes, jumping from heights, kicking and punching. In spite of my dainty image I've always been a tomboy. "

What Diya enjoys even more is being mean. "My character is bad through and through. No apologies. No justification. She just enjoys being bad.

I like bringing that dark side of me out on screen because there's way I can tap into it in real life. I like the surprise element in my role in Acid Factory. I remember seeing a film with Julia Roberts where she was a schoolteacher by day and quite naughty in the night."

Diya just finished shooting with the Big B in Shoojit Sircar's Shoebite. "Though we were co-stars in Shootout At Lokhandwala we didn't have any scenes together.

In Shoebite most of my vital scenes are with Mr Bachchan. And believe me it was like going to acting school. He taught me one thing I'll never forget.

'To be a good actor you've to be a good listener.' I'm going to follow that mantra, " says the quietly attentive Diya who admits she's an introvert.

"It was hard for me to come out and play the aggressive bad girl in Acid Factory or be part of the goofy comedy in Kunal Vijaykar's Fruit & Nut. I'm basically quiet and shy. I like to read and write."

Diya admits there's no man in her life. "Oh, the amount of men I'm linked with! Where's the time? Sometimes when I see my my friends with their soul mates I do wish I had someone to cuddle. But then I quickly move on to something else."

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Birthday Boy Akshay goes De Dana Dhan with Katrina

The Venus produced 'De Dana Dhan' will have Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif coming together for the fifth time.

This jodi has emerged as one of the most successful on screen jodis of all times in Bollywood what with their three back two back hits, 'Namastey London', 'Welcome' and 'Singh Is Kinng' having done record business at the box office world wide( though most of the above can only be called surprise hits!)

'De Dana Dhan ' is directed by Priyadarshan and it brings back the super hit team of Hera Pheri - Priyadarshan, Akshay Kumar, Suneil Shetty and Paresh Rawal after over 8 years.

It is a mad cap comedy to be shot almost completely in Singapore from November 2008 onwards. Industry insiders claim it was Akshay's suggestion to get Katrina opposite him in the film after reading the script.

Now one wonders what is going to be Salman's reaction to this! It is a known fact that Salman wasn't exactly happy on knowing that Katrina had signed 'Singh Is Kinng' without even telling him about it.

The Akshay - Katrina pair is being considered the hottest pair in Bollywood today with a great strike record with only a one flop, 'Hum Ko Deewana Kar Gaye' (2006) which incidentally was their first film together.

Today is Akki's b'day and we present a brief sketch of this new King's life and prediction for the year ahead:

Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia was born to a middle class Punjabi family in Amritsar. His father was a government worker. From a very young age, he was recognised as a performer, particularly as a dancer.

Kumar was raised in Delhi's Chandni Chowk neighbourhood before moving to Mumbai. In Mumbai, he lived in Koliwada, which was another Punjabi dominated area. He studied at Don Bosco School and then Khalsa College, where he took an interest in sports.

He studied martial arts in Bangkok and worked as a chef. He then came back to Mumbai, where he started teaching martial arts. One of his students happened to be a photographer and recommended him to do modelling. The student gave him a modelling assignment for a small company.

For his two hours posing in front of the camera, he got Rs. 5,000, compared to his previous salary of Rs. 4,000 in one month. That was one of the main reasons why he chose to be a model. After a couple of months of modelling, Kumar was finally offered a lead role by producer Pramod Chakravarthy for the movie Deedar.

During the 90s, Kumar was primarily described as the action hero of Bollywood, starring in hit action films such as Khiladi (1992), Mohra (1994) and Sabse Bada Khiladi (1995), and being particularly known for his "Khiladi Series".

However, he was simultaneously recognised for his performances in romantic films like Yeh Dillagi (1994) and Dhadkan (2000) as well as dramatic films such as Ek Rishtaa (2001), showing his versatility to perform a range of roles.

In 2002, he won his first Filmfare Award under the Best Villain category, for his performance in Ajnabee (2001). Willing to change his intransigent image, Kumar later ventured mostly into comedy films. His comic performances in films such as Hera Pheri (2000), Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), Garam Masala (2005) and Jaan-E-Mann (2006) met with critical acclaim.

His success further rose in 2007, when he starred in four consecutive commercial hits. Having done so, he has established himself as one of the prominent actors of the Hindi film industry.

The Year ahead:

His last few films, performances or both have clicked 'big time' with the audiences and 'success' seems to have 'married' him off late.

Noted astro numerologist Bhavikk Sangghvi predicts what's in store for the undisputed 'king of the box office' who will celebrate his birthday soon.

Born on 9th September 1967, Akshay is a Number 9 in numerology ruled by Number 9 ( Mars ), Number 5 ( Virgo – ruling planet Mercury ) and Number 5 again

( Mercury - 9 + 9 + 1 + 9 + 6 + 7 = 41 = 4 + 1 = 5 ).

" Akshay will be entering his 42nd year ( 4 + 2 = 6 ) which is amongst his best numbers and he will continue to rule hearts atleast till a year more ".

Bhavikk continues " His next release CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA will add one more feather ( read hit ) to his tally of successes. His 'jodi' with Deepika Padukone

( also a Number 5 – born on January 5 ) in the film will also be much appreciated ".

" On a personal front as well, Akshay will be seen taking timely breaks from his hectic schedules to accommodate his family responsibilities ".

" Even though he is a fitness freak, wearing a Red Coral will help him maintain high energy levels at all times" advices Bhavikk. In nutshell, this reigning supremo is here to stay…!

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Drona is not a super-hero film

Another director who's back after a sabbatical is Goldie Behl. There has been a substantial gap between his directorial debut BAS ITNA SA KHWAAB HAI and his second outing DRONA. "Two reasons, " Goldie spells out, "Nothing inspired me to start a film in the intervening period. Besides, I decided to dabble in television and establish my company."

He gets into an introspective mood. "I was completely disillusioned. I took failure to my heart. But with the passage of time, I realized that one should never take failure to heart or success to head, " the soft-spoken director states.

Goldie penned a couple of scripts in the intervening period. "And also made 3 / 4 films in my mind, " he laughs. DRONA was 'born' after a lot of thinking and brainstorming sessions.

Now this is important: A lot of people feel that DRONA is a super-hero film, on the lines of Batman and Superman. Is it? "It's not! It's a modern-day fantasy adventure. Let me clarify, we haven't copied the West or the East. It's an original concept, very Indian at heart, a desi film, but presented in a contemporary format, " he divulges.

Please continue. "I've grown up on popular Indian cinema and having grown up in a family environment, you'll see a lot of familial bonding in DRONA.

The bonding between Jaya Aunty (Jaya Bachchan) and Abhishek on screen is terrific, it's an extension of what they're in real life. In fact, Jaya Aunty is the trump card of my film, the real USP. And as a director, I must add that it's one of her finest works ever, " Goldie states with all humility.

Final words? "I am sure, DRONA would not only work with the Indian audiences, but also internationally, " he says. Amen!

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Dil Kabaddi - Movie Preview

Set in contemporary Mumbai, the movie takes a close look at the evolving equations among urban couples and paints the metamorphosis amongst the relationships with a comic stroke.

The film tracks the lives of two modern day married couples Samit (Irrfan Khan) and Mita (Soha Ali Khan); Rishi (Rahul Bose) and Simi (Konkona) caught in web of boredom, loss of love and temptation.

The film starts with an announcement by Samit and Mita Of their separation, and follows the moral muddles and emotional crises of the couples over the next year and a half - as friends fight, separate, take lovers and, in a way, reconcile

The film is irected by debutante Anil Sharma

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