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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