I don't think I am a youth icon: Raghu Ram

He is known for his aggressive demeanour in the hit reality show "MTV Roadies", and for thousands of youngsters Raghu Ram is the ideal rough and tough man. But Raghu dismisses any talk of him being a youth icon. "I don't understand the whole youth icon thing. We (he and his brother Rajiv Lakshman) are workers. We work very hard 24X7," Raghu told. "Once in a while, we do get a hysterical reaction from people on the streets and all that takes us by surprise. People approach us if they recognise us at the airport and say a lot of intimate things about themselves. But I don't think I am a youth icon," he added. Raghu is the producer and brain behind the youth-centric adventure reality show. He came to prominence six years ago for conceptualising "Roadies" which has developed a cult following among youth. Raghu was in the capital recently with his brother Rajiv to talk about their association with portal MySpace India's campaign "India Fights Back". The brothers are trying to urge youngsters to vote actively during the Lok Sabha elections, through their exclusive blogs on the site. Raghu is confident about the power of youth in India. On more than one occasion, he has said the contestants on his show mirror the true image of youth in the country. But if the entire Indian youth is abusive, money-minded, manipulative - just like the Roadies contestants - how can one trust the generation to vote responsibly? "The show is not just about the kind of mind game you can play. It is also about inculcating the importance of performance. We have always told our contestants that performance would get you more respect than politics and they do appreciate these lessons. I think this generation is the only generation that can bring change," he asserted. Raghu, who also features in a music reality show "Sitaron Ko Choona Hai", says he wants the youth to become the biggest vote bank in the country. "We need young leadership and new ideas to progress. If youth feel that something needs to change in the country, I urge them to vote and remove the corrupt politicians," Raghu said in his trademark style. He said he was disturbed by the low voter turnout in Mumbai and added that citizens need to understand that if they want change, it can't happen if they choose to sit at home. "There are a lot of youngsters who have no respect for leaders and most of them don't feel that anything would happen even if they vote. But they should first try voting - sideline those who are doing nothing and are corrupt. If you don't know who the politicians are and what they have done, use the Internet to find out - there are ample sites giving such information. "And for those who just want to sit back and crib, please do not express your helplessness. If you want change, please act," said Raghu. "Reject the old and accept change - give democracy another chance."

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Not without my Mother: Soha Ali Khan

The glamour of tinsel town has always been irresistible for girls who want to make it big as heroines but with the reputation of casting couch existing in the industry most of the heroines are accompanied by their mothers on sets and while meeting producers. Despite the fact that shootings generally happen in a friendly atmosphere mothers are always particular that their daughters do not fall prey to unreasonable demands. On the occasion of Mother's Day falling on Sunday, let us take a look at a few mother daughter relationships in connection with Bollywood. During the yesteryears, actress's mothers would always accompany their star daughters. Nargis used to be often accompanied by her mother, Jaddanbai who was also Bollywood's first woman director. It can be recalled that Sharmila Tagore, then broke the myth and started coming to Mumbai all alone for her shoots would generally stay alone at the Taj in South Mumbai. Like her mother, daughter Soha is also quite independent. Soha is always on her own when she is shooting and also lives alone in Mumbai. "Yes I do take Amma's advice and bhaiya's (Saif Ali Khan) advice but when it comes to taking our career decisions we are all very independent" Soha had earlier stated. Mala Sinha was one more actress who was particular when her daughter Pratibha came in Bollywood. The yesteryear actress would always accompany her daughter everywhere and used to make sure that she would go through the scripts before her daughter signed on the dotted line. She never let Pratibha make her own decisions. Ultimately Pratibha started losing a lot of work and she was left with no films on hand. Pratibha has now completely retired from Bollywood. Hema Malini's mother also often accompanied her on the sets of the films that she signed. It was said that her mother took the decisions right from choosing the scripts to the actors she worked with. But the same cannot be spoken of Hema Malini. She never accompanies her daughter Esha on the sets. She had once told us in an interview, "I often take my mothers advice on the script but ultimately it is my decision. She leaves it to me. She often tells us that we have to fight our own battle" Sridevi could always be seen with her mother on the sets. She was famous for her line – "Ask my mummy" whenever any journalist posed questions to her. In fact Ram Gopal Varma had even carried a spoof on Sridevi and her mother in his Rangeela (1995) with Shefali Shah and her mother played by Shammiji mocking the ex super star actress and her momma. Madhuri Dixit used to be sometimes accompanied by her mother but her parents never interfered in her work. It was always her secretary Rikku Rakeshnath who took care of all her work including the scripts that she chose. When Madhuri had to shoot the bold lovemaking scene with Vinod Khanna for Dayavaan (1988) she made sure her mother was not present on the set. Babita never went with her daughters on the sets but she always interfered in their work. She made sure that she went through all the scripts before her daughters signed the film. When Kareena Kapoor was signed by Rakesh Roshan's Kaho Naa Pyar Hai it was Babita who made huge demands and finally asked her daughter to opt out of the film. Even when her elder daughter Karishma had signed Raja Hindustani, during its launch in Lonavala when Karishma was asked by a journalist whether she or her mother chooses her scripts, she had ended up in tears and left the press conference midway. It was Aishwarya Rai who broke the trend of being accompanied by her mother on the sets. Very rarely her mother used put in an appearance on the sets. It is said that Ash was far too head strong to let her mother interfere in her work. So is Sushmita Sen. The Ex Miss Universe had once stated, "I love my mother a lot but have always been independent when it comes to work. She has been the backbone of my life. She is always there when I need her. She comes running to me but also has a family and life of her own." Amisha Patel's mother used to accompany her on the sets and had even got herself a role in her daughter's debut film directed by Rakesh Roshan. But problems followed thereafter and now Amisha refuses to acknowledge her parents anymore. She has cut ties with them following financial irregularities with her income. Actress Amrita Rao is often seen accompanied by her mother on the sets. It is her mother who has always been instrumental in taking her career decisions that include right from choosing the films, her co-stars, directors, the PR and her interviews. One has always experienced that Amrita Rao is a tough nut to crack because her mother is always overpowering her. Amongst other actresses of the current lot, VJ turned actress Sophie Choudhary is many a time accompanied by her mother. Till she was very active in Bollywood, Ayesha Takia was also always seen with her mother on the sets or at film functions. Her stand was, "I make sure mummy is on the sets with me. I feel comfortable if she is around. The decisions are always mine. I make sure I take decisions that don't hurt them but I bring her on the sets because I feel there's someone to take care of me when I need something not because I cannot make my own decisions"

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Sonal and John together

She made her debut in Jannat, and now the pretty Sonal Chauhan is all set to star opposite heartthrob John Abraham in her next film.

The actress has signed up for a film to be directed by Tony D’souza, who is currently working on Blue. The actress turned down a number of films before accepting M F Husian’s son Owais Husain’s film. The actress reportedly suffered a burn on the sets.

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Sexy Mallika's a 'pure soul'

If apsara Menaka could seduce sage Vishvamitra, then our Bollywood seductress Mallika Sherawat too could distract a ‘mutt’ful of sadhus!

But that was not why Shreemad Jagadguru Shankaracharya Shree Shree Raghaveshwara Bharathi Swamiji, the 36th pontiff of Shree Ramachandrapura Mutt, sent a special invitation to the actress to visit his ashram in Karnataka.

The sizzling actress, who has apparently been approached to play a celibate yogini who bonds with Jesus Christ during his journey to India in Australian director Drew Heriot’s The Aquarian Gospel, was referred to by the mutt’s guru as one with “a pure soul”. And in her honour, he organised special pujas by a number of high priests from Kerala and Mangalore. The mutt was even decorated with 600 lotus flowers.

Her ‘purity’ apart, Mallika has another connection with Karnataka and that’s not a “myth” — she shot for Jackie Chan’s film The Myth in Hampi in which she played an Indian princess.

Mallika, of course, couldn’t turn down the Shankaracharya’s request and flew down from LA where she was busy with post-production of her film Hisss. After the pujas, Mallika with her bare hands dug up the land where Brahmachari Lord Hanuman’s largest monument — over 15 stories — will be built.

After the Shankaracharya showed the hottie his kindness, it was Mallika’s turn to show her generosity. She invited him to the US. If the pontiff accepts her invitation, he would be the first Shankaracharya in the history of the mutt to have travelled to the US.

Mallika is completely in awe of the Shankaracharya. “After having spent most of my time recently in the US, it was a great honour for me to make a special trip back to India to meet the Shankaracharya. In a very special way it reconnected me to my Hindu roots. The experience was truly one of the best ones of my life and I will never forget it,” said the Menaka, oops, Mallika of Bollywood.

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Katrina's wish is her command

She demands seven costume changes instead of three for a music video for New York

Coco Chanel once said: 'Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.' Recently , Katrina Kaif made sure she got her way and did the latter. Katrina put her foot down and said that she needed seven changes of clothes for a music video in Yash Raj Films' New York. The incident in question happened at Yash Raj Studios, Andheri.

Initially, Aditya Chopra and choreographer Ahmed Khan had decided on three costume changes for Katrina. But keeping in mind her glamorous image, Katrina asked for four more.
When Ahmed reached the sets, Katrina told him that three changes wouldnt be sufficient. A surprised Ahmed did not agree with Katrinas demand. Moreover, he knew that he would have to inform Aditya Chopra before giving in to Katrinas wish. However, when Katrina politely told Ahmed that she would have it no other way he had no choice but to call Aditya who was busy in his office upstairs .

Aditya told Ahmed that he was okay with seven changes if the choreographer had no problem. Thereafter, Ahmed told Katrina that she could have what she wanted.
Once the green signal was given by Aditya, four additional costumes were arranged much to Katrinas delight.

Ahmed confirmed and said, Yes, Katrina wanted seven changes in the music video. I wasnt too excited with the idea initially, but when I saw the final result, I think she was right. The music video has worked out brilliantly.

However, I made it clear to Katrina that seven costume changes should not eat into the time of the shoot, and it didnt , he added.

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Dus ka dum, 50 percent kum!

Salman Khan is now talking business with Sony TV;

he is set to host the second season of Dus Ka Dum. But this time he will not be as involved with the show as he was last year.

A source said, "This is a result of the huge pay cut that has happened this season. It is believed that Salman was paid Rs 89 crore in the first season, but in the second season he will be paid only Rs 44 crore. And with the pay cut, Salman has also cut down on his involvement. He has refused to use his clout with his star friends and colleagues to get them on the show."

A source close to the actor said, "Salman recently had a meeting with the programming heads. He made it very clear that he would no longer be responsible for inviting his friends and celebs as guests on the show. He will do his job of hosting and that will be about it."

Danish Khan, Vice President - Marketing Sony Entertainment said, "Salman has a star attraction and he'll be seen in great style as usual; a big dhamaka entry is planned for him."

When questioned about Salman's decision to not ask celebs to participate, given the drastic cut in payment for the 2nd season, he said, "I am not aware of this. He is involved in the production but there is no hard and fast rule as to what he is supposed to do. We are in the process of talking to a lot of celebs from all walks of life and we will let you know the line-up soon. As far as money is concerned, as a policy we can't disclose the amount paid for either season."

Star power does a lot of good to any show. The source said, "Salman's word carries a lot of weight and that's how he managed to get top notch actors and star friends like Rani Mukerji who is rarely seen on TV, or Govinda-David, Ranbir-Deepika, or his brothers together on the show. Getting people together on a television show is not always possible unless you are a Salman Khan or a Shah Rukh Khan."

The shoot for Dus Ka Dum will begin as soon as Salman is back from London where he is shooting for Veer.

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Arbaaz Khan and wife Malaika shoot a seductive number for flim

Malaika Arora has shot for a seductive, sensuous number with husband Arbaaz Khan in Goa for Indrajit Lankesh's Prem Ka Game, (earlier titled Shaadi Ke Side Effects).

The song is called Mere dil pe tera hi haq hai where Malaika plays the temptress and the song has been choreographed by Piyush.

Arbaaz Khan says, "It's a dream sequence where I am fantasising about romancing this beautiful woman. I knew that Malaika was perfect for the song and I wanted her in the film as I believe she's my lucky charm. It's our first performance together." Malla does not have a role in the film, she only appears in the song. Khan adds, "Both of us have always wanted to do a film together but haven't been able to get anything which suits both of us."

Prem Ka Game is a light-hearted comedy about a married man, Prem (played by Arbaaz). He says the film deals with the roadblock in marriages called 'The Seven-Year Itch', "In one scene, he dreams of his fantasy woman (Malaika) and how he would seduce her and that's what our song is about."

Arbaaz says he felt no discomfort getting intimate for the camera with his wife, "I was extremely comfortable. But of course, there are no prizes for guessing who is the better dancer obviously Malaika is!"

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Kangana Ranaut sheds clothes again

Kangana Ranaut has been known for her bold scenes. She did a nude scene for ‘Raaz-The Mystery Continues’ and had also no qualms about doing the wardorbe malfunction scene in Madhur Bhandarkar’s ‘Fashion’. She was also seen giving a sneek peak at her bare breasts in Daboo Ratnani’s 2009 calendar. Now, the babe is once again ready to shed her clothes and go nude, but this time not for a Bollywood flick but for a Telugu movie directed by famous director Puri Jaganath.

Puri Jaganath had directed the famous movie Pokiri, which is now being remade in Hindi, titled ‘Wanted: Dead or Alive’ starring Salman Khan.

If Kangana’s nude scene in the Telugu flick survive the snip-snap of the censor board, only till can say….

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