Ahmedabad goes crazy for Kareena

Kareena Kapoor won't forget her first trip to Ahmedabad for a long time. The actress was quite rattled when hundreds of fans rushed towards the stage while she was performing at a show in the city.

Thousands of star-struck fans swarmed the Karnavati Club when they got to know the event organised by producer Vashu Bhagnani to promote his son Jackky's debut "Kal Kissne Dekha" would feature Kareena.

The fans were excited even when Sophie Chowdhary danced with Jackky for the event on Thursday (May 21) evening. But all hell broke loose when Kareena came on stage for a medley of her hit songs. Hundreds of Kareena's fans ran towards her on stage, but thankfully she was whisked away in time.

A shaken Vashu Bhagnani said: "It's true. Ahmedabad went crazy for Kareena. We expected a huge turn-out at the Karnavati Club, but not this much...30,000 people showed up! And when Kareena came on stage they lost control. About 400 people rushed to the stage. Fortunately we whisked her out of the back entrance. So nothing untoward happened."

Bhagnani says he is indebted to Kareena. "She took on these frenzied fans for my son's sake. Who says this film industry is heartless? Kareena is all heart."

In fact, after the Ahmedabad incident Vashu had reservations about asking Kareena to be part of the next Vashu-Jackky show in Delhi on May 27. But Kareena is adamant.

Said Kareena: "Yeah it did get pretty tricky at a point. Yeh sab hota hai. It was my first visit to Ahmedabad. I performed a medley of my best songs choreographed by Remo. It was for Vashu-ji's son. How can I forget he gave me my first big hit 'Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai'? When his son is entering films it's my duty to support him."

The unruly fans rattled her, but she was pleasantly surprised when a large number of little girls descended at the performance venue dressed as her character Geet in hit film "Jab We Met".

"It simply zapped me. I completely forgot the heat of Ahmedabad when I saw those girls. It will be a long time before I'm allowed to forget Geet in 'Jab We Met'," Kareena said.

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Salman introduces Claudia Ciesla to his family

Heart throb and the darling of millions of women, Salman Khan has acknowledged German model and Hollywood actress Claudia Ciesla (pictured left) as his "special friend".

According to a report in a Kolkata-based newspaper, Salman Khan has 'confirmed’ to the Indian press his friendship with Claudia and has even introduced her to his family.

According to sources, Claudia is a very private person. She will never talk about her personal life. She refused to comment on her ‘relationship’ with Salman and even forbade her spokesperson from breathing a word about anything to the media. But now Salman cleared the air in a candid and straight-from-the-heart interview to a Kolkatta paper.

Flynn Remedios, Claudia Ciesla's spokesperson, publicist and manager for India said: “Claudia has been wrongly understood by the Indian Media. She is not a topless or nude model. It was only once at the beginning of her career about 4 years ago - like many Indian actresses - that she posed topless for a very prestigious magazine. It was a very artistic and classy shoot. Claudia has never posed nude and will vowed never to do any nude shoots. All the other photos that show Claudia nude or topless are fake and digitally altered. We will sue anyone who claims that Claudia is a topless or nude model."

Speaking to the journalist from Kolkata via email, Claudia said, "I love the Indian Culture, ethos, and traditions. I respect all Indian religions. I am God-willing planning to permanently settle in India. I am not a nude or topless model but a very serious professional who has done some very good work in the west."

According to the report in the Kolkata newspaper, Salman invited Claudia to his home, introduced Claudia to his family. "Claudia is a very nice girl. I have introduced her to my family," Salman Khan said casually when queried about his 'relationship' with Claudia.

Filling in the blanks from Germany, Claudia said, "I met his wonderful family - brothers, sister and his darling and handsome father Salim. They are a very warm and friendly family. All very down to earth. Salman is a real man. He has a heart of gold. He is fearless - not scared to admit his friendship with anyone, unlike some other male actors and directors in Bollywood. Salman Khan is my hero," said Claudia.

Clarifying about Claudia’s meeting with Abhishek Bachchan at Cannes, Flynn Remedios said: “It is a fact that Claudia and Abhishek met and chatted for a while. But it was a formal discussion though Abhishek was quite friendly. The photos were not just ‘fan pix’ as made out by some media persons and publications.”

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Karisma Kapoor, David Dhawan team up after nine years

They have given comic hits like "Jodi No.1", "Haseena Maan Jaayegi" and "Biwi No.1". Now Karisma Kapoor and filmmaker David Dhawan are teaming up after nine years, but this time to judge a new comedy reality show "Hans Baliye".

While Dhawan is known for churning out a series of successful comedies, Karisma has portrayed a number of comic roles in her career. They had last worked together in 2000 in "Chal Mere Bhai", which also starred Sanjay Dutt and Salman Khan.

In their new roles on television, they would judge eight real-life celebrity couples who will vie with each other by cracking jokes and enacting spoofs to win the "Hans Baliye" trophy. The show will be aired on Star One and will debut on May 30 at 8.30 p.m.

According to Dhawan, it was "the uniqueness and of course the comic aspect" of the show that made him agree to become a judge.

"Comedy is something I personally enjoy and watching these couples showcasing their humorous side will surely be a treat to watch. The show promises to be interesting and engaging," Dhawan said in a press release from Star One.

Karisma said she was attracted by the "amazing concept to search for India's best real life comedy couples".

"On Indian television, we have a plethora of reality shows such as talent shows for dancing, singing, etc but 'Hans Baliye' gives a platform to real life couples to showcase their talent to a wider audience. Making people laugh is not an easy job. It requires a whole lot of dedication and hard work. I am looking forward to having a good time on the show," she said.

Among the participants on the show are television actors Tanaaz and Bakhtyaar Irani, Delnaaz and Rajiv Paul, newly-wed Juhi Parmaar with husband Sachin and Sara Khan with beau Ali Merchant.

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Dune Kossatz named IPL's Miss Bollywood

Model and actress Dune Kossatz, 35, of East London was named Miss Bollywood IPL South Africa at a glittering event at the Montecasino entertainment complex in Johannesberg early Sunday (May 24) morning.

Kossatz, who had garnered the most Internet votes of 48 finalists selected from each of the IPL games held at various South African venues, was ecstatic at the opportunity to do screen tests for a movie with Shah Rukh Khan as part of her prize package.

This on-off component of the prize was finally revealed at the event after it was announced at the start of the series, and then changed midway through the contest to "a guided tour through Bollywood", because organisers said guaranteeing a role with Shah Rukh Khan would be difficult.

Johannesburg Business Marketing graduate Genna Cloud, 24, who got the second greatest number of votes, was also named First Princess by the panel of judges and Dunay Nortje was crowned Second Princess.

Confessing that she had not seen any Bollywood movies yet, Kossatz said she was going to start doing so immediately. She also promised to start learning Hindi.

Commenting on the fact that all three winners were white South Africans who beat several Indian contestants, Kossatz said it showed the true nature of the rainbow nation that the country was: "I think it's great! I think we should all stick together and love another and be respectful and tolerant of each other and their cultures."

Kossatz received a specially made crown from Gitanjali Jewellers containing gold, silver, diamonds and other precious stones from former Miss Universe Michelle McLean of South Africa.

Earlier, Mclean got out of her seat in the small overhead booth to dance to the music of Caribbean music legend Eddy Grant. She even got IPL supremo Lalit Modi to join in. They were two of the judges on the one side of the theatre, while opposite them; Shilpa Shetty joined a more staid group.

For Modi, there was extra cause for celebration to add to the huge success of the IPL that culminates with the final later on Sunday at the Wanderers in Johannesberg. The compere announced that Modi had just become a grandfather for the first time just an hour before the show started late on Saturday night.

The scene outside Montecasino as leading lights from the sports, business and arts field from India and South Africa walked the red carpet was reminiscent of when a horde of stars descended on the venue a few years ago for the IIFA Awards there. But the excited crowd was left disappointed as the only star they got a glimpse of was Shilpa Shetty, who passed them fleetingly without even stopping for photographs scheduled by organisers for the media at a spot along the route.

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Deccan steal IPL show amid the glitz

The transplanted Indian Premier League finished in front of a capacity crowd with a blaze of fireworks and an array of international entertainers headed by Guyanan rock star Eddy Grant.

The Deccan Chargers took the title with a six-run victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore in the final, but throughout the 37 days of the tournament in which 59 matches were played, the cricket shared top billing with the lights, music and cheerleaders that were part of the IPL package.

Arranged at short notice in South Africa following security concerns because of elections in India, the IPL captured the imagination of South African sports followers.

The opening weekend in Cape Town, with two double-headers on successive days, was sold out. So were the semi-finals, in Centurion and Johannesburg, and the final at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.

In between, near-capacity crowds attended many of the games, attracted by low prices, the glitz and glamour of the tournament, and the chance to see most of the world's best players in action.

The unpredictable nature of Twenty20 cricket was shown when Bangalore and Deccan, who filled the last two places on the log in the first IPL in 2008, reached the final.

Even on 2009 form that was a surprise, because they beat the two teams that dominated the round robin stage, the Chennai Super Kings and log-topping Delhi Daredevils respectively.

Conditions were different in South Africa from those in India last year, with bowlers having a bigger say on late-season pitches that offered assistance to both seam and spin bowlers.

Even so, it remained a batsman's game.

Matthew Hayden, the powerful Australian left-hander who retired from international cricket in January, was Chennai's mainstay as he topped the tournament run-scorers list with 572 at an average of 52.00 and an impressive strike rate of 144.81 runs per 100 balls.

Another former Australian player, Deccan captain Adam Gilchrist, played the stand-out innings of the tournament when he slammed 85 off 35 balls in the semi-finals to get his team past Delhi.

Left-arm opening bowler RP Singh of Deccan Chargers was the leading wicket-taker with 23 at an average of 18.13, but many of the most effective bowlers were spinners, led by Bangalore captain Anil Kumble, who finished with 22 wickets, including four for 18 in the final.

Left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha was a consistent performer for Deccan and experienced international bowlers like Muttiah Muralitharan and Harbhajan Singh were consistently economical.

While much of the focus was on established international stars, the tournament provided a platform for young Indian players such as Bangalore's Manish Pandey, 19, who became the first Indian to hit a century in two seasons of the IPL.

While Deccan leapt from last place in 2008 to the title in 2009, defending champions Rajasthan Royals failed to reach the semi-finals, with former Australian star Shane Warne unable to inspire his comparatively modestly-funded teams to another triumph.

Much of the early focus was on Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan, Shilpa Shetty and Preity Zinta, all co-owners of franchises, but none of their teams did particularly well.

Khan's Kolkata Knight Riders finished an embarrassing last, winning only three out of 14 matches and Khan returned to India early in the campaign.

Zinta's Kings XI Punjab were squeezed out of the semi-finals on run rate, while Shetty's Rajasthan were sixth.

In the end, the cricketers were able to claim centre stage.

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I am working hard to be in shape for Kiss Mix: Priyanka Kothari

A couple of years back when DARLING had released, Priyanka Kothari (then known as Nisha Kothari) had delivered a chartbuster item song in the form of 'Aa Khushi Se Khudkhushi Kar Le' [Darling] where she got naughty with Fardeen Khan. Though she hasn't been very active in the Bollywood circuit ever since the release of the film (barring an occasional GO which was a delayed release), she is all set to return with a bang with AGYAAT. The film features her a solo female lead and would also boast of a sizzling dance number which has been tantalisingly titled 'Kiss Mix'. "Yes, that's my song in AGYAAT", smiles Priyanka who has kept a brave face in spite of those harrowing days that she had to spend to recover from her injury, "Don't you like the sound of 'Kiss Mix'? I find it quite cute actually; it is just one of it's own kinds." When the shooting of AGYAAT had come to a standstill, only a few scenes involving Priyanka were waiting to be shot. The earlier plans were to have only song to be picturised but later 'Kiss Mix' was added as an after thought. "This is one song which has excited me so much after a very long time. And before you call it as an item or a promotional number, let me clear this at the very onset that 'Kiss Mix' would be very much a part of the film", says Priyanka. Priyanka adds in an excited tone, "I am hooked to the sound of the song and have really become possessive about it. Moreover, since the number is about a kiss, something which is a universal phenomenon, I am doubly excited." Quick to find herself back on feet after an accident during the shoot of Ram Gopal Varma's AGYAAT kept her bedridden for a few weeks, Priyanka Kothari is raring to go. She says, "I am working hard to be completely in shape before the shooting begins for 'Kiss Mix'. I am concentrating on my diet, exercises as well as costumes." Produced by Ram Gopal Varma and Ronnie Screwvala, AGYAAT has music by Bapi and Tutul. Other than Priyanka Kothari, the film also stars Nitin Reddy along with Ramu regulars like Ravi Kale and Ishrat Ali. Others in the cast are Harvey Rosem

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I goofed up by exposing so early in films: Payal Rohatgi

Actress Payal Rohatgi has no issues with exposing in front of the camera, but admits that early on in her career she might have shed her inhibitions for the wrong sort of films as she didn't know how "these projects would depict" her. "Today many successful actresses are seen on magazine covers and are participating in bold photo shoots. Even in movies, it's a no-holds-barred approach for so many of them, " said Rohatgi. "However, what really works for them is the fact that they are doing so in films where their male co-stars are pretty established, " Rohatgi adds. The actress has made a concerted attempt during the last three years to choose her roles with care. Rohatgi, who has also studied computer engineering, has since 2006 only been seen in relatively big budget films like Abbas-Mustan's "36 China Town", Madhur Bhandarkar's "Corporate", Priyadarshan's "Dhol" and Irrfan Khan starrer "Dil Kabaddi". However, the repertoire of films from her past includes "Tauba Tauba", "Laila - A Mystery", "Chetna - The Excitement", "Mazaa Mazaa", "Mr. 100% - The Real Player", "Men Not Allowed" and "Ek Se Mera Kya Hoga". She admits she made a mistake in her selection of roles early in her career: "My biggest goof up was to expose in women oriented films. This turned out to be a huge drawback for me as I didn't know the nuances of filmmaking at that time. I didn't know how these projects would depict me and how would they be eventually marketed." "Look at Yash Raj productions. In their films too you find skin show on a regular basis. However, what works in their favour is the fact that these scenes are aesthetically done and they know how to market their films and project their heroines, " she said. She is not against skin show but says an actor should be comfortable with it. "Come on, let's be realistic. At the end of the day every actress wants to be hot. Everyone dies to have a great body, be fit and look glamorous, " she said. Any regrets over the years gone by? "Not at all! I don't regret my initial years as these were my learning steps. For a middle class girl who didn't come from a metro, I have done well and managed to establish myself to a good extent. I have realised over a period of time that my earlier decisions were not good and I don't think there is a big deal in admitting that." "It requires a lot of guts to figure out what was going wrong in your life and find a way to fix it, " she said.

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Shakira was right. Hips don't lie: Nandana Sen

During the shooting of Tips Films Prince with Viveik Oberoi Nandana Sen sustained a serious hip injury. Now in deep pain the Rang Rasiya actress might have to cancel film shooting in New York for urgent hip surgery. Nandana injured her hip during a fight sequence. “These things happen during a film. Can’t be avoided. My joint has sustained a major labrium tear. Only surgery can rectify it, and the soonest possible.” Nandana got temporary surgery done so that her schooting doesn’t get disrupted. “It was a bit complicated and very painful. Steroid was administered directly into the injury track by scanning machines. It should work for two weeks.” Although her worried family has advised her against it, Nandana hopes to complete Prince in these two weeks before going for permanent surgery. “I don’t want the shooting to suffer. But I’m suffering. Shakira was right. Hips don’t lie.”

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