It's leaked out: Nandana Sen's Bosom

Yes, Nandana Sen's bosoms are revealed out. It was in a scene from Ketan Mehta's coming film, 'Rang Rasiya'.

For people who are already on the edge of their seat after reading this can silently calm down and get back to their seats because the censor board has already cut the scene saying it to be too revealing and eye-catchy for the Indian audience.

While scrutinizing the film, 'Rang Rasiya', the censor board saw that in a particular scene Nandana Sen's breast could easily be seen. Immediately after seeing that scene the censor board sent a notice to Ketan Mehta.

Ketan Mehta did confirm the news but said that the scene is very long and if cut by the censor board they will have to re-do it all over again.

Rang Rasiya stars Randeep Hooda and Nandana Sen as leads and is already certified as an 'A' Grade film.

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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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You can call me sexy and hot, I won't mind: Esha Deol

Esha Deol, daughter of actors Dharmendra and Hema Malini, says that her mom wouldn't mind her being in a live-in relationship before marriage and adds that her dream man should be like her dad.

"I believe in a love marriage and am looking for a guy who would have some qualities of my father, " said Esha, who will be seen next with Shiney Ahuja in "Hijack".

"I think every girl wants her life partner to have some qualities of her father and I also want the same. My father has been the closest man in my life till now and I'm familiar with his qualities and therefore want my man to be like him, " Esha told in an interview.

Although her parents are looking for a suitable match for her, the 25-year-old actress is not game for an arranged marriage.

"My mom is a modern kind of person and would not mind if I even go for a live-in relationship with someone. I think I would like to live with him for at least two years and then think of getting married.

"It's always better to know a person well before marriage than getting divorced later, " she quipped.

According to Esha, she and her mother share many interests.

"Both of us like dancing and acting; therefore we share a lot of common things among us. Besides, she has been a constant support in my life."

She said Hema is now trying to revive her banner H.M. Creations, which made Shah Rukh Khan starrer "Dil Aashna Hai" in 1992.

"My mom is very keen to revive her banner. She thinks this is the best time to start a project as the market has really grown during the past couple of years. Also, we believe in the saying 'make hay when the sun shines'."

Though they have decided to make a film, the script has not yet been finalised.

"We are going through various scripts, but nothing has been finalised yet."

Esha debuted with "Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe" in 2002 and in the last six years featured in several films, but success has eluded her so far. She was a part of successful films like "Dhoom", "Yuva" and "No Entry", but all of them were multi-starrers.

After doing glamorous roles in run-of-the-mill films, Esha now wants to do some meaningful cinema.

"Though I am happy with my sexy image, I want to do meaningful cinema. There is nothing wrong being sexy as most of the actresses feel proud if they are termed as 'sexy and hot'; so do I.

"But at the same time I want to do some films that also show my acting talent, " she said.

She is positive about "Hijack" and says it has tapped her acting potential in the right way.

"The role that I am playing in 'Hijack' is what I have never tried before. For the first time I will not be romancing my hero, neither will I be seen running around trees, not even in a dream sequence, " said Esha who plays an air hostess in the movie.

"My character is experienced and believes in herself and helps the protagonist, played by Shiney Ahuja, with all her experience in rescuing the passengers."

She rubbished reports that she didn't get along with Shiney on the sets of "Hijack".

"It is not true at all. Shiney and I get along well and I think the media reports of my strained relations with him were just a publicity gimmick. I'm looking forward to do another film with him."

Asked about working with debutant director Kunal Shivdasani, Esha said: "Kunal is an experienced ad filmmaker and he has applied his experience in making the film. He has shot the film aesthetically and also in a realistic way."

"Hijack", which also stars K.K. Raina and debutante Kaveri Jha in important roles, releases this Friday.

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We did a mistake by making our relationship public: Deepika

If we go by the number of directors desirous of bringing the two together, it would seem Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone are the hottest most saleable pair in moviedom today.

After seeing them together in Siddharth Anand's Bachna Ae Haseenon at least three big directors have decided to cast them together in their films and have in fact approached the pair with their projects.

Anees Bazmi (taking a break from Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif after Welcome and Singh Is Kinng), David Dhawan (getting away from his Govinda-Salman-Katrina-Lara comfort zone) and Raj Santoshi (who after working with Ranbir in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazak Kahani wants to take a longer break from his Ajay Devgan starrers) have all offered Ranbir-Deepika films.

But the pair is surprisingly reluctant to work together.

Says a source close to both Ranbir and Deepika, "They've definitely been offered films by Bazmi, Dhawan and Santoshi and are considering taking up at least one of these.

But Ranbir –Deepika are in no hurry to sign films together. Not after seeing what happened to Kareena and Shahid in all their films until their breakup and recently to Kareena and Saif in Tashan.

Ranbir-Deepika know the public gets satiated reading about real-life couples and seeing them constantly at events on television. The novelty factor is over.

Deepika would rather be seen with Saif in Imtiaz Ali's film and Ranbir with Katrina and Konkona in his forthcoming films rather than come together on screen repeatedly to entertain each other and bore the audience."

At the moment all the three major offers for Ranbir-Deepika are on hold.

Says the source, "They might finally take up one of the offers. As for the much talked-about film by Ranbir's childhood friend Vicky Singh, that has three leading ladies in it and Deepika might or might not be one of them finally. And that project won't be shot until 2010. In fact Ranbir hasn't even signed it as yet."

One thing is for sure. Ranbir and Deepika are in no hurry to sign films together and are in fact, reluctant to be seen together.

Says Deepika, "We decided to be open about our relationship and lived to regret it because the more open we were the more out honesty was misconstrued.

Our right to privacy was completely disregarded. So we've decided to be less public about our relationship. And we don't need to do films together to prove anything."

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Celina reveals her girl trouble with Neha Dhupia and Riya Sen

Celina has just returned from London from an incomplete schedule of Tigmanshu Dhulia's King Con opposite Govinda. "The weather in London got bad. And we hardly did any work. Chi Chi had Rumi Jaffrey's film and I had to return to complete Hello Darling. So we came back."

She got into the Dhulia project at the eleventh hour. And she couldn't be happier. It is possibly the most fearsomely challenging role in the actress' career. "In King Con I play a stripper who's a kleptomaniac," Celina giggles.

"I died laughing when I heard my role. I'm having the time of my life. I got the role just a week before shooting. They weren't sure about how to make the girl look. I play this stripper who's half-English and half-Indian."

Celina's co-star is Govinda. She's all praise for him. "I've worked with so many leading men. He's one of those rare ones who never tries to flirt or make a pass. I don't know why people talk negatively about him.

Govinda is a very spiritual person." Now Celina has one more film opposite 'spiritual' Govinda. "We'll start working together on Aditya Datt's film. I know people are talking about me and Govinda. But he's just too nice."

Celina says she's finally able to focus on her career. "Earlier I was too much in love to give enough of myself to my career. But now I've realized work is all that matters. Love will come when it has to."

Celina was also in the news for her supposed spat with Neha Dhupia in Thailand last month. Celina clears the air.

"Neha missed her flight and arrived two days late. By then Riya and I were shooting a song in identical school uniforms. The director said the hairstyles should be different. But when Neha joined us she wanted the same ribbons.

I suggested different hair accessories to avoid looking identical. Neha got agitated and used unparliamentary language with me." Since this ugly incident happened in Celina's van the actress got upset.

"The next thing I knew stories about our spat was being spread in Mumbai." Says Celina, "A spat over ribbons with a co-star is not my scene. I'm also being accused of spreading stories about Riya and Paritosh Painter.

I reached Thailand three days late because my passport was stuck with the British embassy. I had to make up for lost time. I had no time for all this in Thailand. My mom and dad were with me in Thailand. We were constantly together.

As for Neha and me, we were hardly together. After Thailand I went straight to London. I had no idea about the stories being spread in Mumbai. I guess girls working together always causes trouble. We all have our insecurities to deal with. " On the brighter side Riya Sen called and apologized to Celina for believing she was spreading such rumours.

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Tahaan Movie Review

Purav Bhandare, the central character in Santosh Sivan's TAHAAN, has elbowed Darsheel Safary, the child star of TAARE ZAMEEN PAR out of his top slot. There was no written confirmation about the fact that Darsheel was on top of the heap, but the fact that he now endorses so many products and is seen so often on television is a fair enough barometer. Bhandare goes one up. He has tremendous screen presence, is a fabulous actor and has brought alive the character of TAHAAN to endear himself to the viewer, just like Safary did in TZP. To put it in a nutshell, Bhandare is pure genius. Full marks to Sivan for entrusting this lad with the load of the film. But I suspect, like his character, Tahaan, where he is unknowingly being used by terrorists, Bhandare had no clue that he was the main protagonist of this film!

Before venturing into direction, Santosh Sivan was an acclaimed cinematographer and this time he blends the experience from both fields to come up with a visually appealing and a little disturbing, though thought-provoking film.
Visually appealing because he has captured the purity of the Kashmir Valley, in the way only he can. The beautifully snowcapped valleys and open roads, coupled with the dilapidated houses and fields of snow are visually brought alive on screen. Disturbing because, you feel for the child who is trying in vain to get back his pet donkey, Birbal, with who he shares a bond that no adult will understand. Disturbing also because in his desire to get back Birbal, he is lured into handling grenades with a promise of getting back his Birbal. Thought provoking because Sivan makes you leave the theatre asking questions about what really is happening in the Kashmir Valley and how the locals are living their lives there.
However, Sivan could have been clearer in his thought process as to what he wanted the viewer to go home with. According to me, there is a thin veil over the storyline, which, if lifted, would have given the viewer a clearer picture. I agree that not all movies need to be easy on the mind; you have to get the viewer involved. But something, somewhere in the script does not allow me to rationalise the move behind the plot. Having said that, I must admit, it's a good experience but not for the aam junta. It's for those who love their cinema in art form.

Apart from Bhandare, the lad who plays Idris (Ankush Dubey) is another bright spark in the film. I dare say that Anupam Kher, Sarika and Rahul Bose are just supporting cast.

Move over Safary, here comes Bhandare. On second thoughts, there's room for more talented children like these two.

Ratings: 3 / 5

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RAAZ -THE MYSTERY CONTINUES on 23rd January

It's going to be a spine-chilling winter!!!

While the mystery is continuing in production and on celluloid, there is one major clue that has been solved. Yes, the date for the theatrical release of the next blockbuster thriller from Bollywood, RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES is now no more a secret. This spine chilling movie from Vishesh Films is going to hit worldwide screens on 23rd January 2009. This is the most anticipated release of 2009, with absolutely no other film to match up to its theme and style. It's definitely going to be a chilly winter that will keep you shuddering!!

RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES is being directed by Mohit Suri and stars Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut and Adhyayan Suman.

''It is definitely thrilling to be ready to present Vishesh Films' next film to the world,'' says Mukesh Bhatt, ''RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES has been much talked about and long awaited by everyone, so here it is! Get ready to be spooked!'' Though only very few people are aware of the exact story of RAAZ- THE MYSTERY CONTINUES it is believed to be a supernatural thriller dealing with the myths and superstitions that are still widely existent in the contemporary Indian society. The film will tend to challenge one's beliefs about paranormal phenomena.

The blockbuster music of Vishesh Films' JANNAT - which is still ruling the charts - was released on Sony BMG. RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES takes this association a step forward with Sony BMG. Contrary to popular belief, RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES is not a sequel to the musical blockbuster RAAZ - which is one of the biggest musical blockbusters of all time and the only blockbuster musical thriller of this decade!! It is an industry claim that Vishesh Films is amongst the very few that can create and carry off a film in the thriller genre, on par with stylized film making. So RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES has many people awaiting a watch!

According to insiders, the entire shoot for RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES is complete. Post-production, which involves exceptional special effects is now in the process. Another scoop from insiders is that the music of RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES is a notch above JANNAT!! Though most are skeptical on how this is possible, the select few who have heard the music simply vouch for the fact that Raju Singh and other composers have done a fantastic job!!

Shridhar Subramaniam, Managing Director Sony BMG says, ''We have had a very successful association with the Bhatts for JANNAT. The music of this film has ruled the charts and continues to be a hot favourite. I'm very certain that RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES is also set to be a tremendous sensation and a great experience. We're all looking forward to this release.''

Looks like Sony BMG and Vishesh Films are ready to create more records across charts!!

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RU-BA-RU features 10 kisses!!

Percept Picture Company's next Release RU-BA-RU features 10 kisses between Randeep Hooda and ROCK ON debutante Shahana Goswami

Percept Picture Company's latest venture RU-BA-RU starring Randeep Hooda and Shahana Goswami is a modern day love story of a couple who live in relationship. As per the script's demand both the actors had to share more than ten intimate kisses! Both Randeep and Shahana being professional actors didn't hold any qualms while performing the intimate act.

Shahana who is professional theater actress says, "A kiss is an eternal sign of romance and love. RU-BA-RU being a modern love story of a couple who are living in relationship for two years, the intimacy and chemistry had to be right. It was a part of my job to authenticate the relationship on screen, and Randeep being a thorough professional made me very comfortable before each scene'.

RU-BA-RU is all set to hit theaters on 12th September.

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Kidnap — Music Review

After wining the showdown against Harman , Imran is all set to have a one on one with Abhishek on the coming Gandhi Jayanti . This time though the contest is little harder and Abhishek is having a fan-following which would definitely be more than Harman Baweja . The common thing though in both cases being that Imran’s film is pitched against a high budget Fantasy film . Last time it was Love Story 2050 and this time being Drona . His small budget youth love story became the biggest hit of this year and made him star by night . Though this film would be a real test for him , his acting skills and his stardom . The Music of any film as I always say plays the biggest role in its publicity apart from its stars and in that front Kidnap is definitely scoring some goals over Drona . And as I suspected in my earlier post , Kidnap Vs. Drona , the music of Kidnap is definitely sounding a little better .

The soundtrack consists of seven songs out of which five are originals and two are remixes . The soundtrack of any film has to be according to the mood of the film and should show us the character of the story and film itself . This soundtrack definitely manages to do that . The Pacy Thriller nature of the film can be felt even in this soundtrack which makes it quite interesting . Pritam got his first taste of success in Sanjay Gadhvi’s first film Dhoom and then on he has given back to back hits , most of them being lifted from here or there . Keeping the loyalties he has given music to this film also and the lyrics are by Mayur Puri .

The opening track of the OST , “Mit Jaaye” though is not the Title Track but can be called so because it very well sets the mood for the entire soundtrack upfront and even gives you a hint of the film . During the entire song you can imagine Sanjay Dutt chasing Imran to get his daughter . What I mean is that this song has the thriller element in it and is also very pacy . The song also expresses the feelings of the lead character of the film played by Imran . The video on this song is already on air and is creating some buzz . Interestingly the best track on the album is not by Pritam and Mayur , instead it has been written and composed by Sandeep and Sanjeev Vyas and has been very well sung by Sandeep Vyas . The two brothers have single handedly carried the entire song on their shoulders and have come out with flying colours . This song is definitely going to get Popular among the masses . A great job by the vyas brothers . Sandeep is a good singer and has long way to go . They are also great composers . I’ve become a fan of this track and my personal favourite on this soundtrack .

The next track on the album is a Hip Hop song called “Hey Ya!” by Suzie Q. who recently gave a hit song Jee Karda in Singh is Kinng . This track sounds like and introduction song for Minissha Lamba , the rich daughter . The song is decent and goes about well according to its nature . I just hope that story keeps moving while this song is being played during the movie . That way this song would look good in the film otherwise it might hinder the pace of the film . If properly placed this song would look good in the film with a hot video on Minissha . Suzie sings well and has done her job quite well . The song doesn’t deviate from its character and remains Hip Hop through out .

The third song on the soundtrack is a slow song “Mausam” by Shreya Ghoshal . This song is little different and Shreya has sung it quite well , as usual . It is not something extraordinary but still it has enough music and lyrics to keep it going . This song would be shot beautifully and the video would do the rest of the job . It is a typical track yet it can be heard once . The music is good and the singing is also accordingly . Overall , a different one as compared to other songs on the album yet quite ordinary in general sense .

Next comes a very commercial track called “Haan Ji” by Adnan Sami . Adnan is one of those singers that can even make a very ordinary song sound sound good . This song is a very unusual song and has some very unusual lyrics . The lyrics are more like a conversation and less of poetry .The music is good on this one but it is the singing style of Adnan that stands out . He is a talented singer but sings quite less no. of songs . Overall , the song is a very average commercial track that might work because of its singing . In my opinion this track might damage the film and hinder the pace of the story .

The last original track on the album is “Meri Ek Ada Shola” by Sunidhi Chauhan . This song has very old sounding lyrics and even Pritam has gone about it in a very old style . Pritam has also put in some Shakira like music in this song . This song suggests that when it would be played in the film the story would keep moving . The song has been sung in her typical style by Sunidhi and Sukhwinder has given her good company . Overall , this song is more of a commercial track and would mean more in the film .

Next comes the remix of Hey Ya which is been done by Imran and Vikram . Imran and Vikram do a fair job and they have put in usual remix beats . This one is almost like the original and is as good as the original . The last track on the album being the remix of Mit Jaaye which has been done by Hyacinth D’souza . This one is called the Rock Version and not a remix on the album cover . Whereas this can be called Rock Remix because I don’t think they have re-recorded the song for this one . Hyacinth has done a fair job and just put in drums and guitar with the original one . This one might appeal to die hard rock music lovers but I still prefer the original one .

Overall , the album is fairly good and can be listened once . The songs won’t look bad on screen and won’t cause much damage to the film . Not all of them are potential hits but Mit Jaaye is a big time winner . In all , the album is neither too good nor too bad so you can give it a try .

Album Rating : Two and Half out of Five ; Average album with Mit Jaaye being the best .

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Hollywood inspired by Rock On!

Rock On!! is a one-of-its-kind movie as this is the first Bollywood film, which has used rock music as its premise. But this trend is not new in Hollywood. However, they are using the title ‘Rock On’ for the first time in one of their flicks. Speculations are also rife that the film is inspired by Farhan Akhtar’s debut film Rock On!!

A musical-comedy-romance film, the film was earlier titled Will and there have been murmurs that Bandslam was the latest title in discussions. Starring Gaelan Connell, Lisa Kudrow, Alyson Michalka and Vanessa Hudgens, the film (just like the Bollywood version starring Farhan Akhtar, Prachi Desai, Arjun Rampal, Purab Kohli, Luke Kenny, Shahana Goswami and Koel Puri) tells the story about a group of friends coming together and forming a rock band.

This seems to be the correct example of West meeting East and we hope such things happen quite often as its always the other way round

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Prachi Desai enters Bhatts Camp

Prachi Desai, the young actress who began her acting career with Ekta Kapoor’s serials, made an impressive film debut with Rock On, which released over the weekend. The actress is believed to have been signed up by the Bhatts for heir next film opposite Adhyayan Suman.
The actress, who is quite a favourite with her mentor Ekta, delivered a mature performance, playing Farhan’s wife in the Ahishek Kapoor-directed movie. The actress has already been signed by Abbas Mustan and Suniel Shetty for their future productions. And now the Bhatts have signed her on for their next, called Jashan opposite Shekhar Suman’s son. The film is reportedly a musical, which as is usual for Vishesh Films, will feature a couple of singers from across the border.

The film will be directed by duo Hasnain and Raksha. The film’s story is about an ordinary individual who has dreams of becoming someone but lacks the self belief required for it. The director do feel that Prachi suits the role to a T. With so many films on hand, this young actress seems to have made quite a successful transition from TV to films.

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Ru Ba Ru

First thing that strikes about the soundtrack of Ru Ba Ru is that it comprises of as many as 12 songs and that too all being originals with not a single remix version. Phew!

Now that's something new in the current times when even a hardcore musical like Karzzzz is coming with only 9 songs (though there are 10 remix versions to boast). This makes one wonder about what exactly does the music of Ru Ba Ru have to offer?

With 'Speed Of Sound', Satyadev Burman and Sameeruddin contributing to the music of Ru Ba Ru, one expects quite some variety in the offering.

It's a mighty impressive beginning to Ru Ba Ru the moment Jaspinder Narula flexes her vocals chords for the title song 'Ru Ba Ru'.

A number which brings everything from 'sufi' to rock to conventional Bollywood melody to 'rap' to 'bhangra' under one roof, 'Ru Ba Ru' is a highly catchy composition by 'Speed Of Sound' that comes naturally to you within first couple of hearing itself.

A love song written by Shuja Haider which reminds one of 'Mitwa' (Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna), it sounds even better once Haider decides to come behind the mike himself. His is a fresh voice which ensures that 'Ru Ba Ru' is a number which has in it to do quite well for itself if promoted aggressively.

Lyricist Aditya Narayan, composer Sameeruddin and singer Vijay Prakash come together for an altogether different song, though with the same title, 'Ru Ba Ru'.

A track which befits a lounge setting, it is not something which a core Bollywood music buff is used to hearing. However, for those looking who like their music to be unconventional, modern and not so filmy, 'Ru Ba Ru' makes for a decent hearing.

An even better song arrives in the form of 'Tham Jaa Ruk Jaa' which has singer Ranjit Barot (yes, he sings here while leaving Satyadev Burman to take care of the composing part) having only a guitar as his partner.

Written by Soumik Sen, it is a soft rock track which comes with a punch though without making it all so obvious on ears. A number about expecting time to stand still, 'Tham Jaa' works yet again as a soft number.

Soumik Sen and Satyadev Burman come together again for 'Mitti Ki Khushboo' which could have turned out to be a conventional Indian melody had the arrangements not being as subtle as they are here. In fact the conversational duet between Sunidhi Chauhan and Kunal Ganjawala reminds one of 'Kuch To Hua Hai' (Kal Ho Na Ho) though the similarity just ends there as overall the composition stays on to be easy on ears but that's about it.

Director Arjun Bali gets his writing pad on for getting the lyrics of 'Na Dekho' in place which comes so close to the feel of numbers like 'Tum Ho To'/'Ye Tumhari Meri Baatein' (Rock On) that one senses if the compositions were almost created back to back.

Suzanne D'Mello sings this slow paced number in such a relaxed manner that one gets an impression as if she is totally oblivious to the surroundings around her and is just following the tune that Sameeruddin created.

The semi-rock mood continues pretty much into the remainder of the album as well with 'Tera Woh Pyar' which has Shreya Ghoshal going solo for a number written by Shuja Haider and composed by 'Speed Of Sound'.

A situational track with a sad undertone to it, 'Tera Woh Pyar' has a passionate feel to it and should look (and sound) further impressive in the film's narrative.

Written and sung by Akshay Verma, 'Ye Jo Pal' isn't really arresting in nature even as it is seeded into the film's genre of prominently rock music. With Sameeruddin responsible for composition, 'Yeh Jo Pal' is about a man living every moment of his life and appreciating everything brought by things around him.

Surprisingly, the song which follows next, 'Tere Bina Hori' doesn't quite get a 'wow' response as well even though it isn't bad.

Yet another situational track which has Satyadev Burman fusing Indian classical with Western feel, 'Tere Bina Hori' by Sunidhi Chauhan along with the kids Sneha Suresh and Shravan Suresh comes and goes without making any impression.

Ditto for 'Manchali' by the same team (minus the kids) which again stays on to be hardcore Indian in feel with a slight classical touch to it. However, the peppy feel still remains which keeps the listener's attention on.

A better song, though yet again unconventional again in the Bollywood scheme of things, is heard next with the arrival of 'Jogi'.

Written by Arjun Bali, 'Jogi' is a Punjabi number and sees Sameeruddin rope in Krishna to come up with some intense rendering. However, unlike a 'Jee Karda' or a 'Bhootnike' from Singh Is Kinng, this one is mellower and doesn't take a frivolous approach.

A bona fide English number brings Ru Ba Ru to a close with Chester Misquitta singing 'Beautiful Day' for Sameeruddin.

So authentic is the number to a Western sound, be it lyrics, music or singing, that if only this song wouldn't have placed in a Hindi movie, it could well have passed off as a number belonging to a Western album. It's a pity that it lasts only 2 minutes though.

Ru Ba Ru starts off exceedingly well with its title song creating an instant impression. A couple of other songs which follow continue to enhance the momentum though after a while, things become stable.

Towards the end there is a slight dip as well though overall Ru Ba Ru still manages to keep its head high. This one is those for those who want music in Hindi movies to be served differently with a touch of Western influence

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Saas Bahu aur Sensex Music Review

The first official film to be distributed by Warner Bros. India , Saas Bahu aur Sensex , is all set to release and the music of the film is out now . The film itself has no major stars in it so no hype is surrounding the film . The only big name that surrounds the film is that of Warner Bros. The Soundtrack of the album also features some not so known names and overall is a completely new type of album .

The first song on the soundtrack is "Abhi Abhi Jo Tu Aayi Hai" which is composed by Randolph Correa and has been sung by Jaaved Ali . Remember Jaaved Ali who sang the superhit song "Ek Din Teri Bahon Mein" from Naqaab . He is back with this quite unique sounding song . The music and tone of this song is quite western and a little inspired from English songs that are featured in various Hollywood Movies in background . This song because of its different music and voice of Jaaved Ali sounds quite fresh and new . The lyrics by Raqeeb Alam are also good and have been used in a good way by the music composer . The Music composer has given it a very new and different feel and even though the lyrics are quite romantic sorts , he has put in a lot sound effects in the song which are present in usually faster tracks .

The next song on the soundtrack is the title track "Whats up India" and is a wannabe rap song . The track has been sung by Blaaze , the guy who sung the Bunty and Babli rap song . Personally I feel that Blaaze sings rap songs quite well but he doesn't write them quite well . This song having the lyrics and music both by him lacks that finish and is completely avoidable . Most probably it would be used in background and may be it might look good in the background .

The third song on the soundtrack is "Mujh Mein Nigaah Daal De" which again is composed by Randolph Correa and hence has a feel that is completely western . The music sounds like a bad mixture of music from various artists from the west . The song has been sung by Monica and her voice has been distorted by the music director completely so I don't know how does she sing . She might have sounded better without the distortion .It is a fast track and has a hip hop disco kinda feeling to it . The whole song again might be used in background .Overall the song is average in its music and singing . The lyrics are also average and have nothing to offer .

The next track on the album is a Punjabi track "Mithri Mithri" . Maybe one Punjabi track is made mandatory by the music companies . This one is a usual Punjabi track with dhol beats . The track has lyrics by Raqeeb Alam and Shona Urvashi and music is by Bipin Panchal . All three of them have done nothing new and out of the way . A very basic and old sounding Punjabi track .The track is also not full on Dance track so in general will not get any audience .

The next track is an English version of Nigaah Daal De which has been sung again by Monica . She sounds better in English and her accent suits more for English songs . The original itself wasn't that good how would this one sound good .This song is a wannabe Britney Spears track and goes nowhere .

The last track is again a remix of Whats up India and sounds only a little better than the original . The remix also has very less to offer and would be probably used in the ending credits of the film .

Overall apart from the first track 'Abhi Abhi' nothing is worth a listen and the album on whole can be avoided . They should have never released the album in the first place . The should have put it on the net to download for free . Then probably it might have drawn some attention and hype for the film .
Music Rating : One Star out of Five ; This is what Bad Music is all about , only one song is worth listening .

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A Wednesday movie review

Now this is a complete surprise. And an extremely pleasant surprise, must add. Newer stories are slowly finding their way into plexes of India.

Two Fridays ago, Phoonk spoke about the power of Black Magic and last Friday, ROCK ON!! encouraged you to chase your dreams. Both Phoonk and ROCK ON!! didn't boast of A-list actors to lure the audiences in hordes, but the films let the powerful content do the talking.

It's a hat-trick now. The third Friday in succession witnesses the release of A Wednesday. And marks my words, it's the most powerful film to come out of Bollywood in 2008.

Most promos mislead the viewer no end. They promise the moon, the viewer is hooked and very often, they fail to meet the expectations. In this case, the promos are just the tip of the iceberg. This movie has so much to offer than a few vital glimpses highlighted in the promos.

Here's another point that needs to be clarified. A Wednesday is not about the train blasts, nor is it similar to MUMBAI MERI JAAN. Sure, terrorism is the wallpaper here, but A Wednesday talks about the plight and power of the common man, the aam aadmi.

The year has witnessed some supremely talented storytellers make their debut, like Rajkumar Gupta (AAMIR), Kunal Deshmukh (JANNAT) and Abbas Tyrewala (JAANE TU… YA JAANE NA). Now Neeraj Pandey joins the ranks of directors who, one is confident, will be one of those calling the shots in the future.

A Wednesday works like magic because of its gripping plotline. The journey, right from start to end on a fateful Wednesday, keeps you on tenterhooks. And the culmination to this complex tale is what takes this film to dizzy heights.

In short, A Wednesday is amongst the finest -- and bravest -- films to come out in 2008. Just one word to describe it: Remarkable!

A Wednesday tells the story of certain events that unfold between 2 and 6 p.m. on A Wednesday in Mumbai. Events that do not exist in any record.

Flashback: Prakash Rathod (Anupam Kher), Commissioner of Police, Mumbai gets a call demanding the release of four militants in lieu of information on bombs that the man has planted in various parts of Mumbai.

At first, Prakash suspects it to be a crank call, but his doubts are dispelled once he actually finds a bomb planted in the police station right opposite his Police Headquarters.

Prakash Rathod is not the type to give up easily. He gets a team of his best men together and taps all his resources. He even hires a young hacker to help his team trace the calls and also the location of the anonymous caller.

Time passes by, but no concrete results are evident. Eventually, Prakash Rathod decides to hand over the militants to the anonymous caller. It is then that events take a bizarre turn.

Expect the unexpected in A Wednesday. From the writing point of view to the execution of the written material, writer-director Neeraj Pandey never takes the been-there-seen-that route even once.

It does take time to settle down (the multiple stories at the start are not too interesting), but once you do get the hang of things, A Wednesday offers you twist after twist, throws challenge after challenge in those 1.30 hours (yes, it's a short film).

No sub-plots, no songs, no unwanted masala, no unnecessary tracks -- A Wednesday has a story to tell and it tells most effectively.

On the execution front, the camera movement (Jimmy Jib), during Naseer's portions specifically, demands your attention. Cinematographer Fuwad Khan's output is top class even when he captures a chase (Jimmy Sheirgill) on a busy Mumbai street.

The editor (Shree Narayan Singh) deserves lavish praises for giving shape to this thriller. During the finale specifically -- Anupam is driving towards the location, while Naseer is packing his stuff -- the parallel scenes are juxtaposed brilliantly. The background score (Sanjay Chowdhury) is stirring.

When your film has two of the finest talents sharing screen space, it only heightens the curiosity.

Naseeruddin Shah has delivered several remarkable performances over the decades and the one in A Wednesday easily makes its way into his Top 5 works when you recall his body of work.

His outburst in the end -- when he talks about the plight of the common man -- is astounding. The entire audi, one is confident, would break into a deafening applause at this master sequence.

Anupam Kher is equally dynamic. Watch the cold look or catch him face-to-face with Naseer in the finale, if there's one actor who could stand up to a giant of an actor, it's Kher. An outstanding performance indeed!

Every performance in A Wednesday is charged. Jimmy Sheirgill is first-rate as a volatile cop. Of late, the actor has been wasted in insipid roles and it's about time film-makers take a note of this talented actor.

Aamir Bashir is superb. Again, this actor has never got his due in feature films. It's our loss, not his! Deepal Shaw plays her part confidently.

Chetan Pandit, as the Chief Minister, is effective. Ditto for the actor who plays the main terrorist - Kali Prasad Mukherjee.

On the whole, A Wednesday is cinema at its best. It may not be a Kinng-sized entertainer to lure the audiences in hordes and set the box-office afire, but A Wednesday does pack in king-sized punch. Do yourself a favour: Watch A Wednesday.

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Soha and Siddarth split up?

According to industry buzz, Siddarth and girl friend Soha Ali Khan have again had a major fight with Sid walking out of Soha's apartment.

Common friends reveal that the actor had moved in with Soha after buying her new pad in Bandra. In fact, whenever he's in town, he stays at Soha's place. According to sources it all began with a small argument.

Soha felt that Siddarth wasn't giving her enough time and attention. Since Siddarth refused to go public about their relationship, Soha is feeling stifled.

Siddarth is extremely moody and they often have fights. Soha loves to party and is an extrovert while Siddarth is a loner.

So this time, the fight got out of hand and Siddarth decided to move out. Siddarth shifted out a day before Saif's birthday party at Four Seasons.

Though both Siddarth and Soha came to the party together, he was very uncomfortable about getting his pictures clicked together with Soha and hid his face when the photogs tried to click them together.

Soha and Siddarth have had lot of fights in the past, but they haven't yet called it quits!

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I hate being called Yashraj girl: Rani Mukherji

The insinuation that Rani is a resident Yashraj heroine has the talented actress fuming.

A source close to Rani says it takes the actress all her willpower to stop herself from bursting a blood vessel when she's referred to as the ghar ki heroine at Yashraj.

"What exactly do people mean by this?" says a source very close to Rani. "Agreed Rani has done comparatively more films with the Yashraj banner.

But that's because any heroine in Bollywood would be foolish to turn down an author-backed heroine-centric part like Laga Chunri Mein Daag. And so what if the film didn't work? She's very proud of the film and rates it among her best films."

Continues the source, "In fact Rani makes it a point to remind people that lately she did Karan Johar's Kabhi Alvidaa Na Kehna, Ravi Chopra's Baghban and Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Saawariya. None of these is a Yashraj film."

In fact if rumours are to be believed, Rani is on the verge of signing a couple of films that are far removed from the Yashraj banner.

"One of course is Sanjay Leela Bhansali's historical Bajirao Mastani which is far from shelved. Sanjay plans to make the film in the near future. And while the rest of the cast may change Rani as Bajirao's wife remains in place. There are other films that Rani is seriously considering, " says the source.

Says the source, "Some time ago Rani said no to Mira Nair's Namesake for emotional reasons. The excuse was dates. But Rani had her own reasons for foregoing a role that has changed Tabu's career internationally.

Today Rani is in a space were she realizes being hard-headed and business-like is what Bollywood is all about. She certainly doesn't want to be branded a Yashraj heroine."

Whispers that she acts like a hostess at Yashraj Studios are strongly denied by people close to the organization. "This is all in people's minds. Rani is at home in every production house.

Have you seen her with Karan Johar or Sanjay Bhansali? She's totally relaxed in their homes, has long chats with their mom and even goes into their kitchen at will."

At the moment Rani is in intense preparation for her cricket film with new director Anurag Singh.

Says the source, "It's being said she's agreed to work with a new director because of the banner. But hello? Rani has worked with Kunal Kohli and Shaad Ali.

Even Karan Johar was a debutant when Rani did Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.As for working with only Yashraj Kunal Kohli's Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic is entirely Kunal's production. Yashraj have only lent their name."

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I have no marraige plans with John: Bipasha Basu

When I meet her for this interview at Yashraj Studios, Bipasha Basu tells me that she is more than happy with the fact that since the time that she had made her debut in Bollywood with Abbas-Mustan's Ajnabee, she has made rapid strides as an actress in the last eight years and carved for herself a niche in the industry.

"It has been a learning process for me from Ajnabee till my latest release- Bachna Ae Haseena. I have learnt everything on the job slowly and steadily unlike then new comers today who come prepared even with their first film."

Bipasha confesses that she has matured with time and become more responsible, as an actress. "I am glad I could live to see a film of mine celebrating its golden jubilee like my second film after Ajnabee- Raaz did.

I am not bragging about it but genuinely I feel sad that today it is not possible for any actor, including John Abraham to celebrate the jubilee of his or her film, since a stage has come when a film has got to recover its cost in the first three days of its release with films having become a big business with the mushrooming of the multiplexes."

Bipasha admits that she enjoyed working with Ranbir Kapoor in Bachna Ae Haseena.

"I had a fabulous time playing the character of the Shiamak Davar dancer Radhika in Bachna Ae Haseena" Bipasha recalls the fact that while doing a dance number for the film, she even had a tear in her meniscus but continued to perform after a physiotherapist was brought to the sets and kept on stand by to attend to her.

According to her, the choreographer Ahmed Khan manipulated the steps in such a way that the weight was there only on the left leg and the best thing was that when she saw the film, it looked like she was not at all in pain when executing her steps.

Bipasha is angry when you ask her how comfortable is it to be pitted with a young guys like Ranbir Kapoor in Bachna Ae Haseena and Neil Mukesh in Freeze, who are younger than her.

"Why is an actress who has not even touched 30 labelled as a senior actress just because she is cast opposite new actors like Ranbir and Neil, who are younger to me just by two to three years?

Aishwarya Rai has married Abhishek Bachchan who is three years younger to her but has it in any way changed their relationship"?

Bipasha feels that it is unfair that there is an anti lobby for a woman when she is cast opposite a younger actor even though she does not sport wrinkles.

"Why is it that no one has any objection when an actor like Nana Patekar or for that matter Anil Kapoor is cast opposite actresses who are half their age? There was no hue and cry raised when Akshay Khanna was teamed in Dil Chahta Hai opposite Dimple who is senior to him by 25 years

. It is indeed high time that women are given a break."

Bipasha feels that she has not been given her due as an actor though she had given an award winning performance in Corporate because of limitations.

"There are many reasons why I am not offered good films. I do not belong to any particular camp like some other actresses. It is well known fact that I have a boy friend who I do not hide in my closet.

All said and done, we should not forget the fact that it is a hero oriented film industry and I cannot ask for more than what I being offered."

Bipasha is now getting opportunities to prove her mettle as an actress. Among the films that she has up her sleeves are Freeze directed by Jehangir Surti and Pankh directed by Sudipto Gupta.

While Freeze in which she has been teamed opposite Neil Mukesh is a romantic thriller, Pankh is a psychological thriller which deals with the psyche of a young boy who has to play a girl child because of his mum's pressure.

I play this interesting imaginary character of a woman who guides him through his turmoil."

Bipasha is frank enough to admit that she could identify a lot with the character of Radhika which she had essayed in Bachna Ae Haseena, because Radhika is a contemporary young independent young woman like Bipasha is.

"Your first love can end in marriage if you are lucky. Also you can fall in love any number of times till you end up meeting your ideal soul mate. It is all a question of your luck."

Bipasha does not mind admitting that love is her top priority in life even though she is a career woman. "What would you do in life if you are busy 24/7 with only your work and have no one to share your life?

However, in case you want to know when I am planning top plunge into marriage with John, let me confess that as of now there are no marriage plans for us though we do not hide the fact that we are seeing each other and are in love.

What I like the best about John and myself is that both of us do not carry the baggage of being stars. We are like-minded soul mates who do not like to hide behind sunglasses."

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Aashayein Movie Preview

Cast: John Abraham, Sonal Sehgal, Girish Karnad, Farida Jalal
Directed by: Nagesh Kukunoor

Aashayein is the story of an angry, confused, compulsive gambler who discovers new meanings of fortune and life through a dramatic turn of events.

At a party celebrating his big gambling win, Rahul proposes to his girlfriend Nafisa. But within minutes of announcing his engagement to her, Rahul collapses on the floor. Aashayein

After a medical diagnosis, Rahul discovers that he has only a few months left to live. The movie is a moving tale of Rahul's journey from darkness to light. It is a journey about love, hate, life, death and hope.

Sonal Sehgal plays Nafisa, a doting and loving girlfriend who wishes and hopes that love will conquer all her troubles. Other characters touching Rahul's life include Sister Grace (Prateeksha Lonkar), who dedicates her life to the happiness of her patients in the hospice.

There is also Parthasarthy (Girish Karnad), a fun-loving but stubborn character wishing to be reunited with his family, while the intelligent, virtuous and loving Madhu (Farida Jalal) wants to lead a normal life and not be ostracised while in the hospice.

Also present is 10-year-old comic book lover Govinda (Ashwin Chitale), who dreams of everyone's life being just like a comic book.

How Rahul gets influenced by these characters in the hospice and how he makes the most of his limited time is what Aashayein is about. This moving saga is directed by Nagesh Kukunoor of Iqbal (2005) and Bombay to Bangkok (2008) fame.

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I will kill Gauri Khan: Vidya Balan

Vidya Balan made a shocking statement quite recently. She declared her love for Shah Rukh Khan and even went on to state that for him, she would be even willing to kill Gauri Khan.

However, it is quite obvious that she said so in light humor as all this chit-chat happened on the 'Sajid Superstars' show! We bring some exclusive tidbits on what to expect from the show

- On being asked about her crush, Vidya Balan didn't bat an eyelid as she only mentioned one name - Shah Rukh Khan! When warned by Sajid Khan that Gauri Khan could well be watching the show, she confessed that for getting the man of her dreams, she would even be willing to kill Gauri Khan!

- She did mention her disappointment though for missing out on being even nominated for Bhool Bhulaiyaa. Though she gave her heart, body and soul for the role of a woman possessed and saw some critical and commercial acclaim for the film, she was left perplexed when award functions ignored her completely. In fact one of her scenes from the film even made it to the best scenes selected by Sajid Khan.

- Her worst scene was an embarrassment for her though as a sequence from her tele-serial 'Hum Paanch', which was aired years back on TV. No wonder, she was red faced all through the duration as the scene played.

- There was some more fun in store as she was asked to choose her favorite between designers Manish Malhotra and Aki Narula. For the uninitiated, there is no love lost between Vidya and the two designers, hence the query holds on quite some relevance.

- She also mentioned about how uncomfortable she was about the thought of enacting a love making scene with Sanjay Dutt for Parineeta. In fact a few weeks back, even Sanjay Dutt had mentioned that it was quite strange to shoot for the scene since director Pradeep Sarkar insisted in dozens of retakes before the scene was finally canned!

- However, Vidya admits that Sanjay Dutt made it all comfortable for her and in the end she didn't have any hesitation to continue with the shoot. Just like the major part of the industry which loves Sanju baba, even Vidya couldn't help singing praises for her co-stars whom she truly believes has a heart of gold.

- Sajid however didn't have a heart to listen to what Vidya had to say, especially when she opened her mouth to sing a song. The moment she started singing 'Pal Pal' from Lage Raho Munnabhai, Sajid went off to sleep!

- Things perked up further though when other celebrities started placing their questions to her. One such question came from Ritiesh Deshmukh, her co-star in Heyy Babyy, who asked her to clarify the legend behind her being called 'Nagin Chachi' by quite a few members of the film fraternity. Keep guessing the reason before Vidya spills the beans in the show!

- While she was all fun in making her dancing entry into the show with the song 'Dholna' [Heyy Babyy], things turned a little serious as she was asked to reveal some bitter truths. In a round of controversial questions which followed, she was asked about her role in the Shahid-Kareena break-up. In addition, she was also grilled about her involvement with John Abraham.

She did come up with smart answers for two of the biggest controversies of her personal life ever since she entered celluloid. To know about what did she have to say about her 'affairs' with John and Shahid, tune in to Sajid's Superstars at 8:00 PM (note the revised timings), Saturday on the newly launched channel COLORS!

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Pakistan captain denies affair with Sayali Bhagat

Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has denied reports of his making secret trips across the border to keep alive his affair with former Miss India and Bollywood actress Sayali Bhagat.

Shoaib however admitted that Sayali was a "close and dear friend" whom he met at a promotional event during the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year.

"Sayali is a close and dear friend and that's about it," Shoaib told.

Media reports from across the border linked Malik with Sayali, the Bollywood beauty who made her film debut by starring opposite Emraan Hashmi in The Train.

Malik has been frequently travelling to India this year and in fact has been spending most of his off season there. When asked whether his relationship was the reason behind the trips, Malik said: "I've a contract with Reebok in India and have to go there once in a while for promotional activities. My friendship with Sayali has nothing to do with it."

While Malik tried to play down his affair with the former Miss India, Pakistani media has been flashing news on their romance.

According to reports they met at a store opening in Delhi last year and since then, kept in touch via email and occasional phone calls.

Talking to a leading daily Sayali said, "We need more time because we are just getting to know each other. Our religion is not an issue, I am more concerned about the distance between us.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow, but I believe when you want something from the heart — the whole universe conspires to get it for you.” she added. But Malik is more focused on his team's next international assignment, the proposed three-nation tournament in South Africa involving Sri Lanka and the hosts next month.

"The postponement of the Champions Trophy was a big blow for us. But we have to leave it behind and get ready for the next assignment."

Malik hoped his players will be ready for the challenge in South Africa.

The triangular event is being planned at the request Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) which is trying to compensate for the postponement of the Champions Trophy which was supposed to take place here Sep 12-28.

There have been reports that Malik is likely to lose his captaincy following the resignation of PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf, who elevated the experienced all-rounder to the important position after the World Cup debacle last year.

Malik has been criticised for being a 'weak' captain in recent times and it is expected that he could lose the captaincy to either vice-captain Misbah-ul-Haq or senior batsman Younis Khan.

But Malik said that he is not under any pressure.

"It's an honour to lead Pakistan and I am doing it to the best of my ability," he said.

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C Kkompany Movie review

MUNNABHAI M.B.B.S. started a trend of sorts. Gangsters with a heart of gold acting as modern-day Robinhoods. Robbing the notorious rich and helping the oppressed poor.

Writer turned debutante director Sachin Yardi borrows a leaf from MUNNABHAI M.B.B.S. and presents a tale that not only talks of Robinhoods, but also makes a scathing attack at news reporting hitting an all-time low (anything for TRPs), makes digs at Ekta Kapoor and her serials, also looks at the underworld-builder-cops nexus.

The story of three losers attaining power overnight makes for interesting viewing.

But the problem is, C Kkompany lacks consistency. The comedy is truly hilarious at places, but there're times when you sit motionless, not reacting to the on-screen antics. If the first hour is a joyous ride, the second hour is akin to driving on a road full of potholes. T

he climax is also a letdown (in the mela), although the end sequence -- C Kkompany is now a movement -- was the right way to conclude the film.

All said, C Kkompany had the germs of being a cool entertainer, but it ends up being a one-time average watch.

C Kkompany is about three individuals, all living in the 'C' Wing of a middle class housing society: Akshay (Tusshar) is a crime reporter, Mr. Joshi (Anupam Kher) is a retired accountant trying to deal with his ungrateful son and Lambodar (Rajpal Yadav) is at loggerheads with his wife over his job. These three friends share their respective plight with one another and find solace in each other's company.

On one occasion, they play a harmless prank to tackle their problems.

One thing leads to another and before they realize, the incident becomes big news. But things don't stop there. They put their new founded fame to good use and this in turn triggers off a series of incidents, which propel them to such heights that the three become the talk of the nation.

That Sachin Yardi has a flair for comedy was more than evident when he penned the thoroughly entertaining KYAA KOOL HAI HUM. C Kkompany also boasts of humour-laden sequences that keep you in splits at several points.

But keeping the humour alive from start to end is not everyone's cup of tea. Yardi's humour works till the beginning of the second hour, but things stagnate thereafter. Things get repetitive. There's not much movement in the story and the comic scenes also range from enjoyable to avoidable.

Music is quite okay, but the songs -- barring the Sanjay Dutt track at the outset -- show up without valid situations. The Tusshar-Celina track, although well shot, comes up from nowhere. Cinematography is alright.

C Kkompany gets its glory because of its three protagonists. Tusshar is only climbing the ladder with every film. He's excellent. Anupam Kher proves yet again that he's amongst the best in the business. Rajpla Yadav is efficient too.

Mithun Chakraborty is in command after a long time. The veteran is superb. Vinay Apte and Dilip Prabhavalkar do complete justice to their respective roles. Raima Sen is pleasant. Karan Johar, Mahesh Bhatt and Ekta Kapoor's appearances give the film that extra sheen.

On the whole, C Kkompany is funny in parts, not in totality. An ordinary fare!

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