I'm not comfortable dancing at New Year's events

Will I dance this New Year's eve? Bollywood actresses answer... Priyanka Chopra: "It's a matter of personal choice. I'm not comfortable dancing at the New Year's event. But then I don't want to be judgmental about those who do. I've always tried to be different in my choices. This year I've said no. But if some other year I'm presented with an interesting option and a concept then why not? I did perform at the Nelly Furtado New Year's even concert two years ago. Celina Jaitley: "Yes I'll go on stage on New Year's Eve in London at the City Pavilion. The tickets, apparently are priced at a whopping 125 pounds per head. Is it proper to head to London for New Year's eve revelry when Mumbai is morning and most actresses have canceled their stage gig? It's not the actresses who have canceled their performances. It's the luxury hotels in Mumbai which have done away with New Years eve shows. As for me I won't be performing in London. I'll just be making an appearance. Although it'll be known as the Celina Jaitly night where Javed Ali (who has sung for A R Rahman in Jodha-Akbar and Yuvraaj) and Rishi Rich will perform. I'll just just go on stage." "I wouldn't perform at the New Year's eve bash unless I'm sure about the hotel and the security. Having taken care of that, as long as it's a respectable event properly publicized and with a fat paycheck, I'd be tempted. Malaika Arora: "I'll be performing for New Years eve in Singapore. Performing at a tacky event is a definite no-no. I can tell tacky from classy. The show organizers who look after their artistes well are Cineyug, Wizcraft, G.S. Entertainment (Bunty Walia) and Sohail Khan. I know for a fact that these guys would never be involved with anything tacky. This year I'm performing for Wizcraft. I know they'll look after every detail including the artiste's security. If I'm uncomfortable with the milieu then the answer is no. I've performed at the Marriott and it was a wonderful experience and a lucrative deal. Koena Mitra: "I'd be lying if I said that security at a New Year's eve performance is not a concern for me, after what happened to me last year (Koena was stalked and manhandled). Now as a rule I double check the security. Having said that, like any artiste I love performing in front of a live audience. What better way to bring in the New Year? Dia Mirza: "I've been getting offers to perform on New Years eve for years. But I've never been tempted. Honestly the remuneration offered for such performances can weaken your resolve. But I've stuck to my ground. So the answer to the offer of dancing at these year-end affairs remains a firm no. Performing on the 31st of December is a personal choice. I'd prefer to bring in the new year with family and friends. Sophie Chowdhary: "I hope to perform in Delhi this New Years eve. Although the general mood is gloomy I truly feel that we should not allow fear to overpower us. Recession and then 26/11...we need to regain our strength and power. Of course we must not forget the lessons of 26/11. At the same time we mustn't be afraid to live our normal lives. We need to begin 2009 on a happy and positive note." Shilpa Shetty: "I'm not against dancing in a hotel for New Years. After all, what's the difference between dancing in an awards night or at a New Years' event? Please! I've danced on 31 December in the past. But this time, no thank you. I've got five different offers to dance this New Years. And at unheard-of prices. The fee was tempting. But sorry I wasn't tempted. This year I'm going on a family holiday to Spain for the New Year. I'd any day sacrifice any kind of money for the family. … Today being in a serious relationship and contemplating marriage I'm in a different mind space. I'd perhaps not be that enthusiastic about dancing at dos. But again, this is not a moral issue. Please! I repeat, there's no difference between dancing at a mundan or a new year's eve function.

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Kangana insulted at Yash Raj studios gates

We in the media all know how Yash Raj bosses are a stickler for privacy and how well guarded their huge studio premises is. Well just that we didn't know that even some Bollywood stars are no exception as Yash Raj's strict rules are being enforced on them too. Our source narrates, "On Friday morning just before the trial show of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi began at the Yash Raj Studios' preview theatre, a white Skoda drove up to the gates of the studios and began honking at the gates so that the watchman would open the gates for them. But instead, the watchman refused to open the gates and walked up to the driver. Though the watchman had clearly seen it was Kangana Ranaut sitting next to the driver's seat, he knocked on the window and asked the driver whom he wanted to meet at YRF and whom should he say has come while confirming. But then even that wasn't enough. He then left Kangana and her driver waiting at the gate for some more time till he went back to confirm the actress' appointment over the intercom." What left Kangana visibly upset was the watchman asking on the intercom to someone at the other end that whether the actress should be let in or not and also whether her car had permission to be parked in the YRF studios basement parking! Finally after a good 15-20 minutes wait at the gates, actress Kangana Ranaut was finally allowed into the YRF studio" the source concludes. We are now the wondering whether Kangana shall soon be the next starlet to join the Yash Raj bandwagon following her Fashion, co-star, Priyanka Chopra.

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Bipasha has a ear-full of problems

Sunday was one of Bipasha's worst days ever. In the afternoon, she gave those close to her a scare when a flying pebble lodged itself straight inside her ear, almost tearing her eardrums.

Shuddering at the bizarre turns of the day Bipasha says, "We were doing a heavy-duty action scene when this pebble went right inside my ear. I had to be taken to Leelavati where it had to be sucked out. "

On the surface, this doesn't sound serious. "But it wasn't on the surface. It went right in. And I couldn't move because there was the danger that it would go in deeper and pierce the eardrums, I tried to shake it out. Then, when that didn't work, I decided to let a doctor do the needful."

Sunday being an off day no doctors were available. "The producer and director tried everything. We finally headed towards Leelavati. It was John who got an old ENT specialist friend of his to check me out. The sweet doctor was at another hospital. He drove down to Leelavati and at 4.30 pm, he finally put me out of my misery."

But it was a good three hours of trauma for Bipasha. "Who would think such a thing would happen? Normally during an action scene, you protect your knees, head, etc. But your ear? My parents were petrified. The minute the doctor said it could be taken out, I was okay. It was the most bizarre thing that ever happened to me."

That wasn't the end of Bips's Sunday trauma. "It was double jeopardy for me. When my parents, sister and I returned home we got stuck in the lift while going up to my apartment. My sister is claustrophobic. So I had to pretend to be calm for her sake until we were rescued."

Bipasha has marked Sunday 14 December as the most terrifying day of her life. " It was the most ridiculous and scary day of my life. And that too on a Sunday when I should've been relaxing."

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Akshay Kumar voted sexiest man by People

This week, in a special two-cover issue, People India names Akshay Kumar its first-ever "Sexiest Man Alive" for the year 2008.

Akshay credits his "Punjabi eyes" for his effortless sex appeal adding, "Just for the record, I'm not what you call good-looking. Our industry just happens to have excellent directors of photography. That's all," he tells PEOPLE on receiving the honour. Akshay was photographed specially for the issue in Vicenza, Italy. In the accompanying interview, AK talks gets candid...

"I think everyone just likes to change the way I look it seems to be an amusing pastime for them…I'm not afraid to try anything. It takes guts to be an icon. If we played it safe all the time, fashion wouldn't exist."

"My cleavage is my best asset. Women used to love my hairy chest too. Also, my Punjabi eyes convince women that I'm in love with them. I think that's why I'm always linked with my co-stars. We look so in love on celluloid that people think we must be having an affair."

"My son would probably kung fu my a*** if I flirted with anyone but his mother."

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Aamir is Aamir, SRK is SRK: Aamir Khan

Ghajini is the most anticipated release of the year. And like everyone else, Aamir Khan is super-excited about it. He talks about the hairstyle he made famous, clears a few controversies and hopes Ghajini will be his Christmas present to movie buffs.

Are you counting the days to the release of Ghajini?
Yeah. Now that it has been completed I’m just waiting for its release. I’m thrilled that people all over India are excited about the film. It has a Tamil version too and all over audiences are eagerly awaiting its release. The cast and crew have worked very hard for this movie. My director Ossim, without knowing Hindi, had to adjust.

Your film got U/A rating. How do you feel about it?
It’s great that the censor board, having seen it, has given it this rating. Now I’m keeping my fingers crossed. The censor board has liked it, we now have to wait for the audiences’ reaction.

Tell us about the scenes that have been deleted because of the censor board.
There were only about two to three shots that were deleted. Unless you watch the movie it is worthless to say which scenes these were. Also, I really can’t disclose this type of information.

Do you really think that you can promote Ghajini through a hairstyle?
See, the idea was from the film’s publicity department. They thought it was good and it is the first time a film has been promoted this way so I am happy with the concept. The film has a lot of offer. I assure you that everyone who watches it will get something out of the experience. So I can’t say that it will become a hit or not only through the way it is being promoted.

Issues about the phone number tattooed on you in the film’s poster were in the news. It all came back to you. Tell us about it.
It was our mistake and I am sorry for what happened. I was upset about it but we did not do it intentionally.

Have you watched Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi?
No, but if I get time I will definitely watch the film.

You are apparently promoting your film in theatres that are showing Shahrukh Khan’s movie. Is it tough always competing with Khan?
My film has only two weeks to it’s release. Shahrukh is Shahrukh and Aamir is Aamir. No one should compare us to each other. We both have different styles when it comes to our work and we are both well settled in our careers. So I don’t know why the media is constantly comparing us. The promotion of my film has nothing to do with this so called Khan war.

Do you think you have worked harder than Surya (who starred in the original Ghajini) for this film?
I saw the film in its Tamil version and I liked Surya’s character. That’s why I asked Murgadoss to make a Hindi version. I was inspired by him. So I can’t say that I have worked harder than him.

This film is quite different from your recent movies. The storyline is not situational or message based.
Ya, but the film is good! When I saw the Tamil version I liked the movie so much that I called the director. It’s true, it isn’t situational or message based but again it’s a different kind of role- something I have never done before. You get to see the action hero in me this time; the one who fights gundas and all! And also, a lover boy! That’s a role I’m playing after a while. I need variation in my characters and want to do different roles with each film.

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Shah Rukh Khan launches the latest Filmfare issue

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Bangalore pitches for SRK's new heroine

She used to be softspoken, bright and studious, but model Anushka Sharma also has what it takes to reach the top in showbiz, say people in Bangalore as she makes her dream debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi".

While her mentor and fashion guru Prasad Bidappa says Bangalore girl Anushka was always a good learner and he had an inkling that she would do well in the glamour and entertainment industry, her friends say she has always "stood out in the crowd".

"Anushka showed her zeal in learning things fast. She started walking the ramp perfectly just after a few days of guidance. She was agile and had a perfect body language. She was a good learner and worked hard to reach the top. It did not surprise me when she got such a good opportunity in Bollywood," Bidappa, who also groomed Deepika Padukone, told IANS.

Well-known designer Wendell Rodricks spotted Anushka at an event in Bangalore and saw her potential. He brought her to Mumbai and made her the showstopper in his Les Vamps show at the Lakme India Fashion Week.

After making a mark as a model, Anushka did big assignments for products like Fiat Palio and Silk and Shine products.

A trained bharatanatyam dancer, Anushka is playing a dancer who gets married to a nerd in "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi".

Former model and Kannada actress Andrita Ray says Anushka's entry into filmdom brings hope for others who are trying to make it big in filmdom.

"Certainly this was the most encouraging news for many models in the city who are trying for a foot hold in the film industry," said Andrita, who forayed into the Kannada film industry with director Mahesh Babu's "Meravanige".

Andrita remembers Anushka as a softspoken girl.

"More than me, some of my best known friends who describe her as one girl who could be noticed even in a big crowd.

“Though I did not have too many interactions with her, I was very happy to see her getting such a big break. And what makes it more exciting is the fact that she was chosen after more than a hundred girls were interviewed," said Andrita.

Some of Anushka's friends who studied in Mount Carmel College with her say they were not at all surprised that she chose a film career.

"Working in films was her first ambition," said a friend.

One of her teachers on request of anonymity said she was surprised when she saw Anushka's photograph in a newspaper with Shah Rukh. "She was very studious and I thought she would complete her post graduation in economics," said the teacher.

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Why is RNBDJ a special film for all?

Makers of RAB NE BANA DI JODI are super confident that their film about 'ordinary people' would be able to strike a chord with millions. And that's because the film has 'ordinary people' as it's target audience, tells the story from the point of view of 'ordinary people' and most importantly, conveys a message that 'being ordinary' is cool. Says an official from Yash Raj Films, "RAB NE... is a very important film because it is about people like you and me. You don't see fancy stuff because the film gets into the locality and house of a protagonist (in this case Surinder Sawhney, the character played by Shah Rukh Khan), who is a commoner." Talking further about the essence of this Aditya Chopra directed film, she says, "As middle class people, so many of us have a routine life. We wake up in the morning, get dressed, go to office, come back, sometimes for a change we buy things back home, watch TV, eat dinner and go to sleep. And then we repeat this day after day, week after week. RAB NE... talks about one such man who lives a routine life. It is a simple film at heart." Just like the kind of films which featured Amol Palekar 25-30 years back? "What you read in the newspapers or elsewhere is false. We are not talking about GOLMAAL kind of a situation here. The plot of RAB NE... is completely different. There was no point issuing any denials because the film has now released and everyone can see the difference", she shrugs. But in terms of character graph, one can't deny that the film belongs to the old world school where actors like Amol Palekar and Farooque Sheikh made a lasting impression with their middle class defining acts. "That could be one similarity but Shah Rukh Khan is different here. He will make you fall in love all over again. You will certainly come out smiling and feeling very good about your very own existence as the curtains would come down. RAB NE... is a feel good heartwarming film and just the kind which should perk up the gloomy situation which is prevalent today, both due to the terror attack and the recession in the industry", she concludes.

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