Bollywood News: July 2008

Manoj Kumar to be honoured on Kishore Kumar`s birth anniversary

Yesteryear Bollywood actor Manoj Kumar will be bestowed with Madhya Pradesh government`s prestigious Kishore Kumar award here on August 4 -- the birth anniversary of the versatile playback singer.

The award instituted by the state government`s cultural department carries a cash prize of Rs one lakh and a citation.

A memorial of the legendary singer will be unveiled on the occasion, Khandwa Collector S B Singh told reporters here today.

Later in the evening, Kishore Kumar`s sons Amit and Sumit will relive their father`s magic by presenting his songs.

On August 3, a group called "K for Kishore" will present a light music programme in memory of the singer, he said.

Kishore Kumar`s wife Leena Chandavarkar is likely to be present on the occasion.

Mughda Godse not ready to go for a topless role

Mumbai, July 29: While the models seem to be handling the wardrobe malfunctions just fine, it appears that it will take much more than just meaty roles for them to give their nod to bold topless scenes as model turned actress Mughda Godse turned down a film role that required her to give some topless shots.

According to reports, the sizzling model refused a leading role with a top French production house in the film ‘Raas Leela’ to be directed by Sharat Chandra. And sources tell us that though Mughda had been keen on doing the role initially, she backed out when the bold scene was narrated to her.

For now, the sultry model is content with her role in Madhur Bhandarkar’s forthcoming film ‘Fashion’ that will see her in the role of a model.

Spoof on Ekta in `Money Hai...' upsets Tusshar Kapoor

Mumbai, July 29: Actress Rakhi Vijayan, who played the air-headed Sweety in Ekta Kapoor`s long-running sitcom "Hum Paanch", had a bitter parting with Balaji Telefilms and it shows up in a spoof on the TV tycoon in the latest comedy "Money Hai To Honey Hai".

When Ekta heard about the spoof, she asked Rakhi about it. When the actress admitted she was indeed playing a character like Ekta, she apparently slammed the phone down on Rakhi.

"What can I say?" laughed Ekta. "I`m flattered to have moved from being a human being to mythology. When we heard about this my brother was more upset than I was," Ekta told IANS.

Ekta`s protective brother Tusshar was taken aback to see the spoof surface on the big screen.

"When I first heard about my sister being satirized in "Money Hai To Honey Hai", I asked the producers how they`d feel if we did something similar to one of them in of our films. They assured us they`d remove the scenes featuring the spoof on my sister," said Tusshar.

"Now I`m told those scenes are still there. The film is going to come and go without creating any impact. Why give it any importance? People love to pull you down when you`re an icon, like Ekta. What they`ve done is not right. But then this industry has all kinds of people.

"I don`t want to degrade my sister by over-reacting to this. But I wonder if this film`s director would dare do this with a Shah Rukh, Aamir Khan or Akshay Kumar? Obviously not because as a director he wants to work with the big star, not antagonise them," he added.

This isn`t the first time that Ekta is being put on screen. In a recent film, Gulshan Grover had played a superstitious, arrogant, imperious, TV tycoon inspired by Ekta.

"Is that how I`m being perceived by these people?" asked Ekta. "Well, let me tell these filmmakers I`ve already spoken to my lawyers. Let them put me on screen in a positive way I don`t mind. But if I`m attacked for my religious beliefs or my work ethics, I`ll sue the hell out of these clever filmmakers."

Tusshar says there`s a difference between flattery and a spoof.

"In our production `C Kompany`, I`m named Akshay Kumar. I`m an ordinary Mumbai middleclass guy who is a crime reporter and acquires a macho heroic image through his name. My name is so much in contrast to my character. We`re actually paying a homage to Akshay."

Producer Kumar Mangat, however, completely brushes aside the resemblance to Ekta in his film.

"We didn`t even have Ekta in mind when we did the character. No, Tusshar didn`t speak to me directly, but he did send me a message through someone. I told him to see the film and decide. I don`t think the character is offensive."

Voice of India winner Ishmeet Singh dead

New Delhi, July 29: Voice of India winner Ishmit Singh has died in Maldives of drowning on Tuesday morning.

Hailing from Ludhiana, Ishmit had won the Star TV show in 2007.

He had gone to Maldives this morning. He reportedly died of drowning in a swimming pool. Details are awaited.

After Priyanka, cricket is Harman Baweja`s new love!

Mumbai, July 29: Making a movie on cricket isn`t easy - as Harman Baweja has discovered. The budding actor shared the pitch not only with Rajasthan`s seasoned Ranji Trophy players, but also Australian players like Brett Lee and Stuart Clark for "Victory".

In debutant director Ajit Pal`s film, Harman plays a professional cricketer and was pitched against real-life sports heroes.

Suffering from serious sunstroke, Harman told reporters: "Earlier in Australia, I played with Brett Lee, Stuart Clark and Mike Hussey. I`d like to think I looked authentic enough playing with them.

He`s currently shooting with Ranji Trophy players like Mohammed Ahmed and Abhijeet Sharma.

"Now I`m playing with Rajasthan`s Ranji players. And I`m having a ball because although I`m playing a cricketer I`m playing for real. Man, you can`t fake it with these guys. And considering Rajasthan has just won the IPL (Indian Premier League), you can imagine how good these guys are at the game."

To ensure complete authenticity in the cricket scenes, former player Praveen Amre was deployed all through the shooting.

"Praveen Amre was part of the Indian team in the mid-1990s. We didn`t want to falter for even a bat of an eyelid, pun intended. Hence the expert advice," said Harman, who debuted with the futuristic "Love Story 2050".

The cricket scenes being shot in Jodhpur show how Harman`s character evolves to become a star-cricketer.

"It`s the story of a cricketer Vijay Shekhawat`s rise from a small town player to a national level cricketer. My big moment came when these Ranji players said I played well. They told me there`s a lot more to cricket than just the shot.

"They said I looked convincing in the way I wore my helmet, gloves, stood my ground, ran and connected with the field. I worked on all of that.

"As far as playing the game goes, I was a cricket player from school and college. So I only needed to brush up the game. It was getting the other details about a cricketer`s personality right that was tough."

Last Thursday, Harman played cricket for 12 hours on the trot.

"By the end of it, I was ready to collapse. Everyone else in the crew had breaks. They ran under trees, checked the monitor in the shade while I had to stand in the burning sun and play non-stop for 12 hours, rehearsing and doing final takes. I`m so exhausted by the heat I can collapse right now," said Harman.

Rajkumar Santoshi shocked by threat calls

By Subhash K Jha, Mumbai, July 28 : Well-known Bollywood director Rajkumar Santoshi, who has allegedly received calls from gangster Ejaz Lakdawala threatening him and demanding to be paid Rs.50 million, is baffled by the renewed extortion attempts.

"I really don't know anything about who would want to harm me. I've personally not received or attended to any calls. But my office has been getting such calls. Like all of us in this industry, I just do my work. I'm a total workaholic, not bothered with any kind of politics. Why would anyone want to harm me?" he asked.

"I got to know about the seriousness of the fresh threats only when the Joint Commissioner Rakesh Maria spoke about it in the paper this morning. He's a very capable cop. And if he says it's serious, it must be," Santoshi told IANS.

This isn't the first time Santoshi, who made hard hitting films like "Ghayal" and "Damini", has been threatened. In July 2007, the Lucknow police had arrested Lakdawala's gang members who said they were on a mission to kill Santoshi and singer Himesh Reshammiya.

"A year back, I was getting similar threats. Aaj Tak had flashed it then. It's flashing it now. I thought the threats had vanished."

What truly shocks Santoshi is the report that a section of Bollywood is behind the threats.

"I've heard that people in the industry get their colleagues threatened. But I had personally never believed nor experienced it. Like I said, why would anyone want to harm me? I'm a very apolitical person. I don't go to parties. I don't socialise. I don't get into any fights with anyone. My life begins with my work and ends with my family."

Tell him it could be producers or actors whom he refused to work with, and he replies: "I don't know, yaar. Do you think anyone can stoop so low? Though I must admit this isn't the first time that such a thing has happened. People from the industry have got colleagues threatened. But I'm new to this."

"It's a very dangerous game. If the person who's behind this is exposed, he'll be in deep trouble. And he should be exposed. How can we co-exist in the entertainment industry if we start wishing ill for each other?"

Santoshi has filed a police complaint after which he has been provided additional security. The director says he is more worried about his family.

"To be very honest I'm worried more about my family than myself. I've a wife and a child. And their safety is my main concern. Otherwise I'll continue to work normally, finish my Ranbir Kapoor-Katrina Kaif film 'Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani' and go into my Sanjay Dutt project in January."

I'm turning green shooting for 'Toonpur ka Superhero': Ajay Devgan

New Delhi, July 28 : Bollywood actor Ajay Devgan, who is busy shooting for his animated venture 'Toonpur Ka Superhero', says his complexion might metamorphose into green because he is constantly shooting against a green backdrop.

"It looks like I am going to turn green without the presence of chlorophyll in me, reason being, I am shooting only against green background for this film," Ajay wrote on his blog www.ajaydevgan.net.

Ajay described his long engagement with the project and added: "This will be the second schedule, which will last till the first week of September."

The actor says he is enjoying the experience.

"It is so much fun when I watch myself on an off line monitor and realise the way I am going to look as I perform along with the animated characters in their toon world."

He also mentioned that there are more than 200 people behind the scenes, working round the clock creating, developing and synchronising the characters.

"Kudos to the entire team of 'Toonpur Ka Superhero'," he concluded.

Katrina upset with Salman, plans to go her separate way

Mumbai, July 28 : Rumours are rife that one of the hottest couples in Bollywood, Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, is heading for splitsville. The final blow to their relationship came in the form of the spat between Salman and Shah Rukh Khan on Katrina's birthday.

After splitting from his former girlfriend Aishwarya Rai, Salman had finally cashed in all his emotions on Katrina, but he seems to have lost her too as she is quite upset with him. Industry sources said Katrina is no mood to forgive him for his behaviour with Shah Rukh on her birthday which attracted much media attention.

The sources said that after the incident Salman and Katrina are not on talking terms.

"Katrina is blaming Salman for the entire episode," said a common friend.

Katrina opined that Salman should have restrained himself as he was playing the host. "But certain things are not in anyone's control and it is destined to happen," Katrina told a leading TV channel in an interview.

A close friend of Salman said: "He is good at heart. He took initiative for the party to please Katrina. But everything went wrong."

Salman and Katrina's relationship was already going through a rough patch. Katrina's ambition is the reason for Salman's anguish. The British-born actress has long stopped taking his advice regarding her professional life, which irked the actor.

Salman, who is known for his hot temper, had objections to Katrina's choice of films, her co stars and even the outfits she wore for some films.

Deepshikha wants to break-free!!

Deepshikha Nagpal aka Maya Mehta of Dahej on 9x is raring to go and wants to try her hand at something different and new! After doing infinite daily soaps, the actress is ready for a role reversal!

It's very natural to become jaded by repeatedly doing same thing and nowadays with so many reality shows consuming the air time, telly actors do have a choice to experiment and play themselves.

The pretty actress shares," I like my profession a lot and till date I have tried to play so many characters in both films and serials. These days' reality shows are coming up in a big way, and the best part is that it gives you a chance to be yourself. So, you aren't merely playing a character written for you, but yourself -whether good or bad."

Now, that is some food for thought!!!

Harman Baweja facing date clash blues again!

Harman Baweja's debut film Love Story 2050 released on the same date (4th July) as Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na did and the result is out there for everyone to see. Love Story 2050 was a complete washout whereas Jaane Tu is still breaking records.

Harman's filmmaker dad, Harry Baweja had requested Aamir Khan to postpone the release of his produced film so that Harman gets a clean release but Aamir did not agree his request. But it seems the clash blues are back to haunt him again!

Now Harman's second release, Victory, a sports based film, with Harman playing the character of an Indian cricket team player is all set to come on November 14th. Its release date was announced around 2 months back now. But unfortunately for the talented newcomer, there are not one but two mighty oppositions coming together for a mega clash with his Victory. Karan Johar has announced 14th November as the release date for his produced Dostana, directed by his assistant Tarun Mansukhani, starring Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham, Bobby Deol and Priyanka Chopra. UTV too has announced the release of their Fashion directed by Madhur Bhandarkar starring Priyanka Chopra, Kangana Ranaut and Arbaaz Khan as 14th November.

Industry sources revealed to us, "Harman is extremely nervous presently and has requested the makers of Victory to postpone its release further by one week to 21st November. He definately wouldn't want to sabotage his own career by releasing his second film along with two biggies. Much has been written about Harman being one of the most promising newcomers and big filmmakers like Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Anees Bazmee and Ashutosh Gowariker showing faith in him and signed him for their future projects. One more flop and Harman will no longer the blue eyed boy of the industry."

Ironically, both Fashion and Dostana star Harman's "good friend" Priyanka Chopra in the lead. One wonders what she is thinking about two of her most ambitious projects clashing on the same date!

Shahrukh Khan Wallpapers With Quotes

Shilpa makes her production debut, signs Bipasha

Mumbai, July 10: B-town sizzling hottie’s Shilpa Shetty and Bipasha Basu will be seen together in yet another comic flick while Shilpa gears up to produce it under her own production banner for the very first time.

The sexy babes were earlier seen together in a comic flick 'Chor Machaye Shor'. Shilpa from long time was looking forward to produce a film under her own production banner and the opportunist lass has finally grabbed one for herself. According to sources, Shilpa’s sister Shamita Shetty will be helping her sister in this project.

The movie reportedly will be co-produced by UTV Motion pictures and directed by Manish Jha. The male lead for this flick is yet to be finalised.

Well, we are in no doubt that the two gorgeous babes are all set to sizzle the screen, here is wishing them all the luck!

Aishwarya was Will Smith`s first choice for `Hancock`

New Delhi, July 10: Indian actress Aishwarya Rai was Will Smith's first choice for 'Hancock' over Oscar winning Charlize Theron but the actress declined.

Smith, who by his own admission is a great fan of Aishwarya, is not disappointed and believes that they will share good on screen chemistry.

"I would love to work with Aishwarya. She is gorgeous. I had even offered her roles with me. In fact for 'Hancock' also she was my first preference over Charlize," he told reporters.

The actor is still hopeful that would work together in future.

"I received denials all the times, may be she had some justified problems. But of course, I will do anything to work with Aishwarya," says a hopeful Smith.

The 'Independence Day' actor, whose latest superhero flick 'Hancock' is all set to release in India on July 11 is also a huge fan of Indian films industry and is currently exploring possibilities of working in an Indian film.

"I would love to work in an Indian film. I have seen a couple of Bollywood movies which had impressed me a lot. I also had a word with Karan Johar. Let's see what's there in store," says the actor.

"I love Indian cinema and its actors. Their energy level is just incompatible. The songs and dances in Bollywood movies are just amazing," he added.

Bureau Report

Farhan Akhtar, now a rock star

The music launch of the film Rock On was truly rocking. Farhan Akhtar, director of hit movie Dil Chahta Hai, who will mark his debut with Rock On made a sensational debut as a singer as well. This is the first time an actor has sung his film’s songs in front of a live audience during its music launch. In the film, Farhan plays the role of the lead singer and sings as many as five out of nine songs in it.

His father, noted lyricist Javed Akhtar was present at the unveiling ceremony with wife, Shabana Azmi. The live concert cum music launch also saw the entire cast of Rock On enjoying every bit of the moments spent there. The music composer trio, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy who composed the music of the film seemed mighty pleased with Farhan’s rendition of their compositions. Shankar was heard saying that this is the first time he didn’t sing for a film he has composed the music of. However, he didn’t mind giving it up for an up and coming rock star.

Farhan, who debuts as an actor with this one, said, “It’s completely exhilarating. I don’t think somebody who loves rock music would not love to perform live for the first time with Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy.” The film also marks the Bollywood debut of TV actress Prachi Desai, better known as Bani of Ekta Kapoor’s Kasamh Se.

Arjun Rampal, whose negative performance in Shah Rukh Khan’s magnum opus, Om Shanti Om went down well with the audience, plays a singer in this one. He had to work hard for the role as he was to play the guitar as well.

The star cast of Rock On includes Luke Kenny, Purab Kohli, Shahana Goswami and Koel Purie and each one of them seemed to love Farhan’s live performance. Here's a sneak peek of the Rock On music launch.

Call it Popcorn Entertainment

It was a fun-filled evening with celebs jamming up with their friends over popcorn and soft drinks. All this and more happened at the screening of the latest Hollywood film at Fame Adlabs, Andheri. Diandra Soares, Carol Gracious (who’s sporting a short hair cut these days) and other friends were seen chilling. Shravan Shroff of Fame Adlabs was present too. Shekhar Suman too came with wife Alka and son Adhyayan. Konkona SenSharma hardly wore any make-up that gave her a natural fresh look. The actress was there with Ranvir Shorey. Shailendra Singh, Hanif Hilal, A D Singh, Mukesh Bhatt, Kumar Mangat and Deepak Tijori were present among others. Nandita Sen too was spotted enjoying the movie.

Saif and Kareena back on silver screen

Despite of the failure of Tashan at the box office, Kareena and Saif managed to be a much talked about topic in town. The audience enjoyed watching the real life couple on- screen and appreciated the duo whole heartedly.
As good news for all Saifeena fans, they would be seen together romancing yet again on screen in a few films in the near future. Reportedly, they are already working in Sriram Raghavan’s Agent Vinod and an untitled film for Rensil D’Silva, the latest addition to this list being the film they have signed for the production house Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision Ltd., which will go on floors sometime in 2009. Looks like, the very much in love couple doesn’t want to miss any opportunity of being together.

Bipasha may have a price to pay!

The latest buzz in tinsel land is that Wizcraft may sue Bipasha Basu for walking out from their Bachchan's Unforgettable Tour. According to the sources, Bips signed on for the tour before the release of Race. Surprisingly, after the success of the film, she demanded more moolah, despite of signing the contract for a lower amount.

Talking about the tour, it would kick off after August of this year. Hopefully the matter can be settled gracefully before then.

Manisha Koirala is back!

The long- lost, Manisha Koirala is re- entering Bollywood with a whole new slim and trim look with her screen presence in the long- delayed lavish musical Mehbooba, hitting the theatres this Friday.
Surprisingly, Manisha is traveling so extensively with golfer boyfriend Chris that she won’t be in Mumbai on July 11th during the release of her comeback movie. On the same day, the Bengali and Hindi versions of Rituparno Ghosh's Khela, featuring Manisha in the lead, are opening as well. Looks like, there are more important things for Manisha in her priority list for now.

Mallika in Contract with Ramu

Bollywood’s sexy siren Mallika Sherawat has come a long way after her first film. Despite of highs and lows in her career, this sensuous beauty has managed to stay on the hit list of renowned directors for quite some time now. From a reliable source we got to know that Mallika will play a vital role in Ram Gopal Varma’s next, Contract, which is a film based on his favourite topic- underworld. However, Ramu wishes to keep shut about the film as he wants it to be a surprise element in the industry. The only thing we managed to leak out is that the movie is going to be promising with a lot of newcomers in interesting roles. After Ramu’s previous movies all we can say is, let the audiences decide about the promising part.

Priyanka on Harman, Akki and Drona

The Priyanka Chopra-Harman Baweja pairing is already hot property in Bollywood. Even prior to the release of their first film together, Love Story 2050, Ashutosh Gowarikar signed the duo to star in his romantic comedy, What’s My Rashi?. Obviously, feeling high about the acknowledgement of their chemistry via an ace film maker, Priyanka is on cloud nine. She said, “I am very glad that Ashutosh liked our chemistry and offered us this film. My role in the film is very exciting. As for our pairing, all I can say is I am glad that people liked us as a couple.”

While, Piggy Chops shares a sizzling rapport with her on and off screen partner- Harman, she was earlier teamed with other actors to form a hit pair. Akshay Kumar was one such actor with whom Priyanka delivered a series of hits. However, as was bound to happen, good on-screen chemistry led to gossip mongers talking about their alleged off-screen relationship. As such, the two mutually decided to not work together; at least that was the hearsay. Nevertheless, Priyanka says, “It’s never about a co-star or a director you want to work with. It’s always the project that’s the deciding factor in signing a film.”

Though Love Story 2050 got a lukewarm response, 2008 still seems promising for Priyanka. She has an interesting project in hand with Abhishek Bachchan titled Drona. The much-awaited film has been in the pipe-line for quite some time now. In between, there were rumours that Abhi got its release delayed so that he could concentrate on his family venture, Sarkar Raj. However, Priyanka rubbishes them as rumours. Watch what she has to say.

Of Bollywood’s Bitching Babes

Rivalries between actresses are common in B-Town. Actresses and starlets fight over everything from boyfriends to films, and of course designer outfits. However, it is believed that, Kangana Ranaut and Jiah Khan are at war over Aamir!

According to the sources, it was Kangana who was signed on for Aamir Khan's Ghajini but an interview to the media ruined everything and Aamir replaced her immediately with Jiah.Kangana became very bitter about losing the film and started badmouthing Jiah. Kangana was heard telling her Raaz 2 co-stars how unhappy she was that Ghajini went to Jiah. However, she didn’t stop at this but made fun of her saying that Jiah would never be able to pull off that role. To add to the mayhem, the headstrong Jiah called Kangana and asked her point-blank why she was talking ill about her. A bewildered Kangana denied it outright till Jiah named the people who Kangana had been talking to.

Finally the tu-tu main-main ended with Jiah warning Kangana to stop bitching about it or she would start doing the same. Then the Nishabd girl banged the phone down! The two actresses haven't spoken since!

Aamir, Salman back again

Party time for Jaane Tu...

Aamir Khan along with his nephew Imran Khan and Genelia D'Souza addressed the media on Friay evening.

Rakhi turn's into anchor

Ki kudi hai: Bollywood's item girl and TV personality Rakhi Sawant isready for her first talk show The Rakhi Sawant Show.

Vidya turns bad girl

Change for good: Looks like after portraying congenial characters in her popular flicks Vidya Balan is in a mood for an image changeover.

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