Sushmita Sen asks for money online?

A Sushmita Sen impersonator on the social networking site Facebook has started asking for money in her name for charity. After being inundated by anxious queries from friends, the Bollywood actress has clarified that she is not the one asking for money.

"It's not a game. For this gentleman or lady, whoever he or she might be, charity obviously begins and ends at home. My impersonator has even opened an account www.sushmita-sen.com where charitable Facebook participants can donate money," said Sushmita.

The actress, who says she is not net-savvy, is appalled by the development.

"I've been smiling a little indulgently at all these fake Sushmita Sens on Facebook and Twitter. I thought as long as they were not harming me, let them have fun. But now when someone decides to open a charitable account on my behalf, it's time to seriously get up and do something to stop such people," she said.

Sushmita got to know of the impostor's monetary manoeuvres only when friends called to ask how many zeroes they should put on their cheques.

"I was zapped! I was like...huh! I do love giving to charitable causes. But not in this tacky way. Whoever has the nerve to ask for money and open a website for the purpose trusted in my charitable instincts a bit too much," she said.

Cyber crimes like impersonation and abuse must be stopped, said Sushmita.

"If you have a name that people can use then these things are bound to happen. So far I didn't mind my name being used by others. But now let me make it very clear I am not on Facebook, Twitter or anything. And I'm certainly not into asking for money for charity on the Internet. Hey guys, that's not me!"

Priyanka Chopra needs 7 hubbies, any takers?

Mumbai: Looks like this Bollywood babe aint happy with one. And she had been linked with most of her costars, what’s next. Priyanka Chopra would have 7 husbands.

Priyanka has 12 character to play in What’s Your Rashee?. And she is all set to take up a Vishal Bharadwaj film where she would be having 7 husbands.

Our source informs “Vishal was very impressed with Priyanka’s work in Kaminay. While scripting for 7 Husbands, he had already made up his mind to cast the actress in his next film. Vishal had seen the rushes and promos of What’s Your Raashee? and was convinced he had made the right choice.”

He adds “In 7 Husbands, Priyanka will have different get-ups for each wife. The actors who will play the husbands haven’t been finalised yet.”

He says further, “Serious actors may be considered…The movie is still in the scripting process. It will go on floors next year after Priyanka’s dates are available and the seven actors are finalized”.

Salman Khan thanks fans for Wanted success

MUMBAI: Salman Khan is perched at the top of the ladder as he scores a perfect ten at the box office. The actor's Wanted released last weekend and the response has been more than what expected the film would do. But the complete masala film reminiscent of the style of Manmohan Desai has been a huge hit with Salman fans and Eid celebrations in the Khan household certainly has been brighter and bigger this year.

Khan tells Businessofcinema.com, "I have a very steady fan following, a large part of it in Mumbai and they will go to see any film of mine. They are simple people and they like the film story to unravel in a simple narrative. Films like Tere Naam and Garv have done well largely because of my fans."

Wanted is something Khan needed badly in his kitty. The actor has a good line up of films coming up and a good start to the year is always something every actor wants. Post the release of Wanted, there is Main Aurr Mrs Khanna with Kareena Kapoor and London Dreams with Ajay Devgan and Asin.

Khan also has made many changes in his career. The actor, who preferred to give new directors a break, is still doing that but has also started working with big names. Vipul Shah is one big name that Khan has associated himself with and Shah has been very happy with his casting.

Khan, in the recent past has also given vent to his creative side… be it painting or scripting. The actor has written the story of Veer, which is currently under production, directed by Anil Sharma (Gadar).

Films, television and creative pursuits, Khan has been keeping himself occupied. And whatever innings he has chosen to play, the actor has excelled himself in.

Who is Salman Khan's true fan?

Even after getting beaten black and blue by the macho Salman Khan in his latest flick WANTED, Harry Josh still believes that his real hero is Salman!

Well Harry Josh, who plays a villain in Boney Kapoor's WANTED says Salman is his all time favorite hero. ''Salman bhai is a gem of a person. He is so generous and so down to earth. When needed he lends a helping hand to anyone and everyone'', says a much enthusiastic Harry.

Harry who has played a bad guy's character in many big films ranging from DHOOM: 2 to WELCOME is now keen in playing main villain's role, ''My height, my built and my face structure suits a bad guy's image and I truly believe that any character if played perfectly leaves a good image''.

Stammering is hell: Hrithik

Haklana or stammering is a handicap faced by many young children and adults. As traumatic it is for them, Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan also admits to having this problem.

Hrithik shared his trauma, fears and how he overcomes his speech impairment with host Farah Khan on Tere Mere Beach Mein.

In an emotional and poignant episode, Hrithik speaks on how he was teased as a kid, struggled to speak normally without stammering and fulfilled his dreams of becoming an actor. Hrithik reveals that he was around six years old when he began stammering. He says, “Everything seems normal till you start talking. The minute you start talking, you get stuck and you don’t know why? Right from your toes to the ends of your hair strands, you are in complete shock. Your heart palpitates, you don’t understand and you are aware of people looking at you. You can compare it to hell.”

When asked till when the problem continued, Hrithik says, “Six to 35. I am 35.” On being asked if he was made fun in school, Hrithik says, “Of course. Unfortunately, it’s one of those handicaps that is made fun of. Especially kids, you can’t blame them but they end up being mean because it looks funny! So the childhood of a person suffering from a problem like this is pure hell. From the time you wake up in the morning to night you almost dread some days...to wake up! Because you have to go through an entire day when you have to use your speech and you have to go through all those little moments of hell.”

And he adds, “For oral tests at school, I used to bunk school, I used to fall sick, I used to break my hand, I used to get a sprain.” He also speaks of getting tremendous family support but admits to it making it tougher on him; “Mummy and daddy have been supportive. Yes, but sometimes love is not enough! When you love someone you want that person to be okay and it comes out as anger. It’s like “Come on, you can do it, just concentrate hard!”

Farah asks, “So was it harder when they told you that?”

Hrithik admits, “Of course, it was.”

Akshay-Katrina chosen for 34th National Games

This couple gave several successful films and their on-screen compatibility made them people’s favourite filmy jodi. And now, Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif have been called upon for their presence in the sports scene too.

The 34th National Games for the year 2009 is said to be held between 21st November and 5th December, in Jharkhand. And these two actors have been invited to promote the event as ambassadors.

The President of Jharkhand Olympic Association R.K. Aanand stated that Akshay and Katrina will be present at the inaugural as well as closing ceremony of the National Games. It is also heard that the popular Punjabi singer Daler Mehdi will perform in the course of the period.

Birdies say that the preparations are in full swing, like posters and cut-outs of the two actors are being readied for the promotional campaigns. Insiders say that the couple are paid a huge amount as remuneration. Let’s wait to watch the real sporty side of Akki-Kat now!

Sallu's golden man

From playing bad guy Don Raja in his first outing (Bullet Ek Dhamaka), Aseem Merchant has come a long way . In his latest release Wanted, he plays the tough goon who allies with Salman Khan.

The actor says, " Life's been looking up. I am sure more auspicious happenings in my life are awaited after this year's eagerly-Wanted Eid."

The actor has been given a nickname by Salman Golden the character Aseem plays in Wanted.

What's Your Raashee - Movie Review

Damn! I forgot to check my day’s horoscope before catching up the first show of What's Your Raashee?. Now, as I nurse the bum ache of having sat through 3.30+ hours of this never-ending tale of bridal quest peppered with 13 long songs, I read my raashee clearly warning me of health hazards and possible monetary loss. Stars and planets can sometimes be spot on in predicting the daily human affairs.

Ashutosh Gowarikar - may stars bless him - exemplifies in ‘What’s Your Raashee’ how a brilliant story idea can be messed up when a filmmaker gets too involved in his own creation to think about the audience. So in this rom-com starring Priyanka Chopra in 12 roles, Ashutosh goes on and on and bombards the hapless viewers with song after song before finally wrapping up the film in a climax that leaves many jaws dropped (not out of snoring but disappointment) in the theatre.

But…but…but…my dear wakeful friends, somewhere between those unwanted songs and a few painfully stretched sequences, there lies a nice, entertaining film with delightfully wicked humour and fun. Only Ashutosh ought to have whittled away the overwrought rumps, he had a sure-shot hit on his hands. But perhaps, that was not in his raashee.

Based on Gujarati writer Madhu Rye’s book ‘Kimball Ravenswood’, ‘What’s Your Raashee?’ tells the story of a US-returned Yogesh Patel (Harman Baweja) who must find a suitable bride for himself within a fortnight, get married and inherit the wealth of his dear nanaji to save his family from the danger of an imminent financial bankruptcy brought on by his scandalous elder brother (Dilip Joshi).

A hesitant Yogesh hits upon an idea. Aided by his match-making uncle (Darshan Jariwala) he plans to meet a girl from a raashee each and then zero down on his bride. So, enter 12 Priyankas, each with a different zodiac trait.

While one girl (Aries) tries hard to please the NRI Yogesh, another (Aquarius) asks him to reject her because she’s already got a boyfriend. The third (Gemini) is a teenybopper who doesn’t want to get married soon. The fourth (Cancer) confesses to Yogesh that she’s not a virgin. The fifth (Libra) sees Yogesh as her ticket to the US. The sixth (Pisces) believes she and Yogesh are lovers of past lives reincarnated to unite in this life. The seventh (Leo) is a feisty dancer who thinks Yogesh is an NRI snob. The eighth (Scorpio) wants to use Yogesh to fulfill her dream of being a model. The ninth (Virgo) is a doctor who can’t leave her practice in India. The tenth (Sagittarius) is astrology obsessed. The eleventh (Taurus) is a rich heiress who pretends she’s mad. The twelfth (Capricorn) is a minor who doesn’t even want to get married.

So, as the drama trudges on, Yogesh must finalize one of these 12 girls to be his life partner. And the funny thing in ‘What’s Your Raashee’ is that he doesn’t even get to make that choice in the end.

The movie, though, can be seen for Priyanka’s terrific performances. She makes every one of her characters different - the slouch of a small-town girl, the bounciness of the teenybopper, the cockiness of a business executive, the swagger, the simper, the twitch of the lip, or the pursed brow of other characters. Priyanka rocks in ‘What’s Your Raashee.’ Harman Baweja pulls off his role pretty well after the disastrous performances in Love Story 2050 and Victory. In supporting roles, Darshan Jariwala and Mohan Agashe are first rate.

Apart from good performances, the movie does have well-penned, witty dialogues. In fact, the film is generously sprinkled with feelgood humour and is doubtlessly entertaining at times. If only Gowarikar knew how to rein in himself and cut down on the songs.

Just a statutory warning before I close. Cancel all appointments before you go to watch ‘What’s Your Raashee’. Sitting through this matrimonial marathon is like undertaking a long journey.

I went in clean shaven, came out with stubble.

Shah Rukh Khan and Rituparna Sengupta to tie the knot!

This knot is not going to be tied in real life. Bollywood's King Khan Shah Rukh Khan and Tollywood Queen would be playing husband and in an ad film for Emami's Chyawanprash, for which they are going ot be shooting in Mumbai's Film City.

SRK plays a commoner in the ad and Rituparna his wife. And, of course, it's the chyawanprash that keeps them together. Well, SRK and Rituparna have a connection... Rituparna is doing a film called SRK with Vinay Pathak and she even cheered his Kolkata Knight Riders in the first IPL season. Now that she is working with him, she is super excited and nervous!

The ad film will be directed by Ram Madhvani of Equinox FIlms, who directed the song 'Bheja kum' in Taare Zameen Par. Madhvani admits that he is looking forward to working with the Bong beauty for the first time.

The ad will be on air October end. Rituparna who is very excited says, "I was the brand abasadoe of Emami Boroplus for Eastern Region and now also I am shooting for Emami. I had met SRK couple of times during the IPL Knight Riders Match in Kolkata.Actually I was invited to see the match. That time we had lot of fun. This time I am also very excited."

Kareena Kapoor poses topless with Saif

Kareena Kapoor poses topless even as her boyfriend Saif Ali Khan's heart bleeds profusely. No, the couple has not split. We are talking about the poster of their upcoming release Kurbaan.

Well, Kurbaan poster is the talk of the day. It has Kareena with bare back and Saif's chest bleeding profusely. The bold poster with topless Kareena facing bare-chested Saif has caught the eyes of the people.

The film is set against the backdrop of terrorism and is said to have some steamy scenes. It has real life couple Saif and Kareena in the lead roles and also features actors like Om Puri and Vivek Oberoi. Karan Johar produces it and Rensil D’Silva is making debut as a director. It is scheduled for release on November 27.

Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor gym together

Mumbai: Film ‘Rajneeti' of Prakash Jha seem to be sporting all fit actors. Arjun Rampal, Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif are in good shape.

The trio seem to get along famously on the outdoor location in Bhopal. With nothing much to do after the work hours, their saving grace is their trainer from Mumbai who has accompanied them.

Yes! All three have the common trainer and in the evenings they team up to work out together.

Arjun is the first one to hit the gym, soon followed by Ranbir and Kat joins the boys when she is not so in a lazy mood!

Hmnn…they sure have loads of motivation to keep them running.

Mallika Sherawat’s connection with UNICEF

Alluring missy of B-town Mallika Sherawat has been getting herself involved in more social activities in recent times.

It was more illustrious with her arrival as a special guest at the Montblanc / UNICEF charity event held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles donning a colorful new dress designed by Max Azria of fashion house BCBG.

Apart from Mallika Sherawat, Hollywood ace actor English actor Michael York, host of the event, actor Billy Zane of "Titanic" fame and his date the Princess of Congo, Lord and Lady Hayes, among others.

After hearing from her followers on social networking site Twitter of their wishes to see her in a colorful outfit after being photographed in a series of black designer dresses, Miss Sherawat "wowed" the crowd with an elegant yellow dress by Mr. Azria. When Mallika asked about her far-faming talk all over the globe, the actress came up with a humble response that anything for a good cause is always best.

But she refused to speak anything on her forthcoming film ‘HISSS…’ when media channels questioned on her.

Is Bollywood Beauty Priyanka Chopra Schizophrenic?

Oh my Bollywood! One can’t help but to wonder if Priyanka Chropa is suffering from schizophrenia! After playing 12 different girls with 12 different zodiac signs in Ashutosh Gowarikar‘s "What’s Your Raashee?," which hits worldwide theaters today, the sizzling actress has now signed on to star in Vishal Bharadwaj's upcoming "7 Husbands," in which she embodies seven brides!

Wow! What’s with the need to play so many characters in the same film?

In "What’s Your Raashee?," Priyanka was the first actor in world cinema to play a dozen roles in one single movie, making Hollywood big shot Eddie Murphy look like an amateur with his three parts in the 2007 box office hit "Norbit."

Isn’t that an accomplishment in itself? Does Priyanka really need to star in yet another movie with this many personalities? Well, we wish the "Dostana" star good luck in depicting a multitude of women yet again and hope that she doesn’t get lost in her amazing acting skills!

Sonam Kapoor tops Bollywood's best dressed celebrities list

Two film-old actress Sonam Kapoor has beaten the likes of Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif to emerge as the best dressed celebrity in India, according to People magazine.

"My style isn't about trends. I don't let the clothes wear me, I wear them," said the 24-year-old about her style statement.

On the list, Kareena holds second position, Priyanka is third, Twinkle Khanna on fourth and Katrina on fifth slot.

Sonam, daughter of Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor, made her acting debut with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Saawariya opposite Ranbir Kapoor and later featured in Delhi 6.

I speak about my breasts only when asked: Sherlyn Chopra

Sherlyn the free spirit, Sherlyn the daring, Sherlyn the utterly gorgeous... Many epithets have been used to describe this vivacious, lusty, full-bodied and bodacious woman. There’s now a lot that’s happening for her but when she sits down to reflect, she sees herself as a “girl next door with big dreams”.

“Very big dreams,” she says, continuing, “I believe in the Almighty God who is able to do exceedingly and abundantly far more and above what I can ever dare to hope, ask or dream. I think of myself as competent enough to compete with the best.” She admits to a past she’d like to put behind. “Earlier, I lived in the world of mediocrity. But today, I value excellence and choose to associate with people who pursue it.”

And while she’s building her body of work, there has been talk as well about her body. To be specific, her breasts. Sherlyn is outspoken about her body, and the decision to get them surgically enhanced must have been a tough one. “Earlier, I felt like a boy. Not any more. Thanks to breast implants. I speak about my breasts only upon being asked. I find ‘No Comments’ a very uninteresting way to respond to a question.” That’s right, Sherlyn is nothing if not outspoken. This, coming from a woman who once said, ‘Arrogance in moderation does wonders to one’s personality’. “Yes, arrogance in moderation can help an individual become super-confident.The apprehensions, doubts and fears tend to take a backseat,” continues Miss Super-Confident whose positive mantras are available on itimes.com where you will also find exclusive pictures, videos and blogs by Sherlyn.

Since it’s clear that Internet is the way of the future, she has entered into an exclusive agreement with Times Internet Limited (TIL). Under this, exclusive rights of all her mobile content lie with TIL, specifically to be provisioned by Indiatimes 58888, on SMS, WAP, Voice and all operator platforms. “It’s a great honour! With most actresses shedding their inhibitions, there is a lot of competition on the Internet. And I love it. It compels me to redefine excellence,” she says. Here’s how you can keep track of what Sherlyn’s upto: get her mobile downloads, send messages or listen to her thoughts, by just calling 58888799 or SMS SHERLYN to 58888.

Meanwhile, she’s a bit nervous about what’s happening on the movie front. “That’s a question I dread the most. I’m thrilled that Dil Bole Hadippa! has released. I play a UK-based super model who’s smitten by an Indian cricketer played by Shahid Kapoor,” she says. Incidentally, ace Bollywood stylist Manish Malhotra has given Sherlyn her high-fashion look for Dil Bole Hadippa!. Supermodels Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell were chosen as references for it. Far from the regular glamourous look, this one addresses everything from the layering of fabrics to accessorising them, the handbags, footwear, gadgets... everything about Sherlyn in the film is high fashion. Check it out, and if you want to be like her, join Sherlyn’s Platinum Club and get her exclusive personal merchandise. Just point your browser to shopping.indiatimes.com/sherlyn

She’s confident of a good innings in Bollywood. “I’m chasing a few A-league directors. Farah Khan is one of them. So far, she has been very, very sweet,” adds Sherlyn.

Beyond sweetness and light, Sherlyn confirms that as before, she will never hesitate to flaunt the raunch. “As long as my body is beautiful and well-toned, I would love to flaunt my curves whether or not the script demands. I love my detractors. They provoke me to pursue what seems impossible in the natural realm. I don’t want them to change. Should I move on from my Dard-e-Sherlyn and Outrageous days? Do you really want me to,” she asks, rhetorically.

Catch Sherlyn Chopra’s sizzling photosession for Times Internet Limited as it happened on Zoom TV all this month. Promos begin today, 9 pm on Big Story, only on Zoom.

Salman's WANTED creates history!

Salman starrer makes 70 per cent more business in single screens than multiplexes in its first week!

Boney Kapoor's latest release, WANTED, seems to herald the return of single screen theatres in Mumbai. While figures were too premature to be given for single screens alone, one of the trade analysts, said WANTED did business of approximately Rs 35 to Rs 38 crore across India in just a week.

The latest trade figures indicate that WANTED has 70 per cent more business than multiplexes, a view echoed by exhibitors and trade experts across Mumbai.

Said another trade source, ''Single screen theatres have been historically known to cater to testosterone boosting movies - action dramas. WANTED is exactly that kind of film. Then you have the price of the tickets, approximately less than half that of multiplexes and the advantage of watching it on a 70mm screen. Quite naturally, audiences will choose single screens over multiplexes.''

Yet, single screens have been caught unawares. A single screen theatre in Govandi had to paint a 'Housefull' board because they didn't have one. In fact, they did not need one for many years. Theatres like Liberty and New Empire in Mumbai also had to dig out the 'Housefull' board from their godowns where it was gathering dust for years. In Panvel, there was a riot during the film's release and police had to be called in.

Ever since multiplexes first hit the city, moviegoers switched loyalties despite the higher ticket price for the ambience they offered. As a result of dwindling footfalls and heavy maintenance fees, many single screens have shut shop or have been demolished - Minerva, Novelty, Bahar and Lido, among others. Or they have given way to multiplexes - Sterling, Metro, Apsara, Cinemax Sion.

Exhibitor Manoj Desai of Gaiety Cinemas, a multiplex, believes that with WANTED, single screens have finally shown their clout. ''WANTED has got the film industry and also the single screen cinemas out of the ICU. The film has got 100 per cent collections till now and it is only going to get better.''

Liberty cinema in south Mumbai had been witnessing a box office famine until WANTED. Said Satish Vengsarkar from the cinema, ''In the past two years, barring GHAJINI, no other film came close to a good opening week income. But now WANTED has joined that club.''

The manager at Chitra cinema in Dadar adds, ''Except for one show on Friday and one show on Saturday, every other show is a houseful. This is a welcome change for us.''

Unwanted riots

- In Hubli, almost 5,000 people gathered outside the main theatre clamouring for tickets.

- On Tuesday night, there was police firing outside the theatre in Buland Shaher (UP) where the film was being screened due to the riot-like situation

- At Paras cinema in Jaipur, the police requested the theatre management to sell 200 tickets less in order to control the audience

- The film has been released in all the 3 theatres in Kanpur and all have police protection

Ayesha Takia not Wanted?

So much has been talked about Wanted. So much has been talked about Salman Khan too. But what about Ayesha Takia Azmi, the heroine of Wanted? It looks like she is not Wanted if we are to go by the publicity and hype on her.

Salman has been seen everywhere for the last couple of weeks – all for Wanted. He has been aggressively promoting it like never before. No doubt it is a complete Salman film but can he win the battle all alone without his heroine Ayesha? He just can't as far as his character in Wanted is concerned. Unfortunately, Ayesha has not been given enough publicity.

Salman takes Ayesha on promotional campaigns only sometimes. The film is crucial for Ayesha as much as it is for Salman, as she is yet to taste success after tying the knot. She surely deserves better publicity!

Ayesha plays Salman's ladylove in Wanted, produced by Boney Kapoor and directed by Prabhu Deva. It is releasing today, 18th September.

Katrina Kaif Keeps up with Sporty Costars

Katrina Kaif isn’t one to shy away from working out with the boys! While shooting the political drama "Rajniti" on location in Bhopal, Katz hits the running track with costars Arjun Rampal and Ranbir Kapoor! The fit trio has even brought with them a personal trainer from Mumbai to stay on top of their game.

The "Blue" star was last seen with on-again boyfriend Salman Khan at his end of Ramadan Eid party held at his residence last Monday. Kat is also busy starting her own Web site in order to take control of what is written about her online. "My Web site will have my exclusive pictures. In fact, I’ll be doing exclusive photo sessions. It will also have pictures taken by me on my sets and on location," said the "New York" leading lady.

Well we hope to see exclusive pics from Katrina’s work out sessions with costars Arjun Rampal and Ranbir Kapoor on the set of Prakash Jha’s "Rajniti." How about you? Drop us a line!

Movie review: Dil Bole Hadippa

DIL BOLE HADIPPA (The Heart Shouts Hooray).

Directed by Anurag Singh, with Shahid Kapoor, Rani Mukherjee, Anupam Kher and Dalip Tahil.

At Nu Metro, Canal Walk.

Review: MEHBOOB BAWA

Cricket is akin to a religion in India and this film showcases a woman who is as zealous about the sport as her male counterparts.

While not in the league of Lagaan, an award-winning film with a cricket theme, Dil Bole Hadippa is flawed but entertaining.

The film is set in a small town in Punjab, where cricket-mad Veera dreams about playing for her country.

She is an expert hitter of the ball, but is turned away from the selection process as she is a woman. Dejected, she decides to adopt the disguise of a man and try out for the team. Veera's reason for wanting to play is one of national pride.

For many years India has lost to Pakistan in the Aman Cup which is staged by two former cricketing greats from the aforementioned countries. She wants to help her country win the next game.

The Indian coach engages his son Rohan, an excellent cricketer from England, to captain and train the Indian team. Despite their strained relationship, he agrees. When he meets Veera, not realising she is also the cricketer in his team, he gradually falls in love. How she manages to play both roles without being caught out makes for interesting viewing.

The film's premise is similar to the Hollywood production, She's The Man. The screenwriters Jaya and Aparajita develop a story that is very predictable and formulaic, but with some creative sequences that will leave audiences smiling.

However, their downfall lies in merely glossing over important details and not fully developing the supporting characters.

The reactions of the leads in pivotal scenes are also not believable given the context.

They do keep the pace fast and furious which helps to camouflage the script's weaknesses.

Debutant director Anurag Singh does well mostly. But he needs to keep a close eye on simple continuity errors which detract from the overall enjoyment of the film.

The ending, with the standard preaching Bollywood monologue, is too conventional and could have definitely been executed more creatively.

That said, there is lots to enjoy.

Wanted: Movie Review

Director: Prabhu Dheva
Cast: Salman Khan, Ayesha Takia, Mahesh Manjrekar, Prakash Raj
Rating: ***

The term masala movie must have been minted especially for films like Wanted that are formulated using all cinematic ingredients of song-n-dance, drama, action, romance, revenge and then spiced up like strong South sambhar. For a change this sambhar tastes scrumptious since the pepperiness is in proportion. The story is not groundbreaking but isn't mindless either, the humour is boisterous but not slapstick, the action is exaggerated but is slickly convincing nonetheless and the protagonist is projected not merely as an actor but a hero.

Radhe (Salman Khan) is a hardcore gangster who calmly kills anyone for money. He reels around aimlessly (with some real life friends) and by the end of first reel, falls in love at first sight with Janhvi (Ayesha Takia). A lecherous cop Talpade (Mahesh Manjrekar) has an eye on Janhvi. Meanwhile Radhe's funny boss Gani (Prakash Raj) who operates from abroad comes down to India. Then there is a customary conspiracy to assassinate the minister at a public event. But before that can transpire the bad man is butchered.

So what's new you ask? The story by Puri Jagannath (who also directed the original Telugu film Pokhiri) is the same old recipe. It's the garnishing that adds to the appeal. The pacing is as swift as Prabhudheva's dance movements, giving you no time to ponder over the proceedings. The heavy-duty editing and Vijayan Master's hard-hitting action sequences keep you riveted.

Time and again the script finds excuses to initiate another combat and while you initially expect the amplified action to backfire, it actually turns out to be the highlight. Each stunt sequence is modishly maneuvered and is of the influential variety - one that incites even the meekest of viewer to kick some butt after the show is over. With every kick and punch, Salman Khan delivers and looks cool, confident and convincing

Prabhudheva's passion for choreography comes live onscreen as four dance directors (Raju Sundaram, Vaibhavi Merchant, Rajiv Surti) make Salman get into the groove like never before. Unfortunately the vibrant choreography isn't complemented with equally compelling music by Sajid Wajid. Also too many songs interrupt the flow of the film, some of which could have been easily prevented.

The romance track running parallel to the primary plot has its charming moments but could have been shorter esp. in the second half. Shiraz Ahmed balances the forceful action by interlacing some light-hearted lines and scenes in the screenplay. Everyone from the comedian, hero and even the villain contribute to humour in their own way through decent comic timings.

What actually gets the graph of the film down is that after glorifying the hero throughout, the climax makes him vulnerable on usual pretexts of father's death or friend's kidnap. One can foresee a twist reserved for the pre-climax much before it actually materializes. And once that is formally revealed, the film treads towards a mundane climax where the hero is set to terminate the villain.

Nevertheless, Salman Khan alone makes watching Wanted worthwhile. He is fresh, fit and in form, looking smashingly super-cool like never before. Despite the hardcore action image, his face exudes an innocent charm. He dances with new vigour, kicks serious butt and kills ruthlessly. Ayesha Takia is cute and charming. Mahesh Manjrekar as the lusting and spiteful cop makes you hate every bit of his character. Prakash Raj is funny as international don Gani yet his character is not ridiculed down to a caricature. Vinod Khanna doesn't get scope beyond one sequence.

The good part of Wanted is that it isn't pretentious and delivers what it promises - time-pass popcorn entertainment.

There are times when you care a damn for nutrition and want to indulge in some lip-smacking junk food. Wanted is just that recipe. Never mind some extra calories! Try watching it in a single screen - the cheese melts faster there.

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan celebrates Eid in Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 21(ANI): Bollywood actor Aamir Khan on Monday celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr in Mumbai with his family and friends.

“Well, on the occasion of Eid, I will stay with my family, my mom and the friends who are here to meet me,” Aamir Khan said.

During the holy month of Ramadan, devout Muslims stay on fast from dusk to dawn. They don’t even drink water during the day.

At the end of Ramadan or month of fasting, Muslims hold a joyous three-day celebration called Eid-ul-Fitr.

Eid-ul-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, the month, which follows Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. It is a time to give charity, and celebrate with family and friends the completion of a month of blessings and joy.

Asin undergoes surgery

Plain Jane of Ghajini, Asin would go under a knife today. She’s going for an Endoscopic sinus surgery also called endoscopy or sinoscopy at the Kokilaben Ambani Hospital in Mumbai today.

She was hospitalised yesterday when she said, “I had this irritating allergic cold with acute sinus infection and blocked nostrils. My doctor advised me to do this minor surgery to drain my infection and clear the sinus. Within two or three days, I will be back to normal, jumping around as usual”.

No worries for all you Asin fans, as this surgery doesn’t require cutting of the skin and is done through nostrils. On asking Asin’s dad about the surgery he says, “She can go home after three days and it’s nothing serious. She had completed all her ad commitments and I am insisting that she takes two weeks rest at home before she bucks up for London Dreams promotion starting in first week of October.”

Double Trouble - Salman Khan

Recently, Vipul Shah’s London Dreams promos ran into trouble with the censor board as it had Salman Khan chanting the Hanuman Chalisa during a rock concert. It was only when the producer-director approached the tribunal that the promos were cleared.

A source said, “The censor board felt that chanting the Hanuman Chalisa during a rock concert might hurt some religious sentiments so they asked Vipul to change the visuals. Vipul, who thought otherwise, approached the revising committee, who too turned him down. So Vipul went to Delhi and approached the tribunal, which accepted his point of view and passed the promos.”

Vipul Shah confirmed the news and said, “Lord Hanuman is also known as Sankat Mochan, which means one who puts an end to all problems. In the film, Salman plays a simpleminded Punjabi, who believes that chanting the Hanuman Chalisa will put an end to the problem he is facing. As expected, everything turns positive for him and his rock band. Since these days everything is a bit sensitive, the censor board raised objections. However, the tribunal, which is a higher body, found no reason why the promos should be changed. That’s where we got the clearance from. After that, we had to again approach the censor board in Mumbai and only then were the promos cleared. It was a bit of a process but we have got the certificate now. The promos will be aired soon.”

Vinayak Azad, regional officer, censor board, said, “The examining committee thought that chanting the Hanuman Chalisa during the rock show might not be appropriate. However, the tribunal felt that it has been done with respect. They also directed the applicant (Vipul Shah) to add another visual of the crowd chanting, ‘Bajrang bali ki jai’ in the end. What’s important is that the order has been passed. The tribunal feels that the promo is appropriate and it’s not offensive or disrespectful to any religion.”

Ajay Devgan and team wish ‘All The Best’ to the Indian Cricket team

The star cast of Ajay Devgan’s ‘All The Best’ has come together in a special video wishing the Indian cricket team all the best for the forthcoming Champions Trophy.

Going with the theme of the film, ESPN sports channel recently approached Director Rohit Shetty to shoot a special video wishing the Indian Cricket team ‘all the best’ before they start the Champions Trophy in South Africa, which begins this week.

Ajay Devgan, an ardent cricket fan was all game and shot the video last week along with co-stars Sanjay Dutt, Bipasha Basu, Fardeen Khan and Mugdha Godse.

Rohit Shetty says, "We shot the video in Filmistan. It's a special promo on cricket with the stars wearing masks of different cricketers and cheering the cricketers. The song is meant to wish the Indian cricketers before every game. It's an association between the channel and the ‘All The Best’ team. They wanted to me to direct the promo for the Championship Trophy."

Rohit adds, "The cast wishes the cricket team and says 'Yeh Diwali Hogi Cupwali' and then they start dancing to the title track."

Set against the background of a cricket stadium, the video is choreographed by Seema Desai while Pritam has given the music.

All the dancers are wearing the Indian cricket team's outfits. The video is currently on ESPN and News Channels.

Releasing this Diwali, ‘All The Best’ is a rib-tickling comedy resulting from mistaken identities and hilarious goof-ups.

Revealed: Why Aishwarya Rai and Neeta Lulla turned from friends to foes!

In the glamour world, friendships can sour anytime. Such is the case with Aishwarya Rai and Neeta Lulla.

The duo had been friends for 11 years until their friendship went bad. The disagreements between them started on the sets of Jodhaa Akbar where Ash and Neeta had a difference of opinion over her outfits in the film.

Ash didn’t even go to Neeta’s show afterwards, where she launched her daughter. The final blow was when Neeta asked Sushmita Sen to model for her and not Ash.

And while Ash is appearing in a number of films, she has chosen designers Manish Malhotra and Sabyasachi instead of Neeta.

Neeta has worked with Ash on a number of films like Umrao Jaan, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Taal, etc. She has even designed Ash’s clothes in the Cannes film festival. When Neeta was asked about the problem with Ash, she retorted back and refused to answer.

Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan are in Udaipur for special day

Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan are in Udaipur the city of lakes to celebrate Kareena Kapoor’s 29th birthday as well as Eid on 21th September and are prepairing to make it very special. Kareena Kapoor looked classy in a black sleeveless top and large shades, while Saif Ali Khan sported a white kurta with a trendy blue scarf on his head.

The couple’s admirers could be seen waiting eagerly for them at the Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur since Saturday morning. The eager crowd got too excited, much to the discomfort of the security personnel of the actors.

A source added that ,Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor, come to the city to participate in a Kingfisher magazine photo session, will reportedly celebrate Kareena Kapoor ‘s 29th birthday at their hotel. However, the couple is maintaining a low profile on how they would celebrate the day and who would be in the guest list.

As long as loving beau Saif is with Kareena on her special day, actually not prefer to be disturbed by anyone and celebrate the Saif Ali Khan’s latest hit Love Aaj Kal

Akshay performs deadly stunts

We all know Akshay Kumar is a stunt genius and since he is hosting Fear Factor Khatron Ke Khiladi Level 2, he is performing daring stunt all by himself against stuntmen’s advice. On Monday night, the actor will be performing a death defying stunt created and executed by him. The stunt is called a building transfer stunt in which he will made his way from one building rooftop to the next building rooftop on cable swinging in the mid air

A source associated to the show said, "Akshay wanted to perform some stunts on the show and this particular stunt was his suggestion. The stuntmen however, advised him against it, but he still went ahead.

As part of the stunt, Akshay held on to a stunt coordinator who was dangling upside down from a cable.

Both of them were put on a cable that transported them from one rooftop to the other. Akshay had to take the flags buckled on the rooptops from one building to another."

Everybody insists Akshay that he should not perform the stunt as it is very dangerous but he is adamant to do it. After performing the stunt successfully, Akshay felt thrilled.

He is expected to do more dangerous stunts in the coming weeks.

"Couples Retreat will have American rom-com music with a touch of my Indianness" - Rahman

The 'formula' works equally effectively across the cultural divide. If in Bollywood Rahman was expected to do a series of Rukmani rukmani after Roja in the West they want more Jai ho from this composing genius after Slumdog Millionaire.

But Rahman in his own quiet way is determined to not pander to western expectations. He made it very clear to the people behind his first full-fledged Hollywood film that he'd compose exactly what he thought to be the most apt music for the show.

Says Rahman, "Couples Retreat will have music that suits an American rom-com there're no real Indian sound in it. But yes, there will be a touch of Indianness in the sound. Otherwise what is the point of bringing me into the picture?"

Apparently there were numerous brainstorming sessions during which the sound of Slumdog Millaionire kept cropping up repeatedly.

Rahman gently but firmly steered the music away from the expected.

Chuckles the wizard of all composing things, "There's no point in doing something I've already done. I've reached a stage where I've to do new things. There're so many avenues to be explored. So Couples Retreat will be their (read: American) kind of music with my touch, done in my way."

Secretly Rahman agrees with those of his admirers and fans who feel Slumdog Millioniare is not among his best work.

Says a source, "He has done far superior work in films like Lagaan, Dil Se, Roja, Zubeida and the forthcoming Raavan and Blue. Friends keep telling him that. Slumdog was done in a hurry. In about 20 days flat. Rahman feels he could've done a lot better. He now wants the West to see some of his best."

Rahman is looking at Couples Retreat as his real launch into the West.

Katrina Kaif: I am not on Twitter or any other social networking website

Someone has been impersonating Katrina Kaif on Twitter and the actress, shooting in Bhopal, is not amused at all.

"Something has to be done to stop this sort of vandalism. I am not on Twitter or any other social networking website. I plan to start my own website by the end of the year."

Katrina Kaif doesn't believe in half-measures. It comes as no surprise to know that she intends to start her own website after months of research, preparation and build-up before the Internet's most 'hit' girl begins her own domain.

The actual launch will be by the end of the year. "I don't want this to be something I start and then leave to others to take care of. Of course there will be professionals employed to oversee my website. But I'll be picking and choosing all the material and pictures that go into it."

Katrina's website is being launched with maximum care. Katrina wants it to be a one-stop all-purpose stopover for all her fans on the Net. Other websites using her pictures and quotes without proper consent would have to face legal consequences.

Considering she's the most searched and googled Bollywood actress, surely telescoping and restricting the inflow of information and pictures would be tough.

Says Katrina, "My website will be comprehensive. It will have my exclusive pictures. In fact, I'll be including my exclusive photo sessions. It will also have pictures taken by me on my sets and on location."

What Katrina's website won't have is accounts and reports on her day-to-day activities. "I don't think it's cool to let people know where I am or what I'm doing throughout the day. I'm not on any of the social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook. I guess my life is no an open Facebook," she puns.

The design colours and format for her website are ready. "I looked at several designs presented to me. Then I saw a British actress' website which I quite liked, though it was too dark for my personality. My website will be fun, feisty, bubbly and colourful, to go with my image."

Katrina's website has been designed by her sister's boyfriend and two professional designers from Great Britain. "There's nothing haphazard and everything official about it," she chuckles.

Shah Rukh too is like Salman, after all

If you think Salman was the only one doing charity, think again! Apparently his friend-turned-foe Shah Rukh Khan too has a heart of gold. The King Khan has been doing a lot of charitable work since a long time. But apparently he doesn't like talking about it. But hey, trust Juicy Mausi to find it all out for you!

It so happened that I bumped into a set of parents at a college gathering recently. And guess what they had to tell me, Apparently, SRK sponsors underprivileged students on a regular basis. He buys books and arranges tuition fees for students whose parents are to poor to do the same.

Well, the news surely got me thinking. So I did a little snoopin' around. A little birdie then told me that apparently, the King Khan also donates huge sums of money to the children's cancer ward in Nanavati Hospital. Khan's parents had breathed their last in the hospital and he has a special attachment to it. Apparently, Khan even dreams of building an advanced hospital in Mumbai.

Well, Juicy Mausi has just started respecting this Khan a little more... if that was possible!

Rani Mukherjee in bikini is hard to digest

Mumbai: Rani Mukherjee is a talented and respected actress but her recent flick where she strips down to bikini.

But is that worth it, agreed that she is looking stunningly beautiful in the film and her new diva image is making her years younger. But the same trick may not work with every time.

Kareena did that in Kambakkht Ishq and it paid..because Kareena already had a seductive diva image.

In Dil bole Hadippa, the question is slightly different, Rani is a more matured actress and demands respect and Yash Raj Camp must understand this.

May be Rani’s staunch fans can’t really accept her shedding dwon clothes on a broader level.

Salman arranges chopper lift for Kareena

Salman Khan arranged a helicopter lift for Kareena Kapoor when she was running late for another film shoot elsewhere.

The Kambaqt Ishq actress is simultaneously shooting the domestic drama Main Aurr Mrs Khanna with Khan.

A crew member told The Times of India: "When anybody is a part of Sohail Khan Productions, Salman Khan takes full care of the actor.

"The artiste is under his wings... Kareena had to reach another important shoot that day but did not know what to do."

Maine Aurr Mrs Khanna is a joint venture between UTV SpotBoy Pictures and Salman Khan's brother's production company, Sohail Khan Productions.

The source added: "Salman instantly made arrangements for a chopper for her. It was thanks to his timely arrangement that Kareena could make it on time for the other shoot."

Sushmita Sen Ready To Play Benazir Bhutto

‘Benazir Bhutto’ created lots of buzz when it was announced. So, what is the progress of this much awaited film?

Who better to answer that except Sushmita Sen, who was tipped to essay the role of the late Pakistani PM.

Says Sushmita, "Benazir Butto is an iconic figure. She lead a very controversial life. During the initial stages we needed permission from ‘Pakistan People Party’. We are all ready with the requirements. I am going to play Ms.Benazir. I am very much thrilled as well as nervous. Most of its shoot will take place in Dubai, U.N and Britian. We all are optimistic about it."

TUM MILE with WANTED and DIL BOLE HADIPPA

Cine-goers have yet another reason to rejoice once they step into theaters this week to watch DIL BOLE HADIPPA and WANTED. Reason? With a fresh lot of movies all set to arrive beginning Id, new promos of some keenly anticipated films would be shown on the big screen. One such film is TUM MILE which is all set to release on 13th November.

While its First Look was earlier released around 26th July to coincide with the infamous Mumbai floods, there is further momentum which is now being built for the film's promotion. This is the reason why Bhatts would now be screening a full fledged theatrical promo of TUM MILE which can be seen with DIL BOLE HADIPPA and WANTED. Unlike the First Look which was more of a teaser and a collage of certain shots from the film, the theatrical promo promises to boast of much bigger action and drama along with dialogues that would further aid in context setting.

In addition, Bhatts as well as Sony have massive plans for the film's promotion in weeks to come. This is the reason why they have opened their campaign two months in advance with the music CDs out on stands.

Says Emraan Hashmi, the film's lead, ''We are looking at promoting TUM MILE to the fullest. We have quite a few good songs up our sleeves and we want each of these tracks to reach out to people before the film hits the screens. We want the music to reach it's peak and make people long for getting into the theaters. Along with that theatrical and other talkie promos will run as well, hence continuing to give audience the actual feel of the film.''

With the film currently looking good for a solo release on 13th November, it would indeed be quite interesting to see how far does the film go at the box office. Considering the fact that Bhatt-Hashmi combine has given two back to back hits already in the form of RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES and JANNAT, it won't be surprising if TUM MILE too hits the bull's eye.

Katrina Kaif to go Online

Mumbai: Well, Katrina Kaif seems to have turned thoroughly commercialised that's why the actress is set with some thing really big by the end of this year.

Katrina is going to launch her own website by the end of 2009 and that she has got the love for latest technology she will become the first Indian actress to do so. Just a few days ago the actress was in news for being on social networking websites as Twitter.

When asked about the issue, the beautiful actress said, "Something has to be done to stop this sort of defacement. I'm not on Twitter or any other social networking site. I plan to start my own website by the end of the year," Katrina told sources.

Katrina doesn't like somebody else to fill in for her so she has made the point very clear by stating, "I'm not the person of that sort who likes others to work for him/her rather I'll be taking care of my work on my own. Of course, there will be experts engaged to supervise my website. But I'll pick and choose all the content and pictures that will go on the site," said the actress.

Though she denied to tell the name of the website but this is pretty predictable that the amount of fans the lady has, the site is surely going to do wonders.

Mandira Bedi shows cleavage at KFW

Ever since Mandira Bedi made her entry into cricketer commentary, she has become a fashion statement. Apart from her commentary, her dress and style is always talked about. Now she has again hit the headlines for her style statement. At the on-going Kolkata Fashion Week (KFW), Mandira became a show-stopper by donning Satya Paul’s designer saree and revealing her cleavage.

When Mandira Bedi walked the ramp dressed in red stone embroided saree with low cut black blouse, she stunned all by her cleavage show. The 37 year actress looked bold and beautiful very much eligible to challenge any hot and bold actress of Bollywood.

An excited Mandira later told, “Kolkata is my birth place. This is the first time I have walked the ramp in Kolkata. In real life the endorsements and the shows I do, I mostly wear Satya Paul saris.

“I have walked for Satya Paul in Delhi and Dubai,” she said, draped in a red woven zari sari, with mock weaving with embroideries on it.

Other celebrities that walked the ramp were actress Riya Sen, model and actress Shopie Chaudhary.

Wanted makes Salman a one-man-army

Though National award-winnerPrakash Rajs flamboyant villainy andAyesha TakiaAzmi's endearing cuteness do miraculously find a place in the plot, this is the hero's vehicle like very few masala-maar-ke products in recent times.

Welcome to the world of the one-man-army

Salman Khan adapts his goon's name Radhe from Tere Naam where he mixed violence with vulnerability in a heady brew. The mix in Wanted is far more brackish and tangy.

Wanted is an old-fashioned bone-cruncher with guns and goons creating a kind of orchestrated anarchy that was done with far more élan in Ghajini. In Wanted the violence is far cruder and guttural. The hero is on a sort of society-cleansing spree where the mode of conduct adopted by the villains and heroes become the same.

Director Prabhu Deva retains the crude edges from theoriginalTelugu material Pokiri. The villains are vicious and foul-mouthed. They are quite often seen in Khaki and very often represent the kind of unfettered anti-socialism that can only be contained by a law-sanctioned vigilantism that Salman practices in the last-quarter of this blood-thirsty tale. By the time he goes shirt-less the script has whipped itself into a sweaty stupor.

The plot is essentially a one-liner. One-man army takes on a city filled with scums. The villains are everywhere in Mumbai. It was Hyderabad in the Telugu original [^]. But what difference does it make? Cities change, morality doesn't. The two-legged predators are everywhere. In boats and trains. In pubs and warehouses. One khaki-clad spitting and foul-mouthed villain (played with despicable authenticity by Mahesh Manjrekar) even infiltrates a decent woman's house and threatens to sleep with both mother and daughter. Ouch.

Mercifully the daughter Ayesha Takia [^] has Salman for a boyfriend. But the poor police commissioner (Govind Namdeo, in a positive [^] role for a change) is unlucky with his daughter. She gets kidnapped, raped and MMS-ed by the arch-villain. It's a mean world out there. Thank God for the screen hero.

While Vinod Khanna is wasted and Manoj Pawa's role as the overgrown boy-in-a-bubble next door doesn't quite fit into the scheme of things, Prakash Raj [^] as the villain gives celluloid diabolism an interesting new twist. He looks zonked, menacing and ironical. His confrontation with the police commissioner is written with that polished panache that brings a twist to pulp frictions.

But make no mistake. This is a made-to-order film for Salman Khan [^]. As a one-man army Salman springs into every frame with that trademark mix of a bored swagger and agile comicality. His romantic moments with Ayesha have a lived-in credibility except when the songs take over.

That's the cue to run for cover. Strictly for fans of action flicks, and Salman in that order.

Dil Bole Hadippa's disheartening opening

Everything around the much-hyped filmDilBole Hadippa looked fine till it hit the theatres. Surprisingly, thisRani Mukherjees comeback film had a disheartening opening.

Going by the publicity and thegoodreviews it got, people in the trade circle expected Dil [^] Bole Hadippa to rock on the opening day. However, it is reported that it managed to get only 45-60 percent occupancy on the average in multiplexes. Advance booking for the film [^] was also weak.

Meanwhile, FUN Cinemas is said to have a wonderful opening. It experienced 100% per cent occupancies in their Chandigarh and Ahemdabad chains for the first two shows while Mumbai had an average occupancy of about 50 per cent.

In spite of the weak opening, Dil Bole Hadippa is expected to pick up in the days to come with good [^] word of mouth. Rani Mukherjee [^] acts with Shahid Kapoor in this film produced by Aditya Chopra [^] and directed by Anurag Singh.

Wait for a couple days to know the final verdict!

UTV rolls out multiple contests around Main Aurr Mrs Khanna

MUMBAI: UTV Motion Pictures has tied up with STAR India and StateFarm and also with VIP Industries Ltd., for contests around Main Aurr Mrs Khanna.

In the tie up with STAR India, the contest comes with a prize for two to travel to Mumbai and meet Kareena Kapoor and Salman Khan.

"We are thrilled to join hands with StateFarm and UTV Motion Pictures in offering STAR viewers a chance to meet the superstars of Main Aurr Mrs Khanna. At Star, we continue to strive to delight audiences through offerings that are wholesome, refreshing and engaging and which provide our advertisers with the best possible avenue to obtain added value from their association with Star," said Star senior vice president of distribution, sales and marketing and head of Star North American and European offices David Wisnia.

"We are proud to partner with Star, which is extremely effective in reaching our core audience in the US," said UTV Motion Pictures North American head Lokesh Dhar.

To enter the contest, one can log in to www.startv.com/mamk and answer one question: "What does Family mean to you?" in 30 words or less. The contest is open to viewers in the US only and closes 13 September.

Similarly the tie up with VIP Industries Ltd., the contest winners will get an opportunity to meet Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor & Sohail Khan. The contest is called ‘Main Aurr Mrs Khanna’ Aurr Mera VIP contest.

The contest set to take place between 18 September and 5 October, 2009.The promotion would run at all VIP exclusive stores in the country.

To celebrate the film, VIP has designed the Main Aurr Mrs Khanna signature line of products and all customers need to do is purchase one of these products to be eligible. On purchase of the Main Aurr Mrs Khanna bag, VIP customers will get a scratch card that would contain exciting prizes ranging from tickets to the premiere show, to music CDs autographed by the stars and other accessories. The Grand Prize being an opportunity to meet– Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Sohail Khan.

VIP Industries Ltd., MD Sudhir Jatia said, “It is our constant endeavour to provide our customers with a differential and best-in-class shopping experience to make every VIP purchase special. We are therefore pleased to associate with Main Aurr Mrs Khanna, which will give our valued customers a chance to live their dream of meeting and interacting with their favourite Bollywood stars. I am confident that our customers will enjoy this unique experience and repose their faith in our products.”

Main Aurr Mrs Khanna producer Sohail Khan said, “We are happy to associate with a successful and fashionable brand like VIP with our latest production - Main Aurr Mrs Khanna. It provides a great opportunity to people to purchase trendsetting products. The threshold of Main Aurr Mrs Khanna is very urban and very chic and the entire star cast lends itself to the same. We look forward to a great response from all VIP customers throughout India to the contest."

Main Aurr Mrs Khanna is produced by Sohail Khan Productions and UTV's Ronnie Screwvala. It is slated to release on 16 October.

Zayed khan gifts Kylie Minogue a Sari

Zayed Khan and Kylie Minogue have made it a point to keep in touch even after completion of the shooting of their upcoming film BLUE. But before you draw any conclusions out here let us clarify that it's strictly friendship here.

A close source says, "Zayed and Kylie got a long like a house on fire. The two shared an excellent rapport and those who have seen the rushes of the film say that their chemistry is pretty visible on the screen too."

Zayed even gifted Kylie a designer sari, the Indian traditional wear, on the last day of the shoot.

The gift took Kylie by surprise more so because it was a sari. She wondered how Zayed knew the size that'd befit her. Kylie later even asked Zayed about it. Zayed told her, "It was just that I kept my wife's size in mind. Kylie was touched by Zayed's friendly gesture," said our source.

SRK stoops to conquer

Shah Rukh Khan receiving an award is not a new sight to those who have seen the actor walk on the stage many times in his career, but it’s only a few times that he has been asked to give someone an award.

And this time around, it wasn’t just a co-actor, who he was presenting an award to, but someone special. SRK made it a point to be give away award to the people who work behind the camera. The actor did not only present an award to his make-up artist Ravi Indulkar, but also expressed his gratitude towards him by touching his feet. Talking about Ravi, who has been the make artist for Hema Malini too, SRK said that Ravi mama did his best to make him as graceful as Hema Malini “but I know it is difficult,” he chuckled. Inspired by SRK’s gesture, Kareena too thanked her hair stylist Hema Sawant by touching her feet.

‘Blue’ now in pen drive

Modern technology is taking life along with it on a hi-fi ride. And movies are among those which use the latest upgraded technology.

Debut director Anthony D’Souza’s ‘Blue’ is making the right sounds these days. Underwater stunts, Hollywood artist, impressive cast, striking music and… its pen drive! Didn’t follow it? Well, recently the movie launched the audio on pen drives and memory chips! Yes, the movie has touched the height of innovation for the first time with this idea.

A production of Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd., ‘Blue’ is labelled under T- Series. The audio was launched by Oscar winner and AR Rahman (music director of ‘Blue’), Akshay Kumar and Bhushan Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director of T-Series. The Maestro from Madras was overwhelmed at Blue’s idea of bringing out the music in such a novel way. He exclaimed, “This is fantastic. What one must ensure is that the sound is of the highest quality. Anything new is exciting for people and those, who believe in owning legitimate music, would be excited by this product. It is also a gate opener for future expansions, because right now the music is going to have MP3 quality and then in future it could have more high quality WAV files like 96 k, 24 bit and people will definitely enjoy probably four times better than a CD quality of music. So this is a great starting point.”

Even the Akki was amused with this innovative album. According to sources, Akki said, “After the pen drive, we’ll perhaps have the music album in an injection form. All you need to do is to prick the needle and you’ll break into song.”

Wow, now that’s what we call truly out of blue!

Sanjay bails out Jackky Bhagnani, signs 'Faltu'

Filmmaker Vashu Bhagnani wanted to re-launch his son and needed an A-lister to act alongside Jackky, but every leading man declined politely. But Sanjay Dutt came forward to work with the youngster in "Faltu", which questions the country's education system.

Jackky made a disastrous debut this year with "Kal Kissne Dekha" but his second film, which is being directed by choreographer Remo, is not an escapist entertainer.

"It's a film about the lacunae in present day education. When I heard Remo's story, I was bowled over. It's about the failure of today's educational system to guide our youngsters into suitable careers," Bhagnani said.

"It's about how there's too much stress in and on academics and too little on actually tapping every child's potential. Remo has earlier made an award-winning Bengali film ('Lal Paharer Katha' with Mithun Chakbraborty)."

Going by the improbable title, the film sounds like a departure from convention.

"It is. But nothing conventional works any more. I want to bring new talent into the industry. And the title is an acronym. I can't reveal the full form. It will give away the plot," said the filmmaker.

Kissa Rani Mukherjee ki bikini ka

So how did the elegant and demure Rani Mukherjee wind up gyrating sexily in a bikini in Dil Bole Hadippa?

Many think it was an attempt to keep up with newer starlets on the scene who think nothing of showing some skin, especially as many of them work hard on having bodies to die for. Well, no, it wasn’t some carefully crafted plan to re-launch Rani’s career but in fact a chance conversation with designer Manish Malhotra which prompted Rani’s sexy new avatar.

Rani was talking to Manish and mentioned how much she had toned up her body in preparation for playing a cricketer in the film and Manish, who is no stranger to sexy outfits, decided it was a pity to keep that hot bod under wraps. The song was born, Rani is looking hot and the rest as they say, is history.

So, it seems that we have Manish to thank for that song and that bikini; good call Manish!