Akshay calls Farah the strongest woman in Bollywood

Akshay Kumar just earned a project with Farah Khan and he is really impressed with the filmmaker.Farah Khan who is featured her buddy Shah Rukh in her previous two movies – Main Hoon Na and Om Shanti Om – has gone out her way to rope in Akki for her forthcoming film ‘Tees Maar Khan’. And now, Akshay is gradually getting to know more about the lady in person.

Said Akshay, “Farah is the strongest most capable woman in the business and the best in the business for that matter. She holds the most respect from the biggest of people. ‘Tees Maar Khan’ is going to be a special film because it has the best of both worlds -Farah's talent as a director and Shirish's story telling ability... I'm very happy to be associated with this project and I'm sure Farah will make sure we live up to the title and make this film larger than life.”

‘Tees Maar Khan’ is the first home production of Farah and her husband Shirish Kunder, under the banner Three's Company Pvt. Ltd. The movie will be co-produced by Akshay's banner Hari Om Productions.

Soruce:http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/51951.html

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty marries Raj Kundra

Bollywood actress and Celebrity Big Brother star Shilpa Shetty married London-based businessman Raj Kundra in a "fairy-tale wedding" on Sunday, her spokeswoman said.

Shetty, 34, clad in a red-and-gold saree, walked around a holy fire with Kundra in a traditional Hindu ritual that signifies the bond of marriage.

"She was surrounded by her closest friends and family and the wedding was conducted in traditional south Indian rituals," Shetty's spokeswoman told Reuters over phone.

"This is it!" Shetty wrote on her blog (www.shilpashettylive.com/blog) a few hours before the ceremony took place in Khandala, a hill station 200 kilometres from Mumbai.

Shetty and Kundra met in London soon after she shot to fame as the winner of the British reality show 'Celebrity Big Brother' in a controversial 2007 season that saw contestant Jade Goody hurl abuse at Shetty, making fun of her name and her Indian origin.

The actress went on to host Bigg Boss, the Indian version of Big Brother, and also launched several business ventures, including a yoga video and a series of health spas.

On Tuesday, Shetty and Kundra will host a wedding reception in Mumbai, with the who's who of Bollywood expected to be in attendance.

Dimple Kapadia’s “Tum Milo Toh Sahi” set to release in January

Mumbai, Dimple Kapadia and Nana Patekar starrer “Tum Milo Toh Sahi”, a film about love at different ages, will release on Jan 29 next year.

The film is directed by Kabir Sadanand and it depicts how ordinary people find their true calling in life by saving an old Irani cafe against all forces that stand against Indian traditions, said a press release.

Other cast members include Suniel Shetty, Vidya Malvade, Anjana Sukhani and Rehan Khan.

The film is presented by Fourth Wall Entertainment. It is produced by Nikhil Panchamiya and written by Rajen Makhijani and Sameer Siddiqi.

(BollywoodWorld.com)

“Karthik Calling Karthik” release shifted to avoid clash with “Teen Patti”

New Delhi,The release date of Farhan Akhtar’s “Karthik Calling Karthik” has now been pushed ahead to avoid a clash with Amitabh Bachchan starrer “Teen Patti”.

“Teen Patti”, a crime thriller, is scheduled to hit the screens Feb 12 next year, while “Karthik Calling Karthik” will now release Feb 26, said a press release.

“Karthik calling Karthik”, co-produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment and Amit Chandrra and Vijay Lalwani’s “Magic Beans”, is a romantic thriller. It is about Karthik (Farhan Akhtar), whose life changes with the help of someone who also claims to be Karthik, said a press release.

The film is being directed and written by Vijay Lalwani and also stars Deepika Padukone, Ram Kapoor and Shefali Shah.

The music has been given by hit trio Shankar-Eshaan-Loy with lyrics by Javed Akhtar.

(BollywoodWorld.com)

Shilpa Shetty ties the knot, becomes Mrs. Raj Kundra

Khandala (Maharashtra), Nov 22 (IANS) Clad in a red sari and flaunting diamonds and emeralds, Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty Sunday exchanged wedding vows with London-based businessman Raj Kundra in a close-knit family affair here in this Maharashtra hill station.

'Everything went very well. All parents want their children to get married happily and that goes the same for Shilpa's parents as well. They are very happy,' said Kiran Bawa, Shilpa's friend and business partner, after the wedding.

'Raj and Shilpa both were very nervous before the marriage but now they are happy. We are going straight to Raj's house in Mumbai,' she added.

Wearing a red sari designed by Tarun Tahiliani, the 34-year-old exchanged vows with Kundra as per the Bunt tradition, according to the Mangalorean community that the Shettys belong to.

The groom was sporting a maroon sherwani with golden embroidery and a turban with his face veiled by a sehra (string of pearls). He was also holding a sword in his hand, as per Indian tradition.

Kundra left Amrit Villa, located about five minutes away from Bawa Villa, where the wedding was held, in a two-horse chariot.

Photographers scrambled to train their cameras at the goings-on while curious star-gazers were kept at bay by both private and police security.

Sunday's wedding was the climax of the two-day festivities that included a sangeet ceremony Saturday night here.

The buzz around the marriage started early this year and had been steadily getting louder even though Shilpa denied it officially before getting engaged to Kundra late October.

Expected at the marriage were celebrities like the Bachchan family, Shah Rukh Khan and family, the Kapoors, Rekha, Farah Khan, Salman Khan, Farhan Akhtar, Karan Johar, the Deols and Sushmita Sen.

However, noticed prominently on the occasion were only actors Rohit Roy, Jackky Bhagnani and Tahiliani.

Shilpa also delighted fans by posting a blog entry titled 'This is it' on her D-day.

'Thanks for all the best wishes from family and friends...Will write to you very soon... As Shilpa Shetty Kundra. This is it,' she posted on www.shilpashettylive.com/blog Sunday morning.

Shilpa met Raj after her win on the British reality show 'Big Brother' in 2007.

Shilpa's sister, actress Shamita who was participating in the third edition of 'Bigg Boss', withdrew voluntarily from the show to attend the wedding.

Rahul Bose slams developed nations for climate change

New Delhi, Nov 22 (IANS) Bollywood actor-activist Rahul Bose has slammed developed countries for preaching to developing nations to reduce 'the use of energy sources' in order to cut down on 'greenhouse gases (GHG) and carbon emissions' without practising the same.

'Developed nations have enjoyed unbridled use of the fossil fuels to reach a level of prosperity that is ten times our level. Now, just when we are attaining the first levels of prosperity you want us to reduce our energy consumption?' Rahul posted on blog www.gogreen.bigadda.com Sunday.

'How are we going to build our schools, roads, hospitals, factories? How are we going to achieve the golden triangle of health, education and employment for all?'

'The developed world, led by the US and Canada have refused to do any of the above. In fact the US refused to even sign up on the Kyoto Protocol which agreed on emission cuts by developed countries. Canada, that had agreed to these cuts walked out of the Kyoto Protocol, calling for its death in a conference in Bangkok a few weeks ago. The entire developing world walked out. They too, will not budge,' he said.

The 42-year-old also slammed the regular meets to discuss the climate change without any positive outcome.

'... Approximately 200 countries on the planet have talked about the need to do something collectively about climate change (what used to be referred to as global warming) for the last 25 years, but have done nothing about it,' he said.

'25 years later, melted glaciers later, vanished lakes later, thousands of forest fires later, the world's leaders are still squabbling about what should be done about climate change,' he added.

The actor will be attending the 15th summit on climate change at Copenhagen Dec 6-18, as a global ambassador for British aid agency Oxfam.

Soruce:http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/72073/Rahul-Bose-slams-developed-nations-climate-change.html

I'll be there to guide any damsel in distress: Akshay Kumar

Mumbai, Nov 23 (IANS) He worked with them when they were new to the film industry and gave back-to-back hits but Akshay Kumar refuses to take credit for Katrina Kaif and Priyanka Chopra's success. The actor says he will always lend a helping hand to newcomers if they need it.

'I am extremely happy to be their (Katrina and Priyanka) mentors but then they are free agents. They owe nothing to any one. They got where they are because they are talented. I saw it in them and that's why I wanted to work with them. I am no guru,' Akshay told IANS in an interview.

'I don't make it a hobby to help heroines. I wait and I watch and I will of course be there to guide any damsel in distress. However, a 'Katrina' doesn't walk by a film set everyday. They are one in a million for a reason,' the star said.

Together, Akshay and Katrina have given super hits like 'Singh Is Kinng' and 'Welcome'. While 'Namastey London' was also successful, their first film together 'Hum Ko Deewana Kar Gaye' was a decent box office grosser.

On the other hand Akshay has a cent percent success rate with Priyanka as well with hits like 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi', 'Waqt - Race Against Time', 'Aitraaz' and 'Andaaz'.

The latest Akshay and Katrina starrer 'De Dana Dan' is now ready to hit the screens. The actress has time and again said that she consented to act in a film by Priyadarshan mainly due to Akshay.

'Yes, I know about that. 'De Dana Dan' isn't going to better her career. But yes, it is just good for her to work in different environments. A movie like this is a first for her. She still needs to touch every aspect of her audience and she knows it,' said Akshay.

'I know when Katrina says she's doing it for me, it means she respects me enough to say yes to something without question. There aren't any questions around the script etc... It's a plain and simple talk of 'Yes Akshay, when do you need me?'.'

Both Katrina and Priyanka have given hits with other actors too. In 2009, Priyanka teamed up with Shahid Kapoor in the successful dark thriller 'Kaminey'.

Katrina, on the other hand, was seen with John Abraham in 'New York'. Directed by Kabir Khan, the film was a huge hit. And recently she teamed up with Ranbir Kapoor in the successful romantic comedy 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani'.

But now she is back with Akshay in 'De Dana Dan'.

'In any case, the year wouldn't be complete without me chasing after her (Katrina) in one of my movies,' Akshay said jokingly.

Himesh carries forward Radio look in music reality show

As the theatrical release of Radio, his third film as a lead actor, approaches it's release, Himesh Reshammiya appears to be quite attached to the short hair look that he is sporting in the urban contemporary romantic tale. Buoyed by the response that he has fetched for the look that has been a gradual progression from his Aap Kaa Surroor and Karzzzz days, Himesh has now taken it forward into TV reality show as well.

The musical show is called 'Music Ka Maha Muqabla' which would be on air soon.

Says Himesh, "I have sported a casual look in Radio since it goes perfectly well with the role of VJ that I play in it. Since the response so far has been quite positive to it, I thought it would be a good idea to stick to it for TV as well."

His reasoning does make sense since this is also expected to aid the promotion of the film which is just a fortnight away.

Conceptualised by Gajendra Singh who has many successful TV shows to his credit ever since satellite channels came into being, 'Music Ka Maha Muqabla' has excited Himesh due to its concept and the treatment that has been designed.

"It's like a musical sport which is akin to one day cricket", he says, "There are 6 captains with each of them leading a team of contestants, all of whom perform for their respective captain and teams. I am sure the show will break all records in terms of TRPs."

Other than Himesh, the other 5 captains are Shankar Mahadevan, Shaan, Mohit Chauhan, Mika and Sunidhi Chauhan.

There have also been murmurs in the trade circles that he has charged as much as Rs. 8 crores for participating in the show which requires shooting for only 20 days.

Refusing to comment on the remuneration of the show, Himesh is quite happy to discuss the economics of Radio instead. "I am very happy that the producer of Radio as already made a good profit. Moreover, the music is super hit as well. I will be a happier man though if people appreciate the film and my performance."

Starring Sonal Sehgal and Shenaz Treasurywala as the leading ladies, Radio is directed by Ishaan Trivedi releasing on 3rd December.

Soruce:http://www.bollywood.com/himesh-carries-forward-radio-look-music-reality-show

Ajmer visit good omen for 'Paani': Shekhar Kapur

New Delhi, Nov 22 (IANS) Internationally acclaimed Indian filmmaker Shekhar Kapur visited Dargah of Moinuddin Chisty in Ajmer with Oscar winning music maestro A.R. Rahman and says the visit will be a good omen for his long pending project "Paani".

"I want to thank A.R. Rahman for taking me to Ajmer. It was my first visit and going with A.R. Rahman made it even more amazing," Kapur, who went there Saturday, posted on his blog

New Delhi, Nov 22 (IANS) Internationally acclaimed Indian filmmaker Shekhar Kapur visited Dargah of Moinuddin Chisty in Ajmer with Oscar winning music maestro A.R. Rahman and says the visit will be a good omen for his long pending project "Paani".

"I want to thank A.R. Rahman for taking me to Ajmer. It was my first visit and going with A.R. Rahman made it even more amazing," Kapur, who went there Saturday, posted on his blog www.shekharkapur.com/blog.

Kapur made the plan to visit Ajmer on the flight.

"Rahman and I were working on the music of 'Paani' when on the way back to Mumbai, I found myself sitting next to him on the flight...I had just said bye to him. He was going to Ajmer and asked if I would come and, of course, I went. I saw that as a sign for the beginning of 'Paani'," he added.

Kapur was, however, upset on missing on the early morning qawaali there.

"My only regret is that I was not there for the early morning qawaali," he wrote.

Also accompanying the duo at the shrine was sound technician Resul Pookutty, who had also triumphed at the Oscars for his work in "Slumdog Millionaire".

Kapur made the plan to visit Ajmer on the flight.

"Rahman and I were working on the music of 'Paani' when on the way back to Mumbai, I found myself sitting next to him on the flight...I had just said bye to him. He was going to Ajmer and asked if I would come and, of course, I went. I saw that as a sign for the beginning of 'Paani'," he added.

Kapur was, however, upset on missing on the early morning qawaali there.

"My only regret is that I was not there for the early morning qawaali," he wrote.

Also accompanying the duo at the shrine was sound technician Resul Pookutty, who had also triumphed at the Oscars for his work in "Slumdog Millionaire".

I can proudly tell my kids Big B was my first child: Vidya Balan

New Delhi, Nov 22 (IANS) Bollywood actress Vidya Balan, who is playing Amitabh Bachchan's mother in her forthcoming movie "Paa", says that now she can proudly tell everyone that the 67-year-old megastar was her first child.

"After this role, I can proudly tell my children and grandchildren that Big B was my first child. Not even in my wildest dreams had I thought of playing mother to the living legend of the industry," said Vidya Balan.

"It was an humbling experience to work with Bachchanji. This is a very special movie for me," she added.

Balan is paired with Abhishek Bachchan in "Paa", which is an emotional story of a father-son relationship. Amitabh will be seen as Abhishek's 13-year-old son Auro who is suffering from a rare disease progeria, that accelerates ageing.

The film is schedule for a Dec 4 release.

Amitabh Bachchan causes rift between IIFI organisers

Panaji, Nov 17 (PTI) Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has become the bone of contention between the two organisers of the International Film Festival of India (IIFI), with the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) saying that the Directorate of Film Festival did not want to invite Big B.

ESG's Red Carpet Committee member Rajendra Talak on Monday told reporters that the ESG wants to invite Bachchan to the festival, but DIFF is not keen on the idea.

"We always feel that he should come but what can we do? It is only upto the DFF," Talak said.

Responding to a question during a press conference along with Red Carpet Committee Chairman Chandrakant Kavlekar, Talak said that the ESG is not even allowed to recommend names to the Directorate. PTI

Zoa Morani to Debut in Red Chilies Forthcoming Film

Zoa Morani, daughter of Cineyug's Karim Morani would be debuting in Red Chillies Entertainment's forthcoming film. The film is based on Anuja Chauhan's novel 'Zoya Factor' and Zoa will be essaying the role of Zoya. The book is about a girl who was born at the time of 1983 World Cup when India won against the West Indies. Post that, India would always win when Zoya watched the match. In all probabilities, the film will be directed by Reema Kagti who earlier directed 'Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd. Currently the script is being finalized and the film is expected to roll next year.

Sosruce:http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news.html

"Karthik Calling Karthik" to Release on 26th February 2010

Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar are back again with their next film "Karthik Calling Karthik". The Film is slated to release under the banner of Excel Entertainment on 26th February 2010. 'Karthik calling Karthik', a romantic thriller, is the story of a lovable loser Karthik, played by Farhan Akhtar, whose life changes with the help of someone who also claims to be Karthik. It's a thrilling, soulful and romantic journey of this man's victory against all odds. Deepika Padukone plays a pivotal role in the film adding a lot of fun and colour to the film!

Produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, under the banner of Excel Entertainment and co produced by Amit Chandrra and Vijay Lalwani, under the banner of Magic Beans. The film is being directed and written by Vijay Lalwani. "Karthik Calling Karthik" stars Farhan Akhtar, Deepika Padukone, Ram Kapoor and Shefali Shah.

Other credits include music by Shankar, Eshaan and Loy with lyrics by Javed Akhtar and cinematography by Sano Varghese.

Soruce:http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news.html

Exclusive look at Akshay-Katrina seductive rain song in De Dana Dan

When we talk about Bollywood rain songs, the very first song that comes to our minds is the famous 'Tip Tip Barsa Paani' from Mohra featuring Akshay Kumar and Raveena Tandon.

Well, Akshay seems to be all set to repeat history, this time around with Katrina in Priyadarshan's De Dana Dan.

The moment we got hold of the pictures from the song that will raise the bar of 'onscreen rainy seduction', we immediately thought of sharing it with you readers. What one wonders is that usually, such seductive numbers are always launched early to get maximum eyeballs but surprisingly, this song had been kept under wraps till now.

The song in question is 'Gale Lag Jaa' picturised on the onscreen lovebirds Akki and Katz! If our sources are to be believed, their chemistry is something that has never been 'exploited' before in any of their earlier films together.

With Akki and Kats already regarded as the hit jodi of Bollywood, it's no wonder that this song is bound to take them notches ahead, making them quite literally the 'hottest' jodi of Bollywood.

One has to admit that the very look of Katrina in this song immediately reminds one of Raveena Tandon in the Mohra song. While Viju Shah was the man behind the scintillating musical score of Mohra, Pritam Chakraborty has handled the baton of De Dana Dan.

What remains to be seen is: Will Akshay and Katrina be able to repeat the magic of Hum Ko Deewana Kar Gaye, Namastey London, Welcome and Singh Is Kinng with their most-anticipated De Dana Dan.

Bollywood Hungama

Karisma Kapoor chosen as brand ambassador for Aromaz range of beauty products

After having endorsed anything and everything ranging from colas, cosmetics, sarees, the original 'Rani Hindustani' Karisma Kapoor is back with a bang. This time round, she has been chosen as the brand ambassador for 'Aromaz' range of beauty products, which includes a wide range of products ranging from Tamarind oil control face wash, face & body exfoliating scrub, rejuvenating facial mask, hydrating toner and moisturizing lotion.

According to Bollywood Hungama's confirmed sources, the actress has been paid a whopping amount for signing the dotted lines. The source also added that the said product range is slightly different from other existing cosmetic products that are available in the market as they are based on the principle of "treatment with aroma" with constituents of distinct essential oils extracted from plants & flowers that help in rejuvenation and curing of skin and body.

The source also added that there could be a possibility of a TVC being shot with Karisma, whenever she has the dates for the same. Looking at the way the Kapoor sisters (Karisma and Kareena) are ruling the brand markets, it will be totally needless to say that, if at all there was as award for the Numero Uno Brand Endorser of the year, it will get split between these two.

Soruece:http://www.bollywood.com/karisma-kapoor-chosen-brand-ambassador-aromaz-range-beauty-products