Vidya Balan, Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif or Deepika Padukone: Who’s B-town’s most bankable actor?

In the gender-biased world of Indian entertainment, a select number of women have become powerful contenders in the popularity stakes – not to outshine their male counterparts, but to showcase newer ways of thought through their films
Gone are the days when box office success stories were written mainly by men. Over the last few years, Hindi cinema has witnessed positive changes and surprisingly rapid growth centred around the fairer sex. While there’s a long list of superstar heroes including the three Khans – Shahrukh, Salman and Aamir Khan – along with Hrithik Roshan, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn and Ranbir Kapoor staking claim at the ticket windows, no one can ignore the growing strength of women commanding equal respect at the BO.

According to trade pundits, few female stars can come close to affecting the opening of films – Vidya Balan, Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif and now Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone are inching close to the male success ratio. Here’s a dekho at the impressive list of power girls of Bollywood who are certainly not about puff!

Akshay Kumar on Rajesh Khanna: Legends like him are not born every day

The actor shared his thoughts on his father-in-law and late superstar Rajesh Khanna’s first death anniversary July 18

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar fondly remembers his father-in-law Rajesh Khanna on his first death anniversary on Thursday and says that legends like him are not born everyday. “It’s been a year today, yet the loss is still so fresh. I don’t quite think any of us have accepted my father-in-law’s devastating departure… To Mr. Rajesh Khanna, they make very few like you, you are a father, a Legend and a very treasured man, who will never be forgotten,” the 45-year-old posted on his Facebook page.

“You are in our hearts today and (you will) always (remain in our hearts). Love and eternal prayers from your entire family,” he added.

Khanna passed away on July 18, 2012 following prolonged illness. He was 69. Akshay is married to Khanna and Dimple Kapadia’s elder daughter Twinkle. The younger one is Rinke.

Fondly known as Kaka in the film fraternity, Khanna began his career with Aakhri Khat in 1966 and in a career spanning five decades, he became a superstar like no other with hits like Aradhana, Do Raaste, Safar and Anand.

Salman Khan hit-and-run case: Charges to be framed on July 24

Update (July 19): The Mumbai Sessions Court has deferred today’s hearing

Salman Khan was to be tried for culpable homicide today for his hit-and-run case. The Mumbai Sessions Court has deferred the hearing and charges against the star will be framed on July 24.

The actor had appealed for a retrial after the Magistrate Court charged him with culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The court had rejected his plea at the last hearing on June 24.

Salman’s lawyers have also reportedly filed an application in court requesting self-restraint in the media.

Earlier report (dated June 24): Salman Khan’s 2002 hit-and-run-case hearing is likely to be held today. The trial has been postponed several times this year because the actor failed to appear before the Sessions Court. On May 8, Judge UB Hejib fixed June 10, 2013 for the hearing and the actor was not required to be present in court. The latest update on Twitter is that the hearing has been postponed yet again, this time to June 24, due to the absence of court staff.

Salman’s Land Cruiser car had killed a sleeping pavement dweller and injured four others on September 28, 2002. The actor had challenged the earlier verdict of the Bandra Magistrate Court that charged him with culpable homicide not amounting to murder (Section 304 part II of the Indian Penal Code).

Lawyer Ashok Mundargi had pleaded that the Magistrate Court’s order was “erroneous, bad in law and contrary to evidence on record”. He also said that the magistrate had failed to appreciate that the actor had neither the intention (to kill people) nor the knowledge that his rash and negligent driving would kill a person and cause injury to four others.

If held guilty, Salman might have to face a 10-year jail term for the offence.

Keep watching this space for more updates on the Salman case.

Qubool Hai: Will Zoya and Asad part ways?

Tanveer’s new plan to separate the love birds is a masterstroke

In the last episode of Qubool Hai, Zoya comes back home and agrees to forgive Asad. The entire family gets busy with the wedding preparations, while Asad and Zoya seem lost in each other’s thoughts.

Seeing all her plans backfire as Asad and Zoya get ready to marry; Tannu finally plays her pregnancy card. She emotionally blackmails Asad to marry her. Mr Khan, who thinks he is morally doing the right thing, asks Zoya to leave him alone forever and walks off with tears in his eyes. Zoya immediately realises that Tanveer is the only person behind Mr Khan’s sudden change of heart. Fed up of her tricks, Zoya threatens Tanveer about revealing everything about her to Asad.

Shocked by our heroine’s intentions, Tannu offers her a deal – Asad instead of her father’s name and address. Now if you remember, Zoya first came to Bhopal from New York to find her father and his whereabouts. When she learnt that her father is dead, she had almost made up her mind to leave India but her attraction towards Mr Khan made her wait.

In the upcoming episodes, Ms Farooqui will take the deal that Tanveer offered and try her best to let Asad go. Mr Khan on the other hand is feeling miserable about his situation and keeps sulking. His indefinite silence worries his mother Dilshaad, who has decided to never accept Tanveer as her daughter-in-law. If rumours are to be believed, Asad will come to know about Zoya’s father and will try to help her. Of course, this will get them closer, but Tanveer will always be around like a sore thumb.

Justin Bieber V. Rihanna’s Grills — Teeth Bling Battle

These two singers love doing something different. This time they both decided to accessorize their teeth and give their pearly whites a twist! Let us know who you think rocked it best!
Justin Bieber, 19, bought his first grill years ago! He showed off a pair when meeting his beliebers on July 12. Rihanna, 25, has never been afraid of tattoos, so why not a grill for this pop superstar? She sure has been showing them off in multiple music videos and even to some followers in an Instragram pic she posted on July 14! Let us know which singer you think wore it best!

Rihanna’s Grill — Shows It Off On Instagram

RiRi has always been known as the type to not be afraid of trying something new — whether it’s in her clothing, beauty, or even tattoos! RiRi was seen getting sized for grills in her 2011 music video You Da One – which probably started her trend! Rihanna uploaded a picture on Instagram  on July 14 of her showing off her diamond grill with a fierce red lip! She finishes her look with a super short crop top — showing off her tattoos — and a long metal chain!
Justin Bieber Wears Grills While Meeting His Fans

Justin wasn’t shy when showing off his gold grill when meeting his believers after his concert in Columbus, Ohio on July 12. This pop superstar was seen taking photos and making sure his custom grill was shown! He matched the look with a backwards fitted hat, a cheetah print tee, and a gold chain.

In 2011, when Justin was sized for his first pair for fun, many fans didn’t approve, even his girlfriend Selena Gomez! She later pranked him with getting her own grills and he did not approve!

Selena Gomez Rejoins Instagram & Posts Sexy New Video — Watch

Selena fans rejoice! The ‘Come & Get It’ singer triumphantly returned to Instagram on July 13 and possibly even gave her fans a sneak preview at an upcoming video for her album, ‘Stars Dance.’ Watch it below!

It’s been a long time coming, but the day has finally come. On July 13, Selena Gomez answered the prayers of her fans by rejoining Instagram.

Selena Gomez Back On Instagram

“I’m back…. #STARSDANCE,” Selena tweeted along with her first new post, a black and white video of Selena and a handful of backup dancers in a studio.

Selena is looking smoldering in the clip (who knew black and white looked so good on her?), and her sexiness is only magnified when we get to see her bust out some brand new choreography.

The move back to Instagram and the video are genius ways to get everyone even more excited for her album, Stars Dance, which is out on July 23. We didn’t think we could get more amped, but we definitely are now!
Selena Gomez On Instagram: Will She Post About Justin Bieber?

And the possibilities of Selena on Instagram are thrilling as well. Will she be the one confirming the reunions with Justin Bieber from now on?

Selena’s on-again, off-again flame is one of the most active celebs on the social networking site, and he’s more than once verified rumors that he and Selena were back together.

Most recently, Justin posted a romantic picture of himself and Selena on July 5 after the two spent the whole day together on the Fourth of July. “#Heartbreaker,” Justin captioned the photo.

But now it’s Selena’s turn to entice us on Instagram!

Justin Bieber Aggressively Spit In A Man’s Face — Report

Just one week after footage of Justin peeing in a mop bucket was released, the singer has been accused of cussing and spitting in a man’s face in an Ohio club.
Justin Bieber has apparently landed in hot water again. The “Somebody To Love” singer allegedly spat in a man’s face after he was caught trying to take pictures of the Biebs and his crew in a Columbus, Ohio club on July 12. Justin, 19, was allegedly in the over 21′s club, and a new report on TMZ says he became enraged when he feared his picture was being taken. Do YOU think this could be true?

Justin Bieber Accused Of Spitting In Man’s Face

Justin and his camp were reportedly partying in the Social Club following a show, and the DJ of the club claims Justin spat at him because he believed that he was trying to secretly take pictures.

“Two of Bieber’s bouncers approached me and said I was trying to take pictures of Bieber,” he told TMZ. He said he thought Justin was concerned because he is underage, and that Justin’s people grabbed his phone and started going through it looking for pics.

Justin then allegedly personally approached him, and spoke some “choice words.” “He called my mom something, called my dad something, called me something … and spit in my face,” says the DJ.

The DJ is planning on filing charges, and he was tested for hepatitis, which he has learned he does not have.

Justin was previously accused by a  Calabasas neighbor of spitting, after he confronted him about speeding in their gated community.
Justin Bieber Pees In Public & Disses Bill Clinton

Justin was accused in peeing in a restaurant mop bucket in early July. A video shows him appearing to pee in the bucket, before saying “F**k Bill Clinton!”

A source close to Justin’s camp tells HollywoodLife.com exclusively that the incident “happened in February, and Justin had a lot going on then. Things have really calmed down since then, and his tour is going great.”

Justin has since apologized to the former president for his actions, but he has never addressed the mop bucket incident.

Justin Bieber Teases New Song ‘Heartbreaker’ In Sexy Video — Watch

Justin gave his fans two goodies on July 15: a preview of his new Selena Gomez-inspired song and a first-look at the commercial teaser for his new fragrance, The Key. Keep reading and watch the sexy new video!

Justin Bieber is seen rolling up to a fancy hotel in a slick car in the new 30-second clip. Later, a girl — who easily resembles Selena Gomez — is seen sleeping next to a bottle of the new fragrance, The Key. Oh, and the soundtrack? A brief loop of Justin’s yet-to-be-released “Heartbreaker” track.

Justin Bieber: ‘The Key’ Teaser Video — Previews ‘Heartbreaker’ In Commercial

Justin, 19, certainly knows how to keep his fans on the edge of their seats. The singer initiated the release of this new video with a countdown on Twitter, natch.

On July 15, Justin tweeted, “…everyone sit tight. we are gonna pull over and handle this for you. i need to give you all this gift. #TheKey #buslifeproblems.” A few hours later, the Biebs posted the video on YouTube and revealed both a teaser of his new song and a clip of the commercial for The Key. Could the hot new song really be about Selena?
Justin Bieber’s New Song: ‘Heartbreaker’ — About Selena Gomez?

While we’re not positive that “Heartbreaker” is about Justin’s on-again/off-again girlfriend, 20, he appeared to hint that it may be during the Fourth of July holiday. On July 5, Justin posted a pic of himself and Selena, 20, together on Instagram and captioned it, “#heartbreaker.”

ESPY Awards Red Carpet 2013: Selena Gomez, Gabby Douglas & More

The 2013 ESPY Awards are finally here! Selena Gomez, Gabby Douglas and many more of your favorite stars made a statement on the carpet — see all the best moments!

From Selena Gomez to Gabby Douglas, Ben Affleck and Michael Phelps, the world’s biggest stars came to the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on July 17 for the ESPY Awards, decked out in the hottest ensembles!

ESPY Awards Red Carpet 2013

Gabby walked down the carpet early, dressed in a sexy black leather dress that complimented her fit body. All those hours on the mats certainly paid off!

Peta Murgatroyd looked va-va-voom in a red hot gown. She looked comfortable, yet sexy.

Another star who wore red was none other than Selena Gomez! She wore a red mini-dress covered in beads. Selena finished her look off with a red lip, her hair down and sexy black pumps.

Bode Miller and Morgan Beck posed together on the carpet in matching black ensembles. Morgan nearly exposed some sideboob with sheer panels on the sides of her gown.

Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union also oozed sex appeal on the carpet. Gabrielle wore a black mini-dress with a deep plunging neckline.

While many wore black and red on the carpet, Katherine Webb decided to go against the norm and was seen wearing a white strapless mini-dress, embroidered with blue metallic pieces. She looked amazing!

Jon Hamm, Chrissy Teigen and so many more also walked the carpet. Browse through our gallery to see all the best moments!

The ESPY Awards are definitely going to be a night to remember. Tell us who you think is best dressed!

Katrina Kaif, happy birthday: From Boom to Dhoom:3 – quite a journey!

The babe turns 29 today and we hope she has a wonderful, rocking birthday with her special ones…

Born on July 16, 1984, Katrina Kaif started her career with Boom, which unfortunately was doomed at the BO. The babe’s stint in Bollywood has been quite an interesting one since. From leaving a bad taste in our mouths with Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya to surprising us with a bohemian role in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, KK has done it all. She has acted (wait…did we say ‘acted’?) in a Yash Chopra film (Jab Tak Hai Jaan) and got away with not showing a single trace of emotion. But again we overlook all of that, as we loved the sweet and edgy character she played in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan…That’s Kat for you – she can irritate you with her expressionless face and then suddenly, out of the blue, she will pull a rabbit out of her well-preserved style coffers, appear in an out and out stylish avatar and give us something really cool to remember (cases in point: Raajneeti, Chikni Chameli item song).

Style: The babe usually keeps it simple. She goes all high street every once in awhile, but you never see her going edgy and neon-ish. When the young (and the not so young) Bollywood chicks are playing around with those bright scarlet shades, shocking pink shoes and avant-garde creations, Kaif is still very laidback (or should we say ‘old-school’?) in terms of style. She likes her makeup nude – a gown or a saree for a glam occasion… and viola! Kaif is ready with her hassle free statement. We would love to see her in cropped tops, flowing palazzos, jumpsuits – there’s so much out there to choose from; the Chikni Chameli just  needs to have some hardcore style fun.

Love life: Kaif left the beefy hunk Salman Khan for the young and peppy Ranbir Kapoor. And looks like the two are going pretty strong (as strong as KK’s love for robotic expressions, perhaps?). The two were in Ibiza recently, having a gala time at a concert. KK’s b’day has definitely started on a romantic note…we hope a certain Tiger doesn’t spread raita over her lovey-dovey plans with Ranbu…

Movies: We really want to see her act (c’mon, it’s been more than ten years already!). Give us a performance that blows us away and we won’t ever point fingers at your thespian skills again, KK. She will be seen in Dhoom:3 and Bang Bang next year. And we hope the action scenes are spicy and the romantic ones are full of emotion, or else we can already see your future Kat – in the Go Goa Gone sequel as one of those spooky, blood sucking zombies….

Gaurav Gera: I want a woman like Mrs Pammi as my life partner!

The lead actor of Colors’ new show Mrs Pammi Pyarelal gives us his take on an ideal life partner

Gaurav Gera has developed a newfound respect for women ever since he began dressing as Mrs Pammi Pyarelal. The actor who loves talking, wearing costumes and doing over-the-top acts says that he has no qualms about playing a woman, but never realised it would be this tough…

The versatile actor claims that playing a married woman is not as easy as it seems. While onscreen Gaurav is married to Karan Goddwani, we find out about his relationship status in real life: “I am single and I don’t have the time to mingle. I am busy with so much work every day. Even in between Mrs Pammi Pyarelal shoots, I go to Delhi for my musical play Jhumroo. So that leaves me with no time for relationships. Plus, I’ve recently had a really bad break-up – it was a long relationship; however, it’s done and over with. So as of now I am not interested and frankly I don’t have the time for it either,” said Gaurav.

So no pressure for marriage? “There’s always pressure from my parents, but I am not ready,” he explained.

Tell us about your ideal partner: “I want somebody like Pammi as my life partner. Pammi is ultra cute as a person. She is loveable, funny and full of life. I love the faces she makes, and she is pretty too. Now I do not mean that I want a male dressed up as a woman – let’s be clear about that!”

The 34-year-old actor definitely has his plate full with work for now, but as they say, all work and no play can make a Gaurav a dull boy! So we cross our fingers in the hope that GG soon finds his Pammi. Right, BollywoodLifers?

Lisa Haydon is such a style diva, isn’t she?

The babe was seen wearing sexy gowns back to back at the IIFA events held at Macau, giving some serious style competition to the hottest Bollywood babes.

At the recent IIFA Rocks event, Lisa Haydon chose to go wild in a backless animal print Gucci gown. We love the way the gown falls – lending her overall appearance a very classy look – just the way it should be when you are on an international platform.

The thick belt which she wore was just perfect and added a tinge of adventure to her style. But the Rascals actor wasn’t done yet! She left no stone unturned for her second appearance as well. This time she ditched anything that’s wild or even remotely feminine. She went all ravishingly risqué in a Namrata Joshipura bling side slit gown. It was covered and transparent at the right places.

The dusky babe made it look so effortless, as if going about the whole thing was such a cakewalk –right from the make up to the hair. So Ms Haydon, when we say you are such a diva, we totally mean it…

What is Sonal Chauhan doing in Switzerland?

The babe is the face of the fifth edition of the fashion and art calendar from Swiss International Airlines and Narendra Kumar, and we must confess – she looks nothing less than exotic!
Posing in a stately manner, Sonal Chauhan looks very queen-like in the calendar for Swiss International Airlines. The white Narendra Kumar gown with a side slit is out and out futuristic – her look reminds us of one of those edgy Star Wars characters, as if she’s all set to take trip down the mysterious corners of the space. The short hair, kohl-rimmed eyes and background of the idyllic locations of Lugano, Switzerland – it’s a visual delight.
We also love her feminine lavender backless gown – it’s fab and feminine, nothing like her gorgeous  ‘going to the outer space’ kinda statement. While we loved what she wore for the photoshoot, the gown she picked for the unveiling of the calendar was far more thanda. The black thing with the detailing over the waist doesn’t quite live up to the style benchmark she set with those striking outfits she wore January to December!

But we are totally rooting for royal Swiss inspired fashion….and you?

Aamir Khan invites Rani Mukerji, Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif, Ranbir Kapoor for Ship of Theseus screening

The Dhoom:3 actor’s wife Kiran Rao is presenting Ship Of Theseus, directed by Anand Gandhi

Aamir Khan not only hosted a special screening for his wife’s movie, but also threw an after party and invited friends from the film industry.

Celebrities like Ranbir Kapoor, Rani Mukerji, Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif, Parineeti Chopra, Kunal Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Ashutosh Gowariker, Rajkumar Yadav, Aditi Rao Hydari and Kunal Kohli were among those who attended a special screening of Ship Of Theseus organised by actor-filmmaker Aamir Khan.

“Kiran saw this film earlier. She loved it and asked me to see the film. When I saw it, I loved it too. We thought we should promote these kinds of films, so we invited all our friends from the industry for this screening. I wanted them to see the film and meet the star cast,” said Aamir.

The actor said he had also invited Salman Khan for the screening. But he couldn’t make it in time as he was busy shooting in Hyderabad, and his flight back to Mumbai was delayed. However, Aamir said that Salman has promised to make it to the party, which was organised at the former’s residence.

Ship Of Theseus is a story about human values, and its narrative surrounds three characters — an experimental photographer, an ailing monk and a stock broker. The film releases this Friday.

Why did Salman Khan skip Aamir Khan’s party?

Though Sallu couldn’t make it to Aamir’s special screening of Ship of Theseus ‘coz of a delayed flight, the Dabangg dude had three reasons to stay away from the high-profile event

The goodwill that Aamir Khan has generated over the last two decades or so has certainly makes him one of the most loved and admired actors of Bollywood – that was evident at the special screening of Ship of Theseus, the film presented by his wife Kiran Rao. Aamir and Kiran personally invited B-town friends Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra, Rani Mukerji, Rajkumar Hirani, Ashutosh Gowariker, Kangna Ranaut, Imran Khan and Ayushmann Khurrana, among others. And also on the star guest list was AK’s Andaz Apna Apna co-star Salman Khan, whose absence was truly felt at the event.

Aamir revealed to the gathered media that the Mental star wouldn’t be able to make it since his flight from Hyderabad – where he’s shooting for Mental – had been delayed. The Khan-man tried justifying and covering up his friend’s absence, but we believe Sallu’s staying away was planned!

Knowing Salman to be a typical yaaron ka yaar, wethinks that if he was really keen to attend Aamir’s event, he could have managed to be there, however late it may have been. Also, considering the fact that Sallu’s party habits aren’t in the least bit time bound, lateness shouldn’t have been a concern for him; he could’ve dropped in at the screening even later, just for courtesy’s sake, no?

The presence of the alleged lovers Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif could be another major reason why Salman preferred to stay away from the star studded event – he may not have wanted to see his former ladylove KK with RK, perhaps. Waise bhi, stories about the Ranboo-Kat romance are gaining credence by the day!

The last and perhaps most significant reason for Salman‘s absence could have been the hordes of media people waiting for him at the screening. Like his ex Katrina, Sallu too has been in the news for his alleged affair with Romanian model Iulia Vantur and everyone wants to know more. And knowing Salman’s penchant for privacy, he would have wanted to avoid any probing in that direction, don’t you think?

Pooja Batra addresses students at Wharton School of Business

The leggy model turned actress Pooja Batra who is based in LA was recently invited by the prestigious Wharton school of Business in Philadelphia for the Digital Marketing & E- commerce to give a lecture on the last day of class!!

We hear that at Wharton, she shared her personal brand and social media insights with the MBA grads and under grads…
In fact when asked about her experience at Wharton School of Business and her social media insights she said, “ I got on the SMO band wagon reluctantly not even 3 years ago, I remember my friend Sanjiv Sharma from Optimystix who forced me to open my twitter account saying that it is very necessary to have one. I realized its importance and yes that is why I went to Wharton willingly to share my knowledge on the same. In fact soon after I gave a lecture, I had students tweeting to me and saying ‘Thank You’ for the lecture.”

Saif Ali Khan to romance Ileana D’Cruz in his next

Saif Ali Khan has established himself as the lover boy on big screen with films like Love Aaj Kal and Cocktail. His film Go Goa Gone doesn’t star him along with a heroine, but the actor’s next, a romantic film, will have a girl whom he has never romanced on big screen.

As the filmmakers nowadays want to cast a fresh jodi for the novelty factor, Saif Ali Khan and directors Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK were looking for a young pretty actress for their collaboration, which is a romantic film. Now, the makers have reportedly zeroed in on Ileana D’Cruz — the Barfi! actress.From what we hear, the movie will be shot in the USA and Saif agreed to produce the film under his banner because he liked the idea of the romantic film. Afterwards, the hunt was on for the leading lady. “Everyone at the production house was of the opinion that they needed a fresh pair with Saif after Cocktail… One of the crewmembers suggested Ileana’s name,” a source tells a daily.

Saif Ali Khan has confirmed the presence of Ileana D’Cruz, but is not willing to reveal much about the project. May be after Bullet Raja, he will switch to this film.

Ileana D’Cruz seems to be on a roll these days. She has already bagged a plum project opposite Akshay Kumar, and now a film with Saif. She will also be seen in Rajkumar Santoshi’s film Phata Poster Nikla Hero where she is paired with Shahid Kapoor.

Here is Why Ranbir Kapoor is nervous

Bollywood Choco-boy Actor Ranbir Kapoor who will be performing for the first time with his mother Neetu Kapoor on stage for an awards show, says he is nervous to perform with mother for the first time on stage. “She (Neetu Kapoor) is very nervous… she has not performed for a while. Actually, even I am nervous and excited to perform with her,” Ranbir said in press conference of Colors Screen Awards.

“I coaxed my mother to do a nice jig on stage. We will be performing on songs picturised on my family members. I am sure she will steal the limelight,” he added.

Latest New Fresh Posters: Sunny-Kangana’s Movie ‘I Love New York’

The upcoming romantic comedy I Love New York have released the First Look Posters of the film today.

Check Out The Latest Posters:-

I Love New York features Sunny Deol and Kangana Ranaut as a couple for the first time. In fact, Sunny, who has lately been seen in action and comedy roles, will be seen romancing on screen after a long time. The couple is expected to tickle the audiences’ funny bone with the movie

The romantic comedy, produced by T-Series, is co-directed by Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru. I Love New York will hit or release the screens on April 26, 2013.

International Box Office: Iron Man 3 has record breaking debut

With the release of Iron Man 3 internationally, the summer movie season has officially begun, and what a start this was. The 3rd direct sequel to the Robert Downey Jr. action flick had the biggest opening of all time for Marvel, superheroes or comic book adaptations in general. Yes, it was higher than The Avengers.  Iron Man 3 opened with an incredible $198.4 million from 42 territories or about 79% of the total international market. Now let me put that number in perspective. Back in 2008 the original Iron Man left theaters with $266.8 million internationally and $585.2 million worldwide. Two years later Iron Man 2 improved on its predecessor with $311.5 million internationally and $623.9 million worldwide. Finally, a year ago The Avengers blew everyone away with a $185 million debut, ending up at $888.4 million internationally. Iron Man 3 beat all of the above, so what does that mean? Well it seems we have The Avengers‘s success to thank for this incredible performance. You see, instead of playing like a sequel to Iron Man 2, part 3 became more like an Avengers 2, thus we got such an enormous amount of money for a series that’s never come even close to these heights. Now don’t get me wrong, as good as all of this is, I can’t see Iron Man 3 finishing with more than $600-700 million internationally (and more than $1 billion worldwide), after all, this is not The Avengers 2, that’s coming in 2015. Phase 2 is really on for Marvel and I can’t wait to see what Thor: The Dark World can do in November, in this post-Avengers era for superhero films.,In 2nd place we got Chinese drama So Young, with a $22.7 million opening. According to Wikipedia, the film cost around $5 million to make so I guess it’s already very profitable over there.Oblivion (which I just saw a few hours ago) was down to 3rd with $13.5 million. So far the uneven (yet very much enjoyable) sci-fi starring Tom Cruise has $134.1 million internationally and $202.1 million worldwide. Made for $120 million, Oblivion will end up at around $300 million when all will be said and done.

The Croods moves to 4th (down from 3rd) at $13.2 million for an international total of $305.6 million. Now worldwide the DreamWorks Animation feature has amassed $469.5 million, $25.4 million shy of How to Train Your Dragon‘s total.

Rounding out the top 5 we have the Joes with $10.2 million. After a month in theaters, G.I. Joe: Retaliation grossed $232.7 million internationally and $349.7 million worldwide. So maybe moving this flick to a March release and converting it to 3D wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

Michael Jackson’s teen daughter Paris attempts suicide

latest news coming from DNA i.e Paris Jackson, the 15-year-old daughter of late pop star Michael Jackson, was rushed to a Los Angeles-area hospital on Wednesday after an apparent suicide attempt, her mother, Debbie Rowe, told entertainment TV programmeEntertainment Tonight.Paris Jackson, the second of Jackson’s three children, had “a lot going on (lately),” Rowe toldEntertainment Tonight. Messages left with Rowe’s attorney and representatives of the singer’s estate were not immediately returned.

Celebrity website TMZ.com, which first reported the suicide attempt, said Paris had been taken from her home in Calabasas, California, by ambulance at about 2 am time, citing unnamed sources.

Jackson, who died in 2009 from a lethal dose of surgical anesthetic propofol, was married to Rowe from 1996 to 1999, and the couple had two children together, Prince Michael in 1997 and Paris in 1998.

Jackson later had a third child, Prince Michael II, also known as Blanket. Rowe turned over full custody of the children to Jackson as part of their divorce but she had recently rekindled her relationship with Paris.

What was Ranbir Kapoor’s birthday surprise for Katrina Kaif?

The Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani actor had arranged for a surprise dinner on his ‘good friend’s birthday!

Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif were in news recently for their secret Spain holiday. And since the two actors are rumoured to be in a relationship, the media was keeping a close eye on the lovebirds and their activities, especially Katrina who turned 29 recently.

According to our Bandra-based khabroo, Ranboo picked Katrina up from her Bandra residence and headed to a plush hotel in South Mumbai for dinner. Later, the doting boyfriend dropped Kat home in the wee hours. The love birds, our khabroo says, had a great time in each others’ company.

Why is Ram Charan Teja bonding with Sania Mirza?

The Telugu star and the tennis player were seen together at some events recently. Here’s why

Telugu actor Ram Charan Teja, who makes his Bollywood debut with Priyanka Chopra in Zanjeer this year, kicked off the Hyderabad 5k Run earlier in the week. Tennis champ Sania Mirza was also present and so was Charan’s wifey Upasana Kamineni.

On Monday (June 15), the actor also visited the Grand Slam-winning tennis star’s academy and played a ‘friendly’ match with her. Now we don’t know how that worked out, ‘coz Charan apparently confessed that he held a tennis racket for the first time in his life! Umm, and he played a match? Really? We also read that Upasana beat him at his volleys, since she is not new to playing tennis.

As for Charan bonding so much with the French Open mixed doubles winner, it seems it’s simply ‘coz Upasana and Sania are BFFs. There is nothing more to it!

So what next? Sania doing a cameo in Charan’s film? Unlikely, since she has already refused film offers from the South and B’wood. But she might just do it for her pals… you never know!

Shweta Tiwari and Abhinav Kohli have a low key wedding: Pics & video!

The popular actor from Parvarrish – Kuchh Khattee Kuchh Meethi married her beau on Saturday, July 13

Shweta Tiwari stepped off the Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 6 stage a few days ago, only to get set for new stage in her life. The actor married long time boyfriend Abhinav Kohli on Saturday. The marriage took place as per Punjabi and North Indian rituals. The bride was dressed in a traditional bridal red lehenga and looked radiant as she posed for photographs with her new hubby and daughter Palak.

The wedding ceremony was attended by family and a few close friends from the entertainment industry. We saw a glowing and heavily pregnant Rupali Ganguly dressed in a simple suit. Also present to share the joy were Urvashi Dholakia, Nidhi Uttam, Rajeshwari Sachdeva, Manoj Tiwari, Vikas Kalantari, Sparsh Khanchandani, Aashika Bhatia, Deeya Singh and Tony Singh, among others.

Shweta, who was earlier married to actor Raja Chaudhary, finally has left her past and moved on to a new life. Kudos girl!

Thumbs up for Issaq’s latest track – Jheeni re jheeni!

Jheeni re jheeni song from Issaq is a poignant number reflecting the plight of film’s lead actors.

Prateik and Amyra Dastur in a modern day Romeo-Juliet story set in Benaras, have this lingering number Jheeni re jheeni that sets the mood for the film perfectly.

This latest track is beautiful with a certain charm around its delicate notes that reminds us of a folk song on lost love. The video too is just as impactful. It opens with Amyra Dastur’s mother (Rajeshwari Sachdev) telling her daughter that her marriage is fixed. The reaction in the music that follows, is the same as you witness – heartbreak, it really makes you feel for the star crossed lovers Prateik and Amyra.

Singers Rashid Khan and Prathiba Bhagel really give it their all, and the result is a melodious gut wrenching number which you just cannot avoid listening to on loop! Issaq hits the screens July 26, looks like until then the makers are keeping us entertained with their lovable romantic sound track.

Prateik finds his wounds sweet!

Yes, that’s what the handsome lad is saying in the song of his upcoming film
A Banaras-based love story, Issaq starring Prateik-Amyra Dastur is a modern day take on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. And the song Jheeni re jheeni from film is a soulful composition which will surely remind you of your lost love (If any). While the lyrics of the song are meaningful, we thought of translating this slow romantic track in English to see if it sounds as meaningful as it does in Hindi. So you read and tell us if it makes sense or not….

Aankhiyaan kinaron se jo

Boli thi isaaron se jo

Keh de jo phir se tu zara…

Eyes corner through

Said signs through

Say it again you little



Phool se chhua tha tohe

Tab kya hua tha mohe

Sun le jo phir se tu zara..

Flower touch was you

Then what happen me

Hear again you little



Jheeni re jheeni yaad chunariya..

Lo phir se tera.. naam liya..

Jheeni re jheeni yaad chunariya..

Lo phir se tera.. naam liya..

Finely finely memories stole

Again your name took

Finely finely memories stole

Again your name took



Saare zakham ab meethe laage

Koi marham bhala ab kya laage

Dard hi sohe mohe.. jo bhi hove..

Tute na, tute na, tute na, tute na..

All wounds now sweet seems

Any medicine now why effect

Pain suits me…whatever happens

Break no, break no, break no, break no

John Abraham and Sanjay Gupta to team up again for an action-revenge saga

Sanjay Gupta’s underworld crime thriller Shootout At Wadala has opened to positive response at the box office and John Abraham is absolutely thrilled
Actor John Abraham is overjoyed with the kind of response he has received for Shootout at Wadala and wishes to work with Snaju Gupta again. The duo will team up again for an action-packed movie, which will be totally new for the Indian screens – so they say.

After the success of Shootout At Wadala, director Sanjay Gupta will work with John Abraham again in an action-revenge saga, which he says will be totally new for the Indian screens. “We are getting ready for that and it’ll be a big action-revenge saga, something never seen on Indian platform before. Hopefully, we will surpass Manya Surve,” he added. “We have already found one script, but this is not the best time to announce. Yes, we will take the Shootout at Wadala franchise forward, but before that John and I will be doing another film,” said Gupta.

John further adds that after his production venture Vicky Donor, for the first time he has got so many messages for his performance as an actor. “It’s big relief for me and at the same time, like I say, there is no good or bad actor and there is no good or bad director,” the 41-year-old added.

Shootout At Wadala got a positive response from both critics and viewers and has managed to earn about Rs 30.7 crore in the opening weekend itself. “Sanjay Gupta is the best director for me. He is amazing. He is outstanding. He gave me my life and he re-introduced me as Manya Surve. I am very, very indebted to him,” John said at his residence where he gifted Gupta his favourite bike, a Yamaha V Max as a gesture of gratitude. “This I have done only for Sanjay because we share a special relationship. We have been in touch since the time of Zinda. I would surely not do this for anyone else. I would love to gift him another bike, hopefully, if we have another hit,” John said.

John Abraham: Banana is a very special film

The actor is all praise for the new slice-of-life movie
Actor-producer John Abraham‘s upcoming production has a quirky title – “Banana”! He says it is “a slice-of-life film”, which traces the journey from adolescence to teenage, and he admits the project is special to him. “Banana is a film about adolescence to teenage. It’s about a young boy and how he deals with the new adventures in his life. It’s a slice-of-life kind of a film and it is very real,” John told reporters at the launch of music album Pitol Soku by rock band JOI in Mumbai on Thursday.

He believes the movie will appeal to viewers from all age groups. “I am sure the target audience of this film comprises the youngsters to all the old people out there because everyone will reminisce what they’ve gone through. It’s a very special film,” added the 40-year-old.

The movie has an “absolutely new cast”, revealed John. It is directed by Sajid Ali. “Sajid has got some amazing people for Banana. I am sure they will be amazing,” said John.

Banana will hit the floors in October. Besides this, John’s other productions in the pipeline are Hamara Bajaj and Madras Cafe. He forayed into film production with Vicky Donor, which turned out to be hugely successful and critically acclaimed.

Bade Acche Lagte Hain: What will Ram Kapoor and Priya be like 20 years from now?

A 20 year leap is the next big thing scheduled for Ekta Kapoor’s popular show – and we wonder to what extent the makers will go to alter things this time…

Bade Acche Lagte Hain’s 20 year leap is not something we are looking forward to – frankly, how much longer do the makers want to extend the show, is all we can think of when we hear stories like this one. We are already feeling diabolically fed up of Ram Kapoor and his wifey Priya’s coochie-coo, cutie-pie romance – imagine if they continue it for another 20 years…OMG!

While we are aware that post the leap the makers will concentrate on Pihu’s life and presumably her love story, we can’t stop wondering what will happen to Ram and Priya. Considering the fact that no one ages in an Ekta Kapoor show – remember Baa in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi? She must have been about 406 years old when she finally died – we know that the duo may have a white streaks artistically painted into their hair, but will still look glamorously young. Here are a few changes that the makers may add to make the show a li’l more fun:

Ram Kapoor: The portly hero will be the father of two adorable kids – Pihu and a son. He will probably take a back seat from his business and pass the baton to Pihu, while he spends more of his time seeing the world with wifey Priya, getting overtly romantic and mushy in public – more than now…ew! Or he will start feeling very old compared to Priya and try to colour his hair jet black to look young and hip.

Priya Kapoor: She could develop Alzheimer’s and not recognise Ram at all. Now that would definitely give the writers some scope to stretch the love story, no? If not, then maybe Priya can open her own alu paratha and chocolate éclair business. Anything to keep her busy and not sermonising all the time!

Pihu Kapoor: Two things could happen with Pihu, figure-atively speaking – either she will become bus-sized or promote size zero. Post the leap, if Pihu remains as chubby as her golu daddy, the story could revolve around her finding her prince charming and the dilemma of losing weight, enough to attract him. However, if she does manage to lose the extra oodles she gained in her childhood eating parathas like Papa, Pihu could be seen taking Daddy dearest along for regular jogging and aerobic sessions.

Ram and Priya’s second child: Unlike Pihu, the younger kid could be spoilt, immature and arrogant. You have to have at least one black sheep in the family, no? And Siddhant is too old to be a contender even when he gets out of jail.

Ayesha Kapoor: Ayesha will probably try to get back to modelling, but when that fails she may resort to posing for cheap brands of sarees or lingerie – but then again this is a family show, so she may just stick to sarees. Or she could find another rich bloke to trap and marry again. ‘Coz we really doubt if Ayesha could survive without money and the luxuries it provides. However, her main objective still remains to teach the Kapoor family a lesson for allegedly ill treating and humiliating her.

Siddhanth Kapoor: Still stuck in jail, he is biding his time to be released and give Ayesha a taste of her own medicine, since she turned him in. However, if Ram’s virtue has any effect on Sid, the dude may just turn good…..naah, there would really be no fun if Sid turns over a new leaf.

Kush Kapoor: Neglected or used as a bargaining chip by his mother and being forgotten – or so he thinks – by Ram Kapoor will definitely not go down too well with Kush. Post the leap, he may just be the brand new baddie; and considering who his parents are, he will be a nasty one! The first target of his displeasure may just be Pihu, his long lost (cousin) sister.

Natasha and Kartik: With Mohit Malhotra out of the picture, Kartik’s character will soon be reprised by a new actor. After 20 years, Natasha and Kartik may not have such a rosy life. While she will go ahead and adopt a child, Kartik will lose interest and hook up with someone else. Let’s hope Nats also finds someone for herself too.

Soumya and Rishab: The non-existent part of the family may continue to live in the background. But somehow we don’t see them making any life altering changes. There may be some children involved, of course.

Vikram and Neha: The bond of friendship continues even after 20 years. Their children have moved on with their lives, but Neha and Vikram still find plenty of reasons to fight and make up regularly.

Bade Acche Lagte Hain: How dumb is Ayesha Kapoor?

Tiffs between couples are just a good excuse to make more love. The whole process of roothna-manana is supposed to be romantic, but Sid and Ayesha’s so-called ‘love story’ is beyond stupid!

In the most recent episode of Bade Acche Lagte Hain, we saw how Ayesha Kapoor finds Siddhanth Kapoor in the arms of a bar dancer-stripper-call girl during his bachelor party. Ayesha gets super annoyed; she calls off the wedding and storms out of the party. Sid, who is absolutely drunk, doesn’t realise what happened until morning, when his family tells him everything about his night-time adventures.

With a little help from Vikram and Neha, Sid decides to meet Ayesha and apologise for his wanton actions on the previous night. But Ayesha is in no mood to listen to his explanations – she has decided that it’s time to go back to the mansion and her happily comfortable life as memsahib, even if Ram does not want her. Now that’s something Ram Kapoor and wifey Priya can’t allow to happen, right? So to get the troublesome two together again, Vikram plants a ring in a bowl of chocolate mousse and asks Sid to feed it to Ayesha. When Ayesha finds the diamond ring, she jumps up and down in excitement, hugs and kisses Sid and even agrees to marry him….what in all heck! Looks like all that Sid did to her and to everyone else doesn’t matter any more – very bizarre, wethinks!

It doesn’t matter that just a day before the wedding he was getting cosy with another woman. It doesn’t even matter that he didn’t bother to apologise until the next morning. Hey, it is nothing if the proposal and the ring weren’t his idea. This clearly showcases how dumb and gullible Ayesha can be. A perfect match for the slimy Sid! Well, at least all this makes it easier for Ram and Priya to get their life back. Guess that’s enough for us…right?

Bade Acche Lagte Hain: Why is Ram Kapoor angry with wifey Priya… again?

The story is a tangled mess right now, and the fat man is the only one we can figure out – he is angry, as always…

Yeh kya ho raha hai? Frankly we have no clue. The story in Bade Acche Lagte Hain is such a tangled mess these days that it will take one good murder or a time leap – which has been coming for a while now but has not happened yet – to sort it all out, wethinks. Ayesha Kapoor (Akanksha Juneja) has been playing her dirty tricks so well that both Rishab (Sunny Goraya) and Natasha Sharma (Sumona Chakravarti) have gotten convinced that they are being bilked of their share of the family fortune. Ram Kapoor has given in to emotional blackmail and handed over their hissa, never mind that wifey Priya (Sakshi Tanwar) has opposed it strongly, as has buddy Vikram Shergill (Jai Kalra).

Meanwhile, Natasha and Jhanvi (Sonal Parihar) are still bickering over rights to their mutual husband Kartik Sharma (Chirag Thakkar) and the little baby Chotu. Pihu is being stoutly cute about her mother Priya’s new baby, trying her guileless best to make Ram and Priya do some coochie-cooing – but no, Pihu, we like them some distance apart, the lovey-dovey stuff is kinda nauseating! Along the way, each person is trying to sort out whatever is going on in their own idiotic way – Priya teams with Saumya Rishabh Kapoor (Amrin Chakkiwala) and Vikram and stops Rishabh doing something not very moral. Saumya and Priya try to make Rishabh see sense and get out of the hold Ayesha has on him. Dadi weeps, Natasha plays nasty and Mamaji (Deepak Qazir Kejriwal) is as silly as ever.

Will all this ever get sorted out? Or will we have to deal with more of this incomprehensible hoo-ha? The previews show Ram yelling at Priya…again. Will that straighten this convoluted story out for good? And will it lead to that long-awaited time leap? We certainly hope so, coz we can’t take this jhamela any more!

Why is Madhuri Dixit wearing coloured lenses?

The Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa judge was seen wearing a pretty Shehla Khan outfit for one of the episodes of the dance reality show, but we wonder why she had to hide her beautiful eyes behind those grey coloured lenses

Madhuri Dixit is truly a designer’s muse. Her appearances on JDJ are a delight to watch ‘coz of the jaw-dropping statements she makes. So when she’s not sashaying in her Sabyasachi sarees, she goes all casual-chic (case in point: Zara blazer and skinny pants). And we have to confess even her fairly recent appearance blew us away completely. She looked angelic in a Shehla Khan lehenga choli. Our only gripe – why those lenses? She has such pretty eyes – yes the kinds that make men go all dhak dhak. Then why hide them behind those limpid leaden lenses?

Although she isn’t looking ghastly, but we simply don’t see the point…We hope the dazzling Dixit keeps an EYE out for better fashion statements in the future, ‘coz this is simply not working for us….

Why is Salman Khan supporting absconding Mental co-star Sana Khan?

The actor tweeted that people out to see Sana behind bars have an ulterior motive

Superstar Salman Khan is sure that his co-star and friend Sana Khan, who has been missing since April 30, has nothing to do with the attempted kidnapping of a 15-year-old girl for rejecting her cousin’s marriage proposal. The incident allegedly occurred in Navi Mumbai and Sana has been on the run since. Salman has come out in support of the actor on Twitter.

He said, “Poor Sana, so sad. First let her b cm famous then try n get sm publicity from her. This is the problem chappo any thing galat bhi ho toh,” adding, “Y would a girl kidnap a 15 year old? For money? To get her married, At 4pm in a populated area. Investigate the complainants. Kamaal hai year.”

Salman himself has several court cases against him, including the blackbuck poaching case and the hit-and-run incident in Bandra, Mumbai. And yet, he chose to speak about Sana on a social networking site. He went on about Sana, “”Obviously must b scared n running around n hiding , they hv a arrest warrant on her , 5 dharas , jail is not big boss’s house dude. SAD. Obviously those people must have sm ulterior motives. Worked vit her on Bigg Boss, u hv seen her fr 3 months every day wat do u think.”

Agreed, Sana was Salman’s fave contestant on Bigg Boss 6 and no one was surprised when she landed a role in his film Mental. But why is Salman supporting her even before knowing about the entire alleged kidnapping case? Why does he want to get involved in another police case?

Salman Khan’s Mental co-star Sana Khan accused of kidnapping a minor girl

The actor has gone missing since April 30, immediately after the mother of the girl filed a police complaint
Sana Khan, who was Salman Khan’s favourite contestant in Bigg Boss’ sixth season and also bagged a leading role in his home production Mental, has gone missing since April 30 and the production team is worried about her next shooting schedule for the film.

Sana has been accused of helping her cousin Naved and his friends in an attempt to abduct a 15-year-old girl. Naved became friends with the minor on Facebook and they started hanging out with a mutual group of friends. But Naved proposed marriage to her and she declined. The boy continued to stalk her. The girl shut her Facebook account and completely cut herself off from him. But Naved continued to pursue her, and when she became firm, he issued threats to her.

On April 30, the gang of friends including Naved’s sister Sana, who was at the wheel, stopped the girl when she was on her way back home from her tuition in Sanpada, Navi Mumbai. Naved and his friends tried to drag her into the car, but she managed to free herself.

When she reached home, Naved, his friends and Sana had already reached there and were arguing with her mother. After they left, the girl’s mother lodged a police complaint. Naved and his friends Kshitij and Vismit were arrested the same evening. They were charged with kidnapping, wrongful restraint and trespass.

Sana though has gone underground since then. The police looked for her at her Oshiwara apartment, but she wasn’t there. She has a Mental schedule in Lavasa early next week, and the production team is now worried about the repercussions of the incident. A senior police inspector of Turbhe police station said his team are still looking for Sana.

Sana Khan: Being a woman, how will I harm another girl?

The actor denies charges of a 15-year-old girl’s abduction and gets anticipatory bail

Silambattam girl Sana Khan found herself in trouble, after she was accused of plotting the abduction of a teenage girl who had spurned the marriage proposal of Sana’s cousin.

The actor, who seems to have got a breather by obtaining anticipatory bail, is now back to shoot her Bollywood debut Mental, starring Salman Khan in the lead.

Sana vehemently denies all the charges made against her. “I am not mad to plan the abduction of somebody. Being a woman, how will I harm to another girl?” she has asked.

Stating that the girl’s family was levelling charges against her to get media attention, Sana said, “I will never indulge in such stupid things. I will prove my innocence.”

What is the new name of Salman Khan’s Mental?

Will Salman’s film be called Jai Ho, as reports say, or something else entirely?

Salman Khan’s Mental has managed to be in the news all the time, whether it’s through on the set pictures, change in the title or release date, or the kidnapping controversy involving one of the film’s female leads, Sana Khan.

Even with so much publicity, we wonder why Salman is getting jittery about the movie. Is Mental, directed by his brother Sohail Khan, not turning out well? Sallu’s confidence in Sohail’s directorial abilities seems to have waned – his kid brother’s only hit is the 1998 release Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya. And the last two films the two starred in together – Main Aur Mrs Khanna and Veer – were both major disasters at the box office.

Reports say that Salman has again shown reservations about Mental as a title and has decided to change it to Jai Ho. The reason now being given is the film’s release date, which falls on the Republic Day weekend in January 2014. The movie was earlier called Radhe, then Mental, and now is likely to be called Jai Ho or we dunno what! This will leave audiences thoroughly confused, wethinks.

Our take is, why bother about the title, Salman? The film is a South remake and is bound to have your signature all over it. So, will a new name really make a difference?

But BollywoodLifers, if you don’t like either Mental or Jai Ho, do suggest new titles to Salman in the comments box below!

Madhubala Ek Ishq Ek Junoon: Is Sultan faking his death?

The step brothers are at war over a woman they both claim to be in love with, will someone please ask the lady what is that she wants
Madhubala Ek Ishq Ek Junoon is forcing drama into its daily dose and so after the melodramatic wedding between Rishab Kundra (Vivian DSena) and Madhubala (Drashti Dhami) we’ve witnessed romantic moments and we liked how the love story was moving forward. But out of nowhere, Sultan (Avinesh Rekhi) is reintroduced and now as RK’s step brother – Mohan Kundra’s real son.

RK, who is shattered with this news breaks down in front of Madhu and begs her to never leave him. Sultan on the other hand, begs Madhu to leave RK and live with him. Madhu luckily is not confused in this situation; and states that her love and loyalty is only towards RK.

Rishab learns that Sultan is making advances towards his wife and decides to end it once and for all and what starts as a brawl ends up with Sultan being shot. While everyone believes that RK killed his step-brother, we smell something fishy.

Wethinks, Sultan died a little too easily and fast. For all you know, this could be a trick to separate RK and Madhu. With his enemy in jail, it will be only too easy for Sultan to kidnap Madhu and make her his own. How desperate, no?

We truly believe that Sultan is faking his death or maybe it’s Deepali who actually shot Sultan and framed RK. What’s your take?

Why did Shootout At Wadala shows get cancelled in Punjab?

The screenings of Sanjay Gupta’s action flick were banned in several cities of the state after some organisations expressed concerns over its objectionable dialogues
Though Ekta Kapoor’s co-production has been making waves all over the country and doing excellent business at the box office including overseas, it’s been criticised for over-usage of cuss words and disturbing dialogues. News is that the screening of the masala entertainer, Shootout At Wadala was cancelled on Sunday at several theatres in Ludhiana, Moga (Sonu Sood’s birth place), Jalandhar, Bhatinda and Amritsar after an outfit – Bhartiya Valmiki Dharam Samaj complained that a couple of dialogues from the movie have offended their community.

From what we hear, Laxman Dravid, National Director of the outfit, and his men have already sent legal notices to producer Ekta Kapoor and director Sanjay Gupta. “They should think twice before saying anything against Valmikiji. These dialogues could have serious repercussions in the whole nation,” said Laxman.

Joining Bhartiya Valmiki Dharam Samaj in their mission is another group called Dr Ambedkar Ekta Mission. “In one dialogue, an actor has used foul language while describing Valmikiji by saying ‘Har chor Valmiki nahin hota’ and another mouthed by John, ‘Eklavya ne angutha diya tha, main poora haath de dunga.’ If these two dialogues are censored, we have no objection to the movie,” said Deepak Hans, President, Ekta Mission.

What is Sanjay Gupta’s next film all about?

The Shootout At Wadala director is all set to make the most ambitious project of his life, this one also with John Abraham and Anil Kapoor, among others…
Sanjay Gupta is known for making dark and gritty films. After giving us gangster flicks like Kaante, Shootout At Lokhandwala (SAL) and Shootout At Wadala (SAW), the 43-year-old director is all set to make the most ambitious project of his life. The new film will be called Mumbai Saga, and will be set in the 1980s and 1990s. It is planned as a complete package of action, drama, politics and betrayal.

“Mumbai Saga is the title of my new film. It’s an epic crime saga set in the 1980s and 1990s,” Gupta posted on Twitter. After tasting box office success with the John Abraham starrer Shootout At Wadala, Gupta wants to repeat the cast of SAW for Mumbai Saga. We hear that John Abraham, Sonu Sood, Anil Kapoor, Manoj Bajpayee and Tusshar Kapoor will be retained in this new thriller. “For now most of the cast of Shootout at Wadala will be retained in Mumbai Saga and some new will also join. Too soon to reveal more. @SonuSood, can’t wait to start bro. So miss being on set with all you guys. We’ll rock n roll again,” tweeted Gupta.

Now we are waiting to see if Gups can make the story look dramatically different without it making like a replica Shootout At Wadala! Even more suspenseful: Can he actually make John Abraham act this time around?

London Indian Film Festival 2013: Monsoon Shootout, Bombay Talkies, B.A. Pass to be screened

Cineswami gives us all the dope on the London Indian Film Festival 2013

Like a newborn baby who grows up faster than you can say puberty, the London Indian Film Festival (LIFF, July 18-25) is already turning four. In keeping with its practice of opening with edgy yet high profile films, with openers of the past three years being LSD: Love, Sex Aur Dhokha, Delhi Belly and Gangs of Wasseypur, this year the festival opens with Amit Kumar’s Cannes selection Monsoon Shootout -  starring India’s latest indie star Nawazuddin Siddiqui – set in the badlands of rain-drenched Mumbai. The festival will close with Karan Johar, Zoya Akhtar, Dibakar Banerjee and Anurag Kashyap’s portmanteau celebration of 100 years of Indian cinema, Bombay Talkies.

Unlike New Delhi’s centenary celebrations that did not look beyond Satyajit Ray and Bollywood, LIFF is celebrating Indian cinema in all her diversity and myriad languages. After shocking the world and earning an India ban for Gandu, Q returns with Rabindranath Tagore adaptation Tasher Desh, a psychedelic Bengali film shot in Sri Lanka. There is Lifeu Ishtene director Pawan Kumar’s world premiere of Kannada film Lucia that blurs the distinction between dreams and reality. Tense detective thriller Pune 52 by Nikhil Mahajan is in Marathi and metaphysical road movie The Good Road by Gyan Correa is in Gujarati.

After putting his leading-man days behind him our own Jaggu Dada Jackie Shroff is enjoying an acting renaissance as evidenced in last year’s LIFF audience award-winning Tamil film Aaranya Kaandam. He returns to the festival this year with the charming Life Is Good, by Ananth Mahadevan. Hansal Mehta’s brilliant courtroom drama will also play as will Ajay Bahl’s erotically charged B.A. Pass, featuring former Chak De! India girl Shilpa Shukla as the sexy aunty every hormonal teen oozes at the thought of.

Nandita Das returns to her native Oriya tongue with Devashish Makhija’s environment cautionary fable Oonga and Mohit Takalkar takes the audience on a journey of self-discovery across India with the Hindi and Marathi The Bright Day. Classics have not been omitted and Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s Malayalam masterpiece Elippathayam will be shown in a special revival. Gopalakrishnan will be present in London to deliver a masterclass.

India’s biggest international star (eat your heart out Bollywood) Irrfan Khan will be centrestage at the British Film Institute to trace his incredible global cinematic journey with his The Warrior director Asif Kapadia.

Cary Rajinder Sawhney, Festival Director said, “We are delighted that the festival is growing from strength to strength. If you want to find out more about South Asian cinema come and soak yourself in a week of magnificent films in London.”

Shilpa Shukla: I want Shahrukh Khan to produce a film with Madhuri Dixit, Juhi Chawla and me in it!

The B.A. Pass actor speaks her heart out in an exclusive interview to BollywoodLife

Actor Shilpa Shukla is ecstatic about her comeback film after a brief soul-searching hiatus from the industry. The trailer of her latest movie B.A. Pass is among the most viewed videos online for its sexual content, but the movie is not a tale of sleaze, she explains. It’s a is a life-altering human drama. We chat with the powerhouse performer on her role as a mysterious married woman in B.A. Pass. She also talks about her equation with Shahrukh Khan and Anurag Kashyap, her future films and her passion for photography. Excerpts

What made you accept the role of a mysterious married woman, a cougar in B.A. Pass? Older woman-younger man tales generally don’t work in B-town…

It’s for the story. Manohar Kahaniyaan hoti thi naa, train se dikhti thi, book stalls pe lataki, jiske cover pe hot hoti thi ladki! And some heinous crime of the time… nail-biting! I had not read any (suck books)! My gut made me accept the role in B.A.Pass. And the dare of it and the ‘looking good part of it’…(laughs). I had heard of flirtatious aunties…(winks) and Sarika (the character) was a very interesting play of clay. The mysterious married woman who has a heart of gold. B.A.Pass is more than a tale – it’s a life-altering human drama. You may want to close your eyes in shock perhaps, but less is more in this film.

The film trailer has views in lakhs on pure merit (smiles). Three lakh people follow the movie on Facebook, and the numbers are growing. The response is amazing. This one will work for you, I promise. Just an open mind and a strong heart are needed.

Did you read Railway Aunty from the book Delhi Noir before accepting the role, or did you just go by the script?

I read the script on my phone. Scrolled, scrolled, scrolled and rolled. Wow. I asked my mother first, laughingly, “Aap humko disown toh nahi kar dengi iske baad?” I accepted the role after my parents said yes, with an idea about it. My father, a righteous man, said you will have to take bigger risks. Act and forget the rest. I read the story later from the book Delhi Noir. The story to screenplay to the film – it is a beautiful, rare balance.

How easy is it to shoot erotic scenes, even for seasoned actors like you? How do you prepare for them?
You know, work is God . And God is love. When you love what you are doing every scene is erotic! (laughs). Mind, heart, body, experiences and memories are perhaps what make a character and the animal of a character. When I look at Sarika, I see her like a cat. Sometimes she is motherly, meaning well. While shooting the love-making scenes I felt appropriately covered and felt like a cat (smiles). Preparation was the state of mind until one day she got into my body. Sarika was an out-of-body experience!

What is your role in Gulaab Gang and whose gang are you in, in the movie? How was it working with acclaimed actors like Madhuri Dixit-Nene and Juhi Chawla?

Gulaab Gang did not work out! Yeah, at the last minute…just… (smiles). I have worked with Juhi before; she is so true to her name! I’m positive that I will get another opportunity to share the frame with the Madhuri ‘Madhubala’ Dixit. I wish all three of us may do a film – and Shahrukh Khan must produce it. And it should be called Bowled Over Old Gold. Howzzat!!

Are you in touch with all your Chak De! India team members? Shahrukh Khan?

Yes. How can I not be in touch with my base? (smiles). I am so eagerly waiting to know what Shahrukh thinks of the B.A. Pass trailer, you know. He will be proud of me, somewhere, I believe. So, if Coach is happy, we’re all happy!

You did a TV show Rajuben with Anurag Kashyap. What is your equation with him? Did you expect him to give you an author-backed role in a film?

He is very kind to me. He rightly convinced me to do Rajuben, which did so good to me as an actor who gave a face to Rajuben. An author-backed role for me. And of course, Anurag offered me like, a big role in his epic film (Gangs of Wasseypur), but since I had just done Rajuben and I had been a gangster and politician whose own son she had to kill and all that pulp – I said no…. I was on a thing for quitting back then. Then I changed my mind. I was not at peace. So, instead I went to Saranath. Then Benaras, from where I met them all in Mirzapur and had a wonderful set experience like a tourist who found them! (laughs) Our equation is good. I was blushing with joy after B.A. Pass got the Best Film award at Osian’s-Cinefan Film Fest last year, where Anurag and I met again.

Do you think you’re more suitable for women-oriented roles or films that have strong female characters?
If you ask me, I’m suitable for so many roles you see. My face changes…trust me! I know you’re laughing, but see…you look at me in Chak De! India and now in B.A. Pass or in Rajuben. And look at me now. I’m like water. I can take form of the container I’m put into. But yes, I love it when roles are meaty. And then I love auditioning for them. From there, it is up to the directors and producers to imagine if I will be worthy. I’m very chilled out and peaceful to work with as opposed to my ‘intense’ image. I’m not a very questioning actor. I try and do as the director wants. I can do an item number to remember! (laughs). I love dancing. And action. And, aah…I want to do so many things (smiles).

As an actor, you’d said to BollywoodLife before that your intensity backfired in some roles you did. So, are you holding back now and analysing how much you should give to a particular scene?

Those roles helped me pay for my existence. Intensity toh bubbly character mein bhi hoti hai. Intensity chehre pe measure kaise kar sakte hain? Hilary Swank is intense as a boxer in Million Dollar Baby and as a woman in love in P.S. I Love You, and many more exceptions to the rule. I’m not saying, you take me. But try me, at least! I think typecasting is something which the stars love, not actors. I want to be the balanced star and actor.

About getting in to direction, you were of the opinion that it’s a man’s world out there. Has the perception changed? Ever thought about writing your own film, or directing it?

The Rule No. 1 for me in direction would be, apply ‘Male Female’ to characters not yourself (smiles). You are made up of your mind and experiences. I have made a 12-minute documentary film on the most beloved girls’ school of our village, and there are a lot of good things in store for the future of the school. And I could make a big blockbuster too, if I wish to, that is. Yes, I’m working on my film script. It’s very organic, as me. But not boring, as me (winks).

What are your forthcoming films?

B.A. Pass, directed by Ajay Bahl, is a Tonga Talkies production. The film releases on July 12. Mark it, please! Then there’s Coffin-Maker directed by Veena Bakshi, starring the awesome ensemble of Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Benjamin Gilani, Amit Sial, Randeep Hooda and many other wonderful actors. Next is Love, helmed by Abhineet Gogne. It’s a feature shot on Canon 5D camera, with Chitrashi Rawat, Prashant Narayanan and Rajesh Vivek in the cast. And then there’s Pranam Walekum, directed by Sanjai Mishra urf Apple Singh with 50 interesting actors.

Did Hollywood star Uma Thurman watch Chak De yet? (The last time we talked, you said she wanted to)

Hmm, I met Lily, Uma Thurman‘s angel agent. Again with HH the Dalai Lama, but we did not remember to check on that. Lily was very sensitive and intuitive when my father passed away last year. We were remembering him.

Is your passion for photography still on? Do we see a book or an exhibition of your pictures?

Yes. I have a professional camera now. I’m waiting for truly being inspired. Maybe a coffee table book, and gifting people their pictures in a frame…I love doing that! (smiles)