Salmania on rampage

Main Aur Mrs Khanna may have been taken off the theatres, but Salmania is still unabated. The star who had a series of flop films last year is still very much Wanted by his fans. This was clear at Nehru Stadium in Indore on Sunday.

Salman Khan was due to play a cricket match held by a social organization. The stadium was packed with Salman’s fans. The actor reportedly arrived five hours late at the match venue. Some of the fans lost their patience, broke off the cordon and ran to the play ground to meet Salman.

Sensing a security threat, the organizers whisked the actor away and the match was cancelled.

This apparently angered the whole lot of fans who had waited for hours to see their favourite star. The frenzied fans then went on rampage, uprooted the chairs and hurled them to the play ground.

Before the situation could further go out of hand, the police swung into action and resorted to mild lathi-charge to scare away the rampaging mob.

The event was primarily held to promote Salman’s upcoming film London Dreams which is set to release this Friday.

Salman particularly enjoys a great fan following in Indore because the city is his birthplace.

Katrina Kaif, Akshay Kumar set Bollywood Town on fire

Sturdy actor of Bollywood Akshay Kumar is actually busy giving interviews and he talks only about his and Katrina's hit pairing in his recent successful movies.

And that's quite understandable as well, after all the pair has been giving hits on a regular basis now. Akshay recently said that Katrina has been a godsend to his film career. He added that the lady has got beauty with brains.

Akshay is not able to resist himself because the films they did together have not failed at the box-office so far.

Akshay and Katrina starrer Blue is the latest example with Namastey London, Singh is Kinng etc being the older ones.

Lewd mob harasses Kangana Ranaut

Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, who is in Lucknow to shoot for a film, was harassed by a group of hooligans in the Kaiserbagh locality of the city.

Kangana is here with co-stars R. Madhavan and Jimi Shergil for the past 10 days to shoot for Anand L. Rai’s “Tanu weds Manu”.

The incident took place Sunday at the Lal Baradari building where the cast and crew were shooting a sequence for the film around 10 p.m. It was a holiday, so a huge crowd, over 2,000, gathered around the location.

“It was horrible. A group of youngsters came very close to Kangana, Madhavan and Jimi and started passing lewd comments about her. Some of them also tried to touch Kangana,” a crew member told.

However, the police denied the allegations.

“Keeping in view the huge gathering, we had deployed entire force of about four police stations at the Lal Baradari. The director, however, complained that due to the crowd they were having problems in shooting as people were coming into the frames,” inspector K.M. Singh of Kaiserbagh police station told.

No police complaint has been lodged.

“We will surely register an FIR if anyone from the crew approaches us with a formal complaint,” Singh said.

Rai, who had earlier directed the thriller “Strangers” starring Jimi and Kay Kay Menon, is scheduled to film “Tanu weds Manu” in Kanpur, Faridkot, Patiala and New Delhi in the coming days.

Amitabh Bachchan at war with a tabloid

Amitabh Bachchan has taken to his blog again to settle the score against a tabloid for what he sees as dubious journalism. The Bollywood icon has slated the paper for not doing justice to an interview it conducted with him shortly after his recent 67th birthday.

According to the actor, the Executive Editor of the Bombay tabloid Mid-Day, Abhijit Majumder had requested an interview with the actor to mark his birthday, his 40 years in Bollywood, and the launch of reality TV show, Bigg Boss 3.

Bachchan, says he initially agreed to do an interview via email yet was persuaded to give a face-to-face interview. The interview was published and according to Bachchan “it did not do justice to the responses I had given”.

What further angered the actor was that a video clip of the interview appeared on the tabloid’s website, he wrote:

“I had never expected either the paper or any one else to have posted something which I would be unaware of. [And] now realize why Mr. Majumder wanted a personal meeting. He had placed a small “sting” camera on the table in front of me, without informing me that the interview was being video taped as well. He never told me that they had a video net facility in operation and that the recorded interview would find a place there.”

Bachchan believes the editor was dishonest and believes that the reason he had sought a one-on-one interview was with the “malafide intent of recording the interview to be used as a live input on a video electronic facility medium that your paper runs.”

Mid day is not taking this lying down, Majumder has retaliated by printing a photograph of the actor looking relaxed whilst seated in front of the “sting” camera. The editor also accuses the actor of introducing a new concept into journalism: a “sting of one’s own legitimate interview“.

Majumder firmly states that he, in the presence of the paper’s photographer and two others, had told Bachchan that the interview would be recorded on audio and video and that he had asked the actor’s secretary if he could bring along a photographer and somebody to video-record the interview.

“Either you are lying or I am. I would like to believe it is neither; it’s just your memory playing tricks at twilight,” Majumder said.

Majumder tweeted "He is entitled to his rants, but he can't casually defame people on his blog, rubbish somebody's hard-earned credibility"

Who do you think is ‘mis-remembering’ the situation?

Ranbir-Konkona had sex after the film: Ayan Mukerji

Director Ayan Mukerji's debut film Wake Up Sid has clicked big time with the multiplex audience. We quiz the director about his film and whether he would have done things differently.

Did you expect the good reviews?

Honestly I didn't expect terrible reviews. I was very confident of it before starting the film. But once I finished Wake Up Sid, I just didn't have the space to figure out the reviews. So yes, I am happy but more than that I am very relieved. The relief comes out of the fact that I can make my next film.

But you weren't scared of Do Knot Disturb?

No

But what do you think clicked with the viewers?

You know I haven't watched Wake Up Sid in the theaters. I was shit scared. See Wake Up Sid has no story as such. So going by what I have heard, I think it's the honesty with which Ranbir played Sid – that worked. But personally I am just so damn tired, I haven't analysed the film.

Are you detached from the film?

Completely. I haven't allowed myself to be overly ecstatic about the success. I think everyone goes through their highs and lows and all filmmakers have their share of good and bad films. If I keep obsessing over Wake Up Sid's success, I will keep repeating my self in the future.

Would you do anything differently?

Lots of things. I wish the first half was wittier, breezier and funnier.

Did you purposely go in for a small canvas, despite Karan Johar's backing?

I think if I had gone in for a lavish approach the soul would have got lost. But nothing was deliberate. I just highlighted on a slice of life, in the way I wanted to.

Ash was never meant to be in Gowariker's next

Aishwarya Rai has refuted rumours that she was to play the female lead opposite her husband Abhishek Bachchan in Ashutosh Gowariker's next "Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se". The actress says that the director knew about her packed schedule and the discussion never took place.

Recent media reports suggested that Aishwarya was to play the lead role before Asin was finalised for the film opposite actor Abhishek. But both - the actress and filmmaker - deny it.

"I don't have the dates right now as my schedule diary is super packed. This film ('Khelein Hum...') starts next month. So there never was that possibility," Aishwarya, who played Rajput princess Jodhabai in Gowariker's historical epic "Jodhaa Akbar", told IANS.

"And since Ashu (Ashutosh Gowariker) is a close friend and his main lead is my husband, they obviously knew it. So the discussion didn't even arise," she added.

Gowariker confirmed it saying: "I had not approached her (Aishwarya) for 'Khelein Hum...'. Aishwarya, for me, belongs to a fairytale. She is a quintessential princess and by far one of the finest actresses we have.

"But we need to plan things in advance. She is extremely professional and hence I would never like to upset her schedules in any way. I'm very happy with the coming together of Abhishek and Asin."

"Khelein Hum..." will feature Abhishek as freedom fighter Surya Sen, who was the chief architect of anti-British freedom movement in Chittagong, now in Bangladesh.

This will be Gowariker's second period film after "Lagaan".

SID WAKES UP the box office!

WAKE UP SID, produced by Dharma Productions and distributed worldwide by UTV Motion Pictures, has grossed over Rs. 21.5 cr at the worldwide box office in the first weekend of its release.

In just 3 days, the gross box office collections of the film in India have crossed Rs. 17 cr on 420 screens. Overseas, WAKE UP SID witnessed an astounding opening weekend collection of more than Rs. 4 cr, on less than 200 screens. It has opened very well across the key overseas markets of the US, UK, Gulf and Australia. In UK specifically, considering that it is a traditional market that favours conventional Bollywood romances, the movie has done excellent business of USD 165,934, while in the US, the collections stand at USD 355,532. In the Gulf, the per print average of USD 9,575, is a whopping number.

Siddharth Roy Kapur, CEO, UTV Motion Pictures - ''WAKE UP SID is a movie that has cut across generations, and has surpassed all our expectations with the sort of business and critical acclaim it has notched up globally. For a primarily urban centric, coming of age romantic drama, its extraordinary box office performance reflects that themes and subjects which were considered 'niche' in the past have now completely broken into mainstream cinema - not just in India, but also in traditional markets, like the UK. The excellent word of mouth the film has generated will ensure a long and successful run.''

WAKE UP SID is the story of a quintessential Mumbai rich kid who is wealthy, lazy, and completely lacking in focus. An unexpected meeting with a girl from Calcutta; a driven, bold, and ambitious writer who has moved to the city to realize her dreams, results in a summer of discoveries, realizations, and a 'coming of age' for Sid.

Ritesh introduces Jacqueline to Twitter

Ritesh Deshmukh has introduced his Aladin co-star, Sri Lankan beauty Jacqueline Fernandez, to social networking site Twitter. The debutante actress has joined in under the username jacquie_furr.

Jacqueline has even started posting pictures, with a li'l push by Ritesh on his own Twitter account.

Jacqueline, who plays Jasmine in Aladin, has a pink Twitter page with a picture from her film to go with it. Director Sujoy Ghosh has also joined in the fun.

Sallu-Aamir join hands against SRK

The Khans are all set to take their battle to a new level this season. According to Mumbai Mirror Salman Khan has roped in his new best friend Aamir Khan to walk for his line at the Couture Week. To be held in Mumbai, Salman is showcasing his foundation Being Human at the high profile event.

Khan already has Katrina Kaif walking for him, but Salman doesn't believe in keeping it small. Mumbai Mirror reports that Salman has personally requested the usually shy Aamir to walk for a noble cause. Ever since the release of Ghajini Salman has successfully broken the ice with Aamir.

Ironically Aamir and Salman had quite an uncomfortable working relationship during the making of Andaz Apna Apna.

Aamir's entry is Salman's counter attack to Shah Rukh Khan – who will reportedly walk at the same event along with wife Gauri for director Karan Johar. Both SRK and Salman are pitching for the show finale and the paper says that a final decision is yet to be taken.

But regardless of whichever Khan ends up walking at the Couture Week, this will be one hell of a treat for all fans.

Sallu's Wanted, a hit in single screens

Bollywood actor Salman Khan's latest action movie Wanted didn't get favourable reviews from the critics but has done good business by earning about Rs 38 crore across the country in its first week.

Surprisingly, it is the single screens where the movie has fared well compared to the multiplexes by generating 70 percent business.

"Till now, we had undermined the business contributed by the single screen theaters, but this film has made us realise that such theatres are still the bosses," said trade analyst Taran Adarsh.

Said another trade analyst: "Single screen theaters have been historically known to cater to testosterone boosting movies - action dramas. Wanted is exactly that kind of film. Then you have the price of the tickets, approximately less than half that of multiplexes, with the advantage of watching it on a 70mm screen. Quite naturally, audiences will choose single screens over multiplexes," he added.

Exhibitor Manoj Desai of Gaiety Cinemas, a multiplex, believes that with Wanted, single screens have finally shown their clout.

" Wanted has got the film industry and also the single screen cinemas out of the ICU. The film has got 100 percent collections till now and it is only going to get better," said Desai.

Starring Salman in the lead, Wanted is a bone-cruncher about a guy who takes on a city filled with scum.

Rani Mukherjee's close connection with Harbhajan

Everybody knows that Rani Mukherjee plays a Sardar in her upcoming release Dil Bole Hadippa but very few will know her special connection with a real Sardar in Indian Cricketer Harbhajan Singh. No, they are not having affair. It's just that Rani copied Harbhajan in the film.Well, Rani Mukherjee sent the photo of Harbhajan to her make-up man who is from London.

She sent his photo, as he didn't know how exactly a Sardar looks. Consequently, Rani's look in Dil Bole Hadippa was greatly influenced by the photo she sent.And Rani revealed that she had told Harbhajan about the story of his photo. The ace Indian cricketer is fine about it all for the simple reason that it's Rani who has copied him.

Rani acts with Shahid Kapoor in her upcoming release Dil Bole Hadippa, produced by Aditya Chopraunder the banner of Yash Raj Films and directed by Anurag Singh. It is all set for release this Friday, 18th September.

Will Bollywood accept unconventional me, asks Miss India

An unconventional Miss India with short hair and six tattoos, Ekta Chaudhary wonders if Bollywood is ready to accept her atypical looks and personality in case she decides to follow in the footsteps of many of her famous predecessors. She also sees an element of 'racism' in no Asian girl making it to the final 15 of the Miss Universe pageant in the Bahamas last month.

'I am not like other models who have long hair. I have six tattoos and I am not planning to grow my hair in the near future. This makes me very different from my contemporaries and even if I wish to work in Bollywood some day, I'm wondering whether there would be a role to suit my unconventional looks,' Ekta told IANS in an interview.

'If yes, then I don't mind working in a film, especially if it is opposite Abhay Deol. I just love him. He is simply superb and a very good actor as well,' she said.

Ekta participated in the Miss Universe contest in the Bahamas last month but failed to get into the last 15.

While she was sad at not making it to the top, Ekta said that representing India at the international level was an honour in itself.

'Well, I felt sad but not really disappointed. I was there to represent India and it was an honour for me to do so. What was disheartening was that none of the Asian girls made it to the final 15. It was a shock for all of us,' the 22-year-old beauty said.

'There were definitely many beautiful girls around. But aren't Asian girls beautiful? There should have been at least one Asian girl in the final list. It is ridiculous! If such things happen in an international pageant then we have every right to call them racist,' she added.

According to Ekta, the women who were eliminated from the list of the finalists were not given a fair chance.

'We didn't get the opportunity to walk the ramp in front of millions of people...be it the audience or the people back home glued to their television screens. The decision was made and people didn't even get to see us. It was not at all fair because at least one should have got the opportunity to watch us on the ramp,' the Miss India rued.

The leggy lass now plans a return to the ramp as she calls it her 'first love'.

'I love walking on the ramp. I just love it. You can also call it my first love. Very soon you will see me on the ramp. Also I would like to do some commercials but the most important thing for me right now is to start looking out for international projects. Let's see what happens,' Ekta said.

The Miss India has earlier walked the ramp for Ritu Kumar, Zubair Kirmani and designer duo Rahul-Gunjan amongst others.

Virender Sehwag walks the ramp at Kolkata Fashion Week

It was a different innings for cricketer Virender Sehwag who played on a new turf here, much to the delight of his fans.

It was the Kolkata Fashion Week-II and not a cricket stadium that sizzled as Sehwag walked down the ramp last night.

Dressed in an elegant ivory sherwani, Sehwag, currently recuperating from a shoulder injury, virtually caught the eyeballs as he sashayed the ramp in designer Rocky S creation.

“Sehwag was perfectly chilled out in the attire. He was happy about what he was wearing. He fitted into the suit perfectly,” Rocky told reporters late last night after the show.

On chosing a cricketer as a showstopper, Rocky said “everyone know me for Bollywood. They wear my creation and also walk the ramp for me. But this time, I chose Sehwag as sports is also very important in India”.

Talking about his new collection, the designer said “this time, I focussed on colour and textile-based comfort oriented fashion wear. I tried to keep my collection very light so that it becomes more wearable.

“I used silk, hand-woven fabric mainly adopted from Benaras and linen in my collection. I made this collection, specially keeping in mind the culture of Kolkata where hand-woven and colourful textiles are popular among people.”

Praising Kolkata’s fashion scenario, he said this is the perfect time for him to launch his collection in the city despite recession.

I was Ra-ped: Katie Price

Katie Price has been rap-ed “more than once”.

The 31-year-old glamour model – who has previously revealed she was se-xually assaulted as a child – blasted allegations her boyfriend Alex Reid took part in an adult movie featuring ra-pe scenes.

Katie insists she wouldn’t be in a relationship with Alex if he had filmed such graphic scenes.

She told Britain’s OK! magazine: “I was appalled by the headlines claiming he’d taken part in something which glorifies rape. This is completely untrue. Ra-pe is a subject very close to my own heart.

“I was raped when I was younger, more than once. Needless to say, I’d never be associated with anyone or anything so sick. I’ve never talked about this before, but I feel I have to now because I was so hurt by those accusations that I would not take a subject which affects many women seriously.

“Someone who was close to Alex was also raped and he is as horrified as I am by the claims.”

A spokesperson for Alex, 34, insisted his movie isn’t se-xually explicit, saying it is a gangster movie in which Alex is the main character.”

Sherlyn Chorpa to sell her Uncensored Videos at $25

Sexy siren Sherlyn Chopra is offering people the chance to be part of a one-of-its kind Platinum Club on her website (www.sherlynchopra.com).
A Platinum Club member gets access to her uncensored videos, and a chance to spend a day with her at a photo shoot or on the set of her upcoming movie. 150 members have already registered for this offer to get up close and personal with Sherlyn.

Pay the price

Chopra says, "Members have to pay an annual fee of 25 dollars and in return, they get a whole lot of offers like merchandise from my online store, gift hampers, and other goodies (see box)."

As of now, her site has over 2500 members in her fan club. Sherlyn says the idea to open a Platinum club came after fan requests to get a chance to spend time with her. "being a member allows my fans to not only get free merchandise but also a chance to meet, and spend time with me."

Limited access
Platinum membership allows member to..
# View Sherlyn's latest uncensored photoshoot videos.
# Chat online with her twice a month.
# Download her official Bikini 2009 Desktop Wallpaper Calendar for free.
# Watch Sherlyn's hot and sexy pictures from her latest photoshoot.
# The lucky winners get to meet Sherlyn over a cup of hot chocolate or an exotic meal at a five star hotel.
# Lucky winners get served French champagne while they watch Sherlyn in flesh and blood as she gets outrageous during her next photoshoot in the exotic deserts of Rajasthan!
# Platinum Club members could avail 30% discount on Sherlyn's exclusive merchandise in SC STORE.
# The first 100 Platinum Club members get a special birthday greeting from Sherlyn.
# 25 lucky winners get invited to the audio release party of Sherlyn's next music album.
# A free makeover for lucky winners. Sherlyn along with her personal team will give a brand new look to the lucky winners.

I want to do a steamy scene with Salman: Poonam

You'd be surprised if I told you Poonam Jhawer made her debut way back in 1994 in the Akshay Kumar-Suniel Shetty starrer Mohra. But then again that surprise element would disappear instantly if yours truly told you that she was draped in a saree throughout the film and played Suniel Shetty's wife in it. Times, however, have changed and so has her attire. In a chat, Buzz18 found out about the actress who's not scared to reveal her body or mind! Read On...

Poonam, tell us more about yourself...

Contrary to what my pictures portray, I'm actually an introvert. I love meeting new people but I have selective friends. I enjoy travelling and believe in living for the moment. I hate hypocrites and people who just want to sugar coat you for their benefit.

Aishwarya and Shahrukh to end seven year long cold war

Looks like Aishwarya and Shah Rukh’s seven year old cold war is soon going to end. The two will reportedly be seen in Shah Rukh Khan’s next home production.

According to reports, the clash of the two titans that began when Aishwarya was ousted from ‘Chalte Chalte’ (SRK’s home production) due to Salman’s incorrigible behaviour on the sets of the same is on the verge of a cease. Since the ouster episode had not gone down well with Ash. The two chose to keep mum henceforth, leading to a subsequent cold war between the two. But things are now looking positive as the actors have apparently agreed to work together again.

Sources suggest that SRK and Ash have decided to bury their hatchets and work together for a flick to be produced by SRK’s ‘Red Chillies Entertainment’. The other details regarding the project are not known as yet but what’s sure here is the fact that the two colossal actors will surely be seen giving each other company.

The shooting for the film is expected to start in 2010.

Sonam-Anil will feature in same commercial

Anil Kapoor and daughter Sonam will be seen in front of the camera for the first time for a luxury pen brand's advertisement.

A source reveals, "Anil Kapoor is endorsing a brand for the first time. He was made several offers during his career but never really bit the bait, because he wasn't ever interested. With Sonam getting several offers (with dad in tow) the duo have finally signed on with a luxury pen brand for a whopping amount." It is learnt that the ad will be shot in Mumbai on July 29. This will be Sonam Kapoor's second endorsement.

The source continues, "Anil Kapoor has always refused to sell himself as a commodity. He was one of the few actors who refrained from doing ads despite fantastic offers. He prefers to be remembered for the characters he played in his films and not for endorsing a particular brand. But Anil has changed his principles for the sake of his daughter."

"The brand endorsed by this father-daughter duo, will definitely have an added advantage of targeting different generation and age groups. So no doubt the brand, endorsed by them, will definitely stand to benefit", adds the source.

A source close to Sonam confirms, "This is the first time one will see the father-daughter on screen. Anil is glad to make his debut in the ad industry with his daughter."
Sonam and Anil remained unavailable for the comment.

Lisa Lazarus gets a foothold in Bollywood

Salman has successfully mentored another beauty and Lisa Lazarus - Miss Universe UK 2008, is now handling the Bollywood tricks very well. Playing a fun-loving English princess in Salman’s upcoming mammoth project ‘Veer’, Lisa says things have been easy with Sallu around.
Cheerfully informing about her role to a news daily, she said, “My character has a big part to play in the film. In fact, I found it easy to slip into the role since it is so much like my personality.”

Having spent a large part of her time in India with Bollywood’s bad-boy Salman, she was naturally questioned about his moody ways. She said, “Working with Salman has been the highlight of filming. Since I was new to the industry, he took me under his wings. I got taught by the best. I hope to make him proud since I know how much ‘Veer’ means to him.”

She did handle this part well. Onto the next stage of her resemblance to Katrina, she answered, “Katrina is a beautiful woman, but we are different in our ways.” Very much in control of her answers, Lisa added, “Katrina is a very nice person. We got along like a house on fire, but I would like to spend some more time with her and get her views on Bollywood. I would need some advice on what course to take next.”

Timeless beauty Rekha is role model for Shilpa

The reclusive Rekha has agreed to launch Shilpa Shetty’s flagship medispa venture, IOSIS. “ I had to think of who was going to do the grand launch and couldn’t come up with a better name than the diva herself — someone who is synonymous with timeless beauty and wellness. So, I approached ( the one and only) Rekhaji ,” Shilpa writes on her blog.

Shilpa says she has always looked up to Rekha as an actor and as a role model for constant reinvention.

“ We share a very special bond and have always been in touch with each other. I think it’s the South Indian connection. When I asked her to grace the occasion, she agreed and I was ecstatic,” she adds.

“ If I get talking about her, it would be never ending. Looking forward to meeting all my friends from the fraternity there,” she writes.

Shilpa believes that being a part of an industry where beauty is a pre- requisite, she has learnt from her mistakes and the experience gave her the opportunity to reinvent herself.

“ My newest venture is fusion of four — figure styling, spa, salon and skin treatments —, all under one roof,” she writes. “ My philosophy in life is very simple — nothing can be achieved without a bit of discipline.

So if you want to make a difference to your life, make that change and make it today. Place yourselves in the hands of our experts and let the magic begin,” she adds.

Well, Shilpa has really donned the hat of a businesswoman quite well after buying an IPL team.