Katrina Kaif to seduce Hrithik Roshan

Thanks to Zoya Akhtar's next, Katrina Kaif and Hrithik Roshan will be sharing sizzling chemistry for the first time on silver screen. The buzz doing the round is that Zoya wants a steamy intimate scene between the lead pair and she has already told Kat about it before shooting.

The scene will shot in a bar where Katrina will be seen seducing the perfectionist hunk.

Zoya Akhtar's all-boy flick features Hrithik Roshan, brother Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol but will have only hotties Katrina Kaif and Kalki Koechlin.

Katrina's nod for the sensual scene comes as a complete contradiction to her earlier statement where she proclaimed that she would sign all her future films with no-exposure, no-kissing clause only.

Her ‘no kiss, no exposure pact’ forced director Tarun Mansukhani and producer Karan Johar to spice up John Abraham and Abhishek Bachchan's chemistry in Dostana 2. It's learnt that they are confused about Kat's look for the sequel which shifts the story from Miami to London.

Designer Manish Malhotra along with Tarun and Karan are brainstorming to come up with an uber chic look for Katrina - something which isn't very revealing, yet is sensuous.

Clearly it was Hrithik's magic that made Kat change her mind. Way to go Duggu!

Lara and Deepika share a common Love

Deepika Padukone and Lara Dutta bonded well on the sets of "Housefull", thanks to their common love for shopping. And it has got them closer off the sets.

While shooting in London for "Housefull", Lara and Deepika would often take off to have some uninterrupted shopping time.

"Lara was familiar with London and since she and Deepika shared a great rapport, she would often take Deepika for the local sales, " said a source.

"We also came to hear that both Deepika and Lara spent a bomb shopping in London but in the bargain became great friends, " added the source.

Eros International and Sajid Nadiadwala's "Housefull" also stars Akshay Kumar, Jiah Khan, Riteish Deshmukh and Arjun Rampal.

Akshay Kumar cheats on diet

Eros International and Sajid Nadiadwala's Housefull the romantic comedy entertainer apart from having a great star cast also sees a whole load of exotic locations.

However shooting in Italy was a torture to Akshay Kumar since he couldn't enjoy the gourmet food.

Reveals a source “A scene required the cast to emerge from the water with Greek god toned bodies and hence they were all on rigorous workout and diet schedules. While Sajid Khan, Farah Khan and Sajid Nadiadwala would gorge on the local delicacies the cast couldn't help but watch with envy”

We come to hear Akshay Kumar called director Sajid Khan on the pretense of rehearsing dialogues and told him that he was coming to his hotel room and on reaching there Akshay ordered food through room service and also told Sajid to keep mum and not tell on him to his fitness trainer.

Reveals director Sajid “Akshay came to my room while we were on our Italy schedule and ordered a whole lot of food which was delivered to my room and told me not to tell Jennifer (his trainer)about it –on asking him why he was cheating on his diet he funnily replied “I'm only Human”

Big fight erupts on sets of Salman starrer Dabanng

On Sunday night, there was a major fight on the sets of the Salman Khan-Sonakshi Sinha starrer Dabanng in Wai.

Manoj Chaturvedi, the co-producer, punched Himanshu Mehra, the chief assistant director as Chaturvedi's son Shantanu, who is an assistant director for the film, complained that the unit was mistreating him.

Mehra has been admitted to a hospital after he was injured. He had to be given three stitches on his forehead and is recovering now.

Salman has fired Shantanu after the incident. Producer of the film, Arbaaz Khan, held a meeting with Manoj today in order to sort out matters.

According to sources, the unit was partying at Jannat, a nightclub in Wai, after pack-up on Sunday. Shantanu is known to be rather snobbish and is thus ignored by the crew as no one likes talking to him because of his attitude. He complained about it to his father and a drunken Manoj abused the unit.

When Himanshu saw that Manoj was creating chaos by shouting and abusing, he tried to make peace but Manoj then abused him and punched his face. Himanshu fell to the ground and his forehead began to bleed.

Makeup artists Bharat and Dorris Godambe's son Suraj rescued him and put him in a car. Manoj was about to hit them with a beer bottle but was stopped by some people.

Salman then asked Shantanu to leave and the shoot is on a hold, awaiting Arbaaz's decision.

Manisha Koirala to wed Nepali businessman?

Bollywood actress and the daughter of one of the most powerful political houses in Nepal, Manisha Koirala, seems finally set to tie the knot - and in Nepal.

The 40-year-old actress, the country's most eligible single woman, will finally say "I do" to Nepali businessman Samrat Dahal with the wedding set for June 19.

"Mutual acquaintances told me about a week ago that Manisha Koirala was getting married in Nepal, " said Nepali film director Dipendra Khanal, whose upcoming release "Dharma" will mark the return of the actress to the Nepali film industry nearly two decades after she left Nepal to storm Bollywood.

Manisha, presently shooting in Kerala for a Telugu film, will return to Kathmandu Friday, Khanal told.

She was in Nepal last month to attend the last rites of her grand-uncle Girija Prasad Koirala. At a press conference afterwards, she said the patriarch of Nepal's politics and five-time prime minister had lamented to her that nobody loved him; people flocked to him only to get something out of him.

She was asked about her wedding plans but she parried the questions without divulging her new romance.

The would-be bridegroom was reportedly educated in the US and is a businessman. While not much is known about him, his father Surendra Dahal made his fortune in the leather industry.

The wedding will be a three-day extravaganza that is expected to see Mumbai's stars descend on Kathmandu.

Manisha, grand-daughter of Nepal's first elected prime minister B.P. Koirala, had a minor fling with politics in 2005 when she supported King Gyanendra's bid to seize power with an army-backed coup.

However, the move backfired and led to the abolition of monarchy in Nepal, once the world's only Hindu kingdom.

It is being speculated that Manisha could enter politics finally. Her aunt Sujata Koirala is the deputy prime minister of Nepal while two of her uncles are MPs.

Her father Prakash Koirala was a minister in King Gyanendra's cabinet but was expelled by his Nepali Congress party that led the pro-democracy movement against the king.

Manisha acted in just one film in Nepal, "Pheri Bhetaula" (We will meet again), that was, however, never released.

She got her big break from modelling in Nepal when she was cast by Bollywood director Subhash Ghai in "Saudagar" and then went on to act in such acclaimed films as Mani Ratnam's "Dil Se" and "Mumbai", Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Khamoshi" and Vidhu Vinod Chopra's "1942: A Love Story".

Akshay Kumar training hard to become a fast bowler

By Subhash K Jha

Akshay Kumar is taking his ace-bowler's role in a forthcoming film Patiala House dead seriously. Ever since he returned from his back-therapy in Germany Akshay has been training rigorously under former test cricketer Paras Mhambrey.

Currently working with the team members of the IPL's Mumbai Indians, Mhambrey has been taking time off to coach Akshay whenever possible.

Akshay wants to continue training steadily and regularly so that his bowling skills are super-sharpened by the time he starts shooting.

Says the Patiala House director Nikhil Advani, “Akshay has been training diligently and religiously. His coach Paras Mhambrey even joined him at Malshej Ghat for Farah's film. Because right after that our cricket sequences start in London.”

Advani's British sports co-ordinator Robert Miller who co-ordinated the hockey and cricket scenes in Chak De and Dil Bole Hadippa, respectively, is down in Mumbai right now finalizing the list of international cricketers who will play with Akshay Kumar in Patiala House.

Explains Advani, “We're looking at international cricketers from all over the world…England, South Africa, Australia, Bangladesh…The fact that the IPL matches are on makes our job easier because Robert can meet and negotiate with a lot of international cricketers while they are here.”

The film also requires county-level and regional cricketers whom Miller will finalize once the big-name cricketers are finalized.

Says Advani, “I basically need the cricketers from 25 May to 5 June for the various games that we'll be shooting in England. So we can work our schedules according to the cricketers' date diaries.”

This, admits Advani, is easier said than done. “I've a real uphill task ahead. And I've stopped sleeping with anxiety. But I've one expert cricketer on my team already. My leading man Akshay Kumar.You've to see how well he bowls now.”

Apparently so bowled over is Akshay by his coach Paras Mhambrey that he now intends to request the former test cricketer to train his son Aarav as well.

Hansika: I strongly follow Buddhism

Thrilling Football on Saturdays to Crazy photography, Evening with Friends to Morning Chants, our tinsel town actress is indeed enjoying her life to the most.

Recently Hansika started following Buddhism and she chants every morning.

She believes Buddhism aims to awaken people to the limitless potential and value of their own lives. Through Chants one can associate themselves with the god and can experience a peace of mind and spirituality.

Hansika was excited to quote “The best way to effectively De stress for me is to chant- Nam Myo Ho Renge Kyo, as I strongly follow Buddhism. This practice strengthens compassion in my mind.

When asked whether Chanting has helped her in her personal or professional life she mentioned that ‘Chanting makes a person very balanced in her approach towards managing life'.

She adds that she is now able to manage her stress better and is generally more positive while dealing with people. She would often prefer Chanting over things such as parties, socializing, etc.

So indeed New Year had brought about the change for Hansika in her lifestyle and way of living to destress and relaxes through Buddhism.

John and I don't feel the need to get married: Bipasha

Bipasha and John may be dating for years now but the duo has not still given thought to their marriage plans. It's not that Bips doesn't have faith in the institution of marriage but her relationship with John is so fulfilling that she doesn't feel the need to marry him. "There are no plans and there is no pressure to get married. And actually we don't feel the need to get married now. We do believe in the institution of marriage. Our intentions were very clear since year one that the relationship is for keeps. But somethings happen when they have to happen and I don't think it is time yet, " Bipasha told in an interview. Bipasha and John, who started dating in 2002, have seen ups and down in their relationship but the couple has stood strong together and the actress credits the success of their rock solid relationship to their similar values. "We are very similar. Our ideologies in life are very similar. Our roots, family values are same. Besides we enjoy a lot of support from both of our families, " Bipasha said. Another passion which keeps the couple together is their obsession with fitness. While hunky John is well known for a body to-die-for, Bipasha has gone a step ahead and launched her 'Love Yourself' fitness DVD sharing secrets behind her fab body and the star claims that it is a major sell out. "It is selling like hot cakes. The absolute compliment is that complete strangers walk up to me and say that they have experienced a change after my DVD which is so heartening. My trainers are complaining that they are losing customers because now they exercise with my fitness DVD at home. This is a huge compliment, " Bipasha said. But how does the new fitness regime has changed Bips herself? “My philosophy towards fitness and health is very simple and straight forward. I believe in the motto Love Yourself.Treat your body like a temple and worship it, " she said and added, " To excel in your career, relationship and even looking after your near and dear ones, you need a fit body to push yourself to go over the mark and reach the top."

I'm not dancing naked: Shah Rukh Khan "Doesn't anyone take a joke anymore, " asks Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan after his statement of dancing naked if his team Kolkata Knight Riders wins the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) was blown out of proportion by media. "Read in some paper that I can be taken to court for my dancing in the buff statement at IPL. When will people develop a sense of humour, " the actor posted on his Twitter page. "I just joked about dancing like that at IPL... obviously I won't even if my team wins. Who does? Doesn't anyone take a joke anymore... ha ha, " he added. The actor didn't even hesitate from cracking another joke on the controversy. "...from now on I am also bathing with my clothes on, ha ha, " he said. Shah Rukh's team presently ranks sixth in the eight-team IPL-3.

Stop Bullying us: Ranbir joins Shah Rukh Khan

Ranbir Kapoor praised superstar Shah Rukh Khan for standing up against Shiv Sena during the controversy surrounding the release of `My Name Is Khan`, saying that the bullying of artistes by political groups needs to stop.

Shiv Sena had demanded that the superstar apologise for his remarks favouring inclusion of Pakistani players in IPL and threatened to halt `MNIK`s release.

"I think Shah Rukh was absolutely right, he did not bow down to anyone. He was not wrong in his belief and did not apologise to anyone. I would like to believe that I would have stood up against the Thackerays if something like that would have happened to me, " said Ranbir, who was a speaker at the India Today Conclave here.

The young actor had faced a similar situation with MNS and Raj Thackeray during the release of his film `Wake Up Sid` for using the word `Bombay` instead of `Mumbai` in the movie.

"We used the word `Bombay` in the film and the MNS party opposed that. But the film is fiction and this is a part of somebody`s vision. I so many times say Bombay and not Mumbai and because I`ve grown up with the word, " he said adding that the the arm-twisting of artistes should stop.

"Yes, it is bullying, it is something that has to stop. I don`t know how to stop it as there is a lot of power that is involved and I am too small to stand up against such power, " Ranbir added.

Nana ebmbarrasses Ranbir Kapoor, shocks Katrina

That they got along like a house on fire during the shooting of Raajneeti is a well-known fact. And the main reason for it was their frank and forthright nature. Both Nana and Ranbir call a spade and don't care for the repercussions. During their long schedule in Bhopal Nana and Ranbir had many meals together (to which no other member of the crew was invited) and discussed all things cinema from Raj Kapoor to Mehul Kumar. But the fact that Nana's blunt speak could cause Ranbir public embarrassment had not been foreseen by the younger actor. So it happnened on Saturday in Delhi during a public event for Raajneeti. In front of media-persons Nana declared Ranbir had no faith in the last film that starred Ranbir and Katrina, namely Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani. For a minute there was a stunned silence among the stars of Raajneeti specially Katrina who tried not to look anxious and embarrassed. Laughs Prakash, “Yes this incident did happen. A mediaperson asked Nana if he feels Raajneeti would be a success. Nana rightly replied there's no predicting the boxoffice. That Ranbir had no faith in Ajab Prem… which was such a success. You know how Nana is. He speaks from the heart. ” Though Ranbir seemed quite cool with Nana's heart talk one wonders what the Ajab Prem… director Raj Kumar Santoshi feels about it.

Resul Pookutty ‘s Oscar Experience

Resul expresses a sense of disappointment about the experience of attending the Oscars for the second time.

“I realized unless you're nominated there's no fun in attending the Oscars. This time I was just a spectator and to that extent I got to meet a lot of interesting people including the best-actress and best-director winners Sandra Bullock and Katheryn Bigelow who were absolutely charming.”

Clearly the highlight of the evening for Resul was to meet Quentin Tarantino. “I am an absolute fan. And I had to tell him how I liked his Inglourious Basterds.

When I spoke to him Quentin turned out to be a great guy with a warm sense of humour. He asked me a lot of questions about my work and Indian cinema.”

To his surprise Resul was recognized at the Oscars this year as the guy who did the sound for Slumdog Millionaire. Says Resul, “A year has passed. But the impact of Slumdog at the Oscars lingered this year. Maybe because no film this year did a clean sweep at the Oscars like Slumdog last year.”

On Friday Resul left for Oman where he and the Big B were going to honoured by the government. Behind the much-publicized visit to the Oscars this week the maverick sound recordist Resul Pookutty had a far bigger mission to accomplish.

On Wednesday Resul closed the deal for his second major international film after Slumdog Millionaire for a film starring the hot and saleable Joaquin Phoenix of Walk The Line and Gladiator fame. Speaking from Manhattan New York on Thursday morning Resul could barely contain his excitement.

“My second international film after Slumdog.. had to be an honorable followup. I couldn't he happier because I am doing a period film.It is a very special challenge because I've to recreate the sound textures of New York in 1854.”

Throwing more light on the project Resul says, “It's an adaptation of a haunting thriller entitled The Beautiful Cigar Girl by Daniel Stashower. It is based on an eerie real-life experience of author Edgar Allen Poe which happened just months before his death.Joaquin Phoenix plays Edgar Allen Poe.”

The film to be directed by Henry Miller will be shot in the US this summer and Resul needs to wrap up all his work in India before he devotes three months to the project.

Priyanka's Hollywood loss is Freida's gain

Priyanka Chopra may be a determined actress but she values where she started out from. Even though most Bollywood actresses would never give up on an opportunity to act in a Hollywood film, Priyanka turned down a Hollywood offer for Bollywood.

She was offered the chance to play an important role in the Hollywood film, Dawn of War. But she refused to do the role, simply because she chose to do Vishal Bhardwaj's film, Saat Khoon Maaf.

According to sources, the dates of Saat Khoon Maaf and Dawn of War were both around the same time and Priyanka would have to allot the early April dates to either film.

She tried to work it out however she had no choice but to choose just one out of the two films. She immediately chose Saat Khoon Maaf over Dawn of War.

She had been given a script of the Hollywood film while she was shooting for Siddharth Anand's Anjaana Anjaani in the United States. So contrary to popular belief, she didn't turn the film down because she didn't like the script.

Director Tarsem Singh signed on Freida Pinto after Priyanka turned the film down. Freida will be starring opposite British actor Henry Cavill. At present, Priyanka is shooting in Gulmarg and Srinagar for Saat Khoon Maaf.

BIG Cinemas reopens New York cinema hall

BIG Cinemas, India's largest movie hall chain, has reopened ImaginAsian Theatre of Manhattan New York as Big Cinemas Manhattan, a company statement said here Monday.

Part of the Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, the theatre will host several premieres and special shows for its patrons. New York has an affluent Indian origin population of over 300, 000 having a strong affinity towards Indian films.

BIG Cinemas Manhattan has undergone major renovation including aesthetic and audio-visual enhancements, comfortable seating, and other state-of-the-art facilities.

"New York, with its fast-growing and prosperous population of Indians, is the epicentre of growth for us. We see considerable opportunity here in the exhibition infrastructure space, starting with the redevelopment of BIG Cinemas Manhattan, " said Anil Arjun, CEO of Reliance MediaWorks.

Presently, BIG Cinemas has aggregated network of over 188 screens in 27 theatres on the East Coast, Midwest and West Coast that now regularly screen Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Punjabi movies, besides Hollywood films.

BIG Cinemas accounts for 30-35 percent of Hindi films box office collections and over 75 percent of Tamil and Telugu box office collections from the US.

Awarded the "Entertainment Retailer of the Year" at the India Retail Forum 2009, the BIG Cinemas has over 515 screens in India, US, Malaysia, Nepal and the Netherlands.

I broke up with Sushmita and Ameesha and I`m still happy

After a couple of break-ups that made headlines, director Vikram Bhatt says he is not really looking for love any more. While he is not bitter about it, the filmmaker admits that he doesn't need the constant presence of a woman to complete his life.

"I have realised that no one but you can complete yourself. It is actually nonsense to seek someone to be complete in life. You can be single and still so complete," Bhatt, who directed Aamir Khan-starrer hit film "Ghulam", told.

"I am not at all unhappy in my current state and am in fact raring to go as far as my personal and professional life is concerned," the 43-year-old said.

The director, who has dated actresses Sushmita Sen and Ameesha Patel, is single now, but neither has he closed himself from the outside world nor is he turning out to be a recluse.

"I am happy to be living life the way it is currently and don't intend to mould it any differently. However, I am not bitter at all. Why should I be? But now the love which comes to me has to be really special," he adds while looking forward to a new phase in his personal as well as professional life.

When Bhatt broke up with Ameesha, he had refused to divulge any details about what had transpired between them. He said: "What's the point of going into the past and talking about why and when it happened?"

He was also in for a surprise when Ameesha threw a birthday party for him along with other friends soon after their break-up.

After loving three women in his life for a major duration - his ex-wife Aditi, Sushmita and Ameesha, it appears Bhatt has just grown over love and is taking it rather easy with no strings attached.

"See, the fact is I don't see myself reaching home in the night, feeling lonely and then getting the feeling that 'arrey yaar, it's bad to be alone; I should rather hook up with someone'.

"Yes, I will give love a chance but then it has to be indeed 'love'. Let that happen naturally," said Bhatt, whose film "Ankahee" was said to be loosely based on his relationship with his ex-wife and former girlfriend, Sushmita.

The director, who has made horror movies like "Raaz" and 1920", is currently gearing up for the release of "Shaapit". Starring singer Udit Narayan's son Aditya, Shweta Aggarwal and Rahul Dev, the film hit screens Friday.

Bollywood, Raj Kapoor famous in Africa, says music troupe This is their first trip to India but members of BBC Sound System, a band from Senegal, have seen many Bollywood films, love the sound of tabla and say Raj Kapoor is famous back home. "My father was an African and the first film that he ever saw was an Indian film, which was based on Indira Gandhi. Indian films are very famous in Africa. I can't remember the names but I too have seen many," Izm, a member of the band, told. "Raj Kapoor is very famous in Senegal," he said. BBC Sound System performed in the capital at the Francophonie Week 2010, organised by the Alliance Francaise de Delhi, and are in the country for a 12-city tour. "We are in India till the beginning of April and will be performing in 12 cities including Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai and Mysore," said Izm. "When we are in Mumbai, we will try and meet some Bollywood actors and catch up on some Bollywood films too," he added. The band shot to fame with the release of its first album "Thioukouly" in 1998. Their music is a fusion of traditional and modern African music played in the Jamaican style with texts in Wolof, Peulh, Mandingue, French and English languages. The band is not very familiar with Indian music but they say the sound of tabla is what interests them. "We have heard Indian traditional music but are not very well-versed with it, but we like the sounds of the tabla a lot. We often mix it with other sounds in our songs, " said Izm, whose other bandmates are two brothers - Mao and Kaou. So, any plans of collaborating with any Indian artist on this trip for their future work? "We are planning to come out with a new album and we would love to collaborate and bring some Indian influences in our songs. We are open to that and if we get an opportunity we will surely take it up, " he said. Apart from Bollywood and Indian music, the members of BBC sound system are also very fond of Indian cuisine. "We have tried Indian food before as well and we love it, especially curries and biryani. We are planning to gorge on as much Indian food as possible," said Izm.

Rahul and Dimpy will break up soon: Rakhi Sawant

Rakhi Sawant who had a disastrous swayamwar aftershock is not very optimistic about Rahul Mahajan and Dimpy Ganguly's conjugal bliss despite the fact that the duo tied know in front of everyone on TV.

In an interview to the leading newspaper she said that it is really difficult to choose a life partner through a public poll and Dimpy, 21, has become bakra by choosing Rahul, who is 13-years elder than her.

"Also Rahul's temperament is very volatile and everyone cannot tolerate that. In fact, Rahul should have thought twice before marrying Dimpy because of these reasons. Very soon, you all get to hear that Rahul aur Dimpy ka separation ho gaya hai,” she adds.

Talking about her failed relationship with Elesh, Rakhi further said, “I thought of only getting engaged with Elesh instead of marrying him so that I could get more time to decide.

But as time passed, I started feeling that he was not the right person for me. He just wanted to marry me because he wanted be part of my glamorous life. Things got so bad that now I really hate him,” clarifies Rakhi.

Shoaib Malik divorces 'first wife' Ayesha to marry Sania

Shoaib Malik has divorced his first wife Ayesha Siddiqui, ahead of his planned marriage to Indian tennis player Sania Mirza.

Shams Babar, a friend of the Siddiqui family, said Malik had acknowledged his marriage to Ayesha despite earlier denials.

“Both Shoaib and Ayesha have signed the divorce papers today,” says Babar.

Under the compromise, Shoaib will pay Rs 15,000 as maintenance to Ayesha at the rate of Rs 5000 per month for three months as per Sharia (Islamic law), Shafi, Sania's uncle, announced at a joint press conference at the residence of Ayesha Siddiqui.

Ayesha's mother Farisa said as decided by the elders of the community, it (compromise) has been done. I am very happy about it. All community leaders have come to him (Shoaib) to do the settlement and he has done it.

"My daughter had to pass through hardships. Finally justice has been done to my daughter. She is relieved and very happy", she said.

The Siddiqui family last week filed a police complaint against Malik over his plans to wed Mirza.

Gujarat belongs to India, not to Narendra Modi or to the Congress party: Amitabh Bachchan

Brushing aside the Congress' criticism over his agreeing to become brand ambassador of the BJP-ruled Gujarat, Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has said he would be working to promote the state and not any individual (Chief Minister Narendra Modi).

In an exclusive interview with CNN-IBN, Bachchan said there was no politics involved in his accepting Narendra Modi's offer to be brand ambassador for the state.

"Modi is a constitutional head of a state. I have been asked to promote heritage sites in Gujarat. Where does it bring politics?, " he said.

Bachchan added: "There will be many chief ministers who will come and go, but Gujarat will remain. What I am doing is for a state and not for any individual."

Replying to a query on the Congress targeting him because of his perceived association with Modi, Bachchan said Gujarat belongs to the country and not to a party or individual.

"The state of Gujarat belongs to the country. It does not belong to Narendra Modi or to the Congress party or to the Communist party. Narendra Modi is the constitutional head of the state. A democratic decision has been taken by the people of the state and they have elected Narendra Modi, " he said.

"I was asked by the Gujarat government to promote tourism and if people are unhappy that I am going to be promoting tourism just because Narendra Modi is the chief minister, because some people don't like him, and I should not be associating myself, (then) it's ridiculous."

"In that case, you should ask every industrialist in Gujarat to remove their industry. Why don't you ask Mr Ambani to remove Reliance from there?" he asked.

To a question, Bachchan said it was not necessary to talk about his relationship with the Gandhi family as it was a personal matter.

"I don't think it is necessary because it is personal. And I am not comfortable talking about it. But these are matters that everyone has a right to apprehend, talk about and speculate, " he said when queried about his reluctance to take questions about the relationship between the two famous families.

To another query, the megastar said it was wrong to suggest that he was being attacked because of the Congress. "I don't think that there is any meaning in the fact that there is just because it is the Congress party that I am being attacked. I don't think that is correct."

Asked if his perceived association with Modi had led to the controversy over his attending the Bandra Worli Sea-link function on Wednesday, he said, "The minister concerned had invited me. I have an invitation on his letter head. I didn't go there uninvited."

Bachchan said he cannot be blamed if the Congress was unhappy with him.

"Everyone has the liberty to say what they want to say. I was invited by the minister of the government of Maharashtra to the opening of this another four lanes. I accepted. I went there. It was a wonderful ceremony. What happens then is their problem, not mine, " he said.

On Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan's remark that he was not aware that the actor would be present, Bachchan said: "It's a small thing. He may have forgotten about it. I don't think there is any politics behind it "

Sanjay Leela Bhansali`s Chenab Gandhi to be scrapped Sanjay Leela Bhansali`s Chenab Gandhi to be scrapped

Sanjay Leela Bhansali`s Chenab Gandhi to be scrapped

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's attempt to produce Chenab Gandhi, a story on Frontier Gandhi, was very much in the making up until just a few days ago. The film was being directed by one of his assistants, Vibhu Puri, who had assisted Bhansali on Saawariya earlier. Amitabh Bachchan and Vidya Balan were playing pivotal characters.

Sources reveal that Sanjay Leela Bhansali was not very happy with the director hence has decided to scrap the project.

Reports stated earlier confirmed that Harman Baweja was dropped and Rajeev Khandelwal had replaced him. The source further adds that Rajeev seems to be heart- broken and depressed about the film being scrapped.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali remained unavailable for comment.

I know Soniaji, Rahul but I'm not joining Congress: SRK

Scoffing at the persistent speculations about his political ambitions Shah Rukh says he has absolutely no plans of joining politics.

“People keep talking about my friendship with certain individuals in a particular party (Congress). But I’ve known Rajeev Shukla from before he was a part of the Congress. And I know Soniaji, Rahul and Priyanka just as I know people from other walks of life.”

In fact, says Shah Rukh, after the political controversy created by the Shiv Sena over what he says was an innocuous statement about the spirit of sportsmanship Shah Rukh has resolved to remain as far removed from politics and politicians as possible.

Shah Rukh Khan now sees the run-in with the Shiv Sena over his statement regarding the inclusion of Pakistani players in the IPL, as a waste of time and energy.

Says Shah Rukh, “It was confusing. What was I supposed to apologize for? Later I heard on television that I wasn’t expected to apologize. Not a for second did I feel any aggression. I was calm throughout.

I know Bala Saheb and Uddhav Thackeray well. We meet cordially whenever the occasion arises. But we’re on different playing fields. I’m in the business of cinema.They’re in politics .And we should keep it that way.”

What the mega-star regrets is that he missed out enjoying the release of My Name Is Khan. “The troubles that happened did take away from my thrill of the release.

Frankly I was anxious about the safety of my family, colleagues, my office staff and fans. God forbid, even if one member of the audience had suffered any injury while going to see My Name Is Khan I’d have never forgiven myself.”

The financial losses didn’t bother Shah Rukh. “I really didn’t care. I can make money even dancing at private events, it’s no big deal But there was no question retracting my statement. Because to do so I had to be proven wrong about what I had said.”

Shah Rukh is no stranger to controversies.Each time he manages to steer through the sticky wicket without the muck getting stuck on his teeshirt.

“During Billu we unconsciously ended up hurting the hairtyslists and the Muslim community with the song Marjani. We sorted it it out. One has to do the right thing, whatever the outcome.”

Looking back at the whole run-in with the Shiv Sena Shah Rukh gets deeply reflective. “I was privileged to have a father who was a freedom fighter, Not too many of us can claim such a privilege.

He once said to me. ‘I had a hand in your birth. But I also had a hand in the birth of a free India.’ I didn’t want my father’s struggle to go to waste. When my son is 44 like I am now, I want him to be as proud of me as I am of my father.”

I lost my first girlfriend to cancer: Vivek Oberoi

Actor Vivek Oberoi says he lost his childhood sweetheart to cancer when he was 18.

"When I was just 18, I lost my first love. My childhood sweetheart since the age of 13 died of cancer, " he wrote on his Twitter page.

The actor, who is the brand ambassador of Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA), says by helping those who cannot afford treatments he feels he's honouring his late girlfriend.

"Every time I help CPAA, spend time with the patients going to the hospitals on Rose Day or celebrate my b'day with terminally ill children, I feel I am honouring her memory, " he added.

"I was devastated when I lost her, but by helping save the ones who can't afford the treatment and medicines, I feel she's alive in their smiles.

"My mother taught me - the best way to honour the memory of someone you've loved and lost is to reach out and ease someone else's pain and misfortune, " wrote the actor who is associated with the CPAA for eight years.

The actor is now looking forward to the release of "Prince", which is his first solo hero movie in five years.

SRK`s huge fan following in Andes

Jorge Ramirez seemed like an amiable technician-turned cab owner who might be meeting an Indian for the first time in his life. "From India?" he asked and before I could answer yes, he added,"Shah Rukh Khan?" Before I could answer even that, he popped in a CD in his cab's player that belted out Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.

To be asked about Shah Rukh in the midst of the Andes at the elevation of over 12, 000 feet was surprising enough. What added to it was Jorge's excitement at meeting someone who was from the same country and, therefore, by implication his favourite star's representative.

As we began driving from La Paz to Lake Titicaca, reputedly the largest navigable lake in the world at an elevation of 14, 000 feet, Jorge's CD kept churning out songs from many of Shah Rukh's most popular movies. He would occasionally hum along, not understanding a word of what was being said.

"I love Shah Rukh Khan and I have seen many of his movies," Ramirez told. As if to prove his knowledge of the actor's body of work he mentioned Karan Arjun, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Chalte Chalte, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kal Ho Na Ho and Main Hoon Na.

"I found Kal Ho Na Ho very touching, with Shah Rukh Khan's heart problem. I remember Karan Arjun was about two brothers and a mother. I also loved Main Hoon Na," Ramirez said as he seemed to process the complicated names of movies.

And then as if he had a eureka moment, he started talking about Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. He particularly mentioned a dance sequence of Kajol. "Kahol dances very good," he said pronouncing the 'j' in Kajol the way it is done by the Spanish-speaking people, like a soft 'h.'

Ramirez said his CDs and DVDs of Shah Rukh movies came from Lima, the capital of neighbouring Peru. It was obvious that the products were pirated, a detail that Ramirez was blissfully unaware of. When told about the actor's new movie My Name Is Khan, which Ramirez did not know of, he promised to get it from Lima on his next trip there.

It is hard to gauge how popular Hindi movies are in this part of the world, but if a visit to a corporate office the next day is any indication, their popularity certainly stretches beyond Ramirez. An office worker was playing a Shah Rukh song on her PC!

James Cameron to direct Aamir Khan?

Aamir Khan and Avatar director James Cameron may work together soon as both showed keen interest to work with each other after their meeting.

The duo met at the The India Today Conclave 2010, whose theme was 'New Decade: Great Expectations' on March 13.

Held at The Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi, the session was chaired by editor in chief of the India Today magazine, Aroon Purie. The event was attended by the creme de la creme of society, all eager to hear what the two trend setting filmmakers had to say about The Future of Cinema.

Taking about Aamir Cameron said, “I am honoured to be sharing the stage with Aamir Khan. He is on top of his game and it is his birthday tomorrow and he chose to attend the session with me foregoing his birthday, so I consider that a great honour.”

The perfectionist star also admired Cameron's cinema though he himself has never been part of any Hollywood film.

To this comment, Cameron quickly retorted: “We could fix that as soon as possible.”

Aamir Khan also rued about the fact that the fact that Bollywood is technologically far behind Hollywood.

"I find that Hollywood spends so much time and effort on research and development, which we lack in India. I have always wanted to go to L.A. and learn the techniques of special effects. Maybe someday I could visit your studio and you could show me what you've done with Avatar," told Aamir.

I couldn`t believe when Arshad kept his word: Dia

Dia Mirza, who will be next seen in `Hum Tum Aur Ghost`, is mighty pleased that friend and co-star Arshad Warsi kept his word on casting her in the female lead in his upcoming home production. "I was content with guest appearances and was convinced that such roles would come my way, if not whole some characters. But when Arshad and Maria offered me the lead role in their upcoming home production `Hum Tum Aur Ghost` I was overwhelmed...I could not believe.. he kept his word," Dia told reporters here. "When we finished working with `Lage Raho Munnabhai`, Arshad told me even though my role was little, I did a fantastic job and that he would surely love to cast me in his home production. I thought he just said it and will forget it," Dia said. Arshad told me he thought I have not been given my due and that he loved my work, she said. The vivacious diva has done guest appearances in films including `Shootout at Lokhandwala`, `Lage Raho Munna Bhai`, `Om Shanti Om`, `Heyy Babyy` (special appearance), `Kurbaan` and `Luck By Chance`. The film, which also stars Boman Irani and Sandhya Mridul in significant roles, releases on March 26 and is directed by Kabeer Kaushik.

Salman Khan busy with family planning

After sigining Arbaaz Khan's production ‘Dabang', Salman Khan will now seen in brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri's Hindi version of southern super hit ‘Bodyguard'.

According to the news Boney Kapoor had bought the rights of Bodyguard and wanted Prabhudebva to direct the Hindi version, but Salman asked him to hand over the rights to Atul Agnihotri. Boney obliged the actor's demand with keenness. Siddique, who had directed the original in Malayalam, will also direct the Hindi version.

Talking about the incident, a source told a daily, “Boney did not hesitate to give up remaking ‘Bodyguard'. He loves Salman too much and considers the actor's wish as his command.”

Confirming the news, Boney said, “It's fine if Atul will make it with Siddique. Salman was keen that Atul should make it and I have no issues whatsoever. I have not done anything great. I was simply on the verge of buying the rights of ‘Bodyguard'. Salman is family to me. I love fulfilling all his wishes and will always continue to do so.”

Atul Agnihotri also confirmed that he is making the Hindi version of Bodyguard with Salman

At least, I think Aamir and I are friends: SRK

While media might be painting them as bitter rivals, SRK feels that Aamir Khan is his friend.

Talking to a newspaper in an interview Shah Rukh said , “We're friends. At least, I'd like to think we are. We both have a sense of humour. At least, I do. I'd like to think all our exchanges are in good humour. Quite honestly, I've no desire to look at what he or anyone else is doing. I never look at my own box-office figures. Why would I look at others' collections?”

Just a few days back, the politically correct Aamir said that there was never any war of supremacy so there is no question of starting or stopping any debate.

Aamir's ‘3 Idiots' was a mega blockbuster, and at the same time Shah Rukh's ‘My Name Is Khan' too went on to become a hit worldwide. So, is he looking at a whole shelf of awards for MNIK next year?

“Why clear a shelf in my house? I'll buy a new house for the awards to come,” SRK retorted.

Sania Mirza should play for Pakistan after marriage

Even though Indian tennis star Sania Mirza has clarified that she is not making any political statement by marrying cricketer Shoaib Malik, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Ijaz Butt has expressed hope that the wedding would help improve ties between India and Pakistan.

“While the decision by Shoaib and Sania is a personal one to get married, but I am sure it will have far-reaching effects and help improve relations between the two countries,” The News quoted Butt, as saying.

“I am sure the marriage will help regulate not only sporting relations but also help the people to come closer to each other and improve government to government level relations,” he added.

Several Pakistani sports personalities, including Imran Khan and Inzamam-ul-Haq, have wished the sports couple ‘good luck’ for a happy married life.

However, Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) chief Dilawar Abbas has said that India's tennis sensation Sania Mirza should represent Pakistan in international tennis tournaments after entering into wedlock with cricketer Shoaib Malik.

"It is great news for our tennis community that Sania Mirza is getting married to Shoaib Malik. We welcome her and hope that she would become a Pakistani national and play for us in future.

"She has a great future ahead and we would be delighted if she plays for Pakistan," The News quoted Abbas, as saying.

"Asian women traditionally follow their husbands and that's why I'm hopeful that someday she would be inspired by Shoaib to play for Pakistan," he added.

Sania has already made it clear that she would continue representing India even after her marriage.

Abbas said that even if Sania decides to continue playing for India, he hopes that she would associate herself with Pakistan tennis at some point of time.

"She can encourage our girls to take up tennis, she can inspire them to become world class players. We would hope that Sania would lend a helping hand to women's tennis in Pakistan," he said.

Abbas even suggested that Sania could team up with Pakistan's Aisam-ul-Haq on the mixed-doubles circuit.

"Both Sania and Aisam are really good doubles players. I believe that their team would not just achieve great results internationally but will also help bridge the gap between India and Pakistan," he said.

However, according to the latest shocking news, the Pakistan High Commission has denied tennis star Sania Mirza a visa for Sialkot, the home town of Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik where a reception was to be held after the couple's marriage.

Sania has only got visa for Lahore and Karachi. The duo will will tie the knot on April 11 in Hyderabad while their wedding reception is slated to be held in Dubai on April 15, where the sports couple would be staying after marriage.

But will Sania be the second wife of Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik? Yes, if one believes the father of a girl who claims to be Malik’s first wife.

Mohammed Ahmed Siddiqui, a businessman here, Wednesday announced his decision to move a court of law to seek divorce from Malik for his daughter Ayesha Siddiqui so that she can re-marry.

Hitting out at Malik, Siddiqui said the Pakistani was an “expert in enticing and entangling girls” and that could be the reason for Sania falling for him.

“He plays games with girls. He is the kind of a man who is not satisfied with one girl. He wants to be with one girl today and another girl tomorrow.

He cheated girls even in Pakistan,” a furious Siddiqui told reporters here, a day after Sania announced that she would marry the former Pakistani captain next month.

“I spoke to (the) Grand Mufti and showed him all the proof including the nikhanama of my daughter’s marriage with Shoaib and he told me that Sania will be his second wife,” Siddiqui said.

“Sania is also like my daughter. We have good relations with her family but unfortunately she decided to marry Shoaib despite knowing what he did to my daughter,” said Siddiqui.

Ayesha’s father claimed that he spoke to advocates who told him that his case is strong.

“I have the evidence to prove the marriage. He himself told the entire world that Hyderabad is his wife’s hometown and Ayesha is the name of his wife. Now he is denying the marriage and hiding his face,” he said.

Siddiqui denied the reported allegation by Malik that he was demanding Rs.18 lakh.

“Divorce for my daughter is the only thing I want from him. He is not giving divorce because this will expose him as a liar,” he said.

He claimed that the Pakistani cricketer visited Hyderabad six to seven times after marrying Ayesha. He recalled that at a Man of the Match presentation ceremony after a practice match between India and Pakistan here in 2005, Malik told Arun Lal that Hyderabad is the hometown of his wife.

“He along with the entire team came to our house,” he said referring to the reception he hosted.

Sania, the top ranking Indian woman tennis player called off her engagement with childhood friend Sohrab two months ago citing “incompatibility”.

Sania had Tuesday said that the controversy involving Malik was not on her mind. “I live in the present and so does he (Malik),” she said.

The Siddiqui family claims that Malik married Ayesha June 3, 2002 through exchange of vows (nikah) over telephone. The Pakistani cricketer has denied this.

While admitting that they were engaged, Malik said he called it off as the two families could not reach an understanding on some issues.

In February 2008, Siddiqui had threatened to sue Malik for denying the marriage with Ayesha.

He also claimed that he has the proof of marriage but did not file the case after Malik’s family accused him of cheating and warned of legal action.

In January 2008, Malik announced that he was calling off the engagement with Ayesha.

After Big B, here comes angry young man Abhishek

It was Zanjeer that turned the tables around for Big B and now Abhishek bachchan is planning to tread the same path. We hear that Abhi is all set to play a similar ‘Inspector Vijay' kind of role in Rohan Sippy's ‘Dum Maro Dum', which is about the drug mafia in Goa. The intense, no-nonsense role of a cop played by Big B is considered to be one of his best-known performances. And now his son Abhishek is all set to reprise the role. It's the same smouldering intensity that Rohan hopes Abhishek would recreate on the screen for ‘Dum Maro Dum'. Abhishek is all set to prepare for the role physically and emotionally. A special team is working after his look and styling. Abhishek has been seen spending a lot of time with Rohan discussing the nuances of the character the film. The film is co-produced by a foreign studio that is planning to internationalize the film in terms of its appeal as a hip thriller. Well... how much Abhishek manages to receate Big B magic remains. The movie also has Bipasha Basu playing a junkie.

Priyanka caught lovebirds Katrina and Ranbir red-handed

Apart from media's prying eyes Ranbir and Katrina's love story had one special witness to it as well. And she was none other than Priyanka Chopra! Last year when Karina's New Year holiday stint with Ranbir was exposed by a tabloid, she became extremely cautious and managed to prove everyone that she was in her home all the time and the rumours were all lies. But one night, on her date with Ranbir, poor Kat ran into Priyanka Chopra. She panicked and assumed that now the news would get back home. Since then two actresses are not on talking terms. Kat asked Kapoor to speak to her and convince her to keep their little secret. And no one found out. Although Katrina's spokesperson refuted the news calling it 'ridiculous' and 'sheer rubbish' but it's now more than confirmed that Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina are in love and it was one of the major reasons for the actor's break-up with Deepika Padukone. We also hear that the two visit each other's house very often but they are totally tight-lipped about their relationship. Now that's what we call Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani.