BOLLYWOOD BUZZ

Shah Rukh totally ready for a comeback

2009-11-04T00:00:00.000+05:30

King Khan spent birthday with family and friends

Shah Rukh Khan, who turned 44 on Nov 2, spent some "quiet time with family and friends" on his birthday, putting behind a year of ups and downs and looking forward to a strong comeback.

With only one of his films - "Billu" - hitting the screens in 2009, the actor has promised his fans more action in the coming two years.

"I am a workaholic, but in the last year I couldn't do much due to my shoulder problem. My team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) didn't do too well and I shot for just one film 'My Name Is Khan'. My injury also pulled me down in terms of my endorsements, but I had time to introspect and spend a quieter time at home with my children," Shah Rukh told reporters at a press conference in Mumbai on Nov 2 (pictured left).

"I feel more energetic and happy now and totally ready for a comeback with many projects in the next two years after this one-year break," he added.

On his birthday, Shah Rukh has chosen to spend "quiet time with his family and friends" instead of partying hard, his spokesperson told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

Shah Rukh was in New Delhi on Nov 1 to kick off the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon and cheer and egg on the runners. It seemed like he is still recovering from an arthroscopic surgery he underwent earlier this year for a nagging pain in his left shoulder.

The Bollywood superstar chose not to run at the marathon but caused quite a hysteria among the runners and watchers by just being present among them.

He said: "Though I could not run this time because of my shoulder and knee injury, I'll try to be fit and run next year. Running is a spiritual experience."

The past year also brought him disappointment when his cricket team KKR did not perform too well in the Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament.

Shah Rukh Khan was also in the spotlight when he suffered a two-hour detention at the Newark Airport in the US in August, reportedly over his surname.

Otherwise, 2009 gave the actor many reasons to cheer as he became Dr Shah Rukh Khan when he was presented an honorary doctorate in arts and culture by the Bedfordshire University in London.

He was also bestowed with two honours by the South Korean government - an honorary belt in taekwondo and the title of an honorary ambassador for culture and tourism.

Shah Rukh even purchased a 20 million pound apartment in London.

Now, after spending quality time with his wife Gauri and children Aryan and Suhana, Shah Rukh is looking forward to the release of his various films like "My Name Is Khan", "Happy New Year" and "Don 2".

Among these, his "My Name Is Khan" is the most awaited as it will mark his coming together with actress Kajol for the first time in eight years. The two starred in five films together, including "Baazigar", "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" and "Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge", all of which were superhits. "My Name Is Khan" will release on Feb 12, 2010.

I am slim…and so is this laptop

2009-11-03T23:41:00.000+05:30

Kareena becomes a Sony brand ambassador

After promoting her size zero figure in India, actress Kareena Kapoor has chosen to endorse Sony's newly launched half-inch thin notebook VAIO X because the product goes well with her looks - "thin and lightweight", the actress said on Tuesday (Nov 3).

"The whole size zero thing in India has more to do with people being slim and lightweight. And I am slim and lightweight. And so is this laptop. I think this new laptop is very chic and sexy and people also often associate me with these qualities," Kareena told reporters at a press conference in New Delhi (pictured above).

As part of the tie up, the actress will be a part of the brand campaign including TV commercials and print advertising.

The 29-year-old, who is awaiting the release of her film "Kurbaan", says she feels
"privileged" to be associated with the company.

"I believe in Sony products and I am privileged that they have signed me. They believe in cutting edge technology and innovate a lot and I am glad to be their ambassador since I associate myself with quality," added Kareena, who was hoping that the company spokesperson would gift her a VAIO X laptop.

Kareena says though she isn't very tech-savvy, she uses the Internet quite regularly.

"I use the Internet often and since I am a frequent traveller and I'm out of the country most of the time, I like to be connected through a laptop," she said.

The new Sony VAIO X is 655 grams and has an 11.1 inch screen display. The range starts from Rs.64,990 and will be available at Sony Centre stores and retail partners across India.

Shah Rukh turns 44, but feels 25

2009-11-03T23:39:00.000+05:30

He wants to give something back to society

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan turned 44 today (Nov 2), but said he still feels just 25 - barring the physical problems he has had in the past year. The heartthrob also said he wants to work for youngsters and underprivileged girls.

"I have been in my 40s since a few years now and I gracefully accept the age. But honestly, I feel like I am just 25 or 26 except for the physical problems I've had in my past year," Shah Rukh told reporters in Mumbai.

"Maybe I look older, but then when I look younger, people say I get plastic surgeries done to my face. When I look old, they say I am over and done with. But the fact is that when I sleep well, I look young and when I don't get enough sleep, I look old," he quipped.

The actor underwent an arthroscopic surgery for acute pain in his left shoulder in February and was on a forced break to recuperate completely. But he promises to make up for his absence.

"I am a workaholic, but in the last year I couldn't do much due to my shoulder problem, my team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) didn't do too well and I shot for just one film 'My Name Is Khan'. My injury also pulled me down in terms of my endorsements but I had time to introspect and spend a quieter time at home and with my children.

"I feel more energetic and happy now and totally ready for a comeback with many projects in the next two years after this one year break," added Shah Rukh.

Apart from work, he wants to do good to society by "doing something for youngsters, underprivileged girls and talk to 16- 17-year-old children who are on the threshold of voting for the government and lead the world forward".

"I don't know whether I want to join an NGO or something of the likes, but in my heart, I have this strong feeling that I want to give something back to society," he said.

Among his forthcoming films are "My Name Is Khan", Farah Khan's "Happy New Year", "Don 2", but he says he is most keen to work in a superhero film, which he is designing on his own.

Aishwarya celebrating 36th birthday today

2009-11-01T23:00:00.001+05:30

She’s set out to make millions smile

On her 36th birthday today (Nov 1), Aishwarya Rai has been named the first goodwill ambassador for Smile Train, a charity that works worldwide for children with cleft lip.

The former Miss World has partnered with the NGO, in association with her own charity - Aishwarya Rai Foundation - and will spread awareness and garner resources to help the movement, said a press release.

"God has given me plenty of reasons to smile and I feel it's time to spread it around. There are a lot of children out there who so desperately need help, but can't receive timely care because their families cannot afford this surgery or are ill-educated about this condition.

"Working with Smile Train, if I can make a difference in their lives, it will certainly make me feel honoured and blessed," Aishwarya said.

As the goodwill ambassador, Aishwarya will actively work to help Smile Train provide free cleft surgery to children in 76 developing countries around the world, including India.

According to information provided by the NGO, over one million children await cleft surgery in India alone, and currently only 50 percent children born with cleft in India get the medical assistance required. And Smile Train officials feel Aishwarya will be of immense help in taking forward their movement globally.

"Aishwarya's universal appeal and star power will be a priceless asset to our organisation, and we consider it a great privilege to have her represent our organisation," Smile Train president Brian Mullaney said.

"Her poise, intelligence and dedication to our mission will catapult the work that we do to new and exciting heights. Since she is a global superstar, it makes her the perfect representative for our global organisation. There is no corner of the world where she isn't known, and in each of those corners, there is a Smile Train hospital that is helping kids every day of the year," he added.

The rising concern for kids born with a cleft was raised worldwide through Smile Train's recent Oscar-winning movie "Smile Pinki". The 39-minute documentary made by Megan Mylan shows the story of a poor girl in rural India whose life is transformed when she receives free surgery to correct her cleft lip. It was made in Hindi and Bhojpuri and won the 81st Academy Award for Best Documentary (Short Subject).

Meanwhile, Ash's megastar father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan wished her a "long prosperous life" on her birthday.

"We have... just brought in Aishwarya's birthday and wished her love and happiness and a long prosperous life. It was just the family," Amitabh posted on his blog early Sunday morning.

Bebo and Saif to bring up international terrorism on Bush's Delhi visit

2009-10-30T00:45:00.001+05:30

Will talk on international terrorism on October 31 when George W Bush comes to Delhi

At a conference in Delhi on October 31, Kareena Kapoor and beau Saif Ali Khan will share the platform with former US president George W Bush. The couple intends to broach the subject of international terrorism, which is also the theme of their ready-to-release film Kurbaan.

While Saif is preparing his points for the big day, Kareena will go with the flow at her meeting with Bush. "I'm a very spontaneous person. It's like that with my acting. It would be like that when I meet Mr Bush. Jo dil mein hai woh bolungi."

This is the first time that Kareena will be addressing an international summit. But she isn't the least bit nervous.

"By now I've gained enough confidence to be able to speak at such summits with some amount of confidence.

Nowadays, you can't afford to have your head buried in the sand. You have to know what's happening in the world around you." Kareena admits Saif is a better talker. "In fact, I've learnt a lot of new words from him. But even otherwise I think I speak quite well."

Ajab Prem: Katrina and Ranbir

2009-10-30T00:40:00.000+05:30

Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor walked the ramp at the Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week in New Delhi for designer Rohit Bal.

Katrina is going all out to promote the film with Ranbir, and she isn’t very keen on promoting De Dana Dan, her other film with Akshay. She has been frank about the fact that she did the movie because Akshay requested her to be part of it and she cannot say no to him.

The Brit-Indian likes spending time with Ranbir during the promotions and has said that she likes him because they connect with each other and he is her age. Now which ‘old actor’ is she making a dig at?

Like most other co-stars, they sing praises of each other. Katz recently said in an interview, “Ranbir is a very cool, chilled-out guy and a terrific actor, who helped me in my scenes. He is pretty different from my other co-stars, and I connect with him.”

Meanwhile, Katrina refused to walk the ramp with Gudda’s original munda and opted for Ranbir instead. We are referring to Katz’s Rajneeti co-star Arjun Rampal (Rohit Bal’s prodigy), who had requested her to walk the ramp with him at the Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week but she turned him down in favour of Ranbir. Katz fancies Ranbir and, like a love-struck teenage girl, she is making it quite obvious. In the film, Katz’s character Jennifer doesn’t care much for Prem, but she is making up for it in real life. The two make a good-looking pair and have great chemistry.

If Katz has the hots for Ranbir, it is obvious that there are cracks in the Ranbir-Deepika relationship. Deepika hasn’t taken very kindly to Ranbir’s friendship with Katz and their hectic schedules have affected their relationship.

Sources inform us that the Salman-Katrina relationship is over though they both are very good friends. That is why Katrina was seen hanging out with Karan Johar at the GQ Awards and Pinky Roshan’s party. She was also chatting with SRK at the birthday party.

It will be interesting to see how this ajab prem ki ghajab kahani progresses. Is the romance just a publicity stunt or is something actually brewing between the two hotties?

London Dreams vs. Aladin

2009-10-30T00:39:00.000+05:30

Two big budget films are releasing this weekend. Whose wish to be successful will come true? Celebrity astro-numerologist Bhavikk Sangghvi helps us decode the answers.

“The title LONDON DREAMS adds up to Number 41 (5) – the symbol of this number is controlled power and success. So, going by this description, it seems the film would sail safely,” predicts Bhavikk.

He continues, “Of the cast, Salman is in his 44th year and the title, adding up to Number 5, does not really work in his favour. He might receive extreme reactions for his work. Like the year 2009, Ajay is also a Number 2 person, but he being in his 41st year will receive mixed reactions too. On the other hand, Asin also has just entered her 25th year (26th October, 1985), which is not great news either.”

“It seems the film’s run may be short-lived, but it will not be a losing venture,” is Bhavikk’s last word on London Dreams.

“The title ALADIN adds up to Number 15 (6) – this octave of Number 6 is fine, but does not support Number 4 and Number 8 people. The title role is being played by Riteish Deshmukh, who was born on December 17 – that makes him a Number 8 person. So, the vibration of the title does not go in sync with its main lead. And that’s bad news,” predicts Bhavikk.

He continues “Even Mr. Bachchan is a Libran partially ruled by Number 8 ( Saturn ) and hence, his role and enactment may also come under fire. Even otherwise, the year 2009 does not support people, things or work associated with Number 8. So, the chances are still bleak.”

Bhavikk concludes, “It seems Bollywood will have to churn out some more ideas from its dream factory to ‘fantasize’ the audiences. Unfortunately, Aladin isn’t the winning idea!”

The London Dreams cast is no less than neck-deep in promoting the film, though only Friday will tell if it has been able to entice crowds. London Dreams has a Dubai premiere, and Aladin could have done the same, but chose to stay put on home ground, perhaps because it has a more 'Indian dream' of conquering the nation's box office, unlike London Dreams, which has international aspirations.

Wills India Fashion Week 2010 - Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor present a creation by designer Rohit Bal

2009-10-30T00:36:00.001+05:30

In Pics: Katrina Kaif promote Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani in NDTV

2009-10-30T00:34:00.003+05:30

In Pics: Wills India Fashion Week 2010 - Urmila Matondkar presents a creation by Indian designer Jaya Rathore

2009-10-30T00:32:00.001+05:30

In Pics: Wills India Fashion Week 2010 - Urmila Matondkar presents a creation by Indian designer Jaya Rathore

2009-10-30T00:32:00.000+05:30

Ranbir to walk the ramp with co-star Katrina after going solo at KJo's show

2009-10-29T00:35:00.001+05:30

After a solo ramp appearance for Karan Johar at Couture Week, Ranbir Kapoor is now set to walk the ramp with his Ajab Prem Ki Gajab Kahani leading lady, Katrina Kaif.

Our source reveals, "The FDCI Fashion Week 2009 concludes with designer Rohit Bal's collections. To mark the show's grand finale, the designer has roped in Ranbir and Katrina. They will also promote APKGK at the event.

Rohit felt that Ranbir and Katrina thinks he couldn't have gotten hotter showstoppers for his show."

Interestingly, this is for the first time that Ranbir and Katrina will walking the ramp together for a fashion event.
Although they have walked before separately. Kat confirms, "Yes it is true that Ranbir and I will be walking the ramp together for designer Rohit Bal to promote Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani. I am really looking forward to it."

Salman Khan promoting latest movie in London

2009-10-29T00:33:00.002+05:30

He arrived in the city from Dubai

Salman Khan, who landed in London this morning (October 28) after the Dubai premiere of Vipul A. Shah's “London Dreams” last night, is getting into top gear to promote the film, which previews in the UK on Thursday, October 29.

In addition to doing one-on-ones with select media at his Central London hotel today, it is believed he will be visiting the studios of Sunrise Radio and Asian Star Radio tomorrow at 3pm and 5pm respectively to promote “London Dreams” live on air.

Karan ki Kurbaani

2009-10-29T00:28:00.000+05:30

Both Kurbaan and New York are about terrorism, but that doesn’t mean they have the same story.

The backdrop of global terrorism is the common factor, but the narrative structure and the characters are very different in the two films. Adi and I are best friends so we aren’t stupid to make films with the same story. I hope audiences like Kurbaan,’ clarifies Karan Johar.

Kabhie Alvida Naa Kehna in 2006 was the last film KJo directed and MNIK is now in post production to release in 2010. In the meanwhile, Wake Up Sid! and Dostana were only produced by him and directed by newcomers Ayan Mukerji and Tarun Mansukhani respectively. ‘Tarun, Ayan and Siddarth Malhotra have assisted me on my films. So I know them. I always choose my ADs after immense consideration because I don’t want people simply occupying space in my office. They have to be talented and they have to stay. I don’t want them to do one film with Dharma and leave. I am only going to work with new directors and some of them have a three-film contract with Dharma. I don’t want to work with established directors,’ he says, adding, ‘I am very happy with the results of Wake Up Sid! and Dostana and excited about the upcoming films.’

Karan had the plot of Kurbaan ready way back in 2001 and the film was going to be called Kaal. Sanjay Dutt, SRK and Tabu were to be part of it but the film never materialized. ‘That Kaal never got made. I shared the story idea with Rensil and he built a screenplay around it, which resulted in Kurbaan starring Saif and Kareena. From the onset, we wanted them to star in it. I love the way the film has turned out,’ comments Karan.

About Kurbaan’s director, Rensil D’silva, KJo says, ‘Rensil and I first interacted on the screenplay and story of Kurbaan. I felt that he had a desire to direct a film and I respected his aesthetics and writing, so that is how Kurbaan happened.’

3 Idiots not a direct lift of book

2009-10-29T00:26:00.000+05:30

Aamir Khan starrer 3 Idiots isn’t a direct adaptation of the Chetan Bhagat Novel Five Point Someone, but has the trademark Hirani twist to it.

Chetan Bhagat’s novel Five Point Someone was about three IIT hostelmates with below average GPAs surviving in a B-school. Their marks not only affect their professional life, but family and love life as well. However, director Rajkumar Hirani who’s known best for creating the Munnabhai phenomenon has provided his own rendition to the tale of the three IITians. Hirani, when quizzed about the film being an adaptation, confirmed, “While the basic premise of the B-school and IITian culture is similar to that of the book, the film is very loosely based on the novel. The story and characters are very different, along with the humour and message that is delivered through the life of the three friends.”

A source on the sets of the film reveals, “The film is a notch above the book. Hirani has thrown light on the professional and parental pressure IITians go through in a B-school. The pressure of always being on top, strict competition and the necessity of doing everything forms the book and has been highlighted in the movie. The plight of the students and their parents will help audiences relate with the story. It’s a complete entertainer, considering Hirani’s humour can leave anybody rolling off their seat and also the message given at the end of each of his films. Aamir is the star of the film indeed, but Sharman Joshi, Madhavan and, most importantly, Boman Irani shine throughout the film. Kareena Kapoor is a breath of fresh air in the film. All characters are essaying the role of 20-25 year olds and are completely believable. 3 Idiots is a must-watch for the youth and their parents.”

Boman Irani too tagged the film as a must-watch in a recent interview and Kareena labeled 3 Idiots as the film of the year. With Aamir Khan going around town promoting the film through the youth, it is quite evident that the actors and the filmmakers feel very strongly about their forthcoming offering. Sounds like this film will be worth all those expectations, indeed!

Kareena and SRK are superheroes

2009-10-29T00:23:00.000+05:30

Kareena and SRK were paired with each other in Santosh Sivan’s Asoka in 2001. They will now be reunited as an onscreen pair in Anubhav Sinha’s Ra One, Shah Rukh’s home production.

A source tells us, “Ra One is a science-fiction film set in the future in which Shah Rukh plays a superhero. So he will be seen wearing a cape, his underwear over his pants, flying over skyscrapers and saving the day. Technically, Ra One will be India’s third superhero film, Krishh and Drona being the first two. Ra One is a big budget film with never-before seen special effects.”

About Kareena’s role in the movie, our source said, “An actor and star of Kareena’s stature and caliber will not be happy playing just a glam doll so she has signed because she has been given a substantial role in the film. She is super fit and lean too and can mould herself according to any role. The stunning star will also get to kick some butt after Tashan. Being signed on for Ra One is a big deal for Kareena because it will be one of the most anticipated releases of 2010. She already has KJo’s Stepmom remake. Moreover, working in Ra One will increase her chances of playing the lead in Farah Khan’s Happy New Year. Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone are the other actors who are eyeing the film.”

Ra One is directed by Anubhav Sinha of Dus, Tum Bin and Cash fame. The director has an eye for action and his songs (Dus Bahane, Cash, and Naughty Naughty) are chartbusters. Filming will begin in US in December, followed by a schedule in Mumbai.

Katrina Kaif features on cover of Vogue magazine

2009-10-29T00:22:00.001+05:30

The wedding season comes knocking and the most celebrated fashion Magazine Vogue comes out with a wedding special edition this November. Gracing the cover is the beautiful and heart warming Katrina Kaif herself, looking every bit endearing in a purple sequinned Chanel Haute Couture dress.

While this issue makes for a special one, what with showcasing the most splendid creations from India's most famous wedding gurus, tips from the best wedding planners, caterers, florists, invitation designers, but there is an uninhibited chat with Katrina herself as she talks of her experience with fame and fortune, what's it like to be beautiful in Bollywood, and why she just might be a runaway bride. All this and more in the latest issue of Vogue.

In Pics: Wills India Fashion Week 2010 - Amrita Rao presents a creation by Indian designer Suneet Varma

2009-10-29T00:21:00.001+05:30

In Pics: Katrina Kaif promotes “Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani” in Kolkota

2009-10-29T00:20:00.001+05:30

In Pics: Jail team at Wills India Fashion Week 2010

2009-10-29T00:18:00.000+05:30

In Pics: Wills India Fashion Week 2010 - Beachwear

2009-10-29T00:17:00.000+05:30

In Pics: Salman Khan Selling 'London Dreams' Movie Tickets In Delhi

2009-10-29T00:16:00.001+05:30

In Pics: Wills India Fashion Week 2010 - Spring Summer

2009-10-29T00:15:00.001+05:30

In Pics: Stars Walks The Ramp For Designer Sanjana Jon at Wills India Fashion Week 2010

2009-10-29T00:13:00.001+05:30

In Pics: Wills India Fashion Week 2010

2009-10-29T00:12:00.000+05:30