Yash Raj Films denies signing Salman Khan

New Delhi: Bollywood's prestigious banner Yash Raj Films has denied reports that it has signed Salman Khan for a movie, saying they are 'completely baseless'.

It was reported that writer-turned-director Vijay Krishna Acharya, whose directorial debut 'Tashan' was produced by the banner, is directing his second film for Yash Raj Films and that Salman would star in it.

'We would like to clarify that this is a completely baseless and incorrect story. Vijay is still in the process of writing his next script for Yash Raj Films. No casting has therefore been done nor has anyone been considered for the same,' stated the banner.

'As and when we do finalise the script and the casting is complete, a suitable announcement will be made,' it added.

Salman, who has worked with almost all the filmmakers in the industry, is yet to be seen in a Yash Raj Films production.

Porn industry hit by HIV outbreak

Melbourne: The multi-billion dollar adult film industry in the US has been left facing a storm after 22 porn actors were reported to have contracted HIV.
State health officials in California fear moviemakers may not be following regulations that require them to provide protection against the transmission of the disease on film sets.
The state Division of Occupational Safety was looking to begin a formal investigation after a woman recently tested positive for HIV just after shooting an adult film.
"Our concern is that we need to quickly get to the employer so that we can work with them to change their practices to ensure the proper safety measures are being taken to prevent the additional spread of HIV," The Daily Telegraph quoted agency spokesman Dean Fryer as saying.
Los Angeles County health officials revealed 22 cases of HIV had been confirmed in industry performers since 2004.
Dr. Jonathan Fielding, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Health, said there were "persistent reports" about reckless practices.
Fryer added: "There is no reason these infections should be occurring if these employers are following these precautions."
Producers had made condoms mandatory after an HIV outbreak in 2004 but following a rebellion from both actors and audiences, it was made optional.
Steven Hirsch, co-Chief Executive of Vivid Entertainment Group, one of the industry's largest filmmakers, said: "What happened was the talent didn't want to use condoms. As a result, we decided to go condom optional." [From Internet]

"I adopt anywhere between two to four cancer patients every year" - Dia Mirza

By Devansh Patel

Basically what is seen as a 'Social Service' is something that strays from the ordinary, something that is spontaneous and creative. Yet what one person sees as serving the needy may be seen as ridiculous by another, and don't ask 'Why'. Social Services really are a matter of personal taste, and the more geared to the subject of your affection the gesture is, the more likely you will hit the right side of the line. There are no hard and fast rules for getting it right, however, considering the following by Dia will at least steer you in the right direction: "Your life has deeper purpose than what you understand. There are two ways of living life. Either you just live day to day and let it unfold and discover it as it does or you believe that your existence has a deeper meaning than what appears to be and you make that meaning out of everything you do." Meet the very gifted and compassionate, Dia Mirza, who meets us just outside her Pali Hill apartment after this happened. Her maid opens the door and tells, "Memsaab ghar pe nahin hain, woh bahar gaye hain". With eyes wide open, we reply, "Haan lekin unhone bulaya hain. Kab aayengi woh? " The maid replies, "Pata nahin." The thought bubble then pops up saying 'This has never happened to us before. Pretty amateurish from Dia.' The lift door shuts and the ultra slim body with glowing face, wearing a yellow tee meets our eye with a professional welcome and greets with a handshake that is firm. Phew! Now that's timing girl. For those of us who are interested in the life and art of Miss Mirza, and how they manage to co-exist, there are many moments which you can witness the moment you enter her bright living room. A face with a generous upper lip and the dusky brown eyes. Her screen persona is seventies Bollywood, when young women came across as more mature and experienced than the more girlish females who populate post-nineties studio movies. To become two such different people in the millenium year in such a short space of time is almost sinister. And then Dia in flesh is so different again from her two latest turns. With the fan wafting around a smell of freshly prepared tea, it is surprising to find her sounding so normal and sensible and real on a hot summer afternoon, and with lots to chat about, the proactive, professional and profound actress gets the temperature soaring in this intimidating, self-contained and poised interview she gives in this summer special. UK's Harrow Observer columnist and Bollywood Hungama's London correspondent Devansh Patel gets all spiritual, philosophical, social and artistic with Dia, for after the interview got over, she showed an extremely beautiful painting - A pregnant angel looking up towards the sky seeing numerous shooting stars. It was Dia's unnamed creation. Though she did tell us, "If you find a good name for this painting, please feel free to let me know." We got one already - 'Starlet'
Who made the greatest impression on you growing up, as a mentor?

There are several influences. Of course, the first and the most important influences in any child's upbringing are the parents and what they do. I grew up hearing stories of my mother's childhood. There were these slum children around her where she lived and her sisters would tell me stories about the dirty little babies my mother would be carrying in her arms calling her a mad woman. I'd be like: 'That's so wonderful'. So you grow up hearing stories about what your parents have done and how effortlessly and selflessly they've done it and never made an issue out of it. Sunny Pillai, my dad's very good friend always said, 'Your life has deeper purpose than what you understand. There are two ways of living life. Either you just live day to day and let it unfold and discover it as it does or you believe that your existence has a deeper meaning than what appears to be and you make that meaning out of everything you do.' I think I absorbed that part better. I feel that human beings have a greater purpose on this planet.
You're right. But the same human beings do crib about many things.

I really am amazed with some people of my generation who crib about the bad internet connections. I mean, aren't they just happy with the invention in the first place? You are sitting on an aircraft and complaining about the turbulence. There are so many wonderful things we are surrounded by in our everyday life that we should be filled with wonderment about it, respect and appreciate it.
Dia Mirza You strongly support CPAA. Would you then adopt a cancer patient?

I have. I may not have taken one into my home but I adopt anywhere between two to four patients every year. I get feedback on their recovery and of course, this adoption is primarily monetary where we pay all the medical bills of this child. The kids are still with their parents and happy. I'd love to bring a child home but unless the child is an orphan, it doesn't make sense.
Has your experience with CPAA, CRY, Spastic Society of India, LIONS, Shiksha and many more made you more empathetic towards the society we are living in?

Actually, it makes me very frustrated and very angry because in India and the world over, there is a lot of unhappiness which is related to health issues like the basic sanitary issues. There is always a sense of empathy and it happens when you don't know things too closely. In fact, you feel anger and frustration when you see things on closer quarters because you are helpless. Spending time with these kids or being able to monetarily take care of them doesn't make a real difference. It might make a small difference but it's almost like a drop in the ocean as it brings you closer to the vastness of the problem. I mean, how many more people are suffering out there and it just makes you more and more insecure. That's the real truth.
A celebrity, a socialite, a multi-tasker and with looks people don't want to blink an eye for. Why don't you start your own talk show which is social in nature? More like an Oprah Winfrey one?

Oh, I love Oprah. I have this huge and an incredible amount of respect for her. Simply because she is one of the single most committed people on this planet. The kind of compassion that woman has, the kind of heart she has and the kind of effort she puts into everything she does is incomparable. I don't know whether I would be able to find the kind of backing and support that she has found. But you never know, twenty years from now, you might just see me host one of such shows. It'll take me a good twenty years to garner the strength I need in the first place.
Seeing you talk, it feels as if you're going to weep in a second. You getting emotional?

I am a very emotional person and if I do start my own show, I'd probably start crying from question one.
Were you a prodigy as a speaker?

I don't know. I was very very shy when I was young. As I grew older, I became confident of myself. I think being a prodigy as a speaker, it's got a lot to do with the kind of school you go to and the kind of influence the teachers have on you. I read a lot and I was encouraged to speak because I made a lot of sense back then. Ever since I was twelve years old, I've always been told that I sound years ahead my age. I reckon it's a gift.
Do you look back sometimes and think that you've given a lot back as a citizen of the world more than just being an actress?

I've given nothing. It's nothing in comparison to what I should be doing or what I would like to do. Of course, I can sit here and recount all the times I've helped people and feel really good about it but there is so much more to do. On an individual level, I will do whatever little I can. I am not over the moon for what I've been doing socially. I am happy to be in a position where I can give.
Dia Mirza Anything we're missing?

Yes. I have just recently been made a part of the advisory board of the Coca Cola Foundation of India which is set up to primarily take care of various areas in providing drinking water to rural India, to little railway stations, etc. There are also some very good people who are on board who've done remarkable work to support many of the causes like this one. I am looking forward to work for the foundation because you need somebody or something to guide your motivation and culminate it into something. I know I'm going to help. And I always help whenever people call me. But now I'm at a stage where I know I want to do certain things and I need to find the right avenues to take that forward. I think this board will help me do that.
What makes a busy woman like you juggle the time?

There's always time. For good things there is always time.
Do organisations call you up to support causes or is it your decision to provide them with a helping hand?

Fortunately, because we are actors, there are lot of people who approach us. But that approachability only happens when they know for sure that you will come forward. There are lots of actors in the industry but they don't call everyone. There are some actors whom they call because as an organisation they see them doing a certain amount of work. They see you work in one organisation and call you for another. It's like a chain reaction. A lot of the work I do is because these people have come to me.
Anything in particular you dream of doing to support a cause?

I love children and one of the greatest and the most innocent victims of our society today are children. Whether it is lack of education, malnutrition, diseases, etc. There are several problems children face in India. I want to be in a place one day where I can take care of many of them.
Do you look up to Angelina Jolie then?

Not just Angelina Jolie. There are people like Bono, Brad Pitt. Actually, we Indian actors have really done nothing in comparison to what celebrities the world over do. And I'm talking about them spending millions of dollars a year on charitable causes. I really disagree when people say - Our actors don't make as much. Fine, we may not make as much money as them but there are quite a few who are on par with few of the actors abroad. But it all boils down to one thing - personal choice. You don't have to do social work just because you're a celebrity. But when God has given you so much money, power and leadership, you should be able to use it for the well being of all. If I was making as much money as them, I swear, I'd be doing a lot more than what I'm doing now.
Have you been following the IPL? Anyone worth supporting?

Last year, I was very disappointed with the 'Deccan Chargers'. I thought they were one of the strongest team. Now to see them hit the nail on the head is exciting. They are on top of the league table this year and my full support to them. 'Deccan Chargers' is the team I am looking at very closely.
Dia Mirza Did you ever have to make that mistake in order to find what you do best in acting?

That's the only way you find what you do best in anything in life. The only and the best way to learn is to burn your fingers. When you get a little wiser, a little mature, you learn more. When I started out I was naïve. I was this regular kid from Hyderabad with no exposure to films and suddenly you see your life change overnight. My coming into the industry was made such a big deal and I don't think I was ever given that break or that chance to absorb or understand what actually is happening in the industry. A lot of choices I made in the interim of couple of years were completely haywire considering the kind of films I'm doing now. But I guess I had to make those choices in order to grow up on them and understand cinema the way I do today.
Is it harder to be centered when you're well known?

No. I guess a lot of people say it is. I was eighteen and was trying very hard. There was a sense of disillusionment and I didn't feel centered at all. There was a lot that could affect me and I could've swayed but I think it shook me up a lot. And then when my films bombed, I came back to ground zero. I've tasted the mud and realised that this is the job I respect, I have to give a lot to and nothing comes easy in life.
You aren't controversy's favourite child. Touchwood. But what's the balance between being confidently assertive and overly aggressive?

I think it's very important to be confidently assertive. I have nothing to hide and my life is an open book. I am what I am. I've never been ashamed or embarrassed to admit if I've done something wrong. Not because as a public figure I owe people an explanation or where everybody needs to know everything about me. No. But if you ask me a breaking question, I'll give you a forthright answer. I will assert my right.
Any difficult aspects of your success, now that you've tasted the mud?

I think it can make you a bit precarious. I am a very given person. I do not hesitate to trust people and give in very easily. But sometimes you do that and you get smacked on your face. Honestly, with all the lessons I've learnt and have gone through, I don't think there is anything about myself or my life that has changed drastically, except for maybe, a few friends who I've lost along the way to this mad world and not being able to give enough time for my extended family. These are small prices you pay for your success.
Talk us through Johnny Mastana.

I have great respect for Shoojit Sircar. I was actually jumping in joy when I got a call from UTV saying that Shoojit wanted to meet me regarding the film. It's actually Mr. Bachchan's journey and how every character who comes in his journey becomes an integral part of it. I play a girl called Manya in Johnny Mastana. It's a very beautifully scripted film and Mohanan is the DOP of the film. The film's canvas, the way it looks, is like a poetry in motion. The film is in post production stage and it's a romantic drama.
Dia Mirza Any film you're looking forward to once the strike gets over?

Arshad Warsi Productions Kaun Bola. It's my first romantic comedy drama. Arshad has written the film too. The entire film is shot in Newcastle, UK. It's a very beautifully layered part. For the first time in my career I felt that Kaun Bola gave me the platform to go all out and show people what I'm all about. We had a blast because I had Boman Irani with me whom I call 'Pops' since Lage Raho Munnabhai. He is a sweetheart and my daddy. Sandhya Mridul too is a mad house and you know what Arshad is capable of doing. Kaun Bola is a Studio 18 film.
So is Kaun Bola too special for you?

Yes, and I'll tell you why. I've never seen a shooting star in my life. I always wonder - Why have I never seen one. We were doing this last schedule of the film in Goa. I was sitting on the beach after pack up and was looking up towards the sky. Suddenly I witnessed two shooting stars one after the other and got really kicked about it because the film's production is called 'Shooting Star Production'. It may sound child like but it's the truth.
You're a very good painter too, we heard.

Kind of yes. I use a medium called 'Gouch', a french name. Unfortunately in Mumbai, oil paintings don't dry properly because of the humidity level in the air. A lot of artists in Mumbai either use acrylic or water. I use Gouch because it gives you the result of oil and water. It's a magic paint.

I would want to go the world's coldest place with the hottest chick – Rajeev Khandelwal
An extract of an interview with Rajeev Khandelwal by Jiya Pandit

1.What ideal qualities would you want in your woman?

My woman should be very feminine, unlike some females today who try to be a man.
2. Would you prefer a homemaker or a working woman?

Working woman anyday. In this age, no self-respecting woman would want to depend on her man for anything.
3. Hottest getaway with her?

I would want to go the world's coldest place with the hottest chick. However, I would avoid mentioning names because all the women who are on my mind right now are either married or seeing someone.
4. Would you go for a live-in relationship if necessary?

No, I would not be comfortable with a live-in. I would rather get married to the lady, rather than just move in with her. I believe in commitment, while live–ins give the liberty to call it quits very easily.
5. How would you woo your woman?

I would bring my love home and cook a beautiful candle-light dinner for her. A cosy twosome is much better than a restaurant full of strangers.
6. If you found your partner having a fling with your best friend, what would you do?

I would quietly walk away. And hope that I never ever cross their path again in life.
7. Would you allow your future wife to wear short outfits?

If she looks beautiful, sure, but no way, if she looks inviting.
8. Are men from Mars and women from Venus?

No, both are from bloody Earth.
9. If most women don't like the supposed dominating nature of men, what is the one trait in women that turns you off?

When women say 'you are not my type'. At such times, I really wonder what type they are.
10. Your take on spineless and polygamous saas bahu men?

Ouch Thank God, I am not one of them.

'Am I making a statement? Ask my colleagues' - Celina on her sensual photo shoot
By Joginder Tuteja

Name Celina Jaitley has always been synonymous with 'sensuality' and when she poses for the camera, she ensures that all eyes are indeed on her.
For someone who has always been known for being comfortable with her body and doesn't carry any inhibitions whatsoever, Celina has done it again by arriving in a photo shoot that for a popular film glossy that has made heads turn yet again. Wearing a two piece bikini with a shirt thrown in a tantalizing manner, she has yet again made a statement. Joginder Tuteja catches up with Celina as she reveals what made her go for the shoot.
The shoot does show you in a hot and bold avtar. Or would you rather say that it is more on a sensual side?I would say that this shoot shows the feminine side of me. I think there is a lot of femininity in the pictures and yes, I feel it's sensuous too. Actually if I have to really look at it very objectively, these pictures tell a lot about me as a girl who has a healthy respect for herself and her body. A girl who is on the verge of being a woman and is someone who is comfortable in her own skin.
Since this is not the first time that you have gone for a dare bare shoot like this, it must not have taken too much convincing for you to shoot for the magazine, isn't it?This magazine has always been gracious in promoting new talent and they have always promoted me even in the beginning of my career. I knew they would do justice to my pictures and they did more than that.
It has been quite a while since one saw you in a dare-bare photo shoot like the one you have done this time around. Had you been waiting for the right moment to strike?Maybe. I don't really know but this shoot worked out fabulously well at the right time perhaps. See, 'Golmaal Returns' has been a hit, my work is being appreciated and I have 7 films on floor. Soon, 'Paying Guest' would be released too. (Smiles) I guess God has finally sent his angels to watch over me!
So can one safely presume that after the shoot, Celina would eventually be making a statement to her colleagues in the industry?(Laughs) May be this question should be put up to my colleagues.
Overall happy with the way life is treating you?Life is fabulous. It has given me so very much at such a young age. I am very happy and grateful to God and all the many people who love me. I am truly blessed. Inshahallah!

Jade Goody dies of Cancer

London, Mar 22: British reality star Jade goody has lost her battle to cervical cancer, media has reported.

The mum of two, 27, who recently married boyfriend Jack Tweed, died in her sleep at her home in Essex, southeast England, her publicist Max Clifford said.

Goody was diagnosed with cancer in 2008 but the disease spread to her liver, groin and bowel and she was told it was terminal in February.

She was being treated at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London but wanted to die at home with her family, new husband and sons, Bobby, five, and Freddy, four.

Goody became famous after appearing on the Channel 4 show Big Brother.

Tania Zaetta bares all for men's magazine

Melbourne: Tania Zaetta dropped her layers to strike a raunchy pose for the cover of Ralph magazine's latest issue.
The former Bollywood star, who played a minor role as an American billionaire's wife in 'Bunty Aur Babli' and was featured in 'Salaam Namaste', in one picture appeared topless while her long hair covered her breasts.
The 38-year-old revealed she was least bothered about the criticism regarding her tropical-themed snaps taken near the Gold Coast.
``If Jennifer Aniston and other amazing women like that can get out there and lead a healthy lifestyle and not be afraid to wear a bikini on the beach, then I'm not either,'' the Herald Sun quoted her as saying.
``I have had a very long and fulfilling career in different countries around the world. I'm very proud of the shots, I'm proud of being my age, and having a healthy lifestyle,' she added.
The Aussie actress, who was falsely accused of bedding soldiers while performing in Afghanistan last year, said she would have passed the opportunity to pose for the magazine had it been offered to her last year.
She said: 'There's certain times when I don't think it's appropriate The timing for me last year wasn't right. I wasn't comfortable doing it last year.' [From Internet]

I have a karmic connection with Shakeel: Amrita Arora

By Subhash K. Jha

Bollywood actress Amrita Arora, who tied the knot with businessman Shakeel Ladak Wednesday, says she knew he was the one for her as soon as they met since they have 'a karmic connection'.
"The minute I set my eyes on Shakeel I knew he was the man I wanted to marry. It's like a karmic connection. I just felt it. I had never felt this before. Shakeel is everything that I want my husband to be. And I'm determined to make our marriage work. I'll do whatever it takes," Amrita told IANS just before her Christian wedding ceremony.
The couple is very clear about their wedding plans - a sangeet Thursday will be followed by the nikaah Friday. However, they haven't decided where to go for their honeymoon.
"The problem is both Shakeel and I are so widely travelled that we have no place that we can claim as our private honeymoon spot. There doesn't seem to be any place that neither of us hasn't visited," said Amrita.
"I guess we'll just hold each other's hand, close our eyes and point to any part of the globe and pick our honeymoon spot. It doesn't matter where we go as long as we're together," she added.
Talking about the exchange of wedding vows, the actress said: "We were supposed to have a church wedding but there were some security hassles so we quickly moved the venue to Olive. But there were no hassles because we had a standby ready."
Amrita gives her sister Malaika all credit for the arrangements.
"I know nothing about the wedding arrangement. It was all done by my sister who put her own life on hold to look into my wedding details. I'm blessed to have such a supportive family," she said.

Ajay and Katrina to help Prakash Jha

It is heard that Ajay Devgan and Katrina Kaif are going to be part of the election campaigns in Bihar.
According to a buzz, both the B-Town stars will be doing their bit to pull in the crowds for Prakahs Jha who is going to contest the Lok Sabha elections in Bihar from a place called Bettiah.
They will be doing this not out of any political aspirations or affiliations but only because of their liking for the acclaimed film maker.
Both Ajay and Katrina are part of the big star cast of the awaited movie titled ‘Rajneethi’ being currently made by Prakash Jha.
Reports have come up regarding the huge number of people who had come to see just Katrina as she was shooting for ‘Rajneethi’ in some parts of North India.
So if Katrina really comes in during the election rallies, Prakash Jha will be indeed fortunate as even for established big political parties, getting top film stars to be part of their campaigns is not easy.
Ajay’s respect for Prakash Jha due to the several humanitarian activities that the film maker has initiated in the past couple of years is said to be the reason for him to say "yes" to Prakash.

When Gulzar refused to bow to Shah Rukh's lyrical pressure

By Subhash K. Jha: Shah Rukh Khan is known to take interest in the music of his films and that's how he came up with the words 'Love mera hit hit' for a song in his just released 'Billu'. But when the superstar approached noted lyricist Gulzar with his words to write the full number, the poet declined to use them.
Before Shah Rukh, composer Pritam Chakraborty had approached him with the same words.
"Pritam protested that the words were given to him by Shah Rukh and had to be used. When I refused, Shah Rukh came home a number of times to convince me. I reluctantly turned him down," Gulzar, who has written three songs for the film including the controversial "Marjani", told a news agency.

"He (Shah Rukh) even suggested that I write whatever I wanted and his words 'Love mera hit hit' would be fitted into my lyrics. But that's not the way I work. I never will. So I wrote just three of the songs in 'Billu' and left the project," he said.
Shah Rukh and Gulzar go back a long way.
Recalling his earlier Shah Rukh song, Gulzar said: "In 'Chaiyyan chaiyyan' for 'Dil Se' some people objected to the use of the word 'tabeez'. Now in 'Marjani' they objected to the word 'hazur' I believe.
"All I can say in my defence is that the word hazur in 'Marjani' isn't referring to the Prophet. It means 'presence'. I'm sorry if I've hurt anyone's sentiments. I'm sorry if some people have misunderstood what I've written. I'm very very careful about the words that I use. In fact, I left 'Billu' midway for this reason," Gulzar said.
The poet doesn't allow even a word of his lyrics to be tampered with.
"There have been a number of occasions when I've opted out because I wasn't comfortable with the words that I was supposed to write," he said.
Gulzar opted out of Sanjay Chel's "Khubsoorat" when the director wanted a word to be substituted by another.
"But the funniest incident occurred when I wrote the children's song 'Chaddhi pehan ke phool khila hai' for 'Jungle Book'. Someone said the word chaddhi (underwear) was vulgar. Could I change it to lungi? I stuck to my chaddhi," he said

I am glad I cast Vidya balan and not Aishwarya rai in Bhool bhulaiya-Priyadarshan

PRIYADARSHAN tells JYOTHI VENKATESH that he prefers to cast the same set of actors in every film of his because he is of the opinion that when butter is at home, he need not go out to search for ghee.
What is Billu about?
Basically Billu is a tribute to friendship. It is the story of a simple ordinary hair stylist who leads an extra ordinary life. It is about Bilas Rao Pardesi (Irrfan Khan) who is living in his village with his wife Bindiya (Lara Dutta) and two kids. Life was bitter sweet. We can say more sweet than bitter.

Till one day a super star (Shah Rukh Khan) comes into their lives and everything changes. Life changes, people change, friends change, the village changes but one man does not-Billu. It is the story of true friendship between Lord Krishna, the King of Dwarka and Sudama, a poor hermit. The moral of the story is so strong that it inculcates humbleness and greatness and conveys the true meaning of friendship.
Isn't Billu a remake of the Malayalam hit Katha Parayumbol?
It is not a 100 % remake of Katha Parayumbol but a take off in my own way. The character of the hair stylist played by Sreenivasan in Malayalam, Jagapathi Babu in Telugu and Pasupathi in Tamil, is being essayed by Irrfan Khan in Hindi.
Has Katha Parayumbol also been remade in other languages?
Director P Vasu remade the Malayalam film Katha Parayumbol into Tamil and Telugu, titled Kuselan and Kathanayakudu, respectively. Rajinikanth played the role of super star in the remakes.
Where did the Tamil remake fail?
The strength of the original story was diluted when it was remade in Tamil and Telugu Besides the films also suffered because of the problem of adding additional characters. The remakes also lost their theme because of the up-scaling of Rajinikanth's role, when compared to the role of Mammootty in the original Malayalam version.
What did you do to do justice to Shah Rukh's character as the super star?
A lot of changes in the screenplay were made to suit the larger than life image of Shah Rukh Khan, though he does not play himself ,without in any way diluting the strength of the original script and as a result we have him doing as many as three item numbers with actresses like Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra.
Is it different from the usual Priyadarshan films?

The film is full of my comic touches, complete with the much loved village bumpkin characters, played by Asrani, Om Puri and Rajpal Yadav. But above all, it rekindles the Krishna - Sudama timeless friendship.
Does criticism about you being the Master of Remakes bother you?

I am not bothered when the critics dub me as the Remake Man, because the Oscar last year went to the remake version of a Hong Kong film called The Departed. My Kabhi Na Kabhi was not a remake of any Malayalam hit but an original subject written by Javed Akhtar.

Do you know that all David Dhawan films have been rehashed from Bhagyaraj's hit films?

I think most remakes of South Indian hits fail only because they try to make it as it is. I make it a point not to let any of my film in Hindi look like a Tamil or Malayalam film from any angle.
What is of primary importance when you make a film?

As far as a director is concerned, the approach to a film is more important and also doing justice to the film. All other things are secondary.
Which are your forthcoming projects?

I have five mega projects lined up. I am finalising a script for a film which may star Amitabh Bachchan and Akshaye Khanna. The story is about bank robbery. I'm directing it for Percept Pictures. I am also making a horror film called Grrr! for them. I am also making the Hindi remake of Majeed Majidi's classic The Children of Heaven with Darsheel Safary, and Rituparna Dasgupta.
Have you stopped making Malayalam films?

I will return next year to Malayalam films to direct veteran scriptwriter M.T. Vasudevan Nair's next script, which would also star my favorite actor Mohanlal in the lead.
Tell me about your ambitious project Kanchipuram.
Kanchipuram is a tragic tale of pre-Independence Indian silk weavers in Kanchipuram. The story unfolds against the backdrop of the first rumblings of labor unionism in South India. The film has Prakashraj, Shreya Reddy, the daughter of the former wicket keeper Bharat Reddy, Shammu and Jayakumar in the lead. The film, using Tamil language and grammar of that period, has been produced by Percept Picture Company and Gulshan Kumar.
Wasn't your Bhool Bhulaiya a rehash of the Tamil hit Chandramukhi starring Rajnikant ?
Chandramukhi was a commercial massacre of the original Malayalam film Mani Chitra Thazhu starring Mohanlal and Shobhana which was made way back in 1981. I was pissed off when the media wrote that I was remaking a trash like Chandramukhi when the original version is even today considered classic. I had not directed the film but assisted Fazil who had directed it. The concept also was his but they killed his concept and made it into a Rajnikant style film because they wanted to cater to the masses. I made Bhool Bhulaiya by sticking to the original concept of Fazil.
In what way was Bhool Bhulaiya different from the original Malayalam hit?
Though I followed the original, I made sure that the subject suited the North audience and did not reek of nativity in any way. I had Banaras as the backdrop instead of Kerala. Chandramukhi was more of an action film. In the original version, they showed the protagonist as a split personality. However, since I am a psychology student, I took the liberty to base the story on identity syndrome.
Didn't you plan to cast Aishwarya Rai in place of Vidya Balan when you set out to remake Manichitra Thazhu as Bhool Bhulaiya?
To make Vidya Balan do Shobana's role was a big challenge for me as a director. To Vidya's credit, I should say that she worked very hard on her role, though there is a lot of difference between a genuine dancer and a filmy dancer. The role which Vidya did in Bhool Bhulaiya was tailor made for her. I realized that it would have been a grave mistake on my part if I had taken on Aishwarya Rai, as I had planned earlier instead of Vidya.
Why do you cast the same set of actors in your films again and again?
When the butter is at home, why should I search for ghee? I like to use complete actors like Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav and Manoj Joshi who can do all kinds of roles. I am of the opinion that known devils are better than unknown angels.
You have no qualms to admit that you like to play to the gallery as a film maker?
My Dhol was a time pass film, which was rehashed from three Malayalam films-- Manamathai, Mazhai Peyyunnu Madhalam Kottunnu and Chandralekha. So what if it did not click like some of my earlier films? I could not sit through the Hindi remake of my hit Malayalam film Chandralekha because Raj Kanwar who directed it mauled my original version very badly.

Can you tell me one single serious film which has worked in Hindi in the last two years at the box office?

I have no qualms to admit that I play to the gallery because today the majority of the audiences are youngsters who have problems at their homes and want to pass time when they come to the cinema houses.

Want to break into Bollywood? Win a pageant

New Delhi: Dream of a big Bollywood break but daddy's not a film star? Well, your best chance of a breakthrough may be via a beauty pageant.
Many stars in Bollywood, including Aishwarya Rai, Priyanka Chopra and John Abraham, have gone down this road and carved out successful careers for themselves.
Former Miss India-turned-actress Tanushree Dutta admits that winning a pageant was a stepping stone for her career. 'I became a national face after winning the pageant and was recognised by everyone. It was not only a launch pad but also a great training ground,' Dutta told IANS over phone from Mumbai. 'This does help in entering the (film) industry but after that you have to prove your acting mettle because there is no shortcut to success,' she added.
Zoya Akhtar's directorial debut 'Luck By Chance', which took an insider's look at the film industry, pointed out that to get a lead role in a movie one either has to be a star kid or else a model who has won a beauty pageant.
Actor-turned-director Deepak Tijori agrees and says winning a pageant gives recognition but one has to utilise the opportunity in a 'wise' manner. 'Winning a title brings unknown faces into the limelight, which in turn helps them in building their career. Media is such a strong medium today that you are bound to get attention and such attention really helps only if used wisely,' Tijori said.
Actors like Sushmita Sen, Dino Morea and Rajniesh Duggall have respectively titles like Miss Universe, Gladrags Manhunt and Mr India which helped them realise their Bollywood dreams.
These days many modelling agencies like Elite Modelling Agency and Shoot Talent Management are helping Bollywood aspirants fulfil their dreams.
Shoot Talent Management's business head (north) Sonia Karan Dikar told IANS that it was a natural progression for most models to aspire for Bollywood. 'Modelling gives you fame but not as much as Bollywood and today's generation wants to become famous and earn money very quickly. This can happen only when you are a well-known face or a celebrity,' Dikar said. 'Winning a title helps in giving you global exposure that in turn gives you good opportunities and assignments.'
Mehar Bhasin, who also runs a grooming and modelling academy, Mehar Bhasin Academy, agrees with Dikar and says that a grooming or modelling school does wonders to improve the overall personality of anybody. 'Winning a title definitely helps in boosting the confidence of the aspirant and the fact that you are already groomed also saves a lot of energy and efforts for directors as they know that you can confidently face the camera,' Bhasin said.
Talking about the advantage winning a title has had on his career, Mr India Rajniesh Duggall told IANS over phone from Mumbai: 'It takes a person three steps ahead of where he is. It helps him in crossing basic hurdles like directly meeting a producer or director rather than waiting in long queues. But at the end of the day what matters are the choices that you make in your film career.'
Duggall added: 'The Grasim Mr India title helped me to the extent that any producer I wanted to meet used to call me directly to his office whereas at the same time if my friend approached the same producer, they used to make him wait for at least a month.'
But model-turned-actor Rahul Dev dismisses the idea that a majority of the actors who are doing well in the tinsel town are winners of some title or the other. 'All actors in Bollywood are not necessarily winners of any pageant or title. There are some (pageant winners) but they too have worked hard to reach where they are,' Dev said. 'Winning a title gives you media attention. And the way you are projected on screen, the perception of the whole world about you changes,' he added.

I would like to work with Kareena again: Shahid Kapur

Mumbai: Shahid Kapur says he doesn't mind working with ex-girlfriend Kareena Kapoor if a filmmaker wanted him to.
“I would like to work with her again. I feel that as an actor if my producer wants me to romance with a cow or a buffalo also, I'll do it because that's my job,” Shahid said on Zee News' celebrity chat show “Kahiye Janab”.
Shahid and Kareena teamed up for three films.

While "Fida" and "Chup Chup Ke" bombed at the box office, "Jab We Met" was a blockbuster. Sadly, their relationship soured while shooting for this romantic comedy.
Now Shahid is linked with India's tennis star Sania Mirza.
Asked about Sania, he said: “She is a very good friend of mine, but I don't want to discuss my personal life.”
The show will be aired Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

I was a short, dark and round girl: Bipasha Basu

Bipasha Basu came into the limelight with her coffee bean complexion in Ajnabee.

But she has now moved on from being just a sex icon and is signing on mature roles. But being confident young girl right from the start the actress says being dusky has never a bane in fact the actress says it made her stronger. Reminiscing her childhood Bipasha says "I was never meant to be beautiful.

I was a short, dark and round girl. I was incorrigible. I was the brat of the neighborhood. However, I had my defenses in order. Before anybody could scold me, I would start bawling loudly. Nevertheless, I was good kid in school.

I was the prefect in my school at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in Kolkata, later I became the Head Girl. If I had not started modeling at an early age, I would have liked to study. Not having done so will always be regret," says the actress.
But the actress says that she didn't have many friends then. "I was always the butt of their jokes since my elder sister was the pretty one in the family. She was taller, fair; always the centre of attention. But somewhere along the way, I shot up in height and started to look better. I won a few beauty contests. Things changed when I won the Ford Supermodel of the World in December 1996" she reveals.
The actress says there were times when she enjoyed the limelight and at times she didn't. "There were times when I enjoyed the attention and the lifestyle. At other times I wanted to lock myself in my room and hope the world outside the door would just go away"
Bipasha in fact started life a little earlier than most people. "I started modelling at the age of 16, doing fashion shows all over the world. I used to live between Delhi and Mumbai for most of the year. That is, when I was not abroad. It has taken me a while to accept Mumbai as my home after living in Delhi and Kolkata.

I have lived in a series of rented rooms and apartments. Many of them shared with other models for roommates. It was difficult to call any of these places home, until now. I have my own apartment in a secluded lane in the city. It's a great place to come home to" she concludes.

Ranbir- Deepika's wavering relationship

Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone came together quietly under dramatic circumstances more than a year back.
There were talks that Ranbir was seeing his first co-star Sonam and Deepika was oscillating between Yuvraaj Singh and M.S Dhoni after her break up with Nihar Pandya.
They have been officially seeing each other for a while but there have been some uncertainties.
Of late there have been talks about Ranbir getting close to his new co-star Katrina Kaif and Deepika being spotted with some mystery man.
In the beginning, Neetu Singh seemed to be confident about her dear Ranbir's relationship with Deepika. Both Rishi and she seemed to have accepted her as their bahu.
In fact, she was even spotted with Deepika at the Lakme Fashion week and caught the attention of all and sundry.
But now things have changed. Because of the differences they too are uncertain about what the future holds for the young couple.
Neetu has recently said, "Deepika is just another girlfriend in Ranbir's life. Both of them are very young. It's a long way to go before marriage. No one knows what the future holds for them."
The bad thing is that both of them are busy and don't have enough time to sort out things. We too wonder what the future holds for the young love birds.

Maharashtra Government Yielding to Fascist Elements: Mahesh Bhatt

Mumbai: Bollywood filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has criticised the Maharashtra government for ignoring an apex court order to release producer Kamaal Khan's Deshdrohi in the state and yielding to the pressures of the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
He said by ignoring the Supreme Court's order for the safe theatrical release of "Deshdrohi" in Mumbai on Jan 23, it was playing into the hands of the fascists elements of the state.
"The government has brazenly succumbed to the fascist elements operating in the state with impunity. It is very sad. 'Deshdrohi' has the legal sanction to be screened in Mumbai and yet the government has failed to ensure its safe release in the city, doling out excuse that its theatrical release would create a law and order problem. In other words, it has allowed itself to be dictated to by the MNS, which is unfortunate," Bhatt said Saturday at a press conference.
Bhatt was speaking in support of the film's embattled producer, who had to knock the doors of the courts to secure the release of "Deshdrohi" in Mumbai in the face of stiff resistance from the MNS because the film depicts the party's anti-North Indian campaign in the city.
He also said by toeing the lines of the previous state government headed by Vilasrao Deshmukh and failing to honour the constitutional rights of the civil society, the Ashok Chavan government forfeited the right to govern the state.
When asked whether a film's content should be called into question, or can a state government put its screenings on hold after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) clears its release, Bhatt said CBFC has no teeth to impose its order as it is merely a gradation authority.
"Law and order," he said, "is a state subject and so a state government can play any game to suit its purpose in the name of law and order. This is most unfortunate," Bhatt said.
He observed that the civil society of India could not afford to be a mere spectator to the manner in which the state government has trampled upon its constitutional rights.
"Time has now come to create a strong public opinion against it. It is not the battle of Kamaal Khan alone," Bhatt said.
But the sad part is that, of all the Bollywood filmmakers, barring Maheash Bhatt, only Ketan Mehta came forward to extend support to Kamaal Khan's fight against the state government, even though the entire industry was called upon to raise its voice against the fascist MNS elements seeking to take the industry for ransom

The Salman-Katrina marriage sham

'Saamna', the famous Marathi daily which also happens to be the Shiv Sena mouth piece had claimed that Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif were married which of course came as a piece of shocking news, no less.
Now the news has been refuted by Salman's father Salim Khan who was reported to have said it.
The interview was for the special supplement to commemorate Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray's birthday on Friday. During his conversation, Salim Khan had talked about the secular values of his family and their cool attitude towards religion.
He'd said, "I mentioned how Arbaaz was married to Malaika, a Christian, Sohail to Seema, a Hindu, and Salman's girlfriend Katrina is a Muslim."
Salim said he was misquoted by the newspaper and clarified, "The reporter has translated my comment into Marathi saying that Salman was married to Katrina.The Marathi word "jar" (if) was missing in the operative sentence, which wrongly gave the impression that the two are married"
A senior journalist with the newspaper called it a printing mistake on the condition of anonymity.
Katrina's spokesperson termed the report as "baseless" and he said they will be sending a notice to the newspaper demanding a formal apology.
She's said in an interview, "I definitely think that Saamna should issue a clarification if not an apology because it's not a small thing. It's not the news of a movie or some endorsement that one has signed. It's a big think to make a mistake about somebody's life like this. And I think a clarification is a must because I know for a fact that Salim sahab has definitely not said anything and one should be careful while reporting for such a major newspaper and while writing articles. My managers have spoken to the editors at 'Saamna' and they were assured of a corrigendum. People who read 'Saamna' are regulars so when they open the paper tomorrow, there should be a clarification in the paper. They should say that they were misinformed or the misprinted and that's it. I think the matter should be ended then and there."
Katrina sure knows what she wants! It's definitely not marriage or talks of a marriage at this point!

Juhi Babbar is formally divorced

By: Sonal Chawla

Bejoy and Juhi are now formally divorced

Raj and Nadira Babbar's daughter Juhi Babbar has divorced her filmmaker husband Bejoy Nambiar. The case was on for the past several months. The final hearing took place last week.
Drifting apart
The couple long-time sweethearts tied the knot on June 27, 2007. A source close to Juhi reveals, "After winning the TV show, Gateway To Hollywood, Bejoy had bagged an internship with Hollywood producer Ashok Amritraj.
The internship went on for over a year. Ultimately, it was distance that spelled doom for this relationship. Especially, because it was so soon after they got hitched.
Juhi tried talking to him, but it was an important career move, and he wasn't ready to give up mid-way." Bejoy is currently the line producer for Mani Ratnam's Raavan.
A source reveals, "They had barely returned from the honeymoon, when Bejoy went to Kerala to shoot a film for Ashok Amritraj's Gateway contest. He then left for Hollywood for further work, and that's when the couple actually drifted apart."
Barely three months into her marriage, a lonely Juhi immersed herself in mother Nadira's Ekjute theatre troupe and directed a play for CRY (Child Rights and You).
She also did some acting work. At the time, Juhi had said, "Bejoy is very supportive and he himself is busy with his short films and thus I am also carrying on with something I always believed in."
Pehle kaam
The source continues, "Even after he returned from US, things didn't improve. For Bejoy, work was a priority. He wanted to establish his career.
This didn't go well down with the strong-headed Juhi, who wanted him to work on their marriage. She decided to call it quits. Juhi now stays with her parents."
Bejoy, who was in Orchha for Mani Ratnam's Raavan, took a ten-day break to come down to Mumbai for the court hearings.
Juhi will be debuting on television and will be seen in Red Chillies' TV production Ghar Ki Baat Hai. On being asked to comment on her divorce, Juhi says, "I'd really not want to discuss personal stuff at this point. There's too much happening on the work front. Why don't we talk about that?"

Hridayesh Sangeet Samaroh

If the city of Pune boasts of a huge festival of music like 'Sawai Gandharva Mahotsav' which draws an audience of over 10,000 Mumbai too can justifiably take pride in the 'Hridayesh Festival' of classical music which is held every year in the open ground of the Parle Tilak Vidyalaya at Vile Parle E.
The festival is being held without a break over the last 18 years.Earlier it was dedicated to the memory of the Kirana gharana singers Sureshbabu Mane and Hirabai Badodekar.Now simply called 'Hridayesh Sangeet Samaroh'.it will be held from 24th Jan to 26th Jan from 5.30pm to 10pm everyday.
This Year It will begin with a vocal recital by the noted Gwalior gharana singer Ms Neela Bhagwat. Ulhas Kashalkar,one of topnotch singers will also sing on the first day.He was recently selected for the 'Sangeet Natak Academy' award. He will be accompanied on the tabla by the veteran Suresh Talwalkar. Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan will conclude the first session with his sarod recital.He will be accompanied on the tabla by Vijay Ghate on 24th Jan 2009
The second session on 25th Jan will open with a vocal jugalbandi recital by the famous Benaras singers Rajan and Sajan Mishra.Bansuri wizard Hariprasad Chaurasia will also play.The last artiste on the second day will be Mewati gharana legend Jasraj. The third and the last day will begin with a vocal recital by Aarati Ankalikar Tikekar. Rashid Khan, the most sought after musician of the present era will also perform in the same session. Shivkumar Sharma, the santoor maestro will write a finis to the colorful samaroh .He will be accompanied on the tabla by Yogesh Samsi.

Kareena is a perfect friend!

Bebo has proved yet again that she is one helluva firend! Recently, she threw a big birthday bash for her family doctor, Dr. Agarwal.
Says a source close to Kareena, "Bebo is very fond of Dr.Agarwal. She went out of her way from her busy schedule and threw him a nice party. She herself made each and every phone call and invited people. A lot of family friends attended the party. Tushar kapoor, Shabina Khan, Babita, Karisma and many others were present. They all really enjoyed themselves and had a wonderful time. This shows how close Kareena considers her family friends. She is a considerate person."
"Dr. Agarwal was flattered. He was unaware of the surprise party. He was very happy . He thinks Bebo is a wonderful actress and watches all her films. Dr. Agarwal is a family doctor for other celebrities like Tabu, Karisma, Urmila and many more", adds the source.
Kareena Kapoor proves that she is a good friend time and again. Be it helping best friend Amrita with health tips or doing a song for her favourite, SRK in Billo Barber free of charge, she is the true Czarina of Bollywood!

My new book is about adult love: Shashi Deshpande

By Madhusree Chatterjee

New Delhi: Love and relationships stir the storyteller in her, says award winning 70-year-old author Shashi Deshpande while revealing that she still writes with a thick-nibbed fountain pen on smooth paper.
"All my books are about relationships - particularly this one which is about love between an adult man and an adult woman," Deshpande, whose new book, "In the Country of Deceit", has just hit the stands, told IANS in an interview here.
The Bangalore-based author, who is the daughter of celebrated Kannada dramatist Shriranga, has six novels and four children's books to her credit. The Sahitya Akademi Award was conferred on her for her book, "The Long Silence", in 1988.
Excerpts from the interview to IANS:
Q: Your new book is about adult love. Are all your books themed on relationships and love?
A: All my books are about relationships - particularly the new one, which is about love between an adult man and an adult woman. Most of my novels emphasise love because I am fascinated by the idea of love. Devyani, the protagonist of my new book "In the Country of Deceit", falls deeply and passionately in love.
Relationships are not something one decides on. They happen naturally, especially adult relationships, and one must know what the consequences are and take responsibility for it. It is very difficult to judge if adult love is good or bad. Human beings always crave for love, even in death a dying man wants to hold someone's hands.
Q: How did the novel (a Penguin India title) come about?
A: Devyani, the protagonist, came to me from an earlier novel and I knew that I wanted to write her love story this time. The process of writing the book and publishing it took me three-and-a-half years.
I always write in long hand with a thick-nibbed fountain pen on smooth paper. After two drafts, I fed the book to the computer.
Q: Is the quality of love different in adolescent, youth and maturity?
A: It is very difficult to distinguish love according to the level of mental maturity. A 60-year-old man or a woman can fall in love and behave like a child. People realise the true meaning of love only when they fall in love.
My novel is about adult love. Devyani, the protagonist, who chooses to live alone in the town of Rajnaur after her parents' death, falls in love with the town's new district superintendent of police, Ashok Chinappa, who is much, married and- as both painfully acknowledge from the very beginning older - it is a relationship without a future.
In my book, the first thing the man tries to tell the woman is that I promise you nothing. But I stand outside your gate and cannot get you out of my mind. I think that's the real sign of love.
Q: What are the kind of books do you like to read?
A: I read very adult books as a child like Jane Austen and plays by Leo Tolstoy. In school, I read authors like T.S. Elliot, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Charles Dickens, William Makepeace Thackeray and Walter Scott - all of whose works I loved. I read everything that I got hold of. My father, who was a famous playwright, gave me the freedom to read and think for myself.
I also love crime fiction by women authors like Dorothy Sayers and P.D. James. And of course Sherlock Holmes, which is a classic. But I think the new crime thrillers - the ones written by Patricia Cornwell - are too gory because the murders are mindless. I think the new crime fictions are a reflection of urban angst and loneliness.
Q: Do you think contemporary Indian writing in English is productive, prolific and qualitative?
A: I think it very productive. The country has a huge number of writers, but young writers have two problems. One - they are impatient. The minute they write a book they are in a hurry to take it to the publisher and make fame and fortune. They have no ideas about the realities of publishing. Publishers on their part have too many manuscripts and too many new writers. It is very difficult to judge young writers - you have to nurture a writer.
Q: What books are you working on at the moment?
A: I am taking a break, though mentally, I am working on another book. I plan to write a non-fiction for a change and one more children's book, a genre, which I had given up since my children grew up.

I'm not a celebrity: Deepika Padukone

New Delhi: She made her first big screen appearance with superstar Shah Rukh Khan, in her second film she worked under the prestigious Yash Raj banner and her third release saw her teaming up with Akshay Kumar, and yet Deepika Padukone doesn't consider herself a celebrity.
"I don't consider myself a celebrity. I believe that I've had a fantastic upbringing and I believe my parents have kept me really grounded and rooted.

I hope that success never gets to me," said Deepika whose "Chandni Chowk To China" has just hit the screens.
"I've seen my father (badminton champion Prakash Padukone) handle success really well and I hope I continue in the same way because I believe that fame and money are secondary things. The main thing is to enjoy your work," she added.
The 23-year-old was applauded for her performances in her maiden venture "Om Shanti Om" followed by "Bachna Ae Haseeno".
She is currently working in Imtiaz Ali's "Production No. 1".

Sharmila Tagore and Soha Ali Khan runs for Rahul Bose's foundation

Sharmila Tagore and Soha Ali Khan will run the marathon for Rahul Bose's foundation that is into charity.
Bose feels that the Mumbai Marathon is the best community event. "Especially in the wake of the recent terror attacks 26/11 attacks," Rahul says. The actor says that this is the only occassion where differences visible in the everday life melt away and the entire city comes together in the spirit of oneness.

He says that the marathon is one event which actually does not require any personal investment from anyone but we should invest in it as its a great platform to see the different lifestyles thriving in the city come together for the support of different causes.

We should invest in it as its an enriching experience for all and sundry. Adds Sharmila,""Children are the future of India and as UNICEF'S Goodwill Ambassodor, I have pledged to speak up for the cause of children whenever and whereever it is necessary. I am perticipating inthis marathon to support HEAL, a project run by Rahul Bose's NGO - the foundation, to raise awareness for sexually abused children.
If this small effort in anyway alleviates the misery and stigma that these little children have to face, it will be worth my while."

My film is certainly not called 'Jehad': Rensil d'Silva
By Subhash K. Jha

Mumbai: Saif Ali Khan's films have a tendency to go nameless until the last minute. The latest is a Rensil d'Silva-directed terrorist thriller, which is produced by Karan Johar and has Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Viveik Oberoi and Om Puri in leading roles.
Nearing completion, the film has no title yet.
This week sections of the media were abuzz with reports that Rensil's film has finally found a title "Jehad".
Rensil is appalled by these reports. "Am I mad to call my anti-terrorism drama 'Jehad'? What signal will it send out to the audience? Please don't believe such rumours. 'Jehad' was a name suggested by Kareena and Saif.

I am certainly not going by that title. Suddenly everyone thinks it's called 'Jehad'. Considering the current climate, that's a really inappropriate title."
So what is Rensil going to call his film?
"I've no clue. And I can't put it to public vote because that would give away the title. But it's certainly not 'Jehad'."

If Sanjay Dutt can't contest, Manyata will be our candidate: Amar Singh

New Delhi: If Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt is not qualified to contest the Lok Sabha elections, his wife Manyata will be the Samajwadi Party candidate in his place, party general secretary Amar Singh said here Saturday.
"If Sanjay Dutt is unable to contest the polls, we will request the Dutt family to allow (his wife) Manyata to fight from Lucknow," Amar Singh told reporters here.
He had announced Thursday that Sanjay Dutt would be the party candidate from Lucknow for the poll expected by May. However, the actor has a number of criminal cases pending against him and may not be qualified to contest.
Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee represents the Uttar Pradesh capital in the Lok Sabha

Paki actor's B-town dreams crash.

Mikaal Zulfikaar, the Pakistani-British actor was hoping hard to make it big in Bollywood. But his dreams now have gone for a toss.
And the reason is the unofficial ban on Pakistani entertainers in Maharashtra.
Mikaal has made his debut as Naseeruddin Shah's nephew in Jagmohan Mundra's 'Shoot On Sight'. He was supposed to arrive in Mumbai this month to begin shooting for Mundra's 'Roommates' in February.
After this ban against Pakistani performers, the producers have quietly decided to replace Mikaal.
Says director Jagmohan Mundra, "You can't blame them. My producers Evolution Films from Chennai, are new to Hindi cinema. They can't afford to antagonise a section of Mumbai for the sake of the cast. Better that we replace Mikaal, although his mother is a British and he holds a British passport. But it's not ours to question why."
He adds, "This is a kind of terrorism beyond the recognised forms of terrorism. How can artistes be segregated according to their religion and nationality? Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan or Farida Khannum and Ghulam Ali don't belong only to Pakistan. They belong to all of us. I was deeply disturbed to know that books by Pakistani authors have been taken off the shelves of Mumbai's bookstores. Creative arts should be kept above politics."
Some things in life are unexpected. Better luck next time, Mikaal.