Madhuri Dixit says it was not demanding to state farewell to fabulousness

Madhuri Dixit says it was not demanding to state farewell to fabulousness: Her bewitching smile could give Bollywood's young things an inferiority complex, and as she effortlessly moved to the beats of “Ke Sera Sera”, Madhuri Dixit sent young pulses racing and the oldies gasping. For an event that was two hours behind schedule, nobody was complaining.

In Delhi to promote Sony's Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, where she is one of the three judges, Madhuri descended with starry paraphernalia. Rikku Rakesh Nath, her secretary for 27 years, was making his presence felt and Mickey Contractor was around to keep her make-up fresh as Madhuri charmed the media. In fact, Mickey and Rikku eagerly looked at the LCD monitors of the cameras to gauge the impact madam was making at 43.

Quite a contrast from the homemaker she is in Denver, Colorado! Madhuri says it was not difficult to detach herself from the glamour world. “The credit goes to my upbringing. I was never treated as a star at home. For me acting was just a profession…I was like a working woman who loved to dance and perform in front of the camera. At home my parents never gave me ‘starry' treatment.”

Was it really that easy? “Yes, there is always an exception to the rule!” says Madhuri, confidence glinting in her eyes. Madhuri adds that because of this upbringing, she always wanted to ensure the man in her life should not be overawed by her status as a Bollywood star. “I wanted him to love me as a person. And Shriram turned out to be that person. Being from a disciplinarian Marathi family, he had very little clue about cinema. And when I went to the U.S. after marriage I could do things which I hadn't done for years. I could drive down to buy groceries. It was liberating. I still love to drop and pick up my kids.”

A role model for working women? “I am no one to advise working women because of the ‘luxuries' I have, but I strongly feel every working woman should believe in her talent and her family.”

Vanishing purity

She has come back at a time when innocence is vanishing from our screens, every heroine giving the impression she has seen it all, done it all. “It's a reflection of our society. Even the kids seem to know everything. You tell them a story of the moon and stars and they will start talking about satellites and galaxies. What was once called fantasy is real today.”

Similarly classical dance, which was once the backbone of Bollywood dance, is on the wane in our cinema. Madhuri, who still practises Kathak as part of her fitness and spiritual regimen, says younger actors don't seem eager to put in the effort required to master the classical art forms. “You can't learn Kathak overnight, Hip Hop you can.”Isn't she the one who started the trend of raunchy stuff with “Ek Do Teen”, “Dhak Dhak” and “Choli Ke Peeche”?

“But why do you forget that I have done a lot of classical stuff as well? And I was not the first one to dance to westernised songs. Vyjayanthimala did it much before me. ‘Ek Do Teen' was crucial to the story because it was a make or break condition for the character. She had to win crowd support to survive.”

When she came at the time of Aaja Nachle, the press accused her of losing touch with fashion, and one must say her saris still look dated. “But it didn't prevent me from coming again,” Madhuri gets a little caustic.

Was Aaja Nachle's box office performance a reason for this long break?

“See, my kids are still small. I can't take three-four projects at a time. For the last two years I am being pursued for films and reality shows including Jhalak… and I agreed when I watched the original Dancing With The Stars being shot in Los Angeles. The producers have promised that this time they are going to take Jhalak to the same level.”

Rikku says industry people keep on tapping him about her plans and that six-seven scripts are pending for Madhuri's nod. “I keep on sending DVDs to the States so that she could understand the changing trends.”

But Madhuri says she gets very little free time. “I have seen Ishqiya only after coming here. I liked Vidya Balan. Then I saw Raajneeti. It has no songs and very little commercial trappings but I have been told it worked well. I am not in a hurry. I will sign only when I get something really different.”

Asin vs Katrina

Asin vs Katrina: Seems like the musical chairs game has another round with Anurag Basu's Silence leading lady changing once again. With Ranbir Kapoor in front, the film was to have Asin as first and Priyanka Chopra second lead in it but as we know Asin was busy with the Tamil film Kaavalan which gave her no choice but to opt out of the film after which Katrina Kaif stepped into the role.

But it seems that Ms Kaif is not happy with the role of the narrator, in comparison to second lead Priyanka Chopra who plays a mentally challenged character. Moreover there seems to have been no mention of this as reported by sources earlier this year. Whether there is truth to this or there are other reasons is left to be unknown but sources close to the film have told Times of India that was definitely a lot of confusion.

However, things have changed yet again with Asin now back in the same role she walked out of earlier this year. Although she chooses to keep mum about the factor of why, the Ghajini actress states she is definitely a part of the film. She also adds "Let me make it clear that I will never opt out of a film to avoid a co-star. In fact it would be a pleasure to work with Priyanka" when questioned about her exit from the film earlier on and if like Katrina's rumoured reasoning, she too had concerns. Silence is currently in pre production stages and is set to go on the floors early 2011.

Aishwarya Rai recompensed for brilliance in the field of Entertainment!

Aishwarya Rai recompensed for brilliance in the field of Entertainment!: Aishwarya Rai awarded for excellence in the field of Entertainment! The Bachchan bahu has added another award to her kitty. But this time not in some glamorous ‘filmi’ award function.The world acclaimed beauty has been honoured this time with Teacher’s People Achiever award at the 10th edition of the awards in Mumbai over the weekend.

The actress however was happy that she bagged the people’s choice award, crediting the audience and her fans for being her inspiration and support. Ash dedicated the award to her father, Kishnaraj Rai as a felicitation on the occasion of his birthday.

The Teacher’s Achievement Awards that began in 2001 is rewarded to individuals excelling in diverse fields under the categories of business, communications, sports, entertainment and lifetime achievement.

Bollywood Hot Star Shilpa Shetty gifted a flat in Burj Khalifa

Bollywood Hot Star Shilpa Shetty gifted a flat in Burj Khalifa: Shilpa Shetty is supposedly the latest show biz star resident who will move into a neighbourhood close you particularly soon. Reports going in have prescribed that the Bollywood character and Britian's “Celebrity Big Brother” reality show winner has been skilled a loft on the 19th deck of Burj Khalifa, the planet's tallest raising. But also the endowment is by none other than her husband, billionaire enterpriser Raj Kundra, who exhibited the keys to the star for their first wedding marriage celebration final week.

While no affirmation was imminent from property designer Emaar, Shetty at least tweeted concerning her entry in sunny Dubai final twilight, declaring: “Landed In Dubai :) so called for this break jus wish I cud spk: (Gods method of telling me to tk a break (Shutup). Outperforming at mark language should express! Sic ”The performing artist has been diagnosed with pharyngitis on November 20 and has lost her voice in consideration of. India's Mid day. Com quoted an origin near the character who affirmed the news, uniting that Shetty herself could outline the interiors of flat.

The famous couple already have business interests in Dubai through their 33 per cent or £6 million stake in the UK-based V8 Gourmet Group, an international Indian food company that includes The Bombay Bicycle Club Kitchens and Tiffinbites, amongst other brands. The deal, which was inked last year, had Shetty saying at the time: “I know that our partnership will grow and envisage a great future with a whole new line of products and restaurants all over Europe, Dubai and Jordan.”Within six months, Tiffinbites opened its first restaurant at Dubai Marina, JBR Walk, followed by another at Mirdiff City Centre.

The actress has also mentioned that she wants to launch a line of ready gourmet Indian meals in Dubai for weight watchers. Shetty, 35, entered Bollywood with the hit thriller “Baazigar” in 1993 and in the corresponding 16 years has had a mere handful of hit films in her kitty, of which the most notable being 2000’s “Dhadkan”, 2004’s “Phir Milenge” and 2007’s “Life In A… Metro”.

The actress shot to international acclaim when she won Celebrity Big Brother amidst racial slurs that won the heart of millions who voted for her, but since has made a handful of appearances in films, mainly through item numbers. In 2007 she met now husband, Kundra, and the duo tied the knot last year. The couple also own properties in Mumbai and London.

Deepika Padukone vs Katrina Kaif

Deepika Padukone vs Katrina Kaif: Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone are counted in the league of top actresses currently in Bollywood. But apart from that, there are quite a few things that they have in common. Firstly, both were romantically linked with Ranbir Kapoor. While Deepika and Ranbir's relationship was official, Katrina and Ranbir only maintain that they are 'just good friends'. However, industry sources claim otherwise.

Secondly, Deepika and Katrina are playing ambitious aspiring actresses in their upcoming films- BREAK KE BAAD and TEES MAAR KHAN respectively. Reveals Deepika, "My character of Aaliyah in BREAK KE BAAD is very focused on a career. She wants to achieve a lot. She wants to go to Australia to become an actress. She wants to be independent and is very ambitious.

Katrina Kaif says, "I play a wannabe actress in TEES MAAR KHAN. She is a very innocent girl. She's very ambitious but in a very simple way, not in an intelligent way. It was fun."BREAK KE BAAD releases on November 26, while TEES MAAR KHAN is scheduled for a December 24 release. Let's wait and watch which 'aspiring actress' finally makes it big!

Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif perform togather in ‘Housefull 2’

Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif perform togather in ‘Housefull 2’: The latest buzz in the tinsel town is that two reigning beauties of Bollywood - Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone - are professional rivals and don’t see eye to eye. But, it’s significant that the long time rivals will soon be seen in the sequel to Sajid Khan's ‘Houseful’. Though Deepika was already there , Katrina will be added to have more spice in the movie. And, if sources are to be believed, the ‘Houseful’ sequel will see a lot of new faces. However, director Sajid Khan says that he is still writing the script and there are a lot of names that are confirmed and some still need to be finalized. He can confirm John Abraham, Akshay Kumar and Ritesh Deshmukh at the moment. Among others said to be included are Arjun Rampal, Paresh Rawal and Nana Patekar, besides the two females.

Interestingly, during her talk with filmmaker Karan Johar on his chat show ‘Koffee with Karan’, Deepika was very much frank about her gifting condoms to Ranbir. The latter had no qualms accepting the gift from his former girlfriend and in fact he was quite open to the unique idea of Deepika. And being a gentleman, the actor wished the dimpled beauty all the best for her next film ‘Break Ke Baad’ opposite Imran Khan.

Deepika Padukone act to 'Break Ke Baad'

Deepika Padukone act to 'Break Ke Baad': Deepika Padukone has been a roller coaster ride for actress Deepika Padukone. She has tasted both success and failure in her three years' career in Bollywood but she is not a kind of girl to be easily carried away by success or affected by failure. She comes back stronger every time she falters. After a lull, she is back again with Break Ke Baad.

Deepika had a dream start in Bollywood with Om Shanti Om but her subsequent films Bachna Ae Haseeno and Chandni Chowk to China failed at the box office. She came back strongly with Love Aaj Kal and Housefull but then her next film Lafangey Parindey failed. Now, she is ready to end the roller coaster ride with Break Ke Baad.

Featuring Imran Khan and Deepika Padukone in the lead roles, Break Ke Baad is all about long-distance relationship and life after a break up. Here goes the story of the film – childhood friends become lovers at the age of 15. However, all hell breaks loose when the girl decides to chase her dream. The rest of the story deals with the hardships and insecurities that lovers face in a long-distance relationship. Produced by Kunal Kohli and directed by Danish Aslam, the film is all set for release tomorrow, November 26.

Freida Pinto: 'Senseless Bollywood' Movies

Freida Pinto: 'Senseless Bollywood' Movies: Slumdog Millionaire star Freida Pinto has ruled out plans of starring in Bollywood films, as she is more interested in real cinema rather than the song and dance routines. She has been offered several “stereotypical” roles for “a girl from India” ever since she got famous, but she’s adamant about avoiding parts in masala Bollywood movies.

“I wouldn’t want to do a Bollywood film per se, but I would like to do an Indian language film. For some reason I think Bollywood has become synonymous with commercial cinema, which is song and dance and everything that is larger than life. I am interested in the reality,” says the actor, who got herself an agent in Hollywood soon after the response to Danny Boyle’s Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire.

The actor also worked with Woody Allen on You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger earlier this year. She adds, “It is great to have entertainment, but I think there needs to be something that also makes you want to go back and think about what you’ve seen.”

The actor, whose last release, Miral, failed to impress critics worldwide, says, “Mindless cinema is not my cup of tea..., I could get into trouble for saying that. I don’t think Bollywood is only mindless cinema, but a lot of films they churn out are not films that I completely enjoy watching.

Priyanka Chopra might be having sleepless nights in Berlin

Priyanka Chopra might be having sleepless nights in Berlin: where she is presently shooting for Don 2. According to reports doing the rounds, the actress is being haunted by a ghost from her past. Well, not literally, but a certain Prakash Jaju has returned back to Priyanka Chopra’s life. For the uninitiated, Prakash Jaju was the actress’ secretary once upon a time. He was sacked by Priyanka Chopra when she caught him sending her lecherous text messages and was handed over to the police officials in Mumbai. But now that his arrest period is over, Prakash Jaju has resurfaced in Priyanka Chopra’s life.

The ex-secretary is reportedly promoting the career of Meera Chopra, Priyanka Chopra’s distant cousin. And though the Bollywood actress is very disturbed over the fact, she cannot really do anything about it, because though the court orders Prakash Jaju to stay away from her family, nothing has been mentioned about her extended family in the legal notice. What comes across as more troubling news to Priyanka Chopra is the fact that Meera has gone on record saying that she does not find anything wrong in Prakash Jaju’s character and she is prepared to work with him because the man may bring her some good offers from Bollywood. Meera Chopra is all set to debut in Bollywood next year and it is to be seen whether Prakash Jaju can create the same magic with her as he did with Priyanka Chopra.

Could Sonam be the next Kajol?

Could Sonam be the next Kajol? Sonam Kapoor's just missing element is her good luck. A look at her past pictures will indicate that she has every last trace of the makings of a better than average star. Having went with with pro filmmakers and lead actors, Sonam still needs to pray for her good luck to back her.

With some promising line up of pictures next schedule, Sonam Kapoor is almost always perceived as the next huge thing in bollywood. Some quarters have been at present putting her at par with Kajol the extent that her potential is concerned.

Katrina Kaif Syas: I honestly feel mischief

Katrina Kaif Syas: I honestly feel mischief: I honestly feel damage, expresss Katrina Kaif After having a better than average rapport for five years one is feasible to get harm dependant upon one gets formal. Katrina revealed “After five years of going with with Akshay, I am lucky dependant upon he goes in the morning and expresss hello. It's not in light of the fact that he is inconsiderate. It's recently on account of recognition. Now and then, I honestly feel mischief. ”She joined “There were times when I long ago would tell ‘Akshay, better than average morning. Smile. Why are you incensed? ’ and he could tell me not to be silly.

She declared assist, “I suspect that trust is there amidst us. That respect is the most imperative thing. He additionally has a regard for me and its a healthy mathematical statement. ”Katrina and Akshay will soon be perceived as one unit in Farah Khan's upcoming flick “Tees Maar Khan” which is slated to hit theatres on 24th December.

Madhuri Dixit: I thoroughly delight in being a homemaker

Madhuri Dixit: I thoroughly delight in being a homemaker: She reached the peak of fame in her Bollywood career and when time demanded, surrendered all to become a homemaker. It might be hard to imagine Madhuri Dixit engaged in everyday household chores, but the actress insists that is exactly what she does back at home in the US.

The 43-year-old actress, who married doctor Shriram Nene in 1999 and has two sons, said that settling down in family life wasn't tough as she always tried to lead a normal life even during her diva days. "I grew up in a different atmosphere with very middle class values, I was never treated like a star at home. For me acting was just a profession -- I loved performing, dancing in front of the camera; but I was a normal human being at home," Madhuri told PTI.

Bipasha Basu offer international film

Bipasha Basu offer international film: Bipasha, who is usually seen in a glamorous avatar in most of her films, has posted a picture from the movie her Twitter page. Though her complete look is not visible, the picture shows her wearing a red-dupatta pulled over head, an ornate neck piece and a maang-tika. "My first ever period character. Tulaja, a Maratha bodyguard," Bipasha posted along with her picture.

The Bengali actress, who is currently in Gold Coast, Australia, shooting her part with Hollywood actor Josh Hartnett, had earlier admitted being nervous about the movie which is being directed by with English-French director Roland Joffe. "I am very excited, but have to admit that I am also a little nervous," Bipasha had told media persons.

Katrina Kaif find new boyfrend

Katrina Kaif find new boyfrend: Katrina Kaif has found a new friend in the industry. And yes, he happens to be male. But before you jump the gun and think we are talking about Ranbir Kapoor, we need to clarify that Kapoor Jr it is not. They are old friends now.

The actress has developed a strong bond with a cute little boy by the name Czar. The little tot is Farah Khan’s son. Our source said, “Katrina is very fond of Czar and Czar is fond of her too. The two get along like a house on fire. Katrina enjoys talking and playing with the little fellow who has a huge crush on the actress.

Vidya Balan gets liberal with team

Vidya Balan gets liberal with team: Bollywood actress Vidya Balan had always been known as the non-fussy no-tantrum girl. It therefore was only natural that she got along very well with the entire crew of her latest film 'Kahaani'. She was always seen taking time out to chat with the entire team of 'Kahaani' during the film's shoot. But little did the crew members know that the lovely actress had a surprise in store for them.

According to reports in the media, Vidya Balan presented the entire team of 'Kahaani', a variety of gifts ranging from artifacts to chocolates. And what made the 'Kahaani' crew happiest was the fact that their favourite actress chose the gifts that she gave them herself. Following on the footsteps of Vidya Balan is fellow actress Katrina Kaif who has also lavished gifts on the crew members of her latest project. Some even claim that she went about giving gift vouchers to the spot boys,

Preity Zinta pips Dalai Lama in race for Himachal mark represetative

Preity Zinta pips Dalai Lama in race for Himachal mark represetative: The Himachalis clearly know a lot more than growing very good apples. When it came to deciding between Nobel laureate Dalai Lama and Bollywood actor Preity Zinta as their brand ambassador to promote tourism, they pitched for the starlet.

And for good reasons. Zinta was born and educated in Himachal Pradesh before she went on to establish herself as an actor. What got the Himachal government really keen on Zinta was her concern for environment, for which she has become known internationally.

Bipasha Basu games bashful search for international introduction

Bipasha Basu games bashful search for international introduction: Bipasha, who is usually seen in a glamorous avatar in most of her films, has posted a picture from the movie her Twitter page. Though her complete look is not visible, the picture shows her wearing a red-dupatta pulled over head, an ornate neck piece and a maang-tika.

"My first ever period character. Tulaja, a Maratha bodyguard," Bipasha posted along with her picture. The Bengali actress, who is currently in Gold Coast, Australia, shooting her part with Josh Hartnett, had earlier admitted being nervous about the movie which is being directed by with English-French director Roland Joffe. "I am very excited, but have to admit that I am also a little nervous," Bipasha had told us.

Lara Dutta to embrace Kellogg's Special K

Lara Dutta to embrace Kellogg's Special K: Kellogg India has appointed Bollywood actor and former Miss Universe Lara Dutta as the brand ambassador for its breakfast cereal brand Special K.

Kellogg's Special K is aimed at weight- and fitness-conscious women and offers them a weight management plan. It is a crunchy and convenient breakfast option made from honey-coated flakes of wheat and is 98 percent fat-free. Special K provides protein and fibre and is fortified with vitamins to meet the nutritional needs of Indian women.

Sangeeta Pendurkar, MD, Kellogg India, says, “We are delighted to have Lara on board as the brand ambassador for Special K. We feel she personifies the Special K woman to the T. The Special K woman is feminine, positive, and loves the confidence that comes from the weight that she believes is right for her. Special K has been specially developed keeping in mind the functional, emotional and motivational support that women need to start and continue on the path of weight management.”

Kareena Kapoor and Raju Hirani crew up

Kareena Kapoor and Raju Hirani crew up: Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani has turned his hobby into a full time job which is to direc ads. He loves the challenge of telling a story in 60 seconds ,therefore he has started a separate ad division. The acclaimed filmmaker has now dedicated one new division for this.

And Raju has been doing well for himself as after getting Amitabh Bachchan, he has now roped in his 3 Idiots star Kareena Kapoor to direct her for a commercial. Raju, who has worked in big films with big stars, is certainly continuing the trend of roping in A-listers even in this sphere. Someone is definitely taking his new profession very seriously.

Vidya Balan is at present shooting for Sujoy Ghosh's Kahani

Vidya Balan is at present shooting for Sujoy Ghosh's Kahani: And though the actress is game to outdoor shoots and copes with long schedules with thorough professionalism, the only thing she desperately misses is her home routine and morning chai.

A friend of the actress said, “While shooting in Mumbai, Vidya’s daily routine does not change. She likes having her morning cup of tea, eating breakfast and leafing through the newspaper. But unfortunately Vidya misses all this during long outdoor spells.”Vidya is back to being herself once she returns from her tight shooting schedule. “Once back, the first thing Vidya goes for is her cup of chai and home cooked nashta. She takes great pleasure in these simple things,” said the friend.

Sonakshi Sinha & Shahid Kapoor work togather in Kunal Kohli's Movie

Sonakshi Sinha & Shahid Kapoor work togather in Kunal Kohli's Movie: Sonakshi Sinha will reportedly romance Shahid Kapoor in Kunal Kohli's Next - Janam Janam Ka Saath Hai Tumhara Hamara. Kunal Kohli announced the project over his Twitter account on Saturday, November 27. "Shahid Kapur and me working together in my next film. Will hopefully sign the heroine in the next few days. Will keep you posted :-)," he tweeted. Pritam will reportedly score the music for the film and Prasoon Joshi will write the lyrics.
Production for the film will start in April 2011. Sonakshi who made her Bollywood debut with Dabangg in September, now has three films on hand. Hari Om Entertainment's Joker (Pre Production) directed by Shirish Kunder with co-star Akshay Kapoor. Janam Janam Ka Saath Hai Tumhara Hamara (Announced) directed by Kunal Kohli with co-star Shahid Kapoor. Sajid Nadiadwala production Kick Remake to be directed by Shirish Kunder with co-star Salman Khan.