'Rani's item number for Housefull 2'

For the first time in her career, Rani Mukerji will do a hot disco number 

Rani Mukerji is certainly having fun. On the one hand, she has delivered a hard-hitting performance in her last film and on the other, she is gearing up for some matkas and jhatkas in the Housefull sequel. 

Yes, for the first time in her career, the actress will be seen in an item song. Even though she is a fantastic dancer, for some reason, she has stayed away from item songs so far in her career. However, she isn't ready to talk about it. A trained Odissi dancer, Rani says, "As of now, this is hearsay and I'd like to leave it at that. I have really not done an item number in my career, but I'm open to it. 

Doing it totally depends on how the song is being presented and if it excites me. I love dancing and I think such special songs have a lot of energy. It's fun to see and shoot." So will this number be choreographed by Vaibhavi Merchant, who is a close friend of Rani and has directed her dance moves in Bunty Aur Babli and Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic? We'll keep you posted. 

Now Dadasaheb Phalke award for the actress 

After collecting every other award in the country for her performance in No One Killed Jessica, Rani will soon add the Dada Saheb Phalke Academy Award to her collection. She confirms, "I'm happy that people have loved my film and my work. I have always let my work do the talking and I guess I have proved to my critics that I'm not over. It's a great feeling to be back winning awards.

The past three years had been challenging because I didn't have box office success behind me. People forget the body of work, and the amount of blood and sweat that you put in for years and write you off, so I'm very happy to get this prestigious award."

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Ranis-item-number-for-Housefull-2/articleshow/8025606.cms

Gerard is a friend: Kangna

Hollywood actor, Gerard Butler has his eyes set on Indian shores. 

Well, Indian beauties to be more precise. First he made news when he befriended Priyanka Chopraand then Udita Goswami. And now rumours are flying fast and furious about his special friendship with Kangna Ranaut. 

Sometime back, he dropped in on the sets, while she was shooting in New York. Followed by media reports of their secret four-day getaway to an undisclosed location. Kangs was livid reading about yet another romantic link-up. "Yes, it's true, Gerard is a friend. He dropped in on the sets to meet me when I was shooting in New York. But that's all there was. Other news reports about me going on a holiday with him are all rubbish," she clarified exclusively to zoOm. For more Bollywood news and gossip, keep watching Planet Bollywood everyday at 7 pm, only on zoOm.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Gerard-is-a-friend-Kangna/articleshow/7979816.cms

Shah Rukh Khan abandons Twitter, joins Facebook

Even as almost every big Bollywood star has been active on micro-blogging site Twitter, actor Shah Rukh Khan seems to have abandoned it (his last tweet, as appearing on the site on Monday, was posted on January 2).

Having over 8 lakh followers on Twitter, the news might shock his fans but SRK has joined popular social networking site Facebook instead. He however said that he would go back to Twitter as he has promised to do so.

"I went on Twitter for two reasons -- one, Karan told me and... I'll go back to it because I have promised one gentleman," SRK told Headlines Today recently admitting abandoning the micro-blogging site.

Reasoning it he said, "I have enough faces and names not liking me and saying it on my face. I'm ok with that, I can deal with that. But when it became nameless and faceless people saying things to me 'oh you are saying this because this is the agenda attached to it'... because people like to believe that if you are a movie star then you are manipulative, you have some agenda, that's why you are talking about."

"Like, suppose I write '@India Today Conclave having fun', somebody would write 'oh he is trying to show off that he was called to India Today Conclave and somebody else wasn't' or something nonsense. I started finding it ochha (cheap). I said I'm not going on this (Twitter). And there are only two people maybe out of 100 who are saying this but I'm over sensitive," Khan added.

Asked if he would be back on Twitter, the actor referred to a recent interview wherein he had promised to do so.

On the other side, SRK recently surprised his fans by joining Facebook. His Facebook page was inaugurated on Sunday with the online premiere of his 22-minute documentary on Mughal-e-Azam, which celebrates 51 years of the classic directed by K. Asif.

Khan would also be promoting his upcoming film Ra.One on Facebook.

Source: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/133007/movies/shah-rukh-khan-twitter-facebook-ra.one.html

Bollywood reacts on Japan earthquake and tsunami

A powerful earthquake has hit Japan, shaking buildings and triggering a tsunami along the coastline. Bollywood celebrities have come forward and expressed their grief on Twitter. Here's what they have tweeted.

Madhur Bhandarkar

Shocking visuals on TV, inexplicable fury of nature,praying for the victims in Japan,hope things get better soon!

Shazahn Padamsee

Shocked with the tsunami in Japan... Watching the news- images are so disturbing. My prayers for all the families affected :-(

Mugdha Godse

Prayers for Japan...Nature god pls be kind on Humans!!!

Amrita Arora

Prayers for every1 in Japan..Heartbreaking!

Mahesh Bhatt

Brother from Tokyo:80% of buildings r safe,water,power ok! Cell line is bust but cell emails r on!

Arshad Warsi

The visuals of the Tsunami in Japan are devastating... Mother earth is warning us...

@ imarshadwarsi 

Shruti Haasan

Woke up late to see the devastating news about japan:(lets all pray for japan and its people..sending love,healing and hope to them

Minissha Lamba

Just got off a plane to news of d #tsunami in japan!how d world changes in just two hours.All our collective prayers to d ppl of japan!

Riteish Deshmukh

Prayers for all in Japan- shocked to see the horrific pics of the earthquake n the tsunami

Neha Dhupia

Prayers for #Japan. 

@ Neha_Dhupia

Neil Nitin Mukesh

Prayers for all in JAPAN. Heard about the Earthquake and Tsunami.

@ NeilNMukesh

Ashish Chowdhry

Can't believe what's happenin in Japan.Feel so weak n helpless.Can't say 'God help them',cause dunno who does this in d 1st place..

@ AshishChowdhry

Kunal Kohli

Terrible earthquake and tsunami hits japan.

Vishal Dadlani

To the earth, earthquakes are just a shrug. Tsunamis are just little ripples for the ocean. Wise up. We don't own the earth, she owns us.

Rhea Kapoor

Prayers for everyone in #japan. Scary.

Here's what others are saying: 

Narendra Modi

At this time of severe calamity, we express our heartfelt condolences to #japan, a forever friend of Gujarat.

Barkha Dutt

Japan Tsunami drives home human helplessness. We are but specks of sand. Reminded also of watching the sea swallow nagappatinam some yrs ago

@bdutt

Ryan Seacrest

Glued to TV watching this unreal earthquake footage out of Japan. Sending prayers to everyone affected. Unbelievable.

Source: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/132120/movies/bollywood-reacts-on-japan-earthquake-and-tsunami.html

Rani plays hard to get after last film's success

No one Killed Jessicamight have been a hit, butRani Mukerji is still in no mood to sign films left, right and centre. She has also slimmed down a lot, but has been making it clear to all that she doesn't want to sign several films in one go.

In the past, Rani signed some films which did not fair well at the box office, nor give any push to her career. This is the reason why she has reportedly become very choosy these days.

A source says: "Rani has given very clear instructions to her staff that she would not take roles only for the sake of it. She has been reading scripts far more seriously and is very picky about what her character would be." Rani has just signed the yet untitled film directed by Reema Kagti, which also stars Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor, solely because of her role, which is scripted well.

Rani was keen on working with Aamir after a gap of several years. They last appeared together in the film Mangal Pandey. So, Rani was eager to be seen again with Mr. Perfectionist. Besides this, her staff is tactfully turning down offers that come her way. She doesn't want to offend filmmakers, but at this point, Rani is clear that she will not sign films only for the sake of friendship.

Source:-http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/131701/movies/rani-plays-hard-to-get-after-last-films-success.html

'Priyanka says no to Shahid'

We recently broke the story on February 25 that Piggy Chops had fled to the US, to get away from the disappointing turnout of 7 Khoon Maaf and her erratic relationship with Sasha. 

Even though, the actress left on a sour note with Sasha, he decided to wave the white flag and plead with her to return home for his birthday. Unfortunately, no attempts to convince her seem to have worked. 

A source tells us, "After their most recent difference in opinion, Priyanka left for the US with the main purpose of avoiding Shahid's birthday. However, they both regretted their headstrong nature, which tends to drive them apart every now and then. 

When the time of the birthday bash approached, Shahid began missing her and implored Priyanka to return." 

The source went on to add that Sasha persistently tried to convince Piggy Chops to come back right until the morning of the party. 

A mutual friend of the couple tells us, "One of the main problems is that Shahid does not express his feelings and Priyanka likes to be told she is special. 

Shahid does not find the need to go on and on about the obvious. He wanted to ask her to stay but she left to LA in a huff. Once there, Shahid tried to get her back in time for his birthday party but it was too late." 

Since Piggy was missing in action, Sasha's good friend and confidante, Mubina Rattonsey stepped up to the plate to take on the duties of hostess. 

An invitee tells us, "She made sure everyone was comfortable. She offered drinks to all the guests and made sure the glasses were filled to the brim. She was the hostess of the party, which is a role that we'd have expected Priyanka to play." 

Ironically, Piggy Chops and Bebo were the only two female heroines that were not at the bash. All his other leading ladies from Genelia D'Souza to Sonam Kapoor showed up. 

Even Rani Mukherjee and Anushka Sharma were present. In comparison the turn-out of leading men was rather low, with only Ranveer Singh, Ritesh Deshmukh, Anil Kapoor and Karan Johor being the big names. 

Shahid's best friends choreographer Ahmed Khan and director Siddharth Malhotra were rather quiet throughout the evening, because they too were missing Ms. Piggy Chops. 

Read more: 'Priyanka says no to Shahid' - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Priyanka-says-no-to-Shahid/articleshow/7592042.cms#ixzz1FLMxdela

Police play spoilsport at Shahid’s birthday bash

Mumbai: Police played spoilsport at actor Shahid Kapoor’s 30th birthday bash on 25th February. The ‘Kaminey’ star who was celebrating his special day with close friends had to call off his bash abruptly after complaints were lodged by the local residents over loud music and noise that was being created at Olive club, a pub in Mumbai. 

The media was quick to reach the spot and the Police followed. The event organisers have been held responsible for not abiding by the rules set for late night parties and events. However, no one has been arrested.

But Sasha would not have wanted things to get so ugly on his big day, especially when his ladylove Priyanka Chopra was not by his side. But a sport that he is, Shahid was cool and composed even amidst the chaos. 

Nevertheless, all is well that ends well. Are we right Shahid?

Source:-http://spicezee.zeenews.com/articles/story82631.htm

Srinagar, Feb 23 : The scenic beauty of Kashmir Valley has once again attracted the attention of Bollywood stars.

Apart from Ranbir Kapoor, the film's actress Nargis and director Imtiyaz Ali were also spotted at the tourist destination Pahalgam.

While talking to IBNS, Production Controller Mahesh said that Valley is known for its beauty and it is very cheap to shoot here as the film unit doesn’t require any artificial set. 

He said due to unconducive atmosphere, Bollywood stars are reluctant to come over here, but the situation has changed a lot. 

Large number of people arrived at Pahalgam to have a glimpse of the stars present there. 

Pertinently, Ranbir's father Rishi Kapoor had shot his first film as a hero- ‘Bobby’- in Kashmir as well.

Source:-http://www.newkerala.com/news/world/fullnews-154297.html

Lara Dutta and Mahesh Bhupathi Tie the Knot

Bollywood actress & former Miss World Lara Dutta and Tennis Star Mahesh Bhupati have tied the knot. The couple registered their marriage in Mumbai on Wednesday, 16th of February in a private civil ceremony. It was attended only by Mahesh and Lara's family at the Mahesh's residence in Bandra, Mumbai. Later, the couple had a Christian wedding at the Sunset Venue, Taj Aguada in Goa. 

Mahesh Bhupathi and Lara Dutta had been dating for a while now and made their relationship public soon after Mahesh's divorce to Shvetha Jaishankar. They got engaged in September 2010 and now they had taken their love to the next level with wedding with the consent of both the families.

Sourec:-http://telugu.16reels.com/news/Movie/2478_Lara-Dutta-and-Mahesh-Bhupathi-Tie-the-Knot.aspx

Priyanka Chopra to star in Dhoom 3

Priyanka Chopra

Looks like Priyanka Chopra is having all the      luck on her side. Rumours have it that Priyanka  will be seen with Aamir Khan in Dhoom 3. Talks between Priyanka and Yash Raj Films (YRF) are in an advance stage.

Aditya Chopra is keen on casting her opposite Aamir. A source adds, "Priyanka has acted in many action films andDhoom 3 has a lot of action. Hence, she fits the bill." While Katrina and Deepika are also in the race, the YRF is keen to have Piggy Chops on board.

Source:-http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/129055/movies/priyanka-chopra-to-star-in-dhoom-3.html

Shahid Kapur hopes to fly an F16

Shahid Kapur plans to fly an F16 at an IAF air show in Bangalore, joining the ranks of civilians Sachin Tendulkar, President Pratibha Patil and former President Abdul Kalam who have flown fighter jets. The only actor to have flown an F-series plane is Tom Cruise- an F15-in Top Gun . Shahid will be flying an F16 fighter jet on February 11 at Air Force Station in Bangalore. The young actor has been undergoing rigorous training to be able to fly an F16.

Shahid will fly the latest F16 viper, which is considered one of the deadliest combat aircraft, in the world and also one the fastest. But first, he will undergo a simulator test in which his flying aptitude will be tested. 

Source:-http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Shahid-Kapur-hopes-to-fly-an-F16/articleshow/7427960.cms

"I have moved on," Deepika tells Katrina

In the past Karan Johar's parties have seen some of the most inconceivable patch-ups in Bollywood. Last year at his birthday bash, Aishwarya and Shah Rukh mended their differences. And that's just one of the many instances.

KJo's last bash on Tuesday night post his Filmfare win for Best Director, turned out to be another patch-up venue. But this one, no one had ever imagined would happen.

Deepika and Katrina ended their ongoing cold war and Deepika made the first move.

The two B-Town divas got a lot of stares when they staretd talkign at the party; even more so because their respective 'good friends' Siddhartha Mallya and Ranbir Kapoor were standing comfortably far apart.

Deepika broke the ice. Says an eyewitness, "Deepika walked up to Katrina and told her, 'Let bygones be bygones. Jo ho gaya so ho gaya. I hold nothing against you. I don't blame anybody.

I have moved on in life and am in a very happy space now'." And how did Katrina react? Revealed the witness, "Katrina was a bit surprised, but she quickly gathered herself and told Deepika, 'Oh, that's fine.

I am very happy that you spoke to me. The load is off my chest'." After that, Deepika and Katrina were apparently extremely comfortable with each other in the party.

The two actresses have not been on talking terms for more than two years. Before this, they had crossed paths on several occasions but had ignored each other completely.

The friction between the two girls started in December 2008. Reportedly, Deepika had heard from her sources about Ranbir's alleged growing proximity to Katrina on and off the sets of Rajkumar Santoshi's Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani.

This was when the crew of the film was shooting for two months in Goa. Deepika headed to Goa immediately and when Katrina saw her, she was shocked.

Katrina had even told a friend then, "I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw her on the sets of Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani. And sure enough she stayed for quite some time in Goa."

That was the last straw for Deepika as far as her relationship with Ranbir was concerned. After Deepika returned from Goa, things were never the same between Ranbir and her again.

A few days ago, Deepika made a jibe at Katrina on Karan's show Kofffee With Karan, when she said that she would like to see Katrina's passport.

If sources are to be believed, Karan wanted Deepika and Katrina to star in Dostana 2. In the light of the recent developments, KJo's dream may just materialize...

Source:-http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/I-have-moved-on-Deepika-tells-Katrina/articleshow/7416642.cms

Aamir is the villain in Dhoom:3

It's official! TOI has learnt from the horses mouth that Aamir Khan will be the villain in Dhoom:3.
Spearheaded by Aditya Chopra, the movie will be directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya (Victor). Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra will continue in their much loved roles of Jai Dixit and Ali. The film will begin shooting end of this year and is slated for a 2012 Christmas release. When contacted, Aamir said, "It is indeed a pleasure to be working with Yashji and Adi again. Dhoom is a great franchise, most entertaining and full of fun. Everytime I hear the theme tune of Dhoom it brings a swing to my step. Victor's script really won me over and I look forward to working with him."

Speaking about Dhoom:3, Yash Chopra adds, "It's a great pleasure to have Aamir working with our banner. I am terribly excited with what an actor like Aamir can bring to the Dhoom franchise with his unique star power and level of performance. Adi and Victor have worked over a year to bring out, what I can now confidently say, is possibly one of the best scripts coming out of our production house."

Source:-http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Aamir-is-the-villain-in-Dhoom3/articleshow/7404841.cms

For Bollywood, it's destination Argentina

NEW DELHI: Shah Rukh Khan's new TV show starting on Tuesday explores new frontiers of Indian diplomacy — more specifically, how Bollywood is at the cutting edge of influencing new continents.

The TV series 'Wipe Out (Zor ka Jhatka)' will show stunning videos of Argentina for the next couple of weeks. R Viswanathan, Indian ambassador in Argentina, said all 16 episodes of this Khan extravaganza were shot in Buenos Aires. "Indian cameramen were fascinated with the fantastic sceneries of the El Calafate Glacier and the Iguazu Waterfalls and could not stop shooting," he said.

After treating an entire generation of Indians to Alpine views from Tyrol, Austria and Switzerland, Bollywood set out to conquer Australia and New Zealand, spearheaded by gravity-challenging dance moves of Hrithik Roshan. It didn't take long for Bollywood movies to be shot in New Zealand, followed by Bollywood-crazy tourists from India. Aamir Khan wooing Preity Zinta at the Sydney Opera House to Ajay Devgn's 'Company'... they did it all.

Now Bollywood will gyrate in skimpy sarees in Machu Picchu ( Peru) and Munni could be "badnaam" in the dangerously attractive waters of the Amazon, or the Iguazu Waterfalls in Argentina. The popular 'Dhoom II' was shot in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as were some scenes in Rajnikant's 'Robot'. The Indian envoy said Illusion Studios of Buenos Aires has tied up with Toonz Animation Ltd of Thiruvananthapuram to make a cartoon film (Gaturro) which was a box office hit in Argentina in 2010.

Aamir Khan, though, may have stolen a march on Shah Rukh. His wife, Kiran Rao's new film "Dhobi Ghat", which released last week, has yet another Latin American connection. Already alluded to by Viswanathan in his blog, the film's music director Gustavo Santaolalla is Argentinian. "Gustavo is a pioneer in the rock music scene of Argentina in the late sixties and seventies," Viswanathan said.

Source:-http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/For-Bollywood-its-destination-Argentina/articleshow/7400201.cms

A R Rahman honoured with Crystal Award at WEF

A day after he won two Academy award nominations, Indian musician A R Rahman was honoured with the Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum.

Rahman received the award at the opening ceremony of the Forum's annual meet here, attended by 2500 global leaders from business, government, art, culture and religion.

Khan, 44, clad in a embroidered black kurta, received the award which is given annually by the WEF to outstanding artistes who use their talent for social and charitable work.

While the WEF recognised Rahman for his music in 'Slumdog Millionaire' and 'Bombay Dreams', it took note of his work in the field of child welfare.

Accepting the award, the 'Mozart of Madras', who has won several national and international awards, including the two Grammys and two Oscars, said that he gets "motivation" from the social work.

Jose Carreras, an opera artist from Barcelona, was also given the Crystal Award for his work for the patients of leukemia.

The award function was attended by several heads of governments, including Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, top CEOs, religious leaders and academicians.

A strong 130-member delegation from India is attending the five-day annual WEF meet.

Source:- http://www.screenindia.com/news/a-r-rahman-honoured-with-crystal-award-at-wef/742622/

Madhuri and SRK come together again!

The Dhak Dhak girl and King Khan are said to be sharing stage space together at the very starry Filmfare night ...

The very sizzling legendary pair of Madhuri Dixit and Shahrukh Khan is likely to be back yet again to enthrall viewers and the industry alike very soon! The Dhak Dhak girl and King Khan are said to be sharing stage space together at the very starry Filmfare night which is to be held on 29th January, 2011 at the Yash Raj film studios in Mumbai. The two are supposedly performing on a romantic number together, for which rehearsals have begun with much spirit and vigor. Their sublime chemistry is said to be the highlight of the award show.

Madhuri is apparently very excited to be working with friend-cum-co-star Shahrukh, after almost a decade and is looking forward to giving some of her best jhatkas with the superstar. The two had last teamed up together for Hum Tumhare Hai Sanam in 2002, which did fairly well at the box office. But what the audience hasn't forgotten is the magic Madhuri and SRK created as 'Maya' and 'Rahul' in Yash Raj's romantic blockbuster Dil Toh Pagal Hai in 1997. Keeping this in mind, everyone's expectations are fairly high from the much talked about onscreen pair.

After 11 years, it would be an absolute delight to see this charming pair light up the stage once again! Tune in to the Filmfare award ceremony to catch their performance on the 6th of Feb, 2011 on Sony Entertainment Television.

Source:-http://www.india-forums.com/bollywood/talk-round-town/18340-madhuri-and-srk-come-together-again.htm#comments