It is believed that looking at Aishwarya Rai’s international recognition and admiration she was being considered by Mattel to be the next celeb face of the popular doll, Barbie. Unfortunately, Ash’s prior commitments didn’t allow her to give a nod. But this did wonders for the beautiful Katrina Kaif who has now bagged the honour of having a Barbie designed on her. She recently walked the Lakme Fashion Week ramp at the ‘Barbie Doll’d up’ show and had everybody in awe. Many were of the opinion that no other celeb could have made a better Barbie.
Katrina has surely outshined Aishwarya when it comes to popularity and her getting selected by the makers of Barbie is not just one reason that points towards that. We present some instances where the young actress has outdone Aishwarya Rai.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Katrina outshines Aishwarya! 31 Mar, 2009 06:00 am ISTlReshma Kelkar /INDIATIMES MOVIES
Friday, March 27, 2009
Preity Zinta’s deadly hiss ‘n’ kiss snake show… -Gossip-News & Gossip-Indiatimes Movies
Bollywood’s bubbly gal is in a lethal mood these days. Blame it on the venom of a King Cobra. Yeah, lately PZ’s been hanging around with some pretty slimy creatures. Can you believe that? Okay, okay, dearies, this was an exaggeration, here’s the real story. We could drop dead seeing the King Cobra, but our bravo gal, PZ, actually had one wrapped around her neck. Recently Preity revealed, “You know why they say unfaithful people are like snakes? It is simply because snakes have no memory; hence they don’t have any loyalty. But they do have a sense of conduct; a snake will never attack you without an alerting warning. It will first raise it’s hood, then hiss around you and only then move to bite you. So you are fully aware of what’s coming if you cross the line. While shooting for Heaven On Earth, Deepa gave me a choice to shoot with a fake snake, but I insisted on a real one. On the first day I took a long time to get familiar with it, so, on the second day I confidently walked into the room in which the snake was kept, assuming it would be easy now. Then I was warned that snakes has no memory, so it probably wouldn’t warm up to me instantly. I had to muster courage to bond all over again.” Beware! Preity can fearlessly handle real Cobras now, damn the rat race and rivalries. Right PZ? And all you hotties out there...better think twice before you sting this babe. Atleast hisss kar dena.... Warna ...
Preity Zinta’s deadly hiss ‘n’ kiss snake show… -Gossip-News & Gossip-Indiatimes Movies
‘EK isn’t a Ghajini re-make!’-Actors-Interviews-News & Gossip-Indiatimes Movies
After his dostana act, in which he was the only ‘straight’ guy, actor Bobby Deol is back in ‘action’. With stunts and ample dishum-dishum, Bobs is upbeat about Sangeet Sivan’s EK-The Power of One, of which he’s a part.
On getting back to action films...
Yeah, I have done a lot of action in the movie, but it’s entertaining and stylized action this time round. It’s not the raw dishum dishum. I enjoy doing action movies. But then of late I’ve been seen in a lot of non-action flicks as well, like Dostana and Jhoom Barabar Jhoom - light-hearted films with comedy; People seem to have loved those...
On EK being compared to Ghajini...
The only similarity is the genre of the two films - Ghajini had action, EK has action, too. Yes, EK like Ghajini is also the remake of a South film; And it’s Peter Haynes who has planned the action for us as well... I guess that’s the reason people are comparing the two. But EK is no Ghajini re-make as is being touted.
On working with Nana Patekar...
Nana is very chilled out. I learnt he’s a big fan of my father’s. He’s too good in the movie. People are going to love him in EK.
On being directed by Sangeet Sivan...
I’ve known Sangeet since long. He has done many films with Sunny. We had always wanted to work together but nothing materialized until now. In fact, we are making another film together. It’s called Cheers. It’s being produced by us, and directed by him. It’s a father-son story. I act with dad in the movie, so it makes it that much more special.
On Cheers...
Cheers is a tentative title. We roll in April. It’s a story about how a father and son are thrown into a road journey; and begin to bond. It’s a light hearted, emotional film.
‘EK isn’t a Ghajini re-make!’-Actors-Interviews-News & Gossip-Indiatimes Movies
Deepika Padukone Guest Judge on Shahrukh Khan's 'Knight and Angels' - News at Desi Hits
Deepika Padukone Guest Judge on Shahrukh Khan's 'Knight and Angels'
March 25 2009 16:00 PST
Since appearing in 'Om Shanti Om', the only time Deepika Padukone and Shahrukh Khan have been together again on screen was briefly in the movie 'Billu'. Well apparently the friendship the sexy actress has with Shahrukh Khan was enough to convince her to be on his show 'Knight and Angels'. Since the premiere of the show, guest judges including Anoushka Sharma, Malaika Arora Khan, Minisha Lamba, and Lara Dutta have made an appearance. So it's no surprise that producer Shahrukh Khan would choose Deepika Padukone for one of the episodes.
This Saturday's episode will feature the 'Chandani Chowk to China' star, Deepika who just so happened to be a hit on 'Knight and Angels'. For those of you not in the know, 'Knight and Angels' is a one of a kind reality show that hunts for cheerleaders for IPL on DTV Imagine. Deepika Padukone gave the angel contestants a run for their money as she danced with them to music from 'Billu'. She also strut her stuff with contemporary dance expert Shiamak Davar to the song 'Dhoom Machale Dhoom' and even got the host of the show Purab Kohli to join in.
Deepika Padukone was kind and charming, but also tough on the contestants. Judge and dance choreographer, Shaimak Davar was quick to point out the faults in their performances, but also demonstrated the correct steps. Cricketer and judge, Sourav Ganguly was cheerful as usual. Red Chillies Idiot Box creative head Pranjal Khandhdiya said of the show, "Knight and Angels is moving towards the finals. Deepika Padukone charmed everyone with her vibrant presence and Shaimak Davar performing with Deepika and angel contestants made the episode a visual treat".
Well we have a sneak peek in pictures of all the fun that happened with Deepika Padukone as a guest judge. To get you ready for this week's show, we've included the pictures of the show and Deepika Padukone in her sexy teal dress. Let us know what you think about the show and Deepika Padukone's ensemble.
Cheerleaders welcome Deepika Padukone to the show!
Deepika Padukone and Sourav Ganguly
Deepika Padukone was a hard judge to please.
Deepika Padukone Guest Judge on Shahrukh Khan's 'Knight and Angels' - News at Desi Hits
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is Bollywood Barbie - News at Desi Hits
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is Bollywood Barbie
March 25 2009 18:15 PST
Oh my, Barbie's going Bollywood! From Sexy songstress Nicole Scherizinger to pop princess Britney Spears it seems like everybody wants a piece of Bollywood. And Barbie maker Mattel wants in on the action.
The latest Barbie will be modeled after Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Rai has appeared in countless Bollywood films and has crossed over to Hollywood. She has appeared in past films as "Bride and Prejudice" and "The Pink Panther 2." Aishwarya will find herself among other celebs like Beyonce Knowles and Diana Ross.
The Barbie will be outfitted with a wardrobe from Indian designers and probably have Rai's signature green eyes, though nothing is finalized yet. Since winning the Miss World contest back in 1994 there has been no slowing down the Bollywood beauty. Aside from her film success, she's been the face of L'Oreal cosmetics and has married into Bollywood royalty through Abhishek Bachchan.
If everything works out, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will be the first Indian actress to have a Barbie doll modeled after her. So do our readers like the idea of a 'Bollywood Barbie?' If so, do you think that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was the perfect choice for the doll in the Indian market? Give us your thoughts on the new doll and what you think about Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as the choice.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is Bollywood Barbie - News at Desi Hits
The Hindu : Cinema Plus : Just come, sizzle
Sexy is cool, Bipasha Basu tells Harshikaa Udasi as her film Aa Dekhen Zara hits the screens today
There is an unreal element in the film because of the camera but there are no gimmicks
She set her sights on becoming a doctor, but turned out to be a model instead, who veered towards acting in films. Bollywood labelled her as nothing more than a sexy model with a minimum shelf life, but she has completed 50-odd films in the last eigh t years. The rumour mill had it that she and John wouldn’t last, and it almost seemed true when the relationship tottered a couple of years ago, but the pair appear happy together. That’s life for Bipasha Basu, who never takes the expected route. And she seems thrilled about it.
“Even in films, my beginning was quite different from that of others. I was called unconventional and ‘sexy’, and that wasn’t too great because‘sexy’ wasn’t really cool back then. Things changed and now everyone — men and women — would love to be called sexy,” says the actress.
For an actress, Bipasha is certain about what she wants to do and what to avoid. “I was warned not to take up Jism but I thought it was a rather unusual and powerful role that wouldn’t come my way again. I knew it was meant for mature sensibilities.”
After a failed attempt to de-glam herself in Prakash Jha’s Apharan, Bipasha learnt quickly that it really didn’t make sense to downplay her image. So she made it her signature, ‘inspiring’ a dozen other actresses to go down the same route. Ajnabee, Raaz, Jism, No Entry, Corporate, Omkara, Dhoom 2, Goal, Race, Bachna Ae Haseeno… each of these films exploited her sexy image but without making her roles repetitive. “I think what helped me was I was adaptable,” she says.
Sci-fi thriller
Aa Dekhen Zara, her film with Neil Nitin Mukesh, directed by first-timer Jehangir Surti releases today. A sci-fi thriller about a camera that can look into the future, the film has Neil playing a photographer (Ray) and Bipasha a DJ (Simi). So does she play a negative role in this film as well, like most of the thrillers she has acted in? Laughing, she says, “There is an unreal element in the film because of the camera but there are no gimmicks.”
What about her casually flinging Neil from the terrace as can be seen in the promos? Heaving a mock sigh, she says, “I tipped Saif off the balcony in Race and the film was a hit. Now I have done the same to Neil. If this film succeeds, I have serious concerns that producers will coerce me to push off every hero in my forthcoming films!”
Black nail polish, a chest tattoo, indigo coloured hair, Reebok trainers and cargos, and bizarre trinkets mark her character. “When Jehangir told me I was to play a DJ, the first thing that came to my mind was to style the character on my sister, Vijayta, who is into rock music. She never wears colour coordinated stuff, likes black nail polish and sports a tattoo. Simi is modern, firm and forthright. I wanted to make the character look trendy rather than sexy,” she says.
Being a model helps in styling for the film, she adds. For Aa Dekhen Zara, Bipasha personally picked up clothes with her stylist from London. “There was a time when styling in Bollywood used to be very filmi. Now fashion designers have come into the picture. Also a lot of models have turned into actors and are having their say in what will look good on them. I personally take care I don’t stick to silhouettes that I know will look fab on me. The point is to change your look with your character and give the audiences something new every time.”
But she’s not too keen on doing stunts on her own, right now. “I trust the stunt directors and personnel but still there is a part of me that’s very apprehensive about our security mechanisms. I think it was very brave of Neil to be allowed to be thrown off the nine-storeyed building. I am just doing the usual running and jumping in the film,” she says, sounding glad for it.
What’s next?
She begins shooting for Ajay Devgan’s comic film All The Best with Ajay, Fardeen and Sanjay Dutt in mid-April. She is also awaiting the release of Lamha by Rahul Dholakia, where she plays a Kashmiri girl. Besides she plays the alter ego of the protagonist in Pankh, a real-life story about a girl who has spent her childhood as a child artist, posing as a boy under her parents’ compulsion. But Bipasha is upset that Abbas-Mustan’s Mr Fraud shows no signs of reviving. “You have to find out about it from the producers, but personally I think it can still work out.” Filming on the Ajay Devgan-Sanjay Dutt-Bipasha starrer commenced even before Race and it faced several problems due to Sanjay Dutt’s court case.
Bipasha has reportedly signed on the dotted line for a Hollywood project with Billy Zane but says she’d rather talk about it when things are confirmed.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Neil, Bobby and Preity to battle this week-Features-Features & Events-Indiatimes Movies
Multiple films continue to release every week despite the exam time to evade the ban on films in April. This week the lineup is comparatively bigger as compared to the earlier weeks of March.
There is Neil Mukesh – Bipasha Basu starrer Aa Dekhen Zara , Preity Zinta starrer Videsh (Heaven On Earth) and Nana Patekar – Bobby Deol starrer Ek – The Power of One . The English films include the sci-fi adventure Watchmen based on a comic book series and one romantic comedy Four Christmases (Anywhere But Home) ...
Which one would you want to catch up with?
Aa Dekhen Zara
Cast: Neil Nitin Mukesh, Bipasha Basu
Director: Jehangir Surti
Release Date: March 27, 2009
Genre: Action, Thriller
Ray Acharya (Neil Nitin Mukesh), a struggling photographer has nothing going for him... until he inherits a very ‘special’ camera from his grandfather which changes his life in a way that he could not have imagined in his wildest dreams.
The ‘power’ of the camera changes Ray’s destiny overnight. His life becomes one big roller coaster ride that takes him from rags to riches and also helps him meet the love of his life, Simi (Bipasha Basu) who is an exciting sexy DJ with a mind of her own. Everything is hunky dory and moving towards ‘happily ever after’.
As they say with great power comes great responsibility and in Ray’s case, also great danger. He must now face up to the dark side of reality and win not only against the evil forces but also against fate.
Aa Dekhen Zara is a fast-paced, romantic musical thriller with some great edge of the seat action.
Can Ray change his date with fate? Aa Dekhen Zara .
Neil, Bobby and Preity to battle this week-Features-Features & Events-Indiatimes Movies
Bollywood smiles after IPL moves out of India
New Delhi: With Indian Premier League (IPL) matches being shifted out of the country, film producers are optimistic of recovering 10-20 per cent of revenue as cinemas are expecting better occupancy especially for evening and night shows.
"Now this has become a routine for us. Every year, we postpone some of the releases due to IPL, exams or elections. But the shifting of the tournament may give a chance to films to make money. Not many big-budget films are expected to be released during IPL," says film producer K C Bokadia, adding that elections are a major worry for the industry.
Film critic Komal Nahata is quite optimistic with the difference in time zone if IPL is shifted to England or South Africa.
"I don't see POL matches being given any less attention for the fact of it being shifted to another country. Viewers will still enjoy the match on TV. However, due to time zone difference, evening and late night shows in theatres have better prospects over morning and afternoon shows, he adds."
Another film critic Taran Adarsh says that the new development may provide Bollywood a sigh of relief. "IPL shifting to a foreign land might provide little respite to Bollywood releases from bombing at Box Office, since a viewer would prefer watching Cricket matches for free on TV. The excitement level will be much more in the case of matches. Besides, no big release is expected during IPL season," he says.
Taking a cue from the last season of IPL, cinema multiplexes are also gearing up to tap a share in profits by making special offers and screening matches 'Live' in theatres.
Vishal Kapoor, CEO, Fun Cinemas, says, "We have still not finalised any special schemes during IPL. IPL is a big event and even if we offer buy 1 get 1 free ticket scheme to audiences, still IPL will beat films."
However, he adds, "If a scheme of telecasting matches on the screen is done, then some revenue may be expected. With no major film being released during IPL season, it is likely that audiences will prefer watching matches at home."
Some of the Bollywood releases which are expected to be released in the months of April and May are Nagesh Kukunoor's "8/10 Tasveer," "Shortcut – the Con is On," "Jashn," Subhash Ghai's "Paying Guest" and Yash Chopra's "New York."
Genelia dethrones Rani, Preity?-News-News & Gossip-Indiatimes Movies
After the success of Jaane Tu ...Ya Jaane Na Genelia D’ Souza has become a hot favorite in the ad world. She has bagged commercials to endorse products that our ‘A-league’ Bollywood actresses once used to endorse.
Interestingly, Genelia had moved to South as she failed to make a mark in Bollywood with her first film Tujhe Meri Kasam with Riteish Deshmukh. But post the success of Jaane Tu ... Ya Jaane Na, things are looking brighter for the lovely actress. Not only does she have offers from big banners in her kitty, but has also replaced actresses like Rani Mukerji and Preity Zinta in commercials.
Genelia is now the face of brands like Vatika hair oil and Fair and Lovely. Considered as one of the most selling faces of Bollywood, the cute and petite ‘Aditi’ has ad makers lining up for her. After replacing Rani in Fanta commercial, Genelia has now replaced Bollywood’s chirpy actress Preity Zinta in Cadbury Perk’s commercial.
Getting replaced by a young and in-demand face clearly states that Rani and Preity have lost their positions they once ruled on the popularity charts.
Genelia dethrones Rani, Preity?-News-News & Gossip-Indiatimes Movies
Bigg Boss inmates remember Goody-News-News & Gossip-Indiatimes Movies
They didn't spend the expected period of time with her in the "Bigg Boss" house but her Indian co-stars are sad and upset at the news of her demise. They fondly remember the lively and always smiling Jade Goody.
"I am feeling extremely sad to know about it (Jade's demise). We were hoping that some miracle would happen and she would live for many more years," TV actor and one of Jade's "Bigg Boss 2" inmates Ketaki Dave, who is in the US, said over telephone.
Added another inmate and music reality show winner, Debojit Saha: "I can't believe she is no more. It all happened so fast and suddenly that I am not able to come to terms with it. She was so lively and she always kept smiling."
After scorching headlines for making racial comments against Bollywood actress and inmate Shilpa Shetty in Britain's reality show "Celebrity Big Brother" in 2007, Jade came to India to participate in the second season of the Indian version "Bigg Boss" August last year. But she left the reality show after she was diagnosed with cancer.
Apart from Jade and Ketaki, other female inmates of the "Bigg Boss" house were TV actor Rakhi Vijayan, item girl Sambhavna Seth, actors Payal Rohatgi and Monica Bedi, non-celebrity Elina and beauty queen-turned-actress Diana Hayden.
Among the men were model-actor Zulfi Syed, MTV Roadies 5.0 winner Ashutosh Kaushik, TV actress Shweta Tiwari's divorced husband Raja Chaudhry, Congress politician Sanjay Nirupam, Rahul Mahajan - son of late Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Pramod Mahajan - and comedian Ehsaan Qureshi.
"It's a very sad news. I was shocked to hear it despite knowing that she had to go eventually. I am all the more worried about her kids now as children (Bobby, five, and Freddie, four) at that age need their mother the most," said Raja.
"I remember how when her cancer was detected while she was in the 'Bigg Boss' house with us. We became really sad for her at that time and started praying for her. I also gifted her a Lord Shiva statue to help her overcome death but unfortunately nothing worked out," he added.
Though Goody was expected to have a hard time considering the language barrier in the house, as contestants were supposed to converse in Hindi only, Debojit recalled how she used to hum the lines of Hindi songs.
"We used to share a lot of stuff and used to talk a lot. In fact, she even used to dance and sing with us. She fell for the tune of the song 'Dekha na hai re socha na' and danced to it when I sung it in the house. She even memorised the lines and used to sing it," he said.
Added Raja: "Whatever time we were with her, we had a gala time. I remember how Payal used to interpret everything to her in English and Jade used to try to reply us back in Hindi. She was a gem of a person."
Debojit and Raja also prayed for the 27-year-old to "rest-in-peace" and strength for her family to go through it.
Jade is survived by husband Jack Tweed, 21, and her two sons.
Bigg Boss inmates remember Goody-News-News & Gossip-Indiatimes Movies
Salman is chilled out, Ajay is a prankster: Asin-News-News & Gossip-Indiatimes Movies
From being the target of numerous pranks to rambling tongue twisters and mugging up one liner, shooting for London Dreams has been one of its kind experiences for Asin. The Ghajini actress informs that she has learnt some interesting new things and had her best time shooting with Ajay Devgan and Salman.
“Ajay used to come up with some funny one-liners and tongue twisters which I got to learn from him. It’s one of my best shooting experiences,” says Asin. After Aamir she has been working with Salman and Ajay for London Dreams. When asked who is a better co-star amongst Ajay and Salman she said, “I am not in a position to judge but yes as costars I feel they all are fabulous to work with. Both are very different actors and different people.”
Asin informs that she got along very well with Ajay, “Everyone knows that Salman is very chilled out but for Ajay, I thought he is a very serious and reserved person. But he is a complete surprise package. He is a complete entertainment channel on the sets.”
When asked about Ajay’s pranks she said, “Ajay is a prankster and I wasn’t aware of that. He actually tried playing a prank on me but it didn’t work so Ajay now has to think of something tougher.” She signs off.
Salman is chilled out, Ajay is a prankster: Asin-News-News & Gossip-Indiatimes Movies
Farhan Akhtar's special guests-Television News-News & Gossip-Indiatimes Movies
Farhan Akhtar has been adding more profiles to his CV from being a director, producer, writer, to actor, singer and TV host. The actor successfully completes the first season of his TV show Oye Its Friday which saw some big names making appearance and some bigger ones giving live performances. Here’s a roundup of all the celebrities who came on the show and how they added colour to our Friday evenings.
Hritik Roshan
Hrithik Roshan set off the first episode of Oye Its Friday with a hardcore act with Hard Kaur.
Farhan Akhtar's special guests-Television News-News & Gossip-Indiatimes Movies
The grandest Bollywood Events of the week-Features-Features & Events-Indiatimes Movies
We take you inside the hottest events and hippest parties that kept our Bollywood celebs busy in the past week.
What: R Madhavan & Neetu Chandra at 13B success party
When and Where: Enigma, Mumbai on March 13
The grandest Bollywood Events of the week-Features-Features & Events-Indiatimes Movies
Red Hot: B-town beauties wrapped in passion-Features-Features & Events-Indiatimes Movies
Remember the 1965 film Janwar where Shammi Kapoor crooned ‘Lal Chari Maidan Khadi’ for the beautiful Rajshree who was clad in a sexy red salwar-kameez? Well that was reel, but in real too, our Bollywood babes seem to have an obsession with the colour of love, passion and seduction.
Indiatimes Movies presents a drooling watch of B-town’s sexy ladies dressed in Red. So flip on and tell us which actress looks the hottest in Red.
Red Hot: B-town beauties wrapped in passion-Features-Features & Events-Indiatimes Movies
Potential Bollywood superstars in 2025-Features-Features & Events-Indiatimes Movies
They are born with silver spoons in their mouth and fame. Money and stardom is natural to them born to Bollywood bigwigs. Let's adore the cutie pie babies of Bollywood stars.
Arin
He stepped on to this world and his fate was decided. The famous Madhuri Dixit provides her son with that uniqueness that he will transcend for ever.
Potential Bollywood superstars in 2025-Features-Features & Events-Indiatimes Movies
25 Must See Bollywood Movies -Special Features-Indiatimes Movies
Black (2005)
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Black’ is made with astounding sensitivity and enthralling quest for perfection. It tells the story of a deaf and blind girl, Michelle McNally and her teacher, Debraj Sahai. They together embark on a journey to get Michelle out of an animalistic existence to reach a common goal; of knowledge and respectability. ‘Black’ is inspired by the life of Helen Keller and her teacher Anne Sullivan. Bhansali has extracted mind-blowing performances out of his actors, whether it’s Ayesha Kapoor as a boorish young Michelle or a full-o-beans adult Michelle played by Rani Mukerji or even the alcoholic teacher superbly enacted by Amitabh Bachchan. ‘Black’ is bi-lingual set against an Anglo-Indian family living in the picturesque Shimla. The filmmaker and his actors have bettered their previous best to create a luminous piece of work called ‘Black.’
25 Must See Bollywood Movies -Special Features-Indiatimes Movies
25 must see movie
Black (2005)
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Black' is made with astounding sensitivity and enthralling quest for perfection. It tells the story of a deaf and blind girl, Michelle McNally and her teacher, Debraj Sahai. They together embark on a journey to get Michelle out of an animalistic existence to reach a common goal; of knowledge and respectability. 'Black' is inspired by the life of Helen Keller and her teacher Anne Sullivan. Bhansali has extracted mind-blowing performances out of his actors, whether it's Ayesha Kapoor as a boorish young Michelle or a full-o-beans adult Michelle played by Rani Mukerji or even the alcoholic teacher superbly enacted by Amitabh Bachchan. 'Black' is bi-lingual set against an Anglo-Indian family living in the picturesque Shimla. The filmmaker and his actors have bettered their previous best to create a luminous piece of work called 'Black.'
Kangna
Some folks saw them at a Holi party and rumours of 'the other woman in Adhyayan's life' spurt out just like some rangeela paani from a pichkari.
Guys, guys, guys... the duo was there to launch the music of their film Jashn . It's obviously another thing that Anju and Adhu's off-screen chemistry stole the show!