Depleted India seek series sweep at Motera

AHMEDABAD: The series as well as the number two spot in ICC rankings in their grasp, India would aim for a rare clean sweep while South Africa have nothing but pride to play for in their third and final One-dayer on Saturday.

The home team will be without more than half a dozen key players in the dead rubber, some missing from action from the start of the series and others -- including champion batsman Sachin Tendulkar -- skipping the tie.

Tendulkar, in particular, will be missed after his awe-inspiring and phenomenal knock of 200 not out at Gwalior that shattered the Proteas dreams of winning a One-day series in India for the first time ever.

The batting great has obtained a break to recharge his batteries for the upcoming Indian Premier League after becoming the first player in the nearly four-decade-old One-day game to make a double ton at the international level with his unbeaten innings which came off just 147 balls.

Tendulkar's absence, the back problem to Virender Sehwag and the wrist injury to Gautam Gambhir, have necessitated the inclusion of the uncapped Murali Vijay of Tamil Nadu to open the batting with his state-mate Dinesh Karthik.

Vijay, who has played four Tests in his fledgling career, thus gets a chance to show his worth in the 50-over format of the game by default at the Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium in Motera.

The South African pace bowlers, especially Dale Steyn, who troubled Vijay in the Test series held earlier, would fancy their chance of making early inroads in the Indian line-up after the mauling they received from Tendulkar in the second match.

Karthik, who has opened in Tests, is going into the match with his confidence boosted with productive stints in the first two games, especially at Gwalior where he made 79 and got involved in a near-double century second wicket stand with Tendulkar.

The Indian middle order, in the absence of Tendulkar, Sehwag, Gambhir and Yuvraj Singh, is full of pep and vigour but is vastly inexperienced compared to the regular one and the Proteas could not get a better opportunity to scythe through it.

Youngsters Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja have been entrusted with the responsibility to shore up the middle with in-form skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Yusuf Pathan.

The Indian bowling too is depleted in the absence of not only Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh, but also Praveen Kumar who is reportedly out because of a hamstring injury.

The team will also miss Sehwag as the extra slow bowling option to support Jadeja and Pathan, brightening the chances of either leg spinner Amit Mishra or uncapped off spinner Ravichandran Ashwin getting a look-in.

An enormous burden has been placed on Ashish Nehra and the inconsistent S Sreesanth to deliver the goods in the early overs and at death.

They are expected to have the backup of either Sudeep Tyagi, who has been traveling with the team without getting many chances to play, or Karnataka's young talent Abhimanyu Mithun.

While India have some deep holes to fill in their line up, the visitors have to show their ability to bounce back from the dead after the thrashing they received at Gwalior.

The Proteas batting has not fired in the two matches with skipper Jacques Kallis at Jaipur and A B de Villiers in Gwalior being the top scorers without getting much support from the rest.

Much was expected from Herschelle Gibbs at the top because of his familiarity with Indian pitches and conditions but his bat failed to boom in the first two ties and the visitors would be looking forward to a solid innings from this veteran.

Jean Paul Duminy has been the biggest flop on the entire tour with a string of one-digit scores to his credit that has weakened the middle order considerably. A final fling from this talented player would help the Proteas' bid for a consolation victory.

Duminy's off spin too has been pedestrian and this has added to the bowling woes of the South African team in containing the home team batsmen.

The absence of big guns Tendulkar and Sehwag must be a huge relief for pace spearheads Steyn and Wayne Parnell, especially the latter who did not have a clue about stopping the master batsman from executing his shots at will in the Gwalior tie.

The duo would certainly fancy its chances here with a new Indian opening pair taking strike.

India have a mixed bag of results at this ground, having won five and lost six - including the last three - of their encounters.

The home team's last victory came more than seven years ago, in November 2002 against the West Indies.

Curator Dhiraj Parsana has predicted that the wicket would not be a batting paradise like the ones at Jaipur and Gwalior and a score of 260-plus would be a good one to defend.

He also stated that dew fall has been quite heavy which could affect the team bowling second, but added that measures like sprinkling of chemicals on the outfield and usage of ropes to take away the moisture would be tried to reduce the impact.

Teams (from):

India: MS Dhoni (Capt.), M Vijay, Dinesh Karthik, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma, Yusuf Pathan, Ravindra Jadeja, Sudeep Tyagi, S Sreesanth, R Ashwin, Amit Mishra, Abhimanyu Mithun and Ashish Nehra.

South Africa: Jacques Kallis (Capt.), Loots Bosman, Johan Botha, Hashim Amla, Mark Boucher, A B de Villiers, J P Duminy, Herschelle Gibbs, Charl Langeveldt, Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Alviro Petersen, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe and Roelof van der Merwe.

Match Name: 3rd ODI
Teams: India vs South Africa
Venue: Sardar Patel Stadium
Time: 14:30 IST
Channel: Neo Cricket
Scorecard: 1st ODI, India vs South Africa
Scorecard: 2nd ODI, India vs South Africa
Scorecard: 1st Test, India vs South Africa
Scorecard: 2nd Test, India vs South Africa

Abhay: I’ll never sell a fairness cream

He has been festival-hopping for sometime now. And, of course, he has been meeting quite a few internationally-reputed celebrities.

But Abhay is now sceptical of mentioning the names of these celebrities. The reason: he doesn’t want to be tagged as an Indian actor who wants fame by seeking publicity from celeb encounters.

“I’ve met Matt Damon and have been introduced to Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro. They are very humble and have encouraged me a lot. When I met Matt Damon and told him that I know someone who was there in Goa when he shot for Bourne Supremacy, he immediately asked me how my friend was,” says Abhay. While this was all there was to the interaction, headlines appeared about how Damon had watched Abhay’s movies and become his fan! “Who says Matt Damon’s my fan? I’m mortified to think how things can get so distorted. If his manager gets a Google alert, he’ll think I’m so cheeky. I’ve too much of self-respect in me to seek publicity this way. That’s just not my thing. It’s my body of work that will get me noticed and not who I’m meeting where,” he says.

Talking about his work, the actor says that he likes being versatile. But considering that his forthcoming movie has been getting fabulous response at all international festivals, does he pause to wonder whether his Aisha too will get a similar response internationally? “I remember the premiere night at Toronto where Dev Benegal’s film went housefull. The audience laughed even at places where we didn’t expect them too. And a good section of them came up for the Q&A session too. At Berlin, we were literally spoilt with the audience clapping for almost five minutes after every housefull show. But then, I realise that each film has its audience and comes with its own shelf life. While Aisha is a romantic comedy, my recent outing is the most offbeat film that I’ve done. It’s important to keep surprising the audience to keep the machinery going so that no one can predict what to expect from me.”

While versatility is the key, how does he feel when made to believe that an actor is just a part of one big jigsaw puzzle? “Isn’t that the truth? Film-making is a team effort. Everybody has to work together to fit into that puzzle. That, however, doesn’t mean those little parts aren’t communicating with each other. If I have anything to share something, I will. But I will also accept if my suggestion is turned down. After all, the director is the captain of the ship. If he is accepting every suggestion of yours, it becomes your movie and not his.”

So, how important is the pay cheque for accepting an offer? “That’s very important,” he honestly admits, adding, “It’s a ruthless world and I expect to get what is rightly due to me. Doing cinema for the sake of art sounds fine. But I too need money to run my house.”

While on money, would he agree to dance at weddings? Abhay pauses briefly before saying, “To each his own. I’ve nothing against it. But I don’t think I’ll accept such offers.” Even in case of endorsements, Abhay is clear about his dos and dont’s. “If I endorse a cola, I can’t be forced into saying that drinking it is good for health.” As a parting shot, he says, “I’ll never sell a fairness cream. It’s terrible and only shows our inferiority complex. I’d rather endorse a cream that makes one look dark and sexy!”

Farah, Bhansali...all is well

They say that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. And if this recent incident is anything to go by, the adage is absolutely true. One of the film industry's important friendships, which had gone sour in 2007, has been revived all thanks to some yummy chicken pulao.

Let's rewind a bit. Filmmakers Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Farah Khan had become best friends in 1993 during the making of 1942: A Love Story and they regularly used to spend time at each other's homes. Incidentally, the gregarious Farah was one of the few friends that the reclusive Sanjay had.

However, the Sanjay-Farah friendship went sour when their respective films, Saawariya and Om Shanti Om, clashed at the box office in 2007 on the same Friday, November 9. Consequently, differences cropped up between Sanjay and Farah particularly because the latter passed some unsavory comments against Sanjay's mother Leela. Sanjay had said then: “Why bring my mother into this unnecessarily, specially since my mother has always shown so much love and affection for Farah? Farah and I go back a long way. We can't allow one film to sour our relations.”

However, things started looking up lately with Sanjay thinking of getting in touch with his old buddy Farah to finally meet her triplets. Just as the thought of meeting Farah seemed to be gathering momentum in Sanjay's mind, Farah surprised him with a friendly gesture.

On his 46th birthday on Wednesday, Farah sent Sanjay his favourite home-cooked pulao. As Sanjay relished the delicious, steaming hot pulao, he forgot all his past grievances and the two friends are now back together. Now it's Sanjay's turn to reciprocate by paying that long-pending visit to Farah's residence to meet her triplets, who recently turned two.

Confirming the news, Sanjay says, “It was a sweet gesture. I love Farah and her food as much she loves me and the food at my place. It could have been a disastrous birthday, but everything finally came together.”

Disaster struck when on Sanjay’s birthday, a day before his final schedule for Guzaarish was to start at Yash Raj Studios, the Ukrainian magician, who has been summoned to perform magic tricks with Hrithik Roshan, had a visa problem. All hell broke loose at Sanjay’s office since it was not only impossible to find a replacement at that hour but also because Sanjay was determined to shoot only with the magician handpicked by him. After much brouhaha, the visa issue for the magician was sorted out. The Ukranian magician is expected to arrive today, a day later than scheduled. Meanwhile, Hrithik has started creating magic with the Ukranian magician’s assistant who came to Mumbai on Wednesday.

After Shahid, Priyanka loses gal pal

Most would agree that it is difficult to remain friends with a former flame.

But the same holds true even when it comes to the former flame’s close friends. A case in point is Priyanka Chopra, who got extremely close to Shahid Kapoor’s close friend Mubina Rattonsey. She’s now had a major fall out with her.

As reported earlier, Mubina and Shahid were at one point more than close friends, but that was before he got into a relationship with Priyanka.

Mubina was close to both Shahid and Priyanka. But this awkward proximity caused more harm than good. A source reveals, “Shahid never liked Priyanka’s growing friendship with Mubina. During the period they were seeing each other, they had fought about this because Shahid believed Mubina would try to influence Priyanka against him. After their break up, Priyanka continued her friendship with Mubina. In fact they got even closer and Priyanka would often confide in her.”

The source continues, “But it seems that whatever Priyanka was saying to Mubina didn’t remain just between them. Recently Priyanka discovered that certain things she had told Mubina about Shahid were reaching him and this really irked her. She confronted Mubina the first time this happened but she denied leaking out information. But it happened again and Priyanka just decided to stop confiding things to Mubina.”

So now the former gal pals are keeping their distance. “Priyanka used to trust Mubina and felt lighter after discussing her personal matters with her. But she never thought that her trust would be betrayed,” adds the source.

I’ve lusted for B-grade heroines: Madhavan

No cultivated humility. No baggage of being part of iconic hits in Bollywood. R Madhavan, who was in town recently, tells CT that he is upfront about turning down 38 of the 40 offers that come his way....

What does stardom do to a person? Does it change an actor’s gait? Does it make him more secure as an individual?

Or does it make him want to guard his vulnerability with as much passion as he exhibits with his craft that sends his fans into a tizzy, raising the bar of expectations to dizzying heights? And it just takes one answer from Madhavan, on his whirlwind trip to Kolkata on Tuesday post the success of 3 Idiots, to put all speculation to rest. Yes, he knows that 3I has literally exploded at the BO. And no, that hasn’t made him want to give up on the small pleasures of ordinary life.

As he settles down for an interview, he points at a half-eaten bhelpuri packet saying, “If I want to enjoy my normal life, I will. While coming down to the hotel, I stopped on the road and had bhelpuri. I know 3I was huge. But come to think of it, there have been so many occasions in life when I’ve felt that it can’t get better than this. Today, I realise that it’s important to stay connected to ordinary people without being blinded by the star entourage, which might often be caught in a time warp.”

One understands the need to be grounded but success does bring along a lot of responsibilities, especially concerning the choices of forthcoming films. So, how many scripts has he turned down post-3I? “Turning down scripts means disappointing those who want to work with you. I am very choosy and if I get 40 offers, I’ll perhaps refuse 38 of them. I don’t mince words when I don’t like a script. I just say sorry. I don’t keep people waiting by saying let me think about it. I remember refusing director Vikram Kumar eight times over a period of six years. Every time I refused, I’d say the script he had was not worthy of him. But finally, I did 13B with him and it was a hit! Post-3I, I feel people are afraid to approach me.”

So does he believe in the proverb that it’s lonely at the top though one eats better there? “I am not at the top yet. It’s difficult to have your cake and eat it too. Being an actor, I can’t even eat better if I’m at the top,” he humours, as he bites into an apple while continuing to talk about whether it’s easy or difficult to promote a film immediately after a huge hit. “Both the scripts of TP and Tanu Weds Manu were okayed much before 3 Idiots. I understand that none of these films might reach the level of 3I. For Aamir, his films might surpass 3I. But for us, things have to get a little downhill,” he says, while recollecting an incident with Sharman Joshi post-Rang De Basanti. “Sharman and I had a discussion about what happens after such a huge success. We realised that eventually we will give a dud at the box-office. But then, we also realised that life has its means of finding a way. Despite thinking that it can’t get better post-RDB, we did have a 3I. I believe one can hope for the best but can’t work towards it.”

And soon Maddy is talking about the disappointment of his Sunglass not having seen the light of day yet. “Every film has a time and moment. Sunglass too had its time. No actor will say this but it’s a fact that every actor knows how a film will fare the moment he sets his foot on the sets on the first day of shooting. Very seldom has a film where he has not had a great experience while shooting received a great response from the audience.” And yet, it’s a fact of life that during promotions, all actors worth their salt have to insist that shooting it was ‘one big picnic’.

Considering that he has played a student in 3I and a teacher in TP, what’s that skill that he thinks he needs to train in and what’s it that he has already learnt well enough to teach others? “I have always yearned for someone who could teach me to act. Thankfully, I didn’t have a teacher. I don’t know how to act and I don’t say it out of modesty. I am not remotely close to being a good actor. My USP is that I project myself as the role I’ve been given. It’s easy for comedians to mimic SRK and Amitabh. But I can’t be mimiced,” he says, adding, “Both in India and abroad, one becomes a star first and then an actor. Even Leonardo DiCaprio first became a star and then an actor. It’s important to sustain the longevity of one’s status as a star. So those like Aamir Khan and Kamal Haasan have evolved their own style of acting to ensure the longevity of their status as stars. Hopefully someday, I’ll have a style of my own. But right now, I still don’t and comedians down South complain that they can’t mimic me on their shows!”

As the conversation draws to an end, one wonders whether Madhavan, whose character in TP is forced to choose between love and lust, can make that distinction in real life. “Love is something that keeps us from doing what’ll hurt. Lust is more of an animal instinct but is not always negative. I’ve been lucky with love.” Apart from lusting for attention, has he lusted for other women too? “Before joining the film industry, I’ve lusted after B-grade heroines. Today, I’d love to lust for someone who is naturally attractive and not cosmetically made up.” And could he throw up some names in that case? As he takes a final bite into the apple, he says, “Oh! Jennifer Anniston. In India, there isn’t any star I can name whom I’d lust for. In my head, I’m trying to think of names but I just can’t. Guess, I’m a bit old-fashioned that way. If there was a younger Amala, Sridevi or a Juhi, I’d certainly lust for her.”

SRK, KJo's moment of history

That My Name is Khan is one of the biggest Bollywood global grossers ever is not just a professional triumph for two of the Hindi film industry’s most powerful names — Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar; it’s also a personal victory for them.

“Every time we have come together, something special has happened,” says the Bollywood Badshah Shah Rukh Khan. SRK, who has witnessed Karan’s graph rise with each of their films — be it Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kal Ho Naa Ho or Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna and now My Name is Khan, smiles affectionately as he remembers their first meeting. “He was very young when he came to me to make Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. But even then, he was crystal clear in what he wanted to say,” he remembers.

“With each passing film I have seen him grow in stature as a person and as a film-maker. Karan is family. Gauri and my kids — Aryan and Suhana — love him. And I feel a personal pride in seeing him scale the heights he has,” he adds.

For Karan, the journey of Khan is an emotional high. “Well, I’m ecstatic that the film has become the global phenomenon that it has. It has broken records,’’ says Karan. “But for me, what is of even more significance is the fact that SRK and I have an emotional connect. This makes our professional triumph even more special.” He admits that giving five-record-breaking films together is the result of “great synergy between the both of us. And, what makes this record even more meaningful for me is the fact that Shah Rukh and I share an emotional bond.”

If SRK has seen Karan mature from a boy to a man, Karan has also seen Bollywood biggest brand rise right in front of his eyes. “Professionally Shah Rukh is the biggest, most widely accepted Bollywood brand across the globe. And personally I have seen him grow from a husband to a father. The birth of his children changed him forever. He is now more restrained as a person. As far as his celluloid growth is concerned, well I don’t need to say it. Even those remotely connected to the movies will stand testimony for the fact that Shah Rukh is indeed King."

Life Ise Gale Laga Le (Shooting Report) Part -1

Life Ise Gale Laga Le (Shooting Report) Part -2

I’m bad to my family: Shahid

Hours before his 29th birthday, Shahid Kapoor rolls over with laughter about all his birthday plans we’ve been reading about.

“Everyone has made plans that I don’t know about. It’s quite annoying. Even my guest list was prepared. But no, the truth is that there are no plans beyond the family. Is my friend Siddharth Malhotra really having party for me? Poor thing. It isn’t a surprise for me any more. Seriously nothing is happening. I’ll bring in my birthday with my family with a quiet dinner and then probably have a few close friends over on my birthday.”

During his 29 years, Shahid has only celebrated a couple of his birthdays. “I had a party for my last birthday and it drove me nuts. If friends take over and have a party for me only then will I be part of it in future.”

His earliest memory of a birthday goes back to when he was four years old - and in Delhi. “It was in a two-bedroom apartment. As a child I’d embarrass my mom on my birthday by snatching gifts from guests, opening them and expressing my pleasure or displeasure on the spot. They were very regular, typical middleclass birthdays.”

Shahid says that his mom will be present for this birthday. “Either she’ll come over or I’ll visit her. Me and my mom used to live together, but now we live separately. But we have a great emotional connect. My brother Ishaan stays with my mother and we’re always hanging out together. I feel I’m terrible to my family and friends because I don’t give them enough time.”

Regarding the new link up with Deepika Padukone, Shahid says, “I first met her at an awards function and then we bumped into one another at a couple of parties. She seems like a nice person. Of course it’s very embarrassing, not so much for me as the lady. At the moment I’m scared to even meet a girl for fear of being linked up. But I won’t stop living my life the way I want to just because I fear being wrongly linked.”

Shahid has a lot of personal resolutions for the new year in his life. “This is going to be a year of learning for me. In the last couple of years, I’ve been going on the sets and trying to behave as if I know my job. This year, I’m going to be a student to my father as he makes his film. I want to go on the set with an attitude of learning. I want to come out a better human being and an actor. And I know I will, because there’s no better teacher than my father.”

No link-up please, says nervous Preity

Actress Preity Zinta is nervous before the 55th Idea Filmfare Award 2009, which will take place on Saturday, February 27.
She tweets, “Filmfare Awards are coming near and I am already nervous ! Most actors are nervous because they are wondering if they will get awards... I am nervous because if I end up going with someone from the opposite sex that person might get linked up with me. What to do?”
The dimpled actress, who hasn’t been nominated this year, says, “I think I will nominate myself for the Missing in Action Filmfare Award since I have not had a movie for a year and half!”
On a suggestion that she take her dad or brother along, or even go alone, she responds, “I know but I hate getting dressed up and then becoming ... Miss Only the Lonely!” C’mon, Preity, brave those flashbulbs... so what if we’ll be watching!

Osama in Bollywood?

Jaane kitne mulkon ki police Osama Bin Laden ko dhoond rahi hai, but the feared and famous man is going to be in a Bollywood film this July.

Well, not really, but there’s nothing wrong in settling for second best, right? Producer Pooja Shetty Deora’s upcoming flick, Tere Bin Laden, is all about Osama, but not really about him.

A young Pakistani reporter wants to go to USA, but his visa keeps getting rejected. As fate would have it, one day, he meets an Osama lookalike and decides to make a clip with the impostor, in a bid to sell it to a television channel as a scoop. But, as is expected, the FBI gets on his trail and the reporter is on a ride from there on. Directed by Abhishek Sharma, the movie has an unconventional cast that includes Pakistani prince of pop Ali Zafar, Chinmay Mandlekar, Nikhil Ratnaparkhi, Chirag Vohra and Piyush Mishra, among others.

After 2003, when theatre veteran Barry John starred in Roysten Abel’s Othello as Iago, he’ll now be seen in Tere Bin Laden, playing a pivotal role. Piyush Mishra too makes an appearance here after Gulaal, though he’s not given the music for this one.

Deepika ,Shahid .. Whats cooking?

From the time Shahid Kapoor visited a building complex in Bandra to meet filmmaker Kunal Kohli, the paparazzi has been hanging around a tree in the same complex.

One photographer almost lost his camera hanging from a branch. Coming back to Shahid he first went to Kunal and then he reportedly strayed. He dashed into a building that has Deepika Padukone in it. Sources close to Shahid say that he discovered Deepika stays there quite accidentally. However, what is interesting is, that now Shahid apparently loves this neighbourhood and makes nocturnal visits regularly. One of Deepika’s very helpful neighbours says, “I was in my balcony smoking a cigarette at 3.30 am and spotted Shahid’s SUV parked there.” Whether the actor was visiting Kunal or Deepika is a little bit of a mystery. Since Deepika was on Shahid’s birthday guest list last night... one seems to think the scales are tilted in favour of Deepika over Kunal. Kareena Kapoor, Vidya Balan and Priyanka Chopra are persona non-grata on the young actor’s list. Deep inside new feelings seem to have erupted.

Rishi takes panga with Dimple

Look what all is happening at the Patiala House. Dimple Kapadia and Rishi Kapoor, yes the same stars who rocked the 70s with their debut film Bobby, play fight on the sets of Nikhil Advani’s film all the time.

Dimple has all the stars in the house amused when she jokingly tells Rishi, “Aye Kapoor mere se panga mat le.” And Rishi of course, is his usual self, very strict and a no-nonsense person. He even shouts at the other actors. “Go give your shot,” he’ll say if he sees anybody wasting away their time. Dimple doesn’t spare her son-in-law Akshay Kumar too. When she’s talking to him about Twinkle, Dimple says ‘teri biwi’ so Akshay too refers to his wife in the same fashion, ‘teri beti...’, he tells Dimple. This house is indeed rocking!

Arjun, Ranbir need their smoke

The lengths to which directors have to go for their movies is sometimes unbelievable. But even Prakash Jha had never imagined he would have to do what he did for his Raajneeti actors, Arjun Rampal and Ranbir Kapoor, while they were filming a vital scene.

The story goes that the cast and crew of the film were shooting in Bhopal for a very important sequence. The shot required the cast to be drenched in muddy water and colours. However Arjun and Ranbir, who are regular smokers, suddenly were desperate to have the cancer stick but realised they couldn’t because of the condition they were in.

So when Prakash Jha called them to explain the next scene, the duo was not very attentive and seemed preoccupied. Finally, when Jha demanded to know what the matter was, they both explained that they could not pay attention because they were dying for a smoke.

They even jokingly requested Prakash Jha to put in a smoking scene just so that they could smoke. Poor Prakash Jha ha no option but to hold the cigarette in his hands while they puffed away.” Ranbir was so happy that he got up and hugged Prakash Jha, ruining his clean clothes in the process.

Succumbing to pressure from Arjun Rampal and Ranbir Kapoor, Prakash Jha held a cigarette so they could smoke handsfree...

The source further adds, “All three of them still laugh about it. Prakash Jha now makes fun of Arjun and Ranbir over the incident whenever he recalls himself passing the cigarette from one to another. It was so funny, the whole unit was in splits.”

When contacted Prakash Jha admitted, “Yes, they had mud all over them. They told me that if I don’t let them smoke, it would affect the shot. So, I had to ... humko apne haathon se cigarette pilani padi.”

A diabetes tracking van for Big B

Amitabh Bachchan will be presented with a diabetes tracking van, called ‘Amitabh,’ by British PM Gordon Brown at an event in London. Silver Star, an organisation under the patronage of Indian-origin British MP, Keith Vaz, will donate this bus to help screen people for diabetes in Mumbai.

“Some months back, I’d gone to Goa to launch the MDU (Module Diabetic Unit) there. The van is being called ‘Amitabh,’ which is a little embarrassing. Other MDUs shall be launched in Delhi and Kerala as well,” the Big B said online.

Gauahar bitten by the ‘acting’ bug

Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year registered collections in certain centres that were as low as 15 to 20 per cent say trade gurus. Yet Gauahar Khan, who made her debut in this flick, keeps talking of how impactful her role was.

Guess Gauahar knows something the trade guys know nothing about. Anyway, the reason why this model-turned-actress is back in the news is because of the musical Kingdom of Dreams — in which she is the lead alongside Vivek Oberoi and Isha Sharvani. The svelte lass may set pulses racing, but Gauahar makes it more than clear that she is single and absolutely ‘not ready’ to mingle. “I’m kind of anti-men,” she says cheekily adding, “Unfortunately for them, only smart men get to converse with me.” Meanwhile, modelling is almost a closed chapter in Gauahar’s book of life. “Now the only thing that will get me back on the ramp is if I am asked to be a showstopper. My passion and heart lies in acting and that’s my focus,” she says.

Farhan-Deepika a fresh pair: Vijay

Vijay Lalwani is keen to see how his directorial debut Excel Entertainment’s Karthik Calling Karthik fares at the box office. The film starring Farhan Akhtar and Deepika Padukone releases on February 26.

The chemistry between the ‘odd’ couple has been the topic of discussion within the filmi circuit, as well as among the junta. However, he doesn’t find it an unusual pair. “It’s a fresh pair, not an odd couple. They haven’t been cast together before this and that makes them an interesting pair. And the most important aspect is that they have been cast as per the characters that they are playing. Both of them suit the roles they have to enact,” says Vijay, who turned to filmmaking after being associated with the advertising industry. He even has 150 TV commercials and various print campaigns to his credit.

The debutant director is obviously a bit nervous as the movie draws closer to it’s release. “I have been busy with the promotions. But the feeling so far has been more excitement than nervousness. I think the nervousness bit will seep in now,” he smiles.

Vijay says he never felt nervous or stressed while directing Farhan, who is a director himself. “We never had trouble while working on the film. I think he gave me the job because he was convinced about it. Also I think as an actor he had enough to worry about. Apart from that it was only an asset to have him on the set,” says Vijay.

And not just Farhan, Vijay has good things to say about Deepika too. He adds, “Deepika was an absolute professional. It was great working with her. I think this will be one of her best performances.”

I was ready to marry Rakhi: Manmohan

If you thought Manmohan Tiwari would clam up if the topic of Rakhi Sawant comes up, think again.

The Ganga kinare wala, as he came to be known on Rakhi Ka Swayamvar is quite open about the fact that he considered the show as a stepping stone into the world of acting, something that has come true with the show Jamunia. “But why is the finger being pointed at me? Even Rakhi was playing a game and if she was not questioned, then why me? She fooled 16 men but thankfully God spared me,” he says. But what if the item girl had actually gone ahead and selected him as her pati? “Toh hum shaadi kar lete. Then I would have taken her to Bihar with me, seen if she is able to milk cows, make dungcakes and if she would be able to take care of my parents. If she would have been able to do all that for two months, then I would have been with her all her life,” he adds.

And what would he say to her if he came across her, considering they both are in the TV industry now? He laughs, “Kya kahenge? Jai Ram Ji Ki kahenge!”

Help, I tweet at 4 am: Shahid

Having finished all his assignments, the actor has no projects on hand at the moment besides his dad's film Mausam. A timely visit to papa Pankaj Kapoor's spiritual guru in the hills has shown Shahid the virtues of stillness in an otherwise-overactive lifestyle.

Says Shahid, “All I can say is, faith makes all things possible. That's why it's called a leap of faith. I was working 20 hours a day till the 20th of January. I was working insanely. When I woke up on the 21st I had no work to go to. Initially, I felt a sense of freedom. Then immediately it was followed by panic...what do I do with myself? I’ve become an insomniac and started tweeting at 4 am. I don’t feel tired. I feel I haven’t earned the right to rest. And I don’t know what to do with myself!”

However, there is the upside. “Everytime I’ve sat at home without work it has worked for my career. I did it before Vivah and before Jab We Met.” Shahid will be doing only one film in 2010, and that is his Dad Pankaj Kapoor’s Mausam. He will serve as a hands-on technician, spotboy whatever...for his dad’s project. “While I’m being directed by my Dad I’d like to learn in every department. I want to learn about cinematography, choreography and direction. Most of all I’d learn a lot about acting from my Dad. I want to try and absorb from him.”

The thought of acting in front of his father petrifies Shahid. “It’s a very scary thought. But in life you’ve to face challenges. Of course, there’s anxiety and fear about acting in front of my father. I quite often think I’ve given a decent performance. And then when I hold a trial show for my father all the confidence crumbles.”

Shahid remembers a nightmarish incident when he had to act in front of the great Pankaj Kapoor. “ I remember this one time when we were shooting for Jab We Met near Khandala. Dad dropped in and was watching me on the monitor. And I just couldn’t give my shot! I actually had to tell my dad to leave. I tactfully told him to proceed, and I’d join him for lunch. He immediately understood. And my next shot was okay.”

Explaining his reason for staying away from all other projects Shahid says, “It’s a film very close to my heart because after 35 years of acting, Dad is finally directing a film. After being the best actor in the country (that’s what I believe him to be) he has decided to make a film with me in the lead because he wants to project me in a certain way. It’s a huge sacrifice for someone who does so little work as an actor. The least I can do is to be there unconditionally for him during the time that he makes the film.”

To prepare for Mausam Shahid needs to go train as pilot at a military academy. Says Shahid, “I don’t want to reveal right now what all I’ll be doing. But yes, I do play an airforce pilot. But if you think I’ll learn how to fly a plane for the film then all I can say is, I haven’t reached that stage of madness.”

Neil excited for Dhoom 3

If rumours are to be believed, Sanjay Gadhvi is being summoned back to Yash Raj Films for the third part of the Dhoom franchise.

Gadhvi was spotted last week with Neil Nitin Mukesh, who is Yash Raj’s current blue-eyed boy.

According to a source, “Neil who’s very close to Yash Raj Films has convinced Aditya Chopra to let Gadhvi do the third Dhoom movie. Neil himself is very keen on being part of the third installment. Adi assured him there would be room for the young actor who’s currently shooting for Yash Raj’s Lafange Parinde.”

The other option is that Aditya Chopra will direct Dhoom 3 himself, something that Aditya is most happy to explore. Also, every actor associated with Yash Raj barring Shah Rukh Khan wants to be part of the bumper franchise.

When contacted, Gadhvi doesn’t discount the possibility of doing Dhoom 3. He says, “Everyone keeps asking me about Dhoom 3. But the franchise belongs to Yash Raj Films. If Adi asks me to do it, I’d take the plunge, no two ways about it. Anything for Adi.”

Adi, on his part, is contemplating the pros and cons of getting Gadhvi back into the Yash Raj fold.

Says Neil Nitin Mukesh cautiously, “Who doesn’t want to be part of the Dhoom franchise? I’d love to be in Dhoom 3. If Adi directs it, nothing like it. I’ve met Sanjay Gadhvi for a movie over a meal of rajma and chawal, and that’s all I can tell you right now.”

As things stand, the Dhoom 3 project is expected to go on the floors by the end of this year or early next year.

And Neil is definitely doing a project with Gadhvi. Says Neil, “Gadhvi and I are on. Whether it is for Dhoom 3 or something else I cannot say right now.”

Anil Kapoor's second honeymoon

After an exhilarating time at BAFTA (The British Academy of Film & Television Arts) on Sunday evening where he hobnobbed with Matt Damon, Mickey Rourke and Harvey Weinstein, Anil Kapoor took off for Paris on Monday night with his wife Sunita for what qualifies as a second honeymoon.

Getting uncharacteristically romantic and nostalgic, the actor suddenly takes a journey into his courtship days. “During our student days, Sunita and I had gone to Nice in France with friends.”

It was there that love really blossomed. Anil blushes as he recalls, “Those were the days. We had no money. I remember I had 10-15 francs in my pocket and I wanted to show Sunita the entire city on that! We’d have a hearty breakfast in the hotel and I’d stuff the bread from the hotel in my pocket to eat later for lunch.”

Anil had vowed he would take Sunita back to France one day. Says the actor, “We’re taking a train from London to Paris. It’s all very romantic. It’s a rare holiday for us. Though Paris is Sonam’s favourite city, she couldn’t accompany us because she’s shooting.”

Anil had done his round of socialising before he took off with his wife. He describes the evening at BAFTA, “Do you know, I shook hands with and congratulated Katheryn Bigelow the minute she got the best director award? It was such a glorious moment for women directors. Everyone thought James Cameron would get it for Avatar.”

Anil also got to spend time with his friend Mickey Rourke. The two got close when he was promoting Slumdog Millioniare at the Oscars in Los Angeles.

Anil also got to meet and spend time with Matt Damon. “In fact,” says Anil excitedly, “Matt and I were on the same table and spent a lot of time discussing cinema. Of course, he has seen Slumdog... It’s astonishing how much Matt knew about Indian cinema.”

The other actor Anil hugely enjoyed fraternising with was Christopher Waltz who won the best supporting actor award for Quentin Tarantino’s Inglorious Basterds. Anil says, “I loved Christopher’s speech.

He said if there was no Quentin, no Brad Pitt and no co-actors and technicians, he wouldn’t be there. I’ve always believed in that work ethic. Filmmaking is a team effort and an actor is just a part of that team.”

Professional Mugdha works for 22 hours

Mugdha Godse has her share of well-wishers in Bollywood. After Fashion (2008) she had All the Best and Jail in 2009. And though she has been offered chota-mota roles in several films, Mugdha is being extremely patient and waiting for the right offers.

She will next be seen with Bobby Deol in a horror flick called Help. The girl is so keen to keep the professional tag she has earned, that she actually shot for 22 hours at a stretch for a promotional song for this movie! Says a source, “Yes it is true, Mugdha worked for 22 hours straight. But she did not complain even once. She was professional and was determined to complete the shoot on time.” Such dedication will take her places for sure. Ask Madhur Bhandarkar, Rohit Shetty and all those directors who genuinely like Mugdha a lot.

The Golden Kela awards nomination

The Golden Kela awards are here, honouring the worst in Indian cinema. Jatin Varma, editor of the magazine that organises the awards, says, “This is a humorous show and even we do not take ourselves too seriously.” Not surprising, when the chief guest is the ultra whacky Cyrus Broacha.

Himesh Reshammiya and Priyanka Chopra are back in the worst actor categories. Says Jatin, “Himesh’s movies have always been a little dramatic. This year, he tried to do a more normal story, but that didn’t work. As for Priyanka, I needn’t say anything for What’s Your Raashee?!” Jatin goes on, “We aren’t saying they’re bad actors. Just that they gave a performance that wasn’t good. Everything can’t be good; one must celebrate the worst also.”

Worst Actor Male
• Himesh Reshammiya (Radio)
• John Abraham (New York)
• Emraan Hashmi (Tum Mile/Raaz 2)
• Salman Khan (Wanted)
• Harman Baweja (What’s Your Raashee?)

WORST ACTOR FEMALE
• Priyanka Chopra
(What’s Your Raashee?)
• Kangana Ranaut (Raaz 2)
• Kareena Kapoor (Kambakkht Ishq)
• Deepika Padukone
(Chandni Chowk to China)
• Rani Mukerji (Dil Bole Hadippa!)

Worst Pair
• Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone (Chandni Chowk to China)
• Sanjay Dutt and Lara Dutta (Blue)
• Rani Mukerji and
Shahid Kapoor (Dil Bole Haddipa!)
• Salman Khan and
Ayesha Takia (Wanted)
• Abhishek Bachchan and
Amitabh Bachchan (Paa)


Baawra Ho Gaya Hai Ke Award
• Akshay Kumar and Nikhil
Adwani (Chandni Chowk to China)
• Sylvester Stallone and
Denise Richards (Kambakkht Ishq)
• Nagesh Kukunoor (8X10 Tasveer)
• Ashutosh Gowarikar and
Priyanka Chopra
(What’s Your Raashee?)
• Shah Rukh Khan (Billu)

Most Irritating Song
• Love Mera Hit Hit – Billu
• Tu Paisa Paisa Karti Hai
– De Dana Dan
• Tainu Lai Ke Jaana – Jai Veeru
• Om Mangalam – Kambakkht Ishq
• Tera Hone Laga Hoon
– Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani

Ranbir, Bipasha bosom pals

One of Ranbir Kapoor’s close aides thought Bipasha Basu certainly didn’t suit him in Bachna Ae Haseeno. However Ranbir thinks differently. He and Bips are close buddies.

Yeah, their friendship started when they were shooting Bachna... and it continues. Now this is one friendship that is real. Sources say that whenever Ranbir wants to unwind, read it as — confess about his girlfriends or just have a quiet dinner with a pal, he dials the Bengali bombshell’s number.

Bips is also very fond of Ranbir and she thinks he will be No.1 someday. Her beau John Abraham knows of her friendship with Ranbir. In fact John doesn’t seem to mind Ranbir at all. Such no-holds-barred, true friendships are a rarity in Bollywood. Here stars hug when they meet and bitch when their backs are turned. So let’s raise a toast to something pure for a change.

Ajay, Kajol to celebrate 11th wedding anniversary

Ajay Devgn and Kajol will bring in their 11th wedding anniversary on Feb 24.

This superstar couple who usually take a few days off each year just around their anniversary are planning a party with closest friends and family at their Juhu bungalow. Their six-year old daughter Nysa is going to play host to her parents and some of her aunts and uncles. Ajay who loves Kajol to distraction hasn’t shown his affection publicly. However, one hears that with each passing year, he has learnt to appreciate his wife’s dedication to the institution of marriage. And he gives Kajol full marks for making their marriage so succesful. Chalo here’s one couple who can’t have enough of each other despite the years.

Preity a hot gossip topic of B-town

Guess who was the hot topic of discussion on the sets of a film? Preity Zinta. A bunch of Bollywood stars after the director had announced ‘pack-up’, were heard sitting and gossiping about the actress . “When stars have no work, they usually say ‘I’m reading a few scripts let’s see how it goes. Actually in reality, they have no work,” laughed a senior actor and added, “Preity’s now saying the same thing. Bollywood is like a conveyor belt, if you are off it, you can’t get onto it again,” he said. “Preity’s ‘innings’ is over,” he added. To that another actor said, “When their career is rocking, they say ‘I’m tired of doing commercial films, I want to do something more meaningful and then when they get a jolt, they promptly go on to say, ‘I’m dying to do a hard-core masala film.’” Gossip mongers beware, the fiery Preity Zinta won’t take any of this lying down. “People don’t know that today I’ve made so much money that I don’t need to work for the rest of my life. But I can’t sit doing nothing. I’m busy with my IPL team, my production house and also with the TV show I’m going to host,” she had said besides of course, “reading a few scripts!”

Ritiesh, Jacqueline more than friends

Riteish Deshmukh, we have three questions for you. What’s with the skinny, scrawny, almost anorexic look these days? Success, they say goes to your head, but what’s gone to your head, dude? Are you and Jacqueline Fernandez more than just friends? The actor and Jacqueline were holed up in a vanity van throughout the day on the sets of Sajid Khan’s Housefull. The Sri Lankan beauty, who’s just part of a song in the film, was all chirpy and happy in his company. Riteish, apparently, had also told a cameraman at a recent event that he won’t pose alag se for a photo “kyunki hum abhi saath-saath hain”. We, unlike Genelia, have no objection to that, but we do have an objection to your attitude. He, apparently, has the habit of making people wait. He was irritated when photographers asked him to pose for a picture when the rest of the cast including the star of the film, Akshay, was more than relenting. “Patah nahin itna attitude kyun hai,” remarked a person from the sets. Riteish, you must have already angered the Sainiks for your growing friendship with a non-Marathi mulgi, but why anger the media too. Mend your ways, boy!

I'm not aping Rekha: Vidya

Two back-to-back critical and commercial successes and Vidya Balan is literally spoilt with appreciation. And it showed in the glow on her face during her recent visit to the city. While some have marvelled at her effortless reinvention, others have insisted that she has carved a non-interchangeable space for herself after busting the myth of power and beauty being strange bed-partners in recent Hindi cinema. And for yet some more, Vidya is slowly inching towards a zone that was earlier reserved for an actor like Rekha! Ask Vidya about the changing images of Indian heroines and the actor says, “There was a time when Hindi films had heroines including Madhubala, Nargis, Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan and Rekha, who epitomized beauty and strength. Our cinema then had men and women. In the mid 80s, youth became the selling point even as we began to ape the American culture mindlessly. So, it was all about cinema with boys and girls. And even if boys graduated into men, girls remained static. The mindless obsession with youth made us lose sight of heroines abroad, who were more than mere glam dolls.” But today, film-makers claim that Vidya’s choices of breaking away from the clutter have given wings to their imagination. So, is Vidya trying to be the Rekha of new-age Indian cinema? “I am not trying to ape Rekha,” she says at the mention of how, at a recent award ceremony, she had dressed like the diva. “Each one of us is unique. I admire Rekha a lot. She epitomizes the quintessential Indian woman who is vulnerable, desirable, strong, sensuous and so much more. Beyond the obvious South Indian connection of the Kanjeevaram and open hair, to be likened to someone like her, who epitomizes the quintessential Indian woman, is humbling.” What, however, is not humbling for her is the trend of behavioural restrictions on acceptance speeches, especially the ‘no tears, please’ regulation for Oscar nominees. “It’s nice to fumble and also be speechless on stage. Why dehumanize creative people who are extremely emotional? Why take their spontaneity away and make everything look so studied on stage? Even if I don’t feel like crying, I would still do so if I was asked not to,” she insists. And while on emotions, has Vidya found someone special? “I’m single and happy, but ready to be in a relationship. I’m a self-assured person and I’d want someone who is that way. Irrespective of which profession he comes from, I want him to respect others. That’ll happen if he respects himself,” she adds. And what about her personal take on multiple partners considering that her character in Ishqiya has romanced two men? “Men are great at compartmentalizing relationships. A woman can simultaneously have feelings for two men, but she can’t be sexually intimate with both. Polygamy exists, but I don’t think polyandry does.” Meanwhile, offers to explore different mature shades of relationships have come her way. And some of them are in Bengali too. “Film-maker Sujoy Ghosh had offered me a Bengali film, Premer Golpo that would have both Hindi and Bengali film actors. But I don’t know what’s happening to it. I’m keen on doing another classic with Dada (Pradeep Sarkar).” And, of course, there’s Rituparno Ghosh in the list too. Meanwhile, she is readying to go to Delhi on Thursday to shoot for Rajkumar Gupta’s film. Though tight-lipped about the film, Vidya is all praise for co-star Rani Mukerji. “She is a fabulous actor and one of my favourites among my immediate seniors. This film is based on an incident that we are all aware of. But, we are not filming it like a docu-feature. My sister lives in Gurgaon and I am looking forward to my stay in Delhi. The city has a certain sense of romanticism to it. I had shot there for a day for Paa. This time, I’ll be shooting for two months.”
And finally, what’s more challenging for her? Doing a period film or one that’s based on current affairs? “For me, the only defining thing for an actor is to be true to every moment. If I can breathe truth into the most simple moment, my job is done.” Amen!

I don’t know what you say

By Vishal Kumar Bhagat

We have often heard about differences between directors and actors, but this one is surely an exception. Imran Khan and director Punit Malhotra of I Hate Luv Storys have created their own language which only they know and understand.

This might be a fun way for Punit and Imran to share secrets and talk about personal stuff that too in front of everyone, but it cause for amusement and at times even annoyance for the cast and crew of the film.

A source from the unit reveals, “Imran and Punit get along like a house on fire. They know each other since many years and working on the same film has only bought them closer. They both have been born and brought up in Bandra and strangely have their own code language which they always converse in. This language is only known and understood by them. It has been termed as the IP (Imran-Punit) language by the crew.

At times it is quite amusing to hear them talking in their code language because of all the weird words and noises. For an onlooker, it is as good as hearing Greek or German. At times it also gets annoying because no one understands what they are telling each other and more importantly about whom.

After trying hard to figure out what they are saying, Sonam Kapoor has finally given up on them.” Punit says, “I am shocked you know about the code language we use. It’s a very personal thing between us.”

Doesn’t it annoy the cast and crew? “Not really. It is a Pali Hill language which we both have known for ages and we use it now. It is actually used when we want to bitch about someone,” he quips.

On the wall?????

By Vishal kumar Bhagat.

It was a meeting meant to sort out the imbroglio between film producers and lyricists-writers, the latter’s forum represented by Javed Akhtar. But matters came to a sticky head when Aamir Khan, siding with film producers, suggested that lyricists don’t really contribute much to the impact of a song.

It was just too much for the legendary poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar to take, and it soon became a war of words between him and Aamir. Says an eyewitness, “Aamir made it clear that he felt a song becomes a hit because it is picturised on a big star. To this Javed saab asked him, ‘Your first big song was Papa kehte hain. Did it make you a star or did you make that a song run?’”
Temperatures in the room started rising, but Aamir stuck to his stand. “When Aamir again insisted that it’s the star who makes a bigger contribution to a song becoming a hit, Javed retorted, ‘Your so-called contribution is nothing but interference. We lyricists would be eternally grateful if you keep your so-called contribution to yourself. We manage to do good work not because of, but in spite of your contribution.’”

Needless to say, Aamir was growing hot under the collar at this direct confrontation. “But when Aamir went a step further to claim that in any film, a writer contributes more than a song-writer to the film, it was the last straw for Javed. He said, ‘Good for Chetan Bhagat’.”

News of the altercation spread like wildfire in the industry. When contacted, Javed Akhtar said, “I wouldn’t like to comment on what happened between me and Aamir. But this is not just a matter about lyricists, but all writers. Certain royalties have to be paid to writers, which in our film industry, aren’t paid properly. We writers are almost like bonded labourers. There is no room for us to profit in any way. But the government is making suitable amendments in the favour of writers and musician’s. This amendment will benefit everyone, including classical musicians like Pandit Ravi Shankar, who has spoken up in favour of the amendment.”
When pressed to comment on what transpired between Aamir, who represented film producers, and himself, Javed said, “Why just Aamir? They were all against it. The producers and music companies were till now forcing us to write off all rights. The Cabinet has now sanctioned the change, but producers, led by certain stars, are trying to stall it. We aren’t living in a feudal age - we have our rights. And producers have to understand this. All the lyricists, writers and musicians have joined hands to fight this issue together. I am not alone.”

Your so-called contribution is nothing but interference — Javed Akhtar