Who is bigger – Amitabh or Rajnikanth

Bollywood Gossip: If the buzz is to be believed, the next Rajnikanth film, ‘Rana’, will not only have the superstar in three roles but will also have the towering Big B to add to the star power. That Rajnikanth‘s earlier year hits are unabashed remakes of Amitabh Bachchan is not a secret.

And the two superstars from the north and south of India are not coming together for the first time. From ‘Andha Kanoon’ to ‘Giraftar’, the two have shared on-screen chemistry. But the times were different. Rajnikanth was just another south Indian actor; oh yeah, he also lit cigarettes with bullets from his gun.

Today, Rajnikanth stands at the enviable position of having led India to a frenzy of sheer stardom, notching last year’s biggest grosser, ‘Endhiran’.

But when the two stars come together, it would also be interesting to chart their on-screen and off-screen personae, and how they have set their own niches – appealing to some, left impressed on others.

Sonakshi’s the new face of D’Damas

‘Dabangg’ girl is the new face of the D’Damas diamond jewellery brand. Sonakshi has taken over from Preity Zinta.

“Sonakshi Sinha is the face of the new Indian woman who is confident, versatile and has got tremendous self-belief. She has the charisma, grace, beauty and the attitude that goes perfectly with the brand image,” said R.K. Menon.

The 23-year-old is also associated with brands including Dyna Soap, Colgate toothpaste and the Provogue’s women wear line. Katrina Kaif earlier endorsed Dyna, and Sonakshi’s taking over the ad, led to an alleged tiff between the two Salman Khan heroines. Reportedly, Sonakshi sent Kat an sms to explain what happened but never got a response.

Meanwhile, Sonakshi said about her new D’Damas role, “I connect with D’Damas because I personally live each moment to the fullest and believe in celebrating life. D’Damas adds celebration to both ordinary and even the everyday special occasions.”

Ekta's family looking for a perfect guy for her

Ekta Kapoor is a successful TV tycoon. She is 36 and her family is desperately looking for a perfect guy for the TV czarina.

Ekta's brother, Tusshar confirms, "Yes we are very concerned about Ekta finding the right match. It has come to a point where I now go to parties and social gatherings only to check out prospective husbands for her!"

The Kapoor family has also asked relatives to search for a perfect match for Ekta. They even forwarded Ekta’s kundali to pundits.

Reveals Tusshar, "It has come to a point where the minute I see a guy of a certain age I start making discreet inquires about his family life, work details, etc.

It's a scary thought, but I've become like one of those marriage-obsessed characters in Ekta's serials."

But the question is - who is the right match for Ekta Kapoor?

Tusshar and the family thinks it a mammoth task to find a perfect guy for Ekta. Says Tusshar, "It has to be someone more successful than her and who can influence her.

That's a tall order. It has to be someone like Shah Rukh Khan. We are looking.

If Yash Chopra and Karan Johar think there's someone somewhere for all of us then it's just a matter of time before we find the right person for Ekta."

Pakistan PM is Aishwarya's ardent fan

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has a huge fan following worldwide and one of the ardent fans of the former beauty queen is Pakistani PM Yusuf Raza Gilani. That Gilani is a huge fan of the Bachchan bahurani came to know when a NGO from India visited the PM.

While discussing various issue, some raised the issue of Hindi cinema. From the discussion, it was revealed that Yusuf Raza Gilani is a huge fan of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. 

He wanted to know from them more about the beauty queen. He asked them about her likings and disliking and enquired many things about her. From his queries, it can be understood that Gilani is clean bowled by the actress.

Well, after Lata Mangeshkar and Madhuri Dixit, Ash’s charm smitten Pak’s people.

Bollywood songs take digs at actors

Bollywood songs have changed over the past years with lot of cuss words, shock value and some even taking digs at other bollywood stars. The songs are not only expletives, but pepped up with clear resemblance to real life bollywood actors.

Salman’s latest song ‘Character dheela’ in ‘Ready’ is not only witty but has inherent meanings. The song sees many spoof which bears clear resemblance to others actresses in Bollywood. Zarine’s dance and mannerism in the songs match to Aishwarya Rai, Kareena Kapoor etc.

Mallika Sherawat’s ‘Shallu Ke Thumkey’ is soon to rock the charts. After Billo, Munni, Sheila, it’s now Shallu who will spice up the discotheques. Supposedly, the song takes a dig at all the item queens from Munni to Sheila.

Ever since the movie ‘Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na’ released, the whole nation has been grooving to the tunes of ‘Pappu can’t Dance Saala’ but few know the identity of ‘Pappu’. It was almost a secret and the mystery was created by perfectionist Aamir Khan. The muscular bachelor spectacular guy was none other than Salman Khan.

The song by Meet Brothers and Mika ‘Are Bhai tune Pappi Kyun li’ takes a dig at the Rakhi Sawant and Mika controversy.  The spoof was on the kissing incident where Rakhi Sawant created a ruckus and rocked the nation and TV channels over morality and dignity.

Moreover the Censor Board has also become quite liberal and allows such songs to have a free flow and makes the song in itself a narration.

2G scam: Bollywood backs Karim Morani

Mumbai:  Even though one of Bollywood's top film producers, Cineyug's Karim Morani has been arrested in connection with the 2G scam case, the Indian film industry seems to be standing by him.
Asked about his relationship with Morani, who has produced many of his films, Shah Rukh Khan said that at a personal level his equation does not change.

"I have a personal relationship. I think lots of us here have a personal relationship with Cineyug and the Moranis. They have been part of the film industry even before I joined. At a personal level, equations don't change," said Shah Rukh at an even to promote his latest film Ra.One.

"The matter is sub-judice now. And whatever the law has to do, it will do. By making it sensational, by involving other film industry people, it may be a good news item for a day but it's not the truth," he added.
Also coming out in support was actory Vivek Oberoi. "I know the Moranis. I have done shoots for the Moranis. I have a long association with them. I am very sad for his family and for him that he is going through this," said Vivek.

The film fraternity has almost always backed its heavyweights in their brushes against the law, and Morani's Cineyug, within the industry, is indeed a force to reckon with. Cineyug's core strength is stage shows that feature Bollywood's biggest and best.

Sources say Karim Morani's success derives from the fact that he pioneered stage shows for television which are guaranteed money-spinners. He also brought in professionalism in the live-show business that until his entry were run by fly-by-night operators. But what makes him invaluable to stars, sources say, is that he helps them work around taxation laws on money they earn abroad.

Sources also tell NDTV that over the years rumours had surfaced that shows in the Middle East were used to channel underworld funds. These are charges, which given Morani's clout, were never pressed or proved. However, this time, charges of channeling funds, rather kickbacks in the 2G scam will be tough for him to counter.

Here's what Bong beauty Bipasha Basu`s new obsession is

New Delhi: Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu loves experimenting with her looks - and now she has found her latest obsession in hats and red lipsticks!

"Hats and red lipstick are my new obsessions fr summer look! (sic)," Bipasha posted on micro-blogging site Twitter.

The 32-year-old, who recently admitted that she has parted ways with long-time beau, John Abraham, is now back in India after wrapping up the shooting for Abbas-Mustan`s "Players" in Russia.

What makes Asin tick with the Khans?

Actor Asin had a dream debut in Bollywood with AR Murugadoss's remake of a Tamil superhit film, Ghajini, where she was paired opposite Aamir Khan. It went on to become one of the highest grossing films of the year. Just when she had become hot property, Asin followed it up with another big banner film, London Dreams opposite Salman Khan. Her next release is also again with Salman.

The latest Khan, apparently, to co-star with her now is actor Shah Rukh Khan in a yet-to-be announced Chetan Bhagat's adaptation of his novel, Two States. While a lot of actresses spend years in this industry trying to get films opposite the three Khans, Asin seems to have done it within three years of her debut.

Though Asin is yet to make a mark for her acting abilities, she's still one of the names to reckon with today. Explaining why Asin is the preferred choice over other young actresses around today, Amod Mehra, trade analyst says, "Her biggest plus point is the fact that she looks Indian. The innocence clubbed with Indian looks is the perfect ingredient for a Hindi film actress. Besides, she's also one of the top names in the South which gives her a certain credibility. Katrina Kaif is a top heroine today, but she never looked Indian."

Harish Bijoor, brand specialist says Asin's bubbly image is what works best for her. "Most brand personifications of actors are not just about their roles. Asin has done young, bubbly, vivacious roles till date and so her ads too see her play similar characters. Her vibrant, irreverent image helps her. She is much more than just a beautiful face, and it also helps to be an established star in the South."

Shilpa Shetty’s estate taken over by squatter gang

A private estate in Britain that is home to a host of celebrities – including Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty – is reportedly being taken over by a gang of squatters.

The celebrity residents of the St. George’s Hill community in Weybridge, Surrey, are now being asked to be “vigilant” following the arrival of the squatters, the Daily Mail reported.

Former residents of the estate include singer Elton John, former Beatle Ringo Starr and Hollywood actress Kate Winslet.

Six squatters reportedly moved into the abandoned three million pound, six-bedroom Woodlawn Cottage on the exclusive estate in April, and claim they were not acting illegally.

The property was reportedly abandoned six years ago and has since become derelict. The squatters say they plan to stay as long as possible.

“It is legal for me to be here. I found the place on Google maps so I came up to have a look and the place was open. The locks had been broken off, no one was living here, it was completely open – so why not?” a squatter named Stefan Cybulski said.

Homeowners now say they want the illegal movers out.

“It does seem pretty extraordinary that the police can’t do anything to get these people off the estate,” a resident said.

“They have no right to be here, yet the law appears to be on their side – it’s completely wrong.”

Properties on the estate are worth nearly 10 million pounds.

A security guard is now being employed to keep the property under surveillance. Police have set up extra patrol of the area.

Deepika Padukone at Neutogena press conference

‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ first look in Novotel

Kangana & Ritiesh’s Hairy Tales!!

Reliance Entertainments and Maruti Internationals much anticipated ‘Double Dhamaal’ is sure generating a lot of buzz thanks to unique costumes, getups and gags…Well here’s a funny incident from the sets of the film, created thanks to one of the costumes!

During the song shoot of “Oye Oye” (rights bought from T-Series for its remake), Kangana Ranaut had scenes wherein she gets close to Riteish Deshmukh, who is opposite her in the film, and had a lot of obstacles doing so thanks to his African retro disguise! Ritiesh wears a huge afro wig as part of his costume, and Kangana couldn’t get close to perform her scenes which included a kiss on the cheek, as the wig kept coming in between them!! After a lot of takes and enormous laughter on the sets, they finally managed to shoot it somehow, with different dance moves, thanks to the brilliant Ganesh Acharya!

Says a source from the sets, “Haha well... Ritiesh has this huge afro wig as part of his costume and it kept coming in between during takes whenever Kangana had to get close to him as part of the song! Despite combing it down, nothing helped, finally thanks to the maestro Ganesh Acharya, we managed to shoot around the wig!”

Well, a wig coming in between the hero and heroine…now that’s a first!!

Watch out as this laugh riot hits theaters June 24th!

'Murder 2' team studies serial killers across Mumbai, Delhi and Goa

In 'Murder', the character played by Emraan was killed in the end. This also means that it is not quite a sequel in the making here but is instead a franchise which is being exploited while bringing on the similar genre that results in instant familiarity for the audience.

"'Murder 2' has been inspired by legendary stories of such serial killers and other dark characters. Some of these stories have been myths while others are facts but Bhatts and (director) Mohit Suri have tried to incorporate those elements which are the most intriguing", informs a source, "You pick up any major city in India and it has it's own story to tell when it comes to such serial killings. Mumbai has its own share while Delhi too has it's own. Goa setting comes into picture here because it again has a history of serial killers."

So while there have been so many murmurs, rumours and speculations around Emraan's role in 'Murder 2', one asks the man at the hot seat to spill the beans himself.

"Well, I obviously can't talk much about it right now because it is a suspense film", says Emraan, "However I can admit that the film deals with a serial killer which is played by me".

With Jacqueline Fernandez in the lead, 'Murder 2' releases all over on 8th July.

Salman's 'Being Human' house

Salman Khan is the latest to join the bandwagons of Bollywood celebs who have turned producers. Khan has decided to start his own production house, the profit from which will go to his charitable trust ‘Being Human’.

Salman, who will be the co-producers with UTV Spot boy, has decided to take marketing in his hands. He strongly feels that his films needs to be an extension of the ‘Being Human’ brand and has named his production house as ‘Salman Khan Bring Human’.

Both his brothers Sohail Khan and Arbaaz Khan have their individual production houses and Salman has always been helpful in giving them a blockbuster hits with his starry presence in their films. However, it seems that Khan is in no mood to utilize the privilege of his star power for his banner. The first film to be produced under his banner is a kids’ entertainer ‘Chillar Party’ co-directed by Vikas Behl and Nitesh Tiwari.

It is said that Salman basically wants to produce films that serve the basic purpose of entertainment but work within the format of ‘Being Human’. More importantly, he has decided to give the profit coming from his banner to his charitable trust ‘Being Human’.

Shahrukh Khan the perfectionist

Shahrukh Khan is taking a hands-on approach for his forthcoming production Always Kabhi Kabhi. Even though SRK has had limited engagement with the young stars, he has left them with important lessons for their Bollywood journey.

The latest incident to be narrated by the film director Roshan Abbas, is about the lesson in perfection. No, Shahrukh did not use a crafted speech to educate the youngsters but instead led by example. Before SRK shot the song Antenna with the young cast of Always Kabhi Kabhi, he practiced the steps as many as 20 times before giving the shoot in front of the camera.

To the amazement of the young cast of AKK, it was Shahrukh Khan practicing with the choreographer, again and again; wanting to make sure that everything would be perfect when he got in front of the camera. Not just that, SRK was even keen to learn the lyrics to give the perfect shoot!

Have a look at the Antenna song video featuring SRK, who shows us dance moves as grooves to the remixed version of the song Antenna.

Shahrukh surprises AKK cast members

The cast members of Always Kabhi Kabhi were curious to know what it was like to shoot a big budget film like Ra.One and Shah Rukh surprised them by showing them portions of the sci-fi thriller.

Apparently, it was after the shoot for the song Antenna that the cast got to view the first rushes of Ra.One and that too in the most unexpected of places -- Shahrukh’s vanity van.

Always Kabhi Kabhi

Always Kabhi Kabhi, is a tale of four friends in the last year of their school. Directed by theatre artist-actor-host Roshan Abbas, the movie is inspired from his popular 1999 play Graffiti. Starring Giselle Monteiro (the Punjabi kudi of Love Aaj Kal), newcomer Zoa Morani, the handsome Ali Fazal (who played the suicidal Jay Lobo in 3 Idiots) and Satyajeet Dube, the Nana Saheb of the popular serial Jhansi Ki Rani, Always Kabhi Kabhi promises to take you back to the golden period of your school life.

Zoom introduces, 'One Minute News' for bollywood lovers

In an era where good things come in small packages, zoOm brings to you the best of Bollywood on-goings in it's 'One minute news' capsule. The ultimate Bollywood destination zoOm, answers the prayers of Bollywood buffs who want to catch up on news as it happens by introducing the "One Minute News" with the most recent dose of news and paparazzi direct from the land of Bollywood.
                          
"One Minute News addresses the consumer need of getting the latest update on what's happening in Bollywood, in quick time. With this newest addition, zoOm India's # 1 Bollywood allows the viewer to get a quick grab of entertainment without investing too much time," said Mr. Avinash Kaul, CEO of zoOm.
Starting today, all it will take is one minute is to catch up on the latest Bollywood trends, news and scoops on zoOm.  Whether it's the latest happenings in Star lives, an album release, even the latest argument in Bollywood, your daily dose of entertainment is just a minute away with zoOm`s "One Minute News".
Tune in to India's No.1 Bollywood channel, zoOm every day, every hour to get your dedicated 1 minute news on the latest happenings in Bollywood!
 

IIFA Awards 2011 Press Meet Gallery

Shilpa Shetty and Malaika Arora Khan at Rajasthan Royal's Party

Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Awards 2011

Arbaaz Khan denies his marriage is in trouble with Malaika Arora Khan

Bollywood actor-producer Arbaaz Khan is upset over reports that his marriage with Malaika Arora Khan is on the rocks. He says all is well between them.A newspaper recently reported that Malaika had shifted to her mother’s place after a major row with Arbaaz. But the “Dabangg” producer says that the two are very much together.

“Let me clarify one last time that Malaika and I are very much together… Gossip mongers and stupid malicious reporting about us should stop,” Arbaaz posted on his Twitter page Thursday.

“We don’t need to validate our relationship constantly because of some stupid news in some gossip column,” he added.

The 43-year-old, who will be directing the “Dabangg” sequel, says he feels disgusted after reading such reports.

“It would be nice if over enthusiastic journalists show a little responsibility before carrying personal news about people that is a lie,” he posted.

“Recently read and heard some ridiculous nasty rumours that Malaika and me have split. It’s very disgusting to read such untrue news,” he added.

Sonakshi loses Rs 25 lakh diamond solitaire on sets

The ‘Dabangg’ girl Sonakshi Sinha has lost diamond jewellery worth Rs 25 lakh from her vanity van. The incident took place when the cast and the crew were enjoying Shirish Kunder’s birthday on the sets of movie ‘Joker’.

When looking around, Sonakshi could not trace her jewelry, she kept mum. She thought that she might have kept it with her other stuffs but later when she searched, she found nothing. The actress did not made a hue and cry over losing her diamond jewelry worth Rs 25 lakh as she did not want to delay the shoot.

The unit members came to know about the theft much later.  Shirish Kunder confirmed the news and said that everyone was enjoying his birthday on the set when Sonakshi’s diamond solitaire earrings went missing from her vanity van.

However, the actress lodged a police complaint.