Thursday, 28 July 2011

Rohit Shetty directs promo of Bigg Boss 5

Rohit Shetty is basking in all the glory of the success of his latest film Singham. But the director is not sitting on his laurels and the workaholic that he is, Rohit is already down to some serious work.

Rohit is busy directing actors and friends Sanjay Dutt and Salman Khan in the promos of the hit TV show Bigg Boss season 5. In fact Shetty without taking a break started the shoot of the promo, the day Singham released.

Despite news doing the rounds of a spat between Sanju and Sallu at Maanyata's birthday bash last Thursday night, the duo shot for the promo with Rohit Shetty at a studio in Mumbai. It will be interesting to see what magic Rohit can create in directing the deadly duo together.

I live life on my own terms Katrina Kaif

Katrina Kaif will be seen as a rockstar in her forthcoming film Mere Brother Ki Dulhann. The metamorphosis of the actress, better known as the Barbie doll of Bollywood, is stark.

In her last film, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Katrina was seen riding a bike. Definitely a change from the Kat who looked pretty in pink.

"I live life on my own terms. And I work on my own terms. I have always done the best I could. I am not disappointed with the glamour quotient of my earlier films," says Katrina Kaif.

However, she rather loves the new 'bindaas' image. "I am too young to not enjoy these films. This is the fun side of filmmaking. As an actress, I don't see any harm in it," reveals the actress.

But being cool too has its limits. Talking about her rockstar avatar in shorts, the actress says, "Well, they aren't mini shorts. So what's wrong? And you know what, whenever I'll wear shorts, I'll ensure that I won't wear a tight tee." And unlike most rockstars, the actress who is seen smoking in the upcoming YRF film, swears never to smoke or drink on screen again. "That's not even the last thing I'll do.


I have a responsibility towards the society. I shall never cross the line of decency, I know, this far and no further," says Kat.

Katrina however, terms her sudden change in image as growth. And giving all credit to her directors and designers Rocky S and Aki Narula, the actress agrees to the fact that people do notice her more now. "And I am thankful for that," says the actress. She also agrees that her commercial viability has increased. "Being accepted in ad films, give me a big high," she confides.

Needless to say, the change in Kat's image has helped people perceive her as more than just a pretty porcelain doll. According to ad filmmaker Prahlad Kakkar, "Katrina is not being recognised as an actress. Not by anybody. Not in their wildest imaginations. She has been recognised as a star.

She is an object of great desire. She is not only male fantasy, but also teenagers' fantasy. And yes, in the ad world, her position has bettered. Nobody speaks badly about her. Lucky girl, nobody saw her first film with Mr Bachchan.

Mugdha Godse is dating Tanushree's ex

When Mugdha Godse's debut film Fashion released, her boyfriend Mithun Purandare booked an entire theatre for a private screening of the film for her family and friends. This was 2 years back.

Now, things are a lot different. Mugdha formally admitted to Mumbai Mirror that she and Mithun (who Mugdha had first met while shooting for a music video in 2003) are no longer together. She added, that both of them were very young when the relationship begun and realised that they were better off as friends than as a couple.

This leggy lass has however found herself a new boyfriend. Mugdha is dating Laxmikant's grandson, filmmaker Aditya Datt.The new couple in B-Town, Mugdha Godse (left) and Aditya Datt (right)

A source close to Aditya told us, "Mugdha was atttracted to Aditya ever since she worked in his comic caper Will You Marry Me? Slowly, the two of them started hanging out together."

Added the source, "With the passage of time, they realised that they had lot in common; could not stay away from each other. Mugdha is in love with Aditya. They are in a serious relationship now."

Prior to Mugdha, Aditya was dating actress Tanushree Dutta whom he befriended when he directed the college romance Aashiq Banaya Aapne. Aditya and Tanushree parted ways on a bad note.

Despite repeated efforts, Mugdha and Aditya remained unavailable for comment.

Shahid Kapoor is Ekta Kapoor's chhota rajan

Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Part 2 just got bigger. After casting Akshay Kumar as Dawood, the older version of Emraan Hashmi's character in the first part, producer Ekta Kapoor and director Milan Luthria met up with Shahid Kapoor and asked him to play Chhota Rajan, Dawood's best man turned rival in the film.

The film, that goes on floors early next year, was launched amidst much fanfare at an award function during Diwali last year. A rough image of Akshay Kumar's look in the film was also unveiled during the event. However, the hunt for the other leading men and women for the film was still on.

While there were speculations about the choice of actress to play the role of Dawood's girl Mandakini in the film, nothing so far had been said about the other male lead. "The role of Chhota Rajan is as intense as the one Shahid Kapoor portrayed in Vishal Bhardwaj's Kaminey. He is a very good actor who has portrayed a wide range of characters till date. He is one of the top choices to play Chhota Rajan," revealed a source.

Akshay will pick up from where Emraan Hashmi left off in the first part. He will take his character forward. Shahid will be the new entrant in the story. "Where there's Dawood, there has to be his arch-rival Chhota Rajan. Shahid has been asked to play a very long and key role in the film," added the source.

However, Ekta's attempt at pulling off a casting coup for the project may face a few hitches. Kareena is said to be one of the leading contenders for the role of Dawood's lover Mandakini, one might wonder whether the actress or Shahid would want to work together again, considering the two did not even want to dub for their film Milenge Milenge together. But then again, Kareena reportedly, has no problem working with Shahid anymore.

Our source said, "Milan had long meetings with Shahid. He explained him the script and the character. Akshay is currently working out to get the rugged look required for him to play Dawood. Shahid too will require to work on his Chhota Rajan avatar."

Katrina Kaif beats Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor

She talks about being the only actress in the Top 10 of the Zoom Supernova list

What do you attribute your enviable position in the industry to?

Luck and being honest and sincere about work has worked for me and helped me reach where I am. You don't really know how your film is going to turn out, but you can give it your best shot and hope the audience loves it. This has been my approach right from the beginning and it's helped me a lot in my journey.

All you can do is give the film your everything. I think what has also worked is that I have been able to relate to the characters I have played. Maybe, deep down the audience has connected to these roles and liked them.

Who do you consider your fan base?

I would like to believe it transcends all ages and barriers. I look forward to meeting fans during promotions when I travel across the country. It's humbling to see their love and support. 

Also I look out for tips that some give me. Like if they don't like something I did or loved a particular role or scene, I try to keep that in mind as a reference point in the future. It's always nice to get feedback from your fans.

What kind of films excite you?

I make an attempt to do different kinds of films. There's no such formula for guaranteed success. Like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara worked because of sheer sincerity.

How important are your fans?

I want to thank them for giving me so much love and acceptance, even with my flaws, be it my diction or anything else. They have stood by me and always believed in my work. I will keep doing work that won't ever let my fans down.

Ameesha Patel signs Priyadarshan as second director

Reviving family entertainment films and bringing back 'fun' days is what Ameesha Patel's production house strives to extend to the audience. And after announcing David Dhawan as the first director, Priyadarshan has been chosen as the second director on board for another project.

Naturally, Ameesha and her business partner Kuunal Goomer are ecstatic about making two films, both of which will go on floors by the year end, directed by two of the most talented directors in India.

"I will play the lead in both these films. With a family-based storyline, good music and directors like David and Priyan working on them, the films are bound to connect with the 6-80 years age group," promises Ameesha.

Incidentally, Patel and Priyan had decided to work together after BhoolBhulaiya which went on to become a hit. Ameesha was approached for Billoo but the role finally went to Lara Dutta, as Priyan felt Ameesha looked too young to play a mother of two kids opposite Irrfan Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. Now, the team is back together and Priyan has planned a big ensemble cast for the new film.

There's a strong buzz about Patel's actor-producer work profile as a big fat amount now rides on her petite shoulders. Apart from David and Priyan'sfilms, there's also Chatur Singh Two Star opposite Sanjay Dutt and another big budget film opposite a big star. "I am going to be in front of the camera and will also help with production work. Kuunal will look after the business aspect of these projects. I feel privileged to work with David and Priyan and really couldn't have asked for more."

Wednesday, 27 July 2011

Salman Khan's bodyguard dances to his tunes

Salman Khan has taken the subject of his film Bodyguard literally. First, the actor made his off-screen bodyguard, Shera, unveil the first look of the film.

Now, he has decided to feature Shera in the film's soundtrack video. When contacted, Shera said, "Yes, I am currently shooting for the song. Yeh sab kuch chamatkar se kam nahi hai mere liye.

Salman bhai is such a huge star and for someone like him showing such trust in me is nothing short of a miracle. In front of the whole world, he said that this is my most trusted man.

Isn't that great?" Shera also told Mumbai Mirror that he is apprehensive about the dance. "Salmanbhai just showed me some steps and I am rehearsing for that.

It is scary and I am nervous. I have given a couple of interviews in the past, but I am better off behind the camera." added Shera.

When asked about Salman's comment about the doom the actor would face if Shera ever wrote a book on him, Shera said, "Never. This is one thought which has never occurred to me. I cannot break his trust. He said all these things in jest and I would like to keep it that way."