Lara bonds with Sush

David Dhawan has managed a coup in getting the two Miss Universes, Sushmita Sen and Lara Dutta together as the female lead in his rib-tickling comedy Do Knot Disturb that released on October 2.



David says he has opened a fan club for the two beauty pageant winners because both of them were extremely popular on the set with the other members of the cast and crew.


“I’m their fan No 1,” laughs DD. The filmmaker says, “I have worked with Sushmita in Kyon ki Main Jhooth Nahin Bolta and Biwi No 1 and I have worked with Lara in Partner. Both are stupendous actresses and their comic timing is classic.”
DD also adds that all through the making of DKD, presented by BIG Pictures and produced by Vashu Bhagnani, the two women remained utterly professional, never once trying to upstage the other.

As for the ladies themselves, Sushmita at the DKD press conference said, “I know the press is utterly disappointed because Lara and I didn’t engage in a catfight or tried to steal each other’s thunder. But the fact remains that we have a healthy respect for each other.”
Lara points out that this is the first time ever that two Miss Universes have shared screen space in a film. “Our country has only two Miss Universes and if they also start fighting, it couldn’t get sadder than that! I just wish I had more screen time to share with her as we hadn’t worked together earlier and it was a fantastic opportunity. I hope people will cast us again at some other time. At least David should do it again.”

As Riteish Deshmukh, who has teamed up with these sizzling beauties in DKD says, “These two are a combination of beauty and brains. And honestly, I’m richer for the experience of having worked with them. They are a treat to watch.”

Sherlyn Chopra in Bigg Boss house

After Raakhi Sawant and Payal Rohatgi it is item girl Sherlyn Chopra who will provide the oomph in the third season of reality show "Bigg Boss", going on air Sunday.


"One reason why we were interested in getting Baba Ramdeo on board is because we got Sherlyn. So we wanted to create a Vishwamitra-Menaka kind of situation between the saint and the seductress in the 'Bigg Boss' house. Unfortunately Baba opted out," said a source in the channel.

Last time when Jade Goody went back home after she was diagnosed with cancer, speculations were rife that Sherlyn will take her place. But it didn't happen.

Apart from her, Vindu Dara Singh is also expected to feature in the show, which will be hosted by Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan.

Aamir ‘Khan’ do it for Salman!

The fashion ramp at the forthcoming couture week in Mumbai will be a veritable war zone from October 11-16 thanks to our Bollywood heroes. First, it was only about Salman Khan and Aamir Khan joining hands to walk the ramp at the couture week for the former’s Being Human brand, and giving stiff competition to common arch rival Shah Rukh Khan who will walk the ramp for Karan Johar, who is launching his own clothesline. Now, Aamir has taken his and Salman’s rivalry with Shah Rukh a step further by personally making sure that some of the hunkiest Bollywood actors walk the ramp for Salman.

Now, Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan, Sanjay Dutt and Sunny Deol will also walk the ramp for Salman. A source said, “Aamir has helped Salman get several A-listers. The most surprising bit is that the usually reclusive Sunny Deol has also agreed to be part of Salman’s fashion show. He is known to be a very shy person.”

Our source also revealed that the two warring groups are desperate to be showcased as the couture week's grand finale show. A source from the event said, “The decision on the grand finale will be taken very soon.”

Two Khans down for Asin

She is elated with her new avatar as a ‘rock-chic’ romancing both Salman Khan and Ajay Devgn on screen. Asin is also ecstatic about her commercial with India’s hot-shot cricket captain M S Dhoni.

“Let’s not call it the Dhoni influence, but I’ll describe my career so far in cricket lingo,” she says. “I started my innings with Aamir Khan and I continued my good spell with Salman. That is two Khans down, two to go (Shah Rukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan).”
About her interaction with Dhoni, she says, “Mahi was friendly and fun while working.”
What she’s amused by these days is waking up to new rumours each morning. Says Asin, “I share a fabulous working relationship with Salman and Ajay. There is nothing more. But I don’t know how to react to fresh reports each day that say I’m dating Salman. Honestly, Salman and my equation has been the same from day one. We are friends and will hopefully continue to remain so.”

While she sincerely hopes that the news of her extra-special relationship with Salman dies a natural death, she also has her fingers crossed about bagging films with the uber cool Ranbir Kapoor and the light-eyed Imran Khan, who she describes as “heroes closer to my age.”

I go with my instincts in my films: Mugdha Godse

Mugdha Godse won critical acclaim in her very first role, Madhur Bhandarkar's Fashion. And then for six months, she sat idle, prompting the media to speculate whether she would become a one-hit wonder.

But the negative tongues have been stilled now. With a clutch of powerful roles under her belt, Mugdha is back in business. We talk to her about her upcoming release.

How confident are you?

I am as confident as I was in Fashion because that's what gets me good results. All I have is my confidence and I'm sure people will love All The Best because I have a good and a positive feeling about it

Your first film etched out your character pretty well. Does All The Best give you the depth that Fashion did?

All The Best is a full on comedy. This film is all about timing and making people laugh. There are no emotions and strong characterisation like Fashion had. But yes, my character is etched out in terms of what she does.

She is into Vedic science and believes a lot in lucky stones. I have tried to do something different. I wanted to make people laugh and that's what defines your success in a comedy film. I have done my bit and now it's all up to the audience. I'd like to wish my audience All The Best.

Do you believe in Vedic science off camera?

There are a few things I believe in. I am not as mad as Vidya, my character, in All The Best. In the film, I connect everything to a stone or a pendant. Off camera, I do believe in lucky charms.

Which is your lucky stone?

A diamond

And has it helped?

When I bought a solitaire for myself, a lot of good things started happening. I’ve also been wearing a yellow sapphire for six years, and it's been progressive. But diamonds are a girl's best friend, right? So I'm sure people will give me more diamonds now they know it’s my lucky stone (laughs).

I'm sure it's a hint for the man who will propose to you.

(Laughs) Yea! I will definitely take the diamond from my man and tell him 'tata bye bye'

This is the first time you're working with established Bollywood heroes. How was it to interact with them?

They came across as quite cool. Cooler I should say. I thought they would have a lot of ego and starry attitude, but no. They are so chilled out.

Ajay Devgn is a complete prankster but, luckily, I was not one of his 'bakras'. Sanjay sir is very down to earth. I hope all my male co-stars in the future are as sweet, cool, mad and confident.

Which is your favourite comedy film?

I've loved Rohit Shetty's Golmaal and Golmaal Returns. They were both hilarious. But I can keep watching Andaz Apna Apna. It's one of my all time favourite comedy film. And, of course, who can forget the classic, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro?

What did you learn from your co-star Bipasha Basu?

Oh my God! There were so many similarities. We have both worked with Madhur Bhandarkar. Her last co-star was Neil Nitin Mukesh in Aa Dekhen Zara and my next co-star too is Neil, in Jail.

She is so sincere and knows how to look her best all the time. That's what I have learnt from her. We did interact a lot about Jail and Madhur.

What about the man who is known to shoot the most expensive songs in Bollywood - Rohit Shetty?

What about him? Man, he knows how to blow up a car in mid air and get another car coming through the same car. He is an expert in action and not many know that. I even asked Rohit, after seeing the first promo, whether All The Best is a comedy film, romantic film or an action film (laughs).

His answer was that it's a 'masala' film with all the ingredients. You won't believe it, but All The Best was one film where I found out how bullets sound when fired from a gun.

How diverse are the two directors - Madhur and Rohit?

Both have their own niche. Rohit's films are larger than life, while Madhur’s are more to do with emotions and drama. He captures his character in a different note. Both explore different genres.

Rohit always thinks about how he wants people to laugh after watching a particular scene. Madhur will make people laugh off the camera, but when the camera rolls, he comes back to his serious get up. It's interesting that both are wonderful human beings and both are in demand.

How about a joke from you to end this interview?

I am very bad at this. Ok, here goes: Two friends were having breakfast and one of them questioned, 'Tumhe butterfly dekhna hai kya?' The other friend replied, 'Kaise?' His friend answered, 'Butter ko bahar fek do aur woh fly karega.'

Bhuvaneshwari spilled beans on others: Cops

"While interrogating Bhuvaneshwari, we have got some details about a few actors who are indulging in prostitution," a police officer said, adding, "We have collected contact numbers of pimps from her mobile phone. She has also given us other numbers of leading pimps. We expect to nab a few actresses who are involved in the flesh trade. She also agreed to reveal names of those responsible for her arrest."

Special teams have been formed to follow up on others actors indulging in the sex trade.

Bhuvaneshwari's mobile phone will be handed over to the magistrate's court as evidence. Police sources confirmed that the memory chip in the cellphone contained evidence of her close nexus with politicians and senior government officials.

Acting on a tip-off, a police team had nabbed Bhuvaneswari from her house for forcing two models into the flesh trade. The girls were later sent to a government home.

Shah Rukh is a friend in (k)need

Mumbai: Shah Rukh Khan played a hero in real life recently when he helped out a junior artiste to stand on his feet, literally. The man needed a costly knee-cap surgery on both his legs and Shah Rukh paid the entire expense of the operation.

A source from the workers body FWICE says, "The young man was going through a lot of trouble. It is a very costly operation running into lakhs and he did not have the money to do it. His family approached a lot of people he has worked with, including Shah Rukh. Shah Rukh was really moved when he heard this man's story and the kind of difficulties he was going through. He was bed-ridden for months without being able to move or do any kind of work."

The insider adds, "Shah Rukh immediately swung into action. He got hold of doctors and also got the man admitted to a hospital. The man got operated and all the expenses were borne by Shah Rukh. We never thought he would be able to stand up. He thanked Shah Rukh as soon as he started walking."

After a little bit of probing we found out that Farah Khan was with Shah Rukh when this person went to thank him. She said, "This man came running to Shah Rukh and fell on his feet. When I asked him what the matter was, he said that Shah Rukh had helped him get back on his feet again. Shah Rukh is a silent helper and we don't even know how many good deeds he does to help others."

Shilpa’s vote takes a backseat due to IPL

While SRK made it a point to come to India from South Africa to vote, Shilpa Shetty unfortunately couldn’t get enough of her IPL commitments and instead skipped the voting procedure.

She says, “I just regret the fact that I won’t be in India to cast my vote; I really wanted to this time. Elections have to be taken seriously if you are a responsible citizen. Unfortunately with the unexpected turn of events and the IPL being shifted to SA it’s become difficult. I would not miss voting for anything otherwise.”

However she says, “But to all those Indian citizens who want the best for our country, now is the time to make the decision, don’t waste your democratic right to choose. Vote!”

Do you think Shilpa justifies herself by not voting?

Shamita Shetty’s date with the Baboons

Shamita Shetty who is in South Africa these days to cheer sister Shilpa Shetty’s IPL team Rajasthan Royals, has a strange experience recently at SA, her room was attacked by baboons.

Shamita had gone out to check out the safari in Singita Game Reserves and enjoyed everybit of it , until she came to know about the baboon episode.

A source says, “It’s been a great weekend. Shamita loved every bit of it till she went to her room and discovered her room was ransacked by the baboons… apparently they knew where the mini bar is and we were warned when we checked in to keep all doors locked when we leave the room…Obviously someone didn’t listen,”

Well I guess the baboons of South Africa has fallen for younger Shetty sister.

Saif-Bebo all set to kiss on-screen

Saif Ali Khan is all set to indulge in some passionate romance with real life girlfriend Kareena Kapoor in Rensil D’Silva’s upcoming flick.

However the idea of doing an intimate scene with Bebo made Saif uncomfortable and left him feeling conscious all the time while filming it.

Saif says,“It was obviously easier to do the intimate scenes with Kareena as my co-star and it would be the easiest thing for me to say otherwise, but I’ll admit, having Kareena as my co-star on the sets actually made me feel more responsible, and so more conscious. I did not want to show off our relationship by accentuating the intimacy aspect. It was quite a double-edged sword there! Of, course, at the end of the day we’re all actors, but this was certainly different.”

“It’s a love story with a passionate and relevantly disturbing theme. And I have kissing scenes with Kareena because Rensil is making a real contemporary film here. We just can’t have two flowers touching each other to show intimacy. At the same, we have taken care that there isn’t anything that will make us squirm while watching the film with our parents. We’ve done the scenes tastefully and within the limits of decorum.”

Well looks like a very hot and happening flick is Saif-Bebo’s next.

Celina image morphed on a gadget site

Celina Jaitely is furious as a gadget website has morphed her image to make it look obscene to sell gadgets. A photo of Celina was misused with her panty reading ‘Slide to Unlock’ and she has registered a case against the website with the Cyber Crime cell.

Celina says, “This is the price one has to pay to be part of the glamour world. When I got to know about it, I personally checked the website. I could not believe it, the pictures were gross. I have heard that these things happen but using my picture to sell some stuff on the Net is disgusting. We have already informed the cyber crime department and they will soon take action against whosoever is responsible for this shameful act. “

Celina revealed that the photo morphed is from a photoshoot she had done a year back and walked out of the photoshoot deal due to some issues and the photographer misused them.

Celina adds, ” I remember when I had shot for the pictures. I trust the cops and will wait for the law to take its own course. “

Kangana to lose her curls

Curly beauty Kangana Ranaut is all set to lose her curls, no she is not going bald instead she is planning to straighten her hair and have a fringe cut for Anees Bazmee’s upcoming flick No Problem.

A buddy of Kangana reveals, “Initially, Kangna was apprehensive and concerned whether her new look would suit her. However, once she made up her mind that she would experiment with it, there was no stopping her.”

Kangana who has beautiful curls says, “I needed a chick hairstyle. I have a big forehead and the fringe will make my face look proportionate.”

Kangana will not only be seen in a new hairdo she is all set to slip into the bikini for the movie. Lets wait and watch.

Imran-Sonam sizzle on Filmfare

Check out this new hot Filmfare cover - two new hotties Imran Khan and Sonam Kapoor looking hot..Love this cover! You like?

Deepika is Hrithik’s next heroine hrithik Rakesh Roshan is all set to make the sequel to his last flick Krissh after he gets over with his current p

Rakesh Roshan is all set to make the sequel to his last flick Krissh after he gets over with his current project Kites.

A source reveals, “After the success of ‘Krrish’, the Roshans decided to go ahead with the sequel of the movie. Their first priority was to finish with ‘Kites’ and then work on ‘Krrish 2’. ‘Kites’ is almost done and is in the post-production stage. Rakesh Roashan`s production house FilmKraft is working on ‘Krrish 2’. They are at an infant stage and still working on script and the star cast, but it obviously includes Hrithik as the actor.”

“The layout of the script is ready and it will see Hrithik in a superhero avatar once again. He will be seen saving the Seven Wonders of the World, so naturally the film will be shot extensively at various foreign locations. Hrithik will undergo physical training once again for the role. Like the prequel, this too will have SFX and a big crew of foreign technicians.”

Deepika is slated to play the role of Hrithik’s love interest in Krissh 2.

Asin is a fan of Archie

While the whole world is talking about Archie’s upcoming marriage with Veronica and apart from Betty-Veronica there is someone else who equally loves Archie - its Asin.

Talking about Archie comics,she says, “I have been stuck on them since I was nine years old.”

Asin reveals that she is a big lover or Archie and has a big collection of Archie comic books and carries them along whenever she goes abroad.

So folks what do you think about Archie marrying Veronica instead of Betty.

Rani Mukherjee gets hot in a bikini

Have you ever dreamt that your once favourite actress Rani Mukherjee would wear a two-piece swimsuit? You have to pinch yourself to believe this piece of news.

Rani seems to have finally felt the heat with so many young and bold girls entering the film industry. Following the debacle of her last few films, she has resorted to skin show. Yes, the grapevine is abuzz with the news that she is wearing a bikini in her upcoming film Dil Bole Hadippa, where she acts opposite Shahid Kapoor.

It is said that Rani appears in two get ups in the film. She plays a Sikh cricketer in one of the avatars, and in the other, she is said to be appearing in a bikini. Sources said that she trained under Aamir Khan's trainer Satyadev Chaurasia in order to fit into the tiny swimsuit.

The news is also doing the rounds that the presence of hot babes Rakhi Sawant and Sherlyn Chopra in the film pushed Rani further to shed her clothes. Aditya Chopra, who is rumoured to be seeing Rani, is producing it under Yash Raj Films banner and Anurag Singh directs it.

When Vidya had a fall...

A source on the sets of Pa told us, “Vidya had to shoot a scene with Kiran Shah, who plays the child Amitabh Bachchan in the movie. The scene required Vidya to carry him. She carried him and the scene was being canned.

And suddenly there was a loud thud. Vidya had lost balance and fallen on the ground along with the actor.” Vidya was hurt, but after confirming that she wasn’t seriously injured the crew got back to shooting the scene and canned it successfully.

Salman's sweet: Bebo

But here is proof that the dildar Pathan is more than generous as well. And the recipient of his generosity was the beautiful Kareena Kapoor, Salman’s co-star in Main Aur Mrs. Khanna.

In Melbourne on the shoot, the two stars who are friends would always be laughing, cracking jokes and having fun. And when pack-up was announced, Kareena would often go shopping. Once, Salman accompanied her to carry the bags! At one particular store, Bebo went on a shopping spree, picking up things for friends, family and herself.

When she went to settle the bill, she was zapped to be told her that it was already paid. Seeing Salman grinning from ear-to-ear, Kareena realised who her benefactor was. Of the things that Salman apparently ‘gifted’ her was a limited edition bag worth Rs 2. 5 lakh! She uses the bag in the film too. When asked about the incident, Kareena replied, “Salman’s generosity cannot be matched. It was a very sweet gesture on his part. He is a wonderful person at heart.

Katrina Kaif averts wardrobe malfunction

At the awards event held on Sunday night, one-time foes, Kareena Kapoor

and Katrina Kaif , met like long-lost friends. They hugged and kissed each other and Kat exchanged pleasantaries.

That wasn't all. They even shared a stylist, Anahita Shroff, who saved the day by fixing Kat's wardrobe malfunction at the event.

Katrina says, "When I was waiting backstage to receive my award, one of my friends stepped on it, and to my utter shock, it ripped right up to my thigh! For the first time I really freaked out, as the organisers kept telling me it was time to go on stage. I asked my friend to go fetch a needle and thread to sew up the tear but the poor girl was so nervous that her hands kept shaking and the stitching was crooked."

It was then that Katrina decided to take matters in her own hands. "I asked for Anahita, who had done Kareena and my styling for the event to come and help me. I was panicking by then! Anaita asked me to stay calm and within five minutes stitched it up so finely that I couldn't see the tear.

Then I walked on to the stage to get my award. Normally this kind of thing hasn't happened to me before, because we are always prepared at shows. My hairdresser or other backups are always there to help out."

Wasn't this the same gown Katrina had worn to an awards event in January? Kat admits, "Yes it was the same one I had worn a few months back. It's one of my favourite gowns as I love the colour red. I am glad I wore it as most of the actresses who came to the event - Lara, Aishwarya and Malaika were all attired in various shades of red like pink or maroon."

Kaif got the Woman of the Year award - an award also received previously by Jennifer Aniston in USA as given out by the same men's magazine

Bipasha Basu's boobs groped at Durga Puja fest

Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu might not have dreamed in her wildest dreams that her much-awaited Durga Puja celebration would turn into a nightmare. It'ss reported that she was sexually abused by a sick-minded stranger at this year's Durga Puja celebration.

Sources said that Bipasha attended The North Bombay Sarvojonin Durga Puja at Santacruz with her boyfriend John Abraham. But sadly, a stranger spoiled her evening by groping her breasts. She was near the stage when the incident took place. The pervert ran away, taking advantage of the crowd.

The ugly incident left Bipasha furious and even wanted to lodge a police complaint. However, John whisked her away from the venue.

'I had to put on weight for my role in Do Knot Disturb'

Sushmita Sen has been missing from the marquee for a long time. Her last film -- the disastrous Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag -- released way back in 2007.

This Friday will see her in David Dhawan's long-delayed Do Knot Disturb with Govinda, Ritesh Deshmukh and Lara Dutta.

So what exactly does Sushmita do in the film? Patcy N finds out.

What is Do Knot Disturb about?

The film is about marriage -- the Knot in the title is the wedding knot. The best thing about the film is that it is David Dhawan's film, which means it is a completely entertaining, comedy film.

How was it working with Govinda?

It is a great honour to work with Chi Chi (Govinda). What you learn from him is spontaneity, which he has in abundance. The atmosphere is light, as he keeps making fun. He says that he has been dancing for over 25 years now. But if you see him dance, you would think he's doing it for the first time -- he dances with so much energy.

A David Dhawan film is fun. But if your co-star is Chi Chi, you will not have a single sad moment. It is fun all the way.

That's not me asking for money: Sushmita Sen

A Sushmita Sen impersonator on the social networking site Facebook has started asking for money in her name for charity. After being inundated by anxious queries from friends, the Bollywood actress has clarified that she is not the one asking for money. "It's not a game. For this gentleman or lady, whoever he or she might be, charity obviously begins and ends at home. My impersonator has even opened an account www.sushmita-sen.com where charitable Facebook participants can donate money," Sushmita told IANS. The actress, who says she is not net-savvy, is appalled by the development. "I've been smiling a little indulgently at all these fake Sushmita Sens on Facebook and Twitter. I thought as long as they were not harming me, let them have fun. But now when someone decides to open a charitable account on my behalf, it's time to seriously get up and do something to stop such people," she said. Sushmita got to know of the impostor's monetary manoeuvres only when friends called to ask how many zeroes they should put on their cheques. "I was zapped! I was like…huh! I do love giving to charitable causes. But not in this tacky way. Whoever has the nerve to ask for money and open a website for the purpose trusted in my charitable instincts a bit too much," she said. Cyber crimes like impersonation and abuse must be stopped, said Sushmita. "If you have a name that people can use then these things are bound to happen. So far I didn't mind my name being used by others. But now let me make it very clear I am not on Facebook, Twitter or anything. And I'm certainly not into asking for money for charity on the Internet. Hey guys,that's not me!"

Ranbir plays the spurned lover again

He started his career with "Saawariya" where he worshipped the ground that Sonam Kapoor walked on. She had eyes only for Salman.

Then in "Bachna Ae Haseenon", Deepika Padukone said a flat no to Ranbir'r proposal. And now in "Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani" Ranbir again wooes the girl with his one-sided attentions, almost playing Katrina Kaif's faithful poodle hanging around her unconditionally.
Raj Kumar Santoshi, who returns to comedy after 15 years, says he wanted Ranbir to play the unrequited lover-boy with a difference.

"'Ajab Prem...is a film about unrequited love. I didn't want Ranbir to play the loser in love as a tragic hero. Chaplin and Ranbir's grandfather Raj Kapoor excelled in playing tragic losers in love," Santoshi maintained.

Hasn't Ranbir already done the role of an unrequited lover in "Saawariya"?
Santoshi agreed: "Yes. But not in this zany and upbeat way. Though Ranbir's character loses out in love, he doesn't lose heart for even a second. He remains blindly devoted and besotted right till the end while Katrina just keeps taking him for granted."

Hit ya miss!

Model-turned-actress Mugdha Godse speaks to Metrolife on her much-awaited upcoming projects It’s been a year since my first movie Fashion was released last Diwali. With two new and very different films scheduled for release, I am torn between anxiety, excitement and a strange feeling of deja vu,” says actress Mugdha Godse. The first film scheduled for release is All The Best, directed by Rohit Shetty. It is a comedy where she co-stars with Ajay Devgan, Bipasha Basu, Sanjay Dutt and Fardeen Khan. “It was a role that I thoroughly enjoyed doing and it certainly helped expand my repertoire as an actress. The chemistry among the cast was so good that there was plenty of fun and laughter on the set, in keeping with the spirit of a good comedy,” she laughs. Her second film Jail by Madhur Bhandarkar where she stars opposite Neil Nitin Mukesh is also due for release soon. It tests her mettle as an actress on a whole at a different level. Mugdha is now busy with promoting both her films while shooting for a third where she stars with Bobby Deol. “That is going to be a different genre, in fact, a horror film but we are not rushing through it right now as I am busy with the promos,” she adds. Her role in Jail required that she completely shed her glamourous persona and adopt the well scrubbed look of the girl-next-door, who leads an ordinary life but is forced to deal with extraordinary circumstances. “Madhur asked me to scrub my face clear of make-up and only then get into the part on my first day on the set. The story revolves around a regular guy Parag Dixit, who lands in jail due to an unfortunate series of events. I play his girlfriend, the one who stands by him and gives him strength through his ordeal. It is a strong and sensitive part and very real,” she says. “The only make-up I used in the film was eye-liner and mascara. My clothes are also very different from the high fashion trendy look that came straight from the ramps in Fashion which the audiences really liked. I’m sure they will respond well to the understated elegance in Jail too,” she adds. Madhur encouraged her to play strong female parts and gave her the confidence to test her screen persona minus the glamour quotient. With plenty of big screen action on the cards, Mugdha hasn’t forgotten her love for the ramp and her passion for modelling. “It’s something that I will always go back to whenever possible,” she insists.

Saifeena to perform together again

Saifeena have been all over the place, be it under the guise of shooting, events, award ceremonies or just stage shows. Recently, they created a riot with their ensemble performance on August 21 at Sharjah for 'Jashan 2008'.

The overwhelming response to Saif and Kareena's show has inspired organizers, the Morani Brothers, to organize a series of shows across Europe. Mohammed Morani said, "The Sharjah show was extremely successful. We are now organizing a series of shows across Europe and the Middle East. Saif and Kareena have a huge fan following in these places. People throng to the stadium to watch them especially after the success of Race and Jab We Met. Also, Saif and Kareena make a wonderful pair. They are both good looking and exude power that makes the audience go 'wow'. Saif and Kareena gave solo performances and the results are evident with the success of 'Jashan 2008', so we can imagine the response when the duo performs together."

Kareena said, "The show had a crowd of 20,000 people and it was just amazing. Saif is in talks with the Morani Brothers for the shows across Europe and the Middle East." Minissha Lamba, who was the only star to be a part of the Sharjah show said, "I am looking forward to be on stage for the shows to be held across Europe and the Middle East."

Ranbir and Bipasha together!

Astrange sighting of the week was Ranbir Kapoor and hold your breath — Bipasha Basu.

They both were spotted together without their respective partners Deepika Padukone and John Abraham. The venue was Saif Ali Khan’s birthday party hosted by Kareena Kapoor.

The lead pair of Bachna Ae Haseeno drove down together for Saif’s party, raising many eyebrows. “We were pleasantly surprised when they came together for the party,” says an actor on condition of anonymity. We wonder why John and Deepika were not present, or were they just not invited!

Mallika Sherawat plays a 'bad' actor

Playing a lousy actor is not an easy thing to do. Preity Zinta and Arshad Warsi have done it in Rituparno Ghosh's The Last Lear and Neeraj Vora's Shortkut, respectively.

Now it's Mallika Sherawat's turn to play a member of the world's hammiest theatre group in the world in Maan Gaye Mughall-e-Azam. And apparently, Mallika has done a splendid job. However at the moment her morale is shaken.

According to people who know her Mallika is shattered by the box-office performance of Ugly Aur Pagli and has gone into a shell.

Says a co-star, "Mallika had given the film her best shot, and was expecting it to be a glorious follow-up to Pyar Ke Side Effects. The poor show of the film has affected her. She's no longer that confident of her next release Maan Gaye Mughall-e-Azam."

And now Mallika has a harder task ahead. She has to prove herself playing a part of what is described in the film as the worst theatre company in the universe. So in essence Mallika has to play a bad actress in Maan Gaye Mughall-e-Azam. Rahul Bose who has done two films with Mallika feels she has immense talent. "Mallika is part of the theatre repertory in Maan Gaye…. In fact all the principal actors Mallika, Paresh Rawal (who plays her husband), Kay Kay Menon and Zakir Hussain are part of the theatre group. I am not part of the theatre group. I'm a RAW agent who needs to save the world by taking the help of a theatre company containing probably the world's worst actors. So the world's worst theatre group is helping me to save the world."

In essence, brilliant actors like Paresh and KK are required to ham it up. Laughs Rahul, "The only thing that this theatre group can do effectively on stage is a rendition of K. Asif's film Mughal-e-Azam. That's where my Salim act with Anarkali comes in. I am only fantasizing about being on stage with Mallika."

Rahul has never done broad comedy before. "And I'm delighted by how good Mallika is at comedy. I'm the guy who tries to get her attention right under her husband Paresh Rawal's nose."

It's Mallika's Murder in a mirthful milieu. Incidentally, the letter 'm', Mallika once agreed with me, was lucky for her. Her first hit was Murder. Her mentor was Mahesh Bhatt. And her first international break was in The Myth.

''Why is Rakhi Sawant talking like this?'' - Shilpa Shetty

This week has been really tough on Shilpa. First Jade Goody's traumatic adieu. Then a member of her own film fraternity Rakhi Sawant was heard telling TV channels that a contestant on Big Boss must have been changed because of Shilpa.

When questioned about Rakhi's allegation, Shilpa says she's appalled. "I don't even want to talk about her. But I was very hurt. I really like Rakhi . Why was she talking this way about me without knowing the facts? How does she know the facts about how contestants were chosen? I don't think it's right for anyone to shoot off her mouth in this way. You may have an outspoken image that you're always eager to uphold. But please don't flaunt that image at my cost."

Shilpa was also appalled by her effigies being burnt. Apparently, Ramdas Atahavle was approached to go into the house. He claims he was dropped because of Shilpa's manoeuvres.

The actress doesn't know whether to laugh or cry at this. "It's the channel's prerogative to select or reject a candidate. Until two days prior to the show, I didn't even know who was going. The format doesn't allow the host to know the contestants .Mr Athavle claims he was dropped on discriminatory grounds because he was a Dalit and Sanjay Nirupam was taken instead."

Shilpa is outraged. "Why was I being blamed if a candidate didn't make it into Big Boss? Why were they throwing stones at the channel Colors' office and burning my effigy? They even held a dharna in Lonavla in front of the Big Boss house. Why me? Every time I'm associated with something people try to use my name for their own purposes. Please leave me alone."

Taking a deep breath Shilpa laughs. "I think I should take all this attention as a compliment. But somewhere it does take its toll on my mental equilibrium. We all need to be more responsible about our duties as a citizen. My phone went ballistic on Tuesday. I'm in the midst of a dozen things and then to be badgered like this! I'm human and I don't like my name being constantly used. Don't hit where it hurts the most. I think they should start auctioning my effigies."

Laughs Shilpa, "But really, Rakhi Sawant takes the cake. What authority does she have to make such charges against me? I'd have Rakhi know that it's the channel's prerogative to decide the participants. I'm hired by the channel to do a job. My jurisdiction is to go on stage and host the show."

Shilpa wants police action against the practice of burning effigies. "It's really very sad that known people are subjected to this. It's very degrading?"

Shilpa on the cover of People

"I can't go through it all over again" declares Shilpa Shetty, when she was asked if she would take part in this year's 'Big Boss'. For starters, Shilpa happens to be the 'Celebrity Big Brother' winner cum actress cum entrepreneur cum many other avatars bundled into one! She exclaims the above mentioned famous words in the latest issue of 'People', the niche magazine, of which she also happens to be the cover-girl. Not just this, she also has made many other confessions, which includes her relationship with her boyfriend- the London based entrepreneur Raj Kundra.

Not many know the fact that Raj was also a part of the Akshay-Karisma flick Mere Jeevan Saathi (as a producer), and the recently released Strangers that starred Jimmy Sheirgill with Sonali Kulkarni and Nandana Sen. The good news is that Raj is also a part of a film venture that Shilpa is producing! That doesn't mean that Shilpa will be saying adieu to heroine roles. Testimony of this is the fact that she is having her next venture The Man coming up with Sunny Deol. When asked about the difference between being an actress and a producer, she simply blushes in her trademark style to say that "You don't get as pampered as an actress".

Well, looking at Raj's deep and dedicatedly committed eyes, he truly looks like the 'Pampering Personified' types! If that's the case, where's the point to complain, Shilpa?

"I will kill Gauri Khan" - Vidya Balan

Vidya Balan made a shocking statement quite recently. She declared her love for Shah Rukh Khan and even went on to state that for him, she would be even willing to kill Gauri Khan. However, it is quite obvious that she said so in light humor as all this chit-chat happened on the 'Sajid Superstars' show! At Bollywood Buzz, we bring some exclusive tidbits on what to expect from the show

- On being asked about her crush, Vidya Balan didn't bat an eyelid as she only mentioned one name - Shah Rukh Khan! When warned by Sajid Khan that Gauri Khan could well be watching the show, she confessed that for getting the man of her dreams, she would even be willing to kill Gauri Khan!

- She did mention her disappointment though for missing out on being even nominated for Bhool Bhulaiyaa. Though she gave her heart, body and soul for the role of a woman possessed and saw some critical and commercial acclaim for the film, she was left perplexed when award functions ignored her completely. In fact one of her scenes from the film even made it to the best scenes selected by Sajid Khan.

- Her worst scene was an embarrassment for her though as a sequence from her tele-serial 'Hum Paanch', which was aired years back on TV. No wonder, she was red faced all through the duration as the scene played.

- There was some more fun in store as she was asked to choose her favorite between designers Manish Malhotra and Aki Narula. For the uninitiated, there is no love lost between Vidya and the two designers, hence the query holds on quite some relevance.

- She also mentioned about how uncomfortable she was about the thought of enacting a love making scene with Sanjay Dutt for Parineeta. In fact a few weeks back, even Sanjay Dutt had mentioned that it was quite strange to shoot for the scene since director Pradeep Sarkar insisted in dozens of retakes before the scene was finally canned!

- However, Vidya admits that Sanjay Dutt made it all comfortable for her and in the end she didn't have any hesitation to continue with the shoot. Just like the major part of the industry which loves Sanju baba, even Vidya couldn't help singing praises for her co-stars whom she truly believes has a heart of gold.

- Sajid however didn't have a heart to listen to what Vidya had to say, especially when she opened her mouth to sing a song. The moment she started singing 'Pal Pal' from Lage Raho Munnabhai, Sajid went off to sleep!

- Things perked up further though when other celebrities started placing their questions to her. One such question came from Ritiesh Deshmukh, her co-star in Heyy Babyy, who asked her to clarify the legend behind her being called 'Nagin Chachi' by quite a few members of the film fraternity. Keep guessing the reason before Vidya spills the beans in the show!

- While she was all fun in making her dancing entry into the show with the song 'Dholna' [Heyy Babyy], things turned a little serious as she was asked to reveal some bitter truths. In a round of controversial questions which followed, she was asked about her role in the Shahid-Kareena break-up. In addition, she was also grilled about her involvement with John Abraham.

She did come up with smart answers for two of the biggest controversies of her personal life ever since she entered celluloid. To know about what did she have to say about her 'affairs' with John and Shahid, tune in to Sajid's Superstars at 8:00 PM (note the revised timings), Saturday on the newly launched channel COLORS!

Priyanka’s free stalker behind bars

Finally, Priyanka Chopra has heaved a huge sigh of relief with her tormentor of the last few months, Prakash Jaju, behind bars. Jaju’s bombarded the actress with lewd SMSes, which drove Priyanka up the wall. She was forced to change her cellphone number constantly.

But even that didn’t deter Jaju. Says her friend, “The moment she changed her number, Jaju got hold of the new one and messaged her instantly. He would even taunt her about trying to get rid of him by changing the number. And the messages were filthy.”

Even a monetary settlement some time ago failed to end Jaju’s compulsive obsession with Priyanka. In fact, Jaju continued to harass not only Priyanka, but also her father. He would deliberately see to it that court cases on Dr Ashok Chopra were filed from towns outside Mumbai, so that he was forced to travel unnecessarily even though he is ill. That’s what really hurt Priyanka. “He can harass me. Why does he trouble my ill father?” she would say, often breaking down before her close friends.

Jaju who has worked with several other people in the industry became Priyanka’s secretary when she came into the film industry in 2002. Initially, Jaju did get Priyanka a few plum assignments but after the release of her first two films, The Hero and Andaaz, Jaju’s interference in her personal life began to hassle Priyanka. Jaju grew so possessive that he tried to keep tabs on all her friends and social activities. Understandably, Priyanka sacked him, a snub that Jaju’s ego couldn’t take. Then began his revenge on Priyanka and her father Dr Chopra who had once welcomed Jaju into their home.

Mallika builds a 1-BHK mud house in Kerala

While Mallika Sherawat shoots in Kerala for Naagin The Snake Woman, she has also invested in a cottage near Kovalam beach in Kerala. G Shankar, the chief of Habitat Technology Group, an NGO is working in close collaboration with the sexy actress on her hut based on sustainable architecture/technology. The structure is half-way complete.

Says a source, "When Mallika was shooting in Kerala, she heard about the Habitat Technology Group and asked their CEO to design a hut/cottage for her near Kovalam beach. It's 600 square feet in size, is made of mud, bamboo, lime and jaggery (a type of masala mortar) and follows traditional and vernacular idioms of Kerala. These huts cost anywhere between Rs 3 to 6 lakh."

Mallika's choice is a one-bedroom hut with a hall, bathroom and kitchen. According to the source, "Mallika is expected to arrive in the next few days and give the final approval to complete her home. The hut is on a hill and one has to reach the place on foot as it doesn't have a motorable road."

The source adds, "Mallika has always been a believer of sustainable architecture/technology. The objective of sustainable design is to use resources in ways that won't compromise the needs of future generations. The principles of sustainability work is to optimise site potential, minimise non-renewable energy consumption, use environmentally-preferable products, protect and conserve water, enhance indoor environmental quality and optimise operational and maintenance practices."