‘Salman may play in the next season’ ...says Sohail Khan, actor and owner of the Bollywood cricket team about brother Salman playing the sport

‘Salman may play in the next season’

...says Sohail Khan, actor and owner of the Bollywood cricket team about brother Salman playing the sport



Actor, producer and director Sohail Khan owns the Mumbai Heroes team as a part of the celebrity cricket league. As the league matches are underway, Sohail is extremely proud of his team and has high hopes from his players. He prefers referring to his team as a group of ‘good-looking’ boys from Bollywood. In a candid chat with After Hrs Sohail shared his thoughts on actors becoming cricketers and how it’s in the spirit of good sportsmanship and entertainment.

How did you put your team together?
It took us less than 48 hours to get a team together because a lot of my friends are cricket enthusiasts. I sent out a message asking them if they would want to be a part of a professional team. All of them got back with a positive response.

Are you enjoying your role of a team owner?
Undoubtedly, it’s a lot of fun but it is getting more responsible and the league is also growing in size. Last year we had four teams, this year we’ve got six teams and next year we are going to have eight teams and then we are going to end with ten teams. We plan to cover all the film industries of India and it is a great platform for bringing together directors and producers.

What is the message behind having celebrities play cricket?
As we said, there is no barrier and all film industries can be a part of this competitive sport. It’s great to see them unite and play cricket in a sporting spirit. Its great fun and we have a good laugh in the after parties regarding the experiences of the game. We are not cricketers. We are just actors training to play good cricket.

Can fans expect Salman Khan to play a match in this season?
Unfortunately not this season as he has a tight filming schedule and has also underwent a surgery last year. So we have restricted him from playing but he may play in the next season of CCL. But nevertheless he is the most crucial part of the team as he is the icon player and ambassador of our team.

Dhanush all set for Bollywood South sensation, Dhanush, son-in-law of superstar Rajinikanth, is gearing up for his innings in B-Town

Dhanush all set for Bollywood

South sensation, Dhanush, son-in-law of superstar Rajinikanth, is gearing up for his innings in B-Town


South star Dhanush is planning on making a splashing entry in Bollywood with director Aanand L. Rai of Tanu Weds Manu fame. The actor who became a YouTube sensation overnight with his hit single, Kolaveri Di is now gearing up for his B-town debut. Kolaveri Di seems to have opened up new doors for the National Award winning actor who recently confirmed that he has indeed signed up for a Hindi film.
A source close to the director says, “Dhanush has been signed up for Ranjhnaa by Anand. They had been looking for a new face from the past six months and Dhanush fit the bill perfectly. The character that is required to play is simple yet vulnerable, just like his real image off screen. The actor was also very enthusiastic about the film since it is a very intense role and immediately agreed to sign on the dotted line.” While Dhanush has only worked in the South industry till date, he is quite well versed with Hindi and he is confident that it will not be a problem for him.
However, the buzz doing the rounds is that Dhanush is also planning to hire a coach to brush up on his Hindi speaking skills. He is also planning to attend diction classes since he will have to get the pronunciation right. A source reveals, “Dhanush is very excited to try his luck with Hindi films. He is a huge fan of Bollywood and has a lot of friends from here so it is not like he is a complete stranger. In fact he speaks Hindi and English very fluently and is sure that he will do a good job with his debut film.”

Loss or gain? Actor Prachi Desai is in a dilemma as she is caught between two films – one that requires her to be petite and the other, healthier

Loss or gain?

Actor Prachi Desai is in a dilemma as she is caught between two films – one that requires her to be petite and the other, healthier



Actor Prachi Desai, who shot to fame with her debut film Rock On, is currently working on two films simultaneously. The actor whose last release was Milan Luthria’s Once Upon A Time In Mumbai opposite Emraan Hashmi is now working with actors Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham. Actor Genelia D’souza who was initially being considered for the role later opted out of the film which finally fell on Prachi’s lap. Rohit Shetty’s upcoming comic caper Bol Bachchan that also stars Asin and Ajay Devgan is currently being shot in Jaipur.
While working on two films is not an issue for the young actor, she is caught in a strange dilemma. Prachi, who is biologically very petite, was required to put on weight for her role in Bol Bachchan. A source from the sets says, “Prachi is paired opposite Abhishek in the film. Her look is such that she needs to look a little mature and that is when the director suggested she put on a few kilos to look the part. Prachi who has a thin frame, was more than open to putting on a few kilos to suit her role but she was stuck in a spot when she was required to look herself in her other film, I Me aur Main with John. Her look in this film is more young and vivacious and since she is pretty young, she suited the role to the T. But she is in a bit of a soup because she has allotted dates to both the films simultaneously. Right now she is stuck and does not know how to deal with the situation.”
Besides her weight, there also seems to another issue bothering her. Reportedly, all is not well between her and Chitrangda Simgh. The two actors, who are paired opposite John, have apparently been sharing cold vibes. To add to the situation, Prachi has apparently replaced Chitrangda in a commercial and that has only intensified their rift.

Don’t compare Says actor Hrithik Roshan as he talks about his recent release and the response to the film

Don’t compare

Says actor Hrithik Roshan as he talks about his recent release and the response to the film

Actor Hrithik Roshan has said that it is unjust to compare him with Amitabh Bachchan in Agneepath.
Bachchan played the character of Vijay Chauhan in Agneepath almost two decades ago.“You can’t compare (with Amitabh). If you compare, I will fail in a second. I feel people are not saying that I have done as well (as Bachchan), but I think what they are saying is I have done well in my way and they are cheering for me,” Roshan said.
The 38-year-old, who is on cloud nine owing to the incredible response he got for Agneepath, could not hide his elation too.
“Wow!!!! Thank You Thank You Thank You!!! Agneepath 1st day - 25cr!!!! My damaged bodyparts suddenly feel alive, I feel like I can FLY now!!! Thank You people, I have the fuel now to make Krrish Explode!!!! And explode he will!!!” he tweeted.

Yes, marriage is on my mind …admits filmmaker Sajid Khan, but is yet to admit to rumoured girlfriend, actor Jacqueline Fernandez

Yes, marriage is on my mind

…admits filmmaker Sajid Khan, but is yet to admit to rumoured girlfriend, actor Jacqueline Fernandez



Much has been said about filmmaker Sajid Khan’s influence on actor Jacqueline Fernandez, whom he’s rumoured to be seeing. After Hrs finds out his side on it:

Is marriage on the cards?
Yes, of course I want to get married. I am 41 now. Twice, it has been reported that I am getting married in April, but these are just hearsay. The day I get married I will stand on my terrace and shout out to the whole world about it.

So, have you found your bride in Jacqueline?
My personal life is nobody’s business. And I’d like to keep it that way.

But there’s been a lot of buzz about your role in her losing out on good films.
There are two things. Firstly, the film industry by large is not stupid. Secondly, I have never ever interfered in anyone’s life — personally or professionally. I am a complete outsider, who is an insider. I don’t even attend parties or functions. My own sister Farah (Khan) recently organised two parties. I was there exactly for 30 minutes at at both the parties. I don’t know how these rumours and speculations arrive.

Well, film producer Mukesh Bhatt has gone on record to say that Jacqueline is on ‘remote control’...
See I keep quiet, as long as the gossip is fun. But the day it gets slanderous, I will hit back. Like I said, nobody can control anybody. The only thing that gets you work in this industry is a hit film, and not gossip. And I’m here to make movies, but will not fall prey to these speculations.

Why have you opted for Saif Ali Khan for your new film Judwaa 2 instead of its original star Salman Khan?
First of all, Judwaa 2 takes off 16 years after Judwaa was first made. I have never worked with Saif and he’s never done this kind of role. Saif has comic timing, so why not Saif? Salman Khan today is larger than any film. He’s equivalent to Rajinikanth. I want to work with him, but I need a screenplay that adapts to his image.

BASH ‘ED’ UP? The party circuit was abuzz yesterday with how actor Shah Rukh Khan apparently roughed up filmmaker Shirish Kunder at actor Sanjay Dutt’s do

BASH ‘ED’ UP?

The party circuit was abuzz yesterday with how actor Shah Rukh Khan apparently roughed up filmmaker Shirish Kunder at actor Sanjay Dutt’s do


Actor Sanjay Dutt’s bash on Sunday night to celebrate his recently released film Agneepath’s success at the BO, apparently turned out to be a battle ground of sorts. The bash thrown at a popular suburban night club was well attended, including the likes of Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn. But the celebratory mood soon turned ugly following an apparent altercation between SRK and filmmaker Shirish Kunder, say onlookers. Khan was later also joined by Dutt.
A source present at the venue says, “Shah Rukh walked in late at the party. Shirish, who was standing near the bar, saw SRK and started making nasty comments. He also followed the star wherever he went, including the washroom. And this is when SRK got irritated and pinned him on a sofa, first trying to talk to him. But when Shirish continued to retort back, SRK slapped him.”
Amidst all this, there was also a touch of comic, said a source, when biz honcho Baba Dewan stepped in to stop the fight, thinking that a girl was being targetted. “Baba Dewan felt that SRK was fighting with a girl as Shirish was sporting long hair. He stepped in to tell SRK to stop fighting a girl. He realised his mistake when SRK turned to look at him. In the meanwhile, Sanju arrived on the scene and separated the warring duo,” said the source. Another set of onlookers say that Sanju, after separating the duo, apparently slapped Shirish four times as he had apparently been sending inappropriate messages to his wife Maanyata.
Shirish refused to take calls from After Hrs, but his wife. filmmaker Farah Khan texted a pointed message: “Shah Rukh has always told me that physical abuse is the worst way to sort out a problem, that it means the person who’s hitting has either a personal or professional crisis going on. It saddens me to see him doing the same...”
Ever since Farah broke off ties with Shah Rukh, who earlier produced her films, Shirish has never let an opportunity for snide comments on the actor pass, including his Ra.One, say insiders.

Oh baby! Contrary to reports, actor and new momma in B-Town, Lara Dutta is yet to name her baby

Oh baby!

Contrary to reports, actor and new momma in B-Town, Lara Dutta is yet to name her baby



Actor-couple Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan are taking their time to name their two-month-old daughter and now actor Lara Dutta and husband, tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi seem to be following in their footsteps as well. While there was news that they had already named their week-old daughter Saira, if sources close to them are to be believed, it is just one of the names that they have shortlisted.
Lara and Mahesh, who got married in February last year, announced that the actor was expecting in August. While they weren’t particular if they wanted a baby girl or a boy, they had already short listed on a couple of names for either sex. Speculation started when tennis player Sania Mirza’s father Imran, updated his phone status to ‘Welcoming Saira Bhupathi in this world’. Adding fuel to the fire, actor Raveena Tandon, too, tweeted, ‘My friends, Lara Dutta and Mahesh Bhupathi are proud parents of a baby girl!! Saira Bhupathi Welcome Angel!!’
A source close to the couple says, “Lara and Mahesh were only expecting a healthy child, the sex didn’t matter. They were prepared for both and had shortlisted a couple of names for a baby girl and a baby boy. Saira was amongst one of the names that they had picked for their baby girl. The duo has no idea as to how everyone just thought that Saira was the name of the baby girl. In fact Lara and Mahesh have been tweeting about their daughter, but not once have they confirmed that they have named her Saira. It is just one amongst the many names they had chosen for the baby girl.”
The couple is currently enjoying this new phase of life. Mahesh, who is just back from Grand Slam, is happy to be back home and is spending some much needed quality family time with wife and daughter.

Wedding Day Jewellery

Wedding Day Jewellery

Handcrafted Bollywood Fashion Jewelry Beautiful Designer Antique Gold Polish Copper Aloy Metal Base with Kundan , Multigems etc Necklace Size~ 10.5 inches crafted length along the neck and 2.5 inches broad to the lowest point adjustable cord provided to fit all neck size Earrings Size~ 2.5 inches upto the dangling beads Tika Size~ 6 inches upto the dangling beads

Kajal Agarwal Hot Saree Photos Spicy Stills

Kajal Agarwal Hot Saree Photos Spicy Stills

Vidya Balan takes tips from family

Actor, who plays a pregnant woman in Kahaani, observed sister who was carrying twins at that time I had left the entire preparation bit to Vidya. She did everything to get into the head of the character.
--Director Sujoy Ghosh
S he is counted among the most talented actors in Bollywood right now. No surprise then that Vidya Balan went out of the way to play a pregnant woman perfectly in Kahaani. What's most interesting is that she took tips from her sister, Priya, who herself was pregnant while the actor was shooting for Sujoy Ghosh's film. “Vidya was very keen to get all the nuances right of a pregnant woman. And it was sheer co-incidence that during the same time, her sister was also pregnant. So, whenever she would get time, Vidya talked to her and also observed her mannerisms, movements and mood during pregnancy,“ says a source close to Vidya.
Ask Sujoy about it and he says: “I had left the entire preparation bit to Vidya.
But yes, she did everything to get into the head of the character. For example, during the filming, she would ask for all the details like where her character is coming from and where it's going. In that sense, she is very detailed and elaborate in her approach.“
Also, Vidya met a few doctors and people who live abroad to imbibe their typical lifestyle. In the film, she plays Vidya Bagchi who comes from London to Kolkata in search of her missing hubby.
“Vidya also made a list of dos and don'ts for a pregnant woman during the shoot. She and Sujoy even made a list of superstitions.
The actor would barely sleep for two hours and still look fresh for the shoot. She would also eat a salad called `Grandmother's salad'“ adds the source.
“Audiences can't see such things on screen but it really helps an actor with his or her performance. It's really commendable if an actor goes all out for her character,“ says Sujoy. “It only makes a performance effortless. But the amount of effortlessness she puts in is commendable.“

TOP NAMES SHUN TV

Actors confess they'd rather tune into shows other than their own or not switch on TV on their days off
 
Most TV actors who are currently working in one or the other daily soap across Hindi GECs, admit they shoot for their shows for anything between 12-18 hours a day, depending on the episode bank. Many of them are stationed at studios 24-26 days a month.
Even child stars like Avika Gor, once the Balika Vadhu, and Roli from Sasural Simar Ka, are not spared. The 14year-old attends school before reporting for work, usually completes her homework in between shots.

`I prefer watching a tennis match' Ram Kapoor (Ram Kapoor of Bade Acche Lagte Hain):
I'm usually shooting for my show from 9 am to 9 pm.
After that, I'm too exhausted to fight with my wife (Gautami) and two kids for the remote control. I usually wait for my turn to watch something which usually is a tennis match or shows on channels like National Geographic, Discovery and Animal Planet. I'm clearly not the audience for the kind of shows I work in, even though the content of daily soaps and reality shows has improved in the last eight years. But it's just the beginning of change.

`Spend time on treadmill instead' Karanvir Bohra (known as Viraj, Saubhagyavati Bhavah):

I like coming home and watching my show sometimes because there's scope for instant feedback.
But whenever I get a day off from shoots, I prefer spending time in a hair salon, on the treadmill at home or in the gym. I'm a regular at my dance class too. Sometimes I take my wife (Teejay Siddhu) out for a movie. You can't force a `No TV Day' down anyone's throat, it has to come from choice and not be an annual event like Diwali and Christmas.

`Prefer gymming or walking on beach' Sushant Singh Rajput (Manav of Pavitra Rishta):
 
On TV, it's usually a movie, a sporting event or something that can be defined as infotainment. Usually, I'm shooting long hours so a day off is dedicated to music, gymming or just walking on the beach.
I like the concept of a No TV Day since it urges couch potatoes to be more active outdoors. Our lives have become TV-centric. That needs to change, slowly but surely.

`Shopping is my stressbuster' Ankita Lokhande (Archana of Pavitra Rishta): 


Whenever I get time off from the hectic schedule of shooting for my serial, I go shopping. I feel that it is a great stressbuster for a 20-something girl. Also for me, a visit to the salon and the spa are a must too on these one-off pampering days in my calendars. And if I'm feeling really low on energy, I just relax at home and make a point to stay miles away from my screen character and the glycerine bottle.

`Would rather clean c my house' Sara Khan (Mona of Ram Milayi Jodi): 


I may play a dolled-up `bahu' on screen but I'm not really a TV peron. A day off from work is a No TV Day for me. I catch up on sleep which is a luxury when we're trying to complete episodes. I'd suggest hat instead of being glued to he TV, people should listen o music, read books or just ustle up a meal. Even hough I have a maid I prefer leaning my house. It keeps me busy and miles away rom the TV.

`Visits to the spa and salon' Kritika Kamra (Nidhi of Kuch To Log Kahenge): 
 
Since I don't get time to watch TV on a day off from work I surf channels. I also catch up with my friends and visit my spa and salon.
I'm an incurable shopaholic and you can't keep me indoors. I don't believe in a No TV Day because TV, apart from entertaining, also helps communicate significant social messages.
Whether you want to observe a day like this should be left to personal choice.
`Swimming and football with kids'

Archana Puran Singh known for the Comedy Circus series):


When I'm not shooting, I chat with my kids on everything under the un. We've shifted the TV out of our dining area so we don't watch too much of it.
We use the time to play ootball in our little garden or go for a swim.

Best opening ever in Bollywood

Agneepath, as expected, finally gets the year off to a rocking start with phenomenal advance booking
For once, it's real life imitating reel,“ says trade analyst Komal Nahta, who believes that producer Karan Johar has restored his late father Yash Johar's pride by remaking Agneepath (1990). “Yashji was extremely disappointed that the original didn't succeed at the box office. Karan has made his father proud, the way Vijay does in the film.
He had wanted to remake the film in his lifetime but couldn't. Karan has done it now and the opening day collections vouch for that.“ Distributors, exhibitors (single and multiple screen) and tradesmiths endorse the fact that the film has broken Salman Khan's Bodyguard's 2011-first-day records. Till the time of going to press, the first-day figures ranged between R 24.5-R 26 crore.
The estimated net collections in India are expected to be between R 110-R 125 crore.
Trade pundit Amod Mehra informs that several multiplexes ran multiple screenings owing to high demand, thanks to Hrithik Roshan, Sanjay Dutt and Rishi Kapoor's applause-worthy performances. “The movie is two hours and 45 minutes long. But since there wasn't any other big release, most multiplex owners opened up more than two screens for the movie,“ says Amod.
Reportedly theatre occupancy on day one was between 90 and 95 per cent in most cinemas across the country. Apparently, producer Karan had insisted that no exhibitor doubles ticket prices.
Sunil Punjabi of the Cinemax chain of multiplexes, admits to this, adding that most tickets for the weekend, and a couple of weekdays too, are already sold out. “In recent times, most films haven't had the kind of advance booking Agneepath had despite it being promoted on an average budget. By Thursday evening, we had sold almost 50 per cent of the tickets, and this was not just for Friday but Saturday as well. We have already got bulk bookings for the coming week,“ says Sunil, adding that it was a sensible decision to keep the prices down since Karan has already made most of his money from the home video, music and TV rights.
Manoj Desai of the G 7 single screen chain, and Maratha Mandir, agrees. “I don't have tickets for any show for the next four days.
It's a sell-out!“ he exults. “The film that is gory and actionpacked is not a typical family film that has repeat value.
Collections may come down by Monday but will not fall drastically.“
Distributor Sanjay Ghai of Mukta Arts points out that had Karan sold the film, some other distributor would have made a killing: “Right now, it's Dharma Productions on a roll and Agneepath's success will benefit its next release, Ekk Main Aur Ek Tu, being the year's first blockbuster.“

Desi content, coming soon

Funny channel Comedy Central also plans to show new episodes of Saturday Night Live English comedy is difficult to pull off. But we're already working on a few concepts.
--Ferzad Palia, Comedy Central
Comedy Central arrived in India last week. The American channel through its seven-day lifespan in the country has been airing classics like Seinfeld and Goodness Gracious Me. But executives from the channel insist Indian content is underway too. Buzz is that writers have been assigned to pen local content. Ferzad Palia, senior vice president and general manager, English Entertainment, Comedy Central confirms: “We'll make some Indian content for sure but only once we get it right. We don't want to take chances. English comedy is difficult to pull off. But we're already working on a few concepts and testing them.“
He insists the channel is in no hurry to take the plunge with Indian content: “There is no fixed time for this. It could happen in two months or even in six months. The channel is the first in its genre in this country. We want to own the skills of certain talent in the country and give them a platform to present their form of humour.“
Till then, fans of Saturday Night Live can rejoice since the channel plans to air the show's new episodes as they are being shot. “There's also Southpark, The Office and Happily Divorced in our lineup,“ informs Ferzad, adding that the episodes of Southpark will be censored. “Also, we'll premiere shows on weekends.
The content spans an array of genres like sketch, animation, stand-up, gags and sitcoms.“
Apart from the new shows, there's also a list of iconic old ones that will make a comeback of sorts on the tube. The list includes That 70s Show, Wonder Years and 30 Rock.
Ferzad justifies: “There's a large section of people who have not seen any of these shows. So, we've brought them back.“

`DIDN'T LET MY PARENTS, KIDS WATCH BIGG BOSS'

As the city celebrates No TV Day, super-star Salman Khan blasts his own reality show, urges fans to go outdoors, beyond their TV sets Today, there is no news to begin with. Whatever they show as news is violent, at times obscene and senseless. I'd rather switch off.
--Actor Salman Khan

On Hindustan Times' No TV Day, as the city gears up to hit the road, comes a word of advice and caution from India's top super-star.
One of the costliest Bollywood imports on TV, actor Salman Khan tells his fans to refrain from watching too much TV. He's not too impressed with the content on his own reality show either. “I've always told my audience that if they don't like my work they shouldn't spend even half a rupee on my movies. TV comes for free so they invest their time and energy on kitchen-sink dramas and reality shows. That's a heinous crime, unpardonable!“ rants Salman.
The 46-year-old actor would like people to switch off their TV sets once in a while and engage in other activities that give them pleasure. When he's not shooting, Salman likes to take off to his Panvel farmhouse with family and friends. “Working out, cycling and painting are other ways to rejuvenate myself after a hard day's work. I'm not much of a party person but I love having my friends over at home,“ he says. “There's so much to do, you don't need to have the TV on 365 days a year.“
The Bollywood star who shot only five episodes of Bigg Boss in Season 5 entered the House and subtly warned the contestants to water down the `violence' on display. “I'm pretty shorttempered too but I've learnt to control my anger in public.
The channel could have easily edited my entry since it could have worked against the show. The fights were probably getting them ratings but they didn't,“ points out Salman, adding that even his Twitter page was full of negative reactions to the everyday fights.
He adds, “I didn't even let my parents and the youngsters at home watch it.
Pregnant women and old people too didn't tune in because of the heated arguments that also got personal.
I was fed up of hearing about the `nagging wives' in the House. I had to go in and do my bit to salvage a show that my mother (Salma) has been a fan of since season one. She didn't watch it this year.“
The box-office king admits as a kid he enjoyed watching TV a lot more than he does today. He recalls waiting for Phool Khile Hain Gulshan Gulshan, Buniyaad, Babban Prabhu,Tenali Rama, Chhayageet, news capsules and movies.
“The news was black-nwhite then but it made sense because it was news and not some farce. My brothers, my sister and I would wait for the Sunday movie on Doordarshan,“ recalls Salman. “Today, there is no news to begin with. What they show as news is violent, at times obscene and senseless. I'd rather switch off!“

Of overcrowding and the Oprah moment Talk empress Oprah Winfrey ought to have been the big thing on day three, but the massive crowds would have their 15 minutes of fame

Of overcrowding and the Oprah moment

Talk empress Oprah Winfrey ought to have been the big thing on day three, but the massive crowds would have their 15 minutes of fame

It is day three at the Jaipur Lit Fest and though the biggest thing about today is supposed to be talk show queen (‘the most loved and influential person on TV anywhere,’ as Barkha Dutt will later put it) Oprah Winfrey’s presence, it actually seems as if it is the overwhelming crowd that is waiting to see her — snaking in a line many metres outside the venue and making access to the front lawns where her session is due difficult if not impossible. Maybe she is irrelevant to most of India, as some opinions seem to suggest here, but looking at this turn out at present, it just doesn’t seem that way. The crush inside is as bad — to contain it, the massive wooden gates of the front entrance are closed, causing the crowd to move to another, a near stampede ensuing. Every rampart, every balcony, every aisle in the imposing Diggi Palace is overflowing. No wonder then, that when Oprah finally arrives, she tells the audience that India has ‘more people then she’s ever encountered in her life.’ And then straight out, she hastens to make a point: “And yet there is no rage. There is a sense of calmness, even though there are so many people, there is a sense of karma.” She mentions how she encountered the family sleeping all together, “in a home of 6X6 feet - five people sleep in the same room — but there’s an altar in their home’, just as there is in ‘the home of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek’. She tells the crowd more of her Ash-Abhishek epiphanies: “I was asking the question as Americans do, when Aishwarya and Abhishek were on my show: ‘What is that all about, that you live with your parents?” And Abhishek said to me, “What is that all about, that you don’t?!” And now I understand…” This of course has the crowd clapping loudly. Oprah is working them, already looking the part in an ochre salwar: “A family of four generations in one house — I really get it now. This is a country that has no respect for nursing homes, because you take care of your families.” More claps follow. Oprah asserts that she’s “taken it as my responsibility” to be a connector to the human heart space: “I want people to know that the heart space of people is same as yours, even if they come from different circumstances. People can live in poverty but still have hopes in their lives.” She says she wants to “illuminate the possibilities of the human spirit,” using TV as a platform. “Real freedom is deciding for yourself what you want to do, I’m not just an advocate, I’m a woman who does that.” She says she came to India with an open mind, and it’s one of the ‘greatest life experiences she’s ever had.’ “I feel enriched here,” she continues. “For me, all the experience is talking to the people.” She talks about the school, Nelson Mandela, helping abused girls, her book club, marriage. And later about the perils of social networking sites. “Twitter has the same effect on the brain as alcohol and drugs,” she rues. “I spend an hour of my time talking about nothing when I could be doing something else!’ “Growing up, I believed God was my father, and you become what you believe,” Oprah is also emphatic on life lessons to a listening Jaipur. “You can either see yourself as a wave in the ocean or the ocean itself. I believe I belong to the sea of God.” Which sets the stage for the point to follow: “Your life on earth expands exponentially when you can find a way to give what you have to other people. Some have the ability to listen, others to do physical stuff - cook, bake etc, or utilise kindness, grace etc.” She is emphasising her theory, that ‘the energy of self goes out in the world, so when it comes back to you, it gives to you…” This draws furious claps, and Oprah says this is the reason she ‘feels so blessed, so energised.’ Her school for girls, she says operates on this: “‘I am’ because ‘we are’, without the ‘you’ this would not be possible.” The session is almost at an end, and everybody waiting has more or less been let in, a far cry from the morning chaos. The next session is Deepak Chopra’s, but right now it seems Jaipur is already at peace.

Xin Nian Kuai Le ...that’s Happy New Year in Chinese for you. Join in the festivities in the city to usher in the Chinese Year of the Dragon

Xin Nian Kuai Le

...that’s Happy New Year in Chinese for you. Join in the festivities in the city to usher in the Chinese Year of the Dragon



It’s the year of the water dragon, says the Chinese calendar. Feng Shui expects the dragon year to bring prosperity and good fortune. Hence it doesn’t surprise us that like in most other multi-cultural cities, the Chinese New Year is being celebrated with much grandeur in Mumbai too.
Paresh Parth, a Mumbai based retailer, elaborates, “For the last one month there’s been a splurge in the sale of Chinese stuff like paper lanterns, particularly the ones with dragon painted on a red background. Chinese money plants and bamboo shoots are considered auspicious and are good gifting options.” Also, many online portals are offering custom made water dragon cards that you can design by yourself. Chinese calligraphy sets are selling like hot cakes online making them a fiiting gifting option.

One of the most important signs, the dragon has already pervaded fashion and jewellery. “Since, this Chinese New Year is the Year of the Dragon, we welcome longevity, wealth and prosperity with special dragon earrings and eagle eye braclets,” says Mahesh Jagwani, MD Mahesh Notandass Jewellery. As the Chinese celebration lays much prominence on food (much like Indian festivities) more than anything else, many city restaurants have a special Chinese menu in place for the day. Emperor’s Court (Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre), Yauatcha Mumbai, Tasty tangles, Hakkasaan, all have some special offerings of dumplings, sea foods and authentic Chinese sauces.

Ming Yang (Taj Lands End) has not just a special menu, but also the right ambience starting from China-printed table mats to the Chinese lanterns hanging all over. Explains Chef David, “Since it’s the dragon year and red and gold are the lucky colours — the entire decor is in keeping with these two colours, including the menu card. Mandarins (tiny oranges in china that signify prosperity) are placed on every table along with some lucky coins.”

AJAY TAKES ON THE ‘K’S! The alleged cold war between Devgn and Shah Rukh Khan threatens to get ugly

AJAY TAKES ON THE ‘K’S!

The alleged cold war between Devgn and Shah Rukh Khan threatens to get ugly



The cold vibes that actors Ajay Devgn and Shah Rukh Khan share, that were so far being talked about in hushed whispers, are now threatening to come out in the open as a full-blown war between the two stars. Ever since, Ajay has pre-poned his home production, Son of Sardar to taken on SRK’s Yash Chopra film this Diwali, buzz about the rivalry between the two taking a turn for the worse is doing the rounds in B-Town.
Apparently, Ajay is trying to assert his star power at the BO and is in no mood to take his films being pushed around to accommodate release dates for his contemporaries any more. According to the buzz, he is upset about the filmmakers of Tezz pushing their film’s date from December last year to April this year, to avoid clashing first with SRK, then Hrithik Roshan and then finally Saif Ali Khan, as his film being pushed so many times is sending out wrong signals in the industry. And apparently, that’s exactly what is now pushing Ajay to flex his BO strength by not wanting to back out from clashing with both SRK and Akshay Kumar this Diwali, when his film SOS releases alongside Khiladi 786 and SRK’s romantic flick. Incidentally, apart from SRK, Ajay is also known to apparently share cold vibes with Akshay and the two have often clashed at the BO in the past too.
According to insiders, Ajay is tired of being the one whose films are adjusted every now and then, for whatever the reason may be. “Even though it’s the filmmakers’ choice to take the final call on the release date, it sends out the wrong signal that it is Ajay who is trying to avoid a clash with the other stars in the running, as if taking them head on would worry him. Whereas, fact is that Ajay has enough star pull himself and does tend to make others insecure at the BO. After all, till quite recently, he was the most bankable star and had the biggest total number of hits in a year too,” says an insider. In fact, according to buzz doing the rounds in trade circles, makers of The Amazing Spider-Man had even been considering changing the release date of their fourth spidey installment here to avoid clashing with Ajay’s Bol Bachchan that releases on July 6.
A source close to the actor reveals that he’s definitely not having any more of the ‘shuffling dates to accommodate others’ and is adamant that his own film SOS not be pushed to make way for any other actor or film, no matter how big or small. A source says, “Ajay is hardly bothered by the number game and is least bothered about awards too. But he is getting upset with the buzz some insiders of the rival camps are spreading that indicate that he is the one who’s getting his filmmakers to avoid a clash with others, whereas, it’s purely a technical issue that he’s not bothered about. So, the clash this Diwali seems unavoidable, unless either of the films are delayed for natural reasons.”

Sizzling extravaganza Actor Ranbir Kapoor was the centre of attraction at the recently concluded Zee Cine Awards in Macau

Sizzling extravaganza

Actor Ranbir Kapoor was the centre of attraction at the recently concluded Zee Cine Awards in Macau


The recently concluded Zee Cine Awards 2012 in Macau was a star-studded affair as B-Town celebrities descended to the Venetian Macau to witness the spectacular extravaganza. Bollywood turned up in full force at the popular choice awards that were held at the Cotai Arena, amidst a huge audience that ran into thousands. It’s worth mentioning here that most people in the audience were Indians, amongst locals and others, who had flown in from different parts of the world just to watch the awards ceremony.
The hosts for the evening were actors Priyanka Chopra and Shah Rukh Khan who had the audience in splits with their repartees. The duo, who teamed up for the first time to host a show, did a fine job of keeping the audience entertained. The Best Film nominations were enacted out by them on stage and each film had a different concept that went on till the very end. The act began with Priyanka doing a Salman Khan, a la Bodyguard style, replete with a few gags and punchlines. Next up was the special act for The Dirty Picture nomination and Priyanka did a Vidya Balan, complete with costumes and flab and got a couple of whistles too!

While PC and SRK hosted the event for most part of the evening, filmmaker Farhan Akhtar was their co-host for the night who brought forth the humour from his happy-go-lucky charcater in the film, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. The first performance of the night was from actor Shahid Kapoor who grooved to some of the most popular songs from the year 2011, including ex-girlfriend Kareena Kapoor’s hit track, Chammak challo. Amidst girls cheering for him, he walked right into the audience, giving a fabulous performance. Following him was actor Katrina Kaif, who also gave a scintillating performance, as she grooved to some foot tapping numbers. Talking about her association with the city, she said, “Hong Kong has always been special to me because I was born in this city. It is a beautiful place and it is even better to be here today. Thank you Macau, I love you,” she said.

Right after Katrina’s act, was the performance of the evening. Actor Ranbir Kapoor, who was performing live for the first time, evidently stole the show. He kept one and all entertained as he descended amidst the audience from the roof. He danced to his latest hit, Sadda haq, from Rockstar and later joined the stage with Shahid, as they both paid a tribute to late actors Shammi Kapoor and Dev Anand. Ranbir said, “We did not know what to do, so we performed to a very small item. It was a very impromptu act and we wanted to honour the families. We did this for the people who kept us entertained all throughout their lives.”
Vidya, whose performance was scheduled to be telecast, said, “This crowd is lovely. I have never seen a livelier audience and I wish I had performed live. I wish my dance wasn’t that dirtier that they could let me perform here,” she added, tongue-in-cheek. The night ended with SRK and PC putting up a sizzling act from their recently released film, Don 2.