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Jim Carrey's Yes Man tops US box office
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 22 Dec 2008 | 5:31 pm Paris Hilton 'devastated' by house raid
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 22 Dec 2008 | 5:26 pm Ghajini's climax leaked
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 22 Dec 2008 | 4:38 pm Aamir Khan turns barber for a dayThe release day for Ghajini isn't too far off and one thing is for sure, that the star of the film-Aamir Khan isn't leaving anything to chance. Well known for his prompt media appearances and amazing film promotion tactics, Aamir has take another step for his latest film Ghajini. Just recently, the employees at Big Cinema in Wadala had their locks trimmed off to sport Aamir's 'Ghajini' look. And then, Aamir decided to try the coiffeur profession by setting up a barber's shop in the Bengal Market, New Delhi on Sunday (Dec 21). Speaking about his hairstyle, director A. R. Murugadoss said, "Aamir is one of the biggest stars and when you have people copying one's style from a film, you can attribute this only to the star value that he carries." Commenting on the craze that Aamir's hairstyle has created, well known hair stylist Hakim Aalim stated, "Since of late, whatever Aamir does seems to become a fashion statement. Even cropping off your locks seems to have become a rage. I can't imagine that this would have happened had it been someone other than Aamir with the same look." Image Courtesy: ReutersSource: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 22 Dec 2008 | 4:20 pm People declares Akshay Kumar is the Sexiest Man of 2008It was a coronation that was waiting to happen for the man who has not just been there-done that, but is simply there and doing it! We are indeed talking about the one and only Akshay Kumar (better known as the 'AK-47' of Bollywood), who has been voted (read 'declared') as the "Sexiest Man Alive" - for the year 2008, by the topnotch magazine 'People', in their double issue bonanza! This issue is a must have as it features Akshay Kumar in an all-exclusive photo shoot in Vicenza, Italy! The magazine reasons the coronation of Akki by stating that he is one person who has been equally successful, both on and off screen! Reasons cited include his string of box-office hits in 2008 such as Welcome, Singh Is Kinng, his mega successful stint on TV as the host of 'Fear Factor - Khatron Ke Khiladi' and a scorching new ad campaign for the denim major: Levi's. The mag also adds that off screen, Akshay is a grounded family man, devoted to his wife and son and has a sense of humour. In an exclusive interview, Akki, who credits his 'Punjabi eyes' for his effortless sex appeal, says, "Just for the record, I'm not what you call good-looking. Our industry just happens to have excellent directors of photography. That's all." Now that's Akshay Kumar for you 'People'.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 22 Dec 2008 | 3:59 pm Akshay about to trip Aamir in the ‘Hit of the Year’ race? - Zee News
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 22 Dec 2008 | 3:41 pm Hunk Neil Nitin Mukesh bitten by the six-pack bug - Zee News
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 22 Dec 2008 | 3:41 pm "My voice sounds like that of an elephant" - Dimple KapadiaThe latest animation film Jumbo will be hitting the screens this Christmas. Though we already know that the film is about an elephant (whose voice is given by Akshay Kumar), we decided to find out how the mother elephant was doing. For the uninitiated, Dimple Kapadia has given the voice over for Devi, Jumbo's mother in the film. And well, the veteran actress is also Akshay's mother-in-law in real life. You are not doing many films these days. Then what made you do an animation film? Jumbo is very sweet, an emotional story... it is about family love, togetherness, which is a lovely message. It is something we all know but somewhere down the line, we refuse to believe it. The film beautifully talks about the power of god. How god guides us in our journey of life. Also all the characters are so endearing. I had no reason not to agree to the film. My voice sounds like that of an elephant It is said that Akshay convinced you to do the film? Well, it was Akshay who brought the film to me... then I saw the film. I liked it a lot and that is why I agreed to do it. The film is special as it gave the opportunity to play mother to my real life son-in-law. Tell us about your character? I play the mother of Jumbo in the film. She is extremely protective and caring about her child. It is a very endearing character. How well do you think has your voice suited the character? I feel it has suited well, it should actually. My voice sounds like that of an elephant (Laughs). My voice is quite hoarse. You play the protective mother of Jumbo. How are you as a mother in real life? I am personally very protective about my daughters and now for Aarav. I have a tendency to act as a shield for them against all the possible odds in life. I understand that it is good to leave your children and allow them to face the world themselves... I did realize that in life. But then somewhere down the line, I have never been able to be so relaxed. I end up being like this... a little pain to them is like death for me. Is the film targeting only at kids? Yes... They will really enjoy the film. But then it is for everyone. Whoever likes to watch a family film will like it. How different was the experience from acting in films to just giving a voiceover? Initially I was skeptical. I thought it would be very different, but then I found there isn't much of a difference actually. Out here it is just that one is acting through the voice. You still feel the character the way you do otherwise. In fact one needs to feel the emotions all the more. Which other animated films have you seen and liked the best? I love animation films. In fact Aarav and I watch all the animated films together. We both love Finding Nemo and The Lion King. And now Aarav is really looking forward to watch Jumbo along with me. How was it to work with Akshay? Wonderful...Like I said I got to play his mom. So that makes me feel very happy. What do you think of Akshay as an actor? He is fantabulous. He has grown by leaps and bounds over the years. In fact he is growing constantly with each of his films. I adore him a lot as an actor and enjoy watching all his films. I adore Akshay a lot as an actor and enjoy watching all his films It was speculated that Aarav wanted to dub for the film... Yes, he really wanted to give voice for the film. He loves animation flicks, so he was excited when he heard about the film and by learning that Akshay and me are part of it got him all the more excited. I remember an incident when we both were together and I had to go for the recording. Akshay was out of country and Aarav really insisted me on taking him to the recording studio. He was trying so hard to convince me to let him lend voice to a character but then I couldn't take any decision since Akshay was not there. Moreover, Aarav had his exams, so I had a tough time explaining him. What is the USP of Jumbo? Jumbo for me is all about emotions. The message according to me would be that emotion can surmount mountain.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 22 Dec 2008 | 3:07 pm Sonam is young, Aishwarya is old for international cosmetic brand L`oreal !After winning the hearts of many with her vivacity, Sonam Kapoor is now set to become the young face of international cosmetic brand L`oreal.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 22 Dec 2008 | 2:10 pm Writing lyrics for `Ghajini` was tough: Prasoon Joshi!He broke away from clichés in lyric writing and gave listeners sensible words to hum with songs like “Ladki kyon” and “Taare Zameen Par”.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 22 Dec 2008 | 2:10 pm `Brad Pitt not marrying Angelina Jolie yet` !Brad Pitt has reportedly rejected Angelina Jolie`s marriage proposal.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 22 Dec 2008 | 2:10 pm Anything Aamir says is a compliment for Himesh Reshammiya!Himesh Reshammiya admits being a fan of Aamir Khan.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 22 Dec 2008 | 2:10 pm Amy Winehouse spotted sunbathing nude, sporting just a bikini bottom!!Amy Winehouse grabbed quite a few eyeballs when she was seen sunbathing nude at a beach recently.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 22 Dec 2008 | 2:10 pm My best phase started with Saif`s entry: Kareena Kapoor!Kareena Kapoor is on a high. She is getting one film offer every day and receives more than 300 SMSes daily.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 22 Dec 2008 | 2:10 pm Box Office makes way for Aamir - IBNLive.com
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 22 Dec 2008 | 1:23 pm Marisa Tomei's pole dance in The WrestlerNew York (ANI): Hollywood actress Marisa Tomei will soon be seen pole dancing in her new flick The Wrestler. According to reports, the Untamed Heart actress, who was made to 36 takes to get her pole dancing right, hasSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 22 Dec 2008 | 1:11 pm Kate unruffled about relation with Prince WilliamLondon (ANI): Prince William's lover Kate Middleton is unruffled and continuing working at her parents' mail order warehouse, even though her mother is worried that she may never marry the Royal Prince. She has been happily helping her parentsSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 22 Dec 2008 | 1:05 pm Where Singh is king! - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 22 Dec 2008 | 12:59 pm Run, Mumbai run - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 22 Dec 2008 | 12:59 pm Specially screened for the stars - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 22 Dec 2008 | 12:58 pm Ma’am Bond - Times of India
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 22 Dec 2008 | 12:58 pm Gemma Atkinson splits up with footballer fiance!!!London (ANI): Hollywood actress Gemma Atkinson has reportedly split up with her footballer fiance Marcus Bent because both of them have too many work commitments. One of her friends revealed that the two of them had been so busySource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 22 Dec 2008 | 12:56 pm Megan Fox voted 'the sexiest woman on earth'New York (ANI): Actress Megan Fox has been voted the sexiest woman on earth in a new online poll of men and women. The Transformers star was the top choice of both male and female respondents, who were askedSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 22 Dec 2008 | 12:51 pm Jessica, Cash finally give wedding receptionWashington (ANI): Hollywood actress Jessica Alba and husband Cash Warren have finally given an official reception to friends and family, 7 months after tying the knot. The The Eye actress and her husband, who married 7 months ago justSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 22 Dec 2008 | 12:45 pm "I've tried to be as dignified about my personal life as possible" - Kareena KapoorDownload image as wallpaper Kareena Kapoor in a candid and emotional conversation with Subhash K. Jha What are you doing in this guy-oriented cast of Raj Kumar Hirani's 3 Idiots? I've an effective role. And no power on this earth would've made me miss the chance of working with Raju Hirani. I'm a lucky girl. I'm being offered one film every day. I don't have time to read scripts. I'll do so in March 2009 after I finish my current lot of films which includes Karan Johar's film with Saif. Normally, a Bollywood actress does about forty days' work. My directors are taking about a hundred days with me. I've already given Karan a hundred days for his film directed by Rensil D'Silva. Looking back it has been a turbulent year for you? I wouldn't call it turbulent. It's an exciting phase in my life when so many things rushed down on me at the same time. The last year was a turning-point in my life. But the end-result is happy. Both professionally and emotionally I think I've come out a winner. I've tried to be as dignified about my personal life as possible. As for my work, God has been kind. I'm being offered one film every day. I don't have time to read scripts Do you think you're lucky? It's not just luck. I've worked really hard to get here. It's my perseverance that has got me where I am. And I owe my success to no one else but myself. Perseverance? Hmm....You've begun to sound like Saif. Yes, my vocabulary has increased. He makes me memorize some pages of the Oxford dictionary every day (laughs). That's a joke. But seriously, he does speak very well. So I'm trying to catch up. I've tried to be as dignified about my personal life as possible OK...a really difficult question. Who's your favourite Khan? Ah-ha. Do I have to spell it out? Is there anything you want? I have it all. For me the journey as an actress has just begun. And I'm not going to shift focus from it for 4-5 years. No marriage for 4-5 years? I know I definitely want to. But not at least for the next three years. The work I'm doing is giving me so much satisfaction. No 27-year old can ask for more. I feel everyone expects things from me that are expected only from maybe a Kajol or my sister Karisma People gave your relationship with Saif no more than six months? There's absolutely no room for such negativity in my life. I only have place for people who are positive and who make me happy by sharing in my happiness. This is the best phase in my life. And I feel I'm in a place where I've never been before. As an actress I feel everyone and that includes me, expects things from me that are not generally expected from Bollywood actresses except maybe a Kajol or my sister Karisma. Do you get enough time with Saif? He's extremely loving and supportive. He knows how long it's taken me to get the work that I'm getting now. In fact the best phase of my career started when Saif came into my life. Now he's enjoying this phase in my life along with me. That makes this phase even more special. The only thing I miss is time with my family and Saif. When I finish this schedule I head straight to Venice for Sajid Nadiadwala's Kambakht Ishq. The best phase of my career started when Saif came into my life Are you and Saif doing a lot of endorsements together? We're offered a lot of endorsements. But we are not doing any except a shampoo brand. But we'll soon be signing on for endorsements. And we're doing another film for Ashtavinayak. That starts in April 2009. We want it to be a fast and furious action film. Something larger-than-life. Saif is working very closely with the producers. He's trying to lock in on the script and director. You've changed so much in appearance and behavior? Ha, that's what you think. I'm still the same. It's just that I'm so busy. I've been working constantly. On top of that, my house is being done up. There are a dozen things demanding my attention. I get 300 sms-es a day. I can't answer each one of them personally.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 22 Dec 2008 | 12:36 pm Priyadarshan's De Dhana Dhan cast is water-sick after shooting underwaterThe entire cast of Priyadarshan's latest underproduction comedy De Dhana Dhan is threatened with contracting pneumonia. For the past two weeks they've all been shooting non-stop underwater at Film City. "And though the water is cleaned-out, it isn't exactly the aqua-blue swimming pool water," says one member of the cast under condition of anonymity. "And it's taking its toll on all of us. We're coughing huffing and wheezing." Katrina Kaif who left the shooting for two days to be in Singapore re-joined the unit. She has been severely wracked with a cold and cough for a fortnight now, and has been on anti-biotics for the first time in her life. Suniel Shetty who's cast with Sameera Reddy in Priyan's underwater caper admits the cast has been waterborne for two weeks. "But the water is clean. It's been disinfected every day. Priyan is very clear about that. But it isn't easy. I mean I love the water and swimming. But this is tough. These underwater sequences being shot at Film City are supposed to be part of the sequences in Singapore. We'll be shooting the rest of the sequences there." Provided the cast is able to make it after being underwater for so long. "It's very difficult being underwater for hours. But it's a lot of fun. It's Priyan's film. And nobody questions his vision. But we could do with a break," says one of the caste members.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 22 Dec 2008 | 12:29 pm Vikram Bhatt hires an expensive ship for PhirrVikram Bhatt completed an extensive schedule of Phirr starring , Rajneesh Duggal and Adah Sharma in the UK. The film is directed by Girish Dhamija. Bhatt had hired Ice Maiden, a beautiful and gorgeous ship. The shoot with IceSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 22 Dec 2008 | 12:23 pm Sanjay Dutt dumps GovindaNot everything is hunky-dory about Govinda's career right now. Good friend Salman Khan might have helped him with a hit Partner after a long time but things don't seem to be too rosy for him. Well, his unpunctual natureSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 22 Dec 2008 | 12:18 pm Akshay troubling his producersWhile Bollywood is hoping for the highly inflated star prices bubble to burst, news has come in that Akshay Kumar has not reduced his high price equation for the producers of his upcoming flick, Dhan Dhana Dhan starring KatrinaSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 22 Dec 2008 | 12:14 pm Scenes from Villu leaked though net - Oneindia
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 22 Dec 2008 | 11:53 am Best phase of my career began with Saif : Kareena
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 22 Dec 2008 | 11:53 am Guy Ritchie spotted partying with new girl friendWashington (ANI): Hollywood filmmaker Guy Ritchie, who has just ended his marriage to popstar Madonna after a bitter divorce battle, was spotted holidaying with millionaire heiress Jemima Khan. He attended a London dinner party with Jemima, who is theSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 22 Dec 2008 | 11:51 am Robert finally rules out Led Zeppelin's reunion tourLondon (ANI): Legendary rock band Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant has finally ruled out any kind of reunion plan in the future. Plant revealed that there is no question of a reunion, as he has moved on to different thingsSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 22 Dec 2008 | 11:47 am Amitabh Bachchan is No 1, says Aamir KhanAmid the war of words between the three Khans - Aamir, Shah Rukh and Salman - the 'Ghajini' star Aamir has declared that it is none other than superstar Amitabh Bachchan who is still the number one in Bollywood.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 22 Dec 2008 | 11:30 am Remakes ruining Kannada film industry - Oneindia
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 22 Dec 2008 | 11:23 am Shini voted out of Indian Idol 4 - Oneindia
Source: Google News India - Entertainment | 22 Dec 2008 | 11:20 am Bhatt camp ready for Jism 2
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 22 Dec 2008 | 11:15 am Live Chat with Asin today at 1600 hrs ISTShe is a huge star down south with several hits to her credit; hence when the opportunity to debut in Bollywood came knocking at her doors, she decided it better be with the best. Yes Ladies and Gentlemen, we are talking about the pretty and talented Asin who will be seen making her Hindi film debut opposite none other than Aamir Khan in Ghajini. Whatever one has seen of her in the promos so far has been really impressive and now the audience can't wait to watch Asin light up the screen come Dec 24. Bollywood Hungama gives you a golden opportunity to chat with Asin only on Celebrity Chat on Decmber 22, today, at 1600 hrs IST.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 22 Dec 2008 | 10:48 am SRK listed among the 50 Most Powerful People in the world by NewsweekIt couldn't get better than this. After conquering Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan has now been ranked at the 41st spot among the 50 most powerful people in the world by the prestigious Newsweek magazine, with Barack Obama topping the list. The other Indian besides the King Khan in the list happens to be the Congress president Sonia Gandhi, who's at the 17th spot. The magazine describes SRK as 'King of Bollywood', a title that every cinegoer is aware of, like they know their A-B-C. The magazine also stated that 'It's not just that his (Shah Rukh Khan's) romantic flicks make gazillions, it's where those gazillions come from. Khan is huge in the Muslim world, even in Pakistan and Afghanistan, where the mullahs ban his films. (The movies thrive on the black market). Their main appeal is certainly the song-and-dance numbers, but Khan (a Muslim married to a Hindu) makes devoutly secular films where love trounces bigotry.' Now with even the Newsweek in his kitty, one is simply left wondering as to what will be the King's next conquest.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 22 Dec 2008 | 10:48 am I am an idiot number one: Aamir Khan
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 22 Dec 2008 | 10:25 am The Saawariya connection - Trouble ahead for Golmaal ReturnsDuring last one year, there have been countless spoofs being made around Saawariya, its situations and its director. Though people associated with the film have let it all go in number of instances, they have taken it rather seriously in case of Golmaal Returns where Saawariya reference turned out to be pretty blatant and rather on-your-face. In the week when Golmaal Returns completes it's 50 days at the box office, it has some trouble ahead for itself with SONY BMG filing a case in the Mumbai High Court against Shree Ashtvinayak Films, for the illegal use of the song 'Jab Se Tere Naina' in the film's narrative. The company's charge is that the composition (with lyrics intact) of 'Jab Se Tere Naina' have been used in multiple scenes of the film without any permission or license from SONY BMG who own all rights to the song. Since the matter is subjudice, no official from SONY BMG was willing to come on record to talk about the issue. However, a highly placed source close to the company says, "We can understand when spoofs around the film's situations are made. That's understandable and acceptable as long as it is healthy and in good taste. The trend has been prevalent in West for long and is catching up in Bollywood too. It happens to the best and the worst of the movies. However, the issue here is about using the song from Saawariya in the narrative of Golmaal Returns, and that too on multiple junctures, without any approval." Why is the case being filed now when the film is all but gone from the theaters? "Golmaal Returns had released on 29th October, 2008 and within a week, SONY BMG sent it's first notice to Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision asking them to take permission for the use of the song. This was done on 3rd November'08. Since Ashtavinayak didn't revert on this, SONY sent another notice on 7th November'08", informs the source. Apparently, Ashtavinayak refused to budge from their stand and retained the portions of dispute in the film. "That's right, in reply to the 2nd notice, Ashtavinayak refuted the claims made by SONY BMG. This is when SONY BMG decided to file a case against Shree Ashtvinayak Films and named the worldwide distributors of the movie - Indian Film Company and the Home video licensees - Moser Baer as co defendants", reveals the source. Well, the ball is in Ashtavinayak's court now. It has to be seen what they have to say on this matter now.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 22 Dec 2008 | 10:10 am Spoilsport SMS reveals 'Ghajini' climaxJust when the audiences started queuing up for booking their tickets for Aamir Khan-starrer 'Ghajini', a chain SMS started playing spoilsport by revealing what could possibly be the climax of the film.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 22 Dec 2008 | 10:02 am Sai Sagar's 'Mooraneya Class...' is disappointing fareFilm: 'Mooraneya Class Manja B.Com Bhagya'; Cast: Manjesh, Ashwini, Sathyajith, Honnavalli Krishna, Asha Latha, Narayan and others.; Story-Screenplay-Dialogues-Lyrics-Direction: Sai Sagar; Producer: C. Narayan; Music Director: Venkat-Narayan; Rating: *Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 22 Dec 2008 | 8:30 am Bangladeshi Sufi-Baul musician enthralls DelhiFifty-year-old Kangalini Sufia sings of freedom and god. The wandering minstrel from Bangladesh is a Baul folk musician of the Sufiana tradition - a blend of Bengali baul (village folk music) and the Islamic Sufi music that originated in Persia and subsequently travelled to India.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 22 Dec 2008 | 8:30 am Meet the girl who replaced Deepika PadukoneSupermodel Diana Penty, who has replaced Deepika Padukone as the brand ambassador of Maybelline, talks to Screen about her endorsements, films, likes and dislikes! How did the Maybelline endorsement happen? My agency Elite Model Management sent my pictures to Maybelline New York when they heard about the casting. Luckily they liked my pictures and the talks finally led to me being signed on as the new face of Maybelline New York. How do you feel being the face of Maybelline? Is it a brand that you associate yourself with? What are your favourite Maybelline products? Being signed on as a face of an international brand like Maybelline New York is a dream come true for me! I have been treading very slowly with my career in modelling as I wanted to complete my education and thanks to the constant guidance and support of Sushma Puri (CEO Elite Model Management); I have seen this day! Maybelline New York is a brand for young women - it is extremely trendy, fashionable and innovative. I feel great to have gotten the opportunity to endorse a brand that is so vibrant and truly multi-ethnic. For me, it's not only about who I am replacing; it's about me being on the same platform as internationally-known models like Adriana Lima, Christy Turlington and Deepika Padukone as well as the realisation of the goals that I have set out to achieve. What are your other assignments and endorsements? Garnier Fructis Long and Strong, Park Avenue Woman, Ranna Gill, Ritu Kumar and Monisha Jaisingh. Did you watch Fashion? What is your take on it? My schedule has been a bit crazy and I've been travelling. Having said that, there has been a lot of buzz around the movie and I'm going to try and catch it soon. Since I have not yet seen it, it would be wrong to comment on what I think of it. Have you been offered any film? If not, then what kind of films would you like to do? Some film offers have come my way but I'm not ready to test those waters yet. Right now I'm at the thick of my modelling career and I'm enjoying being in this space. In fact, I'm looking at modelling internationally in the near future. If at all I were to get into films some day, I'd choose those that would be closest to my sensibilities. Your wish list - director/ actors? In Bollywood, I'd love to work with Farhan Akhtar, wearing the director's hat and would like to star opposite Aamir Khan! My wish-list in Hollywood would be working opposite Nicholas Cage in a Quentin Tarantino film! Your favourite piece of clothing? I could live in a great pair of jeans and a basic white tunic! Where do you shop for clothes? I normally shop for clothes whenever I'm travelling. My favourite shops are Mango, Zara, Bershka, Miss Sixty, Forever 21 & Bebe. I'm quite picky when it comes to shoes. I like pretty flat sandals for the day and high heels for the night! I usually find a good variety at Aldo and Charles & Keith. Your recent best buy? A black evening dress from Bebe that I picked up in L.A. It fits really well and that's what makes it such a good buy! What do the term fashion/ style mean to you? Fashion to mean is about individuality and personality. I think its important to keep in mind what suits you best in terms of your body and personality as opposed to just blindly following the current trend. If you can adapt these current trends to your personal style in a way that is effortless, I'd say you're fashionable! Your five secrets for a great complexion? Drink lots of water, get enough sleep, eat right (lots of fruit and vegetables), exercise regularly, use a cleanse-tone- moisturise routine and use sun-block before stepping out. And your five secrets for a prefect physique? To be in great shape, there are unfortunately no short-cuts! One has to eat correct and work out. And these days there are so many interesting activities that one can do to achieve a desired physique. From belly-dancing to spinning workouts, there are plenty of options. But it is important to be disciplined in your workout. Screen IndiaSource: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 22 Dec 2008 | 7:45 am Bold, bubbly & beautiful: Begum ParaBegum Para passed away in her sleep on December 11 at the age of 81. The lead actor- cum-vamp of the '40s and '50s was last seen in Saawariya last year. Rajiv Vijayakar rewinds to the meetings with the actress who was bold, cheerful and ethereally beautiful She was known for her sass at her prime, like drinking alcohol in the open in an era when her contemporaries and juniors mixed colas to conceal their indulgence. She would have a blast with friends like Nargis, Nadira and Shyama. She was bold on screen and vamped her way to stardom with backless blouses and swimming costumes. THE FINAL RENDEZVOUS Before her cameo as Sonam Kapoor's grandmother in the 2007 Saawariya, Begum Para had last done Kar Bhala in 1958 with husband Nasir Khan as co-star. When I spoke to her on the 'phone last last year, that powerful voice and resonant laugh could have put her down at a sprightly 50-plus. A few weeks before that, I met the feisty Fraulein for the last time - at the music release function of that Sanjay Leela Bhansali film. Though confined to a wheelchair, she had all the high spirits of a debutante siren. But if she just vaguely recognised me at the overcrowded function, her memory about our meetings in her Versova house in the '90s reasserted itself when I called a few weeks later. A reverberating roar of laughter followed my query about why she took on that miniscule appearance in Saawariya. "A mutual friend approached me and said that Sanjay Leela Bhansali wished to work with me. I thought that he was joking and just said, 'Don't be silly!' And two days later Sanjay himself called up!" Begum Para simply added, "I have being following today's films and have admired Sanjay's work. I thought that it was a privilege to get to work in his film." THE SAAWARIYA SAGA So how was the reunion with the camera? "My last film was 50 years earlier. So on the first day, I was a shade nervous." She paused and stressed, "Not frightened, but nervous! But once the cameras rolled, the years vanished and it was the same Begum Para at work again!" The positivity that was Begum Para's hallmark came to the fore as she described the change in working style as an "improvement". "I think that directors peeping into monitors rather than cameras like in our time wasn't unnerving in the least. The monitor is a wonderful thing because mistakes of any kind can be immediately corrected! In our time we could not correct errors as easily and had to overlook them sometimes." But Begum Para also admitted that she "did not care to look into the monitor myself. I am used to the old ways, and maybe it was my psychological tribute to my era, but for me it was always an artiste first satisfying his director with the 'take' and taking a look at only the finished product on screen later!" The return to the arc-lights was made memorable because of her filmmaker "was so lenient and accommodating. My co-stars were very nice people too." Begum Para was always blessed - with her progressive temperament nothing else could be expected - with a loving family and she was delighted that her children were very happy for her. "Oh, my children were thrilled with my comeback!" she said effusively. She conceded that she does not like most of today's movies. "They are just about song- and-dance," she opined, but added a footnote: "However, there are lovely films too." FOREVER YOUNG A loud guffaw roared across the 'phone line when I want to know the secret of how she looks and sounds 25 years younger than she is. "That's a great compliment, thank you!" she said. I waited expectantly, and she went on, "Well, what can I say? I am happy all the time, I guess that's the main reason. Of course I eat less now as I am no longer young, but I have no other restrictions. I need the walker or a wheelchair, but that's only my actual age asserting itself! I keep myself busy and exercise just a bit for my limbs." She told me then that she would be game to do more films. Yes, Sanjay Leela Bhansali wanted the luxury of casting her yet again - in a better role - in his new film, Heera Mandi, but it was not to be. And the siren of yore steadfastly refused to be seen as a grandmother on a wheelchair when such a character was offered to her by Balaji Telefilms. THE PEERLESS BEAUTY This writer met her for two long sessions in three years in the '90s, and charisma was always writ large on her persona. Those sharp, twinkling eyes gave a clear inkling of her peak-time image as well as the secret of her success even though she was a septuagenarian.The film industry has not forgetten how Begum Para was handpicked from among dozens of Indian beauties to be on the cover of the Asian Special Issue of the prestigious American magazine, Life. "I wore a long, flowing gown with an off-shoulder blouse for that photograph," she had told me then with justifiable pride, adding the tangy aside that the sartorial daring of today's girls has "crossed limits"! And Begum Para also received one more rare honour - she once replaced the then-famous Jane Russell as Korea's Pin-Up Girl! THE CURTAIN RISES Begum Para's film career was restricted to 28 films in a span of a little over a decade. Recalled the Begum, "Madhubala, then called Mumtaz, and I were the first leading ladies of Raj Kapoor in Neel Kamal," she recalls. "My other top co-stars included Sheikh Mukhtar,Karan Dewan and Prem Adib.The only big name I never worked with was Dilip Kumar, who was later to become my brother-in-law after I married his brother Nasirsaab. I was offered the role later played by Nigar in Mughal-E-Azam, but I wasn't convinced about the character, and my career ended in 1958." The actress' best-known films include Sohni Mahiwal, Mehndi and Ustad Pedro besides her debut film Chand, directed by then-frontline director D.D. Kashyap for top banner Prabhat Film Company in 1945. Describing her first-ever screen entry, she had said, "Kashyapji hit upon a terrific idea of introducing me on screen. He filmed an entire song on me without showing my face at all. He heightened the audience curiosity to fever-pitch and then panned the camera on my face only in the last few frames. It was a truly novel start to my career!" Going down memory lane, she had told me, "The director used to be the absolute boss and we got great work done despite a fraction of the facilities of today. And because we learnt on the job and there were no training schools to learn acting, dancing, fighting, camera angles and diction,we would be clumsy and gawky in our first few films! For example,we had no dubbing then and soemtimes a certain facial expression would not match the lines or their mood!" THE SIREN SIZZLES And how did she acquire the Oomph Girl image? The lady laughed and said proudly, "That's because I wore bold dresses. I had a very good figure and was the siren! In those days, the heroine and the vamp were clearly delineated. And though songs did not suit my persona, ultimately Amirbai Karnataki, Shamshad Begum, Zohrabai and finally Lata Mangeshkar all sang playback for me!" She had added, "And let me tell you clearly that I loved wearing bold clothes and being admired for my figure! I enjoyed being a siren and there were certainly no social repercussions!" In those days, she said, actresses from good families rarely came into cinema. But her father, the Chief Justice of Bikaner no less, never objected to her career option as "beneath his autocratic nature I think he was quite a broad-minded man!" And she added, "I was a Hindi film buff with Motilal as my idol. My brother married Protima Dasgupta, an actress, and settled in what was then called Bombay. I came here during vacations, accompanied them for a shoot - and got my first offer!" THE TOUGH ONE After her marriage in the late '50s, Begum Para voluntarily quit films, though her husband never insisted on it. "But I thought I was not doing justice to either and chose home over career. Nasirsaab and I had a lovely time together till we sank everything we had into a film that flopped. He died of a massive heart-attack in 1974 and my kids and I were left with nothing.We went to Pakistan, but the atmosphere there was so oppressively orthodox that I came back before I went mad!" Back in town, Begum Para however declined all film offers. Life continued to be tough and her addiction to alcohol after her husband's death even made her suffer a cerebral haemorrhage in 1987. "No one expected me to recover, not with my mental faculties intact, but my will-power took over and I did!" the lady declared. And she survived - survived to watch her "gentle and caring" son Ayub Khan turn to her profession in the '90s, and her daughter-in-law Niharika become a successful fashion designer. Saawariya happened two decades after she fought back certain death, and later that year, Begum Para helped out Niharika in her assignment as costumes designer for Sudhir Mishra's Khoya Khoya Chand, a story revolving around an actress from Begum Para's peak era. As Soha Ali Khan said, "Paraji not only gave Niharika tips but also lent her actual accessories from that era." Truly, an era is over. Screen IndiaSource: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 22 Dec 2008 | 7:21 am My best phase started with Saif's entry: Kareena KapoorKareena Kapoor is on a high. She is getting one film offer every day and receives more than 300 SMSes daily. The actress says her career has started looking up ever since Saif Ali Khan entered her life.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 22 Dec 2008 | 6:32 am 'Jism 2' will launch three new faces with great bodies: screenwriterFive years after Bipasha Basu and John Abraham scorched the screen in 'Jism', Shagufta Rafique, screenwriter for the much-hyped sequel to the film, says part two will be about infidelity and will launch three new faces with great bodies.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 22 Dec 2008 | 3:30 am Writing lyrics for 'Ghajini' was tough: Prasoon JoshiHe broke away from clichés in lyric writing and gave listeners sensible words to hum with songs like 'Ladki kyon' and 'Taare zameen par', but adman-turned-lyricist Prasoon Joshi says it was tough penning words for the Aamir Khan-starrer 'Ghajini'.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 22 Dec 2008 | 2:30 am Anything Aamir says is a compliment for Himesh ReshammiyaMany people felt that Aamir Khan's remarks on Himesh Reshammiya's marketing strategy and his trademark cap were sarcastic, but the musician-actor, who admits to being a fan of the star, chooses to take the seeming compliments on their face value.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 22 Dec 2008 | 1:30 am Shocking News: Ghajinis climax revealedThis is quite shooting everyones adrenaline while for few it turns to be spoiler. With Ghajini hitting screens on Dec 25, here goes a SMS thats offers Shock n Surprise. The SMS states, Aamirs girlfriend is killed and he sets out to take revenge on killer. Finally, its revealed that culprit is none other than Aamir himself. Maybe its a rumor or someone shouldve passed on this message afSource: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 22 Dec 2008 | 12:00 am Aamir Khan turns barber
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Dec 2008 | 4:41 pm Madhavan impressed with Big B's golfing
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Dec 2008 | 3:48 pm Film promotion comes of age in BollywoodWith superstars Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar turning a barber and undergoing tattooing, respectively, to promote their upcoming films, marketing and publicity campaigns have come of age in tinsel-town.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 21 Dec 2008 | 3:31 pm Gandhi director Attenborough seriously ill
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Dec 2008 | 2:47 pm Goa beach party ban casts uncertainty over music festivalThe ban on beach parties in Goa has put a question mark over the Sunburn music festival, featuring top disk jockeys (DJs) from the world, scheduled to be held at the popular Candolim beach Dec 26-28.Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 21 Dec 2008 | 2:30 pm John Abraham bares all in 'New York'
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Dec 2008 | 2:17 pm
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