Aamir assures his support to A.K. Hangal

Mumbai, Jan 20 – Aamir Khan says he will do the needful for 95-year-old character artist A.K. Hangal who is languishing in penury.

‘Certainly we need to do something. In the past also I had been with him. I will immediately find out how he is doing and do the needful,’ Aamir told reporters at a press conference at the Sun and Sand hotel here Thursday.

Aamir has worked with Hangal in ‘Laagan: Once Upon A Time in India’.

Hangal, a professional tailor-turned-actor, lives a life of penury in his modest groundfloor flat in Saraswati Apartments, Santacruz East. He is unable to afford his mounting medical bills while suffering from old age related problems. Tending to him is his son, Vijay, 75, a former Bollywood still photographer, who had to give up his work due to a severe back ailment.

The duo together have a medical bill of over Rs.15,000 per month and now have to practically choose between spending on food and medication.

Source : realbollywood

Salman starrer ‘Bodyguard’ remake not called ‘My Love Story’

The Hindi remake of Malayalam hit ‘Bodyguard’ with Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor in lead roles is set to go on the floors soon and the film’s co-producer Atul Agnihotri has dismissed reports that it is titled ‘My Love Story’.

‘Several people in the media are referring to the film as ‘My Love Story’ when that isn’t the title. As official producer I would like to clarify that the film is called ‘Bodyguard’. Hope this puts an end to the confusion. For now the film is rolling with its first schedule being shot in Pune,’ Agnihotri said in a statement.

Co-produced by Reliance Pictures and Agnihotri’s Reel Life Production Pvt Ltd, it will be directed by Siddique, who wielded the megaphone for both the Malayalam and the Tamil versions.

The Tamil version was called ‘Kaavalan’ and starred Vijay and Asin Thottumkal, while Dileep and Nayantara were in the original Malayalam outing.

Source : realbollywood

Aamir Gifts First Painting To Art Instructor Sallu

Aamir and Salman Khan are the perfect example of being in the right spirit and great frame of mind when it comes to friendship beyond competition.

Both the deadly Khans are known to be the best of buddies and have no airs or attitude coming in between them and not even their professional lives with both having an equal amount of popularity amongst cine lovers has been a hindrance to their genuine love and appreciation of each other.

Thus it was for a role in Dhobi Ghat, a film by Aamir’s wife Kiran Rao that Aamir decided to go to Salman Khan for help.

Now the film where Aamir plays the role of a painter would have had no real life like projection of the character if Aamir did not know the intricacies of painting.

It was then that the perfectionist star decided to get himself coached in the art form, so as to get the hang of the character just right.

So, there was Aamir Khan seeking Salman’s advice on the perfect know how of the art form. Now after the film has been completed and so is the stars first ever painting, reports pouring in suggest that Aamir Khan has decided to gift the painting to his art instructor Salman Khan.

Well, with such mutual respect and adulation for each other these two Khans are truly the perfect example of genuine buddies who have no inhibitions and don’t hesitate to appreciate or help each other whenever they feel like doing, so great going Amir and Salman!

Source : realbollywood

Abhishek teaches Italians to wear dhoti

After the dhoti-clad look in his last period film ‘Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey’, Bollywood’s star actor Abhishek Bachchan has become quite a pro in tying one and displayed his expertise to Italians on a trip to Florence.

‘When Abhishek was in Florence, people requested him to show how to wear a dhoti (the wraparound waist-wear). So he actually showed them,’ a source close to the unit said.

‘He also went on to say that he loves wearing Indian wear a lot and as and when he gets the opportunity to wear he doesn’t miss it,’ the source added.

Abhishek, son of Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan, and who is married to another star and former Miss World, Aishwarya Rai, travelled to Florence to be a part of Florentine label Ferragamo’s ‘Shoes for a Star’ project, becoming the first Indian actor to receive the made-to-order Tramezza shoes from Ferragamo.

Abhishek, his wife and father endorse several leading national and international brands.

Source : realbollywood

Bachchan offers support to A.K. Hangal

After Aamir Khan, megastar Amitabh Bachchan has come forward to offer support to ailing veteran actor A.K. Hangal, who is languishing in penury.

‘It has been sad and unnerving to learn today of the dire condition of one of our most devoted and dedicated character artists of the industry, Mr A.K. Hangal. I came to know of this through the kind offices of the cyber – the net and the social net,’ Amitabh wrote on his blog bigb.bigadda.com.

‘I have now initiated my office, sitting some distance, to render immediate support and help. As individuals, as fraternity, as humans, that is the least we can do (sic),’ he wrote.

The 68-year-old has worked with Hangal in ‘Abhimaan’, ‘Sholay’ and ‘Sharabi’, and Amitabh admits that he’s disturbed to read about the 95-year-old’s condition.

‘It has always been disturbing to read and learn of such occurrences. I do not wish to mention names here, for they are individuals that were idolised and revered in their prime, and bringing up their condition now is an act that would seem most demeaning to them and to their stature,’ he said.

‘Life’s stories have been overloaded with vivid descriptions of unfortunate circumstances. Circumstances that have brought the greats down to their knees. It is shocking and most undesirable to comment on it, but a quiet yet considered action for their good, is what I would want to get involved in. And I do. My prayers and wishes for Hangal Saheb.’

Hangal, a professional tailor-turned-actor, currently lives with his son Vijaya, 75, in his ground floor flat in Saraswati Apartments, Santacruz East. He is unable to afford his mounting medical bills as he suffering from old age related problems. The father-son duo together have a medical bill of over Rs.15,000 per month and now have to practically choose between spending on food and medication.

Source : realbollywood

Anushka Nervous to Shoot With Rishi

She has worked with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan but still actress Anushka Sharma got nervous when she had to shoot with veteran actor Rishi Kapoor for her forthcoming film “Patiala House”.

“When she was to shoot her first scene with Mr. Kapoor, she was found trembling,” a source said.

“Patiala House” features Rishi Kapoor (Bauji) as an authoritarian head of a big Punjabi family, of whom the entire household is afraid.

Finally, Rishi broke the ice by speaking to Anushka and sharing his acting skills. He shared many of his experiences with her, which made the young actress comfortable.

“Rishi Kapoor is without a doubt a veteran actor and Anushka though being new is a great performer and ‘Patiala House’ opens screens space for both in an interesting way,” said Bhusan Kumar of T-Series, who is producing the film.

Directed by Nikhil Adwani, “Patiala House” shows how a second-generation Sikh Guttu (Akshay Kumar) and his siblings in London held back their dreams, in love and respect for their authoritarian father (Rishi) until Guttu meets Simran (Anushka) who gives him the strength to stand up once again to fulfil his dream. This cross-generation drama is about second chances.

“Patiala House” is slated to release Feb 11.

Source : bollywoodworld

Bachchan Signs 2 Seasons of KBC

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who made a roaring comeback to the small screen with the fourth season of the game show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ on Sony Entertainment Television last year, has been signed on for the next two seasons as well.

‘Sony and I have signed on for KBC for the next two seasons… your blessings and encouragement needed in abundance!’ Amitabh posted on his Twitter page.

‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’, the Indian version of internationally popular show ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?’, was first launched in 2000 on STAR Plus with Amitabh as the host. The show returned for its second season in 2005 once again with Amitabh, but superstar Shah Rukh Khan was roped in as the host of its third season on STAR Plus.

Sony Entertainment Television brought back the show with Amitabh in 2010, and it recieved an overwhelming response, before it ended in December.

Now the channel is excited to carry forward their association.

‘We have certainly tied up with Mr. Bachchan for the next two seasons of KBC. The next season will be on this year itself, but we have not planned when it will go on air,’ Ajit Thakur, executive vice president and business head, Sony Entertainment Television, told IANS.

Source : realbollywood

Abhishek inspired By 9 Year Old Fan

Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan was impressed by the endeavour of nine-year-old Aishwarya Sharma, the youngest ever to file a Right to Information (RTI) query for removal of a garbage disposal site in front of her school.

Abhishek met his young fan in the capital during the CNN IBN Citizen Journalist awards ceremony Wednesday night, where Aishwarya along with 16 other people were awarded for their courageous endeavours that have brought a change in the system.

‘First of all, I would like to say that she (Aishwarya) is as beautiful as her namesake and I am proud of her. She is far more courageous than we are and is an inspiration for all of us,’ said Abhishek, who was the chief guest at the programme.

A class three student, Aishwarya from Lucknow had filed an RTI query for removal of a garbage disposal site in front of her school. Remarkably, her initiative resulted in the cease of garbage dumping and a public library has been constructed in that place.

However, when she was called on stage, Aishwarya looked more excited about taking Abhishek’s autograph rather than accepting her trophy.

The young girl even told him that she was a huge fan of his wife and actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, to which he candidly replied: ‘I am also a great fan, but of this Aishwarya (pointing towards the girl).’

The Bachchan family is known for its generosity, a characteristic which was quite evident in Abhishek during the programme whether it was helping the elderly winners walk up and down the stage after presenting them with the award or touching their feet for blessings or showing affection towards young awardees.

At the end of the ceremony, Abhishek said: ‘I feel very blessed and humbled to lead the life that I do after knowing the kind of troubles people go through but at the same time the positivity with which they deal with troubles is very motivating.’

‘Their zest for life is infectious. The kind of initiatives that these people from very young to adults is very inspirational. Whatever I can do in my capacity, I pledge today I would love to help in whichever way possible,’ he added.

The awards ceremony would be telecast Jan 26.

Source : realbollywood

Bips: All is Well Between John and Me

New Delhi: Bipasha Basu has finally put an end to rumours that she has parted ways with long time beau, actor John Abraham, saying they are very much together and "fine".

"Hi all! Speculation is a part of r business! I knw d warmth n love tht i get frm u al!Everything is fine wth John n me:) Thank u! (sic)," Bipasha posted on micro-blogging site Twitter.

The actress, who has been with John for the past eight years, does not like rumours about her relationship.

"I hope ppl realise tht evryones life n relationships cn b treated wth a lil dignity here n nt GOSSIP!Al of us r real human beings after al!? (sic)," she wrote.

For now, Bipasha is excited about her first international film, English-French director Roland Joffe`s "Singularity", and posted the first look of the movie on Twitter as well. She plays Tulaja, a Maratha warrior in the film, which has been extensively shot in Australia.

Bipasha stars opposite Josh Hartnett in the movie.

Source : spicezee.zeenews

Juhi Chawla Back In Action With Onir's

Actress Juhi Chawla is reportedly re-entering into production with director Onir’s I Am series as an associate producer.

The actress who is well known for her films like Qayamat se Qayamat tak, Darr etc had ventured into the production line after her marriage to businessman Jay Mehta. Juhi had joined forces with Star Shahrukh Khan and together they had churned out films like Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, Chalte Chalte, and Asoka etc. However, after that there was a back out from Juhi and her husband Jai Mehta and SRK ‘S home production was left all alone.

Now, according to reports Juhi Chawla along with her husband Jai Mehta and two of their friends Sangeeta and Anish Modi are coming back into the business of film making with this series which will have four short films in all under the series. Juhi herself is also most likely to act in one of the short films.

The news about Juhi joining the film as an associate producer was posted by Onir on his twitter according to reports.

So, what is I Am all about? Well this is a series which will have four short films titled- I Am Omar, I Am Abhimanyu, I Am Meghna, and I Am Afia.

However, this is not the first time that director Onir and Juhi Chawla will be working together. Onir has earlier directed the actress in films like My Brother Nikhil and Bas Ek Pal. Thus to see the bubbly Juhi back in action is sure to excite all her fans.

Source : realbollywood

Ritesh-Genelia Getting Bold In Party

Bollywood actors Ritiesh Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza have finally come out bold and clear about their alleged relationship. According to the buzz, the great looking duo had gone to Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna’s 10th wedding anniversary which was held over the weekend in Mumbai.

The buzz is that right from the time the two entered the plush Juhu home of the Kumar’s they were seen in complete harmony with each other as a cozy twosome.

Both were just very passionately involved with each other and danced to their hearts content quite oblivious about what people would think. Thus, the normally publicity shy and coy couple had suddenly decided to give everyone a pleasant surprise by just coming out bold about what exactly they felt for each other.

So, just how long have the two been in the relationship? If rumors are to be believed then it has been for the past eight years or so. Well, what about Jacqueline? What about the rumors about her and Riteish as a couple? Now that was all speculation going on, that’s about it!

Now since Ritiesh and Genelia have gone quite bold over their relationship, rumors are that they would soon go in for tying the knot too. Seems like Bollywood is all out to party this year!

Source : Santabanta

Saif: I'm not a Billionaire 'No IPL'

Some of his Bollywood peers own one. But Saif Ali Khan says he has moved on from his dream of owning an Indian Premier League (IPL) team since he's "not a billionaire" and wants to focus on acting and production instead.

"We were at one point considering getting involved, but now I think it's quite a blessing in disguise that we didn't, you know. It was far too expensive," Saif told in a casual chat in his hotel room in the capital.

Shah Rukh Khan owns an IPL team, so do Shilpa Shetty and Preity Zinta. But Saif has stayed away.

"When other people got involved, it was a more reasonable idea than when we were going to get involved. You see, I am not a billionaire. Compared to three or four years ago, last year was not something that was working for us in that way," says Saif.

"And now I feel it's all for the best because I'd like to concentrate on films and film production rather than divert my time and give so much and not be sure I'm getting back 100 percent. It'll take a long time to make something like that work," he added, sipping water out of a wine glass.

Source :  Santabanta

Priyanka-Hrithik 'Excited' for Karan Johar

You’ve never seen them like this before. Unprecedented sparks are going to fly between ‘passionate’ Priyanka Chopra and ‘intense’ Hrithik Roshan in Agneepath.

Says a source, “Hrithik and Priyanka don’t believe in half-measures. If they’ve to convey intense feelings and passion they will go the whole hog in Agneepath. If in Krissh they romanced innocently keeping the kids in mind, their togetherness in Agneepath will be for Adults only.”

The camaraderie between Hrithik and Priyanka is so palpable that Karan Johar gets a sense of deja vu. As a child on his father Yash Johar’s sets of Agneepath in 1990 Amitabh Bachchan and Madhavi shared the same easygoing bum-chum bantering and witty vibes as Priyanka and Hrithik.

Says a source, “Karan was just a teenager when his father had produced the original Agneepath. He still remembers the fantastic rapport between Mr Bachchan and Madhavi.

That relationship, Karan and his Agneepath remake’s director Karan Malhotra felt, needed to be developed. The Hrithik-Priyanka bonding in the new Agneepath will build on the relationship that Karan had seen between Mr Bachchan and Madhavi in the original Agneepath.The love story would be the core of the film.”

When asked about the Hrithik-Priyanka rapport Karan Johar said, “All I can tell you at the moment is that Priyanka is not playing a nurse like Madhavi in the original and she is NOT playing prostitute either.

Yes we’ve built on the original relationship between Amit Uncle and Madhaviji.

The new Agneepath is first and foremost an intense love story. There was love between Priyanka and Hrithik in Krissh. But here we want an unparalleled intensity between them. You’ve never seen Priyanka and Hrithik get so intense with anyone before.”

Source : Santabanta

Aishwarya-Aamir Finally Patched Up Again

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has always maintained a respectable relationship with megastar Amitabh Bachchan but the same cannot be said with ‘Bachchan bahu’ Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

The face-off started when Ash abandoned Aamir Khan’s project Mangal Pandey at the last minute. At that time, Aamir called up his good friend Rani Mukerji, who finally appeared in the film.

However, they finally patched up after so many years and that happened at the 10th wedding anniversary of Akshay Kumar and his wife Twinkle. Ash and Aamir had a cold war, since these years but now they have settled the issues.

Usually, Ash does not stay in any party for more than 10 minutes but when she came to know that Aamir and Kiran Rao are on their way, the beauty queen waited for them to reach the party.

When the couple reached the party, Ash went forward and bonded with the actor like never before. They spoke warmly and discussed about Kiran’s upcoming movie Dhobi Ghat. After spending some time together, Aamir had to leave early. Soon after his exit, Ash also left the party.

A source from the party revealed that both were seen very comfortable with each other and it seemed that they have forgotten the bitter past and planned to move ahead with good will of each other.

Now, when the dup has settled their issues, can we expect any joint project in near future?

Source: Santabanta

Madhuri's Ready To Play Mom

Will Sonam be her filmi daughter?

Contrary to rumours, Madhuri Dixit has no hang-ups about playing mother on screen. The Bollywood beauty, who is reported to have refused to play Sonam Kapoor’s mom in a movie, says she is ready to essay any role as long as the script fascinates her.

“I don’t feel weird about playing a mother on screen. I am a mother after all!” Madhuri told IANS, breaking into her trademark laugh and flashing that famous smile.

So does that mean she is ready to play mother to Sonam in Anil Kapoor’s Indian version of “Freaky Friday”?

“I still have to talk to Anilji. He isn’t available as he is out of town. When he comes back, we will meet and talk about it,” said the mother of two sons – Arin, 7, and Raayan, 5.

The 43-year-old, who is here to judge Sony TV’s dance reality show “Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 4″, has been meeting producers and flipping through scripts ever since she has come but is yet to lock a deal.

In a grey and cream suit, without a trace of make-up or even kohl, the actress looked as graceful as ever as she spoke about her movie plans in India.

“See, the film should also fascinate me! What matters is the subject and what they are trying to say through the film…it’s not just whether I have to play a mother or a child or whatever. That doesn’t matter. But what is the film about, what kind of role is it and what all have I to do in the film are very important considerations,” she said.

Madhuri became a name to reckon with after her performance in superhits like “Tezaab”, “Ram Lakhan”, “Tridev”, “Dil”, “Saajan”, “Khalnayak”, “Hum Aapke Hain Koun”, “Dil To Pagal Hai” and “Devdas”.

Breaking a million hearts by tying the knot with US-based doctor Shriram Nene in 1999, Madhuri settled in Denver, Colorado, and did only a select few films.

Her last Bollywood outing “Aaja Nachle” failed to create ripples at the box office, but she is ready to take on new challenges and is open to working with the new wave of directors now.

“I am looking forward to working with good directors. I don’t mind working with someone new or even someone I have already worked with. I just think it should be something new on screen and it should show me in a new light,” said Madhuri, who has liked the works of Vishal Bharadwaj and Imtiaz Ali.

She is also ready to make a departure from her image for the sake of interesting roles.

“The right kind of script is very important. I want to do a fun and entertaining movie which my fans would like to watch. So I am waiting for those kind of scripts. I am ready for an image change if I think a film is going to be nice and entertaining and it’s going to say something different.

“I am an actress and I like to do different things. I don’t mind doing grey shades either – I did it in ‘Pukar’; it was quite grey! So, I have no qualms about doing anything, but it should be for a good role and a good script.”

Source : bollywoodworld

Hansika ready for Murder 2 with Emraan

Hansika Motwani is no longer the naïve little girl as she started out to be on the screen, she is all set to do the second Murder with Emraan Hashmi, if the rumors are to be true. Though no official confirmation has been made about Hansika starring in the sequel of the 2004 hit film Murder but the buzz is that the 19 year old will be part of the film.

In the 2004 flick Emraan Hashmi and Mallika Sherawat sizzled the screen with their chemistry along with Ashmit Patel there in the thriller. But this time around while Emraan is part of the sequel, Mallika will be missing it and many names have been thrown in as the female lead, which included Bipasha Basu too. Now it seems Hansika is likely to step in.

Starting her career as a heroine in the big screen opposite Himesh Reshammiya in Aap Kaa Suroor, she wasn’t able to do much in Bollywood and went south to try her luck.

Though once again failed to make a mark in the Tollywood, she is having her hands full now with the projects from Kollywood. Presently working in Telugu movies and will be paring opposite Ram in the flick titled Kandireega and yet in an untitled movie Hansika will be seen with Nara Rohit.

Hansika has also bagged another plump project that will mark Udayanishi Stalin’s debut film named Oru Kal Oru Kannadi. Stalin is the grandson of Karunanidhi, hence expected that no stones will be left unturned to make the project a big one. The actress is also working opposite Jayam Ravi as the heroine in Prabhu Deva directed film Engeyum Kaadhi.

Source :  Sanabanta

Aamir's lovemaking Scene in Dhobi Ghat

Aamir Khan's lovemaking scene in Kiran Rao's directorial debut has been cut short!

Apparently, he was pretty excited to do a steamy scene in Dhobi Ghat but on screen it has ended before he could even realise it! Guess that's what happens when it is the wife who calls the shots.

Rishi Kapoor has done a voiceover for Khalid Mohamed's documentary on Mumbai's Irani cafes. Chintu willingly agreed as his dad Raj Kapoor would spend hours at these cafes to develop his scripts. The 45-minute docu also features M F Husain, as the artist loved to spend time at the cafes over brun pao and chai.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Kareena-Saif In a relationship till April

Kareena Kapoor is the same girl who played the vivacious Piya in 3 Idiots opposite Aamir Khan. And in 2011 she has loads of big films slated for release. But despite her hectic film schedule, she is in no mood to forget her beau Saif Ali Khan with whom she is in a relationship.

Though she is enjoying her honeymoon with the limelight, she has everything of Saif carefully planned out inside her mind. Delving into her memories, she says that she shall get into a professional relationship with Saif from April onwards when their film Agent Vinod goes on floors.

Till then, she has branded it a long distance relationship. Long distance because both are often far away from each other shooting at varying cities/ countries for their respective films.

For instance, Saif is currently busy with Prakash Jha’s Aarakshan while Kareena is filming for My Love Story, the remake of the Malyalam film Bodyguard. In this film, she shall team up with Salman Khan yet again after dishing duds like Main Aur Mrs Khanna and Kyunki....

But after that come April and she would be going all action in Agent Vinod a la a Bond girl! Kareena admits that she would be flexing guns in that film but refuses to compare it with James Bond.

Earlier, she has starred in Kurbaan with Saif but that film failed at the box office. Let’s see if ‘Saifeena’ can conjure up a better on-screen chemistry in Agent Vinod.

Source :  Santabanta

Kareena Gifting iPads-iPhones to everyone?

Kareena Kapoor gifts her staff iPads, iPhones Kareena Kapoor has decided to gift her staff iPads and iPhones.

It was a good year for Bebo, beginning with 3 Idiots (last week of 2009) and ending with Golmaal 3 (November 2010).

She has also signed interesting films with all the Khans including Shah Rukh, Aamir and Salman, and so, was feeling generous. During her annual Christmas holiday in Gstaad, Switzerland with beau Saif Ali Khan she splurged on gifts for her loyal staff.

Sharing joy

Kareena bought gizmos for her team Pompy (hairstylist), Radhika (Manish Malhotra's assistant) and Ritesh (makeup man).

Says the source, "Bebo wanted to share her joy with her staff who have been her support throughout."

Says Pompy, "Kareena is not just a delight to work with but is also a wonderful girl. Though she is among the biggest stars in the industry she treats us like family. It's been a great year for her."

If that wasn't all, the actress has also got walkie-talkies for her entire staff. "Bebo is very busy on the sets and it's difficult for her to keep track of her staff always especially when giving a shot.

So she has given all her staff walkie-talkies so that she can coordinate with them anytime on food and meetings. If you step into Kareena's shoot, you will see her staff with walkie-talkies."

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Neetu Chandra denies going pantyless

Denying reports published by a popular website, claiming that Bollywood actress Neetu Chandra did a Yana Gupta and went commando at an event this week, her publicist Dale Bhagwagar said, “Neetu Chandra is a girl with dignity and there has been no slip like this.”

The website had claimed that Neetu replicated Yana Gupta’s panty-less act and said that it seemed to be “intentional and she might have followed it, after seeing what Yana Gupta has achieved doing the same.”

But her publicist dismissed the report as a case of misreporting. “Neetu does not need to resort to any such thing for publicity.

In fact, she was planning to initiate legal action on the website and was in the process of approaching the National Commission of Women (NCW) in New Delhi, when the site tendered an unconditional apology for the news. So the matter stands closed.”

What can we say but… all is well that ends well. 

Source : Santabanta