Kajol, Tabu, Irrfan Khan get Padma Shri

Kajol, Tabu and Irrfan Khan were named for the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian honour on the eve of Republic Day on Tuesday.

Daughter of veteran actress Tanuja and late Bengali filmmaker Shomu Mukherjee, Kajol made her Bollywood debut with not so successful movie 'Bekhudi' in 1992 at the age of 17.
But the 35-year-old tasted commercial success with her second outing 'Baazigar' where she shared the screen with Shah Rukh Khan for the first time and after that there was no looking back for the actress. She gave hit after hit like 'Karan Arjun', 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge', 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' and most recently 'My Name Is Khan'. Kajol is married to Ajay Devgn and they have two children.

Tabu, one of the most talented actresses in Hindi film industry, debuted in Bollywood with commercial movie 'Vijaypath', but it was offbeat films like 'Maachis' and 'Chandni Bar' that brought her accolades and awards.

Irrfan Khan has also been conferred with Padma Shri. With his unconventional and powerful performances in 'Salaam Bombay', 'Maqbool', 'Life... In A Metro' and 'The Namesake', the actor has carved a niche for himself in filmdom.

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Working with Naseeruddin a tough task: Priyanka

Priyanka Chopra, who shares screen space with Naseeruddin Shah in her forthcoming film '7 Khoon Maaf', says working with the acclaimed actor was not an easy task.

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"He is a tremendous actor. I did a workshop with him before starting the film, because I've not worked with him a lot. When I did the workshop, it kind of eased me out with Naseer sir but it's very difficult to work with him because when he is doing a scene, he is so good that you just keep looking at him, and I used to forget that even I have to say a dialogue," Priyanka said.
The film directed by Vishal Bhardwaj is slated for a Feb 18 release.

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'Yeh Saali Zindagi' is a quirky love story in the guise of a thriller.

Arun (Irrfan Khan) has to save Priti (Chitrangda Singh) the woman he loves, but for that he first has to save the man Priti loves - Shyam, the future son in law of a powerful Minister. Meanwhile, time is running out for Kuldeep (Arunoday Singh), the young gangster who is on his last job as his wife is threatening to walk out on him completely, and he begins to suspect she is leaving him to go into the arms of another man. The job has gone haywire for it is still unknown to Kuldeep that the Ministers daughter's engagement with Shyam is off and now she doesn't care whether Shyam lives or dies and more importantly neither does the Minister who Kuldeep hoped would pay the ransom! Priti finds herself inextricably caught in this mess and Arun has to save her life. But for that he has to risk everything, and put his own life at stake, he wonders why he should do it at all, if she still loves another. He's torn, but love knows no reason. Meanwhile, Shyam is trying to make deals in captivity, and his goodness only seems superficial and as Kuldeep tries desperately to save his situation, there are dons coming from Bangkok, who have their own plans.
The film rides a roller-coaster towards a shattering climax, where all the players have to fend for their lives and loves. Who gets the girl, and who gets the money, and who escapes by the skin of his teeth, is now anybody's guess. But hold on, there are still jokers in the pack, and aces up some sleeves.

Expect the unexpected!
'Yeh Saali Zindagi' is a quirky love story in the guise of a thriller. It's an obtuse take on how far they both the heroes go to get the women they love and how sometimes one screw-up can set everything right!
Directed by Sudhir Mishra, the movie stars Arunoday Singh, Chitrangda Singh, Irrfan Khan, Saurabh Shukla, Sushant Singh and Yashpal Sharma.
'Yeh Saali Zindagi' will be released on February 4.

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Bollywood steps out of studio - into real locations

Shooting behind the closed doors of a studio on a set made to resemble a kitchen or a court is now passé. Bollywood directors are increasingly hitting the streets to capture the raw sights, sounds and feel of real locations.

Most of the films released in the last few weeks like 'Dhobi Ghaat', 'No One Killed Jessica' and 'Band Baaja Baaraat' have been shot in real places.
"The audience finds a connection to the film through the locations. I was very sure I wanted to shoot the film at all real locations. We shot 'Patiala House' on the streets of London, the Gurudwara, the Oval stadium and South Hall," director Nikhil Advani told us.
"Though one has to wait for permission, arrange for security, I don't like to compromise. I make sure I get what I want."
Shooting at real locations cannot be compared to the sets. So directors are capturing the locality that would help their audience connect with a film more effectively.
'Band Baaja Baaraat' director Maneesh Sharma says a real location makes a film more visibly distinct, which he was able to accomplish in his first film that is still running in the theatres.

"It was a conscious decision to give a texture and flavour to the film, which I thought if shot in real locations, will communicate with the audience in a better way. I was very clear that I wanted to capture the essence of Delhi very well.
"As it's about aspirants, the journey between Janakpuri and Sainik Farm had to be visually distinct, which we wanted to shoot in real locations and that's why I went with it. I wanted the quality of realism in the film," Sharma shared with us in an informal chat.
The fact that Ranveer Singh was a new face and was debuting with the romantic drama helped Sharma shoot amid heavy traffic on Delhi streets.

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Tamannaah Bhatia

Tamannaah Bhatia has taken South Indian celluloid by storm!
The bubbly teenager, who started her acting career with 'Chand Sa Roshan Chehra' at the age of 13, became a star overnight following the release of 'Happy Days' (2007) in Telugu. It was the Dhanush starrer,'Padikkadhavan', which helped Tamannaah overtake Nayantara in terms of Oomph quotient.
Post 'Ayan' and 'Paiyaa', Kollywood has literally started dancing to the tunes of this Bollywood dropout.
Click on, for some sizzling hot snaps of the Punjabi kudi!



Tamannaah Bhatia was born on December 21, 1989.



Born in Maharashtra, to Santosh and Rajni Bhatia, Tamannaah did her schooling in Maneckji Cooper Education Trust School, Mumbai.


Her debut in movies was with 'Chand Sa Roshan Chehra', in 2005. Incidentally, 'CSRC' is Tamannah's only Hindi movie till date.


Tamannaah's upcoming Tamil releases are 'Siruthai' and 'Venghai'


Rumours suggest that Tamannaah charges rupees one crore per movie.

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Sonam Kapoor donates 'kind kites' to school kids

Sonam Kapoor has donated special kites with regulation strings to school children and urged them never to use glass powder-coated manja (string) to fly kites.
The actress sent a letter to the principal of Arya Vidya Mandir School in Mumbai on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, pointing out that thousands of birds, as well as children are injured by glass-coated manja.
"The (donated) kites send a positive message to children, encouraging them to prevent the suffering of birds by using only string which has not been coated with glass", Sonam said in the letter.
"I have been shocked and saddened to learn from my friends at PETA that countless birds are slashed, wounded, maimed and killed every day during Makar Sankranti and Basant Panchami. I am also disturbed by the fact that manjha (string) is responsible for numerous human injuries and even deaths, including that of a teacher who was killed just last year in Maharashtra," she said.
"In another incident, a youth was nearly decapitated by a manjha string while riding his bicycle. Such needless loss of life has moved me to take action for the sake of humans and birds alike."
"I would also like to relay this message to all your students: study hard, be goal-oriented and be compassionate. You can start by showing compassion and not using glass-coated string," she wrote.
The manja (string) used in kite-flying competitions is often gummed and coated with powdered and finely crushed glass, making it lethal for pigeons, crows, owls and other birds who become entangled after the strings get caught in trees or on poles.
Source: IANS

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Farah Khan on patch up spree!

Choreographer-director Farah Khan seems to be on a patch up spree - first she hugs and make with Shah Rukh Khan, then buries the hatchet with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and all at award functions.
"We hugged at the awards function. When I went backstage for my media bytes, his van was parked right there. His spot boy saw me and opened his van's door. So naturally I just popped my head in," Farah Said without specifying the award ceremony.
Earlier at another awards function last week, Shah Rukh had invited Farah to meet her backstage. "That time I couldn't. This time I did," said Farah who teamed up with Shah Rukh for her directorial debut 'Main Hoon Na', which was a super duper hit. She roped him again for her next film 'Om Shanti Om', again a big hit.
But for her third venture 'Tees Maar Khan', she opted for Akshay Kumar and it was reported that it created a crack in their friendship.
At the same awards function, Farah took her renewed friendship with Bhansali to another level. They had fallen out during the Friday feud over 'Saawariya' and 'Om Shanti Om', but had begun the process of reconciliation last year.
At the awards function, Bhansali and Farah got a chance to bond under very peculiar circumstances. Both were stranded on stage waiting for their awards when, like two shipwrecked soldiers deserted on an island, they stuck up a muffled conversation.
Laughs Farah: "It was really funny. Sanjay, Akshay Kumar and I were called up. Then we stood there for a good 20 minutes while a long audio-visual was shown. Then there were some speeches. Then Akki got his award and left the stage."
That left Bhansali and Farah to make the best of one another's company. The two decided to have lunch together later this week.
"Would you believe, Sanjay has still not seen my children?" Farah cribs good naturedly.
One wonders whom Farah will patch up with next. Saroj Khan, maybe!!
Source: IANS

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Yamla Pagla Deewana' should be a success story

Amongst all the Deol films which have released post 'Apne', 'Yamla Pagla Deewana' clearly has the biggest hype of them all. The film should finally break the bad patch that Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol have been going through for years now. Still, there is a little regret though. Though quantitatively the promotion of the film is all over, qualitatively it isn't enjoying similar attention as the first theatrical promo did. Beyond that promo, rest of the song, dance and dialogues routine isn't as impressive. This is what would be the differentiating factor between a good and a very good start though it would be surprising if the film opens lesser than 60%-70% range.

One thing is for sure though that the film would have a better start in single screen theaters, and that too primarily in interiors, when compared to multiplexes. However, since the release is supposed to be massive, the opening numbers should turn out to be good.

'Turning 30!!!' is the other release of the week and though it is a Prakash Jha production, the promotion hasn't been on-your-face. This urban film starring Gul Panag in the lead is aimed at multiplexes and should okay (around 30%-40%) in places like Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi and Pune. Since the look of the film is good, one would have expected a far more hype and hoopla around it.

The other two releases - 'Hostel' and 'Mumbai Mast Kallander' - have arrived out of nowhere and it would be surprising if any of them finds even a decent theatrical release across the country. Former, which stars Vatsal Seth in lead, is about ragging and was completed years back, only to be brought out of cold storage. As for the latter, it's only 'star attraction' is Shilpa Shukla (Bindia Naik of 'Chak De India' fame) which pretty much tells the tale. Supposed to be a comedy about wannabe dons, it would struggle to find any takers.

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Myth busting: Eat to lose that extra flab

Please eat or you are not going to lose weight, says Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor, the size zero protagonist, standing a popular notion on its head.

Kareena Kapoor - one of the fittest girls in Bollywood - advises women to slip in a slice of cheese, some peanuts and an apple in their handbag to take care of the intermittent pangs of hunger.

"As an actress, who works 18-20 hours a day under gruelling circumstances, shooting all nights; playing and feeling a range of emotions, (sometimes, I have to dance in the rain trying to look beautiful and, above all, trying to stay slim) my stomach makes a call of hunger. And like a good girl, every 2-3 hours I attend to it," writes Kareena Kapoor in a new book, "Women and The Weight Loss Tamasha" (Westland Ltd) authored by her fitness trainer Rujuta Diwekar, the driving force behind Kareena's "size zero" look.
Kareena advises women "to slip in a slice of cheese, some peanuts and an apple in their handbag" to take care of the intermittent pangs of hunger.
According to Diwekar, the best-selling author of "Don't Lose Your Mind, Lose Your Weight", the "four cardinal principles of eating right are to eat something within the first 10-15 minutes of waking up, eating every two hours, eating more when you are active and less when you are not; and finishing your last meal at least two hours prior to sleeping".

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Birthday Suite: Bipasha Basu

She has redefined the image of the Indian movie actress, by completely dispelling the myth that fair means beautiful! She is now being hailed as one of Bollywood's sexiest women to date.
Here is a pictorial ode to the bold and beautiful Bengali stunner.
Source: India Syndicate
Image Source: Bollywood Hungama, Movietalkies

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I will never give up acting for anyone, anything: Vidya Balan

Vidya-Balan

Marriage may or may not fit in the next five years, but Vidya is not going to give up acting for anyone or anything and she also thinks that life has been good ever since she has turned 30.

She says, “Acting is a part of who I am. I don’t think I will ever give it up. But having said that, if it does come naturally to me and I do feel like taking it slow at some point of time, then maybe I will. But this will never be a pre-condition to get into any relationship.”

Vidya Balan will be seen soon in her latest movie No One Killed Jessica, which is based on the Jessica Lal murder case. Vidya is happy about the fact the women are not giving up their careers for their personal lives anymore.

“I think women should work at every age. It is fantastic! And this is happening in every profession. I recently met a girl at a store who got back to work just after two months of delivering a child, this is known as dedication. But yes, in our profession in the earlier days, the instant you get married, you are ceased to be an object of desire, which is why most of the actresses have retired. Today, no longer! I guess this is all got to do with the fact and attitude that today if someone is with someone, it will never stop you from desiring them!”

This critically acclaimed actress, who has featured in movies like Parineeta, Guru, Ishqiya and Paa is rolling high these days. Neither her performances nor her dressing sense are being criticized. However, she admits that she has turned careful and fussy.

“I guess over a period of time, I think rightfully so, I have got the courage to do only what I want to do. I will never get pressurized to do anything, which I don’t want to do, even if it is a right film, or a kind of film that one should be doing. It has to excite me and challenge me. It can be a super simple film, it can be a completely mad role or it can be intense….it can be anything across this wide spectrum….but I have to feel excited,” she said.

This has also been her mantra when it comes to dressing up, especially since the time she become the favorite child of our fashion police. Now one will see her wearing only designer wears by Sabyasachi Mukherjee. She has got this new elegant look, which steals the focus wherever she goes.

“I will always stick to what makes me feel good. If I feel that I am looking good in something, then I will surely wear it. And if it is not, then even if it is the most beautiful crafted creation, I will not. This is the only criteria I use when I am wearing anything these days and I think this has worked for me,” says Vidya.

Let’s see how does Vidya manage to look in her new de-glam role in No One Killed Jessica.

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Kareena - the next item goddess

Mumbai : Just when you think you've seen every look of hers, Kareena Kapoor surprises you with another stunner.

After doing an item song in "Don", Kareena has done a sizzling number in "Kya Love Story Hai". Looking a lot slimmer and more gorgeous, Kareena is truly amazing in the way she portrays herself and seems like perfect diva material.

The peppy number has you tapping your feet throughout. Overall, it is an absolute winner and Kareena just rocks all the way.

The movie, directed by Lovely Singh, has music by Pritam and stars the girl-next-door Ayesha Takia and Tusshar Kapoor. The audio rights of the Kareena song have been acquired by T-Series.

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Tanushree in Bollywood's big league

Former Miss India Tanushree Datta, who made headlines for her erratic ways and star-like tantrums, is finally making the right moves and has entered the top league of Bollywood by bagging some of the best projects.

Her forthcoming releases include Subhash Ghai's "Good Boy, Bad Boy", Priyadarshan's "Dhol" and Raj Kanwar's "Raqueeb". In between she rocked the nation with item numbers like "Pyaar ka signal" in "Bhagam Bhaag" and "Hitchki" in "Risk".

Good going Tanushreee.

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Vikram Bhatt is the best director to debut with, says a newcomer

Debutante Anjori Alagh is on tenterhooks these days with the approaching release of her first film "Life Main Kabhi Kabhie" in which she plays the female lead. But the film, directed by Vikram Bhatt, has given her a lot to be happy about.

"It was my first film so I was very nervous and jumpy but Vikramji calmed me down. Believe me, he can make anybody comfortable! Vikramji is the best director I could debut with, he is so easy going and professional. I got along with everyone famously," said Anjori.

She is the daughter of business tycoon Sunil Alagh and actress Maya Alagh.

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Sadhika replaces Payal in 'Tauba Tauba' sequel

Remakes and sequels are in vogue in Bollywood and carrying forward the trend is "Phir Tauba Tauba", a sequel to "Tauba Tauba" which hogged the limelight for Payal Rohatgi's dare bare act.

However, the makers are not repeating Payal in the sequel. Sadhika has replaced her in the movie.

"The film has three 16-17 year old boys who are infatuated to a 30-year-old married girl. This girl uses them for her benefit. This film has both comedy and suspense. We've shot it in London," said director T.L.V. Prasadh.

The movie also stars Rahul Roy and Bobby Darling. It is scheduled for an April 27 release .

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Shahrukh as G.One – First Look Of Ra.One

This is your one stop shop for the latest happenings in the town. The buzz. The release plans. The launches. The works. Yes, this is serious business and we will bring to you the most reliable information twice a week. Have a dekko.

First poster of 'Ra. One' has been released and as expected, it has garnered terrific all around reactions. If this is a kick start that the film has taken nine months before it's Diwali release, one can well expect the promotion to change gears as 'Ra. One' gets closer to release.

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Abhishek & Katrina paired up in Rajkumar Santoshi’s next

While they have been a couple for brief time in RGV’s ‘Sarkar’, Rajkumar Santoshi is has come up with a script that will give ample scope for them to share the screen. Abhishek Bachchan and Katrina Kaif will be the leading pair in Santoshi’s next comedy.

Interestingly, the director has the actor’s superstar dad Amitabh Bachchan in his other project ‘Power’. However, sources claim that the film is put on hold; instead Santoshi has taken up this Abhishek-Katrina starrer film.

After his earlier entertainers ‘Andaaz Apna Apna’ and ‘Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani’, this untitled project is his third comedy venture.

While Katrina is said to be excited to work in full-length with Abhishek, Santoshi is also looking forward to work with Jr. Bachchan for first time since he worked with his father in ‘Family’ and ‘Khakee’.

“In him, I see great-untapped potential and a hunger to excel. There's a very mischievous side to his personality, which has not been tapped in any film. I think Abhishek has great comic potential. When I wrote this script I thought of him immediately,” said Santoshi who will also be producing the project. With this untitled film, Abhishek steps into a full-and-full comic role for the first time.

Now we have to wait to watch how Abhishek and Katrina’s chemistry works on the screen… What do you feel, folks?

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