Rana has always been Bipasha’s 4 am friend since the past few months. Though there was a spark of romance between the two of them, they remained close friends and would chat with each other till the wee hours of the morning, according to Bipasha’s friend. But then, she separated and dated her Singularity co-star Josh Hartnett. After the Hollywood actor, came the turn of Shahid Kapoor but the relationship lasted for less than a month. According to sources, the actors found that they were different as chalk and cheese; there was also a bitter showdown between the two and the actress left for Greece to complete a schedule of ‘Players’

When she came back, she renewed her relationship with her friend Rana and since that time, they have been together. According to on-lookers, it is much more than just friendship, both are quite misty-eyed in each others company and from the looks of it, the relationship is for keeps. Bipasha and Rana, however chose not to comment on the issue.

Saif Ali Khan’s home production Agent Vinod starring Kareena and him has been pushed to 2012 as well. However, he said that he would be marrying once the film releases in February 2012. Saif said that he doesn’t wish to postpone his marriage further and even if the movie does get delayed, Saif and Kareena will be still husband-wife by March 2012.

Now for the results, which has Ra One managed to beat Bodyguard? If you look at a five day spectrum, , Ra. One has managed to amass Rs. 91.10 crore while Bodyguard has made Rs. 86.10 crore. But on a long-term basis, Bodyguard has managed to earn more than Ra. One. Trade expert Amod Mehra was quoted saying, “Last Monday onwards, the numbers of the SRK-starrer have been falling like a landslide. This weekend saw it collect Rs 7 odd crore, but it’s not good enough to put the film into big league.”

Another trade analyst, Komal Nahta said, “Now that it is established that Ra.One cannot touch the business of Bodyguard in India and that it will fetch more revenues than the Salman Khan starrer in the overseas circuit, the question being asked is: Is RA.One a hit or a flop? The answer is, it is neither a hit nor a flop. On an investment of Rs 135 crore of Eros International, the corporate house will stand to make a profit of Rs 25-30 crore which means a return of 20% on investment.”

Anushka Sharma when questioned about the fact that Ranveer is missing her and wants her back in life as a partner, says that she had never dated him in the first place. She says, “We never dated each other. We are very good friends. But we are two very different individuals. I am a restrained person. He is totally opposite. It’s not possible for us to date. Yes, we are very fond of each other. But at the same time, we can even beat each other up. We have a very volatile friendship.”

The normally restrained girl has always been in the news about her dating men like Shahid Kapoor and Arjun Kapoor also. Anushka laughs, “Am I not supposed to be dating almost everybody currently? I am dating Shahid. I am dating Arjun Kapoor. I am also dating Ranbir Kapoor. Baba, I am single. I am 23, isn’t it natural for me to go out with my friends? Shahid, Arjun and Ranveer are my closest friends. I still don’t know Ranbir well enough.” When asked between the four guys, whom she would choose to be marooned on an island, she says “Ranveer, because I know him the most” She also admits that Ranveer is the hottest among all these men.

Kareena Kapoor defends the film, “In October, we embarked upon the last schedule of the film Honestly speaking, Agent Vinod has taken just the right kind of time that a film of this scale really requires. It is just that since the film has been in news for such a long time, there is this perception amongst a few out there that it is taking time to complete.”

One may agree with her because the movie even though kept low-profile, is been known to have been shot in really extensive locales with some really spell bounding action scenes. Kareena Kapoor adds excitedly , “Do you know that it has some serious action sequences which are on the same scale as any other big budgeted James Bond kind of a film. The fact of the matter is that this is hardly the kind of a film that can be made fast. Unlike a comedy that can be wrapped up in 50 days, AGENT VINOD does require some elaborate shooting schedules spread over months.”

Kareena adds that it is one of her most ambitious projects, “It is a very big film and we are into the last leg now. Saif, Sriram and Dinesh (Vijan) are working out the logistics for the film’s release. In the first quarter of next year, we would be definitely unveiling AGENT VINOD.” Sources say that the film is due to release in February 2012.

Katrina and Arjun bonded well, when she was dating Salman Khan and Arjun was dating the superstar’s sister Arpita. Though Arjun broke up later with Arpita, the friendship between Katrina Kaif and Arjun continued, so much that both of them regard each other as brother-sister. Katrina found an anchor in Arjun in many occasions and when Arjun was getting ready for his debut; she agreed to pitch in, as an item girl.

Katrina Kaif had disciplined herself well, gymming for hours to get her figure and moves right for Sheela Ki Jawaani. She has decided to go ahead and give her best for Ishaqzaade too. Now it remains to be seen if this one beats the classic hit Sheela Ki Jawaani

A section of the film industry feels that Sonam Kapoor who is a youth icon should have refrained from this gesture because it sends wrong and distorted message to the society. Others are wondering why the Censor board is playing a double standard game where some scenes are deleted while some are passed without even raising an eyebrow.

A source says that the CEO of the censor board, Pankaja Thakur was missing when the middle finger scene was passed. The source mentioned, “Pankaja was on leave last week when the Players trailer was submitted. The regional officer JP Singh passed the scene, apparently without understanding its relevance.” However now that Pankaja Thakur is is back in town, she will try to get the filmmakers to blur the finger gesture in all trailers, claimed the source. Abbas Mustan, the director-duo backed the middle finger act saying “Whatever is shown in the film is in context and situational.”

Hrithik’s back problem that happened due to a stunt scene in Agneepath has kept him bed ridden for a few weeks and will continue to do so for another 2 – 3 weeks or may be a month. Though Hrithik’s father said that it is nothing serious, friend Arjun Rampal was more forthcoming about the actor’s health. Citing the reason why Hrithik couldn’t be present at the Lady Gaga concert in Arjun’s club LAP in Delhi, he said, “Hrithik isn’t allowed to travel. He has a serious form of the slipped disc which needs careful recuperation. He can’t afford to take it lightly. He can’t fly. I missed him. I really wish Hrithik was there. He would’ve had a blast.”

Hrithik’s bed rest will now have an adverse affect on the schedules of Agneepath and Krrish 3, which is supposed to start as soon as Karan’s production winds up. Rakesh Roshan however said that Hrithik’s problem was a minor one. He said, “He has no slipped disc. Just a back pain. He has been advised rest for 2 to 3 weeks.”

Sonam has said that her boyfriend or husband will never be an actor. “A person who will take more time than me to get ready. I don’t like primping, preening men.” She continued, “Indian men can never be fashionable enough unless they are gay.” Now this comment is definitely going to raise a few eyebrows but the girl is not bothered as she keeps her motor mouth on. Sonam however, has a few good things to say about Katrina Kaif. A self-confessed observer of men’s traits,” she says. “You have to retain the mystery of being a woman. That’s why Katrina Kaif is who she is – a mystery. Men like mystery.”

There are mixed reports about his magnum opus Ra. One. While some say it has broken records, other trade magazines say that the collections are not as good as predicted and the movie has lagged behind ‘Bodyguard’. Shah Rukh did not seem to be bothered, he said, “I don’t really bother about the collection. Since the time the movie has released I have traveled all the way from Los Angeles to Bhatinda. Everyone has been talking about the film. People are writing and talking good things and bad things about the film, but at the end of the day I feel everything happens for good.”

Shah Rukh Khan said that best gift ever that he has got was from one of his close friends. One of my close friends had gifted a locket to me.” Shah Rukh said, “The locket would open up and had a picture of my mother and my father in it. I still have it with me. I was very touched.”

Ra One which was made at the cost of Rs. 150 crore has already recovered the cost and had touched Rs. 170 crore at the end of the Diwali run. Several top-lined Bollywood celebrities wished the ‘badshaah of Bollywood’ with their compliments for the double celebration.

Katrina Kaif termed SRK as the charmer and said that she was always in awe of him. Urmila Matondkar who had acted with him in his second film ‘Chamatkar’ (1992) said that she adores him. Arjun Rampal said that he has the highest regard for SRK and his passion towards work make him the real rockstar. Imran Khan, who is from rival Aamir Khan, also said that SRK was indeed, a live wire and this quality has made him a heart-throb of millions. Priyanka Chopra, whom the media reported of, as having an affair with SRK, tweeted to the star, Here’s wishing the true king of hearts srk a super happy birthday… May u always have happiness, peace and love..G.one forever.” Shah Rukh Khan retweeted, “thanx Roma, here’s to ur beauty, ur voice, all those things & happy mood swings. please please keep me as ur songwriter. Lov.” Roma is Priyanka Chopra’s character in Don 2. We at BOB wish SRK and wish him a great year ahead.

Bipasha Basu’s two piece red bikini shot has been shot in Wellington in New Zealand where the water was freezing cold. The woman loves swimming and is quite comfortable with bikinis, her only criteria was that the shot has to be taken in an aesthetic manner. Bips is all praises for cinematographer K. Ravi Chandran, whom she believes, had done a very good job.

According to Bipasha, the shooting was done early in the morning and she has to miss out Abhishek Bachchan’s birthday due to her commitment to the shoot. The red bikini that you will be seeing in the promo and the film is not at the producer’s cost; this is Bipasha Basu’s own bikini which is a part of her personal wardrobe collection. The Bengali bombshell admitted that she has worked out very hard throughout the year to do justice to the two-piece.

Talking about her bikini in Dhoom 2 where Bipasha Basu had gone on an orange diet, she says, “At that time, I was just thin. Today I am fitter and curvier.” Bipasha, who has been trained by Paul Britto says that she is contemplating releasing a workout routine on how to get a good beach body.

Kareena was actually offered an item-number in the Hrithik Roshan movie ‘Agneepath’ but she had turned it down. She had said that offer was casually discussed and there was nothing final about it. Bebo however added that if she comes across a good script with Hrithik, she would definitely consider it.

On the work front, apart from her Don 2, Priyanka Chopra has Barfee on her hand, in which she is playing a challenging role of a mentally challenged woman. Next, she has signed Race 2, after Deepika Padukone dropped out of the project. Deepika apparently, has too many on her plate and she has recently signed a movie opposite her ex Ranbir Kapoor to be directed by Ayan Mukherjee. Meanwhile, Priyanka Chopra is currently shuttling in and out of the US as she is busy with her music album. She bonded with Lady Gaga again for Bill Clinton Foundation called A Decade of Difference in Los Angeles. It is believed that Lady Gaga may feature in one of the videos of Priyanka Chopra.

Farah however, couldn’t make arrangement for this year, as she had a packed schedule. She has picturized two item numbers. On Malaika for brother Sajid Khan’s laugh riot Housefull 2 and on Sonakshi Sinha for Shirish Kunder’s Joker. Farah says, “Perhaps I could take Kim in my next film, but it may happen only next year. But by then she would have already got some offers. I would have definitely loved to have her do an item number for my film..She is hot!”

Kim Kardashian is a big import, but still she is not the first foreign actress to have done a crossover into Bollywood for a cameo or item song. Pop icon Kylie Minogue did a forgettable number with Akshay Kumar in Blue, Mexican beauty Barbara Mori actually got a lead role opposite Hrithik Roshan in Kites, Hollywood actress Denise Richards kissed Akshay Kumar in Kambhakkt Ishq, Polish model-actress Claudia Ciesla starred opposite Salman Khan in Marigold and Playboy covergirl Candice Boucher had a small role in Aazaan.

Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian

At a recent press conference, which was held at the grand finale of the television show Just Dance, Priyanka Chopra lost her cool as well, when a reporter asked her an uncomfortable question about things brewing between her and Shah Rukh Khan. Fed up with the same question again and again, Priyanka was in no mood to clarify. She snapped, “I think you should stick to what you know”. When the reporter again asked for a proper answer, Priyanka lost her cool, “I don’t believe in your question”. We wish the girl could have smiled the question away or handed it more maturely.

Tusshar couldn’t get it right for the first few times, so he tried more and by the time, the shoot ended, he had given 150 shots of the same pose, a real exhausting task for the poor guy. Who said lifting beautiful women is cake-walk! The shoot went for three hours; Tusshar says, “It took long because we wanted a perfect shot. We had to capture all possible options so that the publicist has multiple choices at the time of releasing the pictures.”

Tusshar was support to hold Vidya close to his chest, while looking blissfully happy in front of the camera. Vidya had to appear sultry with half her body weight on him. Tusshar says, “Since her legs too had to be lifted from the back, so it was a tricky shot. And that’s why we ended up doing some 150 shots of the same pose,” says Tusshar. However, he is generous with praises for his co-star, “Vidya was very supportive and never got tired. She even insisted on some peppy music to be in the mood for the shoot,” says Tusshar.

“The book is about my journey in Bollywood and the casting couch has been the most important part of it. There is nothing negative about anyone but the phenomenon is very much a reality and people should know about it. I have just honestly penned my experiences with the people I met in Mumbai while exploring options to make an entry into the film industry,” says Rina. The lady says that the main objective of her book is not expose the dark side of Bollywood but just to offer her tribute to Bollywood, her journey in the B-Town and her tremendous dedication to Shah Rukh Khan.

“The book is an open letter to Shah Rukh Khan and I have written about my admiration for him. I have expressed my love for the industry. Everything else that I have mentioned are realities that had to be narrated because I wanted to present an honest description of Bollywood,” Rina said. She is surprised that people act shocked in Bollywood, whenever the term casting couch is mentioned. “I wonder why people get shocked at the mention of casting couch. I have witnessed numerous young girls and boys getting exploited,” she said.

Without beating around the bush, Rina recalls how Subash Ghai had tried to seduce her, and tried to take her to his bedroom. Here is an excerpt of the book revealing how Subash Ghai had tried to preposition her. “I want you to trust me and surrender to me completely. I will take you around with me everywhere and you will see how your life will change,” he said.

She then talks about how Aneez Bazmee proposed her and asked her out to dinner. He said, “We would have some fun later” when she had approached him for a role in Thank You. She also said that Anoop Jalota had once told her that he ‘would love to cheat on his wife’. Both Bazmee and Jalot have denied the allegations and Ghai is yet to offer his stand. But Rina sticks to her claim. She says, “It is my story and I have honestly revealed it. If this means there will be no place for me in Bollywood, so be it. It is neither a publicity gimmick nor a ploy for increased sales of my book. People who love Bollywood will surely read it,” she said.

But what about the fact that she has been seeing going to all the hotspots of the town with Arjun and Shahid? Says Anushka, “It’s just so bizarre. Shahid, Ranveer, Arjun are all friends. And what is wrong in going out with a friend? We all lead busy lives, but when we meet as and when we do, we are paired up. It’s just ridiculous.”

Unlike girls her age, Anushka Sharma is too practical to be wooed by the clichéd assortments. In fact, she says that she would beat any guy who would try to woo her with chocolates, gifts, soft toys, candle-light dinners. “The only way to win my heart is through a pleasant conversation” smiles Anushka. Anushka’s movie opposite her ex Ranveer Singh ‘Ladies vs Ricky Bahl’ is on December 9. The movie is directed by her favorite director Maneesh Sharma who directed Band Baaja Baaraat. The same director will now direct another movie with Anushka and Shahid for another Yash Raj project which will go on floors next year.

Kim’s friend Sheeraz Hasan, founder and chairman of sheerazinc.com, told the media, “Kim is very interested in doing a Bollywood film. Over the last 12 months, she’s been approached by Bollywood producers who want her to do a dance number. We thought it was a great idea. She asked me for names she could debut with, and there can be no one besides Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan.”

Kim Kardashian decided to go through the profiles of Salman and Shah Rukh and watched their films as well. At the end of the day, Hasan says Kim was more impressed with Salman. “She said I want to work with both of them, but I’d like to work with Salman first,” said Hasan.

Hasan, who is also the founder of Millions of Milkshakes, where a Mallika Sherawat milkshake was launched in January this year, is planning to bring Kim to India in 2012 for the launch of his milkshake bar. “When Mallika came to Millions of Milkshakes, she generated a media storm in Hollywood. Now, Kim is launching one in Dubai. And the next destination inshallah is Bombay, possibly early next year. We’ll be looking at creating the Kim Kardashian Bollywood shake now.”

Kareena has been rocking the box with her three back to back hits that have done impressively at the box office, making more than 100 crore each. The same cannot be said about Priyanka Chopra whose last hits were Dostana and Fashion, back in 2008.

The friction between Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra recently came to the fore when PC refused to do an item number in Saif Ali Khan’s home production Agent Vinod. It is believed that she did not do the song because Kareena Kapoor was playing the main lead in the film. Since it is usual these days for actresses in item numbers to overshadow the main lead, Piggy Chopps decides to steer clear of rough waters and hence rejected the prized offer.

When Saif was asked if he was upset that Priyanka had not done the song, he promptly replied, “I am completely fine with that, as most actresses do not want to share screen space with Bebo.” Priyanka however said that she had never committed to the song. “I was approached for the item song, but it never went further than a conversation. I would love to do a song with Kareena in her film; it would be fun. I believe Agent Vinod is shaping up to be a fantastic film, but I haven’t even heard the song yet. So please, stop the speculation,” she said.

Shahid was not happy with the statement and lashed out with, “So all those trying so hard to screw mausam can go screw themselves … Waise bhi aajkal kuchh logon ke adarsh buri tarha gir chuke hain”

Taran seemed to enjoy more support here, as he tweeted, “Abusing and maligning me on a public platform won’t help. Instead, get a reality check and introspect the shortcomings of the film.”

Call it Bipasha’s lesbian instincts or just fun-play; the girls were surely rocking the night. Paris Hilton is in India to promote accessories and handbags which she will be selling in stores that will be opening up in India. These Paris Hilton bags are priced at Rs 2,500-12,000 and aimed at the up-market customer base.

Coming back to the party, a lot of people from the film fraternity were absent because Surinder Kapoor, father of Anil Kapoor had passed away. But some people like Bipasha Basu and her good friend Rana Dagubatti and actress Kangna Ranaut were there at the party. Kangna who had invited the ire of Paris for falsely claiming that she was the brand ambassador of Paris Hilton bags, seemed to be totally besotted by the heiress and was seen clicking her pictures.

Every second big budget film these days has either a Katrina or a Kareena. While Kareena is truly the ‘crorepati girl’ with the super-success of 3 Idiots, Golmaaal 3 and Bodyguard in quick succession, Katrina Kaif is equally fetching to the box office with a sizzling ‘Sheela ki Jawani’ number that has become immortal as an item number. She also has scored back to back hits in the form of Zindagi Milegi na Dobara and Mere Brother ki Dulhan this year. What Katrina still lacks is a big-budget hit that can equal her to Kareena Kapoor.

If you look at future projects, both Kareena and Katrina have some of the best, lucrative films sitting squarely on their laps. Katrina Kaif will be working with Aamir Khan (Dhoom 3,) Salman Khan (Ek Tha Tiger) and Shah Rukh Khan (untitled YRF film); Kareena Kapoor also will be working Aamir Khan for Reema Kagti’s film, Agent Vinod with Saif Ali Khan, Ek Main Aur Ekk Tuu with Imran Khan and finally Heroine, a Madhur Bhandarkar film

It has become apparent that Shahid has become uncomfortable of the fact that his lady love Priyanka Chopra has moved on and has become too close for comfort with Shah Rukh Khan. People are hinting that Shah Rukh actually caused the breakup of Shahid and Priyanka. The latter has been warming up to King Khan in many occasions and the two share an evidently romantic chemistry.

Shahid however said that he has no knowledge of how he unfollowed Shah Rukh. He wrote on Twitter, “What’s up people …. Read the weirdest story that I had stopped following srk … Only to realize that I actually had …… No clue how. Well he’s back on my follow list…. Was just some random thing people going loony over it !!! Haha” He does not however say anything about Priyanka Chopra though, even though both are working together in Kunal Kohli’s next film.

Shahazad Aziz Lakhani, from Yavatmal, Maharashtra did not win much in KBC but he had confessed to the host Big B, how much he loved Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma. The superstar decided to oblige him, and had him connected on phone to the actress. Shehazad went on heaping praises to her, including saying that he fantasized about her sexy legs. Taken a back initially, Anushka burst into laughter and thanked him for the compliments.

The police were called in, and they had a tough time asking crowds to disperse. In fact, some people had even come with zoom lenses and binoculars to feast their eyes on Vidya. A source says, “Vidya has always been seen wearing ethnic clothes and she is somebody who would never bare her cleavage. But as soon as the word got out that Vidya is wearing cleavage-baring cholis during the shoot, people swelled around the shooting venue. Some of them were trying to record the proceedings on their mobile phone too.”

The police proved to be less in number to contain the increasing number of people that were accumulating to witness the shot. The scene was actually filed at a heritage site; there were members of Archeological Survey of India to ensure that the area was not vandalized during the shoot. The source adds, “It was really difficult to disperse the crowd and it was quite a task to shoot. The crowds comprising mostly of the youth climbed atop the 30-feet-high walls of the Diwan-e-Khas inside the fort, to get a glimpse of the action taking place inside the royal enclosure.”

Vidya actually came late in the afternoon even though the crowds were waiting for her since morning. Of course, she was dressed in a deep cleavage baring choli with saree draped around her waist. There were cat calls and cheers but the cast continued to shoot, undaunted.

“Priyanka will talk about anything under the sun, but not a word about Shah Rukh Khan. If anybody wants to talk to the actor, her publicist will first get in touch with them to ask what the questions would be about. Then will come a warning, ‘Priyanka won’t talk to you ever if you ask a question on Shah Rukh Khan’. She won’t talk about him,’ the publicist would say. Even if you wriggle past that line and manage to ask the question to Priyanka, she just wouldn’t answer,” says a source.

Priyanka had resorted to this sort of ban on questions earlier also, when there were reports about her roaring affair with Shahid Kapoor. She would say “I don’t want to talk about my personal life” whenever a question was thrown to her about her linkup with Shahid. Now the same reply and plan of action is being used for questions in connection with SRK.

A source says, “Priyanka is extremely jittery about SRK. The gushing, mushy giggles that used to come from her at the very mention of his name are all gone now. Now, what you get is a stare and a cold silence.”

In the sequence Randeep’s left hand is extended as if he is holding a camera and shooting their love-making scene while the other hand is busy fondling Mahie. It is said that this long steamy scene that extends for more than a minute was the reason for Randeep’s breakup with girlfriend Neetu Chandra.

Insiders claim that Raaz 3, a 3-D horror film to be directed by Vikram Bhatt, will have Bips at her sexiest best. The movie will have Bipasha Basu starring opposite the Bhatt’s in-house hero Emraan Hashmi. When asked about her kissing with Emraan, the serial kisser, Bipasha laughs, “You guys have really slotted him, haven’t you?” She continues, “Well, as a professional, I have no problems with such a scene if a storyline absolutely demands it,” she says.

Bipasha says that she needs a comfort level to kiss someone. “Kissing is the first expression of affection for human beings, so it’s actually no big deal. But still, I get all anxious before kissing scenes,” the dusky beauty affirms. She, however, said that kissing her then beau John Abraham in Jism did not make her nervous but when it comes to kissing someone she is not close to, can give her the jitters. Well, we can assume that she is close to co-stars Ranbir Kapoor, Rana Daggubati and Saif Ali Khan then, with whom she has done steamy scenes. Hope, Emraan joins the list.

The actress has been experienced mammoth success in the past few years, with Golmaal Returns, 3 Idiots, Golmaal 3 and Bodyguard hitting bull’s eye. The release of the SRK produced Ra. One will release on Diwali with her starring opposite King Khan. Her dancing has also been given a thumbs-up but the birthday girl says that she does not think high of herself as a dancer. Kareena says, “I may give other actresses a run for their money with my acting, but when it comes to dances, most of them are far better than me. I get nervous seeing them perform.” Well, one must say the girl really knows her strengths and also candidly admits her weaknesses.

The onscreen couple had to do a scene in which John would be on top, kissing and making out with Genelia who would lay under him. But then the romance went kaput because John’s weight was too much for poor Genelia, as he bore down on her. The ‘making out’ scene was quite a disaster as the crew laughed and John had to apologize. Finally John had to ease himself without putting too much weight on the petite girl. Poor girl, now can we call this a casting mess! Either Genelia needs to get someone relatively light weight or John needs to have someone who can endure the strong John.

John Abraham in Force

On a serious note she adds, “It’s an honor working with Naseer saab. Now I am less nervous in front of him than I was during Ishqiya . I don’t need to cloak it as much. He’s so encouraging without being blatant about it that I will always be grateful to him for that.”

Vidya finds Tusshar quite sweet and gullible. She says, “I made him feel that the place we were shooting in Ramoji Rao Studios is the best place on earth and thereby made him stay back even when he was not shooting. He is a positive person who you like to have around you. And Tusshar has this straight faced humour – you don’t even know he has cracked a joke and he has.”

Well what does she have to say about the kissing king Emran Hashmi? Even the rumors of them having a good time were doing the rounds on the sets of Dirty Picture. Vidya said that his playboy image did make her apprehensive but she says that he was a nice person to be with. “Initially I felt Emraan doesn’t laugh or speak much,” says Vidya. But soon the tables turned. “Now he doesn’t shut his mouth.”

Apparently, Naseeruddin Shah’s role in the film is inspired by the Tamil superstar. The film teaser shows him Naseer who plays a Tamil superstar, gyrating with Vidya. Fans in South feel that it is an insult to Rajni who had worked with Silk Smitha in many movies. Showing their hero in a raunchy light is not acceptable to them, and they are considering withdrawing the film from theaters.

The makers of the film have denied that there is any similarity between Naseer’ s character and Rajni, and that Naseer plays an aging star while Rajni was in his 30s when he worked with Silk. But fans are not in a mood to accept this and they have stated that the film makers should remove the scenes involving Naseer and Vidya or they would have to face dire consequences.

Vidya Balan’s broad back, her sensuous posture and curled hair has been replicated by Rituparna Sengupta, the only difference being the color of the sarees. When film-maker Agnidev was asked about the similarity, he said, “My film is about a new-age Charulata. We wanted a contemporary look. The emotions are strong and bold. Rituparna’s character is into a reasonably successful marriage — except for the fact that she is sexually starved in the relationship. This look is from a dream sequence when she is hospitalized after a miscarriage. During the dream, she feels undressed. Rituparna and I sat together and decided on this look.”

But is he aware that Vidya’s look is quite similar to Rituparna’s? The director says, “No, I am not aware of that. References might be there. Please speak to my photographer, Somnath Roy.” The photographer was also clueless. “I was given a brief and I merely executed it technically. The styling was done by Sandy. I’ve no idea about Vidya’s photo-shoot. I’m in Visakhapatnam now and if I can get Internet access, I’ll take a look at the magazine cover. I was under the impression that the shoot was being conceived on the lines of Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings.”

Sandy, the stylist says, “My brief was to create a look of a daring Bong woman. I was asked to stick to the red-and-white colour scheme. As for resemblances with Vidya’s shoot, it’s purely coincidental. I’ve only seen one Vidya photo from her backless shoot where she’s standing wearing a green choli. I’ve not seen the other photos.”

Ritparna said that she was also unaware of Vidya’s topless look. “This look is very artistic. It’s part of a dream sequence and will be used in case of some specific parts of the film. The makers had brought a sketch of the kind of look they wanted. I knew that my hair would be curled. But, I’m not aware of Vidya’s shoot. I’ve never seen that. Even if anyone used that as a reference, I am unaware of it.”

When contacted with Vidya’s manager, she said, “We’ve seen both the photos. The look is exactly similar. There was a time when Vidya was criticized for her look and now people are following her. It’s flattering to note that Vidya has become such a style icon that her look has inspired a Bengali movie.”

When Sonam was asked about what she really meant by the ‘gay’ comment, she laughed, “Ah! Nothing serious about it. I was on a spree of giving interviews for ‘Mausam’. The TV was switched on, and the promo of Bodyguard was being aired. Kareena Kapoor looked beautiful, and I went ‘I wouldn’t mind turning gay for Kareena’.” Sonam said that she was just starstruck and there was nothing more to it Sonam has confessed that she is a huge fan of Angelina Jolie as well as Katrina Kaif. Recently Shahid Kapoor ribbed her for being quite impulsive and chatting away without thinking much on the Kaun Banega Crorepati show.

Rakhi said that Baba may not look all that great but she has fallen for him. “There are many people who tell me that they find Ramdev quite ugly. Par dil laga gadhi se toh pari kya cheez hai! I still love him! After all, he fought the corruption, and I lost weight because of his yoga. He should be proud that the hottest item girl of India has fallen for him despite his sad looks!” She said that if there was one thing, she could change in him, it would bear his beard. The motor mouth said, “I don’t like his beard, and I would like to know how he looks without it. So, one day I will make him go clean-shaven!”

Aishwarya Rai’s spokesperson stated that they are upset with a section of media who has been spreading stories that Ash is angry with Kareena replacing her in the film. Elaborating on this, he said that Aishwarya Rai had never backed out of the film and had given the required dates according to the schedule but the makers had dilly-dallied with the shooting and also had not given a clarification about whether the film was stalled, shut-down or delayed. The spokesperson said that the chapter is closed now for her and that the media should also do the same.

Aishwarya Rai was the original lead of Heroine, which had to be called off, because she had announced her pregnancy. The disillusioned director Madhur Bhandarkar then signed the movie with Kareena Kapoor after much thought. Aishwarya Rai also returned the signing amount but demanded that UTV productions should not use any of her material in the media as promotion for the film or she’d take legal action. However, she is angry with the fact that Kareena Kapoor had decided to replace her. Actually according to insiders, Ash had contemplated doing the film again after her maternity leave. But Kareena seems to have increased to her stress.

Says the source, “Ash is rumored to be upset with Bebo. Just the fact that Bebo decided to walk into a project that Ash was meant to resume post her maternity leave is reportedly the reason for the stress.” Kareena says that she has no knowledge of this. Says she, “Madhur and the film corporation were very keen that I should be in Heroine. The film was written for me originally.”

Kareena is being paid Rs. 8 crores for the film, higher than what Ash had been signed for. Besides, she has also demanded for a percentage share in the profits of the film.

She admits that Salman Khan was the main, driving factor for her success. Dismissing rumors that she was an extra who fit in for Katrina Kaif (the two look quite similar) in Yuvraaj (2008), Zarine says, “Yes, Salman did spot me first on the sets of Yuvraaj but I was no extra. I don’t know how these stories have been circulated. I was just one big Salman fan and had gone to meet him on the sets. To top my excitement, I also got an opportunity to chat with him. He must have noticed something which helped me land directly in Veer as a lead. It was completely like a dream. I still find it hard to believe.”

Salman was looking for a Katrina lookalike and Zarine fit the bill. She says that she has always looked up to Sallu for advice ever since the making of Veer. She gushes, “It has been incredible to know someone like him. Salman is my friend, philosopher and guide. He is the only one I know in Bollywood and so I look up to him for anything and everything. I consult him for smallest of my decisions and I have always said that I owe every bit of my career to him”. Regarding his surgery, she says “Actually he is not supposed to talk much, so we have exchanged sms-es. I’ve been talking to his family members who are there with him. He is recovering well.”

Is Zarine ready for more item numbers? “I won’t call Character Dheela an item number. But yes, if it’s a decent song and shot in an aesthetic manner, I’ll definitely do an item number. Item songs are ‘good and entertaining’, as long they don’t become vulgar.” Apart from Parter 2 with her favorite Salman, Zarine Khan also has an upcoming South movie with superstar Vikram.

According to the schedule mapped by the Colors Channel, Salman Khan has to travel to Lonavala once or twice every week to shoot his portions. But for now, he is in the US, recuperating from the nerve surgery that was done a few days back. After that he will be in London before he heads to South Africa to shoot for Ek Tha Tiger. This leaves little time on the star’s hands to focus on Bigg Boss, which is supposed to start in October. Salman was actually quite gung-ho about hosting his favorite TV show with buddy Sanjay Dutt, but his health has proved to be a dampener. Though it is not confirmed that Sallu will not host Bigg Boss, a source said, “Salman shooting for it every week looks difficult. It will prove extremely hectic as he has to continuously keep on talking being the host.” However he added, “Salman has not yet reverted about any changes in the shooting schedule, so we have to wait and see.”

We sincerely hope that Salman has a speedy recovery and is in top-form to host Bigg Boss 5 with buddy Sanjay Dutt.

There are reports that Anushka has been sending feelers to Salman; considering that she has made it a priority to work with the most bankable star in the business. “Anushka is a product of (filmmaker) Aditya Chopra’s production house which has got two films with Salman. She has already conveyed to everyone around her that she’s keen to do a film with him under the same banner. Salman’s been on her wish-list for some time now, but it’s only now that she’s been actively working towards it,” says a source.

Some of the people have also heard Anushka going overboard with praises for Salman. One may note that she was a Shah Rukh Khan loyalist at one point of time, and was singing the same praises for SRK during Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi days. But now she seems to have changed her stance and has quickly toed the line of Salman, who is also SRK’s foe. In fact, according to source, Anushka has been even trying to adjust the dates that she has given for two of her films to accommodate any project that may come her way with Salman. The source adds, “Sona is still a regular face at Salman’s dos, but are not as close as they are not working together anymore. Anushka is keen to step in now and fill up the void created by Sona.”

Feroze has been sued for not paying up dues; he had borrowed Rs. 3. 50 crores from Sushil Gupta and said that he would repay Rs. 3.75 crore inclusive of interest on the loan. The checks however, bounced and Sushil filed a suit against him in the Madras High Court. There is now news of stay being put on its release.

The director Prakash Jha chose to stay away from the issue between Sushil and Feroze but said that the film will release without any question. He said, “Prakash Jha Productions is the sole rights-holder of Aarakshan. All rights and authority regarding the business of Aarakshan are vested with Prakash Jha Productions. The cheque-bouncing issue is between Mr. Feroze A. Nadiadwala and Mr. Sushil Gupta. It has nothing to do with Aarakshan. Mr. Nadiadwala is sorting it out.Aarakshan will release worldwide on August 12, as per schedule.”

Aarakshan first courted trouble when the National Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Commission protested against the film and even issued a notice to Prakash Jha. Then the Mayawati Government did not permit Amitabh Bachchan and the rest of the cast the opportunity to promote their film in Lucknow.

Deepika explains that there is a reason why she likes to keep her relationship status a secret. “I do feel that when you are in the industry, it is very difficult for two actors to be in a relationship. Insecurities, constant traveling, and hectic schedules — it gets very difficult to keep up with it. Also if the guy and girl are somewhere in the same level, competition also comes in. It’s a very tricky territory. “I do agree that it was a mistake talking about my relationship in public. Today also because whatever you do is written about and publicized everywhere, whether it is a dinner or your flying out somewhere, everything is talked about.”

She hints at how the media did play a role in her relationship with Ranbir breaking off. “When Ranbir and I were seeing each other and there was so much buzz about the two of us being together that somewhere we said that let’s just talk about it because there really was nothing to hide. But when we came out clean, so much was being written and said all the time, whether we went out, fought or didn’t, his parents said something, my family did something, and a lot of it was created and that causes a lot of stress on a couple and their relationship and it is unnecessary.”

Sonam says in clear terms that Ranbir does not exist for her. “I don’t know Ranbir anymore. He is not my friend now. I did have offers to act opposite him but I turned them down. And that’s simply because I thought that those roles did not suit me. If I get something nice, I’ll act with him. It isn’t necessary for me to be friends with all my actors,” says the actress.

She prefers to talk about better topics like her forthcoming film, Mausam directed by Pankaj Kapoor, co-starring son Shahid Kapoor. She says, “It all began with Shahid calling me up. There are three reasons why I accepted the offer: (1) I am a big fan of Pankaj Sir, (2) I loved the script and (3) I had never worked with Shahid. The film has turned out to be absolutely wonderful.”

Impressed with Shahid’s charm, she says, “I haven’t worked with Shahid before Mausam, so I don’t know how he behaves otherwise. But during the filming of Mausam, he was extremely respectful of his father and obeyed him completely. I know there were rumours of Shahid and me not getting along as well. The truth is, Shahid and I share a very good equation. We are good friends. Just because I am not having an affair with my hero, doesn’t mean I don’t get along with him.”

When prodded about her personal life and her relationship with rumored boyfriend Punit Malhotra, Sonam says, “I shall talk about my personal life if and when I decide to get married. That day is yet to come.”

Kareena is excited about doing an author backed role in Heroine. She says, “It’s too early to talk about it, though. I’m glad we finally met midway (in terms of money) and now taking things forward. Madhur is a bold and explicit director. The film will have a lot of glamour, grit and sensationalism for sure.”

There were rumors floating about her breakup with Saif Ali Khan, which she shoots down. “Rubbish! We are together,” she exclaims “But yes, we do share our share of ups and down like any normal relationship.”

When asked how she’d react if she caught Saif cheating on him, Kareena says, “That tomorrow will never come. I am a lucky girl. There is love, so there can never be any infidelity. I am not being cynical about this because I know it happens. I have experienced it and I know what it can do.” She adds” Both Saif and I have a mental connect, which we both wanted in our lives from before we met each other. Our love is beyond just physicality. We give the much-required space to each other. Saif doesn’t stop me from doing anything – be it doing an intimate scene or getting into an ultra-glam outfit. And it’s the same with me. He is a man who does his job, comes home and I give him a happy world. ”

However Kareena says that they have not fixed a date on their marriage and it may happen eventually. What about kids, considering how much she dots on sister Karisma’s children? Kareena smiles, “Yes. Like every woman, I too want kids. But there is a lot of childishness in me still. Saif treats me like a child. I still have to get into that phase where I want to be a mother. However, kids may have to wait. Children should be by choice, not by chance.”

In the last few months, Ranveer’s fights with Anushka had increased and he drifted to the voluptuous Sonakshi who began to pay more attention to her. Finally, things have reached such an extent that Anushka gets irritated at the mention of Ranveer.

When recently prodded about the growing friendship between her guy and Sonakshi Sinha, Anushka retorted, “You should ask Ranveer Singh on his friendship with Sonakshi Sinha. I can’t comment on their friendship.”

During the recent IIFA awards held about a month back, Ranveer had come quite close to Sonakshi, they had also rehearsed together for an act, leaving Anushka in the cold. She in fact, was doubly angry, because Sonakshi was her last minute replacement for the act. In fact, Ranveer and Sonakshi were seen to be getting cozy and intimate with each other after their performance was over.

A source says, “Ranveer started feeling suffocated with Anushka. She was getting too possessive about him. A point came when he couldn’t take it anymore.” That is probably the reason why Ranveer was able to get over his Anushka rather quickly and Sonakshi’s infatuation for him definitely helped. Sonakshi had even stated rather frankly in one of her interviews that Ranveer was her fantasy guy. Ranveer had also replied that he’d love to go on a date with her.

Now, it is a full blown affair between the two, and Sonakshi and Ranveer are painting the town red. Much as both deny it, the two have been spotted holding hands in Pali Hill, Bandra. An eye-witness said, “The two seem so engrossed with each other oblivious to things around them. Their body language says it all.”

Deepika had always maintained that she would never remove the ‘RK’ tattoo on her nape, even though she is in a relationship with Siddartha. She had also told in a chat show recently that the tattoo did not bother either her or her beau Siddartha. But now it is learn that the tattoo has become a bit of botheration to the girl and she has decided to remove it.

Deepika’s friend said, “Yes, she is removing it. Not because she’s ashamed of it or embarrassed by it, as Deepika is not apologetic about anything that she has done in her life, including the tattoo. It’s just that people around her are constantly bothered about it, which in turn is troubling her. So she has decided to get it removed.”

When Deepika was asked about her removing the much-in-news tattoo, she was visibly irate, “Why should it be a matter of concern for anyone? It’s my tattoo. I’ve to deal with it. I’ve to wake up and see it every morning. I will decide what to do with it.”

Priyanka and Sean seemed to be lost in each other, completely besotted. They were in the night club for nearly two and a half hour, they seemed oblivious to people around them. The conversation was also quite animated with Priyanka giggling a lot. An eye witness says, “Almost everybody was looking at them, but they didn’t seem to care about people watching them. Priyanka and Jay left the nightclub together.”

The two actually met in 2007 at one of Jay’s concerts; they had hit off instantly and have been keeping in touch through a social networking site. A source close to Priyanka says, “Priyanka is a big fan of hip-hop and R&B and so, when they were introduced to each other, they discussed music extensively. After that, they started following each other on a social networking site and have since kept in touch.”

In February 2010, Jay visited Priyanka on the sets of her film Anjaana Anjaani in New York. Priyanka had wrapped the shooting for that day and then the two had gone for dinner. The relationship has just grown stronger since then and it seems that Priyanka wants to spend as much quality time with him as she can, because Jay is in town for a few days only.