Saif and Ajay at loggerheads again

They may have played friends turned foes in OMKARA but seems like there is some trouble in paradise leading to off screen battle as well. Unbelievable as it may sound but Saif Ali Khan's dream project AGENT VINOD has been delayed all over again after being pushed ahead from February to March. While the constant flip-flop around the release plan is hardly the kind of situation either Saif orKareena would have wanted to be in, there is also some heartburn reserved forAjay Devgn since the film is now clashing with his TEZZ heads-on.

	AJAY DEVGN and SAIF ALI KHANE

''I don't remember when was the last time a big film saw a change in plan so often,' says a trade follower, 'AGENT VINOD was earlier supposed to arrive in the middle of this year. Then it got pushed to December. Post that it was pitched around the Valentine's Day in February and now it is March. I hope this time around it is final.'' 

Incidentally TEZZ has been threatened by AGENT VINOD in as many as two instances, first in December and now in March. The Ajay Devgn starrer too has faced its own challenges in reaching the finishing line (a song along with a 10 day shoot still remains for the film) and while the makers had earlier announced that 23rd March was going be the D-day by all means, arrival of AGENT VINOD on the same day may well lead to some rethinking on their part.

While Ajay has kept mum around the release of TEZZ so far, Kareena is gung ho about AGENT VINOD and feels that not much needs to be read in the 'slight delay' that the film is seeing. She says, ''Saif and (director) Sriram Raghavan have worked together in EK HASINA THI and share an amazing working relationship. They understand each other's world and this is what's going to make AGENT VINOD really special for them. The film is taking some time but that's because it is our baby and we want the best product for the audience.''

Well, the million dollar question is whether this would be enough to change Ajay's heart?

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Arshad Warsi in HAI RABBA MAIN KYA KAROON

One of the oldest production houses helmed by Sagars, a once influential filmmaking family in Bollywood that was headed by Ramanand Sagar (mythological TV serial makers), is going through a revival process. Though their last film (war film 1971) was made way back in 2007, the family members at Sagars have now decided to give another shot at filmmaking. While the film also acts as a launch-pad of Sagar scion Aakash, it would also feature Arshad Warsi as an established co-star to help add weight to the project.

"Yes, Sagars are making a comeback of sorts with this film which has been titled HAI RABBA MAIN KYA KAROON. It would be pretty much a family affair since it would be directed by Amrit Sagar (who had directed 1971) and feature Aakash Sagar as the leading man. The film has been designed as a feel good affair with Arshad Warsi being roped in to add on to the entertainment quotient," informs our source.

	view ARSHAD WARSI picture gallery

Arshad, who has basically picking and choosing projects quite carefully with a hat trick of successes under his belt (DOUBLE DHAMAAL, GOLMAAL 3 andISHQIYA), has not just given a nod of approval to the film but also shot for substantial portion in the recently concluded schedule at a Delhi farmhouse. Also, though one would have expected that this would be yet another instance of Arshad playing a cameo or doing an extended guest appearance as a favour to a filmmaker (case in point being F.A.L.T.U.), this isn't really the case in HAI RABBA MAIN KYA KAROON where he is actually spear heading the case in a major role. 

"Arshad doesn't want to do films only for emotional reasons. Yes, he wanted to help out Sagars since he knows them for quite some time. However, he stepped into the film only after he was sure of the script and his role. HAI RABBA MAIN KYA KAROON is meant to be a celebratory affair set in Delhi with quintessential ingredients of 'shaadi byaah', 'mauj masti' and 'naach gaana' in it. Arshad has really enjoyed whatever portions have been shot so far," informs a friend of Arshad.

While a new girl is being launched opposite Aakash, Arshad's leading lady in the film would be Ria Sen. When contacted, Arshad confirmed doing HAI RABBA MAIN KYA KAROON and the fact that he plays a parallel lead in the film.

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DON 2 scores globally!

The first week numbers are out and it is crystal clear that Farhan Akhtar'sShahrukh Khan-Priyanka Chopra  starrer, DON 2, has scored globally.

Coming to India, DON 2 has netted around 72 crore, with the dubbed (Tamil and Telugu) versions adding another 3 crores for a sum total of 75 crore (to be validated once numbers are out).

	view DON 2 movie stills

As is the case with most SRK starrers, DON 2 has ruled the overseas grossing $9.50 m till Thursday (29th December). The film has grossed $2.6 m from US, $1.6 m from UK, $2.1 m from the Middle East, apart from many other countries, the collections of which are still to be received.

CHECK OUT: Post DON 2 success, Farhan earns his break

As is known, the worldwide rights of DON 2 were procured by Reliance Entertainment for Rs.80 crore (excluding print and publicity), out of which 36 crore have already been recovered from satellite rights and 9 crores from audio rights. As the stats clearly indicate, it is but a formality to state that DON 2 is clear hit that still has a lot of firepower left (given the perceptible second weekend trends!).

The only new release of the week, former IPS officer Y.P. Singh's KYA YAHI SACH HAI, has opened to poor collections of below 10 percent and has negligible chances at the ticket window.

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Big Bollywood weddings of 2011

2011 saw a number of star couples from the industry who got committed to conjugality. While some preferred to keep it a private affair rest made it grand. Let's have a dekko at the starry weddings of the year.

	view GRAND WEDDING RECEPTION OF IMRAN KHAN and AVANTIKA picture gallery

Imran Khan weds Avantika Malik
Starting from January 2011, it was actor Imran Khan who got hitched with his long time sweetheart Avantika Malik. The much-in love couple began a new chapter of their life by tying the knot on January 16, 2011. The duo had a civil registered marriage at Imran's maternal uncle and Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan's residence in Pali Hill.

	view SAMEER SONI WEDS NEELAM KOTHARI picture gallery

Sameer Soni weds Neelam Kothari
After Imran and Avantika, it was actor Sameer Soni and former Bollywood actress Neelam Kothari who decided to opt for matrimony. The couple tied the knot on January 23rd, 2011. It was a star studded wedding reception which was held at Mumbai's plush hotel. This was a second marriage for both Sameer and Neelam.

	view LARA DUTTA AND MAHESH BHUPATHI'S CATHOLIC STYLE WEDDING picture gallery

Lara Dutta weds Mahesh Bhupathi
The most talked about wedding was of Lara Dutta and ace tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi. The actress, who was earlier dating model-cum-actor Kelly Dorje, confessed her relationship with Mahesh at Karan Johar's talk show. The couple had legally registered their marriage at Mumbai Court on Feb 17, after which they flew down to Goa where they exchanged marital vows at Sunset Point near Candolim beach.

	view ABHISHEK, JUHI, ANIL, TUSSHAR AT NIKHIL DWIVEDI'S MARRIAGE PARTY picture gallery

Nikhil Dwivedi weds Gauri Pandit
Actor Nikhil Dwivedi, who was dating model-and-actress Gauri Pandit for a long time got hitched on 7th March 2011. It was a humungous event which saw many Bollywood big-shots.

	view GUL PANAG picture gallery

Gul Panag weds Rishi Attari
Gul Panag and her former classmate and friend of ten years, pilot Rishi Attari walked the aisle on March 13 2011. It was a private affair with only close friends and family in attendance and the couple had a traditional Punjabi marriage at a Gurudwara in Chandigarh.

	view ANURAG and KALKI WEDDING picture gallery

Anurag Kashyap weds Kalki Koechlin
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap and actress Kalki Koechlin, who got close while working on DEV.D, tied the nuptial knot in a place called Kalahatti at the outskirts of Ooty, amidst a handful of guests. The couple married in a traditional South Indian style on April 30 2011.

	PETER HAAG and CELINA JAITLEY

Celina Jaitly weds Peter Haag
There was much speculation doing the rounds about actress Celina Jaitly  secretly married to her Dubai-based hotelier beau Peter Haag. To put the rumours to rest, the beautiful actress soon made an announcement that she is married to Peter. Their marriage took place at a vintage monastery in Austria on 23 July, 2011. Apart from these couples, there are other happening jodis in the B-town,Saif-Kareena and Riteish-Genelia who are thinking to enter the marital bliss soon. While, Ritesh and Genelia will solemnize their marriage by February 2012, Saif and Kareena are reportedly planning to get hitched in March 2012 (though the final date is awaited).

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Big packages on the small screen in 2012

2012 will have an assortment of diverse TV shows to indulge couch potatoes

Taking a cue from 2011, the new year promises to be as interesting with a mixed bag of innovative programming. A good mix of reality as well as social drama is in the offing, to ensure that you remain glued to your television sets all year round.

Bolly brigade on TV

Couch potatoes can look forward to our Bollywood brigade in action on the small screen too.

Big B Stupendous TRPs of KBC in 2011 yet again proved Big B's prowess as a host. No wonder, there's already a huge buzz about him continuing his stint in the coming season too.

Aamir Khan makes his small screen debut with a socially relevant show. And knowing the perfectionist Khan, one can assume that he will leave no stone unturned in making it a huge success.


Akshay Kumar is reportedly slated to host the new season of Khatron Ke Khiladi.


Madhuri Dixit is apparently in talks with the channel for continuing her role as the judge in Jhalak Dikhla Jaa.


Reportedly Sunny Deol's stunt-based reality show Jaanbaaz is all set to be revived after delays owing to technical reasons. If all goes well, the new year should bring the dhai kilo ka haath hero on the small screen.

The line-up


Kya Hua Tera Wada: Mona Singh makes a comeback to fiction after a long spell of anchoring.

Producer Ekta Kapoor is said to be inspired by Biwi No 1 and Mona plays the role of Karisma Kapoor whose husband (Pawan Thakkar) goes astray a la Salman Khan. It is expected to go on air by the end of January.


Swayamwar Veena ka Vivah: Pakistani actress Veena Malik has already turned on the heat with her topless photo shoot and mysterious disappearing act right before she chooses her groom in the fourth season of Swayamwar. Slated to be launched post IPL, Veena's antics will ensure it gets the needed eyeballs.

Survivor India: Jo Tikega, Itihaas likhega/Kya Jee Paoge? goes the tagline. Marooned on an island of Phillippines with a dearth of even minimum amenities, this Indian adaptation of the international series is all set for a January 6 launch with 22 participants.


Ring ka King: Cricketer Harbhajan Singh plays the official goodwill ambassador in this reality show. 30 internationallevel wrestlers will battle it out inside the ring with our desi pehelwans to win the coveted title of Ring ka King.

Gyan Guru: Did you know the significance of Saat Phere or the reason behind a new bride tumbling the rice vessel with her foot on her first entry into her bridal home. Well, here's checking your IQ on Indian cultures and its rituals on this quiz show to be launched in January.

Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha: Following the trend of mature love stories on television, this show is the story of two diverse personalities a single mother and a self-centred bachelor who can't stand each other but eventually bite the bait. Premiering on January 9, it's a slice of life worth watching.

Our wish list

Celebs we would like to see on tv again:
Salman Khan in his cheeky avatar in Dus Ka Dum.
Karan Johar whose hot cuppa brings out the be(a)st in our stars.
Simi Garewal getting more 'desirable' celebs.
Preity Zinta with her 'Guinness World Record' dimples.

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Imran khan rewards his staff, books a holiday for them in Las Vegas

Imran Khan seems like a benevolent boss to work for. The actor who spent hectic months working through the year is now rewarding his staff for their hard work too, by gifting them a week-long vacation in Las Vegas, early next month.

While the actor was shooting for Delhi Belly and Mere Brother Ki Dulhan and even promoting the film, his staff manager, designer, hairstylist and make-up artist couldn't take any holiday.

A source close to the Khan family says, "After these films released, he had to shoot for Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu and he's now started promoting it. So he hasn't given any of his staff any holiday."

Fun time ahead

Imran in fact was also considering other holiday locations for his staff, including Bali and Mauritius.

But since he was taken in by all the fun times he had in Vegas during the shoot of his new film, he decided to send his staff on a holiday there.

The source adds, "Imran has got the tickets and hotels for his staff's holiday booked through his travel agent." The actor was unavailable for comment, but his spokesperson confirmed the news.

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Once a female fan took off her top in front of me: Atif Aslam

For someone who can get all the attention he likes with his raspy voice, drop-dead good looks and quick wit, it's surprising that Atif Aslam keeps such a low profile. And, he intends to keep it that way.

Gearing up to judge a reality show (though till now he hasn't held reality TV in very high regard), Atif tells CS why he likes to stay low-key, literally:

Moolah matters not
There's just so much happening in my life that I don't want to add to my problems by discussing things in public. I want to be able to give my time to my mom and dad, my family and friends.

I might get a million roles and songs to do a few years from now, but I won't get this time with my loved ones again. That doesn't mean that I don't like money. I want it all, but I'm not in a rush to get it.

Winning fans
Like every one else, I also enjoy the attention that I get from my fans. If they respect your talent, it's great, but I don't like it when they go overboard.

I remember, there was a time when I was performing in Australia when a female fan took off her top in front of me. That felt very odd. Then once on my birthday, a group of girls came to my house and asked for me. And they were only in their underwear.

That's not the kind of attention that I appreciate. But yes, I also have fans doing nice things for me that are respectful and mean a lot. I don't consider myself as an icon. I'm not here to win the world, I'm just here to win myself.

Future fix
Life's been good to me so far. As I look back, this year has truly been special. It brought many surprises -- my debut film Bol happened, I got to perform with Guns N' Roses, became friends with the bandmates, toured odd places like Surinam, Trinidad, Bali and China.

Other than that, I was able to identify a lot of 'distractions' in my life that I needed to get rid of. And I did.

So yes, it's been a very goal-oriented year for me and I'm really looking forward to 2012 too. I don't plan the future, but I would love to go back to places like Japan and Australia and walk on the Bondi Beach.

And next year, I also hope to attend a few concerts like a normal guy and enjoy myself. Oh yes, and I also need to buy myself a new machine.

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In Pictures: The hottest new faces of 2012

The coming year will see a lot of new faces in Bollywood, with a slew of star kids and South imports among them.

Ileana D'cruz: The South star Ileana D'cruz is making the much-hyped Bollywood debut opposite heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor in Anurag Basu's Barfee. The film is expected to release in July 2012.

Varun Dhawan: Coming from the Dhawan family, Varun has worked with Karan Johar in many films including assisting him in My Name is Khan. Not surprisingly, he will make his grand entry into Bollywood with Karan's next directorial.

Tanuj Virmani: Rati Agnihotri's son Tanuj Virmani is making a Bollywood debut opposite model-turned-actress Neha Hinge in a romantic comedy called Luv U Soniyo.

While Tanuj plays a Catholic boy in the film, Neha plays a Punjabi girl. The film directed by debutant director Joe Rajan is slated for January 18, 2012 release.


Arjun Kapoor: Boney Kapoor's son Arjun is making his debut in Ishaqzaade opposite debutant Parineeti Chopra. The film is written and directed by Habib Faisal of Do Dooni Chaar fame. Arjun started assisting his father at the age of 20.


Ahana Deol: Ahana was inundated with offers from reputed directors like Aparna Sen and Vikramaditya Motwane, but for some reason, the films never materialised. She has finally zeroed in on Shoojit Sarcar's road film, a romantic comedy, which is slated for 2012 release.


Alia Bhatt: Mahesh Bhatt and Soni Razdan's daughter, and Pooja Bhatt's half-sister will making her dream debut in Karan Johar's Student Of The Year opposite David Dhawan's son Varun Dhawan. Interestingly even before a single release, both Varun and Alia have become fodder for gossip as they are apparently seeing each other.


Amy Jackson: Having acted in a South film, Amy Jackson is making her debut opposite Prateik in Ek Deewana Tha. The two actors are rumoured to be dating. The film is releasing on February 17, 2012.


Siddhant Kapoor: Shakti Kapoor's son Siddhanth is debuting in Sanjay Gupta's Shootout At Wadala. He was supposed to make his debut in the remake of Satte Pe Satta, directed by Soham Shah but the film is on the backburner.


Tiger Shroff: Buzz is he will be launched by Aamir Khan. Subhash Ghai was supposed to earlier launch him.

On a new note

Ramesh Sippy, the director of the iconic film Sholay, is turning actor with Ek Deewana Tha. He is doing a cameo in the film.

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Sonakshi tells you about the five things every girl should own

She knows her style and what suits her the best. And like any other girl, Sonakshi Sinha too loves to shop.

So if you're doing a wardrobe overhaul this festive season, Sonakshi tells you about the five things she feels every girl should own:

Little black dress: It's a must-have as it saves you in so many situations -- you can dress it up or down. To dress it up, just wear your favourite coloured heels and accent jewellery.

To dress it down, throw on a denim jacket and black flats and your ready to go! The options to accessorise your LBD are endless.

Perfect fitting jeans: Everyone should have a pair of jeans -- you know, the kind of jeans that make you feel comfortable. Buy a pair that's in style at present. Make sure that the cut flatters you and suits your body type.

Collar necklace: These statement neckpieces are the perfect way to dress up a basic tee or to add some edge to your favorite LBD.

Pumps: There shouldn't be a woman that doesn't own a pair of pumps. Pumps are extremely versatile and can be worn with almost everything. They are comfortable and look great when worn.

A clutch: A clutch is perhaps one of the best inventions for a woman after a mirror. It is handy and functional and is an ideal purse to take when you are attending an evening do. Just put in your your make up essentials, some cash and your keys and you don't have to worry about lugging a big bag.

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Is Prateik dating hot Amy Jackson?

Prateik and rumoured girlfriend Amy Jackson holiday in Goa; might bring in the New Year there as well

Prateik could not have asked for a better backdrop than the beaches of Goa to spend some private time with rumoured girlfriend Amy Jackson and he is making the most of it.

The actor who is a huge fan of electronic dance music is there to attend the Sunburn music festival.

And Amy is grooving to the music with him. Says a source, "Prateik had always planned to come to Sunburn, and then he thought there couldn't be a better place to take Amy along. There is constant media attention in Mumbai and he wanted to get away for a bit."

We hear that he surprised her with tickets for the show and they were off on a flight on Sunday, two days before the festival. Adds an eyewitness, "On the flight, she kept talking and he kept listening. He seemed very patient and calm."

We guess love does that to you, since we hear Prateik also accompanied her for some street shopping.

Adds the source, "They went around the Candolim beach and indulged in some shopping as well." Interestingly, he is apparently not just keen on listening to the music, but also meeting some of the big artistes at the festival including Skazi.

Concludes the source, "Amy is a huge music buff as well, so their tastes obviously match. They are hoping to hang around till the end of the fest." If all goes as per plan, Prateik may extend this trip to spend New Year as well with Amy in Goa.

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Sania mirza talks about her New Year plans

It's that time of the year when everyone wants to spend some time with their family and friends.

Tennis ace Sania Mirza, who is in town, says that she's really looking forward to spending the holiday with hubby Shoaib Malik.

Sania tells CS, "I'm really enjoying some quiet time with my husband here in Mumbai. I am not sure about my New Year plans yet. All I know is that I'll be in Auckland as I will be playing there.

So it'll probably be a low key affair with family and support staff. But yes, I asked for a wish from Santa -- supreme health." Don't worry Sania, your wish will definitely be fulfilled.

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Rs 1,500 crore riding on these biggest Bollywood stars in 2012

Rs 1, 500 crore! That's the approximate amount being banked on the biggest Bollywood stars in the coming year

2012 too, like this year, has quite a few hundred crores riding on the top B-Town stars.

Akshay Kumar has the most number of upcoming releases, while Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan are hoping to make the most of their lone films.

Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra lead the list of actresses, with three films each.

Rs 200 crore
Katrina Kaif
Films: Ek Tha Tiger, Yash Chopra's next
Considering that her co-actors are Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, no wonder then that Karan Johar signed her on to be his Chikni Chameli in the remake of Agneepath.

Rs 100 crore
Hrithik Roshan
Film: Agneepath
Hrithik's fee won't be less than Rs 20 crore (he's believed to have made Rs 15 crore for Guzaarish).


Rs 200 crore
Priyanka Chopra
Films: Agneepath, Barfi, Teri Meri Kahaani
With trade pandits valuing Agneepath with Hrithik Roshan and Sanjay Dutt at Rs 100 crore, no doubt Barfi with Ranbir Kapoor and Teri Meri Kahaani with Shahid Kapoor will add to the crores.


Rs 100 crore
Shah Rukh Khan
Film: Yash Chopra's next
Apparently, SRK is charging Yash Chopra Rs 1 crore more than Aamir Khan's take-home for Dhoom 3 for this romantic saga


Rs 200 crore
Deepika Padukone
Films: Cocktail, Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani, Race 2
Deepika Padukone is the first choice for many filmmakers.


Rs 100 crore
Aamir Khan
Film: Talaash
Aamir, reportedly, charges more money than his contemporaries, Salman Khan and SRK. Director Reema Kagti had to shoot an underwater sequence in Mauritius just because the waters in India weren't clean enough. This thriller is definitely not made on a tight budget.


Rs 200 crore
Salman Khan
Films: Ek Tha Tiger, Dabangg 2
He is said to charge not only an upfront amount, but also a share in the profits. One can imagine the budget for the Kabir Khan's spy-thriller that spans across Ireland, Egypt, Turkey and Cuba. And the Dabangg sequel won't come lesser than Rs 50 crore.


Rs 250 crore
Ajay Devgn
Films: Tezz, Bol Bachchan, Son Of Sardar
The rights of Son of Sardar were sold for over Rs 80 crore without a single shot and Bol Bachchan fetched a whopping Rs 95 crore deal. Consequently, these deals have made Tezz a hot bet at the ticket windows.


Rs 250 crore
Saif Ali Khan
Films: Agent Vinod, Cocktail, Race 2
Agent Vinod still remains one of the most awaited films of next year. After the spy-thriller with girlfriend Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan's chemistry with Deepika Padukone has made Homi Adajania's Cocktail a hot box-office bet.


Rs 200 crore
Kareena Kapoor
Films: Agent Vinod, Talaash, Heroine Aamir was keen to cast her in Talaash after the successful 3 Idiots and another production house even willing to pay her a share in the profits for Madhur Bhandarkar's Heroine.


Rs 400 crore
Akshay Kumar
Films: Housefull 2, Rowdy Rathore, Khiladi 786, Joker, Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai 2
He remains Sajid Nadiadwala, Sajid Khan and Ekta Kapoor's favourite. As for Rowdy Rathore, Khiladi 786 and Joker, he's co- producing them with Bhansali, Himesh Reshammiya and Farah Khan respectively.

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Saat 'Dirty' Taboo Maaf

In this two part series, we chronicle the seven sins that Bollywood gleefully indulged in this year, from making hit songs about potty to getting A-list heroines to play unregretful murderers.

4. Foul lyrics don't make a hit song
Broken in: 'Dum Maaro Dum'

For a pot-smoking renegade, Zeenat Aman's character in 1971 hit Hare Rama Hare Krishna mouthed some pretty vanilla dialogues. Surrounded by hippies, she lamented tamely, 'Duniya ne hum ko diya kya, duniya se hum ne liya kya, hum sab ki parvaa kare kyon, sab ne hamara kiya kya?'

Circa 2011: A throaty Anushka Manchanda belts out, courtesy Jaideep Sahni's lyrics, 'Oonche se uncha banda, potty pe baithe nanga.' Featuring Deepika Padukone, the revamped version of Dum maaro dum, called Mit jaaye gum, was anything but vanilla. And it worked, despite being in-your-face.

When Hindi film songs tried to be bold before, they were largely suggestive, cleverly couching the innuendo. Mit jaaye gum, however, shocked purists with its audacious, but thought-provoking lines. Aman herself was reportedly aghast after hearing the number.



The plucky Manchanda, however, defends the song. "You can love or hate these lyrics, but you cannot ignore them. They are raw and edgy; exactly what the song needed."

5. Sex and death don't make good bedfellows
Broken in: 'Not A Love Story'



A dead body lying in a pool of blood, just metres away from a couple making intense love -- this act found an explicit showcase in Ram Gopal Varma's Not A Love Story.

The film, inspired by the Neeraj Grover murder case, was meant to shock, and it does. Anusha Chawla (Mahie Gill), a struggling actress is a witness to the murder of her director (Ajay Gehi) by her possessive boyfriend Robin (Deepak Dobriyal).

The protagonist, Robin, feels no remorse as he chops up the director's body with huge knives. The sound of chopping bones is enough to terrify anyone; and the shock value escalates when an effort to calm Anusha down results in an intimate moment between the two.



Here, RGV concocts a heady mix of death and sex -- a cocktail that filmmakers have refrained from experimenting with in Hindi cinema.

6. Heroines can't be murderous (and get away with it)
Broken in: 'Saat Khoon Maaf'



In a country where marriage is considered a sacred institution, an A-list heroine playing femme fatale and hacking her hapless husbands has to be applauded. Even more so, when the husbands in question are seven, which breaks yet another taboo.

Susanna, Priyanka Chopra goes on a vengeful killing spree, slaughtering all seven husbands -- played by the likes of Neil Nitin Mukesh and Naseeruddin Shah -- in Vishal Bhardwaj's 7 Khoon Maaf, based on Ruskin Bond's short story, Susanna's Seven Husbands. Amazingly, in her murderous journey from 21 to 65, Sussana evades all earthly laws, and seems to escape her sins at the end of the film.



That is a big departure from the moralistic norm, where female villainous characters -- like Kajol in Gupt (1997) or Nanda in Ittefaq (1969) for example -- had succumbed to fitting punishments.

7. Big banners don't back dare-bare-scares
Broken in: 'Ragini MMS'



Ekta Kapoor is a study in contradictions. While her TV soap operas tow oh-so-conventional lines, Kapoor loves to walk the unbeaten path in her films. While 2010's Love Sex Aur Dhokha showcased honour killings, an MMS sex scandal and sting operations, this year, she took a step further with The Dirty Picture and even concocted a new genre with Ragini MMS.

Starring newbies Rajkumar Yadav and Kainaz Motivala, the one-and-a-half-hour-long film had the risk of being judged as a sleaze-fest. But Kapoor's Balaji Productions took it on and turned the tide -- something not many big-ticket producers have attempted in the past.



Kapoor proclaims proudly, "Ragini MMS was a horror-date movie." The tagline: 'They didn't know it yet... It was a threesome.' -- makes that clear. The leading lady of the film, Motivala adds with conviction, "Ragini MMS has paved a way for a lot of young filmmakers to have the guts to even think of something unconventional and have the courage to write such stories."

Good girls? Says who?

>> As a gutsy journalist in No One Killed Jessica, Rani Mukerji mouthed expletives aplenty in this drama based on the Jessica Lal murder case.

In fact, her brash attitude found eloquent expression in the song, 'Aali re, saali re, milegi toh dilwali lekin muh khole toh gaali re.' She smiles, "I am comfortable, which is why I did it onscreen. It just came very naturally to me." Just like she casually flipped her middle finger too. She retorts, "We use such language in everyday conversations."

>> Katrina Kaif too sheds her coy avatar in Chikni Chameli and gestures that she has drunk a peg or two ('pahua chadha ke aayi'). Earlier this year, Kaif donned a bindaas image in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, in which she puffed away at a beedi.

>> Sonam Kapoor too, ditches her good girl image for Abbas-Mustan's upcoming heist thriller Players. The actress has surprised everyone by flippantly whipping out her middle finger in the trailers. The outspoken actress argues, "Are you telling me you don't use 'f**k' in your language?"

Read more...