I will get money, channel officials in touch: KBC winner

KBC winner Sushil Kumar Tuesday denied reports that he had complained about not getting his Rs.5 crore prize money, saying Sony officials were constantly in touch with him and he had complete faith that he would get it.

"I have never said that I haven't got a single penny of the prize money. The channel had already told me that the money would be given to me in 60 days and that time period is yet to be completed," Kumar told on phone from Motihari in Bihar.

A tabloid reported this week that Sushil Kumar, who made headlines in November when he became the first contestant to win Rs.5 crore ($1 million) on "Kaun Banega Crorepati 5", hosted by megastar Amitabh Bachchan, has said he has not received a single penny from the prize money and that he hasn't received any call from the channel.

Ever since the news came, people flooded the micro-blogging site Twitter with queries.

However, the 27-year-old refuted the report and said: "The channel officials are constantly in touch with me and keeping me updated. The process is on. I have never said that the channel has not give me any intimation or hasn't called me. I have complete faith in the channel that I will get my money," he added.

Before his big win on KBC, Kumar, who hails from East Champaran, worked as a computer operator and tutor, earning a meagre Rs.6,000 per month. However, his life changed after he won the top prize on the show.

Kumar says he is appalled by the news and also worried about "what Amitabh Bachchan would think about me".

"I don't know where this news has come from. Pata nahi Amitabh ji kya soch rahe honge ki yeh ladka kya bolta ja raha hai media mein. (I wonder what Amitabhji would be thinking that after winning I am making such complaints).

"It feels bad to see such wrong things written about me. I don't use Facebook or Twitter, so I didn't know how to clarify my stance," said Kumar.

He agreed that he has asked the channel to give him the cheque on the CNN-IBN Award ceremony to be held in Delhi Dec 16.

Kumar become an overnight celebrity after winning the top prize and says he now realises the repercussions of fame.

"I am a celebrity for a few days...if so many controversial news items can surface about me, I wonder how big celebrities manage to cope with it everyday," he said.

After winning the jackpot, he had told he would prepare for the civil services - something he had stopped dreaming about due to his financial situation earlier.

Kumar is married and lives in a big joint family with five brothers, five nieces and a nephew.

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Real Enemies Raveena wishes Shilpa on her pregnancy

Guess who is maha khush at the news of Shilpa Shetty's pregnancy?

None other than once upon a time kattar dushman Raveena Tandon! The two girls hated each other as they both were involved with Akshay Kumar.

Ravs tweeted, "So happy 4 my friend @TheShilpaShetty and her husband Raj, for the new,on the way, angel of happiness." (sic)

The two have long gotten over Akki and Shilpa had invited Ravs to her Diwali bash last year.

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Neha Dhupia gifts her director a high end PC

Neha Dhupia and Vinay Pathak at a promotional event for their upcoming movie.

After the movie's trial show, Neha Dhupia gifted director Saurabh Shukla a Mac Pro!

Naseeruddin Shah also features in the film. Though his presence is being kept under wraps, the veteran actor shot for it in Varanasi, thanks to his close rapport with Saurabh.

It is a small, but significant role.

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Alka Yagnik's daughter Syesha Kapoor

Alka Yagnik's daughter Syesha Kapoor, who is studying in London, does not appear to be keen on a career in Bollywood.

She is not into singing like her mom nor does she harbour any celluloid aspirations.

Right now in Mumbai, she is organising a fashion event that aims to revive Indian art and craft through clothing.

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For me, lovemaking is no big deal: Bipasha

From cladding a bikini in 'Dhoom' and 'Players' to doing bold scenes in 'Jism' and a raunchy item number in 'Omkara', sultry Bipasha Basu says she has inhibitions doing kissing scenes in films.

She had showed her bold side in 'Jism' (2003) with ex-beau John Abraham, especially in the song 'Jaadu Hai Nasha Hai'. For Aditya Chopra's 'Dhoom 2', she wore a bikini and then sizzled the screen with an item song 'Beedi Jalaile Le' in 'Omkara', which became a rage.

"For me, love making is no big deal, it is like any other thing. But when it comes to kissing, I have not overcome it. It is tough.

I feel it is too private a moment and also the way we are we brought up, the kind of cinema we are exposed to when I started acting, kissing was not a regular thing. But now, in every film, kissing is regular," Bipasha told.

"When I see an English film, I feel it is no big deal, but when I have to do it, it's a very big deal. I have still not overcome it, it is bit of a block that I have," she said. In her eleven years of acting career, Bipasha has done two kissing scenes-- one with John in 'Jism' and Ranbir Kapoor in 'Bachna Ae Haseeno'.

"When I had to do it (a kissing scene) I was paranoid. Everyday I used to go to Adi and Siddharth saying 'please cancel this, please get it out', and they use to laugh at it saying it is small thing. But I was petrified. I have not done many kissing scenes, except two," she said.

Despite kissing being a regular feature on celluloid, filmmakers struggle to capture the perfect moment on screen, and the Bengali bombshell feels it is due to the inhibitions that the actors have.

"It is because of the inhibitions that we actors have. The moment you see actors are not inhibited, it looks right. I have some inhibitions, so it is very tough for me.

It takes a lot of thinking and struggle. I feel like some bomb is going to explode on my head," the 32-year- old actress said.

Ask her if filmmakers continue to explore her 'sexy' image and the actress says there is nothing wrong in that.

"I think they feel I look fitter and look good and can carry off a bikini. If somebody looks good they will tell you to wear it (bikini). But there have been times when I have said no a lot. I can do an 'Akrosh' or 'Lamha' as convincingly as I did 'Players' in bikini.

Films like 'Players' can carry a bikini. As it is on the lines of 'Fast and Furious', it does not look out of place," Bipasha said. "In 'Dum Maro Dum', Rohan (Sippy) had asked me to wear a bikini; I said 'No', as it does not make any sense.

Why to wear a bikini...it was not going in sink. So in this film (Players), I saw the sense of it and that's why I wore it," she said. In Abbas-Mustan's forthcoming film 'Players', the dusky actress will be seen in a red hot bikini.

"They are kind of directors, who are really bold and they have lot of sense of fashion and style and they will never make it look vulgar. There is a fine line between looking vulgar, sexy and stylish," Bipasha said.

Ask her how she got into this beach-body, Bipasha says, "When you are wearing a bikini, it is going to be there on the celluloid and you don't want to embarrass yourself.

I am totally into fitness. We did training for about six weeks. I don't do dieting, I hate dieting. I can beat the gym, I don't get tired by it. But when it comes to dieting, I get really angry."

"For 6 weeks there were no sweets and I was so angry all the time. I could only see ladoo, gulab jamun and all the sweets flying by.

When I finished the sequence, it was icy cold and everyone was in winter wear and I was in bikini, I was like I will die today," she said.

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Some girls are jealous of Sonam, Anil Kapoor

In a candid chat, Anil Kapoor talks about his daughter and Tom Cruise; also brings up his link-up with Madhuri Dixit

Between numerous hi-fives and hearty laughs, 52-year-old Anil Kapoor, exuding childlike energy, candidly chats about all that is closest to his heart, including bringing Tom Cruise to India...

When you signed Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol, you were promoted as one of the main villains. Later on you said it's a small role. Was that a strategy?
I made it very clear that it's the smallest role of my career but I am not apologetic about it.

I wanted to build relationship and that's what I have done. Internationally, there is no small or big, it's a respect for the actors.

Shabana (Azmi) told me 'you have done the most intelligent thing. A lot of actors have lost out because they were waiting for bigger roles'. It will happen gradually but you have to become part of the system first.

How important is MI4's success?
I feel for me it's already a success. Now whatever happens will be a bonus.

Tom coming here and going to Taj Mahal (at Agra), speaking to all my friends and the media, interacting with fans... He came to India on my request. What more can I ask for?

What did you learn from observing him? 
So much...He was nice to everyone and treated the entire media well. His patience with his fans is amazing.

IWhen he went back to his room he kept saying 'I hope I have met all your friends.' was tired of introducing him to everyone because they all wanted pictures with him.

I am glad that so many of my friends came not only because of Tom but because they love me. In fact, Aamir (Khan) turned up 15 minutes in advance.

You seem to have become an important link between Hollywood and Bollywood. How do you plan to use it?
I am thinking beyond just myself. Of course, I want to do good work but I want good people to go to Hollywood.

When my Hollywood friends inquire about Bollywood, I tell them about the directors and actors they should look at.

I am looking at Taj in a different way now. It's been there for so long that sometimes you tend become blas© about it. Mukesh (Ambani) told me 'it's your responsibility to get Tom for a holiday over here. You don't know how much it will help our country.'

Are you using your Hollywood contacts to help Sonam?
Sonam has mesmerised everyone who has met her. Ben Stiller offered her a role and she also got a role offered in a Julia Roberts film but she refused. She wants to gain more experience and then go there.

Are you happy with Sonam's choice of films?
Absolutely! She is working with the best people in the industry like Rakeysh Mehra, Pankaj Kapur, Sanjay Bhansali, Karan Johar, and not for money. She has refused so many films that the so-called bigger actresses have done.

She has emerged as a fashion icon...
She loves wearing good clothes and people make a dig at that too. Sometimes when she feels low I tell her not to worry and see the positive side. Those very girls who give statements about being very simple are now imitating her fashion style. So that means the girls are jealous of her.

Have you been a victim of envy too?
Yes yes. Some Bollywood friends tell me, 'you work in Hollywood; we are not interested. We are happy here. We are. And those same people secretly approach Hollywood studios. I come to know this because my Hollywood friends inquire about them from me.

What about doing a film with Sonam?
I want to play her father but she doesn't want it. You have to convince her. She is the young big star.

We heard Sanjay Dutt was trying to convince you not to do Shootout At Wadala. True?
Never. It's a rumour. I am in talks for Shootout At Wadala.

What's up with Mr India and No Entry sequel?
They are happening. It all depends on Salman. He is the big star. Whenever he approves the script, the film will roll. If they want me I will do it otherwise Salman can do it alone. (Smiles)

You have led a very non-controversial life. No link-ups barring a few (read Madhuri Dixit)...
(Laughs) Woh to maine khud dale the. I spread those rumours myself to bring some spice in my otherwise boring life.

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Dhoom 3 American fitness trainer for Aamir

American trainer brought down to work on Khan's body for 'Dhoom 3'

Aamir Khan's recent appearance at an event where he flexed his muscles during a game of badminton was a clear indication that the star has already started preparing for Dhoom 3.

Mr Perfectionist has an American trainer David who has been flown in from California to get the star in the required shape for the action adventure's third sequel.

The trainer specialises in spinning as a fitness regime and also been showcasing his skills to the public in Mumbai.

Though the makers of the film and Aamir are extremely guarded about divulging details about the project beforehand, a source states, "David has been in Mumbai for a while and has been put up at a place near Carter Road. He has been given the task to get Aamir in kicking shape for the film."

Apparently in the last few days because of the birth of his son, Azad, on December 1, Aamir has been tied up but he will soon resume his workouts with David.

There has been a great deal of speculation about Aamir's character in the film that has him paired with Katrina Kaif.

The buzz has been varied from him being a gymnast to a ballet dancer to him learning parkour to make his body agile. But the names associated with the project prefer to be silent on the front.

Apparently his co-stars Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra will begin shooting for the action flick in March while Aamir will begin shooting only in June after Talaash, his film with Reema Kagti releases.

For his earlier flicks like Ghajini and 3 Idiots, Aamir had bulked up and shed weight respectively.

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I've let myself go: John Abraham

By his own admission, John Abraham is a changed man. He is talking more, dancing more and is certainly more visible than ever before. With a slate of films lined up in the New Year, Bollywood's quintessential handsome hunk hopes to find "inspired living".

"I think I have let myself go. I have opened up and let my hair down gradually. So the change is evident, both in my personal as well as professional life," John told in a telephonic interview from Mumbai.

The 38-year-old who split from his girlfriend of eight years, actress Bipasha Basu, earlier this year, was quite reticent earlier. But thanks to movie promotions, which required him to be in the limelight as well as meet and greet fans and mediapersons, John has come out of his shell.

This year has been significant for John as he had three releases - "7 Khoon Maaf", "Force" and "Desi Boyz". If "7 Khoon Maaf" won critical appreciation, the other two faired well at the box office. In fact, "Force" is being considered one of John's biggest releases so far in his eight-year-old acting career, which kickstarted with "Jism".

"I am happy. This is the best phase of my career so far. But you never know how long this lasts! With my present slate of films, I can look forward to ups and downs, but I would like to believe that I have a safe set of projects in my kitty," said John.

His visibility on screen and off screen will bump up next year thanks to his long line-up of films - "I, Me Aur Main", "Housefull 2", "Race 2" and "Shootout At Wadala".

Could the much-talked about sequel to Mahesh Bhatt's "Jism" also be in the pipeline?

"Well, I can't say anything right now. Bhatt saab spoke to me about the film, but I have been busy shooting. He spoke to me and said: 'John, I'm planning something on it.'

But that's about it. I have not even read the script yet; so I can take a decision only once I do that," said John, who might feature alongside Indo-Canadian porn star Sunny Leone if he is offered and accepts "Jism 2".

But for now, he wants to concentrate on the projects in hand, so that he can achieve "inspired living", which also happens to be the essence behind home appliances and consumer electronics brand, Haier, of which he is a brand ambassador.

"Inspired living to me is self-actualisation...it is beyond the physiological needs of people. I would like to believe that I lead an inspired life. But I guess with the kind of lifestyle I lead, it's a little far beyond for me to achieve. But every day, I am trying to attain it," said the actor.

In sync with Haier's green initiative, Eco Life, John believes it is important to use technology in an eco-friendly way.

"Technology is a major part of everyone's life these days. I like to lead a simple and basic life, but there's no escaping from technology. You can't run away from it...not even if you miss the magic of handwritten letters. But I feel if one has to use technology, they should do it in a way that supports eco-lifestyle," he said.

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‘Ladies vs Ricky Bahl’ Movie Review

The con movie gets a desi twist with Yash Raj Film's latest

Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma in 'Ladies vs Ricky Bahl'

Cast: Ranveer Singh, Anushka Sharma, Parineeti Chopra, Dipannita Sharma Atwal and Aditi Sharma

Director: Maneesh Sharma

Produced by: Yash Raj Films

‘Ladies vs Ricky Bahl’ opens in Delhi, quickly weaves in a peppy dance number with lots of Punjabi phrases, and soon has Ranveer Singh’s character pronouncing question as quechen (much like he pronounced biscuit as biskoot in ‘Band Baaja Baaraat’). We did feel a sense of déjà vu in the first 15 minutes of this new movie, which had its world premiere at the Dubai International Film Festival. Would elements from the hit that was Ranveer’s debut keep showing up in his latest? Well, ‘Ladies vs Ricky Bahl’ pretty much takes its own, unique direction after that, until it gets to the end, where the ‘Haven’t we seen his before?’ moment occurs again. Along the way though, it is mostly a fun journey.

We are first introduced to Ranveer as Sunny, the gym instructor boyfriend of Delhi rich girl Dimple Chaddha (a very impressive Parineeti Chopra). It’s no secret that our hero is a conman, and, in a scene, where he brings home a drunk and passed-out Dimple home to her parents, he demonstrates just how good he is at smooth-talking. We see it coming that Sunny will cheat Dimple and her dad (who, in turn, had been trying to cheat Sunny). What comes as a surprise is that the girl still loves him, despite knowing that all she was to him was another victim. Dimple hangs on to a picture she’s got of Sunny, not willing to share it with the police, but not sure what she wants to do with it either.

The next conman avatar served up is Deven Shah, who just happens to have an M F Husain painting handy just when Mumbai-based corporate hotshot Raina Parulekar (Dipannita Sharma Atwal) desperately wants it. Raina’s company is cheated out of Rs 60 lakhs, and she is accused by her boss of having been part of the con. Not one to take this lying down, she declares on national TV that she will find the man responsible, and clear her name.

Next, Dimple contacts Raina, and they’re also contacted by Lucknow based Saira Rashid (Aditi Sharma, who was so good in ‘Mausam’ and is just as effective playing a subdued character here). The episode of Saira’s conning is narrated in flashback, which lends a nice variation to the proceedings.

So the three ladies who’ve been conned decide to get back at the conman. Raina believes she knows just the girl to do the job. Enter Ishika Desai (Anushka Sharma), a fast-talking saleswoman.

The movie moves along fairly well even as Ishika puts the moves on Vikram Thapar (that’s our conman, now in Goa). She pretends to be a motel heiress, who wants to set up her own restaurant business in India to show her dad what she’s made of. She wants Vikram to invest in her project, and that’s the money the girls want to recover.

So far, so believable. What isn’t really well-explored is how Vikram and Ishika fall in love. ‘Ladies vs Ricky Bahl’ gives lots of focus to the ladies (Parineeti, Dipannita and Aditi) and they do full justice to their well-written roles. In comparison, Anushka’s part seems under-written, and, somehow, not as real as the others. She’s a good actress, of course. But that always dialed-up perkiness seems to pop up in every character she plays. That often makes her roles indistinguishable from one another.

That quibble aside, things get more interesting when the conman finds out that Ishika has been planted to con him. Ranveer is really good in the scenes after that discovery, and when he says later, towards the end, “I’m too good, na?”, we have to agree.

There’s no backstory to this conman, no family tragedy that made him turn to crime, he just seems to enjoy the thrill of outwitting someone. Why just women? No idea, and that’s how this story by Aditya Chopra wants to keep it. Whatever the reason, Ranveer makes the part his own.

We’d somehow been expecting a ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ kind of ending for ‘Ladies vs Ricky Bahl’. What we get instead is something similar to ‘Band Baaja Baaraat’. It’s a good ending for the romantics, but if you’re a fan of the con, you will be disappointed.

Also, since this is a Yash Raj film, there are the usual YRF elements. Hot stars in sizzling scenes (Ranveer shows off his six-pack from a lot of angles and Anushka enters and emerges from a swimming pool in a black bikini); a reference to a movie from the production house (‘Tashan’ plays on a 52-inch TV); and a multiple salute to Shah Rukh Khan.

Overall though, ‘Ladies vs Ricky Bahl’ is a movie that’s worth watching. There’s a really good performance from Parineeti, and she also has the best lines in the movie (from her outburst at her dad about his double standards or her dismay at seeing that her ex-boyfriend is more ripped than ever). Habib Faisal’s dialogues, as always, have an inherent honesty about them. So whatever the characters say, it sounds real.

And ultimately, these are interesting characters who live in interesting times. Go watch ‘Ladies vs Ricky Bahl’ for them.

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Sanjay Dutt is Munnabhai again

The actor will reprise his most popular role for the third part

 

Sanjay Dutt

It is probably one of the most awaited sequels in Bollywood. For long there have been murmurs about who will play Munnabhai in the next film in the series. Some time back there were rumours of Aamir Khan being approached for the role but that turned out to be just idle gossip.

Now it seems producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra and director Raju Hirani have made up their minds. Apparently, they have decided to revive the Munnabhai series with Sanjay Dutt in the lead once again. Arshad Warsi too will reprise his role as the loveable sidekick Circuit.

The title of the latest Munnabhai film will be 'Munnabhai Ki Aatma Katha' and is being scripted right now. It is expected to go on the floors in 2012.

Interestingly, after the hugely successful ‘Lage Raho Munnabhai’, it was said that the next part would be called ‘Munnabhai Chale Amrika’ in which the gangster travels to the US to meet George Bush. A promo had also been made for the film. But then the idea was dropped. Later, Chopra was approached by a Hollywood studio with a huge sum to part with the super-successful franchise but the maverick filmmaker refused.

As ardent Munnabhai fans, we can't wait to see what Sanju and Arshad will be up to next!

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Riteish Genelia to have a Valentine wedding

Juicy details of their February wedding revealed

Riteish and Genelia

Love birds Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza are rumored to tie the knot on Feburary 5, 2012. A close friend of the actors revealed to a tabloid that the wedding plans were made only recently and the couple plan to have a four-day celebration in Mumbai. The friend also added that the mehndi, sangeet, wedding and reception will either take place on Feb 3, 4, 5 and 6 respectively. Alternatively, the ceremonies might also be held from February 1-4. Apparently, the Hotel Hyatt Regency in Mumbai will be the chosen venue for the big fat celebrations.

At the moment, the couple is busy finalising the right wedding invitation for close friends and family. The guest list will include the Bachchans, directors Karan Johar, Ram Gopal Verma and Sajid Khan, actors Boman Irani, Imran Khan and other big names from Bollywood. Riteish and Genelia are also rumoured to have taken a break for two months from their current projects for their wedding and honeymoon. The destination for the honeymoon is still being kept a secret.

Riteish and Genelia started their romance while making their debut in the 2003 flick ‘Tujhe Meri Kasam.’ While the film bombed at the box office it remained extra special for the couple for obvious reasons. The couple rubbished rumors of their relationship for about eight years, before finally acknowledging their love for each other to the media earlier this year.

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Sonam turns to Kollywood now

The actress is rumoured to have signed Mani Ratnam’s next project

Sonam Kapoor

Usually actresses who don’t get work in Bollywood turn their attention to the south. We don’t know the reason yet but Sonam Kapoor is reportedly set to make her debut in Kollywood with award-winning director Mani Ratnam. According to sources, Mani initially had planned to make a Hindi movie with power-couple Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan but with Ash’s pregnancy, the project was put on hold.

Of course, Sonam, it is said, didn’t lap up the offer immediately. Last year the industry was abuzz with rumours that the actress had apparently snubbed Mani Ratnam when he approached her to work in his assistant Shiva’s project titled ‘Paki’. Ever since, things have changed. Mani himself contacted Sonam and after a little bit of coaxing from dad Anil Kapoor, she has apparently decided to say yes to the project. Insiders say Sonam was finally convinced that doing a regional film was a smart career move as her dad himself launched his career with a Telugu film.

Friends of the star also revealed that the 26-year-old looks forward to learning and speaking Tamil even though her dialogues might be dubbed. Sonam hasn’t yet commented on her move except for saying that working in regional movies would be a unique experience by itself.

We wonder if her new found love for Tamil cinema has something to with her continuing flops in Bollywood! But whatever be the motive, Kollywood would surely welcome the stylista!

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Money isn’t important to SRK

So what really turns King Khan on?

Shahrukh Khan

He is known to charge a huge sum for his films and is unabashed about his penchant to dance at weddings and stage shows for money. But Shah Rukh Khan says his real passion lies in acting and not making money. At a recent interview during the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), the 46-year-old said he didn’t enter Bollywood to become rich and added that whenever filmmakers come to him to discuss new projects he doesn’t like talking about his ‘acting fees.’

"Very few people know about this except those who work with me. For the last eight or 10 years, I haven’t asked for a fixed fee. I tell them that they can rake in all the money by utilising my name and let the film become as big as possible. When it makes huge profits at the box office, they can decide what they want to give me," the ‘Don 2’ actor said.

The super wealthy actor professed his love for acting when he said, “The biggest gift an actor can get is when he can act in front of the world. There's no bigger salary than that. The only thing that turns me on is work, work and more work.”

Yes, we believe you Shah Rukh!

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