I`d do it all with a really hot costume: Mallika

Mallika Sherawat recently shot for the second issue of 'WMB 3D: World's Most Beautiful', the world's first 3D magazine, in which Mallika has a beautiful 11-page feature.

Here is a brief description of WMB: 'WMB 3D: World's Most Beautiful is the world's first 3D magazine. It is photographed using the Saglimbeni3D camera system designed by celebrity photographer Nick Saglimbeni. A portion of profits from each issue are donated to charity.

A few quotes from Mallika's interview:

Q: What would you say to your Indian fans about your WMB 3D shoot?
Mallika:I've never been photographed like this before - the whole concept will completely take them by surprise. The fans will love it. Seventy percent of the population in India is under the age of 30, and this will definitely speak to them.viagra online And they love 3D in India!

Q: Do you think the definition of beauty is changing worldwide?
Mallika: I think it's a very good time, not only for Indian actresses, but for all women of color. The world is finally seeing that. Salma Hayek, Halle Berry, these women paved the way. The idea of beauty and the idea of what makes a good leading lady have changed dramatically.

Q: If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Mallika: I would stop all this nonsense with war and greed for material things, which is causing the destruction of relationships, families and the earth. But I would do it all with a really hot costume to keep people's attention. [laughs]

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Aamir Khan on the lookout for cyber thief

He's hired an agency to investigate the release of the fake ‘Talaash’ poster

Aamir Khan

After fake songs, fake star looks and fake pictures from movies, it’s the turn of fake posters of a film to be leaked on the internet. The movie in question this time is the Aamir Khan-Rani Mukherji-Kareena Kapoor starrer ‘Talaash’ that will be released in June. Apparently, Aamir is majorly upset by a fake poster that was released on the internet. The poster claimed to be the first look of the film. It soon went viral and the audience felt that it was the real one.

Later, Farhan Akhtar, the film’s producer came on the scene and clarified that the poster is not a genuine one. He tweeted, “Please beware of a fake 'Talaash' poster doing the rounds.... it is not the official first look. That is still to happen (sic).”

But Aamir, it seems, doesn’t not want to take any chance. Reports say he has hired a US-based foreign cyber agency to investigate into the matter. A spokesperson from his team confirmed to a newspaper, “We are all concerned of these fake posters. Yes, an online agency has been put on to the job of fact- finding. We would like to clear that none of the poster on net are even remotely close to the actual designs.”

Hopefully now the cyber thief will be caught soon. After all, it’s Mr Perfectionist who is hunting him or her down!

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Why Bollywood Hotties lie at the airport?

This time it was Sonal Chauhan who had to pay a fine of Rs 85,000 for not declaring her designer purchases 

Sonal Chauhan's trip to Macau over the weekend for an awards event ended on a bitter note.

On her arrival in Mumbai on Sunday night, the actress was intercepted by the airport customs for carrying high-end brands. She was fined Rs 85, 000 and then allowed to go.

The Jannat actress had picked up two branded designer bags at the Hong Kong airport. She was carrying her purchases and walking through the green channel, when she was stopped.

Says an onlooker, "Sonal had a suitcase and her two purchases in her hand. She did not realise that she would come under the Customs scanner. She was asked to show the receipts for the Salvatore Ferragamo and Chanel bags she had bought."

The starlet had her proof of purchase with her and according to the costs she was asked to pay Rs 85, 000 as fine for evading duty.

A source close to the actress states, "She did not want to create a scene as people had started gathering around when the customs folk were questioning her. She co-operated with them, paid the fine and was then allowed to go."

Bollywood folk in the Customs net...


On January 7, Dia Mirza was fined Rs 50,000 for not declaring her branded bags/cosmetics worth over Rs 2 lakh on her return from Bangkok.


In August last year, Ekta Kapoor was fined Rs 50,000 for not declaring her branded buys on returning from Bangkok.


In June last year, Anushka Sharma was questioned while returning from an awards event in Toronto for carrying undeclared jewellery.


In May last year, Minissha Lamba was apprehended for carrying jewellery worth over Rs 50 lakh on her way back from the Cannes film festival.


In the same month, Bipasha Basu had to pay about Rs 12,000 for carrying branded stuff on her arrival from London while Vikram Lamba (Mallika Sherawat's brother) was detained for carrying foreign currency and high -end goods on his arrival from Dubai.

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OMG! Can you recognise her?

Manisha Koirala was spotted at ex-beau Prashant Chaudhari's restaurant lounge opening at Versova over the weekend.

The actress looked unrecognisable. It seems she has just let herself go after the buzz about trouble in her marriage and an impending divorce.

Yeh kya ho gaya hai, Manya?

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Ranbir says no to childhood buddy's Rs.1 crore

Ranbir Kapoor disappoints childhood buddy Rohit Dhawan by apparently turning down his next film 

Mixing personal and professional relationships has often acted against the careers of several actors.

Many senior actors in the industry have committed to projects for the sake of their friends, only to find no takers at the ticket windows.

Looks like Ranbir Kapoor is being extra cautious not to walk in their footsteps by declining a signing amount of R 1 crore for his director dost Rohit Dhawan's next film.

Our well-placed source reveals that Rohit approached Ranbir for his next movie, about a week after the release of his directorial debut, Desi Boyz.

"Rohit discussed another movie with the same producers who produced the Akshay Kumar-John Abraham comedy.

In fact, he even told them that he'd get Ranbir on board for their next venture. They only had to keep Rs 1 crore ready to pay him as the signing amount, " says our informer.

The source further tells us that the two have been thick friends for a long time. "Ranbir is often spotted hanging around with Rohit at David Dhawan's residence, " explains our source, adding that considering this friendship, the director felt he'd get his buddy to confirm for his next movie.


Instead, Dhawan Junior was in for an unpleasant shock when his actor buddy apparently declined. "Ranbir cited unavailability of dates for the next year and a half, saying he was already committed, " said our source.

However, Kapoor's reasons are strictly professional. As our informer elaborates, "After the acclaim Ranbir earned for Rockstar and the buzz Barfi is generating, he's not looking to do run-of-the-mill roles and films.

Even Ayaan Mukherji's Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani for producer Karan Johar is a different kind of romantic script. Since he didn't want to upset his friend, he told Rohit that he's preoccupied with prior commitments."

When contacted, Rohit denied the story saying, "I haven't even opened my laptop after Desi Boyz, so I've no script to offer to Ranbir yet.

I respect him as a professional so I can't ask him to do a film without giving him any narration or story idea. Currently, I'm preoccupied with my wedding, due on February 3 and will begin scripting my next only in March."

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Box office: Dullest January ever

Trade analysts say that now all eyes are on this week's release Agneepath as none of the movies this month have received a positive response

Of the four film that released last Friday, not one has managed to leave a mark at the box office.

While Sudhish Kamath's Good Night Good Morning, Clint Eastwood's J Edgar with Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnson Thomas's Coriolanus fetched raving reviews, and Kate Beckinsale's Underworld: Awakening took the franchise another step further, trade analysts are now pegging this January as the worst in quite a few years.

Veteran trade analyst Amod Mehra points out that otherwise we've had some or the other film working in January. "But this time nothing has worked so far. After a bumper 2011, when four films crossed R 100 crore net, 2012 has begun on a bad note.

While Players has been a major disappointment, smaller films like Chaalis Chaurasi couldn't even cover the cost of their print and advertising.

Even an English film like Underworld: Awakening has bombed, " he shrugs, adding that all eyes are now on Agneepath which releases on January 26. "Going by the pre-release response, it looks to net R 100 crore in the first week itself, " he enthuses.

A programming head of a national multiplex chain calls this week "a complete washout." Pegging the opening of Good Night Good Morning, which was only released in PVR at an average of 15-20 per cent occupancy in the first three days, on condition of anonymity, he says, "It was not a movie for the masses.

Besides, they didn't have a marketing budget. How do you expect the audience out there to know that this movie is releasing?"

Oblivious to why an otherwise comparatively safer film like Underworld: Awakening failed, our friendly programming head says, "It's also beyond me imagining why J Edgar had a limited release, in a few multiplexes in Mumbai, Delhi and other cities.



Considering it's directed by Clint Eastwood and features Leo DiCaprio in the title role, one expected it to have a wider release. Even if the film picks up, widening its release in the second week looks difficult with three more coming up on Friday Descendants, Contraband and Haywire."

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I have killed my ego and learnt to say sorry: Ekta Kapoor

She is envied for her hard work and success but she is also given many not so flattering tags.

A tough slave driver, short tempered, mistrusting and many more. Refreshingly, Ekta admits to all of them but says she's a changed woman today.

After enjoying huge success, your company went through a really bad phase in 2008 and suffered a loss of around Rs 14 crore. What did that phase teach you?
We lost more than 14 crore. After a steady success for eight years, suddenly everything started going wrong. I was a wreck.

Channel 9, where we had many serials running, shut down, we had this fight with Star TV, we had paid advance to a company to make films and that wasn't materialising, ask me what didn't go wrong.

Only post Pavitra Rishta that things started looking up. This is when I realised that if I took calculated proposals it would be a big risk to take. My choice was making a huge film and spend two crores over promotions or make a three crore film and depend on the content.

Brand Balaji going for the brand value of Dibakar and going completely against the flavour and texture of what they have been doing itself made enough noise to launch a brand.

Also it perhaps gained you more respect as till then in spite of being called the czarina of television you were also criticised for making regressive content...
But if you ask me, I am still more proud of my achievements in television. It is so tough to cater to that many tastes. I might not understand the financial situation of a middle class home but the middle class values I can totally identify with.

In fact, there was a survey that said that women in homes got more assertive after this TV boom started. So many of my friends told me that I make regressive serials, but these were the people who wouldn't even watch TV.

They would say - 'Oh I watched one or two scenes and I didn't like what I saw'. I would call such people myopic. I still have far more respect for TV producers because there is no star power there; all that works is the content.

Those TV producers are not lunching with Salman Khan or dining with SRK. All they have is the content that could either make a serial or break it.

I on a personal level just ran out of stories to tell on television, so the only other medium available for me was films where I could explore darker, edgier stories. Stories with more layers...in truth, I am bohemian in thought and conservative in action.

When you were riding high you were a short-tempered, impatient person. Did the low phase mellow you down?
I was 17 when I started my TV career. If you have the number one show when you are 19 and at 25 the whole era on television is being dedicated to you, you are bound to grow cat's whiskers.

I made some really stupid decisions, I lost some really nice friends because I asked them to leave the company. I was short tempered because I had too much work.

I didn't know how to absorb it all. It is not the low phase but it is success, which taught me a few things.

Now when I look back I have realised that no longer do I want to be a slave to success. I was in such a hurry to be successful that I simply didn't care.

Today I know that you have to be a human being first. Tomorrow if none of my films do well, I am not going to reach the lowest rungs of depression like I used to. I know that I have many other things to be thankful for.

If I am not successful maybe the world will value me lesser, but the world's view not necessarily be my own view of myself. Today spirituality comes to me before success.

In fact, it is my strong belief in God that has cushioned my failure. I have not become a saint, but I can say sorry more easily now. I am willing to accept my fault. I have killed my ego and learnt to say sorry.

And is there a regret you can't amend?
Yes, I didn't have time for amma. She was my guardian and took care of us for 27 years. When she was dying I was too busy to be with her. I gave work my highest priority.

She took care of me for so many years and I couldn't spare a few months for her. Regret lasts longer than anything else and that is a karmic burden I will always carry.

You also had trust issues?
I still do. At one point I stopped talking to people, started closing all doors and I was very wary of people in general. Now you see the much lighter me.

I used to feel that everyone is after me for something. It is then my mum told me, if you close the very first door, how would you know when a genuine person wants to enter?

She said keep the door open, and then the second door let only few people enter and then slowly you can reach the trust lever with fewer people.

If the door is open, why is your love life still not happening?
I really don't know why. I am very pissed with myself for that. Either I am too intimidating or it is the bad placement of stars. I don't want to get involved with an actor...

Are your standards high?
No. My standards are really low. But it just doesn't happen. Even a flirty situation has not come up. I have not been remotely interested in a guy since last one year...But my trust issues come up here too. I still think somewhere you got to be careful.

I just want to protect my heart from rejection. Also I am not sure who is approaching me for what I am. I joined a gym and I couldn't work out because there were four aspiring actors working out only around me. I take a flight, pursers give me their numbers.

If I write a story, I will have the most amusing real life incidents to narrate.

How will I ever know who wants to genuinely be my friend and not use me? A friend was asking me the other day if there is anyone I trust at all, and I said yes, only my mother.

I have learnt many things now. I have learnt to delegate. I have also learnt that I won't die if I don't continue being successful. People's expectations of you can be killing.

In 2005 I thought I can't give a flop ever. But today I wouldn't care less. If I fail and if you don't want to talk to me, that's your problem. I am on this let me be happy phase. For me spirituality comes first and then success.

It can be really lonely at the top and the company you have around is not what you want. So I am not taking that risk again.

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Agent Vinod Movie Poster

Agent Vinod Movie Poster

 

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Milkha Singh vs Paan Singh

UTV pulled out of Milkha's biopic apparently because their film on another athlete is releasing soon

Ever since five films on Bhagat Singh were made around the same time over eight years ago, producers have become very cautious about the genres and subjects of their new ventures.

And that's the reason a corporate studio backed out of Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. "Because they're already releasing Paan Singh Tomar, based on a runner who becomes a rebel, next month, " state industry sources.

Buzz is that Mehra had first approached UTV Motion Pictures to finance and co-produce the movie, based on the nation's legendary athlete, Milkha Singh.

"That is because he shares good relations with UTV, having made Rang De Basanti and Delhi 6 with them, " says our informer, adding, "Never mind if Delhi 6 didn't work even a quarter as much as Rang De Basanti, the corporate house has a good experience of working with him. And he felt no other studio would understand his vision as well as UTV."

However, the production house had their plans. First they declined to back Mehra's ambitious project, toplining Farhan Akhtar as the Flying Sikh and Sonam Kapoor as his love interest prior to his wedding.


"They already had Paan Singh Tomar featuring Irrfan Khan lying complete for about a year now. And most importantly, this Tigmanshu Dhulia directed film is based on a real life athlete too, " asserted our informer.

Another factor that influenced the studio major's plan of action was the budget. As our source reveals, "Paan Singh... is made at less than Rs 4 crore, including Irrfan's fees.

On the other hand, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag has a production budget of Rs 30 crore. UTV didn't think it was a wise decision to back Rakeysh's film with Farhan.



Sometime in late 2011, the head of the production house conveyed to Rakeysh that while they'd love to team up with him again, they couldn't work together with him on Bhaag Milkha Bhaag."
Now, Farhan and Ritesh Sidhwani, his friend-cum-production partner are producing the movie in association with Mehra's company. However, to whom they sell the distribution rights of the film now remains to be seen.

Did you know?

Paan Singh Tomar is inspired from the real life runner who won the steeplechase event at the Indian National Games. The real Paan Singh triumphed seven times in a row. But he gave it all up, including his post as a Subedar in the Army before becoming a rebel who wreaked havoc in the Chambal valley.

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Why Sunny leone is a perfect fit for 'Jism 2'

Bollywood producer Pooja Bhatt believes that casting plays an important role in moviemaking, and an actor's personality must match with the character one plays. That is precisely the reason why she chose Indo- Canadian porn star Sunny Leone for the lead part in "Jism 2".

"We have done authentic casting in 'Jism 2'. We have taken Sunny Leone because we want a girl who plays that kind of part and persona, " said Pooja on the sidelines of an event.

"It is very important that you cast authentically. Everyone talks about out-of-the-box casting but no one does it, " added the the 39-year-old.

Pooja, who has made films like "Zakhm", "Jism" and "Paap", asserts that she likes to associate with people who are genuine.

"People talk about 'Zakhm' and then go and watch 'Jism'. The point is that we have decided to attach ourselves with only those who are audacious, be it Sunny Leone or anyone else; people who walk their talk and dare to stick their necks out, " she said.

The actress-turned-filmmaker, daughter of Mahesh Bhatt, is currently busy with pre-production work of "Jism 2", which will go on floors soon.

Two male actors are yet to be finalised for the film.

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Another Southern hottie to gatecrash into Bollywood

Another Southern hottie Samantha Ruth Prabhu is all set to gatecrash into Hindi cinema, with Aditya Roy Kapoor as her co-star.

Remember Aditya Roy Kapoor? UTV’s Siddharth and Delhi Belly actor Kunal Roy Kapoor’s curly-haired kid-brother made quite an impression with his two debut films Action Replay and Guzaarish in 2010.

Thereafter, he vanished almost to the point of non-existence, not answering messages or phone calls.

It now turns out that the chuppa rustom Kapoor has actually been busy in the South shooting for a Tamil-Telugu-Hindi tri-lingual being directed by the hotshot Gautham Menon, in the news for his new Hindi film Ek Deewana Tha.

Gautham apparently has shot almost the entire film already.

When asked about the project the prolific Tamil-Telugu-Hindi director admitted, “Yes, I am working with Aditya Roy Kapoor in a film that I am making in three languages Tamil, Telugu and Hindi. The Hindi version with Aditya is called Assi Nabbe Poorey Sau.”

While Roy Kapoor plays the lead in the Hindi version of this adventure-comedy-drama, Tamil superstar Jeeva and the Telugu star Nani play the lead in the other two versions of the film.

Interesting Samantha whom Gautham Menon introduced in Tamil film in 2010 stars in all three versions of the film.

Says Menon, “I already have three different heroes in three different langages to deal with. In addition three heroines would’ve been impossible to handle. So Samantha stars in all three languages.”

The director says shooting a tri-lingual is like making three different films. “I do one shot with Aditya and then the same shot with Jeeva and Nani.We go through everu shot three times over in exactly the same way.I’ve never done a film simultaneously in three languages.”

About Aditya Roy Kapoor, Menon says, “I spotted him on the location for Vipul Shah’s Action Replay. I immediately knew he was right for Assi Nabbe Poorey Sau.”

Interestingly the Roy boy has made headway on his own. Though his Bade Bhaiyya is the head honcho at UTV it has been made clear to the ladla sibling that his corporate connections in Bollywood aren’t going to get him roles.

Adds Gautham Menon, “At the moment my full focus is on the release of Ek Deewana Tha.It’s simple oldfashioned love story.”

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Khan sisters show their stripes

Nigaar and Gauahar Khan in a hot new ad for PETA

The PETA ad featuring Nigaar and Gauahar Khan

The animal rights group PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has always come up with innovative campaigns to create awareness about the cruelty to animals. This time they have signed up the sexy sisters Nigaar and Gauahaar Khan, the stars of the UTV Bindass reality show ‘The Khan Sisters’ for an ad campaign in which the sisters appear wearing zebra-striped bodysuits while caged in a zebra-striped box above the words ‘Think Outside the Box: Boycott Cages, Boycott Zoos’. The ad, which will be featured in the January 28 episode of ‘The Khan Sisters’, was shot by ace photographer Gaurav C Bhat and styled by Hazel Paul.

"You don't learn anything from looking at a sad animal locked up in a zoo", says Gauahar. "If you want to learn about animals, view them in their natural habitats – visit a nature preserve, or watch a video or read a magazine about them. Don't support the keeping of animals in unnatural confinement."

Adds Nigaar, "Like people, animals need freedom. Instead of spending money on breeding animals or capturing them in the wild, we should be spending money on protecting the animals' natural habitats or on creating reserves and national parks where they can live in peace."

Hundreds of thousands of animals languish in cages in zoos around the world. Denied everything that is natural and important to them, these animals express their frustration and loneliness through obsessive, repetitive and even self-destructive behaviour such as pacing, head-bobbing and self-mutilation. PETA's undercover investigations in zoos across India have found appalling neglect, decrepit facilities and animal suffering on a massive scale.

The intentions are definitely good and while the two ladies posing weirdly in a cage might not make any difference to the conditions of the poor animals, it definitely makes for an interesting image doesn’t it?

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Sweet Tooth

Entreprenuer Nidhi Bhojwani on how she made Yummy Tummy such a success

T he lovely owner of the hottest new dessert place in town, Yummy Tummy, is nothing if not passionate about her fantastic venture. With treats that are gluten, flour, egg and sugar free, there is something for everyone at this adorable place. We visit the lady herself at her cosy home and get chatting about everything that makes her tick!

How did you come up with the name Yummy Tummy? 
My daughter also loves sweets and one day she came and told me she needs something yummy in her tummy and I realised that was the best name I could think of. We always wanted a name that would cater to all age groups and that would have an element of fun.

Did you always have an entrepreneurial streak or did you develop it recently? 
I am a fashion designer by profession and worked in the industry until I got married in Dubai. My husband’s family has been in Dubai for more than 40 years, and they have been one of the leading business houses in the city. It is because my family was and is as supportive as they are that this venture became feasible.

Please tell us a bit about your childhood and college years. Where did you complete your education? 
I was born and brought up in Delhi and graduated from NIFT – The National Institute of Fashion Technology.

There are a lot of places that offer desserts and chocolates. What makes Yummy Tummy’s products different?
At Yummy Tummy we create products to suit our clients’ requirements and have a broad range of offerings, right from organic and gluten-free to low-calorie, eggless and sugar free treats!

Our treats suit all age groups and we use the best of ingredients from all over the world to create unique and delicious flavours for
Yummy Tummy.

You place a lot of emphasis on design and the ‘look’ as well. How do you go about deciding these elements?
At Yummy Tummy good taste is everything, right from the flavour and freshness of our goods to the beauty of the presentation. Yummy Tummy’s cakes are traditional, unique and fun and incorporate quirky elements to reflect each our customers’ personality and style. We understand the theme of the party or personality of the client and based on the same, make customised cakes for any type of celebration, no matter the budget.

Do you have a major sweet tooth yourself? How many chocolates and other sinful treats do you have in a day? 
I am a huge dessert person and crave something sweet after my main meals, especially. After starting Yummy Tummy, my dessert intake has increased greatly as I have to taste everything we make!

Tell us more about your personal life. Are you married? If yes, how involved is your husband in this venture?
Yes, I am married and my husband is a great source of inspiration in this new venture. He comes from a food-related background and has been helping me source ingredients from the USA and the UK, amongst other countries. It’s always nice to have someone from your family around to help and offer advice and support.

When you travel for your holidays, do you tend to check out the dessert places first? If yes, which countries or cities do you think have the best desserts?
Since I have a major sweet tooth, checking out dessert places are on the top of my priority list and ever since I opened Yummy Tummy, I have been looking at dessert places even more often.

I recently travelled to Paris and Belgium and think that these two places are perfect jaunts for us dessert lovers.

What are your hobbies and how do you make time for them in your life? 
I love swimming. During the weekend I make sure to find time to plan something that includes swimming with my family.

What do you like most about Dubai? 
Dubai is a cosmopolitan city. It is a shopper’s delight and a city that is packed with excitement. It is already a top tourist destination and continues to expand and astound with its groundbreaking architecture and other fantastic ventures. My favourite hangout in the city is 101 lounge at The One & Only Palm Jumeirah and Zuma at DIFC.

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The right note

Acclaimed tabla virtuoso Anuradha Pal on making a mark in a male-dominated field

Anuradha Pal

The upcoming Global Fusion concert to be held on January 28, 2012 at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel will be very special for connoisseurs of music for it features a very special artiste – Mumbai-based star tabla virtuoso and percussionist Anuradha Pal.

It is perhaps difficult to list all of Anuradha’s achievements at one go! A versatile and celebrated artiste, Anuradha trained under legends like the late Ustad Allah Rakha and Zakir Hussain. Today she is an internationally acclaimed tabla soloist and accompanist with top Indian classical, African, jazz and world musicians. Over the years she has participated in major festivals in the UK, USA, Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok and Africa. She also holds the distinction of being the only Indian woman musician to perform at the renowned WOMAD festival in the UK. Moreover, she has performed before dignitaries like the PM and President of India and Queen Elizabeth, besides winning accolades and awards galore for her talent.

Anuradha is the founder and music director of two distinct Fusion bands, Stree Shakti and Recharge, and her mission is to reach out to as many women as possible and empower them through her music. We chatted with this amazing woman about her life and passions.

How does it feel to play live at the Global Fusion Concert in Dubai?
I am very excited and am looking forward eagerly to performing in the Global Fusion concert. It is an interesting concept and I thank Bank Sarasin-Alpen and Alpen Capital for the opportunity.

How different will this concert be from the other concerts you have performed at? 
This is a very rare event as it features some of the best women musicians from across the world, all collaborating towards creating a fusion of the music of the globe.

Please tell us more about the bands Stree Shakti and Recharge and their musical styles. 
My Stree Shakti is an all-female percussion-based vocal and instrumental combination ensemble, which combines the best of the repertoire of the Hindustani and Carnatic styles. Stree Shakti has performed at some of the most prestigious festivals around the world namely Womad festival for an audience of 1.5 lakh people, Rhythm Sticks festival, Barbican Hall and Cardiff Jazz festival to name just a few. I formed Stree Shakti in 1996 in order to bring about awareness about discrimination against women and create parity of opportunity and respect for them.
Recharge is basically a confluence of Indian and jazz music which features a combination of African, Latin and Indian percussion. Recharge was India’s only representation at the world-famous Woodstock festival in 2008 and we performed for an audience of four lakh people.

Why don’t we see many female artistes playing the tabla?
Playing the tabla is very difficult. The percussion field has traditionally always been male-dominated. Firstly, it is a physically demanding activity as it requires a lot of strength, stamina and mental agility as well as long hours of practice and years of training to be able to perform. Unfortunately, even now, women are discouraged and discriminated against and not given equal opportunity.

Was it difficult for you to make a mark in this field? 
I had to make sure that I worked so hard that no one could ignore me or prevent me from making my mark. For this, I trained very hard to give my audiences and senior musicians something more in terms of musical offerings, to look forward to at each concert. Along with presenting tabla solos, I also regularly perform with a wide spectrum of vocalists, instrumentalists and dancers from the Hindustani and Carnatic styles of Indian music as well as present concerts of both my bands. In addition, I have performed with other genres of World Music like African, Latin, Jazz, Flamenco, Electronica, Hip Hop etc and enjoy the challenge and thrill of collaborations.

Which has been your most cherished concert and why?
I have had many memorable concerts over a career of 20 years. Right from the my first concert when I was 10 to my concerts at the Masters of Indian Music festival (USA), Woodstock festival (2008), to the festival of India in Brazil, Night of Virtuosos Festival (2011), every single one has been memorable.

Who are your greatest musical influence?
My gurus, tabla legends the late Ustad Alla Rakha and of course, Ustad Zakir Hussain.

How difficult was it composing music for the film ‘Gajagamini’? How was it working with the legendry MF Husain?
It was a great honour working with Husainsaheb. He felt that I would be able to identify with the struggle of women as portrayed in his film, as I had gone through a similar struggle. The agony and ecstasies of this struggle for excellence against the backdrop of centuries of discrimination had to be conveyed through the tabla and I really enjoyed the challenge. I am grateful that Husainsaheb and his family actually felt that my music filled in the gaps in the film and accentuated its expression and meaning.

How long do you practise every day? What keeps you motivated?
Playing the tabla is a spiritual experience for me and practise is necessary for my very existence. If I am not travelling, I practise the whole day…it always seems too little!

Have you faced any injuries while performing? If yes, how did you get through with the concert? 
Yes, I have performed despite injuries as a commitment is a commitment! Fortunately, God has given me strength to go through the pain with equanimity and resolve, and my gurus and families’ blessings have helped me tide over every stressful situation.

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Sunny suits the part, says Pooja Bhatt

Why the adult film star was cast in ‘Jism 2’

Sunny Leone

When Indo-Canadian adult film star Sunny Leone was cast in the sequel to ‘Jism’, being made by the Bhatts, everyone thought it was a publicity stunt. After all, what better way to create news about your film than sign a controversial figure and that too on national television (Mahesh Bhatt went to the ‘Bigg Boss 5 house to meet Sunny).

But producer-director Pooja Bhatt says that the only reason why Sunny was chosen to play the lead in the film was because her personality matched with the character she was playing. (Err… we really wonder what that means and what is she playing in the film!).

According to Pooja , the Bhatts had done ‘authentic casting’ in ‘Jism 2’. “We have taken Sunny Leone because we want a girl who plays that kind of part and persona,” she said at an event recently. The producer-director believes that filmmakers only talk about out-of-the-box casting but no one actually does it. She also seems to have realised what the audience wants to watch – not serious movies like ‘Zakhm’ but sizzling stuff like ‘Jism’.

"People talk about 'Zakhm' and then go and watch 'Jism'. The point is that we have decided to attach ourselves with only those who are audacious, be it Sunny Leone or anyone else; people who walk their talk and dare to stick their necks out," she said.

The actress-turned-filmmaker, is currently busy with pre-production work of ‘Jism 2’, which will go on floors soon though she is still on the lookout for two male actors. We guess in-house hero and serial kisser Emraan Hashmi should be a good bet, right Pooja?

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Vijay Galani denies Salman’s allegations

The ‘Veer’ producer challenges the ban imposed on him

Salman Khan

We had reported a few days back how Vijay Galani, the producer of the 2010 Salman Khan-starrer ‘Veer’ had incurred the superstar’s wrath for allegedly not paying his dues amounting to nearly Rs 12 crore. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) had even issued a ban on him from producing any movies until he paid up.

Now the producer, a member of the Association Of Motion Pictures and TV Programme Producers (AMPTPP) has hit back strongly at the allegations of wrongdoing. He stated in a press release that he denied Salman’s claim and said there was no such evidence or document brought on records of the Association to substantiate it. He added that inadvertently the FWICE had illegally issued a ‘non-cooperation’ statement against him which is against the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) between the producers’ body and the FWICE. “AMPTPP has already intimated FWICE for withdrawal of the directive illegally issued by FWICE,” the release stated.

Galani further said that even Ratan Jain, president of AMPTPP has said the FWICE cannot issue non-cooperation directives unilaterally.

Mukesh Bhatt, the chairman of the joint core committee of producers stated that both parties have been asked to arrange a meeting until the non-cooperation is withdrawn.

We hope the issue is resolved soon!

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RAAZ 3 all set to benefit Bipasha

In the flip-flop of affairs that saw Bipasha Basu's fallout with Bhatts duringMURDER 2, the news is that the actress has now once again found herself in their good books for RAAZ 3. All ugliness post her refusal to do a dance number for MURDER 2 is pretty much the story of the past as Bipasha can now be heard going gaga over her reunion with the Bhatts.

	download BIPASHA BASU wallpapers

''Bollywood has been witness to the fact that so many actors have come and gone but only old warhorses like Yash Chopra, Nadiadwalas, Bhatt brothers and perhaps one or two more have survived for decades. Bipasha would agree as well that her reunion with Bhatts is important because though she has been doing consistently well as an actress, box office success has eluded her with PLAYERS, DUM MAARO DUM & AAKROSH not quite doing well. However with JODI BREAKERS promising to bring in a much needed respite for her, all eyes would now be on RAAZ 3 that is expected to be a huge money spinner,'' says a source.


Talking about the prospects of RAAZ 3, a trade expert adds, ''Everyone associated with the film is going through a great professional run. Emraan Hashmi is at the top of his game, Bhatts are cherishing the success MURDER 2 and even haveJANNAT 2 in the pipeline. With Sunny Leone coming on board, they are expecting another blockbuster in JISM 2. On the other hand, Vikram Bhatt too is in great form with HAUNTED doing really well despite relative newcomers. Bipasha is in a win-win state and RAAZ 3 should do a whole lot of good to her.''

No wonder, Bipasha is ecstatic about the reunion and though her last outing each with Vikram Bhatt (AETBAAR) and Bhatt brothers (GUNAAH) are two of her least remembered films, she is hoping for a huge reversal of sorts once the team comes together again for RAAZ 3.

''Of course, I am so looking forward to the film's shooting which is beginning next week,' says Bipasha, 'In RAAZ 3, I am enacting one of the most challenging roles of my career. I am sure the baby steps that I took with Bhatts a decade back during RAAZ would help me do well.''

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Priyanka: I never have any expectations from my films

AGNEEPATH releases in two days and if one looks at the year ahead, Priyanka Chopra is finding herself at a very interesting stage of her career where a couple of big hits would position her back in the top league where she would be in direct competition with Kareena Kapoor & Katrina Kaif. With TERI MERI KAHAANI andBARFII, opposite Shahid Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor respectively, to release this year, she is clearly working even harder to fetch the kind of success that would bring her in a comfortable zone all over again.

	view STAR-STUDDED SPECIAL SCREENING OF AGNEEPATH picture gallery

''Well you know what, it may sound cliched but I work equally hard on each and every film of mine. It could be 7 KHOON MAAF, PYAAR IMPOSSIBLE, WHAT'S YOUR RAASHEE? or a ANJAANA ANJAANI, I have never differentiated in my effort and commitment depending upon the film's subject or its seriousness. Whether it is a fun film or relatively far more dramatic, I give my all without thinking that whether it would be a big hit or work only with niche audience. Also, I never have any expectations from any of my films. I work as if each of them is a blockbuster in the making. Of course when it comes to my performance, I am always conscious of the fact that whether I have impressed my audience or not,'' says Priyanka.


Nevertheless, with two biggies behind her and a couple of more all set to release, Priyanka is currently neck deep into the making of KRRISH 3, yet another sequel where she has been repeated. Though it has been inadvertently seen that leading ladies are pretty much a disposable lot when it comes to sequel, DON 2 and nowKRRISH 3 establish the fact that Priyanka is an exception.

''Oh is it? You know, I had never even thought about this till you highlighted it to me,' Priyanka avers with radiant smile. 'Of course now I am feeling a lot more flattered. Guess if the teams are showing so much faith in me film after film, I must be doing something right. I thoroughly enjoyed working on DON 2 and I am looking forward to a good outing with KRRISH 3 as well,'' she added.

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Anna Hazare to judge GALI GALI CHOR HAI

The entire cast and crew of the upcoming release GALI GALI CHOR HAI have headed to Ralegan Siddhi, the hometown of social activist Anna Hazare, for the special screening of the film.

	view GALI GALI CHOR HAI movie posters

Since the storyline of the film is based on the corruption issue, the GALI GALI CHOR HAI team felt that it would be very much relatable to the anti-corruption supporter and wanted to know his opinion on the film.


Anna is likely to watch director Rumy Jaffery's flick along with actor Akshaye Khanna, Mugdha Godse, Shriya Saran, Satish Kaushik, Annu Kapoor and producer Nitin Manmohan.

Will the film impress Anna Hazare?

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Kolaveri Di sensation Dhanush enters Bollywood!

Indian film actor and singer Dhanush, who came in the limelight post the massive success of his song KOLAVERI DI, is all set make a debut in Bollywood. B-town's latest news is that TANU WEDS MANU director Aanand L Rai has signed Tamil actor Dhanush for his upcoming film RAANJHNAA.

	DHANUSH

The director has been quoted as saying, ''For the past six months, I've been looking for a simple boy to play the lead in RAANJHNAA. My requirement was a man who could look vulnerable on screen. When I saw Dhanush in the Tamil film AADUKALAM (for which he won the National Award), I really liked him. He looks very ordinary and honest, and that was exactly the demand of the character.''


Apparently Dhanush is not well versed with Hindi, but this won't pose as a barrier for him to work in Bollywood. The actor/singer is keen to explore this part of the industry and learn the local language and culture. It seems that he is even planning to hire a trainer to learn Hindi. He is convinced that by the time the shoot gets over, he will be able to communicate fluently in Hindi.

When quizzed about the movie, the director adds, ''The film is an intense love story. Just like my film TANU WEDS MANU, the film and its characters will take you to Delhi, Punjab, Chennai, etc.''

Dhanush too is very excited about the project. Buzz is that the director had approached him for the movie before 'Kolaveri Di' happened. 'It's a big deal to get a launch like this at the beginning of my career here. Aanand's script is different from regular cinema; it's one of those 'made to make a difference' kind of films,' avers Dhanush.

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Farhan Akhtar keen to meet Milkha Singh's trainer

Farhan Akhtar, who is playing the role of legendary sportsman Milkha Singh in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's upcoming film BHAAG MILKHA BHAAG, is looking forward to meeting Milkha Singh's mentor/trainer Havaldar Gurdev Singh. In fact, Havaldar Gurdev Singh will train the actor for his role of the Flying Sikh in the film.

The actor will be taking training tips from Havaldar Gurdev Singh as he's the man behind the success of Milkha Singh and helped him become the 'Flying Sikh of India'.

	view STARS BACK IN MUMBAI FROM MACAO ZEE CINE AWARDS 2012 picture gallery

A source close to the actor says that Farhan has devoted all his energies and has been going through a rigorous training schedule. Rakeysh said 'We want Farhan's character to look as authentic as possible.'

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Ajay Devgn visits Gurudwara

Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn was recently spotted at a famous Mumbai Gurudwara with his entire family and cousins!

	AJAY DEVGN VISITS GURUDWARA

It seems that Devgn is a true-blue Punjabi and many may not know that the actor regularly visits Gurudwara with his whole family! The actor was seen at the famous Gurudwara at Andheri, Mumbai along with his parents Veeru Devgn and Veena Devgn, wife Kajol, children Nysa and Yug and cousins.


Well, that's a slice of life revealed about the superstar!

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Poonam Pandey's sizzles in bikini yet again

When it comes to taking the social networking sites and blog world by storm, very few can beat the sexy Poonam Pandey. The controversial babe wrote on her micro-blogging site today, "After a Long time Sharing a Pic with u "Eye Candy" in Next 10 mins," she added further, ""Eye Candy" TWeethearts!!! Love u alll muwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!"

	view POONAM PANDEY picture gallery

The bombshell then shared a hot new picture of hers. Flaunting her curves in a white bikini, Poonam Pandey undoubtedly grabbed the attention of many.

	view POONAM PANDEY picture gallery

Here's an extra treat for all the Poonam Pandey fans out there. The leggy lass flaunts her oomph factor in a black plunging swim suit.

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Shaurya to use gymnastics against Hrithik in KRRISH 3!

Actress Shaurya Chauhan was recently seen in SADDA ADDA, essaying the role of a bindass Delhi girl, where she was praised by India's leading trade journal. And now she is concentrating on the biggest break of her career, a negative role inHrithik Roshan's KRRISH sequel. As may be recalled Shaurya got the plum assignment after a rigorous auditioning and is now training hard for her part.

	download SHAURYA CHAUHAN wallpapers

"Yeah, true. I have undergone a rigorous three months gymnastic training for KRRISH 3, as per the requirement of my character," says Shaurya. When we queried if she was a sportswoman during her college or school days, she replied in the affirmative, "I was into gymnastics and that has really helped."


With the Roshans fully focused on the KRRISH sequel, the next winner after KOI... MIL GAYA and KRRISH, is keenly awaited and we are quite sure that Shaurya's career too will touch new heights seeing her dedication.

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Sonakshi shoots in Bengal for LOOTERA

Sonakshi Sinha, who received enormous appreciation for her performance inDABANGG, is now busy shooting for her upcoming film LOOTERA in Kolkata. The actress will shoot a couple of scenes and two songs in the festive state.

	view RANVEER & SONAKSHI AT LOOTERA MOVIE LAUNCH picture gallery

The producers and director felt the need to shoot the scenes in Bengal to capture the essence of the story and thus headed straight to Kolkata. 

Earlier it was reported that Sonakshi got stuck for two days in snow when she was shooting near Dalhousie.

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