Sonam Kapoor: Bipasha is very sweet and nurturing

For those who believe that the two hot ladies of Bollywood can't get along and be together will be in a shock to know the sweltering hot Bipasha Basu and chic beautySonam Kapoor, who would be seen in Abbas-Mustan's upcoming film PLAYERS, bonded big time on the sets.

Says the very chirpy Sonam, ''We really got along well. Bipasha is very sweet and nurturing type. She constantly kept telling me 'You need to start working out'. As I am little paunchy (blushes).''

Though there's a vast gap age wise, experience wise, work wise, the two style icons Bipasha and Sonam shared a good equation.


Even the male brigade - Abhishek Bachchan, Bobby Deol, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Omi Vaidya, Sikander Kher, we hear, had a whale of a time shooting for PLAYERS.

PLAYERS is all set to release on 6th January 2011.

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Is Katrina Kaif's Chikni Chameli hottest item song?

No one in their wildest of the dreams must have ever imagined that one day the English babe, Katrina Kaif would dance like a perfect desi girl!

The much awaited item number 'Chikni Chameli' from Karan Johar's filmAGNEEPATH is out. You can't stop bulging your eyes or drooling over while watching Katrina Kaif's raunchy, bawdy moves in the song.

If 'Sheila ki Jawani' was hot, Chikni Chameli is hottest item song of Katrina Kaif!

It seems after spending a good 7-8 years in Bollywood and with 3 item numbers Katrina Kaif has caught the pulse of the audiences of how and when to entice. From hanging to a chandelier to lighting a matchstick by rubbing on her chiknibody to flaunting pahua (carrying a bottle) on her naazuk kamar Katrina gyrates the song with her sexy adayein.

Dressed as Maharashtrian mulgi, Katrina looks nothing less than terrific.


'Chikni Chameli' is the remake of popular Marathi song 'Kombdi'. The song also features Hrithik Roshan, who plays Vijay Deenanath Chauhan, gives a serious angry look, while the bald Kancha Cheena played by Sanjay Dutt stares at Katrina.

If you miss this video you will surely miss the best of Katrina Kaif.

So, wasting no further time check out the video and let us know whether you liked Katrina's hot new item song?

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Abbas Mustan shrug off Abhi's 'rough patch'

Try using the phrase 'rough patch' in front of director duo of Abbas-Mustan but then don't expect them to take it all lying down. Of late they have been inundated with queries around how they expect their rather expensive PLAYERS to do, considering the fact their lead actor Abhishek Bachchan is going through a 'rough patch'. Though they are maintaining a polite and humble demeanour so far, it could well be about time before they lose their patience.

'How can Abbas-Mustan be questioned about the market value that their stars are carrying,' questions an industry expert, 'When have they been dependent upon stars? Akshay Kumar was a newcomer when he did KHILADI with them. Shahrukh Khan was nobody when they gave him BAAZIGAR. Bobby Deol had given a couple of flops before SOLDIER happened to him. Even Saif Ali Khan became a superstar after he enjoyed his biggest money spinner ever in the form of RACE. They have a style of their own and a loyal fan following. Stars add value to their films but they don't drive it.'

As for Abhishek Bachchan in particular, many are willing to support Abbas-Mustan for their decision to rope him in.


'When PLAYERS went on floors, Abhishek was going through a great high in his career. He was working with the biggest of filmmakers like Mani Ratnam (RAAVAN), Ashutosh Gowariker (KHELEIN HUM JEE JAAN SE) and Farhan Akhtar  (GAME). He wasn't doing any small films with any unknown or lesser known banner. Obviously the 'men in white' felt that they were placing their bet right,' says a close associate.

Ask Abbas Burmawala about this and he continues to maintain calm as ever approach. 'See, it happens that sometimes films featuring a particular actor don't work out commercially,' he says, 'When Abhishek was doing the films that you mention, they all seemed promising and it is unfortunate that they didn't do well. Such phase happens to everyone and Abhishek is no exception. We are confident of the final product we have made, so no worries.'

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HEROINE Kareena joins micro-blogging site

There are very few stars who shy away from social networking sites. Bollywood's heroine no 1 is one of them, who has never felt the urge to share her life on these site. But she is making an exception for Madhur Bhandarkar's movie HEROINE.

The actress is ready to tweet via UTV Motion Pictures' socio-networking account, just for this movie. She will share moments from the shooting of the movie and be up, close and personal with her fans about her character and working experience on the sets of HEROINE.

''Yes, I will be on twitter for the first time as Heroine, my character in UTV Motion Pictures and Madhur Bhandarkar's film. It will be a new experience for me and I'm really looking forward for it. I think I will thoroughly enjoy it. I will be doing so from UTV's Twitter handle utvmp,'' says a very enthusiastic Kareena.


Kareena has also tweeted about her first video 'On the sets of HEROINE'.

This is not just an important project for Madhur, it is equally important to Kareena and that's why the actress is going out of the way for this movie.

HEROINE is a UTV Motion Pictures and Bhandarkar Entertainment film. Directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, the film stars Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Randeep Hoodaand Shahana Goswami. The music of the movie is directed by music directors Salim-Sulaiman.

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The hottest Item Song of 2011

Just like any grand feast would be incomplete without desserts, a typical masalaBollywood film is incomplete without saucy item numbers. Like every year, 2011 had its share of some hot and happening item numbers which enthralled us. Here's our pick of attention-grabbing item numbers of 2011 which caught the viewers' fancy.

'Jalebi Bai' from DOUBLE DHAMAAL: Item numbers (which have always been attributed to being hot, spicy, masaledar) were never so 'sweet' and yummy until the Bollywood bombshell Mallika Sherawat, donning a ghaghra and skimpiest choli, showed her sexy moves in this desi-themed item song 'Jalebi Bai' from the film DOUBLE DHAMAAL (sequel of DHAMAAL) directed by.

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Celebrate New Year's Eve with Salman Priyanka Jacqueline

Sunday night will see the entire entertainment industry making a beeline to Bhavan's College grounds, to usher the first award for the season with the BIG STAR ENTERTAINMENT AWARDS. A presentation from the Reliance Broadcast Network stable in association with Star India, the awards are back with its 2nd leg, after its first super-success last year and this year only promises to be grander, with high octane performances by the biggies from the industry!

The show, scheduled to air on Star Plus on New Year's Eve will recognize India's best talent from the entertainment industry across Bollywood, Television, Sports, Music and Dance. The evening will see Shreyas Talpade let loose his charm and sense of humor and rock the evening with his super comic sense, and keeping him company, debuting as a show host - will be none other than Irrfaan Khan with his trade-mark straight faced comedy.

CHECK OUT: Is Priyanka Chopra the next 'rockstar' in the making?

The performances lined up for the show will ensure that the celebration this year is an absolute entertainment package. Audiences can expect to see some super hip hop performances from the Fictious Group who created a stir with their electrifying performances on several reality shows. Television's most loved stars ranging Sanjeeda Sheikh, Shweta Tiwari, Ragini Khanna and Manish Paul amongst others will also be seen shaking their booty.

The 'Dabangg Bodyguard' - Salman Khan will groove to the tunes of some of his hits in his impeccable style, ensuring audiences are left wide mouthed! Another sizzling act will be by sex siren and diva Priyanka Chopra who will most certainly mesmerize audiences with an engaging performance. Adding to the glamour quotient will be Sri Lankan beauty Jacqueline Fernandez with a scintillating performance.

The award this year also sees the introduction of a new social category - male, female and film - which will honor entertainers, who have ensured entertainment, is served with a message. Contending for this slot will be none other than Amitabh Bachchan for AARAKSHAN, Rani Mukherjee for NO ONE KILLED JESSICA, Nandita Das for I AM.

The evening promises to be full of glitz and glamour as the entertainers entertain and get entertained, ensuring India brings in the New Year with panache!

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Karan Johar DOSTANA 2 ready to roll

Popular filmmaker Karan Johar has said the script of his next project DOSTANA 2 is ready and the shooting of the movie is likely to start in 2012.

DOSTANA 2 is a sequel to the successful romantic comedy film DOSTANA . The film had hit the silver screen in 2008.

Karan Johar tweeted on his micro-blogging site, "DOSTANA 2 is definitely starting next year....Script is locked...abhishek and john are ready!!! the boys are back!! Tarun is all set...."


Bollywood will once again witness the comic-duo-John Abraham and Abhishek Bachchan in the film. However, fans will miss 'Desi girl' Priyanka Chopra in the sequel, as she has been replaced by the gorgeous Katrina Kaif.

DOSTANA 2 will be directed by Tarun Mansukhani and Karan Johar will be producing it.

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Vidya Balan gives sleepless nights to Kareena & Priyanka

Vidya Balan is enjoying her 'Numero Uno' Status for the time being. Her last release THE DIRTY PICTURE has catapulted her into a league of her own where names like Priyanka and Kareena shudder in insecurity.

Though Vidya might have stunned everyone including her competitors and ill wishers with her act but it seems the battle is far from over. Reportedly, Kareena and Priyanka have decided not to grant Vidya the title of being the 'No 1' so easily. Our sources have revealed that both Kareena and Priyanka are busy strategizing ways to keep Vidya from toppling their superstardom.

Says our source, 'Vidya's success has sounded an alert in Kareena's and Priyanka's career. The way Vidya has captured public attention through her act in the THE DIRTY PICTURE is reason enough for both the actresses to worry. Now, Kareena, who was initially inhibited to do a revealing act in her forthcoming film HEROINE, has agreed to wear bare minimum to thwart the looming threat to her stardom posed by none else but Vidya Balan. Even Priyanka for that matter is busy looking out for scripts that will keep her stardom steady in the wake of Vidya's rising cult status.'


Though the race for retaining the 'Numero Uno' title among the bollywood heroines has just got more competitive, it would be interesting to see who becomes the actual owner of the title in the coming time. For now Vidya has surely nothing to worry.

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Veena Malik now accused of copying Katrina Kaif's look

Veena Malik has again landed in the middle of a controversy, this time for "ripping-off" Katrina Kaif's look in a new film. After turning down a number of Bollywood roles, the Pakistani actress agreed to dance in an item song titled The Item Bomb Channo.

But critics believe her look is almost identical to that of British Indian actress Katrina Kaif's latest release Chikni Chameli.

Stills from the new film have been dubbed 'uncomfortably reminiscent' of the first-look photos from Kaif's Agneepath by India Today, the Mirror reported.

Critics have speculated that the similarities in dress, hair, makeup and setting are a PR ploy to generate further coverage after the star's FHM nude photoshoot row. But Malik claims the fact that Channo was 'different' is what persuaded her to agree to the film, which is set for release on February 3.

"From styling and the set up, to the tune and choreography, everything in this item number is different," she was quoted as saying. "That is why I choose to do this item song," she said.

Aside from the sizzling costume, the actress also sports a Nathani, a Pakistani nose ring, which was added to her look by her own request.

"Nathani is a very important ornament in Pakistan and it gives a very beautiful look," she said. "So on my request we added it to my look, which is looking stunning," she added.

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Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol

Cast: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Paula Patton

Director: Brad Bird

Rating: ***1/2

A bright, whirling, action-movie toy, the J.J. Abrams-produced “Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol” is certainly entertaining, although lacking suspense and surprise. Watching one of the film’s trademark stunts, I thought to myself, “Tom Cruise, you have some explaining to do to Bruce Willis.”

Ethan Hunt (Cruise) and his team of IMF agents are back — minus Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames) for the most part, but with Brit tech whiz Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg, who’s worth his weight in sidekick gold) still aboard — this time directed by Brad Bird of Pixar fame in his first-ever live-action outing.

What Bird brings to the table is the genius Pixar touch: He turns Ethan and his fellow agents into a variation of the superhero family of “The Incredibles.”

New to the team are warrior princess Jane Carter (alarmingly gorgeous Paula Patton, “Precious”) and seeming desk jockey William Brandt (Jeremy Renner, “The Town”).

Blamed for a 9/11-like bombing of the Kremlin, the team members are disavowed by the U.S. president, who evokes “Ghost Protocol.” (I know, what?) The truth is the IMF team is on the trail of Swedish madman Hendricks (Michael Nyqvist of the great Swedish trilogy “Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”), who is intent on starting a nuclear world war using Russian missiles.

This time around, Renner is the one who leaps from a high perch only to stop midair — inches before fatally crashing. Cruise, for his part, scales the world’s tallest building with nothing more than a pair of not-very-reliable, computerized suction gloves (like I said, paging Elastigirl).

What Bird and the screenwriting team of Josh Appelbaum and Andre Nemec don’t get is that just photographing Cruise standing at an open window near the top of the 2,217-foot-high Burj Khalifa building in Dubai is sufficient to amaze and terrify the audience.

The rest of the stuff is extraneous and familiar. The best bit in the film is a truly amazing, high-tech illusion the IMF team pulls off in the Kremlin.

If you want to watch the film for it being shot in India, and for Anil Kapoor, you'll be sorely disappointed. Only two minutes of actual India make it to the film.

The other shots thought to be filmed in the country, have actually been shot in Indian localities of North America. Kapoor barely has a few minutes' role as a lecherous business tycoon. It's not enough either for his fans or his detractors.

These “Mission: Impossible” films, which kicked off in 1996, have been Cruise’s attempt to create a James Bond-like franchise for himself, and while Cruise has succeeded at the box office, the films have been hit-and-miss, and Ethan Hunt is no James Bond.

Still, this “M:I” is a lot of fun. No one’s going to pretend this film is deep or meaningful but, at its best, it really is pretty awesome.

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Opposition mounts to Amitabh's plea on anti-Sikh riots

A move by Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan to get a clean chit from the Sikh clergy after his name was dragged into the 1984 anti-Sikh riots is facing opposition from sections of the community.

Bachchan's plea to the Jathedar (head) of the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikh religion, Gurbachan Singh, through a letter dated Nov 28, in which he pleaded his innocence in the anti-Sikh riots, is likely to be considered for discussion by the five Sikh high priests at a meeting here Dec 22.

The letter was delivered to the Akal Takht head by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) member from Mumbai, Gurinder Singh Bawa.

The letter from the actor came after he was invited by the Punjab government for the inauguration of the Khalsa Heritage Complex's 'Virasat-e-Khalsa' monument at Anandpur Sahib last month but he did not come after sections of the Sikh community objected.

In his letter, Bachchan wrote: "I am addressing this letter to you with a most pained heart. Wild, irresponsible and most unfounded allegations, by certain sections of the Sikh community, about my involvement in the inciting of violence against them during the most unfortunate Sikh riots of 1984, soon after the death of Shrimati Indira Gandhi, the then prime minister of India, has caused me acute agony.

"These vicious allegations have caused me deep hurt, particularly when they were levelled at a time when I had accepted the invitation from the Punjab government to attend the inaugural ceremony of the historical Khalsa Heritage Complex at Sri Anandpur Sahib, the birthplace of the Khalsa Panth.

I was indeed looking forward to attending this sacred ceremony and sharing the immense pleasure and divine bliss with the Sikh Sangat, but declined because I did not want to be the cause for any embarrassment at this historical function.

"Now that the ceremony is over, I wish to take this opportunity to vehemently and categorically deny these allegations against me which are completely baseless, false and untrue. The Nehru-Gandhi family and our family have old ties from our city of origin, Allahabad.

We have been together in each other's hour of grief and joy, but to allege that I was a part of the crowd that incited them to raise anti-Sikh slogans is a preposterous and blatant lie.

Quite contrarily, I have always propagated the soothing of injured feelings and the maintenance of serenity. The unfortunate incidents of the riots of 1984 against the Sikhs shall always remain a blot and a dark phase in the history of our country, a country that prides itself in its secular credentials."

Bachchan even attached a copy of a photograph of his maternal grandparents, who were from a Sikh family. He pointed out that his maternal grandfather, Khazan Singh Suri, was a bar-at-law from England and that his mother, Teji Bachchan, came from a Sikh family.

Akal Takht head Gurbachan Singh, while acknowledging that he had got the letter, said: "The matter is linked to Sikh sentiments. The five Singh Sahibaan (Sikh high priests) will consider his letter and discuss the matter at their meeting. Whatever they decide, the next action will be taken accordingly."

Bachchan pointed out that he had come to the holiest of Sikh shrines, Harmandar Sahib (popularly known as the Golden Temple), here in December 2007 for prayers after the passing away of his mother.

However, Sikh organisations and independent witnesses have now come forward claiming that Bachchan, then close to the Gandhi family, had come out of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi Oct 31, 1984, and instigated crowds.

A California-based Sikh, Manjit Singh, who lived in the Kalu Sarai area of Delhi then, said in an affidavit to Akal Takht that he himself saw Bachchan instigating people. Bachchan later became an MP for three years representing the Congress party.

The All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF), in a statement, alleged that Bachchan's slogans were broadcast in 1984 by the state-owned Doordarshan TV and All India Radio (AIR). The AISSF said independent witnesses like Jagdish Kaur, Babu Singh Dukhiya and others who watched the relay on Doordarshan and saw Bachchan inciting violence are ready to testify in this matter before the Akal Takht.

AISSF said the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal, which controlled the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), was trying to give a clean chit to Bachchan.

Nearly 7,000 Sikhs were killed in the November 1984 anti-Sikh riots in various parts of the country following the assassination of Indira Gandhi by her two Sikh bodyguards in New Delhi Oct 31, 1984. Over 3,000 were killed in Delhi alone.

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The Game Changers

Most people tread the beaten path but some rare ones lead the way. A salute to some people who in 2011 attempted to go where no one else has dared

Rewind 2011

As much as I am tempted to say that 2011 has been a phenomenal year, it is kind of given considering that the entertainment industry is growing at a breathtaking pace.

However, 2011 does have its fair share of moments which made us proud, moments that made us cringe, moments that made us teary-eyed and moments that made us want to hide under a rock.

Starting from today, till the end of the year, Hitlist will stitch together those moments and talk about the personalities who were instrumental in making them possible. Happy reading. -- Ed

They say rules are meant to be broken. But not everyone who talks of breaking the norm manages to carve a path of his or her own.

2011, fortunately has seen a powerful set of 'game changers', who have proven to be visionaries in their own might.

From a mainstream actress who proudly showed off her three 'tyre'-tummy, to a superstar who announced the news of becoming a father in a way as ingenuous as most of his movies, here are 2011's rebellious bests...


Bombaat Balan

There's little that hasn't already been said about this woman who changed the face (and body) of a leading lady in Bollywood. Post The Dirty Picture, Vidya Balan came to be known as the 'ballsiest' actor in the industry.

In the past five years, revealing extra ounces of flesh has become as sacrilegious as a lip-lock or a sex-scene back in the 70's. But when Vidya strutted around in micro-minis showing of a jelly-belly, it was more about shedding inhibitions, than clothes.

More so, it was a wake-up call for actresses who belong to a space where success rates are measured by the number of item numbers they bag. "In this film I have celebrated my body and I think we all should, " says Vidya.


Daddy cool

Trust Aamir Khan's son to come into the world, making a statement. Azad Rao Khan is a probably the quietest Bollywood baby to be delivered, but still he managed to create all the right noises.

When proud papa announced his arrival through IVF surrogacy, it was a lesson for many popular couples that still treat the method as a taboo. "This baby is especially dear to us because he was born to us after a long wait and some difficulty, " said Aamir.


The Kolaveri chant

A romantic moonlit night, a heartbreak that follows, a glass of scotch and a few tears ingredients that describe the love life of every youngster. Add them in a song, and you've got a number that becomes the anthem of the youth.

Some called Kolaveri racist, some others tagged it sexist, some called the language derogatory, and the rest called it a 'passing' craze. But surprising its critics, this Tanglish number (created in a little Chennai studio) left behind the most popular Bollywood hits to emerge as the most downloaded Indian song ever.

Says Dhanush, "We created a song to show that angst. We're glad it's become so relatable."


Fire in the belly

Every year there's that one film which both curses and celebrates the unpredictability of life. For 2011, Delly Belly was that film and much more.

The dark humour in the film (predominantly in English) resonated not just with the youth but with anyone who understands what it feels like when s*** hits the roof. With no item number, no romantic plot, no real hero or villan, the film defied most Bollywood conventions. It was the first and probably the only time a desi gaali became a chartbuster.

"With DK Bose, we mock our flawed selves. None of us are perfect and the song signifies that, " said Ram Sampat, the composer of the song. The film gave adult humour a new dimension hinting that our cinema is finally coming of age.


Queen Kapoor

From being the queen of soaps to ruling the big screen, Ekta Kapoor's dramatic transition is as surprising as laudable. Her films are everything her TV soaps are not, and 2011 stands testimony to that.

From reviving the dead genre of Bollywood horror with Ragini MMS to providing a fresh perspective on Mumbai's crime scene in Shor in the City to giving us a flavour of the much-mocked upon 80's in The Dirty Picture, she is the one woman producer who has the brains and the b**** to give most others a run for their money.


The 'one' and only

Love it, hate it, but you couldn't ignore it. Shah Rukh Khan's RA.One changed the rules of the marketing game in more ways than one.

We saw Mr Khan endorsing everything from bathing soaps to baniyaans, but that does not take away from the fact that this carpet-bombing marketing method ensured the footfalls SRK badly needed. RA.One also became the film with the most advanced visual effects, opening doors for many such ambitious ventures.

Also...

The Indian television media spoke out loud when they collectively took a stand to not cover the much-hyped arrival of the Bachchan baby. Though, it was looked upon as unfair regulation of the media, it eventually stood out as an example.

A rather provocative and bold Bengali film called Gandu made all attempts for public screenings at film festivals, despite oppositions from political parties. The film, has now been released online successfully reaching a large chunk of its target audience.

Stephen Speilberg's Tin tin for becoming the highest Hollywood animation grosser in India.

Actresses like Purna Jagannathan and Nargis Fakhri who made their Bollywood debuts post their 30s.

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Dostana director wants more from Karan Johar

Apparently the 'Dostana' sequel will not happen as Tarun Mansukhani has demanded a big share in the spoils 

Ever since Karan Johar's production, Dostana, released three years ago, there has been talk about its sequel.

However, the latest is that the film will not be made and the blame is being placed on director Tarun Mansukhani's attitude which Karan is not happy with. Apparently, the director has developed a 'star' status that he wants to cash in on.

Says a source, "Tarun has demanded a huge hike in his directorial fees. He believes he is in the league of top directors like Rajkumar Hirani.

Just as Raju is getting a share in the profits from producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra after the two Munnabhai films, Tarun feels that he, too, should get a share in the profit. Karan, however, doesn't share the same sentiment."

Adds the source, "Karan and the film's actors Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham feel that Tarun can come up with a better and funnier second half. The fact is that the script is complete but it is Tarun's demand for a better deal for Dostana 2 that is hampering the project."

The film, which also starred Priyanka Chopra, had Abhishek and John's characters trying to woo her, while they livie-in as gay partners to get a US citizenship.

Abhishek Bachchan had earlier stated that though Tarun has come up with a script, until all of us are not completely happy with the script, we can't start the sequel as we have to live up the expectations.

Karan and Mansukhani remained unavailable for comment.

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Simran Mundi: From selling film tickets to becoming a heroine

From selling movie tickets to starring in one, model-turned-actress Simran Kaur Mundi was keen to pursue a job in corporate world but destiny took her to modelling and drove her to Bollywood.

After finishing Bio-Technology from Indore, Simran had dreams of landing up in a corporate job and never saw herself being part of the glamour world. But then Miss India happened when she was doing a job in Mumbai.

The newbie is now making her debut in Bollywood with 'Jo Hum Chahein'. "I had graduated in B-tech and wanted to do MBA, I was keen to do a proper office job like 9 to 5 types but destiny had something else in store for me. Destiny brought me to Mumbai and I got a job at Fame Adlabs for selling tickets to celebrities.

Make-up gurus--Bharat and Doris-- spotted me there and asked to participate in Femina Miss India," Simran told in an interview. She was crowned Pantaloons Femina Miss India Universe 2008 in Mumbai.

After winning the prestigious title, modeling was the natural progression and she was all set and ready to leave India and go abroad for modeling, until 'Jo Hum Chahein' happened. "After Miss India I wanted to pursue modeling, my focus was not much on acting and films.

I have done modeling on international platform and was keen on walking ramp abroad. But the offer for the movie came..and I thought it was perfect debut for me," Simran said.

'Jo Hum Chahein', a romantic film directed by Pawan Gill, starring Sunny Gill and Simran in lead. The film releases today.

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How first-time directors fared this year

More than 30 debutant directors entered Bollywood this year. While some rose to fame, others sank without trace

Every year sees fresh faces attempting to win the audience with their histrionics. Equally important are some of the talents from behind the camera that deserve to be focused on. Some prominent ones were...

Kiran Rao: 'Dhobi Ghat'
Being Mrs Aamir Khan ensured that despite an offbeat film, it was marketed and promoted well.
BO fate: Hit The film's budget was about R 10 crore and it went on to make about as much more from all sources of revenue.
Next step: Kiran's next is reportedly based on a concept by Aamir Khan. She is also reportedly working on another script with the backdrop of classical music..

Parvin Dabas: 'Sahi Dhandhe Galat Bande'
Actor and underwater photography enthusiast Pravin Dabas forayed into production and direction with this one.
BO fate: Flop. However, Dabas' efforts received critical acclaim
Next step: Not known.

Luv Ranjan: 'Pyaar Ka Punchnama'
Despite running into some censor trouble, this comedy was well appreciated.
BO fate: Hit
Next step: Ranjan along with his producer Abhishek Pathak is planning a sequel to the film.

Abhinay Deo : 'Game', 'Delhi Belly'
An advertising professional, Deo got lucky with two chances this year, Game for Farhan Akhtar's production house and Delhi Belly for Aamir Khan's productions..
BO fate: While the thriller Game found no takers, the adult comedy, Delhi Belly was a hit and well appreciated.
Next step: Not Known.

'Tere Mere Phere': Deepa Sahi (Comedy/Romance)
Actress Deepa Sahi turned director with this one.
BO fate: Flop
Next step: Not known..

Barnali Ray Shukla: 'Kucch Luv Jaisaa'
This female oriented film ended up being a big bore, in spite of having the talented Shefali Shah playing the lead, with doting husband Vipul Shah producing it.
BO fate: Flop
Next step: Not known

Raghav Dhar: 'My Friend Pinto'
Sanjay Leela Bhansali produced this one but wasn't really liked by masses and critics alike.
BO fate: Flop. The movie is said to have barely registered 10 per cent occupancy.
Next step: Not known

Remo D'souza: 'F.A.L.T.U'
This choreographer turned director's film had nothing new to offer, except for a pacy party anthem, Char baj gaye.
BO fate: A surprise hit. Producer Vashu Bhagnani also made money by selling the satellite rights for R 12 crores.
Next step: Remo's planning one more film for Bhagnani, with of course, Jackky Bhagnani in the lead. PNC has signed him to direct their next film.

Amol Gupte: 'Stanley Ka Dabba'
His foray into direction was aborted after actor-producer and good friend Aamir Khan took over the reins of Taare Zameen Par. Nonetheless, Amol Gupte's debut Stanley Ka Dabba, in which he cast his own son Partho earned a lot of critical acclaim.
BO fate: Average hit
Next step: Gupte has already started working on his next script.

Bejoy Nambiar: 'Shaitan'
Erstwhile assistant of Mani Ratnam, Bejoy Nambiar's debut was produced by Anurag Kashyap. The thriller managed to get much critical acclaim.
BO fate: However, it didn't make any money for Viacom 18 Motion pictures.
Next step: Nambiar is said to be busy scripting a gangster comedy.

Rohit Dhawan : 'Desi Boyz'
Rohit Dhawan followed on his father David Dhawan's footsteps and directed a corny comedy for Eros, which invested R 70 crore in the film.
BO fate: Flop
Next step: Not Known.

'Mere Brother Ki Dulhan': Ali Abbas Zafar (Romance)
Yash Raj Films gave a dream platform for Ali Abbas Zafar, with a good cast and a sizeable budget of R 30 crore.
BO fate: Hit. Even though the film was nothing to write home about, it made more than R 60 crore from all avenues.
Next step: Zafar will be directing yet another movie with Katrina, Imran for Yashraj productions.

Mrigdeep Singh Lamba: 'Teen Thay Bhai'
There were high expectation as the film was produced by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. But the film wasn't up to the mark.
BO fate: Flop
Next step: Not known.

Satyajit Bhatkal: 'Zokkomon'
An advocate by profession, he started by documenting the making of Lagaan, a book and also the much-acclaimed Chale Chalo.
BO fate: Flop
Next step: Not known

Pankaj Kapur: 'Mausam'
Considering his reputation as an actor, everyone waited with bated breathe for Pankaj Kapur's directorial debut. Billed as a romance saga spanning across five continents and about eight years, the film took the biggest opening for a Shahid Kapoor starrer.
BO fate: Flop
Next step: Not known

Nila Madhab Panda: 'I Am Kalam'
Yet another children's film, I Am Kalam earned international acclaim even before its release here. The child star of the film, Harsh Mayyar, also won a National Award for the film.
BO fate: Flop
Next step: Not Known.

Sohan Roy: 'Dam 999'
Roy's film is said to have re-ignited the Mallaperiyar dam fight between the Tamil Nadu and Kerala governments. The movie was banned in the South.
BO fate: Flop
Next step: Not known

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Top 10 Bollywood movies of 2011

From real life sagas to sci-fi and experimental to sentimental dramas - Bollywood's potpourri of hits offered a wide range of themes. Films like "No One Killed Jessica", "Ra.One" and "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara" not only satiated the moviegoer's appetite but also yielded profits for the Hindi film industry.

Here we lists the top 10 movies of the year:

1. "Bodyguard": Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor's "Bodyguard" broke the opening day records by earning Rs.22 crore on the first day. Although the story of the film, directed by Atul Agnihotri, didn't have much to say, the music as well as the action sequences worked in its favour.

Salman's signature dialogue - "Mujh par ek ehsaan karna ki mujh par koi ehsaan na karna" - once again struck a chord with fans.

2. "Ra.One": World class VFX, amazing graphics, innovative marketing, tie-ups with multiple brands and Shah Rukh Khan as the superhero made sci-fi thriller "Ra.One" a profitable venture. Another highlight of the film was its music, especially the song "Chamak challo" sung by international rapper Akon. And the marathon promotion by the superstar helped bring people to the theatres.

3. "The Dirty Picture": Her sensuous look shocked, her itsy-bitsy clothes astonished and her double meaning dialogues left audiences gasping for breath, but all this nothwithstanding, Vidya Balan swept both the classes and the masses off their feet with her bold avatar in Ekta Kapoor's "The Dirty Picture".

An unofficial biopic of southern sex symbol Silk Smitha, the film broke the myth that only movies with "Khans" work at the box office.

4. "Ready": Romantic comedies have been a staple of Hindi films and this year Salman Khan's "Ready" used the recipe to earn profits. Shot in exotic locales of Thailand, director Anees Bazmee's drama about mistaken identity saw Salman romancing Asin Thottumkal amid all the hotch-potch in their lives, thanks to their onscreen relatives.

5. "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara": Focussing on three bachelors dealing with their friendship and romance, the well-scripted film, with a resemblance to real life episodes, was supported by beautiful performances by the talented cast - Hrtihik Roshan, Abhay Deol, Farhan Akhtar, with Kalki Koechlin and Katrina Kaif as their love interests.

Kudos to director Zoya Akhtar for bringing liveliness, happiness and joyfulness with such deftness on screen through an adventurous road film mostly based in Spain.

6. "Singham": An out-and-out action film, the success of "Singham" proves that there are takers for such films. Based on the "good wins over evil" theme, the actioner takes a dig at the corruption within the police department through two main characters - honest cop Ajay Devgn and Prakash Raj as a corrupt politician. Director Rohit Shetty's film also marked southern actress Kajal Aggarwal's debut in Bollywood.

7. "Rockstar": Give him a good role and he can sink his teeth into it. Ranbir Kapoor proved that again by stepping into the shoes of a musician. From a cute and simple college boy to a crazy lover to a successful but cynical singer, the young actor proved his mettle in every frame.

The film appealed despite a faulty script, which had too many loose ends. In short, it was Ranbir's film, which launched American Pakistani model in the Bollywood business. Other high points of the movie were A.R. Rahman's music and Mohit Chauhan's singing.

8. "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan": Not good, not bad - that is how Yash Raj Films' "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan" could be described. Thanks to Imran Khan, Katrina Kaif and Pakistani singer-actor Ali Zaffar's tangled love story woven against the backdrop a wedding, the romantic comedy managed to pull the crowds. The film got mixed reviews, but managed to enter the top grosser list of the year.

9. "Delhi Belly": Replete with cuss words, weird situations, witty dialogues, the experimental movie in the English language targeted the urban audiences, who hailed this free will adult comedy as they identified with the characters of Imran Khan, Kunal Roy Kapoor and Vir Das in the movie. If director Abhinay Deo faced failure with "Game", this film pulled him out of darkness and Aamir Khan once again proved that he has a knack for choosing the best scripts as a producer.

10. "Yamla Pagla Deewana": After the 2007 release "Apne", the Deol trio - Sunny, Bobby and Dharmendra - returned to the big screen with the comic caper "Yamla Pagla Deewana" by director Sameer Karnik.

Though a small budget film, it received an overwhelming response. The impeccable comic timing between the father and sons struck a chord with the audiences.

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