Bring them back to life, Bollywood!

While Hollywood has portrayed several legends, Bollywood has strangely shied away from biopics despite our rich history. Here are a few names of our choice

It's an ongoing trend in Hollywood to make biographical films. A Beautiful Mind, Alexander, The Aviator, The Queen, Frost/Nixon, The King's Speech, 127 Hours, Moneyball, J Edgar and The Iron Lady are some recent examples. Bollywood hasn't replicated this fad. Yet.

Interestingly, India's first feature film Raja Harishchandra was a biopic. But the Hindi film industry continues to shy away from this genre for commercial reasons.

Audience's lack of zest for history is also to be blamed. Asoka, Rang De Basanti, Mangal Pandey The Rising, Jodhaa Akbar, Guru, Bose: The Forgotten Hero and No One Killed Jessica were a handful of brave aberrations.

There is definitely no dearth of characters from our history to inspire film writers. Here are some personalities who could inspire an interesting watch and the actors who might do justice to their role.


Sardar Patel (Aamir Khan)
For a man who drew our map as we know it today, we barely know anything about him. After all, he was not called the Iron Man for nothing.


Dara Shikoh (Ranbir Kapoor)
He was the rightful heir to Shah Jahan's throne and a cheerful hedonist but a political fool. A Sufi liberal whose advocacy of Hindu- Muslim unity proved to be his undoing.


Sanjay Gandhi (Saif Ali Khan)
Not only a Nehru scion and an apparent heir to the political dynasty, he was also someone who was a rebel and was drawn towards commotion. His magnetic demeanour mixed with hyperactivity and an eventual premature death makes his life quite cinematic.

The Emergency (multiple cast)
A proper mainstream film on the 21-month long blemish on the face of Indian democracy is prone to drama ¦ and dramatic characters.


Premchand (Irrfan Khan)
The discoverer of the soul in rural India the unsung Tolstoy of India. He influenced both Hindi as well as Urdu prose. Fortunately, we are aware of his beautiful stories. Unfortunately, we aren't aware of his story.


Jyotirao -Savitribai Phule (Pavan Malhotra-Shahana Goswami)
This Maharashtrian couple with their modern mindset faced huge opposition from the society but made long strides in the field of education and the upliftment of women and untouchables. Jyotirao was labelled the Mahatma long before Gandhiji and Savitribai set up India's first female school.


Dhyan Chand (Shah Rukh Khan)
The very symbol of Indian sportsmanship and the undisputed wizard of our national sport. His successful legacy stays surprisingly humble. He is party to awe-inspiring anecdotes that involve Bradman as well as Hitler.


Swami Vivekanand (R Madhavan)
He died young, leaving behind a legacy of spirituality and the idea of a global Indian. The monk who made the West buy the eternal philosophy of Upanishads ought to make a wonderful script.


Bahadur Shah Zafar (Victor Banerjee)
The last emperor of India and his melancholic final days in the country before being deported to Burma merits attention not to mention his mental vagaries and poetic indulgences.


Budhia Singh (Irfan Khan of Chillar Party)
The world's youngest marathon runner who made the media wonder whether he was a victim of torture. They've already made a documentary on him. A movie would be going a mile further.


PT Usha (Poorna Jagannathan)
Her journey towards becoming the fastest Indian woman wasn't an easy one. Coming from a humble village, her life story has what it takes to make an enthralling sports flick.


JRD Tata (Naseeruddin Shah)
A humane capitalist who provided a better meaning to the word enterprise in free India. Though we are familiar with the brand Tata, we don't have much clue about his life.

Legends who are yet to inspire Bollywood...

Rani Laxmibai: A movie on this rare mix of beauty and valour is Sushmita Sen's dream project but it's shelved as of now.

Rabindranath Tagore: Big B is reportedly portraying the Bengali poet in a Rituparno Ghosh film.

Guru Gobind Singh: There is a Punjabi film on this saint who was forced to wage a war but none has been made in Hindi.

Ghalib: Gulzar has already made a TV serial on this controversial unbeliever who could make anyone believe in poetry.

Ramanujan: R Madhavan is slated to work on a Hollywood project based on this groundbreaking mathematician's short life.

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Rani to create ‘Dhoom’ too?

She may romance Aamir in the third part of the film

Rani Mukherji

It looks like it took Rani a plain-Jane role in ‘No One Killed Jessica’ and being intentionally photographed by the paps with her camera-shy boyfriend Aditya Chopra to revive her stagnant career. The latest buzz is that the Bengali beauty is being considered for a role in the highly successful ‘Dhoom’ franchise.

The casting of ‘Dhoom 3’ was always eagerly awaited. Yash Raj productions surprised everyone by signing on Aamir Khan to play the villain in ‘Dhoom 3.’ The hunt then began for the heroine and every hottie in T’town seemed like a contender. But finally it was Katrina who walked away with the crown. Now comes the news that Rani too might be penciled in for the film.

A source involved in the project told a tabloid that Rani’s role could be similar to Ash’s in ‘Dhoom 2’ and that since Rani already shares an amazing chemistry with Aamir, seen previously in movies such as ‘Ghulam’ and ‘Mangal Pandey,’ the audience would be thrilled to see her rekindle the magic with Aamir on-screen once again.

‘Dhoom 3’ was initially slated to release during Christmas this year but now rumours are rife that its release has been postponed to next year. The filming is said to start around November and it is believed that it would be the ideal time for Rani to do full justice to her role as currently she is tired and exhausted shooting for her upcoming movie with Aamir titled ‘Taalash.’

When Yashraj Films was contacted for comment they neither denied nor confirmed Rani’s presence in the movie.

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Kareena or Katrina, who will bag KJo-Ekta's next?

As per earlier reports, producer Karan Johar and Ekta Kapoor have teamed up to make a love story with a twist. Ekta said, 'The film is an urban take on love - it is quirky, edgy, dramatic and intense.' They also made an announcement that the casting will be made in few days.

Being among the top filmmakers, the duo wants to cast top actress as their leading lady. Apparently, there are some hindrances due to the differences in opinion between them. While KJo prefers casting Kareena Kapoor, Ekta thinks Katrina Kaifis best suited for the role.

	KAREENA KAPOOR and KATRINA KAIF

It is obvious that Bebo is Karan's first choice as they have worked together in KABHIE KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM, KURBAAN, WE ARE FAMILY and now EK MAIN AUR EKK TU. Other than this, they have also been good friends.


On the contrary, Ekta has signed Kareena for ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI 2 and hence wants to see Katrina as her leading lady for the film. Seems, Ekta doesn't want to be emotional unlike Karan.

Anyways, only time will say who'll bag the role - Kareena Kapoor or Katrina Kaif.

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Are Shahrukh's friends avoiding him?

While Abhishek Bachchan greets him like a long lost buddy, Arjun Rampal and Hrithik Roshan leave a party as soon as SRK arrives

The party on Monday night that photographer Dabboo Ratnani hosted to launch his new calendar revealed a lot more than what his pictures did; that's probably why this may be tagged as one of the hottest parties of the season.

Stars kept pouring in, while some walked out without much notice. Surprisingly, Shah Rukh Khan came in at 10.05 pm (generally his standard time of arrival at a party is 1 am). Interestingly, as soon as King Khan arrived, his close pals Arjun Rampal and Hrithik Roshan (with their respective wives) left the venue in a hurry.

An eyewitness says, "When Shah Rukh entered Olive (where the party was being held), we saw Arjun leave just then. They did not greet each other.

Hrithik did the same. He was getting some pictures shot outside the gallery area and left the minute SRK came."

Incidentally, when SRK, Hrithik and Arjun were all in Dubai for New Year, they apparently spent time separately with their respective spouses. Unlike earlier times when the star wives spent time together shopping and dining.

However at the party, SRK wasn't falling short of friends, as Abhishek Bachchan was seen bonding big with him. Adds the source, "They spoke for a very long time, and it was clear that they brushed their past differences aside.

In fact, Shah Rukh asked Abhishek to come and meet him at Yashraj where he is currently shooting with Katrina Kaif." We wonder what this meeting's going to be about? Or probably SRK is simply in the mood to make new friends.

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Salman keeps encouraging us

Captain of 'The Mumbai Heroes' Suniel Shetty on his passion for movies, cricket and more

Suniel Shetty (right) with Anil Dhanak, CEO, Kanz Jewels in front of the world's largest ring worth US$3 million

When you meet Suniel Shetty, you feel he’s getting younger and fitter with time. At 50, he has rock hard abs and bulging arms that actors half his age would kill for. Just hours before hitting the Sharjah stadium for the big celebrity studded ‘Celebrity Cricket league’ this weekend Suniel, dressed dapper in jeans and looking through his cool aviators chatted with Masala!

The setting was the glittering and glamorous showroom of Kanz Jewels in Dubai’s Gold Souk in Deira, where apart from Suniel, the world’s largest gold ring as recorded by the Guinness Book Of World Records, ‘Najmat Taiba’ manufactured by Taiba, Saudi Arabia, caught everyone’s attention. We cornered Bollywood’s muscle man for a detailed chat.

How does it feel to pose in front of the world’s largest gold ring? 
It’s unreal. How else do I describe my feelings after seeing a ring that weighs 64 kilos and is worth over US$ 3 million? But I am simply amazed by the inventory of jewellery here in Kanz. They have collections from all over the world. I wish I had got into the jewellery business as well.

You’re captaining ‘The Mumbai Heroes,’ which is owned by Salman. Is it an immense responsibility? 
We have a very good team that practises regularly. But you know that Sharjah Cricket Stadium is the home ground for Mumbai Heroes, plus the 20-20 format demands quick play so there is a lot of pressure.

What would you say are the strengths and weaknesses of your team? 
Our biggest plus point is that we are a strong unit this year compared to the last. We have good players such as Riteish Deshmukh, Aftab Shivadasani and also other all-rounders. On the downside, we don’t get to play cricket throughout the year so the lack of practice can make us rusty sometimes.

The Indian cricket team has been performing very poorly of late. What would your advice be to the team as a fan and lover of the sport? 
I would advise them to stay away from the media. A lot pressure builds up on the players with constant news about what went wrong in their matches, who should be dropped from the squad, who deserves to be in the team and so on. What we need to realise is that cricket is a mindgame. On the field and even away from it, you need to have a positive mind so that nothing fazes you. The Aussies and the English are perhaps good examples for this. One thing that we don’t have to worry about is talent. We have a great bunch of players. It’s only that we aren’t able to come together as a unit and perform.

We’re interested to know about Salman’s role in the team apart from being the owner… 
Salman is a cricket freak although he doesn’t play it. He keeps encouraging us from time to time to give in our best for any match. He keeps telling us that although there is great pressure with 30-40,000 people watching and cheering for you, just forget the fact that you’re a good actor and that you need to live up to their expectations. Instead just think of yourself as a cricketer who is out there only to think of his game and nothing else.

Professionally, you are quite different from most actors because you have ventured into production, direction and hotel management. How do you mange to do all these things while acting in films? 
Fortunately I have a very good team that supports me in these ventures. Plus, I believe it’s very important to have passion for whatever you’re doing. I have always been business-minded. Movies happened to be by chance. I always believed in having an alternate plan apart from acting and that is probably why I wanted to spread out.

What would your advice be to budding entrepreneurs?
Believe in yourself; learn to manage time, money and also how to handle both success and failure.

What are your upcoming movies? 
Action seems to be the flavour for this year. Mithun Chakraborty’s ‘Enemy,’ is packed with action and is one of the movies that’s been completed while shooting for the other movies is still going on. There’s also ‘Chai Garam’ which is very different. It’s a romantic comedy.

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Celebrity Cricket League begins on January 13

Salman’s Mumbai Heroes to take on Telugu warriors in the first match in Sharjah

Salman Khan

Get ready for two-action packed and fun-filled nights as B’wood’s hottest stars head to the Sharjah cricket stadium for the second edition of the highly popular Twenty 20 Celebrity Cricket League (CCL).

The event kicks off on Friday, January 13 with a grand opening ceremony which includes performances by Pakistani singing sensation Atif Aslam and Devi Prasad. A mouth-watering cricketing contest between Mumbai Heroes and Telugu warriors captained by Suniel Shetty and Venkatesh respectively will be the main highlight of the evening.
The second night will also be a treat for the audience. But be prepared for ear splitting noise and adrenaline rushing action as the Mumbai heroes take on last year’s winners Chennai Rhinos captained by Abbas.

So buy your tickets soon, bring your binoculars and keep your eyes peeled for stars such as Salman Khan, Suniel Shetty, Riteish Deshmukh, Sonu Sood, Bobby Deol, Aftab Shivdasani, Telugu Star Venkatesh, Malayalam Superstar Mohanlal, Tamil Star Surya, Kannada Hero Sudeep and Bengali star Indreneil who will battle it out on the field. And giving them company and cheering them on will be hotties Sonakshi Sinha, Genelia Dsouza and Kangna Ranaut.

Head to Sharjah for your dose of cricket and entertainment this weekend.

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Emraan Hashmi feels award shows are a circus

The actor says he is happy even if he doesn’t win any trophies

Emraan Hashmi

The success of ‘Murder 2’ and ‘The Dirty Picture’ may have ensured that Emraan is a name to be reckoned with in B’wood but it has also left the actor with a bitter taste.
Although Emraan’s role in ‘The Dirty Picture’ won critical acclaim, it failed to get him a nomination for popular award shows. The episode has no doubt upset Emraan who has some unsavoury remarks about award shows.

The actor wished his fellow actors who were attending award shows good luck and said he was skipping them because he found it an ordeal to sit for hours without doing anything. Emraan also remarked that winning awards wasn’t a testament of anyone’s merit. The nominations, in most cases, were undeserving and therefore he had decided that he wouldn’t sit through what he called ‘a circus’. What mattered to him at the end of the day was how his movies were received by the public.

Emraan also added that his hit movies only proved that he was the people’s champion and he couldn’t care less about a jury of odd people who discuss the nominations for award shows.

After being called a serial kisser it seems that the actor is keen to have another moniker to describe his personality. Sallu and Aamir who both shun awards would be only too happy to expand their club and lend their ‘Award-hater’ moniker to Emraan.

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Sunny Leone grabs maximum eyeballs on internet show

fter creating quite a stir on the popular reality show 'Bigg Boss', Sunny Leone is once again creating waves on 'Jay Hind!', world's first full format online TV show.

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Sunny has been lampooned in Undercover Productions Ltd.'s entertaining late night stand up comedy show. The humorous take on Sunny's sex appeal and weighty assets on Jay Hind!'s special episode titled 'Sunny Days' recorded mind boggling viewership of over 2 lakh. The show by itself has recorded a total of over 11 crore views, averaging a 1 lakh and a half views a day.


"A sarcastic & comical take on the news & current affairs is what our show is all about. The hype around Sunny Leone made her perfect for some tongue in cheek jokes. The popularity of the episode and the segment called 'Sunny Leone and the power of porn' proves how sex starved our country is," says Abhigyan Jha, Creator & Director, 'Jay Hind!' and Founder & CEO, Undercover Productions Ltd.

The talented host Sumeet Raghavan cracks quirky jokes on the famous porn star and her profession has apparently left the audience in splits. "Sunny Leone became famous overnight and is very popular in our country. Our bold, honest yet humorous take on everything that is making news connects with our fellow citizens who have similar views," adds Sumeet Raghavan citing the reasons for the popularity of the Sunny Leone episode and the show in general.

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Priyanka: I have ample perseverance to stay in Bollywood

2011 was an eventful year for Priyanka Chopra. Though it started with a box office dud 7 KHOON MAAF, it ended with a super hit DON 2. Of course, she was the central protagonist in the former while in the latter she was a part of the action drama instead of being a pivotal force.

Priyanka did not lose her hopes and continued to strive for the best even when the detractors had no good things to say about her. Priyanka says, "I would rather have my work speaking for itself. That has always been the case and I don't see any reason why it should change. I really don't have time to get my mind and energy diverted."

	download PRIYANKA CHOPRA wallpapers

No wonder, even though coming months are looking interesting with AGNEEPATH,BARFI and TERI MERI KAHAANI lined up, she isn't willing to get into any further conversations around making a powerful comeback in the top bracket of the numbers game. 
"I don't think that when you are talented and have belief in yourself, you have to get into such talks," says Priyanka with a straight face, "I am content with where I am. I know I have reached here with hard work and have ample perseverance to stay on. I am grateful for all the amazing work that I am doing. As for the numbers game, well this is such a fickle thing. I find the entire talk of being number one or number ten so stupid."

Well Priyanka, we would like to see if you actually make the same statement once you score a hat trick of successes this year!

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Deepika patches up with Priyadarshan

The super-prolific Priyadarshan who has directed 83 films in his 30-year career has just had a year, the first in his career, without releases. In 2011 Priyan had no releases. But he’s ready to make up for the lost year with as many as 4 films in 2012.

Of these, the ‘family comedy’ (as he dubs it) which he will direct in July for producers Asthvinayak has him specially kicked. Not only is he working with Abhishek Bachchan for the first time, he has also reached out to Deepika Padukone for the female lead opposite Abhishek.

Deepika and Priyadarshan had a noisy fall-out five years ago when she opted out of Priyadarshan’s project Pirates about music piracy. Priyan was keen to launch her. The film was supposed to feature Deepika with four other newcomers playing part of a music band.

Instead Deepika chose to make her debut with Farah Khan’s Om Shanti Om .

Incensed and betrayed Priyadarshan stayed away from all things Padukone until 2008 when Shah Rukh Khan used his clout to persuade Deepika to perform an item song in Priyadarshan’s Billu which Shah Rukh’s Red Chillies production house produced.

The thawing of the ice began then. Now it’s time for the director and actress to finally work together.

Says Priyan happily, “We broke the ice during the song in Billu. Now I’ve a role just right for her. ”

It’s a double delight for Priyadarshan since he has never worked with Deepika or Abhishek

Says Priyan, “Abhishek and I have been planning projects together for the longest time. We were supposed to do a bio-pic on Chandrashekhar Azad. But who watches historicals any more? I’ve finally zeroed in on the perfect project for Abhishek. We start shooting in July. ”

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Stars and their pricey entourage

Attached to the hip of every star is an entourage. Here's what producers have to shell out to keep them all happy 

With most films today being made on a budget that is several crores upwards, a majority of this budget is spent on the actors and the director.

And the amount spent on the stars does not just constitute his acting fee but also goes in paying members of his extended staff, including make-up artists, hairstylists, spot-boys, drivers, bodyguards and even their chefs, trainers and business managers.

Cashing in

Needless to say, the bigger a multi-starrer, higher the expense for the stars' staff.

As a director, talking off the record, reveals, "Films like Golmaal Returns, Golmaal 3, All The Best, Housefull and Housefull 2, Desi Boyz, Race, Race 2 and Players to name some, cost at least Rs 2 crore for the stars' staff.

You won't believe the kind of money they make per movie. They charge Rs 15, 000 upwards per day."


Preity Zinta with hair and make-up artists Dorris and Bharat

A production executive associated with a number of hits tells us that Rs 25, 000 is the minimum amount paid per day to staff members. "But that's for the most economically priced actors.

However, when it comes to stars, their staff costs the producers Rs 50, 000 to Rs 70, 000 per day, " he points out, declining to be named.

Personal favourites

He elaborates, "A hair-stylist and a make-up artist for a star gets paid from Rs 15, 000 to 20, 000 per day. If the star like Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgn, Ranbir Kapoor wants someone like Aalim or Aamir Khan insists on Adhuna Babani, then his or her charges are about Rs 30, 000 per day.

In many cases, these top stylists let their assistants take over after they've styled the stars. These assistants are paid from Rs 15, 000 to Rs 20, 000, depending on their experience.

For actresses, Pompi is sought after for hairstyling. Kareena Kapoor always insists on him. His fees are about Rs 18, 000 per day. Katrina Kaif insists on Subhash for her make-up, He charges nothing less than Rs 18, 000 per day."

Costume gala

Another lucrative department for the stars' staff is costumes. While most designers charge a lump sum amount for the film, the middle and lower rung make the producer pay their assistants who represent them at the shooting.


Zarine Khan and designer Ana Singh

"So while Manish Malhotra, Ana Singh, Surily Goel pay their assistants from the huge packet they pocket, some others make the filmmaker pay about Rs 10, 000 per day to the costume assistant, " reveals our production source.

Extra earnings

In fact, even a star's extended staff members like his spot-boy, driver, trainer and bodyguards draw handsome amounts. Another executive producer who has worked on many a multi-starrers explains, "While a spot-boy is paid Rs 3, 000 to Rs 4, 000, drivers and bodyguards are paid about Rs 1, 100 to Rs 1, 500.

If a star needs to get into shape for a film, then some make the producer pay for the trainer on outdoor. That costs Rs 8, 000 to Rs 10, 000 per day." According to our sources, on outdoor shoots, the producer has to bear the cost for the travel and accommodation of the actor's staff.

They stay in the same hotel as the star. Some actors however pay some of their staff from their own pockets. "Like Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan pay for their own security personnel, " points our source.

Even body doubles for stars get paid on a per day basis. Our sources quotes, "Shah Rukh has a body double for his action scenes. It's learnt he's paid Rs 6 lakh to Rs 8 lakh per year."

Top slots

Our sources conclude that among the male stars, Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan command the highest fee for their staff while Kareena, Katrina and Bipasha Basu top the list of female actresses for the same.

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EMAET: Imran Kareena's Valentine's Day gift

Promos of EK MAIN AUR EKK TU are on-air and it's obvious that the film has been designed as a romcom. Though, one may wonder whether the film is pretty much a 'template' affair where the film begins with fun, then there is drama and emotional moments and eventually it is all a happy ending. With the genre catching heat in Bollywood since last few years, can we expect first time director Shakun Batra to deliver something different?

	download EK MAIN AUR EKK TU wallpapers

The first time director Shakun Batra says, ''See, every genre has certain conventions to be followed, whether it is a thriller, drama, action or romcom. A genre comes with its own grammar and we to play around with the script and tweak the rules while not allowing the genre to go haywire. Of course in a romcom you would have a boy and girl falling in love followed by banter. It is my job as a story teller to play with the narrative characters.''


This was exactly what Kareena and Imran, too, went through when Shakun explained the graph of the film to them.

''I had to make my actors feel like being a part of a new set up instead of presenting them something which is a mishmash of drama and suspense. Now this is a movie about lighter moments in life and we didn't go astray. It is about being able to share your feelings with someone without turning melodramatic or going over the top,'' asserts Shakun.

No wonder, he is kicked about the film arriving in the weekend leading to Valentine's Day. 'This is a perfect film for Valentines Day,' he smiles, 'If you are planning to take someone out for a date, go to the theatres and watch this film. You won't be disappointed.'

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Most award nominations are undeserving, I'll boycott them all

Rues Emraan Hashmi who has now decided to boycott all award galas unless he is paid to perform there 

He may have two of last year's biggest hits in his kitty, (Murder 2 and The Dirty Picture), but Emraan Hashmi has surprisingly failed to win any nomination in two of this year's most popular award events.

Probably why he has now decided to stay away from award functions, unless he's paid to perform there.

The actor says, "Best of luck to everyone who wants to be party to it, but I find it an ordeal to sit through an award function.

Anyway it's never on merit. I think most of the nominations are undeserving and I can't sit through the circus. Ultimately, the audience's verdict is more important for me. That's my trophy."

The actor is obviously upset about not being acknowledged for his role in The Dirty Picture which earned him accolades from the critics as well as the crowds.

He adds, "I may not be the darling of award ceremonies, but I'm the people's champion. I'd rather be declared a winner by the nation, than by a jury of a dozen odd people."

The actor seems to be following in the footsteps of Salman Khan who only performs at such functions if he is paid to do so or else does not even bother to attend.

Not just that, he also claims that award functions simply want to ride on the success of the film and nothing more. "It's the audience who makes a film popular.

The award functions just want to ride on that. So if it's between a billion people and a few jury members, I'd rather choose the former."

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Ooh la la... Let's see Vidya Ka Jalwa

Ooh la la... Vidya Balan will be performing live for the first time at a film awards event later this month.

The actress who is seen at such programmes in her trademark sarees will shed the six yards and don a raapchik costume for her thumkas, latkas and jhatkas on stage.

The rehearsals are currently on and if our khabru is to be believed, Vids is leaving no stone unturned for her performance. Chalo, let's see her jalwa!

Playing pregnant woman was cakewalk

If she effortlessly essayed the role of a sex symbol in "The Dirty Picutre", it was a cakewalk to play a pregnant woman in search of her husband in "Kahaani", says Vidya Balan.

"It was not tough at all. During our college life, we all friends used to do all the nautankis and these stand-up items. And my favourite role would always be of a pregnant woman. So the walk and all came to me very naturally, " Vidya, 33, told reporters here.

Vidya ruled Bollywood as Silk last year and it seems she wants to take it forward with "Kahaani" as she is aggressively promoting the movie. If she dressed like her character for the promotion of "The Dirty Picture", the actress appeared with a baby bump at the "Kahaani" promotional event.

"Kahaani", scheduled to release March 9, is not the first film to feature her as a mother -- in "Paa" and "Heyy Babyy" too she had played a mom.

Besides her hard work, Vidya can't stop praising director Sujoy Ghosh's efforts and said: "He is very energetic. We managed to shoot continuously for 64 days without any break. Sujoy would not let the mood drop."

Vidya, who started her career with Pradeep Sarkar and went on to work with acclaimed directors like Priyadarshan, R. Balakrishnan and Abhishek Chaubey, hasn't got an opportunity to repeat her directors.

When asked about this, she said: "I don't make any rules. I would be happy to work with the directors with whom I have already worked. Few times it didn't work out. May be in future I will work with them. I am very greedy."

Her recent was with director Milan Luthria - they teamed up for "The Dirty Picture" and the film became a super-duper hit.

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We used to swim together and go for long drive in the night

Swimming, driving and gymming -- model-turned-actress Mugdha Godse did all that with co-star Shriya Saran while shooting for "Gali Gali Chor Hai" and dispelled the notion that two actresses cannot bond well while working together.

"Shriya and me were friends even before signing the film. When I got to know that we both are in the film, I thought it's going to be girls' time. I think girls can have the best girlie time.

We had the best time together. We used to swim together, workout together and we used to go for drive in the night, " Mugdha told.

Mugdha, whose performance was praised in her debut film "Fashion", seems to be pretty excited about the project, a remake of 1994 "Laadla" that had Anil Kapoor, Sridevi and Raveena Tandon in the lead roles.

"I am playing Sridevi's role in the remake. It's going to be very challenging and I am really looking forward to it, " she said.

Directed by Rumy Jaffery, "Gali Gali Chor Hai" stars Akshaye Khanna in the male lead. As the trend of item numbers has become big in Bollywood, Mugdha is also keen to shake her leg on such a song.

"I wouldn't mind doing an item number, but it depends on something that I would like to do.

As everyone is doing item numbers, so what new you are getting to do? So, if something different comes up, then why not!" she said.

Mugdha has handful of films in her kitty for 2012 -- "Will You Marry Me", "Afra Tafri" and her first Marathi film, which is again a remake of "Laadla"

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KISMAT LUV PAISA DILLI faces cyber nuisance

Innovative marketing of a film is one of the most important ways to grab eyeballs. Thus, one of the basic ways to spread awareness about a film is to make an official website. But, it is not always easy as it sounds. Apparently, many have involved in the business of developing websites as soon as a production house announces a film.

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Reportedly, the makers of KISMAT LOVE PAISA DILLI lately became a victim to such an incident. The producer of the film Amit Chandrra realised that the website name of their film was already owned by someone else. The owner of the original website demanded for an exorbitant sum of money that the makers decided to mend the film title itself.
A source close to the film elaborates, "Kismatlovepaisadilli.com was fully operational when the team got to know about its existence. The website posted latest news and updates about the film. It was then discovered that the domain name was created soon after the film was announced. When contacted, an official claimed himself as to be a fan of the film, but refused to part with the domain name until he was paid 10 lakh. That is when Amit Chandrra came up with an innovative way to get the desired domain name without bowing down to the man's unreasonable demands. He simply changed the spelling in the title of the film to KISMAT LUV PAISA DILLI. The change in title meant that the domain name was now officially acquired by the producer."

A similar incident had taken place during OM SHANTI OM. Farah Khan wanted a particular domain name, but it was owned by someone else. The original creator wanted to meet Shahrukh Khan on the sets of the film.

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