Salman's girl' Mahek Chahal slams Pooja Bedi

Model-actress Mahek Chahal, who was voted out from "Bigg Boss", says people resent her bonding with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan and clarifies that he was not instrumental in getting her into the reality show.

"It's very unfair. Please judge me for who I am. If Khan Sahib is a star and he happens to be my friend, then what is wrong in that? Is it my fault if he's my friend?

"There was not a single contestant within 'Bigg Boss' who didn't try to make friends with Khan sahib. Why negate my achievements?

Saying that I'm friends with Khan sahib and so I'd win the show is so unfair," said Mahek who debuted with "Nayee Padosan" and later fearured in Salman Khan starrer "Wanted".

She denies the charge that she got into "Bigg Boss" because of her Salman connection.

"Even if he did recommend me, there would've been no harm in it. But the truth is, he did not. I was asked to be in 'Bigg Boss' last year. But I had to be in Norway because my father was dying. On top of that I had an accident. I told 'Bigg Boss' to approach me the following year. This year I was the first contestant to be approached," she said.

"If I had Khan sahib's support on the show, I'd not be out of the 'Bigg Boss' house now. I'd be the winner on the show. I'd have behaved like this sweet little thing on 'Bigg Boss', trying to please everyone by sucking up and cooking in the kitchen all the time. But no, I chose to be myself at the risk of being evicted," she added.

Yes, Mahak calls Salman, 'Khan sahib.'

"I was 18 when I met him. He is so much senior to me. I respect him. He treats me like a child. I'm scared of Khan Sahib," said the actress who was evicted from the "Bigg Boss 5" house Saturday.

Mahak finds it annoying to have her thunder stolen by someone else.

She said: "Only I know what a struggle I've gone through each day on 'Bigg Boss'. Now when I'm out, I hear someone was trying to ruin my image while I was inside. But I know the audience that has watched 'Bigg Boss' knows what it is about...I chose to be myself."

Talking about Pooja Bedi's charge of being Salman's girl in "Bigg Boss", she said: "Who is Pooja Bedi? Wohi jo ek baar nominate hone ke baad 'Bigg Boss' se nikal gayi thi?

Is it my fault if people didn't like her and like Mahek instead? Kuch to log kahenge, Logon ka kaam hai kehna. People will talk. But what I am is not reflected in their jealous bitching.

"Pooja Bedi had gone to the extent of chiding me for the way I spoke and conducted myself in the 'Bigg Boss' house. She probably resented the fact that I spoke the truth on her face and on the face of everyone in the house.

This is the way to punish someone who's honest. Does she really think herself intelligent? She has proved the contrary."

She has no regrets about being voted out of "Bigg Boss".

"I am very happy to get my freedom back. Very happy to meet friends and family again. I was saved six time inside the house, so to me that's big enough.

And I know, I came across well on the show. That's what matters to me. Ab sabko pataa chal gaya hai main kaisi hoon," said Mahek.

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I'd do anything Rajnikanth asks me to: Kamal Haasan

Kamal Haasan talks about his best times with superstar Rajnikanth, says they might do a film together 

As Rajnikanth turned 62 this week, close friend and biggest archrival, Kamal Haasan spoke with admiration, love and a sense of solidarity about the South superstar.

Said Kamal Haasan, "Rajni and I have been leaning on each other's shoulders for so many years. In fact, once during a shoot in Singapore, we did just that.

The director didn't know it was just an excuse to doze off in-between shots (laughs). We would be roaming all over Singapore, all night. We returned at 3 am and were on the sets for a 6 am schedule. We caught up on our sleep, on the sets."

Kamal has done 10 films with Rajni so far. "And most of them were hits, though we did have failures. We've done three films for our mentor K Balachander. I've also done guest roles in Rajni's films. I'd do anything he asks me to, no question of refusing him."

Kamal admits they have fiercely possessive fans. "The war between the two fan clubs stopped only about 15 years ago. We both told them to stop after there were stray incidents of violence on both sides.

Considering fans have killed each other for our distinguished predecessors, MGR and Shivaji Ganesan, our fans can be considered pacifists (laughs).

I went ahead and set a new precedent. I turned my fan club into a social service organisation."

Ask Kamal Haasan to rate Rajni as an actor and he says, "Rajni is a phenomenon. Both of us were young actors who started from scratch.

He was the bus conductor with acting aspirations. I was the clapper boy. It's quite strange, but our paths as actors were always intertwined."

Kamal Haasan is not averse to doing another film with Rajnikanth. "It depends," he says.

The South star reminisces an incident that took place years ago: "There was an incident early in our careers when he was riding pillion on a motorbike with me. When I skidded, Rajni asked if I knew how to ride.

I assured him even if I fell, I wouldn't let him fall. I was so touched when at a function, some years ago, Rajni said, 'That's what happened in our career.

He never let me fall. In 1983, when I wanted to leave everything behind, it was Kamal who cajoled me back to the material world.' I guess we'll do a film together. We've been talking about it for many years. (However) We're worried about the expectations."

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Mallika Sherawat's neck looks thinner than before, how come?

Yeh kya baat hui? Mallika Sherawat has got herself a slender neck.

Ever since she returned from the US last week, her neck appears to be even more thinner.

She was spotted at the annoucement of a New Year's Eve bash, where she will perform, flaunting her new acquisition.

Looks like the sex siren has been taking some drastic step for a slender neck.

I'm a global actress

Mallika Sherawat has moved to the US, thanks to her international project, but says her heart resides in Bollywood and that people in the West are curious about the Hindi film industry.

"I am more of a global actress now but Bollywood is my life. It is my bread and butter," said Mallika here at a press conference to announce her performance at Hotel Tulip Star's New Year's Eve show.

Mallika has made US her second home and has been there for the past two years. The actress, who was last seen in Hollywood flick "Politics Of Love", asserts that the West is curious to know more about Bollywood.

"I have signed 'Lucky Unlucky'. I am playing a Jat sprinter in it and I have signed another movie with Vivek Oberoi, 'Kismat Love Paisa Delhi'.

It will be directed by Sanjay Khanduri. Then, there is an international venture that I'm doing."

"I'm trying to maintain a balance between both America and India. Right now there is so much curiosity in America about Bollywood and Indian actors," said Mallika, who is in here to shoot for Khanduri's film.

The "Murder" girl dazzled on screen this year in item numbers "Jalebi Bai", "Razia" and "Shalu ke thumke".

Mallika debuted in Bollywood with a special appearance in "Jeena Sirf Mere Liye" and then signed "Khwahish", her first film as a lead actress. Then she featured in "Pyaar Ke Side Effects" and "Welcome".

She played an Indian princess in Jackie Chan's Chinese film "The Myth".

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Son of Sardar turns a family affair

Ajay Devgn's next film is turning out to be a family affair. Son of Sardar features his mother-in-law Tanuja and sister-in-law Tanishaa as well.

The comic caper, which stars Sonakshi Sinha, Sanjay Dutt and Juhi Chawla, is currently being shot in Punjab. Says a unit source, "The presence of Tanuja and Tanishaa on the sets was a source of curiosity.

Initially, it was thought that the Mukerji women had arrived to just check out the action, as it is Ajay's production."

Apparently, Devgn and his folks do not want to talk about the casting at this stage.

The source affirms, "They are definitely acting in the film." However Tanishaa states that her presence on the sets is due to Ajay. She maintains, "It's my family's production but I am not acting in it."

The source continues, "They seem to be having a blast on the sets. Ajay is well-known to be a prankster on the sets.

Over the weekend, he distributed mithais full of chillies and Tanishaa was particularly enjoying herself seeing the faces of the cast and crew."

As reported 'Chaos in Chandigarh' the shooting at the city's railway station had led to chaos with police resorting to a lathi charge.

In the past

Last year Tanuja did a cameo in Ajay's film Toonpur Ka Superrhero which starred him along with Kajol.

In 2008, Ajay along with wife Kajol and mother-in-law Tanuja judged a television reality show.

Ajay and Tanuja featured in the horror flick Bhoot in 2003.

Tanishaa and Ajay were part of the 2005 film Tango Charlie.

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Maybe I don't look romantic: Bipasha basu

Bong Bollywood bombshell chats about her next film Players, her willingness to work with ex-beau John Abraham and wonders why she doesn't get to play romantic roles

Ten years after Abbas Mustan launched you with Ajnabee, you are back with them in Players.
My motivation to do this film is Abbas-Mustan. They got me into the business.

I want to be a part of any film they do because every time they have got me onboard (like in Race), it has always worked. When I heard the story of Players, they were in Russia.

I just called them and told them, I am in. It is an adaptation of the 1993 film, The Italian Job, but they have taken it forward and attuned it to 2012.

You play an automobile expert in this film. Are you a fan of cars and bikes?
Every player has a particular skill that they are known for and are good at. I love cars and bikes but I don't know how to operate them very well. I love to be taken for a ride, but not in the idiomatic sense (laughs).

The film has several stunts. What do you prefer: action or romancing around trees?
I would love to do a hand-to-hand combat film. In Roland Joffe's Singularity I have a sword fighting scene with 50 soldiers.

It's a massacre with me alone in a battlefield and I am slicing, chopping and killing people. There's blood flying and I am ducking; it is high energy. I loved it!

Did you get along with your female co-star Sonam?
Sonam is adorable and really cute. She is absolutely in her own zone and it's nice that we are not competing in the film.

I have done a lot of multistarrers and I believe that my co-star should give their best to my film -- they should look and act their best -- because I am doing the same.

It is a cumulative effort that finally shows.

After Zameen, why haven't you been romantically paired with Abhishek in any of your films?
If you are looking for romance, this is the wrong film. It is a sexy, stylish, modern heist thriller about players, their relationships and interactions.

There is a very subtle romance. I don't think I have been paired romantically with anyone ever. I don't do romantic films, I don't know why! I am quite a romantic person. Maybe I don't look romantic.

But you are paired opposite R Madhavan in the romcom Jodi Breakers.
That is going to be a really cute, romantic comedy.

For the first time, I am doing a film, in which I play a character who is a little bit like me. Madhavan and I have some amazing scenes together.

After your breakup with John, your personal life has been under the scanner.
I have been under the scanner for 10 years (laughs). Breakups are tough for everyone but you move on.

Would you like to work with him professionally?
Yeah, why not?

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Farhan and Arjun to shine at Masala! Awards

Sunidhi, Malaika, Sunidhi, Mandira, Nitin and Zia Nath will also sizzle on the big night 

Farhan Akhtar

The Masala! Awards, 2011 just got more exciting. Two of the hottest actors of Bollywood, Farhan Akhtar and Arjun Rampal, will attend the party lending their star-power and glamour to the event to be held at the Madinat Arena on December 22, 2011.

Farhan, after the stunning success of ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’, is all set to have another blockbuster with ‘Don 2’ that releases next week. No wonder he is such a sought-after name in the industry, both as an actor and director. Arjun, on the other hand, is still basking in the compliments he got for his role as the bad guy in Shah Rukh’s superhero film ‘Ra.One’. The sizzle quotient is sure to hit the roof with the presence of these two gorgeous men!

In fact, the Masala! Awards 2011 will be one-star studded affair. The stunning Malaika Arora Khan will shimmy to her signature dances on stage. So expect more of ‘Munni Badnaam’ and ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’ from T’town’s sexiest item girl.

Sunidhi Chauhan, the girl with the golden voice and the biggest female playback singer in Bollywood today, will also regale audiences with some of her biggest hits. So if you want to get your fill of ‘Sheila Ki Jawaani’ and other numbers, you know where to head!

The glittering evening will be hosted by none other than Mandira Bedi, actress, model and television presenter whose winsome charm and effervescence has won her a lot of fans. The MC will be Dubai's very own Nitin Mirani, stand-up comedian and founder of Komic Sutra who is sure to have the audience rolling in laughter with his unique brand of humour. Watch out for his unpredictable, refreshing and exuberant act!

Guests can also look forward to Sufi Splendour, a devotional celebration of diverse dance forms from ancient sacred temples of Egypt, the Middle East and India accompanied by soul stirring Sufi music and poetry by Zia Nath, a solo artist specialising in the fusion of Sufi Whirling and Odissi Recitals.

Are you ready to be floored?

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Why Karan Johar changed the title of his film

‘Short Term Shaadi’ became ‘Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu’ because of Bebo's impending marriage

A still from 'Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu'

When Karan Johar announced his Imran Khan-Kareena Kapoor starrer almost a year ago, there was a lot of excitement because of its casing coup. Initially, it was announced that the film would be called ‘Short Term Shaadi’. But later it was changed to ‘Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu’.
Now, changes in movie titles are nothing new but there is a twist in the tale here. The producers have been saying that it was done as they wanted a Hindi title with no ‘Hinglish’ in it. But sources say there is more to it than meets the eye.

It seems that Kareena’s engagement and possible marriage would be held around that period and the makers felt releasing a film titled ‘Short Term Shaadi’ wouldn’t reflect well on their leading lady.

The film is about a fun-filled night in which the boy and the girl get married only to realise the seriousness of it in the morning. Thus the original title ‘Short Term Shaadi’ was very apt, yet the producers played it safe and changed it. Kareena was not even consulted about the title change though we are sure she wouldn’t mind it!

‘Ek Main Ekk Tu’ directed by Shakun Batra, releases on February 10.

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Salman to work with Sooraj Barjatya

But the ‘Bodyguard’ refuses Ashutosh Gowarikar

Salman Khan

If you are among the millions who have loved Salman Khan in Rajshri production films like ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’ and ‘Hum Aapke Hain Kaun’, there’s good news. Buzz is that Salman will play the lead in a romantic film to be made by his favourite director Sooraj Barjatya. It will be an out and out love story and no prizes for guessing what he will be called – Prem!

Apparently, Salman has been wanting to work in a love story for a long time and who better than Sooraj to bring out the romantic in him? After all, ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’ and ‘Hum Aapke Hain Kaun’ still rank among Sallu’s best works.

While the actor is excited to team up with Sooraj again, other directors continue to get the cold shoulder. The story goes that Salman refused award-winning filmmaker Ashutosh Gowarikar when the latter approached him for a role. His logic? He works only in hit films not good ones! The hot-headed actor is believed to have told the director: “I work in films that make money, not the ones that get awards”!

A crestfallen Ashutosh had no option but to think about another star for his venture. Clearly Ashu’s loss is Sooraj’s gain.

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Shahrukh-Ajay rivalry over

Guess who brought the long-time foes together?

Shah Rukh Khan

For years, the industry was abuzz with rumours that Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn couldn’t see eye to eye. Though Ajay’s wife Kajol is one of SRK’s closest friends, the actor himself always maintained a distance from the superstar though the two had always denied any problems between them.

But now it seems the cold war is actually over and the two stars might end up becoming friends! And the person responsible for the thaw is none other than Ajay’s best friend, director Rohit Shetty.

Apparently, Rohit, who gave Ajay’s career a new lease of life with hits like the ‘Golmaal’ franchise and ‘Singham’, decided to offer the lead role of his new project to SRK. Ajay couldn’t commit to the role as he was busy shooting for other movies such as ‘Son of Sardar’ and Sajid Khan’s untitled project. So, when Rohit asked Ajay if he could work with SRK instead, the latter instantly said yes.

It’s said that when SRK was informed about Ajay’s generosity, he was taken aback. But being equally gracious, he asked the director if the rights of the remake of the 1982 classic ‘Angoor’ that he held with Rohit could be given to Ajay.

At a time when even friendly stars fight for pricey roles, it’s great to see this gesture from SRK and Ajay. We approve!

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The Art Of Success

Petrochem MD Yogesh Mehta on his amazing success in business and in life

Yogesh Mehta

 

Positivity comes easy to Mr Yogesh Mehta, Managing Director of the chemical giant, Petrochem. With an easy laugh and a gentle demeanour, it is impossible to not warm up to him at first sight. What really astounds about this man is his humility despite the staggering success he has achieved. After working ground-up and learning how to manage the vicissitudes of life with aplomb, Mr Mehta has learnt the key to being successful, namely, inner happiness. Apart from being the largest distributor of chemicals in the Middle East, Petrochem brings art, culture and colour into the UAE. In fact, they are the main sponsors of the Masala! Awards and enhance the social fabric of society in invaluable ways.

Where were you living and what were you doing professionally before you moved to Dubai?
I was born and brought up in Mumbai, lived there until I was 29 years old and worked in a chemical trading business which was pretty small and going nowhere. In 1990 I came to Dubai to seek my fortune and haven’t looked back since.

How did you turn your life around when you moved to Dubai?
When you are young, you have no fear and I had tears of blood in my eyes and a tremendous will to succeed. I had failed miserably in my business in India and had no choice. Sometimes when you dream and work hard, nature gives in and opens new paths and helps you succeed. I worked hard and must have worked right to open new doors. There was a plan and I had set goals; despite many obstacles I worked with a single minded determination to succeed under any circumstance.

What is your role at Petrochem?
I am the Managing Director of this great company. My business partner is David Lubbock who is the most incredible and fascinating person I have ever met. Petrochem
is the largest distributor of chemicals in the Middle East; we started small and today we are a household name in the region. My job is to think ahead three, five or ten years from now and chart the future growth of the company. We have a great team who are the reason for our success. At present I have moved away from sales and play a key part in managing the company and looking for new areas of growth.

Can you tell us what made you get into this field of work?
My family was in the chemical manufacturing business already so there was a lot of chemical talk amongst us. I started trading in chemicals as I liked travelling and interacting with customers. The chemical business, to me, is very dynamic and sophisticated. It requires strong education and an enterprising spirit. I love the world of chemicals – it is very mysterious and magical!

What challenges did you face when setting up Petrochem?
Petrochem was formed in late 1994. There were great challenges in the beginning as we were entering new territory. We had big growth plans and little money and hence, there was no room for failure. There was no internet at that time and the UAE was not very well understood by the rest of the world. Getting credibility and trade credit was very tough and our suppliers were apprehensive about doing business with us in the early years. I remember I used to travel to 18 to 20 countries each year looking for principals, buyers and sellers. In time Petrochem started opening offices around the world. Today, we have offices in Shanghai, Singapore, India, Cairo, London and Antwerp; our head office is in Dubai.

What are your thoughts on money, power and success in the corporate world?
The machinery of the world runs with the grease called money! With money comes success and power – they are all integrated. I strive to be a good human being and try hard not to loose myself. My happiness comes from within me and being with my wife, Falguni and our son, Rohan. Money does make the world go around – one must know where to get off!

How do you handle the stress and pressure that normally comes with a role at your level?
While studying at Harvard Business School I learnt the art of managing stress and handling pressure. If you are mentally organised and prepare yourself for the worst outcome in a positive manner then you will come out on top. I unwind with music and everyday, for one hour, I go into my shell and do only what I like. I call it my ‘happy hour with myself’. Try it – it really does wonders for your mood and energy levels!

What do you think is the most important key to success?
You need to be lucky to be successful; hence you must make your luck by doing the right thing, by daring yourself to go where nobody has ventured, to explore paths that have never been taken, to seek new avenues and to tempt lady luck to be on your side. If you give yourself a chance, the whole world will give you one; if you think you are a winner the whole world will cheer you and make you one!

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