Money for Beti B's picture is sheer gossip

Nanhi Pari (a k a Beti B) is now a month old What is it like being a Dadajee? Do you spend more time at home now just to be near her? 
Yes, being with the little one is a delight. The entire day is spent around her and our daily schedules revolve around what would suit her best. Even otherwise I was spending more time at home, but now more so.

There is a worldwide curiosity and clamour to see the little angel's face. Apparently astronomical sums of money are being offered by publications for a picture. Your opinion on this? 
I cannot understand the clamour about seeing the baby’s face. It is a personal matter and I would appreciate people respecting that fact.

On the matter of money being offered by publications, it is sheer gossip and figments of imagination by some very creative minds. We have not come across any such preposterous propositions and even if, heaven forbid, they were to come, they shall never be entertained.

There was similar talk at the time of Abhishek’s wedding and they were untrue and false. Perhaps this is a prevalent practice in the West with their celebrities, but we do not and shall not entertain them.

The baby's name too is a matter of national curiosity and debate. Has the family zeroed in on the possible names? 
We are working on the name and should have finality on it soon. There have been hundreds of suggestions not just from the family and relatives but also from the people, voluntarily. For this I would like to extend my gratitude.

How much of Abhishek and Aishwarya do you see in the baby? 
A bit of both.

Moving away to your career, you have just signed your first film this year. Why this long gap? And what made you choose Shirish Kunder's film above the others? 
No this is not the first film I have signed this year. Technically I am still to sign on the dotted line. But I had agreed on several even before Shirish’s, its just that his got mention on the social network which then got attention.

Ashutosh Gowarikar, Prakash Jha, Balki, Amit Sharma, Shoojit Sarkar, Rakesh Mehra, RGV, Nikhil Advani and Sudhir Mishra and a few others were all being discussed and finalised throughout.

Ashutosh was to start in December 2011, but shifted to summer of 2012 due to location availability. Others needed more time on pre production. Shirish says he can begin in March and that suited my schedule, so we shall hopefully begin then.

How far is Common Man inspired by the contestants you encountered on KBC, particularly Sushil Kumar? 
None at all. ‘Common Man’ you must know is a working title and can be identified with any vocation.

The year is almost done. Your thoughts on 2011.
Ek aur saal beet gaya !

What do you see yourself doing in 2012 that you haven't already done? 
Be a devoted Dada ji

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Sonam shows off plunging neckline, surprised at being called sexy

Sonam Kapoor was in New Delhi recently for a fashion house event.

Despite the chill, the actress arrived at the venue in a jacket with a plunging neckline.

The fashionista is not known for her cleavage show, so somewhere during the event she decided to put on a white shirt.

Was it to safeguard any oops moment or to beat Dilli ki sardi? Your guess is as good as ours. Tee hee!

Surprised at being tagged 'sexy'

Sonam's uber cool look in her forthcoming film "Players" is earning her rave reviews. The "Saawariya" girl is surprised at being tagged sexy and thanks her sister for her new avatar.

"Can you believe people are calling me sexy. I don't know where to look when they call me that. I am like 'really me?', " she said at the launch of a new programe "Super Santa" for UTV.

"I don't know yaar, maybe I am like one of those girls. But it's nice to hear it for the first time in my life, " added the 26-year-old who played a simpleton in her last film "Mausam" opposite Shahid Kapoor.

The first big release of 2012, "Players" promos are out and Sonam, who sports sytlish wardrobe and glamorous look, says her sister Rhea should be credited for turning her into a sexy diva in the action thriller.

"It's all because of my sister. She has very carefully chosen clothes for me. It's not typical sexy, but it is like edgy sexy, " said Sonam, who was earlier styled by her sister Rhea for their home production "Aisha".

Coming out on Jan 6, "Players" also stars Abhishek Bachchan, Bobby Deol, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Bipasha Basu.

Sonam debuted as a traditional girl in "Saawariya" in 2007 and later played girl-next-door in "Delhi-6".

But with "I Hate Luv Storys" she moved on to more chick look and continued it in "Aisha" and "Thank You" with elan.

Currently Sonam is filming for Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" opposite Farhan Akhtar and would also start work on her sister's untitled next project soon.

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For Sonam, showing middle finger is no big deal

Having started off her career as a shy and demure lass, playing girl-next-door roles, Sonam Kapoor has undergone a complete transformation for her next film 'Players', by going blunt and showing her middle finger. "I don't believe in censorship so whether they like it or not, I really don't care about it.

I just want people to come and see my film. Showing a middle finger is a part of today's youth, " Sonam told. "I think it is part of our language...it is part of your lingo.

We abuse when we have a normal conversation with our friends. I don't believe anything should be censored it is crazy, especially when it comes to art, films...especially when you live in India where freedom of speech and expression is our basic right, " she said.

Showing a middle finger is better than what we read because what is happening around the world is worse. There are worse things that are available on the internet, why isn't there are any censorship of them, she asked. Initially, the Censor board had given a green signal to the act, but later on, it got it blurred.

"I think it is double standards and being hypocritical Its like oh my god she did this. I am just saying it is a normal thing, when I started doing it I never thought of it. When guys would bother me while I was in college, I used to flip my finger.

I think it is like a normal lingo, " the 26-year-old said. Sonam plays an outspoken, blunt hacker the in Abbas-Mustan action-thriller, a remake of Hollywood film, 'The Italian Job'.

The film also stars, Abhishek Bachchan, Bipasha Basu, Bobby Deol, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Omi Vaidya, releases on January 6, 2012.

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Kareena's X-mas in Vegas proved to be very expensive for Karan Johar

Though shooting in Vegas at Christmas was an expensive affair, director Shakun Batra and the producer Karan Johar did not want to replicate the vibe in another city, for their next.

The makers of Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol may have passed off Bangkok as India in the pre-climax scene in the film, for the sake of convenience of shooting, not all directors are willing to do so.

And that's exactly what Shakun Batra did, as he shot his debut film Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu at Las Vegas during Christmas and New Year last year. The story featuring Imran Khan and Kareena Kapoor is set against the festive backdrop of the casino city.

Not surprisingly, it was initially difficult for the first time director to procure the permissions to shoot there.

A source explains, "Generally, Las Vegas is an expensive place to shoot in. And it's almost out of bounds during Christmas and New Year because that's when the business peaks at the casinos and hotels."

However, the film that shows the lead characters impulsively getting married on Christmas night required to be shot in real locations. So Batra was keen that the location is neither changed nor cheated upon.

Supporting his director's decision, producer Karan Johar agreed to pay the premium charges to get the requisite permissions to shoot. "Never mind if the premium was about 50 percent more than the regular fees. Karan believes that quality and production values should not be compromised, " reiterates our source.

Confirming the premium expenditure on the locations, director Shakun Batra said, "We knew shooting during the festive season would have been expensive.

But recreating a setting like this was going to be impossible. So Karan felt we should go ahead and shoot in Vegas."

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Mahek Chahal back in the 'Bigg Boss' house?

Mahek Chahal, will apparently be back into the reality show she was ousted from thanks to a wild card entry.

Though Shonali Nagrani and Laxmi Tripathi have also been roped in as possible wild card entrants, Mahek is the front-runner.

A panchchi informs that all that buzz about her proximity to host Salman Khan has made it possible to get her back in the house.

Now, let's see who wins.

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Genius godfather for Prateik

AR Rahman is highly impressed by the actor's talent

Prateik may have none other than composer AR Rahman to thank for his role in his latest film directed by Gautam Menon.

Apparently, when Gautam decided to remake his Tamil superhit Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa, the late Smita Patil's son was just one of the many young actors under consideration for the lead role. Buzz is that Rahman helped narrow down the search.

Says a source, "Gautam had a few young faces in mind for the role, including Jackie Shroff's son Tiger. However, it was Rahman who insisted that he shouldn't bother looking for anyone else but Prateik."

Though the actor made an impressive debut with Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, his career has not exactly been on an uphill since.

Especially, his last two films Aarakshan and My Friend Pinto did little for the actor's resume. In fact, in all these years, Rahman has never really recommended any actor for a role, so naturally this comes as quite a surprise.

Adds the source, "Rahman first met Prateik during Jaane Tu and he instantly took a liking to the boy. He was pretty impressed by his performance in the film and had even predicted that he will have a bright future."

Apparently Rahman even told Gautam that he was so sure of the actor that even a screen test would be unnecessary.

Confirms the director, "It's true that Rahman had very good things to say about Prateik. He strongly suggested that I should only look at him for this role." Menon and Rahman have known and worked with each other for years together and not surprisingly he trusts Rahman's judgment a lot.

Concludes the source, "They have been friends for years now and Rahman knows how important this film is for Gautam." Only when the film releases, we'll know if Prateik has proven worthy of the maestro's trust.

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Hot Shot

An interview with Aishwarya Ajit

The porcelain complexioned Aishwarya Ajit’s beauty reminds us of her namesake, Ash Bachchan. Effortlessly beautiful and completely unaware of the effect she has on the people around her, this doe-eyed South Indian gal has us wrapped around her finger in no time at all. A TV presenter on Dubai One, Aishwarya hosts the popular lifestyle show Studio One and has, over the course of her young career, made quite a mark on the silver screen. Ash’s work has been appreciated by all and sundry and she has, at her tender age, been nominated for the Best TV presenter at the Masala! Awards. We get chatting with the lovely lady herself about all things Ash…

Where are you from? Can you tell us about your childhood and formative years?
I am a South Indian from Kerala and was raised in Dubai – I am very Mallu at heart (laughs).

I have been here ever since I was four and studied in The Indian High School. Believe it or not, I was very a very unpopular and timid little girl when I was younger and never participated in any extracurricular activities because I had horrid stage fright. It’s funny looking back as my current line of work is extremely attention-grabbing and is all about being in the limelight. However, I was always very beauty conscious even back then; in my head I was a diva even though my hair and clothes were an absolute mess (laughs).

Congratulations! You are nominated as Best TV presenter for Studio One at the Masala! Awards this year. What does this nomination mean to you?
Well I am only 25 and the fact that I have been nominated by the biggest selling Indian magazine in town makes me feel extremely proud. I am an ardent fan of Masala! as well, therefore winning is secondary; I am simply ecstatic about being nominated.

Tell us a little bit about you career so far – did you always know this was the field you would get into?
It wasn’t till I left Dubai, after my 12th grade and went to India to pursue my college degree, that the showbiz bug actually bit me; that’s where all the magic began. My first ever photo shoot was a disaster – I couldn’t emote and I looked like a dead fish in the pictures. It was also the first time that I had professional make-up on and I couldn’t bear the weight of my false eyelashes (laughs). I was very disheartened after seeing the pictures and thought I should stay as far away from the camera as possible. However, my mother was extremely encouraging and she instilled a lot of confidence in me. Today, I love the camera and have ended up doing over 50 ad campaigns in Kerala in the span of four years.

Once I started modelling full-time, my manager told me that I should try my luck in films. It wasn’t meant to be – I figured that movies are only interesting to watch and not to work in – at least for me. In 2007, I was offered a stint on a dance reality show on a South Indian channel and was extremely thrilled about it; that’s how television happened. Since then there has been no looking back. I realised how much I love doing television and how it helped boost my confidence level.

Can you tell us a little bit more about your show Studio One?
Studio One is a daily live lifestyle show. It is your half hour dose of all things fashion, health and nutrition-related. We also feature what is happening in the community along with entertainment, sports, local talent and celebrity interviews to spice up the content. Whether you are an expat or an Emirati, Studio One is your
go-to guide about living in the region.

What has been your favourite Masala! Awards moment?
This is my first time being nominated. I am excited for this moment!

What are you most looking forward to at the Masala! Awards this year?
Well, to be brutally honest, I am most looking forward to winning (laughs). Besides that, I am very excited about attending the function, meeting the Masala! favourites, the who’s who of Dubai and having a lot of fun at the party.

What do you plan to wear to the Awards?
I always get caught by the Masala! camera and have no excuse for not looking good. I haven’t decided on anything yet but now that you have asked, I am going to run to the malls.

You also model sometimes – what was your first foray into modelling and what have you been involved in so far?
I did most of my modelling in India; I haven’t done much in Dubai but I absolutely love posing in front of the camera and always have my photo-face on (laughs).

What kinds of things do you see yourself doing in the future, professionally?
I would like to do television for as long as I can as I am extremely passionate about it. I am also a make-up junkie, love fashion and anything to do with looking good. I may, therefore, take up something along those lines.

Who do you think is the best TV host of all time? Why?
Well this might sound a bit clichéd but I am a huge Oprah fan and absolutely adore Ellen DeGeneres. Jay Leno is great and I am extremely inspired by Tyra Banks. I only wish she wasn’t as outrageous and obnoxious as she is at times(laughs).

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Awards don’t matter to Salman

Is the actor emulating friend Aamir Khan?

Salman Khan

Salman is known for his fondness for Aamir Khan. But while he obviously can’t emulate him in movies, it seems he is taking a leaf out of Aamir’s book in other aspects of life – for instance, his aversion towards award ceremonies.

With four big hits behind him, naturally one would assume that Sallu would be already rehearsing his speeches for the awards season coming up next year. But trust Salman to shock us. At a recent event, the actor made his dislike for such functions known when he admitted that he couldn’t care less about awards!

Last year, he had surprised fans and the film industry when he left from an awards function just minutes before he was to receive the Best Actor trophy. As is his wont, there was no explanation forthcoming which led to all sorts of speculations. But recently when asked to comment on the episode, Salman said he had no regrets about leaving the show. He was just happy that his movies made money at the BO and that people loved him. Awards didn’t matter to him.

Aamir would certainly be proud of his friend!

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Priyanka and Kareena make up

The arch rivals hugged each other at an awards function

Kareena Kapoor

Priyanka broke the ice with foe Kareena Kapoor at the BIG Star Entertainment Awards in Mumbai recently. According to a source, Bebo arrived late for the event and for a while, she was alone at her table. Priyanka had been sitting a few tables away. Just when she seemed bored waiting to get on stage for her performance, she got up from her chair and walked forward. Then, in a shocking move she stopped just where Bebo was seated, bent down and wrapped her arms around her arch rival. A surprised Bebo was caught off-guard. She soon realised she had to reciprocate the gesture and thus hugged Priyanka in return.

Last year, at the annual Police mela, PC and Bebo hugged and made up in a similar way and they even decided to let put their rivalry behind them. However, the bonhomie was soon forgotten as both actresses went back to taking potshots at each other. Let’s hope the new-found camaraderie lasts longer this time.

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No one wants Madhuri

Hotels are apparently politely rejecting her offer of a performance during New Year’s Eve

 

Madhuri Dixit

The festive season is always a perfect time for fun, merrymaking and money making (especially if you’re a celebrity). But we know one person who is going to stay grumpy this year and the next: Madhuri Dixit!

According to a source, Madhuri who recently relocated to Mumbai was very keen about performing at an event on New Year’s Eve. This is a massive opportunity to make some quick bucks for actresses and stars like Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Bipasha Basu are often offered millions to groove to their popular numbers at five star hotel bashes!
Naturally, the ‘Devdas’ actress wanted to cash in on this opportunity too and accordingly, her manager sent feelers to several event management companies and set up meetings with organizers.

However, things didn’t take off as Mads had expected. The source revealed, “It was an awkward situation. Madhuri told them she wanted to dance to a medley of her hit songs but the organisers felt that New Year Eve’s performances weren’t about old Bollywood numbers or the Saroj Khan school of dance which Madhuri is known for but more about sex appeal and item numbers. Still they couldn’t admit this to Madhuri, so they told her that they had issues with money.”

The actress’ manager Rikku Rakesh Nath however, denied the story and said that Mads was going on a vacation with her family. He claimed it was she who had turned down offers to perform at parties.

Meanwhile, among current actresses, it’s only Mallika Sherawat who has cut a neat deal of one crore Indian rupees for a 30-minute performance. Now you know why we sympathise with Madhuri!

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