Bollywood gossips

I am lucky to have worked with Ranbir and John: Nargis

NEW DELHI: 

Having made quite an impression in her debut film Rockstar as Ranbir Kapoor’s lady love, one would assume that Nargis Fakhri has had it easy in B-town. However, Fakhri admits that it is tough for an outsider to make a place in the industry and it is sheer luck that she got the opportunity to work alongside A-listers.

In her second film Madras Café — a political thriller directed by Shoojit Sircar which is scheduled to release on Friday — Fakhri will be seen with another top actor, John Abraham. “I’m still in awe of how I got so lucky to work with actors like Ranbir and John. I hope to continue working with more A-listers,” she said.

Fakhri feels that her team has played a huge role in her success so far. “It is pretty difficult for a newcomer to make it in Bollywood. You need guidance, and I was fortunate that agencies like Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and KWAN Entertainment and Marketing Solutions had taken me on. If it wasn’t for the team, I think I might not have been here,” she claims. “In this industry, you need to know people or have family that is already in it to make it big. I still have so much to learn and so many people to meet.”

Nevertheless, Fakhri is open to the idea of working alongside newcomers as scripts also guide her decision. “I am open to work with newcomers. It’s not just about the co-stars — it also depends on the script… I’m an equal opportunist,” she asserts.

The actor will be seen essaying the role of a foreign journalist in Madras Café. Sharing her experience, she said, “It was difficult as I am not a real journo. But with the help of workshops, people, documentaries, as well as footage from on-the-field war correspondents ofBBC and CNN, and my own effort, [have helped me] understand my character in the film.”

According to Fakhri, working with John was a rather comforting experience. “John made me comfortable on the sets. He is a talented actor and a lovely person to work with. It’s great to work with people who can make you feel safe and at ease,” she said.

Shahrukh Khan voted best celebrity in rugged look

NEW DELHI: Shahrukh Khan has topped a list of male celebrities who look best in a rugged look.

Shahrukh received the maximum number of votes in the survey conducted by online matrimony service Shaadi.com.

When asked about the celebrities who look best in their rugged avatar, 26.3 percent voted for Shah Rukh, followed by Ranbir Kapoor with 21.2 percent of the votes and then Hrithik Roshan got 11.03 percent.

Others on the list included Virat Kohli, Arjun Rampal, John Abraham, Ranveer Singh and Ayushmann Khurrana.

The poll involved over 5,500 urban Indians in the age bracket of 24 to 30.

In general, as many as 63.3 percent of the respondents voted in favour of the rugged look while only 36.7 percent voted for a clean shaven look.

“The study shows that most women today are looking for a partner who is mature, well groomed and who appears masculine,” Gourav Rakshit, chief operating officer, Shaadi.com, said in a statement.

Jiah Khan may have been murdered, says mother

MUMBAI: Jiah Khan allegedly committed suicide earlier this year and a letter was found where she pointed a finger at her boyfriend Sooraj Pancholi to be the cause. Her mother Rabiya Khan has now filed a fresh petition in the Bombay High Court claiming that her daughter could have been murdered. She has sought a CBI inquiry into the case.

“Rabiya feels the investigation was not done properly. If you go by the medical opinion and other evidence, it would indicate something is missing as far as suicide is concerned,” Dinesh Tiwari, who is Rabiya’s lawyer, told IANS. “Jiah Khan’s case is apparently a case of murder.” Rabiya filed the plea a few days ago.

Jiah, known for her role in Nishabd, was found hanging from the ceiling at her Juhu residence on June 3. She was only 25 years old.

A week later, on June 10, her boyfriend Sooraj was arrested on charges of abetting her suicide. Sooraj, son of actors Aditya Pancholi and Zarina Wahab, was granted bail on July 1 by the court.

Alia Bhatt bags the biggest role of her career yet!

The hottest young actress in Bollywood may just star oppositeRanbir Kapoor in his upcoming detective thriller.

Ranbir Kapoor and Anurag Basu’s Picture Shuru Productions is all set to launch their first venture, jagga jasoos, on floors and the rumour is that Alia Bhatt will be featuring in the film. The movie has two actresses and Ranbir will be playing the protagonist. The search for the second actress is still in process.
A source told Mirror, “Anurag is busy with the script of the film and he is leaving no stone unturned to perfect the draft. In the middle of all this, he has met Alia and spoke to her about the film. The makers feel that she will be just apt for the role.”

Alia has almost wrapped up the shooting of Imtiaz Ali’s Highwayand is busy completing Sajid Nadiadwala and Karan Johar’s 2 States.

A source close to the actress said: “Alia doesn’t want to let go off this opportunity. After all, Anurag is one of the highest paid and most sought after directors today.”

Party with the stars of Chennai Express – Shahrukh Khan and Deepika Padukone

The years’ most star studded red carpet event the capital has ever witnessed Confirmed List of Attendees: Shahrukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Siddarth Roy Kapur, Mrs. And Mr. Rashi Todd (Managing Director Audi – Delhi Central & Gurgaon), Mr. Mikey Todd, Kalyani Chawla Saha and Mr Rohit Aggarwal , Shivani Wazir Pasrich, Harmeet Bajaj, Ayaan Ali Khan, Amaan Ali Khan, Oliver Martin, anuja Chauhan, amongst many others…

Shahrukh Khan wrote on Twitter: “Nothing better than to have a tiring day end with the ones who made it. Thanks HT Brunch for hosting us. You all are so beautiful the whole team.” Meanwhile, seems like Shahrukh Khan had a gala time promoting ‘Chennai Express’ in Delhi; the actor wrote: “The heat is on. Delhi trip coming to an end. You can make or break…that’s a chance you take…whichever now…I am so happy our Chennai Express is born.”

Top 5 most awaited Bollywood films of 2013

2013 is set to be the most insane year for Bollywood blockbusters, with a string of all-star-cast films lined up to release in the coming months. We sifted through lists of many of promising films to bring you the Top 5 most awaited Bollywood films, this year.

CHENNAI EXPRESS

The Om Shanti Om pair is back with a bang after 6 long years. A comedy-action, directed by Rohit Shetty, Chennai Express featuresShahrukh Khan and Deepika Padukone in lead roles. One of the most anticipated movies of 2013, the SRK-Deepika starrer depicts the story of man’s journey to Rameshwaram from Mumbai and what happens along the way as he falls in love with the daughter of a local don. The film is set to hit theaters on 8 August 2013.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAI DOBAARA!

A sequel to the 2010 film Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai, Once Upon a Time in Mumbai Dobaara! is directed by Milan Luthria and stars Akshay Kumar, Sonakshi Sinha and Imran Khan in leading roles. The story is a continuation of the previous film, with the underworld don Akshay Kumar, a charismatic and suave man with womanising skills who has extended his empire upto the Middle east on the west. All’s well until Imran Khan, a youth spotted by Akshay during one of his visits to the slums, where he once spent the early years of his life, rains down on his love parade with Sonakshi Sinha. The film hits theaters on 15 August.

BESHARAM

A comedy flick directed by Abhinav Kashyap, Besharam stars Ranbir Kapoor and Pallavi Sharda in lead and also features Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh Kapoor in supporting roles. the story revolves around the charming Babli (Ranbir Kapoor), a street smart car mechanic living in a Delhi orphanage. He believes in living life to the fullest and has no sense of what’s right and what’s wrong. He also steals cars to support his orphanage. One fine day, Babli unwittingly hurts the love of his life, Tara (Pallavi Sharda) and is chased by cop couple Chulbul Chautala (Rishi Kapoor) and Bulbul Chautala ( Neetu Kapoor). Babli realizes that there is no right way of doing the wrong thing. Babli sets out to fix all the wrongs in his life and he continues to be shameless about it. The film is scheduled to release in 2 October.

KRRISH 3

A superhero science fiction film produced and directed by Rakesh Roshan, Krrish 3 will see Hrithik Roshan and Kangana Ranaut in the lead. Also, the film stars Priyanka Chopra and Vivek Oberoi. The film will continue the story of Rohit Mehra and his superhero son Krrish, after Koi… Mil Gaya and Krrish. This is one of the most awaited movies of 2013 and will hit theaters on November 4.

RAM LEELA

Featuring Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone, Ram Leela is a romantic flick, directed and produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The film is said to be an adaptation of Shakespeare’s epic love story Romeo and Juliet. The plot of the story has been kept under wraps, generating further curiosity among the audiences. Ram Leela will be released on 15th November.

Aamir Khan gets emotional at Godrej event

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan Monday visited the sprawling Godrej campus in northeast Mumbai and interacted with employees and kids as part of the company’s brand popularization exercise.

Aamir, the Godrej Group brand ambassador, was invited with the objective of ‘living the brand vision’. He met around 500 of the employees in an attempt to institutionalize the campaign – ‘Ideas that make life better’ – launched in March.

Salman Khan desperately wants Vatsal Seth in Bigg Boss Saath Saath

Bollywood’s most wanted actor    Salman Khan who will be portraying the roles of an Angel and Devil in the latest season of Bigg Boss Saath Saath, wants Vatsal Seth to be a part of the show!

Vatsal played the male lead in the movie Tarzan: The Wonder Car opposite Ayesha Takia and will also be seen playing an important role in Salman Khan’s upcoming Mental. 

A source said that Salman Khan and his family are very close to Vatsal Seth and Salman desperately wants him in the reality show.

“The Khans are like family to Vatsal, who has acted with Salman earlier in the movie Heroes. So, Salman, who is known to prefer some of his close ones for the show, is coercing him to say yes. He is still contemplating,” said the source.

This new season of Bigg Boss is said to be completely different from all the other seasons and will be aired on screen in September this year.

Ranbir Kapoor charges a massive amount of Rs. 15 crores!

After Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani broke records at the box office, Ranbir Kapoor has reached new heights and could be the next face of Bollywood. Seemingly, the actor has increased his remuneration.

According to reports, for Abhinav Kashyap’s Besharam, Ranbir Kapoor charged a huge amount of Rs 15 crores for 100 days. And he also charged the same amount for a 42-day schedule for his close friend and debutane director Vicky Singh’s Roy.

A source close to the film confirmed and said: “Roy is a two hero film. It has Arjun Rampal alongside Ranbir. But yes, Ranbir has charged his regular fee of Rs 15 crore for the film.”

It was reported earlier in 2011 that post Rockstar’s success, the actor charged Rs 8 crores for Barfi! and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and was looking forward to charge a massive amount of Rs 15 crores per film. Currently, the newly made superstar also shares a percentage of profit that his movies make. 

 Nargis Fakhri unveils Hi! Blitz magazine August 2013 issue

Actress Nargis Fakhri unveiled the latest issue of Hi! Blitz Magazine in Mumbai, on Friday evening.

Speaking about her photoshoot for the magazine, Nargis Fakhri said:“One of my favourite things is to get to wear Indian clothes because I don’t get to wear them much as I would like to, so I really enjoy getting to wear such rich-looking clothing. You know, the western clothes are not as cool Indian wear.”

She also talked about her upcoming film and said: “Madras Cafe is coming out in 21st August and working in the film was a wonderful experience; I play a journalist.”

5 Facts that’ll change the way you look at Bollywood villains

With Indian cinema turning 100 years old and tributes after laurels being paid to the heroes and the directors along the journey, it is often the villains who are left out.

But just like Sunday would not be as special if it wasnt followed by the dreary Monday, a hero is no good without his villain. But sadly, most villains have to live with the tag of the bad guy all their lives. There have been reports where women and children have run away from them because of their portrayal on screen.

If you’re among those who hate a Bollywood villain for what you saw on screen, read on.

Here are five facts that will change the way you look at Bollywood villains.

GULSHAN GROVER: SOLD PHENYL AND DETERGENT AS A DOOR TO DOOR SALESMAN.

It is perhaps the ultimate tribute to the guy’s potential that he was named ‘Bad Man’. Playing villainous characters ranging from the utterly heartless to the haplessly horny, Gulshan Grover has done it all.

His thin moustache, his Shakuni style of dialogue delivery and the way he used his eyes, make him the bad guy that gets beaten up by Ajay Devgan or Akshay Kumar, but not before he has raped a few women and killed a few children.

But behind all the ‘Kya cheeze – Cut Piece’, he was a man who rose from the grassroots. He doesn’t remember when he was born, but what he does remember is the fact that he wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth. In spite of playing the spoilt son of the corrupt zamindar in so many films convincingly, Gulshan Grover spent much of his early life helping his family earn money. And among the many odd jobs he did, was that of a door to door salesman, selling phenyl and detergent powder.

DANNY DENZONGPA: PROVIDES COLLEGE STUDENTS A REASON TO CHEER EVERY NIGHT.

Hailing from Sikkim, Danny was another of the villains who wanted to become heroes. But it wasn’t too long before producers realised his brushed back hair, chiselled jaw, and general bad-ass vibe that he carried, could be used to terrorise our heroes.

Apart from a career that spans decades, not many people know that Danny is quite the name in the alcohol business. His family has run Yuksom breweries for decades now, and he has breweries in Sikkim, West Bengal, and Orissa.

Students who have tasted his brands – all masculine names like Rhino, Hit, Dansberg, and Hit Man 9000, swear by it. His alcohol company has provided stiff competition to UB for a while now, and everytime a few college students want to have a good time but are light on the pockets, they sip on the beer Danny Denzongpa brews. When he is not brewing evil schemes to blow up the hero.

AMRISH PURI: WORKED AS A GOVERNMENT OFFICER FOR 20 YEARS.

Let’s face it, Bollywood wouldn’t have been what it is, without this guy.

From the 80′s to the last decade, if there was a hero to kill, a child to kidnap, or an evil empire to build, he was the man. From the plain crazy to the terribly psychotic, Amrish Puri has done all there is to be done as a Bollywood villain. To the extent that Steven Speilberg was quoted as saying, “Amrish is my favorite villain- The best the world has ever produced and ever will!” (Could be that the man was terrified himself too!)

But not many know that Amrish Puri had a long career in theatre. And since theatre acting in those days paid as much as Doordarshan does today, he had to do a job. A government job. For 20 years. When he retired from the Employees State Insurance Corporation, he had already made a career of scaring the pants out of baby-faced heroes. One can’t fail to assume that some of the dreariness of doing a government job for 20 years must have added to the villainy with which he eliminated politicians, police officers, and bureaucrats!

AMJAD KHAN: LOVED KIDS

If you haven’t watched Sholay, do this. Call up JustDial and asked them about natural reserves like waterfalls or hot springs in the area near where you live. Then go and jump in it.

Sholay, hailed as the greatest Hindi film ever made, opened to low ticket sales and bad reviews (which probably shows that our critics haven’t changed much from those days). However, word of mouth publicity drove the masses into the halls, and there, on the big screen, was this evil man who sat on the rocks, asking when Holi was coming.

Sholay catapulted Amjad Khan to such a level where he had to run away from people on the beach, thinking they were attacking him. Till today, Gabbar remains the Numero Uno villain of Hindi cinema. No blind mother to take care of, no sister to marry, no revenge to take – just pure, unadulterated evil.

In real life, however, Amjad Khan was a softy at heart. He loved children, and in interviews, his children have said that he would break into tears if any of them got hurt. Also, for years, he did the advertisement for Glucose-D biscuits. I wonder what mothers told their children if they didn’t eat their biscuits!

…..AND PRAN!: LOVED DOGS!

Pran is probably the greatest villain who ever graced the silver screen. In an era where villains didn’t abruptly chase skirts after an item number, Pran was saddled with the complex task of appearing suave and menacing at the same time. And boy, was he good!

Pran was the epitome of cool, blowing smoke rings with as much as ease as he was blowing people’s minds. He was the second highest paid actor in the time, after Rajesh Khanna, and that’s why there are so few movies with the two of them together. His colleagues say that he used to party all night long, and then wake up on time and be on the sets, playing a cold-hearted villain who showed no mercy.

But amidst the suave criminal exterior, Pran was a kind, humane person, with an exceptional love for dogs. For someone who had to come to India after the partition, when he was asked what he missed the most, he said it was his dog that he missed.

The man had many dogs in their lifetime, and in true-blue Bollywood-badass style, they were named Bullet, Whiskey, and Soda!

Making of lungi dance

T series and the makers of Chennai Express recently released a video of the making of the Lungi Dance. All through out the video you smile and say aww.. so cuteee! Shahrukh Khan and Deepika portray an awesome chemistry on screen and when you watch them during the making of the song, you can see their oh so casual friendship. But that’s not it. The video has a surprise in the end.

Pay sharp attention at the end of the video and spot someone wearing a grey tee shirt which has GEEK written over it. Any familiar face? Yes!! You got it right! Its Ranveer Singhhhh! Awwww! Isn’t that adorable? This is so much better than Ranbir-Kartina’s holiday pictures getting leaked.

By the looks of it, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone’s ‘alleged’ relationship looks so much more better than that of Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif. It’s just refreshing to watch Ranveer Singh just standing there watching Deepika Padukone with awe. Brownie points for no excessive PDA!

A.R. Rahman In Coke Studio 3

Composing Music is all about talent, practice and a lot of creativity. A good composition is always appealing along with good lyrics. We have very less compositions which are unique and completely original. A.R. Rahman is one of them. Coke Studio, which have featured some of the great composers and singers from all over India. And it will feature A.R. Rahman this season. Excited already? Hold On! There’s more for you guys. Coke Studio 3 will also feature Amit Trivedi, Ram Sampath, Salim – Sulaiman, Clinton, Cerejo, Hitesh, Sonik and Papon. One hell of a music show!

Watch this Coke Studio 3 inauguration event here on Bollywood Celebden.

Sonakshi Sinha is quite chilled out about all her link-up stories!

Sonakshi Sinha should be on cloud 9 when she thinks about her Bollywood career as it just gets better and better for the lady with every movie. Her recent release Lootera received some nice critical acclaim while she was praised for her performance. While she’s been tasting some delicious success in the film industry, she’s also a part of (not to be surprised) the regular link-ups that happen in B-Town. 

But the actress seems to have a chilled-out funda about it as she takes her link-up stories with a pinch of salt! “Luckily my family has been in the industry for long time. They know what is real and of course, they know me and trust me and if there is something like that they will come to know from me and they don’t need to read such rumours,” she said.

“So these are rumors are a sign of success and its part and parcel of the industry,”concluded Sonakshi.

Madhuri Dixit launches P. N Gadgil Jewellers store

Madhuri Dixit was recently invited to inaugurate P.N Gadgil Jewellers' newest store in Vile Parle, Mumbai. The actress who had launched the biography of Shri. Dajikaka Gadgil in Pune was more than happy to associate with the brand and be present during its opening in Mumbai.