People keep asking me to recommend them: Salman

Salman Khan on why he doesn't handpick participants for 'Bigg Boss 6' and making the content more family-friendly

With the sixth season of Bigg Boss almost around the corner, Salman Khan is all geared up to take up the reigns as the show's host once again. Interestingly this time, the actor has decided to make certain changes to the show's format to make the content more audience-friendly. However, Sallu points out that he has absolutely no hand in deciding who gets into the Bigg Boss house.

A change in format... why?
I thought that on last year's show, there was too much screaming and shouting in the house. That is why it was pushed to the 11 pm time slot indicating that the show is damaging to our culture. I wanted it to be a family entertainer so that people from the age group of six to 60 can watch it.

Do you have a say on who gets selected for the show?
No I don't get into that. Too many people keep asking me to recommend their names. Then it becomes difficult for me to either choose or drop them. During the last season too, I got to know people once I had shot with them.


But don't you think certain people on the show become the victims of circumstances?
The actual personality of a person tends to come through in such situations. Some of them act, some don't. Some former housemates have confessed to me that after two or three days in the house, they did not feel the cameras around them anymore.

We are trying to bring well-behaved people on our show this time but we cannot guarantee if they will remain so inside the house.

This season will also have a common man in the house. People who work for social causes are welcome to join the house. If you have done good work but people don't know about it, you can apply.

Will you miss Sanjay Dutt this year?
Yes, I will miss him. Last year I got busy with my work and this year he is busy with his film commitments. Credit:http://www.santabanta.com

Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal ( Movie Review)

If you can overlook the outrageous suggestion that Nana Patekar could be Om Puri's son then you're in for some clean healthy wholesome and engaging fun in this comic drama about a stranger who walks into a Catholic village and changes malfunctional lives with his positivity .

Does the reformation in the Church theme ring a bell? Films of Hrishikesh Mukherjee(Anand, Bawarchi, Budha Mil Gaya, Khubsoorat) attempted the same theme of the whimsical but endearing stranger who walks in with an eccentric agenda to change jaded lives.

Priyadarshan's parodic populace is a city of eccentricity. Rural or urban, the characters are whimsical, stubborn,and oddly out of step with the socio-political reality of the world that they seem to inhabit from the fringes without being able to position themselves in the mainstream.

Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal (KDM) gives us Priyan's people at their quirkiest. There is a farmer Om Puri , his wife(Sona Nair) two daughters and a wastrel of a son(played with superb slothfulness by Shreyas Talpade) in whose life comes a dark brooding stranger Nana Patekar who be any of many things....a long-lost brother,an unwanted bother,a ghost from another world, a blast from the past, a foodie who clean-sweeps all the food on the table...fast! Leaving Om Puri's family pooree aghast.

It is interesting to see how Priyadarshan brings into play a small church-based village community's affinity to religion,courtship and domestic politics. Here is a village sustaining itself at the grassroots with spirited hilarity,often self-directed. Though a little tongue-in-cheek if not altogether blasphemous, I was tickled by the heroine's female body-guard(Pratima Kazmi)'s one-sided passion for the priest played with Asrani in an ill-fitting cassock.This audacious plot-track was more outrageously comical than newbie Madhurima Bannerjee's endless courtship with the eminently unlikeable wimp(Talpade).


This isn't the first Priyadarshan film where the pampered heiress is protected from male attention by her slew of bullying brothers. Earlier Kareena Kapoor was similarly cordoned off from Akshaye Khanna's attention in Hulchal .

Recurrent themes often give Priyadarshan comedies a sinking sense of sameness. KDM is one of Priyadarshan's better potboilers in recent times. KDM is a remake of a Malayalam film Marykundoro Kunjaado. Priyan hasn't been able to do away with a regional flavour in the story. The cloistered gossip-mongering Keral village may seem odd to Hindi-speaking audiences. But the film has been shot by R.Ganesh in a beautiful lakeside township .There are lush images of fields and meadows.The climactic chase catches Nana and Shreyas running through a harvest-ready field in the dead of the night. It's an arresting image, framed and shot with care.

Though Neeraj Vora's dialogues have seen better digs, they capture the ethos of eccentric antics well. The actors are all in the mood to have fun.


Tucked away in this rumbustious drama of mistaken identity and godforsaken raillery is a message on trust, belief and honesty. All of this is put forward with zero dependence on vulgarity.The double meaning is restricted to the ambivalence of the characters. The principal actors specially Nana Patekar(duly deadpan), Shreyas Talpade(blissfully and brazenly selfserving),Om Puri(incredibly unselfconscious), Paresh Rawal(wickedly ironic) and Neera Vora(a scream as a coffin maker who prays for the dying to be dead) get into the swing of things. They lend a layering to the laughter.

An interesting film, and far superior to the prolific Priyadarshan's other recent comedies like De Dana Dan,Khatta Meetha and the prequel to KDM, Malaamaal Weekly. Credit:http://www.santabanta.com/

Oh My God (Movie Review)

It's ironical that Oh My God releases just at a time when our city's Ganpati Bappa celebrations are at a jumpingum pumpingum peak. As we keep getting bombarded with Jai Ganeshaay and Omkar Swarupa aartis and traffic jams at every corner, it's pretty easy to warm to OMG's theme - its strong debate against idol worship, blind superstition, divine bribes and glam spirituality. Oh, but it really turns out to be a pretty long statement. For a film with a straight single track linear story that is.

Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal in 'Oh My God'.

Kanji Lalji Mehta (Paresh Rawal) runs a small shop of artefacts in Chor Bazaar and thinks nothing of bluffing his way about to manipulate God-fearing people into buying his overpriced stuff. People around him mock him for his lack of faith in God and other divine powers.

One day Kanji's shop is destroyed in an earthquake. The insurance company refuses to honour his claim saying their claim is null in case of an act of God. Kanji decides to sue God (he goes to an advocate called Hanif Qureshi!) and a few religious trusts for compensation and sets in motion a nationwide movement, for and against idol worship. Then God (Akshay Kumar) decides to pay Kanji a visit and engages with him in a debate about spirituality and faith.


Great idea. It's worked very well as a play. It makes many relevant points about the widespread corruption and money mismanagement in religious charitable trusts and wastage of food in religious activities. But the concept hasn't translated so well on film. The verbal volleys that would be so spontaneous and impactful in the play aren't working that well in the film.

The biggest problem is the bad picture. So many shots in this film - particularly the whole long courtroom climax - are totally grainy and blurred. Plus the quality of picture differs from scene to scene. For some reason Akshay's shot in some soft focus glow that looks out of sync with the rest of the film.

The second problem shows in the obvious continuity errors - the most glaring being: it's raining abundantly in the galli where Sonakshi is breaking a dahi handi but surprisingly dry where Kanji's son is breaking his handi merely two gallis away.

The high point of the film is its performances: Paresh Rawal is great; with his trademark wit and humour very much in place, he manages most of the show on his own. It's wonderful to just see him play his age this time. So is Kanji's friend Mahadeo (Ratnaparkhi).

Akshay looks chiknya as ever but there isn't really much of him. Godman I Govind Namdeo overacts as usual. In a rare role as an effeminate spiritual guru, Godman II Mithun Chakravarty manages to make a big impression, even with very few dialogues.

At the end of it, Umesh Shukla's film makes its point but ends up preachy. And frankly, the people who must watch it will be busy lining up barefoot for Bappa's darshan. Credit:http://www.santabanta.com

Mallika home alone in her washroom!

A birdie chirps to say that Mallika Sherawat had been giving interviews for her forthcoming film at a hotel in Juhu

The makers had booked a room in the hotel where Madam M was giving media bytes. The room was full of scribes, camera folk apart from her attendants.


It so happened that a female media person wanted to use the washroom. But Madam M stopped her from using it and told her instead to go to the washroom in the lobby downstairs. Flummoxed, the scribe just had to follow her diktat. Hmmmm... considering that it was not the actress' personal washroom!

Credit: Mid-Day.com

Pakistani damsel Mathira to debut in B-Town

Pak chat show host Mathira could make her Bollywood debut opposite Neil Nitin Mukesh in his next film

Mathira aka the Paris Hilton of Pakistan is all set to become the latest Bollywood import from across the border. The chat show host, currently in Mumbai, is confident of bagging a role in an upcoming romantic comedy starring Neil Nitin Mukesh and helmed by debutant Prerna Wadhawan.

She states, "I'm not a stranger to camera, so I'm very confident and as of now, my chances are 50/50." She is in conversation with others filmmakers too and will be in the city until next week.

Apparently, there are rumours of her appearing in a reality show doing the rounds too. The diehard fan of Hema Malini and Madhuri Dixit adds that she is not surprised by the inflow of Pakistani artistes into Hindi film industry. "Let's get real here. Talent is coming from everywhere, not only from Pakistan".

There are European people working here, too. This wasn't the case, say a decade ago. In my opinion, it's a healthy trend and there's nothing wrong with it, adds the television personality who became the first female Pakistani to host late night programme.

On being asked whether she'll follow Veena Malik's footsteps, Mathira maintained a diplomatic stand. "People should just work on what they are good at. There is a thin line between being vulgar and being sexy."  Credit:http://www.santabanta.com

Waiting for Oscar

Every year, India goes through the same cycle of yearning and anticipation India has settled on its official selection for the Oscars. Anurag Basu’s Barfi will go to Los Angeles and try its luck with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. And we’re all a little invested in the decision, because unlike the other awards that involve individual talents, the foreign film Oscar is considered an honour to the entire country. Ever since 1957, when Mother India is reported to have lost narrowly to Federico Fellini’s Nights of Cabiria, the prize has set off a cycle of yearning, anticipation, letdown and bitterness, with India getting no closer to the coveted statuette.

Meanwhile, Fellini alone has scooped up three more Oscars. Some of this failure has to do with shoddy selection processes. The official nominee is selected by the Film Federation of India after sifting through entries from regional producers’ panels. That process is shot through with bias, lobbying and inexplicable decision-making. Satyajit Ray’s best films have been passed over, as have excellent movies from the movie industries in Maharashtra and Kerala.

 The Academy’s considerations for the best foreign film are certainly less predictable than its other choices. India, though, seems to have tried every yardstick possible to impress the Academy. With Devdas, it decided to go with spectacle, rich surfaces and overblown emotion. With Shwas, it tried the poignant little realist film. But really, what could anyone have been thinking when they sent Jeans or Eklavya: the Royal Guard? The point is, we have many thriving, creative movie industries that produce work of every kind — from small cinematic gems to all-star plotless wonders. Some of them don’t travel well. The Academy Awards cannot be an arbiter of value for an entire filmmaking culture. And if we’re insecure enough to consider it one, the least we can do is play by their rules and send a film that has a halfway chance. Credit:http://www.indianexpress.com

Thriller 'Homeland' dethrones 'Mad Men' at Emmys

LOS ANGELES: Spy thriller "Homeland" won best TV drama at the Emmy awards Sunday, ending retro cult show "Mad Men" four-year unbroken run, while "Modern Family" was named best comedy for the third straight year.

Election campaign film "Game Change," about John McCain's Republican running mate Sarah Palin's implosion in the doomed 2008 White House race, meanwhile won best mini-series or movie at US television's annual awards show.

"Homeland," about a CIA agent probing a US Marine who went missing in Iraq and is suspected of planning a terrorist attack, is only in its first season but has earned rave reviews and nine Emmy nominations for pay channel Showtime.

As well as the 64th Annual Primetime Emmys' top prize for best drama, the show also son best drama writing and best drama actor and actress for Briton Damian Lewis and Claire Danes.
"I'm one of those pesky Brits," Lewis said as he accepted his prize at the Nokia Theatre in downtown Los Angeles, referring to the success in recent years of British shows including hit period drama Downtown Abbey.

"I don't really believe in judging art, but I thought I'd show up just in case. Turned out all right," he said -- adding that his children thought he had been nominated for an "Emma."
"Well, daddy just won an Emma," he joked.

"Mad Men," about life and love in a 1960s New York advertising agency, has won best drama every year since its 2007 premier, and was hoping to break the Emmys record with a fifth win this year.

But the show, which was nominated in 17 categories, went home empty-handed
On the lighter side, mockumentary-style "Modern Family" won its third straight Best Comedy series Emmy with a cast of gay, step-sibling and generally non-orthodox nuclear family characters.

It also collected supporting-acting prizes for Eric Stonestreet and Julie Bowen and a best-directing Emmy for series co-creator Steven Levitan.

Edgy British comic Ricky Gervais, known for his near-the-nuckle jokes as Golden Globes host, was relatively restrained in his turn presenting a relatively minor award.

"So much better than the Golden Globes," he said, joking that organizers had chosen to give him the "big one" category of directing on a variety special, won by Glenn Weiss for Broadway's 65th annual Tony Awards.

Daily Show comedy news frontman Jon Stewart, accepting the best variety show award, was among the few to test the live broadcast 5-second delay for bad language, after pretend-fighting with rivals Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon.

Best comedy supporting actress went to Julie Bowen also of "Modern Family," while Louis C.K. won best comedy writer for his series "Louis," as well as best writer for his live show.
Veteran actress Kathy Bates -- who only this month revealed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a double mastectomy -- won best guess actress in a comedy series for her appearance on hit show "Two and a Half Men."

Actor Michael J Fox, who semi-retired after being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease but announced last month that he will star in a new TV show, won a standing ovation when he presented "Modern Family" with the best comedy prize.

Julianne Moore, who won best TV movie actress for HBO's "Game Change," thanked Palin, who she played. "I feel so validated, because Sarah Palin gave me a big thumbs down," she said.


AFP

A busy Ameesha Patel is longing for a vacation

Ameesha Patel, who had planned to take it easy, is suddenly overloaded with work. According to a source, `She had been desperately trying to take a break for 15 days but with so much happening, her holiday plans seems to be getting further delayed.` 

The actress, who is busy dubbing for her film Shortcut Romeo with Neil Nitin Mukesh, was planning to take a vacation along with her production house partner Kuunal Goomer and wife Shammli since the past four months. 

But somehow Ameesha's schedule did not permit her to take such a long holiday.


Adds the source, `She will also shortly be shooting for her sunglass endorsement Glam Star. In the new campaign, she will come out with an even younger chic look. 

The brand folk feel that the new look will shock people and her fans as well. Post this she will continue to shoot for Bhiayyaji Superhit with Sunny Deol and then her home production Desi Magic rolls.`


Those close to her state that Ameesha is enjoying her life more then she ever has and this happiness is the reason for her glowing face and personality. 

The source concludes, `Looking at her current line of projects in hand we guess her holiday plans don't seem to be happening this year for sure.` 

Credit: Mid-Day.com

'There is nothing more enticing than the soft curves of a woman'

Indian Australian pop sensation Aiysha Saagar believes that there is nothing more enticing than the soft curves of a woman. 

`A woman is one of God's most beautiful creations, that has inspired both artists and poets to express this beauty and sensuality over the ages. 

Clothes and jewellery may enhance a woman's features, but there is nothing more beautiful than a woman wearing her confidence and smile,` she says.


She recently shot new pics with Vishal Saxena in Mumbai. 

Credit: Mid-Day.com

'Heroine' (Movie Review)

Madhur Bhandarkar's fascination for home-truths is known fact. Be it unseen or rather, unexplored world of bar dancers, the hind truths of media business and socialites, or the home truths of corporate sector and glamour aisles. Madhur has always succeeded in making his mark, by all his previous releases. 

After exhibiting his adroitness in conceptualising the home truths on celluloid, Madhur is once again here with a theme based on the hind side of showbiz. 

This time with Heroine, Madhur has tried to reveal the murkier secrets of an actresses' life, who has an ongoing tryst with agony and plight pertaining to personal and professional life. This much talked about cine cantata of Madhur, featuring Kareena, Randeep Hooda and Arjun Rampal opened with an occupancy of around 55% at multiplexes. 


There is widely prevailing notion about the showbiz which says that, darkness always prevails behind the spotlight. So is the story of Madhur's directional venture, Heroine, which is knitted around the voyage of an actress in the glittery lanes of showbiz. And her rendezvous with the dark side of fame and eminence. 

Heroine is tale of Mahi Arora (Kareena Kapoor) a prominent superstar of Bollywood, who has got all fragrances of goodies in her bunch of success blooms. Besides this Mahi suffers from bipolar disorder with mood swings, predominated by a sense of insecurity and loneliness. And the only source of soothing delight for Mahi is, her unconditional and everlasting dote on reigning superstar Aryan (Arjun Rampal). 

But as the story proceeds her insecurities start taking over the control of her life, where she lands up in a state of dilemma, due to sheer contradiction between her outer life and inner world which demands a soothing comfort of true love. As story moves ahead, her quest and longing for true love starts taking her to disastrous depths. 


After exhibiting his dexterity in handling the home-truths pertaining to glamour aisles, media industry, corporate world, and even the life of bar dancers this time Madhur some what failed in penning down a flawless script for one of the most over hyped cine flick of his career.

Infact the script of Heroine seems to be overly burdened with stereotypical element, showcasing those common features of "Madhur's type of cinema" for which homosexuality, Page-3 parties with gallons of liquor flowing, a gay fashion designers and bitchy celebs are a must. 

The script no where gives you a fragrance of freshness, rather it gets more and more monotonous with frames rolling ahead. Apart from it's characteristic resemblance with the previous cine cantatas of Madhur (especially Fashion). The script becomes monotonous, repetitive within itself also. 

With every successive sequence Heroine makes you feel that it is the same narrative which you have seen just a couple of minutes ago and the only difference lies in the shift of set. 


Even at times script of Heroine seems to be more of a gossip tabloid, which tries to take a dig at some of the real life incidents of Bollywood actress in order to authenticate its proclamation of being a reality based cine tale pertaining to Bollywood

In nutshell, contrary to his previous cine ideas which were thoroughly novel, this time Madhur has completely failed in knitting an entertaining script. 

With rhetoric pattern inspired from Socratian way of thinking, dialogues of Heroine may leave some impact upon you at one or two places but on the whole, masses are expected to get surprised by the phraseology, adopted by the ace director for this most ambitious project of his.

Well as far as screenplay and flow of the narration are concerned, then after having those award winning cine flicks like Fashion, Corporate, Page -3 and Chandini Bar in his kitty, this time Madhur has failed in meeting his own benchmark.


Though like typical Madhur Bhandarkar movies Heroine also begins with a curiosity raising sequence, providing a take off to audience apprehensions, but as the frames move ahead the onscreen substance seems to be divorcing from the reality, with everything kissing the horizons of obtruded melodrama.

Contrary Bhandarkar style of direction every single sequence of the film, Heroine is loaded with tonnes of predictability coated around it. Which is surely a disappointment for die hard Bhandarkar fans. With tons of soil from the previous grounds, Heroine once again showcased the feminine-traits of a designer, homosexuality, bitching celebs everything seems to be copy, pasted from his previous cine cantatas. 

As far as direction is concerned then in Heroine Madhur some what failed in extracting best from his protagonists. Though Kareena's oomph in movie was at all time best, but inspite of that her performance could have been better. Infact despite having the patronage of an ace director like Madhur, Kareena looked getting derailed from her performance track as the movie rolls ahead. 


With narration flowing ahead at snails pace and run time of around 2 hrs 30 minutes Heroine at times becomes so overburdening that, you simply feel like being punished. 

Clad with oodles of glamour around her, Kareena has looked scorching hot in the movie, but as far as her performance is concerned then up till an extent Bebo disappoints the fans who expected a memorable performance from her. 

As a superstar Arjun Rampal is proficient and leaves a thorough impression. And on the other hand Randeep Hooda too delivered a satisfactory in a brief, but significant role.

As far as supporting cast is concerned then Divya Dutta as a PR professional leaves an impact. 


In the music department, Heroine failed in making it to chart busters list. With Halkat Jawani as the pick of the deck, for those who relish soft and soothing tunes, there are a couple of tracks like Tujhpe Fida, Khwahishein, Saiyaan which are well integrated in the narrative. 

With so much hype created to provide a massive impetus to its opening on the BO, Heroine somewhat lacks the trademark trait of Bhandarkar cine flicks. And as far as its emerging as a massive success is concerned, then it's Kareena's fan following which may do the miracle for the movie which is otherwise expected to emerge as the cine flick slightly above the average mark.

To sum up, after watching so many women centric cine delights offered by Madhur, Heroine somewhat fails in meeting the previous benchmarks set by the director, and could only be watched to witness the oodles of oomph of Kareena.
Credit:http://www.santabanta.com

Sharon Stone bounces back from migraine at Milan fashion week

MILAN: U.S. actress Sharon Stone bounced back from a hospital admission at Milan fashion week to chair a star-studded fundraising gala on Saturday.

Stone, 55, was admitted to hospital with a migraine after attending a runway show by Italian fashion house Fendi on Friday, raising questions over whether she could chair the Saturday AIDS research fundraiser as planned.

The "Basic Instinct" star suffered a health scare in 2001 when she was hospitalized for a brain aneurysm - bleeding in the brain that can cause stroke - after suffering severe headaches.
Dressed in a deeply plunged long black draped dress, the actress smiled at cameras and reassured reporters outside the event about her condition.

"Thank you. I feel fine and I'm good and I've got a clean bill of health and I'm happy to be here," Stone told Reuters Television.

"I'm totally happy to be here for something so meaningful to me."
The American Foundation for AIDS Research said in a statement: "She was examined and given a clean bill of health. And as she said, wild horses couldn't keep her away."

The gala was attended by Italian designers Silvia Venturini Fendi and Roberto Cavalli and Fiat heir Lapo Elkann. It featured performances by DJ Mark Ronson and rapper Theophilus London. (Reuters)

Singer Fiona Apple arrested on drug charge at Texas border

SAN ANTONIO: Grammy-winning singer Fiona Apple spent the night in a Texas jail after being arrested late Wednesday on a drug possession charge at the border patrol checkpoint where her tour bus was searched, a local judge said.

Apple, 35, was taken into custody in the same town where authorities previously nabbed singer Willie Nelson, rapper Snoop Dogg and "The Social Network" actor Armie Hammer on drug charges.

The celebrity news website TMZ reported that authorities found hashish, a form of cannabis, on the singer's bus. Officials in Hudspeth County, Texas, could not immediately confirm that allegation to Reuters.

The Hudspeth County clerk said a judge set Apple's bond at $11,000 on Thursday.
Asked why so many celebrities have been arrested in the remote West Texas county, Judge Becky Dean-Walker, who confirmed Apple's arrest, said, "because they come through here with stuff they shouldn't have."

Apple, who won a Grammy for the single "Criminal" off her 1996 debut album "Tidal," was due to perform in Austin on Thursday night. The venue's marketing director said the show had not yet been canceled.

The singer-songwriter's representatives could not be immediately reached for comment. (Reuters)

Brad Pitt ready to act in a Bollywood film

MUMBAI: Hollywood's reigning star Brad Pitt missed the opportunity of romancing Indian beauty Aishwarya Rai in "Troy", but with the growing presence of Indian films on the world stage, he says he might just decide to surprise fans by grooving in true Bollywood style any time.

"Indian cinema seems to be growing very well at its own pace. I would love to work in a Bollywood film as there is so much drama and colour in the films there," Pitt told IANS in an email interview.

"The filmmaking, I hear, has evolved a lot in India and of late we have witnessed some good films making a presence at the Oscars and the world stage," added the actor.

The presence of Indian films and their artists has witnessed a boost in the western world in recent times. International premieres, opportunities for actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Anil Kapoor and Irrfan Khan, as well as A.R.Rahman's Oscar-winning feat for " Slumdog Millionaire" have drawn international interest in India's cinematic offerings.

"That tells you a lot about the quality of the actors and the films. You never know when I might decide to work in a Bollywood film and do one of those dance numbers with the whole crew in the backdrop," quipped Pitt, who shot in the country for 2007 movie "A Mighty Heart".

The 48-year-old actor, who has been named among the sexiest men in the world multiple times, is especially fond of former Miss World Aishwarya. He says he is open to work with her.

"Given a chance, I would like to work with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan because she's a versatile actor. She has worked brilliantly in films like 'The Mistress of Spices', 'The Last Legion', 'The Pink Panther 2' and 'Provoked' to name a few," said Pitt.

"She is one of the most popular actresses of Bollywood, who has achieved huge acclaim in the west for her style, beauty and acting skills. I think we missed an opportunity to be cast together for the movie 'Troy'," he added.

Aishwarya was reportedly offered to essay the historical part of Briseis, but she turned down the offer by director Wolfgang Petersen. "Troy", released in 2007, continues to be one of Pitt's best performances till date.

Meanwhile, Pitt has finally decided to enter wedlock with his lady love Angelina Jolie, with whom he makes up the popular 'Brangelina' brand. The couple have six children. Though his wedding date is yet to be fixed, the actor has wished India's 'Saifeena' - Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor - all the best for their D-day next month.

"To be honest, I really think Saif and Kareena can be called Bollywood's sexiest couple so far. I am glad to know they are getting married soon. I wish them all the success for a happy married life," he said,

Pitt is currently eager for the release of gangster movie "Killing Them Softly", set to hit the screens Oct 5.

" 'Killing Them Softly' has a political agenda - one that it isn't too keen on hiding. It is an adaptation of a George V. Higgins novel about two low lives who make the unwise decision to rob a mob-funded card game and the hitman tasked with taking them down," he said about the movie.

Lindsay Lohan arrested in NY for hitting pedestrian

NEW YORK: Lindsay Lohan was arrested on Wednesday after a pedestrian told police that her car struck him as the "Mean Girls" actress was driving into a hotel in New York, New York City police said.

Lohan's vehicle clipped a 34-year-old man in an alley, around 2:30 a.m., police told Reuters, and the man later went to a nearby hospital saying he had an injured knee.
The 26-year-old actress, who has been in and out of court, rehab and prison since a 2007 drunk driving arrest in Los Angeles, was arrested for leaving the scene of an accident. Police arrested her as she left the Dream hotel in lower Manhattan.
She was charged with a misdemeanor and released, the New York police department's Office of Public Information said.

Lohan's spokesman in Los Angeles said he believed the claims would not be proved.

"While some of the facts are still being gathered, it appears that this is much ado about nothing. We are confident this matter will be cleared up in the coming weeks and the claims being made against Lindsay will be proven untrue," spokesman Steve Honig said in a statement.


Celebrity website TMZ.com, quoting sources at the hotel, said surveillance video of the incident made it hard to tell whether Lohan's car made contact with the pedestrian or, if it did, how hard.
The New York Daily News identified the man as Jose Rodriguez, a cook who was leaving his workplace, the adjacent Maritime hotel, when the incident occurred.

A Los Angeles judge released Lohan from formal probation in March, but she was instructed to obey all laws until 2014. A conviction in the New York case could trigger a violation of those conditions.

Lohan, who rose to fame as a child star in the 1990s, has been trying to make a comeback after her once promising movie career was derailed. She stars as screen legend Elizabeth Taylor in a Lifetime TV movie, "Liz & Dick," due to air in November. (Reuters)

Pop star Shakira, footballer Gerard Pique bracing for 1st child

BOGOTA: Colombian pop star Shakira confirmed Wednesday that she is pregnant with top Spanish football player Gerard Pique's baby, saying "promotional activities" were on hold to focus on her pregnancy.

"As some of you may know, Gerard and I are very happy awaiting the arrival of our first baby!" Shakira said in a statement on her website. "At this time we have decided to give priority to this unique moment in our lives and postpone all the promotional activities planned over the next few days.

" The "Hips Don't Lie" singer said she would not participate in the iHeartRadio Music Festival on Friday and Saturday in Las Vegas. "But I'm sure this weekend in Las Vegas will be spectacular and I will be closely following everything that happens there!" she added. "I'd like to thank Clear Channel and my fans for their constant love and understanding.

 Big kiss! And will see you very soon!" This will be the first child for Shakira, 35, and Pique, 25, who confirmed their relationship in March 2011. Pique, a center-back for FC Barcelona, will be out for two to three weeks after hurting his left foot in his side's 3-2 win at home to Spartak Moscow in the Champions League, the club announced earlier. His Twitter page featured a graphic of a pacifier, with a link to Shakira's message.

 NBC television announced Tuesday that Shakira would temporarily replace pop singer Christina Aguilera as a judge on season four of reality talent show "The Voice," along with R&B singer Usher, who will sit in for Cee Lo Green. (AFP)

Bollywood Top Taxpayer: Salman Khan is No. 1

Salman Khan's the 'tiger' among Bollywood's taxpayers, pays Rs 8 crore in advance tax

Salman Khan has emerged as the highest taxpayer in Bollywood forking out Rs eight crore in advance tax in July-September this year as compared to Rs 5 crore in the same period a year ago. 

After a string of Rs 100 crore plus grossing films capped by his latest blockbuster 'Ek Tha Tiger', actor Salman Khan has emerged as the highest taxpayer in Bollywood forking out Rs eight crore for the September quarter. 

Salman, 46, trumped all his peers and rivals in the tinsel town paying Rs 8 crore in advance tax in July-September this year as compared to Rs 5 crore in the same period a year ago, an income tax official told here today. 

Salman's romantic-action-thriller 'Ek Tha Tiger' has clocked approximately Rs 198 crore at the box office. He has also starred in other Rs 100 crore films like 'Dabangg', 'Ready' and 'Bodyguard'. 

The film's female lead, Katrina Kaif, paid Rs 2.60 crore compared to the year ago period's Rs 1.70 crore. 


Salman's bete noire Shah Rukh Khan, who has not had any big release this year as yet, had his tax outgo flat at Rs 5 crore, the official said.


Akshay Kumar, another big name in Bollywood, paid Rs 7.5 crore advance tax in comparison to Rs 5 crore he had paid last year during the same period, he said. 


Among the other Khans, Aamir's fortunes may have taken a hit by his mega reality show Satyamev Jayate as reflected by his payment of Rs 3.25 crore as against Rs 4.50 crore last year.

Saif Ali Khan, whose films 'Agent Vinod' and 'Cocktail' had varying responses at the box office, paid a tax of Rs three crore compared to Rs 1.7 crore in the year ago period, the official said.


Kareena Kapoor, who is believed to be getting married to Saif soon and is looking forward to the release of the film 'Heroine', has paid an advance tax of Rs 2.20 crore compared to Rs 1.5 crore she did in the same period last year. 


Actor Amitabh Bachchan, who will soon be celebrating his 70th birthday, paid Rs 5 crore against the Rs 1.4 crore he paid last year while his daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's outgo jumped to Rs three crore from Rs 1.1 crore, the official said. 

Among personalities in the non-film category, master blaster Sachin Tendulkar paid an advance tax of Rs two crore in comparison to Rs 1.75 crore in the same period last year, the official added. 

Credit: Mid-Day.com

The truth behind Antonio Banderas and Mallika Sherawat's dirty dancing pictures

Sources indicate that the actress could have been lying about her alleged affair with Antonio Banderas

Remember the so-called dirty dancing pictures of Mallika Sherawat and Hollywood heartthrob Antonio Banderas floating around a couple of weeks ago? Well, those photographs were taken at a Cannes Film Festival celeb party. Both dressed in black, the images showed them having a good time on the dance floor. However, it turns out that event was just a blinder.


At the celebrity bash, Antonio allegedly invited Mallika to Spain and the Indian bombshell accepted the offer too. 

Even though the media was quick to jump to conclusions with some even speculating that Antonio and fellow-actress Melanie Griffith, his wife of more than 16 years, were heading to a divorce.

And Mallika was supposed to be the reason behind the rift! Turns out the Hollywood couple are doing fine and there is not a hint of estrangement between the two.


Our source says, `Mallika is known for hobnobbing with Hollywood biggies at international events leading to numerous speculations, be it in her personal or her professional life. The funny part is she never denies any of them giving rise to more stories. What happened between Antonio Banderas and Mallika Sherawat was just momentary but our media thought it was worth milking.` 

On contacting Antonio's publicist in Los Angeles, the response was less than encouraging. The first thing we heard from his team was `Mallika Sherawat, who?` followed by further queries about her. 

As the result, we ended up sending them all the links related to the alleged affair between their client and Mallika. They are yet to formally respond but the indication is pretty clear. Mallika remained unavailable for comment.


Paying the price

Not very long ago, Saif Ali Khan 'joked' that he was doing a romantic movie with Natalie Portman in the near future. Representatives of the Oscar-winning actress didn't find it funny enough and decided to threaten the Nawab of Pataudi with a lawsuit. Fortunately Saif apologised, putting an end to the matter. 

Credit: Mid-Day.com

'Bigg Boss' transforms celebrity into common man: Salman Khan

From a comfortable life to a life with limited amenities and entertainment avenues - reality show "Bigg Boss" shows the transition of a celebrity into a common man, says actor Salman Khan, who is hosting the upcoming, sixth season of the show.

"A celebrity goes in and slowly becomes a common man... the whole transition of having a spot boy, a hair dresser, a driver and then being suddenly all alone. For the first few days, you see the celebrity, but then he becomes carefree," Salman, who is hosting the show for the third time, said here.

The new season, set to go on air on Oct 7, will have new features - a fish, a talking parrot and a common man among celebrity contestants. The common man will be chosen on several criteria.

"The common man will have a personality. He will be an achiever. He must have done something good," Salman told.

The 46-year-old says the best thing about "Bigg Boss", where celebrity contestants are locked in a secluded house under camera surveillance for three months, is that it reveals people's true personality.

"I like that eventually everyone's original personality comes out. When people play games, you get carried away. You do things which you never thought you could do, you cross all your thresholds. Many people think that once you go inside and fight with everyone, you might win 'Bigg Boss'. But the fact is that whoever has won 'Bigg Boss' are very dignified people," he said.

According to Salman, everyone enjoys watching controversies and fights, but in limits.

"To an extent everyone likes and enjoys it but when it goes overboard it becomes irritating. At 11 p.m. if someone is shouting, you won't want to watch," he said.

'I don't want to recommend anyone as I don't want to be partial or biased. I also get to know at the last minute,' he said at a press conference. The show has added many new elements to the format like a pet parrot and a fish. Also, common people will also get to be a part of the show.

Salman also clarified that as a host of the show, he doesn't like to intervene but could not help it last season due to the circumstances. 'I felt very bad but I was getting feedback about the show from everywhere.

I am not supposed to intervene, but it had become too much,' he said. Salman also added that even though some of the contestants may try to come into the limelight through controversies, but the winners have always been different.

'The contestants who were in the house thought they would be seen more on the show. But the winners have always been dignified,' he said.

The show, which has earlier been caught in controversy over use of abusive language, has been given the prime time slot of 9 p.m. and it will be suitable for family viewing this time.

Salman says that no matter how much they try to make sure everything is controlled and is apt for family viewing, what goes inside the house cannot be controlled by them.

"I don't know who is going in, so I don't know how they are. If some of them don't get along, it will create a problem. How do you know how they will react in a situation?

"A person will be nice the first few days, but in three months, you get to know how the person actually is and how he thinks. At the most, they (the channel) will remove the bad words, but in the house, we can't say don't say this or do this," he said.

"We can't control anyone. All we can do is not to show it on TV. What you see on TV is very edited, most decent clips are shown," he added. Credit:http://www.santabanta.com

I don't fit into YRF's saree image: Anushka Shrama

The white chiffon sari is the trademark of a Yash Chopra heroine but Anushka Shrama, who stars alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif in director's next 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan', says she will mostly be seen in a white ganji

Anushka, who in her own words, plays the role of a "very hardworking and ambitious girl", says the white sari does not go with her character in the film.

"I know that there is something like an image about Yashji's heroines but maybe I am the new age Yash Chopra heroine. There is going to be a white chiffon sari but I am the white ganji girl and that's what I am going to be wearing, " Anushka told in an interview.

"My role is of a girl of 21-year-old girl who is very hard working and ambitious. She is working for Discovery channel and is trying to make a documentary. I don't fit into the saree image because of the character but she has the same emotions so it is a Yash Chopra love, " says Anushka.

The 'Band Baaja Baarat' star, who landed her first role at the age of 19 opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Yashraj banner's 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi', says it was great to be directed by the 'King of Romance' in his directorial comeback. Chopra is directing 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' after a gap of eight years.

"I would have had an incomplete career if I did not have a film by Yash Chopra because everyone called me an Yash Chopra heroine as I was launched by Yash Raj Films. I was doing lot of YRF films but I was not actually a Yash Chopra heroine till I did this film, " says Anushka.

Anushka, 24, says it was inspirational to see Chopra work on his film with the enthusiam of a newcomer.

"He is very focused and knows exactly what he wants from you. He is magician when it comes to drama and emotions. Having said that, I don't know anyone in the world who is more childlike.

He is always in a good mood and laughing. Kashmir was a difficult schedule but he never showed any fatigue. His passion for work at this age is inspirational, " she says.

Anushka recently wrapped up the shooting schedule of the film in Ladakh and Kashmir. Though it was physically taxing to shoot on high altitude, the actress was completely enchanted by the beauty.

"Ladakh and Kashmir were very beautiful. I have never been to these two places, they are so stunning. I felt they are better than most of the European countries that I have been to. It was very refreshing to shoot there. I have never experienced that kind of terrain in India."

Apart from Chopra's film, the actress recently wrapped up shooting for Vishal Bhardwaj's 'Matru Ki Bijli Ka Mandola'. She also stars in Rajkumar Hirani's 'Peekay' and Anurag Kashyap's 'Bombay Velvet'.

Credit: Mid-Day.com

Esha Gupta: 'Audiences only want to see attractive people'

Esha Gupta has claimed that audiences only want to see attractive women on screen.

The former model's third film Raaz 3 sees her playing an upcoming actress.

She told The Times of India: "Look at Deepika Padukone, Anushka Sharma and Katrina Kaif... they are one of the best actresses we have these days, and they all used to be models.

"The bottom line is that everyone wants to just see beauty and models are beautiful. At the end of the day, you need to be presentable, because the janata [the people] wants to see a beautiful girl on screen, who they can go home and imagine about. That's how it works around the world.

"When I saw Bipasha Basu coming out of the water in Jism, wearing that white outfit, I being a girl drooled on it. I imagined what I'd look like in that scene.

"Everyone wants to see beauty. It's just that models are good looking, and we get a chance, we are well aware of the industry, focus well, do our acting course and enter the industry."


Gupta added: "It (acting) is a completely different field... as a model when you are walking on the ramp, you are not meeting and interacting with people.

"When you're on the ramp, we are ourselves and showcasing shoes, clothes, and representing products - but when you're an actor, you're never the same person. I am never Esha Gupta. I am always some character."

In August, she admitted that she is in "awe" of her Raaz 3 co-star Bipasha Basu.

It was reported last week that she had denied appearing nude in the erotic thriller. Source:http://www.digitalspy.co.uk