Kareena's Rs 5-crore fizzy deal

Kareena Kapoor has apparently charged a record amount for her latest endorsement deal with a beverage brand

If life gives you lemons, make lemonade. That seems to be Bebo’s recent mantra. The actress has just signed on a whopping deal with a lemonade brand, giving archrival Katrina Kaif (who endorses a mango drink) a run for her money.

We learnt that Bebo, who was the face of another popular cola company, lost no time after her current contract expired and grabbed another endorsement deal from a rival brand for apparently a whopping Rs 5 crore.

Queen of endorsements

Says a source, “Kareena now has 16 brands in her kitty including the latest one, easily making her the most sought-after face in the ad space amongst the actresses. 2011 was the year of big money for Kareena, thanks to her back-to-back hits.”

Ever since she signed onto to Madhur Bhandarkar’s Heroine, the actress’s fat pay cheques have been grabbing headlines. She was apparently paid almost Rs 8 crore for the film, the highest for any actress in the Indian film space ever.

Clearly that has reflected on her choice of brands and the money she is charging for them as well. Adds the source, “Though Bebo has a lot of film commitments, she makes sure she gives enough time to her brands and hence charges as much.”

Kareena was also spotted shooting for her very first commercial with the brand a few days ago at Brabourne studio in Mumbai. Adds the source, “Both Katrina and Asin who endorse soft drinks have had ads that have gained a lot of popularity.

So Kareena and her team were insistent that the commercial must be catchy and entertaining.” All Kareena had to say is — “I am not allowed to talk money!”

Rate card per endorsement (approx)

Katrina Kaif
Rs 4-4.5 crore

Priyanka Chopra
Rs 3-3.5 crore

Deepika Padukone
Rs 2-3 crore

Madhuri Dixit
Rs 1-2 crore

Vidya Balan
Rs 1-1.5 crore

Anushka Sharma
Rs 80 lakh

Credit: Mid-Day.com

Madhuri Dixit gets pricey

She's the one and only Dhak Dhak girl India can boast of, and those moves now come with a big price tag. Madhuri Dixit is apparently quoting a whopping amount for her next Bollywood film.

Says a source, "She has been the most successful actress of her generation and clearly she brings in a brand value no one else does.

So clearly that will reflect on the kind of money she charges. Ever since she has moved back to India, she has been approached by a lot of people to star in their films, but she is taking it easy."

Madhuri apparently has been quoting between Rs 1 and 3 crore for her endorsement deals and between Rs 4 and 5 crore for her films.

Competing with the A-listers

Adds the source, "This is the kind of money leading ladies like Kareena, Katrina and even Vidya are charging. So Madhuri clearly wants to let people know that she is no less than any of them and signing her on will be expensive."

Says a leading producer on the condition of anonymity, "For Madhuri, even if the budget for my film hits the roof, it's a chance I would take. But yes, you need to be practical too."

Too high a price?

This probably might be one of the reasons why she has refused plum projects like Anil Kapoor's remake of Freaky Friday and the remake of Satte Pe Satta that ultimately went to Karisma Kapoor. "Her last solo project was Aaja Nach Le that tanked at the box office.

She is however looking at women-oriented roles and for many producers, a film like that is a huge monetary risk. Only if all these factors come together, there will be a chance that she takes something on officially."

For now, the only people who seem to be able to afford her are beauty and food brands as she has signed on several endorsement deals over the past few months. For now, we hear she might play the lead in Vishal Bharadwaj's Dedh Ishqiya. However, that news remains unconfirmed.

On the home front

Madhuri was last quoted saying that Sriram Nene has been approached by leading city hospitals to come on board. However, we hear that Dr Nene is taking it easy and is yet to take a final decision.

What A-listers charge
Kareena Kapoor - Rs 6 - 7 crores
Katrina Kaif - Rs 4 - 5 crores
Priyanka Chopra - Rs 3 - 4 crores
Vidya Balan - Rs 3 - 4 crores
Deepika Padukone - Rs 2.5 - 3.5 crores
* all figures in approximation

Credit: Mid-Day.com

Madhuri Dixit to return to India

Madhuri Dixit has announced her plans to return to India.

The Devdas star moved to Denver in 1999 following her marriage to Dr. Shriram Nene.

She made the announcement on social networking site Twitter, saying: "For all my fans, we are relocating to India! It will be good to be back home."

Dixit, who was in Mumbai recently as a judge on TV show Jhalak Dikhla Jaa, also hinted that she might undertake future film projects.

"Lots more news on the horizon. Good things coming for all of you! Work and fun in Mumbai!" she tweeted.

According to The Times of India, her business manager confirmed the plans, saying: "Her husband Dr Shriram Nene will also be coming back to India with her. There are enough opportunities for him and he has been in talks for the same."

The 44-year-old actress, who was last seen in Yash Chopra's film Aaja Nachle, was recently approached for the remake of Satte Pe Satta and Anil Kapoor's remake of Freaky Friday.

However, Dixit said she is not yet ready to play the part of a mother on screen.

She also revealed last month that she would like to work with former co-star Salman Khan in the future.

Vogue beauty awards 2011 function in Mumbai

Actress Madhuri Dixit won the Bollywood Beauty Legend Award at the Vogue Beauty Awards functionon 2011

Madhuri will also be seen on the cover of the next Vogue magazine called the 'Age Issue' On receiving the award, she told reporters "I have a long way to go before I become a legend, but it is an honour for me to accept this award. Beauty for me is not what is from the outside, but what is in the inside." Actress Anushka Sharma won the award for the Fresh Face of Bollywood. She said, "I hope I receive the Fresh Face award every year, though that does not mean I am scared of ageing. Beauty is a very subjective aspect. What is beautiful for me, might not be beautiful for someone else. For me beauty is how one does things based on their comfort level." Aishwarya Rai Bachchan won the award for the Global Beauty Icon.

Vogue Beauty Awards honour the best beauty products, services and professionals across 54 categories like skin care, make up, hair and many more. It is the second year of the Awards.

The winners were chosen by a jury, comprising of Dia Mirza, Adhuna Akhtar, Simone Singh, Priya Tanna, Mickey Contractor and others who tested the products nominated personally. The jury members were present at the award ceremony.

Priya Tanna, Editor of Vogue India, said the second edition demonstrates the commitment towards beauty. She said, "The overwhelming response we received last year from our readers, industry professionals and experts has encouraged us to further expand these awards, adding a new category to recognise individual talent and celebrate the stunning faces of Bollywood. It's only going to be bigger and better."

Madhuri Dixit is ambassador for tiger conservation project

Madhuri Dixit has been appointed brand ambassador for a fundraising project for the conservation of Asian elephants and tigers.

The actress launched the "Emeralds for Elephants" project on behalf of Gemfields, a Zambia-based emerald mining company.

Speaking at the fundraising event, Dixit said: "This national heritage animal in India is now seriously under threat since its habitat - forests - is disappearing at an alarming rate.

"Many instances of human-elephant conflict have been reported in the country. This would not have happened if elephants had their own space and humans had not cut forests for farmlands, settlements, industries, roads or railways," she said.

Gemfields has collaborated with the World Land Trust and Wildlife Trust of India to raise funds for the protection of Asian elephants and tigers.

Devdas star Dixit recently announced her to return to Bollywood and is reported to be starring in an Indian version of Freaky Friday.

Madhuri Dixit pays tribute to M.F. Husain

Madhuri Dixit has paid a personal tribute to M.F. Husain, who died in London on Wednesday.

Known for his celebration of the female form, the controversial artist described Dixit as the "complete woman" and heralded the actress as his muse. Dixit recalled fond memories of Husain, who painted her on various occasions
and even organised an exhibition in her name.

Speaking from her home in Denver to NDTV, she said: "Age never touched him. Here he was, an 86-year-old, but there was a little child within him that was excited about everything he saw as well.

"He was not only a great artist, but also my director. We worked together in Gaja Gamini. A wonderful personality. India has lost a jewel."

Described as 'The Picasso of India', Husain died of cardiac arrest at Royal Brompton Hospital and was cremated in London.

His last rites will be performed in India.

Madhuri Leaves Mumbai

Getting the divine Madhuri Dixit to sign on the dotted line just got costlier. After the stupendous response to her presence on Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa, Madhuri was a pre-given for the next season.

Sure enough the channel offered Madhuri another season of Jhalak…She apparently showed a keen interest in returning to the show.

But now it appears, in order to get her back, the channel would have to considerably upgrade her already-impressive if not astronomical fee.

Apparently Madhuri's fee is larger than any offered a reality-show judge in the history of Indian television.

Says a co-star who has worked closely with Madhuri, “And why not? She brought so much to the table when she came on-board. Jhalak Dikhla Jaa went to another level with Madhuri.”

While channel sources are tight-lipped about the serious re-negotiation, Madhuri who returns to the US this week, is candid enough to admit that another season of Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa is being worked out.

Says Madhuri, “We're under negotiation. Nothing has been finalized as yet. Let's see…I really enjoyed my first stint on the show. I am not discounting a second season.”

For now Madhuri is looking forward to joining her husband and sons in the US.

“I don't know when I'll be back. This has been my longest stay in Mumbai away from my husband and kids.

Though my sons joined me in Mumbai during Christmas I still felt the distance. At the moment I can't think of anything but going back to the people who matter the most to me.”

Madhuri hasn't signed any film. “I met directors and heard scripts.But nothing that would tear me away from my children.”

Madhuri is overwhelmed by the response she got during this trip to Mumbai.

“I've to admit this was a very special visit to Mumbai. I felt extremely welcome. But right now I can't say when I'm coming back.”

The channel hosting Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa would have an answer to whether Madhuri returns to Mumbai in the near future.

Lord have mercy on Japan "Sophie Choudry"

A host of Bollywood personalities, including Amitabh Bachchan, Shekhar Kapur and Madhuri Dixit have expressed grief at the devastation in Japan, which was hit Friday by a massive earthquake followed by a tsunami.

The celebrities are shocked at the images of the country after the disaster and, in postings on their blogs and social networking site Twitter, they hope that the pain and suffering will subside soon.

Here's what they had to say:

Sophie Choudry: As I lay me down to sleep, can't help but think of tragedy. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to all the people of Japan. Lord have mercy.

Amitabh Bachchan: The horrible visuals of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan are just unbearable to watch! The fury of the devastation and the helplessness of those that suffer is petrifying. In this hour of grief our heads bow down in prayer and hope, for those that face this trauma and wish that we can through our thoughts give them solace and comfort.

Shekhar Kapur: Watching videos from Japan was like watching an apocalypse. Heart and prayers go out to people of Japan.

Madhuri Dixit: Can you believe another quake and tsunami? My heart goes out to them.

Gul Panag: My heart goes out to all those affected by nature's fury in Japan. Gut-wrenching images on TV.

Vivek Oberoi: Just got back and saw the heartbreaking images of the tragedy in Japan... brings back memories of the destruction and devastation I saw during the tsunami in India. The images we see on television are nothing compared to the real pain and anguish of the people going through it... my thoughts and prayers are with them.

Shahana Goswami: Feel really helpless and upset with the tsunami and what its done to Japan. All the support and love to the survivors.

Aftab Shivdasani: Shocking visuals of the earthquake in Japan... Dreading the loss of life there. It's nature's way of saying do not spoil the planet... Must respect nature before it gets too late. My condolences and deep compassion to all those who lost their loved ones in this unforeseen fury of nature. May the divine bless the souls.

Arshad Warsi: God be with the ppl of Japan...

Siddharth: The visuals of yesterday (Friday) still haven't sunk in. It's all so very tragic. 2012 does seem like just another doomsday prophecy anymore!

Shahid Kapoor: Spread the love people... Life is just too short... Japan could have been us... Live with no regrets... May god bless us all!

R. Madhavan: My heart goes out to Japan. Having lived through one in Chennai I can't even imagine how this must be.

Lisa Ray: Deeply saddened by news of natural disaster in Japan.

Sanjay Suri: Heart and prayers for all suffering in Japan. Life is so very fragile.

Divya Dutta: EverythIng that we run around for is so frivolous in front of nature's fury. Let's make every day magical as if there's no tomorrow... prayers for Japan.

Shreya Ghosal: The Japan Earthquake, Tsunami is MASSIVE!! I am just praying... Dear God, have mercy..

Dixit 'turns down film with Rajinikanth'

Madhuri Dixit is reported to have turned down the opportunity to act with leading southern star Rajinikanth.

The 43-year-old told the actor that she instead would be returning to the US, as she misses her children, Hindustan Times reports.

The Dil To Pagal Hai actor, who had previously worked opposite Rajnikanth in 1987, has been living outside India for a number of years.

Dixit had been offered one of the lead roles in the project, which also features Deepika Padukone.

The veteran actress was last seen in the 2007 semi-hit Aaja Nachle.

Rishi, Madhuri set the stage on fire

What would happen if two of the Bollywood's dance legends come together on one stage? The stage would indeed be on fire. Something similar happened on the sets of Sont TV's "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 4" when veteran actor Rishi Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit danced together.

Rishi, who was on the sets of the dance show to promote his new film "Patiala House", and Madhuri set the stage on fire as they both performed to the popular song "Ek mein aur ek tu" from the movie "Khel Khel Mein".

The duo have done handful of films together like "Sahibaan", "Yaraana". Their last film together was "Premgranth" in 1996.

Rishi is known for dancing on his knees and the actor reveals that it helped him in impressing his actress wife Neetu Singh.

With just Sushant Singh Rajput, Ragini Khanna, Mahi Vij, Yana Gupta, Ankita Lokande, Shekhar Suman and Mieyang Chang left in the field, the competition has got tough. Earlier, these celebrities were just giving one performance and now they have to give two. Besides Madhuri, the judges panel for the show includes Remo D'Souza and Malaika Arora Khan.

Madhuri Dixit in 'Freaky Friday' remake?

Madhuri Dixit has been offered a part in the Hindi film remake of Freaky Friday.

The actress has been invited to play the role of Sonam Kapoor's mother by producer Anil Kapoor, Mumbai Mirror reports.

The former leading star of Indian cinema, who made her comeback with Aaja Nachle, posted on her Twitter account: "Meeting with Anil Kapoor today. Lets see what happens."

Following the meeting, Madhuri commented: "Yes we caught up and discussed the script of the Hindi remake of Freaky Friday. I haven't agreed to the film yet. I am reading the script and will decide accordingly."

The actor has reportedly received film offers from a number of production houses and directors including Yash Raj Films, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Karan Johar and UTV.

Madhuri shoots for ad

Bollywood diva Madhuri Dixit is back in the thick of things shooting not only for the dance reality show "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa" that brought her back to India this time, but also an endorsement for which she has apparently been paid an unheard-of price.

According to reliable sources, Madhuri and her old business manager Rakesh Nath (Rikku) have finalised at least three other endorsements that would keep the actress busy for a good part of January.

When contacted Rikku, who has looked after Madhuri's career from the start, admits Madhuri's endorsement plans.

"She is at this very moment shooting for an endorsement campaign for Hindustan Lever product. Other endorsements are being finalised. Meetings are on," he said.

The buzz in the film industry is that Madhuri is determined to make a comeback in movies.

Apparently Yash Raj Films, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Karan Johar and UTV have come up with tempting offers. Madhuri is on the verge of signing one of these.

"You're right. She has got four-five very good offers. She will definitely do another film soon. But this time we have to be very careful. I've worked with other actresses, but Madhuriji is Madhuriji," said Nath.

The diva seems more than happy keeping busy at home away from her adopted home.

"I'm having a ball. I am so glad people have liked me on 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa'. I am enjoying this busy phase before the camera," said Madhuri who is married to US-based doctor Sriram Nene and has two sons with him.

Her children are expected to join her this week for Christmas holidays.

"I can't wait to see them," said Madhuri happily before rushing for her next shot.

Bollywood’s every green pair

The ‘dhak dhak’ girl of Bollywood, Madhuri Dixit is back to India and millions of fans are waiting to see her on the big screen once again. Madhuri Dixit rocked the Bollywood with Anil Kapoor with her ‘Mohini’ act in Tezaab in 1988 and since then they became one of the hottest on-screen couples of 80s.

After Tezaab, they were again paired in the following year in Ram Lakhan and the success journey continued in the early 90s with Parinda, Pukar and Beta. Their on-screen chemistry was due to their off-screen bonding and understanding but they were never paired together again after 2000 film Pukar. Madhuri almost left Bollywood after her marriage and was last seen in Aaja Nachle, which was considered to be her comeback film. But this film could not do the expected business and she returned back to the US.

Now, as the beautiful actress has returned to India for judging a reality show in television, Anil Kapoor also got nostalgic. The actor expressed his desire to be paired with his favorite actress once again. But considering the age of the two stars, we doubt if they can be seen in lead roles again. There is no doubt that Anil has been acting with all the young leading ladies in the industry now but Madhuri has seemingly put some weight and looks quite reluctant to do a film now. However, recently on her return to India, Madhuri said that she has started her dance practicing again as her kids have grown up. So, does it mean that she is also looking forward to another innings in Bollywood?

Well, for bringing Madhuri and Anil back on screen, the filmmaker need to develop a very strong script that can really justify their persona now. We hope the filmmakers are listening to Kapoor’s desire and will soon come up with a movie that can bring the hit pair Anil and Madhuri together once again!

Madhuri Dixit joins Twitter, gets overwhelming tweets

Dancing diva Madhuri Dixit is the latest Bollywood star to join micro-blogging site Twitter. She recieved a warm welcome from her fans and has earned over 11,500 followers.

"For all of my fans, finally I have joined Twitter. Love, Madhuri," she posted in her first tweet.

The actress, currently in India to judge dance reality show "Jhalak Dikkhla Jaa 4", joined the micro-blogging site Nov 27.

Much before joining the site, Madhuri had said: "If I am on Twitter and Facebook, I will keep in touch with all my co-stars and old friends from Bollywood."

Many Bollywood celebrities have also extended a warm welcome to the 43-year-old.

Superstar Hrithik Roshan posted: "People!!! Let's welcome the one and only MadhuriDixit! Twitter just turned beautiful. Welcome maam! Love and respect!"

Others too are thrilled with the new joinee.

"I'm an ardent admirer of this lady! Her smile says to hell with darkness, I bring light! Madhuri Dixit! Big SHOUTOUT," posted Diya Mirza, while Sophie Chaudhary said: "Thrilled to bits! Time to welcome one of the best and most beautiful actresses of our time!"

Jewellery designer Farah Khan Ali said: "Please welcome my friend and actor par excellence Madhuri Dixit on Twitter. Welcome my dear Madhuri to a mad world of tweeting, expressing, loving and laughter."

Jewellery designer Maheep Kapoor posted: "Wow Madhuri Dixit is on Twitter! That's HUGE...as you can guess I'm a massive die hard fan!"

Madhuri Dixit 'to judge dance show'

Madhuri Dixit has been confirmed as a celebrity judge on a television dance show.
According to Mid Day, the star has agreed to appear on the Indian version of Dancing With The Stars, retitled Jhalak Dikhla Jaa.

The actress revealed: "Since dance is my passion and this show is associated with that, I thought of taking it up. It took me some time to say yes."

The 43-year old actress, who earned a reputation as one of the most prolific dancers in the film industry, has been largely absent from the screen in recent years.

Dixit was last seen in the Yash Raj Films production Aaja Nachle, which under-performed at the box office.

This season of Jhalak Dikhla Jaa will air from December 13.

I haven't yet signed on to play Indira Gandhi

At the moment, Madhuri Dixit is more bothered about her son's upset tummy than playing Indira Gandhi. While the actress says the former prime minister is her idol, she maintains that she hasn't yet given her consent to filmmaker Krishna Shah for the biopic.

Speaking from her home in Colorado, Madhuri sid: "The thing is, Krishna Shah approached me for the role. He's very keen that I do it. He came home, met me and showed me all the research that he had done. I was impressed by his preparations. But nothing has been finalised. We're still in negotiations."

The ever-cautious actress was last seen in Yashraj Films lukewarmly received "Aaja Nachle".

Director Krishna Shah's enthusiasm is understandable. But so is Madhuri's guardedness. Playing Indira Gandhi won't be easy even for an actress of Madhuri's stature. And we aren't just talking about the challenge of portraying the powerful personality. The challenge would be to get the Congress' and party president Sonia Gandhi's approval.

Jagmohan Mundhra tried making a a film on Sonia Gandhi but his efforts were deadlocked by the ruling regime. Two years ago, N. Chandra was to direct Manisha Koirala as Indira Gandhi in a project entitled "Indira Gandhi: A Tryst With Destiny". That too never happened.

Krishna Shah had last directed the low-budget "Hard Rock Zombies" for the American market in 1985. And his only feature-film in Hindi, "Shalimar" in 1978, had bombed at the box-office.

Madhuri, at this stage in her career when she is well-settled in life, wouldn't like to venture out into camera range unless she is absolutely sure of the project.

Says Madhuri: "I still have to decide. Mrs.Gandhi is my idol. At school, I remember impersonating her for a fancy dress competition. However, many other factors besides the bigness of the character go into making of a movie. There're many considerations to be gone through before I decide. Like I said, he (Krishna Shah) is keen. Everything has to fall into place.

"My decision would depend on where it would be shot and how long it would take to shoot the film. Also, who are the other actors in the project. The casting is very important. Because one would want large sections of the audience to see the film."

Tell Madhuri we are eager to see her back on screen and she rewards you with her trademark laughter. "There are offers. It's very sweet of people to want me back. But I can't jump into anything," she maintained.