Showing posts with label Vidya Balan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vidya Balan. Show all posts

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

Vidya-Emraan to pair up once again!

Now this one's an 'ooh la la' pairing! Bollywood's serial kisser Emraan Hashmi and "The Dirty Picture" star Vidya Balan have been cast opposite each other for comic-thriller "Ghanchakkar". The two hope to rock it. A UTV Motion Pictures' project, the quirky film is expected to go on floors in August and will be directed by Rajkumar Gupta, who worked with Vidya in "No One Killed Jessica".

Gupta, who claims "Ghanchakkar" is one of his "best projects till date", says a lot of thought went behind casting the two actors in the movie.

"As a director, you always visualise certain actors for the roles and if you are not required to compromise on the casting; you have won half the battle," said Gupta.

"This is the first time I am going to be working with Emraan, who, I think, will do complete justice to the role... and this is the first time the audiences will see him essay a role of an eccentric man.

"Having worked with Vidya before, she was definitely my first choice for the role. It'll be a delight to get her to work in an entirely new genre in a totally different avatar and in a quirky, mad, out-of-the-box role. The two leads and the crackling chemistry between them will take the viewers on a laughter ride," he added.

"Ghanchakkar" tells the story of Sanju (Emraan), an ex-conman who is laid back and has a taste for finer things in life. The problem is his ambitious wife (played by Vidya).

Vidya and Emraan are excited about being paired again after "The Dirty Picture".

"As an actor, all you want to do is reach out to the audiences with diverse yet entertaining roles. Having said that, the story, the director, the co-actors, producer, play an extremely critical role while selecting a film. With 'Ghanchakkar', it all just fell in place," said Vidya.

"When you have worked with an actor before, there is a certain amount of comfort that is brought to the table. Emraan is a brilliant co-star and together we hope to rock it," she added.

Emraan said: "I jumped on board when Rajkumar offered it to me. It's a brilliant story factoring all the essential components - comedy, thrilling, edgy and entertaining, which is sure to connect with the audiences. It is undoubtedly going to be a challenging role for me, something that I haven't attempted before. "And now to add to the excitement, me and Vidya will be seen on screen together again and am sure, under Rajkumar's apt direction, we will recreate the magic on screen."

Glam Vidya to sizzle in her debut item number!

The actress is almost killing herself to look glamorous in her debut item number

After winning laurels for her superb performance in The Dirty Picture, Vidya Balan is all set to go a notch higher when it comes to experimenting with her looks on screen.

For her debut item number in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's Ferrari Ki Sawaari, the actress is leaving no stone unturned to make sure that she looks her glamorous best. Vidya will not only try 10 different look tests but also wants to hear the scratches of the item song.

Our source in the film's production reveals, "As it is, Vidya has undergone a drastic makeover for The Dirty Picture. So the idea is to go further than that.

Hence she is insisting that we should collectively exploit as many looks as possible for her song, and go with the one that best suits the song that will be eventually finalised.

So 10 different looks are being worked out for her, with inputs from the film's makers and the stylist, apart from the actress herself."

Having put on kilos to play Silk in The Dirty Picture, Vidya has been working on losing the excess weight after the film's release. So it's natural to expect a slimmer and sexier avatar of the actress in her item debut.

Interestingly, it seems that it wasn't that the actress instantly agreed to do the item song. "Vidya saw some portions of the film, featuring Sharman Joshi, along with producers Chopra and Rajkumar Hirani.

She took an instant liking to the film and immediately agreed to do the song," reveals our source, adding that the actress is 'super excited' about it. "Besides, she has also extensively discussed it with Chopra, Hirani and Mapuskar, along with the nature of the song and the way it will be shot," points out the source.

On his part, director Rajesh Mapuskar confirmed this saying, "Yes, we are creatively working out the look. There have been all kinds of item numbers and we want this one to be different."

Credit: Mid-Day.com

Milan Luthria: 'I was obsessed with getting Vidya for Dirty Picture'

Milan Luthria has revealed that he was obsessed with getting Vidya Balan to star in The Dirty Picture.

Balan plays tragic South Indian actress Silk Smitha, who made her name in controversial 1980s films.

Luthria told The Times of India: "I was obsessed with the idea of having Vidya Balan in the lead role. When I met her, I was assured that I have made the right choice. Not only is she a great actress, she has a unique sex appeal.

"And I was looking for this combination in my leading lady. Vidya Balan has the voluptuousness of actresses like Sridevi and Vyjayanthimala, which we don't see in the present lot."

Luthria added: "I told Vidya that it was more my responsibility than hers to ensure that her performance comes out beautifully. It didn't matter whether she looked raunchy; she had to look erotic and sensual."

Balan reportedly suffered exhaustion on the set of The Dirty Picture because of the demanding production schedule.

She has since described her role in the film as the "toughest" of her career.

Silk was competing with international porn: Vidya Balan

Vidya Balan analyses what changed the definition of eroticism in a film actress over the years...

It is amazing to see the kind of journey that the portrayal of sensuality in women in Bollywood has taken. Till the 80s, men had no access to titillation except perhaps in magazines or desi detective novels, which were actually suggestive.

Then in the 80s, the video revolution happened and people could watch whatever they wanted within the confines of their homes; all sorts of fantasies were being catered to. Porn was available at the click of a button.

So it became a huge challenge for filmmakers to drag this particular set of audience out of the house to watch their films.

So it is interesting to see how the films of those days introduced this sexy woman who was disqualified to be a heroine, because the filmmakers were not yet comfortable with the sensuality of a 'good' woman.

Since they had to include the titillation factor, the vamp was introduced.

And then by and by, they stopped pretending and these women were purely introduced as sex objects. They were after all competing with international porn, which was easily available to any man. So in came this dancing girl who was skimpily clad and who used lewd gestures.

Some of the scenes that these films, especially the south Indian ones had, were so suggestive that it sometimes gets shocking. Like this scene I saw of Silk Smitha trying to dance with the hero's leg placed on her crotch. She is balancing herself on her hands and legs and moving off the floor. It is incredible.

And then there is this scene where she has to seduce a horse! So, there were many kinky scenes but they couldn't go the whole hog.

Makers started getting more and more creative and every film started including one such kinky song, hoping to get the audience into the theatre, at least for the sake of that song.

I think this piqued the interest of every man...I am surprised that many of my so-called polished male friends, who look down on Bollywood, have all watched movies like Kanti Shah ke angoor.

I think it was only in the 90s that heroines were allowed to be sexy. Suddenly it was okay to desire the heroine and not look at her just as someone who can be taken home to meet parents.

Songs like Dhak Dhak, Chholi ke peeche, Kaate nahi katthe, etc started being introduced. If you see Kaate nahi katthe, it is almost like Shridevi is making love to the camera, but hats off to her and Saroj Khan, that not for one moment it looked sleazy.

Actresses got comfortable with sensuality and I think that was a good sign. Now of course, we have come a long way.

Credit: Mid-Day.com

Vidya to perform live at 'Ooh la la'

Her oomph and chutzpah in the "Ooh la la" song from "The Dirty Picture" is already a rage. Vidya Balan is now gearing up to mesmerise fans with a live performance with other artists at the music launch of the film in Mumbai Friday.

"Vidya, Emraan (Hashmi), Naseeruddin Shah, Tusshar Kapoor, Bappi Lahiri and Shreya Ghoshal will perform at the event live, " Girish Johar, head of acquisition and distribution, Balaji Motion Pictures, told.

Asked if Vidya will perform to "Ooh la la", Johar said: "Yes of course!!!"

The event is to be held at the Inorbit Mall in Malad, starting 6 p.m. It is free for everyone.

"That's the novelty value. We wanted to take the film to the public directly so that they can interact with the stars and enjoy the music, " he added.

The actors themselves are quite excited about the colourful music launch.

Tusshar tweeted: "Hello people, on Friday, 4th Nov, pls come to 'The Dirty Picture' audio launch. It's at 6 pm at Inorbit, Malad and free for the public. It should be a first-of-its-kind audio launch where you will witness live performances by the star cast and singers.

"The Dirty Picture", produced by Ekta Kapoor, chronicles the rise to fame, gradual fall and death of southern actress Silk Smitha. The film is releasing Dec 2.

Vidya's 'jhatkas' catch attention

The television campaign for The Dirty Picture has taken a full frontal approach (pun intended) with Vidya Balan's brazen act crossing even those boundaries that seemed unassailable when the first theatrical promo came out recently. While the makers seem to be pushing the envelope with every passing juncture, the latest being her song 'Ooh La La', many in the industry are questioning if Vidya's moves are justified for a film that boasts of such an A-grade setup.

"This is unbelievable," says a prominent director on condition of anonymity. "I understand that the makers of The Dirty Picture are attempting celebrating the life of a sexy screen diva, but what we see is beyond imagination. I guess what we saw so far in true terms was 'just a trailer'. I suppose it will take a while before we come to terms with Vidya Balan's daring new avatar."

A trade guru points out, "The tantalizing promos have done the initial trick. The makers have clearly shown that they have an eye on the box office run. And the fact that something so different is coming from Milan Luthria and Vidya Balan, who are known for a different kind of cinema, has also added to the shock and curiosity value."

"It is a conscious call," says Milan sounding surprisingly cool. "There is always a handful of people trying to become self-appointed moral crusaders and creating issues when there are none. This handful is not even representative of the Indian audience at large so no one takes them seriously. We have the Censor Board whose decision we will follow. In any case, when the audience watches the final film, all this talk will be put to rest."

He adds, "We have made a progressive film here. So much is changing on television that it's shocking. I am merely moving ahead with the times and exploring different genres. I could have gone ahead and made another gangster movie after Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai. However, I chose to change genres. I have done that even earlier in my career when Kachche Dhaage and Taxi No. 9211 worked. With The Dirty Picture, I thought it was finally time to come out with something that hasn't really been attempted before."

Milan concurs that the film has generated sufficient interest substantially in advance of its release. "I understand that people are floored, more so because it is Vidya on screen. However, I know the path I have followed. Some language and visuals might seem brazen but while certain directors may have kept it way too carnal and others way too subtle, I have found my own way."

Vidya Balan - Woman on top!

Yet another real-life character gets modified in reel just for the actress

She may not have impressed the fashionistas too much with her personal style, but Vidya Balan has managed to wow the people who matter in her professional life.

How else can you explain B-Town's creative lot actually modifying real-life characters in reel to suit her image.

In Sanjay Gupta's Shootout at Wadala, Vidya is being wooed to essay the role of gangster Manya Surve's girlfriend.

While in reality the late don's moll is a widow and mother of two, her character in the movie will now not have any kids. Her widowhood status will also not be given any importance.

Explains Gupta, "We didn't want to stress too much on Surve's girl's past.

The fact that she was married at some point in her life before she met him is of no consequence to the story. We'll barely mention it in passing. And yes, Survey's girl will have no children in my film."

With the character suitably altered, one hopes that Vidya will finally agree to come on board to do her second biographical character in a row after playing Silk Smitha in Dirty Picture.

Incidentally, this role too was substantially altered for Vidya's sake.

Credit : Mid-Day.com

Vidya Balan 'comfortable with bold scenes'

Vidya Balan has said that she was comfortable shooting the bold scenes for her film The Dirty Picture.

The star said that her lack of concern was down to being in the "trusted hands" of director Milan Luthria.

According to IANS, Balan told reporters: "I have never enjoyed being a woman more than I did while shooting for The Dirty Picture. I wasn't uncomfortable doing bold scenes because I knew I was in trusted hands."

Balan portrays the rise and fall of South Indian screen siren Silk Smitha in a film which also stars Tusshar Kapoor, Emraan Hashmi and Naseeruddin Shah.

Speaking at the theatrical launch of the film, the actress said: "I have worked with Naseer before but this time it was easier… I was less nervous this time."

On working with Hashmi, with whom she has an intimate scene, she said: "I was wondering how it would be with Emraan, but it was fun."

The project has been made by the same team behind the 2010 release Once Upon A Time In Mumbai.

The Dirty Picture releases on December 2.

Vidya's strip tease in

Vidya Balan, who is portraying Southern siren Silk Smitha in Ekta Kapoor's The Dirty Picture, can be seen in a sensual avatar in a red hot sari. Tusshar Kapoor holds her sari by one end and Vidya swirls away from him stripping off her sari.

The film also stars Naseeruddin Shah and Emraan Hashmi. It's a biopic on sex icon Silk Smitha. The actor was found dead in her Chennai apartment in 1996.Vidya Balan, who is portraying Southern siren Silk Smitha in Ekta Kapoor's The Dirty Picture, can be seen in a sensual avatar in a red hot sari. Tusshar Kapoor holds her sari by one end and Vidya swirls away from him stripping off her sari.

The film, directed by Milan Luthria, will be released on December 2 which is Smitha's birth date. Ekta Kapoor (producer) refers to her as one of the muses in the film. Ekta told HT: "It's a beautiful coincidence since she is one of our muses, along with other Southern actors like Shakeela, Nylon Nandini and Polyester Padmini."

"My film is not inspired by any one of them, but is a reflection of an era when they used their sexuality to carve a niche for themselves in the male-dominated South film industry. Many frowned upon them, but they were survivors and their power over the masses cannot be denied," she added.

The Dirty Picture is touted to be Ekta's boldest film till date leaving behind Ragini MMS, Shor In The City and Love Sex Aur Dhokha.

Vidya-Tusshar passionate kiss

Nervous as hell about his first screen kiss it seems Tusshar Kapoor is not destined to kiss Vidya Balan for The Dirty Picture in a hurry. As per the script the torrid smooch between the couple is mandatory.

However when it came to actually shooting the kiss a series of circumstances have somehow aborted the proposed kiss. It started with the lack of rehearsals for the sequence.

The latest setback was a dragonfly attack in Hyderabad on location just when the long-due kiss was to be shot.

The much-discussed seduction sequence between Vidya Balan and Tusshar Kapoor was to be shot before Vidya Balan left for a brief holiday. And now everyone is wondering when the kiss would actually happen.

Says Tusshar, “Yeah, I don’t know why. The kiss with Vidya just hasn’t happened so far. I was very nervous about doing the intimate scenes.

The director Milan Luthria assured me Vidya and I would be comfortable in the intimate moments after rehearsals. But the rehearsals for the love scenes didn’t happen. We both got busy with other things. Then there was dragon-fly attack and we had to pack up abruptly. ”

Now Tusshar has suddenly signed a new film, Samir Karnik’s comedy about star-crossed Rajasthani-Punjabi lovers, played by Tusshar and Kulraj Randhawa which would now have to be accommodated into his Dirty Picture schedule, along with the sequel to Kya Kool Hain Hum.

So where does that leave the fugitive kiss?

Laughs Tusshar nervously, “Hopefully we’ll shot the kiss soon. If God and the dragonflies allow.

Vidya Balan to wear butt-pads for Smitha role?

Vidya Balan has reportedly been told to wear butt-pads to enhance her hips for the biopic of South Indian star Silk Smitha.

The actress is playing Smitha in Ekta Kapoor's upcoming Dirty Picture.

Since she has taken on the part, the star has reportedly been encouraged to put on weight to resemble the tragic Bollywood icon.

According to Mumbai Mirror, Balan will have to wear the cosmetic enhancers as production begins on May 30th.

She was recently told by director Milan Luthria that she needs to become more "comfortable" with her body for the role, as Smith was known for her easy on-screen sensuality.

Balan had confessed after signing up that she has reservations about playing Smitha, who died in September 1996 at the age of 35 after failing to become a producer.

Kapoor has said that she expects "unbelievable critical acclaim" for the picture and has also predicted that Balan will receive an award for her portrayal of Smitha.

Vidya Balan mistaken for Kim Kardashian

Bollywood star Vidya Balan has revealed that she was mistaken for Kim Kardashian on a recent trip to Australia.

The actress told Mumbai Mirror that the incident took place at a Melbourne gay club, where she was partying with friends on a night out.

According to the paper, a clubber at a venue in Melbourne's Commercial Road district approached the Hindi film star and stated: "I am gay, but you are really hot. By any chance, are you Kim Kardashian?"

The actor, who was recently advised to show more skin in her work, is reported to have not known how to react after being asked if she was the reality television star.

"I didn't know what to say, so I just smiled," said the 33-year-old.

The star recently had the chance to share the stage with actor Hugh Jackman at an industry event in Mumbai.

"I never thought I'd get the opportunity to shake a leg with him, Bollywood style," she commented.

Balan was involved in a doctored bikini image scandal last month after her head was superimposed onto the body of a model for a fake magazine cover.

Vidya Balan pledges support for Earth Hour 2011

Bollywood actress Vidya Balan has urged Indians not just to switch off lights during WWF's Earth Hour 2011 campaign, but to go beyond the hour and protect the earth from the issue of climate change.

The Earth Hour will be celebrated Saturday at 8.30 p.m.

"As the effects of climate change become more prevalent and more powerful, it is up to each one of us to take ownership of our collective future. WWF's Earth Hour has inspired millions across the globe and has created mass awareness on the colossal issue of climate change. It is inspiring and encouraging to see how a step as simple as switching off lights for an hour can unite the entire world towards a single cause. I too switched off lights last year, and will do so this year as well," Vidya said in a press statement.

The critically acclaimed actress, also added a plus sign to the '60' logo of Earth Hour. The plus signifies a commitment to add a positive act in everyday life to benefit the environment beyond just the 60 minutes.

"For Earth Hour 2011, I pledge to not just switch off but to go beyond the hour. To be mindful of conserving resources, everyday, not just for an hour. From this year on, I pledge to use energy smartly. And urge you to do so as well.

"Each one of us has the power to make a difference. We just need to be conscious of it and make wise choices. When each of us take simple steps, together these actions add up. I am supporting the fight against climate change by adopting some of these steps. It's time you do too," she added.

Earth Hour 2011 is expected to be a culmination of over one billion people around the globe, in more than six thousand cities across 130 countries worldwide.

Vidya Balan retrospective at Indian film fest in Oz

The spotlight is on acclaimed Indian actress Vidya Balan at the ongoing 2011 Indian Film Festival (IFF): Bollywood and Beyond, which is screening a special retrospective of acclaimed Indian actress Vidya Balan's finest films from "Parineeta" to "Ishqiya".

Over over 30 films will be screened at the fest, including 15 Australian premiers. The 10-day festival, which is screened in Sydney (March 9-19), Melbourne (March 11-20), Adelaide (March 22-29) and Auckland (March 24 to April 3), kicked off this week at Hoyts Cinema Paris in the Entertainment Quarter, next to the Sydney Cricket Ground, with the Vidya starrer "No one killed Jessica" and British producer Leslee Udwin's "West is West".

Since making a dream debut in "Parineeta", Vidya has mesmerised audiences with her powerful performances.

"The most exciting thing as an actor is to do diverse roles. A film has to be engaging and entertaining as for me cinema is ultimately about hope," said the 33-year-old, who is looking forward to the June release of Sujoy Ghosh's thriller "Kahani" in which she plays a six-month pregnant woman, and Milan Luthria's "The Dirty Picture", based on the life of Silk Smitha, south Indian cinema's ultimate sex symbol.

For Vidya, who has travelled the world, Australia's Gold Coast, known for its sunny surfing beaches, is the favourite locale to shoot. "I had the most chilled out time in Surfer's Paradise. I also enjoy shooting in Toronto, which has a lovely energy with cultural activities all around," she told IANS, recalling the time she had while shooting for "Heyy Babyy" in Sydney.

She feels the more independent voices Indian cinema embraces, the more universal appeal it will have.

Director Raj Kumar Gupta, on his first visit to Australia, told IANS: "It is a privilege to have 'No one killed Jessica' as the opening film of this festival. The landscape of cinema is changing and how the audience receive the film, connect with the emotions and identify with this journey is important for me."

Australians and Indians have been coming with friends, partners and spouses to the festival, which is showcasing a sizzling mixture of comedy, romance, action and drama - from hardcore blockbuster "Dabangg" and the critically acclaimed "No One Killed Jessica", to "West Is West".

Rituparno Ghosh's Bengali film "Abohomaan" and Ananth Mahadevan's Marathi film "Mee Sindhutai Sapkal" too is a part of the bouquet.

As festival director Mitu Bhowmick Lange told IANS: "This year we've made a conscious effort to bring you films that eloquently express a new sophistication in contemporary Indian cinema; a hugely exciting seismic, cultural shift that must be shared. The aim is to showcase just how absolutely versatile and unique is our film industry. We have ventured beyond Bollywood to include some of the finest regional films."

The credit for bringing Indian films into mainstream cinemas in Australia goes to Mind Blowing Films, which has also been promoting Australian locations to Indian film producers and directors.

The festival director called on the Diaspora to ditch pirated two dollar DVDs sold at South Asian spice stores and support filmmakers by watching their works on the big screen.

Audiences also warmed to "West Is West", a sequel to Udwin's much loved "East Is East", which opens in India next month (April).

Udwin, who now lives in Copenhagen, told IANS: "I always knew there was going to be a sequel. People recognise that this film is about their story. It is a crowd pleasing film with a heart and spirit, which makes the audience cry and laugh. It is where comedy and tragedy fit in the same frame, an absolute reflection of life. In fact, I feel there is a trilogy in `East Is East'."

Also screening is the winner of the Western Union Short Film Competition, "Mumbaikar Ganesh" by Indian director Collin John D'Cunha.

"Acknowledgment of 'Mumbaikar Ganesh' means a lot to me as I am able to share my work with family and friends in Australia through this festival," said Kush Badhwar, the cinematographer who was born and brought up in Sydney and is now working in Mumbai.

The festival closes with producer-actress Juhi Chawla and director Onir's "I Am", an innovative film that explores the issues of homosexuality, prostitution and child abuse.

I never asked Vidya to pose nude

M. F. Husain has reportedly expressed anger at reports that he intended to paint a nude portrait of Vidya Balan.

The artist, currently a citizen of Qatar, famously upset members of India's Hindu community after depicting deities in an allegedly sexual manner.

Husain told The Times of India: "I would never ever even think like that. I have done several paintings of Madhuri Dixit but I have always captured her personality. I respect Vidya as an artiste and would never ask her or any artiste to pose nude for me."

He also revealed that he does not want to paint a life-like portrait of Anushka Sharma.

"Anushka has inspired me to do a painting of the quintessential Punjabi kudi [girl]," the artist said. "She was outstanding in Band Baaja Baaraat. She made the transition from a playful girl to an upright woman brilliantly."

Balan, Kapur to become engaged?

Vidya Balan may reportedly get engaged to Siddharth Roy Kapur.

According to The Times of India, the actress is rumoured to be in a relationship with the head of UTV Motion Pictures, with the pair said to be close to deciding to wed.

A top industry source told the newspaper: “Vid and Sid are close. And in the past weeks they have been spotted spending quality time with each other on two occasions.”

The critically-acclaimed actress recently worked in Siddharth’s No One Killed Jessica. The film corporation executive is not comfortable talking about his friendship with the actress as he is allegedly waiting for his divorce to come through.

However, Balan’s secretary commented: "Vidya has to first know Siddharth well enough to marry him. One doesn't necessarily marry people one is friendly to or has dinners with."

Balan will next be seen in The Dirty Picture.

Vidya Balan not baring all for Hussain's painting

Vidya Balan has not agreed to expose for a painting for acclaimed artist M.F. Hussain, says a close friend of the actress.

"The story is fabricated to damage her reputation and it hasn't gone down well with the actress who has always maintained a dignified stance both in her personal and professional life," said the friend.

Hussain finds Vidya's persona especially her face very sensual and cultured and a newspaper reported that she will bare all for his painting.

But Vidya, who will feature in Ekta Kapoor's "Dirty Pictures", has always maintained she would take up projects only with an aesthetic sense.

"The news is absolutely hysterical. We are in the month of February and not April. Vidya has always maintained a dignified image and is one of the most respected stars in the industry. The reports are fabricated by parties with vested interests and if ever Vidya does decide to get a painting done, it will strictly be her face. Hope this puts an end to the speculation," said the friend.

Ageing doesn't bother me

Vidya Balan has said that she is not fazed by comments about her looks, nor worried about ageing.

The 33-year old actress admitted that there was pressure on women to look young forever but said it was something that did not concern her.

"I don't think about ageing at all. I have lived a very happy life so far and I look forward to it. It may bother me if I am 50 but it is a long way [off]," Balan told PTI.

"I think women get better with age," she added. "Look at Rekha and my mother, they are getting better with age, be it beauty, brains or sensuality."

Referring to the criticism that she once received about her style, the actress said that it was something to which she no longer paid any attention.

"I take comments on my looks in my stride. There could be days when you are badly turned out or have a bad hair day but I don't care about it anymore," she added.

Vidya Balan Voted Hottest Vegan By PETA

Bollywood actress Vidya Balan is quite up the popularity list these days. The actress is winning accolades left right and center not only for her stellar performance in the recently released flick No One Killed Jessica, but also is high on the list of the hottest vegan celebrities.

Vidya Balan, who is known for her food fetish is actually a pure vegan and she has topped the list with the former union minister of state for External Affairs, Shashi Tharoor's name too featuring alongside hers in the list.

Vidya ,who looks too hot to handle despite being the target for her dressing sense sometime ago has certainly scaled heights and proved to her detractors that she is one of the most good looking people around tinsel town and along with that she houses a beautiful heart within that looks with kindness to animals.

However, the title hottest vegan won by Vidya is courtesy the PETA authorities who have placed her above the other celebrities on the list like Kareena Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, R.Madhavan, Lara Dutta, Mallika Sherawat, Shahid Kapoor besides the international hotties like Natalie Portman and Bryan Adams.

Well, seems like Vidya is all set to rock throughout this year with all the love and adulations being showered on her from various quarters. We do congratulate the beauty on this achievement too!

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