Deepa Mehta signs Soha Ali Khan For Midnight’s Children

Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan has now signed Deepa Mehta’s much talked movie Midnight’s Children, which has seasoned actors like Shabana Azmi, Seema Biswas, Nandita Das, and Irrfan Khan.

The movie is an adaptation of Salman Rushdie’s Booker Prize winning novel with the same title. The film will start shooting later this year.

Soha is very excited to get this role but she is not ready to open her mouth about this film. The actress said that she had never worked with such a senior like Deepa so she is honored to get the chance. It is going to be her second film with any female director, the other one is Sangeeta, the director of her movie Life Goes On.

Soha said jokingly that Deepa would kill her if she speaks up about the film. As the film is in its in initial stage, the actress was asked to keep quiet about it.

Vidya Balan loses ‘Rascals’ for leaving ‘Dhamaal 2′

Bollywood actress Vidya Balan, who has recently walked out of the movie Dhamaal 2, has lost a solo heroine role in Rascals, which is the first film of Sanjay Dutt Productions (SDP). David Dhawan is directing Rascals. Sanjay Dutt also stars Dhamaal 2 along with few other actors.

Initially, the actress agreed to be a part of Dhamaal 2 but asked for a whooping amount of Rs 1.5 crore as fee. The producers refused to pay such a huge amount and she walked out of the movie. She was then replaced by Mallika Sherawat.

It is reported that when Vidya came to know about Rascals, the actress expressed her desire to be a part of it to the director David Dhawan. But, her refusal to Dhamaal 2 cost her movie as Sanjay was not very happy with her. He did not wish to take her in this film. Earlier Dutt and Vidya have worked together in Lage Raho Munnabhai and also in her debut movie Parineeta.

The lead female role in Rascals required a youthful charming woman so everyone in the unit wanted a fresh face. Sanjay Dutt, Dharam Oberoi, who is the business manager and CEO of SDP, and director David Dhawan shortlisted Anushka Sharma, Lara Dutta, and Kangna Ranaut for the role. However, Kangana Ranaut got lucky finally to bag the role.

David Dhawan said, “Vidya Balan was not suitable for this role even though she is a fine actress. This is the only reason we did not sign her for Rascals. I am sure Vidya does not mind as she is a good friend, we will work on another film together”.

Imran Khan said NO to Anil Kapoors’s Offer

Sonam Kapoor and her sister Rhea who produces Aisha offered the male lead to Sonam’s pal Imran Khan. At that time Imran and Sonam were already doing I Hate Luv Storys and had become great buddies. Naturally Sonam presumed Imran would happily do her home production.

But the Kapoor family was in for a shock when Imran declined the offer pleading there was not much for him to do.

Anil admits Imran was indeed the first choice for Abhay Deol’s role.

Says the candid star-actor, “Rhea and Sonam did send the script over to Imran. I don’t know why he didn’t do it. Maybe, he was wary of a script that was named after the heroine. But Abhay is the perfect choice”.

After Imran’s refusal, Anil immediately commanded the Aisha team to rechristen the film. “I told them no hero would take a film seriously if it is named after the heroine. I ordered them to call the film ‘Production No. 3’ not Aisha. I was different I did so many heroine-centric films like Beta with Madhuri Dixit and Lamhe with Sridevi. Even Mr. India was more Sri’s picture although it was our home production.”

Anil is very proud of his daughters for having managed Aisha all on their own. “I did nothing. I gave Sonam and Rhea a free hand. I was there to help them with inputs. But Aisha is completely their baby. Now we’re planning 2-3 new productions. One of them would definitely have Sonam in it.”

‘Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai’ declared a blockbuster

Balaji and Milan Luthria’s Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai starring Ajay Devgn,Emraan Hashmi , Kangana Ranuat and Prachi Desai has much reason to celebrate as the film opened to outstanding collections.

Cinemax India president – sales, marketing and operations Devang Sampat said, “The opening of Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai was excellent, it opened at around 80 per cent and is still growing. In places like Gujarat and Nasik, the occupancy was 100 per cent”

Inox Leisure associate vice president Rajender Singh Jyala said, “Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai opened very well, with some of the morning shows even running full”

Seen through the eyes of a police officer, ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI traces the changing face of the Mumbai underworld. The film, set primarily in 1970 Mumbai, follows the rise of Sultan (Ajay Devgn), and his eventual fall, when his protégé Shoaib (Emraan Hashmi), challenges his supremacy, and usurps power to rule the murky underbelly of Mumbai.

The film was also well appreciated by critics with renowned film critic/trade analyst Taran Adarsh stating “Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai is an extremely well-made film that lingers in your memory. The realism coupled with stellar direction, power-packed writing, exceptional performances and ear-pleasing tunes are its trump cards. An outstanding cinematic experience.”

Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai -a super-entertaining rewind to the era of romance, smuggling, cabaret and the mafia also had the industry tweeting about the film. Award winning director Madhur Bhandarkar tweeted, “Saw Once Upon A Time In Mumbai. Is a great cinematic experience of 80s era Ajay Devgn and Emran Hashmi’s performances rock. After a long time full claptrap, total paisa vasool, more power to Ekta Kapoor and Milan Lutharia.”

Says an elated Ekta Kapoor “I’m very happy with the response the film has received.The collections have been outstanding and all our hard work on the movie has borne fruit”

Balaji and Milan Luthria’s ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI released worldwide on the 29th July 2010

Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor on the lookout for their Dream Home

The flats on top floor of the apartment that is on construction just opposite Fortune Heights have nothing much to do with the whopping prices of real estate properties in Bandra west. It is the apartment owned by Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor on the tenth floor of Fortune Heights that has set the prices of flats in the upcoming multistoried building on fire.

The office of Saif’s production house too is on the second floor of Fortune Heights. The flats in the building overlooking Bollywood’s celebrity couple’s living room have been a treasure trove for the wily builder.

After Saif had bought the penthouse, the area became a hotspot in the real estate market of Bandra. The most celebrated actor had selected this apartment after much toing and froing. Adding to the real estate prices in the area was Saif’s ladylove Kareena’s arrival in the apartment. The buzz around is that the couple is on the lookout for a dream home again.

Bebo said that Saif and she are happy at their present address. They are in love with the vibe of their apartment in Fortune Heights. She feared that with the rise of other buildings around, their privacy may be at stake. That is why they intent to buy a bungalow in and around Bandra. She added that an English-styled villa is Saif’s dream home, but it is difficult to find that kind of home. Or else, the couple would make a happy nest of the topmost apartment in the building opposite.

Sonam Kapoor’s refusal to Kiss Shahid created a ruckus

Walking the most trodden path to stardom that is on-screen kissing is not Sonam Kapoor’s cup of tea. She turned her back when asked to smooch Shahid Kapoor as required by the script for a scene in Mausam during the Scotland schedule. It is in buzz that her refusal to lock lips with the Bollywood hunk raised a ruckus on the sets of the movie.

Sonam was taken by surprise when the film’s director and Shahid’s dad Pankaj Kapoor asked her to do a lip-locking scene with her co-star Shahid. She said that she was not informed of such a scene when she had signed the movie and the script had been narrated to her. “Sonam was taken aback when the director told her about it. She flatly refused”, a source from Mausam’s unit revealed.

The unit added that when the situation went haywire and the shooting took a pause because of Sonam’s determination not to change her mind, Pankaj went ballistic and called her dad Anil Kapoor to save the situation. But, the Bollywood lass stood her ground.

Buzz has that the kissing scene with Sonam was added to the script at Shahid’s behest. It was a shocking truth to Sonam. She denied giving in to her hero’s demand.

Peepli Live becomes best first feature Film in ‘Durban Film Festival’

Movies of Aamir Khan and ‘awards’ have become synonymous even though the Bollywood’s perfectionist is always missing from the awards functions. Maintaining this tradition, the yet to release movie Peepli Live, the home production of Aamir Khan, has bagged its first award in the recently concluded 31st ‘Durban International Film Festival’. The movie has been named as the ‘Best First Feature Film’.

The much talked movie has been written and directed by Anusha Rizvi. This is her directorial debut. Peepli Live is a satire on the farmers’ suicides in India, which is followed by a peculiar media and political response.

On this achievement, Aamir Khan, the co-producer of the film says, “South Africa has always been lucky for me and I think it goes same for Peepli Live also. This is really great news to receive an award from such eminent juries”.

Commenting on the film, the International Jury stated, “Peepli Live is a well-thought and ambitious project covering some serious political issues in a very intelligent and entertaining manner. With some colorful characters, music, and images, the movie creates a delightful world that keeps the viewers engaged in it”.

Aamir added, “All the major film festivals across the world have received Peepli Live very nicely. It became the first Indian film to participate in the competition section at the reputed Sundance Film Festival. It was also well received in the UK and at the Berlin Film Festival”.

The festival at Durban was attended by filmmakers from all over the world, which took place from July 22 to August 1.

The jury at the Durban festival included producers Aihara Hiromi of Japan, South African academic, producer, and writer Bhekizizwe Peterson and Christoph Thoke of Germany.

Aamir further added, “This award is totally different as it comes from filmmakers and film people so it has a value. The film shows how our energy and resources are used only towards urban areas”.

Peepli Live stars actors Raghubir Yadav, Naseeruddin Shah, Omkar Das Manikpuri, Malaika Shenoy, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in important roles.

In South Africa, the Avalon Group will distribute the movie from August 13, the day it releases in India.

Wedding Bells For Vivek Oberoi on October 29

Vivek Oberoi who has over the years acquired the reputation of being quite a ladies man has finally decided to tie the knot. Yes, the self-proclaimed flirt is getting married. The wedding, according to very reliable sources, is on October 29, two months after Vivek’s 34th birthday.

The details about the bride are not yet known. But it is an arranged marriage for Bollywood’s resident Casanova who, in his words, likes to flirt with anyone in a skirt. Vivek’s bride-to-be has been chosen by his parents Suresh and Yashodhara.

In the past Vivek has dated some of the most beautiful women in the entertainment industry including Aishwarya Rai. Before that Vivek dated model Gurpreet Gill for four years before abruptly calling off the relationship.

Since then the Oberoi scion has been linked with various girls.

The most recent link-up was with his Prince co-star Neeru Bajwa.

When asked about Neeru Vivek had said, “That’s all rubbish. I’ve been linked up with 50 girls in last four years. At least 10 of them I’ve never met. No wonder my mother is searching for a girl for me. She wants me to settle down”.

On Saturday when asked about the wedding Vivek hastily begged off saying he was busy and would talk ‘later’.

After the honeymoon, maybe?

Sonakshi Sinha to work with Salman Khan only

Salman Khan, who is taking a very keen interest in the Dabangg debutante Sonakshi Sinha’s career has personally advised her not to sign any more films until her first film is released. This explains why Sonakshi has turned down lucrative offers from several big banners excluding a second film with Salman Khan.

The trailers for Sonakshi Sinha’s Dabangg went on air this week. Immediately Sonakshi Sinha made an impact on many minds including Sanjay Leela Bhansali who wants to offer her a role. But Salman, who has earlier played Christopher Columbus to the likes of Bhumika Chawla (Tere Naam), Zarine Khan (Veer) and, of course, Katrina Kaif (who was re-launched in Haan Maine Bhi Pyar Kiya Hai ), has already blocked Sonakshi’s dates.

Says the pretty debutante, “Yes I am doing another film for Arbaaz Khan. But we haven’t decided on the subject and other details. All I know is that’s the only film I’ve said yes to. Otherwise I’ll wait for Dabangg to be released before signing anything”.

Sonakshi is all praise for the way Salman treated her. “Why only Salman? Arbaaz and Sohail also looked after me like a family member. I’ve been so spoilt by them that I don’t know how I’ll work with other banners where I’d just have to be very professional in my dealings”.

Was she ever intimidated by Salman?

Sonakshi laughs, “Not at all. He’s a really chilled-out guy. If I didn’t have Salman and his brothers to look after me in my first film I don’t know how I’d have gathered the confidence to take the plunge into acting”.

She says she will only do the films and roles that make her comfortable. “That is one thing I’m sure of. I won’t do anything that would embarrass me or my parents”.

Friendly bonds of Bollywood Biggies

India celebrated Friendship Day yesterday. Each nook and corner of the country was filled with an air of celebration. Friends tie friendship bands on each other’s hands and embrace each other to make much of the day. A mix of true and fake friendships is aplenty in Bollywood. Some have survived the odds of times while others have come upon the rocks. Even the rivals are friends in public. However, some Bollywood stars have a high time on this specific day. Here is a glimpse of the strongest friendships that the contemporary Bollywood is known for.

The dostana of John Abraham and Abhishek Bachchan has been in the Bollywood air since the release of Dostana. They are in touch and exchanging gifts with each other. Kareen Kapoor not friendly with everyone has surprisingly been in friendly terms with Amrita Arora for a long time. Bebo was bridesmaid at Amrita’s wedding.

Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan, two Bollywood biggies are known for their romantic kind of friendship. The duo damn care the public rumors about their friendship. SRK and Juhi have shared the on-screen space in several movies. They are good business partners in real life as well. Hence, their friendship has to be strong.

The friendship of Sanjay Dutt and Sunil Shetty is the oldest one that has braved all odds to remain evergreen. In Bollywood, the friendship of David Dhawan and Govinda is a special mention. David Dhawan, the guru and guide of Govinda, has been the driving force behind the latter’s career in films.

Katrina Kaif restless to get her sister Bollywood break

Katrina Kaif, one of the modern-day Bollywood beauties, is trying hard to set her younger sister on a roll in the tinsel town of Bollywood. Not only an actress but also a business woman, Katrina is leaving no stone unturned to launch Isabelle in Bollywood.

Isabelle has been pursuing an acting course in New York to have a grip on acting accomplishments and the course is likely to be finished later this year. Words from the rumor mill are that Kat is in talks with the filmmakers from her Bollywood acquaintance circle to get Isabelle a break in the movie entertainment world.

One source says that a Farah Khan film stars Isabelle opposite to Salman Khan and the film will hit the sliver screens in 2011. Another source says that Kat’s sister is likely to get her career break in one of the forthcoming movies under Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions.

Surprisingly, Isabelle with rosy hue on cheeks is a copy of Kat in looks and complexion. A tad shorter than her elder sister, Isabelle on strength of her charming looks has drawn the attention of renowned filmmakers, who are in quest of a new pretty face.

Celina Jaitley’s new look!

Celina Jaitley’s strikingly unconventional looks manage to turn heads everywhere. She was recently spotted at the music launch of her upcoming movie sporting a totally new look. Her front bangs coupled with the heavily kohl-ed eyes drew glances everywhere. She has been receiving tons of compliments and some even say that she reminds them of American pop sensation Katy Perry.

When contacted, Celina amusingly quipped, “Yes, a lot of people have said that I look like Katy Perry in certain shots but that is just a co-incidence. Katy and I also happen to endorse the same brand (Proactiv).”

Celina’s new look is for her forthcoming movie ‘Hello darling’. In the movie, Celina essays the role of ‘Candy Fernandes’, a Catholic Anglo Indian girl. The look was designed keeping the same in mind. Incidentally, Celina’s look was thought of two years back when she signed the movie.

Shraddha Kapoor’s dating partner disclosed

Shraddha Kapoor, the 21 year old daughter of Bollywood veteran Shakti Kapoor, is just one film old but she is constantly in the news. Recently, she was in news for walking out of Madhur Bhanderkar’s film after signing a three film deal with YRF. She was even linked with Pratik Babbar and that made news.

This time, the news is about her actual partner, whom she is dating since last five years. Well, the lucky guy is not from Bollywood and this has kept the news under wraps for such a long time.

Vanraj Zaveri is childhood sweetheart of Shraddha, who is the son of a reputed jeweller having stores in different cities. He is studying yet and the families of both the parties are aware of the relationship.

Shraddha made her acting debut with Teen Patti, which starred megastar Amitabh Bachchan.

According to a source close to Shraddha, “It has been almost 5 years, she has been dating Vanraj. They were very close friends since their school days. The close friends gradually fell in love and entered into a relationship. He has always supported her in pursuing acting as a career. They were in a long-distance relation for a year when Shraddha went to study in Boston. He went several times to meet her during that period”.

The source added, “Both the families have approved of the relationship. Vanraj is liked very much by Shraddha’s mother Shivangi. With a group of common friends, they went for a holiday to the US recently”.

The source further said, “The relationship with Vanraj has been kept secret by Shraddha and only close ones know about it. Since they are very young now, they are not interested to make an official announcement about it, especially when the actress has just started her career”.