Top 10 item girls of 2012

As the year comes to an end, we look back at the names that were hot in item songs category. There were some old names like Gauhar Khan and Malaika Arora Khan while some new names like Chitrangada Singh were also added to the list. Here's a look:
Kareena Kapoor
Song: Fevicol Se
Movie: Dabangg 2
Movie release date: December 21
Salman Khan's Dabangg 2 featured Fevicol Se with Kareena Kapoor performing on the song.
Song: Halkat Jawani
Movie: Heroine
Movie release date: September 21
Mahdur Bhandarkar's ambitious project Heroine saw Kareena Kapoor groove to Halkat Jawani, winning her fans all over again.
Song: Dil Mera Muft Ka
Movie: Agent Vinod
Release date: March 2
Kareena Kapoor had her first taste of succes this year with the song Dil Mera Muft Ka.
Claudia Ciesla
Song: O Balma
Movie: Khiladi-786
Movie release date: December 6
Polish-German model Claudia Ciesla turned item girl this year for Akshay Kumar's Khiladi-786.
Hezal Keech
Song: Aa Ante Amlapuram
Movie: Maximum
Movie release date: June 29
Hezal Keech and her raunchy moves in the song made it a hit. The song has more than 4 million views on Youtube.
Rani Mukherjee
Song: Aga Baai/Dream-um Wakeup-um
Movie: Aaiyya
Movie release date: September 28
Chitrangada Singh
Song: Kaafirana
Movie: Joker
Movie release date: Aug 30
Akshay Kumar's Joker gave Chitrangada Singh her first item song.
Scarlett Melish Wilson
Song: Imported Kamariya
Movie: Shanghai
Movie release date: June 8
Scarlett Melish Wilson featured in Imported Kamariya fromm Shanghaai.
Gauhar Khan
Song: Jhallah Wallah
Movie: Ishaqzaade
Movie release date: May 11
Gauhar Khan's Jahallah Wallah in Ishaqzaade was a fresh change in Bollywood item songs. Her facial expressions brought the finesse of yesteryears' Bollywood mujras to the item song.
Maryam Zakaria
Song: Aa Re Pritam Pyaare
Movie: Rowdy Rathore
Movie release date: May 31
This was a typical item number with lots of skin show and foot-tapping music to go with. Shakti Mohan, Mumaith Khan also featured in the song alongwith Maryam Zakaria.
Malaika Arora Khan
Song: Anarkali Disco Chali
Movie: Housefull 2
Movie release date: April 5
Actor-turned-producer Malaika Arora Khan shaked a leg for Akshay Kumar starrer Housefull 2. Malaika Arora Khan radiates oomph in the Anarkali track.
Katrina Kaif
Song: Chikni Chamelia
Movie: Agneepath
Movie release date: January 11, 2012
The fast paced number and Katrina Kaif's hot looks made the song a chartbuster.

BIGG BOSS 6: Salman Khan defends Shah Rukh Khan

Actor Salman Khan jumped to the defence of his arch rival Shah Rukh Khan while having an argument with Bigg Boss contestant Imam Siddique, recently.
Apparently, Imam got into a heated argument with Salman, and said that he cast SRK for ad films that worked very well for him.
To this Salman said: “Shah Rukh is in the industry because of his hard work and support of his fans... not because Imam cast him in an advertisement.”
How the Khan vs Khan fight started
Back in 2008, reportedly, a slightly inebriated Salman Khan offended Shah Rukh Khan when he and wife Gauri Khan came for Katrina Kaif’s birthday bash. Salman was apparently upset with SRK for turning down a guest role in Salman’s production, Mr And Mrs Khanna (2009). On being taunted by Salman, SRK retaliated by taking a dig at Salman’s past relationship with Aishwarya Rai. It got ugly as the two stars were apparently prepared to fight it out. Literally.

Is she Salman Khan's new girl?

Salman Khan is known to help young actors find their footing in the big, bad world of Bollywood. Starting with Katrina Kaif, who is now among the top actors in the industry, he’s gone on to support Zarine Khan, Hazel Keech and Mahek Chahal among others. Now, it seems that south actor Daisy Shah is next in line.
The Dabangg star apparently did a shoot with her at his farmhouse on his birthday. “They drove down to Panvel on Thursday morning with his crew and photographers and did an extensive shoot there,” says a source present at the farmhouse. This was not just an ordinary photo shoot that he went all the way to Panvel for; it looked as though the team was doing a look test with Daisy. “Salman’s farmhouse is massive. They did photo and video shoots at different locations at the place all through the day,” says the source.
Reportedly, the female lead has not been decided for any of Salman’s 2013 projects — Sohail Khan’s Sher and Sajid Nadiadwala’s Kick. The shoot gives rise to speculations that Daisy could be the lucky one to feature in either of these films.
Salman had a hearing related to his 2002 hit-and-run case on December 27, but the actor was exempted from his court appearance. “He made the best use of the day. Salman came back to Mumbai late in the evening, after wrapping up the shoot,” says the source.
Daisy was an assistant to choreographer Ganesh Acharya in films like Zameen (2003) and Khakee (2004). Salman also has a subtle connection with her: She was the female lead opposite south actor Jaggesh in the original Kannada version of his 2011 hit Bodyguard. The film turned out to be an equally big hit when it was remade in Hindi with Salman and Kareena in the same year.

Ek Tha Tiger smashes records on Eid

Salman Khan's Ek Tha Tiger continues to weave magic at the box office as it amasses Rs. 20 crore on Eid. The film has broken a series of records. It is not only the biggest first day opener, it also went on to break the first weekend record.
"#EkThaTiger - India *actuals* Monday [Eid] 20.68 cr. Total:120.84 cr nett. NEW RECORD FOR MONDAY FIGURES," tweets trade analyst Taran Adarsh.
"The movie it seems is on a record breaking spree. Firstly, the highest 1st day collection, then the highest on any given day by a movie, then the fastest 100 Crore and now a record breaking Monday, Ek Tha Tiger is indeed on fire. Collections will drop on Tuesday, however the movie has more than just created history. The drop really won’t matter to Salman Khan as the coming weekend will rejuvenate the movie yet again," reports Koimoi.com.
The 100 crore feat
"#EkThaTiger - India *actuals* Sun 23.06 cr. Total: 100.16 cr nett. SUPERB. Fastest 100 cr grosser ever - 5 days [Hindi films]. NEW RECORD!" tweeted trade analyst Taran Adarsh.
"#EkThaTiger is @BeingSalmanKhan ’s 4th century [100 cr], the other three being #Dabangg [147 cr], #Ready [122 cr] and #Bodyguard [148 cr]," added Adarsh.
Ek Tha Tiger"Ek Tha Tiger reaches 100-cr mark in 5 days - another Rs. 25 cr from overseas. Total Rs. 125 cr. Today's Eid collection remains to be counted," tweeted ABP News.
The film had reached Rs. 77.10 cr mark on Saturday. "#EkThaTiger - India *actuals* Sat 16.75 cr. Total: 77.10 cr nett. Excellent growth on Saturday," Adarsh had tweeted.
First Weekend
"Ek Tha Tiger made an approx 11.75 Crores on it’s 1st Friday at the box office. After opening to a humongous 32.92 Crores and grossing 14.55 Crores on it’s 2nd Day, Ek Tha Tiger looks pretty steady with 59.22 Crores in it’s pocket," reports Koimoi.com.
"The movie might have seen a steady fall in its last two days but one can surely account that to working days not being huge grossing days. However, Ek Tha Tiger has created a new record at the Indian Box Office. In its 1st weekend (i.e. 1st 3 days run) it has grossed about 59 crores which is the highest ever in Indian history. Post Monday, when the fasting season of Ramadan gets over, there is no saying what collections will the movie make," adds the website.
2nd day collections
"After shattering every record possible to shreds Ek Tha Tiger moved to its 2nd day. As per early estimates the movie would have made 16 crores on it’s Day 2 at the Indian Box Office. Ek Tha Tiger had grossed a humongous 32.92 crores on its Day 1 and its total box office collections till date stands at 48.92 crores," reported Koimoi.com.
"The fall was quite expected as Thursday was a working day and not a holiday unlike Wednesday. However, the movie is expected to hit the chords again this weekend. There is no doubt that Ek Tha Tiger will prove to be an all time blockbuster at the box office if it sustains its momentum even for a weekend," added the website.
1st day fever
"#EkThaTiger biz on Wed is humungous, historic. But wait for Eid celebrations. It will create History *again*. Picture abhi baaki hain!" Taran Adarsh wrote.
"The 1st day box office collections of Ek Tha Tiger can be simply termed in one word as 'spectacular'. Something like this has never before happened in Bollywood. The movie made an approx. 30 crores (as per early estimates) on it's Day 1 at the Indian box office. Ek Tha Tiger did not just do good in a few circuits as there is really no circuit where the movie didn't break apart a set record," reports Koimoi.com.
"Ek Tha Tiger has smashed the opening day collections of Hrithik Roshan's Agneepath which had amassed a mammoth 23 crores. The movie also broke the much hyped Shahrukh Khan's Ra.One opening day record of 25 crores.

Ek Tha Tiger ~ Official Theatrical Trailer - Ft' Salman Khan

Shilpa Shetty to get a grand baby shower!

Bollywood beauties and star wives will turn up in full strength at actor Shilpa Shetty-Kundra’s Juhu house this afternoon. Shilpa’s sister Shamita Shetty and friend Kiran Bawa are hosting a baby shower for the actor, who is due to deliver next month. Actors Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, Raveena Tandon, filmmakers Ekta Kapoor, Farah Khan, Shah Rukh Khan’s wife Gauri, Sanjay Dutt’s wife Maanayata, and Suneil Shetty’s wife Mana are some of the invitees.
“It is a high tea and champagne evening. The menu includes turkey sandwiches, cheese, fruits, chicken and prawns. It will be a continental spread. We were slightly health conscious while making the menu,” says Kiran Bawa, adding, “Of course, there will be a ‘diaper cake’ too.” And, return gifts for the guests have been flown in all the way from London. All the guests will be given a hamper full of crystal items like pacifiers and key chains. There’ll also be an assortment of cupcakes and other goodies.
The theme for the party is pink and blue, with flowers and candles in those colours decorating the house. Shilpa will wear a Nandita Mahtani kaftan. While no formal invites were sent out, Shamita called all the ladies to invite them.
Shilpa’s hubby, entrepreneur Raj Kundra, says he can’t miss this party. “If they allow me in, fair enough. If they don’t, I’ll find a way in,” he said on being asked if he’d be there to celebrate with his wife.

Salman bats for Aamir’s son!

If there are two Khans who are not warring in Bollywood, they are Salman and Aamir. In fact, so thick are they that Salman, 46, made up for his good friend’s absence at a cricket match organised by the latter’s son, Junaid, in Mumbai on Tuesday.
Junaid had organised a fund-raiser Twenty20 ‘Junoon’ celebrity cricket match at the Brabourne Stadium between Bollywood stars and physically-challenged participants. But Aamir, 47, skipped the event as he had to attend to some work related to his TV show, Satyameva Jayate. “I had asked dad when he would be free for this match and he gave me May 1 as the date. But he got some work and hence could not make it here ... it’s okay,” said Junaid.
The Dabangg star, however, stepped in to support Junaid, accompanied by a whole star army. “Aamir has a show coming up ...,” said Salman, explaining Aamir’s busy schedule and seeming excited about his TV debut. Other actors present on field were Salman’s brothers Arbaaz and Sohail, Rani Mukerji, Isha Koppikhar, Prateik, Sharman Joshi and Atul Kulkarni

Aishwarya Rai's drastic weight gain sparks debate!

The shape which Aishwarya Rai is in five months after her pregnancy has generated unusual public interest with the Bachchan bahu coming in for some criticism for the "oodles of weight" gained by the actress. But some celebrites who have been associated with the 38-year-old Bollywood star including Designer Sabyasachi defended her, saying that like any other woman the new mother would definitely take some time to shed pregnancy weight.
The trigger for the reactions came following the publication of some pictures of the former Miss World while emerging out of a party hosted by eminent industrialist Mukesh Ambani in Mumbai last week. Married to Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya gave birth to her first baby, a daughter, on November 16, 2011.
The pictures set off a buzz on the internet and in the social media with articles, videos, blogs and tweets highlighting her "oodles of weight", "double chin" and calling the photos of the beauty queen "shocking".
Some social media writeups sought to suggest that the star is not taking her weight gain seriously. However, some blogs and tweets too have come out in Aishwarya's defence with comments that the focus on her post-pregnancy weight gain was pathetic.
A video compilation of her recent photos attracted comments like: "She is a Bollywood actress and being a part of showbiz it is her duty to look good and fit. Till now she has been praised for her beauty, so it is only fair that she should also be criticized if she is not able to live up to it.
She needs to learn from people like Victoria Beckham who are back to size zero weeks after their delivery! She needs to lose that weight... its been close to 5 months already!"
On the other hand, there are many who believe that five months is not enough time to shed weight and that the comments on her figure are "harsh".
Designer Sabyasachi, who made Aishwarya's costumes for Raavan, said, "Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has just delivered a baby and like any other woman she would definitely take time to put off that weight."
"She's a super celebrity and I think she is doing a commendable job by showing her real side to the media. Earlier, she was criticised for being unreal and plastic," Sabyasachi told PTI.
Aishwarya looked a lot slimmer at the press conference conducted by the Bachchans at their residence, Jalsa, immediately after the baby's arrival. But in recent photographs, Bollywood watchers say it seems as if she is heavier by five to six kilos.
Designer Rina Dhaka says that a new mother gains weight especially when she is taking care of her baby.
"It is very difficult for a woman to shed that weight. I think the media is being very harsh on her. They are deliberately printing those photos which are taken at an angle which makes her look fat or highlights her double chin," Rina said.
Designer Rocky S lashed out at the critics. "Why people are obsessed with Aishwarya's weight. This maternity weight takes time to lose. Being an internatianol celebrity she is not hiding her face, rather she is enjoying her motherhood. She should not be pressurised and she doesn't have to look perfect at this moment."
Even blogs and tweets have come out in Aishwarya's defence.
"Focus on Aishwarya's post preg weight gain pathetic. Glad she's not a celeb bimbo who's wheeled in2 plastic surgery straight frm labour room," said one Twitter user, while another wrote, "Reports in some parts of the media about Aishwarya's weight gain are vile and irresponsible. Let the woman be."
"Utterly gross & sexist commentary in sections of the media on Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Makes me sick with anger at how we deconstruct women," said another tweet.

Khiladi 786 is a comedy: Nargis Fakhri

Six months after her debut Bollywood film, Rockstar (2011), Nargis Fakhri has finally signed her next film, Khiladi 786, with Akshay Kumar, produced by his banner Grazing Goat Pictures.
As part of her contract, Nargis will do three films with the banner — this one being the first. “Khiladi 786 is a comedy, and it’s a genre I’ve really been really waiting to experiment with. I’m very excited because it’s
completely different from the role I played in Rockstar. I’m doing two more films with them, but I’m not allowed to talk about those yet,” says the actor.
Nargis, who moved to Mumbai from New York a few years ago, has persisted with the diction and dance lessons she took up when she was preparing for Rockstar. The actor says, “It’s only been a short while since I’ve been in India, but a lot of things have improved. I’m on my way, and as long as I’m diligent, I know I will get better. It’s a different kind of challenge and I’m getting to learn something new.”
Between films, she’s kept herself busy with script
readings, brand endorsements and events — the latest being the launch of the Gaja Store at Nariman Point.
Ask Nargis about her constant link-ups and she gives a practised answer: “It doesn’t bother me anymore. Gossip is a part of my profession. I personally find it weird, but I understand where it is coming from. It’s the paparazzi culture all around the world.”
And how does she deal with it? She says, “Everything I’ve been reading about myself crosses the line. It’s ridiculous, boring and untrue. I’ve decided that I should just smile and wave at everyone instead of denying rumours.”
Nargis Fakhri’s imaginary affairs
Ranbir Kapoor: Ever since they were both signed for Rockstar, Ranbir and Nargis were rumoured to be dating. They were often spotted together and insisted that although they were getting along well, they weren’t a couple. The buzz fizzled out after the film’s release.
Shahid Kapoor: When Nargis flew to Goa to attend Shahid Kapoor’s lavish birthday bash, many tongues wagged. Both actors went all over town denying the rumours. Now, Shahid is being linked to Australian model Kristina Akheeva.

Amitabh Bachchan on a break, flying to LA for treatment

Amitabh Bachchan has decided to head to Los Angeles for a few tests related to his stomach ailment. The megastar reportedly took this decision after going for a CT scan recently. He would not take up any assignments till September, reports Mid Day.
Bachchan's pain reportedly resurfaced on April 9, two months after he underwent abdominal surgery at a Mumbai-based hospital. “It was the first time since the operation in February that Bachchan saab felt such severe pain and had to go for a CT scan soon afterwards,” a well-placed source told the tabloid.
Big B has also planned to take it easy for a while. “It is believed that Bachchan is not doing any film before September as he’s going to Los Angeles, in May-June, where he will undergo a few tests and the required treatment to be doubly sure,” the source was quoted by the tabloid.
Big B's projects that will have to wait
* Bachchan is said to have confirmed before September is Rohit Shetty’s forthcoming film with Ajay Devgn and Abhishek Bachchan.
* RGV has announced Sarkar 3 with Amitabh and Abhishek sans Aishwarya.
* Shoojit Sircar is scripting his next for the actor.
* Kaun Banega Crorepati 6 is also in pipeline.

First look: Kamal Haasan's Vishwaroop

The first look of Vishwaroop, an upcoming action thriller by Kamal Haasan, is out! The poster shows Kamal Haasan with a bright sky in the background. It shows symbolic elements also like a flying white bird. The poster evokes curiosity about the plot.
Vishwaroop, is a bilingual Tamil and Hindi spy thriller written, directed and co-produced by Kamal Haasan that features him in the lead. The film is disclosed to be on the lines of the Mission Impossible series.
Actor Kamal Haasan plays an army general in the film. Unlike most of the cast, he didn’t have to go through any major makeover for role. “He plays a general, so you do see injuries, but no prosthetic make-up has been applied on him,” says make-up artist Ritu Janjani.
Rahul Bose, who also stars in the film, has a negative role and had to undergo heavy prosthetic make-up.
Apparently, Bose’s character gets blown up during the war. “We had to use heavy prosthetic make-up to show his injuries after the explosion, such as a fallen jaw,” says Janjani. She adds: “Since it’s a war film, there are a lot of war victims covered in blood and gore, so we have to do lots of prosthetic hands, legs and teeth.”
The makers of the film have finished shooting the war sequence and are now filming abroad to complete the rest of it.

Honey Singh paid highest fee for song

NEW DELHI, May 2 -- Punjabi rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh is now the costliest pop artist in Bollywood. The Angreji Beat singer has charged R70 lakh for a song in a film titled Mastaan, starring Naseerudin Shah and his younger son Vivaan. It is the biggest amount paid to a song artist in Bollywood till date.
Singh has turned hot property after shooting to fame with his latest album, International Villager. Many tracks from the compilation are topping music lists such as world itunes and BBC Asian charts. The film's producer Sunil Bohra confirms that Honey Singh has been roped in with a hefty fee.
"Honey has become a household name after International Villager. I instantly fell in love with the song (that Singh composed and he plans to feature in the movie) as soon as I heard it. Though he wanted to launch that song as one of his own big hits, now, it will prove a game changer for my movie. I feel R70 lakh is less for it ... I would have signed him for more if it was required," he says.
Bohra has decided to shoot two videos of the song ... one for the movie and the other, featuring Singh, for the promotions.

The weekly Top 10 features the most popular Hindi Movie Songs currently played on TV, Radio and other digital mediums.

Rank	Song-Name	Film/Album	Singer(s)	Music	Last-Week	Status	Weeks-On
#1	Pani Da Rang	Vicky Donor	Ayushmann Khurrana	Abhishek-Akshay	#1	↔	3
#2	Tera Deedar Hua	Jannat 2	Rahat Fateh Ali Khan	Pritam	#2	↔	4
#3	Tu Hi Mera	Jannat 2	Shafqat Amanat Ali	Pritam	#3	↔	4
#4	Tu Hi Rab Tu Hi Dua	Dangerous Ishhq	Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Tulsi Kumar	Himesh Reshammiya	#9	↑	2
#5	Tere Bina	Tezz	Rahat Fateh Ali Khan	Sajid-Wajid	#6	↑	5
#6	Naina Re	Dangerous Ishhq	Himesh Reshammiya, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Shreya Ghoshal	Himesh Reshammiya	#25	↑	2
#7	Pungi	Agent Vinod	Mika, Amitabh Bhattacharya, Pritam	Pritam	#4	↓	9
#8	Anarkali Disco Chali	Housefull 2	Mamta Sharma, Sukhwinder Singh	Sajid-Wajid	#7	↓	9
#9	Dil Mera Muft Ka (Remix)	Agent Vinod	Malini Avasthi	Pritam	#5	↓	8
#10	Pareshaan	Ishaqzaade	Shalmali Kholgade	Amit Trivedi	#10	↔	3
#11	Papa Toh Band Bajaye	Housefull 2	Neeraj Shridhar	Sajid-Wajid	#8	↓	9
#12	Tujhe Sochta Hoon	Jannat 2	KK	Pritam	#19	↑	3
#13	Aafaton Ke Parinde	Ishaqzaade	Kausar Munir	Amit Trivedi	#15	↑	3
#14	Right Now Now	Housefull 2	Wajid, Sunidhi Chauhan, Suzanne D'mello	Sajid-Wajid	#11	↓	8
#15	I'll Do The Talking	Agent Vinod	Neeraj Shridhar, Barbie Amod, Aditi Singh Sharma, Shefali Alvaris	Pritam	#12	↓	10
#16	Chikni Chameli	Agneepath	Shreya Ghoshal	Ajay-Atul	#13	↓	19
#17	Raabta	Agent Vinod	Arijit Singh, Joi	Pritam	#17	↔	8
#18	Aunty Ji	Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu	Ash King	Amit Trivedi	#18	↔	17
#19	Ishaqzaade	Ishaqzaade	Javed Ali, Shreya Ghoshal	Amit Trivedi	New Entry	-	1
#20	Chaahat	Blood Money	Rahat Fateh Ali Khan	Jeet Ganguli	#20	↔	11
#21	Arzoo	Blood Money	Clinton Cerejo	Jeet Ganguli	#21	↔	6
#22	Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu	Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu	Benny Dayal, Anushka Manchanda	Amit Trivedi	#22	↔	18
#23	Piya O Re Piya	Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya	Atif Aslam, Shreya Ghoshal	Sachin-Jigar	#23	↔	15
#24	Tu Mohabbat Hai	Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya	Atif Aslam, Monali Thakur	Sachin-Jigar	#24	↔	14
#25	Jannatein Kahan	Jannat 2	KK	Pritam	New Entry	-	1
#26	Jo Tere Sang	Blood Money	Mustafa Zahid	Jeet Ganguli	#26	↔	8
#27	Dil Mera Muft Ka	Agent Vinod	Altamush Faridi, Muazzam, Shabab Sabri, Rizwan	Pritam	#14	↓	10
#28	Ishq Mein Ruswaa	Dangerous Ishhq	Anweshaa	Himesh Reshammiya	New Entry	-	1
#29	Rum Whisky	Vicky Donor	Akshay Verma	Abhishek-Akshay	#16	↓	4
#30	Do U Know	Housefull 2	Shaan, Shreya Ghoshal	Sajid-Wajid	#30	↔	7

Looking forward to learn from Aamir: Katrina Kaif

It’s the year of the Khans for Katrina Kaif. She’s been romancing Salman in the spy thriller, Ek Tha Tiger, and Shah Rukh in Yash Chopra’s untitled love triangle. And come July, it’ll be Dhoom Machale… with Aamir.
The excitement is evident but muted: “Salman and I have done comedies (Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya, 2005, and Partner, 2007) and a romance (Yuvvraj, 2008), but we’ve never done something adventurous together so Ek Tha Tiger is a thrill. We got to shoot in some amazing countries like Ireland, Turkey, Cuba and now we have a short schedule in Bangkok, Thailand. I’ve worked with the other Khan, Kabir, before (New York, 2009) and love his style of filmmaking and vision. Salman and I were waiting for the right script and set-up to work together again and this is it!” she smiles.
Katrina’s equally upbeat about partnering with Yash Chopra — who is returning from an eight-year sabbatical — and Shah Rukh, for the first time. “Yashji is the father of romance in Hindi cinema. It’s amazing how much in sync with the times he is and how perceptive he is. I was never awkward or uncomfortable on his sets,” she exults, pointing out that playing a Yash Raj heroine is a dream come true. But don’t expect to see her in chiffon saris singing in the rain. “Even in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan which was a YRF movie, I was a rocker girl,” she says.
Prod her on her co-star, and she describes SRK as “warm and friendly”: “I admire the energy, hard work and passion he puts into his work.”
But she’s cagey about Dhoom 3: “It’s a hi-glam action movie and a hit franchise.” She dismisses rumours about having gone on a macrobiotic diet to lose 10 kilos and started an exercise regime with her trainer while in Cuba, saying, “I haven’t started prepping yet, but I will soon. I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can from Aamir.”
‘Don’t see myself as sensual’
Katrina’s latest ad with Cannes gold medal-winning director Prakash Varma for a mango drink has stirred much sexcitement on websites. The actor admits she was a nervous about the commercial for Slice because it’s different from anything she’s done before. “It’s rustic, ethnic,” she says, adding it was shot in a river-side haveli in Madhya Pradesh, with a qawwali playing in the background. “I’ve always felt beautiful in these campaigns. The look is different.” Sexy too? “I don’t see myself as sensual, maybe people reacted that way because the visuals are tangible. For me it’s all about styling, execution, the jingle and brand.”

The Avengers’ Hindi theme song goes South!

The Hollywood film, The Avengers, which has also been dubbed in Telugu and Tamil in India, will now get its own Southern theme song. UTV Motion Pictures that is marketing and distributing the film in the country, has decided to launch Telugu and Tamil versions of the film’s Hindi theme song, ‘Hello Andhero…’, which has been composed by the popular band Agnee.
Shikha Kapur, senior vice president marketing, UTV, says, “We are really excited seeing the collection and the buzz around the Tamil and Telugu dubbed versions of the Hollywood movie. ‘Hello Andhero...’ as a song has worked wonders for us and there is a demand that we should release Tamil and Telugu versions of it in the Southern markets.”
Filmmaker Abbas Tyrewala who had written the Hindi lyrics of the song, may also be associated with the translations, but nothing has been finalised yet. “We are looking at how to go about this,” says Kapur.

AdChoices Aamir to finally attend an award function!

Aamir Khan has stayed away from every possible award function for over a decade. But he will attend the Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Awards that will be presented on May 3. The annual event at Juhu’s Hotel Tulip Star will honour some of Bollywood’s biggest names. However, these awards are separate from the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Awards instituted by the Government of India.
Ashok Shekhar, son of veteran actor Chandrashekhar, who is one of the organisers of the event, insists that they have written confirmation from Aamir that he will be present at the function. “He is keen on attending and has stated that he will be there only for half an hour,” says Ashok, adding that the ceremony will start at around 6.30 pm and Aamir is expected to show up by 9 pm. The actor will unveil a wax statue of Dadasaheb Phalke, who directed India’s first full-length feature, Raja Harishchandra in 1913.
However, Aamir is categorical about not accepting any awards at the do. “We had requested him last year too, but he declined it. He made it clear to us that he is coming to the event to unveil the statue since we’re celebrating 100 years of Indian cinema,” reasons Ashok, adding that Aamir will be seated next to Amitabh Bachchan and Vinod Khanna, who are being honoured with the Phalke Ratna and Legendary Actor trophies respectively.
Aamir’s last appearance at an awards ceremony was in 2010, at the GQ Men of the Year Awards, where he received the GQ Legend Award from John Travolta. The same year, he was presented the Padma Bhushan by President Pratibha Patil and attended a gala hosted by a business publication.

SRK, Abhishek bury the hatchet!

King Khan is on a patch-up spree. After extending olive branch to Farah Khan and Juhi Chawla, Shah Rukh Khan has now decided to bury all differences with Abhishek Bachchan. If sources are to be believed, SRK and Abhishek would work together in Farah's Happy New Year after Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, reports Mumbai Mirror.
SRK and Abhishek have shared an icy vibe since the time Ash was dropped from Chalte Chalte, due to Salman's rash behaviour on the sets of the film. SRK was not invited to Abhi-Ash wedding which soured their relation further.
The actors then reportedly patched up at KJo's party.
Last year Abhishek turned up at SRK's party, wearing Mumbai Indians jersey, right after Khan's IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders got knocked out of the tournament for the fourth consecutive year.
But now, it seems the actors have decided to forget the past.

'I apologised to Malaika for kissing Arbaaz'

Her promotional peck on actor-producer Arbaaz Khan’s cheeks during a recent event in Mumbai created quite a flutter, but actor Neha Dhupia says she is clean — because she has said her sorries to Khan’s wife Malaika Arora.
“I did apologise to Malaika before it happened, and I promised her
it’ll be the first and the last time. It was all in fun and play,” says the 31-year-old. Malaika, too, says she’s cool about it. “Please yaar, I am not an insecure child. It’s an event and it was all done in good humour, so I’m cool,” she says.
Arbaaz, on his part, explains, “It was a marketing event and we followed the instructions. It was done in the open. She is an actor and I am an actor, and a giving a peck here and there is not a big deal. We do this as a profession.”
Dhupia is now hoping to create a stir with her new look in her next flick, Rush, inspired by Sharon Stone’s in Basic Instinct. “She was the closest analogy we could draw. My legs are inspired from that film,” she says.
So does she ape Stone’s infamous blink-and-miss leg-uncrossing scene too? “No. Do not come in thinking you’ll see anything that Sharon Stone showed,” she says.
Prod her if she is seeing someone, as is evident from her recent appearances with Venuzuelan James Sylvester, and she gives it away by saying, “May be. It’s just a secret!”

War at the box office!

Come June and Bollywood will be set for action. About 30 films will release in June, July and August. But at the same time, 15 big name Hollywood films will also release.
While it’s a given that Hindi films will always rule the box office, it’s also a fact that in the last 10 years, the market share of Hollywood movies in India has increased from two per cent to eight or nine per cent and is worth about Rs. 850-900 crore. Since Titanic (1997) became the first Hollywood film to have a wide release in India, other films have followed. Last year, The Adventures of Tintin released with more than 350 prints — a record for an animated film. And this year, The Avengers opened across India at around 800 screens in four languages.
And given that international studios often spend sums like Rs. 2-3 crore on publicity as against Rs. 30-50 lakh earlier, trade experts feel that overseas films can no longer be regarded as pushovers.
“Bollywood must accept the power of Hollywood films,” says film trade analyst Taran Adarsh. “Since they are dubbed in local languages too, they affect the revenues of Hindi films.”
On June 8, Shanghai will clash with Madagascar 3 and Prometheus at the box office. Later, Ferrari Ki Sawaari, Gangs of Wasseypur and Teri Meri Kahaani will release along with Benjamin Walker’s Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. In July, The Amazing Spiderman, featuring Irrfan as Dr Promestheus, will take on Rohit Shetty’s Bol Bachchan. And Ice Age 4 will open on July 13 together with Cocktail and Barfi!. In August, Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum, Ek Tha Tiger, Joker, and Raaz 3 face The Bourne Legacy, Total Recall, The Expendables 2, and The Pirates! Band of Misfits."
Hindi filmmakers are not worried. “Only a big franchise is competition,” says Tanuj Garg, CEO, Balaji Motion Pictures. “Films like James Bond and Harry Potter, for example, will have specific patronage in India. But every Hollywood film isn’t a matter of concern.”
Producer Goldie Behl, whose I, Me Aur Main will release on June 27, agrees. “Of course, films will be competing with each other in terms of revenues. But how big a competition will it be? Hollywood hasn’t been able to break into the mainstream.”
However, says Kercy Daruwala, managing director, Sony Pictures India, “Movies like The Hangover and The Ugly Truth were big hits. We have to accept that the audiences’ tastes are changing.”
Overseas films have picked up for various reasons, adds Daruwala. “Increasing numbers of multiplexes, additional screens and lower admission rates have contributed to Hollywood’s popularity,” he explains. And dubbing movies in local languages like Hindi, Tamil and Telugu adds to their popularity. Almost 40 per cent of a Hollywood film’s business comes from Hindi dubbed versions while around 30 per cent comes from the Tamil and Telugu versions.
Interestingly, July 20 will see the release of only The Dark Knight Rises, the final installment in the Batman trilogy, in 700 screens across the country. No Hindi film is releasing that weekend.
(All release dates are subject to change)
Money talks
Over the past few years, Hollywood films have made big bucks in India.
Avatar
Rs. 142 crore
2012
Rs. 90 crore
Mission Impossible: The Ghost Protocol
Rs. 40 crore
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Rs. 36 crore
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
Rs. 34 crore
Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of Unicorn
Rs. 24 crore
Kung Fu Panda 2
Rs. 27 crore
Record breaking Hollywood films
Titanic was the first Hollywood film to make a record Rs. 52 crore in India.
The Avengers opened in a record 800 screens in India.
The Adventures of Tintin released with more than 350 prints — a record for animated films.
Over the past decade, the market share of Hollywood films has gone up from two per cent to eight to nine per cent.
Hollywood studios spend up to Rs. 2-3 crore on publicity as compared to just around Rs. 30-50 lakh earlier.

Vidya not allowed to work with Shahid?

Bollywood actor Vidya Balan was reportedly considered for Vettai remake opposite Shahid Kapoor. The lady, however, was ruled out by her beau Siddharth Ray Kapoor. Wonder why?
Siddharth apparently said that the role wouldn’t do justice to her talent as an actress, reports Mid Day.
A source, however, reveals to the tabloid, that Siddharth did not want Vidya to star opposite rumoured ex-flame Shahid Kapoor. Vidya and Shahid had became close during the making of Kismat Konnection.
This is not the first time Siddharth has stopped Vidya from working with a rumoured ex-beau. The Dirty Picture actor had to say no to John Abraham for the same reason.
“She didn’t want to be paired with John Abraham due to strong reports of their affair while filming Salaam-E-Ishq,” a source told the tabloid.
About Vettai
Vettai, a Tamil action flick was written and directed by N Linguswamy. The film stars R Madhavan, Arya, Sameera Reddy and Amala Paul in the lead roles. The film revolves around two brothers, the elder being sensitive to violence and the younger being a jobless rogue, settled in Thoothukudi. Vettai was released worldwide on 14 January 2012.
The Hindi version of the fim is also being directed by N Linguswamy, but actor Shahid Kapur asked him to "get a good Hindi dialogue writer". Shahid joined the project on the condition that a reliable and sound Hindi dialogue writer be brought into the project. So Prasoon Joshi is likely to pen the dialogues for the movie that will go on floors in June.
Director Linguswamy told IANS, "I cannot communicate in Hindi. And the dialogues were not being translated properly. That was the main problem. Now my producer UTV is hiring a dialogue writer of their choice. That writer will be getting together with the Tamil dialogue writer of Vettai to get the essence of the dialogues. "