It was a conscious call from the producers (Mukta Arts) to keep Divya away from the publicity, because they feel she will be the surpirse package in the film. Their so-called secret is out! Courtesy: Mid-Day.

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Her sister Rhea loves chocolates and she loves her sister, so it would be for Rhea's sake! Hopefully, it was not a case of I Hate My Excess Pounds after the binging. Courtesy: Mid-Day.

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The actress says, "The iPad isn't currently available in India so I asked a friend of mine to get it from Milan. It's so slick and amazing that I have been spending hours just admiring it! I couldn't wait for its official Indian launch (in July).

I had to get it." Courtesy: Mid-Day.

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When Celina heard that she was the chosen one to gyrate to this song, she couldn’t contain her excitement. Being a huge admirer of Helen, Celina feels this is an opportunity for her to pay a tribute to the best dancing star Bollywood has ever had.

“Helenji is an actress who transformed dance into an art and got it the respectability it has today,” she says. So, get ready for a scintillating screen number (less)

They were supposed to fly back to India on July 21, but instead, they finished their shoot in the first week of July. The return tickets had been booked only for July 21 and the organisers had to scramble to get crews immediate return tickets.

The earliest tickets they could get were for two days later. So the crew enjoyed an unexpected holiday and no one is complaining.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com (less)

It seems this brand always prefers to sign rising stars. It signed on Aishwarya Rai when she was new to the industry.

It was the same case with Hrithik Roshan too and more recently, Imran Khan and Kalki Koechlin. Courtesy: Mid-Day.

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Says Kangs candidly, "It's true that though I have a licence I still don't know how to drive. There's a scene in Once Upon A Time In Mumbai where I have to drive down to a hotel where goons are waiting to meet me.

I tried to drive I couldn't so they had the car pulled in such a way as to show I was driving." She adds, "There are some things in life one cannot do, however hard one tries.

I have taken driving lessons, and enrolled myself at a driving school but whenever I need to drive, I freeze up. I have a beautiful pearl-gray 7-Series car and would love to drive but I just can't!" Ranaut feels her driving phobia started when she tried to drive one day and banged into an autorickshaw.

"Once, I even banged into a big rock and the phobia just might have started after that. Every time I drive I fear I will bang into something.

I can't risk that. But yes, one day I will overcome this fear because I don't want to give up.

I will take more lessons and drive down the Pune highway myself -- as is my dream!" FILMI BAATEIN In Once Upon A Time..

., Kangna plays an actress called Rehana, "whose persona is loosely based on Madhubala's character.

I am a big star and Sultan's (Ajay Devgn) girlfriend who suffers from a heart problem. It was challenging playing a character from the 1970s with wigs et al.

The most difficult thing was to invoke romance on screen." Courtesy: Mid-Day.

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The titles of all her upcoming films are in English. Some of these movies include the Anees Bazmee directed Thank you, Neeraj Vora's Run Bhola Run and Subhash Ghai's Hello Darling.

Also with English titles are her forthcoming movies Will you marry me? and Showman. Well Celina, we fervently hope the English mantra works in your favor and spells success at the box office (less)

.I take it as a complement.

. But I believe they must not be called 'item' (whether songs or girls).

..

it sounds negative..

derogatory and disrespectful," Eesha told. In 2002, the actress appeared in RGV's 'Company' for the popular item number 'Khallas' which earned her the nickname and the most exciting new face trophy at the Stardust awards.

"I still don't understand why it is called 'item' and in what context it is called so ? The term is created by media and to some extent even by producers and directors," she said. "They are special or friendly appearances why call it 'item song'.

..

we are human beings not any object to be called an item," the 33-year-old actress, who did 'Ishq Samundar', in Sanjay Gupta's 'Kaante' said. Eesha, will be seen in Subhash Ghai's 'Hello Darling' releasing on August 27.

The movie, which deals with the issue of sexual harassment, also stars Celina Jaitley, Gul Panag, and Javed Jaffrey. Elaborating on her character, she said, "I play the role of a Haryanwi girl Satvari Chautala.

She is the charming, aggressive and a no non-sense person. She is the one who provokes other two women in the film to raise their voice and do something against their lusty boss (Javed).

" (less)

Meanwhile..

. Bipasha Basu was in her hometown for the launch of a TV channel and looked forward to savouring Bengali delicacies.

"In Kolkata to launch Mahua Bangla, a new channel! Excited about all the yum food I will get to eat, " she states on her account with a popular micro-blogging website. Courtesy: Mid-Day.

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Can you spot SRK in the background sporting a look from his yesteryear flick, Yes Boss? Courtesy: Mid-Day.com (less)

" Dabboo Ratnani has shot the ad that has Jaitly in a Neeta Lulla creation. Meanwhile.

..

Celina Jaitly's message to Shobhaa De on a social networking site reads: "refuse to have a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent. So stop telling me what she has to say about me.

" Courtesy: Mid-Day.com (less)

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com (less)

There was no mahurat, no announcement and no wrap-up party either. The untitled film stars Sachin Khedekar along with Ashwini Giri and has been directed by Kiran Yadnyopavith.

The film is produced by Ekta Kapoor along with Shital Bhatia and Neeraj Pandey. Local flavour Ekta confirms, "Last year the CEO of Balaji Telefilms Vikram Malhotra and Balaji group CEO Punit Kindra worked out a strategy for producing more regional films.

They felt that regional films, especially Marathi, with their local culture and flavour were to be a big draw this year and that we should produce at least two to three such films a year." Family outing She continues, "Parents love to bring their kids to watch wholesome family entertainers of their culture and language.

By watching such films we get to know more about our roots and culture too." One of the reasons to make a Marathi film was also to please her dad Jeetendra.

Ekta explains, "He is a Punjabi by birth but he is half Maharashtrian. Dad speaks Marathi as fluently as his own mother tongue.

He has grown up in the chawls of Girgaum and we have always had a very strong Maharastrian influence on us." ALT is also in talks with more Marathi directors for similar projects.

Kai bolte? Ekta says her first Marathi film just happened. "We were on our way to Tirupati when Neeraj narrated the story to me.

It was exciting and we decided to produce it together. I thought that should be the first Marathi film from our banner.

We have been working on the film quietly for two months ago and it's complete now." The story is about relationships set against Maharashtrian sensibilities and culture.

Ssssh..

. it's a secret Ekta admits that it was their strategy to launch and complete the project without any hype.

"Neeraj and Shital are very conservative people who like to keep their cards close to their chest. It was an unanimous decision not talk about the film till it was complete.

It is an extremely sensitive and entertaining film with creative supervision by Neeraj." Two years ago Ekta produced a Bhojpuri film, Hum Bal Brahmachari Tu Kanya Kunwari two.

Now ALT will make more Marathi and regional films. GHAI PRODUCES BENGALI FILM To celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, Subhash Ghai's Mukta Arts has produced a Bengali film Nauka Dubi, directed by Rituparno Ghosh.

Starring the Sen sisters (Raima and Riya), Prasenjeet and Jishu Sengupta, it is slated to release in August. Says Ghai, ''I loved the film when I saw its first cut.

Rituparno carries the sensitivities of Tagore's classic story with great visuals which inspired me to take this film onto a different level -- to reach out to non-Bengali audiences. It is an interesting love story with amazing performances by the actors.

This is one of the best films of Rituparno Ghosh. I would like to produce cinema for classes as well as and masses.

" Fact Balaji's Pavitra Rishta on Zee is also set against a Maharashtrian background. Courtesy: Mid-Day.

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Ash has even set aside her dates for the project, sources tell us. Says a source close to Aishwarya, "Vishal and Aishwarya have a history of misses.

"Years ago, she was supposed to do his first directorial venture, Timbucktoo. This year too, she was approached for Saat Khoon Maaf, but she didn't have the dates and the film eventually went to Priyanka Chopra.

" The source adds that Bharadwaj was hurt by Ash's constant refusals, but the actress would repeatedly tell friends that she would love to work with him, dates permitting. "Aishwarya had liked the script for Saat Khoon Maaf.

But 2010 has been an especially busy year for her, what with five films releasing. Vishal couldn't wait, and he went to Priyanka Chopra.

It happens. Even Prakash Jha's Raajneeti was first offered to Priyanka Chopra.

When she couldn't do it, Katrina got it." Now at a juncture in her career where she craves unconventional roles, the actress is finally set to work with the director on the project, a contemporary romantic subject with an unusual climax.

Confirming this, Rai-Bachchan said, "Yes, Vishal and I have been meaning to work together for quite some time. Things are working out now.

He feels I've been saying no far too often, but it wasn't my fault. Things finally are falling into place.

" Courtesy: Mid-Day.com (less)

Imran has been spotted wearing it at all his promotional activities for his forthcoming flick, I Hate Love Storys. "I am a huge fan of the show and have watched every episode.

For a while, I had set my sights on Jack Bauer's wristwatch, " says the actor. "Now that it is curtains for the show and they have already shot for the finale episode, it was time for me to own a similar piece.

Its memory would continue to live on my wrist!" As the watches are not available off the shelves, Aamir Khan's nephew had to source it on the internet. "They are specially made for government agencies and military in the US.

As they have only have a few pieces for sale, I had to shop online. Moreover as they could only deliver in the US, I had it dispatched to a friend's place there and wait for them to arrive in Mumbai which they did recently.

" What's unique about the watch is that it is worn with the dial on the inner side of the wrist. And it is apparently the world's first electromagnetic rechargeable watch with LED lighting system.

Its internal mode dial illumination and external mode has a bright light which can be seen up to a mile away!. Imran loves to gift watches almost as much as he loves to spend on them.

"I have quite a collection but this piece is special, " he says. Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt are known for buying and gifting time pieces to near and dear ones.

"But I am not in the same pay bracket as them so I have to do at my level, " says the star nephew. Courtesy: Mid-Day.

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"Even though career is important, a woman has to go with the flow when it comes to her personal life. It isn't as if I compromised by getting married," Eesha told PTI.

The actress, who starred in films like 'Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat', 'Pinjar', 'Dil Ka Rishta', 'Darna Mana Hai', 'Hum Tum', 'Don' and 'Hello', is keen to continue to her work in the movies but says her priorities have changed post her marriage. "I started my career at an age of 18, did a lot of modelling and then spent good time in movies.

30 is the right age for the woman of today to get married and after that she has to worry about kids as well. You want to be growing up with your kids after all.

Till a few years ago my priority was work, now my family comes first," she says. 'Hello Darling', starring Javed Jaffrey as the pervert boss, Eesha, Gul Panag and Celina Jaitley as his employees, released today.

The film's release was delayed but Eesha is confident that it will work at the box office. "We started off in early 2008 but after that Mukta Arts (production company of Subhash Ghai) went into a slight sabbatical.

The film was stalled for some time and none of us could help it. Now that the market has revived, we have gone ahead and completed the film," she said.

It is Eesha's first major release two years after 'Ek Vivah Aisa Bhi' (2008). In between, she was seen in a small role in 'Right Yaaa Wrong' earlier this year.

"Sexual harassment isn't something that we have not seen around us. Women are harassed all the time at all ages and in all professions.

Some women give in to the pressure, some manage to stand tall," she said. The actress says even though the film deals with a serious issue like sexual harassment in offices, it maintains a comic tone.

"We had so much fun while shooting. The chemistry between Celina, Gul and myself was amazing, both off as well on the camera.

Since we play three girls from three distinct backgrounds, there is a lot of fun in the way narrative moves," she said. She is particularly fond of the song 'Dil to Saala Ullu Ka Paththa Hai' which has been picturised on the three young women.

This is one song where Gul and Celina are a little upset in life and I am trying to cheer them up. None of us are looking at any men-bashing here but do make a resolve that we are not going to allow our heart to break for wrong people in life.

It is not worth it after all." (less)

Says Shreyas, "I did not think too much about it and agreed. It's only when I was wearing the gear and about to jump from the aircraft that the fear crept in.

I had never done this kind of adventure sports before." The actor adds, "But the fright lasts only for the first 20 seconds when you are jumping out of the plane.

Then you feel like a bird just floating till the parachute opens and it a straight descent to the ground. Initially, there is just the vast expanse of the sky, then as I went lower, I could see a helicopter passing by and then the skyscrapers which look like boxes from the top.

" 'My best shot' Mugdha also skydived with him for the scene. The duo jumped 13, 000 feet at the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.

"We were strapped with cameras and the local skydiving institute helped us a great deal for the shoot. This is the best shot that I have ever done in my films so far.

" He adds, "It was an exhilarating experience and skydiving is something everyone should do once in a lifetime." Courtesy: Mid-Day.

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Hello Darling is set to hit the theaters on August 27 with an 'A' certificate now. The story of the movie deals with exploitation of women in their workplace.

The film comes under the comedy genre, which concentrates mainly on the issue of sexual harassment. Reacting on receiving 'A' certificate from the Censor Board, Ghai said that he is not at all surprised because the film is bound to have some scenes dealing with sexual harassment.

He said that these are the main parts of the story so these scenes cannot be deleted. However, the producer is not complaining and is happy with the outcome of the project.

Ghai added that the movie still has a feel-good touch with light comedy as well as without vulgarity and it can be comfortably watched with a family. The movie stars Sunny Deol, Javed Jaffery, Rajpal Yadav, Chunky Pandey, Gul Panaag, Celina Jaitly, Eesha Koppikhar and Divya Dutta in important roles.

Well, whether it can be watched with a family or not, will be decided by the viewers on August 27 and it will also decide the future of the movie at the box office! (less)

Fed up, they find a way to turn the tables on him.Similarly, Hello Darling producer Mukta Arts' official release states, "It is a story of three beautiful women teaming up to take on their womanising boss in a hilarious series of events which in the end, prove that Women Will Rule!" Jaaved Jaaffrey plays the lusty boss of three fashion designers, played by Celina Jaitly, Eesha Koppikhar and Gul Panag.

Subhash Ghai, chairman, Mukta Arts, said, "Hello Darling has been inspired not just from Nine To Five but also from several Hollywood films." He added, "There's not one film in Bollywood that hasn't been inspired by another fim.

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Devgn says, "It has been immense pleasure to connect with my fans directly on Facebook and Twitter. They have given me a lot of support throughout my career and I'm thrilled to be in constant touch with them.

Raajneeti has a huge canvas and it is extremely humbling that my audience has appreciated my performance." The winners receive film hampers from the star while four of them take home AJ's costumes from the movie.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com (less)

For the last few weeks, the film industry is abuzz with the news of Mission Istaanbul director Apoorva Lakhia finally settling down. Close acquaintances have already started sending him congratulatory messages.

Things got serious An insider spills the beans, "Apu was in the US a while back. He met someone there.

She's from Pakistan but is based in the US. They hit it off instantly.

As things got serious, Apu decided to propose and the girl accepted. And now that his bachelor days are on the wane, close friends have been ribbing him about it.

" Apoorva had a terse response: "Total bulls**t! It's a rumour started by someone." Courtesy: Mid-Day.

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Ever since Lara and Mahesh Bhupathi started dating, things became even more awkward. Everyone knows that Leander and Mahesh have fallen out, so Lee's partner Rhea and Lara now have bigger reasons to stay away from each other.

At a recent event, both were almost on the verge of being in the same space, but their friends made sure they didn't end up being uncomfortable. Courtesy: Mid-Day.

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Several problems Apart from getting permission to take off at the scheduled time the flight also faced issues like turbulence and air traffic. Bad weather during take-off from Colombo, added to their woes.

Joining Salman on the flight were other actors like Arya Babbar, Sonakshi Sinha, Harman Baweja, Riteish Deshmukh, Sohail Khan, Zeenat Aman and Mandira Bedi. A source says, "Everyone was exhausted because of the delay.

It was a painful journey with the constant delays and the problems. The flight was supposed to take off at around 3.

30 pm, but they finally got permission to fly only by 5 pm. Since regular flights are given preference over private airlines, they had no option but to wait.

" Their troubles didn't end there. "After reaching Mumbai they had to hover around for a while before getting a parking bay.

" Courtesy: Mid-Day.com (less)

Priyanka also faced the wrath of the rain gods when her shoot for Saat Khoon Maaf was stalled due to incessant rain. Guess there's something in common for the two lovebirds to take solace in.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com (less)

And has Gul Panag, Eesha Koppikhar and Celina Jaitly as the women, who bond in this frothy film. Ghai is confident this one will work because he has borrowed writers Pankaj and Sachin who wrote the comedies Apna Sapna Money Money and Kya Kool Hain Hum.

We’ll know soon enough, whether Ghai’s darlings deliver (less)

Note: This new flick has nothing to do with lesbianism. The girls are just being 'friendly' for the benefit of the photogs in attendance.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com (less)

The actor tweets, "Wore lungi for a scene. It kind of gets windy and cool after a while coupled with the fear that it may open.

Tense and relaxed coexistence." Wonder what his expression was like in the sce ne.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com (less)

Ghai has now replaced him. Our source said, “When the song `Mai leke aya band baja’ was shot Subhashji was not in the country.

Later, he didn’t like it and wanted to re-shoot. He called Shreyas who refused saying he had no dates.

Ghai shot the song with a newcomer from his academy, Anil Mange.” Ghai said, “Yes it is true.

I didn’t like the song and wanted to re-shoot it. I called Shreyas.

He said he couldn’t manage the dates and I said thank you very much. God bless you.

We have reshot the song.” When contacted, Shreyas Talpade seemed shocked but didn’t deny the story, “How can I say no to Ghaisaab? He launched me.

I have tremendous respect for him and have grown up watching his films. After shooting for this song, I even dubbed for my scenes.

I didn’t even ask him about my role, a guest appearance. But later, he called me and told me that he didn’t like the song and wanted to re-shoot.

I didn’t have the dates then as I was constantly travelling for other commitments. I even told him not to be angry with me and go ahead and shoot with someone else.

” Check out Shreyas Talpade’s pics (less)

But the actress has clearly forgotten whatever she had stated at the time. In a recent photo shoot the paparazzi were all over Kangna Ranaut as usual.

But this time, more than her charming face, the focus was on her dress, which was rather bulging at her chest! Yes, may be a script demanded. Hardly visible in Kites, may be she is busy to portray herself well if not in acting then by her appearance in the English version of Kites.

..

may be! PS: Last September, she was spotted with swollen lips. The actress claimed that it was due to a shell fish allergy.

But in reality, it was a lip job. Next is what? Courtesy: Mid-Day.

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The latest in this line is Mukta Arts' movie 'Hello Darling', which released today cross the country. Producer Ashok Ghai's 'Hello Darling' is said to be a remake of 1980's American comedy film 'Nine to Five', which was distributed by 20th Century Fox, which called up Mukta Arts to inform that they still have the rights for the English movie.

They said to the production house that the movie cannot be released. Finally, Subhash Ghai, the bother of producer Ashok Ghai became the mediator to settle the issue at the last- minute.

'Nine to Five' starred Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin and Dabney Coleman. This movie also showed three working women with their despotic and sexist boss like in 'Hello Darling'.

The Hindi movie stars Eesha Koppikar, Celina Jaitley, Gul Panaag and Javed Jaffery. Moreover, the movie is supposed to have the same storyline.

A source informed that 'Hello Darling' writers have accepted taking inspiration from the plot of 'Nine to Five'. However, they added that it was given a Bollywood style treatment.

Producer Ashok Ghai cleared saying that it was not at all a remake of 'Nine to Five' but when they discovered the similarity; they called up Fox Pictures and settled the issue cordially (less)

They thronged around the funnyman thinking he was the desi Clooney. Akki and Sajid thought that Pandey had spread the news.

In the end credits of the film, we see Chunky being beaten for this prank, when actually he had nothing to do with it. The Italians still mail the actor though, referring to him as the Indian Clooney.

" Courtesy: Mid-Day.com (less)

First of all the recession came and several films just came and went away without creating any ripple at the box office. Then there was 'Yuvraj' from the same banner and hence the focus was more on that star studded project than 'Hello Darling'.

Thanks to the dismal failure of 'Yuvraj', Subashji's banner also had a set back though he did make profits out of the project. Why didn't you opt for bigger stars for 'Hello Darling' and cast Javed Jaffery in the lead with Gul Panag, Celina Jaitley and Eesha Kopikar? My film does not boasts of any stars in the cast.

Javed isn't a star. Frankly speaking, I cast Javed only because no star worthy his salt would come forward to do a negative role like the one Javed has done in my film.

I wanted an actor with no image and did not want a star that automatically comes with his image as the baggage. A star does not necessarily mean that your film will be a hit.

'Tashan' did not run even for one day though it was from Yashraj Films and had the biggest of stars like Akshay Kumar, Anil Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor because content was just not there in the film. If you get a star as well as content it will be like sone pe suhaga.

Is it true that you had wasted Shreyas Talapde by deleting his song after you had shot it with him? I plead guilty to the accusation. It was very kind of Shreyas to have come forward to shoot for a song, because he felt that he owes it to Subhashji who had given him a break with his film 'Iqbal' but I decided to cut it from the film because I felt that having the song with Shreyas would be tantamount to cheating the audience who will expect more of Shreyas in my film.

How did you start your journey in films? I started off as an assistant to Sangeet Sivan in films like 'Zor', 'Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dilko' and 'Apna Sapna Money Money', Padam Kumar in 'Champion', Sunny Deol in 'Dillagi', Guddu Dhanoa in 'Shaheed Bhagat Singh' and last but not the least Subhash Ghai in 'Kisna' before I was asked by Subhashji to direct 'Hello Darling' for his banner Mukta Arts (less)

The latest is that Mukta Arts has run into trouble with their film Hello Darling, a remake of the 20th Century Fox chick flick, Nine to Five. 20th Century Fox called Mukta Arts to inform it that they cannot go ahead with the release of Hello Darling as the rights to Nine to Five are still with them.

Producer Ashok Ghai's brother, Subhash Ghai , had to finally intervene and settle the issue at the eleventh hour. American comedy Nine to Five starred Jane Fonda , Lily Tomlin , Dolly Parton and Dabney Coleman and has three working women getting even with their autocratic and sexist boss.

Hello Darling stars Gul Panaag , Celina Jaitly, Eesha Koppikhar and Jaaved Jaffery in supposedly exactly the same story line. A source reveals, "The writers of Hello Darling confessed that the plot was inspired by that of Nine to Five.

But they added that they have treated the film like a Bollywood style entertainer." Though Fox Star India , 20th Century Fox's Indian avatar, remained unavailable for comment, producer Ashok Ghai explains, "It's surely not a remake of Nine to Five, but when we found the similarities of certain sequences to Nine to Five, we immediately contacted Fox Pictures and settled the issue with them amicably.

" Sounds like a job well done, Ashok. A stitch in time, after all, saves Nine (less)

..

giggling at all the boys' jokes (Shreyas, Rajiv Khandelwal and director Aditya) 1.45 am: While I wait for location shift, have to finish an interview for a Pakistani TV channel with most bitchy TV journo.

..

EVER! 2 am: Walk out of interview..

. (bitchy TV journo constantly criticising late Feroz Khan) 2.

30 am: Bid Shreyas goodbye..

. he is leaving for India.

Promptly rejoin shooting. 4 am: Pack up from shooting.

..

will dive into bed now..

. 11.

30 am: Wake up call..

. head to the gym beautiful gym where I have been working out everyday after shooting in almost 49-degree heat.

12.30 pm: Friends who moved to Dubai a couple of years ago, shockingly surprise me (what a pleasant surprise) all the way to Fujairah -- three hours away from Dubai.

4 pm: Leaving for Dubai airport. 6 pm: Beautiful drive.

..

enjoying it 7 pm: Reached airport finally..

. time to check in.

See you all in Mumbai where I join the shooting of Subhash Ghai's "Hello Darling" tomorrow..

. will sleep myself silly in-flight.

Tired. You know you should go to sleep when the sheep you're counting start to hit the fence.

8 pm: Boarded. Ma Salama, Dubai ('Goodbye, Dubai' in Arabic) Courtesy: Mid-Day.

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Vikram had even shot a pilot episode and shooting was supposed to begin last month, but the channel decided that they no longer wish to include it in their list of programming. It was supposed to be aired from 11pm to 11.

30 pm, after Ekta Kapoor's 10 pm show Tere Liye, but now those plans have been cancelled. The channel has also cancelled a BBC thriller just before its shooting began.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com (less)

Having finished his dubbing, Chunky was looking forward to his month-long tour in the USA when Subhash Ghai told him that he was adding six more scenes and two songs, all to be picturised on Chunky! What this meant was that he either postponed his trip or shot all day and dubbed in the night, which is what Chunky eventually did. When discreet inquiries were made about this sudden increase in his role it is believed that sources close to Ghai informed Chunky that his character Aakhri Pasta’s popularity inspired him to increase Chunky’s role so as to cash in on his funny man image.

Good for Chunky, as he will now be positioned as the leading man in the film that has Celina Jaitly and Gul Panag. Chunky now digs pasta in a big way but honestly think of what Bollywood’s biggest showman has been reduced to! (less)

The channel hoped to get a big star on board this time, but their efforts to have Vivek Oberoi has turned futile. A reliable source says, ?Imagine was keen on having Vivek, but after giving it a thought, Oberoi has rejected the offer.

Thus Imagine TV and SOL are looking for new options now. There is till time as 'Swayamvar' will now take place in December?.

The likes of Bobby Darling, Sherlyn Chopra, Kamal Rashid Khan have put in their hat for 'Swayamvar', but Imagine isn't keen on these names. Prior to Oberoi, the channel was keen on having a cricketer.

Monica Bedi too is said to have snubbed the show. Courtesy: Mid-Day.

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Obviously, the 'new look' got everyone talking. Case in point? The actress' appearance at the announcement of the film two-odd years ago.

Change truly is a constant in Celina's life. Take a look at her go from somewhat expressive to completely expressionless.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com (less)

The calendar was launched by Celina herself in the presence of CK Jashnani, Jashn’s Chairman, Rahuul Jashnani, the brand’s MD and Anuraag Bhatnagar, GM, Hotel Le Royal Meridien. Speaking on the occasion she said, “I am proud to be associated with Jashn.

The brand redefines fashion for a whole new generation of self-assured women and celebrates the coming of age of Indian fashion.” In the calendar, Celina has been captured in eye-catching sarees created especially as part of Collection Y2K10.

There is a modern touch to every creation, creating a heady fusion of fabric — velvet and brasso, tussar, tissue, brocade and georgette shimmer blending with crepes and prints, bold borders in appliqu motifs with zari highlights, Parsi floral runners, embroidered highlights or just exquisite cutwork lace-to suit the classic sophistication of ladies with an eye for style. The colours, in keeping with the festive feel are rich and bold, ranging from deep blue and cobalt to emerald green and vermillion, rust and ochre, maroon and crimson, burgundy and sea green, deep purple and gold — striking and attention seeking, created especially for women keen to ensure their saree makes for as much a style statement as the latest Parisian gown.

The calendar commemorates Jashn’s tribute to the Indian fashionista, a true diva in touch with the classic and the contemporary at the same time. These creations have been especially designed keeping the modern Indian woman in mind.

Jashn wishes to celebrate the liberated and intelligent Indian woman of today, who knows her mind and is not afraid to express it. Boundaries melt, bastions crumble and barriers give way with her every stride.

And with this calendar, Jashn salutes her spirit with the new tag line ‘At Jashn we celebrate her presence’. Check out Celina Jaitley’s homepage (less)

Preity Zinta is being considered for the lead. There will be a brand new cast for the third coming of Hera Pheri.

Anees Bazmee will direct the comic caper which will have a new concept far different from Hera Pheri and Phir Hera Pheri. Subhash Ghai is planning yet another mega film with a sky-high budget.

The debacle of Yuuvraaj seems has had no effect on the Showman. Courtesy: Mid-Day.

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The team leaves for Brazil on August 15 to shoot for the action-adventure reality show. A source reveals, "Priyanka loves performing her own stunts.

Even during Don, she was keen on doing all the action herself. She has taken her role as a host and plans to go all out.

" When asked about the level of stunts she would be performing, Chopra says, "To the highest level! I am going to make the boys feel very bad. They would be like 'if a girl can do this, I can definitely do it!"" Describing her preparation she adds, "I am getting ready by going to the gym regularly.

And I hate gymming! It's an occupational hazard. If I wasn't an actress, I wouldn't ever look at the gym.

But I have to be fit, and I think its more important to be healthy than fit. Right now am working on building my stamina because I will perform some serious stunts.

" When asked why the schedule was delayed she says, "Actually there's no delay, we were always supposed to shoot in August. We are not having cricketers anymore, we were supposed to have them but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had some problems.

So now we have dropped that idea and have taken on celebrities from different walks of life. My dates were always in August, after I wrap Saat Khoon Maaf.

We leave on August 15 for Brazil and September, we launch." PC reveals that she's enjoyed watching Akshay host the previous two seasons.

"Fear Factor has been one of my favourite shows. So I used to follow Akshay's show as well.

There have been loads of TV offers coming to me in the last few years. But this was up my alley, it's very me.

I am a very spontaneous, adventure sport kind of person. It's also fun to see how people react to their fears and that's what excited me about it.

" Courtesy: Mid-Day.com (less)

Vishal narrated the role to Konkona over the phone and she immediately agreed to be a part of the film. She flew down to Pondicherry and shot her scenes over two days.

Apparently Konkona's character is pivotal in the relationships Priyanka's character shares with two of her husbands. Konkona does not share screen space with Priyanka.

Konkona had earlier worked with Vishal in Omkara. Courtesy: Mid-Day.

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No wonder, the actor man has stayed in his zone and done gritty films with Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai being the newest inclusion. "I agree when you say that I have been playing a lot of grey characters.

I think I have that kind of face that people approach me with such roles (with negative shades). Till I don't get clean shaved, film makers are bound to exploit the grey side of my personality," Hashmi said.

"Well, there is something always so interesting about playing a guy who is living on the edge and is involved in something which is unethical or illegal but is still not totally black," he said. "Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai is about an era that has gone by where gangsters and criminals ruled from underworld.

The way we perceive them right now is not the way we did then. It was a different world then.

" Meanwhile, he acknowledges the fact that after a strong of comedies that have dominated B-town for last so many months, there is a an edgy thriller like this which is being keenly anticipated. "That's how B-town functions.

Whenever there is a trend, everyone jumps and tries to capitalise on it," said Hashmi. "If one comedy works everyone starts doing it.

This has been a trend for last couple of years. But then think about a viewer who has been bombarded with slapstick comedies month after month.

After some time, due to all the overdose he is bound to get bored," Hashmi added. No wonder, he was all set for Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai once Milan Luthria narrated the subject to him.

"Here was a man who was trying to swim against the tide and bring something new to the table rather than conforming to the prevailing trends", said Hashmi. "Of course there are chances of failing when you attempt something unique but then I would rather do something like that and take a risk rather than following any trends.

At least with this film, audience will have a choice to watch a new genre rather than viewing something which is repetitive," he added. What also fascinated the actor to work in a film like Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai was reliving the era gone by about which he had only heard from his parents.

"My dad has been through the times in the 70s and the 80s when underworld stories had first started making headlines. As a kid, I used to chance upon hearing such stories," said Hashmi.

"Now that Milan was narrating the script to me, I found myself exploring the roots of where it all began. Underworld figures have always been larger than life and what we get to see in the film is some really fascinating stuff.

I am sure we have a winner in hands," he added. No wonder, he didn't hesitate once he was convinced with the script of Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai.

Despite Ajay Devgn being a powerhouse performer, Hashmi knew that he would manage to stand on his own and come up with a bravura act himself. "It was all about catching hold of an opportunity like that.

For a good film, even if there are number of other actors, I won't let that slip by due to any hard or fast rule that I may have set for myself. You don't think about other actors when you have such a script," said Hashmi.

"If it is a great story, as in the case of 'Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai', all calculations and trade have to be kept aside. You have to go with the flow, simple.

How many great roles do you get in a lifetime?" Courtesy: Mid-Day.com (less)

In reality these girls should be embarrassed by this film. But all these so called ‘thinking actresses’ say that their reasons for doing Hello Darling, is that it is a feel-good, light comedy without vulgarity, so at least the adults in a family can watch it.

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��� Celina���s mother, who is a psychologist, says that the bigger the bag, the more emotional baggage a woman carries. ���In my case it is true.

I do carry a lot of emotional baggage,��� she says. Well we know that already.

Check out Celina Jaitly���s homepage (less)

In the US this brand has had some popular Hollywood names like Katy Perry, Jessica Simpson and Vanessa Williams associated with it. Check out Celina Jaitly’s homepage (less)

A source close to Deepika says, "She loves swimming in the ocean and after doing deep-sea diving in Puglia (Italy), she now wants to take it up seriously and get a certificate. She needs to complete a certain number of lessons before getting the certificate.

" They have to be completed in the open sea, and so, the Mauritius schedule for BKB is perfectly suited for her. Confirming this, the actress says, "I love swimming.

I had to learn scuba diving for a few days during Housefull. Now I need to do a few more classes in the deep sea to become a certified diver.

I have complete part of the course, I will be doing the remaining course in Mauritius." Does she get a chance to swim often? "Not so regularly in Mumbai but I love the water!" Courtesy: Mid-Day.

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The Roshans are currently involved in a case filed by Laxmi Prasad of Sunbeam Holdings. Prasad has alleged that Rakesh Roshan was supposed to pay approximately Rs 5 crore for the copyright of action scenes, but he has not done so.

Copyright infringement has been plaguing the film industry often in the past few months. First, Chetan Bhagat claimed that the makers of 3 idiots had not given him credit even though their film was 'inspired' from his book, Five Point Someone.

Then the sons of Prakash Mehra filed a suit against the makers of Housefull for remixing the song 'Apni Toh Jaise Taise' without taking their permission even though they had the copyright to it. Housefull producer Sajid Nadiadwala had believed that the rights were with Saregama and had taken their permission.

Meanwhile, the Roshans are also wondering if their premiere scheduled for May 16 at Times Square in New York City will go ahead as planned, especially since security has been heightened after the bomb scare. Courtesy: Mid-Day.

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"Our country is said to be a growing superpower with the fastest growing economy but still we do not have good roads because corruption has seeped deep in our system," Akshay, who plays the role of a road contractor in the film, said. When asked if there was any occasion where the actor had to pass money under the table, Akshay admitted, "Yeah.

..

it was way back when I had to get my car's registration number that I had to bribe." But the 42- year-old actor added that he would not do it again as he is scared of getting caught the next time.

The star, who is also producing Khatta Meetha, would prefer to make films and speak about such issues. Akshay also chose to ignore the recent controversy where he was called a 'jackass' by a film critic for posing with ailing cartoonist RK Laxman as a publicity gimmick for Khatta Meetha at a Mumbai hospital.

"It is all part of so called journalism. Whether it is good or bad, it is your opinion.

I rather choose to ignore it and not react," Akshay said. Akshay was thankful to Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who had taken offence regarding the usage of the word and had reacted on microblogging site Twitter.

The actor silenced another controversy regarding the track 'Bullshit' in Khatta Meetha which takes potshots at corrupt politicians. "No one has come to us and said anything about the song as yet.

We are not taking names of any individual or political party in the track. We are just commenting about the corruption," Akshay said.

Khatta Meetha which also stars south Indian star Trisha is set to hit the theaters on July 23. Courtesy: Mid-Day.

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