Arjun: I have been a huge fan of Kajol

Rest assured, Arjun Rampal is being remembered a lot more by Karan Johar when it comes to casting for his productions. After a cameo in KABHI ALVIDA NA KEHNA, he has elevated Arjun to the position of a solo male lead in STEPMOM remake - WE ARE FAMILY.

“It has been great fun doing the film. The good part is that when Siddharth (Malhotra), the director, came to me with the film, he ensured that it was not a frame to frame copy of the original. He has got a lot of maturity there. I was very moved with the script that was read out to me because I could see so many different angles that he had brought out”, says Arjun who has to deal with two women in the film.

Arjun has never shared screen space before with either Kajol or Kareena, both of whom are known for being scene stealers. No wonder, there indeed was some task cut out for the actor.

Distressed Antara Mali turns Monk

Remember Antara Mali? The girl who created enough hullabaloo with RGV’s films, especially, MAIN MADHURI DIXIT BANNA CHAHTI HOON, COMPANY, GAYAB, NAACH, MR YA MISS. Well the actress, who sort of vanished for quite a while, has turned a Buddhist monk.

Oh! Before you make your grey cells active, let us tell you that it’s the role which she plays in veteran actor and now a director, Amol Palekar’s upcoming film AND ONCE AGAIN. The film also stars Rajat Kapoor and Rituparna Sengupta. Antara Mali plays Rajat Kapoor’s first wife ‘Savitri’, who in a violent attack gets alienated and later ends up being a monk in Sikkim.

Amol Palekar’s AND ONCE AGAIN talks about while dealing with intricacies of man-woman relationship, the film subtly talks about repercussions of violence on human life: its lingering shadow on all of us with its startling shades! Somehow we manage to draw a line between our past and present…

In Amol Palekar’s AND ONCE AGAIN, Antara dons a completely de-glam avatar. Infact to play the monk, she has even shaved her head.

It seems she is quite serious about her second innings in Bollywood. Welcome back Antara!

Kareena Kapoor is numero uno again!

Sitting cozily on her number one position, Kareena Kapoor makes it to the Filmfare Power List 2009. Taking into account the ability to bankroll projects, pack in theatres and be seen and heard on mediums, the magazine drew out their list of Bollywood’s most powerful.

Her strong presence on the male dominated list for two consecutive years in a row proves yet again that she is Bollywood’s Czarina. Moving two places higher on the list this year Kareena Kapoor made it to the 8th spot from the 10th spot she occupied in 2008.

Brand Bebo has much reason to celebrate this year as she was also titled “Best Ambassador”, crowned highest paid actress and bagged the most brand endorsements. She was also the sole Indian ambassador for the international leg of the Global Campaign for education – 1Goal.

Salman chooses Kangna

Salman Khan seems to have found a new favourite. After Katrina Kaif and Zarine Khan, Salman Khan has chosen to work with Kangna Ranaut for his maiden production. The film will be directed by ace filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar.Hoping that film will rock in media because now a days salman khan is in . people are waiting for a rocking and supendous film.

Aiswarya Rai Bachchan’s bonding with Kate Winslet

Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Academy award winning actress Kate Winslet made a stunning sight as they shot an advertisement together in Rome.

The two beauties, both dressed in little black dresses, filmed a commercial for the Swiss watch brand Longines in the city, reported Daily Mail.

The former Miss World, 36 has been the spokesmodel for the brand for the past four years while the ‘Titanic’ beauty is the latest name to endorse the high-end chronologists.

They were joined by Taiwanese model and actress Lin Chi-ling, in the advertisement.

Kate and Aishwarya ran in their heels into a black car during filming, while Lin Chi-ling jetted off in a vintage red Alfa Romeo.

Aishwarya is a well known face in the West thanks to the Hollywood multi-starrer ‘Pink Panther 2′ where she worked alongside big names like Steve Martin and Andy Garcia, and her yearly appearances at the Cannes red carpet.

The two actresses had met earlier but at that time it was just a formal and very short meeting. This time the shooting will continue for two days and the actresses will have more time to get to know each other.

Katrina reveals her love for…

Very few know that Bollywood’s leading lady Katrina Kaif loves to dance and is always keen on learning new styles of dance. Says Katrina, “I enjoy dancing immensely.

Though her last 2 releases – AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI and RAAJNEETI didn’t see her in out and out dance numbers, she is ready to get back to her passion in director/choreographer Farah Khan’s TEES MAAR KHAN.

Aamir Khan & Akshay Kumar Says ‘Pay your Taxes.’

They are two of the highest tax paying celebs from Bollywood and now they are urging the aam admi to pay taxes rightly and on time in a latest documentary by the Income Tax Department.

The 20-minute-long documentary will have Akshay Kumar and Aamir Khan spreading the message of tax compliance. It will have Om Puri’s voice-over and also feature Priyanka Chopra reportedly.

The documentary will be unveiled by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee during the first-ever Income Tax day celebrations on July 24 in New Delhi, to mark 150 years of taxation in the country.

Akshay and Aamir are exemplary tax-payers from Hindi film industry. Akshay paid an advance tax of Rs 9 crore in March this year, taking his total advance tax payment in the current financial year to Rs 18 crore. Aamir with an advance tax payment of Rs 12 crore stands second.

Zeenat Aman makes a bold comeback

So far Bollywood films that show nudity or lovemaking scenes have been called bold. But, the true sense of the word is being portrayed by Sanjay Sharma’s DUNNO Y… NA JAAE KYUN.

The film has a homosexual relation as its crux and shows the first ever man to man kiss rather truthfully. The main role of the film is being played by debutant Kapil Sharma who has no qualms about doing such a brave portrayal. And, the temptress of yore Zeenat Aman also makes her comeback with this one. She is also remembered for her bindaas and bold image, whether playing a drug addict in HARE RAM HARE KRISHNA or her skin show in QURBAANI. For her comeback, though, she plays Helen’s daughter-in-law in the film.

DUNNO Y is being considered an important work in Hindi cinema for it “Breaks the ultimate taboo in Bollywood” as Toronto Sun Canada acknowledges or “First film in India’s history to treat homosexuality seriously” as said by Trinity News Ireland.

Well, with this kind of response, the film is sure to break new grounds globally!

Kareena Kapoor to become double mom!

It’s not every day that a leading heroine of the Hindi film industry has the courage to essay the role of a mother, but we know quite a few who have done it with ease and elan. Kajol (MY NAME IS KHAN), Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (KUCH NAA KAHO) and Rani Mukerjee (TARA RUM PUM ) are a few that come to mind instantly.

However, it will be a totally new experience for Kareena as well as the audience to see her portraying the role of a mother in not one but two of her forthcoming films. The first as anyone can guess is Karan Johar’s WE ARE FAMILY where Kareena plays stepmom to Kajol’s kids.

Sonam: Abhay will be the next Anil Kapoor

Rising Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor said that Abhay Deol has the potentiality to become the next Anil Kapoor.

“Abhay Deol has the potentiality to become the next Anil Kapoor,” said Sonam in a TV interview.

Abhay and Sonam are paired together for the first time in director Rajshree Ojha’s film AISHA. The film is co-produced by Sonam’s father and actor Anil Kapoor and is scheduled to get released in August.

Sonam’s recently released film I HATE LUV STORYS gained a good response from both critics as well as the audience. Now it will be interesting to see how the new pair performs in their upcoming movie AISHA.

Priyanka wants to marry a Punjabi guy

It’s a Punjabi guy in Priyanka Chopra’s wish list. Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra reveals her dream man. She wants to marry a Punjabi Munda. Priyanka who celebrated her 28^th birthday recently has a plan to tie the knot with the man of her choice after five years.

Here’s the quality what Piggy Chops wants to be in her Mr. Right. According to her, he should be romantic as well as well mannered.  He should not tolerate any insult towards her and should have the bent to smash down anyone who misbehaves with her.

‘I’m a complete drama-momma. I’d marry a guy who punches someone’s eye because he looked at me. But God normally disposes what I propose. So he may give me the exact opposite of what I am looking for’, quotes Priyanka Chopra.

If we put a little stress in our mind, we will find two most eligible bachelors Punjabi Munda in Bollywood. It is Ranbir Kapoor and Shahid Kapur. Priyanka has already been associated with Shahid Kapur but she is yet to make news with Ranbir Kapoor. It may happen very soon as Priyanka and Ranbir are sharing space for Sajid Nadiadwala’s ‘Anjana Anjaani’.

Bipasha Basu: It’s scary that guys like John

If there is one thing that Bipasha Basu is afraid about, it’s the number of guys liking her boyfriend John Abraham. John is again teaming up with Abhishek Bachchan for DOSTANA 2. The beautiful actress revealed this at a press conference to unveil jewellery brand Gili’s new ad campaign.

“It will be good only if girls like John. After DOSTANA, guys have also started liking him, which is very scary,” said the Bong beauty.

Speaking about her engagement ring, Bipasha said, “I’m hoping my engagement ring comes from John’s side. He needs to worry about it. I hope it’s nice and beautiful. Not too big, not too small. It has to be just the right size for my finger. But my engagement won’t happen soon. When we plan to do it, everyone will know.”

Katrina Kaif roped in a sex scandal

Katrina Kaif is an angry woman today. She is furious, disgusted and totally upset with the sex video that is doing all around the net. The clipping shows Katrina Kaif look-alike having sex with multiple men. Says the actress, “The video is disgusting and the girl clearly doesn’t even look like me. There’s no room for any speculation whatsoever. How can you even call her my lookalike? The girl’s face is completely different! I think it’s ridiculous to even talk about it.”

‘Katrina Kaif sex scandal’ video is creating ripples on the web. The video shows Katrina look-alike slowly stripping down to her bikini and moving on from one man to the other for sex. The clipping clearly shows that the girl in the porn video is not Katrina Kaif but why the news is doing the rounds that the girl in the video is Kat is not yet known.

The sex controversy has once roped Katrina’s sister Isabel.

Both the sisters have become a victim of the sex scandal.

Rani Mukherji’s bikini come-back

Bollywood is the place where a thousand stories are created and destroyed everyday. There’s the game of hits and flops, the controversies, the collections and the ‘camps’, and then there are the creators of it all – the celebrities! We follow the lives of ten such celebs and find out who has have and had the best, hot and sexy make-over’s till date. Watch out for out zoOm Hot List for the celebrities, who have the best make-over’s from top to bottom in Bollywood. Be it Aishwarya’s sensuous Dhoom 2 look or Rani’s bikini act after ages.

Kangna: To play a real Bollywood Diva was tough

Ever since ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI was announced and proclaimed to be about the gangs of Mumbai (then called Bombay) with the 70s battle of Haji Mastan and Dawood Ibrahim being a definite highlight, there was immense curiosity to know more about the presence of leading ladies in the film.

However, Kangna – just like most of the cast members of the film – refuses to comment on the reference point. “If you ask me then there is my reference point to any real life personality that any of the male protagonists may have been connected to in reality. On closer look you would find that my character is based more on the rebellious actresses from 70s like Zeenat Aman and Parveen Babi. They changed the way actresses were perceived to be in the era gone by. These women were bold, beautiful, daring, gorgeous and above all courageous. They were the ones who started the trend of live in relationships, something which is so ‘in’ today.”

Kangna is happy that she went ahead and played yet another character that stems from a biographical tale.

Celina Jaitly – English title Desi mem!

Lissome lass Celina Jaitly is indeed on a roll with numerous films in her kitty lining up for release. Interestingly, all her films have one peculiar thing in common.

Abhishek Bachchan-Katrina Kaif’s 3 films deal

Abhishek Bachchan and Katrina Kaif will now be spending most of their working hours together (hope Ash doesn’t mind).

The two have signed three films together and that too in a row. This would mean that Abhishek and Katrina,who hardly know one another, would be spending the next eight to ten months together.

Besides Tarun Mansukhanis Dostana 2 and Abbas-Mustans Italian Job, the duo would be working on one of Vipul Shahs next films, which will be a romantic-comedy. Work on this film will start in January.

Katrina and Abhishek begin work on Dostana 2 as soon as Katrina returns in the first week of August from the shooting of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.They will be shooting a song together in Mumbai, followed by a long stint in London.

The only time Abhishek and Katrina Kaif have worked together in a film was in Ram Gopal Varma’s Sarkar,five years ago.

But that was so long ago! Says Katrina, we were both different persons and different actors back then. So much has changed. I hardly know Abhishek that well. Now that well be doing so much work together I guess the process of getting to know one another will happen automatically. The little that I know of him,Abhishek is great fun.

Trisha: Akshay thought I was very quiet

A veteran of over 30 films down South, Trisha Krishnan is all set to make her Bollywood debut this Friday with KHATTA MEETHA. Though she has been in the business of films for close to 7-8 years now, it was an altogether new start for her when it came to her Bollywood sojourn. No wonder, she was a little reserved to begin with, something that caught the notice of her producer and co-star Akshay Kumar who did all to make her feel comfortable on the sets.

“That’s right; I wasn’t interacting much with people during my early days KHATTA MEETHA. Also, for every actor the first couple of days on any film are a little awkward since you are playing a new character. I was in the same state for KHATTA MEETHA as well,” remembers Trisha who is enjoying a mega Bollywood debut that sees Priyadarshan calling the shots, “In any case, I am a bit reserved by nature. Also, I was a little tense about dialogues because this is my first Hindi film. This is where Akshay came in and told me what he thought about me.”

LAMHAA director defends Bipasha

LAMHAA is struggling at the box office and as it happens in films which do not rock at the box office; when things don’t really go as per the plan, everything about it comes into scrutiny. One such factor about LAMHAA which has been pointed out is casting of Bipasha as a key protagonist in the film. While she has done well in the role of a Kashmiri woman, there have been voices that have challenged her casting since she doesn’t come with quintessential Kashmiri features. Also, a few feel that she was roped in mainly to add on to the star appeal of LAMHAA.

However, director Rahul Dholakia comments that this is far from true. As per him, the lady was brought into the project not in order to enhance the glamour quotient but to get the kind of sensitivity that was expected from the character she plays in the film.

Sameera: I had a child like perception

Eight years into Bollywood and someone really believes that she has wisened up in a big way. From playing a girl next door in MAINE DIL TUJHKO DIYA to a Naxal in RED ALERT, Sameera has had – in her own words – a slow and steady journey. However, now when she looks back, she feels that it in her earlier years she wasn’t enjoying the process of film making as much as she is doing today.
“In earlier days, I merely used to think about consequences of doing a film. What I missed out was enjoying the entire experience of being in front of the camera. This is when I started thinking about what I really wanted to do,” says Sameera who has been working in films across multiple languages, including Bengali, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam, over last few years. “I started enjoying the experience of working in a film rather than its consequences. I also wanted to grow as an actor and start perceiving things in a different way. This is why I don’t think that it was the maturity that mattered here; it was more about the perception because in my earlier years it was all very child like.”