Ipl 2009-Katrina kaif at the IPL Grand Finale

Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif (L) performs with US singer Akon during a closing ceremony after Deccan Chargers beat Royal Challenger Bangalore in the 2009 Indian Premier League cricket final match in Johannesburg, South Africa on Sunday May 24, 2009.

A dancer entertains fans at the end of the 2009 IPL T20 cricket final match in Johannesburg on May 24, 2009.

Also, Katrina performs during the closing ceremony of 2009 IPL.

Glam girl Katrina performs during the closing ceremony of 2009 IPL.

Bollywood glam girl Katrina danced to the English version of Jai Ho of Slumdog Millionaire fame sung by the Pussycat Dolls.

Fireworks explode over the Wanderers Stadium during a closing ceremony after Deccan Chargers beat Royal Challenger Bangalore in the 2009 IPL cricket final match in Johannesburg, South Africa on Sunday May 24.

Now Mallika Sherawat joins Twitter

Mallika Sherawat has a new hobby – tweeting - the lady has gotten obsessed with Twitter and just adores the networking site like many Hollywood celebs.

The actress, who has a milkshake named after her in Hollywood, was enjoying the US breeze for quite some time while working for the post production of her movie Hisss. Away from home in the US, the lady used to get lonely in her leisure time and started using Twitter (a popular networking site). She started bonding online big time with the members of the site.

Now that she’s discovering the joy of tweeting, Mallika thinks amazing things can happen when you get connected to people.

Tweeting by the username ‘@MallikaLA’, the bombshell confesses that she is addicted to it now. What began as a hobby to beat her loneliness in the US, has now become an addiction.

The surprising thing is that before she joined Twitter, she took classes to learn how to use social networking sites. The actress also discovered that Shahrukh Khan too is hooked to the site. Twitter is used extensively by many Hollywood celebs like Ashton Kutcher, his wife Demi Moore and also sexy celeb-socialite Kim Kardashian who recently posted her photographs showing her sun-burnt face.

May be to the actors bored with their glam world, the virtual world of internet appears more fascinating. Mallika is the new addition to the fast growing brigade. Among Bollywood celebs hooked to networking are Karan Johar , Priyanka Chopra , Shahid Kapur , Celina Jaitley and many others.

Barbara Mori upset over smooch publicity

Mexican actress Barbara Mori is surprised that a kiss between a hero and heroine is a big deal in Hindi films.

There was a time when romantic scenes in Hindi films had the hero and heroine coming close to each other and just when their lips would be inches away from docking…cut…two roses gently meeting. Times have changed today, but the mentality hasn’t. Today, either co-stars don’t kiss; but if they do, it becomes a headline for tabloids. Barbara, who comes from a culture where kisses are as common as handshakes, is quite surprised by all the hype surrounding kisses in Hindi films.

“In most films they don’t kiss, they just come together but at the last moment it stops. I was always left wondering why they stopped,” Mori expressed her surprise while speaking to a news channel. .

Incidentally, the actress has been making a lot of news in India over suggesting co-star Hrithik Roshan to kiss her on the lips in a crucial scene in Kites , while the original scene had just a peck on the cheek.

Hrithik, on his part, says he has developed genuine love and respect for Barbara after working with her in ‘Kites’.

“We have a fabulous working relationship. I have genuine love and respect for Barbara. She has become very close to our family. If it was not for her, we would have not been able to accomplish the kind of film we have,” said Hrithik

‘Kites’ is a turbulent, sensuous love story between an Indian salsa dancer and a Mexican girl. Kangana Ranaut adds a third angle to the love story.

Katrina and Akon blaze at the IPL Finale

From Katrina Kaif unto Mahatma Gandhi's favourite bhajan to Akon's smash hits, the closing ceremony of the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the New Wanderers in Johannesburg on Sunday night showcased the diverse cultures of South Africa and India.

Senegalese-born American singer Akon sang his popular number Smack That, while the fusion of the Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram bhajan with African drums created a magical aura at the Bulls Ring at the New Wanderers.

It was Brand India all over at 40,000 capacity stadium, where the Deccan Chargers lifting the IPL crown after a heart-stopping final against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

From Jai Ho to Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram and Vande Mataram, the IPL closing ceremony gave South Africans a taste of Indian culture. The ceremony was better planned as compared to the inaugural, which was put together in a short span of time after the tournament was moved from India to South Africa.

Bollywood glam girl Katrina Kaif danced to the English version of Jai Ho of Slumdog Millionaire fame sung by the Pussycat Dolls, while the winner of Miss IPL Bollywood Dune Kossatz matched steps with Akon.

Jugglers took the centrestage and put on a jaw dropping performance as they literally juggled with fire, while a group of drummers rocked the New Wanderers with fire on their drum sticks.

British reggae musician Eddie Grant kept everyone on their toes with his popular tracks. Grant performed his anti-apartheid hit Gimme Hope Jo'anna and also Walking on Sunshine to bring down the curtain on the 37-day IPL extravaganza that has greatly strengthened ties between South Africa and India.

Adriana Lima tops Twitter totty List

It turns out that Twitter isn't all about men like Amitabh Bachchan, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ashton Kutcher discussing what they had for breakfast.

The world's hottest women are also logging on to tell the world what they're up to. And now a Top 50 Twitter totty list has been compiled, starring some of the hottest women around.

It's topped by supermodel Adriana Lima who posts hot bikini pictures and videos of herself online.

Movie goddess Jessica Alba also makes the chart, along with songwriters Taylor Swift and British singer Lily Allen.

Here we reveal the Top 9 list along with links to their Twitter blogs - or at least those claiming to be official.

1)Adriana Lima
2)Jessica Alba
3)Taylor Swift
4)Ashanti
5)Audrey Hitching
6)Brooke Burke
7)DJ Tamara sky
8)Tila Tequila
9)Lilly Allen

Freida Pinto is miffed at blogs and websites

Websites and blogs are picking up pictures from an old calendar shoot she did in 2006.

The scans of her calendar made an appearance on the net a few weeks back. They were first uploaded on a US-based celebrity blog and were later picked up by many popular blogs and sites.

After seeing the old pics, the Slumdog Millionaire actress has now asked her lawyers to take legal action against any site making these pictures more popular.

Ever since Pinto made it big, she has been marred by a series of picture and video leaks on the internet.

Apart from her ex-fiance, Rohan Antao lashing out at her and pictures of their engagement in Goa leaking online, recent images of current boyfriend Dev Patel and Freida getting cosy in Paris, also made it to the net.

There are not just images but also a music video featuring Canadian singer-song writer Dal Hothi that is popular on several blogs.

Pinto shot for the video years back when she was still a struggling model.

However, the actress is most upset over the calendar pictures and has asked her agents in Hollywood to try and get them off the web.

A source reveals, "She is doing very good for herself and doesn't want any controversies. Freida feels that people are jealous of her success and want to malign her.

Apart from getting a plum role in a Woody Allen flick, she also recently shot for Miral in Jerusalem."

No pubs for Kareena!

Actress Kareena Kapoor has been losing sleep... and it’s not quite over Priyanka Chopra and ex-beau Shahid Kapoor’s alleged love affair.

Or so we’re told! “What else can you expect when you’re shooting for four films simultaneously?” says a friend of the actor. Currently working at completing 3 Idiots, Kambakkht Ishq, Agent Vinod, Qurbaan and Main Aur Mrs Khanna, Bebo now prides herself in not having slept a wink for 36 hours. And, while most girls her age are going pub-hopping, Kareena is set-hopping! But, this is something that Kareena doesn’t mind. After all, her bank accounts are getting heftier, and her power yoga, diet and beau Saif seem to be giving her the energy she needs to keep going on!

Ramu can't be punished for distorting national anthem

Director Ram Gopal Varma has irked the censor board by tampering with the national anthem for the song "Jana gana mana rann hai" in his upcoming film "Rann" which stars megastar Amitabh Bachchan. Lawyers say there is no specific law to prevent people from doing so.

"There can't be anything disparaging on the national anthem or flag or any such property. One can't play around with these things. But sadly, no legal action against any person can be taken if he or she tampers with the anthem because there is no law for it," Lalit Bhasin, president of the Society of Indian Law Firms, told IANS.

According to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, a person could be charged with a criminal offence with regard to the national anthem only if he or she "intentionally prevents the singing of the Indian national anthem or causes disturbances to any assembly engaged in such singing".

Bhasin also said that nothing can be done to prevent Varma from using the anthem under the existing law.

Varma faced the ire of protesters and a ban on the song by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) after he showcased the first look of "Rann" last week. But the filmmaker maintains it does not portray the national anthem in bad light.

"Through this song, we are talking about the (ongoing) disputes in the country but there were no intentions to ridicule anything. It's something I felt in my heart and it was my idea to place the song like this. It is based on the script of my film and I don't think there's any offence in it," Varma had said.

The promo, however, led to protesters burning effigies of Varma and Bachchan in Mumbai and Ranchi a few weeks ago.

A Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) leader, who was among the 100-odd protesters in Ranchi, had said: "We cannot tolerate twisting of the national song. It is dishonour of the national song and the country. We are planning to file public interest litigation in the Jharkhand High Court seeking banning of the movie."

But such acts of protest are futile, say lawyers.

"I don't see why justice is going to the roads. When there is no punishment for the act according to the law, nothing can be done about it. I have heard the song and there is no dishonour to the national anthem," said Supreme Court lawyer Pinki Anand.

"Freedom of speech and expression is a fundamental right of every Indian citizen. And when there is no system of law against what the filmmaker has done, no amount of people taking to the roads and agitation can help," she added.

Jayant Bhushan, a senior advocate, echoed similar sentiments and said: "Freedom of speech is important. One shouldn't be too sensitive. I don't think the filmmaker has dented the national anthem by just changing a few lines. The dignity of the national anthem is not so fragile."

Varma is now moving Supreme Court after the censor board refused permission to air the song, said producer Madhu Mantena.
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A good cause: Hrithik reaches out to AIDS affected

Mumbai: After the first look of Kites was unveiled at Cannes Film Festival last week, Hrithik Roshan's next stop was a candlelight memorial for the AIDS affected in Mumbai. And joining him for the good cause were his wife Suzzane Roshan, actor Nandita Das and author Shobha De.

"I was in Cannes but I had to come for this function. Our film got a great response and we are positive, let's see what happens," said Hrithik.

Making his presence felt at the 26th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, Hrithik, it seemed truly believed in the cause and insisted it was for wife Suzzane who got him on board for this cause.

"Suzzane has been the most important impetus, because she said this is something she truly believes in and wanted to do. She wanted me to be a part of it," he said.

With that Hrithik put a stop to all rumours of trouble in paradise. And looked like there has been no love lost between the couple with Kites star Barbara Mori's name popping up from time to time.

When asked about the brewing controversy of Barabara and Hrithik's chemistry, Hrithik said, "Aap jo bol rahe ho kafi hain, (I don't need to add to what the media is saying, it's enough)."

Slumdog star Rubina's house demolished

Mumbai: After Azharuddin Mohammad, another Slumdog Millionaire star Rubina Ali's home too was razed by civic authorities on Wednesday.

The child actor lived in Mumbai’s Bandra (East) suburb, and the construction was demolished by the local railway authorities as it was deemed illegal.

However, when Rubina's father, Rafiq Qureshi went to the police to inquire about the demolition, he was allegedly beaten up by the police. He is currently at Bhabha hospital undergoing treatment.

While the police officers on duty have denied the incident, Rubina confirms the reports.

Ironically, Rubina and other impoverished child actors from Slumdog Millionaire were promised a house by the government.

Press Trust of India had reported that a week ago, another Slumdog Millionaire actor, Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail's house was razed down too.

"All the illegal encroachments on the nullah were today demolished because it needs to be widen to avoid flood-like situation during monsoons," Umashankar Mistry, H-East ward officer had told PTI on May 14.

The child actors’ houses fall on the nullah that has to be widened for better drain management.

Azharuddin had played the role of young Salim in Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire and Rubina had played young Latika.

With no alternative accommodation given, the families are at a loss about future action.

"The Chamdawadi nullah needs to be widen and it was important to demolish all the hutments on the nullah. Fifteen such hutments have demolished till now," Mistry told PTI.

"All the hutments that have come up post-1995 would be provided alternate accommodation only if they have proof regarding it," he said.

Earlier this month Azaruddin's house was demolished following the Bombay high court's order. The BMC that time took action against illegal encroachments on water pipelines based on a petition filed by city-based NGO Janhit Manch.

The family then took shelter in a makeshift tarpaulin home at Chamdawadi nalla opposite railway station which today again got demolished.
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Shahid Kapur signs another Yash Raj film

Bollywood actor Shahid Kapur seems to have become Yash Raj Films' (YRF) favourite. His first venture with the production giant is yet to hit the screens, but the actor has already signed another film with the banner.

Shahid's first film with YRF is being directed by Anurag Singh. He has teamed up with Rani Mukerji in the film, which was earlier titled "Hadippa", which is said to be about cricket.

The second project that Shahid has been signed up for will be actor Parmeet Sethi's directorial debut and he teams up with Anushka Sharma of "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" fame.

"The Yash Raj camp sees Shahid as the classic romantic hero who has the potential to turn on the sexy or rugged vibe when required," said a source close to the actor.

Abhi-Ash embarrassed by Sallu's love interest

Salman Khan’s latest love interest, Claudia Ciesla, has put Abhishek and Aishwarya in an embarrassing situation.

Claudia, who’s a German model-actress and has also been a Playmate, had her photograph clicked with Abhishek while they were in Cannes. Soon thereafter, the photo appeared in a Mumbai newspaper along with the story that Abhishek was seen chatting with wife Ash’s ex-boyfriend’s current love interest!

The Bachchans were in for a shock when they found out about Ciesla’a past and the fact that even a nude image of hers had adorned the cover of a German magazine.

Abhishek could not recollect getting this picture taken. After some time he realised it was just one of the many photographs he and his wife got clicked with fans.

So now, as a precautionary measure, Ash and Abhi will be saying no to all fans wanting to get photographed with them, at least for the time being.

James Cameron's Avatar on IMAX for 3 months!

What are Hollywood’s expectations for James Cameron's Avatar? We haven’t even seen a trailer, or even a photo, but many are already touting a "revolution."

With the director of the highest grossing film of all time behind it, everyone is hoping for big.

As you know, Avatar is set to hit IMAX theaters in 3D, day and date with the theatrical release. Now-a-days, IMAX screens, much like 3D screens, are in high demand. JJ Abrams' Star Trek only had two weeks on the giant screen in the States before being replaced with Fox's Night at the Museum sequel.

But The New York Times is reporting that IMAX is considering giving Avatar an 11-week (almost 3 months) run to "satisfy demand" for Cameron’s first feature film since Titanic. Avatar hits theaters on December 18th 2009, and the next giant screen release is Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland on March 5th 2010. The Dark Knight had a 10-week IMAX run, and was still doing pretty well when Eagle Eye replaced it.

Of course, this might all change. Possible IMAX up-conversions include Warner Bros' The Book of Eli (January 15th) or the Disney 3D rerelease of Beauty and the Beast (February 12th). The latter seems more of a possibility, as Disney has a multi-film deal with the IMAX corp. But this would still give Avatar a full two months of screen time.

For the record, the IMAX version of Spiderman 3 made the most money in Indian IMAX screens, with The Dark Knight a close second.

Shriya Saran's Renaissance in 2009

With her two much-awaited films up for release this summer, Shriya Saran is the girl of the moment down south.

Shriya is excited about her two new films – ‘Kandasamy’ with Vikram and ‘Thoranai’ with Vishal .

In ‘Kandasamy’, directed by Susi Ganesan, she plays a stubborn girl. Shriya is particularly all praise for her co-star Vikram who she says is a “role model” for her and she looks at him with “awe and admiration”. In ‘Thoranai’ she plays a girl-next-door who works in a call centre. Shriya says it is a pure fun film with doses of comedy, action, romance and drama.

Apart from these two films, Shriya has some other plum projects in the south.

She’s working in a realistic movie called ‘Theeradha Vilayattu Pillai’ in which she shares screen space with two other actresses. She’s doing a comedy film with Dhanush . And she’s already started shooting for ‘Chikku Bukku’ with Arya . Production work is also underway on her film ‘Jaggubhai’ with Sarath Kumar .

Shriya is also making her debut in the English film titled ‘Stella’ by Dilip Mehta, Deepa Mehta’s brother.

Well, looks like Shriya sure is the girl of the moment.

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IPL bombshell to learn cooking from SRK

One of the top three contenders to win the Miss Bollywood IPL crown at the ongoing tournament in South Africa, sexy model Gabriella Demetriades wants superstar Shahrukh Khan to teach her cooking.

Not that the King Khan is known for his culinary skills, but the 22-year-old South African model desires to learn to cook a special dish from the Bollywood star.

“I want him (Shahrukh) to teach me how to make a really great lamb korma,” Gabriella is quoted as saying.

With nearly 14,000 votes in her name, Gabriella is sitting pretty on the third spot among 16 Miss Bollywood IPL finalists from different teams at the T20 tournament. Interestingly, she doesn’t represent SRK’s team Kolkata Knight Riders, but the Hyderabad team, Deccan Chargers.

Gabriella has traveled to India before and claims to be “fascinated” with the country.

“I'm fascinated with the country; there are extremes in terms of wealth and poverty, but the country is diverse, and has great shopping,” she said.

The top spot among Miss Bollywood IPL finalists is taken by the 35-year-old Dune Kossatz who is a model and actress from East London. She’s got 15,888 votes. 24-year-old Genna Cloud, a business marketing graduate from Johannesburg, is on second place with 14,352 votes.

The winner of the Miss Bollywood IPL contest, to be declared at the tournament’s finale, will get a package of prizes including a tour to Bollywood and also a role in Hindi movie.

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Kareena sizzles in Sallu's Dus Ka Dum

Kareena Kapoor and her elder sister Karisma Kapoor will reportedly appear on the second season of Salman Khan’s television show ‘Dus Ka Dum’.

Rumour has been abuzz that Salman Khan is not using his influence to rope in celebrities from the film industry for the game show this year because of his slashed remuneration. So, the onus has been solely on Sony television to approach the celebs and get them for the show.

Until recently the channel had not been able to rope in any celebs even after approaching a number of them. A recent report said the channel had approached Sonam Kapoor , Anil Kapoor , Sanjay Dutt and wife, Ajay Devgan and Kajol , but none of the celebs were free to appear on the show.

But now, the Kapoor sisters are almost confirmed to be the special guests. Reports say the two sisters will show their ‘dum’ in the very first episode of the show this season, which is set to kick off on May 25, Monday.

Sources say the Kapoor sisters are very fond of Salman. Kareena, who plays his love interest in Main Aur Mrs Khanna , is particularly eager to be on Salman’s show.

Katrina should be a stunt-double for Akshay

Superstar Akshay Kumar does seem to be looking for the opportunities to praise B-town beauty Katrina Kaif.

But this time he surely has a reason to justify his words. Akshay has apparently found his female action-star now.
According to a source, Akshay and Katrina were recently shooting a water skiing stunt for their upcoming film 'De Dana Dan' in Singapore. To everyone's surprise, Katrina pulled off the stunt with such confidence that her co-star Akshay Kumar was left speechless by the Bollywood beauty’s bravado.

The striking part was that while Kat hardly took any time pulling off the swashbuckling shot, action-king Akki himself struggled for a long time and kept falling off while doing the stunt!

"I have never fallen on my ass so many times in one day I swear...You know at the back of my mind I've always wondered what is going to be 'that' thing in life I'm gonna find unbelievably difficult??... Ha Ha, I've found it...Ladies and Gentlemen, it was Water Skiing!" Akshay writes in his latest blog post.

And what really impressed Akki was the way Kat pulled off the stunt. "I must say hats off to Katrina, she did extremely well, not many heroines I know would have tried and succeeded as much as Kat did, well done girl," added Akshay.

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Saif-Kareena's 'Jehad' is now 'Qurbaan'

B-town couple Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor's much talked about flick, being directed by Rensil D'Silva, still seems to be facing a name trouble.

Although filmmakers have previously tried hard to push 'Jehad' as the film's title, but it has reportedly been changed to 'Qurbaan' now.

Producer Karan Johar and director D'Silva have reportedly changed their minds about naming the flick, which is based on Islamic terrorism.

According to a source, "As soon as the title 'Qurbaan' is made official, Karan and Rensil plan to call a press conference to correct the media perception that the film is called 'Jehad'. Since Kareena and Saif used 'Jehad' in all their interviews, it will take some time for 'Jehad' to get out of the public's mind. They have made a gripping thriller on terrorism. The narration is taut and uninterrupted by Bollywood formulae like songs, dances and melodrama. Kareena and Saif have even done one of the boldest love sequences ever."

Hopefully this new title suits the flick, for the much-hyped love-scene reportedly seems worthy enough 'to die for'! If not the sensitive topic, Saifeena’s bold scenes will surely pull crowds.

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Shah Rukh votes ‘to give a chance to better people’

Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh flew down especially from South Africa to cast his vote and said "we should vote and give a chance to better people".

"When I endorse everything from candy to soft drinks, this is something I have to support," Shah Rukh on Thursday (April 30) told reporters outside the polling station in Mumbai.

"I had to make it a point to come and vote," said Shah Rukh who was in South Africa for the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket matches.

He said the voters should choose the best-qualified candidates and be patient for change.

"People expect politicians to solve problems immediately. But it's not that easy. It takes time. That's why we should vote and give a chance to better people," he said on the day Mumbai and the adjacent district of Thane went to the polls, in the third and final round of balloting in Maharashtra.

Shah Rukh, who owns the Kolkata Knight Riders team in the IPL, is reportedly unhappy with the performance of team and is believed to have said that he would not return to South Africa till the team started winning.

Katrina and Imran Khan in Sanjay Gadhvi’s film!

This summer, get ready to check out sizzling onscreen chemistry between newbie Imran Khan and B-town’s mirror cracking beauty Katrina Kaif who will be sharing the silver screen for the first time.

According to ‘Dhoom’ hitmaker director Sanjay Gadhvi, the reason behind pairing Katrina and Imran is the fact that both actors have been in long liaisons and somehow can relate to the language of his untitled directorial venture.

Talking to a news daily, Sanjay Gadhvi said, “We're doing intense workshops before we start shooting in Paris. Both Katrina and Imran have set aside ample time for rehearsals. Imran has taken on no film after ‘Delhi Belly’. So he's ready to devote as much time as we need. Katrina is busier. But she too is getting into workshops after ‘De Dhana Dhan’. I'm lucky to have a lead pair that is so committed to creating a new language for screen lovers. That Imran and Katrina look so good together is a bonus. I'm counting on them looking as striking as Ash and Hrithik in ‘D:2’."

When solicited about his new film, Gadhvi said that his new flick will be a breezy romantic movie based on the companionship between Imran and Katrina.

Elucidating a bit more about his unnamed directorial venture, Gadhvi said, “This is a different love story. I want to take the screen romance beyond ‘Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge’. Imran and Katrina occupy almost every frame in the film. It's the story of these two strangers who meet and fall in love in Paris over a week."

Admitting the fact that shooting in Paris will be an expensive affair, the movie’s budget is expected anywhere around Rs 30 crore. Talking about Paris as the dream location, Gadhvi was quick to add that, "It had to be Paris. I saw my lovers only in that city. I'd be shooting in familiar places and unknown lanes and streets. I think Katrina and Imran will create a new language for love."

One thing for sure, Imran and Katrina’ sizzling chemistry will be a treat for Bollywood lovers.