A bullet for Madhuri Dixit Nene

A Pakistani man, while illegally sneaking through the Wagah border, was shot by the Indian security forces (BSF) on Thursday said reports.

He was reportedly shot once according to Pakistani security officials who rushed him to the military Services Hospital near the border on the Pakistani side. Shafiq (the man who was shot) later told the Pakistani media there that he was crossing the border because he wanted to meet actor Madhuri Dixit Nene once before he dies. Though 30-odd year old Shafiq is seriously injured, he is reportedly stable.

“I wanted to meet Madhuri once before I die. Since I am poor, there is no chance that I can fly down to Mumbai to meet her. I wanted to cross the border and I had papers with me. Yet I was shot at,” laments the youth. Sources in the BSF confirmed the incident but revealed that the youth did not have any valid papers on him. “Primarily investigation suggested that the youth had crossed the border to meet Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit. That is all we know about him right now,” says a source.

Apparently, the BSF will refer the youth’s case to their seniors who will try contacting Madhuri in Mumbai to convince her if she can meet the fan who was ready to risk his life to meet her.

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Shah Rukh Khan, brand ambassador of West Bengal?

Murmurs have started in the literary circles of Kolkata over the appointment ofactor Shah Rukh Khan as the brand ambassador of West Bengal. Online forums and closed literary circles are outraged over the fact that an actor born in Delhi and based in Mumbai have been chosen to represent the state which really doesn’t have any dearth of either talent or celebrities.

“It was in the green room that I got to know that the chief minister (Mamata Banerjee of West Bengal) is having a closed door meeting with him over representing West Bengal. Apparently Shah Rukh said that he is not going to charge any money for this although an honorarium was discussed. The deal was sealed soon after,” says an actor who was also there at the Kolkata film festival inauguration function where SRK took to the stage before being declared as the brand ambassador of the state.

The opposition party in the state is planning to take this matter up according to sources. “There is no dearth of talent in West Bengal that Shah Rukh has to represent us. Apart from a cricket team (which is a private business company), he really doesn’t have any connection with the state. And Bengal might not have Shah Rukh but it cannot be starved when it comes to the talent pool,” says an opposition leader.

However, blissfully unaware of the opposition voices gaining ground, Shah Rukh said that he was waiting for an offer like this.“I have told Chief Minister sahiba that I am available for her anytime of the year. I will come any time you guys want me to. I have always had an connection here and I am glad that I will be more involved with the beautiful people here,” said Shah Rukh.

SRK went as far to state that Kolkata produces the best of Indian cinema and is the country’s cultural and literary hub. “Kolkata is always known for its rich culture and heritage. Despite of new, high multi-storeyed buildings and industrial sectors, Kolkata has still sustained its age-old rich background of arts and literature. I really believe in the cinema of Bengal. We have some of the best cinema coming in from this part of the country,” he added.

Shah Rukh also said that he is trying to learn Bengali. “I have been visiting Kolkata regularly for the last four-five years. Now I am even trying to learn its language and read more books from here. I believe that the history of our arts, literature, poetry and films cannot be written, or ever begin without the state of West Bengal,” he said among other things during an interaction with the media.

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Black Sabbath announce new album, 2012 world tour

Veteran British rock band Black Sabbath announced on Friday they are reuniting in their original four man line-up for their first new album in 33 years and a 2012 world tour.

Singer Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bass player Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward told a news conference at legendary Sunset Strip club Whiskey a Go Go they would perform at the Download Festival in England in June 2012, and then embark on a world tour.

The band, which first got together under the Black Sabbath name in 1969, said they were working on new material for the album for release in the fall of 2012. There is no title as yet but it will be produced by Rick Rubin.

"It's now or never. We are getting along great. Everything's really good," Iommi told reporters at the club where Black Sabbath played their first show in Los Angeles exactly 41 years ago.

"It's like putting on an old glove. It's fantastic," Iommi added.

The four musicians, now all in their 60s, released their last studio album of all original material in 1978 with "Never Say Never."

Rumours of a possible reunion of the English metal band, regarded as one of the pioneers of heavy metal with hits like "Iron Man" and War Pigs," had been swirling for months.

"It's just time," Osbourne said, noting that the four had tried in the past to work together again.

"This time, for some magical reason, we have written about seven or eight songs."

Nothing has been recorded yet and no dates were announced on Friday for the world tour.

Frontman Osbourne was fired from the band in 1979, leading to a revolving line-up for a number of years. The original foursome reunited for the 1998 release "Reunion" and played again together sporadically for shows in the early 2000s.

Black Sabbath was inducted to the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 and has sold more than 70 million albums worldwide.

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Men didn't find young Madonna attractive

Pop diva Madonna says that straight men didn't find her attractive when she was young.

"(Girls) were told to wear our skirts to our knees, turtlenecks, cover ourselves and not wear makeup, and not do anything that would draw attention," Madonna, who had a strict Catholic-Italian upbringing, told Harper's Bazaar.

"Straight men did not find me attractive. I think they were scared of me because I was different," said Madonna who rebelled with unshaved armpits and wacky hairstyles.

The 53-year-old, who is dating 24-year-old French dancer Brahim Zaibat, is slowly including him in outings with her kids - Lourdes, 15, Rocco, 11, David, 6, and Mercy, 5, reports Usmagazine.com.

"(My sons) need a male role model as well. So I need to keep this in mind: What is this person modeling to my sons, what kind of man is he, what values does he have, what energy is he giving off?" she said.

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Rockstar released; Anurag Basu's Barfee can now take off

No one would be happier than director Anurag Basu to see the release of Ranbir Kapoor's Rockstar as he can now start shooting for his Barfee.

Imtiaz Ali-directed Rockstar has opened with lots of praise for Ranbir's peformance.

"Ab bas ho gaya. Rockstar releases on Friday and then my last big schedule for Barfee will start from November 15 in Kerala and Ooty. I don't mind waiting. Ranbir had very clearly told me he'd need time off in October and November to promote Rockstar. The film is worth all the delays in the Barfee schedule. And it isn't as if we've been making Barfee forever," said Basu.

To be produce by UTV, Barfee also stars Priyanka Chopra.

Murder, Gangster - A Love Story and Life in a...Metro are some of the well-known films made by Basu who didn't watch Rockstar preview.

"I'm superstitious about watching any film before release. I recently saw two films before their release that I loved. I thought they would be sure hits. On release they bombed. I've decided to stay away from Rockstar...," said the director who plans to watch the film now.

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George Clooney considered suicide due to spinal injury

George Clooney has revealed that he was in so much pain once that he contemplated committing suicide.

According to the Rolling Stone magazine, the 50-year-old actor had suffered spinal injury in 2005 while filming the thriller ‘Syriana’ after which he was bedridden for a month.

“I was at a point where I thought, ‘I can’t exist like this. I can’t actually live’,” the Daily Express quoted him as saying.

“I was lying in a hospital bed with an IV in my arm, unable to move, having these headaches where it feels like you’re having a stroke and, for a short three-week period, I started to think, ‘I may have to do something drastic about this’. You start to think in terms of, you don’t want to leave a mess, so go in the garage, go in the car, start the engine.

“It seems the nicest way to do it, but I never thought I’d get there. See, I was in a place where I was trying to figure out how to survive.

“I was at a point where I thought, ‘I can’t exist like this. I can’t actually live’,” he added.

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Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber win big in Bambi Awards

Justin Bieber
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Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber took away the most prestigious awards at the 2011 Bambi Awards in Germany.

The ‘Poker Face’ hitmaker was named Best International Pop Artist and received the award from fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld before performing a medley of her hits. Contactmusic reported.

Bieber was also a big winner at the ceremony at the Rhein-Main-Hallen venue in Wiesbaden, collecting the Entertainment Bambi Award from Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow. He then performed his new song ‘Under the Mistletoe’.

“Had an amazing night at the Bambi Awards here in Germany tonight. Got to meet some great fans too. Thank u for the honour,” the ‘Baby’ hitmaker tweeted after the event.

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Kate Winslet loves wearing clothes that flatter her curvy figure

Kate Winslet
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Kate Winslet, who "enjoys" having a curvy figure, has revealed that she makes sure she wears clothes that flatter her hour-glass shape.

According to InStyle magazine, the 36-year-old ‘Titanic’ actress also said that she is very confident about her body after learning over the years what clothes suit her shape.

“I’m lucky to go in and out at the right places, proportionately that’s something I inherited from my mother,” Contactmusic quoted her as saying.

“I enjoy my shape and my curves. At the same time, you have to know how to dress. If you are hippy, then pleats off the waist? Forget it! You absolutely cannot wear them. It’s about knowing how to work with the right fabric,” she added.

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Katy Perry would love to have kids with hubby Russell Brand

Russell Brand
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Katy Perry has expressed her desire to be a mum soon and start a family with husband Russell Brand.

Perry feels that Russell is going to be a great dad.

"I would love to have children. I think that’s one of the reasons you get married," Contactmusic quoted her as saying.

"Especially to the person that you marry. You think, that person is going to be a good partner, a good parent."

"But I’m not sure it’s yet. We’ll see, ya know," she added.

The ‘One That Got Away’ singer, who married the British funnyman last October, also said that the number of children will depend on the pain she experiences during her first delivery.

"If it doesn’t hurt the first time. I’ll keep popping them out."

Perry also revealed that she would always give preference to her kids over her career.

"I want to have kids! I’m totally fine with saying that. I think some people are worried it’s going to ruin their career, but I want to live a full life," she said.

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Rapper Pitbull coming to India

Pitbull performs on stage at Supafest at Acer Arena on April 15, 2010 in Sydney, Australia Getty Images

American rapper-singer Armando Christian Perez, popularly known as Pitbull, is coming to India in the first week of December for a live concert.

The American songwriter-record producer will be performing at a concert in Noida on December 2, in Mumbai the next day, and in Pune on December 4.

Pitbull would be performing his hits like 'Hey Baby', 'Rain Over Me', 'Give Me Everything', 'I know You Want Me', 'On The Floor', etc.

"I am very excited to bring my live show to India. I will be performing on all favourite numbers....I can't wait to come to India," Pitbull said in a statement.

"I am happy to know fans back in India love my album and hopefully my next album will have inspiration from India," he said.

The Indian edition of 'Pitbull Live in Concert' is being organised by P3P E Ventures, which said the proceeds from the concert will be donated to Suryoday Aids Foundation.

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Chitangadha Singh turns item girl

Chitrangada Singh will step into the role of an item girl. For the first time, she will be doing an item number for Shirish Kunder’s ‘Joker’. Chitangadha’s item number will be very raunchy and hot. It will be choreographed by Shirish Kunder’s wife and filmmaker Farah Khan.

Interestingly, the film also has another item number by the lead actress Sonakshi Sinha and her number is touted to be one of the hottest numbers of 2012 while Chitrangada’s number is believed to be very sexy and a surprise for the fans. Chitrangada will be sharing screen space with the lead actors Akshay Kumar and Sonakshi Sinha.

Director Shirish Kunder said, "Kaafirana is essentially a rustic song with a raunchy flavour to it. We wanted a fresh yet sensual face, and not the usual, go-to item girls of today. Also, Chitrangda hasn`t done an item song before, so the novelty value is very high. She was exactly what we were looking for.”

Let's see who rocks, Sonakshi or Chitrangada!

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Shahrukh Khan happy with 'Ra.One' review

Shahrukh Khan's highly anticipated film made on a budget of Rs 150 crore has received a mixed response. Though some liked it and some doesn’t, Shahrukh Khan is happy with the mixed review. He is happy that lots of them have liked his film and went to watch it. ‘Ra.One’ has been able to make a profit of 170 crore in the opening weekend.

It was an effort made by King Khan and it really gone well. "I know for a fact that when you try to attempt something different, some people would like it and some won't, and I knew this from the beginning," Shah Rukh told reporters in Mumbai.

"Maybe, it is wrong to say that it is a youngster's movie, but I don't think only young people should watch it...but it is a different generation film. Maybe, it's more appealing for the younger lot...But I think 60-70 per cent people have liked it," he added.

It is Bollywood’s most costly film made so far on the line of Hollywood technology. The 46-year-old is happy with the mixed reviews and feedback that he has received so far.

"In the past five to six days, a lot has been written about the movie. Some are writing good and some are saying bad things. But a lot of people are going out to watch the film, so I think all is well," he said.

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Silk Smitha’s family sends legal notice to 'The Dirty Picture’

South sensation Silk Smitha’s family is upset with the makers of ‘The Dirty Picture’. Her brother V Naga Vara Prasad sends a legal notice to Milan and producer Ekta Kapoor claiming the movie obscene. They also claimed that the film was made without their permission.

They were not happy as how their sister has been portrayed in the movie.

"We came to know through TV channels and newspaper reports that The Dirty Picture portrays my sister in a rather obscene way. Ekta Kapoor is making the film with Vidya Balan in the lead role. Neither the producer nor the director contacted us (the family). What right do the producer and the director have to make this film, without the family's consent?" Vara Prasad questioned.

Confirming that he has indeed sent a legal notice to the makers of The Dirty Picture, Vara Prasad added, "There still has been no response from their side. We are now going to send a second notice in a couple of days through a High Court lawyer in Hyderabad. If they go ahead with the release, we will be compelled to initiate proceedings."

Silk Smitha, whose original name is Vijayalakshmi, belongs to a small village in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. Vara Prasad, the only brother of Smitha, said that the family and relatives were upset with the film that shows her in obscene avatar.

"We learned that they made the film based on inputs given by an alleged boyfriend of Smitha in Chennai. If they wanted to make a perfect film with facts in place, they should have contacted us to know about her childhood at least," said her brother.

Vara Prasad added, "We have to see the content of the film. Whatever is objectionable has to be deleted. Those days, the media was limited hence we could not get the actual truth behind her death. Many believe that she ended her life because of financial problems. It may not be the truth."

Prasad also made it clear that the family is not looking for any monetary gain. "We don't need anything from them. We just want them not to hurt us and our relatives," he stated. He said the family would do its best to prevent release of the film on Dec. 2, the birthday of Silk Smitha.

When contacted, Milan Luthria said, "Basically people like us tend to get into a situation like this very late in the day. It is very difficult to say anything at all as our legal advisors have warned us not to comment since the matter is subjudice".

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Aishwarya denies delivery report

Ever since Aishwarya Rai Bachchan got married to actor Abhishek Bachchan, she has been constantly making news for her pregnancy.  Now that her delivery date is drawing nearer, gossip mills started to churn out that she will be delivered at Seven Hills hospital at Marol, Andheri (E) Mumbai on 11.11.11. The Bachchan family is highly upset with media cooking wrong stories about Aishwarya’s delivery.

Aishwarya’s spokesperson clears the air about Ash’s delivery, “The report ridiculously insinuates that the family would actually turn nature’s course for such blind and sensationalised beliefs. There is a limit to time and again making regressive remarks like marrying her off to a tree or actually planning or delivering her baby just for sensational journalism.”

The report also suggests that Ash regularly visits the hospital at 7.30 am for check-ups and in-house gynecologist Dr Vinita Salvi visits the Bachchan bahu.

However, the hospital denies it all. Dr Pai, head of radiology and vice president, Seven Hills Hospital, says, “The information and details are a figment of someone’s imagination. The reports of 7.30 am appointments and a C-section for the 11th have no resemblance to the truth and such stories only put the medical fraternity in bad light. Sonography is a personal procedure and is not performed in open wards. Twisted details mislead the people of this country to believe and follow what a writer may see as good masala for newsprint.”

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Ram Gopal Varma likes Bipasha's red bikini

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma goes gaga over Bipasha Basu’s red hot bikini in ‘Players’. He tweeted, Just saw 'players' first look ..Bipasha is looking like a billion dollar bill aaaaahhhhhhhh!'

Director Sujoy Ghosh also praised ‘Players’ trailer, "oh I like this PLAYERS poster with 3 minis coming out,' he wrote.

Bipasha Basu thanked everyone for the good feedback, 'Thank you fr d amazing response to the #players trailer and posters! Abbas mustan make their films in 'Super Style'!' she tweeted.

‘Players’ starts Abhishek Bachchan in the lead.

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I just want Ash to have a safe delivery, Abhishek

Refuting the rumor about Abhishek Bachchan compelled Aishwarya to go for C-section so that the baby born on the auspicious day 11/11/11, actor and husband Abhishek Bachchan said, “It’s a great piece of fictional writing. It’s ridiculous to suggest that I’d induce my wife to go through a Caesarean so our baby would be born on a particular day. I just want her to have a healthy, safe and as comfortable a delivery as possible. Whenever God decides our baby is to be born, we’ll welcome him or her with open arms. We still don’t know if it’s a girl or a boy, all we want is a healthy child. And all this about my wife carrying twins is completely untrue.”

He also rubbishes the rumor about ‘pandits’ or puja or rituals being performed for the safe arrival of the new comer, “I don’t believe in numerology or astrology,” asserts the actor. Abhishek Bachchan has taken off from his film ‘Players’ to be along with his wife who is in the final trimester.

Ever since Amitabh Bachchan tweeted about Aishwarya’s pregnancy, she has been in constant news for her baby.  Not only junior B but Amitabh Bachchan also lashes out media for intervening in their personal life and building false and fabricated stories.

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Music maestro Bhupen Hazarika passes away

Legendry singer Bhupen Hazarika passes away. He was 85. Bhupen Hazarika was critically ill for few months and was admitted to Mumbai Kolilaben Dhirubhai hospital. He was having problem in breathing. "It was a multi-organ failure. The end came around 4.30 pm," Jayanta Saha, chief PRO at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital, said.

His condition worsened when he had to undergo a minor surgery to attach a food pipe into his system. When he breathed his last, noted filmmaker and his friend Kalpana Lajmi was by his side. He was the recipient of many prestigious awards. He was awarded with Dada Saheb Phalke award and Padma Bhushan.

On September 8, Bhupen Hazarika celebrated his 85th birthday in hospital.

His departure is a great loss to the music industry.

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Taslima Nasreen calls Priyanka Chopra's father an idiot

Controversial Bangladeshi singer Taslima Nasreen lashes out at Priyanka Chopra’s father calling him an idiot. The writer reacted strongly when Priyanka’s father Dr. Ashok Chopra comment on Priyanka’s achievement and made a remark that ‘Priyanka is like a son to me’.

The writer took to Twitter to burst out her anger, she tweeted, “Priyanka Chopra`s father said, `Priyanka is like a son to me`. What an uncouth idiot man! Daughter hatred not yet gone. I am waiting for the day when fathers would feel proud of their sons and say `my son is like a daughter to me`(sic).”

The writer, who is known for making controversial statements ended with a feminist quote made by Gloria Steinem, “We`ve begun to raise daughters more like sons…but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.”

The thinking is very correct but targeting a particular person is not justified. Let’s see how Priyanka take this humiliation.

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Dev, Frieda in a live-in relationship

‘Slumdog Millionaire’ stars Freida Pinto and Dev Patel has moved into a USD 1.5 million rental home in Los Angeles. To spend more time together and to know each other better, the couple decided to go for a live-in relationship. Dev and Freida has been going strong for a long time, their love story kick started on the set of ‘Slumdog..’, ever since the duo were together.

Pinto were recently spotted in a loose-fitting pink vest top with black jeans and a pair of black sandals with boyfriend Dev carrying a large box into their new home.

Pinto had recently said she won`t give up her relationship before her career but will always keep a balance between the two.

"We recently realised we need a rule like that, because every time we think we`re going to be together, something work-related comes up. But we can`t put our careers on hold for this. We`re not at the stage where we have the privilege to turn things down. So we`ll say, `You have two days off? Let`s find a way to meet up`. I think you can always make it work if you want to."

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No good roles, Shilpa takes a break from acting

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty took a break from films for two years as she is bored of doing the same thing and the roles that is coming her way is repetitive and she does not want to do the same thing again and again.

“No earth-shattering roles were being offered to me. There was nothing. Whatever little work was coming my way, I had already done those things. I didn’t want to repeat myself. I want to do parts that will justify me as an actor,” says Shilpa.

Married to businessman Raj Kundra, Shilpa believes that it is necessary to take those breaks as she has many more responsibilities towards her family. “So, I have taken this deliberate break for two years before I start acting again. I had reason to do that because I got married and responsibilities and priorities all changed for me overnight. I’m still a full-time businesswoman and it’s very difficult to do everything together”, she added.

She said that she is not missing her original profession, “I don’t miss it. I’m very content in my life and I’m very busy with my business and my husband, so I don’t really feel like I’m losing out on it”.

She is a complete businesswoman. She owns a flourishing spa business, an Indian Premiere League team (Rajasthan Royals) and her own yoga DVDs, and recently she has launched a discounted real estate website, Group Home Buyers, for the middle class segment. The long legged actress is soon going to start her own production house.

The actor will be next seen on celluloid in ‘The Desire’.

 

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Review: Ra.One: Holly-Bolly Masala

Shah Rukh Khan’s Diwali release this year was touted as a movie that would bring Bollywood one step closer to bridging the gap with Hollywood. Yes Ra One does shine brilliantly in the technical area but a patch line story marred the overall attempt.

The Background

So there is this kid Prateik (Armaan Verma) who loves “Kick Ass villains” and his dad- the ultimate exemplar of a goofy south Indian geek (which is also a myth by the way, kids people like that don't exist!) Shekhar Subramaniam played by Shah Rukh Khan.

Shah Rukh wants to be acknowledged as “dude” by his son but Prateik firmly believes his dad to be a lame guy (I don't blame him for most parts).


So Shekhar in order to please his son creates a game with an unbeatable villain Ra One who incidentally comes to life and now only the game’s hero G One can save the day.

The story – 2/5

So father and son relationship, huh? Some movie goers might say not again but sorry guys this is the season of Daddy’s day out or rather in.


Dads are in this filmy season but what lacks in this Diwali offering is credibility of the characters that portray the relation. It’s fine for a dad to want to become his son’s hero but that looks good only if the bonding is the issue of the film and if the dad is a plausible character.

Ra One however doesn’t follow the rules and throws only a dash of that Dad-son combo in the entire mix and match bag of stories, and a few minutes into the movie the Dad is dead, the son and the wife are running for their lives while we are racing to figure out what is the next story.

Ra One takes sloppy romance, kick ass action and even a bit of sex comedy in one big bucket and jumbles them all to create something that once was known as a script (after Bollywood started making the recent masala movies I don't know if script exists any more).

Ra One and G one don't have the usual comic base of stories and hence while introducing two new super-people the writers should have made their roles stronger and definitive but what we get are rather vapid fuzzy outlines.

Why does anybody want to do anything in the film? I couldn’t figure that out clearly after 2 hours and 35 minutes, so tell me if anyone can.

And there is this one silly question too- Why the hell is a guy brought in a coffin and then cremated and why does all this happen in a minuscule short amount of time?

The direction and technique – 3.5/5

I didn’t give it for direction (sorry Anubhav Sinha) but I gave it for the technological brilliance that Ra One has shown.

Yes it wanted to take Bollywood closer to Hollywood and it did so; even to the extent that they not only produced superior sequences but also in terms of a rather bland storytelling (Hello Green Lantern disaster anyone?), Ra One gets the job done.

Barring the silly train jutting out and station crumbling to pieces sequence, Ra One has the right amount of goodies in terms of special effects to dazzle even the greatest cynics of Bolly techies.

The fights and the lights remind you of a number of Hollywood science fiction flicks but they are still well executed and a treat for the eyes.

So what if Superman can stop a bullet with his eyeball, G One can do it with his nose hole!

As for the direction, the sequences are sometimes dragged too long and while other useless ones are introduced without a hint of mercy for the rational brains of the audiences.

The acting – 2.5/5

Does G One remind you of someone? Well if you have watched My Name Is Khan, then I am afraid you are right. There is very little difference between machine Shah Rukh and autistic Shah Rukh and both perform their missions without hint of emotions, well at least G One is honest and agrees (some consolation).

Kareena has the usual spirited demeanour as the wife of Shekhar but that is all there is for her. She looks pretty and mouths “gaalis” for the future of Indian women but as such has no more to offer.

Arjun Rampal looks menacing as Ra One but sadly he doesn’t appear for a greater half of the film as this villain can change appearances Terminator 2 style.

Still I guess not talking much and only doing muscle show wasn’t much of a challenge for him.

The music – 3.5/5

The music is the one thing that stands out for Ra One in very inimitable ways. For one Akon sings Hindi and does a fair job, although he doesn’t really fit as Shah Rukh’s voice.

Still the music rocks and as we all know “Chammak Challo” and the others are already hits.

The background music draws heavily from 80s maestro RD Burman but manages to create a unique fit in the screen play without stemming the overall flow of the scenes.

So should you pay for this game?

Ya you should if you are dying to see mind-blowing special effects and if you are a diehard fan of the science fiction genre.

But if you are looking for a “Dark Knight” style credible plot to go with all the gizmo gimmicks, then dishing out the notes wouldn’t be a nice experience for you. 

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Get rocking with RK, Nargis Fakhri and director Imtaiz Ali on November 3

You can get up close and personal with 'Rockstar' Ranbir Kapoor in Dubai next week! The Bollywood hottie is headed to Chi@The Lodge on November 3 with his heroine Nargis Fakhri, director Imtiaz Ali and singer Mohit Chauhan.

There's already a big buzz in T'town about the movie which traces the intense journey of an aspiring singer Janardhan, played by Ranbir, into the rockstar Jordan. A R Rahman's music for the film, particularly 'Saadda Haq', has become very popular; the leads have also been travelling across India to promote the movie, visiting various colleges to connect with young audiences. 

'Rockstar' is a 'different-by-Bollywood-standards' subject alright, and Ranbir has talked about how he feels that the movie's title might go against it. "The title 'Rockstar' can sometimes go against us because when people hear Rockstar, they feel the film will have this guy who will wear a leather jacket, will break the guitar, will create a mess on the stage. Actually the film is about a character, a Jat boy, and whatever happens in his life, he tells the world about it through his songs," he'd said in an earlier interview. 

He also revealed that he went out of his way to learn to play the guitar for the movie. "I had no idea how to play the guitar and neither can I sing. But since the character was that of a musician, I felt it was important to learn how to play the guitar because when I would perform on the stage before a large audiences, they would feel truth behind it," he'd said.

Well, we're going to be there to watch Ranbir's performance at Chi, and so can you! Masala.com is giving away special invites to the 'Rockstar' promotion in Dubai, so you can have your chance to meet Ranbir and the team.

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I am excited and charged up about TV show: Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan, the latest Bollywood star set to make his television debut, confesses he does not know much about the TV industry but that could also work to his advantage as he likes to do things his way.

The actor-filmmaker promises that his show, like his films, will be "different" and connect with the masses.

Aamir is to host and produce a show that will bring real stories of people on the small screen.

"I am sure I will face difficulties when it comes to television...It is a field I know very little about. Fortunately, the people I am interacting with are very bright minded. So I am getting to learn every day. I am trying to absorb as much as I can," Aamir told IANS in an interview. The actor's production company Aamir Khan  Productions will co-produce the show with Star India.

"There are some advantages for me and some disadvantages. Disadvantage is that I don't know much about TV industry, I lack in terms of knowledge. And the advantage is that because I don't know much, I tend to do things my way, which sometimes surprise these people and they say 'aisa to hota nai hai yahaan', then I cross question them, 'ki kyu nahi hota?'."

The production of the yet-untitled show will start early next year and Aamir says he made an early announcement to put speculation at rest and it should not be seen as his new marketing strategy.

"A lot of rumours were coming up for some time now; so we thought we should put these speculation to rest. We made the announcement without a fixed date so we could at least give a brief insight to people as to what the show is going to be like. But calling it also a marketing strategy would be wrong," he said.

If movies are about box office collections, television shows are about TRPs, but Aamir refuses to be dictated by any such thing.

"I would want more and more people to watch my show just like my films, but that doesn't mean I will add something extra to increase the TRP. I would rather focus on the subject and grab eyeballs. I can't think of adding 'masala' or anything in the format for TRPs. I am sure our TRPs will be good," he said.

He added: "I don't understand these terminologies. I don't know what USP means. I am not a very good marketing person. I just know my prime responsibility is to make way into people's heart."

Aamir is not the first big Bollywood star to bow on small screen. From Amitabh Bachchan  and Shah Rukh Khan  to Preity Zinta  and Madhuri Dixit , all have made their presence felt on TV in the last one decade.

Known as Mr. perfectionist in Bollywood Aamir says, "I do not think my entry on television is late. I feel everything has a right time. My venture into television is not calculative. There is nervousness, but I am excited and charged up about the show.

"I was sure that if I would do something on television then it has to be different...it has to be something that will connect with the audience."

What next after television?

"I would want to write a book some day. I would want to pen down my personal journey, my experiences. I would want to write an autobiography some day in future," said the actor, who is a voracious reader.

The 46-year-old brought the change in promotional activities of movies with his Oscar nominated home production "Lagaan: Once Upon A Time " in 2000 and rest is history.

"I am not a marketing guru, I think it is nothing but common sense. I make things that I am excited about; so naturally I would want more and more people to see it," Aamir told IANS.

"I want to reach out to the maximum number of people to let them know, to make them aware (about my films), but ultimately it is their personal choice whether they want to see my film or my TV show now. But I always try to reach and connect with the masses," he added.

In his over two-decades-long career Aamir has seen both highs and lows. After facing flak for "Mann" and "Mela", Aamir reinvented himself as a thinking actor-filmmaker and has given the industry cinematic pieces like "Tare Zameen Par", "Peepli Live", "Dhobi Ghat" and "Delhi Belly", which are high on creativity.

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Shiba – the showbiz darling in Bangladesh

People call her Shiba. She is one of the promising models in today's Bangladesh. She stepped into the showbiz through a drama which was directed by Murad Pervez wherefrom her journey to the showbiz world began few years back. Shiba has so far has worked as model of Nakshatra Jewellery, Gems Gallery, Diamond World, Anjali Jewellery, Key Kraft, Kazi Craft, Abortona, Summer Collection etc. Now a few directors are discussing with her for casting in their movies. If things go smoothly, Shiba will soon step into Bangladeshi film industry. She recently accorded an interview to Weekly Blitz. Here is the excerpt:

Q: After being a successful model of a number of products and services in Bangladesh, are you seeing hope of working in films?

A: Yes of course! Celluloid is the final destination of every actor. I already have worked in a short film named 'Eve Teasing', which got appreciation from the viewers. Now, some directors and cine production companies are discussing with me for casting in their films. Hopefully, very soon, I will enrol my name as a film actor in this country.

Q: Being a model, did you get any recognition for your work?

A: Yes, I got the award from Bangladesh Cultural Reporters Association [BABISAS] as best ramp model in 2010. I also received awards such as Glamour Award, Fashion Model Award etc.

Q: If you are given opportunity to choose one from modeling and acting, what you will do?

A: Modeling is my platform. That is part of my life and I surely love it. But, I am also interested to be an actor. I think, both are equally important and may not conflict with each other.

Q: Recently you have started working as a choreographer. Tell us something about that.

A: One thing is I want to give the best of best in my work. Be it as a model or an actor or choreographer. I am very focused and attentive to my work. This is the first thing I maintain, while working in any of the fields in the entertainment industry.

Q: Who is the best source of inspiration to your work in the showbiz world?

A: My parent, especially my mom [Shefali Begum], who gives me inspirations and guidance in each of my steps in the entertainment industry. I feel so fortunate to have such supportive parents.

Q: Will you tell us about your educational life?

A: I am studying electrical engineering at Ahahsanullah University of Science and Technology. At the same time, I am also doing my CAT course from CUC [Chartered University College]. In a year, I will complete my electrical engineering and hope to have my masters and then plan to go abroad for PhD.

Q: Does modeling and acting hamper your education?

A: Not at all! I give first priority to my studies, and all others are next.

Q: Some of the Indian actors like Vidya Balan [Bidya Balan] or Paoli Dam have worked in movies like Bad Story or Chhatrak [Fungus], where both had to be nude for the sake of the role. If you ever get chance in working in movies outside Bangladesh, will you agree to become nude for the sake of role?

A: If I work in a film, I will always dedicate myself in giving the best of my performance. So, if the script of the movie will require anything, I will definitely be ready to fulfil that requirement. Both the actors you mentioned are extremely talented and they already have proved their brilliance in a number of movies. So, I see nothing wrong, when they have to give the shots as required by the script and the story.

Q: Tell us something about the Shiba in her personal life.

A: In personal life, I am very simple, straight-forward and not hot-tempered at all. My friends love me because they consider me to be always very cool and polite. I hate to be angry.

Q: What is the definition of sexuality in your own vocabulary?

A: Sexuality is a great part of human life. It is a way to be attracted by the opposite sex, which makes a person happy and sometimes it is one of the best ways of exposing and even fulfilling our sexual needs that is normal for every human being. I do not cover myself with sexual taboos.

Q: Who are your favorite actors and actresses in Bollywood and Hollywood as well as Dhallywood?

A: In Bollywood my favorite actors are Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini. In Hollywood I like Jacky Chan and Sofia Vergara. In Dhallywood I like Subarna Mustafa and ATM Samsuzzaman.

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Shahrukh Khan promises to quit smoking post ‘RA.One’

Smoking may have been banned in showbiz but most actors pursue the habit without a thought. Be it Ajay Devgn, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan or Shahrukh Khan they have all promised to quit the habit sometime or the other, but only Shahrukh Khan has stepped forward to make the promise with a date. While that came as a shock to many, SRK explains his decision. The actor says that he will quit smoking after the release of his ambitious project, RA.One. Incidentally, the film has a scene where the actor talks about the ill-effects of smoking. It is a conversation between dad and son. In real life too his children are against their father smoking and have often pleaded SRK against it. Taking it seriously the actor promises at a promotional event that he will quit smoking. Although we don’t believe him entirely, but for his sake we hope he quits!

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Dia Mirza: Back for some love

n the last 10 years, Dia Mirza has had more misses than hits. The actress says she's not 'over-ambitious' but hoping for success with Love Breakups Zindagi

She's beautiful, energetic and can even cough up a few emotions at the cameras trained on her. So why has former beauty queen Dia Mirza failed to gain a respectable place in Bollywood after more than a decade in showbiz?

The mystery deepens when you know that some leading ladies with questionable talent (think a certain Brit-Indian actress) have done way better. But the 30-year-old actress is not willing to dwell on the negatives and is now taking matters into her own hands — the Rehnaa Hai Tere Dil Mein actress turned producer with romantic comedy Love Breakups Zindagi (LBZ), currently showing in the UAE.

"This film is going to be a wonderful conclusion to all the hard work I have put in over the years," said Mirza over the phone from Mumbai. Her body of work reveals she has done more cameos than played the character-driven leading lady.

"Success in Bollywood is all about being a part of a hit film. It's as simple as that. Yes, there were times when I asked myself why haven't I got my due? Earlier, I used to think that due comes in the form of roles. But then I thought due is when you get respect."

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Cultures meet in winning Bollywood dance group

The Bollywood dance group at Glenfield College is making all the right moves.

Its 15 members represent more than nine different nationalities.

They were overall winners at the Desi International Showbiz – Bollywood high school competition and also won best costume, best music, best male dancer and most popular on Facebook.

They have won the competition three years in a row and have now been named overall winners for the first time.

Dance teacher Brigitte Knight used to run a school in Christchurch and students were often used in Bollywood scenes.

Bollywood dance combines traditional Indian and modern styles.

The college has 820 students with more than 30 different ethnicities.

Dante Williams, 17, who is Maori and Tongan, joined the Bollywood group three years ago because it seemed like a fun type of dance.

"I love dance anyway and it is something different. There is a lot of symbolism involved," Dante says.

The dance group has also won North Shore performing arts competition Paradox.

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Dharmendra wanted to keep Esha away from showbiz

Veteran actor Dharmendra admits he was never in favour of his daughter Esha Deol becoming an actress, but says that now he is proud of her.

"I was not in favour of Esha joining the films as I was concerned whether she would be able to keep up with the pressures of the industry, but I am glad she could handle all that," Dharmendra told IANS.

The father and daughter teamed up for just released "Tell Me O Khuda", which has been directed by Hema Malini.

I was offered 'Two States', but nothing official yet: Ranbir

Ranbir Kapoor  says he has been offered the movie based on Chetan Bhagat's bestseller "Two States", but the papers have not been signed yet.

"I have been offered 'Two States' but officially no papers have been signed. We will work it out, but things need to be put down on paper," said Ranbir, who is gearing up for the release of his much talked about movie "Rockstar".

"Chetan is a very talented author that India has and it would be a new challenge for me to delve into a character that has already been popular among the masses in the form of book," he added.

Television is tough: Hema Malini

Veteran actress Hema Malini , who launched her TV show "Maati Ki Banno" last year, says television today has become tough and time consuming.

"After 'Dil Ashna Hai' I did TV serial 'Woman of India'. I made around 30-35 episodes and also acted in it. But now it is too much time consuming and very very tough to make a TV serial," Hema told IANS.

"You work on it so hard just like any other film and you see it only once. That's why I feel very sad for all the actors because they are performing day in and day out so beautifully," she added.

"Maati Ki Banno" went off air as it failed to attract audiences.

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