Priyanka Chopra denies to be a part of film '2 States: The Story of My Marriage'!

Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra has denied signing a movie based on Chetan Bhagat's book '2 States: The Story of My Marriage', which is said to feature megastar Shah Rukh Khan.

'I am not in discussion with anyone regarding '2 States'. There is a great team involved, including Shah Rukh Khan, Sajid Nadiadwala and Vishal Bharadwaj and I definitely look forward to working with them at some point in the future,' Priyanka told.

'However at this time, I am just committed to completing my existing projects on hand, which include Kunal Kohli's next 'Barfee', and 'Krrish 2',' added the 28-year-old.

'2 States: The Story of My Marriage' is the third Chetan Bhagat novel to inspire a film, after 'Hello', based on his book 'One Night @ The Call Centre' and the super hit '3 Idiots', inspired by his bestseller 'Five Point Someone'.

If Priyanka had taken up '2 States', it would have been her third movie based on a novel. The first was Ashutosh Gowariker's 'What's Your Rashee?', based on Madhu Rye's 'Kimball Ravenswood', followed by '7 Khoon Maaf', inspired by Ruskin Bond's short story 'Susanna's Seven Husbands'.

Raj Kapoor’s ‘Awara’ is the reason behind bollywood entry of Subhash Ghai!

Subhash Ghai credits Raj Kapoor's movie 'Awara' for his entry into Bollywood.

'In my childhood, I saw 'Awara' and I bunked from school. After that when I came home, my mom said: you were not at school? I told a lie and told: yeah, I was in school. After seeing that film I didn't go to school for three days... I wanted to be nothing but a filmmaker,'' Ghai said at a tribute to the legendary Raj Kapoor here organized by the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

TIFF, which will hold a retrospective series called Raj Kapoor and the Golden Age of Indian Cinema from July 1 to August 7, honoured the Kapoor family at its headquarters here Sunday.

Ghai told he bunked classes to watch every Raj Kapoor film.

'Whenever a Raj Kapoor film came, I saw it... I wanted to be nothing but a filmmaker. So my hearty thanks to Raj Kapoor - a genius and great inspiration for many filmmakers like me,'' Ghai told.

Ramesh Sippy, director of Sholay, said Raj Kapoor had a tremendous influence on him.

Asked to describe him in one word, Sippy told, 'Love. Love thy name is Raj Kapoor.''

Sippy told, 'When Raj Kapoor saw Sholay, he told, I love your film, but you should have put a little more romance in it. I loved him for that.''

The Sholay director told Raj Kapoor's Shree 420 is his most favorite film.

'The film had everything. Its song 'Pyar hua, ikrar hua..' was absolutely brilliant... it (song) was done in the rain under an umbrella. My God, I have never felt love so strongly (after seeing that song scene),'' Sippy told.

Zeenat Aman, the leading lady of Raj Kapoor's many movies, recalled how she landed the role of Rupa in his movie 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram' opposite Shashi Kapoor.

'Raj Kapoor used to talk a great deal about Rupa on various days of shootings and I was totally mesmerized by what he told. It was my great desire and fervour to work (on that film) with the most brilliant showman of our industry,'' she told.

Since Rupa had a burnt face, Zeenat told she created a similar face by make-up and reached the RK Studios. 'When I knocked on the door, Raj Kapoor said: 'yes?' I told, Rupa. I am very happy to say that he was very impressed by my desire and passion for the project.''

She told she got not only the role of Rupa in 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram', but also a gold coin from the legend. 'I have that coin still with me. It was a memorable moment of my life,'' Zeenat remembered.

Body Shop is ready to fight for human trafficking in India

The Body Shop India and international NGO ECPAT will be presenting over 300,000 petitions against human trafficking to the central government this July.

'We have never shied away from tackling controversial issues and causes that others would avoid. Indeed it was one of the dying wishes of our late founder, Dame Anita Roddick, that the 'modern-day slave trade' be brought to an end,' COO - The Body Shop India, said.

'We are thankful to all the people who signed the petition for their incredible support for this campaign. We are very proud to be handing this petition over to the government on their behalf in July.'

Ravi Kant of NGO Shakti Vahini told, 'Every year, an estimated 1.2 million children and young people are trafficked, becoming victims of sexual exploitation and abuse. Human trafficking is the third largest international crime after illegal drugs and arms trafficking.'

'It exists in every continent, region and country in the world. The reason we have called for this action is because it means that child victims of trafficking will now have safe shelters and protection which will help their rehabilitation,' he told.

The Body Shop petition requests for legislative support for three calls to action.

First is integration of a necessary module on trafficking in children within school curriculum and teachers training programmes. Second is the strengthening of the special 24x7 nationwide toll-free helpline.

I am a 'fun-loving' person: Kangana Ranaut

She may be known for her passion and emotive portrayals of conflicted characters in movies like 'Gangster' and 'Fashion', but Kangana Ranaut tells that she is basically a 'fun-loving' person and the comedy genre comes quite naturally to her.

Kangana, most recently seen in the comedy 'Double Dhamaal' that released last Friday, seems to be consciously veering towards lighter movies. The National Award-winning actress, who started her Bollywood voyage with a spate of serious movies, has been seen in breezy roles in 'Tanu Weds Manu', 'No Problem' and now 'Double Dhamaal'.

'I'm a very fun-loving person in real life and comedy comes naturally to me. In fact, I always found intense characters demanding. But as an outsider in the industry you don't have a choice in the roles you are offered. You take what you get,' Kangana told.

'I don't regret the earlier movies I did though - they were fantastic and brought me to this point. But I am enjoying comedy,' the 24-year-old included.

'Also now I think producers have faith in me, that I can do these roles well and audiences also like me in such roles...'Tanu Weds Manu' was such a hit; so I'm getting a lot of comedies,' she included.

After 'Double Dhamaal', Kangana will be seen in another comedy film 'Rascals', which stars Sanjay Dutt and Ajay Devgn and is being helmed by David Dhawan.

Asked whether she was more comfortable with solo roles or being part of an ensemble cast, she told, 'I like doing movies with strong scripts that I think viewers will like, a set up that will deliver the script's promise. It doesn't matter if it's a solo lead or a two-heroine film.'

'Although it depends on the director and how he positions and portrays you in a film, getting noticed in a big cast is possible. People really noticed my performance in 'Fashion' even though I was not the lead,' she further included.

On the personal front, Kangana, who started her career in 2006 with 'Gangster', is pretty happy with what she has achieved in five years, mainly considering that she is a stranger in the industry.

'It's very fulfilling of course to see people appreciate your work, but I still have a very long way to go. It was very tough. I still face many challenges, but I am happy with the place I am in today.'

What trouble her are the persistent rumors of link-ups. After her break-up with Adhyayan Suman, Kangana was linked with several actors like Dino Morea and Ajay Devgn and even Hollywood actor Gerard Butler.

'It's not a good feeling when you see rubbish being written. But I'm learning to take it in my stride. I guess it's an unfortunate side effect of the job,' told Kangana.

And when do you plan to settle down?

'I'm just 24...there's plenty of time for that,' a smiling Kangana told.

Age is a state of mind: Big B

Age and ailments withstanding, Amitabh Bachchan continues to spin magic by dancing, singing, performing stunts and even riding the oh-so-stylish mean machine - the Harley Davidson! No wonder he doesn't hesitate before telling, 'bbuddah...hoga tera baap'! And he tells age is 'just a state of mind'.

At 68, the superstar reveals he did give a second thought to indulging in daredevilry for his upcoming home production 'Bbuddah...Hoga Tera Baap' but only due to physical compulsions - not because of a lack of will and zeal.

'I was very apprehensive about doing a lot of action. I have had a severe medical history, so I was a little hesitant...not because I am unable to do action, but because there are certain precautions that I have to take,' Amitabh said over the phone from Mumbai.

'Every time I have to do an action sequence, the family members have their antennas up and I wonder whether I should be doing it or not because they all seem like reminders of the last time I did an action sequence and got hurt,' he told, remembering the near fatal intestinal injury in 1982 while shooting an action scene for 'Coolie'.

Nonetheless, Big B agreed to give action a fresh shot - thanks to his daily fitness regimen and enhanced technology.

'Technology has improved immensely from the olden day action we used to do. There are many more safeguards now. So they protect the artists well. Also the way they shoot the sequence has undergone a sea change...and all of it looks very dramatic, colourful and dangerous,' he told.

Talking about his daredevilry, a high point for the sexagenarian is riding a Harley Davidson for the film, which releases July 1.

'I was petrified that I will never be able to ride it. I can't remember when I rode a bike last...may be 20-30 years back for a movie. And then, to ride a Harley Davidson, which is a huge, powerful machine...just to hold the damn thing up requires a lot of physical effort. But once it starts up, and starts moving...you're in a different world altogether!' he told, sounding proud that he did it.

But the adventure did not finish for Amitabh with that - he had to deal with two more 'nightmares' to suit a role which required him to play a role truly him - an old man who feels adolescent!

'The dancing is so, so, so difficult! It is still a nightmare for me! If I have to do a song sequence, I get nightmares because it is tough! It's not the physical part of it, but just the part of being able to dance. That's always been a part of great concern,' Amitabh told.

'And then (music directors) Vishal-Shekhar asked me to sing songs...that was another nightmare! They are good friends...we sit around in their studio, joke, laugh and we gossip...and then suddenly someone picked up an instrument and got a tune.'

'So every song that I have done in this movie is done very casually,' told the actor, who has sung three distinct songs - a melodious and soft 'Haal-e-dil', a cappella style title track and a medley of his old hits.

But as much as he yearns to contribute more and more in Bollywood, Amitabh is tired of being asked what keeps him going.

'I don't have an answer for this! I wonder if people are telling me: 'You shouldn't be doing all this, sit at home you old man...get on to your rocking chair...get hold of a book, watch television, play with your grandchildren...stop doing all these ridiculous things!'

'I just feel if your mind is okay with it, you just go ahead and do it. My mind was okay to ride a bike...I still drive all my cars, and I'm okay saying those lines or doing that action...it's just a state of mind.

'I think once you make up your mind that this is what you want to do, somewhere, somehow, some kind of an adrenaline gets into you and you're up to it,' the legendary actor said.

Guess that's how Amitabh Bachchan has sustained for over four decades - and more power to that!

Priyanka Chopra only one celebrity is not invited by Khans!

The Khan war has just got bigger with SRK’s close friend Priyanka Chopra in the line of fire!

It seems that, Salman Khan’s brother Sohail Khan threw a gala bash next to Shah Rukh Khan in the same hotel in Toronto, inviting the who’s who of Bollywood except Priyanka Chopra.

Both Shahrukh and Sohail’s party were being held at two different suites and the paparazzi kept flying from one party to another. However, the only guest that remained present at SRK’s party was Priyanka Chopra.

Entertainingly, SRK’s wife Gauri and close friends Maheep Kapoor and Bhavna Pandey were on the Sohail guest list.

A close source told, “Lekin Priyanka was still not invited. Everybody noticed that she had been left out from Sohail`s party. We doubt that she would have been invited if Salman had attended the party.”

“Dono side ko khush rakhna tha. But more people turned out for Sohail`s party,” included the source.

Salman and Priyanka had fallout a immediately after ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi’ (2004) when the actress refused to work in Sohail Khan`s ‘Main Aur Mrs Khanna.’

Abhishek goes for seeing ‘X-Men’ with pregnant wife Aishwarya!

Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan were spotted at a suburban multiplex to watch a movie.

The most sough bollywood couple was spotted catching an evening show of the new Hollywood film ‘X-Men’ at PVR in Mumbai. The eager mom wore a loose fitting top over blue jeans. Abhishek was also dressed in casuals.

The child is expected in November.

Aishwarya Rai charms the Cover of Ishq Magazine

Kareena Kapoor getting Bigger

Standing shoulder to shoulder in a male-dominated industry, Kareena Kapoor who made her debut in J.P Dutta’s Refugee is today Bollywood’s Numero Uno actress.

Says Karan Johar  “Kareena was born to act. She is a natural; she has no craft, grammar or process attached to her acting. She is gifted with a great sense of cinema that I have seen only in Kajol other than her. Move her from the sets of Golmaal to a Jab We Met to a Chameli on the same day, and Bebo will fit into them all.”

Striking a fine balance between her performance-oriented films and her commercial ones ,Kareena remains the only female actor in her generation who is working with all the Khans from Aamir, Shahrukh, Salman, Saif to the youngest entrant Imran Khan.

Says Salman Khan “Bebo is an angel with a beautiful face. She is the original desi girl”

Adds director Raju Hirani  “Kareena is a sheer joy to work with. On a couple of emotional scenes, she has really surprised me.She insisted on no rehearsals as it would affect her spontaneity. And we canned those in one take! She had worked it all out in her head”

Very impressed with her level of commitment towards the film Ra.One, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan recently praised Kareena on a popular micro blogging site-

SRK tweeted “Finished the last few bits of Ra.One with Kareena. Want to thank her for working so hard and fast …she was such a sport”

Zoa Morani’s Fitness Mantra

Zoa Morani

Zoa Morani who made her Bollywood debut with Red Chillies Entertainment’s Always Kabhi Kabhi is one of the fittest actresses today in B-Town, credit of which she gives to her love for power yoga-

After signing on the film that saw her play a tom-boy ,Zoa was motivated to have a toned body and took keen interest in her fitness regime –

Says Zoa “My mom was actually the one who pushed me into being fit and eating healthy. She is very particular about her fitness and just before I started work, she really pushed me to look my best. I decided to do power yoga to lose the baby fat. I started training with Payal Gidwani, a power yoga instructor. After that I started training with her husband Manish, and now I can easily say that I can’t do without my daily dose of yoga”

Not a gym enthusiast Zoa Morani found a novel fun way of keeping fit –

 “I hate going to the gym and sometimes when I don’t feel like doing cardio, I run on the beach. That is a good substitute and works well for me,” she adds.

Shahid Kapoor is ready to directing Kunal Kohli’s next?

If buzz are to be believed, Shahid Kapoor’s dream of becoming a director, is all set to come true. Buzz has it that he would be assisting Kunal Kohli’s next movie.

According to sources, the actor gives a lot of inputs in the movie, tentatively titled Janam Janam Ka Saath Hai Hamara Tumhara. The movie is a period love story set across three generations and stars Shahid Kapoor opposite ex flame Priyanka Chopra.

A highly placed source on the set disclosed, “Shahid has more or less taken the reins from director Kunal Kohli’s hands. He sometimes also calls the shots on important matters like where to shoot and how to shoot a particular scene.”

The source informs that the actor has also contributed a lot to the script.

A source added, “Kunal wanted to shoot the first schedule in London but Shahid requested him to shoot in Mumbai first. So the director gave in. SK wanted to shoot the first schedule in the city, so that he is available to finish some patchwork for Mausam his dad’s movie.”

Mahesh Bhatt tells, Aamir’s abusive language propaganda is a publicity stunt!

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan's frequent warning that his newest production 'Delhi Belly' is not meant for children as it has abusive language is not a social concern but a tried and tested promotion gimmick, ace filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt tells.

'I think it's Aamir's marketing gimmick. It's a forbidden fruit syndrome and not social concern that making him saying this,' Bhatt said.

Directed by Ad-man Abhinay Deo, 'Delhi Belly' is a youth-centric bold movie, which stars Imran Khan, Vir Das and Kunal Roy Kapoor.

Bhatt maintains that it's an old technique to tempt people for the film, which he used decades ago while promoting his film 'Sadak' in 1991.

'We tried this in 'Sadak'. I remember I advertised it, as 'A film that censor did not want to see- 'Sadak'. You create this forbidden fruit syndrome and you tempt people more,' told the 61-year-old, who worked with Aamir in 'Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin' (1991) and 'Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke' (1993).

'It's a very clever trick and when a person like Aamir uses it, he eats the cake and has it too,' he included.