Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor love taking swipes at each other, be it on Karan Johar’s Koffee With Karan or in some random interview. Although the two diplomatic babes have claimed that they have buried their hatchet – and not in each other’s backs – who knows it better than us that those axes will be excavated again from the huge playground we call Bollywood and used to good effect. The horseplay and the hoopla is never going to end – as long as there are pretty and, let’s not forget, mewling women in B-town.

Priyanka Chopra has already done an ad with the Nawab. Yes, with the same guy whom she implied has a heavy firangi accent. Well, ya, that’s what she said on KJo’s chat show when Kareena mockingly pointed at her American twang. “I get my accent from the same place Kareena’s boyfriend gets it from,” the Chopra chick dropped her verbal bomb. How the rivalry began….well, thereby hangs a tale! And we will save it for another slow-gossip day.

So now that the Go Goa Gone makers Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK are planning to make a film with PC and Saif, we wonder if Bebo will let her hubby transform his relationship with PC from mere nodding acquaintances to work colleagues to….uhmmm…well, our imagination is running wild already. You may get the next updates on this one on some tacky news channel. Just come back to us for the real deal!

Saif Ali Khan doesn’t like his wife all skinny and scrawny. But is Mrs Kareena Kapoor Khan really bothered about what her husband wants?

New bride Kareena Kapoor is back to working out and she’s making sure this time she adopts a hardcore fitness regime, just like the kinda rigorous one she followed for Tashan. But is Saif Ali Khan happy with Bebo wanting to look all lean and ultra thin? Not really, he likes his sweetheart to be slightly plump and curvaceous. In fact, during Bebo’s Tashan days, Saifu used to call Kareena a ’12-year-old boy’ ‘coz she was way too thin. So there must be some reason why after a super romantic honeymoon with Khan, Bebo has decided to do things her way rather than getting into the ‘pleasing hubby’ mode.

It seems Bebo, who’s all set to do Prakash Jha’s Satyagraha next, wants to be at her leanest best in the film. She wasn’t satisfied with her look in Heroine despite receiving compliments, which is why she will be working ultra hard on her bod. Let’s see what the Nawab’s reaction will be this time around; we hope he doesn’t label KK as a ‘five-year-old’ this time. Sigh!

While Kareena Kapoor now Khan didn’t have a trace of make-up on her face and was seen in her most simple avatar, Saif looked like an absolute Nawab in his semi-ethnic ensemble. The couple flew to New Delhi for a grand Mughal-themed reception that will be attended by the who’s who of the political world. We hear the entire venue is decorated in a colour scheme of gold and off-white. The security has been tightened and the Nawab’s family is leaving no stone unturned when it comes to giving guests the royal treatment. Approximately 500-600 people have been invited for this glamorous do and Bebo is all set to grab eyeballs by wearing a pink-blue sari or an embellished gharara, we are not sure yet. We guess she’s not sure yet either! Thank God Saif has already made up his mind about donning a Raghavendra Rathore outfit – which seems to have been his dress code right through the shaadi festivities.

The couple looks slightly tired, and why not! They have been attending so many ceremonies and after-parties, back to back. Looks like they desperately need a vacation and a much-awaited refreshing honeymoon. As Bebo rightly says, this one, perhaps on some Mediterranean island, will be their 250^th honeymoon together!

Saif’s ex-wife Amrita Singh is angry with speculation revolving around her daughter Sara Khan

Amrita Singh recently came out in the open and asked the media not to spread baseless rumours about her daughter Sara Khan. In fact, Amrita cleared the air by saying that she’s the one who’s doing a film with YRF and not Sara. Shocked by the inaccuracy of the recent reports, Singh is making sure that the media keeps an arm’s-length from her li’l bundle of joy. TheBetaab actor clarified that Sara is all set to study law abroad after she’s done with high school. And even if she plans to join the glamour world, it will be only after four years and not any time soon.

Just when we thought Ms Singh had finally calmed down, the media managed to ruffle her feathers again. It seems she was at the same studio where Kareena Kapoor was shooting. And obviously, Saif Ali Khan’s ex-wife was showered with questions about that as well. So while Amrita could have chosen to maintain a deadly silence, she instead snapped back by declaring that she’s not the kind who will duck in such a situation. Well well, we better not raise Ms Amrita’s hackles again, since seeing her bristling with rage is not exactly our idea of a pleasant sight!

Saif Ali Khan was spotted with girlfriend Kareena Kapoor at the airport recently. And guess what! We noticed that the Nawab now has blonde hair and a set of undecipherable tattoos imprinted on his arms. We have been hearing for a long time that Khan would dye his hair blonde for his next movie, Go Goa Gone. And we’ve been so curious to discover his look that we even did a story on him for which we photoshopped his picture to see if the blonde hair would suit him. And we have to say that the real look is as disappointing as the one we concocted. Saif himself confessed in a recent interview that he finds his platinum brown hair pretty disgusting, and honestly, we couldn’t agree more.

It’s difficult to trust Mr Khan these days, especially after he lied through his teeth about a so-called romantic flick he was supposed to do with Hollywood babe Natalie Portman. And although the Cocktail star has been saying that he’s doing all this ‘coz he’s irritated with the constant speculation about his personal life, we think anybody else in his place would have simply ignored the media instead of concocting false and fancy stories. So if tomorrow Saif Ali Khan comes up and says that he’s chucked the idea of having a grand wedding ceremony on the idyllic Copacabana beach in Rio – which he said was the plan this time around – we won’t be surprised. We like the fact that Bebo, as a welcome change, has been maintaining a dignified silence about this whole issue, and not showing the whole world that she and her beau are such a confused mess.

Saif seems to be having the time of his life playing around with the press and raising the curiosity of B-town reporters. And if this whole wedding thing turns out to be a sham, we suggest the Nawab hurries up and starts salvaging his reputation instead of sabotaging it all the more with made-up stories. And for now, we prefer to believe Sharmila Tagore’s version, that the wedding will be a small and private affair in Pataudi on October 16. What say, Saifu?

Bebo’s bridal ensemble is reportedly going to be what to-be-mom-in-law Sharmila Tagore wore during her own wedding. Well, if that’s the actual plan, we think Kareena’s wedding will be supremely ethnic and elegant

We found a few photos of the gorgeous Sharmila Tagore blushing like never before. The veteran actor wore a Farshi pajama on her wedding day and she looked absolutely gorgeous in it. Although the scalloped hem, the puffy full sleeves and the gold tassels attached to the dupatta are very old-school, we think there couldn’t be a better design that represents heritage and royalty in such a magnificent way. Tagore makes sure she displays the outfit with a begum-like-attitude, all geared up to set foot in the lavish nawabi palace.

The texture of the silk and the heavy zari work blow our minds away. The detailing of the outfit is intricate, elaborate, regal. Rumours suggest that Tagore will hand this dazzling ensemble to bahu Kareena, following the tradition of the Nawabs that has been in practice for ages now. We wonder if Bebo can carry the ensemble the same way as Sharmila did. It shouldn’t be that difficult – all she needs to do is strut around with her nose in the air and bask in all the attention, what do you think?

After having done bit roles in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Kaminey and Abhishek Chaubey’s Ishqiya, he will be seen as ‘Colonel’ in Sriram Raghavan’s Agent Vinod

From a theater background in Delhi and with Ang Lee’s Life of Pi, English Vinglish and Bombay’s Most Wanted on his resume, the talented actor has just got his first big break in a Bollywood commercial film. He speaks about how art can be a product and more…

How did you bag the role of ‘Colonel’ in Agent Vinod?

Actually, I was surprised myself when I was called to audition for this role. I asked Sriram Raghavan (director) how he found me. He said that I was heavily recommended to him by his friends and colleagues for the role. He had also seen me in one of the short films that I had appeared in and I guess I just got lucky. I am based in Delhi and I wasn’t keen on coming to Mumbai if my travel and stay wasn’t paid for, but thanks to the makers of Agent Vinod, everything went well.

Tell us about your role in Agent Vinod…

In Agent Vinod I play an ex-army man who is a hired hand, a mercenary who is good at creating bad situations for the spy. At this moment, as much as I wish to tell you about the film, the secret of ‘242’ (something that Agent Vinod desperately wants), I cannot, or I will be sued. (Laughs)

What was the experience of working with Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor like?

I remember when I was working with Naseeruddin Shah and Vidya Balan in Ishqiya, we clicked. Of course, I and Naseer bhai go back a long way (thanks to my theater background) and have great admiration for each other, but even with Vidya it just took me a second to break the ice. I say this, because I would like people to know that Agent Vinod is not my first experience of working with stars.

I think there is something about Saif’s royal lineage due to which ‘mehmaan-nawaazi’ (hospitality) comes naturally to him. Throughout the shoot both Saif and Kareena were very warm and accommodating and ensured that everyone was taken care of. Being such big stars, they didn’t have to do it for a newcomer like me. Everyone on the sets of Agent Vinod was treated with respect. I don’t know, maybe I just look old, and so earn that respect. (Laughs)

You have worked with independent filmmakers and now Agent Vinod – how different are the two worlds?

I have a problem trying to understand how art can be a product, even though I do understand that you need to add certain elements to pull in a crowd to watch a film on which so many people are depending on.

What kind of movies do you like?

I am more of a world cinema enthusiast, but of course I do watch the regular Bollywood films as well. Some of my favourite Hindi films are Rangeela, Rang De Basanti and more recently, 3 Idiots. The good thing about Bollywood movies is that they don’t take life very seriously – which is not the case with European films, where it is a matter of life and death! Sholay will remain an all-time favourite…

What are the other films in your kitty?

I’ve just shot for Mira Nair’s film The Reluctant Fundamentalist. Twenty years ago, I auditioned for her Buddha. The role went to someone else, though the film never got made and Bertolucci went ahead and made his Little Buddha. It’s a small role, but I had a nice time shooting with Riz Ahmed. Another very fascinating experience for me was shooting Aditya Bhattacharya’s film, Bombay’s Most Wanted. In this I play a cop who ‘invented’ encounter killing. The film is the most realistic take on Mumbai’s underworld, where we have dealt with the encounter killing part on the surface. I must say that I have been very lucky to get the roles that are coming my way!

When he emerged on to the stage quite dramatically, Saif Ali Khan gave us hope that there can be a desi spy who can take on international conspiracies without being a wannabe replica of James Bond. Wearing a tuxedo, sporting a sexy stubble and toting guns, Saif’s entry at the first look of Agent Vinod was unconventional, imaginative and cool. He talked about his mega-ambitious project and revealed what Agent Vinod is all about!

You said in an interview that Agent Vinod is a very special film for you as a producer as well as an actor. What makes this film so special?

I think Agent Vinod is the reason why I got into film production in the first place. We have taken close to two years to make this film and I promise you that we have done something special. I wanted to make Agent Vinod first, before Love Aaj Kal, but then we at Illuminati Films decided to make love Aaj Kal first because it seemed an easier film to make. Agent Vinod is my dream project and I am pleased to tell you that it has turned out really well. So far the films I have been selling as an actor were the ones into which I could barely introduce the changes I think are necessary in terms of presentation or treatment, but With Agent Vinod it is different. It gives me immense happiness to tell you that I took liberty in making what I believed in, this time around. I am confident of the final product and the way in which the film has publicised itself.

Are we going to watch the Indian James Bond on March 23?

I am glad you asked this. This is a very important question and I want to clear it. The director of the film Sriram Raghavan is a very intelligent person in the sense that he knew right from the beginning that it would absolutely stupid to do an Indianised version of James Bond. Bond is an English character. He’s against communism in Russia. He is flamboyant. He is a gadget-freak and a complete womaniser. Agent Vinod has shades of Bond, but he’s not James Bond at all. From the first scene of the film you will realise that this is not a 007 flick. Agent Vinod is an Indian hero. We are not attempting to make a copy of a Bond film. I think we Indians have a huge fascination for Bond-like characters and we at Illuminati tried to contemporarise a similar character that is a mix of Bond and Tintin, but he’s very Indian at the core.

 There was a film by the same name released in 1977. Is yours going to take the same tale forward?

I had heard about this film and its funny title when I was studying in England, and I thought it was a very silly name for a film of this nature. I have seen the old film and I must say that it is a crazy one with a good plot, but our Agent Vinod is a different film altogether.

What was the intention behind retaining the same name? You could have opted for a slick and more stylish name instead…

We asked a few directors what comes to mind when they think of Agent Vinod. Many were against this title, as they thought it was a very quirky name and not as cool as it should be for this film. But then we thought, ‘Vinod’ is a universally popular Indian name. Very often you see this name behind autorickshaws. We also had to keep in mind the pan-India connection. There are people out there who do not have a western outlook and do not speak English. We want to reach as many people as possible with this film, so we retained the title. I agree that Agent Vinod is a very simple title, but if you write it properly, with a correct font, it looks cool. Vinod is rooted in Indian culture and his sensibilities are very desi. Saif Ali Khan can be a bit angrez at times, but Vinod is very Indian at heart.

After watching the promo, we sense that this thriller has unbelievable action sequences. Tell us about the most challenging ones, those that you found very taxing physically – what preparations went into pulling them off …

Oh, there are many such scenes to talk about in this film! I don’t know which would be appropriate to discuss now. All I can say is that there is so much intensity in these action scenes that I had to prepare myself emotionally too. I cut myself. There are still bruises all over my body. It is not easy if you are shooting a car chasing sequence with many cars blowing up on the streets of Eastern European countries. If you ask me for one particular sequence, then I would say the opening shot in which my character is introduced was the most taxing to shoot. For that sequence alone I had to learn rash driving, rough bike riding and some forms of martial arts. It was exhausting. Though that sequence is not shown in the promo, it will take your breath away when you watch it in the film.

Generally in a spy film the male protagonist is larger than life and the women are reduced to prop-up dolls. Can you shed light on Kareena’s character in this movie?

I don’t want to reveal much, but in this film – being different from a Bond flick – there’s enough scope for the actress. Kareena’s character is very strong and substantial. It was not a conscious decision to have Kareena in the film. And as it happens normally, it was the director’s call to have Kareena in the film. Kareena doesn’t like action sequences, but she’s damn good at them. I am sure you will like Kareena in this film too for her spontaneity – her energy and her stunts will simply amaze you!

 This film was supposed to be released in 2011. What took you so long?

It’s a big film with an interesting plot. There were rumours that Agent Vinod was getting delayed, and that we were crossing the estimated budget, but those, at the end of the day, are all rumours. We thought that we could finish this film in a year, but we reconsidered our decision and thought that given the action sequences and stunts it requires, it was going to be a time consuming affair. I have not seen too many films with this kind of treatment. Plus, we had to shoot at many locations all over the world. So it took us a little longer than the time I thought it would take, but it in the end all these speculations don’t matter. What matters is the finished product. We all are excited about this film and, trust me, it has turned out really well. Now we are trying to cash in on the fact that we are releasing this film on March 23, on Gudi Padwa, which is the longest weekend of the month. So the date is perfect! Also by then board exams are getting over, so hopefully we can attract more audiences.

What have you set out to achieve with this film? Is Saif Ali Khan’s superhero as ambitious as Salman Khan’s Robinhood Pandey in Dabangg and as heroic as SRK’s G.One in RA.One?

I don’t want to be compared with other Khans. They are big stars. After working for close to 20 years in the industry I want to make my dreams come true through the kind of films I want to make. I want to bring about small changes in terms of cinematic treatment and technical advancement. We at Illuminati are not comparing ourselves with others. The idea is to entertain people, nothing else! Also, I don’t want to be defined myself with a particular image. I want to dabble in roles which are diverse. I can’t play a regular lover boy at 40. I want to play slightly older, mature characters now. Lover boys are for the younger lot to play. If I try to play a 20-year-old, I will look old. I want to look younger playing the right age. I think Agent Vinod is a start in that direction and it’s a healthy start. We have made a film that will generate interest in a rickshawwallah, a middle-class man and a rich brat as well. So go and watch the film!

Former India captain, Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, who passed away  on Thursday, was buried at the ancestral Pataudi village in Gurgaon district of Haryana on Friday afternoon.Amid presence of his close relatives, son Saif Ali Khan, his companion Kareena Kapoor, daughter Soha Ali Khan and others from various fields, he was first taken to the Pataudi village from his Vasant Vihar house in New Delhi. There he was buried  at around 2:30 pm as the Pataudis opened their gate to the common people. The palace of the Pataudis is in Pataudi village near Manesar. Special Friday prayers were held while at one point the crowd swelled so much that the police had to resort to a baton-charge. His wife Sharmila Tagore was also sighted along with daughter Soha, Kareena Kapoor and other women in white on the balcony of the palace. Cricketers like Kapil Dev and Ajay Jadega were spotted at the burial site. Pataudi died at the age of 70, leaving behind his wife and veteran actress Sharmila Tagore, and three children – daughters Soha and Saba and son Saif. Pataudi was admitted at the Sir Gangaram Hospital earlier this month and was in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Also Read:

Saif Ali Khan’s Agent Vinod dedicated to Nawab Pataudi?

Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi and Sharmila Tagore: a love story

Bollywood mourns the death of Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi