Ishaqzaade actor Parineeti Chopra wants to flirt with current heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor

Actor Parineeti Chopra says if she has an option to flirt with someone in Bollywood, it would be the current heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor. Mesmerised by the young Kapoor scion, the Ishaqzaade actor calls him “one of her favourite actors of the current generation”.

And why not? After his unimpressive debut with Saawariya in 2007, Ranbir climbed up the success ladder with his performances in Rocket Singh – Salesman Of The Year, Wake Up Sid, Raajneeti, Rockstar and Barfi! and has become an actor to reckon with. His forthcoming is Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and he also has Besharam and Anurag Basu’s untitled biopic on legendary singer Kishore Kumar in the pipeline.

“If I had to choose (whom to flirt with in Bollywood) then it would be Ranbir Kapoor,” said Parineeti, who made her debut with 2011 film Ladies vs Ricky Bahl and later featured in political thriller Ishaqzaade. The 24-year-old was talking at the launch of Chinese Internet giant Tencent’s WeChat messenger application.

Currently endorsing a host of different brands, she said, “For me, I need to have some kind of a personal connect. I am endorsing a few different brands right now and I have some personal connect with all those brands. Either I have used it in my childhood or I am using it currently,” added the actor, seen in commercials for Maaza and Kurkure, among others.

As far as films are concerned, Parineeti is busy shooting for Hasee Toh Phasee with Sidharth Malhotra.

The Rockstar babe has finally bagged a role in David Dhawan’s next

Rockstar actress Nargis Fakhri has bagged a ‘key’ role in Varun Dhawan-starrer Main Tera Hero. The movie, produced by Balaji Motion Pictures, will be directed by Varun’s father David Dhawan. Female Actor Ileana D’Cruz, whose performance in Barfi! was widely appreciated, is already a part of the movie.

“Ileana and Nargis are playing key roles in the film Main Tera Hero,” said Girish Johar, head of acquisition and distribution, Balaji Motion Pictures. “Details are being worked upon,” he added.

Main Tera Hero, which will go on floors this June, is slated to release April 4, 2014. It is expected to be a commercial project, aimed at entertaining the youth and family audience.

The Barfi! actor loves playing original characters and also reveals that he would love to play a negative role

Ranbir Kapoor wants to play the baddie, but the star of movies like Rockstar and Barfi! says no director is ready to accept him in such a role. “I would love to play a negative role, something that is like an anti-hero. Something without guitars, rose and without a heroine. I have been asking this for quite a long time, and I hope the directors are hearing me out and come out with scripts like that,” said the 30-year-old.

He spoke on the sidelines of the first edition of the Times Of India Film Awards (TOIFA) 2013 in Vancouver. He hosted the awards night on April 6.

Indian cinema is celebrating its 100 years, and Ranbir says a significant change over time is the fact that there are “challenging roles for actors today, unlike past when an actor kept on doing same kind of roles for three to four years”.

“I think the time when films like Dil Chahta Hai and Lagaan came into being, that was the period when we noticed the slight switch in storytelling. I think cinema has kind of evolved after that. Also, I think every hero was playing the same character over three to four years in the past, but right now there is so much diversity in characters,” said the young hearthrob from Bollywood’s famous Kapoor family.

Ranbir has himself managed to maintain a great variety in his roles – be it a free-spirited boy in Saawariya, a loverboy in Bachna Ae Haseeno, a carefree college boy in Wake Up Sid, a ruthless manipulator in “Raajneeti, a struggling singer in Rockstar or a deaf and mute innocent boy in Barfi!.

“There are so many challenging roles now. There are more stories to tell. Back then, there were more society problems (in films). Now, we have wider things to make,” he added.

Of late, Bollywood has seen a lot of remakes – the latest being Himmatwala and Chashme Baddoor. But Ranbir doesn’t care much for remakes. “I don’t believe in remakes and so far I haven’t done it. I never say never, but golden films can never be made again. I am very happy with the kind of original work that is going around in the industry,” he added.

The actor will be next seen in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. The film, directed by Ayan Mukerji, also stars Deepika Padukone, Kalki Koechlin and Aditya Roy Kapur. It hits theatres May 31.

Ranbir will also play lead in a biopic on late actor-singer Kishore Kumar.

Rangeela babe Urmila Matondkar, Rockstar gal Nargis Fakhri, the ‘90s siren Raveena Tandon, 3G chick Sonal Chauhan and Barfi! beauty Ileana D’Cruz – well, they all will sashay on the catwalk at the TOIFA fashion show on April 5. The Times Of India Film Awards 2013, which will be held in Vancouver, is going to be a huge star-studded affair and the icing on the cake is the fact that it will also be paying its respect to 100 years of Indian cinema. We hear that the fashion do is going to highlight the style evolution in Bollywood; so expect the soiree to have a great dose of style and also have that ‘blast from the past’ element.

Manish Malhotra will be the brainchild behind this interesting fashion do, and what can we say! We are quite eager to see what these TOIFA dudes come up with, as the concept sounds pretty cool. Don’t you think so?

The Rockstar director has started shooting in Delhi for his next film

Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda – an unusual pair – will be sharing screen space in Imtiaz Ali’s next film, Highway. And we hear the trio has been shooting in Delhi along with the whole cast and crew. While Randeep is seen in an absolute rustic avatar – dressed like a truck driver in a kurta, jeans and gamcha, Alia looks all chic in black leggings and white top. She is as charming as ever, even without a tinge of make-up. Imtiaz, on the other hand, is creating quite a statement in an uber cool jacket and denims.

We hear Highway has been on Imtiaz’s mind for years now and the filmmaker wants to make sure everything’s perfect as the concept of the film is very close to his heart. He is also excited that after working with AR Rahman in Rockstar, he will get to work with the singing maestro again in this film and Ali promises that it’s going to be an all-new musical experience.

Alia and Randeep look like such an unconventional couple – we can’t wait to discover the kind of relationship the two would share in the film. A funky chick and a rustic dude – interesting!

A young Punjabi girl from a middle class family has her future planned for her – she will be married off to a NRI. It may be a ‘complete family drama’, but does it say anything new? We doubt it…

So here comes yet another story of a small town girl being married off to her prospective, pompous, rich, NRI husband, but she never really attains the marital bliss she dreams of…err….something like that, anyway. It’s more like a con job to entice the girl’s family and get them trapped in a hugely messy situation.

And that, BollywoodLifers, is the story of Gurbani, a new show to be aired on Colors – this is probably their 5th or 6th social issue-based Hindi serial. The story is based on real incidents that happen in small towns. Gurbani, a young lively girl, is married to a rich NRI, much like most of the young women in the area. But here is the twist – the boy never returns to take his bride away. Aaww…very sad, no? But hang on, doesn’t this plot ring a bell or two? Wait, we’ll help you remember – think of Geet – Hui Sabse Parayi, starring Drashti Dhami (now in Madhubala – Ek Ishq Ek Junoon) and Punar Vivaah hunk Gurmeet Choudhary?

Although the programming head of the channel assures us that the story is ‘different’ this time, it sure doesn’t seem like a starkly ‘hatke’ subject to us. Debutante Shefali Sharma seems promising, given her theatre background…or so we hope.

Gurbani also sees Navni Parihar’s comeback to TV after four years off the small screen; she was last seen in movies like Tanu Weds Manu and Page 3. And there is also Harshdeep Kaur – the Sufi singer who voiced Katiya karoon from Rockstar – who has an interesting role to play as musical narrator of the story. Now that is definitely new and different, we say.

Although the story primarily focuses on marriage cons in small towns, how long it can stretch itself with the social angle is what we wonder about. Like most TV soaps – Will the distraught girl left behind by one man, come to a big city to make it big, and then cross path with a bratty dude and marry him?

So predictable! So ho-hum! But we wait to watch it…maybe there is a surprise lurking in store for us…

Director Ashima Chibber’s directorial venture starring Ram Kapoor, Saqib Saleem and Rhea Chakraborty in the lead roles is short, sweet and entertaining

First things first - Mere Dad Ki Maruti is a simple film with its heart at the right place. Debutante director Ashima Chibber gets full marks for keeping her tale crisp and precise. Set against the backdrop of a Punjabi wedding, this one revolves around a situation in which a young lad Sameer (Saqib Saleem of Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge fame) from the well-to-do Khullar family sneaks his father’s (a delightful Ram Kapoor) brand new Maruti car out to impress the new college hottie aka Shakira of Chandigarh aka Jazzleen (played by MTV VJ-turned-actor Rhea Chakraborty).

By an unfortunate twist of fate the car is stolen and Sameer is in big trouble as he can’t tell his cranky father the truth and neither can he afford to let the car go, because the vehicle is supposed to be his sister’s surprise wedding gift. Confused and helpless, Sameer has only two people he can turn to for help – his close buddy Gattu (a very promising Prabal Punjabi) and the love of his life, Jazzleen. Will Sameer get his car back, or will the three friends do some jugaad to get a new one instead? To get the answer to that one you have to watch the film.

The story is simple and the narrative flows with ease, which makes this predictable plot easy on the eye. The director has portrayed the tale with believable characters and realistic situations that are acceptable, real. The intelligent-one liners and the spicy Punjabi tadka are firmly in the perfect place that makes Mere Dad Ki Maruti a good watch. The fine screenplay, good writing and excellent editing make the subplot converge easily with the core subject. Sameer’s endeavour – in fact, every trick in the book that he tries to get the car back – involving cops, local mafia and the young lad’s innumerable predicaments  take just the right screen time. The drama flows with a pace that keeps you engaged, if not intrigued, and excited. Ashima keeps the comedy subtle and handles the project deftly without going overboard – not even in a single frame.

Ram – the enormous (in so many ways!) star of television – stands out once again with his portrayal of a cocky dad with a heart of gold. Saqib as the careless and irreverent Sameer gives a confident and commendable performance. Rhea has played her part well. But the character who is an absolute delight to watch is Prabal’s Gattu. His comic timing and expressiveness are impressive. Ravi Kissen as a bhai who is a car dealer adds an interesting dimension to the story. The music is good and the background score is in sync with the storyline. Main senti hoon and Punjabiyaan di battery are hummable.

All in all, Mere Dad Ki Maruti is a sweet, no-nonsense film that makes you smile and giggle in equal proportion with its amazing simplicity.

Director Punit Malhotra has replaced the Rockstar babe with Esha Gupta for an item number in his forthcoming release Gori Tere Pyaar Mein

After hearing this bit of news, we could not help but find ourselves rolling on the floor. Nargis Fakhri - the one film wonder – who was thrashed by critics for her (in) ability to emote in the Ranbir Kapoor starrer Rockstar, has refused to do an item number in Punit Malhotra’s forthcoming release Gori Tere Pyaar Mein. The Imran Khan and Kareena Kapoor film will feature a special item song for which Nargis Fakhri was the original choice, but the American import claims she has no dates for this exclusive feature. Oh really? Now what is really keeping the babe so occupied that she can’t have the time to shake a leg for Punit’s film, we wonder. Apparently, Fakhri claims that her dates are clashing with another flick, Madras Café. And so, Esha Gupta (of Jannat 2 fame) has been roped in as Nargis’ replacement.

If the superstar super-busy babes like Katrina Kaif and Priyanka Chopra can squeeze some time out of their hectic schedules to do an item song or two, Nargis’ excuse seems not just lame but outright hilarious. Wethinks Nargis must learn the art of multitasking really quick, otherwise she will find it difficult to get even item numbers, let alone films!

The handsome actor was spotted in a funny avatar on the sets of Abhinav Kashyap’s movie. What’s up?

Look what we found – Ranbir Kapoor bathed in white paint! And wethinks it’s totally comical. But what’s this dude up to with paint on his face and suit? Of course, we know that Ranbir plays the role of a car-thief in Besharam who gets chased by his real life parents – Neetu Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor – in the garb of police officials.

So does a tin of paint fall over RK when he’s trying to dodge the policemen? Ho sakta hai. Or maybe Ranbir deliberately gets his face painted so that the police won’t recognise him. Possible, no? Whatever the case be, we can’t help but wonder if it will make much of a difference, ‘coz our Rockstar is as it is so fair!

Anyway. Take a look at Ranbir’s Besharam avatar and tell us: Did you like it? We did!

But don’t get your hopes too high ‘coz currently that’s just a rumour floating in and around B-town. Even so, does it excite you?

Bollywood’s favourite dancing diva, Madhuri Dixit-Nene will again step into the shoes of an item girl, perhaps. That’s for the Ranbir Kapoor-Deepika Padukone starrer Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. And accompanying her in this supposedly delightful item song will be the Rockstar Ranbir Kapoor himself. Ooh! Well, our hearts did a li’l jig on hearing that one.

But we wonder about this unusual pairing. And we caught a glimpse of it during the last season of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. Remember? While we know that Mads will effortlessly win people’s hearts with her dancing skills even now, do you think it would get a tad awkward if she is accompanied by a much younger Kapoor? We worry about that.

Also, in recent times, we’ve seen MD flooring us in desi numbers – remember Aaja Nach Le? So will this be yet another addition to those? Honestly, we hope not. ‘Coz now we want the babe to ‘rock it’ with the Rockstar. And maybe that will also work in favour of this mis-matched couple. What say, peeps?

So now that you’ve got a whiff of this delicious goss, tell us – are you excited about the Madhuri Dixit-Ranbir Kapoor item number in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani?

PHOTOS; Yogen Shah

The Barfi! actor is invited by the prestigious American university to be a guest lecturer

Ranbir Kapoor might have played some interesting roles on the big screen, but the young actor is all set to play an interesting part in real life too – that of a lecturer. Yes, the 3o-year-old star has been invited by Yale University to be a guest speaker in April this year Interestingly, Bollywood’s baadshah Shahrukh Khan was named a Chubb Fellow by Yale last year and he had even addressed a packed house at the Ivy League of School. And now B-town’s emerging prince Ranbir will charm the students and his ardent fans at Yale with his delightful presence.

Ranbir has already been receiving heaps of accolades and adulation for his incredible performance in Anurag Basu’s film Barfi! A year before that, the Kapoor lad was immensely appreciated for his performance in Imtiaz Ali’s Rockstar. Ranbir is certainly a star power to reckon with and his selection of films have been absolutely commendable. And now with the Yale invitation in his hands, the honey-eyed actor will fly to the States to make the students understand the dynamics of Bollywood and our film business. Now we are curious to know how the actor will rock his session as a speaker! We are sure Ranbir will keep it entertaining, enthralling and enlightening!

We were about to get ready for another big, fat B-town wedding when the Rockstar actor burst our happy bubble

Nargis Fakhri and Uday Chopra had been allegedly spotted having cozy coffees. And guess that’s what made the rumour mills assume that the two are more than just good friends. Why, our feathered friends even went on to the extent of chirping about an impending glitzy wedding for the two as the couple’s parents have given a go-ahead.

But wait, actor Nargis Fakhri says she is very much single – and enjoying her time. She also admits that she has no plans to walk down the aisle anytime soon. Sigh!

“Happily single and totally into my work. I’m not getting married anytime soon to anyone,” Nargis tweeted.

Her comment follows a string of reports that the Rockstar actor is in a relationship with actor-producer Uday Chopra, and that they are planning to take it to the next level.

Nargis is currently busy shooting for Madras Cafe, in which she plays the role of a journalist.

- With inputs from IANS

After being a part of two successful films of the Murder franchise, the serial kisser-turned-fabulous-actor will not be seen in the third installment of the Bhatt production

Mahesh Bhatt might claim with a hint of arrogance that his forthcoming release Murder 3 will be a success in spite of Emraan Hashmi refusing to be part of the popular franchise, but we have our doubts about this film sans its poster boy. “It (Murder 3) will fly in spite of Emraan, if you believe in this dogma that filmmakers have been haranguing about that ultimately it is the narrative which decides the destiny of a film,” said Mahesh Bhatt in an interview to a daily. The forthcoming mystery will feature Randeep Hooda in the lead role with Sara Loren and the Rockstar famed actor Aditi Rao Hydari.

Bhatt believes that Hooda, who had paired up with Hashmi in Jannat 2, will be the focal point of the film. “I think we have a fine actor who is coming fast into his own called Randeep Hooda. I have never depended on a star kid of any kind in the films that have carved out my career,” asserted the veteran filmmaker.

But one question that is nagging our filmi mind is that why did Emraan Hashmi refuse to be part of the extension that he not only was instrumental in developing but something that also made him a popular face, in the first place. A little bird tells us that Mukesh Bhatt’s son Vishesh Bhatt, who is making his debut as a director with Murder 3, approached Emraan with the script. The latter not only refused it but suggested a few changes too. This caused a rift between the Bhatts and Emraan. Suddenly the Bhatt camp started feeling that Hashmi was acting pricey. So the serial kisser was conveniently replaced by the dishy Hooda. But Mahesh Bhatt on the other hand has a different story to tell. Murder 3 was offered to him (Emraan Hashmi), but he did not want to do it as perhaps it is a woman’s story. Also, it did not cater to his needs of films of an A-lister aspiring to be in the Rs 100 crore club,” reasoned the filmmaker.

So in a nutshell, Emraan won’t be seen in the forthcoming murder mystery. Tell us, what do you think BollywoodLifers – will Murder 3 be as thrilling sans Hashmi’s ‘interesting’ presence?

The Mohabbatein actor may tie the knot with the pretty Rockstar babe this year

His acting career may have gone South, but his personal life is definitely taking him in the right direction. Uday Chopra, who faced a terrible tragedy recently with the death of his father Yash Chopra, may have something to look forward to in the coming year. Sources say that the younger scion of the Yash Raj empire is all set to tie the knot with his girlfriend Nargis Fakhri.

The duo, who have been dating since last year, have grown increasingly close of late. They had actually planned to tie the knot much earlier, but the sudden demise of Yash Chopra put their plans on hold.

And now it seems that Uday’s mom Pamela Chopra has met Nargis’ family, and talks are on to fix a date for the wedding in March 2013, when his older brother Aditya Chopra is rumoured to tie the knot with Rani Mukerji. Well, will both the Chopra brothers get hitched in the coming year?

And, what do you feel about the happening couple Uday and Nargis, BollywoodLifers? Do let us know!

Nargis Fakhri is sure an adventure-loving girl! The Rockstar babe recently shared a pic on Twitter of her sitting by a beautiful waterfall. The actor had gone on a jungle trek and posed by the water on the rocks. Nargis said, “Had a day off so went on an amazing trek through the jungle2the falls! Headed2do sum bamboo rafting later. Awesomeness.” We agree.

ALSO SEE: In Focus: Uday Chopra is homeless, thanks to his brand new red Ferrari!

AR Rahman says working on his new single is just like creating an album because of his deep involvement in the project

Oscar-winning musician AR Rahman, who has composed many songs on love, peace and harmony, has come up with a new song Behad Pyaar – Infinite Love and describes it as his dream project after Vande Mataram (1997).

“After doing Maa Tujhe Salaam and Vande Mataram, nothing was compelling enough for me to get into the zone. Once I got the idea of Infinite Love, I thought it was a good 15-year break and (time for me to) do something very interesting,” he said at the launch of the song.

Rahman said he wanted to launch the song – his first single in 15 years – just like an album, because he has not been so involved in one song despite the many projects he does. “This one song is equal to, like, 10 songs for me because, I was doing the concept, I was being the producer for this. So I had many roles. I was really engaged in the whole process of it. It’s a whole learning process for me,” he said.

Rahman’s recent films include Yuvvraaj, Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours, Rockstar, Jab Tak Hai Jaan.

ALSO READ: The Dark Knight Rises music composer thanks AR Rahman for his contribution

B-town’s leading men gave us some memorable characters and delivered a few toofani performances this year. Take this poll to tell us who rocked your world…

In 2012, B-town stars earned several new monikers as they came up with dhaasoo roles and wowed all of us watching them. And apart from this, they scored by putting Rs 100s of crores in their filmi kitties.

While Don Shahrukh Khan became ‘The man who cannot die’ with Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Ranbir Kapoor turned from the angsty Rockstar to the adorable Barfi!, Salman Khan gave up his Bodyguard title for the ‘Tiger’ tag, and Akshay Khiladi Kumar became Rowdy! But who do you think was the ultimate male rockstar of 2012? Take a look at the BollywoodLife Awards poll options and vote for your favourite rockstar of the year!

The Rockstar was spotted having a deep conversation with Prakash Padukone at an event. What’s brewing? We try and find out!

Yes, we know that Ranbir Kapoor is no longer in a relationship with Deepika Padukone. But none can deny that the two shared a long and extremely special relationship in the past. And maybe that’s the reason why RK shares a special camaraderie with his ex’s father Prakash Padukone.

So do we raise our eyebrows a notch up when we see the two men engrossed in a khusur-phusur conversation at the Tata Open Badminton Tournament? Not really. But we just can’t help but wonder what the two might be discussing.

Sports? It’s likely that Mr Padukone is sharing anecdotes from his hay days with the dude. Or are they discussing relationships? Maybe the doting dad is pointing out where Ranbir went wrong in the relationship with his daughter. But that’s pretty unlikely, no? ‘Coz public events are not a place to discuss such touchy topics, right? Or is the conversation revolving around designer boots? Looking at Prakash Padukone pointing downwards really makes us think that’s what is it. Yawn!

How we wish we could have eavesdropped on THAT conversation. But while we let our imagination run wild, what according to you, dear readers, was the topic of discussion between Ranbir Kapoor and Prakash Padukone?

Photos: Yogen Shah

The Saheb Biwi aur Gangster hunk may star opposite Alia Bhatt in Imtiaz Ali’s next titled Highway

Ranbir Kapoor and Imtiaz Ali created history with Rockstar – a movie that received both critical acclaim and commercial success. The audiences were so taken by the duo’s joint effort that folks were quite eager to see another project where Imtiaz and Ranbir would collaborate. Ranbir was supposed to do his next with Imtiaz, but since he has been booked for two films back-to-back by the Kashyap brothers – first Abhinav Kashyap’s Besharam and later Anurag Kashyap’s Bombay Velvet, Imtiaz has decided to start his other project – Highway – with Randeep Hooda and Alia Bhatt in the lead, instead of waiting for the Kapoor lad to get free.

So now, instead of Ranbir’s intense performances, the audiences will be treated to a love story between two strangers with diametrically opposite personalities who meet in a chance encounter along a highway. No worries Imtiaz. We can wait for both you dudes to come and work together. Probably Ranbir would have become more seasoned at the end of his movies with the Kashyap brothers and give you a much better performance! What say, BollywoodLifers?

The veteran Bollywood actor is pretty excited about being at the River To River 2012 Indian Film Festival in Florence

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan is looking forward to attending the River To River 2012 Indian Film Festival in Florence, where a retrospective of his films will be held. The 70-year-old is excited about visiting the city and the festival, where his movies Sholay, Black, Deewar and even Everlasting Light, a documentary on him by director Ram Madhvani, will be screened.

“Tomorrow to Florence, Italy as guest of honour for the Film Festival which does a retrospective of my films, starting with ‘Black’,” Big B wrote on Twitter. His wife Jaya Bachchan too was invited, but she won’t be able to join him on the trip.

“It was meant to be to honour Jaya and myself, but she cannot come because of Parliament… another beautiful city, another honour,” he said.

The film festival, which will start December 7 and conclude on December 13, will also showcase other Bollywood movies like Raja Harishchandra, Rockstar and Gangs of Wasseypur (Opening Film). It will be held in Rome from December 14-16 as well.

Recently, French icon Catherine Deneuve gave a tribute to Amitabh at the 12th Marrakech International Film Festival, which celebrated 100 years of Indian cinema. In November, the thespian was also felicitated by the Australian government for his contribution to Indian cinema. Previously, the actor was conferred an honorary doctorate from the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia. He was also awarded France’s highest civilian honour, the Knight of the Legion of Honour, for his exceptional career in the world of cinema and beyond.

ALSO READ:

Dilip Kumar is an Amitabh Bachchan fan!

Amitabh Bachchan: Mohammed Rafi was a rare singer – watch video!

And we ask this only because Umesh Shukla, the director of OMG! Oh My God, wants his next movie to star one of them

OMG! Oh My God was well received by the audience, thanks to the satirical way in which the subject of God was presented to the viewers. But that led to speculations about the sequel. Talking about the part two director Umesh Shukla said, “A sequel to OMG! Oh My God is something we are keen about working on but I don`t want to make a film just for money.” So while the scripting of the sequel is still in its initial stages, Shukla has decided to focus on other subjects that have been occupying his mind.

One that’s foremost on his list of to-dos is a romantic comedy aka romcom that Umesh says will tentatively be titled Lukka Chuppi. “I have not approached any actors so far for this film but I would like to cast either Ranbir Kapoor or Ayushmann Khurrana in the film,” the director revealed.

Hmmm, so who should the director ideally choose – Ranbir or Ayushmann? While the Rockstar has coaxed a fair amount of giggles out of us in movies like Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani, Rockstar and Barfi!, Khurrana made us smile in his debut movie Vicky Donor. So that makes it a tough choice, right?

But while we try to focus on these two young lads, we wonder why Umesh isn’t considering Akshay Kumar. After all, AK’s comic timing is supposed to be bang on when it comes to romcoms, no? Obviously, Umesh is looking for a younger actor this time around!

Anyway, for now you tell us, readers – who do you think is a better contender for a romcom: Ranbir Kapoor or Ayushmann Khurrana?

The phoren export to our B-town turns a year older today and decides to contribute to a noble cause

Nargis Fakhri was born in Queens, New York on October 20, 1979 to a Czech mother and a Pakistani father. At the age of 25 Fakhri appeared on America’s Top Models and in 2009 posed for the Kingfisher Swimsuit Calendar. That’s how she got spotted and cast in Rockstar opposite Ranbir Kapoor.

But on her delightful birthday, let’s keep the Rockstar talk aside ‘coz we all know where that one leads to. Instead, hear this – Ms Fakhri has devoted her 33rd birthday to a noble cause by joining hands with an NGO to try and generate money for the education of the girl child. Whoa! And how does she plan to do it? ”I want to help raise fund for the education of five girls. Instead of sending me presents, people can donate towards my endeavour,” the birthday girl said and also confessed, “I have never felt more blessed.”

What’s more, fans who are curious to learn more about Nargis Fakhri’s noble cause can tune in to her social networking site where the lady has provided all the details regarding her initiative.

Must say, you’re one helluva birthday girl Nargis. Kudos, and wish you a very happy and uplifting birthday!

The veteran actor appreciates the courage shown by RK Jr in his choice of roles

“Today’s heroes should be on the razor’s edge. Like how Ranbir (Kapoor) is doing. How many actors would risk their careers to do films like Rocket Singh – Salesman Of The Year, Wake Up Sid, Rockstar and Barfi!? Thank God, his choice is working and the audience is waiting to see what Ranbir’s doing next.”

- Rishi Kapoor

ALSO READ: Rishi Kapoor to be bad man in Subhash Ghai’s new Karz?

Exclusive: We heard from Ashutosh Gowariker that he might be contemplating casting Ranbir in his next, a follow up to his Shahrukh Khan-starrer

While DisneyUTV big shots Ronnie Screwvala and Zarina Mehta are doing a great job of trying to create ideal Indian villages in the heartlands of Maharashtra with their NGO project, it seemed kind of strange that Ranbir Kapoor was present to support the cause along with Ashutosh Gowariker (and Farah Khan).

Why? ‘Cos the organisation doing all the good work has just been renamed Swades, from the earlier SHARE (Society to Heal Aid Restore Educate). Now Swades is one of director Gowariker’s most appreciated films produced by UTV, although it did average business at the box office. And the movie starred Shahrukh Khan in what is one of his most loved roles of a NASA engineer who returns to his roots. In an ideal scenario, SRK would’ve been there by Ronnie and Zarina’s side to endorse the special effort.

But it was our Rockstar Ranbir who was present, just back from the Busan Film Fest where his recent release Barfi! was shown. Dressed in jeans, T-shirt and what looked like a gym jacket, Ranbir seemed to just stop over at the venue on his way to get dressed for his cousin Kareena Kapoor’s sangeet ceremony (we didn’t spot him there though!).

And what came as a surprise to Ranboo was that Gowariker announced that he might just make Swades 2. So the audience assumed that Ranbir and Farah, who were present, might be part of the movie. While director-choreographer Farah made her acting debut in the recent Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi, Ranbir made his place in the hearts of viewers with his varied roles starting with Saawariya. So why not do Swades 2?

Meanwhile, The Swades Foundation is going great guns in rural India, bringing direct drinking water lines, education and sanitation in villages. And Ranbir shyly confessed that this is the first cause he has been associated with. About time, dude!

But hey, do tell us if you would like to see the Barfi! actor in Swades 2…if it ever happens!

After a long time the entire Kapoor clan will be under the same roof the day Bebo solemnises her relationship with Saif Ali Khan

Heroine Kareena Kapoor’s marriage to beau of five years Saif Ali Khan is a joyful moment for the Kapoor family for more than one reason. The warring Kapoor bahus have made peace with their unpleasant past and are looking forward to better times ahead as a big, fat, filmi family. Bebo’s mum Babita personally went over to Krishna Raj (Rishi Kapoor-Neetu Kapoor’s bungalow) to invite Neetu for her darling daughter’s wedding to the new Nawab of Pataudi. Are you wondering why so much hullabaloo over Babita’s personal invitation to Neetu?

Both the bahus have not been on talking terms for many years now. And on various occasions the warring Kapoors have avoided crossing paths. Neetu had skipped Karisma Kapoor’s wedding and a few years later Babita didn’t attend Riddhima Kapoor’s shaadi. However their respective husbands made their presence felt on each other’s big days.

But we are curious if the new generation of the Kapoors, Bebo and Ranbir Kapoor responsible for the truce between the warring moms? If you recollect the hottie Heroine and Rockstar Ranboo may appear together as siblings in Zoya Akhtar’s film? Also, recently Bebo, Lolo and Ranboo were spotted together on a flight from Dubai to Mumbai.

Anyway, whatever the reason for the truce, we are glad that Bollywood’s first family is ready for their Hum Saath Saath Hain moment!

The Rockstar has indeed been invited for a match between Real Madrid and Barcelona. But does his Rs 100 crore movie have a role to play in it all? We find out

Ranbir Kapoor is surely in a happy phase right now, with Barfi! crossing the Rs 100 crore mark. Also, RK has been officially invited to Spanish La Liga in Spain to watch a match between Real Madrid and Barcelona on October 7. But does Ranbir’s magical performance have anything to do with this invitation? Well, one might be tempted to think that the footballers got mighty impressed with RK’s role and decided to invite him to Spain. But, we are told, it’s not so.

“The Team Barcelona members know him rather well. The last time they met, Ranbir shared some time chatting with them,” a birdie revealed. Also, buzz is that Messi even autographed the actor’s cap. Waah!

So there, guess it’s just Ranbir’s pally-ness with the team members that earned him the invite to watch the coveted match from the VIP box of the stadium. Even so, we’re very happy for apna hero ‘coz he is an ardent football fan and is known to play football with his school friends in Bandra whenever he manages to find the time.

Enjoy your time in Spain, Ranbir, while we miss you in B-town!

The Barfi! actor will reportedly start sharing profits from his forthcoming films

Ranbir Kapoor is swiftly emerging as one of the most sought after ‘star actors’ of Bollywood. His portrayal of Janardhan Jakhar in Imtiaz Ali’s Rockstar established him as one of the best actors of his generation. Ranbir cemented his position at the box office with his latest Rs 100 crore outing, Anurag Basu’s Barfi!. India’s official entry to the Academy Awards this year, Barfi! is said to have scenes copied from many international films. But that doesn’t take away from RK Jr’s stellar heartwarming act in it.

Owing to his growing clout at the BO, Ranbir will be sharing a part of the box office collections from Abhinav Kashyap’s Besharm. Sharing profits is a clause that has been limited to the Khans and Akshay Kumar so far, but now the young Kapoor has joined the league of Bollywood’s extraordinary gentlemen. Buzz is that though Ranbir doesn’t sign films for money, he has realised that if he is a big draw at the BO, and he should share a part of the loot. Well for all the effort and toil the Rockstar dude puts into his films, wethinks he deserves that much and more.

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The 1981 movie released amidst lots of hoo-haa surrounding Big B, Rekha and Jaya Bachchan, and their twisted real-life relationship. So will the Rockstar do something similar by sharing screen space with his lady loves – Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif?

About three decades ago Amitabh Bachchan entrusted the responsibility to Yash Chopra to convince the two leading ladies – Jaya Bachchan and Rekha – to be part of the original Silsila. And Yashji did it! Now Yash Raj Films wants to repeat the history by bringing together yet another controversial cast – Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif – for the remake of the 1981 movie. Hmmm, interesting, no?

But while Jaya and Rekha were anxious about any gadbad (disturbance) on the sets owing to the tension in their real lives (rumours about the Amitabh-Rekha affair put Mrs B in a tight spot, remember?), we wonder what conditions Dippy and Kat are going to insist on….that is, if they agree to do the movie.

Also, now that we all know how curious Deepika was to see Kat’s passport, do you think the request might pop up again on the sets of the remake?

What say, peeps – do you think Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif will come together for the Silsila remake?

Watch the romantic number from director Sanjay Gadhvi’s next

We are curious about Vashu Bhagnani’s home production Ajab Gazabb Love for one major reason: we want to see how the director of Dhoom and Dhoom 2 treats a rom-com. The film has Jackky Bhagnani and Nidhi Subbaiah playing the lead roles, and the trailer that we saw was over-the-top yet mildly funny. The makers have released a new song from AGL called Tu and we must admit that it is very softly romantic. Shot at an exotic locale, this song is very pleasant to listen to.

Written by Kausar Munir, Tu has been composed by Sajid-Wajid and has vocals by Mohit Chauhan. After the success of Rockstar, Chauhan is the preferred choice for most leading men these days. Bhagnani Sr seems to have a good ear for music and like F.A.L.T.U., AGL has some good numbers. Watch the song where Jackky is seen serenading his ladylove, fully filmi ishtyle. Looks like Jackky is a good dancer – he shows off his moves in Tu. Nidhi doesn’t have much to do, but she looks pretty and acts coy.

Dear Bollywoodlifer, watch the song and tell us – did you like it?

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