The Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani actor is willing to do frontal nudity scenes. Now isn’t that too much of a ‘revelation’ from the Kapoor lad?

Ranbir Kapoor is all set to do ‘it’ again! After showing his pert butt in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Saawariya in 2007, the Kapoor scion is all set to show his skin once again. In fact the 30-year-old star will go a step further to showcase his masculinity and celebrate his manhood! The candid confession has come absolutely unabashedly straight from the horse’s mouth.

Those who remember the honey-eyed star dropping his towel to reveal more than err we are used to will agree that Kapoor junior did the showcasing effortlessly. Girls went absolutely berserk with the new cutie that Ranbir was back then, both for his charm and his bold attitude. But wasn’t the actor a bit uncomfortable doing the butt show? “There was not a moment of awkwardness when I did that scene in Saawariya. I was butt naked in front of strangers on the set and I wasn’t ashamed of myself. People started relating to me and perhaps came to theatres because of that scene,” said Ranbir in an interview.

Now that comment coming from an actor whose father Rishi Kapoor and grand uncle Shashi Kapoor too have done a butt show in their heydays is not really shocking. What is a bit surprising though is that Ranbir wants to go a step further. “I am shameless in front of the camera. I am even willing to do frontal nudity if the director wants me to,” added the Barfi! actor.

Woo, now that’s some food for thought for the collective naughty imaginations of Ranbir’s female fan club. And they must let their thoughts run wild before the Kapoor boy ends up doing something that will leave absolutely nothing for imagination!

Looks like the two hunks have decided to put their once not-so-friendly equation behind. The Krrish 3 star even paid a surprise visit to Sallu’s Being Human store recently and shopped to his heart’s content

When the Greek God of Bollywood Hrithik Roshan made a surprise entry into Salman Khan’s Being Human store in suburban Mumbai recently, we could not help but wonder if the hunk has made amends with bhai. Remember all was not so well between the two superstars after Salman had ridiculed Hrithik in a press conference for his film Guzaarish. The Sanjay Leela Bhansali project was very close Hrithik’s heart and obviously he could not take Sallu’s caustic remark in lighter vein.

Salman too, being the brash and irreverent that he is, did not care to clear the air. Though reports said that he had a chat with Hrithik over the phone to settle the matter, the two maintained a respectable distance from each other, and the growing silence between the duo only made us speculate more. But now Hrithik’s visit to the Being Human store suggests that the Krrish 3 hero wants to put the past behind and just move on.

Hrithik was happy with the collection he saw at the store in Bandra. He even posed for pictures with the staff. Now, don’t we love it when our B-town folks simply resolve their misunderstandings quite amicably before the matters get blown out of proportion?

In an exclusive interview, the Hero No 1 talks about his new innings (now how many was that?), three lucrative film projects, judging Indian Model Hunt (IMH), fashion, working with Salman Khan, newfound professionalism, punctuality, competition, daughter Narmmadaa and much more…

Tracking down Govinda is a Herculean task. The process is long and tedious, but not unachievable if you are patience personified! It took two days this time, of continuous, rigorous follow up and countless text messages and phone calls. But it was Govinda, after all. The man who, from his days as romantic hero in the 80s and early 90s, to the comic hero of the late 90s, was always the superstar of the masses. A failed innings as producer and an ill-fated decision to enter politics – all in an attempt to get closer to his audiences – took the star further away from his fans.

But now, the new ‘improved’ man who is fondly called ‘Chi Chi’ has turned a new leaf, from being a gaudily-dressed actor to a suave, sophisticated dresser (is it the IMH effect?), he certainly has evolved. Govinda has metamorphosed from the carefree coolie to a real cool dude (look at the pic!). Chi Chi is building a new castle for himself and we hope that it doesn’t get washed away before the tide turns once again. We met him at his Juhu bungalow for a free-wheeling chat….

Welcome back, Govinda! In your new innings, the announcements are flowing out fast. The industry seems to be waking up to your existence once again….

I think the wait to do good work with good people has been worth it. I’m anticipating good things from life now.

You must have missed the limelight. What do you feel people think about Govinda the actor now?

A man should never leave his roots. I have always been very clear about my film career. Now, I’ve decided to give all of myself to my acting. In my new innings, I feel good that I’m still a star and the audiences still loves and appreciates my work, as they did earlier. An actor’s life is all success and failure and I’ve been through these stages of life.

Hits and flops are part of life. But for you the struggle just doesn’t seem to end!

Nothing can keep you down except yourself. If you give up, it’s the end of you. You can’t give up if one film is not a hit. As I said, whatever I’ve been offered, I’ll perform to the best of my abilities. The rest is destiny. There’s no time to think now.

You’ve also had fair share of chances. Why?

I’ve been very fortunate, despite my films that didn’t do well in the past. Yes, it does affect economics of the film. But all the filmmakers I have worked with have wanted to work with me again. An actor should always have the attitude of a newcomer.

Certain people from the industry believe that you are still very difficult to deal with and unapproachable…

I guess people whom I don’t intend to work with spread such rumours. I want to work with directors who want to make good films. I don’t want to associate myself with people who have wrong motives. When I say ‘no’ to such people, they turn back and call me difficult and unapproachable.

Why Indian Model Hunt (IMH)?

I feel IMH is an opportunity God has created for today’s youth and for me. It’s a new platform for them and also for me. This is something I haven’t done before. It was beneficial in every aspect, not just the money. I don’t think whether it will be a success or failure. I’m working hard with the right attitude.

Over the years, television has changed drastically and has become more time consuming and strenuous. Are you physically fit enough to take on the pressure?

I think the working style has improved. It has become easier now. The shooting schedules are planned and organised. I’ve attended couple of TV shows recently like Nach Baliye and realised that people have become more professional.

We hear that the show’s organisers are worried about whether you’ll report on time…

I realised the value of time much later in my life. I used to report to Mani Ratnam’s sets for Raavan at 4 am, but the unit members were shocked and there were debates as to how Govinda could be on time! Rather than discussing work, the focus was more on me coming on time. Ab kya bolu!

Industry fashionistas who criticised you for your zany dressing sense over the years are shocked to know that you’ll judge IMH…

I know I didn’t pay attention to my dressing style and wasn’t fashion conscious in my time. But the fact is that I didn’t have time to even think what was right and what was wrong, then. I considered these things secondary. But as they say, you’re never late to learn anything good; likewise, I’m sure I’ll learn lot from IMF. Hopefully you won’t see me in red pants and checked blazers henceforth (laughs).

David Dhawan recently said, ‘There can’t be another Govinda’.

Yeh toh David ka baddappan hai. I guess people react to you differently at different times. We (David and him) can’t make films that we did in the 90s, now. I feel I’m at a position where I need to improve and work on my personality and my choice of films. When you reach a level, you have to play it very safe. You cannot afford to go wrong. How you sustain and maintain your level is very important.

Do you think you failed to maintain your level and handle your star power?

I didn’t say that. I used it to the best I could. When I was relatively free and not shooting, I made the best advantage of it by re-inventing myself, thinking of what to do next and how to take correct decisions.

You never worked in a Yash Raj Film in your long career, like your buddy Salman Khan, who did Ek Tha Tiger last year. Did you follow your partner’s footsteps?

No, I liked the film’s script, so I agreed. Yash Raj Films had offered me films earlier too. I had a chance, but I was extremely busy with several film commitments. I was doing six shifts a day… can you believe that! Subhash Ghai and Sanjay Leela Bhansali offered me character roles, but I didn’t do them because I considered myself a star then (laughs loud)! After I quit politics and was jobless, people started assuming and speculating that I’m not interested in films any more. My life has been a roller-coaster ride.

What about your film with Sallu directed by Mahesh Manjrekar?

Oh yes! I’m quite excited about that. The script is being written and I can’t comment on it now, but all I can say is that it will be fun to work with Salman again.

Reportedly, you play a villain in YRF’s Kill Dill…

(Interrupts) Who told you I’m playing a villain? It’s too early to comment on anything related to the film.

You’re 40 plus now. In the age of Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor, where do you see yourself?

Why do I compare myself with them? They are new. So they have to see where they stand in front of actors like me! (Laughs loud). Just kidding!

Your daughter Narmmadaa has been trying to get into films for the last four years. What’s stopping her? Being a father, you must be really worried…

She’s waiting for the right subject. Nammo is a good girl and very hardworking. I want her to debut with the best project.

The actor’s thunder thighs have been under the scanner ever since she shook her booty at IPL 2013’s opening ceremony in those tight leg-hugging pants

Hot babe Deepika Padukone has been sticking her nose to the grindstone to finish the films that she’s currently a part of –Ramleela, Chennai Express and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. It seems she’s hardly had the time to follow her rigorous workout sessions because of her crazy schedule. The babe is pretty much conscious of the fact that the cellulite is getting all prominent. The actor with the washboard abs and the toned body looks good in that plump avatar – but the girl’s definitely got to make sure that she doesn’t turn into the next Silk Smitha. Curves are in, but fat is surely not. So we hear that the alarm bells have been set off already and Ms P is doing what it takes to get back in shape. After all, she has to shoot for Ramleela and obviously needs to fit into the clothes that are designed for her or else we can already imagine director Sanjay Leela Bhansali cracking the whip on the babe.

We hear DP is back to the hardcore diet that she followed during Cocktail. She has now started eating every two hours, starting the day with eggs and ending it with a glass of healthy vegetable juice. Bolly B had also mentioned that DP needs to shed those kilos asap, looks like the message has reached the right place.

Soon enough we will get to see the babe strutting around in her super hot ensembles…way to go girl, cheering and hooting for you already!

The Khiladi Kumar will romance Ileana D’Cruz in this Hindi remake of the hit Tamil film, Ramana

Akshay Kumar and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s association fetched them Rs 100 crore film – Rowdy Rathore last year. Considering the film’s humongous success, the actor-producer duo have decided to join hands for what is touted as another Rs 100 crore blockbuster in the making.

Titled Gabbar, with Akshay in the lead, the film highlights the fight against corruption, and will mark South director Krish’s (of Gamyam – 2008 and Vedam – 2010 fame) Bollywood debut. The movie’s title will certainly make you think about Bollywood’s iconic villain from Sholay played by Amjad Khan, but Akki’s role bears no resemblance to the baddie.

We hear the official rights of the film have already been acquired and the makers will soon announce the leading lady. For now, rumours suggest that it will be an unlikely pairing and something the audiences are going to be excited about. Grapevine has it that Ileana D’Cruz will set the screen ablaze with Akki. But remember, during Himmatwala promotions, Tamannaah Bhatia had proudly declared of doing a film with Akshay? Wonder which film was Ms Bhatia referring to! The original Tamil version Ramana starring Vijaykanth and Simran was about a man who decides to abolish corruption with the help of his students who grow up to work in government offices.

The film is expected to go on floors this year and will be co-produced by Bhansali’s close friend Shabina Khan, who co-produced Rowdy Rathore as well. Do you think Akshay will live up to the movie’s title?

The award winning director confesses that many of his relationships didn’t work out, and how work completes his life

Sanjay Leela Bhansali admits that his life may be ‘unfulfilled’, but it isn’t ‘unhappy’. “All the pain, suffering, love, passion and conflict have made me what I am. I make passionate love stories because I don’t have love in my life. My art completes my life. My life may be unfulfilled. But it isn’t unhappy,” said Bhansali who turned 50 this year.

The maker of hits like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Devdas doesn’t miss anything in life and adds that he has chosen the life he leads. “I am basically a nomadic loner,” said the filmmaker and adds, “Salman Khan is one person I’d always consider very close to my heart.”

Excerpts:

Earlier you were apprehensive about apportioning responsibility in your production house?

I am more adventurous now. I am more fearless as an artiste. I want directors from the outside to bring in their aesthetics into my production house. For example, Prabhudheva made Rowdy Rathore and my sister Bela made Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi for me, which I couldn’t have directed and which I am very proud of. I directed an opera in Paris in 2008. Now I want to do more of the things that I can do if I have a team around me. Today, I am working far harder than I did five years ago. I put in nearly 20 hours every day. And I am enjoying every bit of it.

With Rowdy Rathore you have set a trend for cheesy C-grade titles like Revolver Rani and Bullet Raja and Rajkumar Rambo?

I’ve grown in Bhuleshwar (in Mumbai). I’d pass through the red-light area every day looking at those theatres with those eccentric names. I’ve grown up with the rowdies and the rajas all around me. I loved those movies of the early 1970s near Alfred Talkies. The humour in my life, even in my own family was filmy. It’s a wonderful thing to go back to these titles. I am very proud of Rowdy Rathore. The day I titled it Rowdy Rathore was the day the film’s fate changed. I love the sound of it. And I am glad other directors have started using these massy titles. Nothing cheesy about it. People erupt with ecstasy at such titles.

Do you miss having that someone special in your life?

No, I have chosen the life I lead. There were relationships that didn’t work out. I am basically a nomadic loner. And I am not capable of moving ahead with the baggage of a relationship. I’ve seen relationships traumatize people. As a child, I’d helplessly watch relationships crumble around me. Every individual is a sum-total of his past experiences. Maybe that’s why I am wary of relationships.

If you had to change anything in life what would it be?

Nothing. Nothing at all. All the pain, suffering, love passion and conflict have made me what I am. I make passionate love stories because I don’t have love in my life. My art completes my life. My life may be unfulfilled. But it isn’t unhappy.

Is it possible to make good friends in the film industry?

I think so. But as a filmmaker I often find actors feel betrayed when you don’t cast them repeatedly and the friendship ends. That is very limiting and hurtful for any filmmaker. Also, there’s a tendency among some actors to make fun of the people they call their friends. But then cruelty is part of all human beings. But yes, people in the industry do stand by one another. As long as it’s not work-based.

Are Aishwarya Rai and Rani Mukerji your friends?

They are very dear to me. So are Shahrukh Khan and Manisha Koirala. And Salman Khan is one person I’d always consider very close to my heart. But to me friendship doesn’t mean sitting with people every day.

The director says he is neither thinking about making the film, nor has he approached Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif for it

Turns out that the whole hoo-ha about Sanjay Leela Bhansali finally making Bajirao Mastani is nothing but hogwash. The director put to rest all rumours by saying that his whole concentration is currently on his next project – the Ranveer Singh-Deepika Padukone starrer Ram Leela - and he wants to do complete justice to it. A couple of days ago, the media was abuzz with stories that SLB is talking shop with Deepika Padukone for playing the role of Mastani and Katrina Kaif for taking up the role of Kashibai (Bajirao’s wife). But looks like spreading such news was either someone’s idea of a cheap thrill or Sanjay simply wants to take the hush-hush route, doing things at his own sweet pace.

Whatever the case is, we hope the director doesn’t shelve the project. It’s an interesting concept after all, and we are hungry to see some amazing stuff onscreen, what say readers?

We hear that Sanjay Leela Bhansali is planning to give some concrete shape to his idea of portraying the life of Bajirao and Mastani onscreen…yet again. Every time he starts on it, an unforeseen hurdle trips him up. But if he’s gonna be successful this time around, he has to find the perfect Peshwa of the Maratha clan and a fiery Mastani to match him 

The entertainment world is abuzz with rumours that Sanjay Leela Bhansali plans to make Bajirao Mastani with Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone. While nothing much has been revealed about who’s going to play Bajirao’s part, our fun-seeking media friends think that Ranbir Kapoor would be the ideal candidate for the role (we all know why!), thus recreating the Silsila casting coup. But there’s rich history associated with Bajirao and Mastani. Asking Katrina to do a hardcore period film for which having pure Hindi diction – or the Marathi tinged version – will obviously be a prerequisite, is like making a major casting boo-boo.

We all know about the hype created around the filmi story of Bajirao-Mastani, but do we really know what the real history is? Who were they? What were they like? What happened between them? A bit of research gave us that much needed input for our inquisitive minds. Although there are many fables woven around these two iconic people, the most credible story is apparently the one in which Bajirao – the Maratha Peshwa – rescued the Maharaja of Chhatrasal in Bundelkhand province, from Mughal chief Mohammad Khan Bangash. The Maharaja showered Baji with a huge amount of wealth and gave him his daughter Mastani as a token of thanks; Bajirao married the lady. While many versions suggest that Mastani was his lawfully wedded wife, legends also state that Mastani was the Peshwa’s mistress; his wife was called Kashibai.

The host of Comedy Circus and India’s Got Talent now wants to do a dance reality show

“Anchoring is my first love. I should be back on Comedy Circus soon. Reality programming has grown by leaps and bounds. I would like to anchor a dance show next because I love dance,” said Roshni Chopra. However, Roshni – the winner of the reality show Desi Girl – has no plans to participate in any such programme. “That (participating) would be too intense. When I participate in a reality show, I get oriented towards winning. It is too early to dedicate myself 100 percent to a competition… may be next year,” she said.

Apart from hosting, Roshni has worked in fiction-based dramas Kasamh Se and Pyaar Mein Twist. She won’t mind doing another one and added, “I have never had that mindset that I have to always play the lead. The role has to interest me. It does not matter if it is the lead or not. It should make a mark.”

According to KPMG-FICCI report, the television industry is estimated at Rs.370 billion in 2012, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18 percent over 2012-17, to reach Rs.848 billion in 2017. The actor is happy that big names from Bollywood like Sanjay Leela Bhansali have joined the TV industry. She feels people are experimenting with fiction and it is ‘quite interesting’.

“You have big names like Sanjay Leela Bhansali who have entered into fiction shows on TV. It would be interesting to work with someone new in an open space,” she said.

Although Roshni has returned to work after giving birth to a son in November, she has enough projects to keep her busy. “There are talks in the pipeline. There is fiction we well as non-fiction shows… I am coming back after 10 months. I want to do something interesting and challenging,” said Roshni who is married to Siddharth Anand Kumar.

Sony TV’s relatively new show is in deep waters ‘coz of the falling TRPs

Every show is vying for the top slot in the rat race for TRPs. While some succeed, a few are bound to face the flak. Soumya Seth and Rohit Khurana’s new show, Dil Ki Nazar Se Khoobsurat is currently going through a similar phase. The promos of the show promised great things, but it has been a complete letdown.

The serial has not been providing any drama or excitement, and the chemistry between Aaradhya (Soumya Seth) and Madhav (Rohit Khurana) is almost non-existent. In addition to all this, its 7.30 pm time slot clashes with Star Plus’ now popular show, Saraswatichandra. Going by the ratings, it’s a case of extremes – Khoobsurat received 0.6 TVR, while Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s show got 2.6. With such tough competition, it is bound to face a further drop in numbers.

But this hasn’t dampened the lead actor’s enthusiasm. Rohit believes that the serial is just shaping up and will eventually pick up pace and the numbers too. We sure hope so! ‘Coz if Khoobsurat doesn’t raise the bar, we are afraid the channel may just chop it off – now we wouldn’t really want that, no?

Let’s hope the makers take our warnings seriously and up the quality of their content. Right!

Are they, aren’t they? Well, we dunno if they’re dating or not, but Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone definitely make sure to have fun on the sets of Ramleela, their film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Case in point is this picture shared by Ranveer today, where the actors are looking like honeymooning couples. Don’t they make a cute pair? | ALSO SEE: Ranveer Singh: Clean-shaven cutie, handlebar hoodlum or rugged Romeo?

A buzz suggested he did! But looks like the truth is somewhat different

Sushant Singh Rajput was recently spotted – with girlfriend Ankita Lokhande in tow – at Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s birthday party. Remember? But soon after, rumours about Sushant turning down a Bhansali movie surfaced. Many wondered what went wrong between the two.

Why, there was also buzz about Sushant turning down a Dharma Productions movie. Flabbergasted birdies were quick to conclude that Kai Po Che’s success has gone into the newbie’s head, perhaps. Sigh.

But then, SLB’s publicist made a statement: “He (Sanjay Leela Bhansali) has only met Sushant a couple of times. He has not offered him any role. At the moment he is busy shooting Ramleela with Ranveer Singh.” Ahem ahem. Was the maverick filmmaker miffed with Sushant and all the rumours around?

Well, Rajput’s publicist feared that and so has now issued a statement saying, “This is in regards to rumours doing the rounds that Sushant Singh Rajput was offered a film by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions & Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s production and further that he has declined these offers. With this statement let us put this on record that such rumours are baseless and completely untrue and should be disregarded. Sushant is at the start of his career and he looks up to both Mr Johar and Mr Bhansali and it would be an honour for him to be offered films by them. At present no offer has been made and he is busy shooting films he had signed prior to the release of Kai Po Che.”

Hmmm, but amidst all these clear-the-air scenarios, we wonder why KJo is silent. Too busy to pay attention to such fluff talk? Wink, wink.

The maverick filmmaker has been addressing Deepika Padukone as ‘Ash’ on the sets of Ramleela. A reason to worry?

For his latest movie, Ramleela, Sanjay Leela Bhansali cast the leggy Deepika Padukone after a long while of deliberation. Now we won’t go back and talk about the tedious what-worked-and-what-didn’t episode of that casting process because, c’mon, we’ve talked enough, haven’t we?

But once the casting was done and Dippy made it onboard we guessed that SLB was at peace, finally. But now, having heard what we heard, we’re doubtful. Is Bhansali really happy with Dips? Well, she’s a good performer, has got great legs, shares a remarkable chemistry with co-star Ranveer Singh and has no qualms getting wildly intimate with the hero in front of the camera. Could SLB have asked for more? No, we say.

But a tiny part of Bhansali’s heart may answer with a meek ‘yes’. Maybe – and this is just a wild guess, okay – Aishwarya Rai Bachchan would have made a perfect Leela if it weren’t for the tangled web of motherhood that got her. And why not? After all, some of her best performances – Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas and Guzaarish – have to be credited to the SLB banner.

And so when we heard the buzz about Bhansali addressing Deepika as ‘Ash’ time and again – “Nice shot, Ash” or “Ash, let’s do the next scene like this” – during the filming of Ramleela, we couldn’t help worrying a li’l.

Of course, we could think that ‘Ash’ is sooo close to Bhansali’s heart and leave it at that. But a niggling doubt surfaces – could SLB be constantly comparing Deepika to Aishwarya here? And is Dippy in some way failing at her given task? The possibility can’t be ruled out. And it makes our heart go out to the leggy lady.

While DP – like a benevolent soul – refuses to take much notice of or comment on all this, we can’t help but ask aloud: Is Sanjay Leela Bhansali being fair to Deepika Padukone?

Tell us what you think about it, BollywoodLifers.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s TV show on Star Plus still has a long way to go before it can be considered a hit

Saraswatichandra became the talk of the town from the moment that the meticulous filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali announced his big plans to make a television show that combined sensibilities of Devdas and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. The two-week old show has garnered attention for its unique launch, interesting star cast and larger than life sets, but does it really pull in the audiences? Not so much, apparently! In the cut-throat game of TRPs, Saraswatichandra has managed to get a rating of 2.1. The serial has not managed to overthrow its competition, in spite of all that publicity and buzz around it. Unfortunately, the show –which we can now confidently say is indeed a takeoff from SLB’s Hum Dil… and Devdas, has nothing new to offer. While the chemistry between Jennifer Winget (Kumud) and Gautam Rode (Saraswatichandra) is sizzling, it’s still not converting into big numbers.

Daily soaps like Diya Aur Baati Hum (5.9 rating), Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (4.4) and Balika Vadhu (4.2) are still ruling the television roost by a huge margin. However, Saraswatichandra has managed to beat Ram Kapoor and Sakshi Tanwar’s serial Bade Acche Lagte Hain (1.9), which is a big step, especially considering how popular the portly Mr Kapoor and his biwi are!

Giving the makers the benefit of the doubt because it’s still a new show, we think the numbers could go up as soon as the romantic track between Saraswatichandra and Kumud starts moving along – right now it is all projected, slated for another day, coming soon. We hope the creative heads put their thinking caps on very soon to inject more spice into the soap. Or else Bhansali’s dream to run the show for seven or more years is going to remain just a dream, no?

In spite of the low rating of the show so far, the numbers somehow are still in favour of Star Plus (265) – the channel has received the highest ratings compared to other channels, thanks to weekend shows like Nach Baliye (2.2 – 3.6) , Arjun (1.4) and other Saturday-Sunday soaps. Zee TV (226) managed to bag second place followed by Colors (220), and Sony (170). Let’s see how the game changes next week!

Buzz is that Sanjay Leela Bhansali is all set to scandalise his audience with this upcoming movie. And here’s how…

We’ve been getting regular dope on the increasing proximity between Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh. And finally we know what the real reason is – a wild lovemaking scene. Yup, you heard it right. According to a naughty birdie, Ramleela will showcase an intensely intimate scene that will feature “plenty of tugging, pushing, pulling in both the verbal and physical interaction between them (Ranveer-Deepika)”.

And it is for this alleged scene that our desi Casanova and Dippy have been asked to get ‘close’ even off the sets. Ahem ahem. So does that mean their bonding is purely for professional reasons? Sigh, perhaps. But let’s not speculate too much about that.

For now, the thought of a ‘wild’ lovemaking scene is enough to keep us entertained. And we couldn’t help but wonder how wild will it all get. Our instincts tell us – not much. Why? ‘Coz there’s a censor board to be pleased too, right? Wink, wink. Unless of course, Sanjay Leela Bhansali doesn’t mind an ‘A’ certificate.

Even so, what do you think peeps – Will Ramleela‘s lovemaking scene turn out to be wild or plain pheeka?

After his recent alleged altercation with newbie Varun Dhawan, Sohail Khan, the ever-so-furious brother of Salman Khan is again in the news for his volatile temper. And he is not the only one living on the hair-trigger edge. We take a look at B-town folks who desperately need to learn how to keep that hot head cool…

In this day and age, when tempers fly sky high at the slightest provocation, how could Bollywood celebs remain immune to the rising rage syndrome? Recently, when Varun Dhawan, son of director David Dhawan got an earful from an enraged Salman Khan for his tiff with Sallu’s brother Sohail Khan, the Student Of  The Year star decided to keep his lips tightly sealed about the entire episode, but clarified later that it never happened and that the story was the fabrication of a hyperactive media mind.

Perhaps we will never know what the truth is, who was at fault and who was at the receiving end. But we know for sure that it’s not just Salman Khan whose temper hits the alarmingly dangerous red zone every now and then. There are other B-town folks who are equally notorious for their fury and need anger management lessons for the benefit of others…if not for their own wellbeing…

Zee TV’s popular show plans a major twist in its love story

Zee TV’s Qubool Hai is currently witnessing a blooming romance between Asad Khan (Karan Singh Grover) and Zoya (Surbhi Jyoti). And just when we thought we’d get to see a few intimate moments between the lead pair, we hear that the makers are planning to introduce a love triangle into the story. Arrrrgh!

The new character will be Asad’s childhood friend and neighbour Tanveer, who has just come back into town.  Now this will definitely bring in some some major drama into the show. While the makers are still debating over whom to cast for the role, we have a few suggestions they might want to consider. Here goes:

The Ambanis are throwing a lavish party to celebrate the success of Lincoln, and only the A-listers from Bollywood are invited for this happening do

Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln won many awards this year at the Oscars and since it’s a film produced by Reliance DreamWorks – a property of the Ambanis, Anil Ambani is throwing a glamorous party for the talented director Steven Spielberg, who is expected to be in India from March 10-14. The soiree will be held at Ambani’s residence in Colaba on March 12.

Rejoicing the fact that India is associated with this prestigious film, the Ambanis have invited a handful of Bollywood celebs to hobnob with the intelligent filmmaker. Shahrukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Ranbir Kapoor are the actors who have made it to the exclusive guest list. And as Amitabh Bachchan shares a great camaraderie with the Ambanis, even he will be seen socialising with Mr Spielberg.

Karan Johar, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Rajkumar Hirani are the directors from B-town who will be sent an invitation card too. Since this is the Hollywood director’s first visit to the country, we hope he has a nice time mixing up with some of the coolest people from aamchi Hindi film industry.

Amitabh Bachchan is fondly referred to as the Shahenshah of Bollywood. Shahrukh Khan is called the Baadshah. Now we won’t be surprised if Salman Khan is bestowed with the title of Godfather!

Salman Khan has always been considered Bollywood’s Good Samaritan among few others. Millions of his fans and well-wishers including his actor friends, who have been closely associated with the generous and large-hearted Khan for years, don’t call him bhai for nothing! After all, our beloved Sallu has encouraged, supported and introduced several Bollywood aspirants to excel in their respective areas of passion and helped them achieve a position where they can stand proudly today.

Not to forget composers like Himesh Reshammiya and Sajid-Wajid who till date can’t stop thanking the Dabangg star for not only uplifting their careers by providing them major breaks in his films, but also giving the much required boost to their future projects. For that matter, even Sanjay Leela Bhansali was a nobody before his debut film Khamoshi, when Salman agreed to do the movie and formed a successful association with the filmmaker which resulted in yet another musical blockbuster – Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. Remember how Govinda was practically forgotten by our industry, and was written off by the critics and the media? However, Sallu saved the day by giving the actor a role tailor-made for him in Partner and the rest, as they say, is history.

Among the younger generation, we know how he has helped actors like Sneha Ullal, Zarine Khan, Mahek Chahal and Hazel Keech…but it’s a different matter than none of them have managed to make it big, and Sallu definitely can’t be blamed for that. But then there are names like Sonakshi Sinha and Arjun Kapoor who went on to carve a niche for themselves and didn’t let Salman down. He has also been a catalyst and an inspiration for some B-town hunks to get into perfect shape and be tagged as having the best hot-bods – from the Greek God Hrithik Roshan to the young lad Arjun Kapoor.

Recently, the generous Khan came to the rescue of one of his best buddies – Sonu Sood, who’s currently recuperating in a Mumbai hospital after suffering multiple fractures while playing for a Celebrity Cricket League match in Dubai last week. It’s learnt that Sonu called up producers whose films he was committed to shoot in the coming months and offered to return the signing amounts simply because he didn’t want any of them to wait for him and bear the losses. When the Mental star learnt of this, he decided to offer Sonu his role in the Hindi remake of Mahesh Manjrekar’s 2010 hit Marathi movie Shikshanachya Aaicha Gho that he had been planning with Mahesh since almost two years now. Salman has decided to mentor his longtime loyal bodyguard Shera’s son as well. And, the list goes on…

Well, what more can we say! Long live Salman – the Godfather of Bollywood!

Former child actor-singer and TV host Aditya Narayan showed a lot of promise as lead actor, but when his debut film Shaapit flopped, he went into hiding – or so it seems. In order to learn the ropes of the industry, Aditya joined Sanjay Leela Bhansali as assistant director on his film Ramleela. No wonder then, that we spotted him at SLB’s birthday bash on February 24. As expected, Aditya took pictures with celebs Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone - and Facebooked ‘em. While the pics are cute, we wonder why our industry boy with a famous father like singer Udit Narayan is behaving like a wannabe. Right? | Photos: Aditya Narayan Facebook | ALSO SEE: Ranbir Kapoor caught smoking!

Richa Chadda looked sexy and how! At the Saraswatichandra producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s birthday bash, the Gangs of Wasseypur actor walked in wearing an exquisite saree with a rather interesting colour combination. Looks like she’s hired a new stylist and is upping her style quotient this time. We definitely approve!

Photos: Yogen Shah

Buzz is that SLB has signed the Kai Po Che actor for his next production

Some time ago, there was talk about how Sanjay Leela Bhansali was totally impressed by Sushant Singh Rajput ever since the two met, and wanted to cast him in a film right away! In fact, SLB has been on the look out for a good role for the Kai Po Che actor. Now, fresh piece of gossip suggests that he has approached Sushant to play the lead opposite Priyanka Chopra in Mary Kom – the biopic based on the Olympic bronze medalist, directed by Omang Kumar.

We hear that Sushant has no qualms about playing second fiddle to PC, who is the protagonist of the film. In fact, he is quite excited about working with her, and has already given his nod!

If this news is true, then Sushant has added one more high profile flick to his over-flowing kitty that already has Rajkumar Hirani’s P.K., Imtiaz Ali’s 22 Tango (which Shahid Kapoor was supposed to do earlier) and Maneesh Sharma’s next with Parineeti Chopra (again replacing Shahid). Apart from these, he also has two more movies with Yash Raj Films’ since he had signed a three-film deal with the production house. Do we already hear victory calls of Kai Po Che from Sushant?

Now that’s a bit too much, even for the accomplished filmmaker, no?

Saraswatichandra - Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s first TV show was launched on February 25, replacing Mujhse Kuchh Kehti…Yeh Khamoshiyaan in the 7:30 pm time slot on Star Plus. It stars Jennifer Winget, Gautam Rode, Monica Bedi and others. About the serial the producer-director SLB says, “I just have one wish that we make a good serial, the actors do a good job and it runs for 2,000 episodes…and may it become the biggest and most memorable serial!”

We are sure the soap opera will have great production values, the actors will do a decent job too and it will indeed go a long way. But will Saraswatichandra run for seven years, which is how long it would take to last as long as Bhansali wants – now that is a debatable topic, don’t you think?

Imagine watching a show that is essentially a blend of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Devdas for seven long years! Frankly, we can’t even picture it in our heads…in a manner of speaking, that is. Then again, if Ekta Kapoor’s Kyunki… Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi can beam into living rooms for eight years, why can’t Saraswatichandra last at least that long, no?

We shudder to think about the fate of the show seven years from now. For all you know, just two years down the line, SLB may find inspirational dope pouring in from his films Guzaarish and Black to support the oh-so-long storyline of the tele-serial. Wait and watch…

The Barfi! star Priyanka Chopra sauntered in at director Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s birthday party on Sunday wearing a pretty, beige button-down dress tied at the waist. And though the look is rather casual than Priyanka’s usual crazy style, we think its quite cool. And the chunky jewellery just about completes it!

Photos: Yogen Shah

We ask only because the first episode was barely enough to draw a well-informed conclusion

Yesterday, Sanjay Leela Bhansali debuted on television. And to witness the miracle of how this larger-than-life filmmaker fits into our unflattering idiot boxes, women (me inclusive) dodged the rush hour traffic to make it to the finish line drawn in front of their TV sets. Many of us made it too.

But to see what? A measly 25-minute segment filled with cocktailed moments drawn from Devdas and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam? And that too without Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan or Ajay Devgn! Time to boohoohoo? Not yet.

So we sat there heaving a sigh of relief for having made it, and in one piece. Slowly the sets of Saraswatichandra rolled out like an expensive brocade woven in a plush Kashmiri carpet on which the characters – who shone like they were polished for the longest while – strolled wearing the finest of dresses. Phew, it was a welcome respite from the gaudy colours that serials nowadays throw around with elan. And we duly handover a tiny brownie point to Mr Bhansali for that.

But apart from this larger-than-life look and feel, what else is this ooh-la-la show all about? Well, the person who’s not seen the first episode is as informed as the person who has painstakingly seen it in this case. And that’s ‘coz the unabashedly long trailers displayed far more of the virginal first episode than they should have. So yeah, there was no love at first sight for Saraswatichandra because, heck, it was by God the umpteenth sight.

Saraswatichandra (Gautam Rode), the pious hunk, is getting onto his aristocratic father’s nerves. And according to Mr Dad, marrying off his dhoti-clad son is the only way to cure him of the good-for-nothing piousness. So, in comes the girl (Jennifer Winget), who is an Aishwarya Rai Bachchan caricature from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, as the perfect match. While the guy’s side follows the Devdas kinda set-up, the girl’s family gets inspirational dope from Hum Dil…. Background music takes you back to Devdas. Sigh.

Even so, we don’t really hate the show. Not yet. And primarily because it has a nice and comforting Bhansali-feel to it. The characters too performed well. And we developed a special liking for Monica Bedi – the undisputed vamp – in this one.

Now the only question that remains to be answered is – will the grandeur, the performances and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s tag help us overlook the perfumed whiff of a clichéd script that’s just around the corner? We wait and watch!

Photos: Yogen Shah

The filmmaker who has given us exceptional films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Khamoshi -The Musical and Black celebrates his birthday number 50 today!

Born on February 24, 1963 Sanjay Leela Bhansali is a popular filmmaker who is known for his spectacular movies like Khamoshi-The Musical, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Black to name a few. The intelligent director has made his television debut by directing the larger than life soap Saraswatichandra on Star Plus. An alumnus of the prestigious Film and Telivision Institute, Pune the intelligent director worked with director Vidhu Vinod Chopra on productions like Parinda, 1942-A Love Story and Kareeb.

He made his Bollywood debut as a director with Nana Patekar, Seema Biswas, Salman Khan and Manisha Koirala starring film Khamoshi The Musical.The movie was not a hit, but garnered critical acclaim. Bhansali’s next Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam , starring Aishwarya Rai, Salman Khan and Ajay Devgn came three years later. The film was a huge hit. In 2002 Bhansali made Devdas with Aishwarya Rai and Shahrukh Khan. The spectacular drama was India’s official submission to the Oscars. It was much appreciated for the visual treat , the drama, the costume and the music. Three years after Devdas the director made Black with Amitabh Bachchan. The film is arguably called as the best work of his career. Black bagged a record 11 Filfmfare awards. It was also selected as the fifth of the the 10 best movies of 2005, selected by Time Magazine.

In 2206 Bhansali made Saawariya which was slammed by critics but he managed to bounce back with his Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai starrer Guzaarish. He also went on to produce Rowdy Rathore last yer. The film netted more than Rs 100 crore at the box office. The intelligent director made his television debut as a director with Star Plus’ opulent soap opera Saraswatichandra this year.

We wish SLB a very happy 50th birthday and hope that he continues to entertain us with his amazing craft!

That is what we wondered when we heard all about his new TV show, Saraswatichandra. Or perhaps when we read about a new project with Rani Mukerji…

Remember how, whenever you hear of Sanjay Leela Bhansali getting set for a new project, you just know it is going to be large-scale, opulent and very opera-ish? Yeah, we mean opera, not the soapy kind, but the sort you see on a big stage with people singing open-throatedly, striking dramatic attitudes and declaiming love, war and everything in between. We know, you know that SLB has worked on this kind of production already in Paris, France, and we have seen the same sort of values in every one of his films. A vast canvas, sweeping emotions, gorgeous expanses and more – that is what a Bhansali movie is about, whether it is Khamoshi, Black, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Saawariya or Guzaarish. The music is divine, the sets are fabulous, the costumes are gorgeous and the actors are made even more beautiful. Along the way, if it all smells a little too ripe…well, that is the SLB ethos, no?

We see it again now with his TV serial, to start February 25, Saraswatichandra. The premiere was yesterday, on the Internet, and we captured it for you then. But now, as we see more promos, read more and experience more of the Bhansali magic, we have to wonder – does this OTT stuff work now? It didn’t many times before, so what guarantees does he give this time? And this is the small screen, so doesn’t that kinda squish enormity into a tiny canvas? Just a thought….

And along the way, when we heard that SLB and Rani Mukerji may be doing a film together, our horns sparked. Frankly, Rani needs to grab some headlines for the right reasons – not for her last name, as given her by Shatrughan Sinha, who insists even now that she is Rani Chopra, but for her acting, which we all know can be superb. Too many of her films have been duds at the BO and with critics over the past few years, and an occasional No One Killed Jessica or Talaash does not make up for the others (Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, Dil Bole Hadippa and Aiyyaa being top of our list of clunkers) that pulled her into near-retirement. And Rani and Bhansali did hit big time with Black, so maybe they can do it again? We sure can’t wait to find out!

Pics: Yogen Shah

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s new soap opera got its Internet premiere today and it does look interesting…in parts! Will it make an impact when it goes on air February 25?

It all happened this afternoon. For a while we have been seeing teasers of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s new Hindi soap opera Saraswatichandra on TV, showing off a cast of very beautiful people standing around while one bare-torsoed studly chap wandered about being spiritual. And a short while earlier, we found out a little more. In the Net presentation, the stage gets set for the story to unfold. Based on the Gujarati novel by Govardhanram Tripathi, the show stars Gautam Rode as the hero, Monica Bedi as his stepmother Kusum and Jennifer Winget Grover as Kumud Sundari. There is also a whole slew of open-mouthed extras who stand around being snooty, while the stern father does his thing with his wayward son.

It starts with a party in a luxe mansion in the UAE, where the father growls angrily about his missing son. The wife, played by a polished Monica Bedi, seems to be the peacemaker…or is she? Will she, in good soap opera tradition, turn unexpectedly to become the baddie, underhandedly inciting trouble? We look forward to that! Meanwhile, it is the father’s birthday, a grand party is in progress and the son and heir is missing. Cut to a pond. A beautifully muscled body, its torso bare, stands hip deep in the water, obviously doing some kind of ritual. Close up to the clean-cut face of our hero: Gautam Rode, more familiar to TV watchers these days as ‘Bade’ on Nach Baliye 5.

And then the clashes start. Our hero insists to his waiting friend that is name is not ‘Chandra’ but ‘Saraswatichandra’, honouring his mother; and then you know that it is going to be all about dynamics between Sonny Boy and his attachment to dear departed Mum and her desi traditions and his battle with still-present Dad with Stepmum playing a devil’s – though not advocating anything but her own interests, of course! – role. But the gorgeous sets, the beautiful people and the grand scale could be interesting. We wait to find out when the show goes on air on Star Plus on February 25.

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