AMRITA RAO

Amrita Rao represents one of the most earthly faces in Bollywood. Known for her sensitive portrayals, Amrita Rao has one of the sought after actresses in town. Of late she has created ripples for being the person behind the much talked about Shahid-Kareena breakup. Basking in the glory of her latest Telegu hit ATHIDI opposite southern super star Mohan Babu, Rao speaks to Ruhail Amin about her life and career.

ATHIDI is doing very well?
Yes it's a very good feeling that this romantic comedy has become a super duper hit in Andhra Pradesh. It has grossed more then six and a half crores. We all had worked very hard on this film. When your effort is rewarded like this, it obviously feels great.

Your name is being dragged in the Shahid-Kareena break up?
I would not want to comment on a thing as stupid as this. In fact, I am very close to Kareena and she praised my performance in VIVAAH. Even Shahid and I share a great rapport despite what people write about us.

But will this affect your friendship with Shahid?
No we both are part of this industry and very well know that links ups go with this profession. Shahid has been really sweet and called me for the premier of JAB WE MET.


You mostly play girl next door roles, besides this, what would you want to experiment with?
I want to play a psychotic killer. Out and out action flicks will also be interesting. It would really be nice, if producer made films in which the girl next door was shown to be sexy, hot and intelligent. Have we not seen many such common girls, who have gone on to become big names in various fields?

You are very careful in choosing scripts, no vulgarity for you?
Yes I can never do a role in which I am not comfortable. But if you give another item number like DEEWAR, I am game for it. In fact ‘Marhaba’ was beautifully picturized, I believe there is a very thin but distinct line between being sensuous and crass.

None of your characters have been overboard and wild?
I always like to play characters which people can easily identity with. Hence Poonam in VIVAAH, Sanjana Bakshi in MAIN HOON NA and Payal in ISHQ VISH. All these portrayals came across as warm and sweet girls.

Coming to VIVAAH, you have called it your best film till date?
Yes, it was very tough to play that character, since she hardly ever spoke. So, I had to express all the emotions through my eyes mostly. It was pretty straining, but fulfilling as an actress.

But Vivah has been panned by the critics as being too sweet?
For all the critics, my simple answer is that the film is based on a real life incident, which took place just a few years ago. Honestly even I was not sure of the validity of the idea but Suraj ji was confident about the concept and he proved right in the end.

You are also doing a film with Shyam Benegal. How’s it working with him?
Shyam Benegal is one of the most sensible filmmakers of this era and the best part is that he does not get driven by the commercial formula but always attempts to address relevant social concerns through his cinema. It’s a matter of great honour for me to be playing part in his upcoming film.

Among the male stars you have worked with, who are you comfortable with on screen?
Well actually all. If you act with a very good actor he automatically brings out the best in you as well. SRK in MAIN HOON NA was great to work with. Even Shahid and I always share great screen chemistry. I’m sure the audiences love to see us together.

What new films are you planning?
I have two films slated for release. First is Anil Kapoor's home production SHORT CUT, with Akshaye Khanna and Arshad Warsi in which I have an out and out glamourous role. We had a great time doing this film. Next is E Niwas's MY NAME IS ANTHONY GONSALVES, which will hit the marquee around January.

MINISSHA LAMBA

Minissha Lamba wooed everyone with her superwoman antics in HONEYMOON TRAVELS PVT LTD and her very commendable tango dance became the talking point of the film. The petite YAHAAN actress is now looking forward to 2008 as four of her films are lined up for release. Minissha gets candid in a freewheeling chat.

Lately we haven’t seen too much of you onscreen.
I was just shooting all this while which is why you haven’t seen much of me. One of my films DUS KAHANIYAAN has just released. I have four releases lined up next year. Samar Khan’s SHOURYA where I get to play an investigative journalist, Sanjay Gadhvi’s KINDNAP where I’m playing a 19-year old girl, Ananth Mahadevan’s ANAMIKA which has me as a simple girl who gets married in a rich household and Siddarth Anand’s Untitled film which is a romantic comedy.

Tell us about DUS KAHANIYAAN?
My story is called POORANMASHI which is adapted from Kartar Singh Duggal's short story of the same name. It’s about a mother-daughter relationship and how one full moon night changes their life completely. I play a rustic village belle where pride, honour and virtue are top most qualities people abide by. It’s directed by Meghna Gulzar and I had a blast doing it. It was a fulfilling experience.

Is life looking up for you? Are you happy with the way things are shaping up?
I am extremely happy with the way my career is shaping up. I have chosen the films I have believed in and those I always wanted to be a part of. And if this means doing fewer films, so be it. I am proud of all the films I’ve done and God has been very kind and gracious. It has been a beautiful journey so far. I came from a non filmi background with no Godfather here in the industry. YAHAAN was my debut film and I’ve learnt a lot since then. But regardless of your lineage and stature, you have to go through the grind as no one has it easy here. I am eagerly awaiting 2008 and things are definitely looking up for me.

In hindsight, what do you think of ANTHONY KAUN HAI and ROCKY? ANTHONY KAUN HAI was a fantastic film but unfortunately because of its untimely release, it got sandwiched between two other films. That probably impacted its fate but I’m still glad I did it. ROCKY was an interesting experiment. It was going back to how films used to be made. I have absolutely no regrets doing both the films. I think both the films helped me evolve as an actor.

How do you zero in on a film?
I should enjoy reading the script and it has to be a story I believe in. My co-stars, banner and other issues are secondary. The script has to be invigorating enough to sustain my attention.

Is there a dream role on your wish list?
I want to do a full action film and a hardcore comedy film.

One actor you’d like to romance onscreen?
We have so many amazing actors. It’s extremely difficult to single out one. I’d love to romance them all.

Lately there were reports about you getting cozy with Aftab Shivdasani at a Mumbai nightclub. Also, a lot was made out of your off-screen chemistry with HONEYMOON TRAVELS… co-star Abhay Deol.
I choose to be nonchalant. The fact is simple. If entertainment journalism thrives on gossip and hearsay, we don’t have a way out. As an actor and a public figure, you are bound to be written and gossiped about. And if you can’t handle it, you shouldn’t be here.

What else is happening on the professional front?
I think it’s just the right moment for me. Time is ripe for my filmi career. I am looking forward to a variety of roles.

Vidya Balan

Lately, Vidya Balan has earned a reputation for getting into controversies over refusal of roles or disagreeing with costume designers. The actress clarifies about some of the misunderstandings

Tell us about BHOOL BHULAIYA?
That’s my next release. I play the catalyst in the film that opens the door to a chain of events. I am very excited about the film. It's a psychological thriller in true sense. I loved being directed by Priyadarshan.

You were criticized for your look in HEYY BABYY?
As a team, Manish Malhotra (fashion designer for me in HEYY BABYY) should have worked better. I think it was the collective responsibility of Manish Malhotra and myself.

You had put on lots of weight in the recent past?
Yes.

Why did you allow it to happen?
I think I had allowed things to drift. I should have looked after myself more. But it's fine now. I am gyming a lot now and keeping as fit as a fiddle.

You had problems with Aki Narula’s clothes while shooting for Ramesh Taurani’s film in Canada?
Such things happen. It's not a big deal. I don't know why the media went ballistic about it. Aki left the clothes and came away to India. I didn't like some of the clothes because I felt that they didn't go with the character. So, I went to shop on my own. That was fun.

All is not well between you and your mentor Pradeep Sarkar?
Yeah. Dada (Sarkar) was offended when I refused LAAGA CHUNARI MEIN DAAG (that role has been done by Konkona Sen Sharma).

How long will his heartburn last?
That I can’t say. But knowing Dada, I am sure that he will come around.

Why did you turn down Laaga...?
Dada wanted me to shoot in January '07 but I had committed those dates for HEYY BABYY a year before.

Why couldn't you adjust the dates?
That was next to impossible. Akshay Kumar, Fardeen Khan and Riteish Deshmukh were not free for a long time after that, and I surely cannot compel them.

You refused Sudhir Mishra too when he offered you to play the lead in KHOYYA KHOYYA CHAND (that role has been done by Soha Ali Khan)?
I had a few questions on the role.

Sudhir didn't take it well?
That's right. But I hope that he understands one day. There was no personal agenda. An actor does have queries sometimes.

On Shaji Karun's SURYAMUKHI, which you didn’t accept?
I loved that role and wanted to do it. But the film got delayed. When they finally decided to start shooting, I was leaving for Jaipur for BHOOL BHULAIYA shoot. That's the only reason. Surely, I can't be in two different cities at the same time.

Interview : Lara Dutta

Lara Dutta is in the news lately for her break-up with her live-in boyfriend Kelly Dorje. Despite intensive efforts to make her drop her guard, she does not discuss her private life. However, she is not sulking.

What are you playing in Partner, which releases this Friday?
I am playing a snoopy, nosey journalist who is always hunting for scoops, hanging on window sills and chased down the streets. Often, she is in trouble, But there’s a hero in her life Salman who keeps landing up wherever she finds herself in a hot soup.

This role must have helped you to understand a journalist’s job?
I have always understood a journalist’s job. I understand that you guys are just doing your job in a competitive industry.

So, how are you spending your time other than having work meetings?
I am planning to go to Bangalore to my parents for few days.

You said you understand a journalist’s job. I can’t refrain asking you about your split with Kelly?
No comments. I don’t want to add to the speculation.

If you clarify, the speculation will in fact end…
I don’t think so.

Your fans want to know…
I am answerable to my fans about my professional life. I will make sure that even if they don’t like my film, they won’t be disappointed with my work. But I am not answerable to them about my personal life.


It’s said that Kelly was upset with your male-bonding with some co-actors…
What male bonding! I did Andaz and I was linked up with Akshay Kumar. Is it my fault that if the media falls for the most tried and tested ploy of promoting a film? Ask Kelly (laughs).

Well, I did speak to him today. But like you, he too did not spill the beans…
(Laughs)

Relationships and break-ups are commonly heard when an actor’s film releases. Is the Kelly-Lara break-up a publicity stunt?
I don’t know (laughs).

Okay, let’s go back to Partner. Isn’t it a copy of Hitched?
Partner is inspired from Hitched. The story is similar. There’s a Casanova guy (Salman) who helps the fumbling guy (Govinda) to woo the woman of his dreams. David Dhawan has of course brought in his sensibilities into the film. And I must add something (pauses).

Go ahead…
Govinda is outstanding in the film. He has taken Partner to a different level. This is his real comeback film. I had very little interaction with him in Bhagam Bhag and did not realise his full worth.

About Salman?
Salman and his brother Sohail (producer) made me very comfortable. They treated me like family.

Your last film Jhoom Barabar Jhoom (JBJ) didn’t do well. It’s rated as Yash Raj’s biggest flop till date…
Post-mortems can be a dime-a-dozen. We worked very hard for it and were very disappointed when it didn’t do well. Shaad has his own blend of cinema. If you see his previous film Bunty Aur Babli, some people had loved it but some people had even hated it. I think that I got away the most unscathed (laughs). I haven’t signed anything on the dotted line after JBJ, but I am reading far more bigger and interesting scripts than ever before.

Apart from having work meetings, what else are you doing presently?
I might go to my parents in Bangalore for few days.

Interview with Rakhi Sawant

Rakhi Sawant’s heart bleeds for the under-privileged. In a chat, Rakhi talks about her traumatic childhood, her boyfriend and lots more.

How did you think of donating computers?
I have earned some money in life. Now, I want to do some charity. So, I gave away four computers to a municipal school- Gyan Sagar Vidyamandir- which is near to my house in Oshiwara. Also, I made sure that they would be using it for the student fraternity and not for their personal use. I took a letter from the school declaring that. Only then, I called for the computers and went with Lion Governor Raju Mavani to the school to give them away.

Why computers per se? You wanted to donate some computers in jails too but weren't allowed...
Yeah. Today, I see the whole world working on computers. Not that my job requires to work on computers, but the tragic fact is that I don't know anything about computers except that I can check my mail. Main nahin chahti ki koi bhi bache ki mere jaise halat ho. I see that the municipal schools are still devoid of computers and I want to rectify the situation to whatever extent I can. I want computers to reach all municipal schools.

But how did your attention focus on municipal schools?

I have studied in a municipal school and have seen many hardships in life. My father could not support us. I was often thrown out from those schools.

Why didn't your father support you?
He was in police and not at a senior post then. Plus, he shirked responsibility.

Why were you thrown out from schools?
My mother used to cook up sad tales that I don't have a father who can pay my fees, and get me admitted. We used to stay in a chawl. Somehow, every time, the schools used to learn the truth and sack me. I changed many schools and somehow completed my tenth standard.

Today, your father is staying with his first wife (Rakhi's mom is Mr Sawant's second wife)?
I don't want to comment on that. I miss my father. When I am alone, I often cry. You have not seen that side of Rakhi Sawant and neither will you. I will bravely fight all the odds in my life.

How are your relations with your mother now?
Just because I want to stay separately, does not mean that I don't care for my mother. Today, she is unwell. She has been operated for stones in stomach. I am paying the medical expenses which are billing to approximately Rs 80,000.
Your mom doesn't like your boyfriend Abhishek, but there’s a buzz that you’ve tied the knot.
Are you crazy? Why should I marry now? It will affect my position in the industry.
That’s probably why you’re hiding it.
I swear on Ganpati baba. I swear on my career. I have not married Abhishek yet. I would definitely like to marry him, but after five years.
Why so long?
I want to go further in my career. Plus, I want Abhishek to settle down in life. How long can I continue earning? A girl has a limited span in this industry, so it’s essential that my man becomes independent and successful.
A film glossy has claimed the marriage happened on May 21?
That publication simply wants to create a sensation.
Sources say he is after your money?
I don’t think so. We truly love each other. However, if he does have bad intentions, God won’t spare him.
What does he want to do in life?
He wants to be an actor. To begin with, he will be with me in a big dance show. I can’t spill the details, but I can tell you it’s a very big show. Abhishek and I will make an official announcement in this regard in the next 30 days.

hottest Models of All Times

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#10 Raica Oliveira - Raica is the former girlfriend of soccer star Ronaldo. She also has eight dogs and she currently lives in New York ... in case you were planning on flying out there and stalking her.

#9 Fernanda Tavares - Fernanda apparently enjoys jogging, skiing and she's really good friends with Gisele. If Tom Brady somehow pulled off that threesome then he truly is the biggest bastard in the history of mankind.

Hottest 25 years and Under Celebs [ { ( Blake Lively, Emily Van Camp, Scarlett Johanssen, Audrina Patridge, Kaley Cuoco ) } ]

BLAKE LIVELY


Why She’s On The List: Blake has grown-up with a family in the “industry”. Her real-life father, Ernie Lively also portrayed her father in the “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” movies. Her current character on “Gossip Girl” Serena Van DerWoodsen has similar taste in men, as Blake is dating Penn Badgley who plays Dan Humphrey. Strangely enough, they’ve known each other since they were homeschooled together as small children

Emily Van Camp:

This Canadian-born actress can speak 3 languages! Most well known for her role on “Everwood” these days, Emily is playing Rebecca Harper on the ABC hit drama, “Brothers & Sisters”. She does have a nasty habit for dating her on-screen brothers. Emily was engaged to Chris Pratt from “Everwood” and is currently dating Dave Annabelle from “Brothers & Sisters”.

Scarlett Johanssen:

This 4-time Golden Globe nominated actress has gained much fame and respect by her role selection as well as maintaining her private-life. Her role in Lost in Translation not only generated a Golden Globe award but a British Arts and Film win. Scarlett has a large family, including a twin-brother! In the summer of 2008 she married fellow-actor Ryan Reynolds.

Audrina Patridge:Audrina’s rise to fame is all thanks to her role on the MTV reality show “The Hills”. Audrina is hoping for her own spin-off soon…come on MTV what are you waiting for? She has landed a “real” role in Into the Blue 2. Like most young starlets she has her fair share of “leaked” nude photos. In March 2008 some high school pics were plastered all over the internet

Kaley Cuoco:

Kaley Cuoco is best known for her TV roles as Bridget on 8 Simple Rules and Penny on The Big Bang Theory. Kaley got her acting start at age 3 in commercials and TV. Kaley was also a nationally ranked amateur tennis player. While Kaley isn’t currently dating anyone, she has her two dogs, her german shepard named Duke and her Chihuaua-Dacshaund Petey to keep her company!

Sarah Brightman

Broadway star Sarah Brightman was the inspiration behind such stage hits as +Phantom of the Opera and +Requiem, written in her honor by ex-husband Andrew Lloyd Webber. Born August 14, 1960, in Berkhampstead, England, Brightman began dancing at the age of three, and ten years later made her London theatrical debut in Charles Strouse's +I and Albert. By 1976, she was a dancer on the television series Pan's People, and later led the pop groupHot Gossip, which in 1978 scored a U.K. number one hit with the single "I Lost My Heart to a Starship Trooper." In 1981, she was cast in the role of Jemima in Lloyd Webber's +Cats; there she and the composer were introduced, and he divorced his first wife to marry her in 1984. Their relationship lasted through 1990, during which time Brightman created the role of Christine Daaé in +Phantom, also appearing in +Requiem and +Aspects of Love; after their divorce, she toured in +The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber: A Concert Spectacular. In addition to her stage work, Brightman also recorded a number of solo albums, including 1988's The Trees They Grow So High, 1989's The Songs That Got Away, 1990's As I Came of Age, 1993'sDive, 1995's Fly, and 1998's Eden. The following year saw the release of The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection, which featured some of her finest moments from Lloyd Webber cast recordings, as well as The Songs That Got Away. Luna followed in the spring of 2000;Encore appeared the next year. Brightman then adopted a Middle Eastern theme for her 2003 release,Harem. Love Changes Everything: The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection, Vol. 2 arrived in 2005, followed by the CD/DVD Diva: The Singles Collection in 2006. In 2007, Brightman appeared on BBC One's Just the Two of Us and performed at the Concert for Diana, the Shanghai Live Earth show, and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The following year saw the release of Symphony and an appearance in +Repo! the Genetic Opera. Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide