Bollywood Zone : Blog, Movies, Celebs

Khantastic times are here again with Shah Rukh Khan back in the city after holidaying with his family in London. And he’s looking sexier than ever (if that’s possible!). He’s ‘hair’, there and everywhere! Badshah Khan’s new longhaired look is the talk of the town, not to mention the lean, super-sculpted bod, but then again, when it’s Shah Rukh, everything about him is newsworthy isn’t it? His smooth tresses are definitely very becoming, adding to his sex appeal and charm. Dilshad Pastakia, his hairstylist, was in a way responsible for the cool ponytailed look SRK had sported for a while. He reportedly went on record and said that since Dilshad was on maternity leave with her first born Dalai, he had no choice but to wait till she could cut his hair. That’s loyalist Khan for you. She’s the lucky lady who gets to run her hands through his smooth, dark hair.

“SRK’s long hair currently is not really a look as such. But when it’s SRK, I guess it becomes a ‘look’. He’s just growing it out and it’s not for any particular film. When he had the ponytail earlier, he looked fab in it! I don’t understand why people think he doesn’t change his hairstyle, because he does. He doesn’t need to do radical stuff like go blond to look different. He’s Shah Rukh Khan! Even the smallest change makes a huge difference and becomes the talk of the town, rather world I should say, because his persona is so powerful. I think long hair suits him as much as any of his other looks have. Everyone’s gonna want their hair the SRK way now,” says scissor-happy Dilshad.

Shah Rukh Khan is clearly and undoubtedly a ‘cut’ above the rest! Other than creating a different look for himself off screen, SRK’s also creating a point of difference in his films. His next release, Chak De, sees him in a new avtar - not the romancing SRK we have seen of late, but a driven and passionate coach of a girls’ hockey team. Chak De is releasing in August, just around Independence Day - patriotic fervour at its best - the SRK way.

Unlike her contemporaries, Lara Dutta believes in following her instinct when it comes to signing films. “I’ve always worked in films that make me happy,” she says. Given that her recent flicks are comedies (No Entry, Bhagam Bhag and the forthcoming Partner) does that mean working in comedies make her happy? “Of course, I love acting in comedies. After the success of No Entry and Bhagam Bhag, I have been flooded with lots of comedies. But I have been lucky to get different kind of roles. I don’t like being repetitive,” she says. And what about multi-starrers? “I don’t mind working with other actors as long as my role is good enough. Today, not many actors/actresses are getting solo roles. I do get roles that seem powerful as solo heroine projects, but I don’t take them on because the set up is not right most of the time. I want to work in movies that people watch in theatres, and not ones that are only appreciated by critics. I’m game for a paisa-vasool movie any day!”

Does she worry about being left behind by Priyanka Chopra who started along with her in Bollywood? “I’m not part of the rat race. I prefer to improve my acting prowess with each film rather than looking at what others are doing. After all, working in movies is more about dealing with people and stories, I enjoy that. For example Jhoom Barabar Jhoom hasn’t worked well, but it has fetched me great compliments from fans,” she explains.

Does working with big banners make a difference? “You bet it does. When you are working for a big banner, it makes you feel wanted. A big production house takes good care of you. I have received lots of offers after Jhoom Barabar Jhoom,” adds Lara. Quiz her about her recent split with longtime beau Kelly Dorjee and she diplomatically signs off with a ‘No comments’.

Raima Sen’s on a roll these days. In a short span of one year, she’s had two film releases, worked with Mira Nair in one of her short film on AIDS, is shooting for Aparna Sen’s next, is “carefully reading a couple of scripts to choose the best”. Flying high, is she? “No,” she smiles,”My feet are firmly planted on the ground, and my head’s firm on my shoulders.These are two things about me that will never change, no matter what success life brings my way,” she says.

She flicks an errant strand off her face and adds,”But I like the way Indian actresses’ fame is soaring these says. Ash’s on the list of the world’s most beautiful women, Shilpa Shetty’s made her name internationally, and now Bipasha’s been to Lisbon and back.” And, when does Raima plan to go international? “Let me make my mark in Bollywood first,” she counters.

Is that why she’s deliberately chosen to tread the art cinema path these days? She hasn’t signed up a commercial flick for some time now, Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd was her last. “But, I am happy with what I am doing. An actress has to be an all-rounder,” she says. And that means? “That critical acclaim is as important for me as commercial success. I want to be a fine actress and a famous actress,” says Raima.

So, what’s she doing these days? Raima leans closer and whispers,”I want to let you in on a secret.”What? “I have just begun to read the first Harry Potter book. And, I can’t understand what the craze is all about.” She’s joking, right? “No. And no, I haven’t seen a single Potter movie yet. My friends have been after me to catch the latest Harry Potter flick, but I will first read all the books, and then move on to watching the movies.” Looks like Raima’s got a whole lot of reading to do, to begin with!

The script of Namastey London, starring Akshay Kumar has made it to the Oscar library, and basking in this glory is director Vipul Shah. When we got in touch with him, the man said, “It’s a great feeling. It’s amazing how one incident in Akshay’s life gave birth to a story idea which was then made into a film, and now finds itself in the most reputed library. I think life’s come full circle. Critics weren’t too kind to my film, but the results have said enough. This I consider to be a case of poetic justice.” Well, that’s Vipul’s ode to Namastey London!

Tanisha is busy all of a sudden. And is living out of a suitcase. After all, she does have as many as three films on the floor - Sarkar 2, 123, Coffee Break. Are things looking up suddenly? “Ya, I guess! It’s all very sudden. I was pretty much on a holiday after Neal-N-Nikki, and now suddenly, I’m running from pillar to post to keep up with professional commitments. But it’s good. There’s a time and place for everything. And right now, it’s the time and place for work.” Good for her, we say.

We haven’t seen Ritiesh Deshmukh around lately, but everyone’s waiting to witness more of his talent on screen. But his strategy seems to be somewhat different. He wants to take the slow and steady route. He could be best friends with some of Bollywood’s best, but as far his work goes, there’s no shortcut to stardom. With three films coming up for release, Cash, Heyy Baby and Dhamaal, its time for the boy to groove in to the limelight again. Right here, right now, Ritiesh!

Contrary to perception, our movie ‘Life in a Metro’ is not just an initial flash in the pan. It is doing exceedingly well even after nine weeks.

Although it is an up market subject, even the masses and small town cinegoers are flocking to the theatres,” insisted ‘Metro’ director Anurag Basu at the party to celebrate the success of the movie.

So when would the sequel be flagged off? “We are still working on the script of the sequel to ‘Life in a Metro’ besides three other subjects. Undoubtedly, I would love to repeat my discovery and ‘mascot’ actor Kangana Ranaut and the rest of the cast in the proposed sequel,” informs Basu Meanwhile Ram Mirchandani, creative big boss at UTV , claims that “the global collections of ‘Metro’, which have crossed Rs 32 crores, is several times the movie budget. It’s second only to the UTV produced blockbuster ‘Rang De Basanti’,” he claimed.

Not surprisingly, Kangana is on cloud nine now that her mentor’s film ‘Metro’ is a runaway hit. But wasn’t she acting pricey ? ” Frankly speaking, I am turning down only those offers where there is no scope for intense performance. After my complex role in ‘Woh Lamhe’ for which I won all the possible ‘Best Debut’ awards there are huge expectations from me .Even if there were foreign or Hollywood movie offers, because of my fair, Western look, I would consider them only if it’s a proper lead where I get to make an impact. For that matter I am game even for arty or regional films provided the role is exciting enough,” says Kangana, adding, “Right now, I’m involved only in my career.”

Is she really 16? That’s the hot topic of discussion in every gossip mag and online chat-room. “No, I’m not. But that’s what everyone thinks. I don’t blame them because, for the past four years, most websites haven’t changed my age! So even though I’m 20 now, people think I’m still 16. But I’m a big girl and am doing my A levels,” clarifies Hansika Motwani, who’s currently in the spotlight for starring with Himesh Reshammiya in the much-hyped Aap Ka Suroor. The film may be her first in Bollywood, but Hansika has previously appeared alongside Allu Arjun in the Telugu flick, Desamudrudu. “I consider myself lucky for having got the best of both worlds. The film industry, unlike what people think, is very warm and cultured,” says the young starlet.

Contrary to popular belief, Hansika feels her entry into the industry at 16 was an advantage. “I believe opportunity knocks only once, so you’d better grab it before someone else does. And my parents were also supportive of my decision to enter films; but I’m also pursuing my studies. So, while most people enter the industry at 21 and start a career, I’ll be much ahead and doing good work at that age,” she says with confidence.

Hansika considers Aap Ka Suroor a prized trophy in her career. Ask her if she was witness to Himesh’s alleged high-handed behaviour, and the actress says with typical PC, “Himesh is humble and sweet; he’s very misunderstood. When we weren’t shooting, I was either interacting with Himesh or listening to my ipod. I loved working on this film.”

She says she got a lot of positive feedback for Aap Ka Suroor. “A lot of people told me they watched the film because they liked me and my smile,” she says, adding that she’s become an expert at handling the media. “I got so many calls after the film and once even gave 15 interviews back-to-back. That was fun,” she laughs.

But did she ever feel left out, considering how Himesh has hogged most of the limelight? “When people go on the Mumbai city tour, all they get to see are my posters. And when people switch on their TVs, it’s our songs they see; it’s Aap Ka Suroor everywhere, so I’ve got my due. Besides, many people from the industry also called to congratulate me,” she says.

Who called her - any biggies? “Sorry, that’s too personal. I can’t mention any of their names.” Wow, two films old and she’s mastered Bollywood-speak already!

Her father’s kidneys had been giving problems for a while now. So, when actor Koena Mitra was invited to attend an awards ceremony in town today, she came down a day earlier to spend time with her family.

Ask Koena if she would want to emcee a show and she declines. “I love to perform for a live audience or make appearances. Hosting shows seems mechanical. I will not be kicked unless it’s an international platform on social awareness.” And who’d she want as her co-host? “If it’s music, I’d like Madonna. From the acting fraternity, I’d love Sharon Stone or Tom Cruise. Among cricketers, my choice would be Brian Lara.” Koena would love to wear a trendy sari. “I’ll wear it like a sari and not drape it like a sacred thread. If my mom and grandmom see my sari picture, they should feel happy.”

What if someone like Tom Cruise kissed her, à la the much publicised Ronaldo-Bipasha kiss? “Bipasha is my senior and I don’t want to talk about her. I’m a professional at work. What I do outside work is none of anyone’s business. Hugging is a normal form of greeting abroad.” Koena insists that the media shouldn’t make heavy weather of the Ronaldo-Bips kiss. “The industry teaches us to be bullet-proof. But the masses often start believing what they see. If you are in a serious relationship, no one will like a partner being presented in that way by the media,” she signs off.