Someone slap Reshammiya

Himesh Reshammiya's loudmouth landed him in serious trouble when procliamed in front of media folks prior to his concert at Surat that great R.D. Burman sang with a nasal twang too.

When singing diva Asha Bhonsle heard this comment she got extremely furious and responded, "If anyone says Burmansaab sang through his nose he should be slapped."

It was only after he aplogised for his Surat fiasco media let him off the hook.

When contacted the ace composer told, "It was never my intention to insult Panchamda. At the event I was asked about my 36 hits in two years, and how I tackled charges of singing through my nose.

To this I responded by saying Mukesh, R D Burmansaab and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khansaab were never accused of singing nasally.

I only wanted to prove a point. Now I realise I made a mistake. I should've never brought in the names of these greats in my argument. Choti mooh aur badi baat, I guess. It was a mistake."

Pamela Anderson’s poker site goes bust!

Just four months after she decided to enter the gambling biz in cyberspace, Pamela Anderson has admitted that starting her own poker site was a big mistake.

The former Baywatch babe, who started PamelaPoker.com back in July, posted a comment on her online diary on her personal website pamelaanderson.com stating that she was no longer involved with the site, and that it should have been closed down a month ago.

The busty blonde, who is reported to have suffered a miscarriage while shooting in her native country Canada, also admitted that she was “glad” that the site had shut down.

“Poker site should have been shut down last month. I have nothing to do with it anymore. Too many shady areas ... I made a mistake getting involved in something I know nothing about for a quick buck! Yuck. So unlike me. Glad it’s over,” TMZ.com quoted her, as saying.

Pammie’s statement comes just three days after she blamed the collapse of the poker site on legal red tape in the US.

“Too bad my poker site fell apart--too many rules in USA. No fun,” she had earlier said.

Nach Baliye: Shweta-Raja win

The excitement and curiosity is over at Nach Baliye 2 sets. After monday's wild card entry episode the results are in and Shweta Tiwari and Raja Chaudhary are the proud winners.

The couple scored 29 points during the Wildcard episode, featuring alongside other also-rans like Narayani-Gaurav, Ketaki-Rasik, Gurdip-Arjun and Keerti-Sharad.

The duo is now even optimistic of winning the title. “I can’t say if we will win or not. It’s not going to be easy. But yes, we’ll put our best foot forward,” says Raja.

Why Ash didn't use makeup?

What's it about looking like a Plain Jane, if not plain frumpy, that attracts our moder-day classique beauties of Bollywood? Every diva from Urmila Matondkar to Bipasha Basu and from Aishwarya Rai to Kareena Kapoor is going into the de-glam mode.

Urmila, known for her ultra-chic appearance and attitude in Rangeela and Daud has been doing a series of makeup-less roles. The process culminated for Urmila in Jhanu Baruha's Main Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara where Urmila played a simple straightforward middleclass girl.

Says Urmila, "According to me it's far easier to play deglamorized parts where you don't have to focus on your makeup and other paraphernalia . It's just you and the camera."

A sentiment shared by Kareena Kapoor who during Govind Nihalani's Dev … "Did nothing to my face except splash it with water…and that was it.I was ready for a shot." Dev is Kareena's most acclaimed film and performance to date.

So is there any connection between deglamorization and recognition? "I wouldn't really know,"says Bipasha Basu. "But once I got into a simple salwar-kameez for Prakash Jha's Apharan I felt I had transformed into a simple working-class girl."

Rani Mukherjee who has played the scrubbed no-frills working girl so many times agrees. "It's amazing how clothes can change the way you feel. De-glam isn't so much about getting the gait and the speech right feeling comfy in the clothes and the look.I was completely without makeup in Saathiya and Paheli."

Aishwarya Rai considered by many to be the ultimate glam-goddess is all set to be seen in a totally deglamorized avatar in Jagmohan Mundra's Provoked where she plays a battered wife. The role requires Rai to be totally removed from her glamorous persona.

"But I've made no conscious effort to look battered and bruised. It's just the way one feels when one is put in a certain traumatic situation," says the actress, following in the footsteps of other glam goddesses who stripped off all war paint to be raw and real….

Hema Malini in Gulzar's Khushboo, Rekha in Jabbar Patel's Musafir, Madhuri Dixit in Nana Patekar's Prahaar, Raveena Tandon in E Niwas's Shool and Juhi Chawla in Nagesh Kukunoor's 3 Deewarein are some other actresses who dared to remove all elements of vanity from their performances by appearing utterly make-up less on camera.

Aamir lost 15 kg to look his age: Rakeysh OmPrakash Mehra

His debut directorial 'Aks' bombed at the box-office. People said that they did not understand the film. But Rakeysh OmPrakash Mehra did not care. He went on to make his second film 'Rang De Basanti' with Aamir Khan.

The question doing the rounds is: Will 'Rang De Basanti' do the trick for Mehra who sits on the other side of the fence? Read on for a heart-to-hear chat with TWF correspondent Vickey Lalwani

Q: All those who have seen the film or even its rushes say that it's fantastic?
A: I've been so busy of late that I didn't get time to check my reactions about the final draft of the film. All I can say is that as a director I've made the film to my best knowledge and capacity. I have left no stone unturned in any department. Frankly speaking, it's early days yet, and I hope that the film will be accepted in a large context.

Q: Are you imparting a social message via 'Rang De Basanti'?
A: Yes and No. Yes because- there is a hard-hitting message in the end. It will make you think. The film intends to speak to the youth and the nation and maybe the universe as a whole. No because- there is lots of entertainment in the film. At no stage, you will feel that it's become preachy. In 'Rang De Basanti', I'm basically narrating a story, with interesting twists and turns.

Q: What is the story about?
A: It is a story about today's generation, graduates and postgraduates on the brink of life. The film is about these boys and girls and how they are going about life. There is a matter of making a choice and accepting the responsibility of making it- that is the turning point in the film. The big moment is the decision for them to accept that choice, and take on the consequences of their actions, not to be escapists.

Q: What kind of homework did you do for this film?
A: One month of readings and rehearsals were conducted at Mehboob Studio that started in Jan 2005. It was an open house for discussions, developments as the actors became the characters in the film. All departments came together under one roof to give life to the papers of hard work. There were dress rehearsals, look tests and meetings with the entire crew.

Q: You shot in The Golden Temple on the very first day?
A: Yes. The film's first shoot day was indeed special. After 15 years, for the first time a film crew was allowed to enter and shoot at this holy pilgrimage place. The title song of the film 'Rang De Basanti' was picturised in three days. There was a crowd of about 3000 people around.

Q: How did you think of taking Soha Ali Khan in the female lead?
A: Soha is an enchanting actress. I did not have to think twice before finalizing Soha for the role of the young girl Sonia in Rang De Basanti. When she came in front of the camera, it took me merely 30 seconds to take the decision that she was my Sonia in the film.

Soha is actually paired with actor Madhavan. She plays a die-hard optimist and a traditional Indian beauty who is both well travelled and well read. Her character is an idealist who feels passionately about issues relating to youth.

Q: How did Aamir Khan agree to do the film?
A: I knew this was coming. I know Aamir is too choosy about the films he selects. He liked the story and the screenplay. Once he gave his consent, all things started falling in place. After that, all the impossible started turning possible for me in regard of the finance and other things.

Q: What about Alice Patten? How did you choose her?
A: We needed someone who would commit to come to India for eight months, do a month of Hindi coaching, a month for rehearsals and six months for shooting. Alice was finalized, an English girl from the theatre circuit, all the way from South Africa. She has been perfectly cast, I feel.

Q: Many eyebrows have been raised that you have chosen Aamir for the role of a college goer?
A: I don't understand this age business. I think Aamir is the perfect choice for the male protagonist of 28-30 years. He worked hard to look his age, lost 10-15 kgs following a strict diet. He got into the skin of the character. That's all that matters. I hope we rock. Pray for us.

Q: Was the fact that your first film didn't do well, weighing in your mind?
A: “Aks” got its share of critical acclaim and stuff like that. It definitely started a trend in Indian cinema and has been responsible for a change, in its own small way. I was not bogged down by the failure of 'Aks'.

I’m 33 years old and greying: Karan Johar

After a 5-year break, Karan Johar returns with Kabhi Alvidaa Na Kehna. He talks exclusively to Subhash K Jha about its making

Q: Everyone's curious about your new film.
A: What for? I'm just an ordinary director making an ordinary film. I guess the curiosity arises from this being my first film since Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, in 2001. Like K3G, Kabhi Alvidaa too has a huge cast. So there are bound to be expectations. Films that involve Shah Rukh and me are usually talked about.

They've been very successful in the past. But people's expectations scare me. In my films I've tackled marriage, an institution I'm not familiar with. I'm 33 years old and greying. I was quite tired of being counted among the new generation of film-makers. I'm not young anymore – I've been in the industry for 10 years, and am qualified to tackle such a mature subject.

Q: So you haven't done any research for the film?
A: No, except for emotional research. My cinema is always a result of personal observations. I don't read, listen to current music or rush to watch every film in town. My education comes from past Hindi cinema and music. I observe strangers, or friends at parties…

However, Kabhi Alvidaa isn't about real people. It comes from a space I don't personally know, although I do understand it. I created the characters for various reasons. I hope to God no one connects personally with these characters.

Q: Much of the film is ready. Does it look as unconventional as people believe it does?
A: I don't know what people expect from my new film. I've just made what came naturally to me at this point. I've always been a member of the audience even while making a film. Kabhi Alvidaa is a human drama. It's about marriage and other adult relationships.

The last time I directed a film it was rumoured to be modelled on Yash Uncle's Kabhie Kabhie. This time it is being said that I am remaking Silsila. It's also supposed to have elements of the film Closer. But that's not true.

I admire Yash Chopra more than any film-maker. That's why I would never dare remake his films. But all of us film-makers are perfectly capable of doing original work. We just need to apply ourselves.

Q: So what's Alvidaa about?
A: I don't want to say much. Anything I say can, and will be, held against me (laughs). All I can say is it's a Hindi film like any other. I've just fine-tuned it differently.

Q: Is Shah Rukh Khan portrayed differently in this one?
A: Who am I to even try to present him differently? There has never been an actor like him. He's my hero and brother. I don't have to think about how he'll play a character. He does all the thinking on his own.

The character comes from my heart. And then Shah Rukh takes over. He gives a sub-text, graph and everything that a character needs. I wrote a simple character. He gave it the right nuances and complexities.

Q: What about Abhishek Bachchan?
A: You know, to direct someone whose birthday party you've attended as a child, is an emotional experience. I've watched him grow up, go out of the country and go through a period of trial and error as an actor. We all feel so proud of him. For Abhishek, shooting is a party. He's a super-brat.

Q: And Amitji?
A: Just working with him is an honour. I'd say Amitji's character is flamboyant; a very unusual character compared with what he has played so far.

Q: And Rani Mukherji?
A: I love Rani as a person and a performer. She stood by me when I was just starting out. She has been in touch with me nearly every day, throughout the years, without expecting anything in return. She's like my kid sister. That eclipses her other equally important ability as an actor. Today she's a rock-solid professional. She did everything to get her character in Alvidaa right.

Q: What about her animosity with Preity Zinta?
A: Totally untrue. Problems happen when the navigator is weak. I don't see myself as a weak captain of the ship. Rani and Preity share very little cinema space in my film. And they got along very well. Just because there were a whole lot of stars together in New York doesn't mean that they didn't get along.

Q: So how was the shooting stint in New York?
A: It was the most difficult phase of my life. Those were the toughest three months ever. There were production problems, locations issues and a hurricane, plus everyone was away from home… To shoot away from home, away from sets isn't easy. In a studio you're a master of your space. But I still prefer shooting on location. That's where real emotions come in.

Q: What have those three months taught you?
A: Today I'm a better production person. I've grown older. Got more grey hair. We made lots of mistakes…there were lots of indulgences which we could've avoided. The film could've looked the same at a much lower cost.

Q: Is your production company going to merge with Yashraj Films?
A: We've been together in every way for a long time. I'm still structuring my own production house. Yashraj distributes my films worldwide. To me, Dharma and Yashraj are one and the same.

If Priyanka is Bibi, who's Jaba

It's definitely on. At year-end Pritish Nandy Communications commences shooting for Rituparno Ghosh's Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam.

Priyanka Chopra who has been penciled on to play the pivotal role is ecstatic. "It's a dream role. I still pinch myself into believing I'm doing Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, specially with Salman who's one of my favourite co-stars. I was heartbroken when I lost Umrao Jaan. But now I'm looking forward to this. I've never done a period film before."

Adds Pritish Nandy, "Pritish Nandy Communications has never done a period film before. It will be our most ambitious and expensive project to date. We've got Priyanka Chopra to play Bibi, Salman Khan to play Sahib and John Abraham for Ghulam. We're now looking at someone to play the second female protagonist Jaba," says Pritish Nandy.

"It's not a second lead. But how do we explain this?"

Ideally Pritish Nandy would've like Kareena Kapoor to play the whimsical Jaba. But after their confrontational roles in Abbas-Mustan's Aitraaz it's unlikely that Kareena would want to team up with Priyanka again, especially since Priyanka has the author-backed role.

So who would it be for the colitish Jaba in Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam?

Possible contenders….

Amrita Rao: Pretty wholesome nice impish wild but yet conservative personality, tapped to advantage in Farah Khan's Main Hoon Na . Amrita could swing Jaba quite effectively. She has the classic features to go with it. But would audiences accept the Ishq Vishq gal in such a nostalgia-steeped role?

Vidya Balan: Done a Bengali Saratchandra classic Parineeta. Has a touch of Waheeda Rehman's dignity and grace to her personality and dances well. But known as too much of a Vidhu Vinod Chopra protégée.

Soha Ali Khan: Mama Sharmila Tagore's classic features plus an old-world grace(she prefers wearing saris to premieres) could tilt the scale in Soha's favour for Jaba. And if brother Saif has a Parineeta surely Soha should have a Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam to her credit.

Raima Sen: Not to be confused with sis Riya, Raima has a classique literary personality, tapped to advantage by Rituparno Ghosh in Chokher Bali and Vinod Chopra in Parineeta. But not star material…as yet.

Tabu: Slightly out of bounds for Jaba age-wise. But who said the character was ever meant to be Sweet 16? Tabu with her grace and intensity is the only true successor to Waheeda Rehman. Only problem…Priyanka would've to run for cover.

Kajol: A natural scene-stealer…close your eyes, and you can see Kajol singing Bhanwra bada nadaan hai in Guru Dutt's Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam. She's the only actress with the guts to take on a role that's not author-backed. Remember she had offered to step into Rani's stilettos when Karan Johar couldn't cast for the second lead in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai?

It is high time we win an Oscar: Shah Rukh Khan

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan has said he would prefer making good films in India rather than going to Hollywood as "it is better to rule in hell than to serve in heaven."

In an interview to Aaj Tak's Seedhi Baat, Shah Rukh said "it is better to rule in hell than to serve in heaven, even if that is considered heaven. I think they also make films as we do. I think I don't pertain to that. I would rather make a good film here than to go to Hollywood."

Asked why Indian actors always aspire to go to Hollywood, he says it does not make sense to him.

To a question about Indian films failing to win awards like Oscar and Golden Globe, Shah Rukh said it is due to the mindset of the jury.

"The jury there has a mindset and we need to understand that mindset if we want to win awards. It is high time we win awards there. Like we get foreign coaches to train Indian players, we should get some consultants who can share their thoughts on what kind of movies can win awards," he said.

The 'baadshah' of Bollywood feels he has matured and mellowed down over the years.

"I have mellowed down over the years, especially in my acting. When a person is young, he is impatient, and wants to do too many things at one go. But over the years, almost 15 years and 50 films, I don't try to do too many things at one go. I have definitely mellowed down and I can see it in my performance that I have matured," the actor said.

Shah Rukh advised the new generation of stars, at times referred to as 'toy-boys' and 'one-film wonder', to gain knowledge through education which will help them to grow in the long run.

"I think for the new stars who want to do well in the long run education is a must. One should have the knowledge, which helps one grow," he said.

Observing that there is a lot of talent in the industry, he said even better stars will follow "once we decide to take a back sea. But honestly speaking, there is a little chance. A good thing is a good thing and old is gold and the longer it lasts is beautiful.”

"If I try to work for so long as Amitabh Bachchan has done then how will these new kids get a chance to take centre-stage," an Aaj Tak release quoted him as having said.

To a question on 'remakes' and how important it is to 're-make' films on old subjects, the veteran actor said "I want to reintroduce good things which come across during my lifetime.”

"The idea is not to make a better product. I think there will never a better Devdas than what was made or a better Don but there will be some kind of introduction of these interesting subjects to new generation," he said.

Asked about his relationship with Gandhi family, Shah Rukh said "I am a apolitical person and my every relationship is personal and not political."

He said giving time to his kids was one of the topmost priorities of his life as his parents gave him everything in life but time due to their untimely demise.

Abhishek has proved himself: Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan made a much-awaited appearance last week, along with wife Jaya and son Abhishek, at Akshardham temple in Delhi on the occasion of Amar Singh’s 50th birthday. But there are still no signs of him returning to work. Subhash K Jha talks to Big B about his return to Bollywood.

Q: Your level of recovery?
A: I’m getting along. But it takes time. It can take any amount of time. I’m gradually going back to my normal diet and routine… the whole re-orientation of my body has to take place. I’m coping as best as I can.

Q: You won all the Best Actor awards for Black. Comment.
A: It feels very, very good. Sanjay Bhansali swept the Apsara awards. I’m not allowed to appear in public. So I remain at home and watch the awards on television. Even Jaya and Abhishek were unable to go. Sanjay collected the Best Actor award on my behalf. After the function, he called and told me it was the most special evening of his life.

Q: Ek Ajnabee and Family didn’t work. Maybe audiences don’t want to see you in action roles?
A: Then I won’t do them… Simple! The audience always lets its pleasure and displeasure known. If they don’t go for a particular kind of film it’s signal for us that we don’t feature in such films… I actually told the makers of Family including Rajji that I was doing a similar film Sarkar.

Somewhere I felt there was a similarity between the two. But the makers of Family felt their film was different.

Q: What are your priorities after a full recovery?
A: There’s some work left in Karan’s Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna and a lot of work in Ravi’s Babul. They’ve been very gracious, understanding and kind. Karan and Ravi meet me every other day but never discuss work.

They both are like family. The moment I can get to work, I will. I’ve only these two films on the floor. Vinod Chopra’s Eklavya is over. That’s in sync sound. So that’s all right. It depends on when he wants to release it.

Q: Abhishek saw success in 2005.
A: I’m very proud of him. Jaya and I supported him like any other parents, and stood by him. Like everyone else, Abhishek had to fight his battle alone. He has fought many odds. He has braved severe criticism and ridicule. Today he has proved himself.

Exciting moments last year were those where I was with him on-screen. Those films will always remain special. I found his performance in Bluff Master! to be the best so far. It was a wonderful, near-flawless performance.

Q: The best thing to happen in 2005?
A: The success of Black. It was a marvellous experience. All the faculties available to an artiste were put to use within me. And then to see the finished product! I remember the first trial with Sanjay, his mother, Jaya, myself and Rani… I had been through it, but it moved me so much.

After the trial Rani and I just held each other and wept… Somewhere it was a culmination of the emotions that we had lived in the film. But it was more… this process of re-living the experience just continues. It’s embarrassing for me to weep at every viewing of the film.

Q: The most moving Black experience?
A: Shah Rukh coming up after the premiere to say that he wanted to touch my feet while I was holding Dilip Kumar’s hand.

Dilip Saab just hugged me and kept looking at my face. It was an unbelievable moment. He went home and sent me flowers and a beautifully worded letter, which I’ve framed in my office.

Dilip Saab has been my inspiration from the time I was in school and college. To have someone of his stature write a complimentary note… these are moments that I’m truly blessed to have got from Black.

Q: Q: What are you looking forward to in 2006?
A: Work… Films are all I do. Then, I’ve some endorsements pending. They need immediate attention. There are companies who want to renew their endorsement contacts with me.

Rang De Basanti

Cast: Aamir Khan, Siddharth, Atul Kulkarni, Sharman Joshi, Kunal Kapoor, Soha Ali Khan Pataudi, Alice Patten, R. Madhavan, Waheeda Rehman, Kirron Kher and Om Puri
Director: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Producer: Ronnie Screwvala
Music: A.R. Rahman
Rating ***

I don't remember when I last saw a movie that had a story to tell and a message to give -- and did so in a real, gritty manner without being either preachy or dreary.

Some people say history is boring. But sometimes walking through the lanes of the past can be enjoyable and gratifying, especially if your guide is someone as gifted as Rakyesh Mehra and companions as spirited as Aamir Khan, Siddharth, Kunal Kapoor and Soha.

If Mehra's directorial debut "Aks" was unusual, his latest "Rang De Basanti" is atypical and awe-inspiring. It is not a patriotic film that bores you by glorifying the past. Instead, it meticulously draws a line between the past and the present, both of which move in parallel lines. If the past shows a group of young martyrs sacrificing their lives to uproot the British from the country, the present has a bunch of college pass-outs clueless about their future.

The film records their transition while they work on a documentary film based on the lives of freedom fighters, a gradual awakening to what life around them is all about.

If Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev fought against British rule, these youngsters wage a war against corrupt politicians who rule and ruin the country.

The film opens in London where young British girl Sue, played by Alice Patten, chances upon the diary of her grandfather, who served as a jailor during the British rule in India. She decides to make a film on the young Indian revolutionaries mentioned in the diary.

The company she works in refuses to sponsor her. It doesn't dampen her spirit and she flies down to India where she meets Sonia, played by Soha Ali Khan, who helps her in realising her dream. Sonia introduces her to DJ (Aamir Khan), Karan (Siddharth), Sukhi (Sharman Joshi), Aslam (Kunal Kapoor). After meeting them, Sue decides to make a film with them on martyrs like Bhagat Singh, Chandrasekhar Azad and Rajguru.

Initially, they surprise her with their cynicism about freedom fighters, India's future and corruption. The youngsters are convinced nobody can propel India in the right direction.

But once they begin enacting the lives of the historical characters comes the transformation in their outlook about the present and their own role in changing it. The death of their friend, Flt. Lt. Ajay Rathod, played by R. Madhavan, ignites their anger against the system and they explode.

The film sends out the message that every generation fights its own set of battles for the country.

Hindu fundamentalists are also targeted in the film through Atul Kulkarni, an extremist who fights to retain his Indian-ness. After watching the film, the pre-release hype over MiG fighter planes seems pointless.

Most films these days have a predictable story and viewers are usually a step ahead in foreseeing what's next. But Mehra proves to be cleverer and keeps the curiosity alive till the end. The climax comes as a big 'surprise'.

Aamir proves his mettle as a cheerful extrovert, though at some places his age betrays him. Anyway, "Rang De Basanti" cannot be termed an out and out Aamir film because the rest of the cast gets equal opportunity to showcase their talents and they don't disappoint you even once.

The film has stellar performances by the entire cast. British actress Alice Patten is brilliant and Soha surprises by her acting prowess. In fact, this could be called her best performance so far.

Om Puri, Kirron Kher and Waheeda Rehman walk in and out of the script in minuscule roles.

A.R. Rahman's music complements the story, but the editing is a little loose and at times obstructs the flow of the story.

In sum, an entertaining film -- and an enlightening one too. Well worth the money spent.

It is hard to look like a sex worker

Claiming that the role of a sex worker portrayed by her in the film Chingari, was a complex one, actor Sushmita Sen on Wednesday termed it to be her best performance so far.

“I have rubbed loads of koyla (coal) and kajal, mixed with oil, on my face and body to look like a natural village girl who is a sex worker. It was not at all easy but with my director Kalpana Lajmi’s encouragement, I managed,” she said.

Sen said she was drained physically and emotionally during the shooting of the film, as she had never portrayed such a complex and true-to-life character before.

“The role of a rural woman and that too of a sex worker was unlike the image I have. I was excited about the role and I did not want to miss the bus,” she added.

Denying that Chingari is a statement against prostitution, Sen said, “it is a story from the point of view of a sex worker. I realise what a hard life it must be and I feel all the more for women who are in the same position. The turning point in Basanti’s life comes when she falls in love and gains the respect of a man’.

Sen’s co-stars in the film included Ila Arun, Anuj Sawhney and Mithun Chakraborty. The film has been written by acclaimed music director Bhupen Hazarika.

Sen was being seen as somewhat of a rebel in Bollywood, being very open about her personal life, including the men in it, her personal struggles and her life as a single mother.

Meera wants bold Indian films

Meera is saddened at the recent statement by the Pakistan Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, that the Pakistan government has allowed the exhibition of only one Indian movie on the basis of a court decision, and not all films from India.

"She is of the view that the governments should adopt a more liberal approach to films, art and culture, like it does when it comes to cricket and politics," said the actress's spokesperson and publicist Dale Bhagwagar in Mumbai.

Meera, who has just returned to India from a month long stay in Lahore, has been pleading to the authorities of her country, including the Censor Board and film producer's associations, to promote stronger ties between India and Pakistan through the medium of cinema.

Pakistan recently said, it would permit public screening of the 1984 Indian movie 'Sohni Mahiwal', a love story set in Punjab , but denied having lifted a 40-year-old ban on viewing of Indian movies.

After the 1965 war with India, Pakistan had clamped a ban on public screening of Indian films. It stayed, despite appeals from the Pakistan film industry to allow Indian films to be screened in its theatres and permit the two industries to cooperate with each other.

Anuj didn't kiss Sushmita Sen

Director Kalpana Lajmi is angry over false reports about Sushmita Sen's torrid smooching sequence with Anuj Sawhney in her forthcoming film "Chingari".

Apparently both Lajmi and Sush have put the blame for the wrong story on the film's producer, Vikas Sahni. Sushmita reportedly even phoned Sahni and threatened not to support the film's publicity.

Immeasurably agitated, Lajmi lashed out at the smooch theory.

"This isn't the kind of publicity my cinema needs. 'Chingaari' is about the life of a prostitute. It is about the politics of sex. But there are no sexy scenes. I have not made a 'Julie' or a 'Murder'. And there is certainly no kissing sequence in 'Chingaari', let alone a torrid one.

"If my film required that kind of intimacy it would have it and I would certainly not hide it. Why should I? I am sure of my convictions as a filmmaker. And I don't need to seal them with a kiss," said Lajmi.

The supposed smooch is actually a love-song sequence that Sushmita personally choreographed after the choreographer didn't turn up for the shooting, she said.

"Do you think Sushmita or I would do anything vulgar or unaesthetic? Yes, Sush does have sensuous scenes but not with Anuj Sawhney. They are with Mithun.

"How dare Anuj give quotes about how we had to do 36 re-takes for the love scenes between him and Sush? What is he implying? That I am an inept director and Sushmita is a clumsy actress! Please don't make me open my mouth about that Anuj. He's trouble, period," Lajmi stated.

This is not the first time that Sawhney finds himself facing the wrath of a celebrated co-star with whom he has insinuated more than a passing chumminess. Earlier, after the release of "Naina", Sawhney had upset co-star Urmila Matondkar by calling her 'voluptuous' in print.

"I think he needs to watch himself," warned Lajmi. "And he should stop lying. Because there is no smooch with Sush, except maybe in his fantasy."

India TV exposes Star & KBC!

India's version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" has gone out of production because of host Amitabh Bachchan's health woes.

Bachchan, 63, underwent abdominal surgery in December and is still not well enough to resume taping, a Star TV official told .

After Bachchan's son, Abhishek, declined a request to step in for his ailing father, the network decided to scrap the show.

"Millionaire," called "Kaun Banega Crorepati," has drawn an average 15 million viewers since its launch in 2000.

However, according to news channel India TV, Star may have been forced to scrap the show because of an alleged scam in the selection of contestants.

KBC 2 received 25 lac calls for each episode from people desperate to be in the hot seat. But exactly how 10 contestants were chosen has now been called into question.

India TV says it got a call from a KBC fan, who claimed to have proof that the selection process was dubious. The fan, whose identity will be revealed today, works at a bank in Udaipur.

He also found that nine BSNL employees and one from MTNL made it to the final 10, in an apparent violation of the rules, which bar employees of KBC 2’s advertisers and partners from participating. All this information is available on Star’s website, Indya.com.

Abhishek opts out of 'Sholay'

The real reason why Abhishek Bachchan has opted out of Ram Gopal Varma's "Sholay" is not moral but practical. The busy Bollywood star just couldn't give dates.

Those dates were committed to the inimitable Mani Ratnam. Yes, Abhishek Bachchan will be coming together with his "Yuva" director again for Ratnam's first film in the English language to be shot in London.

Both Abhishek and of course the ever-secretive Ratnam are tight-lipped about the project. Says Abhishek, "I can't say anything about this right now."

But a source close to the actor confirms, "The Abhishek-Mani Ratnam project is definitely on. It's a film that requires Abhishek to age from 16 to 60. Since he truly enjoyed working with Mani in 'Yuva' he was very keen to do so again.

"The only problem was the dates were clashing with Ram Gopal Varma's 'Sholay'. And since Abhishek is already doing two more films with Varma - 'Ek' and 'Sarkar 2' - both with his dad Amitabh Bachchan, he opted for Mani's film over Ramu's 'Sholay'."

Amitabh Bachchan is being cast as Gabbar Singh in the new-age 'gangsterised' version of Ramesh Sippy's classic "Sholay". Abhishek was to play Veeru - but now that is not happening.

It is a conspiracy against me

Denying and rubbishing reports of an altercation between her long-standing friend and actor Kiran Kumar and her, Vinta Nanda, producer of India's leading daily soap 'Miilee', claims there is a "conspiracy" behind the whole episode.

"As cliché as it may sound, it is true that some vested interests are trying their level best to cause friction between Kiran and me, talking about imaginative financial disputes. But let me clarify, that apart from being close friends, we are both complete professionals, and will not let friction-creating elements succeed in their dubious efforts," gushes an angry Vinta, almost like a wounded tigress.

"Kiran Kumar has worked in our company's television projects from more than 10 years now; from 'Aur Phir Ek Din', 'Agneepath', 'Ehsaas', 'Papa' to 'Miilee'. He has even acted in two films, 'Shabnam' and 'Kasam Teri Kasam', which my partner Raman Kumar directed.

"Apart from being an actor with our company, Kiran's a great personal friend. Do you think our relationship is so weak that it can be broken with frivolous newspaper reports?", she asks.

And as if to vindicate Vinta's stand, Kiran Kumar shot for 'Miilee' even the day the ugly rumours broke out, and is to shoot again for the soap in two days. Adds Vinta, "If there was any problem, would he? I feel, all those who want to create such fake stories about us, as having monetary issues and payment problems with him, should just stop conspiring and shut their mouths up once and forever."

"Vinta further adds, "This situation is quite similar to what had happened when my soap 'Tara' had peaked. People had tried to create misunderstandings between my actors and me then too.

" At that time, I was not mature enough to handle it. I'm aware; some people get insecure whenever Raman Kumar and I churn out a big success. But this time round, as 'Miilee' peaks, nobody gets away with it."

"In fact, those people with vested interests are foolishly calling me and patting me on my back for "chucking out Kiran Kumar". Then they are calling Kiran and saying, "Its nice you parted ways with Vinta Nanda". In their stupidity, they don't even realize, the bond I share with Kiran is unbreakable. If they don't stop, I will be forced to expose them in public."

Gurinder ready with Sassy Girl

British-Indian director Gurinder Chadha’s forte is and has always been crossover films – whether a Bhaji on the Beach (1993) or the box office hit Bend it like Beckham or Bride and Prejudice.

Recently, however she took a bit of a detour and shot a commercial for Gibson guitar in Mumbai. Having completed this, she is back to her first love. She is writing a script for her next in Spain. Her next project is finally in place.

Says the director from Spain, “I've finally got the green light for my romantic comedy Sassy Girl .We've started the casting process and are talking to actors in the US. I aim to shoot this spring in New York – if casting goes well and the actors I want are available – Inshallah!”

The multi-million project to be shot during April and May will be Chadha's first full-on romantic comedy.

So what made her do the guitar commercial? “I loved doing this ad in India. The entire crew, were so hard working and responsive – I would love to do more ad films there,” she says.

While Chadha is busy finalising her next, her husband Paul Mayeda's debut film Mistress Of Spices, featuring Aishwarya Rai is all set to be released in the UK and India on April 21.