SRK angry with media over the reports of hugging Arjun Rampal?

If the recent reports are to be believed, superstar Shahrukh Khan is miffed with the media over the latest reports of hugging Arjun Rampal at an award function. Shahrukh, who is rumoured of having a tiff with Arjun, was spotted chit chatting, and even hugging Arjun at the back stage of the event. A source informed a leading daily that Shahrukh Khan was just being civil to Arjun Rampal, as they had a face-off. According to the source, Khan finds "it silly that he seems to have read a bit too much into it." The source added that it's unlikely that the duo's relationship would get repaired, hence, it is futile to speculate "about where it is headed." The rumours about their strained relationship started doing the rounds ever since the release of Ra.One and the infamous Eid party at Mannat. According to the sources, SRK and Arjun apparently used to have fights on the sets of Ra.One. Though the exact reason behind the tiff is not yet clear, one can't help, just speculate

Poonam Pandey to gain weight for debut movie!

Bikini-clad Poonam Pandey has done it again! Having been a sexy model in the beginning of her career, this sultry siren has maintained a size zero figure, but she is all set to shed this image soon. If rumour mills are to be believed, Poonam will be gaining six kilos for her Bollywood debut Nasha as her role demanded sensuous aspect from the actor. The movie Nasha would require a voluptuous figure and some extra curves. As per reports, Ms Pandey was quite sceptical about taking up the role but later, when Amit Saxena narrated the script, she was touched and simply couldn't wait to start filming. Reportedly, in order to get into the skin of her character, Poonam gave up her disciplined diet routines and gorged on junk food to gain weight. The film has been titled Nasha and the poster shows nude human figures in various postures to spell the word.

Nautanki Saala: Ayushmann doesn't want to play a typical hero

VJ-turned-actor Ayushmann Khurrana, who made a successful Bollywood debut with Vicky Donor, wants to play realistic characters onscreen and not the typical hero. Ayushmann will be seen next in Rohan Sippy's directorial venture Nautanki Saala. Theatre being the backdrop of the film, the lead actors - Ayushmann and Kunal - will be dressed up as 'nautanki walas', donning the traditional attire of folk drama artistes. "The best part is all the roles that I am playing are real or close to reality. I have done theatre so I could relate to the character in Nautanki Saala," Ayushmann told PTI. Ayushmann will next star opposite Sonam Kapoor in Yash Raj Films' untitled romantic comedy set in Delhi. This fun-filled satire has been written by Ishaqzaade director Habib Faisal and will be directed by Nupur Asthana. "It is a love story in the times of recession and I play a guy who is hit by recession. It is a Habib Faisal kind of film, very real," the actor said. Even before his first film Vicky Donor hit cinema houses, Ayushmann had managed to impress John Abraham, who signed him for his next home production Hamara Bajaj. The film will be directed by Shoojit Sircar and will have Ayushmann playing the role of a young man called Sanjay Bajaj, who is a struggling actor. "I have Shoojit Sircar's film Hamara Bajaj where I play a tourist who wants to be an actor. So that is also real. The best part is I am getting to play real characters. I don't want to try and become a hero or somebody performing out of scale. I would prefer to be real and subtle in films," he said. From being a contestant on a TV reality show to a host and now to being an actor, the Vicky Donor star feels today the transition for those coming from television to films has become relatively easy. Ayushmann shot to fame with the second season of reality show 'MTV Roadies' in 2004 where he emerged the winner. Thereafter, he completed his studies and took up a job as a radio jockey in Delhi, and later hosted quite a few shows for MTV, reality shows like India's Got Talent and Just Dance and several award functions. He was a presenter for Extra Innings T20 (IPL), season three. "Things have changed for me as an actor. We are living in an era where transition from TV to films is easy. I have made it quite successfully. I was around for four years, anchoring shows, taking interviews, watching the industry as an outsider. It is a nice shift, it is ironical," Ayushmann said. "It is great that people have started respecting television or TV actors. This year more TV actors will be seen in films like Sushant Singh Rajput, Manish and others. It is a nice thing. It is a nice symbiotic relation between TV and films," he said. Nautanki Saala is slated for release on April 12 this year.

John Abraham all praise for superstar Shahrukh Khan

John Abraham is one actor who is not just good looking but highly talented too. After turning producer with Vicky Donor that actor wants to try his hands in direction in the future. And John says that he would love to direct superstar Shahrukh Khan as he is getting better with age. In a recent interview to a leading website, John Abraham showered praises on Shahrukh and said that he would like to direct Shahrukh Khan because SRK looked brilliant and very handsome in Jab Tak Hai Jaan. John also said that he thinks Shahrukh looks better with age and he feels there's so much that he can do with him that's so different and there's his platform of a superstar too. John Abraham further added, "The most attractive men in the industry are the guys who are older - Salman Khan, Aamir Khan and Shahrukh Khan."

Mumbai track of Bejoy Nambiar's David inspired by life

Few portions of Bejoy Nambiar's upcoming film David is actually being inspired by real life incident. The character of Rohini Hattangadi is inspired by the real life personality of Uma Bharti. Rohini plays the role of a Hindu hardliner in the film who believes that catholic covert Hindu followers into Christianity. Uma Bharti in real life also has similar point of view. She is a BJP politician who holds similar views. The character of Rohini Hattangadi is based on the real life character of Uma Bharti. In fact, a very high profile case of Orissa priest burning has been integrated in the story line. The role of David is played by Vinay Virmani. The character is obviously stunned at the ferocity of religious emotions. David is a forthcoming action-thriller film directed by Bejoy Nambiar, starring Vikram, Vinay and Neil. The plot revolves around the lives of three different men named David, who are about to take a step which is going to change their lives forever. The film is set to hit theaters on 1st February.

Anushka Sharma is excited about Peekay!

Anushka Sharma has managed to become an A-list actress within a very short span of time in the film industry. She made her debut opposite Bollywood’s aceShahrukh Khan, and later went on to work with Akshay Kumar andImran Khan. But the young actress is excited and eager to begin her next film Peekay, which starsAamir Khan and is being directed bu Rajkumar Hirani.

While the audience will be as eager as the actress to watch the film, Anushka has her own expectations and is hoping that the film does better than 3 Idiots. Anushka said:“I am very excited to work with Raju Hirani and Aamir Khan. The shooting of the film will begin in February. I hope we make a film better than 3 IDIOTS.”

Anushka Sharma’s previous film Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandla won her critical acclaim and she is thrilled with the response she has received from her fans. She said: “I am very happy that my film is doing well. It gives me a lot of satisfaction to receive praises from both critics and people. I have got a lot of compliments for my work.”

Salman Khan free from the 1998 blackbuck hunting case

Good news for all Salman Khanfans. The actor is finally relieved from the black buck shooting case and will not face trial anymore.

The Supreme Court of India, headed by Justice P. Sathasivam, dismissed the plea of the Rajasthan government stating that the actor along with four others should be tried in the blackbuck poaching case, dated back to 1998 during the shooting of the film Hum Saath Saath Hain.

The stars of Hum Saath Saath Hain – Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Neelam andSonali Bendre, were caught hunting the blackbucks and were booked under section 52 (attempts to contravene, or abet the contravention of, any of the provisions of this Act) of the Wildlife Act and section 149 of IPC.

The actors were accused of poaching two blackbucks in Kankani village near Jodhpur in October 1998.

We had reported earlier that Salman’s trip to the US for his treatment was cancelled and postponed for the future. Well, the actor cancelled his trip as he had to appear in the Jodhpur court for for the case.

The superstar also confirmed the news. He said, Salman Khan also confirmed the news and said, “Yes, the trip has been postponed for now. I have got my court hearings coming up, so I have to go to Jodhpur. It (the US trip) would be hurried. That’s why I had to push it back till after the court cases.”

Dev Patel turns down Farah Khan’s offer

Looks like Dev Patel of Slumdog Millionaire fame, is not interested in Bollywood. The actor recently rejected Farah Khan’s offer to work in her upcoming flick ‘Happy new Year’.

Actor Dev Patel, an Indian origin from Britan, who shot to fame with his role in Slumdog Millionaire, apparently didn’t really work well with the India audiences. If reports are to be believed, Dev is keen on being a part of offbeat movies and not Bollywood mainstream. Hence he turned down Farah Khan’s offer.

Dev’s last film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, which hit theaters in 2011, in spite of receiving great reviews, was a big failure at Indian box office.

Meanwhile, if all goes well, Happy New Year may also feature Shahrukh Khanbesides other ensemble star cast. This will marks Farah’s reunion with friend Shah Rukh Khan. We had earlier reported that Shahrukh Khan was keen on working with Priyanka Chopra in the film. And now, his wish has been fulfilled with Priyanka reportedly signing on the dotted line.

Reportedly, names such as Sonakshi Sinha, Parineeti Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif were being considered by the filmmaker. But SRK stepped in and solved Farah’s problem by insisting on having Priyanka in the film.

Priyanka Chopra elated about her next film!

Actress Priyanka Chopra is elated that her much delayed movie “Deewana Main Deewana” is now set for release and says the long gap hasn’t lessened her enthusiasm for the film.

Priyanka said: “When a film takes a lot of time, there are many reasons – why it happened and how it happened but that doesn’t mean that the hard work and the love you have poured in that film will lessen,” the 31-year-old said here at the music launch of the film “Deewana Main Deewana”.

“Every film has its own destiny and about ‘Deewana Main Deewana’ also the audience will decide,”added the actress.

Priyanka also added that she had a lot of fun working with Govinda.

Priyanka Chopra said: “I have been a big fan of Chi-Chi (Govinda). I love all his films. We have learnt dance watching his songs and dance. He was very sweet while shooting. He was very good and very senior actor. But he made me feel comfortable and I will be his big fan forever.”

Deewana Main Deewana is directed by K.C Bokadia and was supposed to release five years ago.

Shahrukh Khan takes dig at Kareena Kapoor

The recent 58th Filmfare Awards were hosted by Shahrukh Khanand Saif Ali Khan. It was a hilarious night with SRK and Saif being at their witty and charming best.

Taking a dig at almost every actor present at the awards night, Shahrukh and Saif together put up an awesome show.

As soon as SRK went on stage, he first targeted his co-host Saif saying, since he wanted to steal the limelight, he sent Saif to his honeymoon. He didn’t even leaveKareena Kapoor. making fun of her new name, SRK said, “Kareena Kapoor Khan Pataudi, kaafi lamba naam ho gaya hai na!”

Later Saif made his entry announcing that both of them were back with their “cheap jokes” and that they do not mean to hurt anybody personally.

Making fun of himself, Saif joked about his flop movie Agent Vinod. He said, “like every onscreen mother, who went against their son in Hindi movies like “Deewar” and “Mother India”, my mother too wanted to kill me after “Agent Vinod”.”

Their next target was Katrina Kaif, who was missing from the event. When Saif asked why she did not make it to the show, SRK quickly replied, “she’s not nominated, na!”

Overall, the awards night was a grand affair, all thanks to the two awesome hosts.

Tamil Nadu bans screening of 'Vishwaroopam'

The Tamil Nadu government yesterday banned the screening of Kamal Hassan's "Vishwaroopam" following strong protests from various Muslim organisations over alleged depiction of their community in a negative light.

Official sources said the state government has asked the respective district collectors to invoke necessary legal provisions to maintain law and order.

The ban came hours after the Muslim groups petitioned the government, seeking a ban.

A group of 20-odd organisations under a common banner submitted a memorandum to Home Secretary R Rajagopal to press for their demand, a day after taking up the matter with city
police.

M H Jawahirullah, MLA and president of Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam, told reporters that the movie "targets Muslims and their beliefs".

Mohammed Haneefa, coordinator of Federation of Islamic Movements and Political Parties, said the community would not accept such portrayal even if certain scenes are deleted.

"We intend to register our apprehensions that release of the film with (even) deleted scenes or changes will affect the social harmony and all-round peace in the state," he said.

The move comes days after Haasan, who directs and stars in the movie, held a special show for them.

The big budget movie has been made in Tamil, Hindi and Telegu.

Haasan has already clarified that Muslims are not shown in a objectionable manner in the film but that has failed to soothe frayed tempers of the community, which blames him of having a history of doing so in earlier films like "Hey Ram" and "Unnai Pol Oruvan", the latter a remake of Hindi hit "A Wednesday". Hassan had played the role of Naseruddin Shah in the original.

Hasan has been facing lot of hurdles with his latest movie, which has been made on a huge budget. His decision to show it on a DTH platform ahead of its theatrical release was faced with strong protests by screen-owners recently.

He was forced to drop his plans to have a DTH premiere first after the protests but moved the Competition Commission of India against Tamil Nadu theatre owners for allegedly restricting the release

Big B in trouble over a remark on Holy Book

A petition was filed yesterday in the Allahabad High Court accusing Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan of having made a "derogatory" remark, "with malicious intention", about a Holy book in a more than a year-old episode of the TV quiz show "Kaun Banega Crorepati".

The petition was filed by Mudassir Ullah Khan, a resident of Jhansi, who has taken exception to the use of the phrase "racha gaya" (composed) in the context of the Holy book by Bachchan in the episode aired on 28.09.2011.

 The petitioner has sought to make Bachchan, besides the manager of Sony TV and the "Karyakram Prayojak" (programme sponsor) of "Kaun Banega Crorepati" a party in the case.

 Khan has contended the Holy book was "neither written nor created by anybody, rather it came into existence/revealed by Allah (God) Himself" and hence the use of the phrase "racha gaya" was tantamount to "a serious offence" as Bachchan was a "popular figure" and "words used by him affect all communities".

 Khan has also challenged orders of Chief Judicial Magistrate and District and Sessions Judge of Jhansi, dated 29.11.2011 and 21.5.2012 respectively, whereby his pleas for directing the police to register an FIR under Indian Penal Code sections dealing with hurt caused to religious sentiments were turned down.

Khan has also submitted that while the CJM had dismissed his complaint "illegally and without application of mind", the District Judge turned down his subsequent criminal revision
terming it as "frivolous and vexatious" besides submitting that no objection was raised by any "school, institution or the Mohammadan community" nor was there any "fatwa" issued
against Amitabh Bachchan.

The petition is likely to come up for hearing before a Bench next week.