No Madame Tussauds for Kareena Kapoor

For months on end, we were told that a wax statue of Kareena Kapoor was being prepared for the famous Madame Tussauds in London. She was going to be immortalised in her Chameli avatar, and her statue would be unveiled on August 15, fortuitously just a day before beau Saif Ali Khan's 41st birthday. As it turns out, not everything is what it seems.

According to sources, the Chameli look has not been finalised and her wax statue won't be displayed in the famous museum, but a new branch somewhere in Blackpool, a small town in North West England.

"Initially, the Kareena camp leaked reports that her wax statue was to be unveiled on August 15. Now that the date is upon us, they are saying the event has been postponed to October and that the statue might be unveiled in Blackpool," said a source, adding that no Chameli look was ever finalised.

So far, six Indians have found place at Madame Tussauds, a museum of wax statues. These include Sachin Tendulkar, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and early this year, Hrithik Roshan.

A person close to Kapoor requesting anonymity claimed that while the statue will be unveiled in Blackpool, it will later be transported to the famous museum in London. "Bebo's statue will be unveiled at a new Madame Tussauds in Blackpool and later transported to London. The idea is to start off a new Madame Tussauds in Blackpool with Bebo's statue," he said.

On Kapoor's look for the statue, he agreed that none has been finalised. "Designer Manish Malhotra was given the job of deciding Bebo's look at Madame Tussauds and he gave three options -- her characters in Karan Johar's Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Imtiaz Ali's Jab We Met and Sudhir Mishra's Chameli. But the final look is yet to be decided."

Another friend of Kapoor's appeared angry at the insinuations that she has been generating the stories. "Bebo is not a nobody who needs to plant stories, trying to prove how she is in demand," she said.

Saif and Deepika to appear on KBC

Bollywood actors Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone will appear as special guests on the fifth season of the game show Kaun Banega Crorepati, which starts off August 15 with megastar Amitabh Bachchan as the host.

"One interesting candidate and the entire anxiety of the working of the show just flies past .. we had a few today and tomorrow is another day .. let us hope that all goes well .. the second episode towards the evening will have invites to Saif and Deepika .. who come to promote their film and mine as well - Aarakshan !!!"Amitabh posted on his blog bigb.bigadda.com.

"In many ways, the philosophy of the film and that of KBC is quite similar. Given opportunity, even the lesser privileged shall prosper. Or at least have the capacity to prosper," he wrote.

However, Mumbai rains played spoilsport as the production unit had to stall the shooting of the show several times due to the noise of the rain.

"The rains have been incessant.. and so harsh that we had to stop shooting KBC at times, because of the noise factor. But all in all a most satisfying day ... harsh and hard, but satisfactory," Amitabh said.

Saif had previously appeared with actress Preity Zinta in the second season of the show, while Deepika came as a guest last year although she didn't play.

Check out Deepika's hot images here !!

Sanjay's revealed Agneepath look..

Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt's look in the much-awaited remake of 'Agneepath' was revealed on his 52nd birthday today.

"First Look of Sanjay Dutt in Agneepath! Await your comments," filmmaker Karan Johar said on micro-blogging site twitter.

Johar posted a link of Agneepath's facebook page on twitter, which shows the 'Khalnayak's' shaved head, besides his bulked up physique and tattoos over his arms.

Directed by Johar's former assistant, Karan Malhotra, 'Agneepath', a remake of the 1990 Hindi film is reportedly radically different from the original film.

The original 'Agneepath', directed by Mukul Anand, starred Amitabh, Mithun Chakraborty, Madhavi, Rohini Hattangadi and Danny Denzongpa and was produced by Yash Johar, Karan's late father.

Though Agneepath failed commercially at the box-office, Bachchan's performance was praised. Bachchan and Chakraborty received National award for Best Actor and Filmfare Best Supporting Actor award respectively.

The remake version will see Hrithik reprising Bachchan's iconic role of Vijay Deenanath Chauhan with Priyanka Chopra as the female lead opposite him. The character essayed by Mithun Chakraborty has been totally done away in the remake and the role of the villain played by Danny Denzongpa is being essayed by Dutt.

Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor is touted to play another negative character in this remake of Agneepath that is expected to hit cinema halls on January 13, 2012.

Junior Bachchan thinks item numbers are fun

Abhishek Bachchan, who has done item numbers like One love and Nobody like you in the past, says he loves dancing to the peppy beats, and is game for more such numbers in future.

"I definitely think that item songs are a lot of fun to do, I enjoy the beat and the pace and sometimes the singing too. I have enjoyed doing all of them," Abhishek said in a statement.

The actor has also displayed his dancing skills in songs like Dus bahaane, Kajra re and Desi girl. But will one get to see him dance to any fast number in any of his forthcoming films - Players, Bol Bachchan, Dhoom 3 or Dostana 2?

"My directors would be the best to answer. But yes if they ask me to shake a leg, I won't shy off for sure," he said.

Raveena - DK Bose mom..!!

Actress Raveena Tandon is a worried mother these days! Not so much because of multi-tasking at home, but because she is so hooked on to the double-meaning hit number D.K. Bose and is humming it all the time.

"GOD! This bhaag dk is so catchy, have to catch myself from humming in front of the kids! Had changed pappu can't dance sala to Salsa! iska kya? (sic)," posted Raveena, who has two kids - daughter Rasha, six, and four-year-old son Ranbir.

The 36-year-old, who has moved into a new house, is hard pressed for time.

"Ok bhaag ... Bose bhaag bhaag!! Zats what my life has been 3 days.. Schools reopened, scrap book had to be finished, curtains to be chosen, blog to be written, scripts to be read, meetings with interior designers to be finalised, more stuff to be brought from old house."

"Kids swim, kathak, taekwondo, football, Gk, drama, math, all classes to be remembered and reached on time!! Phew! Being a workin housewife, NOT EASY!" she added.

Raveena was last seen in a cameo in Bbuddah... Hoga Tera Baap.

Sanju-Sallu to host Big Boss

While you’re finding it difficult to cope with one boss, TV reality series Bigg Boss has decided to get two on board. Season 5 of the popular show, which goes on air in October, will be hosted by two actors — Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt.

This is the first time that the show will see two hosts, and the makers are confident that it’ll have double the impact. “With both Salman and Sanjay on board, we’re sure that this season will touch unprecedented heights,” says Ashvini Yardi, head of programming at Colors, the host channel.

Salman-SanjuThe past chapters of the hit series, which first aired in 2006, have seen actors such as Arshad Warsi, Shilpa Shetty and Amitabh Bachchan as hosts. Salman is the only celebrity who’ll be seen as host for the second time. “I enjoyed working on the last season and received much positive response from fans. I’m glad to be back for another season ... and with Sanjay Dutt ... it can only mean one thing — more excitement,” he says.

Sridevi is Spontaneous & Lovely: Amitabh Bachchan

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who will be seen sharing screen with veteran actress Sridevi almost after 18 years in their up-coming film 'English Vinglish', says the actress is "still spontaneous and lovely".

"Sridevi still the same ... spontaneous and lovely ..!!," said Bachchan on the micro-blogging site twitter.

The two were last paired in the 1992 hit film 'Khuda Gawah'. Before that, they were seen together in films like 'Inquilaab' and 'Akhree Rasta'. Big B and Sridevi will star in director R Balki's wife Gauri Shinde's directorial debut film, 'English Vinglish'.

"Shooting today with the effervescent SriDevi after eternity almost...for R Balki's wife's directed film 'English Vinglish," said Bachchan.

Big B and Balki have worked together in films like 'Cheeni Kum' and 'Paa'.


The film, which is touted as Sridevi's comeback to Bollywood will see her essay the role of a housewife, who enrolls for a spoken English course to impress her husband and family.

Big B will be seen making a special appearance in the film. Sridevi was last seen in a full-fledged role in 1997 film 'Judaai' with Anil Kapoor and Urmila Matondkar.

Rohit Shetty's tribute through Singham

Rohit Shetty who paid a tribute to the 70s in his last, Golmaal 3 with Mithun Chakraborty's character is all set to take his 70's inspiration a step further in his next.

The Ajay Devgn—Kajal Aggarwal starrer Singham, Shetty has not just drawn inspiration but entire fight sequences from 70's blockbusters Amar Akbar Anthony and Zanjeer.

Ajay Devgn who plays a angry young cop named Bajirao Singham in the film titled after his character, will be seen enacting the same cuts and chops and mouthing the same dialogues in the film.

A source revealed, "The famous scene from Amar Akbar Anthony between Vinod Khanna a cop and Amitabh Bachchan the goon has been re-enacted in Singham.

The scene has Vinod Khanna unbuttoning his police uniform to beat up Amitabh. In Singham, Ajay Devgn who plays a cop, does the same to Ravi Beasant. In fact, the dialogue between Ajay and Ravi are similar to the ones between Vinod and Amitabh."

And that's not all. "There is a scene similar to a scene from the 1973 hit Zanjeer as well. The scene where Pran walks into a police station and tries to sit on a chair, which Amitabh Bachchan kicks away and says, 'Jab tak baithne ko kahaa na jaaye, tab tak chup chaap khade raho,' has been re-created in Singham. In this film, the scene has been picturised on Ajay Devgn and Marathi actor Ashok Samarth," added the source.

Seems like Rohit Shetty and Ajay Devgn are all set to recreate the 70s magic on screen with Singham. "Rohit wanted to pay a tribute to the 70's and also to the original angry young man of Indian cinema, Mr Amitabh Bachchan," said the source.

When contacted, the official spokesperson from the film confirmed the existence of the scenes in Singham and added, "They are used as a tribute to the films of 70's.

Rohit and Ajay have grown up watching these films. These are iconic scenes and we have tried to pay them a tribute through our film."

Secret Wishes

Katrina Kaif, The sensational actress who turned 27 yesterday (16th July, 2011), had not just one but two reasons to party.

While it was her birthday and also the second day of her latest film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara that released on 15th July garnering great reviews.

Though the actress didn't divulge about her celebration plans, she shared some facts talking about the gifts that she wants this year. Kat said, "I am hoping my film does well. That will be the best birthday gift."

Last year, the actress had spent her birthday in Spain while shooting for the film. But the film's success is not all that Kat is wishing for this birthday. Apparently, it's a bike that Katrina desperately wants.

Just recently, Amitabh Bachchan expressed his desire to own a Harley Davidson, which he rode in his film Bbuddah... Hoga Terra Baap and now Kat wants one too.

Incidentally Katrina has driven a bike in her latest flick Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and has ever since wanted to own a bike. She said, "I secretly wish that I was a biker. I loved riding the bike in ZNMD and I wish to get one. I hope my co-stars Hrithik, Abhay and Farhan gift me one," she said with a naughty smile.

Well, we wonder what Kat will do if she gets the bike. For if she rides it on the streets, the traffic infested roads will only get all the more worse!

SRK - IIFA's new ambassador?

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is being offered to step into the role of IIFA's brand ambassador, after it was left vacant by Amitabh Bachchan.

Previously Amitabh Bachchan was the ambassador of the award function. However, he and the organisers, Wizcraft, reportedly parted ways early last year, albeit amicably.

SRK was being heralded as the new face of the awards after he confirmed to perform at the show in Toronto last month. However, it was only recently after a promo featuring him in the forthcoming telecast of the awards went on air that the organisers made the final decision, according to our sources.

A source informs that it was Sabbas Joseph, founder director of Wizcraft, who suggested his name. "While watching the promo, Sabbas remarked that Shah Rukh would make a wonderful ambassador," revealed our source.

However, when contacted, Sabbas denied saying, "The question of approaching anyone doesn't arise."

However, our source reiterates, "Praising the trailer, Joseph commented that after Mr Bachchan, bringing in Shah Rukh seems to be perfectly natural."

Last year, after the Bachchans opted out of the award ceremony in Colombo, the organisers had approached Salman Khan to perform the grand finale. Consequently, buzz arose that he was going to be the brand ambassador.

But this year, the Dabangg actor couldn't make it to Toronto, as he was busy with Bodyguard. That's when IIFA approached SRK, who agreed to perform at the function.

Big B's apology to his fans

A humble Amitabh Bachchan took to Twitter to apologise to the fans, who had gathered outside his Juhu residence Jalsa today (July 10), for the regular Sunday darshan of the superstar.

He said: "I apologise to all the fans that came to Jalsa this evening, as on all Sundays, and got roughed up by the police .."

According to reports, the policemen, posted for security, got a little tough with the fans.

Big B further added: "Spoke to the Station and they immediately sent in a representative to apologise for the action.. they were controlling the huge rush. Thank you Mr Bhagat and Mumbai Police for your prompt action ..these fans do not mean trouble, just wait obediently to cheer.."

The weekly gathering of the masses to catch a glimpse of the superstar has been an age-long tradition, one of the most memorable being the day he got injured on the sets of his 1983 blockbuster Coolie.

Delhi Belly rocks the box office

While Aamir Khan's 'Delhi Belly' has opened to magnanimous figures, 'Bbuddah' started slow but picked up over the weekend.

The box-office seems to be buzzing with activity. After last week's solo release Double Dhamaal which opened to good numbers, the two releases of this week – Delhi Belly and Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap are keeping the ticket windows crowded.

Thanks to the immense hype surrounding the movie, Delhi Belly collected a whopping Rs 26.4 crore over the opening weekend. The day wise break-up is Friday – Rs 7.15 crore, Saturday – Rs 8.50 crore and Sunday – Rs 10.75 crore with numbers getting better each day. The budget of Delhi Belly is Rs 24 crores (including production, print and publicity) which means the film has already recovered its investment. With the positive buzz surrounding the film, the collections in coming days should immensely add to the revenues. And we have not even counted the non-theatrical avenues.

Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap had a slow start on Friday but picked up over the weekend with major patronage from family audiences and Amitabh Bachchan fans. The opening weekend collection is around Rs 7.5 crores. Made in a controlled budget of approx Rs. 10 crores, the film has already recovered money through non-theatrical avenues. The satellite right has fetched the producers a whopping Rs 13.5 crores. So, overall Bbuddah... should be a profitable venture.

The coming week sees two very diverse genre releases. While Bhatts' Murder 2 caters to the adult audience with a staple dose of skin-show and sensationalism, UTV and Salman Khan's Chillar Party caters to the kids and young at heart. While Murder remains the most successful film from the Bhatt banner so far, it needs to be seen if the sequel can recreate the same magic at the box-office. Chillar Party promises to be one of those small-budget films which is big on story.

Chiranjeevi ain't quitting..

Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi has decided not to quit acting following the advice of Amitabh Bachchan.

The 55-year-old actor-politician had announced that he was bidding adieu to acting because of his involvement in politics but Bachchan convinced him otherwise.

"I will do my 150th film which will be directed by Puri Jagannath," Chiranjeevi announced at the premier of Bbuddha...hoga tera baap, starring Amitabh Bachchan and directed by Jagannath.

Interestingly, Bachchan offered to play a guest role in Chiranjeevi's next film, much to the cheer of the fans.

Another Bollywood director Ram Gopal Varma said he was ready to direct Chiranjeevi in his 151st film, if he was willing to continue acting.

"Yes, I will act again. Puri Jagannath will direct the film," Chiranjeevi declared amidst loud cheers by scores of fans and film personalities present at the multiplex complex.

At the launch of UTV's Action Telugu movie channel two days ago, Chiranjeevi - who is now a member of Andhra Pradesh legislative assembly - said he would not act in films henceforth and the gap would be filled by his actor-son Ram Charan Tej.

Incidentally, Charan will be producing his father's 150th movie.

Chiranjeevi, who debuted in 1977 with Punadhirallu, has been part of critically and commercially hit films like Idi Katha Kaadu, Punnami Naagu, Subhalekha, Khaidi, Pasivadi Pranam, Hitler and Rudraveena.

"I hate beautiful women becoming pregnant" says RGV

Congratulatory messages have been pouring in ever since Amitabh Bachchan revealed that his 'bahu' Aishwarya Rai is pregnant, but filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma had more than just good wishes for the would-be parents.

In a tweet to soon-to-be father Abhishek Bachchan, Varma, who is known for his caustic sense of humour tweeted "@juniorbachchan I hate beautiful women becoming pregnant but since she's ur wife I will make an exception.. congraaaaaaaats (sic)," Varma posted on the micro-blogging site.

"I worship beautiful women and I hate to see them ever become mothers and in case of aishwarya since she's the most beautiful I hate it even more (sic)," he added. But Varma said he is happy for the couple who are expecting their first child.

"Thait's me as a fan of the most beautiful woman on earth but being close to the so loving couple if that makes them happy it makes me double happy (sic)," he further tweeted.

Amitabh has worked in a number of films with Varma, who cast the Big B alongwith Abhishek and Aishwarya in Sarkar Raj in 2008.

Bachchans impressed with Puri

Hits and flops are a part of an one's career. Putting the debacle of Nenu Naa Rakshasi quickly behind him, Director Puri Jagannath plunged into making his debut film in Hindi 'Bbuddah..Hoga Terra Baap' with Amitabh Bachchan and a group of Telugu actors.

Amitabh Bachchan, who was heard to be very impressed with Puri's working strategy has expressed his desire to work with him again for a home production with Abhishek in the lead.

"The director who was always inclined to work with Abhishek for a very long time readily accepted the offer, reports the source.

In all probability, this combination could go on floors some time next year and the director who is scheduled to direct Mahesh Babu for 'The Businessman' has already zeroed in on the project's Hindi version with Abhishek Bachchan.

Aishwarya's Pregnancy..

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan are expecting their first child. Amitabh Bachchan has confirmed the news and has said that he is thrilled at the prospect of becoming a grandfather.

Though there is no news from Aishwarya till now, Amitabh had spilled the beans and is said to be excited.

It may be recalled that Ash and Junior Bachchan tied the knot in April 20, 2007 and since then rumors erupted in regular intervals about Ash’s pregnancy and the actress has been denying it.

But this time, it is the grandfather-to-be who has come out with the good news!

Ravishing Raveena Returns..

Raveena Tandon, who has been keeping a low profile from the big screen in recent years, will soon be sharing the screen with Amitabh Bachchan in the forthcoming film, Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap.

The 'Tu Cheez Badi Hai Mast Mast' girl will be performing a dance number titled 'Main Chandigarh Di Star', which has been composed by musical duo Vishal-Shekhar and sung by Sunidhi Chauhan. The item number has apparently been choreographed by Raveena's close friend, Shabina Khan.

Sources reveal that it is a special promotional song, which wasn't there in the original plan.

Sharing her views about the item song, Raveena said that she is not at all nervous about her comeback, infact feeling very confident and happy that she got a super song.

The movie is set to release in theatres on July 1.

Prakash Jha's Aarakshan - First Look

Prakash Jha is back with another hard-hitting movie Aarakshan in which he has worked for the first time with the superstar Amitabh Bachchan, the versatile Saif Ali Khan and the gorgeous Deepika Padukone. As the name of the movie suggests, it’s based on the controversial issue of caste-based reservations in government jobs and educational institutions.

The movie is mostly shot in Bhopal. Aarakshan tells the story of Deepak, played by Saif, who is a Dalit, a bright person and a gifted teacher of a renowned college. Fate plays its role and he falls in love with Poorbie (Deepika Padukone) who is daughter of Dr.Prabhakar Anand (Amitabh Bachchan). Prabhakar Anand is the legendary idealistic man who runs the college. Another important character in the film is of Prateik Babbar, who is Saif’s good friend and a rich fellow.

When the court passes an order of 50% Reservation in India, these people's lives take a complete new turn. The movie promises to be high on drama, conflict and rebellion, which will test their love and friendship for each other.

Saif Ali Khan is proud to be a part of Aarakshan. He has been busy with his own home productions, but was always on the lookout for a chance to work with a director like Prakash Jha.

Here is the first trailer of the film where you can see how Saif romances Deepika, and how things gradually change after the court order:

Ash gives IIFA a miss this year

They are no longer part of the IIFA event. Though the Bollywood’s smashing jodi Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai has given some outstanding and memorable dance performances on IIFA stage, they are not going to perform at the award function in Toronto this year. So, that entire buzz that Aishwarya will be at IIFA is nothing but hogwash.

Recently a Toronto magazine allegedly used Aishwarya Rai’s name in an IIFA related story. The magazine Toronto Life had Aishwarya’s photograph on the cover which said “Toronto is hosting the Bollywood’s Oscar with celebs like Aishwarya Rai.”

Abhishek Bachchan, much aware of the all the IIFA hype and hoopla, decided to clear the air. Bachchan Junior tweets, “Just to clarify….Neither Aishwarya nor I will be performing or attending IIFA Toronto, classic case of jumping the gun!”

However, it was recently said that though Amitabh Bachchan, the former IIFA ambassador, has dissociated himself from the awards, beta Abhishek and bahu Aishwarya will perform at the award function to be held at Toronto.

But now it seems that IIFA and the Bachchans, once almost synonymous, won’t go along for at least a few years.

Big B to play MF Hussain on screen

If things go as planned, Hindi filmmaker Prabhakar Shukla might be able to rope in Amitabh Bachchan to play Maqbool Fida Hussain in the film on the life of the deceased painter.

For one year Prabhakar Shukla has been working on a project called ‘Husain - The Painter’. But before he could discuss the film in detail with MF Husain, the painter passed away on Thursday in London this week.

Now, Shukla has two options - to shelve the project or to go ahead and make the film. He’s even got a producer to back the project.

Shukla has apparently decided to make the film. He hopes to sign Amitabh Bachchan to play the role of MF Husain. However, Shukla has still not approached the superstar and isn’t sure that Bachchan will indeed give his nod to the project. Shukla has to his credit a small-budget film titled Kahani Gudiya Ki and hasn’t yet directed a big budget Bollywood film.

Big B, by the way, was on very good terms with MF Husain. The latter had gifted him a painting of Lord Hanuman carrying the sanjivani booti when Bachchan was hospitalized during the ‘Coolie’ incident.

Will Amitabh Bachchan now play MF Husain on screen?