Salman Sanju spat - Big Boss publicity gimmick ??

Over the past two weeks, there have been reports of disputes over various issues between best buddies Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt. Apparently, a few days ago the two conveniently patched up.

Knowing what happened in between, we are forned to to wonder if this feud was a well-orchestrated publicity gimmick for their latest television endeavour Bigg Boss 5.

Here's thw flow of events:

July 19: Sanjay was announced as Salman's co-host in Bigg Boss 5, a show that has been garnering maximum eyeballs ever since Salman's come on board.

However, with Sanjay's last 14 films taking a hit at the box office, there was little chance that he would let go of this golden opportunity with best friend Salman.

July 21: At Sanju's wife Maanyata's birthday party, Salman breaks into an argument with producer Bunty Walia, which does not go down too well with the former.

That apart, it was also said that Sanjay was upset because Salman had asked him to play his father in Bodyguard. Please note that he played a cameo in Salman's last film Ready.

July 22: Salman threatens to walk out of Bigg Boss, a show that has been getting him bigger bucks than any other TV host.

July 23: Salman and Sanjay shoot for a promo of Bigg Boss at Film City, where everything seemed fine between them.

July 24: Sanjay throws yet another party. He invites Shah Rukh Khan and not Salman. Suddenly, once again all is not well between the two, with speculations of Sanjay doing this to purposely irk his pal.

July 29: Sanju throws yet another party in Pattaya after the shoot of his film Rascals for no apparent reason. He invites neither Salman not SRK for this one.

August 7: Papers report that all is well between the two actors as the fight has been resolved.

The first promo Bigg Boss 5 is scheduled to released in the last week of August and the show is expected to go on air in October.

Veena Malik isn't Poonam Pandey: Ashmit

Nevermind what Veena Malik has to say, Ashmit Patel insists that he is single!

Ask him what his current equation with the Pakistani model is and he takes a long pause and says "No comments." But, he does admit that Veena and he have been offered films after their stint in the reality show. "If something interesting comes up, I'm open to accepting the offer," says the actor.

Ashmit may deny any closeness with Veena, but he is quick to take up for her when we compare her to model Poonam Pandey. Veena and Poonam, some feel, have chosen similar routes to publicity, used controversy to finally join the reality show bandwagon. Would he agree? "I don't think it's fair to club Veena and Poonam together. It requires a lot of guts to talk openly about match-fixing and that's what Veena had done.

Poonam, on the contrary, only made claims," defends Ashmit. Well after all this, Ashmit still expects us to believe that he is single! Over to Veena...

Sara Khan - the tantrum Queen

We have no clue about who's influenced whom - is it Ali Merchant who has taught the nasty tricks of the trade to Sara Khan or the other way round.

Both the actors are known to have an insatiable appetite for publicity and attention. Whoever the culprit is, the industry definitely is suffering at their hands. We had earlier reported about how Sara Khan walked out of the sets of Ram Milaayi Jodi after she found her director Jafar insulting and disrespectful. She, however, had then declined walking out only to admit to it later.

When asked the reason behind denying and accepting it later, she said, "I was waiting for a patch-up with the director which didn't happen. Later, when he refused to call a truce, I decided to tell the truth." Too late lady, as we know how you always lie through your teeth. The self-respecting director has quit the show but Sara seems to be unperturbed with all this.

A source tells us, "She is thinking that she has emerged a winner after getting the director removed. The production house always tries to salvage the situation for Sara and tries to project her as one considerate and accommodating actor. The fact, however, remains that she has been an enfant terrible right from the beginning. Not only does she throw her weight around but she is also nasty with outsiders. She would make poor journalists wait for hours at stretch for just one byte while she busies herself gossiping or is happily puffing away. She is over-friendly with people who call the shots and insults the rest.

For no rhyme or reason would she scream on them seeking attention. She flatters producer Rajita Sharma so that she remains in her good books." Apparently, the actress was sacked from Bidaai after it became increasingly difficult for the production house to put up with her tantrums. Is history all set to repeat itself?

Who will be Ms. Drama Queen - Rakhi or Veena?

Unruffled by any sort of competition and famous (or rather infamous) for shooting her mouth off, Rakhi Sawant has finally started feeling the heat of competition.

And this rivalry is coming from across the border. Apparently, Ms Sawant is miffed with Pakistani actress Veena Malik as she feels that the latter has been hogging limelight which she believes is solely her birth right. An amused Rakhi was seen brokering peace between two warring neighbours on her show Gajab Desh Ki Ajab Kahaniyaan, who have been sending ghosts to each other houses to trouble the other.

However, she is so convinced with the idea of creating mayhem at one's detractor's house by sending ghosts at his/her house that she inquired with those around if it really works. When probed about the unfortunate one, she told our sources, "It's Veena Malik. How can she hog all the media attention when I am around? I am going to send ghosts to her place to teach her a lesson." Over to you Veena.

2 crores too less to strip: Poonam

Model Poonam Pandey wants to prove her mettle as an actress, skips television to pursue celluloid dreams

Flooded by offers to star in reality shows, model Poonam Pandey has her hands full as of now. Her life and career went on a roller coaster ride ever since she offered to go commando for the World Cup winning Indian Cricket team. The Men in Blue ensured that the trophy stayed at home for the next four years, and Poonam has had the time of her life answering the all-important question -- so when is she going to live up to her promise?

In a chat, we quizzed her on all that and more.

The first salvo shot at the leggy lass was about her featuring in a popular reality show. The buzz is that Poonam has been offered a whopping Rs 2 crore to star in the reality show. However, the 20-year-old informs us that this is news to her.

"I have no idea who has circulated this news. In fact, I found out about the offer when I read it on a website. It said that I had been offered a huge amount to strip on the show," said Poonam. She adds, "But tell me, isn't Rs 2 crore too less an amount to strip on national television? I have been offered close to 30-odd reality shows, but I don't want to be known as a 'Reality Queen'. My aim is to prove my mettle in Bollywood."

When asked about her ventures in Bollywood, she said that currently there are a few offers but she isn't keen on them. The Khans and the A-list is on her mind. "Over the years Salman Khan has worked with several newcomers and I am hoping I get lucky too," she adds. Om Shanti Om, Dabangg and Band Baaja Baarat have all been runaway hits with newcomers, and Poonam is hoping for a similar big bang debut in Bollywood.

With the evolving nature of the audience, movies laced with expletives, lyrics with acronyms and an array of intimate scenes are being accepted and appreciated at the box office. "The taste of the audience is changing rapidly, and we can see how the song DK Bose became such a popular hit. Heroines are willing to pose in bikinis and even do intimate scenes. The audience has evolved, and I am no different," she says.

Bold is the way to go

"As a person I am quite bold and forthright, and that shows in my work too. I can shoot as many bold scenes, or action sequences as the script demands. I am a director's actor," says Poonam. Being focused on her career is the secret to her success. In fact, she has just bought a brand new Mercedes that she is gifting her father. "It's a surprise for him. He always wanted to own a Merc and I am just fulfilling his dream."

Sanjay excited about his TV debut

Actor Sanjay Dutt, who makes his debut on Television as the host of popular reality show Bigg Boss, says he is thrilled and has all praises for co-host Salman Khan.

"I am extremely delighted that I am making my foray into television through a concept like Bigg Boss - a show that holds a nation's attention for more than three months. I loved watching Salman host the last season. I thought he was mind-blowing with his sense-of-humor and inimitable style," Dutt said.

According to gossip mongers in B-town, Dutt was offered to host the show in the past but the actor refused and had purposely quoted an exorbitant amount.

The actor will host the show along with Salman, who is the only celebrity to host the show for the second time.

"I greatly enjoyed working on Bigg Boss last season and received a lot of positive response from fans and well-wishers alike. It is an exciting format that makes for compelling viewing and I am glad to be back for another season. I think it is a great move to also sign-up Sanjay Dutt. It can only mean one thing for the viewers - more excitement and a differentiated appeal for this season," Salman said.

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.

Poonam Pandey on Big Boss - Cost: 2 crores

Controversial model Poonam Pandey, who promised to shed her clothes if India won the cricket World Cup but didn't do so, has reportedly been offered a whopping Rs 2 crore for the next season of "Big Boss" as her presence is expected to add spice and boost TRPs.

"Poonam has been offered a signing amount of Rs. 2 crore for 'Big Boss' season five, but the model is considering whether to accept the offer or not," a source close to the model told IANS.

"Apart from this handsome amount, there is a contract mentioning that an ex-cricketer (one of the contestants) during the show will ask Poonam to fulfill the promise which she made during the World Cup. Because of this clause Poonam is still thinking about the offer," the source added.

The 21-year-old made headlines after she said she would strip in the green room if India won the World Cup. India won, but for various reasons Poonam couldn't fulfill her promise.

The model has grabbed a few projects, including Color's adventure show "Khatron Ke Khiladi 4", and her stay on the show had been non-controversial.

Controversy is my middle name: Veena Malik

She’s been in the news ever since she came into the country. Whether it’s her love life, her behaviour on the reality show Bigg Boss or the Taliban threat to her life, Pakistani actress Veena Malik seems to have become India’s (and Pakistan’s) latest controversy queen. But no one tells the true story, says Veena. Okay. So what is the true story? Over lunch at Jasmine, the Chinese restaurant at Hotel Ramada Plaza, New Delhi, a meal during which she toyed at her food, Veena opened up.

Why are you known for controversy?

You know, it’s very easy to create a controversy, and in a lot of ways, it is not really a bad idea. But I have never tried hard at it. It’s just come to me naturally. I am a star. And controversies are part of a star’s life. People need someone to talk about. Today it’s me, tomorrow it’ll be someone else.

Is it really that simple?

Well, almost. It’s as simple as what gets portrayed in the media. For instance, I decided to come clean about my previous relationships, but some negative stories were highlighted. In Bigg Boss, out of 24 hours, footage of only 45 minutes was shown, which was edited entirely to the benefit of the channel. So how does a real picture really emerge?

But you knew the format beforehand. So why go into the Bigg Boss house?

The Bigg Boss house was like a refuge for me. I was going through huge emotional turmoil when I was offered the show. I had broken off with Asif (the Pakistani cricketer), the match fixing scandal had just broken, and I was an emotional wreck. I wanted to get away from everything. Bigg Boss offered me just that. I could be disconnected from everybody and everything that I knew. So I jumped at it.

It also gave you the opportunity to work in India.

Absolutely. And it was amazing how people accepted me here. I was nominated seven times and saved by the audience seven times. So it gave me a lot of popularity. I love it.

Hasn’t it also given you anxious moments? What about the Taliban threat?

Yes it has. I am anxious, but not scared. I believe in destiny. If they have to kill me, they’ll do it anywhere. Why should I stop living my life?

What did they really say?

One media group in Pakistan has received a threatening letter from the Taliban saying that they will kill me for working in India. We are not sure about its authenticity but Pakistan officials are trying to verify it.

So do you have a lot of security?

Not too much here. I feel very safe in India. But back home, yes, I do have security. And more than me, it’s my family I worry about. I am here while they are there and facing it. So I am scared for them.

Have you ever thought of asking for political asylum in India?

I did, after Bigg Boss, when my own family and friends told me the public in Pakistan was very angry with me. My people told me that I’d be killed if I went back. But thankfully, all that passed.

How does your family react now?

They are okay now. Things took some time to settle down, but I guess they have started accepting me for the way I am. I never really lived with my parents or four sisters and brother. My grandmother brought me up in a small village in Punjab. So in a lot of ways, I grew up far more independent than my siblings. Mere abbu thode Hitler kism ke hain, so while he could dominate my siblings, I was away from it all. I am very different from my family. In fact they took a lot of time to reconcile to the way I was.

How did you get into the glamour industry at all?

To save myself from an early marriage. I took up work and did an ad to avoid marriage at the age of 14. I thought if I started earning, maybe my parents wouldn’t insist on marrying me off. It worked.

Veena Malik has been known for two things recently – Ashmit Patel and shoes…

Ohhh my shoes!!!! How I love them. I don’t go anywhere without them. I just bought six pairs from Aldo yesterday. I have 500 pairs of shoes and about the same number of gowns. I have a separate house for them. I keep only my shoes and gowns there.

And Ashmit Patel?

(Laughs) What about him? Okay, I won’t deny that he is the closest to me. I call him every free minute I have. I share my deepest secrets and fears with him. For a change, here is a man who watches my back and stands up for me. So I am loving it. But we haven’t made any formal commitments. Humne jeene marne ki kasme nahi khai hain… abhi tak!!!

Shweta Tiwari after Big Boss

Shweta Tiwari has been adding tadka to Bharti Singh and Manish Paul's comic antics on Comedy Circus. However, Shweta's association with the show isn't new. She says, "This isn't my first stint with Comedy circus. This is my third season. This time I am paired with Bharti Singh. I was paired with Rajeev Nigam the first time around and the second one was with Rehman and Anoop Soni. I had a great time in Comedy Circus."

Shweta who shot to fame as Prerna (in Kasauti Zindagi Kay) has often been surrounded by controversies, courtesy her ex husband Raja Chaudhary and the recent one being that she has tied the knot with her long-time boyfriend Abhinav Kohli. While silence is what we get on this one, we asked Shweta if she wanted to come back to the Balaji Telefilms camp anytime soon. "I don't mind. I never left the Ekta (Kapoor) camp. After Kasauti, I got other offers and life moved on. We do chat still; there is no enmity between us. But now the trend is that production houses require young girls and if you are 25 plus then you are offered the mother's role. I don't want to become a mother now on small screen again. I am chilling now."

Shweta has now also associated herself with theatre and is busy with her first solo act play Aaine Ke Sau Tukde. "I am doing Aaine ke Sau tukde. It's a solo act. It's a two-hour-long monologue where I am playing 15 different characters. I have completed two shows and people have loved and appreciated it," she signs off.

But the real life changer for this actress has been attributed to her stint in Big Boss. However Shweta denies that her life has seen any change at all. She says, "In fact my life has been the same. The only change that has come is that earlier people used to address me as 'Oh, that's Shweta Tiwari!' or 'Oh, that's Prerna!' But now when they see me they say Shweta beta kaise ho? The rest hasn't changed. I had already given a nod to Comedy Circus but there were some date issues with Big Boss so when I came out, these guys called me back and I said why not!"

So will the audiences get to see her in some more reality shows to which she says, "I am busy with Comedy Circus and the play. I never plan my life; things never go according to my plan.