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.

Its a big curse to be a star kid: Mimoh

Son of yesteryears actors Mithun Chakraborty and Yogita Bali, newbie Mahakshay alias Mimoh believes that being a star son is a "curse".

"Everything is a curse of being the son of such a big actor. It's a big burden," Mimoh told IANS.

"I am a newcomer and he (Mithun) has been here in the industry for 30 years and he says that he is still learning. I am just two films old. How much would I know," asked Mimoh, who made his acting debut with Jimmy in 2008.

"But people would still compare me with him," lamented Mimoh, who starred in the Vikram Bhatt directed Haunted 3D this year.

Being constantly compared to his National Award winning father is not easy but now Mimoh has learnt to take it in his stride.

"Now I am used to it. I am proud to be his son. It involves huge responsibility, which is helping me in being more responsible," said the 26-year-old.

Being the son of the signature actor of the disco dancing era, Mimoh is in the process of getting into the groove of some of the best dancers in the industry, including his father.

"If it's ever mentioned about dance, Mithun Chakraborty's name tops the list. Being his son, people expect me to dance too. But yes, I am still learning and trying to pick up some of dad's steps, some of Hrithik Roshan and some of Shahid Kapoor. And I think this learning process would continue forever," said Mimoh.

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.

Farhan thanks Javed for his dialogues

Actor-director Farhan Akhtar has thanked his lyricist dad, Javed Akhtar, for writing some impeccable dialogues laced with poetry for the just released Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara in which he plays one of the protagonists.

"It's so fantastic that everyone loves the poems in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. Thank you pa @Javedakhtarjadu for injecting soul into the film with your gifted hand," Farhan wroted on his Twitter page.

Directed by Farhan's sister Zoya Akhtar, the movie released Friday also features actors Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif, Farhan Akhtar, Abhay Deol and Kalki Koechlin and has received a warm response from the audience.

Filmmaker Karan Johar seems to have liked the film so much that he is asking everyone to watch it.

"Please go watch ZNMD....NOW!!!! Zoya has pulled off a tough genre with utmost sincerity and flamboyance...zoya is the hero of the film!!!,(Sic)" Karan posted on micro-blogging site Twitter.

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!

DON 2 - First Look

I plead guilty of saying that I would not make a Don sequel, but somehow the character just wouldn’t leave me. Now, in retrospect, I’m glad I’ve made Don 2,” admits producer-director Farhan Akhtar, who is gearing up for the response to the first trailer of one of this year’s most eagerly awaited films that unveils in theatres this Friday, along with the Farhan-starrer, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.

Farhan’s partner and co-producer Ritesh Sidhwani endorses the fact that despite an open ending, the duo had not thought of taking the story forward when Don—The Chase Begins (2006) ended. He says, “But then Ameet (Mehta) and Amrish (Shah) came to us with an interesting story idea. It took us a while to develop it, but finally, last October, we flagged off Don 2, and on December 23, as Shah Rukh (Khan) says in the promos, the don will return to the screen after five years.”

Ritesh agrees that expectations are sky high, but is confident that the high-speed action sequences, the special effects and the familiar characters in a new European setting, will spark off an ‘Oh my God, this is huge!’ reaction from the audience,from children in particular, who, he admits, is Don’s biggest fan base. “It surprised me that my own kids had taken such a fancy to a bad guy till I realised that the eternal favourite, Tom & Jerry, is a violent cartoon too.”

The filmmakers adds that apart from two new characters, enacted by Lara Dutta and Kunal Kapoor, the others played by SRK, Priyanka Chopra, Boman Irani and Om Puri, are the same from Part 1 and continue from where they had left. Ritesh says, “So Roma knows that the good Vijay is dead, Don has survived and sets out to even the score,” he says. “That twist at the end of Part 1 was what made it different from Mr Bachchan’s (Amitabh) Don. This one is completely new and original with no reference points but you would have to see Don —The Chase Begins to understand what’s happening. Don is on its way to becoming a franchise now. This time if you were to ask me about a Part 3, I wouldn’t say no.”

Vivek Oberoi's Pilot License for Krrish 2

Vivek Oberoi is making sure that he finished his training that will equip him to fly a plane before he starts shooting for Krrish 2. It is learnt that he will be doing some daredevil aerial stunts for the climax scene with Hrithik Roshan in the next Rakesh Roshan movie.

A well-placed source told us that Vivek has enrolled at a flying institute in Florida, US. And as and when he can, he takes off, to complete his flying hours before he can get his license.

"Considering the curiosity surrounding the next Krissh sequel, the production house is trying to keep things under wraps as the film starts shooting later this November," said our informer, adding that Vivek too, is being cautious about not letting out any information.

Reportedly, his character is inspired from Patrick Stewart's Professor Charles Xavier in the Hollywood's X-Men series. Interestingly, there's a mutant angle in the Rakesh Roshan directed movie as Chitrangada Singh's character is based on Mystique, who can transform herself completely into another individual.

Another source revealed that the actor is relegated to the wheelchair for a considerable portion of the film. "He can move only his hands for a major part of the movie.

But later, he is cured and gains mobility before the action-filled climax," says the source, adding that this is when he flies a plane for the confrontational sequences.

Interestingly, Professor X, as Charles Xavier is also called in the X-Men series, also has a special plane for himself and his team. Maybe that's the inspiration for the producer-director, who's also said to be planning a specially designed aircraft for Vivek's character in the movie.

From lovers to good friends.. Salman & Kat

Actress Katrina Kaif, who usually remains tight-lipped about her relationship status, told a fan that she is currently enjoying her time with family and that Salman Khan is her good friend.

During a chat with her fans on Airtel's "Talk2Me" platform, when the 26-year-old was quizzed about her relationship, she said: "At the moment I am just with my family and nothing going on like that."

When a fan said that people feel she looks good with Salman Khan, the British-born actress said: "Ya, he is a good friend of mine."

The two were reportedly seeing each other but broke off last year.

The actress is currently busy promoting her upcoming film "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara", also starring Hrithik Roshan, Abhay Deol, Farhan Akhtar and Kalki Koechlin. The film directed by Zoya Akhtar will hit the screens Friday.

Hrithik and Katrina kiss on ZNMD..

Hrithik Roshan has just returned after a grueling month-long schedule of Agneepath in Diu to the news that he is trying to pressurise Zoya Akhtar, director of his forthcoming movie, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, to tone down the sizzling chemistry between Katrina Kaif and him and leave a steamy kiss out on the editing table.

Rubbishing rumours, the star says, “The song revolves around five friends (Katrina, Farhan Akhtar, Abhay Deol, Kalki and Hrithik) and there are no moments between Katrina and me there. But yes, there’s a kiss and I believe that if you’re going to risk your life and jump off a building, you bloody well should make it look convincing. Unless you are honest during such moments of physical intimacy, you will appear uncomfortable and guilty on screen. When you see the lead pair in an English movie kissing, it’s rarely offensive or ‘a bit much’. That’s because of the conviction in their performance.”

Negating reports of creative differences with Zoya, Hrithik points out that she’s the only director, apart from his dad (Rakesh Roshan), with whom he’s done two movies — Luck By Chance (2009) and ZNMD, and the only female director he’s worked with: “Zoya is an artiste who doesn’t feel the need to conform to a herd mentality. She is always thinking out of the box and trying to figure out how to do things differently.”

Hrithik admits that he’s always wanted to take a road trip but it wasn’t till he piled into a car with ZNMD co-stars that he experienced the heady joy of seeing the world. “

Katrina does not wanna kiss Salman

Katrina Kaif made an exception in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and kissed Hrithik Roshan in a sequence. However, not again!

The actress, like the other two Khans Salman and Shah Rukh Khan has made it clear that she would never kiss on screen, come what say. The clause doesn't waver even for 'good friend' Salman Khan.

When a situation for a kiss arose in Kabir Khan's Ek Tha Tiger both Sallu and Kat said a clear no. Says a source, "Kabir Khan had convinced Katrina for the only kissing scene she has done so far in New York. He was sure she would see how important it was. But with both Salman and Katrina adamant on the no-kiss policy there was no choice but to drop it."

Katrina admits she has broken her no-kiss clause for ZNMD. "Yes, there's a fleeting kiss with Hrithik. It was something that had to be done. But that apart, my stand on kissing remains unchanged," she says.

In fact, the actress is in two minds about buying the rights for the 1998 Drew Barrymore rom-com The Wedding Singer because a long kiss is integral to the plot. "I love that film. But the kiss, No!" Kat says.

First look of Agneepath unveiled..!

Director Karan Johar unveiled the first look of his much-awaited Hrithik Roshan starrer Agneepath, which is a remake of Amitabh Bachchan's hit film of the same name. KJo has said the remake will be different from the original but it's yet to be seen if Hrithik can match Big B's charisma.

Sanjay Dutt has a shaved head and a beefed up torso for his character of Kancha Cheena in the Agneepath remake. The actor has been working out twice a day -- one hour of cardio and an hour and half of weights. He recently said: "I had to do it for me and all my fans. I had to be in shape again." Worth the wait, we say.

The director also announced the release date of Agneepath on Twitter: “AGNEEPATH releases on January 13th,2012...” he tweeted.

Looks like 2012 is off to a good start already!

Sanjay Dutt shaves his head

Sanjay Dutt didn’t initially want to get his head shaved to play the villain in producer Karan Johar’s remake of the yesteryear hit Agneepath. But blame it on the scorching sun that made it almost impossible for Dutt to shoot with prosthetic make-up.

To avoid continuity hiccups in his other films, Sanjay Dutt had roped in the Hollywood make-up expert Robin Slater to give him the bald look. But the make-up sessions were long and tiresome. Applying the make-up to give Sanjay Dutt a bald look used to take close to three hours and taking it off after the shoot took another 1 hour and a half. To make matters worse, the sweltering heat in Diu, where the film is being shot, began melting the make-up, giving Dutt a grotesque look.

All of it was becoming too much of a headache for Sanjay Dutt. So he took the bold decision and went bald.

As for the continuity of his other films, a wig is being designed in the likeness of Dutt’s original hairdo.

Meanwhile, you check out Sanjay Dutt’s bald look and let us know if it works or not.

Shahrukh on a patch up spree..!

Shahrukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan seem to be the new Jai-Veeru of Bollywood. Ra.One’s final cut is almost ready and Shahrukh has invited the Roshan family to the first screening of the movie.

The buzz is that Hrithik is very excited after watching the promos of Ra.One and wants to watch the movie asap! But Shahrukh wants Hrithik to watch the very final product of the movie, since the music and the sound effects of Ra.One are currently being revved up.

Shahrukh Khan, being the lovable man he is, said in an interview that Krrish is his and his kid’s favourite Indian superhero and he wants Hrithik to watch Ra.One and provide him with a feedback. He also praised Rakesh Roshan’s commitment towards his movies.

Well, reports suggest that Shahrukh had sent a message to the entire special effects team of Ra.One and congratulated them for their brilliant efforts. Another buzz is that the first screening of the movie will not be held at Mannat but at a movie theatre, because King Khan wants his guests to feel the sound and the VFX of the movie at the very best!

Wow then! We can’t wait for the special screening! Krrish and G.One watching Ra.One together! Sounds interesting! Doesn’t it?

Wary about singing..

Actor Abhay Deol thinks he cannot sing! And that is what put music composers Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy ill at ease. For his upcoming movie Zindagi Milegi Na Dobara, Abhay was made to sing for a track. While Abhay’s fans will be in for a treat to hear the actor sing, it wasn’t a cake walk for the musicians, who had a tough time with the actor. “Making Abhay sing was quite a task,” recalls Shankar Mahadevan.

“It was very difficult to make him (Abhay) sing. He has never sung in his life before, hence he was quite wary about singing,” adds Shankar.

Apparently, the actor was too unnerved when told to record a song. So how did the trio get Abhay to record the song? “We played smart,” quips Shankar. “We told him that we are not recording and that it is just a rehearsal. It kind of made him feel comfortable and he opened up and started singing, while we were recording it simultaneously,” he adds.

Besides Abhay, his costars — actors Hrithik Roshan and Farhan Akhtar — too have lent their voice for the film. And while Abhay was freaking out at the thought of singing, Hrithink and Farhan were all at ease. “Hrithik is a fabulous singer… very confident too. We didn’t have to work too much on him. And regarding Farhan, we have already worked with him for all the tracks in the film Rock On,” Shankar says.

Action but not Dance : Akshay praises Hrithik

Bollywood star Akshay Kumar is sure that he can't match his dance steps with Hrithik Roshan, but he certainly hopes to make an action film with him some day.

Akshay was quick to shower praise upon Hrithik after watching the promo of the latter's forthcoming dance reality show 'Just Dance'.

"Hrithik is a one of a kind actor... He must know he makes all us heroes envy his moves... What that man brings to the dance floor is refreshing, extremely talented, and everything the youth needs to see in a hero," said Akshay.

Akshay hopes Hrithik plans to open a dance school soon. "If he opens a dance school, I know my son would be the first to attend. Hrithik has performed some of the most memorable and difficult dance steps in the last decade. "I, of course, would never dance a duo with this guy, but I'd definitely love to make an action film with him," he added.

Trend Zettterr: 55mn hits in 48hrs

Since everyone of us have information at our fingertips, Excel Media has set a trend in Bollywood with a digital trailer launch of their film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara , last Sunday.

Within 48 hours of its launch, the trailer got over 55 million hits. That's an amazing 5.5 crore people.

Actors Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif, Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol viewed the launch live. Excited with the response and confident that the digital approach is the way ahead, Ritesh Sidhwani says, "This is an astounding number by any standards". And the audiences include ones on mobile phone, social media and You tube. The trailer on FB is receiving frequent 'likes' and the entire driving force behind the digital platform is undoubtedly the transparency that it offers.

Every view is direct, from across the world and immediately available for the filmmakers to see. To the extent that one can check viewers from which city are watching the trailer. As ZNMD dons the role of a trendsetter, let's wait and watch how many others toe the line.

Rekha not in Krrish sequel

There is much speculation about who will be in Rakesh Roshan’s Krrish 2, the sequel to his science fiction superhero thriller, Krrish.

Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra played the lead pair in the original. Hrithik played Krishna, a boy with supernatural powers who follows his girlfriend to Singapore. Rekha was perfect as his protective grandmother and Naseeruddin Shah as the evil Dr Siddhanth.

Like the original, this time round too Hrithik will play superhero. But Rekha will not be a part of the film. It has also been confirmed that Vivek Oberoi is to play a strong negative character for which at one time Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn were considered. Likewise, Chitrangda Singh is to play a vamp in the film. Names like Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif were tossed around for the female lead, but it is Priyanka who is confirmed for the sequel.

This time, the science fiction will be a bigger budget extravaganza. If all goes well, Krrish 2 is expected to go on the floors in India in October this year. Rakesh Roshan will be directing the movie.

Chitrangda opposite Hrithik in "Krrish 2"

Chitrangda Singh can't wait to be seen as Bollywood's first female mutant, and that too opposite the hot Hrithik Roshan in " Krrish 2".

Having returned from Hong Kong, where she underwent training for her fight sequences in the film, the "Yeh Saali Zindagi" actress says that she is having the time of her life, doing all sorts of crazy stunts.

"I'm back from my action workshop, where I was getting trained under experts, as my role requires me to do a lot of dhishum dhishum and maar dhaad," she says and adds, "I did a lot of training on ropes, harnesses and even did a little bit of kick boxing."

So is she excited or nervous about working with Hrithik? "Of course I'm excited. He's such a cool person. In fact, he and I were in China together some time back, to prepare ourselves for the movie. He also wanted me to get the hang of the character. He told me that I have to look and act and prepare myself in a certain way. He's even given me tips on how to handle action sequences. I am super duper excited, but I can't talk much about the film. Let the right time come," says the actress.

Receiving compliments for having lost weight from those around her, Chitrangda seems ready to play a sexy mutant. She's even got a new piercing, one on her tragus. Is that for the film? "No yaar. It's something that I wanted to get done." Well, it sure helps you look sexier!

Hrithik Vs Rana

With Telugu actor Rana Daggubati eagrerly looking out for the release of his Bollywood debut ‘Dum Maaro Dum’, the actor has reportedly got a big offer now. If what is heard is true, then Hrithik Roshan will be pitted against Rana in ‘Krrish 2’.

Yes, rumours are that he has been offered to play the villain. With Hrithik Roshan playing the lead role of a super-hero, director Rakesh Roshan was to sign Ajay Devgn for the negative role. As things didn’t work out the producer-director is now likely to rope in Rana Daggubati.

Meanwhile Rana has already gained appreciations from Bollywood filmmakers as they’re very much impressed with his looks and performance in ‘Dum Maaro Dum’ that features him alongside Abhishek Bachchan, Bipasha Basu and Prateik Babbar.

Kanishtha finds Hrithik hot..

The prestigious Miss India World 2011 title is hers, but for Kanishtha Dhankar there's still more to achieve.

While she is now readying herself for International grounds to be able to bring home the Miss World title, Kanishtha's also nurturing Bollywood aspirations. Ask her if acting in films will follow next and pat comes the reply, "Of course! I love Bollywood and I would love to be a part of it."

Talking about her favourites whom she would like to romance on screen, the pretty woman says, "I would like to debut with either Aamir Khan or Hrithik Roshan."

When probed further Kanishtha reveals, "I love Aamir's films. His movies are sensational. Nobody sees an Aamir film and laughs at it. People love him for his brilliance. So working with him will be like a dream.

"On the other hand, Hrithik is super hot. He's my childhood crush and he's a wonderful actor. The way he plays his characters gets me in awe of him every time. And because he's tall too, we both will look great together. We'll make a hot pair."

We hope Kanishtha's Bollywood aspirations come true just like her Miss India dream has.