At 60, Oprah is more secure

Talk show host Oprah Winfrey, who celebrated her 60th birthday on January 29, feels more secure in life at this age.
"I'm turning 60, and - please don't take offense- I no longer have to be concerned about what anyone thinks of me! (You know, the old, Am I doing it right? Am I saying it right? Am I being what or who I'm "supposed" to be?) I'm turning 60, and I've earned the right to be just as I am. I'm more secure in being myself than I've ever been," Winfrey wrote in a letter to her the O Magazine.

It's love blooming for Orlando again

Actor Orlando Bloom is reportedly dating French actress Nora Arnezeder.

Bloom, 37, who split from wife Miranda Kerr last year, was spotted with the Safe House actress at a bar in Los Angeles on January 28, reported Ace Showbiz.

In some photos obtained by the site, Bloom can be seen offering his hand to the woman wearing a white helmet. She took the seat and the two then sped away on the Ducati motorcycle.

"Orlando and Nora were in the bar for about two hours enjoying some drinks and talking. They sat at a corner table together and weren't joined by anyone else," a source said.

This is the first time Bloom is seen with the 24-year-old star.

Arnezeder previously worked with Bloom's The Lord of the Rings co-star Elijah Wood in Maniac.

She also appeared in 2012's Safe House alongside Ryan Reynolds and Denzel Washington. She also played Celia in The Words.

Bloom and Kerr announced their separation in October after three years of marriage.

Dead End opens new doors for Satish Kaushik and Dev Benegal

Satish Kaushik is ecstatic. A story he had registered years ago and gave Dev Benegal to develop is among the 29 scripts selected from 11 countries by the Hong Kong Asia Film Forum (HAFF). HAFF is a coveted film trade platform which offers producers, sales agents, studio owners and financiers to interact on prospective collaborations.

"I'm pretty sure of our script getting funding in Hong Kong. It can be developed into an international project as Dev had envisaged when I sounded him out during the filming of Road, Movie. In fact he was so kicked by the idea that he requested that I let him direct the film while I act in it." 

The story in question is titled Dead End and inspired by a real life story of a man whose uncles rob him of his property by declaring him dead on paper. "I actually met this guy and learnt from him first hand about his 18-year-long struggle to prove that he's still alive. It is an intriguing story which could appeal to a wider audience beyond idea with international sensibilities," points out Satish, who apart from this dark comedy is also a part of Dev's whacky thriller, Mumbai Samurai, co-starring Farhan Akhtar and Kareena Kapoor. 

‘Child artistes here are treated worse than animals’

When Mirror met Amole Gupte at a municipal school in Pali, he was the centre of attention in a room full of children. The filmmaker who is also the Chairperson of the Children's Film Society of India (CFSI) holds a weekly film appreciation class for under privileged children in the school. In a candid conversation he speaks out against 'child labour' in showbiz.

As the CFSI chairperson, what are your biggest peeves?

Child artistes are the last priority for producers when planning a schedule. So, the children are called before noon for a reality show and kept waiting till 2.30 am. By then they're sleepy and to wake them up, ice is rubbed on their faces and they are given fizzy drinks. This is a punishable crime and completely unnecessary. While filming Stanley Ka Dabba I shot only on Saturday for four hours. No child missed a school day or a Sunday.

How can we stop this from happening?  

I want the rules of the animal welfare board to apply to children. Child artistes here are treated wrose than animals. Other countries have a rule book, why can't we have one too so we can ensure that children are not subject to such cruelty? For six years I've been campaigning for rules, that if you break, your film will not be certified.

What's the hurdle?

I wrote a letter to Shanta Sinha when she was the chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights to take up the initiative. She replied only after she retired and then directed me to the Broadcasting Content Complaints Council. I'm only asking that kids should not be pulled out of school and made to work for longer than six hours. Twelve-hour shifts amount to child labour.

Your next film Hawaa Hawaai, is a children's film with your son Partho in the lead...

I don't make children's films but films about children. Like Taare Zameen Par and Stanley Ka Dabba which address their concerns but are for universal viewing. Hawaa Hawaai is a film about roller skating, which Partho has been learning since he was six. It's a story I wanted to make after TZP.

Why did it take seven years for Hawaa Hawaai to roll?

I was made to write 22 drafts, I had spoken to Farhan Akhtar and Excel was to produce it. But then he got cold feet, so did UTV. It should have started in 2008 but didn't. Don't ask me why? So, then I shot Stanley Ka Dabaa, guerrilla style so no one knew I was making a film till it was done.

Hawaa Hawaai is the dream that hasn't allowed me to sleep a wink since 2008. After Lagaan, Chak De! India and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag it will raise the bar for gogetting films.
What do you have to show for teaching cinema to underprivileged kids for so many years?

Ashish Gaikwad lost his father, a municipal sweeper, when he was in the 4th standard. He started cleaning with the mother, but also made a short film, Tahaan, which I took as a master class to many fests.

Subhash Ghai saw it and Tahaan was the closing film of 100 years of cinema. Subhashji gave him a scholarship to Whistling Woods Institute and last month he passed out.

These kids have so many stories to tell. They can give you long lectures on Charlie Chaplin, Italian cinema, and Majid Majidi.  

Sallu's girl in B-Town

Lulia Vantur will debut in Bollywood with a special dance number in Atul Agnihotri's next.

We first heard of Lulia Vantur, a Romanian model and TV presenter last year when pictures of her canoodling with Salman Khan made their way on to the Internet.

Though the star kept mum about the romance, Lulia was a regular presence on the sets of Jai Ho and Salman even flew to Romania to shoot a song for the same film.

And now Mirror has learnt that Lulia is set to make her Bollywood debut, with a special song in O Teri, being produced by the star's brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri. The model is also going to sing the number along with Mika. 

A source told Mirror, "Two songs are yet to be shot, one has a cameo by Salman Bhai and the other one with Lulia. Salman and Lulia will not been seen in the same song. She will be seen shaking a leg with the lead actors, Pulkit Samrat and Bilal Amrohi. The song is expected to go on floors in a city studio today and Lulia's costumes have been designed by Ashley Rebello and Alvira Agnihotri."

The song called Umbaakam will be choreographed by Remo D'Souza and Lulia has already started rehearsing for it.

The film is presented by Salman Khan and is slated for a March 28 release.

Caps lock on Shahid

The actor is keeping his new skin head look firmly under wraps.

On January 26, Shahid Kapoor tweeted: "Reading scenes for the final sched of Haider. Nervous and excited. Last 4 days of hair I can run my hands thru.

Snowed out kashmir calling (sic)." Three days later he announced "Chop chop day." His stylist Aalim Hakim then flew down from Mumbai and tonsured him at a fivestar hotel in Pahalgam.

On January 31, the actor stepped out wearing an all-enveloping cap that offered not even a glimpse of his bald pate. But that didn't stop curious star-gazers. Some 15,000 of them turned up in the Kehribal area yesterday to watch the actor shoot. 

"As Shahid stepped out of his vehicle, some youngsters tried to circle him while others tried to force their way into the Sun Temple. The cops swung into action but some locals started hooting and pelted snowballs," Javid Ahmad, an eyewitness told Mirror.

A cop was injured and as the crowd spiralled beyond police control, producer-director Vishal Bharadwaj had to call off the shoot. He later resumed work, with Tabu, K K Menon and Shraddha Kapoor, but Shahid left soon after the incident. In the evening he was closeted in his hotel room without anybody getting to see what he looked like without his crowning glory.

According to a source, Shahid's cap has been fixed to withstand persistent tugs by the human hand or even a gale and will keep the actor's new look safely under cover till he is ready to unveil it for the media.

Meanwhile, hashtags like #DontGoBald, #DontGoBaldShahid, ShanaticsSupportShahid have been trending on a social networking site.

After Sanjay Dutt's close shave in Agneepath, looks like Shahid's bald new look is the talk of the country. 

Sonakshi says no to Sarabjit film

Sonakshi Sinha has opted out of ad-filmmaker Ishwar Singh Muchhal's film in which she was to play Dalbir Kaur, Sarabjit Singh's sister. Sonakshi took the decision early this week. Those close to the actress apparently convinced her that the role in the film, being produced by Subhash Ghai, is not apt for a young, bubbly girl like her.

"Another reason was that her father, Shatrughan Sinha, was approached to play a significant role of a lawyer in the film. When things didn't work out with him, Ghai approached Amitabh Bachchan with the role but after reading the script Bachchan felt that he couldn't do the film because he had already committed to playing a lawyer in another film. The fact, that neither of the two senior actors would figure in the cast also made Sonakshi have second thoughts about the project," says a source.

Sarabjit, a resident of Bhikhiwind, Punjab, was arrested in Pakistan on charges of espionage in 1990. He was in the prison for 22 years before he succumbed to injuries sustained after his fellow inmates, attacked him in 2013. All the while his family maintained that he was innocent and wrongly framed. The tragic story of Sarabjit and his sister's long and futile struggle to bring him back home alive has since captivated many filmmakers. 

Ghai has already taken permission from Sarabjit's family, in particular his sister. The film is being written by Rajesh Beri and will trace Dalbir's efforts to free her brother from prison.

Mirror also has it that Shatrughan is not too happy with Ghai. After Kalicharan and Vishwanath, the filmaker was supposed to cast him in Meri Jung and Ram Lakhan. Even Devaa was envisaged with Shatru in mind but never got made. This time also Ghai first sounded out Shatru and then took the role to Bachchan.

Added the source, "It was a tough call for Sonakshi but Ghai has been informed."

When contacted, Ghai shot back, "We haven't signed any actor for the Sarabjit film. Where is the question of anybody opting out?" 

HUGH GRANT HAS THIRD LOVE CHILD

Hugh Grant has a third love child, it was reported last night. The 53-year-old's name was said to have been added to the birth certificate of a 16-month-old baby boy.

The unnamed tot, whose mum is believed to be Swedish TV producer Anna Elisabet Eberstein, was born in September 2012.

Details for the father were kept blank when the birth was registered. But the baby was re-registered in December giving the dad's name a Hugh John Mungo Grant. The actor's son Felix - his second child with girlfriend Tinglan Hong, 33 - was born just three months later.

A source said: "It's an unusual arrangement. Anna is being supported by Hugh all the way. She lives in a very comfortable property in West London and knows Hugh is there for her."

It was reported that Anna's parents are aware of the relationship and the producer, in her 30s, was said to have their blessing.

Grant first became a father when daughter Tabitha Xiao Xi was born in September 2011 to Chinese beauty Tinglan.

Brand may pop the question to Jemima

Speculations are rife that Russell Brand is planning to pop the question to his girlfriend of five months Jemima Khan, Hugh Grant's former girlfriend.

According to a source, a proposal is definitely imminent and the comedian has been working with a jeweller friend of his to create the perfect ring.

The insider asserted that Katy Perry's former husband wants the ring to include Buddhist and Islamic symbols, an intertwining of their two faiths.

The source added that Brand's planning a trip to Asia for the couple in the spring, when he intends to propose.

Bol Shetty!

Filmmaker Rohit Shetty is taking diction classes in preparation of his stint as a reality TV show judge.

A diction coach is a must-have accessory for stars these days but rarely does a director employ one and Rohit Shetty is among those rare names.

The director is gearing up to host the TV reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi and his preparations include diction classes to polish his Hindi.

The filmmaker has roped in dictioncoach Vidhur Chaturvedi for the task and he will take classes for a month before flying to Argentina to shoot the show.

A source told Mirror, "As a host, Rohit wants to ensure that he is perfect in every department. Though he doesn't have any problems speaking Hindi, he wants to get his diction right. Vidhur taught Katrina Kaif how to speak Hindi in Raajneeti, so he is the right guy for the task." 

The source added that Vidhur's primary responsibility is to ensure that Rohit pronounces even the most twisted words in a seamless manner. "The director is also having multiple meetings with the channel to design the stunts in the show?" adds the source.

When contacted Vidhur confirmed the news, saying, "Yes, it's true that I will be giving diction training to Rohit." 

Meet the parents...

A few days away from daughter Ahana Deol's February 2 wedding, Hema Malini and Dharmendra are elated.

HEMA MALINI

Didn't Ahana meet her to-be-husband Vaibhav Vora at Esha's wedding?

That's right, but we have known Vaibhav for a long time and wanted Ahana to meet him. After Esha's wedding, Ahana met him twice or thrice. Then she came to me and said, "Yes Mom, he is a nice guy and I would like to get married to him."

She will move to Delhi after the wedding. Wouldn't you have preferred if Ahana had settled in Mumbai?

Yes, but hum dance shows par milte rahenge. She is not giving up dancing till she decides to start a family and Vaibhav is fine with that decesion.

Is the trousseau shopping complete?

(With a weary sigh) Finally, yes, it was a task. When Esha tied the knot, I brought a lot of things from down South. This time the shopping was done in Mumbai and Jaipur. Neeta Lulla has designed her mehendi ceremony ensemble and Manish Malhotra her wedding outfit.

Where is the couple going for their honeymoon?

Why don't you ask Ahana? 

DHARMENDRA

Ahana is your youngest child to tie the knot, how do you feel?

My three daughters - Vijeta, Ajeita and Esha - have settled down beautifully, I am sure Ahana will too. A daughter's wedding is every parent's responsibility but we don't want to get rid of our daughters. It's painful, but has to be done.

What was your first reaction when you learnt that Ahana had given her nod to the match?

Extreme happiness, I have known Vaibhav's family for three years.

How different is Vaibhav from Esha's husband Bharat?

I am a lucky man, both the boys are very well-mannered.

What are you wearing on the D-day?

I am not a clothes person, I am more concerned about my duties. Anything will look fine on me.

Rajkummar loses 7.5 kgs, 2 more kgs to go

Last Friday, heads turned at the Filmfare Awards when Hansal Mehta's Shahid stepped on the red carpet.

Rajkummar Rao looked almost gaunt. When Mirror quizzed the actor, he frankly admitted that he was losing weight for his upcoming film City Lights, where he plays the role of a person who has had a tough life and is undergoing tremendous stress. "I have already lost 7.5 kg, by the end of the film, I should be another two kgs lighter," he informed", adding that he is on a "strict diet. "No carbs, no oil and no non-veg, only soups and salads."

The task has become doubly difficult because Rajkummar has instructions not to gain any weight till the film is totally complete. "Else the continuity is lost," he points out. 

The actor who bagged the Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Critics Award) for Shahid admitted that it is very difficult to control the urge to eat when he is ravenously hungry. "But I am doing it," he maintained stoically.

Hansal Mehta who is directing City Lights too told Mirror that his approach with his actors is very simple. "I focus on the character. Rajkummar plays a villager in City Lights and had to look apt for the aam aadmi role. We don't hire nutritionist for actors to lose weight; it's an expensive exercise. Rajkummar is taking the traditional route and running a lot daily and keeping tabs on what he eats," he explains.

So is he satisfied with Rajkummar's present look? Hansal retorts, "Of course, we are. Mahesh Bhatt and I watched few rushes of City Lights yesterday and we were in tears. This guy is convincing in whatever he does."

‘My country is proud of me’

Actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan says that after a tough year, the Padma Bhushan award has provided him with fresh inspiration and he is looking forward to his next release.

Last year around this time, an emotional Kamal Haasan, hurt by the controversies which had threatened to derail the release of his film, Vishwaroopam, had threatened to quit Tamil Nadu for a more secular state, failing which he even contemplated settling down abroad.

Twelve months later, Kamal who has just been conferred with the prestigious Padma Bhushan, asserted, "I'm proud of this country and I know the country is proud of me too. This award is not for what I've accomplished so far but for the work ahead."

The 59-year-old actor, who has done around 190 films in a career spanning five decades, admitted that he had sat on the same staircase in his Eldams Road office in Chennai when he was a boy wondering if he'd ever make it in films. 

It was here that he sat and wept when he lost his parents. And it was from here that he addressed the media last year when the Vishwaroopam controversy broke.

"My mindset hasn't changed but I've come a long way from the boy who'd stare blankly out at Chennai's Mount Road even as my family and friends teased me saying I'd end up rearing cattle.

"My mother would warn me that that's how I'd end up if I didn't study hard," the actor recalled, adding that his quest for perfection is like an insatiable hunger.

"Success makes one content but the journey towards excellence will always continue."

So, will we write his autobiography some day? "No way," he retorts.

"Most autobiographies lie and end up offending everyone."

He'd rather make movies. The next one is a sequel to Vishwaroopam which is fast nearing completion.

"We have just one song and a few scenes which need to be shot, after that the post-production begins. The movie will release in a few months." 

The accidental actor

Farhan Akhtar reviews his journey in films -- from a writer-director to a star.

He just walked away with the Filmfare Best Actor Award for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, but Farhan Akhtar admits that when he entered the industry, more than a decade ago, acting was not on his agenda. "When I started out I was very categorical that I only wanted to write, direct and produce films with my friend and partner Ritesh (Sidhwani)," he says.

And that was how it was till early 2007 when Abhishek Kapoor came to him with the role of Aditya Shroff in Rock On!! By then he had proved his mettle as a director with films like Dil Chahta Hai, Lakshya and Don--The Chase Begins and wowed by the script, Farhan said yes to his first turn in front of the camera because "it was a world and music he could identify with". 

His performance as Aditya, a musician who gives up the mike before returning to his true passion, was well received. So when his sister, Zoya Akhtar, confided that she was shelving her dream debut Luck By Chance because her seven-year-long search for a hero proved futile, Farhan offered to step into the shoes of both the leading man and the producer.

Karthik Calling Karthik in 2010, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara in 2011 followed-- this time Zoya had written the role of Imran with him in mind. Then Bhaag Milkha Bhaag came last year and suddenly, Farhan isn't just an applauded actor but a saleable one too.

This year he's working in three films. Shaadi Ke Side Effects opens on February 28. Bombay Samurai with Kareena Kapoor and without Samurai swords will roll soon, and Raees co-starring Shah Rukh Khan will follow. There's also a third film with Zoya, Vidhu Vinod Chopra's film with Amitabh Bachchan to be directed by Bejoy Nambiar and the Rock On!! sequel.

Farhan's plate is piled high which is perhaps why he's announced a break from direction for two years. But, he has two fully developed scripts—one which he has written and another he has cowritten - along with a third one which yet to be completed.

"In fact, there are several scripts being developed. By the year end I should decide what I want to do. Then I'll revisit the scripts," he says.

For now he can enjoy the awards coming his way for Bhaag Milkha... Farhan says that the biggest challenge was to remove his urbane upbringing from his body language before entering Milkha's world and era.

"Had Rakeysh Mehra approached me earlier, I'd have said no, but my collective experiences lead me to believe I could pull it off. Today, I like to reinvent myself with every role rather than be a stereotypical actor who comes up in the list of names when a particular role is being discussed," he points out. 

The effort left many, including the athlete whose life he recreated, entranced, and a few, like Naseeruddin Shah, critical. Bring up the criticism and Farhan shrugs, "Every person who watches a film is entitled to his or her opinion. That's how he feels and I respect his opinion for being his opinion."

In comparison to Bhaag... Shaadi Ke Side Effects, whose trailer his younger daughter Akira finds hilarious, is a simpler film. And 14 years of marriage and bringing up two children, was enough to prepare him for the role.

But then, as he points out, marriage is a very "individual experience" though he did felt a tinge of empathy when his character is awaiting the birth of his child.

"For every parent the first born is like precious porcelain which can break easily. It's the first time you are thinking of someone beyond yourself and the sense of responsibility can make us overprotective till the second one comes along and you realise that children can take care of themselves," he says.

He himself was an independent child who hated staying home. "Mumbai in the 70s and 80s was a different city with hardly any cars. Bandra was a promenade, we could run on the streets without our parents getting stressed," he says.

Talking of parents will his production house, Excel Entertainment, produce a film based on the script his dad Javed Akhtar is writing. "If he'd like Excel to produce it, we will. He's been an integral part of everything we've done since the beginning. I'm sure he'll give us a narration when he's ready," Farhan  smiles.

He has remade Salim-Javed's Don and built it into a franchise. Is he eyeing another remake now? "As a script Deewar is really good. But there are no plans to remake it," he says. Will he be taking cues from Shashi Kapoor's turn as a cop in the film, for his role as a policeman in Raees? "Rarely do you come across a role that has not been played before but it's dangerous to replay it. The modern cop's image is very different from that of his 70s counterpart," he asserts.  

Wanted: Original script for Sallu

Wanted, Bodyguard, Ready and more recently Jai Ho, Salman Khan has had enough of South Indian remakes. So when Ramesh Taurani met him to discuss an upcoming project to be directed by Prabhu Dheva, he made it clear to the producer that he wanted some original ideas.

A source close to Taurani told Mirror, "Salman strongly feels that Southern remakes have run their course. Since he shares a good rapport with Taurani, he candidly told him that he would definitely do the film. But he also added that he wants Prabhu Dehva and Taurani to come up with fresh content."

Now that Salman has made his demand, loud and clear, the filmmakers need to quickly zero on a script, which will get his nod. Added the source, "It's not going to be easy but it will be done."

Battling the sounds in Taliban land

Robert Borders aka Beau is in the Academy's top list. Along with Andy Koyama and David Brownlow, he has been nominated in the Sound Mixing category for Lone Survivor.

"The Oscar nomination is the greatest achievement of my career and will forever be an incredible milestone. But it wasn't a total surprise. We had hoped that the Academy would recognise the film, and we're thrilled it has," he says.

Beau reveals that one of his best friends got married on New Year's Eve and he got a tuxedo for the occasion. "It can be worn for the award ceremony," he reasons.

He'd initially wanted to get into the world of visual effects, but after landing an internship at George Lucas's Skywalker Ranch at 18, he fell in love with sound designing and mixing. His biggest challenge on Lone Survivor was to maintain the delicate balance between accuracy and emotion within the sound mix and between sound effects, music and dialogue.

"At different times, the audio had to follow the characters and give the audience a sense of their danger, aggression, anxiety, hope, fear, loss and triumph," he says about the two-month work.

The movie dramatises a failed US mission, Operation Red Wings, in which four US Navy SEALs are given the task of tracking down Taliban leader Ahmad Shah. Beau had to ensure that the sounds of Afghanistan's indigenous animals, birds and bugs were heard in the mix. But once the battle begins, these sounds of life were artificially removed to make the characters feel more isolated.

"Our dialogue crew, led by Renee Tondelli, did an amazing job of recording authentic Pashto dialect as well as extensive military radio communications," he says. Many SEALs, including Marcus Luttrell, the real survivor, gave them inputs.

For the climax they broke the film up into five distinct soundscapes. The early scenes on the military base are smooth, with sounds flowing over edits gracefully, giving a sense of safety and tranquillity. The initial battles in contrast are aggressive, with sounds of guns, helicopters, and voices mixed very full and rich.

"As the soldiers get wounded, the soundscape becomes chaotic, giving the audience an unsettled feeling. But in the final battle, the mix sounds are full and triumphant in both the music and the sound effects," Beau explains.

How did the three of them collaborate on the project? Beau says Andy's focus was the dialogue and the music, while his was sound effects. "David was the on-set production sound mixer. He captured all the location sounds. After Wiley Stateman's sound editing team worked their magic, Andy and I took over and handled the final mix," he informs. 

He asserts that no matter what happens on the awards night, he will celebrate with his fellow nominees. "I was pleasantly surprised when the first few phone calls were from those I'm technically in competition with," he exults. "Their camaraderie has been the greatest joy of all." 

No creative policing

Filmmakers ask Censor Board CEO Rakesh Kumar to be more pragmatic.

In response to the newly-appointed CBFC (Censor Board of Film Certification) CEO Rakesh Kumar's interview in Mirror (on January 16), the Indian Film & Television Directors' Association (IFTDA) has sent a letter to him last Saturday asking him to be more pragmatic.

In the interview Kumar expressed his unhappiness over objectionable content getting passed. "If we can nip this trend in the bud, the results will show up sooner or later," he had said.

The IFTDA letter goes, "Your interview in Mumbai Mirror when read by filmmakers around the industry came as a shock. It sounded more like a creative policing rather than the thought and idea of Censor Chief. CBFC board is meant only to censor finished products of cinema and not to interfere with its creative process. What we gathered from your interview was that from now on gag orders are going to be levied by the CBFC, which would directly destroy the creative fabric of cinema."

It ends with, "With utmost trust, gratitude and conviction we believe that a learned man like you would never jeopardise the sanctity of cinema and the intelligence and the hard work of film-makers.

Ashoke Pandit, honorary President of Indian Film & Television Directors' Association, argued, "How can Rakesh Kumar have personal opinions about a body (CBFC) which has its own set of laws?"

Kumar remained unavailable for comment.

Kangri thrown at Shahid in Srinagar?

Shahid Kapoor and Irrfan Khan were shooting for Haider in the Aishan Sahab Zaina Kadal area in Old Srinagar when a kangri (pot filled with coal embers) was hurling at them from the gathered stargazers.

The crew then moved to the next location, Feta Kadal, in the old city, where they were followed by a large entourage of J&K police as well as Central Reserve Police Force personnel.

Sahil Khan, an eyewitness, told Mirror, "The shooting was in progress and both the actors were moving towards a Maruti car when suddenly somebody from the crowd threw a kangri which almost hit Irfan Khan. The ash flew into the air and covered both Shahid and him. Soon after the incident spectators started fleeing from the spot while a few youths raised anti-India slogans. It was the really childish act." However, the police dismissed it as a freak accident, saying that a man in the crowd had slipped and his kangri had inadvertently hit the two actors."The kangri was not thrown at the stars, it slipped out of an onlooker's hand," said Tahir Saleem, Superintendent of Police (City North).

A Haider crew member outright denied the incident. "The crowd was cheerful and was asking for autographs from the actors. They reciprocated with a smile. No one was injured," said the crew member.

Earlier, the crew had faced protests while shooting at the Kashmir University over the hoisting of the Indian tricolour.

Hrithik back in action

Hrithik Roshan took a long break from acting after his head injury, followed by a surgery and a headline grabbing separation from his wife Sussanne Roshan. But yesterday, the actor flew out to Shimla for a fresh schedule of Siddharth Anand's Bang Bang during which he is expected to perform some action sequences.

Earlier, this shoot was to happen in Kashmir but was later shifted to Shimla. Says Siddharth, "Kashmir was an ideal location for my film. But the shoot had to be cancelled after infiltrators attacked a CRPF camp. Also, Hrithik had some health issues. This time, I don't want to take any chances. I want to complete the major chunk of the shoot during this schedule. I want to ensure that Hrithik is absolutely comfortable."

A source added, "When Hrithik reached the hotel, he got a warm reception from the staff. He looked a little tired after a long flight but a day's rest was all he needed to get all charged up. He will start filming from today." 

Anurag, Vishal to play reality show judges

Farah Khan on their "crazy cameos" in Happy New Year.

After Mallaika Arora Khan and brother Sajid Khan, Farah Khan has added two more names to the list of special appearances for her upcoming film Happy New Year. One is her frequent collaborator, composer Vishal Dadlani and the other is filmmaker Anurag Kashyap. The duo are playing themselves and will be seen judging a reality show. Trouble begins when they go a little overboard.

Farah informs Mirror that when she bumped into Anurag at Mehboob Studio, he told her he'd like to play a part in one of her comedies since he is only associated with dark cinema.

"I was looking for someone to play a director and promptly offered him the role," says Farah, adding that she has known Anurag for several years. "He was supposed to write Main Hoon Na, but that didn't work out. I haven't worked with him before."

She promises that the cameos will have everybody in splits. "When we were filming the scenes, the two were overacting so much that we couldn't hold our laughter," she reminisces. But the fun was short-lived because the same day Shah Rukh Khan suffered a freak accident on the sets and had to hospitalised. 

Shopping for Ranbir

Anurag Kashyap went on a week-long trip to Paris recently. It wasn't a vacation or a recee, but a shopping spree for Ranbir Kapoor. The next schedule of Bombay Velvet, which should begin in Sri Lanka by the second week of February, requires Ranbir to don a retro look. So the filmmaker air-dashed to the fashion capital.

A source close to the development told Mirror, "The film is set in the Mumbai of the 50s and 60s. A huge set has been created in Sri Lanka. And for the costumes, Anurag decided to go to the French capital and meet the fashion designers there to get an idea on vintage clothing and pick up some period costumes for his street fighter hero. He also got a few patterns for Anushka Sharma who plays a jazz singer."

Anurag consulted RK for the final look and shared pictures of whatever he has picked up from Paris.

‘SRK serious, but underplaying it’

On the subject of SRK's injuries Farah says that while he's been valiantly reassuring everyone that it is a "minor injury", the truth is that the actor is in excruciating pain. But he is putting up a brave front to ensure that the schedule is not affected.

Says Farah, "His knee is busted and the shoulder has gone for a toss. His head too was bleeding profusely. Any other actor would have gone on a two-month rest, but we've only pushed the schedule back by a week. We'll re-start with the low-intensity scenes and I can promise there will be no action or dance for SRK until he is completely recovered."

Sidharth in Priceless remake

 His ambitious sequel to Dostana failed to kick off, but another love story is reportedly keeping Tarun Mansukhani busy. Buzz is, Karan Johar has commissioned him to develop the script for the Indian remake of the French hit, Priceless, with Dharma's current blueeyed boy Sidharth Malhotra in the lead.

The French original, about a waiter who's mistaken for a millionaire by a gold-digger starred Audrey Tatou and Gad Elmaleh.

Said a source close to the development, "The creative team at Dharma is really impressed by Sidharth's turn in the upcoming Hasee Toh Phasee. They feel he'll be perfect for Gad's role. However, nothing is on paper yet." Despite repeated attempts, KJo didn't reply to our text messages, while Sidharth's publicists chose to remain mum. When we called Tarun Mansukhani, he said, "Presently, I'm shooting for a commercial and not working on anything else."
However, our source insisted that the film is in indeed in the making, adding, "They are reluctant to reveal the details as things are yet to be formalised."

Has Britney got married again?

Pop star Britney Spears sparked rumours of her marriage to legal researcher David Lucado after she was spotted wearing a gold band recently.

The 32-year-old was seen showing off an elegant gold band on her left ring finger at the soccer game of her sons, Sean, eight, and seven-year-old Jayden on Jan 25, reported an online news daily.

Spears was previously married to her sons' father Kevin Federline for three years until March 2007 and was also briefly married to her childhood friend, Jason Alexander, for 55 hours after they exchanged vows in Las Vegas in January 2004.

Miley to perform with Madonna

Pop sensation Miley Cyrus's surprise guest performer for her upcoming MTV Unplugged special will reportedly be singer Madonna.

According to sources, the two were on a Hollywood soundstage Monday rehearsing the collaboration. it will be recorded on Tuesday afternoon and will air on MTV channel on wednesday night at 9 pm.

Madonna had recently teamed up with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis at the recent Grammy awards.

The Funniest Table Tennis Match in HISTORY

Drag racing charges against Bieber dropped

Justin Bieber will not face DUI(Driving under the influence) or drag racing charges - it has been revealed.

In a dramatic U-turn over the shamed pop star's charges, 19-year-old Bieber,who jetted out of Miami this weekend after being released from jail on a $2,500 bond, will answer misdemeanor charge of resisting arrest without violence.

Justin's file on the Miami-Dade County Court Clerks website only has one charge - that of resisting arrest. The website, which holds court records of criminal and civil charges which occur in the state, lists Justin's next hearing at 8.30am on Monday morning.

Sources close to Justin said that it appears the two charges, which meant he could have faced prison if guilty, have been dropped.

The news comes as laywers, said to be probing claims that police "exaggerated" allegations that the troubled pop star raced a sports car at twice the speed limit during a drink and drugs bender. 

Justin Bieber and his R&B singer friend Khalil Sharieff, both 19, were arrested in Miami Beach on Thursday for allegedly drink-driving at speeds of 60mph.

When Sharmila dropped the bikini bomb

Filmmaker Shakti Samanta knew that Satyajit Ray's Devi had to be transformed into a '60s diva if she was to make a career in Bollywood. The first step was a makeover for his protege Sharmila Tagore -- string cholis, chic chignons and maybe a swimsuit, the director suggested. And his An Evening in Paris heroine, who had glammed up in the three years since she made her debut in Hindi films with his Kashmir Ki Kali was up for it. So much so, that she suggested she would wear a bikini! 

But Samanta, realising how conservative our censors were and not wanting to go through the nightmare of a re-shoot, knowing he could never match the colour of the Mediterranean Sea in India or ferry French extras over without going over-budget, insisted on a demure blue single-piece swimsuit. "Sharmila wasn't very happy, but she gave in to my wishes. I'm glad I was prudent, because even then the song was clipped out during a screening on Doordarshan," Samanta had revealed in the course of an interview, adding that when he had questioned a DD official on the subject, he was told that the song was "vulgar". "The answer silenced me. Imagine a film that was passed in '67 with a U certificate being considered "vulgar" almost four decades later!" he said.

Sharmila eventually got her way during a Filmfare shoot. She graced the cover of the magazine in a bikini and shocked the conservatives at the time. But the swimsuit/bikini made her one of the hottest Bollywood actresses of her time and it remained a talking point down the decades. 

Apart from Sharmila's swimsuit, Samanta's '67 hit is unforgettable for Shankar-Jaikishen's evergreen score. Ashim Shamanta, the son of the filmmaker, remembers how Shammi Kapoor had agreed to hang from a helicopter during the picturisation of the chartbuster, Aasmaan se aaya farishta, confident that Samanta would never get a chopper on hire. But he did get one, in Beruit, and Shammi got the hotel bar opened so he could fortify himself with a large peg of cognac before reporting for the shoot.

"Once the chopper's propellers started whirring and it ascended to the skies with Shammi uncle clinging on, the unit realised that their hero couldn't hear the song above the din. So, dad took it upon himself to sing the lines. Reading his lips Shammi uncle, who knew the Rafi saab number by heart, lip synced the words perfectly and mimed the action," says Ashim.  

 He recalls that during the shooting of another song, Raat ke humsafar, Shammi and Sharmila had a slight misunderstanding. "They were not on talking terms. But no one could have guessed that watching them on screen. However, the real romancing was happening off the sets," Ashim reveals. "Nawab Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi fractured his finger in England and was ruled out of a couple of Tests. Taking advantage of his forced break, he flew down to Paris to serenade Sharmilaji. And it was an evening in Paris for real for the much-in-love couple."

Raageshwari ties the knot

Last evening, 36-year old Raageshwari Loomba tied the knot with a London-based barrister Sudhanshu Swaroop.

The marriage took place at a five-star hotel in Parel. The bride wore a sari designed by Neeta Lulla.

A friend of the actress-singer said, "Raageshwari is very happy and looking forward to living in London though initially she was apprehensive of shifting base." 

When she was 13, Raageshwari was spotted by filmmaker Shekhar Kapur and auditioned for a lead role opposite Bobby Deol. But she did not land the part and made her debut in David Dhawan's Aankhen (1993). Later, she forayed into television, as a VJ for a popular countdown show.

When contacted, Pahlaj Nihalani, who produced Aankhen said, "I am on my way to the wedding. She is a wonderful person and deserves every bit of happiness."

Walking the B’wood dream

Prerna Maynil, the 20-year old fan who walked the Filmfare red carpet with Deepika Padukone, talks about her Cinderella moment.

Rarely do you meet someone who inspires you in a way that changes your life," says Prerna Maynil, a commerce student of Dombivli's Model College, about her idol Deepika Padukone.

Talking about her moment of glory on the Filmfare red carpet which saw her walk hand-in-hand with her favourite actress even as curious bystanders wondered, who's that girl?, Prerna reminisces, "I have written over 100 fan mails to Deepika-- traditional letters, emails and tweets. A few days before the Filmfare awards, Deepika's team called me to say that she'd like me to accompany her for the awards. I was thunderstruck!" 

Prerna says that Deepika even styled her for the ceremony. "Right from hair and make-up to the dress that I wore, all of it was chosen by Deepika," she says, admitting that she was a nervous wreck. "But Deepika was so warm and friendly that all my apprehensions vanished. She has absolutely no airs."

What did she tell the star who she had adored only on screen and magazine covers till now? "I asked her if she'd read any of my letters. And she had. I couldn't be happier!" Prerna beams.

When contacted, Deepika told Mirror that she plans to keep in touch with Prerna. "The intention was not to create a Cinderella moment or change someone's life. This year Filmfare was special for me because I was nominated for two films - Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram Leela and Chennai Express. I thought if I won I'd like to call Prerna on stage as a representation of all my fans who have given me so much love," she says, admitting that she has grown up strongly influenced by her father, badminton ace Prakash Padukone and conscious of the fact that she should conduct herself impeccably in public the way her parents did.

And who were the actresses she enjoyed watching growing up? "Madhuri Dixit and Sridevi," she says. "I met them after I became an actress." And was she in awe of them? "More than awe there was a feeling of deep respect."

Great expectations from Rekha

The actress is set to play an Indian version of Miss Havisham, a role that was earlier offered to Sridevi.

Not so long ago, Sridevi was asked to play a significant character in Abhishek Kapoor's Katrina Kaif - Aditya Roy Kapur starrer Fitoor, an adaptation of Charles Dickens' Great Expectations.

The actress who made a comeback with English Vinglish was reportedly being considered for the role of the cold hearted, halfcrazy, rich spinster Miss Havisham, who inhabits a dilapidated mansion dressed in her faded wedding gown. But though the part is pivotal to the story, perhaps it was the shades of grey that made Sridevi stay away. Also, the role required the glamorous actress to look much older and that reportedly prompted her to reject the offer.

Now, Mirror has it that the filmmakers have approached Rekha with the role of the wealthy dowager. And according to a source close to the development,"Rekha has consented in principle but has yet to sign on the dotted line." 

Fitoor has already undergone a major change in cast. Sushant Singh, who was signed to play Pip had to leave the project because the dates clashed with Shekhar Kapur's Paani. The role has now gone to Aditya. Abhishek plans to put his ambitious project on the floors sometime later this year. 

Second Time Lucky?

 Sneha confirmed the news, "Salman has stayed in touch. After Lucky: No Time For Love, I did several Telugu films which were great training. Now I'm ready for a second innings in Bollywood and Salman is helping me."

Will she be seen in a Salman starrer? Sneha clams up, "I cannot reveal anything as nothing is on paper yet. Wait for an official announcement."

After making her debut at 17 opposite Salman Khan in Lucky: No Time for Love, Sneha Ulaal vanished into thin air. But now, the Aishwarya Rai lookalike is gearing up for a second innings and Salman is taking a keen interest in her comeback. 

A source revealed to Mirror, "Salman recently met Sneha during a CCL match. He has asked her to hit a suburban gym of his choice and also advised her to learn belly dancing to get back into shape. She is religiously following Sallu's instructions, hoping she'll get second time lucky."

Sallu takes away Ganesh’s girl

Daisy Shah who was once the choreographer's fave refuses to acknowledge him since she signed Jai Ho.

Today everyone knows her as the Jai Ho girl, but not so long ago, Daisy Shah was choreographer-actor Ganesh Acharya's muse and their rapport reportedly rocked his marriage. That was till she caught Salman's eye at a party which she attended with Ganesh and soon after landed the lead in Jai Ho. Today, she refuses to acknowledge her mentor.

Ganesh admits he's heard the rumours too. "Even my own group would tease me about her when she was with us. But Daisy and I were never in a relationship. I'm happily married," he asserts.

But hadn't Ganesh gifted her a house and a car? "That's not true," he retorts.

Clearly uncomfortable discussing Daisy he says, "Can we talk about something else? I'm not in touch with Daisy anymore." 
Daisy started off as a dancer in Ganesh's group and was soon assisting him. However, she wanted to be a heroine and Ganesh recommended his protege to Salman when he was choreographing him in Dabangg. He even showed him Daisy's pictures when he heard the actor was looking for a new face for Jai Ho. "Salman called me to say that he was signing Daisy as the female lead," confirms Ganesh.

But once the film went on the floors, Daisy developed starry airs and started keeping a distance from Ganesh and former friends. Once, when both were shooting at the same studio, she did not even acknowledge the man who had made her dream come true. Ganesh shrugs with affected nonchalance, "Yes, that's true. It's okay, she wanted to go ahead in life. I am happy for her."

 

Success created a distance not only between Ganesh and Daisy but also Salman and him. Ganesh who regularly choreographed Salman's hit tracks hasn't worked with him since the item number in SOS-Son of Sardar. A few months after the release of Ajay Devgn's home production in November 2012, Jai Ho went on the floors, with Daisy and without Ganesh.  

Strange coincidence?

Ganesh pretends not to hear!  

Emma Watson looking for NYC love nest

Emma Watson is reportedly looking for a love nest to share with her new boyfriend Matthew Janney. According to a source, the 23-year-old actress wants to ensure that they have a bolt-hole on the other side of the Atlantic. The actress was seen looking at flats in New York and the apartments are priced at up to 15 million dollars, reported a news daily.

Watson's new relationship comes after her split with her former boyfriend of two years Will Adamowicz.

I got prescription drugs from my mom: Bieber

Justin Bieber has confessed that his mother gave him the prescription medication, which he took before getting arrested.

According to law enforcement sources, the 19-year-old singer admitted of being under the influence of Xanax, alcohol, and weed, reported an entertainment website.

The star told police it was his mother Pattie Mallette who gave him Xanax. The site also reported that his blood alcohol content was 04. as compared to the acceptable 0.010.

I’m deeply in love: Scarlett

A second walk down the aisle is going to take a while for Scarlett Johansson.

In the February 3 issue of People, Scarlett Johansson has confessed that while she's 'deeply in love' with French fiance Romain Dauriac, she has yet to make any serious plans for her big day.

'Being engaged is an exciting time,' the Her actress admitted, adding she doesn't want to 'rush through it.'

'I've never been much of a traditional girl, but I do think it's a nice period,' she said of her engagement. The actress added that there is 'something old-world nostalgic about it.' 

The Frenchman popped the question in August, but the actress said that the couple plans on taking their time in preparing for the wedding.

Johansson also shared of her man: 'He's my buddy.' She added, 'I'm very happy. He's someone I can always rely on.'

Dauriac is a journalist and was previously the editor of a French urban art magazine Clark.

The actress was previously married to actor Ryan Reynolds. The marriage lasted just about two years and the duo annou-nced their separation in December 2010.

Film review: Jai Ho

Aam Aadmi Power 


The term 'timing' is defined as a choice, judgment, or control of when something should be done. A Ganguly cover drive, an Anna hunger strike- all fine examples of usage of this word.

Combining the mood-of-thenation-capturing strengths of Raju Hirani with the nonsensical brutality of Michael Bay, the Brothers Khan have churned out an idealistic smartly timed allegedly patriotic drama that clocks 'mental' (incidentally its former title) on a scale of 1-to-Gadar. An official remake of Chiranjeevi-starrer Stalin, which itself was an unofficial remake of the Helen Hunt-starrer Pay It Forward, Jai Ho puts the Bhai in Munnabhai. Here, Salman Khan plays Haley Joel Osment. Or perhaps Osment played Salman 14 years ago without even knowing it. 
4500: the number of supporting actors using 'Jai Ho' as a comeback vehicle. I will mention Tabu separately because she deserves her own sentence. The basic premise revolves around the guileful idea of the power of three: Do a good deed for a person and convince this person to do a good deed for 3 more people and so on. I know you're already tearing up as you read this.

Purely as a superhero film, Jai Ho works on far greater levels than, say, a Krrish 3. Petty powers like flying, web-spitting palms or acting aren't required, because the man has hands. And they're not the 2.5-kilo version. He even has legs that can kickstart an ambulance.

In one partially believable adrenalin-pumping sequence, Jai even uses a ballpoint pen to stab three vile villains. Not sure if there's a subtle message for film critics in there somewhere...

In 2013, every trade analysts' calculator was put to rest with 2 of the 3 Khans presiding over their last rites. With the original Khan completing the triple whammy this weekend, here is some of my own number crunching- with minor liberties taken (the sort these heroes take while destroying public property to make their cities a better place):

5000: the rumored screen count of 'Jai Ho' in India, not counting abroad.


12: The number of body parts (facial only) displayed before a full-frontal shot of Salman Khan's entire face.

12: The number of viewers at the screening (including 12 cops stationed outside) unaffected by this entrance.

155: Body count at the hands of Jai.

1.55: number of heartbeats skipped per viewer (male or female) at the sight of a routine shirt-ripping climax sequence.

30 crore: Expected box office opening-day collections.

20 crore: The number of viewers disinterested in Daisy Shah's eclectic dance entrance to the backdrop of Navi Mumbai.
94: The number of records that will be broken by a non-holiday non-Eid January Winter-spring 3rd-week Friday new-decade non-YRF non-SRK starrer.

94: The number of (my) body parts in danger after mentioning SRK in this review.

On a serious note, the one flaw that annoyed me was a continuous sound loop of a hungry cat lapping at milk during several intense Bhai gazes. When the lights came on, the adult woman next to me was still blowing wet kisses to the screen. 

SRK advised bed rest

A fractured shoulder and a wounded knee, SRK's count of injuries has increased with the freak accident on the set of Happy New Year on Thursday which saw a wooden door descend on him.

The 48-year-old actor, who was rushed to Nanavati hospital, headed straight back to the set after he was discharged, to complete the sequence interrupted by the accident.

But the actor will now have to drop the bravado as his physician has advised him complete bed rest.

A source close to him told Mirror, "Shah Rukh went through a fresh set of tests last night post the shoot. His right shoulder is fractured and the left knee patella is torn. Now doctors have advised him to take complete bed rest for the next three weeks." 

This means that Farah Khan will have to wait before saying 'Pack Up' on Happy New Year. The major sequences have already been canned but there some small portions which still need to be filmed. But Farah and SRK's co-stars, including Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Sonu Sood and Boman Irani will have to wait as Shah Rukh recuperates.

The actor's shoulder has proven to be his Achilles Heel and over the last couple of years, he has spent much time sporting a supportive brace.

As recently as last year he had injured his shoulder while filming an action sequence for Chennai Express and had undergone a surgery in Mumbai.

Earlier in 2007, Shah Rukh had injured his left shoulder for the first time while shooting a cameo in Dulha Mil Gaya.  
The next year, he suffered another shoulder injury, thanks to a mistimed jump in My Name is Khan.

Shah Rukh's knee too has been giving him plenty of problems since the 90s. He suffered a dislocated knee during a running sequence in Rakesh Roshan's Koyla, but he soldiered and completed the shoot in Arunachal Pradesh. The problem aggravated when he was shooting for his home production RA.One in 2010 and he had to undergo a small surgery to correct the problem.

We can only say, get well soon SRK!