Portions of filmmaker Kunal Kohli’s Teri Meri Kahaani, a love story, spanning three eras have been shot in UK

Romance in UK

Portions of filmmaker Kunal Kohli’s Teri Meri Kahaani, a love story, spanning three eras have been shot in UK. One of the songs, Muqtassar mulaqat hai was shot in the night with the lead actors Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra. Says a source, “We chose this beautiful location with tudor architecture in the Shakespearean town of Stratford-Upon-Avon. In the background behind, the old HSBC bank building can be seen. The exterior of this building shows 15 scenes from Shakespeare’s plays in terracotta relief. It’s one of the most popular tourist sites in Stratford. Next to that, is an old pub, looking equally beautiful and majestic. It is said that Shakespeare used to have a drink here whenever he needed inspiration to write.” The film, which brings the ex-flames Priyanka and Shahid together after Kaminey, is slated to release in June.

Actor Akshay Kumar is currently busy shooting for Rowdy Rathore.

Akshay gets a khiladi touch


Actor Akshay Kumar is currently busy shooting for Rowdy Rathore. And the actor is kind of reviving his khiladi image in a song sequence in the film. By the end of this year, the action star will revisit his Khiladi character with the film Khiladi 786. But for now Akshay revisits that image in his upcoming action flick Rowdy Rathore.
“They are shooting a song sequence where you will see Akshay reviving his popular khiladi character. He will portray his various khiladi avatars in the peppy number. Akshay is pretty excited about the song and he can’t wait to shoot for it. The film brings Akshay back to his favourite action genre,” a source informs us.

The Information & Broadcasting Ministry, after the halted telecast of The Dirty Picture at prime time,

Ab gyarah nahi baje hain!
The Information & Broadcasting Ministry, after the halted telecast of The Dirty Picture at prime time,
is likely to recommend the 11 pm slot for U/A films. Will this mean revenue constraints for producers?


The Information & Broadcasting Ministry’s directive to show The Dirty Picture at 11 pm created a furore amongst channels and filmmakers. However, this is not the first time a film with an ‘adult’ theme has been directed by the ministry to be telecast at 11 pm. A few months ago, Ragini MMS, despite cuts was shown at 11 pm, though Ekta Kapoor, who produced the film apparently vied for the 9 pm slot.
At the time of going to press, a meeting had been called to discuss the suitable time for telecasting films with an U/A certificate. A source from the I & B ministry said that there will be a recommendation to show such films at 11 pm.
But it may not be something that will go down well with the channels, which dish out huge monies ranging from Rs 2 – 40 crore for the satellite rights of films. An industry insider, who deals with buying and selling of the satellite rights, says, “If films with ‘adult’ themes are shown at 11 pm, the prices will easily reduce by 60-70 per cent. For instance, The Dirty Picture, which was sold at Rs 9 crore will come down to Rs 3 – 4 crore. Forthcoming films like Jannat 2, Raaz 3, Vicky Donor, Jism 2 etc will not fetch a huge amount if shown at 11 pm.” According to him, historically such films don’t rate high on TV, anyway. “Only the first telecast brings them decent TRPs,” he quips.
Shyam Shroff, one of the leading film distributors, is of the view that films with adult content should be shown in the original version at 10 pm, which will not affect the prices. “But 59 cuts (The Dirty Picture) and 11 pm will certainly bring down revenue,” he agrees.
However, Mukesh Bhatt, who is producing Raaz 3 and Jannat 2, feels that one film (The Dirty Picture) cannot be the yardstick for others. “There has to be a rationale behind it. If a film has a U/A certificate, it’s for universal viewing, but elders have to take responsibility and stop their children from watching it,” he argues.
Dheeraj Kumar, Vice-President, Film and TV Producers Guild, points out that channels will think twice before touching films with an ‘adult’ theme. “It will have negative repercussions,” he says. However, while making the film itself, the producer can ensure that he makes money at the box-office as well as on TV, offers Kumar. “He can create a theatrical version and a TV version in which the scenes are acceptable to the TV viewing public,” he contends.
All eyes are on the I & B Ministry now for the new guidelines. As a source says, “Such incidents are required for the market to mature and government to regulate things.”

Sanjay Dutt’s ode to Mumbai police

Sanjay Dutt’s ode to Mumbai police


Actor Sanjay Dutt has recorded a rap song for Department as an ode to the Mumbai police. A last minute addition, the song was recorded three weeks ago. Sanjay, who heads the police force in the film, felt that the Mumbai’s men in khakhi are the real heroes and suggested that a song dedicated to them, should be incorporated in the film. The lyrics of the song are Bhai log ne bola, thokna chor de… duty ka farz kuch banta, Mumbai police hai sabka bhai. The film also starring Amitabh Bachchan and Rana Daggubati is slated to release next month.

Shashank Sethi, who plays Mitlesh in Raakesh Paswan’s Afsar Bitiya met with an accident last Tuesday night

Shashank’s car hit; escapes unhurt


Shashank Sethi, who plays Mitlesh in Raakesh Paswan’s Afsar Bitiya met with an accident last Tuesday night. A source said that he was driving from Madh Island after the shoot, when a truck banged his car from the side. Apparently, the driver ran away and since it was dark, Shashank couldn’t even note the number. According to a source, luckily, his driver applied the breaks on time, else his car would have fallen ten feet down in a ditch. Shashank confirms, “It was a nightmare, but I thank God that no one was hurt and only the car got damaged. It will take atleast two weeks to even think of sitting on the driving seat as the incident is absolutely fresh in my mind. I think the truck driver was drunk. I would like to support don’t drink and drive campaign. Sudden unexpected accidents like these may cause loss of life, so all drivers should be educated.”

Master Marzi Pestonji on the sets of Zee TV’s DID L’il Masters

Bird scare on the sets of DID


Guess what managed to scare the daylights out of Master Marzi Pestonji on the sets of Zee TV’s DID L’il Masters? In between auditions, the contestants were surprised when they saw a panic-striken Marzi make a dash for the exit. Li’l Sanaya who has come in to audition for the judges along with her pet pigeon was dancing to Masakali with a pigeon on her head. After her act, the judges were taken in by the pigeon and when Sanaya came to introduce her pet, ‘Udi Baba’ to them, Marzi refused to be even seen anywhere close to it. Apparently, the DID judge has a huge phobia of birds hovering around him in enclosed spaces. While fellow judges Geeta Kapur and Terence Lewis were seen petting and hugging Sanaya’s l’il pet, the entire studio doubled up with laughter as Marzi, who was offered a chance to hold ‘Udi Baba’, flatly refused to go anywhere near the bird, turned heel and exited the studio faster than anyone could catch him.

Raai dancers up, close & personal meets with the Bedia community on whom Zee TV’s new show is based

Raai dancers up, close & personal
meets with the Bedia community on whom Zee TV’s new show is based


Among the several folk dances popular in India is the Raai dance, that the girls of the Bedia tribe hailing from the interiors of Madhya Pradesh perform. But what sets this community apart is that the men of this community don’t do any work. The community has certain old customs, associated with the dance form that the girls have to abide by and the recently launched Zee TV show Phir Subah Hogi, highlighjts the plight of the Bedia girls. After Hrs took a trip to the Bedia community villages in Sagar near Bhopal and met the locals to know more about Raai dancers and their lives.
We spoke to two Raai dancers, Sangeeta and Urmila. While Urmila claimed to take up Raai dancing as a passion, 30-year-old Sangeeta reveals that she’s been dancing for more than 10 years now. “I lost my parents at a very young age and my maternal uncle decided that like my mother, I should take up Raai and my Sardhakai happened at the age of 20,” says Sangeeta.
Explaining the custom of Sardhakai, she adds, “When a Thakur chooses a young girl from the community for himself, it is similar to a wedding, but minus the pheras. Once the Sardhakai is done then the girl becomes the Thakur’s official mistress. Once girls start to do Raai, they can only get Sardhakai done and can never marry as per the traditions.”
“My Sardhakai was done by a Thakur who already had children, and his daughter had married a couple of years ago. I was barely years older to his daughter. Today I have two children with him, but his real wife and I share a cordial relationship,” reveals Sangeeta as she prepares for her Raai performance.
Meanwhile, 17-year-old Urmila, confesses that actor Madhuri Dixit’s dancing style prompted her to get into Raai. “I studied till 8th standard, but then I realised I am a performer, and I wanted to perform those killer moves that people often go crazy for today. I know I am very beautiful and so just one year in the business, I have refused many Sardhakai offers made to me. I want to do Sardhakai with someone who loves me, not my body. But, right now I’m more concerned about dancing than anything else,” says Urmila.
She also accepts that unlike her, there are girls who have made a mark in their community by going against the traditions and completing their education.

Jolie ‘cried and smiled’ when Pitt proposed

Jolie ‘cried and smiled’ when Pitt proposed

Holly hottie Angelina Jolie shed a few tears of happiness when long-time beau, actor Brad Pitt finally popped the question after seven years together, a source has revealed.
According to the source, there was a big family hug when Angie put on the engagement ring. “Angelina cried and smiled,” the New York Daily News quoted the source as telling Us Weekly.
Pitt reportedly rounded up the couple’s six children — Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Vivienne and Knox, and presented the 36-year-old with the bauble, which he spent nearly one year designing with jeweller Robert Procop.
The source said the children, who have reportedly been after their parents to finally tie the knot, were extremely happy as well. “Everyone hugged once she put the ring on. She went around and showed it to each of the kids,” the source said.
Jolie first debuted her diamond stunner during a private viewing trip to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art last last Wednesday, quietly flashing the bling as she made her rounds throughout the museum’s vast showrooms.
The Hollywood A-list couple has been together since 2005, shortly after co-starring in the action-thriller Mr. and Mrs. Smith, amid controversy that they were seeing each other while Pitt was still married to Jennifer Aniston.
“Angie considers herself bonded to Brad for life,” the source added.

Joining the ever-growing list of international filmmakers coming down to India is director Ang Lee

Lee to visit India

Joining the ever-growing list of international filmmakers coming down to India is director Ang Lee. Apparently the Oscar-winning director (best-known for films like Brokeback Mountain and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) is planning to come down to India some time later this year to promote his film Life of Pi that stars Tabu, Irrfan, Tobey Maguire and Gerard Depardieu among others. The film was extensively shot in Puducherry last year in January and there’s buzz that the filmmaker and the studio may host a grand premiere in India, apart from hosting an international premiere with the entire cast and crew in attendance. According to a source, the studio is already in talks with the director to schedule his dates accordingly, as these things need extensive planning, months before it actually gets finalised. “Lee himself was keen to tour the country, but his film schedules left him little time to do so the last time he was here during the shoot of the film. But this time, he’s hoping to have two-three days kept aside to tour some of the places he’s been keen to visit,” says the source.

The question everyone’s asking is: Will actor Aamir Khan’s TV debut revive the traditional prime-time slot of Sunday mornings?

Nau se gyaarah?!

The question everyone’s asking is: Will actor Aamir Khan’s TV debut revive the traditional prime-time slot of Sunday mornings?

While Bollywood A-listers — right from Amitabh Bachchan to Shah Rukh Khan to Salman Khan — have always opted for the prime-time evening slots on television for their small screen outings, actor Aamir Khan took the industry by surprise when it was revealed that his show Satyamev Jayate will be aired on Sundays at 11 am. “Aamir opting for the traditional spot of 11 am on Sunday mornings as opposed to the primetime slots available between 8 and 10 pm, for his TV debut has baffled many,” admits an industry insider. Earlier speculation was rife about the slot that the show would be aired on, as that would mean moving the existent shows on the channel. But according to a source, it was one of Aamir’s conditions that was put forth to the channel that his show be given the traditional spot on TV.
Though trade experts and TV industry insiders unanimously agree that it’s a risky move, they do admit that it’s also a smart one. “As of now, this slot is not priority for any channel. It’s mostly kiddie stuff that a majority of the channels air at present during this time slot. And the other channels too don’t dish out any special fare during the time, so it’s mostly movies or re-runs of their weekly shows,” says a TV insider, adding that it’s exactly why having a show at this time is not without its risks. “The slot would mean drawing viewers’ attention and getting them hooked to a time that they haven’t seriously tapped into for a while. So, this could entail changing TV viewing habit, which is always risky,” explains the insider.
But trade analyst Taran Adarsh points out that Aamir’s credibility as a serious star will draw in the audience no matter what the time. “Aamir pitching his show at 11 am on Sundays which was traditionally the top spot during the Ramayan and Mahabharata days almost 20 years back, may actually revive the viewer interest in that slot again. I think it’s a smart move by Aamir considering that it will be aired at a time when there’s absolutely no competition from any other show at all,” explains Taran.
A veteran industry insider agrees that Aamir’s show has already generated a strong buzz. “In the past too Aamir has taken up for serious causes, proving his social awareness and that clubbed with his no-nonsense image will work in his favour. His name brings value to the kind of talk show that he’s hosting and will draw families for sure,” says the insider. “Logistically speaking, the show is targetted at an audience across board and so he might actually just revive that slot timing and change the existent rules of TV viewing. His marketing moves have hardly missed the aim, and this one shouldn’t be any different,” adds Taran.

Looks like B-Town will never get over the we-are-just-good-friends syndrome.

Na na karte pyaar ...

Looks like B-Town will never get over the we-are-just-good-friends syndrome. Just when we thought the younger crop of actors were quite comfortable talking about their relationships, here is another pair who likes to play hide and seek. This young couple, who has been spotted on more than one occasion together, are seeing each other secretly from the past couple of months but like to use the term ‘good friends’ in front of everyone. Apparently they aren’t too keen about people in the industry getting wind of their relationship, especially because one amongst them just went through a messy break-up. Until a couple of months back, the guy was going all out trying to find love and now it does look like lady luck has come calling. While they think they have easily pulled a fast one on everyone, there have been enough eye witnesses to prove that the two of them are always hanging out with each other, attending parties together and gifting each other sweet stuff. The duo has even introduced each other to their set of friends and last heard they were all partying together at a suburban nightspot. Well, let’s see if this relationship lasts longer than the film’s duration.

Ash at Cannes


The Twitter world and the internet is abuzz with news that actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will be making an appearance at the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival. Earlier there was speculation about whether the actor would go this year and now it looks like she is likely to be France bound in May. A source close to the actor reveals, “Ash is just back from Dubai and though the family was initially unsure whether she would be able to travel after the birth of her daughter, apparently Ash has finally made up her mind. Last year she was there to launch her then film, Heroine and this year, she will attend the do, to represent the cosmetic brand she endorses.”

Sameera’s fan following at midnight!


Actor Sameera Reddy who’s donning a sporty look for her upcoming movie Tezz will also be seen riding a bike for the first time. She was asked to practice for long hours before the shoot. Shooting and rehearsing outdoors amidst a massive crowd has never been an easy job for celebrities, but Sameera decided to brave the crowd. According to our sources, Sameera proved to be a sight for sore eyes as she rode her bike late in the night. “Sameera chose to ride the bike pretty late almost past midnight. That is the only time she could get empty roads considering the Mumbai traffic. When she was practicing to ride her bike she realised that crowds were gathering to check what was happening. Despite the huge crowd she chose to continue riding; and to her surprise some of her fans started turning up to cheer her every day,” the source added.

Sister act! After what seemed to be a power struggle between them, actors Parineeti Chopra and Priyanka Chopra are now seen bonding with each other

Sister act!
After what seemed to be a power struggle between them, actors Parineeti Chopra and Priyanka Chopra are now seen bonding with each other

Actor Parineeti Chopra who made her debut with Ladies v/s Ricky Bahl received a lot of acclaim for her portrayal of a brash Punjabi kudi. But her relationship with cousin sister actor Priyanka Chopra was constantly under the scanner. It was initially reported that the two didn’t get along which was shortly followed by stories of how the duo avoided each other at public events. Now, however, the equation between the warring cousins seems to have changed, at least in the public sphere.
Not too many people knew that Parineeti was related to Priyanka before her film released. The young actor apparently had no inclination to be an actor and was working as a public relations officer with Yash Chopra’s production company. Acting happened to her by chance and her debut film went on to become a hit. When reports about her not getting along with didi Priyanka came out, neither bothered to clear the air until recently when Parineeti went up on stage and publicly acknowledged her sister for helping her by giving valuable support and guidance.
A source close to them reveals, “Parineeti got a couple of awards for best debut and when she went to Macau to attend the Zee Cine Awards, sister Priyanka was hosting with actor Shah Rukh Khan. When Parineeti went up on stage to collect her award, one of the names she thanked first was Priyanka. It took everyone by surprise because that was the first time, Parineeti had thanked PC on a public platform and PC too responded by saying ‘you are welcome sister’”. This olive branch by Parineeti seems to have gone down very well with PC, who is now tweeting for her in return. Priyanka who is very popular on Twitter and tweets regularly, has been promoting Parineeti on the networking site. The duo even has nick names for each other. Parineeti recently posted, “Teri Meri Kahani looks superrrr fun !! GO mimi didi!!!!!! :D @priyankachopra” to which PC replied, “ “@ParineetiChopra thank u tishu!!! So does ishaqzaade !! Yay!!! I’m soooo excited! May 11th comin up! Watch out world.. for my sista!!”

Reese Witherspoon to come to India?

Reese Witherspoon to come to India?


The latest buzz from the Hollywood circuit doing the rounds is that the Walk The Line actor Reese Witherspoon might come to India.
Says a source, “It looks like Reese is all set to come to India. But the organisers are not divulging any details on the purpose of her visit. Everything is kept hush-hush for now. But the details will be out soon.” Should she come to India, Reese will be joining the ever growing list of Hollywoodians visiting India — Tom Cruise, Christian Bale, Judi Dench, Hugh Jackman, Paris Hilton and the most recent being buzz about Kate Hudson’s visit. Meanwhile, though she hasn’t publicly confirmed it, her growing baby bump would reveal that she is pregnant with her third child.

channel Life Ok

Back to basics


Looks like the recently launched channel Life Ok, has succumbed to the adage ‘If you can’t beat them, join them’. The revamped Star One channel, which prided on its unique programming structure of 20 minute break free shows, airing seven days a week will soon adapt the 30 minute show format with five or six days a week telecast, like other general entertainment channels, said sources close to the channel. Rajan Shahi whose Amrit Manthan is being aired on the channel confirms it saying he has been asked to start making a half hour show six days a week. “The date has not yet been finalised but I am happy with the move. Viewers who are used to tuning in at 8 or 8.30 pm, find it a little strange to keep up with the 8.20 or 8.40 pm time slot,” he comments. Nikhil Sinha who is producing Devon Ka Dev Mahadev says that he hasn’tbeen formally informed about the change but “talks are on”. He, however, feels that the increased time span will help in grabbing more eyeballs. When contacted, Ajit Thakur, General Manager, Life Ok agreed that they were working on some new plans and shows in the coming weeks but refused to comment on it.

Imagine TV out of action?

Imagine TV out of action?


The Telly world and the internet was abuzz yesterday that Imagine TV has shut shop. Apparently, it was a sudden decision and producers were informed over night to stop shooting for their shows. The beleagured general entertainment channel had been facing problems since the last two years. Owned by NDTV, the channel was taken over by Turner Broadcasting System in 2010. Launched in 2008, the channel was counted among the top five but soon withered away in the face of competition from established channels like Zee, Star Plus, Colors and Sony. It was pushed out of the race by the comedy channel SAB TV and since then hadn’t been able to get back into the reckoning. The channel had recently revamped its programming but obviously it hasn’t worked. News is that for sometime, the channel will be airing re-runs of their shows.

Actor Aamir Khan is doing a show on television called Satyamev Jayate

Aamir to reveal his theme song



That actor Aamir Khan is doing a show on television is known, but the actor is making sure that nothing about the show leaks out. There is a huge suspense that shrouds the entire show and no one knows the format or any other details of the show. While the promos have generated a lot of curiosity on social networking websites, Aamir is set to launch a song today which will be called Satyamev Jayate. The show which is also titled Satyamev Jayate, has been closely guarded.
A source close to Aamir says, “Just like the show, the song has also been kept under wraps and will be revealed only today. Rumours doing the rounds are that it is a love song for the country that has been shot all over India over a period of three months while he was shooting for the show.” Though this news has broken out, Aamir hasn’t confirmed anything as yet. In fact, even the invite that has gone out for the event says 'to showcase something special with regards to his upcoming show'.

Spiderman takes backseat for Paan Singh Tomar? Actor Irrfan will apparently reschedule the dubbing of Spiderman for the Bollywood film

Spiderman takes backseat for Paan Singh Tomar?
Actor Irrfan will apparently reschedule the dubbing of Spiderman for the Bollywood film

Any actor who has worked in Hollywood, can’t stop raving about its professionalism. Little wonder then, most actors are also known to have give more importance to their Hollywood commitments. However, actor Irrfan seems to be an exception. Apparently, the actor has been trying to get the studio bosses in the West to reschedule his dubbing for the Spiderman franchise The Amazing Spiderman, just so he can attend the DVD launch of his film Paan Singh Tomar here. According to a source, the actor will be cancelling his dubbing to fly down for the event. “Irrfan is a thorough professional, and would have never asked to reschedule any commitment, but this film is really close to his heart and he is keen to attend the event slated to happen this Friday. Also, considering the film has done so well, it only makes sense for the actor to attend the event. He is in talks with the studio to try and see if the dubbing dates can be reworked,” says an insider. Apparently, the actor had held the screenings of Paan Singh Tomar for several of his friends in Hollywood including actor Angelina Jolie, as well as the cast and crew of Spiderman — actor Andrew Garfield and filmmaker Marc Webb, and had garnered much acclaim for his performance too. “Angelina has already admitted to being impressed by his work; Marc and Andrew were equally impressed by the film,” added another source.

Jennifer and Karan to get hitched in Goa?

Jennifer and Karan to get hitched in Goa?



Small screen’s serial flirt Karan Singh Grover, is apparently planning to give up his old habits and get hitched to actor Jennifer Winget. They may not have clicked as an on-screen couple, but those close to the duo insist that they share a great off-screen chemistry. However, the couple which was supposedly getting hitched on April 9 in Mumbai’s marriage court, aparently missed the date.
And now if sources are to be believed, the couple will walk down the aisle in Goa.
A source close to the duo says, “Karan and Jennifer have known each other for over eight years. And since they have been dating each other for some time now, they wish to marry in Goa in a private and quiet ceremony. The best part is that Jennifer and her folks are quite okay about Karan’s past. Karan’s involvement with Nicole Alavares, his dance partner in the show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, had earlier led to his divorce with actor-wife Shraddha Nigam. Incidentally, Shraddha and Karan had also got married in Goa in 2009. So, Karan choosing the same destination to tie the knot with Jennifer is suprising for us.”
Let’s hope that unlike his first wedding, this one lasts longer, right Karan?

Mahie, the new ‘Mona Darling’


Mahie, the new ‘Mona Darling’


Yesteryear vamp Bindu’s iconic ‘Mona Darling’ act in Zanjeer in 1973 is now being taken over by actor Mahie Gill, who admits the role is challenging, but says she will pull it off.
Ajit had played the arch-villain Teja in the original; for the remake, Prakash Raj has been roped in. Southern actor Ram Charan Teja, son of superstar Chiranjeevi, will step into Amitabh Bahchan’s shoes to play the ‘Angry Young Man’.
The culture of an overweight seductress went out with Bindu. While Bindu got away with slit dresses and body stockings in Zanjeer, Mahie, we are told, would be doing some heavy duty lovemaking scenes with Prakash Raj and would also need to get into better shape for a bikini.
“We definitely want Mahie’s Mona Darling to go beyond Binduji. If Binduji became synonymous with the character in the 1970s, we want people to shout ‘Mona Darling’ at Mahie when she steps out,” said Amit Mehra, son of Prakash Mehra who had produced and directed the Amitabh Bachchan starrer Zanjeer.
Mahie’s weight is not the only thing that goes from Bindu’s ‘Mona Darling’ act. The sizzling Asha Bhosle number Diljalon ka dil jala ke has also been done away with. Mahie was apparently most keen to dance to Bindu’s number. “With due respects to Helenji and Binduji, cabarets are no longer a part of popular nightclub culture,” said Mehra.


It was quite a task to accommodate actors Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar’s practice performances at the same time for an awards night

Right here, right now
It was quite a task to accommodate actors Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar’s practice performances at the same time for an awards night



When both actors are A-listers and are scheduled to perform at the same time for the same event, there is bound to be some amount of friction and this is what exactly happened at an awards night recently. Actors Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, who are both extremely busy and shooting round the clock, were scheduled to perform at the Balaji awards at the same time slot and juggling both their timings apparently became a slight issue. There was only one crew to pre-shoot their performances and since both of them were busy promoting their films, neither had another time slot.
While both actors didn’t have any other time slots, the organisers of the event had to shift either of the performances to shoot after the show. Saif, who flew in to town from another city, was apparently gracious enough to shoot the night before and Akshay, who had already informed that he wouldn’t be able to attend the live event, shot his portions on the same day that the event got over. They both practiced their parts and performed within four hours. Though it was difficult to accommodate the two of them, they finally sorted it out.
A source from the awards function reveals, “We were faced with a peculiar puzzle, to fit in the same shoot timings for Akshay and Saif’s acts. Due to their tight schedules, Saif was promoting his film and Akshay was shooting non-stop. We were trying to figure out the best way to accommodate their timings and not look like we’re giving preference to either of them as we also had to manage a live event. But finally it all fell in place with Saif pre-shooting his act at 2 am after he returned from his film promotion and Akshay post shooting it on D-Day, immediately after the event.”

Sari tales A sneak peak into what PC plans to wear for her best friend’s wedding

Sari tales
A sneak peak into what PC plans to wear for her best friend’s wedding


While most of Bollywood was celebrating the weddings of its industry members, actor Priyanka Chopra is gearing up for her closest pal’s shaadi. Buzz is that PC is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that her saheli’s wedding is one to remember and that guests shower their praises on the elaborate arrangements made for her friends D-day. In fact, sources close to the actor say that it almost looks like it’s PC’s own wedding. “Priyanka is running around so much that one might almost confuse it to be her own wedding. From the flowers to the mandap, PC is helping her friend pick nothing but the best designs,” says a source in the know.
But the surprising part is that while almost all of PC’s friends are planning an elaborate designer ensemble, to sport for the wedding and receptions, Priyanka herself is apparently keen on donning saris from her mom’s collection. “Yes, Priyanka and her friends are going crazy over what to wear. Each one wants to look their best. And PC is helping almost all her friends put together a gorgeous outfit. But she told her pals that she’ll wear two saris from her mom’s wardrobe,” reveals the source. “PC is a big fan of her mom’s collection of saris and this, she thought, would be the best time to indulge in it. She said that she’ll wear a Kanjeevaram sari for the wedding itself and a delicate net sari for the reception,” says the source. No wonder PC is known as her mom’s pet.

Konnichiwa sushi! ...That’s welcoming authentic Japanese cuisine at this restaurant in town - Jacqueline Fernandez

Konnichiwa sushi!

...That’s welcoming authentic Japanese cuisine at this restaurant in town - Jacqueline Fernandez


For those who love Japanese cuisine, they are aware how difficult it is to find an authentic Japanese restaurant in India. However, those true Japanese food buffs are also well aware of what Wasabi means for them. I myself am a huge fan of Japanese delicacies. I strongly feel that Wasabi in aamchi Mumbai is a haven for sushi lovers. And it’s just not the amazing and wide range of food you get there, but also the service and class of the food that bowls you over.
I recently visited Wasabi. Well, let me tell you that I simply need an excuse to visit the place, just to indulge in the yummy delicacies they serve here. I think it is easily one of the best Japanese restaurants in India. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, this place is a part of the many specialty food joints in the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower.



Being a nomad all my life and sharing a passion for light and non-greasy cuisine, Japanese food has always topped my list of food preference and hence having tried it in almost every part of the world, to find as authentic and delicious Japanese fare just had me the first time I visited Wasabi. And since then, I have been a huge fan of the food here and recommended it to everyone I know.
As you enter the restaurant, the ambience reminds you of the traditional Japanese setting, which is not over the top. The sushi counters near the teppanyaki kitchen are located at such a point that they become the core part of the restaurant. The fare is authentic, as I mentioned earlier, and I started by ordering a plate of spicy salmon sashimi, which is just so tasty. The highlight obviously was the mouth-watering wasabi — the accompaniment which was as creamy as it was authentically spicy. The chef then created a special dish, which was delicately done with pine nuts and walnuts. I then moved on to dig into other stuff such as Japanese Pizza (yes this exists), Veg Epice, Spinach Tempura, Capriccios and Edamame. The salads are very lightly seasoned and you can savour the taste of each ingredient. Among their famed sushi dishes are also the Spicy Tuna, one made with curd and veggie delights, which when combined with the traditional Japanese drink, gives you a taste of Japan. One must also try the chef’s special Black Cod Miso as it is simply outstanding.
For me, this truly is one place that will forever top my list of favourite restaurants.
Jacqueline Fernandez is an actor and a foodie.

RATING
MEAL FOR TWO: ` 4,000
(EXCLUSIVE OF DRINKS)
■ Wasabi By Morimoto, The
Taj Mahal Palace & Tower,
Colaba
Call: 022-66653366
1 Eat at home 2 Almost there
3 We’re going back
4 Scorching 5 Steal the chef!

Posing in lettuce bikini!

Posing in lettuce bikini!
Model Sheridyn Fisher has appeared in a new ad for PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) wearing a bikini and bunny ears made of lettuce! The caption for the photo says, “Be a Bunny’s Honey. Go Vegetarian.”
“Easter is the perfect time to help bunnies — and pigs, chickens, cows and other animals — simply by choosing not to eat them,” the Mirror quoted Fisher as saying. “Vegetarian meals are healthy, humane and helpful to the environment, so they’re something every bunny can enjoy,” she added.
The model joins a group of celebs who have all supported PETA’s campaigns in the past: Pamela Anderson, Kimberly Wyatt, Kelly Brook and Sir Paul McCartney himself. Fisher also designs and models her own swimsuit range called Sheridyn Swim.

Parineeti’s new love interest!



Parineeti’s new love interest!



Actor Parineeti Chopra who was much appreciated for her performance in her debut film, Ladies v/s Ricky Bahl is now reportedly moving into her new apartment. The actor, who has been living in a rented apartment even since she came to Mumbai, is all set to move into a bigger place. The new pad which is in Andheri, is a big two-bedroom apartment, much similar to what she wanted her dream house to be like. A source close to her reveals, “Parineeti has been living with her flatmates since she came to Mumbai, a couple of years back. She always wanted her parents to be with her, but due to space constraints, she couldn’t afford to invite them over too often. Now that she has found a bigger place for herself, she is most excited about her parents coming and staying with her.” The actor is currently doing up her home and will soon throw a housewarming bash for her friends once her second film, Ishqzaade releases.