Dino Morea: Keep ‘porn star’ tag away from Sunny Leone

Sunny Leone has certainly signed an A-grade film in Bollywood, but her image of a porn star is yet to leave her. Though the actress herself is busy reminding her followers on Twitter to keep checking her adult website, co-producer of ‘Jism 2’, Dino Morea has problems with people still addressing her as a ‘porn star’.

The model-turned-actor-turned producer wonders why people have been speculating the casting of Sunny Leone in a Bollywood film.

Talking to a leading daily during an interview, Morea said, “Sunny Leone is much talked about for her casting in Jism 2. I don`t understand what`s the hoopla all about? That she was a porn-star?”

Defending Sunny’s past profession, Morea said, “But she has not done anything wrong - porn is legal in the country she hails from. Keep that tag away from her.”

Dino is one among the many in the country who have been smitten by this pretty girl.

“She is a fantastic and beautiful person. She is so endearing that anybody can fall in love with her. She is rehearsing for her role and is working hard to settle in Bollywood(sic),” Dino said.

Well…looks like the makers of ‘Jism 2’ don’t want any reference of porn made with respect to their film.

Vidya Balan's KAHAANI is year's biggest hit

In cost-recovery ratio terms Vidya Balan starrer KAHAANI with its Rs. 24 crore nett first week box office collections and a clear week ahead, which is certain to fetch in another 15 crores, is all set to become the biggest hit of the year thus far, pushing AGNEEPATH to number two position. It is a dream run for a film of this kind. It has turned out to be a highly profitable investment for its producer Jayantilal Gada and his first major hit. Gada must be ruing his decision to sell its satellite rights cheap to Star TV. Had he held back, he would have fetched a price in the range of 15-20 crores. The film may also revive the career of its director Sujoy Ghosh.


The film reinforces Vidya Balan's star power and puts her on as high a pedestal as the top line male stars of the industry. A comparison between the cost and the cast of AGNEEPATH and KAHAANI is quite revealing. On one hand you have an opulent production with the combined star power of maharathis like Rishi Kapoor, and Sanjay Dutt, and heartthrobs like Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra, supported by a mighty banner like Dharma Productions led by one of the gods among producers/promoters Karan Johar, commandeering his media power worth crores.

 In KAHAANI you just have Vidya Balan who anchors and promotes the film single-handedly, travelling in buses and trains, walking on streets, with a dummy tummy, trying hard to create enough buzz for her small film that was shot on actual locations, mostly with a hand-held camera. And in the end it's this underdog of a film that does better than the behemoth.
AGNEEPATH cost close to 50 crores and went on to earn around Rs.100 crores with the widest ever release of a Bollywood film.

KAHAANI cost about 5-8 crores, and it has already done a business of Rs. 24 crores and is still going strong and may end up with box office receipts of Rs.55 crores by the time it goes off the wide screen. Over and above, it has garnered universal critical acclaim. KAHAANI undoubtedly is an obvious winner in comparison.

There is one more comparison that must be made. AGNEEPATH success party happened on the second day of its release, the day its collections nose-dived. The success party of KAHAANI took place after the weekly box office collection reports certified the film a hit. Hype works, sometimes hard work and perseverance work too.

Katrina Kaif bags Rs 1 crore for 10 minutes!

If the race is for the No. 1 Bollywood actress in the category hot and sizzling stars of the industry, Katrina Kaif wins hands down.

Following report is the testimony of that fact.

Believe it or not, but the very sensuous Kat has supposedly been offered Rs 1 crore to make her presence felt at an event in Kochi for 10 minutes!

Reports confirm that Katrina Kaif is expected to make a brief visit to Kochi to walk the ramp at an upcoming fashion do, to be held on March 25.

Talking to a daily, a source said, “Bollywood stars stand to gain a lot more than local actors. Stars from other south films manage to take home the next high amount.”

“Shreya Saran, Asin and Trisha get paid as much as `30 lakh for an appearance. Though, most often, an appearance will also include payment in kind - a gift from the place they are inaugurating”, the source added.

Among the male actors, Shah Rukh Khan commands a hefty sum which sources claim is close to Rs 2 crore to grace an event.

Indian actress Freida Pinto loves Dev Patel’s ‘comic timing’

Freida Pinto has revealed boyfriend Dev Patel’s funny side and she says that the ‘terrific actor’ is also good at making people laugh.

The two have been together for three years after they acted in Danny Boyle’s Oscar winning hit ‘Slumdog Millionaire’.

“He’s not just a terrific actor - what many people don’t know if they’ve not met him is that he has an amazing sense of comic timing,” she said.

“And a comic timing that doesn’t hurt people - just a very light-hearted way that keeps you laughing throughout the said.

Shatrughan Sinha miffed with Sonakshi over Ranveer!

Reports of romance brewing between ‘Dabangg’ belle Sonakshi Sinha and Ranveer Singh has been doing rounds for a while, but Shotgun Shatrughan Sinha is not amused at all.

Sonakshi’s daddy Shatrughan might have allowed his laadli to act in films, but that doesn’t permit Sona to compromise her family`s dignity.

Shotgun was particularly miffed on a report that Sonakshi and Ranveer, who are currently in Kolkata shooting for the film, were going to take a day off on February 14 to celebrate Valentine`s Day with each other.

A livid Shatrughan called up his daughter and unit members asking for an explanation.

According to sources, Shatrughan even demanded that his daughter be sent home to Mumbai immediately.

Talking to a daily, a source said, "Sonakshi is as friendly with Ranveer as any other co-star. She`s wondering who`s spreading these rumours of a romance when there`s nothing between them."

Peeved by the rumours and the anger it has caused Shatrughan, when asked about who could be behind the rumours, Sonakashi said, "How do I know where these rumours are coming from? Ranveer and I are co-stars. Nothing more."

Big B to undergo surgery at Sevenhills hospital in Mumbai

Amitabh Bachchan will undergo abdominal surgery on Saturday at Mumbai Sevenhills hospital. The 69 year old actor announced the news of his surgery on blog. He said that the surgery was not too complicated. He added that his stomach was troubling for a long time and hence it is better to cure it.

This is Bachchan’s fourth surgery. In 2002, he was detected with cirrhosis of the liver. In 2005, he was operated upon for perforated diverticula-holes in the wall of the intestine, the last time Big B was admitted to hospital was in October 2008 when he complained of stomachache due to incisional hernia.

"I do not wish to talk much on my medical condition. The surgery, they say, is not too complicated, but then all doctors say the same as you end up on the operating table, and before long the details and the subsequent anxieties begin to rise,'' he wrote in his blog.

Amitabh Bachchan who is shooting a cameo for Bhojpuri film ‘Gangadevi’ with his wife Jaya Bachchan feels that his abdominal condition deteriorated due to late nights shoots.

Whatever, Big B is getting ready for for the operation and he was undergoing pre-operative sessions. Bachchan is on injection doses which is likely to continue for few days.

Veena Malik: I’ve signed a British film

She is yet to make her Bollywood debut, but Pakistani starlet Veena Malik is already contemplating international cinema. The controversial actor informs BT that she has signed a British film, in which she has a powerful role. "I am getting many offers from across the globe. Recently, a UK film team was in Dubai and I was shortlisting a few offers that would suit me. I have zeroed in on a few fashion projects and a film. I can't reveal more at the moment," says Veena, who is currently in Dubai.

Though the filmmakers in India are crying foul over her films here falling behind schedule, Veena says she will honour all her commitments. Director Hemant Madhukar had reportedly said Veena has `11 crore riding on her and she is yet to shoot the climax of his thriller, Mumbai 125 Kms, which is expected to hit screens later this year. "All my producers and directors are well aware of my schedule and I will not let anyone down. I am the leading lady and I am sure there are crores and crores riding on me," she laughs.

When asked if Veena is upset that her item number from her recently released film that starred Akshay Khanna was removed during the special screening for anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare at Ralegaon Siddhi and she retorts, "Well, it is the director's call and he knows better where to screen the song and where he shouldn't."

The latest rumour in tinsel town is that there is tension brewing between the two actors of Zindagi 50-50, Riya Sen and Veena. Buzz has it that the director of the film, Rajeev Ruia, is keen to cast the two ladies in an item number and had been canning their scenes separately for the film. "I am not sure about the item number because I have already shot two songs. I haven't really worked with Riya till now. But if the filmmaker chooses to shoot a song with her, I will definitely do it. After all, she's a wonderful actor," says Veena.

Finally, ask Veena about wrestler and Payal Rohatgi's boyfriend Sangram Singh, who turned down the offer of joining Veena's telly swayamvar, despite being offered an astronomical sum of money and she says, "Did he? Well, I can only laugh about it." Meanwhile, the actor reveals that wants to make the switch from women-oriented roles to comedy. "I believe it is very tough to make someone laugh and after the spoofs in my item number in my last release, I am hoping I will get some comedy roles soon," she signs off.

Saif Kareena to get engaged on 10 February

Even though Kareena Kapoor has denied her impending marriage to Saif Ali Khan, rumours are abuzz that the couple will be getting engaged on 10 February.

While earlier sources close to the couple had said that they would be getting married right after the release of their film ‘Agent Vinod’ in March, seems like the hot jodi wants to speed up its wedding and hence getting engaged on the Valentine month.
A source said, “Both Saif and Bebo have been going steady for several years and are now ready to take that relationship to another level with a wedding. And the first step towards the grand wedding may take off with an engagement on 10th February. They have deliberately avoided having their engagement on Valentine’s Day, instead they have planned the event around the day. Though Saif is extremely busy with post production work of ‘Agent Vinod’ and Kareena travelling for the film promotion of ‘Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu’, they are quite excited about the engagement.”

That also probably explains why Kareena recently bought a royal necklace worth Rs 40 lakhs. Friends of the couple say that the venue of the engagement hasn’t been finalized yet but it would either take place in Mumbai or in Saif’s Delhi residence. “Wherever it happens, the engagement is going to be a big event. Both their family members are gearing up for a big celebration and are busy with the preparations around the ring ceremony. Bebo is currently in London along with Karisma, but has ensured that all her close friends be there for the special day in her life. She may wear an ethnic outfit designed by (fashion designer) Vikram Phadnis,” added the source.

With Riteish-Genelia all set to tie the knot on Friday and Saifeena getting engaged the next week, it looks like Bollywood is all set for the wedding season.

Veteran actress Hema Malini: Dharamji's honour was long due

Veteran actress Hema Malini is elated to learn that her husband Dharmendra will be honoured with a Padma Bhushan, the country's third highest civilian award, and says that the honour was long due.

"I am obviously very happy that Dharamji is getting the Padma Bhushan. It was long due and I am glad that the government of India is conferring the title to him," Hema told.

"He has worked with the best of actors, directors and technicians in his career. I doubt any other actor can boast of such extensive and successful career in Bollywood. Dharamji is very shy so he doesn't speak much about himself," she added.

The actress married Bollywood's original 'He Man' in 1980 and the couple has two daughters -- Esha and Ahana.

"I keep telling him that he must act in more films. I feel happy when his work gets appreciated. Such kind of national honour is always appreciated," she said.

Dharmendra, 76, is known for films like "Bandini", "Satyakam", "Sholay", "Chupke Chupke" and "Seeta Aur Geeta". He was recently seen in movies like "Yamla Pagla Deewana" and "Tell Me O Kkhuda".

He has been chosen for the prestigious honour along with actress Shabana Azmi and filmmaker Mira Nair in the art-cinema category.

Filmmaker Pooja Bhatt: Sunny's persona matches her 'Jism 2' role

Bollywood producer Pooja Bhatt believes that casting plays an important role in moviemaking, and an actor's personality must match with the character one plays.

That is precisely the reason why she chose Indo-Canadian porn star Sunny Leone for the lead part in " Jism 2".

"We have done authentic casting in 'Jism 2'. We have taken Sunny Leone because we want a girl who plays that kind of part and persona," said Pooja on the sidelines of an event.

"It is very important that you cast authentically. Everyone talks about out-of-the-box casting but no one does it," added the the 39-year-old.

Pooja, who has made films like "Zakhm", "Jism" and "Paap", asserts that she likes to associate with people who are genuine.

"People talk about 'Zakhm' and then go and watch 'Jism'. The point is that we have decided to attach ourselves with only those who are audacious, be it Sunny Leone or anyone else; people who walk their talk and dare to stick their necks out," she said.

The actress-turned-filmmaker, daughter of Mahesh Bhatt, is currently busy with pre-production work of "Jism 2", which will go on floors soon.

Two male actors are yet to be finalised for the film.

Filmmaker challenges Salman Khan’s claim

Only a few in Bollywood have the guts to challenge Salman Khan. In a land where no one messes with the bhai, filmmaker Vijay Gilani, the maker of Salman’s ‘Veer’ has put up a brave face to the dabangg of B-town.

For the uninitiated, Vijay Galani was accused of not paying Salman Khan Rs 15 crore for the actor`s role in his 2010 production, ‘Veer’. Following this, Gilani was banned from filmmaking by FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) until he settles his dispute with Salman Khan.

However, breaking his silence for the first time, Vijay Gilani rubbished all claims and said, “Unnecessarily, people have accused me of not paying Salman his dues. I do not owe Salman any money at all. I am clean. I know what I am saying. I have kept quiet for too long. Not anymore though.”

Let’s see what Salman has to say to that!