John: Money matters!

Here come Safedi Lal, looking like a bright summer daisy, enthusing that he's got a tiddy-bitty on John Abraham. Claiming to have heard it from an assistant director types, my dhobi recalls the actor being a subject of ridicule by a filmmaker who recently approached him for a movie.

Deepika : Cheers with Cocktail!

 My dhobi is not done yet. Now he wants me to hear about Deepika Padukone, who's away in London for the shoot of Homi Adajania's Cocktail with Saif Ali Khan. The two recently wrapped up Prakash Jha's Aarakshan and will also be seen together again in Abbas-Mustan's Race 2 next.

Shakira in b-town!

For Shakira fans, this news promises to be exciting. Although the singer's date with Bollywood has been going awry for some time now, debutant actor-producer Sachin Joshi insists she might still be crooning for his film, Azaan, soon.

Shakira in b-town!

For Shakira fans, this news promises to be exciting. Although the singer's date with Bollywood has been going awry for some time now, debutant actor-producer Sachin Joshi insists she might still be crooning for his film, Azaan, soon.

I'm not retiring, says Lata

 A media report claiming that octogenerian Lata Mangeshkar is planning to retire has upset the singing legend who is surprised how a reputed newspaper could have published such an item.

'Shaitan' doesn't intend to have shock value: Gulshan Devaiya

 Bejoy Nambiar's film "Shaitan", which is touted as showing the dark side of the life of Mumbai youngsters, doesn't intend to have shock value to grab attention, says actor Gulshan Devaiya.

Sonakshi Sinha new face of D'Damas

"Dabangg" actress Sonakshi Sinha has been announced as the new face of the D'Damas diamond jewellery brand. She has taken over from Preity Zinta.

After 'Vande mataram', Prakash Jha uses 'Vaishnav jan to'

After using the tune of the patriotic song "Vande mataram" in a song in his political thriller "Raajneeti", Prakash Jha is now set to use the rhythm of Gujarati hymn "Vaishnav jan to" in his forthcoming issue-based movie "Aarakshan".

Bollywood music - cruising on the wings of change!

 With bold numbers like "The mutton song", "Karma is a bitch" and now "Bhaag D K Bose", Bollywood music has turned a new leaf. The popularity of the numbers, replete with punchy, unconventional and slang-laden lyrics laced with pacy tunes, has elbowed out sugary romantic numbers from youngsters' playlists.

Vinay Pathak makes singing debut with 'Bheja Fry 2'

Actor Vinay Pathak, who has gained an appreciable success with his off-beat films, now goes behind the microphone for his forthcoming film "Bheja Fry 2", which is a sequel to his 1999 comedy.

Vanessa, Jason give voiceover for Advani's animation movie

 American icons Vanessa Williams and Jason Alexander have lent their voices for Nikhil Advani's animation film "Delhi Safari" and this is the first time Hollywood actors have done voiceover for an Indian movie.

Explore nuances of Hindi film music at IIFA Toronto

For all Bollywood fans in Ontario - here's a golden chance to learn about the origin and uniqueness of Hindi film music.

A special music workshop featuring the likes of Vishal Bhardwaj, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and Salim Merchant will be held during the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) weekend to be held in Toronto June 23-25.

Akki pumps in R 2 cr

 This October 19, the Akshay Kumar Karate Tournament will be organised for desi kids for the third year in a row in Mumbai. And actor Akshay Kumar has decided to fund the event on his own this time, shelling out approximately R 2 crore, significantly more than what he's previously invested in the event.

'SRK should give us the title'

 Seems like the Shah Rukh Khan-Salman Khan tussle just got worse. This time, the bone of contention is a film title. Director duo Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, of Salman-starrer Lucky - No Time For Love (2005) fame, wanted the title Happy New Year for their next film to be produced by Bhushan Kumar.

Saif hopes to jam with Parikrama this month

 Saif Ali Khan loves being on stage as the singer-guitarist for Parikrama. He was supposed to jam with the Indian rock band at a concert in New Delhi last month. But his shooting schedule and trip to the French Riviera didn't permit him.

'I've never watched a daily soap' - Zeenat Aman

- I've never watched a daily soap in my life," yesteryear actor Zeenat Aman confesses with a laugh. She has agreed to be a jury member for the first Big Television Awards this year, and now plans to catch up on all the action currently happening on the leading daily soaps.

Deol family go hi-tech!

 Dharmendra's banner Vijayta Films' new website www.vijaytafilms.com will go live on June 3. While the website has been under construction for the past few months and was scheduled to go live in April, it was delayed due to a death in the family.

'I am not waiting for anyone': Rahul Bose

Going by the variety of characters that actor Rahul Bose has played on screen over the years, it won't be an exaggeration to say that he loves to experiment and surprise his audience. In fact, his just-released film, Kucch Luv Jaisaa, only proves it further.

Ranbir plays the field!

- Hi da hi my darling dimsums! How goes it with you this torrid Tuesday morning? I've turned on full blast the aircon in my penthouse to beat this heat. 

Salman to edit Bodyguard!

- Looks like Salman Khan is fast expanding his horizons, remarks Safedi Lal as he strolls into my abode. What are you talking about, I wonder, and he says that hunk is more than just being an actor for Bodyguard, also featuring Kareena Kapoor.

Sanjay Dutt – Hrithik Roshan: Buddy bonding!

 Excuse moi while I check this sandesha that has just dropped into my kaaliberry inbox. Turns out to be my jasoos from Diu, eager to share with me this tiddy-bitty on Sanjay Dutt, who's shooting there for Agneepath.

Priyanka chopra

With over a million followers on Twitter, and over two million on Facebook, Bollywood's social-networking queen Priyanka Chopra says she feels loved and that these platforms not just bring her a step closer to her fans, but also helps her in getting direct feedback.

Lara Dutta's shoe line out this summer

Six months after announcing her plans to come up with a signature shoe line on Karan Johar's chat show, Koffee With Karan 3, Lara Dutta's footwear is ready to hit stores by summer end. The actor-producer has collaborated with a popular brand that she refuses to name.

Celina:Lost and found!

 At last, here comes Safedi Lal. He attributes his late coming to the midnight screening of Ragini MMS. According to my dhobi, the film failed to scare Celina Jaitly, but the loss of her Gucci clutch more than made up for it.

Jacqueline Fernandes: Not just a sex symbol!

 Jacqueline Fernandes admits being signed on for Murder 2 helped revive her career. "I had only done demure roles before this and people didn't expect me to sign a bold film like this.

Salman's friend Asin to star opposite SRK

Last we heard Asin was 'close' friends with Salman Khan and seems like she's ditched him for another Khan who happens to be Salman's archenemy. It's none other than Shah Rukh Khan and Asin will star opposite SRK in Sajid Nadiadwala's rendition of Chetan Bhagat's 2 States.

Abhay sings along with co-stars Hrithik, Farhan

Abhay Deol is set to join a special club – actors who have sung a track for their films. In Zoya Akhtar’s upcoming Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Abhay has joined his co-stars Hrithik Roshan and Farhan Akhtar to croon a foot-tapping number, Senorita.

When Madhuri went Dola re..!

Today, Madhuri Dixit Nene turns 44. Her last tweet on May 3 read, “Enjoying spring in the Rockies.” I still find it hard to believe that ‘aamchi mulgi’ is now an NRI Mrs in the US. For me she will always remain the Bollywood diva who remained untouched by superstardom.

Music Composer Abhishek Ray: ‘Saali not my lucky word’

Director Tigmanshu Dhulia and music composer Abhishek Ray have had a long working relationship. But when Ray was approached to score for his latest film, Shagird, the brief intrigued him more than any anything else.

KJo to launch his designer wear

Karan Johar has been conspicuously missing from the IPL stands and the fashion week ramps this year. He’s been busy with his chat show, Koffee With Karan 3, and the pre-production of his next film as a director, Student Of The Year, that rolls in July. But he says he will be cheering for the Kolkata Knight Riders during their quarter-final, semi-final and final matches.

Old Ash in new Heroine poster?

Hair poker straight and parted through the centre, red streaks, neatly lined lips — that was Aishwarya Rai many years ago. And, that’s Ash in her latest film poster, too. The first look of Madhur Bhandarkar’s film Heroine, which was recently unveiled at Cannes, features a picture of the 37-year-old actor that was reportedly part of beauty brand L’oreal’s promotional shoot years ago.

Nana Patekar interview

 I was just about to go for my weekly manicure and pedicure when my washerman pleaded with me to hear this tiddy-bitty on Nana Patekar. The fiery actor, whose Shagird released yesterday, has taken off to Goa for the weekend.

Bold scenes don't bother wife: Imran

Aamir Khan's next production Delhi Belly is touted to be his boldest film so far. Imran Khan, who has done his first ever lovemaking scene for the film, has no qualms getting intimate on screen.

Salman admits to directing portions of Ready

Speculation is rife that Salman Khan has been sitting through the edit of his forthcoming release Ready. Two songs, Dhinka chika… and Character dheela… from the film co-starring Asin were re-shot following some brainstorming sessions and dance improvisations with the star.

I want to bring heroes back on screen: Salman Khan

The hero battling insurmountable odds - it's a theme that has almost faded from Hindi films, but one man wants to bring it back.

Salman Khan, who delivered two consecutive hits in "Wanted" and "Dabangg", says it's a conscious effort on his part to make movies where larger than life characters are glorified.

Rajniesh Duggal shoots 'dahi handi' sequence for song

 Janmashtami may still be far away, but model-turned-actor Rajniesh Duggal recently shot a "Dahi Handi" sequence for a song in Rajiv Ruia's 3-D animation-cum-live action film "Main Krishna Hoon".

I’ll be a no-nakhra heroine: Farah

From choreographer to director and now a heroine, Farah Khan, 46, can’t wait to playing the lead in filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali next production, Shirin Farhad. However, she says she won’t throw tantrums like other stars.

Ameesha’s 70 crore dreams!

 Ameesha Patel, who recently launched her first production house Ameesha Patel Productions (APP), has signed David Dhawan to direct her first movie. The actor has also finalsed her production house’s next project and has kept aside a whopping 70 crores for the two films.

'Love You…Mr Kalakaar' lovable old-fashioned romance (Movie Review)

Film: "Love You… Mr Kalakaar"; Cast: Tusshar Kapoor, Amrita Rao, Ram Kapoor, Madhoo; Director: S Manasvi; Rating; ***

Tch tch. Boy is an artiste. He is humble, generous, kind and compassionate. But what the heck! He can't keep his sweetheart in the lap of luxury. 

Ranvir-Vinay in an Indianised 'Ocean's 11'

 Director Sagar Ballary's bank-heist film is tentatively called "A Simple Plan" and he has cast Vinay Pathak, Ranvir Shorey and Arshad Warsi as bank robbers in a film that belongs to the same genre as "Ocean's 11".

Rajnikanth progressing well in hospital

 Tamil movie superstar Rajnikanth, who has been admitted to the Sri Ramachandra Hospital here for recurrent respiratory infection and gastro-intestinal problems, is progressing well, according to hospital sources.

Asha Bhosle's granddaughter sings in 'Maaee'

 Legendary singer Asha Bhosle's granddaughter Zanai is set to make her singing debut in Mahesh Kadiyal's film "Maaee".

"One of the songs in film 'Maaee' has been sung by my granddaughter Zanai. Her first song in my film. Record release on Sept 8," Asha wrote on microblogging site Twitter.

Ghai launches 'Nouka Dubi' music on boat

 Filmmaker Subhash Ghai launched the music of his forthcoming bilingual "Nouka Dubi" in a unique way - he launched it on a boat in the Ganges river.

No similarity between 'Zindagi Na...' and 'Dil Chahta Hai': Farhan

 Farhan Akhtar has clarified that the story of his sister's "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara" has no similarity with his directorial debut "Dil Chahta Hai", while Zoya Akhtar says it'll be a compliment for her movie if it reminds people of her brother's film.

Ranveer, Anushka in Goa shooting for 'Ladies vs. Ricky Bahl'

 The "Band Baaja Baaraat" couple Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma are presently in Goa shooting for director Maneesh Sharma's next film "Ladies vs. Ricky Bahl".

Deepika Prays For Rajni's Return

Deepika Padukone recently finished shooting for the first schedule of Rajinikanth-starrer Rana, Prakash Jha's Aarakshan with Amitabh Bachchan, and Desi Boyz with Akshay Kumar. "Just the fact that I get to work with two legends like Amitji and Rajni sir, despite being completely unplanned in this one year, makes it worthwhile already," says the actor.

Sahil Shroff: Not dating Priyanka..

He's rocking the gossip columns long before his debut film Don 2 opens at the box office, but model Sahil Shroff isn't bothered. Though reports have suggested that he's the new real-life leading man in Don 2 co-star Priyanka Chopra's life, Sahil insists she was only being a helpful colleague.

Kalki Koechlin: A day's pleasure!

Kalki Koechlin and Charlie Chaplin may not have anything in common, but the two do share a connection. The actor toured the UK with Rajat Kapoor's production of Hamlet: The Clown Prince, performed at the prestigious Hackney Empire, where Chaplin, the English mime artist and actor, used to perform periodically.

Mallika: Still trying in Hollywood!

 Wakey wakey my walnut cookies! I know that it's that time of the week when you want to laze in your beds a little longer, irrespective of this be-imaan mausam. But I've such chatpata nuggets that will drive away your Monday morning blues in a jiffy. So let's not waste any more of my breath and your time on insignificant talk from idhar-udhar; and get to the point. So read on sweetums...

Aamir gets spooked!

 Guess who got spooked out by Ragini MMS, wonders my dhobi as he saunters into my abode. I've no time or inclination for guessing games, I say and order Safedi Lal to get to the point pronto.