Is the actress ready to tie the knot with Brad Pitt? Are more babies in their future? Angie sets the record straight in "Vanity Fair."
Angelina Jolie Addresses Wedding Rumors
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Taylor Lautner Naked in Abduction? "There Is an Intense Steamy Scene," Star Says
There's romance, people.
"I call it an action-drama-thriller-romance," the Twilight star told me yesterday at MTV's VMAs. "It's got everything."
Including getting up close and personal with his leading lady, Lily Collins.
How so? Read on to find out, plus guess which major Oscar-nominated director just told me he's looking to work with Mr. Lautner...
READ: Taylor Lautner's Abduction: Who Did He Freak Out?
"There is an intense steamy scene," Lautner said.
But naked they are not. "Not quite," he said. "But it does get steamy."
Funny enough, Collins is competing with Lautner's other leading lady, Kristen Stewart, in Hollywood's battle of the Snow Whites. Both play the fairy-tale princess in separate films.
"I can root for both of them," Lautner said, choosing his words very carefully. "They're so different. Kristen's going to be cool and edgy and dark, and I think that's really exciting, and Lily's also going to be great, but in a completely different feel."
Coincidentally, I interviewed director Gus Van Sant about his new movie, Restless, earlier today, so I was able to ask about the recent sighting of him and Lautner at Iris, Cirque du Soleil's new show at Hollywood's Kodak Theatre. "We had gone together as a getting-to-know-you meeting," Van Sant said. "He's cool. It would be cool to do something together."
It certainly would be. Remember, Van Sant helped Robin Williams win an Oscar for his work in Good Will Hunting and did the same for Sean Penn for Milk.
Now we want to hear from you. Psyched for Taylor Lautner and Lily Collins' "intense steamy" scene? Sound off below.
Marilyn Manson's Date Night With Barbie
The shock rocker famous for creeping people out with his looks, music and cult murderer-inspired stage name upped his weirdness quotient by stepping out with...Barbie.
A real one.
READ: Does Shia LaBeouf Have a Beef With Rocker Marilyn Manson?
Days after his encounter with Shia LaBeouf, Manson was photographed outside of Chateau Marmont Sunday night with after a screening of Born Villian, a film Manson starred in that was directed by none other than...LaBeouf.
So who was his date?!
Well, some reports say it's British model China Chow, while others claim it's an artist from New York who goes by the name of Narcissister. Frankly, the latter seems more believable.
Either way, this mystery lady stole the show by wearing a very non-Barbie ensemble for her date with the anti-Ken. She donned a rubber mask (which included a platinum blonde bob, of course), fake hands with bright red fingernails attached and a pink dress with a very special cutout section in the crotch region that revealed a merkin, aka a fake pubic patch.
What a catch!
Manson, who was previously linked to Evan Rachel Wood, may have found a real doll bizarre enough to steal the paparazzi's attention away from him—and, if she's anything like the real Barbie, she won't talk back is a great listener.
Who knows? If they keep this up, these two might start looking for their very own dream house.
Michele Bachmann on Hurricane Irene: A Warning From God to Rein in Spending!
God's point: Federal deficits are totally out of control!
Bachmann told Floridians Sunday that Irene and the quake felt along much of the East Coast last week were messages from God to warn "politicians" to start heeding divine guidance ... via small government conservatives, obvi.
"I don't know how much God has to do to get the attention of the politicians. We've had an earthquake; we've had a hurricane. He said, 'Are you going to start listening to me here?'" Bachmann told a crowd in Sarasota, Fla.
"Listen to the American people, because the American people are roaring. They know government is on a morbid obesity diet and we've got to rein in spending."
Michele is evidently trying to link God's will and natural disasters with those who believe the U.S. government is too large and intrudes too much on people.
Bachmann's comments come on the heels of similar remarks that Glenn Beck, the former Fox News personality, made about the tsunami that hit Japan.
Both feel this great nation is a financially and morally bankrupt mess, one increasingly vulnerable to the horrors of big-government liberals and/or God.
Of course, hurricanes will also become increasingly common as ocean water temperatures rise due to global warming ... which they deny even exists.
For what it's worth, a Bachmann spokeswoman said the candidate was joking and that her comments weren't serious. That very well could be the case.
Shia LaBeouf Accused of Water Spitting, "Public Meltdown"
A witness tells Life & Style that the Transformers star endured a "public meltdown" of some kind, picking up a water bottle and shooting "a mouthful of water all over his seated date's legs. Then, he put more water in his mouth and started spitting it all over his tablemates, including Marilyn Manson."
As you might expect, this onlooker adds, "he seemed wasted."
The crowd reportedly tried to calm the actor down, but it was fruitless. He allegedly exited in a huff.
"Shia had to climb over people and tear himself out of the grasp of various strangers who were trying to keep him from going crazy," the insider claims. "His date panicked and ran out after him. Marilyn looked shocked and annoyed, but stayed seated."
A rep for LaBeouf doesn't shoot down much of this account, but simply said his client always meant to leave early and "no altercation occurred."
Lady Gaga on Britney Spears: So F*%king HOT!
Jo put on quite the show on stage, but also in the press room, where he weighed in with some, um, interesting remarks about Britney Spears.
Asked if he would hook up with Britney, Calderone said this ...
"Well, maybe if she wants to, you know what I'm saying ... She is f--king hot. Britney's f--king hot. I don't know. Gaga is my girl, but Britney's f--king hot - this is f--king Britney Spears! Didn't you jerk off to Britney when you were a kid?"
Okay then.
As for who the heck Jo Calderone - an anagram of "Alejandro" - thinks he is and where he came from, the drag version of Gaga had this to say:
"I am from Jersey," he said. "My family is from Palermo, Sicily. I'm not a singer or a model or an actor or anything. I'm just some guy."
But don't call him a "guido." He wasn't happy when someone did. Perhaps he's not a fan of Jersey Shore, where that's a compliment?
"I'm not a f--king guido!" Jo snarled. "What? You don't like Italians? What the f--k is the matter with you? I am just a guy, you know."
"I just wanted to show my girl how much I love her. That's all."
Jo said that Lady Gaga asked him to represent her at the VMAs.
The 25-year-old Born This Way singer tweeted this morning, "To win 2VMAs, Best Video with a Message + Best Female Video for Born This Way means the world. I have never believed in a work so much."
We think it was Gaga. Apparently you never can tell.
Shah Rukh to hold Eid party this year
"I want to have a big Eid party this time because I want to read namaaz with my kids this time. We will call few friends. I've never celebrated Eid in a big way, but this time I feel like celebrating it.
"My children are old enough now and I want them to learn about my religion in the best way possible," Shah Rukh told reporters here.
The 45-year-old actor has two children, son Aryan, born in 1997 and daughter Suhana, born in 2000.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Amitabh Bachchan ignored!
According to a faithful jasoos, Big B's World Cup celebrations had a wrench thrown in, when his myriad congratulatory text messages to Dhoni went unanswered.
So when the two met recently at an event, Bachchan made his displeasure known to the captain. Turns out Dhoni thought someone was pulling a prank by using Bachchan's name, so he didn't respond. Spouting profuse apologies, he saved the number, promising to reply ASAP the next time Big B felt like chatting. Dhoni, I'll buy you some extra credit so you won't think twice about replying next time.
I miss Anushka a lot: Ranveer
"I miss her a lot. Anushka is the kind of girl you'll always miss, especially if she's been a part of your life and then suddenly isn't. You feel a void...," he said in an interview to a daily.
And why does Ranveer miss Anushka so much?
"We have drifted because we don't get to see each other as much as we used to. I think circumstances drove us apart. We worked together continuously for a year in Band Bajaa Baraat and saw each other everyday. Over a period of time we made common friends and hung out together going for dinners and movies. Now that our work is over, Anushka has forged her own path and signed on lots of movies. Now we don't meet each other at all," said Ranveer.
Ranveer admits to have developed strong feelings towards his Band Bajaa Baarat co-star.
"I was very attracted to her. I don't know if I've ever been in love. I don't know what love means. I have felt strong and deep emotions for people who are not related to me by blood. I don't know if that's love but yes, I've felt attraction and affection for Anushka."
Having said ALL that, he still insists that the two were never in a relationship.
"We are two young, attractive people. When people saw us going out and sharing wonderful chemistry, they speculated. The truth is, Anushka is a very good friend. We have drifted apart now unfortunately."
Recently, tabloids reported that after Ranveer and Anushka 'split', he found solace in the arms of Dabbang actor Sonakshi Sinha.
"I do find Sonakshi very attractive, but we are not dating. I have met her many times and we share a healthy friendship. Right now I am single. I wouldn't mind if love comes along, but for the moment it's work over love," he said.
But when he was asked to choose, he still stuck with his former co-star.
"Anushka! I am much closer to her. We became very close over a period of time. I could talk to her about everything, because she went through the same process I was going through as a newcomer. We connected at that level."
Finally, for those taking notes, here's the 26-year-old actor about his ideal woman...
"I have a few criteria I want in a girlfriend... good diction, personal hygiene and aesthetics. Her dressing sense and grooming should be nice and she should have radiant skin.
I had no fallout with the Bhatts: Bipasha Basu
"I don't know what is this whole discussion about the patch up because I love the Bhatts. Bhatt Saab (Mahesh Bhatt) is very dear to me, Mukesh ji (Mukesh Bhatt) is also very dear to me. I always say that Vishesh Films is like my own production company. So there was no fall out with them.
"It was just that we were waiting for the right kind of role and they did not want to disappoint me with something that was feeble. They wanted to give me a strong role. We got that in 'Raaz 3' and we are excited that we are all going to be working together," Bipasha told reporters here on the sidelines of an event organized by shampoo brand Pantene.
Bipasha, who was catapulted to success with two films from the Bhatt camp, namely "Raaz" and "Jism", was not seen in any of their films after that. There were also reports that she was offered "Murder 2", which she refused to do. However, the actress maintains that there was no rift.
"Raaz 3" that will be helmed by Vikram Bhatt and is slated for a July 6, 2012 release is the third part of the "Raaz" franchise and will also star Jacqueline Fernandez and Emraan Hashmi.
Celina Jaitly is married!
And officially announced the marriage by tweeting, "Beloved tweeple. ..With great pleasure I would like to announce my wedding with @peterhaag n the 23rd of last month at a thousand year old monastery in Austria. We seek your blessings and good wishes, and apologize for the delayed announcement due to a family tragedy ..."
Peter Haag is a hotelier based in Dubai. He describes himself on twitter as, "Hotelier. Marketeer. Brand Strategist. Passion for Luxury, Hotels, Fashion, Photography, Design, Innovation and Nature. Apple-fanatic."
The couple has been together for one-and-a-half-years.
They were engaged in a small ceremony in Mumbai earlier this year. At that time, Celina, tourism ambassador of Egypt, had insisted that they would only tie the knot in Egypt.
"I'm sure everything will be back to normal in Egypt by September. Peter and I will take our marriage vows in Egypt and nowhere else. We had decided that when we decided to get married. That won't change."
She insisted that she was in constant touch with Egyptian authorities to ascertain a date for the wedding.
Wonder what changed their plans. Anyway, we wish the newlyweds a happy married life!
Does This Bike Ride Mean Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake Are Back Together?
Because A-list celebs seem to be realizing that an afternoon of peddling with your beau is the best way to shake off breakup rumors. Or to rekindle a relaysh, as is the case with Justin Timberlake and his ex-girlfriend Jessica Biel.
Will Freddie Prinze Jr. Come to Ringer? Sarah Michelle Gellar Opens Up on Buffy, Marriage and More
The Buffy star is poised to return in the CW's new suspense drama Ringer, and our E! News cameras caught all the action as she sat down with Entertainment Weekly for the magazine's cover story, out now.
So what does she have to say about her time on Buffy, her return to All My Children (spoiler alert: Find out who she's playing!) and how she's kept her marriage so private? Plus, what's this about the possibility of hubby Freddie Prinze Jr. coming on Ringer?
First, the quote that shocked us the most:
"I don't have a burning desire to accomplish anything," SMG tells EW editor Jess Cagle.
But wait, before you start thinking that TV's best-ever butt-kicking babe has become something of a slacker, please note that this clearly driven working mom is anything but! She's referencing the fact that her time on Buffy feels like the pinnacle of a lifetime achievement—something with which you fellow Buffy fans can wholeheartedly agree, right?
"[Buffy] was so fulfilling for me in every way and everything I do now is the cherry on top," Sarah explains. "I don't feel the pressure to do this, or have to do this or go here because I feel like I've already won." Love.
Sarah also reveals how she managed not to spiral out of control despite all the fame and fandemonium she experienced at such a young age: "I think it's tricky. If you don't have that support system at home to begin with, then it's so easy to believe all the hype. I guess at the end of the day, I know who I am. If I see myself on a magazine cover at the supermarket, I don't even realize that it's me."
As for ABC's All My Children, Sarah reveals, "I'm playing a mental patient," since her original character, Kendall, has been recast. She also finds the cancellation of AMC and other soaps "devastating," adding, "I don't see the shows they're replacing it with lasting 40 years. I don't see that happening."
Despite starring in Scooby Doo with real-life husband Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah credits their longtime approach with the media for keeping their private lives out of the public eye.
"I think if you're able to walk that line from the beginning you'll find people have to be respectful of it," Sarah explains. "We've never flaunted our relationship."
So any chance Sarah and Freddie will work together again?
"I don't think it's an option now. Because we make it a point that one of us is home with our daughter. I'd love to get him to guest star on [Ringer] for an episode because it would be fun, but we'll see."
As not only the show's two leading ladies (she plays twin sisters), but also a producer, we're guessing Gellar can probably make that guest spot happen if she wants to. Just a hunch.
Check back tomorrow for part two of this Sarah Michelle Gellar interview. And this Wednesday, we'll have extended bonus footage not seen anywhere else.
Spoiler Chat: Exclusive Scoop on Gossip Girl, The Vampire Diaries, Glee and More!
If these are the questions that keep you up at night, well, you are welcome! 'Cause we have some exclusive answers to put your mind at ease.
Get the juice in our roundup of exclusive TV scoop...
Not hearing of anything the works for Dan and Blair, and it quite honestly pains me to tell you that! But Chuck and Blair fans, there is some good news for you. Aside from what I've mentioned about Blair's feelings for Chuck being quite the issue with her fiance prince, I can also tell you that despite the photo above, which looks like a meet cute between the Chuckster and a new love interest, a source tells me this little gem of good news: Chuck does not have any sort of new love interest in the works. At least not early on in the season. Cause to celebrate, mayhaps?
rrrrrrroxanne: Is it true that Blaine will be joining the New Directions? #GLEE
Let's just say Darren Criss has already been spotted at McKinley High with his boy Kurt (Chris Colfer) not in his Dalton uniform. First step transfer. Next step…New Directions!
redfox1998: any wemma scoop will do...seriously....anything you've got.
Er, call this scoop Wemma-adjacent. Flashback time! Glee is looking for someone to play a young Emma (Jayma Mays). It'll probably be a quick flashback, because this Emma won't have any lines. Maybe we'll finally get some insight into why Emma is the way she is. How about this for some speculation (you know how we love to do that): Emma is spilling to Will (Matthew Morrison) about her past. She cries. He cries. They hug and kiss. Then get married. The end!
Don't worry, Cory Monteith's cute mug isn't going anywhere! He's one-half of one of the most fan-obsessed couples on TV right now! But what's even better news is the fact that we hear he'll be getting lots of solo storylines…meaning stuff that has to do with being just Finn, and not half of Finchel.
Monica: Hey, any scoop on Lauren Graham on Parenthood? I'm slightly obsessed with her.
Get in line. Sources tell me that Lauren's character Sarah will be doing a very good deed in the coming season: Helping her ex Seth, aka John Corbett, find his way back to rehab. (Poor dude really just never got over Carrie! Oh wait, wrong show.) Corbett's back for multiple episodes and I'm hearing great things about the storyline. Word is the scenes with Lauren and John could be some of the best ever on the show.
Phoebe in Northville, Mich.: I love Rachel Bilson! Do you have anything on Hart of Dixie?
I'll be on the set of Hart of Dixie this week, so to answer you question with another question: Would you send us your Q's for the cast? Hit the comments or tweet me @kristindsantos. I'll probably tweet out a photo of me trying to break into Scott Porter's dressing room cause that's how this FNL fan rolls.
OTHMIOBIFreak: OTH scoop please, After CMM and Barbara Alyn Woods returning, any chance Ashley Rickards that played Sam in s6 might too?
When we chatted with the Awkward. star, she told us:"I would definitely be open to coming back for some sort of closure for Sam, absolutely. It would be wonderful to go back there because I kept in touch with everybody. I talked to Hilary [Burton] about a week ago." But has she been approached to return to Tree Hill? "I'm still waiting on my contract for Avatar 4," she jokes, "So we'll see."
Cathy: One Tree Hill's final season is going to be epic! Any scoop?
Now that Chad Michael Murray is coming back, season nine is indeed going to be epic. According to Tyler Hilton, creator Mark Schwahn is going all out. "One of the reasons why I am such a fan of this last season is because Mark said that last season he thought it might be the last season, so he ended it the way fans wanted it to end," he tells us. "This season he knows it is going to be the last season, and since he already kind of gave the fans their season last time, he said that he really wants to make this season what he wants. He said that since the show is done after this season, he has no one to impress, he can just do whatever he wants." Mark Schwahn writing without anyone holding him back? OTH's final season is going to be cray-cray!
Get your chaps ready, because the season premiere is all about the Wild West. "The family went to a dude ranch and there are going to be a lot of surprises in that episode," Nolan Gould tells us. What kind of surprises? Well, Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) wants to capture the memory of the dude ranch by posing with guns, and Phil (Ty Burrell) takes up the fine art of skeet shooting. We also hear there's going to be some truly authentic-looking cowboy gear involved.
wingster55: What major couple will be splitting on Parks and Recreation?
Not Andy and April. As far as we know, there are no current plans to split 'em up. So that's something?
Lance in Orlando, Fla.: Anything on Happy Endings? Particularly on my favorite non-couple: Max and Penny?
Remember when Max (Adam Pally) and Penny (Casey Wilson) were "double Snooki's" for Halloween? Prepare for another double costume in a big Halloween episode this season. Wilson wouldn't give us any hints on what the costumes entail, but she seemed borderline giddy over it. Can't wait!
Moira in Nashville, Tenn.: What do you know about Megan Mullally's episode of Happy Endings?
Three words: song and dance. One more word: duet. A few more words: The Happy Endings people sent their food truck to our place of business to feed us today so I am changing this column title to "Watch Happy Endings with Kristin." Everyone's cool with that, right? I'm easy.
ParisDreamer93: The Lying Game—any news??? Please please please! I'm shamelessly obsessed :)
Remember that smokin' hot (and slightly rude) ballet teacher Eduardo (Rick Malambri)? Expect Nisha (Sharon Pierre-Louis) to put the moves on him when she goes to the studio for dance lessons, something her tennis coach is forcing her to do. The ice queen doesn't mind working on her footwork quite as much after Eduardo agrees to give her private lessons.
haustonst: What can you tell me about Secret Circle that hasn't been told yet?
Hmm...How about that fans of the original book series (written by L.J. Smith) may see some familiar faces pop up in unexpected ways? "I think it's a really fun way to introduce characters, especially for people who love the book series," executive producer Andrew Miller tells us. "We'll definitely do that." Black John, perhaps? "We might incorporate a character like Black John," Miller teases. "He might be renamed."
A key difference between TSC and Vampire Diaries? Cassie (Britt Robertson) isn't exactly a goody two-shoes like Elena (Nina Dobrev). Cassie falling in love with Adam (Thomas Dekker), even though she shouldn't, "brings her into these dark feelings in herself," Miller explains. "We start this journey with Cassie between good and evil inside herself that relates to her mom and dad."
PerfectAnomaly: Is there anything coming up for CSI:NY's Det. Flack?
You might be pleased to hear that the prodigal sister of Detective Flack (Eddie Cahill) will be reappearing in his life. Only time will tell if she's still on the wagon or perhaps face down on the sidewalk. We think it's safe to say that she'll bring some drama to the CSI: New York detective's life because no long lost siblings ever show up just to check-in or grab a drink—er, coffee.
jmorgue: Thanks so much for coverage/spoilers of #CSINY! Anything else we can squeeze out of you? Danny/Lindsay, Flack or ...?
You are very welcome. And we have more! We asked Anna Belknap about her favorite moment in premiere, she told us: "The first episode had a nice scene between Lindsay and Adam, which I thought was really sweet. He has a really touching monologue about where he was on 9/11 and it's…painful."
Maureen: Will Alison Brie be back on Mad Men next season?
Seems very likely! Alison Brie coyly tells us: "I've heard that I may be able to get back over there and so that's good news. I'm excited that that's seeming to work out." So did she blab about Trudy Campbell's role on the award-winning drama? Nope. Brie remains tight-lipped: "I'm just terrified. I'm really not allowed to say anything else."
Kb_toyzz: Any hints on Degrassi? ;)
After Thursday's sure-to-be intense finale, fans can get their next Degrassi fix in October when TeenNick will air a one-hour Halloween special. What can fans expect from Mr. Eli Goldsworthy (Munro Chambers)? "That's like his New Year's," Munro teases. "He does New Year's on Halloween." Sounds like a party!
zindzijade: can you help ease some concerns for Brenda on The Closer? please? thank you!
Wish we could, but it sounds like Brenda is in for a rocky season. "This whole season is about this lawsuit and Brenda operating under this specter of this lawsuit that she is responsible for," Kyra Sedgwick tells us. "So I think that that takes its toll on her, but I don't know how [the show] will finally, finally end." But here's some silver lining: looks like Brenda and Fritz will not be on the fritz. (We love puns!) "Well, I think Brenda and Fritz stay together," Jon Tenney says. "I don't know what's going to happen with Fritz, that's all up in the air. But I would like to believe that Brenda and Fritz stay together." So would we, Jon.
Nothing like some "dead chicks" to really liven up the place, eh? I'm hearing some very good things about that storyline—It's gonna be twisty and turny and cool. Also hearing Malese Jow (Anna) and Kayla Ewell (Vicki) will be in about a handful of episodes (somewhere around six) and they will be recurring throughout the season. So you'll get some fun "dead chick" splashes there for a while, but they won't be around enough to muck things up with Bonnie. Win-win-win.
brandon120: Is there going to be paintball this year on Community?
We think there is always going to be a special place for paintball on Community but Yvette Nicole Brown tells us the first episodes of the season are less zombies and space shuttles and more "grounded." She dishes: "I think they are going to take some time now and find out why these people are friends...There've been quieter but more intensive adventures." Quiet intensive adventures you say? We think this calls for a Dungeons and Dragons redux! Oh, and speaking of "quieter" and "grounded," we also heard from our friend Joel McHale that there was a turtle on set last week. Sorry, forgot the major spoiler alert warning on that one! Is the whole season ruined?
Find Out Which Voice Coach Is Coming to Parenthood!
Sources confirm to us exclusively that one of the celebrity coaches from this summer's blockbuster reality hit The Voice has been cast on NBC's addictive drama Parenthood.
So who is it? And what's the role?
MORE: Feud Alert! Adam Levine to MTV: "F--k You"
Cee Lo Green. Playing...wait for it...Cee Lo Green. How's that for a perfect match!
According to sources, the deal is this close to being finalized, and the "Forget You" star is set to appear in one episode, recording at a new studio now owned by Adam (Peter Krause) and Crosby (Dax Shepard). The brothers are buying an old recording space from the '60s-'70s that was beloved by Jerry Garcia and the San Francisco-Berkeley music scene, and it will be a permanent set piece for Parenthood this season, so don't be surprised if more recording-artist guest stars come on board.
Christina, Blake, Adam...Here's looking at you.
Parenthood is the first NBC premiere out of the gate for the new season on Sept. 13. If you haven't been watching this show, get on board. It's crazy good.
Bollywood is creatively satisfying: 'Bodyguard' director
"The market of the Hindi film industry is bigger in comparison to the south. Here one can think big and execute it as well. There are no limitations. It is a creatively satisfying place for any filmmaker," Siddique told IANS in an interview.
"One does not need to worry about funds. The bigger you imagine, the bigger your dreams are, the bigger a film can be," he said while praising Bollywood.
Siddique has made "Bodyguard", a remake of his Malayalam film, in Hindi with Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor in the lead roles. The film is releasing Aug 31.
This is the third time he has directed the same script - the film was also made in Tamil as "Kaavalan".
When asked about the difference in the treatment, he said: "Language dosen't really make much of a difference if the story line has meat in it. A few changes have been made keeping in mind Salman's fan following.
"I am very happy to enter Bollywood, that too with Salman Khan. I feel very lucky to have him in my first Bollywood project. One does not need to give him briefing. He understands all the aspects of filmmaking."
Siddique feels language is not a barrier while adapting a script, but it certainly posed problems for him when he had to interact with people while making the film.
"It wasn't that easy for me to make a film here because I was out of my comfort zone and my working style. I was also among new people. The most difficult part was that I didn't know the language and so it became a little difficult to make others understand with my 'tuta-futa' (broken) Hindi."
"Salman and Kareena watched the other versions of the film. They understood the main plot of the characters. They understood what I wanted from them. When we started shooting, I didn't have to explain much to them as they had the idea about what I expected from them in a particular scene," he said.
After starting his career in the early 1980s, Siddique made films in Tamil and Malayalam. Priyadarshan is known for adapting Siddique's films - he turned "Ramji Rao Speaking" (1989) into "Hera Pheri" (2000), "Godfather" (1991) into "Hulchul" (2004) and "In Harihar Nagar" (1990) into "Dhol" (2007).
But he has no qualms about it as he feels the "give and take" process between Bollywood and Southern filmdom is "bridging the gap between the two industries."
"I had offers even before, but I didn't accept them at that time. But I think it was wise of me because this is the right time for me to enter Bollywood," he said.
Before foraying into Bollywood, Siddique saw over 60 Hindi films to understand how Bollywood movies are made.
Comparing the two industries, he said that the southern film industry is still in a developing stage.
"It's not that there are any problems with the southern industry. But it is still in its developing stage. We have great artists, good technicians, but the problem arises when it comes to funding," said Siddique.
"In South the movie market is growing. They are experimenting with story lines. The difference in cinema of both the industries is basically of the language. Otherwise, Indian emotions are same all over the country. Their understanding of a subject is more or less the same," he added.
He also feels regional films are finally getting their due.
"Not only in their own country but even across the globe. Now, their reach is not limited. They have set a mark in global market thanks to international festivals. Earlier the Kannada market was around Rs.80 lakh to Rs.1crore. But now it is around Rs.40 crore, alone," he said.
Though the director is smitten by Bollywood, there is one area that Siddique feels Bollywood needs to improve upon.
"We (people down South) start work early. Usually, we start our day at seven in the morning or maximum by nine. But here that is not the case. The working hours are a little odd for us. It is my humble request that if the industry here inculcates the practice of starting early, the atmosphere would become perfect. It will become more disciplined," he said.
Amitabh Bachchan ignored!
Mumbai, Aug. 29 -- You'd imagine that Amitabh Bachchan doesn't often get ignored. But if there is one person who can afford to give the actor a cold shoulder, it would be the skipper of the cricket team, MS Dhoni. According to a faithful jasoos, Big B's World Cup celebrations had a wrench thrown in, when his myriad congratulatory text messages to Dhoni went unanswered.
So when the two met recently at an event, Bachchan made his displeasure known to the captain. Turns out Dhoni thought someone was pulling a prank by using Bachchan's name, so he didn't respond. Spouting profuse apologies, he saved the number, promising to reply ASAP the next time Big B felt like chatting. Dhoni, I'll buy you some extra credit so you won't think twice about replying next time.
John's muscle weight now 96 kg!
John is widely known as one of the biggest fitness freaks in the industry, and has been building his body for years now. For Force, though, he faced a huge challenge - to achieve a whopping 96 kgs of pure muscle weight for his character. And to hit the target, he had to stick to set calculations of weight training.
Working hard to achieve the bulked-up look, John took great care of his meals and exercise regimen, besides working out in the gym. Of course, he has been in the news for his eight-pack, which he developed especially for Force. But besides the taut abs, filmmakers also wanted John to gain muscle weight.
Eating the right kind of food and not starving himself was his mantra to good health and physique. "And for Force too, he religiously followed the diet charts and training schedules designed by the trainers in order to attain those muscles," says a source.
Apparently, John was very keen to flaunt a super muscular look for the film. When contacted, Force producer Vipul Shah says: "John, Nishikant (Kamat, director) and I had several discussions on the body aspect. We were very clear that we needed John's character to look super muscular, but gaining this kind of pure muscle weight was not an easy job. However, John took up the challenge."
In his action avatar, John bruised himself 282 times, and cut himself repeatedly while filming the action sequences, most of which he performed himself, without the help of a body double.
The staggering tally came to the fore after the production house started maintaining a log for the cast and crew to ascertain what sequence the artistes have performed and who might not be available to shoot due to injury.
Ranbir's blind date!
The Rockstar's security guards told them that he was in Kolkata for the longest, shooting for Anurag Basu's Barfee. But to the utter shock and awe of the lovelorn Lailas, Ranbir was at home when they came knocking one day, and he actually invited them in. Seems the charmer gave them a private tour of the house, even feeding them lunch. Hmmm... Since when are stars so nice to stalkers, even if they come in pretty packages?
Eesha plays dusky don!
She adds, "I have nothing against multi-starrers and playing a femme fatale, but after getting married and settling down, I wanted to do something more meaningful. This fit the bill." Eesha married her friend, businessman Timmy Narang, a year ago.
She adds, "In a male-dominated domain, people rarely write scripts featuring a powerful female character. I also loved the character, because she's a strong person, like me." The actor has herself been practicing martial arts for eight years and loves action. For Shabri, she did a couple of breathtaking stunts including jumping from a building, but admits the most difficult bit was to inhabit a character "seven shades darker than her." She says, "For a whole week, I used to sit in the sun for hours, but that only burnt my skin. I didn't even get a slight tan." The actor then used cosmetics and make-up. "Imagine doing that every day. It requires a lot of patience," she says. The female don, Shabri, is burdened with family responsibilities and is the only breadwinner.
She lives in a slum where the 'matka' (form of betting) system is rampant. Of the film, she says, "My character works in a flour mill to support her family. Her life takes a turn when a policeman rounds up her brother by mistake, and tortures him to death, turning her into a dreaded gangster." Eesha also walks with a slight slouch in the film, which she attributes to the mental connotation of being "burdened with responsibility."
Film fraternity came out in full strength to support Anna's movement
Hazare began his fast Aug 16 and broke it Sunday morning after parliament Saturday agreed to three key demands of his civil society group to battle corruption.
If students and professionals showed their solidarity towards the anti-corruption movement, so did the celebrities from the film industry.
Superstar Aamir Khan and director Rajkumar Hirani flew down to Delhi Saturday to pledge their support to the Jan Lokpal bill framed by Hazare and his team. The actor sat next to Anna through the day and even broke his fast (roza) at the Ramlila ground.
Aamir had expressed concerned about Anna's health and urged him to end fast, saying: "I would like to request to Annaji to bring an end to his fast. We are all very worried about him. It has been 12 days. The bill will take time and it should undergo the process, a lot of debates will have to take place... and they are mandatory."
A day before, actor Om Puri visited Ramlila Ground. The 60-year-old-actor, know for his roles in films like "Ardh Satya", "Hera Pheri", said the struggle does not end here as the people of the country also have electoral reforms to fight for.
The father-daughter duo of Kabir and Pooja Bedi along with singers Kailash Kher and Sonu Nigam also visited the Ramlila ground.
Kailash provided entertainment by singing the song "Ambar tak yahi naara gunjega", which he had composed specially for Anna.
Actor Raghuvir Yadav also joined Anna at the Ramlila Maidan. Bhojpuri actor and singer Manoj Tiwari was also seen there.
Mumbai's Azad Maidan also saw a number of celebrities coming out in support of the 74year-old activist's struggle. The gathering saw participation from Vishal Dadlani of musical duo Vishal and Shekhar, actor Purab Kohli, producer-actor Raghu Ram, Celina Jaitly and Shreyas Talpade.
Other celebs like Bipasha Basu and Shekhar Kapur chose to show their support through social networking sites.
The Anna wave not only gripped Bollywood but also southern film industry.
Telugu film industry members took out a rally and observed a day-long fast in Hyderabad to express their solidarity for Anna. Eminent filmmaker and former union minister Dasari Narayana Rao, actor couple Jeevitha and Rajasekhar, actor Babu Mohan and others participated in it.
Kannada superstars Vijay Raghavendra, Srinagara Kitty, Shivaraj Kumar, Ganesh and veteran actor Master Hirannaia Vijay came together and took out another anti-corruption rally in support of Anna in Bangalore.
South Indian celebrities also took to social networking sites to show their support. Among them were Nagarjuna, director Ramesh Arvind, actress Ramya, pop singer and actress Smitha and Kannada singer Chaithra.
MTV Video Music Awards: Who Won?
Adele, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber and more. Read on for a full list of winners from the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, including the unofficial title of Biggest Gaga Wannabe to Nicki Minaj, pictured here...
BEST NEW ARTIST
Tyler, The Creator, “Yonkers”
BEST MALE VIDEO
Justin Bieber, “U Smile”
BEST FEMALE VIDEO
Lady Gaga, "Born This Way"
BEST COLLABORATION
Katy Perry featuring Kanye West, “E.T.”
BEST HIP-HOP VIDEO
Nicki Minaj, “Super Bass”
BEST ROCK VIDEO
Foo Fighters, “Walk”
BEST POP VIDEO
Britney Spears, “Till the World Ends”
BEST VIDEO WITH A MESSAGE
Lady Gaga, “Born This Way”
BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
Beyoncé, “Run the World (Girls)”
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Katy Perry featuring Kanye West, “E.T.”
BEST ART DIRECTION
Adele, “Rolling in the Deep”
BEST EDITING
Adele, “Rolling in the Deep”
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Adele, “Rolling in the Deep”
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Katy Perry, "Firework"
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Mel Gibson and Oksana Grigorieva Resolve Custody Battle, End Epic Feud
The custody battle and legal drama that has made headlines for two years appears to be kaput after they officially reached a financial and child custody agreement, ending the staggering fallout from one of the all-time worst celebrity breakups.
Gibson's spokesman Alan Nierob tells E! News, "I can confirm the parties have settled the matter and we appreciate all the judge's help."
L.A. County Superior Court released a statement Friday reading: "As a result of a multiday settlement conference, the court announces that Mel Gibson and Oksana Grigorieva have achieved a settlement in their ongoing dispute."
Terms and conditions of the settlement were not announced.
Mel and Oksana are due back in court next week to discuss financial arrangements as well as the issue of custody of 1-year-old daughter Lucia.
Back in March, the actor pleaded no contest to battery against the Russian musician in a deal that allowed him to avoid jail time in the case.
Grigorieva went to police six months after the Malibu incident in which she said the actor punched her, and that he threatened her and Lucia.
Subsequently, the Mel Gibson tapes surfaced, featuring now-infamous rants in which he said she "deserved" the assault and he'd "bury" her.
The settlement will hopefully put this to bed for good.
Shelly Moore Family, Co-Workers Threatened By Big Brother Fans After Jeff Schroeder Eviction
It was kind of a d!ck move, sure. But chill out people.
Shelly could have given fan favorite Jeff, with whom she was allied all summer (or so he thought), a 3-1 victory in Thursday's double eviction episode.
More tearfully and surprisingly voted to keep Rachel Reilly, however, leading to Kalia Booker's tie-breaking vote to oust Jeff, perhaps the strongest player left.
Shelly's family and co-workers have received threats from deranged fans since.
There have been "multiple," serious calls threatening violence, reports say.
The reality star's family has gotten phone calls from people threatening harm - including making threats against Shelly's 8-year-old daughter Josie.
Shelly's workplace has also received harassing phone calls demanding Moore be fired immediately because of the way she voted on the show.
The Moores say they are even preparing to get the FBI involved because they're taking the threats - both upsetting and frequently - very seriously.
Big Brother returns tonight on CBS. Shelly is still there along with five other cast members vying for the $500,000 prize.
Adam Levine to MTV: Eff You!
The Maroon 5 frontman and judge on The Voice let his feelings be known about the network in a Tweet last night, writing: "The VMAs [are the] one day a year when MTV pretends to still care about music. I'm drawing a line in the sand. F--k you, VMAs."
Adam Levine is going after MTV and American Idol these days. Who will be next?!?
The singer and his band won a VMA trophy in 2004, but they are not nominated in any category this year.
Levine may not be tuning in to watch Lady Gaga open the ceremony tonight, but THG will be! Return to the site throughout the day tomorrow for constant video and fashion updates from the event.
Will a Joe Jonas & Britney Spears Duet Happen?
Perhaps going into the studio together could be next?
Jonas sure hopes so. He exclusively tells me...
READ: When Joes Jonas Fell In Love With Britney Spears
He'd love to record with Ms. Spears. "I would be honored," Jonas told me last night before going on stage at the House of Blues for the mtvU VMA concert benefiting Lifebeat (brother Nick Jonas was in the audience to support). "If the song was right, if the idea was right? Definitely!"
"It's been a thought before," the "See No More" singer continued. "It would be so cool. I think our music would work well together with what I've doing and what she's been doing for so long."
But for now, he's got touring and his debut solo album Fast Life (dropping Oct. 11) to think about. He'll soon kick off a 19-city tour with Jay Sean before jumping overseas with Brit.
"I love touring," Jonas said. "I'm looking forward to getting on the road again. It's such a fun process. I love it. You get into a routine: New city, workout, hang out with friends, sound check, chill a little bit and then do a show and get back on the bus."
I've got much more for you from Mr. Jonas. Make sure to come back here later on to find out what he told me about, well, so many things.
Will This Make Jim Carrey Love Emma Stone Even More?
But only one actress went to No. 1 this summer—and she went there twice: Emma Stone.
WATCH: Jim Carrey's funny (weird?) valentine to Ms. Stone
Stone's The Help took advantage of its good buzz and weak competition to score a second-straight win at the weekend box office. Disney expects the Civil Rights-era drama to break $100 million domestically by the middle of the week.
Of all the summer hits, The Help is the only No. 1 that was led by a female star. It's also the only No. 1 to go No. 1 after opening No. 2.
Overall, the box office was wrecked by Hurricane Irene. Ticket sales were down a whopping 23 percent from last weekend. One studio exec told us the East Coast-ravaging Irene was a "pretty significant" factor.
As an apparent result, neither the Katie Holmes-led horror remake Don't Be Afraid of the Dark, nor the Paul Rudd indie comedy Our Idiot Brother did much in their debuts.
"Many theaters closed or were dead even if they remained open," another exec, Bob Berney, distribution president for Don't Be Afraid of the Dark's FilmDistrict, said in a statement.
On the upside, Zoe Saldana's Colombiana, the weekend's other major new release, came closer than expected to unseating The Help (and becoming the second actress-led No. 1 movie of the summer).
Anne Hathaway's One Day dropped from the Top 10 after a stay of just one weekend. So far, the reputedly $15 million movie has grossed $9.4 million domestically.
30 Minutes or Less ($31.7 million overall domestically) and Final Destination 5 ($37.8 million overall domestically) also fell from the standings, after stays of two weekends each.
Here's the complete rundown of the weekend's top-grossing films, per Friday-Sunday estimates as compiled by Exhibitor Relations:
The Help, $14.3 million
Colombiana, $10.3 million
Don't Be Afraid of the Dark, $8.7 million
Rise of the Planet of the Apes, $8.65 million
Our Idiot Brother, $6.6 million
Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D, $5.7 million
The Smurfs, $4.8 million
Conan the Barbarian, $3.1 million
Fright Night, $3 million
Crazy, Stupid, Love, $2.9 million
World's Richest Bride Petra Ecclestone Weds!
Croatian English heiress and socialite, Petra Ecclestone, who recently dropped $85 million (!) on Candy Spelling's mansion, swapped vows Saturday with businessman James Stunt in a lavish three-day affair right outside of Rome, according to People.
MORE: Five Things You Need to Know About Petra Ecclestone (Yes, the Heiress Who Just Bought Spelling Manor)
The 22-year-old daughter of billionaire Formula 1 racing CEO Bernie Ecclestone said I-do to Stunt at the castle where Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes tied the knot in 2006 (Castello Orsini-Odescalchi), with the bride reportedly walking down the aisle in a custom $130,000 Vera Wang gown.
And then there was the reception, where Andrea Bocelli, Eric Clapton and the Black Eyed Peas put on a show for guests like Paris and Nicky Hilton, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie and Sarah Ferguson as they sipped Chateau Petrus wine (which retails for $6,500 a bottle).
A source tells E! that after the Black Eyed Peas performed, Fergie pulled bride Petra, Paris and Nicky Hilton up on stage to dance. After that, David Guetta deejayed for two hours, and the Hilton girls were reportedly loving all the attention from the billionaire dudes in attendance.
"No one had ever seen anything like it. Everything was done to perfection with no expense spared," a source gushed to E! Online. "It was the wedding of the century fit for a princess!"
Prior to the big day, guests were treated to a pre-wedding dinner at uber-posh hotel Villa Aurelia, where they dined on caviar, calamari, spinach ravioli and lamb chops, sipped Cristal champagne and enjoyed a performance by Alicia Keys, according to the Daily Mirror.
"It was the most fantastic setting," a party attendee told the Mirror. "Our menus were customized mirrors with our names etched into them. It was easily the most decadent pre-wedding dinner any of us had been to. Then Alicia came on and sang all of her hits. She began with 'Empire State of Mind' and everybody was singing along. We couldn't believe it–it was magical."
So, what was the price tag for this over-the-top affair?
More than $5 million, according to TMZ.
Not too shabby for a billionaire daughter's big day.
Beyoncé Announces Pregnancy at MTV VMAs!
All eyes were on the singer on the MTV VMAs red carpet on Sunday night thanks to her brand-new accessory: A baby bump!
That's right, Beyoncé and hubby Jay-Z are expecting their first child!
MTV's Video Music Awards Surprise Revealed!
On the carpet, Beyoncé looked at the photographers while holding her belly and said she had a surprise. Judging from the photo you can tell what that surprise is.
MTV confirmed the baby news on Twitter, saying, "OMG Beyonce just made a huge announcement on the #vma carpet! #baby!!!!" The singer's rep also confirmed the news, saying, "I'm happy to say it's true."
Before performing "Love on Top," Beyoncé told the audience, "I want you to feel the love that's growing inside of me." All together now: Aw! The cuteness doesn't end there. After her performance, Beyoncé unbuttoned her jacket to proudly show off her baby bump, which she rubbed while laughing. Daddy-to-be Jay-Z looked on gleefully from the audience while being congratulated by Kanye West.
The Hunger Games First Look: Is It Everything You Thought It'd Be?
That's the sound of millions of Tributes and Jabberjays rushing to their computers to gush about MTV's just-released footage of The Hunger Games. Well, we assume most of the Katniss-lovin' fans loved the sneak peek, but we're sure some of you will have plenty to bitch about.
So here's your chance to tell us: didja love it or hate it? Or watch it here if you missed it...
RELATED: Hunger Games' Elizabeth Banks Dishes on the (Literally) Hot Flick!
Even though the flick isn't set to hit theatres until March of 2012, the franchise debuted some brand spankin' new footage tonight at the Video Music Awards (well, assuming you don't count the one-second glimpse we got from MTV earlier in the week).
And it did not disappoint. Well, we don't think so anyways.
Holy girl power, Katniss kicks ass!
Must admit, tho', this peep at the flick simply made us crave more, more, more. ‘Cause anyone who's read the books knows that we didn't even see half the bloody biz this star-studded movie is going to pack.
So now that you've seen Jennifer Lawrence in action (But boo! Way to leave out the man candy!), tell us: are you on board with the (formerly controversial) casting? Is the movie your most anticipated flick of 2012?
Or are you still just counting down the days until Breaking Dawn is released?
Jennifer Aniston & Boyfriend Justin Theroux Move in Together!
Actress Jennifer Aniston and boyfriend Justin Theroux have reportedly moved in together, according to People. A source tells the mag, "they decided to rent a house together while they keep searching for the perfect [one] to buy....Jen and Justin are very excited about living together in their new home."
RELATED: Lovebirds Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux Still Going Strong
After Jen moved out of her $38 million dollar Beverly Hills spread in July, we couldn't help but wonder about her new digs with her new beau. Well, now we know. The adorable couple's Hollywood Hills pad reportedly provides them with much needed privacy, hardwood floors, a new ozone pool, spa and viewing deck. Not to mention that the master suite features vaulted ceilings and French doors leading to what could only be a lavish yard.
Top 5 Homemade Skin Facials for Fall
4) Yogurt and Orange Anti-Acne Mask
This organic homemade facial mask will clean your pores. To prepare it, take 1-tsp of plain yogurt and mix it with 1-tsp of fresh orange juice in a medium bowl. Then apply the mixture on a cleansed complexion and leave it on for approximately 15 minutes. Finally, rinse it off with tepid water. The benefits from this procedure are usually seen right after the 1st session
5) Avocado and Olive Oil Facial Mask
Saturday, August 27, 2011
What Should Justin Bieber Title His Christmas Album?
On Twitter yesterday, the young singer revealed plans for a Christmas album, one that will combine classic holiday singles with a few new tracks. And we can think of at least one person who will purchase it: Kathy Griffin.
Bieber!
“it’s true... been in the studio doing something special for christmas," Justin wrote. "we are going to try and raise alot of money this year for charity!”
Bieber proceeded to ask fans for album title advice, which THG is happy to offer. How about...
* Joy to MY World
* I'm Dreaming of a White Kid From Canada
* Christmas Stalkings
* Rudolph the Red Nosed Belieber
* Have Yourself A Merry Little Bieber
* Jingle Biebs
* Mele KalikiBieber
What suggestions do you have, readers?
Sallu will still party with Sanju!
By Hindustan Times
New Delhi, Aug. 28 -- When I recently met Salman Khan, I started a conversation with him about partying and what had really gone wrong between him and his buddy Sanjay Dutt at the latter's house party. Sallu just looked at me and told me there was nothing wrong between him and Sanju. According to him, all is hunky dory and the pals would still party together for sure.
But when I asked him if he'd step outside for a party after Sanju's house-party episode, he said he won't. Actually, he just doesn't want to step outside his little 'Galaxy' anymore, not even to a night-spot in Bandra near his abode. Lagta hae gharelu ho gaya hai bechara!
New Delhi, Aug. 28 -- When I recently met Salman Khan, I started a conversation with him about partying and what had really gone wrong between him and his buddy Sanjay Dutt at the latter's house party. Sallu just looked at me and told me there was nothing wrong between him and Sanju. According to him, all is hunky dory and the pals would still party together for sure.
But when I asked him if he'd step outside for a party after Sanju's house-party episode, he said he won't. Actually, he just doesn't want to step outside his little 'Galaxy' anymore, not even to a night-spot in Bandra near his abode. Lagta hae gharelu ho gaya hai bechara!
Aamir supports Anna at Ramlila Maidan!
Bollywood actor Aamir Khan came out in open at the Ramlila Maidan to support Anna's protest against corruption. "I'm happy to be standing here. I have come here to meet Anna and hug him as he has enlightened us all on corruption. We all are with him in his protest against corruption. I have read the Jan Lokpal bill and I understand the points of difference it has with the government's bill. I fully support team Anna," said Aamir.
The actor said that a lot depends on the MPs to come out with a strong Lokpal bill. He said, "This bill will be passed by the Parliament only. We have elected the MPs and now our eyes are on them. We hope our MPs are able to pass a strong anti-corruption bill, a strong Lokpal bill."
Aamir said that the struggle has only started, and we have a long way to go. "We should keep our eyes on the bill untill it's passed. This is the just the beginning of our struggle against corruption. This is the first episode. This will end only when a strong Lokpal bill is passed which will make us proud and happy. This what Anna and team is trying to achieve," said the actor.
Aamir also expressed his concern for Anna's health and requested him to end his fast soon. The actor said, "Anna has been fasting from 12 days and I'm very worried for him. This struggle is going to be long and it would not be possible without Anna's leadership. So I request Anna to end this fast."
The actor also urged people to ask their MPs to support Lokpal bill. "We all should vote during elections which we don't do. I want to request my MP Priya Dutt to support Jan Lokpal bill. Every Indian should go to their elected representative and tell them that we support the Lokpal bill. This issue should be debated and all our eyes will be on our MPs and what bill they pass."
Aamir also said that corruption would end only if we decide against it. "I pray and hope that a strong law against corruption is passed. The bill might become a law, but it is for us to decide if we want to live with corrution or not. It's upto us how we want to live our lives. We are with Anna not only till the bill is passed but after that as well. It's for us to act against corruption.
"We are with Anna till a strong Lokpal bill against corruption is passed and after it as well," concluded the actor.
3 Idiots director Raj Kumar Hirani also accompanied the actor. Aamir has a done a series of patriotic films like Rang De Basanti, Mangal Pandey: The Rising, Lagaan and Sarfarosh.
Abhishek to play Ghanchakkar?
Mumbai, Aug. 27 -- After the intense Aamir (2008) and No One Killed Jessica (2011), director Rajkumar Gupta is collaborating with UTV Motion Pictures on a third film titled Ghanchakkar. "It's a quirky comedy set in Mumbai and should roll early next year, around February or March," he says.
Unlike his last film that revolved around two strong female protagonists, Meera and Sabrina Lall, played by Rani Mukerji and Vidya Balan, Ghanchakkar centres around an eccentric man. Buzz is that Saif Ali Khan, Abhishek Bachchan and Emraan Hashmi are all in contention for the lead role. Gupta refuses to be drawn into a discussion on the subject, saying he should lock the cast in a couple of weeks.
However, a UTV spokesperson confirms the news, saying, "these three actors feature most prominently in our scheme of things".
Gupta insists that it was not a deliberate decision to shift gears, but admits that he'd like to explore different genres. "Unlike No One Killed Jessica that had its muse in the headline-making Jessica Lall murder case, Ghanchakkar is not inspired by a single person, but by the many unbelievable people you come across in life. It's a fascinating character and everyone loves the script," he smiles. Prod him on the chances of him repeating Vidya Balan or Rani Mukerji and he says, "The film has a strong female lead and other significant characters that populate the world around this eccentric guy. I'd love to work with Vidya and Rani again, but to know whether they are in Ghanchakkar, you'll have to wait and watch."
