Bipasha challenges truth

in tapes with Amar Singh

Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu has reacted strongly to the alleged taped conversation between her and former Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Amar Singh, and says she can "openly challenge" anyone to prove that she is the one in the tape.

"Pls request u all to go n hear d conversation 1st n then if u still think its me, I openly challenge anyone to prove it is me!" Bipasha posted on her Twitter page Thursday.

The transcripts of the tapes involving the former Samajwadi Party (SP) leader's phone conversations were barred from being published in media until now, but the Supreme Court lifted the ban Wednesday. According to reports, one of the conversations involves Bipasha.

The actress, who has recently admitted breaking off with actor John Abraham -- her boyfriend of nine years, feels that though rumours are a part of a celebrity's life, she finds these allegations intolerable.

"A celeb takes beatings of all kinds but if my dignity is challenged, I am ready to take this issue up in a stronger manner! There is a limit of making up stories at the cost of a celeb! Sensationalising ridiculous and untrue stories is not ethical at all," she added.

I am no Cannes veteran yet: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

I am no Cannes veteran yet:

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s red carpet appearance at the Cannes this year is a rather special affair for the Bollywood beauty, as it marks a decade of her attending the international film festival. But call her a Cannes veteran, and she laughs it off! “I have a lot of decades to go before you can call me that,” she’d joked earlier. And those close to the star admit that Ash’s obviously excited and is looking forward to catching up on some good pals including fellow endorser Hollywood’s Eva Longoria, with whom she’d walked the red carpet in the past.

At the time of going to press, the actor was expected to kickstart her evening yesterday by attending Woody Allen’s romantic comedy Midnight in Paris, which is also the opening film at the festival. Post which she was expected to be hobnobbing with several international stars including the renowned filmmaker at the highlight of the day, the opening Gala cocktail, which is also one of the main attractions of the festival, followed by the dinner party to host Woody’s film. Today, the actor will be announcing her film Heroine with Madhur Bhandarkar, before she takes to the red carpet again with Longoria for the big party hosted by her brand later in the evening.

Apparently, the actor has turned down several dinner invitations later in the festival to return home. The source adds, “Aishwarya’s not much into partying and networking for work there. She is going to be sticking to her professional commitments and will be flying out soon after. It’s going to be a hectic two-day affair for her, as there’s always a keen interest in her work.” All eyes will be riveted on what Aishwarya decides to wear on the red carpet this year around as well. “She’s been getting better every year,” points out an industry observer.

Shilpa Shetty expecting her first child !!!

“Shilpa Shetty"

expecting her first child.

Shilpa Shetty, who tied the knot with Raj Kundra two years back will soon be welcoming a new member to the family. Buzz is that the Bollywood actress is expecting her first child. According to sources, "Shilpa is expecting and the couple are extremely happy. Only the close family members and friends have been informed of the new arrival. They do not want to announce it publicly before the first trimester passes," reports Mumbai Mirror.

The actress has always expressed her desire to be a mom. She revealed to the media in 2009, "I'm desperate to start a family. I just love children, and we've a beautiful readymade nursery (in the new house). I want at least two children. There is already a child's bedroom here because Raj has a nephew and I can certainly see my children running around this place. And there is enough space for us to live at one end while Raj's parents live at the other."

Seems like her wish was answered! The actress has been seen at various clinics in Mumbai.

Though this would be Shilpa's first child, Raj already has a daughter, Deleena, with his ex-wife Kavita.

John-Bipasha pair up!

John-Bipasha pair up!

But only for ads... Despite their split, John Abraham and Bipasha Basu are open to endorsements as a couple

Bipasha Basu and John Abraham, who officially called it quits a few weeks back, have decided to take on endorsements as a couple if there's an offer.

One of the reasons being both John and Bipasha are considered hot properties in the mad ad world. This is also the reason why though they split long time back, they decided to keep it strictly private.

A source says, "They have done some successful campaigns together and there's a lot of money invested in them. 

They both thought that even though they have separated on the personal front it should not affect their professional equation."

In fact, their last ad for a hair-colouring product was shot post break up.

 

"If in the future, they are made an offer to endorse a product together, the ex-lovers have decided to give it a shot. The two discussed this before going separate ways," the source  adds.

“Kareena Kapoor” to host a style based reality show on TV?

Another A-list star is set to make her debut on Television. If rumours are to be believed, actress Kareena Kapoor is all set to host a reality show based on fashion for a global entertainment channel. In the show, she will be guiding the contestants on how to dress, what to wear and will also give contestants tips for a complete make-overs!

The fashionista confirmed to a daily that she has been offered to host a fashion based TV show, though nothing as of now has been decided.

Bebo doesn’t want to share details about the show at all as the paperwork is still under process. "Yes, I am getting lots of offers (including the fashion based show) but I don`t want to say anything right now” said Kareena.

A source close to the actress has stated, "Kareena`s pay packet will be a bomb. Given her current star status, she could even charge one crore per episode. If Bebo signs the dotted line, she will be another A-list actress to have been wooed by TV. Priyanka Chopra hosted Khatron Ke Khiladi.”

Apparently, the channel is trying hard to get her on board but Bebo`s date diary is full and she will need to work out the dates. The show is one of a kind and not a copy of any of the popular reality shows based on fashion. The channel insists that the show will be unique and hence they would want a big name to be associated with the show. Let’s hope they are able to rope in Kareena.

BigB's 'Bbuddah...' to

clash with 'Delhi Belly'

In a clash of titans, Amitabh Bachchan's home production Bbuddah-Hoga Terra Baap is set to release July 1st and Aamir Khan's Delhi Belly will hit the screens on the same day. The megastar is quite excited about it.

Bbuddah-Hoga Terra Baap is about an old man who feels young, and will see Amitabh, 68, riding a Harley Davidson, while Delhi Belly is about three friends living together in a bachelor pad in the capital.

More than being nervous about the clash, Amitabh is excited that Bbuddah-Hoga Terra Baap is releasing before his other film Aarakshan.

"It now seems probable that Bbuddah-Hoga Terra Baap even though started its shot after the shoot forAarakshan was over, has finished before. And...now is set to be released before Aarakshan too.Bbuddah-Hoga Terra Baap on July 1st," Amitabh posted on his blog www.bigb.bigadda.com.

Aarakshan, a film on caste-based reservations, directed by Prakash Jha, will hit the screens Aug 12 and Big B is looking forward to both releases.

"Two films after a long gap and two very different roles and films. The first a dramatic, fun, film. The latter more intense, topical, and edgy, very sincere and touching, on a topic and subject which many talk of behind closed doors but never outside," he wrote.

The veteran star says he is glad he is able to maintain variety at his age.

"As an actor I feel elated that there is diversity on offer. When you are nearing 70 it does become scarce … the offers. But the challenge that comes by in the offering is immense. There is an opportunity of getting characters to play that may have been not too easy to play when you were younger. Or even if there was an opportunity, the commerce did not allow it."

Ranbir Kapoor starrer Rockstar in trouble?

Ranbir Kapoor starrer Rockstar in trouble?

Ranbir Kapoor starrer Rockstar has been in the news for weeks now. Surely one of the most highly anticipated films of this year, the film which is being produced by Eros International and Shree Asthavinayak has run into troubled waters. Reportedly, the two banners involved with the film are having issues over finances of the film.

The case so far is that Shree Asthavinayak has issued a legal notice against Eros citing that Eros has not honoured their financial commitments made for the project. The film which stars Ranbir Kapoor and new comer Nargis Fakhri is being directed by Imtiaz Ali. 

The terms and conditions of the agreement between Eros and Asthavinayak were that Eros was supposed to pay Rs. 52 crore for Rockstar, of which during the process of shooting Eros was to pay Rs. 26 crore, while the signing amount was Rs. 6 crore. The balance amount was supposed to be paid on delivery. 

While Eros maintains that they have followed the contract as per schedule in terms of payment, they cite reasons that Ashtavinayak is trying to sell the film to another buyer for the film. 

Watch this space for further details.

Sanju-Arshad-Vivek come together for Zila Ghaziabad

Sanju-Arshad-Vivek come together for 

Zila Ghaziabad.

This has to be the casting coup of the year. Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi, who are part of two franchises already - Munnabhai and Dhamaal - would now be seen in a dramatic thriller titled Zila Ghaziabad. This is not all as the film would also feature Vivek Oberoi who earlier locked horns with Sanjay in Shootout At Lokhandwala earlier.

Confirms an industry source, "Yes, the film is happening for sure. It deals with politics and mafia as prevalent in Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh). Though there have been quite a films set in mafia of Mumbai and some have even explored the underbelly of Delhi, not many films have stepped in this part of the country. Zila Ghaziabad would be reflecting the current socio-political situation there." 

While Vivek has already been confirmed for the part, Sanjay is also more or less confirmed though he is yet to sign on the dotted line. While the two have grey shades to them, the interesting fact is that Arshad plays an out and out negative role in the film. 

"I can't talk much about the film as it is yet to go on floors. However, what I can say is that though I am playing a baddie for the first time in my career", says Arshad who made his debut with Tere Mere Sapne (1996) close to a decade and a half ago, "I won't say that other two are any white either. No one is absolutely positive and faraq sirf thode kam-zyaada ka hai. Woh kam bure hain, main thoda zyaada hoon." 

While he is taking light of the situation, the makers confirm that Arshad is playing an absolute mean character in the film, something that would shock the audience. As for Sanjay and Vivek, they can well be expected to ignite fireworks all over again with their trademark brooding act. 

Interestingly, the film would be produced by Vinod Bachchan who knows a thing or two about North India, as seen in his last hit Tanu Weds Manu which travelled across Kanpur, Lucknow, Delhi and Kapurthala. Wuth Ghaziabad as the setting, the film should explore a new territory. To be directed by newcomer Anand, the film's shoot begins in July.

Is Asin-Neil Nitin Mukesh the

new item of Bollywood?

Here’s some really spicy news for all. South Indian beauty Asin Thottumkal and Neil Nitin Mukesh could well be the next B-Town couple.

Buzz has it that the lady who has been cast opposite Neil in Ravi Chopra’s upcoming flick ‘Pocketmaar’ has been having a gala time in the company of legendry singer Mukesh’s grandson. 

Apparently, the two actors have been seeking advice from each other on what kind of roles they should opt for. Neil has even been suggesting what brand of car Asin should go for.

Like all lovebirds, Asin and Neil have tried hard to keep their relationship under wraps. 

Neil had recommended Asin’s name to director Hriday Shetty to cast her opposite him in the filmmaker’s flick. And Neil’s demand to have her on board raised a lot of eyebrows. On being approached, Asin took Shetty by surprise. 

Talking to the tabloid, a source said, "Hriday was shocked when Asin not only refused the offer but also told him the role wouldn`t suit Neil either." 

Allegedly, Neil lost his cool once when he was quizzed by a reporter about his equation with Asin. 

"Asin is a very close friend, and I see no reason why I should shy away from that. I am fond of her and we are good friends, but I don`t need to recommend her to anyone,” a tabloid quoted Neil as saying. 

"Asin and Neil have become very close to each other. Their combined decision about the Hriday Shetty film was kind of weird and hard to explain," added the source.

Nonetheless, as all stars do, Neil chose to keep silent but conveyed through his manager that was not seeing the ‘Ghajini’ star. "Neil is not dating Asin. But I am not aware of the Hriday Shetty incident," Neil’s manager said. 

Salman’s foes Hrithik and Vivek are turning thick friends.

Vivek Oberoi, who kick started his Tinsel Town journey with a big splash is finding newer ways to revamp his career. The talented yet troubled actor has decided not to work in Vishesh Film’s latest production. He was happy with the script but was keener to work with Hrithik Roshan in ‘Krissh 3’.

Talking to a tabloid, a source revealed, "Vivek heard out the Bhatts. He quite liked the role. But he had a problem. Vivek is very excited about Rakesh Roshan`s next, Krrish 3.”

Junior Oberoi, who self-destroyed his blooming stardom in B-town by rubbing Salman Khan the wrong way has now teamed up with Hrithik Roshan.

HR and Sallu’s relationship turned sour when the latter criticized Hrithik’s film ‘Guzarish’ directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Salman and SLB were one thickest of friends in the industry. 

Apparently junior Roshan and kid Oberoi were spotted sharing a gala time at a bash recently. 

An eyewitness said, "They both were talking about Krrish 3 in the party too. They looked very comfortable with each other. Looked like Vivek has now become Hrithik`s best friend." 

Well, Vivek is learning to take what it takes to survive and Hrithik seems to a perfect aide.

Akshay Kumar to sing for 'Khatron Ke Khiladi 4'

Akshay Kumar to sing for 'Khatron Ke Khiladi 4'

After singing for the big screen in films like Singh Is Kinng and Khatta Meetha, Bollywood hero Akshay Kumar is going to lend his voice for the title song of his upcoming action-adventure reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi 4.

"Akshay is singing a couple of opening lines," said a source from Colors channel.

The title song will be turned into a music video featuring all the contestants for the fourth season of the show, which has been shot in Cape Town, South Africa.

For this season, the channel has chosen 13 female celebrity participants - each teamed up with a male partner.

The celebrity participants include former Indian women's cricket captain Anjum Chopra, models Diandra Soares, Alesia Raut and Poonam Pandey, actresses Aarti Chhabria, Smita Bansal and Aashka Goradia, item girls Sambhavna Seth and Kashmira Shah, two VJs - Bani and Mia Uyeda, singer Mauli Dave and Dina Singh who is actor Vindu Dara Singh's wife.

Khatron Ke Khiladi is the Indian version of the internationally hit show "Fear Factor", and involves dangerous tasks involving height and even creepy crawlies. It is expected to go on air in June.

Sallu as opening batsman, SRK as wicketkeeper ?

'Sallu' as opening batsman,

'SRK' as wicketkeeper ?

India won the 2011 World Cup, and that's a bigger event than all the movies put together this year. (And yes, we'd say that even if 2011 wasn't turning out as tragically lackluster as it is.)

And while we celebrate our boys in blue, we decided to let our filmstars onto the stadium ground, just for a lark. Here then are the Bollywood lot, split up into cricketing roles. No, that's not figuring out which actor looks like which cricketer, but instead looking at our stars and their perceived roles in the industry.

Here, then, is the Bollywood team.

Opening Batsman:

There's a reason India have a batsman like Virender Sehwag to face the first ball of the innings. You need a dhamakedaar superstar right at the top, and who better to guarantee an opening than Salman Khan? Sure, some shots might be ludicrous and the critics might not applaud every move, but there's no doubting the Salman impact. And he's a man rivals fear.

Sania invites Sonakshi over to Wimbledon.

Sania invites Sonakshi

over to Wimbledon.

After Shahid Kapoor, Sania Mirza has found a new Bollywood friend --Sonakshi Sinha. And it's Sonakshi who will be cheering for Sania at the Wimbledon

Sonakshi Sinha has been bonding a lot with tennis star Sania Mirza. Soon Sonakshi will be watching Sania's match at the Wimbledon.

Says a source close to Sonakshi, "Sonakshi and Sania recently met in Delhi for a media event and the two girls bonded a lot. After that,  Sania, her husband Shoaib and Sonakshi went out for dinner together.

They got along really well and it was then that Sania invited Sonakshi over to Wimbledon in June to watch her play.

 

Sonakshi will then be shooting for Kamal Hassan's Vishwaroopa in USA, but she has promised to fly down for half a day to watch Sania play. 

She's promised that she will take special permission from Kamal Hassan and come to Wimbledon, as Sonakshi's never watched a Wimbledon match live before. 

Sonakshi loves sports and had gone for one of the IPL matches on Rohit Sharma's invitation."

The source adds that apart from the match the young girls chatted about a lot of other issues, too. 

"They met through Bunty Sachdeva who handles their endorsements but by the time the evening was over Sonakshi and Sania were chatting like long-lost friends.

 

They discussed many things from acting to diets, work-outs, fashion, food, other girly stuff and Dabangg. Sania said she loved watching Hindi films and loved Dabangg.

 

After that dinner the girls have kept in constant touch and regularly chat with each other."

Twitter chatter

Sonakshi tweeted after the dinner: No tennis today. Just a fun afternoon with the maliks. Shoaib and sania

Sania tweeted: rajjo woh taana nahi tha woh toh pyaar tha

Sonakshi: Haha.. Taane se darr nahi lagta madammm.. Pyaar se lagta hai.. Too funny tat was!

Sania: Hahaha.. too hilarious