Wrestler-actor Dara Singh passes away

Wrestler-turned-actor Dara Singh, who wowed audiences with his brawn and on screen histrionics for over five decades, died here early Thursday morning losing his five-day fight for life.

A childhood hero to many for his wrestling prowess, 83-year-old Singh, who played Hanuman in epic teleserial Ramayanan and also dabbled in politics, passed away at 7.30 AM at his residence in Juhu in suburban Mumbai.

Singh was taken home from hospital last night by his family members so that they could be with him in the last few moments of his life.

"He passed away at 7.30 AM peacefully," Dr Ram Narain, COO, Kokilaben Hospital, said.

"He was a tough guy... He wanted to stay fit. But unfortunately his body was getting weaker. An angel now has gone to shine like a star up above," one of his sons, Vindu Dara Singh told PTI.

The very first of action heroes in Hindi films, Singh was last seen in Imtiaz Ali's Jab We Met in 2007 where he played Kareena Kapoor's grandfather.

From his first marriage, he has a son Parduman Singh Randhawa and from his second marriage he has five children – two sons and three daughters including Vindu, a TV-film actor.

Standing tall with rippling muscles, Singh made a name in the field of professional wrestling and had over 500 professional fights to his credit, all undefeated.

Singh won the title of 'Rustam-E-Punjab' and 'Rustam-e-Hind' for his wrestling prowess. Also, he became the Commonwealth Champion in 1959 and in 1996 he was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame. He announced his retirement from wrestling in 1983.

A wrestling hero to some and a much loved cine artist to others, Singh muscled his way into the film world with ease will always be remembered for his variety of roles in cinema including his brawny avatar in King Kongand Tarzan.

One of his notable friends was actress Mumtaz, with whom he starred in 16 Hindi films including Faulad (1963), Veer Bhimsen (1964), Hercules (1964),Aandhi Aur Toofan (1964), Tarzan Comes to Delhi, Tarzan and King Kong(1965), Sikandar-e-Azam (1965), Rustom-E-Hind (1965).

Aishwarya To Attend Cannes With Daughter Aaradhya

This would be Aishwarya Rai's eleventh appearance at the Cannes Film Festival. But according to recent reports the actor is still confused about taking her daughter to Cannes.

According to Bollywood Hungama, the Bachchan family has left the decision on Aishwarya Rai, but the proud mother is still not sure whether it is safe to take the baby on such a long journey or not. And even if Aaradhya accompanies her mother to Cannes, she would be kept away from the media.

Aaradhya is Aishwarya's top priority now. The actress at this point is not at all focusing on her weight or what she will wear at the Cannes film festival. She is loving every little moment of her motherhood. 
This would be Aishwarya Rai's eleventh appearance at the Cannes Film Festival. But according to recent reports the actor is still confused about taking her daughter to Cannes.

Aaradhya is Aishwarya's top priority now. The actress at this point is not at all focusing on her weight or what she will wear at the Cannes film festival. She is loving every little moment of her motherhood. 

First Look of Aishwarya Rai’s 'Beautiful' Daughter's Face: Aaradhya Bachchan

Well, it seems little Aaradhya will no more remain a cloaked mystery to the world.

Finally, the newest member of the Bachchan clan has been captured by the shutterbugs and the sever-month-old tot can be seen in the video here.

Despite copious efforts to shield the toddler from the world, her "over-protective" mum couldn't escape the scanners of an entertainment channel who claims to have got a clear glimpse of Beti B' face at a recent event. 

The picture are presumably of June 01, when Aish was spotted with daughter at the Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, the actress was returning from France after attending the 65th Cannes Film Festival with Beti B.

The lensman of music channel E24 caught on camera the little bundle of joy, who has created a lot of buzz since the day she was born to her superstar mom, former Miss World Aishwarya Rai.

In the video shown on the television channel, Beti B is seen gazing into the camera with her curious "brown eyes" while being tenderly cradled by her mom in a baby-carrier.

The child looked quite similar to the description that a fan had given, earlier this month. Anisah Hussain, a lucky fan, who meet Aishwarya with her baby in London recently, revealed on Twitterthat Beti B "is really cute, she has pretty eyes and eyelashes! shes a bit browner than aishwarya but very cute!."

Apart from the fan, Bollywood's "Dhak Dhak" girl Madhuri Dixt has also had the opportunity to have seen Beti B's photo. She "wowed" a lot as father Abhishek showed the little one's pictures to the actress at a dance reality show "Jhalak Dikhla Ja."

Last week, Jaya Bachchan created quite a buzz with her revelation about the looks of her angelic granddaughter, who she fondly calls by the name "Strawberry."

"Aaradhya looks like a bit of Aishwarya and a bit of Abhishek... She's a tall girl," Jaya Bachchan had said in a recent interview, swiftly gushing that Aaradhya is "beautiful, always smiling... is now trying to crawl."

The elated grandmother also revealed that "Aaradhya is a very lucky girl, having a nurse like Miss World Aishwarya!"

Amitabh Bachchan Gifts 'Gold Ring' To Grand Daughter

Kruti Jewellers from city will design the 4-gram gold ring for the celebrity.Even as the Indian film industry prepares to shower gifts on the new born in the Bachchan family, the baby's grand father Amitabh Bachchan is getting a special gold ring designed from the tier-II town of Rajkot in Gujarat.

On his part, city-based jeweller Pankaj Kansara is elated as well as already busy in designing the gold ring for Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's daughter. "We have received an order from a firm in the jewellery business, RKR Creations. We have been asked to deliver the ring within a week," said Kansara who had earlier designed a silver miniature guitar for the senior Bachchan.

What's more, weighing just about 3-4 grams, the gold ring will be fully hand made. "We will not use any kind of machine for it. This will not be any ordinary gold ring but it will describe Bachchan family's value and power," said Kansara. And as a gesture, Kansara is planning not to charge the superstar for the ring. "I will not take any making or designing charges for the ring. It will be gift from me to Baby B," he added.

Bol Bachhan Released Today

Bol Bachchan movie starring Ajay Devgan, Abhishek Bachchan, Asin and Prachi Desai.This movie is directed by Rohit Shetty and comes in comedy category.

It's really nice movie.

It is inspired by the 1979 comic flick, Gol Maal.

I’m honoured to be working with Yash Chopra – Salman Khan

After over two decades of being in the film industry, actor Salman Khan has finally signed his first project with Yash Raj Films (YRF). He says the film will be challenging and that he is excited about it.The romantic thriller “Ek Tha Tiger”, will be directed by Kabir Khan, and will feature Katrina Kaif opposite Salman.

“In the past, Adi (Aditya Chopra) and I have met a few times on various projects but somehow when Kabir and he came to me with this particular story, we all just knew that this was the one,” Salman said in a press statement.

The 45-year-old says he is glad to be associated with YRF.

“It is a very ambitious project and will be a challenge for all of us, but that’s exactly what makes it such a big draw. Above all this, I’m honoured to be working with Yash-ji (Yash Chopra), who has worked so closely with my dad (Salim Khan) in the past,”

Veteran filmmaker Yash Chopra, the head honcho of YRF, is equally upbeat about working with Salman, who he feels has come a long way in Bollywood.

“Everyone knows my association with Salim saab, having worked together on ‘Deewaar’, ‘Trishul’ and ‘Kaala Patthar’. It is a very happy moment for me and YRF to have his son Salman with us for the first time.

“Over the years, Salman has become a very matured and talented actor and both he and the beautiful Katrina have a tremendous connect with their audiences. Combined with Kabir’s edgy directorial skills, we can all look forward to a thrilling film,” said Chopra.

The script of “Ek Tha Tiger” is based on a story written by Yash and Aditya Chopra. The screenplay and dialogues have been written by Kabir Khan and Neelesh Misra, while the music will be scored by Pritam Chakraborty.

The film will go on floors early July, and is slated for a mid-2012 release.

Abhishek acts funny with wife Aishwarya

"I was very keen to do a comedy after a spate of more serious films and also Aishwarya and I haven't done a comedy together, so I'm excited about this film," Abhishek told IANS in an e-mail interview from Murmansk, Russia.

To be produced and directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, the film is slated for a 2012 release and is set to go on the floors in the first week of July this year.

"It's a great script, very funny and Raj-ji is directing it. We've been very keen to work together for a long time. I'm very happy that we will be finally working together," he said.
In the film, Abhishek plays a guy with an insatiable roving eye and Aishwarya sportingly allows her husband to do so.

When asked to give more details, the 35-year-old said: "It wouldn't be correct to speak about the film at this juncture."
In the last two years, he has only worked in serious movies like "Paa", "Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey" and "Dum Maaro Dum".

Abhishek and Aishwarya, who tied the knot in 2007, teamed up for the first time on screen for the 2001 movie "Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke". Three years later Rohan Sippy roped them in for his directorial debut "Kuch Naa Kaho" and then J.P. Dutta made "Umrao Jaan" (2006) with the two -- all these films didn't do well.

Their first big hit as a couple was Mani Ratnam's "Guru" (2007), followed by Ram Gopal Varma's "Sarkar Raj".
In Sanjay Gadhvi's hit action thriller "Dhoom 2", they shared the screen, but not as a couple. Aishwarya also made a special appearance in the hit song "Kajrare" in the Abhishek starrer "Bunty Aur Babli".

They were last seen on screen in "Raavan", which was declared a dud.

Abhishek, whose "Game" bombed at the box office, is elated with the positive response to "Dum Maaro Dum".

"I haven't had the time to sit down and reflect on the film. But I think youth have really connected with it. I always said Rohan has always made very cool films. The script by Shridhar and an all-round great team performance I think has worked for the film," he added.

"Dum Maaro Dum" also starred Bipasha Basu, Prateik Babbar and Rana Daggubati among others.

Abhishek, who is currently shooting in Russia for Abbas-Mustan's "Players", which again has Bipasha, also came clean on allegations that he was not happy with the climax of "Dum Maaro Dum" and wanted to get it changed.
"Nothing like that. Rohan has always been kind enough to involve me in the entire creative process of his films. I had suggestions. Some he used and some he didn't. It's all part of the process of making a film," he said.

JAMES BOND ONCE AGAIN COMING TO INDIA

The 23rd film in the franchise to be shot in and around the city

James Bond might well be coming to town sometime soon.

A highly-placed source informs that Bond 23, the newest film in the hugely successful franchise will be shooting in and around Mumbai

Director Sam Mendes recently made a hush-hush visit to the city along with production designer Terry Bamber in mid-April for the film's recce. 

The movie will be shot in Mumbai and Goa during the monsoon season on a month-long schedule," reveals our source.

The crew of the film is an excited but nervous lot. They expect the shoot to be a maddening one, given Bond's fan following here.

India Take One, who also did line production for Slumdog Millionaire, are doing the production for this film as well. 

ONCE BEFORE
Octopussy (1983), the 13th film in the Bond series, was shot in Agra and Udaipur. Roger Moore played Bond in the movie which had Kabir Bedi and Vijay Amritraj in the cast. 

RECENT SHOOTERS
Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises (in Jodhpur on May 6 and May 7)
Ang Lee's Life Of Pi starring Irrfan Khan and Tabu shot in Pondicherry 
Brad Bird's Mission Impossible-Ghost Protocol starring Tom Cruise and Anil Kapoor 
Michael Winterbottom's Trishna starring Frieda Pinto shot in Rajasthan and Mumbai.

Katrina Kaif set to beat Sheila…

Katrina Kaif was simply outstanding in Sheila Ki Jawani and here’s a good news.
The stunner is all set to get jiggy once again in her upcoming flick, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan. She is all ready to take up the challenge to dance better than Sheila Ki Jawani. The choreographer of Deepika Padukone’s item number Mit Jaaye Gham will be assisting her in her new item no. Producer Aditya Chopra has roped in Bosco of Bosco-Caesar to choreograph the song which is composed by the talented newcomer Sohail Sen.
Confirming the news of her upcoming tapori song, the gorgeous lady said,, “Yes, I am shooting a full-on tapori number. It’s earthy and sensuous not suggestive. I’m supposed to be dancing at a roadside dhaba.”
Kats is doing her best in her new item song to make it much more zestful than her Sheila Ki Jawani.

Salman & Katrina again together on screen

The excitement has set in when this news spread in the circles… The ex-lovebirds will soon be back together – ah ha but for professional commitment of course!

Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif will share the screen for ‘New York’ famed helmer Kabir Khan’s next venture. Some time back the speculations were rife that these two are being considered for the project, Sallu bhai had some reservations then about the casting. However things said to have been smoothened and the ground work is going to start.

On the other hand some sources claim that there is no animosity between Salman and Kat and they are still very good friends.

Incidentally, it is said that initially talks were going about Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra being considered for the female lead. However Katrina seemed to be better suited for the role. Besides, having worked with Kabir Khan, she is Kabir's favourite and also they share a very good equation.

Hmmmm, looks like finally the wait is over to see Kat and Salman together. While they looked adorable in the special track of ‘Tees Maar Khan’, it will be wonderful to see their chemistry in Kabir’s movie…

Let’s wait for this one… What say?

Anushka replaces Deepika

Ayaan Mukerji's second film with Ranbir Kapoorand Karan Johar's Dharma Productions has come up with a new surprise. Deepika Padukone, who was cast as the female lead in the film, has just been replaced. 

Much like her off-screen life, Anushka Sharma will now be romancing Dippy's ex-flame on screen. 

A source explains how the personal undercurrents have complicated the casting of the film, saying, "Deepika and Ayaan have been great friends for a long time now. While discussing the film, Deepika suggested that she wanted to be a part of the film. 

Ayaan thought she was apt for the role. However, there have been many ifs and buts since then. Ranbir's then girlfriend, Katrina, was not very happy with Deepika being a part of the film. Besides, there were speculations about Katrina herself doing the movie. 

However, after Ranbir and Katrina's recent break up and the actor's link-up to various women including Anushka, she seemed like the next obvious option for the role. And so, now, Anushka has been finalised for the film." 

When contacted Karan Johar said, "Ayaan is still writing the film. He will lock his script in a month and then we will finalise everything. Right now the only person signed for the film is myself as the producer." 

Ayaan and Anushka remained unavailable for comment.

Salman's New Girl friend : Zarine Khan

Salman Khan is making headlines again. This time for his new girl in life. Buzz, is that Salman has found a new friend in his VEER co-star Zarine Khan. The two were seen together at the recent bash which was hosted by Aamir Khan.

According to our sources, Zarine and Salman made an entry together past mid-night much to the surprise of the press. In fact, it seemed Salman had no qualms about flaunting his new muse.

Zarine and Salman are becoming thick friends of-late. The two were also together at the recently concluded IIFA Awards. Well, looks like Zarine's good luck has just arrived as Salman is by her side now.

Mallika Meat US President Barack Obama

The Hiss girl Mallika Sherawat is on cloud nine these days. She met US president Barack Obama on Thursday. Mallika was invited to have tea with the US President in Los Angeles. The actress apparently was invited for tea with Obama during his campaign visit in Hollywood. According to reports, President Obama has asked Mallika to invite him to the premiere of her soon-to-release film Politics of Love, Barack. The film directed by William Dear is a romantic comedy on the 2008 US presidential elections.

Sonakshi Sinha met Sania Mirza

The ‘Dabangg’ star Sonakshi Sinha is climbing the ladders of success up and fast. She will be seen next in Sirish Knder’s ‘Joker’ where she stars opposite Akshay Kumar. The actress recently met the ace tennis player Sania Mirza and her husband Shoaib Malik in Hyderabad and spent some quality time with the couple.
She tweeted on her social networking site: “No tennis today. Just a fun afternoon with the Maliks (Sania Mirza and Shoaib Malik).”
Check out the two gorgeous and successful ladies smile for the camera……….

Bipasha Basu chosen to be brand ambassador of Kshitij Builders?

Bipasha Basu is someone who needs no introduction in Bollywood. After having creating a niche for herself, Bips went onto do films that consolidated her position in the top slot today.

Well, besides being the darling of silver screen, she is also equally in demand when it comes to brand endorsements. After having endorsed a million products, this 'Bong-Shell' will now be seen as the Brand ambassador of Kshitij Builders, so reports Bollywood Hungama's reliable sources.

The source also added that, the said builders, after having established since 1994, entered this core sector business with a vision of providing affordable housing solutions. With Bips on board, we won't be surprised if the real estate rates touch an all time high!

"I take every film of mine personally" - Abhishek

Game hasn't done well at the box office but Abhishek is not hiding away from the world. Instead he is going full throttle for his immediate next film Dum Maaro Dum which, thankfully for him as well as the audience, is seemingly far better poised than some of his earlier efforts. However, despite his Goan thriller exuding good vibes, he is unwilling to pass the buck for the failure of not just Game but any of his earlier failures.

"I stand by each of my films whether they work or don't", says Abhishek whose Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey as well as Raavan didn't do well in recent times, "After all,if these films would have done well, I would have got maximum appreciation and praise as well, so why run away? I take every film of mine personally. I am not a coward."

However, now that he has tried to be different in his last five outings including Paa as well as Delhi 6, none of which has followed a conventional route of story telling, is doing Dum Maaro Dum an indication of something far more commercial that could ensure sure shot box office success?

"Shall I tell you something", Abhishek says in a confiding tone, "If someone tells me that 'Hey look, here is a story and if we make a film on this it is going to be X amount of business at the box office' but I realise that I won't enjoy the experience of making it and instead would be thoroughly bored, I wouldn't work on it. In fact if I work in it and the film even turns out to be a hit, I won't enjoy that success."

If sheer commercial success is not really his reason for doing a new film, what really goes in his mind before he decides to give a go-ahead to a project? Isn't the basic desire of any actor is for his film to be accepted well commercially?

"It can't be just commerce", immediately says Abhishek, "It has to come down to the basic criteria that whether the film has excited me or not. My heart has to be convinced to do that film. It is as simple as that."

Deepika’s miniskirt to raise funds for Salman’s charity

Though Deepika’s item song "Dum Maro Dum" couldn’t surpass Katrina’s ‘Sheila Ki Jawani’ and Malaika’s ‘Munni Badnaam Hui’, the miniskirt which the bombshell donned in the song has apparently grabbed the eyeballs.

Well, tabloids have revealed that the miniskirt which Deepika Padukone sported in the song ‘Mit Jaaye Gham’ is much in demand and as such, filmmaker Rohan Sippy has decided to auction the skirt online via the official website of ‘Dum Maro Dum’.
According to Sippy’s plan, the fund raised by means of this online auctioning will be donated to Salman Khan’s Being Human charity foundation.
DMD director Rohan Sippy said, "We are all surprised by the reaction to Deepika's look in the track. We decided to auction it for charity".
Deepika’s sizzling look in the song ‘Mit Jaaye Gham’ was styled by designer Anahita Shroff Adjania.
Directed by Rohan Sippy, ‘Dum Maro Dum’ stars Abhishek Bachchan, Bipasha Basu and Rana Daggubati in lead roles.
The film will feasibly hit the silver screens on April 22.

Yana Gupta In An Item Number in Murder 2 Movie

The Babujee girl is B-Town's 'in' item girl. After heating things up in Chalo Dilli with Laila O Laila, she faced the heat while shooting for Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt's flick. The shoot was at Chandivali Studios on a non-AC floor and with several unit hands milling around.

Says Yana, "It was very hot as there was no air conditioning. But it was for the Bhatts after all. I loved the team."Director Mohit Suri adds, "It's true that it was very hot but I must say Yana understood the circumstances and co-operated with us that we finally got what we were looking for. Yana worked totally for our song. "

Bipasha Basu was the original choice for the song but as reported 'Bhatts show Bips the door' (Hitlist, March 28), the star's exorbitant demands made the makers rope in Yana instead. "I think Bipasha not doing the song worked in my favour but what's more important is that it worked in favour of the song too!" Yana quips.

Aishwarya, Abhishek celebrate fourth anniversary

Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan are in town to celebrate their fourth anniversary with family today, and Bachchan Sr seems to be enjoying himself.

'Just past midnight and .... " Happy Wedding Anniversary " to Abhishek and Aishwarya .. spent time with them and brought in the day,' Amitabh tweeted.

He also thanked everyone for their wishes. 'To all those that wish Abhishek Aishwarya for their anniversary. Many thanks. Shall pass it on to them .. Love to you all.' 

First Lip Lock scene of Salman khan in his career of 22 years.

Well, it seems finally that Salman khan has decided to do a proper lip lock scene for th 1^st time in career. Yes Salman did share a lip-kiss scene with Actress Asin in their upcoming movie ‘Ready’. For the 1^st time in his 22 years of acting career, Salman Khan will have a lip lock scene and that is with his co-star ‘lucky’ Asin the family image actress from the South India in their upcoming movie ‘Ready’.

Although the Salman Khan’s major hits already came from romantic movies like Maine Pyar Kiya, Saajan, Hum Aapke Hain Kaun etc. he never do any lip-locks as he clearly said time to time that he is not comfortable with any one of them. “On the other hand actress Asin who had a bitter luck with Bollywood post her London Dreams is leaving no stones unturned to make sure that she will turn out as big as she can, as a result she agreed to the concerned kiss”, asked the source. So for the lip-lock to be a strong obsessive one or would be a small peck, we should wait till releases of movie ‘Ready’ on 3rd June