The Good, Bad and Ugly: Filmfare Awards 2012

I’m not a Filmfare fan. Not of the magazine and definitely not of the award functions. Well, I’m not a fan of the current Filmfare. Back in day however, I loved the publication. Now however, it lacks substance and even glamour. Far too trashy for my liking. And the award ceremonies? Don’t even get me started. That said, I watch the award ceremony every single year since it happens to be a ritual my mother and I have. She watches to hopefully catch John Abraham, and I, to hate on it. 2012 was no different. I watched and found exactly what I expected: a lot of kissing– ass kissing, air kisses, etc, and farce galore. So here it is then, the good, the bad, the ugly of this year’s Filmfare Awards.

The Good:

Usha Uthup: Star of the Night

• Usha Uthup winning for best playback singer was true justice—finally they got it right. I would have screamed if Shreya Ghosal would have won (read: overrated). But it was her speech which had me choked. She teared and told the audience that this was her first award in 42 years. Well deserved.
• Oh Coke Studio’s tribute to Dev Anand and Shammi Kapoor were amazing. Shaan made my night. But what about Jagjit Singh?
• SRK’s performance with the kids was cute.
• Ranbir Kapoor. Period.
• Okay the whole Kolaveri Di line in the action sequences had me in splits.
• Madhuri Dixit looked phenomenal.

The Bad:

Ex-Rivals?

• My mother claimed that Vidya Balan behaved rather “vulgarly” with her banana giving. Honestly, I didn’t even pick that up. Moms are more observant; mine is at least.
• SRK hit an all time low with his cheap jokes. They weren’t funny. Perhaps this is what happens post two major flops?
• So Priyanka Chopra couldn’t bag any actors to be a part of her swayamwar dance, eh? Explains how she had to make do with Bappi Lahiri as her dulha in the end.
• Did anyone catch Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra linking arms and smiling for the cameras? Spare us girls.
• What was up with Kalki? She looked anorexic.
• All the dances were so overdone; been there done that. Where was Bipasha Basu? She always dances, no?
• What on earth was Akon nominated as Best Male Playback singer for? And then Chammak Challo for best lyrics? That as a joke, right? If not, then why didn’t Tu Mera Hero not get a nomination?
• Abhishek Bachchan looked really lonely. And lost.
• Why do Filmfare insist on showing us the same reactions repeatedly for stars? And whoever did the editing, you clearly have a crush on Parineeti Chopra.

The Queens

The Ugly:

• Erm, SRK and Ranbir Kapoor made really repulsive women. That whole Drag Queen segment was just not pleasing to the eye.
• As usual, Rakhi Sawant.
• Oh, and Shakti Kapoor.
• Apparently an Ali Zafar performance was edited out from the show. Shameful.
• Overall, it was rather tacky especially since Filmfare is considered to be the most “classy” and the “Mother” of all awards in India.

But wait a minute, Shah Rukh Khan walked away devoid of a black lady. Wot? They didn’t create a special category for him? Wow. iShock.

Footnote (2/21): I've been told that it's unfair to blame SRK for the tackiness of the show since it has been written by the likes of Vir Das and others. But I'll say this. For starters, they must have known who the hosts were going to be as most of the jokes were directed at SRK, RK, Ra.One, Don 2 and Rockstar. And let's say they didn't know, well that means that SRK has no power/control over what he depicts on stage. Who are you kidding? This is King Khan we are talking about. SRK was served exactly what he likes; trash, vulgar, cheap one-liners and jokes. If he was unhappy with the script, i.e. he found it too brash, you know he would have created havoc over it. But it didn't happen. Why? Because he likes it this way.  I rest my case.

Is it Ta-Ta, Bye-Bye for Priyanka Chopra?

I think this piece needs a disclaimer before anything else. So here is.

The Disclaimer: I am NOT a Priyanka Chopra hater. Really. Not at all.

That said Piggy Chops is in a bit of a tight spot sadly. She finds herself devoid of actors who are willing to star with her courtesy of her rather iffy ways. Now if we get started, we’ll be here for ages. But in a nutshell, Akshay Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan cannot star with her anymore after both their wives have expressed their discomfort towards her “close proximity” towards the men. In turn, Hrithik Roshan has decided he too will keep afar from Chopra Madam after SRK’s wife, who happens to his Roshan’s wife’s best friend, made it clear she didn’t like PC. Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan have had issues with her for ages now while Abhishek Bachchan chooses to keep his distance from her after some award ceremony song choice hoopla. Saif Ali Khan stays away because of Bebo. Shahid Kapoor, her ex-beau, chooses to keep her far and wide for obvious reasons while Aamir Khan sees no reason to star with her. Lastly, there is Ranbir Kapoor who doesn’t want his pairing with her to go stale and so will not sign anymore films with her. Not for a while at least.

The above actors are considered Bollywood’s A-listers which means she’s left with a handful of unpopular actors to work with. Not exactly a good situation for PC, no?

But fikaar not, Priyanka, you’ve been voted number 69 on Ask Men UK’s Top 99 Women of 2012. P.C. fans rejoice quickly before I absolutely shred this piece of nonsense. Done? Ho gaya? So basically this piece is nothing but a farce because this list also has includes Sunny Leone and Frieda Pinto. Need I say more? But let’s get down into the nitty-gritty’s of it. AskMen UK claim she makes the list because of her talent. Done; that she is. But very quickly, I’d like to remind everyone that the last hit film Priyanka had was back in 2008. Post then, she’s had a string of flops: Kaminey, What’s Your Raashee?, Pyaar Impossible, Anjaana Anjaani, 7 Khoon Maaf and Don 2. Agneepath was all about Hrithik Roshan, Rishi Kapoor and Sanjay Dutt; let’s be honest here.

So Nosy!

And then, they go on to describe her quite aptly, “bee-stung lips, coffee-coloured eyes and voluptuous, hourglass figure…” But hold up, “bee-stung lips?” More like Botox filled courtesy of plastic surgeon Daddy Chopra. And how could they forget to mention her nose job which has completely changed her profile – trust me, I’ve paid very close attention. But all this is fine. It’s the next part which pisses the crap outta me. “Chopra will be exposing a new side of herself to Westerners when she releases an eagerly awaited English-language album later this year.” Uh, okay. I’ve heard her sing and trust me, she is quite average. And if you have to sing because your shampoo bottles claim you're fabulous, no problem, but cut a Hindi album at least! Why do you need to impress the westerners? How many Western artists want to “impress” the East and thus, cut a Hindi album?

Look, I’m not hating; think of this as a reality check for Priyanka Chopra. Basically, the actress needs to shed her “I’m too cool for school” attitude and she’ll be fine. In the meantime, PC has quite a task ahead of her which should begin with finding co-stars. Pronto.

100 Word Review: Rockstar

Rockstar is Ranbir all the way. He encompasses Jordan— a heartbroken, confused, rebellious singer who cannot understand the ways of the famous. It’s love which ultimately brings his downfall. While the first half of the film really stands tall, it’s the second half that makes you lose interest. That said, Ranbir Kapoor puts on a performance par excellence; he scores as Jordan. Nargis is very average and needs a lot of work—acting wise. Imtiaz Ali moves away from love but only slightly. This is not his best film though. Movie of the year? No. Watch only for rocking Ranbir.

The Bollywood Spit Chain!

In Bollywood, the phrase, “What’s yours in mine,” applies in every which way. Sometimes its films; other times, its people. It’s as though our stars love to play Pass the Parcel with regards to the special ones in their lives of course. And so if actress A is seen in the bahon mein of actor B, very shortly after, she can be seen in the arms of actor C too. Growing up in school, we adopted a Spit Chain theory. Via this funda, we were able theoretically determine which of our mates had “swapped spit” unknowingly. When it comes to our Bollywood stars, they happen to be rock stars on screen and even in the chain. While in some instances, the chain can get complicated (read: knotted and how), it is interesting to see how many of our favorite celebs are spittingly connected to one another.

Kareena-Shahid-Bipasha
This one is hot off the press. While Kareena Kapoor’s most grandest performance has been her rendition of Geet in Jab We Met with Shahid Kapur, it was her relationship with her co-star which had tongues a-wagging. However it was very quickly after JWM that their relationship came it an end. The actors then moved on to other people. Bebo found solace in the arms of Saif Ali Khan while Shahid was seen out and about with a bunch of ladies. But more recently, he’s been spotted with love bites courtesy of his latest lady love, one Bipasha Basu. After her breakup with John Abraham, the fate of Bips’ love life was rather misconstrued. However, Shahid and Bipasha, have chosen to keep their newbie relationship on the
down-low…for now at least. And in more recent news, Bips has supposedly moved onto Rana Daggubati. Oh Bips, how quick she moves.

Nitty-Gritty’s: Bipasha and Saif have been said to been seeing each other at one point while Bips and Bebo haven’t seen eye-to-eye on too many occasions.

Karisma-Abhishek-Ash-Salman
Karisma Kapoor and Abhishek Bachchan were the golden couple in Bollywood after they announced their engagement. However, their engagement saw the same fate as their movies together: flop. While Karisma went on to move on from Abhishek to one Delhi industrialist, Bachchan junior found himself gravitating towards a newly singled Aishwarya Rai. She of course, had gotten out of a controversial relationship with Salman Khan and Vivek Oberoi. Very quickly, shading from the media’s glare, they indulged in quite a romantic relationship and soon, found themselves marrying with a baby on the way.

Nitty-Gritty’s: Salman Khan and Karisma Kapoor happen to be incredibly good friends and have starred in a number of hit films together.

Raveena-Shilpa-Akshay-Twinkle (with a pinch of Priyanka)
Back in the nineties, it was Raveena Tandon and Akshay Kumar who were happening in Tinseltown. Their raunchy dance numbers and many films together had people talking and how. Rumors even spoke of a hidden marriage between the two. However, all fell apart with Raveena choosing to marry an industrialist while Akshay moved on to the very svelte Shilpa Shetty. In a hush-hush relationship, they danced to a Chura Ke Dil Mera until overnight Akshay appeared on stage married to Twinkle Khanna. Shilpa became a thing of the past. But it was not all blissful sadly. Twinkle and Akshay appeared to be hunky dory until Priyanka Chopra entered the filmy scene…and Akshay’s life. A sizzling affair between the two began until he was caught red-handed by his wifey and thus, quickly decided to lead a life of ghulaami.

Nitty-Gritty’s: In between Raveena and Shilpa, Akshay was seen out and about with Pooja Batra too.

Ranbir: Sonam-Deepika-Katrina-Nargis and so on...
Now where to start with Ranbir Kapoor’s Spit Chain? His starts far beyond anyone can even remember! As far my Bollywood memory can take me back, he’s been seen smooching nearly every heroine of his. It all started with his first co-star Sonam Kapoor. Now the duo have gone on to say they never had a love relationship. “We grew up together!” they said in unison. And then Ranbir was in a full-fledged pyar with the long legged Deepika Padukone. They were seen everywhere together until she wanted more; shaadi that is. He said, “No!” and waved adios. Moving on swiftly, he found himself in the company of Katrina Kaif. Yet again a round of, “We’re just friends!” happened. We yawned until he grew bored of her and then he was seen chilling on the sets of an upcoming film with newbie costar, Nargis Fakhri.

Nitty-Gritty’s: Supposedly there have been a couple of gals in between. But who’s keeping count?

Emraan Hashmi: He in himself is an institution in the world of The Spit Chain. The actor has swapped saliva with so many actresses, it really is hard to keep track. Thus, the kissing/serial kisser takes the cake and cherry when it comes to The Spit Chain and so, courtesy of Emraan Hashmi, the entire industry has practically kissed on another.

Nitty-Gritty's: Mallika Sherawat claims Hashmi isn't such a fab kisser after all but who believes her....right?

Dodging the Marriage Question!

Ever since I’ve turned 25, my life has been plagued by a single question: “When will you get married?” In all honesty, I never thought I’d be bothered incestuously by this question because in my mind, I had it all planned out. A stable job, a committed relationship followed by marriage. All this by at 26. So the fact that I am actually writing about being pestered to get married says two things: 1) I am clearly older than 25, and 2) my plan failed. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not at all flustered or irritated that my plan didn’t work. In fact, praise the lord it didn’t because I would most likely have married the wrong man and never succumbed to my real passion: writing. Anyway, this is all irrespective. So here I am, loitering between 25 and 30 being told on a daily basis that I should be taking the plunge. Amidst all the nagging and blackmailing, I look to my close friends for solace and comfort. Girls similar to my age who understand the pressures but choose to take in-one-ear and out-the-other attitude simply tell me: “Don’t settle for settling!”

That very statement got me thinking. Ultimately what is the definition of “settling down”? I look at myself as being very settled in life vis-à-vis a secure job, good friends, a solid income, roof over my head and success at a constant pace. Technically, isn’t that being settled? But no. In actuality, the Indian culture insists that 'Settling Down' requires you to be married, change your last name and have a man in your life. And until you can check off each of those criterion, you are pretty much unsettled. But you know what’s the strangest part of this entire scenario? The mere fact that as Indian girls, we are told to never settle. “Never settle for the anything but the best,” we are told whether it’s our grades, a job or a car. And mind you, these material artifacts are temporary while a marriage is theoretically forever. But who can question the numerous contradictions that exist in our society? Forget the fact that it hasn’t changed in eras but who has the energy to sit and explain that times have changed.

So what do you do in such a situation? Instead of sitting and cribbing about it, here's my two-pence at easing your pain. Over a girl's night filled with wine and cheese, a bunch of my girlfriends and I wrote a list of ways to answer, avoid or simply dodge the dreaded marriage conversation.

1) Next time you are asked, “When will you get married?” or the likes of it, answer with the following: “When God puts him in my life.” Who has the audacity to question what God has in store for you? Watch how the questioner simply looks away never to ask you the question again…or for a while at least.

2) If you find yourself stuck in a situation where you’re cornered by your parents, in one of those “come sit with us” moments, we suggest you simply tune out. Think about your upcoming Friday plans. This is the ideal time to plan your outfit and shoes.

3) My personal favorite is when I am asked by my Grandmother, “When will it be your turn?” I simply say to her sweetly (don’t want to upset my cutesy Nani), “I’m ready to marry. In fact I’ve even found the man. Please let know I’m ready.” And after she laughs, I add, “I won’t say a word! I’ll just land up at the temple ready in a designer red sari!” While this is only a temporary dodge, it is more than likely the conversation will move from your wedding to Ranbir Kapoor’s last or upcoming flick.

4) And lastly, when in doubt, quote women who married late in life. I always find myself using Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as a prime example. The lady married at 33 and look at who she got? The very suave and cute Abhishek Bachchan. So who knows!

The lesson here is simple ladies. You will be questioned and how. But if you won’t even settle for a bad haircut, should you settle for just Mr. Alright-Kinda-Sorta?

First published: The Brown Girl Mag

Bollywood Time!

I've been so caught up in "Bleeding Blue" and more recently, following Anna Hazare's mission to ending corruption in India, that I feel like I've forgotten all about one of my other favorite loves: Bollywood! It would be a sad day in my life if I ever did. But no, my dearest Bollywood, I have not forgotten you. In fact, I've missed you heaps. So to myself back in filmy mode, I decided to countdown the top 10 pieces of Bollywood information (read: gossip), that is making the rounds this week. And considering that I've been out of it for a bit, this may actually enlighten me as much as you!

10. IPL Nights!: Well, of course I had to bring something cricket related into this post. Alright so it's pretty indirect but word has it that this year's IPL after parties will be filled with heaps of glamour as usual. However, this time, it will be Bollywood babes that will be rocking the parties. Man, all I want is to attend one! Just to see what all the hype is all about. Of course, you'll see the familiars, Preity Zinta and Shilpa Shetty, but expect more pretty Bollywood babes to be present.

9. Bips' Text Mess Up!: Bipasha Basu can sit on her pretty butt neither denying or accepting her break up with hottie John Abraham but hello, we aren't fools. So the actress apparently sent out an SMS to friends claiming that not only was she single but "being single was great!" And when the press got a hold of this information, her publicist came out with a boring reason claiming her phone was stolen blah, blah. Sure Bips.

8. Mallika in Vienna: So check this out. For the Romy Awards in Vienna (who and what are those?), no other actor from the industry was invited EXCEPT apni Mallika Sherawat. Needless to say, she's over the moon creating quite the fuss about it. She is apparently excited to meet European designers and filmmakers. And what will she do with them? Make dal? Ciao Mallika.

7. Saif's Tattoo Disappears: The dude swore he'd never remove the tattoo. "Yeh tune kya kiya Saifu?" I'm pretty sure OTT Kareena Kapoor asked her beau Saif Ali Khan that very question especially since the grapevines are abuzz with news of Saifu's tattoo mysteriously disappearing. Where and why it has gone, well, we'll have to wait to find out. Is this a sign of trouble brewing in Saifeena land?

6. Ranveer and Anushka Drama: I wish she would pick up a darned flower and pluck the petals off them saying, "He loves me, he loves me not." Maybe, just maybe, Anushka Sharma would figure out her feelings for Ranveer Singh. Uske baad, can they admit it, get a room and be done with it? Yet again, the duo are out talking about their admiration for one another. When young Singh was questioned as to whether he blew flying kisses at Priyanka Chopra during an event (totally different story we'll save for another time), he was saved by his ladylove who went on to defend him. Like I said, get a room guys.

5. Hazare Gets Support from Btown: Please crawl out from under your rock if you don't know Anna Hazare. The man who is fasting in order to pass a bill which will control corruption in India is receiving heaps of support from Bollywood stars. From Anupam Kher, who even turned up to speak publicly in Delhi, to Diya Mirza, Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra and Sonakshi Sinha, each of the stars have decided they will support his cause in order to better India. Kudos celebs, it's always great to get out and use your star power for the greater good.

4. Bad Boy Shiney: So Shiney Ahuja has been put away for seven years and now, co-star Sayali Bhagat has come out to claim that apparently, he tried very hard to get too close for comfort with her during a shoot. While there are some odd claims of Ahuja apparently disappearing with a 17-year-old extra from the film one night, this sure does shed some light to his rather tacky imbecile behavior. You've been a bad boy Shiney!

3. Sush on a Break: I love Sushmita Sen. But her claim that she is, "on a break from films" is rather sad because erm...we haven't seen her in anything substantial in a while anyway. Wasn't she already on a break phir? Right now, she claims, she isn't working on anything but her I AM foundation which she plans to expand and of course, she has her hands busy playing mom to two pretty girls. Sigh. I miss her already.

2. Ricky Bahl is John Tucker: Okay what are these people talking about? Of course, Ladies v/s Ricky Bahl is a copy of John Tucker Must Die. Not only does the premise sound like a ditto copy but hello, it gives off the same vibe too. The cast and crew are hell bent on telling us that it really isn't but we know better. If it smells and look like it, it is.

1. Ranbir, Ranbir: Apparently, he has called it off with Katrina Kaif and Nargis, his alleged newer link up, has moved on to one Shayan Munshi. Ranbir Kapoor is all about breaking hearts but Katrina has found herself mending her dil in London. The poor lass found herself falling into some serious depression after Kapoor let her know that uh, yeah, marriage isn't happening. Drats! And with that her parents said, "Come to London!" So off she went. Friends claim she is simply miserable that despite being so beautiful, two of India's biggest stars, Salman Khan and Ranbir Kapoor, have refused to marry her. Aw, Kats!

Okay, it's a wrap! Believe me, I have been Bollywood-Enlightened. Found myself sitting and feeling very satisfied with my rendezvous with Bollywood for tonight. Can't take the Bollywood outta me, that's for sure!

Back and how!

I do apologize for being away for so long. After my slight break, I found myself the shikar of a bad throat viral which is not fun. But I'm back and rocking as usual. Lots going on in Bollywood - so its time for quick one liners I believe!

Reema Kagti's next will feature Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Rani Mukherjee! Excited yet?

Sonam Kapoor and Deepika Padukone are officially down in Rishi Kapoor's bad books after they both went on to call his son and their co-star Ranbir Kapoor, "unstylish" and "unfaithful" respectively. Yikes!

Manisha Koirala went on to claim she had "divorce on her mind" on Facebook after a spat with her husband and is now apparently living with her parents. Uh-oh!

Yana Gupta was spotted without any underwear roaming in Mumbai and while she has been fined in the city, a number of European magazines want her to pose naked for heaps of dough. Great! She has more money to buy underwear.

Guzaarish is out and while the film hasn't managed to do too well at the box office, Hrithik Roshan has walked away with accolades galore. Salman Khan however, has been heard taking pot shots at film claiming not even a "dog" has gone to see Guzaarish. So much gussa towards old pal Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Salman Bhai?

Can Sonakshi Sinha do it without Salman Khan? Karan Johar is asking himself this very question since he is keen on signing on Sonakshi for a film. Her answer, "Of course I can!"

Imran Khan claims he loves the chocolate boy title but is need of more experimental films. Right.

Apparently, Ranbir Kapoor is still love with ex-flame Deepika Padukone and has been seen hanging around her building asking the security guard to let him go on up to her apartment.

Imran + Ranbir...KWK draws closer!

It's nearly that time of the week again when Koffee with Karan will take over your television screen for all of one hour. This week, its Ranbir Kapoor and Imran Khan who come together to create sparks. And you can be darn sure the duo are going to do just that!

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RK and IK on KWK!!

While Aish and Abhishek failed to WOW me on the opening episode of Koffee with Karan Season 3, (she giggled too much and he wasn't as fun as I thought he would be) I am convinced my favorite fella Ranbir Kapoor and not-so favorite Imran Khan will be far more entertaining. Between the two of them, they always manage to kick up a roar and one can only imagine the amount of mayhem they are going to cause on the show next week. Excited? Take a peek!

Koffee with Karan: Teaser and Details!

While Koffee with Karan, in my opinion, is just a number of stars sucking up to Karan Johar and vice versa, it doesn't fail to entertain. And despite the fact that it is not my favorite chat show (On the Couch with Koel, zindabad!), I will be catching every episode of season 3 because of the incredible jodi's that will join KJo on his couch for a cuppa joe. The episodes couples will include a directors special featuring Raj Kumar Hirani, Imtiaz Ali and Farah Khan while a separate episode will finally bring together the Devgns: Ajay and Kajol. Of course, Shah Rukh Khan will be seen with Gauri but in addition, Aamir will feature with his wifey Kiran Rao all in time for Dhobi Ghat. Then we will have a heartthrob episode which will bring buddies, Imran Khan and Ranbir Kapoor - hubba hubba! And then, rivals-now-friends Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor will grace the couch. Of course, Karan has gone on to say that the boys are not rivals, and if they are, they are the "coolest rivals" he's ever seen. Touche. As for the girls, they were apparently super "relaxed" with one another. But first up, Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The couple apparently talk all things about their marriage and their grand wedding. Check out the teaser below!

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Ranbir to be a Mamu!!

Ranbir Kapoor could be anything and he'd rock. He's a terrific son, a fantastic brother, a great costar his leading ladies have said, and a fab actor. Now imagine him as an uncle? Ranbir is on his way to becoming a mamu and the actor is over the moon. On the flip side, father to Riddhima Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor is slightly unsure of how he should react to the grand news. However, Neetu Kapoor is ecstatic and has been rushing to Delhi, where her daughter is based, at every instance she finds to pamper her daughter.

The to-be-mother is busy shopping in London for her new baby and upon her return, the families will decide on the logistics of how and where the baby should be born. Needless to say, the family is super excited for the addition that will come in March of 2011. Will it be another Ranbir? Time will tell!

*Yawn* Gossip!

Bollywood is a strange world. And gossip that comes out of it daily can be sensational and sometimes even monotonous; read: same old. So what are those pieces of gossip that we hear repeatedly without them going stale? Check it out!


She's Pregnant!
Any actress that is married and is yet to conceive, finds herself in the midst of this major piece of gossip. All it takes is one sighting, one walk down the ramp or the fact that she is glowing, and boom, she is almost immediately pregnant. And for all you know, the actress may have just put on a teeny-tiny bit of weight but really that is not allowed! And so she must be pregnant.
Case Study: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan finds herself in the center of this particular one!

It's Over!
Yeah, the best of couples have had to endure this piece of gossip: the split story. They can be as honest and open about their relationship but they will no doubt be split up by the media for whatever reason. It can be another man or women, the fact that they haven't been seen together in a while or are seen in the presence of another star and badda-bing, the superstar and starlette are over!
Case Study: Priyanka Chopra and Shahid Kapoor are nonstop in the news for their alleged break ups.

Nip/Tuck
They've all done a bit but admit it? Hell no! That would be so wrong. So we hear rumors of too much botox on a prominent PZ and the nose job of one SS followed by the boob job of the very sexy BB. And when they get caught, they come out with fab excuses which they expect us to buy.
Case Study: Recently Salman Khan apparently got his under eye bags surgically removed; he claims its a mere scratch.

Saath-Saath
When news of break ups come, then news of new hook ups are always popping up. The minute a celebrity finds themselves in the "single" zone, the media takes it upon themselves to play matchmaker. And then they common statement that is seen in tabloids all over include "X and Y are rumored to be..." Fill in the blanks yourself!
Case Study: Sonam Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor, Punit Malhotra, Abhay Deol...

B*tch Fights
The actresses deny it and the media insists it happens. If they do or not, only the actresses will be able to tell you. Nowadays they all claim they are thorough professionals and get along with one another. And if they don't, well, they certainly are doing a helluva a job acting like they dote on one another.
Case Study: Once rivals, Kareena Kapoor and Bipasha Basu, have apparently made peace now with one another.

Anjaana Anjaani: 108 Word Review

Akash and Kiara – total strangers: tired of life and ready to commit suicide but find each other and decide to give their lives 20 days. During that time they fall in love but Kiara chooses not to accept it. They find reason to live and realize it only in the end. Improbable plot and definitely not a romantic saga but one that makes you think. Slowish first half followed by a fun and emotional second half.  Ranbir is fantastic and underplays Akash; Priyanka is slightly bipolar is as hot as she gets. Great music by Vishal and Shekhar. Interesting message about love, life, reasons to live between strangers.

Waiting for my Anjaana!

I had absolutely zero expectations of Anjaana Anjaani. In fact, I had heard through the grapevines that people on the set too believed this film was a dud and should be avoided. So why I trekked to watch the film was simply because of my undying love and loyalty for Ranbir Kapoor. But two things happened. Firstly, it wasn't me that came to the film, but the film that came to me and secondly, the universe (read: I believe in metaphysics) realized the need for me to watch this film. So the film is basically about two people, who believe their lives have no meaning anymore and so, get on a bridge to kill themselves. They meet and realize they have business to finish after their numerous suicide attempts fail. Collaboratively, they decide that they would finish whatever they need to before they make a pact to end their live on New Years Eve. They get out their bucket lists and in the process fall in love. Of course, there is a happy ending and they live.

Basically, life hasn't been exactly kind to me. It's been hard and I've had to deal with one roadblock after the other. I won't lie, I've had my moments where I've questioned my need to live. Although I have never come close to jumping off a bridge, or drinking bleach ala Priyanka Chopra. Nevertheless, life can get gosh darn hard and amidst the chaos, one does tend to lose faith in everything including love. Welcome to Roshni-Land; a place where love seems to shy and run away. I've had my share of love but more now than ever, I'd lost faith and now, even interest in the L-word. I think I've just gotten tired of getting to know someone, the emotions, the attachment, then the issues, the detachment, the break up. It felt so monotonous and tiresome. I came to a point where it just felt unnecessary and thus, I gave up. Until today.

Anjaana Anjaani came along and taught me some awesome lessons. I'm not sure if Siddharth Anand intended to have an underlying message in his film but I took away a bunch. For starters, nothing, and I mean nothing or no one is worth throwing your life away for. And I mean "throw away" in many ways. It's not worth jumping off a bridge, giving up a dream or even shutting your door to love. There is always someone who needs you and yes, as much as you believe your death would affect no one, it definitely will. And in ways you probably wouldn't realize. More importantly, what if life was about to begin? How would you know? You didn't even give it a chance to happen. There is this quote I remembered, "Life is happening". It sure is! And I've never been more excited for life like I am now!

Secondly, as much as love is hard; hard to find and maintain, it is the best feeling in the world. And the tag line for the film is totally correct, "The greatest love stories happen between strangers". This means, that the person you're meant to be with is out there. And it seems kinda exciting actually; waiting for some stranger to appear, strike a chord and possibly indulge in a love story. Who knows what adventures you could have together...perhaps even the one Akash (Ranbir Kapoor) and Kiara (Priyanka Chopra) managed to have. Look, I know I ain't getting no Ranbir Kapoor but a girl can dream... and wait. It will happen but only when it's meant to. And until then, I'm more than willing to wait for my Anjaana!

P.S. In some odd way, Anjaana Anjaani proved to be a liberating experience; best 2 1/2 hours of 2010 in some ways!

GQ Awards 2010!!

So John Travolta is on a month long holiday in India and was also at the recently held GQ Man of the Year Awards this year. He presented the Icon of the Year award to Aamir Khan and himself was the recipient of the Legend of the Year award which he was presented by none other than Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Apparently, the Hollywood star was seated next to the Bachchans simply because he insisted that a) he get the opportunity to bond with Ash and b) was given the award by the ex-Miss World. So much did he like Ash that he is said to be "bowled over by her". *giggle giggle in Ash style*

Coming back to the GQ Awards, check out some of the other winners:

Most Stylish Man award – Arjun Rampal
Excellence award – Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
Lifetime Achievement award – Naseeruddin Shah
Producer of the year – Karan Johar
Woman of the year – Priyanka Chopra
Actor of the year (presented by Chivas) – Ranbir Kapoor
Cinematic icon award – Aamir Khan

Surprisingly, Aamir turned up to the event that was hosted by the uber cute Rahul Khanna. Check out some pics!! The boys definitely looked hot!! The ladies...meh!

Ranbir Kapoor: The Future of Hindi Cinema!

Ranbir Kapoor is easily the face of Hindi cinema. Young, youthful and thankfully, experimental, his career thus far has ranged from boy-next-door to lazy-spoilt-rich-kid and even call-center-Sardar. In each of these avatars, he has managed to impress while simaltaneously proved that he is capable of anything. Sellable and a youth icon, he is the heart throb of the nation as women of all ages swoon at the young Kapoor's feet. Recently, the actor, who has been out and about promoting his upcoming film Anjaana Anjaani was seen on a number of reality shows on which he danced (and how!), encouraged new talent and entertained.

Known for being a complete mama's boy, in the past, he found himself breaking up with ex-beau Deepika Padukone over reasons that are unknown to us, but you can pretty much be sure it was courtesy of mother Neetu Singh who never really approved for the southern beauty. Father Rishi Kapoor is all ready to take his son overseas and show him off to the world in his first world tour.

Despite being an actor who hails from one of the most prominent film families in the industry and being son to the most loved couple in Bollywood, the young actor holds no starry airs about himself and is always keen to indulge in requests from his fans.

Check him out as he totally rocks and dances like never before on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa!!

What's Hot, What's Not!

Bollywood has its moments. Some news can be so hot, its too hot to touch. And other days, it is is just plain not. Check it out!

What's Hot!

Ranbir going on his first world tour in 2011!

Salman Khan back on Twitter after a brief break.

Priyanka Chopra dancing on the streets for Ganesh Visarajan!

Bollywood celebs expressing his views on the Common Wealth Games

Aamir Khan's Peepli [Live] is India's official entry to the Oscars.

What's Not!

The first look of Guzaarish - so blah!

Shah Rukh Khan creating havoc for his neighbors

Mallaika Arora Khan exposing her assets at a party - very unclassy

Lollywood (Pakistan's film industry) blaming Bollywood for its decline

Ranbir Kapoor: Ultimate Youth Icon!

Realizing this very fact, that Ranbir Kapoor is the ultimate youth icon in India, Eros took on his advice to postpone Anjaana Anjaani by a week simply because September 24th, 2010 would mark the day that the Babri Masjid case would finally deliver their final verdict. Ranbir was heard saying at a press conference that since security would be beefed up, it would make more sense to postpone the film and moreso because it was such an emotional day for India; releasing a film would be plain incorrect. Initially, the comment was not seen in the best of lights by producer Sajid Nadiadwala but eventually took on his emotional and practical advice. The film has officially moved to October 1st.

Good news or bad, I'm not sure. While from an emotional standpoint, Ranbir scores brownie points with the youth, Anjaana Anjaani releasing on the 1st of October means it will clash with Robot (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Rajnikant) as well as Aakrosh (Ajay Devgn, Akshaye Khanna, Bipasha Basu).

We'll wait and see!

The Next 6 Months in Bollywood...

We are half way into the year and Lord knows where has gone. And yes, lots has happened in Bollywood. Rajneeti has been declared hit of the year; Udaan has received critical acclaim and how; Tere Bin Laden has been deemed sleeper hit of the year and I actually enjoyed an Akshay Kumar film. Yes, I thought Khatta Meetha was pretty entertaining. Don't tell anyone I said that though. Okay so what's coming up for the next six months? Check it out!

Aisha: Yes, Sonam Kapoor's slated next week film is all ready to rock n roll. But which will it do? Rock or make you roll out of the cinema?

Peepli [Live]: Super excited for this Aamir Khan Production satire film based on farmers. And you know its good when A.K. agrees to produce it!

Lafangey Parindey: Missing Neil Nitin Mukesh? No? Maybe Deepika Padukone? How about them together. She plays a blind girl and he, a goon.

Dabbang: Oh Salman Khan in an action film gives me butterflies! Exciting and fun. Can't wait for the dishooms and the dshkyun's!

We Are Family: I'm not sure about this one. But if you're a fan of any of the following: Arjun Rampal, Kajol, Kareena Kapoor or Karan Johar, then this is your flick.

Rakta Charitra: Ram Gopal Verma and Vivek Oberoi. Need I say more?

Anjaana Anjaani: As much as I adore Ranbir Kapoor, I worry about him in Dharma films. Oh yeah, he pairs up with Priyanka Chopra for the first time in this one.

Action Replay: Akshay Kumar and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan go back and forth in time with this one. Not sure what to say except, eeks!

Golmaal 3: Fun fun fun! Yes, the boys and Kareena Kapoor are back to entertain you yet again! woohoo!

No Problem: Well the star cast is certainly makes you wonder if director Aneesh Bazmee did have any problems: Anil Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, Bipasha Basu, Kangna Ranaut, Neetu Chandra, Paresh Rawal, Sushmita Sen!

Guzaarish: It's Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan back with a bang in a film that sees Roshan sporting a rather odd hairstyle. 

Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey: It's Deepika Padukone and Abhishek Bachchan in this period film. National Award for him? Time will tell.

No One Killed Jessica: Rani Mukherjee and Vidya Balan team up for this murder mystery. Gotta hand it to Rani for trying yet again to revive her career. Kudos girl!

Tees Maar Khan: I don't like Farah Khan films. But I'll watch TMK for the much talked about item number Katrina Kaif will be a part of. 


So there you have it, the biggies of 2010. Much to watch and even more to talk about! Woohoo!

Kapoor Khandan Update

Check it out. Apparently, after basking in the success of Slumdog Millionaire. Of course you are, Slumdog is plain boring now. Come to think of it, I never really understood why there was so much hoopla over it anyway. Read: boring and over rated.

Oh and another Kapoor close to Anil, Sonam that is, has rejected her co-stars, Abhay, Imran and Ranbir as potential life partners. She may be a fashionista but the actress is not afraid to let her co-stars know that they really don't fit the bill. "I would never date a guy who works in films like me. We would then end up discussing movies most of the time and that would get boring eventually. Also, if he works in films, he would remind me of my dad!" she was heard saying.

And when it came to her co-stars, she went on to claim, "They are not my kind. I want someone who is intelligent and caring." Wow. Is she implying that the likes of Abhay, Imran and Ranbir are not smart or sweet?