Bollywood Instyle

Nothing succeeds like success, they say in Bollywood. And it is proving true in red-hot Mallika Sherawat’s context. Just one small success to boot in Pyar Ke Side Effects, and this temperamental actress has reportedly doubled her price. Sab TV offered her Rs.1.5 crores (US $325,000) to judge their forthcoming talent show Fame X, but the lady, acting pricey, put in a counter offer of Rs.3 crores (US $750,000). Though negotiations are on with Mallika, the channel is looking for someone more suitable. May be, the Sherawat babe is yet to learn her lessons. As they say in Bollywood, “You are as good as your last performance.” One flop and the pricey Mallika will be looking down the wrong end of the barrel. 

Lovingly known across the Bollywood industry as Jaggu Dada, Jackie Shroff portrays the protagonist in his latest release Bhoot Unkle. He plays the title role in the movie essentially meant for the pre-teen audiences. Having enacted a variety of roles, both as a hero and characters with negative shades, Jaggu Dada says that he owes his life and career to two women. He credits his mother with instilling moral qualities in him. And, it shows in no small measure. The other woman, his first girlfriend, pushed him into opting for a career in Bollywood. His fans will be thanking the lady for doing a favor unto them; otherwise, they would certainly have missed out on an unconventional star that Jackie is.

Bollywood star couple beautiful Ashwarya Rai and debonair Abhishek Bachchan will be seen in a number of movies soon. Their fans couldn’t have asked for more. Said Shyama, a chirpy collegiate, “I am dying to see them both together. I have kept money aside from my pocket allowance to watch all their movies, and buy DVDs later.” That’s the spirit, young lady. Their movies lined up for release are Umrao Jaan, Dhoom 2, Guru, and Sarkar 2. That will be one helluva time for the Bollywood crazy fans. Though not yet confirmed, rumors have it that the much-in-love jodi has just signed a movie under the Yash Raj banner. Keep it up guys, we just can’t have enough of you.

That is what it appears to be. Bollywood matinee idol Karisma Kapoor and hubby Sanjay Kapur are back to where they began. Karisma is back in Mumbai at her mother’s along with her daughter. If the grapevine is to be believed, the reason is irreconcilable differences between the two. Earlier too, both had a public spat that was extensively covered in the print and electronic media. It appears that we will soon be witness to Karisma Kapoor-Sanjay Kapur saga part II.  Sanjay, they say, cannot keep away from pretty girls, while Karisma is being blamed for her obsession to act in Bollywood movies. For the sake of decency, we only hope that the issue is settled amicably between the warring parties, one way or the other. 

Rimi Sen fresh from her Phir Hera Pheri success stepped on the gas when asked about her relationship with Karan Nath. The Bong babe completely denied any chakkar between the two, while the grapevine has it that the two are seeing each other on the sly. Karan Nath - a small timer, having acted in Pagalpan, Tum, and LoC - and Rimi have known each other since long. Rimi appeared surprised when her name was linked to Karan. She said that it was all bunkum. She did not however deny bumping into each other often since they share the same gym. Rimi, we do agree with you Honey. After all, you would not go out of the way to arrange a clandestine meeting at the gym. Would you?

If you are wondering which competition these controversial stars entered together without causing mayhem, let it be known that the occasion was the Annual Donkey Fair in colorful Rajasthan. No offense meant, but two donkeys named after Mika Singh and Rakhi Sawant ran away with the honors of being the best models. The annual event is being organized for the past 500 years at Looniawas village. While Rakhi was awarded the  ‘Mrs.Donkey’ title, Mika bagged the ‘Mr.Donkey’ honor. According to an organizer, Mika and Rakhi impressed the jury with their personality, voice and costume. One wonders if Mika took a cue from his namesake and re-enacted the controversial scene he created with Rakhi. Well, you cannot discount any possibilities with the “re-make” fever in the air.

Wherever this beautiful gal goes, she creates quite a flutter among the onlookers and crowds. But the furor that Katrina Kaif created this time around was quite different than the usual stuff. Katrina’s dress was the center of controversy at the famous Ajmer Dargah during the shooting of Bollywood movie Namaste London. The demur actress was wearing a knee-length dress at the Dargah, which requires women to cover their heads and limbs. Katrina had her head covered, but her dress showed her calves and ankles. Though the Khadims (caretakers) at the Dargah had no objection, the devotees were offended. Producer Vipul Shah has apologized for offending the beliefs of certain sections of the people and has offered to obliterate the scene from the movie, if required. Katrina on the other hand said that she only wore what her director had asked her to. She is one of those few Bollywood actors who like to steer clear of controversy. Sallu Bhai, are ya listening?

If Rang De Basanti is the official Indian entry to the Oscars, having pipped to the post movies such as Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Krrish, and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, then director Vidhu Vinod Chopra has found a way to enter his movie Lage Raho Munna Bhai as an independent entry. On the bidding of his global fans, Vidhu went ahead defying the jury’s decision. He was all praise for the official entry stating that Rang De Basanti was a fabulous film. Had he been in the jury, it would have been tough for him to decide. Taking a cue from Vidhu, we just might see a few more movies from Bollywood entering the Oscars; who knows!
 

Warsaw is dancing to the tunes of Kajra Re from the hit Bollywood movie Bunty Aur Babli. People just cannot take their eyes off the pretty Aishwaria Rai. The graceful Aish has everyone in Poland’s capital rocking to her dance number. So enamored are people by the bollywood movie that they were seen cheering Indian beauty Natasha Suri, though she bowed out of the Miss World pageant in the later stages. Said local fan Karolina Swiastek, who knows some Hindi, “The song is on my mind all the time now. I do hope that Indian contestant Natasha Suri will also one day join Bollywood.” Well, Karolina, your wish will come true soon because the final destination of most beauty contestants is Bollywood.

If Sameera Reddy could do her own stunts in Naksha, how could Esha Deol not be one-up on her! With a lineage comprising gutsy Papa Dharmendra, and rugged step brothers Sunny and Bobby Deol, Esha is out to prove that she has the guts to do the daring stuff. The daring damsel will be seen in the forthcoming movie Cash, which at present is being shot in Cape Town, South Africa. Training under stunt expert John, Esha will be doing some breathtaking stunts like taking a 360-degree spin in her car. Her training stint comprises a daily three-hour grueling schedule before shooting commences. Well, here is a chuck de fatte gal the Deols will be proud of.