Shilpa Shetty 'shines' on Vogue cover this month
"Kabhi kabhi jeetne ke liye kuch haarna bhi padta hai ....aur haarkar jeetne walon ko Baazigar kehte hain"
If you were to guess the name of the cover girl of the latest edition of Vogue, the above line would definitely make sense. Not just for the reason that it's from her debut film but also because it suits her more than to anyone else this season. With her IPL team Rajasthan Royals' not making it to the finals, Shilpa Shetty did face a defeat recently. But, not the one to sob, Shilpa is raring to go and how! She can be seen sizzling while looking her curvaceous best on the cover of the recent edition of Vogue.
If the title 'The Business of being Shilpa Shetty' is anything to go by, then, it's totally needless to say that the story angle is surely tilting to more of Shilpa - the businesswoman as compared to Shilpa - the actress. Validating this is none other than her 'Prince Charming' Raj Kundra, who says "I saw the international appeal Shilpa had and suggested she make a brand of herself. She's taken to business like a fish to water. I call her India's Martha Stewart".
While talking about the change in her life, Shilpa says, "I like the idea of reinventing myself, of moulding and enhancing one's personality...I am not someone you would call a conventional beauty". To read more about Shilpa - the businesswoman, pick up the latest copy of Vogue.
Dharmendra and Sohail Khan grace Ahana Deol's debut fashion preview
Dharmendra and Sohail Khan grace Ahana Deol's debut fashion preview
Racist attacks in Australia a shame, says Aamir Khan
New Delhi, June 1 (IANS) Bollywood star Aamir Khan has called the attacks on Indians in Australia "a shame", a couple of days after megastar Amitabh Bachchan turned down the offer of an honorary degree from an Australian university in the wake of the attacks.
"(It is) most disturbing to hear about racist attacks on Indians living in Australia. Quite a shame," Aamir stated on his blog www.aamirkhan.com.
The actor, who has just returned from a two-month sabbatical with his kids, feels it calls for immediate action.
"While this doesn't mean that all Australians are racists, the frequency and seriousness of such attacks I think calls for an extraordinary reaction from the Australian authorities. And while we want action to be taken by authorities in Australia, we should remember all the crimes against foreigners who visit India," he added.
Aamir's reaction came after news of Shravan Kumar, an automobile engineering student from Andhra Pradesh, being attacked by two youths in Melbourne was splashed all over, inviting a lot of people to debate on the safety of Indian students in Australia.
"Let us hope and pray that Shravan recovers soon," said Aamir.
There has been a spate of attacks on Indian students in Sydney and Melbourne, including at least three serious attacks.
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Aligarh, May 27 (IANS) Oscar winning composer A.R. Rahman will be conferred an honorary doctorate by Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
Rahman shot to international fame with his compositions in Danny Boyle's underdog drama "Slumdog Millionaire" and won two golden statuettes for that.
Apart from Rahman, Gopichand Narang, former president of Sahitya Academy, would also be conferred an honorary doctorate at a convocation June 7, said a press release from AMU.
West Bengal governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi will be the chief guest at the 59th annual convocation function. AMU chancellor, A.M. Ahmadi, also former chief justice of India, will preside over the annual event.
'Katrina Kaif' Barbie at Bloomingdale in New York
They say 'For every Taj Mahal, there's a Qutub Minar, and for every India Gate, there's a Gateway of India'. Likewise, for every Madam Tussauds museum, there's a Bloomingdale. If the name doesn't register (read 'ring a bell') in your mind, then, trust us that it soon will. For starters, Bloomingdale is the official domain for the world famous Barbie Doll and that it even has a museum dedicated to the same!
And the desi touch to this videsi story is that our very own Katrina Kaif, who, after being recently chosen as the 'Indian face' of Barbie Doll' will now be seen moulded into Barbie, the world's famous doll. An excited Katrina said that the customized Barbie that's being made for the American museum will just be like her. With this, Kats joins the likes of international celebrities like Beyonce Knowles and Diana Ross, no less.
With so much going for this young actress, one wonders what she would be honoured with next. Any guesses?
Karisma, Kareena to open Salman Khan's Dus Ka Dum 2
New Delhi, Bollywood sisters Karisma and Kareena Kapoor will kick off the second season of Salman Khan-hosted quiz show 'Dus Ka Dum', which will go on air Saturday on Sony channel.
According to a source from the unit, on the show Salman points out the contrast between Karisma and Kareena's personalities.
'Salman said, 'If Karisma was not an actress she would have been a nun',' said the source in a press statement.
While Karisma teamed up with Salman in films like 'Andaaz Apna Apna', 'Jeet', 'Dulhan Hum Le Jaayenge' apart from others, Kareena did 'Kyon Ki...' with him and their next film together is 'Mr. & Mrs.Khanna'.
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Star or struggler - Mumbai addresses reveal all
Mumbai, If you’re in India’s entertainment capital and in showbiz too, then it’s not hard to tell whether you are a Bollywood celebrity or a television actor or a struggler - just by knowing which part of town you live in.
While stars can afford to live in the posh lanes of Bandra and Juhu, the amateurs share cheaper rented apartments in Oshiwara and Lonkhandwala in Andheri West.
“Most of the established celebrities stay in areas like Bandra, Vile Parle and Juhu because these are posh areas. While upcoming actors prefer Lokhandwala, strugglers, TV and small-time movie actors hub around Oshiwara,” Divakar Shetty of D.S. Estates told IANS.
Added Suresh Wadhwani of Sunville Agencies: “But the star presence in Bandra is only restricted till Carter Road and Pali Hill and not beyond that.”
Superstars like Shah Rukh Khan, Dilip Kumar (Pali Hill), Salman (Galaxy Apartments, Bandstand), Jackie, Sanjay Dutt etc stay in Bandra, “which is the highest priced place in Mumbai, both on lease and outright sale because of its star value and prime location,” said Shetty.
Other big names like Dharmendra, Jeetendra, Dev Anand and Mahesh Bhatt live in Santa Cruz and Juhu.
While Shetty has had a clientele of celebrities like Aishwarya Rai, Salman Khan, Jackie Shroff and singer Shaan, Wadhwani has helped finalise deals for John Abraham, Sarika who recently moved here and artists from Balaji Telefilms.
Shetty says actors’ house preference is influenced by the traffic status.
“Celebrities avoid south Mumbai. Lokhandwala is in fact becoming a new place where stars are moving in because it’s close to the main road (SV Road), making it accessible to different studios. Asin (Thottumkal of ‘Ghajini’ fame) recently bought a flat there (Green Acres). Sridevi already lives there among others,” he said.
Wadhwani told IANS: “Most of the industry is located in west Mumbai, especially the Mhada colony, SVP Nagar, therefore celebrities prefer Lokhandwala because it’s spacious, upcoming and in close vicinity of studios. Even hi-fi builders like the Oberois etc are coming up with independent penthouses there.
“Newcomers prefer Andheri West because of its close proximity to various production and editing houses. These areas also have multiple recruitment agencies and offices as well as a lot of dancing and acting schools.”
Stars like John Abraham and Bipasha Basu also have their flats in Andheri West. Other areas that suit the pockets of newcomers are Malad West, Jogeshwari and Goregaon, said Abhishek Jain, an upcoming actor.
Shahrukh Khan apologizes to Aishwarya Rai at Karan Johar's party
Karan Johar’s birthday party puts an end to Shahrukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s dushmani. They came, attended the party and became friends thereby putting an end to the year’s long rivalry. The two has been sharing a bitter relationship from the days of ‘Chalte Chalte’ after King Khan dropped Ash and signed Rani Mukherjee. Their relationship further damaged when SRK and his family were not invited to Ash-Abhi’s wedding.
Their relationship finally came to an end after SRK passed unceremonious comment against Aishwarya during Katrina’s birthday bash. After that very event, the Bachchan family had almost cut ties with Shahrukh. On Monday night, when Shahrukh with family and Ash with hubby Abhishek came across, SRK extended olive branch to Ash and apologized to her for the wrong.
A source gives an inside details of the happening, “A few minutes into the conversation with Ash, SRK apologized to her.” He said, ‘I think I owe you an apology because in some way I have wronged you.” Then what after the patch-up, the Bachchans and the Khans set the dance floor on fire, they danced, chatted and had fun the entire night.
Adeel Hashmi
An offspring of a creative family, Adeel Hashmi has carved his own space in the media industry in
Adeel's productions are considered to be "hutt ke", or atypical of the usual commercial formula productions that have become the norm on South Asian TV channels.
Adeel shares stories about his own life as well as his views on the state of media in
Tell us a little bit about where you grew up, education and family?
I grew up in an old part of
There were old and big houses, with tall trees in every garden, everyone knew everyone else. All the neighbors' kids were our best pals. We grew up among two dozen friends of all ages. We played cricket, hockey, football, stone fighting, hide and seek, water fights, dark room, cards, monopoly, God knows what not. It was a dream childhood. Looking at kids today, it seems like I grew up in a dream. Yes, it was a dream childhood. Those were innocent times. There were hardly any cars. I don't remember if our main gate was ever locked, even at night. Nobody felt the need. We didn't even have walls around the houses, we only had bushes. It says so much about those times.
After finishing school in
My mother worked for the Pakistan Television for 40 years. She's retired recently and still continues a prestigious career in the media, traveling, lecturing, chairing international conferences etc. My father is a practicing psychologist, and my brother is a psychiatrist and lives and works for a big hospital in
Ali Saleem aka Begum Nawazish
Q: How do you manage to rope in such hot-shot personalities to appear on your show?
A: Initially, it was not difficult at all because my very first guest was Makhdoom Amin Fahim, whom I had known for quite some time. Hence, other politcians also agreed to come on my show. After a few episodes went on air, the show became really popular, and it became easier to rope in high-profile guests. Now a lot of people call in themselves and say, "Do you want us in the show?"
Most of our guests are politicians belonging to opposition parties, who are always looking for an opportunity through which they can communicate with the people and put their viewpoint across. When they come, they talk about more than just politics. I wouldn't really call it a conspiracy, but I feel in the past few years, there has been a systematic effort to tarnish the image of politicans in Pakistan. A lot of people do not want to hear about politics anymore. And because this programme has a certain touch of humour and fun and is entertaining, it has attracted people to watch the show and made politicians eager to come on it.
Q: Are there any personalities who have declined to come on your show?
A: There have been quite a few. Every person has a right to refuse, I have been asked to give various interviews and have refused. I don't hold it against them. If I invite somebody, that is my way of showing them respect. The people I invite are people whom our viewers want to listen to. But if they refuse to come, like Imran Khan and Ghinwa Bhutto, they have their reasons, and I believe that people's choices have to be respected.
Q: You are often outrageous, especially with your male guests. Does it ever lead to awkwardness on the sets or a reprimand from them?
A: Never, ever! Most of my guests have played along and have enjoyed it. There are some very serious things said between the lines in my monologues. Yet, it's all presented as a sugar-coated pill. Therefore, there has been no backlash since day one.
Q: How do you make the more conservative, reserved guests in your show become more forthcoming?
A: 'Conservative' people would probably not agree to appear on my show. All the people who come have seen the show and have some idea as to what they are going to be subjected to. So, they are prepared for the flirtation and outrageousness. And it is this very outrageousness and flirtatiousness, that disarms even the most introverted.
Face Off with Adnan Siddiqui
Actors bring to mind a degenerate breed, who can do anything that shock you. Because everything about their lifestyle is meant to be shocking, so you kind of get blasé and immunized about it all.But meeting Adnan Siddiqui is like a collapse of all these illusions and preconceived notions about actors as hangin-loose dudes all about wine and women. I was completely thrown off-guard when Adnan took off on a completely different tangent from what actors were supposed to (in my limited knowledge) and revealed his true side to me.
Who is Adnan Siddiqui?
Adnan Siddiqui is somebody who owes his life to a lot of people-people who have taken him from zero to hero! It could be Ghazanfar Ali, Shahzad Nawaz or Fifi Haroon. These were all the people who made me what I am today. I am not just a name but somebody's creation and I take great pride in honoring them for if it hadn't been for them, there would have been no me too.
How many years have you been in this field?
Long time, I should say! I came in '89 so it has been sixteen years that since I am and I suppose I have earned a lot too! A lot of fame and fortune and I feel that God has really been kind to me. I have been bestowed with a lot. I have been successful in whatever I have done, be it be acting, modeling or styling.
Doesn't this make you the jack-of-all-trades as well as the master of all?
Oh.. My God! Now you are certainly using big words for me. I am not a master of all. I am just Adnan, a model turned actor and finally a hair stylist!
A hair stylist with a difference?
A hair stylist who is determined to make a difference in the society, provide the world with new perspective, and who is motivated to strike the right balance between his hundred worlds.
How many dramas have you done so far? Must be in the zillions?
Quite a few. I did Uroosa the a long play by Anwar Maqsood, I did Pal do Pal with Nadia Khan and Nadaan Nadia with Babra Sharif, Mehndi - All big banner serials, And I had a lot of fun doing them.
Fakhir is no doubt the sizzling latest pop sensation of
Fakhir is no doubt the sizzling latest pop sensation of Pakistan. With the debut solo album Aatish a massive hit, he is on a high. These days the Dilruba guy is busy working on his new album besides doing innumerable concerts and world tours.
Tell us about your career?
I started my careers in early 90’s in Awaz, where I remained for more than seven years. I used to compose and arrange the songs. Then I left Awaz and started my own work. In 2000, I came up with my first solo track, Dil Na Lage. In Awaz days too, I sang a couple of songs like Jane Kon THi Haseena, Dhund and Ae Jawan. After the success of my first song, I came with the my first album Aatish..
Why you left Awaz?
I was always a singer, the person who doesn’t sing much can’t be said that he can’t sing at all. But I was mainly a composer and arranger there. Then I decided to churn out my own music and I left Awaz.
Tell us about your first album Aatish?
The album is all pop, but it has got its ethnic roots, it is really very melodic, sweet and earthy. Though I have used western instruments but the treatment is all earthy and the end result is really very fresh music that is coming out. In total there are 10 songs in which some of the tracks are upbeat while all of them are melody oriented.
What made you go on to make Aatish?
Dil Na Lage was my first song that instantly got fame and was termed as the best song of 2000. This gave me courage to experiment and work on original themes. Kabhi Kabhi Pyar Mein and Dil Ruba and that took people by storm. Finally all these songs gave me courage to work on my original goal and I came with a completely different album.
How you feel after the success of Aatish?
With Aatish in the market, I am satisfied with my solo career. I am enjoying the same that I used to enjoy while been in Awaz. As up till and until your creativity process doesn’t stop, you keep on enjoying.
If we ask you to dedicate this album to someone, to whom you would like to dedicate?
Aatish is my first love. I have put my heart, faith and all the energies I have. It’s the cull of my life. I would like to dedicate this album to those who love to live and live to love.
Interview with Imran Abbas
"l think I made the transition from a model to an actor at the right time. Male models who have stuck to modelling are now gradually fading away. I don't know what other alternatives they have because it's too late for them to start acting now," says Imran Abbas candidly while stretching his legs comfortably on a sofa on a Sunday afternoon in Karachi.
Imran was the proverbial boy-next-door who had no idea that his first shoot with Khawar Riaz would catapult him to fame and popularity within a very short span of time. Everything fell in place perfectly and with it some bankable acting assignments also started coming his way, bringing him the opportunity to display his capabilities as an actor.
So was it a lack of scope in modelling that led him to change careers? "If a model has to make a transition into acting then why wait? It is risky when people typecast you as only a model. I never wanted that to happen to me. Even some of our most sought after model-turn-actresses like Vinnie and ZQ, after acting for so long, are still looked upon as models and not actresses," he says.
Contrary to common belief, Imran feels that there is no need for new entrants to get admission in any of the fashion camps to make it big in the industry. "Many models have been launched in style this way and have quickly disappeared from the scene. I don't want to take any names here but it's not important for a model to look like a Greek god or to be on the cover of every other magazine. What counts in the end is the overall personality and the ability to communicate effectively in public, have an attitude and above all, brains.
"Being launched by Khawar Riaz did help me initially, but I don't owe my entire success to him. One's mentor has a limited role in one's success and I think he can just take you to the starting point of the race. You have to run the rest of the marathon entirely by yourself and I was no exception," he says.
Referring to the new crop of models, Imran makes a point to say that they have no clue where they are going. They try to outdo each other by lowering their fees to rock-bottom level in exchange for C-grade work. "Male models have always been taken for granted in Pakistan and the newcomers are spoiling the market for the senior lot who have worked so hard to defy this trend."
Vneeza
If you believe the myth that "models are dumb" then you haven't met Vneeza Ahmed (Vinny). This model is not only beautiful but extremely bright and intelligent. She is also one of the most adored artistes on TV.
Vinny shattered a lot of our stereotypes about the modeling industry in
Most of all, Vinny kept us laughing throughout the interview. She is a spontaneous, fun person with a great sense of humor, that lets her laugh at herself as much as some of the absurd realities that women face while breaking the attitude barrier in the Eastern culture.
Following are some of the highlights of our conversation with Vinny.
Tell us about yourself, where were you born and raised?
I was born in Murree on June 29, 1971. My schooling was in
When and how did you get into modeling?
I started with a "women only" fashion show at Kinnaird. We got a suit as an incentive to do the show. Then I did a lot of random shows for family and friends, which I don't count in my "professional" modeling career. My first professional shoot was for Generation's InStep - which was also a launch for other new models including Iffat Raheem, Kiran Bokhari, and Afshan. My first big fashion show was for Calzoom in
What was your family's reaction to your modeling career?
Of course, my mother wasn't happy about my decision to be a professional model, and I'm sure my relatives weren't too happy either. But I was happy with the exposure, opportunities, and the financial rewards of this career. I was enjoying myself and so I persisted. After all these years, I feel that my mother and extended family are all very proud of me.
What's been your best modeling experience?
The best moment has to be when I modeled for Donna Karan in
Jon & Kate Plus 8 Week Two: "It's Kind of Sad"
Talk about hitting the nail on the head from the get-go!
Jon & Kate Plus 8 spectators talk much about how mom/wife Kate Gosselin might be letting fame get to her head. And that her desire to be in the spotlight and her husband's lack of desire for fame is one (just one) reason they're going through a rocky period. That's what they say.
So, it came as a bit of a surprise when Kate opened tonight's episode ("Kate's Birthday Surprise") addressing exactly that...
"My kids are the reason I have always done everything. My kids are the reason I laid on bed rest for 30 entire weeks. My kids are the reason that I wrote the books," she said in the first couch interview of the night, "and it's always about them. And, I know that it looks it's all about me all the time and whatever, but what you don't see is down deep inside it's a desperate desire to provide for my kids."
While Kate's book career is thriving, Jon's holding down the fort at home. But, does he sound comfortable in this role? He said, "So, now I'm like the stay-at-home dad thing and Kate's the career woman, so it's different for me. I think it's different for a guy. We're not moms, nor do we try to be."
He didn't sound like a happy camper to us, but when does he ever? Adding to the sadness was Kate talking about celebrating her birthday without her husband. "It was a little depressing, I guess," she said. "Jon's away, so it's kind of sad."
Kind of sad, indeed.
In the episode that followed ("Sun, Seashells and Scrapes"), Jon revealed that we'll be seeing a lot more of him and Kate sitting separately on that infamous couch of theirs for the interview segments of the show due to "busy schedules."
Dare we say it so soon? This train-wreck is actually starting to bum us out.
Vote in our new Jon & Kate poll below and then hit the comments with your opinions on this episode
Spoiler Chat: Is Lafayette Dead on True Blood?
Will Lafayette, our favorite Louisiana short-order cook slash Internet sex entrepreneur, be returning to True Blood in season two? We just talked to Stephen Moyer and have an answer.
Plus, what's to come on your other favorite summer shows?
What's with knocked-up Nancy Botwin—is she keepin' her baby?
Which returning baddie is toying with the Burn Notice boys?
And is Amy having second thoughts about Ricky on Secret Life of the American Teenager? Read on for the answers to these and other burning TV questions:
Ariel in New York: Did Kristin have her baby? Is she OK? We never heard an update, and my friends and I had a joint nightmare that something awful happened. We <3>
We <3 target="_blank" href="http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/baby_dos_santos/index.html?franchise=watch_with_kristin">Baby Dos Santos tag. We'll post new pictures soon!
Ella in Gardena, Calif.: Any news on Sons of Anarchy?
Our corporate cousins at Fancast got the first photos of Adam Arkin and Henry Rollins on Sons of Anarchy season two! Weston and Zobelle look like worthy adversaries for SAMCRO, don't you think?
Tracy in Brooklyn, N.Y.: When is Dexter returning?
Season four of Dexter premieres Sept. 27 at 10 p.m.
Elijah in Las Cruces, N.M.: What can you tell me about Saving Grace? I'm a huge fan!
If you're in L.A. the weekend of June 13, you can attend the Saving Grace season-three screening and panel at the Paley Center for Media. Holly Hunter, Laura San Giacomo and the rest of the cast will all be in attendance. Tickets go on sale tomorrow at paleycenter.org.
How Many Kids Can One Celeb Adopt? (Hi, Angie!)
How many kids can celebrities adopt before someone says, "OK, I think you have enough now?"
—Stephanie, via Facebook
You speak as if there's some bar out there that mixes kids, garnishes them with cherries, serves 'em straight up and then cuts you off when you've had a few too many. Interestingly, some countries do indeed sort of work like that—sort of.
In fact, if Brangelina were to return to the origin country of at least one of their adopted kids (instead of Armenia or India, as is being recklessly gossiped about), they may have trouble adopting another...
And that country is Vietnam, home of Pax Thien. The child was adopted by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in 2007. Overall, Brangelina has six kids—three biological, three adopted.
According to adoption expert Nicole Witt of the Adoption Consultancy, Vietnam usually allows adoption only if there are five or fewer kids already in the prospective family's home. Then again, Witt adds, there's always a loophole in situations like this.
"These are rules for the youngest adoptable children," Witt explains. "If [Brangelina] came back and said they were willing to a adopt a 4-year-old, they may be more flexible."
Other countries have no problem with large families, Witt says. Ethiopia, home country of young Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt imposes no limits like that of Vietnam. "Ethiopia loves big families", Witt says.
Seriously? I wonder if they broadcast Jon & Kate Plus 8 in Addis Ababa.
Conan O'Brien
Jay Leno (R), host of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno", interviews fellow NBC talk show host Conan O'Brien during a taping of the show in this March 27, 2008 publicity photograph. Leno announced May 14, 2009 he will close out his 17 year run on "The Tonight Show" with his successor O'Brien and singer James Taylor as his final guests on the show May 29, 2009. REUTERS/Margaret Norton/NBC Universal/Handout (UNITED STATES ENTERTAINMENT) NO SALES. NO ARCHIVES. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS
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Shawn Johnson Triumphs on 'Dancing with the Stars'
