Is Shruthi Haasan in Ajith’s next

Shruthi Haasan was originally offered a role in Venkat Prabhu’s 'Saroja'. But the actress opted out of it, and signed on 'Luck' with Imran Khan. The film opened to lukewarm responses last week, and it is now being said that she has been approached for her second film.

This time, again, it is suspected that the actress has been approached by Venkat Prabhu for his next film with Ajith, that being Thala’s 50th film.

Ajith, who is currently in Malaysia, shooting for Saran’s 'Asal', will return this weekend, after which he will move to shoot in London later next month, 'Asal' is a 2009 year end release and Ajith is expected to take on his next project next year. It is now said that Shruthi Haasan has been considered to play his heroine. Will the lanky actress agree?

Rajan P Dev is no more

Veteran character actor Rajan P. Dev, one of the front line artists of Mollywood died in Kochi today. He was 59.

The actor was under treatment for liver disease for quite along time. He was admitted at Lake Shore Hospital after found vomiting blood. He is survived by his wife Santha, daughter Ashamma and son Jibile Raj.

An actor’ who was in the industry for the last two decades played noticeable roles in around two hundred films, including the few that he had done in Tamil and Telugu.

Born in Chertala in Alappuzha district, Dev began his career as a theatre artist. He later formed his own drama troupe and became famous with the role of Kochuvava in the popular drama ‘Kaattu Kuthira’. He turned to a big screen name with his role in Indrajaalam, which was a big hit with the masses. His own style of punch line presentations, dialogues delivery and mannerisms has created a permanent place for him in the Mollywood commercial cinema, particularly in this decade, where he was seen continuously playing second fiddle and bigger roles as villain and comedian, even in every superstar films.

His last release in Malayalam was the Mammootty movie ‘Ee Patanathil Bhootham’ which is currently in theatres, while his recent release in Tamil was ‘Malayan’ which came out last week.

The Funeral ceremony will be held at St. Xavier’s church in Karukutti on Thursday at 11am.

Another north Indian beauty enters southern circuit

Most of the heroines who are ruling the southern film industry are either from Mollywood or from Bollywood. Meanwhile yet another north Indian model is making her debut in Kollywood. Priyanka Shah who stands at five feet nine inches is already making heads turn with her oomph factor.

According to sources even Tollywood filmmakers are keen to cast her in Telugu movies. It may not be long for them to come with an offer to her. Meanwhile the actress seems to be keen to make her mark in the southern circuit and with a towering height, folks like Prabhas would be happy.

We wish Priyanka the very best of luck for her southern stint.

Asin wants only important roles

With lot of success in southern industry, Asin stepped into Bollywood. She struck gold with her first Hindi movie itself and has been one of the most sought after actress ever since. However according to sources, she is facing some criticism for being haughty.

Sources indicate that popular director Priyadarshan had approached her for a role in his next flick which stars Akshay Kumar in the lead. According to reports, she made it clear to him that she will act only if her role is important. While some say this might not be healthy for her, others believe that the intelligent actress knows what she is doing.

That role has been offered to another south Indian beauty Trisha who is making her Bollywood debut with this flick.

Genelia as a choreographer

Genelia is another actress who had a successful run in the south as well as north. With lot of success behind her she made a successful debut in Bollywood with a super hit. According to sources, she is acting opposite handsome hunk Shahid Kapur in her next flick.

The movie has been tentatively titled “Yahoo”. Sources indicate that she was supposed to play the role of a choreographer. She was really scared since she had to match the steps of Shahid who is one of the best dancers in the industry.

However reports say that she managed it well in the end and the film as such is said to be based strongly on music and dance backdrop. Way to go Genny!!!

Neil not single!

We always knew that there was someone special in Neil Nitin Mukesh’s life, but we never got it from the actor himself. However looks like the actor is finally ready to come out in the open about his relationship. Earlier there were rumours about the actor double dating, but it seems he is finally out of all the controversial link ups and has been in a steady relationship for a year now.

Neil confirms that the girl in concern is not from the industry and he is willing to keep her identity under wraps for as long as she wants. He guards her privacy and feels the need to keep her away from the limelight.

Neil who has never been so vocal about his committed status also adds that he may plan to take his commitment to the next level in a few years from now. Neil’s lady love works for a corporate firm, but Neil didn’t divulge her name and has plans of getting engaged to her in a couple of years from now. Well we’re sure that Neil’s committed status may disappoint his female fans. After all he was one of the most eligible bachelors in tinsel town, the rest seem to be taken or then married.

Mahie joins the A-listers!

After making the perfect impact with her debut in Dev D, Mahie Gill sizzled with her number in Gulaal and if reports are to be believed then Mahie Gill has bagged a project with Salman Khan.

The actor who is carving a niche for herself may just feature in Arbaaz Khan’s production ‘Dabangg’ starring Salman Khan. This project will also have Shatrughan Sinha’s daughter Sonakshi Sinha making her Bollywood debut.

The film is slated to be directed by Anurag Kashyap’s brother Abhinav Kashyap. And Abhinav who is mighty impressed with Mahie plans to present her in way like never seen before. However there is no confirmation from any end so far. As for Mahie all we can say is after being compared to veteran actor Rekha, we’re sure a film opposite Salman Khan will be a feather to her cap. Apart from this Mahie will be next seen in Aagey Se Right starring Kay Kay and Shreyas Talpade and Paan Singh Tomar starring Irrfan Khan.

It’s Ad-Dad time for Sonam!

Sonam Kapoor seems to have become the favourite brand ambassador these days. Sonam has convinced daddy dearest Anil Kapoor to join the bandwagon. Sonam and Anil Kapoor have signed a luxury pen brand for a whooping sum. Anil who has received many such offers has evaded beng attached to any of the brands, however looks like daughter has finally managed to get her dad out into the ad mad world.

Anil Kapoor prefers to be known for his characters portrayed o the silver screen rather than endorsing any kind of brands. Despite fantastic offers coming his way he has refrained from signing any one of them. However looks like Mr. Kapoor has changed his principles for his daughter. The advertisement will be shot today in Mumbai and it would definitely appeal to a larger target audience. As for watching the father-daughter duo of Anil-Sonam together, it would certainly be a treat to watch the duo together on the silver screen too.

Obama to meet Thursday with professor, officer

A senior administration official said Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Sgt. James Crowley of the Cambridge, Massachusetts, Police Department will be visiting the White House Thursday.A senior administration official said Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Sgt. James Crowley of the Cambridge, Massachusetts, Police Department will be visiting the White House Thursday. The meeting among the three men will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday.

Last week, Obama said he called Crowley and "there was a discussion about he and I and Professor Gates having a beer here in the White House."

Gibbs said: "I think it was Sgt. Crowley's suggestion about the beer, and I think the president thought it was a good idea."

Obama said he hoped the incident in Cambridge, which quickly spiraled into a national and racially charged controversy, "ends up being what's called a teachable moment" for the country.

The president acknowledged that he had contributed to "ratcheting it up" by declaring the Police Department had "acted stupidly" even though he didn't know all the facts of the case and is a personal friend of Gates.

Cambridge police called on Obama to apologize for the remark. Obama did not apologize, but in the phone call with Crowley he said his choice of words was "unfortunate."

Gates, a top African-American scholar, was arrested July 16 for disorderly conduct outside his home after police responded to a report of a possible burglary. The charge was later dropped.
Gates called himself the victim of a "rogue" officer. But he said Friday he looks forward to meeting with Obama and Crowley, and to making the experience "a teaching moment to improve racial relations in America."

Crowley said Gates accused him of racism when he was at the home simply trying to do his job and assuring that Gates was safe and alone in the home.

Cambridge police officials have praised Crowley, who in recent years had been selected by a black police officer to teach a police academy course on how to avoid racial profiling. Officials said they take pride in their relationship with the diverse community in the area.

Cambridge Police Commissioner Robert Haas said he "deeply regrets" the arrest, but stands by the procedures his department followed.

Meanwhile, authorities in Cambridge announced Monday that they have created a panel to advise police on racial issues.

"Today is the day to move forward," City Manager Robert Healy said at a news conference.

Electra with Nayantara

Nayantara will be donning the title character in the new movie titled ‘Electra’. Scripted and directed by Shyamaprasad, the movie will also feature Tamil actor Arya as the hero.

This will be first Malayalam film of Arya, famous for his movies like ‘Naan Kadavul’ and ‘Pattiyal’, who by birth is a Malayalee. Produced by Vindhayan in the banner of Rasika entertainments the movie will have Nayantara playing the title character Electra Alexander. The movie will kick off its shoot by the end of November.

Meanwhile Shyamaprasad is getting ready with his new release ‘Rithu’ which features a bunch of youngsters.

Pawan to team with Trivikram again

Power star Pawan Kalyan who is currently busy with the wrapping up of his movie ‘Komaram Puli’ is likely to take off with a new venture and yet again, he will be teaming up with the talented and famous Trivikram Srinivas, as per sources.

Apparently, Pawan was due to work on a new project with the crazy director Puri Jagannadh but since Puri is said to be stuck with his other assignments, Pawan is keen on going ahead with Trivikram.

Both of them came up with the movie ‘Jalsa’ which was a moderate hit so they are said to be keen on scoring a blockbuster this time.

For now, power star fans are keen on seeing the first look of ‘Komaram Puli’

'Anjaneyulu' getting ready

Crazy mass hero Ravi Teja’s next flick is getting ready to hit the screens soon. According to sources “Anjaneyulu” has completed shooting and has started its post production work.

One of the highly paid actresses Nayanthara is playing the female lead in this flick. The movie is directed by Parasuram who had earlier made the hit movie “Yuvatha”.

It is being produced by Ganesh Babu. Sources indicate that the movie will be a complete entertainer with a little bit of spirituality.

Ravi’s fans are eagerly awaiting the movie and Nayan from her end is pinning her hopes on this one since she has not been able to score a hit in the recent past.

Raja and his underwater romance

Multiplex hero Raja is currently busy with the shooting of his film ‘Inkosaari’ and has almost wrapped up his bit for “Jaganmohini”. The movie also stars voluptuous beauty Namitha in an important role.

According to sources, the movie has a scene where Raja and Namitha will be seen romancing in an underwater scene.

According to reports, the two got trained for the same and the training was said to be a special one which will assist the actors in performing the roles underwater. This definitely should be something different for the fans to watch.

Even the actors seem to be excited about the same.

Rajini’s life as a documentary

Superstar Rajinikanth who is no less than a demigod to millions across the world has touched many hearts with his humility and simplicity than his glamour appeal.

Now, his life story is said to be made into a documentary by an engineering student Kevin Karthi and the shooting has already begun.

Apparently, the documentary is said to involve areas such as Rajini’s days as a bus conductor, his foray into movies, his success as a superstar and above all, the various charity activities that he is involved in.

The documentary was launched in Chennai at the Raghavendra Kalyana Mandapam and Rajini is said to have suggested few changes to the script prepared by Kevin. This should be interesting.

Anushka with Suriya

After setting Tollywood screens on fire, buxom beauty Anushka is all set to win Kollywood. She has already signed few Tamil movies with leading stars of Kollywood.

Sources indicate that she will be pairing opposite the handsome Suriya as well. Suriya will don the role of a cop again in this flick.

Music will be composed by Devisri Prasad.

With the success rate of Suriya, this flick too should be a gross entertainer. Meanwhile Anushka has already acted in a Madhavan movie years back but the movie did not do well.

This one has been titled ‘Singam’ and it will be directed by Hari, sources say that plans are on to dub this movie in Telugu as well given the appeal of both Suriya and Anushka.

‘Love Aaj Kal’ carrying high expectations

Hopes and prayers are being pinned on ‘Love Aaj Kal’. The movie directed by Imtiaz Ali has been frequently doing rounds in the media, airing lot of behind-the-scene titbits. After her failure with ‘Chandni Chowk to China’, Deepika Padukone the leading lady is being cross-fingered over this one.

But it is not only the cast and crew who are hoping for the best of the movie. Saif’s lady love is equally anticipating for the movie’s success. The movie is Siaf’s first time venture in production and so he is very keen on the movie’s faring. Along with him, Kareena too is very on the movie to be a hit. She shared her wish by saying, “I really want 'Love Aaj Kal' to break all box-office records. Yes, 'Kambakkht Ishq' is my film but then so is 'Love Aaj Kal'. For both Saif and me 'Love Aaj Kal' is a not just a prestigious project but also something which is very close to our hearts.”

Besides being her beau’s movie, Bebo wants the Imtiaz movie to win as it is him who gave her career a boost by giving her ‘Jab We Met’. She stated, “I have worked with Imtiaz in 'Jab We Met' and ever since then we all expect so much from him. He has great sensibilities of a storyteller and can't set a foot wrong. I really hope and pray that 'Love Aaj Kal' manages to strike a chord with audiences in the same way as 'Jab We Met'.”

May ‘Love Aaj Kal’ surpass the expectations of all and hope the audience get another fun-filled treat.

The climax is Agyaat!

‘Agyaat’ trailers are making rounds in the media and they are sending chill down the spine. Meanwhile its actress Priyanka Kothari doing her bit by alluring viewers with her itsy-bitsy attire. The movie’s song has even grabbed the Censor board’s wrath for projecting substance abuse.

Now the latest about the movie is that the director has maintained utmost care to keep the ending under wraps, so much that even the cast and crew are unaware of the final scene. Ram Gopal Varma said, “Yes...we have shot different endings for Agyaat because of multiple reasons. It's a film which is very similar to The Blair Witch Project in spirit. We had opportunity to end it in multiple ways. But one of the major reasons for shooting different ends is that I did not want anyone to know the ending. Actually, apart from me and my editor no one else knows the ending of ‘Agyaat’ till the actual prints are made. Though I keep getting calls from the actors about it, I choose to keep mum.” Hmm, so much for secrecy!

Looks like the director want to retain the movie’s title through out, which means unknown. So its justified that the climax of ‘Agyaat’ is unknown!

Sharapova struggles to win first match at Stanford

The 62nd-ranked Sharapova, working her way back from right shoulder surgery, avoided losing her first match in a tournament since Oct. 8, 2007, in Moscow to Victoria Azarenka. She has not lost a first round match since Aug. 11, 2003 to Elena Likhovtseva in Toronto.

Sharapova recovered from a 4-0 deficit in the first set, but then allowed a 5-2 lead in the second set to get away before dominating the third set.

"I had a pretty slow start and made a good effort to get back in the first set," Sharapova said. "I thought it was a good second set and I had a chance to close out the match, but unfortunately it didn't happen. In the third set I didn't do too many things wrong. I really stepped it up and was steady."

Sugiyama and Sharapova were scheduled to meet in Montreal last July before the former world No. 1 withdrew with her injury and sat out the next nine months.

"She stepped up and was more aggressive," Sugiyama said. "I was fighting every single point. In the third set, my knee started to hurt a little bit and I couldn't move as well as I did the first two sets. My energy went down and that's a shame."

Sharapova has won 12 of her 16 matches this year, and is 44-8 since the beginning of 2008.

First Look : Three - Love, Lies And Betrayal

Here is a glimpse into ASA Productions & Enterprises Pvt. Ltd and Mirah Entertainment's forthcoming release ‘Three’ starring Ashish Chowdhry, introducing Nausheen Ali Sardar and Akshay Kapoor.

Directed by Vishal Pandya and produced by Vikram Bhatt, this thriller will hit theatres on 3rd September 09.

Karthika kicks up the moods and expectations!

For those who do not know her, Karthika happens to be the latest star kid to foray into the film industry and she is better known as the daughter of the yesteryears beauty queen Radha.

Karthika is making her debut with the film ‘Josh’ and it is heard that there are very high expectations on this pretty girl. It is said that all are waiting for the release of ‘Josh’ to see her acting and dance performances.

As it is, Karthika proved her mettle during the audio release function brimming with confidence while she was speaking on the dais. If she manages to steal the hearts of the youth audience, then the industry experts say that all young heroes and big banners will chase for her dates.

Tamannah’s Kollywood journey

The milk white beauty Tamannah has acted in few Tamil movies with some of the most popular stars and she has been scoring some big hits as well.

However her movie “Ananda Thandavam” did not do well which seems to have disappointed her. Meanwhile her next flick “Ayan” with handsome hunk Suriya turned out to be a huge hit.

Sources indicate that this is first big hit of this year in Kollywood. The movie has been released in Telugu as “Veedokkade” which did not shine though, right now Tamannah is busy with her new movies in Tamil and many are saying that it is going to be a while before she will come back to Telugu.

What say Tamannah???

Charmi not keen on holidays

Charming beauty Charmi has done quite a number of movies in south. She had some great times initially with hits in Tollywood and Kollywood.

However, off late her movies have not been doing well and she is going through a rough patch. In a recent interview she spoke about her idea of holidays.

She said that she is not keen on holidaying and prefers to be home watching movies. She does not even remember when she took her last break. She added that she prefers the warm temperatures of Hyderabad rather than a holiday resort.

She will soon be seen in the new movie ‘Sayyata’ and this is followed by ‘Mayagaadu’. Let us hope these two turn the tide for this charming beauty.

Nandi Awards Committee appointed by AP government

The Nandi awards have been more like the Oscars for Tollywood and so care is always taken with respect to the organizing of this event. Now, the Andhra Pradesh Government has appointed a 16-member panel under the leadership of Thammareddy Bharadwaja to select films that are worthy of awards under various categories.

The list has some of the noted names from the film industry but this time the Government has given a new surprise by taking in people from theatre and arts fields as well. Some of the names in the committee now include the famous Kuchipudi dancer Deepika Reddy and magician-hypnotist-writer B.V. Pattabhiram.

There is also a strong presence of ladies in this and names such as Manjula, Roja Ramani, Suma and Ashalatha are present. D.V.N. Raju, Rallapalli and Ankusham Ramireddy are also the other noted film personalities in the panel and news is that the screening of the films have commenced from yesterday.

Below is the complete list of the members of the committee:

1. Sree Thammareddy Bharadwaja (Film Producer-Director)

2. Sree K.C. Sekhar Babu (Film Producer)

3. Sree D.V.N. Raju (Film Producer)

4. Smt. G. Manjula (Film Artiste/Producer, Mahesh Babu’s sister)

5. Smt. Rojaramani (Film Artiste/Dubbing Artiste, Tarun’s mother)

6. Sree Ramireddy (Film Artiste)

7. Sree M. Poornachandra (Music)

8. Sree Rallapalli (Film Artiste)

9. Sree Vaddepalli Krishna (Lyricist)

10. Smt. Suma Kanakala (TV Anchor/Film Artiste)

11. Sree Challa Srinivas

12. Smt. Deepika Reddy (Kuchipudi Dancer)

13. Smt. Manga Reddy (Designer)

14. Sri. B.V. Pattabhiram (Magician-Hypnotist-Writer)

15. Smt. M.K.R. Ashalatha (Announcer)

16. Sree Parthasaradhi

Scientists 'kept at arm's length'

The government is keeping scientists at "arm's length" and treating science as "a peripheral policy concern," a group of MPs has said.

The Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills committee says knowledge from experts is not being properly used to make informed policy decisions.

Instead of being sidelined, scientists should be able to communicate directly with the prime minister, it argues.

Former chief scientist Sir David King said reform was "critical".

A spokesman for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) rejected the accusation, arguing that science was fundamentally central to government operations.

'Bargaining chip'

The current chief scientific officer, Prof John Beddington, and his staff are part of the Government Office for Science (GO-Science).

Until two years ago, GO-Science lay within the Department of Trade and Industry, but was then re-housed to the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.

After another reorganisation, GO-Science has recently returned to the department responsible for industry - now (BIS).

The IUSS committee said that "shuffling the body responsible for providing cross-departmental science and engineering advice from one department to another" flew in the face of the government's stated aim of "putting science and engineering at the heart of policy"

Kenya cable ushers in broadband era

The first of four undersea cables bringing high-speed internet to eastern Africa has gon live. The BBC's Anne Waithera, in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, finds a nation impatient to join the broadband revolution.

In a busy cyber cafe in Nairobi dozens of people, mostly young, are hunched over computers surfing the net.

I try to strike up a conversation with one of them but he will not even look my way. Without looking up from the monitor he signals with his hand that I should wait until he is done.

This is perfectly understandable. It costs slightly less than $1 to surf for about an hour in a cyber-cafe in Nairobi and internet connection speeds are very slow.

But he is ready to talk after he pays his bill.

"It's not good. It's hanging and keeps wasting time and frustrating me," he says.

Another frustrated user complains: "I've spent more than 15 minutes instead of 10."

But things are about to change for these internet users.

The Seacom undersea fibre-optic cable goes live on Thursday, promising changes that will be felt right across eastern and southern Africa.

East Africa gets high-speed web

The first undersea cable to bring high-speed internet access to East Africa has gone live.

The fibre-optic cable, operated by African-owned firm Seacom, connects South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Mozambique to Europe and Asia.

The firm says the cable will help to boost the prospects of the region's industry and commerce.

The cable - which is 17,000km long - took two years to lay and cost more than $650m.

Seacom said in a statement the launch of the cable marked the "dawn of a new era for communications" between Africa and the rest of the world.

The services were unveiled in ceremonies in the Kenyan port of Mombasa and the Tanzanian city of Dar es Salaam.

Obama lists out measures, says economy is out of red

US President Barack Obama said he has managed to pull the American economy back from brink; which has been experiencing the worst recession since the great depression of the last century.

"As a result of the actions we took in those first weeks, we've been able to pull our economy back from the brink," Obama asserted at his prime time conference at the White House; which mostly dominated the health care reform.

"Now, six months ago, I took office amid the worst recession in half-a-century. We were losing an average of 700,000 jobs per month and our financial system was on the verge of collapse," Obama said.

The US President said his administration took steps to stabilise the financial institutions and the housing market.

"We passed a Recovery Act that has already saved jobs and created new ones, delivered billions in tax relief to families and small businesses, and extended unemployment insurance and health insurance to those who've been laid off," he said.

Observing that there is still a long way to go, Obama said the Recovery Act will continue to save and create more jobs over the next two years, just like it was designed to do.

Nothing legal about PM's declaration on Pak: Tharoor

The India-Pakistan joint statement issued in Egypt was a "diplomatic paper" not a legal document, Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor said Thursday, reiterating that what mattered was "not the perception of words on paper" but the conduct of Islamabad in preventing future acts of terror.

"It is a diplomatic paper that is released to the press -- different from legal papers. Ultimately what matters is not the perception of words on paper, it is the conduct of government," Tharoor told reporters outside parliament on the statement released after a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani in Sharm-el-Sheikh.

He said Manmohan Singh had made his stance on talks in the joint statement "very clear". "We have said that India cannot go for a composite dialogue with Pakistan, until and unless we have we have absolute assurances and we have seen credible action from Pakistan."

The minister added that "it is not the language of the statement alone that writes policy".

"It's all very well for the people to say that somehow India's interest compromised by few words on a piece of paper that is not a legal document. It is a diplomatic paper that is released to the press - different from the legal papers," said Tharoor.

Responding to reports in the Pakistani media that Gilani had handed a dossier containing proof of India's involvement in "subversive activities" in Pakistan to Manmohan Singh in Sharm el-Sheikh, Tharoor said he was unaware about it.

"I have not seen the dossier myself. If there is the dossier, then I am sure that the competent colleagues in my ministry are looking at it and when they have studied it, we will have a suitable response."

Million Dollar men: Highest Tax Paying Indian Cricketers

That the Indian team cricketer is a rich man is an unquestionable fact. Not only do the endorsements of various players indicate that our cricketers are high-earning superstars, but their income tax bills also provide a good insight into the financial well-being of our cricketing Gods. The Income Tax department has released the tax numbers of our highest paying cricketers, and so we take a look at the cricketers who topped the list.maestro leads the pack of Indian cricketers paying the highest amount in taxes. With brands like Adidas, RBS and a whole lot others in his kitty, Sachin's income has skyrocketed to dizzying heights. No wonder the cricketing legend has paid off Rs 8.1 crores in taxes this year. Tendulkar has maintained the number one spot for three consecutive years now, and his previous year tax bill amounted to Rs 8.7 crores.

First Look: Salman Khan's 'WANTED'

Directed by Prabhu Deva, 'WANTED' stars Salman Khan, Ayesha Takia, Mahesh Manjrekar, Asseem Merchant, Vinod Khanna and Prakash RajThe movie is the story of an undercover cop who infiltrates a gang of hardcore criminals to hunt down a notorious gangster. The movie will release on September 18, 2009.

Yes, it is remake of Pokkari....done by Mahesh Babu in Telugu & Vijay in Tamil. Hindi version with same director & also the villain Prakash Raj was being made since last 2 yrs by BSK Ent. and finaly ready for release during Ramzaan.looks like the 3rd version of Pokkiri will also be a super-hit! Salman looks super-kewl in Wanted!

Swine flu scare hits Aussie camp

Northampton (UK): A newspaper reporter has been asked to leave the Australian Ashes camp after being struck down with swine flu.According to The Sun, Ben Dorries, who writes for News Limited, started feeling the symptoms during the recent Lord's Test match before being diagnosed by a doctor over the telephone.

Ponting's side has told Dorries to stay away from players and staff for fear of the bug sweeping through the squad.

A Cricket Australia spokesman said: "Australian team medical staff have asked that Ben quarantine himself away from the Australian team and other cricketing media for the next three days. These measures are being taken as a precautionary step. There is no indication that anybody associated with the Australian team has the same symptoms."

Mani, Mukesh in ‘Pullimaan’

The pooja of the new movie titled ‘Pullimaan’ was held at Thrissur a couple of days ago.

This movie to be directed by debutante Anil K Nair, a former assistant to Lal Jose, will feature Mukesh and Kalabhavan Mani in key roles. Planned to start its shooting a couple of week, the movie will also feature Innocent, Ravikumar, Jaffer, Ponvannan, Prathap Pothen, Suraj, Sarnay and Bindu Panikkar. Meera Nandhan will don the female lead of this movie, which will be produced by Antony Paimbbilli in the banner of Ruben Media International.

All the three major stars of this movie, Mani, Mukesh and Meera were recently seen together in Swathy Bhaskar's ‘Currency’ which earned good reviews at the Box Office.

Shriya has a performance backed role

Looks like all the glam dolls are getting wiser. Sexy heroines Nayanthara and Namitha have already stated that they are looking forward to shed their glam image and concentrate on performance. Now the latest seems to be sexy siren Shriya Saran.

According to sources, her next Tamil flick is titled “Kutty” and it will be with Dhanush. This is the remake of the Telugu super hit “Arya”.

According to sources, she will have a performance based role and not just a glamour role. This will be interesting since Shriya has always been working on glamorous roles. If she really proves her acting mettle with her performance, it will be a great achievement.

Aswini Dutt’s daughter announces 2 projects

Just recently, the big budget movie maker Aswini Dutt has got his three daughters into the film production line and they have launched a new banner ‘3 Angels Studio Pvt Ltd’.

Now, one of his daughters Priyanka Dutt has announced that two projects would be taking shape under this new banner. The first one happens to be ‘Baanam’ which has Nara Rohit making his debut along with Vedika as the leading lady.

The music is composed by Mani Sharma and the shooting of this will be done this month end.

Then there is another venture which has Navadeep and Nikhil as heroes while Adithi Sharma, Kajal and Bindu Madhavi would be the leading ladies. This is being directed by Prakash who is making his debut and the shooting will commence on July 27th.

Good luck for this Priyanka!!!

Priyamani replaces Ananya

Yes, the ‘Paruthiveeran’ village belle bagged the main role in the Telugu remake of ‘Naadodigal’. The Tamil version had Ananya playing the lead role now Priyamani will be doing it in Telugu. The lucky Priyamani can’t be asking for more, with her kitty loaded with impressive offers, one of which is bilingual ‘Raavana’.

The viewers have interesting treat waiting for them. The remakes will have the director and the hero of the movie appearing on-screen in special cameos. Samuthirakani has confirmed the news that he and Sasikumar will do small roles in Hindi and Telugu versions.

Coming back to the remarkable actress, Priyamani is expected to work again with ‘Paruthiveeran’ director, Ameer for ‘Kannapiran’. This time she will share the screen with tall hero, Jayam Ravi.

Tusshar Kapoor’s Golmaal Returns

Tusshar Kapoor seems to be taking his success with ‘Golmaal’ as a luck charm it seems. The actor who has not experienced much success at the box-office found a space with ‘Golmaal’ series. And now he has signed up for remake of Amol Palekar’s ‘Golmaal’.

While Tusshar has been promising with his dumb act in the recent Golmaal series, it would be interesting to see how he manages to recreate the scenes by veteran actor Amol Palekar, and if he succeeds in doing justice to the comedy.

That’s not it; Tusshar wants to step into his father’s shoes and quite literally. He is hoping to feature in remakes of his father Jeetendra’s hit films, Farz and Caravan. Now that Tusshar has expressed his willingness, we wonder if elder sis Ekta is listening, here’s the next birthday gift.

Punjabis disapprove Saif’s look

After Akshay Kumar’s Singh Is King it’s now Saif Ali Khan’s Love Aaj Kal sardar avatar that’s under the scanner of Sikh community. The Sikh community had raised objections to Saif’s look in the film. Apparently it’s the beard that Saif is sporting in the film, which is trimmed and is objectionable according to some people in the community.

Therefore, there will be a special screening of the film for the Punjab Cultural Association members by the director and producers of the film. After the screening, the community will decide and come to a conclusion on the objectionable aspect in a couple of days. According to Charan Singh Sapra, Member of Legislative Council, Government of Maharashtra and of the Punjab Cultural Association, the issue is stagnated and no decision has been taken on whether Saif’s look in the film is offensive or not. Well, we wonder without watching the film how can one raise objection in the first place.

In the recent past films that had similar fate are Singh Is King, Billu. Billu the title was originally Billu Barber, however it was changed prior to the release of the film and there was a special screening for the hairdressers.

Ash against rumour mongers

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, an icon who has created a strong positive image of the Indian woman of the 21st century, a role model at work and at home. A name that makes news by itself and for this very reason over the years people have respected her stand to avoid fuelling rumors or using the media to hype a release or other wise.

It is reported that certain sections of the press have been putting together articles or pieces without any semblance of truth which has irritated and pained the supporters and publicist of Ash.

Ash’s publicist has expressed annoyance over such baseless rumours. It was learned that a journalist spread a gossip with a frivolous headline like ‘Career more important than family’ which has hurt Ash’s supporters.

“Any Irresponsible statements about her private life will not be left to grow without a strong rebuttal. No uncertain terms that hence forth we would be forced to take legal recourse in any such event of a piece or article appearing without any credibility or which is an absolute fabrication of one’s imagination.” notifies Ash’s publicist.

An eye-opening film festival

Rare are those organizations which take interests to help underprivileged people in India. And one such is ‘Asha for Education’. A US based secular organization; Asha aims at providing basic education to underprivileged children in India. It frequently comes up with various programmes and fund-raising activities to extend support to India.

‘Asha for Education’ of San Francisco helps in funding several educational projects in India and organizes interesting events in order to raise funds. Coming 15th August, the organization in a way will celebrate the Independence Day of India, by hosting a ‘Film Festival of Hope’ in San Francisco. The festival will showcase the distinguished documentaries and Indian movies. The select movies will have themes that highlight the underprivileged people of India.

It is wonderful that such organizations exists oversees that intends to help India with their innovative assistances.

'Yagam' ready for release

Talented hero Navdeep starrer “Yagam” has completed shooting and also post production work. According to sources, the flick is all set to be released.

The movie also stars sexy actress from Bollywood Kim Sharma. However the highlight of the flick is that the glowing beauty Bhumika is also another leading lady along with Kim.

Sources indicate that while Navdeep and Kim will be seen working in a bar in this flick, Bhumika will be playing the role of an air hostess.

The movie has been made in the backdrop of Thailand and this is slated to be a revenge saga of sorts and how the hero is helped by the two heroines forms the essence.

Dhoodwala on 10 ka Dum

It happened on the sets of 10 Ka Dum. But it looked like a scene straight out of a Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi – remember the song Paanch rupaiyya baaraah anna...? A contestant on the show Sunil Mishra , a milkman by profession walked up to Salman Khan , gifted him 2 litres of milk and demanded money for 5 litres of milk that he had delivered to his unit at Film city five years ago which his production had yet to pay for! Taken aback by the towering man before him Salman promised to pay him back with interest for all the years gone by. “I have seen you cycling by my tabela on the way to Film City many times,” he said. “Then why did you not stop me and take your money then?” asked Salman. “You are surrounded by your body guards!” was the prompt reply. Sunil Mishra, an educated gentleman who has taken up the family business was full of surprises. Owner of 30 buffaloes, he said with pride that he could recognize any of his cattle even amongst a 1000. “I love them more than my wife!” Who wouldn’t when he has named them after famous Bollywood actors like Kareena, Katrina! And Sunil Mishra added that when his heroine acts up and misbehaves he threatens to call– the boisterous male in his brood!

I feel lucky in life! – Sanjay Dutt

Here is another ‘Luck’ star who is happy to be the part of the adventure flick. Along with others, Sanjay Dutt was equally thrilled in doing all the action sequences, mindless about his age. He is also pleased with his young co-actors and feels good to see such talent on this big a scale.

Soon going to be 50, Sanjay is glad that he can still act in movies and get offers that suit him. “This is one of the best phases in my life. I have my work, I have my family, friends, well-wishers and I have Maana. I feel lucky in life!” says the composed actor.

In ‘Luck’, Sanjay plays a baddie, Moussa, who keeps hurdle after hurdle in the player's path in the life and death game of gamble. One can see hues of ‘Musafir’ shades in this character; one who enjoys seeing the plight of others.The actor will soon be celebrating his fiftieth birthday on 29 July. One can feel the undertones when he talks about his birthday wish. He says, “My only birthday wish is that I want to be a free man. I have put it all behind me, but I still do get nightmares. Waking up next to a loved one helps, but I still want my freedom back.”

We say - Phikar na kar, Munnabai! Forget the past and live in future.

PPC Horrortainment’s ‘8’

Boo! The horror is coming! Percept Picture Company, in association with Glorious Entertainment, had launched a separate production house for horror movies called PPC Horrortainment. Says Navin Shah, CEO of Percept Picture Company, “PPC Horrortainment will specialise in horror films. The idea is to identify gaps in the space and explore it to the full potential. We are also producing ‘Grrrr…’ directed by Priyadarshan.”Percept Picture Company is one that was behind the supernatural thriller movie of Akshay Kumar, ‘8X10’. And now their PPC Horrortainment is going to release its first horror movie, yet another project to use a numeric title, called ‘8’. The movie will launch debut heroine Sheena Nayar who is said to be playing a very prominent character along with the hero of the movie Sameer Dattani. The actress said, “Nowadays, when trends and clichés no longer work in the film industry, I thought picking up horror as my first film will create intrigue and interest not only in the film but also in me.” While Navin said, “The idea of choosing a new face came from the script requirement. Our understanding is that a fresh face has no baggage and hence is more believable.”

The movie is said to be entirely shot in Rajasthan. According to the director Wilson Louis ‘8’ is a very mysterious number and if one tries to draw the number, they will end up to the same place from where they started it. So he feels the title is apt for this horror movie.

The production house that was launched earlier this year has planned to bring out minimum 3 movies in a year. Besides ‘8’, PPC Horrortainment has ‘Grrr!’, ‘888’, ‘13’, ‘Mumbai’ and ‘Vehem’.

Chewing the fact with Adhayayan

Adhyayan Suman son of Shekhar Suman entered Bollywood through ‘Haal-e-dil’ directed by Anil Devgan. His second movies Raaz - The Mystery Continues with Emraan Hashmi& Kangana Ranaut made him a bankable star of bollywood .After the thriller flick Adhyayan’s third movie ‘Jashnn’ released and we caught him for you all fresh after the movie release. Catch Adhyayan right her and get to know more about his plans!Q. 1) So you have finally got the chance to play a good guy in ‘Jashnn’. What exactly is your role in the film?

A) Well…I play Akash Verma, a twenty year old boy, who thirsts to become a singing icon and blaze a trail for himself among the galaxy of existing stars. But he has not been able to find that distinctive voice that he can call his own, that will propel him to the top. Only when he’s shattered by life and unflinchingly looks the sordid truth in the face – that he is freeloading off his elder sister Nisha played by Shahana, who, in order to offer him a decent life style, has become the mistress of a rich businessman, Aman Bajaj. Aman’s sister Sara, played by Anjana, is the one who pulls Akash out of his misery and gives him the strength and moral support he needs. The story is basically about how he over-comes all his obstacles and rises to the top.

Q.2) You play a very intense character in this film, how was that for you? Was it something that came naturally considering your recent personal dramas?

A) Hey I’m just 21. I have my entire life to have personal dramas and will deal with it in the most dignified way I know. But yes, my character goes through some intense drama in the movie. I am just 1 film old and frankly I tried to do full justice to my character by digging deep into myself and feeling emotions which I have never felt before. Though I could relate to the struggle Akash had to go through because even I went through the same as I was an extremely obese kid and have always been subjected to a lot of rebuke by people around me. It’s the quintessential story of a nobody who becomes a somebody. I feel the same way except I am yet to actually make my mark. Hopefully ‘Jashnn’ will be as successful, if not more, then Raaz-The Mystery Continues (smiles).

Asia watches long solar eclipse

People in Asia are watching what will be the longest total solar eclipse this century, with swathes of India and China to be plunged into darkness.

Amateur stargazers and scientists have travelled far to see the eclipse, which will last for about five minutes.

The eclipse could first be seen early on Wednesday in eastern India, though in some regions there was thick cloud.

The eclipse is moving east across India, Nepal, Burma, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China and the Pacific.

The eclipse first became total over India at 0053GMT. It will cross some southern Japanese islands and will last be visible from land at Nikumaroro Island in the South Pacific nation of Kiribati. It will end at 0418GMT.

Elsewhere, a partial eclipse is visible across much of Asia.

Taking shelter

In India the village of Taregna, near Patna, has been swamped by researchers expecting a particularly clear view of the eclipse.

"We are hoping to make some valuable observations on the formation of asteroids around the sun," scientist Pankaj Bhama told the Associated Press news agency.


In eastern China, heavy cloud or rain was expected to make it virtually impossible to see the eclipse.

The previous total eclipse, in August 2008, lasted two minutes and 27 seconds.

This one will last six minutes and 39 seconds at its maximum point.

'Special opportunity'

Alphonse Sterling, a Nasa astrophysicist who will be following the eclipse from China, scientists are hoping data from the eclipse will help explain solar flares and other structures of the sun and why they erupt.

"We'll have to wait a few hundred years for another opportunity to observe a solar eclipse that lasts this long, so it's a very special opportunity," Shao Zhenyi, an astronomer at the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory in China told the Associated Press.

Solar scientist Lucie Green, from University College London, is aboard an American cruise ship heading for that point near the Japanese island of Iwo Jima, where the axis of the Moon's shadow will pass closest to Earth.

"The [Sun's] corona has a temperature of 2 million degrees but we don't know why it is so hot," she said.

"What we are going to look for are waves in the corona. ... The waves might be producing the energy that heats the corona. That would mean we understand another piece of the science of the Sun."

The next total solar eclipse will occur on 11 July next year. It will be visible in a narrow corridor over the southern hemisphere, from the southern Pacific Ocean to Argentina.

‘Fast Forward’ to sway Bollywood!

Well here’s some good news for all those dance lovers. This august will witness India’s first full fledged and hardcore dance based movie ‘Fast Forward’, produced by Anjum Rizvi of 'A Wednesday' fame.

Under the banner of Y.T Entertainment Ltd. & Anjum Rizvi Film Co., the movie stars Vinod Khanna, Mahesh Manjrekar and a team of dynamic youngsters like Akshay Kapoor (of Alag fame), Bhavna Pani, Rehan Khan, Sabina Sheema and Siddhanth Karnick who are at the core of the film.‘Fast Forward’ is a story of people sharing a common passion – Dance. This riveting drama about simple people and their struggle against time and against the odds is replete with conflict, emotions, romance and thrills.

Directed by Zaigham Ali Sayed, the movie is primarily choreographed by this season’s Jhalak Dikhlaja winner Sonia Jaffer Fraser along with Seema Desai and Vishnu Deva.

‘Fast Forward’ will showcase the most explosive dance sequences that are packed with high energy. The movie will be the first of its kind to reveal some professional hip hop moves and B Boying stunts unseen in their original form in Hindi Cinema till date.

But that’s not it, the movie also offers some sweltering Latin-American forms like the Salsa, Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba and even House.

Releasing this August, ‘Fast Forward’ promises to be the ultimate adrenaline rush for cine goers, set against a backdrop of high energy and explosive dances and drama!

Nayantara for Prabhudeva’s next

The film industry is rife with rumours that Prabhudeva, who has directed the Hindi remake of ‘Pokkiri’, ‘Wanted’, is all set with the story for his second directorial venture. And the heroine for this will be no other than his sweetheart Nayantara herself!

Following the lines of Trisha, Asin and Genelia, it is said that Nayantara had been secretively eyeing a career in Bollywood, though she never openly disclosed it. And now, with her boy friend Prabhudeva making waves there, she is said to be a Bollywood heroine soon.

The actress, remarkably, has signed no Tamil film now, apart from ‘Aadhavan’ with Suriya, which is already underway. She is doing a couple of Telugu and Malayalam projects, but it is said that she hasn’t taken up more offers to keep herself available for a Bollywood project, which may be confirmed anytime soon.

Watch this space for more dough on that!

Harry Potter sets awesome records

‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ has swished its magic wand to receive an overwhelming response as well as whopping Box Office collections. The movie became an instant hit since its worldwide release. The sixth sequel of the magical genre, ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ is said to have set a fabulous record with grossing exceeding its previous series. Not only that, the movie has cast spell on other movies that released in the same month - by affecting their collections and attracting more audience on its side.

According to a Warner Bros distributor, the latest Harry Potter movie produced $159.7 million in the United States and Canada, the sixth-biggest opening for a five-day period. It earned $237 million overseas since Wednesday in 54 countries, bringing its worldwide total to $396.7 million. The movie collections even exceeded to an unexpected amount when compared to other children’s movies during preceding years.

The three wizard friends played by Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson have shown to be grown tremendously in appearance and wisdom. The actors have impeccably evolved since their introduction movie. The movie is more real, more appealing and more of technical mix, in terms of picturization.

In the coming days ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ is expected to generate more response and is hoped to be the first movie to hit the target of $1 billion. ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone’ of 2001 is said to be the highest grosser with $975 million, the fifth-biggest movie of all time.

Looks like it is going to be a party time for Potter fans!

Rocking outfit for Rock star Shruti

‘Azma Luck Azma’ the song has just hooked the youngsters onto its rock genre. Sung by actress and singer Shruti Haasan the song has already generated high response and earned its movie, ‘Luck’ enough expectations. The video song features Shruti, also the leading lady of the movie, attired in black outfit, singing hopping around, jiving amidst the rock band and other dancers.

The stylised young actress is seen wearing a pant that is adorned with many chains dangling from it. The designer behind the black beauty looks, Binal Shah says, “It was a huge responsibility to style Shruti. The film’s look is very rugged and real, but in songs I had to bring out the glamorous side. My favourite is the rock song of Shruti. I chose the colourblack, used a leather one-piece top and riveted it. Teamed it up with a pair of well-fitted jeans and used silver chains all over the jeans which made them very heavy!”

All looks pretty and fine but did you know that this rocking dress did weigh like the rock? Yes, it is said to be weighing around 10 kilos and proved very uncomfortable for the actress; so much that it used to hinder her from using the rest room. But Shruti “just smiled through and looked like a rock star”, revealed the stylist.

They say ‘Diligence is the mother of good Luck’. Right, Shruti?