Pics: Yogen Shah

But will all this really help the Emraan Hashmi-Kalki Koechlin-Konkona Sen Sharma-Huma Qureshi starrer Ek Thi Daayan earn rave reviews?

There was a buzz about the Ek Thi Daayan makers setting base at the Maha Kumbh mela in Allahabad. And now, as D-day inches closer, we get a sneak peek into their itinerary. So what will the coming days be like for Emraan Hashmi, Huma Qureshi and Ekta Kapoor?

Birdies suggest that Honourable HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, Founder of Ganga Action Parivar, President of Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh, has invited Emraan, Huma and Ekta to the Mahayagna called Daayan Mukti Yagna that has been scheduled for 10 am on February 9. Post that, the Ek Thi Daayan trailer will be shown to everyone present, which will kick-start a debate on the existence of daayans (witches) in this world. The schedule also includes a visit to the Lete Hanuman temple, meditations, Shaahi Snaan and an interaction with the media.

All this makes us wonder about the real reason behind this sho-sha. While feathered friends close to Ekta are of the opinion that the small screen wizard wants to ward off the negative energies attached to the film, we suspect that this is just a hatke strategy to promote Ek Thi Daayan.

Whatever the reason, do you think it will work? Will the puja at the Maha Kumbh mela translate into a resounding box office success? What do you think, peeps?

Lataa Seth might have turned granny in the daily soap, but she is all set to embrace motherhood in real life

Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai is Star Plus’ popular soap. The cast and crew of this serial always look for a reason to party. And now the unit has another grand reason to celebrate – Akshara’s mother Rajshri aka Lataa Sabharwal Seth, the polite and loving mother on screen, is all set to embrace motherhood in real life. Lataa who is married to Sanjeev Seth (even in real life) is expecting a baby! The couple is really excited about the new arrival in their family.

“Yes I am expecting and it is a beautiful feeling. I can’t thank god enough for a supportive family that I have at home and at work. They all take really good care of me in fact when I shoot 10 people shout if there is a wire around while I am walking. At this point I will say that I am lucky to be a woman not only because I am able to feel the beautiful feeling inside me but also for having so many loving people around me as the amount I am being pampered it is unbelievable,” stated an overjoyed Lataa.

“Even the makers of the show are going to make small changes in Lataa’s character. They have already shown my character getting worried about her sudden weight gain. They have woven my weight issue intelligently into the show. My husband, who is also my co-star, takes extra care of me at home as well as on the set. I will be missing for a few months. But I want to continue acting and can manage both together. My family is supportive and that makes things easy,” explained Lataa.

Lataa is still shooting for the show and feels at home on the sets as the cast is extra supportive towards the to-be-mother. In fact, while Lataa plays the mother on the small screen, she states that in real life now, Akshara (her onscreen daughter) behaves like her mother and ensures that she is taken care of well. We at BollywoodLife give a thumbs up to this role reversal.

The busty babe Neha Dhupia turned up looking like a princess, in a gown by Sailex that accentuated her curves, and showed that she rarely goes wrong on the red carpet. Her rolled down hair, and the pretty necklace completed her look which we thought was absolutely tasteful and elegant!

PHOTOS: Yogen Shah

The career of the former Queen Bee of Bollywood has now slowly faded into almost-nothingness, especially after Aiyyaa fell flat at the BO. So is buddy Karan Johar lending Rani Mukerji a helping hand?

Rani Mukerji was once heroine number one in B-town. She grabbed all the plum roles and took home all the best awards after co-starring with the biggest biggies in the biz – Aamir Khan, Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan. And then she started fading. One theory is that her ‘friendship’ with Aditya Chopra resulted in her being over-picky about her roles and choosing the ‘wrong’ films for that particular time in her career.

Just when everyone was starting to write her off, she came back very strong with No One Killed Jessica, even though Vidya Balan took a lot of the glory home with her. And then came Aiyyaa, which kind of went THUD very loudly at the box office, in spite of Rani’s ‘hatke’ character and that gloriously buff bod that Prithviraj showed off so generously. There was some redemption in her role in Talaash – but Rani could always count on Aamir to make it all happen for her, no?

So does Rani have anything to do over the next year or so? From what we know, not a whole helluva lot. Sure, Karan Johar is directing her with co-stars Randeep Hooda and Saqib Saleem – aka Huma Qureshi’s brother – in a new project, which got us all excited, since Rani is a fave with us at BollywoodLife, but then we discovered that it is a segment in an anthology called Bombay Talkies. And everyone and their uncle knows that Karan knows how to make Rani look super-gorgeous and hugely emotional, no? Will that be her saving grace and keep her in the forefront of a very crowded and tough race that is now Bollywood? Or will it be her guest appearance in the Rohit Shetty-directed Shahrukh-Deepika Padukone movie Chennai Express? Perhaps it will be her voiceover as Tina in Koochie Koochie Hota Hai, an animation film that has already been delayed beyond a reasonable time-frame. Who knows.

But whatever our lady decides to do, we expect her to do it with style. Like marriage to the rumoured lover of her life, Adi Chopra perhaps? If we find out more, you will too!

We hear that this one is Ekta Kapoor’s latest shock element for her loyal audiences. But does it make sense?

Ekta Kapoor’s Ragini MMS 2 is getting bigger and bolder this time! The TV czarina, who seems to be on a mission to shock people with bold films like Love, Sex Aur Dhokha and The Dirty Picture wants to push her limits even further in her long-anticipated sequel to Ragini MMS, this time starring Sunny Leone and Sandhya Mridul (of Page 3 fame). From what we hear, after Richa Chadha backed out of the horror movie because she was uncomfortable kissing Sunny and doing a lesbian act, Sandhya stepped in and recently shot for a steamy scene which is surely gonna attract a lot of attention.

Tanuj Garg, CEO, Balaji Motion Pictures clarified, “There are no lesbian scenes in the film. There’s only one sensuous kiss between the two girls, which was required by the script. (Really, Tanuj?) Nothing that we have done is tacky or crass. It was aesthetically shot. Both Sandhya and Sunny were sporting, as they know there’s nothing vulgar in the way it’s presented. Sandhya plays an important role in the film.” About the story, he said, “We will take the story forward from where part one left off. It’s a spook fest and it has got sensuousness, drama and Sunny Leone.”

You will remember, Eesha Koppikhar and Amrita Arora indulged in steamy lesbian scenes for Girlfriend. And we know what happened to that film, right? And both girls would rather forget it, we hear! Let’s hope Sunny-Sandhya’s act, though ‘sensuous’, doesn’t become a laughing stock when the film is finally released!

Would you watch the film for this kind of passionate scene between Sunny Leone and Sandhya Mridul?

Randeep Hooda, Aditi Rao Hydari and Sara Loren’s love triangle makes for an intriguing plot and the new number reflects the trio’s complex relationship

Without the poster boy of the Bhatt camp Emraan Hashmi, the upcoming thriller Murder 3 seems to lack the punch. But hey, there’s the dishy Randeep Hooda to provide enough feast to the eyes, with the sizzling Aditi Rao Hydari and Sara Loren aka Mona Lisa. The film shows their confused and complicated love triangle, and the sentiment is beautifully reflected in the film’s new song Hum jee lenge.

Penned by Sayeed Quadri and sung melodiously by Mustafa Zahid, this track is heart-wrenching. It shows Randeep’s separation from the love of his life played by Aditi Rao Hydari. From the visuals of the song, you can easily make out that Hooda’s character has the sexy Sara in his life but he’s desperately in love with Aditi and can’t forget her. The music of this gloomy song is composed by Roxen Band. Now, you watch the song and tell us if you can decode the mystery of the trio’s complex romantic tale.

The ace comedian, who was forced out of the limelight after the DMK (for which he campaigned) suffered a huge setback in the last elections, is ready to make a comeback

Vadivelu is back doing what he does best – entertain his audience. The comedy star is all set to play the lead role in a film titled Thenaliraman. In this period flick, he will be doing a dual role – that of King Krishnadevarayar and Minister Thenaliraman.

The film, according to sources, will be directed by Yuvaraj and will be produced by Kalpathi S Aghoram’s AGS Entertainment. The shooting is expected to start soon.

“Vadivelu is excited to make a comeback with this film. He sincerely hopes that Thenaliraman would repeat the magic of Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi,” added sources.

The Munnabhai superstar’s 24-year-old daughter Trishala was in for a shock when she heard that her father was eager for her to find a husband and settle down. She reacted…and how!

“I am laughing so hard right now. I don’t even know he said that. I am too young to get married. I am focusing on my career right now and getting my feet on the ground.”

-Trishala Dutt

Also read: Sanjay Dutt’s daughter Trishala to launch her own business

Kareena Kapoor‘s fan club tweeted this lovely picture of Kareena and Sonam Kapoor. Not many know that the two Bollywood actors are distant cousins. While their families might not bond too much, the girls seem to have no problem hanging out together. So, are Bebo and Sonu the new B-town besties? ALSO SEE: Shilpa Shetty and Preity Zinta at IPL 6 auction!

It seems films are becoming easy targets these days. Close on the heels of Kamal Haasan’s Vishwaroopam facing hurdles, two more movies are in a similar situation

While Mani Ratnam’s Kadal, starring Gautham Karthik and Thulasi Nair, which hit the screens Friday last, has earned the wrath of a Christian group, superstar Suriya’s upcoming film Singam 2 now faces opposition from a Muslim association.

The Indian Christian Democratic Party has filed a complaint with Chennai city Police Commissioner S George, alleging that Kadal has objectionable scenes referring to Christians.

Meanwhile, a Muslim organisation has alleged that Muslims are being shown in a bad light in Singam 2, and urged the film’s director Hari to remove those scenes.

And the well-behaved birthday boy made sure he replied to every wish he received on Twitter

How will Abhishek Bachchan celebrate his birthday? Simply by working hard on the sets of Dhoom:3 with dear friend Uday Chopra, who tweeted, “Happy birthday bradaaaa!!! @juniorbachchan see you on set!” And the favourite brother of B-town might be busy rehearsing his scenes while you read this one.

So we took a peek into the microblogging site to find out who all wished him. And here’s what we found!

Amitabh Bachchan: To my son .. the sun always !! Varsh nav Harsh nav .. Jeevan utkarsh nav !!

Rohan Sippy: happy (working) birthday AB! Hope you have a great year ahead:)

Neil Nitin Mukesh: Here is wishing @juniorbachchan my brother a very very Happy Birthday. GOD BLESS YOU !!!

Sonam Kapoor: Happy birthday to @juniorbachchan much love ab!!

Shirish Kunder: Happy Birthday @juniorbachchan! Much Love

Punit Malhotra: @juniorbachchan wishing one of the sweetest people I know a very happy birthday. Have a super year ahead:)

Jackky Bagnani: Wishing my elder bro @juniorbachchan happy birthdayyyy . Wish u loads of love :)

Karan Johar: And to my baby brother @juniorbachchan!!!! Who bullied me through my childhood and who i love immensely….happy birthday!!! Love u ab!!!

Tarun Mansukhani: Happy Bday @juniorbachchan !!!! Loads n loads n loads of love!!!! BIG HUG!!

Boman Irani: Happy Birthday @juniorbachchan have a super day and year but don’t do anything I wouldn’t! Lots of love always!

Sujoy Ghosh: @juniorbachchan happy happy my friend.. lots of happiness and a little bit more..

The veteran actor may walk down the aisle yet again after a gap of 15 years

In what may come as a surprise for several of her fans, Zeenat Aman - the well known sex symbol of the ’70s – is all set to marry again. In a recent interview Zeenat said that she is in a happy place now and wants to take the step once again, but without any fuss and bother. “I have met someone and he’s become a significant part of my life, but I don’t want to discuss it any further. He is from India, and we are planning to marry. So I am in a much happier space today. I feel I am young again,” the lady insisted.

And though she didn’t divulge too many details, recent reports have claimed that Zeenat Aman’s to-be husband is a Pune based Shiv Sena leader called Sarfaraz Ahmed. Reportedly, the two have been quite serious about each other over the last six months.

Zeenat Aman, who was a popular sex symbol in the ’70s, was in a tumultuous relationship with actor-director-producer Sanjay Khan. She then went on to tie the knot with actor Mazhar Khan and, after he passed away in 1998, Zeenat expressed no wish to remarry and was happy devoting her time to her sons Azaan and Zahaan.

But now it seems that life has come full circle for the elegant lady, and she has finally made a call to embrace married life once again. We wish her a ton of happiness, and hope this time it is pure bliss for ever for the actor!

We had to giggle when we saw this picture, but the Khan’s style is, as always, impeccable!

Men in skirts…well, that is becoming a style statement these days, what with a Mumbai-based artist – male – being seen in them, a well known fashion designer preferring them and a whole group of young men in Bangalore recently seen in the usually feminine garment as a symbol of support to a woman’s right to wear what she wants, be who she is, exercise her rights, and be safe in her city. Whether that last form of solidarity in protest worked or not, we don’t know, but what we do know is that no one does it quite like Aamir Khan, as always.

We found a sneak peek of the star-actor’s look in P.K., his new film with Rajkumar Hirani, co-starring Anushka Sharma. Somewhere along the line we heard that she plays an alcoholic, then we were told that no, he acts out that role, and then…oh, forget it, whoever the drunk is we don’t care.

What we liked was the casual, natural, almost-normal way in which Aamir strides along wearing his maxi-skirt. It looks like a Masaba Gupta design, but could even be a gypsy skirt from any Lambada wardrobe. The bright sunny yellow, the pink border, the generous pleats – hey, give it to our style gal and she will be very happy to swish around. Perhaps we would not choose the buttoned-up shirt and pale jacket, or those long-toes shoes, but if anyone can carry this one off with panache, it is aamcha Aamir. And it leaves us wondering what this movie is all about!

We like Aamir’s new fashion statement. Do you?

Photo courtesy: Pinkvilla

Bollywood’s King Khan has been approached by Harvard University to deliver a lecture in March, but will the United States Customs and Immigration authorities spare SRK from the trouble that he faced at a New York airport when he flew in to give a talk at Yale University last year?

My name is Khan and I am not a terrorist – Shahrukh Khan must be saying this line every time he flies to America. In spite of his larger-than-life status in India and the iconic image that he has internationally, Shahrukh has trouble in airports, especially in America. He was detained last year by the Customs authorities at a New York airport when he visited the country to deliver a lecture at the reputed Yale University last year. The news about SRK’s unceremonious detention led to outrage in his homeland at the time. His fans, well wishers and various Indian politicians were fuming with anger for the reception the 47-year-old star received in America. The Indian foreign ministry too was upset about the episode. Later, the US Customs and Border Protection authorities expressed profound apologies for detaining the star.

And now, almost a year after that incident, SRK has been invited to speak in the US again, this time by the elite Harvard University. Shahrukh, we hear, is going to deliver a lecture on the economics of movie-making to students, a far more serious topic than he has addressed before. But one question that is nagging us now is, will the US authorities be extra careful with their reception of the Khan-man this time around? Will the representatives of Harvard take that special care so that SRK doesn’t face the same hassles he did last year and can they make his security checks a little less time consuming? After all, we don’t want our super-iconic hero to face the troubles of the past all over again.

Will the host country learn from its mistakes and be a little more welcoming to the King Khan? We are curious to know!

The director denies challenging Irrfan to a chess match in order for the actor to land a role in the sequel

A popular tabloid reported an interesting story about how Life of Pi actor Irrfan Khan landed a role in Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns. Apparently Irrfan was challenged for a round of chess by Tigmanshu in order for the director to cast the actor in the sequel to his hit film Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster.

The paper quotes a ‘source’ saying the filmmaker thought that this ‘test’ would be a good idea, so that nobody could accuse him of having Irrfan in his movie  just because the two were best buddies. And only if Irrfan won would he be a part of Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns. Tigmanshu, it said, also wanted to check the actor’s ability to play mind games.

We somehow didn’t buy into this story, especially since Irrfan delivered a stellar performance in Tigmanshu’s Paan Singh Tomar in 2012 and even took home significant awards for it. So BollywoodLife decided to check with the director himself.

As expected, Tigmanshu said he was “clueless” about the story doing the rounds, and stressed that he doesn’t have the patience to play chess! Wonder where the rumour began then….

ALSO READ: What makes Irrfan Khan so charismatic?

The veteran composer-singer limits himself to just ooos and aaoos in this video

As we tuned in to the song, or should we say took a ‘sneak peek’, with high expectations from none other than the original disco king of Bollywood, Bappi Lahiri, we felt betrayed by what we saw and heard; with due respect to our beloved Bappi da who thinks that all his compositions are always super duper hits. The 37-second video sees the Ooh la la singer introduce himself in his inimitable Bengali style – “Namashkaar, this is Bappi da, abhi main ek naya gaana kiya jo super duper hit hain… film ka naam hai Jolly LLB.”

The remaining fraction of the second has Bappi looking into the camera and doing just ooo and aaoo (he looks cute though) giving us a sneak peek into his next ‘super duper’ hit track in the making. It ends with a note – Jolly anthem coming soon. Now, we can’t wait to listen to the full song sung by the 60-year-old jolly composer of Bollywood who always keep updating himself with the latest trends in music. Aren’t you all waiting to listen to your favourite Bappi da‘s new song?

The Ulaga Nayagan is all set to begin work on two new projects and might play a triple role in one of them

Kamal Haasan is not a man who gets perturbed easily. The dust around his mega ambitious project Vishwaroopam‘s controversy  has just about settled, but the actor-director is not going to take it easy. He has already chalked out plans for two new films – Vishwaroopam 2 and then Moo.

Moo, meaning three, is the story of three lives. Buzz is that Kamal might play all the three roles, considering he had donned 10 different hats in Dasavathaaram. Moo is likely to be made in English and could tentatively be called Triple Impact.

Kamal’s spokesperson told a newspaper, “There’s no official confirmation about Moo yet. Kamal sir is planning to make Vishwaroopam 2 next and he had mentioned that even during the talks with the Muslim groups. He has already shot most of the film and will shoot the remaining portions soon. In fact, when Vishwaroopam ends, there’s an indication that the sequel will take place in India.”

We salute the star’s spirit!

After all the hoopla surrounding the ‘adult’ video that was reportedly shared by Ms Chopra, we hear that the lady might not be a part of this daring venture after all. What gives? We dig in…

When Sherlyn Chopra proudly shared a teaser of Kamasutra 3D, little did she know that it had a terrible side-effect waiting. And while her fans happily lapped up all that the Chopra girl had to show, the makers frowned and grumbled at the way this video went viral, without the required permissions, of course. Ooops!

Result – Sherlyn is out of Kamasutra 3D, or so the story goes. “I was shocked to see the video,” director Rupesh Paul said in an interview, “While sharing the video, I had specified it’s not for public viewing, but she still went ahead and uploaded it without our permission.” Paul also said that because of this mishap, now the makers have started hunting for a new face (and body) for Kamasutra 3D. And have shortlisted Eva Longoria and Mila Kunis so far.

When Sherlyn read this, she lashed out at her director on Twitter, saying, “Really!!?? @rupeshpaul says it doesn’t matter if the actress of KS 3D is Indian or American.. I say, IT DOES MATTER!!!!” She further went on to tweet: “Agar Mr.Paul ko Mila ya Eva ke saath Kamasutra 3D banaani hai toh hamey sign kyun kiya ?????? Tab kya Mila ya Eva ke paas dates nahi they?? (If Mr Paul wanted to make Kamasutra 3D with Mila or Eva, then why did he sign me? Didn’t Mila or Eva have the dates at that time?)”

And Sherlyn’s tweets went on:

“KS3D Photoshoot Video ke liye Sherlyn aur KS3D Film ke liye koi angrezi abhineytri??? Wah!! Kya Baat! Ghar ki Murgi Daal Baraabar Hoti hai..(Sherlyn for KS3D Photoshoot Video and some foreign heroine for KS3D Film? Wow!)

If KS3D is destined to be mine..then no power on Earth can take it away from me..Best Wishes to Mila/Eva/other names on Mr.Paul’s wish list.”

Kudos, Sherlyn, for tweeting on such a positive note. But can we really get THAT optimistic? ‘Coz even if we try (real hard) to assume that no one can take Kamasutra 3D away from Sherlyn, we are reminded of the way SC’s Playboy – no news of the ‘famous’ cover till now, right? – saga ended.

Does that mean Sherlyn’s Kamasutra 3D dream is also over too? While the bold babe would like to think otherwise, we ask you, readers – what do you think?

The Rajasthan Royals team’s proud owner has been slapped with a penalty notice for allegedly violating forex laws in their business operations

The Indian Premier League will start in two months time, but looks like the action has already begun – off field! It’s learnt that the agency, which is investigating irregularities under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), has sent out three separate notices to the Rajasthan Royals franchisee, the total of which sums up to Rs 98.5 crores.

While Rs 50 crores penalty has been slapped on Jaipur IPL Cricket Private Limited (JIPL) and its directors, Rs 34 crores notice for evasion of forex duties has been issued against EM Sporting Holding, Mauritius and its directors. A fresh notice of Rs 14.5 crores has been issued against M/S ND Investments, United Kingdom and its directors. All the three parties can appeal against this penalty in the appellate authority of FEMA. The order requires the IPL team to pay the money in 45 days. The Enforcement Directorate has been investigating financial and foreign exchange irregularities against all the IPL franchisees for almost two years now and the first big notice against any team comes just a day after the auctions concluded in Chennai.

The trouble for Shetty just doesn’t end here. A Delhi court dealing with corruption in Commonwealth Games 2010 (CWG) has said that two of the accused had paid Rs 71.73 lakh to Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. for Shilpa’s performance in the closing ceremony of the 2008 CWG Youth Games at Pune merely to fulfill the wish of the organising committee chief, Suresh Kalmadi. We hope that the legal trouble for our Dostana girl ends soon.