Aishwarya Rai will have company at Cannes

First it was just Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Freida Pinto and Mallika Sherawat who were supposed to represent India on a global platform, by walking the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival that begins this May 11.

Then the news of other B-towners like Saif Ali Khan and Minissha Lamba flying to the French Riviera cropped up. Obviously, everybody was excited at the prospects of an increased Indian presence at the international festival. Now, it turns out that adding to the list will be film-maker Karan Johar, actor Rani Mukerji, fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukerji and filmaker Madhur Bhandarkar.

Sources in the know say that the trio are being flown to Cannes by the same brand that Saif will represent there this year. “Last year they had taken Deepika Padukone and Rohit Bal. The brand apparently wants to be responsible for the maximum Bolly presence at Cannes this year,” says a source.

While most actors are keeping details about their outfits a heavily guarded secret, it has been made known that Sabya will be designing for and styling Rani’s look for the event. “Saif will be there on the 11th. But KJo, Sabya and Rani will be there on the 18th. All of them will be at the festival for just one day. The brand is also hosting an after party there, which Saif will attend. But the trio’s itinerary is not yet finalised,” says the source adding that if things go as planned KJo might even deliver a talk on Indian cinema there. But that’s just the tentative plan.

Katrina looking forward to Kabir Khan's next Ek Tha Tiger opposite Salman Khan

After delivering an impressive performance in Kabir Khan's New York, Katrina Kaif will again be working with the director in Ek Tha Tiger opposite Salman Khan. The actress says she is looking forward to the film.

"I had an amazing experience, a little bit of a life-changing experience during the making of New York. Kabir is one of the most wonderful people I have met. We wanted to work together, I'm really looking forward to it. Also, this is my third film with YRF, that is great too," Katrina told reporters here.

The father-son duo of Yash and Aditya Chopra has written the script of Ek Tha Tiger, while the screenplay and dialogues have been written by Kabir Khan and Neelesh Misra.

Pritam Chakraborty will compose music of for the film, going on floors in early July. It is slated for a mid-2012 release.

Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's comedy act in "Ladies And Gentlemen"

Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek have done eight films together. From the irresolute lovers of Dhai Akshar Prem Ke to each other’s tormentors in Raavan, the couple has tried a slew of roles but for a romantic comedy. Well, that’s happening now with producer-director Rajkumar Santoshi’s 'Ladies and Gentlemen'.

In the movie, Abhishek plays a cheating hubby and Aishwarya his wife. Despite having worked with Ash so many times in his acting career, Abhishek says he’s still excited about teaming up with her again especially because this is the first time they will do a comedy film together.

"I have done quite a few films with Aishwarya and I have always enjoyed working with her, even before we were together and married. Ladies and Gentlemen is a romantic comedy, so it's something we have never done before. It will be interesting to see if we have that comic timing," Abhishek is quoted as saying.

Riding high on the success of Dum Maaro Dum Abhishek Bachchan is currently shooting in Russia for Abbas-Mustan's Players. Aishwarya on the other hand is heading to the Cannes film festival.

Ladies and Gentlemen is slated for a 2012 release and is expected to go on the floors in the first week of July.

Katrina Kaif unveils her latest Barbie doll

Katrina Kaif, who is known for her Barbie doll looks, recently launched her own Barbie doll as part of the "Barbie I can be a movie star" campaign.

Katrina Kaif wore a Barbie style fuchsia gown to the launch in Mumbai, which is similar to the gown the Barbie doll inspired by the actress wears.

On speaking to the media the Bollywood actress shared her excitement saying, "It's a very special day. This is a huge honour to have something like this on your name. I hope everyone likes the doll. The whole thing is very exciting."

This is the second Barbie doll that has been inspired by Katrina. Last year Mattel unveiled a Barbie doll that was based on the look Katrina showcased as part of the 'Barbie All Doll'd Up' show at Lakme Fashion Week 2009.

Katrina will next be seen on the big screen in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara that is set for release on 24th June.

My Toughest scene: Katrina Kaif

I don't think any other scene would come close to being as tough as my speech in Prakash Jha's Raajneeti. Gosh, it still gives me goose bumps!

The scene was shot in Bhopal. Although it was done in two takes, it just wasn't an easy one to execute. I think there were at least three reasons why that scene was so mushkil. But before that, let me tell you that it was not difficult because I had to wear a saree for that scene.

I have been seen in glam outfits on screen, but honestly, I am far more comfortable in a saree than in any other attire. Now back to the three reasons:

One, I had to narrate a speech in front of nearly 5,000 people. Think about giving a speech in front of 100 people and your hands would tremble.

Two, my character in the film had to vent all her emotions in that scene.

Three, that scene was the climax of the film. Hence, it had to be done in such a way that it not only creates an impact, but also, leaves a lasting impression as well. It was a very crucial scene wherein I had to take utmost care that I neither underplay it nor go over the top.

A tough scene is generally not a song or a dance. The biggest challenge for an actor is when he or she is asked to portray a gamut of emotions in one scene.

Salman Khan, Sonakshi Sinha Romance 'Kick' to be Shot in South Korea

Kick, headlining Salman Khan and Sonakshi Sinha, will be filmed in South Korea at locales such as Jeju Island, Gyeongbogung Palace, Yongduam Rock, Hallasan Mountain, Hyeopjae Beach and Soingook Miniature theme park.

The film's producer, Sajid Nadiadwala, had earlier planned to shoot the film in Japan, but changed his plans following the recent devastating earthquake in the country and the consequent radiation leak at one of its nuclear power plant complex. [via Mid Day]

"We were to shoot in Japan but because of the earthquake and subsequent nuclear dangers we decided to shoot for Kick in Korea instead which has some exotic virgin locales," he said.

"I am disappointed we can't shoot in Japan as we wanted to shoot a major action sequence in Tokyo Square. However the South Korean tourism board has been very kind to us."

Kick is a remake of a 2009 Telugu action romance drama directed by Surender Reddy, starring Ravi Teja. Its a story of a man who loves challenges in life and does things to get kick out of them.

Sonakshi On The Hotseat!

Sonakshi Sinha will appear on the Bhojpuri edition of Kaun Banega Crorepati, a show hosted by her father, Shatrughan Sinha.

The episode will be recorded in Kolkata early next month, just as soon as Sonakshi finds the time.

Says the proud father, "Yes. Sonakshi is going to be on the hot seat. Audiences will finally get to see us together on screen."

Says Shotgun, "Sonakshi should not expect any easy questions just because she's my daughter. You'll be surprised to know she took the initiative.

She asked me if she could participate. I happily agreed. She's an intelligent girl. I know she'll conduct herself well."

Sinha Sr admits he needs to work on his Bhojpuri. "That's strange because my mother spoke to us in the dialect. I'm brushing it up for KBC. It isn't difficult. Bhojpuri has direct links with Hindi. So mastering it is no problem."

Shatru's first guest is politician Yashwant Sinha. "Sonakshi will follow. From the film industry I'll also invite Salman Khan to be on the hotseat," he says.

Amitabh Bachchan might also feature on the show. "Having him on my show makes perfect sense. I'll invite him personally. I am sure he will agree. The differences between us is a thing of the past."

Adds Sonakshi excitedly, "It will be great! I love the show. Although I don't speak Bhojpuri I can understand it. It would fun to be quizzed by dad."

Incidentally, a movie with the father-daughter duo is also in the works.

Katrina Kaif voted Best Indian celebrity match for Prince William: Shaadi.com

Out of the 8000 survey takers, 75.3% respondents believed that Katrina would be the best Indian celebrity match for Prince William, followed by Priyanka Chopra with 16.7% and Sonakshi Sinha with 8%.

On the eve of the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, Shaadi.com, the world’s largest matrimonial service recently conducted a poll amongst its members on which Indian celebrity would make a good pair with Prince William. They were required to choose from three Indian Women – Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra & Sonakshi Sinha. Out of the 8000 survey takers, 75.3% respondents believed that Katrina would be the best Indian celebrity match for Prince William, followed by Priyanka Chopra with 16.7% and Sonakshi Sinha with 8%.


As the world is following every step of the Royal Wedding on the Internet and social media, Shaadi.com posed the same question on social networking platforms asking followers their opinion on which Indian celebrity women would be make a good pair with Prince William. Without any options to choose from, the results showed that the most preferred celebrity woman was Sushmita Sen.


Commenting on the poll results, Gourav Rakshit, Business Head, Shaadi.com said, “With the hype of Royal Wedding around the globe, Shaadi.com conducted the survey to reflect the enthused spirit about the wedding here in India too. The poll is part of the constant research that Shaadi.com conducts in its attempt to gauge the preferences of its members. Shaadi.com has transformed matchmaking into an interactive, exciting experience and is committed to go the extra mile to enhance the experience of our members.”