Fashion Report Card: Neha Dhupia

When she is not promoting her one-off films, former beauty queen and actor Neha Dhupia is busy making appearances at red carpet events, advocating social causes and generally making her presence felt in B-town. Here's a look at Neha's style file.

They’ve got the blues

Blue was definitely a favourite colour in 2011. Here's a look at the various hues of the shade that celebs sported with aplomb, at different events this year.

'Today, Salman is invincible'

Salman Khan, Bollywood's enfant terrible-turned-Robin Hood (Pandey) steps into his 46th year. And this is perhaps his most significant birthday.

No time to enjoy the success, says busy Priyanka

"Don 2: The King Is Back" opened to a positive response but Priyanka Chopra, who plays 'jungli billi' in it, rues that actors' busy schedules do not allow them to enjoy the success of their films.

It's raining remakes in Bollywood in 2012

From 'Players', 'Agneepath', 'Rowdy Rathore', 'Son of Sardar' to 'Chashme Buddoor', 2012 will see a string of remakes in 2012.

Bollywood has been remaking films since times immemorial but off-late filmmakers are opting for official remakes over blatant plagiarism. Ghajini, Wanted, Ready, Bodyguard just ascertain the fact. The year 2012 kick-starts with an official remake - Players and there are many more of them in store. We list down the most prominent remakes in 2012 analyzing 'what's new', 'what's retained' and the 'remake history' or each.

'Don 2' rings in over Rs.48 crore on opening weekend

Shah Rukh Khan's much talked about action thriller "Don 2: The King Is Back" has opened to encouraging reviews and cheerful opening weekend collection of over Rs.48 crore. Director Farhan Akthar thanks fans for making it a hit.

Bollywood's debut disasters

Here's a look at some of the actors who despite getting a great platform, failed to take off

2011 saw a number of fresh faces vying for space in Bollywood. However, a majority of the debutants failed to make the most of the opportunity. Here's looking at a few who missed the mark by miles...

Nargis Fakhri: Rockstar
Debuting opposite heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor in an Intiaz Ali film earned her much hype as expected.  Born of a Czech mother and Pakistani father, this model-turned-actress drew flak for her lack of acting skills and bad dialogue delivery coupled with poor diction.

Sarah Jane Dias: Game
A discovery of ace lensman Suresh Natarajan, Sarah won a talent hunt contest by a music channel and went on to host two shows for them. She also featured in a video by an Australian group. She signed the Tamil rom-com Theeradha Vilaiyattu Pillai opposite Vishal Krishna, and before its release, signed Abhinay Deo's Game opposite Abhishek Bachchan. Her song Maiya maiya didn't send many pulses racing.

Zoa Morani: Always Kabhi Kabhi
With producer Karim Morani as her father and Shah Rukh Khan producing her debut film, she couldn't have asked for more. But Always Kabhi Kabhi helmed by first time director Roshan Abbas didn't appeal to the youth, the target audience of this campus rom-com. Fortunately, Shyam Benegal is giving her another chance.

Puja Gupta: F.A.L.T.U
This former Miss India was signed by Vashu Bhagnani to debut opposite his son Jackky. While the movie paid off for the producer who was re-launching his son after a dud debut, it didn't really get Puja much notice.

Parvathy Omanakuttam: United Six
Another former Miss India, she debuted with a women-centric film, United Six, but it found no takers at the box-office. Consequently, Parvathy headed south, with Major Ravi's Madan Kolli. Her big move was signing up Billa 2 with South superstar Ajith Kumar.

Tena Desae: Yeh Faasley
An aspiring model, she was signed for Arunima Dua's Yeh Faasley and Parvin Dabas' Sahi Dhande Galat Bandhe. Neither emerged a hit.

Simran Mundi: Jo Hum Chaahein
Winning the Miss India crown has paved the way to Bollywood for many of our current actresses. This Punjabi kudi participated on Zor Ka Jhatka hosted by SRK. It was during her stint in marketing that she was offered Jo Hum Chaahein. The film, also a debut for co-actor Sunny Gill, didn't create any buzz at the ticket windows.

Chirag Paswan: Miley Naa Miley Hum
The son of politician Ram Vilas Paswan, Chirag decided to stay away from his father's profession and instead try his luck in Bollywood. His debut film created a buzz, but not for the right reasons. Apparently, the film's heroine Kangna Ranaut was being paid a whopping Rs 5 crore to act opposite him. The film bombed at the box office.

Sachiin Joshi: Azaan
The scion of a gutka baron, financing his own debut was not going to be a problem for Sachiin. With Prashant Chadda (he also directed Himesh Reshammiya's Aap Ka Suroor) at the helm, the film failed big time.

Sulagna Panigrahi:  Murder 2
Starting her career on the small screen, she played a part-time commercial sex worker in Mukesh Bhatt's Murder 2. However, there's no news of her second movie yet.

And the ones who showed some promise...

Kajal Agarwal: Singham
Despite the film netting more than Rs 100 crore from India box office, Kajal is yet to sign her next Bollywood film.

Sunny Gill: Jo Hum Chaahein
Future plans uncertain for this model-turned actor as the Gills had invested their own money into the movie.

Poorna Jagannathan: Delhi Belly
Right now, she has two Hollywood films - one with Jane Fonda and another with Gwyneth Paltrow and Mark Ruffalo.

Monica Dogra: Dhobi Ghat
The musician-turned-actor's performance was appreciated, however she is yet to sign her second film.

Myra Karn: No One Killed Jessica
Strangely, she seems to have disappeared after the film became a hit.

Parineeti Chopra: Ladies VS Ricky Bahl
Priyanka Chopra's cousin, she got noticed for her potential after the film released.

Kainaz Motiwala: RAGINI MMS
An aspiring journalist, the film got her noticed. But there's no news of her next movie so far.



Courtesy : Mid day

'Ra.One', 'Ready' up for worst film award at Golden Kela

Shah Rukh and Salman Khan's much hyped films 'Ra.One', 'Ready' and 'Bodyguard' are competing for the worst film trophy at the fourth annual Golden Kela awards, a spin off on Hollywood's Razzies.

The awards, to be given in March, recognise and honour the best of the worst in Hindi cinema by audience poll. The awards are hosted by comedian Cyrus Broacha.

Picture special: From botox to implants

From botox to breast implants, at some point, most stars resort to it as a quick-fix to what does not look right to them in the mirror. 2011 was filled with buzz about the following stars. Pics don’t lie. Take a look…

Bipasha Basu: In July, Bollywood was buzzing about the actress getting her assets enhanced. But apparently the real reason she quietly checked into a south Mumbai hospital to get top heavy by a veteran cosmetic surgeon was because of a previous job gone wrong! Apparently the gel breast implants done a while back came undone, resulting in ‘double trouble’ that had to be rectified!

Why is Katrina 'Chikni Chameli'?

After Sheila, Munni, Shalu and Jalebi Bai, 'Chikni Chameli' is the latest item bomb in Bollywood. Katrina Kaif has outdone her 'Sheila ki jawani' act in the song, and "Agneepath" director Karan Malhotra believes she has done full justice to it.

Shah Rukh Khan charms Lucknow

AA GAYA DEKHO DON: People in Lucknow waited in anticipation of Shah Rukh Khan's visit days before the star actually came on Wednesday on his first ever trip to Lucknow.

Desi girl: Mahie Gill

Simple living, high thinking is Punjabi kudi Mahie Gill's motto. If she's not acting, you're bound to find the actress living a simple life.

Anushka Sharma cool quotient

"I would love to visit the Alps in winter and try my hand at skiing. I have never done it before, but I am sure it will be great fun," says actor Anushka Sharma. Although the pretty lady loves winters, she finds that the season does take a toll on her beauty quotient. She shares her winter memories and beauty regime with CS:

No patch up bewtween Priyanka, Salman

There were reports swirling around that Salman Khan and Priyanka Chopra had recently patched up at Riteish Deshmukh's birthday party.

Sangram Singh in Veena Malik's reality show?

Veena Malik has yet another controversy up her sleeves. A source reveals that the reality show she is part of has offered wrestler Sangram Singh a fat fee to appear on the show.

Apparently the starlet was keen to have him on the show but he refused outright. Smart guy he is!


Courtesy : mid day

Is Bobby Deol in Salman's camp?

Never mind if the Mumbai Heroes team fared badly in the first Celebrity Cricket League last year. This time, they've not only begun practicing for the forthcoming season, but are also adding players for on-field offensive. The latest is that the team (owned by Salman and Sohail Khan) has got Bobby Deol on board.

I really love 'Chikni Chameli': Vaibhavi Merchant

Choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant is in awe of Katrina Kaif's item number 'Chikni Chameli' in Karan Johar's "Agneepath".

My audience believes I can fly: SRK

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who has been doing hardcore stunts for his film "Don 2: The King Is Back", says it's only the conviction of his fans that keeps him going. The actor says he did have initial jitters to jump off a 300-foot building.

Genius godfather for Prateik...

AR Rahman is highly impressed by the actor's talent

Prateik may have none other than composer AR Rahman to thank for his role in his latest film directed by Gautam Menon.

Sonam shows off plunging neckline in a jacket

Sonam Kapoor was in New Delhi recently for a fashion house event. Despite the chill, the actress arrived at the venue in a jacket with a plunging neckline.

Bipasha Basu's birthday to be an 11 day affair

No she hasn't been declared the head of any Indian state. Nor is her birthday a national affair. However, Bipasha Basu's birthday celebrations, which falls on January 7, will be an 11-day event.

Priyanka hugs Kareena at an awards event

Arch rival Priyanka Chopra made the first move and hugged Kareena Kapoor at the same event

Did they fake it or was it for real? Arch rivals Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra yet again did an all is well act at the entertainment awards event in Andheri on Sunday night.

It's one of the greatest highs to play a villain: SRK

Shah Rukh Khan, who played anti-hero in the beginning of his career, returns in a negative role in his forthcoming movie "Don 2: The King is Back". The superstar says that portraying villanious characters gives a different high to an actor.

No Taj for AR Rahman!

The music maestro has been denied permission to perform at a venue with the majestic Taj Mahal as the backdrop

Dia Mirza goes regional to star in a Bengali film

After turning producer, Dia Mirza is back to acting. She recently shot for a Bengali film in Kolkata.

 Though Dia is familiar with the language, she had to brush it up. Dia is open to doing all kinds of cinema. Next is South?




Courtesy : mid day

Agneepath sets Hrithik’s stock soaring

Hrithik Roshan's movie graph is definitely going upwards; judging especially with the amounts being paid for the satellite rights of his movies.

A few months ago the satellite rights of Krrish-3 were lapped up for an astounding amount; with RA.One closely trailing.

Hottest Covers Of 2011!

In 2011, some magazines (read Maxim and FHM) rolled out the most provocative covers ever. But there were some real classy ones too. Here's a flashback of the hottest covers of 2011, handpicked for you.

Bipasha Basu - Maxim (Jan)

Topless Bips - provocative, yet classy!

Ranbir Kapoor vs Shahid Kapoor

Ranbir and Shahid said to be competing with each other to play the lead in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's next

Veena Malik safe and sound in Mumbai hotel

Veena Malik, who had been reported missing since Friday, has been found to be safe and staying in a hotel in Mumbai.

New channel Life OK launched, Madhuri to be sutradhaar

Star India's new channel Life OK goes on air Sunday with Bollywood diva Madhuri Dixit being the 'sutradhaar'. The stories will have compelling content that flows from the philosophy that 'Life is Ok', and ad breaks are kept shorter.

The most controversial song of the year 2011

Perhaps the most controversial song of the year, Bhaag DK Bose emerges as the top Bollywood song of 2011

Nathalia Pinheiro crowned Kingfisher Calendar Girl 2012

Brazilian-Indian model Nathalia Pinheiro was Wednesday crowned the Kingfisher Calendar Girl 2012. Born in Rio de Janeiro, the 21-year-old Pinheiro won the title defeating 15 models from across the country.

Hrithik Roshan teaches easy way to quit smoking

Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan was hooked to smoking not so long ago.

But when he chanced upon Allen Carr's book, "The Easy Way to Quit Smoking", he got free from his habit, and is now helping others too to kick the butt.

Big B deserves world's most coveted award: Dilip Kumar

Bollywood legendary Dilip Kumar has said that the one actor in the industry who deserves an Oscar is Amitabh Bachchan.

Sonam's sister Rhea Kapoor spotted with a mystery man

Sonam Kapoor's producer sister Rhea Kapoor munching on some greens at a fine dining restaurant at Andheri yesterday afternoon.

It was difficult to change my sexy image: Neha Dhupia

Former Miss India Neha Dhupia started her Bollywood career with bold films like "Julie" and "Sheesha", but later she moved to performance-based roles with "Mithya". But the transition was not easy, she says.

Sushmita Sen walks the ramp for Resort Fashion Week

The weekend saw another fashion week to the long list of those existing in the country already. However, India Resort Fashion Week, which was held in Goa, is primarily about resort wear.

The game-changers of 2011!

Most people tread the beaten path but some rare ones lead the way. A salute to some people who in 2011 attempted to go where no one else has dared

Rewind 2011
As much as I am tempted to say that 2011 has been a phenomenal year, it is kind of given considering that the entertainment industry is growing at a breathtaking pace.

However, 2011 does have its fair share of moments which made us proud, moments that made us cringe, moments that made us teary-eyed and moments that made us want to hide under a rock.

Starting from today, till the end of the year, Hitlist will stitch together those moments and talk about the personalities who were instrumental in making them possible. Happy reading.
-- Ed

They say rules are meant to be broken. But not everyone who talks of breaking the norm manages to carve a path of his or her own.

2011, fortunately has seen a powerful set of 'game changers', who have proven to be visionaries in their own might.

From a mainstream actress who proudly showed off her three 'tyre'-tummy, to a superstar who announced the news of becoming a father in a way as ingenuous as most of his movies, here are 2011's rebellious bests...

Bombaat Balan
There's little that hasn't already been said about this woman who changed the face (and body) of a leading lady in Bollywood. Post The Dirty Picture, Vidya Balan came to be known as the 'ballsiest' actor in the industry.

In the past five years, revealing extra ounces of flesh has become as sacrilegious as a lip-lock or a sex-scene back in the 70's. But when Vidya strutted around in micro-minis showing of a jelly-belly, it was more about shedding inhibitions, than clothes.

More so, it was a wake-up call for actresses who belong to a space where success rates are measured by the number of item numbers they bag. "In this film I have celebrated my body and I think we all should," says Vidya.

Daddy cool
Trust Aamir Khan's son to come into the world, making a statement. Azad Rao Khan is a probably the quietest Bollywood baby to be delivered, but still he managed to create all the right noises. When proud papa announced his arrival through IVF surrogacy, it was a lesson for many popular couples that still treat the method as a taboo. "This baby is especially dear to us because he was born to us after a long wait and some difficulty," said Aamir.

The Kolaveri chant
A romantic moonlit night, a heartbreak that follows, a glass of scotch and a few tears ingredients that describe the love life of every youngster. Add them in a song, and you've got a number that becomes the anthem of the youth. Some called Kolaveri racist, some others tagged it sexist, some called the language derogatory, and the rest called it a 'passing' craze. But surprising its critics, this Tanglish number (created in a little Chennai studio) left behind the most popular Bollywood hits to emerge as the most downloaded Indian song ever. Says Dhanush, "We created a song to show that angst. We're glad it's become so relatable."

Fire in the belly
Every year there's that one film which both curses and celebrates the unpredictability of life. For 2011, Delly Belly was that film and much more. The dark humour in the film (predominantly in English) resonated not just with the youth but with anyone who understands what it feels like when s*** hits the roof. With no item number, no romantic plot, no real hero or villan, the film defied most Bollywood conventions. It was the first and probably the only time a desi gaali became a chartbuster. "With DK Bose, we mock our flawed selves. None of us are perfect and the song signifies that," said Ram Sampat, the composer of the song. The film gave adult humour a new dimension hinting that our cinema is finally coming of age.

Queen Kapoor
From being the queen of soaps to ruling the big screen, Ekta Kapoor's dramatic transition is as surprising as laudable. Her films are everything her TV soaps are not, and 2011 stands testimony to that. From reviving the dead genre of Bollywood horror with Ragini MMS to providing a fresh perspective on Mumbai's crime scene in Shor in the City to giving us a flavour of the much-mocked upon 80's in The Dirty Picture, she is the one woman producer who has the brains and the b**** to give most others a run for their money.

The 'one' and only
Love it, hate it, but you couldn't ignore it. Shah Rukh Khan's RA.One changed the rules of the marketing game in more ways than one. We saw Mr Khan endorsing everything from bathing soaps to baniyaans, but that does not take away from the fact that this carpet-bombing marketing method ensured the footfalls SRK badly needed. RA.One also became the film with the most advanced visual effects, opening doors for many such ambitious ventures.

Also...

The Indian television media spoke out loud when they collectively took a stand to not cover the much-hyped arrival of the Bachchan baby. Though, it was looked upon as unfair regulation of the media, it eventually stood out as an example.

A rather provocative and bold Bengali film called Gandu made all attempts for public screenings at film festivals, despite oppositions from political parties. The film, has now been released online successfully reaching a large chunk of its target audience.

Stephen Speilberg's Tin tin for becoming the highest Hollywood animation grosser in India.

Actresses like Purna Jagannathan and Nargis Fakhri who made their Bollywood debuts post their 30s.



Courtesy : Mid day

Andrew Symonds turns King on 'Bigg Boss'

The King and I: Siddharth Bhardwaj and Andrew Symonds in a reality show. The Aussie cricketer is dressed as the king  with Sid as his slave!


Courtesy : Mid day

King Khan-Ajay Devgn: Foes turned pals?

Once perceived to be sworn enemies, the stars amicably swapped rights to a couple of scripts recently

Going by this report, it seems the perceived enmity between Ajay Devgn and Shah Rukh Khan is long over. The latest is that the two have exchanged the rights to a couple of scripts, recently.

Aishwarya's long sabbatical

According to sources, new mommy Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will make her Bollywood comeback only after a year

Birthday Special: Rajnikanth

Phenomenally popular, Rajnikanth is known among his fans as 'The Superstar'. For thousands of his admirers, Rajni is the last word in stardom. He has enchanted film viewers with his magical performances, thrilling on-screen presence and unique dialogue delivery.

Amy Jackson is all set to make her Bollywood debut!

She was spotted on the Miss England website by director AL Vijay, and a month later, she was shooting in Hyderabad and Chennai for her first Tamil film, "Madrasapattinam"! In an interview at that time, Amy Jackson had said, "I couldn't believe it. I'd never acted in my life, I didn't even know I could act."