She took this job very seriously because she did not want to let her parents down. She also took it up because she wanted to pull her family out of one of the rockiest patches - financially and emotionally - ever.

Fifteen years hence and innumerable awards and accolades later, her life looks like a fairy tale or a Bollywood script that could not have been written any better. In an industry where the shelf life of an actress is getting shorter by the month - even as actors rule the roost for two decades or more - Rani has seen her fair share of ups and downs that have taught her valuable lessons.

In the last few years, she has faltered in terms of choice of films. But one thing that she hasn't forgotten is to do her job well, i.

e. to act.

She takes it up as seriously as she did during the mahurat shot of "Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat" as a 16-year-old. But today, there's more passion than ever, and a mastery of her craft that compels you to appreciate her skills as an actress, even if you aren't her die-hard fan.

After the success of "No One Killed Jessica" early last year, she is awaiting her next two releases this year - the Reema Kagti-directed thriller "Talaash", with Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor and Anurag Kashyap's quirky comedy "Aiyya" directed by National Award winning director Sachin Kundalkar. We ask the 'Queen of Bollywood' about the journey during which her job turned into her passion, the girl Rani morphed into the woman who rules hearts and, of course, a certain someone she "is dating".

What are you doing these days? I've just returned from Lonavala where I was shooting for "Aiyya". A few songs are left.

Has the industry changed since you joined films? Immensely. Today, the first look of the film is almost as important as the film itself.

I'm eagerly waiting for the promos of "Talaash", which are to hit the screens soon. It's going to be released in June.

The fact that I'm doing two films that are as different as they can be, in the same year, speaks volumes about how times have changed. It's a far bigger, more diverse than ever industry that's gone global in terms of its scope in every possible way.

Did you always want to become an actress? Arre, my joining films is a poori filmi kahaani. Though I technically come from a film family, my father had stopped making films even before my brother and I were born.

So I did not really grow up in a filmi environment. And when I was growing up, becoming an actress was still quite a taboo.

And you may not believe this but even my father did not want me to join films. Salim (Akhtar) uncle, who was very close to my family, came with the offer of "Aa Gale Lag Jaa" in 1994, but my father was aghast and turned it down.

In the meantime, I joined college (SNDT, Juhu) pursuing Home Science. Those days, the 'in thing' that most girls were going after as a career choice was jewelery and interior designing.

I did not have the money to pursue a `3 lakh course to make a career. And then Salim uncle came back again.

I think he must have been pretty desperate to launch a new actress. This time, he managed to convince my parents.

How did he manage that? (Laughs) When Salim uncle came to me and said he wanted me to act in his film, I started crying. I thought he was making a pass at me.

..

Why on earth..

.? Because I was daft.

And the fact that in those days, acting was still considered a taboo for the girls in my family. My mom's side was okay with it, as my aunt (Bengali actress Debashree Roy) is an actress.

In fact, she had kept it from me till then, but she was seriously harboring dreams of me becoming an actress. My father was still adamant about me not joining films.

But by that time my second cousins, Kajol and Sharbani, had entered films. And that sort of paved the way for me.

My mother and father still fought over it for quite a few days before he finally agreed to give me at least one shot at it - of course, with the strict clause that my mom will accompany me everywhere. And you? Did you know anything about acting by then? I wish I could show you the recording of my first screen test.

You will literally sprint away from the room thinking 'who is this horrible actress?' What was so bad? Those days, I used to be quite chubby. And Salim uncle, who had done "Baazi" with Mamta Kulkarni a few years ago, fished those shorter-than-short and tighter-than-tight clothes that looked completely hideous on me.

And to top that, I had to act! I was a shy kid with inhibitions galore. It was some courtroom scene and when someone gave me the sheet with dialogues, I was dumbfounded.

I saw all these famous dialogues from famous films which I had to say in front of the camera. My understanding of films was just as much as any young girl who watches Bollywood films.

I had no idea about the whole process of filmmaking, about dialogue writing, scripts, screenplay etc. I had probably gone to two or three film shoots in my childhood.

And even when on a shoot as a young girl, I would find actors just giving their shots and sitting in their vans getting bored in-between shots. So when the whole picture opened up in front of me about the reality of becoming an actress, I was petrified.

And my screen test was a disaster. I came back crying and said 'I would not be able to do this - anything but acting! Then? But Salim uncle came back and said I had a photogenic face and the camera captured me quite well, which is very important for any actor.

That was one glimmer of hope in my otherwise nightmarish experience. My mother sat me down that night and told me, 'Opportunity knocks at your door just once, take it up.

What's the worst that could happen? You'll fail at your effort? We are there after that. But at least you'd know you have tried, and won't regret leaving this golden opportunity'.

And though it was never told to me, but I knew my family was going through a financial crisis. And there was also tension in the family because of a lot of bickering between my father and his brothers.

I decided that I would work very hard (there was a month left for the shoot of "Raja Ki..

.") and give myself one good shot, even if it did not work out in the end.

I took it up as a job that just had to be done. What happened in that one month for you to give that spirited performance? My father took me to join Roshan Taneja's acting classes.

Mr Taneja had two courses, one was a year-long one and the other a three-month one. I had to learn all the acting I could in one month.

I told Mr Taneja I would come in the morning and evening for a month and be a dedicated student. On the very first day, my dad said to him, 'Please teach my daughter how to act'.

Mr Taneja said, 'Acting isn't a tablet. You can't pop it and become an actress.

It has to come from within you. It's either deep within you or it's not there'.

His statement stayed with me for a long time. It was my first lesson.

But in the classes, I did not know where to start. Thankfully, one good thing was the improvisation classes - where we all had to face the camera and say whatever came to our mind and enact a scene.

It sort of broke through my shy exterior. In any acting class, there are always a lot of faces looking at you from all corners and that's done on purpose so that the person drops all his/her inhibitions.

On the day of the mahurat, when I was called to give my first shot, I thought, 'yaar, I can't let my parents down. I just have to give it my best'.

And then, when I walked into the shot, I was this confident, fiery ball of energy, spouting dialogues like I had never imagined I would. I haven't looked back since that day.

And how did this job eventually become your passion? That happened later when I started getting fan mails. I was doing a lot of films.

But my fans kept on writing that they were not happy with me. So I wondered 'Arre, I am working 72 hours at a stretch, not eating right, not getting enough sleep, giving my best to each shot, so what was going wrong?' Then I realized that after "Ghulam" and "Kuch Kuch Hota Hain", my fans' expectations of me were higher than my own.

That's when I learnt my second lesson - that it's not just performing, I also had to know good scripts from the not-so-good ones. I started getting more involved in the whole process; understanding films beyond just acting.

During this whole process, acting became my passion. Coming back to the present, what went wrong in the last couple of years before "No One Killed Jessica" last year? You had some consecutive flops after a spate of hits, and suddenly you just vanished.

..

(Snaps her fingers and says with a smile) Don't worry, from this year, you'll see me in two films every year at least. Coming back to your question, I had seen failures before but when those three films ("Laaga Chunri Mein Daag", "Thoda Pyaar, Thoda Magic" and "Dil Bole Hadippa") failed in quick succession, it affected me in a way no flop had before.

My confidence was completely shattered. All my movies failed to make a mark with audiences and critics alike.

Maybe the critics thought 'we've praised her enough, now it's time for her to fall a bit hard, so she steps her game up' (smiles). I also think I was plain unlucky.

The audience has little memory of what you have done before or are capable of doing. What matters is today.

So three flops probably told them 'Rani has worked so well in the last few years, maybe it's time she took a back seat and settled down'. And are you settling down? (Smile that says read-my-expression-if-you-can) When I plan to settle down, I will announce it to the world.

Marriage is an occasion to celebrate. I'll celebrate it when it happens, letting everyone know about it.

What about the rumors of your relationship with Aditya Chopra? I have been linked with so many of my co-stars and this Aditya rumor has stayed with me for the longest time. This time, I'm going to give you the cliched answer no journalist wants to hear, 'No comments'.

Are you dating someone? Yes, I am dating, but that's as far as I'm willing to talk about my personal life. Your fans want to know about your personal life? They want to know if marriage is on the cards.

They will know when the time comes. Right now, I have two movies coming out and that's what I'm going to talk about.

Are you saying nothing is serious as far as your dating goes? In a relationship, there are two people involved. Since I'm a public figure, if I start answering questions, it'll open doors for more questions, speculations, gossips, and then it comes to a point where every day someone has something to say about your personal life.

It's unfair to the other person. I do not mind a bitchy comment about the way I dress or my films, but a comment on my private space isn't welcome.

Are you a romantic? I'm a born romantic. I romanticize everything in life.

My personal life is full of love and romance. God's given us one life.

You should romance it. It's not always nice and cool to be practical and logical.

What have your relationships/ heartbreaks taught you? I haven't been in a lot of relationships. Heartbreak definitely teaches you to be a better actor.

Don't they say, an artiste always performs better when he or she has experienced heartbreak? (Laughs) That was a joke. I don't give that much importance to men.

All my heartbreaks have been because of close friends, and not men. Seriously? (On a serious note) Heartbreak, anger, frustration - if you can overcome these emotions, you become a better person.

If you're a person of substance, you'll overcome your bad times. Who wants to be a loser? Will you marry an actor? No, two megalomaniacs can't exist in the same house.

We'll end up killing each other. What's the best thing about being in a relationship? (Enigmatic smile) That you can hide it.

And the best part of getting married is that you can announce it to the world. What about the fact that today the shelf life of actresses is low? Would you ever decide to do an item number or attend red carpet events as visibility is important these days? No.

Because for me, it's important to cement an impression of my work. Acting is what I do best.

It's not difficult to be in the public eye. Go anywhere and you'll find the media.

I am not trying to sound high and mighty here. If I was being launched today, I would do exactly what newcomers do these days.

But after 15 years in the course of which I have firmly established my credentials as an actress, I plan to only focus on acting. But if friends call me, I'll be there.

Like I went to Farah's (Khan) house-warming party recently. Aamir (Khan) and Kiran (Rao) had a son and going there was important for me because he is someone who is very dear to me.

As are Shah Rukh Khan and Karan (Johar). Have you spoken to Abhishek after he became a father? We aren't in touch on the phone, but whenever I come across him, I will definitely congratulate him.

It's great news. What did that low phase in your life teach you? When I was joining films, my dad had told me, 'Don't ever be disheartened with failure and don't be over-excited with success'.

This is an important lesson in any actor's life. But can you really separate your emotions as professional and personal in your mind? Hurt is hurt, disappointment is disappointment.

..

That's where your family and your strength as an individual come in. I am very close to my family.

And I have other interests, like baking. I started baking in one of my very low phases in life.

I find it therapeutic. So, would we see a Rani Mukerji patisserie soon? You could.

I'm serious about going to Paris or Chicago for a fulltime patisserie course. Any other venture in mind? A lot of actresses are starting their own fashion lines.

Or maybe even film production..

. No.

The only thing I will be producing next is babies. No other production happening with me.

Is there a lot of bitching/backbiting in the industry? There is, but that's true of any industry where over-competitive minds are always at work. But it is blown out of proportion in ours because it's the glamor industry.

Have you been at the receiving end of bitching? People say bitchy things about other people to feel good about themselves. Whatever I have got in life has been a huge blessing.

I've never gone after something that's not mine. Today, I am sitting at my office in Juhu, overlooking the sea.

I used to live in a shack before. I used to travel in rickshaws.

Today, I have a Mercedes. But if I start thinking, 'I have a bungalow, why not a building in Bandra tomorrow? Or now, I have a car, why not a yacht next?' my life will be difficult.

My mind doesn't work that way. The only ambition I have is to pick up interesting scripts and give a stellar performance that'll be etched in the audiences' and my fans' minds (less)

The official signing happened in Salman's house late last week. An insider from the meeting revealed that the film would be a love story in full 'Barjatya style'.

And no prizes for guessing this one - Salman will be called Prem. "Salman wanted Sooraj to make a love story since that was his forte.

Also, Salman told him that he has been doing too many action films of late, including the ones he is still shooting for, and now wants a break. Sooraj agreed to make a simple sweet romantic film with Salman," added our source from the meeting.

The film will have a single female lead. And needless to say, Salman will help Barjatya finalise the actress.

In fact, we learnt that Salman has been providing constant inputs to the script that Barjatya is penning currently. Barjatya and Salman go back a long way.

The filmmaker not only launched Salman with Maine Pyaar Kiya, he also made one of Bollywood's highest grossing films of all times, Hum Aapke Hain Koun with the actor. In fact, the actor-director duo used to sit at Bandstand, Bandra even before the release of their first project together promising to stay together forever, revealed the insider.

Ironically, during the making of Hum Saath Saath Hain (We are together), the friends drifted apart. Reportedly, the filmmaker maintained his distance from Salman once he got involved in the black buck killing case that took place at the time.

Since then Barjatya made two films - Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon (2003) and Vivaah (2006). While Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon failed to please even with Hrithik Roshan , Kareena Kapoor and Abhishek Bachchan in the lead, Vivaah did relatively good business.

However, none of the films matched the success of the filmmaker's stint with Salman. According to industry insiders, Barjatya wanted to bounce back.

And that meant getting his Prem back. In fact, he had been sending feelers to Salman till the signing actually took place.

The film is expected to go on floors in June 2012 (less)

Makeup artist Mallika Bhatt did her makeup finishing off her look with a glossy plum manicure. The same dress has been worn by the Hollywood actress Anna Paquin (True Blood) wore the same dress at Television Critics Association (TCA) press tour in August 2011.

IT was worn on the runway by model Emily Baker. Compared to the runway look, the top of Sonam or Anna’s dress is not as sheer, which looks better and more chic.

Sphere: Related Content Posted in (less)

The two promise that 'Hum Tum Shabana' will be a fun affair..

. In a casual round of quick Q & A's, Tusshar happened to spill some beans before Shreyas interfered and tried to make the situation right.

When asked what does he do when a girl goes crazy and clings on, and just won't let go, Tusshar immediately whispered in Shreyas' ear, an audible 'Celina'. He did mean the actress Celnia Jaitley.

Tusshar said, "He would run to his friends for help and request one of them to handle her." Shreyas intervened, "No, but Celina is a good friend.

We have all worked together in 'Golmaal Returns'. She is married now, and happy.

We wish her well." Tusshar was shocked to hear of Celina's marriage.

"What? She got married?" he asked Shreyas. And before you knew it, Shreyas had managed to change topic of conversation (less)

We're fond of one another. I was shooting for Ananth Mahadevan's Life's Good in Mahabaleshwar.

Aamir has a home there. He dropped in to see me twice.

As far as launching Tiger goes, I'd be really happy if it happens," said Jackie. Even Subhash Ghai has shown a keen interest in the boy.

In fact, Ghai's interest goes back to Tiger's childhood when he had made a pledge he would launch his friend and discovery Jackie's son whenever the boy was ready to take the plunge. But now there is a very interesting twist in Tiger's tale, with Bollywood's resident maverick-producer Aamir showing a keen interest in launching Tiger.

When asked about his son, Jackie said: "Tiger has turned out..

.decent.

Hasn't he? Yes, he has met Aamir Khan. To be launched by Aamir would be a big privilege.

Aamir is very fine producer, actor and human being. My boy would be in great hands.

However, Subhashji is also very keen. Do you know he had done Ayesha's kanyaadan? To unka Tiger pe haq banta hai .

Let's see..

." After playing bit roles in Dev Anand's Swami Dada , Jackie got his big break with Subhash Ghai's Hero .

Reminiscing about his own launch, the 51-year-old chuckles, "Tiger has it all laid out in front of him. When I had come into the industry, I had no one to guide me.

If Subhashji had not given me a break, I wonder what would've happened to me!" Tweet (less)

..

From a Shirish calling "Ra.One" a fizzled cracker to a Thackeray almost calling you a Pakistani loyalist, within a week - what did you do to trigger this? Both unimportant.

..

let me say something sincerely. I hope it doesn't sound too rude.

Successful people do things, and get over with it, and leave others to live their life off it. I DO them.

And then I leave it to others to live their life off it. It is so strange - if anyone takes my name, I have the ability to make them famous.

Just by taking my name. And that's God's gift.

My son asked me this the other day, 6 'o' clock in the morning he called me, and asked me, Papa, people say things about you. Don't you get angry? Don't you want to beat them up? And I said no, your father is gifted with this.

That if you want to be famous, you take your dad's name. And I said the only persons I don't want to be famous by taking my name are you and your sister.

Let the rest of the world do that. And I truly mean that.

I hope that comes true. I endorse so many people free (laughs)! But surely statements such as Thackeray's must provoke you to respond? Sometimes I don't want to dignify things with answers.

And it takes a huge amount of self-restraint, patience, control, and love for your own family, to keep quiet. And dignity, and perhaps the status that I have in the eyes of the people.

I was told by Amitji once - we were sitting backstage for a show - beta, jab stardom aati hai na, koi bhi aadmi aa kar tumko thappad mar kar chala jayega. Tum use kuch nahin keh sakte.

Kyunki agar tumne kuch kaha, to tum ameer ho, gareeb pe apna dum daba rahe ho. Tumne sharab pi hui hai.

Tum gundagardi kar rahe ho. Tum arrogant ho.

Tum apne aap ko samjhte kya ho? He said these are the things they'll say. You have to keep quiet, put on your blinkers, keep walking.

And that is why successful people finally become a little reclusive. It's not the reclusion of loneliness; my reclusion is the reclusion of avoiding, of ignoring, of saying, let's move on.

Hemaji told me something like this long ago, when I was new. Somebody wrote an article which said that I'd said that Hemaji was not a good director - while I'd said nothing like that, but you know how press mein aata hai.

..

so I was very scared and I said, ma'am, I didn't say anything like that. Hemaji told me see, this means, either I am very famous, or you are very famous.

And my fame has sort of reduced now, so this means you've become famous, and now this will be part of your life. The other night, I met her for the launch of her film, and she asked me - you remember na everything I said? And I said, yes, I remember everything.

So, yes, success makes people - people not related to you or to your field - like to take a dig at you. Sometimes I go to social networking sites for a while and I'm like, arre! Kaafi personal ho gaya! Quite vicious, the online tenor can be, on a bad day.

Yes, very. But then, I'm like, this is maybe a small dusty man in a small dusty room, taking out his angst, his loneliness, by taking someone's name, abusing him, and feeling happy that his achievement has been recorded.

So then I feel I'm also a source of inspiration for them, even if in a strange, negative sense. God bless them.

There is no dearth of actors - stars, rather - who share your surname. But the "Nishan-e-Pakistan" sort of compliments are usually directed exclusively at you.

Why's that? (Laughs) I know, I know what you mean. Maybe I'm too flamboyant.

Maybe like my son, I don't answer back enough..

. But why are you a target of angst across the range - from the guy in the dusty room to irked political leaders? I think I invoke radical passions in people - and that is why I am such a big star! I'll walk out with you just now, and you'll have men, women, of all nationalities, just hugging me.

I think it is the same intensity on the other side, in those who don't like my face. And I will choose to believe in the hugs more than the hatred.

Just like Hyundai uses me, as a professional, a lot of people use me unprofessionally. I've become a free-for-all brand.

I hope they come out with a rule that they can't use a person's name without paying him for it! And the most irritating part of it is one word - opinion. You ask someone, how could you say this about him? And the answer is - it's an opinion.

You're a dog - that's an opinion. You're an actor - that's also an opinion.

You're a Muslim - that's an opinion. Anything can be twisted into an opinion.

That's not good. Ek "Trimurti" mein line thi - kabhi picture mein shoot hi nahin kari woh! - mujhe badi achhi lagti thi: "Jisko dekho mera baap banna chahta hai" (laughs).

It's a strange thing. Jisko dekho mera baap banna chahta hai.

Lekin theek hai. God bless them.

So long as my children don't want to be my baap, it's ok! "RA.One's" revenues have been the subject of much national debate the past week.

Yeah..

. right now, as we sit down and talk, it is supposed to be the highest grosser, as of five days.

The business is different - number of theatres, screens, audience going in big numbers..

. so obviously the reactions are also larger, more volatile.

The projectionists have also become part of the reactions - and they like to make projections telling you that agle din business itna achha nahin hoga. Everybody has become hugely associated with the tangibility of this business.

It is unfortunate that it is so; a film should ideally be allowed to breathe, to reach people at its own pace. That was the old style.

But if you release it in the new style, like we have, with 5,000 theatres, which is the American way of doing it - and the right way - because there are no longer Silver or Golden jubilees, there's only a weekend or two of business. In the future, all big films will release in 5,000 theatres.

In an earlier interview, you said that films and filmmakers are part of a strange art form which is only measured by the yardstick of commerce. And that dichotomy is one you have to live with.

..

You have to live with it, yes, you have to. Earlier, the business of films was not discussed on every platform.

Now, if I'm getting off the plane from LA, people come up to me and say, 'Sir, congratulations, what big figures!' Earlier they would come and say nice film, good role - now they talk about earnings. The applause is mixed with the jingling of coins, you have to hear both together.

It doesn't make me too happy. My heart doesn't crunch numbers.

But my business partners are happy - mazaa aa gaya reactions. I'm like, ok.

..

I think a film should be measured differently also. Is it the media's obsession with you vs Salman that got translated into the almost hourly comparison of "RA.

One" vs "Dabangg"? I don't think it's just the media, honestly. I think there is a section of people related to the trade who also talk in these terms.

A trade person or a producer, he'll tell you it did well, but it didn't quite do as well as that one, or better than that one on the second day, or whatever..

. I feel conversations are not viable anymore; it's just communication.

And communication boils down to monosyllabic terms. Yes, no, ok, good, like, dislike, bye, 170 (crores).

It is no longer ki kaisi lagi picture..

. Nobody converses.

Reactions are like, wow, thumbs up, smiley. New genres, new stories are like a new shoe for a day or two.

And I've been in the business long enough to know ki yeh joota theek ho jayega. Now it'll swerve to the opposite - these figures are unheard of, etc, etc.

I would not like to participate in either of these discussions, Day 1, Day 2, week..

. the messages I get are like, '7 crores on a Monday! Super duper!' The first four days are just about communication, then it comes to conversation about a film.

Appreciating a film is like opening a wine..

. good wine needs a little breathing before you drink it.

On the point of commerce vs art: Wouldn't you be remembered for a role like "Chak De" even if that wouldn't be a movie that made a fraction of the money that "RA.One" is making? No, I don't think so, I don't think that's a case in point.

I work for now. I don't work for two things - I don't work for posterity, and I don't work for prosperity.

Some people work for prosperity. I've worked for that.

But now I am prosperous, I am ok. And I don't work for posterity.

Yaar main yeh kya nishaan chhod ke jaa raha hoon? Because posterity is not created by you; it's created by talk, by cinema, by life itself. If you're working for either of the two, you're on a shaky wicket.

I work for NOW. I want to be untouched by this whole tangibility factor.

I was speaking to Lady Gaga, I had this long interview with her, and she said some very nice things. I really appreciated it because when I say those things, I sound as if I am philosophizing too much.

But she was saying the same thing. If finally someone were to give her a choice between giving up her money, her stardom, all that she's earned, or give up singing, she'd choose not to give up singing.

If someone were to give me the choice between giving up all my cars and my money and giving up acting, I'd say, yaar, acting karte rahenge, will let those go. Maybe if you are as successful as I am today, you have that choice.

Maybe that's not a choice one has in the first two years of one's career. But this is my reality today.

I don't work for the prosperity; yes, it happens along the way, Mashallah, it's very good for the business. And I don't think about posterity.

I will not think about posterity because I still haven't ended; I think my posterity will be when I sit down and start watching my own films, which I still don't do. Never? Never, yaar.

I can't watch my own films. I've kept that for old age - ki baith ke dekhoonga, kiya kyaa.

What is old age? Old age, for me? The way I'm going, about 140. That's what my friends say.

I'm 46 now - so about a hundred to go! Your dad was 50-something when he passed away. You've talked about thinking more of mortality, and of him, when you approach 50.

Yes, then I did. But now I don't.

..

because I am the healthiest I ever was right now. And I am also more relaxed.

In a happier space as a person. To me it's no longer about wanting to have my finger in every aspect of life, like I used to be maybe 15 years ago.

But ya, it is strange to think that my son today is as old as I was when my father died. I do get reminded of that, ya.

Not necessarily about mortality..

. but it's good to be reminded of that, too.

Like Steve Jobs said, if you know finally you're going to die, there seems to be no risk in anything you do in life. He said this when he had cancer.

I think our fear of mortality stops us from living life to the fullest. I am living my dreams - how many people get a chance to do that? Lady Gaga tweeted a picture with you and said 'screw Hollywood!' That must have made you happy! Yeah! Actually all the reviews of my movie in Hollywood are like that.

You should read the reviews in LA Times, New York Times..

. a journalist said to me, 'It's like we've been saying this for 8-10 years, suddenly, seeing "RA.

One", we're telling Hollywood, dude, even technically they're here now - and the cost is one-hundredth of your films.' I think it's a sign of the times, whether it's Akon or Lady Gaga, they all want to come to India.

In reverse, it took an Oscar for us to recognize the genius of a Resul. As to Lady Gaga, she's a sweet lady, really, really upfront, honest.

I spent three hours chatting with her. It was fantastic.

Simple, down-to-earth middle-class girl..

. 'Simple' and 'middle-class' are not the first words that come to mind when you speak of Lady Gaga.

..

An image. An image that's bordering on the bizarre.

And it's just an image. Amazingly intellectual.

A philosopher. She is very clear.

As a person, she is so deep, she knows the philosophy of the world, she ad verbatim knows the philosophers..

. It was a great learning experience - and I say that about very few people, more so those who are 25 years old.

She said a great thing to me. She said, an artiste's personal life should not be discussed beyond a point, because it somehow blunts the art of the artiste.

People start taking the art less seriously than the personality. She says my personality is me, my art is what you see - and they are two distinct, two clear thoughts.

Seeing her on stage, you expect her to be this really wild, vivacious girl - she's actually a calm, normal person who says her most interesting pastime is cooking food for her father whenever she's in New York. Middle-class girl.

She's very clear - I just want to sing. It was a fantastic learning experience for me, and it was also stuff that I completely believe in.

Whatever I am out here is for the people - I'll dance for you, I'll do a "Chammak Challo", I'll wear a tight suit and fly if that makes you happy. But in my personal life, I'm a deeper person.

So when you say silly things about me..

. I have to disassociate and say, these guys don't even know me personally.

So the comment is unfounded. This guy doesn't even know me.

I was flipping through an article and somebody had written, 'This is the most expensive mid-life crisis of a person'. Why are you talking about my mid-life crisis? What do you know about my crisis? Or where I am? Talk about the film - that's what you're paid for.

Review the film. Don't review my personal life.

I don't sell my personal life to you. Talk about the actor, don't talk about the person.

When you make a personal remark about me, without knowing me, I have to take it like that - it's your own issues in life maybe, you're just putting it upon me because iske paas yeh sab kyun hai, hamare paas kyun nahin. I guess it's just that, finally.

Are you still an outsider in the system after all these years? Well, if you look at it, I'm an outsider, which my son won't be, so maybe he'll have it easier..

. but it's not that.

I'm told that I may be coming across as rude. I'm not really very social.

Maybe it's because I don't bend. Maybe because even in the face of bad things, I'm smiling.

It irks people sometimes. They're like, saala, akele yeh sab kaise kar leta hai? I do that because I sleep less, I work harder.

Everyone finds a different reason for my success except the fact that I act. 'Yeh marketing guru hai yaar'.

'You know what, saale ki luck chal rahi hai'. Luck chal rahi hai, for 20 years? Haan, saala, bees saal se luck hi chal rahi hai! It's 'Arre wohi kare ja raha hai, love stories karta rehta hai'.

'Gaane nikal jaate hain iske; gaane achhe mil jaate hain saale ko'. 'You know what, Muslim audience bahut pyaar karti hai isko.

' 'Overseas! Overseas ki wajah se itna chalta hai.' They find strange reasons for my success.

But the real reason is - early to bed, early to rise, work my a** off, and advertize. It's as simple as that.

I am my one man walking talking team. I can handle 5-6 things at a time.

I can handle a cricket team, I can handle production, I can set up a VFX studio, I can make the most expensive film in the country. I can still come and launch a kabaddi tournament in Bhatinda and deliver a speech at Adasia which everybody loved and still go back home and celebrate my birthday with my kids.

And I can play video games with them. And I'm not tired.

And I'm everywhere. But your being everywhere was a point of much talk in the run-up to "RA.

One" - he's on every show, everywhere..

. And why not? An actor once told me - I won't name him - 'I don't like dancing at weddings'.

I said, and how often have you been invited to dance at weddings? The answer: 'I'll never do it'. I said, pehle chance toh mile! If I'm invited, if I'm put on people's shoulders, if I'm asked to be on, from "KBC", to whatever programme - if I'm called, I like to do it, I'm ok.

This is what I'm here for. I like doing that.

You do that if you're called. Just because you're not invited, don't run down my party.

I'm invited to every party. And I like to attend all of them.

And I enjoy myself. Life is beautiful.

I am beautiful. And the few things around me that are not beautiful - I like to think of them as nazarbattoos - tils.

Woh kehte hain na, tere chehre pe yeh jo kaala sa til hai, lagta hai daulat-e-husn pe darbaan bitha rakha hai. So yeh jo negative baatein karte hain mere baare me, yeh mere daulat-e-husn ke darbaan hain, mujhe nazar lagne se bachate hain.

You looked tired, run-down sometimes while being everywhere..

. I got tired.

I fell sick, actually. I got a bronchitis attack but I couldn't stop, film ke premieres they.

Then I was on antibiotics. Superstars don't rest, do they? I sleep an average of 30-35 hours a week.

Today I slept just an hour, but on the flight from LA, I slept for 16 hours straight. I guess it comes out to an average of 5 hours.

I don't sleep very early anyway. I like that time at night.

That's the only time I get to be with myself. No cars, no clothes, no films, nothing, just my thoughts.

That's important. People think insomnia hai, but it's not that.

I like that time - 2, 3am. You hear crickets, it's quiet.

I like that time of the night. For 20 years, when so much is asked of you, and you want to give it with happiness and love, you deserve that time by yourself.

I just sit quietly, I do nothing. I'll write, or surf channels, or read a really silly book.

That time, I feel, gets me ready for the next day, more than the sleep (less)

So sweet! She asked me to make a cameo appearance in the film with her father. I immediately flew down to Chennai.

When it comes to anything to do with Rajinikanth, one doesn't ask questions. One just does the needful," said Jackie.

"It's an interesting cameo which Soundarya insisted only I could play. I believe the film is in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.

But even if it was in Swahili, I'd run and do it for Rajinikanth," added the actor who turned 52 Wednesday. He had to rush to Chennai for the shoot and said, "My birthday is generally a very quiet affair.

As always my rakhi-sister Anna Singh came home. Then we went to Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza's sangeet.

That's where I brought in my birthday. I flew into Chennai for Rajiniji's film early next morning.

I can't think of a better way to spend my birthday." Getting a little philosophical, Jackie said: "Honestly a birthday is no big deal.

I am just beginning to understand life. My first 40 years went into growing up.

Now I am finally getting to know what this whole business of living is all about." Jackie and Rajini go back a long way.

"He was one of the few people at my wedding with Ayesha when we got married in 1989. Rajiniji and I were shooting for Subhash Ghai's Uttar Dakshin , in which he played my younger stepbrother.

It was so much fun. I was the North Indian, he was my South Indian brother.

During the lunch break Ayesha and I decided to get married. Just the two of us and those close to us.

There was Rajiniji, Subhash Ghai, Dimple Kapadia, Anupam Kher and a few of my other friends, that's it. So you see, I've very fond memories of Rajnikanth and would never say no to anything to do with him or his family," said the actor.

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Makeup artist Mallika Bhatt did her makeup finishing off her look with a glossy plum manicure. The same dress has been worn by the Hollywood actress Anna Paquin (True Blood) wore the same dress at Television Critics Association (TCA) press tour in August 2011.

IT was worn on the runway by model Emily Baker. Compared to the runway look, the top of Sonam or Anna’s dress is not as sheer, which looks better and more chic.

Sphere: Related Content Posted in (less)

Logon ko kaam-dhanda nahin hai. Bas, yehi sab .

..

(people do not have anything else in life) For the record, I've never spoken to any journalist on this subject and certainly made no such declaration. Main pagal hoon kya (am I mad)," he said.

"In any case, what's the big deal about sexual preference? If one is gay, one is gay. If I was, I'd have no qualms in accepting it.

But the fact is, I am most certainly not. And I'm surprised at the audacity of the journalist who cooked up this imaginary scandal," added the 54-year-old actor.

"My wife (Ayesha) and I had a good laugh over this. I just looked at her and she looked at me.

We burst out laughing..

..

" The actor, who made his debut with Subhash Ghai's Hero , said instead of talking about this absurd nonsense about his sexuality, people should remember Bollywood legend Dev Anand, who died last week. "It's so sad.

The entertainment industry has just suffered a huge blow. We lost Dev saab.

Instead of remembering him the news has now veered towards some absurd nonsense about my sexuality. Jeez! Man, we need to sober up," said the actor who worked with Dev Anand in Swami Dada .

Jackie is known for his roles in Yudh, Teri Meherbaniyan, Karma, Ram Lakhan, Aaina and Devdas . Now he is gearing up to launch his son Tiger.

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And the trade gupshup is that Subhash Ghai just got lucky. News has it that in October 2012, Salman will be doing a movie with Ghai.

It is also being said that AR Rahman, who has scored music for Ghai in the past, will in all likelihood associate with this project too. Ghai confirms, "Salman has given me a commitment.

The film will go on floors on October 24 next year." The filmmaker, who made a host of memorable movies like Karz, Ram Lakhan, Taal, Khalnaayak and Vidhaata went downhill with Kisna and Yuvraaj.

But he is confident that with Salman backing him, he can once again find his bearings. Says he, "Salman is a man of heart.

He had assured me that whenever I have a script he likes, he will be there for me. I have got the basic idea of my next film past him.

He is a braveheart, and I think the film we do together will be very successful. Salman is my pillar of strength and support.

" (less)

Sasha was supposed to join the Rockstar actor in a series of 16 odd concerts across US and some European cities this August. Sharma's next that was earlier scheduled for February end/ early March has been pushed back to mid-August.

Reason: The director has suffered a slipped disc and has been advised rest till July. Our source says, "Initially, Shahid was to start shooting from end February-early March, and wrap it up by July.

That's why, when the Moranis, the organisers of Ranbir's world tour, approached him he agreed to be part of it." However, late December the director suffered a slipped disc.

"Since Shahid is first committed to this, he can't shoot for it and join Ranbir on the world tour at the same time," revealed our source. When contacted, the spokesperson at the production house behind the film declined to comment on Shahid being a part of their production helmed by the Ladies vs Ricky Bahl director, but confirmed the latter's back problem.

"Maneesh has a back condition. He's following his doctor's advise of taking it easy and resting," the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, now Shahid isn't too pleased to see his work calendar empty till August. So he's asked his business manager to fix up narrations with some of the directors whose scripts he's considering.

"So from the three-four scripts he was contemplating doing after Maneesh's film, one will be finalised at the earliest." Tweet (less)

I Love u..

..

Neil Nitin Mukesh Congratulations to my dear @Maheshbhupathi and darling Lara on the arrival of the princess !! GOD BLESS U ALL :) Ken Ghosh Congrats Mahesh and Lara! Its a girl! Rahul Bose Huge congratrulations to lara dutta and @maheshbhupathi, the proud parents of a baby girl! To top that, mahesh won his match today! #usopen Bipasha Basu Congratulations to Lara n Mahesh fr hving a baby girl!Wow! Neha Dhupia Congratulations to the lovely couple @Maheshbhupathi and @DuttaLara on the arrival of their little princess! Lots of happiness , always. Celina Jaitly Congratulations on your lil girl darling friend @DuttaLara .

.now u are a ): .

.n dear @Maheshbhupathi.

U r a daddy ..

Xx celina & peter (less)

But I did not expect that he will leave us like this. More than the industry's loss, this is my personal loss.

I was very close to him," Ghai told reporters outside the actor's residence in Malabar Hill in south Mumbai here. Directed by Ghai, Vidhaata starred Sanjay Dutt, Dilip Kumar, Sanjeev Kumar, Shammi Kapoor, Padmini Kolhapure, Amrish Puri, Madan Puri and Sarika.

It was the highest grossing movie of 1982. "Even at the age of 79, he was a representative of the youth.

His spirit was so young and youthful. He was an inspiration to the new generation," said Ghai.

Rockstar , which stars Ranbir Kapoor and American model Nargis Fakhri in the lead roles, is being helmed by Imtiaz Ali and is set to release on November 11. "He even told me about shooting with his grand-nephew Ranbir for his upcoming film Rockstar .

He had shot sometime back. He was very excited and was looking forward to the movie," added Ghai.

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"I will never give in. It goes against my morals, the way that my parents brought me up and what I consider to be natural beauty.

I am an actress, I don't want to freeze the expression of my face," contactmusic.com quoted her as saying.

"I'm not fiddling about with myself. We're in this awful youth-driven thing now where everybody needs to look 30 at 60", while Weisz claims people "who look too perfect don't look sexy or particularly beautiful," said Thompson.

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Now, it appears that the actor-turned-director Puneet Issar too is getting in sync with the burgeoning trend. Puneet will be seen essaying an important role of Fateh Singh-a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) cop who is a Sikh- in his upcoming directorial venture ""I Am Singh"".

Puneet, who has always felt proud playing a Sikh, though denies playing this role in his own film only to invoke luck at the Box office. A source says, ""Puneet had played a Sikh army officer, Rattan Singh in ""Border"".

So when the unit was deciding over offering Fateh Singh's role in ""I Am Singh"" to someone, producer Peshaura Singh Thind suggested Puneet to go for it."" Puneet was also seen in ""Bunty Aur Babli"" and ""Bachna Ae Haseeno"" as a turbaned Sikh.

Buzz also has it that Puneet's role has an astrological angle to it too, as an astrologer had suggested that his planetary position is currently favourable for him to take up the role. Since Puneet did not make an appearance in his production, ""Garv"", that bit has been playing on his mind.

""I didn't play a role in that because I could not offer anything concrete to myself. Basically, when I play the director, my mindset changes.

I can't do a role just for the heck of it,"" says Puneet. Fateh is inspired by a real life incident.

""While researching for my script, I came across the case of an American cop of Indian origin, who had to bear the brunt of his own department post 9/11 attacks and was asked to do sacrifice his turban. With lot of difficulty I found out some papers pertaining to the case.

Since I had carried out the research and had its case history on my fingertips, giving the role to someone would have taken a lot of time. And I was apprehensive whether that person would be able to deliver on the role's demands,"" he adds.

Says a source, ""American cops have a sturdy and tall structure. Since Puneet is blessed with such a physique, he turned out to be the perfect candidate.

"" Puneet, who is also looking at other scripts, is keen to walk into his projects in the future as well. ""Certainly, I feel good as an actor,"" he says (less)

Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza tied the knot in full blown Maharashtrian style at a suburban five star on Friday afternoon. The baraat left Riteish's juhu residence at 11 am.

Genelia's parents and brothers waited at the venue to receive them. The wedding began at 12.

48 pm, according to the pre-decided mahurat. While Genelia looked lovely in a Neeta Lulla saree, Riteish wore the quintessential sherwani.

The actor also tweeted his own wedding picture right after the ceremony was over. Spotted at the wedding were Bollywood celebrities Akshay Kumar , Ajay Devgn, Kajol , Suniel Shetty, Ashutosh Gowariker, Karan Johar , Hiroo Johar, Shahid Kapoor , Asin, Sajid Khan, Sajid Nadiadwala, Abhishek Bachchan , Jaya Bachchan , Ken Ghosh, Rahul Dev, Indra Kumar, Maria Goretti, Subhash Ghai and more.

Top politicians, friends opf Riteish's father Vilasrao Deshmukh were also spotted at the do. After the Maharashtrian wedding, the couple will also have a church ceremony today (less)

. RAVEENA TANDON AND ANIL THADANI WHEN: February 2004 LOVE-O-METRE: Nearing the 10-year milestone.

THE PROPOSAL: The couple met for the first time on Valentine's Day at Olive restaurant in Mumbai. After that, however, they did not see each other for two years! Then Raveena made her first film, "Stumped" as producer, and Anil sent her an SMS that he would like to help her distribute the film.

"We actually dated for only two months," shares Raveena. "We met in August 2002, and he proposed in October.

That year, like this year, Diwali and my birthday were on the same day! So he planned a proposal on Diwali day. We first went to his chacha's house to celebrate, and then headed to my family's Diwali puja.

When I reached my dad's house, I saw huge ornate baskets, lots of them lying around the house, and my mom just dismissed them saying, 'Your brothers want to send this to their colleagues and friends.' We started getting ready for the Lakshmi puja, but we were just waiting! And I kept asking, 'Why are we delaying things, it's nine o' clock.

..

lets start! And it was the first time my two adopted daughters, Pooja and Chhaya were standing around with their cameras. Usually I would film or take photographs of the celebrations! Suddenly the doorbell rang and I saw Anil's mom, dad and sister walk in.

It still didn't strike me, but I said, 'So mom, we were waiting for them?' And then my dad asked Anil to do the honours! Everybody was giggling as Anil got on his knees and pulled out a big box with a ring and asked, 'Will you be my wife?' It took me a long time to respond, I saw my mom all teary-eyed, and my daughters were both laughing and crying..

. and everybody said, 'Please say yes, he will get tired being on his knees!' So I said 'Sure!'" WEDDING TRIVIA: Manav Gangwani designed Raveena's bridal wear.

He also designed three exclusive outfits for the groom. The bride's wardrobe was 10 times more elaborate than the groom's.

Raveena got a dream wedding going, after scouting for the best possible locations with Anil. Her sangeet and mehndi parties were held on separate evenings at the Shiv Niwas Palace hotel in Udaipur.

Her wedding reception was held at the Jag Mandir Palace hotel, on Pichola Lake, Udaipur. Farah Khan Ali designed Raveena's jewellery.

Guests included the who's who of Bollywood, and a diverse range of the couple's friends like Gautam Singhania, Manish Malhotra, Vijay Mallya, Ravi and Ritu Shastri, Amar Singh, Vasundhara Raje and Subrata Roy Sahara. HRITHIK ROSHAN AND SUSSANNE KHAN WHEN: December 2000 LOVE-O-METRE: They celebrated a decade together in 2010 and have two delightful little boys, Hridhaan and Hrehaan.

THE PROPOSAL: One year after he started dating Sussanne on Valentine's Day, in 1999, Hrithik went down on his knees and proposed to her at Juhu beach in Mumbai. "I'd known since I was 12 that she was the girl for me, but that was the big moment, complete with a ring.

Earlier, on another Valentine's Day, I'd told her those three all-important words, 'I love you,'" Hrithik has been quoted saying. WEDDING TRIVIA: In a confluence of Hindu-Muslim rituals and cultures, Hrithik performed certain Hindu rites and Sussanne, Sanjay Khan's youngest daughter, performed certain Muslim rites.

The mehndi and sangeet were homespun affairs, mostly at home with close friends and family. But the wedding was a spectacular affair.

The ceremony took place at Sanjay Khan's heavilyguarded Golden Palms resorts and spa, on Bangalore's outskirts in December 2000. In a brief appearance before the media in the midst of the pre-wedding haldi ritual, Hrithik said with a laugh, "There will be no heartburn.

They are my well-wishers. They will continue to wish me luck and success," he said, referring to his choice of bride vis-avis his family's response.

"Sussanne is our last daughter and I'm very happy that she's getting married," said Feroz Khan. About 70 members of the Khan and Roshan families and their friends attended the wedding.

Guests at the reception included stars like Dimple Kapadia, Rishi and Randhir Kapoor, Uday Chopra, Karan Johar and childhood friend Abhishek Bachchan. Hrithik's mode of transport to his wedding was a white horse.

His wedding oufit was a white Jodhpuri suit with gold-embroidery designed by Rocky S, while Sussanne wore a gold and red ensemble designed by Tarun Tahiliani. ABHISHEK BACHCHAN AND AISHWARYA RAI WHEN: April 2007 LOVE-O-METRE: They have reached the half-decade mark this year and are parents to the new-born angel! THE PROPOSAL: This classy couple surprised everyone with their engagement announcement back in 2007.

Although Abhi and Ash were very hush-hush about the love brewing between them, it seemed inevitable as fate repeatedly cast them together in a slew of magnum opus projects such as "Umrao Jaan", "Dhoom 2", and what seemed a turning point, "Guru". Aishwarya becoming a part of the Bachchan parivaar started looking more imminent when she did an electrifying stage performance of Kajra Re at the 2005 IIFA Awards with senior and junior Bachchan.

Abhishek popped the question with a borrowed ring in hand (allegedly from the production department of his film), proposing to Ash spontaneously as they were heading home after the premiere of "Guru" in Toronto, waiting for their flight at the British Airways lounge at New York's JFK airport on January 12, 2007. According to eyewitnesses, a very emotional Ash accepted.

After Abhishek called home with the good news, the couple was asked to come and they had a formal engagement ceremony at Jalsa, attended only by close family friends like Amar Singh, Anil and Tina Ambani, Kirron Kher and the Johars. Finally, the couple was unafraid to hang out at each other's sets and make public appearances together.

WEDDING TRIVIA: The actual wedding became a homely, though celebrity-studded affair mostly set around the Bachchan residences, Jalsa and Pratiksha, as Teji Bachchan, Amitabh's mother, was critical. However, many details about the nuptials were unique: the wedding invite had two 'editions' - one invite only solicited blessings, while the second set actually invited a limited number of guests.

While the Bachchans sent out golden chocolate boxes with the cards, they also sent ensembles by Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla to close friends. The Rais also sent out jewellery and clothes to select invitees, including close friend Subrata Roy Sahara.

Celebrations kicked off at Pratiksha with the sangeet, where it is believed a lot of family members danced to Bollywood songs, with Karan Johar playing MC. The mehndi was held at La Mer, Ash's residence.

Fifteen kilos of special Nihar henna was brought in by Shweta Nanda, Sonali Bendre, Rinkie Khanna and other close friends for Ash from Sojat in Rajasthan. A 30-foot walkway was erected at the entrance of La Mer to the main area of the ceremony.

The actual wedding saw 11 pundits from Benaras and Bangalore, and it was conducted in Arya Samaj tradition. Chanting started in the morning, and massive tents were put up to accommodate guests around Pratiksha.

The ceremony was conducted in an air-conditioned pandal in the same garden. At 5.

15 pm the colourfully-dressed dhol players kicked off the baraat from Jalsa, which ended at Pratiksha, where a bejewelled Aishwarya in a gold kanjeevaram ensemble waited for her groom. The ceremony was over by 7.

30 pm and then the friends danced the night away. KARISMA KAPOOR AND SUNJAY KAPUR WHEN: September 2003 LOVE-O-METRE: " He's (Sunjay) not the film-going sort.

I think Sunjay has made me a calmer person; if you ask me that's the one thing that has changed about me after marriage," said Karisma a year after her wedding. The couple completes a decade in 2013.

WEDDING TRIVIA: Bollywood's blueeyed girl Karisma Kapoor tied the knot with Sunjay Kapur in a ceremony marked by style and grandeur. The wedding ceremony, which was to take place at 11 am, was delayed because the groom was stuck in traffic.

Sunjay arrived at the venue at 12.45 pm and rushed inside the cottage's gates.

He was dressed in a cream sherwani and wore a gold sehra. The pheras finally took place at 1.

00 am in the presence of both families. In typical Kapoor tradition, Karisma was married at her grandfather, the late Raj Kapoor's home, R K Cottage.

The couple opted for an hour-long Sikh ceremony. At around noon, Karisma's family and friends were still busy with pre-wedding ceremonies.

Both the bride's sister Kareena and her aunt Rima Jain supervised last-minute preparations. The strains of the shehnai wafted through the air.

Outside the cottage, the scene was both crowded and confused. Curious onlookers were milling around, hoping to catch a glimpse of their favourite stars.

Journalists, photographers and camera crews had stationed themselves outside the gates of the cottage. A phalanx of policemen was doing their best to manage the crowds and the ensuing traffic jam.

Because of the crowds, no member of the RK family was present at the gates to welcome the groom and his family. Among the guests who drove in were Lolo's uncle Rishi Kapoor, actor Sanjay Kapoor who reportedly played the brother's part at the ceremony, designer Manish Malhotra, granduncles Shashi and Shammi Kapoor, filmmaker Bharat Shah, cricketer Mohammed Azharuddin and Sangeeta Bijlani, Govinda, Rahul and Akshay Khanna.

Manish Malhotra had designed Karisma's trousseau. Being a style icon herself, it wasn't a surprise when she chose to follow the unconventional route and opted for a pastel shade for her bridal outfit instead of the usual reds and maroons.

The tasselled dupatta was embellished with zari and stones. The house was decorated with flowers and the garden that surrounded the house was turned into a Sheesh Mahal-like mandap that could accommodate 600 guests who were offered non-alcoholic drinks and vegetarian starters until the wedding ceremony was completed.

Karisma's father Randhir, according to reports, opened a bottle of champagne after the wedding, after which a wellstocked bar was thrown open to the guests. An elaborate lunch was served later which included a variety of cuisines like Oriental, Thai, Chinese, Italian, French and Continental.

It also included Punjabi, Gujarati and Rajasthani food (less)

Courtroom drama Pretti says, she's not worried that Bhandarkar has got bail for now. "He was arrested and then given conditional bail for 15 days.

He tried all the immature acts and gave lame excuses to evade making an appearance at the lower court in Mumbai. But, the honorable judge made it clear that if he didn't appear in the court, non-bailable arrest warrants will be issued against him.

Learning this, Bhandarkar who was supposed to be in a higher court, apparently trying to quash the FIR against him in this rape case filed seven years ago, came rushing over from nowhere within minutes." Bail ke baad jail? Ask her if she and Madhur looked at each other in the court, and pat comes the reply: "Yes, I saw Madhur looking at me a couple of times.

He was sweating profusely and I saw fear in his eyes. Actually he was quite petrified! I have the conviction that after the bail, Madhur Bhandarkar will finally go to jail! His conviction is my goal in life! I'm looking forward to the trial to begin and I have full faith in the legal system of the country and Almighty up there!" 'He will never say sorry!' Even at this stage, will Pretti consider forgiving the man, if he asks to be forgiven? "Madhur is an over-arrogant man and such people don't beg for forgiveness, they only want to be kicked! And in any case, I will never forgive him," says she (less)

Ranveer shared with us things about his idol worship of Aamir which we really found adorable! "I was in school. I fell off and hurt my forehead.

I wore a bandage and refused to remove it even after the wound had healed only because Aamir Khan wore it in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak ! I was born in the 80's and I've grown up watching these actors" said Ranveer (less)

Ques : There are stories that you are planning a 2012 wedding with Kareena Kapoor..

. Saif : I don't want to talk about my personal life simply because it is distracting, and the incessant talks about it can get quite annoying.

I want to come across as a serious professional and not just someone who is being talked about because of his personal life. Ques : But is the wedding happening soon? Saif : It's not happening soon Whenever it happens, we will announce it.

Ques : Aarakshan deals with a controversial topic. Were you at any point anxious while signing on for the film? Saif : No, not at all! When I read the script, I thought it was a great opportunity for me.

It is fantastic that Prakashji (film's director/producer Jha) has broached an area of political concern. These issues are inherent in India and someone has to speak about them.

Ques : And now, with so many people raising objections to the film, what are your thoughts? Saif : I don't think what is happening is right. Once the Censor Board has passed a film, without any cuts and with a U/A certificate, the least one can do is allow the film to be released.

Yes, the subject of the film and the title itself has kind of invited controversies, but since the Censor Board had no issues, I see no reason why there should be objections raised by others? We must respect their judgement. Ques : For someone like you who comes from an entirely diverse background, was it a challenge to play a Dalit? Saif : There is a certain responsibility that comes with every role.

With Aarakshan , there was a totally different kind of responsibility. Since, I was playing a Dalit and representing a certain community, I had to take special care.

I did a little bit of research. More than my background, I think it is my fair skin and my personality that could have worked against it.

But I play this guy who is academically a success, so with education comes a certain posture so that seemed fine. But generally speaking, I think you and I will never be able to understand what they have gone through, or have to go through.

Dalit children still have to clean toilets even while studying in government schools. We have no idea what's happening in some parts of our country.

Ques : Your film Agent Vinod has also been riddled with controversies..

. going over budget, then there were reports of you not getting along with the director Sriram Raghavan.

..

Saif : Agent Vinod is releasing in December. Yes, there have been all kinds of stories, which is a good thing.

It is good publicity for the film. The movie has been made well within the budget.

I am looking forward to the release of the film. As for me not getting along with Sriram, that's not true either.

Yes, we do discuss things, which is natural. Otherwise, I have implicit trust in him.

Ques : Why did you launch another film, Cocktail, even before the release of Agent Vinod ? Saif : That's because we were getting the dates of the stars at the same time. Cocktail is almost 70 per cent complete and we are looking at a February 2012 release.

Ques : You have been offered many TV shows like Master Chef, India's Got Talent etc. Why have you been turning them down? Saif : Yes, I have been offered television shows.

I wouldn't like to disclose which ones. Something or the other didn't work out.

But I am very much open to doing television. Tweet (less)

Unable to rest with constant visitors thronging his place to check on his health, the filmmaker decided to shift base to a hotel. Ghai, who was operated at a famous Bandra hospital frequented by Bollywood celebrities, was discharged in a day.

"The operation went on fine and Ghai sahab was asked to take adequate rest. Gall bladder operation is not a minor thing and the surgical wounds take time to heal.

Everyone who knows him was concerned about his health. So, as soon as he went back home, friends started pouring in.

There were visitors coming in at all times to inquire about his health," revealed a source close to the filmmaker. The good wishes started taking a toll on Ghai.

So much so, that he started having sleepless nights. "It is impolite to turn back visitors, especially when they have come to check on one's health.

And Ghai sahab is very particular about these things. To avoid being rude, he decided to shift out of his home.

He wanted to recuperate in a place where people wouldn't know him. That's when he rented a room in the hotel," said the source.

"The hotel room became almost like his hospital room. His nurse and doctor attended to him there," he added.

Work too seems to have intruded his peaceful recuperation space. "He is a little better now and feels like discussing scripts and ideas with his writers.

So he calls them when he wants to and sits with them for as long as his health and his doctor permits. In fact, this way he can also decide when and who to meet," the source further added.

Ghai, who had been answering his calls with a 'not at home' reply of late, politely told Mumbai Mirror, "I have to stay outside since there are repair work taking place at my home. I am working on my script here with my team of writers.

I am perfect now and shall be back in my office by next week." (less)

The Viral : Kolaveri di: Dhanush's rendition of the 'soup song' became a huge craze, and every second person was tweeting about how much they loved Kolaveri Di. The Arrival: The arrival of Baby B created a wave on Twitter.

Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan's Baby, who is yet to be named, started trending on the site as soon as she was born. Of course, congratualtory messages to the family, were the first things extended to the family via Twitter.

Soon name suggestions were being given and questions of her appearance were being asked. The Announcements: 2011 saw very many announcements on Twitter.

Amitabh Bachchan announced Aishwarya's pregnancy. And what followed was Lara Dutta, Celina Jaitly, Shilpa Shetty announcng that they were expecting babies.

The Exhileration: Indian winning the ICC World Cup was by far the most discussed topic of the year by celebrities on Twitter. Cricket is a favourite topic of conversation.

Also, Viredra Sehwag's battng innings in which he scored a splendid 219 evoked much response. The other sports that were most discussed by Indian celebs were football, rugby and F1.

The Revolution: Anna Hazare and his India Against Corruption drive was a huge hit not only among the celebrities but also among the masses at large. Tweets on this topic are on-going as the movement finds itself in the centre of political chaos and confusion.

The Condemnation: The three successive bomb blasts in Mumbai were highly condemned on the micro-blogging site. The actors and film personalities expressed their angst for terrorist activities through their tweets and also condoled deaths.

The Concern: Earthquakes in Japan were the most unfortunate natural calamities that hit the Earth in 2011. The celebrities tweeted much about this.

India experienced a couple of Earthquakes too this year. And Twitter shook with concern and condolence.

The Respect: Indian celebrities condoled the death of the greats that passed away this year - from MF Husain to Dev Anand , from Amy Winehouse to Steve Jobs - Bollywood actors and the world paid their tribute through tweets and praised their masterpieces they left behind. The First Look: Twitter was used as a film promoting strategy as well.

Shah Rukh Khan launched the First look of RA.One on it.

Ektaa Kapoor and Karan Johar unveiled the first look of 'The Dirty Picture' and 'Agneepath' respectively. A lot many other movies were promoted on the platform.

Twitter wars: A battle of words between Shahid Kapur and trade analyst Taran Adarsh over Mausam, between Shobha De and Minnisha Lamba , between Shobha De and Arbaaz Khan , between Bipasha Basu and Ameesha Patel, between Priyanka Chopra and Bipasha Basu took place over the social micro-blogging site. Even Abhishek Bachchan's twitter war over Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap was writen about.

The sensations: Kamaal R Khan and Poonam Pandey were the two Twitter sensations that made names for themselves by trending on Twitter because of the content of their tweets. The other events that gathered momentum were The Oscar ceremony and the Royal Wedding.

Also, Dilip Kumar joined Twitter this year (less)

But I did not expect that he will leave us like this. More than the industry's loss, this is my personal loss.

I was very close to him," Ghai told reporters outside the actor's residence in Malabar Hill in south Mumbai here. Directed by Ghai, Vidhaata starred Sanjay Dutt, Dilip Kumar, Sanjeev Kumar, Shammi Kapoor, Padmini Kolhapure, Amrish Puri, Madan Puri and Sarika.

It was the highest grossing movie of 1982. "Even at the age of 79, he was a representative of the youth.

His spirit was so young and youthful. He was an inspiration to the new generation," said Ghai.

Rockstar , which stars Ranbir Kapoor and American model Nargis Fakhri in the lead roles, is being helmed by Imtiaz Ali and is set to release on November 11. "He even told me about shooting with his grand-nephew Ranbir for his upcoming film Rockstar .

He had shot sometime back. He was very excited and was looking forward to the movie," added Ghai.

Tweet (less)

The event was the announcement of Ranveer's next project with Sonakshi titled Lootera which happens to be period love story. Ranveer wore jeans really high up on the waist and thus cracked the joke on how it resembled Aamir's style which raised eye brows.

Ranveer told TOI.com, "Am I stupid to mock superstars like Aamir and Salman in public! I just said I wore high waist pants like Aamir did.

I did not disrespect him or Salman. I was born in the 80's.

I have grown watching actors like Salman, Aamir, Shah Rukh, Akshay, Hrithik..

. they are my idols.

How can I ever mock them! This is just a case of twisted reporting." (less)

We're fond of one another. I was shooting for Ananth Mahadevan's 'Life's Good' in Mahabaleshwar.

Aamir has a home there. He dropped in to see me twice.

As far as launching Tiger goes, I'd be really happy if it happens," said Jackie. Even Subhash Ghai has shown a keen interest in the boy.

In fact, Ghai's interest goes back to Tiger's childhood when he had made a pledge he would launch his friend and discovery Jackie's son whenever the boy was ready to take the plunge. But now there is a very interesting twist in Tiger's tale, with Bollywood's resident maverick-producer Aamir showing a keen interest in launching Tiger.

When asked about his son, Jackie said: "Tiger has turned out..

.decent.

Hasn't he? Yes, he has met Aamir Khan. To be launched by Aamir would be a big privilege.

Aamir is very fine producer, actor and human being. My boy would be in great hands.

However, Subhashji is also very keen. Do you know he had done Ayesha and mine kanyaadan? To unka Tiger pe haq banta hai.

Let's see..

." After playing bit roles in Dev Anand's "Swami Dada", Jackie got his big break with Subhash Ghai's "Hero".

Reminiscing about his own launch, the 51-year-old chuckles, "Tiger has it all laid out in front of him. When I had come into the industry, I had no one to guide me.

If Subhashji had not given me a break, I wonder what would've happened to me!" (less)

Makeup artist Mallika Bhatt did her makeup finishing off her look with a glossy plum manicure. The same dress has been worn by the Hollywood actress Anna Paquin (True Blood) wore the same dress at Television Critics Association (TCA) press tour in August 2011.

IT was worn on the runway by model Emily Baker. Compared to the runway look, the top of Sonam or Anna’s dress is not as sheer, which looks better and more chic.

Sphere: Related Content Posted in (less)

After all, if he's considering optimising the most revenue generating weekend of the year, he might as well give a heads-up to those considering a release date around that time. But Farhan's not the only one.

Shah Rukh Khan is reportedly contemplating a Diwali weekend release for his ambitious sci-fi production "RA.One", while Salman Khan is looking at the Eid weekend for the release of "Bodyguard", starring Kareena Kapoor.

And director Madhur Bhandarkar did quite the flip-flop while deciding on a date for the release of "Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji". He shifted the date from January 28 to January 26 to capitalise on the holiday's advantage, but then shifted it again to the 28th.

Where big ticket movies are concerned, filmmakers try to 'book' one of the five most profitable weekends of the year for their movie's release almost four-five months in advance. Says Tanuj Garg, CEO of Balaji Motion Pictures, "When producers come with big-budget movies, they like to take advantage of one of the five most important weekends of the year - Republic Day, Independence Day, Eid, Diwali and Christmas.

And once they tentatively decide on the dates, they make announcements, at least in the trade, for a heads-up to the others. The truth is that everyone, especially the big stars, are always battling for these dates as soon as their movies are decided.

" Malamaal weekly The math is simple, say directors. These weekends mean an additional holiday, which means more people heading to theatres.

Says director Vipul Shah, whose "Action Replayy" released on the Diwali weekend in 2010, "These days are helpful, even though one doesn't particularly finish work to ensure a release on one of these four-five big days. But yes, if your movie does finish around this time, the dates give you a 20-25% increase in revenue.

" Those in the trade agree. Says Anant Varma of DT Cinemas, "The revenue depends on whether these dates fall on a weekday or weekend, but they are always more important than others.

Of all the dates, Christmas is the biggest week, and Aamir Khan has always done something special for it, and almost has a monopoly over it." Santa clause? But those in the industry do not acknowledge any such monopoly.

Director Farah Khan, who released her "Tees Maar Khan" on Christmas weekend last year, says she never checked with Aamir if she could release the film on that date, contrary to stories. Even Vikas Bahl of UTV, who produced the movie, says, "It's no one's weekend but Santa's.

Perhaps Santa goes to Aamir's chimney more often around that time, but it's always open to others too. "TMK" did good business.

" Irrespective of the superstar, the Christmas weekend has great potential, says Kamal Gyanchandnani of PVR Pictures. He explains, "Yes, the numbers speak louder in Aamir's case, but the weekend is such that it generates more revenue.

Christmas is a pure holiday and you don't have any social obligations. During Diwali, people are busy distributing gifts and don't have so much time for entertainment.

In terms of pecking order, Christmas is the most important and January 26 the least." The release date for Prakash Jha's " Aarakshan" was decided months in advance, and the director has been quoted as saying, "One has to do deep thinking for tapping the film business.

I had decided on Aug 12 as the release date of "Aarakshan" even before I started shooting it. By releasing it that day, we are getting Rakhi, Independence Day (August 15) and a week or so later, Janmashtami (August 22) too.

With so many holidays and festivals, we hope to get a lot of footfall in cinema halls." War of the weekends Republic Day week (January 28): Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji Eid week (August 30): Bodyguard Diwali (Mid October): RA.

One Christmas (December 23): Don 2 Watch Video'+'';} else {tmpdiV="";} var b1=""; var b2=""; var hid="526"; if(sldemsidcnt>1){imglinksh='View Images';}else{imglinksh='View Image';} var b2 = ''+''+ capt +''+ tmpdiV +''; bellyad.innerHTML = b2 + b1; (less)

Sreedharan hanged up his boots Saturday after an eventful 15-year tenure as the Delhi Metro chief, IANS takes a lowdown on the films associated with the easy mode of transport. The star-studded cast of Abbas-Mustan's Players -- Abhishek Bachchan, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Sonam Kapoor - stepped into the Airport Express Metro to promote the movie, releasing Jan 6, 2012.

Even superstar Shah Rukh Khan kept aside his star status and travelled like the Delhi common man to spread a buzz about his mega production RA.One .

He also took the Metro route with Priyanka Chopra, director Farhan Akhtar and producer Ritesh Sidhwani for Don 2 - The King Is Back . Actors Manoj Bajpayee, Tia Bajpai and Maqbool Khan started their Metro promotional ride from the capital's Shivaji Stadium for their film Lanka , and actor Emraan Hashmi chose the busiest, Rajiv Chowk Metro station for promoting The Dirty Picture .

It's quite a feat to plan such marketing gimmicks at such locations considering thousands of commuters pass through each day. Some star-struck passengers love the surprise chance to see their favourite celebrity, while some feel it delays the travel as celebrity events tend to create chaos at times.

However, that has not deterred filmmakers from getting permission to shoot films either at the Metro stations, or even within the Metro itself. In 2006, Subhash Ghai's Black and White was shot in the Metro.

But it was in 2008 that most filmmakers were tempted to shoot at the new, attractive spot. Anurag Kashyap's Dev.

D , Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Delhi-6 and Imtiaz Ali's Love Aaj Kal were shot in the capital's Metro. In the next year, R.

Balakrishnan also decided to shoot bits of a song sequence for Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Paa in the Metro. Most recently, the team of Mahesh Bhatt's Jannat 2 shot in the Airport Express, with Emraan Hashmi and Randeep Hooda in the frame.

Now, Mallika Sherawat and Viveik Oberoi-starrer Kismat, Love, Paisa, Dilli , is expected to be shot at the Airport Express too. Tweet (less)

Speaking on this, Jackie said, "That Aamir has so much faith in my boy is in itself a great endorsement for him." This year apparently will be spent in Tiger learning a rare form of martial arts.

Aamir apparently feels that he needs to move beyond the usual training that all newcomers go through. A source said, "Aamir has told Jackie and Tiger that the doors of his production house are open to Tiger any time he's ready.

Aamir is ready to lend his name and clout to whatever the boy decides to do. If Tiger chooses to be launched by another producer, Aamir is even ready to help with the marketing.

" Incidentally, Subhash Ghai has dropped his plans of remaking Hero with Tiger. In fact, it was Tiger who begged to be let off the film, while arguing that he would rather not be compared with his father.

Tiger said, "I wouldn't want to be in a remake of that movie. The last thing I want is to be compared with my father first thing in my career.

There's no way I can match up to him. I think that movie is better left alone.

" Shroff Jr says that he has been a fan of martial arts from childhood. "I remember being mesmerised the first time I saw a Bruce Lee movie.

I was around four years old." Tiger added that Aamir is a huge inspiration for him.

He pointed out, "I admire him for his simplicity of his character." However he also added that his father, Jackie is his biggest idol.

Tweet (less)

But the family says that doctors discovered gallbladder stones when Ghai went into hospital for a routine checkup and recommended surgery. The surgery was a minor one and the veteran filmmaker is now recovering.

Meghna Ghai, daughter of Subhash Ghai said, "My father had been going for his regular tests and on checking they found a small surgical issue that needed to be addressed and therefore he was admitted for a simple elective procedure. The procedure has been done and he will be out of hospital within the next few days.

" Tweet (less)

However, because of a family tragedy, they got hitched at a quiet ceremony. Celina twitted- Beloved tweeple.

..

With great pleasure I would like to announce my wedding with @peterhaag on the 23rd of last month at a thousand year old monastery in Austria . We seek your blessings and good wishes, and apologize for the delayed announcement due to a family tragedy.

Here is a picture of the most cherished moment of our lives. The picture features myself and my beloved husband, flanked by my dearest father in law to my left, and my brother in law to Peter's right.

The couple has been together for one-and-a-half-years. We wish Celina Jaitly, Peter Haag a very happy married life (less)

So, if I am given the chance to plan a wedding, it would be their wedding," the 36-year-old said at the music launch of the film. Meanwhile, talking about his character in the film, Shreyas says it's a story about a good man who turns wicked.

"I am a wedding planner who is planning a wedding and the film is about whatever happens during the preparations. He is a good guy, who becomes a little wicked.

Why he becomes wicked you will have to watch," said the actor, who was last seen in "Hum Tum Shabana". His other films in pipeline are " Housefull 2 " and " Joker ".

"Will You Marry Me" is slated for release April 1 and also stars Mugdha Godse , Rajeev Khandelwal , Celina Jaitly and Muzammil Abraham (less)

It's been said that the actress has a deep connection with India. She spent part of her childhood living in the Almora district, now in Uttarakhand and was named Uma by her dad, who is a Sanskrit scholar and a Tibetologist.

Uma will feature in five episodes of the musical drama. Produced by Steven Spielberg, the series also stars Debra Messing, Anjelica Huston and British actor Jack Davenport.

Tweet (less)

So sweet! She asked me to make a cameo appearance in the film with her father. I immediately flew down to Chennai.

When it comes to anything to do with Rajinikanth, one doesn't ask questions. One just does the needful," said Jackie.

"It's an interesting cameo which Soundarya insisted only I could play. I believe the film is in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.

But even if it was in Swahili, I'd run and do it for Rajinikanth," added the actor who turned 52 Wednesday. He had to rush to Chennai for the shoot and said: "My birthday is generally a very quiet affair.

As always my rakhi-sister Anna Singh came home. Then we went to Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza's sangeet.

That's where I brought in my birthday. I flew into Chennai for Rajiniji's film early next morning.

I can't think of a better way to spend my birthday." Getting a little philosophical, Jackie said: "Honestly a birthday is no big deal.

I am just beginning to understand life. My first 40 years went into growing up.

Now I am finally getting to know what this whole business of living is all about." Jackie and Rajini go back a long way.

"He was one of the few people at my wedding with Ayesha when we got married in 1989. Rajiniji and I were shooting for Subhash Ghai's "Uttar Dakshin", in which he played my younger stepbrother.

It was so much fun. I was the North Indian, he was my South Indian brother.

"During the lunch break Ayesha and I decided to get married. Just the two of us and those close to us.

There was Rajiniji, Subhash Ghai, Dimple Kapadia , Anupam Kher and a few of my other friends, that's it. So you see, I've very fond memories of Rajnikanth and would never say no to anything to do with him or his family," said the actor (less)

Logon ko kaam-dhanda nahin hai. Bas, yehi sab .

..

(people do not have anything else in life) For the record, I've never spoken to any journalist on this subject and certainly made no such declaration. Main pagal hoon kya (am I mad)," he said.

"In any case, what's the big deal about sexual preference? If one is gay, one is gay. If I was, I'd have no qualms in accepting it.

But the fact is, I am most certainly not. And I'm surprised at the audacity of the journalist who cooked up this imaginary scandal," added the 54-year-old actor.

"My wife (Ayesha) and I had a good laugh over this. I just looked at her and she looked at me.

We burst out laughing..

..

" The actor, who made his debut with Subhash Ghai's Hero , said instead of talking about this absurd nonsense about his sexuality, people should remember Bollywood legend Dev Anand, who died last week. "It's so sad.

The entertainment industry has just suffered a huge blow. We lost Dev saab.

Instead of remembering him the news has now veered towards some absurd nonsense about my sexuality. Jeez! Man, we need to sober up," said the actor who worked with Dev Anand in Swami Dada .

Jackie is known for his roles in Yudh, Teri Meherbaniyan, Karma, Ram Lakhan, Aaina and Devdas . Now he is gearing up to launch his son Tiger.

Tweet (less)

Her comments have sparked rumours that she was expecting before getting hitched with hotelier Peter Haag. Has Celina joined the league of celebs like Konkana Sen and Sri Devi who were pregnant at the time of tying the knot? So let's wait and watch, to find out if the rumours are true or not! (less)

The actress has now made an official announcement saying, "Dear friends Peter & myself seek ur blessings on this new journey which we now begin .We are exhilarated & very happy with the http://news.

As for myself it's a fabulous new aspect to embracing my womanhood . I feel complete!!" (less)

Also, the alimony she's believed to be asking in lieu of a divorce is too high. According to the sources: "Payal is asking for a hefty amount (a few crores) to be paid to her every year.

And if one were to cumulate it over a period of time, it goes up to be a pretty impressive number." The source, however, refuses to reveal the exact amount.

The source goes on to add, "To be fair to Payal, she's not being unreasonable about the alimony. In her case, the marriage had been far from a smooth sailing due to Aditya's relationship with Rani.

So it's wrong to label her demanding. It suffices to say that another Badmaash Company can be made on the annual alimony amount.

" The filmmaker is said to have confided in his actress muse about his reservations on paying the alimony. "Aditya has told Rani that he can't afford to pay such a huge amount to Payal every year.

Obviously she's not happy with these developments. So much so that she's gradually giving up on marrying him and is also looking out for roles and films outside the YRF banner," says our source.

To top that all, the Chopra family isn't willing to allow Rani play any part in their company either. "After the announcement of YRF International, for Hollywood co-productions, Aditya was keen to launch an IPO to make the company public and work towards being at par with other corporate production-distribution companies.

And he wanted Rani to be on the board of directors. But Yashji and Pamelaji aren't in agreement," explains our source.

He further maintains that the idea to expand the YRF banner is to ensure that the money remains within the family. Tweet (less)

My dream was to be a filmmaker. I started out making music videos and that was how I entered tinsel town.

Now, I guess I'll have to set a new milestone and mull over my next film, which hopefully will happen soon! I believe that a director can sustain his good work for around 10 years. That's his shelf life!" Elaborating on it he says, "From the time I began watching films, I've seen nearly all the works of N Chandra, JP Dutta, Subhash Ghai, Mahesh Bhatt and I've realised that for a decade or so, they give their best work to the audience.

Then somewhere mid-way they lose the plot. This is not to cast aspersions on their talent, it's just the way the industry works.

And then again, there are exceptions to this rule like Sudhir Mishra !" Speaking about this director, Neerav says, "Whether it was Yeh Who Manzil To Nahin, Hazaaron Khwahishein Aisi, Chameli or the recent Yeh Saali Zindgai, he always manages to make relevant cinema. Yeah, maybe some of his films are not BO successes, but years later when you pick a CD and watch his film, his film seems to be telling a story of a relevant era, a burning issue etc.

, and how he manages to do this with such finesse is something I admire!" (less)

Peter selected the venue; It's one of the oldest monasteries in the world. The court judge came specifically for this grand ceremony and gave a touching sermon, followed by a beautiful champagne lunch.

" Celina says it wasn't a traditional church wedding. "However, It was definitely magical.

We are planning a reception to celebrate this important occasion in our lives. It was an intimate affair attended by very close family members only.

Since my parents couldn't make it due to last minute visa challenges, Peter's father gave me away during the ceremony." What did she wear? "I am Indian and wearing a saree was a personal decision.

My dearest friend Rahuul Jashnani flew in this vintage, royalty inspired chiffon saree decorated with gold mukaish especially for the wedding. My Prince Charming and his father went out of their way to make it the most magical moment of my life.

I had a beautiful wedding amidst the sunshine of the Austrian mountains and under the high arches of a place that has never had a wedding before. Most importantly, with the right person, my Prince Peter.

It was a wedding beyond my wildest dreams,"says Celina. Talking about her future plans Celina says, "Marriage is the same for me as it is for any other girl.

It is just another step towards embracing my womanhood. I have no intentions at all of leaving my work.

I will live in Mumbai and travel between Dubai (where Peter works in the hospitality industry) and Mumbai." Watch Video';} else {tmpdiV="";} if(sldemsidcnt>1){imglinksh='See slideshow';}else{imglinksh='See photo';} if(sldemsid != "") {sldemsid=''+imglinksh+'';} else {sldemsid="";} var b2=""; var hid="526"; var b2 = ''+''+ capt +''+ sldemsid; bellyad.

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Clinton even congratulated the showman for having a school dedicated to film making (less)

She took this job very seriously because she did not want to let her parents down. She also took it up because she wanted to pull her family out of one of the rockiest patches - financially and emotionally - ever.

Fifteen years hence and innumerable awards and accolades later, her life looks like a fairy tale or a Bollywood script that could not have been written any better. In an industry where the shelf life of an actress is getting shorter by the month - even as actors rule the roost for two decades or more - Rani has seen her fair share of ups and downs that have taught her valuable lessons.

In the last few years, she has faltered in terms of choice of films. But one thing that she hasn't forgotten is to do her job well, i.

e. to act.

She takes it up as seriously as she did during the mahurat shot of "Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat" as a 16-year-old. But today, there's more passion than ever, and a mastery of her craft that compels you to appreciate her skills as an actress, even if you aren't her die-hard fan.

After the success of "No One Killed Jessica" early last year, she is awaiting her next two releases this year - the Reema Kagti-directed thriller "Talaash", with Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor and Anurag Kashyap's quirky comedy "Aiyya" directed by National Award winning director Sachin Kundalkar. We ask the 'Queen of Bollywood' about the journey during which her job turned into her passion, the girl Rani morphed into the woman who rules hearts and, of course, a certain someone she "is dating".

What are you doing these days? I've just returned from Lonavala where I was shooting for "Aiyya". A few songs are left.

Has the industry changed since you joined films? Immensely. Today, the first look of the film is almost as important as the film itself.

I'm eagerly waiting for the promos of "Talaash", which are to hit the screens soon. It's going to be released in June.

The fact that I'm doing two films that are as different as they can be, in the same year, speaks volumes about how times have changed. It's a far bigger, more diverse than ever industry that's gone global in terms of its scope in every possible way.

Did you always want to become an actress? Arre, my joining films is a poori filmi kahaani. Though I technically come from a film family, my father had stopped making films even before my brother and I were born.

So I did not really grow up in a filmi environment. And when I was growing up, becoming an actress was still quite a taboo.

And you may not believe this but even my father did not want me to join films. Salim (Akhtar) uncle, who was very close to my family, came with the offer of "Aa Gale Lag Jaa" in 1994, but my father was aghast and turned it down.

In the meantime, I joined college (SNDT, Juhu) pursuing Home Science. Those days, the 'in thing' that most girls were going after as a career choice was jewelery and interior designing.

I did not have the money to pursue a `3 lakh course to make a career. And then Salim uncle came back again.

I think he must have been pretty desperate to launch a new actress. This time, he managed to convince my parents.

How did he manage that? (Laughs) When Salim uncle came to me and said he wanted me to act in his film, I started crying. I thought he was making a pass at me.

..

Why on earth..

.? Because I was daft.

And the fact that in those days, acting was still considered a taboo for the girls in my family. My mom's side was okay with it, as my aunt (Bengali actress Debashree Roy) is an actress.

In fact, she had kept it from me till then, but she was seriously harboring dreams of me becoming an actress. My father was still adamant about me not joining films.

But by that time my second cousins, Kajol and Sharbani, had entered films. And that sort of paved the way for me.

My mother and father still fought over it for quite a few days before he finally agreed to give me at least one shot at it - of course, with the strict clause that my mom will accompany me everywhere. And you? Did you know anything about acting by then? I wish I could show you the recording of my first screen test.

You will literally sprint away from the room thinking 'who is this horrible actress?' What was so bad? Those days, I used to be quite chubby. And Salim uncle, who had done "Baazi" with Mamta Kulkarni a few years ago, fished those shorter-than-short and tighter-than-tight clothes that looked completely hideous on me.

And to top that, I had to act! I was a shy kid with inhibitions galore. It was some courtroom scene and when someone gave me the sheet with dialogues, I was dumbfounded.

I saw all these famous dialogues from famous films which I had to say in front of the camera. My understanding of films was just as much as any young girl who watches Bollywood films.

I had no idea about the whole process of filmmaking, about dialogue writing, scripts, screenplay etc. I had probably gone to two or three film shoots in my childhood.

And even when on a shoot as a young girl, I would find actors just giving their shots and sitting in their vans getting bored in-between shots. So when the whole picture opened up in front of me about the reality of becoming an actress, I was petrified.

And my screen test was a disaster. I came back crying and said 'I would not be able to do this - anything but acting! Then? But Salim uncle came back and said I had a photogenic face and the camera captured me quite well, which is very important for any actor.

That was one glimmer of hope in my otherwise nightmarish experience. My mother sat me down that night and told me, 'Opportunity knocks at your door just once, take it up.

What's the worst that could happen? You'll fail at your effort? We are there after that. But at least you'd know you have tried, and won't regret leaving this golden opportunity'.

And though it was never told to me, but I knew my family was going through a financial crisis. And there was also tension in the family because of a lot of bickering between my father and his brothers.

I decided that I would work very hard (there was a month left for the shoot of "Raja Ki..

.") and give myself one good shot, even if it did not work out in the end.

I took it up as a job that just had to be done. What happened in that one month for you to give that spirited performance? My father took me to join Roshan Taneja's acting classes.

Mr Taneja had two courses, one was a year-long one and the other a three-month one. I had to learn all the acting I could in one month.

I told Mr Taneja I would come in the morning and evening for a month and be a dedicated student. On the very first day, my dad said to him, 'Please teach my daughter how to act'.

Mr Taneja said, 'Acting isn't a tablet. You can't pop it and become an actress.

It has to come from within you. It's either deep within you or it's not there'.

His statement stayed with me for a long time. It was my first lesson.

But in the classes, I did not know where to start. Thankfully, one good thing was the improvisation classes - where we all had to face the camera and say whatever came to our mind and enact a scene.

It sort of broke through my shy exterior. In any acting class, there are always a lot of faces looking at you from all corners and that's done on purpose so that the person drops all his/her inhibitions.

On the day of the mahurat, when I was called to give my first shot, I thought, 'yaar, I can't let my parents down. I just have to give it my best'.

And then, when I walked into the shot, I was this confident, fiery ball of energy, spouting dialogues like I had never imagined I would. I haven't looked back since that day.

And how did this job eventually become your passion? That happened later when I started getting fan mails. I was doing a lot of films.

But my fans kept on writing that they were not happy with me. So I wondered 'Arre, I am working 72 hours at a stretch, not eating right, not getting enough sleep, giving my best to each shot, so what was going wrong?' Then I realized that after "Ghulam" and "Kuch Kuch Hota Hain", my fans' expectations of me were higher than my own.

That's when I learnt my second lesson - that it's not just performing, I also had to know good scripts from the not-so-good ones. I started getting more involved in the whole process; understanding films beyond just acting.

During this whole process, acting became my passion. Coming back to the present, what went wrong in the last couple of years before "No One Killed Jessica" last year? You had some consecutive flops after a spate of hits, and suddenly you just vanished.

..

(Snaps her fingers and says with a smile) Don't worry, from this year, you'll see me in two films every year at least. Coming back to your question, I had seen failures before but when those three films ("Laaga Chunri Mein Daag", "Thoda Pyaar, Thoda Magic" and "Dil Bole Hadippa") failed in quick succession, it affected me in a way no flop had before.

My confidence was completely shattered. All my movies failed to make a mark with audiences and critics alike.

Maybe the critics thought 'we've praised her enough, now it's time for her to fall a bit hard, so she steps her game up' (smiles). I also think I was plain unlucky.

The audience has little memory of what you have done before or are capable of doing. What matters is today.

So three flops probably told them 'Rani has worked so well in the last few years, maybe it's time she took a back seat and settled down'. And are you settling down? (Smile that says read-my-expression-if-you-can) When I plan to settle down, I will announce it to the world.

Marriage is an occasion to celebrate. I'll celebrate it when it happens, letting everyone know about it.

What about the rumors of your relationship with Aditya Chopra? I have been linked with so many of my co-stars and this Aditya rumor has stayed with me for the longest time. This time, I'm going to give you the cliched answer no journalist wants to hear, 'No comments'.

Are you dating someone? Yes, I am dating, but that's as far as I'm willing to talk about my personal life. Your fans want to know about your personal life? They want to know if marriage is on the cards.

They will know when the time comes. Right now, I have two movies coming out and that's what I'm going to talk about.

Are you saying nothing is serious as far as your dating goes? In a relationship, there are two people involved. Since I'm a public figure, if I start answering questions, it'll open doors for more questions, speculations, gossips, and then it comes to a point where every day someone has something to say about your personal life.

It's unfair to the other person. I do not mind a bitchy comment about the way I dress or my films, but a comment on my private space isn't welcome.

Are you a romantic? I'm a born romantic. I romanticize everything in life.

My personal life is full of love and romance. God's given us one life.

You should romance it. It's not always nice and cool to be practical and logical.

What have your relationships/ heartbreaks taught you? I haven't been in a lot of relationships. Heartbreak definitely teaches you to be a better actor.

Don't they say, an artiste always performs better when he or she has experienced heartbreak? (Laughs) That was a joke. I don't give that much importance to men.

All my heartbreaks have been because of close friends, and not men. Seriously? (On a serious note) Heartbreak, anger, frustration - if you can overcome these emotions, you become a better person.

If you're a person of substance, you'll overcome your bad times. Who wants to be a loser? Will you marry an actor? No, two megalomaniacs can't exist in the same house.

We'll end up killing each other. What's the best thing about being in a relationship? (Enigmatic smile) That you can hide it.

And the best part of getting married is that you can announce it to the world. What about the fact that today the shelf life of actresses is low? Would you ever decide to do an item number or attend red carpet events as visibility is important these days? No.

Because for me, it's important to cement an impression of my work. Acting is what I do best.

It's not difficult to be in the public eye. Go anywhere and you'll find the media.

I am not trying to sound high and mighty here. If I was being launched today, I would do exactly what newcomers do these days.

But after 15 years in the course of which I have firmly established my credentials as an actress, I plan to only focus on acting. But if friends call me, I'll be there.

Like I went to Farah's (Khan) house-warming party recently. Aamir (Khan) and Kiran (Rao) had a son and going there was important for me because he is someone who is very dear to me.

As are Shah Rukh Khan and Karan (Johar). Have you spoken to Abhishek after he became a father? We aren't in touch on the phone, but whenever I come across him, I will definitely congratulate him.

It's great news. What did that low phase in your life teach you? When I was joining films, my dad had told me, 'Don't ever be disheartened with failure and don't be over-excited with success'.

This is an important lesson in any actor's life. But can you really separate your emotions as professional and personal in your mind? Hurt is hurt, disappointment is disappointment.

..

That's where your family and your strength as an individual come in. I am very close to my family.

And I have other interests, like baking. I started baking in one of my very low phases in life.

I find it therapeutic. So, would we see a Rani Mukerji patisserie soon? You could.

I'm serious about going to Paris or Chicago for a fulltime patisserie course. Any other venture in mind? A lot of actresses are starting their own fashion lines.

Or maybe even film production..

. No.

The only thing I will be producing next is babies. No other production happening with me.

Is there a lot of bitching/backbiting in the industry? There is, but that's true of any industry where over-competitive minds are always at work. But it is blown out of proportion in ours because it's the glamor industry.

Have you been at the receiving end of bitching? People say bitchy things about other people to feel good about themselves. Whatever I have got in life has been a huge blessing.

I've never gone after something that's not mine. Today, I am sitting at my office in Juhu, overlooking the sea.

I used to live in a shack before. I used to travel in rickshaws.

Today, I have a Mercedes. But if I start thinking, 'I have a bungalow, why not a building in Bandra tomorrow? Or now, I have a car, why not a yacht next?' my life will be difficult.

My mind doesn't work that way. The only ambition I have is to pick up interesting scripts and give a stellar performance that'll be etched in the audiences' and my fans' minds (less)

POPULAR AWARDS Best Actor: Ranbir Kapoor for Rockstar Award presented by: Rekha and Yash Chopra to Ranbir Kapoor "I've grown up wanting a Best Actor Award. This is my fourth award.

Every dream seems to be becoming a reality. It feels great.

Thank you Imtiaz. I love you, Sir.

Thank you for giving me hope and inspiration. Thank you for giving me Rockstar.

And I'll see you at the Movies." - Ranbir Kapoor on winning the award.

Best Actress: Vidya Balan for The Dirty Picture Award presented by: Sridevi and Boney Kapoor to Vidya Balan. "It has been a night where women have shone, This award goes out to the women in my life.

..

This award goes out to every woman. And of course everyone on the team of The Dirty Picture especially Milan Luthria.

" - Vidya Balan on winning the Best Actress Award. Best Film: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Award presented by: Madhuri Dixit Best Director: Zoya Akhtar for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Award presented by: Subhash Ghai to Zoya Akhtar Best Dialogue: Farhan Akhtar for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.

Award presented by: Chitrangada Singh to Farhan Akhtar . "This feels really good.

Zoya, Reena thank you for writing this amazing story and screenplay. Thank you to every actor for making every dialogue your own.

A big thanks to my dad for writing the beautiful poetry in the movie that gave the dialogues that extra edge."- Farhan Akhtar on winning the Filmfare Award for Best Dialogue Best Screenplay: Akshat Verma for Delhi Belly Award presented by: Kabir Bedi and Kalki Koechlin Abhinav Deo, who collect it on Akshat behalf Best Story: Sanjay Chauhan for I Am Kalam Award presented by: Prateik Babbar and Amy Jackson to Sanjay Chauhan "I'd like to thank Kalam saab.

Nila Madhav Panda, my director and the entire team of I Am Kalam. I'd like to thank my daughter and my wife.

" - Sanjay Chauhan on winning the award. Best Actor (Critics) Award: Ranbir Kapoor for Rockstar Thank you critics.

Thank you Imtiaz. Without you nothing would've been possible.

The cast and crew. The Producers.

Rahman Saab. And everyone who has worked on this movie.

" - Ranbir Kapoor on winning the award Best Actress (Critics) Award: Priyanka Chopra for 7 Khoon Maaf Award presented by: Juhi Chawla and Shankar come to Priyanka Chopra . "This black lady is the most coveted lady ever, and I have the entire team of 7 Khoon Maaf to thank for that.

A big thanks to my family. Thank you Filmfare, the entire team.

And thank you the film industry for believing in me." - Priyanka Chopra on winning the award.

Best Film (Critics) Award: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Award presented by: Mr. Balram Garg (PC Jewellers) and Bipasha Basu to Zoya Akhtra, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani.

Zoya Akhtra, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani come to collect the award. "It's difficult to get a balance between the critics and box office.

Zoya managed that for us. I thank the entire team of ZNMD.

Thank you Filmfare. Thank you Times of India.

Thank you Eros." - Ritesh Sidhwani "I want to thank my cast and crew.

Since this is the mother of all awards, I'm going to dedicate it to mine." - Zoya Akhtar, Director - ZNMD Best Supporting Actor (Male) Award: Farhan Akhtar for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Award presented by: Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar to Farhan Akhtar.

"Thank you Filmfare, thank you jury for selecting this performance. I would like to thank Naseer for all the support.

..

thank you Zoya, Reema, Ritesh, mom, Audhana..

. Thank you very much.

" - Farhan Akhtar on winning the award. Best Supporting Actor (Female) Award: Rani Mukerji for 'No One Killed Jessica' Award presented by: Mr.

Ramesh Taurani to Vidya Balan and director Raj Kumar Gupta, since Rani Mukherji is not present. (Also check : Filmfare Awards 2011 Nominations ) SPECIAL FILMFARE AWARD: Partho Gupte for Stanley Ka Dabba Award presented by: Mukesh Bhatt and Mansvi to Partho Gupte LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Karan Johar comes on stage to announce the Lifetime Ahievement Award winner - Aruna Irani.

Mr. Ramesh Sippy and Raveena Tandon present the award to Aruna Irani.

"Good evening. This is a very touching moment of my life; it's the happiest moment of my life.

Thank you Filmfare for giving recognition to my work. Thank you Dilip Kumar saab for introducing me to the wonderful world of films at the age of 9 years.

The industry taught me acting, dance, work, and gave an uneducated woman like me a platform. I came into the industry to execute a responsibility.

I'd like to thank my family. My husband.

My brothers. My fans.

Thank you Filmfare for this immense happiness. God, you're very kind.

" - Aruna Irani on winning the Lifetime Achievement Award Idea Sony Scene of the Year Award: The Dirty Picture Award presented by: Manjit Singh and NP Singh of Sony to Vidya Balan, who comes on behalf of the producers of The Dirty Picture to accept the award FILMFARE MUSIC AWARDS Best Music Director Award: AR Rahman for Rockstar Award presented by: Abhishek Bachchan and Deepika Padukone to AR Rahman Trivia: This is the 2500th Filmfare Trophy to be given away. It's a diamond studded trophy designed by PC Jewellers.

"I want to thank Imtiaz, and all the singers of Rockstar, and everyone who has worked on the music along with me." - AR Rahman on winning the award.

Best Lyrics Award: Irshad Kamil for 'Nadaan Parindey' of Rockstar Award presented by: Anu Malik and Anuradha Paudwal to Irshad Kamil Best Playback (Male) Award: Mohit Chauhan for 'Jo Bhi Mein' from Rockstar "Thank you so much. It's really special tonight over here.

I want to thank my parents back home in Himachal. I want to thank Rahman saab for creating such awesome songs for Rockstar.

I want to thank Imtiaz for his vision of Jordan , Ranbir Kapoor, Irshad for writing such wonderful lyrics..

. Thank you.

" - Mohit Chauhan on winning the award Best Playback (Female) Award: Rekha Bhardwaj and Usha Uthup for 'Darling' of 7 Khoon Maaf Award presented by: Imtiaz Ali and Urmila Matondkar to Usha Uthup and accepts the award on behalf of Rekha, too and breaks down. "Thank you Filmfare, the mother of all awards in India.

In 42 years, this is my first award! It's unbelievable for me. Thank you to all the music directors, to my family for letting me grow, thank you to Vishal Bhardwajji" - an emotional Usha Uthup on winning the award.

RD Burman Award for Best upcoming Talent: Krishna for Tanu weds Manu Award presented by: Bhushan Kumar and Alka Yagnik to Krishna. Best Choreography: Bosco-Caesar for 'Senorita', Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara "I'd love to thank Zoya, Carlos, Hrithik, Abhay, my wife, my son, Farhan Akhtar.

Id' like to thank my younger brother and partner, Bosco": Caesar "Mom, we got this the Black Beauty is ours": Bosco Best Background Score: Ranjit Barot for Shaitan Award presented by: Sonali Bendre and Goldie Behl to Bijoy Nambiar, who collects the award on Ranjit's behalf. FILMFARE DEBUT AWARDS Best Debut Director Award: Abhinay Deo for Delhi Belly Award presented by: Madhur Bhandarkar and Hasleen Kaur to Abhinay Deo.

Best Debut (Male) Award: Vidyut Jamwal for Force Award presented by: Chunky Pandey and Kajal Aggarwal to Vidyut Jamwal. "I'm speechless.

I'm very happy. Everyone who comes to Mumbai hopes he gets a good movie.

I got that. A good producer, I got that.

A good director, I got that. Then you want the film to make a hit, it was a hit, Then you want an award, I got that.

I would like to thank Nishikant Kamat and a lot of other people, whom I will personally thank tonight." - Vidyut Jamwal on winning the award.

Best Debut (Female) Award: Parineeti Chopra for Ladies vs Ricky Bahl Award presented by: Mr. Amrish Jain (Idea Cellular) and Dia Mirza to Parineeti.

"I told myself that if I won today, I wouldn't cry, but I can't help myself. Thank You the whole team of Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, my family.

This is my sixth award this season, and it's so motivating. I'm going to work very hard.

I've grown up watching the Filmfare Awards and to hold one now is an out of the world experience." - Parineeti Chopra on winning the award.

FILMFARE TECHNICAL AWARDS Best Action: Mathhias Barsch for Don 2. Producer Ritesh Sidhwani collects the award on his behalf.

Ritesh dedicates the award to Priyanka's stunt double Bibi who died under unfortunate circumstances. Best Cinematography: Carlos Catalan for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Award presented by: Mr.

Shashi Shankar (Idea Cellular) and Mahie Gill to Carlos Catalan. "I'm very nervous.

I'd like to thank my producers, Zoya: she's great fun to work with. I'd like to thank my Indian and Spanish crew"- Carlos Catalan on winning the award Best Editing: Huzefa Lokhandwala for Delhi Belly Abhinay Deo collects the award on his behalf.

Best Production Design: Shashank Tere for Delhi Belly Award presented by: Kunal Kohli and Neha Dhupia to Shashank Tere for Delhi Belly. Shashank isn't here, and Jim the co-writer of the movie collects it on his behalf.

Best Sound Design: Nakul Kamte for Don 2 Award presented by: Sarah Jane Dias presents the award to Farhan Akhtar. Nakul wasn't here to collect the award but sent an acceptance speech with Farhan in case he won.

And win he did! Best Costume Design Award: The first Award of the night has been declared. Niharika Khan for The Dirty Picture Thank you Filmfare, thank you Vidya for letting make me take your clothes off.

Thank you to the actors who let me keep their clothes on: Nasseruddin Shah and the entire cast. Thank you Milan.

Thank you my husband and children for letting me do my job. - Niharika Khan on winning the award.

Also check : Filmfare Awards 2011 Nominations (less)

So sweet! She asked me to make a cameo appearance in the film with her father. I immediately flew down to Chennai.

When it comes to anything to do with Rajinikanth, one doesn't ask questions. One just does the needful," said Jackie.

"It's an interesting cameo which Soundarya insisted only I could play. I believe the film is in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.

But even if it was in Swahili, I'd run and do it for Rajinikanth," added the actor who turned 52 Wednesday. He had to rush to Chennai for the shoot and said, "My birthday is generally a very quiet affair.

As always my rakhi-sister Anna Singh came home. Then we went to Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza's sangeet.

That's where I brought in my birthday. I flew into Chennai for Rajiniji's film early next morning.

I can't think of a better way to spend my birthday." Getting a little philosophical, Jackie said: "Honestly a birthday is no big deal.

I am just beginning to understand life. My first 40 years went into growing up.

Now I am finally getting to know what this whole business of living is all about." Jackie and Rajini go back a long way.

"He was one of the few people at my wedding with Ayesha when we got married in 1989. Rajiniji and I were shooting for Subhash Ghai's Uttar Dakshin , in which he played my younger stepbrother.

It was so much fun. I was the North Indian, he was my South Indian brother.

During the lunch break Ayesha and I decided to get married. Just the two of us and those close to us.

There was Rajiniji, Subhash Ghai, Dimple Kapadia, Anupam Kher and a few of my other friends, that's it. So you see, I've very fond memories of Rajnikanth and would never say no to anything to do with him or his family," said the actor.

Tweet (less)

Speaking about everything from Rajinikanth's cameo to Sanjay Dutt and Priyanka Chopra's inclusion in the film, the King Khan left nothing unanswered. Reiterating himself when it came to the film's genre, Shah Rukh had this to say: "I want kids to go back from this and love their fathers more.

Kids love their mothers more-- at least mine do." He then described the arduous process of putting on the electric blue lycra suit his character, G.

One, wears. "[It] took me 2 hours to wear the lycra suit.

[I was] helped by girls--which was nice--but they had long nails. [The suit] had to be digitally touched up later," he said.

Shah Rukh then revealed what was going in Rajinikanth's mind when he agreed to make a guest appearance in RA.One .

The Thalaivar revisits his famous character Chitti from his blockbuster Endhiran . "I asked him about butterflies in the stomach; he said he has become a butterfly.

But [he] said it was more a case of asking people home and wondering if they liked the dinner." When prompted about Sanjay Dutt and Priyanka Chopra, whose respective looks were revealed on the film's new poster, the Badshah of Bollywood said he really wanted the Khalnayak and Desi Girl to be a part of his film.

He ended the session with a heartfelt blessing for Dream Girl Hema Malini's directorial film, Tell Me Okkhuda , which serves as a re-launch vehicle for her elder daughter, Esha Deol. The film releases just one day after RA.

One . "I pray for it.

Please all of you go and see the film." Tweet (less)

However, because of a family tragedy, they got hitched at a quiet ceremony. Celina twitted- Beloved tweeple.

..

With great pleasure I would like to announce my wedding with @peterhaag on the 23rd of last month at a thousand year old monastery in Austria . We seek your blessings and good wishes, and apologize for the delayed announcement due to a family tragedy.

Here is a picture of the most cherished moment of our lives. The picture features myself and my beloved husband, flanked by my dearest father in law to my left, and my brother in law to Peter's right.

The couple has been together for one-and-a-half-years. We wish Celina Jaitly, Peter Haag a very happy married life (less)

She's learning German as she plans to do a film in the language after her baby is born. She tells us from Dubai, "I am using my pregnancy to learn German from a private tutor thrice a week at home.

And I'm not just doing it for Peter (he's Austrian) and the babies but also to do international films. After being on the jury of the Cairo Film Festival, I have been exposed to some amazing world cinema.

And I feel it's good to be part of such features, too." Does this mean she plans to quit Hindi films? "No!" Celina exclaims, adding, "Hindi films are my life.

I just wanted to dabble in world cinema as I find it interesting." The actress flew to Dubai last month for medical checkups as she hasn't been keeping too well (less)

Speaking about everything from Rajinikanth's cameo to Sanjay Dutt and Priyanka Chopra's inclusion in the film, the King Khan left nothing unanswered. Reiterating himself when it came to the film's genre, Shah Rukh had this to say: "I want kids to go back from this and love their fathers more.

Kids love their mothers more-- at least mine do." He then described the arduous process of putting on the electric blue lycra suit his character, G.

One, wears. "[It] took me 2 hours to wear the lycra suit.

[I was] helped by girls--which was nice--but they had long nails. [The suit] had to be digitally touched up later," he said.

Shah Rukh then revealed what was going in Rajinikanth's mind when he agreed to make a guest appearance in RA.One .

The Thalaivar revisits his famous character Chitti from his blockbuster Endhiran . "I asked him about butterflies in the stomach; he said he has become a butterfly.

But [he] said it was more a case of asking people home and wondering if they liked the dinner." When prompted about Sanjay Dutt and Priyanka Chopra, whose respective looks were revealed on the film's new poster, the Badshah of Bollywood said he really wanted the Khalnayak and Desi Girl to be a part of his film.

He ended the session with a heartfelt blessing for Dream Girl Hema Malini's directorial film, Tell Me Okkhuda , which serves as a re-launch vehicle for her elder daughter, Esha Deol. The film releases just one day after RA.

One . "I pray for it.

Please all of you go and see the film." Tweet (less)

Also, the alimony she's believed to be asking in lieu of a divorce is too high. According to the sources: "Payal is asking for a hefty amount (a few crores) to be paid to her every year.

And if one were to cumulate it over a period of time, it goes up to be a pretty impressive number." The source, however, refuses to reveal the exact amount.

The source goes on to add, "To be fair to Payal, she's not being unreasonable about the alimony. In her case, the marriage had been far from a smooth sailing due to Aditya's relationship with Rani.

So it's wrong to label her demanding. It suffices to say that another Badmaash Company can be made on the annual alimony amount.

" The filmmaker is said to have confided in his actress muse about his reservations on paying the alimony. "Aditya has told Rani that he can't afford to pay such a huge amount to Payal every year.

Obviously she's not happy with these developments. So much so that she's gradually giving up on marrying him and is also looking out for roles and films outside the YRF banner," says our source.

To top that all, the Chopra family isn't willing to allow Rani play any part in their company either. "After the announcement of YRF International, for Hollywood co-productions, Aditya was keen to launch an IPO to make the company public and work towards being at par with other corporate production-distribution companies.

And he wanted Rani to be on the board of directors. But Yashji and Pamelaji aren't in agreement," explains our source.

He further maintains that the idea to expand the YRF banner is to ensure that the money remains within the family. Tweet (less)

Sreedharan hanged up his boots Saturday after an eventful 15-year tenure as the Delhi Metro chief, IANS takes a lowdown on the films associated with the easy mode of transport. The star-studded cast of Abbas-Mustan's Players -- Abhishek Bachchan, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Sonam Kapoor - stepped into the Airport Express Metro to promote the movie, releasing Jan 6, 2012.

Even superstar Shah Rukh Khan kept aside his star status and travelled like the Delhi common man to spread a buzz about his mega production RA.One .

He also took the Metro route with Priyanka Chopra, director Farhan Akhtar and producer Ritesh Sidhwani for Don 2 - The King Is Back . Actors Manoj Bajpayee, Tia Bajpai and Maqbool Khan started their Metro promotional ride from the capital's Shivaji Stadium for their film Lanka , and actor Emraan Hashmi chose the busiest, Rajiv Chowk Metro station for promoting The Dirty Picture .

It's quite a feat to plan such marketing gimmicks at such locations considering thousands of commuters pass through each day. Some star-struck passengers love the surprise chance to see their favourite celebrity, while some feel it delays the travel as celebrity events tend to create chaos at times.

However, that has not deterred filmmakers from getting permission to shoot films either at the Metro stations, or even within the Metro itself. In 2006, Subhash Ghai's Black and White was shot in the Metro.

But it was in 2008 that most filmmakers were tempted to shoot at the new, attractive spot. Anurag Kashyap's Dev.

D , Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Delhi-6 and Imtiaz Ali's Love Aaj Kal were shot in the capital's Metro. In the next year, R.

Balakrishnan also decided to shoot bits of a song sequence for Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Paa in the Metro. Most recently, the team of Mahesh Bhatt's Jannat 2 shot in the Airport Express, with Emraan Hashmi and Randeep Hooda in the frame.

Now, Mallika Sherawat and Viveik Oberoi-starrer Kismat, Love, Paisa, Dilli , is expected to be shot at the Airport Express too. Tweet (less)