"Kaay porgi, kaay mhante" he would ask. As we spoke, he revealed his connection with Maharastra which very few peole are aware of.

Diilp Kumar, recently received the Lokmat Jeevan Gaurav (Lifetime Achievement) Award 2011 from the President of India. The award made him remind everyone why he shares such a close bond with the state and its language.

"In more ways than one it is Maharashtra that holds the roots of my life and career. I had my schooling at Barnes School in Deolali, Nashik, as a day scholar.

The moderate climate, especially the cool summers attracted my parents to stay in Deolali since my mother was ailing with asthma. Years later, after I became known as actor Dilip Kumar , I revisited Deolali in the course of my search all over Nashik District for an ideal location to film Ganga Jamuna's outdoor scenes.

People came to greet me wherever we stopped and were surprised and happy to converse with me in Marathi. It was exhilarating to travel all over Nashik by road taking in the natural majesty of the Sahyadri range.

My brother Nasir and friend Mukri were with me and we enjoyed the small meals we tucked away at wayside eateries. Hot usal served with crushed papdis and ghati sev, poha, puris with potato bhaji garnished with green, finely cut coriander, jhunka with hot bakri.

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Maharashtra's cuisine has its own identity. It titillates the taste buds but is never heavy in the tummy.

Our cook of almost four decades is a Maharashtrian, Narmada, who has hooked us completely to puran polis, batata vadas, kanda poha etc forever. One place I can never resist is Pune.

I lived and worked in Pune (then Poona) for two years and earned my first "big" money there. I know every street and road in Pune city" says Dilip sahab (less)

. Soneri Divsanchya Soneri Aathavani .

The star studded ceremony that featured many celebrities and glitterati from the Marathi industry featured performances by none other than Shaan himself along with music director Ajit Parab and Janhavi. The event was also a celebration of Sumbaran's selection in the Indian Panorama category of the prestigious International Film Festival of India 2010 (IFFI 2010).

With the selection of Sumbaran at IIFI, Gajendra Ahire now holds the distinction of probably being the only director whose films have got selected at IIFI more than thrice. Also present at the ceremony were the cast and crew of Sumbaran including Makarand Anaspure, Siddharth Jadhav, Jitendra Joshi, Ravi Kale, Ravindra Mankani, Sai Tamhankar, Vrunda Ahire, Mukta Barve, Ashwini Kalsekar, Aditi Bhagwat, Seema Deshmukh, Sushrut Mankani, Swarali Patil, Music director Rahul Ranade, editor Rahul Bhatankar, and cinematographer.

According to the producer Mr. Sunil Phadtare "It's indeed a joyous occasion for all of us.

Making this film was a cathartic experience and it was all Gajendra sirs' efforts that have made this film a masterpiece. I would also specially like to thank Rahul Ranade for composing such a melodious album.

He has skilfully managed to capture all the emotions in the film transcending in to the music." Sumbaran is a romantic love story of a village left behind and for each one it is a different alibi.

It marks the journey of a budding music director Viru (Jitendra Joshi) who decides to visit his native home along with his brother Vasanta (Makarand Anaspure), sister in law Vahini (Vrunda Ahire), his two friends Mukta (Sai Tamhankar) and Sushu (Sushrut Mankani). Visiting this abandoned house creates the ripple of pleasant memories not only for Veeru but also his aloof brother Vasanta.

The film unravels the mystery of unforgotten cultural roots, unspoken bonds, mischief, melodious music and unprecedented romance in addition to bringing to fore rapidly changing social dynamics. Beaming with pride director Gajendra Ahire said, "it's an honour to be selected at the Indian Panorama and its all the more sweet as this my fourth movie to be selected.

Sumbaran is not just a film it's an unforgettable experience. It's a story of picturesque memories reminiscing lost personas.

Sumbaran is a collaborative effort in the every sense of the word and I am extremely happy with the way this movie has shaped up. It undoubtedly is amongst my best works thus far.

" The Sumbaran music album contains five tracks in all, vastly ranging from authentic folk (originated from a nomadic shepherd community -Dhangar) to contemporary jazz numbers. The album offers a soulful melody called 'Rutu yetil Jatil' sung by Shaan and Janhavi Arora.

Shaan has also sung a youthful peppy number. True to his style and music repertoire, Rahul Ranade has cleverly woven two different musical forms making this a complete musical treat.

Rahul Ranade, Music Director of the film said "The film's protagonist is a music director who explores music through his childhood inspiration Bhiroba. The nomadic shepherd community folk essence was very crucial to establish Bhiroba and Veeru's character.

I was extremely excited to amalgamate folk with contemporary jazz and rock- the two distinctively polar genre of music in Sumbaran . I couldn't think of a better choice than Shaan for the youthful compositions, and being close friends with him also helped.

Janhavi Arora has a versatile appeal and she has sung exceptionally well. Ajit Parab himself is a great composer and he has added a fresh flavor to the rhythmic folk song 'Punvechaya Chandnyat' which has also been brilliantly sung by renowned folk singer Nandesh Umap.

And finally, the excellent choice of musicians on each composition has made Sumbaran an exclusive album." Sumbaran.

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Soneri Divsanchya Soneri Aathavani is slated to release on November 19, 2010 (less)

It's got people debating if Katrina has outdone her Sheila song. It's a song that's got the Marathi composer duo Ajay-Atul fame beyond the borders of Maharashtra.

And it's called Chikni Chameli! In the rapturous din that this teaser of Agneepath has created, the original Marathi song Kombdi Palali has returned with a vengeance. For the uninitiated, Kombdi is the original Ajay-Atul song composed for Marathi movie 'Jatra', which released in 2007.

BT finds out how this song is rocking the charts yet again..

. Ajay-Atul speak They are happy, but in a style that's typically Ajay-Atul, they're stoic about it and happily give the credit "where we feel it's due and that's to Karan Johar and Karan Malhotra! It was Karan's idea and then the director also went with it when both of them heard the Marathi song and wanted something similar in Agneepath too.

Once, they were convinced, we had no problems," says Ajay. Adds Atul, "When there's a thought given to our Marathi music, and this thought is followed by action, it's a win-win situation for us in particular and music in general! Ultimately, good music thrives and we as musicians want no more! Kombdi or Chikni, we are happy that we have made our contribution.

" It's rocking! Vaishali Samant , singer of the Marathi version, says, "It's my favourite song for sure because till today at any show I go for, it's one song that I have to sing! When I heard that Ajay-Atul have reworked this in Hindi, I was overjoyed. If this song will help catapult their Hindi career, well, I can only wish that even the Hindi version rocks!" And any hard feelings on not being chosen to sing this number? She says, "Ajay-Atul are friends , and I trust any decision they take.

Also, if Chikni makes Kombdi popular, why will I spoil the party?" - Ajitjagtap: So, Chikni Chameli is Marathi "Kombdi Palali" reprised. Doesnt sound good as I have heard the original many times.

Kat dances nicely though. - RohanDasgupta: If music has no language, why are people debating if Chikni Chameli is better or Kombdi Palali? - Ketswalawalkar: Also.

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The marathi original 'kombdi palali' is anyday better! Wat have they done to the song?? And why!!! - Whiz_dom: Moral of the story: Dont mess with the original. Never ever.

- SyedFahad_fad: the videos hot!:D but its a rip off from this Marathi song but yeah its totally gonna be bigger than chamakchallo (less)

The 'Fashion' star has no qualms about wearing bikinis and curve-accentuating clothes. Now, surely that gets her all the eyeballs most of the time.

But this time one too many! Says a source, "Mugdha stands out among the other judges. Having been a model, she subscribes to a different set of sensibilities that is hard to digest for the rest on the show as well as the audience.

According to the source, viewer feedback shows that Mugdha's outfits haven't gone down too well with them. When asked to tone down her dressing style, however, the actress did not relent.

Says Mugdha, "I just want viewers to realise that wearing western outfits shouldn't be a problem as long as it's not vulgar or too revealing. This is a show where we are telling people to get globalised and clothes don't make a difference.

There is a famous saying 'Clothes don't maketh a man' and I truly believe in that." (less)

The 'Fashion' star has no qualms about wearing bikinis and curve-accentuating clothes. Now, surely that gets her all the eyeballs most of the time.

But this time one too many! Says a source, "Mugdha stands out among the other judges. Having been a model, she subscribes to a different set of sensibilities that is hard to digest for the rest on the show as well as the audience.

According to the source, viewer feedback shows that Mugdha's outfits haven't gone down too well with them. When asked to tone down her dressing style, however, the actress did not relent.

Says Mugdha, "I just want viewers to realise that wearing western outfits shouldn't be a problem as long as it's not vulgar or too revealing. This is a show where we are telling people to get globalised and clothes don't make a difference.

There is a famous saying 'Clothes don't maketh a man' and I truly believe in that." (less)

Our Marathi Mulga Riteish Deshmukh goes for aamchi Marathi, while Jiah Khan and veteran Randhir Kapoor stick to old hilarious Sindhi touch for their comedy. Director Sajid Khan has tried to provide something special to every linguistic majority in the country and this was especially done with an eye on NRI population living in western countries.

Sources say that Akshay Kumar plays the part of a person who is considered the unlucky in the world but tries to change the luck by searching for true love. Lara Dutta, Deepika Padukone and Jiah Khan provide glamorous touch to the flick.

They have all shown their fabulous physiques in two piece bikinis in the flick and insiders reveal that it should be enough to set the screen on fire, when the film opens at theatres. Akshay Kumar, the Khiladi Kumar of bollywood who wowed the audience with her comic timing in films like ?Heyy Babyy?, ?Singh Is Kinng? etc and plays lead in Sajid Khan?s upcoming romantic comedy ?Housefull? opposite ravishing Lara Dutta, sizzling hot Deepika Padukone, speaks in Punjabi while his heroine Lara Dutta uses Gujarati.

Not only this even Deepika Paduknoe is not satisfied with Hindi and shows her linguistic specialty by speaking in Telugu with Arjun Rampal. Our Marathi Mulga Riteish Deshmukh goes for aamchi Marathi, while Jiah Khan and veteran Randhir Kapoor stick to old hilarious Sindhi touch for their comedy.

Director Sajid Khan has tried to provide something special to every linguistic majority in the country and this was especially done with an eye on NRI population living in western countries. Sources say that Akshay Kumar plays the part of a person who is considered the unlucky in the world but tries to change the luck by searching for true love.

Lara Dutta, Deepika Padukone and Jiah Khan provide glamorous touch to the flick. They have all shown their fabulous physiques in two piece bikinis in the flick and insiders reveal that it should be enough to set the screen on fire, when the film opens at theatres.

-- k k rai Send comments: 0comments (less)

The Delhi lad has an amazing sex appeal on and off the field. The tattoo on his forearm makes him a bit edgy.

The century against Bangladesh was like an icing on the cake. His performance made him the most desirable batsman according to the 36th most desirable me".

Kainaat unabashedly added, "Annoying cricketer should be the great Shoaib Akhtar. He makes these weird faces while playing.

Its so annoying. He tries way too hard to attract attention and that does not work for women.

" An actress on condition of anonymity revealed, "Kohli has to be hottest and South Africa's Dale Steyn the most annoying! He looks too harsh and mean to be desirable!" The gorgeous Marathi mulgi who rose to fame though Madhur Bhandarkar's Fashion, stood loyal to her role of being a judge of Marathi talent hunt show 'Marathi Pauul Padhte Pudhe' as she voted for aapla Mumbaicha 'Sachin Tendulkar'. Backing her choice Mugdha added, "The entire country and the world knows why I find Sachin Tendulkar the hottest.

I don't even need to say why. He is the best.

As far as most annoying is concerned, any player who does not deliver when it's needed the most is annoying according to me. The bold and beautiful Veena Malik has her eyes fixed on Punjab da munda Yuvraj Singh .

"Yuvraj is fabulous. I want to see him repeat the six chhakas (sixers)" she said.

Co-incidentally, Yuvraj's father Yograj Singh Bundhel happens to be one of the contestants of the Indian tv show that Veena will be hosting. Hottie Payal Rohatgi who was allegedly linked to South African Cricketer Herschelle Gibbs , is all praises for Delhi hitter 'Virender Sehwag'.

"Any player who delivers is hot according to me. Sportsmen are supposed to win and play a fair game.

Viru does that" reasoned Payal (less)

For the past two decades, this metrosexual, uber cool star has been consistently giving at least one hit a year in Bollywood. Ahead of his second visit to Nagpur today, Akshay Kumar exclusively speaks to NT about playing a Maharashrian in his forthcoming film Khatta Meetha, his fitness regime and more.

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So, how's life been for Akshay till now - Khatti or Meethi? Life is a combo of Khatta-Meetha; even you must have experienced the life that ways. To me, on the career front, life has been Khatti-Meethi, as there have been many ups and downs; but, I have no complaints with my personal life.

It's been just fantastic; and rather on a sweeter side. This is your second visit to Nagpur.

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Yeah, when I had come earlier, it was quite hot. This time I feel lucky to be in the city during monsoons.

The only worry is that it's not an orange season; so, I won't be able to enjoy world-famous Nagpur oranges. But, I'll try and catch up with my friends in Nagpur.

From Mr and Mrs Khiladi to Housefull, audiences have been relishing your typical Dilliwala, North Indian dialect. With Sachin Tichkule, the hero of your film being a Maharashtrian, did you have to work in specific arenas for the role? Not exactly, as I have been staying in Maharashtra for many years, I speak Marathi very fluently and have lots of Maharashtrian friends.

So, all those nuances came easy to me. Any specific real life character you have followed to prepare for Sachin Tichkule? Yeah, Tichkules were my neighbours when I used to stay in Bandra East earlier.

I've been exposed to people like Sachin, who wear Ray Ban ka chashma, haath mein chhata, bagal mein files etc. Whether it's Namastey London or Singh is Kinng , almost all the characters that you've seen in my films, have been inspired by real individuals; of course, unless there's a larger-than-life character that doesn't exist, like the one I played in Blue.

So, for Sachin as well, I have indeed followed a real life character. As you come from Delhi and have been staying in Maharashtra for many years, do you believe the claim of many that there's a difference between the Marathi and North Indian aam aadmi? A common man is a common man; I don't see any difference between the Marathi aam aadmi and the north Indian one.

Even R K Laxman's common man in his cartoons may look like a Maharashtrian, but readers across India can easily identify with him. We have the same heart and our thinking patterns are the same.

Whether it's Mumbai or Delhi, carrying an umbrella and keeping it against the wall is a common phenomenon. Farmers in Nagpur must be as fascinated with bikes as their counterparts in Ludhiana.

Your style quotient hasn’t been explored well in the film. Isn't it a big risk? It's all about identification.

I appreciate the fact that Priyadarshan has followed a single style in the film. In these two decades of your career, many stars joined the B'town fray, but Akshay Kumar has been unaffected, and is the rock-solid parallel pillar of the industry.

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In Bollywood, about 165 movies are released every year; so, there's enough work for everybody. The number game is all crap.

It all changes every Friday. I believe in working harder and being more focused towards my work, rather than following others' Fridays.

Your fitness levels have always been high; doesn't it become boring to have all that discipline in life? I don't follow my regime madly. At times, when I feel like gorging on my fave food, I break the mould.

It's just that we have to be particular, not obsessed, about our health. I think it's good to jolt your system once in a while.

In this era of six-packs, many stars have experimented a lot with their bodies for different roles. There have been reports of such drastic changes taking a toll on their health.

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If you go steady; there can be no toll on your health. There're no shortcuts to fitness.

I don't believe in taking any kind of steroids or medicines etc. I've a six-pack and it's not that easy to earn.

I wish to communicate it to all the youngsters out there that there's only one way to achieve it, and that is to work hard. No pain, no gain! Usually, it's seen that star kids are fonder of other stars than their respective fathers.

Who's your son Aarav's fave star? Tom and Jerry. At the moment, Aarav's addicted to cartoons, not Bollywood (less)

Dear God, thank u 4 making me fortunate enough 2 have so many people love me! Big kiss & lotza love 2 all ! Konkona Sen Sharma I liked 127 Hours and I love James Franco! Mugdha Godse Hey guys Here is t reason why Iws missing!! Watch me tom on ZEE MARATHI 9.30 pm on t Reality show kesari presents 'Marathi Paul padte pudhe Amitabh Bachchan Overwhelmed by all your good wishes and congratulatory words for 40 years Filmfare Award .

. thank you .

. you make life worth it !! Sonakshi Sinha Do not disturb.

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.Already disturbed! Shirish Kunder Those following people they hate are being sadists to themselves.

Ayesha Takia Hav an awesome day tweeple..

♥ Payal Rohatgi Hey aaj me upar aasma nechchee. Have a grt day mwah.

Shazahn Padamsee Hey guys!! Ok so which was your favourite scene in DTBHJ? Just wondering..

. Dia Mirza A dekko at last night show! Must I add that Ritu Kumar really did take me back in time!?! Shilpa Shetty Todays thot: It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop !Keep the spirit positive and keep going tweetos Neha Dhupia fog, flight delays, call drops, traffic .

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Oh! Hello monday! Rahul Bose Training's upped intensity-200m100m,10 sets. 5x40m sprints.

Hot shower. Wholewheat-turkey-omlet-lettuce s/wich.

4hr dubbing session. Ready.

Shruti Haasan Thanks for all the love on dtbhj tweeple:) been a super busy start to 2011!thankful and excited! Vivek Oberoi Quote for the week "Do not run after happiness, but seek to do good, and you will find that happiness will run after you" ~James Clarke Genelia Off 2mangalore 2shoot a song 4Urmi,,hav no clue hw d song is goin 2b but its santhoshsivan shootin it,so Im super ..

. Arshad Warsi Gd mrng ppl of the wrld.

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Love shooting close to my house, coz I get to go on my Haley..

.shooting for DD.

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. Uday Chopra Sometimes a cheesy action gorefest is exactly what one needs.

.watching "Resident Evil: Afterlife" and loving it.

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Celina Jaitly people people people stop giving me lessons on the tata safari LOL i WAS TALKING ABOUT MY MAC's BROWSER "SAFARI" which quit on me LOLOLOLOL (less)

However, not all are complying with the demand. A source from the industry told Mumbai Mirror , "The makers of We Are Family want a commitment of two weeks from single screens.

But the single screens are not game. They surely can't ignore Dabangg.

They have told Karan and UTV that this won't be possible." Manoj Desai, owner of Maratha Mandir, said, 'Stepmom ki maa hai ya baap hai woh to baad mein pata chalega.

I have a Marathi film for two shows in the same week as We Are Family. I can't take up We Are Family for just two shows.

If Karan is confident about We Are Family, he should not be asking for two weeks' commitment. He should let the film speak for itself, and let the single screen owners then decide.

" Santosh Bhatia, exhibitor, Premiere (Dadar) and Premier Gold (Dongri), said, "I am not ready to release We Are Family for two weeks. Dabangg is very hot.

I don't want to lose out on that. If Dabangg was not coming a week after We Are Family, I would have thought of signing We Are Family for two weeks.

" Contesting this conjecture, Gaurav Verma, VP , India Distribution of UTV Motion Pictures , said, "This is completely untrue. We have already locked all our cinemas, theatre listings are out, and advance bookings open on Monday.

" Yet contradicting this claim, Sameer Joshi , owner of Chandan Cinema (Juhu), said, "We have locked Dabangg, but are still negotiating on We are Family." Karan Johar did not respond to our calls (less)