Times Infotainment’s debut venture, directed by Homi Adajania - ‘Being Cyrus’ was premiered at the Cinemax Infinity Mall multiplex yesterday.

The who’s who of the film industry was present on the occasion. The films star cast Saif Ali Khan, Naseeruddin Shah, Boman Irani and Simone Singh were present their too except Dimple Kapadia.

Aamir Khan arrived with wife Kiran Rao. Saif had come with his sister Soha. “I’ve tried out a new genre here,” he told media persons. Bollywood celebrities like Zayed Khan, Yukta Mookhey, Karan Johar, Kiron Kher, Javed Akhtar, Bobby Darling, Rohan Sippy, Neha Dhupia, Dino Morea were also present.

Finally, Abhishek Bachchan speaks about his romantic link-up with Aishwarya Rai.

Nahi yeh musam dillagi ka (romance is not in the air).

My relation with Aishwarya is a case of misinterpretation of good friendship and it is not new for the industry. It is happening with all actors. You work with an actress in one film and people start linking you with her. The moment you sign another film with someone else, you become the heartthrob of some other woman. I don’t think I am answerable or need to clarify because the more you do, people draw different meaning from it. I agree that whatever actors do is in the public domain and so they become subject to public scrutiny. But I also believe that there are certain things, which should remain personal. Sometimes, it becomes unpleasant when people link up two co-stars without checking facts and truth. (more…)

Amrita Rao who earlier had qualms about exposing says she is now ready to expose her petite figure, if the script demands it. The actress who has really grown up after eight-films will be stopped called Plain Jane soon.

Amrita is excited about her new film titled 'Vivah' opposite Shahid Kapoor.

It is a different kind of film. ‘Vivah’ means marriage. It depicts that marriage is not only a function but also an important part of social life. It also gives out the message that it is a continuous relationship between two individuals. I play the role of a girl from Mathura in Uttar Pradesh while Shaahid Kapoor plays a youth from Delhi. Both get married in the film.

Are you comfortable with your current image as a cool and homely girl?

I am happy but I have a surprise package in store. Now, I am ready to expose. But I am not going to sensationalize and reach out for success through it. I am not averse to exposing if the script really demands it. (more…)

Rumors were rife that the two actresses Priyanka Chopra and Ameesha Patel were spitting cold vibes while shooting for Dharmesh Darshan’s ‘Aap Ki Khatir’ in London. Some said that the actresses who were supposed to be playing sisters in the film were more bitter than strangers in real life. But now Priyanka Chopra begs to differ.

How was the experience of working with Dharmesh Darshan?
It was good. All of us had a great time, except that it was minus 5 degrees Celsius where we were shooting in Ludlow (on the outskirts of London). The climactic conditions were unbearable. To top it, I had to wear chiffons and skirts for my scenes. I’d do the shots in the freezing cold, rush to the car and turn on the heater on full blast. A month of blowing cold and blowing hot has taken its toll on my health. Now I’m down with fever. But there was a lot of warmth among us actors - Akshaye Khanna, Dino, Ameesha, Anupam, Lilette, Suniel Shetty - despite the fact that I hadn’t worked with them before. I love the outdoors. But I also love to come home.

Some on the sets Aap Ki Khatir pics where Ameesha, Priyanka and Sunil Shetty are having fun (more…)

Bollywood is on a new high these days. All actor turned politicians are returning to their original roots - acting. But Jayaprada, a veteran actress, a good dancer and Samajwadi Party MP is going a step extra by singing and performing on a hip-hop number in a Hindi suspense flick that is being produced by her.

Her company Jayaprada Entertainment, which has so far been producing movies down South, is making a Hindi film and she will also do some acting in it. To promote the film she will sing and dance to a song which will feature a modern Jayaprada.

“You will see me in a new look. I have a particular image in Hindi films. But this modern, hot look will break that image,” she revealed. “I was involved in the project since the scripting stage. The role that I play is extremely challenging. Also, I have never done a suspense thriller in my life. So I thought why not take this opportunity of producing and acting in one,” she added. (more…)

After her power packed performance in ‘Pingar’, Urmila Matondkar is back to show her acting genius in forthcoming film ‘Banaras’ where she plays a role of hermit.

Do you play the role of a hermit in this film?

Yes, that’s partly true. I play a physics student studying at the Banaras Hindu University who undergoes some turmoil in her life and meets, in the course of time, various people who inspire her to lead the life of a recluse. It was certainly challenging for me as an actor because I have never played such roles and I don’t think any other Indian woman has played such shades of character in our film industry. But I would like to clearly state that this film is not a period drama and it is truly contemporary in its presentation and content. My role hardly involves any melodrama. I have realised that melodrama is considered to be ‘good’ acting in our country, but I think playing a subtle character is more difficult.

How would people react to see you as Sanyasin after your glamorous image in item numbers like 'Chamma chamma' and 'Kambaqt ishq'?

I am an actor, and accepting any kind role is my forte. I have no qualms about playing an unusual role, if I am sure that I can carry it off capably. Banaras is an exciting subject. (more…)

Om Puri has dismissed rumours of friction with Paresh Rawal during the shooting of ‘Malamaal Weekly’, saying the two actors have gone far beyond such issues.

Om Puri upbeat about the box office success of Priyadarshan’s Malamaal Weekly.

Priyadarshan and I go back a long way. He has given me a role in most of his Hindi films, including his last 'Kyon Ki', which wasn't a very happy experience for me or the audience. But I feel 'Malamaal Weekly' is going to work. It's an out-and-out comedy about a lottery winner in a village. I play a milkman. Paresh Rawal and I had a ball shooting the film. And I hope that enjoyment shows on screen.

No ego problems between the two veteran actors - Om Puri and Paresh Rawal. (more…)