Photo Featre: Hot Mrs Shah Rukh Khan on Vogue

Mrs Shah Rukh Khan is a beauty and has maintained her appearance even after two kids.

Photo Feature: Sexy Actress Growing Hot-Hot

As the age is growing, this sexy damsel is becoming lecherous and voluptuous. Apart from posing with a hot sexy curvy figure wearing a swimsuit last year, freshly she posed this way giving a semi nude appeal. The hot lady Priyanka Chopra has been the sensation in Bollywood circuit now. We have to see how many more angles she would show to the world this year.

'Slumdog Millionaire' Review: Just Good But Not Great

Film: Slumdog Millionaire
Critic Rating: 3/5
Banner: Celador Films
Cast: Anil Kapoor, Irrfan Khan, Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Madhur Mittal, Imran Hasnee, Mahesh Manjrekar, Shruti Seth, Saurabh Shukla, Raj Zutshi, Jeneva Talwar, Ankur Vikal
Music: A R Rahman
Screenplay: Simon Beaufoy
Cinematography: Anthony Dod Mantle
Director: Danny Boyle
Producers: Christian Colson, Tessa Ross, Paul Smith
Release Date: 23/01/2009

The much publicized, acclaimed and laurelled 'Slumdog Millionaire' has hit the screens of Hyderabad today. The film got the punch after winning Golden Globe Award also getting 10 Oscar Nominations. It's indisputable to say that the film allured entire western audiences. But how far it can appeal for Indian movie lovers? Let us peep into the details.

Story
A hard hitting and realistic tale, the story is about Jamal Malik (Dev) who is on the verge of becoming a millionaire from an ordinary slum boy as he has reached the final stage of the 'Who wants to be a millionaire?' show being hosted by Prem Kumar (Anil Kapoor). As he gets closer to his goal, the story goes behind and shows his days from childhood and how he is able to answer each question posed to him. There is a reason why Jamal is at the show, he wants to locate his long lost childhood sweetheart Latika (Freida) who is forcibly taken away by his own brother Salim (Madhur) and given to local don Javed Khan (Mahesh Manjrekar). On the other hand, there is an allegation of cheating heaped on Jamal and he is busy trying to explain his answers to inspector (Irrfan) and constable Srinivas (Saurabh Shukla). So does Jamal get out of those charges? Does he manage to win the show? And most importantly, does he locate his girl for whom he has been pining so much? Watch the movie to know more.

Performance
Dev Patel was decent and carried out his role with aplomb; he was shrewd where necessary and silent when needed.

Freida was the perfect choice given her natural beauty and her magical eyes, Madhur was effective with his brief presence, Anil Kapoor was masterly, Irrfan Khan was matured, Saurabh was suitable and Mahesh was regular.

Child artiste Vikas Swarup has proved to be the best.

The others did not have much say and did their bit mechanically. The story was simple but it was presented in a very captivating manner, the dialogues were realistic, music and background score was relevant to the situations, editing was neat, script was written well, screenplay was sensible. Cinematography deserves a pat on the shoulder. The other departments were up to the mark.

Most Appreciable Aspects:
Canning the slum areas so convincingly and naturally
Performances of child artistes
Last question faced by Jamal Malik
Title Song

Debatable Things:
Depiction of darker side of Indian slum so terribly
Conviction In the content
Why the director concluded it saying 'it's written'? Why can't he say 'he is lucky'?

Analysis:
It's a movie that sounds mundane for Indian audiences as they have got exposed to better story lines and better narrations so far. But it has run on a new platform where Indian movies seldom do. Let us discuss how it appealed for western audiences and how for Indians. As almost every Indian knows the most famous TV Show 'Koun Banega Crorepathi', they can get connected easily. It's the story of a slum boy who happens to be on the hot seat of that show miraculously. He wins 20 million rs in that show and makes big news in entire nation. How the uneducated slum boy could win that show with his general knowledge? That forms the interesting narration all over. His practical exposure and knowledge that comes to him since childhood luckily form the set of questions in front of him when he faces that show. Ultimately he wins the maximum amount from that show. But there is no big social responsibility that is linked up in the climax. There is no surprise element or the aspect that boosts up the graph of the movie in climax. Hence it appeals to be a normal flick for Indian movie lovers. Beside all this, the love line in the movie is also nothing new for Indian audiences and it goes without saying in any movie. The adrenaline hasn't boosted up even in climax as there is no suspense part.

But for westerners, they hardly get exposed to this kind of stuff. They can easily get sympathetic when the pathetic India is shown for them from the angles of filthy slums, brothel lanes and Mumbaikar gangsters. Rehman's Indo-western style of background score appealed for them in novel way. And moreover, the sensitive love concept from the side of lead role also makes them connect better.

The film is neither extraordinary nor great. It's a good narration with an average content where direction and screenplay grooved well. But still, the film got the great international recognition- because 'It's written'.

Now Salman Khan wants to do it like Aamir

Now Salman Khan wants to do it like Aamir

Ghajini's marketing strategy has started a whole new trend in Bollywood and inspired many.

Yes, it was praised by the Bollywood fraternity and this includes Salman Khan, who wants to do it like Aamir to promote his upcoming film 'Wanted Dead And Alive'.

For the uninitiated 'Wanted Dead And Alive' is a Hindi remake of the hit Tamil film 'Pokkiri' that starred Vijay and Asin. The Hindi version stars Salman and Ayesha Takia as the lead pair and is directed by Prabhu Deva.

The publicity gimmick of 'Ghajini' when the multiplex staffers sported the 'Ghajini' hair-cut, Aamir's interaction with the media, him chopping hair and shaving people's heads has impressed Salman no end.

He told Boney Kapoor to promote 'Wanted Dead And Alive' in a similar unique way and he's doing the needful.

'Pokkiri' was a huge Tamil box office hit and they want the Hindi version to do very well too.

Apparently Aamir was inspired by Salman to get the beefed-up look for Ghajini. And hence he's following Aamir happily now.

And that's not the only new thing happening in Sallu bhai's life. He's all set to endorse beach fashion in his forthcoming film 'Wanted Dead & Alive' too.

Ashley Rebello, who has styled Salman in the film has said, "Salman will be seen wearing neck pieces made from beads, sea shells and everything that is hippie and Goan in the film. The film has been mostly shot in Bangkok... He will wear folded knee length pants and white shirts in the movie. He will also wear a lot of checked shirts and leather jackets which give him that hippie look."

This casual 'beach-boy' look can be an instant hit and could do as well as John's hot yellow trunk in 'Dostana'. Let's wait and watch.

Now Salman Khan wants to do it like Aamir

Now Salman Khan wants to do it like Aamir

Ghajini's marketing strategy has started a whole new trend in Bollywood and inspired many.

Yes, it was praised by the Bollywood fraternity and this includes Salman Khan, who wants to do it like Aamir to promote his upcoming film 'Wanted Dead And Alive'.

For the uninitiated 'Wanted Dead And Alive' is a Hindi remake of the hit Tamil film 'Pokkiri' that starred Vijay and Asin. The Hindi version stars Salman and Ayesha Takia as the lead pair and is directed by Prabhu Deva.

The publicity gimmick of 'Ghajini' when the multiplex staffers sported the 'Ghajini' hair-cut, Aamir's interaction with the media, him chopping hair and shaving people's heads has impressed Salman no end.

He told Boney Kapoor to promote 'Wanted Dead And Alive' in a similar unique way and he's doing the needful.

'Pokkiri' was a huge Tamil box office hit and they want the Hindi version to do very well too.

Apparently Aamir was inspired by Salman to get the beefed-up look for Ghajini. And hence he's following Aamir happily now.

And that's not the only new thing happening in Sallu bhai's life. He's all set to endorse beach fashion in his forthcoming film 'Wanted Dead & Alive' too.

Ashley Rebello, who has styled Salman in the film has said, "Salman will be seen wearing neck pieces made from beads, sea shells and everything that is hippie and Goan in the film. The film has been mostly shot in Bangkok... He will wear folded knee length pants and white shirts in the movie. He will also wear a lot of checked shirts and leather jackets which give him that hippie look."

This casual 'beach-boy' look can be an instant hit and could do as well as John's hot yellow trunk in 'Dostana'. Let's wait and watch.

I don't have any kissing scenes in Raaz 2

I don't have any kissing scenes in Raaz 2

All excited about his next release, Raaz 2 The Myster Continues, Emraan talks to us about his role in the film, his fears and the fact that he won't have any lip locks in the movie.

Role in the film - I play a painter whose name is Prithvi and he can foresee the future of a model Nandita played by Kangana Ranaut. And in my character the audiences will find different grey shades which surely can be spooky. I'm quite excited that finally I'm the part of a horror film. I had always wished that my debut film should be a horror film but didn't happen.

What scares Emraan - Believe it not but I am scared of kisses in the films that I have to do. Also I am scared of the dark so whenever I sleep I always have one dim light on and I am also scared of empty corridors after watching The Shining.

No kissing scenes in Raaz 2 - I don't have any kissing scenes and that's why I'm feeling very relaxed. All the kissing scenes are done by Adhyayan Suman!

On his new lean look in Raaz 2 - Mohit told me to reduce my weight as it was the requirement of the character and so I gave up on all junk food, switched from aata to nachni rotis and gave up bread completely.

Six packs - I am not much of a fitness freak and hate this six pack - eight pack business. I would like to admit that I am a very lazy person when it comes to body building. But I feel all this is just a fad. It is okay if one has to do for a particular role otherwise its silly to flaunt it every now and then in films.

Kangana is not my bahu shahu: Shekhar Suman

Kangana is not my bahu shahu: Shekhar Suman

It seems Adhyayan Suman's parents have still not warmed up to the fact that their son is seeing Kangana Ranaut.

There have been talks about minor disagreements between them and Kangana on and off. There was an issue once when Kangana took offence when she felt that Shekhar Suman was talking about his son's personal life in public.

And very recently, there was news that he took a dig at Kangana when she reportedly interfered in a conversation between him and Mohit Suri at a party.

Now when he was asked about what he thought about Kangana, he just said wistfully, "When he was 13 he said he wanted to marry the girl he was in love with, and eventually he broke up with her.

His childhood sweetheart had been pretty, educated, and from a good family. I and my wife Alka would have been happy to welcome her into the family whenever Adhyayan would have wanted them to but it was not to be."

This kind of implies that he's not really happy with his son's choice.

He says that he showed his happiness when Adhyayan told him he loved Kangana but he gave him a lot of advice as well.

He added, "I had told him to not let it take him away from his work as this is the time to concentrate on his career and that is much more important than his love life and see to it that he never visited her on the sets including no PDA (Public display of affection)."

He also said, "My son is happy and that makes me happy. But when a young boy goes out with someone who is not only elder but also senior, things can be misinterpreted.

I respect her for the work she has done. She is a fantastic actress. It couldn't have been easy to come from a small town and make her way here.

Yes, she has a past, but like my son said, who doesn't. But there is no bahu shahu here. Adhyayan will not marry for at least ten years and who knows what will change when.

I don't know Kangana well but there is no animosity towards her at all. I wish them all the best. If the relationship survives, then that's for the best, if not, life will go on, as it did when he broke up with his first girlfriend."

His words already show how he feels, in spite of it being coated with some diplomacy. Need we ask more?

Shekhar Suman says sorry to Akshay Kumar

Shekhar Suman says sorry to Akshay Kumar

When Shekhar Suman made critical remarks about Akshay Kumar vis-à-vis Chandni Chowk To China little did he know it would blow up into such a huge point of debate.

In a reconciliatory gesture Shekhar sent an SMS on Thursday morning apologizing to Akshay.

"It was never my intention to offend Akshay. And if I've done do then I've no hesitation in saying sorry. Akshay is too much of a good soul for me to hurt him. He should've realized my comments had nothing personal about them."

Shekhar us taken aback by the backlash to his tongue-lash. "I never knew my opinion would matter so much. I reacted as an outraged viewer. I've always admired Akshay Kumar's resilient climb from the bottom rung to the top of ladder. In fact I tell my son Adhyayan that Akshay Kumar is a role model to follow. Self-made superstar."

Sadly a section of Akshay's supports including the Chandni Chowk director Nikhil Advani saw Shekhar's comments as below-the-belt attempts to get publicity for Adhyayan's release this week.

Shekhar laughs off this accusation. "My son is talented enough to do without such cheap props. We don't need to use big names to get noticed. Adhyayan's performance in Raaz 2 will speak for itself. I'd say exactly what I did about Chandni Chowk even if my son's film wasn't releasing."

Men still find Aishwarya a desirable woman

Men still find Aishwarya a desirable woman

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is proving to be an ageless beauty. She's made to the sexy, hot and beautiful lists around the world many times. Now she's been voted as the most desirable woman in the world. Age han't deterred this woman in any way.

The happily married actress has been ranked 48th in the annual survey titled 'Top 50 Most Desirable Women in the World' conducted by leading men's portal AskMen.

Though her name features towards the end, she still managed to outshine an internationally renowned face like that of singer-actress Beyonce. Ash is the only Indian beauty in the top 50.

Voters were asked to select their ideal partner based on 'intelligence, charisma and ambition' in the survey.

The list is topped by American actress Eva Mendes followed by other names like Anne Hathaway, Scarlett Johansson, Rihanna, Angelina Jolie, Heidi Klum and Jessica Alba.

Two years back Ash was voted the 9th most beautiful woman in a survey by Harpers and Queen.

But even after marriage and at 35 she's considered piping hot.

Ash has also cleverly managed her career after marriage.

She has movies like Mani Ratnam's 'Ravana' with hubby Abhishek Bachchan, 'Endhiran' (Robot) with Rajinikanth, a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film opposite Hrithik Roshan, a Farhan Akhtar-Ritesh Sidhwani production co- starring Abhi and a film with Akshay Kumar.

Well, this dame seems to deservingly have all the luck.

Photo Feature: Sexy Actress Growing Hot-Hot

As the age is growing, this sexy damsel is becoming lecherous and voluptuous. Apart from posing with a hot sexy curvy figure wearing a swimsuit last year, freshly she posed this way giving a semi nude appeal. The hot lady Priyanka Chopra has been the sensation in Bollywood circuit now. We have to see how many more angles she would show to the world this year.

Photo Feature: Obama's first signature

President Barack Obama's first signature as president seen after he signed a proclamation, after being sworn in as the 44th President of the United States during the inaugural ceremony in Washington January 20, 2009.

I had to be fleshy to look sensuous: Nandana Sen

I had to be fleshy to look sensuous: Nandana Sen

From Black to being all colourful...What sort of 'rang' you intend to fill this time around?
Most of the work I've done so far has not been in India. But yes, people do remember me for my role in Black. After Black, I've done about eight to ten films all over the world that would not be termed as Bollywood.

Having said that, Rang Rasiya (Colours of Passion) is my favourite film because it's an extremely important and a daring film. It's relevant universally too because it's a courtesan ship of art. I hope people understand after watching Rang Rasiya, how important it is to preserve our freedom, and freedom is colourful, isn't it?

Ketan Mehta is much more than just Mirch Masala. Isn't it?
Yes he is. I am very proud of the fact that Ketan is the director of this film and that the film is been shown to the world audience at the London Film Festival. Ketan has waited for this for a long, long time.

He is one director whom you want to work with in this industry due to his sheer talent and ability of portraying a film with a universal appeal.

Ketan and I have wanted to work together for a long time now and the story of Rang Rasiya was instantly believable. Ditto with my character. I fell in love with it. I can't imagine any other director having made a muse out of me in a way Ketan did (laughs).

Did you sync well with Randeep?
Randeep and I have known each other for a long time now. We moved to Mumbai at the same time a few years ago. It was a bit strange but I loved the fact that we are doing this film together. As a couple, we've worked very well in the film.

You seem to be short for words, Nandana?
I am not short of words. I've said what I wanted to say (laughs).

Your father, the great Laureate Amartya Sen attended the London premiere. You must be on cloud nine?
I always am because he has been to all my screenings. Both my parents are extremely supportive of my work as an actor. Both however, expected me to be an academician like them because I was intelligent in studies.

But when I took over acting, they were surprised. In a way, pleasantly surprised. They've gone out of their way to lend their support on the American Broadway, at Cannes, etc. Rang Rasiya is a brave film with bold scenes and my parents have been supportive in that too.

I also hear that you were supposed to work with Ketan Mehta way before Rang Rasiya. What was that all about?
Actually, we were supposed to work together in The Rising even before the film was titled. When we met for the first time, the Aamir starrer was called Kartoos. At the time the film went on the floor, I was in New York and the dates didn't work out. When I came in the Mumbai city, Ketan and Deepa Mehta were the only two people I knew personally. So it was a really fulfilling experience.

Controversies seem to follow Ketan Mehta with each of his films.
I don't think it makes sense to think about controversies before a controversy actually happens. There is no controversy about the film yet.

The film is very courageous and sometimes when you choose to make a statement that is so bold and brave, the world will obviously react to it. Now how the world reacts to it is to be seen. I am not afraid.

All I can say is that there is no fear in me about what the response to the film may be. I wouldn't want any moment in the film to be different from what it is.

So you play a 'Devdasi' in the film, am I right?
(laughs) You're right. I play a nineteenth century 'devdasi' in Rang Rasiya, who was sold into a life of being a 'devdasi' when she was just fourteen.

This is a girl who was adored all her life for the beauty she possessed but had never experienced love or even thought she was designed to give pleasure. She understands the meaning of beauty only after she meets Raja Ravi Varma and the world that he opens up to her changes her completely.

She is a seductress and yet a child. What's really special about my character is that it's a perfect combination of sensuality and innocence in her. She has a really strong quest for love which defines everything what she does.

Plus you play a real character. Was it difficult?
No it wasn't. Physically to get that body into my body and to create and own that physicality was amazing. I had to rely very heavily on Raja Ravi Varma's paintings because he painted such specific and sensual gestures in all his women.

All the beautiful movements like the way a woman played with her hands, the way she looked through the curtains, the way she looked through the eye lashes, etc was used by me in my scenes.

I also wore a Navwari saree in my house and to theatres which is long like a dhoti only to get used to it physically. I really loved the fact that she had a nose ring, chain around her waist, anklets, etc. I did gain a good five to six kilos for the film because I had to be fleshy.

Playing Sugandha also gave me a chance to rediscover classic characters like Sita, Draupadi, etc.

What's Nandana Sen doing next?
I've been shooting in South Africa for quite sometime for a Tips film with Vivek Oberoi. I've been knocking men out with my kicks and punches but in between I did romance Vivek (laughs). This film doesn't have a title. I am also in middle of an Anubhav Sinha film called Zindabad which is a political satire.

I play this young reporter who is an idealist and wants to change the world. How the government can collapse or revive at anytime depending on the business transactions that are happening between the political parties is what the story of the film is.

Shabana Azmi plays my boss and there is Kulbhushan Kharbanda too. I'm also doing a Bengali film about a young Indian student from Germany who is making a film about Indian Folk culture. I'm just going back again to Cape Town to shoot a UTV film titled Season's Greetings. There is Tabu and Shreyas Talpade with Sohail Khan in the film.

Any message for your fans?
All that I want to say is that every day should be lived with the fullest of freedom.

I have to be very choosy after doing Slumdog: Freida Pinto

I have to be very choosy after doing Slum dog: Freida Pinto

Her career till now has been made up of stuff that few would even dare to dream of. Her looks are something that any average model in Mumbai can boast of. And her lineage is something that does not automatically catapult one to stardom.

Yet Freida Pinto is a star today. And a big international one, having walked the red carpet at almost all the big film festivals that matter, thanks to her first film Slumdog Millionaire.

"I come from a completely non-filmy background, being born to Mangalorean parents in Mumbai. The only connection I had with the entertainment industry was my sister, who works as a producer in NDTV," says Freida while talking about her background.

"But I did have dreams of making a career in acting which is why I used to participate in all dramatics events in my college (St Xavier's in Mumbai) In fact, I even started walking the ramp and modeling for different brands after graduating I wanted a toehold in the entertainment industry," says Freida while walking down the memory lane.

Freida took up modeling quite seriously and before she could bat an eyelid, she landed up with prestigious assignments for big brands like Wrigleys, Skoda, India Today, De Beers, Hutch, Airtel and Visa.

"Though I was getting lot of good modeling assignments and doing quite well, I was not completely satisfied since I wanted to make a mark in acting," says the mode-turned actress who started doing rounds of production houses and participating in various auditions in search of a break.

"As part of one such routine audition process, I got a call from Loveleen Tandon, the casting director of Slumdog Millionaire. Initially I could not believe that they were actually calling me to audition for a Danny Boyle film, but as they say truth is stranger than fiction," says Freida while recollecting fond memories of her audition.

The entire process went on for close to six months. "Since I had no training in acting, neither had I acted in any other film, I was confident of not getting selected! In fact, the audition process itself was a big learning for me.

It was nothing short of an acting course," says Freida who was pleasantly surprised at getting selected for the role.

Once she was selected, there was no looking back for the Mumbai girl. It was a dream run for her, though it involved a lot of hard work. Freida shot for the film in her hometown Mumbai, though later on she toured the entire world to receive various awards and accolades.

"I think I have lived through all my dreams in the four months that I worked in the film. A newbie like me could not have expected anything else. Working with Danny Boyle, the director, was a fantastic experience.

There is so much to learn from him and he did teach me a lot" says Freida. "The entire cast and crew of the film worked very well as a team. I developed a very good rapport with Dev Patel, my co-star in the film.

Since he was new to Mumbai, being an NRI, I used to show him different places in the city and have great fun," says the 24-year old model turned actress who has become an international celebrity now.

The film, apart from the accolades, has also received some brickbats for showcasing the tried and tested poverty theme from India. Freida, expectedly rubbishes all that and has been quoted as saying, "This is one of the most honest films made about my city.

There is not an iota of imagination in the movie." The realistic movie, based on a reality show has since won a number of awards across the globe, including four Golden Globe awards for best film—drama, best director and music. Slumdog Millionaire has also won awards at the Toronto Film Festival, Austin Film Festival and British Independent Awards. No mean achievement that!

Needless to say, Freida is on Cloud Nine after all these accolades. But to her credit, she has not lost touch with the ground level realities. "I am just starting my career and need to be very careful about every step I take.

With so many awards for the film, expectations from me have definitely skyrocketed. I have to be very choosy about the roles I take up in my future projects," says the actress.

Would she be doing Hindi films? "I am not sure whether I will be able to do the typical Hindi potboiler or not, but I would definitely like to do Hindi films.

However, right now I would prefer working on some Hollywood projects," explains the actress who has already hired agents in India and the US to hunt for the right project for her.

I admit I have no friends in Mumbai: Deepika

I admit I have no friends in Mumbai: Deepika

Being a star at 23 is not easy. Deepika has no friends in Mumbai. And she doesn't have any qualms in admitting it.

So busy is the stunning actress that she went off for the North American and London premieres of Chandni Chowk To China just when her sister Anisha was playing at a national golf tournament in Pune.

"Yes Anisha who's five years younger to me and the baby of the family was playing in Pune just when I left for my premieres. I'd have definitely liked to watch her, " says Deepika wistfully.

"But then maybe having family around to watch her play would make her selfconscious. She needs to find her own identity away from the family cocoon. And for that we need to leave her along to swim in the waters and face the storms. So in a way it was good that I wasn't around when she played."

Deepika has been traveling unchaperoned all through the year. "Both me and my sister have been taught to be selfdependent. I am 23 and very proud of it. I'm young and raring to go.

Age has nothing to do with maturity. I started traveling alone at a very young age (12) as a badminton player. That made feel responsible from a very young age. I learnt to travel in a team share dormitories and bathrooms.

You could say I've roughed it out. My parents made sure my sister and I were brought up with normal workingclass values."

She says she isn't into celebrations. "I've never been the partying type. I'm not much into celebrations ever since I moved to Mumbai to become an actress. I don't have any friends to call over.

Earlier when I was in Bangalore I used to call all my friends over for my birthday over and then take them bowling or to watch a movie…"

She trails off. "Now all my free days are spent with my family. My entire family comes down from Bangalore to Mumbai for my birthday every year. It becomes a family reunion time. The came to visit me around my birthday. My Dad, mom and sister were here. We also paid a visit to Tirupathi for my birthday this year."

And now Deepika travelled all across the US, Toronto and London, all on her own.

"Why do you say that? " she shoots back. "I had the Chandni Chowk To China team with me. We were hopping from city to city. The only sleep I got was on flight."