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Director Kabir Khan's New York, based on extensive research conducted by the filmmaker himself, brazenly accuses the FBI of illegally detaining hundreds of Muslims suspected to have terrorist links post 9/11 and of putting them through extreme forms of torture, only to release months later when no evidence against them could be gathered that many of them were innocent.

Surprising then, that the same film's basic premise involves the FBI itself waiting and watching and monitoring – but never arresting or even probing – a very serious terror suspect who they have ample dope on. It's not until he's planted bombs all across the FBI headquarters that they swing into action.

In another instance, a lady who works as a human rights activist, merrily goes about her life knowing full well her husband's involved in terrorist activities, but doesn't confront him, hoping he'll have a change of heart eventually.

It's holes like these that make New York a tiresome watch.

Omar, an Indian immigrant in the Big Apple (played by Neil Nitin Mukesh), is picked up by the FBI and threatened to be detained as a terror suspect unless he agrees to help them investigate an old college buddy of his, Sam (played by John Abraham).

Confident that Sam is innocent, Omar reluctantly goes along with the plan, and hence reconnects with Sam and his wife Maya (played by Katrina Kaif), who Omar nursed a crush on way back in college. Torn between his affection for Sam who appears perfectly clean, and the commitment he made to FBI officer Roshan (played by Irrfan Khan) who's convinced Sam is hiding a dirty secret, Omar ends up stumbling into a shocking truth that leaves all their lives forever altered.

New York has its heart in the right place and its intentions are entirely honorable. The film wants to take up the issue of innocent people who sometimes turn to crime or terrorism as revenge against unlawful detention. It's a relevant issue no doubt, but because the film is constructed from such a sloppy script, that point is lost under all the creative liberties and convenient short-cuts that the screenplay takes.

Source:ibnlive.com

Taking a jibe at suggestions on the similarities between Katrina Kaif's role in upcoming film 'Rajneeti' and Congress president Sonia Gandhi, director Prakash Jha says saree is worn by many politicians and it is unfair to draw a parallel.

"Except 'Behenji' Mayawati, so many women politicians, such as Jayalalitha, Mamta Bannejee wear sarees. So how can you say that the character is based on Sonia Gandhi? These are only speculations," says the director, who is also contesting Lok Sabha elections from Bettiah constituency in Bihar.

It was reported that actress Katrina Kaif's role in the film is based on the Congress president and her look in the film has a lot of resemblance to UPA Chairperson.

"There was nothing common between Katrina's character and Mrs Gandhi," says Jha.

The film, extensively shot in Madhya Pradesh, has a starcast which includes Nana Patekar, Ajay Devgan, Ranbir Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Manoj Bajpai, Katrina Kaif and Naseeruddin Shah.

Anticipating a major win in the polls this time, the maverick director, known for his critically acclaimed films like 'Mrityudand', 'Gangajaal' and 'Damul', says, "If I win, it will give a legitimate position to work for the welfare of the common people in the field of infrastructure development, industry and education."

While not commenting much on the storyline of the film which is under production, Jha says, "'Rajneeti' is about democratic set-up in the country. The first schedule of the film has been completed and second schedule is likely to begin soon."

Starting a new trend in the film industry, the National Award winning director had hired 5,000 local theatre artists of Madhya Pradesh to act in the film.

"I always try to make the scenes in the film look real. Many local artistes acted in 'Gangajaal'. In this film, we have selected people from Jabalpur, Satna, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior and other cities of Madhya Pradesh. And then we put them under a workshop of 7-8 months," he says.

On whether he has any intentions to portray a character based on MP Sadhu Yadav, the estranged brother-in-law of Railway Minister Lalu Prasad in any of his upcoming films, he says, "No. I have no animosity against him. He felt bad and he has a right to do so."

Yadav revolted against Prasad, for being denied a ticket from the Bettiah Parilamentary constituency.

source:screenindia.com

According to cast members at Film City, Katrina was doing an underwater sequence with Akshay Kumar when her foot got tangled under water. "The more she tried to extricate herself the more her leg got tangled. She tried to scream for help, but because of the noise on the sets including the stunt co-ordinators who were shouting instructions to the entire cast, no one heard Katrina's screams of pain," a source said.

Finally, Akshay bailed her out. "Akshay saw that Katrina was in trouble. He quickly swam to her and got her out of the tangle," said the source. Katrina's leg was badly hurt. When contacted, Katrina tried to downplay the incident saying: "It was nothing. I hurt my leg. There was a cut that hasn't healed as yet. So I'm in pain."

According to cast members at Film City, Katrina was doing an underwater sequence with Akshay Kumar when her foot got tangled under water. "The more she tried to extricate herself the more her leg got tangled. She tried to scream for help, but because of the noise on the sets including the stunt co-ordinators who were shouting instructions to the entire cast, no one heard Katrina's screams of pain," a source said.

Finally, Akshay bailed her out. "Akshay saw that Katrina was in trouble. He quickly swam to her and got her out of the tangle," said the source. Katrina's leg was badly hurt. When contacted, Katrina tried to downplay the incident saying: "It was nothing. I hurt my leg. There was a cut that hasn't healed as yet. So I'm in pain."

Katrina Kaif delighted on being voted out the most searched name on the Internet it shows that how much popular she is among the net-savvy youngsters across the world.

"I'm very surprised. I really didn't expect this. Google is the only thing I know on the Internet. I'm not too Internet-savvy. Who doesn't want to be recognised and loved? I think it's really sweet because it means I'm a little more popular with the younger generation. People between 19 and 30 go to the Internet more, I think. And that's the audience I want to connect with," Katrina says.

Earlier, Katrina also voted out as the sexiest Asian woman by Eastern Eye, a leading British publication for the South Asian community. She bagged the highest number of votes for the Sexiest Asian Woman title.

Katrina has taken over from Aishwarya Rai as the most googled Bollywood girl. Both actresses have a more wholesome image than the term 'sexy' generally suggests.

"I can't be compared with her... She's iconic. I like that word... wholesome. I like being wholesome. Maybe today being attractive has more to do with the relatability factor."

Genelia d'Souza is also in Google's 2008 India Zeitgeist List.

"So maybe too much in-your-face appeal is no longer that much in favour. Maybe finding the balance is important. Otherwise one appeals to only a section of people. Me? I didn't project myself in any one way. I've projected myself the way my projects have allowed me to. I've been fortunate to be accepted in spite of not being conventionally sexy."

Katrina, who featured in this year's biggest hit Singh Is Kinng, says she's ready to ---- characters that are not straightforward.

source:ibnlive.com

When you have Salman Khan for a boyfriend, it’s no surprise if you make newspaper headlines regularly. But Katrina Kaif has broken out of the girlfriend mould and managed to carve her own distinct identity with an incredible six hit films in two years. “I think my hard work over the last four years has paid off,” she smiles proudly.
While trade pundits call her a ‘lucky charm’, she objects to the tag. “It’s unfair. I don’t understand what people mean by luck. A film does well when it has a good script and good performances,” Kaif reasons.

With her next, Subhash Ghai’s Yuvvraaj, where she’s paired with her real-life lover, Kaif is confident about her good run at the box office continuing. “I play a cello player. Like all musicians, she turns to music during tough times.” Kaif, who played the piano as a child, was keen to learn a new instrument. “I was asked by Mr Ghai to learn to play the cello, just like I would learn a dance movement. I just followed instructions and was playing it even before the shoot began,” she shows off her soft smile again.

Kaif is known for subtlety but Yuvvraaj has the demure actress looking gorgeous. “The clothes have to be relevant to the story. In Austria, cellists dress in regal, classic gowns. Rocky S sourced a lot of my outfits from small Austrian boutiques and from designers like Gauri and Nainika Karan.”

This film is extra special to her because it’s her third with Salman but the first where she’s paired opposite him. “I hope its third time lucky for us,” she remarks casually. Kaif also admits she was anxious that their off-screen chemistry might make their on-screen pairing slightly uncomfortable.

“Sometimes when you know the person well, you tend to go overboard. But I was relieved to see the promos,” she says. The Britain-born actress is also seen speaking fluent Hindi in the promos. “But I can’t help the accent,” she complains. In an effort to blend into India, she’s also taken to the music of AR Rehman. “When I first came here, I found it difficult to understand his style. But it slowly grows on you. It’s timeless,” she says.

Kaif is modest enough to acknowledge good friend Akshay Kumar’s role in shaping her career. “Akshay has helped me a lot. I’m looking forward to our next, Priyadarshan’s De Dhana Dhan,” she says, and adds quickly, “And no, Salman doesn’t have a problem with me working with other actors.”

While directors like Imtiaz Ali, Yash Chopra and Raju Hirani are on her wish list, she’s happy to have bagged roles in Prakash Jha’s political potboiler Rajneeti, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani with Ranbir Kapoor and a Yashraj film. “I’ve done a variety of films to establish myself. But now, I want to play stronger characters. Katrina in 2009 is going to be different from Katrina in 2008,” she insists. We’re still not tired of the old Kat.

source:screenindia.com

Unlike other artistes from foreign lands, Katrina did not experience any difficulties in getting a visa nor of getting it extended in India.Not done with South Indian movies, she has been signed in a Tamil movie "Bheema" opposite National Award Winner Vikram. When I leave my hair loose, I don't wear any make-up. She is taking Hindi and dancing lessons to fit in with the Bollywood culture.She retained Matrix as her Manager to accept work on her behalf and at the price she deserved.






















Continuing to model was the reason she got her break in a Bollywood movie "Boom" offered by none other than film-maker Kaizad Gustad.She was flooded with modeling assignments the minute she set her foot on Indian soil, especially with her innocent expressive face, hour-glass figure, and drop-dead gorgeous looks.

Although linguistically challenged, Katrina puts on a bold face and states that other Bollywood artistes like Sridevi, who did not know Hindi, did get offers from Bollywood film-makers, and she is no different. She has received decent reviews for her part in "Maine Pyar Kyon Kiya", as well as a brief appearance in "Sarrkar". Katrina Kaif is one of eight siblings, all girls, from a mother who is a Caucasian of British Nationality, and a father who was formerly from Kashmir, India, but who has since acquired British citizenship.She grossed Rs.





















Admitting to being lonely in the beginning, but now has several nice friends who she can hang out with.I wish we didn't have to wear make-up.She also reveals that her biggest asset is not being afraid. And the one thing she hates is make up.She is extremely emotional.Despite of her soft gorgeous looks, she is not easily intimidated, but admits that she is very emotional, almost an incurable romantic, wears comfortable non-revealing clothes when at home, hates to do her hair, and above all dislikes make-up.Professionally she started off as a model with photographer Atul Kasbekar, and upon being accepted, she received offers from LG, Cola, Fevicol, Lakme, & Veet. 70 lakhs for Malliswari - making her top the list of the highest paid actresses during a South Indian movie debut.

It was the Lakme commercial that got her noticed.She is taking Hindi and Kathak lessons to accomodate to the Bollywood ways. I hate wearing make-up. Katrina Kaif admits that she is very romantic person and dreams far too much of romance and love. But don't be fooled by the way she looks--she might wear bold outfits on the screen but is most comfortable in not so revealing clothes in at home. Although her first movie "Boom" was panned by the critics and shunned by the audiences, two other Telegu movies "Malliswari" and "Pidugu" did get her noticed. When you are in love, the person you are involved with should mean everything to you.





















She started modeling accidentally when she was in Hawaii at the tender age of 14, when she was approached for a jewelery campaign.Her most treasured possession is a picture of her dancing, which was taken when she finished her 40-day training in Kathak (where she used to dance seven hours a day non-stop!Thereafter she continued modeling in London.Katrina grew up in Hawaii, but was brought up in London, UK.

Moving to different culture and country was not much of a culture shock for her, as she states that no matter where you come from, the bottom line is that everyone wants to be loved, respected, and cared for. I don't get intimidated easily so there's not too many restrictions on what I can or can't do" she says. I feel a lot more comfortable that way. She likes to display a picture of her learning Kathak dancing where she used to dance 7 hours a day non-stop.

source:bindasspoll.com

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source:santabanta.com

After making sure Saif Ali Khan learnt the typical Uttar Pradesh dialect for Omkara, filmmaker Vishal Bharadwaj forced actress Vidya Balan to overcome her road phobia for a driving scene in his next movie Ishqiya.

"Vidya has an acute road phobia. She was petrified at the thought of driving earlier, but not any more," said a source close to the film.



"Driving a car was something completely alien to her. But Vishal saw to it that she mastered the art and now is pretty comfortable manoeuvring her car on the road," the source added.

The filmmaker is known to be particular about making his actors learn the required skills in reality rather than making them pretend on screen.

'Hema Malini's Vijayaraje Scindia look decided in 48 hours'


It took fashion designer Neeta Lulla just 48 hours of hard work to decide the right look for Bollywood 'dream girl' Hema Malini's forthcoming venture Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi in which she plays erstwhile Gwalior queen Vijayaraje Scindia.

"Actually we both had time constraints so I had to work round-the-clock to give Hemaji the look of the Rajmata. I did my own research and Hemaji also gave me a reference book, which helped me a lot," said Lulla.



Lulla is the one who gave Aishwarya Rai the ethereal look in Ashutosh Gowarikar's period drama Jodhaa Akbar.


She was also behind Hema Malini's refreshing look in Ravi Chopra's Baghban.


"I tried to give her a different look in Baghban and people loved the way she looked in the film. Hope people will like it this time too," the designer added.


Being directed by Gulbahar Singh, Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi went on floors recently and is being produced by the Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Smriti Trust.

Katrina dominates Yuvvraaj posters

Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif seems to be the shining star of the hoardings of Subhash Ghai's forthcoming film Yuvvraaj, with the male actors - Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor and Zayed Khan - taking a backseat.



"Katrina is considered to be a lucky mascot for her directors and Subhash is confident that Katrina will bring luck for him too," a source close to the project said.

The filmmaker apparently chose to give Katrina such a prominent spot to let her know that she has earned her rightful place in the film.

"Katrina has done a fabulous job in Yuvvraaj and Subhash has witnessed the dedication with which Katrina has worked in the film. Hence the solo hoarding," the source added.

source:ibnlive.com

This weekend on 'Sajid Superstars', Arjun Rampal and Dia Mirza are the guests for the evening. Read on to know what to expect from the show:

- First to arrive is Arjun Rampal who talks in length about his personal life. From the place of his birth to the college he studied in Delhi University to his initial days of struggle in the world of glamour, Arjun gives a detailed account.

- He shares an interesting incident about his courtship days with popular supermodel Meher Bhasin. Because he didn't have much money in hand during his earlier days, he and Meher couldn't afford to eat non-vegetarian food on a daily basis. So it used to be once a week for them!

- However, now with his financial status being up there, he frequents quite a few eateries with his wife and kids. No wonder, he gets a special gift from Sajid Khan that revolves around food. Check the special episode to know what does Arjun have in store for him!

- There is some shock in store for audiences as Arjun discloses the real status about rumors revolving around him being a bisexual. Sajid probes him around the casting couch in the fashion industry and also nails him on the rumors which floated around his alleged affair with a popular male dress designer a few years back. While Arjun does acknowledge that he didn't have disrespect for any individual regardless of his or her sexual orientation, he admits that his fans ranging from males, females to homosexuals. But how about his own orientation? Arjun tells it all!

- Last few months have been great for Arjun professionally with Don, Om Shanti Om and recently Rock On turning out to be huge box office winners. Arjun confesses that Om Shanti Om is quite close to his heart since it changed his life. He appreciates Farah Khan for being the best director he has worked with since she could help him understand himself as an actor.

- No wonder, the best scene of his features from Om Shanti Om while the worst scene is from.....Any guesses?!?

- He openly reveals his admiration for Shah Rukh Khan and details how he has not just influenced his life but taught him a lot as a producer, actor and person.

- When asked whom did he find the hottest of all, Katrina featured on the top of the list for Arjun

- Arrival of Dia Mirza on the show makes things further interesting as she talks about what went wrong between Vashu Bhagnani (who launched her in Rehnna Hai Terre Dil Mein) and her. She was apparently the lead heroine in his Om Jai Jagdish as well but was later replaced by Tara Sharma.

- Dia Mirza gets sentimental talking about her love life. She says that her heart is pure when in love and she doesn't feel like hiding anything from anyone. For her, it is the love that an individual carries for her which is more important that the riches he carries. No wonder, Sajid and Arjun were seen pulling her leg for this statement of hers!

- As many are aware, Lara Dutta, Priyanka Chopra and Dia Mirza were #1, 2 and 3 in the Miss India contest a few years back. This prompted Ranbir to ask Dia a cheeky question that whether three of them continue to be enemies till date!

- On being asked that who is the better actor between the three of them, Dia boldly said that it is her. She also declared that even the combined talent of Lara and Priyanka wasn't on par with the talent that she came with.

- Wait, there is more to come. On quizzed about the woman who was prettier - whether Ash or herself - Dia cheekily answered that she knew the answer but since Ash is senior, she would say that it's her!

To see all this and lot more, tune in to 'Sajid Superstars' at 8:00 PM, Saturday on the newly launched channel COLORS!

by indiafm.com

Who is the hottest Khan? Who has got the hottest body? Who is the sexiest pin-up girl? If these questions have been giving sleepless nights, then it's time to rest your mind. The latest Filmfare survey gives you the answers.

Shah Rukh Khan takes the trophy of being the sexiest Khan with Salman Khan coming a close second. At number three is Aamir Khan as audiences feel he still needs to work on that sex appeal.

The surprise entry in this list is newcomer Imran Khan who is giving Saif good competition.

While Shah Rukh may have taken the lead being the hottest, the winner of the hottest body is still Salman Khan with cool dude Hrithik Roshan coming a close second and John Abraham lagging behind at a distant third. However, John's look in Dostana might just change those numbers.

In the ladies department, it's Katrina Kaif all the way.

Voted as the sexiest pin up girl with Bipasha Basu and Mallika Sherawat taking the second and third position, Katrina also takes the lead as the lady with the hottest figure in Bollywood followed by Bipasha again at second place and size zero Kareena Kapoor at number three.

And if you thought Aishwarya was the biggest contender for being a Bond girl, in the Filmfare poll, Mallika Sherawat has left Ash behind in being the popular choice for 007 with Bipasha Basu and Kareena Kapoor giving her close competition.

And finally Ranbir Kapoor leads the pack in the face of 2008, followed by beau Deepika Padukone at number two and newcomer Imran Khan at third place.

by ibnlive.com

A close friend of the actress reveals, “Katrina has shot in the most extreme weather conditions with temperatures as hot as a burning furnace. But never once has she complained about it.”

Giving an example the friend added, “A song in Singh is Kinng that was shot in Egypt, was shot in extreme conditions. The entire cast and crew were perspiring profusely except for Katrina. She looked absolutely chilled out. She went about doing her work calmly.

The entire crew was surprised.” It is the cold weather that leaves Katrina absolutely cold. “While shooting for Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahaani in Ooty, Katrina had wrapped herself in layers of blankets. In fact it made quite a funny sight where unit members including Ranbir Kapoor began teasing her saying, ‘We now know that the most apt gift to give you on any occasion is a shawl or a sweaters’.” It’s cool to be hot, Kat!

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by timesofindia.com

Subhash Ghai and Salman Khan seem to have bonded really well during the making of Yuvraaj. No wonder that that the veteran director is planning to cast Salman in yet another film after Yuvraaj. What's more! Giving Salman company once again will be none other than lady love Katrina Kaif in this full-on entertainer.

When we got in touch with Subhash Ghai to confirm the details he said, "Yes, Salman and I have spoken about doing one more film together after Yuvraaj. It is a complete entertainer that talks about today's youth. We will start the film only towards the end of next year (2009) since Salman's dates also need to be available and even I need time to work on the script. As for Katrina, she has been signed by Mukta Arts for 3 films, so she will also be a part of this project in all probability."

Only recently, we had informed you of Ghai's plans to start a film with Dilip Kumar in a pivotal role. So is this the same film?

"No…the film I am planning with Dilip Saab is different film altogether. It's a light hearted entertainer which will appeal even to the youngsters. Dilipji would be playing a pivotal role of an 85 year old man in the film. This film (starring Dilip Kumar) will start first after I am done with Yuvraaj and I plan to wrap it in around 4 months," signed off the Showman of Bollywood.

by indianexpress.com