Link up rumours upset Parineeti especially about Maneesh

Link-up rumours are unavoidable in showbiz, but bubbly actress Parineeti Chopra is not taking reports of an alleged romance with director Maneesh Sharma lightly.

"Earlier, I used to take it lightly, but when people started writing too many stuff, I got angry, especially about Maneesh, " said Parineeti, who was introduced to filmdom by Maneesh with his directorial venture "Ladies vs Ricky Bahl". She is also playing the female lead in his next - "Shuddh Desi Romance" - coming out Sep 6.

"I am an actress because of him and my feelings toward Maneesh is like too much love and respect for him because he changed my life, " said the actress.

"I feel very bad when people say she got a break because they are in a relationship. It's like linking me with my mentor. Maneesh is my friend, so I can call him and say it's a crap article and we laugh over it. Even my family laughs over it as they know me very well. "

So far, she has teamed up with Ranvir Singh in "Ladies vs Ricky Bahl" and Arjun Kapoor in "Ishaqzaade" while Sushant Singh Rajput is her co-star in "Shuddh Desi Romance".

The 24-year-old, however, is thankful that she has not been linked up with her co-stars.

She said: "I was never really linked with my co-stars thankfully. Arjun is my closest friend and so is Siddarth Malhotra (her 'Hasi Toh Phasi' co-star) and as far as Sushant is concerned he is already booked. "

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Ranbir, Katrina to reunite for 'Jagga Jasoos', not PC?

Actors Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif are reportedly teaming up for a film called 'Jagga Jasoos'

Ranbir and Katrina, whose off screen chemistry is creating buzz in B-town, will reunite on the big screen after 'Raajneeti'. The film will be directed by Anurag Basu, who made last year's hit 'Barfi!' with Ranbir.

The actor and Katrina have worked together in Prakash Jha's 'Raajneeti' and Rajkumar Santoshi's 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani'. "She (Katrina) was offered the film and is doing it," sources close to the development said, without divulging further details.

Earlier, there were reports of Priyanka Chopra being part of the project. Ranbir will be playing a detective in the film, which will mark the launch of a production house jointly floated by Ranbir and Basu. The film reportedly will go on floors next year.

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First Look: Katrina as the bridesmaid at her sister's wedding

Katrina Kaif was the bridesmaid at her sister Natacha's wedding in London on Sunday

The bridesmaids were all dressed up in pink.

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In Pics: When 'Nisha' met 'Prem' after 19 years

Madhuri Dixit and Salman Khan relive their 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun' days on the dance-reality show 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa'

Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit went 19 years back in time as they relived their 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun' days playing their characters Prem and Nisha yet again

As usual, Sallu floored everyone with his antics on 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa' where he was promoting his upcoming show 'Bigg Boss 7'.

The duo also performed on the 'Dekha hai pehli baar' track from their film 'Saajan'.

Salman was so eager to meet his 'Nisha' that he even arrived before time for the shoot. Shahid Kapoor and Ileana D'Cruz were also on the show to promote their upcoming film 'Phata Poster Nikla Hero'. It was however shot before Salman's arrival. 

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Celebs stage silent protest post gang-rape

Sonam Kapoor, Dalip Tahil and singer Sona Mohapatra joined hands with other artists to stage a silent protest in the city in the wake of the recent gang-rape of a woman photojournalist here.

The protest march took place Sunday.

"I am really shocked and taken aback with the recent shameful incident that took place in Mumbai. A sheer act of cowardice," Sonam said.

Dalip called it "a shameful, extremely disturbing event and very shocking". "We want justice and to punish them," he added.

The 22-year-old photojournalist was raped by five men in an abandoned textile mill complex in central Mumbai Aug 22. All five accused have now been arrested.

Other celebs who joined the march included Kannada actress Reshma D'Souza, Karanveer Bohra and his wife Teejay Sidhu, Kushaal Punjabi, Aparnaa Bajpai and legislator Baba Siddique. They started the protest march from the Joggers Park and went to Amphitheatre, Carter Road carrying banners and placards expressing their anger against rising crime against women.

"Sad validation of the fact that NO city in India is safe for women. It is after all the same prevention/enforcement mechanism in use all over," said Karan.

Reshma says that the sad part is "still no fear. Rapists feel they can get away! Economy is down, corruption on the rise and state of law and order is shameful".

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Rituparna shuttling between Mumbai and Kolkata

Rituparna Sen Gupta has been shuttling between Kolkata and Mumbai balancing her Hindi and Bengali film assignments

She's also juggling her professional and personal life with her son Ankan and daughter Rishona who is now two.

Rituparna however is loving this life and being tied up is something she does not want to complain about.

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Nigaar Z. Khan in 'Buddha � The King of Kings'

Actress Nigaar Z. Khan will be seen essaying the historical character of Mangala in an upcoming show "Buddha - The King of Kings".

So far seen in glamorous avatar in shows like like "Lipstick" and "Hongey Judaa Na Hum", she will be will be seen donning the role of a mother on screen for the first time.

"For the longest time now, I have been meaning to do something quite off the beaten track. My character Mangala wants to see her son as the King and hence turns out to be an evil for the world. She is motive-led," she said in a statement.

"For the first time ever, I have taken up a historical show and it takes me quite a lot of time to do my makeup and dress up for the show. To recreate the aura of a bygone era, one needs to get the character's look, body language and demeanour spot on!" she added.

Produced by Spice Studios, "Buddha - The King of Kings" will soon go on air on Zee TV.

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Films that may spread superstitions and false beliefs

Now that superstitions and blind beliefs are under the radar, we point fingers at some Hindi films that are guilty of perpetrating them

When saas-bahu serials on television were in their prime, critics didn't hesitate before pointing a finger at the regressive picture of the big fat Indian family that these shows allegedly painted. But at the same time, the big screen too has dished out several films our way that have somehow been perpetrators of blind faith.

So much so that the late social activist Dr Narendra Dabholkar had to take a bullet to point the masses towards the right direction. As Hindi cinema gets more and more realistic by the day, we take a look at some recent films that had all the ingredients to spread superstitions and false beliefs under the garb of entertainment.

Ek Thi Daayan (2013)

Director: Kannan Iyer
Blind side: With a story steeped in supernatural events, this film follows a rather churlish tale involving a witch - not to mention, several spooky moments. As soon as the film released, it started receiving accusations of unabashedly promoting superstition. If that wasn't enough, even Wicca followers took up protests against it. The makers however vehemently denied any such connection.

Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012)

Director: Yash Chopra
Blind side: In an otherwise romantic movie with melodramatic twists, Katrina Kaif plays an incredibly pious character. In fact, her religious inclinations border on superstition. In act of irrationality, she turns so superstitious that she offers a bargain to God while praying! If it weren't for divine compromises, the movie would have ended then and there.

Raaz 3 (2012)

Director: Vikram Bhatt
Blind side: In this horror thriller, Bipasha Basu plays the role of a successful actress. That's before her competitor (Esha Gupta) enters the scene.

Unable to see her career fading away and her envy inching towards craziness, Bips' character resorts to black magic and makes it her goal in life to destroy her peer's career. The way the whole practice is portrayed called for some restrain. Nonetheless, the film did really well at BO despite being a pain in the eyes.

What's Your Raashee (2009)

Director: Ashutosh Gowariker
Blind side: Though astrology remains a debatale area, cinema makes the most of it. Based on the novel Kimball Ravenswood by Madhu Rye, this box-office flop follows a NRI in search of his soul mate from 12 girls, in a nod to zodiac signs.

Though the climax was fittingly appropriate, it made you wonder whether there's any hope for locals when even a US-based guy would blindly go around checking out girls each belonging to different sun signs.

1920 (2008)
Director: Vikram Bhatt
Blind side: One of the few successful horror films from Bollywood, the real hero (or villain, if you may) of this Rajneesh Duggal-Adah Sharma starrer was the haveli in question.

It proved to be a metaphor for a lot of things that stands still wrong with our perception - irrespective of the era we're living in. Supernatural elements apart, there are several instances in the film where sheer logic behind a given character's behaviour take off on an unending vacation.

Cudgels up!

Very few films walk along and highlight how serious the situation can be when superstition is taken for granted.

OMG: Oh My God!
OMG:Oh My God! (2012) was one of those few attempts. Under the disguise of a satirical comedy, the film questioned several aspects and practices that are seldom taken to task. Through constructive dialogues and arguments conducted ina courtroom, superstition was subtly attacked.

Small screen, tall disorders

All one has to do is zap through Indian television channels and one soap will outdo another at promoting superstition. No wonder dialogues like `Bahu, yeh toh apshagun ho gaya!` is a staple diet on a daily basis. And nobody seems to mind either. For what it's worth, the rationality behind writing such shows is as low as the temperature in Antarctica.

Total recall

Reincarnation is as much a Hindu as well as Buddhist trait as it belongs to Bollywood. There have been many films with rebirth playing a role in itself. The most recent addition to the list being the SRK-Deepika Padukone starrer Om Shanti Om (2007).

Prem Shakti (1994): A couple is in love and want to get married but the girl's dad, being an astrologer, predicts that they will never get married. And then by a series of bizarre incidents - involving a snake and a snake charmer - which ends up with the girl turning into a stone and guy getting killed. 25 years later, they are reborn and the love story enters second innings.

Karan Arjun (1995):Raakhee's unforgettable `Mere Karan Arjun aayenge` might have given birth to countless Internet memes over years, the fact remains that SRK and Salman not only teamed up but also reincarnated together in the Rakesh Roshan action thriller. One can call it cinematic license but rebirths have always been in vogue in Bollywood.

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First look: Akki is back as BOSS with a Big Bang Boom

Akshay Kumar all set to entertain his fans with his upcoming film 'BOSS', this festive season.

Cinegoers get all set for a jet pack joyride this festive season, as Akshay Kumar is all set to entertain you in his all new 'BOSS' avatar.

This season get fit as 'BOSS' bashes up the bad boys in town. Experience a combination of action and comedy, as the 'BOSS' Akshay Kumar makes you jump out of your seats. BOSS is back dropped in the city of power 'Delhi', with injustice and rising fist power in the city

Directed by Anthony D'souza,the film stars Akshay Kumar,Mithun Chakraborty, Shiv Pandit, Aditi Rao Hydari along with Danny Denzongpa, Ronit Roy, Johny Lever. They haven't left any stone unturned to entertain you.

Why trailer on 27th

Akshay Kumar was keen to launch the trailer of his upcoming film 'Boss' today as the date 27 adds up to nine

The Khiladi favours number 9 as he feels it is lucky. He was born on September 9.

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My controversies affect my family too: Priyanka Chopra

Celebrities are no stranger to controversies, and Priyanka Chopra knows this. Having tasted her share of link-up rumours in the Hindi film industry, the actress admits that controversies do affect her family.

The former Miss World, who has been in Bollywood for a decade, has been caught up in several controversies - a fight with actress Kareena Kapoor and link-ups with married actors like Akshay Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan.

The family girl says that such controversies hurt.

"I am very private as a person and I believe that by giving a statement to controversies, I am giving importance to them due to which many more articles will pop up," Priyanka told .

"Usually, they are very trivial things. I get very hurt and affected by controversies. I am a very family girl and controversies affect my family. I would rather just keep quiet," she said.

"I am very black and white and have always been honest. I believe in honesty, but I don't believe that the entire world should know about my personal life. I am very private which I think is my right."

The 31-year-old has been a part of multilingual films but wants to explore more.

"I have done Hollywood, Bollywood and Tollywood - everything in just one month. I am an actor. Make me do any film. I worship my work. I don't have any priorities nor am I looking for any big crossovers.

"I like expanding myself and as an artist wherever I can show my creativity in different ways, be it music, acting or anything. I never take my work for granted," she said.

Many actresses like to play safe but Priyanka tries to do what people don't expect her to. Whether it is playing an autistic girl or learning martial arts, she is game for all difficult tasks.

"I think I am a very weird kind of person. Whatever is difficult I feel like doing that. My mom always says 'why stress yourself so much and work for 24 hours?'

"I try and do what people don't expect me to do. It would be easy for me to keep myself in a safe box which is expected as a heroine. I think it's more fun when you push the limits," she said.

She is dedicated and hardworking for sure but she doesn't take her character home.

"During 'Aitraaz' I was so new and got very much involved in my character. I have realized over time I tried to be a method actor, but it doesn't work for me. I am in the character only between the timespan of the action and the cut. After that I get bored. I can't do it. I do a lot of rehearsal and workshops for a few months," she said.

The actress, now busy promoting her upcoming film "Zanjeer", directed by Apoorva Lakhia, said: "I do films for strange reasons. When Apoorva came to narrate this film, we discussed my character; when he left I thought I will really enjoy working with him. So I did the film."

Priyanka says her character Mala, played by actress Jaya Bachchan in the original "Zanjeer" four decades ago, is completely different.

"I am playing a Gujarati girl from New York who comes to attend a wedding. She witnesses a murder and how things change in her life is the story."

The film also features Ram Charan and is slated for a Sep 7 release.

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'I've never posed open but big Heroes actually do shameless hot talk'

Poonam Pandey is appalled amused and annoyed by the suggestion that her provocative pictures on the internet and in magazines are responsible for the increase in crime against women.

Says Poonam, `On Friday, the day after the heinous gangrape in Mumbai I was constantly badgered and persuaded to feel guilty about the crime. Apparently my pictures are responsible for crime against women. Ha ha, really?.

The same reasoning was used against me during the Nirbhaya case in Delhi. I want to ask all those people who find me provocative enough to induce crime, was there no crime against women before I arrived on the scene?`

Poonam feels people need a scapegoat for their own failings. `Why blame me for social evils? I am just a girl trying to find my place in the world..

I am used to being targeted by the moral police and the morcha wallis. When law and order fails the blame has to pinned to some convenient target. But why blame me ?

What have I done? Main toh sirf baat karti hoon. Maine kuch kiya nahin. There are renowned respected actresses who heave and thrust in item songs. They are watched by a lot more men than I am. `

However Poonam thinks rape has no connection with the pin-up provocateurs. `I don't think men go out and commit crime against women because of what they see in films and in pictures . On the contrary I feel there would be far less crime against women if there would be more erotic gratification at home for men belonging to a certain class who don't have direct and easy access to female company. `

This is where Poonam feels the revival of the beer-bar culture does its bit. `I think re-opening the beer bars would reduce crime against women on the streets. Men would be able to have at least some access to erotic gratification. `

Poonam objects strongly to the view that women invite unwanted attention by the way they dress. `Oh please! 5-year old girls get raped. Do they wear short skirts that provoke such crimes? It is ridiculous to suggest that rape can be prevented if women remain fully clothed. `

In any case Poonam feels mainstream Hindi cinema has a lot to be answerable for. `I've seen them indulge in shameless hot talk where heroes are making pointed references to women's body parts. What kind of example are these iconic stars setting?

I've never posed nude. Even that picture that was posted of me open after the IPL victory was morphed. I even admitted that later at the risk of disappointing my fans. I've threatened to go open. But have I really done it?`

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Marriage with saif has changed nothing: Kareena Kapoor

Actress Kareena Kapoor feels marriage to actor Saif Ali Khan has not changed anything in her life and she hopes the Nawab of Pataudi also remains the same. Bollywood star couple Saif and Kareena tied the knot here in October last year after a five-year courtship

"Saif and I were in love and we decided to get married. For us everything is same. Things are going great (in married life). It is just the same even while I was dating Saif... Things are going amazing. Saif is same as before, hopefully he will never change," Kareena told.

"For media and people, it (marriage) seems like a big thing. But in real life it is not like that. There have never been any restrictions. We are surprised when people ask what is the difference after marriage, we fail to understand this as there is no difference.

He is in America and we were talking about this thing... it seems surprising," she said. Though Kareena feels things are same post marriage, there is usually an added responsibility after marriage but for her, singlehood and married life is more or less the same.

"Since childhood I was a responsible girl. There was responsibility of the family... First of my mother, then my sister Karisma and now Saif's responsibility. But he (Saif) is pretty much on his own, he is a responsible person, he's quite mature," the 32-year-old actress said.

Kareena believes in giving equal importance to love and work in her life. "Both (love and work) are equal for me. I have been balancing things. I am an actress who has been open about my relationships. There is nothing wrong in falling in love.

"I don't know why people associate love with your career? I don't understand why people ask this? Because love is like the way you breathe air... You love your mother but still you work. I love my mother, family and I still work," she said.

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Four macho men of Bollywood are bedridden right now

The monsoons are times when there are hordes of people queuing up at the doctor's chamber. With common colds and rain-related ailments doing the rounds, it seems to have affected the health of Bollywood folk as well

Here are a few actors who are currently under the weather.

While his new film has been doing pretty good business across the country, sadly John hasn't been able to savour the sweet success. Just a day before the release of Madras Cafe, John apparently took ill. So much so that he had to cancel on a few appointments and a few t�te-a-t�te with media houses.

Current status: Currently recuperating.

The actor has been battling exhaustion and the after effects of extensive travelling.

Current status: Arjun was also suffering from a severe pain in his hands and seems to be doing better now.

Ajay too was taken ill last week during the course of appearing for a string of interviews. He had to excuse himself and leave for home right away.

Current status: The actor was feeling so uncomfortable that it hurt him to sit upright. Right now he is taking it a little easy and resting.

The actor seems to be suffering from a bad throat as he was spotted sipping on piping hot coffee and popping pills at the same time. Manoj was said to be down with high fever and those close to him say too much travelling has taken a toll on his health.

Current status: After rushing to his doctor to get a thorough check-up, the actor has flown out of the city to promote his upcoming film.

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Jacqueline consults her style guru Sonam for her wardrobe

Jacqueline Fernandes has no qualms in taking fashion advice from Sonam Kapoor known for her style sensibilities

While very few Bollywood leading ladies are known to be friends with their peers, looks like Sonam and Jacqueline Fernandes have set an example

According to sources, Jacky has no qualms in taking fashion advice from Sonam, who is known for her style sensibilities.

It was during meeting and greeting her friends at the ongoing fashion week in the city that Jacky let slip that she regularly consults Sonam on her wardrobe.

Says an onlooker, `Whenever Jacqueline steps out of home for a party or an event, she sends Sonam a snapshot of herself on the phone. In return the actress sends across her suggestions to Jacky.` Now that's some girl bonding.

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I am not dating Aditi Rao Hydari: Randeep

Actor Randeep Hooda has denied reports that he is dating his 'Murder 3' co-star Aditi Rao Hydari, insisting that he is single

Earlier Randeep, 37, was in a relationship with former Miss Universe-actress Sushmita Sen and then dated Neetu Chandra.

After he broke up with her, gossip mills were running abuzz with his link-up with Aditi.

But the actor rubbishes such speculations and said, "That is not true. I am single. I don't know why there is interest in my personal life."

On work front, Randeep has an interesting array of films lined up for release including 'John Day' with Nasseruddin Shah, Karan Johar's multi-starrer film 'Ungli', Imtiaz Ali's 'Highway' with Alia Bhatt, Salman Khan starrer 'Kick' and 'Bad'.

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Watch 'Zanjeer' for my clothes: Mahie Gill

Bollywood actress Mahie Gill, who will be seen next in film "Zanjeer", has said that her fans must watch out for her different outfits in the film

Mahie walked the ramp for designer Pria Kataria at the ongoing Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) Winter/Festive 2013 here Sunday. Kataria has also designed her outfits in the film.

"I feel that Pria is the best designer. I love her clothes. She makes you feel really sexy and glamorous. She made me look so glamorous today," Mahie told media persons afterwards.

"Watch 'Zanjeer' for my clothes and my look," she added.

Kataria said that Mahie was the perfect muse for her.

"Mahie was the perfect muse for me. It is not exciting if we stylize an overly glamorous actress. Mahi is an actress par excellence and has been showcased in Indian wear till now. Through this she has become divalicious. It is so exciting to create something sensational out of something beautiful," she said.

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Why Mallika Sherawat is glued to her cell phone

Mallika Sherawat has begun shooting for her upcoming TV show in Udaipur which is the desi version of the American dating series, The Bachelorette

A birdie from the sets chirps to say that the sex siren is continously hooked to her cellphone. She apparently can't let go off it even while shooting.

Mallika is either always chatting with someone, micro- blogging or surfing the web on her cell.

While shooting for the promos in Film City earlier this month, Mallika would be with the cell in hand even during the shoot. Phew.

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Kangna Ranaut to launch website

Kangna Ranaut is not on any social networking site. The actress doesn't have any Facebook or Twitter account, though there are numerous fake accounts

However, Kangs is now launching her own website which will help her be in touch with her fans.

She says, `There are a lot of fake social media accounts floating in my name. Though I do not subscribe to social media and micro-blogging sites, I was keen on connecting with my fans and hence the website.

It will keep my fans posted on the latest in my life and my movies.`

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I got my first film because of who I was: Parineeti Chopra

Parineeti Chopra insists she has been getting work on her own despite having a successful and top line actress Priyanka Chopra as her cousin

Parineeti joined Yash Raj Films as a public relations consultant and later went on to sign a three-film deal with the company as an actress.

"I got my first film because of who I was. And after I started getting awards, people started knowing me. I don't have to sell myself. I think directors come to me if they feel I suit the role," Parineeti told in an interview here. "She (Priyanka) being my sister helps me in a way but I got work on my own.

As we are not from filmi family so I know who to fall back on for ideas and suggestions. Her being my sister and her presence in the industry makes me more confident," she added.

Asked if she takes suggestions from her sister before deciding on her film, she said, "I choose my films on my own. I chose them with Aditya Chopra and Maneesh Sharma's help but when I am ever in doubt I ask her."

But the 24-year-old "Ladies vs Ricky Bahl" star feels there is a flip side as well being Priyanka's cousin as there are constant comparisons between the two. "Because you don't know us personally so it is a big thing for an outsider.

We have grown up together wearing each other's clothes. When comparisons happen we just laugh out, we don't understand why it is happening," she said. Parineeti will be seen next in YRF's "Shuddh Desi Romance" directed by Maneesh Sharma, with Sushant Singh Rajput and newcomer Vaani Kapoor.

Interestingly, "Shuddh Desi Romance" and Priyanka's "Zanjeer" are releasing on September 6, but Parineeti denies any competition between the Chopra sisters. Parineeti is equally excited about Priyanka's film and said, "I have seen the promos and I loved it," she added.

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