Why Deepika Padukone envies her sister

It's been a time of horrendous homesickness for the rapidly on the rise Deepika Padukone.

"I've either been shooting out of the country or just been busy in Mumbai.It's been a really hectic time for me. I haven't been to my home in Bangalore for three years."

Now for Ganesh Chaturthi Deepika heads home to Bangalore. "I'm going home after three years. It feels really good."

But Ganesh Chaturthi is very big in Mumbai and also extremely important at her boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor's RK Studios.

Even if Ranbir would like to have her stay in Mumbai for the occasion Deepika is adamant.

"Ganesh Chaturthi is also a very big event in my home in Banglore.It's a time when my entire family including my sister, comes together.Or whatever remains of the family in Bangalore. A lot of my relatives are now in the US.

I've missed the occasion for the past three years. So I can't help it. I've to go home now. Am I religious? I don't go to the temple every day. But my God is right here in my heart. I believe in a force. And that keeps me grounded."

Interestingly Deepika's younger sister Alisha is a professional golfer.

Says the proud sister. "My sister is five years younger to me. I sometimes envy my sister. She has gone into sports, like my father. And she gets to play golf professionally. That's a unique position for a 19-year to be in. Acting seems rather ordinary in comparison."

In fact Deeepika's sister has recently got an offer for a film in their native language.

"That's right she has been offered a Kannada film. But she's absolutely not interested in a film career. One actress in the family is enough, " laughs.

The brings to the one roles that's on Deepika's wish list. "I'd love to do a sports film. Not neceassarily my dad's game badminton but any sport except cricket. I feel too much priority is given to cricket in our country. I'm so glad films on other sports like hockey and football are being made. I'd love to do film based on badminton."

Unconventional roles are coming Deepika's way without asking.

"When I was told that in Bachna Ae Haseenon I had to play an Indian cab driver in Australia who doesn't believe in marriage, I said I had to do this even if there were two other girls in the story.

Luckily for me I got along like a house on fire with Bipasha Basu and Minissha Lamba. Even if I hadn't I'd still have enjoyed doing the role thoroughly….And not because Ranbir was in it, " she adds quickly.

Hot Deepika Padukone

Katrina laughs off Salman's marriage plans

"I will marry next year," that's what the bad boy of Bollywood has been telling eveyone who keep asking him questions about his impending marriage with Katrina Kaif. “I am so bored with this question which I have been asked so many times,” he says. “Every year I say ‘Next Year’ and this goes on.’” However this year he sounds serious with his plans. Talking to a leading tabloid Sallu again replied, "I’m settling down in 2009 and would like to become a father immediately. " According to sources, Salman has also popped 'the question' from several quarters: from the media to guests on his show 10 Ka Dum. Akshay made it a point to ask Sallu when he was planning to marry Kat, when he appeared on Khan's show with the actress. But Katrina who has tasted success at the box-office recently is not as ecstatic. She laughs off any talks of marriage. The actress says, "I think Salman said whatever he wanted to say. Let people make of it whatever they want. I have never commented on the personal side in the media. I don't wish to start right now."

Katrina and her dear one salman Khan

Why Shilpa Shetty is so angry with Rakhi Sawant?

This week has been really tough on Shilpa. First Jade Goodie's traumatic adieu. Then a member of her own film fraternity Rakhi Sawant was heard telling tv channels that a contestant on Big Boss must have been changed because of Shilpa. When questioned about Rakhi's allegation Shilpa says she's appalled. "I don't even want to talk about her. But I was very hurt. I really like Rakhi. Why was she talking this way about me without knowing the facts? How does she know the facts about how contestants were chosen? I don't think it's right for anyone to shoot off her mouth in this way. You may have an outspoken image that you're always eager to uphold. But please don't flaunt that image at my cost." Shilpa was also appalled by her effigies being burnt. Apparently a guy Ramdas Atahavle was approached to go into the house. He claims he was dropped because of Shilpa's manoeuvres. The actress doesn't know whether to laugh or cry at this. "It's the channel's prerogative to select or reject a candidate. Until two days prior to the show I didn't even know who was going. The format doesn't allow the host to know the contestants. Mr Athavle claims he was dropped on discriminatory grounds because he was a Dalit and Sanjay Nirupam was taken instead." Shilpa is outraged. "Why was I being blamed if a candidate didn't make it into Big Boss? Why were they throwing stones at the channel Colors' office and burning my effigy? They even held a dharna in Lonavla in front of the Big Boss house. Why me? Every time I'm associated with something people try to use my name for their own purposes. Please leave me alone." Taking a deep breath Shilpa laughs. "I think I should take all this attention as a compliment. But somewhere it does take its toll on my mental equilibrium. We all need to be more responsible about our duties as a citizen. My phone went ballistic on Tuesday. I'm in the midst of a dozen things and then to be badgered like this! I'm human and I don't like my name being constantly used. Don't hit where it hurts the most. I think they should start auctioning my effigies." Laughs Shilpa, "But really, Rakhi Sawant takes the cake. What authority does she have to make such charges against me? I'd have Rakhi know that it's the channel's prerogative to decide the participants. I'm hired by the channel to do a job. My jurisdiction is to go on stage and host the show." Shilpa wants police action against the practice of burning effigies. "It's really very sad that known people are subjected to this. It's very degrading?"

Shilpa Shetty Vs Rakhi Sawant....!

Saas Bahu aur Sensex

Saas Bahu aur Sensex

Starring: Tanushree Datta, Ankur Khanna, Kirron Kher, Farooq Sheikh, Masumi Makhija, Lilette Dubey, Mukta Barve Directed by: Shona Urvashi Rating **1/2 Amongst the various interests of an Indian today are saas-bahu shows (the high TRPs vouch for it) and monitoring the sensex on a day-to-day basis. Shona Urvashi incorporates these two interests/passions in her second outing Saas Bahu Aur Sensex. It's a complete departure from her directorial debut Chupke Se. There's so much to explore when you talk of saas-bahu shows and the stock market. And Shona takes full advantage of the limitless possibilities the subject material has to offer. So there you go… there's a love triangle (also a fourth angle), the nosey house wives who get drawn to the stock market, a one-sided love affair of a stock broker... Shona's execution of the material is refined, in fact shades better when compared to Chupke Se. In fact, a number of scenes are expertly handled, but Shona's writing is an issue here. It unravels perfectly -- the sequence of event is just right -- but it takes its own sweet time to reach the finale. Ideally, the film should've been shorter in terms of duration. A running time of 1.30 hors would've only created a better impact. As things stand now, Saas Bahu Aur Sensex is enjoyable in parts, but a concise length would've helped. With her mother Binita (Kirron Kher) leaving her father and also their comfortable home in Kolkata, Nitya (Tanushree Dutta) finds herself in the new environs of Navi Mumbai. Finding her bearings in a new city could be tough, but she does so thanks to one of her neighbours, Ritesh (Ankur Khanna). Binita is befriended by the women in the colony and joins their kitty parties. Binita's father had left her some shares and she wants to dispose them off. She meets Firoz (Farouque Shaikh), an eccentric stock broker, who teaches her the ropes of correct investing. In the meantime, the group of kitty party ladies feel that Binita is up to something dubious. However, Binita introduces them to Firoz and they decide to invest in stocks. Stock market fluctuations, kitty parties, soap operas and the changing equations amongst the youth form the crux of the story. Shona Urvashi goes unconventional this time as far as the subject is concerned, but there're times when the unconventional theme meets with a conventional conclusion. Take Masumeh's character, for instance. She's a two-timer and after what transpires at the shaadi ka mandap, it's easy to predict what's in store next. Similarly, the hose wives turning their eye towards the stock market is novel, but a buoyant 30,000 points sensex has them rolling in wealth and that looks far-fetched. Yet, there's no denying that Saas Bahu Aur Sensex is engaging in parts. Only thing, Shona should've been far more objective and ensured a shorter length. Also, the fluctuations n the stock market may not appeal universally. The music is functional, but the best part is that the songs are of maximum 1-minute duration. Diego Rodriguez's camerawork is flawless. Plus, the housing complex in Pune gives the film a pleasant look. Both Farouque Shaikh and Kirron Kher vie for top honours. It's a pleasure to watch Farouque Shaikh after a hiatus. He pitches in an incredible performance. Kirron Kher is lovely, graceful, so talented. In a deglam look, Tansuhree Dutta gets to display her talent. She's top notch. Ditto for Ankur Khanna, who's getting better with every film. Masumeh looks every inch the seductress and gets to perform in the latter part. She's efficient. Amongst housewives, Lilette Dubey, Sharon Prabhakar and Shehnaz Anand are all lovable, so lively that you take to them instantly. Sudhanshu Pandey is effective in a brief role. On the whole, Saas Bahu Aur Sensex is interesting in parts. At the box-office, it has fair chances at select cities.

Hijack

Hijack

Hijack

Rating: ***

Of late, debut-making directors are coming up with stories that defy the stereotype. Kunal Shivdasani is one of those. In his very first outing, he chooses a story not many debutantes -- even established names, for that matter -- would dare to tell: Hijack. Sure, YEH DIL AASHIQANA (Kuku Kohli) and ZAMEEN (Rohit Shetty) have traversed the path before, but Hijack is more realistic, more believable.

Hijack talks of terrorists and terrorism, but there's an undercurrent of emotions running all through. What limits can a father cross to save his child, is one question that Kunal Shivdasani raises in Hijack.

The terrorism aspect isn't new, what with every third Hindi film having its take on terrorism. But Kunal's execution of the material places Hijack in the watchable category. The high-octane drama inside the aircraft as also outside the aircraft (in the climax) makes a difference. Hijack is very Hollywoodish in terms of execution, but Hindustani at heart.

However, Kunal could've done with a tighter script. The intro of sundry characters/passengers as also the rapid songs could've been avoided.

Also, Shiney's character could've been less heroic, especially when he fights the gun-holding terrorists single-handedly. Besides, the passengers in the aircraft fail to create the panic atmosphere convincingly. Had Kunal cast better/stronger actors instead of amateurs, the impact would've been stronger.

All said and done, Hijack is an engrossing experience. A riveting thriller!

Vikram (Shiney Ahuja) is a ground maintenance officer at Chandigarh Airport. His social life is limited to one friend, Rajeev, who is the Security Chief of the same airport. As luck would have it, the flight in which Vikram's daughter is travelling, from Delhi to Amritsar, is Hijacked.

A group of five terrorists take control of the airplane to secure the release of Maqsood (K.K. Raina), who had been captured by the Indian police. The flight is forced to land at Chandigarh Airport for refuelling. The terrorists demand the release of Maqsood, else threaten to kill the hostages.

Vikram sneaks into the aircraft and with the help of the airhostess, Saira (Esha Deol), he starts plotting and killing the terrorists one by one. Some innocent passengers too become victims of the gunshots by ruthless terrorists in the process. Somehow, Vikram and Saira manage to save the day.

Hijack is partly fact, partly fiction. The Hijack of an Indian aircraft is still fresh in our memory and at the same time, the film picks up bits and pieces from Hollywood films as well. Nothing wrong with borrowing from real or reel, since Kunal merges fact and fiction well and narrates his story capably.

While the first hour is passable, the wheels catch speed only towards the second hour. The highpoint of the enterprise is the penultimate 20/25 minutes and it's in these portions that you realize how fine a storyteller Kunal is. Since Kunal is also credited with the editing, although the pace doesn't slacken, Kunal could've trimmed the non-actors' roles (playing friends) as also shortened the romantic song ('Yaad Mein').

Justin-Uday's music is mediocre, barring one song, but the background score heightens the impact. Jehangir Chowdhary's cinematography is top notch. The sequences at the runway are expertly canned. Allan Amin's stunts are first-rate.

Even though there's bloodshed, it's not gory. The interiors of the aircraft are authentic (Bijon Dasgupta's expertise shows yet again). Also, in view of the fact that it's a moderate budget film, Kunal has spared no efforts to give the film the desired look.

Shiney Ahuja fits the role well. He is efficient, but why is he looking untidy/shabby at places? He ought to take care of his looks and styling.

Esha Deol has little to do. She's okay. K.K. Raina enacts his part convincingly. The main terrorist, Mushtaq Kak, leaves a mark. Kaveri Jha gets no scope, though she looks photogenic. The actor playing Kumar, Satyajeet, is efficient. Mona Ambegaonkar is competent. Ditto for the actor enacting the role of the Minister.

On the whole, Hijack is an engrossing fare, more so towards its second hour. Also, the emotional undercurrent comes out well too. However, from the business point of view, the Ramzan period might make a dent in its business, despite strong merits.

Ru Ba Ru

Ru Ba Ru

Every third Hindi film either borrows or is inspired from a Hollywood film. Sometimes, the rehashed version works. Most of the times, it doesn't!

Also, it's important to choose a story that would strike a chord with Indian moviegoers. Ru-Ba-Ru borrows from the Hollywood film IF ONLY (2004; Jennifer Love Hewitt and Paul Nicholls), a subject that would work on the DVD circuit in India more than at plexes. Reason: The storyline is too hypothetical.

Debutante director Arjun Bali's choice of the subject may be debatable, but you can't shut your eyes to the fact that he has handled the subject with dexterity. In fact, a theme like this would've blown into smithereens had the captain of the shop been an incompetent storyteller.

Tara (Shahana Goswami) and Nikhil (Randeep Hooda) are in love. Tara wants to cement the relationship by seeking commitment in marriage. But Nikhil, a workaholic, is always pre-occupied with work.

The trouble in paradise starts with Nikhil constantly forgetting small little things that make a relationship work. He starts taking his girlfriend for granted. And the day comes when Tara cannot take it anymore. She walks out on him, but something drastic happens…

For any love story to click, it ought to be embellished with moments that touch your heart. Ru-Ba-Ru has some moments that live in your memory.

Note this sequence: Shahana meets with an accident in the first hour and Randeep's cry/scream for help subsequently. Now recall this: Randeep experiencing déjà vu in the second hour.

On the flip side, Ru-Ba-Ru unravels at a lethargic pace. Also, the second hour should've been shorter. The song in the pre-climax should've been deleted. Even otherwise, music (Satyadev Burman, Sameeruddin) is strictly okay. Andre Menezes' cinematography captures the beauty of Bangkok with finesse.

That Randeep Hooda is a fine actor is reaffirmed yet again as he plays his part without overdoing it one bit. It's a complete departure from his violence-laden roles (D, RISK) and must add, he's adept at romantic roles as well.

Shahana Goswami is incredible. A complete natural. Rock On!! and Ru-Ba-Ru should only cement her status. Rati Agnihotri and Jayant Kripalani are perfect for their parts.

Kulbhushan Kharbanda's calm look is worth noting. The actress enacting the role of Shahana's friend is passable.

On the whole, Ru-Ba-Ru is a decent fare, but in view of the fact that there's no buzz for the film and also scant awareness, it will meet with a disastrous fate.

Golmaal Returns