'CHANCE PE DANCE' HAS GLIMPSES OF SHAHID'S LIFE

Movie based on a struggler’s ride to accomplishment.

Shahid Kapur's next project "Chance Pe Dance" has a slice of his own life as the film traces the journey of a struggler till he tastes success.

"Yes, there are many scenes in the movie that are alike to my life, but it's not deliberate, they have just turned out this way," Shahid said in a press release.

The movie is based on a dancer's life that enters a reality show after being rejected many times. Shahid, who plays the lead in the film, too had to give a lot of screen tests and auditions before he got the lead role in director Ken Ghosh's 2003 movie "Ishq Vishk".

According to a unit source, there's another scene in the film where Shahid's character is left with no option but to buy a second hand car due to his hardships, just like he had to in his own life.

Shahid once played the role of a tree in a school play. This too is reflected in the movie.

Ghosh is directing "Chance Pe Dance", and it also stars Genelia D'Souza. The film is being produced by UTV Motion Pictures and will release on Jan 15 next year.

I CAN TELL MY KIDS BIG B WAS MY FIRST CHILD

‘Paa’ is a very particular movie for Vidya Balan.

Vidya Balan, who is playing Amitabh Bachchan's mother in her approaching movie "Paa", says that now she can pompously tell everybody that the 67-year-old superstar was her first child.

"After this role, I can proudly tell my children and grandchildren that Big B was my first child. Not even in my wildest dreams had I idea of playing mother to the living legend of the industry," said Vidya Balan.

"It was a awe-inspiring experience to work with Bachchanji. This is a very special movie for me," she added.

Balan is paired with Abhishek Bachchan in "Paa", which is an emotional story of a father-son relationship. Amitabh will be seen as Abhishek's 13-year-old son Auro who is suffering from a rare disease progeria, which accelerates ageing.

The film is schedule for a Dec 4 release.

KATRINA BARBIE ARRIVES IN INDIA

Busy actress has not seen it up till now

Katrina Kaif's look-alike Barbie doll has arrived in the country. It was intended to mark Barbie's 50 years.

Katrina also walked the ramp as the showstopper for the "All Doll'd Up" special show devoted to Barbie at the Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai previously this year. She sported a small pink dress designed by famous designer Neeta Lulla's daughter Nishka. The 'Katrina Barbie' will be wearing the same design.

"I've been a part of the entire process of doll making and it's been quite fascinating. Since, I've been travelling out of Mumbai for the promotions of my movies; unluckily I've not been able to see it yet. I'm actually looking forward to see the doll as soon as I get back," Katrina said in a statement.

A product of Mattel Toys, the Katrina Barbie - a commemorative product - is not for sale.

SALMAN-ASH LOVE STORY HEADING FOR BIG SCREEN

Filmmaker will show a dissimilar end.

Even while Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai have gone their part ways and are happy in their own lives, small time filmmaker Javed Khan has not forgotten their romance.

He is all set to make a film based on one of the most talked about love stories in Bollywood. The film, named “Ajab Hai Ishq”, is all set to roll and will go on the floors soon.

Javed Khan will produce the film as well as play the lead role of Salman Khan in the film. He is sure that the film will attract a lot of audience as it is an emotional story depicting the one-time love between Salman and Ash.

Even though the two actors parted ways in real life, the filmmaker will have a different end to his celluloid love story. According to Javed, leaving someone in a lurch will not let you live in peace - so always marry the person you love.

SHILPA’S DAD MISSING AT HER SANGEET CEREMONY

Raj Kundra gave a Michael Jackson act.

Shilpa Shetty's dancing skills are renowned, and her groom-to-be Raj Kundra is no less a dancer - he amazed everyone at their Sangeet ceremony by imitating late pop legend Michael Jackson's moves.

"Raj and Shilpa gave a stunning performance. Shilpa danced to the song 'Mere hathon mein naun naun chudiyan' and Raj did a Michael Jackson performance, which was beautiful," said Kiran Bawa, Shilpa's friend and business partner.

Shilpa is tying the knot with Raj, a London-based businessman, today (Nov 22) at Kiran's Khandala bungalow. "Instead of being a businessman Raj should have taken acting as his career," added Kiran.

Shipa's wedding is one of the most talked about in tinsel town but the Sangeet ceremony last night (Nov 21) was a small affair and attended by close friends and family.

Shilpa's sister Shamita teamed up with recruit Jackky Bhagnani for a skit.

Jackky, son of film producer Vashu Bhagnani, also performed on the charbusters such as "Dhan te nan" from the film "Kaminey" and the title song of "Om Shanti Om". He too was impressed with Raj's dancing.

"He was superb while giving that Michael Jackson performance," said Jackky.

However, Shilpa's father, Surendra Shetty, was missing.

Explaining the nonattendance, Shilpa's mother, Sunanda, said: "He was not well, so he couldn't attend the get together. It's sad that he couldn't come, but he will surely be there for the wedding."

Bhangra pop singer Daler Mehendi was also there and set the stage by belting out his hit numbers like "Na na na na na re" and "Bolo ta ra ra" among others. He also sang the title song of "Jhoom Barabar Jhoom".

The sangeet ceremony ended at around 2.30 a.m.

RAJ KUNDRA SETS OFF TO MARRY SHILPA

Rohit Roy and Jackky Bhagnani in marriage march.

London-based businessman Raj Kundra left in a chariot this (Nov 22) evening to marry his actress fiancee Shilpa Shetty in Khandala, a hill station in Maharashtra.

Kundra left Amrit Villa, situated about five minutes away from Bawa Villa, where the wedding is going to be held, in a chariot driven by two horses.

Clad in a maroon sherwani with golden embroidery, Kundra was sporting a turban with his face implied by a sehra (string of flowers/pearls).

He was also holding a sword in his hand, as per Indian tradition.

Noticed dancing in the baraat (marriage procession) were actors Rohit Roy and Jackky Bhagnani.

Half the road was blocked by security guards by ropes on both sides of the chariot while the police were trying to find the way the traffic on the other half.

SHILPA SHETTY TIES THE KNOT WITH RAJ KUNDRA

Clad in a red sari and pompous diamonds and emeralds, Shilpa Shetty exchanged wedding vows with London-based businessman Raj Kundra in a close-knit family affair in Khandala.

Shilpa Shetty married London-based businessman Raj Kundra in a prolific ceremony at Khandala.

Previously Raj had arrived in a chariot decorated with flowers and drawn by two horses from Amrit Villa, located about five minutes away from Bawa Villa, where the wedding was held.

Clad in a maroon sherwani with golden embroidery, Kundra was sporting a turban with his face indirect by a sehra (string of pearls). He was also holding a sword in his hand, as per Indian tradition.

Noticed dancing in the baraat (marriage procession) were actors Rohit Roy and Jackky Bhagnani.

Shilpa, decked in a burgundy and red saree designed by Tarun Tahiliani, married Raj in a Mangalorean ceremony.

Shilpa's beau Raj Kundra wore creations by Shantanu and Nikhil.

Before the marriage, it was the wedding card, which created a buzz for it's look and content.

A reception will be held in Mumbai on 24 November.

AJAY DEVGN, KAJOL THROW HUGE PARTY TO CELEBRATE SUCCESS OF ALL THE BEST

Abhishek Bachchan walked in with Amar Singh, as a substitute of his Paa or his wife, at Ajay Devgn's first-ever bash for his friends in the industry on Thursday evening. Bashful and mocking about glam-gatherings, Ajay Devgn has always shunned attendance parties and has never before thrown one.

But the new power-packed Devgn newly thrilled by the success of All The Best has resolved to let the world know he's ready to conquer showbiz.

Devgn's buddies Sanjay Dutt and Maanyata were the first to arrive and also among the first to leave, since Sanjay had an early-morning flight to catch to South Africa. And then there was Fardeen and his wife Natasha. After his successful back surgery in New York, Fardeen Khan was back in Mumbai for his first public appearance to celebrate his first successful film in ages at Ajay Devgn's first-ever party for his colleagues held at the Sahara Star hotel on Thursday night, a day after Devgn wrapped up Prakash Jha's Rajneeti in Bhopal.

All the preparations were taken care of by Ajay Devgn and his wife Kajol who were very outstandingly a part of the celebrations. The party went on till late. John Abraham and Bipasha showed up much later.

But as one of the guests later said, "This party was a show of strength for Ajay Devgn. For too long he has smirked and silently watched the Khans rule as the glamourous elements in Bollywood. With wife Kajol at his side, Ajay wants to build Brand Devgn in a par with Saif-Kareena and Abhishek-Aishwarya. The party on Thursday night was the first step in that direction."

B.O. UPDATE: 'AJAB' TAKES GHAZAB START; 'JAIL' GETS SIDELINED

AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI took the country by storm by eye-catching one of the biggest starts at the box-office. The start was at par with LOVE AAJ KAL at several screens, even though LAK had more shows than APKGK, since LONDON DREAMS has retained some screens, while JAIL, the other new release, has also opened quite wide.

The trends were evident on Thursday night itself, when the paid previews of AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI were held. The response was unbelievable. The early morning shows opened to an awesome response and the film was maintaining the tempo during the subsequent shows. The opening is at par with any superstar's film, the various distributors/exhibitors this writer spoke to, echoed in unison.

The youth has taken to AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI in a big way and the first weekend numbers of the film should be incredible. It's easily Ranbir Kapoor's biggest opener to date and catapults him to the 'Prime Club'. Besides, the Ranbir - Katrina jodi seems to be the new flavour of the season. Rajkumar Santoshi too has bounced back with renewed vigour, while Ramesh Taurani, its producer, has yet another Hit to his credit.

On the other hand, JAIL has been sidelined due to the AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI wave. The film carries favourable reports, so let's hope its numbers show a jump on Saturday and Sunday.

“I WAS OFFERED NEW YORK”

Says Saif Ali Khan while in Dubai with girlfriend Kareena, to promote his latest film Kurbaan.

The interviews with the media were programmed at Park Hyatt from 2.30pm yesterday, but Saif Ali Khan and girl friend and co-star Kareena Kapoor walked in exactly one and a half hour late. Saif apologized for the delay and Kareena kept beaming her stunning smile. And then Saif looked at the much-talked about Kurbaan poster and said, “Wow! Who’s that hot guy? Oh! That’s me.”

This bold poster is already the talk of the town. What’s Saif’s take on it? He says, “I have got so much feedback for this poster that I already feel the film is a hit.” When we asked Kareena, who was just sitting a few feet away from Saif and giving interviews, the same question, the lady admiringly looked at the giant poster standing behind her and said, “There is no doubt it is bold but then it also translates the emotional and raw intensity of the film. I think this is the only way it could have been shown.”

The look might be different but isn’t the storyline of Kurbaan eccentrically similar to New York? Saif said, “I had gone through the script of New York since I was offered a role in the film. I have not seen the film except for the songs and I think it has a very young storyline with college guys partying at pubs and having fun on the campus. On the contrary Kurbaan is very mature.”

Kareena adds, “The film is gritty, gripping and cutting edge. It is a love story where the woman has a very important role and audiences will keep on thinking what will happen to her?”

What happens to her? We definitely want to know.

SHILPA IS FEELING ‘JUST LIKE ANY BRIDE’

She shares her thoughts on her blog.

Shilpa Shetty, who is marrying London-based Raj Kundra on Nov 22, is facing pre-nuptial blues. She admits she is experiencing "mixed feelings" as the D-day draws near.

"To all those who want to know how I am feeling, I just want to say I'm going through a lot of mixed feelings - happiness, enthusiasm, nervousness, just like any bride to be and sadness as well," Shilpa posted on her blog.

The 34-year-old actress is tying the knot with capitalist Raj Kundra, whom she has been dating since 2007.

"Honestly it still hasn't sunk in completely, it's a strange emotion, can't describe it. The only consolation is that I'm tying the knot with Raj - a man who lets me be myself and doesn't want me or my life to change and that erases premarital jitters," she said.

"Obviously marriage is a huge step and with it come responsibilities, and since I believe in the institution, so I hope and pray that I can make ours a success."

Shilpa says she has been busy with the wedding preparations for the past two weeks but is also trying hard to fulfill her professional commitments so that she can set out for a one-month honeymoon with Raj after the wedding.

She is currently shooting in Hyderabad for the last schedule of Indo-Chinese project "Desire".

"I'm shooting in Hyderabad, everything had to be done before I'd left for this schedule. In the midst of Odissi rehearsals (can you believe it! ‘cause I am shooting for a song here), (I'm handling) guests list, hotel arrangements, wedding planners, trousseau outfits, the list is never ending.

"There's a lot of work to be done and I will be shooting and dubbing till a week before the wedding. Got to finish all work commitments before I leave for a month after the wedding," she said.

The actress is now only hoping that her younger sister Shamita Shetty, who is a participant on reality show "Bigg Boss 3", comes out to be with her in the "last few days at home".

Shilpa will have a quiet wedding ceremony with close friends and family Nov 22 and has plans for a lavish reception two days later.

SHAH RUKH TURNS 44, BUT FEELS 25

He wants to give something back to society. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan turned 44 today (Nov 2), but said he still feels just 25 - barring the physical problems he has had in the past year. The heartthrob also said he wants to work for youngsters and poor girls.

"I have been in my 40s since a few years now and I stylishly accept the age. But frankly, I feel like I am just 25 or 26 except for the physical problems I've had in my past year," Shah Rukh told reporters in Mumbai.

"Maybe I look older, but then when I look younger, people say I get plastic surgeries done to my face. When I look old, they say I am over and done with. But the fact is that when I sleep well, I look young and when I don't get enough sleep, I look old," he quipped.

The actor underwent an arthroscopic surgery for keen pain in his left shoulder in February and was on a forced break to recuperate completely. But he promises to make up for his absence.

"I am a workaholic, but in the last year I couldn't do much due to my shoulder problem, my team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) didn't do too well and I shot for just one film 'My Name Is Khan'. My injury also pulled me down in terms of my endorsements but I had time to introspect and spend a quieter time at home and with my children.

"I feel more energetic and happy now and totally ready for a comeback with many projects in the next two years after this one year break," added Shah Rukh.

Apart from work, he wants to do good to society by "doing something for youngsters, deprived girls and talk to 16- 17-year-old children who are on the threshold of voting for the government and lead the world forward".

"I don't know whether I want to join an NGO or something of the likes, but in my heart, I have this strong feeling that I want to give something back to society," he said.

Among his forthcoming films are "My Name Is Khan", Farah Khan's "Happy New Year", "Don 2", but he says he is most keen to work in a superhero film, which he is designing on his own.

I AM SLIM…AND SO IS THIS LAPTOP

Kareena becomes a Sony brand ambassador. After promoting her size zero figure in India, actress Kareena Kapoor has preferred to endorse Sony's recently launched half-inch thin notebook VAIO X because the product goes well with her looks - "thin and lightweight", the actress said on Tuesday (Nov 3).

"The entire size zero thing in India has more to do with people being slim and lightweight. And I am slim and lightweight. And so is this laptop. I think this new laptop is very stylish and sexy and people also often relate me with these qualities," Kareena told reporters at a press conference in New Delhi (pictured above).

As part of the tie up, the actress will be a part of the brand campaign including TV commercials and print advertising.

The 29-year-old, who is awaiting the release of her film "Kurbaan", says she feels "privileged" to be related with the company.

"I trust in Sony products and I am lucky that they have signed me. They believe in cutting edge technology and innovate a lot and I am glad to be their ambassador since I associate myself with quality," added Kareena, who was hoping that the company spokesperson would gift her VAIO X laptop.

Kareena says though she isn't very tech-savvy, she uses the Internet quite frequently.

"I use the Internet often and since I am a frequent traveller and I'm out of the country most of the time, I like to be connected through a laptop," she said.

The new Sony VAIO X is 655 grams and has an 11.1 inch screen display. The range starts from Rs.64,990 and will be available at Sony Centre stores and retail partners across India.

SHAH RUKH TOTALLY SET FOR A COMEBACK

King Khan spent birthday with family and friends. Shah Rukh Khan, who turned 44 on Nov 2, spent some "quiet time with family and friends" on his birthday, putting at the back a year of ups and downs and looking forward to a strong comeback.

With only one of his films - "Billu" - hitting the screens in 2009, the actor has promised his fans more action in the coming two years.

"I am a workaholic, but in the last year I couldn't do much due to my shoulder problem. My team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) didn't do too well and I shot for just one film 'My Name Is Khan'. My injury also pulled me down in terms of my endorsements, but I had time to introspect and spend a quieter time at home with my children," Shah Rukh told reporters at a press conference in Mumbai on Nov 2.

"I feel more active and happy now and totally ready for a comeback with many projects in the next two years after this one-year break," he added.

On his birthday, Shah Rukh has chosen to spend "quiet time with his family and friends" instead of partying hard, his representative told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

Shah Rukh was in New Delhi on Nov 1 to kick off the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon and cheer and egg on the runners. It seemed like he is still recovering from an arthroscopic surgery he underwent earlier this year for a nagging pain in his left shoulder.

The Bollywood superstar chose not to run at the marathon but caused quite a hysteria among the runners and watchers by just being present among them.

He said: "Though I could not run this time because of my shoulder and knee injury, I'll try to be fit and run next year. Running is a spiritual experience."

The past year also brought him discontent when his cricket team KKR did not perform too well in the Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament.

Shah Rukh Khan was also in the spotlight when he suffered a two-hour detention at the Newark Airport in the US in August, reportedly over his surname.

Otherwise, 2009 gave the actor many reasons to cheer as he became Dr Shah Rukh Khan when he was presented an honorary doctorate in arts and culture by the Bedfordshire University in London.

He was also imparted with two honours by the South Korean government - an honorary belt in taekwondo and the title of an honorary ambassador for culture and tourism.

Shah Rukh even purchased a 20 million pound apartment in London.

Now, after spending quality time with his wife Gauri and children Aryan and Suhana, Shah Rukh is looking forward to the release of his various films like "My Name Is Khan", "Happy New Year" and "Don 2".

Among these, his "My Name Is Khan" is the most awaited as it will mark his coming together with actress Kajol for the first time in eight years. The two starred in five films together, including "Baazigar", "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" and "Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge", all of which were superhits. "My Name Is Khan" will release on Feb 12, 2010.