NOW AN ANIMATED AAMIR KHAN IN COCA-COLA AD

Known for his experiments, Bollywood star Aamir Khan will now be seen in an animated avatar for the first time in a television commercial for Coca Cola.

Conceptualized by adman-turned-lyricist Prasoon Joshi along with Ashish Chakravarty, the ad has been shot by Abhijit Choudhary for the 'Coca-Cola Open Happiness' communication idea. "It is a very interesting concept as for the first time my features have been replicated as an animated character through special effects. I think the robotic animated look has really come out well in the film and I hope that my fans will like me in this new animated avatar," said Aamir, Coca-Cola brand ambassador, in a statement released here Thursday. The ad showcases two girls searching for their friend (Aamir) who is so engaged in playing videogames that he has become a part of the virtual world.

But when the girls open a bottle of the aerated beverage, Aamir starts to lose his focus from the game and is tempted to come out in real life. The ad ends with Aamir's rival from the game, another animated character, also stepping into the real world to taste the drink.

BEBO TURNS BLACKBERRY ADDICT

Kareena Kapoor is one lucky girl. Although her birthday is on September 21 she has by now been gifted a Blackberry as a birthday gift by close friend and designer Shabina Khan.

Says Bebo, "Right now, I am just learning the hang of BB and telling all my friends to add me to their friends list so I can ping them."

Is the chote nawab Saif Ali Khan on BB too? Maybe Kareena can gift him one now.

AKSHAY WANTS SOME ROMANCE NOW

Excerpts from his CNN interview…

He has done loads of action films and made spectators laugh in rib-tickling comedies, but Bollywood star Akshay Kumar now says he's bored and wants some romance...on screen of course!

"I want to do more romance. I've in fact gotten bored of comedy and action. Yes, I just want to do some romantic films. And that's what my next thing is going to be," Akshay told Myleen Klass in an interview for CNN's "The Screening Room Xtra" programme.

While his fans enjoyed actioners like "Khiladi", "Mohra" and "Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi", Akshay also drew audiences for laugh riots "Hera Pheri", "Mujhse Shaadi Karogi", "Welcome" and "Sing Is Kinng" among others.

"...I've done quite a lot of comedy now and I don't know...at times an actor is very responsive about what he's doing and where he wants to go ahead and do. I know comedy has worked a lot and it has worked luminously for me.

"In advance, when I used to do action I would never think about comedy and then I started getting into it and I was quite victorious. So now I've never done a complete romantic film. I did 'Dhadkan', which was eight years back. But now I wanna get into it and do at least two or three romantic films now," said the actor, who entered Bollywood in 1991.

One of the highest earning members of the Hindi film industry, Akshay preserves that there is no sure-shot secret to success, but stressed that hard work and being "a producer's actor" is necessary.

"It's actually your hard work, your reliability...Even if you're not a good actor, to be a producer's actor is very essential...If you finish your films on time, save a lot of money for the producer. I remember there was a time when I had delivered 14 flops in a row. But I still had movies along with me for a very simple reason, because I was a producer's actor."

"I had good films still coming... I had finished all films in a three-month span. Even if they went for loss, they still preferred working with me. And after that, even I thought my career was over. But it still carried on," Akshay added.

And luck, he said, is of supreme importance for remaining on top.

"I've just been lucky... a lot of times I've watched my films and I felt it's not good. And those films worked. Like I tell you another film of mine was "8x10Tasveer". I love that film... When I saw it, it's good but it didn't work at all. So I don't know exactly what works and what doesn't work. You just flow. I liked "Chandni Chowk To China". I did it with Warner Brothers, I was very confident and it didn't work at all."

So why didn't it work?

"I think it was the storyline. Like 'Kambakkht Ishq' was another film where that combination got together (Bollywood and Hollywood); so that worked. But this one didn't. So it's not the combination, it's actually the script - and sometimes the script doesn't work."

The actor also firmly believes that the blessings of his parents too go a long way in making him the star he is today.

"I would say my success lies at the feet of my parents because that's been my biggest strength and that's what we Hindus believe in. Every morning before going to work just touch your parents' feet and go ahead in life. That's my personal belief and I followed that in my life. And I told a lot of people and they have also been successful. People may believe it or not, but that's exactly what I believe in," Akshay said.

'3 IDIOTS' WILL RELEASE ON CHRISTMAS, CONFIRMS AAMIR

Actor and wife away from home, in one quiet spot. Aamir Khan, who is spending time with wife Kiran Rao after her miscarriage last month, says his much-awaited "3 Idiots" will hit the screens in December.

"Vinod (Vidhu Vinod Chopra) and Raju (Raj Kumar Hirani) tell me that the post production on '3 Idiots' is progressing well - so by the time I get back, the cut (final product) will be ready. Which means I can confirm to all those of you who have been repeatedly asking... yes, '3 Idiots' will be releasing on Christmas this year. I'll see the cut once I get back," he wrote on his blog.

He didn't reveal his whereabouts, but informed: "Kiran and I are away from home, in one very quiet spot, just lying in and resting. Reading, going for walks, watching films."

The actor says he is utilising his time to catch up on a few films and books - something that he hasn't been able to do thanks to his chock-a-block schedules.

"There are so many films to see, and books to read. One life time is not enough. Books, I read, but films I never get down to seeing.

"Strange, since, I love cinema so much. It's not as if I don't enjoying watching films. I really do, in fact when I watch a film I forget to blink and my eyes start hurting after a while. But for someone who is so steeped in films I have watched pathetically few films in all these years," he said.

Aamir is glad that he has finally managed to watch 1994 American film "The Shawshank Redemption", which was recommended to him by many.

"Just saw '(The) Shawshank Redemption'. Had heard so much about this film. It seems to be on a lot of ‘must see' lists. Really enjoyed it," he added.

BEBO GIVES IT UP FOR AAMIR

Don’t make any plans for Kareena Kapoor’s birthday this year. The actress who turns 29 on September 21, is going to be busy on her film 3 Idiots with Aamir Khan, so bechara Saif Ali Khan will have to rework whatever surprise he had in mind for his Bebo.

Originally, she had wanted to spend time with Saif, mother Babita, sister Karisma and niece Samaira around her birthday... but tragedy struck Aamir’s close and happy little khandaan, and Kareena stepped to the rescue.

You know that Aamir’s wife Kiran Rao suffered a miscarriage earlier this month, and that Aamir promised Kiran he would take time off from 3 Idiots to help her recuperate from the trauma.

What Aamir didn’t realise when he made that emotional commitment was that he had given dates with Kareena to shoot a song in Mumbai during the very same period. Hesitantly, he called up his co-star and asked if she would reorganise her own diary to accommodate him at another time. And Kareena agreed, at the cost of her own birthday plans, because she realised how big Kiran’s trauma was.

Now Kareena and Aamir will shoot the song from September 25 to October 2 in Mumbai. She was in Switzerland all the while and is expected back in Mumbai today. While Aamir is in Europe. The actor has left behind his two cell phones and prefers to be incommunicado for the period that he spends with Kiran. He wants nothing to come in the way of her recuperation.

KAREENA'S NOT A DEVICE FREAK

All her friends have an exacting model of a high-end phone but Kareena Kapoor is not persuaded to buy a related one for her.

Says she, “I don’t want everybody to ping me persistently.” The actress says one has to keep one’s confidentiality at least at some point in life. “I love my friends, I love spending quality time with them,” says Bebo. “Though there are times when I like to switch off totally. I don’t want to share every moment of mine,” she adds.

I WANT TO WORK WITH BEBO, ONCE IN A WHILE SAYS SAIF

Saif Ali Khan says that he HAS to work with other actors, as must girlfriend, Kareena Kapoor. But at heart, the truth's up there!

Now that Saif Ali Khan's first home production Love Aaj Kal is out of the way, all eyes are on Agent Vinod, the second contribution from his banner. This one features Kareena Kapoor in the lead role.

Then there is Race 2, which also features SAK's ladylove. Is there a possibility the Chote Nawab is separating himself from other actresses because he is dating Bebo? Saif says, "I am not doing Race 2 with Kareena. The script is still being written and then the cast will be selected.

A lot has been written about Kareena's irritation at being left out of Love Aaj Kal, but Saif now has to be doubly careful at the selection of leading ladies for his banner. He says, "We have to be very clear about this thing. It is a profession, and though Bebo and I personally involved but efficiently we are not stupid. I want to work with her, once in a while.

I mean there is so much Saif-Kareena going on even off-screen that no good director will be least interested in casting us. Which I why I am glad that Kurbaan is not your regular love story. And we are not doing the regular kind of things in it."

He reveals that his next home production is totally different genre from the first Illuminati Films' release. "Agent Vinod is edgy, so it will be cool to see us together in that. But obviously, I have to work with other actors and so must she. It is more interesting to see.

I mean I don't want to name other people but there have been star couples in the past on screen, that weren't so exciting. But when you see them with other people, it is refreshing. Actually I think I will take names. At one time John and Bipasha were seen together a lot but one time when they did ads with other people, it was very nice, great and they looked good together.

So we learn from other people, and we don't do that much work together. We have done one Airtel ad together, and a movie. But it feels like we have done ten movies together because of the perceptions.

CENSOR WILL LOVE ME IN KURBAAN: KAREENA

She has played a prostitute, a cheerful girl-next-door and the final glamour queen in her almost decade-long career, but Kareena Kapoor says "Kurbaan" has given her the chance to sink her teeth into one of the best roles in her career.

"I am so confident that in 'Kurbaan', audiences will take to my character in a big way," said Kareena, who looks forward to playing a range of roles across different genres of films.

"Particularly after 'Kambakkht Ishq', they would see a different me in the film," Kareena told IANS.

A Karan Johar production, "Kurbaan" is directed by first time director Rensil D'Silva and has terrorism as its background.

"The girl's role is very strong in 'Kurbaan' and I have worked really hard on my performance. I'm expecting a lot from the film," said the actress, who has won serious compliments for her performance in "Dev" and "Omkara".

Kareena is paired with boyfriend Saif Ali Khan in "Kurbaan", which also stars Vivek Oberoi, Dia Mirza, Kirron Kher and Om Puri in main roles.

The actress says she is once again expecting honor from critics for her performance in the film.

"Well frankly, this is one film where I am expecting both box-office success and huge critical acclaim. The film is very well made and, to add to that, quite topical," she said assertively.

With music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and Salim-Sulaiman, "Kurbaan" is aiming for a November release.

For Kareena, 2009 would be an exciting year as it would also see the release of Rajkumar Hirani's "3 Idiots", where she is paired opposite Aamir Khan, and debutant director Prem R. Soni's "Main Aur Mrs. Khanna" with Salman Khan.

After being in the industry for close to a decade, doesn't she aspire for more awards?

"See, ever since I began my career, I have always maintained that I want to be a star actress. I should give the kind of confidence to filmmakers that I can carry off any role boldly. Whether it is a Geet ('Jab We Met') or a Dolly ('Omkara'), Simrita ('Kambakkht Ishq') or the character I play in 'Kurbaan' - I am mixing it up all.

"For me, work is like a passion and when I do a film, I don't really think of commercial gains or awards. What is most important for me is to be engaged in some quality stuff. I sign a film because I like to enact the character that I have been offered. If box office success and awards come then, well, it's great," she said.

KAREENA DESIRES SWISS LOVE NEST

Kareena Kapoor has secret plans.

And they are grand, obviously. What might seem great for lesser worldly is not good sufficient for Bollywood’s reining diva.

She wrinkles her pleasing nose and says, “By the year-end, I hope I can buy my own house in Switzerland.’’ The actress is anxious that Mumbai offers little privacy to beau Saif Ali Khan and her. “We find it hard to go out clubbing or even for dinner because there is hardly any place that is truly private,’’ she regrets.

She says on most evenings, when they aren’t shooting, the couple stays indoors and watches television or soaks into a movie of their choice. “It’s getting kind of claustrophobic,’’ Kareena explains. She’s resolute to work harder than ever now and make sure the extra bucks that she makes will go towards her dream home in the Alps. As to how she will control flying across continents to juggle work and pleasure, Kareena says, “I have been giving it serious thought. If Johnny Depp can stay in Paris and work in Los Angeles, then of course I can stay in Switzerland for three months a year and work in Mumbai or wherever it is that I am required to be.’’

As of today, Kareena is wrapping up Karan Johar’s Qurban with Saif at a uptown Mumbai studio, and then flying to America for a short vacation. In keeping with her position of the No 1 Bollywood heroine, she has her diary chalked out for the next six months. September has been reserved for working on those ‘abs’ and some heavy-duty physical training so she can flaunt it all in Agent Vinod.

“Lots of exhilarating work is happening,’’ she beams. “In October Karan’s Stepmom with Kajol will begin providing me the emotional sustenance I’m looking for in a role, then Agent Vinod starts. Here I have the break to do some kickass stunts, like Angelina Jolie in Mr & Mrs Smith.”

December will mark the release of Raju Hirani’s Three Idiots with Aamir Khan, the most hyped film of the year. Shaking, Kareena says, “Somewhere I’m a little girl who is still afraid of the expectations from each of my films. But I’m also very excited.’’

Films apart, the grapevine gup is that she’s launching her own label in January.

“I have only just begun talks with an international team on introducing my personal clothes line like Victoria Beckham. My look in Kambakkht Ishq has gone down well with the fashionistas and hence this talk of launching my own label. There is little else I can say about this now because it’s in the influential stage.’’

SAIF PROVIDE PERSONAL NAWABI TOUCH TO LAK

Imtiaz Ali, Deepika Padukone, producers Saif Ali Khan and Dinesh Vijan individually greeted members of the press at the screening of Love Aaj Kal, held at PVR Cinemas at Phoenix Mills, Lower Parel yesterday.

Saif walked in at around 12.30, encircled by security. Dressed in casuals, he looked cool and handsome. All eyes were on him. Imtiaz Ali was already present, talking to the media. A few cameramen were present. Some time after Saif’s arrival, Deepika also arrived. She looked very pretty and completely fine in her short dress which she paired with gladiator flats. All three of them interacted with media persons, particularly the senior ones.

Saif said, “It has been 18 years since I have been in the industry. Some of you have known since my first day here. I was a silly 20 year old and even you’ll were young journalists then. Now, you all have become feared heads of your departments now. We want to thank you for coming here. We present to you Love Aaj Kal. We hope you like it. I won’t be lurking around after the show like many people do, asking you what you thought of the film. I would rather read it all while I am chilling and relaxing in Delhi.”

Very Nawabi of you Saif, we say. Your first production is set to be a super-hit and we are sure you are very happy with all the good things people have to say aboutLove Aaj Kal.

‘I’VE NOT LEFT ANY STONE UNTURNED’

Saif Ali Khan talks ‘Love Aaj Kal’ and tells what the film means to him

Saif Ali Khan is busy ‘aaj kal’ promoting his debut project as a producer, ‘Love Aaj Kal’, in which he also plays the lead role next to the ravishing Deepika Padukone. The film, directed by Imtiaz Ali, is a love story, a genre Imtiaz excels in.

‘Love Aaj Kal’ holds a lot of significance for Saif for more reasons than one. Apart from it being his first production, the film also comes after his two big flops in a row – ‘Tashan’ and ‘Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic’ hence the need to get this one right.

Here’s what Saif has to say about the film and his choices:

On turning a producer

Making in fact is not my cup of tea. But after attaining so many years of experience in this field, I’d like to have a creative position of my own. You feel proud to have it finally. Since a lot of money is involved in filmmaking your inputs mean something else. I want to learn more about the business. The market previous was different. Most heroes have moved on and turned directors or producers now. Also, there are not many independent producers left to work with.

On the making of ‘Love Aaj Kal’

Right now I’m anxious since I’m a fresher in production. I’m only learning the ifs and buts. Being the producer I need to look into every aspect of filmmaking, though I’ve not left any stone unturned from my end. We have had a great team, and I have learnt a lot in the process. My partner Dinesh Vijan has been a great help. I was more involved in the creative aspect of the film. All in all, the entire journey has not only been a learning knowledge but has been equally exciting too.

On picking a leaf or two from friends

I have been lucky to work with many great producers and big, recognized banners - Yash Raj Films and Dharma Productions majorly. I’ve learnt a lot of lessons in filmmaking from them. Karan Johar and Farhan Akhtar would have always been there to advise me, but I haven’t really called anyone.

On the film

The story mostly is about Jai who doesn’t believe in love and is practical. He believes that long distance link is a pain, so why not just be friends and not follow your heart. He comes across a person who tells him what love is all about. Imtiaz has made a simple love story which is not puzzling at all as most people believe.

On playing a Sardar

I had meetings with top leaders of the Akali Dal for the look and they have esteemed me. I met them before I ventured into production as I did not want to miff them on anything. I have tried to shoulder all my errands towards the religion. Dolly aunty has done my clothes and I have tried to give it an honest loom. I had to work on the accent. If I could pull off Langda Tyagi in ‘Omkara’, I think I have managed this one too.

On Imtiaz Ali as the director of his maiden venture

Very simple. He had an incredible script and when you hear a good script and also when the director has the know-how of putting it down on screen just the same, that’s all what you need. The clever thing an actor does is not acting but the ‘listening’ he does in the drawing room as to what the director actually wants. This film is a result of being all ears to Imtiaz.

On Kareena being his first choice for the film

(Laughs) None of the directors listen to me. Imitaz too felt that Deepika suited the role better and hence left me unhappy. Are you happy with the answer now?

On working with Deepika for the first time

Ours is an enthusiastic pair, isn’t it? We look nice and refreshing. Apart from being a new face, Deepika has all the attributes of an Indian beauty. Also, she is very professional and down-to-earth. Rani Mukerji and Deepika’s persona grounds me in real and on reel as well.

On the surprise package of the film – Harleen

The other heroine is going to be a surprise. Her name is Harleen. She’s not here at the moment since we wanted to keep the main focus on Deepika and myself right now.

On the title of the film

The title suits the story of the film which is about the love stories of people today and in yesteryears.

On Kareena's judgment on the film

She has seen the film and has liked it.

KAREENA KAPOOR: NO WEDDING PLANS FOR 2 YEARS

Kareena Kapoor has been chosen the brand ambassador of Gitanjali’s bridal wear brands Parineeta, Sagaee and ME Solitaire. She talks about marriage and what diamonds mean to her.

As predictable Kareena sparkled like a diamond in a white and pink saree. That she looked totally stunning is an understatement.

“Diamonds are a woman’s best friend. Jewellery makes a woman even more beautiful. I am very choosy about the brands I endorse and Gitanjali is all about quality over quantity,” asserted the beauty.

“I like my diamonds to be solitaires. I utterly adore them. I would like a diamond of 2 or 3 carats in a beautiful, lovely setting in yellow gold,” she said.

In the Gitanjali ads, she plays a dual role and looks gorgeous in both. “In one ad I am a young Indian ethnic bride and in the other I am a glamourous girl. My fans get to see me in two very different avatars.”

And has Saif seen the ads yet? “He hasn’t seen the ad yet as he has been very busy with Love Aaj Kal,” was her quick reply.

Bebo has played a bride some times in her filmy career. So what about real life? “When Karisma was getting married, we were in a room where she was getting ready in front of the mirror. She told me that she felt she was going for a shot. She said she has taken the saat phere with so many heroes and in so many films, that it all felt like a movie. That is what she felt. As far as I am anxious, I don’t know how I will feel on that day. I will only think and know about it on that day. I am not thinking about it right now. I haven’t made any marriage plans yet. I don’t aim to marry for the next two years,” she explained, adding, “Marriages are made in heaven. The Destiny that God has given us will happen as He has intended it to happen.”

Katrina is endorsing Nakshatra and Bipasha also endorses Gitanjali. So does Kareena feel any competition? “I don’t feel any contest as far as endorsements are concerned. I think the more the merrier,” said the confident Diva.

“I am designing a jewellery line for them that will have shades of my personality. The kind of jewellery that I like is elegant and classic. I love earrings, neckpieces and rings in diamonds especially solitaires, emeralds and rubies. My sister and mother keep gifting them to me. My family pampers me a lot. My birthday is also coming and I am expecting huge surprises,” concludes the Kapoor heiress.

I WANT 'LOVE AAJ KAL' TO SHATTER ALL RECORDS

Saif’s film is very close to Kareena’s heart

Her recent release "Kambakkht Ishq" has seen the best opening of 2009 so far. But Kareena Kapoor wants boyfriend Saif Ali Khan's "Love Aaj Kal" to even exceed her film's record and enjoy exceptional success at the box office.

"I really want 'Love Aaj Kal' to break all box-office records. Yes, 'Kambakkht Ishq' is my film but then so is 'Love Aaj Kal'. For both Saif and me 'Love Aaj Kal' is a not just a prominent project but also something which is very close to our hearts", Kareena told IANS.

Releasing on July 31, "Love Aaj Kal" is Saif's first production venture. Tell her that prospect are huge from the movie as well as Saif and she nods in agreement.

"Yes, I'm aware about the huge potential and I also know that 'Love Aaj Kal' has turned out to be a lovely film. The good part is that the film has generated all around optimistic vibes and everyone expects good things from the film," she said.

With Saif playing two characters - Jai Vardhan Singh and Veer Singh (the younger version of Rishi Kapoor) - "Love Aaj Kal" touches upon the universal spirit of love.

According to director Imtiaz Ali, "the process of link might be different in different eras, but the experience of being in love remains the same".

Another issue that makes "Love Aaj Kal" a special film for Kareena is the fact that it has Imtiaz at the driving seat.

"I have worked with Imtiaz in 'Jab We Met' and ever since then we all expect so much from him. He has great sensibilities of a narrator and can't set a foot wrong. I really hope and pray that 'Love Aaj Kal' manages to strike a chord with spectators in the same way as 'Jab We Met'," she said.

Remembering her stint in "Jab We Met", Kareena agrees that it was an unusual experience.

"To play a character like 'Geet' (her screen name in 'Jab We Met') doesn't happen all the time; it just happens. When you begin working on a film, you of course know about the story and your character. However, no one knows how audiences would ultimately react to it. 'Geet' did strike a chord with the audiences and became a household name," she said.

One expects something similar from "Love Aaj Kal" as well that also stars Deepika Padukone. Apart from them, Rishi Kapoor and Rahul Khanna will also be seen in pivotal roles with Neetu Singh in a guest appearance.

THE TRUE REASON BEHIND AKKI'S PRICE SLASH

Akshay Kumar was one of the highest paid actors in the industry and made no doubts of letting the world know about it.

After Singh Is King, Akki was on an all time high and was charging a whopping 50 crore per film. Even after the fiasco of CC2C and Tasveer 8*10, things didn’t seem to change so it was surprising to hear that after Kambakkht Ishq, the actor slashed his price to a mere 20 crores. And here we thought he was letting all those producers out of their depression.

The real reason behind the price decline was to ultimately cash in on the profits of a film. Kambakkht Ishq did manage to pool in Rs 100 crore at the Box Office and Akki would rather have a piece of this pie then be labeled as a high charging actor. For everyone knows how Akshay has been mocked for the same both in print, media and the more recent film ShortKut in which Arshad Warsi’s character was inspired by Akshay Kumar.

So with this new method in place, Akshay, these days, is insisting on knowing the cost of the film at the time of signing it so that he can calculate the profit in advance. Now now Akki, at this pace you might just leave all those producers out of their jobs!

WHY BEBO REFUSES TO WEAR SAIF’S RING

On a mild Sunday afternoon, 23-year-old Jeet Dasgupta tears down a life-size poster of tennis pro Sania Mirza from his bedroom wall.

He taunts, “Sania post her engagement isn’t a hot male fantasy. Soon, she’ll be talking kids.” In the delight playground of idol worship, engaged female celebs enjoy second class citizenship. An online poll on timesofIndia.com recently discovered that 58 per cent of readers felt that marriage would mark a fall in B-town queen Kareena Kapoor’s star rating. A reader from Qatar declared, “Saying ‘yes’ will kill her image.”

Is it the fear of trailing popularity that pressurises female icons to shy away from matrimony? Bebo, who’s been spotted with a huge solitaire of late, dispels engagement rumours, “Am I crazy to get married now when so many wonderful things are occurrening to my career? It can wait for two years.”

In the delicate world of glamour, why are rules different for the sexes? Adman Prahlad Kakkar says, “Once hitched, the brand value of a female star falls. She’s no longer available as the subject of vicarious popular imagination. In India, marriage is connected with ethics, so fans can’t handle a married woman rotating in a bikini.”

An industry source says, “Rani Mukherji was the No 1 heroine after Hum Tum and Black. But, she turned herself into an elite Yashraj property, by secretly marrying producer Aditya Chopra. Today her career’s scripted by him.”

The original ‘It’ girl of the ‘90s, Pooja Bedi recalls how her ex-husband wanted her to quit films post marriage. “Being in the industry involves gruelling outdoor schedules, scandalous gossip, alleged link-ups and controversies. Non-star partners are intimidated,” says Bedi.

Former model Walusha Robinson recalls, “Offers stopped as soon as I had my first child. Though I was only 20, abruptly, I was being doled out commercials that saw me playing either a mother or a wife.”

Besides viewer voyeurism, director Madhur Bhandarkar points out, “The lifespan of an actress is short-lived. In a male-dominated industry, it takes at least three to four years to break through. Once an actress tastes success, it’s hard to resist the glamour bug, which is why most heroines talk marriage after they’ve crossed their prime or delay marriage if they’re young and seeing someone. Ironically, married heroes like Aamir or SRK are considered cool, but once a Priyanka Chopra marries, she may be offered the role of a bhabhi.” He adds, “Most distributors, including corporate houses feel casting married actresses is risky as they’re uncomfortable kissing onscreen, wearing a bikini or engaging in a love-making scene.”

B-town’s biggest female brand icon Aishwarya turned down the lead in the gay spoof Dostana saying the role was “too sexy for her married image.”

Kakkar says, “Youth sells! A married woman often carries with her the baggage of age.” No wonder then that 20-something newcomers like Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor and Genelia D’Souza are nudging out 30-plus heroines from films and brand endorsements. Priyanka was heard saying, “No one in this industry is indispensable. Someone takes over from somebody.”

Actress Perizad Zorabian admits, “Married heroines tend to choose less risqué roles as there’s a chance of offending their extended family. And, once you have children you have to compromise.” Perhaps this explains the self-imposed hiatus that stars like Jaya Bachchan, Sridevi, Madhuri Dixit, Kajol and Karishma Kapoor took, before being lured by the arc lights again. But ‘comebacks’ too are risky. Madhur says, “Audiences can’t accept the physical changes in their female icons.”

Karisma Kapoor however dismisses the notion about actresses not getting good roles after marriage as a mere myth. “Does anybody in Hollywood ask Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep, who make one film in five years, whether they’re coming back? Sharmila Tagore delivered some of her biggest hits after her children were born,” she retorts.

Actress Ayesha Takia, who recently tied the knot asks, “If our married actors can be treated professionally, why actresses can’t be treated as professionally?”!

I'M PLANNING TO CUT MY HAIR, SAYS KAREENA

Actress speaks about the highs and lows of being a style icon.Having been chosen as a style icon, Kareena Kapoor now intends to go on a long shopping overdo in various fashion capitals and also cut her hair.

"I have to...I've no choice. I'm looked at as a fashion statement. Very tiring, but pleasing. Dress designer Aki Narula has set impossible standards of fashion for me through my films. Now I've no choice but to live up to those standards. I've raised the bar for fashion," Kareena told IANS.

"After 'Kambakkht Ishq', in 'Qurbaan' Aki has again made me look so special," added the actress who gives the credit for her 'Kambakkht..." look to Aki.

"He went shopping for my clothes and accessories. This may be a film, but I've never worked harder. In terms of styling and body language even dance and drama, I really worked hard. I wanted it to be a 'phataka' kind of role. I wanted the audience to come out breathless," said Kareena, who may soon be off on a shopping journey to fashion hubs such as Milan, Paris, London and New York.

"It becomes tiring for everything I wear to be in the media glare. I continually need to be well-dressed. It's a price I've to pay, in more ways than one. I don't have a choice but to have my wardrobe filled with choices.

"Nowadays when I go abroad, I find myself spending more time in shops than holidaying. It's a duty. And I do need to be chic all the time. But my being a fashion icon also depends on my outlook and mood of the moment," said the actress.

Asked if she shifted loyalties from dress designer Manish Malhotra to Aki, she said: "No. I love Aki's work and plan to use his clothes very often. But Manish and I go back a long way. He clad up my sister to stardom and then me. We're not the kind of people who move on in our friendships.

"I'm back with Manish Malhotra in '3 Idiots' and the remake of 'Stepmom'. I'll be dressed up as a stylish young girl. I'm planning to cut my hair. I'm really proud to be called stylish. I like that," said the actress.

The selection of clothes and designer depends upon the roles, says Kareena.

"In 'Jab We Met', I was simply dressed in salwar-kameez. In my forthcoming films 'Qurbaan' and '3 Idiots', I'm minimalist in my clothes.

"But 'Kambakkht Ishq' was about beautiful surfaces and shallow people. I had to dress immaculately. The standards for a heroine's look and styling had to be raised. In terms of clothes, hair and makeup we've done that in 'Kambakkht Ishq'. The fact is, I wanted to look very different. I wanted to look larger than life," she said.

But the actress says she is equally comfortable playing a girl next door like she did in "Omkara".

"If I can carry off Kolhapuri chappals in 'Omkara', I'm equally at home in Jimmy Choos in 'Kambakkht Ishq'. I'm equally proud of both kinds of films. Madhuri (Dixit) did an 'Mrityudand' and a 'Choli ke peeche' (in 'Khalnayak') side by side. Look at the film actors like Madhuri, my sister Karishma, Saif Ali Khan and Akshay did in the 1990s. And look where they got! I guess I was lucky."

Censor loves Love Aaj Kal kisses

Unlike Kambakkht Ishq, in which Kareena Kapoor was on a smooching spree, the censor board protected the kisses in Love Aaj Kal saying they weren’t as vulgar. Deepika Padukone herself had spoken of the hyped lip locks in addition to said, "I think it was required in the motion picture. I believed in the role and keeping that in mind I have been able to perform better. We have all moved way ahead. I mean how long are we disappearing to show flowers or birds tweeting for the duration of a kissing scene?"

While the Censor Board complete director Imtiaz Ali cut just one prospect in the motion picture along with giving it a UA official document, Imtiaz said his movie was an absolute family performer. “Nobody will feel reserved watching Love Aaj Kal. No one will be uncertain walking into the movie with his family. The marvelous scenes are a part of the promos as well. In one scene, Saif is shown as if he is tiresome to hold Deepika’s butt in addition to in another, there is a bold kissing prospect in the car. My dispute is that audiences are in reality smart. They pretty much see the meaning of the movie maker and make up their mind to watch the movie for that reason.” He explained.

Regional Officer of the Censor Board, Vinayak Azad, said, “There are concerning five kisses in the movie, but they are not heavy-duty kissing scenes as such. They are much more toned down than what we encompass seen in other movies. We ask a sight to be cut only when there it’s a long-drawn-out kissing scene, but in Love Aaj Kal they are attractive pecks on the lips.”

Bebo censors sexy sight with Saif

Kareena Kapoor as well as Saif Ali Khan has allegedly shot an artistic love-making progression in Karan Johar’s Qurbaan that involves more physical exposure along with intimacy than perhaps the actress’ bowdlerization instincts allow.

Now, she intends asking director Rensil D’Silva to delete one scene from that succession in which her bare back is visible.

There is a point beyond which Kareena won’t go for any motion picture maker. And ever in view of the fact that Saif and she filmed the progression, she has been wondering what both sets of parents might think on seeing in. “We are actors along with can’t be coy after long-suffering a movie on a bold subject like Qurbaan. I’ve done kissing scenes previous. But the love-making scene is unambiguous by my benchmark. It comes at a central stage in the recitation. And Saif complete sure I was contented,” said the actress.

Kareena is a favorite of both, the producer in addition to director, in addition to it’s possible that Karan in addition to Rensil might pay attention to her and have the bare back prospect removed. The viewers will be the loser. Ah well, there’s until the end of time Kambakkht Ishq in case you want to know what Kareena’s back looks like!

Bebo supporter says it’s in blood

The attractive Kareena Kapoor has just conventional a letter in the mail in black and white in blood by a preoccupied fan. So far, he only expresses the desire to meet her, having fallen for the actress’ drop-dead attractive looks in Kambakkht Ishq. But, reading sandwiched between the lines, it appears the fan has been maintenance tabs on Bollywood’s No 1 actress for a while.

Kareena, of route, is used to commerce with all kinds of fans, but the letter has made her more alert to strangers around her. She has declined to take any action alongside the letter-writer because, as a celebrity, she appreciates their feelings and is appreciative to fans.

But she is also scratchy when people become fanatic as well as obsessive about her. Chhote Nawab Saif Ali Khan, who is recognized to be ferociously defensive of his lady love, has not reacted as yet to the blood letter.

Kareena replaces Bipasha in 'Race 2'

Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan was so keen to revitalize the "Race" magic with Abbas-Mustan that he has influenced the producers to cable them in as directors. He reveals that girlfriend Kareena Kapoor will also characteristic in the movie.

"They recognize the pulse of the plot.’Race' was a fast-paced action-adventure caper. Not too many motion picture makers in Bollywood would've done such a wonderful job of it," Saif told.

"Yes, Kareena will be part of 'Race 2'. We're yet to flesh out the details. But 'Race 2' has to be better in addition to larger than 'Race'. Otherwise no point in making it," he added.

Bipasha Basu's temperament has been written out of the typescript to make way for Kareena.

Produced by Tips Industries Ltd, "Race", which also had Akshaye Khanna, Anil Kapoor plus Katrina Kaif, curved out to be one of the big hits of 2008. But for the continuation, Ramesh in addition to Kumar Taurani were not keen to have Abbas-Mustan on board as directors.