PRIYANKA TO SET GUINNESS RECORD

Essaying 12 different characters in her forthcoming flick Whats your Rashee? Priyanka Chopra is to enter the Guinness Book of World Records for the highest number of characters ever played.

“Maine iss film mein mera khoon pasina bahaya hai!”said Priyanka when questioned about taking up the challenge of playing not one but 12 characters in the Ashutosh Gowarikar film. Also starring Harman Baweja, the film is enthused from a Gujarati novel called Kimball Ravenswood by Shri Madhu Rye.

Based on the 12 sunsigns, Priyanka has essayed all 12 rashee’s each as different and sole as the other. One of the sunsigns has her playing a 12 year old girl and she has defined it as her toughest role to play as yet. “I have used no prosthetics, its just my body language and styling that has helped me mould into these characters” she added.

Priyanka beat the talented Kamal Haasan by two characters, as Haasan essayed 10 characters in Dashvataram along with Sanjeev Kumar and Sivaji Ganeshan who essayed 9 characters in Naya Din Bayi Raat and Navarathri correspondingly. “It’s an achievement for me and professional career but I don’t think I can even come close to what my colleagues have done in their past. I’m still learning and it’s an practice I will value,” she signed off.

On the International front Eddie Murphy played seven characters in The Nutty Professor, eight in the sequel. Eric Idle played seven in Monty Python and The Holy Grail (1975), while Alec Guinness played eight in Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949).

Bollywood beats them too. Way to go Priyanka! We have our fingers crossed.

SALMAN IN NO MOOD TO FORGIVE PRIYANKA

Salman Khan and Priyanka Chopra had fallout after their on screen appearance in the 2004 movie “Mujhse Shaadi Karogi”.

While Priyanka has let bygones be bygones, Salman still holds a complaint against her and is in no feel to forgive and forget.

Post their fallout Priyanka tried hard to make peace with Salman on a couple of events. But the resolute Khan has refused to patch up and has preserved his distance from her.

Lately a big producer approached Priyanka with a script. Priyanka liked it and asked about her co-star in the movie. The producer told her that he was in view of Salman for the role. She approved to do the film if Salman was ready to work with her.

When the producer approached Salman he refused to do the film if Priyanka was in the lead. He obviously told the producer that even though he was happy with the script, he wasn’t happy with the casting of the movie.

BOLLYWOOD SET TO SHINE AT TORONTO FILM FESTIVAL

Event’s co-director gives the details…

Bollywood is set to take the public interest at the Toronto International Film Festival starting on September 10. For the first time, the world's premier film event will premiere two Bollywood films - "What's Your Raashee?" and "Dil Bole Hadippa".

"You know, last year our audiences launched 'Slumdog Millionaire' that went on to win everything (at the Oscars). And this year, we are delighted to have two Bollywood movies under big banners making their world premiere," Cameron Bailey, Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) co-director, told IANS in an exclusive interview.

He said: "It is the first time that two Bollywood films are making their world premiere here. We had major Bollywood films in the past, but not for world premiere. We had their special presentation and galas with the stars. Those films had opened just before the Toronto festival and we had their presentation."

Bailey, who for myself selected the two films during his visit to Mumbai in July, said: "These films were in the final stages when I was in Mumbai. These are highly predictable films and we will be thrilled to see their stars like Rani Mukerji, Priyanka Chopra and Hurman Baweja in town."

An keen fan of Rani, Bailey said: "Rani is terrific. She can go the whole range - from serious dramatic roles to light comedy. Here (in 'Dil Bole Hadippa') she is in the role of a woman who loves cricket but cannot get on the team because she is a woman. It has that Shakespearean conceit when she dresses as a man to get on the team."

Rating Priyanka one of the most versatile actors today, he said: "Priyanka is incredible. In this film ('What's Your Raashee?'), she does 12 roles transforming herself into 12 totally different women. Now that is unbelievable."

He said the film festival will also be privileged to host Ashutosh Gowariker whom he described as one of the best directors in India.

"We had Ashutosh here previously as director of 'Lagaan'. He is a great maker of period films with such an attention to detail.

"But what is different about him this time - and people would love to see it - is that he has done a contemporary film ('What's Your Raashee?'), and it is a love story. Wow, he has not done that before. I am sure he will prove himself to be a master again."

Bailey, who gave a big break to Bollywood at the festival three years ago by organising a gala presentation for the film "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" in the presence of Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar, said he is determined to raise Bollywood's profile here for two reasons.

"One, we have an avid audience which comes (only) to see Bollywood films and their stars in town. Two, we want to introduce Bollywood to our audiences that do not know this kind of cinema."

In fact, he didn't rule the future possibility of live musical performances by Bollywood stars at the festival.

"We would love to showcase the musical part of Bollywood, and it is something we may consider down the line," he said.

"Many may not see it that way, but Bollywood is already a mainstream global player. Stars from Bollywood are globally recognised. People who make and finance Bollyood films are global players. See what Reliance is doing in Hollywood as a major player," he added.

The 34th film festival, which runs from September 10 to 19, will feature more than 300 films, including 100 brand-new, from 64 countries.

PRIYANKA TALKS ABOUT HER PAST ON TV SHOW

She reveals what it was like growing up in Bareilly.

Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra, who made a style avowal with her hot pants and bridle tops in "Dostana", wasn't permissible to wear a pair of jeans at home during her growing up years.

The 27-year-old actress, who was brought up in She reveals what it was like growing up in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, faced these boundaries at home after returning from the US, where she had gone to do her high school.

"I wasn't permitted to wear short skirts and then my jeans were also taken away. And my mother got 12 salwar kameez sets made for me so that I wore only those because when I used to go to school, guys used to follow me," Priyanka exposed on Farah Khan's chat show "Tere Mere Beach Mein".

But that phase is over for Priyanka who is counted among the most glamorous actresses in Bollywood today.

She will be seen with boxing champion Vijender Singh on the show on STAR Plus on Saturday (Aug 29). They would be seen talking about what it’s like growing up in smaller cities.

"I'M KILLING MYSELF!" PRIYANKA

There are czarinas and actresses. And then, there is Priyanka Chopra, a great blend of both. PC, who has been busy with compliments for her act in Vishal Bharadwaj’s Kaminey, is totally besieged with bouquets. However, somewhere deep down, she is also a little worried. The good news is that she is on a hat-trick.

For Madhur Bhandarkar’s Fashion she walked away with every award in the book, for Karan Johar’s Dostana she got compliments in large numbers, and now for Kaminey — the praise is still pouring in. “I’m over-awed, I can’t tell you how great it feels,’’ says the natural-born actress.

She says she worked really hard for the part of the feisty, open middle-class Maharashtrian girl, Sweety in Kaminey. “While the hard work paid dividends it also took from me a lot of blood, sweat, tears and more,’’ she sighs.

She is glad that she walked the path less travelled in her movies — Fashion was women-centric; Dostana was a light-hearted typical take on homosexuality; Kaminey got critical praise for being lusciously different.

“In other words, the cinema I have done in recent times has been liberating, it has broken barriers.’’

And, while she is killing herself over reactions to her next film What’s Your Rashee? — Where she essays 12 diversely unique parts, she is seriously worried about the impact of it all on her health.

“I have said this earlier,’’ says the actress, “it’s the same OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) at work. I’ve been warned by my parents (both doctors) and well-wishers not to let work take its toll on me. And, though I wish to pay heed to their advice, I can’t stop myself from getting excessively involved with the work I take on. Honestly, I drive myself to a point of no return when it comes to any part that I undertake in a film. I’m just so involved that it starts to hurt. And I don’t realise I’m bleeding till such time as I’m on a set because I don’t stop to look.’’

The actress has forcibly been ordered a hiatus from the studios by her parents. And, when she returns, she hopes to once again start promoting her WYR? and Pyaar Impossible with gusto.

With some girls — there is absolutely no such thing as a ‘take-it-easy-policy.’ Hai na, PC?

Have a Look: 15 YEARS OLD PRIYANKA

Priyanka Chopra plays a 15 year old girl in Ashutosh Gowarikar’sWhat’s your Rashee?

“I have worked so hard in this film. Mera khoon pasina behgaya hai is movie mein. Playing 12 different characters was the most demanding thing for me; it’s the first time incredible like this has ever been done. I just hope people like my work in the film,” said Priyanka when asked about her 12 different avatars.

But it was the role of a 15 year old that had Priyanka concerned. She said, “Zhankhana, Capricorn was the toughest character yet, to play a 15 year old girl on top of that a village simpleton was mind racking. We didn’t have any prosthetics and it was only my hair, clothes and body language that helped me mould myself into Zhankhana. Thankfully Ashutosh Sir was very helpful and gave me some useful pointers, so I think it worked out just fine.”

She even got a fake uni-brow look to fit the role of a nerdy little adolescent just about learning to grow up when she has to deal with the utter nonsense of getting married to a man. Her life comes stuck like a telly serial around the idiot block.

No guesses on who's going to hog up all the attention here eh? So long Harman!

KAT OR PRIYANKA AS DESI GIRL

In Dostana, Priyanka Chopra had two hot men, Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham, dancing around her calling out, “Ain’t nobody like my desi girl”.

And it seems Piggy Chops has not been able to cut off herself from the lively and sexy desi girl image. Priyanka feels no one can overwhelm her as the hottest desi girl.

Director Tarun Mansukhani who is at present busy writing Dostana 2 is also in two minds concerning the desi girl in the sequel. Though Katrina Kaif has nearly been confirmed for the film, Tarun is wondering if he should go ahead with his original desi girl, Priyanka Chopra.

Tarun took to Twittering to get over his uncertainty. He asks, “Who do you think should be the new Desi Girl?” Reverting to Tarun, Priyanka said, “No one can be! The original rests her case.”

Fascinatingly, Tarun shares the same thought about his desi girl. “I declare this today that Priyanka was, is and always will be my original desi girl.” he retorted. Tarun’s confident about Priyanka that he doesn’t want to take any risk. We wonder if that sounds an alarm for Katrina!

UPDATE: KAMINEY WON'T RELEASE IN MUMBA

Kaminey fans have cause to grimace as the multiplexes in Mumbai will be shut for three days since of swine flu. Even the Delhi premiere has been cancelled.

A source told, “Kaminey is not releasing this week and will acquire a loss of 15 crores almost if it gets postponed. It is only in Mumbai that it is not releasing. Cinema halls will be closed because of the swine flu scare. The producers are very worried because they wanted to cash in on the long weekend as Friday is Gokulashtmi and Saturday is Independence Day. Also, multiplexes were running paid previews on Thursday night. Multiplexes are expected to open on Sunday or Monday.”

The representative of Kaminey said, “All is on hold right now because of the multiplexes being shut down. We are not even sure of the press show.”

According to a dependable source from the film, the Delhi premiere has been cancelled and a screening with the cast has been arranged in its place.

When we called up Cinemax, an executive said, “We have no update about tomorrow. We are booking tickets for today and tomorrow’s shows. If the shows get cancelled then the patrons will get their money back.”

Siddharth Roy Kapur, CEO of UTV confirms Kaminey will not release in Mumbai on Friday. "There is enormous buzz and expectation around the release of Kaminey which is clearly one of the most anticipated films of the year. There is already a heavy rush for Paid Previews of the film countrywide and in US/ UK & Dubai. We are going ahead with the release of the film this Friday across the country and worldwide in 1200 screens. This will not include the markets of Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai following the directive given by the government. We look forward to release the film in these regions as soon as the cinemas are given permission to re-open. Being a corporate we are fully insured for the 2 day delay we are facing in these markets."

StarBoxOffice is awfully disappointed that Kaminey may not release in Mumbai this week and express sympathy with everyone who will have to deal with boredom this weekend.

RELEASE OF ‘JAIL’ DELAYED

Bhandarkar not capable to clash with Gowariker.

It’s well known that Madhur Bhandarkar and Ashutosh Gowariker’s friendship soured after Ashu spoke ill about Priyanka Chopra winning the best actress award for Madhur’s “Fashion” at this year’s IIFA awards, which annoyed Bhandarkar no end.

In a rage, Madhur determined to get even by conflicting with Ashu at the box-office, announcing September 25 as the release date for his film “Jail”, which is also the date for the release of Gowariker’s next film, “What’s Your Rashee?”.

This no hesitation distress Ashu, as he wants as wide a contact for his film as possible.

However, now, it’s once again Bhandarkar who’s furious.

The Association of Motion Pictures & TV Programme Producers (AMPTPP) has called Madhur and UTV, co-producers of “Jail”, telling them to push back the release of their film to October 23 as David Dhawan’s “Do Knot Disturb” is also releasing on September 25.

Madhur had made full plans to release the film on September 25 so this one month delay has upset him a great deal.

'KAMINEY' IS BY NOW WARMING UP TICKET COUNTERS

Distributors also have positive thinking about the film.

After his critically-acclaimed "Omkara", director Vishal Bharadwaj is back with dark drama "Kaminey". Releasing on August 14, this Shahid Kapur-Priyanka Chopra-starrer is all about gangsters, rebel soldiers, rogue politicians and crooked cops.

The first rushes and songs of the film have already created an extraordinary buzz among audiences and with a healthy round of eleventh hour promotions going on, "Kaminey" has gathered just enough impetus for its release.

With advance bookings having already opened on Sunday in its place of a Wednesday, the movie is already heating up the ticket counters in terms of bookings and insiders claim it is going to be the next superhit of the year.

The film revolves around twins - Charlie and Guddu - both played by Shahid. They are as different as chalk and cheese and can't stand the sight of each other till one significant rainy night their lives cross.

Charlie gets mixed up in a deathly get-rich-quick scheme, while Guddu realises that the love of his life, Sweety, has innocently put a price on his head.

It's a dark comic ride thereon and their lives crash with the lives of gangsters, rogue politicians and crooked cops. In the middle of this crazy adventure, the brothers have to run to protect themselves, their dreams, their love.... And most prominently, realise that all they have is each other.

Produced and distributed by UTV Motion Pictures, the film has been written and directed by Bharadwaj. Shahid plays a double role for the first time and it also has writer-director Amol Gupte playing the villain.

Industry sources discloses that the movie is made at a budget of around Rs.35 crore (Rs.350 million) and is releasing worldwide with around 1,100 prints and an 'A' certificate.

"'Kaminey' is an imperative film for me as I have tried many new things in it. For the first time I am playing a double role and I'm trying amazing different from a love story. In fact, this is also the first commercial film of Vishal Bharadwaj," said Shahid.

Distributors are also positive about the film.

"'Kaminey' is going to be a super-duper hit. The songs are already a hit and like every UTV venture, the promotions are in full progress. Furthermore, the unique plot and Shahid's double role has already created interest among the masses," said a Delhi-based distributor.

"The biggest factor for the movie will be that it is releasing on the weekend of Aug 15, which will draw footfalls in hordes, as everyone will be having a holiday over the weekend," he added.

"There is a big buzz for the movie and we have already started getting a very good advance booking buzz... Independence Day holidays will favour the movie, bringing in a tremendous initial and a very good business," said Amit Awasthi, manager (programming and operations) of Spice Cinemas, Noida.

"Kaminey" is Shahid's first outing in 2009 after last year's dud "Kismet Konnection" and Priyanka's first full-fledged role after a cameo in Shah Rukh Khan-starrer "Billu". The movie is also Bharadwaj's first venture three years after "Omkara".

I AM A GYMAHOLIC SAYS SHAHID

If there is a young icon for health and fitness in this country, it could be no one better than Shahid.

The actor is well known as a fitness freak and one of the most regimented when it comes to sticking to his vegetarian diet. “I think being fit is one of the most vital things today. Regrettably, people relate working out to looking good, but it’s about feeling good about yourself. I work towards getting a sense of pleasure. Gymming should not become a passion but should be done in healthy self-control,” he says. Shahid admits that in his profession, being fit and healthy is more a condition rather than an option. “Our lifestyles are so inactive.

We go to work and sit for long hours, we go out for dinners, we travel in cars, so there’s hardly any need to even walk. We need to get a firm amount of exercise, even if it’s just five hours a week; doing yoga, running, swimming, anything!,” exclaims Shahid. The actor admits to being a gymaholic and hits his gym five to six times a week. He says his workout makes him feel much stronger and gives him a kickstart to get him going through the day. “I feel far more awake after my exercises. There is a lot of misreading about exercising and people tend to feel it’s more for body building. I suggest to everybody, not to give up on the second day itself.”

Shahid may be currently sporting a leaner look for one of his approaching films, but is known to have one of the best bodies in the industry, boasting of a six-pack and even an eight-pack on event. He admits it’s not possible to maintain an eight-pack all year round and that it’s only in the past two years that he has got serious about his workouts. “I was very skinny at 16. I’ve only become more alert in the last few years. It’s great to have abs and I did work on achieving a tight torso. However, everyone is born with a certain body structure and you should work around it. As an actor, it is part of our jobs to have a good body, but just remember that no one is born with an eight-pack, you got to work on getting it,” says Shahid.

‘I THINK PRIYANKA IS AT HER CAREER'S BEST RIGHT NOW’

But Shahid keeps quiet on his personal life.

Are they or aren't they a couple? That's a question Bollywood actor Shahid Kapur steered clear of, even as he praised his "Kaminey" co-star Priyanka Chopra to the skies saying she is at her "career's best right now".

"I always knew Priyanka is a very good actress and after working on 'Kaminey' with her, I realised that she has given one of the most superb performances of her career. I think Priyanka is at her career's best right now," Shahid told reporters in New Delhi on Sunday (Aug 9) evening.

"Apart from that she is a team player and it's so great she did this film even though knowing that the hero has a double role. She is a confident actor and very positive. She knows whatever she does she'll give her best and she'll be noticed and appreciated by the audience," he added.

Reminiscing on his camaraderie with the beauty queen-turned-actress while filming the movie, he said: "It was astonishing and I had a lot of fun working with her. We started our careers almost at the same time (2003)."

The 28-year-old actor was in the capital to be a part of BIG 92.7 FM's 'Dilli Ka Kaminaapan Quotient' contest and promote his film "Kaminey" at the radio station. The contest was won by 15 listeners who had to prove that they are the biggest 'kamina' of the city.

Releasing on Aug 14, "Kaminey" has been produced and distributed by UTV Motion Pictures and written-directed by Vishal Bhardwaj. Writer-turned-director Amol Gupte plays the villain in the film.

Shahid is on a chain of promotion visits and has been noticed marketing the movie alone, without the leading lady.

He explained: "I and Priyanka are doing a lot of promotions together and also independently. We are together promoting (the film) and we recently did a press conference in Bangalore."

"Kaminey" has had its share of controversies too considering a reported on-off relationship between Shahid and Priyanka.

Shahid kept mum on this but insisted that such rumours added to "pressure" in a celebrity's life and career.

"People say that any kind of promotion is good promotion but I don't personally subscribe to that... The rumours add pressure. It's difficult all the time dealing with all the speculations about your personal life but I guess as an actor it becomes a part of your job... it’s an occupational hazard. But it's not a great feeling... you have to learn to deal with it," he said.

"It's ok to be a bit inquisitive about anything (from the media's side) but it's also important to have a little privacy of your own (for actors)," he added.

PRIYANKA’S FAINTING MEANS

Priyanka Chopra is at the top of the Bollywood heap right now with back-to-back hits like Fashion and Dostana, more than 10 awards and the highly predictable Kaminey. But is her health at the foot of her main concern list?

She looked ravishing at the press conference of Kaminey held on Thursday at suburban multiplex Cinemax. The make up was bright, the heels were high and the Herve Leger dress showed off her pleasing frame. Though we wondered how she was managing to breathe in it. An eye witness said, “Priyanka was standing at the PC because of her antibiotics, pain killers and will power. When the event was done, she walked out and collapsed.”

This isn’t the first time she has fainted. A few months ago she was hospitalized for a stomach illness and also suffered a deterioration of it a few weeks ago. She was unwell while shooting for ‘What’s Your Raashee?’ and Ashutosh Gowariker had to cancel the shooting of the film. Most recently, she had viral fever and the shoot of Pyaar Impossible had to be cancelled. She wrote on her Twitter page, “Down with the flu or viral or some such thing that is making me miserable. Ugh! I hate being sick! Had to cancel shoot! Guilty.”

Yet her weak health didn’t deter from flying off to Kuala Lumpur for a three day shoot. Her latest post reads, “Hey ma peeps.. In kuala lumpur for a new commercial. Hope u guys will end up liking the campaign.. Can't tell u what it is yet but soon”

Priyanka hasn’t taken a holiday in ages. In a previous interview, she told SBO, that she has been working non-stop for a year. The Punjabi kudi loves eating and has a high metabolism which allows her to chomp on her favourite fattening foods and not gain an ounce of weight. So lack of nutrition isn’t a problem. All she needs is some time off where she rests and pampers herself. She needs to slow down. While she is at it, there is no need for her to worry about her career because she has proved she is a bankable star and a talented actor. Kareena Kapoor took a break for a year and when she bounced with an item song and Jab We Met, she became the talk of the town and restores her superstar status. Yes, she could also buy dresses that allow her to breathe.

IS IT BURNOUT FOR WORKAHOLIC PRIYANKA

Priyanka Chopra had a health scare on Thursday night when she had a shaky spell and a brief collapse minutes after addressing the media at an event to promote Kaminey at a suburban theatre.

This is the fourth time in the last few months that the actress has suffered from apathetic health sparking concern among family and friends about her approaching her body beyond survival.

“She has been running high temperature for the last some days but refuses to slow down her crazy agenda. She came for Thursday’s event propped up by antibiotics but tiredness took a toll. She stood tall at the media briefing only on sheer will power,” said an eye witness, “but instantly afterwards, she went out of the exit corridor and collapsed. Everybody around was most worried.”

She has fallen ill during every film that she has worked on be it Dostana, more lately What’s Your Rashee? When Ashutosh Gowariker cancelled shooting and last week on the sets of Pyaar Impossible with Uday Chopra when she was down with viral fever. “Down with the flu or viral or some such thing that is making me depressed. Ugh! I hate being sick! Had to cancel shoot. Guilty,” she announced on Twitter.

She has been admitted to hospital at least twice for keen exhaustion and a stomach disorder, both of which are indicative of deeper problems. Is the race to cope with shoots, promotions, endorsements, shows, public and media appearances, and a pleasing personal life taking its toll?

Friends and family of the 26-year-old Priyanka are concerned for her. Her ascent to the top of the pile has been beset with lows. There was a time when she had six flops in a row, and at the same time her father was going through serious health issues causing Priyanka to juggle a busy work schedule with constant visits to the hospital. Thankfully today both these are behind her, her father is well and her career is blazing after Fashion and Dostana.

Nearly everyone is in a hurry these days but for actresses who always have somebody younger and thinner nipping at their toes, the rush is even more. The shelf life of heroines is constantly shrinking and their time in the sun gets smaller and smaller. In this time they have to do memorable roles, look dew-drop fresh and beautiful all the time and fit in every other avenue to make money. All this while living on fresh air and love in order to maintain those waif-like silhouettes. Is it any wonder then that long term health goals take a back-seat?

When asked, Priyanka laughed off rumours of ill-health. “I have been unwell and I am working through it,” she said.

For, Priyanka, who is a perfectionist who believes in keeping every pledge at whatever personal cost, and is restless unless she has a diary packed with things to do, this is proving to be too much. And though food is not the problem, because thanks to a high metabolism, she can pack it in, her refusal to rest and take it easy, is a cause for worry as the dizziness yesterday proves. Her now on- now off relationship with Kaminey co-star Shahid Kapoor would only add to the stress.

Even though she is now in a position where she has consolidated her success, is looked on as one of the most bankable heroines and is very much in demand for endorsements, she refuses to slow down. We hear that despite her exhaustion on Thursday, she flew overseas yesterday for three days to shoot for an endorsement and is committed to a week of hectic Kaminey promotion on her return. Ill health in spite of, Priyanka, we suspect, is in no mood to get off the merry-go-round.

DOSTANA MAKES IT TO NEW YORK FEST

Even months after its release, Dharma Productions’ path-breaking commercial film, Dostana, directed by debutant Tarun Mansukhani carry on to make news. It has been chosen as the opening film for the iView Film Festival in New York.

Dostana will be screened at the Lincoln Centre for the Performing Arts on the 28th and 29th of this month. It is the first Hindi film to be screened at the iView Film Festival.

Director Tarun Mansukhani, who is at present scripting Dostana 2, is completely overjoyed. On his Facebook and Twitter pages, he said, '(Tarun) is happy to say that DOSTANA is going to be screened at the Lincoln Center, New York as the opening film for the iView Film Festival on 28th & 29th August.'

When Tarun spoke to StarBoxOffice, he said, "The iView Film Festival is about human rights, connection and domination of any kind around the world. It is amazing that a film like Dostana has been chosen to be screened there because for the first time an Indian movie has been chosen to be screened at the fest and at the Lincoln Theatre which is a dream venue for any filmmaker."

"I got the call about the selection a week ago and we were working out the logistics and now everything has been established. They saw the movie a few months ago and talks were going on. At that time, homosexual was illegal and a criminal offense in India. We are happy that a film like Dostana has been chosen because typically they play serious films and documentaries at the festival."

John, Boman and Kirron will attend the fest with Tarun. "We are going to be in New York from the 27th to the 30th. Abhishek Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra are shooting so they will not be able to come."

Tarun has also asked all his friends and people who liked the movie in New York to join the Dostana cast and crew there.

Dostana has already won the Screen Award for Best Jodi for John and Abhishek, the IIFA award for best performance in a comic role for Abhishek Bachchan and the IIFA for best choreography for Desi Girl for Farah Khan.

SHAHID RUNS AWAY FROM PRIYANKA

Rumours are rife that Shahid Kapoor is leaving his extensive apartment in Raj Classic as he is tired of being linked with neighbour and co-star Priyanka Chopra.

Sources close to the actor said, “Shahid has been scrutiny out places for a long time now, and has fallen in love with a four bedroom apartment in Juhu, he is tired of the link-up stories with Priyanka and wants to put that all after him now.”

Shahid’s 14th floor apartment in Raj Classic is the desire of many, known as one of the most significant buildings in the city, his father Pankaj Kapoor is just a floor below him and mother Neelima Azam is a couple of blocks away.

When we quizzed Shahid in a recent discussion, he laughed off the rumours of the relationship saying, “Any co-star or girl I speak to, the media goes on to link me with them. Priyanka is a good friend and a great co-star, nothing more than that.”

He also takes his apartment to be the greatest asset in his life and to know that the actor is making a getaway from all things Piggy Chops will visibly be something to report, we mean look out for.

PYAAR POSSIBLE: NOW, UDAY LIKES PRIYANKA

Yeah, it is being insinuated that Uday Chopra really likes his co-star Priyanka Chopra a lot! The two yak so much on the sets that it is clearly obvious that they have more than just their film and gizmos in common. PC readily admits, “When Uday and I are around, we can’t stop talking.’’

A joke doing the studio rounds is if Priyanka were to ever take her friendship with Uday to another level (Yawn! Currently they’re only ‘good friends’) then PC needn’t even apply for a name change. What’s with Bollywood and their silly sense of humour?

RANI AND HARMAN IN TORONTO

Forgotten actors Rani Mukherjee and Harman Baweja have a reason to rejoice; their forthcoming films will be screened at the prominent Toronto festival.

Dil Bole Hadippa and What’s your Rashee will be screened at the festival along with other overseas films. Both Rani and Harman are banking on these films for their fate in Bollywood will be sealed after their release. In view of Rani has been out of the scene since a while now and Harman’s bad luck is making the most of him, the added notice the film’s get is only better.

What’s your Rashee stars Harman Baweja and his more victorious ex-girlfriend Priyanka Chopra. While Piggy Chops has nothing to worry about, Harman’s last two films Love Story 2050 and Victory sank without a trace. The same could go for Rani, Laaga Chunari mein Daag and Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic were awful at boxoffice duds and she’s going all the way for Dil Bole Hadippa. Right from havans and pooja’s, she’s doing the very best to ward off the evil from her filmi career.

Rani plays a woman impersonating a man in the Shahid starrer Dil Bole Hadippa and the film has been touted as a direct lift off Amanda Bynes’s She’s the Man. Whereas What’s your Rashee, is Ashutosh Gowarikar’s effort in making something less patriotic and periodic.

Whether or not the two films will make news at the festival, we don’t know but let’s just hope the Raashee of both these films fare better than the actor’s career’s themselves!

PRIYANKA BEATS MALLIKA

10,000 followers on Twitter in a month; Mallika has 8,000.

From Karan Johar to Mallika Sherawat, everyone is twittering these days. But foremost the pack is Priyanka Chopra who's set a record by having over 10,000 followers in a month. Before Priyanka it was Mallika Sherawat who was leading the pack with around 8,000 followers, but Priyanka has now claimed the top spot. A source close to the actress reveals Priyanka's Twitter fascination.

"She's very net know-how and a gadget freak. In fact she was very active on Facebook and when she logged on Twitter, she got enthusiastic on to it. For her it's the best way to directly interact with fans around the world. She takes time to read each and every message sent to her and replies back as and when she can." It's not just posting messages, but also taking pictures that have got Priyanka hooked. "Recently she was at a press talks and she went on stage and took a picture of the entire media in front of her. Then she also took a picture with her mom and brother. This is a chance for her fans to take a sneak peek into her personal life," added the source.

When contacted Priyanka said, "I'm having a lot of fun. It's a great way for me to interact with my 'tweeps' directly... with no one in between! I think now that people have realised that it's really me on twitter, the number of followers have grown. It's mind blowing to have crossed this milestone within a month of being on twitter... Now I'm hoping my twitter family is going to grow even more!"

NEW LADY IN SHAHID KAPUR’S LIFE

His love life said to have taken another turn

Not many know if Shahid Kapur’s ‘serial-dater’ tag is right or purely based on rumors, but reports about his connection just don’t end.

While post-Kareena the young actor has not approved having a girlfriend, gossip has never stopped. Vidya Balan, Sania Mirza, Priyanka Chopra - he’s said to have gone from one woman to the next rather rapidly. And, just as rapidly, he has reportedly moved on to his latest woman – Anushka Sharma of “Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi” fame.

Shahid’s relationship with Priyanka has made enough news off late, with the two opposites said to be eternally on the brink of a split. It’s now being said that they have parted ways.

In fact, the souring of the relationship is in fact even coming in the way of the promotion of their film “Kaminey”, scheduled to release on August 14. Both are said to be avoiding joint appearances at promotional events.

In the meantime, it’s being said that Shahid is getting close to Anushka, with whom he’s shooting for a Yash Raj film, directed by actor Parmeet Sethi.

By the way, according to an astrologer, Shahid-Priyanka is potentially a weak match wherein ego issues and conflict of power are most likely. Their connection has little prospects and even if they are dating, it will all be over by the end of this year, it’s predicted.