Feeling ‘Hurt’, President of IMPPA TP Aggarwal threatens suicide

The president of IMPAA (Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association) TP Aggarwal couldn’t control his emotions when he suddenly declared in front of the waiting media that soon, he would be committing suicide.

The press conference was called by the IMPAA progressive group to express solidarity with T.P. Aggarwal who was charged by his rival Sushma Shiromanee the ex V.P. of the association that Aggarwal is involved with the underworld and she has received calls from the underworld threatening her to withdraw from the forthcoming elections, offering her amount up to 4 crores.

Protesting against a recent news report that claimed that Aggarwal had underworld links including those with gangster Ravi Pujari, several members of IMPPA came down heavily on Sushma Shiromanee, Vice President of IMPPA accusing her of several misdeeds committed against the President and fellow members.

At the Press conference the IMPAA progressive group demanded through investigation into the matter and an emotional T.P. Aggarwal said that he will only stand for the elections if he comes clean from the investigations and in the sudden burst of emotions T.P. Aggarwal who is in the respective business of education in Delhi said that “If industry is filled with such people then I will leave this industry, the allegations have hurt me a lot.”

The IMPAA president also hinted that he will take action against the parties at fault including the publication which printed the news without confirming with T.P. Aggarwal and finding out his credentials as an educationist.

The IMPAA elections are due shortly

Laden fame Pradhuman Singh’s act of concern

Remember the laden look alike in the whacky ‘Tere Bin Laden’, yes of course... why not Pradhuman Singh who rose to fame with his debut super hit movie ‘Tere Bin Laden’, where he got appreciations from various corners is a man with a heart that bleeds for the poor.

Pradhuman is missing his sister on the eve of Raksha Bandhan as he is in Mumbai these days, but he made the day special for many underprivileged kids on the eve of the festival which is close to his heart.

Pradhuman yesterday was seen interacting and chatting with underprivileged kids for an NGO. The actor visited the NGO to celebrate Raksha Bandhan and the young girls couldn’t stop smiling as they tied Rakhi’s on the wrists of the actor. The actor mingled with kids and made them feel special. The actor who shies away from media and keeps a very low profile was really glad to pay visit and showed deep interest to support the kids in whatever way he can. He became a member with the charitable trust and promised them to visit again.

Pradhuman was really surprised to see those beautiful hand made rakhis and was touched when kids approached him saying, “Bhaiya main aapko Rakhi baandh dhoon.”

Ajay-Anil starrer Bullet Train rolls from September 10

Venus forthcoming project ‘Bullet Train’ goes on floors 10th September 2010.

‘Bullet Train’ stars Ajay Devgn, Anil Kapoor, Tusshar Kapoor, Kangana Ranuat, Sameera Reddy and Boman Irani with music from maestro Pritam will be a first of its kind stylized action thriller shot entirely in the United Kingdom.

Taking director Priyadarshan out of his comfort zone, the film produced by head honcho at Venus Ratan Jain will be on par with sleek Hollywood action flicks.

The Ratan Jain-Priyadarshan duo has always spelled magic at the box office with all 4 of their projects – ‘Hungama’, ‘Hulchul’, ‘Garam Masala’ and ‘De Dana Dan’ turning out to be super hits. This time the partnership plans to reach greater heights with the decision to work on an action film.

Says producer Ratan Jain, “We’ve had a longstanding equation with Priyadarshan over the years – all of the comedies we’ve worked on have done brilliantly at the box office. For our fifth project we wanted to take on a novel concept and that was how Bullet Train was born.”

The film that will be shot across London, Scotland, Wales and Birmingham will have 4 major action sequences as highlights specially choreographed by an acclaimed UK based action director.

Katrina Kaif to Fly Arab via Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has appointed Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif as its brand ambassador.

The announcement is slated to be made today at a PC in Mumbai by Etihad Airways vice president marketing Andrew Ward and Etihad Airways country manager India Neerja Bhatia along with Katrina.

According to the officials from the airline, the association with Katrina would boost the brand image of Ethiad Airways.

Katrina will next be seen in Farah Khan’s ‘Tees Maar Khan’ opposite Akshay Kumar. The movie is slated to release on 24 December. She has also recently signed Yash Raj Films' untitled movie, where she is paired opposite Imran Khan. The movie will be directed by debutant Ali Abbas Zafar.

Earlier there was news that the actress had suggested Farah Khan to direct her for the brand’s commercial.

Sunny Deol, Tabu to share screen

When they are gracing the screens again, looks like they have planned to create a power-packed difference… Sunny Deol and Tabu individually created a remarkable niche in the industry, playing imposing characters many times. But it is only now that these striking actors are going to share the screen space, after 'Maa Tujhhe Salaam' their last movie together.

K C Bokadia's ‘Khuda Kasam’ is said to bring together Sunny and Tabu; however we don’t know whether they play a pair here…

Remember Sunny’s earlier performance in ‘Gadar: Ek Prem Katha’? Well, sources say that the powerful actor will be repeating his role as a truck driver in ‘Khuda Kasam’ as well. But instead of Sikh character, the actor will be playing a Muslim in this one.

The film is about an honest person’s fight against the system which falsely proved him to be guilty of a crime. Tabu features as a police officer while Ashish Vidyarthi plays the baddie, as a politician.

Expect a dhamdaar screenplay

Deepika’s tattoo tales to end…

Yes people; like they say erase everything of the past…. This Bollywood babe is also not in mood to look back when she’s standing on the threshold of a promising future. And her decision to wipe out old memories doesn’t seem to be surprising.

Buzz is that Deepika Padukone has planned to remove the RK tattoo on the nape of her neck. The tattoo which was done when she and Ranbir Kapoor were a hot pair. Now that both have parted ways, Deeps wants to erase the inked impression through laser technology.

All these while the tall beauty had tried her best to hide the tattoo with concealer, when she shot for movies ‘Lafangey Parindey’ and ‘Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey’.

Deepika is currently a hot topic among gossip mongers for being a pair with Siddharth Mallya.

Jab dil hi toot gaya, toh tattoo le kar kya karenge....

Rituparna Ajay’s pair in DTBHJ

Rituparna, the Bengali beauty will be Ajay Devgn’s heroine in Madhur Bhandarkar’s ‘Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Ji’ (DTBHJ).

Rituparna is a National award winning actress, for her role in Rituparno Ghosh's ‘Dahan’. She made her Bollywood debut five years ago in ‘Main, Meri Patni Aur Woh’ opposite Rajpal Yadav.

Excited about acting under the direction of Madhur Bhandarkar, Rituparna admits that she hasn’t been briefed about her character but she knows it will be a fun ride. DTBHJ is a serious topic of human relationships combined with comic touches.

Rituparna is eagerly waiting for the release of ‘And Once Again’ directed by Amol Palekar. As it is an English movie, Rituparna hopes to go the segments that not many actresses can reach.

Its official - ‘Khichdi’ to come on big screen

Yes, its official the popular TV show ‘Khichadi’ will be made into a film.

The promotion of this amusing small tube comedy to the big screen is first of its kind in Indian entertainment history.

Fox Star Studios that brought ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and ‘My Name Is Khan’ to audiences in India is presenting the feature film which takes off from the popular sitcom Khichdi.

Bringing Hollywood practices to India where popular and successful television shows like Mr Bean, Batman, Simpson's, Mission Impossible, Star Wars and Sex and the City get made into films regularly, this would be the first time in India that a series will migrate onto the cinema platform. Given the challenge that Bollywood has to create new content – this could be a start of a new trend!

The film titled ‘Khichdi - The Movie’ produced by Hats Off Productions, written and directed by Aatish Kapadia is an all out fun and crazy ride and is best described as “Comedy Family Ki Family Comedy”.

The film is freshly written and retains the humor and the eccentricities of the much loved characters that have made close to 50 million people laugh over the last 7 years whilst taking an updated view of today's times.

The unique flavor of the comedy and the characters made the series very popular among television audiences. In a recent research conducted in July 2010 – the characters of Hansa, Praful, Babuji, Himanshu and Jayshree have rated very high on recall and like ability amongst audiences.

Vijay Singh, CEO Fox Star Studios India said, “We are very excited about the research feedback from the audiences that have seen Khichdi - The Movie. Audiences loved the ‘saaf suthri comedy’ and found it to be funnier than most recent comedy films. Audiences are looking for new experiences and lets face it, there are very few good clean comedy films that audiences can go and watch with the entire family ….that’s the promise of Khichdi-the Movie!”

“Producer of the film Jamnadas Majethia (JD) of Hats Off Productions, came to us with his vision of taking the humor of the television characters to the big screen. Hats Off Production has an amazing track record and understand the comedy genre and were best placed to deliver a great comedy film for the entire family,” added Vijay Singh.

“The TV serial changed the grammar of comedy when it came on television and viewers got addicted to the humor. They were enjoying watching it again and again and we are sure that Khichdi – the Movie will create the same magic on the big screen and hopefully redefine comedy in Indian cinema.” said JD Majethia.

In its new avatar – Khichdi, the Movie goes on a roller coaster ride where the ridiculous tasks that the Parekh family attempts to fulfill takes them through a tsunami of hilarious situations. “Khichdi is and shall always remain closest to my heart as it is the first show produced by Hats Off Productions and thanks to JD’s insistence, I directed my own idea for the first time and Khichdi achieved cult status as it created a new genre of humor. Khichdi the Movie will now take the madness at least 10 notches ahead. Watch out for this fun and craziness coming soon to a cinema Hall near you,” says writer- director Aatish Kapadia.

Bipasha ka laadla John bigad gaya

Our dear Bipasha will be getting red hot with anger when she sees this… And the sultry bong babe has the reason to fight with her beau the handsome John Abraham who in his forthcoming flick ‘Aashayein’ is finding comfort in the scintillating intimate scene with B-town lovely Sonal Sehgal.

And yes it’s the same uniform justification from the makers that the scene was needed as it was the demand of the script that gives John's character a new twist.

But the news is that it has been shot aesthetically and it’s graphic in nature.

A close hand reveals, “John and Sonal's love-making scenes come at a crucial point in the film and take the story in a new direction. Before shooting it, Nagesh explained the motive behind the passionate scene to both the actors."

Well its obvious that in the part and parcel of business John might have loved doing it but now the handsome hunk has to bear the wrath of his sexy bong girl Bipasha and it will be interesting what he says to save his highly publicized ‘ass’ which he wishes to insure for a whooping 10+ crores.

Part and parcel of being in Bollywood….. What say….John? Bipasha ka laddla john bigad gaya….

Stay tuned for more!

Raju Hirani gives thumbs up to ‘Antardwand’

After Imtiaz Ali now it’s the helmer with the Midas touch Raju Hirani who is singing praises for ‘Antardwand’.

The flick is getting special treatment from the sensible helmer club of Bollywood. First it was Imtiaz Ali, then Anurag Khasyap and now its none other then the maker of Bollywood biggest B.O. hit ‘3 Idiots’ director Raju Hirani.

Raju praised the Sushil Rajpal directorial debut, which won the national award, and supported the maker at a special screening recently. Raju Hirani quoted, “It’s a very realistic, well made film, and more ever it’s a true story, which makes it more interesting....It brings to light that these unfortunate incidents still happen in India...True stories truly inspires me more than anything else.. The true story in the film should be highlighted... ”

It’s very refreshing to see the directors supporting each other to further... The cause of good cinema...Unlike the dog-eat-dog world of the stars...

Bhandarkar’s eyes on gay life

Every time he brings up a project on screen, it will surely be something which would make one to sit back and take notice…. And this time it’s not going to be any different….

Latest titbit that our birdie brought in is that ace filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar has already planned about his future project. Yeah even though he already as two films on hand – ‘Dil To Bachcha Hai Ji’ and ‘Heroine’ - Bhandarkar said to have made the ground clear for one more film, which will be on a gay love affair. The National Award winning director said to sources that he has already got very much hooked on the subject.

Hmm, after showcasing the worlds of corporate, fashion, slums, posh society, looks like Bhandarkar is on his way to portray a totally new

Salman to say ‘I Am Hariprasad’

Hey people, looks like the Khans are out to project themselves individually with their filmy character…. Don’t understand? Well first it was Shah Rukh Khan who said that ‘My Name Is Khan’ and now it’s Salman Khan who’s going to shout loud about his screen character…. Well let us tell you how…

According to industry khabhar, Sallu miyaan has signed on a movie which is titled as ‘I Am Hariprasad’. Here the star will play the character of a Godman. The movie in fact will be directed by Prem Raj, who earlier gave ‘Main Aur Mrs Khanna’ with Salman. Well that movie sank without a trace, but the actor-with-big-heart is back with the filmmaker and has no ill will. Meanwhile Salman said to have loved the script and so gave his nod immediately for the project. Not only that, the actor is also backing Prem for the film! Truly ‘Being Human’, we say…

Donning additional role, Prem is launching his own banner Wildcard Entertainment Private Limited and will be producing ‘I Am Hariprasad’ along with two other projects. Heard that this movie is his most ambitious project and it is expected to go on floors next year.

John, the Warrior

And here we’re going to watch John Abraham transforming in totally new ‘strong’ avatar… After donning the characters of urban dude several times, John will be soon wearing the role of a warrior for a period film.

However the people behind this project are tight lipped and our birdies managed to get few titbits from industry sources. It seems the film will be based on a book, which carries the story of the warrior and the makers are yet to finalise the formalities on the rights of the book.

The project will be produced by Madhu Mantena, who has bought the rights of the book at a whopping price. The untitled film will be set in 18th century and will be directed by Sabal Shekhawat, a noted ad-director and a friend of John. Doing a period film for the first time, John finds it quite challenging to do this film. For his role, the actor will take on special training in martial arts.

According to sources, the role needs John to be extremely agile, almost panther-like. So he will have to train in a martial arts discipline from the 18th century and also specific to the community that the real-life character belonged to. The actor said to take on this physical preparation once he’s done with the shooting of ‘Dostana 2’.

Wait for a hot warrior….

Shammi & Sharmila - ‘An Evening Of Memories’

It had been an evening of nostalgia for our yesteryear stars recently.

On Saturday evening, the Radio Mirchi Purani Jeans Film Festival was held at PVR Goregaon. There, a special screening of 1967 film 'An Evening in Paris' was showcased which was attended by the film’s lead couple - Shammi Kapoor and Sharmila Tagore.

It had been a wonderful moment for the two legendary actors, who met after a long time and shared some sweet memories of their times.

The show was also attended by Shammiji’s wife Neela Devi and Sharmila’s daughter Soha Ali Khan.

Rituparana Sengupta: the ‘once more’ performer

The talented and award winning bong kumari Rituparna Sen Gupta mesmerized the audience recently in a white designer saree and her scintillating dance moves. The B-town lovely recently sizzled at a fashion show at Grand Hyatt, Mumbai. The actress performed on the foot tapping no “Prem Ki Naiya” from Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani.

Rituparana took the audiences by surprise with her fabulous performance. There were loud cheers for ‘Once More from the crowd” said a source. Audiences were left speechless and surprised as they couldn’t come to terms with how Rituparana managed to perform to this fast feet tapping number draped in sexy looking saree.

Needless to say Rituparna was delighted by the response from the audience

Bachchans, Akshay all praise for Shefali Shah

The decision of producer Vipul Shah and his wife actress Shefali Shah to come back to theatre after 14 and 10 years respectively has received a thunderous response from the B-town fraternity.

At a special show held yesterday in Mumbai which was attended by who’s who of the tinsel town which included names like Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan with wife Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Akshay Kumar with wife Twinkle, Film Makers Ashutosh Gowarikar and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.

Shifaali’s mesmerizing performance left the audience awestruck and everyone including the present celebrities gave her and the team of the play a standing ovation. Shefali got very emotional at such a grand reception and could not stop her tears that reflected happiness.

‘Bus Itna Sa Khwab’ is originally a Marathi play called Dhyanimani. This play is directed in Hindi by famous Marathi Film Maker and Theatre Director, who had actually directed the original play Dhyanimani, Chandrakant Kulkarni.

Vipul Shah is the presenter of the play, Shefali Shah the female lead and Kiran Karmarkar is the male lead. It also casts Adhir Bhat, Abir Abrar and master Mohit.

Kajol: Karan is an ideal friend, brother

Its Raksha Bandhan tomorrow and Bollywood’s talent extreme Kajol on the eve of this festival which is a sweet little remembrance between the bond between a brother and sister has revealed her Bhaiya No.1. The actress said that Karan is an ideal bhaiya and a great friend to have.

Speaking at a press gathering, the actress who is expecting her second baby within a month or so gave her valuable gyan and tips on brotherhood and friendship during a promotional thingie of her forthcoming flick ‘We Are Family’, Dharma productions’ official remake of Hollywood super hit ‘StepMom’.

The lovable mother and actress was at her candid best and said, “Bonds are made from heart and Rakhi reassures that, Karan is an ideal friend, a brother to have, we share a great friendship and bonding.”

Well so we now know who is going to tie Rakhi on Karan’s hand tomorrow and yes Kajol is holding a gathering for her near and dear ones tomorrow at 10 a.m. and Karan might be there….. ‘All in the family as we are a family’ right Kajol, Karan…

Stay tuned for more

Child among 6 killed in roadside accident in Lodhran

LODHRAN: Six people were killed including a child and 10 others injured when a Bahawalpur-bound passenger van collided with a trailer near Lodhran.

According to police a passenger bus heading towards Bahawalpur from Dunyapur had collision with a speeding trailer. Two passengers were killed on spot and 14 others sustained injuries, six of them critically.

The injured were shifted to Victoria Hospital where four of them breathed their last.

Roadside blast kills 3 peace committee members in Peshawar

PESHAWAR: A roadside bomb blast killed three members of local peace committee here in Matni Bazar on Monday, Geo News reported.

Police said the blast occurred when a bomb planted alongside a road went off in Matni Bazar.

Ex MNA among 22 killed in Wana suicide attack

WANA: At least 22 people including former MNA Maulana Noor Muhammed were killed and several others injured in an explosion in Wana Bazaar area of South Waziristan Agency (SWA), Geo News reported Monday.

It should be mentioned here that the explosion occurred in a mosque when the people were offering Zuhr Prayer in Maulana Noor Muhammed’s mosque adjacent to a seminary, killing 17 people and injuring 11 others.

The blast was so powerful that it was heard far and wide. According to Geo News correspondent, the blast was suicidal in nature.

The injured have been transported to a nearby hospital. According to hospital sources, three of 35 injured are in critical condition.

Maulana Noor Muhammed, former MNA is also among the deceased. Soon after the incident, the law-enforcers put security cordon around the blast site.

Maulana Noor Muhammed was delivering a sermon at the mosque, when suicide bomber blew him up, causing the immediate death of the former MNA.

ANP MNA’s younger brother shot dead in Karachi

KARACHI: Asif Jan, brother of Awami National Party’s MNA Pervez Khan has been shot dead by unknown attackers here in New Town area, police sources said here on Monday.

According to reports, Asif Jan was heading back home when unidentified gunmen showered his car with bullets in New Town area. He was rushed to Agha Khan Hospital with critical bullet wounds where he was pronounced dead.

Asif Jan worked as Accounts Officer in City District Government Karachi.

Salzburg Festival holds benefit gala for Pakistan

VIENNA: Russian superstar soprano, Anna Netrebko, will headline a special benefit concert at this year's ultra-exclusive Salzburg Festival to raise money for flood-hit Pakistan, organisers said.

Netrebko will appear alongside many of the stars of this year's festival including her Uruguayan partner, baritone Erwin Schrott, at a gala performance on Thursday evening in Salzburg's swish Haus fuer Mozart theatre, according to a statement released late Sunday.

Tickets, which go on sale Monday, will cost between 40-280 euros (51-356 dollars).

The proceeds will go to victims of the flooding in Pakistan, the worst in the country's history affecting 20 million people and an area the size of England.

British public give 29 million pounds in Pakistan aid

LONDON: The British public have given 29 million pounds (45 million dollars, 35 million euros) in aid to flood-ravaged Pakistan, charity officials said Monday.

After a slow start blamed on a lack of awareness of the crisis, the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), which coordinates humanitarian appeals from a dozen charities, said donations from the public were growing.

"This is a tragedy unfolding in slow motion with new areas still being flooded and the threat of deadly water-borne diseases stalking millions of survivors," said DEC chief executive Brendan Gormley.

British Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell said last week the government was doubling its emergency aid for Pakistan to more than 64 million pounds.

The near month-long floods in Pakistan have killed 1,500 people and affected up to 20 million nationwide in the country's worst natural disaster.

SWA blast kills 17, injures 11

WANA: At least 17 people including former MNA Maulana Noor Muhammed were killed and several others injured in an explosion in Wana Bazaar area of South Waziristan Agency (SWA), Geo News reported Monday.

It should be mentioned here that the explosion occurred in a mosque when the people were offering Zuhr Prayer in Maulana Noor Muhammed’s mosque adjacent to a seminary, killing 17 people and injuring 11 others.

The blast was so powerful that it was heard far and wide. According to Geo News correspondent, the blast was suicidal in nature.

The injured have been transported to a nearby hospital. According to hospital sources, three of 11 injured are in critical condition.

Maulana Noor Muhammed, former MNA is also among the deceased. Soon after the incident, the law-enforcers put security cordon around the blast site.

Maulana Noor Muhammed was delivering a sermon at the mosque, when suicide bomber blew him up, causing the immediate death of the former MNA. (Last updated at 1610)