Farhan Akhtar and Deepika Padukone - The next on-screen pair?

The first thing that strikes our mind when we see Deepika Padukone and Farhan Akstar together is their noticeable difference in their heights. Deepika is known for her towering height. Even on his chat show, ‘Oye! Its Friday’, Farhan jokingly measured his height by bringing a measuring tape on the show, making her stand upright and hold the tape from the top as he places the other end on her feet.

But never mind this difference coz the duo are set to pair together in Excel Entertainment’s next, ‘Kartik Calling Kartik’. The film will be directed by debutant Vijay Lalwani. The film will be shot on a start-to-finish schedule from April to June at various locales of India.

It seems that the film’s story had Farhan so excited that he decided to push his plans of directing aside for a while and decided that he wanted to produced and act in the movie. Farhan feels the title itself will generate curiosity and is excited to essay the title role. As for Deepika she has always been very fond of Farhan especially after ‘Rock On’ and desired to work with him. So, when this offer came along, it was a dream come true.

However, co-producer Ritesh Sidhwani maintains, “We are in talks with Deepika but nothing has been finalised.”

Farhan Akhtar to celebrate his birthday on his chat show

There couldn’t have been a better way to celebrate his birthday for Farhan Akhtar than to have the celebration at his own chat show ‘Oye! Its Friday’ and that too with the leggy beauty Deepika Padukone along with a sizzlingly hot performance by none other than item girl Sherlyn Chopra. An icing to the cake took place when Farhan’s father Javed Akhtar dropped in and started to reveal some facts about the star.

So, NTDV Imagine’s much popular show, ‘Oye! It’s Friday’ celebrates Farhan Akhtar’s birthday on January 9th. It will be a party time for the host Farhan Akhtar, who celebrates his birthday with the special guests – the very gorgeous dimpled actress Deepika Padukone, the hot item girl Sherlyn Chopra and Mattias Lindstrom. All will be there to wish him on the show. The episode will be filled with tons of surprises and gifts.

Again the show also has Deepika getting candid about her relationship with Ranbir Kapoor, her experience working with the Khiladi Kumar, her favorite yesteryear actresses, her hopes and dreams of settling down and getting married, and of course… Sonam Kapoor.

Deepika Padukone to try her hand at comedy

Deepika Padukone’s ‘Chandni Chowk To China’ is about to hit the screens and the lady is all too excited about it. Now, Deepika is all set to do a full-fledged comedy film with Sajid Khan. The film is titled ‘Houseful’ and with this film, Deepika will get her first taste with comedy.

About ‘Houseful’, Deepika says, “My role in the film is not about just a few comic scenes here and there. It’s a total comic role. I wonder how I’ll manage it. Magar main koshish karoongi. Sajid has a great sense of humour and I will go by his vision. Besides, if my director has so much confidence in me, then I just cannot let him down.”

Deepika padukone has no qualms about the fact if the audience will take to seeing a funny Deepika. She answers defiantly, “I do have a sense of fun and I plan to have a ball of a time doing HOUSEFUL. See, I am a reserved person in real life, but that does not mean that I can’t be funny for the camera.” Now we wonder if that actually works.

A peek at Dabbo Ratnani’s 2009 calendar

New Year calendars with Bollywood celebrities adding glaour and glitter to it are the most awaited part of any oncoming year. Among the most awaited ones is the calendar of Dabboo Ratnani. This time Dabboo has come up with his calendar featuring the brightest Bollywood stars like Akshay Kumar, Kangna Ranaut, Sushmita Sen, Abhishek Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Kajol, Riteish Deshmukh and Deepika Padukone.

The calendar has Kajol in her ‘bindaas’ self atop a Mumbai taxi in a flaming red dress. Deepika Padukone is an all different look with her warrior queen avatar with a designer sword. Riteish Deshmukh looks awesomely striking with his Beatles-inspired sixties’ black and white look. Sajnay Dutt looks deadly behind the wheels of the gleaming red Ferrari.

Says Dabboo about his work, “I have not restricted myself to any dramatic theme for 2009. Some are in black and white, some are in reds while the rest are in vivid colors,” says Dabboo who begins work on his annual ritual in September every year. “Initially, I used to collect snaps of the stars I had shot and put them together for the calendar. But later, I began shooting them exclusively for it.”

Shahruk khan Deepika and Farah - The trio is back

The hit triumvirate of Om Shanti Om - Farah Khan, Shahrukh Khan and Deepika Padukone are back for SRK’s home production, Billu Barber as they sizzle for the Love Mera Hit Hai.

Farah says, “It was great fun doing this song. I didn’t have any sense of deja vu because it is very different from OSO which mostly had retro moves. This song is very hip-hop, it has a futuristic look, and the moves I have given them are like that. I couldn’t say no to Shah Rukh even though my babies were just born.”

Deepika on being back with SRK and Farah excitedly says, “Working with them is special because Shah Rukh and Farah are the two people I have started my career with. I am glad he asked me. Farah these days has become very selective and will not take up anything unless it excites her, so it’s all the more reason for me to be a part of this song. We relived so many memories, I felt I was going back to the sets of OSO. My costume designer is Manish Malhotra even in this film, and we had the same caterer — Mutthuswami, serving us. It was so much fun.”

King Khan is also happy with Deepika for agreeing to dance for his home production, he says, “It was sweet of her to agree. She is very talented and works hard. Working with the younger lot is really a learning process. They are so much fun, confident, and aware. They are all my future investments. ”

Apart from Deepika, SRK will also be seen with Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor in two other item songs.

Shahrukh Khan talks about his latest item Marjaani

Shahrukh Khan has something in him that always makes his item songs click, weather the film clicks or not. SRK’s latest item song for his home production Billu Barber is already on air and his sizzling song ‘Marjaani’ with hot Kareena Kapoor is the latest talk of the twon.

SRK says, “All the songs have been made in the same way as one would expect in a Hindi movie, so the song ‘Marjanni’ is done with lots of dancers and then shouts of ‘Marjaani’ which is a bit Punjabi and Sufi-ish, if I might say so but has more of a Punjabi beat to it.”The album has a fun mix of songs that help take the movie out of the small town to a different world and brings it back. So there are these spikes in the film and I think they happen mainly because of the songs.”

So are you liking SRK’s new item songs - Marjaani and Deepika Padukone starred Love mera Hit Hai?

Watch Shahrukh Khan in Supporting Role in Billo Barber

It would be wondering to see Shahrukh Khan in supporting role in for the first time in a movie with Irfan Khan and Lara Dutta in Lead role. This is SRK’s first movie with director Priyadarshan. He is acting opposite to three Indian actresses Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone. The movie is set in a small village where a Barber Billo feels it difficult to match up with the changing times.

The thing starts moving in Billo’s life when one film unit with superstar Sahir Khan Role played by Shahrukh Khan Visits his village and Sahir Khan happens to be Billo’s School friend. Very soon Billo becomes a famed person in village and everyone persuades him let them to meet star. However for many reasons and his inhibitions he fails in meeting the star and thus become the cause of anger and ridicule of villagers. Watch some stills from the hilarious movie.

Deepika and Sonam best pals

 

You wouldn’t have expected dosti between these two beauties, however their yaraana tells otherwise as the two beauties Deepika and Sonam have buried the hatchet and now are best of buddies.

A source close to Deepika says, “Deepika is down-to-earth and friendly by nature. This so-called wall between the two was eating into her. So she decided to initiate a friendship by giving Sonam a gift during Diwali. Sonam was pleasantly surprised at Deepika’s sweet gesture and thanked her profusely. That broke the supposed cold vibes between the two. With the guard let down from both the sides, the actresses spoke their heart out to each other and put aside their differences. At the end of their conversation, they both realised that there was no animosity from both the ends and decided to be friends. Since then Deepika and Sonam have remained good friends. Besides meeting regularly, the actresses enjoy their girlie talk over calls and smses and even hang out. Recently they even went to watch Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, albeit in a group which also had Ranbir.”

“Things have changed today. If Ranbir and Sonam share a cordial relationship today it is thanks to Deepika.”

However the news still has to be confirmed by Deepika and Sonam.

Deepika doesn’t want to be compared

Deepika Padukone’s latest film will see her doing some really great stunts with Khiladi Kumar Akshay Kumar. However the leggy lass doesn’t like it when she is compared to any other actress.She says, “I’m different… Don’t compare me with Priyanka Chopra just because she’s done stunts in Drona and I’ve done action sequences in Chandni Chowk to China (CC2C). Each person is unique and so am I. I worked hard for six months to learn those stunts and was specially trained by experts from Hong Kong.I’m glad filmmakers recognise my talent… I will be playing a dual role once again in CC2C, after Om Shanti Om. I’m happy filmmakers find me capable of portraying different roles. It’s given me confidence and satisfaction.Wearing those tight wigs for CC2C was painful… One of the two roles I play in the film is that of a Chinese girl. Which is why it was necessary for me to wear those tight wigs with a fringe. Even my eyes had to be stretched out for the role. It really hurt.I feel fortunate to have worked with some of the top heroes… From Shah Rukh Khan to Akshay Kumar. And now I’m working with Saif for Imtiaz Ali’s next film, after which I will be working with Akshay once again. Akshay is a fantastic guy with many years of experience. I’m glad I’ve got to work with all of them so early in my career.”So are you ready for some action?

Kalpana Lajmi chooses Deepika over Aishwarya

There is no questioning about the talent of the ace filmmaker Kalpana Lajmi. Now, it is so that Lajmi had written a script based on political drama. The film titled “Singhasan” was written by Lajmi with Aishwarya Rai in mind. But now, it seems that the maker has changed her mind and wants to make it with Deepika Padukone instead, who happens to be a distant relative of hers.

Explaining her relationship with Deepika, she said: “We’re both descendents of the great Guru Dutt. Deepika and I are Saraswat Brahmins. Her family and mine can be traced back to Kashmir. We’re basically evicted Kashmiri pundits who migrated to Bangalore.

If you remember my uncle Guru Dutt (her artist mother Lalita Lajmi’s brother) was settled in Bangalore and so is Deepika’s father Prakash Padukone. Deepika is definitely related to me, though she doesn’t know it. But I hope she knows about me,” Lajmi said.

Reasoning out Deepika as her choice, she said, “I saw her in ‘Om Shanti Om’ and ‘Bachna Ae Haseeno’ and found her to possess that old world grace that comes naturally to Madhuri Dixit and Aishwarya Rai. I don’t think any other girl today has that quality. I was once planning to cast Aishwarya as a politician in ‘Singhasan’. I’d love to cast Deepika in that role.”

“Maybe she can get R.K. Films to produce it,” she joked.

However, Kalpana has doubts whether Deepika would agree to her offer. “Why should she? I’m a down-and-out filmmaker. I haven’t put a project together in the last three years because of various reasons, the main being finances. A filmmaker like me suffers a double disadvantage by being a woman,” said Lajmi, who has made films like “Chingaari” and “Daman”.

Pogo Amazing Kids Awards 2008 on ‘Chandani Chowk to China’ roller coaster

It was a complete fun filled roller coaster ride for the winners of the Pogo Amazing Kids Awards 2008 that was held on Saturday night at Vrundavan Studio in Malad, Mumbai. Bollywood’s brightest stars- Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone descended upon the function to promote their film, ‘Chandani Chowk to China’ and to reward the winners of The Pogo Amazing Kids Awards 2008!

Deepika looked stunningly hot in blood red dress with a black patent headband; while Akshay performed an elaborate stage show with children decked up in chock-a-block Chinese gear. Flaunting her voted best body curves- Sexy siren Shilpa Shetty and ever smiling Mahima Chaudhary donning a black and orange mini; along with singing sensation Sonu Nigam also graced the occasion.

The Pogo channel developed by Turner Entertainment Networks Asia (Tena); awarded the kids a certificate for their wonderful achievements along with a benefit policy worth 500,000 rupees! Twenty four children chosen from Delhi, Hyderbad, Kolkata, Bhubaneshwar, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Allahbad, Bangalore and Mirzapur across eight categories including music, arts, singing, dance, genius, leadership, sports and entertainment were featured at the award ceremony. This was the fifth season of the show where more than three thousand kids of 6-14 age groups entered the competition!

The impressive panel of judges included- choreographer Ashley Lobo, politician Priya Dutt (Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt’s sister), renowned Bollywood singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan, artist Brinda Miller, actor Vinay Pathak, commentator Charu Sharma, and manipulative genius Shakuntala Devi. That sure is some sound jury! Thus, kiddos had pretty rocking time. Here are some pictures of star studded Saturday show:

Reigning cover girl for December: Deepika Padukone

With her much awaited project ‘Chnadni Chowk To China’ about to hit the screens, it is the best time for Deepika Padukone to appear on the glossy covers of fashion and glamour magazines and no doubt, she is the cover girl of not one, not two but three magazines in their December issue.

Deepika looks gorgeous flaunting her well-shaped body on the covers of ‘The Man’. The issue has the gal open up on various topics like how she manages to stay fit despite such a hectic schedule, some of her beauty tips, reasons why she got associated with so many brand endorsements.

On the other hand ‘ELLE‘ features Deepika in a shiny green silk and leather embellished dress, designed by Manish Arora. The special anniversary issue also gives a low down on ELLE’s 50 ‘Most Stylish People’ and on the 100 top peoples, things, places and trends that shaped the year 2008.

Last but not the least, Deepika also appears on the cover of ‘Femina’ in a beautiful orange dress.

 

Secret behind Deepika’s cheeni eyes

Deepika Padukone is looking all Chinki in her upcoming flick Chandni Chowk to China which also starrs Akshay Kumar. According to rumors the leggy lass is playing a double role in the movie and she confirms the news and says it’s not a publicity gimmick.She says,  “It’s actually a double role and no publicity gimmick. I play two different characters in Chandni Chowk To China , one is an Indian called Sukhi, and the other is a Chinese girl, Meow Meow. The Chinese character is a pro at martial arts for which I had to undergo four months of rigorous training before the film started.”There were rumors that Deepika had used tapes to make her wide eyes look like Chinese eyes, however Deepika says, “We had thought of that initially but it wasn’t a good idea to use tapes, they’re bad for the skin. My makeup artist came up with a simpler solution and used the eyeliner in such a way that it gave my eyes the Chinese tweak.”

So do you think Deepika does justice to her Chinese role?

Femina five cover issue

Check out Femina’s 50th year exclusive five cover issue with Bollywood beauties, Priyanka Chopra, Bipasha Basu, Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif gracing the five individual covers which read “Fifty most beautiful women”.CEO of Femina, Tarun Rai says, “We continue with the 50 year celebrations of Femina. We plan to build the ‘50 Most Beautiful Women’ as an annual property. Next year it will be much bigger and will include an event.” The list of 50 most beautiful women were decided by the Femina readers from a list of 100 beauties.

So which cover looks the best?

Diana Penty chosen over Deepika Padukone

Super hot Indian model Diana Penty has been chosen as the new brand ambassador for Maybelline New York, the international cosmetics brand, replacing Deepika Padukone who was named brand ambassador in June 2007. The flattered young model said, “I feel great to get this opportunity to endorse a brand that is so vibrant and truly multi-ethnic. For me it is not only about whom I am replacing but it’s about being on the same platform as international models and get international exposure.”

With this honour, Diana joins the ranks of international supermodels like Adriana Lima and Christy Turlington. This 23 yr old Indian model hails from Mmbai and is a known face of Indian fashion and modelling industry for almost three years now. She has graduated from St Xavier’s college, Mumbai, where she studied Elite Model Management.