Sonakshi Sinha’s sexy cousin Bhavna Ruparel to enter films

After Priyanks Chopra’s cousin Parineeti Chopra made her debut as lead actor in Ishaqzaade, nowSonakshi Sinha‘s cousin, Bhavna Ruparel, is set to make her debut as a full-fledged actor with a Telugu film and is keen to do meaty roles in movies. “I am doing a Telugu film, which will start rolling in November. There are some Hindi projects as well on the pipeline,” said Bhavna.

The 23-year-old is not new to the arclights as she did a video with Ken Ghosh when she was eight years old and also featured as a child artiste in Hrithik Roshan’s film Na Tum Jaano Na Hum (2002) andJoggers’ Park (2003). When asked about her choice of films, the aspiring actress said she would like to do some sensible cinema. “I don’t believe in this whole game of making Rs 100 crore at the box office. For me, it is all about the script. When a beautiful film like Udaan can be made in Rs 8 crore and can obtain such an outstanding response, then I believe there is still some sensible cinema being made in our country,” Bhavna said. “(But) I am open to do both offbeat and commercial films, but all depends on the script,” she added.

Talking about their family connection, Bhavna said that her maternal grandmother and Sonakshi’s maternal grandma are sisters, “so she is my cousin”. She says that they bonded well as children. “It’s been a lovely journey so far. I am hoping to take some good advice from her. Like any other relationship, even Sonakshi and I bonded very well since childhood. We used to meet during Diwali and Holi and used to have a good time,” she added.

Sonakshi became a big name in the film industry after making an impressive debut with Dabangg in 2010 and her second film Rowdy Rathore releases Friday. Bhavna is looking forward to the film that will see Akshay Kumar performing some raw stunts. “I think she is looking ravishing in Rowdy Rathore, can’t wait to see her in the film. It’s been two years … after Dabangg, we have not seen her on screen,” she said.

But at the same time, she says they “don’t discuss work at home because she hardly has time to breathe these days”. “She is so busy with her work. There is no comparison or any sort of pressure in our family. I will do it to the best of my ability and make my family proud,” she added.

Imran Khan to play leading man in Sajid Nadiadwala’s ‘2 States’

It has been a while since Sajid Nadiadwala acquired the adaptation rights of Chetan Bhagat’s novel 2 States. Initially Shahrukh Khan was supposed to play the leading man in the film that was to be directed by Vishal Bhardwaj. Speculations about the leading lady had just begun when we heard that the makers have decided to shelve the project as it wasn’t going anywhere.

The latest we heard about 2 States is that it has been revived and Imran Khan will be playing the leading man, a Punjabi munda in the film. Imran has come on board because his last outing at the BOEk Main Aur Ekk Tu was a hit and he can now supposedly carry a solo-hero film on his shoulders. Wethinks the success of EMAET had more to do with Kareena Kapoor’s charm, but the dishy dude also did his bit! Anyway, now that the film has been revived, we wonder who might bag the role of Imran’s leading lady.

The Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na boy has come a long way and seems to have found a firm foothold in Bollywood. He will be seen in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola and Milan Luthria’s sequel to Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai. Will he present tough competition for Ranbir Kapoor at the awards ceremonies next year?

Deepika Padukone swims with sharks!

Deepika Padukone might come across as a level-headed, no-nonsense gal, but while shooting for her upcoming film Cocktail in Capetown, South Africa, Deepika was far from her usual graceful self. In fact, the co-producer of Cocktail, Dinesh Vijan, we hear, had to warn Deepika against her impromptu adventures.

A little birdie, who was in Capetown when the film was being shot, tells us that after shooting for a song all night in the rainbow nation, Deepika decided to drive out to the beach early in the morning. And on reaching the sea, she instantly decided to set off on a Great White Shark cage dive with her director. Once out in the ocean, the two got into a pretty feeble looking cage with these massive white sharks brushing and bumping against them. But Deepika, who is known for confronting her fears, didn’t hesitate even for a moment, before jumping into the freezing cold waters strewn with sharks. When Dinesh came to know about this, he got worried about either of them getting injured.

Though we appreciate Deepika’s bravery, we wonder if the leggy lass managed to pull off those daredevil escapades under the influence of some kind of ‘cocktail’!

Salman Khan finds a younger brother in Arjun Kapoor!

The forthcoming Sooraj Barjatya movie is a family drama that features two brothers. While the role of the elder one was written keeping Salman Khan in mind, Soorajji wasn’t sure who would fit in the role of a rebellious younger bro.

Now buzz suggests that the director was floored by Arjun Kapoor’s performance in Ishaqzaade. And it was then that he decided to cast the Kapoor kid as Salman’s younger brother in the movie.

Now according to a birdie, the story revolves around a wise and composed elder brother mentoring his younger sibling to turn into a well-behaved man. Awwww! And while we agree that it’s a typical Barjatya plot we can’t help but notice how close Salman and Arjun’s reel life relationship is to their real lives.

No, we aren’t talking about Salman turning Arjun into a well-behaved man. But certainly, the Being Human guy has turned the Ishaqzaade actor in a good looking man. Remember the way Salman mentored Arjun into losing all those extra inches?

Are Parineeti Chopra and Jackky Bhagnani a couple?

Although rumours suggest that Jackky Bhagnani and Parineeti Chopra are seeing each other, Jackky is leaving no stone unturned in clearing the air. From resorting to clichéd statements like ‘we are just friends’ to justifying himself vehemently, Bhagnani is making sure his relationship with the Chopra chick is not misconstrued.

Parineeti was reportedly dating Harman Baweja’s cousin Maninder Singh in the past. But the two have parted ways and the Ishaqzaade babe has been spending a lot of time hanging out with the F.A.L.T.U actor. Sources say that the two get along like house on fire. Well, considering that the two are now nothing less than bosom buddies, we hope they keep us updated about their love status. And if they are in the mood to play hide-and-seek, we’ll make sure to dig out the facts all by ourselves!

Madhuri Dixit makes Sanjay Leela Bhansali speechless!

Sanjay Bhansali and Madhuri Dixit let the media in to their mutual admiration society yesterday (May 30) when they came together to unveil the first look of Sanjay’s latest production, Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi. Madhuri was the surprise special guest at the event. Naturally, the discussion veered towards their relationship. “My association with Sanjayji goes back to Devdas,” said Mads. Sanjay added, “I get speechless in front of Madhuri. I go weak kneed. I want to thank her for being here. It’s a special gesture on her part. I know how difficult it was to make her say yes in Devdas.” To which Mads replied, “I must say how glad I am that I said yes!”

Karan Johar is looking for love

In his illustrious career, filmmaker Karan Johar has seen the highs and lows of filmmaking, and he has emerged as one of the most successful producers and an accomplished director. KJo has revamped his late father’s production house which has now become one of the most powerful lobbies of Bollywood. In one of the best phases of his career right now, he has everything going for him. All the top stars are eager to work with him and he is also mentoring a bunch of young talented filmmakers.

While his professional life is getting better by the day, his personal life doesn’t seem to be progressing. Despite being in Bollywood for so long, the only person he has been linked to is his favourite actor,Shahrukh Khan. Being the sports that they are, both Karan and Shahrukh have joked about this on various occasions. Not very long ago, there were strong rumours about Mr Johar getting married to Ekta Kapoor but that turned out to be a false alarm.

In a recent interview, when he was asked about his biggest hope, Karan replied, “To find love.” Aww…we can totally understand KJo! The director-producer has been focussing on work and hasn’t managed to find any time for love. We hope the successful filmmaker manages to find a soulmate before his next birthday!

Vivek Oberoi bigger than Salman Khan!

We think Vivek Oberoi has forgotten the after effects of a press conference he had held years ago. TheCompany debutant, who was crazily smitten by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan back then, publicly voiced his rage against her ex-beau Salman Khan for making incessant calls one night soon after the Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam pair had broken-up.

Then Vivek’s career started sliding downwards. The actor – who according to Yash Raj Film’s scion Aditya Chopra had the potential to be the next ‘Shahrukh Khan’ – was slowly and steadily boycotted by top filmmakers to avoid Sallu’s wrath. For a while after the incident, the married actor kept a low profile and severally tried to appease the angered Khan, but it was pointless.

It’s been more than a few years since the unpleasant event occurred, and Vivek and Sallu still share a strained relationship. But it seems the younger actor is bored of his low-lying career, cautious behaviour and unexciting existence in B-town. At an event the outspoken actor was asked: which film between his next with Soham Shah, Sher and Salman Khan’s Ek Tha Tiger was a bigger film?. Instead of being politically correct Vivek said, “Sher, tiger se bada hota hain…”

Salman wants to beat SRK in action

Bollywood’s ‘Bodyguard’ aka Salman Khan is making news these days because of his new action star image. ‘Ek Tha Tiger’, his much-anticipated thriller with Katrina Kaif will see him perform a lot of risky stunts. However, there is a Shah Rukh connect to the entire story. 

Apparently, while filming the action scenes in Thailand, where Shah Rukh also shot for ‘Don 2’, Sallu asked director Kabir Khan to go all out to ensure they are spectacular. Crew members say that the superstar wants the action in this movie to be far superior to that of ‘Don 2’! 

It’s not just in the action scenes, Salman, it appears is sparing no efforts to ensure that his next bunch of movies hits the bulls’ eye. With Dabangg 2 he’s on home ground and brother Arbaaz will do everything to ensure that the sequel is better than the first part. The film will release by Christmas of this year.

But friends say what Salman is really excited about is Sooraj Bharjatya’s (Rajshri Productions) Bade Bhaiyya. He has apparently decided to rework his dates and start work on it this November instead of next February as earlier planned. After all, Sooraj introduced Salman and the two have given the industry some of the biggest hits – Maine Pyaar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun and Hum Saath Saath Hain. While Bade Bhaiyya might be release during Eid in 2013, Christmas next year will see the release of brother Sohail Khan’s Sher Khan.

Indeed, Salman is on a roll with one film after another. Shah Rukh Khan better watch out. 

Sonakshi Sinha is not a bold actress!

Sonakshi Sinha is one actress in the Bollywood industry, who has made it very clear from the start that she is not a very bold person and is not open to doing item numbers. However, if the item song is presented in the right way, she will consider doing it.

“I haven’t been offered any item number till now. If there is a good song, I am convinced enough and I am presented in a right way, then why not,” Sonakshi Sinha told reporters Tuesday.

The actress is busy promoting her second film, Rowdy Rathore. She shares screen space with Akshay Kumar. The film is directed by Prabhu Deva. It releases Friday.

Talking about “Chammak challo chail chabeeli” in “Rowdy Rathore”, Sonakshi says,
“‘Chammak challo chail chabeeli’ is not an item song. It’s a very situational song with a wedding as its backdrop,” she explained.

Like Dabangg, Sonakshi Sinha will re live her demure village belle in Rowdy Rathore, too.

“I am not waiting to get a role that will change my desi girl image, but still if I get something, which requires me to be more westernised and my character is good I won’t mind doing it. Right now I am happy representing my own culture,” she said.

Genelia D’Souza turns mentor to young girls!

Genelia D’Souza who recently tied the knot to Ritesh Deshmukh, is soon going to mentor ten young girls on the TV show “Lux The Chosen One”.

“The show is about 10 beautiful girls who are here to prove a point and be the face of the UTV Stars. All the girls are confident and they know exactly what they want. It’s not like a typical reality show where everyone is just there to make some noise,” she said Wednesday at the launch of the show.

The hunt is for the face of UTV STARS.

So why did Genelia chose to groom the girls??

“When I was a newcomer, I needed all of this (mentoring), unfortunately I didn’t get anything. This is a platform where they can learn and outdo each other.”

“Sometimes you need that interest and comfortable age difference. They can listen to me and speak to me. This why I thought I could help. Be it my ads or films, I have always played a girl who is relatable and this is like that too,” said the 24-year-old.

So what’s the show all about?

“I am a mentor on ‘The Chosen One’ and we will invite Bollywood experts who will give them (the contestants) tasks. I will help the girls. If they have a problem, they will bring it to me. I will observe them and at the end of the day, we will have elimination.”

Genelia D’Souza will show the other side of her otherwise bubbly and friendly nature.

“You have to be strict sometimes because you have to teach them, so sometimes I will have to be strict. But 90 percent of the times I am their friend,” said the actress.