Toronto girl is crowned new Miss India-Canada

Toronto, In the biggest South Asian beauty pageant in North America, 25-year-old Aanchal Dogra was crowned Miss India-Canada 2009 here Sunday night.

Hailing from Mississauga on the outskirts of Toronto, Dogra was also the oldest contestant among 16 Indian-Canadian girls who vied for the title. “I cannot believe that I will be the winner of this beauty pageant,” said Dogra who holds an MD in alternative medicines.

The beauty crown puts Dogra in the league of Lisa Ray, Komal Sidhu and Ruby Bhatia who went on to become big names in the entertainment world.

Komal Sharma, 20, from Montreal, and Guneet Marwah, 21, from Richmond Hill near here were the two runners-up at the 19th edition of the Indian beauty contest.

Hollywood actor and singer Karen David, who was on hand to crown the winners of the pageant, treated the audience to one of her favourite number. Born in Shillong, raised in Toronto and trained in London, actor-singer David has played the lead role in Hollywood film ‘Scorpion King 2′ and ‘Provoked’. She has also lent her voice to compositions by A.R. Rehman and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Crowning Dogra as the new Miss India-Canada, David lavished praise on Indian culture and lauded the expatriate girls for keeping Indian native traditions alive in the West.

The three-hour-long evening show opened with all the girls strutting their desi stuff.

In fact, they opened their performances with the hit Bollywood song ‘Main Desi Girl’ from the film “Dostana”. And the desi fare was on display in abundance as the 16 contestants regaled the huge audience with their individual musical and dance skills – from bhangra to hit Bollywood numbers to bhajans.

Finally, they were put through quizzes by the judges who settled on Aanchal Dogra as the winner and Komal Sharma and Guneet Marwah as the two runners-up.

Apart from winning the Miss India-Canada crown and lavish beauty, monetary and electronic gifts, Dogra will also get free passage to India and five-star accommodation to spend time in the Bollywood town.

Shahid Kapoor: superstar on the ascendant

New Delhi, It’s all about Shahid Kapoor these days. His portrayal of the morally-incompatible twins – the ruffian with the endearing lisp and the simpleton who stammers – in “Kaminey” has catapulted the chocolate hero into an A-lister and audiences can’t stop raving.

And just so we don’t forget the romantic hero, promos of his forthcoming “Dil Bole Hadippa” are all over the place.

Six years after his debut in “Ishq Vishk”, Shahid has finally got his due.

“Shahid is one of the most promising actors on the block. With ‘Vivaah’ and ‘Jab We Met’ he established himself as a very good actor and a star. Now with ‘Kaminey’, he is in the A-league; he is definitely someone who will compete for the number one throne at a later date,” Meena Iyer, national Bollywood editor, The Times of India, told IANS.

“This is the most exciting phase of Shahid’s career. He has good work coming in ‘Dil Bole Hadippa’, Ken Ghosh’s tentatively titled ‘Yahoo’ and the new Parmeet Sethi film. If he chooses his future assignments with care, he will always be in a comfortable position,” she said.

“He has age on his side and the fact that he is a super-duper dancer and competent actor makes him a good bet for a reigning Hindi film hero,” she added.

Shahid wowed critics and fans alike with his portrayal of the shy groom in “Vivaah” and as the intense business tycoon in “Jab We Met”. But nothing has worked for him quite like Vishal Bharadwaj’s “Kaminey”, the dark thriller about gangsters, rebel soldiers, rogue politicians and crooked cops.

The Charlie-Guddu roles have shattered the conception that he was just the romantic. And critics believe the 28-year-old son of seasoned actor Pankaj Kapoor has made it to the big league.

“Shahid is going to be the next big thing…he has arrived. From a good-looking boy and a romantic hero, he has graduated to a star,” said film critic Omar Quereshi.

Added another noted film critic, Anupama Chopra: “This is the role – or roles – of a lifetime and Shahid Kapoor, best known for innocuous chocolate-boy romances, sinks his teeth into it. ‘Kaminey’ does for him what ‘Omkara’ did for Saif Ali Khan. A star has evolved into an actor.”

The star is taking the accolades in his stride.

“Yes, various tags have been given to me since the success of ‘Kaminey’. And I am very happy to hear them, but the most important thing is to keep doing good work and surprising the audience every now and then. That to me is the biggest reward,” Shahid told IANS.

“I can never be like my father (in terms of acting)…he is way beyond anyone to be like him. I don’t even have any aspirations to be like him because I know that’s not happening. I just hope whenever my father sees my films, he likes my work,” Shahid said.

Shah Rukh’s questioning talk of India Day parade in US

New York, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s questioning at Newark Liberty International Airport by immigration officials was the talk of the annual India Day parade here. The parade is held to celebrate India’s independence.

Even before the 29th parade started at Madison Avenue and 41st Street Sunday, Mehal Kadakia, 26, a business analyst, and two friends had spent the drive to the city discussing whether Khan should have been singled out, New York Times reported Monday.

“In my opinion, they were doing their job,” Kadakia was quoted as saying at a festival next to Madison Square Park after the parade.

“I’m sure as an actor travelling, he has a lot of luggage, and if that seemed suspicious, I’d rather have them check and make sure he’s OK.”

Kadakia observed it’s not as if being stopped at the airport in the post-Sep 11 world is new to anyone.

“I’ve been stopped many times,” he said.

Santripti Vellody, 30, a business development manager for a South Asian satellite television channel, said she was disappointed that one of India’s biggest stars had been subjected to such blatant profiling.

“It’s absolutely disrespectful to him,” she said, “and it’s only based on his religion and last name — he has a Muslim name — and I don’t think that’s right.”

Vellody said that her husband, Mohamed Roshman Manoli, also has a Muslim name and that each of the last four times that they had flown out of John F. Kennedy International Airport, he had been stopped for questioning.

“I never get stopped but I have to wait for him for two hours every single time,” she said. “It’s not random.”

Shah Rukh Khan’s latest film “My Name is Khan” — produced by Shah Rukh and director Karan Johar — is set against the Sep 11, 2001 terror attacks and examines their impact on an Indian Muslim living in the US.

Miki Patel, chairwoman of the culture committee of the Federation of Indian Association that held the parade, said that she learned about Khan’s questioning during a meeting of parade organisers Saturday.

“I personally feel that the rules should apply to each and every one who enters this country — the law is the law,” said Patel, 53, a dance instructor from Edison, New Jersey.

Shah Rukh’s detention has Bollywood shocked, disgusted

New Delhi, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s two-hour detention at Newark airport in the US over his surname had members of the Indian film industry fuming. Karan Johar was “shocked”, actress Priyanka said it was “downright disgraceful” and filmmaker Kabir Khan termed it “harassment”.

The 43-year-old actor was detained while he was on his way to Chicago to attend an event related to India’s Independence Day and was freed only after Indian diplomats intervened.

Here’s what King Khan’s friends and colleagues had to say:

Karan Johar: I am shocked and upset…feeling terrible for Shah Rukh.

Priyanka Chopra: Shocking, disturbing and downright disgraceful. It’s such behaviour that fuels hatred and racism. Shah Rukh Khan is a world figure for god’s sake. Get real!

Kabir Khan: When I heard this news, I was so surprised…it has almost become a routine. If you have a Muslim name you are bound to be questioned. It happened with me thrice in the US. I was stopped by immigration officials for three to five hours… they don’t care whether you are a celebrity or whoever.

But when it comes to Shah Rukh, it doesn’t take more than 20 seconds to figure out who he is any search engine (on the Internet) will give more information on him than Hollywood stars Tom Cruise or Brad Pitt and despite that if it took them two hours to figure out, then its harassment.

Post 9/11 it is prejudice to have a person’s name and religion checked and it is very discouraging as well.

Pritish Nandy: This is the problem with law enforcers worldwide…Truly obnoxious. Cops don’t want to recognise anybody. They love to show their power and authority, especially in the US.

Kunal Kohli: It’s really disgusting. Even if they had done a Google search on their mobiles, they would have seen who he is. What were they checking for two hours on their super computers? To detain him for two hours is ridiculous, disgusting and an insult to us Indians.

Arindam Chaudhari: Shah Rukh has just finished his film “My Name Is Khan” in which his character tries to prove to the Americans that he is not a terrorist. I’m sure he never thought it would happen in real life too…What a shame! It’s shocking and shameful because I am sure Shah Rukh would have had to explain who he is.

It’s Shah Rukh so it’s become big news. But there many who constantly go through this everyday. It’s really sad.

Eesha Koppikhar: I am not sure of the exact events but if he was detained just because he is a Muslim with Khan as a last name, it is very wrong.

Sushmita encourages Kangana to take up driving

Who says that two beautiful and successful actresses can’t be friends? We have gorgeous Sushmita Sen and Himachal beauty Kangana Ranaut bonging just too well on the sets of Anees Bazmee’s ‘No Problem’ which is produced by Anil Kapoor. The two actresses are doing a film together for the first time. The film stars Anil Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, Sushmita Sen, Kangana Ranaut, Neetu Chandra and Paresh Rawal.

At present, the cast and crew of the film are in South Africa and sources have it that the two ladies are having a blast together. Also, Sush is encouraging Kangana to take up driving seriously as Kangana seems to have a driving phobia. Though she owns a car, she does not drive along the Mumbai city.

In South Africa, Sushmita is taking all efforts to encourage Kangana to try driving. She even gets into the car with Kangana and gives instructions as she drives short distances around their hotel there. This seems to have a positive effect and now Kangana has started to enjoy driving.

A sneek-peak into ‘My Name Is Khan’

‘My Nmae is Khan’ under the co-production of Karan Johar and Shahrukh Khan has made a record for being the film sold for the highest amount so far. Fox Star Studios have bought the marketing and distribution rights for the film a whopping Rs 100 Crore, thus surpassing Rs. 90 crore deal for Aamir Khan starrer ‘Ghajini’ and Rs 70 Crore deal for ‘Om Shanti Om’.

The film has been made with a budget of 55 Crore and has SRK and Kajol in the main lead. SRK here plays the role of a Muslim who suffers from the Asperger syndrome, a form of autism that impacts social interaction abilities. Things show the plight of the character when he is arrested as a suspected terrorist in post 9/11 Los Angeles after the authorities mistake his disability as suspicious behaviour.

Deepika Padukone is FHM’s ‘Destiny’s Child’ this month

Deepika Padukone is just a few films old in Bollywood but it would not be wrong to tag her as one of the most beautiful, sensuous and successful actress in the industry today. She has hoards of projects in her hand including films from big banners and reputed brands for endorsement. She is a hot favorite among the magazines as their cover girl.

This month FHM portrays Deepika as ‘The Destiny’s child’ on their cover page. Deepika looks stunning and appealing on the cover as well as the photoshoot though she has just a minimal makeup on.

Katrina Kaif ousts Priyanka Chopra from ‘Dostana 2′

After Priyanka Chopra oozing loads of glamour in Karan Johar’s ‘Dostana’, it will be the Salman’s girl, Katrina Kaif who will exude oomph in the sequel to the film. Yes, Salman’s worst nightmares are finally coming true as Katrina Kaif is out to work with some of his worst foes. First it was John in ‘New York’, then it is SRK in Yash Raj’s next flick and finally it is John again in ‘Dostana 2’.

Where ‘Dostana’ had Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham vying for Priyanka Chopra’s attention, the sequle will have two add-ons in the form of Riteish Deshmukh and Shreyas Talpade playing a real gay couple.

Katrina was chosen to play the female after Dharma Productions has auditioned dozens of new girls. Katrina came into picture due to her fresh and pretty face and her growing popularity bar.

Katrina Kaif & SRK to come together for the first time

Just as she has finished giving a mega hit with Salman Khan’s arch enemy, John Abraham, Katrina Kaif has taken yet another move to show that when it comes to her career, Salman’s enemity with co-stars are not her concern. She has signed a Yash Raj Films opposite SRK to be directed either by Aditya Chopra or Kabir Khan.

Well, Katrina had already made it clear that she had no qualms working with Shahrukh when she joined SRK on his Temptations tour in 2008, shortly after the infamous fight between the two Khans on her 24th birthday celebrations. Later, she had also expressed her desire to work with this superstar.

Now, it seems that her wish has finally come true as Yash Raj banner has grabbed the opportunity of bringing in these two most successful stars together for the first time.

First Look - What’s Your Rashee?

After the most adorable pair of Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai in ‘Jodhaa Akbar’, Ashutosh Gowarikar is ready with the jodi of Harman Baweja and Priyanka Chopra in ‘What’s Your Rashee?’. However. This pair had created a disaster in 2008 with ‘Love Story 2050’. As the production house releases the poster of the movie revealing 12 different hot avataars of Piggie Chops we hope and wish that the rashees are in place for the pair this year.

The movie revolves around the story of Yogesh Sharma (Harman Baweja) who wants to have a love marriage but due to circumstances, he is supposed to get married in ten day to prevent some disaster which his family may fall into.

As such he selects a girl from every zodiac sign and meets two girls every day and twelve in six days so that he can fall in love twelve times and find the best girl for himself. How things take a turn is a suspense to be discovered by the viewers themselves.

The shoot of ‘All The Best’ completed in record time

Ajay Devgan’s ‘All The Best-Fun Begins’ started its shoot on 7th May and the crew has finished the shooting within a record time of about two months in mid July. The film, produced by Ajay Devgan Films and directed by Rohit Shetty is all set for a Diwali release on 16th October 2009.

The movie has been shot in various locales in Mumbai and Goa and their last schedule was in Hyderabad. This is set to be a comedy starring Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgan, Fardeen Khan, Bipasha Basu & Mugdha Godse in the lead. The music is by Pritam Chakraborty, lyrics are by Kumar and the film is co-produced by Kumar Mangat.
All the best from the team of Bollywood stars to the team of ‘All The Best’!!

Kay Kay Menon turns down Mallika’s offer

Such is her airs that not many men in Bollywood can say no when Sex kitten Mallika Sherawat asks for something. Even Big B couldn’t say no to her when she offered to go for jogging in slow motion on National Television.

But finally one man has emerged to have guts to refuse her. Apparently, it is Kay Kay Menon who turned down the role that Mallika offered him in her home production Hisss.
Mallika and Menon have already worked in Sanjay Chhel’s ‘Maan Gaye Moghal-E-Azam’ and in her promotional interviews for the film she openly praised his work. So, when she came upon the question of an actor for an important and intense role in her film, naturally Kay Kay’s name cropped in her mind. She then sent her team over to him with the script.
However, after few days Kay Kay called Mallika and refused the offer saying that the script was definitely interesting and that he was confident that she would make a good film but he cannot see himself in that part that she has offered him in the film.

Second season of ‘10 Ka Dum’ to start along Salman Khan

On following Sunday, it would be second innings for the quiz show “10 Ka Dum” as this time there is more expectation from Salman Khan, who really made its first season a big hit. The quiz show once again is set for winning prize of Rs. 10 crore. The show suitable for a family viewing had one of the highest TRPs in Indian Television history. On the first episode of second season on coming Saturday it is Kareena and Karisma Kapoor who are participating in it.

“10 Ka Dum” is starting on, May 30th at 9PM only on Sony Entertainment Television. Below are a few pics from the same show.

Genelia is nervous ‘coz of Shahid

Genelia D’Souza is a amongst the top actresses in Tollywood, however after her hit Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, new Bollywood avenues have opened up themselves for her.
Genelia now stars opposite Bollywood heartthrob Shahid Kapoor in Ken Ghosh’s Yahoo and is maha nervous on acting opposite him.
She says, “It’s my first film with Shahid Kapoor who is a phenomenal dancer; and I’m nervous as hell at the thought of having to match steps with him.”
The role which was first offered to Jiah finally landed on Genelia’s lap, she says, “I accepted the role because it is challenging for me as an actor. Also, I share a good rapport with the film corporation who is producing Yahoo.’’
And she ends it off saying, “For now, I’m happy to yahoo in Bollywood,’’
So what do you think about this new jodi folks? Shahid-Genelia.

SRK to transform into a superhero

Bollywood has its own league of superheroes, be it Hrithik Roshan for Krissh or Abhishek Bachchan for Drona and now another actor is ready to join this Justice league, the King Khan - SRK.
SRK tickled our funny bone by donning the superhero outfit in Om Shanti Om and in Billu Barber too, but this time its a serious and full-fledged role being directed by Anubhav Sinha.
The flick will be having loads of special effects and fighting sequences and the film will take a start in September.
So what do you think folks? SRK as a superhero?

Bebo is Saif’s business advisor

Saif Ali Khan after a long innings in Bollywood has made his foray into production, by starting his own prodution company Illuminati Films, and his business advisor is none other than lady love Kareena Kapoor.
A source reveals, “Saif is working really hard to make his production company kick off proceedings in style with Agent Vinod and Love Aaj Kal. Kareena is certainly someone who knows every major decision that is being taken by Saif. She in fact is an active partner when it comes to feedback and is advising Saif on which projects to back as a producer.”
Another source informs, “Saif had flown to Srinagar as he had planned a surprise birthday bash for her as she was shooting for Rajkumar Hirani’s 3 Idiots in Leh last year. The shooting was cancelled due to extremely bad weather conditions and they had met up somewhere near Kargil. We hear that the couple was driving down to Srinagar from Kargil when Kareena suddenly proposed to Saif that he should make Race 2. She was very serious that he should make it as the first movie was a big hit. After some thought, Saif took up the matter with Tips who were more than willing to come forward.”
Well Chote Nawab must be feeling quite lucky, to have a business advisor for free!

Kareena Kapoor features in Elle India May 2009

Kareena Kapoor is riding high these days. The gal is going great in her reel life as well as well real life with Saif Ali Khan’s love working wonders for her. This time she appears on the cover of Elle India May 2009 with killing looks looking gorgeous as ever in the Spring 2009 Christian Dior. She also wears a D&G for the shoot.
Just a bit of observation here. Doesn’t the dress look similar to the one Asin wore on the covers of ‘Hi Blitz’ for March 2009 issue.

Jai Ho - Bollywood Votes

Exhibiting support and concern, our very own Bollywood stepped out to elect the future leaders of their nation will be. Not even threats of swine flu could keep these patriots away! And most of them had loads to say about what they thought.
Aamir Khan who is constantly at the front position of politics, giving his outlook and is always well versed in the issues was certainly spotted voting. He said “I have travelled 48 hours to cast my vote, so people can certainly go out from their homes to cast their vote. If you love your country, this is the day to show it. I’m happy to see so many senior citizens casting their vote here. I appeal to the youngsters to come out and vote…Being an Indian it is our duty to come…every citizen should come out and vote and this is why I am here…We should elect good people… who don’t divide the country. We should elect clean and honest people in politics.”
John Abraham also expressed his own views “After November 26th, you saw the power of democracy. People were very angry against the government. The chief minister (of Maharashtra state) had to resign…That’s the power of democracy.” His new film ‘New York’ portrays the city after the September 11th assault reverberates his personal views in India.
Shahrukh Khan too shared his views- “People expect politicians to solve problems immediately. But it’s not that easy. It takes time. That’s why we should vote and give a chance to better people.” It seemed like Shahrukh Khan hit it right on the nose with the desire to vote for the right people who will make a change.
We here applaud the concern and support displayed by our actors and its time for us to share our responsibilities of a good citizen. Jai Ho!

Shahid asks Priyanka to quit booze

Shahid Kapoor takes real care of his girlfriends’ health and fitness. When he was going around with Kareena Kapoor, he turned Bebo into a toal vegetarian and now, when he is making it out with Priyanka Chopra, the chocolate boy has made her quit booze and delve into yoga and meditation instead.Shahid had been bothered for quite sometime about Priyanka overstressing herself. And his fears did come truw with Priyanka facing serious health problems recently due to fatigue and over exertion. Shahid has advised her to take it easy and take up yoga and meditation to keep herself fit and relaxed. However, since she had allotted dates for Ashutosh Gowariker’s ‘What’s Your Rashee?’ there was no way she could back out.Nonetheless, the beautiful actress has promised her friend ( read lover) to abstain from booze.