Controversy has become my middle name: Katrina Kaif

Bollywood's very own Barbie girl Katrina Kaif is on a success trail, as she bags a nomination in the prestigious Filmfare Awards for her role in 'New York'.

At a press conference to announce the Filmfare awards this year, she says that Filmfare should introduce a new category of award for actors like Salman and her who have never ever got any award for acting.

As an actress, what is your take on awards?
Honestly I think every actor who is a part of Bollywood wants to win.

As far as I am concerned, I would say that I am not used to winning awards for the Best Actress, though I have put in as many as six years in the film industry ever since I had made my debut with Kaizad Gustad's 'Boom'.

All that I would say is I am happy even when I am nominated for the award. I cannot complain, because I have won rewards at the box office with my films clicking in a big way consecutively in the last few years.

You have to your credit quiet a few hit numbers as an actress. To what extent do you think you deserve the credit for a hit number, like say 'Kiss Me' in the film 'Race'?
I do not like controversies though fortunately or unfortunately, controversy has become my middle name in the industry, whether I want it or not.

I agree to dance to a number only after I listen to it and I am convinced that it is catchy, foot -tapping and easy to the ear. Hence the entire credit for making the song a hit ought to go not to me who just performs to the number, but to the lyricist and the composer.

Do you agree that you are hot and sexy?
Personally I do not think that I am hot and sexy. I try not to disappoint the audiences who come to watch me in my film.

To click in Bollywood, besides the fact that you have to have talent in an abundant measure, you should also have your own appeal. You should have something special. Every actress has her own plus point to woo the audiences.

What according to you is your plus point as an actress?
If Vidya Balan is known for her ethnic roles, I am known for my fun roles. Each of us has our own place in the sun as far as Bollywood is concerned and we are not at all competing with one another.

Who do you think deserves the award besides you this year?
Though I have been nominated for the Best Actress award by Filmfare this year, I do not say that I alone deserve the award.

If you were to ask me who I would nominate for the Best Actress Award besides me, I'd say that Priyanka Chopra deserves it for her performance in 'Kaminey'. I'd also pick on Vidya Balan for her performance in 'Paa'.

What do you think is responsible for bagging an award for acting- Talent or luck?
Salman Khan has never won the Best Actor award though he has been acting for the last 21 years in Bollywood. It does not mean that he is a bad actor.

It is just that he has not been lucky to have bagged the award. If he deserves the award, come what may he will get it. If I deserve it, I'd get the award for my performance in Kabir Khan's 'New York'.

Even if I do not get it, I'd be happy because at least I was considered good enough as an actor to be nominated for the Filmfare award which is very prestigious.

One personal question… Now that Salman has declared what he feels for you, would you also express what you think of him?
Look here. Salman is very senior. I will continue to retain my stance that I am not comfortable talking about my personal life. Period.

Do you think you are lucky as an actress?
Though I do not think I am lucky as far as bagging awards are concerned, I feel that I am blessed, as an actress. Not only do I get good roles, but most of my films are also successful at the box office. What more could I have asked for?

What did you think of Zarine Khan who has made her debut with Veer?
I have just seen the second half of 'Veer'. I enjoyed watching it. I should say that Zarine was supremely confident about herself in the film, though I used to fumble initially when I used to face the camera in the early stage of my career.

Which are the actors with whom you'd love to work with, besides Salman Khan?
Any actress would love to work with superstars like Aamir Khan or for that matter Shah Rukh Khan.

The trouble is that I have not been approached to work with them till date, though I would love to act with both of them.

What kind of films do you want to have in your kitty, as an actress?
I am keen on being a part of romantic comedies like say 'When Harry Meets Sally'.

Besides awards, are you complacent as an actress with whatever you have achieved till date?
I will steal a quote of Mr. Amitabh Bachchan, who had gone on record that he always likes to be seated behind, since only then will he be able to have the goal to go in front.

I'm not a glamorous doll who knows only to kiss: Udita Goswami

Udita Goswami, who has made an image of a glamour film after doing films of Bhatta camp, is going to be seen in a non-glamorous role in her forthcoming film Rokkk going to be relased in the first week of March. We had a small chat with her in the office of IkKon Film about her carrier and Rokkk.

Why did you agree to do this film?
Films like Paap, Zahar etc had bound my acting in a glamorous image and everyone was offering me the sme kind of roles.

I wanted to break out of this typed image but it was notforthcoming. Naturally so, when director Rajesh Ransinghe offered me this role I instantly agreed.

A non-glamorous role, a good subject, an experienced director of horror films, a producer who had made Sunny Deol starrer and Subhash Ghai presentation film Right Yaa Wrong. All these combined to make me decide to accept Rokkk.

What is your role in the film?
I am the younger sister of Tanushree Dutta in this film. I am named Ahana and she Anushka. She has some accident and decides to search for the culprit and get him punished. CBI Officer Ranbir,played by Shaad Randhawa inthe film, gives me company. A friendship evolves later between us.

This does not explain the story. What is it?
This is a horror movie. My sister Anushka has love-married Ravi. This is his second marriage and my mother dislikes the marriage.

Ravi gives Anushka a bunglow as gift and when they shift to it a series of murders start happening. The suspense thickens. Anyone who is suspected as the murderer gets murdered the next day.

Director Rajesh has weaved the story in such a manner that no viewer would like to leave his seat in the midst. Some people even suggest that this film should not have an intermission.

Are you superstitious in your personal life too?
No, but during the shooting of this film I felt the presence of some invisible powers.

As per the story of the film there were many exorcist rituals. Om Klin ... like mantras was regularly chanted and many a times it appeared like some invisible power is trying to stop the shooting.

Once it was held up for hours due to rain. Later it came to our knowledge that the rain was limited to half a kilmetre periphery of the shooting site. Is not it miraculous?

Many of your films were with Imran and were successful too. This time you are paired with Shaad Randhawa who was a friend of Imraan in Awarapan. Is there any reason?
First of all ours is not a romantic pair. We are just acting friends. Secondly it is none of my job, but the decision of the director. A single secretary represents all three of us. Perhaps he suggested Shaad on the demand of director Rajesh and producer Krishna Chaudhary.

How you and Tanushree went along in this film ?
We both are in the same film but it is rare when both of us are in the same frame. Though it is good for the viewers to have both of us in the same film.

Tanushree is an accomplished actress and she too has got enough opportunities to show her acting skill inthe film.

How happy are you with this change of image ?
Very happy. I hope the viewers shall recognized the actress within me and not take me merely as a glamorous doll who knows only to kiss.

This film has not a single kissing scene and none of glamour. You get to see my acting skills only.

And you also said that you will not do any more thrillers?
Yaa! I won’t do any more thrillers. I would like to do only romantic films. It is said that younger viewers cannot see my films. Now I will do such films which can be seen by all classes of viewers.

Will you name your forthcoming films?
Rokkk is the first to be release. Thereafter Amar Joshi Shaheed Ho Gaya, Chess, and Begunah are in the line.

I am what I am because of Mumbai: Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan Saturday said he was glad the Shiv Sena understood his point on freedom of expression and reiterated that he had never said anything that was anti-national or anti-Indian.

Shah Rukh faced flak from the Shiv Sena for his comment that Pakistani cricket players be included in the third season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He owns IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders.

His comment didn't go down well with the Sena which sought an apology and threatened to stop the release of all his films in Mumbai starting with "My Name Is Khan", due for releasing Feb 12.

The Sena now reportedly has no objection to the screening of his film "My Name Is Khan" in "as many theatres and for as many days as he wants" -- as Sena supremo Bal Thackeray has said in Saamana editorial Saturday.

Shah Rukh said he had been "misunderstood" on that issue.

"I don't think I have ever said anything anti-national or non-Indian. I need not explain my Indian-ness to anybody, " he said.

"I have only said what every Indian should. I stand by what I have said. I think there's a bit of agenda and politics in all this, " Shah Rukh told reporters here.

"Often we film people find ourselves on the wrong side of politics. I don't think the Sena went against my film because it has 'Khan' in the name. The good news is that I have just heard there will be no problems with my film, " he added.

"I am glad Sena could understand my point of view... I have a personal identity, but also a national identity... We are Indians, and my Indian identity makes me believe in certain things. I don't hold anyone responsible and I stand by what I have said, " he said

The Sena had threatened it would not allow the release of Khan's new movie unless he apologized for his pro-Pakistani cricketers comments - which the actor declined to do.

Enraged by this, Sena activists tore and burnt posters of the movie and even SRK's effigies in different parts of the state, prompting the state government to provide full security to theatres and multiplexes where the movie was slated for release.

Later, Sena leaders unofficially retracted from having issued any such diktat to ban the movie and it is expected that it may be released without any problems now.

Khan urged that arts, sports and culture should not be mixed with politics as they help in building better ties between countries.

"I agree there are political problems between the two countries (India and Pakistan), but when it comes to sports, culture and arts, they should not be involved in politics, " Khan said.

On why his team Kolkata Knight Riders did not select any Pakistani players for IPL, Khan said it is discretion of the coach and the captain.

"I cannot question their strategy and capacity. Moreover, there was only one slot available and nobody told us to take or not to take any Pakistani players. We also have to take into consideration the prevailing atmosphere."

The actor also shared his family's concern after the furore.

"My daughter asked me over the phone if we'll have to leave India, " he said.

The actor returned here from visit to the US and Britain Saturday after promoting "My Name Is Khan" with director Karan Johar and actress Kajol.

Considering the gravity of the situation and the circumstances, he and Kajol came out separately from the airport. He was accompanied by a sea of police personnel as well as his own security guards. Johar left the airport premises separately.

The state government as well as the police here have promised full cover to cinema properties where "My Name Is Khan" would be screened.

At the airport, Shah Rukh pointed out his proximity with the Thackeray family.

"I will go meet Balasaheb if he calls me. He is a senior leader. I have gone in the past when he's called me. I enjoy his company, " he said.

He also spoke out in favour of Mumbai - a sensitive topic with the Shiv Sena.

"I am what I am because of Mumbai. I want everyone in Mumbai to be happy. Why should we have this kind of stress? Let's be patient and talk it out, " he said.

I can't keep quite: Divya Dutta

Divya Dutta is a known face in Bollywood and a superstar in Punjabi film industry. She blew off audience with her blockbuster hit ‘Shaheed E Mohabbat- Boota Singh’ and many other films pairing up with superstar Gurdas Maan.

Her performance in supporting roles in Yash Raj Film’s ‘Veer-Zaara’ and Shyam Benegal’s ‘Welcome to Sajjanpur’ have been much appreciated by audience and critics alike. She has also done lead role in tele-serial ‘Shanno ki Shadi’.

In a conversation Divya Dutta talks about her latest film ‘Sukhmani- Hope for life’, her on-set pranks and association with superstar Gurdas Maan and Juhi Chawla.

I have the best calves to display: Esha Deol

Esha Deol, in her own words, is bruised black and blue. This month after participating in a camel race in Jaisalmer and doing road stunts in Goa for her mother's production Tell Me Oh Khuda, Esha can barely move a limb.

“The director Mayur Puri and the fight master Parvez Bhai forgot I was all said and done, a girl and therefore delicate in my own way. This has been the most physically demanding experience of my life, ” says Esha wincing in pain.

Twenty-six years after Hema Malini got on a camel in the Rajasthan deserts to sing the haunting Ae dil-e-nadaan in Kamal Amrohi's Razia Sultan, Esha rode the camel like a pro in Jaisalmer.

Protests Esha, “In Razia Sultan Mom was singing on the camel. I was wincing in pain. For ten days I rode the camel like a professional for a camel race along with Arjan Bajwa, Chandan Roy Sanyal and Sudhandhu Pande.

I was the only girl in the team. But people seemed to forget that. But if I may say so, I had the best calves on display in the typical Rajasthani camel-rider's costume, the kurta lungi and all.”

For the first few days Esha was in a daze. “The seat on top of the camel is so rough and so unfriendly to comfortable riding, my knees and inner thighs were constantly bruised.

When my mother saw I was hurt she was livid. But I told her to chill. And we continued shooting on the camels for a good week after that. Now I can call myself an expert camel rider.”

Esha's training in kick-boxing held her in good stead. “For the last two years I've subconsciously been training for this film. I needed to get physically fit. Which I've done. And I needed to mature emotionally. That too, I think, I've achieved.”

Esha says shooting Tell Me Oh Khuda has been like shooting three different films.

“We shoot in three different continents with three different cinematographers. So it's like doing three different films. In Turkey I shot with Rishi Kapoorji and in Jaisalmer I'm shooting with Vinod Khannaji.”

Now Esha wants to bring her father Dharmendra and mom Hema together for the last segment of the film.

“It's a dream for me to have them in the same film as me, so that one day I can tell my grandchildren, 'I made this happen.'. And I will make it happen.”

The Biggest Scandals of 2009!!!

Sreya Basu rides the Bollywood glam bus of 2009 packed with hot happenings, spicy gossips and half-truths.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: Aishwarya made up with Shah Rukh Khan at Karan Johar's birthday party this year. Things went bitter between the two after SRK replaced Ash with Rani Mukherji in 'Chalte Chalte' in 2003.

Abhishek Bachchan: Bachchan Junior faced a real humiliation at Cannes Film Festival, with the international press running only after his wife and L'Oreal ambassador Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

The ignorance reached the limit, when Abhi was sidelined and asked to wait at the end of the Red Carpet while all lenses were only interested in clicking a solo Ash or with the rest of the L'Oreal team. Later this year, he played father to his real life father Amitabh Bachchan in their home production 'Paa'.

Amisha Patel: This year Amisha decided to go for a live-in relationship with beau Kanav Puri.

Amrita Rao: Amrita dropped her 'behenjee' (sister-like) look and also lots of clothes this year. Fashion designer and her old friend Manish did the makeover of the year. The result: we got a sexy, hot avatar of Amrita, completed with plunging necklines, hot pants and perfect make-up.

Asin: The 'Ghajini' girl surely got lucky this year too. If one Khan (Aamir) gave her a successful break in Bollywood, media buzz said the other Khan (Salman) got the Southern siren a new house in Mumbai. As usual, Asin denied the news and said: “I earn enough to look after myself.”

Ayesha Takia: Ayesha's father-in-law and politician Abu Asim Azmi asked her to wear a 'burkha' (traditional Islam outfit) while campaigning for the Maharashtra Assembly Elections this year. As a result, Ayesha and her restauranteur husband Farhan are moving to a new house.

Bipasha Basu: Bips denied to share screen space with Tabu in Rohit Shetty's 'All the Best'. Bipasha convinced Rohit to have only her in the climax; hearing this, Tabu refused to play a second fiddle to someone like Bips.

Celina Jaitley: 'Hot Bod' Celina got into a verbal war with yoga guru Baba Ramdev over homosexuality. While Ramdev claimed he can 'cure' homosexuality and accused Celina (who works on the rights of homosexuals) of 'knowing nothing about Indian tradition', Celina, in turn, said Ramdev has 'no right' to comment on other people's lives and preferences.

Deepika Padukone: Deepika called off her relationship with Ranbir Kapoor. Both the actors are tight-lipped about the reason behind the break up. Early this year, Deepika came under the fury of Kareena 'Size Zero' Kapoor for playing Saif Ali Khan's lady love in his home production 'Love Aaj Kal'. As it is, Bebo was disheartened as Saifu and director Imtiaz Ali cast Deepika in the film instead of her. Adding to the fire, Deepika left out Bebo from the invitee list at a trial of the film.

Esha Deol: Hema Malini's eldest daughter literally vanished from limelight in 2009. When she made a public appearance at the end of the year, there were speculations that she has undergone a plastic surgery.

Jiah Khan: Jiah dropped in as an 'uninvited guest' at Shah Rukh Khan's wife Gauri's party at Mannat. She was reportedly intoxicated and grabbed every one's attention with her loud ways. Gauri asked her to leave.

Kangna Ranaut: Kangna split with Adhyayan Suman after dating him for over a year. “We both decided to part ways…we want to focus on our career before thinking of other things,” Kangna said.

Kareena Kapoor: Saif Ali Khan said Shahid Kapoor got 'Kaminey' because he rejected it; in turn, Shahid slammed him in public. Kareena intervened between her lover and ex-lover and tried to soothe things down, voicing all praise for Shahid.

Bebo, who had earlier said she will never work with her old flame again, changed her tune this year-“Who said I won't work with Shahid again? I liked his performance in Kaminey.”

Lara Dutta: Lara dumped Kelly Dorjee, only to be ditched by Dino Morea. However, she found some solace in swimming with dolphins underwater in the film 'Blue'. The rest of the calm was restored by late night dinners with married tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi.

Malaika Arora Khan: Malaika continued her tiff with brother-in-law Salman's girlfriend Katrina Kaif this year. She skipped Kat's birthday bash and whenever the two came face-to-face, nothing more than a formal greeting was exchanged between them.

Minissha Lamba: Minissha continued with her 'drop-cloth-and-look sexy' mantra post 'Kidnap'. Though the actor claimed it was not a deliberate transformation, she did over 200 photo sessions in 2009 with the same look.

Neetu Chandra: Neetu grabbed eyeballs after her photo session with model Krishika Gupta for a men's magazine. Social activists put up protests against her for allegedly promoting lesbianism.

Neha Dhupia: Neha Dhupia got upset after she was forcibly smooched by global tycoon Richard Branson while she was shooting for a music channel.

Priyanka Chopra: Piggy Chops got humiliated at IIFA Macau this year while collecting her Best Actress trophy for 'Fashion' by none other than Ashutosh Gowariker. Ashu, prompted by Jaya Bachchan, said: “Priyanka I love you. But I don't know how you got the award when Aishwarya is also nominated for 'Jodha Akbar'.”

Sameera Reddy: Sameera picked up fight and eventually got into a scuffle with security guards of Malaysia Prime Minister during shooting of s South Indian film in Malaysia. “I was wearing a dress and a jacket. So they thought I am a Westerner. That's why they misbehaved,” Sameera said.

Sonam Kapoor: Even after being the new face of L'Oreal, Sonam's dream to walk the red carpet at Cannes Film Festival remained a dream with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan making it clear that she is the face of the international line-up, not the Kapoor lass. As a result, while Sonam went back to her 'Aisha' shoots, Ash sashayed the Cannes Red Carpet.

Sushmita Sen: Sush took her young boyfriend-Mudassar Azis-to meet her parents in Kolkata, giving enough hints that the ex-Miss Universe has finally found her soulmate.

But things went sour this year with the 'Dulha Mil Gaya' director pushing her to get married. According to media buzz, Sush has even driven Aziz out of her Mumbai home.

I'm looking my best these days but there is no one to see it

What would’ve been a routine birthday bash for Sameera Reddy on Sunday night turned out to be a very special occasion when Priyadarshan who has just given the actress her first hit since Race in De Dana Dan turned around and said, “You’re in my next film.”

Sameera who has become very close to Priyan and his wife Lizzie and in fact spends all her free time during her frequent visits to Chennai in their house is still reeling in pleasure.

“I couldn’t have got a better birthday gift. Firstly it turned out to be Priyan and Lizzie’s marriage anniversary. So we had my birthday and their anniversary party at Shristi Behl’s residence. All three of us Lizzie, Priyan and I cut a cake.”

The icing on the cake was Priyan’s impulsive offer. “I don’t need to ask him what it is or in which film. I trust him completely. He gave me a role in De Dana Dan that did justice to my presence.This, at a time when I was desperately trying to shed my sexy image.”

Not many people know this. But Sameera has a secret special appearance in the Bihar-based film that Priyan is shooting with Ajay Devgn, Akshaye Khanna and Bipasha Basu.

“How do you know about this?” Sameera demands to know. “So that makes it three film with Priyan. I’m really lucky to have Priyan and his wife as friends. Now when I go to Chennai which is like a second home to me thanks to the work that I do.In fact my latest Tamil hit was mixed in Priyan’s studio in Chennai, so the bond thickens.”

Her prestigious film Nagesh Kukunoor’s Yeh Husla remains stuck.

Says Sameera softly, “That’s because the producers Percept have bungled. They’re in a real financial mess. They owe and almost everyone associated with them quite a lot of money.”

Sameera herself remains solitary in Mumbai. “My sister Meghna is now married to a Greek and settled on the most exotic Greek island. My brother-in-law spoils me silly. They both love me because I convinced our conservative dad about the unlikely marital alliance.”

Specially after her sister’s marriage Sameera really misses a man in her life. “It gets really lonely. And I know I’m looking my best these days. Thanks to yoga I’ve lost oodles of flesh. But what’s the point of looking good when you’ve no one to admire you?”

Age may be just a number. But in Bollywood Sameera knows her time is numbered. “At the party at Shristi Behl’s I just kept staring at Twinkle Khanna. She was glowing. She just keeps getting better with the years.I hope I look as radiant when I reach that age.”