Kareena lashes out at Deepika’s ‘insecure’ remark

The war continues with Bebo poking fun at Dippy

The Kareena Kapoor-Deepika Padukone war’s been on for a while now, ever since Imtiaz Ali chose the Om Shanti Om gal over his own Jab We Met heroine for Love Aaj Kal. That too opposite Bebo’s own beau Saif Ali Khan. And despite Kareena’s rumoured huffs and puffs, the LAK pair teamed up again for Prakash Jha’s Aarakshan, and then again for Homi Adjania’s Cocktail and, we hear, perhaps for a couple more. So it was no surprise to read Dippy claim in a recent interview that she was ‘just friends’ with Saif and it was Kareena who was ‘insecure’. Of course, that has not gone down well with the Kapoor gal and she has resorted to guerilla warfare, of the kind that only she excels at. We hear she is poking fun at what Deepika said by telling everyone who will listen that she is “scared” and “trembling with fear”. In fact, she is even insisting she has no problems if other girls hit on Saifoo. After all, her darling love is really hot! What a strong reply! Don’t you simply love these two gals? After all these years of political ‘actresses can be friends too’ correctness, we finally have two women who are saying what they actually feel without any qualms about political correctness. We just can’t wait to see what Deepika’s next salvo will be, especially since she seems to have started losing all the diplomacy and sweet-tongued niceness that she came into B-town with. Any guesses?

Katrina Kaif beats Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor

She talks about being the only actress in the Top 10 of the Zoom Supernova list

What do you attribute your enviable position in the industry to?
Luck and being honest and sincere about work has worked for me and helped me reach where I am. You don't really know how your film is going to turn out, but you can give it your best shot and hope the audience loves it. This has been my approach right from the beginning and it's helped me a lot in my journey. All you can do is give the film your everything. I think what has also worked is that I have been able to relate to the characters I have played. Maybe, deep down the audience has connected to these roles and liked them.

Who do you consider your fan base?
I would like to believe it transcends all ages and barriers. I look forward to meeting fans during promotions when I travel across the country. It's humbling to see their love and support. Also I look out for tips that some give me. Like if they don't like something I did or loved a particular role or scene, I try to keep that in mind as a reference point in the future. It's always nice to get feedback from your fans.

What kind of films excite you?

I make an attempt to do different kinds of films. There's no such formula for guaranteed success. Like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara worked because of sheer sincerity.

How important are your fans?
I want to thank them for giving me so much love and acceptance, even with my flaws, be it my diction or anything else. They have stood by me and always believed in my work. I will keep doing work that won't ever let my fans down.

Salman Khan's on the top of my list: Deepika Padukone

Studio 9 in Hyderabad's film city is bustling with activity as the cast and crew of "Cocktail" are busy shooting portions of the film starring Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone. As they break for lunch, Bollywood's current sunshine girl, Deepika Padukone walks towards her vanity van, looking resplendent in a green gown and minimal make-up. "Hyderabad is fun. I shot for an item number here and also a cola commercial," she says as a greeting. Deepika then bares her heart in an exclusive interview with Hyderabad Times. Excerpts.

You seem to be having a great run as far as the box office results of most of your films are concerned.
True. I think somewhere it has to do with the scripts that I'm choosing, the directors I'm working with and also what the audience likes. I've always tried to do something different - right from "Om Shanti Om", "Love Aaj Kal" and now "Aarakshan". I'm glad my efforts have been appreciated so far.

So, it's a conscious effort to do different films every time?
Somewhere people feel I can be part of these different films which is why they are offered to me. But, it's not a conscious decision. I don't think 'Okay, this year I'll do one romantic film, one political thriller and so on.' It depends on what I'm offered at that point of time and if I connect to it.

Saif and you now have three films. Quite an unconventional pairing...
We were fortunate to have Imtiaz direct us in our first film, where people loved us. But we didn't make a conscious decision to do films with one another. It's just a co-incidence that we are offered great scripts. And I like our pairing, I'm glad it's working.

You have "Rana" with Rajinikanth. Is it on the back-burner for now due to his ill health?
Right now I'm not comfortable talking about it because nothing is more important than Rajini sir's health. He knows I'm there for him and I'm not going anywhere. I'm great friends with Soundarya and they know dates are not an issue, as I'll always work around it for them. I mean, come on, it's a Rajini film! In most cases the script matters, but with this one, it's just the Rajini factor that works. One's career is incomplete if one hasn't worked with THE Rajinikanth.

The current mood in the industry reflects that you are the next big thing. Where do you see yourself in the rat race?
It's just been three years and I have been fortunate to work with some of the best in the industry. But, I have a long way to go now. I have become a lot more confident of myself and my craft. I'd rather have a slow and steady climb, than be a flash in the pan. I'm not looking at retiring or getting married in a few years. And what rat race? I'm here for the long run.

Have the zeroes on your pay-cheque increased with every hit?
Absolutely. Where you stand in the market makes a huge difference to everything that you do.

There's a new Deepika that we see now - candid and outspoken...
You know, I've always been like that. I don't know why people think I've changed. I've always spoken honestly. But, I guess you also learn over a period of time and become confident.

While many appreciated your honesty on "Koffee With Karan", it didn't go down too well with a certain section, (namely the Kapoors).
It didn't bother me one bit. It was my show, the questions were asked to me and I answered them the way I wanted to. I'm not answerable to anyone.

You hardly speak about your relationship with Siddhartha...
No. Relationships or not, I believe that people don't need to know about my life beyond a certain point. I understand there is a curiosity about me and Siddhartha, but there's only that much I'll say about my personal life. You can speculate or gossip, it doesn't bother me.

So how do you maintain fickle relationships in the industry. A big deal is made when you are not spotted at SRK's party at Mannat...
I may not be best friends with many, but that does not mean I don't get along with them. If I wasn't at SRK's party it was because I was shooting in Hyderabad. There is no rift or a fight or anything of that sort.

You've always said that you wanted to work with Salman. Do you think other heroines - Asin, Sonakshi - are trying to pip you at that?
Not at all. I have been offered a lot of films with Salman, unfortunately it has not worked out for many reasons. He is definitely on top of my list of actors I'd die to work with. When the time is right, I will do a film with him. I know he wants to work with me, he knows I want to work with him and people know we want to work with each other, so when times comes, we'll get together on screen.

Deepika back as glamourous diva with Desi Boyz

Deepika Padukone has had enough of playing non-glam part in a series of films. So when Prakash Jha, Ashutosh Gowariker and Pradeep Sarkar asked her to turn plain Jane for their respective films, Deepika didn't protest and willingly stepped into plain suit-salwars, sarees and T-shirts respectively while also keeping her make-up minimal. Even in BREAK KE BAAD which was set in Mauritius, director Danish Aslam wanted her to play the girl next door which means designer outfits were out of question. 
 

However none of that would be the case in DESI BOYZ where Deepika would be back at being her glamorous best. After consciously staying away from that make-up kit for her AARAKSHAN, KHELEIN HUM JEE JAAN SEY and LAFANGEY PARINDEY, Deepika has sent an SOS to her styling team and made sure that she comes across as an ultra glam personality in her winter release DESI BOYZ.

"Deepika is doing everything possible to stand out in the Akshay Kumar and John Abraham starrer," her friend continues, "Since the film is set in London, Deepika doesn't want to look out of place. Also, the film belongs to a genre that is quintessentially commercial and cool on eyes. During the shooting of her film, she summoned her stylist, costume designer, make-up staff and hair dressers to give her an ultra glam look. She also hit the gym hard to look in best shape and make heads turn. She knows that before this year comes to close; DESI BOYZ is one film that would present her in an altogether different light." 

Deepika too admits that for DESI BOYZ she has gone through a definite make-over. "DESI BOYZ requires me to play glamorous and I have done whatever possible to make sure that I look my best," says Deepika who would next be seen in AARAKSHAN before she sizzles again in DESI BOYZ this winter.

Kareena Kapoor back in Heroine, but conditions apply

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's 'good news' had poured cold water on Madhur Bhandarkar and UTV's dreams of making Heroine. However, like every dark cloud, this too has a silver lining. Kareena Kapoor has finally agreed to step into the shoes left empty by Mrs Jr Bachchan.

On Monday, UTV's CEO Siddharth Roy Kapur and the writer of Heroine Niranjan Iyengar flew down to Hyderabad to meet Kareena who had been spending some time with her boyfriend Saif Ali Khan, who in turn has been shooting for Cocktail with Deepika Padukone at the Ramoji Rao Film City there.

The meeting between the producer, the writer and the actress proved to be quite fruitful. So much so that the actress has now agreed to be a part of the project, with a few conditions of her own.

"Kareena has consented to the snorting, drinking and smoking scenes. Earlier, she had strong reservations against them. Now, she just doesn't want to do the explicit lovemaking scenes with Arjun Rampal and Sudhir Mishra's discovery Arunoday Singh. Those scenes are extremely sexy and Kareena is just not comfortable doing them," informed a source.

And while UTV doesn't want to let go of this opportunity to revive their dream project with Kareena Kapoor, convincing the director Madhur to make changes in his script yet again, proves to be a challenge.

While Madhur Bhandarkar remained unavailable for comments, a source close to the film informed Mumbai Mirror, "Iyengar is very close to Kareena. He knew that this time he would be able to convince her. Both Kapur and Iyengar were very happy after the meeting. They were beaming. Madhur too was happy to learn that Kareena has agreed to do the film."

Kareena, interestingly, happened to be Madhur's choice for the film previously. However, the actress had refused to do it since she felt that the content of the film was too heavy and bold for her. "What can be better than getting your first choice back in the project?" quipped the source when asked about the same.

Having found his silver lining in Hyderabad, UTV's head honcho Siddharth Roy Kapur stayed on in the city to multiply his happiness. This time with a different leading lady who also happens to be the lady leading his heart.

He extended his visit to be with his ladylove Vidya Balan who is shooting for Ekta Kapoor's Dirty Picture with co-star Emraan Hashmi and director Milan Luthria at the Ramoji Rao Film City in Hyderabad. So after a successful meeting, Kapur dropped by to meet Vidya on the sets of the film based on the life of Silk Smitha.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan had left the project after a week's shoot following her father in law's tweet about her pregnancy on June 21. According to industry insiders, it isn't commercially viable for the makers of the film to wait for more than a year for Ash to come back to the project.

Kapur and Bhandarkar remained unavailable for comment. Ditto for Kareena.

'Aarakshan' is not dergatory to Scheduled Castes in any way

Filmmaker Prakash Jha wants to have a discussion and dispel the doubts of the National Commission of Scheduled Castes (NCSC), which has sought to see his film "Aarakshan" even before the censor board watches it. The panel wants to confirm that the film has not misinterpreted the constitutional provision for reservations of the socially backward classes. Jha said, having high regard for the commission, he is ready to have a linear discussion to dispel their doubts before arriving at any decision on their demand. "I have heard that they have some doubts. We want to know what doubt they have for which they want to see the film even before the censor board, before the release of the film." "It's a very honorable commission, who are working for human rights and the socially backward classes. I'd like to dispel any suspicions or doubts that they may have. First we should sit together and discuss their doubt, then only I would be able to take any decision," Jha told. Releasing Aug 12, "Aarakshan" is a high voltage socio-political drama based on the most controversial policies of caste-based reservations in government jobs and educational institutions. Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Manoj Bajpai, Deepika Padukone, Pratieik Babbar and Tanvi Azmi play pivotal roles in the film.

Deepika - Rajni Sir Ko Commitment Kar Di

Rajnikant flies back home without doctor's consent, Deepika to visit him soon

The return of Rajnikanth from Singapore, after a month of treatment and rest, has triggered off a chain of mass hysteria among his fans.

According to sources, the southern superstar was asked to spend some more time recovering in the Asian country but seems like he missed his family and fans too much.

"He missed home. He missed his friends, family and fans. He insisted on returning now, " says a source very close to Rajnikanth.

As the news spread that he is landing in Chennai on Wednesday night at 10 pm, crowds began to flock at the airport and near his residence.

Fans and admirers were seen with pooja thalis and garlands in hand to greet the actor who is considered no less than an idol down south.

Says the source, "It's crazy over here in Chennai. As soon as news spread that Rajniji is returning, all of the city got ready to give him a resounding reception."

While the shoot of Rana won't start before September Rajni's co-star Deepika Padukone has made it very clear to the actor that she'd join him for shoot whenever required. She would also be flying down to Chennai to meet him soon.

Says the source, "Deepika has assured the superstar that she will be there to shoot whenever he's ready to do so."

The actress has in fact been flooded with offers from Tamil cinema after she signed Rana. But she has made a commitment to Rajnikanth.

"She won't do any Tamil film until their film together is completed. This is her way of showing how much a film with India's greatest screen idol after Amitabh Bachchan matters to her, " adds the source.

Rajni's B-Town heroines

Aishwarya Rai, Hema Malini, Reena Roy, Dimple Kapadia, Kimi Katker, Jaya Prada, Deepa Sahi, Rekha, Sri Devi, Madhuri Dixit

Deepika Padukone's Taj fixation

Deepika Padukone has found solace at a legendary monument built in honour of love: the Taj Mahal!

Says a source, "It's a secret few friends know. Deepika has, over the last year, visited the Taj thrice. On two of those instances — full moon nights — the Taj was at its most majestic. Dippy prefers to visit the monument incognito (surprisingly) and alone." The obsession apparently began a year ago when the actress shot for a commercial photoshoot there, which eventually got canned. That was her first visit to the Taj.

When asked by a friend what she sought there, the actress said that she finds "a strange solace just gazing at the beautiful structure, especially by the moonlight." Deepika added that it was very cathartic. Strangely enough, she hasn't gone there with current beau Sidhartha Mallya yet.

When probed by BT, the actress didn't deny her fascination for the Wonder of the World, but chose not to discuss it. However, with us outing her secret, it does mean that DP's nocturnal visits to the Taj will be fewer.

Deepika offered whopping amount to go topless

Ex-lovers Ranbir and Deepika come face to face

At the screening of 'friend' Imran Khan's film 'Delhi Belly', Ranbir Kapoor not only carefully intakes audiences' reaction but also bumps into Dippy! When Ranbir Kapoor was on his way to Yash Raj Studios for a screening of Delhi Belly, he probably didn't anticipate that two surprises were awaiting him. First, he came face-to-face with his ex-girlfriend Deepika Padukone. Second, he was amazed that the special invitees enjoyed his rival's movie so much. Ranbir had been messaging Imran saying he loved the Bhaag D K Bose song and that he was looking forward to the movie. So letting their proxy war be forgotten, IK invited RK for the movie. Guest list A source says, "Imran was previously in Delhi for the film's promotion. So he told Ranbir that he'd invite him for a show as soon as he returned to Mumbai. And since he returned late Tuesday, he decided to have a screening on Wednesday and invited Ranbir, Karan Johar, Rohan Sippy and some other folk." However, it seems he had forgotten to tell him that Deepika had been invited too! So when Ranbir sauntered in with Karan, he was astonished to see that Dippy was there with father, Prakash Padukone and sister Anisha. "But Ranbir was very graceful and he spoke very warmly with her, " says our source. The source adds, "Deepika had flown down from London where she was shooting for Homi Adajania's Cocktail with Saif Ali Khan. She had told Imran that she wanted to see the film. She had got a couple of days off, so she came." Reaction time A little while after the screening started, our source reveals that Ranbir was observing how the others were reacting to the onscreen proceedings. "Maybe he didn't expect people to enjoy the film so much, " says our source, adding that when the lights came on at the end of the film, Ranbir's expression was one of shock and awe. "So much so that some people present were even sniggering among themselves that suddenly, Ranbir wasn't able to handle the competition, " states our informer. However, the actor was quick to regain his composure as he stepped out of the auditorium.