Dec 25, 2010

Why no green signal to Kochi Metro, asks minister





Centre's dubious stand on Kochi Metro evokes suspicion: Minister





Ponting says he's fit and fine for MCG


Australia captain Ricky Ponting says he is a certain starter for the Boxing Day Test against England, starting Sunday.


Gambhir doubtful for Durban Test


Indian opener Gautam Gambhir appears doubtful for the second Test against South Africa in Durban from Sunday.


'Won't be intimidated by MCG crowd'


Andrew Strauss said England will not be intimidated by a Melbourne Cricket Ground packed with a hostile Australians for the fourth Test.


HC stays proceedings against Modi


The BCCI was dealt yet another blow after the Bombay High Court stayed the Board's proceedings against Lalit Modi.


Live Chat: Akshay Oberoi on December 27 at 1500 hrs IST


Akshay OberoiNot many newcomers get a chance to debut with a banner as prestigious as Rajshri Productions. Akshay Oberoi however is one such lucky newcomer. Akshay debuts in Rajshri's latest flick Isi Life Mein which has released this Christmas weekend. Bollywood Hungama gives you a chance to have a live video chat with the super-talented Akshay Oberoi on Monday, December 27, at 1500 hrs IST. Don't miss!


Anurag Kashyap's Chief AD Sohil Shah dies in freak accident on film set


Sohil ShahA typical Bollywood set takes safety and security for granted, but what happened recently to Sohil Shah cannot be termed as anything less than shocking. Sohil Shah, Anurag Kashyap's Chief Assistant Director on Gangs Of Wasseypur, died in a freak accident during the shoot of the film in Varanasi yesterday. This shocking news comes soon after the industry lost Sourabh Usha Narang, Pankaj Advani and Manish Acharya earlier this year. The young filmmaker from Mumbai who had earlier worked on Prince, Lafangey Parindey and a TV series 'Amazing Race' met with the unfortunate incident early yesterday morning. The crew was filming a simple routine sunrise shot, in which a jeep was shown in the frame, which Sohil was driving. Though production people gave him a driver, he chose to drive it himself with the driver sitting at the co-driver's seat. While passing through a bridge, he saw two people coming in his direction. In order to save them, he took a sharp turn and the jeep fell off the bridge. Sohil hit his ear against a metal rod and suffered an instant haemorrhage. Anurag was also there with the rest of the crew. They rushed Sohil to the hospital, but he was declared dead on arrival. We at Bollywood Hungama offer our condolence to Sohil Shah's family. May his soul rest in peace.


Akshay Oberoi invites cousin Vivek to see his film


Akshay Oberoi
Setting aside all talk of a cold war with cousin, Vivek Oberoi, newcomer Akshay Oberoi who makes his debut this week in the Rajshris' Isi Life Mein has invited Vivek to watch his film. Vivek has promised his cousin he will make time very shortly. Says the newcomer, "There is absolutely no stress with Vivek. I don't know where these rumours came from. I don't know why people are making it seem as if we're at loggerheads." The truth is, Akshay Oberoi tried to downplay his family connection with Vivek because he didn't want to seem like a clingy cousin desirous of cashing in on his more-famous family member's name. Says Akshay, "Vivek and I didn't grow up together. Since I was studying acting and theatre in the US for several years and we weren't connected constantly. So if we aren't bumchums, we aren't at war either. Why should we be? We are like any other family. I'm a huge fan of Vivek and will always wish him well. I hope he sees my film soon." Having said that, the pragmatic newcomer knows it is each on his own in the entertainment industry. "Vivek and I come from different families. We lead separate lives. He has his own career. And I will have my own now. We will always be there for one another. But we are not going to be posing for together photographs all the time to prove to the world that we belong to one family." Akshay's namesake, the Kumar, also has a release, a much larger one this week. But the newbie is unperturbed. Says the latest Oberoi on the block, "Isi Life Mein and Tees Maar Khan are two different films. We are a much smaller film. We're hoping we'd also get some support. After all it is the holiday season."


Krayon Pictures starts animating Govind Nihlani's 'Kamlu'


Govind NihlaniClose on the heels of announcement about Krayon's next project Ashwatthama, here's presenting something more for the animation and Bollywood lovers. Bollywood's ace Director Govind Nihlani's animation venture Kamlu has finally started getting into the shape, courtesy, Pune based animation studio - Krayon Pictures. The two entertainment giants have come together to jointly work on the film. "The film, which is being made into 3D, is due for release in August next year, provided all the things work out well," said Govind Nihlani, exclusively to Bollywood Hungama. "We have started the animation and work is on in full swing," said Nishith Takia, Co-Founder - Director, Krayon Pictures. As per the plans, the director is looking at releasing the first look and promo of the film in the first quarter of the next year. "Depending on the response from the audience we get, we might consider it for a stereoscopic project as well. Our aim is to release it on a global scale as the local market is still not ready to give the return on investment made on animation projects," said Nihlani.


Sonakshi Sinha signed up as brand ambassador for Dyna Soaps


Sonakshi SinhaShe came, she saw, she 'Khan-querred'. We are indeed talking about the one and only Gen-Next dynamite Sonakshi Sinha, the very PYT who was one of the vital names instrumental in making her debut film Dabangg a mega success. And once you are a top-notch heroine, it's not just the films, but also the ad world starts beckoning you. After having signed Joker, Shirish Kunder's 3-D bonanza, Sonakshi is now all set to enter the ad world with a bang! The pretty actress has now been signed up as the brand ambassador for 'Dyna Soaps', so reports Bollywood Hungama's most trusted sources. When we tried calling up the company officials, they confirmed the news, but denied to reveal any further details. Readers may recall that Katrina Kaif was the previous brand ambassador for the said brand of soap. Do watch this space for more details.


Salman Khan signed up as brand ambassador for Mountain Dew


Salman KhanThey say 'There is nothing that a Khan can't'! This statement can't be truer in the case of the Dabangg man Salman Khan! Is there anything that this guy can't do? How many people can boast of turning films into a goldmine for its makers, having romanced the best of heroines, having the whole of globe rooting for him, ruling both the telly land as well as the silver screen with equal command, demand and elan! Well, it has to be the Salman Khan, the man who will now be seen as the brand ambassador for Mountain Dew, so reports Bollywood Hungama's ever-so-reliable sources. The source also added that he has been signed up for a whopping amount of Rs. 5 crore for a year! Readers may also note the fact that, with this endorsement, Salman Khan also happens to be the first ever brand ambassador of the said brand. As they say, Khan's exactly the way to go!


Akshay and Katrina get mobbed by fans


Katrina KaifThere are always two sides to a coin. While being famous comes with its own perks, there is a flip side too, which is of being followed by millions of ardent fans wherever you go. Though it's all for the love of the celeb, sometimes the fans can get into frenzy and create trouble for the star. Katrina Kaif recently had a first hand experience of this, while she was on a promotional tour for her upcoming film Tees Maar Khan. It was in Dubai when Katrina was scheduled for a promotional event at a local mall where her fans gathered in thronging numbers. On seeing her car arrive, her fans mobbed the vehicle for a glimpse of the actress. The situation got so out of hand that Katrina's make up man had to double up as her security to escort the harrowed star back to the hotel. While closer to home, on a nationwide promotional campaign, both Akshay and Katrina were left confined to the hotel in Ludhiana, all thanks to the fans who had gathered outside. Maybe the fans took the 'Catch me if you can' bit from the TMK's title track too seriously.


First promo of 'Patiala House' catches your eye


Patiala HouseThe moment you think of Akshay Kumar, images of his comic entertainers conjure up in front of your eyes. That Akshay is synonymous with comedy is well known by now. And once expects his next release, PATIALA HOUSE, to be a rib-tickling entertainer as well. But the first promo of the film catches you completely unaware. It tilts towards strong emotions. It tugs at your heartstrings. The conflict between the father and son [the roles are enacted by Rishi Kapoor and Akshay] comes across extremely well in the promo and if the film is as impressive as its first promo, then Nikhil Advani would be credited for getting him back to serious roles after a hiatus. Besides the volatile relationship between the father and son, PATIALA HOUSE also catches your eye because it talks of cricket, which is the favourite sport of Indians. Nikhil made a terrific debut with KAL HO NAA HO and seems like the talented director returns to narrate a strong emotional story in PATIALA HOUSE. The promo of the film is out on Bollywood Hungama. Enjoy! Click here to watch the promo


Russian President meets SRK and Bebo on sets of Ra.One


That Shah Rukh Khan has a huge fan following world over is a given. However, what was surprising to note was the fact that even the President of Russia Dimitri Medvedev is an admirer of the Bollywood superstar. The Russian President was in Mumbai on a political visit but he did squeeze out sometime from his busy schedule to drop by on the sets of Ra.One to meet Shah Rukh Khan. Dimitri Medvedev was also equally excited to meet SRK's Ra.One co-star Kareena Kapoor and even told her how popular her late grandfather (Shri. Raj Kapoor) still is in his homeland Russia. The President saw one shot, chatted with the actors and bid them goodbye. In the recent past, even world famous magician Franz Harary made a stop over on the sets of Ra.One to meet the Baadshah of Bollywood. Surely they don't call him King Khan for nothing.


PCB: Butt not facing ban


The PCB has rejected reports that Salman Butt is set to be banned for seven years on charges of spot-fixing.


PCB: Zulqarnain is weak, nervous


Dubbed "weak and nervous" by a fact-finding committee of the PCB, Zulqarnain Haider is threatening to take legal action.


Amla eyes series win in Durban


Hashim Amla said South Africa will be hoping to seal the three-match series in the second Test beginning in Durban on Sunday.


"Zaheer key to India revival"


Sourav Ganguly reckons Zaheer Khan will be key to India bouncing back in the Test series against South Africa.


Kirsten targets strong first innings


India coach Gary Kirsten expects his batsmen to back themselves after the first Test disappointment.


Anderson fit for MCG Test


James Anderson has been declared fit to take part in fourth Ashes Test at the MCG from Sunday.


Warne: Australia primed to win in MCG


Shane Warne believes Australia are in a different zone and will win the fourth Ashes Test against England starting on Sunday.


Zaheer fit to play in Durban Test


A fit-again Zaheer Khan is all set to make a return in the second Test in Durban that starts on Boxing Day.


John Wright: It was an easy decision


John Wright says that it was unexpected but an easy decision for him to coach the New Zealand cricket team.


Ranji Trophy updates: Friday


Bowlers put Karnataka in driver seat against Mdhya Pradesh and Pankaj took six wickets to give Rajasthan the upperhand against Maharashtra.


Clarke: Anderson will be big loss


Australia are planning to face James Anderson in the Boxing Day Test - but will be delighted if they are forced to have a rethink.


Bell set to remain at usual number six


Ian Bell looks set to stay at six in England's batting order for the fourth Ashes Test in Melbourne on Boxing Day.


PCB assures World Cup list on Dec 30


Pakistan's selection committee will meet on December 30 to finalise the preliminary squad of 30 players for the 2011 World Cup.


Dhoni: Sachin is better than Bradman


Sachin Tendulkar's ability to adapt to the pressures of modern-day cricket makes him better than Bradman, feels MS Dhoni.


Corruption ghost clouds NZ-Pak series


New Zealand face Pakistan in a T20 match in Auckland on Sunday to launch a series set to be overshadowed by corruption claims.


Walking down memory lane in 2010


2010 will be a year to remember. Some incredible highs and forgettable lows- the year was a watershed in world sports.


Cilic clicks with Chennai


Marin Cilic attributes his back-to-back conquests of the Chennai Open to his love for India's only ATP tournament.


PCB: Butt not facing ban


The PCB has rejected reports that Salman Butt is set to be banned for seven years on charges of spot-fixing.


Fay steps down as USGA director


David Fay has announced his retirement as executive director of the United States Golf Association.


Yuri Semin is new Dynamo coach


Dynamo Kiev have appointed Yuri Semin as the permanent successor to former coach Valeri Gazzaev.


Rugby: Sharks supremo backs Anglesea


Sale Sharks owner Brian Kennedy has described Pete Anglesea as "the obvious choice" to step in for departed head coach Mike Brewer.


Rugby: O'Connell ban will stand


Ireland and Munster lock Paul O'Connell has had his appeal against a four-week ban dismissed.


Rugby: Moffat impressed by Edinburgh


Edinburgh head coach Rob Moffat has made four changes to his side for Monday's Magners League clash with Glasgow Warriors at Firhill.


Ancelotti: Arsenal scared of Drogba


Chelsea manager Carlos Ancelotti insists Arsenal are 'a little afraid' of Didier Drogba ahead of their clash on Monday.


Kaka, Fabiano linked with Inter


A number of players have been linked with Inter Milan even before new manager Leonardo starts his job proper on 29 December.


City prepare £21m bid for Luiz


Manchester City have tabled a massive £21 million bid to prise Benfica defender David Luiz to Eastlands.