Our Honeymoon is still going on...

His marriage to world's most beautiful women and former Miss World Aishwarya Rai has been the most talked about event in the media in recent months.

For Bollywood heartthrob Abhishek Bachchan too, his marriage to Aishwarya has been a high point of his life.

''It's a continued honeymoon you could say and it feels very nice.

I love being on set together all day and then going back home together,''says Abhishek about life post his marriage to Aishwarya.

Speaking on an interview to CNN's 'Talk Asia', his first in-depth interview to an international news channel since his high profile wedding to Aishwarya, Abhishek said,''We try to enjoy every moment of being together because being actors we both know there's going to be time ahead where we're not going to see each other for months.''

He may currently be at an all time high in his professional career, being ranked among top ranking stars on the Bollywood but amid all the acclaim and limelight coming his way, Abhishek remains quite modest about his stardom, attributing it more to luck than his ability.

The realisation perhaps stems from the fact that that he has worked every inch of the way to get to where he is today.

''At the end of the day it's got to do with luck.

That's one thing you learn very quickly in the Indian film industry.

I can think of a hundred more talented actors than me, better looking, better built, more capable, but at the end of the day you realize very soon that it comes down to luck.

I don't blow my own horn: Aditi Gowitrikar

She has won the titles of Asian Super Model Contest (1997), Gladrags Contest and Mrs. World (2001) and is a mother of two. Yet, Aditi Gowitrikar boasts of a figure that can cause envy to many younger to her in the glamour industry. The model-turned-actress reveals what keeps her in such good shape.

Q: Are you a fitness freak?
A: I am not someone who can be labeled a fitness freak, but yes, I like to be fit. I try to keep my weight under control but I am not obsessed with it. I don't diet, nor do I work out for hours at a stretch in the gym. I exercise only 3 to 4 days a week.

Q: What exercise do you do?
A: I don't like weight training much. I have been a yoga person throughout, but now, after my second child, I have to put in some extra effort to stay in shape. Recently, I started spinning as it is very good for the lower body and it also burns a lot of calories. I go to Gold's Gym, as the trainer and the equipment there are really good.

Q: How important is it for an actor to look physically fit?
A: Right now, as per the new trend, everyone in the industry is fit. Earlier, it didn't matter much, but now, apart from acting skills, looks also matter. The physical appearance speaks a lot about a person and it's really important to be fit in this industry. It helps when you work on long and hectic schedules.

Q: Were you always into fitness or being in the glamour industry forced you into keeping fit?
A: Luckily, I was always skinny and never had weight problems. My metabolism rate is quite high. But yes, I have become more conscious after getting into the industry, especially after giving birth to my second child.

Q: Do you think a nice figure or built means the person is fit?
A: No, not necessarily. Fitness means a balanced equation between mind and body. So a person who appears to be physically fit may not be mentally sound.

Q: Do you feel fitness adds appeal to the personality?
A: It does, but one shouldn't try to be fit just because it makes one look more attractive. Fitness helps later on when we grow old. Being a doctor, I always recommend others to stay fit. And take my word, it's not that difficult at all.

Q: Any tips you would like to give to our readers?
A: Always take care of your health, your body is precious so respect it. Don't follow any trend blindly, what goes well with one person may not suit the other. So, always do things that you are comfortable doing, be it exercise or dressing up.

Q: Who do you think is the fittest person in the glamour industry today?
A: I think John and Salman, these guys are really very fit. Bipasha and Aishwariya also looked stunning in "Dhoom 2". Esha has attained a superb figure and Mallika also has a nice body. As for myself, I don't blow my own horn.

I was secretly engaged to a man, tells Nicole

Nicole Kidman had recently revealed she was 'secretly' engaged to a man whose name she would still like to keep a secret.

She said, "I got engaged to somebody...but it just wasn't right. I wasn't ready. We weren't ready".

But chances are it's none but her ex-boyfriend Lenny Kravitz. At least there are such possibilities.

Lenny had said in 2004, 'We're really great friends... But, you know, we keep the what, how and when and all that to ourselves.'

But, again the name of Steve Bing, the ex of Elizabeth Hurley, is also there in the list of Nicole's dating partners.

She enjoyed his presence in her life between the 2000 split from Tom and the 2006 marriage with Urban.

I used to end up walking like girls: Riteish Deshmukh

Sajid Khan's "Heyy Babyy" has reestablished Riteish Deshmukh as an actor with fine comic timing. The actor speaks about "Dhamaal", how he has handled criticism, and his journey in the industry so far.

Q: You made your debut as a romantic actor and now you have moved into comedy? What do have to say about that?
A: I made my debut with "Tujhe Meri Kasam". I must admit that I never wanted to get into acting in the first place. I dropped in on the sets of Subhash Ghai's "Yaadein" and one of the directors there offered me a role. In fact, I was still a newcomer when Vashu Bhagnani offered me "Out Of Control".

So, many of my initial films came my way before I had established myself as an actor. Then Inder Kumarji offered me "Masti". He was quite sure that I will make a good comedian.

But on the first two days of the shoot, he was at his wit's end not knowing how to make me deliver. But from the third day he was very happy with me. The movie was liked by everyone, especially by children. So I thought why not go with comedy if it suits me well. And here I am……

Q: What if the trend changes from comedy to action?
A: You cannot run away from trends. But I think comedy is everlasting, as people want to laugh all the time. But an actor should try everything and should be comfortable in every role he does. I don't believe in being addressed just as a good comedian. An actor should give outstanding performance in everything he does.

Q: Who are your favourite actors?
A: I have been fortunate enough to work with some very good actors. Look at Akshay Kumar, he is fantastic in whatever he does. He bisects the scene according to his needs and gives an excellent performance, be it in comedy or action.

I need to rehearse the lines, while Akshay makes his own lines, if needed, and that too, in a fantastic manner. I also like Arshad Warsi, and believe me, he never practices or rehearses his dialogues.

He just goes through them once and that is enough for him. Everything comes to him naturally, be it comedy or emotion. I also like Boman Irani. He is fantastic.

Q:Tell us something about "Heyy Babyy".
A: It is one of the liveliest and most successful movies of mine. I loved it and I have spoken a few lines of Marathi in that film. Actually, Sajid wanted a Marathi dialogue in the movie, he really liked it when I helped.

Q: Tell us about "Cash".
A: "Cash" failed and it should be a lesson for everyone. It happens and one learns from such things in life. I take negative things very seriously and try not to repeat my mistakes. There may be things which the audience did not like about the movie and hence it failed.

Q: What would you say about yourself as an actor?
A: I am very critical about myself as an actor. When I was new in this industry I used to get affected whenever the camera would turn on me. Not anymore. I learn from my mistakes and take negative remarks more seriously.

Q: Do you think belonging to Maharashtra helps you in this industry?
A: No, you can come from any place and you can be famous and reach the top. I feel the film industry is the most secular industry in our country.

Here your talent is what counts and not anything else. Madhuri Dixit, Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini are from different places but are at the top now.

Q: Why did you take the big risk of dressing like a girl? Were you sure it will work?
A: What is life without a risk? In fact, I had thought that people would rebuke me for that role, instead they are all praise.

Those three months were the toughest of my life and I was so much into the character that I used to speak in the same manner when I was not shooting.

Many times, I used to end up walking like a girl, and talking like a man. It was the funniest thing that ever happened to me.

Q: How did your parents and relatives react to your performance?
A: Whether they like it or not, my parents always appreciate my performance. But I must say that my best critic is my brother.

He is the one who compliments me when I am good and tells me straight in my face when I am not. I like it because it helps me improve. Very few people know that my father was in love with movies. He was a huge fan of Dev Anandsaab and Dilipsaab.

Q: Would you like to work in Marathi movies?
A: Yes, of course. But I don't know why people are not giving that much importance to Marathi movies these days. There are Marathi audiences who prefer Hindi movies in the same multiplex where a good Marathi film is running.

There were a few offers of Marathi movies which I did not accept as the scripts were not up to the mark. But as soon as something good comes my way, I would love to do it.

Q: What about your profession as an architect?
A: Yes, I go to office occasionally and I have a very efficient team that takes care of everything. I need not worry about anything. I just go to check what material they are using and on which project they are working on.

My father wanted me to pursue education first so that if I were unsuccessful in one thing, I would have another option to fall back on. My brother is into politics, but he is a chemical engineer by qualification.

Q: Tell us about your future plans?
A: I don't want to become Number One in the industry. But yes, I want to make a mark for myself. I just want to become a decent actor and that is enough for me.

Laaga Chunari Mein Daag Music Review

Coming together of composer Shantanu Moitra and lyricist Swanand Kirkire always spells quality. Hazaron Khwaishen Aisi, Parineeta, Lage Raho Munnabhai and Eklavya - The Royal Guard are some of the films that immediately come to mind. This is why when credit details for Yash Raj Films' next offering Laaga Chunari Mein Daag indicate coming together of the composer-lyricist; one expects yet another quality score right away.

Music coming from the YRF is taking different routes in last few months. It could either be an out and out crowd puller [Dhoom 2, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom] or grow on you along once heard and seen in the film [Ta Ra Rum Pum, Chak De India]. Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, at the very onset, seems to be belonging to the latter category.

It's the sound of 'morning on a ganga ghat' which begins 'Hum To Aise Hain', a mischievous song with a thorough Indian feel to it. There is no influence whatsoever from anything Western as this track featured on the two sisters [Rani Mukherjee, Konkana Sen] introduces audience to their lives in the town of Banaras.

A sweet sounding song that has just the right amalgamation of melody and rhythm which succeeds in creating a rustic feel of the situation, it is sung with aplomb by Sunidhi Chauhan and Shreya Ghoshal who come together in perfect harmony. Supported by Swanand Kirkire and Pranab Biswas who have a small role to play behind the mike, 'Hum To Aise Hain' is expected to be opening song of the film which may introduce the two leading ladies.

A subtle beginning to 'Zara Gungunalein Chalo' creates a European ambience as one senses the protagonists coming together in a party on the house. As the sound of guitar paves way for Babul Supriyo to flex his vocals chords, you realize there and then that 'Zara Gungunalein Chalo' is a romantic melody in the offering. In fact just around 2 minutes into the song and you sense a 70s sound as one recollects number of songs belonging to this genre which had Kishore Kumar rendering for Rishi Kapoor.

There is an old fashioned appeal to the entire sound and orchestra which is only complimented by the voice of Babul Supriyo along with Mahalaxmi Iyer who do exceedingly well here. Swanand Kirkire mixes poetry with simplicity which makes 'Zara Gungunalein Chalo' second quality song after 'Hum To Aise Hain'.

Shantanu Moitra had done some remarkable recreation for the classic tracks in Hazaron Khwahishen Aisi. He does the same for the title song 'Laaga Chunari Mein Daag' which was originally composed by Roshan and written by Sahir Ludhianvi. With additional lyrics by Swanand Kirkire which are spoken by Mita Vashisht, this Shubha Mudgal rendered fusion track should fit in well as a part of background score. While Shubha's rendition goes well with the lounge mood of the track, it is Mita whose deep-n-husky voice succeeds in creating a haunting impact.

Swanand Kirkire borrows from Javed Akhtar school of song writing as he comes up with a song which goes like 'Ik Teekhi Teekhi Si Uff Karari Si Ladki, Mere Dil Mein Dil Mein Ek Bijli Jaise Hai Kadki'. With minimal instruments in the background, this sweet number by KK and Shreya Ghoshal keeps it simple throughout while turning out to be yet another number that belongs to the late 70s. Remember the kind of numbers which used to be composed for Amol Palekar, Farooq Sheikh and their likes? Towards the end of the song, there is a surprise in store as the lyrics 'Hum To Aise Hain Bhaiyya' heard in the beginning are incorporated into the rhythm of 'Ik Teekhi Teekhi Si Ladki'.

After all the fun-n-frolic comes a 'mujra' titled 'Ehi Thaiyaa Motiya'. With all the necessary arrangements that go along with a 'mujra' with 'tabla', 'ghunghroo' et all in place, this is a track that could well be picturised on Hema Malini who has a guest appearance in the film. A hardcore classical number sung well by Hema Malini, it is situational and only for those with a classical bent. Everything from lyrics to the flow of music may well be incomprehensible to 'aam junta' but Rekha Bhardwaj makes sure that she showcases her strong hold on the genre.

'Kachchi Kaliyaan' is a track that seems a little surprising to begin with due to the way it has been composed. While the lyrics are truly rooted, the arrangements are modern to give it an altogether different feel to this Sonu Nigam, KK, Sunidhi Chauhan and Shreya Ghoshal rendered track. A 'ched-chaad' number about interaction between a young man and woman with number of other people around, it reminds of 'Kaali Teri Choti Hai Paraanda Tera Laal' [Baharon Ki Manzil] which was quite a hit more than 15 years back.

Nevertheless the similarity just ends in the genre of song's setting with an overall theme and styling being entirely different. There is also an interspersion of pop and rap in this fast moving peppy track which has a potential to turn out to be a highlight of the film. This is the one that enters the list of 'watch-out-for' category of most awaited videos.

Laaga Chunari Mein Daag has a truly different musical score. Except for expecting a quality score, as a listener one doesn't have any idea about what exactly is in store from this Shantanu-Swanand created soundtrack. What one gets to hear eventually are six numbers which are entirely different not just from each other but also different from what you hear in other albums releasing around him. More than one song being the USP of the album, LCMD is the kind which works as a package in order to bring the essence of the film.

Farah Khan makes an appearance in Om Shanti Om

If you thought that all was hunky dory during the shooting of 'Om Shanti Om', then there is a bad news and good news.

The bad news is that Farah Khan and Shahrukh Khan got into a terrible fight during the shooting on the film's sets. The good news is that this was strictly for the camera!

This was for a scene which required Farah Khan to be making an appearance in her second directorial venture which releases all over on 9th November.

So what's the news in that? After all the entire Hindi film industry ranging from Amitabh Bachchan to Amrita Arora would be seen in a special appearance in this Shahrukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Arjun Rampal and Shreyas Talpade starrer!

Well, the difference here is that she won't be seen playing herself or would be restricting her appearance in the end title rolls of this mega movie. Instead she would be there right at the beginning of the film enacting the role of a junior artist.

What? Did we just hear Farah Khan as a junior artist? Laughs Farah, "Well, this is the entire irony that we wanted to bring about. Imagine me playing a junior artist in the film? In fact I am seen along with Shahrukh Khan in the opening sequence of the film itself."

And how exactly does it go? Says Farah with an uncontrollable laughter, "I and Shahrukh are shown to be pulling each other's hair madly. It's a mad-mad scene as we both me and Shahrukh, who also plays a junior artist for the 70s part of the film, are involved in a terrible fight."

Two real life super-celebrities and thick friends fighting with each other; well it can't be more ironic than this. "That's true. The scene has turned out to be really hilarious as Shahrukh's character even asks me if I thought of myself to be the director of the film. On this I reply that if I was one, I would have already thrown him out of the film by now", Farah explains the scene.

Farah throwing Shahrukh out of her film? Well, that would have indeed made for some news if it would have indeed happened in real life. Touchwood. Nevertheless, one can breath easy as long as it happened strictly for screen.

Talking more about the other artists making an appearance in 'Om Shanti Om', Farah says, "The special/guest appearances are not just restricted to the living legends or other celebrities. In fact right from the cameraman to the assistant directors to those who have worked behind the scenes to make 'Om Shanti Om' - everyone would be seen in 'Om Shanti Om'."

Coming back to Farah's appearance in 'Om Shanti Om', this is not the first time that she has faced the camera.

Earlier in 'Main Hoon Naa' [2004], she was seen playing herself during the end credit title rolls of the film. Prior to that, she also made a blink-and-you-would-miss appearance in Shahrukh's 'Kal Ho Na Ho' [2003]. Nevertheless, this would be the first time ever that she would also be seen enacting a character in 'Om Shanti Om'.

"Well, don't expect an extended appearance, ok", warns Farah, "It is fun, yes, but alas, it lasts for just 10-20 seconds!"

Twentieth Century Fox's tie up with ND Studio

Hollywood Studio, Twentieth Century Fox will be establishing a film and television division at Nitin Desai Studios. They will be setting up a huge studio at ND Studio at Karjat for the same.

A delegation from Twentieth Century Fox visited India, to research all the studios in the country for nearly two years. It was after this research they decided that ND studios the infrastructure they required. The infrastructure of ND studios will be used to perform a number of film production and television activities. The Fox team wants Nitin Desai to construct a five floor studio which will serve as an international base for their film and television sector.

It will be constructed alongside the already existing ND studio in Karjat. The Fox team has exclusively engaged the studio for 10 years. Walt Disney will shoot for 10 weeks at ND studio. Work for the studio will commence mid-October.

Live Chat: Udita Goswami on September 12 at 1600 hrs IST

Udita Goswami the perfect girl, for who one could surpass to any lengths of Paap. Although her first film failed to make any impact at the Box Office, it got stunningly beautiful Udita noticed, so much so that she got an offer to act in Zeher - a movie that made her famous virtually overnight. She subsequently appeared in Aksar; and has sizzled in the item number she did in the film Dil Diya Hai.

Aggar is Udita’s upcoming flick starring Shreyas Talpade and Tusshar Kapoor which is set to release on September 14.

Catch Udita Goswami on IndiaFM’s celebrity chat on Friday, September 12 at 1600 hrs IST.

Bollywood wows Toronto International Film Festival

The Toronto Film Festival which opened on September 6 has never seen more Indian films and their representatives all gathered in one place and getting so much notice. Among the denizens of Indian cinema currently stationed in Toronto are Bengali filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh, his leading man Amitabh Bachchan and leading lady Preity Zinta for the film The Last Lear.

Preity has never been to an international film festival before! "Last year when Karan Johar, Shah Rukh and Mr Bachchan came to Toronto with Kabhi Alvidaa Na Kehna I couldn't join them because of a friend's wedding. I'm so glad that I came here with The Last Lear," she exulted on Sunday night at 1.30 am from Toronto. "The response has been beyond anything I've expected. Mr Bachchan is being treated like God. His Shakespearean oratory is sending audiences into raptures. You know I grew up on Shakespeare, so I'm not so bad with it either."

Writing on the Toronto International Film Festival's website, on the changing profile of Bollywood in the West, film critic Christopher McKinnon writes, "A new crop of films from India defies the Bollywood tropes that Western audiences often mistakenly apply to all of Indian cinema. You won't find many scenes of singing and dancing, and hardly a frame of melodrama. Bollywood represents only a part of India's national cinema, and these diverse selections will show Toronto some daring and innovative new films from acclaimed filmmakers and actors."

Calling Amitabh Bachchan "the most revered movie star on the planet", the Festival compares the actor's performance in The Last Lear to Richard Burton and Toshiro Mifune (Roshomon).

"There was the red-carpet premiere on Saturday …And the comments on my performance are flattering. I'm honoured and embarrassed," says the Big B from Toronto.

Rahul Bose representing the English-language film Before The Rains (Ghosh's The Last Lear is also in English) is delighted by the response to the Indian film in general and his film in particular. "My director Santosh Sivan and I got a standing ovation after the first screening of Before The Rains. This was the first time that I was watching the film. And I must say I seldom feel so happy about my films and specially my performance.
Fortunately the feeling is shared here in Toronto."

Writing about Rahul's performance Canadian critic Cameron Bailey says, "Bose…is the heart of the film"

Adds the shy Santosh Sivan, "Actually I'm here in Toronto with two films. Before The Rains and also my AIDS film Prarambha which is part of a 4-film bouquet. All the four AIDS films have been very well received. As for Before The Rains, Rahul, Nandita Das and I are enjoying the attention."

Satish Kaushik representing his British film Brick Lane where he plays a foul-mouthed spouse-abusing Bangladeshi is over-the-moon in Toronto, "I traveled from Mumbai to Toronto with Shekhar Kapoor, Shilpa Shetty, Sameera Reddy and Vishal Bhardwaj. We had lots of fun. Shekhar showed me the trailor of Elizabeth 2. I showed him stills of my next film Tere Sang. It was nice to feel that guru-chela were heading for the same festival for their films You know that I was assistant to Shekhar during Mr India."

Continues Satish, "Brick Lanehas got tremendous ovation here in Toronto. People want to know if I'm a real-life Bengali since I've got the accent so well. This morning I was given a complete makeover. I didn't even know what that was until I saw myself in the mirror after they finished with me. It was great to know that the Brick Lane author Monica was very happy with my performance. In fact, earlier she had mailed my director Sarah Gavron and complimented her for casting a real life Chanu (the name of my character)"

Singer Zubeen Garg turns director with Chakra

Singer Zubeen Garg of ‘Ya Ali’ fame has turned to film direction and his debut film is titled Chakra. The film deals with human relationships in dark situations. The film shooting will commence in December.

According to Zubeen, his film Chakra is a political thriller and it explores the competitive relationship between two brothers. Zubeen himself will be playing one of the brothers in the film and is still on the look out for someone to play the other brother. He also informs that Chakra will have very few songs mainly background scores. Zubeen will also sing for the album.

Filmmaker Shahrukh Mirza passes away

Shahrukh Mirza passed away last evening. After frequent complains of severe chest pain, Mirza was admitted at Criticare hospital in Juhu, where he breathed his last.

Mirza was known for his movies like Mashooq, Yaara Dildara, Salaami and Rama O Rama. However, his most memorable film for which he wrote the script was the Amitabh and Rakhi starrer, Kasme Vaade.

Mirza was 60, and died a natural death, leaving behind his wife Tees Mirza and sons Rehaan and Farhan. Rehaan, launched by his father in Jaana-Lets Fall in Love, is shaken by his father’s sudden death. He informed that Mirza was complaining of chest pains and so was taken to the hospital in Juhu where he passed away.

Photo Feature: Shahrukh Khan goes topless

Shahrukh Khan goes topless for the first time in Om Shanti Om and it's hard to miss his bare-chested glory, six-pack abs and a lean, mean and toned body. Shahrukh Khan took tips from Salman Khan but will this ever turn into competition? SRK in now in league with sexy actors like John Abraham and Hrithik Roshan. Feast your eyes on this 'hot & sexy' SRK.

~ Top 100 Sexiest Indian Women s ~